A teenage milestone

This is the story:

Certain that she would never go to a high school dance, Alli had plans for a movie night with friends for Homecoming.  With only one week before the dance, she received a text, asking her if she wanted to go with Thomas.  She said yes!

Dress shopping began immediately and came up dry on the first round.  Martha and Alli were then dropped off at the Ross’ in Redmond while we attended a birthday party for Ric Gray.  As they tried on dresses, texted photos, and received the thumbs up or down by the entire group (Yosts, Quiggs, and Gray’s), they found the top three.  I then joined them and Alli tried them on again and we found the perfect dress.

Of course, we had a few alterations; adding “color” using some ribbon Ruth had on hand and some ribbon straps to keep everything in place.  Because I was going to be at the women’s retreat, I set up an appointment for Alli to have her hair done with Marti at noon. 

Paula and I drove home from Whidbey Island to see both girls off to the dance, take photos, and enjoy a teenage milestone.  Then back to the women’s retreat we went while Alli and Martha, in separate parties were off for a fun evening. 

Posting a photo on face book, gathered these responses:

• Stacey Mangum: Awww...!!!

• Katrina Dohn: They are adorable!!!

• Lisa Balyeat: Great picture!!

• Heidi Monroe: Great picture! Lovely couple.

• Jane Rowley: Who is that guy? Where is his family from? What church does he attend? What kind of work does his parents do? What are his plans for the future? HE IS TOUCHING HER!!!

• Jefferson Rowley: Jane - I'll need to borrow Mathew's Shotgun. Can I come by on Sunday?

• Pat Rudisill: Great picture, love the dress and the accent color, especially on the nails!

• Jane Rowley: YES BUT IT MIGHT BE TOO LATE!!! AAARRRGGGH!!!

• Megan Rowley: Wow parentals calm down! You raised her right, she'll be fine :)

• Emily Yeater: AWWWW!!!!! SO CUUUUUUUUUTEEEEE:)

• Brandyce Krutsinger: Very cute!

These are the photos:

Sonoma Paper Packet & Stickease with Stardust Glitter Gel in the center of the flowers for just a touch of sparkle.  Title is stamped with Old World Alphabet. 

Holiday Quote I love

Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas when you stop opening presents and listen.

Rock the Block

Update:  Blog Hop to see artwork using the blocks and stamp set starts here.  Keep hopping until you get back to the beginning.  So much fun to see what everyone did with their kit.  Interested in getting your own set?  You can purchase it now with a $25 here. 

National Papercrafter’s month is just around the corner.  (January 2012.)  In celebration, Close to My Heart has done it again!  Rock the Block stamp set with the My Creations Block set.
Curious?  Here’s the stamp set.

Want to know more?  Here’s the block set, made up with photos of my brother’s family.

I started by coloring each edge of each block with cocoa ink.  If your paper pieces are just a tiny bit small, the white really sticks out.  I used Roxie paper to cover one side of each block as a “title” page but before I cut it in 2x2 squares, I used the stamp set to add style.

Then I took 6x6 photos, cut them into 2x2 squares, and using the memories bonding glue to attach each square to the cube.  One cute face at a time. 

Twist and turn each block to put together the face of a family member.  I think the kids are going to have lots of fun with this.  I am also excited to see how other consultants will use the blocks.  They are quite a creative bunch. 
The set of blocks will be in the Spring/Summer 2012 idea book but you will be able to get them beginning Dec 19 through Jan 31st along with the “E” size stamp set shown at the top.  The stamp set if for the special only.
How do you get it?  Spend $25 in CTMH products and order the “Rock the Block” set for $15.

Hers & Mine: A little secret

Many people comment on the ideas that I share in workshops and on my blog.  Where do they come from?  Well, I am going to share my secret with you. 

Close to My Heart is a generous community of fabulously creative people…including the founder of the company, Jeanette, herself.  As a consultant, I have access to an artwork bulletin board where people share their creations.  Close to My Heart also has these great “how to” books and the semi annual idea books, chalked full of wonderful artwork.  And, then there are blogs…and lots of them.  So many consultants share what they have created, their techniques, inspiration, and awesome artwork using the products we love.  I review many different blogs and of course have my favorite.  The secret is….I copy them.  Yes I said it, the secret is, I copy them! 

