Swap 'Til You Drop - Christmas Layout and Cards

I am involved in an AWESOME swap right now. There are 5 ladies that each make a layout and 3-4 other items (times 5) using one of the new kits in Close To My Heart's Autumn/Winter Idea Book. We send 4 sets of items to the swap hostess (Thank you, Joanne!), keep one set for ourselves, and she sends us each back one set of each new kit. WOO HOO!

I was assigned the Creative Basics Mistletoe Collection (X5811, available on September 1) as the kit that I would be working with. I am embarrassed to say that my swap is a little late being sent. Remember that flu I had a few weeks ago? Well, it ended up being walking pneumonia and it put everything in my life in a tailspin. So, I hope the other ladies in this swap will forgive me for being a few days late with my items.

Feel free to click on any photo to see it larger and in more detail. It's hard to see in some of the photos, but all of the chipboard snowflakes are sponged or painted with color and then sprayed with glimmer mist. So, there is lots of sparkle and bling to all of these projects. Sparkle and bling always make me happy!

Since this is my first time participating in this swap group, I was a little nervous. I hope my items are up to par with those that I will be getting back. I have already shown you the layout. You can see it with photos added here, so when you see it in this post without photos it might look a bit familiar. The other items (the 4 cards) you have not seen before.

My favorite item is the "Happy Holidays" card (first photo in this post). I love that rich damask tone-on-tone look. To get it I just stamped one of the Damask Tiles stamps in Cranberry Ink onto the Cranberry B&T paper in the Creative Basics Mistletoe Collection, quickly sprinkled Clear Embossing Powder over it, shook off the extra, and heated with my Heat Gun. LOVE that look, don't you? I need some wallpaper just like it!

If you have questions about any of the other items and the techniques I used, feel free to comment here and ask, or even email me directly (pedermom@aol.com).

Click here to shop at my CTMH website 24/7...especially when you want to make class damask looking Christmas cards!

6" x 6" Card using Magnifique Scrapbook Kit from Close To My Heart

Hello, hello!

As you may have noticed, my past several posts have been sneak peeks at some of the new products that are debuting in Close To My Heart's Autumn/Winter Idea Book. That will be available to view page-by-page right here on my website on September 1. Be sure to check back then.

Today's post is following that theme. The 6" x 6" card you see here uses the gorgeous new Magnifique paper kit. This kit features 3 (Lagoon, Pacifica, Sky) of the 8 new colors CTMH is coming out with in the new Idea Book.

Although the papers and stamps are not available until 9/1 (6 more days!), the supplies I used to color the peacock and to make him shimmer are available RIGHT NOW on my website. CTMH products used that you can purchase NOW: Cocoa Stamp Pad (Z2214), Watercolor Pencils (3505), Waterbrush (1771), Glitz Glitter Gel (Z1313), Corner Rounder (Z578), 3D Foam Tape (Z1151).

Want to know how to make the peacock look like mine? Here's how:

1. Stamp peacock in Cocoa ink on Colonial White cardstock.
2. Color in peacock lightly with Watercolor Pencils (I used a little bit of the turquoise, purple and bright green colors in the 'basic colors' grouping of the Watercolor Pencils).
3. Blend lightly using your Waterbrush.
4. Let dry (if you are in a hurry, use your heat gun to help it dry faster)
5. Add a little glitz glimmer gel to the peacock and using a paint brush, spread it out and 'paint' it where you want it. (P.S.: you'll notice on my card the glitz is smeared a bit at the bottom. That is because my cat decided to walk on it before it was done drying {naughty Tarje'}. Tip for the day: keep your cat OFF the card!)
   
6. On the peacock's 'head dress' put a dot of glitz glimmer gel on each of the dots.
7. Let dry.
   

CTMH products used that will be available on my website September 1 (add them to your wish list!): Magnifique Level 2 Scrapbook Kit (X7127B), Circle of Love (D1438), Shimmer Designer Brads (Z1349), Pacifica Stamp Pad (Z2192), Lagoon Stamp Pad (Z2195).

