It's Almost Tomorrow

As you know lots of exciting things are happening tomorrow with Close To My Heart (see my post entitled "Only 4 More Days" from the 28th from yesterday). Among them is the fact that the new Idea Book will be live tomorrow, right here on my blog. The little green book with the hiker you see on the left side of my blog will become a link tomorrow morning so that you can view this beautiful catalog full of amazing new products right on your computer, page by page.

Just in case you are as excited as I am about it and can hardly wait until tomorrow to see the new products, I thought I'd give you a little sneak peek at some artwork I made this week with one of the new kits (and probably my favorite one), Moon Doggie. When I saw this kit the first word that popped into my head was, "Hollister." You can click on either photo to see a larger image. Hint: Those of you attending my July Play Group classes just might go home with the two pages above as part of your six pages! OK, so that was not a very subtle hint. My layout and cards were inspired by some of the artwork in the new Idea Book.

Enjoy the artwork and tune in tomorrow morning for the virtual Summer 2009 Idea Book! I can't wait to share it with you.

Dan's Babies

Both photos are of Dan's babies. I'm pretty sure (OK, I'm positive) that if he had to choose he would choose the real live baby, our granddaughter, Daci. But he sure does love those tomato babies too. He started them from seeds and has babied them with special tomato food, heating pads, a spot by the window in the sunlight, trips outside for an hour or two when it's warm and lots of tender loving care. I can't wait to see how our tomato crop turns out this year. It will be fun to compare their growth in August with the growth of our little Daci.

So Blessed!

I am feeling extra blessed today. I get to tend my granddaughter, Daci for a few hours, I get to speak to a group of about 35 teenage girls this evening about the joy of being a woman (don't you just LOVE being a woman?), I got to sleep in (thanks, Husband!), I finally got a new phone in my office that has a battery that doesn't die within 30 seconds, and after my speaking engagement tonight I get to go and watch Tannon play a basketball game. GREAT reasons to feel so blessed. I love my life!

If you remember, about a month ago Tannon (how cute is he, anyway?) broke his hand in 5 places (see my April 6 post). He had surgery where 5 screws were put in his hand as well as a bunch of wire. He had Spring AAU basketball coming up as well as Jr. Days for many colleges he would be attending in June that he needs to be able to throw for (he's a quarterback hoping for a football scholarship). The hand break was not the best of timing. We thought he would be cleared for full activity the last part of May which wouldn't give him much time to get his arm back in shape for the June football commitments. He healed quickly enough to get his cast off within 2 weeks, and was just cleared this week for full activity. AMAZING! He is so pumped. The only bad thing was that after 4 weeks of very little running and no playing ball, his legs cramped up like crazy last night at practice. He hobbled around like an old man the rest of the night. Thankfully, we can deal with that. Hint: if this happens to your son, have him drink some dill pickle juice. It is amazing what it does for muscle cramps! I will be running to the store this afternoon to buy some more pickles so that we avoid cramping in the basketball game tonight. I know there is a science behind the pickle juice and it has been explained to me before but I can't remember it. All I know is that it works. One more reason to feel blessed...knowing about pickle juice!

I thought this 'so blessed' 6" x 6" card would be appropriate to share with today's post. All products used are Close To My Heart: Kiwi Cardstock (retired), Whoops-A-Daisy Level 2 Paper Pack (X7099B, $12.95 for 10 cardstocks and 12 B&T paper duos), Versamark Ink Pad (Z891, $9.95), White Daisy Embossing Powder (Z673, $3.95), Treasures of the Heart stamp set (C1271, $18.95 for 8 stamps), White Daisy Sassy Strands (Z400, $5.95 for 16 feet each of 6 textures), Holiday Buttons (Z1285, $7.50 for quantity of 100). Click here to order from my website.

How is a Girl to Choose?

Are you kidding me? Did you watch Idol tonight? It was SICK! I mean "sick" in the way my boys use it...as in "so good it is beyond belief." Holy Cow! Holy Moly! How is a girl supposed to choose the best when EVERYONE sings like they did tonight? Kris started the night off by being Kris...original, understated and awesome. Allison then followed that up by singing, in my humble opinion, the best she has all year. Matt knocked my socks off. His voice was perfect for "Funny Valentine" and he showed us some 'sick' vocals (there's that silly word again). Danny was the Danny I fell in love with at the beginning of the season, not the one that seemed to fade the past month. In fact, I think he was the best I've ever seen him too. Adam was, well...ADAM! Indescribable. In a league of his own! I might have to download every single song done tonight on iTunes.

Adam is still my favorite but tonight everyone was so good that I just couldn't believe it. I have to keep going back to the fact that Adam has never had a bad night. I know some of you may disagree about the night he sang the Middle Eastern, almost spooky sounding "Ring of Fire". Although I wasn't the biggest fan of the arrangement myself, I still thought he kicked tooshie with his vocals. Can you argue with that?

I wish no one had to go home tomorrow. Based on tonight's vocals, they all deserve to stay. If I have to pick who I think the bottom two will be, I will have to choose Allison and Matt, with Matt going home. But, it almost kills me to say that. What did you think?

Only 4 More Days!

May 1 is only 4 days away. In fact it is THIS FRIDAY! There are LOTS of exciting things happening beginning on this first day of May. Here are just a few:

*New Summer 2009 Close To My Heart Catalog and Idea Book are live and you will be able to view it right here on my blog. The photo of the Idea Book is on the left of my blog (the green one with the amazing hiking layout on front) and on May 1 it will link to a virtual catalog that you can view page by page. SO EXCITING. I have also included a photo right here with this post. You are going to absolutely LOVE it. Every time I look at it I begin to drool. OK, not literally, but you get the picture.

Speaking of pictures, you can click on any of the ones posted here to see them larger.

*Karen's May Special: Place an order on my website (www.leavealegacy.myctmh.com) between May 1 and May 15 and receive a set of 3 handstamped cards from me in the mail to use as you wish. I promise they will be 'wowies'! Click here to order on my site (but wait until May 1 and be sure to read the rest of today's post to get the most bang from your buck!).

