Happy New Year 2012!!!

                                                          Welcome 2012!

From our family to yours....Wishing you all things happy and successful in 2012...with time left over for crafting and scrapbooking your memories.

Cricut, Cricut, Cricut!

So much to do.....So little time.   There are soooooo many possibilities with this new  Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge and Oh my, it includes 3 stamp sets and 3 packages of chipboard. (See details previous post)  That is an amazing offer for $99.    This mini album is made with, you guessed it, our new Cricut Cartridge and our  6x6 Kraft Die-Cut Cards and Envelopes.  Don't you just love the scallop border?  CTMH has made it faster, and easier than ever to create artwork you will be proud to give as gifts or shhhhhh...keep for yourself.

CTMH Cricut

Art Philosophy

  Thank you CTMH!  We had so much fun at Convention making these  albums and I cannot wait to share them with family and friends.  What a great memento!  It was especially nice coming home with completed projects that we could use right away.

BIG News: CTMH & Cricut

Starting August 1, you will be able to order Close to My Heart's exclusive Cricut® Art Philosophy Collection with 700 shapes, 3 My Acrylix® stamp sets, and 3 sheets of Dimensional Elements!


When you purchase the Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge you will ALSO receive 3 exclusive D size stamp sets, designed to perfectly coordinate with images on the cartridge.  Plus we are including three 9 x 12 dimensional elements that work in tandem with the cartridge as well.  You can mix and match to your hearts content.  Stamp on your cricut shape, cover your Dimensional Element with a Cricut Shape, or cut, stamp and then cover!  You will be all set to create uniquely beautiful artwork with incredible ease! 


                                               Check out this video!  

Happy Birthday!

    

                                                               That was then....
                                                                            

                                                                  This is now........

How is it possible that 10 years have gone by? As you can see, we have not been inside too much lately...been outside, capturing these moments while we can. The sunshine is fleeting here in Chicago and kids....well, you know what happens to them. They grow so fast. Katelyn will be a Junior in college next year and Logan and Brandon are celebrating their 10th birthday today. I love you guys..... I am so very lucky to be a Mom and have a job that allows me to share these moments with you.

Mother's Day Surprise!

I feel so blessed to be a Mom. Love this, Don't you! Made me smile, and of course hugs all around. I hope all you Mom's out there had a Happy Mother's Day. P.S. In case you might be wondering...the eye's are mini muffins, and that is bacon as eyebrows:)

CTMH Celebrates Scrapbooking 2011

May is National Scrapbooking Month.   Check out the latest artwork! Close to my Heart makes it so easy for anyone to create these amazing pages with step by step directions and embellishments all included in one kit. What do you think?





Has the thought of becoming a consultant ever crossed your mind? Now is the perfect time to "Get off the Fence" and say "Why Not".  Did you like the artwork in the video? Guess what? The You and Me kit can be yours free when you signup in May, 2011. How exciting is that!!! What a great time to get the "stuff" and future discounts too.

Tower of Paper

What  is it about Spring that seems to initiate the almost uncontrollable urge to fluff and clean our nests?  I love Scrapbooking, Stamping and paper of all colors, shapes and sizes...however, I can't bring myself to throw anything away....even all those little pieces of paper, that  for the average person, would be shhhhh....trash.  Only a paper crafter would save these little strips and squares because, "this would be perfect for a card etc"...so it gets put in a pile.  Well, not anymore.  Since I can't throw away, I throw in the drawer.   I have been using this system for a couple of years now and I LOVE it, so I thought I would share.

  Not only has this been an awesome solution for me to help clear the flat surfaces in my office...lol....but my daughter is excited because she has her own "Tower of Paper".   I have a 6 drawer Iris Cart (minus the wheels) that  helps paper find a new home.   This one is the original size...the drawers measure   10 1/2 x 14.   They also make a larger  cart with drawer sizes that can hold 12x12 size paper.   I wanted the smaller size because this is for "scraps" only...lol.  The drawers are arranged in "Rainbow" order with black and white in the top drawer.  Each drawer has a 9x3 piece of paper attached to the inside front of the drawer so you can easily tell what color family is in that drawer.  

I had to add some stars.....

Here's a peek inside!

 This has been great because everyone who comes over to crop knows about the scrap cart.  It's super easy to find paper for any project without having to cut into a new piece of cardstock.  Logan is happy as a clam because she doesn't need to "ask" to use anything in her tower.   Sometimes I also put left over stickers and other embellishments in the drawer.  A little surprise for her and helping me to "let go" at the same time.    Needless to say...she loves it!    Please feel welcome to ask any questions.   I hope you enjoy.  

