Thank You Card: Christmas (4 1/4" x 5 1/2")

I sat down this week and put together some simple thank you cards to send to family and friends who gave gifts to my family and me for Christmas.  They came together really quickly and I enjoyed making them.  I am so blessed with so many people in my life who do so much for me and my family.

I was inspired by a simple, yet beautiful card I saw on Pinterest last week made by Susan Riahala.  Here's Susan's card.

I also decided to use my friend, Shari's motto of "use what you have" when I made these cards (thanks, Shari!). I went through my stash of retired Close To My Heart papers and found  the notebook patterned paper in an old kit called "Notebook".  I loved that kit and hoarded it shamelessly. Now I have tons of it, and what better way to use it than to show gratitude, right? So, although the notebook printed paper is no longer available, pretty much everything else you see on the card is.

CTMH products used: Say it in Style Stamp Set (perfect sentiment stamp set for every occasion!), Snowflakes Stamp Set, Colonial White Bulk Cards and Envelopes, Cocoa Stamp Pad, Cranberry Stamp Pad, Cranberry Cardstock, Notebook Paper (retired), Colonial White Grosgrain Ribbon, Cranberry Organdy Ribbon (retired), Chocolate Waxy Flax, Mocha Opaques (I used the lightest colored opaques in this collection on the card).

You can purchase these and so many other wonderful products on my website. Don't forget that this is the last day to take advantage of the December Stamp of the Month ($5 with a $50 order).  The "Rock the Block" special is also going on right now.  That kit is only $15 with a $25 order!

 HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Winter Layouts: January Play Group (Wonderland)

It's not too late to sign up for my January Play Group classes (in person or long-distance, or host a class of your own...I need to hear from you no later than Friday, December 30 if you want to participate).  We will be making three 2-page 12" x 12" layouts that will give you a head start on scrapping this year's (or last year's...lol) Wintery photos.  Here are the layouts (click on any photo to see it larger and in more detail). I've shared the details of the class, the kits, and how to participate after the photos. If you are not familiar with my Play Group classes, scroll down the left side of my blog until you find the section called "Play Group Information" and read away!  Enjoy!

Layout #1: "Let it Snow"

 

Layout #2: "Families are Forever"

Layout #3: "Season of Wonder"

In January we will be using the soft and chilly kit called "Wonderland" for our three 2-page 12" x 12" layouts.

If you want to participate, I need to hear from you no later than Friday, December 30. You can call or email me at 801.360.9896, pedermom@aol.com.

Class Dates and Times to choose from:
Tuesday, January 3, 10 am - 1 pm (this class is in American Fork, UT)
Thursday, January 5, 10 am -1 pm (this class is in American Fork, UT)
Thursday, January 5, 7-10 pm (this class is in Pleasant Grove, UT)

You can also host this workshop in your home (in Utah) with your friends during the month of January and earn FREE hostess rewards (free CTMH shopping spree!) while you do it. If you are interested in doing that, please contact me (801.360,9896, pedermom@aol.com) and I'll give you all the details.

You can also participate in this workshop long-distance. If you choose to do so, just add $5 to the cost of whichever kit you choose for the extra shipping.  I suggest if you are participating long-distance that you at least order the "Better Kit".  If you participate long distance, I am happy to stamp for you since you probably won't have the stamp pads and alphabet stamp (unless you order the "Best Kit"). That is my little gift to you if you participate long-distance.

Remember, in order to attend, you only need to purchase the Basic Kit. Anything above and beyond that is totally up to you. This month, I suggest you consider the Better Kit. The few items I've added there make a huge difference to your pages. If you already have any of the items in the Better or Best kits, just bring them with you to class.




Wonderland Play Group Shopping List


Basic Kit

• Wonderland Workshop on the Go Kit, which includes:  Wonderland Level 2 Paper Pack, Clear Sparkles, Foundry Pin Clips, 2 extra sheets of White Daisy Cardstock, Instructional Brochure, Karen's Cutting Guide)

Subtotal: $29.95
Total with Shipping and Tax: $34.35
 

Better Kit = Basic Kit + the following items:

• Icing Overlays
• Wonderland My Stickease 
• Rhinestone Designer Brads

Subtotal: $45.80
Total with Shipping and Tax: $52.53


Best Kit = Basic Kit + Better Kit + the following items:

• Grey Flannel Stamp Pad
• Twilight Stamp Pad
• Round Sponge
• Friendship Alphabet 

Subtotal: $87.50
Total with Shipping and Tax: $100.37

2 GREAT Scrapbooking Specials: $145 in product for only $70!

As you can tell by my many posts this month showing artwork featuring Close To My Heart's December Stamp of the Month (Mad About You), I love this set! And, with Christmas behind us, it's time to focus a little more of Valentine's Day!  This set fits the bill perfectly and is yours for only $5 (during the month of December only) with a $50 order. Since this set retails at $17.95, that's a BIG savings (almost 75% off!).  You can order from me (call or email me with your order: pedermom@aol.com, 801.360.9896), or even easier, right on my website.  You will be prompted to add this awesome set before you check out.

