FREE Studio J Layout (Digital Scrapbooking)

What a great month to try out Studio J!  During October if you purchase 9 Studio J layouts you get 1 free! If you purchase 18, you get 2 free.  If you purchase 27 you get 3 free, and if you purchase 36, you get 4 free. Cool beans!

To try out Studio J for FREE just head to my website, then click on Studio J. You'll love it!

This layout is one that I created a couple of years ago and still just love.  It is of Easton's redshirt year of football (2010) at Southern Utah University.  You've come a long way, baby!  We are now into Easton's sophomore season and he is one of the team leaders in receiving.  Here's to two more awesome years, Easton!

Here are close-ups of each page:

Speaking of Easton and football, I couldn't resist sharing this awesome photo from last Saturday's win against the University of Montana.  Great catch, E!

Great catch last Saturday against the University of Montana. Photography by Anita.

Lastly, tonight is Dawson's last regular season football game and the last home game of the season. That means it's Senior night where they announce the Senior players and they are escorted onto the field by their parents.  I already feeling tears coming just typing this. I can't believe my baby is a Senior. Such emotion!  Good luck tonight, Dawson (and the Red Devils)! If we win, we go to the playoffs. If we lose, we are done for the season.

Touchdown, Dawson! Photo by Mark Spencer.

 Don't delay, head to my website right away to try out Studio J (how's that for rhyming?)!

Christmas Card with the October Stamp of the Month and MONTANA!

This card is made with the awesome October Stamp of the Month which, although valued at $17.95, can be yours for only $5 with a $50 order this month! Order on my website anytime! I'll share a scan of the stamp set, a detail shot of the card, and my supply list at the end of this post. First, I've just got to share a little bit of what I was up to this weekend.

What an amazing few days!  Dan, Dawson and I drove to Montana on Friday morning. Easton and the Southern Utah University Thunderbirds were playing at the University of Montana Griz on Saturday afternoon.  Unfortunately Tannon had to work and couldn't go and, of course Kori and Rick and their family couldn't make it from Chicago.  So we, the three musketeers went anyway. 

Dan and I have some dear friends that we went to college with and that Dan played college football with who live about an hour outside of Missoula, Montana in a little town called Drummond.  They invited us to stay with them and treated us like royalty, from the delicious food to the beautiful rooms we stayed in at their home. I am so mad I didn't get some pictures of their gorgegous home and all of their amazing land, but we did get a couple of photos of signs in Drummond (population about 300) that made us giggle.  Here you go:

Usually open?  Too funny!

Used Cow Lot.  For real?

Spending time with our friends was an added bonus to our trip for the football game!  The University of Montana is a perennially ranked FCS team. They have never lost back to back games in their home stadium in Missoula since it was built in 1986.  We put an end to that record!  The T-Birds beat the Griz 30-20 in their sold out (27,000 fans) stadium.  Yes, it felt good!  Easton had 5 catches for 59 yards. Yay, Easton!  Yay, T-birds! Here are a few shots from the game:

Darn that guy in the hood. He moved just as I took this picture and covered up cute Tristan. This is part of the Dahl family, the friends we stayed with.

Before the game as the military brought the flag on the field for the National Anthem. Yep, I cry every time.  There was lots of pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  Even the band wore pink feathers on their hats.

There was a show of LOTS of motorcycles and mini-cars honoring breast cancer survivors before the game. Very cool!

Easton (#88) going out for a catch

Easton catching the ball (#88). Yes, I'm pretty proud of this shot!

Easton (#88) making his way to the goal line after the catch above (#88.  He got to the 1 yard line dragging that defender!)

Dawson, me, Easton and Dan after the game.

What a wonderful weekend!

Okay, back to the Stamp of the Month artwork.  Here is the stamp set (actual size of the carrier sheet is 6" x 6"). Don't forget that this set is available during October only. You can purchase it for the full retail price of $17.95 or you can get it for only $5 with a $50 order.

Here is a detail shot of the card:

And here are the CTMH products used. I have linked them all to their page on my website for your convenience:  October Stamp of the Month, Universal Backgrounds Stamp Set, Pear and Partridge Paper Pack, Sorbet Cardstock, Cocoa Cardstock, Cocoa Pad, Olive Pad, Sorbet Pad, Cranberry Pad (the mittens were inked in Sorbet Ink and then rolled in Cranberry Ink and then stamped), Red Ribbon Collection, Mocha Opaques, 3D Foam Tape, Round Sponge, Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge (to cut circles and scalloped circle), Cricut Artiste Collection (to cut mittens).

