SURPRISE!...and a Dynamite Clear Card (by Lisa)

Last night was one of my favorite surprises ever. At about 11 pm there was a knock on the door, and who should come walking in but our daughter, Kori and granddaughter, Daci! They surprised us with a visit from Chicago for the next week and a half. How wonderful of Rick (who has been working out of town quite a bit lately, and will be for another couple of weeks) to send our girls home to visit for a while so they don't have to be home alone.

Lest you think I have forgotten to share any artwork, I promise I won't let you down. Today I want to share a clear card from my friend, Lisa Stenz. She is such a beautiful artist and knows how to make simple look fabulous. I tend to keep adding and adding 'stuff' to my creations, but Lisa has such a beautiful way of creating that "simple" is "simply beautiful"! I've always been so envious of people who can do that. Her artwork is crisp and clean and gorgeous! Thanks for this beautiful card, Lisa! (you can click on any of the photos of Lisa's card to see them larger and in more detail).

Here is the front view of Lisa's card, closed:

Here is Lisa's card standing up slightly open.

Here I am starting to open the card. Can you see that the stamped pumpkin accents and the Pear patterned paper are adhered to the front side of the front panel of the card, the Barn Red cardstock are on the back side of the of the front panel of the card, while the Sunset paper is adhered to the back panel of the card. Cool beans!

Here is Lisa's card all the way open.

One of my favorite Close To My Heart products right now is Clear Cards. CTMH carries two different packages of them: the 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" Assortment (Z1323) and the 4 1/2" Assortment (Z1309). I love them both! You can order either or BOTH of them on my website.

Other products Lisa used on her card (which can also be ordered on my website) are: Olivia Level 2 Paper Pack (X7128B), Harvest Home Stamp Set (C1419), Cocoa Stamp Pad (Z2114), Sunset Marker (Z2391), Pear Marker (Z2397), 3D Foam Tape (Z1151), Round Sponge (Z697).

Art and Soul, another Cruise, a Sack, a Dance, and I Love You, Lynette!

The new Art & Soul webisode (Cutting and Color Confidence) is up and running on my website...and it's a good-un! Check it out by clicking here. In 12 short minutes, among other things, you'll learn:

• how to add dimension to stamped images with your cutting knife (and how to make a cuter than cute non-Halloween layout using the Hooligans papers)
  
• how to cut your memory protectors to accomodate interactive page elements
• ideas for combining and using the delicious 8 new colors in the Summer Palette
• a little sneak peek into Magic (my new favorite toy!)

I also thought I'd share a beautiful card given to me by one of my downline, and bestest buddies, Lynette K. How this girl does it, I'll never know. She is such a wonderful and supportive wife to a husband who is battling (and I do mean BATTLING...he's a warrior!) cancer, an amazing mother to 4 very busy and involved kiddos, a outstanding business-woman with Close To My Heart, and one of the kindest and most thoughtful people I know. I did a little favor for Lynette and her family one day and she took the time to make this gorgeous card for me to say "Thanks." LOVE YOU, Lynette! I'm sending big virtual hugs and kisses your way!

Here is a photo of Lynette and I on one of the many Close To My Heart cruises we have earned together. This one was Alaska (Hmm. I wonder what lipstick I was wearing. I like it!). And, while I'm on the subject of cruises, I want to give a HUGE THANK YOU to all of you who attend my Play Group scrappin' classes, purchase through my website and/or who are on my CTMH Team. As of yesterday, it is official. I have now earned my 8th cruise with Close To My Heart (the Caribbean Epic Cruise). From Hawaii to Alaska, the Eastern to the Western Caribbean, and Mexico to the Mediterranean, I have been there...all thanks to a wonderful company that rewards their consultants generously. I have been so fortunate to be able to spend several cruises with my hubby, Dan-the-Man, take each of my children on their 'own' cruise, and take my whole family on an Alaskan cruise.

This layout is one I did after spending time in 2005 on a CTMH Eastern Caribbean cruise with my son, Tannon. The sand and water in St. Johns (US Virgin Islands) was A-MA-ZING! I've never seen anything like it. You can see this layout larger and in more detail if you click on the photo.

Oh, and last but not least, it's been a fun week with Dawson. He had a good game last week (see photo of his sack below...he's #10 - kickin' #4's trash), and plays again today. Have I ever mentioned how much we love football at our house? I guess I have a time or two.

