NEW CONTEST!!

Hi all!! In the spirit of giving - I am going to run a little "12 Days of Christmas" contest - to help you 'get to know the new catalogue'. Hope you will play along!!!! You'll have to keep checking back here for the new challenges. The contest will be over January 15 - a bit longer than 12 days - but that is how many challenges there will be. Whoever has the most points at the end will win a prize pack yet to be determined but that will be GREAT!!!

Day 1 (which will actually be from now until 6 pm on the 4th of Jan)
You have a chance to earn a few points here -
1. Stop by and pick up a NEW CATTY! (Supplies are limited) They are awesome as usual!!! 1 point
2. Sign up as a follower of this blog. (current followers get a point automatically) 1 point
3. Leave a comment on this post. 1 point
4. When you pick up the catty, leave a $5 donation to Operation Smile 1 point

So there, lots of opportunity to "rack up points" early on!

Happy New Year!!!

Jenni Bowlin Giveaway - http://thatscrappygirl.blogspot.com/2009/12/jenni-bowlin-giveaway.html

Hi all! I am back a few days early so I get to catch up on a few things before the calendar rolls over! One thing that you should all do is check out the attached link - RIGHT AWAY - for a chance to win some cool goodies! (I don't know why it won't paste into this post but hopefully if you can't click on it, you can copy and paste it into your browser to get there and see how you can win!)

Magpie Sketch submission

Hi! Had lots of fun with this Julie Bonner sketch! I knew exactly which photos I wanted to use as soon as Tara posted the challenge over at http://www.magpieclub.blogspot.com/ but the paper I thought that I was going to use was not quite right. I ended up using some Creative Memories paper from the So Chic pack, CTMH "Flurry" chipboard and Sparkles. I also played around with the glitter rub-ons from CTMH - had them for a while but hadn't tried them yet. I also used the January Word puzzle CTMH stamp set. The ink and journaling block is from SU! While it is a simple layout, I am quite pleased with the result! Enjoy!

Disappointed...once again...

Well, once again I was inspired by Julie's sketch for The Scrap Room. I diligently got to work on it tonight and spent about an hour (in between interuptions by the kids) trying to upload my sketch only to have it rejected with an error message yet again!!!! I think that I am done with them - they do have good prizes but the frustration is not worth it! There are plenty of other sites out there that are just as good if not better!!! Anyone else having trouble over there??? Or is it just me???? Ahh - off to bed with me - big day in the city tomorrow! Or I guess by a look at the clock - later today! Good night all!

New Prices!!!!!

I just received my new CTMH catalogue and the prices are adjusted for the strong Canadian dollar - which is ALL GOOD NEWS FOR US!!!

For example - A-sized stamps are a whole new price - they are $9.25 (down from $13.50), B-sized stamps are $16.50 (down from $17.50), C-sized stamp sets are $22.50 (down from $23.50), D-sized stamp sets are $26.95 (down from $28.50).
Level 1 paper packs are now $11.50 (down from $12.50), level 2 paper packs are now $15.50 (down from $15.95) and my stickease assortments are now $5.75 (down from $6.25).

To earn the Stamp of the Month FREE, you now only need to spend $117.50 rather than $124.95. Hostesses Rewards start at $175 rather than $190.

There are also price adjustments on everything else too - so it all adds up to MORE FOR YOUR MONEY!!!

Stay tuned for product updates too! New catalogues go online Jan 1 so check out the website for a preview and contact me for a copy.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Hope you can find some time during the rush to get in a bit of scrappin'!!!

My submission for the "that scrappy girl" sketch contest

www.thatscrappygirl.blogspot.com

I am really enjoying their blog - always lots going on!!

scrapbook club layouts for January

Hi All! Here are the photos for the layouts that we will be doing in January. Please let me know if you are interested in getting a kit or coming in to complete the layouts with me by December 19th. If you pre-pay by December 21, the cost is $10, if you just register the cost is $12.50. Check out one of my earlier posts for further "opportunities"! Once you register, I'll give you suggestions for photos sizes and number of photos for each layout. Supplies of the "exact layouts" as shown are limited but I have really similar substitutions available.

Layout #1 is based on the design from the Imagine idea book called "dynamic duos" and uses the Free Spirit paper pack and stickers. I originally made this for a swap and used the title "boys will be boys" on it. This one I am going to use for a page for Noah and title it "so proud of you". I think that it would work great for sepia toned pictures, rodeo pictures, fall family themed pictures and many others.

