My Love

I have a 2-page layout to show you today using Roxie, but I took pictures separately of the pages.  I can never get a good picture of a 2-page layout, so I thought this was okay and that you can imagine what it looks like together!

Let's see, I did a lot of stamping on these pages using the December Stamp of the Month - Mad About You (put this one on your list!) and the Art Philosophy cartridge.  I cut the flowers, hearts, tags, letters, and numbers with the cricut.  I didn't see until I was posting that my "y" is slipping - sorry about that!  I love cutting the flowers with the cricut.  So easy then to roll them up!  One of my favorite things to do is cluster embellishments, so I am showing you that close up.  You'll see another new product peeking out - the Foundry Clip.  Such a great little accent!



Oh, we were so much younger in these photos!  The first page is a picture from New Year's Eve 1989.  Here's a little background on that night.  Jerry and I went out for the evening, and my niece baby-sat Shane.  We came home a little after midnight to find Shane with a high fever.  We had to take him to the emergency room and he had a double ear infection.  What a long night!  The second page is a picture from 1997 when we were at a Valentine's dinner sponsored by our church.  It was a lovely night!!

Relax

I was playing with some more new papers.  This time I used Elemental.  I like that paper packet because with all the colors, it could be used for just about anything.  I chose to work with the pacifica blue and olive.

Great for lake pictures!  Don't Shane and Miss Chanel look like best buds?  They really are when they are together!  I've done a lot of stamping on this layout using the Love Life stamp set.  If you click on the layout, you'll see a stamped border on the right page.  That is a stamp.  I cut the stars and scalloped circles with the Art Philosphy cartridge (I will never get bored - 700 images!) and then stamped that as well.  What do you think of that journaling tag?  The Decor Journaling Spots come in a set of 12 pockets with matching tags.  I love these!  I lifted the idea right from the Idea Book for that tag.  I like this layout a lot because my first focal point are the pictures.  They pop off the page with the colors of the paper.

I have to tell you something else.  Last Friday night, we learned that a very tiny kitten had adopted our yard.  Of course I fed her, so she is here every morning and evening, and I think she sleeps in the woods during the day.  It's pretty cozy in there, so I am not worried about her for now.  I tried getting close to here on Saturday evening, managed to pick her up, and she reached up her tiny little paw and scratched me pretty good on the lip.  My swollen lip was my fault, and I decided to go a little slower with her now.  My goal is to be able to bring her to Rescued Pets are Wonderful.  That is where we got Sassy, so I want this little kitten to have a good place to live, too!  I would keep her ( and I am getting awfully attached...), but Sassy just wouldn't do well with her.  She just doesn't like other cats.  I was able to get pretty close this morning and thought I'd share a picture.

H2H Reveal and the Theme is Hot!

The theme of our challenge this week at Heart 2 Heart is HOT.  Design a project that makes you think of hot - whatever your interpretation of that is!  Of course, I thought of the sun!

Don't you love the frog shading himself behind the cloud?  These cute papers are Splendor and discontinued.  However, they are still available in Studio J!  The other products used are Tree Tops stamp set, a few Sparkles, and some matching waxy flax.

I hope to see you playing along this month!!

Lasting Memories Sketch with a Twist and a DT Call!

This week at Lasting Memories, we are asking you to create using this sketch:

And there is a twist!  We all want to see you use buttons on your page.  Here is my example for you:

If you remember the other day, I showed you a pumpkin patch layout using Dreamin'.  This is the companion page.  (Sidenote:  We will be creating using this paper in my club this fall.)  I love those cork letters, and I want to let you know that they are super easy to color.  I've jsut sponged the edges, but it would be very easy to color them to match your project.

I also want to let you know that there is a design team call going on at Lasting Memories.  Karen is such a sweetie and so easy going, I think that you would like it as much as I do!  If you'd like to apply, it's easy.  Just complete all four challenges that are presented this month and put DT behind your name on the link.  If this is your first try at a design team call, that is okay!  Karen is looking for 6-8 designers.  Please check out the full details at Lasting Memories.

Wine Box

I found a simple paper mache wine box at JoAnn's, and I thought it would be perfect for the new Sonoma papers.  I love smokey plum and olive together!

From that angle, I know the top of the box looks kid of funky, so here's a close up of the lid.

I created the flower using the one of the flowers on the Art Philosophy cartridge.  When it was finished I added a little smokey plum ink to the edges, a few vines, a paisley element from the paper, and a little Glitz glimmer gel.  With a nice bottle of wine, this will be a perfect hostess gift!

