Happy Halloween. Mateys!

I borrowed this costume from a friend last week and wore it to our church Halloween party on Wednesday night.  Lots of people didn't even realize who I was at first. That was fun!  How cool is this costume, anyway?  Happy Halloween, everyone! Argh!

5" x 7" October Stamp of the Month Card

Here's one last card idea using the October Stamp of the Month. This beauty was created using lots of embossing, CTMH/Art Philosophy Cartridging, spray penning, and lots of love!

Click here to find out how you can get this beautimous (yes, I know that's not a word but I use it anyway) stamp set before 11:59 (MST) on October 31. And, while you're reading, be sure to note that the "Add-On Free" special ends at the same time. Jump on board. You know you want to!

Have a wonderful day!

"Holiday Wishes" Stamp Set Special (only $5!)

Hello, everyone! I have a little early bird special for you. This is the Close To My Heart special for November, but we have opened the window a few days early for the ordering to begin today! How cool is that? No waiting around for November to come.

When you place a minimum order of $25 in My Acrylix^® stamp sets in November (and also beginning Oct. 27), you can purchase a new D-size Holiday Wishes stamp set for only $5! That’s significant savings off the full retail value of $17.95. And even better: many of the images in the set coordinate with our Cricut^® Art Philosophy cartridge for added cutting and stamping fun!

To place your order, just head to my website, click on Shop Online, and go to town!

Over $400 for $99!

Did you know that there are only a few more days left in the "Add-On For Free" promotion that Close To My Heart is running this month? That's right, as of October 31 at 11:59 pm (MST), the deal is gone, baby, gone.

Just to remind you about this wonderful deal, here's how it works: Sign up to be a Close To My Heart Consultant by purchasing the basic New Consultant Kit in the month of October, and get one of our Add-On Kits absolutely FREE ($130 value!). Between the value of the New Consultant Kit and your FREE Add-On Kit, you will get over $400 in product for only $99 (plus shipping and tax). I personally suggest you choose the Studio J Add-On Kit. This gives you a one year membership and 5 two-page 12" x 12" Studio J layouts absolutely FREE! I have shared photos of each of the kits a little further down in this post. You can click on any photo to see it larger and in more detail.

To sign up, just head to my website, click on "Your Opportunities", then on "Become a Consultant" and it's easy, peasy, lemon squeazy. As soon as I am notified that you have signed up, I'll contact you and we can talk about your goals with CTMH and how I can help you reach them. We have so much fun on my team. In fact, I'm headed out today for a 3-day retreat with many of my team members. It's going to be a BLAST!

Here's the Basic Kit (valued at over $280):


Here's the Studio J Add On Kit (valued at over $130):

Here's the Roxie Add On Kit (valued at over $80):

Here's the Elemental Add-On Kit (valued at over $80):Well, what are you waiting for? Take the plunge! I did it 19 years ago and have never regretted it since. What started out as a way for me to earn a little extra money here and there quickly turned into a lucrative career doing something I love with all my heart!

More October Stamp of the Month Art (layout and card)

I shared this layout last month because it was made using a scrapbook sketch that was timely in September, but I wanted to share again since it was actually made using the October Stamp of the Month (which I LOVE).

This layout features a Christmas that I will never forget. You can read the story here.

There are only a few days left in October, which means only a few days left to get the October Stamp of the Month. You can purchase it for full retail price ($17.95, use order #S1110 to order it this way on my website), OR (and I think this way is the BEST), you can get it for only $5 if you spend $50. If you are ordering on my website, you will be prompted to add the stamp set before you check out.

Here is a little photo of the carrier sheet for this stamp set (actual size of the sheet is 6" x 6"). I saw the coolest thing made with this set the other day that wasn't even Christmas related. I can't remember who made it or where I saw it (sorry!) but they had used the Christmas tree with the writing on it as a pennant and stamped the across the top of a layout and connected the pennants with bows. You could even make it the title of a layout by adding letters on top of each pennant. Cool idea!

