The Other Sister

Use it or Lose It - Volume 1, Issue 1

2012-01-21T06:00:00.001-06:00

Welcome to our very first edition of our Use it or Lose It blog hop. A place where you will see what we've all been stashing away in our spaces and have vowed to pull it out and use it!! Our hop is a great big circle, so be sure to see everyone's entry If you are coming from Tonya's blog, then you are definately on the right track!!

For my first project, I pulled out a book from the "Unfinished Scrapbooks" box. I got this at the GASC one year....it was too stinkin' cool....

This mini book started out as blank chipboard, but I dug in my stash and found all kinds of stuff to use on it and in it.

Inner pages 1 & 2

On pages 1 & 2 we have flowers, jute and metal embellishments

Inner pages 3 & 4

Here I used some metal photo corners and binder clips

Inner Pages 5 & 6

And finally I used more flowers and metal embellishments

Credit goes to these folks for my supplies:

Creek Bank Creations

Quick Quotes

Close To My Heart

Ranger Industries

Stampin' Up

Prima

Now, hop on over to Shirley's blog and see what she has in store for you.

Make your own Argyle

2012-01-15T06:00:00.001-06:00

....or any other design. This month we are sharing our last technique from the 2011 Autumn/Winter Ideabook. Featured on page 91 of the Ideabook, this technique is a great way to create your own patterned paper when you just can't find the right preprinted design for your project. This month there are 13 of consultants sharing their projects with you. Our hop is one great big circle, so be sure to see all 13 projects. If you get lost along the way, or want to refer back to a particular project you can find a list of all the blogs at the end of my post. If you are coming from Michelle's blog you are on the right track!

For my project I chose the letter "X" from our Bohemian alphabet. Stacking the X's on top of each other took some practice, so I would suggest you play a little on a scrap paper before stamping on your final project. I found using a ruler as a guide for my block on the first row to be very helpful. (I rested the bottom of the block on the top edge of the ruler). I finished my Argyle pattern by coloring in the diamonds with the paint-tip end of my markers.
Ingredients for my card:

E1019 - Bohemian Alphabet
D1421 - Cherish the Moment Stamp Set
Z1686 - Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge
Z1464 - Milestone Shapes
Z1387 - Wooden Designer Buttons
Z1612 - Pin Clips
Pacifica Ink, Pear & Sky Markers
Brown Rickrack (from my stash)

I hope I've inspired you to give this technique a try. Now hop on over to Wendy's blog to see what great ideas she has in store for you.
Sharing ideas with you this month:

debi- http://debiistheothersister.blogspot.com
Wendy - http://myscrapbookingblog.com
Sheila - http://ezscrapbooks.blogspot.com
Lisa - http://lisastampinroom.blogspot.com
Michelle B - http://michelleshandmadeworld.blogspot.com
Judy Faye - http://judyfaye.blogspot.com
Shirley - http://momnmescrap.blogspot.com
Cherri - http://craftwithfeeling.blogspot.com
Melissa - http://mlisrobinson.blogspot.com
Tonya - http://heartandsoulscrappers.blogspot.com
Tabbi - http://stuckonscrappin.blogspot.com
Rachel - http://thehappyscrappinsquad.blogspot.com

Michelle W - http://inksandinspirations.blogspot.com

Use it or Lose it - My 2012 Quest

2012-01-08T10:24:00.000-06:00

Recently my very good friend Shirley shared a 2012 goal with me of using her stash or getting rid of it. As I searched for a better storage solution for my studio I realized that if I didn't set a similar goal I would spend a small fortune on storage....so I have jumped on the band wagon. Each week I will choose an item (or 2 or 3) from my stash and create a project. I thought today I would share with you some photos of the "stash" so you can see what I'm up against.

Fran and I share the studio so some of this is her stuff also. I truly believe we could open a store and not buy any product for quite some time to sell!!
Check back later this week for my first project.....if you see something in the stash that you would like to see used, leave me a comment.....I will need regular encouragement to accomplish this lofty goal!!

"Rock the Block" Desk Calendar

2011-12-24T13:11:00.000-06:00

Here's a great new promotion from Close To My Heart. This sneak peak of a product from our upcoming Spring/Summer Ideabook has a world of possibilities!!

The blocks, made from white chipboard, give you a blank canvas to work with.....here I used a woodgrain stampset I've had for awhile on bamboo cardstock for the background of my blocks. Also included in the promotion is an E-sized stamp set with ton's of images and backgrounds that I used with Brown Bag ink. Then, since I can't leave well enough alone, I sanded and scraped and inked all the blocks with Bamboo ink to give it a rather nice "used" look.

The block and stampset are available for a limited time for only $15 with a minimum $25 purchase. Click here to get yours before they are gone

Name that Blog Contest

2011-12-22T06:33:00.000-06:00

Good morning everyone......hope you are surviving the hustle and bustle of the season. With Christmas right around the corner a new year will follow close behind...and with a new year comes new beginnings. I am joining with a group of fellow CTMH consultants to create a wonderful new challenge blog in February. Our plan is to offer you up some great scrapbooking and paper crafting techniques and then challenge you to create and share your artwork using these techniques......there will be prizes and awards offered to add some fun to the blog each month as well as great artwork and inspiration for your projects.

Our first challenge for you - "Name that Blog". We're looking for something catchy, easy to remember and unique.......we will choose a name from all the entries and the winner will receive $25 of free product from the soon to be released Spring/Summer 2012 Close To My Heart Ideabook. Entry deadline is January 10, 2012....So put your thinking caps on and leave your name idea in the comment box.....

Glitter Glitz - December Technique of the Month

2011-12-15T06:00:00.003-06:00

How appropriate that we are showing you a technique that's all shiny and bright this month!! This month there are 12 of us highlighting the Quick Glitz technique as shown on page 35 in the Autumn/Winter 2011 Idea Book. Our blog is one big circle so you can start wherever you want and continue through to see all the fabulous artwork created with this technique. You will find a list of all the hoppers and their blog addresses at the bottom of my post in case you get lost along the way or would like to refer back to a blog along the way.

If you are coming from Tracey's blog you are on the right track.

Each year I make two or three new Christmas ornaments in search of the perfect one to make for the family kid's. This little snowflake is one of my choices. I cut 3 snowflakes from the Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge out of a Clear Card. For the glitter design, I used another "Layer" image cut the same size, put it underneath my clear snowflake, then using our waterbrush painted the glitter on. After the glitter dried, I bent each snowflake slightly in the middle and put a dab of liquid glass behind each glitter spot and glued all three snowflakes together to form the 3D ornament. A few helpful hints......don't take the plastic film off the card until after you have cut it....use a deep cut blade and the multi-cut function set at 4 to cut the clear cards. I still had a few spots to use the scissors on, but it cut the image quite nicely. I used the waterbrush because it has a nice small tip and I could push the glitter into the tiny corners of my design. If you would like to create some snowflakes of your own you will need:
Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge - Z1686
4 1/4 X 5 1/2 Clear Card Assortment - Z1323
Stardust Glitter Glitz - Z1313
Waterbrush - 1771
Liquid Glass - Z679

Now please continue on to Michelle's blog to see more great artwork using this month's techniques.

This month's hoppers:
debi - http://debiistheothersister.blogspot.com
Michelle - http://michelleshandmadeworld.blogspot.com
Judy Faye - http://judyfaye.blogspot.com
Shirley - http://momnmescrap.blogspot.com
Tonya - http://heartandsoulscrappers.blogspot.com
Wendy - http://myscrapbookingblog.com
Melissa - http://mlisrobinson.blogspot.com
Cherri - http://craftwithfeeling.blogspot.com

Rachel - http://thehappyscrappinsquad.blogspot.com
Tabbi - http://stuckonscrappin.blogspot.com
Sheila - http://ezscrapbooks.blogspot.com
Tracey - http://gr8scraps.blogspot.com

To you and Yours

2011-12-12T06:00:00.000-06:00

As I exit my tenure on the Heart to Heart Design team, I leave you with these words from my all time favorite Christmas song. I hope I've inspired your creativity and given you some ideas to incorporate in your crafting projects. May the magic of Christmas be with you all year long.

Inspired by......

2011-12-05T06:00:00.001-06:00

Each year for the last 20+ years I create a Christmas tree ornament for my kids, nieces and nephews. After so many years it is a challenge coming up with something different and this year was no exception. I knew that I wanted to use a embroidery hoop and paper, but that was it......then along comes our challenge photo this week and my creative juices went wild!

The first thing that caught my eye was the bright colored ribbon and balls going up the right side of the wreath. But since balls are a bit hard to recreate with paper, I chose poinsettias for my ornament (cut from the Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge, of course). The big letter on the left was perfect since I always try to get either the name or initial on each years ornament. The interior portion of the ornament is adapted from a circle card design in our Wishes card book. Santa and the sentiment are stamped with I Believe (C1427). Now, I just have to make 11 more of these before Christmas Eve!

There are so many elements in our photo this week to be inspired by....I can't wait to see which caught your eye. Be sure to share your creation with us at Heart to Heart!

Sketch Monday

2011-11-28T20:06:00.000-06:00

After spending all last night and today at the hospital sitting with my sister I have some time to get my post up for this week...so sorry for the delay!!

This week we have a new sketch challenge for you

.And here is my rendition of the sketch

I'm constantly looking for quick gift ideas this time of the year and this sketch worked out great for a perpetual calendar. I rotated the sketch so the circle was in the top left hand corner and added the ribbon in the middle instead of paper....but basically the finished product is pretty true to form. If you look closely at the top piece of bamboo cardstock you can see I did some random stamping with the November Stamp of the Month to create my patterned paper....love, love, love this stamp set. You still have a few days to order it...click here for more ordering info. The calendar grid is cut via the Art Philosphy Cricut cartridge as well as the photo corners and month tags...I find myself turning to that cartridge on a regular basis!! I used miscellaneous scraps from the Mischief and Winter Wonderland Paper packets for the rest of the design and some bling, ribbon and lace from my stash.....

I'm looking forward to seeing your interpretation of our sketch this week....be sure to share your finished project with us at Heart 2 Heart.

Timeless

2011-11-21T06:00:00.000-06:00

It's time for another H2H challenge. This week we are challenged to create something with time as a theme. I was very excited to see this week's challenge because I purchased two (well, really three) products some time ago and was waiting for the right time to use them....We'll start with the finished project. The photo is a recently discovered picture of my great-great-great grandparents and their family. Although it is a simple family portrait, it speaks so much to me of their life and times.

The base page of this layout is from our Mischief Level 2 paper packet (X7144B). With it's vintage flair it worked perfectly for the layout. I love how this paper packet is so versatile..not just for Halloween type layouts. The frame is cut from another piece of the same paper packet and is actually two borders from our Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge. I used our Old World Alphabet (E1017) stamped on vellum to create the large clock. The picture really doesn't do this part of the layout justice.

Now for the 3 products I been itching to use. The first are these fantastic butterflies from the Just Blooms Paper Shapes assortment (Z1463). Are they not too cool. The script on them is so vintagey and since they are paper, you can ink them any color you desire.....if I'm not careful now, I will end up with these little butterflies on every project I do....

The last two products are used on the watch. One of the first stamp sets I got from our Autumn/Winter Ideabook is Key Moments (B1392) which is what the watch is created from...the keys, and watch are right up my alley...stinkin' cool. I created the watch face by stamping the image in Stazon onto this plastic material by Ranger, then using a heat gun I shaped it around a light bulb to create the dome. This stuff is so cool...it's similar to the old shrinky dinks, but if you don't like the way it turns out, just heat it again and it flattens out to its original shape.....love it. Here's a little hint.....I wanted an antique gold finish for my watch so I mixed equal parts of gold and cocoa embossing powder in a craft jar then poured it over my stamped image to get the color.....worked great.
Well, I've been quite long winded today, but hope I've inspired you to create your own project.....be sure to share your "time piece" with us at Heart 2 Heart!

Technique of the Month

2011-11-15T06:00:00.003-06:00

Welcome to this month's technique blog hop. This month we are featuring the Ghosting Technique shown on page 45 of the Autumn/Winter Ideabook. This month we have 12 consultant's participating in our hop. The hop is a great big circle so you can start wherever you want and continue through to see all the fabulous artwork using this technique. You will find a complete list of all the participants at the bottom of my post....just in case you get lost along the way or would like to refer back to one post. Be sure to leave a comment on the posts-these ladies love feedback!!

Now...let's get started. If you are coming from Sheila's blog you are on the right track! When you hear the word "Ghosting" you might automatically think of spooky, scarey Halloween type projects, but this technique can be incorporated into any creation.

Here, I chose to use a winter theme, using a sponge dauber to create the swirls of sky and clouds for my winter scene. I've had the Captured Moments (C1423) stamp set for quite some time, but have not used it.....how funny that now I have found 2 projects in a row to showcase it on!! Wonderland Level 11 (X7146B) is the background paper I used...the scallops are the zip strip from one piece that I cut along the scallop line after adhering it to my card front.....I absolutely love that little strip, it adds so much versatility to the paper packet and my projects when I'm looking for that small piece of "something" to jazz up my design!

