Springtime and The 'Brushed' Collection

Spring is one of my 2 favorite times of the year (Fall being the other!).  And the 'Brushed' Collection just resonated with me because of the gorgeous color palette - Pixie, Canary, Juniper, Pear, Hollyhock and Flaxen!  They simply scream wonderful Springtime sunshine and light breezes!

I can hardly wait to get pictures printed of my sweet grandchildren working in my dad's (Grandpa's) vegetable garden!  They were totally amazed at the food that actually came from the ground that Grandpa had 'farmed a garden in'!!  (in the words of Maddie Claire!!)  It was so special to capture the happy wonder on their faces and to hear their giggles as they dug fresh Irish Potatoes, picked Squash, Cucumbers and Tomatoes!!  Oh the pride they felt!  SOOOO, this Brushed Paper Pack will be used to showcase those pictures!
Following a cutting guide that I purchased from a CTMH sister consultant, Susan Williams, I tore into my Brushed Paper Pack!!  It was so hard because it is so pretty and I've been hoarding it!  Susan has such a talent for designing layouts and cards and creating cutting guides that use only the basic supplies - these appeal to those crafters without a large inventory of stamps, inks, accessories or those who don't own a Cricut machine.  Well I DO own the Cricut Explore, all the ink pads and a good inventory of our beautiful My Acrylix stamps BUT I LOVE LOVE LOVE Susan's simple yet stunning designs!!  Once your cutting is all done, putting the layouts together is pretty quick and the results are awesome, especially after you get your cherished photos on them!

I got all the paper cut and in piles according to layouts (there are 6 included in this custom workshop).  But there are also designed cards with a cutting guide so I decided to put those together first since I needed a couple to mail out!  They're simple but beautiful!

I decided to use the stamp set Finding the Words D1646 for my greetings.  This set is so versatile and has many choices for greeting cards.  I like the combination of the bold script words along with the smaller, slender, all-caps font.  It also coordinates with the Cricut Artiste Cartridge for the Banner.





And here's the first card -- I made one with top fold and one with side fold.  Simple yet lovely!!

Don't you just love this gorgeous Springy paper pack 

that Close to My Heart named BRUSHED???

I'm excited to get the other 2 card designs made tomorrow, THEN get the beautiful layouts put together to add my fun Spring photos to!!  

Pictures to follow!

Supplies picture above:

X7190B Brushed Paper Pack

X7190C Brushed Complements

Z3013 Brushed Assortment

Z1829 Glitter Paper (Black & Gray)

X3035 Pixie Thick Twine

D1646 Finding the Words

Shop from your seat at http://jenniferlee.ctmh.com and please let me know if you have any questions!

Stay Tuned for more Brushed artwork  . . . . . . . . .

Jenn

Introducing . . . . Artfully Sent . . . . Our NEW Cricut Cartridge that's Available Today!!

What's Artfully Sent all about, you ask??!!

This brand NEW Cricut® Cartridge Exclusive to Close To My Heart, makes Cardmaking SO much easier and LOTS more fun!  With our newest Cricut® collection, you can make handmade masterpieces in no time at all. Choose from cards that have sentiments cut directly into them, or combine several cutouts to create your own pop-up scenes.  This cartridge features more than 25 different card themes and 5 different card formats including dynamic interactive designs - It truly has a card for any and all occasions, even those "just because" occasions!!  The card styles include pop-ups, scenes, sentiments, sleeves, and pocket cards.

In this Collection, you'll receive the following:

1 – Cartridge (700 images: Cards and Font)

3 – My Acrylix® D-size stamp sets

1 – 12″ × 12″ White Daisy Cardstock Pack

Recommended blocks for included stamp sets: 1″ × 1″ (Y1000), 1″ × 3½” (Y1002), 3″ × 3″ (Y1006), 2″ × 3½” (Y1009).

