Chalkboard Stamping & Last Day for Home Sweet Home

I am enamored by the look of the chalkboard lettering that you see in a lot of the creative work on Pinterest right now.  Our children might not even be able to appreciate the look as the school blackboards are nonexistent in their classrooms.  But, I can remember and reminisce through my creation.  I have watched a couple of tutorials to get the idea on how to create this look.  My favorite was from Connie MacFarlane at Paper, Pleats and Ribbon Roses. 

For this card, I left out the “shadow” stamping and chose to just highlight part of the sentiment by sponging on a bit of white pigment ink after heat embossing the image.  Watch for more artwork using this technique.  I think the chalkboard look is here to stay for awhile (at least for me!).

I also love how the chalkboard effect looks with the For Always Paper and the February stamp of the month, Home Sweet Home. 

Inspired by Stephanie Davis @ TheGypsyChic.com

Make your scraps your Friend

Do you have scraps of paper lying around your workshop space?  Here is a perfect use for them.  Punch or cut circles of three different sizes and then using embellishments and foam tape, create a border with interest and lots of depth.  From the photo, it is hard to appreciate how this adorable this border is and how it adds to the dimension on the card.  These scraps are all from the Claire paper packet but you can always mix it up!

Hidden amongst the circle are the Color-Ready Trinkets Wooden Shapes.  The add a really fun detail!  The stamp set is Focus on a Friend and has a sister set, Focus on the Little Things. 

For A Friend

Say "thanks" by giving a gift that is personalized down to the very bag itself with My Creations™ muslin drawstring bags from Close To My Heart. Simply stamp and fill with goodies!  The stamp set used in this video is For A Friend.  A versatile stamp set for all the little gifts you make. 

Watch how easy it is to create little goodies bags.

Home Sweet Home

The February Stamp of the month is Home Sweet Home and has for sentiments that are perfect for a homecoming, housewarming, or hostess gift.  Here I used the Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge and cut out the house image in For Always paper.  With my white pigment ink, I stamped the image and then embellished with our new glitter paper and sparkles.  Simple yet elegant.   

If you are making neighbor or housewarming gifts consider stamping on our mini muslin bags and add your gift inside! You can see this done on this video.

Gnarly Dudette

The bright pear green and lagoon blue draw me to the Later Sk8ter paper packet.  I will be hosting a workshop creating these three layouts on March 1st at the school day crop from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.  Don’t forget to RSVP and order your products by Feb 20th if you plan to attend.  You can see the supply list here. 

As you may notice, these layouts are still in progress.  The one above needs the team photo which is currently on display in the daughter’s bedroom.  I will also be adding some journaling and stamped soccer images. 

Love this little niece of mine.  The page is waiting for the Stickease and embellishments.  Still fun and cute.

And this page, imagine the upper white area full of gear images.  Yes, I am going to use my scraps and the Artiste Cartridge to cut a group of gears out and decorate the title area.  Not sure which photos will go on this page but as you can see, it is open for lots of different themes. 

Fabric On Your Layout? YES!

Learn how to dress up a scrapbook layout with fabrics from the Chantilly and For Always textile collections from Close To My Heart. These fabulous fabrics are sure to punch up the pizzazz in your papercrafting!

Claire and Girls Rock

The new paper packet Claire if full of fun, bright color combinations and of course a cool chevron pattern that is “in” right now.  The coordinating stamp set is Girls Rock with flowers that are Cricut cuts!  This is a card that I created for a team swap and you can create at my Card Café Workshop on Thursday February 28th.  Using the Claire paper packet and a variety of stamps and coordinating embellishments, you can create 5 cards for $15.  Please RSVP by February 25th. 

I am giving away a paper packet!

Comment on your favorite paper packet from the Spring/Summer idea book by February 14th 9 p.m. and I will put your name in a drawing to win that paper packet for FREE!  It is that easy!

Project Life: Studio J Style

I love the concept of Project Life and have always wanted to try it.  Basically it is “scrapbooking” a piece of everyday life, everyday.  Well, I have taken more of a “journal” approach and captured some of the highlights of the month and then created a Studio J layout. 

Here is January:

February is Studio J Month!

This month, all Studio J layouts are $5.  That is a savings of $1.95 per layout.  If you haven’t tried Studio J, I encourage you to give it a try…I think you will like it. 
Who is Studio J for?

• Someone who has lots of photos that are “stuck” in the camera or on the computer.  Get them out to share with family and friends.
• Someone who doesn’t have time or space for classic scrapbooking.  All you need is your computer with internet connection and you are set to create!
• Someone who wants to play “catch up”.  Do you find yourself taking photos faster than you scrapbook them?  Why not use Studio J to scrapbook the special moments that you had today and save those printed photos for a crop time later.

What is your reason for trying Studio J?
Let this video inspire you to try it today! 
Use Studio J®, Close To My Heart's online scrapbooking software, to create a festive layout in just minutes by watching Love Your Layout video. You'll learn creative techniques on how to add your own stitching, create a top border with journaling, and more. Log in to Studio J to create it yourself while you watch!

Introducing…Later Sk8r

We have a new idea book for Spring/Summer and this means seven new paper packets with embellishments galore to coordinate with them.  I am starting with “Later Sk8tr” because that is the paper packet we will be creating with at the next Scrapbook Workshop on March 1st.  If you want to join us, purchase the paper packet and your coordinating products either on my website or by contacting me. 

