Our Fall Centerpiece

We are having a bonfire tomorrow with family and friends.  Jerry is smoking ribs and frying the fish he caught this year.  My contributions are German potato salad and my famous homemade baked beans.  I'll also made some mini cupcakes, snickerdoodles, and chocolate chip cookies.  Oh, of course I made the indian corn and peanut mixture.  Have you had it?  Tastes just like a salted nut roll.  We are supposed to have 60 degree weather and a day full of sun, so it's going to be perfect for an on-going fire during the day.  We have 25-30 people, so it's going to be great fun!  Even though everyone will be outside, I wanted a seasonal centerpiece for our dining room table.

The base is a straw wreath.  I used the Art Philosophy cartridge to decorate the wreath.  I cut 90 leaves in three different colors (barn red, goldrush, and honey).  I think I have a dozen of the aster-looking flowers (barn red) and about the same number of rolled flowers (smokey plum).  I finished it off by adding some vine-type leaves (olive).  It might sound like a lot, but really I only used 5 pieces of cardstock.  I used my glue gun to attach everything to the straw wreath and then covered it with Mod Podge.  I found a little pumpkin, cut it down, and then put a candle in the middle.  I LOVE this decoration in our house.  We so love the fall (thus the bonfire), and it feels so wonderful to decorate with these colors.

I'll take loads of pictures and share them with you in the coming days!

Two Christmas Projects

I mentioned the other day that I have two projects in Paper Crafts Holiday Cards & More issue.  It is on the store shelves now, so I am able to share the full projects now!

First up is a a photo cube:

I painted the edges of this cube and then covered it with Bo Bunny Noel papers.  I am very traditional when it comes to the colors of Christmas, so this paper was perfect for my project.  Each side has memorabilia pockets in order to trade pictures from year to year.  That precious Santa face is actually from a piece of the paper.  Simple project but will be lovely on my Christmas table for years to come!

The second project is a canvas:

I have to tell you a little story about the creation of this canvas.  When I worked at Archiver's, my manager gave me a canvas and aksed me to decorate it for a store sample.  We had a drawer of opened product, and I just rummaged through that drawer to find bits and pieces that would work together.  I was always sad that I didn't take a picture of it, so from memory, I tried to pull as many elements I could remember into this canvas.  I misted the canvas with a light glimmer mist and then I went on to build from there.  The flowers are Prima, and they started out white but I sprayed them as well.  I just kept adding little detail until it felt done to me.  This, too, will be a pretty Christmas addition to our living room! 

I am going to pick up my copy of this issue today.  I just know it's going to be a wonderful issue with loads of inspiration!

October Card Class - Sonoma

We are heading into October this weekend, so it's time to announce my card class using Sonoma.

Sunday, October 16

2:00 pm - 6:00 pm

(Come within that time frame to complete your cards.)

Cost - 5 Cards for $5 includes envelopes

Basic Supplies needed for Class:

• Scissors
• Adhesive Tape Runner
• Glue Dots (about  medium or large)
• Pop (9 medium or large)

If you cannot come that day or if you are long distance, you can still purchase these card kits!  They come to you stamped  and ready to put together.  I put the pieces for each card inside the card base so that you can easily look at the photo to create the cards.  Such a fun way to spend an afternoon or evening!

October Card Class

Attend Card Class $5.00Long Distance Card Class $7.00

Cricut Art Philosophy

Over the past month or so, you have been seeing artwork using the exclusive Close To My Heart Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge.  I have told you about it, but now I want you to really see what this collection contains.  I am asked all the time about the images, so here goes!

YES - all of this is on one cartridge!  Do you understand why I am always so busy in my craft room?  I love playing with this cartridge and all that it can do!

This cartridge comes in a set with 3 stamps and 3 sheets of dimensional elements:

The price of this collection is $99 - what a great deal!!  Are you thinking you might like to pay a little less for this?  You absolutely have an option - have a Gathering!  With as little as $250 in combined orders, you are eligible for $40 in select Hostess Rewards and one half-price item.  Even if you are long distance, I can set up an online Gathering for you and send you Idea Books to show your friends.  What a great way to save a little and get a lot more!!

Please contact me at (763) 227-0583 or girlygirlrose43@msn.com if you are interested in purchasing this collection or hosting a Gathering.  I'd love to help you get your hands on this collection!!  It opens up a whole new world of crafting!!

