February Card Class - February 12th

I want to show you the cards we will be making at card class on Sunday, February 12th.  The cost is $6.00 for 5 cards with envelopes.  Everything is pre-cut and ready at stations, so you can come anytime from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm.  Adhesive and all supplies/tools necessary are included in the class, so you only need to bring yourself!  RSVP by Friday, February 10th.

All card bases (and several elements) are cut using the Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge.  We will be using three paper packets and covering many techniques - sanding, background stamping, dying ribbon, creating 3-D flowers, using dimensional elements, scalloped border, and pleating paper.  I think you will really enjoy this class!

You are able to purchase this class if you are unable to attend.  Everything will be pre-cut, necessary pieces will be stamped, and the ribbon will be dyed.  I will provide you with a photocopy of the cards so that you can create them at home.  The prices are as follows:

• $7.00 - you need to pick them up
• $9.00 - mailed to you first class

Ladies Day Out MS Benefit Crop

If you are within driving distance to the Twin Cities area, I have news of a great 12-hour crop that is coming up!

Ladies Day Out

Saturday, March 3rd

10:00 am - 10:00 pm

Blaine National Sports & Event Center

The Ladies Day Out has become a tradition in the Twin Cities suburbs.  What began as a small event for a mother and two sisters (who are amazing!) has grown into a whole day for about 200 women to come together for crafting and a good cause.  100% of the proceeds go to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society to help find a cure.

The fee is $35**, and here's what you get:

• A whole day away for yourself!
• Continental breakfast
• Dinner
• Snacks
• Access to several small business craft vendors 
• Workshops throughout the day
• Wireless internet access
• Door prize drawing entries
• Massage
• And more!

**$35 is the early bird registration price.  After February 3rd, the price is $45 per person.

I know these ladies, and wow, will you be happy that you attended this crop!  I am going to be cropping, and I will also be the Close To My Heart vendor for the day.  I am going to be teaching two classes during the day and would love to have you come!

In order to register, you can contact them team at ladiesdayoutbenefit@yahoo.com or you can contact me.  I will gladly help point you in the right direction!

February Club Pages

I have a lot to share in the upcoming week, so I thought I should get my club pages up for February.  I have a few spots open this month, so if you would like to join us one night, we'd love to have you!

• Monday, February 6th (2 openings)
• Tuesday, February 7th (FULL)
• Monday, February 13th (2 openings)

The cost is $20, and you will go home with the following two layouts and lots of extras this month!  Lots of stamping, distressing, and a little bit of hand sewing using the CTMH ruler.  We are using the new paper packet Stella, a few stamp sets, bohemian accessories, and dimensional element hearts.  It's going to be a fun night!

Supplies you will need to bring:

• Tape Runner (I always have Tombow refills)
• Scissors
• Ruler
• Glue Dots
• Pop Dots
• Pictures (this is optional - but a great way to get your pages done!)

Let me know if you would like one of the open spots!  If you are long distance and would like the kit, just let me know.  The cost is $25 for the kit plus shipping.

ScrapFIT

I would love for you to go over and visit ScrapFIT!  You already know that I am starting on the design team February 1st, but I think you'd love meeting the rest of the girls!  Watch for my first layout on February 1st!  I know that you are going to love the challenge!

Consider Yourself Hugged

This past week, I put a challenge out to my team.  Those that completed the challenge will be receiving a February Stamp of the Month card in the mail from me as a business builder tool. This is new paper along with new stamp sets so that will have this card to share with customers.  I thought I'd show you the card they will be getting and talk about a little of what it means to be a Close To My Heart and be on my team!

What is our mission at Close To My Heart?
We show you how to celebrate relationships through discovering your creativity, to preserve and share the moments that matter the most.

Do you love to teach others and share the art of paper crafting?  This might be just the opportunity for you!  Let me tell you a little about why I love being a Close To My Heart consultant.

