Monday, August 31, 2009

Blog Hop Tomorrow!

I am so excited to annouce the September Stamp of the Month blog hop starts tomorrow! There are almost 70 Close to my Heart consultants participating! In order to make sure the hop runs smoothly, I am testing out links to Terrie's blog, she will be the one visitors are coming from; and Jessica's blog, she will be the one you hop to after mine. I can't wait to see what all of these talented consultants come up with. So be sure to come back September 1st, and hop along. I'm sure you will be amazed at all the beautiful artwork you'll see. A big thanks to Jena for putting this together!



Here is the complete list of participants in case you get lost along the way or want to come back and continue the journey. Be sure to make the complete circle, so you don't miss any of the artwork. And, if you like what you see, make someone's day; leave a comment!



Jena DeVries http://www.livelovelaughscrapbook.blogspot.com/

Nona Davenport http://www.nonapearl.blogspot.com/

Katy Donaldson http://www.scrappinkaty.blogspot.com/

Cibele Glazer http://www.flowerfoot.blogspot.com/

Laura Dame http://www.thecroppersconnection.blogspot.com/

Lori Leng http://www.pinkcloudscrappers.blogspot.com/

Jamia Bankhead http://www.papermadnessinc.blogspot.com/

Melissa Laverty http://www.fancymelissa.blogspot.com/

Pamela OConnor http://www.cherishyourmemories.blogspot.com/

Sheila Bennett http://sheila-bennett.blogspot.com/

Adeline E. Brill http://adeline-brill.blogspot.com/

Wendy Kessler http://www.myscrapbookingblog.com/

Beth Naumann http://www.bethscreativeblock.blogspot.com/

Barbra Otten http://barbraotten.blogspot.com/

Terrie Dodd http://www.my-life-in-real-time.blogspot.com/

Judy Burger http://makingtimeformemories.blogspot.com/

Jessica Booth http://jessicabooth.blogspot.com/

Leisa Hubley http://www.bigredscraps.blogspot.com/

Helen Onulak http://www.hookedonstamping.com/

Debra Van Patten http://memoriesoftheheartbydeb.blogspot.com/

Juli Clark http://www.thestampteacher.blogspot.com/

Sarita Schraeder http://www.blessedscrapper.blogspot.com/

Michelle Robinson http://www.amaizenbluelady.typepad.com/

Maricar Harris http://www.maricarharris.blogspot.com/

Antoinette Herrin http://www.godblessyourart.blogspot.com/

Kathleen Androlewicz http://bowlofstamps.blogspot.com/

Cindy Leek http://www.paperspadsandpictures.blogspot.com/

Dawn Heuft http://www.stamptildawn.blogspot.com/

Barbara Harris http://www.paper-creations117.blogspot.com/

Alanna Moses http://www.damoses.blogspot.com/

Laurie Levnik http://www.creationsbylaurie.blogspot.com/

Tanya David http://www.scramperscorner.blogspot.com/

Karen Norman http://www.gettinscrappywithit.blogspot.com/

Jan Moxey http://scrapandstamp4ever.blogspot.com/

Tammy Lea Pinchard http://mycreativeclubhouse.blogspot.com/

Paige Dolecki http://www.paigespaperparadise.blogspot.com/

Kelly Triggs http://www.stampinallday.blogspot.com/

Sherry Thompson http://www.picturespatternsandpaper.blogspot.com/

Deb Young http://www.scrapbookczar.blogspot.com/

Nancy Ball http://www.ballisticdesign.blogspot.com/

Chris Shouse http://www.houseostamps.wordpress.com/

Dawn Ross http://www.iamahappystamper.blogspot.com/

Brae Montgomery http://thebrae-er.blogspot.com/

Laurie R Newton http://scrapsfromthebeach.blogspot.com/

Haley Dyer http://www.inkyscrapper.blogspot.com/

Carol Taggio http://craftycarol55.blogspot.com/

Amy McVey http://www.clearlystamping.blogspot.com/

Carla Ironside http://www.carlacreates.blogspot.com/

Jen Rubio http://www.jenrubio.blogspot.com/

Kristie Horness-Herdener http://www.goofyscrapper.blogspot.com/

Jill Lucas http://scrapwench.blogspot.com/

Wanda Riley http://www.creatingwithwanda.blogspot.com/

Miranda Kurz http://www.scrampinwithmiranda.com/

Jody Gustafson http://www.cre8nmemories.blogspot.com/

Susan Brooks http://www.stampingintheopen.blogspot.com/

Kami Welter http://www.scrappin4memories.blogspot.com/

Jennifer Patrick http://www.roxybonds-scrappin.blogspot.com/

