Mojo Monday #103

Every Monday, Mojo Monday posts a sketch challenge to try. Here's my take on this week's sketch.

And here's the sketch itself:

The new Grace paper pack from Close To My Heart is so pretty! It's beginning to feel a bit like fall here, so I couldn't resist. Can you believe that all four patterned designs come from two sheets of paper? The back of the floral and the Twilight pieces are Honey colored. The sentiment is from the September stamp of the month, Treasures. All the materials I used are leftover scraps from the Grace kit of the month (more details to be posted this week). Also, come back tomorrow if you'd like a little tutorial on those pretty pleats.

Holidays

Happy Labor Day! While you're enjoying your day, here's a countdown to the upcoming holidays:

55 days to Halloween,

80 days to Thanksgiving,

109 days to Christmas, and

158 days to Valentine's Day

Fabulous Friday

My husband took this picture for me yesterday morning. (This one is my favorite of the 5-6 he took.) He came in from walking Shadow to tell me how gorgeous the sunrise was over the lake and even got the camera. He can be such a sweetie! Click on the picture if you want to see the ducks.

I hope that you have a fabulous Friday before the long weekend! Take a deep breath and relax...

More Treasures

Each of these cards, using the September stamp of the month Treasures, is its own little treasure! I am fortunate each month to participate in a stamp of the month swap in my unit. (In a swap, you make x number of identical items- in this case 8- for that many different items back.) Our requirement this month was to use Treasures and the new Sweet Home paper pack.









Bridget's soft card reminds me so much of the end of summer, how the flowers fade, brown, and dry beautifully.

Can you believe how creatively Pamala used the "thank you" stamp to create the flower petals?

Can you see Taralyn's bling? This little 3"x3" card is the sweetest.

Camy uses some ink-credible distressing techniques on her card. I love that little peek-a-boo corner. The soft wispy blue flower behind the sentiment is lovely.

Chris used liquid glass to highlight "sunshine." The dandelion seeds float across the middle and show up well in "real life."

Isn't Tonya's emerging color technique beautiful? She is a very precise cutter. I doubt I could have cut out those images so well!

Carla's card reminds me how nice a "haphazard" card can look. I am such a linear person, and this lovely card is one of the reasons I love to swap. I would have never come up with something like this, and doesn't it work beautifully?

September Stamp of the Month BLOG HOP and Tuesday Tutorial

Welcome to another Close To My Heart Blog Hop! (I hope you're not sick of these yet; I love 'em!!!) If you came from Laurie's blog, you're hopping right along. This hop is showcasing the beautiful September stamp of the month, Treasures. This set of 13 includes two large and two small flower images (the largest and smallest on my card), a flower stem, a small heart, and seven sentiments The sentiments are You are my sunshine; Make a wish...; thank you; trust your heart; It is when you give of yourself that you truly give; Those who bring sunshine into the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves; and the winds of change bring treasures unknown... embrace change. Three of these sentiments are in whimsical shapes. From here, hop on to Carol's blog (but leave me a comment before you go please)!

My card is loosely based on the Wishes sketch "Simple Statement." I just had to use the dandelion stamps and the "Make a wish..." sentiment because when my daughter was little, she called dandelions "wishes." (That still makes me smile.) I used the new Sweet Home paper pack with Heavenly Blue and Garnet inks. The white card base was too stark, so I sponged it with Heavenly Blue, stamped a few of the dandelion "puffs" randomly on the base, and distressed it with the Edge Distresser.

Can you see the sparkle on my focal image? I mixed equal parts white embossing powder and prisma glitter to create a bit of dazzle. Here's how you heat emboss:
1. Stamp image with embossing ink or Versamark ink. (The powder will cover the image completely with these inks; regular ink doesn't hold the embossing powder as well.)
2. Pour embossing powder onto image. (It will stick to the stamped images.) Tap or brush off any excess. (I keep a small watercolor paintbrush with my embossing supplies to brush off any stray powder.)

