Heart and Soul Scrappers

Use Your Stash Blog Hop

2012-01-21T08:00:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the Use Your Stash Blog Hop. I have a confession to make ---- I have multiple packs of the same paper, stamp sets I've never used, too many embellishments to name, tools collecting dust ... well I think you get the point. And I know there are many others out there just like me. So, that's why we have created this blog hop --- the "Use Your Stash Blog Hop"

If you are coming from Tabbi Fritz's Blog then you are on the right track. This month we have 12 participants. If you get lost along the way you can see the entire list of hoppers on Rachel's Blog. Let's get started.

Today I am showcasing some scripture pages that I created using a couple of paper packs that I got when I first became a CTMH consultant 3 years ago. I was so excited about all the papers I know I bought at least 2 or 3 packs of every set.

This one is created using Silhouette My Reflections Level 2 Papers:

This one was created using Magic Moments My Reflections Level 1 Paper Pack:

Both of these paper packs are are among my favorites. I was so sad when they were retired; however,

you can find more favorites by clicking here.

Now hop on over to Debi's Blog for more ideas of using up your stash.

So what are you waiting for ... get to your favorite scrappin' area and dig out some of your favorite papers you are hoarding and get to creating. Send me a comment and photo of what you created and I will enter you in for a drawing for an all new paper pack of your choice from CTMH's new Ideabook that will be released on February 1.

I'm A Winner!!!!!!

2012-01-16T13:54:00.000-05:00

I'm a winner!!!! Last year I followed Patter Cross's ABC Scripture Challenge and now this year she is doing a Hymn & Scripture Challenge. The other day she hosted a giveaway for the new challenge. She is such a blessing and I left her a comment ...well, my comment was chosen as one of the winners. I can't wait to see which one of the prizes I receive!!!!

January Technique Hop .... Original Argyle

2012-01-15T05:30:00.000-05:00

Welcometo our Technique Blog Hop! This monththere are 13 of us highlighting the Original Argyle Technique as shown on page 91 in the Autumn/Winter 2011 Idea Book! This blog hop is a great big circle so youcan start wherever you want and continue through to see all the fabulousartwork incorporating this technique. Ifyou would like to start from the beginning, please visit Debi's Blog. While there you will also find a listing ofall participants and their blog addresses if you should get lost or want toreference a blog along the way. Let’sget started!

If youare coming from Melissa's Blog, you are on the right track!

For this hop, I used the Party Pennants stamp set that is highlighted on page 91 to create the following 6 X 6 scripture memory page:

Details of technique and your variation:

I used the solid pennant and Chocolate ink to create the argyle design. Then I used my watercolor pencils to color in the honey diamonds to complete the pattern. Finally I used pearl opaques to embellish the design.

SupplyList:

Party Pennants Stamp Set (C1429)
Honey Textured Cardstock (retired)
Sunset Cardstock (X5923)
Colonial White Cardstock (X5926)
Colonial White Ricrac Ribbon (Z1126)
Chocolate Ink Stamp Pad (Z2111)
Watercolor Pencil (3505)
Pearl Opaques (Z1336)
A Typeface Stamp Set (available only as a past special)
Harvest Charms (Z1633)

Thanksfor stopping by! Please continue onto Tabbi's Blog where you will find someadditional artwork highlighting this technique! Be sure to leave a comment and let me know what you thought of myvariation and happy hopping!

January Specials

2012-01-04T22:20:00.000-05:00

ROCK THE BLOCK

When you place a minimum order of $25 from the Autumn/Winter2011 Idea Book, you can get two valuable new products for just $15: the MyCreations® Collage Cubes (a Spring/Summer 2012 sneak-peek product!) and theexclusive My Acrylix® Rock the Block E-size stamp set (available only duringthis promotion).

This Rock the Block promotion represents a retail savings ofalmost $30! You're going to love the collage cubes and the Rock the Block stampset, which work together for interactive, fashionable fun!

Dates: Offer valid December 19, 2011–January 31, 2012.

What makesthis offer FABULOUS is that the My Creations Collage Cubes are $14.95 all bythemselves when the new Idea Book is released on February 1st! Why not get the awesome stamp set with it forjust 5 cents more?!

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A PERFECT 10!

January 2012 Studio J® Members-Only Constant Campaign --- January is free layout month for Studio J® members! Forevery 9 custom-printed Studio J layouts you buy, you’ll receive the 10th layoutfree. To receive the discount, just add 10 or more layouts to your cart. You’llsee a discount reflected in your order total. And you can totally takeadvantage of this promotion 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 yet,now’s a great time to join!

You can visit this linkto learn additional information about Studio J or to sign up for yourMembership! Of course, feel free tocontact me if you have any questions! The possibilities with Studio J are…limitless!

Dates: Offer valid January 1, 2012–January 31, 2012.

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JOIN MY TEAM!

The New Consultant Kit has what you need to start yourbusiness right, including a huge supply of Close To My Heart products, all foronly $99!

Whether you want to support your own hobby, make a littleextra money, or have a full-time business there is plenty of room for you inClose To My Heart! It has been afabulous 13 years for me and I would love to share the opportunity with you!

You may add one or more of the three Add-On Collections atthe great price of $40 each to complement your kit (*see full flyer for thosedetails). Make your world a better place by preserving and sharing the momentsthat matter most!

Let me know if you have any questions!

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STAMPOF THE MONTH

This exclusive stamp set, “Little Reminder”, availableduring the month of January, can be yours for just $5 with a $50 purchase!

It is so versatile and perfect for any special occasion –whether placed on a layout, card or other dimensional item.

Happy New Year - 2012

2012-01-02T19:44:00.001-05:00

Okay so I am aday late on getting this up --- I hope this is not a sign for this year! I wentback and looked at my post for Jan. 1, 2011 to see what I had posted as far asresolutions and goals. The only one I made was to read my Bible throughoutthe year and listen to God. Well, unfortunately I didn't complete that task - Idid read my Bible on most days but I didn't read it in it's entirety. I also didn't always listen and obey God. As I was thinking of this overthe last couple of days, God really started speaking to me about myfollow-through - or my lack of follow-through. Then I was reading adevotion by LysaTerKeurst about how the end goal always seem sohard to reach. The focal passage for this devotion was 2 Peter1:5a-6a (NIV)“…make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and togoodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control,perseverance…” .

This verse really spoke to me as I realizedthat the two things that I lack the most are self-control and perseverance. In other words I can't seem to stick to a plan and see it through theend. So this year, this is going to be my verse that I focus on daily andinstead of making a list of things I want to accomplish, I am going to wait andsee how God leads and then make sure that to my faith I add goodness,knowledge, self-control and perseverance!

Oh I am going to once again start readingthrough the entire Bible this year - lets see if I can persevere this time!!!!

ABC Scripture Challenge 2011

2012-01-02T18:27:00.001-05:00

At the beginning of 2011, I started the ABC Scripture Challenge hosted by Patter Cross. I did pretty good at keeping up with the challenges for the first 1/2 of the year, then we had a grandbaby, and then we had summer vacation and then school started back and then .... well I think you get the point. I just kept putting them off and putting them off. However, in my mind I knew I wanted to complete this challenge before the year ended - so on Friday & Saturday (the 30th & 31st) I went to my scrap room and got busy!!!! I created 15 - yes FIFTEEN - 6x6 scripture layouts. Of course my family thought I was ignoring them but in my mind I knew I had to at least complete one project I started on last year. (Perseverance is going to be one of my goals for 2012 - read about that later!)

So here are the photos of my layouts and the finished project.

L - Lonely

M - Motive

N - New

O - Others

P - Portion

Q - Qualified

R - Remember

S - Share

T - Trouble - This is my life verse!!!!

U - Useful

V - Value

W - Weary

X - eXercise

Y - Yield

Z - Zeal

It feels great to know I got this finished before 2011 -- I actually finished them at 10:55 PM on the 31st!!!!

