Oh Stamping Day

January Sketch Challenge/Love Who You Are

2012-01-26T00:47:00.000-05:00

More than creating something outside of my comfort zone in a card challenge, my biggest challenge is being able to complete a challenge without the daily business of my life keeping me from it!

So to my joy I was able to participate in Mema's Crafts January Challenge. The Challenge was to create a card using this sketch by Roni from "Ink Stains"

The Challenge is in celebration of Lesia's (Mema's craft) Birthday so we needed to use whatever was our fancy for a birthday celebration. My fancy is most always using "BLING"!

For my card, I rotated the sketch.I used black CS as my base and the animal print paper from Close To My Heart's "Roxie", one of my favorite paper packs. The stamp set is a new one that will be available with CTMH beginning February 1st (Fashionista). I stamped and paper pieced the Fashionista sista to coordinate with the colors of the card and then I blinged out her dress. Isn't she fabulous?!

I think this stamp set is going t get used up!

New Consultant Kit!

2012-01-03T20:54:00.000-05:00

Have you have ever wanted to turn your hobby into a lucrative business?

Would you like to get $288 of Close to my Heart products for only $99?

Do you want to get a great discount on all of your stamping & scrapbooking supplies for you and your friends?

Would you like access to new products a whole month before everyone else?

If you answered “yes” to any of the questions above, I am excited to tell you that the Spring/Summer 2012 Close to my Heart New Consultant Kit is now available!

Are you interested in getting a discount every day? You can be a team member that simply takes the discount for yourself! Or are you interested in actively building a business? You can also be a team member earning a real income!

If you are interested in any of those options contact me for more details. I'd be happy to talk to you to see if this would be a good fit for you!

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

Crazy for NEW PRODUCTS!!!

2011-12-26T21:18:00.003-05:00

It's an exciting time! My new Spring/Summer 2012 Close to my Heart Idea Books arrived and let me tell you...I AM IN LOVE! I cannot wait to share with you all of the amazing new papers, stamps, embellishments, and other fun surprises in the new book.

I can't share the book with you until it goes live on February 1st, but if you'd like to get your own copies and order out of them a whole month earlier than anyone else, think about signing up as a Close to my Heart Consultant. Gaining access to CTMH products early is just one of the MANY benefits of becoming a Consultant.

Start the year off with a fun new venture and start your own business! Or simply sign up to save money on some amazing products for yourself and your friends. Click here to read more about joining this amazing company as a Personal Use Consultant, Hobbyist, or a Business Builder!

Chistmas Cheer

2011-12-07T17:46:00.002-05:00

My goal is to share all the fun stuff I've been creating this season. And with that said...Tim Holz is blowing my socks off on his blog. I don't know how he does it, but MAN he's got mad skills! Here's Tag 5 from his 12 Days of Christmas on his blog.

So, I had to get very creative on this one because I didn't have his stamp that he used. I used half of a CTMH clear card to create the tag and I used snow flakes instead the script.I must say, there is no way I could recreate this tag without my Art Philosophy cartridge...no way.

Here's my take...

Deck the halls!!!

Supplies: Adirondack Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge; Alcohol Ink, Cranberry, Red Pepper; CTMH Clear card, CS; Black Archival ink; Grey Opaques, ribbon

Busy Elf

2011-12-06T19:22:00.000-05:00

I've been a busy elf! This Holiday season is just as busy as all the others. For some reason I thought if I started earlier I wouldn't be so busy...not so. But that is half the fun. All the hustle and bustle.

I've been working on my Christmas cards and my Christmas presents that I'll be giving this year and got completely distracted and I forgot about "The 12 Days of Christmas" on Tim Holt's blog! I always try to spend some time and re-create a few of my favorite tags.

Here is Tim's tag from Day 1...

Tim's tags challenge me every year to create outside my comfort zone and learn some tips and techniques that my brain doesn't come up with. The biggest challenge for me is to create a tag using CTMH supplies (because I have so many). I can mostly do it. A little tweaking and I can usually do it.