This card is a 3 1/2" x 8" card. I used the beautiful Close To My Heart Sonoma papers.

As if that weren't enough, there is more...

Don't forget the Rock the Block special that began on December 19 and goes through January 31.  If you spend $25 (which you will already have done if you are getting the Stamp of the Month for $5), then you can get this awesome stamp set and block set for only $15 (over a $45 value).  Again, you can easily place this order through me directly (pedermom@aol.com, 801.360.9896) or on my website.  You will be prompted to add this before you check out.

Just in case you are having a hard time doing the Math, spend $50, and get the Stamp of the Month for $5 ($17.95 value), the "Rock the Block" kit for $15 ($45 value). That's $113 worth of stuff for $70.  Now that's a GREAT AFTER-CHRISTMAS SPECIAL  if I ever did see one!  Happy Shopping!

Happy Holidays from the Pedersens

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from the Pedersens. We hope yours are full of joy and happiness!

You can click on the photo to see our 2011 card larger and in more detail.


 

Valentine Card: Close To My Heart's December Stamp of the Month

Are you ready for yet another card made with the December Stamp of the Month? I hope so because I have another one to share. This is a 5" x 7" card that was easy to whip up in no time.  When you use your CTMH/Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge, do you keep the negative images? Well, why not? I'll bet you will from now on.  I used the negative image of the hearts to create this card.  Cool beans!

CTMH products used:  December Stamp of the Month, Universal Backgrounds, Sonoma Level 2 Paper Pack, CTMH/Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge, Desert Sand Stamp Pad, Cocoa Stamp Pad, Dark Chocolate Striped Ribbon, 3D Foam Tape.

You can order this Stamp of the Month (Mad About You) during the month of December only. You can get it for only $5 ($17.95 value) with a $50 order, or you can purchase it for it's full price of $17.95. If you are ordering on my website, you will be prompted to add the Stamp of the Month before you check out.  Nifty!

While you're shopping, be sure to take advantage of the awesome "Rock the Block" special I announced  on Monday.  Click here for more details. It's AWESOME!  It goes from December 19 through January 31. It's ROCKIN'!

"Rock the Block": Close To My Heart December/January Special

As promised, I'm here posting today to share the AMAZING "Rock the Block" special that begins today (Dec. 19) and runs through January 31.  It's ROCKIN', if I do say so myself!

Here's how it works:
When you place a $25 minimum order from the Autumn/Winter 2011 Idea Book, you get TWO valuable new products for just $15: the My Creations Collage Cubes (this is a sneak-eek product from the Spring/Summer 2012 Idea Book, will retail for approx. $15 then) and the EXCLUSIVE "Rock the Block" E-size stamp set (available only during this promotion and a $29.95 value). That's over a $45 value for only $15!

 










Here's a quick 3-minute video that shows the promotion and shares ideas (it's worth the watch!):  


You're going to LOVE the collage cubes and the "Rock the Block" stamp set, which work together for interactive fun!  While shopping, don't forget that if you spend $50, you also qualify for the awesome December Stamp of the Month set (Mad About You) for only $5 (pictured to the left. Actual size of this carrier sheet is 6" x 6").  You'll be prompted to add both specials as you are finishing your order on my website. 

Circle Card: Close To My Heart's December Stamp of the Month

Earlier this month I shared a card that I used the December Stamp of the Month hearts on to create a flower. This one does the same thing, but this time I made a circle card. I love these little packs of 12 Circle Cards (4 1/2") and envelopes that you can purchase through CTMH.  You can get them in White Daisy (true white) or Colonial White (creamy off-white).

This stamp set (actual size of the carrier sheet you see here is 6" x 6") can be yours for only $5 with a $50 purchase, or can be purchased at full price ($17.95) through the month of December.  You can shop for this and so many other yummy items on my website 24/7...even in your jammies. And let's face it...shopping in your jammies is the best way to go! When ordering this set, you can use item #S1112 if you are purchasing it at full price. If you qualify for it at the $5 price, you'll be prompted to add it before the end of your order.  VERY convenient!

CTMH products used on this card: December Stamp of the Month, Universal Backgrounds, Colonial White Circle Cards and Envelopes, Colonial White Cardstock, Cocoa Cardstock, Petal Stamp Pad, Smokey Plum Stamp Pad, Desert Sand Stamp Pad, CTMH/Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge, Rhinestone Designer Brads, Dark Chocolate Striped Ribbon, 3D Foam Tape.


Be sure to stay tuned on Monday, December 19, when I announce the amazing "Rock the Block" special that begins that day and runs through January. It's "Rockin'", if I do say so myself!
 
