Monday, Tuesday, Scrappy Days

2011-10-09T16:31:00.004-05:00

ROXIE AD ON .......................... OR Elemental Ad On..................

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STUDIO J Includes a 12-month Studio J® membership and five Studio J® layouts (must redeem within first 3 months). Roxie Add-On Includes a Workshops on the Go™ Roxie Kit, Rhinestone Designer Brads, Foundry® Pin Clips, My Acrylix® Instant Memories Stamp Set, My Acrylix® Unscripted Stamp Set, Tulip Exclusive Inks® Pad, Cocoa Exclusive Inks® Pad, and a 2" × 6 1/2" My Acrylix® Block. Sign up as a new Consultant between October 1–31 and receive one New Consultant Kit add-on collection of your choice FREE! Add-on collections are priced at $40 each and have a retail value of $80, making this an incredible deal!For just a $99 enrollment fee, you'll receive a New Consultant Kit packed with business essentials and new products valued at over $280, plus a FREE add-on collection to enhance your kit! Then you can choose to buy one or both of the other add-on collections for just $40 each. It's an incredible deal!

Organize Shmorganize

2011-10-05T06:00:00.000-05:00

Whew- really I used to BE so organized... then I got married and had a baby!! We moved as you know back in March.. My scrapbook room has been cut down HALF the size I had.. ( I know my diamond shoes are just TOO tight!) I have been trying to do better about saving space... Its still very clutter but here's two things I tried and works! First - a HUGE THANKS to Peggy Herrington who sent me these awesome "CTMH" letters. I finally got around to putting them up! Where's the 'like' button! ;-) So its looks pretty dinky right now BUT I have HIGH hopes for this bookshelf. When we bought our house the guy left a lot of stuff like this! I moved it from my sons closet to MY scrapbook room closet! I cant wait to get it organized!

Also- I used to put all my stamps in those lil $1.00 crates. They absolutely worked GREAT, however- you cant strum though the stamps well when they are stacked up on top of each other. Check out this rack I got! I bought it for my few events I do throughout the year. Well- this will be great until I need it again! :-)

Dreamin' - with my eyes wide open!

2011-10-04T05:00:00.000-05:00

"Dreamin' is my newest FAVORITE CTMH paper packet! LOVIN' these Fall colors and accessories! This is also one of my favorite 'go to' layouts out of the how to books. Glitz glitter gel is totally awesome too! Check out my cut out flower!

If you love 'meatls' you are gonna love the new idea book! The new accessories are fantastic!

Isnt this paper awesome!?

Ribbon Pumpkins!

2011-10-01T22:25:00.002-05:00

Please pay no attention to the pressure washing machine in the background! LOL ...and as always my pictures didn't upload in order1 argg.. Anyway- check out how to make a SUPER cool and unique pumpkin like you see the magazines! I cut a piece of the vinyl covering off one of my OLD stamp cases I had so the stamp would be flexible- I found out later you could also just use your fingers. Hold one part of the stamp in place and them use your other finger to press the stamp.. As you can see it may not cover completely because of the indention in the pumpkins but you can fill in with a sharpie.. USE BLACK STAZ-ON INK for the BEST Coverage.. As you know staz-on is permanent and stains your stamps but they still work FINE!

This was a before pic of my pumpkin!

These are the supplies I used!

After you get your stamped images stamped and filled in with a sharpie take pieces of ribbon and stick them on with brads! wah-lah! EASY PEASY!

SEPTEMBER National Stamping Month!!!

2011-08-30T21:37:00.002-05:00

Get a free my acrylix double stamp set. To celebrate National Stamping Month CTMH is offering their first ever double stamp set! You can get this exclusive "pair a phrase" stamp set FREE with a $75.00 order! This is TWO D size stamp sets in ONE envelope. (thats a retail for $35.90!) So have DOUBLE fun stamping this month!!

Check out this cute owl!!! Love these phrases too!!

WATER PARK WEEKEND!

2011-08-23T22:38:00.003-05:00

So Will is a little water junkie! Over the weekend we went to a local water park and he had a BALL!!! We also went out into town and rode some carts! My lil water monkey! I'm trying to think of a good paper pack!! Maybe the "Winterland" without the snowflakes- just the blues!! ;-)

Me & Will on the double slider!

ZERO FEAR!

OLDIES BUT GOODIES

2011-08-23T22:33:00.004-05:00

Since our waterpark trip this weekend- made me think about last years trip & I remembered this layout. My how they change and grow up sooo fast!!! This is a layout from Magic, one of the how to books! If you dont already have one they are a MUST!

I LOVE THE MAGIC BOOK! The magic book helps you create awesome little 3-dimenional things like this!

Back to School!

2011-08-23T22:25:00.005-05:00

Here is a layout of my nephew from last year.... :-) Share your layouts for back to school on my facebook page : "Have Scrappy Days!" :-)

MY FAVORITE STAMP?

2011-08-20T06:00:00.000-05:00

Every new book books - means a new favorite stamp!!! Well - I have two! Here is one of them! It's called "Remarkable wreath." Its all seasons too! I love these 'build' your own image type of stamps- (so maybe you can guess my second favorite!!!) Here are some different ways to use this stamp- I did this just playing in like 10 minutes! IN LOVE! I can already see my Christmas cards coming together!

Can you believe CTMH lowered their stamp prices! YAY! Get this one for only $13.95! Even better!

Fanfare!

2011-08-18T21:28:00.002-05:00

Ok- so I didn't fall in love with this paper right off BUT it sure did come in handy for these pictures! This is the class I taught at the Luau. This layout is such a FUN layout! It involves all of my favorites- random stamping , fun colors, and BLING! One of my favorite techniques is sanding... On the borders of the blue & red paper is the sanding technique.. You dry emboss down the sides- flip it over and sand and wa-lah- instant stitching!

I am really liking these NEW corrugated stars in the new book too! I cant wait to add some distressing ink to these babies! But some bling glitter glue for now! :-)

More RANDOM!

2011-08-18T21:12:00.002-05:00

Until I can my scrap room organized looks like my blog might be a whole lotta RANDOM! Heehee- Below is a picture of my friend (and Fellow CTMH sister!) Gina's cards she made at convention this year. They are cute 3x3 cards from the new paper packets!

Here is a layout one of my club girls done! (Who wants to own it? I forget??? forgive me- i usually title my photos... PLEASE comment!- i can see your toes- hahaha) Its with the GORGEOUS Sophia paper packet! "Sophia" made the cut and is also in the fall/winter catalog. Get it while you can!

More cricut creations from convention! (thanks for sharing so much Gina!)

Randomness...........

2011-08-16T22:13:00.003-05:00

Queen of random- that's me! Just wanted to share some quick things- Check out these paper flowers below! I cannot wait to start making all these 'cutesies' with CTMH new cricut cartridge! I need an extra day in the week! Card I made for a dear friend of mine! Loving all the scripture stamps CTMH is coming out with now!

Here are two darling towels my friend made for me.. If you know me AT ALL- you know I LOVE mail! Any kind of mail! Email, text mail, but especially SNAIL MAIL! lol- No idea why but I love to check the mailbox! heeehe! So thank you sweet friend for this nice surprise! Love and miss you!

How talented is she!?!? I need to learn to sew!

2011-08-15T19:47:00.003-05:00

Ok-so this scrapper forgot her camera- *gasp* lol. These are with my cell.. They are decent. Here is my 'before.' Here is my 'after.' Not bad considering I only started preparing the week of! :-) Had a stamping station, inventory table, and display tables! FUN

Here are the most fabulous, loyal, creative, inspiring girls eva! Shawn, Kelly, and Shannon! Thank you!! You guys rock and make LUAU day so much fun1 we missed you this year Melinda!

STAY TUNED for some HEEEEE-LAR-IOUS pics of us being silly- All I can say is it has to do with coke bottle glasses, goggles, straw hats, and feather boas! (sp?)

LUAU 2011

2011-08-13T06:42:00.003-05:00

There are a few single days through out the year that I look forward to: Hwy 127 yard saling with my hubby, Day after Thanksgiving shopping with my mom & sister, Christmas morning with my baby boy, and NOW MOPS SCRAPBOOKING LUAU with my scrapbooking SISTAS!! Heading out the door to fix this mess you see below! I'll post more throughout the day!

