Cheering on the Cowboys!

We were blessed to be able to attend the Cowboys' playoff game last weekend against the Lions - GOOOOOO COWBOYS!  (Thank you, Dad!)  It was such a fun and electric atmosphere!  We had a blast!

We started off the day at Blue Mesa, enjoying a delicious brunch before making our way towards the stadium for kick-off.

Gotta show up early to watch pre-game!

 It was a bit chilly - more windy than anything - so we had to buy some fun hats on our way to the stadium!  (This photo was actually taken after the game.)

So I am a die-hard Cowboys fan - win or lose - so I will be cheering them on big time this Sunday as they take on the Packers!  A win would be AWESOME!  

Cheering them on from TX!

Heartstrings Thank You Card

We did a secret Santa exchange among my CTMH team members over the holidays, through my "Heartfelt Sentiments" Team, and this is one of the fun cards I received from my downline, Debi.  Isn't it cute?

She used the Heartstrings paper packet and coordinating cardstock.  Love the colors and the texture, from the embossing folder, is a fabulous touch.  I love it and had to share it with you!

Winter has arrived in north Texas!  Great reason to stay inside this weekend...to papercraft!  I usually don't need a reason but I'll take it; just makes the most sense!  ha/ha

Happy Thursday!

National Papercrafting Month Blog Hop

Happy National Papercrafting Month and thanks for celebrating it with us at Close To My Heart!

If you are coming from Melinda's Blog, you are on the right track and we are thrilled to have you as we showcase the papers, stamps and fun included in this exclusive kit.  There are 20 of us participating in this hop.  Should you get lost along the way, please visit this link to get back on track.

Wanting to step away from the mini book intended for this kit - which is super fun, by the way - I decided to use the 6 x 6 Canvas Display to see what I could come up with.  Deciding the stamps were perfect for making known my goals for 2015, I decided to use it for so and will be putting it on a stand on my desk.  It will serve as a daily reminder of the things I set forth to do throughout the new year.

 I LOVE the check list that is a stamp included in this kit and the paper is cheery to add to the fun!  I kept the display simple so I could focus on the intended.  I figure it will also be a great display piece for my CTMH events as people get to know me a little better.  I hope you like it.

To find out how you can get your hands on this fabulous kit during this month only, please visit this link and contact me with any questions you may have.

Now, hop on over to Sheila's Blog.  I am sure she has something fun up her sleeve!  Be sure to leave a comment, if you feel led, before you do so.

Happy hoppin'!

CTMH Paper Focus Blog Hop - Heartstrings

Welcome to our Team Blog Hop where we are featuring Close To My Heart's paper packet, "Heartstrings".  Isn't it just beautiful?!  And...as always...it doesn't look as as fabulous in the photo as it does in person!  You'll have to get you some to see for yourself!

If you are coming from Debi McBain's Blog, you are on the right track.  Should you get lost along the way, a complete list of participants is listed at the end of this post.

While the "Heartstrings" paper pack and stamp set screams, Valentine's Day to me - which I love - I decided to make an attempt at a different theme. I have several papercrafting addictions...Shimmer Trim, Enamel Hearts, and a new one...BANNERS!  When a card needs a little something more, try a dove-tailed banner.  Works perfectly almost every time.  LOL

I made three banners for this card, using the back side of the Lagoon B&T (gotta love having both sides to work with), some Cotton Candy cardstock and of course, Silver Shimmer Trim! I added two Silver Sequins for some sparkle (soon to become another addition - lol).

I incorporated the January Stamp of the Month, "This Moment", which goes perfectly with the paper packet.  Now that I'm looking at this card... I'm thinking that "Be Amazing" should be my mantra for the year.  Hmmm...  Never hurts to be inspired by artwork!

Head on over to Melissa David's Blog to check out her CUTE stuff, after leaving a comment, if you would like.  (I always love reading your thoughts regarding my artwork.)

Happy hoppin'!

Here is a list of the participants:

1. Melissa Robinson - http://mlisrobinson.blogspot.com
2. Melissa David - http://www.melissadavidscraps.blogspot.com
3. Debi Barber - http://debiistheothersister.blogspot.com
4. Aggie Peters - http://busyaggie.blogspot.com/
5. Tonya Whitehurst - http://heartandsoulscrappers.blogspot.com
6. Judy Faye Garner - http://judyfaye.blogspot.com
7. Debi McBain - http://www.createdwithheart.blogspot.com

It's Your Day Treat Purse

My friend, Aggie, taught me how to make this fun purse from a miniature lunch sack.  It was totally fun!  I made it as one of the Secret Santa gifts I mailed out this Christmas season.  It was filled with chocolate, of course.

