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I have been working a lot in my craft room the last few days, but most everything is for design teams, so I can't show you yet.  But I did see the sketch for Mojo Monday this week and wanted to play.

I combined it with the color challenge at Heart 2 Heart.

I love these colors together, so I had a great time making this card!  I had this pretty piece of Outdoor Denim ribbon that I have been hoarding saving for just the right card.  It is discontinued, so I had to make sure I used it well! LOL!!

CARDS blog has a challenge for accordian folded flowers, so I will also be submitting this card to their challenge!

Items used:  Passages Level 2; Live Inspired stamp set; Clear Sparkles; Outdoor Denim brads; Clear Button

Life Changes...So Make Every Day Count

A new Paper Crafts magazine hits the stands today - Stamp It! Volume 8.  I am so happy to tell you that you will find one of my cards in the issue, and now I can show it to you!!

I created this card with a base of CTMH desert sand cardstock.  I used the Cuttlebug houndstooth folder to emboss the front of the card.  I paired that base with some Webster's pages houndstooth paper.  The stamp is Hero Arts.

Both Paper Crafts and Moxie Fab World are celebrating the release of Stamp It! this week.  Be sure to head over to take part in all the festivites!  I do want to add that I've had a little bit of chance to go through this volume.  Oh. My. Goodness.  You will be dog-earring, making notes, card-lifting.  There are amazing ideas and such talent in this copy!

Heart 2 Heart Design Team Member!

I am so excited to share this news with you today!  Mary invited me to be a part of the Heart 2 Heart design team!  This challenge blog has always been "close to my heart" because the challenges are all about using your Close To My Heart product.  As the week progresses, Mary will be introducing the new design team members, and you'll want to take a look.  I am familiar with all their work, and they are quite simply - amazing!!  I will start sharing artwork next Sunday (challenges are every Sunday), but you are going to want to hop over there today.  This week's challenge is a color challenge and the work that was created by the outgoing design team is just beautiful!  Here are the colors:

The sponsors for June are Romaine and Michelle.  You have until Saturday to play with all of the June challenges to be eligible for the wonderful prizes!!

A Place Called Blessing Book Review

I just finished reading A Place Called Blessing by John Trent.  Don’t just walk, but run to buy this book.  In this fictional account, the authors do a tremendous job of not only telling Josh’s story but helping you feel Josh’s emotions.  I was so drawn in by this story that I read it in one sitting (about 2 hours) from beginning to end.  Josh really has no reason to trust because that is what life has taught him.  Along with that, he doesn’t feel loved in any circumstances.  With his guard up, he becomes close to a co-worker and his mother and even starts to love.  But he still can’t surrender all and believe he is worthy of anything.   It is the power of forgiveness and much patience that helps him find that place called blessing. 

A Place Called Blessing had me in tears during most of the book.  It is an excellent example of trust, love, forgiveness and letting go of hurt.  I found myself stopping to think of instances in my life that have shaped me because I just couldn’t trust, forgive, or jsut plain let go and let God.  I would highly recommend this book to anyone.    This work of fiction is based on the non-fiction book The Blessing by John Trent.  I do believe that together these books are invaluable and would be an excellent study for a small group.  

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Sweet Sanctuary - I love Sheila Walsh, so it was great to get this book for Book Sneeze review. Her style and faith are easy to recognize in the pages of this book. It is always so uplifting to read a book that reaches for hope in the midst of struggles of the human condition. I enjoyed reading this story of contemporary faith. This was a quick read - a little long in getting to the point - but all in all, a book to be enjoyed.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Lasting Memories Guest Designer!

Karen over at Lasting Memories asked me to be a guest design team member through the month of July.  I was thrilled to accep this opportunity at I love the concept of her challenge blog.  She does weekly challenges for layouts so that we can get caught up on our pages.  I hope you will join me and the rest of the team for this week's challenge.  It is to recycle or re-use something for your scrapbooking page.  Here's what I came up with:

This is Jerry and his twin brother when they were 18 months old.  She said it was very common for people to buy them matching outfits because it was such a big deal to have twins in the family!

I recycled an old paper back to cut the letters and the steam for the train on this layout. Now I don't know how many people are scrapbook sticklers out there, but I will easily mention that I am.  I want my legacy books to last and be around for generations.  So when I use a recycled product like this, I always spray it with archival mist before creating my element.  If I was using this for a card, I wouldn't even bother, but I need my pages to be acid-free.
I used CTMH Passages on this layout.  It is discontinued now, but you can still pick up a bundle on my website for 56% off.  I added black cardstock, black grosgrain, black photo clips, and a black button with bamboo waxy flax.  I used the Slice Big Kids card to make the train and letters.  Be sure to head over to Lasting Memories and see what everyone else came up with!