*The May Stamp of the Month (D1349-Be Yourself) is available. This is a set comprised of 14 stamps; 6 sentiments and 8 image stamps. You can see a fun card I made with this set pictured above (Close To My Heart products used: D1349 Be Yourself May Stamp of the Month - see pricing below, Z2105 Black Stamp Pad- $5.25, 1386 Black Cardstock - $9.50 for 24 sheets, 1385 White Daisy Cardstock - $9.50 for 24 sheets, X5697 Bubblegum Cardstock and Dutch Blue Cardstock from the Summer Celebration Combo Pack - $9.95, Z2324 Grey Flannel Marker - $2.95, Z10098 Love Letters Rubons - $9.95 for 3 sheets, Z1104 Sparkles - $2.95, Z1151 Foam Tape - $5.95, Z578 Corner Rounder - $7.95, Z1052 Ricrac Collection - $9.95 r]for 6 different colors and sizes of ricrac - 4 feet of each). As always you can use our AMAZING Stamp of the Month program to get it at a great discount or even FREE! Read how below.

• You can purchase it for the retail price of $22.95
  
• spend $25 (before shipping and tax) and earn the May Stamp of the Month for 25% off ($17.21)
• spend $50 (before shipping and tax) and earn the May Stamp of the Month for 50% off ($11.48)
• spend $75 (before shipping and tax) and earn the May Stamp of the Month for 75% off ($5.74)
• spend $100 (before shipping and tax) and earn the May Stamp of the Month for FREE (that is exactly $0.00. tee hee!)
  

*Tickled Pink has a feature that begins on May 1. Anyone who signs up to be a Close To My Heart Consultant between May 1 and May 31 will receive the Tickled Pink Promotion absolutely FREE (click here to read more about it). To sign up as a consultant, click here. I'd LOVE to have you on my team! Not only do we make money, we have FUN and I provide lots of support and training as your team leader. My team name is The Pacemakers, because we keep THE HEART (as in Close To My Heart) Pumpin'!

*Tickled Pink continues through May 31, while supplies last. Click here to read how you can get this wonderful set FREE or even purchase it at a great discount.

I thought I'd end this message today with a little 'let's do the math' segment, courtesy of me (I'm not the world's greatest mathemetician, but even I can figure this one out!)

• Spend $60 on stamp sets and get the Tickled Pink Promotion FREE ($41.65 value)
• Purchase the Crystal Blue Stamp Pad (Z2117), Sweet Leaf (Z2153) and Hollyhock Stamp Pads (Z2128) ($5.25 each for a total of $15.75 together. Add this to your $60 in stamp sets and you are now at $75.75 before shipping and tax with $41.65 free (over 50% of the value of what you are purchasing). You'll use these stamp pads to create your Tickled Pink projects.
  
• Add the 3" x 3" Acrylic Block (Y1006 - $8.50) and the 2" x 6.5" Acrylic Block (Y1010 - $9.95) and the 2" x 2" Acrylic Block (YY1003 - $6.50) to your order for a total of $100.70 (before shipping and tax). Now you qualify for the May Stamp of the Month FREE ($22.95 value). If you choose this idea, you will be spending $100.70 before shipping and tax and receiving $64.60 in free products. That's approximately 65% of the value of what you purchased. WOO HOO! Of course there may be other products you choose to purchase than the ones I suggested, but you get the picture, right?
• If you do all of this on my website (here), you will also get the handstamped 3 card set from me in the mail. Priceless (smile!).
  

15 Down, 9 To Go

I love Mondays! There are lots of reasons I love Mondays...starting a new week fresh, a chance to get caught up on things around the house after a busy weekend, the fact that I meet with my Relief Society Presidency on Mondays (love these ladies), our Family Home Evening (which is sometimes on Sundays, but sometimes on Mondays), not having to worry too much about dinner because I always make a huge Sunday dinner and there are leftovers. Although all of those reasons are good ones, they are not my favorite reason for Mondays. My favorite is that we get an email from our missionary son, Easton (pictured here on one of his less than successful dinner cooking attempts on his mission) on Mondays. We get to hear how his week was, how he is doing, any wonderful experiences he has had, etc. Because he is gone for 24 months and we only talk on the phone on Christmas and Mother's Day (only 2 weeks away!), these weekly emails are precious to me. Easton hit his 15 month mark this week, which means he has 9 months left until he comes home. I do not mean to sound as if I am wishing his mission away...quite the contrary. It has been a wonderful experience for him and the people he is serving and has been a wonderful experience for us, his family as we hear about his experiences and feel the special spirit that is in our home because of it. But that doesn't mean I don't miss him like crazy. So, here's to being happy my son chose to serve a mission, being happy he still has 9 months left to enjoy this once in a lifetime experience, and realizing that in 9 short months he will be home with us again.

So here I am waiting at the computer, hoping that his email will come any minute. Are you laughing at me? Well, wait until YOU have a missionary son. You'll understand!

Life's a Jungle

Do you ever finish a day in your life and think "Life is a Jungle!"? Today was one of those days. It was a fun jungle, though! It started out with errands and housework, then a ball game (Yay, Dawson!), run home to get ready (move furniture, set up tables and chairs, sort handouts, etc.) for my team meeting with my Close To My Heart downline, team meeting from 3-5 (lots of fun! Love ya, girls!), then take down tables, move furniture back, and think about getting a few things ready for Sunday dinner tomorrow (having company). I am just now sitting down to check email and relax and unwind a bit by catching up on some of my favorite blogs before heading down and doing about 3 loads of laundry. Whew! Life is a Jungle...crazy but full of fun and adventure! I thought these cards might be appropriate to share today. I made them a while ago but almost all of the things you see on them are still available from Close To My Heart.

Life's a Jungle cards - Close To My Heart products used (Click here to shop online):
Life's a Jungle Stamp set (14 stamps, D1285, $22.95), Chocolate Stamp Pad (Z2111, $5.25), Expedition Level 2 Paper Packet (X7082B, $12.95 for 10 cardstock sheets and 12 Background and Texture Paper duos), Chocolate Cardstock (X5643, $9.50 for 24 sheets), Earth Colored Pencils (Z920, $5.75 for 12 pencils), Round Sponge (Z697, $1.25), Autumn Terracotta Accents (retired), Autumn Terracotta Ribbon Rounds (retired).

