Left Handed Crafter

2012 is Here!

2012-01-02T12:11:00.000-08:00

I read a quote recently "What you do on January 1st is what you will do all year." Yesterday I spent the day creating in my studio. I hadn't had an opportunity to play with Close To My Heart's January Stamp of the Month yet so I started there. I made this 8" x 3 1/2" card with our Elemental paper pack & our yummy Dark Chocolate Striped Ribbon. Guess what! I really like this set. It's versatile, practical & FUN. I like the bold stylish numbers and the cute little sentiments. I guess that's why it's called "Little Reminder." This exclusive set is available this month only (January 2012) and when you place an order of $50 or more it's only $5. What a deal.

Bye Bye 2011... Hello 2012

2011-12-31T14:39:00.000-08:00

I whipped up this little desk calendar this morning inspired by one I received from my friend Fran. I used Close To My Heart's Dreamin' papers, DC1436 The Present stamp set and a little Goldrush & Chocolate ink. Oh, and I cut the scallop and oval shapes using Close To My Heart's Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge. I LOVE that darn little bug.

What an exciting year it has been! And we are SO looking forward to 2012... especially the birth of our first grand baby in February. Hooray! We have been richly blessed. God is good!

Happy New Year Friends & Family.

Thanks and a Giveaway

2011-11-16T15:35:00.000-08:00

This Thanksgiving banner was inspired by a gift I received from one of my team members (Hi Suzanne!) and features Close To My Heart's beautiful Dreamin' papers, our Designer Wooden Buttons, Harvest Charms and our oh so cool November Stamp of the Month "Cherish the Day."

The banner plates were cut using our AWESOME Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge. If you look closely you'll see two leaves that were also cut with the Cricut & then stamped with co-ordinating leaf images from C1463 Harvest Happiness.

Guess what! I also made a Christmas version of this banner and it's looking for a home. Join my blog as a follower if you aren't already one AND post a comment here between now & Tuesday, November 22... telling me what you're thankful for. I'll draw one name & send a Christmas banner to you!

Happy Thanksgiving friends.

Ghostly Ghosts

2011-10-28T19:29:00.000-07:00

The trick or treaters will be here any day now so I decided to make our give-aways this year. I saw the idea on one of my favorite blogs... The Pink Stamper. These darling little ghosts are Tootsie-Roll Pops with a coffee filter over them & tied with a piece of black ribbon. Just couldn't resist!

Happy Halloween to all my blogging buddies.

Boo Blocks!

2011-10-20T20:25:00.001-07:00

Here is a photo of one of the many Create & Takes we did at my recent Team Retreat in South Lake Tahoe. Way fun! I used Close To My Heart's oh so cool Mischief papers & our new Mini-Medley Accents in Honey. Happy Halloween everyone.

Happy Flag Day! Banner Mini Album

2011-06-14T14:09:00.000-07:00

Last summer Jack & I traveled to Washington D.C. & spent a week seeing the very best of our nation's historical monuments. I wanted to put the photos in a special place that we could look at often. I decided to use a Close To My Heart's My Creations Banner as a mini album. I love how it came out. So in honor of Flag Day I thought I'd share it.

Banners are so popular now. If you look around you will see them on cards, scrapbook pages, in party stores, advertisements... all over the place.

I used our "oh so fun" Fanfare Paper Pack, Dimensional Elements & lots of ribbon, brads and buttons.

If you know me at all... you know I LOVE creating mini albums and teaching others how to make them. Someone recently commented to me that she liked mini albums but really didn't know what to do with them once they are completed. Let me tell you what I told her. While some of the mini albums I create end up as gifts, many (like the one shown here) are mine to keep. Find a pretty basket, add a pretty liner (a few cloth napkins will do the trick) and add a few (or all) of your favorite mini albums. Set on your coffee table, end table or on an easy to see shelf of your entertainment center. Friends, house guests & relatives will love glancing at them. Plus, they make great conversation starters.

Hooray for mini albums!

Fun Easy Father's Day Project

2011-06-12T00:07:00.000-07:00

Grab your kids & set them around the table to create this fun Father's Day gift!

This cute little photo frame is truly faster, simpler & easier than ever. I used one section of Close To My Heart's Creative Cube & our Lucky Level 2 Paper Packet. The stamp sets I used are C1403 In the Month of February and C1416 In the Month of June. There are two little strip magnets on the back.

Have fun!

A Trip of a Lifetime

2011-04-14T16:19:00.001-07:00

Imagine our surprise last year when Jack & I discovered that we both had one identical thing on our bucket list. It was in a passing conversation that I said, "Someday I want to go to the Galapagos Islands." Jack's reply... "I've always wanted to go too!" soon gave way to research, calendar checks, more research and finally him surprising me in January with a full blown itinerary (seven choices of routes, sizes of boats, etc). Along the way Jack decided that as long as we were going that far that we needed to see Machu Picchu too. So off we went. Three long plane rides later we arrived in Cusco, Peru for the first leg of our journey. That's us up above at the look-out building at the top of Machu Picchu on our first day there. Talk about a "beauty spot" as they say in Ireland. I have been to many places around the world and nothing compares to the awesome beauty of these Inca ruins. We spent two days hiking & exploring. The first day we had a tour guide who showed us all the historical landmarks. The second day we hiked on our own & discovered even more breathtaking views. All too soon it was time to repack our bags & make our way from Peru up north to Ecuador. We were to have another long day of travel-three flights with the first one at "oh dark thirty." That day before our travel I began feeling under the weather. I couldn't figure out if it was an intestinal bug, the altitude, or what. Jack & I had been extremely careful...always drinking bottled water...even when brushing our teeth and I was still taking my altitude medication. I felt pretty yucky the whole day as we traveled and by the last leg of the trip I mentioned to Jack what when we got to Ecuador I thought I should see a doctor. After getting some rest at the hotel & eating breakfast I quickly went from bad to worse. A doctor was at the hotel in ten minutes. Thirty minutes later I was being transported to the hospital and four hours later I had an emergency appendectomy. Here I am with my wonderful doctor, Dr. Jaime Pes'antez (right) and Dr. Emad (left) who was a resident from Toledo. Dr. Emad was the only American doctor around & he helped translate when my doctor came in to see me. So, our trip of a lifetime was cut short. We didn't make it to the Galapagos but I don't think they are going anywhere. We'll see them eventually. I'm very happy to be home and feeling top notch. What a crazy ride!

