Creating with Christine

Help Make A Miracle!

2012-01-25T20:19:00.001-05:00

How would you like to be a part of something significant - something that will change lives forever? Close To My Heart has long partnered with Operation Smile to transform lives of precious children.

Operation Smile is an international children's medical charity that heals children's smiles, forever changing their lives. They are a mobilized force of medical professionals and caring hearts who provide safe, effective reconstructive surgery for children born with facial deformities such as cleft lip and cleft palate.

Every three minutes a child is born with a cleft — often unable to eat, speak, socialize or smile. In some places these children are shunned and rejected. And in too many cases, their parents can't afford to give them the surgeries they need to live a normal life.

That's where Operation Smile comes in as an international charity providing much needed surgical services. Since 1982, Operation Smile has provided over 200,000 free surgeries for children and young adults born with cleft lips, cleft palates and other facial deformities.

Between January 1 and March 31, the Close To My Heart Consultant who raises the most in donations will have the opportunity to go on an Operation Smile international medical mission.

I would LOVE for you to partner with me to Make A Miracle for at least 5 children! Will you do that? No purchase is necessary and 100% of your donation goes to Operation Smile. For companies and individuals who donate over $500, Operation Smile will provide a receipt for tax purposes (please contact me in advance - your donation will be handled specially.) For those wanting to donate any amount under $500, simple contact me or click here to make your donation! (See Operation Smile Donation box in left column.)

The video below will give you a glimpse into the hope and transformation Operation Smile provides and that YOU can be a part of!

The power of a SMILE is priceless! It only takes 45 minutes and $240 to provide the healing surgery that will bring not only hope, but LIFE! Will you join with me to help Make a Miracle?

Sneak Peek at NEW Products!

2012-01-23T13:28:00.001-05:00

At my team meeting this weekend, we got to play with brand new Spring/Summer products! One of them is our new My Creations Milk Carton! So dang cute! And of course the possibilities are endless with this little box! I decided to make a little bird house birthday gift box out of it using our June Stamp of the Month called Life is Tweet!

We used some of our new Lucy B&T paper along with our spray pen and Sweet Leaf re-inker, Pink Collection Designer ribbon, clear sparkles and of course our Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge for the sentiment frames and roof tiles!

And did you notice the "way cool" bling on the sides of the box? That's our new Sparkles Flourishes!

And check out this other new product - Adhesive Springs! You can have so much fun with these little guys!

I can't wait to share more WONDERFUL NEW PRODUCTS with you here on this blog and at my open house next month! Stay tuned.......

PS - How would you like to get a sneak peek at ALL new products a month before customers? How would you like to get a kit valued at over $288 for only $99? How would you like to get a discount everyday? How would you like to get hands-on training? How would you like to be a part of an AMAZING team? Contact me for all the delicious details including additional incentives and rewards!

Tex Mex Turkey Soup

2012-01-23T13:13:00.002-05:00

Just served this soup at my Team Meeting this weekend. They were my Guinea Pigs! LOL! I love to try out new recipes on my guests. I know that's not what you are supposed to do - what if it turns out horrible? But in this case it turned out great (thank God)! So I thought I'd share it with you. I found the recipe on allrecipes.com. Click here for the recipe link. Enjoy!

Rock The Block - Collage Cubes

2012-01-14T19:32:00.002-05:00

It took me so long to decide what to do with my collage cubes that I received in the Rock The Block special this month. There were so many great ideas and I only had ONE set - not only did I have to choose wisely, but I couldn't mess up! Does that same crazy phobia freeze your creative flow? (Say THAT 10 times!) Anyway, I decided to bite the bullet and JUST DO IT! I used photos from our day zip lining in the mountains of WV. I used mostly landscape photos to make it more of a challenge as a puzzle and a conversation piece on the coffee table. This would make a great gift as a memory of any occasion!

The cubes lay in the tray - where I put my "title photo" so to speak. You can flip them over in sections to see the next "scene". So cool!

I decided in the end to NOT ink the exposed edges of the cubes, but you can certainly ink them in any coordinating color or neutral color like bamboo or desert sand.

Have you ordered yours yet? We've got a ROCKIN' DEAL this month only!

Get your sneak peek Collage Cubes set PLUS this HUGE stamp set for only $15 for the set - when you order $25 in product from the Autumn/Winter Idea Book. This set retails for $44.95 - that's a $30 savings! Next month you will be able to order more of the cubes for $15 per set, but the stamp set is ONLY available during the special this month. Don't miss out!

I didn't use the stamp set on THIS set of blocks, but I intend to use it on many other projects - including cards and layouts! Click here to start shopping or contact me to place your order for you!

Happy Creating!

Last Chance before they are gone!

2012-01-07T17:38:00.004-05:00

These great Close to my Heart products will retire on January 31st. Be sure to grab your favorites while you still can...

I've made it super convenient for you! You can click on each item to view and/or add to your shopping cart! And don't forget to check out the "while supplies last" section for great deals on already retired items - up to 81% OFF!

And GREAT NEWS -- we now have Smart Post shipping for online orders - only $4.95! So if your order weight and size qualify, you will see that option available!

Paper Collections
Typeset Workshop On The Go (WOTG) Kit – G1024 - $29.95
Roxie WOTG Kit – G1025 - $29.95
Elemental WOTG Kit – G1026 - $29.95
Dreamin’ L2 Paper – X7142B - $9.95
Dreamin’ My Stickease – X7142C - $4.95
Dreamin’ WOTG Kit – G1027 - $29.95
Sonoma WOTG Kit – G1028 - $29.95
Mischief L2 Paper – X7144B - $9.95
Mischief Compliment Rub-Ons – X7144C - $4.95
Mischief WOTG Kit – G1029 - $29.95
Believe L2 Paper – X7145B - $9.95
Believe My Stickease – X7145C - $4.95
Believe WOTG Kit – G1030 - $29.95
Wonderland L2 Paper – X7146B - $9.95
Wonderland My Stickease – X7146C - $4.95
Wonderland WOTG Kit – G1031 - $29.95
Sophia L2 Paper – X7131B - $12.95
Sophia My Stickease – X7131C - $4.95
Mayberry L2 Paper – X7136B - $12.95
Mayberry My Stickease – X7136C - $4.95
Lucky L2 Paper – X7137B - $12.95
Lucky My Stickease – X7137C - $4.95
Fanfare L2 Paper – X7138B - $12.95
Fanfare My Stickease – X7138C - $4.95

Stamp Sets
A Hop – A1112 - $6.95
A Little Buzz – B1353 - $9.95
A Little Everything – D1408 - $17.95
A Love – A1103 - $6.95
A Paisley – A1105 - $6.95
A Posy – A1102 - $6.95
Adoption – A1098 - $6.95
Adorning Corners – D1322 - $17.95
Always In My Heart – A1101 - $6.95
Ambiance – C1349 - $13.95
Around The Block – D1377 - $17.95
Baby Love – B1368 - $9.95
Backgrounds and Borders – D1463 - $17.95
Beary Best – C1363 - $13.95
Beary Busy – C1409 - $13.95
Beautiful Butterflies – B1373 - $9.95
Beautiful Things – D1298 - $17.95
Believe In Your Dreams – B1322 - $9.95
Beloved – B1343 - $9.95
Birthday Blast – C1436 - $13.95
Birthday Boy – C1411 - $13.95
Bless This Nest – C1445 - $13.95
Blooming Layers – C1449 - $13.95
Bon Apetit – D1367 - $17.95
Boom! – B1354 - $9.95
Bunny Love – B1324 - $9.95
Campin’ Fever – D1353 - $17.95
Carefree – C1447 - $13.95
Catching Waves – D1466 - $17.95
Charmed – C1385 - $13.95
Cherished Flourishes – D1413 - $17.95
Ciao – D1461 - $17.95
Circle Around – D1300 - $17.95
Circle of Love – D1438 - $17.95
Circle Together – B1372 - $9.95
Connections – D1330 - $17.95
Cruisin’ – D1471 - $17.95
Cupcakes Sprinkles – D1336 - $17.95
Daydream – D1297 - $17.95
Down By The Sea – C1451 - $13.95
Dream Big – D1399 - $17.95
Dreams Come True – D1470 - $17.95
Enjoy Every Moment – C1395 - $13.95
Extreme Happiness – C1356 - $13.95
Family – C1305 - $13.95
Family Ties - Adult – C1346 - $13.95
Family Ties – Children – C1345 - $13.95
Family Ties – Pet – B1350 - $9.95
Fill In The Blank – D1465 - $17.95
Flower Pot – D1409 - $17.95
For Every Occasion – D1187 - $17.95
Friendship Blessings – D1191 - $17.95
From My Heart – C1443 - $13.95
Fun Times – B1309 - $9.95
Happy Holidays – D1431 - $17.95
Happy Moments – C1437 - $13.95
Hero – D1474 - $17.95
His and Hers – C1460 - $13.95
Horizon – C1454 - $13.95
Hot Diggity – C1407 - $13.95
Howdy – D1435 - $17.95
In The Month Of April – C1405 - $13.95
In The Month Of February – C1403 - $13.95
In The Month Of July – C1417 - $13.95
In The Month Of June – C1416 - $13.95
In The Month Of March – C1404 - $13.95
In The Month Of May – C1415 - $13.95
It’s A Zoo – C1360 - $13.95
Just For Boys – C1338 - $13.95
Just For Girls – C1337 - $13.95
Just The Ticket – B1323 - $9.95
Kanji Phrases – C1339 - $13.95
Let’s Go Camping – C1355 - $13.95
Little Princess – C1414 - $13.95
Love Always – D1337 - $17.95
Love Birds – C1396 - $13.95
Love Ya – D1460 - $17.95
Magic Tabs – C1448 - $13.95
Makin’ Waves – C1365 - $13.95
Ms. Chillin’ – D1404 - $17.95
Ms. Scrapbook – B1352 - $9.95
Notice The Details – D1378 - $17.95
On The Edge – C1399 - $13.95
On This Day – D1468 - $17.95
One Of A Kind – D1410 - $17.95
Over The Rainbow – D1426 - $17.95
Paisley Praise – D1414 - $17.95
Piece of Cake – D1407 - $17.95
Play Day – D1360 - $17.95
Post Card – Travel Series – D1357 - $17.95
Precious Love – C1444 - $13.95
Priceless Love Word Puzzle – D1348 - $17.95
Recipe Box – D1364 - $17.95
Retro Tech – C1446 - $13.95
Royal Birth – D1441 - $17.95
Salutation Seals – C1461 - $13.95
Shining Star – D1320 - $17.95
Smiles – C1397 - $13.95
So Lucky – C1390 - $13.95
Soul Mates – D1254 - $17.95
Springtime – D1415 - $17.95
Star Power – D1403 - $17.95
Summer Breeze – C1453 - $13.95
Summer Days – B1375 - $9.95
Sweet Baby – C1359 - $13.95
Take Luck – B1364 - $9.95
Tasty Treats – D1427 - $17.95
Tea Time – C1438 - $13.95
Thank You – D1361 - $17.95
Thrill Ride – D1425 - $17.95
TLC – C1364 - $13.95
Togetherness – D1402 - $17.95
Treetops – C1368 - $13.95
Trellis – D1451 - $17.95
True Happiness – D1365 - $17.95
Two-Step Backgrounds – D1473 - $17.95
Unity – C1422 - $13.95
X-Treme – D1432 - $17.95
You Did It – C1351 - $13.95
You Rock – D1346 - $17.95
You’re Great – D1434 - $17.95
You’re Sweet – B1351 - $9.95

Ribbon
Colonial White Ribbon collection - Z1126 - $7.95
Cranberry grosgrain ribbon - Z1103 - $6.95
Cocoa grosgrain ribbon - Z1100 - $6.95
Colonial White grosgrain ribbon - Z1102 - $6.95
White Daisy grosgrain ribbon - Z270 - $6.95
Wings Level 2 Assortment - Z1398 - $4.95

Floss
Embroidery Floss - Red/Pink - Z1092 - $3.25
Embroidery Floss - Green - Z1094 - $3.25
Embroidery Floss - Blue/Purple - Z1093 - $3.25

Waxy Flax
Waxy Flax - Cranberry - Z1086 - $3.95
Waxy Flax - Sorbet - Z1249 - $3.95
Waxy Flax - Juniper - Z1248 - $3.95
Waxy Flax - Crystal Blue - Z1247 - $3.95

Brads
Designer Brads - Colonial White - Z1274 - $3.95
Decorative Brads - Pewter - Z1146 - $3.95

Mini-Medley and Eyelets
Mini Medley - Antiqued Copper - Z1275 - $4.95
Mini Medley - Colonial White - Z1276 - $4.95
Foundry Metal - Bookplates - Z1147 - $3.50
Soft Set Eyelet Tool - Z1208 - $14.95
Soft Set Eyelets - Black and White Daisy - Z1228 - $3.95
Soft Set Eyelets - Chocolate and Colonial White - Z1229 - $3.95

Coordinating Collection Embellishments
Midnight Felt Shapes - Z1462 - $3.95
Harvest Charms - Z1633 - $4.95
Holiday Pockets - Z1486 - $4.95
Top Coats Icing Overlays - Z1468 - $4.95
Lucky Level 2 Assortment - Z1356 - $4.95
Lucky Level 2 Journaling Spots - Z1359 - $3.95
Bliss Level 2 Assortment - Z1355 - $5.95
Sweetheart Level 2 Assortment - Z1386 - $4.95
Fanfare Level 2 Assortment - Z1400 - $4.95
Just Blooms Spring Blossom - Z1266 - $7.95
Just Blooms White Daisy Variety Pack - Z1300 - $5.95

Color Ready Alphabets
Color Ready Alphabets - Oxford - X5749 - $3.95
Color Ready Alphabets - Hodge Podge - X1406 - $3.95

Dimensional Elements
Dimensional Elements - On Target - Z1226 - $5.95
Dimensional Elements - Flurry - Z1225 - $4.95

My Creations Items
My Creations - Board Book - Z1310 - $6.95
My Creations - Journal - Z1268 - $7.95
My Creations - Memory Showcase 9x9 - Z1198 - $5.95

Misc.
Rubber Brayer - Z616 - $12.95
Eyelet Tool Replacement Punches - Z1245 - $2.95

Be sure to grab your favorite (almost) retired items before they are gone...and watch for my open house next month where you will find a bargin table with deeply discounted used and new stamp sets, accessories, textured cardstock, etc.