Daci's Smile

I can't even stand it! This little girl and her smile melt my heart. I think it has been at least 2 whole days since I posted a photo of Daci and I couldn't go a moment longer. Humor me and think she is the cutest little girl in the whole wide world right along with me. It makes a grandma feel good!

Inspiration from a Gift Bag

Do you ever find yourself walking through the store and noticing a throw pillow or a little girl's dress, or even a gift bag and thinking, "Wow! That would make a great scrapbook page!"? Well, you know when you do that you are hopelessly scrapbook diseased, which may or may not be a good thing. I admit, I am and that's OK with me. I thought today I'd share a little of my illness with you. The photos you see are a two page layout I did of my son, Tannon on St. Johns Island of the U.S. Virgin Islands. I found this gift bag at Target one day shopping and of course didn't think, "What a cute bag. I think it would make a darling birthday presentation." No, of course not. What I thought was, "Cool color combo and nice blending from one color to another. Love the words and where they are placed. Fonts are cool. PERFECT inspiration for a scrapbook page!" What you see here are the results of that sick but productive thought process.

I did a lot of rubbing ink directly from the pad onto the cardstock, sponging ink onto paper, scissor distressing and sanding to get the look I wanted to recreate from the bag. I even decided to distress the edges of my photos and rub a little ocean ink on them too. I really liked the outcome.

So, next time you are feeling creatively challenged when it comes to scrapbooking, go shopping...and not for scrapbooking supplies! Go browse and see what inspires your little scrappin' heart that day. It works. Trust me...keeping in mind that I do have a scrapbooking illness.

Close To My Heart products used: moonstruck cardstock (1293), kiwi cardstock (retired), ocean cardstock (textured- X5745), goldrush cardstock (1243), white daisy cardstock (1385), white daisy embossing powder (Z673), goldrush embossing powder (retired), ocean stamp pad (Z2136), moonstruck stamp pad (z2134), summer celebration (Z468), white daisy (Z400) and autumn garden (Z466) sassy strands , dimensional elements basic shapes (retired), playful alphabet stamps (retired), tiny typewriter alphabet stamps (D1222), sans alphabet stamps (C1304), star struck stamp set (D1237). Click here to order any supplies above.

A Card to Brighten Your Day

I thought I'd share this happy card to brighten your day. Close To My Heart colors used: Sweet Leaf, Twilight, Petal, Blush. Enjoy!

Ode to the Internet

What a sad morning it was without you. I woke up and you were gone. Totally gone. I called our local phone company only to find out that you might even be gone 24 to 48 hours. My heart was crushed. What would I do without you? I needed you today to prepare for a meeting on Saturday, to check some statistics for my business, to print off a list I needed from a certain website, and to listen to some music I planned to download today. It wasn't just me either. Mac was very sad too. Because, without you, I just don't love Mac as much and tend not to spend nearly as much time with him. I do love him, but the two of you together are perfect. You must have heard my silent pleas for you to come back (and maybe my not so silent ones to the lady at the phone company) because here you are, right back where you belong, with me, after only 7 very long hours. Oh, how I love you! How did I ever live without you? Please don't ever leave again!

I Love You, Dan the Man

My daughter emailed this wonderful quote to me last week:

"Some choices have greater consequences than others. We make no greater voluntary choice in this life than the selection of a marriage partner. This decision can bring eternal happiness and joy. To find sublime fulfillment in marriage, both partners need to be fully committed to the marriage." -James E. Faust

Isn't that true? I am so grateful for the choice that Dan and I made in 1984 to spend eternity together when he asked me to marry him. Dan the Man is definitely everything I dreamed of when I was a little girl. He loves me unconditionally. He makes me laugh daily. He is a wonderful father to our children. He even cries in Disney movies. Something recently that has made me fall in love with him all over again is that he decided to start our tomato plants this year from seeds inside the house and then transfer them outside when it got warm enough. He has treated those little guys like babies. He has them right by the window and even puts a heating pad under them when it's especially cold. Hillarious and so stinkin' cute. He's got it all and I love him! I have found "sublime fulfillment."

Lollipops anyone?

Lollipops anyone? Did you know that the roses you see on the Daci layout and the cards are called lollipop roses? I LOVE them and have been having so much fun making them. You can click on either of the photos above and see them much larger that way. I thought I'd teach you how to make these darling flowers today! YAY!

Here's how it works:

1. Cut several circles in graduating sizes. You could do as few as 3 or as many as 7 or 8 to make one flower. You can use punches, your coluzzle, or even hand cut them. They don't have to be perfect so hand cutting is definitely an option. You are going to be manipulating the way they look anyway. You can use all one color, or choose a few colors to mix and match. All of the flowers you see on my layout and cards were made with using the following Close To My Heart cardstock colors (one or several of them): colonial white, hollyhock, olive, smokey plum.

2. Stack the circles with the smallest circle on top and then in order of size until the largest one is on the bottom. You may want to bend or crumple them a little before you do step #3. It depends on how flat or bent you want them to look.

3. Insert a brad in the center to hold them together.

4. Once the brad is holding them all together, play with each layer to separate them and bend them a little. I even tear a little bit here and there around the edges.

5. Using a white acrylic paint, put a little bit on your finger and go around the edge of each layer of the circles in the flower. It's ok if it gets a tiny bit on the top of the flower, but the goal is to have the edges stand out with the white as well as giving them some 'oomph' as you bend and shape them in the next step. Let dry.

6. Spritz a little bit of water on your flower from a spritz bottle. Now have fun! Bend and shape your flower any way you want it to look. After you are satisfied with it, let it dry. Instead of water, you could also use a sparkle spray or a walnut ink spray if you wanted to add sparkles or antiquing.

Voila! You now have a lollipop rose and it's ready to use. The roses you see in the layout and card above were the first ones I made. If you look close, you can see I did a better job on some than others, but they are supposed to each be unique anyway. I made all 12 of these flowers in one sitting in about an hour. I just did it while Dan and I were watching a TV show. Easy!

