Always Remember Somebody Loves You

Howdy y'all!

I know it's been almost forever since I've posted. But I promise to change that.

Today I'm coming to y'all to share this super cute card that I made for the Mama Elephant Guest Designer call.

For some reason, this adorable stamp totally reminds me of Winnie the Pooh. Have y'all seen Christopher Robin? I haven't had a chance to see it yet. But, I definitely plan too. 

And because this stamp set reminded me of that silly ol' bear. I chose to color him that way. Also, I chose to go with primary colors, as you can see in the banners. 

Now, I know y'all want to what supplies I used to make this fun card. And where exactly, you can find them too. That's why the links can be found when you click on the information.

Stamps: Mama Elephant Lovey Puppy Stamp and Die set, CTMH Splash of Color Essentials

Paper: CTMH White Daisy

Paper Size: A2

Ink: CTMH Sapphire, Bashful

Accessories: Hemp Rope, MISTI, Mama Elephant Lovey Puppy Stamp and Die set, CTMH Make it from Your Heart Vol. 4, Shin Han Touch Twin markers YR24 Marigold, Y222 Golden Yellow

Techniques: stamping, die cutting

Have a blessed day y'all!

Close to My Heart Virtual Idea Book

Hi!

Are y'all as excited about the weekend as I am?

I just love knowing that the weekend is HERE. Even though I work from home and go to school online, I love the feeling of Friday.

Part of it is because I know my DH will have the next two days off. The other part is knowing that my class assignments are ALL due on Saturday. And the other part is because I know that when Sunday rolls around I will get to see the sweet children in my CTR4 class at Church.

I don't think I've shared this before, but did you know that my CTMH shop has an virtual Idea Book you can view?

It does. And let me just say that it's almost as good as holding the real Idea Book. You can view my virtual Idea Book HERE.

And on the page where you view my virtual Idea Book, you can also find the recipes for how to make some of the amazing projects contained in the Idea Book.

So if your online and would like to view my virtual Idea Book. You can view it HERE.

Happy Crafting,
M.E.

Death by Chocolate

Hi!

I'm sorry I haven't posted in a while. And actually the next couple of posts may or may not be new craft projects.

My life is really crazy right now. And my emotions are ALL over the place.

Since the beginning of the year, I was given a calling as a Sunday School Teacher for the 4 year olds in my Ward. Then I was given a Visiting Teaching route, I haven't had one of those in a couple of years and the sisters on my route are really knowledgeable, so I'm kind of intimidated by them.

Then in my regular life, I've got school, which is going well. I made it as a Finalist in Sizzix's Who Are You? contest. And, I'm a housewife and mom to our three dogs, which means I'm definitely not bored.

And then, there's my family life, not my home life with my DH, but the family I was born into. My step-brother, which some people seem to be confused about. If this is something that confuses you, basically, he's my brother. He's been diagnosed with Leukemia (Stage 4) and throat cancer. He's not going to undergo any treatments, (his decision) and had has 2 months left.

With all this craziness my blog has been lacking in content. So I will attempt to fix that when I am able to.

For today's posting I'm going to share a card that I made for HYCCT (Hope You Can Cling To), which is something that an online crafting community I belong to hosts every October, to help raise awareness and donate cards to the Cancer patients at MD Andersen in Houston, TX.

Stamps: CTMH A Chocolate AffairPaper: SU! Festival of Prints, CTMH Colonial WhitePaper Size: A2Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, CTMH ChocolateAccessories: SU! Ticket Corner Small, CM Square ShapeMaker

Personally, if I had to choose the way I would die, it would have to be by chocolate. ;)

If you would like to purchase any of the items you see here. Most of them can be purchased at my CTMH shop.

Happy Crafting,
M.E.

Multi purpose card

Hi!

I think the best thing to do to close out this year is to make the perfect card. And just what makes it the perfect card?

Well, it would have to cover several different occasions.

and a close up of the sentiment

Of course, the problem with the perfect card is that the sentiment stamp is a pain to stamp with. Not only because of it's size, but also because of how well it takes the ink.

So, I guess there's not really a perfect card. But, if there was it would be this one.

For the sketch on today's card I used Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge #36.

If you have a chance to play along with us over at AHSC. We'd love to see what you create.

Happy Crafting,
M.E.

Create the Date

Hi!

Did you know you can craft your own personal reminder calendar, with the faces of your loved ones as the backing for individual days. It will be so cute you’ll be the talk of the block for the whole year! Watch the video to get started.