And here is the finished project:

Various Creations in December

2011-12-31T18:55:00.000-05:00

I was very busy creating for the holidays but I just haven't had a chance to share my creations. So I thought I would share a few pictures now:

Here are some altered frames I created for 3 of my best friends:

Dreamin' Paper Pack, Title & Flowers from the A&P Cricut Cartridge, and the awesome thick ribbon - all from CTMH

Magnifique paper pack, title from the A&P Cricut cartridge, more of the awesome ribbon (all from CTMH) and some brown flowers from a local scrapbook store

Wings paper pack, Title from the A&P Cricut cartridge, vineyard berry ribbon (all from CTMH) and flowers from local store

All three frames have the same sayings about friends from a couple of different stamp sets (sorry I can't remember which ones - if you want to know I can go look for you - LOL!!!

And here are some party favors I made for a friend of mine for her daughter's birthday:

I also made name tags for our Christmas stockings as well as for my sister's stockings:

These are the ones I made for my sister's stockings:

I think that is the majority of what I created other than all my Christmas cards. Oh I also did 2 Studio J albums - one for my mom and one for my mother-in-law. Maybe one day I will get those layouts posted!

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T10:09:00.000-05:00

Merry CHRISTmas!!!!

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11

Name that Blog!

2011-12-23T16:07:00.000-05:00

Good morning everyone......hope you are surviving the hustle and bustle of the season. With Christmas right around the corner a new year will follow close behind...and with a new year comes new beginnings. I am joining with a group of fellow CTMH consultants to create a wonderful new challenge blog in February. Our plan is to offer you up some great scrapbooking and paper crafting techniques and then challenge you to create and share your artwork using these techniques......there will be prizes and awards offered to add some fun to the blog each month as well as great artwork and inspiration for your projects.

Our first challenge for you - "Name that Blog". We're looking for something catchy, easy to remember and unique.......we will choose a name from all the entries and the winner will receive $25 of free product from the soon to be released Spring/Summer 2012 Close To My Heart Ideabook. Entry deadline is January 10, 2012....So put your thinking caps on and leave your name idea in the comment box.....

A Social Network Christmas

2011-12-17T22:25:00.000-05:00

Merry CHRISTmas - may we all remember the reason we celebrate!!!!

Glitter Glitz Technique Blog Hop

2011-12-14T23:30:00.000-05:00

Welcometo our Technique Blog Hop! This monththere are 13 of us highlighting the “Glitter Glitz” Technique as shown on page35 in the Autumn/Winter 2011 Idea Book! This blog hop is a great big circle so youcan start wherever you want and continue through to see all the fabulousartwork incorporating this technique. Ifyou would like to start from the beginning, please visit this link DEBI BARBER'S BLOG. While there you will also find a listing ofall participants and their blog addresses if you should get lost or want toreference a blog along the way. Let’sget started!

If youare coming from Shirley's Blog, you are on the right track!

Here is my first project featuring Glitter Glitz.

The snowflakes on the card are covered in our Stardust Glitz Glitter (Z1313).

SupplyList:

Believe Paper Pack
Topiary Cardstock
White Cardstock
Topiary Ink Pad
Christmas Love Stamp Set
AP Cricut Cartridge (snowflakes)
Stardust Glitter Glitz

My 2nd Christmas Card with Glitter Glitz:

Glitter Glitz Snowflakes again!

Supply List:

Wonderland Paper Pack
Bling Assortment
AP Cricut Cartridge (Snowflakes, banner, & JOY)
Stardust Glitter Glitz

And now here is a birthday card using the same Stardust Glitz Glitter.

Supply List:

Sweetheart Paper Pack (Retired)
Stardust Glitz Glitter
Black Cardstock
White Cardstock
Bling Assortment
White Daisy Crochet Flower (Retired)
Black Waxy Flax

Thanksfor stopping by! Please continue onto Wendy's Blog where you will find someadditional artwork highlighting this technique! Be sure to leave a comment and let me know what you thought of myvariation and happy hopping!

A Few Christmas Cards

2011-12-12T21:50:00.001-05:00

Oh my word! I cannot believe I haven't posted in over a month. Between work and church I have not had a lot of downtime. So tonight I wanted to share a few projects I have been working on.

Here are a few of the Christmas cards I have been working on this season.

All of the cards above are made with either CTMH's Wonderland (blues & browns) or Believe (reds & greens) and a variety of our stamps.

I am holding off on posting two other cards (1 Christmas & 1 birthday) until the 15th for a Technique Hop so make sure you come back in a couple of days to see some glitz!!!!

My First Blog Award

2011-11-08T20:49:00.001-05:00

WOOOHOOOO! I received my first Blog Award today!!!! Thank you Pamela T (PJ's Corner) for selecting me for the Liebster Award! Make you sure check out Pamela's blog because I scrap-lift so much good stuff from her!!!!!!!

Liebster is a German word that means beloved or favorite. This award is only for blogs with fewer than 200 followers, so up-and-coming bloggers are recognized for their creative works!

Here are the rules to accept this award:

1. Thank the giver and link back to the blogger who gave it to you.
2. Reveal your top 5 picks and let them know by leaving a comment on their blog.
3. Copy and paste the award and rules on your blog.
4. Have faith that your followers will spread the love to other bloggers.
5. And most of all - have fun!

And my top 5 picks are (in no particular order) - By the way, all of these are amazing blogs so be ready to be inspired!!!!

Lasting Memories - Earth Tones & Sepia Challenge

2011-11-06T23:08:00.000-05:00

This week's Lasting Memories Layout Challenge is to create a layout using Earth Tones and Sepia photos. So I went straight to Studio J and created a layout of my son and his girlfriend carving pumpkins. I am planning on creating several more layouts from our night of fun, but for right now I am posting just this one.

Studio J - Kit is Enchanted and the pattern is Dialogue. Contact me today to see how you can start creating layouts in no time!

November Stamp of the Month Blog Hop

2011-10-31T22:18:00.000-04:00

Welcome to our November Stamp of the Month Blog Hop highlighting this month's stamp set, "Cherish the Day". This stamp set allows for some great versatility so hop with us and see what creativity we have to share with you!

If you have arrived here from Cherri's Blog, you are on the right track! So... let's get started!

Here is the image of the stamp set:

And this is the layout I made using this stamp set. I created a layout for my parents of a picture taken last Christmas of all of us kids with them. It's the first family picture we have had with all four of us in a long time.

I also used our AP Cricut cartridge to cut the title, year and the 'tag' the stamp is on.

Supplies:

Cherish the Day Nov SOM
New England Ivy & Colonial White Cardstock
B&T papers from retired Christmas stash (Mistletoe & Evergreen)
Mistletoe Level 2 Flowers (retired)
New England Ivy & Cranberry Ink
Cranberry & Colonial White Ribbon

Thank you for taking the time to stop by...

Now hop on over to Neely's Blog where you will find another inspirational use of this stamp set!

124 Family Vacation Pictures are Scrapbooked!

2011-10-02T16:31:00.001-04:00

WOW! I have completed 12 layout pages with a total of 124 pictures in less than 6 hours --- all because of STUDIO J!!!!! I finished my pages last night, ordered them this morning, received my jpeg files and now I'm blogging about them - I would say this is a SUCCESS!

I blogged about our vacation back in June but now I get to share the amazing pages I have created with our pictures. Hope you enjoy:

By the way, my cost for all these pages was less than $70! Contact me today to find out how you can do this too!

Lasting Memories Layout Challenge - Oct. 2

2011-10-02T14:00:00.001-04:00

I am so hoping to participate every week this month in the Lasting Memories Layout Challenges. So what better way to start the month out with their first one that was just posted today!

This week's challenge involved a recipe with a 'twist':
(1) photo
(2) embellishments of choice
(3) colors of choice

AND .. SONG LYRICS somewhere on your layout---Journaling, Title.. where ever.

So here is my submission:

1 Photo --- my adorable granddaughter
2 Embellishments --- Flowers & Ribbon
3 Colors --- Lagoon, Pacifica, Chocolate
Song Lyrics ---- Well I'm sure the word Precious is in many song lyrics!!!!

October Stamp of the Month Blog Hop

2011-09-30T20:00:00.003-04:00

Welcome to our Stamp of the Month Blog Hop highlighing this month's stamp set, Holiday Magic. We are thrilled to showcase some fun uses for this gorgeous stamp set!

This hop is one big circle so feel free to start here and move through the entire loop. You can also find a complete listing of all 13 participants by visiting Melissa Robinson's Blog. If you have arrived here from Cherri Hardcastle's blog, you are on the right track! So... let's get started!