• There is a huge community of paper crafting paper crafting buddies that are willing to share ideas!
• I LOVE my team!  The Rose Blossoms are about the most creative and friendliest team in Close To My Heart.  They support, encourage, and help each other through our private Facebook group on a regular basis.
• I absolutely LOVE to teach others the art of paper crafting!
• Close To My Heart offers a generous commission along with monthly product rewards according to sales.
• I am able to order new product one month before it comes out.  I LOVE that!
• Close To My Heart offers loads of training and support through an online academy, videos, and MP3 listening library.  I can find an answer and support for business, creative, and personal development.  It's awesome!
• Regional Celebrations (like the one I attended in Detroit in October) and Yearly Conventions.  This year I'll be heading to Dallas in July!
• Incentive Trips!  Had it not been for Close To My Heart, I would not have seen Italy and fulfilled one of my dreams.  We were so spoiled on that cruise!
• And finally - I am at home, being my own boss, running my business the way that I choose!  

Would you like to see the NEW Consultant Kit?  It's amazing and jam-packed with almost $300 worth of product!

These are wonderful business and creative products to launch your business in your way.

Whether you want to join the Close To My Heart family to get product at discount (low quarterly minimums make this easy!) or earn a little extra to pay a bill or two (or pay for your paper crafting supplies), or if you want to be your own boss and run a business - it's all possible with Close To My Heart.  There is a place for you!

Please contact me at (763) 227-0583 or girlygirlrose43@msn.com with any questions you might have.  If you are ready to take the plunge, you can visit my website and the online application HERE.  I'd love to call you a Rose Blossom!!  And then, you might be the one receiving a business builder card in the mail!!

Family Love

Liz Qualman has a fabulous sketch again this week, so I knew I needed to take time to play along.   They are always so fun, and they also leave so much room for interpretation.

I had a picture of my Grandma sitting on my desk that I have been wanting to scrap for sometime.  I so loved my  Grandma.  I am so thankful for the time I spent with her and all the things I learned from her.  I credit her to this day for being the one that taught me how to make a meal when there is seemingly nothing in the refrigerator - and how to do it quickly.

This paper will be in the new Spring/Summer Idea Book, and it is called Florentine.  The large flower on the bottom left was cut from a sheet of the paper.  Wait till you see it - it would be easy paper to hoard!  We've got some new wooden shapes in the new book that are absolutely wonderful to play with.  Just 8 days till the new Idea Book goes live!  If you don't have your book yet, just click on the paypal link at the top left of the page.  I will ship it to you with a coupon with your next purchase.  I will also make sure that you have it in your hands by the 1st!

I put a * next to the new items, but all other product can be found on my website:
X7153B Florentine*
X7153C Florentine Stickease*
D1506 Family Love Stamp Set*
Z1718 Color-Ready Wooden Shapes*
Z1732 Color-Ready Seam Binding*
Z2167 Creme Brulee Ink
Z2114 Cocoa Ink
Z2160 Twilight Ink
Z1360 Rhinestone Designer Brads
Z1336 Pearl Opaque Gems
Z1685 Banner Dimensional Elements
Z1682 Notable Alpha Dimensional Elements

Scripture Box Class

In February, I am having a Scripture Box Class using the My Creations Memory Game.  One of my downline  Beth (she doesn't have an active blog or I would share) put this idea in my head several months ago, and I was waiting to have the class until the days before the Lenten season.  I was even happier to find this beautiful paper in the Spring/Summer Idea Book to create with.  It is called Florentine, and you are going to love it!  I'll show you the box, and then I'll give you details on the class.

Inside this box are 24 chipboard tiles:

They are covered with the same twilight blue paper that was used to create the flowers.  I have printed 24 Scriptures on cardstock for class members to put on one side of the tiles.  The opposite sides of the tiles will be left blank for personal Scripture choices or prayers.

