Scrappy-Gram's Designs

Studio J Is Fun & Easy!

2012-02-15T12:52:00.002-06:00

Nothing is more fun than spending a cold Midwest winter day scrapbooking wonderful memories of activities with our girls into Studio J layouts!

Close To My Heart's online program, Studio J, has a wide variety of paper selections and embellishments. It makes everything easy, fun, and quick!

Just being able to put these memories into albums for our family members is such a rewarding feeling. I know the girls will treasure them forever as they grow up and browse their albums. It's so fun to hear their giggles and comments. "Remember when we ...?" Oh, yes. It's imprinted into my "mind albums" too!

Tips for growing and stretching out of your comfort zone: Remember to add your faith statements, Scripture verses, prayers, and wishes to your pages ... and scrapbook the challenging, sad, sorrow-filled, and rough times too. Your layouts will reflect your beliefs and values and be a testimony/Christian witness to your family for their future!

I hope you enjoyed a happy Valentine's Day! Jesus says, "Love each other as I have loved you." (John 15:12 NCV) I have a layout in the works to reflect the love of the Lord in my life.

God bless. He is always good all the time!

Calgon, Take Me Away ...

2012-01-24T23:29:00.002-06:00

Ahhhh ...
It wasn't a dream. For an entire week, DH and I were in a warm place in the Caribbean with a full measure of Vitamin D.
Getting away from the Midwest winter was a very good plan. We missed snow and ice storms.
Now we're back, chilled to the bone, using our fireplaces, and relying on the warm memories.
I have LOTS of photos to scrapbook, and beautiful locations to check off my bucket list! A favorite was Georgetown, Grand Cayman Island. Clean. Fun. Colorful. Friendly. Might just have to go there again.

Buy 9, Get #10 Free

2012-01-20T21:41:00.001-06:00

Close To My Heart's Studio J special in January is "buy 9 layouts, get the 10th free." I've been taking advantage of this and just placed my order for 20 layouts today. It's a great way to keep up with scrapbooking in a fun, easy way using the CTMH online program.

In the next 10 days, I have a feeling it'll be easy for me to create another set of 10 layouts too.

If this is a scrapbooking method that may appeal to you (especially to "catch up" with your memory books), check it out by visiting my business web site: http://janeehaas.myctmh.com

Click on the Studio J link in the left column and give it a try!

Happy New Year and My Bucket List Too

2012-01-05T12:05:00.001-06:00

DH and I rang in the new year at our friends' home -- and somehow we were able to stay awake to see the ball fall. That's quite a feat for us! We enjoyed a delicious meal, good wine, fun games, and lots of chatter.

I pray that your 2012 is full of God's blessings!

This past year I didn't have much time in my creative space, and I haven't posted any art for so long, but I hope that changes in the new year, 'cause I really miss getting sticky and inky!

Here are some of my favorite quotes:

Joy comes in our lives when we have something to do, something to love, and something to hope for. (Let's make that "someone to love and someone to hope for!") Remember the JOY acronym: Jesus, Others, Yourself.

How well God understands us and knows what is best for us at all times. Ephesians 1:8 TLB

A sense of humor can help you overlook the unattractive, tolerate the unpleasant, cope with the unexpected, and smile through the unbearable.

Smile! Laugh! Enjoy the present. It's God's gift to us!

I've started a 2012 bucket list ... and yes, exercising is on it, as is reading more books, but so are some more really FUN things to do! I'll post about it soon. What's on YOUR bucket list?

My Dear Friend, Wendy ...

2011-12-07T22:01:00.000-06:00

is Unforgettable.

She lived her life to the fullest.
She was "Jesus with skin on" to others.
She was one of the best teachers ever.
She laughed. She cared. She cried. She shared.
She walked her talk.
What an example Wendy was for me and others who knew her!

Cancer invaded her body. But cancer didn't rule or consume her.
Her love for her Lord, her family, her students, and her friends gave her life reason and purpose.

She's at perfect peace with Jesus now. Last week He called her to leave this earth and be with Him. Though sad for her family to lose her in this world, I'm so happy to know and to trust the promise Jesus gives to all who believe in Him:

"I am the resurrection and the life...he who believes in Me will live, even though he dies, and whoever lives and believes in Me will never die." (John 11:25-26) As a Christian, I trust God's promise that Jesus has prepared our heavenly home for us!

Two years ago when Wendy and her family visited us, we made cards together. She liked the Unforgettable papers and colors. I snapped this photo of her holding one of her cards. She's truly an unforgettable sister-friend.

Make Your Own Holiday Tags!

2011-12-07T12:46:00.001-06:00

I'm a busy elf making gift tags here! It's AMAZing how easy this is with the Close To My Heart products!
Email or phone me if you have questions or want to come and make tags with me at my big table!

Christmas and Winter Gift Boxes

2011-11-27T17:57:00.002-06:00

Friends liked the Thanksgiving treat boxes so much that I invited a group to create Christmas and Winter gift boxes and to get to know what FUN things they can make with the Art Philosophy cartridge and Cricut.

For my workshop, I pre-cut the first set of Cricut shapes for each person and made these "kits."

Participants brought their Cricuts and we made time to experiment with other designs too. We also learned how to use the Glitter Rub Ons and found out how pretty they are -- they'll be showing up on some gift tags for sure!

Here are two boxes and my easy tutorials from this afternoon's workshop:

Joy Joy Joy – Little Christmas Gift Box

1. Use Cricut to cut the gift box from cardstock (done for you).

2. Use bone folder to fold the box along the fold lines.

3. While box is flat, use adhesive to attach Christmas paper squares to front and back.

4. Stamp flower design (Olive ink) onto flower shape (cut from Cricut for you). Attach flower to box using a pop dot. Attach mini sparkle to the middle of flower.

5. Adhere ornament shape (cut from Cricut for you) to the punched scallop edged circle, allowing space to put ribbon through the hole at the top. Attach large Sparkle to center of flower.

6. Stamp “Joy” (Hollyhock ink) onto the small tag. Attach mini sparkles to the “O” in the Joys.

7. Refold the box to make its shape. Use Tombow or Bonding Memories adhesive (or any other strong-holding adhesive) to the narrow edge & attach it to the box side; hold firmly.

8. Bend small flaps at bottom of box in, then place adhesive along one of the larger flaps & hold firmly against the other large flap.

9. Attach ornament shape and “Joy” tag to the box handle with ribbon.

10. Fill with wrapped candies—chocolates, peppermints, small candy canes or lollipops, or any small treat.

You Warm My Heart – Little Winter Gift Box

1. Use Cricut to cut the gift box (done for you).

2. Use the bone folder to fold the box along the fold lines.

3. While the box is flat, use Bonding Memories or Tombow (or your favorite strong adhesive) to adhere the “Wonderland” striped paper across the top of the box. Make sure the printed words are right side up.

4. Adhere the dotted patterned paper to the box front.

5. Stamp the mug shape onto the ivory paper using the Crystal Blue ink. Then stamp the mug words onto the blue mug using the Desert Sand ink. Cut out the mug shape. Embellish with pearls for the marshmallows. Attach to the box front dotted paper with two pop dots.

6. Refold the box to make its shape. Use Tombow or Bonding Memories adhesive (or any other strong-holding adhesive) to the narrow edge & attach it to the box side; hold firmly.

7. Bend small flaps at bottom of box in, then place adhesive along one of the larger flaps & hold firmly against the other large flap.

8. Use the blue and/or sand ink to stamp “You warm my heart” onto the front and back of the tag. Cut the tag to round the bottom corners. Tie to the box handle and cut off string ends.

9. Tie the chocolate brown and the sheer ribbons to the box handle.

10. Fill with any warm treat—hot cocoa mix, cider mix, special tea bags.

enJOY! Blessed Advent. Come, Lord Jesus, come!

Thanksgiving Treat Boxes

2011-11-17T12:30:00.003-06:00

I'm so thankful for a morning of creative time!

I used the CTMH Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge to create these 5.5 inch treat boxes

for special teachers and children's caregivers.

They're filled with Hershey dark and Air Delight kisses.

I'm grateful for caring people in the lives of children,

and the theme is Gratitude at the Heart2Heart Challenges!

Be sure to check out all the creative entries there!

CTMH products used: A variety of Roxie, Splendor, Felicity, Twitterpated

and Kraft papers and coordinating inks;

dimensional star and heart die cuts; die cut tags;

Sparkles; You and Me ribbon, and markers.

Other: ribbon & raffia

Thanks for stopping by to look --

I've had quite a few months of being M.I.A.

from the creative table and blogging world.

If you've been praying for our family, just know how much I -- and we all -- appreciate that!

Happy and blessed THANKSgiving and THANKSliving!

Going to the Dogs

2011-09-30T11:34:00.003-05:00

Very simple, stamped & embellished cards to benefit local dog rescue groups ...

I used a variety of CTMH stamps & embellishments and others from H*L* too.

Save the dogs -- always check your local rescue groups! Always Adopt rather than Shop!

(Thanks, Marie, for letting me know you couldn't see the Picasa web album above ... it shows for me ... anyone else having trouble seeing it? Please let me know! )

Here are a few cards from the entire album:

H2H Challenge: A Stamped Sentiment

2011-09-26T04:00:00.002-05:00

Clear Card Front -- Art Philosophy Cricut layered flowers on Dimensional Scallop

Inside -- The Stamped Sentiment

(Before I added the mini brads inside)

It's "Sentiment challenge" time at Heart 2 Heart Challenges! We were challenged to use only a stamped sentiment and no other stamps on a project. Here's my clear acrylic card with the sentiment inside. If you know me, you know I just LOVE making clear acrylic cards in a CAS style.

I used all CTMH products:

Sentiment: "Flower Pot" D1409
Clear Acrylic Scalloped Card Base
Roxie CS
Felicity B&T
Art Philosophy Cricut flowers and Dimensional Scallop Die Cut
Ink: Hollyhock
Mini brads
Natural hemp
Liquid glass

Be sure to look at all the great paper art at Heart 2 Heart!

I've enjoyed being a guest design team member for the month of September. Thanks to Mary and all the DT members for having me share my paper art through H2H. I always love to see all your creative paper art work!

So glad you stopped by!

H2H Challenge: Three Different Cardstocks

2011-09-22T11:08:00.002-05:00

Here's my little gift box project using three different cardstocks (no patterned papers--that was HARD~!) for this week's Heart2Heart Challenge. Be sure to click on the link and see all the pretties the participants have created! What a creative group of peeps!

Aaron Booth's adorable little gift box inspired me. You can see it HERE.

This little box is going to be filled with Dove bites for our kind neighbor who gets our mail while we're away.

I used all CTMH products:
CS: Kraft, Twilight, and Sweet Leaf
Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge: Circles and Butterflies
Ink: Twilight
Stamp sentiment: Winter Wonderland's WOTG "Heartfelt Thanks"
Ribbon: "You and Me" kit
Sparkles
Liquid Glass
Natural Hemp
Bonding Memories Adhesive

other: small glue dots

Thanks for stopping by!

H2H Challenge: A Cricut/Die Cut Project

2011-09-12T05:00:00.000-05:00

It's a huge honor to be the guest member of the Design Team at Heart2Heart Challenges for September!

I chose to use the Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge (a wowzer of a new CTMH product!) to cut two different flowers and a round medallion shape to use on the top of the My Creations card box. (This box is also a new product in CTMH's Fall/Winter Idea Book).

The chipboard My Creations card box is a little larger than 4 x 6 inches, has a magnetic closure, and it's shown here holding a variety of coordinating 4 x 5.5 inch note cards. (You can see my Roxie cards HERE.) The designer box and cards will make a special gift for a very dear person's birthday!

