Art & Soul - Pulling It All Together

Yes! I do know it's not Halloween. There is a perfectly good reason for me posting this Halloween album today. I promise! Read on to find out...











The newest webisode of Art & Soul ("Pulling It All Together") is up on my website and it's one you don't want to miss! Fifteen minutes is well worth it as you fill you mind with new tips and tricks and fill your eyes with amazing artwork!

Here's a sneak peek:

• Kristine shows the fun Mix & Mingle album and a new way to use it, along with Stazon stamping on acrylic albums (the photos you see here are of a Halloween album I made 2 years ago for my friend. All of the black stamping you see on the clear acrylic pages were done just like Kristine shows in this webisode. Click on any photo to see it larger and in more detail) and metals. She carefully explains the technique and the artwork examples are WOWZA!
• Jill (check our her stinkin' cute shirt and sweater! I want one just like it!) shares an oh-so-cool marbeling technique using liquid glass. Again, the artwork examples are out of this world!
• Monica shows even more uses for our Mix & Mingle Album. Can you believe this beautiful woman is pregnant with #7?
• Tiffany, who I got to work with while teaching a photography class once (she's awesome!) shows some GREAT Studio J tips and tricks. You won't want to miss it!
• The webisode concludes with CTMH's founder and owner, Jeanette Lynton, showing her beautiful calendar pages.

See what I mean? You gotta take 15 minutes and check it out. You can see it here. Then head on over to my website and click on 'shop online' and order all of the fun things you saw in Art & Soul.

Art & Soul: Stencil, Sparkle and Shine

Today the newest webisode of Close To My Heart's Art & Soul was posted. You can watch all 12 minutes of jam-packed-creative-goodness on my website here.

This webisode features LOTS of fun tips and tidbits, among which are:

• stamp stenciling
• stitching
• adding sparkle and shine
• great ways to use dimensional element ornaments

Speaking of Dimensional Element Ornaments (Z1337), I happen to love those little suckers! The 6" x 6" card you see here is one I created using one of them (as you can see, they layer!) with some very non-traditional holiday colors (Sweet Leaf, Sunset and Smoothie) for fun. To create the shimmery look, I just rubbed each Dimensional Ornaments piece on a stamp pad the color I wanted, let it dry and then painted over the top with a sheer layer of our Create-A-Shade Pearl Paint (Z1039).

Have fun watching Art & Soul! And, when you're done, feel free to click here to place an order. You can order on my website 24/7...even in your jammies, which is a HUGE plus this time of year!

Art and Soul, another Cruise, a Sack, a Dance, and I Love You, Lynette!

The new Art & Soul webisode (Cutting and Color Confidence) is up and running on my website...and it's a good-un! Check it out by clicking here. In 12 short minutes, among other things, you'll learn:

• how to add dimension to stamped images with your cutting knife (and how to make a cuter than cute non-Halloween layout using the Hooligans papers)
  
• how to cut your memory protectors to accomodate interactive page elements
• ideas for combining and using the delicious 8 new colors in the Summer Palette
• a little sneak peek into Magic (my new favorite toy!)

I also thought I'd share a beautiful card given to me by one of my downline, and bestest buddies, Lynette K. How this girl does it, I'll never know. She is such a wonderful and supportive wife to a husband who is battling (and I do mean BATTLING...he's a warrior!) cancer, an amazing mother to 4 very busy and involved kiddos, a outstanding business-woman with Close To My Heart, and one of the kindest and most thoughtful people I know. I did a little favor for Lynette and her family one day and she took the time to make this gorgeous card for me to say "Thanks." LOVE YOU, Lynette! I'm sending big virtual hugs and kisses your way!

Here is a photo of Lynette and I on one of the many Close To My Heart cruises we have earned together. This one was Alaska (Hmm. I wonder what lipstick I was wearing. I like it!). And, while I'm on the subject of cruises, I want to give a HUGE THANK YOU to all of you who attend my Play Group scrappin' classes, purchase through my website and/or who are on my CTMH Team. As of yesterday, it is official. I have now earned my 8th cruise with Close To My Heart (the Caribbean Epic Cruise). From Hawaii to Alaska, the Eastern to the Western Caribbean, and Mexico to the Mediterranean, I have been there...all thanks to a wonderful company that rewards their consultants generously. I have been so fortunate to be able to spend several cruises with my hubby, Dan-the-Man, take each of my children on their 'own' cruise, and take my whole family on an Alaskan cruise.

