That's Amore'! - December Stamp of the Month Blog Hop

If you have come here from Brae Montgomery'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 around. If you get lost along the way, you’ll find the complete list of participating consultants here. This month we have 63 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!

This month we are featuring "Amore'", a set of 13 stamps. This stamp set is perfect for Valentine-themed items and versatile enough to be used throughout the year!

I enjoyed incorporating the Magnifique paper packet with this stamp set, getting away for a minute from the typical "love" colors that also would have looked gorgeous with this stamp set.

Incorporating our white-core cardstock, I used our Embossing Stylus and Sanding Kit to create this striped texture to the Pacifica cardstock.  Difficult to see clearly in this photo, I also used our Blue & Green Sparkles Assortment to "bling" up the Pacifica heart and a piece of Chocolate ribbon and bow always finishes off creations nicely. 

As you can see in the image of the stamp set, I "omitted" the "love" in the "I love you" sentiment to be able to include the larger "love" image.  I did so by putting tape over the images I did not want to ink up and then removed it before stamping an image.  (This is a technique taught in an episode of CTMH TV.)

Now "Hop" on over to Wendy Coffman'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 December SOTM is only available until December 31, 2010! Contact me or click here to see how you can get this stamp set at a discount or even free! You can see some additional artwork using this stamp set by visiting my website.

Happy Hopping!

Tailgating at the World Series

My husband and I had a great time tailgating and hanging out before the first World Series game held in Arlington! We had hoped to get some tickets but didn't have luck there - buying tickets that weren't outrageously priced, that is!  But we did have some fun and took advantage of great photo opportunities so I'm sharing them here!  Luckily the Rangers won and it was fun being in the excitement of the event!

A photo of the stadium taken from where we tailgated.

A view of Cowboys' Stadium from where we tailgated.

Taken on our way towards the stadium.  Obviously it was a little windy but otherwise a beautiful day!

On our way back to the car - with a Six Flags roller coaster in the distance.

It's the November Stamp of the Month Blog Hop!

If you have come here from Adeline'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 aaround. If you get lost along the way, you’ll find the complete list of participating consultants here.  This month we have 63 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!

This month we are featuring "A Little Thanks", a set of 16 stamps.

I absolutely love the sentiments in this month's stamp set and who can't use a thank you card for someone's kind gesture?

I kept this card somewhat simple wanting to focus on the sentiment.  I used the Olivia paper packet, pewter brads and the GORGEOUS Flourishes Foundry Metal Accessories.  These accessories have been loved by all who have seen them in person so I suggest you include them on your next order! (Z1331 $4.95)  They are self-adhesive!

This card measures 4" x 4".  I took a standard-size envelope, sealed it and cut it into a square (4 1/4" x 4 1/4") so the card would fit inside.  Then I took a sheet of B&T paper, cut it to 4 1/4" x 1" and scored it at 1/4".  Then I folded it and corner-rounded the edges to finish off the envelope.  Of course, stamping another sentiment on the envelope makes for some beautiful and matching stationery.

Another item I made with this stamp set and paper packet was this cute "treat", perfect for place cards around the Thankgiving table.  To create this I used a resource CTMH Consultants have access to.  I took a sheet of cardstock to measure 3 1/4" x 8" and scored at 3 1/2" x 4 1/2".  I folded it and decorated it as desired inserting a lollipop bag filled with candy corn on the inside.  A piece of Cocoa ribbon covered the staple and finished it off nicely.

Now "Hop" on over to Cindy'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 November SOTM is only available until November 30, 2010!  Contact me or click here to see how you can get this stamp set at a discount or even free!  You can see some additional artwork using this stamp set by visiting my website.

Happy Hopping!

Trick-or-Treat!

One of my favorite holidays is Halloween because of the colors...Black, Gypsy (purple), Sunset (orange) and Pear (green).  (These are the names of our CTMH colors.) I love how these colors fit so nicely together and enjoy creating with them!  I have fallen in love with these little Hooligan monsters and will have to see how I can tie them into other occasions throughout the year.  But for the meantime, I'm going to give these little guys a rest.

Pamela O'Connor shared the pattern for this cute treat holder with me.  I made them as "goodies" for an event held here this week and enjoyed making them.  They can hold different variations of candy but I chose to fill them with Kit Kats.

I did adhere a velcro closure but forgot to take a picture of a finished one before I gave them away!

