I'm Baaack!

   Hi there, I know I've been absent recently (think revolving door of colds and illness for the last 3 months) with the exception of my post for the Make It Crafty Blog Hop this month- but I'm ready to get back into things.

   A lot has been going on in the CTMH world, we're about to see the end of the Seasonal Expressions 1 cattie and the beginning of the Seasonal Expressions 2 cattie, on April 1st.  If there's anything in the SE1 marked by a little clock that you want, you have until the end of March to order, after that they are gone!!  Anything not marked with a little clock will continue to be available.

   I really think you'll like the  SE2 cattie.  It's got a couple of SUPER-cute papers, including a Boy ppk!!!!  Can you tell I'm a little excited by this?  While Blossom is a really nice paper and I know will be very versatile for both scrappin and card makin, I really LOVE the Jackson ppk!!  It's got blues and red- brown and blue-green and has a very masculine feel to it- and it's always hard to get a nice masculine ppk.  It just screams guys and camping and the cottage and outdoor pursuits.  I might have to redo my elder son's school photo- we had it taken w a forest background but I think it will really be set off  nicely by the Jackson colors and patterns.

   Speaking of my son's school photo, I have it already scrapped using the Chalk It Up ppk.  This is a layout I'd love to share with you in a class.  The class includes not only this layout but also one using the Seaside ppk- great for those Summer in the sun or beach picts (ribbon and Cricut cuts are included in the cost and Complements  and Picture My Life cards sets are available to order).  Dates and times- March 27, 28, 29 and April 10, 11 and 12- friday evenings, sat morning or afternoon and Sun morning or afternoon, your choice.  The cost for the 2- 2pg layouts is just $15.  I can send this out as a kit, but cost will be $15 + postage.  Please let me know asap if you're interested, I'm keeping it small, to just 4 per time slot. 

Here's picts of the layouts (I have pink paper covering my son's pict and his class photo, it's not part of the layout):
   Chalk It Up!

Seaside

See ya soon and keep scrappin'! 

Make it Crafty Blog Hop- Spring and Easter Creations

Hi there and Welcome to another

   This month we're revealing our Spring and Easter creations.  If you've come from Cyndy's  blog then you're in the right spot.  The Blog Hop is a great big circle, so you can start here and work your way around.  If you get lost, you'll find a complete list here, with Julie, in The Scrap Zone.

   We hope this 'Hop' will inspire you and put a 'Spring' in your craftiness! - I love bunny humor!

   This month I've returned to what I love best- scrappin' with the flipflaps!   I've used the somewhat 'girlie' Hopscotch paper pack (found in the Seasonal Expressions 1 mini) in a not-so-girlie way to showcase my not-so-girlie boys by using one of the 'auxiliary' colors (Indian Corn Blue) listed on the Zip strip.  I think it tones down the ppk overall, while keeping the brightness of the colors.  I plan on using this layout for the pictures I will take this Easter coming, thus no pictures present.
   This layout was inspired by a sketch I saw amongst the Creating Keepsakes Bonus Sketches of Oct 2011 (found on Pintrest);  I've switched it up a little bit by adding the flaps and using the Picture My Life cards (as photo mats and journalling cards).

I hope you like it!  Here it is:

(Sorry for the glare off the flipflaps)

Here it is with the flaps open:

                                           For a total of 15 photos on a 2pg, 12x24 layout!!

   And here you can see even the journalling card is hiding more space for pictures!

   And here it is one last time:

(The dark choc bunny is MINE!)

List of Products used:
Hopscotch paper pack (expires at the end of March so get yours NOW!)
Indian Corn Blue cardstock
Hopscotch PML cards- a selection
Cricut Artfully sent- the chocolate bunny images
D1454- Sensational Season (retired)- the basket image
Shinhan Twin Touch alcohol markers (to color the basket)
E1027- Framework Alphabet (stamped in ICB, for the title)
C1528- Advent Calendar Workshop (stamped in ICB, for the date)
Flamingo and Aqua dots, for the bunnies' eyes
Brother Scan N Cut (to cut out the title and date)

   Well, I hope you've enjoyed hopping along with me, as much as I've enjoyed creating for you.  I don't mean to 'egg' you on but it's time for you to hippity 'Hop' along to Sue's and see just how her project will inspire you!

