New stuff?!?!?!? you ask???? Oh YES!!!

But if I tell you now Id have to kill you! hahahahaha Can you EVER wait until September 1st??? LOL I might give you a teeny sneak peek before then! But first Id like to share with you a little about convention itself. Below are some pictures and then a brief paragraph below explaining some of it! Above is a 'snack swap' I participated in.. very cute and fun!

VERA AND BRIGHTON - Cant go wrong there huh?!!?!?!?

I don't even know where to start telling you how incredibly awesome convention was!!! Let me start off with a little bit about how the week's schedule went. Arrived on Wednesday - had 3 team meetings. (one for first time convention attendees for the scattered hearts team) - then hearts n harmony team meeting, & last but not least Scattered Hearts team meeting. I won the first door prize of 2 events!!! I was pumped! ha! I won an awesome bag and a super cool Vera bag with a gift card for $50.00 of the NEW product! :-) On top of this my upline Valerie game me a SUPER ca-ute Brighton key chain and a charm! I could have went home happy already! LOL Thursday we had general session & EXTRAVAGANZA! This is when we SEE all the new artwork for the Fall/Winter catalog and we sit in on 8 15 minutes sessions of fast paced brain storming on the products! Friday & Saturday were FULL of general sessions, business classes, and create n takes! Not to mention all of our first class entrainment, awards night, and closing banquet fun! Over the next week or so I'll be posting more about convention among much more. I would LOVE for each of you to join me next year!

Welcome Home Momma!

Scott & Will picked me up from the airport. As I was standing at baggage claim I could see them through the windows waiting and waving at me! I could NOT get out there fast enough! When we got home this is what I had waiting on me!! Sooo sweet- I loved it and the boys who made it!!! I cannot wait to share with you some stuff from convention!!

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

HELLO LADIES!!! (and maybe Scott sometimes..heehee) Finally posting on here myself FROM DC! (just now on the last day- sorry- we've been busy to say the least!) SOOOO its been totally awesome! I come home tomorrow armed with a million great things to share with you- new papers- new COLORS!!!!!, new product- new techniques!!! I just cant wait! I noticed my 'auto post' feature Friday did not post... sorry about that - i must have not saved it correctly. I have to hop off here now to go to a short business class, closing celebrations, and PACK! I will post LOTS of details when i get home! You may not hear from me until Tuesday- I will getting back tmrrw night and then spending Monday getting ready for Monday nights workshop!!! whooop whoop!! Talk soon- check out this HUGE mural hanging in the windows of the awesome Gaylord National Harbor Hotel!!!! CTMH sure does know how to throw a 5 day party!!!! LTR!

Roomie's gifts

(another auto post here) I'm really lucky to have such great roommates on this trip! All TN girls!!! Although we've never met in person we've chatted over email a bunch already! I kinda 'cheated' with my roomie's gifts- Tradition is to make a gift but I'm thinking they'd like this much better than anything I can glue up!! hahaha filled with candy and a lil lotion! Hope you like 'em girls! I at least tied a matching ribbon! :-) I actually started working on luggage tags for them but kept forgetting to laminate them! That will be a post another day! CUTE gifts for the traveler and they are really CUTE!

More swaps.................

This is my first 'auto post' hope it works- I hope I'm on a plane when you guys are reading this- Scott may have had to physically place me on it!! LOL ANYWAY~ During convention everyone is looking for NEW ideas, inspiration, and meeting new friends! Great way to get to know each other than card swaps during your team meetings! You can participate or not.. your choice... I said if I could find some free time I'd make some cards.. Well I did- here's my 'swap' card!!! So I made 25 and then decided I wanted some more so drum roll please....... 55 cards!!! in 3 days!!!...with a toddler.... and a holiday... hahahahaha So 55 cards, 26 9x9 pages and packing for 4 nights -- DONT WAIT TO LAST MINUTE NEXT YEAR! lesson learned!!! :-) This paper is totally my favorite this last book- CANNOT wait to see what the fall catty brings!

I am totally in LOVE with this stamp set too!!! I go through phases when I scrapbook or card make... I was 'hooked' on ribbon for a while- now its these dang bitty sparkles!!! I stick 'em on everything - EVERYWHERE! Check out my scrapbooking woman's bling on her arm!! teehee!

CONVENTION SWAPPING!!!!

