Close to my Heart Clearance Sale!

I'm a little behind in posting this since the sale started this morning. However, there are lots of great deals still to be had! Stamps, papers, and accessories at 50-80% off! Just click on my website. Happy shopping!!

Long Time No Post--Auction Project

I know I've been out of the loop for a long while! School and life have just been so busy. Right now Brendan is home sick, so I've got some unexpected time on my hands to post. For the last few weeks, I've been working on a basket for our school's dinner auction. I'm donating a 10 card workshop for 5, plus a basket filled with all the supplies to make and store the cards.

The first five cards use CTMH's Aspen papers. I used "Christmas Story" stamps for these three. They are a lot of coloring, but I like the result.

I used Four Seasons, Holiday Trinkets, and Festive Thoughts stamps. Hard to tell in the picture, but there is glitter on all images.

For the next set of cards, I used Jingle Creative Basics papers and ribbons. The stamp sets were Holiday Trinkets, Ms. Holiday Cheer, and Peace on Earth (sentiments). I used Juniper ribbon, Sparkles, glitter, and Liquid Applique. The snowflake is a chipboard snowflake from CTMH's "Flurries" package. I covered it with glitter for a sparkly effect.

I used the same papers for the Card Tin, along with various ribbons and clear buttons. I cut the letters on my Cricut using "Opposites Attract."

Here's the finished basket. It was hard to get a good picture, but you get the idea. The fabric was some gorgeous glitter/snowflake tulle I found at Wal-Mart. In addition to the cards and tin, I included the stamps, inks, blocks and papers to make more cards, and a gift certificate for a card workshop. I hope it brings in some money for the school.

I've got some more pages and cards to share soon. I need to get them photographed.

I am in love...

with these cards! I got all my new CTMH goodies today, and I just had to put these together. This is the card kit CTMH is offering for National Stamping month. It comes with instruction guide, stamps, papers, cards, envelopes, and embellishments--enough to make 16 cards. The price is only $39.99. You can also get this kit FREE when you purchase $60 in stamps. Hostesses and new consultants can earn it free as well.

I had to share because I think these cards are fabulous! They can be used for men or women, and almost any occasion. Here's my set:




To get a free kit of your own, click here.

Birthday Cards

As I get ready to go back to work next week, I'm trying to increase my stash of birthday cards. I give my students handmade birthday cards. It always seemed like I was out of cards last year, so I want to be ready. I used the same card layout from Originals, and the same stamps (August Stamp of the Month). I just changed up the papers. I made 2 each, so there's 6 more cards:)

Daydream papers:

Stardust papers:

That's Amore papers:

Reunion Album

I made this album over a year ago for my CTMH Open House. Yesterday, I finally added pictures from our family reunion last summer. I used CTMH Blue Ribbon papers and Stickease and the 6x6 Display Album. I've included a few of the inside pages for your viewing pleasure. I need to add journaling, and I'm on the fence about more embellishments. I don't want to make the book too bulky.

Fishy Fun

Finally, some new artwork to share! I created this layout while on our trip to California, but never put a title or anything on it. I finished it up yesterday.

Papers are Tinkerin' and the stamps used were Free Spirit (on the green, hard to see) and Boutique Alphabet. The quote was from a vellum sheet I got at Michaels ages ago.



I started some cards last night, so hopefully I'll have something else to share soon :)

The Journey Home

Coming home from our east coast trip was quite an ordeal. We drove to DC from Pennsylvania, and got to the airport 4 hours before our flight was scheduled to leave. We buzzed through security, had lunch and hung out. Mike was scheduled to be on a different flight than the boys and I. He was flying into Salt Lake and then Boise. We were headed to Detroit, then meeting up with him in Salt Lake. As boarding time approached, they made an announcement that due to weather and mechanical difficulties, the flight would be delayed for three hours. Mike got in line and after waiting for a while, finally got to the front to talk to someone.

They told us that we would miss all connecting flights, so we'd be better off just staying another night in Washington and heading home in the morning. I was near tears--by myself with the two boys, shuttles, hotel, and the airport again. The airline was nice enough to switch Mike's flight too. Plus, they gave us a hotel room, vouchers for food, and vouchers for future travel.

Although we were stressed and exhausted, and we had no clothes or anything with us, it all worked out. Mike even got to sit first class since that was the only spot left.

Waiting to find out what was happening--a looooonnnnnnng process

Killing time at the airport.

An extra evening of D.C. fun.

Our little travelers--they did great with their bags and on the plane :)

Finally ready to board!

Wrapping up our trip--Pennsylvania

We had a wonderful visit with family in Pennsylvania, and the kids had a blast with their cousins. We went to visit my aunt and uncle, and their kids, who are really close in age to my boys. Here are some highlights:

We went to Giggleberry Fair--an indoor play area with a carousel and other fun things. It had a fun shopping area around it where all these beautiful pics were taken.

Gotta love Austin out of the picture pulling on Brendan's ear!

Someone needs spell check

A visit to the school our cousins attend and where my aunt and uncle work.

A trip to the park

Spending time with family

Miniature golfing

Pics From DC

We made it to Pennsylvania. The boys are having a great time with their cousins, and we're enjoying visiting and relaxing! Thanks to my uncle, I was able to download the pictures from my other camera, so I thought it would share.

Washington DC

Museum of American History

National Zoo

National Aquarium

Smithsonian Air and Space Museum

At the pool