This layout was also done with Heart 2 Heart challenges in mind.  The challenge was to use a Bingo:

I chose ribbon, border punch, and brads.

Cards to Share

I was getting some cards ready for mailing, and I saw two sketches that were quite similar this week. I needed two cards, so I used each of the sketches.   Here are the sketches and my cards:

Operation Write Home Stars and Stamps

Sweet Sunday Sketch

Both cards also match the color inspirations at The Play Date Cafe and Colour Q:

This is the fabulous American Celebration stamp of the month that you will be able to get on July 1st.  Oh what a wonderful star!  I love the banner, the spray of stars, the phrases, the little stars - I love everything about this set!  I can see using this one for Operation Write Home again and again!  I've paired the stamp set with paper from Fanfare.  Perfect for summer and the 4th of July!

Celebrate

I liked the sketch at Mojo Monday this week. I followed it quite closely as the simplicity of was just wonderful!

All items are CTMH, and I used paper, ribbon, chipboard and stamps from the You and Me kit.  Purchase the You & Me scrapbooking kit for only $15.00 (a retail value of $34.95), and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Red Cross Spring 2011 Floods and Tornadoes relief operations. You’ll win by getting the kit at a phenomenal price, and those in the weather-devastated regions will benefit from your charitable contribution.   This offer is valid through June 30th.

Retiring Paper Kits!

I thought I should tell you about some of the newer paper kits that are retiring on July 31st.  If you doing projects with any of these, you'll want to get them now!  I would take an educated guess that the matching embellishments will also be retiring.  When you click on the name of the paper, it will lead you to a page that will show you Level 1, Level, and embellishments.

Bliss

Sweetheart

Miracle

Wings

The older kits retiring are Olivia (really pretty fall paper), Hooligans (cute Halloween!), Mistletoe (so pretty for Christmas!), and Magnifique (peacock feathers).

While you're at my website, make sure you check out the "While Supplies Last" tab. There are some great buys.  Ribbon, flowers, Christmas Card kits, paper, embellishments - and all at fabulously low prices!!  I thought I'd let you know how fast your order is shipped from my website.  When I order from my website, I usually have my order in 4 days.  WOWZERS!  That's fast! 

Let me know if you have any questions!

Directions for Workshops

I have received a few e-mails about my workshops wondering what type of directions are sent to complete the layouts.  I took a picture of the direction sheets for June's workshop so that you could see that you have full directions to complete this at home.

As you can see, for the June workshop you get a full color page of the layout and cards along with two pages of specific directions, and finally, two pages of cutting grids so that you can maximize your paper.  There is enough left over to complete at least 3 more cards or another layout!

I hope that helps!  Keep asking.  I love getting questions!!

July Workshop - Time to Sign Up!

July Workshop - Fanfare

July 18th at 6:30 pm

Reserve your spot by July 8th!

Come to my home and create a 2-page layout and 3 cards using the Fanfare Level 2 paper packet. You can get this kit no matter where you live! Contact me at girlygirlrose43@msn.com if you would like the kit shipped to you.

In this class kit you will receive:

• 1/2 packet of Fanfare Level 2 (6 patterened papers and 5 cardstock)
• 1 full package of Fanfare Stickease
• 2 yds. cranberry waxy flax
• 2 yards white hemp
• 1/2 package Dimensional Elements stars
• 5 clear buttons
• 3 cranberry brads

This two page layout holds A LOT of pictures! You will also go home with many leftovers from this class. By adding your cardstock at home, you'll get a couple more layouts and several cards with what is left! I will be supplying the stamp sets and coordinating inks for the class.

You will need to bring:

• Paper Trimmer
• Tombow Adhesive (or tape runner of your choice)
• Glue Dots
• Micro-tip scissors
• Craft knife
• Ruler
• Foam tape (or foam dots)
• Piercing Tool

Sassy Lil Card Sketches

These summer days get away from me, and I almost forgot to post the new sketch for Sassy Lil Card Sketches!  I think you are going to like this one from Cherie  -  I know I did!

My favorite go-to paper from Close To My Heart - Veranda:

This is such a simple card!  And that's the beauty of the sketch - it can finished easily or you can pile it on as you'd like!

The sponsor this month is Stamps of Life.  You have until July 5th to get your cards posted!

