Creations by Laurie

Close to My Heart February Stamp of the Month Blog Hop...

2010-01-31T18:55:00.005-07:00

Welcome again to the Close to my Heart Stamp of the month Blog Hop. We have several talented ladies again this month ready to show off their talents with a really fun stamp set.

If you've come from Shirley's site you're on the right track.

I needed a gift bag for my daughter's friend and I thought this stamp set would be perfect for a bag and tissue.

I used Juniper, Tulip, Creme Brulee, and Sorbet.

Now hop on over to Laurie Newton's blog and see what wonderful and creative project she has waiting.

Close to My Heart January Stamp of the Month Blog Hop...

2009-12-31T18:57:00.005-07:00

Welcome to the January Close to my Heart Stamp of the Month Blog Hop. We've got several consultants ready to help you welcome 2010 with some great ideas featuring the stamp set True Friends.

So sit back and get ready for a great hop.

If you've come from Sarita's blog, you're on the right track.

My card features the paper pack Bella.

Now hop on over to Debra's Blog to continue on. A full list of participants can be found on Jena's blog.

December Stamp of the Month Blog Hop. . .

2009-11-30T18:30:00.005-07:00

Welcome to this month's Close to my Heart Stamp of the Month blog hop. This month's feature is the set "Notice the Details" it features 41 stamps and has an office feel to it. This set is available only until December 31. Click here to see how you can get this set for free.

If you've come from Maricar's blog you're on the right track. Sit back and enjoy the hop.

This stamp set reminded me of how crazy things can get this time of year, so I decided to show a little "chaos". I made this coaster to remind me to breathe and relax during this holiday season. I plan on keeping it on my desk year round to keep me focused and help ease the everyday stress.

I used paper from Sarsparilla, Honey, Blush, Cranberry, Black, and Crystal Blue inks and Baby Pink cardstock. I distressed all pieces with Bamboo ink.

Now hop on over to Carla's Blog for more creative ideas using this stamp set.

November Stamp of the Month Blog Hop. . .

2009-10-31T23:51:00.006-06:00

Welcome to the Close to my Heart November Stamp of the Month Blog Hop. This month's stamp set is Around the Block and features 26 awesome stamps. If you've come from Cindy's Blog www.paperpadsandpictures.blogspot.com you're on the right track.

Sit back and enjoying hopping along and looking at all the wonderful artwork.

Now hop on over to Krista's blog http://www.kristaritskes-simplycreating.blogspot.com/ to continue on.

If you get lost along the way the full list of participants can be found here: http://www.livelovelaughscrapbook.blogspot.com/

October Stamp of the Month Blog Hop . . .

2009-10-01T00:01:00.001-06:00

Welcome once again to the Close to my Heart consultant's Stamp of the Month blog hop. If you've come from Shannon's blog - http://www.mycolorfulworldinvt.blogspot.com/, you're on the right track.

This month's hop features the October Stamp of the Month "Holiday Warmth" This set of 11 stamps is purfect for the upcoming holiday season.

Grab a cup of coffee or tea and get ready to enjoy some fabulous creations.

This 2 page layout uses That's Amore paper, Chocolate, Blush, and Tulip inks, Blush, Chocolate, and Vanilla Cream Cardstock. Chocolate Ribbon Rounds.

Now hop on over to Caren's blog - http://www.scrappycaren.blogspot.com/ for even more creative ideas.

Here's a list of participants in case you get lost along the way.

ROUND 3
Judy Burger - http://makingtimeformemories.blogspot.com/
Paige Dolecki - http://www.paigespaperparadise.blogspot.com/
Nancy Ball - http://www.ballisticdesign.blogspot.com/
Adeline E. Brill - http://adeline-brill.blogspot.com/
Cindy Leek - http://www.paperspadsandpictures.blogspot.com/
Carol Taggio - http://craftycarol55.blogspot.com/
Jody Gustafson - http://www.cre8nmemories.blogspot.com/
Wanda Riley - http://www.creatingwithwanda.blogspot.com/
Jill Lucas - http://scrapwench.blogspot.com/
Susan Brooks - http://www.stampingintheopen.blogspot.com/
Dawn Heuft - http://www.stamptildawn.blogspot.com/
Shannon Pelletier - http://www.mycolorfulworldinvt.blogspot.com/
Laurie Levnik - http://www.creationsbylaurie.blogspot.com/
Caren Goldsein - http://www.scrappycaren.blogspot.com/
Brenda Harmless - http://keepsakeswithheart.blogspot.com/
Amy McVey - http://www.clearlystamping.blogspot.com/
Traci Godbee - http://createwithtraci.blogspot.com/
Maricar Harris - http://www.maricarharris.blogspot.com/
Pam Klassen - http://eimmap.blogspot.com/
Misty Jackson - http://www.misstscraps.blogspot.com/>

If these talented ladies aren't enough inspiration for you check out the other 2 groups for this month's hop.

Group 1 begins with Jena's blog http://www.livelovelaughscrapbook.blogspot.com/
Group 2 begins here with Debra's blog http://memoriesoftheheartbydeb.blogspot.com/

If you get lost any where along the way you can find you way by clicking the link to the complete list on Jena's blog http://livelovelaughscrapbook.blogspot.com/2009/09/blog-hop-lists.html

Enjoy and have fun . . .

October Stamp of the Month Blog Hop is Coming . . .

2009-09-29T08:00:00.001-06:00

Good morning Peeps.

The Close to my Heart October Stamp of the Month blog hop is just around the corner. The hop starts at 12:01am, Thursday, October 1, 2009. Stop on by as soon as you can and take a look at the great artwork from a group of very talented Close to my Heart consultants.

See you thursday . . .

September Stamp of the Month Blog Hop. . .

2009-09-01T00:01:00.001-06:00

Welcome everyone to yet another great Close to my Heart Stamp of the Month blog hop. If you've come from Alanna's Blog http://www.damoses.blogspot.com/ you're on the right track.

This month's feature is the awesome stamp set "Treasures". This stamp set features 13 stamps in a fun and whimsical motif perfect for the beginning of those crisp autumn days.

So sit back, relax and browse through stunning artwork from over 60 Close to my Heart consultants.

First up is my tribute to the stunning sunsets and cool auntumn breezes we have here in Colorado:

This card features Sunny Yellow, Sorbet, Tulip, Heavenly Blue, and Black inks. I punched a 1" circle from scrap paper, used repositionable adhesive to create the "sun" mask. I adhered it to a 5X5 piece of Colonial White cardstock. I then sponged Sunny Yellow in the upper right hand corner over the mask until I got the desired color. Using Sorbet ink, I sponged over the Sunny Yellow and brought it out on the paper. I took Tulip ink and sponged again covering some of the sorbet and Sunny Yellow. I sponged Heavenly Blue in the bottom left corner and along the left and bottom sides just to get the effect of sky. I stamped the images in Black and then sponged the edges in Black to give a complete look. I removed the "sun" mask and sponged Sunny Yellow over the circle and blended it into the original yellow. I matted it on Tulip, Black, and Sorbet paper. The ribbon in Sunflower organdy ribbon.

