Interactive (To the Max!) Layout

Photo Above: Layout with Both Flaps Closed
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Photo Above: Layout with Both Flaps Open
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I have been having so much fun since Close To My Heart's Magic book came out. Magic is full of beautiful layout patterns with all kinds of fun interactive options. The one-page layout I am sharing today was designed by Naomi Smith, but I sort of did my own take on it. It was based on some ideas she had seen in Magic. Believe it or not, there are 32 photos on this one-page layout. Are you flipping kidding me? Nope, I'm not! Another cool thing about this layout is that it was made using the Hooligans kit, but it is not a Halloween layout. These designs and papers are equally cool for "birthday party", "celebration", or just plain "fun" layouts.

This layout was made using very few supplies. In fact, these supplies are all I used: Hooligans Level 1 Scrapbook Kit (X7129A), Lagoon Mini-Medley (Z1340), Licorice Opaques (Z1335), 12" x 12" Flip Flaps (Z1325), 12" x 12" Memory Protectors (4110), 3D Foam Tape (Z1151), Magic Book (9034). The flip flaps are what make the 2 side panels on this layout open.

The photos aren't the absolute greatest because it was easier for you to see how the layout works by seeing it in the protectors. As always, feel free to click on any photo to see it larger and in more detail. Oh, and thanks to my friend Leslie for being the 'hands' while I took the photos.

Photo above: I cut a slit in the protector and paper on the inside right flap (see photo above to see this interactive tag in it's 'place'). This way the tag can slide in and out of the layout and still be protected.
-------------------Photo Above: There is more to this little tag than meets the eye! Can you see how many photos I was able to add by making this an accordion tag? You see 4 here....
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Photo Above: and then when you turn the accordion tag over, there are another 4. Talk about space well used!
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Photo Above: Just when you thought there couldn't be anything cooler than what you've already seen on this layout, I've got something MORE to show. If you look at the upper right photo in the center section of the layout, you'll see this cute photo of me making treats with my little granddaughter, Daci. There is a ribbon that ties around it, for GOOD REASON! Keep reading...
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Photo Above: When you untie that little ribbon, you find another accordion. WOO HOO! I have photos on the front side...
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Photo above: and on the back side!
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If you go back and look again at the photo of the layout with both flaps open, you'll see that I added another interactive tag that tucks in on the left inside flap. This layout is full of surprises...or should I say Magic?

To order Magic, any of the products used on this layout, or any other GREAT Close To My Heart products, head to my website and then click "Shop Online".

Halloween Layout and Minnie Mouse

My dear friend and wonderful customer, Holly C. was here this morning for a scrappin' workshop. She brought a layout she recently made and I DIED over it (Note: my customers know that if they bring me something they have made with CTMH products to 'show and tell' they get to pick from a box of hand made cards I have for them). Sooooo stinkin' cute! It's kind of hard to tell in the photos because I left them in their protectors to photograph them, but the black base pages are actually our black textured cardstock, lightly sanded. Spooky! By the way, click on any photo to see it larger and in more detail. THANKS to Holly for allowing me to photograph and share her work of art.

Here are both pages:

I love the angle of the pages. Holly got this page pattern right out of Close To My Heart's new "how-to" book called Magic. Trust me, it is! Every page I have made using this book has been magically delicious (even more than Lucky Charms)!

Left Page Close-Up:

The right page is interactive. Both the top and bottom photo are made into little 'photo books' using Close To My Heart's Flip Flaps. Genius, Holly!

Right Page Close Up (the blank space you see on the upper flip flap is for Holly's journaling. She just hasn't finished it yet):

CTMH products Holly used: Magic (9034), Hooligans Level 2 Paper Pack (X7129B), HingesDimensional Elements Simple Alpha Lower (Z1048), Dimensional Elements Stars, Sunset Stamp Pad (Z2191), Black Stamp Pad (Z2105), Gypsy Stamp Pad (Z2190), 4" x 6" Flip Flaps (Z4114), Designer Ribbon Rounds-Black Collection (Z1034).

Holly, you ROCK, my dear! I LOVE having you as a friend AND customer!

Remember, you can head to my website and shop 24/7...especially after heading to the pumpkin patch!

Have you had your fill of cute for today yet? Just in case you haven't, I thought I'd add an extra helping. Check out my 'grand-mouse', Minnie! Daci, you melt my heart!

Happy Halloween Card

This card was inspired by my good friend, Tracey Mason, who made a similar card to this one for me a few months ago. I wasn't sure the 'elegant' look of the Damask Tiles (as you know, my current favorite stamp set) and the little ruffle would work with my Halloween theme, but I feel it turned out quite nicely. Thanks for the inspiration, TM! You can find a tutorial by Tracey on how to make these to die for paper roses here.

Close To My Heart products used: Damask Tiles Stamp Set (C1342), Creepy Cobwebs Stamp Set (D1319), Versamark Stamp Pad (Z891), Sunset Stamp Pad (Z2191), White Daisy Embossing Powder (Z63), Clear Detail Embossing Powder (Z821), Hooligans Level 2 Paper Pack (X7129B), Sunflower Cardstock (1242), Sunset Cardstock (X5758), Round Sponge (Z697), Licorice Opaques (Z1335).

