January SOTM Blog Hop

Welcome to the January Stamp of the Month Blog Hop!

The True Friends Stamp Set features four fun frames, 3 brackets and four sayings!! They are perfect for jounaling spots on scrapbook pages, but check out these ideas too....

Here's a quick and easy card. I used one of the frames for my sentiment. The paper is from a new paper pack called Caboodle. FYI - I'm kind of obsessed with this paper pack and I have a lot of fun things to share!!

Add a quick little label on a box with a gift for a friend.....

and my personal favorite for this time of year....organizing!! Look what great labels they make!!!

Now hop on over to Melissa Burch's blog to see what she came up with!

Christmas Photos and Layouts

I know them. You know them. Heck I've even been known to BE one of them... but I'm here to help you if you're not one of them.

They are "they" who somehow coordinate the entire family to wear THE perfect clothes for Christmas. Matching pajamas. Matching outfits. Matching Ties. And, as if that's not enough..... the scrapbookers take it one step further and make sure it matches their PAPER.

But wait. There's hope for the rest of us. Even though I do have a blouse that I think would work perfect with our Jingle paper, I haven't quite figured out how to get the inlaws to make sure their outfits would work too. So here's the plan.... Are you ready?

Black and White Photos! Oh sure, you can print a few in color if you want, but with the click of a button in pretty much any photo software... you can convert them to black and white.

So if you're rushing around with last minute shopping and you don't realize until you see your photos later that....gasp....you forgot the matching pjs and your pictures are color gaggers...just sip some hot chocolate. Click a button and all will be well!

Day 5 - Christmas Blog Blitz - Got Candy?

This is an oldie, but goodie... wrapped candy bars. They are perfect for your Sunday School class, co-workers or anyone you want to surprise. I think this is what I'll be sending off to my hubby's dispatchers. Every year I make about 20-30 little gifties and send them off to Rick's dispatcher with instructions to share with the whole crew.... Can't leave anyone out ya know!

Day 4 - Christmas Blog Blitz

Day 4 - My Creations 9 x 9 Memory Showcase - Share your ideas for this in the comments. I'm addicted to them now and would love to create more!


I'm almost embarassed to say how long I have had this in my stash (Item Z1198). It was so easy and so much fun to embellish that now I am hooked and I already ordered another one....

My inlaws bought us tickets to fly out during Christmas break so I thought it would be a good idea to create something to document the trip. My plan is to take some family pictures the first couple of days we are there, then get them printed and add them to this before we leave.

I precut some journaling squares and stamped images to add around the pictures so that all I have to bring with me is a paper trimmer and adhesive. I like the idea of leaving them some instant memories and now they won't have to wait for me to send them pictures later!




It's an accordian display/book - above is the first set of pages and below is the second set.


And here is the inside stretched out a bit.



Here are the two pages that are on the back



The back side stretched out shows a view of the front cover and the back cover.


All together there are 8 surfaces you can scrapbook.

Items Used
9x9 My Creations Memory Showcase (also available 6x6)

Everlasting Paper Pack (I believe this showed up on the Holiday Heyday Sale. You can always substitute another paper pack if it's sold out already. )

Heartfelt Christmas Stamp Set (more ideas for my club girls to use with their set!)

Additional Ideas

Use a more year round paper so they can display it longer.

Holiday Recipes - works great because you can stand it up on your counter while you're cooking.

Create a year of memories - Spring, Summer, Winter, Fall (2 pages each)

Day 3 - Christmas Blog Blitz - Got Take Out?

Here's a fun way to package up those yummy holiday goodies!

There are two sizes of containers pictured here. The decorated ones are about 5x7 and I bought them at Smart and Final. You get a package of 3 for $2.89. The package of containers has three that are approx 6x9 and I found them at the Dollar Tree!! At my dollar three they have a large section of disposable cooking trays and they are not in the same place. These were actually on another aisle...so look closely.

This is one of the large containers. I used the Heartfelt Christmas stamp set and the Twinkle paper pack.

Here's another large container and guess what Club Girls??!! You have everything you need to make these, so go pick up some containers and you're all set.

I made a different version last year and packed up my cookie exchange cookies in them. Well my good friend Candace inspired me to bring them back again this year when she baked pumpkin bread right in the container!! And now the ideas keep coming....

How about....

• Fudge
• Brownies
• Cake
• Cookies
• Pan cookie
• Coffee Cake
• Pecan Tarts (my specialty)
• Enchiladas
• Tamales
• Casserole
• Your famous.........

Tomorrow I'll give you a peek at a gift I made for my inlaws. There's a reason I'm their favorite Daughter-in-law. :-)

December Blog Hop/Day 2 Christmas Blitz

Well it's Day 2 of my Christmas Blog Blitz AND it's time for the Stamp of the Month blog hop so I combined the two for todays idea....

If you arrived here from Cibelle's blog, you're on the right track. Check out what I have to share, then scroll down to the bottom to see who's next on the list. Enjoy!!

This month we are featuring December's Stamp of the Month - D1378 Notice the Details.

You can pick up an inexpensive little calendar at a variety of places this time of year. I like the ones with big calendars inside and plenty of room to write. (I'm kind of picky that way....and I write big....) I think Gail ordered this one from Current....