Class Dates and Times:

• February 9th - 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
• February 10th - 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Class Price:  $19.00

All supplies will be provided for this class, so there is no need to bring a thing!   Each class is limited to 6 people so sign up early to reserve your spot!

If you are long distance, I can also send this to you with full instructions.  There is an additional cost for shipping, so please let me know if you are interested!

Going Places...Come to My Open House!

Ok, if I don't show you a sneak peek from the new Close To My Heart Spring/Summer Idea Book, I just might burst!  This book goes live on February 1st, and you are going to love it!  The artwork is beyond phenomenal, and the paper packets are awesome!  Well, I'll let you be the judge as I share a little Cruisin' with you.

Amazing, right?  This paper is so much fun!!  Along with this paper, I've used the matching foil image stickers (are you lovin' that gas tank?!) Pennant Alpha stamp set (available now!), the upcoming April stamp of the month (you will be seeing a lot of this!), and baker's twine (we have 8 colors starting on February 1st!).

If you are local, plan on coming to see this layout and all the other papers up close at my Open House on Saturday, January 28th.  The hours are 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.  I'll have four make and takes for you, new product preview, class sign ups, and I'll choose a mystery hostess!

If you are long distance, you can click on the button on my left sidebar to order your Spring/Summer Idea Book.  I send you a $5.00 coupon to use on your next order!

CCR Design Team Member!

I am so excited to share that I am a new Design Team member at the Creative Cutter Room!  I am super excited about this and can't wait to share work with you!!  Take a minute to visit so that you can see all the amazing things that are happening there.  There are tips, videos, and projects that I think you are going to love!  I invite you to visit the other design team member blogs, and to play along with the challenges!

Carri

Georgana

Amy

Elaine

Jessica

Tonya

Diana

Brenda (Me!)

Becky

Tracy

Make and Takes for 12-Hour Crop

My 12-hour crop is on Saturday, and I am always so excited to be heading into that day!  The Senior Center that I am renting is going to be bustling full of happy paper crafters.  I love to watch people craft and to see their ideas!

I've got some make and takes planned along with some demonstrations.  I am focusing on some stamping techniques this time.  And these are ideas that can easily be used on pages as well.  I didn't think of these on my own - I found them all on Jeanette Lynton's blog, and I've been wanting to demonstrate them for some time.  Go to her blog HERE, and click on Weeks of Wonder on the left sidebar.  She has a multitude of ideas to keep you busy!!

I'll be announcing my March crop (Saturday, March 24) shortly, so watch your e-mail for the invitation!

Hostess Gift

Now that my hostess has seen this, I wanted to share it with you!

Do you remember that I showed you one of these before?  I absolutely love making them for my hostesses because I can put such personal touches on them!  I know that Lynn loves vintage (check out her blog HERE), so I wanted to do something very vintage-y for her.  The letter flowers, and banners were cut with the Art Philosophy cartridge, and I used Sonoma paper.

Would you love to have a Gathering but are not local to where I live in Minnesota?  Well, you can!  Lynn does not live near me, but she opted to have a Party in the Box.  She has everything she needs to host a successful Gathering along with a short video of me doing an Idea Book tour.  The best part is that she will earn awesome Hostess Rewards!  Please e-mail me at girlygirlrose43@msn.com or call me at 763-227-0583 for more information.  I would love to send a Party in the Box your way!!

Twelve on the 12th of 2012 and Clearance Sale

First, I need to tell you to run to my website!  A bunch of new things were added to the clearance page!  Shop now before the items are gone!  I also want to mention that there is a wonderful new shipping option that is really affordable.  Lots of paper and embellishments at WOWIE prices!!

This year I thought it would be fun to participate in a challenge/class that requires me to take pictures of the every day things.  I really liked and decided upon Ella Publishing's Take Twelve.  I was super excited when the 12th came, and I have to tell you that I missed some photo opportunites.  I saw my friend Amber that day - and should have taken a photo.  I went out to lunch with my son - and should have taken a picture of the two of us (rather than just the food!).  So already I am learning from this class - and I love it!