BUT wait – It's not JUST for Cardmakers!!  You can do more than just traditional cards!!  The images included and cut out sentiments can be incorporated into scrapbook pages with ease, as well as Home Decor Projects!!

Order yours here today!!

September Special - 30 years of Happy!!

JenniferLee.ctmh.com

September is National Stamping Month, and Close To My Heart is ready to celebrate all month long!  When you spend $30 on any current retail-priced stamps during the month of September, you qualify to receive the exclusive C-sized stamp set #30yearsofhappy for FREE!  This special offer is part of our celebration of National Stamping Month and in honor of our ongoing celebration of our founder and CEO Jeanette Lynton’s 30-year anniversary in the scrapbooking and stamping industry. The exclusive stamp set features 30 mini images and sentiments perfectly suited for 30 days of happy stamping!  Plus, make sure you check out Close To My Heart’s Facebook page and Instagram during September to follow all the ways we’re celebrating #30yearsofhappy for a full 30 days!

Dates: Offer valid September 1, 2014–September 30, 2014.

Back to Bloggin'!!

Wow, it's been a little over a year since I've posted here on my blog and I've sure missed it!  This past year and a half saw lots of heartache, with changes and adjustments that took place - BUT as I stated in a previous post, we are so very blessed to be a close-knit family, grounded in love that's unconditional and we share a mutual faith in our Lord and Savior.  We remain grateful for His Grace & Mercy.  Though my marriage dissolved and I found myself alone and hurt and scared, God's love never fails and I've learned who I am IN CHRIST and my worth and value is in Him!

With that said, I'm happy to proclaim that God brought me, my children and family through another emotionally tough time - and I'm stronger for it.  I know that He will never put on us more than we can handle - but oh boy, I had begun to wonder just how strong God thought I was!!!  But you know, it's in times like these that He reminds us we are to trust in Him and know that He works all things out, in His time and in His awesome way!

So in this past year and a half, I've moved twice..... and I DETEST moving!!  I had to downsize quite a bit - well, actually, a WHOLE lot.  And yes I've pouted, stomped, cried and pouted some more!!  But the greatest thing is how God works things out - I'm back on Johnson Hill, buying my late Grandma's house, next door to my wonderful parents (the Johnsons), and up the hill from my sweet daughter and my precious grandchildren!  How blessed can an old girl be??!!  It's actually the house my uncle built, that we lived in for a minute while having our house built (when my sister and I were young teenagers) which is where my sweet parents still live!  My Grandma bought the house from my uncle and lived there until she passed away 2 1/2 yrs ago.  SO we're fortunate to be able to keep it in the family and I'm lovin' livin' there!  My family loves it too!

But - IT REALLY IS SMALL!  I'm not complaining . . . . but I have SO MUCH STUFF!  Crafting stuff!!  It's ridiculous - though during the 2 moves, I really did purge quite a bit and have a good bit more to go.  I'm thinking I will do another Virtual Craft Room Sale to weed out some more that I just don't have space for.  We'll see!

So anyway - I'm back!  And I'm on fire about my Close To My Heart business!  I just returned from our annual Convention which was held in Orlando, Florida and let me tell you - it was awesome!  Great and fun new products and benefits beginning in just 2 days!  That's right - our Brand New Autumn/Winter CTMH Idea Book goes live on August 1st.  So be sure to check out my website to view this beautiful new catalog - it's choked full!!

Jaime, Allie and Kam -- In Digital Form!!

I posted a few months ago, here, about my new-found excitement with Digital Scrapbooking through Close To My Heart's Studio J and now have several more layouts to share!!  The following layouts, along with the layouts from that previous post, went in one of our gorgeous 12 x 12 Albums as a gift to my son Jaime and his wife Allie!  They loved it and I can hardly wait to get some more layouts completed!

Remember, you can click on each image to view larger picture!  This is my precious and beautiful grandson, Kameron.

 

You can make layouts just like these in minutes!!