If you would like to make your own calendar using the tools you saw here, please feel free to visit my CTMH shop. 

Happy Crafting,
M.E.

Preserve with Pizazz

Hi!

One of the things I'd like to add to my New Year's list is to work on family history. But I need a way to make family history fun. And I can do that by adding colorful papers and embellishments! There are so many ways to protect your pedigree and make it fun at the same time. Watch the video to learn how to turn a kraft pocket album into an attractive family history book.



If you would like to add some pizazz to your family history, too.

Please feel free to visit  my CTMH shop.

Happy Crafting,
M.E.

A Burst of Creativity

Hi!

Are you like me? Missing the sunshine of summer? Make your own! In this video you’ll learn to make a burst of sunshine on your cards with fun Background & Texture papers.



If you would like to get some of the products you've seen here. Feel free to visit my CTMH shop.

Happy Crafting,
M.E.

Background Stamps

Hi!

Don't let the title fool you; background stamps are for far more than just background designs. Transform pieces of cardstock into attractive embellishments for your layouts with just a few easy techniques.



I thought this video was wonderful and really gave me some great ideas to use my background stamps more often.

If you would like to use one of the stamp sets you've seen here on this video or to view the rest of our line. Please visit my CTMH shop.

Happy Crafting,
M.E.

Simply Stitch It

Hi!

Are you feeling a little wary of adding stitching to your papercrafting? Did you know it doesn’t require a sewing machine? Our new stitch guide makes stitching simple to do—and the look it gives is simply stunning! See it for yourself in this video.


I just love sewing and faux sewing, and Close to my Heart has made it even easier. If you would like to use what you've seen here on this video or to view the rest of our line. Please visit my CTMH shop.

Happy Crafting,
M.E.

Tools of the Trade

Hi!

Did you know the men in our life are not the only one's who need the right tool.

The right tool can make all the difference in your artistic scrapbooking, especially in the details. See the tools we have to offer to enhance your creative experience, and then try them out for yourself!



I just love the variety of tools that Close to my Heart carries.

If you would like to use get one of the tools you've seen here on this video or to view the rest of our line. Please visit my CTMH shop.

Happy Crafting,
M.E.

Create with Cricut® Collections

Hi!

With it being the holiday season. I have prescheduled several wonderful videos for you to view. I will be back before the new year.

But, since I've been going to school online and blogging at least once a week, since school started. I'm going to take a break from looking at my laptop in order to have more time to spend the holidays with my family. 

So let's begin.

Did you know that you can enhance the artist within you with our stunning Cricut® Collections! Cut and assemble foundational shapes, 3-D items, and themed mini books to take your scrapbooking to a whole new level. Coordinating stamps sets and various embellishments are included, and with limitless options in shapes, themes, and sizes, our Cricut® Collections will bring you hours of exciting creative sessions.



I just love CTMH's Cricut® Collections, they're are a variety to choose from.

If you would like to use get one of the Cricut® cartridges you've seen here on this video or to view the rest of our line. Please visit my CTMH shop.

Happy Crafting,
M.E.

CTMH Festive Friday Blog Hop

Hi!

Thank you for joining in our " CTMH Festive Friday Blog Hop". The hop goes in a circular path, but if you happen to get lost you can find the blog hop list at the end of this post. The starting point for the hop is The Happy Scrapbooker.

If you are on track you should have just visited, Paige's blog, and you are here now.

This month I made a CAS (Clean and Simple) card. Even if you are short on time, there's still time to make a wonderful Christmas card for your family and friends. 

Stamps: CTMH Perfect Fit - Holidays, Frosted Cardmaking Workshop
Paper: CTMH White Daisy
Paper Size: A2
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, CTMH Lagoon, Crystal Blue, Pacifica
Accessories: Studio G Gems

Your next stop on the blog hop is April.

CTMH Festive Friday Blog Hop Line up

1. Diane Tuggle - The Happy Scrapbooker
2. Carol Loftus - Close to My Heart News! 
3. Linda Pekrul - Blue Sky Scrapping 
4. Jamie Barney - Scrapping with Elsa and Sophie 
5. Paige Dolecki - Stampologist
6. Mary Ellen Driggs - Cr8ive M.E. (y'all are HERE)
7. April Grigson - Imagine the Possibilities Studio
8. Theresa Miller - The Sassy Scrapper 
9. Brenda Lapp - Crafting for sanity? Or insanity? 
10. Ashley Denny - Be "hoot"iful Scrapbooking 
11. Mary Schwimer - Ida's Attic

Happy Crafting, 

M.E.

