4 New Close To My Heart Scrapbooking Kits

It's here, and by "it" I mean the Autumn/Winter Close To My Heart Idea Book. Woo hoo! You can view it page-by-page on the left side of my blog, of if you would like your very own hard copy, just email me and let me know (pedermom@aol.com).

In this new book, among other exciting products, are four brand spankin' new scrapbook kits. They are all mouth-wateringly delicious in their own ways. From the fun and cuteness of the Hooligans kit, the elegance of the Mistletoe kit, the soft and warm tones of the Olivia kit, or the blues and browns and homey feel of the Magnifique kit, I love them all!Enjoy some amazing artwork in this post using each of these kits made by the talented CTMH Art Department. I have also created links above that will take you directly to the order page for each of these kits on my website.If you see a kit you just LOVE and want to create some BEAUTIFUL projects with, then shoot me an email and sign up for that month's Play Group class. The months that we will be making each kit are...
October: Hooligans
November: Olivia
December: Mistletoe
January: Magnifique

Thriller - Close To My Heart's September Stamp of the Month

As you know, with a new month comes a new CTMH Stamp of the Month. This month's (Thriller - D1442) is the perfect complement to any Halloween card or layout. I have had so much fun creating with this set.

The image you see of the stamp set is of the carrier sheet the stamps come on. The actual size of that sheet is 6" x 6".

I know I have shown you this 12" x 12" layout before, but I couldn't resist showing it to you again. Not only does it feature the Sept. SOM so prominently, it makes me SMILE! This little 4 year old is now a not-s0-little 16 year old. The cards (2- 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" cards and one 4 1/2" circle card) are new. Enjoy!

Before I share product lists, I thought I'd share a technique you see featured on the layout and the cards. It's called scissor distressing. Now, don't be 'distressed' at the thought of dulling your wonderfully sharp scissor blades. If you have our GREAT micro-tip scissors (Z534), you have no need to fear. Just keep your scissors CLOSED and run the OUTSIDE EDGE of your scissors up and down the edge of the cardstock you want to be distressed. After I did that, I just sponged a little black ink along the distressed edge. This is a GREAT technique to use on all of the Halloween cards and layouts you'll be making soon.

On to the product lists... Oh, by the way, I bolded any products that are brand new and went live today.

CTMH products used on the layout: Thriller Stamp Set (C1442), Holiday Red Cardstock (1274), White Daisy Textured Cardstock (X5671), Black Cardstock (1386), Versamark Pad (Z891), Black Embossing Powder (Z670), Craft Heater (Z555), Round Sponge (Z697), Black Stamp Pad (Z2105), Piercing Tool Kit (Z1114), All Out Adventure Rubons (Z1153), Licorice Opaques (Z1335), Neutral Embroidery Floss Assortment (Z1096).

CTMH products used on the cards (anything that is not a link is something that I used on the layout that already has a link in the product list above): Thriller Stamp Set, Circle Around Stamp Set (D1300), White Daisy Textured Cardstock, Black Cardstock, Sunset Cardstock (X5758), Hooligans Level 2 Scrapbook Papers (X7129B), Clear Cards (Z1309), Clear Sparkles (Z1104), Pear Mini-Medley Accents Collection (Z1339), Black Stamp Pad, Round Sponge, Versamark Pad, Black Embossing Powder, Craft Heater

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)

With the BRAND SPANKIN' NEW Autumn/Winter Idea Book live today (that beautiful blue Idea Book you see on the left side of my blog links straight to the online catalog, which you can view page-by-page by clicking on the book...or you can also click HERE to see it), earning that Thriller set for FREE should be no prolem-0!

Just hop on over to my website to begin shopping. And, have a WONDERFUL stampin' and scrappin' day!

Swap 'Til You Drop - Christmas Layout and Cards

I am involved in an AWESOME swap right now. There are 5 ladies that each make a layout and 3-4 other items (times 5) using one of the new kits in Close To My Heart's Autumn/Winter Idea Book. We send 4 sets of items to the swap hostess (Thank you, Joanne!), keep one set for ourselves, and she sends us each back one set of each new kit. WOO HOO!

I was assigned the Creative Basics Mistletoe Collection (X5811, available on September 1) as the kit that I would be working with. I am embarrassed to say that my swap is a little late being sent. Remember that flu I had a few weeks ago? Well, it ended up being walking pneumonia and it put everything in my life in a tailspin. So, I hope the other ladies in this swap will forgive me for being a few days late with my items.

Feel free to click on any photo to see it larger and in more detail. It's hard to see in some of the photos, but all of the chipboard snowflakes are sponged or painted with color and then sprayed with glimmer mist. So, there is lots of sparkle and bling to all of these projects. Sparkle and bling always make me happy!