Christmas Card Workshop

This is a GREAT workshop to help you make TWENTY beautiful Christmas cards in record time. These cards are gorgeous yet simple. I created this workshop based on the cards shown on page 76 of the Autumn/Winter Idea Book. I love that Close To My Heart's Idea Books are not only packed with amazing and quality products, but TONS of artwork ideas as well. I have shown the 2 card styles we'll be making in the photo (feel free to click on the photo to see it larger and in more detail). You will make 10 of each card. You can participate in one of three ways:

1. Attend one of my workshop dates in American Fork, UT, Thursday, November 17. You can come to the morning class (10 am - 1 pm) or the evening class (7-10 pm).
   
2. Host this workshop yourself for you and your friends and I'll come and teach it. You will also earn hostess rewards (FREE Close To My Heart products) once you have sold at least 6 workshop kits.
3. You can participate long-distance. Just add $7 to the purchase price to cover shipping and me stamping all necessary items before I ship them to you.

Each kit makes 20 cards. Purchase as many kits as you want! To participate, you are only required to purchase the Basic Kit. Anything above and beyond that is totally up to you.

Basic Kit (each Basic Kit makes 20 cards. Feel free to purchase as many kits as you'd like):
2 pkgs. of White Daisy Die Cut Cards and Envelopes
1 pkg. of Bitty Sparkles
1 Red Ribbon Collection
2 sheets of White Daisy 12" x 12" Cardstock
3 sheets of Olive 12" x 12" Cardstock
1 sheet of Cranberry 12" x 12" Cardstock
3 sheets of Chocolate 12" x 12" Cardstock
1 Round Sponge
Cutting Guide and Instructions
Subtotal: $27.40 Total with shipping and tax: $31.43

Better Kit = Basic Kit + the following products:
1 Chocolate Stamp Pad
1 Cranberry Stamp Pad
1 New England Ivy Stamp Pad
1 Holiday Cheer Stamp Set
1 A Holiday Stamp Set
Subtotal*: $60.05 Total with shipping and tax: $68.89

Best Kit** = Basic Kit + Better Kit + the following products:
1 Cricut Art Philosophy Collection
Subtotal*: $159.05 Total with shipping and tax: $182.44

*At this purchase level you qualify for the Stamp of the Month ($17.95 value) for only $5
**Order this kit and get a FREE My Acrylix Block Starter Kit ($19.95) from me!

To sign up for this workshop (in any of the 3 available ways), just give me a call or email (801.360.9896, pedermom@aol.com).

October Stamp of the Month Card

Here's another card made with the October Stamp of the Month (Holiday Magic). It can be yours for only $5 this month with a $50 purchase (before shipping and tax). It's a $17.95 value! If you order on my website, you'll be prompted to add this set before you check out.

As you can see, I got into some SERIOUS embossing on this card. I embossed the red and black backgrounds with the versamark pad and clear embossing powder for a tone on tone look. The tree, sentiment and plaid strip were embossed with white daisy embossing powder. I just LOVE the look of embossing; so rich and delicious!

Don't forget that along with the awesome October Stamp of the Month, there is one more wonderful Close To MyHeart special in October. If you sign up as a new consultant this month ($99 plus shipping and tax) you get an add-0n kit (up to $130 in value) absolutely FREE! Signing up is easy, peasy, lemon squeasy! Just click here. I'd love to have you join my team!

Just Stuff

Today I thought I'd share a plethora of things and photos. Enjoy!

First off: spider web cupcakes. I was in charge of a little activity for the teenage girls at church. We did an activity to illustrate to 'webs we weave' with the words we say, whether good or bad. I used the book, "Charlotte's Web" as an example of how through "weaving a web of good words" Charlotte was able to not only raise Wilbur's confidence, but save his life. After the little lesson, we wove our own web. We all sat in a large circle. I had a big ball of yarn and I started. I held on to the end of the yarn and said something I liked or admired about another person in the circle. Then I tossed them the ball of yarn to that person, while still holding on to my end. Everyone did the same until everyone in the circle had been "talked about" and we had woven our own web of love. Cheesy? Maybe...but I thought it made a point. I baked cupcakes for the girls to decorate like spider webs. I totally forgot to take a photo of them, but I've included a photo I found online that looks like what we did. Instead of the gumdrop spider, I just had spider rings they could poke down in the middle of their webs Here's a link to show you how to frost your own. The photo is also from their site since I was a goober and forgot to take photos of my own. These little cupcakes are so simple and easy to make, and kiddos and grown ups alike seem to get a kick out of them.

