Flowers from Eggs

Be sure to read all the way to the bottom for a special surprise I am offering today!

Have you ever made a flower out of eggs? Not the ones in your fridge, silly! The stamped kind! Well, I did today and here is my result.

I actually used a stamp set that has been retired with Close To My Heart, but any egg stamp set would do. In fact, I can think of another Close To My Heart set that would be perfect, D1259-Eastertime. I just stamped several of the eggs in this week's Color Me Monday color combo over at Jeanette Lynton's blog (blush, petal, buttercup and colonial white...all CTMH colors) and cut them out. I then arranged them in the shape of a flower and added a cute button in the middle. For this one, I used one of Close To My Heart's Clear Buttons (Z1155) and just backed it with one of my favorite papers of all time...the black and colonial white polka dots print in the Silhouette Collection, then threaded it with bamboo waxy flax (Z906).

The idea for the 3/5" x 8" card came from this week's sketch at Card Positioning Systems. Simple...my favorite kind. I seem to find that I feel most inspired by the simple sketches. Then I can take that basic idea and let my imagination run wild! Thanks for a great sketch this week, CPS!

Close To My Heart products used: Easter Eggs Stamp Set (retired), Noted Backgrounds Stamp Set (D1412...as you know, one of my FAVES!), Noteworthy Stamp Set (D1329), Buttercup Cardstock (1271), Colonial White Cardstock (1388), Desert Sand Stamp Pad (Z2118), Blush Stamp Pad (Z2106), Buttercup Stamp Pad (Z2110), Petal Stamp Pad (Z2161), Black Stamp Pad (Z2105), Versamark Stamp Pad (Z891), Black Embossing Powder (Z670), Black Designer Ribbon Rounds (Z1034), Silhouette Level 2 Paper Pack (X7090B), Clear Craft Buttons (Z1155), Bamboo Waxy Flax (Z906), Round Sponge (Z697), 3D Foam Tape (Z1151), Black My Legacy Writers (4275), Corner Round (Z578).

Click here to order any of these items from my website 24/7...eggspecially when you're ready to create!

By the way, order quick! Anyone who orders over $1oo in products on my website today will receive a set of 5 handstamped cards from me, to be sent out next week.

The Final D

This is my 2nd post today so be sure to scroll down to see the "Unexpected D" post.

I used the sketch from CPS this week (great simple sketch!) to make Dan-the-Man's Valentine. Boy, do I love this guy. Of course he is not perfect, but then again, neither am I. We both make mistakes, do stupid things, and hurt each other's feelings at times, but the good news is that we both know how to say "Sorry." You know that old saying, "Love means never having to say I'm sorry"? Well, this is what I have to say to that: Bull PUCKY! Love means saying you are sorry A LOT and then doing your best never to do the same dumb thing again.

I am so grateful for a husband who loves me in spite of my faults (which are many!) and who thinks I'm the most beautiful woman in the world (even though I am carrying around an extra 3o pounds the past year). He makes me laugh, he supports me in everything I do, and he is the best dad and grandpa around. He loves the gospel, honors his priesthood, and attends the temple often. I'd say I hit the jackpot. And on top of all of that, he is a BIG DUDE (6'4", 300+lbs.)! I knew when I married him, no matter how pregnant I got, or if I happened to gain a few pounds, I would always look little next to this guy! How's that for a reason to be in love? HAHAHAHA!

Seriously, we have been through almost 25 years of marriage, the births of 4 children 1 grandchild, sick and injured children, building homes, experiencing deaths of family members, graduating from college, playing college football, the Mrs. Utah and Mrs. USA pageants,unemployment and so many things together. There is no one I would have rather traveled down this road with. I love you, Dan-o!

Close To My Heart products used: Black Cardstock (1386), Colonial White Cardstock (1388), Silhouette Creative Basics Collection (retired), Cranberry Ribbon Rounds (Z1209), Essential Brad Assortment (Z1219), Holiday Craft Buttons (Z1285), Nature's Ambiance Rubons (Z1097).

Click here to order from my website 24/7...especially when you're in love!

T

I finished Tannon's Valentine today. 3 down (Easton, Kori and Tannon), 4 to go (Dawson, Rick, Daci and Dan-the-Man).

I used sketch #152 at CPS for my inspiration. I originally intended to stick with black, colonial white, cranberry and bamboo like I did for Kori and Easton's cards, but as I got going I just had to add a bit of moonstruck to the mix. Tannon has always marched to the beat of his own drummer, so why shouldn't his card do the same? I also finished it up with just a solid "T" and realized it was too plain for my flamboyant son...thus the polka dots.

Close To My Heart products used: Silhouette Level 2 Paper Pack (X7090B),Silhouette Creative Basics Paper Pack (retired), Stardust Level 2 Paper Pack (X7109B), Cranberry Cardstock (1272), Holiday Craft Buttons (Z1285), Bamboo Waxy Flax (Z906), Essential Brad Assortment (Z1219), "T" Dimensional Elements Mongrams (Z1074), Hearts Dimensional Elements (Z1278), 3D Foam Tape (Z1151), My Legacy Writers-Black (4275), Striped Ribbon (retired).

