The Midnight Artist

Merry Christmas and Saltine Candy Update!

2011-12-22T15:44:00.000-05:00

Can you believe Christmas and the end of December is just a few short days away? My family and I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and happy holiday season!

Really quick, I can't believe the response I got from my Saltine Cracker Candy post!!! Thank you everyone for your new ideas and it makes me warm and happy knowing how much you loved this recipe, too. One of Jim's co-workers actually won a Christmas Cookie contest with it!

Here are a few additional ideas I received... can you see which one I implemented above?

Toasted coconut or heath bits sprinkled on top
Instead of saltines, use graham crackers!
Sprinkle bacon?! Oh, blessed YUM!
What about chocolate and say, a tiny bit of spice-cayenne? Jalapeño juice? Like put cayenne in with the chocolate chips and stir and then out on top. Same with the juice-just put a tiny in the bowl and mix and then put on as usual.
Add a drop of orange oil to the chocolate and mix in orange rind sprinkled on top!

My friend, Elizabeth, and I really started getting creative once we got going! LOL! Thanks, sweet friend for amping up this recipe and making it OVER THE TOP in so many new ways!

Also, I tried this really simple treat yesterday... eehhem... the photographic sample shown here was quickly ingested by the photographer (moi) with absolutely no guilt! It spoke to me.

Chocolate peppermint marshmallow

Be blessed!

With love,

The Baxter Family

Luxury Sugar Scrub on a Dime! Pamper Your Teachers!

2011-12-14T00:07:00.000-05:00

I am on a creative streak this week... And, drumroll please... I cut paper, used adhesive and crafted just now!!! Yipppeeee!

As I racked my brain on what to give teachers and other friends and hostesses this time of year, I ran across a BRILLIANT idea that I want to share with you. Brown Sugar Scrub! If you've ever found this in a specialty shop, you know how expensive fancy scrubs can be, so imagine my suprise at finding this recipe on... goooooogle!

Here's the link to the recipe I used from one of my favorite women, Paula Deen. Works like a dream!

So, here's the final product. Mason jars were found for a dozen in a box for around $6 at Walmart. And, I had all the other supplies except the raffia which I know I can use again for more crafting fun!

My bible study ladies and my little bub's preschool teacher will get this version with the scripture on the back. I even let him help me scoop and stir, so it's a nice gift from the kids to loved ones, too!

Please share your homemade gift ideas with us on my Midnight Artist Facebook Page, or point a link to your own blog or photo by leaving a comment below!

Pure Heaven! Saltine Cracker Candy

2011-12-11T23:39:00.000-05:00

Ok, no, my scrap room is not finished yet... but it's coming along! The hardest part is cleaning out the things I really don't need... to make room for KISS (Keepin' It Super Simple) with everything at my fingertips.

What I AM going to share with you (Thank you to my scrappin' friend, Rena for her reminder) is my secret weapon for making friends during the holidays! Bwah ha haa haaaa! Let's see if it helps my husband get a promotion with this first batch he's putting on his desk to lure everyone to him. If it works, we'll start calling it Promotion Candy. :)

Shhhh - only you guys know about it now so feel free to make it your secret weapon, too.

Saltine Cracker Candy

Ingredients:

Saltine Crackers
1 cup of REAL butter (none of this fake margarine, low fat stuff - lol)
1 cup of brown sugar
1 bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips
chopped walnuts or crushed peppermint candy (optional)
kitchen timer

1. Preheat your oven to a toasty 350 degrees!

2. Line your cookie sheet with aluminum foil and place a layer of saltine crackers on the bottom. If you have a Pampered Chef large stoneware baking bar pan like me, your crackers will line up perfectly! (If you need one of these awesome pans and don't have a consultant, let me know, I'd be happy to share mine with you!)

3. Have your kitchen timer ready. In a saucepan, melt all the buttah and add brown sugar. Let it hard boil for 2 minutes. You can test when it's ready by spooning a small amount in cold water. If it quickly hardens like candy, it's ready! I've burned it before, so the timing is essential :)

It almost looks 'fluffy' in a hard boil.

4. Pour butter and sugar mixture over the saltine crackers spreading evenly with a spatula.

5. Bake in your oven for 5 minutes.

6. Remove from oven and immediately pour bag of chocolate chips over the crackers. Once melted, spread melted chocolate evenly over the crackers. Optional: sprinkle chopped nuts or peppermints over the top of the chocolate.

YES, the ENTIRE bag!

Nice and mmmm mmmm melty good!

7. Place pan in the refrigerator (or outside) until cool. When cool, cut into squares and enjoy thoroughly!!! Tip: Once cool, it helps to let the candy sit out at room temp before you cut or you'll get a million pieces.

8. Share if you can manage to pry yourself away from the batch! LOL! Our family loves this treat so much that we've learned to even save all the little crumbs and pieces that fall off in the cutting process. Just put them into a small freezer bag, toss them into your freezer until the summer when you need the most fabulous topping for your icecream :)

I like to pick up the dollar-store Christmas tins, line them and layer in between wax paper to fill them up to hand out to neighbors, teachers and friends.

Leave me a comment and let me know what you think or if you have any fun variations you'd like to share!! I won't bother to wait to hear what your family or friends think cause I think it'll take a while before you let them have any! Hee hee.

P.S. Another cheescake episode is coming your way in the next few weeks... stay tuned to see what flavor I decide to bake this year!

Oohhhh Helllooo! Blog Hop Share!

2011-12-01T21:38:00.000-05:00

Oh my goodness! It has been FOREVAH! Sadly, my craft room (to be) still looks like this:

And there's more boxes in the basement :) I'm really missing my crafting now - especially with the holidays sneaking up on me... but I have an incentive to get it done. The boys will be out of school in about 2 weeks and I'd love to have a place to escape... and for us (as in you, me and maybe the kiddos) to do art projects together in there. BUT, I really need to do it sooner so I can do a couple cute tags for teachers gifts, etc. I have a few things up my sleeve that I will share soon!

Until then, please URGE me to clean up my act by leaving me a comment, posting on my facebook page wall, or sending me a friendly 'hello' email!

For now, I'll point you to a fun blog hop with some of my stampin' gal pas!

I hope you're taking time to enjoy the holiday season! With much love and blessings, Teri

A New Beginning... The Blog Continues!

2011-10-08T06:28:00.000-04:00

Hi Blog Friends!

I'm writing a quick note to let you know that after next week, I will no longer be a Close To My Heart Consultant. If interested, I'd be happy to make a referral to someone in your local area or another consultant friend who can provide you with exceptional service!

Moving to Chicago has opened the door of opportunity for me to spend more time with my family and our increasingly busy lives as my children grow more active. This was not an easy decision for me since I have loved every minute of my time as a consultant with CTMH, but after much prayer and counsel, I have decided this is the best thing for our family at this time in our lives. At the same time, I'm very excited about this new beginning...

Many of us have been friends for a very long time and I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your long-time business and more importantly for your friendship. It's been my honor to serve you and share crafting ideas with you, too!

But don't worry... I still love Close To My Heart and crafting and so I will continue to post my creations and share fun finds on my blog as I have time!

If you'd like to keep up with my artwork, please sign up for my blog post updates via email subscription. I will also eventually post some of my excess supplies for sale on my blog once we get unpacked over the next couple months :) Feel free to also follow "The Midnight Artist" facebook page at www.facebook.com/scrapbook.stamp.

Forever grateful,

Teri

email: teri.baxter@hotmail.com

facebook: www.facebook.com/scrapbook.stamp

blog: www.themidnightartist.blogspot.com

P.S. I should be pulling out my Cricut with the new Art Philosophy Collection very shortly!!! I am soooo excited to create some holiday awesome-sauce!!!

A Make Me Happy Moment & Discontinued List

2011-09-20T06:15:00.000-04:00

Hi there! Well, we're no longer homeless and it's such a wonderful thing! It's been busier than I remember a move-in ever being as this is the first time we've moved in right at the beginning of the school year, so it's taking us a bit longer than usual to unpack and put things in their nooks and crannies!

One of my favorite things about our new home is the fabulous back yard view (ask me how I feel about that when we have to rake it in a few weeks). We created a 'make me happy' moment last weekend when we put up these two homes ready for move-in as we notice everyone getting ready for the winter. LOL!

I'm happy to report that a young pair of squirrels found their critter mix and officially emptied it yesterday... and we've attracted several varieties of birds, to include my favorite, a pair of gorgeous cardinals to our yard! It took both of them several days to locate this prime real estate and an another for the birds to realize that our dog is really no threat. Not sure if the squirrels will feel the same way when our fence is put in a couple weeks from now and Ginger is free to chase :)

Just wanted to be sure I passed this little tid-bit along. While I'm still not creating again, yet... my goal is to be somewhat operational around the first week of October! Stay tuned... for now, here's a note from our corporate office.

1. Retiring Product Line Announced
The following product lines from the current Idea Book will not be available in the Spring/Summer 2012 Idea Book:

Color-Ready products:

X1406 Color-Ready Hodge Podge Alphabet
X5749 Color-Ready Oxford Alphabet

8 1/2" x 11" cardstock:

X1411 8 1/2" x 11" Colonial White Cardstock
X1412 8 1/2" x 11" Black Cardstock

Brayer:

Z616 Rubber Brayer

Eyelets:

Z1228 Soft Set Eyelets Black & White Daisy Collection
Z1229 Soft Set Eyelets Chocolate & Colonial White Collection
Z1208 Soft Set Eyelet Tool
Z1245 Eyelet Tool Replacement Punches

We will continue to stock all of these items with the exception of the eyelets and eyelet tool through the end of January. The eyelets and eyelet tool (including replacement punches) are available only while supplies last. Once the Spring/Summer 2012 Idea Book goes live to customers, any excess inventory of the retiring items listed above will be available online at a discount in the “While Supplies Last” category.

Make it a great week! P.S. I'll try to zoom in on our backyard friends and post their family portraits soon!

~ Teri

Glossy Dimensions Hop & National Stamping Month Campaign Today!

2011-08-15T11:07:00.000-04:00

Hi Everyone,

I'm still in the midst of being homeless... and currently squatting with dear family in Minnesota :) It's so much fun being here and having this precious time to reconnect! I'm going to watch my niece play ice-hockey this morning and then head to the Como Zoo later on.

In the meantime, I didn't want to leave you hanging for too long. My stamping friends have a marvelous Technique Hop they posted last night in the wee hours and I wanted to be sure you saw their creations! Please check out my friend, Debi's, blog for the start of the hop.

Also, today is the start of our fabulous National Stamping Month (September) Campaign!!! Check out Pair-A-Phrase....

From now until the end of this month, when you purchase $80 (to include the $5 SOTM) you get 3 free stamp sets with your order! Make it a party with a couple friends (only 3 or so) that take advantage of the special and you can get 1 half-price item... uh, the new Cricut Bundle for only $50!!! Just had to sneak that in there - LOL!

Now's the time to reorder your favorite adhesives and some new fancy pants paper before we hit the school year so that you can start working on projects when the kids head back to school!

SHOP NOW

Have a fabulous week and it's just a few more weeks until we get settled and you start seeing some fun projects again from me!

BONUS Alphabet Set Starts Today! SOTM Blog Hop pointer...

2011-08-01T13:25:00.000-04:00

Check it out! When you get our 'Wicked'ly cool stamp of the month for only $5 this month, you get a bonus A-sized Alpha stamp set, too! '

Here's a quick link to my friend, Melissa's blog, where you can join in on the SOTM Blog Hop!

I wish, oh how I wish I had access to my crafting supplies! I'm s-s-s-starting to go through some s-s-s-serious crafting withdrawls! I see a much needed large order being placed in my near future! LOL!

Here's the NEW and improved SOTM program highlights:

With a minimum qualifying purchase, get your D-size Stamp of the Month set for just $5.00! Add the stamp set to your cart on this page at full retail price or, with your qualifying order, add it at checkout for the promotional price.

Spend:	$50.00 US / $55.00 CAN	No purchase req.
You pay only:	$5.00 US / $5.50 CAN (72% Off!)	$17.95 US / $19.95 CAN (full retail)

P.S. If you wait until August 15th - 30th to place your Wickedly Fun order with me, not only will you get this extra stamp set with the $5 SOTM order, you'll get double the fun in stamps to celebrate national stamping month, too!!! More details coming your way.

Close To My Heart Teams With Cricut... PLUS, New Idea Book!

2011-07-31T22:25:00.000-04:00

I can't believe I forgot to post here... but our company has teamed up with Cricut!!! We created this amazing bundle called the CRICUT® ART PHILOSOPHY COLLECTION.

Check out this link above to see cartride images, project ideas, and read more about it! As a note, our amazing cartridge carries 700 images to include 3-D items, flowers, font, shapes, stamp images and more!!! I'm in LOOOOVE.

AND, now please go visit our brand spankin' new online Fall/Winter 2011 Idea Book live tomorrow (August 1st).

You can order or re-order online from my website @ www.scrapbooking.myctmh.com. You can always call or email me, too at teri.baxter@hotmail.com or (406) 750-3837.

Enjoy the day oogling at all the great new products and building your Wish List!!!

I LOVE My Calendar, Girl! YA... YA... YA...