Now, please continue on to Shirley's blog where you will find some more great artwork. Thanks for stopping by....happy hopping!!

This month's hoppers:

Me: http://debiistheothersister.blogspot.com

Shirley: http://momnmescrap.blogspot.com

Wendy: http://myscrapbookingblog.com

Tracey: http://gr8scraps.blogspot.com

Rachel: http://thehappyscrappinsquad.blogspot.com

Melissa: http://mlisrobinson.blogspot.com

Judy Faye: http://judyfaye.blogspot.com

Cherri: http://craftwithfeeling.blogspot.com

Michelle: http://michelleshandmadeworld.blogspot.com

Bethany: http://scrappingrandmabethany.blogspot.com

Sheila: http://ezscrapbooks.blogspot.com

I am Grateful for....

2011-11-14T07:16:00.000-06:00

The American soldier. It takes a special kind of person to voluntarily put their life on the line day in and day out to ensure that our country remains the "land of the free"

My sisters and I recently became aware of an organization that sends mail and care packages to soldiers deployed that have no family back home and therefore don't receive anything at mail call. It breaks my heart to think of these men and women who get up every day not knowing what circumstances they will face, wondering if anyone would care if they didn't return to face a new day. So, we created and gathered cards and letters and sent them to these soldiers to hopefully brighten their day just a bit.

My card is created from a Kraft Die-Cut card base that I cut off and scored. The image is from Captured Moments C1423.A few pin clips, a star from Milepost shapes and a teeny bit of organza ribbon decorate the front.
I look forward to seeing what you share with us at Heart 2 Heart this week and what/who you are grateful for.

Metal

2011-11-07T06:00:00.000-06:00

This week we are creating with metal. Close To My Heart has a great variety of metal embellishments to add to your projects. Today I wanted to step out of the scrapbooking box and show you something different you can create from these embellishments.

This fabulous pendent necklace is made from one of our Bookplates Z1147 as the base. I stamped my initials with Smokey Plum ink on a scrap from the Sonoma (X7143B) paper packet and cut it to fit into the back of the bookplate. I cut another circle from one of our clear cards and placed it on top of the stamped image before I put it in the bookplate. For a little extra pizzaz, I added a Filigree Charm (Z1269) to the top and a teardrop jewel from our Heirloom Assortment (Z1635) to the bottom. I added a pin to the back of the pendent so it can be worn without the chain as an addition to a scarf for some versatility.

I hope I have inspired you to step out of the box and use our products for all kinds of projects. Be sure to share your creations with us at Heart 2 Heart.

Color Challenge

2011-10-31T06:00:00.000-05:00

This week we'd like to see projects made using the color combo Juniper, Autumn Terracotta and Bamboo. When I look at Autumn Terracotta I immediately think of fall....which has, thankfully, arrived here in North Texas. My layout for this week is based on just that - fall.

I have the opportunity to go to New England this week which is why this layout is void of pictures. Camera in hand, I will now search for the right fall scene to snap a photo of to fit my layout. I've been told the fall scenery is fabulous there, so I can hardly wait to see what I can come up with.
Once again, I wooped out my Art Philosphy Cricut Cartridge to cut the leaves, vine, frame and label. I used the coordinating stamp set that comes with the cartridge to stamp some of the leaves. The remaining leaves and title were stamped with one of the very first stamp sets I purchased years ago and has long since been retired. I use it quite often to accent leaves so it is a real shame it is no longer available.

Thanks for stopping by....be sure to share your color combo creations with us at Heart 2 Heart.

Halloween or Fall Challenge

2011-10-25T19:31:00.000-05:00

Well, better late than never...right? I was out of town this weekend, but tried in vane to post this via my new iphone.....only to discover today that I had put it in my team blog instead of my creative one.....arrgghh. So much for technology.

This week our challenge is to create something with a halloween or fall theme. This cute little mini book is created using our new Mischief Paper Packet (X7144B), Compliments Rubons (X7144C) and Midnight Felt Shapes (Z1462).

Each section is made from a circle, folded in half and attached together. It looks (or sounds) harder than it is.

I hope you are inspired to create your own halloween or fall project. Please share it with us at Heart 2 Heart

It's all in the Numbers

2011-10-17T06:00:00.000-05:00

I would like to preface my post this week with a little story. As many of you know I am a tax accountant at a very busy Public Accounting office. We lost several of our long-time employees this summer and it reeked havoc on my free time!! Today is FINALLY the last day of the 2010 tax filing season - and am I ever ready for it to be over!! 12-14 hour days have left me totally exhausted and extremely uncreative!! My house looks like a storm struck it, I have 5000+ unread emails in my inbox and my craft studio has sent out an AWOL notice!!
Thank goodness I was creative once, so for today's challenge I searched through my albums and found this layout to share with you.

As you can see, this layout represented my goals in 2008 (I don't make New Year resolutions...just set new goals). The paper is from a retired collection that was one of my very favorites that CTMH offered, when looking thru my albums I found more than one layout created with it. The numbers and bling are created with silver embossing powder. Although I used the concept for new goals, I believe you could tell many stories in your layouts with this idea! I am happy to report I accomplished all but one of my goals that year - I STILL have not won the Lotto-but I keep trying!

Be sure to check out what our guest designer has offered up for this week challenge and share with us your number creations at Heart 2 Heart!

PS - If you get an AWOL notice from my studio, please tell it I will be back before the week is out!!

Thru the Rain - A layout with a story

2011-10-10T06:00:00.001-05:00

This week we're telling a story at Heart 2 Heart in our layouts. I picked this layout because there is a story behind the story.

I was actually laying in bed one night listening to the rainfall and began to think about all the times I had planned an event and it inevitably rained before, during and after the event. That thinking led to thinking of how I should capture the rain stories in a layout.....I decided to just give a hint of story, then anyone who knows me will begin to reminise about one time or the other that they were with me in one of these rain events, which will lead to lots of memories and great conversation and laughter around them. I did eventually get some sleep that night, and of course, being in North Texas where rain isn't in abundance I had to wait for just the right rain storm to capture the picture....but it all finally worked out and this is my end result.

The paper is from a retired winter collection from several years ago. The pattern piece on the side is really bare trees, but I thought it looked quite like lightning when turned upside down. Our liquid glass was used to create the dribbling rain at the top....very carefully!!

What story will you share with us? Post your creations for us to see on the Heart 2 Heart challenge blog.

Sketch Week

2011-10-03T07:49:00.000-05:00

Welcome to October and a whole new month of challenges at Heart 2 Heart. A new month means new sponsors and goodies to win. Be sure to check out what Kelly and Heather have for our lucky winners. We're starting this month out with this sketch.

I'm kind of tired of making cards, so I decided to use this sketch to create this layout.

I must say, the layout ended up looking absolutely nothing like my original vision.....isn't it funny how those things happen!! I'm going frame this and hang it in my office along with a canvas that is lonely on the wall, so it originally started out as an 8 X 10 piece. I laid it on the 12 x 12 background paper for photo taking purposes and really liked the way it looked, so now it will be a 12 x 12 piece. I'm certain it is not finished, but since my creativity level is at zero (serious nada, nilch, etc) I will have to stare at it awhile before anything else is added. Perhaps I can glean some inspiration from you....so be sure to post your sketch creation with us at Heart 2 Heart!!

Sentiment Stamps

2011-09-26T07:43:00.000-05:00

Our challenge this week is to use a sentiment stamp on our project.....no other stamps allowed. I thought this would be an easy challenge, but in the process of creating I kept reaching for a swirl or flower or heart stamp....but no can do!!

This card I created for my cousin's wedding this weekend. My sentiment stamp is Save the Date D1386 (who knew this would be considered a sentiment stamp?) I ended up using a rub on from a retired set for the swirl and the flowers, and the hearts are cut once again from the Art Philosophy cricut cartridge.
This is the last week for you to join one of our challenges and be eligible for the giveaway goodies for September.....be sure to share with us at Heart 2 Heart!!

Cardstock Only

2011-09-19T06:00:00.002-05:00

Welcome to this week's Heart 2 Heart Challenge - Cardstock only. This challenge is a great opportunity to pull out your favorite stamp set and create patterned paper that is uniquely yours!!

My creation today was inspired by a weekly tutorial from Split Coast Stampers. I was really intrigued by the petal card design and couldn't wait to try it.

The base pieces for my card are created from our Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge. I used All Hallows Eve (C1462) to create the band, pattern on the card and Mr. Crow. You can't really see in this photo, but Mr. Crow is embossed and pop dotted on to the front of the card piece.

To tone down the brightness of the inside piece, I used a stipple brush with black ink and drug it across the paper to give it a hazy look. The sentiment came from Backdrop-Charmed (D1490).

It's your turn now....be sure to share your creations with us over at Heart to Heart.

Technique Blog Hop

2011-09-15T05:30:00.001-05:00

Welcome to our Technique Blog Hop! This month there are 13 of us highlighting the “Multicolor Motif” Technique as shown on page 110 in the Autumn/Winter 2011 Idea Book! This blog hop is a great big circle so you can start wherever you want and continue through to see all the fabulous artwork incorporating this technique. You will find a listing of all participants and their blog addresses if you should get lost or want to reference a blog along the way at the end of this post.

If you are coming from Bethaney'sBlog, you are on the right track!

Due to the responsibilities of my real job and the IRS deadlines, I was not able to create for you this month...bummmer. So hop on over to Shirley's blog and see what she has in store for you!!

Here is the list of hoppers - be sure to visit all their posts as I'm sure they have some great artwork to share with you!!

Shirley Ross - http://.momnmescrap.blogspot.com
Neely Dean - http://neelydean.blogspot.com
Judy Faye Garner - http://www.judyfaye.blogspot.com
Kelly George-http://sassyscrapperstudio.blogspot.com.
Melissa Robinson - http://mlisrobinson.blogspot.com
Rebecca Sorge - http://beccascreativeplace.blogspot.com
Tonya Whitehurst - http://heartandsoulscrappers.blogspot.com
Cherri Hardcastle-http://Craftwithfeeling.blogspot.com
Rachel Ventura-http://TheHappyScrappinSquad.blogspot.com

Michelle Battatori-http://michelleshandmadeworld.blogspot.com

Wendy Kessler- http://myscrapbookingblog.com
Bethaney Harlan-http://scrappingrandma.wordpress.com

Heart 2 Heart Die Cut Challenge

2011-09-12T06:00:00.000-05:00

In honor of our new Cricut Cartridge-Art Philosophy, this weeks challenge is to create a die cut project. I adore our new cartridge and have used up tons of scraps cutting things.....

I moved into a new office recently and have discovered a need for a bulletin board. Being the artistic type, I couldn't put up a plain old bulletin board, right? So I took this opportunity to decorate up my board with items cut with our new cartridge.

There isn't much in the way of decorating, but once I got it up and put some important stuff on it looks great.

The plan is to change this banner out with the seasons.....Since fall is upcoming I thought these cute acorns were just the thing for my current banner

Also, I have a bunch of business cards from my clients that are sitting everywhere, so I created this holder out of a door hanger, cutting the top off to the size I wanted. It's sitting on one of the fabulous doilies that the cartridge cuts.

There are so many things you can cut with our cartridge I look forward to seeing what you create. Be sure to share with us at Heart 2 Heart. While your there, check out what our guest designer Jane has created for us this week!

From our Heart to Yours - Color Challenge

2011-09-05T06:00:00.000-05:00

This week at Heart to Heart we are sharing our favorite color combinations with you. By far, my favorite "go to" color is chocolate, combined with most any color. I have to say my favorite color combination tho' would be chocolate and blue....most particularly Twilight.
I was thrilled to see this very color combination incorporated in our new paper packet - Wonderland (X7146B).
Some of the pieces are definitely for winter projects, however the dots and stripes worked fantastic for my layout.

The more I look at this layout the more I think it is not quite finished, but I just can't put my finger on what it needs. Please leave me a comment with your suggestions.

I am excited to see every one's favorite color combinations....who knows, maybe I will find a new "favorite" myself. Be sure to share your combinations with us at Heart to Heart. We have 2 new sponsors with great give aways for September, drop by Heather Hunt and Kelly Jo Ratcliff's blogs this month to see what great ideas (and goodies) they have for you.

Color Challenge with Heart 2 Heart

2011-08-29T06:00:00.001-05:00

This week we have a great color challenge for you. These are not colors I generally use, together or by themselves, so it was indeed a challenge for me. Since I don't use these colors much, paper was a bit of an issue, so I relied pretty much on my inks to create with.

This past weekend I joined my very good friend Melissa in hosting a team meeting. One of the challenges we issued to our team members was to create something from the new Art Philosphy Cricut Cartridge. Not to be outdone by my downline, I created each of them (as well as myself) a cute little name tag to wear from scraps and shapes cut from the cartridge. To create the large flower, I cut it first from colonial white cardstock then used the dots from the Argyle Backgrounds stampset and Sorbet ink. I dusted the edges with Sorbet then, rolled the flower up....love it. The smaller flowers were also made from colonial white cardstock, swiped with Sorbet ink, then run thru an embossing folder and sanded to reveal the colonial white dots!! The 3D flowers are one of my favorites on the new Cricut Cartridge as you can see below, I cut various flowers from the cartridge to create the rest of the name tags.