Layout #2 is based on a design from the Cherish book called "portrait collection" using the Jingle paper pack. This layout has some flexibility with paper colors - I just chose these colors. They make me think of gingerbread houses and candy canes. I think that it would be really striking if you used black and white photos of sledding or making snowmen. There are lots of other options too!

let me know what you think!

Winner of the November Draw!!!!

The winner of the ribbon rounds organizer is.....



LANA HALVORSON!!!!



Lana - you can thank Jessica for picking your name out of the pile!!! I will put the organizer in with your order when it arrives!!!



I think that I will be able to post pictures of the layouts that will be available to complete in January tonight so stay tuned!!!



Sad news - just after I get going with 52 sketches-52 weeks, Julie Bonner has decided to discontinue that sketch site in the new year. I am sure that it is VERY time-consuming. She is involved in SO many other projects that we'll still be able to see her sketches, it is just not going to be all in one place. Through her exclusive designs for many other sites, I have found many other online scrapping communities to connect with so there is still lots to see and do out there! Check out her blog http://julie-bonner.blogspot.com/.

Here is my submission to the week #47 challenge at TSR

My submission for Magpie Club's November Sketch Contest

Here it is! It based on an exclusive Julie Bonner sketch. Check things out at http://www.magpieclub.blogspot.com/!

Scrapbook Club for 2010

Hey all!!! Just wanted to give you a heads up about a scrapbook club that I am starting in January, 2010. There is no obligation to participate. It is a month-to-month offer. There are, of course, incentives for committing to a whole year!
How it will work is every month you can sign up to come and complete 2-2 page 12x12 layouts. All you have to bring are your photos - I will provide you with size suggestions. The cost will be $12.50 for the kit. You must let me know at least 2 weeks in advance so I can prepare the kit for you. I can "tailor" the colors/layout somewhat for you if you are working on a specific project through the year but mostly we'll be using "random" colors/layouts. I'll try to keep them neutral so they will work for all types of photos. I'll give you a sneak peek of the color palette/theme each month so you can plan your photos/project. If you pre-pay for the kit the cost will only be $10. If you pre-pay for the full 12 kits/year, you will receive a FREE CTMH 12x12 album!!!! There will be prizes for pre-pay customers, prizes for customers that bring a "friend" - anyone that is not on my current email list, prizes for being on time, and more!!!! I can only accommodate a limited number of participants, so please let me know early if you would like a spot reserved. If you live away from the Foremost area, I am happy to mail out the kits.
So, there it is in a rough nutshell!!! Just thought there might be a few of you out there that can't find the time or inspiration to get a few pictures in an album and for those of you that are "anti-scrapbookers" - you just need to bring your memories!
Think it over and let me know what you think!!! Looking forward to your comments!

Don't forget to put in a stampaganza order!!!

I'll be finalizing the order on Friday - so don't miss out!

STAMPAGANZA!!!!

Don't forget - if you want to take advantage of the Buy 2 Get 1 Free offer from CTMH, have your orders in to me by the 27th of November - next Friday. Any order over $60 will be entered in a draw to win a CTMH Ribbon Rounds Organizer (a $28.50 value!).

Great Offer from CTMH! Stampaganza!

Hi everyone! Just thought that I would tell you about the November offer from CTMH - it is Stampaganza! That is - buy 2 stamp sets and get one free!!! This of course is the whole "lowest priced item will be the free one" deal - but it is still a good one! We'll be putting an order in towards the end of the month - I'll let you know the exact date a little later so stay tuned!!!!

Check this out!

We all know that without photos, scrapbooking would be a LITTLE more challenging. So here is a link to check out so that you never miss another seasonal photo op! It is a checklist that Creating Keepsakes published in the October 2009 issue. There are two options to print out - the CK one is very American-oriented (for example - Thanksgiving in November)but still a great starting point and they do provide a blank checklist that you can fill in yourself. Keep it handy and snap away!

http://www.creatingkeepsakes.com/articles/10_Cant_Miss_Photos_to_Take

Change in the contest rules

I think that I need to change the rules - after the first comment - people might just "gasp" copy each others answer....hmmmm.....what to do? New rules - post a comment - anything - about the cards and then email your answer to carrie@shockware.com. So you still have to comment - just don't put your answer out there for everyone to steal! I might be overthinking this but...it is just my competitive nature!

Club Spoiler and Contest

Here it is! All three of these cards are based on a design from the Originals or Wishes books. You have to correctly name the design in a comment here to win! Simple as that!! Bonus question: name at least three of the exclusive CTMH colors that are used. Good Luck! Winner will be announced Wednesday, October 28th at 7 pm. (This is open to anyone - not just club members.) Have fun!!!

