My Biscuit Pillow!!

It felt so great to be back sitting behind my sewing machine again Sunday afternoon!!  Sewing was a passion of mine for a long time when my children were small and I've only sewn off and on since then.  But Jessica received a very nice Singer sewing machine for Christmas from her mother-in-law, Robyn, and has graciously let me 'try it out' !!  I love it!!  It's quite a bit different from my old Singer as far as threading and how the bobbin is loaded but other than that, it's awesome!!  I'm seeing a new sewing machine in MY near future as well !!!

I posted a picture of the charms packet I purchased at Jo-Anns before Christmas (refer to this post!) and due to time constraints I never got to make any of those projects I had anticipated for Christmas.  SO . . . . I'm on them now!!!  My first project was the Biscuit Pillow for my mama and this fabric from the charms packet was so perfect as it is 'so her'!!  Back in the day when I first began making them, I made smaller 'biscuits' and actually made a ruffle to go around it.  I changed it up a bit and made the puffy biscuits an inch larger, made the backside into a biscuit as well, and didn't add the ruffle.  And the lap throw isn't actually a 'lap' throw because I ran out of fabric!!   I don't know what it will be but when mama receives it, she will love it and find a place and use for it!!  She's such a grateful recipient of anything we present to her, especially hand-made gifts!  It's nothing fancy or extraordinary but as I said in the above mentioned post, the fabric reminds me of her so much and she had mentioned how she always loved those pillows I had made years ago, so it did my heart good to make her one!!

Now I'm off to my day-job - but I've already cut most of the pieces for my next project that I hope to start working on this afternoon or tomorrow evening!  It feels great to be sewing again! 

Jenn

My First 'Topstitch' Cards!

I had a great time today (during Madalyn's nap!) crafting with the Close to My Heart 'Workshop on the Go' kit, Topstitch!  I see why everyone's been blogging about and sharing artwork they've created with this kit!  The patterned paper is gorgeous and the color palette is great - Chocolate, Baby Pink and Heavenly Blue!

First, I created one of the cards from the Card Workshop portion of the Workshop Guide that comes in the kit.  I really liked this one but seeing the finished project, in person, is gorgeous!!  Jeanette Lynton and the Art Department at Close to My Heart are so very talented, it's amazing the designs and patterns they come up with!

So here's a replica of Card #1 from the guide:

Supplies used:
X7120B Topstitch Level 2 Paper Packet
Z2102   Baby Pink Ink Pad
Z2111   Chocolate Ink kPad
Z1276   Mini-Medley Accents Colonial White Collection
Z1104  Clear Sparkles
Z1096  Embroidery Floss Neutral Assortment
Z1114  Piercing Tool Kit
Z697   Sponge
Workshop stamp set is 'Love Is in the Air'  (available only in the Workshop Kit)

And . . . this second card is my attempt to create something without a pattern!!  Like I've said in previous posts, I'm creatively challenged, which is why I absolutely LOVE Close to my Heart's Program Books which contain beautiful pictures of the artwork along with the blueprints and full instructions to make gorgeous cards and scrapbook pages!!  So here's my custom creation!!

You can order all the supplies to make cards like these plus many more PLUS beautiful scrapbook pages!!  Just click here to shop right where you are and you'll be crafting with 'Topstitch' in a few short days!

Jenn

My little 'Sweetheart'!!

Miss Madalyn likes to crawl down the steps herself since

she's such a big girl!! 

My little sweetheart spent the day with me and we stepped outside for just a few minutes to listen to the birds singing!  We could hear them through the window and she would make the 'Ohhhhhh' face and listen real intently.  So I decided to grab my camera and get a few shots of her before it got any cooler!  And of course, you guessed it, she did

NOT want to come back inside!!

Now, she actually posed her little self when I said "Smile at Mammy sweet baby girl" and she did really good - Only she forgot the smiling part!!  And she has such a beautiful smile!!

Then the birds began their singing again at the neighbor's house in their big tree.  Madalyn immediately turned her little head toward them!

She sat like this for a long while, listening and looking.  Then I told her we would soon have to go inside and she took off!!  When I ran after her and said, "You'd better come back here little girl" , she thought that was funny and giggled a little but I still didn't get her smile!

But then she gave me a half smile and even that melts my heart!!

 

I'm so blessed with wonderful children and grandchildren!

I just wanted to share some shots I took today while enjoying Madalyn's company!

She's a wonderful "Sweetheart"!!

Of course, I'll be using Topstitch Kit to scrapbook these pictures.

Jenn

Fun Snow Day!!

