August Stamp of the Month Blog Hop!

Welcome to our Stamp of the Month Blog Hop! We are featuring the August Stamp of the Month (SOTM), "Wicked", a set of 9 images.

If you have come here from Traci's Blog you are on the right path! The blog hop is a great big circle, so you can start here and work your way all around. If you get lost along the way, you’ll find the complete list of participating consultants here.

This month we have approximately 61 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!

If you have been reading my blog much, you know I have loved our Clear Cards but I have a renewed love for them now because of Close To My Heart's exclusive Cricut cartridge, Art Philosophy!  I always wanted a more decorative card, using the Clear Card as my base, but didn't want to spend the additional time to create them as so.  With Art Philosophy...this dilemma is no more! 

By pushing one button on the Cricut, and adjusting the size to 4 1/4", I was able to cut this cute scallop background!  It took only as long as the Cricut cutting it!  Gotta love that!  I also used the Cricut to cut the 2" circle - no more Coluzzle or other "trying" cutting systems!  And...check out the cube "frame" around the saying... Yep!  You guessed it!  Cut from the Cricut!  I didn't have to worry about tracing a template, cutting neatly around it..  Again just a push of a couple of buttons and I was able to stamp this staying on it and use 3-D Foam Tape to attach it - for added dimension.

I am thrilled that this stamp set, which could be seen only as Halloween-themed, can be used for many other things as you see here.  Because I do not already own "Mischief", the paper pack that would coordinate with this stamp set, I solely used cardstock.  I stamped the "honeycomb" image in Black ink on Desert Sand cardstock and then stamped the cat in Black on Sunset cardstock.

But to add a more striking presence to the cat, I re-stamped the image using Versamark and then poured clear embossing powder and heat set it - for a glossy effect.  This may be difficult to see through the photo but it did add to the overall appeal.

Thanks for stopping by.  If you would like to check out my supply list and source of information, read below.  Otherwise, "hop" on over to Doreen'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 SOTM is only available until the end of July, 2011!

Artwork created based on the "Up in the Corner" card design in our "Wishes" how-to program.
 
Supply List:  Wicked SOTM (S1108), Z1686 Cricut Art Philosophy Collection (only available through CTMH Consultants), Black Ink, Versamark Ink Pad (Z891), Clear Detail Embossing Powder (Z821), Black Brad Buttons (Z1393), 3-D Foam Tape (Z1151), Cardstock colors - Barn Red, Black, Desert Sand & Sunset, Cricut.

Happy Hoppin',

Thankful for my "ears"...

Mickey ears, that is!

One of the events I have looked forward to, since becoming a Director with Close To My Heart, is being treated to dinner and some fun during our National Conventions.  This is just one of the perks of being a leader in this awesome company.

Upon arriving at this year's dinner, our places were reserved with Mickey ears which had been embroidered with our name!  I was so surprised to see such a cool "place card", completely fitting for the location of our Convention, Disneyland!  To accompany our "ears, we also had a beautiful, handmade card - decorated with rosettes made from our NEW exclusive Cricut Cartridge (stay tuned for more fun artwork made with it) - which contained our Twilight pass to California Adventure!  Being a junkie for amusement parks, I could not have been more happy. 

We were treated to a delicious dinner and dessert and then I met up with some friends and headed over to the park.  We had some time to play and then were to receive a VIP viewing of the "World of Color". So, off we went to play!  I was thrilled that all of us liked thrill-rides so we were sure to catch several of them!

My downline, Joy and I, with sportin' our Mickey ears.

Fellow Directors, Tiffany, Sharryl and Joy as we wait in line for the Little Mermaid.

Joy and Sharryl in their seashells, awaiting Ariel's adventure.

Sharryl and I became action figures for 2 minutes.

And then we met up with all other Directors for a rice krispy treat, shaped like Mickey - his ears dipped in chocolate, for the World of Color viewing.  It was phenomenal! 

Thanks to Close to My Heart for making this journey a wonderful one.  If you would like to become a Consultant and eventual Director with CTMH, I'd love to share the opportunity with you!  

Team Breakfast at Convention

There is no better place to kick off Convention with breakfast with my team members and friends!

Maria Elena, Karen, Melissa, Joy, Michelle, Grissell, Lulu, Tawnya, Cherri, Debi, Debbie, Sheila, Lisa & Marianne

We joined Thursday morning at the Tangoroa Terrace (Disneyland Hotel) for some fellowship in anticipation of the new Idea Book and product release to take place in a couple of hours!  We had a great time laughing and enjoying the good breakfast.  The highlight was Joy receiving THREE PLATES of scrambled eggs instead of three eggs!  We all found it quite comical. 

Here are some fun photos from the breakfast.

Grissell, Tawnya, & Cherri

Debi, Debbie & Sheila

Lisa, Maria Elena, & Marianne

Joy, Michelle & Grissell

Melissa, Joy, Maria Elena, & Michelle

Debi & Debbie sportin' their ears

Michelle, Grissell, Tawnya, Cherri & Lulu

Lulu & Marianne

Join us at Convention 2012, in Dallas, where we are sure to have a Texas-sized team celebration!  You have to be a team member to participate!  SIGN UP NOW!  :0) 

I am extremely blessed!

I have not posted since leaving for Convention for various reasons, all which have to do with numerous blessings - I was not sure what to share first!  :0)

I had a blessed and enjoyable time at Close To My Heart's annual Convention in Anaheim, enjoyed spending time with my family afterwards, and am looking forward to great things on the horizon with my family, my profession and my business!  I am thankful you are apart of my journey as a viewer of my blog.