You can order these and hundreds of other wonderful products on my website 24/7...even in your jammies!

Have a great week!

Basketball Layout - "Game On"

I created this layout of Dawson using the new "Make It From Your Heart" publication that was recently released by Close To My Heart. This book has 16 two-page layout patterns, 2 one-page layout patterns,  and 12 card patterns. All of that for only $7.95! 

I had fun with a few different techniques on this layout:

• Painting the edges of the layout and even the photos with some white acrylic paint
• Tone-on-tone stamping: I stamped the basketballs in bamboo ink on bamboo cardstock for the base pages.
• Embossing: I am a  huge embosser.  I thought the embossed stamped borders on a few of the patterned paper strips above and below the photo collage added just the right touch.
• Mixing and matching patterned papers from a few different paper packs.

That "Make It From Your Heart" publication is full of great inspiration and ideas!

Here are a few detail shots.  I'll add a 'products used' list after the photos. 

I used the awesome Dimensional Elements Tags to create this journaling spot.

I loved using the Pacifica Mini-Medley Buttons and our Neutral Twine Assortment to mix in with the Dimensional Elements Stars. Some I just left white and some I covered with B&T paper.

Can you tell I love Dimensional Elements?  I used our Dimensional Element Notable Alphabet in it's natural white state for the "Game On" title.

Close To My Heart products used:  Game On Stamp Set, Bamboo Cardstock, Ruby Cardstock, Dakota Paper Pack, Florentine Paper Pack, Bamboo Stamp Pad, Dimensional Elements Tags, Dimensional Elements Stars, Dimensional Elements Notable Alphabet, Pacifica Mini-Medley (retired), Neutral Twine Assortment, Versamark Pad, White Daisy Embossing Powder.

Gratitude and Blessings

Dan-the-Man and I. I love this big teddy bear.

Although today is more of a family-related post, be sure to check out yesterday's post, and the one from the day before to see the upcoming October classes I am offering. You can participate in person, long-distance, or even host a class in your home. Sign up soon! The deadlines are nearing.

Today I have been feeling especially grateful for so many things.  As I have been working, I keep stopping and writing down another thing I think of that I am grateful for.  I have decided this is such a cathartic exercise. The more I focus on the good and bountiful, the less I focus on the things that aren't quite as I'd like. Funny how that works!  One of the things I am most grateful for is my hubby, Dan-the-Man.  I recently earned a cruise through my Close To My Heart business to the Southern Caribbean.  We were planning to go together when his sister and her husband did something amazingly kind for us. Our son Tannon was in dire need of a car but it was not in either his budget or ours right now. Out of the blue, Dan's sister, Cindy and her husband gifted Tannon a really nice used car. We were so thankful and honestly, just speechless. Dan came to me and said, "Karen, what would you think about taking Cindy on your cruise instead of me? It would be a great way to say thank you for what they did for us." I agreed 100%.  What a good guy!

As always, the thing I am most grateful for is my family.  They truly bring me so much joy!  This past weekend we had the Pedersen Reunion in Cedar City, UT. We spent the weekend with our own family, all of Dan's brothers and his sister and their families, as well as Dan's dad.  A great time was had by all. We enjoyed going to Easton's football game, to watch Daysha perform in Hairspray at Tuachan, watching General Conference as a family (this is a semi-annual broadcast from our church's leaders that we all love!), and eating lots of yummy food.  Family truly is what it's all about! I wish Kori, Rick and their family weren't so far away (darn you, Chicago!) so that they could have enjoyed the weekend with us!

Here are a few pics from this weekend:

Dawson scoring a touchdown in our win against Provo the night before we headed to Cedar City.  Yay, Dawson!

Easton and I after his game against Sacramento State

My 3 boys

Daysha (far right) in a promo shot for Hairspray

In addition to the fun shots from this weekend, I had to share one of Rick, Kori and their family because I wish they could have been here too, and because it seems weird to talk about my family and not include them.

Rick, Kori, Daci, Livvi and Street

Life is good. I am grateful for the many blessings in my life.  Thank you, Heavenly Father!

Christmas Advent Calendar Kit and Workshop

Christmas Advent Calendar Box Workshop

Be sure to check out yesterday's post to see the October Scrappin' Play Group Classes and layouts (three 2-page 12" x 12" Halloween layouts) we will be making in them.  I'd love to have you join us!