Sunshine in Chicago!

It was so nice waking up to Blue Sky this morning, and there was another surprise waiting for me in Dusty's Garden today.   I received a beautiful spring basket a couple of years ago that had blooming bulbs of different kinds.  One of them was miniature daffodils.  I loved them...they were Oh so cute,  and I had never seen a daffodil that small.   I wondered if they would come up again if I planted them outside in the garden.   Well, I am happy to say that the dark skies and rain this week helped these adorable little flowers bloom.   I placed a regular size daffodil next to them in the picture so that you could see the size difference.  I hope you enjoy.  Welcome Spring!

Eggs and CTMH Stamps

A good friend of mine is constantly telling me to post more stuff....lol.   Most of the time I do not take pictures of things I give away......... So here goes.   I am trying to get out of the ole comfort zone here and  share because this probably seems a little crazy.  Stamping on eggs..... You see, my oldest daughter loves frogs and she was home from college for Easter.   Anyway,  I wanted to see if the resist technique could work on eggs. Guess what, it did, and how fun watching the image appear right before our eyes when we dipped the eggs in the dye.   I used Versamark ink and  stamped one of the frogs from the Fun Times stamp set on a white hard boiled egg, then colored them.   It was a little tricky stamping on the curved surface......But how exciting.  We did it!!  So fun, and a great Let's Get Inky project for kids( because the ink is clear...lol).......Hope you like it.....and maybe give it a try.....

Sunday Blessings!

 What a blessing to be together as a family and share the day.  I am so grateful.  I hope you have a Happy Easter!

Happy Easter!

We have had so much fun using this little Hen that cooks up to 7 hard boiled eggs, or 4 poached eggs.  My Mom gave this to us a few years ago.  Henrietta has become part of our Easter tradition...she even chirps when the eggs are ready.   So fun!   Thanks Mom.

CTMH Lucky Chipboard Accents

When I got home this evening, I had a CTMH delivery waiting  for me on the porch.   I was dying to open it up and see the goodies inside.   It's 9:00...Kids are in  bed....hubby is watching his favorite show, and so now it is time.  Who Hoooo!!!!    One of my favorite items  is the Lucky Chipboard Accents on page 116 of the catalog.  What a surprise they were.  Not sure what I was expecting, but the generous size of the pieces  and so many per bag.  Wow!   

                                                      There are 48 pieces!

              Check out the detail and to give you an idea on size,
                                       this one is 4 inches wide.

                                                           Each piece is embossed!

        This is a great value @ $4.95 and I think this rustic look will be amazing with our Lucky papers, don't you?

Daffodils!

They are almost ready.........can hardly wait!

Who Hooo....They're here!!!!!

I took these pictures just a few minutes ago....

                 Just seeing them makes my heart sing:)    They are leaning over a bit because of the rain and can you believe it just started snowing?  No worries, a very good friend alway's says...when you have snow on your daffodils, it's a sign winter is really over.  Yippee!!!!    

Hope for Japan!

One more reason I feel so  proud to be a consultant for Close to my Heart.  Jeanette Lynton, our founder and CEO posted  the statement below today on her blog.   The money earned from these beautiful CTMH stamps  will be donated to the Red Cross.   They are beautiful!  I love them, don't you?  Thank you Jeanette, not only for your big heart and generosity, but for helping us all to feel like we are doing something to contribute.

We've all been reeling with the images of tragedy and devastation in Japan. If you're looking for an easy, real, practical way to help relief efforts, then I invite you to contact your Close To My Heart Consultant!

Typically, our A-sized sets retail for $7.95/$8.95 CAN, but the "Hope for Japan" set will be available through April 30 for just $5--and Close To My Heart will be donating 100% of the profits to the American Red Cross to benefit relief efforts in Japan.

If we all do a little, together we can do a lot. Let's show our support and together, provide real HOPE for Japan!

First Day of Spring!

Imagine the excitement at our house.    These are little sprouts from seeds we planted just last week after coming home from a birthday party.  Logan received a little packet of seeds in her goody bag.   They are in our kitchen window and we anxiously check their progress every morning before school.  Welcome Spring!

Daffodils!

Here they come!!!!   Who Hooooo!!!  Come on Spring!

Mom, this is for you.  Thank you for sharing your love of nature and the joy and wonder that would unfold as you walked around the yard in the morning with your coffee.....showing me the progress each day..the persistence and beauty in our own backyard.   I am so grateful.   We love you.