I used all CTMH products:

Roxie Paper Packet
CTMH My Creations card box
Kraft color ready border
Pewter Filigree charm
Crocheted ivory ribbon
Dimensional Element banner
Stamps: Celebration set
Inks: Tulip, Desert Sand
Sparkles
Decorative Pin
Bonding Memories Adhesive

{Two colors of Cricut-cut flowers; third flower is a "bud" I cut freehand and rolled. Each has a Sparkle in the center. The bud's tiny sparkle doesn't show very well in the photo.}

Thanks for visiting and for leaving your comment! Happy chirping!

H2H Challenge: Favorite Color Combo

2011-09-08T08:45:00.000-05:00

The Heart2Heart Challenge this week is to choose and use our favorite colors in a paper art project.

It's SO HARD to choose! I can't think of any color that I don't like!

Lately I've been using a lot of the colors in the Sophia, Wonderland, and the Roxie packets. So I thought about a color combo that makes me feel so peaceful and happy. That would be the colors in the Felicity Collection! Maybe I like them because they take me way back to the 1970s when we were first married, when we had an orange/olive/brown color scheme going through our first home, and when we traveled from coast to coast and sang "This Land Is Your Land" almost the entire way! (Uh, oh, now you know I'm ancient!) Part of me likes them because of their rich, warm, Autumn hues.

Side view:

Here's my CTMH clear acrylic card with these favorite colors and products:

Autumn Terracotta
Barn Red
Desert Sand

(I used the Autumn Terracotta Ink and the leaf stamp from the Art Philosophy Cricut Collection to stamp onto the Kraft Paper leaves. I used Barn Red Ink for the "Love" on the canvas button and for the inside sentiment.)

Felicity Papers
Clear Acrylic Card base
Kraft Paper
Art Philosophy Cricut-cut leaves
Canvas button
Natural hemp
Liquid Glass
Foam Squares
Barn Red Marker
Celebration stamps (sentiments)

Be sure to see all the great favorite color combos that Heart2Heart is showcasing HERE!

Glad you stopped by!

Sophia Cards

2011-08-31T12:15:00.000-05:00

Sophia Paper Packet colors are right at the top of my favorites!

These are samples of some of the 4 x 5.5 inch blank note cards I've been creating for the Best Friends Furever benefit. I'd consider these CAS (clean and simple) -- it seems to be my style.

I used a variety of stamps ... (three from CTMH and one Clear Stamp--and yes, there is a huge difference when it comes to clear acrylic stamps; CTMH cannot be topped!) ... and embellishments from my stash. Sometimes I even dig into my sewing box for some pretties!

Thanks for visiting! Hope your week is going GrEaT!

Roxie Cards

2011-08-30T11:41:00.000-05:00

Here's just one of the dozen cards I made using the Roxie Workshop on the Go papers, stamps (and a few other stamps too), and black hemp.

I'm lovin' Roxie! It can definitely be girlie or guy-like!

Here's the slideshow of all 12 cards and the stamped envelopes.

Glad you stopped to visit! Happy week, happy scrappin'!

Wonderland Clear Card - H2H Challenge

2011-08-24T13:22:00.002-05:00

For the "CASE" Heart2Heart challenge this month, I chose to CASE Pamela O'Connor's pretty circle card shown here with the cute giraffe:

Thanks for your inspiration, Pamela! I love all your paper patterns and elements!

At the top of my post is my simple winter version using a CTMH clear acrylic card and the Wonderland WOTG papers and stamps (mittens and sentiment). It's definitely "mind over matter" here as I scrap in 102 degree heat -- today's heat index is 114 degrees! The AC feels great set at 81!

First I ran the clear card through the Cuttlebug to emboss snowflakes on its front.

I cut the snowflake using CTMH's Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge. A Jingle brad holds the mittens onto the snowflake. Inks are Cocoa and Twilight. I "stamp-rolled" the canvas button to show yet another snowflake.

I LOVE clear cards & will be selling this one, along with others, at a September benefit at Purina Farms in Gray Summit, Missouri for a dog rescue mission.

Thanks for visiting my blog! Happy scrapping!

A Wonderland Trio

2011-08-23T18:22:00.004-05:00

Wonderland is one of the new paper packets in Close To My Heart's new Fall/Winter Idea Book. It has beautiful, peaceful blues, browns, whites, and lavenders in its packet, and for these cards, I used the papers in the Workshop On The Go (WOTG), along with Twilight and White Daisy inks. (Click photo to enlarge.)

These are quick, clean, and simple cards basically using blocks of colored papers and a few embellishments. I cut the snowflakes from white cardstock using the new Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge available from CTMH--one of the exciting new products in the new Fall Idea Book!

I like to stamp the inside of the card and the envelope to coordinate ... two examples are here. Be artsy and let your stamps "float" off the paper. I usually like to use uneven numbers of objects when designing too.

Dimension can be created so many ways yet be fun and simple: Here I layered papers, inked edges of papers, and used foam squares behind die cut objects to make them pop off the base paper.

It was fun to work with snowflakes and cool colors on this 102 degree day in the Midwest!

DH told me I should go jump in the lake when I finished ... so I did!

CTMH products I used:
Wonderland WOTG papers
Twilight and White Daisy inks
Art Philosophy snowflakes
Sparkles (circles and squares)
Jingle big brad
Liquid Glass
Stamps:
Wonderland Stamp Set (WOTG)
Jingle Borders
Christmas Scripts

What's Your Dream?

2011-08-10T21:31:00.001-05:00

Ta Da!

Presenting Tresa Black's award-winning album from the recent Close To My Heart convention in L.A.

What a creative artist she is, and what a message she packed into this very special project!

You can see more of her art and her tutorials HERE.

So, what's your dream? Is it the same or different each day?

How have some of your dreams been fulfilled?

Here's one of my favorite quotes about dreams and dreaming:

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." -- Eleonor Roosevelt

Fall Felicity Layout

2011-08-07T14:16:00.001-05:00

It was fun to use the Felicity papers for this Fall memory book layout -- after I get a 5 x 7 and two 4 x 6 photos taken, I'll also add hidden journaling tabs behind the photo spaces.

(Truly, I'm not wanting to rush Fall! Though, not to my surprise, all the stores have Halloween and Christmas items on the shelves already. Puhleeeeeze, people, don't rush the calendar or ME! I'm still enjoying summer, and it goes all too swiftly! School resumes in our district on August 17. I'm "old school" and resist doing anything school-related until AFTER Labor Day! When I see those big yellow buses on the road, my heartstrings get pulled and I need a tissue or two. Whatever happened to a fun summer full of outdoor & indoor creative activities?!)

This is my first playdate with the Cricut and the new CTMH Art Philosophy cartridge -- I'm "hooked" on this Cricut fun!

Recipe:
CTMH Felicity paper packet
CTMH colonial white, Kraft, Barn Red, and (other) orange CS
CTMH Kraft border
Cricut cartridges: CTMH Art Philosophy; Jubilee Celebration (title)

Have a great new week!

Playtime with Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge

2011-08-06T11:42:00.002-05:00

Just a quick post this morning to say "If you love to scrapbook and/or papercraft in any way, shape, or form, you're going to LOVE LOVE LOVE the Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge!"

It's available through Close To My Heart -- a new product in the Fall/Winter 2011 Idea Book!

Take a look at it HERE, and you can browse the new Idea Book too!

I'm working on Fall & Winter paper projects as I keep cool in the A/C.

Yesterday we got an inch of rain, thank God! -- the first precipitation in our area in more than a month. The gardens and trees are looking so happy!

Enjoy your weekend, and craft your heart out!

FREE Bonus Stamp Set in August!

2011-07-31T14:32:00.000-05:00

Extra! Extra!

Close To My Heart's August 2011 Constant Campaign

In celebration of our newly updated Stamp of the Month program, we're throwing in a little something extra: a FREE bonus stamp set!

In August, when you place an order of $50 or more in products and purchase the August Stamp of the Month set, Wicked, for just $5/$5.50, you’ll receive the My Acrylix^® A Typeface A-size set FREE (a retail value of $6.95/$7.75).

Think of this as two promotions in one—qualify for and purchase the discounted August Stamp of the Month set and we'll throw in a second stamp set FREE! It's Extra! Extra!

Offer valid August 1–31, 2011

Call or email me for more info or if you have questions!

Art Philosophy Cartridge Collection for Cricut

2011-07-31T07:16:00.001-05:00

INTRODUCING THE NEW CRICUT^® ART PHILOSOPHY COLLECTION

CRICUT^® CARTRIDGE CREATIVITY

Close To My Heart is happy to introduce the exclusive Cricut^® Art Philosophy collection! We’ve worked with Provo Craft^* to bring you a Cricut^® cartridge filled with 700 shapes hand-selected by company founder and CEO Jeanette Lynton.

Simply insert the cartridge into your Cricut^® machine (sold at retail stores) and you’re ready to cut any of the shapes with the touch of a button! Choose from stunning rosettes, unique gift boxes, elegant doilies, crafty banners, and more. The exclusive images are incredibly versatile, and many are designed to be used with specific My Acrylix^® stamps for real eye-popping power!

The CARTRIDGE & Much MORE

Bring your artwork to life with stamps and chipboard Dimensional Elements! When you purchase the Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge, you’ll also receive three exclusive D-size stamp sets and three sets of Dimensional Elements designed to perfectly coordinate with images on the cartridge. That’s a retail value of over $120 for just for $99! Stamp on your Cricut shapes; cover your Dimensional Elements with a Cricut shape; or cut, stamp, and then cover!

COMPLEMENTARY STAMP IMAGES

Numerous My Acrylix^® stamp images in our Idea Book coordinate perfectly with images on our Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge. When you see the Cricut icon or a stamp image outlined in red in the Idea Book, you'll know there’s a matching shape on your Art Philosophy cartridge. Cut out the coordinating shape with your Cricut machine using the setting indicated on the stamp’s carrier sheet, then stamp your image on the base shape—quick and easy!

GET YOURS TODAY!

Contact me to order your Cricut^® Art Philosophy collection (Z1686) today (available August 1, 2011).

Last Day for Retiring CTMH Items!

2011-07-30T19:54:00.001-05:00

The following CTMH products are being retired -- they are available only through July 31, 2011.

That's just ONE MORE DAY, friends!

Check the list below!

Please note that the 24 packs of cardstock

will only be available in a few certain colors after July 31st.

Cardstock that is now $9.50 will be going up to $14.95 for 24 sheets.

White Daisy, Colonial White and Kraft Cardstock will still be $9.50 after July 31st.

The six packs of ink pads and the markers with a price break for buying six

will no longer be available after July 31st.

Visit MyCTMH Website Online Shop and do a search for the item #s to see pictures of a product below.

Contact me and ask me about my exclusive offer now through July 31, 2011 on retiring products!