3. I like to hold my paper with a wooden clothespin to protect my fingers. Be sure you don't touch the powdered image though.

3. Crank up your heat tool and then point it at the powdered image. You can heat from the top or from the bottom. (If I have excess powder, I like to blast the powder from the front.)

4. Watch carefully and like magic the powder will begin to melt. Keep moving that heat tool around so you don't scorch your paper. You'll know when it's done!

I finished off my card with Heavenly Blue ribbon stapled onto the sentiment, a croteched flower from the White Daisy Mini Medley collection attached with a Heavenly Blue brad, and a Heavenly Blue button (from the Spring button collection).

If you've read this far, thanks for sticking with me! LOL Be sure to continue on the September stamp of the month blog hop to Carol's blog. If you get lost or have to hop off, you can always come back here to my earlier post that lists each participant. Thanks again for stopping by and for hopping along with us! Come back tomorrow to see the gorgeous creations my swappers made. Thanks!

September Stamp of the Month BLOG HOP Participants

Here is the complete list of Close To My Heart consultants participating in the September stamp of the month blog hop. Feel free to hop on and off as time allows!

Jena DeVries
http://www.livelovelaughscrapbook.blogspot.com/
Nona Davenport
http://www.nonapearl.blogspot.com/
Katy Donaldson
http://www.scrappinkaty.blogspot.com/
Cibele Glazer
http://www.flowerfoot.blogspot.com/
Laura Dame
http://www.thecroppersconnection.blogspot.com/
Lori Leng
http://www.pinkcloudscrappers.blogspot.com/
Jamia Bankhead
http://www.papermadnessinc.blogspot.com/
Melissa Laverty
http://www.fancymelissa.blogspot.com/
Pamela OConnor
http://www.cherishyourmemories.blogspot.com/
Sheila Bennett
http://sheila-bennett.blogspot.com/
Adeline E. Brill
http://adeline-brill.blogspot.com/
Wendy Kessler
http://www.myscrapbookingblog.com/
Beth Naumann
http://www.bethscreativeblock.blogspot.com/
Barbra Otten
http://barbraotten.blogspot.com/
Terrie Dodd
http://www.my-life-in-real-time.blogspot.com/
Judy Burger
http://makingtimeformemories.blogspot.com/
Jessica Booth
http://jessicabooth.blogspot.com/
Leisa Hubley
http://www.bigredscraps.blogspot.com/
Helen Onulak
http://www.hookedonstamping.com/
Debra Van Patten
http://memoriesoftheheartbydeb.blogspot.com/
Juli Clark
http://www.thestampteacher.blogspot.com/
Sarita Schraeder
http://www.blessedscrapper.blogspot.com/
Michelle Robinson
http://www.amaizenbluelady.typepad.com/
Maricar Harris
http://www.maricarharris.blogspot.com/
Antoinette Herrin
http://www.godblessyourart.blogspot.com/
Kathleen Androlewicz
http://bowlofstamps.blogspot.com/
Cindy Leek
http://www.paperspadsandpictures.blogspot.com/
Dawn Heuft
http://www.stamptildawn.blogspot.com/
Barbara Harris
http://www.paper-creations117.blogspot.com/
Alanna Moses
http://www.damoses.blogspot.com/
Laurie Levnik
http://www.creationsbylaurie.blogspot.com/
Tanya David
http://www.scramperscorner.blogspot.com/
Karen Norman
http://www.gettinscrappywithit.blogspot.com/
Jan Moxey
http://scrapandstamp4ever.blogspot.com/
Tammy Lea Pinchard
http://mycreativeclubhouse.blogspot.com/
Paige Dolecki
http://www.paigespaperparadise.blogspot.com/
Kelly Triggs
http://www.stampinallday.blogspot.com/
Sherry Thompson
http://www.picturespatternsandpaper.blogspot.com/
Deb Young
http://www.scrapbookczar.blogspot.com/
Nancy Ball
http://www.ballisticdesign.blogspot.com/
Chris Shouse
http://www.houseostamps.wordpress.com/
Dawn Ross
http://www.iamahappystamper.blogspot.com/
Brae Montgomery
http://thebrae-er.blogspot.com/
Laurie R Newton
http://scrapsfromthebeach.blogspot.com/
Haley Dyer
http://www.inkyscrapper.blogspot.com/
Carol Taggio
http://craftycarol55.blogspot.com/
Amy McVey
http://www.clearlystamping.blogspot.com/
Carla Ironside
http://www.carlacreates.blogspot.com/
Jen Rubio
http://www.jenrubio.blogspot.com/
Kristie Horness-Herdener
http://www.goofyscrapper.blogspot.com/
Jill Lucas
http://scrapwench.blogspot.com/
Wanda Riley
http://www.creatingwithwanda.blogspot.com/
Miranda Kurz
http://www.scrampinwithmiranda.com/
Jody Gustafson
http://www.cre8nmemories.blogspot.com/
Susan Brooks
http://www.stampingintheopen.blogspot.com/
Kami Welter
http://www.scrappin4memories.blogspot.com/
Jennifer Patrick
http://www.roxybonds-scrappin.blogspot.com/
Julia Menssen
http://www.ralphandjulia.blogspot.com/
Shannon Pelletier
http://www.mycolorfulworldinvt.blogspot.com/
Linda Shewchuk
http://www.awesomememories.blogspot.com/
Brenda Harmless
http://keepsakeswithheart.blogspot.com/
Donni Alvarenga
http://www.donniscreativetherapy.blogspot.com/
Traci Godbee
http://createwithtraci.blogspot.com/
Pam Klassen
http://eimmap.blogspot.com/
Lori Miller
http://www.clearlyfromtheheart.blogspot.com/
Kimberly Smith
http://verykimberry.blogspot.com/
Caren Goldsein
http://www.scrappycaren.blogspot.com/

