Creative Basics ROCK!

This is my 2nd post today. Be sure to scroll down for a fun star card.

Have I ever told you about an AWESOME, ROCKIN' product that Close To My Heart carries called Creative Basics? Well, then it's about time I did!

Creative Basics is GREAT for someone who wants to make a lot of cards out of the same papers or even a whole themed scrapbook that coordinates. They include 12 sheets of B&T duos (patterned paper with a backside that is printed also), 6 each of two designs, and a bolt of ribbon (4 yds). The cost is soooooo reasonable ($7.95). Each Idea Book there are 4 new scrapbook kits/paper packs released. There is also a Creative Basics pack released each catalog, and it always coordinates with one of the kits in the catalog. This time (Spring 2010 Idea Book) the Creative Basics (X5809) coordinates with the Veranda kit (X7119A, B and C). I will be showing you a DARLING Mother's Day workshop that I created with the Veranda Creative Basics (X5809) pack and will be holding in April in a few days.

Until then, I thought I'd tide you over by showing you this card. I created it with another of our Creative Basics packs (Emporium - X5806). How cute is this paper and coordinating ribbon? I also used the wonderful sketch from Kazan this week at 2Sketches4You. Thanks, Kazan!

Creative Basics packs are only available while supplies last. There are currently four Creative Basics packs in stock: Emporium, Jingle, Animal Cookies and Veranda.

Click here to order from my website 24/7...because I know you are 'basically creative.'

D

Dawson's Valentine card is finito. The sketch at 2Sketches4You got me going. It's a great sketch from Laura (#45). I had fun adding just a touch of cranberry to my neutral black, colonial white, and bamboo color scheme that has seemed to become my theme for this year's Valentine cards (see several of my posts over the past week or so). Now I just need to finish Dan's and Daci's and I'm ready to start my Valentine baking.

Close To My Heart products used: Silhouette Level 2 Paper Pack (X7090B), Silhouette Creative Basics Collection (retired), Dimensional Elements Mongrams D (Z1058), Heartfelt Stamp Set (B1297), Black Stamp Pad (Z2105), Designer Ribbon Rounds Black Collection (Z1034), Corner Rounder (Z578), 3D Foam Tape (Z1151), Round Sponge (Z697).

Click here to order from my website 24/7...especially when you're making a card for a special someone!

Also, while you're shopping, don't forget that during the month of February, when you order one of our packages of textured cardstock (Basic: X5747, Spring: X5681, Summer: X5745, Autumn: X5669, and/or Winter: X5670), you get one FREE...and even better: $2 of your the purchase price goes to help medical relief efforts in Haiti.

2 Orders of Business

Two orders of 'business' today...

ONE: HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY MISSIONARY SON, EASTON! Gosh I love this kid. And, he is not a little boy any longer. As of 5:30ish this morning he became a full-fledged man...21 years old. Where did the time go? As you know, E is serving a 2 year mission for our church in Houston, TX. We have not been able to see him since he left in January of 2008. But, he will be home in less than a month. LESS THAN A MONTH, I TELL YOU! I can hardly stand it. I am afraid that the security guards at the airport are going to handcuff me and carry me away before he gets there. I mean, how can a mother who hasn't seen her son in two years really be expected to follow airport rules? Can't I run onto the plane and grab him as soon as it lands? Why not?

These two photos of him are a couple of the more recent ones he has sent home. One is him in a car getting a ride to get his bike fixed (he has used a bicycle for transportation for most of his mission). The other is with a gentleman that he taught. Happy Birthday, E! 27 more days 'til I see you!

TWO:
How did you like that Topstitch (X7120B) card yesterday? I hope you liked it a lot because I have another one to share today, this one inspired by this week's sketch at 2Sketches4You (Laura's Sketch #42). Close To My Heart definitely has the most beautiful and highest quality scrapbook papers and kits around! Topstitch is available January 1 and you can order it by clicking here and heading to my website.