We had such a great time in the snow !!  No school and no work for Mammy !!!  Little Madalyn was amazed and didn't seem one bit phased by how cold it was, Coop enjoyed making tracks in the snow and Nick engaged in a snowball fight with his mama!!  They also built a great snowman!!

Happy Birthday to me!! Plus "Piece of Cake" Stamp of the Month!

How lame was my title!!!  Oh well, I've had a great day!

I so love Facebook!! Yes it was my birthday today and through FB, I received more ‘Happy Birthdays’ on one single birthday than I ever have!! It was so cool!! All day, my IPhone was beeping that I had another birthday wish and/or message on FB! These birthday wishes were from family and friends, plus several old school friends that I don’t see regularly or haven’t seen for years, Close to My Heart sister-consultants as well as customers, plus friends that I’ve worked with at some point in my life or have gone to church with!! Of course I had to work a few hours after church today and I get very little phone reception in my office but the messages came through! So I want to say thanks to everyone for all the birthday wishes today!

Birthdays never bother me as far as getting older. I’m so thankful to be pretty healthy and definitely happy in my life and oh so blessed with my beautiful family, my church family, my home and my job.  For me, it’s simply a number because I really don’t FEEL older – yes my body has slowed down a bit - there’s not quite as much energy as there used to be!! I know this sounds goofy but I still feel like my parents’ little girl!! They still treat me like it too!! I love it!!

I share my birthday with an awesome Close to My Heart sister-consultant, Melissa Laverty!! I was blessed to meet her at Leadership Conference 2009 in Long Beach, California, after having followed her blog for awhile. She’s a beautiful person with a great personality and just inspires me so much with her enthusiasm and her artwork. Her blog is listed on the right under the 'Blogs that Inspire Me' and you can visit by clicking on ‘fancyMelissa’ or you can simply click on her name above.   She’s even made a cool video showcasing our awesome My Acrylix Stamps! Check it out!

I thought I would share the link to the beginning of the February Stamp of the Month Blog Hop!  These are sites of some very talented consultants that participated in SOTM blog hop so be ready to be inspired!  The stamp set is A Piece of Cake and you can purchase it at a great discount or receive it absolutely free with your $100 order starting tomorrow, February 1st.   Click here to place your order via my CTMH web-site!!

You’ll begin the blog hop at Jen’s blog, RoxyBonds and she’ll direct you where to hop to next!! Enjoy!

Jenn

Happy Highlights - Art & Soul webisode!

How would you like to be inspired with scrapbooking / papercrafting classes while sitting by your computer or with your laptop while relaxing in your pj's?   If so, you'll LOVE Art and Soul, brought to you from Close to My Heart! Art and Soul mini classes are taught by our amazing corporate team including Jeanette Lynton herself!

A new mini class airs the first Tuesday of each month. To see the mini classes - simply go to my website and click on "CTMH TV" or click here to take you right to the page on my website! Be sure to book mark it and mark your calendar to watch each episode. Each mini class features tips and techniques on the products and programs of Close To My Heart!  These mini classes are 10-15 minutes in length and are available 24/7 from the comfort of your home! Not to mention, if you have not seen each mini class webisode - don't worry - you can catch up and watch all the classes!

The December mini class featured several products - Top Coats, Dimensional Elements and the amazing Posterboard stamp set!  Each mini class there is a special for a limited time - the special from this class is the stamp set - regularly $34.95 - this set is on sale until January 31, 2010 for just $28.00.  If you are interested - click here then on "Buy the products needed for this workshop project" to purchase this stamp set! (To receive the discounted price - you must order the stamp set on my website!)

Jenn

A Great Quote to Share

"There is nothing, no circumstance, no trouble, no testing that can ever touch me until, first of all, it has come past God and past Christ, right through to me. If it has come that far, it has come with a great purpose."

Alan Redpath

I got this quote from a fellow paper-crafter whose blog I follow and it really touched my heart.  I thought I would share it here along with a prayer that it may speak to someone else.  This is an awesome way to look at trials we all go through.  Our troubles and circumstances don't catch God by surprise!  He's well aware and stands ready and waiting to bring us through them as we trust in and rely on Him.  Thanks Teresa Kline for sharing this quote on your blog! 

Jenn

Look what I'm about to create with!!

Straight from the newly released Close to My Heart Spring 2010 Idea Book - the Veranda collection!  I'm so loving this paper pack, embellishments and the Stamp set that's included in the Workshop On The Go kit.  And the Creative Basics Veranda Collection that includes a spool of Creme Brulee' ribbon extends the paper pack to create not only beautiful scrapbook layouts but several handmade cards and other paper craft projects.