This card was inspired by the wonderful tutorials by Michelle Zindorf you can check out her great tutorials here: http://zindorf.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/tutorials-ive-written/

Now "Hop" on over to Tanya's Blog http://www.scramperscorner.blogspot.com/ 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, this SOTM is only available until September 30, 2009! 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, click HERE for a complete list of participating blogs.

September SOTM Blog Hop participants. . .

2009-08-31T23:52:00.003-06:00

Below is the complete list of consultants in September's Stamp of the Month Blog Hop.

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 Jacksonhttp://www.misstscraps.blogspot.com/

August Stamp of the Month Blog Hop. . .

2009-08-01T00:28:00.000-06:00

I've finally got this re-done.

Sorry for the delay. . .

Welcome to the Close to my Heart, August Stamp of the Month BLOG HOP!!!!! We are featuring the "It's Your Day" stamp set. This great set contains 26 stamps. I know WOW! 26 stamps. If you have come here from Jennifer Patrick's blog http://www.roxybonds-scrappin.blogspot.com/, you are on the right path! If this is your first stop, you may want to go back to Jena's blog: http://www.livelovelaughscrapbook.blogspot.com/ and start from the beginning! This month we have 64 Close To My Heart Consultants sharing their creations using this Stamp of the Month and other great CTMH products on their blogs. 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!

Ready...Set...Go!

For this card, I tried another technique from Technique Junkies. The background was created using the Zig Zag technique from the Aug/Sept 09 issue, please visit their website to learn how to get the full instructions: http://www.techniquejunkies.com/ It looks just like party streamers, so fun and festive. Paper: White Daisy, Sunflower, Dutch Blue, Tulip, and Clover Meadow cardstock and Animal Cookies patterned paper Inks: Sunflower, Dutch Blue, Tulip, and Clover Meadow Twill Ribbon, Cranberry Sparkles (retired), and the itty bitty Clear Sparkles.

Close up of "bling"

Now "Hop" on over to Lori's Blog: http://www.clearlyfromtheheart.blogspot.com/ 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 August 31st! Visit my website: http://www.creationsbylaurie.myctmh.com/ to see how you can get this stamp set at a discount or even free!

Here's a list of all the participants in case a link is broken or you get lost along the way. Enjoy. . .

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.mycolorfulworldinvt.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/

August Stamp of the month Blog Hop

2009-08-01T00:25:00.000-06:00

Everyone, I'm trying to get my post up. I have it scheduled and it never posted and I can't seem to get it to post at all. I'm working on redoing it so I can post. I'm sorry for the bad link. Please check back in about 10 minutes.

July Stamp of the Month Blog Hop. . .

2009-06-30T22:04:00.000-06:00

Welcome to the Close to my Heart July Stamp of the Month BLOG HOP!!!!!

We are featuring the "You've Got Flair" stamp set, which contains 8 stamps. If you have come here from Amy McVey's blog http://www.clearlystamping.blogspot.com/, you are on the right path! If this is your first stop, you may want to go back to Jena's blog: http://www.livelovelaughscrapbook.blogspot.com/ and start from the beginning!

This month we have 43 Close To My Heart Consultants sharing their creations using this month's SOTM and other great CTMH products on their blogs. 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!

I arranged all 8 stamps from the set on the 4.5 X 6.5 block to make one image. The full image was stamped 6 times (in the Summer Carnival colors) on 4 1/4 X 5 1/2 pieces of White Daisy cardstock. I trimed the cardstock and layered. The idea came from Technique Junkies, the Pyramid technique June/July 09 issue, please visit their website to learn how to get the full instructions: http://www.techniquejunkies.com/

Paper: White Daisy cardstock
Inks: Holiday Red, Orange, Sunny Yellow, Clover Meadow, Star Spangled Blue, and Hydrangea.

Now "Hop" on over to Jena's Blog: http://www.livelovelaughscrapbook.blogspot.com/ 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 July SOTM is only available until July 31st! Visit my website: http://www.creationsbylaurie.myctmh.com/ to see how you can get this stamp set at a discount or even free!

Here's another project inspired by the Pierced Spotlight technique from the February/March 09 newsletter. I had a lot of fun creating both these cards.

While I still had the stamps arranged on the block I stamped one more time in Black ink on

White Daisy cardstock. I colored the image with Cranberry, Star Spangled Blue, Sunflower, New England Ivy, and Grey Wool markers. I would recomend a lighter shade of grey, but my Grey Flannel marker was dried out, so I had to go with the darker.

Here's a list of all the participants in case a link is broken. Enjoy. . .

Jena Devries
http://www.livelovelaughscrapbook.blogspot.com/
Wendy Kessler
http://www.myscrapbookingblog.com/
Sherry Thompson
http://www.picturespatternsandpaper.blogspot.com/
Dawn Heuft
http://www.stamptildawn.blogspot.com/
Brae Montgomery
http://thebrae-er.blogspot.com/
Melissa Laverty
http://www.fancymelissa.blogspot.com/
Karen Norman
http://www.gettinscrappywithit.blogspot.com/
Deb Young
http://www.scrapbookczar.blogspot.com/
Adeline E. Brill
http://adeline-brill.blogspot.com/
Tammy Lea Pinchard
http://www.creativeimpressions-pinchme.blogspot.com/
Jen Rubio
http://www.jenrubio.blogspot.com/
Cibele Glazer
http://www.flowerfoot.blogspot.com/
Laurie R Newton
http://scrapsfromthebeach.blogspot.com/
Kami Welter
http://www.scrappin4memories.blogspot.com/
Helen Onulak
http://www.hookedonstamping.com/
Sarita Schraeder
http://www.blessedscrapper.blogspot.com/
Chris Shouse
http://www.houseostamps.wordpress.com/
Paige Dolecki
http://www.paigespaperparadise.blogspot.com/
Dawn Ross
http://www.iamahappystamper.blogspot.com/
Jamia Bankhead
http://www.papermadnessinc.blogspot.com/
Nona Davenport
http://www.nonapearl.blogspot.com/
Haley Dyer
http://www.inkyscrapper.blogspot.com/
Misty Jackson
http://www.misstscraps.blogspot.com/
Jennifer Patrick
http://www.roxybonds-scrappin.blogspot.com/
Carla Ironside
http://www.carlacreates.blogspot.com/
Jody Gustafson
http://www.cre8nmemories.blogspot.com/
Heather Painchaud
http://www.twindragonflydesigns.blogspot.com/
Julia Menssen
http://www.ralphandjulia.blogspot.com/
Lori Miller
http://www.clearlyfromtheheart.blogspot.com/
Pamela OConnor
http://www.cherishyourmemories.blogspot.com/
Reba Poquette
http://www.thedirtyscramper.blogspot.com/
Anne Beck
http://www.anniemuses.blogspot.com
Shannon Pelletier
http://www.shannonmvt.blogspot.com/
Caren Goldsein
http://www.scrappycaren.blogspot.com/
Jan Moxey
http://scrapandstamp4ever.blogspot.com/
Kristie Horness-Herdener
http://www.goofyscrapper.blogspot.com/
Alanna Moses
http://www.damoses.blogspot.com/
Leslie Markland
http://pandascrapper.blogspot.com/
Barbra Otten
http://barbraotten.blogspot.com/
Traci Godbee
http://createwithtraci.blogspot.com/
Jill Lucas
http://scrapwench.blogspot.com/
Amy McVey
http://www.clearlystamping.blogspot.com/