Mail Candy! March Stamp of the Month

2011-03-11T13:16:00.000-08:00

My oh my! I am so blessed. A few days ago I opened my mail to find this beautiful card from my dear friend Margi. (Hi Margi!) Margi always inspires me with her artwork. If she only knew how I lust after her cards. Can you see the detail & stunning features of her card? The cute little bunny softly colored in "watercolor" style, the handstitching around the circle, the stamped stitching on the card base around the edges. Oh my. Margi's attention to detail amazes me. I'm especially excited to have this card since I wasn't able to participate in the Stamp of the Month Swap that I host. The March Stamp of the Month is D1454 Sensational Season & you can earn it FREE when you place a $100+ order of Close To My Heart products. "Hop" on over to www.sue.myctmh.com to shop online or email me at sue@myctmh with your order.

Blog Candy!

2011-02-26T09:33:00.000-08:00

Here's a way cool give-away. Hop on over to Melissa's blog & check it out!

What I've Been Up To.

2011-02-25T12:26:00.000-08:00

So another month has flown by. Where does the time go? It's been a very busy past few weeks for me. Busy in a good way. I have figured out (I'm a slow learner) that I need to work on being consistent with blog posts. Duhhh. Starting today I plan to focus & be better with it. Will you help me out by leaving comments so I know I have friends checking out the Lefthanded Crafter?

Here's a "Love" hanger I taught at a class earlier this month. Last year my friend Shari F. started a movement to "use what you have" and I have been following her lead in designing many of my class projects. I have a whole bunch of 4" blank coasters & made a serious dent in the supply with this class. I plan to make more hangers for different occasions and I'll share them here. This was a fun class. I used Close To My Heart's beautiful new Sweetheart papers and lots of cool embellies to jazz up my hanger. The gals who took the class had a blast putting it all together.

I even have a few leftover kits from this class so if you want to make one for yourself just shoot me an email at sue@myctmh.com & ask me about it.

And come back soon to see..."what else I've been up to!"

January's Almost Over!

2011-01-30T14:27:00.000-08:00

I can't believe how time has flown by. January is almost over. That means there is only today & tomorrow to take advantage of Close To My Heart's awesome Inspirations Product Sneak Peak and the oh so beautiful January Stamp of the Month "Find Your Style." Here's a card I made with this set and the Wings paper pack.

Just in case you haven't peeked at the brochure with all the special prices on new stamp sets & accessories just hop over to www.sue.myctmh.com a click on products and then click on the cute little brochure. You'll see it all there! Once you decide what you'd like to purchase you can place an order right there using the shop online icon or email me with your list & I'll take care of the rest.

Check back soon for more big news!

Studio J & a Free Album

2010-12-07T18:45:00.001-08:00

There are lots of reasons why you should have a Studio J one year membership. Here are just a few...

Save an amazing 50% off retail prices.
Members receive JPEG files of their layouts with each purchased custom printed layout.
Purchase JPEG files separately in high resolution and thumbnail sizes...making it easy to share and archive.
Members have exclusive "paper" patterns & kits.
Free Memory Protectors
Free shipping on your monthly order!

And...to sweeten the pot... now through December 27th when you purchase a one year Studio J membership you will receive a beautiful Faux Leather 12x12 Album ($24.95 value) in your color choice absolutely FREE!

There's no software to download with Studio J and best of all you can take Studio J for a test drive...play...create a few layouts & see how you like it. (You'll LOVE it!)

Simply go to my website http://www.sue.myctmh.com/ & click on Studio J. Start out by creating an online account. Then when you're ready to purchase your membership email me at sue@myctmh.com or join right there while you're creating. Once your membership is purchased I will contact you for your album color choice.

It's November!

2010-11-10T11:54:00.001-08:00

During November, Close To My Heart is expressing its gratitude to you...our awesome customers!
You can earn two fabulous stamp sets FREE!

When you place a minimum order of $100, you will not only receive the November Stamp of the Month set, A Little Thanks, for FREE, you will also receive one stamp set of your choice from the 2010 Autumn Winter Idea Book for FREE! (A through D size)

This means you can increase the value of your purchase by up to $45.90! That's almost 50% more value! It's just our way of imparting A Little More Thanks to you for being a great customer.

Check out the cool November Stamp of the Month set pictured here along with a handstamped card I created.

To place your order email me at sue@myctmh.com or click here to go directly to my website to shop online.

Trick or Treat!

