Holiday Blocks Kits For Sale!

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY:

• Did you like the Holiday Blocks project I shared in my last blog post? The photo above is just one of the 6 holiday words you can display with this project! (see photos below of all of the words)
• Would you like to be able to purchase it as a kit, all pre-cut and ready to put together?  
• With 4 little blocks, isn't it cool that you can decorate for 6 holidays?

Your wish is my command!
For $37 (which includes shipping)* you get:

• 4 My Creations (sturdy, heavy chipboard) Blocks (3"x 3"x 3")
• All necessary papers pre-cut and ready to adhere to your blocks
• All embellishments needed
• photos and step by step instructions on how to finish this darling project

To purchase this project, just scroll past the photos below and click on the "Buy Now" button.   

*Kit may only be shipped to U.S. addresses.

Get your kit NOW!

October Specials with Close To My Heart

Hello, October!  There are 2 great specials happening in October with Close To My Heart and I'll tell you about both of them today.

1.  October Stamp of the Month
2.  Holiday Happenings Guide and Special

1. October Stamp of the Month: This month, as every month, Close To My Heart has created an exclusive stamp set only available during the current month. October's set is not only holiday themed, but has a hint of Scandinavia rolled in too!  This stamp set has a retail value of $17.95 but is yours for only $5 with a $50 order (before shipping and tax).

Here's a detail shot of the card above as well as a products used list.  You can shop for these, and hundreds of other amazing products on my website, 24/7...even in your jammies!

CTMH products used:  October Stamp of the Month (Scandinavian Wishes), Colonial White Cardstock, Slate Cardstock, Lagoon Cardstock, Smoothie Cardstock, Slate Stamp Pad, Smoothie Stamp Pad, Scalloped Border Punch, 3D Foam Tape.

Carrier sheet actual size is 6" x 6"

2. Holiday Happenings Guide and Special:  For the first time ever, Close To My Heart is releasing a Holiday Gift Guide. This guide is full of GREAT holiday and non-holiday products that go hand-in-hand with our already beautiful products in the regular catalog. This guide doesn't go live until October 15, but  here's a little sneak peek of what it looks like:

YUMMY!  There is also a GREAT special that goes with this little guide of gorgeousness that I'll announce as it gets closer.  Be watching as we near October 15 for that tasty little morsel of savings!

If any of you would like to have me mail you one of these guides for FREE, just email me  (pedermom@aol.com) and let me know. Be sure to include your mailing address and I'll drop one of these in the mail to you PRONTO!

Christmas Gift Ideas and a December Stamp of the Month Card

Hello, Blogland!

Today I thought I'd share some fun Christmas gift ideas for the scrapper, stamper and/or paper crafter as well as another card (4 1/2" square) I made with the AWESOME December Stamp of the Month (Mad About You).  Don't forget that with a $50 order, this set is yours for only $5 during December.  Here is a link to the set.  Also, to make it easy for you, you will be prompted to add it to your order if you'd like on my website before you check out.

I have shown you a photo of the carrier sheet.  Remember that the actual size of the carrier sheet is 6" x 6".

CTMH products used on this card:  December Stamp of the Month, Universal Backgrounds, Sonoma Level 2 Paper Pack, CTMH/Cricut Art Philosphy Cartridge, Smokey Plum Stamp Pad, Desert Sand Stamp Pad, Bamboo Stamp Pad, Chocolate Ribbon (on clearance!), 3D Foam Tape.


On to the gift ideas.  Remember, these can be for you to give to someone else who loves to scrap, stamp or paper craft, or they can be for YOU! Just send those asking what you want to my blog post today and let them know which little gifties caught your eye.  All of these items can be ordered directly from my website.  And, as a special bonus, anyone who orders from my website before midnight (MST) on December 12 will receive a hand-stamped Christmas card in the mail from me.

I have divided my gift suggestions into 4 categories:

1. Between $50 and $100
2. Between $25 and $50
3. Between $10 and $25
4. Under $10

Here we go (I have included links to my website for each product for your convenience)...