See...the inside has a BIG calendar... It's not all squished onto one side of the page...

Now it's time to personalize it!

Products Used:
Stamps - D1378 Notice the Details. It would be really cute to use the little arrow and the other stamps in the set to stamp on the calendar too!!
Inks - Cocoa, Sorbet and Tulip
Paper - X7100B Perfect Day

Great stocking stuffer or gift for a co-worker!

Now hop on over to Karen's blog to see what she has come up with.

And be sure to check back tomorrow for Day 3 of the Christmas Blog Blitz...you'll never look at take-out containers the same way again.

Day 1 - Christmas Blog Blitz

On the first day of Christmas..... Let's box things up!

Boxes, boxes and more boxes... you can find templates all over the internet. Make a few and you'll start to notice that it's not so hard to design your own.

The 2-4-6-8 box has been around forever and it's one of my favorites because I can remember how to do it without a pattern. Must be those cheerleading days coming back to me 2-4-6-8 who do we appre-ci-ate....

Start with an 8.5 x 11 piece of paper and score at 2, 4, 6 and 8 along the 8.5 inch side. Turn your paper and score at 1.5 inches. Make a few cuts and you're done. Here's a great tutorial so you can get the idea. http://prairiepaperandink.typepad.com/amyr/2006/09/2468_boxes.html

So now that you've got the basic idea.... what do I need to do if I want my box to be 2.5 inches wide?

I cut my 12 x 12 paper to 10.5 x 12 and then I scored at 2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10 (along the 10.5) inch side and then I turned the paper and scored it at 2 inches.

Edited to add: Wanna receive a fun stample in the mail from me???? Leave me a comment with a guess as to what is inside the tall box pictured above. (Candy Cane box) No fair guessing if you already know!!!!

Experiment with it. You can make your box shorter by trimming the paper. Make it skinnier by adjusting your scores.

So check out your holiday gift stash and find something to box up.

Got Camera? and 3 Day Fun!

The 3 Day Gang! We got together to cheer for Maria (Grey Shirt) as she walked her SECOND 3 day walk! Go Maria!!!!

Got Camera? First I broke my camera and kept having to borrow Joshua's. Then Joshua washed his little camera. (Amazingly it still works, sometimes.) I suppose I could borrow his big camera but that's just way too involved for me...

And thus explains the bad photos on here lately and the lack of blog posts.

Attention Stampers/Scrapbookers... I was still stamping and dreaming and planning while I was doing without a camera. So this weekend I'll be taking some photos and getting ready for a fun little Blog Blitz!!! Which will include....12 Days of Christmas Ideas!!!!! So stay tuned!

But guess who got an early Christmas present? And, it's PINK!!! So what better way to initiate my new PINK camera, than to take pictures at the Breast Cancer 3 Day Walk.

And back to my 3 day pictures!


I think I might get an 8x10 of this one to take to Michigan. Everytime my Mother-in-law tries to sell us on the whole "you should move to Michigan" thing... I'll just show her this picture of Sunset Cliffs and tell her to move back to San Diego.

Maria and her cute little family!

Here they come... the mass of walkers.....

It is truly a treat to go down and cheer on these amazing people who dedicate so much time to fundraise and train for this event. It is my hope and my prayer that their sacrifices will help us to find a cure for something that affects so many of the people we love.

November SOTM Blog Hop

Welcome to the November Stamp of the Month Blog Hop!!

If you came from Michelle's Blog...you're on the right path. Check out my tips and ideas for the Around the Block set and then scroll down and follow the link to see who's next on the blog hop.

As always, the stamp of the month is only available this month. You can purchase it at full price or get it for a discount or free based on your qualifying order. Email me or check out my website for all the details!!

Hubby is home this week so I waited until the last minute to play with this set and I wish I had started earlier! I have tons of ideas floating around in my head for it now...but I didn't have time to put them into action. :-)

Here's my first project...


I used the Grace paper pack and stamped the house in cocoa on one of the texture papers. I used chalks to add some color to the house.

You could use this card to invite a friend over, congratulate someone on a new house, welcome someone home....

Next up: Gift Bag

Great way to share a housewarming gift, welcome a new neighbor or simply say from my house to yours....



Tips and Ideas:

Since the roof is separate you can make your house short or tall. I made the house on the gift bag a little bit shorter by stamping the roof on a separate piece of paper and paper piecing it.

Use the set for a home improvement or new house layout.

Make a welcome home goodie bag for someone who has been away for a while.

Make a little goodie box and send it off to your favorite college student - Love from home...

Make a gift card holder and put a card for a home improvement store inside....

See...the ideas are endless!!!

Now it's time to hop on over to Jessica's Blog to see what she came up with.

Here's a complete list of consultants who are participating in case their are broken links or you get a little lost on the hop....