Non-CTMH products used: Marvy punches.

Click here to order from my website 24/7...and don't forget about Hearts for Haiti. This buy one get one free deal that ALSO helps the medical efforts in Haiti is just too good to pass up! When you buy a 12" x 12" Textured Combo Pack you'll get another one FREE...and we'll donate $2 to the medical relief efforts in Haiti in your behalf.

Amour, a Giveaway and 8

The sketch (#150) at CPS this week inspired me to come up with this card.

I started with a retired metal frame (Foundry Frames) from Close To My Heart (wish we still had these!). It was originally an off white color and I rubbed it in Versamark ink and then sprinkled with Cocoa Embossing Powder and heated. After it cooled, I rubbed a tiny bit of black ink on it (just around the raised parts) to get more of an antique look. I then added a few Antique Copper Mini-Medley Accents and complimented it all with some elegant stick on pearls. I used two stamp sets: Spot On Backgrounds (D1280) and Love Language (D1343). Colors used are: Colonial White, Blush and Cocoa.

Are you still reading? I hope so because now comes the giveaway part. I just happen to have an extra package (2 frames) of these vintage looking Foundry Frames from Close To My Heart that I used on my card (and that are now retired...boo hoo.). I have included a photo of them here. They are each 4" x 4" in size. Please comment on this post no later than Wednesday, January 20 at noon (Mountain Time). If you live in the US or Canada, you are qualified to win. I will randomly draw a name on Wednesday afternoon and announce the winner here that day. Then you can email me with your mailing address so I can ship these puppies out to you ASAP.

As you can see, I've linked you to many of the products I've used on my website. Click here to order 24/7...especially if it's 8 DAYS until your missionary son comes home. CAN'T WAIT!

Another Rustic Snowflake

I'm on a funky colored snowflake roll! Here's yet another card using Jeanette's Color Me Monday combo from this week. I also used the CPS sketch for this week (#144).

Close To My Heart products used: Snow Flurries Stamp Set (D1384), Barn Red Cardstock (X5637), Olive Cardstock (1245), Colonial White Cardstock (1388), Plaid Background and Texture Paper (retired), Barn Red Stamp Pad (Z2104), Cocoa Stamp Pad (Z2114), Olive Stamp Pad (Z2137), Versamark Pad (Z891), White Daisy Embossing Powder (Z673), Designer Ribbon Rounds-Colonial White Collection (Z1126), Dimensional Elements-Flurry (Z1225), Basic Buttons (Z1206), Natural Hemp (Z280), Round Sponge (Z697), 3D Foam Tape (Z1151).

Non- CTMH products used: Martha Stewart Snowflake Punch, Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist-Pearl

Click here to order from my website 24/7. Oh! And, don't forget the Holiday Heyday Online Clearance Sale (50-80% off!) that is going on now on my website too.

Snowflakes Galore

Snowflakes anyone? I got a little carried away, but I think I like it anyway. I used the sketch from CPS to make this 3.5" x 8"card and then got out my favorite Martha Stewart snowflake punch and went to town. All the white snowflakes are punched out and the black one is one of Close To My Heart's Flurry Dimensional Elements, one of my favorite toys right now. I just sponged my snowflake from white to black with my black pad and a round sponge.

Close To My Heart products used: Black Cardstock (1386), White Daisy Cardstock (1385), Cranberry Cardstock (1272), Designer Ribbon Rounds Black Collection, 3D Foam Tape (Z1151), Black Stamp Pad (Z2105), Round Sponge (Z697), Corner Rounder (Z678), Neutral Embroidery Floss Assortment (Z1096), Holiday Buttons (Z1285)

Non-CTMH products used: Martha Stewart Snowflake Punch

Click here to order from my website 24/7...especially in a blizzard!

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!

Buttons, Buttons and More Buttons

I had lots of fun putting this card together with the CPS sketch this week (#136). I'm beginning to feel very Christmas-y. I even bought my Christmas wrap today!

Close To My Heart products used: Say It In Style Stamp Set (D1283), Evergreen Stamp Set (D1315), New England Ivy Stamp Pad (Z2135), Everlasting Level 2 Paper Pack (X7085B), Across The Board Rubons (Z1231), Designer Ribbon Rounds Holiday Collection (Z1305), Holiday Craft Buttons (Z1285), Heritage Edge Anchors (Z1288), 3D Foam Tape (Z1151), Corner Rounder (Z578).

Click here to order from my website 24/7...especially at Christmas time!

Gingerbread in October

I decided to play with the November Stamp of the Month (D1377-Around the Block) from Close To My Heart this weekend (as a Consultant, I can get it early!). I will share this set with you along with several more artwork examples using it in November when you are able to buy it or earn it free.