I'm about to assemble a Memory Keeper box and pretty it up using the Veranda collection for my mother.  Her favorite color is any shade of yellow and the Creme Brulee' will work great.  Mama also enjoys watching birds and loves flowers so the stamp set that comes with the WOTG kit will provide the perfect stamped images on this project. 

Well, if my craft room has warmed up some, I'm heading up there to get to work!  It's the coldest room in the house right now and that would be great IF it was during the summer months, but you guessed it - at that time, it's the warmest room in the house!!  Oh well, thank goodness for box fans and electric heater fans for this ole' hormonal gal!!

Pics to follow,

Jenn

Her first taste of Deer Jerky!

I just had to share these snapshots of Madalyn enjoying her first piece of Deer Jerky!!  Her Aunt Amber made some for Josh and he was sharing with Nicholas and Cooper.  I assumed Madalyn would turn her nose up at it but when the boys were munching on theirs, she started her little squealing that she does when she wants something really badly!!  I held a piece for her for a little while but that didn't last very long - she took it from me and took off in her walker across the kitchen floor!!!  Honestly, she nibbled (sucked) on it for quite a while and actually got a little attitude when she thought Cooper was about to try and get her jerky!  What a little stinker!!  Of course, she needed a real scrubbing bath once she finally decided she was through with it because she had drooled the seasoning all down the front of her clothes!

Little Madalyn will sure have to develop a taste for deer meat since her dad, Pop, Uncle Jaime and Grandpa are big hunters!!  Looks like she's starting off right!

Jenn

My goal to prepare 3 new recipes a week ~

I absolutely love to cook (and eat, too!) and I've always had a passion for cookbooks!!  I especially like the ones with delectable photos on the covers and appetizing pictures inside along with the recipes!!  So over the years, I've collected a pretty good library of cookbooks, either that I've purchased myself or received as a gift. 

This year, my goal is to prepare at least 3 new recipes each week from my various cookbooks and I want to share them with you!  I'm pretty sure most of you know of these first three and probably cook them all the time, but they were new to our family and went over very well!!

The old 'Green Bean Casserole' is a favorite of my family BUT they've grown kind of tired of it.  So I came upon a recipe for a modified version that I had tasted years ago at a family reunion and loved:

~ ~ ~ ~
Shoepeg & Green Bean Casserole
2 (7oz) cans shoepeg corn, drained
14 1/2 oz can green beans, drained
10 3/4 oz can cream of celery soup
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded Cheddar Cheese
1 cup crushed Ritz Crackers (about 18 crackers)
1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted

Stir together corn, beans, soup, sour cream and cheese; spread in a greased 2-quart baking dish.  Top with cracker crumbs; drizzle with melted butter.  Bake, uncovered at 350 degrees for one hour or until golden.  Serves 6 to 8.
~ ~ ~ ~

And I'm really sure I'm the only person who had never made a Pineapple Cheese Ball !!  I absolutely love them and could eat the whole thing myself.  One of the ladies of the church prepares one for most all meals at the church and I always head straight for it!!  Now I'll be making my own!

~ ~ ~ ~
Pineapple Cheese Ball
Serve with an assortment of crackers and bread sticks and watch it disappear!
2 8-oz pkgs cream cheese, softened
2 T green pepper, chopped
2 T onion, finely chopped
2 t seasoned salt
1/4 cup crushed pineapple, drained
2 T sugar
2 cups chopped pecans, divided (I substituted with chopped Walnuts and it was awesome!)

Mix first 6 ingredients with one cup pecans (walnuts!); shape into a ball.  Cover and chill one hour.  Roll in remaining one cup pecans (walnuts!); cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm.  Makes about 2 1/2 cups.  Delicious!
~ ~ ~ ~

And the last new recipe I prepared last week is a 'wanna-be' Whoopie Pie that my mother-in-law has been making for years!!  My husband and brother-in-law love them and put their requests into Edith anytime we'll be seeing her!  Of course, hers are delicious but I've never watched her make them.  So I came across this recipe that is very similar - not that I'm trying to take over the Whoopie Pie making - the guys will always love Mom's WPs but hey, I can come a little close!

~ ~ ~ ~
Devil's Food Sandwich Cookies
18 1/4 oz pkg Devil's Food Cake Mix
3/4 cup shortening
2 eggs
8 oz pkg cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup margarine, softened
1/2 t almond extract
16 oz pkg powdered sugar

Combine cake mix, shortening and eggs.  Form into small balls and flatten slightly on ungreased baking sheet.  Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes.  In a medium bowl, blend cream cheese, margarine and almond extract.  Gradually blend in powdered sugar until desired consistency.  Beat with a spoon 'til smooth; refrigerate.  When cookies are cool, spread filling between 2 cookies; repeat.  Keep refrigerated.  Makes 2 dozen.
~ ~ ~ ~

This week, I'll take pictures to post along with the new dishes!!

