Close to My Heart supplies on sale!

Take a look at the website for the updated, discounted supplies and retired products are available to you at phenomenal prices. Check back often to take advantage of these products that are offered while supplies last!

Also, if you are in the Bothell area and want to attend a Magic Monday scrapbook workshop, March 21st, 7:00 p.m. you are welcome to join us.  To prepare for the workshop, cut the papers for the Mystique layout pattern in the Magic book.  Bring your scraps, photos, and foam tape and we will assemble and embellish at the workshop.  My layouts are below...and don't be alarmed that mine are different than those in the book.  We will used the same paper to create the layouts. 

Hope you can join us!
Michele

March Stamp of the Month & Easter "Basket"

Target's $1 section is tempting to peruse and when they started caring Valentine items (the day after Christmas), I found these handled boxes.  Many of them had pre-printed hearts on them but I went through the bin and found a few that were white and kraft without any printing!  I struck gold!  How fun to alter them with our stamp of the month and create Easter Baskets. 

Take a look at what I created and then let me know if you want to make one,or maybe a couple, at my workshop on March 29th 7 p.m.  Workshop fee is $10 and includes a blending pen to take home for future projects.  Additional boxes without the blending pen are $5.  Looking for more of pink color?  Choose the option to create your project with the Sophia paper pack which you can see here.  Sign up by March 18th to reserve your space.

Using a kraft colored box, Miracle paper packet, Green Button Assortment, Kraft Borders and the March Stamp of the Month.

Here's another box that can be filled with goodies for an Easter gift.  This project was inspired by the talented Lisa Stenz and can be created at the workshop for $8 and also includes the blending pen.  Add some Easter grass in each side and a few chocolate eggs and you have a sweet surprise! 

I am back...well virtually!

After convention in DC, it has been a whirl wind of activity in the Rowley household.  And now, we find ourselves packing for our next adventure.  But, I wanted to at least leave you with some scheduled posts sharing some recent artwork and thoughts.  So first, a board book. 

This 6x6 board book is perfect for any mini album or "story" you want to share.  I created mine when it was still raining in Seattle and I was looking forward to some summer sun.  Thus, my title, Summer Wishes. I plan to put in photos of the experiences that have and will bring us sunshine this summer, even if the big yellow, warm, globe in the sky stays hidden.  The Splendor paper packet produces sunshine on the pages, even without the photos and the cute a-door-ables hide surprises yet to be discovered.  Enjoy the "tour" of this book.  If you are interested in a workshop to create a book, contact me.  Or, if you want the cutting guide, email me for the worksheet. 

A-door-able covered with B&T paper.

A-door-able covered with B&T paper.

A-door-able stamped with first and second generation stamp and then sponged with same colored ink.

This set of pages has an insert of a "short" page to add more space for photos. 

Back cover with a-door-able, stamped and photo clip added as a clasp.

Welcome Summer!

We have had some sunshine in the Great Northwest!  I am loving it and continue to get some of my "sun" from the Splendor paper packet.  Here's one card we are making for my workshop this weekend.  The little hedgehog is from the July stamp of the month.  Enjoy the sneak preview and I still have room in my Friday workshop if you want to join me. 

I have been working on layouts for the Splendor workshop June 25 & 26.  I have used these papers for a variety of themes and I am enjoying the versatility and bright colors!  I guess if we don't get summer in the weather this year, then I will have to get summer from my paper!  Let me know if you want to join us for the workshop. 

June 25th 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

June 25th 7:00 p.m. with open crop time 'til 11.
June 26th 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

View more artwork here.
Workshop options include the following:

Mini workshops:
Paper for 3 cards or 12x12 double page layout Fee: $5
RSVP by June 24th

Basic workshops:
Includes Splendor Paper packet ($12.95), Pizzazz Chipboard ($4.95), Designer Brads ($4.95) Make 6 12x12 double page layouts and have extra to use for future projects. RSVP by June 17th.
Best workshops:
Splendor workshop on the go kit, includes paper packet, exclusive stamp set, workshop guide with patterns, chipboard for a discount of $29.95. Add Designer Brads ($4.95) to top it off. Make 6 12x12 double page layouts or 12 cards with extra to use for future projects. RSVP by June 17th.