2011-07-31T00:22:00.000-04:00

Hi Everyone,

If you received my newsletter a day or so ago, you may have noticed something about new Close To My Heart personal websites being unveiled in October! Well, sadly, I will be losing my calendar function on there and I CAN'T live without it :)

I'm going to experiment with using a Google Calendar for business events and product promotions so you'll know what's going to happen and when. The cool thing is that I think if you have a Google Calendar, too, that you can just synch an event to your calendar to remind you of the event, too!

Please check out my new CALENDAR PAGE in the top border pages of my blog here! Play with it and let me know what you think! What do I need to add to it? Any special events you'd like to see?!

Also, please remember to RSVP with me for future events so I know when you're coming. Most workshops are a pre-pay event so I can pre-order your supplies, so I'd be sad for you to show up with no projects for you to create... :(

Thanks a million and please share me with your friends... especially if you have scrappy ones in the Illinois region! Oh, and don't forget to 'Like' me on Facebook!

It's Irresitably Simple!

2011-07-20T09:59:00.000-04:00

Making this card was so much fun! I loved the simplicity and especially the white on white on white layering! I got this idea from our never-ending source of ideas on the CTMH Bulletin Boards - Carolyn Hulin another consultant inspired me.

The only stamping here is the stem and quote. The pink flower is from the 'Miracle Irresistables' die cut collection. All you need to do is rub the ink color of your choice on the white chipboard and the images POP! I used a sponge and concentrated more ink in the center and edges to give it a little variety, then accented the center with those FABULOUS Sparkles that I loooove! Can you tell I used another clear card?

Hope you're having a fabulous week - I know there is a heat wave in parts of the country, so hopefully, this white card will help add some 'coolness' to your day!

We're enjoying the cool Colorado Rockies for another day and then are continuing on our adventure across the country. I'll probably try to post again next week once we're in the Windy City!

Technique Blog Hop! It's a Banner Day!

2011-07-10T01:22:00.000-04:00

Today is just a happy day... I'm tickled pink and the grass ISN'T greener on the other side... I think it's pretty green with some polka dots on this side! LOL!

Thanks for joining in on our technique blog hop! If you're coming from Debi's blog, you are on the right track! This month we are featuring the banner technique on page 35 of the ideabook, but with a twist. Our goal was to find something other than triangles to create banners with. A blog hop is a great big circle so you can start wherever you want and continue through to see all the fabulous artwork incorporating this technique.

To keep on hopping, please visit Judy's blog next!

I used my favorite Sophia paper pack and the banner is made from the Workshop On The Go little leaf stamp, hemp, mini-glue dots and our pearl opaques! Cute! The stamp set is Polka Dot Alpha and of course I've been addicted to our clear cards!

Here's just a little photo tutorial that hopefully shows you how I added the leaves to the hemp. Just put a mini-glue dot on the back and then fold the stem down over the hemp! Easy Peasy. It's nice that a little adhesive is still showing a bit because it'll help you arrange your banner with a little tack and when you're ready, press more firmly to make it STICK!

Have a fabulous and blessed week!

P.S. The packers & movers decend on our house on Monday (eeeek - that's tomorrow, isn't it?!) So, I may be a little incognito when it comes to new craft ideas for a teensy bit. Fear not... Studio J is on my horizon so stay tuned!!!

Happy Fourth of July! Fun With Doodle Borders!

2011-07-04T21:22:00.000-04:00

I've been saving these cards just for today because of the Fan Fare paper! Not only are these cute cards so simple (no extra cardstock or paper needed), but I had a little fun playing with the borders around each of these cards using My Legacy Writers journaling pens.

Here's a cute little card and envelope holder to hold your set together and give as a cute gift for someone special!

Here's a easy double border using your ruler or any straight edge.

Try some doodle play with the corners! I love the My Legacy Writers because there are 5 pens in different sizes allowing you to really play with your doodling skills.

This is one of my favorite borders... just draw it free-hand! As you can see, there's not a straight line in sight and it's still super cute!!!

And speaking of 'Party Time'... I'm off to light some sparkler's with the family and watch a great Firework show from our back yard to celebrate our nations Birthday! Hip Hip Hooray!!!

A Little Story... Together We Create The Happy Ending!

2011-06-23T03:00:00.003-04:00

I have a little story to share....

Several weeks ago, I called our piano teacher to work out some scheduling issues we had (she's awesome like that) and when she answered, I could tell she wasn't quite herself. I could hear what sounded like a telemarketing business in the background, but right in her house?! She said a huge tornado had just gone through her family's town in MO and some of her friends and family were at the house trying to reach the rest of their family and friends in.... Joplin, MO.

I immediately turned on the news and the information was starting to funnel in. I could tell she was distraught and I felt her panic with my recent Japan earthquake/tsunami experience and told her to go do what she needed, I'd call her back later praying in the meantime.

Thankfully, everyone is ok! The only thing major was that her husband's grandmother's house was completely torn to shreds and she was hit in the head by a door, but is ok! Turns out she found a few pictures and the brand new pair of shoes she just bought which made her really happy :) She's been able to relocate into a small apartment and has already been taken care of by her insurance and has a car to replace the one that was destroyed. Even the church across the street bought her property and is planning to use it for a new chaplain's house! What a tremendous relief and blessing.

Since then the weather across the country has been C.R.A.Z.Y. don't you think? Everyone is still cleaning up the debris and devistation.

Feeling grateful in the midst of devastation!

Here's where Close To My Heart is so awesome. Remember the You & Me kits from last month?! Well, you can still get one for just $15 (no additional purchase necessary) and a portion of the proceeds will go to the American Red Cross Spring 2011 Floods & Tornadoes relief operations.

Click this LINK to see what comes in your kit!

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. 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!

HELP CREATE THE HAPPY ENDING!

Offer valid June 1–30, 2011, or while supplies last. No qualifying purchase required. Tax and shipping/handling charges apply.

*** I totally skipped the scrapbook layouts for now and used this kit to create these fabulous cards I've shown here. See below for a few additional pictures of the entire card! ***

I am in love with clear cards!

Here's the inside

Free JPG with Studio J!

2011-06-20T06:00:00.001-04:00

This month, Close To My Heart is offering you a fabulous freebie with Studio J! Keep reading for more details.

Less than 2 years ago when CTMH announced this new online 'digital' scrapbooking resource, I was the first in line to say "no way, that's not going to be me - I only make my scrapbook pages hands-on".

Well, ehem, guess what? I now only scrapbook using Studio J!

Look, let's be real. While I don't work full-time in a traditional job, I'm as busy as the next person with 3 little boys, volunteering at school, volunteering with the Air Force, getting involved in my community and working my business! I DON'T HAVE TIME TO SCRAPBOOK!

And I know that sounds terrible because that's my "job", right?! But really, it doesn't matter whether I'm cutting out the paper by hand or putting the embellishments on digitally... I'm still scrapbooking and preserving my family's memories with Studio J. I love that Close To My Heart has made it possible for me to keep up with the hobby I love the most AND have a way to keep the memories I love the most in real time.

Here's a layout I put together last night in about 20 minutes of our recent trip to Disneyland. I was able to download the FREE .jpg by placing an order online and shortly afterwards, I received a nice email from CTMH with the link for my download!

click on the picture for a MUCH bigger view

If you haven't tried it, please go give the program a try (because its free all the time) and share your layouts with me! And if it's been a while... go catch up :) I'll post them on this blog and my new Facebook business page to share!

Oh, and what do you do with a JPG? Share it (facebook, email, blog)!!! Or you can send it to Costco or Walgreens to print out (but I'll let you in on a little secret... with an annual membership, it's cheaper through Studio J AND you get free page protectors plus members only layouts and themes!!!)

START STUDIO J HERE!

P.S. Please visit my new Facebook Business Page and 'LIKE' me :) I would like to keep my personal facebook and business separate and so this new solution works. Stay tuned, I'm hoping I can start adding some tutorials and more of our artwork there, too! Thanks!

Happy Father's Day! Customized Gift Bag Idea

2011-06-19T11:28:00.000-04:00

Here's a special tribute to all our Dad's!

The buddies and I made this cute gift bag out of a plain brown bag for their dad's gift today. You can purchase these from the dollar store or your favorite craft store and they usually come several to a pack!

My favorite simple stamp set to use is 'A Twinkle'. (Not only does it apply to all kinds of celebrations, but it's our cheapest stamp set, too! LOL!) As you can see, we random stamped starting with the largest image first and then filled in with the smaller ones. You can keep it plain and generic - also stamping smaller coordinating images on the tissue paper....

Or, you can bling it out and add more special touches like we did here using our clear and colored sparkles along with the alpha stamps to personalize it!

Technique Blog Hop - Base and Shade

2011-06-15T01:54:00.001-04:00

WOOHOOO!!! The second post this week... that's a record!!! Ok, I won't lie - I'm doing my best to make it up to you :)

Welcome to this month's fabulously awesome blog hop! I love the gals I get to do this with... each one is so talented. If you're coming from Rebecca Sorge's blog, you are on the right path.

This month there are 11 of us highlighting the "Paper Beyond Base and Shade Stamping" Technique as shown on page 11 in the current Spring/Summer 2011 Idea Book! Are you new to a blog hop? It's just a giant internet blog circle... if you get lost along the way, please visit this LINK to see all the participants.

To keep on hopping along, please continue on to Tonya Whitehurst's blog. Or, if you'd like to know what other techniques and supplies I used... keep on readin'!! Have a blessed week and if you really like my blog posts, I'd be flattered if you signed up for the blog email list (upper left side of the page) and every time I post it'll forward right to your inbox - thanks!

Techniques Used:

1.) Base & Shade Stamping: This is where I adore the simplicity of our clear acrylic stamps. Get this... you can see right through the stamp!!! LOL! It's been about 6 years since we first came out with acrylics and I still love how awesome this bit of innovation is. It makes it so easy to stamp the outline image and then fill in with the second coordinating stamp in a second-generation stamp.

2.) Sanded Lines: Using your paper trimmer and one of the following: scoring blade, dry embossing tool, or edge of paper folder. With our wonderful CTMH white-core cardstock, just place the paper in your trimmer and use the cutting line to score lines in your cardstock. They can be evenly spaced using your ruler, or randomly spaced! Once complete, just sand the raised edges and WAH-LAH! Perfection.

3.) Ribbon Fray: I tried something new!!! I just placed my cocoa grosgrain ribbon down on my Versamat, took the very tip of my Micro-tip scissors and scraped the edge of the ribbon fraying the edge out. I didn't need to trim it or anything and I'm pretty happing with this distressed look.

Have a question about something I did? Just post a comment or email me and I'd be happy to share! Please stay tuned, there's more artwork just around the corner...

Supplies Used: visit my website to purchase what you need!

Cocoa Cardstock
Desert Sand Cardstock & Exclusive Ink
Cranberry Cardstock & Exclusive Ink
Colonial White Cardstock
Garden Green Exclusive Ink
Cocoa Grosgrain ribbon
D1451 Trellis stamp set
Z1147 Foundary Bookplates
Z1333 Mocha Opaques
3-D Foam Tape
Z1294 Sanding Kit

Yooohooo... Where Have I Been???!!!

2011-06-14T01:42:00.000-04:00

I know, I know! I haven't posted in almost a month - shame on me. 2011 is definitely going to be one of the most rollercoaster, adventerous, and "In God We Trust" kind of years we've experienced! Just to fill you in on what's up with my crazy life lately...

Last month, my husband retired with just over 20 years of service in the Air Force. It was such a special event and we were blessed with the most amazing and memorable ceremony. I'm so proud of him!

United States Flag Folding Ceremony and Presentation - the tissues came out here!

We chose to have just our close family attend with Jim's unit. Having his brother's and sisters make such an effort to all travel made the celebration even more special for us. My sister-in-law is especially leary of flying and the last time she hopped on a plane was when we got married, so we are eternally thankful for her putting her life on the line for us!!! :)

Then, just 2 days later, I hopped on the plane to Oregon to help my parents clear out 25 years of accumulation (what a trip down memory lane). Here's the 30-yard dumpster I filled with my dear high-school friend during my 10-day working trip.

When I got home, my hubby and I decided to suprise the boys with their first trip to Disneyland the day school let out. We've tried 2 times before (3 times if you include the CTMH Convention coming up in a month) and each time, we've had to cancel the trips because of our moves with the Air Force... FINALLY it was their turn to be rewarded!

We had the most MAGICAL and FUN time with family friends who could join us for the weekend. Can you believe it was my first time to Disneyland, too?! This is what I'll look like (plus more gray hair) when my oldest get's his Driver's License - hee hee!

I'm fearfully and in goofy fun putting this picture on the web for all to see knowing full-well my actions could come back to haunt me! And so hopeful it bring a smile to your face. LOL!

I'm finally home and now playing catch up (eh hem... this would be the reason for no newsletters in May/June)! I promise to load up some fun artwork in the next couple weeks with a blog hop in a couple days for you. And then, I'll be on the move again in July.

Still don't know where we're being called to serve... just crossing my fingers and praising God each day for the blessings he's given us! Thank you to everyone who's sent words of encouragement and prayers our way... it's meant the world to us knowing we have so many friends beside us!

Technique Blog Hop - Paper Piecing Treetops

2011-05-15T03:59:00.003-04:00

Life is 'very' Good!

I'm so happy to show off this cute little card using several different stamp sets and a fun technique called 'Paper Piecing'.