One of my resolutions every year is to work on any crafting materials I have in my stash.  So I used some "old" Close To My Heart that I have been hoarding (and I truly have been hoarding this paper).  This was the Key to My Heart paper from a January special, and I think it was either 3 or 4 years ago that I got it.  How silly is that?!

I printed off all of my pictures in a 3x3 format. I used the tags that came with the Take Twelve kit to tell a little something about each photo.

#1 & #2 - I wake up to these two pets everyday.  In fact, they choose their spots in the bed, and I end up sleeping where this is room!  I know that some of you pet lovers will understand this silliness!

#3 - New cookbook to continue on my WW journey.  I let Shane pick this one out so that I can cook one meal for all of us and still stay on track.

#4  - What is better than walking into Starbuck's and being given FREE coffee?

#5 - French Onion Soup and Thai Chicken Salad at Panera Bread.

#6 - Sorry, mice lovers, but this mouse on our deck needed to go!

#7 - New CTMH to play with!!  Lots of artwork done, and I'll be showing it starting January 28th!

#8 - Shane has picked up the craft of cross-stitching.  And boy, is he good at it!!

#9 & #10 - Magazine Publications

#11& #12 - Sales mentions on the Pacemaker team!

Phew!  Makes me tired that all of that happened in one day!  I love this class, and I love the idea of giving tribute to a day filled with "everyday" things.

Items that are not discontinued that you can find on my website:

Z1616 - Juniper Ribbon

Z1372 - Juniper Buttons

Z1104 - Clear Sparkles

Z1450 - Cork Alphabet

Z1377 - Kraft Color-Ready Borders



Open House

I have been busy in my craft room all week, but I am not able to show you anything quite yet.  You see, the new Close To My Heart Idea Book goes live on February 1st.  I am so excited to show you all the amazing and fun new product!  The papers and matching embellishments are outstanding!  So I have been in my craft room busily creating pages and card for my Open House.  Let me give you the details:

Saturday, January 28
9:00 am - 1:00 pm

• Free Spring/Summer Idea Book!
• 4 Free Make and Takes (with a $25 purchase)!
• New Product Preview!
• Class Sign-Ups!
• Mystery Hostess Rewards!
• Retiring and Discontinued Items for Sale!

So bring a friend and come to enjoy the morning!  Coffee will be on, and I'll have some yummy Tastefully Simple treats (thanks to Gina!) for you to enjoy.

I've got some fresh new ideas for you, and I can't wait to show you how to play with some new product!  I'm looking forward to seeing you!!

If you can't make it, click on the link at the top left sidebar to order your brand spanking new Spring/Summer Idea Book.  When you receive it, you will also get a $5.00 coupon to use on your first purchase!

Publications

What an exciting couple of days for me!  Two of my cards came out in magazines, so I can share them with you.  I'll list the supplies for each card at the end.  The first card was published in the February issue of Cricut magazine:

The next card was published in the March issue of CardMaker:

I think what I was super thrilled about is that both cards used all Close To My Heart products!!  All products can be found on my website.

Over the Moon card:
Z1686 Art Philosophy Collection
X7143B Sonoma Paper
1301 Bamboo Cardstock
S1112 December Stamp of the Month - Mad About You
Z2114 Cocoa Ink
Z2147 Smokey Plum Ink
Z1126 Colonial White Designer Ribbon
Z1612 Foundry Pin Clips

Grow Card:
X7137B Lucky Paper (retiring January 31st - order it now while it is available!)
C1439 Enjoy Life Stamp Set
Z2240 Outdoor Denim Ink
Z2237 Olive Ink
Z1359 Lucky Journaling Spot (retiring January 31st)
Z1277 Outdoor Denim Mini Medleys (While Supplies Last - $2.50)

I thought I would bring you another example using the January Stamp of the Month, Little Reminder.