Here is my interpretation...

This tag is from Day 1 and I must say it was very labor intensive, but well worth it. It took me a few tries to make the pine cones. I also had to wait overnight for the Glitter gel to dry.

Visit Tim's blog and be inspired...

Supplies: Art Philosophy Cartridge; Glitz glitter gel, Red and Silver, Studs Glitter Glue, Vernis; CTMH CS, Tim Holtz Snowflake Folder; Create-A-Shade Pearl Paint, White embossing Powder; Prisma Glitter; My Acrylix stamp set Father Christmas (D1449); Sanding Block, CTMH ink, Desert Sand; Chocolate Waxy Flax; Sparkle brads; Heirloom Assortment Dangle jewel

Tuesday Trigger Challenge

2011-10-23T23:43:00.000-04:00

Just joining in on some fun by creating a card for the Tuesday Trigger Challenge from the Moxie Fab World blog. It's been a while since I've created anything for a challenge. I need to get back to doing the challenges...this card was quite satisfying to create. Hope you enjoy it!

Where oh where is it?

2011-08-13T15:50:00.000-04:00

It's funny how one magnificent event can change a persons life. My friend, is teasing me because before convention I had no use for the Cricut. Did not use it and never thought I would. Why, you ask? Because I couldn't use it to cut out my stamped images! If you know me you know I love my stamps - but as much as I love them I can only cut the stamped images out by using my trusty micro tip scissors. Now don't get me wrong, I love fussy cutting. There's something that challenges me and excites me about precisely cutting out my stamped images. BUT I've come into the Cricut generation due to Art Philosophy.

Close To My Heart offers beautiful stamps that can be used in junction with the Cricut cutting system...how divine! Now here's the crazy part - I bought an Art Philosophy Bundle and I don't own a Cricut. SO I've been using my dear friend Angela's machine. I've had so much fun.

Well, I told my husband I could wait for my birthday...October, or maybe even Christmas. Who was I fooling!! Only myself.!! I can't wait! I need a Cricut now!

So I did it...I bought a Cricut Expression and I've been so excited about the great deal I got. but the hard part is I'm having to WAIT for it to be delivered. OH THE WAIT!! Where is it? Is it close? Oh the agony!

In the mean time here's a card I've made!

I used the Roxie Level II paper pack and made flower using the Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge.

I'll be sharing more projects over the next few days!

Art Philosophy

2011-07-29T08:00:00.006-04:00

The long awaited Exclusive Cricut Cartridge for CTMH!

This collection includes a cartridge with 700 images, 3 My Acrylix D-size Stamp Sets and 3 9x12 Dimensional Elements. All for the low price of $99.00! The collection has a retail value of almost $125.00!

Go here and see what Cricut is saying about it. Click on the Art Philosophy Cartridge box and flip through the pages of some of the images you'll get on the Cartridge.

Contact me to order your own Art Philosophy cartridge...I have mine already. I'll be posting projects using it very soon!

Getting my feet back on the ground....

2011-07-28T23:51:00.000-04:00

It's been nearly two weeks since I got back from the most Magical CTMH Convention. I had an incredible time...wait that doesn't even do it justice! Awe-inspiring! Astounding! Yeah...all those words together describes the 2011 CTMH Convention! Oh, you think I'm being dramatic? Then watch this...

You're smiling, aren't you?! I KNOW! And these were just highlights! I'll be back showing you some personal highlights from my great adventure!

Studio J: June

2011-06-11T12:43:00.000-04:00

Here's another Studio J Video

Studio J Videos

2011-06-10T12:12:00.000-04:00

Check out the Studio J videos!!

I'm getting more and more comfortable with Studio J...try it! You may really love it. But you'll never know unless you try it!! Go to my website and play around on Studio J for FREE!