Starbucks, here I come!

2012-01-04T18:59:00.000-05:00

I've just read the same information from a couple of different sources and couldn't be more excited!!!

"Women who drink a few cups of caffeinated coffee have a lower risk of depression than women who don't drink any coffee, according to a Harvard study. That research, published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, shows that women who drink two to three cups of coffee a day have a 15% lower risk, while women who drink four or more cups of coffee a day have a 20% lower risk!"

But wait, there's more! We may also be reaping its cancer-preventing benefits too!

I've always heard the negative effects of coffee, but now, experts tend to agree that the good largely outweighs the bad for most people, with the exception of the calorie-laden add-ins. However, all those add-ins (like the gingerbread latte pictured above) are what makes it such a special treat - an instant vacation - therapy in a cup, etc. I'm on my way to Starbucks. Anyone want anything?

Score a Perfect 10 with Studio J!

2012-01-04T04:00:00.000-05:00

This month all Studio J members can win BIG! For every 9 layouts you purchase, you get the 10th FREE! So with 18 layouts you get 2 more FREE! And so on! Not a member yet? We can fix that! Members save more, do more and get more!

Exclusive patterns
50% off layouts
Free JPG files
Free monthly shipment
Members-only promotions like this one!

Studio J is our fantastic online scrapbooking software that allows you to create beautiful 12x12 layouts in just minutes! It's the easiest, most economical way to get caught up on your scrapbooking, or create a theme album of a special vacation or event.

Are you interested, but feel like you need an introduction or some hands-on help? Or are you already familiar with Studio J but want to learn even more? Come to my Studio J Crop on Saturday, January 14 from noon to 4pm. Come part of the time or the whole time. I've recently installed an internet booster, so our connections should be strong. I can host up to 8 people at one time. And of course I'll have snacks to keep your energy up while you work away on your layouts! I've actually done 20 layouts in one day!

PLUS - for every 9 layouts you order from me in the month of January, you will be entered into a drawing for a FREE Studio J 5-pack! A $55 value that you can use for yourself in the future or give as a gift! You don't need to be present at the crop to participate. Anyone who orders Studio J layouts from me in January will be entered to win. I will draw the winner on February 1st. I hope you win!!

New Consultant Kit!

2012-01-03T10:22:00.000-05:00

How would you like to receive over $288 worth of product for ONLY $99?

In addition to that, you would receive a 22% discount on all future purchases!

In addition to that, you would have access to discounted bulk products!

In addition to that, you would have access to NEW products a whole month in advance of the general public!

In addition to that, I offer one-on-one and group training!

In addition to that, you would have access to online training and endless inspiration!

In addition to that......well, lets just say I could go on and on! The point is, our NEW Spring/Summer Consultant Kit is NOW AVAILABLE!

Are you interested in getting a discount every day? I have team members that simply take the discount for themselves, others who have a handful of friends that they share with, and others who are actively building a business and a team to earn real income! I also have team members less than a mile down the road and some across the country!

Are you interested in any of those options? Contact me for more details. I'd be happy to chat with you to see if this would be a good fit for you!

Let's start off your year with a fantastic discount on great products that will encourage you to be proactive and productive in preserving your memories and celebrating the relationships in your life!

January Kit Club - Sonoma

2012-01-03T09:48:00.001-05:00

Are you a scrapbooker, card maker, or paper crafter? Do you like getting a deal on your products? Do you like getting FREE stuff? Do you like learning new techniques, playing with new products, and having a regular girls night out - all while preserving your memories and celebrating the relationships in your lives?

THIS IS THE CLUB FOR YOU!

My monthly kit clubs feature one of our discounted kits complete with

A full Level 2 paper pack
Additional cardstock
An exclusive coordinating stamp set
Coordinating accessories
A full color instructional brochure

Each kit is discounted at only $29.95 and features instructions to complete two 2-page layouts PLUS a bonus project* like cards or 3-D items. YOU choose which projects you want to make - one or ALL!

*bonus projects may require additional materials

This month we are using our Sonoma kit (shown above). Here are the projects we will be making:

In addition to these projects - I have plenty of 3-D project ideas for you too!

The Danville Club is meeting this month on Friday, Jan. 13th at 6pm.

I am currently forming a new "very special" club in Cross Lanes - we only need 5 people to start! I already have a list started, contact me if you would like to join! Each person is guaranteed at least $25 in FREE PRODUCT during their hostess month. Plus, it's my heart's desire to donate my commission on each kit to Operation Smile, a very worthy charity that Close To My Heart supports.

So not only will you be getting:

a discounted kit,
hands-on training in techniques and products,
FREE products during your hostess month,
freebies and special club member only treats,
you kit purchase will help change the life of a child!

Want to form a club of your own friends? All you need is 4 friends, I'll come to your location OR you can come to my house. And as a thank you gift, I will give you your first kit FREE!

Now is the perfect time to start! Contact me today for all the details!

Cricut Crop - Valentine Theme

2012-01-02T13:33:00.001-05:00

Since I got my Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge, I haven't stopped using it! But I'm hearing from many people that they aren't sure where to start......so.......I'm hosting my first Cricut Crop!

Bring your own cricut, cartridge, mat, and tools. I'll supply the products and goodies you need. We will spend the first part of the class covering the basics of your machine and then a little more about the cartridge. Then we will start creating the above projects. You will be learning about and using different creative function keys and layering. In this workshop we will be covering Fit To Page, Fit To Length, Flip, Center Point , Quantity, Multi Cut, etc. The AP images we will be using include basic shapes, cards, layers, decorative layers, and 3-D flowers.

The cost for this workshop is ONLY $8!

It include the supplies you need - including the treats!

Don't have your very own AP cartridge yet? Contact me in advance to order yours in time for the workshop and your class is FREE!

Friday, January 27th ~ 6pm-9pm
Saturday, January 28th ~ 2pm-5pm
This class is open to both customers and team members.
Space is limited to 8 people per day, so reserve your spot today!

Make these simple cupcake toppers - perfect for the office, kid's parties, dessert, or even breakfast (on top of a oatbran muffin with cream cheese frosting)

Treat bags using our Kraft Die-Cut card!

Little Debbie Be My Valentine Cakes. Mmmmm-good!

Truffle Box - Chinese To Go Box with truffle inside.

Milk and Chocolate Drink Hanger

Vanilla, Chocolate or Strawberry milk available.

RSVP asap - space is limited and this class will fill up fast.

Let me know:

which day you prefer,
what type of Cricut Machine you have,
what flavor of milk you want!

52 Weeks of Thank You's!

2011-12-29T05:00:00.000-05:00

This year, I did mostly handmade gifts for my family. Here is what my mom received:

It's a book by John Kralik - a real live person, currently a judge in CA - who tells very candidly how he went from being the most miserable person with horrible circumstances to a life filled with purpose and blessing! I was so inspired by his story, I've decided to make this a project for my mom and I. While John took it upon himself to write 365 thank you (one each day for a year) I decided to put together 52 thank you notes (1 for each week of the year). Even with only 52 cards - it was quite a project. I wanted to offer it as a workshop, but I'm not sure how many people will want to participate. So, if you are interested, email me and I can put together a set for you to make or schedule a time for us to do it together!

There are 13 each of 4 different cards:

Also included are 52 envelopes stamped with the coordinating sentiments above that fit in the box along with a coordinating pen and chart to record the date you sent each card, to whom, and the purpose - so that you can look back on your chart, count your blessings and feel the gratitude rise in your heart all over again!

I used the Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge for the sentiment shapes and frames on the cards as well as the flap and flower on the box. (LOVE my AP cartridge!)

Okay, so I made a slight miscalculation when creating this project. 52 cards/envelopes easily fit in our recipe/photo box above, however, after adding another layer of paper to each card and the double layer sentiment AND 3-D foam tape to each sentiment, they wouldn't all fit in the box. If you choose to make this project, I will incorporate an open box (from the AP cartridge) with 4 compartments for your cards, similar to this one made by Lisa Stenz.

So, to sum up, I recently read a statement on a blog that resonated with me. I carefully jotted down the quote and the person to give them credit and now I can't find it, (UGH!), but it goes something like this:

"Positivity is a choice that is nurtured by gratitude."

Doesn't that make perfect sense? It does to me!

Happy New Year to all my bloggin' friends! And may your positive perspective be enlarged and nurtured by constant gratitude in the year ahead. I am definitely grateful for YOU!

Rock the Block Special!

2011-12-28T16:07:00.000-05:00

Close To My Heart is offering a Rockin' Special Deal - now through the end of January - to celebrate National Paper Crafting Month in January! With a minimum order of $25 from the Autumn/Winter Idea Book (shown below), you can get this set of blocks plus a HUGE exclusive stamp set for only $15! With a retail value of $45 - that's a savings of $30!

(click on the idea book to view products if you don't have one of your own)

The E-sized stamp set is 8 1/2" x 11" with 22 different images to choose from!

This set is perfect for all of your papercrafting projects - not just the blocks!

So get your Rockin' Special Deal today - contact me to place an order or click on the cart to start shopping online! By shopping online, you also have access to our clearance items - but remember, to qualify for the Rock The Block special you must purchase $25 from the current items in addition to your clearance items.

Happy New Year! Happy Savings!

Believe Stocking for last minute gifts!

2011-12-23T06:00:00.000-05:00

You've seen the little gift card stockings I've posted earlier here, well here is the same idea only I used the Fit To Page (FTP) key on my Cricut Expression to make it as large as possible!

I cut out two stockings - one for the front (pattern paper) and one for the back side (cardstock). Then using a sewing machine, I sewed around the outside edges to create a pocket inside just like a real stocking! Then I used the FTP feature for the coordinating layer images on the stocking.

I added some of our festive Liquid Applique to the top cuff and heat set it. Then I added holly leaves from the Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge as well as it's coordinating layer - the berries! I scored and sanded the leaves and added our fun and easy Red Glitz Glitter Gel to the berries!

I scored the heel and toe in a checkered pattern and then lightly sanded to expose the white core for a little personality there too. Also used our Edge Distresser on the outside edges of the heel and toe. I used Liquid Glass to attach the heel and toe pieces and 3-D Foam Tape to add the cuff at the top. Then I crumpled some paper and stuffed it inside the stocking to get it to puff out! Or fill it with lots of goodies for the same effect. I added a piece of ribbon from our Designer Red Ribbon Collection to hang it - and it's done!

Wouldn't these be great at each place setting on your Christmas Dinner table? In any size! I just love my Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge! Do you have yours yet? If not, don't wait another minute! Click here to get yours now or contact me for information on how you can get yours at a great discount!

Believe CD Gift Box

2011-12-21T06:00:00.000-05:00

Here is another gift idea using the Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge. This box is the perfect size to hold a custom CD of your family's favorite Christmas tunes! (Or how about a giant cookie, or bundle of Pizzelles!) I used the flat box with a petal closure in the largest size possible using the Fit To Page feature. I made a paper bow using coordinating paper from the same kit.

I added another chipboard tag from the AP collection - covered in Prisma Glitter - topped with a card accented with glitter and sparkles!

How many AP packages are you giving this year?

Believe Heart Pocket Handbag

2011-12-19T06:00:00.000-05:00

Here is another little project I made using our Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge! I made this heart pocket as large as possible using the Fit To Page key. I added flat heart images in various sizes to the front to give it some layers and character. I added some of our way-cool ribbon from our Red Ribbon Collection - attached with Cranberry Brads.

To the front I added another chipboard shape from the Art Philosophy Cricut Collection, covered in Prisma Glitter. I added another cricut shape on top of that using one of the coordinating stamps, and accented it with some of our red sparkles!

Gift giving is so easy with the Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge and Close To My Heart!

How to use the Center Point Feature on Cricut

2011-12-17T06:00:00.000-05:00

Check out my latest video on how to make a peek-a-boo cut out for cards and other projects!

I just love my Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge! Do you have yours? If not, click here to get it ordered today or contact me to see how you can get it at a discount!

Believe Tiered Gifts

2011-12-16T06:00:00.000-05:00

Here is another project I made to show at convention - it's a stack of 3 gift boxes, topped with a poinsettia flower! I used the gift bag template for each of the boxes (in 3 different sizes), from the Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge, cut off the handles from the top and created a solid piece to seal the box closed!

On the top of the box, I added a flower using a flat flower template. I scored the petals and folded to create dimension, then added tiny flat flowers on the top center with a tiny 3-D flower.

I added Sweet Leaf branches to spill down the sides, adorned with Prisma Glitter.

Finally, I added an ornament tag using one of the chipboard pieces included in the AP Cricut collection, adorned with bitty branches and a cricut shape for the sentiment, accented with a bit of our Red Glitz Glitter!

Creating is SO easy and SO rewarding with the Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge! Do you have yours yet? If not, contact me to find out how you can get yours at half price or even FREE!

Believe Coffee and Cookies

2011-12-15T06:00:00.000-05:00

I made several Believe projects for our convention in July - I forgot I hadn't shared them with you here!

This is one of my favorites - especially because I LOVE coffee and cookies!