This layout is one I did after spending time in 2005 on a CTMH Eastern Caribbean cruise with my son, Tannon. The sand and water in St. Johns (US Virgin Islands) was A-MA-ZING! I've never seen anything like it. You can see this layout larger and in more detail if you click on the photo.

Oh, and last but not least, it's been a fun week with Dawson. He had a good game last week (see photo of his sack below...he's #10 - kickin' #4's trash), and plays again today. Have I ever mentioned how much we love football at our house? I guess I have a time or two.

Also, the Homecoming Dance is coming up in a few weeks. Dawson decided he wanted to ask a girl named Crystal. To ask her, he filled a mason jar with rice and we carefully printed his name on one of the grains of rice (that was a trick, let me tell you!). We put that little rice grain in with all the others and attached a poem and he rang her doorbell and ran. I'm such a dork because I forgot to take photos, but here is the poem we wrote:

Crystal,

A jar of rice
Is really nice.

But there is more to see
And that is the key.

It's kind of a game
So search for my name.

A magnifying glass
Will help with the task.

Homecoming with me?
I'm down on one knee.

Please say yes.
I won't settle for less.

FUN?
We'll be on that like white on rice!

Crystal called him a few hours later, after digging through that rice and finding his name, to tell him he was a geek, good naturedly (is that a word?) of course. Yes, we are geeks, but we have lots of geek fun!

Have a great day! I plan to!

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.

5 New Tips and Tricks From Art & Soul

Before you read today's post, be sure to check out my previous post. There is a chance to win some blog candy...but hurry fast. Today is the last day to play!


I always get so excited when the third Tuesday of the Month rolls around.

"Why?" you ask.

"Because!" say I. "That is when the new webisode of Art & Soul is released each month from Close To My Heart!"

"Where do I see it?" you say.

"Right on my website!" I reply. "Just click on CTMH TV when you get there and the latest webisode will be right on top for you to view."

Enough back and back talk. I will just dominate the conversation from here. I know what you're thinking, "What's New." Right?

Seriously, this webisode is a must see! It's called Summer Splendor and is full of Stampin' and Scrappin' tips and tricks that you can't live without. Here are 5 to pay special attention to (in order of appearance):

1. Sentiments that Speak (get out your scotch tape)
2. Clear Cards hints (Photo here is of a clear card I made. Enjoy)
3. Circle Punch Flowers (By the way, we are making 2 different kinds in my Play Group classes the next 2 months. We will be making some in August that are not shown in this webisode of Art & Soul, and in September, we'll be making the ones you do see in this show.)
4. Studio J tricks with Photo Mats (so many new enhancements have been added to Studio J. If you haven't tried it yet, click here to play for free)
5. Picnic/Party Place Setting ideas from Jeanette Lynton herself

Jackpot June Deal for June 18 and Art & Soul

Today is a Goodie Box day! Today you get a box filled with popular products for at least 50% off of retail value. Plus, you get a slammin' deal on shipping and handling. Purchase today's Goodie Box for only $40 (retail value over $80)!

To purchase, head to my website (http://leavealegacy.myctmh.com), then click on "Shop Online" then "Jackpot June". Have fun goodie boxing!

After you place your order, be sure to click on "CTMH TV" so that you can watch the brand new webisode of Art & Soul. This month the title is "Cooking Up Creativity" and it is FULL of great ideas from how to use our new Irresistibles Pizzaz chipboard pieces (brackets, frames and more), ideas with our new A-door-ables (I LOVE THESE!), and instructions to make a My Creations Recipe/Photo Box. All of this, on top of beautiful layout and card artwork is your to view in less than 9 minutes. TIME WELL SPENT! Enjoy!

Art & Soul and Overstamping

The new webisode of Art & Soul is available to view on my website. It's called "This One's for the Guys" and its full of great ideas and artwork with a masculine flair. It also teaches a new technique called "overstamping," which you can see on this layout and which I LOVE!

In this webisode (less than 12 minutes long) you will learn the technique of 'overstamping', and learn to make this layout, among other great projects. See that 'gnarly skateboarder' (as he is referred to by Kristine)? He is 'overstamped'!

I've also used 'overstamping' in a very subtle way on this "Season of Blessings" card. Can you see where and how after watching Art & Soul?

Check it out today by clicking here.

Close To My Heart's Art & Soul and Thank You, Kate!