Next, I thought I'd share a fun photo that was taken by our newspaper, The Deseret News last week at Dawson's game. I love it! Doesn't he look studly?
I loved this photo too. It was taken by team photographer, Mark Spencer. He does such a great job!
Here are a few more photos I thought I'd share. Kori (my sweet daughter) is pregnant with babies #2 and #3, a little girl and boy. We are so excited. She and her family live in Chicago. Her sister-in-law, Carly threw her a beautiful shower this past weekend. I just love the colors and decor. Kori made the "twins" banner to later hang in the nursery, and also made the labels on the food to help Carly out a little bit. Ahhh, a girl after my own heart...a paper crafter! lol.
Tannon had a great week too. He baptized 3 people in San Fernando, Spain this past week. I'm so proud of him and his decision to serve a 2-year mission for the Lord in Spain. He's over half-way done. I can't believe it. I get to see this kid of ours again in less than one year. YIPEEEE!
I am feeling a little bit bad that I don't have any great photos or news to share about Easton and Daysha this week. As I read over this post before posting, I realized that they are the only ones of our kiddos I didn't share photos of this week. E and D, if you are reading, I love you just as much as those who are pictured today. Send me some photos! lol.

Lastly, I just finished a really great book. If you are at all interested in Civil War history, specifically the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, you will love this book. I am a BIG fan of fiction but this book is not fiction at all. It's written to feel like fiction, but everything inside is factual and totally non-fiction. That's the best way I can think of to learn a little bit about history and be entertained at the same time. It is co-written by Bill O'Reilly (yes, that Bill O'Reilly...the political pundit) and Martin Dugard. It's called Killing Lincoln: The Shocking Assassination that Changed America. It doesn't matter whether you love Bill O'Reilly or hate him. The book does not share political views or ideas. It's simply the story of what happened leading up to and during the week of Abraham Lincoln's death. I learned a TON and enjoyed reading it so much. I would highly recommend it (photo courtesy of Amazon.com).

That's more than enough for today, don't you think? If you're still reading, have a GREAT day! If you're not, have a great day anyway. :)

November Play Group Layouts and Class Information (Dreamin')

Layout #1: "Fall":

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Layout #2: "Family":
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Layout #3: "Sunny Days":

November's Play Group classes are right around the corner and I wanted to be sure to post and let you know everything you need to know in order to participate. If you are not familiar with my monthly Play Group scrapbooking classes, you can read all about them on the left side of my blog. Just scroll down until you see "Play Group Information." You can also click on any layout above to see it larger and in more detail.

In November we will be using the warm and friendly kit called "Dreamin'" for our three 2-page 12" x 12" layouts. As you can see in the photos above, Autumn photos, as well as anything warm and friendly look beautiful on these pages. I even tried some heritage photos on these papers (as you see in Layout #2) and really liked the look of the black and white with the warm colors.

If you want to participate, I need to hear from you no later than Tuesday, October 25. You can call or email me at 801.360.9896, pedermom@aol.com.

Class Dates and Times to choose from in American Fork, UT:
Tuesday, November 1, 10 am - 1 pm
Tuesday, November 1, 7-10 pm
Thursday, November 3, 10 am - 1 pm
Thursday, November 3, 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 November 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)

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.