Thanks for stopping by....don't forget to share your color challenge creation with us over at Heart to Heart!

Back to School with Heart 2 Heart

2011-08-22T06:00:00.001-05:00

Can you believe it's back to school time already...the summer certainly has flown by!! For this week's challenge I created this cute little mini book to memoralize this school year in pictures.

An Apple for the Teacher - in a unique kind of way!!

The base for my little book is an imitation apple. I used a bread knife to cut it in half - but beware, there is this really gigantic piece of concrete in the middle - who knew, right - it will most definitely dull a knife blade, so don't use your favorite kitchen knife!!

The pages are created from one of our new paper packets - Typeset (X7139B) which is perfect for school related layouts. Stamped images from School Rocks (B1396) and Save the Date (D1386) decorate the pages with just a touch of ribbon from the Red Designer Ribbon Collection (Z1615) to complete the design. You want to be careful about putting to many accessories on the pages or your apple will fall right over from the weight!

I'm looking forward to seeing what you create for our back to school challenge this week. Be sure to share your final piece with us at Heart 2 Heart. Best of luck to you and your kiddos this school year!!

From Our Heart to Yours - My style

2011-08-15T06:05:00.002-05:00

This week we are sharing our individual "styles" at Heart 2 Heart. If you haven't already guessed, I am a distresser....Almost always I age the paper or distress the project in some way. I can stare at a piece of bright paper for hours and get no inspiration from it, but let me add some distressing and my creativity runs wild!!

I adore the new Kraft die-cut cards and envelopes (Z1474) since they start out nice and brown and ready to age. Throw in the Vintage look of Father Christmas (D1449) on a tattered piece of cardstock and the card screams old and distressed. The background of the card is stamped with The Season Defined (retired) then I added some wooden buttons (Z1387), pin clips (Z1612), teeny red sparkles (Z1326) and a Prima flower to dress it up a bit. One of the great things about the Kraft cards is that they are 6 X 6, so you can easily adapt your favorite layout to make a card. My card design is an adaption of Magic: On with the Show...how easier can it get....right?

Whether you choose my card to "case" or one of the other design team members I can't wait to see what you share with us at Heart 2 Heart.

Glossy Dimensions

2011-08-14T23:59:00.001-05:00

Welcome to our Technique Blog Hop! This month there are 13 of us highlighting the "Glossy Dimensions" Technique as shown on page 23 in the Autumn/Winter 2011 Idea Book! This blog hop is a great big circle so you can start wherever you want and continue through to see all the fabulous artwork incorporating this technique. Below you will also find a listing of all participants and their blog addresses if you should get lost or want to reference a blog along the way. Let’s get started!

If you are coming from Becca'sBlog, you are on the right track!

I have to admit, this technique was a bit difficult for me to adapt to another project. I love the way our ideabook demonstrates changing the dimensional alphabet into glossy letters, but was perplexed when trying to create something else using the technique.....probably because I don't use shiny things much and my brain just couldn't grasp the idea.

Finally I decided to add some dimensional berries to the wreath featured on my card. This fabulous stamp set is Remarkable Wreath C1473 on page 88 of the ideabook. It's too stinkin' cute and can be used for lots of projects and seasons.

I added 4 - 5 drops of Cranberry reinker to some liquid glass in an empty craft jar then used a embossing tool to apply it to my image. This worked quite well for dots, however I would suggest mixing the liquid glass and reinker in an empty squeeze bottle (ie. reinker bottle, clean glitter bottle) for larger projects as it would take a really long time to do large projects with an embossing tool.

The card itself is made with pieces from the Typeset Level 2 paper packet (X7139B)....can you find the cute little zip strip on the card? Love that new concept!!

Thanks for stopping by! Please continue onto Cherri's Blog where you will find some additional artwork highlighting this technique! Be sure to leave a comment and let me know what you thought of my variation and happy hopping!

Here is the list of this month's participants. Be sure to visit them all to get some really great ideas!!

Debi - http://debiistheothersister.blogspot.com
Cherri - http://craftwithfeeling.blogspot.com
Rachel - http://thehappyscrappinsquad.blogspot.com
Tonya W - http://heartandsoulscrappers.blogspot.com
Shirley - http://.momnmescrap.blogspot.com
Judy Faye - http://www.judyfaye.blogspot.com
Marianne - http://thescrapbookchick.blogspot.com/
Melissa - http://mlisrobinson.blogspot.com
Kelly - http://sassyscrapperstudio.blogspot.com.
Payton - http://paytonsprettypaper.blogspot.com
Neely - http://neelydean.blogspot.com
Sheila - http://ezscrapbooks.blogspot.com
Becca - http://beccascreativeplace.blogspot.com

HOT!

2011-08-08T06:00:00.001-05:00

This week our Heart 2 Heart Challenge is HOT!! Show us something that reminds you of hot. Here in North Texas that is an easy challenge.....we have nothing but HOT right now. UGH!

As I dug thru my stash for paper to use on my layout I realized I had nothing left that worked, having purged my supplies in preparation for the new Autumn/Winter products.....what to do? No worries here....I just popped over to my website and entered the world of Studio J. The beauty of our online scrapbooking program is that there is a ton of paper ensembles and layouts to choose - many seasons and colors - so HOT paper was not a problem!!

First I chose my paper and layout - easy - then I dropped my pictures into the layout - again easy - but then here is where the fun begins. I added the stitched banner at the top for my title, but it has no background color, so I dropped a text box on top of each piece of the banner, then recolored the background and put the appropriate letter in the text box, sent each text box backwards and voila....my multicolor stitched banner!! Then, since I can't leave well enough alone, I decided the black picture mats at the bottom could look like a film strip (yes, that is NOT a element of the original layout). To achieve this look, I inserted one teeny tiny text box, then copy and pasted it umpteen million times, lined them all up, then changed the background color of each box to match the layout's background paper......time consuming - but stinkin' cool!!

If you haven't tried Studio J I encourage you to do so......you don't have to "pay to play"....log in as a guest and have a good time. If you decide you like what you've created and want to print or get the jpg file, you have several options.

Don't forget to share your "HOT" creations with us at Heart 2 Heart.....can't wait to see what YOU create.

Happy Birthday-Heart to Heart Challenge

2011-08-01T06:00:00.001-05:00

We're celebrating kids birthdays this week with our Heart to Heart Challenge.
This little box is one of our newest products featured in the Autumn/Winter 2011 Ideabook. The Memory Game box Z1614 comes with 24 little 3x3 cards that you can decorate up for many uses. While at convention we threw around tons of ideas on how to use this box and I decided it would make a cute gift card holder with a little surprise inside.

Can you imagine how fun it would be for a child to open this box and have the monkeys spring out jack in the box style holding a gift card to their favorite toy store or video game place?

The box is decorated with another of our new products - Roxy (X7104B) is one of the 6 new paper packets we have for you this fall. If you haven't had a chance to check out the new ideabook, you are in for a surprise. All of the paper packets have been totally revamped and reduced in price!! I used Life is a Jungle D1285 and Card Chatter-Birthday D1475 for stamping the little monkeys and the greeting. I couldn't keep those silly monkeys still enough to get a good photo, so I stuffed the box with some tissue paper for the photo. They really do spring up out of the box like a jack-in-the-box....I used two pipe cleaners wound up spring style to achieve this, but would probably go with a little heavier wire next time....they are pretty wobbly but stinkin' cute!!

Now go...create....and share with us at Heart to Heart the fun thing you came up with for a kids birthday.

Be sure to check out our guest designer Debi Davis' blog for more great creations!!

Heart 2 Heart Sketch Challenge

2011-07-25T06:00:00.001-05:00

This week we have a sketch challenge for you.....I just love sketches. Start with an idea and work forward. It really sparks my creativity!

The first thing I did when I saw the sketch was rotate it.....I probably turned it completely around 4 or 5 times before I decided on the direction for my creation!!

This is the last of my Mayberry paper packet. I had some bits and pieces left over from other projects but it was just enough to work up this layout. I actually hand stitched the lines underneath the title to create the three strips shown on the sketch......I kept asking myself if I had lost my mind - I hate hand stitching - while I was doing it, but in the end it turned out stinkin' cute. The flowers were cut from yet some more scraps from the Mayberry packet, then I filled the centers with a drop or two of Liquid Glass to give it some shine. And, since I just can't leave well enough alone I did a bit of second generation stamping and edge distressing on the colonial white cardstock. The layout just didn't look finished until I had done so....way too bright for my mind to grasp, you know? The photo caption was created by running a piece of cocoa cardstock through a old fashioned label maker then sanded.....a great trick for getting the "label" look with out using the plastic tape it comes with.
I hope you are inspired by our challenge piece this week and share your final creations with us at Heart 2 Heart. I'm looking forward to seeing your artwork.

Doilies and lace

2011-07-18T06:00:00.004-05:00

This week we are creating with doilies and lace. One of my very favorite things by the way. They are so "old school" if you will and fit right into my creating style.

This layout honors my grandmother. She loved to crochet and did so often before she fell ill. The doily is one of the pieces she made that has been passed down to me. I hadn't really considered it's age until I started working on the layout - she made this in the early 1930s so it is most definitely an antique. It is now framed, behind glass and hanging on the wall for safekeeping.

The layout is created with a piece from the Wings Level 1 paper packet Z7135A (pre-designed layouts - gotta love them). The doily is actually hand tacked to the Vineyard Berry cardstock...adhesive would deteriorate the aged thread, so like it or not I got out the needle and thread and tacked it down (I hate hand work). Add some stamped images (Bohemian Alphabet E1019 and Authentic D1401) and a bit of Sweet Leaf Stitched ribbon Z1383 and it's done. It probably took me longer to stitch the doily down and punch all the circles for the scallop than for the rest of the layout!!

Doilies and lace don't have to be just used for Vintage or Heritage designs, so if this just isn't your style don't worry go ahead and create with them, you might be surprised at what you come up with. Either way, be sure you share your finished artwork with us over at Heart 2 Heart

By the way - the Wings collection as well as ALL the Level 1 kits will be retired at the end of this month, so if you are wanting some, you should probably get them while they are still available.

From our Hearts to Yours-Continued Inspirations

2011-07-11T06:00:00.001-05:00

This week's challenge from Heart 2 Heart is to find a photo or object that inspires you and create from it.

I have to admit, there are some days when I've just had such a hard day at work that I don't want to do anything but watch some mindless television. For quite some time I've seen this Lending Tree commercial and thought the growing tree (I think it's a bean stalk) at the end was pretty cool looking and I should create something from it. Was it coincidence that this week's challenge gave me that opportunity?

I think what caught my eye the most is the shape of the leaves and how they attached themselves to the stem.I liked the way the opposite corners were rounded and that every other one was a different direction.

Here is my finished creation. What do you think, did I capture the essence of the commercial?

I choose the Bliss paper packet (X7132B) for the bulk of the layout. I love the way the browns and grays meld together. I added Twilight cardstock (X5666) as my base just to give it a bit of color. Once again I was off to my stash for the bits and pieces. The ribbon is from Hobby Lobby....go look in the sewing department for ribbon. This came from a grab bag that was crammed full and really cheap!! The "3" is made from scraps of metal from Ten Second Studios run thru a cuttlebug embossing die and sanded. Did you notice the eyelet around the journaling? It's actually a piece of paper from the Bliss packet that I punched with a Fiskars border punch, then wadded up, inked and taped to the back of the circle.....stinkin' cool!!

Are you inspired yet? I can't wait to see what you've created so be sure to share your finished piece with us at Heart 2 Heart.

Banners - July's Technic

2011-07-10T06:00:00.002-05:00

Banners are all the rage now. You see them everywhere. This month we are featuring the banner technique on page 35 of the ideabook, but with a twist. Our goal was to find something other than triangles to create banners with. Our blog hop is a great big circle so you can start wherever you want and continue through to see all the fabulous artwork incorporating this technique. You are at the beginning of our hop. You will also find a listing of all participants and their blog addresses below if you should get lost or want to reference a blog along the way. Let’s get started!

If you are coming from Neely's Blog, you are on the right track! This technique is highlighted with the Fanfare paper packet in the Idea Book but you will find variations for its’ use through this hop.

I found two stamp sets that I wanted to play with for this technique. I just couldn't decided which I liked the best, so I decided to share them both.

On the left I used Summer Days B1375 to create the images. This stamp set even includes a block of picnic tablecloth pattern that I used for the border on the bottom. Paired with our Fanfare paper packet it made a great summer time invitation. Oh, and the vine is made from green floral wire.