CTMH Convention 2011

2011-07-15T06:09:00.003-05:00

Close to My Heart Convention is in Anaheim CA at Disney this year! I am so sad to sit this year's out, however my eyes and ears there are telling me about some HUGE announcements going on. One of my favorite new things is the exclusive CTMH Cricut cartridge! It has over 700 ("Jeanette inspired") designs that will coordinate with the new stamp sets in the new idea book!! How awesome!! Other great things include: new heavier stock B&T paper, lower price and much more! To stay posted go to my "Have Scrappy Days Group - CTMH" on facebook OR click here (maybe this will work!) http://www.facebook.com/MyStampinBuds#!/pages/Have-Scrappy-Days-Group-CTMH/108782995868216

FINALLY..............

2011-07-14T22:28:00.002-05:00

Oh.......Hooooooow I've Misssssssssssssssed Yoooooooooouuuuuuuuuu! Wow- since we've moved into a fixer upper and I've went back to work full time_I've scaled back on CTMH some... I just got a great big goodie box and am preparing to jump right back in HEAD first SOOON!

Another Before and After!

2011-07-12T21:10:00.002-05:00

Here is our half bath.. (guest bath) We have so many HALF finished projects around here that my new 'goal' is to focus on one thing and complete it!!! LOL Here it is BEFORE: Pale pink walls, UGLY carpet.. total non-matching wall bath accessories... Here is the AFTER:

I wish the picture really showed the pretty color of green that is... Funny story about this bathroom- I had originally painted it a light yellow to brighten it up b/c its SUPER tiny.... BUT the light fixture is one of those fan/lights with a shaded globe and made the whole room look/feel like you were in a warp zone! strange! LOL So paint #3 (after the primer and yellow) New mirror, new towel hangy thingy, new vanity, and new faucet...

Here's the NEW toilet- the other one was pink! Forgot to get that before shot! LOL- new toilet, new toilet paper holder, new trash basket, and new outlet cover!

Check out that tile! YAY!! I would have given anything to have got a better before pic of the carpet- it was the same as the dining room if you want to scroll down.. whew!!

Great news about all this: Total cost of makeover was probably only $300.00. I know thats alot BUT its the complete room- toilet, vanity, tile, mirror, new wall accessories, towel, EVERYTHING! I thought it wasn't bad! The trashcan was $5.00 at hobby lobby and the mirror was $10.00 at hobby lobby! Got the tile at an outlet in a town nearby and had a friend install! Anyway - thanks for looking and listening - cant wait until these posts are scrapbook related again - SOON! That room is NEXT!!!! YAY!

Just a little project!

2011-06-05T07:44:00.002-05:00

We are doing so much around the house that some of these 'little' projects had been put off. Since I've been back to work - most of my lunch breaks are full of running errands and stuff but I try hard to go and look for some of the smaller things for our house at thrift stores, clearance aisles, and we have a habitat restore too. This bench was a $15.00 steal from a local outlet store. They have lots of overstock and misc. stuff. These benches were piled up in boxes on an end cap and said $30.00- 50% off! I have been looking for one to sit under the piano. BUT benches are so expensive I just couldn't pay that much. I didn't actually like the bench and it would match NOTHING in my new dining room - but I thought for $15.00 I'd try it.. I bought a bottle of spray paint and went to work!

Cream & Brass

2011-06-05T07:20:00.002-05:00

It was really pretty, but I'm not in a gold/ brass kinda mood these days. I tested a spot first - just to make sure- ya never know with spray paint!

Tuu-dah!

I thought the finish was actually decent!

NOW- can someone come help me move this piano into the dining room please! LOL It takes every bit of FIVE big guys and a dolly to move it....

My nephew will be taking piano lessons soon- maybe he can put it to use!

MISSING IN ACTION????

2011-05-22T20:54:00.004-05:00

YUP! I'll say! I have missed blogging so much! It is almost time for the return! I have a booth at a local scrapbooking event in August and I can hardly wait! Needless to say the last couple of months have been busy! Starting back to work after being home with my baby for 3 years was quite a transition for our family! Will is doing great in school - now on his Summer break! So sweet! Church has also been super busy and we've bought and moved into a fixer upper! Whew- yep ALL at once.. and oh - did I mention Will started teeball during all this! hahaha! Anyway here is a peak and what has kept me occupied! This is our dining room. {Our almost finished dining room!- please pay no attention to the bare outlets and bare china cabinet and bare walls!- big ideas for all of those!) These are before and after shots of different angles! BEFORE! AFTER! LOL awesome how much floor and paint can make a difference huh!?!!?

BEFORE!

AFTER! Trim work, light fixture, and a few details!

2011-05-22T20:35:00.004-05:00

Front window has so much potential. BEFORE! AFTER! I almost didn't put these curtains up b/c we have beautiful white wood blinds going up asap- but I wanted to take these photos and we don't have brackets for the blind yet! LOL We'll see which I like best. its a Bay window and is so pretty I hate to cover it up..

We struggled a lot with this room b/c of this awesome DARK wood mantel and ALL of our previous dining room furniture is this light color?? I think it work okay! BEFORE!

AFTER! We also have a piano this dark wood color we are going to put on the wall closest to this mantel! I think it will all blend well.!

Oh and this light is for "High Heels & Sippy Cups!" Do I win? lol

So there you have it- where I've been! LOL Working 9-5, doing the ball field thing, and fixing up a house! YIKES! If my diamond shoes get to tight and I start to complain about time- someone just remind me how great LIFE as we know it truly is! Hope you all are still scrapping - stay tuned as I launch back into blogging soon!

Discounts, Steals, & Deals

2011-04-04T22:22:00.001-05:00

Just a quick note to let you know there is a huge sale on my website at http://https://tonyamccrary.myctmh.com/Retail/Products.aspx?CatalogID=1702- Unbelievable discounts on items like Paper, Stickease and accessory bundles - prices for some items are as low as $2.00. WOWSA!!!! Run.. while supplies last! Bundles include paper, accessories, and stickease, and more! Get this bundle for only $15.00!

Do you love Level 1's?

2011-04-04T22:20:00.000-05:00

During April, when you place an order of $100 or more on my website at http://tonyamccrary.myctmh.com you'll receive one My Reflections® Level 1 kit FREE during our Lovin' Level 1 campaign. Choose from several popular Level 1 kits. You'll also qualify for a free April Stamp of the Month set! Now that's a Deal! better hurry- I hear they may not be around in the next book at ALL!

Helping Japan

2011-04-04T22:18:00.000-05:00

Give a little Hope to Japan by purchasing an exclusive stamp set for just $5.00. See details under 'monthly specials' on top of this page!

LOVIN' Miracle!

2011-04-04T22:08:00.003-05:00

I LOVE this paper!!!! Get this awesome kit and make beautiful layouts or cards! Kit: Stamp Set Level 2 Paper Packet Kraft Color Ready Borders Workshop Guide $29.99 G1023 Colors: Crystal Blue, Heavenly Blue, Sweet Leaf, Bamboo

MIRACLE

2011-04-04T21:47:00.002-05:00

These are the pages we had last year with this awesome campaign. I have a lil boy and these colrs are just too sweet for his pictures!! I see Easter here with these for this year!

Here's a St Patricks Day card for ya!

2011-03-13T23:59:00.002-05:00

Key to making a shamrock is having HEARTS stamps! Stamp them around in a circle and add a "center" and a stem- whalah!

FLOWER POWER!

2011-03-05T13:34:00.007-06:00

OK- so i have to admit I'm a little to young to understand "flower power," however FLOWERS are BIG right now! Ribbon flowers, paper flowers, and decoupage are everywhere! Here are two Id like to share with you! You either LOVE these or Hate 'em! They take as little time to create but are super duper cute! Start with 8-12 circles. You may need more or less - it depends on the size of your circles. I have used 1 inch scallop punch for mine. Don't forget you can make circles of any size with your cricut!

2011-03-05T11:31:00.005-06:00

Fold one side of the circle in towards the middle. Make sure the top is 'flared' out just a tad and the bottom is more tight.

Do the other side same as first fold.. It should resemble a 'cone.' Squeeze bottom so it keeps its shape..