My Acrylix Stamp Sets

B1313	Merry Pursuits
B1319	Four Seasons
B1325	Welcome Baby
B1333	Merry Monsters
C1292	Tropical Christmas
C1318	Best Wishes
C1324	Spooky Smiles
C1328	Festive Frills
C1333	Spooky Night
C1340	Aspiration
C1342	Damask Tiles
C1350	Dainty Thoughts
C1353	Gear Up
C1354	Robot Power
C1361	Buttoned Together
C1362	You're a Hoot
C1366	Fringed Phrases
C1371	Holiday Jingle
C1372	Grateful Hearts
C1373	In the Game—Hockey
C1374	Spellbound
C1375	In the Game—Football
C1376	Stocking Style
C1377	Christmas Story
C1378	Heartfelt Christmas
C1380	Judiac Commentary
C1381	Card Chatter—Thank you
C1384	Neighborhood
C1386	Boys at Play
C1387	Playin' Hard
C1391	Embrace Life
C1394	Candlelight
C1398	Love You Forever
C1402	In the Month of January

C1406	Hit the Spot
C1421	The Boo Crew
C1428	Ice Crystals
C1430	In the Month of September
C1431	In the Month of October
C1432	In the Month of November
C1433	In the Month of December
C1434	School Rules
D1166	Vintage Christmas
D1171	New Fallen Snow
D1177	No Peeking
D1224	Holiday Joy
D1225	Jingle Borders
D1226	Magical Season
D1243	Peace on Earth
D1244	Snow Friends
D1257	Make It Count
D1258	Friendship Word Puzzle
D1265	Gracious Greetings
D1266	Baby Steps
D1280	Spot on Backgrounds
D1299	Thoughtful Seasons
D1305	Gloria
D1315	Evergreen
D1317	Feathery Flakes
D1319	Creepy Cobwebs
D1324	Christmas Melodies
D1326	Season of Splendor
D1332	Boutique Borders
D1333	Wishing Star
D1335	Intrinsic Backgrounds
D1339	Moments in Time
D1347	Confidential
D1349	Be Yourself May

D1350	Tender Tags
D1352	It's Your Day
D1354	Endless Friendship
D1355	Gracious Greeting—French
D1356	Gracious Greetings—Spanish
D1359	Comments
D1363	Picture Perfect
D1365	True Happiness
D1366	Holiday Trinkets
D1369	Delightful Things
D1370	Welcome Home
D1371	Many Thanks
D1372	Grown with Love
D1374	Ms. Holiday Cheer
D1375	Treasures September
D1376	Holiday Warmth
D1379	Flourished Blessings
D1380	Just for the Holidays
D1381	Beware
D1382	Holiday Hoopla
D1383	Santa's List
D1385	Good Work
D1393	Flourished Blessings—French
D1395	Flourished Blessings—Spanish
D1406	True Friends
D1416	State of Mind
D1421	Cherish the Moment
D1422	Wonderful Friend
D1423	Happy Forever
D1424	Something Splendid
D1428	Happy Journey
D1433	My Game
D1439	Spook Alley
D1450	Beautiful Day

Papers

X7131A	Sophia Level 1 Kit
X7136A	Mayberry Level 1 Kit
X7137A	Lucky Level 1 Kit
X7138A	Fanfare Level 1 Kit
X7135A	Wings Level 1 Kit
X7135B	Wings Level 2 Paper Packet
X7135C	Wings My Stickease® Assortment
1395	8 1/2" x 11" Vellum Paper
1225	Sunny Yellow Cardstock
1235	KeyLime Cardstock
1240	Sunkiss Yellow Cardstock
1241	Dutch Blue Cardstock
1242	Sunflower Cardstock
1243	Goldrush Cardstock
1248	Vineyard Berry Cardstock
1270	AutumnTerracotta Cardstock
1271	Buttercup Cardstock
1274	Holiday Red Cardstock
1276	Ponderosa Pine Cardstock
1282	New England Ivy Cardstock
1284	Indian Corn Blue Cardstock
1285	Heavenly Blue Cardstock
1291	Smokey Plum Cardstock
1292	Crystal Blue Cardstock
1293	Moonstruck Cardstock
1295	Lilac Mist Cardstock
1296	Spring Iris Cardstock
1299	Baby Pink Cardstock
5571	Grey Wool Cardstock
5573	Grey Flannel Cardstock
5590	Pansy Purple Cardstock
X5630	Taffy Cardstock
X5631	Amethyst Cardstock
X5635	Topiary Cardstock
X5637	Barn Red Cardstock

X5638	Garnet Cardstock
X5640	Blush Cardstock
X5644	Brown Bag Cardstock
X5645	Parchment Cardstock Cardstock
X5667	Petal Cardstock
X5668	Honey Cardstock
X5682	12" x 12" Spring Harmony Cardstock Combo Pack
X5684	12" x 12" Autumn Harvest Cardstock Combo Pack
X5685	12" x 12" Winter Classic Cardstock Combo Pack
X5686	12" x 12" Basics Antique Cardstock Combo Pack
X5687	8 1/2" x 11" Spring Harmony Cardstock Combo Pack
X5689	8 1/2" x 11" Autumn Harvest Cardstock Combo Pack
X5690	8 1/2" x 11" Winter Classic Cardstock Combo Pack
X5691	8 1/2" x 11" Basics Antique Cardstock Combo Pack
X5698	12" x 12" Autumn Garden Cardstock Combo Pack
X5700	12" x 12" Basics Timeless Cardstock Combo Pack
X5703	8 1/2" x 11" Autumn Garden Cardstock Combo Pack
X5705	8 1/2" x 11" Basics Timeless Cardstock Combo Pack
X5751	Sorbet Cardstock
X5752	Juniper Cardstock
X5753	Tulip Cardstock
X5754	Crème Brulee Cardstock
X5755	8 1/2" x 11" Spring Blossom Cardstock Combo Pack
X5756	12" x 12" Spring Blossom Cardstock Combo Pack
X5757	Gypsy Cardstock
X5758	Sunset Cardstock
X5759	Pacifica Cardstock
X5760	Cotton Candy Cardstock
X5761	Sky Cardstock
X5762	Lagoon Cardstock
X5763	Smoothie Cardstock
X5764	Pear Cardstock
X5765	12" x 12" Summer Carnival Cardstock Combo Pack
X5766	12" x 12" Summer Celebration Cardstock Combo Pack
X5767	8 1/2" x 11" Summer Carnival Cardstock Combo Pack

X5768	8 1/2" x 11" Summer Celebration Cardstock Combo Pack
X5800	12" x 12" Winter Cozy Cardstock Combo Pack
X5801	8 1/2" x 11"Winter Cozy Cardstock Combo Pack
X7127A	Magnifique Level 1 Kit
X7127B	Magnifique Level 2 Paper Packet
X7127C	Magnifique Level 2 My Stickease^®Assortment
X7128A	Olivia Level 1 Kit
X7128B	Olivia Level 2 Paper Packet
X7128C	Olivia Level 2 My Stickease^®Assortment
X7129A	Hooligans Level 1 Kit
X7129B	Hooligans Level 2 Paper Packet
X7129C	Hooligans Level 2 My Stickease^®Assortment
X7130A	Mistletoe Level 1 Kit
X7130B	Mistletoe Level 2 Paper Packet
X7130C	Mistletoe Level 2 My Stickease^®Assortment
X7132A	Bliss Level 1 Level 1 Kit
X7132B	Bliss Level 2 Paper Packet
X7132C	Bliss Level 2 My Stickease^® Assortment
X7133A	Miracle Level 1 Kit
X7133B	Miracle Level 2 Paper Packet
X7133C	Miracle Level 2 My Stickease^®Assortment
X7134A	Sweetheart Level 1 Kit
X7134B	Sweetheart Level 2 Paper Packet
X7134C	Sweetheart Level 2 My Stickease^®Assortment
Z1021	2 1/2" x 3 1/2" Envelope Flats (10)
Z1022	3" x 3" Envelope Flats (10)
Z1023	3" x 4 3/4" Envelope Flats (10)
Z1024	4" x 4" Envelope Flats (10)
Z1025	5" x 5" Envelope Flats (10)
Z1026	5" x 7" Envelope Flats (10)
Z1027	5 1/2" x 4 1/4" Envelope Flats (10)
Z1028	6" x 6" Envelope Flats (10)
Z1029	8" x 3 1/2" Envelope Flats (10)
Z1244	4 3/4" x 4 3/4" Envelope Flats (10)

Accessories

Z1289	Block Buddy®
Z1055	Dimensional Elements Monograms "A"
Z1056	Dimensional Elements Monograms "B"
Z1057	Dimensional Elements Monograms "C"
Z1058	Dimensional Elements Monograms "D"
Z1059	Dimensional Elements Monograms "E"
Z1060	Dimensional Elements Monograms "F"
Z1061	Dimensional Elements Monograms "G"
Z1062	Dimensional Elements Monograms "H"
Z1063	Dimensional Elements Monograms "I"
Z1064	Dimensional Elements Monograms "J"
Z1065	Dimensional Elements Monograms "K"
Z1066	Dimensional Elements Monograms "L"
Z1067	Dimensional Elements Monograms "M"
Z1068	Dimensional Elements Monograms "N"
Z1069	Dimensional Elements Monograms "O"
Z1070	Dimensional Elements Monograms "P"
Z1071	Dimensional Elements Monograms "Q"
Z1072	Dimensional Elements Monograms "R"
Z1073	Dimensional Elements Monograms "S"
Z1074	Dimensional Elements Monograms "T"
Z1075	Dimensional Elements Monograms "U"
Z1076	Dimensional Elements Monograms "V"
Z1077	Dimensional Elements Monograms "W"
Z1078	Dimensional Elements Monograms "X"
Z1079	Dimensional Elements Monograms "Y"
Z1080	Dimensional Elements Monograms "Z"
Z1125	Designer Ribbon Rounds™ Sweet Leaf Collection

Z1140	Dimensional Elements Framed Fun
Z1154	Designer Ribbon Rounds™ Buttercup Collection
Z1156	Dimensional Elements Borders
Z1209	Designer Ribbon Rounds™ Cranberry Collection
Z1211	Top Coats™ Framed In
Z1223	Dimensional Elements Booksmart
Z1231	Across the Board Rub-Ons
Z1243	Mini-Medley Accents Pewter Collection
Z1265	Primavera Rub-Ons
Z1277	Mini-Medley Accents Outdoor Denim Collection
Z1312	Dimensional Elements Stars
Z1339	Mini-Medley Accents Pear Collection
Z1340	Mini-Medley Accents Lagoon Collection
Z1354	Irresistibles™ Miracle
Z1357	Sophia Level 2 Journaling Spots
Z1377	Kraft Color-Ready Borders
Z1390	Irresistibles™ Villa
Z1141	My Creations^® 3-Ring Binder
Z1166	3" x 3" Cream Mini Album
Z1550	Exclusive Inks^® Spring Harmony Marker Set
Z1552	Exclusive Inks^® Autumn Harvest Marker Set
Z1553	Exclusive Inks^® Winter Classic Marker Set
Z1554	Exclusive Inks^® Basic Antique Marker Set
Z1557	Exclusive Inks^® Autumn Garden Marker Set
Z1559	Exclusive Inks^® Basic Timeless Marker Set
Z1560	Exclusive Inks^® Spring Harmony Stamp Pad Set
Z1562	Exclusive Inks^® Autumn Harvest Stamp Pad Set
Z1563	Exclusive Inks^® Winter Classic Stamp Pad Set

Z1564	Exclusive Inks® Basic Antique Stamp Pad Set
Z1567	Exclusive Inks® Autumn Garden Stamp Pad Set
Z1569	Exclusive Inks^® Basic Timeless Stamp Pad Set
Z1570	Exclusive Inks^® Spring Blossom Stamp Pad Set
Z1571	Exclusive Inks^® Spring Blossom Marker Set
Z1572	Exclusive Inks^® Summer Carnival Marker Set
Z1573	Exclusive Inks^® Summer Carnival Marker Set
Z1574	Exclusive Inks^® Summer Celebration Stamp Pad Set
Z1575	Exclusive Inks^® Summer Celebration Marker Set
Z1600	Exclusive Inks^® Winter Cozy Stamp Pad Set
Z1610	Exclusive Inks^® Winter Cozy Marker Set
Z185	My Acrylix^® Block Organizer
3501	Red Eye Pen
Y1001	1" x 1 1/2" My Acrylix^® Block
Y1004	2 1/2" x 2 1/2" My Acrylix^® Block
Y1005	1" x 6 1/2" My Acrylix^® Block
Y1007	2" x 11" My Acrylix^® Block
Y1008	4" x 4" My Acrylix^® Block
Y1011	4 1/2" x 6 1/2" My Acrylix^® Block
Y1500	My Acrylix^® Starter Block Kit
Z1009	Pivot Point Stapler
Z1090	Foam Brushes
Z263	Fun Flock White
Z647	Embossing Powder Heavenly Blue
Z648	Embossing Powder Baby Pink
Z664	Embossing Powder Pansy Purple
Z671	Embossing Powder Clear
Z678	Embossing Powder Silver Pearl

National Stamping Month!