Click here to shop on my website 24/7...even on Halloween!

October Play Group Classes (Hooligans)

Yesterday I shared what we would be making in our October Play Group classes. How 'bout that 5 pages out of 2 layout? So cool, right? If you haven't seen them yet, be sure to check out yesterday's post!

October Class (held at my home in Highland, UT) Dates and Times to Choose From:

• Tuesday, October 5, 10 am - 1 pm
• Tuesday, October 5, 7 - 10 pm
• Wednesday, October 6, 10 am - 1 pm
• Wednesday, October 6, 7 - 10 pm

If you are not a member of Play Group, you can still come to a class. But, you might want to head on over to the left side of my blog and scroll down to the Play Group Information section to see how it works. I'd LOVE to have you come try it out. Email me (pedermom@aol.com) and let me know if you'd like to reserve a spot. Please include your phone number so that I can call you and get payment for you kit, and go over any details about the class you need to know. You can also participate long-distance. Just add $5 to the cost of any of the kits below for shipping.

You are only required to purchase the Basic Kit to participate but are more than welcome to purchase the Better or Best Kits, or to pick and choose items from either of them to add to your Basic Kit. In the Kit Lists below I have made each product into a link so that if you click on it you will be able to see the actual product.

Basic Kit
Hooligans Level 2 Paper Pack ($12.95)
Hooligans Level 2 MyStickease Collection ($4.95)
Color Ready Alphabet-Bold ($2.95)
Stars Dimensional Elements ($3.25)
Memory Protectors Flip Flaps 12" Assortment ($3.95)
Extra Sheet Black Cardstock ($.50)
2 - Clear 12" x 12" Memory Protectors ($1.00)
Total with Shipping and Tax added: $33.90*

Better Kit = Basic Kit plus the following products:
Black Designer Ribbon Rounds ($7.95)
Hooligans Level 2 Felt Monsters ($4.95)
Pear Mini-Medley Collection ($4.95)
Round Sponge ($1.25)
Black Stamp Pad ($5.25)
Black Marker ($2.95)
Sunset Marker ($2.95)
Versamark Pad ($9.95)
White Daisy Embossing Powder ($3.95)
Total with Shipping and Tax added: $84.54**

Best Kit = Basic and Better Kits plus the following products:
Posterboard Alphabet Stamp Set ($34.95)
Circle Around Stamp Set ($22.95)
Total with Shipping and Tax added: $150.96***

*at this level you qualify for the Stamp of the Month (D1442-Thriller) at 25% off ($17.21)
**at this level you qualify for the Stamp of the Month (D1442-Thriller) at 50% off ($11.48)
***at this level you qualify for the Stamp of the Month (D1442-Thriller) FREE

Have a wonderful day!

Halloween Interactive Layout (Hooligans)

It's Magic! It really is! This 2-page 12" x 12" layout actually folds out and totals the photo and journaling space of 5 pages. For realzies! Keep reading to see how it works and to see photos of the pages as my story 'unfolds'. Stay with me 'cause I've got lots of 'splainin' to do, Lucy! That means you must actually read the words, not just look at the pictures. lol.

It's important that you know two things first:

1. Close To My Heart has come out with yet another in their series of the best how-to books in the card-making and scrapbooking industry. This one is called Magic and is full of beautiful patterns, cutting guides, AND instructions for interactive pages. This layout was inspired by that book. It's a must have, so head to my website and order yours right away. The order number is 9034.
2. Close To My Heart NEVER leaves you without the supplies you need to re-create something they have dreamed up. So, in the spirit of Magic and interactive pages, they have come out with something they call Memory Protector Flip Flaps (12" x 12" assortment). They allow you to make fold out flaps and pages like the one you see here. If you come to Play Group in October, you'll get a package of these in your Basic Kit.

Now that you have the basics down, here are more photos so you can see the Magic in this layout. Let's start with the left side of the layout. In the photo below, you actually see the left side of the layout that I showed above. "Really?" you ask. "It doesn't look AT ALL the same."

"Aaaaaahhhhh," I say. "That's the Magic." This layout has two flaps, a 12" x 4" flap on the top and a 12" x 8" flap on the bottom. This photo shows them both open. If I were to close the flaps, you would see the left page that I have shown you above in the 2-page layout photograph. This page actually has the space of 3 pages.
Next I will show you the Magic in the right side of the layout. Again, look at the top photo in this post. That is the page all closed up. This page actually has a 6" x 12" flap on the side of it. The photo below shows it open. This page has the actual photo and journaling space of two pages. Magic!Now that you understand it all, I will leave you with this thought: "THINK ABOUT IT! Who wouldn't love to make this cute interactive Halloween Layout? I will share the information TOMORROW on how you can by either coming to one of my Play Group classes in October, or even by doing the class long-distance."

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