Studio J is fun, affordable and fast!  There’s no software needed. 

To set up your FREE Studio J Account:

1.  Go to www.jenniferlee.ctmh.com

2.  Click on Studio J Online Scrapbooking, under ‘Products’ on the menu

3.  Click Create Account.  (for my customers that have shopped on my website, you    already have an account and will use that sign in information.)

4.  You’ll then be directed to Studio J.

5.  Watch the Basics of Studio J Video.

6.  Then after you’ve signed up through my site, you can use that same log-in information at www.studioj.com for your future digital scrapbooking!

**Once you decide to purchase your membership, you can go back to my website, http://jenniferlee.ctmh.com and click on Shop Online – Studio J Items.

Now there are only 5 steps to fantabulous layouts!! 

1 – Upload your photos

2 – Select the paper kit

3 – Select the pattern

4 – Personalize your pages

5 – Purchase

That’s all there is to it!  Your digital layouts will then be delivered right to your door.  There’s no need for an expensive printer – your layouts are processed, not printed, with 100 year archival quality.  Your layouts fit right into an album along with your classic layouts.  You can work on several projects at a time.  It’s addictive!!  And remember, I’m a loyal fan of classic scrapbooking with actual paper, cardstock, inks and embellishments and adhesive!

Please contact me if you have any questions!

Happy Scrappin’!

Jenn

New Website Launch Party!! Online!

How about a Party?? That is, an On-line Shopping Party, for your favorite Close to My Heart Scrapbooking and Stamping supplies! To celebrate my newly re-designed CTMH website, I am hosting an online ‘gathering’ BUT by placing your order through this special event, YOU’LL GET THE CHANCE TO WIN THE HOSTESS REWARDS that are valued at $25 or more! To join the party, visit my website here or through the link below, then in the lower right corner, you’ll find 'Jennifer's New Website Launch Party' link. Click on the 'Join' button and start shopping for your favorite CTMH products...including the WHILE SUPPLIES LAST ITEMS. How easy and fun is that? 


You can browse our brand new gorgeous Idea Book/Catalog and shop till your heart’s content! You will receive one entry for the drawing for every $25 in product you order {total before any tax & shipping}. When you place an order, your order will be shipped directly to YOU immediately via CTMH. The online gathering will close on April 1st, so be sure to place your order by that date to be entered into the drawing for the Hostess Rewards. {Collect orders from your friends & family to boost your order total to get more entries into the drawing!} I’ll draw for the Hostess Rewards on April 2nd, the winner will be notified and I must receive your selections within 3 days.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Have fun shopping from your seat! Visit my updated website at http://jenniferlee.ctmh.com/

My very first Studio J layouts!! I’ve been bitten!!

Click on either image to enlarge!

 Yes, I’ve been bitten by the digital scrapbooking bug – with Close To My Heart’s Studio J!!  I actually never thought I would ‘get into it’ because I truly love ‘classic’ scrapbooking with the all the actual inking, cutting, distressing and dimensional elements!!  BUT I’ve been inspired by my sweet friend and sister CTMH consultant, Pamela O’Conner, and once I got started, I couldn’t stop!!

My first 2 layouts are of my son Jaime and his wife Allie with their little addition, Kameron, who was born in December 2007.  I don’t know that I’ve ever witnessed a more proud and ecstatic new daddy!!    Kameron stole his parents’ hearts that day!  I had so many pictures to choose from but these were some of my favorites.  My absolute favorite is the snapshot on the bottom right of layout #2 where Kameron was in the newborn nursery with Jaime at his side – it looked just like Kam had stretched his little neck to look back at his daddy!!  Definitely a Kodak moment!!

The picture of Allie with her face touching Kameron’s is so tender to me.  You can sense the great love that she has for this precious gift from God they were so blessed with!

Off to create some more Studio J Digital Scrapbook pages!  Join me in this fun journey – you can try it for free or become a Studio J Member and receive great discounts and free shipping of your printed layouts!! 