This month, I created a very simple circle card. This card only took me 15 minutes to create --- one of the many, many reasons I love CTMH:

Supplies used (all CTMH supplies):

Circle Card Base
Kraft Cardstock
October SOM, Holiday Magic
New England & Cranberry Buttons
Colonial White Waxy Flax
New England & Cranberry Stamp Pads

Here is an image of the stamp set:

Contact me today to see how you can get this fun holiday stamp set for only $5.00. And as always, our Stamp of the Month sets are only available until the last day of the month!

Thank you for taking the time to stop by. I would appreciate a comment or two, if you so feel led. Now hop on over to Lisa Lawson's blog where you will find another inspirational use of this stamp set!

Happy hoppin'!

Creations for Nickie's Baby Shower

2011-09-18T14:36:00.000-04:00

So here are the projects I created for one of my best friend's baby shower. The name cards were what I used the Multi-color Motif Technique on (for details read the previous post).

Name Cards for guest of honor table:

Here they are with the other decorations:

Now for the other projects - a frame with her ultrasound picture and a Happy Thoughts can for guests to write messages to Hayden or his mommy:

All the projects were a great hit!!! But how could you go wrong using CTMH products?????

Multicolor Motif - Technique Blog Hop

2011-09-15T04:00:00.002-04:00

Welcome to our Technique Blog Hop! This month there are 14 of us highlighting the “Multi-color Motif” Technique as shown on page 110 in the Autumn/Winter 2011 Idea Book! This blog hop is a great big circle so you can start wherever you want and continue through to see all the fabulous artwork incorporating this technique. If you would like to start from the beginning, please visit Debi's Page. While there you will also find a listing of all participants and their blog addresses if you should get lost or want to reference a blog along the way. Let’s get started!

If you are coming from Rebecca's Blog, you are on the right track!

The multi-color motif technique is a quick and easy way of adding more than one color to a stamped image at one time. For my project I used the owl from our special Pair-A-Phrase stamp set in honor of National Stamping Month. I used our Exclusive Markers to add the color:

This is what it looked like after I used the markers to 'color' the stamp:

Then I added a very small mist of our spritz spray to moisten the color and this is the result:

I could have left the owl like this, but I decided to add more color by using our Watercolor pencils and so this is my owl now:

I used our Mocha Opaque Gems for the eyes. I can't show the rest of the project yet, because it's for one of my best friends baby shower on Saturday. But I promise to show all of it after she sees it next week.

Supply List:

Pair - A - Phrase Stamp Set (September Constant Campaign)
Markers: Cocoa, Chocolate, Honey, Desert Sand, New England Ivy
Watercolor Pencils

Thanks for stopping by! Please continue onto Cherri's Blog where you will find some additional artwork highlighting this technique! Be sure to leave a comment and let me know what you thought of my variation and happy hopping!

The Pain of A Parent's Love

2011-09-11T22:37:00.000-04:00

The other day as I was driving home I was thinking about some of the heartaches my children have faced and my heart broke for them. In some of the situations, I think I hurt worse than they did. I was thinking of all the pain we have experienced - from cancer, death of a parent, surgeries, broken hearts, struggles with friends, middle school drama, and so much more and I thought about how with each struggle I wish I could have taken their pain from them but I know I can't do that. Then all of a sudden, I heard God speak to my heart and say, "How do you think I feel?" I suddenly realized that God experiences all these pains with us and feels them even more deeply than we do. However, it's more than that. We often times talk about how God turned His back on Jesus when Jesus was on the cross and took on the weight of all of our sin. But not only that, God had watched His son experience a pain and hurt so much more excruciating than any of us could ever imagine and as a parent that means God was feeling that pain and hurt too. So on top of hurting for His one and only Son, He then had to turn His face from Him as Jesus took the wrath of our sin ---- now that's an AWESOME love!!! All I want to do as a parent when my children are hurting is to wrap them in my arms and take all their pain away --- yet because God loves us so much, He couldn't do that - at the time His Son needed Him the most, when His Son was hurting more than He had ever hurt, God couldn't hold Him. Oh what a love ---- thank You God for experiencing the ultimate pain of a parent's love so that we could have salvation!!!!

Roxie WOTG

2011-09-11T22:20:00.001-04:00

Last week I hosted the Roxie WOTG. As soon as I saw these papers I knew exactly what pictures I wanted to use. When I come home from any scrapping event, I always show my husband what I create. Most of the time he will say something to the effect of "oh that's cute". Well when I showed him these pages, he said "Wow, that's the prettiest ones you ever made!" Of course, he is a little biased by the subject of the pages!!! Well anyways - here is my version of the WOTG -- I used our coordinating Stickease instead of stamping the flowers:

So what are you waiting for, contact me today to get your very own Roxie papers so you can create the prettiest pages ever!!!!

My Creations From Saturday

2011-08-25T22:29:00.002-04:00

I went to an all day crop at Scrappy Chic Cafe in St. Augustine on Saturday & I had an absolute fabulous time!!! It was so nice to be a guest and not have to organize everything - LOL! And on top of that, I actually got quite a bit done - 3 two-page layouts, a back to school goodie kit, 2 altered photo frames, and started on a card set. I couldn't believe how much I scrapped. So here's what I did.

First of all, here are the layouts I made of my beautiful Tenley. I had made several layouts for her book that I gave her Mommy & Daddy, but these layouts are for my book.

The top two layouts are made using our Miracle paper with Blush accents. The last layout is made with Sophia.

Here is the altered frame I made - I actually made 2 of these and gave one to each of my best friends in the picture with me. I purchased the photo mats from the local dollar store - 2 in a pack for $1, then added Sorbet & Tulip ribbon for the 'hanger', stamped the corners and the saying, then added the flower and butterfly.

And now for the card set I started and then finished tonight. I got this idea from Christine Adams blog. I love how CTMH's papers are so versatle that you can create very simple yet elegant cards in a matter of minutes. This card set was made using our new Dreamin' Paper Pack, various stamp sets and embellishments. The box was made using our Art Philosophy cricut cartridge. It was so easy and fast!

For those of you who know how slow I usually am at scrappin', you can see I was extremely productive on Saturday. I must say, I was very proud of myself!

If you are interested in more details on any of these projects, please feel free to contact me by clicking here.

By the way, you can see the back to school kit I made by reading the post below this one.

H2H Challenge - Back to School

2011-08-25T22:06:00.000-04:00

This week at H2H Challenges, we are celebrating "Back to School" with Icards and other goodies with a school theme. I can't take any credit for my project other than putting adhesive on the papers and attaching them. I bought this lit from fellow CTMH consultant Christine - She is so amazing! So here is the notebook, card, pencil, and drink & goodie holder from her kit:

Check out this link to see her full post on this project. Thanks Christine!!!!!

Glossy Dimensions Technique Blog Hop

2011-08-15T06:00:00.007-04:00

Welcome to our Technique Blog Hop! This month there are 13 of us highlighting the Glossy Dimensions Technique as shown on page 23 in the Autumn/Winter 2011 Idea Book! This blog hop is a great big circle so you can start wherever you want and continue through to see all the fabulous artwork incorporating this technique. If you would like to start from the beginning, please visit Debi Barber's Page. While there you will also find a listing of all participants and their blog addresses if you should get lost or want to reference a blog along the way. Let’s get started!

If you are coming from Rachel's Blog, you are on the right track!

Here is my creation for this month's technique:

I created a 5 x 7 card with a dimensional element border. To create this glossy dimension border, all I did was simply mix liquid glass and crystal blue re-inker together in one of my small craft jars then used the end of my scoring stylus to "paint" the border. It took about 1 hour for it to dry, then I adhered it to my card.

Supply List:

**Harvest Happiness Stamp Set (C1463)** - NEW
Basic Assortment Buttons (Z1391)
Crystal Blue Waxy Flax (Z1247)
Crystal Blue Reinker (Z2217)
Liquid Glass (Z679)
Colonial White Cardstock (X5921)
Crystal Blur Card Stock (X5917)
Miracle Level 2 paper (retired)
Dimensional Elements Borders (retired)

Thanks for stopping by! Please continue onto Shirley's Blog where you will find some additional artwork highlighting this technique! Be sure to leave a comment and let me know what you thought of my variation and happy hopping!