2011-07-30T08:00:00.002-05:00

National Stamping Month

August-September Constant Campaign

To celebrate National Stamping Month in September, we are offering our first-ever double stamp set! You can get the exclusive My Acrylix^® Pair-a-Phrase double stamp set FREE when you place an order of $75 US / $82 CAN from August 15 through September 30, 2011. You'll love this double set—two D-size sets in one envelope—which includes lots of clever phrases and coordinating images you'll use in your handmade cards all year long. The double set has a retail value of $35.90/$39.90, which drastically increases the value of your qualifying purchase! Have double the fun stamping during National Stamping Month with our new Pair-a-Phrase double stamp set!

Email me to order or if you have questions: janehaas7[at]gmail[dot]com
Or order online HERE!

Heart 2 Heart Challenge: Doily and Lace

2011-07-24T18:34:00.001-05:00

The challenge at Heart 2 Heart this week is to use doilies and/or lace in our paper crafting.

For this 5 x 7 inch card, I chose the Close To My Heart Bliss papers, Find Your Style stamp set butterfly, Celebrate Life stamps, Opaque Pearls, Sheer Ribbon, and a white paper doily.

Though I haven't had much creative "me time" lately with grand-girls keeping us extra busy, I definitely wanted to enter this challenge, since I showcased this card for a recent workshop I held.

Hey, how do you like my lacey blog background?! Fits right in, doesn't it?

Skip over to the Heart 2 Heart blogsite to see many more gorgeous creations!

Happy new week, everyone!

Close To My Heart's CRICUT News!

2011-07-17T00:23:00.003-05:00

What goes together like bread and jam? Soap and water? Pizza and Pepsi?

The answer is: Close To My Heart and Cricut!

Great news from the recent CTMH Convention:

Beginning August 1, you can order the brand new "Art Philosophy" Cricut cartridge, an exclusive Close To My Heart product! Many of the images coordinate perfectly with dozens of our terrific stamp sets.

More than 700 images are on this cartridge and it comes with 3 stamp sets and three 9" x 12" chipboard sheets with coordinating shapes. WOO HOO! I can't wait to get mine!

Customers: August 1st is the magical date! Click HERE to look at the new Fall/Winter Idea Book and find the Cricut cartridge and many more new items! You'll LOVE what you see!

So go ahead and watch the video again -- imagine using this fantastic product for your scrapbooks, cards, and paper art items! More fun, lots simpler, and just plain FAST too!

Heart 2 Heart Surprise Award!

2011-07-10T13:50:00.002-05:00

What a nice surprise it was to find an email from Mary honoring me as one of the Top Ten H2H winners for the June "Love" theme -- you can read about it and see the entries HERE.

You can see my challenge entry post HERE.

Thank you, Heart 2 Heart Team! I've grabbed the H2H badge for my sidebar, and am thankful & proud to display it!

Close To My Heart friends, you are the BEST -- you all inspire me -- and you motivate me to become a better artist and to share this wonderful company with others!

I always enjoy seeing everyone's creative paper art and participating in the challenges when I can!

Have a WonDerFul new week, y'all!

July's Bang for Your Buck!

2011-07-06T17:46:00.003-05:00

During July, make a minimum purchase of $50 from the Close to My Heart Spring/Summer 2011 Idea Book and add a bonus item for only ONE BUCK!

You can choose from:
     1) Creative Basics Mistletoe (X5807)
                                    (retail value: $8.95),
     2) Creative Basics Animal Cookies (X5811)
                                    (retail value: $8.95),
     3) My Originals Bits & Pieces Card Kit (X8624)
                                    (retail value: $12.95),
     4) My Originals It's Your Day Card Kit (X8622)
                                    (retail value $12.95), or
     5) My Originals Around the Holidays Card Kit (X8623)
                                    (retail value: $14.95)

This "Bang for Your Buck" special is good while supplies last!

BTW, July is the last month to order from the Spring/Summer 2011 Idea Book. Our new Fall/Winter 2011 Idea Book will be available August 1. Now's your chance to place an order for your favorite papers, embellishments, and products!

The following Level 2 paper packs will be included in the new Idea Book, but all other Level 2 paper packs and coordinating accessories will retire. Get them while you CAN!

* Sophia
* Mayberry
* Lucky
* Fanfare

Call or email me at janehaas7[at]gmail[dot}com, or click HERE to order online!

A Miracle Birthday

2011-06-21T20:00:00.000-05:00

A very special lady will be celebrating her 95th birthday soon, God willing. Alma was my long-time alto-singing friend in our church choir, and though we don't sing side by side now, I'm always so happy to see her at church events and around town. She's a ball of energy and always has good news to share! Flowers and butterflies are two of her favorite things in God's creation. And she'll be the first to tell anyone that she wakes up saying, "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it!" She's just full of rejoicing!

My card recipe -- CTMH products:

Miracle papers
Stamps: Celebrate Life; From Me to You
Inks: Sweet Leaf; Olive; Crystal Blue
Miracle kit Irresistable Die Cut Flower
Foam squares

I stamped the butterfly in Crystal Blue, then I stamp-rolled its edges in Olive.
(Some days I just don't trust myself with the X-acto knife, so I didn't cut the space between the antennas--it would look better if I had!)

Other: Green sparkles; sheer ribbon; Verve Scripture stamp

So glad you stopped by! I hope I've inspired you even a teeny tiny bit! Blessings!

And the Blog Candy Winner Is ...

2011-06-19T09:53:00.000-05:00

Amy K from Michigan! She's a fairly new scrapbooker, and I hope she enjoys all the fun CTMH stuff!

After a ton of email entries and two blogsite entries, the random winner was picked by Little Princess last night.

Amy, your box of goodies is on its way to you tomorrow.

Thanks for playing, everyone, and happy Father's Day Sunday!

Hoppy Swing Card

2011-06-17T08:00:00.003-05:00

This is my second card for the H2H challenge this week -- click HERE to see my first entry.

Here's another example of background stamping and my second swing card design. This time I used three small stamps. I added Liquid Glass to fill the open-designed hearts.

The textured CS isn't quite as easy to stamp as is the smooth. But I do love the peachy color of the back of the CS!

It's been fun seeing everyone's creative cards with stamped backgrounds!

Card recipe: All CTMH products

Felicity paper packet
Olive CS
Inks: Olive, Sorbet
Stamps: Princess (D1115)
Olive marker
Hemp
Circle Window Charms
Adhesive backed Twill (yes, you can print from your pc and stamp on it!)
Liquid Glass
(I computer-printed "Happy Father's Day)

Happy weekend, everyone, and Happy Father's Day to all the dads!

World's Best Dad - Side Step Card

2011-06-16T09:00:00.003-05:00

front view

top view

and a side view to show you the three "steps" ...

Recipe with CTMH products:
Rustic Trail Level 2 paper packet (retired)
Rustic Trail Level 2 Stickease (retired; great product!)
Stamp sets: World's Best Dad; It's Your Day (gift box texture for canoe)
Inks & Markers: Chocolate; Dutch Blue
Big and Itty Bitty Pewter Brads
Foam squares

You can find a great Side Step Card tutorial HERE.

I noticed after photo'ing the card that I didn't hide that itty bitty fly lure's brad legs very well!

Thanks for stopping by!

Heart2Heart Challenge - Background Stamping

2011-06-15T11:05:00.005-05:00

I chose a bright and playful look for this week's challenge at Heart2Heart -- it's a card for a new young daddy. The "Happy Father's Day" sentiment is stamped on the envelope. A card like this could be used for just about any celebration!

For the tri-color background stamping on both sides of the cut CS, I used the heart, flower, and "I love you now & forever" circle stamps from the Sensational Seals. First I stamped the circle stamps; then I added the smaller stamps and simply kept rotating them all on the bright white CS.

I used the swing card (flip flap) design -- you can find a tutorial HERE.

Card recipe: (all CTMH products except the curly style gift ribbon I cut for lion's mane & tail)

Animal Cookies papers Level 2
Animal Cookies Stickease (red stripe behind lion)
Stamps: Life's A Jungle; Sensational Seals
Inks: Tulip; Sunflower; Clover Meadow
Square Window Charm
Foam Squares
Chocolate marker & watercolor pen (lion's nose)

Be sure to check out all the great background stamping techniques and beautiful cards at Heart2Heart!

Thanks for stopping by!

Follow Your Dreams

2011-06-14T09:00:00.003-05:00

A few scrap pieces of Bliss paper, some random stamping, and voila! Another easy card is done!

Recipe: CTMH products ...
Bliss paper packet Level 2
Shimmer Brad
You & Me Kit stamps
Grey Wool & Desert Sand inks

Flap Overlap Card

2011-06-12T08:34:00.004-05:00

For this card I used the "Flap Overlap" design from Jeanette Lynton's cardmaking book, Originals, page 21.

When I look for creative ideas, I turn to Jeanette's cardmaking and scrapbooking books. You can find them here. They make paper crafting so fun & easy! These books make wonderful gifts for any scrapbooking/cardmaking friends.

This card will be for a special couple's silver anniversary -- I may use Versamark ink and silver glitter to make the flourishes pop.

Recipe:
Colonial White CS (base)
Kraft CS
Bliss paper packet Level 2
Stamps from "You and Me" kit--flourish and celebrate
Inks: Grey Wool, Desert Sand
Designer Brads Shimmer
Itty Bitty pewter brads
Foam squares (under the Shimmer brad)
Scoring tool
(Sheer ribbon from The Ribbon Boutique)

Remember to enter to win some blog candy (new items are added to the box each day) -- just click on the photo on the right sidebar until June 18.

We've had a flurry of a new four-year-old's activities including a dance recital AND a swim party birthday celebration this weekend. A child's JOY in simple things such as a Polly Pocket or a pool "noodle" is so refreshing! After church today, I'm heading back to the pool for more fun. Today is our Strawberry Shortcake's actual birth day -- that just means more cake & ice cream!

Here's a peek at the cake complete with its "crumb coat", recycled candles, & four little mini friends:

Have a super Sunday -- happy Pentecost! God's force--the Holy Spirit--is with us as our Friend, Comforter, and Motivator!

Love! H2H Challenge

2011-06-08T18:00:00.004-05:00

How appropriate that this week's Heart2Heart challenge is wedding cards!

June is the most often-chosen month for weddings!

Be sure to visit H2H and see all the gorgeous cards

the participants have created!

I decided to play along by using

a Center Step Card design

and personalized it on the inside with

the couple's initials in lower case chipboards.