** A Studio J Membership gets you the best value for your money **
You’ll save an amazing 50% off the retail price be becoming a member.  Only members receive free JPG files of their layouts with each purchased custom-printed layout and also have the option to purchase JPG files separately.  JPG files come in both high resolution and thumbnail sizes to print, share, or archive.  Membership comes with other perks such as exclusive patterns, kits, and free Memory Protectors.  On top of all that, members also get free shipping on one order per month that has a total of 4 – 20 layouts!


Membership Options
12-Month Membership – $99.00
3-Month Membership – $30.00
then
Per two-page, custom-printed layout - $6.50
Per JPG file – $3.00
or you might like to try -
A 5-pack – this includes 5 two-page, custom printed layouts, 5 Memory Protectors, and free shipping.  Ideal for gift giving, or as an affordable way to try Studio J for the first time.
5-Pack  - $55.00

Give Studio J a try today!! 

Awesome combination - Cricut and CTMH!!

OMGosh!! I'm totally hooked! My new Cricut Expressions 2 shipped today so while I'm waiting, I've been checking out the awesome new 'Cricut Craft Room' Beta site that will be introduced soon!! So MANY possibilities for scrapbooking and paper crafting!! Especially when partnered with Close To My Heart's new Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge!! What a combination!! I've been sampling it on my little Cricut Personal Cutter, but can hardly wait to get down to business with my new Cricut Expressions 2!!  So if you have a Cricut, you can get your cartridge here and you'll see what I'm talking about! www.jenniferlee.myctmh.com

With delight, we introduce the exclusive Close To My Heart Cricut® Art Philosophy cartridge! Simply plug the cartridge into your Cricut®* Personal Electronic Cutter machine (sold at retail stores) and you’re ready to cut any of the 700 shapes with the touch of a button! The exclusive images are incredibly versatile, and many are designed to be used with specific My Acrylix® stamps for real eye-popping power!

When you purchase the Cricut® Art Philosophy cartridge, you’ll also receive three exclusive D-size stamp sets designed to perfectly coordinate with images on the cartridge. Plus, we’re including three sets of Dimensional Elements that work in tandem with the cartridge as well. You can mix and match to your heart’s content! Stamp on your Cricut® shape; cover your Dimensional Element with a Cricut® shape; or cut, stamp, and then cover! You’ll be all set to create uniquely beautiful artwork with incredible ease.


... Collection includes:
1 – Cartridge (700 images: font, shapes, and 3-D items)
3 – My Acrylix® D-size stamp sets
3 – 9" × 12" Dimensional Elements (3 sheets of different shapes)

Fabulous CTMH Convention!! Best Ever!

WOW!  That about sums it up for me!  Close To My Heart did it again ~ just when you wonder how will Jeanette Linton and her Corporate staff amaze us any further, they go above and beyond!  I just returned this week from sunny Anaheim, California, the Disneyland® Resort, where I so enjoyed our 2011 Close to My Heart Convention! Hundreds of Consultants from all over the United States and Canada gathered again for loads of fun, motivational training, new product reveals, company updates, business classes, inspiration from the awesome Extravaganza and Create & Takes!

New product is scattered throughout our fabulous Autumn/Winter 2011 Idea Book/Catalog, including new embellishments, Workshops-On-The-Go kits, gorgeous new stamp sets (with ALL new lower prices!!), and the grandest new product is – drum roll please . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CTMH has partnered with Cricut® and now offers an Exclusive Cartridge called ‘Art Philosophy’ Collection that contains 700 images!!   With this one final, show-stopping reveal, Jeanette introduced this new product that is ideal for stamping and die-cutting.  This collection includes a Cricut® cartridge with shapes and designs chosen by Jeanette herself, PLUS three coordinating D-size My Acrylix stamp sets AND three sets of Dimensional Elements (9" × 12" sheets). The stamp images and Dimensional Elements coordinate perfectly with the images from the cartridge making it so easy to quickly create fabulous artwork. The entire collection is available for only $99!!