Blog Hop Sneak Peak. . .

2009-06-30T09:00:00.000-06:00

I hope everyone is getting ready for tomorrow's blog hop. I know I can't wait to see what everyone has created. I decided to post a small sneak peak of mine.

Come back at 12:01am, July 1st to begin hopping, of course if you can't be here then, stop by when you can and check out all the great creations for this stamp set.

Blog Hopping. . .

2009-06-28T01:07:00.000-06:00

OK, I know I've been MIA for quit a few month's, but am ready to start posting some new stuff. I decided to join a blog hop with several other Close to my Heart consultants to get my creative juices flowing again.

The blog hop begins at 12:01am mountain daylight time. Please join myself and 43 other Close to my Heart consultants for some great artwork and creative ideas. In order to make the hop run smoothly, I’m testing out links to Amy's Blog, www.clearlystamping.blogspot.com She’ll be the one that visitors are coming from and Jena's Blog, www.livelovelaughscrapbook.blogspot.com she’ll be the one that you’ll jump to after mine. I can’t wait to see what everyone comes up with!

So come back on July 1st for the hop and check out all the creative ideas using the July Stamp of the Month from Close to my Heart!!!

I'm Still Here. . .

2009-01-27T13:04:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, so sorry for the long delay in posting. I got a tad overwhelmed during the holidays and truely apologize for not completing the 25 days of Christmas and the 61 days of inspiration. I will be posting again regularly, I have some new ideas running through my mind, I just need a little more time to get organized and start creating again. New Year, New Plan.

Please check back again, I hope to have things rolling again starting February 1st.

Hugs. . .

Day Forty Three. . .

2008-12-15T23:58:00.001-07:00

This is one of my favorite cards. I love the color combination and the vintage feel. All supplies are Close to my Heart. The colors are New England Ivy, Barn Red, and Goldrush. The Stamps are from the the My Acrylix Stamp Set Vintage Christmas.

Day Forty Two (Brrrrrr it's cold here). . .

2008-12-15T23:47:00.000-07:00

As I sit here posting, the temperature keeps dropping outside. Right now my Vista weather gadget is telling me it's minus 4 outside. I really think it's colder. Denver broke a record Monday morning with a low of minus 19, the previous record was set back in 1901. It's been terribly cold all day, perfect weather for hot chocolate or my favorite a Starbuck's Egg Nog Latte. This card gives you the warm feeling needed for cold nights like this. I can almost smell the egg nog. All supplies are Close to my Heart.

Enjoy!

Day Forty One Embellishments. . .

2008-12-15T23:37:00.000-07:00

Here's a card we made at one of my workshops. The hostess wanted a birthday card that could be for anyone, so I borrowed the idea for the "fish" from a fellow consultant and a catchy phrase for this fun, embellished card. All supplies are from Close to my Heart. I used Just Blooms White Daisy paper flowers dyed with Sunflower reinker and a Sunflower Bigger Brad for the sun, Heavenly Blue cardstock for the "sky", Ocean cardstock torn into "waves" for the ocean, Autumn Terracotta Photo Clips and brads and Ogandy ribbon for the fish. Everyone had fun with this card.

Day Forty. . .

2008-12-15T23:10:00.001-07:00

Here's a nice little wall hanging to display some favorite Holiday pictures. It's 3 6 X 6 pieces of cardstock held together with twill ribbon. All supplies are from Close to my Heart.

Day Thirty Nine. . .

2008-12-15T22:39:00.000-07:00

Here's a cute tag book I made for a friend at work. Her grandson was born December (her birthday too). I'm going to give her this to take with her at Christmas when she goes to visit so she can put her favorite photos in. I used a paper pack I got at Michael's a while ago, it was on clearance for $2.00 and has 6 sheets of paper, a bunch of die cuts, and some stickers. They all have glitter on them so they're nice and sparkly, and a tag book from Close to my Heart. I have enough supplies left over for another book or two. These tag books are great for your scraps too.

The tag book is a perfect size for pictures, 4 1/4 X 7 1/4. This one only took me an hour to complete.

Day Thirty Eight. . .

2008-12-10T21:36:00.000-07:00

Cute clips! I used Close to my Heart's Creative clips to make these. They're perfect for scrapbook pages and cards. Just decorate them with paper, ribbons, embellishments, etc. They would make a great gift for that scrapbooker friend or loved one.

Day Thirty Seven. . .

2008-12-10T21:14:00.001-07:00

I'm slowly catching back up. Here's a great idea for a cute brag book. I used Close to my Heart's tag book, Sonata Paper pack, and miscellaneous stamp sets.

Can You Say THERAPY!!!

2008-12-10T20:47:00.000-07:00

OK, so I really do think I need some kind of professional help. Last night while shopping for Christmas presents, I was at Best Buy (kids want video games) perusing the video game selection when I turned down the isle for the Nintendo DS and what did I find. . .

A Hello Kitty backpack for my DS. Yes I have a Nintendo DS and it's pink, what other color would it be? I didn't even hesitate I grabbed it and put it in my buggy. Isn't it cute? Hello Kitty is even holding a pink DS. I know you can't see them very well in this picture, but those are two Hello Kitty games. I found the Game Boy Advanced game at Game Stop a month or so ago, it's called Hello Kitty Happy Party Pals and the other is the new Hello Kitty Daily for the DS I bought on Black Friday.

Here's a better picture of the games.

I love my pink DS, it's even pink on the inside.

Day Thirty Six. . .

2008-12-09T22:26:00.001-07:00

Here's another quick gift idea using 4 inch square coasters.