The letters are tied together with a ribbon

and tagged with "celebrate" and "happy day"

in a heavenly blue shade.

Recipe: CTMH Items

Bliss Paper Packet Level 2

Textured Colonial White CS

Color Ready Kraft Borders

Hemp

Sheer Ribbon

Stamps: Be Mine, You & Me

Inks: Grey Wool, Desert Sand

(Chipboard letters from The Paper Studio)

(Marvy Scalloped Oval Punches)

Thanks for looking!

Graduation Explosion Box

2011-06-06T17:00:00.001-05:00

My CTMH upline, Deb Butler (The Scrapping Buckeye Babes) shared this cool graduation explosion box tutorial via email!

I made one this morning, and adjusted the lid and cap dimensions a bit, and here's how it turned out--all ready for a gift card inside for a special grad.

1. Use one piece of 12 x 12 inch CS; score at 4.75 and 7.25 both directions.

2. Cut on all scored lines that lead from the outer edge to the middle square. You will form a cross shape. Save your cut-out pieces.

3. Use a favorite B&T paper for the inside mats. Cut each 2.25 x 4.5 inches and adhere to the four inside sections. I used the black patterned B&T from Fanfare. (The grad's colors are black, white, and red.)

4. Make the gift card holder by folding a 6.5 x 4.5 inch piece of coordinating CS, scored on the 2.25 and 4.5 inch marks, to be folded into thirds.

5. Cut a piece of CS a size depending on the stamp you wish to use. Here I used "congrats" from the Celebrate the Everyday stamp set. I used white CS and inked the edges in Cranberry, then adhered it to the middle section of the gift holder.

6. Use the circle punch to notch the top of the gift holder. Score across the bottom of the gift holder piece, then adhere, and trim the flap so the two edges are "notched torward the center" so the flap doesn't show; adhere to the middle square of the box.

7. Trim one of the squares you cut from the original CS piece to a 3.5 x 3.5 inch square. Score at the .5 inch mark along each side. Cut on the top flaps and the bottom flaps to the score line. Place adhesive on the outside of each "tab" and adhere each to the inside of the scored sides to form the "lid." (Hey, that B&T paper on the black VersaMat grid lines is makin' me a little DiZzY!!!) Keep scrolling ...

8. Trim another scrap into a 3.5 x 3.5 inch square for the mortarboard's flat piece. Mark the middle, pierce with the paper piercer, and attach with a Big Brad. I cut 5 strands of Sassy Strands 6 inches long, doubled them, created a tassle by tying them together, and then attached a short length of SS to attach around the Big Brad.

9. Add any embellishments you wish, such as the school's name or logo, the grad's name and date, or a printed photo or two.

10. Add a special gift card or cash and you're ready to GIVE this baby away!

Happy Graduation to all the grads out there!

Remember to click on my blog candy link (top right corner of my site) and enter to win some Close To My Heart products! I have even more items to add to the box ... some nice surprises!

I used:

CTMH products--Fanfare paper packet, Celebrate the Everyday stamp set, Cranberry Ink, Summer Carnival Sassy Strands, Big Black Brad

Other: ProvoCraft Alphabitties in Black, SRM AlphaSet in Red

TaDa! A Fanfare Card

2011-06-05T10:00:00.007-05:00

A special friend helped me in a huge way recently. I'm so thankful and blessed to have her in my life. This card is for her.

I used all CTMH products:

Fanfare paper packet
Lucky Stars stamp set
Cranberry ink
Heartfelt Whimsy Die Cuts (star, arrow, button)
Hemp
Foam squares

Let's hear it for Fanfare! The colors and patterns can be used in SO MANY ways!

I like to make the inside of cards pretty too -- with the CTMH coordinating papers, it's an easy thing to do. Some foam squares behind the yellow stars add a little dimension. Remember that you can surprise someone when he or she opens a card!

Do you think I should add an "I" on the front of the card before "Count my lucky stars"?

Here's the inside after I added some stitching inside the stars with the Cranberry marker.

And here's the stamped envelope! TaDa! I'm sure the mail carriers like to see some pretty stuff once in a while among all the bills and junk mail.

Thanks for visiting! Double thanks for leaving a comment!

Jane's Blog Candy Is Here!

2011-06-04T09:00:00.044-05:00

It's about time for some blog candy from ME!

Thanks to all my 20,000 plus visitors since I began blogging about Scrappy-Gram's Designs!

My blog candy box includes Close To My Heart products -- if you haven't used them, you'll love how they coordinate with everything!
The Sophia clear acrylic happy birthday card, ink pads, embellishments, a few stamp sets, and an assortment of papers and ribbons are included. I'm adding a few items each day!

Want to win?

1. Become a follower of my blog (or let me know in your comment that you already are).

2. Leave a comment for this post. Be sure to include your email address. Tell me what your favorite CTMH product is OR what your favorite Scrappy-Gram post has been so far.

3. Post a link to my blog candy (simply use my blog post title permalink: http://scrappy-gram.blogspot.com/2011/06/janes-blog-candy-is-here.html) on YOUR blog.

Help me get the word out! I LOVE CTMH and I LOVE all my visitors and commentors.

I'll have a winner randomly drawn on Saturday evening, June 18th and announce the winner in a new post.

Thanks for visiting --
Happy scrappin'!

Rolled Flowers on a Sophia Clear Acrylic Card

2011-06-03T12:00:00.001-05:00

I got to play a little while in my studio today!

Now I'm getting some items together for my June 2011 blog candy.

What a surprise! While I've been busy with family activities, my blog visitors have surpassed 20,000 -- wow! Watch for some sweet treats in the form of scrapping and cardmaking blog candy!

I used:
Close To My Heart acrylic scalloped card
Sophia paper packet
Bonding Memories adhesive
Hollyhock ink
Happy birthday stamp (CTMH)
CTMH pearls
Liquid Glass (to adhere rolled flowers & the pearls)
Sheer ivory ribbon

Thanks for stopping by, and if you're a commentor, DOUBLE thanks!

You & Me: Stronger Together

2011-06-02T21:00:00.002-05:00

“You & Me: Stronger Together” Storm Survivor Benefit Campaign

After many asked if there is something we could do to support those affected by recent severe weather in the US, and after many requests to extend the availability of the You & Me scrapbooking kit offered during the month of May, Close To My Heart has combined those two aims into a single campaign called You & Me: Stronger Together, to raise funds for the survivors of the severe storms that have pummeled the Midwest and Southern states.

During the month of June, order a You & Me kit for only $15 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 2011 Floods and Tornadoes relief operations. Simply use item number CC1012B to place your order for this sensational kit and help those in need at the same time.

The You & Me: Stronger Together campaign will continue until June 30 at 11:59 pm (MDT) or while supplies last. Supplies are very limited and this is expected to be a quick sellout!

Let's help the storm victims in this great way -- place your order HERE!

Studio J -- Free-For-All in June!

2011-05-31T21:00:00.001-05:00

Here's another Studio J two-page layout that took me fewer than 5 minutes to create! (Click image to enlarge.)

I used the pretty Sophia papers and a few of my favorite Easter photos of Ella and Beatrice, our precious grandgirls (3 yrs and 1 yr), in their Easter dresses.

During Close To My Heart's STUDIO J® FREE-FOR-ALL IN JUNE, everyone can receive ONE FREE Studio J® JPG file —- no purchase is required!

This is a GREAT way for you to give Studio J a whirl. If you haven't created scrapbook layouts online yet, you're gonna luv, luv, luv Studio J!

Here's what to do:

1. Log on to Studio J on my web site;

2. Create your two-page layout;

3. Then order one JPG file of your layout.

It’s as easy-ka-peasy as that!

Download and save your file so you can post your layout online, email it to
family and friends, or print the two pages for your memory book.

If you have a Studio J or a MyCTMH® account, just log in and start creating.

If you don’t have an account, creating one is easy. You can access Studio J
through my MyCTMH website HERE.

Discover how quick and simple scrapbooking can be with Studio J -- and -- get
your FREE JPG layout in Free-for-All June!

I've been using Studio J since CTMH introduced it, through a yearly membership, and I'm thrilled at how many layouts I've been able to create in such a short time. Not to brag, but--oh well--I WILL: I have our family memory albums all up to date! That is, until another wedding or another baby is born!

I hope you try Studio J! It's the bees knees of digi-scrappin'!

Free Shipping for Studio J Layouts

2011-05-31T09:52:00.012-05:00

It's the last day of May! We've heated up into the 90s here in Missouri, and what better way to stay cool than to be playing in water. The tiny tots in our lives are an added bonus. Ella and Beatrice had fun pouring water over my feet and everywhere else! I created this Studio J two-page layout last Sunday afternoon to remember these fun moments together with our grandgirls. (Click image to enlarge.)

Here's a quick reminder that if you're a Studio J member, be sure to create 4--20 two-page layouts and order before midnight tonight to receive FREE shipping!

The shipping for members is free each month for your four to twenty layouts! Don't miss out -- it saves you money for even MORE layouts in the future!

Want to know more about Close To My Heart's online scrapbooking program called Studio J?

* You can try this program FREE here!

* You can buy 5-packs to use for yourself or to give as gifts.

* You can become a Studio J member and receive many benefits including low cost, high quality pages and free shipping!

Once you're a member, all for the price of $6.50 you will receive:

* a high quality printed two-page 12" x 12" layout (that's a great deal at $3.25 per page)

* a web quality jpeg image of your layout (great for sharing on Facebook, on your blog, or via email. My layout image in this post is a web-quality jpeg layout)

* a high quality jpeg image of your layout for you to save on disk or to use to print more copies

Email or phone me if you are interested in learning more about Studio J. I'll schedule a Studio J hands-on session with you to show you the online program, great techniques, and I'll get you started creating a layout of your own.

You can also visit my CTMH web site, click on Studio J, create an account for FREE, and start using Studio J to see how fun, fast, and simple it is! Remember -- Learning and playing with Studio J is free!

If you decide to purchase a membership and purchase layouts, you can read about the cost on the Studio J site. Using Studio J is a great way to create layouts at home or while you travel, whether you're catching up on your memory albums or simply loving to create in a digital media!

Have you heard me say, "I love Studio J!" ? I know you will too!

Memorial Day 2011 at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery

2011-05-30T08:43:00.003-05:00

Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery
St Louis, Missouri
Photography by Jane
May 29, 2011

"Thank you" is not enough, but those are the words we say
to each man and woman
who served with commitment and honor
and gave the ultimate sacrifice
so that you and I might enjoy the freedoms we share.

Thank you.

More Fun with Studio J!

2011-05-29T21:11:00.007-05:00

I haven't had any time in my studio for more than a month ... lots of family activities happening here!

But this afternoon I played with Studio J and accomplished this easy layout in 5 minutes.

Whatta way to scrapbook when time is limited! Yay, Close To My Heart, for this great online program!

Want to find out more about Studio J and even give it a whirl for free? Click HERE!

Heart 2 Heart -- Sharing My Favorite Technique

2011-05-17T16:06:00.016-05:00

(double click to enlarge picture)

This week the H2H challenge is "Our Favorite Techniques" and it's exciting to see all the very special techniques the participants are using and sharing in their paper art!

I have SO MANY favorite techniques, and always appreciate learning new ones from my CTMH friends! So thank you, one and all!

I used the 3-D stamping technique to create this card for a teacher who is retiring after 40 years of teaching service! That long stretch in itself is so awesome, but in addition, he has served with DELIGHT and his students all know and appreciate that quality and commitment from him!