   Don't forget to come back May 15 for our next Hop, when we'll be showing off our Summer, Travel and Cottage creations!

Picts of the 4 Layouts from 1 Paperpack Class

   Here they are!  I've used Wanderful- love the pop of purple and bright blue.  And I love the 'tube' paper!! But of course you can purchase any of the current CTMH paperpacks to make these layouts.  The pictures show only the bare bones of the layouts, remember that you also have the Complements to add to your layouts, and I've not done any stamping either, so they look a little bare.  I've intentionally left the photos off (almost 30!!), so as to not bias you.  That's what all those little pink pieces of paper are- the sizes and placement of the photos/ journaling/ title, etc.  And I still had enough left for a bunch of cards or maybe another layout! 

   So come on out and play!  Registration for my class is open until Feb 15, just $30, in Metcalfe, Ont.  Email or pm me.  Sorry, I won't be able to do kits- postage is prohibitive.  But you can buy just the cutting guide for $7 (That gets you a hard copy or a digital file) and you can purchase the paperpack and Complements thru my site (link at right).  See you soon, Cheers!

Class Announcement- Four 2 Page Layouts From One CTMH Paperpack

What we're doing- making 4- 2page layouts from 1 Paperpack and its Complements
Where- probably here at my house, Metcalfe
When- You're choice of:  Feb 27,   6.30-9.30pm  OR
                                        Feb 28,   9.30- 12.30  OR 1.30- 4.30  OR
                                        Mar 1,    9.30- 12.30  OR 1.30- 4.30.
Cost $30- this includes your choice of current CTMH paperpack and Complements, additional base    papers, cutting guide, and ME!
               * if you wish to bring your own paperpack, then cost is $15, for cutting guide (and me) but you are responsible for having the correct number of papers on hand.  I will have cs to purchase if needed.

Details:   Registration opens immediately and closes Feb 13th.  Full payment is due upon registration, so I can order the supplies.  If you've paid and can't make it, we'll make arrangements to either deliver the kit to you or make the kit together.

** Current CTMH paperpacks include:  Chalk it up!, Wanderful, Brushed, Seaside, Pathfinding, Scaredy Cat, Yuletide Carol, Snowhaven, Confetti Wishes, Heartstrings and Hopscotch.

Stay tuned for pictures of the layouts.

Don't Forget The Really Great Specials This Month!

1.   You're time to purchase the National Papercrafting Month's special paperpack Year>> Noted is almost up!!  It's such a great deal!  Pretty papers, coordinating cardstock, stamp set, gold foil Complements- all designed Exclusively for this month's special, with a very special price of just $5 (Suggested Retail Price of $27) with a qualifying purchase of $50.  Or, you can make it Extra special by adding the Kraft mini book- all for just $10 (SRP $37).  Contact me to place your order today!

2.   This month, CTMH has a promotion just for Hostesses:  Extra Extra Hostess credits!  With a minimum Gathering (parties of 1, EZ Invites/ online parties all qualify) of $350, you can get 50% More Hostess Credits!!  Instead of the sweet $60 Hostess creds you get for a $350 party, you'll get the Delicious $90 in Creds!! How sweet is that?!

3.   If you place an order to qualify for the Year>> Noted paperpack, then you'll also qualify for the super sweet Stamp of the Month-  This Moment, all great images to create something for your Sweetie.  But it's not just a 'Valentine's ' stamp set, there are many images that can be used for other things too.  Just take a look at my post for the Make It Crafty blog hop earlier this month.  A great little stamp set for just $5 (you can purchase it at it's full retail price of $19.75, +S/H, Tx)!

4.   It's hard to believe we're already halfway thru the run of the first Seasonal Expressions!  This cattie expires March 31st, along with many of the items seen inside.  Now's a good time to get those must- have items, before they're gone (they could sell out before the end of the cattie and won't be restocked).