I made this again at one of Miranda's events. It's so cute and bright. It's three 4 inch coasters covered with Close to my Heart background and texture paper from the Whoops a Daisy paper pack, some stamped images, and miscellaneous embellishments. The coasters are held together with small pieces of ribbon. Wouldn't this make a great gift with some pictures on it?

Day Thirty Five. . .

2008-12-09T22:07:00.000-07:00

Once again I've fallen behind in the creative posts. I was gone all weekend for a unit retreat for some Close to my Heart Colorado consultants. I had planned on posting, but after a day of creating and fun, I was just tired. My friend Miranda and I stayed at the hotel where the meeting was held. We did stay up later than we should've talking and laughing and acting like teenagers at a slumber party. Here's one of the items we created, an altered paint can. Miranda taught the creative project. The idea is to take an plain paint can (found in any hardware store) and add paper and embellishments to it to make it anything you want. Miranda's example was a "goal" can where she can put her goals for her Close to my Heart business for the next year. I made mine into a cane where my kids and I can add ideas of things to do inside when it's cold and snowy outside. These would make a great way to wrap a present too. Miranda suggested using them for a holder for a gift card.

Enjoy. . .

Day Thirty Four. . .

2008-12-04T22:05:00.000-07:00

Since the New Year is almost upon us, here's a cute idea for a calendar to give to family and friends.

I have to give credit to my friend Miranda again. She had a workshop for these, or was it one of her catalog reveals? Check out her creative ideas on her blog: www.scrampinwithmiranda.com She's got 25 days of Christmas going on right now so check out some of her nice gift ideas.

See you tomorrow. . .

Beautiful Sunset. . .

2008-12-03T22:24:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to share these pictures I took of a sunset a few weeks ago. They're just too pretty not to share. Enjoy. . .

Day Thirty Three (yeah current again). . .

2008-12-03T21:48:00.000-07:00

With the season of gift giving upon us, who couldn't use Thank You cards. Here're 3 of my favorites.

All supplies are from Close to my Heart.

Countdown to Christmas Day Three. . .

2008-12-03T21:39:00.000-07:00

Here's the next gift idea on a budget.

How's this for thrifty. I found this paper frame at the dollar store, it's nice and sturdy made of think cardboard. I just cut out another frame from my paper pack, wrapped it with the floss to give it a little more pizazz, and cut some of the patterns from the left over paper to give it a more 3D look. If you look close, you'll see I cut the center a little large, at first I thought I would have to use another sheet of paper (and waste this one), but when I laid it on the frame it actually gave the illusion of a matte, so I left it. Sometimes mistakes work out better than you think.

Day Thirty Two. . .

2008-12-03T21:28:00.001-07:00

Why not make those special people who love to read a hand made bookmark? These are very quick and easy and they look great sticking out the top of a book.

The other side

I took giant paper clips found in the office suppy section at Wal-Mart and attached various sizes of Prima Flowers to them. I layered the flowers first (glued them together with a little bit of Liquid Glass from Close to my Heart) I put a small bling flower gem in the centers. I put a glue dot on the back of each flower, put the paper clip in the center of one flower and stuck the other one to the back. So simple, yet so pretty. Make a little garden of your own. Why not trying them on skewers in a flower pot? Watch for that one ater one.

Day Thirty One. . .

2008-12-03T21:11:00.001-07:00

So I'm almost caught back up. Today's creative idea is another set of cards. This set uses the Sarsaparilla paper pack from Close to my Heart.

I also used Wishes booking set from Summer 2008 and Spot on Backgrounds My Acrylix Stamp set.

Count Down to Christmas Day Two. . .

2008-12-02T23:02:00.000-07:00

Here's the second installment of gifts on a budget. A cute little card and tag box.

Here's a thrifty tip, instead of buying the expensive little jars of flowers at your local scrapbook store, try the flower section at the dollar store. I bought a stem of flowers for $1.00 and it had 24 large flowers (some LSS packs only have 15 in them for 4 times the price). I just pulled them off the stems and pulled the centers out so they would lay flat. I'm using the same paper from the 1/2 priced pad I got at Hobby Lobby, a 1/2 price pack of white 12 X 12, my dollar store flower find, and the off white floss I bought.

The flower centers were punched with a regular hole punch from the office supply store I've had for years.

Here's the link to the box pattern: http://tracysstampinschool.wordpress.com/2008/06/19/stationery-box-tutorial/

Enjoy. . .

Day Thirty. . .

2008-12-02T22:42:00.000-07:00

Here's a cute little album made with a True Fit Folio from Close to my Heart.

I used the Silhouette Creative Basics paper pack. For the embellishments, I used Star Struck My Acrylix Stamp Set, Taffy, Parchment and Watermelon inks and cardstock. For the tags I used Taffy, Parchment, and Colonial White cardstock. I also used Black photo hangers and Taffy organdy ribbon from the Spring Harmony Ribbons rounds for the tags.

Day Twenty Nine Using Pictures on your Cards. . .

2008-12-02T22:20:00.000-07:00

Here's the next creative idea, using pictures on your cards. I got this idea from the Paper Craft magazine issue Paper Crafting with Photos. I got the photo from Paper Crafts website, but I can't find it now that CK has taken over.

You can really use any picture. This one was in color, I turned it black and white and printe it out on Close to my Heart's textured White Daisy cardstock to give a linen look.

Have fun with your photos. . .

Count Down to Christmas Day One. . .

2008-12-01T23:49:00.001-07:00

Along with my 61 days of creative ideas, I'm going to share with you 24 gifts you can make on a budget. With the economy tight these days, every penny helps, so I'm going to give you home made gift ideas using things you have around the house and patterns from the internet. If you do need to purchase anything, paper, adhesive, ribbon, etc, watch for sales, and get things that co-ordinate to make the most of your purchases. The items I'm going to use for the projects were about $20.

Here's the before:

and the after:

I used a peanut butter jar and about 2 sheets of paper, and embroidery floss to create some tags and the jar to put them in. Who can't use gift tags? I saved all my scraps to use on another project. The whole project took me about half an hour.

Tune in tomorrow for another thrifty idea as we count down to Christmas.

Blog Candy Winner. . .

2008-12-01T23:44:00.001-07:00

I want to thank everyone who sent in their creations using premade cards for my blog candy giveaway. My first blog candy winner is Stella in Florida. She's the lucky recipient of a Close to my Heart gift pacakge. Watch your mail Stella, your goodies went out today.

Here's Stella's card idea:

Office Decorations. . .

2008-12-01T23:25:00.000-07:00

The Friday after Thanksgiving, my kids and mother joined me in my office in downtown Denver to help me with the Christmas decorations. Here's the pictures of my office ready for Christmas.

Wreath made from 12 X 12 Hello Kitty paper. Instructions here: www.activitytv.tv under the origami section. Watch the video.

The stocking was purchased from Target.