For a manly card, I chose Twitterpated papers and the chocolate and sorbet colors in addition to the touch of blue. I used the "Delight in Everything" CTMH stamp set. (Inside left, I used a Verve Scripture sentiment.)

To achieve a 3-D stamping effect, simply stamp first with the White Pigment ink. I stamped on the B&T paper oval. Let dry thoroughly. Clean the MyAcrylix stamps with a baby wipe. I used a hairdryer to ensure complete dryness.

Then stamp slightly off, for a shadow effect, with an ink color -- I chose Sorbet to go with the card's background color.

I chose not to stamp the stems twice, since I like them simple, the way they are in white.

To make the stamped flowers pop, I added itty bitty opaque pearls.

This is a very easy technique to use when you just want to enhance a card with some shadow-looking effects!

Check out ALL the awesome techniques at the Heart 2 Heart Challenges! You'll LOVE what you find there!

New Clearance Items!

2011-05-14T18:10:00.006-05:00

Oh, happy day! We LOVE a clearance sale!

More clearance items such as these Felt Whimsies and Opaques & Pearls were added to my Close To My Heart website earlier this week!

Simply click HERE.

Head there now to find some of our the most popular CTMH embellishments at low, low prices -- would you believe as low as $1.50?! Whatta deal! These make great birthday gifts, gathering prizes, and stocking stuffers ... hey, Christmas is just around a couple corners!

Hope

2011-05-03T21:28:00.004-05:00

Chocolate and Hollyhock -- those are the colors in this "hope" card made by random stamping and using the "Hope and Help for Japan" stamp set from Close To My Heart.

While visiting in Ohio, Mom and I enjoyed a Sunday afternoon creative time with my upline, dear Deb Butler, whose card design this is.

Opaque pearls accent the card. Inside I stamped the sentiment, "I'm praying for you." I'll send it to one of my friends who is undergoing chemo treatments.

We've been so busy since getting home, helping with the painting and house renovations, that we've hardly had time to unpack and do laundry. I'm glad I had to find a clean shirt, because in looking through my luggage, I found this card right where I had packed it!

As I write, I wish that CTMH would come out with a Hope and Help stamp set or special creative kit for Katrina victims and for the 2011 tornado victims too!

Find rest, O my soul, in God alone;

my hope comes from Him. Psalm 62:5

You & Me--2011 National Scrapbooking Month Kit

2011-04-28T19:04:00.007-05:00

Counting down ... 3 ... 2 ... 1 ... until May 1st!

That's the day when Close To My Heart has the 2011 National Scrapbooking Month Kit available to everyone!

You can get this "You & Me" kit during the month of May through any one of these options:

**Sign up as a Close To My Heart Consultant during May (at half price!-- Only $65 for over $300 worth of kit goodies) and get the kit FREE with your New Consultant Kit. Just head to my website and find it there!

**Spend a minimum of $50 in CTMH products (before shipping and tax) and get it for only $15. You can call or email me with your order (314-856-2367; janehaas7@gmail[dot]com) or just go right to my website. You'll be prompted to add this set at the end of your order.

**Purchase it outright for $34.95. You can call or email me with your order or just go right to my website. You'll be prompted to add this set at the end of your order.

The "You and Me" kit includes:

1- D size ($22.95 value) "You & Me" Stamp Set
1 - 12" x 12" Colonial White Cardstock
6 - 12" x 12" B&T (Patterned Paper) Duos (New Cardstock Weight!)
1 - 6" x 9" You & Me Irresistibles Chipboard Die Cut Sheet
1 yd. Chocolate Striped Ribbon
1 pkg. Opaques Mocha Adhesive Gems
1 - Full-Color Cutting and Instruction Guide

The kit makes 2 beautiful layouts, and you even have some extras left to use on cards or other paperart projects!

Sophia Style Cupcake Flowers

2011-04-27T21:18:00.005-05:00

During Holy Week DH and I were in Ohio with my parents, and we celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary with a family luncheon.

I used the CTMH Sophia papers and Polka Dot Alphabet stamps to create the cupcake flowers. Thanks to baker Denise V in Ohio for the delicious lemon "springy" cupcakes to sweeten the occasion!

Here are photos of Mom and Dad in April 1946 and in April 2011 -- cute as can be and thankful for all the anniversary wishes from their family and friends!

We got back to St Louis to find we still have a roof, the Dontoon didn't float away, and we have no damage other than a very swampy yard after all the storms and recent tornados.

My scrapping time will be limited for the next month as we're helping our daughter Emily and her family move to a new home -- 20 miles closer to us! Yay!

Thanks for stopping by, and blessings in this Easter season as you live as Jesus' Easter peep!

On This Day Inspiration & Tutorial

2011-04-08T08:37:00.014-05:00

Close To My Heart provides this tutorial showing just a few of the creative ways to use this new stamp set! Thanks, CTMH!

Want to order this stamp set? Click on the "shop with me" link on the right sidebar.

On this day, my studio is calling me. Happy weekend, everyone!

Studio J Video Tutorial

2011-04-07T08:00:00.006-05:00

Online scrapbooking just can't get any easier, faster, or more fun than this!

Try Studio J FREE here! Click on "online scrapbooking" in the left column. Have fun!

Here's one of my most recent online scrapbooked layouts: Beatrice sitting in her great-great-grandfather's handmade wooden high chair, circa 1890s. I used the Sophia papers--you have so many beautiful choices through Studio J!

Happy Anniversary -- More Mayberry!

2011-04-06T12:00:00.002-05:00

Happy Anniversary!

This is my second post today, showcasing the springy-cheery-delightful "Mayberry" papers from CTMH. So please scroll down to see the "Happy Everything" card too.

I used all CTMH products except for the big honey colored flower from M*s -- it's so bright and cheerful! Have I mentioned how much fun I have creating CTMH clear acrylic cards? Just LOVE 'em!

Clear Acrylic Cards -- More Mayberry!

2011-04-06T06:00:00.002-05:00

Happy Everything!

That's my wish for a dear cardmaking friend!

I used all CTMH materials except for the big cheerful flower from M*s. It makes me smile.

Wedding Card -- Resist Embossing

2011-04-05T09:45:00.000-05:00

This past Sunday cardmaking friends came over and we had a productive, relaxing, good time! We each created Easter cards, spring "I'm thinking of you" cards, and some of us played with various techniques--embossing, heat embossing, and resist embossing. Here's one of my resist embossed cards that I'll include in a wedding gift later this month.

I used: CTMH white cardstock, Blush cs, white embossing powder, Blush and Sweet Leaf inks, Sparkles, sheer ribbon, "Happy Everything" stamped sentiment, "Simple Beauty" card front stamp, and Sparkles.

Sympathy Card--John 11:25

2011-04-01T08:03:00.003-05:00

"You Rock" papers are the foundation of this clear acrylic sympathy card.

This seemed appropriate since Jesus totally "rocked our world" when He offered up His life for us on the cross and then kept His promise to come alive, victorious over death, sin, and the devil!

Later this month, we Christians will celebrate Easter, rejoicing in our Living Lord whose tomb-rock was rolled away, revealing His empty tomb! We rejoice in our living Savior who is always with us, always ready to forgive us, and always preparing a home in heaven for all who believe in Him. That's HOPE. COMFORT. JOY.

Happy April!

I used: CTMH Clear Acrylic Card base, You Rock papers, butterfly stamp from Celebrate Life, comfort sentiment from Comforting Thoughts, Glitz Stardust; Gypsy ink, Pearls
NonCTMH: Inside sentiment from Our Daily Bread; doily, Staz-On Timber Brown ink
The Glitz appears globby in the photos, but IRL it's flat and shimmery pretty on the double-butterfly.

Happy Birthday Butterfly

2011-03-31T06:00:00.004-05:00

I'll never get tired of this gorgeous butterfly, one of the stamps in Close To My Heart's "Find Your Style" stamp set!

Random stamping (inside) is ALWAYS fun to do!

I used: The Paper Studio papers, M*s ribbon, M*s orange gems, lace, Cuttlebug
CTMH: Find Your Style stamps, happy birthday stamp, inks, Opaque Pearls

Happy Birthday Bird

2011-03-30T06:00:00.003-05:00

A little bird told me it was a special someone's birthday!

I used: The Paper Studio papers; Cuttlebug for cs; sheer dotted ribbon
CTMH: Liquid Applique on bird's tail and wing; foam squares; Opaque Pearl for bird's eye; Happy Birthday stamp; heavenly blue, hollyhock, and chocolate inks

Why Use Studio J? -- A Video by Tresa

2011-03-29T10:45:00.002-05:00

Thank you to Tresa Black, a Close To My Heart consultant, for producing and sharing this timely video! Great job, Tresa!

Watching her video showing how easy it is to create a memory album for a special person motivates me to get busy and do this for the people whom I cherish! I've been using Studio J and LOVE it -- you can see some of my layouts if you scroll down under the Studio J slideshow.

Why use Studio J?

1. Studio J is an ADDitional tool -- online scrapbooking -- to help tell your story (not a replacement for traditional scrapbooking). It's an easy, fast way to catch up on those memory albums' pages or to make a treasured gift for someone special. It's an exceptionally handy tool for anyone working on genealogical projects--scan, save, and drag into a layout!

2. It's EASY! Studio J walks you through each step. You can begin in minutes. You can scrapbook ANYwhere you have an Internet connection! There’s even an app for your iphone!

3. There is no commitment, nothing to purchase, nothing to download. You can play and create with Studio J for FREE. No need to sign up to begin to use the program. You when and if you want to purchase your final pages do you pay for those.

4. If you want to have duplicate layouts printed for family members (siblings' memory books, for example), you simply order duplicate copies. Easy peasy!

5. Quality SHINES! Studio J layouts are printed with the same silver halide process and 100-year+ paper used by top photo printing companies, so your prints will last for generations.

6. If you try and love Studio J, you can save money by purchasing a 5-pack or an annual membership for discounts up to 50% off! These make great gifts too--remember Mother's Day and birthdays are right around the corner!

Contact me for more details.

Click here to try Studio J free now! EnJOY!

Clean & Simple Cards

2011-03-29T08:00:00.001-05:00

We had recently commented that we made it through the winter without any colds or flu strikes. Then spring came on the calendar. Soon after, DH got zonked out of commission with a case of the stomach virus. It's Murphy's Law that when one goes into a doctor's office, one comes out with something worse! That seems to have happened this past week. It wasn't 24 hours after his doctor's office visit and he had the BUG.

I've been forcing liquids into him to prevent dehydration. Each day he feels a bit better. Today he ate chicken noodle soup broth. So far, so good!

Meanwhile, since our crazy weekend snow and sleet storm and the poor guy nearly living in the bathroom, I made these CAS (clean and simple) cards. That's all I could eeeeek out, and they were fun.

Hoping to get our house back to "clean" and life back to "simple" soon!

Stay well! Don't let the bug getcha!

Bliss -- Celebrate Life!

2011-03-28T06:00:00.000-05:00

Bliss is one of the new paper packets from Close To My Heart, and it's sooooo peaceful and elegant!

My card design was inspired by a CTMH consultant, Vicki, and I changed it up a little for my card. When I saw her card, I knew I had to use a doily! Thanks, Vicki, for your awesome inspiration!

I used CTMH Bliss papers, the Celebrate Life stamps, Gray Wool ink, Opaque Licorice pearls, and the Say It In Style butterfly stamp. Ribbon is non-CTMH. Scalloped circles are Marvy punches. I left the inside blank for a personal handwritten note.

As long as it keeps snowing here, I keep warm in my studio -- it's just too cold to clean up the gardens yet! But we're SO ready for real spring!