Over the Moon

I felt so blessed to have one of my cards chosen for Close To My Heart's Make it From Your Heart Art Gallery!  What a joy to create with my favorite items from the new book and then have it utilized!  This particular card is shown in the December Stamp of the Month category.  Please check out the gallery to look through all the amazing artwork.  The bonus is that you also get the recipes!

Holiday Cards & More and Frosted Designs Top 3

I have to share some fun news!  The Paper Crafts Holiday Cards and More Volume 6 issue comes out this week!

I am pleased to let you know that I have two projects in the magazine!  I haven't received my issue yet, but I thought I'd give you a peek at my projects:

I'll tell you more about them once I know the issue is on the stands!

I also wanted to tell you that I was in the Top 3 for Frosted Designs for this card.  I was excited because this was their first card challenge!  This made me so happy as I created this card for someone very special!

I hope you're having a fabulous Monday!!

New Heart 2 Heart Challenge

Time for a new challenge at Heart 2 Heart!  This week we are challenging you to use just a sentiment.  No other stamps allowed!  Here's what I created for you:

I love this long sentiment.  It's so heartfelt, and it's often hard to find one that is this long.  Do you have a particular Close To My Heart sentiment that you would love to create with?  This is the week!

Close To My Heart items used that can be found on my website:
X7143B Sonoma Level 2 Paper
D1306 Treasure Life stamp set
Z2114 Cocoa Exclusives Ink Pad
Z1126 Designer Ribbon Colonial White Collection
Z1466 Bling Assortment
Z1358 Basics Button Assortment

I feel like I have been kind of a bad blogger lately!  Shane moved home last week, so there was a lot of hustle and bustle in the house.  Jerry and I went away for the weekend, and it was simply one of the loveliest weekends!  We're also having a bonfire next weekend, so we've been working out in the yard.  I do love summer, but I love being outside in the fall.  It's so crunchy and pretty!  I'll leave you with a couple of pictures from the weekend.

Beautiful Lake Mille Lacs

I love this man, and I will never get tired of resting my head on his shoulder!

Jerry's favorite place to eat - Zorbaz - and his favorite lunch Macho Nachoz.

Minnesota's changing colors

Banner Workshop

Time for a new workshop!  This is the fabulous My Creations Banner.  I so love our alterables!

I originally planned to stop there, but there was a backside that was wide open with possibility.  So I decided to make this workshop into a two-sided banner. ( I love having my own business and making the decisions to bring your work further!!)

Doesn't this look like fun?  I had fun making it!!  Loads of work with Cricut Art Philosophy cuts, and there is loads of inking and stamping.  Here are the details of the workshop:

Saturday, October 15th

10:00 am

Cost - $11.50

All the supplies will be pre-cut and ready for you.  You need very few things for this class:

• Tape runner
• Scissors
• Small pop dots

You can call me (763-227-0583) or e-mail me (girlygirlrose43@msn.com) to register or you can click on the PayPal button to pay and reserve your spot.  Space is limited for this workshop!

Creativity

It's time for a new challenge at Sassy Lil Sketches!  Are you anxious to see Cherie's new sketch?  As always, it's a good one!

I actually used the sketch to make a canvas for my scrapbook room:

Don't you love this saying?  I sure do, and this makes a great piece on my shelf.  This is the discontinued paper perfect Day.  I so love this juniper color and just never get tired of it.  Are you getting tired of seeing flowers from me yet?  These 3-D flowers from the Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge are just amazing!  I've had many people ask me, and yes, this cartridge is exclusive to Close To My Heart.  There are 700 images on it, and it hasn't left my Cricut since I received it at the end of July!

Close To My Heart items used that can be found on my website:
Cricut Art Philosophy Collection
Juniper Pleated Ribbon
Sparkles
White Hemp

Stop in and see what the rest of the DT has done - great inspiration!!

Feline Playful Blog Hop Party!

Are familiar with Feline Playful?  It is a great blog!  FP lists over 500 challenges and the winners of those challenges.  If you haven't been there, you should check it out!

They are having a blog hop party today through September 27.   It is a week's worth of blog candy with prizes being awarded every day!!  There are over 75 prize sponsors, and I wanted to let you know that I am one of the sponsors and someone will be winning some Close To My Heart stamps!

