Down but not Out

The weather has been down.  Cold, snowy and rainy.  My Florida family has had sun and warm weather.  Weather that makes me want to travel there, but we have to learn to stay content with what we have. 


Sickness and hospital stays have plagued my family, but we have survived and my blog will survive and renew itself.


The absence has made me grow fonder of my hobby where I yearn for the fellowship of my craft.  I did a bit of knitting for Christmas gifts and needed eyesight that I found I didn't have.  It numbed my fingers and cramped my hands.  I soon realized that  scrapbooking, card making and photography are the one thing I can do that doesn't make my fingers tingle.  So here I began.  Catching up on projects that I have put on the burner.  Smelling the wonderful smell of new papers and pouring over the ideas in our Idea book.


Join me while I revisit my wonderful hobby.  Take advantage of the opportunity to join our company.  For only $99 plus S & H, you can receive a retail value in product of $355!  Plus as a bonus, this month we are offering our brand new shoulder tote (retail value of $29) FREE!  THEN as a bonus, if you place a qualifying order of $300 within your first 40 days, you will receive our matching, beautiful rolling carrying case (retail value of $150)  FREE! 

Card Cafe

Our Card Cafe Event will be postponed until next Sunday, October 26th. Same time, same place. I thought I could do it.  But with moms fall and hospital stay, came issues that prevented me from getting completely ready.  I really hoped I could do it (like the little train "I think I can..."). I just realized my hopes have to become realities and admit my limits.  I look forward to next week.  Please keep mom in your prayers.

November is Digital Time

  

Lucky 5

November Constant Campaign

November marks the five-year anniversary of Studio J^®, and that means it’s your lucky month, with five amazing ways to win through Studio J and Close To My Heart social media!

First, throughout the month of November, all layouts purchased in Studio J are $5! That is a savings of over 25% off of retail! Your second chance to win big must come by sheer luck: every fifth order placed in Studio J during November receives a FREE surprise Close To My Heart accessory in its shipping box! The accessory has a retail value of $5 or more.

If luck doesn’t smile on you in that way, you might stumble upon it by finding a little extra something in your Studio J box. Five “golden tickets” will be sent out during the month of November with randomly selected Studio J print orders! This “golden ticket” is redeemable for one of Close To My Heart’s new D-ring albums* loaded with 10 Top Load Memory Protectors™.

For a fourth way to win, simply create new, gorgeous layouts in Studio J, select your favorites, and then post pictures of them on Close To My Heart’s Facebook page using the hashtag #ctmhlucky5. After November 30, five lucky winners will be selected from the entries based on their artistry and creativity and each of these winners will receive their own D-ring album loaded with 10 Top Load Memory Protectors!

And there is one last way to win: take your new Studio J artwork and post a picture of it on Instagram using the hashtag #ctmhlucky5. Just as it is with Facebook, after November 30, five lucky winners will be selected from the entries to receive their own D-ring album loaded with 10 Top Load Memory Protectors!

Plus, there is a bonus Consultant-only way to win. After the campaign has ended, the top five Consultants who had the greatest number of customers who order during the campaign will also get a D-ring album loaded with 10 Top Load Memory Protectors! This sixth way to win is only open to Consultants, so make sure to encourage every one of your customers—new to Studio J or not—to start designing now.

And to make things even more exciting, starting November 1, five brand new kits from the Annual Inspirations idea book will be made available in Studio J, so you can create new artwork using the latest papers and embellishments from Close To My Heart. With so many ways to win, five may be your new lucky number! Log in to Studio J and start creating today.

*Offer valid November 1–30, 2014. Pattern and color of new D-ring album to be given to winners will be at Close To My Heart’s discretion based upon availability. New kits available in Studio J^® on November 1 include Confetti Wishes, Snowhaven, Seaside, Pathfinding, and Scaredy Cat. No tax or shipping will be charged on the free item(s). Studio J layouts ship in a protected box that can hold 4 to 50 two-page layouts. For additional information about shipping/handling, please visit StudioJ.com > Products and Pricing > Shipping Options.

Dates: Offer valid November 1, 2014–November 31, 2014.

Explosion Box

Cool, right?  You lift the lid and a ton of little 2 inch photo spots just explode!  Thanks to a Scrapping Chatters sister, Kristi Seidel, for this mind blowing

idea!

Quick Album

From the Waco event.  Using only My Crush Yuletide Carol asst, Gold Sequins, Gold PolkA Dot Washi tape, and glue.  

Thriving 30 Event in Waco, Tx

Had a great time in Waco.  My up line, Noreen Petty, has been named Presidential director!  Played with amazing new products.  Look at this cool slider card.  Perfect for a gift card!  Details will follow.

Try a little washi tape to complete a look! This is a Corporate layoutfrom the Waco event.

25 days of...

Yes, I am finished with a project that I began on the 1st...Of December!  So it is the 25th of April and it has taken me this long to get the creative juices flowing.  I really needed time.  Time to be quite.  Time to think.  Time to reflect.  I took one picture per day of a normal activity going on in the world around me, printed it and stuck it in my SMASH book.  There, that's it, SMASH!  Done.  After all, wasn't that what they were designed for?  Not so quick.  Journaling, oh yeah!  No problem, I've got a good memory.  Right?  But then there is the peer pressure.  You know, when other creative people are posting their pages on social media and suddenly  you have to be all creative too.  Ehh, not so much!  Well now it's done, and I can happily say, I am pleased with the results.  My 25 Days of December Smash book is complete!   

So my definition (not Webster's) is:

         Peer Pressure:  If you don't have creative juices, don't fret.  There are many others that are.  Copy!  I would be honored if anyone copied me!

