Christmas in...September?!

Sure!  Why not?!

I cannot believe I created 15 Christmas cards today while watching some college football.  While I still need to make some more before December 25th arrives, it's a great start!  I think this is the first time I have ever had this nice of a head start and it feels good!  Why not join me?

These were the card samples as designed by designers at Close To My Heart.

I made 15 cards - five each of three designs - using our Frosted Workshops On the Go Card Kit (shown below).  I did switch out Olive cardstock for Cotton Candy cardstock and really like the results; just a nice and different twist.

Here are the three cards I created..  I used the guide provided with the kit and followed it almost to a "T".  It was nice not having to think but just create.

The Frosted Card Kit is just $24.95 - that's just $1.66 a card - and you still have supplies left over to make additional cards if you choose.  What a deal and who on your Christmas card list would not enjoy a handmade card from you?

If you would like to purchase a kit of your own, please visit my website.  The card kit can be found by clicking here. Let me know if you have any questions.

Merry Christmas!  (Well...kinda of!)

New Product Showcase

Team members and fellow Consultant-friends are joining me in an effort to share some artwork made with some of Close To My Heart's newest products!  Our newest Idea Book (Fall/Winter 2013 issue) just went "live" on August 1st and we are excited to share some artwork creations where we have incorporated them.

You will see thumbnails of their creations below and can click on their links to see what goodies they have in store for you!  Please leave a comment as artwork catches your attention.  We are glad you are joining us! 

Yep!  You guessed it! I have used the Laughing Lola paper packet once again!  I just could not resist in using it to create a greeting card!  

One of the coordinating stamp sets that goes with this paper packet is "Paisley Perfect".  I thought this saying was too cute and wanted to use it.  I used two of the smaller paisley patterns to random stamp the White piece of cardstock where the saying is stamped.  It made the white paper not be so stark in contrast to the rest of the paper.

I also incorporated some new bling we have in the Mini Black Medley Collection.  It has some fun new sequins, and I added a little bling to the center.  Of course, the Silver Shimmer Trim had to be added before it was all said and done.

I really like the color combination contained in this paper packet.  Laughing Lola purple and Laughing Lola blue have really caught my attention, especially in this beautiful paisley pattern.  I just cannot get enough of this paper!  

Check out the online Idea Book to see what other fabulous products we have for YOU and have fun checking out the other artwork below!

Have a blessed week!

Ombré Technique

So...if you are like me and have no idea what an Ombre' Technique is, that is one reason to watch this video!  I have seen the technique and this design throughout our world but had no idea it had a special name.  I would have just called it "blended letters".  LOL  But...it is TOO COOL and so easy to do.  

Grab some popcorn, maybe a notepad, and then have some fun trying out this fun technique!  One day this coming week I will incorporate the technique into one of my creations and share my artwork.  

If you need any of the supplies used in the video, feel free to buy them from me!  This month you can get this stamp set FREE when you place just a $50 order!  How awesome is that?!  AND it is so adorable!!!!!

Praying you are enjoying a wonderful Sunday and be sure to check back tomorrow when there will be some fun artwork shown, made by some Consultant friends, that will highlight new products!  See you then!

New Product BLOG HOP

I am excited to participate in this fabulous opportunity to showcase artwork made with Close To My Heart's newest products.  (See the bottom of this blog post for more blogs to check out.)  Many thanks to Tresa Black for allowing me to participate in this artwork "exchange" via a Blog Hop!

Using the "Love This" stamp set - one of the many freebies we received at Convention in late June - I created this 8" x 3 1/2" card.  I stamped the butterflies in black ink and used our Exclusive Markers to color in the images.

If you will notice, I "randomly" (but with some intention - lol) stamped the butterflies in a triangular pattern and rotated the image as I did.  This is a technique called "random stamping" and is a fun way to create patterned paper to suit a specific theme or color.

I used our Exclusive Marker Sets to color in the images, incorporated a fun border pattern from the stamp set for the strip of CS, and used one of our new "M-size" stamp sets (there are 8 to choose from) for the focal point.  I enjoyed being able to select the color scheme for this card and chose not to incorporate any B&T on this one; just cardstock.

Thank you for stopping by and viewing my creation!  Please let me know what you think by leaving a comment below.  (Don't forget to check out the other creations below!)

I intend on spending the rest of the day today papercraftin' so please stop by again and see what other artwork items I have to share.  Have a blessed and happy Saturday!

*This blog hop is open for members of the CTMH Blog Boosters. Please do not enter if you are not a member of the group.