I wanted to be sure you all knew that there is a brand new webisode of Close To My Heart's awesome creative series, Art & Soul that you can view on my website. It's called "Live Your Dreams" and is only about 12 minutes long. In those 12 minutes you will learn, among other cool things, how to make and use your own "puddle pads." Trust me, you've gotta see it! Click here to go directly to my website to view it.

I also thought I share this stinkin' cute card that came in mail for me this week from my friend and downline, Kate C. THANK YOU, Kate. Not only is the card to die for, but the note inside made me cry. I love happy mail!

A couple of 'must have' Close To My Heart products that Kate used on her stinkin' cute card: Animal Cookies Level 2 Paper Pack (X7112B), Springtime Stamp Set (D1415), Bitty Sparkles (Z1263).

Click here to shop on my website 24/7...especially after you learn how to make puddle pads. I think you're gonna need some re-inkers after watching Art and Soul!

Happy Birthday, Jeffrey and Art and Soul

My nephew, Jeffrey's birthday is coming up soon. I can't believe he will be 17 and is finishing up his junior year of high school.

When I saw the Color Me Monday combo this week on Jeanette Lynton's blog (Close To My Heart colors: Creme Brulee, Heavenly Blue, Key Lime and Olive), I thought, "Hmmm. That would be an interesting combo for a teenage boy birthday card. I think I'll try a card for Jeff with this combo and see how it turns out." I am pleased with the results!

The first thing I did was look for a fun card pattern. I found one right away when flipping through Originals, one of the two wonderful card pattern books that Jeanette Lynton has authored. You can purchase it here on my website. It is full of gorgeous and creative cards in many different sizes that Jeanette has designed, and diagrams and step by step instructions on how to put each card together. I chose one of the 3 1/2" x 8" patterns, "Upright" on page 34 (see photo of part of the actual page of the book here on this post).

Jeffrey's birthday is not until March 30, so I am feeling pretty darn proud of myself for having this done so early, as well as using a color combo that when I saw it felt kind of soft and girlish and challenging myself to try it for something masculine.

Close To My Heart products used: Happy Birthday Stamp Set (C1257), Creme Brulee Cardstock (X5754), Heavenly Blue Cardstock (1285), Key Lime Cardstock (1235), Notebook Level 2 Paper Pack, Veranda Level 2 Paper Pack, Topstitch Level 2 Paper Pack, Olive Stamp Pad (Z2137), Round Sponge (Z697), Fresh Shapes Dimensional Elements (Z1019), Dimensional Elements Monogram J (Z1064), Spring Craft Buttons (Z1281), Bamboo Waxy Flax (Z906).

Non-CTMH products: scalloped scissors (manufacturer unknown).

Click here to order from my website 24/7...especially when making birthday cards!

I also wanted to make sure you knew that the new webisode of Art and Soul is out! It's called "A Fling With Spring" and you can watch it on my website by clicking here. Leslie Austin, if you are reading this you will be excited to view it because it demonstrates how to do chalk popping, the technique I was describing to you just the other day. It is also full of lots of other great techniques and springy artwork! It's less than 12 minutes long and more than worth your time.

Lots To Love and 5

The newest episode of Close To My Heart's Art and Soul is online now on my website to view. It's called "Lots to Love"; quite an apt title! It's FULL of great Valentine art and ideas you'll adore. Click here to see it for yourself.

Be sure to set aside a mere 10 minutes and 54 seconds to be inspired. You'll love the first layout, shared by my friend, Kristine. It's called "I Love Us," and you can even click on a link below the screen when you're done for step-by-step instructions to make this beautiful spread. One of my favorite techniques shared on this portion of the show is covering dimensional elements with cardstock and using finishing files and markers to top them off. Sidenote: Kristine is one of those rare people that is not only super beautiful, intelligent and articulate, but also super silly and full of fun. I've included a couple of photos here of her, another friend of mine (Michelle L.) and I from a few years ago when we were in North Carolina together shooting a show called "Paint, Paper and Crafts" (PBS). We were enjoying an evening at The Cheesecake Factory after a day of taping. GREAT memories! OK, so back to the good stuff: After Kristine finishes her layout you'll move on to 2 elegant Veranda layouts shown by Tiffany. Lest you think that is all, keep watching for darling lollipop covers and a quick direction on how to make them from Monica. And lastly, our company owner and CEO, Jeanette Lynton shares the valentines she has made for her family. Jeanette is one of the most caring people I know, and it definitely shows through when you listen to her talk about each Valentine and why it fits each family member. Wow! Trust me, it's definitely worth 10:54 of your time.

