The worst blogger ever!!!! (with updated projects)

Hi ya'll. I am so sorry I am truly the worst blogger ever!!!!! There are no excuses, Life is busy for everyone, not just me! I need to find a better way to manage my time. I love posting new things and showing you little tips and tricks. Not to mention Close to My Hearts awesome products which I absolutely love!!

I have had a few classes where we made Christmas cards and Christmas Trees that I wanted to show you. Most of the photos were taken on my cell phone so they aren't that great.

So let me just update you all on what's been happening:
Christmas card class that showcased a few designs that was held in July:

Then we have the paper trees that we were making in November:

We also worked on Mini Magazine holders for our cards.
These are the ones that I decorated (they look really cute on the shelf):

 Here are a few images of how the creative crew decorated theirs:

Betsy made hers to match her craft room which is very much Mickey inspired!

Thank you for taking the time to visit my blog and I promise that I will work on posting more often!!!!
I do have a new video to make that showcases CTMH's Display tray with a winter theme along with a few techniques! Not to mention some Christmas Layouts Featuring CTMH's Sparkle and Shine Paper Packet From Their Holidays from the Heart Gift Guide book.

Cricut ArtBooking

Hi everyone.
Boy oh boy does time fly when you are having fun. Since the launch of the new Idea Book, I have been busy with the family. We celebrated 5 Birthdays and one Anniversary. One of those Birthdays was mine. I have to say I have the BEST Sisters in the World!!! They took me on my first Cruise!!! Yes, I did get a little motion sickness towards the end but it was so worth it! More about it later.

Today I want to share with you a Layout that I created using the New Cricut Artbooking Cartridge from Close To My Heart. Everything was cut using this AMAZING Cartridge (along with CTMH inks, paints, embossing powders ect.....)
I chose to do a layout that was Halloween related.

 

The background was created using Twilight, Outdoor Denim and black inks along with White Daisy to create the "clouds" that you see behind the spider web.

All embellishments were cut with the Artbooking Cart. The Spider web was cut out of White daisy cardstock and then inked with Grey Wool and Whisper ink pads. Then I sprayed the web with a mixture of pearl paint, water and alcohol (spray mist) to give it a little shimmer. (Have you ever really seen a black spider web before.... I haven't ;-) ) After that dried I dabbed the web with a little black ink (yes I used some black...;-)  ) then I went over it again with Whisper pigment ink and mixed Clear Detail Embossing powder and Prisma Glitter. Hope you can see the shimmer in the photo below.

 

Here is a look at the haunted house before I attached it to the Layout.

 

Can you believe that these cute little ghosts are made from Hearts?

 



Products used:
Papers: Twilight, Black, White Daisy (Colonial white in the frame where your photo would be)
Inks: Twilight, Outdoor Denim, grey whool (retired product), Black, Pear, Olive, Cocoa, Honey, Autumn Terracotta, Ruby, and Holiday red.
   Pigment inks: White Daisy, Whisper
Pearl Paint
Clear Detail Embossing Powder
Prisma Glitter
Cricut Artbooking Cartridge

If you would like to get the Artbooking Cartridge (700 Images, Font, Mini Books and Layouts) along with the 3-My Acrylix D-size stamps ,3-12x9 Dimensional Elements in Coordinating shapes for half price, Host an Online Gathering with me and have a party of $250 or more and you can get it half price along with select products for FREE!!!  Email me today!!

Sneak preview

Hi everyone.
CTMH has revealed the New IDEA BOOK at convention. There are some great new products!

New product line....
Create jewelry for hands, fingers, hair, neck, etc. that you can wear!

Metals -
Bling words and flowers
Fabric for rosettes

Design home decor collection.

 Let's not forget.....

A New Cricut Cart!!! It is called Artbooking!!

Tons of pattern designs
Lots of backgrounds and you can size it and the rest proportions!!! Works for cards too.

Mini-album projects too.
(I am sorry that I don't have any photos yet of the new cart, I will post  some as soon as I get it.)
 

Happy June!
Wow the time is flying by, with work, keeping up with the family and runs to the hospital for my mom, I don't know where the time has gone.

I want to share with you one of the reasons why I love Close To My Heart.
Not only do they care about preserving your memories and embracing your craftiness they have a big heart! Close To My Heart not only has an ongoing charity with Operation smile, but they are right now in the midst of two, (yes I said 2) more great efforts to show how much they care.
Let me start with Relief for Oklahoma. All proceeds from this campaign will be donated to the American Red Cross to help aid the victims of the devastating tornado that destroyed homes, business, schools and not to mention the loss of precious life.