I thought the house from the set could be made to look like a gingerbread house so decided to emboss it on Brown Bag Cardstock (X5644) with White Daisy Embossing Powder (Z673). I loved the look! Then I used a Round Sponge (Z697) and my Chocolate Stamp Pad (Z2111) to add some shading to make the 'gingerbread' look a little more cooked in some places than others. Again, loved it! After adding a few brads (Twinkle Brads-Z1220 and Holiday Mini-Medley Accents-Z1121) in holiday colors I got really excited! I knew the perfect paper pack to go with this yummy gingerbread creation was our Jingle Level 2 Paper Pack (X7115B). I made the 6" x 6" card in the middle and the standard card on the left. My daughter, Kori made the standard card on the right (cute, huh?!!). We used a couple of last week's sketches for our inspiration. Unfortunately we didn't get the cards finished and pictures taken in time to post them on the sketch sites, but we had fun using the sketches all the same. Thanks to last week's Mojo Monday sketch, Card Patterns sketch and CPS sketch for inspiration! Thanks also to Martha Stewart for making such a stinkin' cute snowflake punch! I had fun using it on my cards.

Other than the snowflake punches on the cards, all products are Close To My Heart. Click here to order from my website 24/7...even when you're creating gingerbread houses in October!

Speaking of October...I had to share a DARLING Halloween decoration that I bought with some of my birthday money this year. I just put it out today and I LOVE it!

Joy

Here's post #2 for today. I have been playing with some challenges this week so brace yourself. I feel several posts coming on today!

Here is a card I made this week using the CPS sketch (#129). Again, I'm using brand new paper from Close To My Heart that is available to the public on September 1. You can browse through the new Autumn/Winter Idea Book right here on my blog that day and then order from my website here. This paper pack is called Jingle, and as far as I'm concerned, it's another sure hit!

Close To My Heart products used: Holiday Trinkets Stamp Set (avail. 9/1, D1366), Friendship Alphabet Stamp Set (no longer available), Jingle Level 2 Paper Pack (avail. 9/1, X7115B), Baby Pink Stamp Pad (Z2102), Juniper Stamp Pad (Z2165), Tulip Stamp Pad (Z2166), Black Stamp Pad (Z2105), 3D Foam Tape (Z1151), Designer Ribbon Rounds Blush Collection (Z1138), Pastel Pencils (Z922), Corner Rounder (Z578), Black Legacy Writers (4275).

Click here to order from my website 24/7...especially when you're feeling joy!

Feelin' Twitterpated

I just love the sketch as CPS this week. It's sketch #128. I had so much fun using some really great upcoming papers from Close To My Heart ("The Twitterpated Collection" will debut on September 1st. You can link to a new catalog and can also order from it on my website then). You will see several cards over the next couple of days that I have made using this paper and the coordinating stamp sets. I think you're going to love it as much as me!

Close To My Heart products used:
Twitterpated Level 2 Paper Pack (X7118B - Available September 1)
Chocolate Stamp Pad (Z2111), Designer Ribbon Rounds Chocolate Collection (Z1127), 3D Foam Tape (Z1151), B1337 Exclusive Stamp Set (available September 1), Earth Colored Pencils (Z920), Corner Rounder (Z578), Circle Window Charms (Z819).

Click here to order from my website 24/7...even when you're feeling "Twitterpated."

Laugh*ter:

More Emporium Kit! I love this kit. Have I mentioned that? Since this is my 4th post today with artwork featuring this kit (Close To My Heart), I'm guessing you have figured that out. I have more posts to go too. Have I scared you away?

This card was made using CPS's sketch 125.

Close To My Heart products used: Celebrate Life Stamp Set (C1287), Emporium Level 2 Paper Pack (X7105B), Emporiuim Level 2 MyStickease (X7105C), Twilight Stamp Pad (Z2160), Cocoa Stamp Pad (Z2114), 3D Foam Tape (Z1151), Liquid Glass (Z679).

Click here to order from my website 24/7...even when you are laughing!

He*ro

I created this 6" x 6" card for the CPS sketch this week (#123). LOVED this sketch (see sketch below). I really like the balance of the card and it was fast and easy to make it come together. And, how cool are those papers?

I made it to send to my missionary son, Easton. He is not only serving a 2 year mission away from home (Houston, Texas...Spanish speaking), but had some surgery this past week to remove a tumor in his arm...without anethesia. YIKES! I'm pretty sure Texas is in the United States and that they do have anesthesia there. What the heck?!!!! They didn't even give him shots in his arm to deaden the pain. We do not live in the dark ages. Hello! On top of that, a few days later he woke up to a blood soaked bed. All of his stitches had broken open. Who sewed him up? A 3 year old? So, Easton is my new hero!

I've included a photo of Easton and one of the other missionaries that was taken while they were cleaning up on Galveston Island after Hurricane Ike last year. I thought it was a hilarious photo. Don't get me wrong...I certainly didn't think what Ike did was funny...just that as the missionaries were cleaning up they could find some humor in the otherwise sad and devastated area. Easton's the one on the right. Have I mentioned he will be home in 6 1/2 more months? But who's counting, right? ME! I am so proud of him for what he is doing, but I will be so happy to hug this big kid when he gets home.

I used Close To My Heart products: It's a Guy Thing Level 2 Scrapbook Kit (X7091B), It's a Guy Thing MyStickease (X7091C), Square Window Charms (Z820), Autumn Buttons Z1283), Chocolate Waxy Flax (Z1088)

Feel free to click on this link to my website and then on "Shop Online" to order any of these products, or any others you might fall in love with.