Well, tomorrow's the first work day of the new year!  Thank you God for our jobs and please always bless the work of our hands!

Jenn

The Close To My Heart Spring 2010 Idea Book!!

The beautiful cover is only the beginning!!  Each page you turn offers exciting products and awesome ideas for your scrapbooking and papercrafting projects!!  And it's LIVE today!!

Simply locate the photo of the Idea Book on the right side of my blog and by clicking on that photo you can view the book page by page. It's absolutely gorgeous and packed with fun new products and amazing artwork and ideas. You can order from this Idea Book by clicking here, which will take you to my website, then click 'shop online'.

Enjoy!!

Jenn

Wow!! 2010!!

Happy New Year!!  I pray that 2010 is a year filled with happiness, love, laughter and prosperity for all!

We're so blessed with wonderful family & friends, our home, our jobs - but most importantly with a Savior who loves us and promises us and all who believe in Him, Abundant Life and Eternal Life!!  Thank you Jesus for loving me, for salvation and all the merciful grace you extend to us!

My prayer on this new day of this new year is that all will come to know Him and receive this gift of salvation that He so longs to give!  God is so good! 

Happy New Year! 
Jenn

Ok - so I'm no painter !!

And I'm so thankful I don't have to rely on that skill for a living!  Boy, I was so frustrated today trying to finally finish my craft room - then my sweet son, Jaime, stopped by and just at the right time!!  I was irritated and had paint from head to toe and just decided to forget it all.  I would just keep my beautiful 'Sweet Blush'  painted walls (Don had done that for me a couple months ago) with the terribly ugly, yucky beige yellow door trim, base boards and window sills that were on there when we bought our house!!!  That was going to have to do - - that is, until Jaime took over!! 

The problem was that I was painting over that ugly color that wasn't accepting my new color, white, which is a semi-gloss interior paint.  I'm thinking now that I probably should have brushed on a primer or something prior to attempting to cover the ugly beige-yellow with my clean white paint!!  Oh well,  Jaime - full of patience and wanting to rescue mom - did a great job!  He says we'll actually apply one more coat tomorrow and it should be good-to-go!  Then I can finally finish setting up my craft space.  AND just in the nick of time because I have some sewing projects and papercrafts to complete before Christmas!  Don will be ever so grateful to have our dining room table back!! 

Hopefully pictures will follow tomorrow night or Wednesday!!  I'm so excited!  It's a small room but accommodates my crafting just fine!

Jenn

Kameron's telling stories . . . .

Kameron loves books! And I'm so glad because I'm a book-worm! None of my 4 children ever liked to read and still don't. So I'm thrilled that Kameron has taken to books. He was hanging out on my kitchen floor 'reading' a Diego book while I was cooking supper one night. He would look at a few pages then say "Hey Mammy, Diego" and point to something on a page.

Well now, Allie said his other grandma has been telling him stories so he's repeating them and really talking well ! He's only 2 this past Friday, Dec 4th. Allie and Kam have been visiting her parents in Tennessee and I miss them so much! But they'll be home for Christmas and I can hardly wait! Kam has the best sugar!! Jaime will leave the rig on Dec 23rd, I believe and head to Dyersburg, TN to pick them up and bring them home!!

Lord willing, we'll all be together once again to celebrate the birth of our Savior and enjoy the fellowship surrounding the Christmas season. We're so blessed!

Jenn

Brothers / Buddies !!

It was so funny to watch my little guys fall asleep chatting! They had just been fussing over their Monster trucks and Little Cooper likes to reach up and slap Nick on his back. He's becoming a little 2-yr old bully and it drives 5-yr old Nicholas crazy! Nick is such a sweet big brother and doesn't want to hit Coop back so he tries to 'talk' him down!! It's so funny ~ but it's really a challenge to keep Cooper from striking out when he doesn't get his way.

But all is well when they're settling in for the night. They just chat like little girls!! Nicholas says his complete 'Night Prayers' at least 4 times before he drifts off to sleep!! It's precious ~ if he happens to wake up for a bathroom run or when Madalyn wakes up for a bottle, he says his prayers all over again before going back to sleep. I love it and I'm so proud of him and the fact that he's already believing in the power of prayer, even at his young age. He's quick to say he's going to pray for you when he hears you're going to the doctor or if you have to travel! Oh, it does a Mammy's heart good!