Jena DeVries
http://www.livelovelaughscrapbook.blogspot.com/
Helen Onulak
http://www.hookedonstamping.com/
Carla Ironside
http://www.carlacreates.blogspot.com/
Cindy Leek
http://www.papersandpictures.blogspot.com/
Laurie Levnik
http://www.creationsbylaurie.blogspot.com/
Krista Ritskes
http://kristaritskes-simplycreating.blogspot.com/
Kathleen Androlewicz
http://bowlofstamps.blogspot.com/
Paige Dolecki
http://www.paigespaperparadise.blogspot.com/
Shannon Pelletier
http://www.mycolorfulworldinvt.blogspot.com/
Jody Gustafson
http://www.cre8nmemories.blogspot.com/
Laura Dame
http://www.thecroppersconnection.blogspot.com/
Terrie Dodd
http://www.my-life-in-real-time.blogspot.com/
Lori Brown
http://www.savingmine.blogspot.com/
Cibele Glazer
http://www.flowerfoot.blogspot.com/
Caren Goldsein
http://www.scrappycaren.blogspot.com/
Traci Godbee
http://createwithtraci.blogspot.com/
Dawn Ross
http://www.iamahappystamper.blogspot.com/
Maricar Harris
http://www.maricarharris.blogspot.com/
Jamia Bankhead
http://www.papermadnessinc.blogspot.com/
Laurie Newton
http://scrapsfromthebeach.blogspot.com/
Nona Davenport
http://www.nonapearl.blogspot.com/
Tanya David
http://www.scramperscorner.blogspot.com/
Sheila Bennett
http://sheila-bennett.blogspot.com/
Melissa Laverty
http://www.fancymelissa.blogspot.com/
Amy Edwards
http://paisleysplayhouse.blogspot.com/
Lori Leng
http://www.pinkcloudscrappers.blogspot.com/
Kristie Herdener
http://www.goofyscrapper.blogspot.com/
Jill Lucas
http://scrapwench.blogspot.com/
Adeline E. Brill
http://adeline-brill.blogspot.com/
Michelle Nist
http://michellenist.blogspot.com/
Dawn Heuft
http://www.stamptildawn.blogspot.com/
Jessica Booth
http://jessicabooth.blogspot.com/
Susan Brooks
http://www.stampingintheopen.blogspot.com/
Sarita Schraeder
http://www.blessedscrapper.blogspot.com/
Katy Donaldson
http://www.scrappinkaty.blogspot.com/
Mary Eisen
http://www.mestamp2.blogspot.com/
Deb Young
http://www.scrapbookczar.blogspot.com/
Haley Dyer
http://www.inkyscrapper.blogspot.com/
Kimberly Smith
http://verykimberry.blogspot.com/
Barbra Otten
http://barbraotten.blogspot.com/
Tammy Lea Pinchard
http://mycreativeclubhouse.blogspot.com/
Nancy Brown
http://www.creativelyartsygallery.blogspot.%20com/
Karen Norman
http://www.gettinscrappywithit.blogspot.com/
Judy Burger
http://makingtimeformemories.blogspot.com/
Sylvia Jacquot
http://stampinsylvia.blogspot.com/
Brae Montgomery
http://thebrae-er.blogspot.com/
Pamela O'Connor
http://www.cherishyourmemories.blogspot.com/
Antoinette Herrin
http://www.godblessyourart.blogspot.com/
Debra Van Patten
http://memoriesoftheheartbydeb.blogspot.com/
Jen Patrick
http://www.roxybonds-scrappin.blogspot.com/
Wendy Kessler
http://www.myscrapbookingblog.com/
Beth Naumann
http://www.bethscreativeblock.blogspot.com/
Misty Jackson
http://www.misstscraps.blogspot.com/
Brenda Harmless
http://keepsakeswithheart.blogspot.com/
Amy McVey
http://www.clearlystamping.blogspot.com/
Linda Shewchuk
http://www.awesomememories.blogspot.com/
Chris Shouse
http://www.houseostamps.wordpress.com/
Pam Klassen
http://eimmap.blogspot.com/
Michelle Bourlet
http://michellescreativeconnections.blogspot.com/
Jen Rubio
http://www.jenrubio.blogspot.com/
Wanda Riley
http://www.creatingwithwanda.blogspot.com/
Lori Miller
http://www.clearlyfromtheheart.blogspot.com/
Carol Taggio
http://craftycarol55.blogspot.com/
Tracy Oleksak
http://www.mamaolie.blogspot.com/

Back to Biking....

So I forgot to mention in my post about all of my October "fun" that my bike broke down too!!! It was in the shop for 3 weeks!!!!!! I won't even bore you with the reasons it took so long. Mostly because I think the shop just messed up. The ironic thing is that I was supposed to pick it up the day after my car broke down....the day I was driving a rental car with no bike rack.

I couldn't make this stuff up. If you see me in person, check and see if you see a little black cloud following around behind me. LOL!

So anyway... I rode a couple of times last week. I took it easy and was picked up part way through so that I could get back in the hang of it. Then yesterday I rode the whole way home for the first time and it was absolutely amazing!!!! It felt so good. From the moment I got on the bike, I felt great. I felt strong. I felt invincible. It was one of those PERFECT rides when everything goes well. I struggled a bit up the last rise, but I made it....without stopping!!

Of course a couple of hours later, after the adrenalin wore off, my body reminded me that I'm 42 and out of shape. I was feeling pretty sore. I'm still a little sore today, but I'm looking forward to another great ride home.

