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Monday, November 30, 2009

Don't Miss It! Last Day!


This is it; the last day, the final 24 hours, the end of the road, the caboose. Stampaganza (buy 2 stamp sets, get one free...no limit to how many!) is coming to an end. Don't miss it! Head to my website here (then click on Shop Online) to take advantage of this AWESOME special before midnight Mountain Time tonight (November 30).

Sunday, November 29, 2009

December Play Group Layouts





If you have never attended one of my Play Group classes before, THIS is the month to do it! I mean, really...who DOESN'T need Christmas pages? Plus, when they are made with the cutest papers ever, how could you resist? Here are photos of the three two page 12" x 12" layouts we are making this month. Feel free to click on any photo to see it larger.

To see how my Play Group Classes work, just scroll down the left side of my blog to the part that is called "Play Group Information." It will explain it all. If you are interested in coming to one of my December classes, or if you have any questions, just email me (pedermom@aol.com).

Kit Prices for December (prices include shipping and tax):
Basic Kit (includes Jingle Level 2 Paper Pack, Jingle Level 2 MyStickease, and Twinkle Brads Jolly Assortment): $25.07

Better Kit (includes all that comes in Basic, plus the Designer Ribbon Rounds Cranberry Collectioin and the Dimensional Elements On Target): $41.02

Best Kit (includes all that comes in Basic and Better, plus the Holiday Trinkets Stamp Set, the Creme Brulee, Tulip, and Juniper Stamp Pads, and 2 rolls of 3D Foam Tape): $92.23

December Play Group Class Dates and Times to choose from:
Thursday, December 3, 10 am - 1 pm
Tuesday, December 8, 7 - 10 pm
Wednesday, December 9, 10 am - 1 pm
Thursday, December 10, 7 - 10 pm

I hope to hear from you soon! In the meantime, don't forget it's Stampaganza (buy 2 stamp sets, get 1 free) and today and tomorrow are the LAST DAYS to take advantage of this awesome special. Click here for more details. Click here to order from my website 24/7...especially during the last 2 days of Stampaganza!

Saturday, November 28, 2009

Studio J...I Got to Play Today!

I got to play with Studio J today! Hey, that rhymed. I'm a poet and I didn't even know it! Don't worry. I'll quit the rhyming now and stick with something I am kind of good at...scrapbooking!

I told you several months ago about a brand new program that Close To My Heart is coming out with called Studio J. It is Close To My Heart's version of digital scrapbooking...but since it is so much better than any other digital program out there, we are calling it Studio Scrapbooking. It will be available during the first quarter of 2010 for customers. Hold on to your britches! You will love it. Being the lucky girl I am, and because I am a Close To My Heart Consultant who attended Leadership Conference 2009, I get to 'play' early. In the past day I have already made two beautiful two page layouts. I am in awe of how easy to use this program is and how gorgeous the layouts are. WOWZA!

I have included a screen shot (feel free to click on it to see it larger) of one of the layouts I worked on today. It is a layout of my son, Easton who is on a mission. Sidenote: Easton gets home 2 months from last Thursday. WOO HOO!

Anyway, I just had to share. I know you are going to love this program as much as I do when you get a chance to play as well.

While you are waiting for it to go live, you can register as a member of the Studio J website for FREE, and that will make you eligible to have a chance to win a brand, new Cocoa Linen Album. To do that, go to www.studioj.com and register in the upper right hand corner. There is also a link here to watch a special video that shows a little more about this awesome new tool.

So, what do you say? Don't you wish you could play today? It will be worth the wait. When you get to play, you'll think it's A-O-Kay! Sorry! I just couldn't resist.

Friday, November 27, 2009

Another Sneak Peek and 3 More Days!

Just 3 more days (ends at midnight MST on Nov. 30) of Stampaganza (buy 2 stamp sets get 1 free). Don't miss it! It only comes around once per year, at most. Now THERE is a Black Friday sale for you... and you don't have to get up at 4 am to take advantage of it. You can do it right in the comfort of your own home, and even in your jammies if you prefer.