I used our Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge for this little goodie - I turned the Door Hanger package into a drink hanger! I enlarged the hole to fit over the Starbucks Frappuccino.

I used one of the stamps that is included in the AP Cricut Collection to create a tag. The stamp has a coordinating shape on the Cricut Cartridge. I stamped in chocolate and added a dot of our Red Glitz Glitter Gel to mark the "friend". I also used one of the chipboard shapes included with the Cricut Collection which also has a coordinating Cricut shape. I added Sky cardstock covered with Prisma Glitter for festive sparkle! And tied it onto the bottle with some of our ribbon from our Red Ribbon Collection.

In the pocket, I put some Pepperidge Farm cookies along with some "filler" made with different branches and various sizes (from the AP cartridge) using Sweet Leaf, Sky, and White Daisy cardstock covered in Prisma Glitter! Add a couple of Dimensional Elements stars also covered with Prisma Glitter and my gift is ready to leave on the desk of a co-worker - or even to leave for Santa!

Christmas Candy Exchange

2011-12-13T06:00:00.000-05:00

My Kit Club in Danville hosted a Christmas Candy Exchange on our Club Night. We each give a sample of candy along with a 6x6 recipe card for the candy!

I tested one candy first - Chocolate Mint Bark. Although it was good, I decided to do something different. So I found people to give it all way to and start over! Here is what I ended up making:

Pecan Pralines

Makes: 2 dozen

Hands-on time: 30 min. - Total time: 1 hr. 8 min.

Be sure to use a heavy Dutch oven and a candy thermometer, and make pralines on a day when the weather is dry—humidity can make them grainy.

2 cups pecan halves and pieces

3 cups firmly packed light brown sugar

1 cup whipping cream

1/4 cup butter

2 Tbsp light corn syrup

1 tsp vanilla extract

Wax paper

Preheat oven to 350. Bake pecans in a single layer in a shallow pan 8 to 10 min or until toasted and fragrant, stirring halfway through. Cool completely (about 15 min.).Meanwhile, bring brown sugar and next 3 ingredients to a boil in a heavy Dutch oven over medium heat, stirring constantly. Boil, stirring occasionally, 6 to 8 min or until a candy thermometer registers 236 (soft ball stage). Remove sugar mixture from heat.Let sugar mixture stand until candy thermometer reaches 150 (20-25 min). Stir in vanilla and pecans using a wooden spoon’ stir constantly 1 to 2 min or just until mixture begins to lose its gloss. Quickly drop by heaping tablespoonfuls onto wax paper; let stand until firm (10-15 min).

I used our Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge (of course!) to package the candy to give away! BUT, because of our MOUSE HUNT (see previous post) I didn't have time to really accessorize and make them pretty. - (*Note: I made the candy and bagged it up BEFORE we found evidence of our mouse - so don't toss out the candy, girls! It's clean!)

Even plain and simple, they are still cute! That's what I love about the Art Philosophy boxes and packages - they are adorable on their own merit! How are you packaging your Christmas candy and cookies this year?

There's a Mouse in my House!

2011-12-12T23:16:00.000-05:00

It's an adorable little book.......but unfortunately.......we don't have the book in our house.......we have the MOUSE!

Grab a cup of tea while I tell you the story.....Here's what happened......as I was making dinner last week, I noticed chunks of hamburger bun missing! RED FLAG! As I started looking around in the drawers and cabinets I found droppings! UGH!!!!

Fast forward to the next morning - our dryer stopped heating. So my husband took it apart to try and assess the problem and fix it. He found the dryer lint line clogged, with burn marks and melted parts inside. I'm glad it stopped working instead of catching on fire!

So he went down to the shed to get the shop vac to blow out the lint line and make sure it was clear all the way through. He set it down inside the family room, turned around to close the sliding door, and turned back to witness a mouse scurry out of the shop vac and under the entertainment center! And it was a BIG one!

As a child he was attacked by Kangaroo Rats and ever since then FREAKS out over mice! Needless to say, it was a creepy situation that involved moving furniture, a broom and screaming! However, he was a brave man and chased it outside! Whew!

Fast forward to the next morning.....he comes down stairs first thing to take Molly out (our Maltese), sets her down on the living room floor, then out from under the Christmas tree comes ANOTHER large field mouse! Just trotting right along, past the husband, past the dog, down the stairs to the front door. Everyone just stared at the mouse! The dog didn't even BARK! Sheesh! Again, he chases THIS one out the front door.

Five minutes later, we are on the phone with the pest control company! We obviously need a professional! We have no idea HOW MANY mice came out of that shop vac while his back was turned! Plus we have the tiny house mouse in the kitchen!

Fast forward to later that afternoon, after stuffing every crevice around pipes with steel wool, and signing a contract for pest control, we are on track to be rodent free! Ugh! Guess I got a pest control service for Christmas and my husband gets new dryer parts for Christmas! That's the way it goes! I guess I'd have to say being rodent free is on the top of my Wish List!

River Ridge Women's Christmas Party

2011-12-11T06:00:00.000-05:00

Every year the women of our church have a Christmas party and gift exchange. Angie Benson hosted once again in her beautiful home! Her home was beautifully decorated for Christmas inside and out!

In the past we have done ornaments and jewelry - this year it was a scarf exchange! And it was one of those where you could take a new gift or steal one already opened! I LOVE THAT! Just makes it all the more exciting!

This was my gift - forgot to photograph the scarf ahead of time.

And this is the scarf I ended up with! With gloves as a bonus! So soft, cozy and warm! (Thank you Tina!)

Everyone brought either an appetizer or dessert to share! I brought Feta Cheese Truffles. I can't remember if I've shared this recipe before, but it's super simple and reminds me of Christmas with the red, white and green!

Feta Cheese Truffles

Makes 6appetizer servings

Prep: 20min. Chill: 1 hour

4 oz. creamcheese, softened

1 (4 oz.)container crumbled feta cheese

½ tsp.Worcestershire sauce

2 tsp.finely chopped onion

¼ tsp. blackpepper

½ cupchopped fresh parsley

Cucumberslices

Grapetomatoes

Katamataolives

Wholealmonds

1. Beatfirst 5 ingredients at medium speed with an electric mixer until well combined.Cover mixture tightly, and chill at least 1 hour or until firm (can chill up to3 days).

2. Rollcheese mixture into ¾ inch round balls. Roll each ball in parsley. Serveimmediately, or cover and chill until ready to serve. If chilled, let stand 30minutes before serving. Serve with cucumber slices, grape tomatoes, kalamataolives, and whole almonds.

Do you have any favorite party recipes? I've got more to share with you later...

Spa Treat!

2011-12-10T21:07:00.001-05:00

A couple of weeks ago, I went to West Chester, PA for a card workshop/kit club. While I was there, Renee took me to Joseph Anthony for a massage! It was a special gift - who wouldn't appreciate a massage, let alone at an award winning spa - but it was also the place where she and her mom went for a special spa day together. I was honored that she would invite me to go with her.

We put on our robes and waited in a holding room with soft light and calming music, while soaking our feet and sipping lemon water. After our massage, we were escorted to the Brine Light Inhalation Therapy Room, where we could relax on padded lounge chairs and snuggle with blankets while our bodies respond to the restorative nature of ocean breezes - blending fresh mist from the brine waterfall, energizing light therapy, and calming music.

While we were sitting there relaxing, we began planning the Brine Room addition to Renee's house! It would make a GREAT time-out room! Can you see the restorative therapy in these crystals?

Thank you Renee - I needed the massage, I enjoyed the relaxation, and I loved spending time with you as always!

Christmas Everyday with Close To My Heart

2011-12-07T05:00:00.000-05:00

Do you love scrapping, stamping, cardmaking, and paper crafting in general? Do you love sales and coupons? Why not ask Santa for a $99 kit that contains over $280 worth of product? Not only do you get a great deal on the product in the kit, you get a discount EVERYDAY by shopping from yourself! (Click on the excited girl with her gifts to get your very own kit today!)

As a CUSTOMER CONSULTANT, you will save LOTS by purchasing from yourself, have access to online training in products and techniques, and never run out of creative ideas! To remain active and keep your full consultant status and discount you only need $300 in sales each quarter (of which you get back 22% instantly PLUS FREE PRODUCT)! Many of us have NO PROBLEM spending that much on product we love and use lots of!

But if you DO need help reaching that level, simply tap a handful of family or friends to help you stay active! Many of my HOBBYIST CONSULTANTS have full time jobs or commitments that don't allow them to work this opportunity as a business, but they love the hobby and get together with a group of friends each month to create, laugh, and get the sales they need to stay active. Keep the commission for yourself or invest in little gifts and freebies for your group OR pass on your discount to them. The choice is yours!

Are you looking for more than just a discount - like extra money or even long term income to replace a full time job or pay off debt or supplement college costs - gymnastics - sports - or other activities your kids are involved in? How about saving to treat your family to a vacation each year? How about earning a trip for TWO - including airfare - to an exotic location each year? Now that's what I'm talkin' about! I have BUSNIESS BUILDER CONSULTANTS on my team that are stay at home moms, retired, single, and even some with full time jobs outside of the home! They come in all shapes and sizes and customize their business to suit their needs! I'd love to help you set up a plan to reach your goal, whatever it is, so you can experience the many wonderful perks of being a Close To My Heart consultant!

Are you not ready to sign up for a discount everyday, but you KNOW someone who would LOVE this? A daughter, niece, friend, neighbor, YOU can give this gift to them, or tap their family to give this as a gift!

So you aren't ready to sign up for a discount everyday, but you'd LOVE for Santa to get you items you've been drooling over or you'd LOVE to get started in this hobby! I've got you covered too!

I have an open letter to your loved ones that will help. Simply print out or copy/paste this letter and give it to them, either with or without your wish list (download wish list here)...

Dear Husbands, Boyfriends, Friends, and/or Family of Crafters,
Since you adore your crafty loved ones so much, I am here to make your holiday gift shopping experience as painless and easy as possible this year. (Plus, your loved one will appreciate your gift that much more and wonder how you knew exactly what they wanted!) There are three ways to place gift orders for your creative loved one...

Have your loved one contact me ahead of time with a list of all of the wonderful Close to my Heart products that are on their wish list this year. Then all you need to do is contact me via email or phone and let me know how much you would like to spend on your gift(s) and I will place the order from the items on her wish list. They will get shipped directly to you and all you will need to do is wrap them and put them under the tree!
Give your loved one this wish list and have them fill it out and give it back to you. Then contact me via email or phone and let me know what you would like to order for your crafty loved one. Or better yet, you can place the order yourself online right here and it will be drop shipped directly to you.
Give your loved one a Close to my Heart gift certificate that she can spend it any way she likes. Contact me with your dollar amount and I will send you a special personalized gift card.

Think about how quick and easy your shopping will be this year and how excited your loved one will be when she receives her gifts! (You will definitely score points with her this year! I guarantee it!)

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. I am happy to help make your shopping experience as quick and painless as possible.

Your Sanity Saver,

Christine Adams
Close to my Heart Independent Consultant
304-767-1250
christine@creatingwithchristine.com

* To ensure Christmas delivery, place your order by December 12th.

Countdown To Christmas

2011-12-06T08:48:00.001-05:00

Don't you love the anticipation leading up to a special day or event? It's so exciting to check off each day as you countdown. Here is a little project I made using our Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge (of course) for an Advent Calendar or Countdown to Christmas Calendar.

I picked up the frame at Michael's - on sale of course. The open area measures 12" x 18". I removed the glass (for safety reasons) and adhered my project to the backboard! (If you adhere your project to another piece of paper or cardboard, you could interchange the inserts for other Countdown themes - like birthdays, vacations, Disney, Convention, etc!

I added the title using the font on the cartridge at 1" and 1 1/2". I added Liquid Applique and Prisma Glitter for a little fluffy frost! Then added some random glittered snowflakes for accents.

The boxes on the bottom are the flat box with a petal closure found on the first button on the top row, left side using the Font Layer creative function key and the shift key. I set the size at 5 1/4". You can modify your size based upon your frame size.

I chose 3 different cardstock colors (Sky, Crystal Blue, Twilight) and ink distressed them with a little White Daisy ink. Since this is a pigment based ink, you will want to heat set it to get it to dry quickly.

For each box color, I used a different glittered snowflake (love that Prisma Glitter!). I added a 1" circle in the same color as the box on top of the snowflake, and then a 3/4" number (also from the AP cartridge) with Liquid Applique and Prisma Glitter. I attached each snowflake combo to the top flap - allowing room to fold the box closed. I think an easier way would be to velcro the snowflakes on so that little hands could easily remove the snowflake before opening and closing the box.

Then, to make Christmas Day a special day, I used a white box - completely glittered - along with a star burst instead of a snowflake!

I chose to use our Wonderland Kit, but of course, you can use any color or theme that you want! The boxes easily open to reveal a task, a scripture, or whatever you want to convey to the participant. I like using it as a "to-do" list as well as a devotional. And of course there is room for a little trinket or candy if you choose! The closed box measures 2 1/4" square with a depth of about 3/8".

What other themes would you use this idea for? I'd love to hear!

Thanks to Lisa Stenz for hosting this Cricut Blog Hop! Let's continue the fun and see what everyone else has made! Why not post YOUR project too!

Time Saving Gift Ideas!

2011-12-05T05:00:00.000-05:00

The gift-giving season can be an uplifting time of merriment and joy... but it can also feel a bit hectic. It’s nice to know you can count on Studio J to help you give meaningful gifts that don’t require a lot of time or money.

Here are a few great Studio J ideas to simplify your life and save time for both the giver and the receiver.