Close To My Heart is making a new Autumn/Winter 2013 stamp set, A True Thank You, available immediately and will donate 100% of the profits from sales of the set from May 23 through June 30 to the American Red Cross to aid the Oklahoma victims. Help us provide relief to those affected by the devastating Oklahoma tornado by purchasing A True Thank You stamp set for $2.95 (M1029) today.

Here is a card that I made using the "A True Thanks You" stamp:

(Please excuse the photo as it was taken with my phone)

 

 

 

The other heart felt campaign shows the support of our military who fight every day to keep America the Land Of The Free!

So Let's Get Patriotic and show your support for our Military!

As a show of our support, Close To My Heart will donate $3 from each B-size My Acrylix^® Courage stamp set and $5 from each D-size My Acrylix^® Home of the Brave stamp set to the USO, the leading, most recognized military-support and services organization in the United States.

These stamps are A LIMMITED TIME ONLY!!!

From June 1 to July 31, 2013!

 

 

Show your support today—stamp style!

These stamps are A LIMMITED TIME ONLY!!!

From June 1 to July 31, 2013!

 

 

 

Happy National Scrapbooking Month!

Dream Pop..... National scrapbooking promotion

 

Can you believe that there is a month just for us paper trimming, photo croppin' sticker stickin', stamp stampin', card makin', glazing, matting, embellishing, ribbon stashin', Cricut cuttin',  mini album makin',  inking, paper crafting fun loving people! Well it's true. May is National Scrapbooking month! How cool is that! To celebrate this holiday Close to my Heart has a special paper collection just for this occasion. It is only available for this month and comes with an Art Work Inspiration insert with the recipes needed to create them.

Dream Pop........ It reminds me of orange and raspberry sherbet and hot summer days when I was a child.  You can get Dream Pop for only $10 when you spend $35 in May (valued at $19.95 retail). This paper packet includes 12 cardstock sheets as well as 12 B&T Duos® papers that were specifically designed for this promotion only—you can’t get the paper packet anywhere else and it's her for the month of May only!

Hostesses will receive 1 free Paper Pack when their gathering sales reach a qualifying sales total of $400.00. ( I can do long distance online gatherings.... just ask me how)

Here is what you get:
These papers are printed on the front and back. The top row is the front and the bottom row is the back. Sorry that my photo's do them no Justice!!

You also get 12 sheets of cardstock with one side solid and the other side with a beautiful coated pattern.

And here is the Inspiration sheet!

Just look at the possibilities that you can create with this beautiful and fun paper pack. I can't think of a better way to celebrate National Scrapbooking Month.

Did I mention if you sign up to become a consultant during the month of May that you will get Dream Pop in your kit FREE!!

 

Check out this great video that shows you all the wonderful creations made with Dream Pop.

 

April's great deal!!

Hi all, have you ever wanted to get you hands on some great products, earn money while making new friends and having fun? Joining the Close To My Heart Family is a great way to do just that!
When you sign up as a Consultant in April, you’ll receive a little something extra for joining the Close To My Heart family—the April, May, June, and July Stamp of the Month stamp sets for free! These D-size stamp sets are great for a new Consultant to create artwork, bring to Gatherings, and show off to everyone. Now that’s a reason to celebrate!

*No additional shipping/handling or tax will be applied for the free stamp sets. Only new Consultants who sign up during the month of April will qualify for the free stamp sets. Offer valid April 1–30, 2013.

 

It’s easy to join. Start by clicking on this “Let’s Get Started” link  and completing the form. As part of your enrollment you will purchase the New Consultant Essentials Kit for only $49! You will receive the basic business and creative supplies you want most. All the supplies in the kit have a retail value of approximately $130!

 Everything to meet your crafting and career needs.

Includes a Read Me First Letter, Current Idea Books (qty. 3), Hostess Order Forms (qty. 5), Customer Order Forms (qty. 5), Close To My Heart Color Swatches (W471), Spring/ Summer 2013 B&T Duos® Sampler (W1123), Petite Perks™ Critter Expressions Incentive Stamp Set (W2025), Chantilly Complements Dimensional Elements (X7163C), Workshops on the Go® Chantilly Scrapbooking Kit (G1053), Reflections® Scrapbook Program (9037), Originals Card Confidence Program® (9036), Buttercup Exclusive Inks® Pad (Z2110), Cotton Candy Exclusive Inks® Pad (Z2193), Spinner (Z1832), My Acrylix® Wheel of Life Stamp Set (D1545), My Acrylix® For a Friend Stamp Set (D1542), and a 4" x 5" My Acrylix® Block (Y1012). (Some items may not be shown. Contents are subject to change without notice.)