Celebrating National Scrapbooking Month - You and Me Video

2011-05-05T15:17:00.000-04:00

Enjoy the video!

Remember, you can get this kit FREE by joining my CTMH team this month! The Consultant's kit is 50% off for the monh of May. That means you'll receive the kit for $65.00 and the You and Me kit is FREE! Don't pass this up! It's the deal of a lifetime! Go to my website now at http://www.saday.myctmh.com/ and sign up today!

You and Me

2011-04-17T22:49:00.009-04:00

May is National Scrapbooking Month. What does that mean for you? What it means for me is the "You and Me" kit available in May. These layouts are supreme.

Now, I normally fill my time making cards and teaching card classes, but this kit just sent shivers up my spine. I love it so much, I'm printing out photos this week to complete them.

Now, I must say that I had to get used to the new printed cardstock paper. I wanted more! The kit is nicely packaged to be used up. AND USE IT UP I DID!

I made both layouts and 3 cards with the minimal scraps leftover.I did have plenty of Opaques left, but I can never have too many of those. (No hitchhikers this time! See previous post)

I used all the Dimensional Elements and all the scraps that were big enough that made sense to use. The flowers were also made from scrap paper.

Now, I can definitely see the benefits from having a paper pack like this. If I use up all my paper, I will have no excuses like...I'm not getting anymore paper until I use up what I have...or I don't have girls so this paper won't work for me...no, no, no more excuses. The pack is gone AND I WANT MORE! Hmm... what will I do?

Leadershare in Navarre Florida...aahhh

2011-04-07T00:32:00.003-04:00

This past weekend was so wonderful! Spending time and learning with my creative sisters was the best! LeaderShare was a time for regional consultants to learn, share and be motivated. It was also a great get away from the hustle and bustle of my daily routine. It almost felt like make believe...but it was oh so real.

The atmosphere was festive...

The treats were not lacking...

And the friends were plenty...

There was one thing I did not expect to get during LeaderShare...and that was TICKS! Yes, you heard me, ticks! How did I get ticks at the beach you ask? Well, I asked the same thing! I about came out my skin!!! How did I get them?! Did I get them on the beach? Did I get them at the conference center? I couldn't imagine where I got them! Can you tell where I got them?

Those are some funny looking ticks...they're so round. And sized so perfectly...wait a minute...THOSE AREN'T TICKS! What is it? GET IT OFF! GET IT OFF!

Can you say Mocha Opaques!

Oh what a relief! I think I would have gone out of the restaurant running if they had been ticks. We laughed so hard! All I know is that I was happy that I didn't have ticks!!! Now I know you want to know how in the world I got 2 Mocha Opaques under my arm. Well, I pondered over that one and finally figured it out.

While at the beach, I put my flip flops underneath my arm while walking on that beautiful sand so that we could take our team pictures.

I had decorated my flip flops with Mocha Opaques and they must have gotten free from my flip flops and attached themselves to me!! Do you see the missing Opaques?

Needless to say, I will cherish EVERY moment that I had at LeaderShare!

And one of the most special moments was touring Tina Sutton's craft room and lovely home. Tina opened up her home to us and her heart and I will be forever grateful for all her inspiration.

The Storm is over!

2011-01-15T00:19:00.000-05:00

What a long week! Georgia had one of the worst winter storms in 10 years. OH THE ICE! We were stuck in the house for 3 days and they closed the schools for the whole week! They had just returned to school from the Holiday break and then out for week. Needless to say, the children were elated! Thank goodness I had just gone to the grocery store.

What did I do while cooped up in the house...I cooked, cleaned and of course worked on some cards. Here is one of the cards I made.

One of my Christmas gifts to myself was the new Cuttlebug. Can you say LOVE IT? Well, I can and I do love it! The folder is one that came with it. The Butterfly is from the January Stamp of the month set. I used CTMH Garden Green, Black and Vineyard Berry cardstock and Vineyard Berry and Black ink. I will be using this stamp set over and over. It is marvelous!