Shopping Our Stash is looking for violets this week, so I am entering this in that challenge.

Pumpkin Patch

This is my second post today, so be sure to scroll down to see my reveal for Sassy Lil Sketches!  For a few days I thought my creative mojo had taken a vacation.  I had been working with some bright colors for a project, and I am always stumped when it comes to the cooler brighter colors.  I am envious of those of you who can work with them so wonderfully!  But then I pulled out this new paper packet from CTMH's fall/winter idea Book, and I was ready to create again!  You can click on the picture to open it and see more detail.

This paper is called Dreamin',  and the it's made of up of chocolate, bamboo, goldrush, honey, and crystal blue.  Oh, it was just perfect for these pictures and complimented them well.  I want to tell you a few details on this layout.  I cut the leaves with the new Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge.  This set comes with matching stamp sets so after they were all cut, I stamped them with goldrush ink.  From there, I heavily sponged the edges with chocolate.  I finished the leaf banner by tying some chocolate waxy flax loosely around it.

The sentiment (Harvest of Memories), pumpkins and their leaves are from the So Grateful stamp set.  I fussy cut those once I stamped them.  I used the same sponging technique as I did on the leaves, but on the pumpkins I sponged with goldrush.  The bracket is from the new Milepost Shapes.  What a value these are - 48 corrugagted shapes for $3.95!  On to the letters.  They are cork board color-ready alphas.  They are so easy to color to match your project.  For this one, I just sponged the edges with goldrush ink.  Then I finished off the page with some wooden buttons.

I will be entering this in the Scrappin' Chics Challenge which is to scrap with banners.

Sassy Lil Sketches Reveal

It's a new month at Sassy Lil Sketches, and time for a new challenge.  I want to let you know now that all sketches - layout and card - will be on one blog.  Layout sketches on Tuesdays and card sketches on Thursday.  Here is Cherie's card sketch for the first week -

Amazing, right?  I was so inspired by the different details on this sketch, so here is my DT reveal -

This is the new Sonoma paper, and I think it has easily become my favorite already!  I love the smoky plum, olive, and bamboo colors together.  I used a couple of stamp sets - Love Life (what a fabulous set!) and Find Your Style (January 2011 Stamp of the Month).  The frame on the card is a dimensional element (we have so many different styles), and I've covered it with paper and sponged the edges.  People have asked me several times what adhesive I like when working with dimensional elements (like chipboard), and I find Bonding Memories the very best.  It has a strong hold and is very easy to use.

The card sponor this month is My Favorite Things, and we'd love to have you play along!!

You're Sweet

I have a circle card to show you today.  This is the new paper Roxie.  I didn't knwo what I thought of this paper (you know me and pinks).  But I am so glad I bought it!  There are so many different facets to this paper, and I can't wait to show you them over the coming days!

I am afraid that this stamp is available until December, but you can put it on your wish list ;)  It is the December Stamp of the Month to get you ready for Valentine's Day.  Here is a link to the Idea Book so that you can see the whole set.

If you'd like to have a hard copy of the book, just send me an e-mail at girlygirlrose43@msn.com.  You will LOVE the ideas!!  It's $3.00 for shipping, and I send you a $5.00 coupon to use on a future purchase!

Yippee!! What Fun News!!

I had a page picked up to be a bonus project in the online magazine Scrapbooking.com this month.  I was so excited about this and couldn't wait to share the news with you!!!
If you go HERE, you will find the project along with instructions.  But what's really cool is that Scrapbooking.com creates a YouTube video, too, so I am going to share that with you!!

The New Idea Book is Here!! August 2011 Newsletter

I can't wait for you to see the wonderful new product in the Idea Book!  Click HERE to view the Idea Book online.  Click on my shopping cart on my left sidebar to place your order!

This is what you’ll find in this month’s newsletter:

• August Specials
• Open House
• Clubs Starting in September!
• Workshops and Classes

August Specials

Wicked Stamp of the Month and A Typset (August 1-31): There is a brand new Stamp of the Month program that makes things much easier for you! You can purchase the stamp set outright at $17.95 or with a $50 purchase you are able to purchase the set for $5.00. During the month of August, when you place a $50 order and purchase the stamp of the month for $5.00, you will get an exclusive free stamp set called A Typeset. It's a fun font/alphabet set. This set is ONLY available from August 1-31.