Also, the Homecoming Dance is coming up in a few weeks. Dawson decided he wanted to ask a girl named Crystal. To ask her, he filled a mason jar with rice and we carefully printed his name on one of the grains of rice (that was a trick, let me tell you!). We put that little rice grain in with all the others and attached a poem and he rang her doorbell and ran. I'm such a dork because I forgot to take photos, but here is the poem we wrote:

Crystal,

A jar of rice
Is really nice.

But there is more to see
And that is the key.

It's kind of a game
So search for my name.

A magnifying glass
Will help with the task.

Homecoming with me?
I'm down on one knee.

Please say yes.
I won't settle for less.

FUN?
We'll be on that like white on rice!

Crystal called him a few hours later, after digging through that rice and finding his name, to tell him he was a geek, good naturedly (is that a word?) of course. Yes, we are geeks, but we have lots of geek fun!

Have a great day! I plan to!

October Play Group Classes (Hooligans)

Yesterday I shared what we would be making in our October Play Group classes. How 'bout that 5 pages out of 2 layout? So cool, right? If you haven't seen them yet, be sure to check out yesterday's post!

October Class (held at my home in Highland, UT) Dates and Times to Choose From:

• Tuesday, October 5, 10 am - 1 pm
• Tuesday, October 5, 7 - 10 pm
• Wednesday, October 6, 10 am - 1 pm
• Wednesday, October 6, 7 - 10 pm

If you are not a member of Play Group, you can still come to a class. But, you might want to head on over to the left side of my blog and scroll down to the Play Group Information section to see how it works. I'd LOVE to have you come try it out. Email me (pedermom@aol.com) and let me know if you'd like to reserve a spot. Please include your phone number so that I can call you and get payment for you kit, and go over any details about the class you need to know. You can also participate long-distance. Just add $5 to the cost of any of the kits below for shipping.

You are only required to purchase the Basic Kit to participate but are more than welcome to purchase the Better or Best Kits, or to pick and choose items from either of them to add to your Basic Kit. In the Kit Lists below I have made each product into a link so that if you click on it you will be able to see the actual product.

Basic Kit
Hooligans Level 2 Paper Pack ($12.95)
Hooligans Level 2 MyStickease Collection ($4.95)
Color Ready Alphabet-Bold ($2.95)
Stars Dimensional Elements ($3.25)
Memory Protectors Flip Flaps 12" Assortment ($3.95)
Extra Sheet Black Cardstock ($.50)
2 - Clear 12" x 12" Memory Protectors ($1.00)
Total with Shipping and Tax added: $33.90*

Better Kit = Basic Kit plus the following products:
Black Designer Ribbon Rounds ($7.95)
Hooligans Level 2 Felt Monsters ($4.95)
Pear Mini-Medley Collection ($4.95)
Round Sponge ($1.25)
Black Stamp Pad ($5.25)
Black Marker ($2.95)
Sunset Marker ($2.95)
Versamark Pad ($9.95)
White Daisy Embossing Powder ($3.95)
Total with Shipping and Tax added: $84.54**

Best Kit = Basic and Better Kits plus the following products:
Posterboard Alphabet Stamp Set ($34.95)
Circle Around Stamp Set ($22.95)
Total with Shipping and Tax added: $150.96***

*at this level you qualify for the Stamp of the Month (D1442-Thriller) at 25% off ($17.21)
**at this level you qualify for the Stamp of the Month (D1442-Thriller) at 50% off ($11.48)
***at this level you qualify for the Stamp of the Month (D1442-Thriller) FREE

Have a wonderful day!

Halloween Interactive Layout (Hooligans)

It's Magic! It really is! This 2-page 12" x 12" layout actually folds out and totals the photo and journaling space of 5 pages. For realzies! Keep reading to see how it works and to see photos of the pages as my story 'unfolds'. Stay with me 'cause I've got lots of 'splainin' to do, Lucy! That means you must actually read the words, not just look at the pictures. lol.

It's important that you know two things first:

1. Close To My Heart has come out with yet another in their series of the best how-to books in the card-making and scrapbooking industry. This one is called Magic and is full of beautiful patterns, cutting guides, AND instructions for interactive pages. This layout was inspired by that book. It's a must have, so head to my website and order yours right away. The order number is 9034.
2. Close To My Heart NEVER leaves you without the supplies you need to re-create something they have dreamed up. So, in the spirit of Magic and interactive pages, they have come out with something they call Memory Protector Flip Flaps (12" x 12" assortment). They allow you to make fold out flaps and pages like the one you see here. If you come to Play Group in October, you'll get a package of these in your Basic Kit.