Studio J blog | Art Gallery : Studio J Online Design Software : Close To My Heart

2011-08-13T15:32:00.001-04:00

Studio J blog | Art Gallery : Studio J Online Design Software : Close To My Heart

Check out the Studio J Blog hosted by Close to My Heart!!!!!

Virtual Scavenger Hunt

2011-08-04T23:06:00.001-04:00

I am so excited about the new Idea Book and all the new papers, stamps and products! In an effort to get you just as excited, I have decided to hold an online scavenger hunt of the new Autumn/Winter 2011 Idea Book.

When you finish the scavenger hunt, simply send me your responses by e-mail (twgal220@gmail.com). Every entry will have a chance for a FREE paper pack of your choice from the new Idea Book in addition to FREE shipping on any order you place before August 31. (I will record the drawing and post the winning name on August 31).

So click here or get an actual hard copy of the Idea Book by contacting me and start hunting:

What are the name of the 5 new paper packs in this Idea Book?
What fabulous new product is featured on pages 12 & 13?
What are the hostess rewards for a gathering with sales totaling between $250 - $349?
What Tip & Technique is featured with the Mischief paper pack?
What are the feature colors of Wonderland?
What is your favorite stamp set featured in the following categories:

Winter
Autumn
Sentiments
Floral
Everyday Life
Alphabets

What is your favorite new embellishment featured in this Idea Book?
What would it cost for to you to become a CTMH Consultant?
How is a Level 1 layout created?
What is the name of the August Stamp of the Month and how can you get it for $5?

Remember all you have to do for a chance at a FREE paper pack and guaranteed FREE shipping is submit your answers to the scavenger hunt no later than August 27!

Have fun --- contact me today with your order!!!!

Facebook Page

2011-08-02T20:10:00.000-04:00

WOOOHOOO --- I have an official registered Facebook page for my scrapbooking posts - https://www.facebook.com/heartandsoulscrappers. Please check it out and like it!

It's Time for the NEW AUTUMN / WINTER IDEA BOOK!!!!!!

2011-08-01T22:13:00.003-04:00

Today is the big day! And let me just say - OH MY WORD!!!!! I cannot believe all the new and exciting products Close to My Heart is unveiling today.

New paper weight --- from 65 lb to 100 lb. Perfect for Cricut cutting and project making!!!!
Workshops on the Go now have projects available in addition to the layouts and cards. Just add a few additions and watch an online video and viola -- your project is made!
Stamp of the Month for less ---- spend $50 and get the SOM for $5!!!! And in August when you get the SOM for $5 you also get a bonus A-size stamp set for FREE!!!!
Online project inspiration. You will see several fantastic projects that you can recreate by following the instructions and short video online.
Lower Stamp Prices!!!!!
Die cut cards now in White & Kraft --- I love the Kraft for vintage & male inspired cards!
ANNOUNCING CRICUT! Yes, you read that right! Take your artwork to a whole new level with our amazing Cricut cartridge, Art Philosophy. When you combine die cuts with coordinating stamps, the sky truly is the limit! The bundle is at a phenomenal price of only $99. That includes the cricut cartridge, 3 stamp sets and 3 sets of chipboard.

No better time to love CTMH!!!!!!!!!!! You can view the new Idea Book by clicking here. You can also e-mail me if you would like a book to hold in your hands!

I am in the process of scheduling some events for August & September, so stay tuned. Also, if you are interested in hosting a gathering and earning FREE products, contact me today. If you have a group of girls who just like to get together for some fun, let me know. A Gathering is a great way to see all the versatility of our products and gives you the opportunity to make a cute project!

Close to My Heart & Cricut - The Best of Two Worlds Has Come Together!!!

2011-07-18T21:28:00.004-04:00

Oh my word!!! I love my cricut and I love Close to My Heart --- and now they have joined together to give us an exclusive cartridge that has over 700 images, an exclusive font, & 3-D projects! And it pairs up with several of our stamp sets for the absolute perfect design!!!!

Ok so now I know you are ready to get this awesome product into your amazing crafty hands ....

There are a couple of different ways you can do this:

1) The collection is available August 1. You can email your pre-order to me at twgal220@gmail.com (when you include your address I’ll send you a copy of the new Idea Book). And we now can offer Hostess Rewards for every order over $150. So if you add a few other items, you can also get at least $25 in rewards.

2) Host a party! When your party total reaches $250 or more, you will be able to get the bundle as a half price item – so you can get the Cricut Cartridge for less than $50!!!! And you’ll get at least $40 in Hostess Rewards. This can be an online party too!!!!

3) OR you can join Close to My Heart as a consultant for only $99, get this amazing kit of products & supplies, and then order the Cricut Cartridge from yourself at a great discount. I’d love to have you join my team. Email me for more details!

My Son is on iTunes!!!!

2011-07-16T21:11:00.002-04:00

Indulge me --- another proud momma moment -- my son, Jake, has his first single available on iTunes. He wrote the lyrics and music for it and he is the singer in the group - Redemption Road. Such a blessing to see how he is letting God direct his life! (My nephew and 2 of their good friends are also in the group.)

http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/redemption-road/id450559171

Heart 2 Heart Challenge - From Our Heart to Yours

2011-07-11T08:00:00.001-04:00

This week at H2H, we were asked to share from our heart to yours. This simply means that you find an item, or picture that inspires you then create and share both your finished artwork and a picture of your inspiration. So today I have 2 creations to share with you.

The first is a layout of my family. (Well part of my family.) My family is what inspires me more than anything, so when I saw this challenge I knew I wanted to do a layout featuring them. I also started looking through our Idea Book to see what layouts really jumped off the page at me and this is what I saw:

I loved the big ribbon across the bottom of the photo, so here is my inspired layout with the big cocoa ribbon and my family:

Supplies (All CTMH) for this layout: Mayberry Level 1 My Reflections Paper Pack, Cocoa Ribbon Collection, Kraft Borders, Colonial White Ribbon Collection.

The second inspired creation for this week, is another 2 challenge in one creation. I am still working on getting caught up on my ABC Scripture Challenges and of course I am always inspired by God's word, so I thought this would be another perfect way of using both challenges. For this layout, I loved the color combination and 'card' in this picture from the Idea Book:

I used the card and colors to create this ABC Scripture layout for KNOW:

I am so thankful that my God knows me -- every thought, every action, every word - and yet He still loves me in spite of all that I am!

Supplies (all CTMH) for this 6x6 layout: Wings Level 2 My Refelctions Paper & Level 1 Stickease, New England Ivy & Sunny Yellow Textured Cardstock, Black Mini Medleys, Colonial White Waxy Flax, Dimensional Elements Borders, Rubber brayer, Sunny Yellow ink

I hope you have been inspired by what inspires me!

Journey --- ABC Scripture Challenge

2011-07-08T00:15:00.000-04:00

Here is another ABC Scripture challenge --- Journey!

When I think of a journey, I think of a destination - a plan - a road map. Daily life is a journey and God has a plan, a destination, & a road map for this journey. I pray that I will run this race - this journey with patience and endure all He has for me because I know that He only plans for my benefit -- never for any other reason. I may not always see His itinerary for this journey but I do know that no matter what I can trust that He has the very best course set for me and I if will simply trust Him then this journey would be much easier to travel!

It's All About Inspiration --- H2H Challenge & ABC Scripture Challenge!

2011-07-08T00:06:00.001-04:00

This week at Heart 2 Heart Challenges we were given the following photo to use for inspiring our creation:

When I first looked at the photo, I noticed all the bright colors and flowers. So I knew I wanted to create something incorporating flowers and the pinks & greens. I have also been trying to get caught up on my ABC Scripture Challenges that Patter Cross posts, so I decided to take of advantage of getting both challenges done. Here is my creation:

The focus word for this ABC Challenge is identity. You can read Patter's post on identity here. But to me I automatically asked myself this question --- what is my identity - is it a wife, a mom, a teacher, an administrator, a friend, a daughter, a sister, and so on. But most of all I want to be identified in Christ --- I want my identity to be mistaken for His --- then I know I am living a life pleasing to Him. In order to do, I must be crucified with Him and let Him live through me in this life everyday - hence, Gal 2: 20!