1.  Between $50 and $100:

• The CTMH/Cricut Art Philosophy  Collection: This is more than a Cricut cartridge. It's a w hole collection of things that coordinate. In addition to the cartridge (that has shapes that coordinate with MANY of the Close To My Heart stamp sets) it includes 3 exclusive stamp sets (that coordinate with the cartridge, of course) as well as 3 sheets of chipboard shapes that also coordinate with some of the shapes on the cartridge.  All of this is yours for only $99.  Since each of the stamp sets are valued at $17.95, and each chipboard sheet is valued at approx. $5.95, that alone adds up to over $70 in value. Add a cricut cartridge to that with over 700 images (including fonts, shapes and 3D items), and you have a BARGAIN for your $99!

• 12 Month Studio J (CTMH's perfect answer to Digital Scrapbooking) Membership: $99.  Are you a busy, on-the-go type of person who wants their photos beautifully preserved but just don't have the time or want the mess? Then Studio J is for you! It's easy, intuitive, and quick.  When you become a Studio J member, you receive:  50% off retail price of layouts, .jpf files available free or for purchase, free memory protectors, free shipping on one shipment per months, exclusive kits and patterns, special deals and promotions. 

2.  Between $25 and $50:

• Exclusive Inks Organizer:  Keep your exclusive Close To My Heart stamp pads, markers and reinkers convieniently stored in one place.  $69.95.

• "E" sized stamp sets (priced at $29.95).  There are many to choose from, but right now my favorite is the "Trinity Alphabet" set.

• Exclusive Close To My Heart Shoulder Tote:  $29.95.  This darling tote has Spring Iris colored top stitching and silver rivets. It comfortable holds 12" x 12" paper, and even an album!

3.  Between $10 and $25:

• Exclusive Stamp Sets:  Close To My Heart stamp sets sizes C and D (C sized stamp sets are priced at $13.95 and D sized stamp sets are priced at $17.95)

• Watercolor Pencils: a set of 24 is $22.95. I use these for EVERYTHING! They are my favorite way, hands down, to color in lined stamp images. I like them used with water, or even without (like a regular colored pencil). In my book, these are a must-have! 

4.  Under $10

• Most of Close To My Heart's accessories (from chipboard, to sparkles, to buttons, to waxy flax) ring in at under $10.  Check out the accessory items here.

• Have you checked out the "While Supplies Last" portion of my website? Well, if not, you should. CTMH added TONS of new items today and many of them are as much as over 60% off! 

These are just a few ideas.  I hope they have been helpful to you. Remember, if you order before midnight MST on December 12, this guarantees that your order will ship by December 16.  In addition, as I mentioned above, it also guarantees you a hand-stamped card in the mail to you from me! Happy shopping!

Holiday Gift Tags: Video Tutorial

Want faster, simpler, and easier holiday tags that are still 'WOWZA's'?  This little video will do the trick.  Give it a look-see and let me know if you agree.  I'm pretty sure you will.  Was I right?



You can order these and other great products on my website, 24/7...how handy is that during this busy time of year?

Valentine Card: Close To My Heart's December Stamp of the Month

Close To My Heart's December Stamp of the Month is beautiful and timely...Valentine's Day is just around the corner.  When you spend $50 in one order during December (before shipping and tax), this gorgeous stamp set ($17.95 value) is yours for only $5! WOO HOO!  Of course, you can also purchase it at it's full retail value of $17.95, but why do that when you can purchase the fixin's you need to go with it for your Valentine cards and get it for only $5?

This card is a standard size card (5 1/2" x 4 1/4").  I love that Close To My Heart sells these cards in value packs of 50 cards and 50 envelopes (in either White Daisy or Colonial White) for only $14.95. That's an average of only .30 per card/envelope pair. 

I also wanted to point out that this stamp set has any images that coordinate with the oh-so-wonderful CTMH/Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge. See the designs that are outlined (the 'ticket', the two harts, the circular shape)? Well, that outline tells you that it is a shape that coordinates with the Art Philosophy Cartridge. One the carrier sheet of the set (actual size of the sheet is 6" x 6"), it tells you exactly what size to cut the shape on your Cricut so that it works perfectly to stamp on.  COOL BEANS!  As you can see in the photo, the collection not only includes the cartridge, but 3 coordinating stamp sets and 3 coordinating sets of chipboard shapes as well.