Welcome to our Technique Blog Hop! This month there are 13 of us highlighting the “Paper Piecing” Technique as shown on page 27 in the Spring/Summer 2011 Idea Book! This blog hop is a great big circle so you can start wherever you want and continue through to see all the fabulous artwork incorporating this technique.

If you are coming from Rebecca Sorge's blog, you are on the right track! This technique is highlighted with the FanFare paper packet in the Idea Book but you will find variations for its’ use through this hop.

If you would like to see details on the technique or my supply list, please continue reading below. If not, please continue onto Tonya Whitehurst's blog where you will find some additional artwork highlighting this technique. Be sure to leave a comment and let me know what you thought of my variation and happy hopping!

Here's a quick run-down of how I created the tree and another way to Paper Piece a stamped image together. First, determine what image you want to add more color variation to. In this case, the tree definitely does not want to be all green or all brown. The trunk should be brown, but the leaves should be green, right? So here is what you do.

First stamp your image in all the different colors needed. Notice how I did not need to stamp the trunk of the tree with Topiary or Pear inks!

Next, cut each image out making sure your bottom layer is the complete stamped image in order to 'build' your finished image on top. Notice how closely you will want to trim your images, as well.

This shows the pieces layered upon one another.

I can't help myself... I love using 3-D Foam Tape on every bitty thing!

Close-up image of the final paper pieced tree. Stinkin' cute, if I do say so myself :) Feel free to 'color outside the lines' when you put your image as the focal point. Notice how my tree extends outside the matted box... really, it's ok to do! LOL!

Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope you enjoy the rest of your hopping experience with us today!!!

Supply List - Visit my website to get what you really want!

X7138B FanFare Level 2 Paper Packet
D1465 Fill In the Blank stamp set
C1368 Treetops stamp set
C1459 Stitched Together stamp set
Z2118 Desert Sand Ink
Z2114 Cocoa Ink (and sponge)
Z2155 Topiary Ink
Z2197 Pear Ink
Z2192 Pacifica Ink (my favorite new blue)
Z1327 Sparkles Blue & Green assortment
Z1297 Edge Distressor Tool (only $2.50!)
Z1151 3-D Foam Tape (Gotta have this!)

100% Fun, 50% Off - It's a No-Brainer!

2011-05-02T21:06:00.000-04:00

What's a No-Brainer? It's an idea that just makes sense in a way that you don't even have to think about it... the answer is clear! Let me share with you what I'm talking about.

100% FUN - My Hearts Across America team just finished another amazing Nation-Wide Team Gathering event this past weekend!!! We created 2 workshops using Fan Fare papers.... Making 2 layouts and a fabulous notecard holder with cards (I'll share later this week)! Of course hearing everyone's voices from Las Vegas, to Texas, Alabama and even Georgia on the short conference call is music to my ears... and getting together to share and laugh is my favorite part of this event!

I'm so grateful to have my team of friends across America who like to have crafting fun, just like me!

50% OFF - Through May, your consultant starter kit is only $69 (normally $129) and includes your choice of 3 out of 5 different bundles. You can also choose to get the remaining bundles for a discount!

Here are the bundles.

12-Month Studio J Membership ($99 value)
Mayberry Workshop On The Go (WOTG) plus acrylic block, brad assortment, two ink pads and a stamp set ($66.85 value)
Lucky WOTG plus stamp set, ink pad, Lucky Level 2 assortment, Kraft borders, edge distresser and block ($80.55 value)
Faux Leather Album, Quick Pic Album, stamp set, ink pad and block ($73.60 value)
Double scrubber/cleaner, 3 stamp sets, 2 ink pads, and block ($75.05 value).

Plus all the business supplies you'll need to get started!!!

NO-BRAINER - The best part is you will also get the You & Me Kit celebrating National Scrapbook Month for FREE when you join (a$34.95 value)!!!

Here’s a reminder about the other elements of the National Scrapbooking Month promotion, valid only during May!

Place a minimum order of $50 for any Close To My Heart products*, get an exclusive You & Me scrapbooking kit for just $15 .... (uh, hello.... add these two together and it's the same cost as joining CTMH this month! Hmmmm - This is where the no-brainer comes in... LOL! Plus you get 22% off and other fun benefits for being a consultant. Most of us are hobbyists... what about you?)

Or, you could purchase the kit outright for $34.95 (no minimum purchase required).

The You & Me kit features two fully embellished layouts, each with their own unique personality; a D-size stamp set; and an instruction guide to step you through the creation process. I'm in love with it!

P.S. Be a hobbyist... or be a business builder. I can teach you to do either... it's totally up to you! For more questions, just contact me at teri.baxter@hotmail.com.

JOIN MY TEAM HERE!!!

Tell your friends and join together! Then you both can be a part of my very smart and talented

'No Brainer' Team!!! LOL!

Sit Back And Relax... May SOTM Blog Hop!

2011-04-30T20:40:00.003-04:00

Sit back and relax in your most comfy chair, my friends!

If you're coming from Shannon Beck's blog, you are on the right track!!! Hope you enjoy this month's amazing hop event once again :)

Please continue on to Annette Green's blog for more chair fun!

Overwhelmed and LOVIN' IT!!! THANK YOU!!

2011-04-24T15:50:00.000-04:00

Created by Kimberly Ruste

It hardly seems real and I have no amount of words to fully express my gratitude and joyful heart. I have been once again moved to tears and want to share my overwhelming excitement! See my little fundraiser chart below? YES, That cute vine with the lady bug?!! Well, it's overflowing and I almost can't believe it... but I've surpassed my goal this month of personally selling 100 stamp sets for the Hope for Japan fundraiser!!!! WOW! WOW! WOW!!!

With your help, so far, we've raised over $530 for the Close To My Heart 'HOPE for JAPAN' fundraiser of which 100% of these proceeds will be donated to the American Red Cross Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami fund.

There is still time left... until the end of April to get your stamp set for only $5 and be part of my UBER special family, friends and customers who've jumped in so effortlessly to help me totally BLOW OUT my goal set late in March. Please contact me if you're still wanting one for yourself or as gifts (they're great for Birthdays, Mother's Day, stocking stuffers, or Just Because). Here's a couple more cards using that set!

Created by Me

Created by Erlinda Ramirez

Created by Kimberly Ruste

One of my friends just returned from a quick deployment with the Navy to help out in Japan and saidshe'd pass on her experience along with pictures to me. I hope to share them with you in a few days.

Happy Easter & many blessings to you!

Teri

P.S. I'll be participating in the May Stamp of the Month Blog Hop, so come back and check on May 1st!

Mayberry Cards - Happy Birthday Stamping Fun!

2011-04-21T18:21:00.000-04:00

Quick note - please remember to get your $5 Hope for Japan stamp set before the end of this month! Everyone who purchases gets a ticket to win one of our very cool 'how-to' books and VIP customers get an extra special treat from me. Thanks again to everyone who's helped me get closer to my goal... a big announcement coming soon :)

Here's a cool website my mom sent me this morning... http://quakes.globalincidentmap.com/. Truly fascinating! Lots of big ones still occurring daily.

Happy Spring Break!

We've decided on a 'stay-cation' this year. It seems my boys need to run and play and be out of the house to help avoid that dreadful state that comes about when they're are cooped up with one another for longer than 5 hours together! OH, the Madness! LOL!

Thankfully, as I write this, I'm making them all take a 'camping out time out' in our living room right now before I take them to the movies this afternoon with a friend... none of them wanted to take a nap (actually were convinced they couldn't go to sleep) and guess what?! ZONKED OUT! Mom Wins!!!

This Bub was the most certain he couldn't sleep!

So, this is my quick chance to post the rest of my Happy Birthday cards that our club made last Friday night for you using Mayberry Workshop On The Go, and Card Chatter - Birthday, and A Posey stamp sets. Enjoy!

Here's the Guy version of what I posted earlier last week!

Love the 3-D flower using our new canvas buttons that we sponged with Olive Ink! Then layered the flower on top.

The new Neutral and Wooden Buttons are my FAVE!

Note: Candle Flame = Leaf stamp

Another fabulous Canvas button - we stamped twice on it to really get a nice dark image!

Card Club Invite! Birthday Wishes :)

2011-04-12T20:00:00.000-04:00

Happy Tuesday!

I received this card idea from my friend, Michelle B. who also happens to be a consultant on my team! She's so creative and we have a similar sense of style... perhaps the reason why I love her ideas so much. I created this card using Mayberry papers and it will be one of 6 different Birthday cards we'll create this Friday evening... both for gals and guys!

I have one more space in this class, so if you're local to me and would like to join in, please contact me ASAP at scrapbooking@myctmh.com! We go from 7-9pm and the workshop is only $10.

My Acrylix® On This Day Inspiration & Tutorial - Paper Piecing and Clear Embossing

2011-04-10T11:51:00.000-04:00

I love this paper piecing and embossing technique! Watch for some fun new ways to use the 'On This Day' (D1468) stamp set!

If you have any questions about how you can implement these techniques with your stamp sets, please don't hesitate to contact me!

In fact, here's an example of the clear embossing... instead I've embossed on black to give the Hope For Japan stamp set a different effect! I've included two different photos because it's so hard to really capture the beauty of clear embossing. I personally think neither of these two examples is the best example of the finished product :)

I used the new Fanfare paper packet to make these cute cards!

Get your Hope for Japan fundraising stamp set from my website :)

A Tisket, A Tasket... The Cutest Little Basket!

2011-04-06T10:00:00.000-04:00

Oh, these cuties are so fast and easy to make! That's what I love most about them.

Here's several samples based on what my club members chose for their papers to go with the Miracle paper pack!

This basket is the 'before' picture.

This is the 'After' - notice the difference?!

Here is the pattern for these baskets. These are 9" x 9" cardstock baskets. You can always go bigger or smaller depending on your desired use. I was thinking they'd be perfect place settings for a baby shower or wedding shower filled with goodies. They'd also make fun teacher's gifts filled with erasers, anti-bacterial gel, crayons and other supplies for the classroom.

First score at the 3" lines in both directions. Then you're going to make a cut between A/B, B/C, D/E, and E/F... but do not go all the way through to the other side. Here's what it will look like when it's all cut up.

To fold the basket, you'll want to tuck in flap B & E and then use a brad to attach the handle. For this project, the handle dimension I used was 9" x 1 1/4". The handle pattern was 9" x 3/4". The small rectangles of patterned Miracle paper was 2 1/2" x 2 1/4".

You'll want to attach all the pattern paper to the cardstock AND the Color-Ready borders to the template BEFORE you assemble! The self-adhesive borders are suprisingly easy to adhere and stay on. Be sure to crimp the corners of the basket on the borders to make sure they conform to the shape of the basket and stick better. We also used baby powder on the back side of the borders where it was sticking up and still sticky to remove that stickyness so grass or other things will not stick to that exposed part.

The Kraft Color-Ready Borders are the perfect embellishment for this project! So many cute borders to choose from.

Our very thoughtful hostess, Dawn C., made these cute boxes for everyone and

inside was a nice hand lotion!

Thanks, Dawn!

To Brighten Your Day! You've Brightened Mine

2011-03-28T17:42:00.000-04:00

First... THANK YOU!!! My peeps are comin' through for me and together we've raised $150 for Hope For Japan in just a few days. I'm so blessed by you. Keep it coming and please share with your stamping friends!!!!

VIP Donors who bring in 10+ stamp orders will get a $10 gift certificate from me to use on a future order this year! Plus - I need to apologize, in my excitement, I wrote the wrong book before... BUT, every stamp set ordered will get you a ticket into my drawing for a free copy of Wishes - our newest card-making book!

Here are a few cards that my last club created. We used the Miracle WOTG stamp set, but I was tricky... I added a few extra colors to the blend because I LOVE the versatility of these papers. It's really easy to mix it up with your favorite colors.

Extra colors used: Blush, Pansy Purple, and Smokey Plum!

The sentiments on each of these cards expresses how I feel about all of you today! :) I'll show off another cute project that we all created in the next week. It's super simple AND super cute and easy to make.

To view more information about my Hope For Japan goals, see this previous post.

Hope For Japan - My Story...

2011-03-25T10:00:00.001-04:00

Hi Friends,

I want to thank so many of you for your support and phone calls, and emails, and prayers this past month since March 11th. As I mentioned in a previous post, I'm half-Japanese. My Mother is originally from just outside of Tokyo and my Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, their families and our close family friends are scattered all throughout the country. I even have a couple team members stationed there, too.

Looking back at that fateful Friday morning, I remember that I woke up earlier than normal and grabbed my phone from my nightstand to thumb through a quick text from my best friend before I even threw off the covers. Her text said, 'There was a tsunami in Japan'. It took me a few minutes to wake up and then do the 'double take' on what I read to turn on the news to see images of the earthquake and tsunami. I remember worrying that I would be waking my Mother up too early if I called her, but when I called her a few minutes later, she said she had been awake since about 5am because she couldn't sleep.

You see, she had been on the phone with her sister (my Aunt) when the earthquake first happened the night before.

The amazing thing is that my Aunt lives more than 400 miles away from Sendai and she and my Uncle live in a beautiful home over 100 years old. The Japanese are so used to earthquakes, but when she felt this one she told my Mom that she'd better get out of the house immediately because this was different and she worries with a house that old, that it could topple... and she dropped the phone to run into the street... she didn't waste time hanging it up. Mom heard the phone click and thought her sister had hung up on her. Later, she found out that the strength of the earthquake caused all the phone lines to go down.