Supplies used:

Mayberry Paper (X7136B)
Mayberry Stickease (X7136C)
Pink Collection Assortment (Z1384)

Bang for Your Buck!

2011-07-03T14:18:00.000-04:00

It's simple --- spend $50 from the Spring / Summer 2011 CTMH Idea Book and get one of the following items for only $1!!!! Yes, that's right - $1!!! So what are you waiting for --- contact me or visit my website to start shopping!

Our Cedar Key Vacation

2011-07-02T23:30:00.007-04:00

Last weekend we took a few days and went on a family vacation to Cedar Key. Ron has been wanting to take us Deep Sea Fishing and we booked a charter fishing trip with Grouper Therapy. On Friday we (Ron, me, Britt, Justin & Jordan) spent the day in the Gulf fishing for Red Groupers --- we actually caught over 125 of them but because of fishing regulations we could only keep 7 of them. However, we had a great time even though we had to throw most of them back. My sister and her husband came up and spent the weekend with us along with Katie and Jake, Tara, & Tenley. On Saturday we went explored the quaint old town of Cedar Key, went fishing at sunset, had some golf cart adventures and then ended the night playing charades and having a blast. This is definitely a trip I hope we do every year!!!! Here is a little video of just a few of the pictures -- including some amazing sunset pictures. (I have waited for several years to be able to take pictures of the sunset on the west coast and I finally did!)

Oh what a face!!!!

More Studio J Layouts!

2011-07-02T22:47:00.000-04:00

Just wanted to share a few more layouts I created using Studio J! This is my new favorite subject to use for my layouts.

I am now in the process of working on layouts from our family vacation to Cedar Key as well as Tenley's overnight visits at Gigi & Big Daddy's. Have I told you lately how much I love Studio J! I get so much more scrapbooking done now. However, I still love the traditional and love making my cards and altered projects. That's what is so great about CTMH -- it's so versatile and meets all of our needs!

American Celebration --- July Blog Hop!!!!!!

2011-06-30T22:23:00.002-04:00

Welcome to our Stamp of the Month Blog Hop! We will be featuring July's SOTM, which is American Celebration, a set of 12 stamps.

If you have come here from Jean McNulty's Blog, you are on the right path! The blog hop is a great big circle, so you can start here and work your way all around. If you get lost along the way, you’ll find the complete list of participating consultants at Helen Onulak's Blog.

This month we have over 60 Close To My Heart Consultants sharing their creations using this month's SOTM and other great CTMH products on their blogs. This is simple to do - just click on the link at the end of the post on each blog to move to the next one! Here we go!

This month I created the following cute 4x4 card:

This card features 4 of the stamps from the American Celebration SOTM set. I also used our Kraft borders and cardstock along with Star Spangled Blue & Cranberry ink and one of our sparkles in the middle of the firework image.

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

Thanks for hopping with us this month!!!!

H2H Challenge --- B-I-N-G-O!!!!!

2011-06-22T21:21:00.000-04:00

This week's H2H challenge comes with a Bingo / Tic-Tac-Toe card. Take a look:

So the challenge was to use the board above, and choose three things to use on our project so that, when finished and crossed off on the board, creates a Bingo (or Tic-Tac-Toe). In other words, in a straight line. I chose to get a BINGO on the bottom row with GEMS, BUTTONS< & RUB-ONS. Here is the anniversary card I created for my hubby ----

Supplies used:

Sweetheart Level 2 Paper (X7134B)
Sweetheart Level 2 Assortment (Z1386)
Clear Sparkles (Z1104)
Black Mini Medley Assortment (Z1393)
A Little Everything Stamp Set (D1420)
Love Letters Rub-Ons (Z1098) -- while supplies last

Base & Shade Technique Hop

2011-06-15T01:00:00.002-04:00

Welcome to our Technique Blog Hop! This month there are 11 of us highlighting the “Paper Beyond Base and Shade Stamping” Technique as shown on page 11 in the Spring/Summer 2011 Idea Book! This blog hop is a great big circle so you can start wherever you want and continue through to see all the fabulous artwork incorporating this technique. If you would like to start from the beginning, please visit this link DEBI BARBER’S BLOG. While there you will also find a listing of all participants and their blog addresses if you should get lost or want to reference a blog along the way. Let’s get started!

If you are coming from TERI BAXTER'S BLOG, you are on the right track!

This technique is highlighted with the Sophia paper packet in the Idea Book but you will find variations for its’ use through this hop.

I used this technique with the Aspiration stamp set on the following layout:

The base was stamped in sorbet, then I did the 'outline' or shade stamp in chocolate. Then I used clear embossing powder to give it the shine!

If you would like to see details on the technique or my supply list, please continue reading below. If not, please continue onto SHELIA WILKERSON'S BLOG where you will find some additional artwork highlighting this technique! Be sure to leave a comment and let me know what you thought of my variation and happy hopping!

Supply List: Aspiration (C1340); Friendship Alpha Large (E1016); Unforgettable Paper (Retired); Sorbet Ink; Chocolate Ink; Sorbet Ribbon

To create this technique, simply stamp the base stamp (the solid stamp) in a lighter color, then use the shade stamp (an outline stamp) in a darker coordinating color. Viola --- you have base & shading!!!!!

Here is an image if the 2 stamps I used:

I used Sorbet for the solid / base stamp (the top one) and chocolate for the bottom outline and detail stamp. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Thanks for stopping by! Continue onto SHELIA WILKERSON'S BLOG to continue the hop!

Sketch Time --- Heart 2 Heart Challenge

2011-06-06T22:17:00.001-04:00

Last week's H2H Challenge was based on the following sketch:

So here is the card I made using this sketch for my hubby's birthday ---

I used the following supplies (all from CTMH):

Lucky My Reflections Level 2 Paper
Kraft Cardstock
It's Your Day Stamp Set
Natural Hemp
Wooden Designer Buttons
Outdoor Denim Ink

My Son, the College Graduate!

2011-06-05T20:22:00.001-04:00

Today we celebrated the college graduation of our son, Jake (the same son that just became a daddy a month ago!) Jake graduated from Saint Leo University with his Bachelors of Arts in Elementary Education. Here are a few pictures from the day's events:

Jake's cap with an apple!

Tenley cheering for her daddy!!!!

My AMAZING family!!!!

So blessed!

He got a math clock for his classroom!

He's reading the card I gave him.

When he saw that I had made him a card he said, "Mom you make the best cards!" --- Wow - that made my day even better! Here is a picture of his card:

Front of Card

Inside of Card

Recipe for Card:

Lucky My Reflections
Wooden Designer Buttons
Natural Hemp
You Did It Stamp Set
You & Me Kit Exclusive Stamp Set

Confessions of a Messy Scrapper!

2011-05-30T19:24:00.000-04:00

Okay, I have a confession to make - I am an extremely messy scrapper! I need an intervention! This is what my table looked like the other day while I was working on graduation cards:

Then this is what it looked like after I cleaned it:

So I need to know -- are you a clean scrapper -- if so how do you do it? And if you're a messy one, please leave me a comment so I know I am not all alone in this!

Hurry!!! Hurry!!! Hurry!!!! Only 4 More Days Left

2011-05-27T21:38:00.000-04:00

May is National Scrapbooking Month and CTMH is offering the new consultant kit for just $65. Yes - you read that right - - $65!!!!! You can get over $300 in products for just $65 (with s/h & tax is is about $83.) You can even get a Studio J membership when you sign up and until May 31, all new consultants get the exclusive You & Me kit FREE!!!!!!

What is keeping you from getting in on this deal? You have a chance to get more than $300 in products for your $65 plus you will have a 22% discount off from all of our products until September 30th EVEN IF you don't put in an order until that last day. When you sign up you get to choose 3 additional kits from a choice of 5 --- paper, inks, stamps, albums, Studio J membership, embellishments, and so much more ---- click here for more info.

Did you know that you don't have to do home parties to be a consultant? One option is to just pass a catalog around to your friends. Another is to buy all the products for yourself (at the discount, of course) and just be a hobbyist consultant. You are also welcome to just have an occasional workshop on your home or even a crop and again, just pass the catalog.

If you do want to make money at this position you can and there is help every step of the way for that!

So, what do you think? Is it getting easier to make the decision? I promise there is no Close to my Heart police that will come after your kit if you never buy a single thing (but again, why not take advantage of your big discount)! It's easy to sign up, you just need to fill out the form at this link!