I have listed below the items I used on this card in case you want to get the same things with your $50. You can order on my website 24/7, or by calling or emailing me (7801.360.9896, pedermom@aol.com).  If ordering on my website, you will be prompted to add the Stamp of the Month before you complete your order.

 CTMH products used: December Stamp of the Month (Mad About You), Universal Backgrounds Stamp Set (I use this set like CRAZY! You can see that I even used it in yesterday's post), Colonial White 59 Cards and Envelopes Value Pack, Colonial White Cardstock, Petal Cardstock, Smokey Plum Stamp Pad, Petal Stamp Pad, Desert Sand Stamp Pad, Rhinestone Designer Brads, Clear Sparkles, Corner Rounder (take of the guard to create the scalloped border), CTMH/Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge (to cut the hearts. I love how the coordinate with the stamp set!), 3D Foam Tape.

Pink Christmas Card and a Recipe

Aloha!  No,  I'm not in Hawaii...just wishing. There is a snow storm on it's way this afternoon and as I ponder how cold it's going to be when we go to Dawson's basketball game tonight (at least it's not an outdoor football game!), I can't help but think how nice it would be to be lounging on a beach in Hawaii instead.  On the positive side, we need the moisture so I won't compain to loudly.

I liked this card that I shared last week so much that I decided to make a variation on that one to put on a gift to a friend.  This is what I came up with. I love the color combo (Cotton Candy, Pear, Lagoon and White Daisy) and it makes me feel sunny and happy just looking at it.  I will just put it on a wire dangling in front of my face when the snow storm hits this afternoon to keep me sunny and happy inside.  Yes, I'm feeling silly today.  The supply list for the card can be found at the end of this email.  All products are Close To My Heart.



I also mentioned a couple of days ago that I would share my stuffing recipe from Thanksgiving. Keep in mind that I sort of made it up as I went, so I'll do my best on measurements. I LOVED how it turned out.

Karen's 2011 Thanksgiving Stuffing:
1 Box (the kind with 2 bags inside) of pre-seasoned dried bread (or cornbread) for stuffing
1 stick melted butter
2 C. chicken broth
1 lb. ground sausage (browned and drained)
1 large fuji apple (washed and sliced with the skin on)
1 bunch of green onions (cleaned and sliced thinly)
5 stalks of celery (rinsed and chopped)
cracked black pepper to taste

1. Put seasoned dried bread (crumbs or squares) in a large mixing bowl.
2. Brown and drain sausage and add to the bread.
3. Melt butter in frying pan on the stove and cook celery in it until it becomes slightly see through (I know what that's called but I can't for the life of me think of the word.  I'm blaming pre-snow storm brain freeze).  Add as much cracked pepper as you'd like.
   
4. Slice apples and onions and add them to the bread
   
5. Pour the butter and celery over the mixture.
6. Add chicken broth and stir until moisture is thoroughly mixed in and distributed evenly.
7. Stuff turkey and cook inside turkey, or put in 9 x 13 pan and cook approx. 30 minutes at 350 degrees.  You may need to add a bit more moisture if you don't cook it in the bird.  You may also want to cover it with foil while it cooks, it depends if you want your stuffing moist (if so, cover it) or if you like it a little crispy on top (if so, don't cover it).

Voila!  It was DELISH!

CTMH supplies used on the Christmas Card:  Universal Backgrounds Stamp Set, White Daisy Cards and Envelopes, Cotton Candy Cardstock, White Daisy Cardstock, Pear Cardstock, Lagoon Cardstock, Flurry Dimensional Elements, Blue and Green Sparkles, Hodge Podge Color-Ready Alphabet, White Daisy Pad, Blush Pad (rubbed on Snowflake), Pearl Paint (painted over blush snowflake for shimmer), 3D Foam Tape.

Thanksgiving Festivities

I know I have been MIA for awhile. I have just been enjoying time relaxing with family over the holiday weekend.  I hope you have been fortunate enough to do the same.  I thought I'd share a few photos (click on any photo to see it larger) from our family weekend to start the week. Enjoy! We sure did.

Daysha and I found this cute red, glittered snowflake for $5. We added a ribbon to hang it with and some Pearl Opaques (glued on with Liquid Glass) from Close To My Heart and...voila: beautiful and very inexpensive Christmas door hanging for her and Easton's little home.