2010-10-26T12:08:00.000-07:00

This Trick or Treat Banner was one of our Create & Take projects at my recent Team Retreat in South Lake Tahoe. This project was the funnest (is that a word?) to design and SO much fun to teach my groovy team. It features our oh so cool Mix & Mingle Album, Hooligans Level 2 Paper Pack, Hooligans Level 2 Fuzzy Critters, Hooligans My Stickease, Black Ribbon Round and many other cool Close To My Heart products.

So sorry that a few panels are missing. Who knows where they went! Anyway, you get the idea...right? I hope you likey!

MIA? Sort of!

2010-10-15T12:30:00.001-07:00

Where has the time gone? Blame it on the eight groovy gals pictured above. You see, every year at this time I host two retreats in South Lake Tahoe. Every waking moment after convention until I get on the plane is spent planning & creating for these gals. (I'll hopefully have a photo of the second group soon!) I'm not complaining... honest. I so look forward to my time in the woods. I just can't post any artwork or it will ruin the surprises.

Now that I'm home I miss everyone & can't wait for our next retreat. Next year's plans are already in the works (tee hee) and are you ready for a little hint? Next year's retreat promises to be bigger & even better. AND .... oh wait, I can't share any more right now. If you're a CTMH leader attendee or a Special Effects member you'll be in on the scoop before long. (I'm so excited!)

Congratulations Roanne!

2010-09-19T19:32:00.000-07:00

A big mahalo to all my awesome customers who opened an online account for Studio J this past week! Roanne's name was drawn from all the entries. Watch for your blog candy coming your way, Roanne!

Use What You Have...Part 2

2010-09-12T19:34:00.000-07:00

Welcome! Be sure to read the previous post to get the whole scoop on this post.
Above is a picture of the other front. (the album has two fronts). Very cool.

After the class I offered extra kits for sale. This gal bought three for gifts & worked on them at the crop.

Here is Ali. I can't remember how old she is but she comes to the crop with her Mom & works on projects. She's a great scrapper too!

This is Fran shopping after we completed the project. Notice her Wish List!

Here is Sherri (Ali's mom) studying the Idea Book & placing her order.

Using What You Have

2010-09-12T19:06:00.000-07:00

My friend & fellow blogger, Shari, has adopted a "use what you have" mission. It seems like it's been going on all this year. You can check out Shari's blog here. I created the album shown above using Shari's wise counsel. Here's the story...
I was invited to share a project at a monthly crop that I attend. Every few months the organizers invite someone to lead the group in a fun project. The group is about 12-20 scrappers. There is no charge to the guests to make the project and I would be permitted to pass out Idea Books & accept orders.

This "Two in One Album" seemed like a good choice for this group. I was able to use some cardstock in colors we will be retiring at the end of the year and I featured the Daydream Paper Pack, lots of embellishments like ribbon, brads and paper flowers. Plus every kit had a full sheet of our cool Love Letters Rub-Ons. (I had a bunch of the bulk ones!)

The gals seemed to really like the project. If you haven't seen the Two in One Album before...the way it works is you page through it & when it ends it starts over. That's the best way to describe it.

I have lots more photos & I'll share them in a new post since I didn't upload them correctly. Silly me.

Something Yellow

2010-08-09T17:47:00.000-07:00

My buddy Tresa Black is having a fun blogging challenge today. She's asking everyone to post something yellow and since yellow is my favorite color...that's easy for me to do! These are flowers my awesome hubby snt me for our anniversary last year. You can look at Tresa's blog here.

One More August SOM Card & Blog Candy

2010-08-06T18:29:00.000-07:00

My friend Janice created this pretty 6x6 card for our swap. She used our Splendor papers and the pattern- "Diamond Stack" from Originals (page 37).

The Colonial White ribbon gives the card an elegant touch.

So now you've seen five Stamp of the Month samples. Leave me a comment telling me your favorite and why. I'll draw one name on Monday, August 9th. The winner will get some blog candy.

Hope to hear from you!

Thursday's Card

2010-08-05T10:37:00.000-07:00

Here's my friend Beth's take on the Something Splendid stamp set. She used our Creative Basics-Cherry-O, Blush cardstock and White Daisy Ric Rac. And I love the big button on the flower center. Way fun!

August SOM...again!

2010-08-04T14:09:00.000-07:00

I have to tell you again...I'm lovin' this stamp set. Donna L. made this oh so pretty card for my monthly swap. Did you notice she used all cardstock? The concept pattern is "Heartfelt Classic" from Originals...one of our two card pattern books. The colors are Olive, Goldrush, Indian Corn Blue & Cocoa. I love the ribbon accent. Notice how it "grounds" the flower image. Sweet!

I'll be back tomorrow!

More August Stamp of the Month

2010-08-03T11:25:00.000-07:00

As promised here is another card sample featuring Close To My Heart's super sweet August Stamp of the Month-Something Splendid. This is a standard size card that I created with our Splendor papers, a little Colonial White grosgrain ribbon and an Edge Anchor.

Scroll down to yesterday's post to read all the details on how to add this cool set to your stamp set collection.

It's August

2010-08-02T16:32:00.000-07:00

August is here and it's time for a new Stamp of the Month! Say hello to "Something Splendid" an eye catching big flower, a dainty smaller flower, three sizes of leaves, three cute phrases & some sweet accent branches.

The more I created with this set the more I fell in love with it. You will too. The set is $22.95 and is available only for the month of August. Item number D1424. How would you like to purchase this awesome set at a discount?!?