Jeanette, our company founder, has a blog and each week, she shares a creative technique.  This past week she shared the technique of tone on tone color.  You can see her blog here.  I loved her demo card knew it would make the perfect card for a special friend’s birthday, so I copied her! 

Now about copying.  Some call it scraplifting or stamplifting, others call it their “source of inspiration” but to take it down to the elementary level, lets just say…as a kid might….I am a copycat.  And I am proud of it!
A few important things you need to know about this secret.  First of all, when you do copy, it is a common courtesy to give credit to the person you copied from.  It is even better if you can link back to the source.  And, keep your copying to items for personal use.  Take your appreciation even further and leave a comment or email a note, letting the creator know you love their artwork! 

Now, drumroll please….
Hers
&
Mine

Believe: scrapbook workshop for your holiday photos

Christmas is one time of year when I take tons of photos.  This year is no exception and I am even working on an additional project that involves taking daily photos.  (That is a topic for a future post.)  While the Christmas memories are still fresh in your mind, join me for the workshop in January.  Dates are on the calendar at the end of the blog.  Choose the date that best fits your schedule, print your photos, RSVP 10 days prior and let’s share our holiday stories while we scrap them. 

Products used to create these pages include:

X7145B Believe paper packet $9.95

X7145C  Believe stickease $4.95

Z1486 Holiday Pockets $4.95

Just remember to RSVP so I can order your products. 

Holiday Treats & a Linky Party!

I am enjoying the opportunity to use my Cricut and the Art Philosophy cartridge for holiday treat packages.  Follow this linky party to see other great artwork using the AP cartridge. 

Winter “Wonderland” Scrapbook Workshop

Many are wishing for a white Christmas.  So much fun to play in the snow.  Maybe we will bet one this year.  Wonderland paper is perfect to capture the feel of the snow and the fun that snow brings.  Create 3 12x12 pages in January at my scrapbook workshops.  Take a look at the calendar at the end of my blog and RSVP 10 prior for the workshop time that fits your schedule.  I will order your products in time!

Products used to create these pages include:

x7146B Wonderland paper packet  $9.95

x7146c Wonderland stickease  $4.95

Z1468  Icing topcoats $4.95

Z1104 Sparkles $2.95

Quick Holiday Tip: Make your own gift tags

Today I want to share a Close to My Heart video that will bring you faster, simpler and easier holiday prep so you can spend more time enjoying your family and friends.  Gift tags are a must-have year-round and even more so during the holidays. Learn how to turn out classy, custom gift tags in assembly-line style, with the help of the Cricut^® Art Philosophy cartridge, in this Close To My Heart video. It's one more way to tell your gift recipient, "You're worth it!"

Mad About You: December Stamp of the Month

I have had the opportunity to play with the December stamp of the month and I am loving it.  It makes a fun stationery set of circle notecards.  I used a Laughing Cow cheese box and then cut round cards on my Cricut to fit inside.  Using the "how to" book for cards, "Wishes", I created four cards to go inside.  I used the papers from Sonoma and a pewter mini medley set for embellishments.  You can make this notecard set as well at a workshop in January.   Take a look at my calendar below and join me for the workshop OR host a workshop with your friends. 

Corporate artwork and supply list can be seen here. 

To see more artwork done with this stamp set, follow this blog hop and enjoy the creativity of fellow consultants. 

Santa's Workshop

For the past few years, I have done a workshop where my friends' kids can come to create small gifts for teachers, grandparents, neighbors and their friends.  These little elves, believe it or not, are mostly boys.  Since I have two girls, it is great fun to get to watch the creative processes of these guys.  Well, this year, the workshop will be open again this weekend.  (If you are in the Bothell, WA area and want to attend, email me for more information). 

Here are a couple of the items we will be making.  Of course, I was able to get some of these ideas from Pinterest.  (That's another post itself.)