Perhaps my PERFECT ride was the beginning of a better kind of "fun?" I'm thinking it might be.....

Bridge to Tarabithia

Last night I went to see CYT's production of Bridge To Tarabithia at the East County Performing Arts Center. They did such a great job!! It was opening night and there were lots of parents in the crowd and I'm sure they were proud! Everyone was wonderful, but I think that Dallas Perry's Rhythm of the Rain in Scene 7 was absolutely amazing!!!! I don't want to give it away, but if you know the story then you know it's a tear jerker and his portrayal was heart wrenching!

Of course the highlight for me was getting to see Shelli's daughter Ashley play Miss Edmunds. She was the cool hippie music teacher and she did a fabulous job and has a beautiful voice.

Fun times!

I often forget or don't make time to do things like this and I'm soooo glad I made it to this one. Need something to do this weekend? Why not take the family to see a play?!

Dear October...it's time to go already

So not much posting from me lately... I wonder why?

Could it be because my husband got really, really sick and had to go to a hospital in Wyoming? The only thing worse than listening to a man whine, moan and groan because he is sick when he is at home.... is to listen to them whine, moan and groan when they are hundreds of miles away and you're worried about them and there's nothing you can do but pray.

Now, I'm not entirely sure when that fun began. It could've been in September, but the fall-out from it continues to haunt us in October. You see, when a truck is not moving because the driver is sick...well... nobody makes any money. And when it takes over two weeks to deliver a load that should've taken less than one week.... You get the picture....

So hubby's return to the living wasn't instantaneous. Think about the last time you got really, really sick.... remember how the first few days you just didn't have any energy. Yep, that was poor hubby...

So hubby FINALLY gets back on track and starts moving some freight around the country when...he gets sucked into the Bermuda Triangle that hosts his home terminal. And then he heard those wonderful words... "You get a brand new truck!" Woo Hoo... happy times. But wait... While you are here... you have to pee in a cup and take a bunch of safety tests and we have to hook up your qualcomm and your inverter and 5 days later he finally heads out of the terminal and guess what... we're not going to pay you for your extended stay. (Still fighting that one!)

And then.... the BRAND NEW TRUCK... broke down!!! And then.... we had to foot the bill for the hotel (at some point we will be reimbursed, but apparently not right away... stilll fighting that one!) But wait, it gets better... You know when he was moving freight around the country, supposedly making money. Um yeah, you have to turn the paper work in in order to get paid... and when you and the paperwork are stranded on the side of the road with no where nearby to turn in the paperwork? Yeah, it sits in your truck...unpaid.....

Meanwhile what's going on on the home front. Let's check shall we? Hmmm... First the washer broke. Then the car started spontaneously leaking radiator fluid and that's never a good thing. So let's spend more money on a rental car and then let's pay for a new water pump. (Thankfully we have a great mechanic that saved the day and a ton of money!)

Fun, fun, fun.... and so I say Hurry up October and be on your way... and take all your fun "treats" with you. pretty, pretty please? I've had enough....

Good thing Joshua and I have been reading Dave Ramsey and taking our lunch and avoiding all un-needed expenses!!!!! Otherwise I'd probably be crying while I wrote this instead of shaking my head at the fun we've been having.

October SOTM Blog Hop

Welcome to the October Stamp of the Month Blog Hop!!!

If you came here from Susan's blog, you're on the right track. Check out what I have to share, then scroll down for the link to the next blog. I hope you get inspired and find lots of ways to use this months stamp of the month. Need a consultant? Stop by my website to get all the info on how to add this set to your collection.

I kept things sweet and simple this month. Christmas can be hectic so I like to show some quick and easy ways to add a little something to the gifts you share with friends, family and coworkers.

Here's a little bag topper. I filled the bag with cookies, but you can fill it up with candy, cocoa, cookies, little gifts...


Now hop on over to Shannon's Blog to see what she came up with!

This month we broke our big blog hop group up into smaller groups to make it more manageable. There are 20 talented ladies in my group....but if you need more ideas than we can share, stop by Jena's blog to and scroll down to see links to the other two groups. Enjoy!

A View from my walk....

It was an interesting day in San Diego today. Don't freak out, but... I saw a few raindrops on my windshield!! Really! And then... I saw a rainbow as I pulled into our park. And as if that wasn't enough, about 15 minutes later I saw this gorgeous sunset. An hour later I saw lightning!!!! Amazing.

The best part is that I think Fall just might be coming to San Diego. Hallelujah! I love fall! I celebrated today by bringing candy corn and peanuts to work. Candy corn and Peanuts? Yeah, people here think I'm crazy too...until they try it.... You can thank my old boss for this little addiction. I thought it was weird when he first showed me. Now, it's a fall tradition.

Biking, Stamping, Dog Walking..oh and Working

Biking, stamping, dog walking and working...that pretty much sums up my days lately. It's a good thing I love that little dog of mine, because I figure I spend at least an hour a day exploring the neighborhood with her. I pretty much know which houses have dogs, where the local cats hang out and which cats like dogs....and which cats don't.