Just felt like sharing!

Jenn

How about a Peek into our New Spring 2010 Catalog??

Introducing Topstitch!!

This will be our January 'Kit of the Month' that we'll create a couple of layouts from as well as a few cards. Then we'll have enough supplies left over for other craft projects you can create at home after the workshop.

As with all of our Workshop Kits, you have two purchase options, Basic and Best, based on your preference, personal style, and budget.

The Basic Kit includes the Topstitch Level 2 Paper Packet, My Acrylix Stamp Set 'Love is in the Air', Mini-Medley Accents Colonial White Collection and the Workshop Guide that provides pictures, cutting diagrams and measurements! You pay only $29.95 plus shipping and tax!

The Best Option is the Basic Kit + Accessories and your cost is $39.40 plus shipping and tax!

The added accessories are our Dimensional Elements Hearts, Clear Sparkles, and Embroidery Floss Neutral Assortment. You'll have 4 beautiful 12 x 12 layouts, several gorgeous hand-made cards plus supplies left over for another project!

I'm so looking forward to this workshop! The pages and cards are beautiful and I already have my pictures selected for these layouts.

Jenn

'Notice the Details' December Stamp of the Month!

'Notice the Details' is a great set of 41 stamps that is the December Stamp of the Month!! It's item #D1378 and retails for $22.95 BUT you can receive it absolutely FREE with your $100 or more purchase!! Just take a look at the samples above of what you can create with this set! Available Dec 1-31, 2009. SHOP HERE!

$100 Grab Bag for ONLY $30 !! 50-80% Off Clearance Sale While Supplies Last !!!

Check out the list of items for AMAZING deals and to see what you can get for 50-80% off!!!

My Acrylix Stamp Sets

Scrapbook Kits

Paper Packs

Card Kits

My Stickease

Grab Bag

Coloring Pencils

Ribbon Rounds

Sassy Strands

My Accents Plus so much MORE!!

Only while supplies last!! So don't wait - shop online at http://jenniferlee.myctmh.com/

to take advantage of this great sale before December 17th - these items won't last long at these very low prices!

Happy Shopping,

Jenn

Charms and Fat Quarters!!

I've discovered Charms and Fat Quarters!! And I'm so excited to get started on a couple of small projects for Christmas! I used to sew quite often, years ago, but haven't in quite some time. Sewing would always relax me and Jaime and Jessica would play with their toys on the floor in my sewing room until they fell asleep near my feet!! Sweet memories!


Well, Jessica began sewing a few months ago, using my old Singer, and is doing a great job! It sparked a seamstess fire in me, so I got my machine back out and am about to get some sewing done. And lucky ole' Jess got an early Christmas present from her sweet mother-in-law - her very first Singer Sewing Machine!! She's thrilled and I'm happy for her! She said to me, "Now we can have a sewing party, mama". Well, that just tickled me to death!


And to top it all off, we have a brand new JoAnn's! I had never been to one and of course, once I stepped thru the doors, I didn't leave until about 2 hours later!! Don thinks that's so ridiculous! But I loved it - that's where I found the Charms and Fat Quarters! I'm so excited! They will work great for a couple of gifts I have in mind for my mama. I had made several Biscuit Pillows back in the day when I was sewing regularly and she mentioned last week how she thought those were so nice, so she's getting her own special one for Christmas along with a little semi-quilted lap throw! The fabrics in the charms pack and the quarters pack are so like my mother - dainty, soft, old fashioned and pretty! Her favorite color is yellow and she loves flowers so I know she'll like it.

I plan to start tomorrow afternoon and possibly have it complete this weekend so I'll be sure to post some pictures! I'm so excited!

Jenn

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7)

My Little Halloween Sweethearts!!

Kameron was a little monkey! Getting a Halloween costume for Kam was an quite an experience, says his mom, Allie!! He DID NOT like the costume store at all. Kam made a precious little monkey!

Mr. Scaredy Cat Nicholas dressed as a Skeleton! He got mad at Mammy because I didn't tell him who my secret treat-giver was going to be! And he was all dressed up in a 'scarey man's' costume!! Nick finally calmed down and sat next to 'cousin Colby' (my surprise treat-giver!) and helped him hand out candy the rest of the evening!! He had more fun doing that than going 'Trick or Treating' himself!

Cooper dressed as a skeleton as well and he didn't like Mammy's treat-giver either! But once his daddy picked him up, he was fine with the 'scarey-man'! Trick or treating didn't really appeal to him - he actually fell asleep!