Click here for more Stampaganza details.

Click here to order from my website, even on Black Friday.

The artwork you see today is another sneak peek at something you will see announced here on my blog mid-December. I'll be giving word hints and artwork sneak peeks every once in a while between now and December 15 so you'll be all psyched up and ready for the big announcement of this AWESOME special.

Hint #1: Exclusive

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Gratitude




Gratitude...what a wonderful concept! If we spent more time focusing on our blessings than on the things that we wish were in our lives, we would be much happier people. I KNOW this because there are days where I am mighty good at one or the other, and which side I choose to focus on for the day affects who I am that day.

With Dan having hit his one year 'out of work' mark the beginning of this month, I admit that I have swayed more to the wishing side than the thanking side of things. What a wonderful day today is to put myself back on track!

Other than the fact that Dan has no job, our lives are so abundantly blessed with so much that I cannot even begin to name it all in this post. But, I thought I'd give it a little shot anyway. There is a song that we sometimes sing at church called, "Count Your Blessings." I love this song. Here are a few of the lyrics: "Count your blessings, name them one by one. Count your blessings, see what God has done." LOVE this song. What a great reminder! In fact, not too long ago I decided I was going to say a prayer with nothing but "thank you's" in it. It was amazing to me how many things I had to thank my Father in Heaven for when I thought only of that and not of asking Him for things I need. Give it a try. You might be surprised!

So, here I am counting a few of my blessings:
1. FAMILY: I hate to make any of you sad, but I definitely have the best family EVER! From parents and grandparents and in-laws, to sisters, to aunts and uncles, to DAN THE MAN (the love of my life), to my four amazing children, to my wonderful son-in-law, and to my beautiful granddaughter. I love you all more than you could EVER imagine. Just typing this and thinking about each of you makes my heart so full that it is overflowing through my eyes.

2. God/Faith/Testimony/Church: I am so grateful for my membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I love my Heavenly Father and know that He loves me. I know that he knows me individually and hears and answers my prayers. I also know that He never gives us more than we can bear. I am grateful that he has had so much faith in Dan and I this year as we have experienced unemployment for the first time ever in our 24 1/2 years of marriage. I hope he SOON feels we have about had all that we can bear in that department! :) Seriously, as hard as it is some days, I NEVER doubt my Heavenly Father. I am grateful for my deep rooted testimony and faith in God.

I am also grateful for my Savior, Jesus Christ and his atonement. It changed the world and continues to change mine daily.

3. Home: I love our little home and have so many wonderful memories of raising our family here.

4. Friends: Thank you to ALL of you who enrich my life beyond belief. I have some of the kindest, most thoughtful and compassionate friends around. You know who you are! I love you!

5. Job: I use that term loosely! How I have been able to earn the income I do with Close To My Heart for the past almost seventeen years while LOVING what I do so much continues to baffle me. I am SO GRATEFUL for this career that began as a way to make a few extra dollars here and there.

6. Laughter: At a time when I have learned more than ever that the best way to deal with stress is to find humor in it, I am grateful for laughter. I LOVE it when something makes me laugh so hard that my face hurts. Like yesterday when Dan and I went to the grocery store and I mixed a metaphor so badly that we both laughed until tears were running down our faces. Have you ever cut off your foot to spite your face? I hope not! Oh my! Where did that come from?

7. Age/Peace/Wisdom: Other than the physical part of aging, I appreciate and find joy in this process. I love the peace and contentment that come with the stage of life I am in. I love enjoying my children as teenagers and adults. I love being a grandma and think I love watching Dan be a grandpa even more! I like thinking that I have gained a little bit of wisdom over the years. I can live with the wrinkles and grey hair (that's what makeup and hair color were invented for, right?), but could someone please figure out the metabolism shift thing? If you do, PLEASE email me the solution. And, DON'T let your email say, "Eat less and exercise." That is not the solution I am looking for.