Not really thinking much of it, my Mom thought she'd turn on NHK (The Japanese news station that she gets in her home here in the states to keep up with her favorite shows, the news and of course Sumo!). There was nothing on the news for a few minutes until the news of the earthquake came and they started televising.... my parents watched the tsunami hit and everything unfold live until almost 2:30 in the morning... and of course couldn't get my Aunt back on the phone. I can't imagine her inital panic because she seemed so calm that morning.

Thankfully, my cousins and I are on Facebook together and so I immediately thought to check and see if anyone had posted any news! One of them had posted that his family was ok... but we didn't know about my Mom's other side of the family... and then I thought of our friends and my team members who are there, too. Because of the time difference it felt like an eternity until they woke up for their day to bring news of everyone's safety. By that time I had been on the phone 2 or 3 more times with my Mom to get the news translations from NHK and let her know that I hadn't yet heard any news from family... and had she heard anything, too? That day I learned that our US news was anywhere from 1 hour to half a day or more behind on the news... and not even half as complete.

The stories my Mother has told me and still shares with me made me cry and would break your hearts, too. To me this feels like 9/11 again and a lot like Katrina (when we lived in AL). But there were also stories that she told me that would inspire you, and give you hope that families are reunited and that strangers would be willing to give the shirt off their back and the kindness in their hearts... when that's all they have to give.

There is the story of the couple driving in the car and seeing the tsunami coming - the husband said 'we need to get out of the car now and run to that building to get higher' and so his wife did... but when she got to the building and turned around, her husband was gone.

And the story of another couple who got out of their car and were swept up with the debris to cling for their lives in a tree through the very cold night... when things calmed down a bit, they realized that vehicles were passing them by just a few hundred feet away on a raised freeway as they shouted for help, but no one could see them because of the pitch black. There was no electricity or lights. By God's grace they were rescued as soon as daylight exposed them.

And the story about the mother who just came home from grocery shopping with her baby to experience the earthquake and run as fast as she could to the freeway that was the highest point closest to her. All the people on the bridge quickly surrounded her and the baby as the tsunami approached so they would not get wet and get hypothermia when the water came splashing over the side of the freeway... they both stayed dry and everyone else on that freeway bridge got wet... but survived.

I watched the story on the news of the company president and owner who's Sake factory was destroyed by the tsunami. He was obsessed with going from shelter to shelter to find every single one of his employees and their families. You could see him clutch each employee he discovered with such fierceness and happiness that they were alive... at the same time holding back sobs knowing that others might not be. He said he would not stop until he knew where they all were, and that he would re-build.

My Mom kept saying over and over that morning... the buildings are burning everywhere and fires can not be stopped because it is so dark with no power and the roads are destroyed by the earthquake or tsunami so even if the firemen are there, they are helpless to help. No one could go in to rescue anyone for at least a day or two because aftershocks would occur every 5-10 minutes and could be felt through Japan... triggering constant tsunami alerts and dangerously shifting debris. Our friends tell us they can not sleep well at night for fear that another big one is coming, and the aftershocks seem to come from everywhere! (and still continue with great strength... still above M5.0 along the Honshu coast). And yet, another dear friend has been deployed there and she says... "flew here via helicopter and saw some of the destruction... you can never prepare yourself for the image of entire cities wiped out."

Can you even imagine? Didn't it seem like you were watching a movie and that it couldn't possibly be real?

I mean, there are ships on buildings... houses in the ocean... people on the roof-tops... and planes, cars, and wood snapped and twisted like match-box cars as they were crashed into every nook and cranny like my kids throwing their toys into the corner of their room when I ask them to clean up... except it's not.

I know I'm writing a long post, but it feels good to write it down and share this with you. I also know that it's easy to begin to feel detatched to this situation because just days later our news has moved onto other news in the world. It makes me sad to know Japan is no longer headline news for our fast-paced world - and their country still has yet to find everyone.

When I started writing this about a week ago, it was reported that over 9,000 people have been found dead with 14,000 still missing. I can't believe the news when I read that over 12,300 are now confirmed dead with more than 15,000 people still reported missing. My heart is saddened that we haven't even found half of the people who have disappeared almost a month ago!

Eastern Japan has scheduled blackouts to conserve energy, trains are on different schedules, babies are getting bottled water, everyone knows what a milisievert is.... their way of life has been transformed.

When one of my Close To My Heart team members alerted me to the fact that our company founder, Jeannette Lynton, had announced the Hope For Japan fundraiser with 100% of the proceeds going to the American Red Cross to benefit relief efforts in Japan - I had so many feelings. I still can't help but get a little teary eyed and realize how extraordinary this is.

I'm inspired, grateful, and deeply moved that she has generously donated her gifts and resources to help people half the world away. Thank you, Jeanette for giving the shirt off your back!!!

It's my goal to sell as many of these sets as humanly possible so we can help as much as possible...

Please support me in this endeavor by ordering your stamp set from me, then sharing this opportunity to help with your friends to give Hope For Japan and their people. I'm so happy to report I've raised almost $200 with your help! THANK YOU!!!!

Thank you for allowing me to share my experience and feelings about this situation. While I'm an American, I also feel deeply connected to my Japanese heritage and the people there who are so kind and monumentally generous. I want them to know that Americans are the same way, too... don't you?!

My email is stamphearts@yahoo.com - please send me a note with how you'd like to help and I will call or email you back as soon as I possibly can!

With much gratitude and love,

Teri

Urgent News! How You Can Help Me Hope For Japan!

2011-03-24T20:33:00.021-04:00

When You Hope For Japan...

You will be giving and getting!

Last night, I sat speechless and deeply moved when I found out that Jeanette Lynton, CTMH founder and CEO, announced that our company had designed a stamp set to raise money to help our friends across the ocean who are still suffering from the devastaion from Japan's earthquake and tsunami.

Starting now through April, purchase the exclusive “Hope for Japan” A-size stamp set for the special price of only $5 (retail value $7.95) and Close To My Heart will donate 100% of the profits to the American Red Cross efforts in Japan. This beautifully designed stamp set reminds us of how our hearts are hopeful for those who are in need.

Click here to see Jeanette's blog post and see the beautiful A-sized stamp set image.

As you may or may not know, I am half-Japanese... much of my family is Japanese and several of my CTMH team members and military friends live in Japan, too. Thankfully, they are all safe! Because of that, this fundraiser is much more personal to me and my family and I'd like to do all I can to help those families who are not as lucky as we have been.

If you are moved by the events in Japan and want to help make a difference for those people forever affected, I ask for your generous support by buying a stamp set for yourself, as well as, sharing this message with everyone you know who loves stamping, too. If we each dig through our change jars and the couch to do a little... together we can do a whole lot. I know I can't afford to give $500 of my own, so it's my personal goal to reach just 100 other people who will purchase this stamp set from me.

Please contact me today to help me reach this goal! You can add it to your order and call me, or place an order from my website.

P.S. Everyone who orders this set will be entered into a drawing for a FREE copy of our Magic How-To interactive scrapbooking book! If you choose to be a VIP donator and gather 10 'Hope For Japan' stamp orders from yourself or friends, I will have an extra gift for you (this will also help you save on shipping). Check the HOPE vine on my blog for frequent updates!

*** I will also share more of my story and how this has touched me on my blog in a few days!***

With my deepest gratitude and continued prayers for the people living in Japan!

~ Teri

Pointing The Way...Contrast Embossing Hop

2011-03-15T22:02:00.000-04:00

Hi friends,

I know I've been a little more quiet than usual. To share just a bit of personal information, our family is getting ready to transition once again! This time, my husband is retiring from the military and whew... it sure is a BIG HUMUNGUS transition! Needless to say, there are a lot more projects and concerns on our plates this time around - first and foremost is finding a JOB!!! LOL!

So, please stick with me while our Baxter family is 'under construction'. I will do my best over this next few months to point you in the direction of some dear friends blogs & hops I think might be fun to view in my absence. Don't worry, I'll still sneak in my artwork, favorite ideas and more of our adventures along the way as I can.

Don't you just love our new CLEAR buttons?! So many choices!

To start you on a fun little journey, please visit... the Contrast Embossing Hop! Start here at my friend, Debi's blog and see some fun artwork using this technique. You'll see me join in on these later this year once we get settled. :)

Thanks for your patience and continued support!

~ Teri

March Stamp of The Month Blog Hop

2011-02-28T17:45:00.007-05:00

If you're coming from Caren Goldstein's blog, WELCOME! You're on the right path... and nothing could put you in the hopping mood more than this month's stamp set!

This set just reminds me of Peter Rabbit - what a sweet stamp set. I even pulled out my kids' books to try and re-create the coloring. I used my watercolor pencils and blending pen for this particular card along with our newest paper called 'Sophia'.

I'm also in LOVE with the new Kraft Color Ready Borders that are self-adhesive... oh, and the new buttons, too. I just can't help myself!

Now keep your little tail hopping through our rather large blog garden on to Melissa Laverty's blog!

Thanks for stopping by and tell your friends where they can be fed all kinds of creativity.

5 Things You Can Accomplish... and Scrapbook at the Same Time

2011-02-28T04:16:00.000-05:00

1. Relax in bed!

2. Cook dinner

3. Watch TV with your spouse

4. Do laundry

5. Chat with your friends

Oh, and did I mention my workspace stays exactly the way I found it? I also didn't cut any paper or glue a single thing down. No mess whatsoever.

Yes, would you believe that I scrapbook doing all these things using Studio J? While I watched the Oscars tonight, I finished five (5) two-page scrapbook layouts complete with embellishments, quotes, journaling and matting!!! KA-POW!!! I feel like a super hero!

I realized that tomorrow was the deadline for me to get my Buy 9, Get 1 Free Studio J scrapbooking layouts with my 50% off annual membership (oh, and I get free shipping and page protectors, too!).

Eat your heart out Martha Stewart :)

That's what I call being the Ultimate Crafting Mom!

While you may not get your 10 layouts done in one day (though I bet you could!), visit my website to start your FREE account to check things out for yourself.

You deserve scrapbooking without having to clean-up.

VISIT YOUR STUDIO J

P.S. I'll post pictures later!

How To Add More Photo's to Your Layouts!

2011-02-24T17:51:00.001-05:00

Check out this layout! How many pictures do you think are on these two pages?

Hopefully, you said more than 5! Would you believe there are 17 pictures?!

Ok, before I show you, please note that I did not crop a single picture!!! There were so many good ones that I just didn't want to throw them out or put them at the back of the book. So guess, what? I made my pages interactive by adding our fabulous Flip Flaps that just stick right onto the page protector! All photos are 4 x 6 in size.

I *HEART* these babies and so do my customers! Tell your friends!

Here's how I put my photos on the page:

Rember there are photos on both sides of my flaps!
So here it is all folded out, there are 6 photos hiding behind the flaps that are out.

First Fold Out

Second Fold Out

Does this little trick ROCK, or what?!

P.S. I used a Magic Interactive Scrapbook Program pattern

& put this together in about 30 minutes or less!

The Secret To Great Card Design!

2011-02-12T19:41:00.000-05:00

Every month I create six cards for my card club and class. Do you think I create all of them out of my little 'ole head?! Oh ya, sure, right - NOT. LOL!

What I typically like to do is use 2 new patterns and then create 3 of each with variations to the patterns showing how you don't have to stick to the original design.

It's really not a secret, but if you don't know about it already, these two Wishes and Originals card confidence books are the key to inspiring anyone that may find themselves in a creative card slump. In fact, you will almost NEVER see me create a card that hasn't used either of these two books or a Workshop On The Go for my greeting card creations.

If you have Wishes, go run and get it really quickly so you can compare the two patterns I used below from the Celebration card workshop in 'Wishes' (card #3 and card #6).

This first card is fairly close to the original card #3 design. Being a partner with Close To My Heart, I have an amazing resource only for consultants with our artwork bulletin board. I just loved the idea I found on where to place the bow & bling on this shoe!

Do you see the slight variation on this card? I just moved the skinny strip of paper (vineyard berry) to the right of the cardstock block.

Lastly, I rotated the design on this card 180 degrees!

Here is pattern #6. It's slightly more spread out than the original design that would have put the big Juniper (aqua) cardstock in the center of the card to make room for the stamped bird.

Because the patterned paper on this card is gorgeous, but busy, I really streamlined any extra paper & changed the size of my focal point (ok, so ya, I totally changed the card design... but the original was my starting point! LOL!).

And last... certainly my favorite, is this card :) Once again, the idea was found on the artwork board, I adapted the above design keeping the overall look very simple because of the detail of the dress. Isn't it STINKIN' CUTE? Just cut a strip of paper and fanfold it for the dress!

I hope you found this helpful in getting some great versatility out of my two favorite card design books. If you don't already own one of of these brilliant idea books, I highly recommend investing in them as they give you all the cutting dimensions for multiple sizes of cards, additional stamping & crafting tips and several card creations for each pattern. Visit my website to get one for yourself!

I would love to hear what you think of these ideas and if you have one of Jeanette Lynton's card confidence books, please tell us what you love most about them!

New Spring/Summer 2011 Idea Book Blog Hop!