The tree and some of the ornaments are from Target, the other ornaments are from a store in Park Meadows Mall called St. Nick's. The plush Hello Kitty was made at Build-A-Bear a couple years ago, and the little lunch tin has Hello Kitty Pez dispensers in it. I found that at Michael's.

My supervisor told me I needed therapy, I think he might be right. :-)

Day Twenty Eight. . .

2008-12-01T23:16:00.000-07:00

Here are two cards using the same papers, stamps, and bling. I created the one on the bottom for a workshop and the one on the top is the creation of one of my customers.

Day Twenty Seven Get the Kids Involved. . .

2008-12-01T22:57:00.001-07:00

I gave my daughter this cute little circle album from Close to my Heart and in a couple hours she created this really cute Friend book. Get your kids involved you never know what inspiration they'll come up with.

Day Twenty Six Catching Up. . .

2008-12-01T22:44:00.000-07:00

Boy, where does the time go, I just got caught up and then I fell behind again. Here's a new creative idea for my 61 days.

This idea came from my friend Miranda. I created this at one of her workshops. it's a really quick and easy gift. It's made from a 4" coaster (you can find these at your favorite restraunt, just ask, they'll usually give you a few), a sticky note pad, a binder clip from the office supply store (covered with a small scrap of paper), some ribbon, a 4 X 4 piece of paper, and some stickers or stamped images.

Quick and easy. These are great for your office co workers.

Behind again. . .

2008-11-30T22:40:00.000-07:00

To my loyal viewers, I'm sorry I've fallen behind again. I promise we'll be back on track beginning Monday and I'll announce the winner from the blog candy giveaway and I have something new for December. So come back tomorrow for all new creative ideas and exciting new stuff for December.

Day Twenty Five back on track. . .

2008-11-25T21:52:00.000-07:00

Finally back on track. I borrowed this card from my dear friend Miranda. She created this one using the June Stamp of the month from Close to my Heart. I love the colors she chose for this card. Thanks for today's creative idea Miranda!

Day Twenty Four almost there. . .

2008-11-25T21:38:00.000-07:00

OK, so in keeping with the blog candy theme of embellishing simple craft store cards, I went a step further and decorated these Michael's 1$ bin nesting boxes. I just added some paper and ribbon and wha lah, a cute set of gift boxes ready for use.

Day Twenty Three a bit late. . .

2008-11-25T21:30:00.001-07:00

Here's the last card we created for the card workshop. My hostess wanted a "turkey" card so this is what I came up with.

All supplies are Close to my Heart. I cut all the pieces with my Cricut and George cartridge. My guests loved this cute little turkey.

I'm getting there. . .

Day Twenty Two really late. . .

2008-11-25T21:17:00.000-07:00

I didn't have time today at work to post, imagine they actually wanted me to work, what's up with that. So here's a couple more of the cards from my card workshop last Saturday.

All supplies are Close to my Heart. I used the same stamp set for all the cards. I just used different colors and made party hats instead of Christmas Trees. These really show the versility of Close to my Heart stamps.

Next day comming up. . .

Blog Candy continues. . .

2008-11-24T23:22:00.000-07:00

I promised a picture of the blog candy give away and just can't get it to upload, so I will tell you what's in the give away with a picture hopefully to follow tomorrow. As stated earlier, the prize will include an assortment of embellishments from Close to my Heart, these will include Just Blooms Paper Flowers, Bigger Brads, Ribbon Rounds, Rub-on's, and of course a stamp set, With Love.

So submit your ideas by Friday and enter to win this fabulous gift package.

Computer Issues. . .

2008-11-24T23:16:00.001-07:00

Gotta love technology!!! I'm having difficulty uploading pictures to my blog so I'm going to try tomorrow at work. I know I'm behind on my creative idea for the day and I promise I will have the days that're missing uploaded tomorrow. Hopefully the rest will go smoothly from home. I have four days off from work and plan to spend at least one day doing nothing but creating and trying the projects I've got listed to do. So stay tunned for more creative ideas and a new "special" coming December 1st.

Day Twenty One. . .

2008-11-21T23:16:00.001-07:00

OK, finally here's two of the five cards we're making at my card workshop tomorrow and tonight's creative idea.

I created two of each card to show the versility of Close to my Heart's new double sided background and texture papers. My customers will only get to make one card and they can decide which side to use.

Hope these inspire your creativity. . .

It's Finally Here. . .

2008-11-21T22:56:00.000-07:00

So I've been waiting patiently for a month or so for the new Hello Kitty Big Shot machine from Sizzix to be available. Well, it was available on Sizzix.com a couple weeks ago and I ordered it that night, it finally arrived this past Tuesday, but I hadn't had a chance to actually play with it until tonight. Of course, I had to take pictures of my new little toy. For those who aren't Hello Kitty crazed, here's some pictures of it.

I love it!! I tried out the Sizzix Texturz plates and my Cuttlebug embossing folders, everything works great. The Sizzix Texturz plates aren't as deep an emboss as the Cuttlebug folders, but I really like them. The Cuttlebug folders actually tore my paper, maybe because they're designed for the Cuttlebug machine. I also didn't run the wax paper over the paper before I ran it through (I think I read that somewhere on the net, just like what you do with the traditional brass stencels). Will have to try that next time.

Yeah Me!!!!!

2008-11-21T22:53:00.000-07:00

I'm all set for my card workshop tomorrow. I can't believe I've actually got everything done and it's not 2:00am. Maybe I'll actually have a chance to do something creative tonight. I'll post a couple of the cards that we're making tomorrow for tonight's creative idea.

Day Twenty. . .

2008-11-20T23:00:00.000-07:00

With my card workshop this Sat, I've still got things that need to be done, so I'm posting another card for today's creative idea. I really like this card. It's nice and bright. it's perfect for that someone special. All supplies are from Close to my Heart.

I hope to find some "me" time this weekend to try some of the projects I've put on the back burner the last month or so.

So until tomorrow. . .

Blog Candy Update. . .

2008-11-20T22:50:00.000-07:00

I think I might have confused everyone with the blog candy "rules". The winner will be drawn at random. I just wanted to see how everyone did with the idea of embellishing "premade" cards. So send your great cards in to be entered in the random drawing.

THIS JUST IN. . .

2008-11-19T22:33:00.000-07:00

Creations by Laurie is announcing the first official blog candy give away. From now until Black Friday you can enter to win an assortment of Close to my Heart embellishments and a My Acrylix stamp set. Entering is easy, just create a card as outlined below and submit it to me. That's it. How easy is that. Please note that a picture of the winning entry will be posted on my blog.