Creative Stamping

This little 3-minute video gives a lot of great ideas for not only stamping with Trees and Things, but you can use these techniques with any set!

Mini Cards

I needed to put together a little gift, so I came up with these little mini cards.  So much fun to make, and you can really pile loads of fun on little 3x3's. 

June Workshop Kit for Sale

I have packed up all of my kits for mailing and my workshop tonight, and I am finding myself with one extra kit.  I thought I would share the photos and let you know that I have this for sale for $15 plus actual shipping to you.  This kit comes with color photos, full instructions, templates, the cutting guides and everything needed to create a 2-page layout and 3 cards.  You will have much left over to create beyond the kit.  Please contact me at girlygirlrose43@msn.com if you are interested!

Happy Father's Day!

I hope that all of the fathers in your life are having a wonderful, wonderful day!!  This is a picture of Jerry and Shane from this afternoon and a little Father's Day poem I wanted to share.

What Makes A Dad
God took the strength of a mountain,
The majesty of a tree,
The warmth of a summer sun,
The calm of a quiet sea,

The generous soul of nature,
The comforting arm of night,
The wisdom of the ages,
The power of the eagle's flight,

The joy of a morning in spring,
The faith of a mustard seed,
The patience of eternity,
The depth of a family need,

Then God combined these qualities,
When there was nothing more to add,
He knew His masterpiece was complete,
And so, He called it ... Dad

Author unknown

Celebrate

I was sitting down to make my husband's Father's Day card this afternoon, and I knew I had to have something bold - something that would immediately tell him what a great dad he is to Shane.  The challenge at Heart 2 Heart is to create your own background paper using inks and stamps, so that is what I did.

I used the outdoor denim, cranberry, and sunflower ink on stark white and kraft.  Those stars really stand out and let Jerry know just how much we think he is a star!!  The bottom portion of the paper is random stamped.  I truly fogot how much fun that is, so I was really glad for this challenge!  You haven't seen this stamp set yet.  It's the July stamp of the month (American Celebration), and I'll be telling you plenty about it in July!

The Letter J

About a month ago, I won a seriously full package of Imaginisce Garden Party goodies over at Club CK.  Oh such pretty pinks and blues!  I set it aside and finally got to it today.  I am seeing my mother next weekend and made a little gift for her.  Her name is JoAnn, and I found this white wooden "J" at Michael's.  So easy and fun to put together with all my Imaginisce supplies!

The flower is made from Imaginisce Roly Rosies and Pop-Up Posies.  I inked it with a little Worn Lipstick distress ink, curled, folded, and stacked.  I added a little ribbon and brad as well as a little CTMH Glitter Glitz Gel for sparkle.  Those are i-Rock gems surrounding the flower here and there.  I think she is going to like this!

Sassy Lil Sketches Design Team Call!

Are you interested in being on a design team?  Sassy Lil Sketches and Sassy Lil Card Sketches are AWESOME teams to be on!  You can click on the links to see Cherie's sketches and the design team work.  But here is some information from Cherie and Katie (who you would LOVE):

We are looking for a few talented layout and card designers for Sassy Lil' Sketches and Sassy Lil' Card Sketches.

How to apply for our August '11 to January '12 Sassy Team
Please send an e-mail to sassylilsketches@gmail.com with the following information
by JULY 7th:
1) specify LAYOUT or CARD DT in e-mail subject line
2) your full name
3) your email address
4) your blog address (or online gallery if you do not have a blog)
5) a short bio
6) one layout or card (depending on which team in which you are applying) based
on any Sassy Lil' Sketch/Sassy Lil' Card Sketch on our blogs. Please include the date of the sketch you used.
7) one layout or card (depending on the team in which you are applying) that showcases your individual style.

We welcome international applicants.

Sassy Lil' Sketches expectations:
1) Layout Sassies: Create one layout a month based on a Sassy Lil' Sketch.
Card Sassies: Create two cards a month based on
Sassy Lil' Card Sketches.
2) Share your monthly Sassy Lil' Sketch creation(s) on your blog and any online galleries which will allow you to do so.
3) Join our Sassy Lil' Sketches Forum. While active participation is not a requirement, it is encouraged. The forum is how we will communicate with our Sassy DT.

A note from us:
Our sketches are designed by Cherie to be shared with the scrappy world. We maintain the two sketch blogs for fun and inspiration. At this time there is no compensation for our Sassy DT members except the pure joy in inspiring others to create. We hope you will apply to be one of our Sassies!
Thank you,
Cherie and Katie

Son

Did you know that Sketches in Thyme has original sketches now?  They are some talented ladies over there!  This is sketch #49 along with my take on the sketch.