There are three ways to participate and win:

1. Become a follower of Felin Playful and leave your name through Mr. Linky each day of the party.  The winners will be announced every day!
2. Leave a comment on each design team member's blog on the hop.  Blog hop prizes will be announced on September 28th.
3. To win one of the grand prizes, visit each stop on the hop and collect letters that are shared.  Unscramble them and send the secret message to felineplayful@gmail.com.  Grand prizes will be announced after September 28th.

Seven days of fun - and what a great party hosted by Feline Playful!!  Join in the fun!!

Thinking of You

I had a little time yesterday, so I decided to look through some challenges over at Feline Playful.  Lots of times it's just a challenge for me to put two challenges together and do it in a timely manner.  I am a putzy crafter, you know!  I put two challenges together - Card Patterns sketch and the Scrapmaster's Paradise Color Challenge.

As soon as I saw those colors, I thought of a couple of old paper packets - Grace and Key to My Heart.  I combined the papers to make this card:

I made little tiny flowers using the Art Philosophy cartridge, and bunched them around the oval.  Fun, fun card sketch, and I am sure I'll use it again!

CTMH items used that can be found on my website:
X5642 Cocoa Cardstock
Z2114 Cocoa Exclusive Inks
D1476 Card Chatter Sympathy stamp set
Z1686 Cricut Art Philosophy Collection
Z1336 Pearl Opaque Gems
Z1377 Kraft Color Ready Borders (while supplies last)
Z1118 Creme Brulee Metal Corner  - Mini Medleys (while supply lasts)

New Heart 2 Heart Challenge!

Today brings a new challenge at Heart 2 Heart.  We want you to use 3 cardstock colors this week - no patterned paper!  Now this was a challenge for me, but I love a good challenge!

I stamped the colonial white with a wonderful stamp from All Hallow's Eve.  Such an elegant little stamp in a Halloween set.  I used the Matchbook template from the Wishes book.  I just can't get enough of these flowers from the Art Philosophy cartridge.  They are even gorgeous in black!

You can order any of the items used by clicking on the button on my left sidebar:
9033 Wishes Card Confidence Program
Z1686 Cricut Art Philosophy Collection
1386 Black Cardstock
1273 Desert Sand Cardstock
1388 Colonial White Cardstock
C1462 All Hallow's Eve
D1361 Thank You
Z2105 Black Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad
Z1462 Midnight Felt Shapes
Z1393 Black Mini Medleys
Z1333 Mocha Opaque Gems

You'll want to check out the rest of the design team's work for great inspiration!

Wonderful Season

I am leaping forward and showing you a Christmas card today.  This was an entry for the Make It From Your Contest for Close To My Heart that did not get selected.  I do have one card that was chosen, though (yippee!!), so I will show you that some time next week.  I am so loving the Art Philosophy cartridge, and I have already determined which flower I like the best.  That is the one I am showing you on this Christmas card:

Can you see that this is a clear card?  It's hard to tell that in the picture.  At first glance in the book, this paper looks all red and green.  But it's got a beautiful soft sky blue side, and that is what I chose to combine with the sweet leaf green.

Items used:
X7145B Believe Level 2
Z1686 Cricut Art Philosophy Collection
Z1616 Designer Ribbon Green Collection
Z1466 Bling Assortment
Z1309 Clear Cards

All of these items can be found on my website.  While you are there, stop in and look at the While Supplies Last tab.  There are items for as low as 25 cents!

While Supplies Last

RUN over to my website and check out the "While Supplies Last."  CLICK HERE!  There are some amazing prices on newly discontinued items!! 

Are you still wanting some Level 1's?  There are four level 1 kits on clearance - Sophia, Lucky, Mayberry, and Fanfare.  Stock up while you can get them!!

Zoo Layouts

I had so many pictures from our recent trip to the zoo!  We had such a fun day, and I wanted to capture all that I could.  I have four layouts to share with you today that I did on Studio J.  I was so glad to be able to use Majestic Blue and Expedition because they are perfect for my pictures.

If you have any questions about how Studio J works, please don't hesitate to shoot an e-mail to me (girlygirlrose43@msn.com) or give me a call!

Life Unscripted

I am taking an amazing online card class called Inspiration Showcase.  It's day two, and I have learned so much from Jennifer McGuire!  The past couple of days, she has been demonstrating resist techniques, and I had an idea right away.  I used the card sketch at Frosted Designs as a jumping point for this card (click on the link to find the sketch).