And little Miss Madalyn was a pretty fairy!! She actually had a cute head piece also and did fine wearing it, but it came off when everyone was passing her around! She was so busy crawling around, that I kept missing getting a shot of her sweet little face!

Such precious Grandchildren! They bring so much joy to me and Papa!

It's Stampaganza Time - November 3rd - 30th

Stamp lovers rejoice! Whether you're a long- time fan of stamps or are just venturing into this fun hobby, now is the perfect time to grab some My Acrylix decorative stamp sets. From November 3rd-30th, 2009, when you make a purchase of any two stamps sets (sizes A, B, C, D, or E) at full retail price, you will receive a third stamp set of your choice for FREE! (equal or lesser value- a savings up to $22.95). Choose from any stamp set offered in any of the 2009 Idea Books or current product review!


Take advantage of this month's great offer and add to your assortment of these innovate stamps!

Jenn

Christmas CD Packaging!

These quick and easy gifts were a big hit last year at Christmas! I used all Close to my Heart products plus the Music Makeover template designed by Lauren Meador that I purchased from PaperTrey Inc. It's the ideal creative packaging for giving special gifts from custom made picture CDs, favorite music CDs, hot chocolate packets, etc! I made the packaging for custom Christmas Music CDs for our PR staff to give to nurses in our referring clinics as little Christmas 'Happies'. They were well received!

I actually did all the cutting of the templates that I had printed onto our awesome cardstock, the stamping, the embossing and assembling them in my daughter's hospital room the night she delivered Little Madalyn Claire on December 22nd! I had already printed the templates out and gathered my stamps, ribbons and tools to finish them up for delivery on Christmas Eve Day BUT Madalyn decided to make her entrance! I've been blessed to get to spend that first night in the hospital with Jessica after she delivered both the boys so she said we couldn't break tradition - So I worked from the little rolling dinner tray in her hospital room and finished them up!! Of course, this caught the attention of all the nurses that came in through the night! I had done the first bach (20 of them) at home already and finished the other 20 there at the hospital! Definitely won't wait until the last minute again!

I hope you enjoy my photos - it was actually pretty dark in here tonight when I took the snapshots of them so they're not very good pics - the boys had fallen asleep on their blanket pallets here in the den so I only had the lamp on!

Let me know what you think!!

Jenn

Cards made from the Twitterpated Paper Pack!

* I'm not creative at all and that's why I'm so appreciative of our 'How To' program books at Close To My Heart! They are jam packed with beautiful artwork as well as blueprints and detailed instructions to have you creating extraordinary cards you'll be proud to give away!

* BUT this time, I decided to wing it on my own, just to see if I could do it!! I took out my Twitterpated paper pack that I received at Leadership Conference this past summer and decided to take the advice of a sister consultant, Nichole by taking 1-2 pieces of cardstock, 1-2 pieces different B&T paper, coordinating inks, 1-2 stamp sets and a couple embellishments and give myself 30 minutes to create and assemble 2-3 original cards!! And I did it!! They're nothing extravagant, rather simple but I'm sure the recipients will enjoy just as well! I actually wanted to incorporate the Crystal Blue into the color scheme but I'm away from home on a business trip and that's the ONE ink pad I didn't have with me! YES, I brought along my AWESOME new rolling tote from CTMH !! It's a beautiful organizational piece and I take it with me on any trip I go on!! Keep it pretty packed too.

* Well, I hope you enjoy the cards! Hop on over to my CTMH web-site to view this Twitterpated Paper Pack and see the other gorgeous papers included in it. It's great for Fall pictures and just as soon as I can sit my family down outside in this beautiful weather we're having, I'll be able to finish the 2 page layout created with the Twitterpated Paper pack and a few embellishments - then I'll post those as well. You'll love the layouts! The guide with the blueprints and instructions is included in the Kit of the Month Kit along with embellishments and a B-size stamp set!

Jenn

Look at my Little Scrappin' Angel !!

I just had to share these photos of my sweet little grand-daughter, Madalyn, who is officially my newest scrapbooking partner!! Look at her drooling over the 'Magic Moments' paper pack from Close to my Heart!! She has great taste! Madalyn glanced up at me to see if it was ok to play with it because it looked so appetizing. Then when she saw what she thought was my approval, I get a big smile, and she grabs for it!! So precious!!

Jenn

Loving' the new Jingle Paperpack

I so enjoyed working with this Jingle Paperpack last night!! I like the traditional Christmas colors but this variation is so nice especially with the addition of Hollyhock and Blush, two of my favorite CTMH exclusive colors!!

With my Christmas music playing on my IPhone and a few of my PartyLite French Vanilla candles burning, I was inspired to get these sketches out of my head and into some artwork! I like how they came together and hope you enjoy them!