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

Brandon is so excited to share his creation.   This is what he made during our Snow Day Creating time while we were working on Valentine's.  He came up with this completely on his own.  I love it...Don't you?   We hope you have  a Happy St Patrick's Day.

It's Hot outside!

Ok....I couldn't believe my ears when I heard that come out of my own mouth today!   "It's Hot outside".....and it's only 45 degree's here.  You see....I am a southern girl....and  I am partial to the warm , sunny climate of the south.  My first winter here.......I nearly froze to death.  Today,  I just had to laugh to myself and share.   Nope, it's still not shorts weather for me.......but maybe for some.  One of the things I do love about living up here is the total anticipation and excitement you can feel all around you this time of year cause we are all hungry for warmth and sunshine.  Spring......just around the corner.  Who Hoo!!!

Adorable CTMH Bunnies!

Don't these sweet little bunnies just make your heart melt?    I love all the attention to detail, the whiskers and soft fur, the twinkle in the eye of mischief.   Just seeing the basket with eggs makes me feel so very excited that Spring is just around the corner, and that soon, the bright green tender shoots of new foliage will be working their way to the surface. 

Free CTMH Acrylic Blocks!

Starting today we'll give you a free My Acrylix block when you buy My Acrylix® stamps during the month of March.  Not only will you have the best stamps on the block, you’ll have the best block, too! Just purchase $25 in stamps by contacting me or ordering right here and you can choose from two of our most versatile block sizes: 3″ × 3″ (Y1006) or 2″ × 6½” (Y1010).   Now is a great time to pull out your wish list and "Get Lucky" in March.   

New CTMH Rosette Ribbon!

I am so excited about our  Pink Rosette Ribbon!  Take a peek,  I think it's beautiful, don't you?   This Close to my Heart video shows how you can make a card with our yummy ribbon,  Love Ya stamp set, Sweetheart Paper, Stardust Glitz  and Pearls.  There is even an idea here to make a corsage for your sweater or coat.

Thin Mints

Ahhhhh, the anticipation.  They're Here!!! Thin Mints, Samoas etc.....Everyone has been anxiously awaiting their arrival.   The car is loaded and we are making deliveries today!  This brings back so many fond memories.  My Mom was cookie Mom and the garage was always full this time of year.  Our favorite thing to do is keep the Thin Mints in the freezer, and then of course, you can't eat just one.   Why bother with the per serving calorie count....they should give you the amounts per tube.  Cause that's what happens at our house......Open the cellophane bag and next thing you know...the entire thing is empty...lol.

Cabin Crop Fun!

We had so much fun on our  Cabin Crop Getaway.    One of my favorite projects was the new CTMH Sophia Workshop on the Go.  Check out the cute flower shaped pink buttons and these papers are OH so Yummy!!!  They are featured on the cover of Close to my Heart's brand new catalog......along with Jeanette's sweet grandaughter...you guessed it....her name is Sophia!  Welcome little one.  You are so precious.

Happy Valentines Day!

Happy Valentine's Day

Friendship Friday

One of the things I love so much about this crazy papercrafting world is the friends you meet along the way.   Thank you Gail for making these beautiful cards.   I love them!  Look how awesome these butterflies look with our new Wings paper!

Logan's Place

She's done it again!  While I am in the other room trying to help her brother with his snow gear, you know...find the missing glove that the dog has carried off somewhere.  Get the gear on, fix the socks and get the elastic at the bottom of the snow pants over the top of the boots so the snow does not get inside.  Find the dog, get the glove, and put it on his little hands.  He's finally ready and now it's her turn to get dressed.  How on earth has this child made these beautiful cards so quickly?   She is 9 and she amazes me.    In all the frenzy of a snow day...and just trying to get out the door..Logan has grabbed a few minutes, pulled out some of my left over supplies ( ok, so the supplies were out all over the place already).. But she didn't let herself get in the way of her own creativity and vision.  When I call her in to get ready...she says "Look Mom........ Look What I made".  I love them...love the rhinestones in the center, pearls on the petals and how she used what we already had at home.  Love how she just creates....and finishes what she starts.

Snow Day Creations

What do you do in a Blizzard after you have spent hours playing in the snow?   We get out of all that snow gear and then.....Who Hoo!!!  Let's  get warm and play with Mom's crafting supplies!    What could be better?  We had fun in the snow and now we have a head start on Valentine Cards.   They are so happy with their results and wanted to share some of their creations.   I hope you enjoy.