Fall Photos/TGIF

The leaves are starting to turn here and there's a definitely chill to the air. Here are a few final photos from our trip to the corn maze that I thought were too pretty (or at least interesting) not to share.

Today is the last day of school before FALL BREAK (!!!!!) so hopefully the kids and I can control ourselves, get our work done, and get outta here!

Most days I do love my job, but this has been quite a week. TGIF! That reminds me of one of my favorite blonde jokes, but I'll have to save that one for another day. ;)

Be sure to scroll down and read my post about Mary's giveaway if you haven't already, then go give her some birthday wishes. Just be sure to tell her I sent her, okay?

TGIF!

Did I mention it's FRIDAY?!?

It's Mary's Birthday (and a Giveaway)

Today is my friend Mary's birthday, and she is having a huge giveaway on her blog. Go check it out by clicking HERE and be sure to tell her that *I* sent you (that's Haley: H-A-L-E-Y) so that we can win a prize! :)

Mary, if you stop by, know that this cupcake is for you!

Blogtoberfest/Quote of the Week

My friend Tresa, the fabulously talented Stamp Goddess, is challenging everyone to participate in "Blogtoberfest!" Now, I hope you're asking yourself, "What is Blogtoberfest?" It's a month-long celebration of sharing and teaching. The Stamp Goddess is challenging herself and others to share as often as possible throughout the month of October with tips, techniques and tutorials.

I decided that this sounded like a fun bandwagon to jump on. I am going to try to post every day, though I'm not sure I will get a tip, technique, or tutorial in each day. Are you on board? If so, leave us a comment so we can go check you out. ;)

Today's "tip" could lead to some great journaling:
Good judgment comes from experience, and often experience comes from bad judgment.
~Rita Mae Brown

Did you see today's special?

Available at www.longaberger.com/haleydyer!

Scroll down for today's artwork post...

Flourished Blessings Fall Cards

Judging by the comments, you like my artwork posts better than the ones without, so here are a few fall cards I made. All four are based on the card pattern provided in the Grace Workshop guide, but I used my Flourished Blessings stamp set and Magic Moments paper pack. The colors are Cocoa, Sunflower, Hollyhock, and Sweet Leaf. (The paper includes Indian Corn Blue but I didn't use that on my cards.)

Is it beginning to feel like fall in your neck of the woods? It certainly is here. We had a lovely dinner Mon. night at my parents' with two sets of out-of-town aunts and uncles in attendance. Who can ask for more than great food and great company?

My Little Pumpkins

The corn maze is part of a local produce stand, and here are some of their pumpkins on display. I wonder how much these two cost? Probably more than I can afford!

Here's another shot of our fun-filled visit. No, the girls weren't pushing each other (surprisingly); Macey fell off her perch!

It was hard to get a good picture of the decorated hay bales because of the shadows, but this was one spooky spider!

Saturday & Sunday Stuff

Believe it or not, there is more to my life than stamping/scrapbooking. I share a lot of that (the stamping/scrapbooking) here because I'm comfortable sharing it with the world. I'm a pretty private person, and don't dare to bare all here in cyberspace (or anywhere else!). I figure my kids deserve their privacy (although I will shamelessly exploit them on a scrapbook page if it's not TOO personal). Today, however, I thought I would share just a little bit about the real us.

Yesterday was our church's 25th anniversary. I've been involved for the past 23 years, so it was a big deal. We had a lovely service over which the bishop presided, followed by a scrumptions luncheon. It was wonderful to visit with friends and members past and present. Our 60-something-page commemorative booklet was a labor of love (just ask my Mom!) highlighting our history.

Since it was such a gorgeous day, we decided to take the girls to the local corn maze. It was a lot more fun that I had expected!

Today was Children's Sabbath at our church, and the girls both had big roles. Macey was a torchbearer, which she is used to doing, but she also read a lesson in front of the entire congregation. I was so proud of her, and she did a beautiful job. Ansley served as acolyte at the altar (something I remember all too well from my tween/teen years too) and also read the psalm and the Prayers of the People. Seeing them in leadership roles is exciting yet at the same time a bit frightening, because I am not read for them to grow up!

Now it's time to do laundry and other chores, like getting ready for the final class of my 2nd reading endorsement class tomorrow night. Ahh, Sundays...

World Card Making Day TODAY (and a Blog Hop Too)

Happy World Card Making Day!

I challenge each and every one of you to send someone a card today (or at the very latest get it in the mail by Monday). Make it yourself if you're up to the challenge! It doesn't have to be elaborate: a few simple words is all it takes. There's nothing like a heartfelt greeting in the mailbox, is there? Make someone's day today!

Several fellow Close To My Heart consultants and I decided to form a blog hop, so check out some amazing cards created by some very talented ladies. You can start here at mine and hop on through. (The link to the next person is near the end.)

The instructions for my accordian card (which would also make a great mini album!) can be found at Splitcoast Stampers (click on the name for a direct link to the instructions if you're interested in learning more).