Dreamin' Play Group Shopping List

Basic Kit

• Dreamin' Workshop on the Go Kit (includes Workshop Stamp Set, Dreamin' Level 2 Paper Pack, Shimmer Designer Brads, Bronze Glitter Gel, Instructional Brochure, 2 extra sheets of Colonial White Cardstock)
• 2 extra sheets of Pacifica Cardstock
• Karen's cutting guide

Subtotal: $31.17
Total with shipping and tax: $35.76

Better Kit (I recommend this kit!) = Basic Package + the following items:

• Dreamin' MyStickease
• Harvest Charms
• Cork Color-Ready Alphabet
• Decor Journaling Spots
  

Subtotal: $52.97*
Total with shipping and tax: $60.77

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

• Chocolate Stamp Pad
• Goldrush Stamp Pad
• Pacifica Stamp Pad
• Round Sponge
• Trinity Alphabet
  

Subtotal: $99.92*
Total with shipping and tax: $114.62

*At this sales level you qualify for the Stamp of the Month ($17.95 value) for only $5!

Call or email me to place your order and sign up for a class, or to schedule a class of your own for this workshop in your home with your friends and earn FREE Close To My Heart products (801.360.9896, pedermom@aol.com).

You can purchase these and other wonderful Close To My Heart products on my website, 24/7.

Scrapbooking Clearance Sale...While Supplies Last

Lots of GREAT items have been added to the "While Supplies Last" portion of my website. Get' em while they're hot!

One of my favorite items that has just been added to the "While Supplies Last" sale section of my site is the Bliss Level 2 Paper Pack. Are you kidding me (or as my little granddaughter, Daci would say, "Ah yoo kiddin' me, Gwanma?")? $3.00 for 22 sheets of GORGEOUS patterned paper and cardstock? That's over 77% off! And no, I'm NOT kidding! The Bliss Paper Pack is just one of many wonderful items that have just been added to the sale. Check it out! Oh, and did I mention that ANYONE who orders from my website will also receive a hand-made card in the mail from me? No? Well, I'm mentioning it now!

Here is a mini-album I made of my son, Easton and his beautiful wife, Daysha last year using the Bliss papers. I've shared this little book before. In fact, you can see each page here. I love the elegance and neutrality of this kit. It's great for weddings, family photos, heritage photos, or anything you just want to make feel elegant and beautiful!

Mojo Monday Sketch #209 Card

I'm a few days late to enter this in last week's Mojo Monday contest, but I liked the sketch and knew it was something that would challenge me so I'm sharing all the same. Thanks to Mojo Monday for always having cool sketches and ideas!

I based this 6.5" x 5" card on last week's sketch, #209. How 'bout that? I may be late on using the sketch, but I am definitely EARLY for our next Anniversary! WOO HOO! I love having things done ahead of time (over 6 months ahead of time! lol). I used next month's Close To My Heart November Stamp of the Month (Cherish the Day, available in November) and the Roxie papers (which I love...especially that zebra print!). Other CTMH products used: Pewter Mini-Medley, Licorice Opaques, Cork Color-Ready Alphabet, Milepost Shapes, Black Stamp Pad, Smoothie Marker, Say it in Style Stamp Set.

Head to my website to shop any time...24/7.

Studio J "Love Your Layout" Video Tutorial for October

IMPORTANT: To watch this video without hearing my play list in the background, first scroll all the way to the bottom of my blog and press the 'pause' button my play list. Easy, peasy, lemon squeasy!

This Studio J "Love Your Layout" tutorial is WONDERFUL. Did you know that every month Close To My Heart releases a new one? I look so forward to it! To me, the best way to use them is to open your Studio J window and then be watching this video in another window. I pause the video as I need to and go to my Studio J window and d0 the step, then go back and start up the video again. That way I can make the layout right along with the tutorial! I almost always order my layout once it's done, but even if you don't it's so worth watching the video and making the layout. You will learn new techniques to use on other ones. If you decide you don't want it when you're done (heaven forbid!), then you can easily delete the layout from your stash.



Give it a try! You might be surprised how much you like it. Did I mention that I do FREE one-on-one or group Studio J classes? We can do it in person, or online together! Contact me to schedule yours (801.360.9896, pedermom@aol.com).