On this card I also used the stamp set called "Charmed" (C1385, also available on Jan 1), Spring Buttons (Z1281, available now), Chocolate Waxy Flax (Z1088, available now), and Pretty Pins (Z1148, available now).

Click here to order from my website 24/7...before or after January 1!

Rustic Snowflake

After yesterday's "What the Heck!" card, I decided I kind of liked these non-traditional colors for snowflakes. Here I go again.

This 5" x 5" card was inspired by this week's sketch as 2Sketches4You. The colors were again taken from Jeanette Lynton's Color Me Monday Combo on her blog this week.

Close To My Heart products used: Holiday Trinkets Stamp Set (D1366), Jingle Borders Stamp Set (D1225), Barn Red Cardstock (X5637), White Daisy Textured Cardstock (X5671), Dimensional Elements-Flurry (Z1225), Basic Buttons (Z1206), Barn Red Stamp Pad (Z2104), Cocoa Stamp Pad (Z2114), Olive Stamp Pad (Z2137), Bamboo Stamp Pad (Z2103), Natural Hemp (Z280), Round Sponge (Z697)

Non-CTMH products used: Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist-Pearl.

Click here to order from my website 24/7...especially when you're feeling a little non-traditional.

Four Trees

I don't know why I haven't pulled out my embossing powder much lately because I absolutely LOVE the way embossing looks. Don't you?

This 4.25" x 5.5" card showcases black embossing...on white and tone on tone. I felt the black on black was so elegant that it called for some elegant bling to compliment it. Thus the clear sparkles.

The card was inspired by this week's sketch on 2Sketches4You. Thanks for another great sketch, Kazan!

Close To My Heart products used: Snow Flurries Stamp Set (D1384), Holiday Trinkets Stamp Set (D1366), Tulip Cardstock (X5753), White Daisy Cardstock (1385), Black Cardstock (1386), Versamark Pad (Z891), Black Embossing Powder (Z670), 3D Foam Tape (Z1151), Corner Rounder (Z678), Clear Sparkles (Z1104).

Don't forget it's Stampaganza this month (buy 2 stamp sets and get one free. See the left side of my blog for details). The two stamp sets I used on this card are WONDERFUL holiday stamp sets. If you were to buy them both, you could choose a $22.95 or less stamp set absolutely FREE (gosh, I love that word!). Feel free to email me with any questions (pedermom@aol.com).

Non-CTMH products used: Stampin' Up Scallop Border Punch.

Click here to order from my website 24/7...especially when you're in the mood to emboss.

Snowflakes and Sparkles

I don't know what it is about snowflakes and me this week but...me likey! I am totally lovin' Close To My Heart's Dimensional Elements Flurry Collection (as you can see, I've been using them all week). You get 10 chipboard snowflakes, 3 rounded negative snowflake images, and about 25 small stars and circles, all for $4.95 (Dimensional Elements Flurry - Z1225). Not bad at all.

Today's card was inspired by this week's sketch over at 2Sketches4You (#38). Thanks for another great sketch, guys! Both Laura and Kazan (the 2sketch ladies) ALWAYS come up with awesome ideas.

The focal point of this card, the large dimensional element snowflake was made by sponging the chipboard snowflake with twilight ink. Then I used some stitch and cross stitch rubons from the new "Across the Board" pack (Z1231) to make it look as if I stitched all over it. After that, I added some of our clear sparkles. Pretty darn cute if I do say so myself!

Close To My Heart products used: Jingle Borders Stamp Set (D1225), Versamark Pad (Z891), White Daisy Embossing Powder (Z673), Aspen Level 2 Paper Pack (X7103B), Twilight Stamp Pad (Z2160), Round Sponge (Z679), Flurry Dimensional Elements (Z1225), Designer Ribbon Rounds Creme Brulee Collection (Z1131), Across the Board Rubons (Z1231), Clear Sparkles (Z1104), Snowflake Buttons (retired), Corner Rounder (Z578)

Non-CTMH products used: Martha Stewart Snowflake Punch, Marvy Circle (2 1/2 and Scalloped Circle (3") Punches

Click here to order from my website 24/7...especially if you are lovin' snowflakes like I am this week!