Since this is my first time participating in this swap group, I was a little nervous. I hope my items are up to par with those that I will be getting back. I have already shown you the layout. You can see it with photos added here, so when you see it in this post without photos it might look a bit familiar. The other items (the 4 cards) you have not seen before.

My favorite item is the "Happy Holidays" card (first photo in this post). I love that rich damask tone-on-tone look. To get it I just stamped one of the Damask Tiles stamps in Cranberry Ink onto the Cranberry B&T paper in the Creative Basics Mistletoe Collection, quickly sprinkled Clear Embossing Powder over it, shook off the extra, and heated with my Heat Gun. LOVE that look, don't you? I need some wallpaper just like it!

If you have questions about any of the other items and the techniques I used, feel free to comment here and ask, or even email me directly (pedermom@aol.com).

Click here to shop at my CTMH website 24/7...especially when you want to make class damask looking Christmas cards!

6" x 6" Card using Magnifique Scrapbook Kit from Close To My Heart

Hello, hello!

As you may have noticed, my past several posts have been sneak peeks at some of the new products that are debuting in Close To My Heart's Autumn/Winter Idea Book. That will be available to view page-by-page right here on my website on September 1. Be sure to check back then.

Today's post is following that theme. The 6" x 6" card you see here uses the gorgeous new Magnifique paper kit. This kit features 3 (Lagoon, Pacifica, Sky) of the 8 new colors CTMH is coming out with in the new Idea Book.

Although the papers and stamps are not available until 9/1 (6 more days!), the supplies I used to color the peacock and to make him shimmer are available RIGHT NOW on my website. CTMH products used that you can purchase NOW: Cocoa Stamp Pad (Z2214), Watercolor Pencils (3505), Waterbrush (1771), Glitz Glitter Gel (Z1313), Corner Rounder (Z578), 3D Foam Tape (Z1151).

Want to know how to make the peacock look like mine? Here's how:

1. Stamp peacock in Cocoa ink on Colonial White cardstock.
2. Color in peacock lightly with Watercolor Pencils (I used a little bit of the turquoise, purple and bright green colors in the 'basic colors' grouping of the Watercolor Pencils).
3. Blend lightly using your Waterbrush.
4. Let dry (if you are in a hurry, use your heat gun to help it dry faster)
5. Add a little glitz glimmer gel to the peacock and using a paint brush, spread it out and 'paint' it where you want it. (P.S.: you'll notice on my card the glitz is smeared a bit at the bottom. That is because my cat decided to walk on it before it was done drying {naughty Tarje'}. Tip for the day: keep your cat OFF the card!)
   
6. On the peacock's 'head dress' put a dot of glitz glimmer gel on each of the dots.
7. Let dry.
   

CTMH products used that will be available on my website September 1 (add them to your wish list!): Magnifique Level 2 Scrapbook Kit (X7127B), Circle of Love (D1438), Shimmer Designer Brads (Z1349), Pacifica Stamp Pad (Z2192), Lagoon Stamp Pad (Z2195).

Have a great day! I am off to Logan to watch my son, Dawson's first football game of the season. GO KNIGHTS!

Christmas Layout (Joy) with Mistletoe Creative Basics

I just finished a layout that I am in love with. At least I think it's the layout I love... but I'm not really sure because the little girl on it I am so in love with that even if it was the UGLIEST layout ever, I think I might still think it is beautiful. Let's hope it really is! Feel free to click on any photo in this post to see it larger and in more detail.

I used Close To My Heart's new Creative Basics Mistletoe Kit (X5811, available September 1...only one more week!). I love the Creative Basics series from CTMH. They include 12 sheets of Background & Texture Duo papers (6 each of 2 designs) and a spool of 4 yards of matching ribbon. All of this is only $7.95. These packs are GREAT for making lots of Christmas cards or even a whole Christmas album that is matchy-matchy!

Here are a few close ups of the details on the layout. I used CTMH Flurry Dimensional Elements (Z1225) as my main accent on this layout. They are wonderful white chipboard pieces that can be colored in so many ways (ink sponging, painting, markers, covering with paper, etc). The tan snowflakes I painted with a tan paint and then added a little bit of glimmer mist. The dark brown snowflakes I sponged with cocoa ink then sprayed with glimmer mist as well. I did the same with my "JOY". These snowflakes are so reasonable priced at $4.95 for a sheet of approx. 13 snowflakes, 16 stars, and 17 dots. Wowza! These snowflakes and the "J", "O" and "Y" letters ( (Z1064, Z1069, Z1079...which are made of the same great white chipboard as the snowflakes) are available to order right now, so what are you waiting for? Just click here to enter my website then click on 'shop online'. Easy, peasy!