2011-02-03T15:51:00.002-05:00

Welcome to our Blog Hop! We will be featuring products currently offered in our New Spring/Summer 2011 Ideabook.

If you have come here from Sheila Wilkerson's Blog, you are on the right path! The blog hop is a great big circle, so you can start here and work your way all around. If you get lost along the way, you’ll find the complete list of participating consultants here.

We have 11 Close To My Heart Consultants sharing their creations using products from the New Spring/Summer 2011 Ideabook and other great CTMH products on their blogs. This is simple to do - just click on the link at the end of the post on each blog to move to the next one! Here we go!

This card uses the new Wings Creative Basics paper with Creme Brulee cardstock and our brand spankin' new scallop circle punch!!!

This is another Creative Basic's pattern with last month's stamp of the month!

Now "Hop" on over to Tonya Whitehurst's Blog to see her work! Be sure to visit all the Consultants at their Blogs to get some great crafting ideas and other fun ideas! Contact me to see how you can get these products!

Visit My Website Here

Stamp of the Month Blog Hop - Friendship & Watercolor Stamping

2011-01-31T17:00:00.002-05:00

Welcome to this month's Stamp of the Month Hop. If you are coming from Lori Brown's Blog, you are on the right track!

I am in LOVE with this stamp set. Can you see how nice they would be even without the sentiment which would be perfect as blank note cards making a very nice hostess gift? Keep reading below to see the technique I used to create this classic and simple card.

Thanks for stopping by and I'd love it if you would follow me! Keep on hopping over to Nancy Brown's Blog for more great ideas with this stamp set!!!

Technique Tutorial:

The two techniques I used are Random Stamping and Watercolor Stamping! Assuming you know how to random stamp, I will only teach watercolor stamping here - if you want more info, please let me know.

Supplies needed:
Stamps & blocks
2 coordinating Inks (I used Bamboo & Crystal Blue)
Z1380 Spray Pen with water only
Neutral Cardstock

Start by inking up your stamp in a light or neutral color (bamboo). Then, roll the edges of your stamp in a darker color (crystal blue). Before stamping down onto your neutral cardstock, lightly mist water onto the inked up stamp using the Spray Pen. Stamp onto the neutral cardstock & WAH-LAH!!!

It's that simple... and that beautiful. Give it a try today!

Card Recipe: Order Supplies from my website: http://scrapbooking.myctmh.com

9033 Wishes Card Confidence Program - Pattern is Lucky Layers (p.27)
D1453 Friendship SOTM
X7133B Miracle Level 2 Paper Packet
Bamboo Exclusive Ink
Crystal Blue Exclusive Ink
Z1380 Spray Pen
Z1104 Clear Sparkles
z1151 3-D Foam Tape

New CTMH Product Blog Hop

2011-01-27T20:12:00.005-05:00

I'm seriously going 'banana's' over this new Idea Book! I just keep turning the page, pointing and saying 'ooh, ooh, ahh, ahh!' Here is your sneak peek at some new products and AMAZING artwork.

If you're here for the new linky blog hop, thanks for visiting my website! I'm so excited you're here and hope you'll keep hopping along... and coming back for more, too. I have several blog hops I'm going to be posting over the next week, so if you'd like to see what's in store, sign up for my blog subscription on the right side of this page... see it?! I'd also love for you to follow me.

These two cards are just a sample of my Valentine's Card workshop I'm hosting next Saturday at my house. If you're local and want to join in... better hurry and contact me to place your order for your products!

I'm wild about this new paper called Mayberry and the new wooden buttons! Ooooh - SHA LA!

Keep hopping along to see more wonderful artwork at the links below!

Supplies Used:

X7136C Mayberry Level 2 Paper Packet
Z1387 Designer Buttons Wooden
3505 Watercolor Pencils
D1434 You're Great stamp set
Z1081 Colonial White Waxy Flax
Z1151 3-D Foam Tape
Chocolate Ink
Cocoa Ink

How To Use The New Spray Pen!

2011-01-16T15:57:00.000-05:00

How many of you noticed the new Wings Workshop On The Go contains a new tool? There is a small spray pen included with each of these Workshop Kits... but here's the secret...

You need to contact your Close To My Heart consultant to know how to use it! Ah, so tell your friends I'm here to come to your rescue and please share my blog with them so they can follow me for more fun ideas. LOL!

Here's a great video tutorial for you from our CTMH art department... read below for the directions written down!

Here's a basic guide to using our spray pen - unscrew the top nozzle portion first:

Mix 4 drops of acrylic paint or pearl paint, 6 pea-sized drops of re-inker, and then fill with water to the 9th line from the bottom of the spray pen.
When spraying a layout or piece of paper with the spray pen, be sure to spray over the sink or protected background since the pen tends to spray out beyond your project.
Remember to attach photos after the spray has dried.
Immediately after using pen, remove nozzle and immerse in warm water. Spray until clear.
Tip: You can probably figure this out, but I thought I should mention that you can experiment with the amount of re-inker you would like for a lighter or darker colored paint. It also helps to just practice how the spray will work with scraps of cardstock so you get your desired effect!

Inspiration Blog Hop! New CTMH Products

2011-01-02T17:45:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year!

(please click on the links to see pictures of more new products!)

I've joined a group of 12 talented Close To My Heart Consultants who wanted to showcase the new Wings papers and embellishments that are being previewed this month before the new Idea Book comes out in February (preview products). Keep reading below if you'd like to read more about the techniques I've used and about this month's Campaign Specials - truly amazing prices on brand new products.

If you've come from Debi Barber's blog, you're on the right track. If this is your first time hopping, it is simple to do - just click on the link at the end of the post on each blog to move to the next one. Here we go!

While this card is only 3.5" x 4" in size, it packs a cute punch!

Keep hopping along to visit Melissa Robinson's blog for more fun inspiration. Or, keep reading below for some new technique ideas to use for the new year! Be sure to visit all the Consultants at their Blogs to get some great crafting ideas and other fun ideas! Remember, these products are only available at a discount in the month of January!

Card How-To:

This card is quite small, but I loved adding the distressing to it. One technique that is new for me is scratching up the B&T itself. Not sure if you can see this detail, but once I adhered the butterfly pattern to the card base, I took the tip of my micro-tip scissors and made long scratches on the face of the paper to bring out some of the white. I then used my Edge Distressor to rough up all the edges of the cardstock and card.

The stamp set I used is called A Game and resembles a cute Tic-Tac-Toe board with fun markers in all sort of shapes & sizes. I hope I've shown some versatility creating wavy stems from one of the straight line stamps and then using 2 of the flower designs in 1st and 2nd generation stamping to create a little 'garden'.

Grab the January Special details HERE - you don't want to miss this great savings opportunity!!!

Supplies Used (visit my website to order - or join my hostess club to get new products for free!)

A1113 A Game stamp set ($7.95)

Z1327 Blue & Green Sparkles Assortment ($2.95)

Z1398 Wings Level 2 Assortment ($4.95) - this is pleated ribbon in Black, Juniper, Vineyard Berry - I used Juniper)

G1016 Wings Workshop Kit ($29.95 - save $$$)

Includes Wings workshop stamp set
Wings Level 2 Paper Packet
Mini-Medley Accents Black Collection
Spray Pen
Workshop Guide

Happy New Year January SOTM Blog Hop - Inspiration with Wings

2010-12-31T17:00:00.009-05:00

Welcome!

I have to say I am in LOVE with this stamp set. Along with the paper, don't you think it kinda matches my blog theme? :)

If you're coming from Tonya Whitehurst blog and beautiful artwork, you're on the right path. I've showcased our newest Wings paper and colors (Black, Vineyard Berry, Sweet Leaf, Juniper) with the stamp of the month for this card.

Want to skip to the next blog? Head on over to Dawn Ross's blog and be amazed!

Card Tutorial and Techniques:

I love butterflies and wanted to use our clear cards to help create some fun dimension with a pop-out butterfly. One thing you can do to help make the clear scalloped edge detail come to life is to use stayz-on or our archival black sponged around the edges. The other technique I used is the tissue stamping on the butterfly to get the two-toned look. First stamp the butterfly in a lighter color (sweet leaf) and then using a crumpled tissue, pick up the second color (Juniper) and pounce the inked tissue along the edges and areas you want to show a different color. The last thing I did was sponge Archival Black ink along the butterfly edges.

To make the butterfly pop out of the page, I gently curled the wings into the shape I wanted. Then I adhered it to the page using 3-D Foam squares for added dimension.

I also use our new spritzer to add some shimmer to the background. I'll post instructions for this in a few days.

Stay tuned as I'll have more fun blog hopping using new Inspirations products in another 2 days! Happy New Year!

A Very Happy Holidays!

2010-12-27T03:30:00.000-05:00

My family is in town with more on their way and I'm actually photographing the images of the things and foods that bring happiness to our house... not just the people.

I've also had fun learning to decorate corners of my house after attending a Pottery Barn holiday decorating class with one of my friends here in Vegas last month. (I know, I can create with paper, but when it comes to my house, I need A LOT of help!!!). It was surprising to learn how easy it was to get started - of course I did some big time bargain hunting at my FAVORITE store Home Goods to try and replicate that Pottery Barn look. And, you can bet, that now that I have been bitten, you'll see more holiday decorating around my house.

Here are some images of the season that make our house very merry this time of year.

This was one of my favorite finds. It's a hollowed out mercury glass Christmas tree and I put a strand of lights inside of it to light up our dining room buffet.

I love our tree!

Santa loved the cookies and the Reindeer ate all the carrots!

This is my mom's traditional Christmas morning Monkey Bread with a little cranberry twist!

And... I think I succeeded at creating my second ever cheesecake. This one is a New York Lemon Cheesecake with some Almond Cherry sauce from Pampered Chef spooned on top. Oh by gosh, by golly - this one is to DIE for!

I can't wait to show you the newest paper and embellishments in our supplemental for January before the new and AMAZING spring/summer Idea Book comes out. Inspiration is coming up in just a few days with the January Stamp of the Month Blog Hop!

Until then, I hope you enjoy the last few days of 2010 and squeeze in every last bit of happiness that this year has to hold.

Love & Blessings, Teri

Plenty For Twenty! CTMH December Website Special

2010-12-06T01:00:00.001-05:00

Place an order of $20 or more from my CTMH website from December 1–31, 2010, and we’ll reward you with a popular, retired D-size stamp set for FREE! Talk about getting more for your money—the free stamp set is valued at $22.95! We’re sure you’ll be thrilled with the set we pick out for you. We’re also giving you FREE shipping/ handling and tax on your free stamp set. That’s a lot of Plenty for your Twenty!

*Excluding tax and shipping/handing. Qualifying purchases must include shippable products (Studio J® layout purchases excluded, Studio J memberships and 5-packs will count toward a qualifying order only if shippable items are also ordered).

6-8-10 Card Workshop: Need A Little Mistletoe?

2010-12-01T01:00:00.001-05:00

Here's the fun card workshop I'm starting this Friday (it will be a club starting in January!) We will make 6 cards in about 8 minutes each for only $10!!!

I have a couple spots open, so if you want to join us, please RSVP to me at stamphearts@yahoo.com ASAP.

click on the image to see closeup

If you want the card kit, let me know and I can send it to you ready to assemble (plus shipping).

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

2010-11-30T15:58:00.002-05:00

Welcome to my blog! Shannon Buck's blog is before me... isn't her project so cute?!

If you like what you see, please become a follower and sign up for an email subscription so you can see whenever I update!

The name of this set just get's me to start singing... 'When the moon hit's your eye like a big pizza pie, that's Amore!"... LOL!

While it's a very early for Valentine's, I loved using the Magnifique papers to give this set a timeless appeal. You've seen it before, but I created another Tri-shutter card for this weekend's charity vendor event. In the middle section, you can place a gift card, or write an additional note.

Inside the Tri-shutter card!

Now keep on hopping for more beautiful artwork at Georgia Hauglid's blog. Happy Hopping and Happy Holidays!

Supplies Used (shop online):
X7127B Magnifique Level 2 Paper
Z2192 Pacifica Ink
Z2194 Sky Ink
Z1136 White Daisy Crochet Flowers (mini-medley accents while supplies last & on sale!)
Z1336 Pearl Opaques
Amore Stamp of the Month

BOGO 50% Off This Weekend!

2010-11-26T21:57:00.000-05:00

Find peace this weekend and shop from home!

CTMH BOGO 50% off!

I hope you were able to sleep in this morning like I did! Today starts my BOGO special so you can avoid the hustle and bustle and find your favorite gifts for you and a crafty friend right here with this one of a kind special!

Buy One, Get One 50% off the following items from Nov 26th - Nov 29th:

Studio J Memberships
How-To Books by Jeanette Lynton
Level 1 & Level 2 Paper Packs
Acrylic Stamp Sets & Blocks
Ink Pad Sets and Marker Sets

No idea book handy? Shop from my website to pick your favorites! http://scrapbooking.myctmh.com

Stock up & save big! This month, get a Free Stamp of the Month AND Free stamp set of your choice with every $100 order (a $45 value!). When you and a friend order $150 in product, you will also get $25 in hostess rewards.

PLUS! Will you be the one to win an Organization Accessories Case, 3 of our newest Ink Pad colors, or Rub-Ons? All BOGO orders will be entered! Place a $150 Gathering order and receive 3 entries!