Altered Frame Featuring Tenley Beth!!!!

2011-05-21T21:18:00.000-04:00

I have had an old collage frame for several years. A few months back I decided to change the pictures and alter the frame. Well it's been sitting in my scrapbook room since before Christmas waiting for me to do something to it --- so last night I did. I added some flowers, ribbon, rub-ons and pictures of Tenley! So here is how it turned out:

Isn't she beautiful?

Yet Another Reason to Love Studio J!

2011-05-21T21:12:00.000-04:00

As if I didn't already love Studio J, now I have even another reason to. I shared in a post last year the layouts I did of Jake & Tara's wedding. I ordered all of them and have the 12x12 layouts in an album here at home. When you order your layouts you get full size jpeg files of each layout for FREE!!!

I have been wanting to do something of their wedding for my desk to go along with the 6 x 6 album I have of Katie & Eric's wedding. (I like showing off my children at work and it makes it even better when it highlights CTMH!!!!) So I finally decided to upload the jpeg files of all the layouts to Scrapbook Pictures and get 6x6 prints made - this was the first time I used their site and I wasn't sure how they were going to turn out. Well, they turned out great --- so today I finally got them added to our 6x6 display album (although I changed it up a bit) and here is the final product:

So now I have a full size album with beautiful layouts of their wedding for my house and a 6x6 one for my desk!!!! Yes -- I love CTMH & Studio J!!!!!!

Heart 2 Heart Challenge - Buttons!!!

2011-05-19T21:42:00.000-04:00

I love buttons!!!! So this was an easy challenge for me --- it was just finding time to post that was the problem! I have several layouts -- traditional and Studio J to share as well as cards - so here goes!!!!

Can you tell I love buttons?!?! For more button lovin' inspiration check out all the posts on the H2H blog!!!!

May Technique Blog Hop - Paper Piecing!

2011-05-14T21:18:00.002-04:00

Welcome to our Technique Blog Hop! This month there are 12 of us highlighting the “Paper Piecing” Technique as shown on page 27 in the Spring/Summer 2011 Idea Book! This blog hop is a great big circle so you can start wherever you want and continue through to see all the fabulous artwork incorporating this technique. If you would like to start from the beginning, please visit Debi Barber's Blog. While there you will also find a listing of all participants and their blog addresses if you should get lost or want to reference a blog along the way. Let’s get started!

If you are coming from Teri Baxter's Blog, you are on the right track! This technique is highlighted with the Sophia paper packet in the Idea Book but you will find variations for its’ use through this hop.

Here is the project I created:

This is the part of my card that I paper pieced. It started out as the image below:

I started out by stamping this image in Smoothie, then I stamped it in Honey and Olive. I cut the Honey & Olive pieces and attached it to the Smoothie image to give it the pieced together look. In doing this I was able to incorporate more of them colors from the paper.

If you would like to see my supply list, please continue reading below. If not, please continue onto Sheila Wilkerson Blog's where you will find some additional artwork highlighting this technique! Be sure to leave a comment and let me know what you thought of my variation and happy hopping!

Supply List:

Mayberry My Reflections Paper Pack - Level 2 - X7136B
Stamp set from Lucky WOTG - G1018
Stamp Set from You & Me May Constant Campaign Kit -- CC1012
Colonial White Ribbon
Smoothie Ink - Z2196
Olive Ink - Z2137
Honey Ink - Z2162

Thanks for stopping by! Continue onto Sheila Wilkerson Blog's to continue the hop!

Welcome to the World Tenley Beth....

2011-05-06T21:17:00.001-04:00

On May 3, 2011 at 7:23 PM, my life changed forever! At that moment, God blessed us with the most amazing gift...Tenley Beth. But not only was the birth of our first grandchild so spectacular, but watching the transformation over the last few years of my son from a boy to a young man to a husband to a daddy ---- wow, my heart completed melted. I was honored to be allowed to be in the birthing room as she came into this world and took her first breath and then to watch my son talk to her and she immediately responded to his voice ---- oh what a priceless moment!!!! And to see all that my amazing daughter-in-law went through and how determined she was to not have a c-section -- I am so proud of you Tara and I know that you are going to be a fabulous mommy!!! So here are some pictures of my precious grand-daughter --- I just love saying that!!!!

Their first family photo!

Recognizing her Daddy's voice!

9 lbs 9 oz. 22 1/2 inches

Absolutely gorgeous!!!!

From left to right: Aunt Britt, Uncle Justin, Mommy (in black), Big Daddy with Tenley, Gigi, Daddy, Uncle Jordan

Her first Gator shirt!

May Is National Scrapbooking Month!!!!

2011-05-01T16:46:00.001-04:00

Can you believe that there is a whole month dedicated to SCRAPBOOKING!?!?! And Close to My Heart knows how to celebrate the month of May. Check out the video below for the special kit for this special month:

Also in honor of Nat'l Scrapbooking Month, you can become a consultant for half-price! That's over $300 in products for only $64.50! Contact me today for more information on either special!

More Studio J Layouts!!!!

2011-05-01T16:38:00.000-04:00

I must say that every time I use Studio J, I find more reasons to love it! I already have all my Easter pictures scrapbooked and ready to go in my album! I created 7 two-page layouts last night in less than 2 hours using Studio J. CTMH has truly captured the essence of "Faster. Simpler. Easier." with Studio J. Check out my layouts then click on the link below so that you can explore the ease of this for yourself:

(Click on any image to see it larger)

So what are you waiting for --- it's FREE to play ---- Studio J!!!!

Some Saturday Scarppin!

2011-04-30T21:23:00.001-04:00

Wow what a crazy & hectic Spring Break it has been. I think our county was the very last county in the nation to have spring break so needless to say we were all ready!!! I had planned on taking Wednesday - Friday off to get some spring cleaning done, sit out by the pool, read and scrapbook! Well, my mom ended up in the hospital on Tuesday so my plans were changed -- but it's all good because she is home now and doing much better!!! So this afternoon I did some cleaning and scrappin'!

The first project I did was finish a layout I started at a crop a few weeks ago. During Christmas break two of my great nephews and my great niece stayed with us one night. We had a blast playing Wii and roasting marshmallows in the fireplace so we could make S'Mores. Here is the layout I did using a retired paper pack (Good Times) of the adventure:

Isn't he adorable????

This layout is from our Magic (Juggling Act) How to Program book. I love the interactive parts of the layouts in this how to book.

I also created a very simple layout using our Splendor Level 1 kit. The Level 1 pages are pre-printed and come with matching Stickease. Everything on these layouts is from the lit with the exception of the ribbon and brads in the center of the bows. (The ribbon is contraband!) This layout features some pictures from a work conference last summer --- I love the fact that I am friends with so many of my co-workers and it makes work so FUN!!!!

Now I'm off to work on my Easter layouts in Studio J!!!!

It’s No Secret – Chapters 7 & 8

2011-04-25T22:58:00.000-04:00

I cannot get over how much I can relate to with Rachel in her book, It’s No Secret. All through these two chapters I have notes in the margins such as, “Ouch!” WOW, this is so me!” ‘Think about it” as well as double stars and exclamation points. I guess you could say that I can hear God speaking to me and getting my attention. Thank you Rachel for being obedient and writing this book! SO here are the points that have stood out to me the most this week:

Chapter 7 – Adjust Your Scale: Revealing the Secret to Perfection in God’s Eyes

I often slack off or procrastinate, then grow exhausted, distracted and overwhelmed. As a result I don’t do my best then I beat myself up with regret because my actions, efforts, and outcomes don’t match the idealized image in my head. We seek love and respect from God and from others through what we do and how well we do it. But this is not how God wants us to be. Jesus shows us a new perspective: grace-based love. Grace-based loved finds its source in God – it holds up the cross and grants love before anyone returns the affection. We don’t earn it, we receive it.
God’s love for us doesn’t evolve from any particular thing about who we are, how we look, what grades we earn, how many committees were on, or if we pass the bell-ringers outside Wal-Mart at Christmas without dropping in any change. Rather, God’s love finds its source in Him and who He is!
Grace & love flow from God to us and then it’s available to flow through us to others. Maturing isn't something we manage to do for God, it’s what you allow God to do through you.