It was decorated with the Confetti Wishes paper.  While I didn't bling it up at all, it was full of happy colors!

I LOVE making gifts to make people smile.  That's why Close To My  Heart was perfect for me 16+ years ago and still is!

Directions:

1. Cut small lunch bag 4 3/8" from BOTTOM.  
2. Cut two pieces of coordinating cardstock at 5 3/4" x 3 5/8" and 4 7/16" x 3 5/8".  
3. Score the longer piece at 4 1/2".  This piece becomes the back piece that folds over to make the closure.
4. Glue cardstock pieces to front and back of bag and decorate as desired.  
5. Fill with your treat of choice!

Holiday Weekend with My Parents

My hubby and I were able to spend the weekend between the holidays with my parents in Midland, TX.  We met them there for the weekend and I loved spending time with them.  We didn't do anything too fascinating but it was a GREAT time!

I did manage to convince them to get out at a part to take some fun pictures, despite the cold.

 We enjoyed a yummy meal at a hibachi restaurant.

 Love the look on their faces here.

 And then we had dessert at none other than Starbucks!  YUM!

I truly have the most wonderful parents who raised me to be who I am and continue to support me as an adult.  I love them with all my heart.  Thanks, Mom and Dad, for meeting us for the weekend.  It was awesome.

Grateful,

Center Step Card with Hopscotch

I was able to participate in several Secret Santa exchanges over the holidays.  One of the items we had to create for my team exchange was an item using a fun pattern.  There were many patterns to choose from on the internet but I settled on this one for a Center Step Card.

I used our new Hopscotch paper packet and this

I didn't realize, until now, that I didn't get a great front view photo so you'll get the idea from these two photos.

I thought the sentiment on this card was fitting to share today in honor of the new year...  "All things are possible to those that believe..."

Be blessed today and always!

Note:  This card was inspired by directions found at Splitcoast Stampers.  The Center Step Card Tutorial was perfect for helping me create this card.

Happy New Year! (And January Campaigns)

Happy 2015!  I pray this new year brings much happiness and many blessings your way!

Close To My Heart is kicking off 2015 in BIG WAYS!  Why don't you join the fun?!  During the month of January, all Gatherings that reach $350 in sales or higher, will be eligible to receive up to 50% more Hostess Rewards!  This means an additional $30, giving you the opportunity to earn up to $230 or more in select free products.  This offer is only available during January and is the ideal pairing with our National Papercrafting Month promotion (keep reading)...  

I would love to have fun with you and your friends, whether through a Home or Online Party!  There will be fun and gifts galore so contact me to get your event booked!

Click on the link for an enlarged view of this image.

In celebration of National Papercrafting Month, Close To My Heart invites you to reflect on the things that make you who you are and on what you want to accomplish in the coming months.  With a qualifying purchase of $50, you are eligible to purchase the exclusive Year >>Noted paper kit (retail value of over $24) for only $5!  Or, for an additional $5, you can order the paper kit with an accompanying My Creations kraft mini book.  The paper kit for both options includes a C-size stamp set, stickers, cardstocks, and B&T Duos papers, all specially designed to coordinate with My Creations kraft mini book so you can have a yearlong scrapbooking experience.

These special offers are only available through January so be sure to get in on the fun!

Make 2015 the best year yet!

January Stamp of the Month Blog Hop - This Moment

If you are coming from Adeline's Blog, you are on the right track.  There are 60+ Close To My Heart Consultants showcasing the January Stamp of the Month, "This Moment".  Isn't it fun?!  Should you get lost along the way, please stop by Melinda's Blog to get back on track.

I love hearts and all things associated with love.  Love is what makes the world go around but we are sure missing more of it these days, aren't we?  So...to put a little love in your heart, I decided to make this fun and colorful card.  I just started building it, first deciding I was definitely going to incorporate the Heart Embossing Folder.  The ease of producing such a fun texture, of high quality, is too fun!

I added a Red Enamel Heart, Red Shimmer Trim (of course), Baker's Twin and did tone-on-tone stamping with Whisper.  The sentiment is 3-D as are some of the goodies on it.

I hope you like it as much as I do and please feel free to leave a comment before heading over to Melinda's Blog to see what she has in store for you with this stamp set.

Happy 2015 and all the best this new year!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to you!  I am thankful I can remain focused during the holiday season, not getting too wrapped up in the crazy.  One thing I do enjoy though, even throughout the year, is giving gifts.  It really is too fun but always remember...

Have fun today, remembering to be thankful for all that you have and all that is yet to come, even despite any challenges that may arise during the course!

Merry Christmas!