Be sure to tune in on my website on the 2nd Tuesday of every month for the latest installment of Art and Soul. There is also an Art and Soul widget on the left side of my blog that is always a quick way to enter the CTMHTV portion of my website and view current or past episodes of Art and Soul.

In case you missed the link the first time, click here to watch it. And, click here to enter my website to order any of the great products you see on Art and Soul, or any other great products for that matter...24/7!

And, lest you think I have forgotten the countdown...5 (yes, FIVE) more days until our Easton returns from his mission. I took this picture of E a few months before he left on his mission at a family reunion at Bear Lake (UT). I think it looks like a Hollister ad! lol.

Stuff, Stuff, and more Stuff

It's been several days since I've posted but that isn't because I haven't had things to post. It's because life has been such whirlwind that sitting down and doing it has been the issue. I can't complain. It's mostly fun busy...but busy nonetheless. So, this is a very full post. I've decided to number everything because there is so much to share. Maybe that way you can keep it all straight. I hope you enjoy it!

1. BIG Reminder: Today (the 16th) and tomorrow (the 17th) are the last days of the Close To My Heart Online Clearance Sale (Holiday Heyday...50-80% off of fantabulous goodies!). Click here to enter my website and then click on "Shop Online". There is still lots of good stuff left.

2. Jingle Christmas Layout: I thought I'd start out today by sharing a layout I made for a class I will be teaching for the ladies in my church in January. I just finished designing it. I know you've seen these photos scrapped before on different papers, but I thought the black and white on the bright colors of Close To My Heart's "Jingle" kit was striking. Feel free to click on the layout to see it larger.

Close To My Heart products used: Jingle Level 2 Paper Pack (X7115B), Tulip Stamp Pad (Z2166), Creme Brulee Stamp Pad (Z2167), Juniper Stamp Pad (Z2165), Round Sponge (Z697), Winter Buttons (Z1284), Autumn Buttons (Z1283), Dimensional Elements Flurry (Z1225), Dimensional Elements Hearts (Z1278), Colonial White Waxy Flax (Z1081), 3D Foam Tape (Z1151). You can order any of these products on my website.

3. Art and Soul: I wanted to be sure you knew that the December episode of Art and Soul (Happy Highlights) is up on my website. Just click here and then on CTMH TV to see it. It's a good one! It's only about 12 minutes long but full of great ideas and artwork.

4. Family Happenings: Next, I had to share my excitement about what is happening with Tannon and Dawson this week (BTW, Easton is coming home from his 2 year mission for our church on January 26...only 41 more days! I'm so excited! Trust me: a mommy that hasn't been able to see her son for 2 whole years is counting the days!). It has been a great week with sports for both Tannon and Dawson, and choir for Dawson.

A. Tannon: We played a very good Lehi High School team and won by 2 points. Whew! Tannon (#10 and shooting in the photo) had 19 points. The Lone Peak Knights are now 3-0. Woo Hoo!

We also had the varsity football banquet this week and T-man was named the team MVP (see photo of him with his "Heisman"), MVP Quarterback for our Region, and 2nd Team All-State. He has been offered a full-ride scholarship to play football for Southern Utah University after his mission, which we are VERY excited about. Easton also has a football scholarship there and will start this fall after his mission. He is a receiver and Tannon is a QB so it is feasible that in 2 years, after T's mission, he could be throwing to his big bro. How cool would that be? Indescribably cool is the proper answer. The head coach and one other coach from SUU even drove to our house to visit Tannon this week. I made myself a nervous wreck trying to be sure the house was perfect and deciding what to serve. It was in between breakfast and lunch so I went with muffins and juice. I hope that was okay. They drove over 3 1/2 hours to come and visit with Tannon. Pretty darn cool!

B. Dawson had his Christmas Choir Concert and I was so impressed. These kids can sing! I love this photo of him and 3 of his best friends (l-r: Brooke, Dawson, Dallin and Hayley) after the concert. I am so grateful for the GREAT friends that my kids have chosen. Dawson has also been playing up a storm with his basketball team. They have played 4 games in the past week. Dawson has either been high scorer or 2nd high scorer in every game and is leading the team in steals (he even had 8 in one game!). Since his first game, which they lost by one point in overtime, they have done nothing but win. Can I just say that I really LOVE winning? I also love this picture of D in his hoodie trying to look macho. Too cute for words.

I am so grateful for so much to share today. My life is full of good things. I hope yours is too!