Who wouldn't want to make this darling Christmas Advent Calendar Box?  I can't think of a single person. 

You can participate in this workshop in one of three ways:

1. Come to an in-person class (see dates and times below)
2. Participate long-distance
3. Host this workshop in your home with you and at least 5 friends and I'll come to you (in Utah).You, as hostess, will earn at least $40 in hostess rewards and at least one half-off item (and that's only if everyone only purchases the Basic Kit. The more you sell, the more you earn)!

Call or email me to order a kit and sign up in one of those three ways (801.360.9896, pedermom@aol.com). Read on for more details...

The finished project is 14" x 14" x 2 3/4" and each daily drawer is 2 1/2" x 2 1/2" square. It's a darling Christmas decoration and very functional. One of the things I love most about it is that the little drawers are so roomy you can easily fit enough treats in each one for each child or grandchild that will want to pull out the drawer each day in December.  I plan to fill each drawer with Hershey's Kisses and a scripture reference.

Here is a photo that shows a close up of a few of the drawers:

In person classes (if you want to attend one of these classes, I need to hear from you no later than Tuesday, October 16):

• Tuesday morning, October 23  from 10 am - 1 pm in American Fork, UT
• Tuesday evening, October 23 from 7-10 pm in Pleasant Grove, UT

To attend the class, all you need to purchase is the Basic Kit.  Anything above and beyond that is up to you. I will be providing the items you see in  the Better and Best Kits for your use at the workshop, but you may want some of those items of your very own.

If you are participating in this class long-distance, I suggest you get the Better Kit. You'll need those few extra items to complete the workshop if you are not attending in person. If you already have the Artiste Cartridge and a Cricut Machine, you won't need the Best Kit. If you don't have them, you can either purchase the Best Kit or pay an extra $5 and I will cut your workshop papers for you before I send your kit.

Basic Kit Includes (add $5 to the total if you are participating long-distance):

• Advent Calendar Workshop on the Go (includes My Creations Cubby, Advent Calendar Workshop Stamp Set, 15 Cardstock Sheets {3 each of 5 colors}, 1 Bitty Sparkles Pack, 2- 12" x 6" Dimensional Elements In Color Frames Sheets, 1 Instructional Brochure)
• 1 Sheet of White Daisy Cardstock
• Karen's Cutting Guide and Instructions (I've made a few enhancements to the workshop that are included in these instructions and cutting guide)

Subtotal: $44.95
Total (with shipping and tax): $51.57

Better Kit = Basic Kit + the following products:

• Black Stazon Pad (this pad is fade proof and light and color fast. Great for home decor items that will be out in natural light)
• Ruler
• Bone Folder

Subtotal: 69.80*
Total (with shipping and tax): $80.07
 
Best Kit = Basic Kit + Best Kit + the following products (this kit is the BEST value. When you purchase this kit, you get the Stazon Stamp Pad and the Bone Folder in the Better Kit FREE!):

• Cricut Artiste Cartridge

Subtotal:  $153.90*
Total (with shipping and tax): $178.73

Items you will need to complete your project:
Lots of Glue Dots
Lots of Tombow Adhesive

To sum it up, here are the pricing options:

• Basic Kit: $51.57 (+ $5 if you want Karen to cut your kit and + $5 if you are participating long-distance)
• Better Kit: $80.07 (+ $5 if you want Karen to cut your kit and + $5 if you are participating long-distance)
• Best Kit: $178.73 (+ $5 if you want Karen to cut your kit and + $5 if you are participating long-distance)

*At this purchase level, you qualify for the Stamp of the Month ($17.95 value) at only $5

Here is the awesome October Stamp of the Month ($17.95 value) that is only $5 with every $50 you order:

October Stamp of the Month: "Very Merry Christmas" (carrier sheet actual size is 6" x 6")

Play Group Scrappin' Class Halloween Layouts and a Christmas Card with the October Stamp of the Month

October Play Group Scrappin' Classes are just around the corner and I would LOVE to have you join us!  For details on how these classes work, just scroll down the left side of my blog until you see the section titled "Play Group Classes" and you can read all about it.  Today I am sharing the three 2-page 12" x 12" layouts we will be making with the fun new Moonlight kit (click on any photo to see it larger and in more detail).