If you'd like a leg up in your new business, we recommend the New Consultant Master Kit for just $99! With a retail value of approximately $280, the Master kit includes expanded business items, along with additional products and Studio J layouts, to help you organize your business and reach your creative and financial goals. It’s an investment that will reap big rewards!

 

This kit Includes everything in the Essentials kit plus more supplies and 5 Studio J® layouts.

Read Me First Letter, Current Idea Books (qty. 10), 5 Studio J® Layouts (redeem within 3 months), Hostess Order Forms (qty. 25), Customer Order Forms (qty. 25), Spring/Summer 2013 Gathering Postcard (W1122), Close To My Heart Color Swatches (W471), Spring/ Summer 2013 B&T Duos® Sampler (W1123), Petite Perks™ Critter Expressions Incentive Stamp Set (qty. 5)(W2025), My Creations™ 6" x 6" Canvas Display (Z1818), Spinner (Z1832), Chantilly Complements Dimensional Elements (X7163C), Workshops on the Go® Chantilly Scrapbooking Kit (G1053), My Creations® Star (Z1803), Color-Ready Seam Binding Ribbon (Z1732), Reflections® Scrapbook Program (9037), Originals Card Confidence Program® (9036), Cello Bags (qty. 25)(W1152), My Acrylix® Stamp Scrubber (Z1782), My Acrylix® Spritz Cleaner (1778), Bonding Memories® Glue (1512), Sponge (Z697), Liquid Glass (Z679), Non-stick Micro-tip Scissors (Z1836), Buttercup Exclusive Inks® Pad (Z2110), Cotton Candy Exclusive Inks® Pad (Z2193), My Acrylix® Glamour Uppercase Stamp Set (D1537), My Acrylix® Wheel of Life Stamp Set (D1545), My Acrylix® For a Friend Stamp Set (D1542), 4" x 5" My Acrylix® Block (Y1012), and a 3" x 3" My Acrylix® Block (Y1006). (Some items may not be shown. Contents are subject to change without notice.)

Please feel free to ask me any questions that you may have.

 

April's Art

April's Stamp Of The Month is "My Sunsine", I don't know about you,  but have always called my eldest son My Sunshine. He has brought me so much joy and when he smile It warms my heart.

This stamp set speaks reminds me of him.

Here is some art work made with this stamp set.

 

my 6x6 mini flip flap album with pockets

As promised here is my video on my "finished" album. I still need to add my photos, journaling, and more, but I wanted you to see it with out having the distraction of all that stuff. This way you can hopefully envision the possibilities that you can create!

 

I also wanted to make a video to show you how to construct this album. I first saw this album on CHIBICHIBIANDMILO's channel on YouTube. Her video is about 29 minuets long and my video is about 7 minuets long. I just wanted to make the video a bit shorter and with step by step captions so that I could pause and follow along without getting too confused. Here is my video, (which wouldn't be possible without Chibichibi and Milo!! Thanks!!!

 

Please over look all the spelling errors. It was late when I was trying to get this done. ;-)

March's Floral Happiness

March is here. That means that spring is just around the corner! I don't know about you but I can't wait for spring/summer. Just flipping through the New Idea Book has me even more excited. All the beautiful new stamps and papers have me drooling! Even the name of the Stamp of the Month has it right, "Floral Happiness". Which makes me think of my daffodils that are in the beginning stages of blooming.  It's a wonderful reminder that no matter how rough the weather, you will survive, life goes on and there is always hope!
So without further adieu, Here is some art work created using the Floral Happiness Stamp of the Month.

 

And here is what the stamps look like.

 

 

Digital Delights!!

　

February and March are sure to be months of digital delights because you can purchase any Studio J<sup>® layout for only $5*—that’s a savings of $1.95 per layout! This is a great opportunity to try Studio J for the first time. Create adorable baby layouts with the Wishes and Fishes kit (shown), or use the new Express Collections with collections of 10 ready-made layouts plus a front and back cover that are easy to use and professionally designed. Preserve your memories at a low price for a truly digital delight!

*Shipping/handling applies. Studio J credits must be redeemed before this promotion can be applied. Offer valid February 1–March 15, 2013.</sup>

 

You can access Studio J through my Online store. Just click on "Products, then Stidio J" It doesn't Cost a thing to "play" and try it out!