Have a great day! I am off to Logan to watch my son, Dawson's first football game of the season. GO KNIGHTS!

Christmas Layout (Joy) with Mistletoe Creative Basics

I just finished a layout that I am in love with. At least I think it's the layout I love... but I'm not really sure because the little girl on it I am so in love with that even if it was the UGLIEST layout ever, I think I might still think it is beautiful. Let's hope it really is! Feel free to click on any photo in this post to see it larger and in more detail.

I used Close To My Heart's new Creative Basics Mistletoe Kit (X5811, available September 1...only one more week!). I love the Creative Basics series from CTMH. They include 12 sheets of Background & Texture Duo papers (6 each of 2 designs) and a spool of 4 yards of matching ribbon. All of this is only $7.95. These packs are GREAT for making lots of Christmas cards or even a whole Christmas album that is matchy-matchy!

Here are a few close ups of the details on the layout. I used CTMH Flurry Dimensional Elements (Z1225) as my main accent on this layout. They are wonderful white chipboard pieces that can be colored in so many ways (ink sponging, painting, markers, covering with paper, etc). The tan snowflakes I painted with a tan paint and then added a little bit of glimmer mist. The dark brown snowflakes I sponged with cocoa ink then sprayed with glimmer mist as well. I did the same with my "JOY". These snowflakes are so reasonable priced at $4.95 for a sheet of approx. 13 snowflakes, 16 stars, and 17 dots. Wowza! These snowflakes and the "J", "O" and "Y" letters ( (Z1064, Z1069, Z1079...which are made of the same great white chipboard as the snowflakes) are available to order right now, so what are you waiting for? Just click here to enter my website then click on 'shop online'. Easy, peasy!

Mark the Creative Basics Mistletoe Collection on your wish list and check back here for the brand new Autumn/Winter Idea Book on September 1. You'll be able to click on the photo on the left side of my blog and view it page by glorious page.

Close To My Heart New Exclusive Colors!

September 1 is just around the corner. "What happens on September 1?" you ask! The new Close To My Heart Autumn/Winter Idea Book goes live and you will be able to view it page-by-delicious-page right here on my blog that day. There are LOTS of fun new products, gorgeous new scrapbooking and card kits, dozens and dozens of new stamp sets, and (drum roll please)....8 NEW COLORS that have been added to our exclusive color palette.

A couple of days ago I was doing a little blog surfing and happened to stop by my talented bloggin' friend, Karla's blog. Right there before my very eyes was a card that stopped my heart. BEAUTIFUL! Not only was it gorgeous, but it used my current favorite stamp set (Damask Tiles) and showcased one of our new colors (Smoothie) perfectly. I coudn't stand it any longer! I dropped what I was doing (making a cutting guide for an upcoming class I will be hosting in October) and pulled out the supplies to make a card similar to Karla's. I decided while I was at it, I would use her card as inspiration for cards of my own to showcase ALL EIGHT of the new colors. Thank you, Karla for your creativity and sharing you amazing creations on your blog to inspire people like me!

Now, on to the new colors. Like I said, there are 8 new colors. I know there are only 7 cards. I was just trying to confuse you. lol. Actually, one of the 8 colors is the same on all 7 cards. The "Thinking of You" piece and bottom border on every card are done on Lagoon cardstock. Now, clockwise from the top left, the damask tiles on each card are stamped in the following colors: Sky, Pacifica, Cotton Candy, Sunset, Pear, Smoothie, and the middle card is Gypsy. How delicious are those colors (and I'm not just talking about their names)? I can't even choose a favorite because I love them all.

While you are anticipating the new colors going live on September 1, feel free to stop by my website where you can order our already wonderful products 24/7...even in your jammies!