We interrupt this Jackpot June 3 for some more Cherry-O

My workshop weekend is coming up June 4th and 5th.  I have done 2 of the 3 layouts but needed a third to finish off the full workshop.  Well, in comes Studio J!  I had printed these photos but hadn't used them yet so I played with them in Studio J and created this layout!  Although I may print it in the future, I now am working on it with classic scrapbooking for my workshop.  And, since it was a birthday theme, I am looking forward to using the "Hey there Cupcake" stamp set to embellish and title the celebration.  Studio J, it can be used for planning too!  When I am finished, I will post my classic layout for you to see as well. 

I still have room in my "mini" workshop June 4th 9:30 a.m. and June 5th 6:30 p.m. and you can come make 3 cards or this layout for $5. 

I promised more Cherries...so here they are!

These are just some of the projects we will do at the workshops this weekend.  Can you join us?  There is still time to RSVP for the "mini" workshop:  3 cards for $5 or 2 page 12x12 layout for $5. 

The paper, stamps and embellishments are from the Cherry - O workshop on the go (G1008)!  This includes a full paper packet of 22 sheets of paper, Bowl of Cherries stamp set (not available individually), Tulip Mini Medley, and color, 6 page project guide.  All of this for $29.95 and available until August 31, 2010. 

Reliving the Mediterranean Cruise

In October of 2008, Jeff and I celebrated our 20th anniversary on a Mediterranean cruise which I earned through Close to My Heart.  When the company announced the trip, I knew I had to earn it!  It was an opportunity of a life time and to coincide with our anniversary was perfect.  While on my retreat last weekend, I was scrap booking some of the final photos we had taken.  Before I left, I was under the impression that I was almost done but 32 pages later, well, I am almost done, again! 

But, scrap booking these photos, brought me back to a event that was very meaningful for me.  I had worked very hard and earned something I was very excited about, both the cruise and 20 years of marriage!  In addition, my mom had passed away just two weeks prior to the cruise.  You can imagine I experienced all kinds of feelings on that trip.  As I continued to put the photos on the pages, share stories with my friends, and recognize the emotions, I was blessed once again by an experience that was over 18 months ago in time but with refreshed, fond memories.  Where are your memories?

As you might notice, many of the journaling spots on these and future pages I share about the cruise are blank.  I look forward to sitting down with Jeff and remembering and journaling together. 

This layout was created by a fellow cruiser from CTMH using the Vintage Travel paper packet.  Although this is now retired from our Idea Book, you can still use the paper for scrap booking through our Studio J online scrap booking.  Give it a try!

These pages were done in the new "Passages" My Reflections Kit (x7126B) featured in the summer idea book.  I have to admit, since I had done much of that album in the Vintage Travel paper, it was nice to use a different paper packet that coordinated so well.  I will be doing a workshop with this paper later this summer.  Here's my preview!

April is Anniversary Month!

In April I will celebrate the one year anniversary of this blog.  I have learned a lot over the months and know I have a lot more to learn but it has been great.  I hope you have enjoyed the year of Evergreen Memories Blog and will encourage your friends to visit too.

In April, I will also celebrate my eighth year as a consultant with CTMH.  Wow!  As I look back, I can't believe how far I have come.  I started with monthly crops with my friends, doing a workshops, building clubs, adding more gatherings, earning a cruise, and now a life filled with even more friends to crop with!  Each of you has helped me in one way or another to take the baby steps needed to get to this place.  I love what I do, and I love where I am going!  I hope you will continue to walk with me through this journey, as a friend!

Finally, anniversaries mean celebration.  I have lots of FUN  in store for this month of celebration (with the help of Close to My Heart!).  When reflecting about how I want to celebrate this milestone and what I want to accomplish as I move forward, I thought of you, my friends.  What I enjoy most about this "job" is sitting around the table, stamping, cutting, taping, and most of all sharing what is happening in our daily lives.  I love to hear your stories and felt heard by you when I share mine.  So, this month there will be time for that!  Lots of time!

TWO ALL DAY CROP and CRAFT

Friday April 30th and Saturday May 1st

I will divide these days into "sessions" only so we can maximize the table space and make room for all.
Friday Session 1:      9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Friday Session 2:      5:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Saturday Session 3:  10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Saturday Session 4:  4:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.

The crop time is free with a $30 purchase between April 15th and May 1st.  If you are a Reap the Rewards club member, this can serve as your May club order as well!  RSVP to join me for some friend time around the table.  You are welcome to come to one or more sessions, not necessarily consecutively.  If your sessions are consecutive, you are welcome to leave your table area set up. 