If you are coming to one of my Play Group classes in May, you will be making a few of these for one of your layouts. You'll love it!

Enjoy making your own! I'd love to see some of your creations. Feel free to email photos of them to me! (pedermom@aol.com)

It's Idol Night!

Most of you already know, and if you didn't already are learning quickly that I love American Idol. And I love Adam Lambert's music. The kid rocks it! I can hardly wait to see what he does tonight. Actually I'm kind of curious to see what everyone does tonight. Disco night? You've got to be kidding me! It will be very interesting to see what everyone chooses to sing. I hope Lil Rounds sings a good Donna Summer song. That girl is not showing off her voice enough. She is not one of my favorites, but I do think she is VERY talented and is not choosing songs to show off what that voice can do. What do you guys think? Who will sing what tonight? I can't even begin to guess.

Halloween Acrylic Album

Here is another album I made using Stacey Julian's Simple Scrapbook Organization Sheet (refer to my post from Saturday, April 18). Here's how I did it:

PURPOSE
1. I was making this album as a gift for a friend. I just wanted a fun Halloween album that she could add her own photos to.

FORMAT
2. Album Type: I chose to use the Close To My Heart Acrylic Album (Z117. $14.95)
3. Organization: I didn't really choose a special way to organize the album. I just knew I wanted it to be easy for her to add photos to, whether they were all from one Halloween, or from several years of Halloweens.
4. Framework: I did a title page that was also my front cover. The rest of the pages were left blank for photos and journaling that my friend chose to add herself.
5. Color Scheme: Orange, Black, Citrus Leaf, Hydrangea, White Daisy (all Close To My Heart colors)
6. Decorative Accents: Ribbons to match the colors I chose, Black and White Rubons (Nature's Ambiance, Z1097. $9.95 for 3 sheets. Love Letters, Z1098. $9.95 for 3 sheets), October Word Puzzle Stamp Set (D1311, $22.95 f0r 20 stamps), Creepy Cobwebs Stamp Set (D1319, $22.95), Stazon Black Stamp Pad (Z888, $9.95), various buttons I already had on hand in colors to match the book.
7. I chose to use very basic page designs. I kept in mind that it would be fun to have some things showing through the acrylic from another page. I had FUN with this project.

PREPARATION
8. I didn't need to gather any extra information like names, dates, etc. because my friend would be adding this on her own when she put her photos and comments on.
9. I didn't need to gather any photos because again, my friend would be adding her own.

I hope this little photo organization, scrapbook planning and organization and the past couple of days examples of those things have been fun and informative for you and that you might have actually learned something or been inspired by something your read. The scrappin' world is a place I love being and I love sharing my love of it with all of you as well. That was three 'loves' all in one sentence. That might be some kind of record. Have a great day!

Family 6 x 6 Accordion Album

I promised that I would begin posting a few of the albums I have done that fit the Simple Scrapbook Organizational Sheet that I posted on Saturday, April 18 (email me and I'll be happy to email you a .doc attachment of this form as well as one of the Photo Organization handout from the day before. pedermom@aol.com).

So, here we go! This is a 6 x 6 Accordion Album (Z1195. $3.95) that I made of my family as a Christmas Gift for my parents this past year since they are living away in Washington D.C. for a year.


Here's how it fits the model (you may want to refer to your handout or the post from April 18 as you read this):
1. I made this album to celebrate my family as a gift for my parents who won't see them for a year.
2. I chose to use a 6 x 6 Accordion Album so that they could use it as a display on their bookcase or coffee table.
3. I organized my album by having one photo of the family together and photos of individuals and couples throughout the album.
4. I chose to do a title page (the cover) and a closing page (the back cover, which is the poem) and the rest filler pages.
5. Color scheme: black, colonial white, bamboo (papers from the Silhouette kit X7090B. $12.95, and the Silhouette Creative Basics pack. X5803. $8.95). I had lots of paper left over for other projects.
6. For decorative accents I chose the September Word Puzzle stamp set (D1291, $22.95), with black ink (Z2205. $5.25) and bamboo ink (Z2103. $5.25). I also accented with circle metal rimmed tags (X285. $4.50 for 12 tags, 3 sizes) and silver brads (1759. $4.50 for 100 brads) and the black collection of our designer ribbon rounds (Z1034. $9.95 for 6 different ribbons, 4 ft. of each) and also some of our dimensional elements letters. Love those! Of course I had lots of accents left over for other projects.
7. I chose to do one photo per page and either a side bar, or title topper or bottom border as the page bases to keep it having a unified feel.
8. I needed to find a poem to fit our family for the closing page.
9. I needed a family photo, photos of the boys, and photo of Dan and I and of Kori and Rick.

See how that works? AWESOME! I love this album organizational system and use it quite often. Thanks to Stacey Julian again for creating an awesome system.

Sierra

I was looking through so of my older scrapbooks today and came across a layout from 2007 that I had forgotten all about. It is definitely one of my favorites.

I just love this photo of my niece, Sierra and I wanted to scrapbook it in a way that captured the innocence and beauty of a 6 year old on the beach. I just love it when one of my photos turns out perfectly. It doesn't happen often, but this one did.

To represent the mood of the photo, I weathered all of my papers (all Close To My Heart) by sanding, scissor distressing, and even tearing them a little bit. I created the ruffle on the bottom by taking some Close To My Heart Background and Texture Paper and haphazardly folding it back and forth to resemble a ruffle. I topped it off with some baby pink gingham ribbon accents. The letters aren't Close To My Heart, but when I saw them I new they would be perfect with the sand in the photo. Enjoy!

Scrapbook Album Formula Worksheet

Yesterday I promised you an Album Formula Worksheet to go along with your Photo Organization handout (see yesterday's first post). By using these two handouts, you can be well on your way to feeling organized and ready to scrap at any time! WOO HOO!

In the next few days I will post some photos of an album or two that I have made that follows this formula worksheet. I love using this sheet and love how my albums turn out when I do.