Another Pleated Card

2010-10-26T00:05:00.000-04:00

I couldn't resist making another card. I tried a different pleat this time. I love the black peeking out between the red.

You must hop on over to Moxie Fab World and try out the challenges!

Moxie Fab Tuesday Trigger/Momento Mori

2010-10-24T22:13:00.000-04:00

This is the eerie inspiration picture for the Moxie Fab Tuesday Trigger Challenge. Creepy, creepy! I had to go to my dark side to muster up a card for this. If you haven't tried any of these challenges, then I CHALLENGE you to go for it. It stretches my brain to get out of my comfort zone. By the way, this is good brain exercise also!

I did it all in gray, black and white. It reminded me of the old black and white horror shows. I made the pattern by using the old trusted distresses crumpled paper. I haven't done that in years. I stamped the image and embossed it in black. I used black velvet ribbon and overlayed it with a sheer gray ribbon. I needed to soften the black. It was too stark. And of course, I had to add some black and gray bitty pearls to add more shine.

Perfectly Placed Pleats Challenge

2010-10-24T21:45:00.000-04:00

Hello! I worked hard this weekend and created two cards for two challenges. The first is the Perfectly Placed Pleats Challenge from Moxie Fab World. I made this from a clear scalloped circle card. As you can see I'm in the Christmas spirit! I tried making a fall card, but this Christmas tree kept popping in my head - so I succumbed!

The red bulbs are glittery glue dots and the star is glittery also. It's so hard to create a card without sparkle or shine. This inspired me to make some other pleated cards, so be ready to see more in the future!

Moxie Fab Tuesday Trigger

2010-10-16T11:44:00.000-04:00

This luxurious inspiration is from The Moxie Fab Tuesday Trigger. The colors are just divine!

For my card I used a patterned paper that reminded me of the wallpaper but with all the colors in it. I added some sparkle and a little shine. The shape of the chair shows up in the edge of the card and the square side table in the focal point.

I love these colors!

Celebrate World Card Making Day!

2010-10-02T12:09:00.001-04:00

Today is World Card Making Day! How will you celebrate it? I will celebrate it all month long, along with my Birthday! It's an exciting time...the weather is getting cooler and my Mums are looking gorgeous!

I've starting making my Christmas cards and will be pumping them out all month because once November hits it's all about decorating the house for the holidays! Oh...the anticipation!

For this card I used Colonial White CS, CTMH Mistletoe Level 2 paper pack, A Timber My Acrylix stamp set, Cocoa, and Olive ink and Glitz Glitter Gel. Fun stuff ladies! I can't get enough of the Sparkle.

Here's another one I made for this glorious occasion.

I've made more, but saving some for the World Card Making Day Contest.

Back home from Convention!

2010-07-14T22:42:00.000-04:00

Words are not enough to explain how great Convention was...but I will try!

This was my first Close To My Heart Convention and it will not be my last! This was an experience of a lifetime!

First of all, the buzz and excitement from all the consultants is enough to keep me going all year, but add on the exciting news and changes and the sneak peak of all the new Fall/Winter products and Idea Book...left me breathless! Everyone told me that I would love convention and what an understatement that was.

Second, the priceless coaching and business classes have motivated me more than I ever imagined. I thought that I would hear the same information, but boy was I wrong. On the ride home I had 2 pages of ideas and plans for my art and business. I learned so many cool techniques. If I didn't have to go back to the 9 to 5 I'd be in my craft room all day (I was in there almost all night, last night)!

(Do you see Jeanette Lynton in the background?)

Thirdly, I must say that I have met the most wonderful group of ladies! My heart is FULL, FULL, FULL of love and gratitude for my CTMH sisters who helped make my experience priceless.

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So what's next? Lots of creating and sharing. A September 1st Fall/Winter Idea Book and LOTS of exciting things to come!! Do you want to share in my joy? Ask me how to be a part of a team that will help you shine like a star!