BOGO 50% Off Special runs between Black Friday, November 26 through Cyber Monday, Nov 29, 2010 only through Teri Baxter, CTMH Independent Consultant. Orders can mix and match qualifying items - for example, get your 12-month Studio J Membership and receive a How-To Book of your choice for 50% off! The lowest priced item will be the 50% off item.

Please contact me directly with your order via email: stamphearts@yahoo.com or phone (406) 750-3837. Website orders do not qualify for this special. Mastercard, Visa, Discover, or paypal accepted.

WISHING YOU A WONDERFUL HOLIDAY SEASON!

Thanksgiving Blessings...and a little Paula Deen!

2010-11-25T19:43:00.001-05:00

I almost get tears in my eyes knowing how much God has blessed our family! The things I'm thankful for is too long to list... I hope you all are having as wonderful a day with your families as we are and I wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving weekend.

One thing I'm especially thankful for is that our family has plenty of food on the table and in our tummies. I suddenly got the urge to try something new yesterday (at 4:00 pm) and braved a trip to our local grocery store for a few last minute items... to include ingredients for a cheesecake.

Well, I learned that it was really quite easy to make, thanks to a Paula Deen recipe, which has now become a family tradition and now a VERY dangerous thing! I have to admit I'm pretty proud of myself as it was the first cheesecake I've EVER made! I always thought it would be so much more difficult and I was afraid of failure (crazy, huh?!) But I love Paula Deen and thought... I CAN DO THIS!

It turned out fabulously and I'm worried that I've created a monster inside of me as I contemplate what flavor I'm going to try my hand at next. Strawberry? Chocolate mocha? ....mmmmm

Here's the link to the recipe if you feel like making a scrumptious piece of heaven. I followed the recipe to a 'T'... but it still cracked a bit on top (a bit overcooked, but you'd never know when you take a bite!). I hear that cooking a cheesecake in a water bath makes it less likely to do this. I'll try it next time and share my results!

The Present! Another Great Gift-Card Holder!

2010-11-18T14:12:00.000-05:00

I'm in a groove! Here's another great gift card holder. The inside is surprisingly fun with a flap to insert your gift card. What a great way to show someone you love them by giving them something hand made from your heart. I'm so grateful that I fell in love with paper, stamps and inks! It helps feed my soul.

Speaking of being thankful... take a quick trip to Jeanette Lynton's blog today and enter her quick contest for your favorite Autumn/Winter stamp set!

Credit for this card design and idea goes to fellow CTMH consultant, Pat Pobst. She got the template from another consultant's blog, but can't remember who - so a big thank you credit to them, too. If you know who it is, please let me know! Thanks!

Halloween is Scrapbooked!

2010-11-11T01:00:00.001-05:00

Once again, Studio J keeps me up to date. Here's the fun layout I put together of our Halloween adventure!

Finish your layout TODAY!

Access Studio J

Membership plans are available giving you 50% off layouts, free shipping and more!

Purchase a Membership or 5-Pack Here.

If you want extra help and assistance, let me know and I'd be happy to help you. There's also a great help function online - just click in the upper right corner on the Help link and you can search for what you need assistance with.

Get TWO Free Stamp Sets - A Little MORE Thanks!

2010-11-09T01:07:00.000-05:00

I can't believe I almost forgot to share with you our AWESOME special for all of November!

This campaign gives you the versatile Stamp of the Month set, A Little Thanks, that you'll use year-round for thank-you cards and notes, PLUS your choice of another stamp set.

Select a birthday set, a Christmas set, a friendship set, a baby set—whatever your heart desires! We've really tailored the campaign to suit your own style and needs, whether you're a scrapbooker, cardmaker, or paper crafter.

In November, simply place a qualifying order of $100 or more and you will receive the November Stamp of the Month set, A Little Thanks, valued at $22.95, for free, PLUS you can select another stamp set of your choice, size A through D, for FREE*! This means you can increase the value of your purchase by up to $45.90—that's almost 50 percent more in value!

It's our way of imparting A Little MORE Thanks to you, this giving season!

Contact me to place your order, or order directly from my website!

If you want to get even more of a bonus, double up with a friend so you each get the November special AND split the hostess rewards for a $200 event! Share this great opportunity with your friends.

(*Excludes Workshops on the Go™, Stamp of the Month retail, E-size, and K-size custom stamps.)

Cards For A Cause! Olivia Tri-Shutter Gift Cards

2010-11-06T18:06:00.003-04:00

What a great way to give a gift card! I've attached our 5-pack Studio J gift card to this particular tri-folding card, but you can attach any card you want. I will be selling these cards and more like them at a charity vendor fair in early December (see info below). I hope you enjoy my sneak peek creation for your gift-giving needs this holiday season.

Card Front - tied together with bow

Inside Tri-fold card

Inside space to write your personal note!

Do you want something for a specific event or person?

Please email me at stamphearts@yahoo.com with at least 2-3 weeks notice and I will custom create one for you for $6 (includes shipping - does not include gift card). I will donate $4 from each card purchased between now and December 5th to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation to help my friend Michelle Krystek who is in my Mom's Club International playgroup. Her son was diagnosed with diabetes 4 years ago and Michelle is hosting the vendor fair to help raise money for the foundation.

If you'd like to just make a monetary donation, please Paypal my stamphearts@yahoo.com address. I will give her a nice card from all of us 'sister crafters' with our donation (card purchasers and donations).

Thanks from the bottom of my heart!

*Special thanks to my new friend and fellow consultant, Erin aka www.tazzygirl2000@blogspot.com for helping me visualize this creation and inspiring the idea! You can browse her blog for more tri-shutter card ideas. *

November Stamp Of The Month Blog Hop! A Little Thanks!

2010-11-01T00:42:00.001-04:00

To start this month of right, I wanted to first express my gratitude to all of you who subscribe to my blog! I hope you have a wonderful November and are as thankful as I am for both the big and little blessings in life.

This month our stamp of the month is extremely versatile and can be used anytime to say more than just a simple 'thanks'! If you've just hopped over from Haley Dyer's blog, WELCOME!

Here's a picture of the actual stamp set. To order the stamp set, click here! It's a perfect complement for this month's Constant Campaign, too!

Please keep on hopping over to Tammy Lea Pinchard's blog for more creative ideas.

Supply List: Shop online from my website at http://scrapbooking.myctmh.com/
X1410 Colonial White Value Pack Cards and Envelopes
X7128B Olivia Level 2 Paper Packet
Z1333 Mocha Opaques
* Z1099 Twill Bulk Ribbon
Z1275 Antiqued Copper Mini-Medley Accents Collection
Z2111 Chocolate Exclusive Inks
Z2104 Barn Red Exclusive Inks
*While Supplies Last

Ahoy Matey! Studio J is The Life For Me!

2010-10-27T16:16:00.000-04:00

Today I had a little fun with my 'baby' as we had the morning free. Tyler saw this Pirate Ship foam kit while we were at the store, took it off the shelf and put it in my cart begging me to make 'his' pirate ship! I couldn't resist even though I knew I'd be doing most of the project. He was a great helper and I took some pictures of our fun. Can you tell he was so proud of his finished project?!

Interestingly, it took us longer to put the ship together than it did for me to scrapbook it with Studio J! I have a one-year membership ($99) and was happy to see a lot of new Member Only layout designs - this is one of them. It may be hard to see (click on the image to enlarge) but I was also able to play with the font changing the font and sizes for particular words to make my journaling more playful.

I really hate to admit this, but as a busy woman, Studio J has been the only scrapbooking I have done in a LONG time! Because it a FREE service to use - no sign up fees, no digital kits or software to buy...you pay nothing for using the software at all, and nothing to print pictures like you do in standard scrapbooking. ..it's all included in the price. You only pay when you order your layouts, and there are great bonuses for doing those in multiples too.

Learn more about the benefits of membership and start your own Studio account HERE!

Memberships come in 1-year, 3-month, or 'Try Me' 5-packs - you can purchase them once you try it out from my website, too!

Beep.... Beeeep.... Beeeep. A Message From Your Emergency Broadcast System!

2010-10-13T23:51:00.000-04:00

Ok, not really. But, did I get your attention?

In all seriousness, I just felt the need to at least post a little 'howdy' even though there's no artwork for the next few moments in time. My laptop is on the very edge of collapse and I feel almost petrified with procrastination in hopes that it will survive the inevitable melt down (no kidding, my laptop gets so hot I'm pretty sure it's melting the motherboard and video hardward like it did last year).

In the meantime, I am working off our family computer which means I'm getting used to all the new stuff on here and fighting over computer time with my kids, so I'm pretty sure I will become the Midnight Artist once again as I find the time to post around that time of day. LOL!

Ok, so I can't leave you hanging, can I? Here's my leak for the week (hey that rhymes! And you can't make fun of my silliness because it's getting late for me and I thought that's what we're supposed to do when we're tired, right? Besides, it's MY blog! This is the danger in blogging - you tend to write what you're thinking, but don't really say in real life...).

Anywhoooo - I listened to a great CTMH update this week from our VP of Sales & Marketing, Kristine Widfeldt (here we are at Convention this past year - she really IS all that and a bag of chips!) and she told us that in the new Idea Book coming in February.... we're going to see EIGHT new paper packs and kits!!!! It's such great news knowing that with so many things being discontinued, we'll be debuting our new bi-annual Idea Book with even more new products than ever before!

I know a few more things, too, but I'll keep them up my sleeve for another time when I'm desperate for blog fodder. Make it a GREAT week and thanks as always for reading my ramble!

'It's Your Day' Birthday Card - Glitter Me Happy!

2010-10-06T03:34:00.000-04:00

I love sparkly glitter! Here's a sneak peek at what my club will be making this Friday using some Hooligans papers and colors and the It's Your Day stamp set.

The photo isn't the greatest for now, but I wanted to show off another extra special sparkly card! I promise to share the other projects later this week!

Supplies Used: Visit my website http://scrapbooking.myctmh.com and shop in your jammies!

D1352 It's Your Day stamp set

Lagoon, Sunset, Creme Brulee, Pear, Gypsy, Black Exclusive Ink colors

X7129B 12" X 12" Hooligans Level 2 Paper Packet
Z1136 Mini-Medley Accents White Daisy Collection
Z341 Memory Book Mini Glue Dots®
Substitute prisma glitter for Z1313 Glitz™ Stardust Glitter Glue or Rub-Ons glitter
X254 5 1/2" X 4 1/4" White Cards & Envelopes, Value Pack
X1412 8 1/2" X 11" Black Cardstock (on sale!)
1764 Craft Tray
Z1299 Distressing Kit - fan brush is part of this kit

Close To My Heart Recipe & Photo Boxes - Amazingly Altered!

2010-10-03T06:00:00.012-04:00

I just HAD to share my most recent workshop results with you. In this economy, it was my goal to have my friends order just the box if they already had paper and embellishments. If they wanted to order paper, they could... or if they wanted to use my embellishments on hand, they could!

It turned out AMAZING and so I took pictures of everyone's creations this past week to share. I will be hosting this workshop again in November to get ready for holiday gift-giving.

Erlinda Ramirez

Dawn Cochran

Sarah Andersen

Teri Baxter

Stephanie Bradley

Kimberly Ruste

If you have any questions about the projects you see here and what embellishments are used, please email me! Keep in mind there are a few non-CTMH items or discontinued items shown here... but if you have paper and embellishments, you just need the box to create your own kind of fun!

Possible box uses include:

Recipe Box

Photo Storage Box (for a special events)

Baby Shower Keepsakes

Wedding Shower Keepsakes

Child's Collectibles (Pokeman cards, Mighty Beans, Rocks!)

Girl's Hair Bow Box

Card Holder Gift Box (include some pre-made cards!)

First Aid Kit

... and more!

If you'd like to create this project in November, please sign up to receive my blog email so you'll know when to order and when the next event will be held!

October Stamp Of The Month Blog Hop - Share The Magic with Glitter

2010-09-30T18:00:00.002-04:00

Welcome to this month's Stamp of the Month (SOTM) blog hop! If you're coming from Helen Onulak's blog, you are on the right track!

Hope you like this fun SOTM card & are ready to get into the holiday spirit. I know it seems early... ok, it IS early, but it's a good idea to start thinking about your holiday cards NOW before you hit the holiday craziness.

For this project, I added some customized glitter to my Christmas Tree! Yes, I know CTMH doesn't carry glitter..... or does it?!

Glitter Tree

How to add glitter anywhere:

Using your bonding memories glue pen, color in the area you would like to see glitter. Let Dry!
Cut a piece of your choice of glitter transfer paper from our Glitter Rub-Ons and then rub over the area you've put adhesive.
Watch the spot magically fill with glitter! Keep rubbing glitter until the entire area is filled.

Here's the Stamp of the Month stamps for your viewing pleasure - I've inlcuded the supply list for my card at the bottom. Feel free to order directly from my website and get yours at a discount or for FREE through the month of October only!

Now hurry on over to Nancy Brown's website to keep blog hopping along. You'll see some really fun and amazing projects on your journey. Thanks and please stop by again!