 

Winter Wonderland Crop

This past Saturday I met a wonderful fellow consultant who hosted The First Annual Winter Wonderland Crop. It was a 10 hour crop full of great people, prizes and fun plus the option to stay at the hotel over night at a low coast. Unfortunately I forgot my camera :-( 
My sweet friend Lynda actually finished a beautiful 2 page layout. (again I wish I took pictures with my phone to show you) Thankfully Amy Raftery (the wonderful fellow consultant mentioned above) did take some photos. (You can follow her on facebook at CrafteryFriends)

 

The sweet and wonderful Kathy Markoff (who co-hosted this wonderful crop) is holding CTMH's Organizers which are perfect not only for getting your scrap space in order but for travel as well. The Large organizer is perfect for lugging and storing our Stamp sets, the medium organizer is great for all your stamp pads, tools and soooooo much more and last but not least the small organizers have foam inserts that will hold your blocks  and another to hold theses great crafts boxes that are perfect for your embellishments such as buttons, brads and sooo much more.The best part is that they fit perfectly into my XL Rolling tote!!!

 

Here I am (not the best photo of me at all... but hey..... who really cares!) holding up one of my True Fit File Folders layouts. (visit my online shop to view this great product)

I use these folders, which fit perfectly into our page protectors and albums, for each grade of my children's school years. They are perfect for holding report cards awards and more. Everything in one place. I do also make a complimentary second page to accommodate highlights of the year!

 

 

Here is my oldest son's 12th grade file folder.

 

I look forward to going to the Spring Crop on April 6th! If you think you'll be interested in going please feel free to contact me for information.

 

 

 

Hellooooooooooo

Hello out there in blog land.
Wow, it has been a while since my last post. Here's whats been going on.
I am still trying to figure out how to piece together the video that I made of a 6x6 flip flap album that I used the vintage distress technique on. ( I am truly not a tech savvy person, but I am always willing to try)
I started a new job in October and trying to balance home life and work, not to mention all the chores and pop-up suppersise that always seem to happen, has been a challenge for me. (especially for being a stay at home for most 13 years) I don't claim to be the most organized person and have everything figured out. I am a normal person who seems to have no energy at the end of the day. (Yes, I did think about trying the 5hour energy drinks but I am afraid of the side effect.... heart racing/palpitations) It seems that every weekend there is some event going on, plus the holidays seamed to race up on me (even though we have 364 days to prepare... lol) So if you have any tips/tricks on how to get back into the swing of things, please post in the comments section.


My Niece and brother-in law came up to go pumpkin picking. All though the farm was small, we had a good time! Katie Picked out the cutest lil pumpkins.

I just love how Katie is looking at Matthew in the photo below. She keeps him on his toes!!

This Thanksgiving I made my first Turkey. It turned out fantastic.... thanks to Food Network Magazine!!! That following weekend My family from Florida came up and we had our "Farks-Giving" Our family seems to have bad luck when it comes to vacations and weather and there is almost always some type of mishap so the in laws (my family) have nicknamed us the "Farkles".
Hence... Farks-Giving.

Decorating the house for Christmas took a while but not as long as taking it all down. I got everything down and into the basement (out of sight) the 3rd week of Jan. but it was finally organized and put away last week. We've had parties and events every weekend since Thanksgiving.

New Years Eve was a bit sad (not the sad that pulls at your hear strings but the sad in a way that means boring. I had to get up at 4 am the next morning (or that morning, depends on how you look at it, plus I am still trying to adjust to the whole getting myself together in the mornings again)
so I went to bed early while my hubby and youngest son stayed up. The Hubs fell asleep so my 12 yr old was watching the boob tube to see the ball fall by himself, poor baby)

Last month just flew by........not much to write about there, just a Winter Wonderland party.
Oh.... what am I saying...... January is the birthday month of both my boys. So For Joe, Who loooooves just about anything peanut butter, I made him a cake recipe that I came across on Pinterest.

Here is a link to the blog that has the recipe.....christys kitchen creations
My cake didn't look as nice as hers but It was still good. The only thing that I would do differently is buy chocolate cake mix, only because the cake itself was a little dry, but still good. Plus it will save soooo much time.
The youngest just wants to have a few friends over to "Hang out" For his birthday. (which we still need to set a date for that, these next few weeks are already booked up, but I will find the time to make it happen!)

That's what's been going on in a nut shell.
I hope all is well with you and yours!!!!