Heart2Heart Color Challenge

2010-05-17T17:30:00.000-04:00

I'm really happy to join in on the challenge this week. I actually took a couple of days off from my 9 to 5 to get stuff done around the house and for some "me" time. So of course for my "me" time I'm creating!

The challenge this week is to use the colors Ocean, Topiary and Desert Sand. At first I was a little taken aback by the Ocean and Topiary being combined...but that is what a challenge is all about.

So, I gathered myself and went at it! I dug through my stash and I couldn't find any Topiary cardstock. So I took some Daisy White CS, Topiary ink and my brayer and made me some Topiary CS. I then pulled out my very used Originals Book and found Background Blocks design and altered the size. I used a small butterfly Dimensional Element from the Miracle Kit and the Make My Day stamp set and voila!

Now I must say, that this color combination would not naturally appeal to me, but WOW! it packs a punch! And of course I had to add the bling. Hopefully I will have time to join in on more challenges...this was fun!

Visit the Heart 2 Heart Challenge Blog and join the fun!

Weekend Fun!

2010-04-26T08:32:00.000-04:00

This weekend was busy yet relaxing. I did 2 of my favorite things this weekend. If you know me you know it had to do with ink and flowers...ahhh...ink and flowers...It's always great when I can combine the two in a card but it's even better when I can actually get my hands all inked up AND all covered in dirt! What a great thing!

and...
My two favorite things!

Let's Get Sketchy - Heart2Heart Challenge

2010-04-25T21:55:00.000-04:00

Talk about last minute! I've had this card done for 3 days and the weekend just got away from me!
This weeks Challenge was a sketch challenge - oh what fun! If you haven't gotten in on one of these challenges just jump on in! They're so must fun. It might take you out of your comfort zone but that's what a challenge is for...right?

I used Caboodle paper with With yummy Sorbet, Garden green, Crystal Blue and Sunny Yellow ink. Embrace Life and Sweet Baby My Acrylix stamp sets, Sorbet and Garden Green Ribbon and lots of bling!

Heart2Heart Challenge Blog - Color Challenge

2010-04-06T09:15:00.000-04:00

Do you like challenge blogs? Well here's a new one to wet your whistle! This is a CTMH challenge for those of you who just can't get enough of a good thing. When I saw this challenge I had to jump in and create something - I LOVE THIS COLOR COMBO!

Sweet Leaf-Sunflower-Chocolate

This week the challenge is to create something using these colors:

Check out the Heart2Heart blog and join the fun!

Supply List:

Chocolate CS

Colonial White CS

Sunflower textured CS

Chocolate Ink

Sunflower Ink

Sweet Leaf Ink

Dimensional Elements-Perenials, On Target

My Acrlix stamp sets-Noted backgrounds, Fllow Your Heart

Sweet Leaf Ribbon

Chocolate Ribbon
Bitty Sparkles

Scripture Challenge

2010-01-18T17:41:00.000-05:00

So yesterday I was blog hopping and having a wonderful time seeing all the creative things my fellow bloggers were doing when I came across the God Bless Art blog. I had been trying to figure out how I was going to incorporate my Bible study with my craft and thanks to Antoinette, this is going to be perfect!

Okay, I'm a week late, but that is not going to stop me from joining in on the scripture challenge.

I've been reading, Falling in Love with God Again, by Andrew Giambarba, so memorizing a scripture a week will be perfect for me.

My scripture for this week is Proberbs 4:23

Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.

I deceided I was going to make a memory scripture flip album for the whole year , so for these next few weeks I'll be figuring out the construction. In the mean time, here's the 4x6 card I made to go along with my scripture.

On the back, I wrote out some key points that I want to remember along with my scripture.

This is a challenge that will fill me up completely! I challenge you to join in!

Are you a fan?