Simple Scrapbooks Formula Worksheet
Created by: Stacey Julian and slightly modified by Karen Pedersen

Use this handy form to help you plan and make a scrapbook. These nine questions will help you make decisions about format and organization. U se the back to sketch design schemes, attach paper swatches, and make a shopping list to take with you when shopping for your supplies (like when you come to Karen’s house for Play Group). Keep this sheet in your scrapbook or scrapbook file as a reference for creating and updating your album.

PURPOSE
1. Why am I making this album? Ask yourself:
*Who or what am I celebrating (child’s life, vacation, relationship or hobby)?
*What emotions do I want to capture (romance, gratitude, remembrance)?
*How will I use this album (gift, showcase, yearly update)?


FORMAT
2. What size and style of album** will I use (12 x 12, 6 x 6, Braggin’ Tag, Acrylic, 4 x 6 Three Ring, etc.)

**Close To My Heart has many sizes and types of albums to choose from:
-My Legacy Albums: 6" x 6", 9" x 9" and 12" x 12" post bound albums in linen, simulated leather and leather, many colors to choose from, that range in price from $18.95 to $49.95. All 3 sizes of these in various colors of linen are pictured here.
-My Creations 3 Ring , 4" x 6" Binder (coming May 1! Z1141, $5.95)
-My Creations Circle Album, 4 3/4" diameter, 2 chipboard covers, 10 cardstock pages (Z1017, $4.95)
- My Creations Acrylic Mini Album, 6 1/4" x 7", 8 pages, use both sides (Z1117, $14.95)
-Braggin' Tags Mini-Album, 7 1/4" x 4 1/4", 2 chipboard covers and 10 cardstock pages (Z1012, $4.95)
-My Creations Memory Showcase, accordion-style album with 2 chipboard covers and 6 pages inside. 6" x 6" (Z1195, $3.95) or 9" x 9" (Z1198, $5.95) sizes
-My Creations Display Album, can stand to display photos or be sued as a book. Chipboard covers with 12 spiral bound page protectors. 6" x 6" (Z1054, $7.95)
-3" x 3" Mini Album. 8 page protectors inside. Kraft (Z1165) or Cream (Z1166). ($3.95)



3. How will I organize my album (check one)?

• chronological highlights (monthly pages or by event)
• Theme (holidays, vacations, school)
• Favorites (photos I love, collections, etc.)
• Alpha-numeric (ABC book, top-10 list)
• Question and Answer (interview style, use of questionnaire)
• Other (Don’t feel constrained by someone else’s guidelines, imagine the possibilities and blur the lines)
  

4. What framework pages will I include in the album (check each one you plan to include)?

• Title page
• Dedication page
• Table of Contents
• Section pages
• Filler pages
• Closing page
• Other
  

5. What is my color scheme? (Attach your Close To My Heart color swatches to the back of this sheet.)




6. What decorative accents will I use?




7. How will I arrange my photos and journaling on the framework and filler pages to create a unified look and feel? (This is your design scheme. Close To My Heart how-to books will help you a great deal (Cherish, Imagine, Reflections).




PREPARATION
8. Do I need to gather additional information (such as stories, names and dates)? If yes, what? Who do I need to contact?




9. What photos do I need to complete the album? Do I have all of the photographs or do I need to contact someone or take more photos?



HELPFUL DEFINITIONS
Framework: A group of pages that provides the ‘skeletal’ structure for an album. Included title page, table of contents, etc.

Title Page: lists your album’s name, date and other identifying information. Sets the style for your entire album by introducing selected colors and accents.
Dedication/Introduction page (optional): A place to explain our reasons behind the album or dedicate it to a specific person. Sometimes included on the cover or title page.

Table of contents (optional): Provides a quick overview of what’s included in your book, usually listing section titles. Often establishes a design characteristic that’s used for each section, such as a specific color or decorative accent.

Section pages (optional): Introduces and separates each album section (if you’re using sections).

Filler pages: Provide the body of your album and contain your photos and journaling, as well as design elements carried over from your framework pages.

Closing page (optional): Provides a place for a closing photo, an album summary, or an appropriate quote.

Materials file: A place to gather photos and supplies before you begin, as well as store your completed formula and information or supplies you’ll need for future updates.

Format: The physical characteristics of the album and it’s contents, including the album size and the way the album is organized (“top-ten list”, “favorites”, etc.)

Design scheme: the way elements are arranged on a page. A consistent design scheme visually ties the pages together, lending continuity to an album.

Discoveries

Daci has discovered her tongue. It is the cutest thing ever. She was at our home on Tuesday with her mommy and daddy for Dawson's birthday dinner. About every 5 seconds she has decided that she must stick that tongue out. It is so much fun watching babies discover things for the first time.

Speaking of discoveries...as Dawson was unwrapping his presents he discovered a pair of shoes given to him by his big brother, Tannon. First you must know that all 3 of my boys (Easton, Tannon and Dawson) have shoe fetishes. They think they need a pair to match every outfit. No, that fetish is not reserved for women only. The look on D's face tells you exactly how he felt about his shoe discovery.

Photo Organization

Do you have a stack at your house that looks like this? Do you have boxes of photos that need organizing? Do you feel so overwhelmed trying to sort through photos that you never seem to get any scrapbooked? If you answered, "Yes!" to any of these questions, then today's post is just for you!

The original handout that I adapted this from was created by my friend, Chris Green. She was inspired by Stacey Julian's book, Photo Freedom. Awesome resource, by the way!

Enjoy the following information, cut and paste it into a document that you can print and use as you organize. Please let me know if you have any comments or questions. Enjoy! -Karen

Photo Organization

Handout created by Chris Green, with a few ideas added by Karen Pedersen
(Ideas inspired by “Photo Freedom by Stacy Julian”)

Close To My Heart Product List (items that can be used to facilitate this system, they are referred to throughout the handout):
My Legacy Albums – various styles & colors - $27.95 to $49.95
4113 12x12 Six Pocket (10 pages) $8.95
Z4127 Label Holders $4.95
Z1038 My Acrylix Organizer $12.95
Z334 Paper Organizer 12x12 $10.95
Z1049 Photo Marker $2.50
(To purchase any of these items, click here then click on Shop Online)

From Camera to Prints

Digital
1. Set up a folder by year – for example: “2009”
2. In each year folder, set up sub folders by each date and event and download photos into the folder after each event or on a regular basis (i.e.: weekly, monthly, quarterly). Here are some sub folder examples:
12-25 – Christmas Day
4-14 – Dawson’s 15th Birthday
3. Upload digital prints for printing on a regular basis (once a month, once a quarter, etc). Online places to order photos: www.costco.com (requires membership), www.winkflash.com, www.snapfish.com, www.shutterfly.com

Film
1. Label each roll of film with month/year – event with a permanent marker.
2. Have a regular place that you store your film waiting to be developed so you don’t misplace any.
3. Develop film on a regular basis (Each roll of film, each event – such as a vacation).