Misty Jackson
http://www.misstscraps.blogspot.com/

Birthday Bash, CTMH Style!

Last Sunday I taught a "Birthday Bash" card class. The first card uses the Everyday Celebration kit stamp set and the Emporium paper pack (Twilight, Cocoa, and Sweet Leaf). This card is a 4"x4" modeled on the Wishes sketch "Just Right." We embellished this card with a Twilight corduroy brad from the Winter Cozy Mini Medley accents.




The second card also uses the Everyday Celebration kit stamp set, but this time we paired it with the Magic Moments paper pack. Since I had already used up all of my scalloped cards that came with the kit, I showed everyone how easy it is to stamp the scallop (about 1/4"-1/2" from the card edge) and then trim the front of the card. I just love the versatility of this stamp set!

The next batch of cards uses the August stamp of the month, It's Your Day. The first card, using the Back Country paper pack, is based on the Wishes "Noteworthy" sketch. We used the colored staples to attach the knotted ribbon and the "happy" tag. (Well, happy isn't really attached- it's just stamped and then stapled to give the illusion of some layering.) We also stamped so paper lunch sacks for a quick gift bag.







Finally, we wrapped up the afternoon with this fun birthday card using the Tinkerin' paper pack. Some of the ladies stamped the "party" circle in Sunflower and rolled the edges in Holiday Red. That combo is so striking!

Everyday Celebration

Every day is a celebration with the Close To My Heart "Everyday Celebrations" card kit! This kit is in honor of National Stamping Month and is available until the end of Septeber.

You get everything you see in the first three photos in your Everyday Celebrations kit. All you need are your blocks, adhesive, scissors, and paper trimmer and then you're ready to get to work!