2010-01-17T17:42:00.001-05:00

A fan of what, you say. We are all fans of something and if you're like me you're a fan of a multitude of things! I'm a fan of "24" - Jack Bauer is the man. My husband would disagree, but he's allowed. But no one else! But I think the biggest thing I'm a fan of right now is the CTMH "Felicity" kit for National Papercrafting Month! I just can't get enough of the paper or the stamp set that comes with it!

Look at this bird! I want to put her on everything!

Who knew I liked orange so much!

What are you a fan of? Is it Jack Bauer? Is it a special paper? Or is it a yummy stamp set? I can't get enough of any of these.

CARD MAKING 101: Altering

2009-11-07T21:05:00.000-05:00

We made it to the last class! Today was the last of my Card making 101 classes. We've had a GREAT learning time these past 6 months. We started with the very basics of how to use your paper cutter (the most valuable lesson any paper crafter can have-in my opinion) and finished up with altering. This is what we did today. It was a long class, but well worth it!

This last class incorporated all the previous lessons and then the new lesson on altering. Thanks to Lisa Stenz for the box divider instructions.

Filled the box with lots of goodies...cards, tags, note cards and a note book.

I used all my fun Christmas paper and stamps from CTMH. And if you want to stock up on some of those stamp sets you've been wanting, NOW IS THE TIME to get them! IT"S STAMPAGANZA!! Buy 2 get one free.

What do you do...

2009-10-22T21:11:00.000-04:00

if you have a paper pack (Tickled Pink) that you never really cared for?
You make Christmas cards that sparkle!
I love shiney glittery stuff so I thought I would love this kit, but it just didn't hit the spot. Well, not until I got some CTMH Twinkle brads (sparkley and shiney) that went perfectly with the paper! So I cut out the glittery centers of the flowers from the Tinkled Pink paper pack and used the glittery striped paper (Do you see a reacurring theme...) Used The December Word Puzzle and Holiday Trinkets stamp sets and voila! Whew...I feel so much better! The paper didn't go to waste!!

Card Making 101: Embellishing

2009-10-17T22:50:00.000-04:00

Today was so much fun hanging out with my card making "Gurus"! They love learning all they can about card making. And I must say...they have some natural talent!

We made six Christmas cards today and I'm sure they will be making many more! It's in their blood!

Card Making 101

2009-08-13T20:35:00.000-04:00

I've been teaching a card making class this summer...and we've had loads of FUN! The last class that we did was on layering. We used designs from the CTMH Original Card Confidence Program book. The next one I will be teaching the distressing technique. (More Fun!) Here is the card holder and the cards we made.

The card session will continue through November. Is everyone ready for Christmas? I can't wait!

What Am I So Excited About?!

2009-08-12T23:00:00.000-04:00

The 2009 Fall/Winter Idea Book-that's what! I can't wait for everyone to get a hold of this one! Do you want to take a peek? Hold on yo your seat...

Was that enough to wet your whistle? Do you want some more? How about this?

And this...

Okay, no more! You just have to wait for September to see all the goodies! I'll be having a launch party at my home to reveal the new idea book. You won't want to miss it!

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Here is the anniversary card I made for my parents' 50th.

A New "Day"

2009-03-15T17:53:00.000-04:00

I've finally decided to enter the creative blogging world! I wanted my own place to show and tell my creative side and join in on this fun blogging world!

Anyway, let's get started...

Use It Challenge #8

I've been wanting to get in on this callenge since it started. Here is the challenge this week:

1. Use flowers

2. Use fibers

3. Use something 'metal'

4. If you want to do more,
try using a tool that you haven't used in awhile

I used a design by Jeanette Lynton's My Originals book/all products are CTMH:

Paper Garden Level 2 Paper
Edge Anchor
Colonial White Ric Rac and Waxy Flax
"Say It In Style" stamp set
Clear button

I have tons of this paper left so I ought to get going and "Use It" up on some other projects!

(The date is wrong! It is May, 7, 2009-oh this is going to be fun figuring this stuff out!)