Here's wishing you and yours a safe and Happy Halloween!



Monday Night Football

I'm a big fan of football (college and pro), despite being married to a football coach.  This past Monday we attended the Monday Night Football game - Cowboys vs. Giants.  Unfortunately, the result was not what we had hoped for but we had a great time in any case!  Here are some pictures of the night's scenes!

I guess I'll keep him...

...for a little while longer at least.  :0)

Today I was surprised, at work, with this GORGEOUS bouquet of roses!  I don't think I've ever received roses this beautiful before!

My husband sent them to me, one for each year of my 12 years with CTMH!  It was a complete surprise when an office aide walked in with them.  Of course my students got a kick out of it, asking who they were from, and a few started singing, "Secret lover..."  What the heck?!  And they thought they were soooo funny!

He's a sweetie and always knows the perfect thing to do - most of the time!  LOL  He's a keeper!

Love Studio J

I am LOVIN' all the upgrades and additions to Studio J - some which are exclusive to members!  (I'll share more about the memberships after I show you my creations!)  I have debated about the photos I want to physically scrapbook and which I am willing to do through Studio J.  I have realized that no matter how much I enjoy creating layouts, time is always a factor, so I decided to start scrapbooking some memories that have taken place some time ago.  At least I'm getting them scrapbooked, right? 

These layouts are from last year's team retreat (March 2009) at the Lone Oak Ranch and Retreat in Gainesville, TX (just north of Denton).  We are having our second retreat there this coming February and I am already looking forward to it!

Both layouts highlight some of the wonderful friends who joined me there and there are more to come! 

Studio J Memberships were newly released and are a great investment for yourself or as a gift.  Studio J Members receive a 50% discount off purchases, free shipping one time each month, exclusive access to patterns and so much more!  A year-long Membership is just $99 and is well worth the benefits!  There is also a 3-month Membership option or a 5-pack - great to give as a gift.  If you would like to read additional information about Studio J click here or feel free to email me with questions.  Studio J is FREE to use so take a moment and check it out!  You just might like it!!!!

You Melt My Heart

Ahhhh... lol  I spent this weekend (or part of it) organizing some pre-made layouts with a mission to get some photos on them, if possible, and I was pretty successful.  I will be sharing several of my completions over the next few days so I hope you will check back often!

I made these Splendor layouts several months ago and hadn't had any photos I felt would fit on them...until now.  These photos were taken on my birthday weekend in mid-August.  My husband filled the weekend with lots of fun activities but I used these layouts to showcase some of the fun we had in one day - going to Dave & Buster's and the House of Blues.  I did not journal about all the details on these layouts because there are more to come!

Olivia Fall Cards

I meet with four wonderful women once a month where we create several cards and an extra goodie.  Yesterday, we met for October and created these cards using the Olivia paper packet.

Made with our Clear Cards as a base.

This is on a standard Colonial White card base.  I LOVE this saying! 

It's contained in "The Present" stamp set.

This card is created on one of our Circle Card bases. 

The "Gratitude" saying is from the November Stamp of the Month. 

Wait until you see all the fabulous sayings in that stamp set!

This is also on a standard-size Colonial White card base. 

I love this patterned paper on the right side of this card!  It's sooo pretty!

Happy 12th CTMH Anniversary tooo meeee!

It's hard to believe that 12 years ago today I become a Close To My Heart Consultant!  I could not have made a better decision and have enjoyed all the fun and benefits that come with being part of a fabulous company!  To commemorate some of what I have experienced with CTMH, I am sharing a layout made of our Director's Dinner held at Convention this past summer.  CTMH Directors always receive some fun perks throughout the year and at corporate events and this year was no different!

During our Convention in D.C. this summer we were taken (by cab - lol) to a boat dock off the Potomac River where our dinner boat was to depart.  Okay...so I have to fill you in on the taxi transportation.  We all met in the lobby of the hotel at the indicated time that evening but no buses arrived.  When they called to find out what was going on, it was determined that the charter bus company had not followed through with their commitment.  In an effort for us not to miss the boat's departure, the hotel staff solicited every taxicab nearby to transport us.  We jumped in a cab when it arrived and away we went!

The boat was called The Odyssey and we had a three-course dinner, with options, and enjoyed a fabulous atmosphere and heartfelt discussions.  I would not have not chosen to be anywhere else than there that evening.  We had a great time and it ended all too soon!

Here's to many more years with Close To My Heart!