Let it Snow

Really? Snow? Well, we did get a few flakes last week so instead of sitting around feeling sad that Autumn seems to be turning into Winter more quickly than I'd like, I thought I'd celebrate through card making. While I may not love snowflakes when I'm out and about, I do love them as I look out my window at them floating down from the sky while inside my toasty warm house, and I love paper crafting snowflakes even more. So, I decided snowflakes would be my theme today as I created 3 cards with them. Feel free to click on any photo to see it larger.

We'll go left to right. Makes sense to me.

"First Snow" was created based on sketch #37 over at CPS this week.

Close To My Heart (CTMH) products used: Jingle Level 2 Paper Pack (X7115B), Tulip Stamp Pad (Z2166), Christmas Scripts Stamp Set (C1209), Dimensional Elements Flurry (Z1225), Heartfelt Die-Cuts Wonder (Z1210), 3D Foam Tape (Z1151), Corner Rounder (Z578), adhesive backed pearls (read on for information about how to get these).

Non CTMH products used: Martha Stewart Punch, Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist.

"Let it snow" was made using the bonus sketch this week from 2Sketches4You. Love it! This sketch was created by my favorite member of the current 2Sketches4You design team, Cheryl.

CTMH products used: Jingle Level 2 Paper Pack (X7115B), Jingle Level 2 MyStickease (X7115C), Black Stamp Pad (Z2105), Christmas Scripts Stamp Set (C1209), Dimensional Elements Flurry (Z1225), Dimensional Elements On Target (Z1226), Heartfelt Die-Cuts Wonder (Z1210), , adhesive backed pearls (read on for information about how to get these).

Non- CTMH products used: Martha Stewart punch, Offray ribbon, Stampin Up scallop punch

Last, but certainly not least is my "Merry and Bright" card. This card was created using sketch #37 from 2Sketches4You. It was also inspired by my friend, Tracey Mason. Check out her blog here.

CTMH products used: Jingle Level 2 Paper Pack (X7115B), Jingle Level 2 MyStickease (X7115C),Dimensional Elements Flurry (Z1225), Dimensional Elements On Target (Z1226), Heartfelt Die-Cuts Wonder (Z1210), , adhesive backed pearls (read on for information about how to get these).

Non-CTMH products used: Martha Stewart punch, Stampin up round scallop punch

Now for the pearls. Anyone who orders $1oo or more from my website between now and October 31 will receive a package of these in the mail from me! Click here to order from my website 24/7...even when it's snowing!

Happy Halloween Twice

I made the two cards you'll see in this post last night when I was going crazy with insomnia, so who knows how great they really look. When I am sleep deprived things just don't look exactly like they do when I am resting well. If the cards are not so hot, I take no responsibility. Sleep deprivation does not leave me in my right mind. If you like the cards, then maybe I should create more often when I am a zombie, which could be a good thing since I am becoming more and more zombie-ish with every passing night.

I used two sketches that are actually current this week. The first is a sketch from Mojo Monday (#107). I also used Jeanette Lynton's Color Me Monday combo from her blog on this card (Twilight, Sunflower, Clover Meadow and Black).

Close To My Heart products used: Beware Stamp Set (D1381), White Daisy Cardstock (1385), Good Times Level 2 Paper Packet (X7092B), Tinkerin' Level 2 Paper Packet (X7113B), Fresh Shapes Dimensional Elements (Z1019), On Target Dimensional Elements (Z1226), Silhouette Level 2 Paper Packet (X7090), Silhouette Creative Basics Collection (X5803), Black Stamp Pad (Z2105), 3D Foam Tape (Z1151).