Studio J is unlike any other online scrapbooking program. There is no need to purchase digital papers, embellishments, etc. All you do is create and the payment is per 2-page layout when you are done creating. No need to store lots of digital supplies on your computer to try and match and make work together, it's all in one place and Studio J stores everything for you! Everything is made to match. It's the BESTEST program out there!

Don't have a Studio J account yet? No worries...it's EASY! To create an account and make layouts is absolutely free. There are a few cost options to order your layouts.

• You can purchase a membership. There are two memberships available to choose from: a 3-month membership or a 1-year membership. In my opinion, becoming a member is the way to go! It allows you free shipping on one order per month (between 4 and 20 2-page layouts)! That's a $7.95 value! You also get a GREAT savings on the price per layout than if you were to purchase them without a membership. Finally, memberships give you access to "Members Only" layout patterns and paper kits. WOO HOO!
• You can purchase a 5-pack. This is five 2-page layouts as well as the shipping for them included (all 5 must be ordered at once).
• You can pay for your layouts one at a time. I don't recommend this one. In the long run you are paying much more per layout and don't get the perks of "Members Only" kits and patterns, nor do you get one free shipment per month. But, just to let you know, this is an option. LOL.

For more details, to try it out for FREE, and to see answers to Frequently Asked Questions, click here.

October Stamp of the Month and Advent Calendar Box Reminder

Happy Monday!

Today I thought I'd share another card that I made with this month's awesome Stamp of the Month. Don't forget that you can purchase it during the month of October only. It's $5 with any $50 order (before shipping and tax), or you can purchase it for $17.95. The order # is S1110. If you are getting it for $5, you'll be prompted to add it before you finish your order. Just head to my website and start shoppin'! You can also take a page-by-page tour through the Autumn/Winter Idea Book here.

I also wanted to remind you about my Advent Calendar Box Worskhop. You can sign up to attend the workshop on Thursday, October 20, 10 am - 1 pm or 7 - 10 pm (in American Fork, UT), you can purchase a long-distance kit, or you can host this workshop on your own (in Utah). The details are here. If you want to attend the workshop on the 20th, I need you to call or email me to sign up no later than Wednesday, October 13th (pedermom@aol.com, 801.360.9896).

CTMH products used on the Stamp of the Month card: October Stamp of the Month, Universal Backgrounds Stamp Set, White Daisy Cards and Envelopes, White Daisy Cardstock, Olive Cardstock, Cranberry Cardstock, Black Cardstock, Olive Stamp Pad, Black Stamp Pad, Versamark Pad, White Daisy Embossing Powder, CTMH/Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge, 3D Foam Tape.

October Play Group Layouts (Mischief)

Layout #1 - :What a Spooktacular Night":-------------------------------------

Layout #2 - "Autumn is in the Air":---------------------------------

Layout #3 - "Chills and Thrills":

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Dear me! I just realized I hadn't posted the October Play Group Class layouts using our gorgeous Mischief papers yet. Since today is the last class, I won't post the shopping lists, but I will at least post the pages (click on any photo to see it larger and in more detail).

I know why I forgot. I kept thinking I would post them as soon as I got photos on them. I never got photos on them and have since decided to wait and put photos of my darling little granddaughter, Daci on them after Halloween. Since my kiddos are all grown up, they don't really dress up anymore. Daci, on the other hand, is at the height of Halloween glory at age 2 1/2. I'm sure I'll have some precious photos to add to these pages in a couple of weeks.

Here are the pages without photos. All products used are from Close To My Heart. Enjoy!

CTMH products used: Mischief Workshop on the Go Kit (includes Mischief Level 2 Paper Pack, Mischief Workshop Stamp Set, Midnight Felt Shapes, Instructional Brochure), Mischief Complements Rubons, Sunset Mini-Medley, Decor Journaling Spots, Black Stamp Pad, Colonial White Stamp Pad, Round Sponge, Posterboard Alphabet.

If you head to my website and purchase these items then email me to let me know (pedermom@aol.com), I will email you my exclusive cutting guide to make all 3 layouts with the one kit!