Let's Hang Out on the right is a repeat of the paper piecing technique. The clothes are stamped on random scraps using Family Ties - Children C1345, hung on Colonial White waxy flax Z1081 and it's all held up with those stinkin' cute flower buttons from the Buttons Basic Assortment Z1358. Let's Hang Out is stamped with Pacifica Ink on Colonial White cardstock using D1221-Delightful Alphabet. The cardbase is made from more scraps that I found.

Now, please continue onto Teri's Blog where you will find some additional artwork highlighting this technique! Be sure to leave a comment and let me know what you thought of my variation and happy hopping!

Here is the list of ladies sharing their creations this month

Debi Barber – http://debiistheothersister.blogspot.com
Teri Baxter – http://themidnightartist.blogspot.com
Judy Faye Garner - http://www.judyfaye.blogspot.com
Sheila Wilkerson – http://ezscrapbooks.blogspot.com
Kelly George - www.sassyscrapperstudio.blogspot.com.
Neely Dean – http://neelydean.blogspot.com

Inspired

2011-07-04T06:00:00.015-05:00

I am so excited to join the Heart 2 Heart Challenge Design Team. My hope as we journey through the next six months is that I inspire you with some creative ideas that you can use in your artwork and share with your friends and family. So onward with our first challenge together!

Today's challenge is all about inspiration. As you look at this photo, what inspires you? Is it the colors, the layout, the patterns?

The first thing that caught my eye and set my imagination spinning was the strips of dot and striped papers in the center photo. Add a few flowers sprinkled in and my creativity was off and running!!

How many of you took advantage of our great You and Me paper special over the last few months? I loved this paper so much, I had to have more than one packet. I really didn't want several of the same layout shown in the packet instructions, so I set out to create different one. My first challenge was what to spell with the banner alphabets - like playing the game Text Twist I started rearranging the letters to see what I could spell (thank goodness there was no timer pressuring me though). After I got my word everything else fell in place rather quickly.....as inspired by the photo first came the strips of dots and stripes, then everything else was just add ons. I finished up with some cute little flowers made from crepe paper, how cute are they right?

Again, I ask you - what inspires you about the picture? Be sure you share your inspiration piece with us at Heart 2 Heart! Special thanks go out to our sponsors this month Sandra Van Woerden and Tonya Whitehurst, they've got some great goodies in store for you!!

If you are inspired to create this layout but don't have the paper - have no fear. You can still order the You and Me paper packet CC1012B thru today....but hurry, this is a first come first serve item and the supply is running really low!! In addition to the products included in the You and Me paper packet, I used Library Cards stamp set and some Holly Hock ribbon from my stash.

Beyond Base and Shade Stamping

2011-06-15T05:49:00.002-05:00

Welcome to our Technique Blog Hop! This month there are 10 of us highlighting the “Paper Beyond Base and Shade Stamping” Technique as shown on page 7 in the Spring/Summer 2011 Idea Book! This blog hop is a great big circle so you can start wherever you want and continue through to see all the fabulous artwork incorporating this technique.

If you are coming from Sheila's Blog, you are on the right track! This technique is highlighted with the paper packet in the Idea Book but you will find variations for its’ use through this hop.

I have to confess, after digging through all my stamps, I realized I didn't own a single base and shade set that wasn't several years old, so I had to become very creative.

For my card creation I chose our Treasure Life (D1306) stamp set. Since I was using white cardstock and really wanted a colored background for my flowers I used the back side of the flower stamp to create my "base". Simply turn the stamp over so the image you would usually stamp is adhered to the block and you will get a solid shape to stamp your image over. I used the second generation technique for the base so it wasn't very dark, then turned my stamp over and applied the actual image to the base stamped image. Two things to remember when you do this....1. Clean the back of the stamp thoroughly before using it again and 2. Since the base image is backwards be sure your image will match up with the base...obviously shapes will not work well with this technique - like alphabets!

Here is a closeup of the flowers. I used Dutch Blue and Sunny Yellow ink as well as cardstock. You can see the base behind the yellow flowers if you look really close....gives it a nice hazy shadow look.

You can order the featured stamp set and all the other supplies here. Thanks for stopping by, now hop on over to Shirley's blog and see what fabulous creations she has waiting for you. If you get lost along the way, or would like to review a specific project come back here. A list of our bloggers is below.

Debi Barber – http://debiistheothersister.blogspot.com
Shirley Ross – http://momnmescrap.blogspot.com
Neely Dean – http://neelydean.blogspot.com
Judy Faye Garner - http://judyfaye.blogspot.com
Kelly George-http://sassyscrapperstudio.blogspot.com
Melissa Robinson – http://mlisrobinson.blogspot.com
Rebecca Sorge – http://beccascreativeplace.blogspot.com
Teri Baxter – http://themidnightartist.blogspot.com
Tonya Whitehurst – http://heartandsoulscrappers.blogspot.com
Sheila Wilkerson – http://ezscrapbooks.blogspot.com

Honoring a Hero

2011-06-01T09:28:00.000-05:00

Last weekend we went to the Texas State Capital and attended a special joint session of the house and senate to honor Texas fallen Heroes. It was very touching (I only cried with the canon salute and the playing of taps-gets me every time) My nephew was one of the Heroes honored in the ceremony.

This layout was hard for me to do, but it's done and I will add it to the Bryan Album we are creating.

2011-05-31T09:50:00.000-05:00

Can you believe it's almost June already. Summer has started, I hope you have tons of fun photo opportunities to create with. Here's a paper packet that is screaming summer fun.

These photos were taken last summer while we were in DC. We had a great time seeing the sights - even IF it was in a record setting heat wave.

Fran and I got to do a bit of sight seeing after our convention. Cool statue, right?

And, since this paper packet can of course be used for 4th of July or patriotic themed pictures I created this cute layout.

These were taken one summer when my sisters and I realized that all of our kids had flag printed bathing suits. Not something we had planned, but it made a great group photo opportunity.

All of these were created using the Fanfare Level II Paper packet and coordinating My Stickease. Click here to see the entire collection. I have tons of paper and stickease left over, so keep checking for more artwork to be posted!

You and Me

2011-05-22T07:58:00.000-05:00

Here's a layout I did recently using the stamp set that comes with our National Scrapbook Month Kit You and Me. I love the images on this set and will use them over and over. The paper is from the Bliss Paper Packet, which at first glance looks like wedding paper, but I think it's great for vintage type layouts also.

The You and Me Kit is available thru the end of May, so you still have some time to get one for yourself. Visit my online store for all the details. I've got more layouts that I created from this packet to share soon, so keep watching!

Paper Pieced Stamping

2011-05-15T05:45:00.004-05:00

Welcome to the third edition of our Technique Blog Hop! This month there are 11 of us highlighting the “Paper Piecing” Technique as shown on page 27 in the Spring/Summer 2011 Idea Book! This blog hop is a great big circle so you can start wherever you want and continue through to see all the fabulous artwork incorporating this technique. You will also find a listing of all participants and their blog addresses at the end of my post if you should get lost or want to reference a blog along the way. Let’s get started!

If you are coming from Sheila's Blog, you are on the right track! This technique is highlighted with the Mayberry paper packet in the Idea Book but you will find variations for its’ use through this hop.

In my first layout, I chose to also use the Mayberry paper packet X7136B. The quilted piece was perfect for stamping my little birds and nest on. Using our stamp set Love You Forever C1398, I stamped the image 4 times...once on each different piece of the quilt pattern, making certain that my image was lined up on the corresponding quilt block. Then, I cut them all out and "pieced" them back together on the layout....pretty stinkin' cute!!

Here is the detail of the stamped images once they were pieced back together.

In this layout I used the Mayberry paper packet again (I just love this paper...can you tell?). For the stamped piecing parts I used the heart from the stamp set that is included in the Sweetheart Workshop On The Go G1017 and pieced together my flowers.

This is one of my very favorite stamp sets. It is so versatile and can be used on so many other projects. The stitched swirls can be bent and moved to create almost any design....got to love acrylic stamps for that very reason!

To order any of the items used in these layouts visit my site here where you can shop any time!

Now please continue onto Michelle's Blog where you will find some additional artwork highlighting this technique! Be sure to leave a comment and let me know what you thought of my variation and happy hopping!

Here's the list of the bloggers in our hop....just in case you get lost or need to refer back:

Debi Barber – http://debiistheothersister.blogspot.com
Michelle Battitori - http://michelleshandmadeworld.blogspot.com
Neely Dean – http://neelydean.blogspot.com
Judy Faye Garner - http://www.judyfaye.blogspot.com
Kelly George-www.sassyscrapperstudio.blogspot.com.
Melissa Robinson – http://mlisrobinson.blogspot.com
Rebecca Sorge – http://beccascreativeplace.blogspot.com
Teri Baxter – http://themidnightartist.blogspot.com
Tonya Whitehurst – http://heartandsoulscrappers.blogspot.com
Sheila Wilkerson – http://ezscrapbooks.blogspot.com

Layered Flowers

2011-04-14T06:15:00.001-05:00

Welcome to our Technique Blog Hop! This month there are 12 of us highlighting the “Layered Flowers” Technique as shown on page 7 in the Spring/Summer 2011 Idea Book! This blog hop is a great big circle so you can start wherever you want and continue through to see all the fabulous artwork incorporating this technique. At the bottom you will find a listing of all participants and their blog addresses if you should get lost or want to reference a blog along the way. Let’s get started!

If you are coming from Sheila Wilkerson's Blog, you are on the right track! This technique is highlighted with the Sophia paper packet in the Idea Book but you will find variations for its’ use through this hop.

Here I've used our Miracle Level II paper packet (X7133B).

The flower is stamped using the Delight in Everything (D1204) stamp set and Crystal Blue.

The base of the flower is done by second generation stamping to allow the outline stamp to show through.

For my second piece, I chose Endless Friendship (D1354) to create the flower and the corresponding images.

The two darker flowers are stamped directly on the white cardstock.

I used the second generation and third generation technique once again to create my flower petals.

The Pacifica Ink gave my card the aged appearance I was looking for!!

You can pick up these stamp sets and paper by shopping online. Click here for a direct route to all the great products we have to chose from!!

Now hop on over to Michelle's blog to see what she has in store for you. Don't forget, if you get lost along the way, you can come right back here to find your place!

Hoppers joining us this month:

Debi Barber – http://debiistheothersister.blogspot.com
Michelle Battitori - http://michelleshandmadeworld.blogspot.com
Neely Dean – http://neelydean.blogspot.com
Judy Faye Garner - http://www.judyfaye.blogspot.com
Tiffany Gilmore - http://www.scrapwithtiff.blogspot.com
Carol Harris – http://carol-harris.blogspot.com
Amy Kaminski - http://scrapbookamy.blogspot.com
Heather Martin – http://heathermmartin.blogspot.com
Melissa Robinson – http://mlisrobinson.blogspot.com
Rebecca Sorge – http://beccascreativeplace.blogspot.com
Tonya Whitehurst – http://heartandsoulscrappers.blogspot.com
Sheila Wilkerson – http://ezscrapbooks.blogspot.com

Hope for Japan

2011-03-28T05:49:00.000-05:00

Give a little hope to Japan by purchasing an exclusive stamp set for just $5.

OUR HEARTS GO OUT TO THE VICTIMS OF THE EARTHQUAKE AND tsunami in Japan, and like so many of you, we’re eager to help. And helping has never been easier!
During April, purchase the exclusive “Hope for Japan” A-size stamp set for the special price of only $5 (retail value $7.95) and Close To My Heart will donate 100% of the profits to the American Red Cross efforts in Japan. This beautifully designed stamp set reminds us of how our hearts are hopeful for those who are in need.
Order yours here today and get involved in this heart-worthy cause

100% of the profits from the My Acrylix® Hope for Japan stamp set will be donated to relief efforts.

*Offer valid March 24–April 30, 2011. Tax and shipping/handling charges apply. Profits will be donated by Close To My Heart to the American Red Cross Japan relief efforts.

Playing with Studio J

2011-03-17T06:45:00.001-05:00

This week's creative challenge from Western Hearts (my Close To My Heart team) is to create a layout in Studio J. I had been thinking about this layout for a very long time and thought it quite challenging to do on paper, so I thought it would be a good way to really test drive our digital program. With a little bit of patience and alot of copy and paste I got the end result I was after.

To achieve the mosiac look I first opened my picture in my photo editing software and added a shadowed gridline to the entire thing.

Then, in Studio J I added multiple journaling boxes to my layout, colored the background black, dropped them where I wanted the picture to go away and sized them to fit the grid.

Next I added more journaling boxes, made them clear and inserted my journaling over the picture itself!

Finally I added the bling and voila...my finished layout.

This is only the left side of a two page layout that is available in the program. I will go back and finish up the right side with more pictures of Audry or something entirely different......the beauty of digital scrapbooking!!

I hope I have inspired you to do your own playing now.....click on the link to the right to begin your creation. It's loads of fun and you don't even waste any paper if you don't like what you've done. Just delete the whole project and start again!!