Mark the Creative Basics Mistletoe Collection on your wish list and check back here for the brand new Autumn/Winter Idea Book on September 1. You'll be able to click on the photo on the left side of my blog and view it page by glorious page.

Close To My Heart New Exclusive Colors!

September 1 is just around the corner. "What happens on September 1?" you ask! The new Close To My Heart Autumn/Winter Idea Book goes live and you will be able to view it page-by-delicious-page right here on my blog that day. There are LOTS of fun new products, gorgeous new scrapbooking and card kits, dozens and dozens of new stamp sets, and (drum roll please)....8 NEW COLORS that have been added to our exclusive color palette.

A couple of days ago I was doing a little blog surfing and happened to stop by my talented bloggin' friend, Karla's blog. Right there before my very eyes was a card that stopped my heart. BEAUTIFUL! Not only was it gorgeous, but it used my current favorite stamp set (Damask Tiles) and showcased one of our new colors (Smoothie) perfectly. I coudn't stand it any longer! I dropped what I was doing (making a cutting guide for an upcoming class I will be hosting in October) and pulled out the supplies to make a card similar to Karla's. I decided while I was at it, I would use her card as inspiration for cards of my own to showcase ALL EIGHT of the new colors. Thank you, Karla for your creativity and sharing you amazing creations on your blog to inspire people like me!

Now, on to the new colors. Like I said, there are 8 new colors. I know there are only 7 cards. I was just trying to confuse you. lol. Actually, one of the 8 colors is the same on all 7 cards. The "Thinking of You" piece and bottom border on every card are done on Lagoon cardstock. Now, clockwise from the top left, the damask tiles on each card are stamped in the following colors: Sky, Pacifica, Cotton Candy, Sunset, Pear, Smoothie, and the middle card is Gypsy. How delicious are those colors (and I'm not just talking about their names)? I can't even choose a favorite because I love them all.

While you are anticipating the new colors going live on September 1, feel free to stop by my website where you can order our already wonderful products 24/7...even in your jammies!

Blog Candy Winner Card

Christine, you ROCK! Christine is the winner of yesterday's Blog Candy Card for being the first to email me a photo of a project she made using the rosette flowers taught on this month's Art & Soul webisode. BEAUTIFUL card, Christine (click on the photo to see it larger)! Wouldn't you all agree? And the best part is that she has used all Close To My Heart products!

Just by looking at Christine's card, I would guess she used the following products: Mistletoe Level 2 Paper Pack-X7130B (available Sept. 1), St. Nick Stamp Set-B1356 (available Sept. 1), Licorice Opaques-Z1335 (available Sept. 1), Cranberry Grosgrain Ribbon (which is on sale right now for only $4.95 for 20 yards...that's only .25 per yard!), Pewter Designer Brads. You can click on either of the products that are links to go straight to my website to order these beautiful items.

You can see more of Christine's beautiful creations on her blog at: http://createwithchristine.blogspot.com/

Although there has already been a winner, I'd still LOVE to see your beautiful rosette flower creations. You might even get your creation featured on my blog! Feel free to email them to me at Pedermom@aol.com.

Art and Soul: Eclectic Elegance and BLOG CANDY!

Close To My Heart's new webisode of Art & Soul is up on my website. It's called "Eclectic Elegance" and it's one you don't want to miss. Click here to watch it.

Want to win this card? Be sure to keep reading to the end of this post to find out how!

Among other things, this 12 minute webisode of Art & Soul is jam-packed with artwork, tips and techniques for the following:

• Vintage is very NOW!
• Tying perfect knots and bows
• Focal points and odd numbers
• Ideas with ribbons and ruffles
• Rosette ribbon flowers (like you see here on this card I made after watching Art & Soul!)

I had so much fun making this elegant rosette ribbon flower with CTMH's Colonial White Twill Ribbon and adding the gorgeous filigree charm in the middle. I would never have thought to do that without this webisode. Be sure to watch it and you'll learn how simple it is to make a rosette of your own.

Want to know how to make the leaves on this clear card? Easy, peasy lemon squeasy!

1. Cut your leaves out of a green cardstock (I have used CTMH's Olive cardstock for mine).
2. Fold leaf in half, then unfold.
   
3. Sand the entire leaf. Close To My Heart's cardstock is perfect for this because it has a white core. Add a little bit of brown ink to the edges with a round sponge or sponge dauber if you'd like a vintage look.

To win this card, all you have to do is make a rosette flower and use it on a project then email a photo of it to me at Pedermom@aol.com. The first person to do so will get this little card sent their way!