Create Organization Systems
Before you can begin organizing your printed photos, you need to create a couple of organization systems. Create the following:

Scrapbook Notebook
As you begin scrapbooking more frequently, this notebook will help be able to keep track of what you have scrapbooked and what photos have been used on a project or in a gift album. It will also be a great place to file ideas you have for project albums.
* Create a yearly sheet you can record your photo events on to track what has been printed, what album, etc.
* Create tabs in the notebook – yearly and tabs for each project album to organize your ideas for your album.
* Print Several project sheets that you store in your albums so you can fill them out as you get inspiration for your album or project (note from Karen: I will be sharing one of these on my blog tomorrow, 4-18-2009)

My Legacy Album & Photo Storage Pages – 6 photo
Use an album for each family member or theme album to store your photos to be scrapbooked. Load the six photo pocket pages (4113, 10 for $8.95) into the album. This will save you time when you are sorting. Use a Label Holder to label your album.
Budget Option: Use one album or use the photo storage pages loosely until you can purchase an album.

My Acrylix Organizer
This organizer (Z1038, $12.95) will be a filing box for all the “extra” photos when you sort your photos. Consider creating a filing box for the following:
* Each family member
* Each themed scrapbook (Vacations, Holidays, etc) you set up
Advantage of using the My Acrylix Organizers – they are portable and stackable!

Create tabs in each album for the types of photos that will be filed in the box. Some tab ideas:
* Personality
* Friends
* Sibling & Me
* Hobbies

Paper Organizer – 12x12
Use the paper organizer (Z334, $10.95 for 3) to store oversized photos (and miscellaneous memorabilia) - consider labeling the organizer with the event and date.

From Photo Envelopes to Organized - Sorting Your Photos
Sort your photos from one event into the following piles:

Discard (i.e. the garbage!)
Place any blurred prints, misprints from print company, etc in this pile. As soon as you are finished sorting – these photos can be thrown away!

Scrapbook
Choose 12-24 photos of the event to scrapbook. NOTE: Not all of these photos will be used on the scrapbook page – the ones that are not chosen will be filed or discarded after you create your layout. Place photos in a single 6 photo pocket page – layer like photos between the front photos of the pocket.

File
These are photos that will be filed in your My Acrylix Organizer box(s). Use the Photo Marker (Z1049, $2.50), write pertinent information on photo – month, year, event and then file photos in the appropriate My Acrylix Organizer box under the appropriate divider tab.

Extra photos
Store in your six photo pages in an album by year or if digital prints discard after scrapbook layout is complete. This is a hard concept for some people, but it really is OK to discard the photos of an event that are much the same as the one you have scrapbooked but not as good. Do you really need 6 photos of Sally blowing out her birthday candles? I think probably one or two is plenty. Let go of the need to keep every single photo.

Negatives
Store in envelope by date or scan with a negative scanner into digital files. Service available online – for more information go to www.scancafe.com or Google “Negative Scanner”.

Scrapbook and Share Contest

Scrapbook and Share Artwork Contest on Special Website

As another fun way to celebrate National Scrapbook Month (May), Close To My Heart created a website, www.scrapbookandshare.com, that you can visit to share your artwork and win Close To My Heart products. To participate in the Scrapbook and Share contest, simply send Close To My Heart a JPEG image of a two-page layout that highlights you in some way to scrapbookandshare@closetomyheart.com. You can begin entering now and all the way through May 31. Along with your submission, you’ll want to share why the layout highlights you. At the end of May, finalists will be selected from all of the entries, and you and your customers will be able to vote for your favorites. The winners in each category will receive $150 US retail in Close To My Heart products.

To access the website and read all the details about the Scrapbook and Share contest, click on the link on the left side of my blog (cute pink flower) or visit www.scrapbookandshare.com. To enter the contest, send your scrapbook layouts to scrapbookandshare@closetomyheart.com!

Don't forget that the "Tickled Pink" special is in full swing. Check out my April 10 post for the details. It's too good to miss!

Back Country 5 x 7 Card

Whadya think? Cute or what? I know what you are really thinking..."Where in the heck did she get the stuff to make that card? I don't recognize any of it!" Well you are right. It is NEW stuff that is coming out in the new Close To My Heart Summer 2009 Idea Book which goes live on May 1, 2009.

Ingredients used to create this card: Back Country Level 2 Kit, Dimensional Elements Borders, Autumn Buttons, Backwoods stamp set, Goldrush Stamp Pad, Barn Red Stamp Pad, Garden Green Stamp Pad, Outdoor Denim Stamp Pad, 3D foam squares, Liquid Glass.

I will have a link here on my blog beginning May 1 that will allow you to view the new Idea Book page by page online. You can also email me and let me know if you'd like to drop by and pick one up that you can have as your very own and hold in your hot little hands, or I'll even be more than happy to send you a book if you live long distance (pedermom@aol.com). Only 14 more days until you can see it!

Last Chance to Sign Up - Flower Power Workshop

These gorgeous cards are only a peek into the 18 cards we will be making at my Flower Power Workshop (cards designed by my friend, Nona Davenport). You can see all 18 cards on my April 3 post. Be sure to check them out. If you want to participate, you need to call or email me by tomorrow (Thursday, April 16) at 5 pm MT.

If you are interested in this workshop, read on:

The cost is $25 (including shipping and tax on the supplies, $28 if you are participating long distance). You will come away with 18 finished cards with various greetings. Here are the details...