Watch here for an upcoming contest that I am sponsoring!

The rules will be FIRM this time - You HAVE to leave a comment on the contest post - emails to me won't count! So spend a little time and figure out how to do it - it is really not hard and I certainly haven't found that my 'spam' has not gotten any worse. So try it - you might like it!

My Experiment

Hi gang! Hope everyone had a great weekend. I just wanted to share with you a little experiment that actually turned out not too bad. I wanted a metallic silver accent but had no silver paper left. So I grabbed a white die-cut star, rolled my rubber brayer in embossing ink and then all over the die cut, sprinkled it with silver embossing powder and viola!! I had a shiny silver star!!! One thing that I would suggest - that I didn't do - if you are going to try this - move your die cut from where you applied the embossing ink to a "dry" location before you apply the embossing powder. The brayer, of course, goes over the edges and your embossing powder will stick to any surface with ink - so you lose some powder. Just a thought!

You are invited to an online crop!

Join us over at www.scrapbookstudio.ning.com October 23-25 for a fun online crop!

Additional Tutorial on Snapease

Hi there! A while ago, I did post my lame-o tutorial on the new snapease system but now you can get a more professional take on it - check out CTMH TV at the following link and click on "Fall Surprises" to get a video presentation on that and more. Let me know what you think!

http://www.closetomyheart.com/ctmhtv/channels.aspx

Exclusive Kits featuring All Our New Papers!

Hi Everyone! Just thought that I would post some pictures from the kits that CTMH has put together for you. They feature a full Level II paper pack, coordinating embellishments, a guide for getting the most from your paper - doing LO's or cards or a combination of the two, and an EXCLUSIVE STAMP SET! If you want me to email you a full flyer detailing everything for any of the kits, just let me know by commenting here or email me.

Another Contest!!!

CTMH has a new and fun sweepstakes for you to enter! Simply sign up for email updates at www.StudioJ.com (top left side of the screen) and you will automatically be entered into a weekly random drawing for a My Legacy® Dark Cocoa linen album. We will notify the winner via email. If you didn’t get the album, don’t worry—your name is still in the drawing for the next week.

Snapease Tutorial

Hi everyone! I recently bought the Snapease Album System and did my "install" the other night. It was fairly easy but I did find that it worked better if the album was "fuller". To achieve this in my album, I merely replaced the 1" extender posts I was using with the 1/2" extender posts that came with the album system. You could do the same or just add in some spine expanders if you find this when you install yours. You just unscrew the screws and screw in the adpater posts and slide on the plastic tabs, putting the adapter in the wide end and sliding it to the narrow end. Be sure to put your Snapease System on the back - this will make it easier to add pages if you scrapbook chronologically. It is WAY easier to take your album apart this way than with a screw driver as it was before!!! Check out my photos for more illustration. Hope I can get then in an order that makes sense!

Entry for the Challenge at Magpie Club

Here is my entry for the challenge over at the Magpie club. It is based on a exclusive Julie Bonner sketch. Post yours here if you don't have a blog and I'll enter you too!

I WON!!!! I WON!!!!!

Check me out - over at http://www.scrapbookcircle.com/blog/index.php

I WON!!!! Check it out!!! And I just ordered their October kit and add-on - my first "kit" purchase online!!! I am in scrapbook heaven!!!!

Layout idea - Have to do a LO

I have to remind myself to do a LO on this: last night, just before he fell asleep, Noah said "I wish I had a tail!" KIDS!

Check it out - Magpie Club blog

Julie Bonner (52 sketches) is now doing extra - exclusive sketches for some other blogs. Check her out over at http://magpieclub.blogspot.com/ and enter the contest! Let me know if you do with a post of your link here too!

Sketch #38 - submission for 52 sketches #38

I am slowly, slowly, ever so slowly getting our pics from the trip to AZ this winter done (why should those pics get any better treatment than anything else - I don't know!!!). I have been using the sketch challenge over at 52 sketches, 52 weeks to motivate me to put adhesive to paper. Check it out - here is my #38. I am using the Route 66 paper pack from CTMH to do the entire trip. Let me know what you think!

Winners! Winners! Winners!

Well, I have to be a bit forgiving - I had said leave a comment AND sign up as a follower but I did enter everyone that was already a follower or left a comment - here are the winners:
Amrit N
StaceyB
Tanis R (who sent me an email -had troubles commenting on the web -you are forgiven my dear friend!)
Michelle F
Susan M

Thanks for playing along everyone! Next time I'll be more strict - followers only!!!! I'll drop off/mail out prizes soon!