I love the lagoon blue with the gray and outdoor denim.  Looks pretty “boyish” here doesn’t it!  But I am up for the challenge and will be scrapbooking my daughter’s soccer season (their uniforms were teal and the grass is green…goes perfect with the paper) and my niece's fall walk with grandma. 

Stamp sets that coordinate include:

• D1541 Fast and Furious (trucks and card and all the sounds that can go with them)
• B1415 In Gear ( gear shapes have matching Cricut cuts on Artiste)
• G1057 Later Sk8r Workshop on the Go (includes an exclusive stamp set with background textures, skate boarder and shoe tracks)
• D1517 Game On (sports set with soccer, football, baseball, and basketball in the same style as the paper)

Embellishments that can’t be missed:

• Z1810 Later Sk8r Assortment (adhesive backed rubber shapes of stars and gears and more)
• Z1806 Green & Blue Epoxy bubbles (also self adhesive!)
• X7167c Later Sk8r Stickease Assortment

And these papers are not just for scrapbook pages.  Take a look at some wonderful artwork created by Brenda Rose using these papers.  Here and here.

Watch for my artwork in future posts.  Gnarly!

Paper Panic Contest

With the release of the new Spring Summer Idea Book today, CTMH is having a contest!  You can win a new paper packet just by commenting on Jeanette’s Blog, the CTMH facebook page or You Tube page.  What’s your favorite new paper packet and why?  Take a look at this video.

February Newsletter

	February 2013A newsletter from Michele Evergreen Memories and Friends Michele Rowley Close To My Heart Independent Consultant Senior Executive Manager (206) 697-4373         Ground hog day? How about a day early?  Yes, when the Spring/Summer Idea book goes live, February 1st, I know that we will see the seasons to match soon!  If you would like a new idea book to bring a little spring into your life,  contact me.  And I am doing First Friday giveaways during this idea book cycle.  If you already have your book, look for the catalog number on the back label.  Each First Friday of the month, I will randomly select a number and post it on my blog.  You have 24 hours to contact me if the number matches!  This month, since we are just getting started the winner will have until 6 p.m. Sunday to contact me.  While you are on my blog, take a look at the calendar of upcoming events AND details about my goal to earn a trip to Costa Rica!  I look forward to creating with you soon. Michele         Jumpstart Your Crafting with New Products! Check Out New Products, Project Ideas, and More! What will you find in the new Spring/Summer 2013 Idea Book? Nearly 150 pages of inspiring artwork, quality products, thrilling project ideas, and innovative techniques! True to its name, the Idea Book is full of great ideas! From scrapbook pages to cards to home décor, you’ll find projects that get your creative juices flowing. Here’s what’s new in the Spring/Summer 2013 Idea Book: 2 Textile collections to use for fabric accents, backgrounds, or focal pieces 10 Workshops on the Go® kits, including 2 cardmaking kits, 1 unique canvas art kit, and 7 scrapbooking kits Washi tape A 12" × 12" cardstock combo pack for each color palette My Creations™ products such as muslin drawstring bags, clear treat tubes, clear pillow boxes, paper pouches, and a stylish kraft container. 5" × 7" hinged display tray and 6" × 6" canvas display for creating beautiful décor items Ask me how you can get a copy of the latest Idea Book and start ordering the newest products for all your crafting needs. Flip through the Idea Book online » Stamp of the Month: Home Sweet Home Home Is Where the Art Is! There’s no place like home, and the My Acrylix® Home Sweet Home stamp set captures that notion. Whether you are scrapbooking memories of home, creating home décor, or gifting for housewarming, this set of four stamps will help you express love at home. Add beauty all around with these sentiments, each one containing an appealing combination of fonts. Bring one home at the sweet price of $5 with your qualifying $50 order this month only! See the February 2013 Stamp of the Month » Digital Delights All Studio J® Layouts are $5 in February! The month of February is a digital delight! From February 1–28, 2013, all Studio J layouts will be $5!* That’s $1.95 savings per each two-page layout! It’s the perfect time to get clicking with ready-made Express Collections or customize layouts with embellishments, My Stickease® accents, and unique papers and color combinations of your own. If you’ve never tried Studio J before, what are you waiting for? You’ve taken the photos. Now keep the memories! *Shipping/handling applies. Studio J credits must be redeemed before this promotion can be applied. Offer valid February 1–28, 2013. Get started with Studio J » Join Me! Become a Close To My Heart Consultant If you love papercrafting, then why not become a Close To My Heart Independent Consultant like me? It’s a flexible career where you can do what you love, set your own hours, earn additional income, and teach new friends about the great papercrafting products offered at Close To My Heart. Sign up to join my Team! »                 Where you can find me: http://mrowley.ctmh.com http://mrowley.ctmh.com/retail http://www.facebook.com/EvergreenMemories http://www.EvergreenMemoriesAndArt.blogspot.com http://www.pinterest.com/michele21920

Catalog number Winner

Take a look at the number on the back of your Spring/Summer 2013 idea book for your catalog number.

If it matches the number selected, you have until Sunday, February 3 at 6 p.m. to contact me to win (drumroll please!)

$20 in select product credit from the new idea book!

and the winner is:

and if you didn’t win this time, put the an appointment on your calendar to look at this blog because your catalog number could be chosen next time.