My stamp sets and inks will be available for your use.  I will have a select set of paper and embellishments for sale. 

The crockpots will be on with soup for lunches and dinners.  Bring bread or salad to share.

Workshop cards For Sultan Group

I am working with a couple of great ladies in Sultan to get a monthly workshop going.  We are meeting in the senior center on the third Tuesdays of the month.  I am starting with basic stamping, adding some two step stamping and then from there we will more forward trying new ways to use our stamps and supplies.  I am looking forward to our time together next week. 

A Little Everything, the stamp of the month for March, is a perfect beginning set and will work for many future cards and projects.  Here is what we will create. 

Supplies:  Veranda Paper pack, A Little Everything Stamp set, Just Blooms paper flowers, Colonial White Brads, Mini Sparkles

Supplies:  Perfect Day paper pack, A Little Everything stamp set, Just Blooms paper flowers, Filigree Charms, Colonial White grosgrain ribbon.

Caboodle paper pack, Month of April stamp set (retired), Sweet Leaf ribbon rounds. 

You Rock Workshop

This paper packet is a challenge for me.  I am not used to working with bright color and busy patterns.  But I like a challenge and I am pleased with the results.  The artwork and inspiration from many different consultants helped me to use something out of my comfort zone.  And, CTMH offers two sides to each patterned paper!  The opposite side is a monochromatic replica of the same pattern!  This worked for me!

If you are interested in joining me for these workshops on March 26th or 27th, email me by March 19th. 

Topstitch workshop coming up!

This weekend I will be offering a scrapbook and card workshop using Topstitch.  For $5, you can create a set of cards and this adorable butterfly basket or a double page layout, fully embellished!  There is still time to join us.  Friday, March 5 9:30 a.m., Saturday, March 6 6:30 p.m. and Sunday, March 7th 6:30 p.m.  If you are in the Seattle area and want to come, please email me so I can have a kit ready for you! 

I am looking forward to using these baskets for Easter decorations and May day gifts.  Come learn how simple they are to make!

Just needs a title and a bit of journaling.  As you can see, I used beach photos but other themes include Easter, baby girl, add more blue for baby boy.  What themes would you use?

Workshop on the Go Layouts

While Marissa was making cards, I was by her side making the layouts featured in the guide.  I substituted some textured cardstock that is on special this month. 

Workshops on the Go Testimonial

Last weekend I sat down to work on the cards and layouts from the Topstitch Workshop on the Go.  My 10 year old daughter was home and asked if she could help me.  I thought, why not, she has stamped with me before?  The workshop guide gives step by step directions and photos showing how to cut, stamp, and embellish to make the featured cards and layout.  So, I set her to work.  I cut the paper and gave her the pieces with the stamps, inks, and embellishments.  With the exception of a little cutting help, she did all three cards, stamping and embellishing, following the guide.  They turned out amazing!  Now if a 10 year old can do it, so can you. 

Try a workshop on the go for your next project.  For $29.95, you get 22 sheets of paper, cardstock and patterned paper, workshop guide, coordinating stamp set, and embellishments.  Bundled together, this saves you about 10%.  The workshops on the go are available for a limited time and change when a new idea book is released.  They are easy to pick up and take with you because all the supplies are included and any additional tools you need are listed in the guide.  Add photos and you are set! 

Here are the cards Marissa made and you can make too!
 

To order the Topstitch workshop on the go, use number G1005 on my website or contact me to include it in a group order. 

Veranda Scrapbook and Card Workshop

Join me "on the Veranda" for a fresh spring for scrapbooking and card making.  Workshop dates are Friday February 5th 9:30 a.m. & 7 p.m. or Saturday, February 6th at 6:30 p.m.  Your workshop options include:

1. Create three 12x12 double page layouts with extra paper to make more at home (kit price is 29.95 with the stamp set and 26.80 with out the stamp set)
2. Create one 12x12 double page layout ($5)
3. Create 12 notecards with plenty of paper to make more (the kit price is 29.95 with the stamp set and 21.85 without the stamp set)
4. Create 3 notecards ($5)

Contact me if you are interested in participating.  RSVP by January 28th so I can get the supplies for you!  These are samples of one of the layouts and 3 of the cards.  We will also be doing the layout "Isaac" that I posted on January 7th.