Rules:

Take a premade card you can purchase at any craft store, these are the type that are designed on the front with little or no embellishments. Then you take a few minutes and add some ribbon, flowers, brads, and bling. You can stamp a sentiment to add to it if wanted. Post here with a link to the card and recipe (please include your email so I can contact you if you win), or email me at welajo@aol.com with your creation and recipe attached, type BLOG CANDY in the subject line. Please include the brand of the card you use.

I will have a picture of the candy tomorrow night.

Good Luck. . .

Day Nineteen. . .

2008-11-19T21:48:00.000-07:00

Today's idea doesn't include a picture, I actually "borrowed" the idea from my good friend Miranda (check her blog out: http://www.scrampinwithmiranda.com/). She got the idea from another blog by Erin G
( http://inkysmiles.blogspot.com/2008/10/five-minute-cards.html) The idea is to take a premade card you can purchase at any craft store, these are the type that are designed on the front with little or no embellishments. Then you take a few minutes and add some ribbon, flowers, brads, and bling. Stamp a sentiment to add to it and wha lah, the handmade look without alot of time. At this busy time of year who couldn't use some quick and easy crafting.

I'd love to see what you do with this idea, so I'm offering up some blog candy for this one. The way to play is simple, create a card using this simple plan and post here with a link to the card and recipe (please include your email so I can contact you if you win), or email me at welajo@aol.com with your creation and recipe attached, type BLOG CANDY in the subject line. I will draw one lucky winner from all entries. I'm leaving this open until "Black Friday" (the day after Thanksgiving). This lucky winner will receive an assortment of embellishments and a My Acrylix stamp set from Close to my Heart.

So get creating and have fun. . .

New Tree. . .

2008-11-19T15:24:00.000-07:00

OK, so I found out you could change the look of the countdown tree I have on the right side. They didn't offer pink anything (how rude) so I went with the closest color, red. I used silver to accent it. I think it looks pretty good for not being pink.

Day Eighteen. . .

2008-11-18T22:52:00.000-07:00

Here're are a couple cards I did for a worshop back in June. The supplies are all Close to my Heart. The flower stems are from the June stamp of the month (currently unavailable). I also used Just Blooms paper flowers attached with Black Bitty Brads, White grosgrain ribbon, and Flower Dimensional Element.

See you tomorrow. . .

Day Seventeen. . .

2008-11-17T21:16:00.001-07:00

So with a Christmas card workshop coming up, I'm in the Christmas mood. I decided on this card because it's one of my favorites. I love the non traditional colors and this Stamp set is one of my favorites.

All supplies are from Close to my Heart. Stamp set is Magical Season, Paper pack is Simple Pleasures, Cocoa Ribbon Rounds.

Have Fun. . .

Day Sixteen. . .

2008-11-16T22:59:00.000-07:00

Today's idea is a travel journal I made for our trip this year to Idaho. I used 9 X 12 white envelopes form the office supply store. I folded them in half and decorated them with Close to my Heart's Rustic Trail paper pack and Stickease. I used the Alphabet Solos for the title. I left the flaps of the envelopes open to store keepsakes from the trip and bound it together with my Bind it All. I journaled the events of each day. I still need to add the pictures I took, but thought I'd post it anyway. These little books can be used to record your family's holiday journey and would make great Christmas gifts.

Enjoy. . .

Day Fifteen-Late. . .

2008-11-16T11:58:00.000-07:00

Sorry this is a day late, I was so tired after getting home from my son's play, I feel asleep without posting. So here's a creative idea for yesterday.

This cute little Easter card was made with an old retired Close to my Heart wood stamp set and retired papers. I actually found the idea for it in a catalog from 2000 or 2001. It was very quixck and easy.

Until later. . .

Day Fourteen. . .

2008-11-15T00:01:00.000-07:00

I know a little behind again. Tonight was opening night for my son's play, Willy Wonka Junior. He plays one of the grandpa's, how cute is that. So here's the creative idea for today.

All supplies are from Close to my Heart

Day Thirteen. . .

2008-11-13T23:35:00.001-07:00

Here's the latest in my 61 Days of Inspiration line. . .

I made this cute little box for prizes/gifts for my gathering guests. I used all Close to my Heart supplies, including the box. I took the box that the Close to my Heart distressing kit comes in and decorated it with papers from the Whooops a Daisy paper pack. I added Dimensional Elements colored with co-ordinating markers and covered some with paper. I added organdy and grosgrain ribbons to the handle for an extra touch.

I hope this inspires you to alter your own box.

See you tomorrow. . .

Day Twelve. . .

2008-11-12T23:29:00.000-07:00

Here's a cute little desk set for today's creative boost.

I made the frame and pencil holder from 4 inch coasters. All other supplies are from Close to my Heart. More to Adore paper pack, white Just Blooms paper flowers died with Hollyhock and Blush re-inkers, Chocolate ribbon rounds, Chocolate and Baby Pink Bigger Brads, Chocolate, Hollyhock, and Baby Pink brads, and Silver Hinges. I used Liguid Glass to hold the pencil holder together as the ribbon is mainly decorative.

Day Eleven. . .

2008-11-11T22:32:00.000-07:00

Good Evening. Here's the next installment for my 61 days of creativity. Yes it's another a card.

This was made using all Close to my Heart supplies.

Day Ten. . .

2008-11-10T23:00:00.000-07:00

How about a tag for today. I made this one using Close to my Heart's Good Times paper pack. I'm not a huge fan of this particular pack, but I "made" myself step out of my comfort zone. It's hard to see, but there's a small hole below the arrow and a "wheel" inside. This allows you to pick the date you want in the circle.

Other supplies are Twilight and Sweet Leaf Sassy Strands, Chocolate Organdy ribbon, Buttercup, Sweet Leaf, and Twilight cardstock, Chocolate ink, Star Struck My Acrylix stamp set, Today's Date My Acrylix stamp set (currently unavailable), Chocolate Accents from Mini Medley, additional brad for the wheel "spoke"

Enjoy!!!

Day Eight. . .

2008-11-09T22:41:00.000-07:00

Here's today's creative idea. I hope you're not getting tired of cards. I promise there will be more variety in the up coming weeks. I have a bunch of projects to try,just need to find some more time.

I hope you enjoy this one.

All supplies are Close to my Heart. Lovely Daisy My Acrylix stamp set, Cranberry, Topiary, Sunny Yellow, and Star Spangled Blue cardstock and inks, Topiasry brads.

Until tomorrow. . .

Day Eight. . .

2008-11-09T01:18:00.000-07:00

Here's the card for today.

All items are Close to my Heart.

What a day. . .

2008-11-09T00:54:00.000-07:00

Before I post the creative idea for the 8th I have to tell you about my day. First thing this morning I took my car to get some new tires for winter, so while that was being done I came back home to begin the "building" of the new loft style beds I bought for my kids. We first had to go to the mattress store to get new mattresses, who knew there were so many. Well, then it was back home again to start getting the huge bed boxes out of the living room, but before I could even start, I needed to remove the ceiling fan from my son's room so he wouldn't bump his head on it since the loft bed sits only a couple feet from the ceiling.