Supplies include:

Jingle Paperpack

Tulip, Creme Brulee, Juniper and Black inks

Clear Sparkles

Juniper Grosgrain Ribbon and
Embossing ink and white embossing powder

Very simple!!

Off to my day-job!!

Jenn

Getting the Holiday Spirit!!!

It's so nice to re-live precious moments thru my children being parents, that I experienced as a mother when they were little ones!! Jessica just called me after she took Nicholas to school and said "Isn't it a beautiful sight when they turn around to wave at you as they walk into the school?" I told her it definitely was! She said Nick had not been doing that but she of course waits until he gets in the building before driving away. Now he's turning and waving!! I loved her excitement. Of course, Kindergarten is a big thing for a 5 year old!! He'll go thru a couple different stages even this year but each are moments to treasure and capture in our hearts!! It's two-fold for me because Nick's my precious first grandchild and Jessica's still my sweet 'baby-girl'!!!

THEN, Jessica asked had I been outside yet this morning!! "It's the beginning of our favorite time of the year." The sun's peeking out, the air is light and crisp, cool even and it feels great! We so love this time of the year! Homecoming at school, hunting season begins, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years!!! All times shared with family! We're so blessed!! Thank you God, for family, for nature, the beautiful seasons that you orchestrate so wonderfully, and for the privilege of experiencing them!

Jenn

A Peek at my old art work!!

Since I haven't been able to squeeze in any craft-time as of late, I thought I would share a few pics of some of my ancient art work! I came across them as I was going through my scrapbooking supplies to hand down some to my daughter-in-law who has begun to scrapbook!

It was actually fun seeing these cards and remembering the inspiration I received from our monthly publication, back when it was called 'On the Dotted Line', as well as from past Idea Books.

These first two cards were my very first swap submissions back in 2001. That was so much fun but I was so nervous because I felt really intimidated by all the talented consultants!

Hope you enjoy!

Jenn

I'm so proud of Jessica! She was nominated and elected as PTO President at the K-2 Elementary School where Nicholas is in Kindergarten!! It was a total surprise and she felt so honored. She'll be great because she is so creative and loves working on projects for children. She's not much on speaking in front of a crowd so that was her first question, "Will I have to stand up in front of everyone at the meetings and speak??" !! The current president assured her that she wouldn't have to do that very much. So she accepted and brought home a box FULL of stuff related to her new role!!

This is goofy but Jessica and I both have a passion for notebooks (what I always called "tablets"!) and pens! We sometimes pick one up for each other whether we need a new one or not!! So of course, this occasion of being elected PTO President calls for a new notebook!! But I suggested to her that she get a View Binder this time so she can use her Close to My Heart scrapbooking supplies to create a nice cover and she thought it a great idea! This way, she can also advertise her new business since she will be having so many new contacts. How exciting for her! And Nicholas is excited to have mama doing some work at his school. She and my son Jaime actually built the homecoming float for the Pre-K last year when Nick was elected Homecoming King of the Kindergarten!! It turned out great and they were super-stars for a while!! So this will be fun for all of us as we love to be active in school related activities.

All of my girls are blessed to be stay-at-home moms. I pray they never take it for granted and I've told them to remember to thank God and thank their husbands for this privilege!

Well, I plan to get some paper crafting done today. I sketched out a few cards for Christmas and I'm going to incorporate our new Jingle paper packet and my new Christmas stamp sets that will be available in our new Autumn/Fall 2009 Idea Book! This new IB is absolutely awesome and I can hardly wait for it to go live so you too can have a chance to own some of the new stamp sets, paper packets and other new products!!

Home from California!!

Wow!! That’s all I can say!! Leadership Conference 2009 was simply incredible!

I’ve been home since last Monday night but went straight back to a very busy week at my day-job; that’s why I’m just now back to my blog!
Leadership was held in sunny Long Beach, California. I actually flew into San Diego a day prior and my gracious upline, Bren Yule, hosted me in her home the evening I arrived. Of course, I was in awe of her craft room!! It is fabulous! Bren challenged me to try something new every day so that first night, she treated me to an awesome dinner at her daughter and son-in-law’s restaurant, Harney Sushi!! That was definitely something new for me, actually incredible. I enjoyed several dishes I had never eaten before and the ambience was wonderful. We walked through some of the historic part of San Diego and I really enjoyed that! The weather was just right and Bren’s a great tour-guide! Then we went to a precious little scrapbook store on Thursday morning before we got on the road to Long Beach for the conference. The store was beautifully decorated and had tons of scrapbook and paper-crafting supplies. Of course, I’m pretty loyal to Close to My Heart products and supplies, but I DID purchase a cute little brown (chocolate) and pink (blush) organizer!! Lunch was on the deck of a quaint little place called Cody’s at La Jolla, CA where I enjoyed another new entrée while looking out at the Pacific Ocean !! It was a beautiful sight – actually breath-taking to me.