Make one family layout and print multiple copies for everyone. (Time: 15–45 minutes) With Studio J, printing extra copies of a layout is as simple as changing the quantity on the checkout screen. Or, if you prefer, create one layout, then copy it into a new project as many times as you like and customize it for each recipient.
Give a Studio J 5-pack along with a Quick Pic™ album. (Time: 5 minutes) Since a 5-pack includes free layouts, free shipping, and free Memory Protectors, it’s everything they’ll need to create a finished album!
Present a loved one with a 3-month Studio J membership. (Time: 5 minutes) A 3-month membership costs just $30 and is the perfect way to help someone “get their feet wet” with Studio J and give them complete access to a product you love. Combine it with a 5-pack to make it an extra-special stocking stuffer!
Give a gift certificate for one-on-one Studio J training. (Time: 35 minutes) With Studio J, you can create two 2-page layouts in just 30 minutes. Give a gift certificate for a 30-minute session of one-one-one training where I can help them create two layouts. Once I’ve shown them how fast and easy it is to scrapbook the Studio J way, they’ll be excited to create more pages on their own!

So put on the holiday music, pour yourself some eggnog, and pull out your holiday gift list. Studio J is a great way to help you give the gift of memories—without taking much time!

Contact me for more information or a free demonstration!
Click here to try Studio J for free.

Beautiful Brighton Booty

2011-12-04T07:00:00.000-05:00

I love to reward my team with a little Brighton Booty to keep for a quarter to remind them of their great success! Want to see?

For Top Team Sales for the Quarter:

The Brighton Sacred Heart Necklace - Like having two necklaces in one, the heart reverses from all silver (to wear as an everyday classic) to glittering crystals for blingy celebrations. I just picked up this beauty in PA this week!

For Top Recruiter for the Quarter:

String of Hearts Bracelet - okay - so this is not the bracelet (pictured below) that I have, but the current Top Recruiter has it now, so I can photograph it. I purchased it in Orlando, FL during convention a few years ago and it's no longer available. Just picture this bracelet with hearts all around to signify the team of hearts she is building and the love abounding! (A little over the top - okay, but some truth in there too!)

For Top Personal Sales for the Quarter:

Purse Key Fob with dangling heart & key - okay - so this is not the actual key fob either! The Top Sales person is enjoying it currently! I also picked up this one in FL and it is no longer available. But I love the purse idea (with top sales) and the heart & key combo went perfectly with our logo!

So how this works is simple. Everyone in my downline is in the running - whoever captures the top spot in these categories each quarter receives a certificate along with the Brighton Booty to hold on to for the quarter. They bring it back (or mail it back) for the next team meeting so it is ready to present to the next big winner! So if you happen to see one of the beauties walking around town, congratulate them! They are Rock Stars!

Updates delivered to your mailbox!

2011-12-03T18:52:00.001-05:00

Did you know you can subscribe to have my new blog posts show up in your email so you don't have to remember to check my blog? How convenient is that?! Simple enter your email address to the right under my info where it says "Subscribe to my posts via e-mail updates!" Now you can stay up to date on artwork, specials, workshops, and recipes and other happenin' hoopla!

Thanks for looking, for following, and for commenting!

Merry Christmas Blog Buddies!

Wonderland Baby Card

2011-11-28T04:00:00.000-05:00

My dear friend (and downline) Cheyanne is having another baby boy!!! She asked me if I would make her invitations, so I did! The Wonderland papers just happened to work perfectly with her theme and baby decor, so that's what I used!

I kept it pretty simple since I needed to do 35. I found the image online - isn't it adorable?

I used a pattern from our Originals Card Book called Framed Message. Originally it was a 5x7 card, and I modified it to fit a standard size card. And of course, I used our new Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge to create the shapes for the sentiment and for the stars.

I added a little Prisma Glitter to the stars and popped them up with 3-D foam tape. I also used our January 2012 stamp of the month, Little Reminder, for the sentiment - put it on your wish list for January!

I love our new B&T papers with cardstock weight, I can now use it for my card base and scrapbook bases! I just printed out the "sprinkle" details and adhered it inside the card!

Congratulations on the soon coming birth of your baby boy Cheyanne! I can't wait to meet him!

Shop Small and Save BIG!

2011-11-25T18:52:00.001-05:00

This is the second annual Shop Small Event, designed to support local small businesses. Smack dab between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, consumers are encouraged to help support their local economy by investing in small businesses in their area, that includes home-based businesses! I have decided to participate this year, and to extend it through the end of this month to give you plenty of time to take advantage of my special offers!

Shop Small - Save Big Deals:
The following deals apply to items on my rock-bottom discount table, current product cash & carry table, online discounted items, and catalog orders!

FREE SHIPPING on all orders big and small!
Spend $25 - receive FREE SHIPPING PLUS a handmade Christmas card of your choice! (complete and ready to mail - see below*)
Spend $50 - receive FREE SHIPPING, a card of your choice PLUS one of the stamps sets below for only $5!**
Spend $100 - receive FREE SHIPPING PLUS TWO cards of your choice PLUS TWO stamp sets for $5 each (choose from stamps below or on my clearance table)
Spend $150 - receive FREE SHIPPING, FIVE cards of your choice, PLUS THREE stamp sets for $5 each, (choose from stamps below or on my clearance table) PLUS $25 in FREE PRODUCT!

These are discounts that I am offering personally, so you must email your order directly to me to take advantage of these specials. I will calculate the tax and reply with your grand total within 24 hours.
Order items for yourself, for gifts, or gather orders from others to get the greatest deal!

My Discount Table includes gently used stamp sets for only $5, NEW retired or unavailable stamp sets for only $10, a box filled with $1 items, a box filled with $3 items, textured cardstock for only $0.25 per sheet, photo card kits $5 for 12 cards/envelopes, and more! Contact me for more specifics or if you want to stop by and shop! You can also look at all current and discounted products available on my website here. Make out your list and email it to me!

*Here are the Christmas Cards you can choose from:

**Here are the stamps you can choose from for $5 (click images for more details):

Thank you in advance for Shopping Small - and specifically for shopping with ME! My business depends on loyal customers like you and I'm grateful to have the opportunity to serve you!

Holiday Cheer Traditional Card

2011-11-25T17:00:00.000-05:00

Did the pastel Christmas card make you cringe and long for the warmth of traditional colors? Relax, I've got one for you here!

This card features our Holiday Cheer and A Holiday stamp sets. Both of these stamp sets have coordinating AP Cricut images which makes creating beautiful artwork SO easy! Simply have the cricut cut your shape, stamp with the coordinating stamp, and you're done! No cutting or trimming!

The term Happy Holiday doesn't offend me, because we are celebrating many holidays during this season ~ including Christmas and the New Year. The nice thing about this card is you can put Merry Christmas on the inside and envelope or Happy New Year - or whatever holiday you are celebrating!

Would you like to have a set of these pre-cut, pre-stamped and ready to assemble? These cards are only $1 per card - request as many as you want and I'll deliver them to you if you are local or drop them in the mail if you are far away (postage extra).

Stay tuned to see how you can get one of these already assembled and ready to mail....

Blue & Silver Holiday Magic - sort of

2011-11-25T16:30:00.001-05:00

Here is a blue & silver version of the Holiday Magic cards.....only.....I didn't use the Holiday Magic stamp set. It's all CRICUT!!!!

I used a sentiment from the Say It In Style stamp set, and the Stocking, Snowflake, and Christmas Tree images from the AP Cricut cartridge, along with our Wonderland paper!

Would you like a set of these pre-cut and pre-stamped/embossed ready to put together? Contact me asap to get your kit! If you are local, I'll deliver them to you. If you are far away, I'll maill them. (Postage extra.)

1 set of 2 for $5

3 sets (6 cards) for $15

5 sets (10 cards) for $20

Stay tuned to see how you can receive one of the cards fully assembled and ready to mail....

Pastel Holiday Magic Cards

2011-11-25T13:32:00.001-05:00

I'm kind of a tradition gal when it comes to Christmas - but if it sparkles and shines, sometimes that's all that's necessary to say CELEBRATE! I saw these cards on Araon's blog and had to try my hand at them. They are very untraditional in color, but they definitely sparkle and shine and shout CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS!

These cards feature the October Stamp of the Month called Holiday Magic - and this set definitely creates some magic! I used our AP cricut cartridge for the fun shapes, and my Cuttlebug for some embossed personality, Prisma Glitter, Bling Buttons, and Sparkles!

Would you like a pre-cut, pre-stamped kit to put together yourself? Trust me, it's not too late. You can sit down and put these together lickety-split! The sooner you contact me, the sooner I can get them to you. If you are local I will deliver them to you, if you are far away, I'll get them to the PO right away (postage is extra).

One set of 2 cards = $5

Three sets (6 cards) = $15

Five sets (10 cards) = $20

This stamp set is no longer available, but I have plenty on hand if you missed out! You can purchase it for only $10 (a $17.95 retail value) or get it for only $5 with an order of $50 or more!

Stay tuned to see how you can get your hands on one of these cards already assembled and ready to mail...

Citrus-Grilled Turkey Breast

2011-11-25T12:06:00.001-05:00

I thought I'd share a super easy turkey idea with you. Since we didn't have a crowd to feed yesterday, I decided to go simple. Instead of a large turkey, I chose a turkey breast instead. I actually got one at Sam's Club - about 6 pounds, boneless, skinless, fully cooked. But I had to doctor it up just a bit! I found a recipe in Southern Living's November 2011 magazine that I modified for this bird!

The recipe in the magazine calls for a skin on, bone in breast that you actually cook on the grill. As I said above, I got the fully cooked version from Sam's (Butterball Deep Fried) and cooked it in the oven. Here is my modified version:

1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsely

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 Tbsp. lemon zest

3 Tbsp. olive oil

1 tsp. freshely ground pepper

Place turkey in small baking pan. Stir together above ingredients and rub over turkey breast. Cover loosely with foil and bake at 340 degrees for about an hour. It was super flavorful and juicy tender! It even produced enough broth to add to my jar turkey gravy to give it some extra flavor!

Somthing different - Super easy - So good!

Looking forward to leftovers today! Hope you have some good leftovers to munch on today too! If not, stop by! Now serving lunch!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T04:00:00.000-05:00

I wish you all the very happiest Thanksgiving. I pray you are surrounded by family and friends - or even strangers if necessary - to offer thanks to God for His many blessings and openly express our gratitude to each other. The really important things in life all boil down to relationships. They matter more than money, success, failure, past hurts ~ anything! So I hope you fully appreciate the delicious food and the people beside you tomorrow. I know I will. Our group will be small this year, but I'm thrilled to have each person at our table:

My husband ~ he sure puts up with alot from me!

My mom ~ the sweetest, most generous person I know!

My son ~ he has fought through many hardships the past few years, I'm so glad to have him with us this year!

Patti ~ a sweet friend who was going to be alone this year - can't have that!

Our church youth group made Apple Butter and Apple Sauce for a fundraiser this past Sunday, so I bought some to use as favors at the table! Then of course I used my acorn cards with a personal note of gratitude to each person.

Looking forward to getting up early and starting to fill the house with savory aromas!

Happy Thanksgiving to you!

Gift Card Stocking

2011-11-19T13:08:00.001-05:00

This has turned out to be such a quick and easy project - and beautifully highlights the virtues of our Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge! I've been using this at my gatherings this past month and next since it is such a practical project for everyone! And trust me, ANYONE can make this - no previous creative ability required! Close To My Heart and our AP Cricut cartridge do all the creative work - we simply glue the pieces together!

The stocking image is cut at 7" along with the stocking layer pieces and a cardstock or pattern piece for the back. This is the perfect size to tuck a gift card inside, as you can see above! The heel and toe can be quickly edge distressed with an edge distresser or scissors OR you can score them with stripes or squares and sand to reveal the white core of our cardstock to add a little visual interest and texture. (Next time I think I'll run my heel and toe through my Cuttlebug with my Swiss Dots embossing folder!)

The leaves and the holly are also cut from the AP cartridge - holly leaves at 2" and the holly layer (berries) also cut at 2". I scored the leaves with vein lines that expose our white core when lightly sanded and added some of our quick and easy Red Glitz Glitter Gel to the berries for a finishing touch! Also, the cuff is adorable with some Liquid Applique applied and heat set to resemble white fluffy fur!

Here is another version - using the EXACT same pieces, only turned over to feature the other pattern on the back side. Our B&T Duos paper always offer two options - one on each side!

Since this version is a little more "bright & cheery", I added some Prisma Glitter to the Liquid Applique before I heat set it to give it some extra sparkle!

Would you and your friends like to make one of these for free? Host a fun gathering before Christmas and you could also qualify for FREE Hostess rewards - including getting your very own AP Cricut Collection for HALF PRICE (only $49.50 - normally $99)!

Want to just make a bunch on your own? All you need is your very own AP cartridge, papers of your choice, a little ribbon plus a brad, glitz glitter, liquid applique, and prisma glitter (if desired). You can use your sewing machine to sew the the two stocking pieces together OR a thin bead of Liquid Glass around the outside edges to create the pocket in the stocking.

Don't have time to host a party just yet and don't have your very own AP Cartridge just yet? Stay tuned for details about an opportunity that's PERFECT for you!

Liebster Blog Award!

2011-11-17T09:10:00.001-05:00

I received the Liebster Blog award from TWO people!! Thank you Kelly and Tonya! I'm always flattered - and a little surprised - to be recognized! You have both encouraged me to be better at posting more consistently!

For those of you unfamiliar with the Liebster Blog Award, the goal of the award is to spotlight those bloggers with less than 200 followers and hopefully help everyone involved to increase their following.

The rules are fairly simple...

•Thank the giver and link back to the blogger who gave it to you.

•Select five bloggers (with less than 200 followers) and leave a comment on their blog letting them know they were selected.

•Copy and paste the award on your blog

•Have fun!

Here are my five (under 200 followers)...in no particular order!I draw incredible inspiration of different kinds from EACH of these fabulous ladies! So show some support, and if you are not a current follower of their blog, start today!