OK, I've never done anything like this before, so I read the directions that came with the fixture and checked out DIY network dot com to make sure I connected the wires right. After the power was shut off in the room I began disassembling the ceiling fan, that was a lot more work than I thought it would be. After I finally got it down it was time to connect the new wires. I got them connected and attached the little plastic cap thingies (wirenuts), put the new fixture up, turn the power back on and hit the switch. No sparks, no smoke, no hissing, so I guess I did it right. I'm so proud of myself for taking on this challenge.

My daughter and I started on her bed, there were a ton of pieces for this thing it came in two boxes and according to the website it weighed 300 pounds. I had these beds shipped across the country from New York, I just couldn't find what I wanted locally in Denver. After we got most of the pieces out it was time to get the car. After picking up the car we stopped at The Blackeyed Pea for dinner. We finally made it home again and got right to work. Well, 6 hours later, we have most of Jordan's bed up and the futon chair that goes with it done. There's still some more to do on hers and then we'll start over on Wesley's.

So I will post the creative idea for today in the next post and pictures of the beds after they're up.

Day Seven. . .

2008-11-08T00:22:00.000-07:00

I know, I know, it's technically the 8th, but here's the idea for the 7th.

I liked the card tin I posted earlier, so I made another with a different color scheme. All products are Close to my Heart. Silhouette aper pack, Dimensional Elements Classic Alphabet (no longer available), Black ribbon rounds, Holiday buttons.

You can add some ribbon to the handle for a more embellished look.

Have a great crafting day. . .

Day Six. . .

2008-11-06T23:04:00.000-07:00

Good evening everyone. I'm sorry again that this is so late, I've had a crazy week. My son is in a producton of Willy Wonka and has been at practice every night until 6:00, so it's taking a bit longer to get "home" stuff done so I can play and post.

I decided on a fall color themed card tonight, since the weather here is starting to cool off and you can feel fall in the air.

All supplies are from Close to my Heart. Paper is from the retiring Best Friends Forever paper pack, Goldrush and Hollyhock cardstock and ink, Outdoor Denim ink, Garden Green brad, and Rustic Flowers My Acrylix stamp set.

This sketch is from my dear friend Miranda. I attended one of her workshops and we made a card similar to this one, I loved the idea so I copied it here with different papers and colors. Thanks Miranda!!

Happy Fall!!

Day Five. . .

2008-11-05T22:38:00.000-07:00

Here's another card I made using Originals Card Confidence Program from Close to my Heart. This book makes it so easy to create cards quickly, all the dimensions are listed for every piece as well as the steps to create the card.

Enjoy. . .

The paper is from The Paper Studio, flowers are Prima, brads are from Close to my Heart.

See you tomorrow. . .

Day Four. . .

2008-11-04T23:20:00.000-07:00

Here's today's creative idea.

This cute lunchbox tin has been altered using all Close to my Heart products. I used the Paper Garden paper pack, Just Blooms paper flowers and leaves, Polka Dot Blush Grosgrain Ribbon, and Dimensional Element letters colored with co-ordinating CTMH Markers. The tin was purchased at JoAnn's by my good friend and fellow CTMH consultant Miranda.

Happy Crafting. . .

Day Three. . .

2008-11-03T22:07:00.000-07:00

Here's today's idea.

I created this card using Paper Studio patterned paper, cardstock, ribbon, and acrylic ribbon slide from Close to my Heart, Flowers from Prima, buttons unknown. The sketch came from the Originals Card Confidence book from Close to my Heart. I love this book, so many wonderful sketches and ideas for your cards. As you can see they work with any supplies you have.

Tune in tomorrow for the next idea and Happy Creating. . .

Day Two. . .

2008-11-02T19:31:00.000-07:00

As promised, here's the second installment for my 61 days of ideas.

This cute tag was made with Close to my Heart products. The animal stamps are from the July 2008 Stamp of the Month (currently unavailable), Lazy Days of Summer paper pack, Black Bitty brads, Garden Green brads, pewter spiral clip, Garden Green grosgrain ribbon, Crystal Blue, Garden Green, and Lilac Mist Sassy Strands, Colonial White Bigger Brad, Twill Ribbon, Black Hemp, and google eyes.

Enjoy!

Day One. . .

2008-11-02T01:02:00.000-06:00

OK, so it's after midnight, but I wanted to post the first project in the 61 days of ideas. I know Christmas is still weeks away, but I bought some really pretty paper today at Hobby Lobby and wanted to use it. So here are the 2 cards I made with some of my new paper.
The "new" paper is the white patterned one from Paper Studio. It's hard to see but it's got Santa and trees on it. The red and green papers are retired Cranberry and Pnderosa Pine Background and Texture paper from Close to my Heart, flowers are from Prima, and the epoxy stickers are from Michael's dollar bin. I used a sketch from Split Coast Stampers for this one. Here's the link to the sketches: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=41

Check back again tomorrow for the next bit of inspiration.

61 Days of Ideas. . .

2008-11-01T23:53:00.000-06:00

OK, so I've decided that from today, November 1, through the end of the year I will post a project of some sort for inspiration. It could be a card, an altered item, a layout, who knows, but it will be something fun and hopefully inspiring. I will also be announcing a give away of blog candy (haven't yet thought out all those details, but it will be posted within the next week).

Check back often for more ideas and the details on how to win the blog candy.

More Birthday Presents. . .

2008-10-28T22:45:00.001-06:00

My good friend Miranda (also a Close to my Heart consultant) stopped by last night and had a birthday gift for me. I was so touched. Miranda and I have become close thanks to our love of paper crafting, scrapbooking, and stamping. We have the same upline in CTMH and met at a unit meeting a couple years ago. We just hit it off immediately. We also live close to each other so we get together as often as we can to "play".

Miranda is a very talented paper artist, check out her blog http://www.scrampinwithmiranda.blogspot.com/ for some of her creations. I check it almost everyday, watching for more artwork.

Oh, what did she get me you ask. . .

Hello Kitty stuff of course and look at the beautiful card she made me, I told you she was talented. Thank you Miranda for my gifts and making me smile.

Happy Birthday to Me. . .

2008-10-28T22:00:00.000-06:00

So yesterday was my 40th birthday, wow 40, just doesn't seem possible, but I guess it is since the year on my birth certificate says 1968. One exciting note about my birth date is that I share it with one of my favorite singers from the 80's Simon LeBon lead singer of Duran Duran. Yes I'm a child of the 80's, love the 80's will always love the 80's. Not only do we share the same date, but Simon is exactly 10 years older than me, how cool is that, so happy 50th birthday Simon! So I bought an awesome present for myself, ok several presents for myself. As you may have read in my profile I'm a Hello Kitty nut so I bought myself. . .