Contrast Embossing Blog Hop

2011-03-15T06:00:00.004-05:00

Welcome to our group’s first edition of our Technique Blog Hop! This month there are 11 Close to My Heart Consultants highlighting the “Contrast Embossing” Technique as shown on page 31 in the Spring/Summer 2011 Idea Book! This blog hop is a great big circle so you can start wherever you want and continue through to see all the fabulous artwork incorporating this technique. You will also find a listing of all participants and their blog addresses if you should get lost or want to reference a blog along the way. Let’s get started!

If you are coming from Sheila's Blog, you are on the right track! This technique is highlighted with the Lucky paper packet in the Idea Book but you will find variations for its’ use through this hop.

I had so much fun playing with this technique, there are an unlimited amount of ways to use it on your layouts and cards. In this layout I used the same basic idea as the original technique featured in the ideabook of light background and dark embossing powder. At first I thought "what's the point?" there isn't really a problem stamping dark ink on light ink. Once I had it finished tho' I saw that using the black embossing powder made my image pop right out of the page - dramatic end results. I love it.

Here I reversed the idea by using white embossing powder over the outdoor denim ink I spritzed on the cardstock first. I was way more than pleased with these results and how it appears that the embossed swirls are actually on the paper.....stinkin cool!!

Did I tell you how much fun I had playing with this? I decided to try using our white pigment ink as opposed to embossing ink and using my trusty paint brush, I drug the ink across the page, then stamped my image and embossed with Cocoa powder. You can see where the white daisy ink was not quite dry and the embossing powder stuck to it creating the streaks.....

Check out the basic technique instructions in the ideabook here. One tip - make sure your background ink is good and dry before continuing on with the embossing. I used my craft heater on the background just to be sure!

Here is a list of the supplies I used in each photo.....

#1 -

Z2116 - Cranberry Exclusive Ink

Z760 - Black Embossing Powder

D1470 - Dreams Come True Stamp Set

D1190 - Weathered Backgrounds Stamp Set

#2 -

Z2240 - Outdoor denim reinker

Z673 - White Daisy Embossing powder

Z1380 - Spray Pen

C1439 - Enjoy Life stamp set

#3 -

Z2263 - White Daisy Exclusive reinker

Z1246 - Cocoa Embossing powder

C1278 - Library Cards Stamp Set

For a look at the full layouts I used these techniques on visit the My Art section of my website.

Now you are ready to continue onto Neely's Blog where you will find some additional artwork highlighting this technique! Be sure to leave a comment and let me know what you thought of my variation and happy hopping!

Here is a complete list of the blogs you will find more technique samples in....just in case!

Debi Barber – http://debiistheothersister.blogspot.com/
Neely Dean – http://neelydean.blogspot.com/
Kelly George – http://sassyscrapperstudio.blogspot.com/
Carol Harris – http://carol-harris.blogspot.com/
Heather Martin – http://heathermmartin.blogspot.com/
Melissa Robinson – http://mlisrobinson.blogspot.com/
Shirley Ross – http://momnmescrap.blogspot.com/
Rachel Ventura – http://happyscrappinsquad.blogspot.com/
Tonya Whitehurst – http://heartandsoulscrappers.blogspot.com/
Xellina Wieland – http://xellina.blogspot.com/
Sheila Wilkerson – http://ezscrapbooks.blogspot.com/

Exploring the world of embossing

2011-03-01T06:42:00.000-06:00

Isn't it funny how old techniques often times become new again? Lately I've been playing with various ways to use embossing powder.....inspired by one of the techniques featured in our new Spring/Summer ideabook. I was laying in bed one night and before falling asleep I got one of my "hmmmm I wonder what would happen if" thoughts and came up with this creation.

If you would like to see more embossing ideas, come back on March 15 when a group of fellow Close To My Heart consultants and I share a great technique in a great blog hop.

It's Spring time at Close To My Heart

2011-02-03T06:00:00.003-06:00

Even though it may be cold and dreary outside we've got a brand new ideabook stuffed full of products with spring and summer designs to help you through these miserable days!!

To help you along your way we have 11 Close To My Heart Consultants sharing their creations using products from the New Spring/Summer 2011 Ideabook and other great CTMH products on their blogs. Our blog hop is is simple to do - just click on the link at the end of the post on each blog to move to the next one!

The blog hop is a great big circle, so you can start here and work your way all around. If you get lost along the way, you’ll find the complete list of participating consultants below.

Here we go!

I chose the Sweetheart paper to create this great mini album - a perfect gift to give your sweetie on Valentine's Day to show them just how much you love them and the great times you have had together

Pages 1 and 2

Pages 3 and 4

Pages 5 and 6

Back Cover

Inspiration for this project came right out of the new ideabook - another GREAT feature of our ideabooks. You'll find artwork of all kinds covering the pages - ready to inspire you and your creativity!!

To create your sweetie a book like this you will need these products:

Sweetheart Workshop Kit - G1017

Sweetheart Level 2 My Stickease Assortment - X7134C

My Creations Banner - Z1378

Mini Medley Accents Collection - Black - Z1393

Priceless Love Word Puzzle Stamp set - D1348
Designer Ribbon-Pink Collection - Z1384
Clear Buttons - Z1391

Embroidery Floss - Pink - Z1092

Embroidery Floss - Black - Z1096

Tulip, Cotton Candy, Baby Pink and Black Ink Pads

3/8" dowel rod

Small vase

Candy hearts

You can make 2 of these albums from one paper packet and one banner with lots of embellishments left over for all your other creations!!

Now "Hop" on over to Sheila's blog to see her work! Be sure to visit all the Consultants at their Blogs to get some great crafting ideas and other fun ideas! Contact your CTMH Consultant (or click here) to see how you can get these products!

Thanks to the following consultants for joining our hop....you can jump to their art by clicking their name

Look what's coming in February!!

2011-01-30T06:25:00.001-06:00

I am sooo excited to share with you the release of the new Spring/Summer 2011 Ideabook. It is packed full of beautiful paper packets, stamps and embellishments. I have a secret to tell on myself....rarely do I like all the paper featured in an ideabook - but not this one. ALL the paper is fantastic - even the pink ones (and I'm not a pink kinda girl). We have a new format and the products in the ideabook will be available for a longer period of time so instead of bombarding everyone with the entire line I've decided to feature one paper packet a month.

So...off we go!

Isn't it fitting that this month's packet is covered with hearts!! Show your sweetie how much you love them with a project created with this great pink and black ensemble....

Featuring Sweetheart Paper Packet

I just love the distressed look of the black polka dots and plaids paired with the tiny pink hearts. Combine this with a whole slew of new stamp sets with hearts and sentiments and you've got a fabulous gift. You must check out the new black epoxy stickers too. They are nice and shiny black with white dots - a must have in your stash!!

Want to see more? Go to my website February 1 and look at the Ideabook in it's entirety (look for the thumbnail of the book in the lower right corner)....or if you are a touchy-feely kind of person send me an email and I will give you a hard copy of the Ideabook.

But wait - there's more!! Come back on February 4 to join my fellow CTMH consultants and I for a spectacular blog hop featuring ALL KINDS of new products for Spring/Summer 2011!!

Free Workshop

2011-01-19T22:10:00.000-06:00

Doesn't this sound like a deal to you? It sure would me!! Each month beginning in February I will offer a free workshop where you will create 2 - 2 page layouts or 12 cards.

How do you get in on this deal? It's quite easy. Go to my website and order the current month's workshop kit. You will automatically be eligible to attend the free workshop to complete the pages or cards in the kit.

February's workshop projects will be from our newest Wing's Workshop kit (G1016) and it is a winner. The beautiful Vineyard Berry and Black ensemble is elegant and classy.

February's workshop date - February 13, 2010

Time - 2:00 - 5:00 pm

Location - TBA

If you can't make the workshop but love the kit you are in luck. Each workshop kit comes with complete directions to create one 2 page layout and 3 cards. It also points you to the ideabook page and title to complete the remaining layouts or cards. However, at the workshop I will show you how to cut your paper for all the projects to use as little as possible and have lots of paper and embellishments left over for additional projects!

I am excited to begin offering this workshop to help make your scrapbooking and card making faster, simpler & easier. Hope to see you there!!

Inspiration Products Creativity

2011-01-02T17:00:00.002-06:00

Welcome to our Inspirations Blog Hop! We will be featuring products currently offered in our January Inspiration Brochure. The blog hop is a great big circle, so you can start here and work your way all around. If you get lost along the way, you’ll find the complete list of participating consultants listed below.

We have 13 Close To My Heart Consultants sharing their creations using this month's brochure and other great CTMH products on their blogs. This is simple to do - just click on the link at the end of the post on each blog to move to the next one! Here we go!

*********************************************************************************

I created this cute 6 X 12 Calendar using the Wing's My Reflections Scrapbook Kit. Created on foam board, I adhered a 5" magnet strip to the back to hold it on my fridge. The photo is attached with magnets so it can be changed out with the seasons - or any other time you get a whim to do so!

The calendar pages are double sided and created using scraps from the paper packet, the new Bohemian Alphabet set and our Moments in Time stamp set. They are held on with a 1/2" album screw post covered with one of the black buttons in our new mini medley collection.

To create a calendar of your own you will need the following supplies:

Wings Level 2 Paper Packet - X7135B
Black Mini-medley Accents Collection - Z1393
Bohemian Alphabet - E1019
Moments in Time Stamp Set - D1339
Exclusive Ink Stamp Pads - Black (Z2105), Vineyard Berry (Z2157), Juniper (Z2165), Sweetleaf (Z2153)
1/2" Album Screwposts - Z4126
6 X 12 foam board
Magnet Strips

BUT WAIT - as a special promotion in January, order the new Wings Workshop Kit (G1016) and you can get the Bohemian Alphabet, Mini-medley collection and a whole lot more for a GREAT discount.

The Wings Workshop Kit includes a Level 2 paper packet, Black Mini-medley Accents Collection, a Spray Pen, an exclusive stamp set and a creating guide - all for only $29.95!!

Now "Hop" on over to Teri's Blog to see her work! Be sure to visit all the Consultants at their Blogs to get some great crafting ideas and other fun ideas!

Remember, these products are only available at a discount in the month of January! Click here or contact your CTMH Consultant to see how you can get these products!

Participating Consultant Blogs:
Teri Baxter
Melissa Robinson
Shirley Ross
Melissa Kosena
Rachel Ventura
Heather Martin
Judy Garner
Neely Dean
Sheila Wilkerson
Xellina Wieland
Tonya Whitehurst

Soar in to 2011

2011-01-01T10:55:00.000-06:00

With the new year upon us and since I don't send Christmas cards, I thought I'd take a cue from my fellow CTMH consultant Neely Dean and create and send New Year's cards. Here's what I have come up with:

Isn't the butterfly fabulous? It is stamped with the January 2011 Stamp of the Month and White Daisy Pigment Ink onto black cardstock. When the ink was dry, I added color using our colored pencils. It takes the pigment ink forever to dry (especially in high humidity) so use your heat gun on the image to hurry the process up.

The paper packet I chose is the new Wings Level II My Reflections Scrapbooking Kit. 2011 is stamped using our new Bohemian Alphabet stamp set. Both of these are available for a limited time at a discounted price - check it out here.

Out with the old and in with the NEW!!

2010-12-30T11:16:00.000-06:00

2010 is coming to a close and with it comes the end of the 2010 Close To My Heart products. 95% of all your favorite paper packs, ribbons, stamps, buttons and more will be retired starting 2011. Stock up now before they're gone!

Sad you won't be able to order your favorites? Don't be! The new 2011 products will be available soon! Not just summertime products, Close To My Heart will release an Idea Book full of brand-new products for you to love. There are paper packs to die for, new stamps you'll want to start using NOW, and the new bling -- the redesigned buttons are phenomenal, the brand new buttons make me say, "Now, why didn't I think of that?", and the newsprint rub-ons are amazing. Can't wait to see the new 2011 products? Here's a sneak peak!

Join Fran and I on January 8 for our Open House and Crop to celebrate the New -- new year, new products, and new opportunities to make your projects the best they've ever been. We've got 2 projects using all new products for you to see, a pot luck, and the usual antics to keep you entertained! Leave me a comment below or email me for more details!

Can't wait to see more awesome projects? Watch my blog for links to the 2011 Close To My Heart consultant blog-hop, starting January 3, and let us show you how!

How to keep the dogs busy

2010-12-27T11:48:00.000-06:00

On Christmas morning.

Give each one of them a nice juicy Chicken bone to gnaw on! It kept them busy for hours while my girls and I enjoyed our Christmas festivities!!

Santa is soooo smart to put them in their stocking!

Santa's Workshop

2010-11-09T08:04:00.001-06:00

Hosted by Close To My Heart Consultants:
Debi Barber, Francene Ferrante,
Karen Grafford, Kim Lewis & Melissa Robinson

WHEN: Saturday, November 20, 2010
WHERE: Stacy’s Furniture – Grapevine, TX (1900 S. Main St.)
TIME: 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
(classes start on the half-hour - 12:30, 1:30, 2:30, 3:30, 4:30)

******UPDATE*******

We've added a crop!! Only $10 for a spot 11:00am to 6:00pm

Place an order at the crop for $25 or more and your cropping spot is FREE

How would you like to spend just a few hours making 5 perfect, hand-made gifts for just $25? You can make one of each of the gifts shown below - perfect for gift-giving this holiday season – or you can pay $6 per workshop (a $5 discount for doing all 5). This is a come-and-go event with each class starting on the half-hour as noted above.