1. Aaron Brown from aaronsbooth32.blogspot.com

2. Audrey Key from stampingaudrey.blogspot.com

3. Amy Ulen from studioscrapping.blogspot.com

4. Jean M. from stampinmaui.blogspot.com

5. Sheila Bennett from sheila-bennett.blogspot.com

Acorn Card

2011-11-16T18:08:00.001-05:00

I saw this adorable project on Jean M's blog and had to try my hand at it right away! She actually got the idea from Aaron Brown. Aaron used a Gypsy to weld two acorns together to create a top fold acorn card. You can watch her video to see how easy it really is! But since I don't have a gypsy or design software, I decided to make mine more like a post card - with a colonial white back, Dreamin' B&T front, and a chocolate layer (cap)!

I added a piece of our dark chocolate striped ribbon with a Designer Brad from our Antiqued Copper collection. So easy and so cute!!! I gave these out as thank you notes to my club on Friday.

I'm working on smaller acorns with the Sonoma papers, cocoa designer ribbon, and gold shimmer brads for place settings at Thanksgiving! I think I'll add a tag with a name on it or something....this is just my prototype - definately need colorful napkins and warm woods and leaves on the table!

Are you incorporating a blessing game or place settings or something creative at YOUR Thanksgiving table this year? I'd love to hear about it!

They did it AGAIN!

2011-11-10T18:35:00.001-05:00

My Kit Club in Danville, WV is such a blessing to me in SO many ways! And they often BLESS me -actually overwhelm me! - with gifts of appreciation. Last week when I arrived to teach a Christmas Workshop, this beautiful Fall arrangement was waiting for me - to thank me for hosting the Chief Logan Crop.

Look at the delicious details of this arrangement:

This group has been such a huge blessing to me from DAY 1! They started out as very generous customers, but quickly became life-long friends! I can't wait to see them again this Friday!

Believe Christmas Workshop

2011-11-06T17:37:00.000-05:00

This month's workshop features our festive Believe papers, a couple of My Creations pieces and the star of the show: The Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge!!!

Are you getting tired of hearing about this cartridge? I hope not! Almost everything I do now uses this cartridge in some way. In this workshop, we use it in a BIG way!

I actually didn't do any inking or stamping - just Cricut cutting and putting together! You certainly could ink distress if you'd like. Some tone-on-tone inking would be a nice touch. But just to keep it simple, I didn't do any at all. Here is what this workshop consists of:

A Joy Banner - featuring 3 of our My Creations Banner pieces for a strong, sturdy result. The individual banner pieces are 7" long and about 6" wide and can easily hang on your tree, on a door, nestled in some greenery from the mantle, over a bed, or in the kitchen window over the sink, ANYWHERE! The banner pieces along with the scalloped circle, circle, letters and snowflakes were all quickly and easily cut from the cricut. I added a little Prisma glitter to the snowflakes for some quick dazzle! The pleated medallions are so easy to make and add a great deal of dimension!

A Santa Heart Pocket - This little beauty was designed by Lisa Stenz! Isn't it cute? I used one of our ribbon slides as the buckle and our black button brads for the buttons. These are perfect for holding candies or even gift cards. Wouldn't these be great to hang on the door knob of co-workers at the office? Or surprise your kids by hanging them on their bedroom doors. Or even from the tree!

Stocking gift card holder - This little stocking is SO easy to make! Instead of pulling out the sewing machine to create a pocket with the two pieces, we simply glue the edges together with Liquid Glass! A little Liquid Applique on the cuff, and Red Glitz Glitter on the berries add the finishing touches! These will dangle nicely from your packages, the tree, the mantle, the banister - anywhere you want to add a little festive cheer! You can even personalize them by adding a name, or dress up the heel and toe with sparkles for stitching!

Box & Bow - This project features our My Creations cube for the box, and cardstock for the ribbon and bow! After learning how to do this, you will never go back to store bought bows again! The box is a 5" x 5" cube.

In this workshop, you will pick up so many new little techniques and ideas to help you get your holiday gifts and decorations started! Join me on Saturday, November 19th at 3pm in Cross Lanes or order a kit with pre-cut pieces and easy instructions to make at home for only $20. (Shipping is extra.)

Contact me by 11/12 to reserve your spot!

Crop Workshops and Treats

2011-11-03T04:00:00.000-04:00

Saturday morning we found some brave croppers had stayed up all night long!! They deserved extra crop cash for that. And everyone needed a little treat to get the day rollin' so we passed out candy filled treat bags!

There were several workshops offered throughout the weekend - some free, some a small fee. Here are a few:

If you didn't get a chance to make these and you still want to, let me know and I might be able to prepare a kit for you!

Operation Smile is a WINNER!

2011-11-02T04:00:00.000-04:00

Operation Smile is a charity that Close To My Heart has supported for many years.You can read more about them here.

Meet Ngan. You can read her sweet story here. Her surgery was performed in 2002. Nine year later, in January 2011, Ngan is the happy, healthy, vibrant girl she was meant to be. She now dreams of becoming a teacher and bringing education to other children in the province.

I just love reading the Smile Stories of lives that have been changed. But even more amazing are the before and after photos! Wow! It brings tears to my eyes and joy to my heart! And all because one man and woman decided to use their God-given talents to help children in need.

One of the many ways to earn crop cash at our weekend crop was to purchase a t-shirt (with proceeds going to Operation Smile) and also donating your change (to "change" a smile). Here is the logo that Cari Chafin designed for the t-shirt for our event. Isn't it cute?

Let me tell you, these girls didn't care a bit about the crop cash, they were all about helping to change the life of a child. Did you know it only takes $240 to perform this life changing surgery on a child? Well, my scrappin' peeps donated over $280 this weekend! That means one child will have their life not only improved, but radically changed - in part, thanks to my wonderfully generous peeps. But in large part, thanks to the surgeons and volunteers who devote their talents, time and skill in this very worth organinzation!

Thank you peeps! You inspire and bless me!!

Rubber Chickens and Dancing?

2011-11-01T14:05:00.001-04:00

One of the goofy things we do at my crops is pass around the rubber chicken! As soon as you complete a project, you go and grab the rubber chicken. Whoever has possession of the chicken when the chicken dance song randomly plays in our crop music, gets CROP CASH!

And of course he makes a wonderfully obnoxious sound when you squeeze him!

This time we added a bonus - if you get up and dance the chicken dance during the song, you get EXTRA crop cash. And anyone who joins you gets crop cash too! These girls took advantage of this! It was hillarious! They are such good sports, it just brought joy to my heart! And it was good cardio too!

Can't wait for next time!

Crop Cash & Auction

2011-10-31T05:00:00.000-04:00

At our weekend crop, we had many opportunities to earn crop cash! The more you collected, the more you had to spend on auction items throughout the weekend!

I made everyone a personalized purse to keep their crop cash in too! And of course I made it using our amazing AP Cricut Cartridge! Isn't it cute?

Friday evening and twice on Saturday, we auctioned off a plethoria of prizes ranging from handmade items, to Close To My Heart products. Also some great CTMH crop caddies and rolling totes!

One of the easiest ways to earn cash was to DANCE! More about that later....

Fall Scrapbooking Retreat was a BLAST!

2011-10-30T17:28:00.001-04:00

I'm back! And we had a blast!! I'm already planning our next one! Can't wait!

So this past weekend, me and 35 of my scrappin' peeps went to Chief Logan Lodge Conference Center to scrapbook, make cards, 3-D projects, Studio J layouts, etc. We had lots of workshops to participate in, old and new friends to hang out with and lots of laughter!

I thought I'd share a little about the fun we had with a couple different posts this week. Starting off with what everyone received when they arrived.

Everyone received their coordinating Roxie supplies! In their goodie bag, they received the accessories for a one page layout, including a "10 Things Pocket" which we used to write down 10 things we DREAM about. Later in the evening we played the BFF Game, we drew names and asked them to bring up 3 of thier BFF's and asked the BFF's to bring their "10 Things" strips. We randomly read the strips and the contestant had to guess which BFF dreamed about that! Let me tell you, I want to have some of THOSE dreams! There were some good ones!

We also used our coordinating 10 Things stamp set! (Love it!) And our new Just Blooms paper shapes Flutter (butterflies) that can be inked ANY color to quickly and easily coordinate, some of our new Bling Buttons, Sparkles, our Milepost Corrugated chipboard shapes, and hearts and scallops from the AP Cricut cartridge!

I had supplies available for those who wanted to purchase the second page layout too.

So that started our day off with a bang! More to come later.....

Team Meeting and SPECIAL TREAT

2011-10-26T14:31:00.001-04:00

Our team meetings always include lunch - because, well, I LOVE FOOD! Sometime I provide everything, and sometimes we pot-luck! This time was a pot-luck - and trust me, it's always amazing! These ladies know how to cook!

We had a Mexican theme with taco soup, a mexican casserole, spicey buffalo chicken dip, veggie pizza, etc. But here's the best part! DESSERT! In keeping with the theme, we had fried ice cream!

I didn't "make" the ice cream - got it at the store, but we filled waffle bowls with the ice cream, topped with whipped cream, sprinkled with cinnamon, and drizzled with honey! Mmmmmmmm! Seconds please!

Kind of a funny thing to share, but it was so easy to prepare and makes for a SPECIAL TREAT! I still have some, want to drop by and try it?

Team Meeting & TREAT bag

2011-10-24T16:28:00.000-04:00

I had such GREAT time with my team on Saturday. At our team meeting we discussed our new and MUCH IMPROVED compensation plan, as well as a totally achievable cruise to the Southern Caribbean! Each of us shared our goals - whether we are a customer consultant, hobbyist, or business builder - then we all shared ideas to help each other reach those goals! I LOVE how we always inspire and support each other!

We made a day of it and created a Cricut Display Board (thanks to Pam Thor) and an Operation Smile Display Board, Workshop on the Go Kits, and anything else we had to work on! We also each made this cute little treat bag thanks to the inspiration of Melissa Laverty. (Thanks Fancy M!) Isn't it stinkin' cute????

Here is a link to Melissa's YouTube video so you can see how easy this was to create!!

Hope you had a great weekend!

Dreamin Kit Club 3-D Projects

2011-10-21T06:00:00.000-04:00

All this week I've been posting projects made with the Dreamin' Workshop On The Go Kit. We started off with a layout, then did 5 cards. Today I want to show you the two projects we made with some of the left over papers, using our Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge.

We started off with a Pillow Box (9") which was a perfect size to wrap up a sweet treat! I had different ribbons to choose from and tag options.

Next we did a cupcake box (FTP) using our new Backdrop-Charmed stamp set and the paper piecing technique. It was the perfect size to hold a votive candle and a fall trinket - compliments of Renee!

I used a framed image on the AP cartridge (LOVE the layers you can create!). I stamped the bottom layer inside the frame in second-generation chocolate ink for a background to coordinate with the tag, then added the Autumn Days sentiment using the rock 'n roll technique. I then paper pieced some leaves in the corner.

I then cut out a card/tag on the AP cartride, stamped my image and paper pieced some pumpkins and a leaf for a pop of color and dimension!

Our AP Cricut Cartridge makes creating beautiful artwork SO EASY!!!! I'd love to show you how and help YOU create beautiful artwork too. Come join me once a month to work with a new paper pack/kit, learn new techniques, get caught up on your scrapbooking, create beautiful cards, and gift items!

Contact me for more information.

Dreamin' Kit Club Cards

2011-10-19T06:00:00.000-04:00

Earlier this month, I drove to West Chester, PA to do a card club with my "sista" Renee (my brother's girlfriend). I guess you could say I'd travel to the ends of the earth to do a card workshop! (Well at least to PA!) She meticulously placed sample artwork throughout her home to display for her guests, it looked like it belonged there!

(Lisa Stenz's Sonoma artwork)

I was so excited to do this workshop with Renee! She invited 5 other friends to join her. None of them are scrapbookers, but we were able to use the Dreamin' WOTG kit to make 5 adorable cards plus a couple of cricut gift packages (in addition to my layout) and still have paper left to create more! Here are the cards - I change them up just a little from the bonus project instructions and again I am adding the Harvest Charms to these too:

This first one, I just had to use the technique we learned on the layout. Love it!

Cute, huh? Stay tuned....I'll show you the cricut packages we made!

Dreamin' Kit Club

2011-10-17T06:00:00.000-04:00

All this month, my kit clubs have been working with the Dreamin' Workshop On The Go kit! I LOVE these papers - AND the techniques taught in this kit!

I changed mine up just a little bit by adding the Harvest Charms and using my Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge (of course!).

You can see where I added the Harvest Charms to my layout on both pages.

I also used a cricut border image at the bottom of each page in place of stamping circles. And instead of stamping my title, I used the font on the cartridge.

I loved the technique taught in this kit - we got to "rock 'n roll" our stamps for two-toned images! Then added some of our new Bronze Glitz Glitter for a touch of sparkle!

I love the ease of our workshop kits and love how easy it is to modify them to suit your fancy! Stay tuned to see what else we made with this kit!

Another Incredible Deal!

2011-10-09T17:02:00.000-04:00

$400 Worth of Goodies for Only $99?

Yes, it's true! Close to my Heart has done it again! During the month of October, you can get over $400 worth of CTMH goodies for only $99.*

Sign up as a new Consultant between October 1–31 and receive one New Consultant Kit add-on collection of your choice FREE! Add-on collections are priced at $40 each and have a retail value of up to $130, making this an incredible deal!

If you are someone who never pays full price and is looking for a deal on papercrafing supplies and online scrapbooking - this is PERFECT FOR YOU!

If you are someone who could use a little extra money to pay for dance lessons or groceries or a family vacation - this is PERFECT FOR YOU!