Blog Candy Winner Card

Christine, you ROCK! Christine is the winner of yesterday's Blog Candy Card for being the first to email me a photo of a project she made using the rosette flowers taught on this month's Art & Soul webisode. BEAUTIFUL card, Christine (click on the photo to see it larger)! Wouldn't you all agree? And the best part is that she has used all Close To My Heart products!

Just by looking at Christine's card, I would guess she used the following products: Mistletoe Level 2 Paper Pack-X7130B (available Sept. 1), St. Nick Stamp Set-B1356 (available Sept. 1), Licorice Opaques-Z1335 (available Sept. 1), Cranberry Grosgrain Ribbon (which is on sale right now for only $4.95 for 20 yards...that's only .25 per yard!), Pewter Designer Brads. You can click on either of the products that are links to go straight to my website to order these beautiful items.

You can see more of Christine's beautiful creations on her blog at: http://createwithchristine.blogspot.com/

Although there has already been a winner, I'd still LOVE to see your beautiful rosette flower creations. You might even get your creation featured on my blog! Feel free to email them to me at Pedermom@aol.com.

Art and Soul: Eclectic Elegance and BLOG CANDY!

Close To My Heart's new webisode of Art & Soul is up on my website. It's called "Eclectic Elegance" and it's one you don't want to miss. Click here to watch it.

Want to win this card? Be sure to keep reading to the end of this post to find out how!

Among other things, this 12 minute webisode of Art & Soul is jam-packed with artwork, tips and techniques for the following:

• Vintage is very NOW!
• Tying perfect knots and bows
• Focal points and odd numbers
• Ideas with ribbons and ruffles
• Rosette ribbon flowers (like you see here on this card I made after watching Art & Soul!)

I had so much fun making this elegant rosette ribbon flower with CTMH's Colonial White Twill Ribbon and adding the gorgeous filigree charm in the middle. I would never have thought to do that without this webisode. Be sure to watch it and you'll learn how simple it is to make a rosette of your own.

Want to know how to make the leaves on this clear card? Easy, peasy lemon squeasy!

1. Cut your leaves out of a green cardstock (I have used CTMH's Olive cardstock for mine).
2. Fold leaf in half, then unfold.
   
3. Sand the entire leaf. Close To My Heart's cardstock is perfect for this because it has a white core. Add a little bit of brown ink to the edges with a round sponge or sponge dauber if you'd like a vintage look.

To win this card, all you have to do is make a rosette flower and use it on a project then email a photo of it to me at Pedermom@aol.com. The first person to do so will get this little card sent their way!

Feel free to shop my website 24/7...even in your jammies by clicking here.

Big Week!

I can't believe it's been 5 days since my last post. A LOT has happened since then at the Pedersen homestead!

1. Easton (who plays receiver at Southern Utah University) injured his ankle in the intra-squad scrimmage last Saturday. We have an MRI and x-rays to look forward to now. Ugh. He played GREAT before the accident. Let's hope it's just a sprain. I thought I'd spare you a photo of his very large and black and blue ankle and foot. Lucky you!

2. Dawson played in the Maroon and Gold game Saturday at Lone Peak. He is on the Sophomore team. We were so proud of him. He had 6 catches at receiver, one for a touchdown. At defensive end he had 3 sacks and several tackles. WOO HOO, Dawson! The first two photos here are of one of Dawson's catches {#10} and one very studly photo of him walking off the field. LOVE this kid. When did he grow up?

3. Tannon went to the Mt. Timpanogos Temple in preparation for serving his LDS mission in Spain. We were so thrilled to see him take this momentous step in his life. The third and fourth photos here include one of Tannon and Easton goofing off afterward, and one of Tannon with his two grandpas who were there at the temple to support him.

4. Easton decided it was time to take the big step and buy the engagement ring and propose to Daysha. He bought the ring yesterday and proposed today. She said YES! Spring wedding in the works. The fifth and sixth photos in this post are of him filling out all of the paperwork for the ring and one of he and Daysha.