#1 Altered Wooden Frame – A frame is always a useful gift and paper-crafted flowers add a finishing touch to this one (not found in any stores)!

#2 Candle, Gift Box and Paper Bow – Hand decorate a candle, perfect for the new year or winter months, and package it in this cute gift box!

#3 Recipe Holder – This card holder (10 x 20), with two pockets, is perfect for including your favorite recipes in and can be hung on your kitchen wall.

#4 Greeting Card Holder & 4 Greeting Cards – Greeting cards are always a necessity… Create four greeting cards (of various themes/occasions) and this handmade box for a gift for someone on your list!

#5 Gift Card Holder & Gift Bag – A gift card always makes a great gift but this year include it in a cute hand-made holder and gift bag!

Please RSVP by selecting your choice of workshop(s) and pre-pay to debi@mysistershobby.com ASAP so space can be reserved for YOU! FREE shipping will be offered to those who attend the workshop and place orders that day. Cookies and punch will be served as refreshments.

You will need to bring basic supplies (paper trimmer, scissors) and plenty of adhesive.
Actual paper used may vary from the samples shown.

Want to get $50 in FREE Close To My Heart Products?

2010-09-02T07:21:00.000-05:00

Who doesn't want free products - right? Here is an offer you just can't refuse then.

1. Agree to hold a Autumn/Winter 2010 catalog party.

2. Gather $100 in orders from your friends and family

3. Submit your orders to me before 9/25/10.

How simple is that?

Here's what you get when you've reached your $100 in orders:

Free Idea Book from me ($3.95 retail value)
Free September Stamp of the Month set ($22.95 retail value)
$20 Free Hostess Product Credit
1/2-price item OR 'Triple Play' kit OR new embellishment
That's FOUR goodies for just collecting a few orders to reach $100. WOW!

Leave your name and email address in the comment box if you can't resist this great offer. I will touch base with you on delivery of your free ideabook

Come See Whats New!!

2010-09-01T06:54:00.000-05:00

The Autumn/Winter 2010 Ideabook goes live today and it is a doozy!! I promise I'm not just saying that cuz this is always my favorite edition......we have really outdone ourselves this time.

With this release we are introducing EIGHT NEW COLORS. New greens, blues, oranges and pinks....they are a must have! Hop on over to my website to shop the new book and pick your favorite!!

ALSO NEW: The paper packets and stampsets featured in this ideabook will be available only thru December 31, 2010, after that, they will be unavailable, period, end of - so don't wait - order your favorites soon!!

Sad Day!!

2010-08-03T07:04:00.000-05:00

Oh no.....I was sadden by the news.

We're having a big customer appreciation sale over at Close To My Heart and my all time favorite paper packet is on the retiring list. I guess I will be online bright and early to order up some more before it is all gone. Who could pass up a deal like this anyway, right? Level 2 paper packets for only $6.00? It's a steal!

Is your favorite on this list?

X7045C	VintageTravel My Stickease	2.00
X7073C	Abundance My Stickease	2.00
X7112C	Animal Cookies My Stickease	2.00
X7103C	Aspen My Stickease	2.00
X7110C	Back Country My Stickease	2.00
X7114C	Bella My Stickease	2.00
X7096C	Blue Ribbon My Stickease	2.00
X7095C	Boom-Di-Ada My Stickease	2.00
X7086C	Caprice My Stickease	2.00
X7078C	Cutie Pie My Stickease	2.00
X7108C	Daydream My Stickease	2.00
X7105C	Emporium My Stickease	2.00
X7087C	Enchanted My Stickease	2.00
X7104C	Evensong My Stickease	2.00
X7085C	Everlasting My Stickease	2.00
X7082C	Expedition My Stickease	2.00
X7061C	Floral Impressions My Stickease	2.00
X7088C	Free Spirit My Stickease	2.00
X7097C	Game On My Stickease	2.00
X7092C	Good Times My Stickease	2.00
X7117C	Grace My Stickease	2.00
X7091C	it’s a Guy Thing My Stickease	2.00
X7115C	Jingle My Stickease	2.00
X7069C	Just Chillin My Stickease	2.00
X7089C	Life Delights My Stickease	2.00
X7101C	Magic Moments My Stickease	2.00
X7081C	Majestic Blue My Stickease	2.00
X7111C	Moon Doggie My Stickease	2.00
X7075C	More To Adore My Stickease	2.00
X7105A	My Reflection sEmporium Level 1	4.00
X7073A	My Reflections Abundance Level 1	4.00
X7073B	My Reflections Abundance Level 2 Paper Packet	6.00
X7112A	My Reflections Animal Cookies Level 1	4.00
X7112B	My Reflections Animal Cookies Level 2 Paper Packet	6.00
X7103A	My Reflections Aspen Level 1	4.00
X7103B	My Reflections Aspen Level 2 Paper Packet	6.00
X7110A	My Reflections Back Country Level 1	4.00
X7110B	My Reflections Back Country Level 2 Paper Packet	6.00
X7114A	My Reflections Bella Level 1	4.00
X7114B	My Reflections Bella Level 2 Paper Packet	6.00
X7071A	My Reflections Best Friends Forever Level 1	4.00
X7096A	My Reflections Blue Ribbon Level 1	4.00
X7096B	My Reflections Blue Ribbon Level 2 Paper Packet	6.00
X7095A	My Reflections Boom-Di-Ada Level 1	4.00
X7095B	My Reflections Boom-Di-Ada Level 2 Paper Packet	6.00
X7086A	My Reflections Caprice Level 1	4.00
X7086B	My Reflections Caprice Level 2 Paper Packet	6.00
X7078A	My Reflections Cutie Pie Level 1	4.00
X7108A	My Reflections Daydream Level 1	4.00
X7108B	My Reflections Daydream Level 2 Paper Packet	6.00
X7056A	My Reflections Discovery Level 1	4.00
X7105B	My Reflections Emporium Level 2 Paper Packet	6.00
X7087A	My Reflections Enchanted Level 1	4.00
X7087B	My Reflections Enchanted Level 2 Paper Packet	6.00
X7104A	My Reflections Evensong Level 1	4.00
X7104B	My Reflections Evensong Level 2 Paper Packet	6.00
X7085A	My Reflections Everlasting Level 1	4.00
X7085B	My Reflections Everlasting Paper Packet	6.00
X7082A	My Reflections Expedition Level 1	4.00
X7061A	My Reflections Floral Impressions Level 1	4.00
X7061B	My Reflections Floral Impressions Level 2 Paper Packet	6.00
X7084A	My Reflections Floral Tapestry Level 1	4.00
X7088A	My Reflections Free Spirit Level 1	4.00
X7088B	My Reflections Free Spirit Level 2 Paper Packet	6.00
X7097A	My Reflections Game On Level 1 Kit	4.00
X7097B	My Reflections Game On Level 2 Paper Packet	6.00
X7092A	My Reflections Good Times Level 1	4.00
X7092B	My Reflections Good Times Level 2 Paper Packet	6.00
X7117A	My Reflections Grace Level 1	4.00
X7117B	My Reflections Grace Level 2 Paper Packet	6.00
X7060A	My Reflections Heirloom Level 1	4.00
X7060B	My Reflections Heirloom Level 2 Paper Packet	6.00
X7091A	My Reflections it’s a Guy Thing Level 1	4.00
X7091B	My Reflections it’s a Guy Thing Level 2 Paper Packet	6.00
X7115A	My Reflections Jingle Level 1	4.00
X7115B	My Reflections Jingle Level 2 Paper Packet	6.00
X7069A	My Reflections Just Chillin Level 1	4.00
X7062A	My Reflections Laid Back Level 1	4.00
X7083A	My Reflections Let's Get Together Level 1	4.00
X7089A	My Reflections Lifes Delights Level 1	4.00
X7101A	My Reflections Magic Moments Level 1	4.00
X7101B	My Reflections Magic Moments Level 2 Paper Packet	6.00
X7081A	My Reflections Majestic Blue Level 1	4.00
X7081B	My Reflections Majestic Blue Level 2 Paper Packet	6.00
X7111A	My Reflections Moon Doggie Level 1	4.00
X7111B	My Reflections Moon Doggie Level 2 Paper Packet	6.00
X7075A	My Reflections More To Adore Level 1	4.00
X7075B	My Reflections More To Adore Level 2 Paper Packet	6.00
X7102A	My Reflections Notebook Level 1	4.00
X7102B	My Reflections Notebook Paper Packet	6.00
X7094A	My Reflections Paper Garden Level 1	4.00
X7100A	My Reflections Perfect Day Level 1	4.00
X7100B	My Reflections Perfect Day Level 2 Paper Packet	6.00
X7079B	My Reflections Rough n Tumble Level 2 Paper Packet	6.00
X7080A	My Reflections Route 66 Level 1	4.00
X7098A	My Reflections Sarsaparilla Level 1 Kit	4.00
X7098B	My Reflections Sarsaparilla Level 2 Paper Packet	6.00
X7072A	My Reflections School Zone Level 1	4.00
X7090A	My Reflections Silhouette Level 1	4.00
X7090B	My Reflections Silhouette Level 2 Paper Packet	6.00
X7070A	My Reflections Simple Pleasure Level 1	4.00
X7070B	My Reflections Simple Pleasure Level 2 Paper Packet	6.00
X7076A	My Reflections Sonata Level 1	4.00
X7109A	My Reflections Stardust Level 1	4.00
X7109B	My Reflections Stardust Level 2 Paper Packet	6.00
X7116A	My Reflections Sweet Home Level 1	4.00
X7116B	My Reflections Sweet Home Level 2 Paper Packet	6.00
X7093A	My Reflections Sweet Pea Level 1	4.00
X7107A	My Reflections That’s Amore Level 1	4.00
X7107B	My Reflections That’s Amore Level 2 Paper Packet	6.00
X7113A	My Reflections Tinkerin Level 1	4.00
X7113B	My Reflections Tinkerin Level 2 Paper Packet	6.00
X7118A	My Reflections Twitterpated Level 1	4.00
X7118B	My Reflections Twitterpated Level 2 Paper Packet	6.00
X7106A	My Reflections Unforgettable Level 1	4.00
X7106B	My Reflections Unforgettable Level 2 Paper Packet	6.00
X7045A	My Reflections Vintage Travel Level 1	4.00
X7102C	Notebook My Stickease	2.00
X7094C	Paper Garden My Stickease	2.00
X7100C	Perfect Day My Stickease	2.00
X7079C	Rough n Tumble My Stickease	2.00
X7080C	Route 66 My Stickease	2.00
X7098C	Sarsaparilla My Stickease	2.00
X7072C	School Zone My Stickease	2.00
X7090C	Silhouette My Stickease	2.00
X7070C	Simple Pleasure My Stickease	2.00
X7076C	Sonata My Stickease	2.00
X7109C	Stardust My Stickease	2.00
X7077C	Sweet Harmony My Stickease	2.00
X7116C	Sweet Home My Stickease	2.00
X7093C	Sweet Pea My Stickease	2.00
X7107C	That’s Amore My Stickease	2.00
X7113C	Tinkerin My Stickease	2.00
X7118C	Twitterpated My Stickease	2.00
X7106C	Unforgettable My Stickease	2.00

The sale starts tomorrow August 4 at 10:00 CST and runs thru August 8, but these won't last long at this price....so shop early. Click on the shopping cart to start your shopping experience!!

What a fantastic trip!!

2010-07-17T07:45:00.000-05:00

I can't believe only two weeks ago my family and Close To My Heart sister's were off for a fabulous vacation to our Nation's Capital.

The fireworks on the National Mall were amazing and I would highly recommend fighting the crowds just to see them.

We walked all over DC and checked out all the cool sites, road a cute double decker tour bus and did a LOT of sweating. At some points I really wish I had paid a little more attention in history class, but my kids were there to fill me in. I can't explain the thrill of actually seeing all the things I read about in books when I was young. It was VERY inspiring!!

Our annual Close To My Heart convention started Thursday morning and I was more than ready to sit down for awhile....How cool is it that this wonderful company schedules their conventions in places like DC so we can mix business with pleasure (and get a tax break for going on vacation)?Even though I have been to several conventions I was still giddy with excitement and so thrilled to be sharing it with my team for the first time! We had a fabulous 3 days jammed full of business and creative classes, socializing and lots of fun. It's great to connect with all the people on our teams from across the country. The final night we were treated to a fabulous dinner and great entertainment. The anticipation grows as the evening progresses while we wait on the edge of our seats to discover what fun place we will be going to next year.....

Then the announcement came.......next year's convention will be held at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim....How cool is that!! Discounted rooms, admission to Disneyland, sightseeing, food and fun....what a great company I work with!! I've got my coin charge started, budget made and am raring to go!!