Yep all the Hello Kitty Sizzix dies that my local JoAnn's had available. I got a deal too, they were 40% off, can't beat that. I only have the original Sizzix machine so I need to still get a machine to run the Bigz dies through. I read that Ellison was making a Hello Kitty machine as well, I'm hoping that it'll be the Big Shot, so I will continue to wait. I also have on my list the two Hello Kitty cartridges for the Cricut, they aren't due out until November so I have to be patient for a little longer.

Make it From Your Heart recipes. . .

2008-10-20T20:08:00.000-06:00

OK, I know I promised these a while ago, but things got crazy. Here's the website for the "Love Notes" box I entered in the contest. I found it on Craft TV Weekly. The link is below.

http://sbl.tvweekly.com/player.php?71467b97be8dcde8371b9753267d50eey1807

I used envelopes from the value pack of cards from Close to my Heart. Close to my Heart Cranberry Grosgrain ribbon, Close to my Heart My Acrylix stamp sets, Beary Much, Love of my Life, Sweet Love, Vintage Valentine, All my Love, and Silhouette Paper Packet. I punched my rectangles out using my Sizzix and the rectangle die. For a complete list of supplies, please visit http://www.closetomyheart.com/featured_artwork.aspx

The embellisment box was a small box I found at Hobby Lobby, I used the type with the hole already cut out of the center. I just decorated it with Sarsaparilla level 2 paper pack from Close to my Heart. I stamped the verse with My Acrylix Tiny Typewriter stamp set form Close to my Heart and added a few embellishments.

Enjoy

I know it's been a while. . .

2008-10-20T19:47:00.000-06:00

I know I haven't posted anything for a couple weeks, work has been crazy, life has just been crazy. Here's some pictures of a project I did with my sister. It's a cute little Rolodex using Serendipity from last year's Heart of Winter promo. I think she sent hers in for the contest, but sadly didn't win.

Hope you enjoy them.

The one that didn't quite make it. . .

2008-10-04T01:00:00.000-06:00

Here's my 3rd entry for the Make it From your Heart contest. I submitted this one for May since it was national scrapbooking month, I thought these would be cute gifts for the scrapbookers I know. I'll post the recipe tomorrow, I wanted to get the pictures up before heading off to bed.

The tag reads "In Case of Scrapbooking Emergency Break Glass" Inside the box are some embellishments.

Enjoy!!!

Another Make it from Your Heart Contest Winner. . .

2008-10-04T00:07:00.000-06:00

Here's my second entry for the Make it from your Heart contest. I sent this in for February's contest. This was the second thing I'd ever entered for the contest so you can imagine how thrilled I was when I won 1st place again. I will post the directions for creating this cute little box in another post. Here're the pictures for this winner.

Finally Some Art

2008-10-03T23:17:00.000-06:00

Hey all,

OK, so things have been a bit crazy the last couple weeks, but I finally sat down and got these pictures loaded. This is a wreath I created for Close To My Heart's make it from your heart contest for consultant's last December. I was so excited when I found out I'd won first place, it was first entry ever for a contest and it was so exciting.

I found the instructions on this website: http://www.activitytv.tv/ under the origami section. Watch the video, it makes it easy to understand. I used 6X6 squares for mine. Enjoy!!!

Art and Soul is HERE!!!!!

2008-09-18T23:02:00.000-06:00

I am so excited about Art and Soul, the new crafting show created by Close To My Heart!

Art and Soul airs on my website every other Tuesday. You can view the programs whenever it's convenient for you. Each episode is 15 – 20 minutes long. There will be a new episode every two weeks.

Art and Soul has been created to teach tips and techniques while showcasing Close To My Heart’s amazing products. Each episode will feature at least one project that is completed from beginning to end and you’ll be able to download printable instructions and recipes for the projects. You’ll also have a chance to buy the items featured if you choose at a discount of approximately 20%.

The first episode features the new memory keeper box and the lovely "Notebook" paper packet. This would make a great gift!

Watch the first episode NOW!

Never Forget...

2008-09-11T12:55:00.000-06:00

I wanted to take a moment out of my day to remember those that lost their lives 7 years ago today. I've been listening to patriotic music and just reflecting on my feelings 7 years ago. Feelings of disbelief and horror. I work in downtown Denver and we were allowed to go home around 10:00 am when they started evacuating the taller skyscrapers. It was like rush hour that morning, I've never seen so much traffic on the roads. I sat in front of the TV, as I'm sure most everyone did that day, for hours still not able to believe what I was seeing. I will never forget.

My Mosaics

2008-09-08T20:40:00.000-06:00

As promised, here are the pictures of the two mosaic projects I did at the YMCA camp this past weekend. I had never done a mosaic before so I think they turned out pretty good. The hardest part was trying to figure out what to do. I decided on the heart box to use at my Close to my Heart gatherings, maybe as a prize box, or as a "hat" to draw the winner of door prizes. I have no idea what I'm going to use the tray for, my daughter has asked if she could have it, not sure if I want her to have it just yet, it was a lot of work and I want to enjoy the fruits of my labor before handing it off to her. I still need to paint them, as you can see on the tray I got a little of the black grout on the edge. I figure when it's painted it'll look great. I encourage you to try something new, even something you're not sure about, I had fun and am already looking for the next mosaic project I can do.

See you soon

I've had Enough Nature

2008-09-08T10:30:00.000-06:00

I spent the weekend at the YMCA camp in Estes Park, Colorado and I have to tell you, I'm not an out door person. I'd much rather be inside crafting or playing on the internet. We all tried our hand at archery it wasn't as hard as I thought it would be and for my first time I did really well, we each got 3 arrows per "turn" and I hit the target all three times, one was very close to a bull's eye too. Everyone in the group was shocked when I told them this was the first time I'd ever shot a bow and arrow. Although my kids and I had fun doing the various activities, a scavenger hunt, miniature golf, walking around the camp area, and of course shopping. My daughter took a horseback ride, I've riden once and don't care for it so my son and I hung out while she was gone. I was sure ready to come home yesterday. While there I did manage to spend a couple hours crafting in their craft center. I tried my hand at mosaics which I'd never done before, I think they turned out well for the first try. I'll post pictures later. That's all I have for now. See you soon.

I took the Plunge!!!

2008-09-04T20:22:00.000-06:00

OK, so I took the cue from my friend Miranda and decided to try blogging. I'm not sure what I want to accomplish with this blog other than I'd like a place that I can share my ideas and creations with the world or just rant.

I hope you check back often as I hope to update at least once a week to start, but given that I'm on the computer most nights it'll probably more than that.

See you soon