You rock is the paper packet of choice for our SWAP album. I am a member of the Scattered Hearts Team and Tina Sutton is our fearless leader. Its tradition for them to put together a "swap" of a 9 x9 layout album. How it works: 1. you sign up for it and are assigned a 'group.' 2. you are assigned a 'title.' Mine was closing celebrations. (others include roommates, new products, awards night, etc...) 3. Choose a layout from one of our 'how to' books- I used a FAVORITE of mine! this one is so FUN to do. 4. you make 12-14 LAYOUTS of the same pages and go 'swap' them for the rest of the convention events to CREATE an ENTIRE convention album! FUN! It might not look like a whole lot through these cell phone pics BUT there is ALOT of detail on this- There are bitty sparkles on EVERY letter of 'celebrate' & there are at least 18 brads on EACH layout attaching the ribbon to the lil squares! YOU know me- I inked EVERYTHING! LOL Did I mention I sponged all the chipboard hearts with two colors of ink- honey and goldrush! :-) haha Cant wait to go - and to share ALL teh fun stuff with you!! I am planning on auto posting some stuff so even though I'll be gone from Wed.- Sunday (HOLY MOLY- if I dont freak out and fly back on Thursday - hahah! Soooo check back - especially if I get to post from DC. Im taking my laptop! If I cant post here I'll try to post on Facebook!

Pretty Packages......

OR improvise! HA! Amazing the ideas you can come up with in a short amount of time! I will definitely use this again! So a friend called and needed a scrapbooking gift for his wife.. I have plenty of inventory on hand - plus a little boy stamp I just know she would like!! I didn't have a cute package to put it in BUT I remembered some new photos boxes I had just bought at Hobby Lobby the day before! Tuh dah!!! So the next time you are looking for a gift for a crafter- Head to Hobby Lobby - buy a deco photo box- fill it to the brim with product and wrap a coordinating ribbon around it!!! So cute! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TENEAL! teehhee ;-)

This is a present for my sis- Independence day baby! (she thinks the world shoots off fireworks for her birtdhay- none of us have the heart to tell her otherwise- LOL) The present I got her came in this rickety natural looking box filled with natural raffia package filler- So i took some 'natural' twill ribbon and kept it SIMPLE! HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMIE!

Our CTMH Forefather- or eh- Foremother??

Close to My Heart started with this extraordinary woman, Jeanette Lynton. Today's Feature Friday is introducing you to her awesome BLOG. She is an inspiring business woman, mother, and fellow crafter. Read more about her on the left column of her blog- you will be 'awwwed.' You might also be interested to learn that CTMH started out as "D.O.T.S" on her kitchen table! Dozens of Terrific Stamps was created buy her late nights as she would say 'burning rubber' to create her stamps and start her business! DOTS of course is now what we know as CTMH! She has been discussing "provident living" on her blog lately. One of my personal favs is her 'color me Mondays' where you can find interesting color combinations! Make sure to check out her 'previous post' for more ideas. Also - if you LOVE the Color me Mondays like I do - go down on the left side of the page to her 'labels' and view them ALL for some colorful motivation! Thanks! Have a great weekend! http://www.jeanettelynton.com/

OLDIES BUT GOODIES

Cant remember if I made these cards last year or the year BEFORE last! hahaha... Either way - just a lil something to celebrate! This one I actually made on Veterans Day, but I love the rustic colors so I thought I'd post it....

Simple and not fussy- just the way i Like cards!

ZIPPIDEE DO DAH ZIPPADEE - AY!

BEEN TO DISNEY? OR NOT??? :-) I have not been to disney, but these paper are still fun, bright, and colorful to me! I think it will go great for birthdays too! This paper packet appropriately titled "Zippidee" has Honey, Cranberry, Black, & Indian Corn Blue featured colors. Loving this stamp set that comes with this workshop kit too- Arrows, tickets, diamonds, and MORE!

Sponge Honey onto the chipboard stars! So fun!

Can't go to the Islands?

Create your own Island FUN!! Find a cheap fun platter at a general store. ( I got this flat fish platter at Factory Card outlet for $1.50!) Get some of your favorite fruit & cheeses! the fruit CHEAP but I shelled out a few dollars for our favorite cheese at Sams wholesale... It was $9.95, but alot of it! Good thing about cheese- it can keep a LONG time too! This is smoked gouda! yum! Get a fresh pineapple! Its TONS cheaper, better tasting, & you can use the top for decor! Tiki torch will usually run you around $5.00- $7.00- depending on the quality...comes with oil sometimes!

Wanna make it extra special?

This lil Island theme night was actually a lil surprise for the hubby. He works CRAZY long hours in the summertime. Its been so hot lately I thought I'd surprise him! We are HUGE Kenny fans- so when we didn't get to go watch "Kenny Chesney Summer in 3D" at the movies- I knew exactly what I was going to do!! I headed out on the search for this DVD. NO luck.. Finally on my fan club email- (yep you heard me!) it said it was out and exclusively at Kmart.... $14.99 plus REAL movie popcorn (HOLY MOLY-$7.00- we actually do this all the time- popcorn to-go!) Also the guy at the movie ticket counter gave me some 3D glasses= FREE. :-) Will even participated! mini oreos for dinner there.....

