Any Day Layout

You may or may not know that our 4th grandbaby, and Easton and Daysha's first baby is due any day.  Today, I decided to use this sketch from Creative Scrappers to make a layout highlighting my impatience. Sorry that the photo turned out so blue. Weird.  It really isn't quite that blue. :)

And, here's the journaling....

All products used are Close To My Heart.

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.

Tiana

It feels so good to have a little bit of time to create today. Never mind that I am in sweats, my hair is not fixed, and you cannot find a stitch of make up on my face. The important thing is that I am creating, right? {wink}. Who needs to LOOK pretty if you are creating pretty things, anyway? I guess the best scenario would be to look pretty WHILE you are creating pretty things. But that is not the case today. Notice I did NOT include a photo of me in this post.

I used the Mojo Monday sketch this week (#131), along with Jeanette Lynton's GORGEOUS Color Me Monday combo (Baby Pink, Desert Sand, Garden Green and Hollyhock...all Close To My Heart colors) to make this 3.5" x 8" card for my niece, Tiana's birthday.

Close To My Heart products used: Friendship Alphabet Stamp Set Small (C1401), Noted Backgrounds Stamp Set (D1412), Topstitch Level 2 Paper Pack (X7120B), Bella Level 2 Paper Pack (X7114B), Bella MyStickease (X71114C), Life Delights Level 2 Paper Pack (X7089B), Versamark Pad (Z891), White Daisy Embossing Powder (Z673), Desert Sand Stamp Pad (Z2118), Round Sponge, Dimensional Elements Perennials (Z1139), Autumn Craft Buttons (Z1283), Bamboo Waxy Flax (Z906), 3D Foam Tape (Z1151), Corner Rounder (Z578), Baby Pink Organdy Ribbon (retired).

Click here to order from my website 24/7...even when you're in sweats and no make-up...in fact, ESPECIALLY when you're in sweats and no make-up!

Oh, and don't forget the wonderful "Dare to Dream" special this month. If you've ever thought about becoming a CTMH Consultant, NOW is a great time. Click here for more details.

You're Sweet

The sketch this week (#56) at Card Patterns is a really fun one! I used it to make this little 5" x 5" card.

I learned to make the paper flowers from my friend, Bren. Go here to see my post featuring them with a link to her blog and a video tutorial.

Sorry it has been several days since my last post. Does your life ever get so out of control that time passes and you can't figure out where it went? Well, that explains the last 5 days of my life in a nutshell.

I LOVE the Close To My Heart Hodge Podge alphabet. It is a great set with 3-4 different fonts of each letter. I used it to spell out "You're Sweet." Click on it in the product list below to see it!

Speaking of sweet, how's this for the perfect example? I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE me some Daci! Grandmotherhood ROCKS!

Close To My Heart products* used: Jingle Level 2 Paper Pack (X7115B), Silhouette Level 2 Paper Pack (X7090B), Boom-Di-Ada Level 2 Paper Pack (X7095B), Daydream Level 2 Paper Pack (X7018B), Silhouette Creative Basics Paper Pack (retired), Bamboo Waxy Flax (Z906), Versamark Pad (Z891), Black Embossing Powder (Z670), Hodge Podge Alphabet Stamp Set (D1301), Noteworthy Stamp Set (D1329), 3D Foam Tape (Z1151), Just Blooms White Daisy Variety Pack (Z1300). *I have included links to my website for almost all products above so that you can see a photo of that product and it's price and easily order on my site. Just click on the product name to see.

Non- CTMH Products used: Marvy scalloped circle punches (various sizes), ribbon (unknown), Black Buttons (unknown).

Click here to order from my website 24/7...especially when "You're sweet."

Lucky Me, Lucky You!

I've been thinking lately that it is much more fun to go through life feeling happy and grateful than sad and 'woe is me-ish.' That helped me count my blessings and realize how lucky I really am. Although Dan has been out of work for a year and a half now*, we are so blessed in every other way! We have a beautiful family that is happy and healthy, we love each other very much, we are strong members of our church and have a strong belief and faith in God, and I have a successful Close To My Heart scrapbooking business doing something I love. LUCKY me, is totally appropriate. I am one blessed daughter of God.

*If you happen to know anyone looking for an outstanding Pharmaceutical Sales Representative, let me know! Dan would be VERY interested. Until a year and a half ago he had done this for over 20 years.

I am also running a special in my business for March called "Lucky YOU!" Here's how it works: If you are a current Play Group member and you bring 2 friends to play group with you in March (you must give me a week's notice) that choose to join Play Group (read about it on the left side of my blog), you get your Basic Package (the one you would purchase in March for April's classes) absolutely FREE (a $30.74 value!). If you are not a current Play Group member but if you sign yourself and another new customer up for a class in March and you both join, you get your Basic Package (the one you would buy in March for April's class) absolutely FREE ($30.74 value)! LUCKY YOU! Please email me if you are interested in taking advantage of this special (pedermom@aol.com). Tomorrow I will be posting photos of the three 2 page 12" x 12" layouts we will be making at my March Play Group classes. They are gorgeous, if I do say so myself. We are using the beautifully elegant Veranda kit.