The contents of the kit include the My Acrylix Everday Celebration D-size stamp set (only available w/this kit!), 16 scalloped card bases and 16 envelopes, two sheets of cardstock, four B&T Duos, Chocolate distressing ink, Dutch Blue distressing ink, one Mini-Medley Shades of Chocolate collection, 5' of Chocolate ribbon, 50 3-D foam squares, a sponge, and a full-color step-by-step instructional brochure. Whew! That's a LOT of materials! The kit can be purchased outright for $39.95 (plus S&H/tax), or you can earn one free by purchasing a minimum of $60 in CTMH stamps (exclusing the stamp of the month, Art & Soul, and K-size personalized stamps). September hostesses with a minimum of $400 in sales will earn a free kit, as will anyone who signs up to become a CTMH consultant in September.

Here are my cut pieces. The guide was so easy to follow!

Here are the eight card designs completed. You actually make two of each design with the kit. All the other photos of this incredibly long post show off each card individually. Yes, I'm shameless to show these off, but they are so stinkin' cute! They really went together quickly too.

I just LOVE this cake! All the Chocolate part of the image is one stamp (top and bottom are one stamp) and the Dutch Blue middle is a second stamp. The clear My Acrylix make it so easy to align.

Let's get this party started!

The present stamp is like the cake stamp in that the bottom of the package and the bow are one stamp. The Dutch Blue box top is the second stamp.

See how the scallop or bracket stamp fits the pre-cut card edge perfectly? When you've used up all the card bases, it will be easy for you to stamp the scallop and then trim your card front to recreate this look. (See tomorrow's post for an example!)

I think these balloons would make a cute "welcome baby" card- in baby colors of course!

Superstar!

This checklist stamp is probably my favorite part of this set because it is just so versatile. You can check either Everday Life, Birthday, Anniversary, Our Love, Graduation, Our Friendship, or write in your own message on the blank. (I used a brad to "check" anniversary.) I plan to make up a bunch of these so that I can just check off the appropriate sentiment when I need a card quickly.

Here are all 16, not that you can really see what they look like, but I wanted you to see the volume of cards you'll make with this great kit. Celebrate everyday!

CTMH "Sneak Peek" Blog Hop

Welcome to the Close To My Heart New Product "Sneak Peek" Blog Hop! Twenty-nine (or is it 30?) hip (and hoppin') CTMH consultants have joined together to celebrate the release of the Autumn/Winter 2009 Idea Book by giving you a sneak peek of some of the fabulous new products. The new Idea Book will be available September 1, so enjoy your weekend getting some great new ideas. (If you don't already have a CTMH consultant, ask me how you can get your very own copy of the new idea book, free!)

If you've come from Sheila's blog then you're hopping right along. If you're starting here, just keep on hopping by clicking the link at the end of my post! (You can see my previous post for a complete list of participants in case you get lost.)

For my card, I used the new Jingle papers. Though this paper pack was designed for the holiday season, it is way too much fun and versatile for just winter! (I have some birthday pictures that are going to get scrapped with this paper!) My card inspiration came from the Wishes sketch "Curtain Call." I used the Jingle polka dot paper to create this fun ruffle or pleat (to be featured in an upcoming Tuesday Tutorial) along with Tulip, Black, and White Daisy cardstock. The sentiments were stamped with the Thank You stamp set, which also includes a merci and gracias stamp (among many other thank you sentiments). The crotched flower and Tulip brad were the finishing touch. (All supplies are from Close To My Heart.)

Thanks for looking! Now hop on over to my friend Lisa's blog to see what amazing creation she's made this time. Enjoy these sneak peeks! Remember, the products featured in these projects will be available 9/1. Also, you're going to want to stop back by on 9/1 to see the September stamp of the month (and take part in another blog hop).

CTMH "Sneak Peek" Blog Hop Participants

Here's the list of bloggers participating in the CTMH Sneak Peek blog hop. If you get lost somewhere on the hop, just pop back in here to get back on track.