Wanted: New Consultants for the New Promo!

October Constant CampaignStudio Splurge!
This October 1–31, 2009, when you enroll as a new Consultant and successfully complete both levels in the Straight to the Top (STTT) program per policy, you will receive 10 FREE Studio J™ scrapbook layouts!
Dates:New Consultants: October 1–31, 2009 Details:Please see FAQ for full information. Shipping/handling apply. Flyer coming soonFAQ can be found here

What is Studio J, you ask? Check out this link for more info:
http://www.studioj.com/

...........My Book List

I put this little gadget on hoping to start a discussion on what is on other peoples "nightstands". As much as I love reading, I don't enjoy book clubs - too much discussion on "the meaning and uses of irony" or "existentialism in post-modern Europe" and other such nonsense. I just want to hear what other people are reading and tell me if it is good, bad or otherwise - just enough info to make me want to try it or avoid it altogether. So hope to see your comments on this or direct me to your list somewhere in cyberspace!

Contest...Contest!!! Win BIG!!!

Well, big is a relative term! Anyways, I am running a little contest here. Sign up as a follower and leave me a comment on this post and I will enter you in a draw that I am doing at the end of the month. People that have signed up as a follower already will be entered to win automatically. I have 5 prizes to be awarded. Good Luck!!!!

A New A New (to me anyways!) Idea!

As I was taking my "Masters" through Close To My Heart, one of the creative lessons was on using glitter. So I dug out my glitter and a glue pen and tried one of the tutorial's suggestions - adding glitter to a sticker. If you are anything like me - you too, have tonnes of old stickers from "back in the day" and adding glitter was kind of fun and trendy and really spruced them up! I think that I have been sitting on these particular stickers for about 5 years or so! Check out your stash and try it! Let me know how it turns out for you!

Submission for the Barnyard Scrappin' Contest

Here is my submission for the "Lemonade kit from Basic Grey" for the Barnyard Scrappin' challenge! That mean old Jackie MADE me use ALL the supplies - I really wanted to hoard that cute PP with the cherries and the flowers but I didn't!

Sad news...Work in Progress Binder Not Available

Good Morning Gang. Unfortunately the new Work-in-Progress 12x12 binder (p.89 Fall and Winter Idea Book) is not available. I did manage to get one early and love it as I am trying more challenges and don't scrap as chronologically as I used to. The manufacturer is no longer producing them and Close To My Heart is not sure if they will be able to find another. I will keep you posted!

New Stuff in!!!

Got my new stuff from the Fall and Winter Idea Book! Going home to tear through the box! Will post some comments soon or stop by and see for yourself! Watch here for some upcoming contests!!!

Sketch #33 Sketch #33 for 52 weeks

Hi there! Here is my submission for last week's challenge at 52 sketches, 52 weeks. I think that I am going to combine my pack from the challenge from Barnyard Scrappin' and sketch #34 - get 2 birds with one stone! It's a great sketch this week - why not check it out?!?!?!

Big Thanks!!! Big Thanks to the girls at Barnyard Scrappin'!

As always, they are a great source of inspiration! My new look for the blog is a direct result of their blog's awesome new look! Check their site out at http://www.barnyardscrappin.blogspot.com/.

EXTENDED! EXTENDED offer of FREE PAPER PACKS!

The offer of a free paper pack from CTMH with an order of $124.95 has been extended until the 24th of August. So if you would like to get in on this let me know!

ANOTHER New Offer from CTMH!!!!

Hi gang!
http://www.closetomyheart.com/PDF/0909_ContantCampaign_Flyer.pdf

Check out the link above for details.
There is a new package out from Close To My Heart. It includes 1 My Acrylix Everyday Celebration Stamp Set (D- Sized), 16 Colonial White Card Bases, 16 Colonial White Envelopes, 1 12x12 Dutch Blue Cardstock, 1 12x12 Colonial White Cardstock, 4 12x12 B+T Duos, 1 Chocolate Distressing Ink, 1 Dutch Blue Distressing Ink, 1 Mini-Medly Accents in Shades of Chocolate, 5 feet of Chocolate Ribbon with Colonial White Stitching, 50 foam sqaures, sponge and full instructions. The featured colors are chocolate, colonial white, dutch blue and (my fave) sweet leaf. There are several different ways to get this great deal. You can purchase $75 in stamp sets, host a home gathering between September 1-30, sign up as a new consultant between September 1-30 or buy it out-right for $49.95. Also, you will receive a new Fall and Winter Idea book with every order of this kit. "Express your passion for stamping with this pretty new card kit today!"