After a bit of a struggle getting back into a nice schedule, I've fallen in love with cycling again. Last year was all about riding farther and faster and better. It was about getting the right equipment and the constant struggle to keep up with my friends. This year? I kind of floundered for a while after my little bike gang went through some growing pains. One dropped us like a hot potato (guess we aren't good enough to ride with her anymore....) The other is struggling through some health issues. Which left me.

It's a little harder to motivate yourself to ride when you're not meeting someone else or trying to keep up with someone else. It is so easy to say it's too hot. I'm too tired. I have too much to do. Hubby is home this week. I need to walk the dog and I don't have enough energy to do both.

I used all of those excuses so much that I felt like I was right back at square one. How can I possibly ride the whole way home? It's soooo far... I cheated a few times by meeting Josh at the 6 mile mark. I kind of liked that commute. It was easy! For me commuting has always been this BIG thing. Something I had to conquer. But that 6 mile commute? Piece of cake! It was fun.

Finally I decided I needed to suck it up and stop cheating. The first day I was sore. Second day? Not so much. Now? I'm loving it. I go at a nice easy pace. I'm not trying to get faster or better. I'm just riding home and enjoying myself. There is no competition. I don't feel bad because I'm so much slower than everyone else. I just ride... and guess what?

I am getting faster anyway!

Day Two of Spook Fest....

I am still.....having camera issues. As in, my camera is broken so I have to borrow Joshua's. He let's me borrow it, but I don't have instant access to it at all times, so today I resorted to using my camera phone.

I had sooo much fun making this and it went together in minutes! This started out as a simple wood piece (2 3/4 x 7 1/8). I just glued my paper directly to the wood. Easy, Peasy!! So easy...that I'm already dreaming up a Thanksgiving and Christmas one! The best part? The kit for this is only $2. How cool is that? Leave a comment or email me if you want one!

Close To My Heart Supplies:
Enchanted Paper Pack
Spooky Smiles
Autumn Terracotta Ink
Black Ink
Chocolate Ink
Sponged with Pansy Purple Ink

Feelin.....spooky......

The adorable spooky tree in the Close To My Heart catalog got me all inspired to start creating fun Halloween goodies. Then of course I had to buy Maisy a Halloween costume. Maybe I'll give you a sneak peek on the last day of our little spook fest here....

So stay tuned for a few days of some spooktacular ideas!!!

Here's our first little goodie.

I was inspired by a post on the Close To My Heart consultant bulletin board. As soon as I saw the spooky eyes inside, I knew that I had to use our new Merry Monsters set (B1333). This was the free make and take that we did at my last workshop.

September Stamp of the Month - Blop Hop

It's Blog Hop time again!! Get ready to be inspired by all of the wonderful creations featuring September's Stamp of the Month - Treasures.



Treasures is a set of 13 stamps and is only available from your Close To My Heart consultant from September 1-30. If you're my customer or you need a consultant, check out all the details about this month's stamp of the month on my website StampTilDawn. Feel free to leave me a comment or email me if you have any questions! I'm great at helping you maximize your rewards and benefits!!

If you came here from Cindy Leek you are on the right path!

Now on to the fun....

Since September is National Stamping Month I thought I'd take a step back in time and feature some Random Stamping! Random stamping is a great way to create your own unique background paper to use for scrapbooks or cards and this set is perfect for it.

Start with your largest image and the color you want to be most prominent.

Then fill in with some of the smaller images and sayings.


Add more interest by sponging in some color



Now that you have your gorgeous paper ready, you can cut it up to make a variety of projects. Here are a few things I whipped up.







I hope you enjoyed this stop on the hop! Be sure to subscribe to my blog and leave me comments. I love comments!!!!

Next stop is Barbara Harris

Broken Link? Lost on the Hop? Here's a complete list of participants.
Jena DeVries
Nona Davenport
Katy Donaldson
Cibele Glazer
Laura Dame
Lori Leng
Jamia Bankhead
Melissa Laverty
Pamela OConnor
Sheila Bennett
Adeline E. Brill
Wendy Kessler
Beth Naumann
Barbra Otten
Terrie Dodd
Judy Burger
Jessica Booth
Leisa Hubley
Helen Onulak
Debra Van Patten
Juli Clark
Sarita Schraeder
Michelle Robinson
Maricar Harris
Antoinette Herrin
Kathleen Androlewicz
Cindy Leek
Dawn Heuft
Barbara Harris
Alanna Moses
Laurie Levnik
Tanya David
Karen Norman
Jan Moxey
Tammy Lea Pinchard
Paige Dolecki
Kelly Triggs
Sherry Thompson
Deb Young
Nancy Ball
Chris Shouse
Dawn Ross
Brae Montgomery
Laurie R Newton
Haley Dyer
Carol Taggio
Amy McVey
Carla Ironside
Jen Rubio
Kristie Horness-Herdener
Jill Lucas
Wanda Riley
Miranda Kurz
Jody Gustafson
Susan Brooks
Kami Welter
Jennifer Patrick
Julia Menssen
Shannon Pelletier
Linda Shewchuk
Brenda Harmless
Donni Alvarenga
Nancy Brown
Traci Godbee
Pam Klassen
Lori Miller
Kimberly Smith
Caren Goldsein
Misty Jackson

Sneak Peek Blog Hop!