The list could go on and on, but this is my top 7 for 2009. I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving surrounded by your blessings. I'm off to finish my part of the dinner now. Oh, one more thing to be grateful for...I am not hosting dinner this year. WOO HOO!

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Sneak Peek and 7 More Days!


Don't forget...only 7 more days of Stampaganza (buy 2 stamp sets get one free)! Click here for details. I'm also sharing a few projects today that use one of the alphabet stamp sets that I referred to in my last post (2" alphabets). It's the Building Block Alphabet (E1009) and I use it all the time. As you can see I used it for the titles of both of these sneak peek layouts. It would be a GREAT stamp set to order this month as part of Stampaganza!

In the meantime, I thought I'd give you a sneak peek at a project or two (feel free to click on either project to see it larger) that I made with a special kit from Close To My Heart. The first layout was inspired by one that the CTMH art department created, and the second is just me.

You'll learn more about this kit and how to get it here on my blog in mid-December (how's that for suspense?). Enjoy!

Click here to order from my website 24/7...especially during Stampaganza!

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Only 9 More Days and Karen's Picks!

Stampaganza (buy 2 stamp sets get one free) will be gone before you know it (November 30 is the last day!). Close To My Heart doesn't offer this special very often (once a year at the MOST) so NOW is the time to take advantage of it! For more details click here. To shop on my website, click here.

I thought today I would share some of my all-time favorite stamp sets in a few categories (the ones I tend to use most) with you and why I like them. Maybe this will help you decide what it is you would use the most as well. If you click on any of the stamp sets I've listed here, it will take you to my website where you can see a picture of the actual set and order it if you'd like.

Also, if you are looking for a set in a particular area that I haven't listed here (birthday, baby, wedding, etc.) and would like a recommendation, I would be more than happy to share my favorites and why with you. Just email me at pedermom@aol.com.

Alphabets:
1/2" - 1" size letters:
*Hodge Podge Alphabet (D1301), set of 109 - $22.95
*Delightful Alphabet (DD1221) set of 71 - $22.95
I love both of these first two sets because there are a variety of fonts a several of each letter in them. They are GREAT for names or short captions on scrapbook pages and perfect for sentiments in cards.

1" letters:
*Extreme Caps (D1250) - set of 40 (letters and numbers) - $22.95
These letters and numbers are fun and funky. Perfect for boy or sport pages, x-game type pages.

approx. 2" letters:
*Rustic Alphabet (E1002) - set of 26 - $34.95
*Building Block Alphabet (E1009) - set of 27 (includes an "&") - $34.95
These alphabets are versatile, work for just about anything (oh yeah, that's what versatile means0 and are perfect for page titles.

Sentiments:
*Thank You (D1361) - set of 19 - $22.95
If you send out TONS of thank you cards like I do, this is the set for you. This is definitely one of my most used sets.
*For Every Occasion (D1187) - set of 28 - $22.95
It doesn't get any better than this! Thsi set has just about every sentiment you could ever need for any occasion, all in one set!
*Gracious Greetings (D1265) - set of 11 - $22.95
I love how elegant this set is. And, it also covers just about any occasion you would need.

Christmas:

*Holiday Trinkets (D1366), set of 14, $22.95
This is no doubt my favorite holiday set this year. I have used it, and used it, and used it, and then used it some more.
*New Fallen Snow (D1171) - set of 11 - $22.95
This set is full of GORGEOUS snowflakes. It's not just for Christmas!
*Evergreen (D1315), set of 13, $22.95
This one is full of fun trees with different patterns inside. I used this set for most of my Christmas cards last year and loved them!
*Just For The Holidays (D1380), set of 17, $22.95
PERFECT for gift tags

Fall:
*Beware (D1381) - set of 8, $22.95
I loved this one for Halloween this year.
*Flourished Blessings (D1379) - set of 10, $22.95
If ever there was a gorgeous and elegant leaf set, this is it!