With a $25+ order you can receive the set for $$17.21

With a $50+ order you can receive the set for $11.48

With a $75+ order you can receive the set for $5.74

And best of all...with a $100+ order you receithe set FREE!

Just email me with your order at sue@myctmh.com or go to my website & shop in your PJs. http://www.sue.myctmh.com/

Here's a favorite card featuring Something Splendid. It was created by Amy R. Isn't it stunning?

Amy used our beautiful Passages papers on a Colonial White base. The flower is stamped in Barn Red and the leaves are Garden Green. "Seize the Day" is stamped in Brown Bag. The card measures 6"x6".

Check back all this week for more cards created with this stamp set. And by the way... blog candy is coming too. Don't miss a day.

My Board Book

2010-06-24T17:03:00.000-07:00

I LOVE the new My Creations Board Book that Close To My Heart added to their line in May. It's so darn cute & versatile. I used the Splendor papers, lots of Dimensional Elements and our oh so fun "Lots of Dots" adhesive backed letters to complete my book. You're gonna want to make one. I know you will. Watch for a workshop coming later this summer. Whether you live close to me or far away you'll be able to complete this bad boy.

June Stamp of the Month

2010-06-12T17:52:00.000-07:00

D1422-Wonderful Friend is Close To My Heart's June Stamp of the Month. You can order it anytime during June for $22.95. Or...

-when your order total is $25+ you can purchase it for $17.21

-when your order is $50+ you pay only $11.48

-when your order is $75+ you pay ony $5.74

AND when your order is $100+ you receive it FREE!

I love the vintage sketchy look of the images. The card shown here is an 8" X 3 1/2" using our beautiful Passages papers & Wishes-Right Design. I scissor and ink distressed the edges to bring out the vintage feel. Way fun.

Father's Day is Coming

2010-06-09T22:55:00.000-07:00

Here's a fun, quick gifty that big & little kids can create. This wall hanging features our June Stamp of the Month-Wonderful Friend and our beautiful Passages papers. The wall hanging is one cover of our 6x6 Memory Showcase Album.

More info on the June Stamp of the Month in my next post.

Happy Mail!

2010-06-01T23:39:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't like going to their mailbox & finding a sweet surprise?!? My awesome friend, Bren, sent me this beautiful card last week. Wow! I have it here in my office on a shelf where I can look at it every day. Love it. Thanks Bren for the happy mail.

Christmas...in May?

2010-05-29T09:05:00.000-07:00

Seems sort of weird to be posting a Christmas card in May but I wanted to share another card using the May Stamp of the Month Cherish the Moment. I made this card with the Creative Basics-Cherry-O papers (love that velvet ribbon).

More Thanks-May SOM

2010-05-28T09:36:00.000-07:00

Linda T's beautiful Thank You card is today's feature artwork. Linda used the Creative Basics-Cherry-O papers & Wishes-Sentiment Secured for this top notch card. I love the Filigree Charms so when I saw one on Linda's card it made me happy. Did you know that you can purchase a package of the Filigree Charms for just $3.95? And you get eight different charms. Wow! That's a cool deal!

Thank You-May SOM

2010-05-27T09:29:00.000-07:00

My friend & fellow swapper, Janice, created this adorable card. Gotta love the Cherry-O papers. They make me happy! And that ric-rac? Oh! So fun. Thank you cards are a must to have ready at a moments notice.

More tomorrow. :)

Grateful- May SOM

2010-05-26T09:17:00.000-07:00

Today's May Stamp of the Month card comes from fellow swapper, Donna. Pretty, huh? Donna used our beautiful Splendor papers.
Love it!

May Stamp of the Month

2010-05-25T17:10:00.001-07:00

Here's what our awesome May Stamp of the Month looks like. Look at all those cool stamps! Talk about covering all the bases. Happy Birthday, Happy Anniversary, Thank You, Congratulations & Happy Holidays just to name a few. WoW!

Buy this set for $22.95

Place a $25+ order & buy it for $17.21

Place a $50+ order & buy it for $11.48

Place a $75 order & buy it for $5.74

Place a $100+ order & receive it F-R-E-E!

Email me today or place your order 24/7 at www.sue.myctmh.com

And remember to check back every day this week for another card featuring this rockin' set.

Where has the time gone?!?

2010-05-25T17:01:00.000-07:00

Man oh man! Time has flown by. I'm back. Here's a sweet card I stamplifted from someone whose name escapes me at the moment. (If this is your card SPEAK UP!) I saw this on a blog & fell in love with it. Our May Stamp of the Month Cherish the Moment is so darn cool. I know you'll want one. There's only a few more days left in May so email me pronto to place your order. For the rest of the week I'll post a different card every day. Get ready!

Studio J is Coming!

2010-04-26T16:47:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow, Tuesday, April 27 Close To My Heart will release its much anticipated new online scrapbooking program called Studio J. You won't believe how awesome it is! Click on the Studio J logo on the left side of this page and you'll get to do four really cool things...

View a sample layout.
Watch a short video
Read some frequently asked questions about Studio J
Join the Studio J mailing list

All four of these things are super important. Once you do them leave me a comment here by Friday, April 30 & I'll put your name in a drawing for some BLOG CANDY!

You're gonna love Studio J!

It's a Miracle!

2010-04-14T13:36:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow, April 15...Close To My Heart's awesome "Miracle" promotion begins! This special kit can be purchased or earned FREE through May 31st. We're celebrating National Scrapbooking Month in a big way! The photo above shows just one of the two 12x12 layouts that you can create with the kit. You'll receive all kinds of cool accessories AND a beautiful full color instruction brochure in your kit.