Do all your circles! ;-) LEAVE one flat.. you will adhere your 'petals' to this one. I use glue dots. I just stick a couple on there and start layering my petals. I found that it is easier to start with 4 like the photo below and just 'fill in the gaps.' If you go in a circular pattern laying them down - it may end up uneven. Some of my petals are a tad bit on top of each other but for the most part fit on the circle flat. :-)

When you get them all on there, center with a brad, ribbon, sparkle, or a button! (or anything CUTE you have on hand!)

2011-03-05T10:58:00.005-06:00

I finally decided on one of our NEW buttons from our pink assortment... tied in the middle with some natural hemp. I used this flower as an embellishment for a card for Will's speech teacher!

Here is another flower I've posted before.. It's using a 1 inch non scalloped circle punch. I used 9 petals flat instead of layering... Looks very different but its the exact same technique!

As i was re-posting this flower I ran across this layout and thought it was worth re-posting- AWWWWW SUMMER!! LOL

2011-03-05T10:15:00.005-06:00

Here is another paper flower! Technique below.. Its amazing to me how much different they look with different color paper but same technique!

This is my fav!!!

2011-03-05T09:54:00.004-06:00

These are a bit more complex but still VERY easy- I promise! ;) start with 4 large circles & 1 small one. you can actually use 5 large if you wish - it doesn't show up either way... I used a 2 inch scallop punch for this paper flower.. start by folding one in half.. It doesn't matter yet which color side you fold inside or outside.

Fold in half again and open back up. You are making these folds for 'creases' only.

Fold one side up to the middle crease. Repeat with the other side so that both sides are folded to the middle crease and looks like this.

Make sure all folds are crisp and then OPEN it ALL back up! ;)

2011-03-05T09:33:00.004-06:00

Fold in half again...NOW is when it counts which side you fold up.. Whatever color you want to SHOW the most needs to be on the INSIDE! I wanted the pink to show so i folded with the orange on the outside. Now you want to 'pinch' it up with both hands so that it looks like below.. (remember those lil dooeys we used to make in school-you opened and closed- they had numbers, colors, and names of boys! - kinda like that!)

Once you get it pinched up together it should look like this. Then fold flat.

When you flatten it - it should look like this. (sorry the pic is blurry..)

Now you want to flap over one lil piece on the top.

2011-03-05T09:08:00.004-06:00

This is what it should look like!! TOTALLY worth the trouble right!!?!? ;) okay - now do the other THREE that same way.. You remember how right? ;)

Put some adhesive (again i use 'glue dots') on that 4th circle..

Start laying them on.. Again- i adhere them across from each other first.. it just lines up easier to me that way. :-)

This is what you should have! FUN FUN!

Don't forget to put your 'center' i the middle!!! ribbons and /or buttons are my fave!

What's going on this MONTH?

2011-03-02T09:28:00.003-06:00

Well CTMH DOES have the BEST Stamps on the Block wouldn't you say?! ;-)

Get a free My Acrylix® block when you buy My Acrylix® stamps! At Close To My Heart, we know we’ve got the best clear stamps and blocks—and we’ll prove it! Throughout March, when you buy your favorite My Acrylix® stamps, we’ll give you a free My Acrylix block. Not only will you have the best stamps on the block, you’ll have the best block, too! Just purchase $25 US / $30 CAN in stamps and you can choose from two of our most versatile block sizes: 3" × 3" (Y1006) or 2" × 6 1/2" (Y1010). Offer valid March 1–31, 2011. Limit one free My Acrylix® block per order per customer. Qualifying stamp purchases include A-, B-, C-, D-, and E-size stamp sets, including Stamp of the Month sets purchased at full price or at a discount. K-size stamp sets, Stamp of the Month sets earned for free, and Workshops on the Go™ kits are excluded.

STAMP OF THE MONTH

Isn't it adorable!?!!?

Here’s how to get a fabulous deal on your very own Stamp of the Month! It retails for $22.95 OR spend $25.00 and receive 25% off, spend $50 and receive 50% off, spend $75 and receive 75% off, spend $100 and its yours for FREE!

Welcome Franklin!

2011-03-01T10:03:00.003-06:00

Here is a layout I made for a friend who comes to my workshops. She is such a sweet sweet person with a beautiful family! Their newest addition is a precious baby boy they've named Franklin. Congratulations Joanna!

Sorry Ive been MIA all week! BUSY BUSY BUSY! I had a GREAT weekend in Hebbertsburg with some new friends at their crop! Ill post pics later! It was awesome! THANKS to Kelly who came up and hung out with me and to all the Hebbertsburg CROP girls!

Chatter BOX card workshop!

2011-02-22T11:15:00.004-06:00

Here are 16 cards from our new SPRING/ SUMMER book papers! SWEETHEART, LUCKY, SOPHIA, BLISS, FANFARE, MAYBERRY, MIRACLE, and WINGS. Two cards each!!! I've designed this workshop to include 'traditional' and 'bling!' You can make all these cards and they look GREAT without the extras BUT if you love bling then you can add extras to make them "POP!" This first photo is all the cards with the "POP!" I will probably have two classes so you will have your choice of dates suited best for you! Please let me know if you are interested in more info! tonyamcc@twlakes.net or text or call 931.261.6033... I will send you the details! Close up... Also - as I posted these.. I realized I didn't post an individual picture of ONE of the "Sophia" cards... If you will look to the far right..(kinda middle) it is the one with a white card base and beautiful pink and greens with two silver brads at top right!! ;-)

All together with bling.....

Photo of all cards without the 'extras.' Still gorgeous right!?!? ;-)

2011-02-22T10:49:00.004-06:00

Here's the "Chatter box." This box is included in the workshop. You will need to bring your own paper- Ill give you cutting guides and we'll put together at the workshop. So easy! Takes just a few minutes to cover these boxes...

After we finish you will have this! A cute box full of 16 gorgeous cards and envelopes.

OKAY- now lets look at these cards!!!

"Fanfare" is so much fun!! Obviously perfect for 4th of July and summertime photos, but this paper packet is so much more! Its going to be perfect for birthdays, beach, pool, anything FUN! Ive added ribbon, sparkles, and glitter glue to these two cards! They are perfect to "BLING" up this paper!

Here they are without the extras- still FUN!

2011-02-22T10:20:00.004-06:00

I LOVE these next two cards!! This is from "BLISS" paper pack. All I did was add a small chocolate ribbon to one.... Here it is without the ribbon.. So elegant! Perfect for a wedding shower shower or bridal shower invitations.

"SWEETHEART"- SO sweet!

These paper packets are more versatile than ever! The card on the left is my all time favorite card to make for a baby shower. So simple and cute! These cards have been embellished with ribbon, sparkles, stamping, liquid glass, and glitter glue. I also love to make the type of card that is shown on the right.. its small and different..

Here they are without the bling. Still adorable albeit the card on the right DOES need that ribbon i think! ;-)

2011-02-22T09:49:00.005-06:00

"Mayberry" with some pink sparkles, a lil glitter glue on top, and liquid glass on the 'leaves.' Mayberry with some ribbon on the card on the right.

Mayberry without 'extras' on left- dont know how that 'sophia' card (right) snuck in there! LOL I didn't get a picture of the two sophia cards together.

I LOVE "LUCKY" b/c I have a son and our family are outdoors alot. I love all the new spring/summer papers, but I was pleased to see a less "girly" packet for my boys's photos! :-) Here is my lucky cards with all the embellishments; buttons & ribbons. I love these new wooden buttons too!

Here they are without the buttons and ribbon... I think my boys may prefer them without! ha!

2011-02-22T09:20:00.004-06:00

"Wings" with extra ribbon and pearls... I've also added liquid glass to the butterfly wings! Wings without extras.

"Miracle" all blinged up with some glitter glue, liquid glass, brads, and ribbon. I love this style of card!

Miracle without extras. Still so very dainty!

Keep in mind- You can use ANY sentiment you want on ANY of the cards! Bring your own stamps or use mine. (what I have on hand) You will need your basic tool kit- glue, scissors, paper trimmer, and any inks and stamps that you may have so you dont have to wait on mine. I will precut MOST of the paper unless you specify otherwise. This will save you TONS of time! Drop me an email or text or call for ALL the FUN details! Hope to see you there!

What a weekend!!!