I've also added a bit of artwork at the very end of this post with the October Stamp of the Month: Very Merry Christmas. There is lots to see this post.  Enjoy!

You can participate in my Play Group classes in one of three ways:

1.  Attend a class in person
2.  Host one in your home with your friends (and earn free product!). Call or email me to schedule your date (801.360.9896, pedermom@aol.com)
3.  Participate long distance. Just add $5 to the kit total you see to have your kit shipped directly  from me to you. (call or email me to order your kit: 801.360.9896, pedermom@aol.com)

I'm confident you will enjoy what we do and be very happy with the projects you make!  Keep reading...

I need to hear from you no later than this Thursday, October 11 if you want to participate.  We will be making three 2-page 12" x 12" layouts using the Moonlight kit that are just "boo-tiful," if I do say so myself. These layouts are perfect for Halloween, Pumpkin Patch and Autumn photos. Just call or email me to sign up (801.360.9896, pedermom@aol.com).  As you can see in the photos below, my layouts don't have pictures on them yet. That's because I'm saving them for the pics of my daughter's kiddos. They are being The Cat in the Hat (Daci) and Thing 1 and Thing 2 (the twins). How cute will that be?

In person class dates and times:

• Thursday evening, October 18  7-10 pm in Pleasant Grove, UT
• Friday morning, October 19, 10 am - 1 pm in American Fork, UT

After the layout photos, you'll find the shopping list. 

Layout #1: "A Haunted Halloween"

Layout #1: detail photo 1

Layout #1: detail photo 2

Layout #1: detail photo 3

Layout #1: detail photo 4

--------------------

Layout #2: "Boo"

Layout #2: detail photo 1

Layout #2: detail photo 2

 ---------------------

Layout #3: "Our Happy Halloween"

Layout #3: detail photo 1

Layout #3: detail photo 2

Layout #3: detail photo 3

Shopping List:  To attend or participate in a class, all you are required to purchase is the Basic Kit.  If you want to purchase the Better or Best Kits, or even pick and choose a few items from those to add to your Basic Kit, you are welcome to, but it is not required.

Basic Kit (this is all that you are required to purchase to participate)

• Moonlight Workshop on the Go Kit (includes: Workshop Stamp Set, Moonlight Paper Pack, 2 extra sheets of Colonial White Cardstock, Black and Grey Sparkles Assortment, Haunted Assortment, Instructional Brochure)
• 1 extra sheet of Colonial White Cardstock
• 1 extra sheet of Goldrush Cardstock
• 2 extra sheets of Slate Cardstock
• Karen's Cutting Guide

Subtotal: $32.15
Total with Shipping and Tax: $36.88 (add $5 more if you are participating long distance)


Better Kit = Basic Kit + the following products (I recommend this kit!)

• Moonlight Complements Dimensional Elements
• Glamour Glitter Alphabet
• Round Sponge

Subtotal: $44.30
Total with Shipping and Tax: $50.81 (add $5 more if you are participating long-distance)

Best Kit = Basic Kit + Better Kit + the following products  

• Black Stamp Pad
• Goldrush Stamp Pad
• 2" Scallop Punch

Subtotal: $69.75*
Total with Shipping and Tax: $87.64 (add $5 more if you are participating long distance)

*at this purchase level ($50 or more)  you qualify for the October Stamp of the Month ("Very Merry Christmas" - $17.95 value) at only $5! 

October Stamp of the Month: "Very Merry Christmas" (actual size of carrier sheet is 6" x 6"). Notice the stamps you see outlined?  Those stamps have coordinating shapes on the Cricut Artiste Cartridge. Cool beans! You'll also notice that next to each stamp that is outlined it tells you which page on the coordinating booklet to turn to to find this shape as well as what size to cut it. Awesomeness!

6" x 6" card made with the October Stamp of the Month (see products used list at the bottom of this post)

Detail photo of 6" x 6" card

Products used on the 6" x 6" October Stamp of the Month Card:  October Stamp of the Month, Universal Backgrounds Stamp Set, Pear and Partridge Paper Pack, Sorbet Cardstock, Cocoa Cardstock, Cocoa Pad, Olive Pad, Sorbet Pad, Cranberry Pad (the ornaments were inked in Sorbet Ink and then rolled in Cranberry Ink and then stamped), Red Ribbon Collection, Mocha Opaques, 3D Foam Tape, Round Sponge, Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge (to cut circles and scalloped circle), Cricut Artiste Collection (to cut ornaments).