I invite you to join me next year and experience the wonder of Disney with a spectacular group of ladies. Click HERE to learn more about your opportunity to get in on this great deal and become a part of my team and this wonderful company!!

Scrapbook Heaven

2010-06-05T08:39:00.000-05:00

I finally waited long enough yesterday to get a front row seat at Tim Holtz's demo table......It was fabulous!! I can't begin to tell you what a thrill it was. He is the nicest, funniest guy you can meet.....nothing at all like I expected......and ultra talented. He gave me a "semi-private" lesson on one of his techniques that I have tried and tried to do, but just couldn't get it right.....at one point in the lesson I had a "aha" moment and now know what I was not doing correctly.......he will remain my scrapbooking hero forever!!

Don't miss out on these deals

2010-06-01T10:35:00.000-05:00

Today is Jackpot day over at Close To My Heart. We've got 5 Level 1 paper packets on sale for just $7.00 each.....

What is a Level 1 packet? It's a great way to create layout pages that are quick and easy, we've done the hard work for you. You get 4 preprinted 12X12 layouts ready for your photos and embellishments. You also get 2 double sided pieces of patterned paper AND 2 sheets of coordinating My Stickease cardstock stickers. All this for just $7.00. What a steal!!

Jump on over to my website now to see the packets for today.....don't forget this is jackpot day, so one of the packets will include our jackpot prize - 8 spools of ribbon absolutely free!!!

Hurry tho, supplies are limited and this offer expires at 9:00 am (CST) June 2, 2010

JACKPOT JUNE!!

2010-05-31T07:00:00.015-05:00

JACKPOT JUNE MEANS DAILY SALES!!

Hit the jackpot and win free products OR grab loaded Goodie boxes at 50% off or more. Enjoy two types of deal days in June!

On goodie box days… you can purchase one box filled with popular products at 50% or more off retail value! Each goodie box day will feature different surprise items, so you can score a wide variety of current and recently retired products.

On jackpot days… 5 products will be offered for sale at discounted prices. One of the 5 products is the mystery jackpot item for that day, but we’re not telling which—exciting, isn’t it! If you happen to order the mystery jackpot item, we’ll reward you with one or more FREE Close To My Heart products, with shipping included on the free items! If you purchase all 5 products, you’re guaranteed to hit the jackpot! There’s no purchase limit—if you order multiple secret jackpot items, we’ll send you the same number of free items.

These special offers include discounted shipping/handling and are only available on my MyCTMH® website. Check back every day for the latest offer.

* Offer valid June 1–July 1 at 8:00 am (MDT), on MyCTMH websites only. New deals are posted each day at 9:00 am (MDT).

To be eligible for discounted prices, your order must contain only Jackpot June items. Visit facebook.com/closetomyheart or closetomyheart.com to see what the mystery Jackpot item was for the previous day. Offers are while supplies last.

Happy Shopping!!

mysistershobby.myctmh.com

VACATION....

2010-05-29T10:35:00.000-05:00

In the summer sun!!!!

Indeed it is summer in Texas now......ugh....I hate the heat.

I'm excited that I'm on vacation this upcoming week......It's convention time. I love to go to the GASC to see all the new products and trends in scrapbooking. I get some of my best ideas this time of the year. Of course, I have to leave my debit card at home or we will be eating beans for the next month.....LOL. I've got a full week scheduled with shopping and cropping....so check back regularly to see what innovations I share from this years event.

PS - My scrapbooking hero of hero's will be doing demo's at one of the booths this year....TIM HOLTZ!! You surely don't want to miss out on that....I plan to spend the better part of one day just watching.....HOW EXCITING

Meet Olive

2010-05-19T07:04:00.005-05:00

Olive is my new companion.....She came to stay at our house on Mother's Day. She is full of energy and curiosity right now.....certainly wears me out!! She's a Lab-Blue Healer mix so she should grow to be a medium size...which is perfect for me. I am looking forward to sharing life's adventures with her!!

It's been a long, hard winter

2010-05-05T12:44:00.007-05:00

But....I'm finally back. Tax season was grueling this year...however, now it is over and I finally got my creativity back (there were some serious doubts for awhile!)

To celebrate, I'm offering this very special workshop in June:

To sign up go to my website and order the Miracle Kit (this month's special kit celebrating National Scrapbooking Month). I'll send all the workshop details to you when I've received your order confirmation - it's that easy!!

While you're there check out the new 2010 Summer Ideabook and the stunning new products available.

Have you ever......

2009-12-18T08:24:00.010-06:00

made a gift, then didn't really want to give it away? Such was my thought on this Accordian Book I made for our annual office gift exchange. In the end I did gift it, with the nagging thought of whether I could ever do it again for myself......

I absolutely love this Bo Bunny Christmas line - I think it is fabulous. Apparently so do a lot of other folks, as my local scrapbook store has been sold out for a long time.....what do you think?

the gold scenes on these two pages pop out from the book when they are opened up...a stunning effect I lifted from one of my fellow Close To My Heart consultants....looks pretty cool don't you think?

The next two sets are on the back of the pop out pages above. I think if I do another book I will make pop outs for them too.

The whole book would have to be displayed on a very large table if it had pop outs on both sides since the accordian book stretches out to be 12 inches on each fold. Could be a great way to start your decorating theme for the season!!

On a smaller scale this would make a stinkin' cute card also, just use two pages and one pop out

Around the Block

2009-11-29T11:03:00.006-06:00

Here's another calendar that's sure to be a hit. My good friend Terri came up with this idea and I just had to try it out. You can add photos to this block, or encourage your recipient to add their own photos as the year goes by and when the year is done they will have a nice "year in review" for their collection.

Supplies needed:

My Creations Cube (or 6-5X5 heavy cardboard squares)

12-5X5 pieces of patterned paper

12-3X3 1/2 pieces of cardstock

12-2 1/4X3 1/4 pieces of cardstock

8- 10" pieces of ribbon or cord

Calendar pages-found here

Glue

1/8" hole punch

Again, this is a great project to use double sided patterned paper on....everything matches!! I chose to use 2 colors of cardstock for my mats, but you can use as many or few as desired!

When June is over and it's time for the last six months, simply untie the top and bottom corners of one square, rotate the pages and tie the corners back in place.

When the entire year is over, punch some holes in the top or side of your squares and insert rings in these holes, add a front and back cover and you have a cute little mini book to remember the year by.

Todays Products:

Z1152 - My Creations Cube

X7116B - Sweet Home Level 2 Paper Packet

Z1086 - Cranberry Waxy Flax

Z2130 - Indian Corn Blue Exclusive Ink Pad

Order yours here

Ooops

2009-11-28T11:10:00.001-06:00

So sorry for the lack of project today....I got caught up in the Black Friday frenzy, traditional decorating of the Christmas Trees (7 of 8 done), etc and ran out of time.

Tune in tomorrow for another great project

debi

Save the Date

2009-11-27T12:20:00.009-06:00

Here's a project that will last for years and years. This calendar is super easy to make, so easy in fact, we won't even need a tutorial movie!!

Here are the supplies you will need:

1-12X12 sheet cardstock

1-12X12 sheet of striped patterned paper

1- 9 1/2" X 9 1/2" piece of patterned paper

1- 2 " X 9 1/2" piece of patterned paper

1-paper flower

Calendar Grid - found here

12X12 picture frame

Dry Erase Marker

Here are the steps to create the layout I used.

First, round the top left hand corner of the 9 1/2X9 1/2 piece and adhere it to the bottom right corner of the cardstock. Leave about 1/4" border at the bottom and right side of the cardstock.

Next, round the top and bottom left hand corners of the 2 X 9 1/2 piece and adhere it above the first piece leaving a 1/4" space between the two pieces.

Adhere the calendar grid to the bottom right hand side of the large patterned paper, leaving a 1/8" border at the bottom and right sides.

Now, take the striped paper and cut each stripe apart. Cut these strips into 4 1/2" pieces and adhere under the left side of your large patterned paper in a V shape.

I use the striped paper here instead of ribbon because ribbon creates too much bulk and it is difficult to fit the layout in the frame correctly.

Now tape your flower onto the left hand side of your smaller piece of patterned paper and punch out a tiny circle from scrap paper and glue it to the center. I used brown cardstock here.

Again, a brad would create too much bulk - so I use paper.

To finish the calendar, add photos if desired and insert the layout into the frame.

Use the dry erase marker to record the month then add the numbers to the calendar grid to the front side of the glass of the frame. Each month, just erase the marker with a soft cloth and add your next months calendar!!

Any layout will work for this project, just be sure to provide a title area for the month. You don't necessarily have to use a 12X12 frame either, just adjust the layout and calendar grid size to fit any frame.

Super fun and super easy.

Today's supplies:

X7118B - Twitterpated Level 2 Paper Packet

Z1300 - White Daisy Variety Pack Flowers

Place your order here

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T07:40:00.004-06:00

from the Macy's Parade!

LOL - We say this little diddy every year at Thanksgiving. You see, my niece Kamille was lucky enough to be a participant in the Macy's Parade and this was the chant they repeated along the parade route. We all went to New York with her and had a fantastic time.

There's no tutorial today as I know many of you will be busy with your families....I'll be back tomorrow with another great gift to share with you.

Steppin' It Up

2009-11-25T06:00:00.002-06:00

This project will make your recipient think you spent a long time and worked really hard to create it - but, I'll never tell how easy it really is. Covering the pages takes the biggest chunk of time, then all that's left are the layouts.

This is my all time favorite Paper Packet ever offered by Close To My Heart. It works for both girls and boys, is all distressy and can go with most pictures - Fabulous!!

A few tips for creating this project -

Use double sided patterned paper - you won't have to make as many decisions as your paper will all coordinate.
Choose one color to mat with and stick to it - neutral colors like white, creme and black work best with most photos.
Don't over think the pages - each page has room for one large picture or 2 to 3 smaller ones, provide a spot for journaling and a title, then add some bling.
Ink the edges with a medium to light brown color (I use Desert Sand) it will give you the coverage you want without overpowering the pages. I like to use a sponge for this as it gives a very soft look.

Supplies needed:

10 - 12X12 sheets of patterned paper

2 - 12X12 sheets of neutral cardstock

All Sorts Mini Album

Sanding tools

Sponge

Dye Ink

3 to 4 colors of coordinating ribbon

Glue

Click here to download the page sketches

Today's Shopping List:
Z1224 - All Sorts Mini Album
X7102B - Notebook Level 2 Paper Packet
D1296 - Chocolate Alphabet-Small Stamp Set
D1231 - Lovely Buckles Stamp Set
Z1124 - Heavenly Blue Ribbon Rounds
Z1138 - Blush Ribbon Rounds
Z1127 - Chocolate Ribbon Rounds
Z1034 - Black Ribbon Rounds
Z2118 - Desert Sand Exclusive Ink Pad
Z2105 - Black Exclusive Ink Pad
Z1294 - Sanding Kit
Z1091 - Finishing Files
Z1090 - Sponge
Z1155 - Clear Buttons
Z1096 - Neutral Embroidery Floss

Order here

One for the Kids

2009-11-24T06:00:00.001-06:00

Need stocking stuffers for the kids? Or something unusual for your child's classmates. Here's a really quick project that will keep them fascinated for hours on end (Well, I know it intrigues ME for a really long time!!).

This project uses few supplies and is a great way to use up all those scraps you've been collecting over the year. Here's the list

12 - 3"X3" squares light weight cardboard

3 - 3" X 12" of different patterned papers (1 of 3 different patterns)

3 - 30" pieces of coordinating ribbon

Strong Tape

Glue

You can also replace the 3X3 cardboard squares with coasters, but they are a bit bigger so you'll also have to adjust the lengths of ribbon.

Today's Shopping List:
X7112B - Animal Cookies Level 2 Paper packet

Click here to order

For a Cold Winter's Night

2009-11-23T06:00:00.001-06:00

Here's something everyone will enjoy.

Your supplies for this project:

1 piece 3 1/2" X 5" Cardstock
1 piece 3" X 3" Cardstock
1 piece 2 1/4" X 3 1/4" coordinating patterned paper
1 piece 1 3/4" X 2 3/4" coordinating patterned paper
1 piece 3 1/4" X 4 3/4" coordinating patterned paper
1 piece 2 3/4" X 4 1/4" coordinating patterned paper
1 sheet 12" X 12" coordinating patterned paper (for lid)
1 sheet protector (in the office supply section)
Stamp set of your choice
Stazon Ink
Coordinating Ribbon
Quart jar
Cocoa Recipe - found here

Any jar will do nicely for this project. I save all kinds of jars for this project - peanut, pickle, jelly-you name it, I save it. The recipe is for a quart jar, so just alter it to fill the jar you have.

I also pick up festive cups after Christmas when stores are running them dirt cheap to get rid of them. Or another good place to get inexpensive cups is Goodwill or a thrift store.