Erin Herring http://tazzygirl2000.blogspot.com
Terrie Dodd http://my-life-in-real-time.blogspot.com
Jessica http://jessicaspaperpetals.blogspot.com
Leisa Hubley http://bigredscraps.blogspot.com/
Karen Norman http://gettinscrappywithit.blogspot.com
Sherry Thompson http://picturespatternsandpaper.blogspot.com
Adeline Brill http://adeline-brill.blogspot.com
Miranda www.scrampinwithmiranda.com
Brae Montgomery http://thebrae-er.blogspot.com
Wendy Kessler www.myscrapbookingblog.com
Dawn Heuft http://stamptildawn.blogspot.com
Carla Ironside http://carlacreates.blogspot.com
Dawn Ross http://iamahappystamper.blogspot.com
Julie Banzon http://www.scrapbookiejulie.blogspot.com
Jody Gustafson www.cre8nmemories.blogspot.com
Helen Onulak http://www.hookedonstamping.com
Sheila Bennett http://sheila-bennett.blogspot.com
Haley Dyer http://inkyscrapper.blogspot.com
Lisa Stenz http://www.lisascreativecorner.blogspot.com
Jena DeVries www.livelovelaughscrapbook.blogspot.com
Jen Patrick http://www.roxybonds-scrappin.blogspot.com
Amy Schultz http://amylizschultz.com
Lori Scott http://scrapinglori.blogspot.com
Tresa Black www.fabulouslyartsy.blogspot.com
Jennifer Kraynak http://whatchadoin-jennifer.blogspot.com
Sharesa Larsen http://creedandsharesa.blogspot.com
Amy Edwards http://PaisleysPlayhouse.blogspot.com
Jean McNulty http://stampinmaui.blogspot.com
Emma Hubert http://paperaddictsanonymous.blogspot.com
Antoinette Herrin www.GodblessyourART.blogspot.com

Thankful Thursday

Sometimes in the day-to-day grind, it's hard to stay focused on the positive. I am trying harder to have an "attitude of gratitude." Because I have so much for which to be thankful, I thought I'd post my gratitude from time to time.

This Monday I was thrilled to receive this gorgeous handstamped card in the mail from none other than Close To My Heart founder and CEO, Jeanette Lynton, and the three CTMH vice presidents Monica, Kristine, and Brian! If you can't read the card, it is thanking me for my contribution to the silent auction to benefit Operation Smile. (You can read more about that right here if you'd like.)

I have to say, getting this card was like getting the autograph of one of my favorite stars! Yep, I'm a stamping junkie! (DH just shook his head...) I am thinking that this one will have to be framed to go in the stamping studio whenever I get it moved.

Who doesn't like getting a card in the mail? Send one to someone today! If you'd like to support a member of our troops serving abroad, we have a local gentleman who would appreciate your prayers, cards, etc. He just happens to be the puppies' "other" human "grandpa." You can find his address here.

My sweet daughters brought me these flowers Monday evening. They picked them while walking the dog and then arranged them in one of my many little vases. Aren't they sweet?

Finally, I have to thank my friend (wife of the aforementioned soldier) for a very sweet gift yesterday! It will have to get its own future post so you'll just have to wait to find out what it is. (Nah nah!) She did manage to sneak one of the puppies away from the mama to bring over to our house for a little visit. She of course knew which one was the girls' favorite! Shadow was sooo good with his little offspring.

In the hustle and bustle today, be sure to take time to give thanks. Feel free to share your thankful thoughts here or link to your blog. Inky hugs!

Tuesday Tutorial: Coloring Ribbon

Ever need ribbon for a project and don't have any that matches? Color your own! If you can't read the instructions, try clicking on each picture to make it bigger.

You can also run the ribbon through an ink pad, but I make too big a mess when I do it that way! I still get inky with this method, but it's not quite as messy for me.

Another way to color ribbon is to dampen it and then put it on a bowl with a few drops of reinker. You'll need something to stir the ribbon around to saturate it with color without totally inking your fingers.

If you color your own ribbon, please post a link in the comments field so we can all check it out. Thanks!