But wait. There's more. What if I told you that one kit wasn't enough? What if I told you you had to have two kits? You really do. Sue Laufer has been thinking out of the box a bit. Click here to read about a cool class I've designed with the Miracle kit. You'll want to be there. Best of all there are two dates to choose from. You can email me at sue@myctmh.com to order your Miracle kit or go to my website & shop 24/7.

Blog Candy!

2010-04-13T17:00:00.000-07:00

Imagine my surprise yesterday when I received some blog candy from my friend & team member, Beth Naumann! Beth sent me this pretty pretty card and some Close To My Heart goodies. How sweet. Beth's card features our oh so sweet Topstitch papers, Colonial White Ribbon & Spring Button. You can check out Beth's blog here. Thanks Beth for the day brightener!

Flower Pot

2010-04-08T12:02:00.000-07:00

Here's a standard card I created with our April Stamp of the Month set- Flower Pot. I used our beautiful Veranda- My Reflections Level 2 Paper Pack. The other stamp set I used was C1357 Botanical Borders. The pattern is Wishes-Down the Middle.

April Stamp of the Month-Flower Pot

2010-04-07T23:22:00.001-07:00

Gotta love this Stamp of the Month set. So fresh & fun. Who doesn't love flowers & pots? Here's how you can get this versitile set...

Purchase it for $22.95
Receive it for $17.21 when you place a $25+ order in April.
Receive it for $11.48 when you place a $50+ order.
Receive it for $5.74 when you place a $75+ order.
Receive it FREE when you place a $100+ order.

You can email me your order at sue@myctmh.com or go to my website www.sue.myctmh.com & place your order. Either way you'll make my day.

Come on back to my blog too. I'll be sharing artwork featuring this stamp set off & on all month long.

Easter Goody Basket

2010-03-26T16:16:00.000-07:00

My sweet friend, Bren, told me about this oh so cute Easter basket so I had to make one up. Fun & easy. It will hold three Cadbury Eggs as shown or any favorite treats. The instructions are at splitcoaststampers. I used Close To My Heart's Caboodle papers, C1405 In the Month of April, B1232 Solo "H" & Sorbet Ribbon Round.

A Week of A Little Everything

2010-03-13T09:27:00.000-08:00

Here's my final card featuring our March Stamp of the Month. The week has flown by. This card was created by my good friend Melissa from Ohio. Melissa used You Rock papers and the "Long Layers" pattern from Wishes. This card reminds me that I need to get out the C1394 Candlelight stamp set & make something with it. I remember when I first saw it in the Spring Idea Book how much I liked it.

A Little Everything Squared

2010-03-12T09:58:00.001-08:00

Here's another card from an Awesome Swapper...Linda T. Cute, huh? Linda used Topstitch papers and Wishes-Up in the Corner. I love the Bitty Sparkles & the tiny button. The eye goes right to them. Fun! Thanks Linda.

Come back tomorrow. I've got a You Rock card for you.

Pretty Pretty!

2010-03-11T09:34:00.000-08:00

Keeping my promise to post a March Stamp of the Month card every day this week, here is today's card. Yesterday I mentioned that I'd be sharing a card that was created by someone else. This pretty card is from Awesome SOM Swapper, Kathy W. Kathy used the Creative Basics-Veranda papers and our new Spring Blossom Just Blooms Paper Flowers.

Thanks Kathy for always inspiring me.

More A Little Everything again!

2010-03-10T11:42:00.001-08:00

This card is SO easy & fun. I was inspired by a card I received from fellow swapper, Janice Alvord. I used our Caboodle papers...so soft & springy. In addition to the March Stamp of the Month-A Little Everything I used D1412-Noted Backgrounds. Have you used this set yet? Oh my GOSH!!! It's so awesome.

Back tomorrow with another stunning card (not mine so I can really brag!)

A Little Everything in 6x6

2010-03-09T09:52:00.000-08:00

Today I'm sharing two 6x6 cards featuring the March Stamp of the Month & the Creative Basics-Veranda papers. How would you like to come over & create these two cards AND 10 more? You can. Just sign up for my Celebration Card Workshop coming up on March 28th. Go to www.sue.myctmh.com and click on my calendar to see all the details.

More tomorrow! See you then.

More "A Little Everything"

2010-03-08T11:20:00.000-08:00

Here's another card featuring our March Stamp of the Month- A Little Everything. I used the You Rock papers and our awesome D.E. Monogram "T" for this one. The pattern is called Delightful Dots from our Wishes card program book. Gotta love Wishes!

March Happiness

2010-03-07T17:35:00.000-08:00

Like I said in my earlier post today (see below), I LOVE the March Stamp of the Month. It makes me happy! But silly me. I was going on & on about it & posted my Mother's Day card and signed off. Silly me! I didn't even show you the complete set! So here it is. Just look to your right. And if you have a Spring 2010 Idea Book just look inside the back cover and ta ---da...there it is!
Now just so you know how to get this bad boy here's the details...

You can buy it for $22.95.
You can spend $25 on Close To My Heart products and you'll pay only $17.21 for the set.
You can spend $50 on Close To My Heart products and you'll pay only $11.48 for the set.
You can spend $75 on Close To My Heart products and you'll pay only $5.74 for the set.
You can spend $100 on Close To My Heart products and you'll receive the bugger FREE! If you're like me you like that FREE part! Who doesn't like FREE?!?

