Thank You!

Thank you to everyone who commented yesterday with wonderful suggestions on how I could make my card better. I loved all of the ideas and I have incorporated many of them into my card. I will be finishing that card (and 5 more just like it) later this week but won't be posting it for a few weeks. It is for the Humble Artists' Swap group and we are not allowed to post our finished products until everyone has sent in their cards. I promise I will post it once I am allowed. There's that darn patience thing again. Ugh.

What Do You Think?

I have been working on several things lately that I can't share for quite some time. Darn! It makes me crazy to create for a class I am teaching in the future, or with products that have not yet been released and not be able to share right away. I get so excited. It's almost like I feel when I buy someone a gift. I almost cannot wait to give it to them on their birthday. I just want to run right over and give it to them while I am still so excited about my purchase. I've heard that patience is a virtue, but I am not convinced. Almost all the projects I have been working on lately fit into the 'I cannot share them yet' category. To quote Winnie the Pooh, "Oh bother."

That doesn't mean I don't have something to share today though. Today's little share is different than anything I have ever shared before because this time I am asking for input on what this project needs. I created this card yesterday for a specific purpose and I like it okay, but it is not making me do summersaults or cartwheels. I want summersaults and cartwheels!

So, when you comment today, please help me out by answering one or all of the following questions:

• Is there anything I need to add?
• Is there anything I should take off?
• Would the letters look better painted white than glittered?
• Do you have any other suggestions on how I can take this card from okay to WOW!?

Thanks for your help! Have a wonderful day!

Happy Mail

I opened my mailbox a couple of days ago to find one of my favorite things...happy mail! My oh-so-talented friend, Bren created both of these cards. Double whammy happy mail from Bren...what could be better?

The first card was created using the new Passages papers.

The second card was created using the new Cherry-O Creative Basics papers.

Beautiful, Bren...just like YOU!

You can order these, or any other brand new products in the Summer 2010 Idea Book by clicking here and shopping on my website 24/7...even in your jammies!

National Kori Day!

No one in the world could possibly have a sweeter daughter than I do. Korinne Danae is the epitome of sweetness. I am so proud of her. Today is her birthday, and I'd ike to invite you all to help us celebrate. Have a piece of cake today and think of my Koribug!

Kori came into this world 24 years ago today and hasn't stopped blessing my life since. She is kind, selfless, and just pure goodness, through and through.

I remember once in high school she got a letter from a friend. I'm paraphrasing, because I don't think we still have the letter, but it went something like this, "Kori, I just want to thank you for your example. You never say anything bad about anyone. I have never heard you gossip and I respect you so much for that. I just wanted you to know how much I look up to you." What a compliment, don't you think?

Another little experience that comes to mind that might tell you a little bit about my girl is this one: Kori was on the drill team in high school. Although there were 20 members on the team, not all of the girls were in every competition dance. Kori was one of the lucky few who was. Just before competition season began, Kori got very sick. She lost 20 pounds in a matter of 2 weeks and we didn't know what was causing this illness (luckily we found out later that it was celiac disease and we were able to deal with that). In the first competition of the year she passed out coming off the floor after a dance. She wanted so much to help her team and she and her advisor decided that she would bow out of one of the dances, the most difficult and strenuous one, for the rest of the year. That left an open spot to fill. There were 8 girls who would all have done just about anything for that spot. But instead of filling it, they all got together and decided they didn't want to take Kori's spot. They re-choreographed the dance to fill her spot and said that it was open for her to come back to as soon as she was strong enough. She got to come back and dance that dance again for the last few competitions of that year. When she did, the girls all gathering together and said a prayer for her that she would be okay. The girls who were not in the dance waited in the hall so that as soon as she finished dancing they could help her back to the dressing room. They knew that it would take all of her strength just to get through the dance.

I'll never forget that. Not only did it show me the goodness and sisterhood that this group of girls had, but it also showed me how highly they thought of Kori. I have to agree. She is pretty darn special! I love you, Koribug! Happy 24th Birthday! Thank you for making me a mother!

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day, everyone! I am so grateful that I am a mother. I love my kiddos more than I could ever express in words. Being a wife and mother has truly brought me the greatest joy I have ever experienced in life. As I reflect on the wonder of motherhood, I also feel filled with gratitude for the mothers in my life.

To my mom (pictured here): Mom, you are the BEST! How I was blessed enough for God to pick you as my mother I will never know. I definitely got an angel. In your Mother's Day card today I wrote, "To the most Christ-like person I know." It's the truth! If I am only half the mother to my children that you are to me, I will feel pretty darn good about that! I love you.

To Grandma "T": Thank you for being you. Growing up, I looked up to you so much and wanted to be just like you. I loved how beautifully you decorated your home, wanted to be able to cook and entertain just like you, and dress just like you...oh yeah, and play pinochle just like you! Thank you for teaching me all of these things, except the pinochle part. I never will be as good at that as you are!

To my mother-in-law, Halene: I miss you! I can't believe it's been almost 16 years since you passed away. I miss your giggle, watching sports with you, canning with you, and hearing you call everyone "such a sight!" Thank you for raising my knight in shining armor!