If you are someone who is looking for a rewarding career with a multitude of benefits - this is PERFECT FOR YOU!

For just a $99 enrollment fee, you'll receive a New Consultant Kit packed with business essentials and new products valued at over $280 (pictured above), plus a FREE add-on collection to enhance your kit (pictured below)! Then you can choose to buy one or both of the other add-on collections for just $40 each. It's an incredible deal!

Roxie Add-On Collection

Create sparkling artwork with these brilliant products. Over $80 retail value!

Elemental Add-On Collection

It's Elemental, my dear Watson: You'll love your artwork! Over $80 retail value!

Studio J Add-On Collection

Membership includes incredible benefits! Over $130 retail value!

The timing to join my incredible team this month is perfect:

Join us for our quarterly team meeting and all day crop on Oct. 22nd to get hands-on training, make displays and projects, win prizes, connect with your team family!
Join me at my weekend crop getaway at Chief Logan Lodge Hotel & Conference Center Oct. 28-29 for a weekend full of classes, prizes, and tons of fun!
Start earning points toward our Southern Caribbean Cruise - the earning period just began this month! I'll help you develop a plan to EARN IT your first year!

Click here to contact me if you have any questions.

Click here to go to the online application!

*Shipping/handling and tax may apply. Offer good October 1—31, 2011. Limit of one free add-on collectionper new Consultant. Available only during enrollment. Contents of the New Consultant Kit and Add-OnCollections are subject to change at any time without notice. Shipping/handling is free on add-on collections. US tax will be charged on the retail price of $40.

Retreat Journals and Goodie Bags with Art Philosophy

2011-10-07T11:47:00.000-04:00

Sorry I have been MIA lately - I've just been a busy little bee running from one event to another! Last weekend our church had their women's retreat at a cabin up in the mountains of Snowshoe, WV. Believe it or not, it actually SNOWED while we were there!!

We had such a great time together! I love my RRC Sistas!

I was asked to make 35 goodie bags and journals again this year, so of course I had to incorporate our Art Philosophy cricut cartridge! I don't make anything anymore without it! LOL!

We studied a book called Weird - Because Normal isn't Working by Craig Groeschel. After last weekend, I really want to be WEIRD! The more weird, the better!

So back to the artwork - For the journal I used a few different shapes from the cricut cartridge for the journal cover (scalloped border, ticket frame, bracket shape). I added a sparkle on the "i" dot and prisma glitter on the ticket frame.

The bag is a plain white craft bag from Michael's but I added one of our cricut shapes along with a fleur de lis image, raised with 3-D foam tape and covered with glitter of course! I tied a little black tulle to the handle and inserted a silver pencil with a sparkle on top!

Inside the bag, aside from the journal, was a goodie bag tied with a coordinating fleur de lis tag. I have always LOVED how Close To My Heart products coordinate and this Art Philosophy cartridge is no exception!

And for the final touch, each bag included a box with one Raspberry Truffle (pureed raspberries are added to a ganache of Swiss dark chocolate and fresh cream to create this favorite. Presented in a milk chocolate heart-shaped shell) made by Holl's Swiss Chocolatier of Viena, West Virginia.

Open House Thank You Gift

2011-09-24T14:12:00.000-04:00

Did I mention how much fun we had at my Open House? Everyone LOVES all that our new Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge can do! And for all of those who participated in my More For Your Money Sale, I have a little thank you gift!

It's a cupcake box (from the AP cartridge - 9" in size) with a stamped votive candle inside!

Thank you to eveyone who attended my open house and a special thanks to all who participated in my More For Your Money Sale! I can't wait for you to start playing with your OWN AP Cartridge!

Giving Thanks Box

2011-09-16T07:00:00.000-04:00

Can you handle MORE Elemental artwork? I hope so! Today I want to show how perfect this paper is for Fall projects. I LOVE this time of year, and after a VERY hot summer, I treasure the cool nights that have finally arrived.

I've been reading a book called 365 Thank Yous - The Year a Simple Act of Daily Gratitude Changed My Life by John Kralik. (Stay tuned - I plan on making a project to go along with this book.) The back cover says - "365 DAYS. TWO WORDS. ONE MIRACULOUS TRUE STORY. An inspiring, true story about how a simple, old-fashioned act - writing thank-you notes - led a hopeless, angry, middle-aged man out of despair and into a wonderful life." That was enough to pique MY interest!

This next little project was partially inspired by this book.

It features our new Card Box, our new Chocolate Striped Wide Ribbon, our new Mini-Medley Pewter Accents, and our new stamp set called So Grateful! And of course, the star of the show, our AP Cricut Cartridge! (The crowd cheers!)

I started out by inking the box with a sponge and our chocolate ink. Want to know a much easier way? Try a chocolate MARKER instead! Then I inked our pewter metal accents with our Staz-On Brown ink. This ink is perfect for non-porous materials such as metals. There is a metal frame on top of the box and two metal corner accents on the flap.

I printed out the "Giving Thanks" sentiment from my computer and used the center point feature of the expressions to cut it out in the shape of the metal frame. (Love my AP cartridge!) Then I stamped my pumpkin in second generation Goldrush ink, rolled in chocolate ink and cut it out. I added a leaf stamped in Olive ink and rolled in chocolate ink. Then I stamped directly on the box for the stem and vines. This makes it easy to layer my colorful pumpkin and leaf on top using 3-D foam tape without having to cut the tiny, delicate vines!

When open, you will find a bag of corn kernels (straight from the Feed Store) along with instructions. Again I used the center point feature to cut out my instructions in a cute shape from the AP cartridge!

In case you can't read it:

"The act of GIVING THANKS or having an attitude of gratitude is becoming a lost art. Use this box at dinner time or bed time each day to consider things in our life that you can be grateful for.

Each person receives a few kernels of corn to drop in the box as they state what they are thankful for. Also consider offering thanks to the one who deserves the credit. This can be a prayer of thanks or a thank you note to a friend!

Used on a daily basis, you will notice a difference in your attitude and perspective in about 30 days!"

What are you grateful for? Do you take the time each day to reflect on your day or life to find the good in it? When was the last time you sent a spontaneous thank you card - not an obligatory one? I plan to have more on this subject, but until then, THANK YOU for reading my blog! :o)

4 YOU flower wreath card

2011-09-14T07:00:00.000-04:00

Here is a cute little card that features many new products and an "oldie but goodie" too!

I started with our new White Daisy Die-Cut cards, but added an A-Door-Able to the front.

When opened, you can see the Die-Cut shape of the front of the card. The scalloped border inside was a cinch using - you guessed it - the AP cartridge!

I used the new Remarkable Wreath stamp set for the "4 YOU" on the front - first I stamped it in White Daisy embossing powder on the card, then I stamped it again on Colonial White cardstock using Sorbet ink. I cut out the pennants and added them over the embossed images using 3-D foam tape.

Then I added a DE ring shape from the Elemental Complement DEs to the front of the "door" and to the outer edge of the "door". The outer ring says "Happiness Lives Here". I embellished the inner ring with 3-D flowers in Sorbet and Creme Brulee (all inked with Grey Flannel). I love the names of these colors - and how delicious they are together!

When you open the "door" of the A-Door-Able, you see "Life is Good"!

When was the last time YOU used an A-Door-Able and how did you use it?

Elemental Gift Bag

2011-09-12T07:00:00.000-04:00

One of the things I ADORE about our new Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge, is the boxes, bags, and packages we can create!! Here is a gift bag created using two 12x12 papers on a 12x24 mat. This is the biggest size I can create using this mat, but trust me, it's quite large enough. Once assembled, the bag itself (not including the handles) measures 6" wide, 3.75" deep, and 6" tall. Plenty of room to fill with all kinds of goodies and gifts!

I used our new Love Life stamp set on this bag along with the Hooray Bouquet (for the flowers). Two of my faves! I also added some 3-D flowers for variety! (I'm lovin' those flowers!) In the center of the flowers I used both clear sparkles and our glitzy new Rhinestone Designer Brads.

Behind the sentiment on the bag, I added some Grey Flannel cardstock with a little Prisma Glitter for pizzazz! I also inked everything with Grey Flannel to amplify the silver/sparkle effect.

Also, on the front and back of the bag I used our coordinating Elemental Complements Dimensional Elements border.

Finally, here is a picture of the bag with a tag made from the AP cartridge and a coordinating tag stamp set that is included in the collection.

Have you made this large gift tote with YOUR cartridge yet? Just a couple of tips - lay your paper side-by-side (not overlapping) but tight together. Then after cutting, add some double-sided tape to the inside seam before lifting from the mat - so it will remove as one piece. If you want, you can hide the tape by removing the protective strip and adding a strip of the same color cardstock over the tape/seam.

Check back for more artwork!

2011-09-11T21:01:00.001-04:00

Here is the 2011-2012 Close To My Heart Advisory Board. I'm not sure we know what we are in for....but we are all excited!

This week I am off on the Close To My Heart Advisory Board Retreat.

My bags are packed, my sleeves are rolled up, and I'm ready to go!

While I'm gone, I have some new artwork scheduled to post throughout the week. I hope you enjoy and I'll check in when I return! Have a great week everyone!

Remembering...

2011-09-11T19:22:00.000-04:00

There are many things and many people to remember and honor today. Some of them gave the ultimate sacrifice. And still others continue to serve in such a way that they put their lives at risk for the benefit of others every moment of every day.

We remember those who are gone, we remember those who are still here, we remember those who are serving, we remember those who are living without a loved one.

I recently read about an account of the last survivor to be rescued at Ground Zero, I'd like to take just a second to share it with you - from the book "Praying the Names of God - A Daily Guide by Ann Spangler".

Have you ever sat across the table from some one who shouldn't even be walking around on the planet? A year ago I met a woman named Genelle Guzman-McMillan. Her story mezmerized me because she survived troubles the rest of us have only encountered in our nightmares. She is the last survivor of the September 11 attack on the World Trade Center.

Genelle is a soft-spoken woman who remembers what happened in terrifying detail. Employed by the Port Authority of New York, she arrived a little after 8 a.m. on September 11 and rode the elevator to her job on the sixty-fourth floor of the north tower. Thinking it was safe to stay, Genelle didn't attempt to leave the building until after the second plane hit. Racing down fifty-one flights of stairs in high heels, she stopped for a moment on the thriteenth floor. As she bent down to remove her shoes, the north tower collapsed on top of her.

Like millions of others, I watched the horrifying scene via live TV, convinced that no one had survived the collapse of the second tower.

Here's what happened to Genelle when all hell broke loose:

One hundred ten floors were coming down around us. I knew I was being buried alive. The noise was deafening...

When I woke again I told myself I had to do something. But what could I do? "God, you've got to help me!" I prayed. "You've got to show me a sign, show me a miracle, give me a second chance. Please save my life!" My eyes were so caked with grime that the tears couldn't come, but I felt it in my heart. I was talking to God as though he were right there. I told him I was ready to live my life the right way. "Lord, just give me a second chance, and I promise I will do your will."...

The next day I heard a beep-beep sound like a truck backing up. I called for help, but there was no response....Finally someone hollered back: "Hello, is somebody there?" "Yes, help me! My name is Genelle, and I'm on the thirteenth floor," I cried, not realizing how ludicrous the information about my location must have sounded, coming from a pile of rubble...

I could see a bit of daylight coming through a crack, so I stuck my hand through it...I stretched my hand out as far as I could, and this time someone grabbed it. "Genelle, I've got you! You're gong to be all right. My name is Paul. I won't let go of your hand until they get you out."

Genelle had prayed to the God she had ignored for most of her life, and he had been there for her. After twenty-seven hours she was pulled out of the rubble and then spent five weeks in the hospital recuperating. Afterward, she tried to locate Paul, the man who had held onto her hand until she was rescued. Later, when she asked about him, her rescuers assured her: "There's no one named Paul on our team....nobody was holding your hand when we were removing the rubble."

Was Paul an angel sent to comfort and help her? Was it God himself? Or was it a regular Joe, just rolling up his sleeves to help and the rescuers didn't remember him? It really doesn't matter - it doesn't take away from the miracle of the moment. When I read her account of the building collapsing around them, my lungs get tight and I can only imagine not being able to breathe while being buried alive!

Today we remember, we honor, we pray...

Elemental Baby Shower Favor

2011-09-10T07:00:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, you saw my baby shower invite. Today I want to show you the party favor that coordinates with the invitation! And you know, it doesn't stop here - it's SO easy with Close To My Heart products, including the amazing Art Philosophy(AP) Cricut Cartridge, to embellish your napkins, candles, create banners, centerpieces, gift packages, etc.! I just can't stop imagining the possibilities, can you?

Here is the Chinese To-Go Box from the AP cartridge. I used the same center point technique as my card to cut out a peek-a-boo hole in the box so you can see what is inside. (Which, by the way, is white chocolate covered pretzels! My mouth is watering just typing this!)

I used our Kraft papers to create the box, then added pieces of the Elemental papers to the front, back and sides. I also embellished the cut out hole with a scalloped frame (from AP) and another Elemental Complements Dimensional Element. The lion is also from the Zoology stamp set. The star is from our Milepost Shapes - accented with a star from the Elemental Complements DEs.

I wrapped a colonial white grosgrain ribbon around the box, with a bow on top. Then added a tag (tied on with Sorbet Waxy Flax) using scallop circles from AP and another Elemental DE. The stamp used on the tag is called Countdown.

Elemental Baby Shower Invitation

2011-09-09T07:00:00.000-04:00

I have to say that this Elemental Paper pack has to be one of the most versatile kits we have ever offered!! Even the name is appropriate - ELEMENTAL (el.e.men.tal) - fundamental or essential; basic. I must admit that I completely overlooked this kit initially, but now that I've used it, I'm IN LOVE!

