Winter 2010

When will it end? This has been a record breaking winter for Philly and it's not over yet. The boys have only had 0ne day of school this week and I can't wait for them to go back. lol

Despite the cold and wet winds, Matthew and I have been having fun in the snow. As the blizzard hit we headed for the playground with my camera in hand. Matthew had a good time jumping and running around in the snow.

He really hates having his picture taken but I was surprised that he let me capture him having fun. As we walked through the neighborhood I took some photos along the way.

The snow really is pretty! I just love walking in it as it is falling.

Studio G stamp storage

I have been slowly getting back into the swing of things in my little scrap nook and I noticed that I had no place to keep my Studio G stamps that you can get for $1.oo. So I made a box to keep them in. I thought that I would share this box with you all! Enjoy!

I used poster board but you can use heavy wieght cardstock.

Cut your base to 12" x 7 3/4"

Since I used white, I created my own pattern by first Sponging a little color

then by stamping with a background stamp.

After I was done with that I clear embossed some images

for a reverse embossing technique.

When I was finished with that I sponged with Chocolate ink

to make the embossed images stand out.

Flipping the base to have the wrong side up,

score 2 9/16 of an inch at all sides.

Then cut the corners off as shown

then cut along the score line torwards the middle as shown.

Then fold up at the score lines and tape up the corner flaps to the inside.

The base is complete.

The top is created in the same manner with these measurments:

Cardstock~ 9 3/8" x 5 3/8"

Score at 1 1/4" on all sides.

Sorry that this photo doesn't show the lid finished.

To make the dividers for the inside,

I just cut squares at 2 1/16" and used half circles for the tabs.

Thanks for visiting and I would love to hear about your creations!

Hearts for Haiti

Our hearts go out to the victims of the earthquake in Haiti, and like so many of you, CTMH is eager to help. Announcing February's Constants Campaign, Hearts for Haiti - Where you can get a great deal while doing a great good for those affected by the devastation in Haiti.

From February 1-28th, our 12"x 12" textured cardstock combo packs are buy one, get one FREE- and with every offer purchased, Close To My Heart will donate $2 to Operation Smile's Haiti relief efforts.

Operation Smile is always a fantastic charitable partner- offering free facial reconstruction surgeries to children through the world. They currently marshaled their medical teams and resources to provide emergency relief in Haiti, and the donations given as part of Hearts to Haiti will be used exclusively for Operation Smile's efforts in Haiti. For more information on their on the ground response, you can visit www.operationsmile.org/haiti

That means for $14.95 US you get two packs of textured cardstock (a great deal at about $.30 per sheet) and Operation Smile will receive $2 to benefit this urgent, important cause. Stock up on every color combination now and save tons of money while helping out a great cause.

Happy New Year!!!

With 2009 behind me, I plan on making the most of 2010! I will take nothing for granted and enjoy the little moments that make up everyday life! So often we get wrapped up in the humdrum of everyday life that we don't really see what is before our own eyes. The warmth of a child's smile and the sparkle in their eyes when they ask if we can play a board game with them or ask to build a house of cards. Instead of saying, "I am sorry honey, I have to get the house cleaned" or " I have work to do" I will put aside the chores and work, and play with the kids. They don't stay little forever and the time goes by faster than you realize when you are in the moment.
My wish for you all is to take the time and cherish each moment that you spend with the ones you care about! That is all that we really have, is the here and now. Nothing in life is really guaranteed and if we get caught up in the hum drum we could lose moments that we can never-ever get back, time spent and memories made with those we love and care about!

So I raise a toast to you all and wish nothing but Health and Happiness for the New Year!

A day at Great Adventure!

What a day! My sister and I took the kids to Great Adventure on November 1st. We went through the safari and had a blast! I can't wait to do it again!!! The animals were great! We had Giraffes licking the windows and the roof of my sister's van. The kids really enjoyed themselves too! Here a few pics that I just have to share!

As Matthew said," Ostrages are people too!"

After the safari, we headed to the park! They had "ghosts and ghools" that roamed the park. Matthew was a bit scared but he loved the Dead Mans Party! There were actors dressed up as zombies that performed to rock music. Matt really loved it. He hopes that they do it again next year. Thanks Randee for the tickets!!!!!! We all had a blast!!!

Halloween

I know that Thanksgiving is in just a few days but I wanted to back track a little since I was unable to post for a while.

Matthew wanted to be the Jester from one of the Halloween stores but the costume was really flimsy to say the least. So I pulled out the old sewing machine and came up with this.

The skulls were a cream color and I just painted them silver then I dry brushed black into the creases to give it more depth. I drilled holes into the tops then threaded them onto his "colar" and Hat with Beads. The hat was my favorite part to make!

We stoped by my Uncles house as we do every year. This year I was able to get a good photo of the two of them. He is such a Ham. lol Later that night my favorite little Lady bug stopped by. Also known as Katie~Bug!! She had a big night and was still on the move. lol Oh to have the energy of a one year old!!!

Hi Ya All!

Well my computer is finally fixed. I strongly suggest that you put at least 2 good anti spy wear programs on your computers. We recently had Trojans and had to wipe the hard drive clean. What a mess.

So this week is Thanksgiving! I want to say thank you to everyone who has passed through to have a look at my blog. I am grateful for the friendships that have formed through my hobby of scrapbooking. It's amazing what bonds can form over a Hobie. I hope that you all have a Healthy and Happy Thanksgiving!! I am also very thankful for my family! They have been supportive and giving all year through and I love them with all my heart!!!