There are a lot of uses for this set:

• Calendars
• Invitations
• Baby Congratulations
• Personalized Birthday Cards

Here is what I have for you today:

Don't you love the easy way you can make an invitation from this set?  That little background circular calendar is one of my favorite stamps in the set.  If you click on the photo and look at it in more detail, you will see that I have a white daisy line of stitching above the ribbon.  That's another little treat with this set - two long stamps that mimic stitiching.  Perfect for people like me that don't sew!  With your $50 order, you can get this set for just $5.00! 

Initial Banner

I have had such a good time today!  I have two Gatherings tomorrow, so I spent the day getting ready for them.  I get to spend the whole day talking about Close To My Heart and paper crafting - I love my job!!  I put together an initial banner for each of my hostesses.

I put almost this whole project together using the Art Philosophy cartridge.  Talk about making something fast and easy!!  I used one of the My Creations banner pieces as the base.  These are the cut measurements:

• taffy scalloped banner - 7.1 inches
• blue pennant (made with Miracle paper) - 6.8 inches
• crystal blue flowers - 2.5 inches
• taffy flowers - 3 inches
• taffy letter - 2.5 inches

Once everything was cut, it was just a matter of rolling the flowers and putting it together.  I use Liquid Glass to adhere everything to the My Creations products.  It is such a strong hold!  To finish it off, I add a bow and hanger using Sweet Leaf grosgrain.   I know it's January, but this piece of decor brings just a little bit of Spring to a room!

I'm a ScrapFIT Girl!

I have been holding this in, and now I can finally tell you that I am a ScrapFIT girl!!

I am SOOOO excited to be on this team of extremely talented women!  You will recognize many of the names, and you will really enjoy checking out the layouts that are created for you.  I hope you'll join us on the 1st and 15th every month.  You won't be disappointed in the challenges!

Pretty Girls

I saw a fun layout on Crop & Create, and I thought it the perfect time to scrap this picture that I got from my niece's Facebook page. 

This is my wonderful niece Lacey (on the right) and my nephew's girlfriend Tawnee (left).  What a cute picture of these two sweethearts!  They are as nice as they are pretty, and that's always a wonderful quality in young women.

I used the following products that can be found on my website:
X7141B Elemental Level 2 Paper Packet
X7141C Elemental Dimensional Elements
C1464 Blue Ribbon Stamp Set
Z1680 Dimensional Element Stars
Z1489 Olive Mini Medleys
Z1327 Green Sparkles

Studio J

Yesterday I showed you a layout using the lovely Magnifique paper that is retired from Close To My Heart.  What a bummer that I used such pretty paper and you can't get it anymore!  BUT I want to tell you that you can still use Magnifique.  Have you hopped over to Studio J and played with the online software?  Did you know that you can go into Studio J without downloading any software or purchasing anything?  It is a brilliant online software!  You simply go to my website via the link above and create an account.  From that point on, you can choose paper kits, layouts, and try different options.  One of my recent favorites in Studio is the stitching embellishment.  I do not sew, so it is really fun to be able to add stitching to my pages like this. 

There is a great Studio J special this month, too.  For every 9 custom-printed layouts that members purchase this month, they will receive one free!  Let me tell you about the memberships and what is offered:

• Free JPG files for every custom-printed layout
• Members-only patterns and paper kits
• Free shipping on your monthly order (minimum of 4 layouts and maximum of 20 layouts)
• Free Memory Protectors

Here are the Studio J membership prices:

• 3-month membership = $30.00
• 12-month membership = $99.00

If you'd like to get your feet wet, the Studio J 5-pack might be for you.  For $55.00, you receive 5 custom layouts, 5 Memory Protectors, and free shipping.

Let me know if you have any questions.  I'd love to help you get started in Studio J!