Maybe I'll actually have time to do some papercrafting in the next day or so to share with you. Mind you, I am not complaining about the lack of crafting time lately...I wouldn't trade the events and excitement of this week for anything!

Close To My Heart's Passages Kit and September Play Group Layouts

Layout #1: "Harmony"
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Layout #2 - "The Ultimate Destination"
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Layout #3: "The Call"
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Play Group classes are over for August. I am always sad when they are done because it means almost a whole month before I get to see my Play Groupies again. Love you guys!

I'm already SOOOOOO excited about September's classes (held at my home in Highland, UT). If you are a Play Groupie, enjoy checking out next month's pages here in this post. If you are not a Play Groupie, then why not become one? Scroll down the left side of my blog to the section titled "Play Group Information" and read about how it works. It's so much fun and I'd LOVE to have you try it out! Just email me (pedermom@aol.com) and I'll send you more information and I'll be happy to answer any questions you might have. You can even participate LONG DISTANCE! If you want to do that, just email me (pedermom@aol.com) and let me know and I'll email you the long distance info.

We will be making the three 2-page 12" x 12" layouts you see here in September's classes. Feel free to click on any of the photos of the layouts to see them larger and in more detail.

September Class Dates and Times to Choose From:

• Tues, September 7, 10 am - 1 pm
• Wed, September 8, 10 am - 1 pm
• Wed, September 8, 7-10 pm
• Thurs, September 9, 7-10 pm

September Shopping List (I need your orders by August 31 in order for you to participate):

BASIC Package:
Passages Level 2 Paper Pack (X7126B) - $12.95
Passages Level 2 MyStickease Assortment (X7126C) - $4.95
Mini-Medley Accents Pewter Collection (Z1243) - $4.95
Passages Marks (Z1318) - $3.95
Subtotal: $26.80*
Total with shipping and tax: $30.74

BETTER Package = Basic Package plus the following products:
Designer Ribbon Rounds Cocoa Collection (Z1316) - $7.95
Metal Brad Assortment (Z1217) - $4.95
Round Sponge (Z697) - $1.25
Brown Bag Stamp Pad (Z2108) - $5.25
Cocoa Stamp Pad (Z2114) - $5.25
Black Stamp Pad (Z2105) - $5.25
Subtotal: $56.70**
Total with shipping and tax: $65.04

BEST Package = Basic and Better Packages plus the following products:
Building Block Alphabet (E1009) - $34.95
1 1/4" Circle Punch (Z1311) - $12.95
Subtotal: $104.60***
Total with shipping and tax: $119.98

*At this level you qualify for the August Stamp of the Month (D1424) at 25% off ($17.21)
**At this level you qualify for the August Stamp of the Month (D1424) at 50% off ($11.48)
***At this level you qualify for the August Stamp of the Month (D1424) FREE!

Email me to sign up (pedermom@aol.com) or if you are not interested in signing up but saw some products you LOVE while clicking on the links, click HERE to order from my website 24/7...even in your jammies!

Oh, and PS: If you are interested in reading the journaling in layouts 1 or 3, here they are. I noticed that even when clicking on the photo to enlarge them it was still hard to read the journaling. I'm sure you'll need to click on these 2 photos to see them large enough to read. Enjoy!

Last Day of Scrapbooking Sale and the Link You've Been Waiting For

Today is the LAST DAY of the incredible $2, $4, $5 for 8 Scrapbook Sale on my website! Be sure to check it out if you haven't yet. Once you reach my home page just click on 'shop online' and then the "$2, $4, $6 for 8" link.