Remember, keep checking back all this week to see lots of fun cards using this set.

A Little Everything

2010-03-07T12:40:00.001-08:00

I have a confession to make. I LOVE the March stamp of the month-D1408 A Little Everything. This set is so awesome. I've been making all kinds of cards with the stamps from this set. I think you'll like this set too. The best part about Close To My Heart's Stamp of the Month program is that you can purchase the stamp set at a cool discount based on your order total. OR you can receive it FREE with a $100 (before shipping & tax) order!

All this week (every single day) I will share a card featuring this set. Get ready!

Today's card is 8" x 3.5" and features our groovy Topstitch papers. In the lower right you can see I've added one of our Clear Inspiration Buttons backed with some paper & then threaded with Waxy Flax.

2006 Album Front Page

2010-02-22T20:11:00.000-08:00

Here's another album front page. I used Majestic Blue papers for this one. The photo was taken at the 2006 Hawaiian Outrigger Canoe Paddling World Sprints held in New Zealand.

Another Album Front Page

2010-02-16T11:02:00.000-08:00

Here's another album front page for you all. This is one of my all time favorite photos of my son, Jay and me. It was a happy time.

Will You Be My Valentine?

2010-02-14T09:06:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

Here is the card I made for some special Valentine friends & family this year. It's actually one of the WOTG cards turned sideways.

Another Album Front Page

2010-02-11T15:41:00.000-08:00

It seems that every day I am SO thankful for our AWESOME concept books that Jeanette has designed for us. Cherish, Imagine & Reflections are my "go to" sources for scrapbooking inspiration. Originals & Wishes are right at my elbow when I'm creating a card.

In January when I began this project of completing all my yearly album front pages I sat down with Reflections. Going page by page, I made a list of all the concept examples that would work for my layouts... depending on the orientation of my photo. There were so many great choices. I have a list of 15!!!

This layout is Main Frame-Portrait on page 61 and features Close To My Heart's Emporium Level 2 Paper Pack, My Stickease & Dimensional Elements Simple Numbers.

Come on back soon. I have more pages to share.

Surf's Up

2010-02-10T19:50:00.000-08:00

With all the crazy weather hitting the Mainland US this week, I thought some beachy posts were in order. As I type this my husband is stranded in Washington D.C.

I'm so happy to be getting all my yearly album front pages completed. I only have one more year (1999) to finish! Here is 2003. Sarah & her hubby Jef are hangin' out on Waikiki Beach during one of our Hawaiian six-man canoe races. The July 4th Regatta is a fun all day event with lots of partying, sun & usually big southern swells.

I'll be back tomorrow with another beachy front page.

Leave me a comment so I know you've been here!

It's Never Too Late

2010-02-01T23:26:00.000-08:00

You just might recognize this layout. It's one of the layouts we created at last year's Close To My Heart album retreat. Yes, the one in January 2009. It's one of the last ones for me to finish. I was waiting to find the perfect photos for it. Low & behold last week while I was going through some old files I found these....taken back in 1995 on my daughter Sarah's & my birthday. Funny thing is I had already scrapped these photos once. I remembered what my wise friend Stacy Julian said in one of her articles in Simple Scrapbooks..."that it's a-okay to scrap photos more than once." Thanks Stacy for giving me permission! The right side of the layout is Reflections-Triple Play-Three of a Kind. Then we created it in Utah, the page was meant to have the photos be portrait style. Guess what! All my photos from this sitting were landscape. Easy-peasy...I just turned the layout a quarter turn (clockwise) & wha-la...perfect-o!

Now to find photos for the "Laughter" layout & I'll have them all complete.

Christmas Traditions

2010-01-28T12:05:00.000-08:00

Did I grab your attention with that heading? I know. I know. We're all beyond the Christmas stuff. If you're like me, it's all packed away until late November. If you're like me you're probably creating with soft pinks & vivid reds. You're stamping hearts and flowers and finding the perfect sentiment for your Valentines.

Usually when I create my sample layout for my two ScrapWorks classes each month they are completed with photos, title & most of the time journaling too. Not the case with our Jingle WOTG layout. I taught the class in November with an "incomplete" layout. That's because we rarely take Christmas photos. I know that sounds very weird. We just don't.

So on Christmas Day this year I made sure to take some photos so that my layout would be complete. I wanted to document one of our holiday traditions...going to the beach Christmas morning with our dog, Abbey. I made a few little changes to the WOTG layout too. Instead of using the Posterboard Alphabet I used what may be my new favorite alphabet stamp set... Fieldtrip. It is SO perfect! I also moved things around on the right page. The patterened papers are positioned up & down rather than across and the On Target Dimensional Elements & journaling are placed differently too. It's fun to mix things up a bit.

I've been creating lots of stuff lately that I can't wait to share so check back soon. And leave a comment so I know you've visited.

You Can Do This!

2010-01-13T16:37:00.000-08:00

Did you know that every month a group of my friends/customers gather in my classroom to create a scrapbook layout? We use one of Close to My Heart's awesome new paper packets, some fun accessories & a step by step guide designed just for us. The group is called ScrapWorks. There are always two dates to choose from in the month. The layout pictured here is what we will be creating in February. It features our Topstitch papers. There's more info over on the Left Side. Email me at sue@myctmh to reserve your spot.

January Stamp of the Month-True Friends

2010-01-05T09:42:00.001-08:00

I promised yesterday to show you our cool January Stamp of the Month-True Friends. I just love the sentiments and who doesn't like those cool brackets? True Friends is available only in January. Best part is you can receive the set FREE with a $100 order, 75% off with a $75 order, 50% off with a $50 order and 25% off with a $25 order.