SUPPLY LIST: Order at http://scrapbooking.myctmh.com

D1443 Share the Magic SOTM
Z1221 Remarks Glitter Rub-Ons (also see Z1222 Winter Cheer for more color options)
Z1352 4 1/2" Circle Cards
X5811 Creative Basics Mistletoe Collection - this also comes with ribbon!
Z1326 Red, Pink and Purple Sparkles Assortment

Thoughtful-N-Thinking of You Tuesday! Operation Write Home

2010-09-28T02:59:00.001-04:00

I know I've been absent from my T-N-T (technique n tools) Tuesdays, but want to assure you that I've been busy! LOL!

Lately, I've been on a mission to clean out my office and one thing that suprisingly is piling up are cards that I've already made, but sometimes don't fit the occasion that I need them for. As our family is military, I'm going to share a wonderful resource if you have the same issue, OR, if you are so inclined to help make a difference for our troops deployed overseas.

Check out this website for Operation Write Home: http://operationwritehome.org/

Here's the video to know how to mail them your cards.

(do you notice the nice CTMH card on the left? That's the blue/green/brown one!!!)

Make sure you read about all the tips for sending cards - for example, it's important to know not to send any glitter on cards because if any of it gets on our troops' uniforms, they'll be visible with night vision goggles and we certainly don't want to put them in any danger (yes, I've seen how awesome NVG's light up the area even with a pin prick of light).

You can also send AnyHero cards with a personal note from you or your children thanking them for their service. More info here: http://www.owhhomefrontblog.org/2009/09/anyhero-cards-q.html

Please be thoughtful this week and let our troops know you are thinking of them!

This Cards Costs... Whaaaa?! A Special Thanks!

2010-09-15T22:45:00.000-04:00

So, part of today's post was quite unplanned and I've been inspired to send a Thank You to two special ladies who have been reading my blog... Shannon & Elizabeth! You both really lifted my spirits today and so I thought it would be fun to send you a blog 'thank you' card here, and also include a fun little reason why CTMH is THE BEST, too!

About a month ago, I posted a little card I made that beat the Dollar Store. Well, earlier this summer, I found a card that blew my socks off. I'm not exaggerating when I loudly said "you've got to be kidding me" with my chin on the floor - LOL! Not because of how simply cute it was (which... it was), but because of how much it costs!!!

So here is my CTMH version for Shannon & Elizabeth - thank you for inspiring me, ladies! On the inside it says 'for brightening my day'.

And, here is the (store to be unnamed, but it's one of my favorites) version that costs FIVE BUCKS... and the shiney stuff you see is just a plastic sleeve to protect the sparkles on plain white paper!!!

So what's the difference (besides the fact my card is customized inside and that my heart is a little more heart shaped using the red, pink & purple sparkles instead of our green & blue ones)?

Oh, about $4.34!!! Yes, that's right girls, my CTMH card cost me only $.66 and includes the envelope, too. I'll even be generous and include our shipping and Las Vegas tax... which makes the card $.77. And, I also saved all that time driving to the store and back wasting gas, and then the time it takes to search among all those cards figuring out which one I wanted, and then standing in line again to pay for it... and if you're like me, somehow I picked the slowest line, too! "Price check on register 4, please!" LOL!

It took me longer to write this post than it did to make my card.

Amazing, huh?! Please save your time and money, make a friend a quick Close To My Heart card as easy as this one, and make their day! And did you know our Close To My Heart stamps are made right here in the U.S.A?

P.S. I think my next challenge will be to make a Close To My Heart card that actually costs $5!

Supplies Used: Check out my website & get your money saving supplies today!

C1381 Card Chatter - Thank You

Y1003 2"x2" Block

Y1002 1" x 3.5" Block

Z2166 Tulip Exclusive Ink Pad

X254 White Card and Envelope Value Pack

Z1326 Red, Pink & Purple Sparkles... prefer the Blues & Greens?

Technique-N-Tool Tuesday: Using Your Rubber Brayer

2010-09-14T19:46:00.000-04:00

There are several techniques you can do with our Close To My Heart Rubber Brayer. In today's tutorial, I will only cover just 2 of them... Faux Tearing and Rubber Band Backgrounds!

Supplies Required:

Rubber Brayer - This Speedball brayer made by CTMH is especially handy because you can remove the rubber brayer from the handle making clean up easy and other fun techniques possible.
Light colored Cardstock
Ink Pads - choose any color! Depending on the look you want, you can use complementary colors, or colors in the same shades.
Printer paper & Dotto Dots respositionable adhesive - for Faux tearing
Rubber bands - for Rubber Band Backgrounds (mix the shapes and sizes, too!)

Faux Tearing Technique:

Step 1 - Take a piece of thin piece of paper like printer paper and make a tear down the middle (horizontally or vertically will depend on your project size).

Step 2 - Adhere a few small bits of Dotto Dots onto the back of the printer paper to help keep the paper from moving on you. Then place down as desired onto your cardstock project.

Step 3 - Ink your rubber brayer completely! This will mean you need to lift up and smoothly roll the brayer several times over the ink pad in a forward motion. If you just roll it back and forth on the ink pad, your brayer may not completely capture ink all the way around the barrell giving you more distinct lines on your project.

Step 4 - Roll the brayer over your cardstock and printer paper tear. The more ink you apply, the deeper the color. You may notice some 1st versus 2nd generation lines show up where you run out of ink if you have a larger piece of cardstock. Just keep applying ink until you get a nice color and wait 5 - 10 minutes. The ink will soak into your cardstock and the lines will blend in nicely with the back ground you've just created!

Step 5 - Remove the piece of printer paper to expose your faux tear! Optional: Keep the printer paper down and sponge a darker or color along the edge of the faux tear and edges of your project to create a softer, dimensional look to your inked area.

Step 6 - The nice thing about Faux Tearing is you can stamp over the brayered area to create beautiful scenes like my Tree card. View the tree card here.

Rubber Band Backgrounds Technique:

Step 1: Remove brayer from handle and attach rubber bands - in different sizes and numbers as desired. Then re-attach the brayer to the handle.

Step 2: Ink your brayer like step 3 above.

Step 3: Roll your brayer over your project! This technique must be done on smaller sized cardstock areas so you capture one rotation of the brayer, but you can have fun with mixing complementary colors and creating stripes, checkers, and even a crazy backgrounds brayering in all directions!

OPTION - Cover your brayer in Saran Wrap for another fun background look!

What's in a $5 T-N-T Card Class? Splendor Faux Tearing

2010-09-12T04:52:00.003-04:00

Want to see what my Card Club friends got to make last week? These three cards for only $5. I wonder how much you would have paid at Hallmark for just one? Hmmm..... inquiring minds want to know!

This last one is my favorite - we used the Faux Tearing technique and one of my favorite new embellishments (Mocha Opaques - pearls in all sizes and colors!)

Stay tuned for next week's Technique-N-Tools Tuesday - I'll do a step by step tutorial on Faux Tearing!

Want to join us for next month's class? Check out my calendar and sign up before spaces are filled.

** All supplies using CTMH products - if you have a question, please email me at stamphearts@yahoo.com **

'Passages' Is More Than For Traveling - How To Be A Studio J Member

2010-09-10T16:44:00.000-04:00

I was trying to figure out what paper to use with these photos of my boys and their cousins and found that I really liked the timelessness of our Passages paper. Studio J made it easy for me to zoom into their faces and then take away the crazy colors of their shirts so that we could focus on their faces.

To see this layout even larger, just click on the picture!

Want to be one of my exclusive Studio J Members? Check out Membership Benefits here. Visit my website and start your own FREE Studio J account. I'd love to get your feedback and also, if you want to learn how to do something that might not be obvious like stitching or matting the stickers, just ask!

Speedy 'Splash Zone' Scrapbook Layout - Studio J!

2010-09-06T00:37:00.000-04:00

No kidding, this layout took me 27 minutes to complete - from the time I opened the program until I finished it complete with edited photos, ribbons, buttons, stickers, and journaling!

This paper kit 'Splash Zone' is an exclusive one only found on Studio J. It's perfect for the pool, beach or any kind of summer fun! I hope you're enjoying this beautiful labor day weekend. I'm excited to share some fantastic Studio J news coming later this week... so stay tuned!

Create your own account and start working on your own SPLASH ZONE or any summer fun layout using Studio J for free from my website.

It's A Thriller! Stamp of The Month Blog Hop!

2010-08-31T19:00:00.002-04:00

Creeek - creeek.... BOOO! I know it seems early to be talking about Halloween, but for me, a mom of 3 boys, it seems that being a CTMH consultant has helped me be more prepared for the holiday season instead of letting it creep up on me! LOL! Get it? Creep up?!

Ok, enough of the bad jokes. Welcome to this month's Stamp of the Month blog hop! If you're coming from Alison Mullen's blog, you are on the right track!

I'll be the first to admit that I'm not usually a Halloween kinda person, but this stamp set paired with the new Hooligans paper is to DIE for! (ok I'm not stopping with the play on words... you'll just have SURVIVE it).

The recipe is included below - the technique I used is the same as last month... it seems I'm addicted to embossing lately. It allowed me to easily sponge the new color Sunset around the fiendly skull to make it look a little firey!

And of course, my absolute FAVORITE new embellishments are the new Sparkles in so many new colors! Here's a view of all the fun images that come with this month's stamp set exclusively available for only the month of September!

Now go scare up some more ideas by hopping over to Michelle Nist's blog! Have a Bootiful Day!

Recipe: Visit my website http://scrapbooking.myctmh.com to order!
X7129B Hooligans Level 2 Paper Pack
D1442 Thriller - stamp of the month
1338 Sunset Mini-Medley Accents Collections
Z1327 Blue & Green Assortment Sparkles
Z671 Clear Embossing Powder - I just quickly put on the powder after I stamped the skull in black ink!
Z2105 Black Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad
Z2191 Sunset Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad
Z1034 Black Collection Designer Ribbon Rounds (while supplies last)

Sneak Peek! New Autumn/Winter 2010 Product Blog Hop - Stamp Rolling

2010-08-27T18:00:00.035-04:00

WELCOME!!! The summer has been unpredictably busy for us, so I'm happy to get back into the routine of school and consequently having a bit of spare time to create with some of my favorite new products to share with you, too!

You're on the right track if you just hopped over from Melinda Everitt's blog! If you're new to a blog hop and my blog, I hope you enjoy your time here!

If you'd like a copy of the new Idea Book, please contact me and I'd be happy to share details on how you can get one! Or visit my website this Wednesday, September 1st to view it online and shop to your heart's content at http://scrapbooking.myctmh.com/.

Of course I used our card 'how to' book, Originals, to design this card with the cute little peek-a-boo in the center. I also used one of my favorite techniques - stamp rolling - to create the shaded leaves. All you do is stamp the leaf in Sunset (my favorite new summer color) then stamp it on a scratch piece of paper. Then, gently roll the edges of the uncleaned stamp with Sunset again and stamp the image! See below for the recipe.
Peek-a-boo!

Inside of the card

Please keep hopping along to our next showcase blogger, Liesa Hubley's blog! I've also included the full list of blog hoppers below my recipe in case you get 'lost' along your way.

I'd love to know what you think of this new paper & stamp set... please leave me a comment and become a follower! I'll be posting lots of fun new artwork in the coming days and weeks. Thanks!

P.S. For my regular followers, I just wanted to share a quick picture of what I got to do with my boys last week in Cannon Beach, Oregon. And yes, it was windy & cold, but as you can see it did not deter the boys from getting wet & sandy... just as you should when visiting any beach!

Fall Card Recipe: Order from my website http://scrapbooking.myctmh.com/ starting on Weds, Sept 1st!
X7128B Olivia Level 2 Paper Pack
Z1333 Opaques Mocha Adhesive Gems
C1430 In the Month of September stamp set
Z906 Bamboo Waxy Flax
Z2111 Chocolate Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad
Z2191 Sunset Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad

BLOG HOPPER'S (ribbit)