Okay - so this isn't the greatest photo BUT i forgot to get a good one before we started chowing down.... Spruce up your deck or patio with a couple candles (island scented of course) and some island music.. See below for a list of songs I used- Burn a CD and wah-la!

CD playlist: When the sun goes down, Jammin (a jamaican reggae sound with steel drums), Summertime, Jimmy Buffett, Don't worry be happy, captain morgan song, Toes, Old Blue chair, etc...

My menu: Mahi Mahi (buy FZN in grocery freezer) marinaded in a soy, red pepper, garlic, honey sauce, Top with mango glaze. Serve on coconut jasmine rice. Honey glazed carrots and rosemary new potatoes. AND a favorite around my place- MY SOON TO BE WORLD FAMOUS- Watermelon salsa... LOL Dessert was a variation of Bananas Foster- spooned into a flour tortilla and seared until crispy in butter and sugar. :-)

Feature Friday

It's really hard to get my rowdy one to sit down to do ANYTHING - Yes even watch TV somedays... He's not big on cartoons- not big on computer- he's BIG on OUTSIDE and any activity involving running 99 mph. :-) BUT he loves this lil website! You can click on anything and it wont take you back out to crazy computer control panel or anything like that! check it out if you have little ones!!! - enjoy! Thanks to Stacey for introducing this to me! http://www.kneebouncers.com/ Have a GREAT weekend!!!!!!!!!!!! See you Monday!

Tip & Technique

Just realized I haven't had a tip or technique n here in a while. Most of you may have already seen this but its so simple and CUTE!! Take different width rubber bands and wrap around any size block. Make sure to wrap in different patterns and on both sides. "Stamp" your block in to an ink and 'stamp.' Clean on scrubber just like normal and repeat with a different color. You can turn the block sideways so it reveals a different pattern or stamp right along side of the original stamped image.. So fun- I thought this idea would be good for sports pages. Do orange and tan on white paper (my UT ladies) or blue and grey for blue devils (you know who you girls are!!) You can create your own pattern paper this way. Below is a photo of something I've been doing for YEARS! I use to keep these in my desk drawer at work even. Take the glass top lids off of Yankee candles (or same size large glass candles) and scoop out the inside plastic piece. It can be used for anything!!! I almost always have one with loose change, paperclips, extra brads and misc. metal accessories- they are sooo great and hold alot more than you think with that plastic piece out! :-)

Ive been busy......... BUT not busy posting.... :)

What a busy week- sorry I havent been sharing it with ya on the blog! Not been much personal creating. CTMH convention is just around the corner and I am VERY excited!!! This is my first time going and I'm so thrilled about spending a few days with people who love to do the same things I do! I get excited when a new catalog comes out, I get excited to learn a new technique, I get excited to meet others who get excited about this same stuff!! :-) I have been SUPER busy working on "SWAPS." Apparently this is the thing to do at convention. One swap I am participating in is creating one 9 x 9 layout (two pages) for a specific time in convention. I was appointed "closing ceremonies." I have 13 girls in my group so I have to make 13 layouts- yep you heard me - 26 pages (13 identical layouts!) YOWSA! I'd post them here BUT i don't think we are suppose to 'spoil' them so I will share afterward... I have also been working on some pages I need to work up for CLUB in July- We are doing Zippidee for Life Preservers and Cherry-O for Scrapbook Superstars! Below is proof that I am working VERY hard and proof of why nothing is getting done.. :) LOL Talk soon! Oh did I mention VBS is ALL this week- Whew.. Two more nights to go - two more nights to go- high ho......... :-)

Luau Party Help?!?!

I have talked to some of you already about the Scrapbooking Luau I posted a couple weeks back, and have sent applications to many of you- HOWEVER it seems I posted some info about MOPS in general in the post. I hope you haven't had a hard time finding the info you needed to sign up for the Luau- Below is the correct info and I have also changed it on the post! I hope to see you ALL there! It will be great! Sign up for some of the classes they'll be having too! For more info: scrapbookingluau@gmail.com or by phone at 931.303.2695. These girls are very friendly and helpful. You may contact me if you need any help and I can point you in the right direction too! Ltr Tatrs