By the way, Play Group classes are at my home in Highland, UT. If you do not live in Utah but would like to take part in Play Group, I have some long distance options. Again, just email me for more information (pedermom@aol.com).

I thought I'd share a couple of "Lucky" cards to go with the theme of this post. The first card was inspired by last week's (2/15) Mojo Monday sketch (#126). I'm a little late, but it was one I really wanted to try. It was a unique sketch and something different than I have ever made. This is what I came up with.

Close To My Heart products used: Boom-Di-Ada Level 2 Paper Pack (X7095B), Emporium Level 2 Paper Pack (X7105B), Caboodle Level 2 Paper Pack (X7121B), Sunkiss Yellow Cardstock (1240), March Word Puzzle Stamp Set (retired), Sweet Leaf Stamp Pad (Z21553), Juniper Stamp Pad (Z2165), Corner Rounder (Z578), Round Sponge (Z697), Juniper Waxy Flax (Z1248), Winter Craft Buttons (Z1284), Liquid Glass (Z679), 3D Foam Tape (Z1151).

I like the first card, but think I like the 2nd one even better. I didn't use a sketch for it, just an 'old stand by' card design that seems to pop into my head quite often. I almost always like anything I create with a middle stripe and 3 accents.

Close To My Heart products used:, Emporium Level 2 Paper Pack (X7105B), Sunkiss Yellow Cardstock (1240), Olive Cardstock (1245), March Word Puzzle Stamp Set (retired), Noted Backgrounds Stamp Set (D1412), Sweet Leaf Stamp Pad (Z21553), Juniper Stamp Pad (Z2165), Corner Rounder (Z578), Juniper Waxy Flax (Z1248), Round Sponge (Z697), Holiday Craft Buttons (Z1285), Versamark Pad (Z891), White Daisy Embossing Powder (Z673), Waterbrush (1771), 3D Foam Tape (Z1151).

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

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.'

You're a Star

This week's Color Me Monday combo (Crystal Blue, Garden Green, Outdoor Denim and Twilight...all CTMH colors) over at Jeanette Lynton's blog is a great one! I love the masculine feel of this mix. I also really liked the sketch this week at Card Patterns. I combined the two and this is what I came up with.

Wondering how I got all of those colors on that star? Well, I did a little paper piecing. I stamped my star in all 4 colors (garden green, outdoor denim, twilight and crystal blue). I used the garden green star as my base and then cut out pieces of each of the others and glued them on. Easy, peasy, lemon squeasy! I really like the look.

I ran a little challenge for my team with Close To My Heart this week (my team is called The Pacemakers because we keep 'The Heart' pumpin'!). I challenged them to use the Color Me Monday color combo on a piece of art they create this week and email me a photo. I will be judging what they send and the winner will receive this card..the one I made with the CMM combo. I can't wait to see what everyone creates! By the way, if you are interested in becoming part of my team, I am more than happy to answer any questions you have. Just email me at pedermom@aol.com. You can also click here for info and to sign up.

Close To My Heart products used: Shining Star Stamp Set (D1320), Garden Green Stamp Pad (Z2120), Outdoor Denim Stamp Pad (Z2140), Crystal Blue Stamp Pad (Z2117), Twilight Stamp Pad (Z2160), Emporium Level 2 Paper Pack (X7105B), Back Country Level 2 Paper Pack (X7110B), Autumn Craft Buttons (Z1283), Winter Craft Buttons (Z1284), Crystal Blue Waxy Flax (Z1247), 3D Foam Tape (Z1151), Corner Rounder (Z578).

Non-CTMH products used: Heidi Swapp Ghost Stars

Click here to order from my website 24/7...because you are a STAR!

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!

Another D

2 "D's" down and one to go. Here is Daci's Valentine card. I know I have kind of stuck with the black, colonial white, bamboo and cranberry theme with all of my Valentines this year, but I had to do the pink thing for a my little granddaughter's card. Feel free to click on any photo to see it larger.

I used the sketch this week at Mojo Monday (#125) and stuck with the black but instead of Colonial White, I went with White Daisy and then accented with pinks (Baby Pink and Blush...all colors Close To My Heart).

You may notice that the circle behind the 'd' is a gorgeous textured cardstock. I just used a piece of fine grit sandpaper (Sanding Kit - Z1294) to sand it so the texture came through even more. As you know, during the month of February, CTMH is running an amazing campaign to help the medical relief efforts in Haiti. If you buy one package of our 12" x 12" Textured Cardstock Combos (Basic: X5747, Spring: X5681, Summer: X5745, Autumn: X5669), you get one FREE...and $2 of your purchase goes to help Haiti. Cool, right? You can order your Textured Cardstock, as well as any other CTMH products you are dying to have on my website here (24/7!).