National Stamping Month: Pair-a-Phrase (August 15-September 30): To celebrate National Stamping Month in September, we are offering our first-ever double stamp set! You can get the exclusive My Acrylix^®Pair-a-Phrase double stamp set FREE when you place an order of $75 from August 15 through September 30, 2011. You'll love this double set—two D-size sets in one envelope—which includes lots of clever phrases and coordinating images you'll use in your handmade cards all year long. The double set has a retail value of $35.90, which drastically increases the value of your qualifying purchase! Have double the fun stamping during National Stamping Month with our new Pair-a-Phrase double stamp set!

Fall/Winter New Idea Book Open House

Friday, August 19th (3:00 pm - 8:00 pm)

Saturday, August 20th (9:00 am - 1:00 pm)

473-195^thAve NE; East Bethel, MN

 Everyone who attends will receive a free Idea Book as my gift to you! There will be 3 fabulous and free make and takes with some fun techniques! There is so much that is new with Close To My Heart, and I can't wait to show you!!

• Cricut Bundle (cartridge with 700 images, 3 stamp sets and 3 sheets of dimensional elements)
• Re-Formulated Paper Packs with a Lower Price and Heavier Weight Patterned Paper
• Lower Prices on ALL Stamp Sets
• Brand New Stamp of the Month Program

That is just a sampling! I will have all 8 paper packets, several stamps and embellishments for you to view. The best part is that those two huge August specials will be going on so that you can earn THREE free stamp sets with your qualifying purchase!! Yay - I LOVE free!! There's always a lot of fun, laughs, friends, and ideas at my Open Houses!

This is a Mystery Hostess Open House, so some lucky person is going to win the Hostess Rewards! Here is how you can earn tickets:

• RSVP to come - 5 tickets
• Bring a Friend - 5 tickets for each friend you bring (16+)
• $25 Purchase - 5 tickets
• $50 Purchase - 10 tickets
• Sign up for a Class - 10 tickets
• $75 Purchase - 15 tickets
• $100 Purchase - 20 tickets
• Sign up for Club - 20 tickets
• Book a Gathering and Earn FREE Product - 25 tickets
• Join My Team - 30 tickets

***Remember, if you are long distance, you can still earn chances to win by placing your order by the day of my Open House, booking an online Gathering, or joining my team!***

Club Starting in September!

I am so excited to let you know that club will be starting in September! Here are the details:

• Sign up for a 9-month commitment (September 2011 to May 2012)
• Cost is $20 per month
• Collect Hostess Rewards (at least $25) for one of the months that you are in Club. If you bring outside orders during your Hostess month, you will receive even more Hostess Rewards!
• In each class, I will teach two 2-page layouts. I will teach you something new and trendy each month so that you are constantly learning!
• You can choose from three nights when you sign up – Monday, Tuesday, or Friday. Club will always be the second week of the month.
• Sign up early if you’d like to come with friends to guarantee your spot together. There is a limit of 6 spots per night.
• Paper will be pre-cut, but you will need a standard supply kit. Items needed on a regular basis are tape runner, glue dots, foam tabs, scissors, craft knife, paper piercer, ruler, and sanding kit. If any special items are needed I will let you know ahead of time.
• I’ll always supply the treats – you bring your beverage

I hope this announcement makes you excited! I sure am excited to start teaching you again!!

Workshops & Card Classes: Watch your newsletter for fun workshops and monthly classes starting in September! I will have my calendar fully prepared for the Open House, so you will be able to sign up for September’s classes then.  For now, if you click on my Classes tab at the top of the page, you can take a sneak peek into what I'll be offering!

As always, thank you for being a part of my Close To My Heart journey. I truly love each and every moment I spend teaching and getting to know you!

Heart 2 Heart Challenge

This week at Heart 2 Heart, we are challenging you to create a child's birthday card.  My niece's golden 8th birthday is coming up, so I wanted to create something special to tie on her gift bag.

I created the card base, flowers, cupcake, and number using the Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge.  Did you know you can order yours today?  Oh, with 700 images, it is just so awesome!  If you are a Cricut user, I guarantee this is a must have.  The bundle consists of the Cricut cartridge, 3 matching stamp sets, and 3 sheets of matching dimensional elements.  So you can die cut an image and stamp over it perfectly with our beautiful clear stamps.  What a great idea, huh?!

Ok, back to the challenge - I could talk to you about this cartridge all day long!  LOL!!  At Heart 2 Heart you need to use CTMH product when you play.  Challenges are given on Monday, and you have all month long to submit them.  Our sponsor ths month is Melinda Everett with a great prize package.  Check out the post at Heart 2 Heart - there is B-E-A-utiful inspiration for you!