Erin Herring http://tazzygirl2000.blogspot.com/
Wendy Kessler http://www.myscrapbookingblog.com/
Meredith Burgess http://meredithburgess.blogspot.com/
Carla Ironside http://carlacreates.blogspot.com/
Georgia Hauglid http://inkygeorgia.blogspot.com/
Helen Onulak http://www.hookedonstamping.com/
Beth Naumann http://www.bethscreativeblock.blogspot.com/
LaJeania Hicks http://www.scraptilyoudrop.blogspot.com/
Sheila Bennett http://sheila-bennett.blogspot.com/
Traci Tanimura http://www.creativetraci.blogspot.com/
Lisa Stenz http://www.lisascreativecorner.blogspot.com/
Heather Hunt http://www.creativecoconut08.blogspot.com/
Lori Scott http://scrapinglori.blogspot.com/
Kimberly Smith http://www.verykimberry.blogspot.com/
Jessica Moore http://jessicaspaperpetals.blogspot.com/
Cindy Leek http://www.paperspadsandpictures.blogspot.com/
Haley Dyer http://inkyscrapper.blogspot.com/
Wendy Fording http://papercreationsbywendy.blogspot.com/
Antoinette Herrin http://www.godblessyourart.blogspot.com/
Jennifer Kraynak http://whatchadoin-jennifer.blogspot.com/
Laurie Newton http://www.scrapsfromthebeach.blogspot.com/
Kathleen Rensel http://scrapbookaddictkath.blogspot.com/
Adeline Brill http://www.adeline-brill.blogspot.com/
Melinda Everitt http://ifyoublingittheywillcome.blogspot.com/
Teri Baxter http://www.themidnightartist.bloghop.com/
Leisa Hubley http://bigredscraps.blogspot.com/
Brae Montgomery http://thebrae-er.blogspot.com/
Tresa Black http://www.fabulouslyartsy.blogspot.com/
Jennifer Kojder http://www.aglitterymess.blogspot.com/
Karen Norman http://www.gettinscrappywithit.blogspot.com/
Dawn Heuft http://www.stamptildawn.blogspot.com/
Lori Blehm http://scrapbookingandbling.blogspot.com/
Toni Hinchcliffe http://whollycrafts.blogspot.com/
Jean McNulty http://stampinmaui.blogspot.com/
Dawn Ross http://iamahappysta mper.blogspot.com
Janelle Janish http://stampandthecity.blogspot.com/
Cristin Maughan http://www.scrappinwithcristin.blogspot.com/
Cheryl Even http://evenmorescrapping.blogspot.com/
Tracey Jean Hastings http://traceyjean.blogspot.com/
Rochelle Crawford http://delightfulstamper.blogspot.com/
Debbie Carriere http://scrapmyheartout.blogspot.com/
Brandy Lees http://canadianscrappers.blogspot.com/
Amy Edwards http://www.paisleysplayhouse.blogspot.com/
Michelle Loncar http://www.michelleloncar.blogspot.com/
Terrie Dodd http://my-life-in-real-time.blogspot.com/
Amy Schultz http://amylizschultz.com/
Janice Schmidt http://janscrapsandbits.blogspot.com/
Carol Horton http://carol-scrappininparadise.blogspot.com/
Carrie Haines http://www.bizzymom.us/
Lori Miller http://clearlyfromtheheart.blogspot.com/
Amy Callaway http://amyslifeandcreations.blogspot.com/
Nancy Keller http://brujahrose.blogspot.com/
Sheila Szakacs http://cre8yourjoy.blogspot.com/

7 Cents Cheaper and 10 Times Cuter... Cards on a Budget

2010-08-11T00:45:00.000-04:00

In getting ready for my son's 6th Birthday Party, I am striving to find ways to make it fun without spending a ton of money which is something we all strive for, right?! One of my favorite places to find bargains is the Dollar Store!

I thought to make things easy on my almost 6 year old (and me), I'd purchase (GASP!) some simple thank you cards to include in the goodie bags for his friends. BUT I JUST COULDN'T DO IT!

I challenged myself to come up with some simple and cute cards for cheaper than the dollar store... and guess what?!

Here's what Jacob & I made together using a dollar store stamp that he picked out and just 7 sheets of Close To My Heart cardstock. We made 16 cards altogether!

Here's how I broke down the savings:

$.45 a sheet x 7 sheets = $3.15. Each card only cost me $.20 versus the $.27 at the bargain store - this includes the shipping, handling and tax from Close To My Heart and the Dollar Store!!!), Ok, so overall I only saved just over a $1... BUT, we had fun making them, I used up supplies I already had on hand, and the difference in savings is enough for a couple Diet Cokes from Costco! LOL!

I'm such a fan of making my own cards using CTMH products. Not only can we make them as nice or even nicer than what you find at the store, but we can beat out the bargain stores, too!

Show me what you can make in terms of CTMH bargain cards by emailing me a picture at stamphearts@yahoo.com! I'll post some of your ideas down the road :)

Baxter Family Reunions are the Best!

2010-08-08T22:01:00.000-04:00

I know I've been quiet but it's for a VERY good reason!!! We had our first Baxter vacation family reunion in almost 2 years (at least one that our family could attend) and spent a whole week in the Wisconsin Dells, WI on Lake Delton. Family baseball games, BBQing, fishing, water parks, canoe races, game nights, and lots of old fashioned fun and laughter (and some good stories retold, too!).

Here's a few pictures of our family fun. I can't wait to scrapbook them. In fact I came home to a beautiful issue of Keynotes, our company news publication, and once again am inspired to create!

Catching BUGS! Something we don't see a lot of flying around in Vegas!

Tractor rides on the Farm!

Just a part of the Baxter Gang... Annie, Ed, Laura, Mara (and Grampa B) we missed you!

My first time driving a jet ski - Auntie Teri is voted the most fun driver (and fastest, too!)

Kabobs - YUM!

A little smoothie with some cheese :)

2 full days at the Water Park!

Lots of fishing right out of our cabins... this kid was one of the luckiest on the lake!

My Favorite Item in the Close To My Heart Paper & Sticker SALE - up to 78% off!

2010-08-05T09:32:00.000-04:00

I want to show how much I appreciate you! And to do so, Close To My Heart is bringing a Constant Campaign with SUPER deals to you for 8 days only! From August 4 at 11 am EST through August 11, while supplies last, you can purchase selected My Stickease® assortments for only $2, My Reflections® Level 1 kits for only $4, and My Reflections® Level 2 paper packets for only $6 on my MyCTMH® website.

Happy shopping! http://scrapbooking.myctmh.com

My Favorite Item:
If you're like me and have very little time to scrapbook, I would highly recommend getting a few Level 1 Scrapbook kits for just $4!!! You can make 4-6 scrapbook pages and each kit comes with cardstock weight (really nice quality) stickers to complete your pages in record time! I can't tell you how many times someone thought I actually cut out all the paper and thought my super simple pages were beautiful! They couldn't believe my pages were actually pre-printed layouts! Give them a try!

Complete list below:

Abundance Level 1

Abundance Level 2 Paper Packet

Abundance My Stickease

Animal Cookies Level 1 - SOLD OUT

Animal Cookies Level 2 Paper Packet - SOLD OUT

Animal Cookies My Stickease - SOLD OUT

Aspen Level 1

Aspen Level 2 Paper Packet - SOLD OUT

Aspen My Stickease - SOLD OUT

Back Country Level 1

Back Country Level 2 Paper Packet - SOLD OUT

Back Country My Stickease

Bella Level 1 - SOLD OUT

Bella Level 2 Paper Packet - SOLD OUT

Bella My Stickease

Best Friends Forever Level 1

Blue Ribbon Level 1

Blue Ribbon Level 2 Paper Packet - SOLD OUT

Blue Ribbon My Stickease - SOLD OUT

Boom-Di-Ada Level 1

Boom-Di-Ada Level 2 Paper Packet

Boom-Di-Ada My Stickease

Caprice Level 1 - SOLD OUT

Caprice Level 2 Paper Packet - SOLD OUT

Caprice My Stickease

Cutie Pie Level 1

Cutie Pie My Stickease - SOLD OUT

Daydream Level 1 - SOLD OUT

Daydream Level 2 Paper Packet - SOLD OUT

Daydream My Stickease - SOLD OUT

Discovery Level 1 - SOLD OUT

Emporium Level 2 Paper Packet

Emporium My Stickease - SOLD OUT

Enchanted Level 1

Enchanted Level 2 Paper Packet

Enchanted My Stickease - SOLD OUT

Evensong Level 1

Evensong Level 2 Paper Packet

Evensong My Stickease - SOLD OUT

Everlasting Level 1 - SOLD OUT

Everlasting My Stickease

Everlasting Paper Packet - SOLD OUT

Expedition Level 1

Expedition My Stickease - SOLD OUT

Floral Impressions Level 1

Floral Impressions Level 2 Paper Packet

Floral Impressions My Stickease - SOLD OUT

Floral Tapestry Level 1

Free Spirit Level 1

Free Spirit Level 2 Paper Packet - SOLD OUT

Free Spirit My Stickease - SOLD OUT

Game On Level 1 Kit

Game On Level 2 Paper Packet

Game On My Stickease

Good Times Level 1 - SOLD OUT

Good Times Level 2 Paper Packet

Good Times My Stickease - SOLD OUT

Grace Level 1

Grace Level 2 Paper Packet

Grace My Stickease

Heirloom Level 1 - SOLD OUT

Heirloom Level 2 Paper Packet - SOLD OUT

it’s a Guy Thing Level 1

it’s a Guy Thing Level 2 Paper Packet - SOLD OUT

it’s a Guy Thing My Stickease - SOLD OUT

Jingle Level 1

Jingle Level 2 Paper Packet

Jingle My Stickease

Just Chillin Level 1 - SOLD OUT

Just Chillin My Stickease

Laid Back Level 1

Let's Get Together Level 1

Life Delights My Stickease - SOLD OUT

Lifes Delights Level 1 - SOLD OUT

Magic Moments Level 1

Magic Moments Level 2 Paper Packet - SOLD OUT

Magic Moments My Stickease

Majestic Blue Level 1

Majestic Blue Level 2 Paper Packet

Majestic Blue My Stickease

Moon Doggie Level 1

Moon Doggie Level 2 Paper Packet - SOLD OUT

Moon Doggie My Stickease - SOLD OUT

More To Adore Level 1 - SOLD OUT

More To Adore Level 2 Paper Packet

More To Adore My Stickease - SOLD OUT

Emporium Level 1

Notebook Level 1

Notebook My Stickease

Notebook Paper Packet - SOLD OUT

Paper Garden Level 1 - SOLD OUT

Paper Garden My Stickease - SOLD OUT

Perfect Day Level 1

Perfect Day Level 2 Paper Packet

Perfect Day My Stickease

Rough n Tumble Level 2 Paper Packet - SOLD OUT

Rough n Tumble My Stickease - SOLD OUT

Route 66 Level 1

Route 66 My Stickease - SOLD OUT

Sarsaparilla Level 1 Kit

Sarsaparilla Level 2 Paper Packet

Sarsaparilla My Stickease

School Zone Level 1

School Zone My Stickease - SOLD OUT

Silhouette Level 1

Silhouette Level 2 Paper Packet - SOLD OUT

Silhouette My Stickease - SOLD OUT

Simple Pleasure Level 1

Simple Pleasure Level 2 Paper Packet

Simple Pleasure My Stickease - SOLD OUT

Sonata Level 1

Sonata My Stickease

Stardust Level 1 - SOLD OUT

Stardust Level 2 Paper Packet - SOLD OUT

Stardust My Stickease - SOLD OUT

Sweet Harmony My Stickease

Sweet Home Level 1

Sweet Home Level 2 Paper Packet

Sweet Home My Stickease

Sweet Pea Level 1

Sweet Pea My Stickease - SOLD OUT

That’s Amore Level 1

That’s Amore Level 2 Paper Packet - SOLD OUT

That’s Amore My Stickease

Tinkerin Level 1

Tinkerin Level 2 Paper Packet - SOLD OUT

Tinkerin My Stickease - SOLD OUT

Twitterpated Level 1 - SOLD OUT

Twitterpated Level 2 Paper Packet

Twitterpated My Stickease

Unforgettable Level 1

Unforgettable Level 2 Paper Packet

Unforgettable My Stickease - SOLD OUT

Vintage Travel Level 1 - SOLD OUT

VintageTravel My Stickease

Get them here at http://scrapbooking.myctmh.com

Another Splendid Stamp Of The Month Blog Hop!

2010-07-31T18:00:00.008-04:00

Don't you just love the instant gratification of card-making?! This month is no exception as I had fun playing with the August stamp of the month called 'Something Splendid'. It's a great addition to any card-maker's repetoire... and will fill anyone's day with sunshine.

If you've just come from Judy Burger's blog, WELCOME! We have over 60 blogs participating this month, so you're in for a treat and great ideas!

I used the Splendor My Reflections Level 2 paper pack along with a little clear embossing with just part of the detail in the main flower image to give the sunflower some touchable dimension. The trick to the two-tone is to use Close To My Heart's Sunflower ink for the big image and Goldrush ink for the detail color.

Please continue on your happy hopping to Lori Brown's blog.

What's great about the Stamp of the Month? Well, if you love Close To My Heart products, you can get it at a great discount or even for free with a qualifying order. Learn more and get your own Something Splendid at my website HERE.

Making Paper Roses - Technique-N-Tool Tuesday

2010-07-27T15:31:00.000-04:00

I am totally inspired by Bren Yule's Extravaganza Class at Convention and can't get her flowers off my mind! What a very special and talented lady! I just wanted to share something she gave me as a Thank You gift for helping out with Extravaganza this year along with my own inspired card that I will teach to my club members next month.

Inside she carefully wrapped this matching heart link for me!

My dear club members here in Vegas will get a chance to do some hands-on paper flowers over the course of the next few months as I sprinkle them here and there. In August, they will get to make this card with the paper rose and Zippidee paper! (Thanks Bren for teaching me)

Here's a step-by-step of how to make a paper rose.

Step1: Start with a 3.5" x 3.5" (or any square) piece of patterened paper (I used Bella Paper for my example).

Step 2: Hand tear a circle from your square.

Step 3: Starting on the outside edge, tear a spiral around to the center of the circle.

Step 4: Starting on the outside, start rolling the paper as shown... it won't look like much of a rose to begin with.

Step 5: Loosen the spiral and start to 'crunch down' or flatten the outside edges of the rose as desired.

Step 6: Once you have the rose shape you are looking for, then use Liquid Glass to hold the rose together and then to the mat paper you wish to mount it to. Add some hand-made leaves and you've got a paper rose!

If you're in the Vegas area and want to join me, the T-N-T card class will be on Thursday, August 12th at 6:30pm for only $5. I will be teaching 2 techniques and we'll be making 3-4 cards that night! Please RSVP to my at my email stamphearts@yahoo.com by Monday, August 9th. Thanks!