I also wanted to share the link I referred to yesterday that has a video tutorial of my buddy, Melissa (or "Fancy Melissa" as many of you might know her) teaching the fan fold pinwheel flowers like you saw on my blog post yesterday (I have also shared another photo of one today). CUTENESS! Thanks, Melissa. Here it is: http://fancymelisssa.blogspot.com/2010/03/close-to-my-heart-pinwheel-flower.html

Have a wonderful day! I'm off to teach a Play Group class. I'd love to have you join us next month. See information about Play Group on the left side of my blog then email me with any questions (pedermom@aol.com).

Last 2 Days of Scrapbooking Sale

Hello! Yes, I am alive, but just barely. I felt the flu begin last Tuesday and here it is Tuesday again and I am still flu-ing. Might I just say that the last 5-7 days of my life have been the pits? I am still coughing up a lung here and there, but the fever is gone and I now have enough voice to be semi-understood. So, since my voice is coming back I thought I'd post since you can hear me now (Bah-ha-ha...I crack myself up!).

I wanted to remind you that today (Aug. 10) and tomorrow (Aug. 11) are the last two days of the $2, $4, $6 for 8 MEGA-Scrapbook sale on my website (just click on 'shop online' then '2,4, 6, 8 sale'). Click here to read more about it. THANK YOU to all of you who have ordered so far. How 'bout those bargains?

I thought I'd share a card I made a couple of weeks ago. It is similar to one I made for the Humble Artists swap group (which I am not allowed to post for a while), but not exactly the same, so I think I can legally share it.

I did a few fun things on this card. The pinwheel flowers are a blast to make. As you can see, I stacked two of them on this card. There is a tutorial at www.fancymelissa.blogspot.com. I will share an exact link to the tutorial in my next post. For some reason I can't find the exact link to the tutorial. I have emailed Melissa to get it and as soon as I hear from her, I will post it here for you. I also stamped the Damask Tiles Stamp Set (my fave! C1342) in Twilight Ink on Sweet Leaf Cardstock. After that I lightly painted over it with our Create-a-Shade Pearl Paint. Delicious! It reminds me of the wallpaper in a colonial southern mansion.

All products used on this card are Close To My Heart. Click here to shop my website any time, 24/7...even in your jammies!

Daysha's Layout and Scrapbook Sale Still Going Strong

Hey, hey! Before I share my artwork and post today, I wanted to remind you that the "$2, $4, $6 for 8 Scrapbook Sale" is still going STRONG over on my website. Many products are sold out but there are still TONS of beautiful paper packs and matching MyStickease left to buy at out-of-this-world prices. This sale ends on August 11 (or while supplies last) so the sooner you buy the better selection you'll have. Click here to go to my site, then click on "Shop Online" and then choose "$2, $4, $6 for 8 Sale". To read more details about this sale, click here.

Today, I thought I'd share a layout with you that I made for my son, Easton's darling girlfriend, Daysha this week. {Click on any photo to see the layout larger and in more detail} Daysha did a HUGE favor for a friend of mine and I wanted her to know how much I appreciated it. This layout was one that we made in my Play Group classes back in March using the Veranda kit from Close To My Heart. When I saw these photos of Easton and Daysha I knew I had to re-create this layout. The colors and feel of the kit were perfect for these pics.

You'll notice in the close ups that I made a little journaling window under the two smaller pictures on the right side page. I left it blank inside for Daysha to add whatever thoughts and feelings she wants.

Close To My Heart products used: Veranda Level 2 Paper Pack (X7119B), Veranda MyStickease Assortment (X7119C), Filigree Charms (Z1269), Antiqued Copper Mini-Medley (Z1275), Just Blooms Spring Blossom Flowers (Z1266), Brown Stazon Ink (Z1142), 3D Foam Tape (Z1151).

You can any of these items to your "$2, $4, $6 for 8" order today on my website! Have a Fantastic Friday.

Sale Starts TODAY and Darling Summer Garden Layout

Before I start the rest of my post, remember that TODAY IS THE DAY (and yes, I am screaming!). At 9 am Mountain Time you can begin shopping the $2, $4, $6 for 8 Mega-Sale on my website. It only goes through August 11 and only while supplies last so shop early to get exactly what you want. For the complete list of what is available and how to order scroll down to my post from August 2.