 

Snowflake Sneaky Peeky

Yesterday I shared a little tutorial on how to make fluffy, sparkly snowflakes. I mentioned that the ones I made are going on a project I won't be sharing until January (mainly because it uses the January Stamp of the Month). I thought you might enjoy a little sneak peek of part of the project today. This photo was actually taken in good lighting (unlike the ones on yesterday's tutorial) so you can better see what the snowflake actually looks like.  Enjoy!

Oh, and don't forget, you can always have fun shopping on my website, 24/7...snow or not!

Tutorial: Snowy, Glistening Chipboard Snowflakes

I am working on a little project that I won't be sharing until January, but in the meantime I thought I'd share a technique tutorial for part of what is going onto this project. Have you ever wondered how to make chipboard snowflakes look like real snow, right along with the glittery and puffy look that is naturally part of snow? Well, wonder no longer. Never fear, I am here to show you how!

The photos aren't the best (sorry!). I took them around evening time and the lighting was terrible. Even with my flash I couldn't quite get them to look great but hopefully they are good enough for you to get the gist.

Easy step-by-step instructions:

1.  Start with a white chipboard snowflake. The one I used is from Close To My Heart's "Flurry Dimensional Element" collection You get a whole 9" x 12" sheet of white chipboard snowflakes, circles and stars (13 snowflake images, 19 round images, and 13 star images) for only $4.95!

2.  Using Liquid Applique (again, from Close To My Heart), carefully "scribble" it onto the snowflake.  Liquid glass goes a long way and is only $3.95 per tube.

3.  Then sprinkle, immediately while the liquid applique is still wet, Close To My Heart's Prisma Glitter on top. I love prisma glitter. There are lots of glitters on the market but I haven't found one with grains as fine and iridescent as this one!

 4. Use your heat gun to heat the snowflake until the liquid applique puffs up.  Be sure to kind of 'wave' the gun as you heat so you don't scorch any spots. BEAUTIFUL!

 

You can order these and so many other wonderful Close To My Heart products on my website, 24/7...even in your jammies!

Cards, Card Boxes (made with Close To My Heart's "Roxie" papers) and a Cookie Recipe

It's been a busy week preparing for Christmas! Whew!  Fun though!  Today I am sharing a few of my projects from the week.  We'll start with the cards and card boxes.  They were designed by my oh-so-talented friend and downline, Lynette Kankamp. I think she said she got some inspiration for the box from Melanie at Courtney Lane Designs.  I appreciate the inspiration from both ladies.  I tweaked a few things just a bit to put my own touch on them, but I would have been lost without Lynette's amazing designs.  The box and almost every card feature the Cricut/CTMH Art Philosophy Cartridge and the AWESOME December Stamp of the Month (Mad About You).

I created a couple of these card boxes full of cards for a couple of people for Christmas. Hopefully they will enjoy having some Valentine cards already on hand and the fact that they can continue to use the box for whatever they want once the cards are given away. I'm so pleased with how they turned out.   If you were to purchase everything you need for a box and cards, you would qualify for the Stamp of the Month ($17.95 value) for only $5! WOO HOO! When ordering on my website, you'll be prompted to add it before you check out.

Cards and Card Box Close To My Heart Supply List (if you buy 2 boxes, pretty much one of everything else will make 2 sets of the cards and boxes): December Stamp of the Month, CTMH/Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge, Roxie Level 2 Paper Pack, Colonial White Value Pack (50) Cards and Envelopes (5 cards and envelopes for each box so you'll have 40 left for your use later!), Dark Chocolate Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Pearl Opaques, Pewter Mini-Medley assortment, Pin Clips, My Creations Card Box, Black Stamp Pad, Smoothie Stamp Pad, Desert Sand Stamp Pad, Round Sponge.

I also did a little baking for neighbors this week.  I decided to use a recipe I haven't pulled out in a while but that has serious sentimental significance (how's that for alliteration?) for me. This recipe was my grandmother's.  My mother carried it on in our home while I was growing up and then I also make it in mine. If you are a fan of oatmeal chocolate chip cookies or oatmeal scotchies, or just plain oatmeal cookies, this recipe is for you! It makes a huge batch (about 6-8 dozen cookies depending on how big you make them) but they freeze beautifully.

Grandma Winona's Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Cream Together:

• 2 c. butter flavored shortening (I've tried using real butter instead but the shortening really does work better)
• 1 1/2 c. brown sugar
• 1 1/2 c. white sugar

Add and beat:

• 1 1/2 tea. salt
• 5 eggs
• 2 tea. vanilla
• 2 tea. baking soda dissolved in 2 tbs. hot water

Then add and beat:

• 2 c. all purpose flour
• 4 c. quick oats

Stir in by hand:

• 2 more c. flour

Then add (if desired) and stir:

• 1-12 oz. bag of milk chocolate chips (my favorite by far are the Guittard brand of the large mild chocolate chips) or butterscotch chips (I like Hershey brand)
• 1 c. chopped walnuts or pecans

Drop with 2 spoons on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes. Cool on rack and serve. Yummy!