Special Offer from Close To My Heart!

Free Paper Pack and Free Stamp of the Month with orders of $124.95. Check out www.closetomyheart.com for more details. This expires on the 17th so PLEASE let me know asap if you want anything! Watch here for a new promo starting on the 18th of August running until September 30, 2009! New catalogues will be available near the end of the month!

My submission for the Barnyard Scrapping Summer Challenge

Took me forever to complete it - I am draggin' so bad in the creative department - well, in every department these days!!! Great products to work with!! Thanks for a fun challenge ladies!

WISHES BOOK!!!

I just got my copy of Wishes on Monday and I LOVE it!!! If you are into cards - this is the book for you!! Easy multiple cards workshops, a CD with templates (good for Macs or PC's), ideas for saving $$$ - which we all love!! I am looking forward to creating with this book!!!!

Off to Camp

Well, my baby's gone to camp! We dropped Jessica off at camp yesterday. No tears - her or me! Noah didn't want to go at all but once we got there and were getting her settled in he said "I think that I'll come here next year!".

July 28th Card Creation Spoiler

Hi Ladies! Well, my card creation night is FULL UP! Here is a sneak peek of three of the five projects we will be working on. They incorporate Liquid Applique, using patterned paper scraps, watercolor pencils and "focusing on the negative". Looking forward to getting together with you all!

Card Creation Night

Hi girls! I have two spots left for my card creation night on July 28th. I am holding it at my place at 7 pm. For $20 you'll get some hands on with new products and tools and maybe learn a new technique or two! You'll take home 3 cards each of 4 designs. There will be snacks and good conversation!
Stay tuned for a sneak peek of the projects!

Club Spoiler

Hi girls! Here is the project for Thursday night. Drianne (as usual) has done a GREAT job! If I get a burst of energy tonight - you might see something from me too!

new postings on CTMH TV

Check out this link for some great inspiration - a little "Art and Soul"!
http://www.closetomyheart.com/ctmhtv/channels.aspx

We are Expecting!

Due late December or early January - when you weren't planning - the due date is a bit fuzzy! When we decided to tell the kids, we called them into the kitchen and Noah thought that he was in trouble. Warren told them and Noah looked at me and all he said was "FINALLY!". Jessica said "But you aren't fat yet Mommy!" I said "Oh, I will be." They were really excited so that was good. Jessica has a plan for taking care of the baby - she'll rock it to sleep at night "you don't even have to wake up Mommy!" she tells me. She also says that the baby can spend one week in her room and then one week in Noah's room and so on and so on. What a girl! Warren wants to find out what it is at the ilutrasound. I don't want to know but if it makes him feel more comfortable, I guess that i probably will. He wants me to get at least the blood screen for risk levels. I think that happens about the same time as the ultrasound. much less invasive than an amino so I probably will too. He thinks that I am at a higher risk becuse of my "advanced age" - he's one to talk!!!!!

Sketch 19

Here is my submission for 52 sketches, 52 weeks.

Gifts for Teachers

Hi there! This is a paint can that I did for a project demo for our scrap club last year. I thought that it might be a good idea to bring it out and get it ready - fill it up with goodies for a special teacher - the end of the school year is coming!

Any other great ideas for teacher gifts out there?

Off to the hospital

After a mother's day where I caught up on laundry, dusting and vacuuming (and a bit of scrapping) we are off to get Noah's tonsils removed bright and early tomorrow! Hope you all had a GREAT DAY!

Mother's Day Party in the Kindergarten Room

Well, just got back from the kindergarten Mother's Day Party. The kids sang several cute songs and then we played this "game". Mrs. Mehlen had 'interviewed' the children about their moms and then she read out the answers and we had to guess which mom it was. We got a good laugh when she read out this one: "Q: How old is your mom? A: "This is the correct number - 43!" and it was ME!!!! I told everyone Jessica was being treated for dyslexia! And then I told Jessica she was grounded!

Inaugural Post

Well it is a cool, grey, rainy day and I am avoiding completing the spreadsheet that my business partner (my husband) has been demanding for several weeks. It is weather like this that saps my energy and makes me want to be home in my basment where my craft room is - all warm and cozy and crafty!

At any rate...here is my latest entry into the weekly sketch contest at http://www.52sketches52weeks.com/. It is a great site so check it out!