How Sad!

How sad is it that I haven't posted anything to this blog since December?!  After spending the day updating this page and that page, here and there, I took a moment to think and realize that I haven't done any blogging for a VERY long time.  I'm going to work to remedy that.  In the mean time, thanks for being one of my three followers and I hope to share some new artwork with you soon!

Snowflakes!

This is another boxed set of holiday cards that I created using one recipe, but every card has a different mixture of papers, embellishments, and ribbon.  This makes the set of 10 cards look cohesive and like they belong together, but yet, each card is an individual work of art and unique in its own way.

I really like how these cards came out considering that I used a traditional winter element of the snowflake, but then paired it with non-traditional color combinations, patterns and textures.  I think the overall effect is rich and expensive looking, but still definitely speaks to the holidays.  What do you think?

Here's a link to a similar set of stamps still available called "Victorian Snowflake". 

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...CARDS!

This is a set of 10 holiday cards that I created for a customer using the "Holiday Trinkets" My Acrylix stamp set from Close To My Heart.  I also used the "Holiday Warmth" stamp set which is no longer available.  I create custom cards, envelopes, and a one of a kind original gift box to hold the cards for $50.00.  It's not too late to order yours today!  I can also customize for any holiday or occasion.

Happy Halloween!

It's that time of year when all the good and bad boys and ghouls come out to knock on doors and spread spooky cheer.  What better way to get into the Haunting mood than to send a Happy Halloween card?

This is just a little something I whipped up in the corral this morning.  Trying to get my Halloween kicked into gear now that Breck's birthday is behind us.  We try not to break out with the Halloween decor until after her birthday so that we keep her day special.

Speaking of her day...did you see the invitations that we made for her party?   They turned out pretty neat, if I do say so myself.  Although these were a tad more labor intensive than I had anticipated or really wanted them to be...but...it was for a GREAT cause, right?!  

We had such a great party for her birthday.  It was Western themed and I even broke out of the gate with a cowboy boot cake! I know, can you believe it?  It must've tasted okay because by the time we got done dishing up cake for the day, there were only three small pieces left.  I did another first for this party, which was to cook up a big pot of ranch style pinto beans.  Now that was an adventure!  Somehow between the recipe I found online and when I finally started soaking the beans I ended up with thinking that I needed to prepare 8 cups of pinto beans...well, if you've ever made beans you know that I GROSSLY overestimated the amount of beans to cook!!!  The moment I had to call my mom in a panic because the beans were growing in size and swelling out of the huge pan I had them in was when I knew there was something rotten in Denmark.  But I got it under control and the beans were DELICIOUS!  Here's a shot of the happy little 7 year old cowgirl to prove that the day was a success!  

Creativity in a Pickle.........Jar?!

Whether your creativity is in a "pickle" or a "jam", you can take those jars and some of your scrapbooking supplies to create a cute home decor item that is perfect to gift or keep. 

Here I took a pickle jar and spiced it up with some of the Moon Doggie paper and stamped elements using the MyAcrylix Extreme Happiness stamp set.  I also painted the lid with primer grey spray paint.  I use this jar at my home gatherings for the door prize drawing slips.  But I thought that another fun use would be to use it as a penny bank to save for a Hawaiian vacation.  You could change the theme and purpose by selecting the perfect papers and stamp sets to suit your occasion.  Check out my website to see the great selection of papers, stamps, inks, and embellishments that Close To My Heart offers. 

Pickle jars stink you say?  Here's my secret to getting that strong pickle scent out of your jars and lids.  After I wash the jar and remove the label I fill the jar and the lid up with a solution of hot water and about a 1/4 cup of vinegar, then let it soak for an afternoon.  Wash and rinse again, and no more pickle smell.  Some lids are particularly smelly and I may have to do a stronger solution of vinegar and water one more time, but so far, I haven't met a pickle jar I couldn't de-stink!

Here's another tip:  The small Vlasic jars have really pretty raised scroll work designs on the jar.  You can make these really stand out by applying paint all over the jar, let dry, then sand the paint off only on the raised designs.  Then decorate with your favorite papers and embellishments for an extra special effect! 

WOW! Home Gatherings are Terrific!

So, I've been at this Close To My Heart thing for a couple of months now and have had the wonderful opportunity to do a couple of workshops at my house and a couple of home gatherings.  I am simply in shock at how much FREE product Close To My Heart rewards our hostesses with! 

Between hostess rewards, hostess plus rewards (half priced items) and promotional items, a recent hostess of mine got more than $126 in FREE merchandise.  And what did she have to do?  Simply invite her friends over to make a free create and take scrapbook project at her home.  Does it get much easier than that?  I don't think so!

Wouldn't you like to get your share of some free Close To My Heart product too?  Call or email me and let's get your home gathering booked.  It's that simple.  Come on, let's party!

Follow the title link to learn more about all the great hostess rewards from Close To My Heart. 

Snow Fun

This is the project that we made at the Home Gathering I did last night.  We got to use the new Jingle paper pack papers and the new Twinkle brads which add sparkly fun to any layout.

Around the Holidays Card Kit

This project was another super simple one with great results.  I made this using the My Originals "Around the Holidays" Card Kit (X8623).  I put a link to this kit above.  This kit makes 12 cards and I assembled all 12 cards in less than 2 hours last night.  You can get as creative as you want by adding extra embellishments, however I just stuck with what comes in the kit, except I added Liquid Glass to give some glossy sheen to certain design elements.  Besides the card and envelope blanks and the My Stickease design elements, this kit also includes enough ribbon to add an elegant touch to all 12 cards which I thought was pretty neat.  I give this card kit a definite must buy too.  It was fun, simple, and the results are gorgeous! 

Celebrate My Favorites

This cute little book would make a perfect stocking stuffer.  It is made with two beverage coasters sandwiched between cardstock.  I added cut out stamped images to the cover and inside accordion pages to give it extra pizazz.  I just love how it turned out.  If you would like to learn how to make this adorable little book, please contact me to schedule a home gathering and I will show you how!