5.   Find a link to the List of Retiring Stamp sets here.  They will be gone at the end of THIS month!

6.   My Own Special- I am a vendor at a local school fundraiser this month.  Place a qualifying order of $25 or more and your name will go into a draw to win $25 in Hostess Credits.  If I have the minimum to qualify for the Constant Campaign (see #2) then I will pick 2 names (or more, depending on the total!)  so it is possible to win credits equal to your purchase.  Can't make it but still want your name in the draw?  Contact me with your order and payment info or place an order online before Jan 26, 11.59pm;  be sure to 'join' the gathering listed at the bottom right of the page.

Stay tuned for more news on upcoming specials and classes.  Cheers!

Make It Crafty Seasonal Blog Hop- Cards and Valentines

    Welcome to the *Make it Crafty* Seasonal Blog Hop!  This time we're getting crafty with a Valentine's/ All Cards theme.  So,  I'll be showing off some of the cards I've made with the Heartstrings Cardmaking Workshop from the current Seasonal Expressions cattie.  If you've arrived from Julie's -  you are on the right path!  The blog hop is a great big circle, so you can start here and work your way around.  If you get lost, you'll find the complete list here, with Julie, in The Scrap Zone.

   This month a number of us Close To My Heart Consultants are sharing our creations using various CTMH products to inspire you into a  (romantic???) card-making mood!

   This time I've taken the Heartstrings Card WOTG (G1090) and changed things up a bit, using the designs and pieces cut for the WOTG to make cards for other events.  In some cases, I've moved a piece from 1 design to another or altered slightly the pieces given (mostly trimming and ribbon- cutting the ends).

Here's what the original Workshop cards look like:  (you make 5 of each design in the original kit)

 And here's what I've done with them:

Fr card Left

Fr card middle

Fr card right, Pict 1

Fr card right, Pict 2

Details:  Inside of Bullseye card reads "My aim is true", and the end of the You are So Totally Simply card reads  "Awesome ".  The pink rose on the Thank you card with the bow ties (2nd pict) is popped with 3D tape.

   So, as you can see, just by changing things up a little- arrangement and sentiment, you can turn a Valentine's card into a Birthday card or a Thank you card, or anything else you'd like.

Here's a list of the stamps and other products used:
Stamps- M1047, B- 1419, 1432, 1438, 1442, 1471, D1584.  Also used B1458 (Hostess stamp), S1501(Jan Stamp of the Month), C1617 (Current Operation Smile fundraiser)- available to the end of March) and M1038 (retires at the end of Jan).
Also used:
Silver Sequins, Red Glitter Gems, Slate Twist ties (Retired), Arrow Washi (ret), Grey dot Washi (ret)
Shinhan Twin Touch Markers- WG4, BG61, RP198
3D tape, Journaling pen
And, my new Christmas toy... The Brother Scan N Cut (CM550)!!!  I cut the pink roses, the arrows and the Thank You banner with the SNC as these are not Cricut- able images.

                                                         (No more fussy cutting!!)

   I hope you've gotten some inspiration from my cards.  Now, 'Hop' along to Wendy's blog to see more!
Don't forget to come back March 15th, when we'll be showing off Easter and Spring goodies!

NEWS FLASH!!- some Retiring stamps

Here's the latest news!  The following is a list of stamps that will be Retired FOREVER as of the end of January.  If you want ANYTHING on this list email me ASAP or place an order thru my website.  They do not appear in the current Annual Inspirations but can be found on the website.  Once these are sold out, they are GONE!!!!  (and don't forget- extra Hostess creds!)


A1124 A Tree
A1139 Congrats Graduate
A1141 Be Still
A1154 Friendly Thoughts
A1156 Flower Confetti
B1418 Love Doily
B1423 Hoppy Easter
B1439 Dreamer
B1440 Fancy Fair
B1441 Buggy Love
B1444 Greatest Love
B1445 Happy Hive
B1450 Owls
C1571 You're the Best
C1573 Do Your Best
C1574 Believe in Yourself
C1577 Mother's Day
C1579 Coming Up Roses
C1583 Robot Family
D1547 Paper Doll
D1579 Windy Day
M1035 Newlyweds
M1036 Perfect Polka-Dot Day
M1037 Balloons
M1038 Shooting Star
M1039 Good Job Stencil
M1040 Parasol
M1041 Hi
M1042 Colored Egg