Background Stamps:
*Argyle Backgrounds (D1325) - set of 4 - $22.95
by far my most used background set
*Spot on Bakcgrounds (D1280) - set of 4 - $22.95
my 2nd most favorite for backgrounds

Floral:
*Cottage Floral (B1306) - set 0f 10, $13.95
for a set this inexpensive, these flowers go a long way!
*Endless Friendship (D1354) - set of 15, $22.95
so versatile. I have used it make an elegant wedding or sympathy card, and also to make a fun birthday card.

Click here to order from my website 24/7...especially during Stampaganza (9 more days!).

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Four Trees and a Snowflake


I just can't get enough of this stamp set! Holiday Trinkets has got to be my fave stamp set of the season this year. Click here to see it.

Anyhoo, this card was made with this week's Mojo Monday sketch (#113, turned on it's side) and more of my favorite paper pack of the season, "Jingle." I just love these fun and funky patterns and colors!

Close To My Heart products used: Holiday Trinkets Stamp Set (D1366), Jingle Level 2 Paper Pack (X7115B), Black Stamp Pad (Z2105), Tulip Stamp Pad (Z2166), Olive Stamp Pad (Z2137), Juniper Stamp Pad (Z2165), Creme Brulee Stamp Pad (Z2167), Watercolor Pencils (3505), Blending Pen (3174), Black My Legacy Writers (4275), Round Sponge (Z697), 3D Foam Tape (Z1151), Cranberry Gingham Ribbon (retired), Snowflake Button (retired).

Click here to order from my website 24/7...especially when you're feeling fun and funky!

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Three Ornaments

I had fun going REALLY non-traditional on this Christmas card. I used this week's Card Patterns Sketch (#41) as my inspiration and went from there. Thanks, Card Patterns for a never ending supply of fun sketches that challenge my creativity!

Close To My Heart products used: Holiday Trinkets Stamp Set (D1366), Notebook Level 2 Paper Pack (X7102B) , Jingle Level 2 Paper Pack (X7115B), Black Stamp Pad (Z2105), Crystal Blue Stamp Pad (Z2117), Tulip Stamp Pad (Z2166), Black Legacy Writers (4275), Watercolor Pencils (3505), Blending Pen (3174), 3D Foam Tape (Z1151), Round Sponge (Z697).

For some GREAT ideas using the watercolor pencils and the blending pen, you've got to check out this month's webside of Art and Soul (The Sparkle of the Season). Click here to watch it.

Click here to order from my website 24/7...even when you're feeling a bit non-traditional.

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Photos and Questionnaires




Saturday was photo day for the Lone Peak Varsity Basketball Team (first game is the day before Thanksgiving...can't wait!). This year I was in charge of the questionnaires the guys fill out that are published in our media guide below each player's individual photo. It was so much fun! Here are a few photos of some of the guys busily working on filling out the coolest questionnaire of the year.

For fun, I thought I'd share the questions I asked this year and my son, Tannon's responses. Feel free to copy and paste a few of the questions into a comment and give answers of your own. It would be fun for me to read about you!

1. I started playing basketball: in 3rd grade
2. I wear my jersey number because of: my brother, Easton.
3. My pre-game rituals are: music, get pumped, rain.
4. A basketball player I look up to: Kobe Bryant.
5. My favorite basketball memory so far: winning the state championship my Sophomore year
6. The sportscaster I'd most like to hear call my highlights: Stuart Scott
7. Other sports I played when I was younger: baseball, football
8. Other varsity sports I play: football.
9. My favorite songs that pump me up before basketball are: Ghetto Soldier, Riot Maker
10. My favorite teacher has been: Mrs. Dalton
11. An interesting class I have take in school is: Ancient World History
12. If I had a chance to teach a class, the subject would be: Aerobics
13. The best book I have recently read is: Harry Potter
14. My favorite movie: Transformers
15. My favorite fast food to eat: KFC
16. My favorite non-athletic memory of Lone Peak is: Backstreet Kids
17. My best non-athletic talent: dancing
18. Nobody would believe I watch: Gossip Girl
19. The person (people) I admire most is/are: My dad and my grandpas
20. If I could invite 3 people to dinner they would be: Brody Berry, Justin Hamilton, Kobe Bryant
21. The most enjoyable thing I did this past summer was: win the BYU 7 on 7 passing tournament
22. My plan after graduation is: serve a 2 year LDS mission
23. For my future profession I want to be: heir to the throne
24. Team Edward or Team Jacob? Edward
25. Jennifer Aniston or Angelina Jolie: Angelina