Thursday evening began this year’s Leadership Conference with a focus on artwork! We got a sneak peak at a new Workshops on the Go™ project along with new products from the Autumn/Winter 2009 Idea Book. You’re going to love it!! Our new products were introduced via a runway show featuring our founder & CEO, Jeanette Lynton, along with two fashion divas, VPs Kristine Widtfeldt and Monica Wihongi!! CTMH models walked the catwalk holding covers of each of the past Idea Books up through the NEWEST and the AWESOME Autumn/Winter 2009 Idea Book!! Included on the runway was a sampling of the hottest new products for fall !! New products were given away to many in attendance and each consultant received a newly redesigned Shoulder Tote!

The highly anticipated Autumn/Winter 2009 Idea Book was the show-stopping finale! The Idea Book, which had an ‘extreme makeover’ with a newly designed look and layout, was handed out to each Consultant in attendance!! The business classes taught at this year’s event were fun and informative and filled with other exciting announcements. Not to mention the fabulous fellowship and networking with fellow CTMH’ers!! It was an awesome week and I can hardly wait to get my hands on all my new products! My package actually came on Wednesday, filled with the bundles I purchased on Saturday of Leadership!! Attendees are able to purchase the new products in bundles while at conference and then they’re practically waiting on your doorsteps when you arrive home!! I’m telling you, you will love all the new stamp sets and paper packs!! I’ll be getting a display board prepared with some of the new products this week and plan to post pics toward the end of the week.

Although I had a wonderful time at Leadership Conference and spending time with Bren, it was also great to get home!! My little welcoming party included 3 little munchkins who were proud to see their Mammy!! I was feeling the love!! Little Madalyn learned to crawl while I was away so she was crawling up my legs a little, Cooper hunkered down on my left leg and Nick positioned himself under my right arm!! We sat like that for about an hour – they even sat through looking at some of my pictures and loved the videos I took of the take-off and landing of my plane! California was terrific and I had a great time, but it was even more wonderful to be back home and with my family!

So another week begins in less than 12 hours but things shouldn't be too hectic this week now that we’ve completed our Month-End Process; hence, the plan to get some artwork created with my new stuff!!! Did I tell you how much you’re going to love, love, love the new Idea Book and all the new products??!! Well, they’ll be available September 1st !! So stay tuned !!!

I’m sorry this was so long!! Just felt like I needed to catch up! I’ve missed blogging!

Jenn

Off to Leadership Conference in less than 12 hours !!!!!

Oh my gosh!! In less than 12 hours from now, I'll be boarding my flight for Leadership!! I've been counting down the days and it's finally here!! Can you tell I'm a little excited??!!

I'm all packed except for 2 clothing items and at the moment, I'm attempting to clean out my purse!! What a chore! I don't know why or how my purse gets so filled with so much STUFF but it drives me crazy. I don't know how all of this was even in there to begin with - don't think I could cram it back in now if I tried ! Crazy ~

I just finished gathering my supplies from the list Corp sent us of products to bring that we'll use for Crop Night and our Fall Create and Takes!! I had everything on the list except for 2 sizes of the Acrylic Blocks and I'm surprised because I really thought I had them all! Of course they could have gotten picked up by mistake after a workshop or something. I'm sure I can check them out from Corp or borrow from my terrific upline Bren who is graciously picking me up from the airport and hosting me in her home my first night in California as well as the night before I fly back home!! Thanks, Bren for your hospitality!!

I plan to take lots of pictures and will be posting daily (THAT'S the plan!). So stay tuned . . . .

Jenn

Quick & Easy Baby Shower Gift package

This was a simple last minute gift I whipped up using one of Lauren Meador's templates! I didn't do a lot of extra stamping or embellishments due to time constraint but it turned out alright and was well-received!

I used our Colonial White Textured cardstock for the base, Blush CS for the front and side panels, white ric-rac and a sticker strip from the Emporium - My Stickease pack that has the Sweet Leaf color in it (one of my very favorites!) that matches the green in the little sleeper.

Nothing fancy at all - actually only took about 30 minutes and that's from printing the template, cutting it out, ink-sponging the edges, adding the ric-rac and stick-ease and the flower with the Hollyhock brad. Quick and Easy!