Flower Power Workshop (you can also participate in this workshop Long Distance. If you are interested, just email me to let me know (pedermom@aol.com) and I'll send everything you need to you along with directions and a cutting guide I have created. The cost to participate long distance is $28. The additional $3 is to cover the postage for sending you the kit and instructions.)

When: Wednesday, April 22. 10 am - 1 pm or 7 pm - 10 pm.
Where: My House (or long distance if you prefer)
Why: FOR FUN and to build up your card supply
Cost: $25 (includes everything you need but what you bring below) ($28 long distance participants)
You Bring: Paper Trimmer, adhesive, glue dots, and 3D Foam Tape (you will need all of them)
Sign Up By: Sign up no later than April 16, 2009. $25 is pre-paid. Feel free to email me at pedermom@aol.com to sign up.

Prizes:
*Earn a prize if you sign up a friend who has never been to my classes or workshops before. Prize will be awarded at the workshop or sent to you if you participate long distance.
*Earn a prize if you are one of the first 5 to sign up for this workshop. Prizes will be awarded at the workshop or sent to you if you are participating long distance.

National Dawson Day

Today, April 14 is officially National Dawson Day. It was 15 years ago today that he graced this world with his presence and I must say that the world has not been the same since. He brought with him a sunny disposition, a fun sense of humor, the innate ability to talk backward, a fiery temper (which doesn't come often, but when it does...look out!), and a perpetually stuffy nose. He is his mommy's baby and always will be, no matter how big or old he gets. He is still willing to snuggle with Mom, wrestle with Dad, play ball with his brothers even though they still beat him every time (just wait for a few years, Daws. That will all change!), is not afraid to admit he loves his cat, loves to hold his new niece, and is an all around great kid. He works hard in school and really cares about his grades (YAY!), well...all except for one class (Boo!).

The illustrious Dawson would not be happy if he saw the photo I posted but I just love it. This was on Christmas and he tied one of the ribbons from a gift around his head. I think he looks like a Ninja turtle!

Because it is National Dawson Day, I wanted to take this opportunity to wish him a very happy 15th birthday. Feel free to join me. I love you, Bud! Have a GREAT day!

Gratitude

Today is a day filled in which I am filled with gratitude; gratitude for my Savior, Jesus Christ, gratitude for His atonement, gratitude that He lives, gratitude that through Him I can live again with my Father in Heaven some day. I cannot think of a bigger blessing in any of our lives than this one. No matter what other trials we may be facing in our lives, this gives us reason to be grateful every day. There is no greater gift. I love this painting by Simon Dewy of Christ with children. It is called "As I Have Loved You".

Have a wonderful Easter. I hope your day is filled with gratitude, hope and peace.

May Play Group Pages

I am so excited about my monthly scrapbook classes! I call them “Play Group”. They are 3 hour classes and they are available to you to attend in two different ways:

A. You can join Play Group for a 10 month commitment (you still get 5-6 dates to choose from each month to attend) and one of those months you will have a turn to be the ‘hostess’ (earn free gifts based on the total orders turned in. The hostess gifts usually range from $40-$100 in FREE products from our catalog--sometimes more!). There are also lots of other benefits to joining Play Group.
Some of them are:
• You will have the option of having your own customized gathering with your friends and family the month you are a hostess to increase your hostess gifts.
• You will get each new Idea Book a month before anyone else...FREE! for as long as you are a member.
• If you are a member during the Christmas season, you will get a special Christmas gift from me.
• You will be privy to "MEMBER ONLY" specials and perks including additional opportunities to earn free product and rewards.
• You will never miss out on hearing about a Close To My Heart special.
• You will also get priority sign up on any workshops and other events I do.
• As a Play Group member, you will make your husband happy by maintaining a level of discipline on your spending by spreading out your purchases over a period of time rather than splurging all at once...ok, maybe not, it's just a thought. LOL
• You will have the opportunity and excuse to have at least ONE night or day out just for you with your girlfriends doing something productive and FUN. You will get to “fill your bucket” so that you can be a better wife, mother, friend, and person.
Details:
• If you join, you commit to 10 months (including the first one you are already attending)
• During those 10 months you commit to purchasing the Basic Package each month (between $20 and $25, before shipping and tax)
• You will have a turn to be ‘Hostess’ one of those 10 months. This means you will earn AT LEAST a $25 shopping spree from our catalog (the average is more like $60-80)
• Each month I will have at least 5 dates and times for you to choose from to attend (so that you can choose what is most convenient for your schedule)
• If you are unable to attend on a certain month, I will still give you your packets and you are still required to have your order to me by the last club date of the month

B. You can watch my monthly emails for my Play Group dates and call or email me to sign up for a date. You will make three beautiful two page 12 x 12 layouts at each class. You pre-order the supplies for the class and pay before you come.
• There is a Basic Package that you are required to purchase. It is all the paper and MyStiickease will need to complete all 3 two page layouts, and any accessory items that I have added to layout one (both pages of that layout). This packet is always less than $25 before shipping and tax.
• There is also a Better Package option. This lists any accessories I have used on layouts 2 and 3 and any stamp pads or tools we are using on the layouts. I will always have the stamp pads there for you to use when you attend class, but if you want to have those colors for yourself you might want to order them. Any accessory items included on layouts 2 and 3 are not included in the ‘Basic Package’, but you are more than welcome to purchase them yourself. They are all listed in the “Better Package.” You can purchase the “Better Package (which also included the Basic Package) or you can pick and choose items you want to add, or just stick with the Basic Package. I hope I’m making sense!
• There is also a “Best Package.” This package includes everything that is included in both the Basic and the Better Packages as well as the stamps we will be using on the layouts. Again, I will have all stamps you need here for you to use at class. If you want any of those stamps for yourself, you will want to purchase them.
• You are also more than welcome to purchase anything else you want from the Idea Book.

PLEASE CALL OR EMAIL ME IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN COMING in May (see dates in #4 below)! You must reserve a spot in advance.

Come try it out! By coming, you have no obligation to join Play Group, but if you decide you’d like to, I’d love to have you. Feel free to call and reserve a spot for yourself and/or other friends. No children please.