2011-02-21T10:52:00.004-06:00

So glad to be home today - TONS of laundry and cleaning to do but it was SO worth it! I love long weekend getaways! Wills birthday is coming up so we took him to the Wilderness Waterpark. Here is Aunt Amie and cousins Carter and Bryson about to get pounded with the water bucket!

My lil 80's rockstar! LOL He has to wear this b/c he has a hole in his eardrum.. :-( It did NOT slow him down even in the slightest!

A trail we done in the smokies before meeting the family at the park. ;-) Will is about to jump into a HUGE puddle!

Stopped for a quick photo. This may be the only time he stopped the entire trip! :-)

As soon as I get my house caught up I'll be working with "Bliss!" Ill post soon!

SEND ME YOUR ARTWORK!

2011-02-16T09:52:00.003-06:00

I love it!!! This is the completed layout of Mrs Shawn's page I posted a day or two ago. Check out the adorable flowers... I believe she has used the stamp set from veranda too! Did you all do this "Elf on a Shelf" business at Christmas? Several of my friends do it and their kids LOVE it!! I may have to give it a go next year! Kelly used "merry pursuits" for this page. I love how the elf is hangin' on the letters! cute!

Keep it coming girls!! I love getting and posting other's talent! I got my Bliss workshop kit so stay tuned!

Some more Sweetheart!!!

2011-02-16T09:13:00.001-06:00

Mrs Becca's! Mrs Kelly's

Mrs Shawn's

SOOOO Dainty!

2011-02-15T08:47:00.002-06:00

Is this not the most precious little girl? Her name is Summer, and she is the star of my "Sophia" paper packet layout.. This paper has a lot of 'pear,' 'blush,' and 'hollyhock.' The packet also has the perfect amount of 'goldrush' in it- so pretty! I'll be teaching this class next weekend... It features a sanding technique and a paper flower...

Check out this beautiful stamping! This stamp set comes with the Sophia Workshop KIT!

Add some glitter glue and embellish! SO Frilly and GIRLY!!! Thanks Summer for making these pages COMPLETELY "Gawww-gus."

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

2011-02-14T10:19:00.003-06:00

How cool are these hearts?!!? Loved making these! They were so fun! These chipboard hearts are in the new book. You get 20 hearts for $3.25! Love 'em! I took a sponge and colored them over. I used cotton candy pink and grey wool for the base color. I used versa mark pad to stamp on the background stamp. (Universal Backgrounds- love it! D1477- my new fav! you will be seeing it more on here I promise!) Then I sprinkled on my embossing powder- silver and pink, heat with your craft heater, and Wah-lah!!!! :-) I cannot wait to use these on some cards with that same stamped background! Here is a topstitch card from last year!!! Cute Cute for Valentine's day! I actually posted this last year - got the idea from another consultant! so simple and cute with the right paper!

Will's lil valentine's from his friend Sammie! LOVE IT!

Where have I been?

2011-02-12T10:07:00.005-06:00

well- Ill tell ya- this box has something to do with it!! :-) I usually get the new products from the new books a lot earlier but I didn't have an open house this year so I just got this last week!!! I am always so excited to get this box! yikes! I've been creating lots of fun stuff!! I hope to get some of it up here soon!!! Below is the layout I needed to finish from my flip flap page and a cute pic of Will from the super bowl! I just throw these in any chance I can! LOL :-)

Remember this?

2011-02-11T21:02:00.004-06:00

When I posted my "flip flap" pages- - I still had one more to go- well here it is! Du-Du-Du-Duh- Du- DAH- friu-frill (or provocative whistle attempt) LOL anyway- you get the point! (maybe! ha!)

whoo-whoo! love me some flip flaps!

GO PACK!

FREE FREE AND FABULOUS!

2011-02-10T15:23:00.002-06:00

Join Close To My Heart in February and earn a FREE kit and FREE products! When you become a Close To My Heart Consultant during February and achieve Straight To The Top, you will receive a rebate of $129 on your New Consultant Kit, plus $100 in select product credit rewards. That’s a total retail value of up to $491 (YOWSA!) in products and business supplies for FREE! Your kit’s free, your select products are free—how fabulous! Ask me NOW HOW to sign up! Join MY Team in February and earn the Free, Free, & Fabulous rewards. Straight To The Top Reach Straight to the Top by:• Submitting sales of $300 or more in your first month and• Submitting total sales of $1,200 or more during your first three months. This is easier than you can imagine! I will coach you the whole way! Then redeem your $100 in select product credit for My Acrylix® stamps, blocks, Exclusive Inks®, cardstock, My Reflections® paper packets, and more! *Offer valid February 1–28, 2011. To qualify for the kit rebate you must meet both Straight To The Top levels (first month and first three months). Consultants will not receive a rebate for tax, shipping/handling, or extra Choose Me collections beyond the three that are included with the New Consultant Kit. Tax and shipping/handling is charged on the New Consultant Kit. No tax or shipping/handling is charged on select product credit redeemed on a Credit Redemption order.

Valentine's Repeat!

2011-02-09T08:32:00.003-06:00

I always like to look back at last years posts to see what was going on... (LOL) Here are a few things from last year around Valentine's day! I am SOOOOO going to miss level 1's! :-( I'm gonna stock up now! Here is "amore" i think it was called! This is a "Mrs Shawn" creation!!! Thanks for sharing! This card is so sweet and I thought how cute it would be for little boys too "whoo" aren't in to all the mushy hearts!

Amie made these last year for Carter's class. And the teachers gift! Trace your child's hand print and cut out.. phrase "A round of applause for Mrs. ______." CUTE CUTE!

I think I made these for a new club! Superstars i think!!!

SUGAR COOKIES!!!!!!!!!!!

Some artwork from my club girls!

2011-02-08T09:06:00.003-06:00

This is Mrs Shawn's niece Ava! Isn't she gorgeous? I love how Shawn found some paper that match Miss Ava'a hat!! SO Sweet! speaking of 'sweet' - is that sweet home paper i believe?! :-) Okay - Kelly will have to forgive me. this isn't actually the completed page. ( I accidentally deleted like 50 pics form my phone!!! uuggh! - Second time Ive done that) This layout has a beautiful title on the top right - you will just have to imagine it! And a flip flap over the picture with other pics! Its really cool!

.........and this is "Noel" Kelly's elf on the shelf.. She has also colored in some SUPER cute elves. (merry pursuits!)

Keep sending me artwork everyone!! Ill post it up here!!!!! THANKS girls!

I 'heart' you!

2011-02-04T00:17:00.004-06:00

Okay - so this is my 'go' at the spray pen.. It is really cool lil gadget! If you haven't used it then you can try it out in the new Wings Workshop kit OR get a 3 pack in the new book... See the bottom of this card for the effect! very cool! Sorry for the quality of the photo. The spray pen is used with re-inker for the most part. I mix my spray pens a lil differently than others might. I fill it about half way with rubbing alcohol, then add a drop or two or water, then add 2-3 drops re-inker (color of your choice- you can add less alcohol/water mixture and add a few more drops or re-inker) Then if desired- add a drop or 2 of pearl paint. I don't add much pearl paint - i feel like this may be why some get their pens clogged???? :-)

Be Mine

2011-02-04T00:00:00.005-06:00

The below photos are a few I posted last year! This is a page we done at my Open House LAST year! I really missed doing my open house this spring- I will DEFINITELY be planning one for August! I should have added bitty sparkles and some liquid glass to this!

This is a cute 3 x 3 card I made last year!! Also very cute! I colored it with pencils!

These are perfect for children's valentines!

3 x 3 Valentines!

2011-02-03T23:26:00.005-06:00

Like I said, I LOVE to make 3 x 3 cards!! so sweet! I always do these for my make n takes, and give each person a copy of the 3 x 3 envelope template! FUN! I like to make these at valentines and perch the cut out image up on 3d foam dots and slide in a sucker!!! awwww! This is this years with 'sweetheart!'

Valentine's Cards

2011-02-02T21:54:00.002-06:00

Valentines Day is 2nd in bringing in the most income for retail shopping right behind Christmas! I remember working at Hallmark on Valentine's day one year! Yowsa! Talk about going through a rack of cards! LOL I didn't make cards before I was introduced to CTMH. Now I make at least 2-3 with each new paper pack! Here is a couple with "sweetheart!" Our circle cards are too adorable! They are so much fun to make! Its really different than giving the basic 5.5 x 4.25 card!