Laughing Lola Layout Workshop

Yep!  You guessed it!  Laughing Lola is my most favoritest (lol) new paper packet!  Isn't it just gorgeous?!  You know it started calling me as soon as I saw the purple in it.  It truly is beautiful and the paisley patterned paper...my favoritest too!  :)

For just $20 I am offering this workshop this Month - even if you do not live near me (+$5 shipping fee) - where you will be provided all of the materials, minus your choice of adhesive, to create TWO LAYOUTS (four pages) out of 1/2 a paper packet (plus a couple of sheets of additional cardstock).  You will even have some product left over to create some other fun projects.

You will love the dimension the Laughing Lola Complements Dimensional Elements add to your pages.  And the coordinating new bling (aka Laughing Lola Assortment)?!  You'll love that too!  

The physical event will be held on Tuesday, August 20th at my home in Elephant Butte (contact me for directions) and the kit order must be placed by August 6th in order to allow ample time for delivery.  For just $20 you will receive all of the products to make these layouts to include:

• ½ Laughing Lola Paper Pack
• Laughing Lola Complements Dimensional Elements
• Laughing Lola Assortment
• Full color directions

If you are not local to me, you can also create these four pages for just $25 (to include a $5 shipping fee).  There is no deadline to order the supplies as long as it is within the Fall/Winter Idea Book cycle or while supplies last.

To participate in this workshop, from afar or locally, purchase your items through the link below.  If you would like to add additional items to your order, in order to collect on some free product, please visit my website.  

Kit Options

Local Workshop - Elephant Butte, NM $20.00 USD Long Distance $25.00 USD

Please let me know if you have any questions and enjoy a wonderful weekend!  I am praying for some rain!  I can literally smell it in the air; great papercrafting weather!

The NEW Idea Book IS HERE!

The release of the new Idea Book is always an exciting time as we chomp at the bits waiting to see what new products we can look forward to using over the upcoming months.  Well...the wait is no longer!  This is the cover of the 2013 Fall/Winter Idea Book and there are a lot of new products embedded in the pages throughout the book.  Lots of fun and exciting new items to drool over!

Our Idea Books can always be found online - click here to view it - but it is much better in person as there is a reason it's called an idea book.  There are plenty of samples of artwork provided throughout the book where you can see the potential of our beautiful products.

Here is a snapshot of one my absolute favorite paper packet in the book, found on page 21.  It is called "Laughing Lola" and can you guess why I love it?!  It's no fair if you know me that well but for those who don't...it's because it has PURPLE!  I often laugh because sometimes things may not be that pretty or cute but if it is purple, I can probably convince myself that I love it!  LOL

It took no convincing here.  The Laughing Lola purple, included in this paper packet, is gorgeous but it is just one of my favorite new products.  (Watch tomorrow's post regarding a Laughing Lola Project-In-a-Bag where you can make two layouts for just $20!)

If you would like a hard copy of this Idea Book it's just $5 and includes shipping to your door PLUS you will get that $5 in return when I include a $5 gift certificate that can be used on your first purchase from the NEW Idea Book.  To order your copy, click on the "Buy Now" button below and enter your credit/debit card payment securely through PayPal.  I will contact you upon receipt of payment to obtain your mailing address if I do not currently have it on record.

Have fun perusing the NEW Idea Book and let me know if you have any questions about any of our new products.

HAPPY NEW IDEA BOOK DAY!

Chocolate? Who loves chocolate?

Maybe I should have asked, "Who doesn't love chocolate?"  I figure that number would be easier to count and then I might suggest someone who responds should go straight to the doctor and see if they have a fever or something.  :)

I am giving you a little sneak peek of a new product item that will be released tomorrow in the NEW Idea Book.  I know you are going to love it!

One of the CUTEST stamp sets Close To My Heart has offered, in my opinion, is this adorable "A Chocolate Affair" set with these adorable sayings and images.  They will make for some fun layouts and greeting cards, for many occasions, since chocolate can fix just about anything!

Get this Stamp of the Month set for FREE (S1308A) this month when you place an order of $50 or more or purchase it outright for $17.95.  YES!  You read that right!  You can indulge yourself in this stamp set and pay nothing for it with a qualifying order!  You can place your order directly through my website or by contacting me.

Tell me...WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CHOCOLATE CANDY?  Please leave your response in the comments section and on Sunday, August 5th, I will draw a name (or two, depending upon the responses) and will send the winner(s) a handmade creation using this stamp set!  

Join me on my Facebook Business Page and guess what my absolute favorite candy bar is.  The first person to do so will win a fun goodie package from me!  

Now...where did I put that chocolate?

Happy Birthday!