We will be using the That’s Amore Kit.

That’s Amore Shopping List
Shop in April for May 2009 Play Group Classes

Basic Package
X7107B That's Amore Level 2 Paper Packet 12.95
X7107C That's Amore Level 2 My Stickease® Assortment 4.95
X1407 Love Always Journaling Spots 2.95
That's Amore Workshop Guide 1.00
2 Edge Anchors™/8 Brads 1.00
1 yard polka dot chocolate organdy ribbon 1.00
Subtotal 23.85
(total with shipping and tax is $27.30)

Better = Basic Package + This Product
Z1040 Antiqued Copper Brads 4.50
Z1127 Chocolate Collection Ribbon 7.95
Z2111 Chocolate Exclusive Inks™ Pad 5.25
Z2166 Tulip Exclusive Inks™ Pad 5.25
Subtotal 46.80

(total with shipping and tax is $53.54. You also qualify for this month’s Stamp of the Month at 25% off. If you add this, your total with shipping and tax is $74.06)

Best = Better Package + This Product
D1334 My Acrylix® Reminisce 22.95
E1009 Building Blocks Alphabet 34.95
Subtotal 104.70

(at this level you qualify for this month’s Stamp of the Month absolutely FREE. Your total with shipping and tax is $1123.09)

CLASS DATES AND TIMES FOR May (using the That’s Amore Kit):
Tuesday, May 5, 10 am – 1 pm
Tuesday, May 5, 7 pm – 10 pm
Wednesday, May 6, 10 am – 1 pm
Wednesday, May 6, 7 pm – 10 pm
Tuesday, May 12, 7 pm – 10 pm

Call or email me today to sign up for a class and to place your order for whichever package you prefer. You are also welcome to buy the basic package and pick and choose any other items you would like from the better and/or best kits. pedermom@aol.com, 801-756-8797. I’d LOVE to have you come!

Traditions

Traditions. I love them. I really love them. They make our family closer and are something we all look forward to. Dan the Man and I have tried to create as many of them as we can over the years of our marriage and building our family. I just feel they are so important. Being the sports-crazed family that we are, of course we have a tradition for the Super Bowl.

I was looking through some layouts today and came across this one from this year's Super Bowl. It made me smile. I thought I'd share it will all of you today in hopes it might make you smile too. There were some 3D moments during this year's game and of course we all had our 3D glasses on to be sure we didn't miss a thing. The photos of us in our glasses make me giggle.

Each year we make a Super Bowl Cake. I am certainly not a cake decorator, but I do the best I can to create a cake that resembles the playing field for that year's game. We have lots of good food and munchies too. I think the deviled eggs are always the first to go. Not being a deviled egg fan myself, I guess that says that the other family members are! There are usually 24 eggs and with 7 family members, and only 6 who eat them, that tells you what deviled egg lovers the rest of them are! It is a fun day every year and something I think my kids will always remember.

Here's to traditions!

Tickled Pink is Here!

Remember on Monday of this week (April 6) when I posted photos of some layouts and cards done with the 'got to have it' floral and striped background and texture paper and blush and crystal blue cardstock? It was a sneak peek into the "Tickled Pink" Close To My Heart promotion which begins in just a couple of days. You simply cannot pass this up. Here are the details:

"Tickled Pink" was created to celebrate National Scrapbooking Month (May) but Close To My Heart has chosen to let you get started a little bit early! You can place your order with me beginning on Wednesday, April 15 through Sunday, May 31 (while supplies last).

Included in kit:

• 1-My Acrylix "I am" stamp set ($22.95 value)
• 2-12" x 12" Floral B&T Duo Paper (1 with glitter-$1.18 value)
• 2-12" x 12" Striped B&T Duo Paper (1 with glitter-$1.18 value)
• 1-12" x 12" Blush Textured Cardstock (.63 value)
  
• 1-12"X 12" Crystal Blue Cardstock (.63 value)
  
• 4-12" x 12" White Daisy Textured Cardstock ($2.52 value)
  
• 1-12" x 12" White Diaisy Textured Cardstock Die Cut sheet ($1.32 value)
  
• 1-Mini-Medley Accents-White Daisy Collection ($7.95 value)
• 1-Foam Texture Tool ($2.49 value)
• 1-Cutting Guide and Instruction Brochure ($1.00 value)

Total Value: $41.65

There are a few ways you can get this beautiful kit:
1. Place a minimum order of $60 in stamp sets (exluding K size and Stamp of the Month) between April 15 and May 31 and receive the kit FREE. If
2. Purchase the Tickled Pink kit at just $34.95 (almost 20% less than the kit value). If you're placing your own order online, use item number CC1004C). Limit one free kit per order.
3. Sign up as a new Close To My Heart Consultant between May 1 and May 31, 2009 and receive the kit absolutey FREE.
4. Host a Home Gathering between April 15 and May 31 with minimum sales of $400 and receive the kit absolutely FREE.

So, pick which way you would like to get it and email me right away. I'm more than happy to help you purchase or EARN this kit ABSOLUTELY FREE. (pedermom@aol.com).

You may notice that my layouts and cards pictured on my April 6 post are a bit different than what you see here. You can choose to do yours either way. I will be happy to give you the instructions and extra products that I used on mine absolutely free if you take advantage of this special as my gift to you for National Scrapbooking Month. If you would like to order online, remember you must wait until Wednesday, April 15. You can click on any of the "Close To My Heart" links above, or on this one and you will be taken straight to my website where you can place your order. (www.leavealegacy.myctmh.com)

Happy Birthday, Tracey!

Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday dear friend, Tracey! Happy Birthday to you!

My friend, Tracey is such a blessing in my life and today is her birthday. I wanted to publicly let her know that I'm thinking of her today and am so grateful for our friendship.

The 3rd One's a Charm

I know this is my 3rd post today. And, yes I do have a life. I know you are wondering. But I couldn't resist. My daughter, Kori just emailed me these photos of Daci. I laughed so hard at the one where she is holding Daci. Kori looks beautiful, but Daci looks like she just saw something that horrified her. Do you ever wonder what is going on in those little heads? Our little Daci is now 6 weeks old.