I embossed the above with clear detail powder... I'm totally in love with our new black shiny shape stickers too! So many ways to use them.

This one was just for fun too! I wanted to use this adorable LOVE stamp.. :-)

This is white daisy CS with background stamp in cotton candy to give it that 'texture' look!

Nana's Sweethearts

2011-02-02T06:00:00.000-06:00

This is going to be a sweetheart week! Since I have taken this picture I have moved the '3' up closer to the top... It looks better that way!

When using large photos the main thing is to make sure the paper is simple and your embellishments accent the PHOTO! Love it!! I took this right out of our 'how to' books!

Alphabet is poster board, '3' is rustic numbers, all paper is 'sweetheart' from the new spring/summer book, colors are cotton candy, baby pink, black, and tulip. Other accessories include, sparkles, opaque pearls, paper flowers (sponged with pink), ribbon, buttons, embroidery floss, and brads!

Happy Heart Day

2011-01-31T20:48:00.002-06:00

14 days and its the most romantic day of the year! Well Valentines day for kids is just FUN! ;-) Check out these super cool shirts my nephews made.... My sister doesn't think she is naturally crafty or creative BUT she does a lot better than she thinks! These are awesome Amie! Bryson (age 4) thought they were way cool until Carter (age 6) decided he was 'over' it! ;-) LOL OKAY- here's your recipe on making these cutie patootie shirts! · Draw hearts on freezer paper and cut them out to make your own heart stencils · Iron on the stencils to where you want the hearts to be on the shirt · White fabric paint and spray to decorate · Hang up to dry for an hour · Wa-lah!

Look at 'em go!

BROTHERLY LOVE..... They are ALWAYS like this huh Amie?!?! ;-)

OMYGOSH- is that a wii remote in his hand?!!?!?!?!? I think its time to get ALL our boys together for an intervention!

Oh my Sweetheart Oh my Sweetheart

2011-01-31T09:37:00.003-06:00

Okay okay- so its actually - "Oh my Darling" BUT you get the point! Check out the NEW paper packet "sweetheart." If you don't have your hands on this Awesome new Spring/ Summer book yet- let me know! It goes 'live' tomorrow and you can view it on my website then at http://tonyamccrary.myctmh.com/, but I would be happy to get you the hard copy! the artwork in this book is so creative and gorgeous! I will guarantee you get some fresh ideas from it!

Workshops!

2011-01-31T09:01:00.004-06:00

This months workshop is Sweetheart! It includes 22 pieces of paper, These super cool black shapes, and the STAMP set! Don't worry if you cant make it to an actual workshop- the Kit includes a full color step by step guide to make the layout and cards! Including the cutting guide! Love how the workshop kits make it so easy.. You get the stamp set and you have plenty of leftover paper for other projects!

Use liquid applique to make these cool puff dots!

I cut a slit behind the photo so my journaling will actually 'hide' behind it if I want to !

What happened to Feature Fridays?

2011-01-28T09:21:00.007-06:00

I ran out of features! LOL- nah- I just gotta get back started on them.. But for today- Here is a gift giving idea... One of my favorite ways to give gifts are to give a bunch of 'smaller' items in a cute container.. Here's how you can do it by being creative and saving $! BUT still giving a good and thoughtful gift! BUY in BULK! This may sound 'non-personable' but I have a big ol box that I keep random gifts in... (especially around Christmas time) it has baby albums, Bath n Body Works, photo frames, etc... Below is basket of bath items I got at Sams. the whole basket was $18.88. Break it apart and use each piece seperately! It had about 10 items in it so for $1.88 each item plus some handmade cards, and maybe $5.00 starbucks gift card- You've got yourself a pretty good lil gift for a thank you, a teacher, or something like that! Dont forget some candy or mints to toss in the bottom of the gift bag or cello bag! ....oh and I kept the bath salts and the basket! LOL

Stamp on the envelopes to make them match!

Check back Monday for a "Sweetheart" of a WEEK!

Sweetheart of a DEAL!

2011-01-27T05:00:00.000-06:00

This paper is SO precious! Its mostly cotton candy with tulip, baby pink, and some black! So pretty! Below is cotton candy, baby pink, and white daisy!

In this picture you can see where I added some liquid glass and glitter glue. I wanted to keep it simple but Ive been on a liquid glass kick lately!

I got the idea for this card from our NEW idea book.... (BELOW) If you don't have this book yet get in touch with me, and Ill get one to you! It is FULL of beautiful ideas for scrapbook pages, layouts, cards and paper craft projects!!!!

A Magnifico' Card!

2011-01-26T05:00:00.000-06:00

I love brown/blue & brown/pink combos. Here was a quick card I put together using the 'base & shade' technique from yesterdays post. You can make the most simple card so cute by adding those sanded lines! So easy! CTMH's cardstock has a white core so when you sand it pops through. Put your cardstock on your trimmer and score with the embossing tool. flip over and sand on the raised side.

I added some liquid glass to the flower petals to make them shiny. This looks awesome in person.

Stamp up a sentiment in matching ink and add some ribbon - Wah-lah! Card in 5 minutes!

Check back tomorrow to see what I did with the pink flower, and to get a sneek peek at "Sweetheart." Sweetheart is a brand new paper pack in the new book that we will also be doing our February Workshops with!

Base and Shade Stamping

2011-01-25T05:00:00.000-06:00

Base & Shade Stamping.... If you follow Jeanette's blog then you've seen this already.. (http://www.jeanettelynton.com) It is SO pretty! Our idea book includes several stamp sets ideal for "base and shade stamping," which allows for great layered looks. This is a favorite of mine. It's a D size stamp called "Something Splendid." (just realized the photo is upside down!ha)

Stamp the “shade image." (its the part with the MOST color) When you’re working with base and shade looks, start first with the lightest “generation,” then add darker images on top.

First...Stamp a lighter color (or second generation of same color) and stamp shade stamp (the 'outline' stamp) over base stamp in a darker color. Here I have used Crystal Blue and Pacifica. Not only is it gorgeous BUT its so FUN!

Be creative with your matching up the colors! This is honey and black! Wouldn't sunny yellow & black be cute too with some little bees flying around it?

STAY TUNED TOMORROW to see what I did with these flowers!

Creative Girls!

2011-01-24T11:02:00.002-06:00

I know every consultant thinks their club girls are the best right?! Well mine truly are! LOL I absolutely LOVE it when they will share a picture of something they've created at home! After all that is what your scrappy friends are for! SHARING our crazy love for this stuff that non paper crafters just would NOT understand! :-) Look how cute this 'chore chart' is that "Mrs. Shawn" made?!!??! Shawn has definitely put her cricut to use... I wish I made myself use mine more...

PAPER BAG ALBUMS!

2011-01-21T22:55:00.004-06:00

Since I've been a consultant I have heard of these 'paperbag albums.' Finally I asked for some instructions.. Turns out they are VERY simple. Not sure if I done them exactly like they are supposed to be but it looked good to me! :-) You take 2 paper bags (lunch sack size) and fold them in half... Punch 3 holes and tie 'em up! Decorate! Done! :-)

So when I first started this one- i just wanted to see what it was and work with it a bit. I stamped up the front kinda girlie and used WINGS butterfly papers... Then decided to put my lil boy in it! HA- So its girlie - but its ok- hes little! LOL

These are PERFECT kids crafts and can you imagine how CUTE they would be with those WHITE lunch paper bags!!! with red hearts all over for valentines! Too cute!

2011-01-21T22:32:00.004-06:00

Stickease and vineyard berry ribbon!

stickease!

More stickease! These are great for leftover stickers!

Stickease and Juniper ribbon!

FRESH SALSA

2011-01-21T21:57:00.002-06:00

I love fresh Salsa! I think its the cilantro! ;-) I cant get enough of it in there! lol Below is a pic of a winter salsa recipe I found. This was actually kinda thrown together from 2 different recipes. Now while this isn't as AWESOME (haha) as my watermelon salsa it was still pretty good! I have to admit why I made this. I have been seeing everywhere how GOOD avocado was for you and I have NEVER tried it! Never... not even guacamole. Well its not bad.. LOL That's all Ill say... no.. just joking. It was pretty good! I would eat it again!