The colors in this kit can be used for EVERY season and every occasion! Over the next few days, I'll be sharing some projects that I've made using this kit. And of course, each includes elements from our new Art Philosophy (AP) Cricut Cartridge!

Let's start with a Baby Shower theme!

Here is an invitation:

I used the font on our AP cartridge for the BABY and the stamp set Zoology for the animals. I also added some of the Elemental Complements Dimensional Elements to the front!

I also used my AP cartridge to cut the hole out of the front of the card to make a peek-a-boo card. Using the Center Point feature on the Cricut Expressions makes this technique a snap!

Finally, for the inside I used a scallop circle frame around the giraffe as well as shapes that coordinate with a stamp set included in the AP Cricut Collection for the actual invite. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE that you simply push a button to cut out your shape, then stamp on the shape and you're done! No more cutting out your images!!

At the bottom of the inside, I used on of the zip-strip borders from this paper back - love that new feature too! In addition to the Elemental L2 paper pack, I used Creme Brulee cardstock, Lagoon cardstock, and Kraft paper. I inked the edges of everything with Desert Sand ink.

Have you used this paper pack yet? I encourage you to give it a try! Thanks for looking!

Mischief Kit Club

2011-09-08T17:24:00.000-04:00

In this month's kit club we are using our new Mischief kit! Even though this kit is Halloween themed, it is SO MUCH more than that! These papers work very well with formal, elegant, or even heritage photos and projects. Even masculine projects!

Would you like to learn new techniques each month as you create and complete projects - whether they be scrapbooking layouts or one of our bonus projects like cards, and 3-D gift items?

How about a night out with the girls?

How about earning FREE products?

Click here to see the projects we are making this month and contact me if you would like more information.

Weekend Scrapbooking Retreat

2011-09-05T14:08:00.003-04:00

I'm thrilled to announce my fall weekend scrapbook retreat and getaway! Whether you are near or far, I'd love for you to join me in Logan, WV at the Chief Logan Lodge & Conference Center. I've negotiated discounted hotel rooms as well as a super deal on our scrap room! TONS of prizes, contests, and fun all weekend long!

Read more here and contact me for complete details if you are interested!

See you there!

Roxie Box & Cards Workshop

2011-09-02T22:56:00.003-04:00

This month's creative club project features our new My Creations Card Box. I just LOVE these little boxes! You can do so much more with them than just cards! In fact, I've made several already and this the first one I've made for cards!

The box top features some of our new Just Blooms butterflies, some rockin' bling buttons and the rest is ALL from our new Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge - brackets, leaves, 3-D flowers, sentiment frame, as well as the scalloped edge on the front flap.

The inside of the box is finished and holds 10 coordinating cards/envelopes! These cards are very simple. I LOVE the sentiment - could be used for birthday, congratulations, graduation, new year, almost anything! It's from one of my favorite new stamp sets called Hooray Bouquet!

The plaid card would even be appropriate for a guy - making this a very practical workshop or gift!

I'd love to have you join me on Friday, September 23rd at 6:30pm for this workshop.
The cost is only $15 for the box plus 10 cards/envelopes - OR only $10 when you place an order of $25 or more that night!

Can't attend, order a kit - with pre-cut, prestamped pieces and step-by-step instructions to assemble on your own!. (Postage is extra.)

Open House & More For Your Money

2011-08-24T00:57:00.003-04:00

Join me for my open house on Friday 9/2 from 5pm-9pm and Saturday 9/3 from 10am-4pm! Read all about it here. Contact me if you are interested in the Clearance Table items as well as the More For Your Money Sale. Many opportunities are available virtually as well as in person!

Flower Pen in a Pot!

2011-08-23T20:11:00.003-04:00

I love how cute and simple this is! This is one of the projects my customers will be able to make at my upcoming open house. It's a pen - disguised as a flower - in a pot of coffee beans! (Love how it smells!!)

This cricut cartridge is SO MUCH FUN to work with!! Come visit me at my open house next week to try it for yourself!

New Home/Welcome Gift

2011-08-23T12:00:00.005-04:00

My mom lives in a renovated historic building that used to be apartments, but now is luxury condos. She has a new neighbor and wanted to give her a symbolic welcome gift (since this lady already has everything she could want). So she used my idea from last year with the quote from "It's a Wonderful Life". She designed the whole thing herself - from color to content and even made the card to match! She is one of those who is quick to say "Oh, I could never do that" when it comes to papercrafting. I was thrilled to be able to show her -"Oh yes you can!" I'm proud of you mom!

The tag reads: BREAD - that this house may never know hunger, SALT - that life may always have flavor, WINE - that joy and prosperity may reign forever.

Club Gifts!

2011-08-15T11:52:00.004-04:00

I absolutely LOVE my club girls!! And I look forward with great anticipation to each club night! It's like a girl's night out filled with friendship and laughter and love - and of course - creative fun!!

To celebrate the release of our new Autumn/Winter Idea Book, I wanted to give each of my club members a little gift! So I used our brand new Cricut cartridge - OF COURSE - to hold one of my favorite new accessories - Rhinestone Designer Brads!!

I cut an 8" pillow box on our new Mischief B&T paper that folds together to perfectly hold our new Rhinestone Bling! For the sentiment, I used another cricut shape (in grey wool) and used the coordinating layer for the frame (in grey flannel), added some prisma glitter to the frame and then attached the sentiment to the pillow box with some 3-D foam tape. I added some ribbon with a large Rhinestone brad wrapped around the knot - so that the ribbon slides off to open the box, then slides back one to use again!

Love my club girls! Love our new cricut cartridge! Love how easy it is to create projects you can be proud to give! LOVE MY JOB!!!

Dreamin' Scarecrow

2011-08-12T08:57:00.005-04:00

Here is another Dreamin' project I made for Extravaganza. I wanted to do something "out of the box" so to speak with one of the cricut images, so I made a scarecrow!

I used the gift bag template again - just like the 3-tiered cake, I cut off the handles and sealed the opening - only this time I stood them up rather than laying them down to stack them.

I used all kinds of different cricut shapes in this project. Let's start at the top. For the hat I used our heart pocket shape, but simply folded the top edges of the heart shape (front and back) to create a hat that would sit on the top box (head). I added some of our flat flower images (layered) and one of our border images on the brim!

For his nose, I used on of the 3-D flower images (the spikey looking one).

For his arms, I used another of the border images, his hands are a corner embellishment. And he is holding some of our Dimensional Elements - Banners (that come with the Cricut collection) embellished with our new Color Ready Cork Alphabet - inked in chocolate!

And finally, for his shoes, I used the cupcake box, folded down on top with laces added for effect!

I'm tellin' you - this cricut cartridge has become an obsession!!!! I just can't STOP!

More Dreamin' 3-D Projects

2011-08-09T23:48:00.000-04:00

Here is our new french fry container with some little snack sticks inside. I also used our Cricut cartridge to cover the DE and add layers behind it. So quick, so easy! Again, there was minimal effort put into this project, as you can see. Would make a quick & easy project. And the leaves were cut using our Cricut catridge too! The stamped sentiment is from the Harvest Happiness stamp set whose image has a coordinating cricut shape. Print out the shape, stamp your sentiment on top, and you're done! Woo Hoo!!

This little box is one of my favorites - it's just cute! It's our chinese take out box template on the cricut cartridge.

I added the scallopped circles using cricut cartridge too! For the sentiment, I typed it on my computer, printed it on cardstock, then used the Center Point feature on the Cricut Expressions to cut it out in that shape with the sentiment centered on the shape! So stinkin' easy!!

I added one of our 3-D flowers on the cartridge to the top. Isn't it just adorable?

In my class I promised that once you started using this Art Philosophy cricut cartridge, that you'd be dreaming of projects in your sleep. I know am - how about you? I've got more to show you.....coming soon!

Dreamin' Card set

2011-08-08T22:58:00.003-04:00

Want to see some more Extravaganza artwork? Here is a card set using our new Dreamin' papers (don't you love that name?). I need to preface this with the fact that I was running out the door when I made this. I had very limited time, so there is nothing fancy about this - which is perfect to show how fast and easy it is to create a quick, personal, handmade gift for someone!

I created a flat box (10") when folded, it will hold our standard sized cards. I folded 3 sides, but left the top part open, and trimmed off the 2 tabs at the top.

I used one of our chipboard Dimensional Elements that is included in the Cricut Collection to embellish the top and add a couple of flowers from the cricut cartridge too!

For the coordinating cards I put inside, they are just paper with a sentiment stamped directly on the paper - nothing at all artistic or fancy about it, but still makes a nice little quick gift!

Add a little coordinating paper inside a Pentel RSVP pen, and you've got a complete gift ready to go as you run out the door!

Sonoma Party Theme

2011-08-07T18:26:00.007-04:00

Oh I'm having so much fun creating for ANOTHER secret project!! (I think with all of my secrets lately that I need a cool spy name or something -- just a thought.)

Anyway - since I show you what I'm working on just yet, how about I share some of the artwork I made to display at my Extravaganza class at convention!

This project features our beautiful Sonoma papers - perfect for elegant events, heritage, and so much more! Here I've used it along with our Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge to create everything I need for a party theme!

I started with the centerpiece - the cake - and built my theme around that. The cake was made using the gift bag template on the cartridge. I cut off the handles on the top and then added a piece of cardstock to seal the opening - making a closed box. The bottom layer was a FTP size (11 3/4') on a 12x24 mat, the middle layer is a 9 3/4", and the top layer is 7 3/4". Then I added a lace border around the edges - LOVE that our cartridge does this for me! I also added a coordinating doily for the cake to sit on. Then I embellished with roses and pearls! The roses are in amethyst, petal, smokey plum, and colonial white and range in size from 1" to 2 1/2". (Note: I didn't curl the petals or ink the edges. If I did this again, I think I would. It's those little details that make all the difference!) You can't tell from the photo, but I spritzed the cake/boxes with a bamboo reinker/water mixture using our spray pen to give the cake some texture.

Then I made a coordinaing napkin ring and embellished a Glade candle from the grocery store to compliment the theme. I used the lace border and embellshed with roses and pearls!

I also made a shadow box place setting - using one of the cards from the cartridge and created a shadow box on the inside front cover.

How about a coordinating party favor at each place setting! Here is the gift bag with the handles left on this time!

Finally I finished with a banner. (This banner is sized to fit on my board. Of course in real life, I would make it large enough for the wall!)

Just imagine ANY party theme from elegant to fun & funky to cute & sweet. The choice is yours and the work is easy with many paper and embellishment options from Close To My Heart and our new Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge! Click here to get your own cartridge and supplies today!

Typeset Student/Teacher Gift - Creative Club

2011-08-04T18:12:00.009-04:00

I'm so excited to be able to introduce a project for this month's creative club that features many new products! With school getting ready to start, I thought you might have a need for a teacher gift or a student gift or an aide, or pricipal - this would even work for co-workers in your office! Absolutely anyone could benefit from this and it can easily be customized for your specific recipient!

It starts with a notebook that is covered front & back as well as inside front & back covers. I used our brand new Typeset papers - aren't they delicious? I also used a star from our new Milepost Shapes - corregated chipboard shapes in a neutral kraft color ready to take on the color or accents of your choice! I also used some of our cool Color Ready Alphabet Cork letters - adhesive backed and ready to take on the color or accents of color of your choice! And OF COURSE, I had to include our new Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge for many of the fun shapes, as well as the Vintage stamp set and the Blue Ribbon stamp set that both coordinate perfectly with the cricut shapes!

Next is another Cricut project - a doorhanger used as a treat holder! I've incorporated a Starbucks Frap and Little Debbie Nutty Bars - two of my favorite treats!! You can use any drink/treat you want - Little Debbie donut sticks, Skinny Cow Chocolate Wafers, Beef Jerky, Licorice Sticks, Crackers, etc. - YooHoo Chocolate Milk, Water, Tea, Juice, etc.

I also included a pencil with a coordinating topper and created a little holder inside to keep it in place. The topper is attached to the eraser with one of our new Pewter Pin Clips, so it can be easily removed, in case of "mistakes".

And finally, a 3x3 card to further personalize your gift. Here I've used one of the coordinating stamp sets that come with the Art Philosophy Cricut Collection.

Join me on Monday, August 15th at 6:30pm to create these projects.

Create this project for $10 - or only $5 with a $25 order. (And remember, this month, with a $50 order you can get the stamp of the month for only $5 PLUS the FREE A Type stamp set, plus my discounted kit for only $5. Or with a $75 order, you will qualify to receive everything above PLUS the first ever Double D stamp set - Pair-a-Phrase!)

Can't attend that night? This kit (and the specials above) are available for purchase and will include pre-cut, pre-stamped pieces along with step-by-step instructions. (*Kit does not include food items. Shipping will be extra.)

Contact me to reserve your spot or order your kit today!

RSVP by Friday, August 12th.

Emmy's Gift!

2011-08-02T21:12:00.006-04:00

I received another gift at convention that really deserves special attention. Emmy and I have been chatting via email for some time, but had never met before. Since she lives all the way across the country, convention was our first opportunity to meet! I'm soooo sad that I didn't think to get a picture with her -- we'll have to fix that next year!

Emmy introduced me to her two beautiful daughters and then presented me with a GIFT that left me speechless!! I didn't get a picture of the whole thing in a coordinating basket and tissue paper - I wasn't able to bring home the basket - I maxed out my suitcases and boxes - but I made sure I brought home everything else! Take a look at what she made! And check out the personalization and detail! WOW!

Here is a journal complete with a schedule of events - personalized for ME!!

Here are goodies with a perscription from Dr. Em!

And of course she had to include Nevada gifts!

Emmy is such a hoot! I always tell her that when I sit to read her very entertaining emails, I grab a cup of tea and take a break to enjoy the story! So in keeping with her extremely thoughtful gift, she included a beautiful cup and extra special tea!