Ordering can begin when our Autumn/Winter Idea Book goes live on August 1st.  You can order on my web-site or email me at Rather.Be.Scrappin@gmail.com to place your order or for any questions!! 

And the new Idea Book is absolutely gorgeous!  Awesome format, great artwork of course, and stamp set images shown at 100%.  You’ll be able to view it online or you can email me with your address for your own copy!!

Stay tuned . . . . . . . .

Jenn

CTMH Convention in 1 Week!!!

** This time next week, I'll be on the grounds of the "Happiest Place on Earth" !!  Our 2011 Close To My Heart Convention is being held at Disneyland!  We'll enjoy excitement and big reveals at the first day's general session and oohs and ahhs will be heard as we learn of the latest trends and newest products that will be showcased by very talented Consultants!  We'll receive lots of creative training on all the new products that will be unveiled ~ all this making for a fabulously fun FIRST day!!


** Day two will provide us with great information and strategies at the business classes along with fulfilling our creative urges by learning new techniques at the Create & Take.  THEN the awesome Annual Awards Banquet that evening where we'll enjoy an exquisite feast while cheering for our top achievers as they receive awards for their outstanding success!!


** And finally, Day three will be a whole new experience!  We'll begin our day by attending two inspiring business classes and learn the business strategy behind our products in one and have hands-on time with those products in the other!!!  THEN, a brand new addition to Convention:  The Closing Crop!!   There will be a bounty of entertainment and fun!  There will be music, a planned creative project, as well as prizes!  We can use this time to create, visit with friends new and old, or just unwind from our whirlwind Convention weekend!


** And yes, of course, we have a whole day planned to spend at Disneyland and Downtown Disney!  


** Be watching out for my posts as I'll be updating with all the fun and exciting news!!


** I'm counting down the days on one hand now!!


Jenn

Virtual Craft Room Sale UPDATED!! 12 more stamps sets added!

Head on over to my 'Virtual Craft Room Sale' via tab under heading and check out my awesome deals on a great selection of new and gently used My Acrylix stamp sets!!  12 additional stamps set posted today.  Deeply discounted and ready to ship out!

Thanks for shopping with me!!
Jenn

Stronger Together

CC1012B  You & Me

Together we can make a difference!

Severe flooding, tornadoes, and storms have affected the lives of thousands across the United States, but together we can make a difference.

Purchase the You & Me scrapbooking kit for only $15.00 US/ $16.50 CAN (a retail value of $34.95/$38.95), and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the American Red Cross Spring 2011 Floods and Tornadoes Relief Operations. 

With the You & Me kit, you’ll create two fully embellished two-page layouts using the included instructions, papers, D-size stamp set, and accessories. At only $15/$16.50, this kit is more than 50% off the retail price. You’ll win by getting the kit at a phenomenal price, and those in the weather-devastated regions will benefit from your charitable contribution. Together we can make a difference; together we are stronger!

Offer valid June 1–30, 2011, or while supplies last. No qualifying purchase required. Tax and shipping/handling charges apply.  Orders yours here !



You won't want to miss out on this awesome special, nor on the chance to make a difference!!

Virtual Craft Room Sale!! Pics posted!

Head on over to my 'Virtual Craft Room Sale' and check out my awesome deals on a great selection of new and gently used My Acrylix stamp sets!!  Deeply discounted and ready to ship out!