I am loving the Dimensional Elements- Organic chipboard accents that coordinate with the Twitterpated paper. (These pieces are actually "leftovers" from the upcoming Twitterpated workshop!)

Isn't that felt acorn darling? I can't wait to show off more of the Heartfelt Whimsy felt collection!

You may be wondering where that little blue bird came from, but everyone needs a little bluebird of happiness, and Crystal Blue is a color in this paper pack, even if I didn't use it anywhere else in this project.

Now hop on over to Jena's blog to get this party started! Thanks for stopping by. Happy World Card Making Day!

Materials from Close To My Heart:

Twitterpated paper pack

November Word Puzzle, Whooo Loves You? and Flourished Blessings stamp sets

Sweet Leaf, Sorbet, Chocolate, and Crystal Blue inks

Chocolate marker

Coluzzle cutting system

Sorbet Designer Ribbon Rounds

Basic Brads Collection

Dimensional Elements- Organic

Heartfelt Whimsy Felt Die Cuts

Natural Hemp

Other: two chipboard coasters

World Card Making Day CTMH Blog Hop Participants

Please tell me that you aren't sick of these blog hops yet! I think that they are so much fun.

Here are our participants for this special edition blog hop:
Yours truly http://inkyscrapper.blogspot.com
Jena DeVries http://www.livelovelaughscrapbook.blogspot.com
Antoinette Herrin http://www.GodblessyourART.blogspot.com
Tresa Black www.fabulouslyartsy.blogspot.com
Debra Van Patten http://memoriesoftheheartbydeb.blogspot.com/
Wendy Kessler www.myscrapbookingblog.com
Kathleen Androlewicz http://bowlofstamps.blogspot.com/
Shirley Ross www.momnmescrap.blogspot.com
Teri Baxter www.themidnightartist.blogspot.com/
Camy Eisentrager www.camyscorner.blogspot.com
Jessica Booth http://jessicabooth.blogspot.com
Jamia Bankhead http://papermadnessinc.blogspot.com
Kristina Baldwin http://sunnydaymemories.blogspot.com
Debora Quigley http://livingbetterforless.blogspot.com
Laurie Flannery http://westmanscrapbooks.blogspot.com
Penny Kentosh http://cardmakinginparadise.blogspot.com
Deb Young www.scrapbookczar.blogspot.com

If you go through the hop, please leave the ladies a comment. I'm sure they would appreciate your feedback as much as I do. Thanks!

October Workshop: Twitterpated

This month's workshop is so perfect for fall! You'll be Twitterpated for sure.

[If you're looking for the blog hop, it's below.]

The great thing about my new workshops is that they are perfect for scrapbookers, card makers, or both. Here's how it works:

1. Preorder your kit (see options below).

2. Join me at 2:00 on Sunday, October 25, to create two two-page layouts. (One of the two layouts is featured at left.)

3. Stay or arrive at 4:00 to make a set of 6 cards (more if time allows). (The set of six cards are showcased at right.)


Can't attend on the 25th? You can still order a kit! The instruction guide will walk you through the projects, and I am always only a phone call or email away if you need help.

Pre-order any option below by 10/8 to maximize your workshop (and creative) options. With the Basic and Best options, you'll get a full-color, six-page workshop guide for both scrapbooking and card-making! If you can't attend the workshop, these guides will walk you through many of the projects.

• Budget Kit: Twitterpated Level 2 paper pack and Chocolate Designer Ribbon Rounds $20.90*
• Basic Kit: Twitterpated Level 2 paper pack, exclusive Journey B-size stamp set (only available with this kit!), Chocolate Designer Ribbon Rounds, and the workshop guide for the discounted price of $29.95*
• Best Kit: All the contents of the basic kit, plus Dimensional Elements- Organic, Natural Hemp, and Basic Brads for $40.65*

If you miss the deadline to preorder a kit, you can still attend the class for a $5 fee and make either a scrapbook layout or a set of cards (or both for $10). Artwork coming soon!
*All prices are before S/H & tax.

October Stamp of the Month BLOG HOP

It's THAT time of the month! Time for another Close To My Heart Stamp of the Month Blog Hop, that is! We're doing our monthly hop a little bit differently this time, with three different rounds or loops of hoppers (see my previous post for the complete deets), so be sure to check them all out over the next few days. (Of course I guess they'll be here in cyberspace basically forever!) If you came from Jen's blog then you're hopping right along.

The October stamp of the month is called Holiday Warmth, and it will bring you just that! I created this circle card following the "Ricochet" sketch from Wishes. The Jingle paper pack is so festive! Although the October stamp of the month has some adorable images, I chose to let the Jingle papers shine through. The vellum really did the trick to add a layer but still let you see those cute packages.

Speaking of shine, what do you think of the bling? I traced a border on the rectangle and square pieces with my Liquid Glass and then sprinkled Prisma Glitter on it before it could dry. It kind of reminds me of sugar crystals on a sugar cookie! I had to dot the "i" in shines with a tiny clear sparkle too.