TALENT TALENT TALENT

I would love to say all my 'big ideas' are original- But lets face it- its easier to "scraplift" when you are surrounded by so much artistic talent! I love to sit down and take the time to come up with a paper project all on my own. When I simply don't have that kind of time- I turn for quick inspiration! Below are Melinda and Shannon showing off some pages! Every idea book I get 'hooked' on a paper pattern... Cherry-O is DEFINITELY this quarters favorite for me! (As if you couldn't tell from my posts!) Melinda is my one at club who is ALWAYS turning the paper- flipping sides- and experimenting with all the color combinations. It always turns out great! I have to say - she stayed pretty close to the Workshop pattern this time.. :-) Okay- so my apologies already to Shannon for the quality of this upload. I couldn't seem to quite figure out how to make the picture bigger without distorting it. You can still see the detail though! The cover of the latest idea book (Below) was a KNOCKOUT and many asked for the pattern and instructions! Well Shannon got hers done. I saw this one in person and this photo doesn't even come close to doing it justice!

Looks great! Thanks for sharing!

Summer reaps FRUIT!

Or VEGETABLES!! Cannot wait to use my new stamp with all of our garden pics!! :-) He is fascinated with the tomato cages....

Oh-No what to do???

Its not heavy... ;)

Mommy's tomatoes!

No Will!

Uh-Oh

Well alright- just a couple more times... :-)

Welcome to "Feature Friday"

For the next few weeks on Friday I'm going to post a website that I visit regularly & think you also might enjoy. To kick it off today I have a VERY special! For my very FIRST "FEATURE FRIDAY" I'd like to introduce you to "http://www.mommasew.blogspot.com/" Her blog name is "High Heels and Sippy Cups!" Isn't that the CUTEST!?!!! She is an awesome friend of mine who is an artist and crafter in so many ways.. While she doesn't necessarily scrapbook (GASP! haha) she is brilliant with fabric, sewing, photography, painting, and MUCH more!!!! Things she and I have in common include looking for bargains at yard sales, she's a stay at home momma, and she LOVES God and her family! I noticed on her blog today she is having a give-a-way! Log in and "share the love" and follow her! She is avid on her posting and its always interesting... Some of my favorites have been advice on frugal shopping, coupons, and killer recipes! So be SURE to check out her Blog Archive!!! There is an awesome 'recycle crayon tutorial' under APRIL! http://www.mommasew.blogspot.com/ See below for photos of the sweetest little gift she made for my son!

Mommasew "I spy" bags!

This is a cute "I SPY" bag she made for my little Will! I was hoping he would play with it in church and sit still for hours with it... NOT so much - he loves to find the 'spies,' but he likes throwing it at Mr. Daniels who sits in front of us better.. :-( HA- He still loves it!

There is the 'train' that is his favorite to find!

Luau PAR-TAY

I am SOOOO pumped about this!! Mark your calenders for an ENTIRE day of fun and more fun! M.O.P.S (Mothers of Preschoolers) in the upper cumberland is having their 3rd annual scrapbooking Luau! I was super excited to hear about something like this in our area. I have traveled to Chattanooga in the past for events like this! Its a fundraiser for MOPS in form of an all day crop in Cookeville! The flyer below is hard to read so I'll post the details on the bottom of here, but I have to tell you it sounds incredible! This is a day filled with cropping until your hearts desire, meals included: bfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, drinks, vendors (including yours truly ;-), DOOR PRIZES, and if that wasnt enough- a GOODY BAG filled with favors from national craft companies, consultants, and area merchants! There will also be optional project/craft classes throughout the day you can participate in for an additional fee. Be there or Be square! :-)

Info: AUGUST 28th, 2010. Space is limited! $40.00 & crop from 9am - 8pm- includes ALL meals, crop space, and a goody bag. Crop will be held at First United Methodist Church in Cookeville TN. (on the square) This is NOT my event - I'll be there as a vendor. If you would like more info I'll be glad to help you (send me an email or call me at 931.261.6033) I can send you an application. You can also contact MOPS at scrapbookingluau@gmail.com or 931.303.2695.

Cherry-O Workshop on the Go

Just had a cherry-o WS last Saturday and I love how the girls make these pages 'their own.' Kelly has chanegd teh paper around a bit to give more to the pink and sweet leaf! Looks great!! Thanks Kelly for sharing! But I have to say...'that's a little too much white space for me on the top.' ;-) (insider) LOL

GREAT LUSTER OR LIGHT; BRILLIANCE; GLORY; MAGNIFICENCE

Do those words describe "Summer " for you?!!? Well how convenient that one of our new summer papers is appropriately titled "SPLENDOR." I've worked up a couple pages uses our 'reflections' how to book with this paper. These colors are just like my title page 'so fun! this quilted page is always one of my 'go to ' pages. if I'm having 'scrappers block' i just do this one b/c I love it will any paper I do it with!