Thanks for shopping with me!!
Jenn

My Journey to Texas to Scrapbook! (Part 4)

This should be the 4th and final installment of my Scrapbooking trip to Texas!!  I actually could go on and on, since I’m such a ‘talker’ and I had such an awesome time but I’m going to try to finish up tonight!
In my previous post, I showed you a picture of The Covered Bridge Inn where this Scrapbook Retreat was held – well here is the owner, Mrs Pat Farrington:



She is such a sweet lady and is fortunate to have fulfilled a dream of providing a Retreat for crafters or ladies’ groups, etc.  Mrs Pat prepares all the meals along with help from her husband as well as a neighbor girl, and let me tell you, these meals are awesome!!  I could hardly wait each time for the dinner bell that she rang when it was time to eat!!  She actually compiled a cookbook several years ago but has sold all of them.  And for those of you that know I LOVE cookbooks, know how disappointed I was that I couldn’t get my hands on hers!  



My corner of the restful accommodations upstairs was in the ‘Sunshine Room’!  It was very comfortable and cool and had a great view out onto the front lawn.





Of course being a crazy camera lady anyway, you know I took a picture of every single room in this house, upstairs and downstairs, the very relaxing living room, the exercise room, the kitchen and dining area and of course, the Crop Zone!!  But I won’t post ALL of the pictures!  They are definitely going into my Travel Scrapbook though!

And speaking of the Crop Zone!!  Here’s a few shots of some scrappers as we all began the moment we unloaded our gear and personals from our vehicles!



And I would LOVE for Don to see that I’m not the only woman that hauls an actual TON of scrapbooking supplies and tools with me for a few days of papercrafting!!

The first layout I worked on was with the Mayberry Paperpack that quickly became a favorite of mine!  I chose pictures of our sweet little blue-eyed granddaughters, Railey and Autumn Verley!  I didn’t do my journaling that night but I wanted to share the layout anyway!  The girls are simply adorable!




Well, I’m guessing now that this won’t be my last installment after all!!  One more post this week should wrap it up!  I’ve had a good time re-capping my trip though and can’t wait to go back in November!

Stay tuned for conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . !

My Journey to Texas to Scrapbook! (Part 3)

Well Thursday came and it was time to make my way on out to The Covered Bridge Inn to meet my new friends and scrapbook to our hearts’ content!!

I passed a couple of nice Ranches on the way out and one place that tickled me called ‘Hooves and Wheels’ !!  It was a campground that accommodates motorhomes/campers as well as the horse trailers!!  I just thought that was so clever of the owner!!  I’m sure there are many more all over the place, but my first time to see one!

But this view below is just one of the many stretches of land I saw, that, as simple as this picture is, it reminds me of the amazement I feel each time I capture glimpses of God’s handiwork all around us.  I so thank God for the privilege of taking in all the beauty of nature He so lovingly created. 

When I finally arrived at The Covered Bridge Inn, which was only about 15 minutes outside the city limits,  I stopped to thank God for my safe trip there and also to thank Him for the opportunity to enjoy this retreat, the scrapbooking I would get done and the fellowship I would enjoy with sweet ladies who share the same passion for ‘preserving memories thru the art of scrapbooking’ as I do!!

Then I finally got to officially meet in person, Pamela O’Conner, a sister Close To My Heart Consultant!!  I have followed her blog, Reflections of my Art and Soul, for a couple of years, admiring her beautiful artwork, but mostly being inspired by her faith!  I had actually shared an elevator ride with Pamela last year at our CTMH Annual Convention in Washington DC and was so excited that she spoke to me and smiled, saying she recognized me from Facebook and from me following her blog!!  Needless to say, I was tickled!

Maybe I’ll soon get to the part where we are really scrappin’!!!  After all, isn’t that what I drove 600 miles for???!!!
    
To be continued . . . . . . . . . . . . . !

My Journey to Texas to Scrapbook! (Part 2)

Part 1 just below, if you missed it!

So I got a great night’s sleep at Aunt Ruth’s even after sitting up chatting half the night!  I actually slept comfortably in my late grandma’s bed!  And her picture sat on the bedside table so I was able to smile back at her and say goodnight!