Now that you have the basics down, here are more photos so you can see the Magic in this layout. Let's start with the left side of the layout. In the photo below, you actually see the left side of the layout that I showed above. "Really?" you ask. "It doesn't look AT ALL the same."

"Aaaaaahhhhh," I say. "That's the Magic." This layout has two flaps, a 12" x 4" flap on the top and a 12" x 8" flap on the bottom. This photo shows them both open. If I were to close the flaps, you would see the left page that I have shown you above in the 2-page layout photograph. This page actually has the space of 3 pages.
Next I will show you the Magic in the right side of the layout. Again, look at the top photo in this post. That is the page all closed up. This page actually has a 6" x 12" flap on the side of it. The photo below shows it open. This page has the actual photo and journaling space of two pages. Magic!Now that you understand it all, I will leave you with this thought: "THINK ABOUT IT! Who wouldn't love to make this cute interactive Halloween Layout? I will share the information TOMORROW on how you can by either coming to one of my Play Group classes in October, or even by doing the class long-distance."

Dawson and Minerva

I was going through some old Halloween photos today because I am working on a Halloween Through The Years layout (Stay tuned! We are making it for October's Play Group classes {not too late to sign up} and I'll be posting the layout later this week.). I came across some photos that honestly made me laugh out loud. They are from 2003. Dawson was in 4th grade. His teacher had called me and asked if I would come and tell a Halloween Story to the class during their party. I decided to do it up right! I dressed up like a witch, even painted my face green. I named myself Minerva and I spoke with a Scottish accent. I came into the classroom with a sweepingly dramatic entrance and introduced myself (Minerva the Witch) and proceeded to tell my story. I still can't believe I pulled it off. I had never spoken in a Scottish accent before, but thanks to my love of Braveheart, I did just fine. {wink}

It wasn't until AFTER the story that I told Dawson who I was. He really didn't even recognize me. It was a HOOT! I'll never forget that Halloween. I ran into several other moms, some of which are close friends of mine, in the hall that day and said, "Hello!" None of them recognized me either. What fun!

So, stay tuned for the entire layout. But in the meantime...enjoy a little bit of Minerva and Dawson in 2003. Ahhhhh, memories.

Missionary Men

Yesterday Tannon, his buddy, Ryan and I went shopping for some missionary clothes. As you know, Tannon leaves on October 20 to serve his 2 year LDS mission in Malaga, Spain. Ryan is just getting ready to put in his papers in October. It will be so exciting to find out where he will be going! Back to the clothes thing: the suits, shirts and shoes part was easy. It was choosing ties that was the hard part. We went to 5 different stores to find 'just the right' ties. It was so much fun though and the three of us laughed our heads off...especially at the lady who worked at Tie One On. She was trying so hard to help but every tie she showed the boys was worse than the one before. We were trying to be polite, but when she showed us the worst 'gag-me' tie ever and said, "This is my favorite tie in the store", we got the giggles so bad that Ryan had tears running down his face. Poor, poor sales lady. I won't feel too terribly awful though, because we did buy a lot of ties!

After the shopping was over, and before their softball game, we headed to the American Fork Ampitheater to take some pics in their "GQ" missionary clothes. Here are a few of them. Enjoy!

Paper Roses to Die For (Tutorial)

Have you ever seen a more beautiful card? I'm telling ya, this girl rocks. It was made by none-other-than the FABULOUS Tracey Mason, and I'm honored to call her friend. She sent me this card for my birthday a couple of weeks ago (along with the most amazing box of gifts you evah did see!). Yesterday, she posted a tutorial on her blog about how to make these paper roses (yes, that makes me think of a song. If it does you too, then you're as old as I am. Ha!). You can see Tracey's tutorial here. I have to admit, I have made a paper rose or two myself, but mine NEVER look like Tracey's. After watching her tutorial yesterday I now know how to make Tracey Roses. You can too.

Thanks for being a world-class friend, Trace! Love ya!

Are You Ready for Some Football?

This past week has been full of football, football and more football. In between I taught 4 Play Group Scrappin' classes (LOVE my Play Group* ladies!). Stay tuned later this week for photos of October's Play Group projects and class dates so you can sign up!