To my Grandma Dunham: I wish we had lived closer to you growing up. I wish I had known you better. I am so grateful to you for raising my father to be the man that he is. I hope one day to meet you in heaven and sit down and have a LONG chat. I want to hear all of your stories and experiences!

To my daughter (and mother of my granddaughter), Kori: I am so proud of the mother that you are. I am so grateful that you and Rick have blessed our family with little Daci. I never have to worry about how she is being raised. You are the sweetest and most conscientious mommy. I hope you will forgive me for the mistakes I made as a mother.

June Play Group Pages - Cherry-O

Layout one - "A Sweet Life"

Layout Two: "Sweet Treats"

Layout Three: "Smile"

Can you tell that I have officially dubbed June "Cherry-O Month"? Between the Cherry-O Recipe Box Workshop on June 23 and the June Play Group pages, Cherry-O seems to have found it's niche in June. If you are not familiar with my Play Group classes, you can read more about how it all works on the left side of my blog under "Play Group Information."

Play Group Dates and Times to choose from in June:
Tuesday, June 15, from 10 am - 1 pm
Tuesday, June 15, from 7-10 pm
Wednesday, June 16, from 10 am - 1 pm
Wednesday, June 16, from 7 - 10 pm

We will be making the three 2-page 12" x 12" layouts you see here. I'm sure you are surprised (NOT!) to see that these layouts feature my darling granddaughter, Daci. Feel free to click on any of the photos of the layouts to see them larger and in more detail.

You don't have to attend the class to participate. You can also participate long distance. Just add $5 to your total if you want to participate long-distance. Email me to sign up and to purchase your kit if you haven't yet (pedermom@aol.com).

Shopping List (to attend Play Group you must purchase at least the Basic Package. I need your orders placed no later than April 29 in order to attend a class. Email me to order...pedermom@aol.com). If you are not familiar with how Play Group works, you can read a short summary on the left side of my blog.

Basic Kit:
Cherry-O Level 2 Paper Pack (X7123B) - $12.95
Cherry-O MyStickease (X7123C) - $4.95
Mini-Medley Tulip Collection (Z1320) - $4.95
Chocolate Waxy Flax (Z1088) - $3.95

Total: $30.74* (this is including shipping and tax)

Better Kit = Basic Kit plus the following:
Dimensional Elements Simple Alpha, Lower (Z1048) - $6.95
Sanding Kit (Z1294) - $3.50
Corner Rounder (Z578) - $7.95
Chocolate Stamp Pad (Z2114) - $5.25

Total: $57.87** (this is including shipping and tax)

Best Kit = Basic and Better Kits plus the following:
Tulip Stamp Pad (Z2166) - $5.25
Sweet Leaf Stamp Pad (Z2153) - $5.25
Field Trip Alphabet (E1013) - $34.95

Total: $109.93*** (this is including shipping and tax)

*at this purchase level you qualify for the Stamp of the Month at 25% off ($17.21)
** at this purchase level you qualify for the Stamp of the Month at 50% off ($11.48) and the Miracle Kit (if you purchase in May) for $10.
***at this purchase level you qualify for the Stamp of the Month at 75% off ($5.74) and the Miracle Kit (if you purchase in May) for $10.

Email me (pedermom@aol.com) to sign up for May Play Group Classes. I need your order no later than June 7.

Cherry-O Recipe Box Workshop

Are you as in love with the Cherry-O line from Close To My Heart as I am? I hope so, because cherries are the "it girl" of the summer.

I decided to combine a few of my loves for this workshop: Cherry-O, papercrafting, and cooking. Who doesn't need a darling recipe box? If you are like me, you have enough well-loved recipes to fill 2 or 3 boxes. Well then, that is why this workshop is so perfect!

This is another of my "double your fun" workshops, which means when you purchase the workshop you will get enough of everything you need to make 2 of what you see in the photo (2 boxes, 2 sets of 16 recipe cards, 2 sets of 4 dividers, 2 greeting cards {in case you want to give either of the boxes as a gift you will have a darling matching card!}). So, you can make 2 and keep them both (which is a great idea if you have tons of recipes like me), or you can make one for yourself and give the other as a gift, or you can split the workshop with a friend and you'll each get one. WOO HOO! By the way, thanks to my friends, Kim Lohberg and Nona Davenport for some of the inspiration for this workshop design.

If this is sounding like fun to you, keep reading.

You can participate in person by attending one of the workshops at my home in Highland, UT or you can do it long distance. If you choose to do it long distance, I will cut and stamp your paper for you at no extra cost for my labor. If you decide to participate long-distance, you will just pay $5 more for shipping. Email me to sign up (pedermom@aol.com).

To do the workshop, all you need to do is purchase the Basic Kit. You are more than welcome to purchase the Better or Best Kits, but the Basic is all that is required. Please pay close attention to what you will need to bring or supply for the workshop, and what I will provide. That way you won't forget anything when you come.