We enjoyed fresh brewed coffee with some Apricot Croissants (a first for me!) for brunch.  I actually didn’t head on out until around noon because I had to wait for my prescription refill to be transferred from the Meridian Walmart to the Longview Walmart.  Well, THAT took forEVER!!!  I had already completed what little shopping I needed to do before getting back on the road so I was simply walking around, killing time.  Decided to grab a bite in the Subway (because the sweet lady at the Pharmacy told me, once again (for the 3rd time), it would be a FEW more minutes!  Not her fault but I sure got tired of hearing that! 
** BUT as I headed back to the Pharmacy for the fourth and final time that afternoon, I ran SMACK into a classmate from home, Quitman, MS!!!  What a great coincidence!  It was awesome to see Jamie Mitchell and hear about his sweet family.  Jamie and I graduated together in 1984 and I believe the only time I’ve seen him since then was at our 10 year class reunion in 1994!  So that was a nice treat that made me forget I was irritated about having to wait on my meds!!

Needless to say, I pulled out of the Longview, TX Walmart at 4 pm, continuing my journey to Weatherford.  Before I even got back on Interstate 20, the rain began and I don’t think it slacked up for the next 3 hrs that it took me to go through Dallas and Fort Worth then my final stop in Weatherford.  That was frustrating but I simply asked God for traveling mercies and knew I had family and friends praying me through the rainy weather as well!

Though I didn’t venture out into Dallas, Fort Worth or Weatherford this trip, what I did see was amazing!  And like I said, just being back in Texas was so special to me! 

My first night in Weatherford, I enjoyed a ‘breakfast for supper’ meal at the local IHOP!  We don’t have one at home so I really enjoyed that and it was close by my suite so I got back before dark.

This was my little mini-vacation so I did nothing for a day and a half before heading out to the scrapbooking retreat, except for rest, read, relax and enjoy eating at new places!  NOW on Wednesday, I DID drive back to Fort Worth to visit one of their SIX Hobby Lobby stores!!!  Can you believe a city can have SIX of them!!!  I was in hog-heaven!  It was definitely ‘Texas-sized’, the biggest Hobby Lobby store I’ve ever been in! 

THEN I found the ‘Braum’s Ice Cream shop!!!  Oh My Goodness!!  It was awesome and my choice of the ‘Two Scoops on Waffle Cone’ for only $1.79 was Chocolate in the bottom and Buttered Pecan on top – this thing was HUGE – again, ‘Texas-sized’!  I believe that was the BEST ice cream I’ve ever had!  Of course I had to get my phone and snap a picture of it!

It’s really true what they say that, ‘Everything’s bigger in Texas’!!  Even the bananas that Aunt Ruth sent with me to snack on during my drive were bigger than usual and delicious!!

Tune in later for Part 3 . . . . . . . .

My Journey to Texas to Scrapbook! (Part 1)

From the moment I saw this sign that welcomed me back to my home state of Texas, I began smiling!  And I kept that smile my whole trip!!  I think I smiled even in my sleep! 

Just being back in Texas where I was born and spent my childhood, (and what a wonderful childhood I had) - planning a layover at my Aunt Ruth’s and Uncle Bob’s home in Longview -  then on to Weatherford, TX to enjoy meeting new friends that I would spend 4 whole days with -  working on my most passionate hobby, scrapbooking and papercrafting -  was plenty to fill my heart with excitement!  Boy that was a mouth-full !!

My first stop in Texas, after resting at the Welcome Center, was in Marshall to see Jaime!  He was working days that week on his land rig and the timing was perfect as I came up on the Marshall exit, to pick him up and enjoy some Mexican appetizers at The Jalapeno Tree!  It was such a treat to spend a little time with him and get to see his work week accommodations.