I saw the new Fancy Pants Beach Bum paper, and it was perfect for this picture of Shane.  I love when he takes pictures like this!  I cut the the wave, striped border, sun, cloud, and banner from the strips piece of paper. The blue star and sentiment box are CTMH, and the twine is Really Reasonable ribbon.  I really, really like this layout!  But then again, when my kiddo is the subject, I'd love his face on just about anything!! ;)

A Vision of Lucy - Book Review

A Vision of Lucy by Margaret Brownley is the third book in the Rocky Creek Romance series.  This is the story of Lucy and her aspirations to capture the human emotion through her camera lens.  Being a picture taker and scrapbooker, I was instantly captivated by this book.  This story took place in 1878, and there were so many references to what picture taking was like and how people posed.  I also liked the “picture etiquette” quotes as the beginning of each chapter.  Each one held a little tiny piece of what was to come.  Lucy, herself, was a fabulous character!  Full of good-heartedness and loads of love, and yet it was her sense of adventure for getting the perfect picture that nearly always got her in trouble.  The strong family ties and the genuine romance in this book showed God’s continual care and the power of forgiveness. 

I think this is one of the most entertaining historical fiction novels I have read.  I would strongly recommend it to anyone looking for a “can’t put it down” love story.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255  : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

You are so Amazing

This card is for a challenge over at Club CK.  We were to use the provided sketch from PageMaps:

Lots of possibilities with that center ribbon strip, right?

I had found this blue lace and burlap ribbon at a dollar store. How pretty for cards!  I added some CTMH sorbet ribbon on top and created a little scrunch flower for the center of the bow.  Other CTMH items used are Caboodle Level 2, Sophia stamp set, and Pearl gems.

Winter and Spring,,,In a Day

This is a very simple layout that I did over the weekend.  To me it was remarkable on April 20th when we woke up to snow in the morning and it was clear in the evening!

Items used: Lucky level 2; Sunset Mini Medleys; Outdoor Denim Bigger Brads; Lucky Journaling Spit; Olive Waxy Flax; Slice Cards - FaLaLa, Travel USA, Spring, and Words & Expressions

June Specials

Now that we are in the middle of June, I wanted to take this time to talk to you again about the June Close To My Heart specials.  There is still time to take advantage of all of them!

Special #1 - FREE, FREE, FREE!

Who doesn't love a free special?  This month, you can create a Studio J layout and receive the JPG file FREE!  When you receive the file, you can share it on Facebook, on your blog, e-mail it to family and friends - whatever you'd like to do.  It's also in a good format for printing, so you can do that as well.  If you don't have a Studio J account, that's okay!  There is no software to purchase or download.  You simply go to my website and follow the directions to create an account.  I know it sounds to good to be true, but really, there is no catch - just a free JPG for you!

Special #2 - You & Me Kit for Charity! 

One of the reasons that I love Close To My Heart is that they are an extremely giving company. In April, the Hope for Japan stamp set was sold for $5 and your purchases raised $80,000 for relief.  WOW!  This month, we have a campaign called Stronger Together that is raising money for the tornado and flood victims across the US.  You can purchase the beautiful kit for $15, and a portion of the proceeds will go the American Red Cross.  That is an unbelievable price on this kit - the stamp set alone is valued at $22.95!  You can go directly to my website to order yours today!

While Supplies Last

Have you taken a peek at the products under the "While Supplies Last" tab on my website?  Oh my goodness - there are items on there up to 78% off!  This Creative Basics collection I showed above has 16 sheets of patterned paper (8 each of 2 different designs) and 8 yards of matching ribbon for $2.00!!!  There are many more amazing values, so when you have a minute, maybe take a peek!

As always, if you have questions, please don't hesitate to send me an e-mail at girlygirlrose43@msn.com.



I am Sending Warm Wishes

I have been having some fun making handmade flowers this weekend, so I put together a card using this one.  I used the sketch from Card Positioning Systems and the inspiration from Our Creative Corner.  It's taking me a while to download pictures here at the retreat, so please follow the links to get to the sketch and photo inspiration.  I've grabbed the circles and flowers from the inspiration photo.

I added Glitter Glitz Gel to the flower to give it some shine.  This is CTMH Caboodle paper, Sorbet ribbon, TLC stamp set, and a kraft colro-ready border.  The trinket pin is from LYB.  Hope you are having a great Sunday!!