Non-Close To My Heart products used: sunflower buttons (unknown).

The second card is using sketch #26 from 2Sketches4You. I almost always love their sketches.

Close To My Heart products used: Beware Stamp Set (D1381), White Daisy Cardstock (1385), Hydrangea Cardstock (X5634), Citrus Leaf Cardstock (1228), Orange Cardstock (1281), Silhouette Level 2 Paper Packet (X7090), Silhouette Creative Basics Collection (X5803), Black Stamp Pad (Z2105), 3D Foam Tape (Z1151), Brads (retired), Round Sponge (Z697).

Click here to order from my website 24/7, even when you're sleep deprived.

Non-Close To My Heart products used: Marvy punches (various circles and scalloped circles), DCWV sticky ribbon.

3 Cards and More Football

"Where's the artwork?" Remember the Wendy's commercial,"Where's the Beef?" If you were not an 80's girl, you probably don't. If that is the case, ignore my greeting and just be assured that there is some artwork in this post and that I am probably much older than you. Also, I made the photos a bit smaller than usual in this post so it wouldn't be too terribly long, so feel free to click on any photo to see it larger. You know the drill, right?

Firstly (probably not a word, but I'm using it anyway), I am sharing a card I made using Jeanette Lynton's Color Me Monday combo (CTMH colors: crystal blue, sweet leaf, tulip and white daisy) and the 2Sketches4You card pattern this week (#34). By the way, 2Sketches4You chose me as one of their Fab 5's last week for my Sunflower card. Woot!

Close To My Heart products used: White Daisy Cardstock (1385), Twitterpated Level 2 Paper Pack (X7118B), Jingle Level 2 Paper Pack (X7115B), Perrenials Dimensional Elements (Z1139), Winter Buttons (Z1284), Red and Pink Embroidery Thread Assortment (Z1092), Crystal Blue Waxy Flax (Z1247), Designer Ribbon Rounds Sweet Leaf Collection (Z1125), Spring Blossom Brad Assortment (Z1213)Crystal Blue Stamp Pad (Z2117), Sweet Leaf Stamp Pad (Z2153), Connections Stamp Set (D1330), Round Sponge (Z697), 3D Foam Tape (Z1151).

Secondly (I think that is a word. I know I've heard it used before): I am sharing 2 cards that arrived the past few days for my birthday. I love it when cards come a little late. It's so much fun to keep celebrating. Thank you, Marian Q (the flowers and balloon in a vase card) and Brenda R (the big flower pocket card) for your thoughtfulness. You are both dear, sweet friends! Both of these ladies are Close To My Heart consultants.

Marian's card below: Celebration Bouquet Stamp Set (C1313), Paper Garden Level 2 Paper Pack (X7094B), Sweet Leaf Stamp Pad (Z2153), Blush Stamp Pad (Z2106), Crystal Blue Stamp Pad (Z2117), Petal Stamp Pad (Z2161), Metal Brad Assortment (Z1217), Prisma Glitter (Z134), Round Sponge (Z697)

Brenda's Card below: Aspen Level 2 Paper Packet (X7103B), Designer Ribbon Rounds Creme Brulee Collection (Z1131), Botanicals Fancy Cuts Die Cuts (X1405), Lilac Mist Cardstock (1295)

Thirdly and lastly, Dawson's team won their football game agains Orem last night. Dawson played great and so did the rest of the team. They beat Orem 23-8. WOOHOO. Dawson is #19 in this photo because our dark uniforms got printed with another team's number list. They are making us new jerseys but they weren't done for this game. Hopefully he will be #10 again before we know it. D had 1 sack, 3 tackles for losses, several assisted tackles and a catch. You go, boy! Tannon plays tomorrow night against Riverton. Keep your fingers crossed.