Wishing you opportunities to create with the elves during you holiday season!
Michele

An Awesome Ride

My husband earned an awesome trip to Banff with his company.  Part of the reward was the opportunity to choose from different activities.  We chose white water rafting along with many others from the group.  Our guide Martin made the trip wonderful as we hit the white water on the Kananaskis River running from a glacier.  We were fully suited in gear and still got soaked.  At the end of the trip, we had the opportunity to jump in the water.  Well, I did it and then immediately was pulled back into the boat.  It was freezing!  But that ride was awesome.

Dreamin’ paper packet is versatile.  This is just one of the many creations I have made using this paper.  “Water” is made using the Trinity alphabet.  The lowercase letters come in three different sizes in one stamp set.  Also very versatile. 

Share it with your family & friends: Black Friday Sale!

As you sit down with family and friends this weekend, share CTMH and collect orders together for the "More for your money" sale.  Details are below. 
Here’s the deal:
When you place a $99 order (before shipping and tax) with me between 6:00 AM Thursday November 24th and 11:00 PM Sunday, November 27th, you will get to choose $20 in additional product for free! And, you can also get the stamp of the month for $5. And, your name will be put in a drawing to receive half off one additional item or hostess bundle. All orders need to be placed through me by email or phone.

Need some ideas?

Purchase the Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge for yourself or as a gift and choose $20 in stamp sets that have coordinating cartridge cuts or other product on your wish list.

Gather $99 in orders from your friends and family, and you choose the $20 in “gifts” for yourself.

Planning to “catch up” on some scrapbooking in the new year? Purchase a Studio J membership ($30 - $99) and then schedule a personal tutorial time with me to get started.

Add some personalized stamp sets to your gift list. These run between $5.95 and $9.95 and come with a 1 x 3 1/2 inch block. You can choose from six different fonts, add an icon if you like and have up to 4 lines on the stamp. Paper crafters enjoy “signing” their creations with a “Handmade by…” stamp. Children like to have a name stamp and an address stamp is great for a family or individual. Choose their favorite color ink pad and you have a great stocking stuffer.

January is a great time to get organized. Purchase a Inks Organizer $69.95, Acrylix Stamp Set Organizer $12.95,and/or Accessories Case $12.95 and you will have what you need to start your organization in January.

Start planning your Thanksgiving weekend purchases and share this event with your friends. And just a reminder, all orders need to be place through me by phone or email.

Mini Album Madness

I love creating mini albums.  They are fast, simple, easy and oh so satisfying.  I made this album from the 6x6 Kraft card set.  The scalloped edges add a soft touch to the kraft texture.  We invited the “F” Family to join us at our cabin during Labor Day weekend.  It was so fun to “play” with their family on the lake.  This album is for them to keep and write their memories.

Other items used to create this album:

Dreamin’ paper packet, Trinity alphabet stamp set, Harvest Happiness stamp set (border).  Photo mats cut on the Cricut. 

Need a gift idea?

Make it a calendar!  These Studio J pages were created with the intention of using both pages of each layout to create a calendar.  I have printed these and will attach them to the Close to My Heart 12x12 calendar.  But with a Studio J membership, I also have the option of purchasing a jpg or using the jpg that comes with the layout purchase and I can use another digital source to actually print the calendar. 

If you want help with this idea, feel free to contact me to set up a personal consultation.  I would love to help you create your calendar.  Or you can try it on your own…HERE!

April calendar page

January calendar page

Cricut: Ideas for delivering those little gifts and dressing those packages

During this workshop, you will learn how to use the Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge to create bags, tags, and boxes for you holiday giving.  These small bags & boxes are perfect for little goodies, homemade treats and gift cards.  You will create two bags, two boxes, 10 tags and one bow!  The bow is a bonus item and you will have a worksheet to take with you and create more at home.  Workshop fee:  $10   Can't make it Tuesday, November 22nd evening?  I am repeating the same class on Thursday Dec 1st. at 10 a.m.  Contact me to RSVP.  Workshop samples below. 

A Day of Thanks

As Thanksgiving approaches, I created these cards for the senior center workshop.  I have to say, my senior group does not like to cut out images.  This has been a challenge for me because I often create a card with an image cut out.  The Cricut has saved me!  I am able to create cards with more interest and design but with ease in assembly!  Here are two of the cards we created last month!