In this recipe: Red onion (just a tad to taste), cucumber (very important- cool & mild taste), green pears (very important- adds sweetness), lemon and lime juice, pinch of garlic salt, ( i like a lot!) cilantro- FRESH! - i also like a lot of this. And of course.. Avocado! Chop it all up and mix! Serve with tortillas chips. I had to tweak mine until it was all exactly like I wanted. If you try it - try equal parts everything (except onion! - less onion!) and just add more of what you like. I added about a tblspoon of sugar as well b/c I was out of pears and I wanted it sweeter! OK- so funky lil recipe but I loved it!

Me and my "Perfect Day"

2011-01-19T11:00:00.002-06:00

Made this card for a dear friend and thought I'd share it with you. It is very simple! Anytime you make a sympathy card or a solemn thinking of you card..... the more simple the better. I think the colors of this one might have been a tad on the flashy side for its purpose, but maybe not.. Anyway- Perfect day is on my website for purchase for $5.00! Holy cheap paper Batgirl! Is it okay to buy just one more at that price if you already have like 5 'perfect' packs of it sitting in your scrap room?! SURE! Just like Stamps are an INVESTMENT!!! You can pass that up! LOL

COOKIE TIME!

2011-01-16T22:16:00.003-06:00

Love me some Somoas!!! Make your favorite girl scout some thank you cards to hand out to all those people who ordered cookies from them!!! So fun!

Still working on Christmas Layouts?

2011-01-15T23:39:00.002-06:00

MEEEEE TOOOO! :-) Actually these are pictures from last years Christmas! yikes! I just love this mistletoe paper pack that I decided to one more layout for last years too! The tree stamp below is "a timber" for only $7.95! So cute!

New Years Resolution!

2011-01-15T23:21:00.003-06:00

So you know how you end up spending LOTS of time looking at photo albums as you are trying to be productive like cleaning or re-organizing? You run across it and HAVE TO look at it! Well we thought we would get all our photos out and browse them in between the Christmas to New Years break... didn't happen so Ive made it an unofficial resolution! Just drag a bunch out - sit in the floor and start turning those pages! It's really great if you have small children because you can tell them about great grandparents they didn't get to meet or old pets you had, etc...

Check out these four! Mom and Amie might kill me but mine is bad too! Funny thing - I don't know that even Scott has seen some of them- it was FUN!

NO man!

2011-01-14T19:37:00.002-06:00

As Will would say because he isn't using his "s" sound! LOL Every morning now its "wook its no!" (look its snow) :-) Love this "all decked out" snowman stamp! You can mix n match hats, scarves, arms, and all kinds of snowflakes! So cool! LOVE LOVE to emboss snowflakes!

Wahoooooooo...

2011-01-13T10:13:00.002-06:00

Okay - girls so I'll quit my snow dance now! LOL Just for you guys who have to get out and drive around in it! Snow sledding and Snow Angels everywhere!

A little after snow playing snack- homemade banana walnut bread with honey butter and coffee! (just hot chocolate for the lil guy)

I'm usually not always about the healthy stuff BUT Scott is AND I have to watch my sugar- this bread doesn't have even a teaspoon of added granulated sugar and was STILL delicious! It was made with wheat flour, 2 bananas, applesauce, honey, and walnuts! The honey butter makes it sweeter too! yum!

Watch out for these Elves!

2011-01-11T22:45:00.002-06:00

These merry lil Elves are sooo much fun!! If you are still working on some Christmas layouts these are GREAT embellishments! You can make them Christmasy or snowy! If you had the elf on a shelf then these are perfect! Check 'em out! Just stamp them up with staz on and color 'em up how you want!

You can stamp them right on your page or cut them out and add with 3d dots for embellishments.

I used markers for most of the color.. Use the paint brush end for brilliant looking strokes. I used the blending pen and vanilla cream for the skin. I used watercolor pencils for cheeks!

Oh the weather outside is frightful.............

2011-01-11T12:10:00.003-06:00

SNOW Snow and more snow! I for one LOVE it - HOWEVER I do not have to be out in it so it makes it easy for me to love it! Snow and rain is like a free pass for a lazy day for me! Here is some old artwork to set the mood! This is one of my most favorite pages I've EVER done!

This is my mom playing with my nephews.. So sweet!

This was a page I done when I FIRST became a consultant- like 2 years ago! Recognize this Shannon?! LOL

This card was so fun to make too! Most of the colors for the page above and for this card are twilight, crystal blue, outdoor denim, and bamboo! I love BAMBOO for backgrounds! :-) I put liquid glass on all the snowflakes! I LOVE liquid glass for use on cards you plan to mail. They dont get stuck in the postal machines like some of the brads and ribbon can, but it still makes a beautiful card!

Its a illness.. it really is....

2011-01-07T09:57:00.002-06:00

Most scrapbookers I know are HOARDERS! Maybe you aren't in ANY other area but you keep ALL your paper pieces & you just cant throw away ANYTHING that perhaps, might possibly, one day, could be part of a scrapbook page! ;-) I guess that is all okay- we just Must be organized! Organization post are ALL over the blogs in January and I will hopefully JUMP on the band wagon myself. I did want to share this photo of my sponges! LOL I keep them all in lil baggies with a post it note on the inside with what color they are! Instead of grabbing a new piece of sponge and throwing it away and going through a million in a month - i find this makes me feel better! I put them all in a BIG ol bag and it takes me about 30 seconds to file through and find one I need! ;-) Hopefully in the next week or two I'll complie a list of all these awesome ladies I know and their organization tips this month! ;-)

WINGS!

2011-01-05T10:33:00.005-06:00

If you are a butterfly fan (I am NOT lol) this is your paper! hahah! Even if you aren't I think you will love it! I would NEVER have thought to put these colors together but they work perfectly. (that is why those CTMH execs make the big bucks and I just play with the paper!) This is January's Workshop for my club girls! It comes with 22 pieces of paper, black mini medley accents packs, a spray pen, and the STAMP set for $29.95. Cant beat it - Oh did I mention it comes with a FULL color brochure with instructions and cutting diagrams to complete this layout! and 3 cards! Its fool proof! Here are some of the papers....

In REVIEW.................

2011-01-05T10:02:00.006-06:00

I love to do these pages now.. I did last years in 'you rock.' I chose Wings this year just to see how versatile I could get the papers to be! There isn't a whole lot to these pages but that is the point! To fit in as many photos as you can and what best describes your family for that year! So here ya go - The McCrary's in review....

Some detail on the front page.

Okay - let me explain! I actually still have TWO more pages to do before this 'layout' is completed. the top two are the inside of the layout. the bottom right corner will be split to go on the sides of the top layout with flip flaps. The bottom left will go on top of another page with flip flaps. I only had one set of 6 x 12 flip flaps so I couldn't put it together and I was getting too tired to do the other pages I needed! LOL

This is a better look at how it will appear in my album.. :-) When I get the middle 'green' page in the flip flaps- I'm gonna tie them together with some black ribbon like a door to open! AIIGH! I cant wait- ill post the completed work! :-) LOVE THE FLIP FLAPS! If you haven't tried them you MUST! They are sooo much fun and VERY inexpensive!

Whoa!

2011-01-04T21:15:00.001-06:00

Its been a week since I've posted last! I think that countdown to Christmas done me in! :-) I am working with WINGS as we speak (or type!) Stay tuned!!!

WWW.JEANETTELYNTON.COM

2010-12-28T18:52:00.002-06:00

As you know Jeanette is CTMH's founder and CEO. I hope you follow her blog b/c she has so many creative ideas and inspirations there. Her current post is her very LAST "Color me Monday." Its a gorgeous combination of buttercup, outdoor denim, grey flannel, and sky. I loved this featured 'mix n mingle.'

As I said this is her last 'color me Monday,' but she is starting a trend of all new motivation with 52 weeks of WONDER! A STAMPING TECHNIQUE every single week! Yahoo! I just cant wait!

http://www.jeanettelynton.com

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

2010-12-25T05:00:00.000-06:00

CHRISTMAS EVE!!

2010-12-24T18:48:00.002-06:00

.....is all about food around my house!!!!

..and SOOO much Christmas candy making that you cant even give it ALL away!! I still have 4 bags! LOL

Tomorrow I have an auto post set to post a pic of Will and Santa!!

2 days left to go until Christmas morning!!!