I wanted to not only use the emboss resist technique, but I wanted to make sure this card had a vintage and distressed feel for the Shopping Our Stash challenge.   I used a bamboo cardstock base, and I stamped some weeds with Versamark.  If you look closely (just click on the picture), I also have two small circles with weeds.  I used white embossing powder mixed with a very teensy bit of prisma glitter.  I tried something very different and sprinkled flecks of the embossing powder toward the bottom of the card.  Not enough to be defined, but rather to look like splatters.  After embossing, I sponged the front with goldrush ink and the edges with chocolate.  Next time I will try more sprinkled flecks, but for my first try, I loved the look!  This card front was attached to a clear scalloped card.It's always so much fun to try something new!!

Items used:
Clear Cards
Bamboo Cardstock
Goldrush Ink
Chocolate Ink
Unscripted Stamp Set
White Embossing Powder
Prisma Glitter
Versamark
Mocha Opaque Gems
Chocolate-Striped Grosgrain
Art Philosophy

September Love Your Layout

This is another FABULOUS video on using Studio J. I welcome any questions you have about this unique online software!

Cardabilities Design Team

I am a new design team member for Cardabilities!!  I was so surprised when I received the e-mail!! I am truly honored to be working amongst all the tremendous artists that are on the team.  Take a peek at the link and see all the many countries that are represented - USA, Canada, Spain, Poland, Italy, Russia, Germany, Ukraine, and Puerto Rico.  I am excited about what I will learn from all these fabulous team members!!  My term runs from October to December, so watch for some Cardabilities reveals!

21 Sunny Years Together

It's time for a new challenge at Heart 2 Heart Challenges.  I so love when you play along, and I truly enjoy walking through your work and learning from you!  This week we are offering a die-cut challenge in honor of the new Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge. Now if you don't have that cartridge, you can use any die-cuts with your Close To My Heart product.  I made a layout for you ~

We had such a wonderful anniversary this year, and it was a beautiful day.  So sunny with blue skies, so I brought that into my layout.  I created the sun using a star and star layer.  I also cut the banners at one inch for the bottom border.  Fun!

Item used on this layout are:

• Elemental Level 2
• Colonial White Cardstock
• Art Philosophy Collection
• Friendship Alphabet stamp
• Color-Ready Cork Alphabet
• Creme Brulee Ink
• Kraft Borders (retired)
• Milepost Shapes
• Decor Journaling Tags
• Pacifica Buttons
• Colonial White Waxy Flax
• Creme Brulee Accessories (retired)
• Sparkles
• Stardust Glitz Gel

I also want to let you know that I used a sketch from the new Sassy Lil Sketches e-Book.  We have two fabulous sponsors this month so hop over and check it all out!

Let Freedom Ring

On this day of memorial in America, I wanted to make something special to post.  I made this card to send as an Any Hero letter to one of our soldiers through Operation Write Home. 

I used the following items on this card:

• Fanfare Level 2
• Elemental Level 2
• Dimensional Elements Stars
• American Celebration stamp - July Stamp of the Month (If you like this set and were not able to purchase it, please contact me anyway.  Sometimes I am able to find one.  This is such a perfect set for  Operation Write Home.)

There She Stands...

Remember

I have been busy.  I don't know where time goes, and I don't know how 24 hours can pass so quickly!  I will tell you this, though.  I LOVE being busy, and I love my job!  I am so enormously blessed to be able to call being a Close To My Heart consultant my job. 

• I love teaching.  I am rather shy, but I get to come out of my shell when I teach.  It is truly an honor to share paper crafting with others! 
• I love my team.  I have been blessed with a team that is faith-filled and caring.  Their excitement and enthusiasm about CTMH and life is amazing! 
• I love my customers.  Every time I am privileged to spend time with them, I count myself blessed.  They constantly keep my eyes opened as to why we really scrapbook!
• I love my upline, Karen.  She is amazing, insightful, and full of caring!  Here's a card she sent me for reaching a goal last month.  This is my favorite paper packet, and I was so overjoyed to receive this creative card.  It's just perfect for this post!

• I love my husband.  As we sat down to do the bills last evening (after Jerry had worked a 12-hour shift), I realized again how blessed I am to have a husband that not only supports me, but wants me to be a consultant.  He knows how happy it makes me to play with paper and stamps, to create and to teach!
• I love my Heavenly Father.  There are no words to describe how grateful I am every day that through all the trials and difficulties, He has brought me to place.  What's even more exciting is that I know He's nowhere finished with me yet.  Thanks be to God!