Welcome to our Close To My Heart New Product Sneak Peek Blog Hop!



29 Fabulous Close To My Heart consultants are celebrating the release of our Autumn/Winter 2009 Idea Book by giving you a sneak peek of some of the great products available starting September 1st. If you have come here from Wendy's Blog, you are on the right path!

The first thing I look for when we get a new Idea Book is... a bicycle stamp!! And finally my search has been rewarded. I never thought to specify what size bicycle I wanted when I turned in my new image wish list, so I guess I'll have to be happy with this teeny tiny bicycle. It's kind of cute, huh


Paper Pack - Twitterpated


Ink - Chocolate


Ribbon - Chocolate. I used this one because it kind of looked like a road. :-)

Since not everyone is probably as excited by the bicycle as I am... I thought I'd show you a couple more samples using the Neighborhood stamp set.

I added Crystal Blue and Sweet Leaf inks to the products I used on the first card and this time I used a template from the Wishes book. One thing I love about the card templates is that you can turn the card to create a little different look.

I hope you've enjoyed my little sneak peek. Be sure to come back on September 1st to see the Stamp of the Month blog hop!

Now "Hop" on over to Carla's Blog to see her work! Be sure to visit all the Consultants at their Blogs to getsome great crafting ideas and see the great new Paper Packs and My Acrylix StampSets! Remember, the Autumn/Winter 2009 Idea Book goes LIVE on September 1st!

**Link not working? Missed a Blog? Here is a list of all the participants inthe New Product Sneak Peek Blog Hop!

Erin Herring http://tazzygirl2000.blogspot.com/
Terrie Dodd http://my-life-in-real-time.blogspot.com/
Jessica http://jessicaspaperpetals.blogspot.com/
Leisa Hubley http://bigredscraps.blogspot.com/
Karen Norman http://gettinscrappywithit.blogspot.com/
Sherry Thompson http://picturespatternsandpaper.blogspot.com/
Adeline Brill http://adeline-brill.blogspot.com/
Miranda http://www.scrampinwithmiranda.com/
Brae Montgomery http://thebrae-er.blogspot.com/
Wendy Kessler http://www.myscrapbookingblog.com/
Dawn Heuft http://stamptildawn.blogspot.com/
Carla Ironside http://carlacreates.blogspot.com/
Dawn Ross http://iamahappystamper.blogspot.com/
Julie Banzon http://www.scrapbookiejulie.blogspot.com/
Jody Gustafson http://www.cre8nmemories.blogspot.com/
Helen Onulak http://www.hookedonstamping.com/
Sheila Bennett http://sheila-bennett.blogspot.com/
Haley Dyer http://inkyscrapper.blogspot.com/
Lisa Stenz http://www.lisascreativecorner.blogspot.com/
Jena DeVries http://www.livelovelaughscrapbook.blogspot.com/
Jen Patrick http://www.roxybonds-scrappin.blogspot.com/
Amy Schultz http://amylizschultz.com/
Lori Scott http://scrapinglori.blogspot.com/
Tresa Black http://www.fabulouslyartsy.blogspot.com/
Jennifer Kraynak http://whatchadoin-jennifer.blogspot.com/
Sharesa Larsen http://creedandsharesa.blogspot.com/
Amy Edwards http://paisleysplayhouse.blogspot.com/
Jean McNulty http://stampinmaui.blogspot.com/
Emma Hubert http://paperaddictsanonymous.blogspot.com/
Antoinette Herrin http://www.godblessyourart.blogspot.com/

Getting Ready for National Stamping Month!

The New Catalog is here and I've been frantically working on fun samples and surprises for my customers! The card above is what I made using some of the leftover pieces from the National Stamping Month card kit special!!! Wait until you see the 16 cards that you're supposed to make.

And...I've been busy making baby shower gifts. All of the sudden it's baby central around here. I had to wait until I gave away the gift so here's a little peek at the tag book album I made for Sara and baby Kylee. It turned out so cute and I had so much fun making it!! Now all the new mommy has to do after Kylee arrives...is add some adorable pictures and then show them to all of us at work!

Another Birthday Card...

I just love the cake in the August Stamp of the Month. Each layer is a separate stamp so you can make the cake as big as you want.

How cute would it look to have a cake with enough layers to go all the way up a 12 x 12 scrapbook page? You could put as many layers as they are old...10, 15..... Who needs candles? Let them eat cake!

But if you do want candles, lots and lots of candles... You could get tired stamping them one by one. This adorable set has 4 candles in it so you can stamp four at a time! Whew.

Scrapbooking the Trip - River Float

I blogged about the trip, but now I'm finally scrapbooking it. I was waiting on some photos from a friend, but it looks like I might not get them so I decided to move forward with what I have....

I used
X7110B Back Country Level 2 Paper Pack
Z1158 Dimensional Elements In Color - Adventure
Adapted a layout from the Imagine book
Cut the letters for the title with the Cricut

Maisy and the August Make and Take

What a fun weekend! We added a new member to our family. Meet Maisy.....

I have been wanting a dog FOREVER, but with an allergic hubby and an allergic son....it has to be just the right kind of dog. Well a good friend needed to find a home for her little one. We brought her home to try it out for the weekend and we didn't give her back! She immediately wormed her way into our hearts. She is such a sweetie!