These cards are made using the Dreamin’ paper packet, Remarkable Wreath stamp set, and Treasure Life stamp set. 

Thanksgiving Special: More for your Money

I am getting right in there with the big guys and having a fun special during the Thanksgiving weekend.  You can get more for your money when you shop Close to My Heart from me, for your Christmas projects and gifts.

Here’s the deal:

When you place a $99 order (before shipping and tax) with me between 6:00 AM Thursday November 24th and 11:00 PM Sunday, November 27th, you will get to choose $20 in additional product for free!  And, you can also get the stamp of the month for $5.  And, your name will be put in a drawing to receive half off one additional item or hostess bundle.  All orders need to be placed through me by email or phone. 

Need some ideas? 

• Purchase the Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge for yourself or as a gift and choose $20 in stamp sets that have coordinating cartridge cuts or other product on your wish list. 
• Gather $99 in orders from your friends and family, and you choose the $20 in “gifts” for yourself.
• Planning to “catch up” on some scrapbooking in the new year?  Purchase a Studio J membership ($30 - $99) and then schedule a personal tutorial time with me to get started. 
• Add some personalized stamp sets to your gift list.  These run between $5.95 and $9.95 and come with a 1 x 3 1/2 inch block.  You can choose from six different fonts, add an icon if you like and have up to 4 lines on the stamp.  Paper crafters enjoy “signing” their creations with a “Handmade by…” stamp.  Children like to have a name stamp and an address stamp is great for a family or individual. Choose their favorite color ink pad and you have a great stocking stuffer.
• January is a great time to get organized.  Purchase a Inks Organizer $69.95, Acrylix Stamp Set Organizer $12.95,and/or Accessories Case $12.95 and you will have what you need to start your organization in January. 

Start planning your Thanksgiving weekend purchases and share this event with your friends.   And just a reminder, all orders need to be place through me by phone or email. 

Studio J Layouts: A great way to catch up

Don’t get me wrong, I love classic scrapbooking.  It’s my job and I love it!  But sometimes it is so satisfying to sit down and get a set of pages done in thirty minutes.  No mess, no clean up, just pure satisfaction!  Did you know about the Studio J blog?  Close to My Heart shares art and tips that support your play!  Visit the blog here. 

Retiring Items

The following items will be retiring from the Close to My Heart Product line.  If any of these are a favorite of yours, I recommend that you order today! 

Color-Ready products:
• X1406 Color-Ready Hodge Podge Alphabet
• X5749 Color-Ready Oxford Alphabet

8 1/2" x 11" cardstock:
• X1411 8 1/2" x 11" Colonial White Cardstock
• X1412 8 1/2" x 11" Black Cardstock

Brayer:
• Z616 Rubber Brayer

Eyelets:
• Z1228 Soft Set Eyelets Black & White Daisy Collection
• Z1229 Soft Set Eyelets Chocolate & Colonial White Collection
• Z1208 Soft Set Eyelet Tool
• Z1245 Eyelet Tool Replacement Punches

Retreat Results

That’s a funny way of say “look what I made.”  Last weekend was the scrapbook retreat I host on Whidbey Island.  I think I need to change the name…I did very little scrapbooking but I created many different projects.  It was so much fun!
Here is my favorite project and I like it even better now that it is hung in my home. 

To create this banner, I used the CTMH My Creations Banner, distressed colonial white cardstock with a woodgrain background stamp (the name is not coming to me right now), and cut the letters from the Cricut. 
I got this idea from a posting on Pinterest.  Have you discovered Pinterest? 

Cherish the Day

A Thanksgiving Card using the Dreamin’ paper packet, Harvest Happiness stamp set and the stamp of the month.  The great thing is that the leaves and the tickets are cut on the Cricut!  Cut the leaves and ticket, stamp image on the shape, and attach to the card.

Here’s another piece made using the stamp of the month as well as the Cricut.  Layered together, it make a tag for a holiday package.
The stamp set contains a specific ticket for every month of the year as well as the calendar dates to personalize a card and add details to your scrapbook pages.

Take a closer look at the artwork and the supplies used here. 

Purchase your set today by contacting me or shopping here.