Julia Menssen http://www.ralphandjulia.blogspot.com/

Shannon Pelletier http://www.mycolorfulworldinvt.blogspot.com/

Linda Shewchuk http://www.awesomememories.blogspot.com/

Brenda Harmless http://keepsakeswithheart.blogspot.com/

Donni Alvarenga http://www.donniscreativetherapy.blogspot.com/

Nancy Brown http://www.creativelyartsygallery.blogspot.com/

Traci Godbee http://createwithtraci.blogspot.com/

Pam Klassen http://eimmap.blogspot.com/

Lori Miller http://www.clearlyfromtheheart.blogspot.com/

Kimberly Smith http://verykimberry.blogspot.com/

Caren Goldsein http://www.scrappycaren.blogspot.com/

Misty Jackson http://www.misstscraps.blogspot.com/

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Stealing a Little Time to Play


I took a little time out this morning to make a friend this Bon Voyage card. Happy Sailing Carleen!

All products used are Close to my Heart. Stamp set is "New Horizons" which is going to retire this year.


With the start of a new school year underway, I sadly see my creative time slipping away. So, I will have to steal moments when I can. Add to that, the fact that my creative space is being taken over, due to family having to move in with us; and I am afraid my projects will have to take a back seat to the rest of the chaos going on around me. Oh well, this will just make my creative therapy sessions even more precious to me!
I hope everyone has a great weekend and be sure to steal a little time to play too!

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

An Early Start to the Celebration



In celebration of National Stamping Month, Close to my Heart has created a limited edition card kit. This kit contains: Everyday Celebration Stamp set (only available in this kit), 16 Colonial White card bases and envelopes, assorted paper, 2 mini ink pads, ribbon, foam squares, sponge, mini-medley accessories and instructional brochure.


There will be 3 ways to earn this great kit for free; one of which begins today! From now until September 30th, purchase a minimum of $60 in stamp sets (excluding stamp of the month, Art & Soul discounted products and custom stamps) and you will receive one of these great sets for free! The other parts of the promotion begin September 1st. So, be sure to come back for the details on that, at the end of August.

Monday, August 17, 2009

A Little Halloween Fun


I just received some of my new Close to my Heart products and just couldn't wait to use them. One of the stamp sets I got, is a new Halloween set called "Spellbound". For this weeks Unscripted Sketches 19 design, I used the Spellbound set, except for the moon. Even though Spellbound has one, I used the one from October Word Puzzle which is bigger. The tree, (which I love) bats and moon were all embossed. Other products used are: patterned paper, Pinecone Press and embossing powder from Sparkle and Sprinkle.


Well, the summer is over for me. Tomorrow I head back to work, so I won't get to play with the rest of my goodies for awhile. Oh well, that's what weekends are for I guess. : )

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Mojo Monday 99


I am so happy to have found the Mojo Monday blog. It is so much fun to take on these different challenges. If you haven't tried it, do so. At least, go and look at the beautiful artwork you will find for each weeks design.

For this card, I am again trying to use up my scraps. The design is Mojo Monday 99. All supplies are CTMH except embossing powder, which is from Sparkle and Sprinkle. Stamp set used is "Annotations".


Well, happy Hump day to all. I'm off to cram in as much papercrafting fun as I can before I have to go back to work! The summer has gone by way too fast!

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Unscripted Sketches #18


Last night, I got a chance to have some creative therapy time at my niece's house. Thanks, Meg! As much as I enjoy working on papercraft projects anytime, it is always so nice to be able to share the fun with others!