Since I needed to stay home and doggy-sit, I got lots of stamping done. So much, that I have posts ready to go for the whole week!!

I'm still playing with the August Stamp of the Month. I love how versatile this set is! Here's a cute little box I made. White cardstock, completely decorated with stamps. It's been a long time since I've made something without texture paper. These stamps are so fun, I didn't need to do any layering!

Like the project? Wanna make one? Come to my crop on on August 22nd and you can make one for yourself. It's the free make and take for the day!

August SOTM Blog Hop

Welcome to our Stamp of the Month Blog Hop! We will be featuring August's SOTM, which is It's Your Day, a set of 24stamps. If you have come here from Nancy's Blog, you are on the right path!


This month we have 64!! Close To My Heart Consultants sharing their creations. This is how it works.... at the end of each post, click on the link for the next person on the hop and then just hop around the internet and get tons of great ideas using this month's stamp of the month! Here we go!


I love this stamp set and have just started to scratch the surface of what I plan to create...but here's a couple of things to get you started....

Colors - Twilight, Buttercup and Sweet Leaf
I used the base of the present to create the fun background. How cool is that?!! Love it!!
The saying is tied with Sassy Strands




You can't tell in the photograph, but I added Liquid Glass to the candles, stripes and polka dots and cake platter.


The card design is from Wishes.

Paper Pack - Good Times
Ink - Chocolate, Twilight, Sweet Leaf, Buttercup


Now "Hop" on over to Kelly's Blog to see her work! Be sure to visit all the Consultants to get some great crafting ideas! Remember, the August SOTM is only available until August 31! Contact your CTMH Consultant (or click here) to see how you can get this stamp set at a discount or even free.

If you get lost on the hop or find links that aren't working, here is a complete list of participating blogs

Jena DeVries
Kristie Horness-Herdener
Carla Ironside
Deb Young
Alanna Moses
Paige Dolecki
Wendy Kessler
Heather Painchaud
Helen Onulak
Barbra Otten
Haley Dyer
Nona Davenporthttp://www.nonapearl.blogspot.com/
Michelle Robinsonhttp://www.amaizenbluelady.typepad.com/
Cindy Leekhttp://www.paperspadsandpictures.blogspot.com/
Melissa Lavertyhttp://www.fancymelissa.blogspot.com/
Katy Donaldsonhttp://www.scrappinkaty.blogspot.com/
Amy McVeyhttp://www.clearlystamping.blogspot.com/
Tammy Lea Pinchardhttp://www.creativeimpressions-pinchme.blogspot.com/
Leslie Marklandhttp://pandascrapper.blogspot.com/
Judy Burgerhttp://makingtimeformemories.blogspot.com/
Laurie R Newtonhttp://scrapsfromthebeach.blogspot.com/
Kami Welterhttp://www.scrappin4memories.blogspot.com/
Tracy Oleksakhttp://www.mamaolie.blogspot.com/
Karen Normanhttp://www.gettinscrappywithit.blogspot.com/
Chris Shouse
Cibele Glazer
Debra Van Patten
Terrie Dodd
Jamia Bankhead
Anne Beckhttp://www.anniemuses.blogspot.com/
Jennifer Patrickhttp://www.roxybonds-scrappin.blogspot.com/
Laurie Levnikhttp://www.creationsbylaurie.blogspot.com/
Lori Millerhttp://www.clearlyfromtheheart.blogspot.com/
Brae Montgomeryhttp://thebrae-er.blogspot.com/
Dawn Rosshttp://www.iamahappystamper.blogspot.com/
Dawn Slipcevichttp://dawnscrapsalot.blogspot.com/
Barbara Harrishttp://www.paper-creations117.blogspot.com/
Carol Taggiohttp://craftycarol55.blogspot.com/
Jill Lucashttp://scrapwench.blogspot.com/
Chris Greenhttp://www.createwithchris.blogspot.com/
Nancy Ballhttp://www.ballisticdesign.blogspot.com/
Dawn Heufthttp://www.stamptildawn.blogspot.com/
Kelly Triggshttp://www.stampinallday.blogspot.com/
Beth Naumannhttp://www.bethscreativeblock.blogspot.com/
Antoinette Herrinhttp://www.godblessyourart.blogspot.com/
Jessica Boothhttp://jessicabooth.blogspot.com/
Jen Rubiohttp://www.jenrubio.blogspot.com/
Misty Jacksonhttp://www.misstscraps.blogspot.com/
Adeline E. Brillhttp://adeline-brill.blogspot.com/
Lori Lenghttp://www.pinkcloudscrappers.blogspot.com/
Pam Klassenhttp://eimmap.blogspot.com/
Pamela OConnorhttp://www.cherishyourmemories.blogspot.com/
Jennifer Royalhttp://www.craftroyalty.blogspot.com/
Caren Goldseinhttp://www.scrappycaren.blogspot.com/
Shannon Pelletierhttp://www.shannonmvt.blogspot.com/
Sherry Thompsonhttp://www.picturespatternsandpaper.blogspot.com/
Maricar Harrishttp://www.maricarharris.blogspot.com/
Traci Godbeehttp://createwithtraci.blogspot.com/
Laura Damehttp://www.thecroppersconnection.blogspot.com/
Miranda Kurzhttp://www.scrampinwithmiranda.com/
Leisa Hubleyhttp://www.bigredscraps.blogspot.com/
Julia Menssenhttp://www.ralphandjulia.blogspot.com/
Jan Moxeyhttp://scrapandstamp4ever.blogspot.com/
Jody Gustafson http://www.cre8nmemories.blogspot.com/

Am I the last to know?