2010-12-23T05:05:00.000-06:00

Okay so you better be ready for Christmas! I have one more thing to buy and wrap! That is TOTALLY not like me!!! I am usually COMPLETELY done at least a week before... man does having a 2 year old change things! hahah Here's a few things I wanted to share! Ever since I started with CTMH (2 years now!) I don't get around to scrapping my old traditional way.. BOTH ways are fun- including looking at the gorgeous layouts in the 'how to books' and getting great ideas and beautiful matching paper & inks! However- sometimes I miss how I used to sit down with my pictures, some memorabilia, and a BLANK white page! Well Will is into Diego (& Dora which kills Scott! lol- I just tell him he has a crush on her!) So we got him a really cool Diego game.. Right before I wrapped it I noticed how NICE the package was. This is a raised embossed picture of Diego - I PLAN on cutting this baby out! Which made me think- i need to do that will ALL his gifts!!! Its a nice sentiment when some keeps a bow or tag or a card from a gift but when you are a scrapbooker these are AWESOME embellishments! So remember before you chuck all that trash, boxes, bows, and leftover paper- cut some cool embellishments off the gifts for your pages! Here is another cute idea you can do for your gifts. My friend Teneal made these super cute tags for her children! Christmas is so much more magical when you have kids (after you stop being one yourself! lol) Hearing them say and believe in Santa Claus is so special. How can you NOT smile! She made these tags to put on their presents from Santa. She laminated them to re-use year after year! Very cool! She also shared with me a trick she found. You can buy these really cool laminating sheets at Sams now. (and probably other places) You just slide in whatever you want to laminate and it adheres perfectly- no heating required! Check them out!

Last but not least Mrs. Lindsay couldn't be at our workshop Monday night but she sent me a picture of her completed pages! Love it girl! So glad you got to work them up so fast!

3 days until Christmas.... EVENSONG LEVEL 1

2010-12-22T09:15:00.006-06:00

It's Christmas CRUNCH time and I haven't been creating too much this week with club, last minute shopping for Christmas and all. So here is an oldie but goodie from last year! I hope you all are having a great Christmasy week! I know these pages are a little busy BUT they were so much fun to do!! :-)

I think we ended up putting liquid glass to fill in this 'c'.

4 days left to go!

2010-12-21T10:55:00.002-06:00

WALKING IN A WINTER WONDERLAND! You will absolutely have the Christmas spirit if you walk into Helen's Restaurant in Gainesboro TN! I have a monthly club Workshop with these great ladies once a month at Helen's. Carol Pippin owns Helen's and is a scrapbooker! Every Christmas she turns her place into this AWESOME Christmas spectacular! These photos are taken with my cell phone and don't even come CLOSE to giving justice to how detailed and gorgeous these decorations are! If you live close and have NEVER been there then YOU must call or email me for directions! You will enjoy it - I PROMISE! Just one of the MANY wreaths she has hanging...

Mistletoe CLUB!

2010-12-21T10:34:00.003-06:00

Had mistletoe Workshop with Club Scrapbook Superstars last night! I LOVE when the girls switch the paper or try something new too! I took a layout from Magic for our workshop! Here are few things they done different! Instead of journal Carol stamped in some CUTE Christmas decor! The next two are Emily's!

So pretty!

Terri decorated the top with her stickease! Cute Cute! She had her pics with her too! Picture always COMPLETE a page don't they!?!?

Stocking Stuffers!

2010-12-21T10:18:00.004-06:00

Aren't these so ADORABLE!!! My fellow CTMH consultant sista GINA Brandstetter made these next two photo items! They are sooo cute! I got to know Gina when we roomed together at convention this past summer. She is SO sweet, creative, and talented! It has been so great getting to know her. I love that she lives in TN too! LOL Check out these awesome cocoa packets!! You check her out at http://www.gmbscrapper.blogspot.com/. She has a super cute card on there today using the snowman "All Decked Out."

Some more cards I made with this simple pattern for a lil extra gift!

5 days to go!! CHRISTMAS CARDS!

2010-12-20T16:07:00.000-06:00

I love Christmas Cards! I LOVE going to the mailbox and getting mail anyway- I know- a lil weird! BUT just to know that I'll probably get a cute card of a family I love just makes me that much more super excited! Here is our Christmas card for 2010! These are the ones I've received so far! I got this tree holder a while back and I love it but you don't get to see ALL the cards really well.. I try to stick the photo cards up front...

Here is my sister's Christmas card for this year! Check out this gorgeous family!! Its funny because I can see my nephew's personalities exactly how they are oozing out of their photos! LOL She and I used to take our photo in front of the tree when we were kids to!

OKAY.......NOW this one! Have you ever seen a more funny card?! I LOVE it! It is SOOO this family to have a card like this... My friend Stacey keeps me sane most days. Her & her family are so special to me! (please don't kill me for posting your Christmas card!) I took it with my phone so sorry its blurry!

2010-12-20T16:05:00.000-06:00

My Christmas Card from last year!

Our new stamp 'adornable' is similar to this one and I have already used it BUNCHES!

"Jingle" card with white daisy ink on juniper! Juniper is so versatile! Its also used in our new "wings" paper with Black, Vineyard Berry, and Sweet Leaf. It is gorgeous! Stay tuned for that layout after Christmas!

few more cards................

2010-12-20T16:03:00.001-06:00

These are some from last year that Melinda made! ( i think right?) lol- I forgot to title it but I think they are.... Here's a few more I did! I used a lot of prisma glitter and liquid glass before we had our glitter glue! they both do great!

Don't you love Christmas trees!?!?!

Here are some with last years 'jingle' paper!

More with Jingle!!!

Did you make your cards this year?!!?! I did NOT! I used a few from our new card kit, but after last years I was wore out and I didn't start early enough this year.. :-( I just think making over 100+ cards in 2 weeks would have killed me! LOL

6 days!

2010-12-20T12:48:00.002-06:00

A layout I made with mistletoe paper!! (this is like 1 of 5 layouts I have already made with this paper!) I love it!

7 days!

2010-12-20T12:45:00.000-06:00

My friend Melinda had a reindeer stampede! Check out her cool cupcakes!

8 days left! HOLY MOLY!

2010-12-17T08:25:00.002-06:00

Here's a few gift ideas for ya! Cellophane bag queen here again! I love these ideas!!! This is for Mrs Rene' and Mrs Brittany. Mrs Rene' and Mrs Brittany are our speech teachers. Will is 2.5 and does NOT want to use his words! They are in there- Ive heard them! LOL :-) Anyway - the key to these lil bag gifts are finding one cute, unique item that pertains to the receiver... For example - the ones I made for church had cards with scripture on them and the 'recipe for a christian.' I found these cute journals for speech therapy. I thought they would be perfect! Toss in some candy and some handmade cards (close up below) and a cool Christmas pen (for the journals) and there you go!

Here are some other gift ideas...

Find some old tea towels (or new ones) arrange in a mixing bowl and toss in some brownie mixes or muffin mixes. Add a mixing spoon, maybe a recipe book, and a spatula!
Ice cream lovers: find some cutsie sundae dishes (cheap & cute glass one at dollar store!) an ice cream scoop, some chocolate syrup, a jar of maraschino cherries, nuts, etc.. and put in a cute kitchen basket!
Same thing for soups: Find some big thick soup bowls and some big soup spoons, jiffy cornbread mixes, crackers, and either cans of soup or soup mixes!
Make a family's night with a bag of $5.00 games from Walmart or the dollar store, some DVDS, popcorn, and a blanket! Dont forget vintage sodas or cocoa packets!
Cookies in a jar or soups in a jar are always fun to give! Kids love to help with this effort because of the layering! Its FUN!
Just b/c its winter doesnt mean you cant give a gardener something they'll love! Now is a great time to buy and plant bulbs! Find a potting planter with gloves and dowels and bulbs!!! and dont forget some seed packets!
When you give gifts like these (cookies, cheeses, and small items- be creative with the container.. use a metal pail, use a kictehn tote, use a wooden crate, a mitten, a wagon, a santa hat or stocking, a big cook pot with lid, a cast iron skillet, a cowboy hat, a teapot, cake pans, use anything they can re-use and out of the ordinary!
Whatever the persons hobby is- you can create a perfect gift for them! If they are a scrapbooker- no brainer- some type or organizer filled with scissors, stickers, paper, glue, etc... Computer whiz....- buy a pack of paper and stick all kinds of office supplies on top- burnable CDs, ink cartridges, etc.. Let me know any UNIQUE gift ideas you are giving this year!