Here's an 8' x 3 1/2" card I created using the set. I used our new Veranda papers, our new Antique Copper Mini Medleys and Dimensional Element Monograms. There's one little oops in the photo. I have our Buttercup stamp pad & it should be Creme Brulee. :)

Check back soon. I have so much more to share with you.

All Things New!

2010-01-04T18:12:00.000-08:00

It's January!!! And January means there's lots of new stuff to talk about. I'm SO excited! There's a brand new Spring 2010 Idea Book just released. It's beautiful. Wait till you see all the cool stuff. If you don't have a real live "hold in your hands" book to look at you can go over to the LEFT SIDE...the column over to the left. Click on the photo of the Idea Book & it will take you to a page by page tutorial of the Idea Book.

We have an awesome new January Stamp of the Month too! It's called True Friends. Be sure to check back as I'll be sharing some beautiful artwork featuring this set. AND I'll have a picture of the stamp set too.

Close To My Heart is celebrating National Papercrafting Month by offering a "to die for" paper collection called Felicity. The papers are yummy and a real step out of the box. Best of all there is a special blog just for this promotion. Each day Close To My Heart will share a cute artwork sample, technique tip or idea. When you post a comment on the blog that day your name goes in a drawing for a Felicity Collection! Cool beans! Every day one name will be drawn. Again, look over on the left side for more details on how to order the collection & look for the icon that will direct you to the special blog. Remember to visit every day!

On Saturday I whipped up 10 of the cute little 3" x 3" cards pictured above. I used our new Veranda papers and our new Just Blooms-Spring Blossom flowers. Yes, those are little butterflies. They come in the Just Blooms too. I love 3x3 cards.

Okay. That's it for now. I'll be back soon with some more artwork & news.

Congratulations to :

2009-12-12T09:51:00.001-08:00

Big mahalo to everyone who posted a comment here for my "blog challenge." I loved checking in & reading what you had to say. Drum roll please!.... The winner of the drawing is Cheryl Eberlin! Cheryl, just shoot me an email with what you would like your garland to say (up to six letters).
Have a happy day everyone!

Around the Holidays

2009-12-03T12:34:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I made this cool garland using Close To My Heart's Around the Holiday's Card Kit. I got the idea from my buddy, Tina Sutton's blog (mahalo Tina!). And she got the idea from attending one of our Regional Celebrations I think. I changed it up a bit. Instead of stamping letters on the envelope flats & cutting them out I used our awesome Dimensional Elements Monograms! I love that you can make this project to say anything you want! Very cool, huh? Mine says "family" because I plan to hang it at the top of the wall where I display all our holiday cards. I also made one that says "joyful" and I plan to make one that says "peace" as soon as more card kits arrive!

For the past three years I have hosted a "Holiday Crafty Night" for my neighbors. We have a rather tight knit block of neighbors and the evening is my "Christmas gift" to them. Guess what we'll be making this year?!? Tee hee! I can't wait.

Here's a "blog challenge" for you. Leave a comment about this post between now & Friday, December 11 & you'll be in a drawing for a holiday garland of your own! Tell your blogging buddies to stop by too. I'd love to hear from lots of you!

Check back here Saturday the 12th for the drawing winner.
Have a happy day,
Sue

Scissors

2009-11-20T09:31:00.000-08:00

I snapped this photo last week after finishing a three day project prep. I glanced at my desktop & noticed all the scissors! When I'm crafting, the scissors come out. It seems that I have a different pair of scissors for everything. There's my "purple handled scissors for trimming long edges when my 12" trimmer won't due. There's my black handled beat-up school scissors that I use to cut 3-D Foam Tape, Tacky Tape...anything sticky. There's my Close To My Heart Micro-Tip scissors for cutting out images, snipping brad ends and distressing paper edges. My Tim Holtz scissors are just for cutting ribbon. They never touch paper so they always have nice sharp blades. There's three other pair not even shown in this picture. How about you? Tell me about your scissors.

Yes, It's All About Me!

2009-11-10T11:56:00.000-08:00

Besides paper crafting...I do have another passion. I LOVE to read! I wasn't always a reader. I could probably count the number of books I read before high school graduation on one hand. While I was growing up there were always books around. I didn't really care. Something happened. Something changed. Once I discovered reading I found many friends & family members who also loved reading. We've traded books, shared recommendations & gifted with gift cards to Border's & Barnes & Noble.

This past spring, my friend & fellow reader, Mary Thompson (hi Mary!) shared her new toy with me. She had gotten a Kindle and was so excited about it! She was raving about it & told me I really needed one. Information saved. :)

After doing some heavy duty research (a few other EBook readers have been released) I began dropping hints that for my birthday I wanted a Kindle.

Taaaaa-Daaaaaa! Imagine how thrilled I was on Friday to receive a Kindle from my dear, sweet, super awesome hubby! AND, Sarah must have been in on it because she gave me a Kindle gift certificate! I am SO darn excited. I have only downloaded one book (it holds 1500) but I have a wish list that grows every day.

So Mary...mahalo for turning me on to Ebook reading! I love ya, girlfriend.