Sassy Lil Sketches Reveal

I love the sketch Cherie has for us at Sassy Lil Sketches this week!  Of course, I always do, but this one was not only fun but stretched me a little.

Here is what I came up with for you:

I have been wanting to play with the doily from the Art Philosophy cartridge, and this sketch gave me the perfect chance.  I used Mayberry paper and once it was cut, I inked the  edges just a little.  Other Cricut cuts that I made are the cupcake, cupcake wrapper, and banner.  Once I cut the banner, I adhered it to the perfect sized dimensional element (chipboard) banner.  The sentiment is also in the Art Philosophy collection.  That collection is amazing!  With a cricut cartidge, 3 stamp sets, and 3 sheets of dimensional elements, it can keep you crafting a long time!  If you click on the photo and look more closely, you see that I painted the frosting with create-a-shade pearl paint.  Fun!!

I hope you'll play along with Sassy Lil Sketches this month!  Our generous sponsor this month is Authentique Paper.  Cards are released every Thursday during the month, but you have all month to play.  You just have to have your cards linked up by October 5th.  Now, stop on over at Sassy Lil Sketches to see the other design team examples!

Good Times

I pulled out the September Stamp of the Month, Limited Edition, to create another example for you.  I love all the things this set can do!

Now this doesn't necessarily have to be an invitation.  I think this would make a wonderful masculine birthday card.  The stamps I've used from the stamp of the month are the two tags, invitation words (what, where, when, who), the sentiment, and the bike in the corner.  I love pairing the Lucky paper with kraft cardstock - such a rugged look!  Other items used are Olive Mini Medleys, Milepost Shapes, and Natural Hemp. 

Faith is Knowledge Within the Heart

There is a beautiful new paper from Close To My Heart called Wonderland.  It is primarily a winter paper, but as you know, I like to see what I can do that makes a paper useful all year round. 

It's so soft and subtle, don't you think?  I love this paper!  I used the Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge to make the 3-D flowers and the card base.  The sentiment is from this month's special, Pair-a-Phrase, which you can get your hands on free!  Click HERE for more information.  I love all the sweet sentiments in this double stamp set!  The chocolate ribbon and ribbon slide are both available in the "while supplies last" section on my website, and you can get them now for a steal!

I am entering this card in two challenges.  Stampin' Sisters in Christ is looking for a card that uses quiet colors.  The Cricut Cardz challenge would like to see a card base cut from any cartridge.

Winehaven Vineyard - Studio J Layout

Jerry and I went to a lovely winery last weekend.  I decided to do this layout in Studio J.  We have a book started for all the wineries we visit, and I wanted to keep them all the same, and I have a few started in Studio J.  We love going to wineries in the fall.  They are always so pretty, and we meet the nicest owners!  Of course, my very favorite vineyard is a mere plane ride away in Tuscany, Italy.  I haven't done that layout yet, but I'll be sure to share when I do.  Here is what I did with our Winehaven pictures.

Whether from the paper packet or Studio J, Sonoma is one of my favorite paper packets from the new book.  It's. Just. So. Pretty.  If you haven't played in Studio J yet, give it a whirl.  It doesn't cost anything to try it out, and there is nothing to download.  I bet you'll have fun!!

Sassy Lil Sketches e-Book Winner!!

I have a winner for the Sassy Lil Sketches e-Book from Cherie!  Congratulation goes to WANDA who said ~

love the card!!!It will be wonderfu lto win!!!
best regards,
Wanda

August 28, 2011 4:59 PM

 

Wanda, I will e-mail Cherie and have her send the book your way!!  Congratulations!! 

New Heart 2 Heart Challenge!

This week we would like ot see your favorite color combination.  Oh, that was easy for me!  I love the warm colors, and right now these are my favorite colors to work with. They are Smokey Plum, Olive, and Bamboo.

This is an old, old, old stamp set and paper packet, but I am so glad I have saved hoarded it to bring out now and again.  It was a winter special, and I want to say 2006 or 2007?  Yes, I have had it for a long time!!  Now don't hold me to these colors as my favorites because I may just pull out some Sunset, Outdoor Denim, and Desert Sand.  Then those will be my very favorite!  Like I said, warm colors (just in general) are my favorites!

We have an awesome guest design team member during the month of September, and her name is Jane.  We also have two really great sponsors - Heather and Kelly Jo.  I would love it if you stopped all their blogs to thank them for being a part of Heart 2 Heart this month!