Exquisite

I was THRILLED when I saw that Liz Qualman was bringing back her Sunday sketches!  I have always been so inspired not only by her sketches but by her work.  So it was a joy to sit down this afternoon and create with her first sketch of 2012:

I used a retired Level 1 kit, Magnifique, for this page:

The loon is Minnesota's state bird, and I can't tell you how many pictures I take for that one little moment when it opens it wings.  We were on Forest Lake, and this particular loon was very friendly and allowed me to get really close.  I just kept snapping until I ended up with this near perfect shot!  One of the reasons Jerry and I love the lakes so much is the call of the loon.  What a beautiful bird!

Almost the whole page was done with Magnifique paper and the matching stickease.  I matted the stickers with black cardstock helping to draw out the color of the loon.  I added some black brads and buttons, chocolate waxy flax, and some licorice gems.  Those of you that know me, know that I already miss the Level 1 kits.  There is just so much more that can be done with them than meets the eye!  Look carefully and you'll notice that I popped up the 9x9 mat to add some interest to the page.  I carried that them throughout trying to achieve balance.

Hope you're all having a great first week of 2012 - thanks for stopping by!!

Blog Candy Winner!

I'll bet you are wondering who the two lucky winners are for the $25 in Close To My Heart products!  First, I want to tell you how amazing it was to read each and every one of your comments.  I am so blessed and feel very fortunate to call you my blogging buddies!!  Your work inspires me to be the best I can be - and that, to me, is priceless!

Now without further ado, here are the winners of $25 in Close To My Heart product!

Jamie W. said...

Good for you, 3 years and 400 followers. That's awesome! I just love your blog and borrowing ideas from you.

December 28, 2011 7:39 PM

Alyssa said...

Congrats Brenda! I think I ahve been reading since you started but now I will officially follow you! Great place for inspiration - when I have time!!

Congratulations ladies!!  I will be putting these packages in the mail on Tuesday for you!!  I hope you have tons of scrappy and stamping fun!!

Three Years Calls for Some Blog Candy!!

December marked my 3 year Blog-a-Versary!  I so enjoy blogging and bringing my artwork to you.  It is such a pleasure to read every single comment and to visit with you.  I count myself very blessed to "know" so many crafty friends - people I would never have met if I didn't blog.  I also noticed that I am just shy of 400 followers - oh how wonderful!!  I love to read other's blogs - such a joy to grab a cup of coffee and be inspired by all the marvelous talents in blogland!!

So in honor of all these things, I am going to be giving blog candy away to two lucky followers!  On January 1st, I will randomly pick two followers who comment on this post.  Each winner will receive a surprise package containing $25 in Close To My Heart product!!  Wouldn't it be fun to start 2012 with some new paper crafting goodies?

So invite your friends, and tell them to let me know you sent them.  You will get an extra entry into the drawing!  As always, thank you so much for visiting me!

January Stamp of the Month - Little Reminders

Happy New Year!!  My first post of 2012 - here's to another great year of blogging and sharing artwork!!  If you haven't commented on my giveaway post, refresh the page to see it at the top.  I will used random generator tonight to draw two names to win $25 in Close To My Heart product!!
Now, on to the January Stamp of the Month - Little Reminders.  I love that this is another set where you can personalize your cards or your pages.  If you work on calendars for gifts, this is also a very handy set for that because you have the days of the week along with nice-sized numbers  Fun, fun set, and I'll be showing you examples throughout the month.  Remember you can purchase your set for just $5.00 with a $50.00 order!

What a fun card base, huh?  This is from the Art Philosophy cartridge.  That is one of the many things I love about that cartridge - unique card bases.  I don't think I'll ever have a standard card again in my card classes - LOL!!  I incorporated the large circle of months, the numbers, and a sentiment on this card.  If you look closely, you'll also see a stitching strip at the top of the card - that is also one of the stamps in the set.  The paper is Elemental and the ribbon is from the Blue Collection.