Ideas and Crafts

2010-12-17T08:05:00.003-06:00

Thought Id share a few last minute gift ideas in case you are still looking.. ( YOU are almost done shopping right?!) Below is a banner Mrs Shawn made!! How cute is this!!?!?!? She is SOOO creative.. She comes up with the most unique things! She told me this was made with her cricket! Just goes to show that I DO NOT think outside the box! LOL I don't know if I could have imagined all this detail came from the cricket! But there ya go- BEAUTIFUL!

You guys know I LOVE coaster books! Here is one Mrs Kelly made with our new mistletoe papers! I LOVE ALL THE paper pieces in that pack.. I cant always say that but I love the traditional colors of Christmas. I don't know who is on the receiving end of this but I know they'll love it! Especially if it has picture of her pretty lil girl in it!

Okay - this is one I made last year. Again its using the traditional colors of Christmas (this is Evensong from two years ago!) Last years was "JINGLE." although I it wasnt the typical red and green I love that paper too. It was a fun refreshing spin on the holiday colors!

If you would like directions on how to make you own coaster book (trust me - i t is EASY!) just drop me an email and I'll send 'em your way!

9 days!!! Christmas Layout!

2010-12-16T23:17:00.004-06:00

Ugggh- I hate when my pics do this! Someone tell me what I'm doing wrong! HAHA Anyway- here is a layout I created last year. I remember wanting to try something a lil different. (although) i did take the pattern from one of the how to books) I wanted o see how Christmasy I could make it without actually using Christmas paper. I used the back side of some animal cookies and some 'tulip' color paper instead of my usual cranberry choice for Christmas.

These lil metal rimmed tags are a great 'tag' to use for 'to' & 'from' Christmas tags too for presents!

I love liquid glass!

10 days left until Christmas!!! ARE YOU READY!

2010-12-15T00:19:00.009-06:00

YOU BETTER BE! This is a picture of Will's FIRST Christmas parade. This was the first year (he's 2.5) that I thought he'd actually care about it... So we loaded up and drove to Gainesboro TN! My hometown! He was absolutely MESMERIZED! He said 'Shanna' when he saw Santa and pointed! SO SWEET to this mommas heart! I thought to myself- this is DEFINITELY going on the Christmas tradition list! In keeping with that thought I wanted to post some 'traditions' or tips or quips that maybe you can also try with your families! Some are unique and others are some you may already be doing, but here goes!
One thing my husband and I have done for a couple years is have a small Christmas party with some couples from church! Eat good food and play silly games! this is always good for a laugh!

Evey year we all get a new Hallmark ornament! this year Scott got "Christmas Vacation" and Will got "The Polar Express" and of course I got a "coffee" one!

My sister will always make cookies with her boys from scratch, cut them out, bake them, and wrap them up and deliver to neighbors!'

Of course our famous dessert off! Friendly competition is bound to make things more interesting! start one up with a sibling or cousin or aunt! You don't have to do dessert- you can do drinks, kids food, a craft for the hostess! ..or the funniest Christmas gag gift!

Open one gift Christmas Eve! (not the 'big' one!)

Have fancy appetizers that you might not normally have on Christmas Eve! Make shrimp cocktail and lobster tail.... Or do fancy cheese and fruit! You have the whole week of family Christmas's for traditional food!

Make Thermoses of cider or chocolate- let everyone get into their pajamas and grab some blankets and go ride around looking at Christmas lights! you'll want the blankets for when you roll down the window to see better!
Watch Christmas movies or listen to Christmas music while wrapping your gifts or writing out your Christmas cards.
Set out a BUNCH of decorations!! Start a 'decoration' you can always add to every year so you never bore of your decor! Like Christmas villages, or candles on the mantel, ornaments from places you've vacationed, or this CRAZY "Elf on the Shelf" thing people are doing. Whew - I just know Will is gonna want one next year! Speaking of those things- here is #10. Places to put your elf on the shelf! Ceiling fan, bookcase, mailbox, refrigerator (nice Kelly!), in the bathroom, on top of curtains, in the dryer, in the trash, ahem... I mean in the living room.. LOL If you have one where have you put yours so far???
Play 'elves' yourselves! Make up some cookie and candy tins or boxes and drive around and leave some on peoples doorsteps or in their mailboxes while they are working! When they get home they will have a nice surprise from you!
One morning while eveyone is home - either on christmas break or the weekend, make a big ol pancake breakfast. Use metal Christmas cookie cutters to place on griddle or in the skillet - fill with pancake mix and you have yourself a small lil Christmas tree pancake!

Let your kids go with you and take some goodies to the local fire dept or police stations.
Open your Christmas cards each night together as a family.
On a snowy day surprise someone with a snowman in their yard! Take the kids to the grandparents or a neighbors house while they are away working! Any grandparent would love this to come home too!
Host a cookie or ornament exchange! I wanted to do this so bad this year, but just couldnt find a day to squeeze it in! Maybe next year! You could also host a scrapbook layout exchange with some wowie artwork!!!

Traditions cont..

2010-12-15T00:06:00.005-06:00

If you have a child who loves getting his picture made with Santa- keep them all in one book! Sure- you want to scrapbook them too- but just print out an extra copy & find a cute lil book to slide them in. I always leave this out where guests can see it during Christmastime.

If you cant find a book like this then just get a small photo album and decorate it!

Traditions cont...

2010-12-14T23:44:00.005-06:00

This is more of a tip than tradition... If you have the space- set up a 4 foot table and leave up all through December!!! Stow your wrapping paper, tape, scissors, tags, and bows all underneath in a basket or box. This will save you plenty of time! Here is another example of wrapping gifts in our Christmas paper...and my good old jute twine tie! :-)

A few more tags!

NOW- This is one of my favorite traditions we have around here. Scott & I found this book on a weekend getaway while I was pregnant. I was so excited about that Christmas b/c I knew it would be the last Christmas just the two of us! This was the perfect way to start a new tradition with our new addition!

This book makes it SO easy to keep EVERY Christmas's memories written down. Inside is a place for your family photo that year, things like visitors; gifts; holiday menu; special events, guests, etc... It takes me no time to go through and write in the highlights! I have only had it 2 years and I already enjoyed looking back over last years and the year before! So fun!

Stay tuned for goody bag gift ideas and Christmasy crafts! Countdown Continues! :-) Oh - and please SHARE some of your traditions!!!!

11 days...... WOW!

2010-12-13T23:41:00.002-06:00

Every year it seems like we have a strand of lights go out- either outside or on the tree. I took the extra bulbs..... some twine..... and some command hooks and made a lil garland for my Christmas cards! Jute twine= $1.00 at dollar general store! i use it all the time!!!!

Recycle those burned out bulbs.. the big ones are so pretty just sitting in a Christmas bowl on the table or counter. you can also tie up in twine and use in a garland strand around a banister!

Creative centerpiece... i stole this idea form the gooseberry patch book. I have to say - it really isn't feasible for children at a table or adults who like to keep a cluttered table b/c that is just where things seem to end up... At any rate- it is very cute. I ended up cutting the long strands off shorter. its still just as cute and we can set our plates down too!

So as always during the holidays we have LOTS of extra 'stuff' to set around and use! Decorative plates, stockings hung, big ol tree in the living room! HA! here is a fun and neat way to keep it all together.. Get a big basket and keep all your Christmas books and Christmas DVD's in for a quick get and also a quick clean up... Our fav's include Christmas story, elf, and Christmas vacation... :-) Will's is "train" which means the polar express!

Stay tuned for more tidbits and ideas!

What a great DAY!

2010-12-13T23:18:00.003-06:00

Happy Birthday to my wonderful husband! I had such a great day - i felt like it was MY birthday... LOL Breakfast was french toast (complete with a candle), lunch was homemade creamy tomato/potato/ cabbage soup. (it tasted much better than it sounds!) Then we ordered pizza for dinner and had cheesecake for dessert! We played outside in the snow with Will, played wii, watched TV... it was MY kinda snow/birthday! I love you Scott - happy birthday!