Sunflowers

Alas, I decided it was time to move back to Summer. I've been posting quite a lot of Autumn and Christmas projects the past week or so with all of the fun new goodies that are coming out from Close To My Heart on September 1 (only 5 1/2 more days until the new Idea Book is RIGHT HERE on my blog!). I guess it's time to be 'present' and move back to Summer. I am excited for Autumn though. As much as I love the sunshine, I think I love Fall even more; the smell of the crisp air, the brilliant colors of the leaves in the canyon behind my house, the smells and tastes of pumkin and cider, and (I know you knew this was coming)...FOOTBALL! I digress. Back to Summer.

Jeanette Lynton's "Color Me Monday" combo this week made it easy to move right back to August with this beautiful color scheme (Close To My Heart colors: Sunflower, Indian Corn Blue, Olive and Desert Sand). The first thought I had when I saw it was "Sunflowers". So, to work I went. I used the 2Sketches4You pattern (Laura's sketch #33) as my guide and this is what I came up with.

Close To My Heart products used: Cottage Floral Stamp Set (B1306), Magic Moments Level 2 Paper Pack (X7101B), Tinkerin' Level 2 Paper Pack (X7109B), Back Country Level 2 Paper Pack (X7110B), Indian Corn Blue Stamp Pad (Z2130), Sunflower Stamp Pad (Z2150), Olive Stamp Pad (Z2137), Black Legacy Writers (4275), Corner Rounder (Z578), 3D Foam Tape (Z1151), Clear Buttons (Z1155), Colonial White Waxy Flax (Z1081).

Non-CTMH products: Offray ribbon

Click here to order from my website 24/7...even when you're picking sunflowers!

More Mushrooms!

More mushrooms! This great sketch is #32 at 2Sketches4you. Again I used my new Twitterpated paper (available from CTMH September 1). For a girl that gags at the thought of eating a mushroom, I sure like them on cards...cute little things when they are not slimily sliding down my throat.

I will be posting the new Catalog/Idea Book here on my blog on September 1. This great paper and the mushroom buttons are in there (Dimensional Elements In Color - Organic). The current catalog is posted now on the left side of my blog (the green book with the hiker guy on the front). You can click there to browse through our current products (MANY of which I have used with my Twitterpated projects this week) and then click here to order from my website 24/7...even when you're eating mushrooms (yick!).

Close To My Heart products used: Twitterpated Level 2 Paper Pack (avail. 9/1, X7118B), Twitterpated Leve 2 MyStickease (avail. 9/1, X7118C), Dimensional Elements In Color - Organic (avail. 9/1, Z1230), 3D Foam Tape (Z1151), Colonial White Waxy Flax (Z1081), Black Legacy Writers (4275), Corner Rounder (Z578), Designer Ribbon Rounds Chocolate Collection (Z1127).

So Happy and These Are The Days

I am loving the sketches on all of my favorite sketch sites this week. These two sketches from 2Sketches4You are no exception. I am "So Happy" that I finally found a couple of hours to sit down and create. Brace yourselves for a plethora (good word, huh?) of cards, layouts and posts from me today.

The first card ("So Happy") and sketch you see are Cloud's Bonus Sketch.

Close To My Heart Products used on "So Happy" 4.25" x 5.5" card: Celebrate Life Stamp Set (C1287), Emporium Level 2 Paper Pack (X7105B), Emporiuim Level 2 MyStickease (X7105C), Twilight Stamp Pad (Z2160), Clear Buttons (Z1155), 3D Foam Tape (Z1151), Liquid Glass (Z679).


The next card and sketch you see are Sketch #31.

Close To My Heart products used: Celebrate Life Stamp Set (C1287), Emporium Level 2 Paper Pack (X7105B), Emporiuim Level 2 MyStickease (X7105C), Cocoa Stamp Pad (Z2114), 3D Foam Tape (Z1151), Liquid Glass (Z679)

Click here to order from my website, 24/7...especially when you're "So Happy!"