I worked on several little projects. This one is a card based on Unscripted Sketches Sketch it Saturdays # 18. I made this card using Close to my Heart's "Animal Cookies" paper and the "It's a Zoo" stamp set. Love this paper for all kinds of kids projects!

Friday, August 7, 2009

Another Product to Play With!

I had been hearing a lot about Flower Soft and have been wanting to see what the buzz is all about. Not having a local scrapbooking store close by, I didn't know when I would get the chance. So, I was very excited when I saw that they were going to be at the CHA show that I attended last weekend. I made sure to get to their Make and Take.

I really like this product! It is easy to use and gives a really unique look. If you haven't had the chance to try this, do so! I think you will really enjoy using it.

Here is the card I made at the show:


Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Mojo Monday 98

Today I decided to make a Christmas card using the Mojo Monday 98 sketch for inspiration.

The background paper is glossy cardstock with alcohol ink. I am just beginning to use the alcohol inks and have a very limited supply, but I thought these colors would be pretty on a Christmas card.
All the rest of the materials, except the ribbon are Close to my Heart. The poinsettia and corner stamps are from "Gift of Love" (C1291) and the scroll is from "Life's Creation" (D1304). They were all stamped with Versamark and embossed in gold.




Sunday, August 2, 2009

It's a Thanks-a-bration!






















Starting tomorrow August 3, Close To My Heart wants to do something special just for you!


How would you like to earn a free My Reflections Level 2 paper packet? Just place a minimum order of $100 and you will receive not only the August Stamp of the Month set, "It's Your Day", but also a free paper pack!* That's a total retail value of $39.90!


Ready for even more thanks? We will also cover the tax and shipping/handling on the free products!


Click here to place your order and be sure to act fast, because this Thanks-a-bration only lasts until August 17th!


To see some great ideas on using the August stamp of the month, be sure to check out the Blog Hop featured in the post below!


*Offer valid August 3 - 17th, 2009. Limit of one free paper packet and Stamp of the Month per qualifying order. No shipping/handling or tax on free items, but shipping/handling and tax will apply on the qualifying purchase. Free paper packet will be hand-selected for you by Close to my Heart.


Saturday, August 1, 2009

August SOTM Blog Hop

Welcome to our Stamp of the Month Blog Hop! This month we have over 60 Close To My Heart consultants sharing their creations using this month's SOTM and other great CTMH products on their blogs. We will be featuring August's SOTM, which is "It's Your Day", a set of 26 stamps. If you have come here from Leslie's Blog, you are on the right path! If this is your first stop, you may want to go back to Jena's Blog and start from the beginning! Either way, make sure to make the complete circle. You won't want to miss any of the beautiful creations these talented consultants have made!


This is simple to do - just click on the link at the end of the post on each blog to move to the next one. Here we go.....!





















This is what I call a box card, because it folds like you would fold the top of a box. I'm not sure if there is another name for this, but I thought it showcased this stamp set well. The closed card makes a 5 x 5 inch square, and unfolds to reveal the sentiment. It is hard to tell from the picture, but the squares with words, are trimmed with prisma glitter and the presents are decorated with black embossing powder that has prisma glitter added to it. The bows are also embossed.


I used Close to my Heart's wonderful textured cardstock in Black, White Daisy and Watermelon to make this card. I love that CTMH's textured cardstock is two-toned. It is wonderful for cards; giving you a lighter color for the inside of the card. Inks used are also Black and Watermelon.

Now "Hop" on over to Laurie's Blog to see her work! Be sure to visit all the Consultants at their Blogs to get some great crafting ideas and other fun ideas! Remember, the August SOTM is only available until 8/31/09! Contact your CTMH Consultant (or click here) to see how you can get this stamp set at a discount or even free!



If you get lost on the hop, or find links that aren't working, here is a complete list of all the participating consultant's blogs.