I also added a bit of 'bling' to the 'd' (hopefully you can see it in the photo) in the form of prisma glitter. I first coated the letter with liquid glass (a great clear liquid glaze) and then sprinkled with prisma glitter.

Close To My Heart products used: Connections Stamp Set (D1330), Silhouette Level 2 Paper Pack (X7090B), Basic Textured Cardstock Combo Pack (X5747), Daydream Level 2 Paper Pack (X7108B), Designer Ribbon Rounds Black Collection (Z1034), Spring Craft Buttons (Z1281), Blush Waxy Flax (Z1128), Dimensional Elements Simple Alphabet Lowercase (Z1048), Liquid Glass (Z679), Prisma Glitter (Z134), Corner Rounder (Z578), Black Stamp Pad (Z2105), Round Sponge (Z697), Sanding Kit (Z1294).

Non- CTMH products used: Marvy punches.

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.

Pink and Black and Babies

I LOVE pink and black together...especially for baby girls. My daughter's best friend's baby shower was yesterday. She is having a little girl. I'm so excited for you, Tricia!

My friend, Jenny makes the most darling car seat/carrier covers. She is one of my Play Groupies (see left side of my blog for Play Group information) and so we made a great trade last month: scrapbook supplies for car seat cover. I chose a pink and black one to give to Tricia and her soon-to-be-born baby girl. You can see photos of another car seat cover she made and how they work here on her blog. Too stinkin' cute! I'm not sure if she hires out, but I'll bet she does. If you are dying for a car seat cover of your own, just comment on her blog with your contact info. I'm sure she'll get back to you. Jenny, I hope it's okay if I just sent some business your way!

Now for the card...What is a girl to do? It must match, don't you think? Well, I was blog surfing Saturday morning and found a beautiful card design on my friend Laurel's blog. She was inspired by a sketch from this blog. Thanks, Laurel! So, to work I went.

The photo you see here shows the card sitting on top of the car seat cover. I love how the top of the cover is black and white and the underneath is pink. The edging is done in typical "Jenny-style"...it's a perfectly stitched line of hearts (even when scrapbooking, Jenny is all about the details around the edges). The handles sport the CUTEST pink daisies which are removable so you can wash the cover, and they even have little clips on them so you can add them to a headband and baby can wear a flower on her head (like Daci has in this photo). Scrumptious!

Close To My Heart products used on this card: Sweet Baby Stamp Set (C1359), Daydream Level 2 Paper Packet (X7108B), Black Stamp Pad (Z2105), Black Legacy Writers (4275), White Daisy Grosgrain Ribbon (Z270), Holiday Craft Buttons (Z1285), Blush Waxy Flax (Z1128), Baby Pink Safety Pin (retired), Baby Pink Cardstock (1299), Baby Pink Stamp Pad (Z2102), Basic Textured Cardstock Combo Pack (X5747...don't forget the buy one get one free special this month to benefit Haiti).

Click here to order from my website 24/7...especially if you are making a baby card for a special new mommy!

R and Party On!

I have finished Rick's Valentine. Now it's time to move on to the 3D's (Dan-the-Man, Dawson and Daci).

Rick's card was created using this week's Mojo Monday sketch (#124). They always have such fun sketches to inspire creativity.

Close To My Heart products used: Silhouette Level 2 Paper Pack (X7090B), Silhouette Creative Basics Paper Pack (retired), Cranberry Cardstock (1272), Black Stamp Pad (Z2105), Round Sponge (Z697), Corner Rounder (Z578), Dimensional Elements Hearts (Z1278), Dimensional Elements Simple Alphabet Lower Case (Z1048), Clear Sparkles (Z1104..colored with a red sharpie marker).

Non-CTMH products used: Marvy punches, ribbon (unknown)

Click here to order from my website 24/7..."R"-"R"-"R"eally!

Along with creating Valentines and attending ball games this week, we also did something else fun! National Letter of Intent Day (Signing Day) for next year's NCAA football scholarships was on Wednesday, February 3. Tannon chose to take the full-ride scholarship he was offered from Southern Utah University. Four boys on our school's football team signed letters of intent this week. Our school gave a big signing party for them. There was pizza for everyone and cakes decorated to represent each of the schools that the boys were signing at. It was tons of fun! Here are a few photos to prove it.

The decorations were fun. There was a large table set up with a chair for each boy. Behind them were signs celebrating them and the university they were signing with. There were matching balloons tied on their chairs.

Here is Tannon signing his Letter of Intent.

This is probably my favorite photo taken that day. It's so great to have Easton home from his mission. As many of you know, Easton also has a football scholarship at SUU. Tannon plans to go on his mission very soon after graduation so he won't be playing at SUU for 2 years, but after that the boys will both be there playing for a couple of years together. SO COOL! Easton was so proud of his little bro.
After the 4 boys signed their letters of intent, everyone crowded around to congratulate them and to get some cake!

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.