Aunt Ruth and Uncle Bob are terrific hosts.  My cousin Rita was there as well when I arrived and of course she had me rolling with laughter!  She’s hilarious!  Aunt Ruth had a delicious Pot Roast with potatoes cooked so I surely didn’t pass that up!  She and I sat up talking like teenagers until about 1:45 am!!  It was great spending time with her but we also shed some tears because just a few weeks earlier, she had lost her mama, my grandmother.  Hearts are definitely still aching at the loss felt at Grandma’s passing but we’re so blessed to know that she simply made it to Heaven before any of us did!  As I’ve said, she’s smiling as she’s now ‘Face to Face with Christ our Savior’.  That gives tremendous joy and comfort!

 

This picture was about 16 months ago of Grandma and my sweet daddy!  It was Thanksgiving day 2009 at the Johnson household!!

Stay tuned for Part 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Hope for Japan - CTMH's Efforts & how YOU can help!!

Our hearts go out to the victims of the earthquake and Tsunami in Japan.  With the tragedy and devastation, Close To My Heart is eager to help.  And helping has never been easier!


You can help by purchasing this adorable Hope for Japan, A-sized stamp set now through April 30th for ONLY $5 ($7.95 value) and Close To My Heart will be donating 100% (Yes, you read it right, ONE HUNDRED PERCENT!!!) of the profits to the American Red Cross to benefit relief efforts in Japan. How awesome is that?!?!  So if you want to help out and get this specially designed, gorgeous stamp set, please click on over to my website, here, to purchase.  This stamp set reminds us of how our hearts are hopeful for those who are in need. 


As Jeanette Lynton (CEO of CTMH) says, "Let's show our support and together, provide real HOPE for Japan!"


Jenn

Look what I won - mailed straight from Idaho!!

I just had to share this awesome card that was sent to me by my friend and Close to My Heart sister, Nichole Lewno in Idaho!!  I was so excited to win a hand-made card from her because she is so artsy and creative.  

Nichole is hosting video classes on U-stream twice a month on Tuesday evenings (which I have so thoroughly enjoyed), and after the broadcast thru until Sunday, you can leave a comment on her blog and a winner is randomly chosen!  Yeah!!  I won the very card I had my eye on while she was presenting her class! 

This is a Flip-Top card that Nichole demonstrated in, I believe it was, her first U-stream class a few weeks ago.  She did a great job and I was so happy to receive it! 

Thanks Nichole for sharing your talents and generous spirit with me and all you come in contact with! 

To check out some of Nichole’s artwork and a glimpse into her life, head on over to her blog by clicking on her name!  You'll enjoy your visit! 

Reindeer Christmas Card

Well, I finally got my hands on my new Christmas stamps again this evening after about a month and half! I got so many in my Bundle that I purchased at CTMH Convention back in July, that are in our Autumn/Winter 2010 Idea Book, and I’ve only had a chance to create with 2 of the sets!

I used the following products from our gorgeous new Idea Book:

C1427    I Believe (set of 7 stamps)  - I used the Reindeer stamp (gorgeous!)

A1110    A Timber (set of 7) - I used the phrase ‘Happy Holidays’ from this set

X5811    Creative Basics Mistletoe Collections – I used the Cranberry B&T sheet

1282       New England Ivy Cardstock

Z2135    New England Ivy Ink Pad

Z134       Prisma Glitter

Z891       VersaMark Ink Pad

Z1126    Colonial White Ribbon Collection (I used the Crocheted ribbon – love it!)

My card base is actually the Colonial White Textured Cardstock.

This reindeer card was totally inspired from a YouTube video that a fellow stamper (with another stamp company) demonstrated last year using a reindeer stamp of theirs!  I altered it a tad and made it work for me and my personal style but totally spun off of her creativity!! 

I fell in love with her technique of dabbing the VersaMark Ink Pad over the whole piece of cardstock that the reindeer was stamped on,  then sprinkling with the Prisma Glitter and heat-setting!  Loved, loved, loved it!!  You’ll have to remember from one of my very first blog posts that it was heat-embossing that won me over to the scrapbooking and papercrafting world with Close to My Heart!!

Hope you enjoy!

Jenn