Chapter 8 – Get By With a Little Help from Your Friends: Revealing the Secret of Interdependence

This chapter started out by asking us why we don’t like asking someone for help when we need it. My top 4 answers were: pride, fear, perfectionism, and don’t want to be a burden/obligation to someone else.
1 Corinthians 12:7 “A spiritual gift is given to each of us as a means of helping the entire church.” That’s the purpose of spiritual gifts & talents God has given you – to help others. And it’s ditto for them!!! Their gifts are there to help you. God created the members of the church t help one another. God hardwired us to need one another and gifted us to help one another. Refusing to ask someone for help deprives them of their opportunity to serve, of an opportunity to fulfill their purpose.
Rachel gave the following analogy of the Red Wood trees in California to the body of Christ (the church): Red giants grow together in clumps, intertwining their roots with others as far as 200 feet away. Each one is an individual beauty, yet connected with the others for survival. Even the tallest ones are held up by the smallest ones. By holding hands underground, they hold each other up in the storms of life.

So I am going to stop beating myself up over not being perfect and let that be left up to God. I am also going to try to be better about asking for help when I need it and praying to be more aware of the needs of others around me!

Why

2011-04-23T21:51:00.000-04:00

So very thankful that I can truly celebrate this season because of our precious Savior! Without the cross - without His blood - without grace - without mercy & forgiveness - without an empty tomb - there would be no Easter! I pray that all of you have a true understanding of what this time is all about. Have a blessed Easter!!!!

My Reflections on "It's No Secret"

2011-04-16T22:15:00.000-04:00

As some of you may know (from a previous post), I am reading It's No Secret by Rachel Olsen. I am also participating in an online Bible study of the book with Melissa Taylor and this week's assignment was to read chapters 5 & 6. This week has been pretty hectic and I didn't get to do any of the reading until today. I didn't have anywhere to go today so I got the rare privilege of being home by myself and before I did any house cleaning or laundry I read Chapter 5 and completed the study questions. As I was reflecting on this chapter I do my 'chores' and then I went back and finished this week's assignments. Well, let me just tell you --- these chapters hit hard! Here are my thoughts and reflections:

Chapter 5: Revealing the Secret of Living Generously
Rachel challenges us in this chapter to examine our giving and our attitude as we give - not just money but also our time, effort, talents, friendship, etc. Jesus assumes that we will give. In Matthew 6:3 Jesus says "But when you give..." notice He doesn't say if you give. This was something I had never thought about --- but it is so very true. Our giving is an example of our love for Jesus so it only makes sense that we are to give! "If we are not compelled to live generously, it's because we have an eye problem --- We've lost sight of who God is and what He does. We have forgotten the mercy of His salvation, the grace of His presence, not to mention the blessing of His divine savings plan. If we've lost sight of depositing treasure in heaven, then we've lost sight of the fact that this world is temporary and so is all the treasures in it!" (pg 104)

I so related with Rachel when she talked about how she tends to be selfish and self-protective (in comparison to widow woman that fed Elijah that very last of her food) - only wanting to give after I'm sure I've got enough for me and my family - I want to give out of my surplus. But this is the exact opposite of what God wants us to do -- He wants us to give in faith!

Oh Lord help me to give out of my love for You -- out of my obedience to You --- help me to set my eyes on You and see the needs of others around me this week. Lord I pray that You will use me to meet the needs of someone else this week!

Chapter 6: Revealing the Secret of Growth through Trials
I love the part in here where Rachel talks about how Godly beauty results from time spent in the dark of our prayer closet, in the midst of our troubles, when we draw close to and lean on Him. I can assure you that I have experienced this through many trials - my youngest son's cancer, a failed marriage, the death of my boys dad, my parents many health issues, & financial hardships -- just to name a few. And I can testify that I have experienced God's strength through each one.

Isaiah 45:3 says "And I will give you treasures hidden in the darkness - secret riches. I will do this so that you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, the one who calls you by name." Did you catch that --- He calls you by name! What is it about hearing someone call your name? It makes us feel special that they know us and are taking the time to say our name. (There is actually lots of research on the power of hearing your name --- Google it if you want to know more.) Well I promise you, I heard Him call my name many times and He gave me secret riches - hope, peace, comfort, endurance, & grace) in every one of these trials!

Let me share one more thing that Rachel wrote about in this chapter. We are like diamonds. A diamond starts out as a dark, dingy piece of coal. But after years of harsh circumstances, extreme heat and pressure it starts to change into a beautiful, light-reflecting extremely valuable stone. For us, God uses our trials to shape us and buff us so that we emerge stronger, more beautiful, more Christ-reflecting, and more valuable to Him and all those around us.

So the next time you are facing some rough circumstances, remember James 1: 2-4 "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." God is right there standing beside us in our darkest day. He also stands in the middle of our tomorrow, fully aware of your future. So see my dear sister, we can have joy in the midst of the roughest storm because we serve the One who calms all storms!

ABC Scripture Challenge - F, G & H!!!

2011-04-16T17:32:00.001-04:00

Let me start out by saying that the last few weeks have been rather hectic and I have not been able to participate in too many challenges lately. However, last night we had an open crop and I was finally able to get caught up on my ABC Scripture Challenges at Patter Cross's Blog. So here goes:

F: Forget - Click here to read Patter's study on this word.

Isaiah 44:21-22 "Remember these things, O Jacob, for you are my servant, O Israel. I have made you, you are my servant; O Israel, I will not forget you. I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you."

How reassuring it is to know that my God will never forget me!

G: Gift - Here is the link for this word study.

Most of us think of Romans 6:23 when we think of the word gift - "For the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." I am so thankful for this gift and it is by far the greatest gift ever. But we tend to take for granted all the other gifts He gives us --- a smile from our child, a beautiful sunrise, a rainbow after a storm, peace that passes all understanding, a loving church, and oh the list can go on and on -- so that is why I chose this verse:

James 1:17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

H: Hands - Here is the link for this study.

When I saw this word I immediately thought of Isaiah 49:16 "See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me." I did a Bible study with our youth girls a few years ago called "Wild About You" and this was one of the key verses. It reminds us that God has us engraved on His palms so how can we not trust Him completely with our life! We are in His continual care --- we are always on His mind --- Christ will look at His hands and instead of seeing His scars - He sees me!

WOW what an awesome God we serve!

Layered Flowers - Technique Blog Hop!!!!!

2011-04-14T13:01:00.008-04:00

Welcome to our Technique Blog Hop! This month there are 12 of us highlighting the “Layered Flowers” Technique as shown on page 7 in the Spring/Summer 2011 Idea Book! This blog hop is a great big circle so you can start wherever you want and continue through to see all the fabulous artwork incorporating this technique. If you would like to start from the beginning, please visit DEBI BARBER’S blog While there you will also find a listing of all participants and their blog addresses if you should get lost or want to reference a blog along the way. Let’s get started!

If you are coming from Rebecca's Blog,you are on the right track! This technique is highlighted with the Sophia paper packet in the Idea Book but you will find variations for its’ use through this hop.

I created a very simple 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" card using the Mayberry WOTG guide:

If you would like to see details on the technique or my supply list, please continue reading below. If not, please continue onto Shelia's Blog where you will find some additional artwork highlighting this technique! Be sure to leave a comment and let me know what you thought of my variation and happy hopping!

Supply List:

Dreams Come True Stamp Set (D1470)
Card Chatter - Sympathy (D1476)
Mayberry Level 2 Paper Pack (X7136B)
Cocoa Ink (Z2114)
Smoothie Ink (Z2196)
Pearl Opaques (Z1336)

The steps to Layered Flowers are:
1. Stamp base image in one color and outline in another (if applicable to stamp selected). Repeat on another piece of cardstock.
2. Trim first image around all outer images. Trim second image, cutting out portions of the flower (to create the layered effect).
3. Curl ends of petals on second image and adhere on top of first image. Layer mixtures of stamped accent and embellishments to finish.

Here you can see a visual demonstration of this technique.

Studio J®: Step-by-Step Basics

2011-04-03T20:51:00.001-04:00

Check out how easy it is to get started with Studio J! A perfect way to preserve your memories in just a few minutes a day.