Shopping List:

X7103B - Aspen Level 2 Paper Packet
D1384 - Snow Flurries Stamp Set
Z1129 - Outdoor Denim Ribbon Collection

Order here

Day Three: Let the Light Shine On!!

2009-11-22T06:00:00.001-06:00

Here's a project that will fit any room of the house. I've had soooo much fun making these I have all kinds of them!! So, lets get started.

Supplies you will need:

1 sheet 10 1/2" X 5 1/2" cardstock

4 -2 1/2" X 4" pieces of vellum

Stamp set of your choice

Ink of your choice

Strong tape

Oval Cutting System

Pop Dots (optional)

Flameless tealight candle (I found these at the dollar store - 4 for $1.00 - how sweet is that!)

Todays Shopping List:

Tutorial Sample:

1272 - Cranberry Cardstock

1395 - Vellum

D1212 - Playful Flourishes Stamp Set

Z2105 - Black Exclusive Ink Pad

House Sample:

D1377 - Around the House (November Stamp of the Month)

1385 - White Daisy Cardstock

Deer and Bears:

1386 - Black Cardstock

D1067 - Raccoon and Friends Stamp Set

D1166 - Vintage Christmas Stamp Set

Z2134 - Moonstruck Exclusive Ink Pad

Z2118 - Desert Sand Exclusive Ink Pad

Click here to order your supplies.

Let's Accessorize

2009-11-21T06:00:00.001-06:00

Now that we have our fragrance holder, how about an accessory to help with the mood?

These candles are really quick and use very little supplies. The only thing holding you back is your imagination!!

To complete this project you will need these supplies: White tissue paper (the cheaper the better) Stamp set of your choice Dye Ink of your choice Wax Paper Heat Embossing Gun

Today's Shopping List:

C1286-Goodness of Life Stamp Set (Retiring 12/31/08)
Z2160-Twilight Exclusive Ink Stamp Pad
Z669-Silver Embossing Powder (optional)

Click here to place your order.

Tune in tomorrow when I'll show you how to make another really cute light - sure to please anyone!!

A Gift a Day: Day One

2009-11-20T07:00:00.004-06:00

Today we will begin our 10 day series of quick, easy and inexpensive gift ideas for every person on your list.

A few items to note as we begin:

Most of the products used are from Close To My Heart, feel free to substitute your own materials, but if you feel compelled to create an exact replica, a shopping list will be provided at the end of each tutorial.

I use PVA glue when applying paper to cardboard or chipboard, that's what I prefer, but any water based glue will do, most of the items have no need to be archival protected, so that's not a worry.

I save the backs off paper tablets, underwear packs and anything else I can get my hands on for the lightweight cardboard I refer to. It's generally thinner than chipboard and FREE!!

With that taken care of, let's start our first project

How fabulous is it after a long day at the office, or running the kids around to take a nice hot fragrant bath? Here's a project designed for just that occassion!! This handy Bath Salts Holder is a breeze to make and can be coordinated with any bathroom.

First, gather your supplies. You will need:

2- 7 X 6 sheets of the same pattern paper
2-5 1/2 X 4 1/2 sheets of coordinating paper
1- 7X12 sheet of coordinating cardstock
1-6X12 sheet of light colored cardstock
1- 4X5 piece of coordinating cardstock
1-2X3 1/2 piece of coordinating cardstock
6-Standard Size Envelopes
12" ribbon
Stamp set of your choice
Coordinating ink
Glue
Strong tape
6 Small plastic ziplock bags (found in the jewelry section of your local craft store

Here is a video showing the assembly process:

Today's Shopping List:

X7088B - Free Spirit Level II paper packet

C1286 - Goodness of Life Stamp Set (Retiring Stamp-Hurry & order before 12/31/09)

Z2140 - Outdoor Denim Exclusive Ink Pad

Z2114 - Cocoa Exclusive Ink Stamp Pad

Z1280 - Expressive Font CD Volume 1

Z1041 - Expressive Font CD Volume 2

Order your supplies here

Click here for a printable copy of the title and instructions

You can make your own bath salts with just a few ingredients. You will need:

1 cup Epsom Salt

1 - 2 Teaspoons Baking Soda

2-3 drops Essential Oil (Lavendar, Rose or Chamomil is soothing at bath time)

Mix this all together in a bowl.

A Gift A Day Starts Tomorrow!!

2009-11-19T12:32:00.003-06:00

Times are tough and if you are like me there isn't enough in your checkbook to cover all the gifts you need to give this holiday season. Join me as I share with you some quick, easy and inexpensive gifts to make for everyone on your list. There will be a new gift idea in the next 10 days, so be sure to tune in each and everyday!!

Friday the 13th Promotions

2009-11-13T06:00:00.004-06:00

Friday the 13th Promotion
The 13th doesn't have to be a bad luck day - Check out your chances to receive FREE goodies!

The first thirteen people to post a message on my blog will get 13 sheets of cardstock or 13 pieces of Close To My Heart Exclusive pattern papers sent to them FREE!! *Only posts dated on Friday, November 13th are valid. Please leave your first and last name or your email so that I can contact you for mailing your prizes.

The first 13 people to send an email to 13 of their scrapping friends telling about my blog, or website will get a goodie bag valued at $13.00. *You must forward a copy of the email to me to qualify.

Place a qualifying* Stampaganza order on our website on Friday, November 13th and receive a Lucky 13 goody bag in addition to your order!! I'm not going to tell ya what's in it but I'm certain there will be at least 13 items that you'll be thrilled to have!!

Good luck to you all!!

debi barber

Independent Consultant

Close To My Heart

***website:mysistershobby.myctmh.com

***blog:debiistheothersister.blogspot.com

***email:debi@mysistershobby.com

*Qualifiying Stampaganza orders are purchases of two or more stamp sets

to get the third stamp set FREE!!!

Stampaganza Blog Hop

2009-11-04T08:00:00.003-06:00

Welcome to the Close To My Heart 2009 Stampaganza Blog Hop! Join me and other CTMH consultants as we share our creations featuring stamp sets from the Autumn/Winter ideabook with you. If you've come from Shirley's blog then you're hopping right along. This is a "round robin" hop so just keep hopping.

Shown here is Holiday Commentary C1379 featuring a unique way to use a sentiment stamp. Additional items used are Evensong Level 2 paper X7104B, Just Blooms Paper Flowers, Big Pinks Z1033, New England Ivy Cardstock 1282 and Ink Z2135 and Cranberry Ink Z2116.

To create the flower, cut the petals from a white flower apart shaping the end in a point. Using a sponge, ink 5 of the petals with Cranberry ink and two with New England Ivy Ink. Arrange the petals on the card front to form the poinsettia.

With 4 large sentiments and 4 smaller included in the Holiday Commentary stamp set, how will your garden grow?

To order this stamp set or any others you have seen along your way, visit my website and conveniently place your order online and have it shipped directly to your house. Don't forget the November Stampaganza Special - buy 2 stamp sets and get the 3rd one FREE!!

Thanks for visiting my blog, I hope you were inspired to create this card for someone you know. I would love to hear your thoughts on this technique, so please leave a comment below.

Now, hop on over to Heather's blog for more fabulous artwork.

Here's the list just in case you get side-tracked along your blog-hopping journey:

Shirley Ross - www.momnmescrap.blogspot.com
Debi Barber - www.debiistheothersister.blogspot.com
Heather Snow - www.snowfilledhearts.blogspot.com
Rita Mefford - www.istamphearts.com

Teri Baxter -http://www.themidnightartist.blogspot.com/

It's a Stampaganza!!

2009-11-02T20:05:00.006-06:00

WHETHER YOU’RE A LONG-TIME FAN OF STAMPS OR ARE just venturing into this fun hobby, now is the perfect time to grab some My Acrylix® decorative stamp sets! From November 3–30, 2009, when you purchase any two stamp sets (sizes A,B, C, D, and/or E only) at full retail price you will receive a third stamp set of your choice FREE (of equal or lesser value)—a savings of up to $22.95! Choose from any stamp set offered in any 2009 Idea Book or the current Product Review. Take a minute to visit our website and look over the retiring stamp sets, available thru December 31, 2009 or while supplies last.

Take advantage of this month’s great offer to add to your assortment of these innovative stamps



*Shipping/handling apply. Offer valid November 3–30, 2009. Stamp sets available as the FREE set include A, B, C, and D-size sets only. E-size, customizable (K), Art & Soul® and Stamp of the Month are not available as the free set. Stamp sets that count toward the qualifying purchase include full-priced A , B, C, D, and E-size sets only. Stamps that do not count toward a qualifying purchase include Stamp of the Month, Art & Soul, Workshops on the Go™, and customized (K) stamps. debi barber www.mysistershobby.myctmh.com debi@mysistershobby.com

Let me show you how!

Sneak Peak

2009-08-31T07:17:00.007-05:00

Here's a few creations from our Autumn/Winter Ideabook - available tomorrow online!! To see a few more, click here for a slideshow of stamps used to create fabulous artwork by my fellow team members

.

A Day of Bonding

2009-08-30T08:45:00.001-05:00

Yesterday was our annual Close To My Heart Consultant Stamp Camp and although we didn't get much stamping done, it is always so refreshing to be with a group of fellow scrapbookers with a common goal. Just back from the Leadership Convention, those who attended shared with the group all the exciting and wonderful new programs and events our Corporate office has in store for us (consultants as well as customers) in the coming year. You'll definitely want to be watching for the introduction of Studio J - a unique approach to creating digital layouts in an inexpensive and easy to use studio environment.

As I sat there yesterday, I reflected on why I became a consultant. The products are fabulous of course, the corporate office is always right behind us giving us all kinds of tools to make our business successful and there is that discount (22% off all products isn't a bad thing if you are a collector of supplies like I am).....but that's not it. Over the past 4 1/2 years I've met and become close to hundreds (well, maybe not close to hundreds) of people that would have just been another face in the crowd had I not joined. The early meet and greet of our meeting gave us an opportunity to reconnect old relationships and begin building new ones, laughing about some crazy happening at our last get together and checking up on each others families and life - this is why I became a consultant. Fresh from a divorce and sending my oldest child off to college, I really needed an avenue to build new friendships and memories, being a Close To My Heart Consultant has provided that for me.

So, having said all that - if you would like to be a member of the best team in the nation, get some really good products at a reduced rate or make money on the side - whatever your reason might be - click here, I can almost guarantee you it will be one of the best clicks of your mouse you have ever done!

debi

Proud Mom

2009-08-16T08:05:00.010-05:00

As promised here are a few photos from the hundreds we took yesterday....

Fran and I decided to decorate up Danyelle's cap so we could find her in the crowd....she kept telling everyone that I made her walk (which is the absolute truth) so we thought this would be perfect for the cap.

After the ceremony and much debate, we took some family photos. Here's Danyelle, with the Aunts (always debating) with Mom and Jess with the cousins and finally with Grandma and Grandpa.

Finally, we were off to go celebrate and eat - no photos here, cuz we were all waaayyy to hungry to be worrying about picture taken!!

A Day of Ceromonies

2009-08-15T08:02:00.002-05:00

and celebration. We're off to Denton in just a few short hours to witness Danyelle, my oldest daughter, graduate from UNT!! It's been a rough 5 years, but worth every bit of it as I watch her grow and follow her dreams!

Of course, the scrapbooker in me is already planning photo opportunities for the pages and projects I have planned commemorating this great day.....stay tuned for pictures and updates!!

debi

Re-visited

2009-08-09T21:50:00.005-05:00

Yesterday while I was searching for something else in the crop room, I came across a pile of layouts I had created earlier in life, but never finished up with photos and bling. I quickly was side-tracked and soon created these two layouts with very little effort.
So, this week instead of a tutorial, I'm issuing a challenge. Dig thru your piles and stash of uncompleted projects, finish them up with whatever it takes, then share them here.

I'll do the same since I found a bunch of layouts I did at a monthly class I took, but never added pictures!

PS - notice the track marks on the Jurassic Park layout - they are created with staples!! Quick easy and pretty darn cute. To get a closer look at the photos give them a click and they will open in another window. (You may have already known this, but I just discovered it and was quite impressed)

Free Paper Packet While Supplies Last!

2009-08-01T09:41:00.005-05:00

YOU DO SO MUCH FOR EVERYONE ELSE; LET CLOSE TO MY HEART DO SOMETHING for you! This August 3–17, place a minimum order of $100 and you not only get the August Stamp of the Month, My Acrylix® It’s Your Day stamp set, for FREE, but we’ll throw in a My Reflections® Level 2 paper packet as well (a total retail value of $39.90)! How about even more thanks? We’ll also cover the tax and shipping/handling on the free products! Act fast, time is already running out. This Thanks-a-bration only lasts until August 17!

* Free paper packet will vary by order and may not include the one shown. Paper packet will be handselected for you by Close To My Heart. Off er valid August 3–17, 2009. Limit of one free paper packet and Stamp of the Month per qualifying order. No shipping/handling or tax on free items, but shipping/handling and tax will apply on the qualifying purchase.

Click here to place your order and get your paper packet!