Patience, I know...

I'm sad that our Sunday cardmaking workshop had to be postponed, but I'm really looking forward to next Sunday! (I will not be telling Mother Nature of our plans this time.)

Thanks for visiting!

Mayberry -- Happy Birthday Card

2011-03-27T12:00:00.000-05:00

Just a quick clear acrylic card for a special someone's birthday!

I LOVE creating with clear cards -- once you plan how to hide the inside, it's so much fun! The back is always a surprise too.

I used CTMH Mayberry papers, medium white paper flowers, summer green buttons, a dimensional element tag, pop dots, Olive ink, and an old "Happy Birthday" stamp from CTMH.

Thanks for stopping by my blog!

Sophia -- Happy Easter!

2011-03-25T18:11:00.007-05:00

We've been teased with warm, springy days and now the daffodils, pansies, forsythia, Bradford pears, and magnolia trees are in full bloom. And today we awoke to sleet and snow, and got hit with a cold front that forced me to light the fireplace again and hide away in my studio!

But that's not all bad...CTMH has so many pretty papers and stamp sets to play with, I could hide forever...as long as I have a supply of M&Ms and water, that is!

Happy Easter! is made with an 8 x 7 inch cardstock base folded to an 8 x 3.5 inch card. (This will fit nicely into a business sized envelope.) The papers are from the new Sophia packet--I wish my closet would have these colors in it! Have to work on that!

The egg stamps are from CTMH's "Easter Eggs" set. CTMH inks are Hollyhock, Pear, Goldrush, and Blush.

I threw in a few Sparkles and white grosgrain ribbon, a grassy patch and a punched border (M*S*) and voila! Instant Spring!

When I saw Sharli's grass on her BBQ card a while back, I remembered that cute idea, and thought I'd include my own green grass on this spring card. Thanks for the inspiration, Sharli!

Happy new week --

Glad you stopped by!

Hope and Help for Japan

2011-03-25T00:48:00.004-05:00

Jeanette Lynton, CEO of Close To My Heart, wrote this on her blog and I thought it was worth sharing:

"We've all been reeling with the images of tragedy and devastation in Japan. If you're looking for an easy, real, practical way to help relief efforts, then I invite you to contact your Close To My Heart Consultant!

Typically, our A-sized (stamp) sets retail for $7.95 (U.S.)/$8.95 (Canada), but the "Hope for Japan" set will be available through April 30 for just $5--and Close To My Heart will be donating 100% of the profits to the American Red Cross to benefit relief efforts in Japan.

If we all do a little, together we can do a lot. Let's show our support and together, provide real HOPE for Japan!"

Most of us can't begin to imagine what the people in Japan are enduring. We can continue our prayers for them!

If you're reading this post and would like to place an order, simply email me: janehaas7[at]gmail[dot]com! Thank you!

More Signs of Spring

2011-03-21T18:52:00.006-05:00

While enjoying a little spring break from the routine, I found these bright spots in God's creation!

"My God is an awesome God!"

Out of the dark, dreary winter, He brings new life!

I praise and thank Him!

Today ...

2011-03-11T20:52:00.003-06:00

I will take a break from the stresses of life. For an indefinite time. Spring is a time to do some house cleaning -- self cleaning -- refreshing and renewing.

I've declared a spring break for myself, away from technology, in God's Word, and among friends and family.

See you later! I'm going to go fly a kite.

When I come back, watch for some blog candy! I'm getting very close to 20,000 visitors. Thank you all so much!

A St. Paddy's Blessing

2011-03-11T08:16:00.008-06:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day next week!

We're going to a green parade this weekend,

and following that, we're hosting an Irish dinner

for family and friends.

The luck of the Irish!

Remember to wear your green!

Hope you find your pot o' gold!

I used CTMH stamp sets:

Heartthrob (large hearts for the shamrock)

Heartfelt (swirl for the shamrock stem)

Be Mine (small hearts for small shamrocks)

Ink Pad: Clover

CTMH sheer ribbon, embossing powder, and cardstock

Free MyAcrylix Block during March!

2011-03-04T09:38:00.005-06:00

Purchase $25 in MyAcrylix stamps and you'll get a FREE MyAcrylix block!

You can choose a 3"x 3" or 2"x 6 1/2" block size. (These are great sizes for stamping versatility, and if you already have them, it's nice to have a second!)

Contact me to get your FREE block! janehaas7[at]gmail[dot]com

This special is good through March 31st. Hope you take advantage of this offer!

Studio J Slideshow

2011-03-03T08:00:00.003-06:00

These are some of the Studio J layouts I completed using Close To My Heart's digital scrapbooking tool. Fun! Simple! Fast!

Click to see the layouts larger individually in the album.

Thanks for looking! Happy scrapping!

My Mentor Ruth

2011-02-28T13:37:00.005-06:00

Last week Ruth and her family and friends celebrated her 91st birthday!

I'm so thankful for the mentoring role she has played in my life. She never fails to witness to Jesus' love and care.

Ruth hostesses our small group Bible study, and each one of us women enjoy our time with her. She's an avid reader, and always sends a great book home with me from her library. I love that her favorite book is her well-worn Bible. She amazes us all with her sharp memory and recall of Scripture verses and facts. But most of all, she loves to tell us about her large family, and always wants to hear about each of ours too.

The Apple of God's Eye

2011-02-14T10:00:00.010-06:00

One apple basket card for a friend...
and a second card for another ...

and the inside of each:

Since stamp kissing was so much fun the first time, I came back for MORE! The apples in the baskets are kissed with a mini-heart.

A favorite song is "Psalm 17" --

the source of my sentiment inside the card.

Give ear to me

And hear my prayer

Show me the wonder of Your great love.

You who can save by Your righteous hand

Those who take refuge in You from their foes

Keep me as the apple of Your eye

Hide me in the shadow of Your wings

Give ear to me and hear my prayer

Show me the wonder of Your great love

You who can save by Your righteous hand

Those who take refuge in You from their foes

Keep me as the apple of Your eye

Hide me in the shadow of Your wings

King David wrote in Psalm 17:8:

"Keep me as the apple of Your eye; hide me in the shadow of Your wings."

(Other references to "apple of Your eye"

include Deuteronomy 32:10 and Zechariah 2:8.)

"Apple of His eye" literally means "little man of his eye," a reflection of you and me in God's own pupil when He looks at us as His dear children.

(The Hebrew word transliterated is ee-shone, and meant “the little man of the eye”, or “the middle of the night” or the “blackness” of the eye.)

The reference here is the pupil of the eye. It's the part of the eye which reflects what you are looking at.

We are in God's eye because He is always looking at us!

Out of His great love, God cares for us and protects us

because we are so important to Him!

Remember that He gave us His best Valentine

when He gave us Jesus. That's how much He loves us.

Happy Valentine's Day!

I used CTMH products:
Red and Colonial White cardstock
Hemp (braided)
Ink pads: Olive, Hollyhock, and Holiday Red
Marker: Topiary
Stamps: Playful Lowercase, September Word Puzzle, Be Mine

Stamp Kissing H2H Challenge

2011-02-11T17:47:00.009-06:00

This week the Heart 2 Heart challenge has been "stamp kissing" -- a fun technique doing exactly what the name suggests! Muuuu-wah! Put those inky stamps to-getha for a smooch!

(I love the CTMH awesome, wonderful MyAcrylix stamps from Close To My Heart so much I would gladly kiss them! ... so much more fun than kissing a frog!)

To learn more about how to "kiss" with stamps, watch Tresa Black's great tutorial here. Then try it! It's fun!

After stamping the kissed stamps together, I stamped the image on cs and then cut each out. Some have foam squares behind them to add dimension.

Here's the inside sentiment:

I like to stamp the envelope too! The recipient might think "she really planned this duo!"

I used CTMH products:

New Mayberry Paper Packet Level 2

Ink Pads:

Honey, Olive, Smoothie

Stamp Sets:

Be Mine D1116 (little heart)

Heartfelt B1297 (polka dot heart)

Dream Big W329 (tulip)

Delight in Everything D1204 (flowers)

September Word Puzzle D1310 (sentiments)

Hollyhock Ribbon

Crocheted Ribbon

Olive mini-brads

Thanks for visiting my Heart 2 Heart entry and for leaving your comment! Now hop on to see the other great stamp kissing posts too, and then take the challenge!

Baby Steps

2011-02-10T08:00:00.004-06:00

Sophia papers are one of my favorite designs from Close To My Heart so far, and they really showcase my photos from the August day when Beatrice wanted to walk and walk and walk in the yard!

The new papers, along with the new Pear and Smoothie ink colors and all the coordinating embellishments are so simple, fast, and fun to use.

I used the white side of the new Kraft borders to continue the "dots" theme on these pages.

If you haven't tried the Irresistible Eclectic Die Cut letters yet, they are so fun! Ink them and watch the patterns pop!

The square scalloped A-Door-Able frame fit into the upper right corner to hide a small photo of Beatrice sitting and feeling the texture of the grass.

I punched three large Marvy scalloped flowers and layered them with Liquid Glass, and then added a button and mini-brads for the center.

Thanks for visiting and leaving your comment!

Only 31 days until Spring! Whoo-hoo!

For now, the Sophia colors take me to a wonderful spring place!

I used all CTMH products:

Sophia Papers Level 2

Kraft Borders (white side)

Irresistible Eclectic Die Cut Alphabet

Stamp Set: Classmate Alphabet

Pear, Colonial White, and Blush Ink Pads

Colonial White Waxy Flax

Spring Buttons & Hollyhock

Spring Sheer Ribbon

My Creations A-Door-Ables

Corner Rounder for scallops

White mini-brads

Liquid Glass

All Stacked Up--Sweetheart

2011-02-08T08:00:00.003-06:00

See Jane.
See Jane papercraft.
See Jane LOVE the new CTMH products!

I used:

"All Stacked Up" card recipe from Wishes by Jeanette Lynton, page 59
CTMH NEW Kraft paper & Kraft border
NEW Sweetheart paper packet Level 2 (the guy-sides in plaid & black/gray dots)

Stamp Sets: NEW Polka Dot Alphabet; The Gift of Love; Heartfelt

NEW Dimensional Elements Hearts
NEW Smoothie Ink pad and Marker

Baby Pink Embossing Powder
Versamark Ink pad
Heat embossing tool

Foam squares

Hemp

When the baby pink embossed heart looked too faded, I stamped over the embossing a few times with the plaid heart from Heartfelt in Smoothie to give it a little darker color.

Inside, I layered the Kraft border on the smoothie plaid paper strip.

Sentiment inside:

Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength;

Loving someone deeply gives you courage.

Glad you stopped by to look at my paper art!

Welcome, Baby Girl!

2011-02-07T08:00:00.001-06:00

This CAS card is for friends who welcomed their first baby--beautiful little Lillian--into the world on Monday evening.

I used Close To My Heart's "Miracle" stamp set, Blush ink pad, and tiny pink safety pins. I placed the pins so that they would form a pink heart shape.

Inside (and on the envelope) I stamped the butterfly from "Miracle" and wrote my own congratulations note.

Gingham ribbon is from my "other" stash.

Thanks for visiting and leaving your comment!

Mayberry -- Praying for You

2011-02-06T08:00:00.001-06:00

Featuring ... a few of the new Mayberry paper colors and patterns in the Level 2 packet!

We have so many friends and neighbors who are ill or recovering from surgeries. Making cards for them is just one way I can bring them a little good cheer. I'm always thrilled when I find something in my snail mail other than a bill, aren't you?!