Enjoy and Be So Scrappyp

No Time? Too Busy?

Yep, this describes me.  Life has been chaotic.  But, it is our mantra, our goal in life, our catch phrase.  But does it have to be?  Can we just all slow down?  Can we?  When I set up this picture, all I could think was "I wish time could slow down ".  My oldest grand boy turned 13 yesterday, entering the world as a teenager.   Before I know it, 13 more years will pass, and I'll wonder the same thing.  Enjoy the moment and be so scrappy.

A Crop Project

This sign was on the outside of a Cracker Barrel.  I know it used to tell farmers something, but the scrapper in me says different!  I love to go to crops, the paper kind, and CKC was coming to MY town!  Excited beyond belief, until I got my email today.  They did not have enough response so they are canceling.  Boo-Hoo.  Find a group of crafters you love and organize a crop night.

Definition for the day-Not Webster's:  Crop-  A place to gather with friends and make tiny pieces of paper turn into beautiful memories.

Enjoy and Be So Scrappy

Creative Keepsakes Scrapbook Convention in Shreveport

Over the moon about the upcoming convention right here in my very own little area!  Shreveport, September 12-14, 2013.  I have often wanted to travel to the CKC in other areas, but time just never seems available.  But NOW, here they come! So I have volunteered to work Thursday (so I can see it all) and will attend a few classes on Friday (so I can learn a few new tricks)  No pictures today, but come September...

www.CKScrapbook.com

Definition for today:  (Not Webster's) Over the moon:  Being overly excited about an event!

Enjoy and Be So Scrappy!

Oklahoma Disaster Relief

I am so glad to be working for a company that is concerned with others.  When I first joined CTMH, the tusami in Japan happened.  CTMH created an acrylic stamp, all the proceeds from that stamp went to that disaster. 

Now, we have created another stamp, A True Thank You, to benefit the efforts of the American Red Cross while they serve the victims of the Oklahoma tornado disaster.   At only $2.95, several can be purchased and have a big impact. 

My prayers are that Jesus will take this small amount and multiply and comfort those in need.

Hoarder

As I sit at my Scrapbooking table pouring over Facebook postings, I look up and see all (some) of my embellishments. It is then I think, I need to use them, but then my mind also thinks, once I use them, I cant replace them, because some are retired. I certainly don't want to use them up because... what if I need them! Hmmm...life's problems.

My definition:  (Not Websters)
     HORDER:  Someone who just dosen't quite know when to use stuff and needs a little nudge.

Enjoy and Be So Scrappy

Happy Valentines Day

Repurposing your stamp sets is a tricky thing to do. Thanks to Kelly Groves Brandt with CTMH for reminding me of this idea. I made this Valentines day card for my hubby using our new "For Always" papers, Holiday Red cardstock and the Creepy Creatures MyAcrylic stamp set C1522. The inside reads: My heart will always beat for you! Awe! Be inspired

My definition:  (Not Websters)
     REPRUPOSING:  Finding ways to use things that you might otherwise overlook.

Enjoy and Be So Scrappy

 

Not having blogged for quite some time, I decided that this should be it.  I have been absorbed in taking pictures of the grandboys.  Mostly fun pics, candid ones, the kind that you don't have to worry if the face is clean or dirty, or if they are posing oh so cute.  Just pictures.  For, some time in the future, they will be just memories.  Journaling about the fun we had while playing in the mud.  The squeals.  The screams.  The laughter.  All memories that have to be scrapbooked.  Now just finding the time.

My definition:  (Not Websters)
     CANDID-  Not worrying about glamour shots, just having fun taking pictures.


Enjoy and Be So Scrappy

Holiday Photo Tips

While I was sorting and collating thru 35 years of holiday pictures, I have come up with some rules to follow.

1. Always wear the same clothes to all family functions per holiday.

2. Never wear the same thing two years in a row.

3. Always date your printed pictures.

                                                          These rules apply to All Family members. Trust me on these rules. 35 years from now, you WILL thank me!

Clearly the Best: The Stamp Behind The Mask (S01E08)

Halloween: A Frightful time?

Those that know me, know that I don't do a lot of Halloween.  Don't really know why, just prefer the not so scarry stuff.  Now, I do enjoy the pumpkins, and LOVE fall colors and have my share of fall leaves and jack-o-lantern decor around my house.  (I even have a ceramic witch! eak!)  Here at Close To My Heart, we have an abundance of myacrylic stamps.  Pictured you will find some spooky spice bottles with labels that were created using the Magic Potions C1509 stamp set.  The card features the Wicked S1108 (retired) stamp set.  Stay tuned, I might create another few cards...who knows.

My definition:  (Not Websters)
     Frightful:  Jumping out on a limb and doing something that is not in your comfort zone.

Enjoy and Be So Scrappy

Clearly the Best: Dauber Dynamite (S01E05)

Label

I know these tiny, little leaves are not CTMH, but they were in the $1 bins at Michaels.  I love fall and these cute little gold-dusted leaves were screaming (gently of course) "Look at me and take me home!"  I couldn't resist, especially since my cartridges are missing in action.

Just a brief note.  Many of us go to crop's and take everything we have to those crops.  After arriving home from my recent retreat, I unpacked only to realize that both my CTMH Cricut cartridges were not in any of my bags.  LOST somewhere in all the confusion.  The lesson I learned was:  Put your name on everything if you value it.   So heed my lesson, don't assume you will return with everything you own and label your stuff!

My definition (not Websters)
Label:  Making sure you put your name on everything.

Enjoy and be So Scrappy