Hmmm... something wonderful has popped up in my google reader and so now I have to know. Was it always there? Am I just blind? Am I the last to notice?

I'm usually skimming through google reader at a mile a minute. Have five minutes and want to read my cycling stuff. Ready. Set. Go.

Need stamping inspiration so must read CTMH sisters blogs. Ready. Set. Go.

Last week I vaguely recall noticing that someone "liked" something. You know, like in facebook. The little "like" button. But I was in a hurry and on some kind of reading mission and I just barely registered it in my brain.

Finally I thought, I have to find this thing called "like." And have you seen it? It's at the bottom of every post in google reader!! You cannot imagine the joy this brings to my heart. I often feel pangs of guilt because I rarely leave comments on blogs I read in reader. It's just too much trouble to go to the blog. But now, now I can "like" to my heart's content!!! I can tell them I read their entry and I "like" it. Woo Hoo!!

But now enquiring minds want to know... Does it notify the blog owner? Will they know I liked it? or is it just fellow google reader fans that will share that joy?
*******

Great weekend at my house!! A wonderful crop with my tried and true customers that show up even when I haven't been in "stamp mode" and barely made an effort to let people know I was still having a crop. We enjoyed the a/c and fun company and laughter. Great times!!

Josh scored two goals in his soccer game Friday night!

Hubby came home on Friday! (That was a miracle and a story in and of itself. Maybe he'll blog it?!)

And Sunday we went to church and then met some friends at their house in IB and walked down to the sandcastle competition.

I only have a 15 minute break to write this entry so here are the highlights.

• Cindy said it was 12 blocks to the beach
• She lies! It was 1.7 miles
• Candace and I can truly make friends with anyone and jump in strangers cars!
• I guess that means Candace and I probably only walked 1 mile there.
• We walked the whole way back and the icepack on my foot is proof.
• The sandcastles were a little disappointing this year.
• The crowds were a bit overwhelming.
• Our friends are hilarious and we had another great adventure with them.
• Yummy food! Snickerdoodle muffins?
• Cindy was the hostess with the mostest. (Thank you Darryl and Cindy)
• Had to go to Otay to drop of Rick's trip packs (so he can get paid!!!)
• The 125 toll road from Otay costs $4.50.
• It only took us 24 minutes to get from Otay to El Cajon!!

Laguna Weekend/Mtn. Biking

I read stories all the time about people who go on cycling trips/tours and how hard it is for them to reintegrate back into normal life. I thought I'd have no problems. I was only going on a week long trip, you know... Now that I'm back, I have a better sense of what they are talking about. It's not that I'm having any "trouble," it's that I'm having way too much fun! I kind of got into "vacation" mode and I'm not really wanting to let it go. It's summer. I want to play and have fun.

So instead of staying home this weekend, cleaning house, getting myself organized, prepping for my workshops... I went and hung out with my friends at the cabins in Laguna. I'd say I feel guilty, but really, I don't. I feel like I'm actually enjoying my summer!

On Saturday we went on a hike/bike. Hiking still isn't working out so well for my foot, so I brought the mountain bike and chose to "bike" the trails that the rest of the group hiked. Josh came along for the fun and we had a blast. I was slow and nervous, but I loved every minute of it. Even the part where I had hike my bike out. Yep, made the rookie mistake of not taking extra tubes, patches or even a pump with me. (last minute switch from road bike to mountain bike, left me unorganized) We were only going to go on a "little" ride. What's the worst that could happen? ha! Our "little" ride turned into three hours!

Josh ended up riding out to the road ahead of me so he could go fetch the car, while I walked. Of course this was after we had to argue about it. :-) He wanted me to ride. Such the gentleman. I believe he called me "stubborn" as he pedaled off. Hey, it was my bike and my mistake....and he's a much faster rider than I am. I made it out to the road, rested a bit and barely started walking when he came back with the car.

The hiking group and one of their many "map stops."

Of course our journey was nothing compared to the hikers in the group. Two of the hikers wanted to get their picture taken with the cows, so they ventured off the path. Josh and I were watching from up above and I said "look Josh... all the cows just stood up at the same time!" Then he said "look at the bull scratching his foot on the ground."

Thankfully the rest of the group talked some sense into the two would be photographers and they went on their way. All was well, until they attempted to go back. Apparently the cows remembered them. They let other hikers through, but they were not going to let that crazy group through. There was a bit of a stand-off and a little charge before the hikers decided to go the other way. Of course the adventure provided lots of laughter and endless stories all weekend long. Nary a conversation went by without at least one cow reference.

I'm thinking it's not such a great idea to try and get your picture taken with a cow. This view might be a bit better.