I thought that instead of artwork, I would share a little of what the Pedersens have been up to this week. I'm also sharing a few photos of something fun from last week too. I'll start with that...

Dawson got asked to his first dance. Since he's 16 now he is allowed to date according to Pedersen rule. His date impressed me by calling me first to make sure it was okay to ask him. Brownie points, girls! That's how to earn them with mommies! She decorated our front door with a big sign and tied balloons to Dawson's favorite treat (2 big bags of Red Vines) with a note that said "It would be SWEET if you would go to Sadie's with me." Dawson decided to answer back with cupcakes. He and I baked and decorated a couple dozen cupcakes and made them spell "YES". On the top of each cupcake, Dawson added a little flag of one of his favorite sayings. Silly but fun. We drove up to her house, Dawson left it on the doorstep, rang the bell and ran. FUN! I am still in denial that my 'baby' is 16 and dating.
Dawson's football season has begun. This past Thursday was our third Lone Peak Sophomore game and our first loss (Darn those Brighton Bengals). We are now 2-1. As sad as Dawson was to lose, he was a little bit happy about his sack, 2 tackles for loss, and several assisted tackles.

Dawson heading in for the sack...

and he gets him!

All but Tannon (he had to work) piled in the car to head down to Cedar City for Southern Utah University's first home game of the season. Easton will be red-shirting this year but was honored to be one of only a few red-shirts to be asked to dress for the game. SUU beat the University of San Diego 32-3. GO T-Birds! Dan, Dawson, Daysha and I all had fun cheering them on.

Warm ups...

more warm ups...
Easton lookin' studly in his uniform...
Easton and Daysha (3 more months 'til the wedding!)
Dawson and Easton
The proud parents with their college football playin' boy

Tannon is going crazy waiting for his mission (he leaves Oct. 20) and trying not to lose his mind while watching his brothers play football and not playing himself. While we were gone he hooked up with some buddies and played a couple of flag football games. He says he misses football so bad it hurts. 2 more years, my son. 2 more years. I can just imagine what it will be like to have Easton AND Tannon playing at SUU together. With Tannon playing QB and Easton receiver, we might actually get to witness one of our sons throwing to the other in a college football game. How cool would that be? But, first things first. Tannon, you'll be a GREAT missionary!

Since I don't have any football photos of T from this week, I thought I'd share one of him doing one of his other favorite things...eating!I still haven't adjusted to having Kori, Rick and Daci in Chicago. Love you guys! I wish you were here to watch all this football!

Triple Play!

Celebrate National Stamping Month with Close To My Heart's Triple Play!

Create 3 beautiful 4" x 4" mini-albums (as seen below) with this all-inclusive kit that can be yours now through September 30. You can order them on my website, or contact me directly (pedermom@aol.com, 801.360.9896)

The kit includes:

• 1 - My Acrylix "Love This" Stamp Set (see photo of stamp images in this post. Actual size of carrier sheet is 6" x 6")
  
• 4 - Exclusive Inks Mini-Stamp Pads (Desert Sand, Hollyhock, Indian Corn Blue and Sunset)
• 9 - 4" x 12" Panels (3 each of 3 color schemes)
• 3 - 6" x 12" Die-Cut Sheets
• 1 - 72" Length Colonial White Grosgrain Ribbon
• 3 - Hook and Loop Fasteners
• 1 - Step-by-Step Instruction Full-Color Brochure

This 'gotta-have-it' kit can be yours in several different ways:

• Purchase it for $29.95 (use order #CC1010).
  
• Purchase $25 in My Acrylix stamps* and get the Triple Play kit for just $15 (use order #CC1010A).
• Spend $40 on My Acrylix stamps* and get Triple Play for only $5 (use order #CC1010B).
• Host a Gathering with sales of $300 or more and get Triple Play FREE!
• Join Close To My Heart as a Consultant and get the kit FREE!

Oh, and one last thing, if you live near me in Highland, UT and purchase or earn a Triple Play kit, you are invited to a free workshop to put your books together here at my home on October 13. You can come from 10 am - 1 pm or from 7 - 10 pm. Be sure to contact me to let me know you plan to come (pedermom@aol.com) and I'll email you back with more details. Thanks!

National Stamping Month is always fun, but this year you'll get three times the excitement with Triple Play! To order Triple Play, head to my website, click on shop online, and go to town!

*excludes Stamp of the Month sets, "K" size stamp sets, and Workshop on the Go stamp sets.