Workshop Dates and Times to choose from:

• Wednesday, June 23, from 10 am - 1 pm
• Wednesday, June 23, from 7 - 10 pm

Basic Kit:

• 2 - Recipe Boxes
• 4 - 12" x 12" sheets of Cherry-O B&T paper (2 cherries, 2 tulip tone-on-tone)
• 2 - 12" x 12" sheets of Colonial White Cardstock
• 2 - 3/4" x 5 1/2" piece of Chocolate Cardstock
• 1 - Package of Clear Craft Buttons
• 1 - Recipe Card and Divider Set (includes 32 cards and 9 dividers)
• 1 - Chocolate Waxy Flax
• 2 - 4 1/2" x 5 3/4" cello envelopes (for cards you will make)
• 2 - Cutting Guides

Subtotal: $41.20*
Total including shipping and tax: $47.25

*at this spending level you qualify for the Miracle Kit at the discounted rate of $10 (if you purchase your workshop kit in May, and the Stamp of the Month at 25% off ($17.21).

Better Kit = Everything in the Basic Kit + the following items:

• 1 - Recipe Card and Divider Set (includes 32 cards and 9 dividers--you might want this if you have lots of recipes!)
• 1 - Round Sponge
• 1 - Chocolate Stamp Pad

Subtotal: $60.65**
Total including shipping and tax: $69.58

**at this spending level you qualify for the Miracle Kit at the discounted rate of $5 (if you purchase your workshop kit in May), and the Stamp of the Month at 50% off ($11.48).

Best Kit = Everything in the Basic and Better Kits + the following items:

• 1 - Togetherness Stamp Set

Subtotal: $83.60***
Total including shipping and tax: $83.60

***at this spending level you qualify for the Miracle Kit at the discounted rate of $5 (if you purchase your workshop kit in May), and the Stamp of the Month at 75% off ($5.74).

You bring with you to workshop:

• adhesive (I like tombow best. Bring LOTS!)
• glue dots
• paper grimmer
• Covered drink if you want one
• treat if you want one

Karen Provides:

• your kit
• workspace
• personalized help and instruction
• use of tools: chocolate stamp pad, round sponge, pokey tool, sponges
  
• use of two stamp sets: B1423 - Bowl of Cherries, D1402 - Togetherness

That's it. Email me with any questions or to sign up (pedermom@aol.com).

May Stamp of the Month

I love Close To My Heart's Stamp of the Month program. Each month they offer a stamp set that is available for that month only. It is yours to purchase for full price, at a 25%, 50%, or 75% discount, or best of all, yours to earn FREE! More details to follow...

May's Stamp of the Month (D1421 - Cherish the Moment) is a classy and versatile one...great for cards or scrapbook pages. Those are my favorite kind of stamp sets. I have included a photo of 3 cards that I have made with this set (featuring the brand new "Cherry-O" collection of papers), as well as a photo of some beautiful projects made by the Close To My Heart art department. I also included a photo of the stamped images that are in this set. The actual size of the carrier sheet is 6" x 6".

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!

Did you know?

Did you know that if you sign up to be a Close To My Heart Consultant this month (May 2010), you not only get the AMAZING New Consultant Kit for $99 (more details later in this post), but you also get the National Scrapbooking Month "Miracle" kit absolutely FREE? Well, now you do!

The "Miracle" kit includes all of the ingredients, photos, instructions and cutting guides to make these two beautiful layouts. This kit is valued at over $30. Click here for more information on what comes in the kit and what National Scrapbooking Month is all about.

Signing up is easy, peasy, lemon squeasy! Just click here, then follow the links. You can sign up for as little as $99 (plus shipping and tax)! Once you sign up, I will contact you to set a time to answer your questions and help you get going on your new business venture! I'd love to have you join my team of consultants. We are called The Pacemakers (because we keep THE HEART {as in Close To My Heart} pumpin'!). We have a blast together and I provide lots of great training and help to my team weekly.

The New Consultant kit is $99 (full of over $350 in product). Check out all of the goodies that come in that:There are also two extra kits that are also available for you to add on to the New Consultant Kit. They are certainly not required, but they are yours for the taking when you sign up if you want them. The Scrapbooking Bonus Pack is full of over $180 in product and is yours for $60 (plus shipping and tax). The Cardmaking Bonus Pack is full of over $150 in products and is yours for $50 (plus shipping and tax). Here is what you'll find in both of those:Have a wonderful day! I plan to. I am teaching two scrapbooking classes today. I love what I do and YOU can too!

Blog Candy Winner and 25!

Congrats to my blog candy winner, Michele H who said, "This is a great tool for playing with layouts, colors and embellishments; so much time is spent trying to figure out what size and how to place pictures."

Michele, please email me at pedermom@aol.com to give me your mailing address. I'll get that $25 in new product in the mail to you right away. THANKS!

Don't forget that YOU can still play with Studio J any time you'd like, for free. There is no cost at all until you decide to order any of the layouts you created. Just click here to play.

Today is the 25th anniversary of the day that Dan the Man and I were married in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple for time and all eternity. I love you, Dan-O! Thanks for the best 25 years of my life...and here's to at least another 25! Dont-cha LOVE that 80's dress and hair-do?

Have a wonderful day, everyone!