Santa's Elf

Hi!

I caught one of Santa's elves preparing for Christmas. And I couldn't help but take some pictures.

But don't let the authorities in the North Pole know, because I don't want to be on Santa's naughty list.

But seriously, I made these tags for the Handmade Harbour blog's Midweek Papercraft Party (17). This week's theme is: Merry Christmas!

If you have a chance this week to participate, we'd love to see what you create. Oh, and if you are looking for an adorable set of holiday gift tags, you should definitely check out the Christmas tags and sentiments digital stamp.

And if you are wondering where I found these super cute gift sacks, they are Close to my Heart's Season's Tweetings Gift Bags. You can find them in my CTMH shop and with Christmas being in 14 DAYS, the time to order them is NOW. If you want them for your gift giving needs.

Happy Crafting,
M.E.

Happy Thanksgivingukkah

Hi!

I wanted to be sure to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. A Happy Hanukkah. And if you're celebrating both a Happy Thanksgivingukkah.

Stamps: TAC Trendy Greetings
Paper Size: A2
Ink: VersaMark Watermark Stamp Pad
Accessories: Memory Depot White Detail Embossing Powder, SU! Modern Label, American Crafts Primio, The Paper Studio, Cheery Lynn Designs SM Leaves #1, Buttons Galore and More Grab Bag

Stamps: Hero Arts Happy Chanukah
Paper: EK Success Hanukkah Expressions, CTMH White Daisy
Paper Size: A2
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black

Happy Crafting,
M.E.

CTMH Festive Friday Blog Hop

Hi!

Thank you for joining in our " CTMH Festive Friday Blog Hop". The hop goes in a circular path, but if you happen to get lost you can find the blog hop list at the end of this post. The starting point for the hop is The Happy Scrapbooker.

If you are on track you should have just visited, Paige's blog, and you are here now.

For this hop, I created a Christmas card. After all, Christmas will be here in 40 days. Can you believe it?!?

Are you ready for it? I'll admit this year I'm not ready. Hopefully, I can get all my Christmas shopping done the day after Thanksgiving.

There's still time to order supplies for making your own Christmas and holiday cards. Plus, if you've got some paper crafters on your Christmas list or you need to give your family some ideas on Christmas gifts, you should definitely check out my CTMH shop, if you don't have a consultant.

Stamps: CTMH Santa Claus, Merry & Bright
Paper Size: A2
Ink: VersaMark, CTMH Cranberry, White Daisy, Tombow ABT
Accessories: QuicKutz Cutting Dies Nesting Doily Circles, Cuttlebug Snow Dots, Memory Depot White Detail embossing powder

Your next stop on the blog hop is April.

CTMH Festive Friday Blog Hop Line up

1. Diane Tuggle - The Happy Scrapbooker
2. Rebecca Brown - Show me Scrapping 
3. Michelle Bowley - Wandering Scissors 
4. Carol Loftus - Close to My Heart News! 
5. Linda Pekrul - Blue Sky Scrapping 
6. Jamie Barney - Scrapping with Elsa and Sophie 
7. Paige Dolecki - Stampologist
8. Mary Ellen Driggs - Cr8ive M.E. (y'all are HERE)
9. April Grigson - Imagine the Possibilities Studio
10. Theresa Miller - The Sassy Scrapper 
11. Brenda Lapp - Crafting for sanity? Or insanity? 
12. Ashley Denny - Be "hoot"iful Scrapbooking 
13. Mary Schwimer - Ida's Attic

Happy Crafting, 

M.E. 

Christmas treat bag

Hi!

Today starts a new Midweek Paper Craft Party over on the Handmade Harbour blog. The theme for this week's party is Christmas is Coming!

And to put us all in the spirit of Christmas, the ladies on the Design Team have come up with some wonderful projects. If you have a chance please visit the Handmade Harbour blog and leave them some blog-gy love.

For my project, I used the Handmade Harbour Christmas tags and sentiments digital stamp. This is an awesome digital stamp set and comes with a variety of tags and sentiments, you can use for your holiday gift giving.

I tied my tag onto one of the CTMH Season's Tweetings Gift Bags. These gift bags are perfect for not just the Christmas season but all year round. They come in both this red polka dotted bag pattern and also a green chevron pattern.