Feel free to shop my website 24/7...even in your jammies by clicking here.

Big Week!

I can't believe it's been 5 days since my last post. A LOT has happened since then at the Pedersen homestead!

1. Easton (who plays receiver at Southern Utah University) injured his ankle in the intra-squad scrimmage last Saturday. We have an MRI and x-rays to look forward to now. Ugh. He played GREAT before the accident. Let's hope it's just a sprain. I thought I'd spare you a photo of his very large and black and blue ankle and foot. Lucky you!

2. Dawson played in the Maroon and Gold game Saturday at Lone Peak. He is on the Sophomore team. We were so proud of him. He had 6 catches at receiver, one for a touchdown. At defensive end he had 3 sacks and several tackles. WOO HOO, Dawson! The first two photos here are of one of Dawson's catches {#10} and one very studly photo of him walking off the field. LOVE this kid. When did he grow up?

3. Tannon went to the Mt. Timpanogos Temple in preparation for serving his LDS mission in Spain. We were so thrilled to see him take this momentous step in his life. The third and fourth photos here include one of Tannon and Easton goofing off afterward, and one of Tannon with his two grandpas who were there at the temple to support him.

4. Easton decided it was time to take the big step and buy the engagement ring and propose to Daysha. He bought the ring yesterday and proposed today. She said YES! Spring wedding in the works. The fifth and sixth photos in this post are of him filling out all of the paperwork for the ring and one of he and Daysha.



Maybe I'll actually have time to do some papercrafting in the next day or so to share with you. Mind you, I am not complaining about the lack of crafting time lately...I wouldn't trade the events and excitement of this week for anything!

Close To My Heart's Passages Kit and September Play Group Layouts

Layout #1: "Harmony"
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Layout #2 - "The Ultimate Destination"
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Layout #3: "The Call"
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Play Group classes are over for August. I am always sad when they are done because it means almost a whole month before I get to see my Play Groupies again. Love you guys!

I'm already SOOOOOO excited about September's classes (held at my home in Highland, UT). If you are a Play Groupie, enjoy checking out next month's pages here in this post. If you are not a Play Groupie, then why not become one? Scroll down the left side of my blog to the section titled "Play Group Information" and read about how it works. It's so much fun and I'd LOVE to have you try it out! Just email me (pedermom@aol.com) and I'll send you more information and I'll be happy to answer any questions you might have. You can even participate LONG DISTANCE! If you want to do that, just email me (pedermom@aol.com) and let me know and I'll email you the long distance info.

We will be making the three 2-page 12" x 12" layouts you see here in September's classes. Feel free to click on any of the photos of the layouts to see them larger and in more detail.

September Class Dates and Times to Choose From:

• Tues, September 7, 10 am - 1 pm
• Wed, September 8, 10 am - 1 pm
• Wed, September 8, 7-10 pm
• Thurs, September 9, 7-10 pm

September Shopping List (I need your orders by August 31 in order for you to participate):

BASIC Package:
Passages Level 2 Paper Pack (X7126B) - $12.95
Passages Level 2 MyStickease Assortment (X7126C) - $4.95
Mini-Medley Accents Pewter Collection (Z1243) - $4.95
Passages Marks (Z1318) - $3.95
Subtotal: $26.80*
Total with shipping and tax: $30.74

BETTER Package = Basic Package plus the following products:
Designer Ribbon Rounds Cocoa Collection (Z1316) - $7.95
Metal Brad Assortment (Z1217) - $4.95
Round Sponge (Z697) - $1.25
Brown Bag Stamp Pad (Z2108) - $5.25
Cocoa Stamp Pad (Z2114) - $5.25
Black Stamp Pad (Z2105) - $5.25
Subtotal: $56.70**
Total with shipping and tax: $65.04

BEST Package = Basic and Better Packages plus the following products:
Building Block Alphabet (E1009) - $34.95
1 1/4" Circle Punch (Z1311) - $12.95
Subtotal: $104.60***
Total with shipping and tax: $119.98

*At this level you qualify for the August Stamp of the Month (D1424) at 25% off ($17.21)
**At this level you qualify for the August Stamp of the Month (D1424) at 50% off ($11.48)
***At this level you qualify for the August Stamp of the Month (D1424) FREE!

Email me to sign up (pedermom@aol.com) or if you are not interested in signing up but saw some products you LOVE while clicking on the links, click HERE to order from my website 24/7...even in your jammies!

Oh, and PS: If you are interested in reading the journaling in layouts 1 or 3, here they are. I noticed that even when clicking on the photo to enlarge them it was still hard to read the journaling. I'm sure you'll need to click on these 2 photos to see them large enough to read. Enjoy!