I do want to let you know that there will probably be a TON of people on there shopping this morning. So, if things are moving a little bit slowly, don't panic.

In the meantime, I thought I'd share a layout that my daughter, Kori made this week (yep, I'm a proud Mamma!). She lives in Chicago now so every time she finishes a layout she takes a photo and emails it to me. Not only is this a gorgeous layout (made with the "Let's Get Together" kit that you can purchase in the $2, $4, $6 for 8 sale) but I was so touched by her journaling. Dan-the-Man's dad is the ultimate gardener. He works in that thing every day for hours and hours ever summer. He is in charge of all the garden exhibitors for the county fair and always takes home the most ribbons from the state fair (last year he had over 200 ribbons, including several 'Best of Shows'. This layout not only shares photos of Kori and Rick and Daci's visit to Grandpa Pedersen's garden before they moved to Chicago, but shares so many of Kori's memories of that garden growing up.

By the way, you can click on either photo to see them larger. Happy Shopping today!

August Stamp of the Month and Scrapbook Sale Reminder

Before I get talking about Close To My Heart's beautiful August Stamp of the Month, let me remind you that the "$2, $4, $6, for 8" scrapbook sale begins tomorrow morning on my website, August 4 and goes through August 11 (while supplies last). This over 50% off sale is stupendous. Click here to get the details and see the actual products that are available now.

On to August Stamp of the Month information: As you know, with a new month comes a new CTMH Stamp of the Month. This month's (Something Splendid - D1424) is gorgeous and one that makes me happy just looking at it. The large flower (solid and outline images) is gorgeous and very timely. As I drive along the road I see the big wild sunflowers that look just like this everywhere. Although I didn't choose to use the traditional wild sunflower colors of golden yellow and brown on my card, you sure could!

The image you see of the stamp set is of the carrier sheet the stamps come on. The actual size of that sheet is 6" x 6". This card features the large flower stamped tone-on-tone as a background image. I used the smaller flower image on the little circle accent. It's a simple card, but I kinda like it!

Close To My Heart products used: August Stamp of the Month-Something Splendid (D1424), Cherry-O Level 2 Paper Pack (X7123B), Chocolate Stamp Pad (Z2111), Tulip Stamp Pad (Z2166), Basic Brad Assortment (Z1218), Designer Ribbon Rounds Cranberry Collection (Z1209), 1 1/4" Circle Punch (Z1311), 3D Foam Tape (Z1151), Round Sponge (Z697).

Non-CTMH products used: scallop scissors

This set can be yours in several different ways:
* earn it FREE when you spend $100 or more (before shipping and tax)
* earn it for 75% off ($5.74) when you spend $75 or more (before shipping and tax)
* earn it for 50% off ($11.74) when you spend $50 or more (before shipping and tax)
* earn it for 25% off ($17.21) when you spend $25 or more (before shipping and tax)
* purchase it for full retail price ($22.95)

Just hop on over to my website to begin shopping. And, have a WONDERFUL stampin' and scrappin' day!

AMAZING Scrapbook Kit Sale - Close To My Heart

$2, $4, $6 for 8! It's YOU That We Appreciate! Amazing deals on select MyStickease Assortments ($2), Level 1 Scrapbook Kits ($4), Level 2 Scrapbook Kits ($6) are yours for 8 days only (or while supplies last, whichever comes first).

Mark your calendar for Wednesday, August 4 - Wednesday, August 11 (or while supplies last) and don't miss this HUGE sale. All items are over 50% off.

To take advantage of this sales, head to my website (http://leavealegacy.myctmh.com) and click on 'Shop Online' and starting August 4 there should be a link for the sale.

In the meantime, start your wish lists. Look below for the complete list of items available on the sale.