This gift is all set to be given to either a neighbor down the street, used as a stocking stuffer, or for your very own Santa.

If you are looking for some holiday inspiration you should definitely check out what's going on this week at the Handmade Harbour blog. And if you're looking for some creative holiday gift tags, you should definitely check out the Christmas tags and sentiments digital stamp from Handmade Harbour.

Happy Crafting,
M.E.

Beauty all Around

Hi!

Today my team gets to share with y'all what we have made with AHSC Sketch #28.

Here is the sketch:

And this is what I've done with it.

Stamps: CTMH Home Sweet Home
Paper: CTMH White Daisy cardstock, Love, Elsie Roxie Bands
Paper Size: A2
Ink: CTMH Archival Black
Accessories: Spellbinders Shapeabilities Foliage Two, SU! Boho Blossoms

I'm also entering this card into the HYCCT1331C Challenge. Which was to create a black and white card, with just a pop of one of the colors listed below - indicating your "team" for Breaking Bad. Which happens to be one of me and my husband's favorite TV shows.

The team I picked was Team Holly, because she really is the only innocent one in that whole crazy series. And the one that all the other characters, well except for Pinkman say they want to protect. But if you've seen the show you know even Pinkman would want to save her too, because he totally loves kids.

We would love it if you would participate with us on AHSC. If you do let them know that Mary sent you. As we're having a contest to see how many people we can refer to the challenge blog.

Also, if you'd like to participate in the HYCCT challenges on SCS. There's still time, the deadline is November 7th. As someone who has had several family members battle with cancer, I know any card you could make would greatly help to brighten up the patients day.

Happy Crafting,
M.E.

Mixed Papers

Hi!

Close To My Heart papers from various My Reflections® paper packets are full of adorable designs useful for coordinating themes, but mixing and matching papers from various kits can be just as cute—and a whole lot of fun!



I just love CTMH's My Reflections paper packets, they're so beautiful.

If you would like to use the My Reflections paper packets you've seen here on this video or to view the rest of our line. Please visit my CTMH shop.

Happy Crafting,
M.E.

Color me blue

Hi!

It's Monday and that means it's time for a new sketch over at Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge.

This week's sketch is

Which I thought was a rather lovely sketch. And unlike my normal of totally switching the sketch up. I think for me I went pretty much as close to the sketch as I could.

Here is my creation:

Stamps: My Mind's Eye - The Sweetest Thing - Tangerine CollectionInk: CTMH ChocolateAccessories: CTMH Tan Twill Ribbon, Sizzix/SU! Sizzlits Large Delicate Doilies, Cuttlebug Honeycomb

Happy Crafting,
M.E.

CTMH Festive Friday Blog Hop

Hi!

Thank you for joining in our " CTMH Festive Friday Blog Hop". The hop goes in a circular path, but if you happen to get lost you can find the blog hop list at the end of this post. The starting point for the hop is The Happy Scrapbooker.

If you are on track you should have just visited, Paige's blog, and you are here now.

For this hop I created a sweet snack bag using the NEW Season's Tweetings Gift Bag Kit by Close to my Heart. You can use this kit to make so many things, like a last minute Hostess gift for the upcoming Holiday parties, a stocking stuffer, or even if you are having a holiday party you could use them as place cards. 

Plus, you can't beat the price. For $14.95, the Season's Tweetings Gift Bag Kit includes:

• 1 – My Acrylix® Season's Tweetings Stamp Set (C-size)
• 6 – Season's Tweetings Gift Bags (3 Topiary chevron, 3 Ruby polka-dot)
• 9 – Die-Cut Tags

Your next stop on the blog hop is April.

CTMH Festive Friday Blog Hop Line up

1. Diane Tuggle - The Happy Scrapbooker
2. Rebecca Brown - Show me Scrapping 
3. Michelle Bowley - Wandering Scissors 
4. Carol Loftus - Close to My Heart News! 
5. Linda Pekrul - Blue Sky Scrapping 
6. Jamie Barney - Scrapping with Elsa and Sophie 
7. Paige Dolecki - Stampologist
8. Mary Ellen Driggs - Cr8ive M.E. (y'all are HERE)
9. April Grigson - Imagine the Possibilities Studio
10. Theresa Miller - The Sassy Scrapper 
11. Brenda Lapp - Crafting for sanity? Or insanity? 
12. Ashley Denny - Be "hoot"iful Scrapbooking 
13. Mary Schwimer - Ida's Attic

Happy Crafting, 

M.E.