Monday, November 16, 2009

Glitter Rubons


I am not sure how well you can see the sparkle in the photo, but trust me, it's there...and it's gorgeous in person! I love these blingy new rubons (Glitter Rubons - Z1222) from Close To My Heart. They come in a package with two 6" x 12" sheets of clear sticky rubons and 3 sheets of colorful glitter transfer paper (3 different colors). I have used all 3 on this simple card (olive, twilight and silver).

You can watch a brand new webisode (The Sparkle of the Season) of "Art and Soul" here. It features the Glitter Rubons and shows you how to use them. You'll die when you see the gorgeous snowflake layout featured. Delicious! Take a minute (okay, about 14 minutes) to go and watch. You won't be sorry you did. You can even get a discount on our great "Heartfelt Christmas" stamp set (use item #AS1019 for the discount. You'll just love the reindeer stamp!) while you are there. This set is usually $18.95 and is yours for the great price of $16.00 if you use this number. The "Art and Soul" episode I am referring to also shows you some great ideas using this set and watercolor pencils. Yummy!

Close To My Heart products used: Twilight Cardstock (X5666), White Daisy Cardstock (1385), Olive Cardstock (1245), Glitter Rubons (Z1222), 3D Foam Tape (Z1151).

Click here to order from my website 24/7...before, during or after watching "Art and Soul."

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Caramel Apple Artwork

Remember my Caramel Apples post a few weeks ago? Well, I finally got around to scrappin' the photos from that. What a fun day we had. Here is the artwork to go with the experience. Feel free to click on any of the photos to see them larger.

Close To My Heart products used: December Stamp of the Month from Close To My Heart (D1378-Notice the Details, available December 1-31, 2009. You'll see more artwork with that in December here on my blog), Extreme Caps Stamp Set (D1250), Classmate Alphabet Stamp Set (D1303), Chocolate Stamp Pad (Z2114), Twitterpated Level 2 Paper Pack (X7118B), Twitterpated Level One Scrapbook Kit (X7118A), Dimensional Elements in Color Organic (Z1230), Chocolate Waxy Flax (Z1088), 3D Foam Tape (Z1151), Corner Rounder (Z578).

Click here to order from my website, especially when you are ready to turn your memories into artwork! And don't forget, there are only 16 days left of Stampaganza.

Friday, November 13, 2009

FALL friend


My sweet friend, Allison B. came by to visit this morning and brought me the cutest gift. This papercrafted 'FALL' accordian table decoration says 'Fall' on the front. On the back each of the panels (each panel is 5" x 7" and is held together with hemp) has a pocket. In each pocket she added a little surprise; typed up talks from some of our church leaders and one of her favorite fall recipes.

Thanks, Allison! You made my day! After just having H1N1 finish a rampage on your family and being pregnant with baby #5, I don't know where you found the time.

I thought you might all enjoy the wonderful recipe Allison shared with me. I think I'll make it tomorrow!

Allison's Pumpkin Spice Dessert (from the Lion House Cookbook)

Crust:
1 C. prepared bisuit mix
1/2 C. rolled oats
1/2 C. brown sugar
1/4 C. margarine

Mix biscuite mix, rolled oats, brown sugar and margarine until crumbly. Press into a 9 x 13 inch pan. Bake 375 degrees for 10 minutes.