Share your Story: Studio J

2011-04-03T20:49:00.000-04:00

Check out this amazing video by CTMH consultant, Tresa Black, about how special Studio J can be! Contact me for more information.

It's No Secret!

2011-04-02T22:54:00.000-04:00

I started a new Bible study this week, It's No Secret, by Rachel Olsen. I just finished chapter 2 tonight and it was about being completely surrendered to Christ - being sold out for Him - willing to take up our cross and follow Him. What is really neat is that this past Wednesday I taught the lesson for Youth Alive and it was about this same message. So tonight as I'm reading in the book, I say to myself, "Wow, I think God is really trying to tell me something!" Rachel talks about how at times our security, comfort and pride can cloud our spiritual vision causing us to miss the value of the kingdom of God. Then she goes on to say, "this shakes me to my core when I get honest about how much time I spend pursing creature comforts instead of the treasure of Christ." Wow - can I ever relate? Yes our salvation is a free gift from our loving Heavenly Father - but it is a very costly gift! And it's also a call for complete surrender and abandon and total loyalty. So what is it that keeps me from totally following Christ - What am I pursuing instead of pursuing Christ? I k ow I am ready to surrender and live a life in sync with my Savior!!!! What about you?

Looking forward to next week's assignments! If you are interested in this study, go to Rachel Olsen's blog or Melissa Taylor's for more information.

April Stamp of the Month Blog Hop -- Blessed!!!!

2011-03-31T21:00:00.003-04:00

Welcome to our Stamp of the Month Blog Hop! We will be featuring April's SOTM, which is Blessed, a set of 12 stamps. If you have come here from Traci's Blog, you are on the right path! The blog hop is a great big circle, so you can start here and work your way all around. If you get lost along the way, you’ll find the complete list of participating consultants here at Kathleen's Blog.

This month we have over 50 Close To My Heart Consultants sharing their creations using this month's SOTM and other great CTMH products on their blogs. This is simple to do - just click on the link at the end of the post on each blog to move to the next one! Here we go!

This stamp set is so fun because you can stamp with the outline stamps then stamp again with a different color to fill it in...

Here is my card:

This card was made using one of patterns from our Wishes card program how-to book. I also used our Sweetheart Level 2 paper kit, and the ribbon from the black mini-medley embellishment pack. I also used our black ink to distress the edges of the card and the sentiment and flower are stamped in cotton candy and tulip. I also used my 3-D foam tape to give the outer frame a pop!!!

Now "Hop" on over to Gina's Blog to see her work! Be sure to visit all the Consultants at their Blogs to get some great crafting ideas and other fun ideas! Remember, the April SOTM is only available until the 30th! Contact your CTMH Consultant (or click here) to see how you can get this stamp set at a discount or even free!

And here are some more projects using Blessed:

Thanks to the following Consultants who contributed to the artwork in this slideshow display:
Michelle Battitori, Neely Dean, Judy Faye Garner, Carol Harris, Sharryl Hales, Cathy Rogers, Joy McHargue, Julyne Morvis, Melissa Robinson, Shirley Ross, Rachel Ventura, Tonya Whitehurst, and Sheila Wilkerson.

Hope for Japan!

2011-03-31T20:19:00.000-04:00

Our hearts go out to the victims of the earthquake tsunami in Japan, and like so many of you, we’re eager to help. And helping has never been easier! CTMH is raising money for the American Red Cross Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami fund by promoting the "Hope for Japan" stamp set:

From now until April 30, you can purchase the exclusive “Hope for Japan” A-size stamp set for the special price of only $5 (retail value $7.95 US ), and Close To My Heart will donate 100% of the profits to the American Red Cross efforts in Japan. This beautifully designed stamp set reminds us of how our hearts are hopeful for those who are in need.

Contact me today to offer your help to Japan and get the stamp set at the same time!

Another Reason to Love Studio J!

2011-03-26T22:59:00.000-04:00

We went to Tampa today to spend the day with our daughter & son-in-law for her birthday and to celebrate Justin's birthday too. We went to Olive Garden for lunch then we went to an indoor glow in the dark mini golf place that had a monster theme. I have been wanting some pictures to use Hooligans with, but since our kids are too old for Halloween, I haven't had any until today. So here is yet another reason I love Studio J, it's perfect for when you just need a couple of pieces of paper for 1 or 2 layouts instead of needing a whole pack of paper! You can click on the images to see a larger picture.

Oh Baby - H2H Challenge

2011-03-26T21:58:00.000-04:00

OK I am desperately trying to get all my challenges posted before the Mar. 26th, 10:00 PM deadline. This challenge is Oh Baby --- cards and gift items that are created with a new baby in mind. Well with a grandbaby on the way in about 4 weeks, I thought I would share a couple of the layouts I am working on for her baby album (I can't share too much because I don't want Mommy & Daddy to see more than these two.)

Layouts were created using Sophia and various stamp sets and embellishments -- all from CTMH!

Home Decor - H2H Challenge

2011-03-26T21:49:00.000-04:00

One of the challenges this month on Heart 2 Heart was to show how we use CTMH in our Home Decor. So I thought I would share a few items that I have made over the last few months - some are in my office, some have been gifts and some are for my home! I love how CTMH is so much more than scrapbooking -- it truly is a way of expressing what's in our hearts!

I Am So Blessed!

2011-03-20T23:07:00.001-04:00

Once again I am amazed at how blessed I am! Today we were at our county fair as my oldest son, Jake, and his Christian band (Redemption Road) were playing and my other son, Jordan and our youth group also sang 2 songs and then performed two music skits.

First of all, Redemption Road consists of my son, nephew (Matt), and 2 good friends of theirs (Jimmy & Kyle). Having a Christian band has been a desire of Jake's for years and over the last year God has been opening lots of doors for him. Well, today I was blown away with how far God has brought them. They not only ministered and worshipped God through their music, but Jake also made sure he shared the gospel as he testified in between songs. If you would like to hear a blessing contact them by clicking here and let them minister at your church or youth event. Here are a few pics of them performing:

Jake & Matt

Jimmy & Jake

Redemption Road (Jimmy, Kyle, Jake , Matt)

Jake & Matt

Jimmy

Kyle

Then I received a double blessing as my youngest son, Jordan, along with other youth from Francis Baptist Church performed 2 songs and 2 music skits. Jordan led them in singing "I Will Follow" and "Our God". Then they acted out scenes from "Everything" by Lifehouse and "Amazing Grace, My Chains Are Gone" by Chris Tomlin. They allowed God to work through them and let me just tell you, God was at the Putnam County Fair today!!!! Here are some pics of them performing:

Contrast Embossing Blog Hop

2011-03-15T00:05:00.015-04:00

Welcome to this group’s first attempt at a Technique Blog Hop! This month there are 11 of us highlighting the “Contrast Embossing” Technique as shown on page 31 in the Spring/Summer 2011 Idea Book! This blog hop is a great big circle so you can start wherever you want and continue through to see all the fabulous artwork incorporating this technique. If you would like to start from the beginning, please visit Debi Barber's Blog. While there you will also find a listing of all participants and their blog addresses if you should get lost or want to reference a blog along the way. Let’s get started!

If you are coming from Rachel's Blog, you are on the right track! This technique is highlighted with the Lucky paper packet in the Idea Book but you will find variations for its’ use through this hop.

Here I used Topiary ink for the background stamp and Outdoor Denim embossing powder for the contrasting.

Recipe: (All items CTMH)

Dreams Come True Stamp Set - D1470
Baby Love Stamp Set - B1368
Topiary Cardstock - X5635
Splendor B&T (Retired)
Topiary Stamp Pad - Z2155
Versa Mark - Z891
Outdoor Denim Embossing Powder - Z656
Outdoor Denim Ribbon - (Retired)

If you would like to see details on the technique or my supply list, please continue reading below. If not, please continue onto Xellina's Blog where you will find some additional artwork highlighting this technique! Be sure to leave a comment and let me know what you thought of my variation and happy hopping!

The steps to Contrast Embossing are:

Stamp background image on project.
Stamp additional images in Versamark ink. Sprinkle with contrasting color of embossing powder.
Tap off excess powder. Set with craft heater.

Here you can see a visual demonstration of this technique.

Thanks for stopping by! Continue onto Xellina's Blog to continue the hop!