Giving gifts is one of my joys of being a part of Close To My Heart, a company which allows me to make inexpensive, handmade gifts which are made from my heart.  This year I had the pleasure of making quite a few gifts for my team members, fitting for the theme of our Convention - "When You Wish".

This was a fun layout I made (there's were made with some modifications) but I had fun making this Minnie Mouse, out of the Cricut, to coordinate with our Convention colors.  (Oh!  Did I mention that Close To My Heart has a new and exclusive Cricut cartridge?!  It is totally awesome and I am awaiting the arrival of mine!  I will be sharing more on the Cricut in the next few days so watch for those details!)

Then, I found these cute acrylic crowns at GASC and figured they would make a cute goodie for my team members - as bag tags - also to coordinate with the event colors.

This was a fun make 'n take we made at GASC and I solely participated with the idea that it too would make a great treat for my team members and friends.  I used our scallop circle punch and circle punch to create the topper and one of my club members blessed me with Mickey Mouse image punch. 

These clear bags can be purchased from ClearBags.com and were super easy to fill (with the help of my Dad).  Thanks Dad!

I enjoyed distributing the team and friend goodies and appreciated the kind responses I received from all.  It was fun to put a smile on their face.  I do enjoy giving.

I am looking forward to a blessed and prosperous CTMH year!  Keep watching my blog for important campaigns, creative ideas and so much more!

Convention 2011 Bound!

I am California-bound attending this year's CTMH Convention in Anaheim, CA - specifically to be held at the Disneyland Hotel!

Tomorrow our Convention kicks off with Leadership Day - an opportunity for Managers and above to gain useful tips and information into training and leading our teams!  That evening we will attend team events and get ready to find out all the new products and policies CTMH has to unveil to us!

The first official day of Convention is one of the favorites as the new Idea Book is released and there are thousands of screaming women demonstrating their excitement for the new products. 

I'm looking forward to spending the rest of this week with my roomies/friends and family (my Mom is my downline and I'm rooming with she and my Dad during my stay).  I will provide updates as possible and look forward to sharing and celebrating this new CTMH year with you!

Gift card holder

I cannot believe I leave for Close To My Heart's 2011 Convention tomorrow morning!  I can't wait!  Every year it's a fabulous experience and I don't doubt that the same will be the case this year!

I have been working on some goodies for team members and roomies and will start releasing their photos during the week - after they are given to their recipients.  I don't want to spoil their surprise!  

When I went to the Great American Scrapbooking Convention in June, with some team members/friends, I purchased a pattern for this cute, sliding card holder.  I just couldn't pass it up and love how it works!  It's a gift for someone at Convention but I'm not revealing for who just yet!  

I used our Irresistable Dimensional Elements for the cover to coordinate with the Sophia paper pack.  I sponged the flower elements in Hollyhock, Blush and Pear.  I couldn't resist adding bling (Bitty Clear Sparkles) to the center of the flower.

There is a little slider opening on the small strip of paper that you see the gift card attached to.  It is held in place, to the back of the card, with a bigger brad - what allows it to slide in and out.  A ribbon provides a great "pull" for the surprise.

Give me some time and I will share detail on how you can create one of these holders from scratch.

20-Year Class Reunion (and stamped goodies)

So my blog is minus some CTMH artwork right now because I have been and am still preparing team and roomie gifts for Convention and those have to stay under wraps until next week!  :)  If I must say so myself...I am making some stinkin' cute things that I hope are a big hit with those who receive them!  I will share them starting next Thursday so watch for them then.

In the meantime, I wanted to share a some more photos from my class reunion which was held this past weekend.  This was a portion of the banquet room which was set up for our dinner/dance.

I made these simple treat boxes, filled with silver Hershey's Kisses (our school colors were navy blue, columbia blue, silver and white).  Years ago, when CTMH carried rubber stamps, I was inspired to get a wood-mounted stamp set made without our mascot (thanks to my Mom).  I used it as a simple focal point on the treat boxes and they really added to the place settings.

 The cake was scrumptious!  I don't know if and when I have ever had a cake that tasted that good - from the cake itself to the delicious frosting.  People bragged about it all night long - especially my hubby.

This is our foreign exchange student, Mette, who traveled all the way from Sweden to celebrate with us!

Me with two of my great friends, Marissa & Jodie.  I have lots of fond memories that include both of them.

Here's my hubby and I posing for a quick picture.  He was a huge help with the event and I and everyone who attended appreciated him. 

And here are the key components to the reunion's success - my dad, mom and sister!  

Relishing in the memories of celebrating two decades since our graduation and looking forward to the next time we all gather together.  I am blessed!

20-Year Class Reunion

I hosted my 20-year class reunion this past weekend in my hometown in New Mexico.  We had a great turnout with 67 classmates and their spouses, totaling approximately 120 people!  It was a great time had by all.

One of the things that generated some good laughs upon everyone's arrival was them seeing their Senior yearbook photo on their nametags.  All the girls had BIG, PERMED hair and the boys were mostly sporting a bow tie.  It was hilarious!

Me with my sister, Stephanie, who handled registration.

Hubby was in charge of t-shirt distribution.  The shirts came out NICE!

This is one of my best friends from elementary school, Jodie.  Gotta love her sense of humor and fun laugh!  She can always make me smile!  She is CRAZY!

Me with the "boys".  They are such a hoot and haven't changed a bit!

Tim had just registered.  He was a hoot, too!

We had a FABULOUS time (with more photos to be shared in the upcoming days)!  One of our foreign exchange students joined us from Denmark and others from New York, Nevada, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Oregon, Texas, New Mexico, and Colorado.