Close up of Easton and Daysha's snowflake.

Dawson's place setting

What's Thanksgiving without some football?

Dawson chillin' while waiting for the turkey and all the fixin's

Dan and I are a cooking team on Thanksgiving. He does the turkey and mashed potatoes and gravy, and I do the rest. As you can see (see shirt tail) he is not the cleanest of cooks.  How does gravy get on the side of your shirt while you are cooking it anyway?

Daysha making a goofy face while playing "Words with Friends" with Kori (who had Thanksgiving with her own family in Chicago. Darn! Why do kids have to grow up and move? I think it should be a law that they have to stay within 100 miles of their mommy!)

Me, stirring Dan's gravy masterpiece while he mashes the potatoes.

Ready to eat!  My stuffing, which I will very un-humbly tell you was the best ever, is not in the photo. I think I'll share the recipe later this week.

Easton, ready to dig in!

We are thankful, although I think (know) Dawson was being a little bit sarcastic on his #3!  See our placecards from my last post. They will go on the front of a pocket for each person. In the pocket there will be a photo of the person and their 'thankful' list.  How's that for planning my layout ahead of time?  I hope to finish the layout and share it this week.

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving relaxing, eating good food, and being grateful for our many blessings. It was hard not to have Kori, Rick and Daci here from Chicago, but with Kori on bed rest until the twins arrive, travel was out of the question for them. It was also bittersweet to not have Tannon. As you know, he is serving a 2 year mission in Malaga, Spain.  He'll be here next year though. In fact, we are down to 9 more months.  WOW!  Here's a little photo he just sent me of him and the little boy of a family he is teaching the gospel to in Spain. He looks so happy!

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving too!

Thanksgiving Place Cards and a Layout Idea

Yesterday, I sat down and put together these little place cards for our Thanksgiving dinner and thought I'd share. I'm so excited for tomorrow and all of that yummy food, time with family, and football!  I plan to do a layout of Thanksgiving afterward. One of the things I have planned for this layout is that I will take a photo of each person and I have a little card for them to fill out of things they are grateful for.  On the layout I will make a pocket for each person that is labeled with the front of the place cards (how's that for double duty) and inside the pocket will be their gratitude list and the photo of them at the dinner table on Thanksgiving.  Cool, right?

I hope all of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving. One of the MANY things I have to be grateful for in my life are all of you who take the time to stop by and read my blog. I especially appreciate those of you who take the time to comment. 


CTMH products used: So Grateful Stamp Set, Font Stamp Set of your Choice for each person's names (I used one that was a special set available only in August), Colonial White Cardstock, Cocoa Cardstock, Olive Stamp Pad, Autumn Terracotta Stamp Pad, Cocoa Stamp Pad, Watercolor Pencils (I just used the grey one to shade the pumpkin and stem and leaf), Licorice Opaques, Corner Rounder, Chocolate Ribbon (on sale for 33% off!).

You can purchase any or all of these products on my website, 24/7...even on Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving Card: CTMH November Stamp of the Month

This little goodie was made using the Close To My Heart November Stamp of the Month (Cherish the Day) and the "So Grateful" stamp set. I love both stamp sets (both are shown here in this post. Carrier sheet actual size is 6" x 6" on both stamp sets) and was happy with how the card turned out. I think I might even make some place cards for Thanksgiving that look similar.

As always, you can click on any photo in this post to see it larger and in more detail.

Don't forget that you can get "Cherish the Day" during November only. Click here for more details on how to get it, then head to my website and start shoppin'!




CTMH products used:  November Stamp of the Month (Cherish the Day), So Grateful Stamp Set, Roxi Level 2 Paper Pack, Smoothie Stamp Pad, Smoothie Marker,  Black Stamp Pad, Desert Sand Stamp Pad, Round Sponge, Watercolor Pencils, Red Ribbon Collection, Licorice Opaques, 3D Foam Tape.

I thought I'd close with a cute photo of my son, Dawson and his date last night to MORP. MORP  (prom backward) is a girls' choice, casual dance at our high school.  How cute are they, anyway?