I used Close To My Heart items:

NEW Mayberry Paper Packet Level 2
Crocheted ribbon
Olive mini brads
NEW Smoothie & Honey ink pads
Olive ink pad
Corner rounder
Distressing block

Aspirations flower stamp

Other items: Verve Scripture verse and inside sentiment
Large scallop punch from Marvy

Thanks for visiting my blog & stop by again soon!

Studio J & A Perfect 10 in February

2011-02-05T11:11:00.011-06:00

Score a PERFECT 10 throughout February!

IF YOU’RE A STUDIO J® member, you can take advantage of this great opportunity to catch up and/or fill up your memory books!

For every 9 custom-printed Studio J layouts you buy, you’ll receive the 10th layout free! To receive the discount, just add 10 or more layouts to your cart. You’ll see a discount reflected in your order total. And you can take advantage of this promotion even more by ordering in multiples of 10. Buy 9, get 1 free. Buy 18, get 2 free. Buy 27, get 3 free. And so on!

If you’re not a member of Studio J yet, now is a great time to join! Email or call me for more information.

Or click here to start your digital scrapbooking with Studio J! You can try it for free! See how simple, fast, and fun Studio J can be!

New Sweetheart Papers -- Thinking of You

2011-02-04T08:00:00.005-06:00

I'm having so much fun playing with the new Spring/Summer Close To My Heart papers! It was fun to pleat the paper for the "ribbon" look on this card. These paper colors are lush-ous!!! Now I'm going to have to make some Valentines, but this card needs to get in the mail for a friend who is rehabbing after her knee surgery. (We haven't had mail delivery in three days because of ice/snow! Maybe tomorrow?)

I'll write a note inside, but wanted to second- and third-generation stamp the buttons for a little whimsy to go with the pretty hearts and flowers since she's a seamstress.

I used:

Card recipe from Wishes by Jeanette Lynton--"Down the Middle" (p 35; I adapted it for my 5 x 6.5 inch card base)

Sweetheart Paper Packet

Inks: Baby Pink, Tulip, Amethyst

Stamps: Just Because, Buttoned Together

Colonial White Waxy Flax
Pink, White, and Amethyst buttons

I'm glad you visited my blog! Come again soon!

Yum!

2011-02-03T08:51:00.003-06:00

Inspired by a one-page layout in the new Spring-Summer Idea Book from Close To My Heart (p. 48), I put this layout together while watching the snow fall today. I included hidden journaling on cardstock that slides behind the photo.

Last August Ella enjoyed many slurpy pieces of watermelon on our deck. She ate and ate, until she nearly turned into a little watermelon.
I used all CTMH products:
New Sophia and Wings paper packets
New Kraft paper and Kraft border
New Irresistibles Eclectic Die-Cut Letters
New Pear Ink
Hollyhock, Sweet Leaf, Clover Meadow, and Black Ink
Hollyhock Marker
Colonial White ribbon (sweet leaf)
Stamp Sets: Summer Sweetness, Today's Date
Foam squares
Gold staples
Liquid Glass

Thanks for looking!

A Marriage of Papers

2011-01-28T20:12:00.005-06:00

This birthday card for a neighbor is a result of marrying selected papers from the Wings and the Passages packets.

Inside I randomly stamped "happy," "happy happy," and "happy happy birthday" in Barn Red ink.

Our neighbor is a very special guy who loves to watch birds and travel and so much more.

I used CTMH products:
Wings Paper Packet Level 2
January Stamp of the Month-Find Your Style
Passages Paper Packet Level 2
Passages Stickease
Liquid Glass
Black mini-medley ribbon
Barn Red, Garden Green, & Black ink pads

Happy weekend to you!

Beautiful -- January SOTM

2011-01-27T08:00:00.000-06:00

January Stamp of the Month: Find Your Style

(You can get this stamp set FREE or at a discounted price! See my "Inspirations" sidebar link.)

The week is flying by! January is almost in the past. It's been quite a long, wintery month here in St. Louis -- we've had our icy-est, snowy-est, coldest January since the early 1990s, so we made history! And what do I do when it's too cold to garden, mow the grass, walk, play tennis, swim outdoors, and ride bicycle? SCRAP, of course!

Here's a very simple stamped card (clean & simple) for a very special young woman who is just as the sentiment says: Beautiful. Inside and out. And I want her to always remember this. She loves jewelry (and all accessories) so I had to add a simple necklace to bling the card a tiny bit. Can you see it? Click on the photo to enlarge.

I used CTMH products:
White cardstock
January's Stamp of the Month: Find Your Style
Black ink pad
Gray Wool ink pad
Itty Bitty Sparkles (a girl's gotta have some bling!)
Sheer ribbon

It's always fun to make the inside of a card a surprise too. So I used the Gray Wool to stamp "Beautiful" randomly and repeatedly--this way I know she'll get my message!

Then I second-generation-stamped the envelope with the really cool diva dress form. We want to keep our mail carriers wondering. :)

I'm glad you visited! Extra warm fuzzies back to you!

Sweet B & Family-Wings Layout

2011-01-25T18:00:00.013-06:00

CTMH's January Inspirations that includes "Wings" papers and coordinating Stickease made this two-page layout faster, simpler, and easier! The Close To My Heart motto couldn't be truer!

I used the layout cutting instructions for "On with the Show" in Jeanette Lynton's book, Magic (pp 62-63), adapting the strips' sizes slightly for page 2.

On page 2, I included two journaling cs pieces, one behind each of the photos. The Wings Stickease decorates each edge of the ivory cs journaling strips, with Liquid Glass enhancing the dots.

Here's page 2 with the journaling sections pulled out.

Someday Beatrice will be able to read about these three photos, taken of her at 6 months, 9 months, and 11 months old.

Liquid Glass is a great product to enhance papers, Stickease, and even photos. Here I used it to give shine to the Stickease butterfly's wings. I added medium and small Licorice Opaques to make the butterfly's body "pop." The butterfly is attached to the page with adhesive foam squares cut in half.

CTMH's new Bohemian Alphabet stamp set (E1019) was a perfect fit for this layout. Notice the swirls, flowers, and leaves on each letter & symbol. It brings back the 70s for me -- I'll always be a flower child.

The January Inspirations products are available only SIX more days! If you love these colors and combinations, click on the Inspirations badge in the right sidebar for more information! Don't miss out!

I used all Close To My Heart items:

Magic by Jeanette Lynton

Wings Level 2 paper packet

Wings Stickease

Bohemian Alphabet stamp set

Vineyard Berry and Black inks

Licorice Opaques

Black Pleated Ribbon

Black Mini Medley metal tag, buttons, striped ribbon, and brad

Black marker

Liquid Glass

Thanks for stopping to look at my paper art!

As this card features all new products, I'm linking it up to Erin's CTMH New Product Linky Party! Check out all of the gorgeous work & inspiration with the new goodies below!!

Happy Birthday to My CTMH Upline!

2011-01-19T15:58:00.004-06:00

Using the tea bag holder tutorial here, I created a special birthday card for my CTMH upline, Deb Butler, director of the Scrapping Buckeye Babes!

Happy birthday to you, Deb, if you're blog visiting! You're the BEST! Enjoy a cuppa tea with a friend.

I used all Close To My Heart products:
CTMH Wings paper packet, sweet leaf ribbon, Vineyard Berry ink (inside "happy birthday" sentiment, sparkles, licorice opaque pearls, Liquid Glass, Prisma Glitter, Find Your Style butterfly stamp. I stamped two butterflies to give dimension. I stamped each on the top and bottom of the cardstock, so that the gorgeous stamp design would show on their under-wings. Two sides are stamped in Juniper (those face each other), one in Sweet Leaf, and the top is rock-'n'-roll stamped in Vineyard Berry and Sweet Leaf. (The inside section holding two tea bags is made with the Vineyard Berry jaquard design that matches the front horizontal paper strip behind the punched circles.)

Click here to see a traditional Wings/Find Your Style card I made earlier.

Click here to see two tea bag holder cards I made earlier from different paper packets, and to see the inside paper section that holds the tea bags.

Thanks for visiting my blog! Come back soon!

Make a Wish Clear Card

2011-01-18T04:00:00.002-06:00

I played with the Cuttlebug again, embossing the clear acrylic cards, and used some of my paper stash and little Verve birthday stamps too in addition to the CTMH star swirls and CTMH ink.

Happy birthday to my blogging librarian friend Jane in SD! I hope to hear that your card survived the snail mail okay. And I hope you had a warm, happy celebration with your family and friends yesterday--and enjoyed your MLK holiday too!

Scrappy-Gram's Designs

Studio J Is Fun & Easy!

Calgon, Take Me Away ...

Buy 9, Get #10 Free

Happy New Year and My Bucket List Too

My Dear Friend, Wendy ...

Make Your Own Holiday Tags!

Christmas and Winter Gift Boxes

Thanksgiving Treat Boxes

Going to the Dogs

H2H Challenge: A Stamped Sentiment

H2H Challenge: Three Different Cardstocks

H2H Challenge: A Cricut/Die Cut Project

H2H Challenge: Favorite Color Combo

Sophia Cards

Roxie Cards

Wonderland Clear Card - H2H Challenge

A Wonderland Trio

What's Your Dream?

Fall Felicity Layout

Playtime with Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge

FREE Bonus Stamp Set in August!

Art Philosophy Cartridge Collection for Cricut

INTRODUCING THE NEW CRICUT® ART PHILOSOPHY COLLECTION

CRICUT® CARTRIDGE CREATIVITY

The CARTRIDGE & Much MORE

COMPLEMENTARY STAMP IMAGES

GET YOURS TODAY!

Last Day for Retiring CTMH Items!

National Stamping Month!

Heart 2 Heart Challenge: Doily and Lace

Close To My Heart's CRICUT News!

Heart 2 Heart Surprise Award!

July's Bang for Your Buck!

A Miracle Birthday

And the Blog Candy Winner Is ...

Hoppy Swing Card

World's Best Dad - Side Step Card

Heart2Heart Challenge - Background Stamping

Follow Your Dreams

Flap Overlap Card

Love! H2H Challenge

Graduation Explosion Box

TaDa! A Fanfare Card

Jane's Blog Candy Is Here!

Rolled Flowers on a Sophia Clear Acrylic Card

You & Me: Stronger Together

Studio J -- Free-For-All in June!

Free Shipping for Studio J Layouts

Memorial Day 2011 at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery

More Fun with Studio J!

Heart 2 Heart -- Sharing My Favorite Technique

New Clearance Items!

Hope

You & Me--2011 National Scrapbooking Month Kit

Sophia Style Cupcake Flowers

On This Day Inspiration & Tutorial

Studio J Video Tutorial

Happy Anniversary -- More Mayberry!

Clear Acrylic Cards -- More Mayberry!

Wedding Card -- Resist Embossing

Sympathy Card--John 11:25

Happy Birthday Butterfly

Happy Birthday Bird

Why Use Studio J? -- A Video by Tresa

Clean & Simple Cards

Bliss -- Celebrate Life!

Mayberry -- Happy Birthday Card

Sophia -- Happy Easter!

Hope and Help for Japan

More Signs of Spring

Today ...

A St. Paddy's Blessing

Free MyAcrylix Block during March!

Studio J Slideshow

My Mentor Ruth

The Apple of God's Eye

Stamp Kissing H2H Challenge

Baby Steps

All Stacked Up--Sweetheart

INTRODUCING THE NEW CRICUT^® ART PHILOSOPHY COLLECTION

CRICUT^® CARTRIDGE CREATIVITY