Enjoy a little warmth on this hop to jump start your holiday creations! Now hop on over to Michelle's blog and see her cute creation! Thanks for visiting. Be sure to pop back in because I'll be posting more artwork with this stamp set (and others). If you'd like to purchase this stamp set (or anything else from Close To My Heart), you can click right HERE. Did you know that you can earn the stamp of the month at a discount or even free?

Also, come back Saturday for a blog hop to celebrate World Card Making Day!

October Stamp of the Month Blog Hop Participants

We're shaking things up a bit this month, and offering THREE DIFFERENT blog hops for you showcasing the adorable Close To My Heart October stamp of the month, Holiday Warmth.


Here are all the participants of all three blog hops. Be sure to visit them all, and if you do, leave them a little comment.

ROUND 1
Jena DeVries - http://www.livelovelaughscrapbook.blogspot.com/
Helen Onulak - http://www.hookedonstamping.com/
Linda Shewchuk - http://www.awesomememories.blogspot.com/
Kristie Herdener - http://www.goofyscrapper.blogspot.com/
Sheila Bennett - http://sheila-bennett.blogspot.com/
Cibele Glazer - http://www.flowerfoot.blogspot.com/
Barbra Otten - http://barbraotten.blogspot.com/
Melissa Laverty - http://www.fancymelissa.blogspot.com/
Carla Ironside - http://www.carlacreates.blogspot.com/
Nona Davenport - http://www.nonapearl.blogspot.com/
Deb Young - http://www.scrapbookczar.blogspot.com/
Terrie Dodd - http://www.my-life-in-real-time.blogspot.com/
Alanna Moses - http://www.damoses.blogspot.com/
Antoinette Herrin - http://www.godblessyourart.blogspot.com/
Jamia Bankhead - http://www.papermadnessinc.blogspot.com/
Karen Norman - http://www.gettinscrappywithit.blogspot.com/
Beth Naumann - http://www.bethscreativeblock.blogspot.com/
Brae Montgomery - http://thebrae-er.blogspot.com/
Kathleen Androlewicz - http://bowlofstamps.blogspot.com/
Tanya David - http://www.scramperscorner.blogspot.com/
Tammy Lea Pinchard - http://mycreativeclubhouse.blogspot.com/
Chris Shouse - http://www.houseostamps.wordpress.com/

ROUND 2
Debra Van Patten - http://memoriesoftheheartbydeb.blogspot.com/
Lori Leng - http://www.pinkcloudscrappers.blogspot.com/
Nancy Brown - http://www.creativelyartsygallery.blogspot.com/
Krista Ritskes - http://kristaritskes-simplycreating.blogspot.com/
Katy Donaldson - http://www.scrappinkaty.blogspot.com/
Pamela OConnor - http://www.cherishyourmemories.blogspot.com/
Jen Rubio - http://www.jenrubio.blogspot.com/
Haley Dyer - http://www.inkyscrapper.blogspot.com/
Michelle Nist - http://michellenist.blogspot.com/
Jen Patrick - http://www.roxybonds-scrappin.blogspot.com/
Kimberly Smith - http://verykimberry.blogspot.com/
Sylvia Jacquot - http://stampinsylvia.blogspot.com/
Sarita Schraeder - http://www.blessedscrapper.blogspot.com/
Dawn Ross - http://www.iamahappystamper.blogspot.com/
Laurie Newton - http://scrapsfromthebeach.blogspot.com/
Kami Welter - http://www.scrappin4memories.blogspot.com/
Wendy Kessler - http://www.myscrapbookingblog.com/
Jessica Booth - http://jessicabooth.blogspot.com/
Lori Brown - http://www.savingmine.blogspot.com/
Barbara Harris - http://www.paper-creations117.blogspot.com/

ROUND 3
Judy Burger - http://makingtimeformemories.blogspot.com/
Paige Dolecki - http://www.paigespaperparadise.blogspot.com/
Nancy Ball - http://www.ballisticdesign.blogspot.com/
Adeline E. Brill - http://adeline-brill.blogspot.com/
Cindy Leek - http://www.paperspadsandpictures.blogspot.com/
Carol Taggio - http://craftycarol55.blogspot.com/
Jody Gustafson - http://www.cre8nmemories.blogspot.com/
Wanda Riley - http://www.creatingwithwanda.blogspot.com/
Jill Lucas - http://scrapwench.blogspot.com/
Susan Brooks - http://www.stampingintheopen.blogspot.com/
Dawn Heuft - http://www.stamptildawn.blogspot.com/
Shannon Pelletier - http://www.mycolorfulworldinvt.blogspot.com/
Laurie Levnik - http://www.creationsbylaurie.blogspot.com/
Caren Goldsein - http://www.scrappycaren.blogspot.com/
Brenda Harmless - http://keepsakeswithheart.blogspot.com/
Amy McVey - http://www.clearlystamping.blogspot.com/
Traci Godbee - http://createwithtraci.blogspot.com/
Maricar Harris - http://www.maricarharris.blogspot.com/
Pam Klassen - http://eimmap.blogspot.com/
Misty Jackson - http://www.misstscraps.blogspot.com/