Jena DeVries http://www.livelovelaughscrapbook.blogspot.com/
Kristie Horness-Herdener http://www.goofyscrapper.blogspot.com/
Carla Ironside http://www.carlacreates.blogspot.com/
Deb Young http://www.scrapbookczar.blogspot.com/
Alanna Moses http://www.damoses.blogspot.com/
Paige Dolecki http://www.paigespaperparadise.blogspot.com/
Wendy Kessler http://www.myscrapbookingblog.com/
Heather Painchaud http://www.twindragonflydesigns.blogspot.com/
Helen Onulak http://www.hookedonstamping.com/
Barbra Otten http://barbraotten.blogspot.com/
Haley Dyer http://www.inkyscrapper.blogspot.com/
Nona Davenport http://www.nonapearl.blogspot.com/
Michelle Robinson http://www.amaizenbluelady.typepad.com/
Cindy Leek http://www.paperspadsandpictures.blogspot.com/
Melissa Laverty http://www.fancymelissa.blogspot.com/
Katy Donaldson http://www.scrappinkaty.blogspot.com/
Amy McVey http://www.clearlystamping.blogspot.com/
Tammy Lea Pinchard http://www.creativeimpressions-pinchme.blogspot.com/
Leslie Markland http://pandascrapper.blogspot.com/
Judy Burger http://makingtimeformemories.blogspot.com/
Laurie R Newton http://scrapsfromthebeach.blogspot.com/
Kami Welter http://www.scrappin4memories.blogspot.com/
Tracy Oleksak http://www.mamaolie.blogspot.com/
Karen Norman http://www.gettinscrappywithit.blogspot.com/
Chris Shouse http://www.houseostamps.wordpress.com/
Cibele Glazer http://www.flowerfoot.blogspot.com/
Debra Van Patten http://memoriesoftheheartbydeb.blogspot.com/
Terrie Dodd http://www.my-life-in-real-time.blogspot.com/
Jamia Bankhead http://www.papermadnessinc.blogspot.com/
Anne Beck http://www.anniemuses.blogspot.com/
Jennifer Patrick http://www.roxybonds-scrappin.blogspot.com/
Laurie Levnik http://www.creationsbylaurie.blogspot.com/
Lori Miller http://www.clearlyfromtheheart.blogspot.com/
Brae Montgomery http://thebrae-er.blogspot.com/
Dawn Ross http://www.iamahappystamper.blogspot.com/
Dawn Slipcevic http://dawnscrapsalot.blogspot.com/
Barbara Harris http://www.paper-creations117.blogspot.com/
Carol Taggio http://craftycarol55.blogspot.com/
Jill Lucas http://scrapwench.blogspot.com/
Chris Green http://www.createwithchris.blogspot.com/
Nancy Ball http://www.ballisticdesign.blogspot.com/
Dawn Heuft http://www.stamptildawn.blogspot.com/
Kelly Triggs http://www.stampinallday.blogspot.com/
Beth Naumann http://www.bethscreativeblock.blogspot.com/
Antoinette Herrin http://www.godblessyourart.blogspot.com/
Jessica Booth http://jessicabooth.blogspot.com/
Jen Rubio http://www.jenrubio.blogspot.com/
Misty Jackson http://www.misstscraps.blogspot.com/
Adeline E. Brill http://adeline-brill.blogspot.com/
Lori Leng http://www.pinkcloudscrappers.blogspot.com/
Pam Klassen http://eimmap.blogspot.com/
Pamela OConnor http://www.cherishyourmemories.blogspot.com/
Jennifer Royal http://www.craftroyalty.blogspot.com/
Caren Goldsein http://www.scrappycaren.blogspot.com/
Shannon Pelletier http://www.shannonmvt.blogspot.com/
Sherry Thompson http://www.picturespatternsandpaper.blogspot.com/
Maricar Harris http://www.maricarharris.blogspot.com/
Traci Godbee http://createwithtraci.blogspot.com/
Laura Dame http://www.thecroppersconnection.blogspot.com/
Miranda Kurz http://www.scrampinwithmiranda.com/
Leisa Hubley http://www.bigredscraps.blogspot.com/
Julia Menssen http://www.ralphandjulia.blogspot.com/
Jan Moxey http://scrapandstamp4ever.blogspot.com/
Jody Gustafson http://www.cre8nmemories.blogspot.com/