Middle Layer:
1 can (16 oz) pumpkin
1 tall can evaporated milk
2 eggs
3/4 C. sugar
1/2 tea. salt
1 tea. cinnamon
1/2 tea. ginger
1/4 tea. cloves

Beat pumpkin, milk, eggs, sugar, salt and spices until well mixed. Pour over crust. Return to the oven and bake 25 minutes longer.

Topping:
1/2 C. pecans, chopped
1/2 C. brown sugar
2 Tbs. butter
Whipped cream

Mix chopped pecans, brown sugar, and butter until crumbly. Sprinkle over pudding. Return to oven and bake 15-20 minutes longer. Cool. Serve with whipped cream. Makes 24 servings.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

37% Gone


November is 37% gone already. Ha! I'll bet you never thought of figuring that out. Silly me!

Anyway, the point of this post is to remind you of a few GREAT Close To My Heart November specials: Stampaganza and the November Stamp of the Month. Click here to see more about them. You'll want to take advantage of them before the other 63% of the month passes you by!

Click here to order from my website 24/7...even when the month is 37% gone!

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Four Trees


I don't know why I haven't pulled out my embossing powder much lately because I absolutely LOVE the way embossing looks. Don't you?

This 4.25" x 5.5" card showcases black embossing...on white and tone on tone. I felt the black on black was so elegant that it called for some elegant bling to compliment it. Thus the clear sparkles.

The card was inspired by this week's sketch on 2Sketches4You. Thanks for another great sketch, Kazan!

Close To My Heart products used: Snow Flurries Stamp Set (D1384), Holiday Trinkets Stamp Set (D1366), Tulip Cardstock (X5753), White Daisy Cardstock (1385), Black Cardstock (1386), Versamark Pad (Z891), Black Embossing Powder (Z670), 3D Foam Tape (Z1151), Corner Rounder (Z678), Clear Sparkles (Z1104).

Don't forget it's Stampaganza this month (buy 2 stamp sets and get one free. See the left side of my blog for details). The two stamp sets I used on this card are WONDERFUL holiday stamp sets. If you were to buy them both, you could choose a $22.95 or less stamp set absolutely FREE (gosh, I love that word!). Feel free to email me with any questions (pedermom@aol.com).

Non-CTMH products used: Stampin' Up Scallop Border Punch.

Click here to order from my website 24/7...especially when you're in the mood to emboss.

Monday, November 9, 2009

Snowflakes Galore


Snowflakes anyone? I got a little carried away, but I think I like it anyway. I used the sketch from CPS to make this 3.5" x 8"card and then got out my favorite Martha Stewart snowflake punch and went to town. All the white snowflakes are punched out and the black one is one of Close To My Heart's Flurry Dimensional Elements, one of my favorite toys right now. I just sponged my snowflake from white to black with my black pad and a round sponge.

Close To My Heart products used: Black Cardstock (1386), White Daisy Cardstock (1385), Cranberry Cardstock (1272), Designer Ribbon Rounds Black Collection, 3D Foam Tape (Z1151), Black Stamp Pad (Z2105), Round Sponge (Z697), Corner Rounder (Z678), Neutral Embroidery Floss Assortment (Z1096), Holiday Buttons (Z1285)

Non-CTMH products used: Martha Stewart Snowflake Punch

Click here to order from my website 24/7...especially in a blizzard!

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Frosty


I had fun building my own paper snowman today. I didn't even get cold! This card pattern came from Card Patterns (imagine that). Fun and simple sketch...my favorite kind!

Close To My Heart products used: Magic Moments Level 2 Paper Pack (X7101B), Game One Level 2 Paper Pack (X7097B), Evensong Level 2 Paper Pack (X7104B), Black Stamp Pad (Z2105), All Decked Out Stamp Set (D1308), Watercolor Pencils (3505), Waterbrush (1771), Designer Ribbon Rounds Black Collection (Z1034), 3D Foam Tape (Z1151), Snowflake Buttons (retired)

Non-CTMH products used: Martha Stewart Snowflake Punch, Black Sharpie Marker

Click here to order from my website 24/7...especially when you're in the mood to build a paper snowman!

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