Emmy, thank you again for such a heartfelt, thoughtful, delicious and wonderful gift!

Convention Roomie Gifts

2011-07-31T23:43:00.005-04:00

One of the highlights of attending convention is the roomie gifts we give and receive! This year, since I had the opportunity to work with the cricut cartridge for Extravaganza, I decided to use it for my roomie gifts!

I gave each roomie a "Celebrate" wand and a couple of chocolate party favors! I also featured these in my Extravaganza class.

For the wand, I used two star images cut at 5 1/2" - then scored 1/4" around the outside edges and sandwiched them around a piece of styrofoam. I inserted a wooden dowel through the bottom into the styrofoam. I used a 1" ribbon card and 2 ovals at 1" and 1 1/4".

For the favor, I used a 4 1/2" flat box, 2" decorative frame, and a 3" bow on top. I added the sentiment on a 1/2" oval matted on a 3/4" oval. (Inside is a Ghardelli chocolate!)

These make great and easy gifts and decorations! I think I'm going to be making a bunch of these!

Convention Roomie & Team Gifts

2011-07-31T20:49:00.012-04:00

I'm ashamed I'm just now getting to this, but it seems it was a whirl-wind getting ready for convention and Extravaganza, then a whirl-wind getting back and in the groove again!

Here are my wonderful roomies from this year: Maria, Lisa, and Vanessa!

I LOVE getting to see many of my CTMH sistas that I only get to see once a year - or only at CTMH events. And usually we are bearing gifts for each other! Here are just a few of the wonderful gifts I received while at convention this year:

Team gift from my amazing upline Lisa Stenz!

A roomie gift from Lisa!! (Love the 31 bag!)

A roomie gift from Vanessa:

A team gift from my up/upline Denise A-T:

Here is a Crush Book from Denise:

Thank you, everyone, for making me feel overwhelmingly blessed by your thoughtfulness and generosity! Already looking forward to next year!!

Gravity Zip Line

2011-07-30T12:35:00.006-04:00

My brother and his girlfriend, Renee, are visiting this week - so I had to take a break from my craft studio - I'm going through withdrawls not being able to work with my new Art Philosophy cricut cartridge! But we've had a great time - even in this extreeme heat! We went up near the New River Gorge Bridge and went zip lining on the longest zip line on the east coast! We started off on some training zips at 25 miles per hour and eventually ended up at 1600 (or was it 1800) feet going 60 miles per hour! WOO HOO! (Actually, it was more relaxing and scenic than scarey. The guides did a great job of making us feel completely safe. Anyway here are some highlights of the day. (PS - my brother doesn't want his pics on the internet so you won't see him - he's not in witness protection or America's Most Wanted - just his thing, so I'll respect that.)

Convention Highlights

2011-07-27T17:32:00.000-04:00

We had a BLAST at convention this year at the Disneyland Hotel! Here are a few highlights:

And thanks to Christine David for providing this glimpse into the hillarious entertainment on awards night this year. It still makes me crack up just thinking about it!

Next year is in Dallas, TX! I hope you can join me! I've already got it marked on my calendar and I'm ready to go!

Team Meeting and Project

2011-07-26T22:29:00.008-04:00

This past Saturday, I had the honor of hosting our team meeting to share all of the wonder and excitement of convention with my team! We had 20 of us there! I absolutely love each and every one of these ladies! They are my treasures -- and we always leave excited and inspired by each other!

In addition to making their own little cricut gift bag for their Mickey Mint Meltaway (see post below) we also made these little daisy pots.

It needs a cute little tag - which is easy enough with this cricut cartridge and SO many to choose from!

Here is a similar pot of daisies that I made to display at my Extravaganza class using the same flowers in a couple different sizes. I also added leaves (crumpled and inked).

This is a tag from the cricut that coordinates with a stamp set that is included in the cricut bundle! Cute,huh?

To make the flowers I used 3 different sizes of the flat daisy image (2", 2 1/4", 2 1/2") and layered them with 3-D foam tape. Then layed them in a box - sprayed them with a spray on adhesive, placed them in my glitter tray and added prisma glitter. OR you can just ink the edged with a little Desert Sand ink for dimension and leave them plain. I added a different flower image in olive at 3/4" topped with a circle shape 1/2" in honey.

Then I added another Olive colored flower shape on the bottom (for the petals to grow out of) and to attach to the wooden stem. I used our soft-set eyelet tool to create a hole just large enough for the wooden stem to go through. I put 3-D foam tape around the inside of the hole to attach the green flower to the white daisies and the green flower to the stick.

I then added a leave image from the cricut cartridge - crumpled and inked.

Creating with this cricut cartridge is SO easy and SO MUCH FUN!!! Stay tuned for even more creative fun!

Club Gifts

2011-07-23T04:56:00.000-04:00

I brought back some Mickey Mint Meltaways for my club members and team! I needed a quick and easy way to package them individually, so I turned to our fabulous new Cricut Cartridge for inspiration! There were so many options to choose from (8 different bags/boxes in 47 different sizes) but I ended up using the little gift bag in a 4.5" size and modified it a bit. I added a 1.5" flower and a couple of 3/4" leaves and I'm done!

And since I didn't have any of the bulk papers yet, I decided to use cardstock and show our new August stamp of the month "Wicked" in a non-halloween look. It doesn't look like halloween at all, does it?

Chirp, Chirp,....here it comes.....

2011-07-22T01:27:00.005-04:00

I am SO excited to announce Close To My Heart's exclusive Cricut cartridge that coordinates with our stamp sets and dimensional elements - making your paper crafting super easy and very rewarding!! I just got back from our annual convention where I taught a class on using this little beauty to create 3-D projects - which I'll be sharing with you soon. But for now, I simply wanted to get the word out!

Beginning August 1st, you can order this collection - which has a retail value of $124.69 - for only $99! OR get it at half price as a hostess (with a home gathering or online party or book party)! OR join my team and get ALL of your supplies at a huge discount!

This collection include three coordinating D-size Stamp Sets, three coordinating Dimensional Elements sheets (Tags, Mixed Shapes, Banners), and the cartridge which has 700 unique images - each available in 47 different size options on a 12x12 mat, yeilding well over 30,000 creative options!! Using a 12x24 mat you have even MORE options! Trust me, you will never run out of ideas with this collection! I've only begun to scratch the surface!

Here is a short video to introduce you to the possibilities...and stay tuned for more artwork ideas and information!

Video Shoot in SLC

2011-07-20T15:45:00.005-04:00

I've had to keep so many secrets these past few months.....it's been so hard!! I'm so excited to be able to share with you NOW that last month I was wisked away to Salt Lake City to participate in series of videos on recruiting with Close To My Heart. They chose 3 consultants - me, Briana Bostick, and Phil Wilhelm. It was such a wonderful experience in every way!

First, I got to hang out the Briana and Phil and get to know them a little better. We had dinner at a wonderful restaurant right next to our hotel. There was also a beautiful garden built into it!

The next day we were escorted to Jill's beautiful home to do the video shoot. While they were shooting one of us, the other two waited downstairs in Jill's rec room - practicing our lines and working with secret new product! Jill's creative studio is downstairs and it was hard for me to leave! I fell in love with every single detail of her creative space! Isn't it beautiful?

After we finished shooting, we were able to go visit the CLOSE TO MY HEART CORPORATE OFFICE!!!! We just wanted to take pictures out front because, like most companies with product development - everything is kept tightly under wraps! But we were able to enter the lobby. The receptionist must think we are goofy! We ooo'ed and awe'ed over the LOBBY! LOL! But it was a privilege and a treat that we were over-the-moon excited about!

In the back, we got to see the CTMH warehouse and the CTMH GOATS! Yes, I said GOATS!

After our visit to the corporate office, we were taken to The Shops at Riverwoods to shop and have dinner! Many very cool and unique shops here. I could spend the entire day just window shopping and love it! We had dinner at La Jolla Groves - I think I would eat there every day if I lived near by! Fantastic!

Dessert was amazing!!! But we ate it back at the hotel before taking any pictures! Guess you'll just have to try it for yourself!

Thank you CTMH for the VIP treatment and the opportunity to participate in the training videos! It was an honor and a joy, and an incredible memory!

You can check out even more photos on my facebook page - Creating With Christine!

Java with Jennifer

2011-07-08T13:27:00.004-04:00

I had the privilege a few years ago to see Jennifer Rothschild at a women's conference. This woman is amazing. She lost her eyesight as a teenager, but God has taught her SO very much through this impairment - and I believe she now sees much more than any of us that have our eyesight!

I subscribe to her newsletter and wanted to share an article she wrote this month! It makes me smile for many reasons - it's all about heart issues and attitude and how we CHOOSE to see life around us, but also as a Close To My Heart Consultant, WE automatically identify colors around us as colors in our exclusive color palette! :o)

I hope this makes you smile and inspires you to take time to drink in your surroundings. To see beyond the ordinary and discover the extraordinary all around you!

How Do You See the World?

Emerson once said, "People only see what they are prepared to see." So, how do you see the world? I see it far more vividly since I got my new iPhone and an app that makes me smile each time I use it. I know, I know...it's quite a jump to go from Ralph Waldo Emerson to an iPhone app, but stick with me! The app is called "Color Identifier." It uses the camera in the iPhone to capture my surroundings and then it announces the colors it sees. But, unlike the color detector I use to identify my clothing, it has a vast and descriptive vocabulary it uses to communicate. My color detector simply announces "black" or "blue" or "light yellow" or "olive green" when I press it against fabric. That is so helpful when it comes to knowing the colors of my clothing, but it serves merely as a reporter. The Color Identifier, on the other hand, interprets what it sees like a bohemian artist or imaginative poet would! It uses names for colors like those creative people at Crayola do! For example, the sky isn't simply "blue," it's "Baltic Sea" on a bright day or "gun smoke" on a cloudy one. According to the Color Identifier, my front yard is blanketed with tones of asparagus, avocado and Rangoon green! Can't you just see that?! My office is an inviting palate of amber, spice, mustard, bamboo, oregano, potter's clay, sepia, nutmeg and Creole! Isn't that far more interesting and inspiring than shades of "brown?"

Some of us put little thought into what we see. We settle for "blue" when we've got Wedgewood, cobalt, Danube, cornflower or sapphire surrounding us and just waiting to splash out! Life can be ordinary or it can be interesting. We can perceive the world as normal, or it can be far better than normal in the most quirky and attractive sort of way. It can be "ho hum" or it can be "vavoom!" We can be flat line in our approach to life or we can be a cardiogram on steroids! The world around us is far more colorful than we often perceive. In fact, I believe there's a colorful person in all of us and she can be stifled by a lack of creativity, effort or an unwillingness to really see. So, try a little harder to see a little more clearly next time you look out your window or into your mirror. Choose to experience a little more deeply and feel a little more tingly!

Life is beautiful, see it as it truly is. At least life can be beautiful--it just depends on what you are willing to see when you look.

Blessed are they who see beautiful things in humble places where other people see nothing.

Well, that's what's been percolating in me lately.

You can read more from Jennifer here.

Help! What do I do with all of my digital photos?

2011-06-27T13:25:00.001-04:00

Many of us have literally hundreds, if not thousands, of digital photos on our harddrive. But what do we do with them now? Many of us store them there for safe keeping - fully intending to do "something" later, but later never comes.

I've got a quick, easy, and economical solution for you! I'd love to set up a time to show you Studio J in your home or anywhere there is internet. The consultation/training session is FREE, no software to purchase or download. We could even meet at McDonalds or Panera or Starbucks and I'll buy you a smoothie to enjoy while we create your layout!

Contact me today to set up time for you alone or a group of friends to discover the ease, style, and joy of Studio J and MOVE your photos from "the invisible realm" to the coffee table or internet to share with your friends and loved ones!

Read more here to see why Studio J might be the perfect solution for you!

MORE Director Gifts!!!

2011-06-26T15:07:00.003-04:00

Wow!! I KNEW this goal of reaching Director would come with MANY benefits - including special treatment at convention - but the unexpected gifts and rewards just KEEP COMING!

Look what came in the mail yesterday?

It's an absolutely beautiful logo tote with a protected space for a laptop and cell phone in addition to plenty of space for creative and business supplies! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it!!

In addition, there was an elegantly packaged set of heart-shaped spoons with the following engraved on them: a pinch of joy, a dash of tenderness, a spoonful of affection, a heap of love. I call these my Measuring Spoons for Success! So CUTE!

Thank you Close To My Heart! You never cease to make us feel so pampered and special at each stage in our business and leadership!! I LOVE my job!

You & Me Stronger Together

2011-06-23T14:04:00.005-04:00

Purchase the You & Me kit to help those affected by the severe weather. Together we can make a difference!

SEVERE FLOODING, TORNADOES, AND STORMS have affected the lives of thousands across the United States, but together we can make a difference. During the month of June, purchase the You & Me scrapbooking kit for only $15 (a retail value of $34.95), and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the American Red Cross Spring 2011 Floods and Tornadoes relief operations.

With the You & Me kit, you’ll create two fully embellished two-page layouts using the included instructions, papers, D-size stamp set, and accessories. At only $15, this kit is more than 50% off the retail price. You’ll win by getting the kit at a phenomenal price, and those in the weather-devastated regions will benefit from your charitable contribution. Together we can make a difference; together we are stronger!

To see a video of how easy it is to create the step-by-step techniques and layouts in this kit, click here.

And don't forget, there are many new items added to our clearance sale! Up to 80% off of your favorite Close To My Heart products! Check it out here and add a You & Me kit to your cart for only $15 too! The You & Me kit and sale items would make excellent Christmas or Birthday gifts for your scrapbooking family and friends! Stock up now!!