 

I made this card, for someone special, using the ever-so-colorful Dream Pop paper packet and incorporated one of our (Close To My Heart's) special new "M-size" stamp sets that will be released in just a few days!  These li'l guys are one of my favorite new products in the idea book and I am sure you will see me making quite a few greeting cards using them.  You cannot beat their price of just $2.95!

The idea for the card design came from the Fusion Card Challenge.  I always enjoy trying out a new pattern and like the twist I put on the sketch.

Here is a close-up of the focal point with a few pieces of retired bling to spice it up a bit.

Praying your week gets off to a phenomenal start!

It's a Scrapbooking Pajama Party!

Close To My Heart is teaming up with Big Picture Classes to bring you a live webcast about the Cricut® Artbooking collection - our newest Cricut cartridge. Purchase the collection beginning August 1, 2013 and revolutionize the way you scrapbook!

The Artbooking Collection comes with an exclusive Cricut cartridge (over 700 images), three coordinating stamp sets and three sheets of Dimensional Elements (aka chipboard) to coordinate with the stamp images.  This all for just $99!  Host a party and submit orders totaling $250 or more and you can purchase it for half off (just $50)!

Tune in for the FREE webcast on Wednesday, July 31 at 7:00 pm (MDT) at BigPictureClasses.com. During the presentation, you’ll learn to make several projects from a variety of sponsors, including Close To My Heart’s Artbooking “2 of a Kind” layout.

If you would like to interact on the message board, participate in live chat, post to the gallery, download handouts, or enter any contests, you will need to log in to the Pajama Party “classroom” by creating a FREE account on the Big Picture Classes website.

I hope you enjoy this sneak peek of the new Artbooking collection as Kristine Widtfeldt and the Big Picture Classes crew make the featured project and share their tips and tricks. I know you will be chomping at the bit to make the Artbooking layout, so take this opportunity to sit back, relax, and drool over the items, then be ready to spring into action August 1 when you can buy the collection. Then tune in to the archived event for step-by-step details on how to make the project.

To make the project, you will need the following items—or similar products—on hand:
Z1906 Cricut® Artbooking Collection*
1301 Bamboo Cardstock
1388 Colonial White Cardstock
X5668 Honey Cardstock
X5762 Lagoon Cardstock
X5930 Slate Cardstock
X5639 Sweet Leaf Cardstock
X5666 Twilight Cardstock
Z2160 Twilight Exclusive Inks® Pad
Z2173 Slate Exclusive Inks® Pad
Z1853 Aqua Dots*
Z1799 Silver Shimmer Trim
Z1151 3-D Foam Tape
Z1294 Sanding Kit

*Items are not available for order until August 1, 2013 but on that day...SHOP MY WEBSITE from the comfort of your own home and let me know if you have any questions!

One of the big sells in the new cartridge is the ability to make a variety of mini albums.  There is a lot of potential for great artwork using this new tool!

Looking forward to the Pajama Party on the 31st and I hope to "see" you there!

Convention 2013

I am blessed and thankful to have been able to attend yet another enjoyable Close To My Heart Convention.  It took place in Orlando (well, technically in Buena Vista) at the Coronado Springs Resort Hotel on Disney property.  It was a blast and here are just a few highlights from our time there a month ago.

This is a view of the primary buildings on the resort as taken on the other side of the pond (close to the swimming pool area).

We can always count on some good entertainment during our Opening Session, especially when hosted by Disney.

These are the Three Amigos (a.k.a. our three Vice-Presidents).  They have become quite the actors over the years and they are always a hoot to watch.  It is during this Opening Session that new products are released and the session always ends with us getting an exclusive convention bag with a copy of the NEW Idea Book inside.

One of the fun things about Convention is getting together with team members from all across the U.S.  We have fun exchanging gifts and this year my Mom made all of us these cute flowers for our hair.  This year's convention theme was "Viva!" so they were perfect for the occasion.  We joined on the night before convention for a little team get-together and then headed to Downtown Disney for some play time!  Here are photos of the group that joined for dinner.

April, Kimberly & Dilia

Lisa, Maria Elena (my Mom) & Richard (my Dad)

Karah & Kristi

Me, Debi & Karen

We all posed for a group picture before heading to Downtown Disney.

We were taking the photo when the lights went out in the bus so Kristi made for a great photo opp in being silly!

You know...as scrapbookers...we are all about the photo opportunities!  This was in front of a t-shirt shop.  Could you have guessed?

My Mom, Lulu & Michelle enjoying the sites and scenes of Downtown Disney.

Me, Tawnya, Debi, Michelle & Lulu

I sure had a blast but miss my girls terribly!  There is no lack of fun when we are together!

Ready to scrap the day away and still praying for some more rain today (and thunder and lightning...in a safe way).  ENJOY YOUR DAY!