The older I get, the more I love that there are recipes that I use often that have been in my family or Dan's for generations. It makes me feel close to those that have gone before us and left a legacy of family and love for us to continue. Each time I make one of these recipes, I feel a special connection to someone who helped to make me and my family what we are. 

Christmas Gift Ideas and a December Stamp of the Month Card

Hello, Blogland!

Today I thought I'd share some fun Christmas gift ideas for the scrapper, stamper and/or paper crafter as well as another card (4 1/2" square) I made with the AWESOME December Stamp of the Month (Mad About You).  Don't forget that with a $50 order, this set is yours for only $5 during December.  Here is a link to the set.  Also, to make it easy for you, you will be prompted to add it to your order if you'd like on my website before you check out.

I have shown you a photo of the carrier sheet.  Remember that the actual size of the carrier sheet is 6" x 6".

CTMH products used on this card:  December Stamp of the Month, Universal Backgrounds, Sonoma Level 2 Paper Pack, CTMH/Cricut Art Philosphy Cartridge, Smokey Plum Stamp Pad, Desert Sand Stamp Pad, Bamboo Stamp Pad, Chocolate Ribbon (on clearance!), 3D Foam Tape.


On to the gift ideas.  Remember, these can be for you to give to someone else who loves to scrap, stamp or paper craft, or they can be for YOU! Just send those asking what you want to my blog post today and let them know which little gifties caught your eye.  All of these items can be ordered directly from my website.  And, as a special bonus, anyone who orders from my website before midnight (MST) on December 12 will receive a hand-stamped Christmas card in the mail from me.

I have divided my gift suggestions into 4 categories:

1. Between $50 and $100
2. Between $25 and $50
3. Between $10 and $25
4. Under $10

Here we go (I have included links to my website for each product for your convenience)...

1.  Between $50 and $100:

• The CTMH/Cricut Art Philosophy  Collection: This is more than a Cricut cartridge. It's a w hole collection of things that coordinate. In addition to the cartridge (that has shapes that coordinate with MANY of the Close To My Heart stamp sets) it includes 3 exclusive stamp sets (that coordinate with the cartridge, of course) as well as 3 sheets of chipboard shapes that also coordinate with some of the shapes on the cartridge.  All of this is yours for only $99.  Since each of the stamp sets are valued at $17.95, and each chipboard sheet is valued at approx. $5.95, that alone adds up to over $70 in value. Add a cricut cartridge to that with over 700 images (including fonts, shapes and 3D items), and you have a BARGAIN for your $99!

• 12 Month Studio J (CTMH's perfect answer to Digital Scrapbooking) Membership: $99.  Are you a busy, on-the-go type of person who wants their photos beautifully preserved but just don't have the time or want the mess? Then Studio J is for you! It's easy, intuitive, and quick.  When you become a Studio J member, you receive:  50% off retail price of layouts, .jpf files available free or for purchase, free memory protectors, free shipping on one shipment per months, exclusive kits and patterns, special deals and promotions. 

2.  Between $25 and $50:

• Exclusive Inks Organizer:  Keep your exclusive Close To My Heart stamp pads, markers and reinkers convieniently stored in one place.  $69.95.

• "E" sized stamp sets (priced at $29.95).  There are many to choose from, but right now my favorite is the "Trinity Alphabet" set.

• Exclusive Close To My Heart Shoulder Tote:  $29.95.  This darling tote has Spring Iris colored top stitching and silver rivets. It comfortable holds 12" x 12" paper, and even an album!

3.  Between $10 and $25:

• Exclusive Stamp Sets:  Close To My Heart stamp sets sizes C and D (C sized stamp sets are priced at $13.95 and D sized stamp sets are priced at $17.95)

• Watercolor Pencils: a set of 24 is $22.95. I use these for EVERYTHING! They are my favorite way, hands down, to color in lined stamp images. I like them used with water, or even without (like a regular colored pencil). In my book, these are a must-have! 

4.  Under $10

• Most of Close To My Heart's accessories (from chipboard, to sparkles, to buttons, to waxy flax) ring in at under $10.  Check out the accessory items here.

• Have you checked out the "While Supplies Last" portion of my website? Well, if not, you should. CTMH added TONS of new items today and many of them are as much as over 60% off! 

These are just a few ideas.  I hope they have been helpful to you. Remember, if you order before midnight MST on December 12, this guarantees that your order will ship by December 16.  In addition, as I mentioned above, it also guarantees you a hand-stamped card in the mail to you from me! Happy shopping!