A Day Like No Other

2009-11-06T09:40:00.000-08:00

November 6th is a very special day. It's a day that stirs all sorts of warmy feelings & happy memories of years past. My sweet Sarah & I both celebrate our birthday today! I can recall as if it were yesterday going into labor the morning of my 22nd birthday. I can see Jack's smiling face holding our little girl just hours later. I see sweet chubby cheeks & blonde peach fuzz hair and beautiful blue eyes.
I see yellow roses delivered for me and parties with neighborhood friends for Sarah.
I see a high school junior discovering cross country & track & field and finding a love for running (fast!).
I see a blossoming college student studying hard, growing in her Christian faith, meeting her future husband & running running running.
I see a beautiful bride (and groom) enjoying their special day.
I see my fellow scrapbooking buddy having FUN at our Tahoe retreat!

Now, years later...it's still a day like no other. We celebrate "together" even though 3000 miles of ocean separate us. We send birthday wishes, exchange gifts & laughs & smiles.

Happy Birthday Sarah Beara! I love you to the moon & back!

Out of the Box!

2009-11-05T11:02:00.000-08:00

Here's a sneak peek at an upcoming workshop. This cute little box holds eight 3" X 3" holiday gift tags and is made with Close To My Heart's festive Jingle papers. Workshop details are posted at www.sue.myctmh.com in the calendar section.

A Nifty Place for Cards

2009-11-03T12:41:00.001-08:00

I saw this idea on Lisa Stenz's blog & just had to do it. I used Close To My Heart's awesome My Creations Memory Keepers (Z1116). These boxes fit perfectly on a shelf in my top cupboard in my office. Since I've had them (about six months) I've been able to grab a card to mail out so quickly. Plus, if I notice one box getting low I can whip up some cards & toss them in the correct place. Love it!

12x6 Organizer

2009-10-26T13:31:00.000-07:00

Check out this cool 12x6 organizer made with Close To My Heart 12x12 protectors! My friend Shari shared the idea with me & I finally had time to make myself one last week. I have to say I LOVE it! So often, when I'm designing & creating if it's out of sight it's out of my mind too.
Now I have a happy place for Color Ready Alphabets, My Stickease, Rub-Ons...anything that comes in 12" x 6"! And it sits on my bookshelf an arms length away. Easy to grab when I'm packing for a crop too. Oh I am a happy scrapper! :)

A Very Special Stamp Set

2009-10-23T12:25:00.000-07:00

As I was designing the card shown here & creating six more for my monthly Stamp of the Month swap, the home I was raised in back in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania was going through escrow. Since 1959, 109 Onyx Avenue has been the Hardy home. My sisters & I have tons of great memories of growing up there. My parents made every day a joy! So it was with mixed emotions that we say good-bye to "109."

By the way, the stamp set-D1377 Around the Block is really fun. My card features the Satchel concept from Wishes and is made with the Sweet Home paper pack.

Three's a Charm

2009-10-21T16:39:00.000-07:00

It's been way too long. Sorry about that.

Here are three super cute projects I've received lately from friends. The Halloween card is from my best bud, Margi. She's so darn talented. The sweet pumpkin was a gift from Denise Anderson-Turley at our recent retreat in South Lake Tahoe. And the "cool" spider is a retreat gift too...from Mary Thompson. I say it's cool because the center is a York Peppermint Patty. So clever. You gals spoil me & I love ya for it.

Since I've been MIA, please leave a comment that you've stopped by. And watch for more fun things to come. OK? Oh, and tell a friend or two to stop by. I'd so appreciate it.

The Story Behind the Card

2009-09-11T17:17:00.000-07:00

When the set B1319 Four Seasons came out I was really drawn to it. I kept the stamp set on my desk...wanting to create something with it. It was on my desk a long time. It would get moved around from the left side to the right, into my in-box & then into my To-Do pile. Something was always more pressing to do OR I just couldn't get what I wanted into my brain to create with it. Last week the inspiration came. I don't even know where it came from. The card finally got created. I used our fun new Twitterpated papers & used D1257 Make It Count for the verse. I'm very happy now.

Love This!

2009-08-27T23:28:00.000-07:00

It doesn't get much better than this! Here are Sarah & Jay on the beach up in Mendocino County earlier this month. And sitting between them is my precious "grand dog" Roxy! Sarah & her husband, Jef took a road trip to Northern California & spent some time with Jay. They stayed at all "dog friendly" B&Bs and hotels all week. Roxy even rode on a cable car in San Francisco & ran with Sarah on the Golden Gate Bridge!

I just get all happy looking at this pic!

2009-08-06T23:05:00.000-07:00

This beauty is a stamp lift from Lisa Stenz. Love this card! Had to make one for myself. I used Perfect Day paper, D1310 September Word Puzzle, Big Pinks paper flowers & Chocolate Ribbon Round. The center of the flower has a Window Charm on it. Mahalo Lisa for always being such an inspiration.

2009-07-26T19:00:00.000-07:00

If you've been around Close To My Heart for awhile you will remember the 2-Minute Christmas Card. It's an all time favorite of mine...one I used to do at every Gathering in the wintertime. Well, my friend Linda Taylor put a fresh new spin on that old card & changed it into a thank you card to boot! I LOVE this card. Linda even won in the Make It From Your Heart Art Contest with this card. How cool is that?!? This card features our Back Country papers, B1328 Backwoods stamp set, D1361 Thank You stamp set Z1129 Outdoor Denim Ribbon Round & our ultra sexy Z134 Prisma Glitter.
Mahalo Linda for adding some sparkle to my day.

Love This Card!

2009-07-25T10:32:00.000-07:00

Fellow consultant, Lisa Stenz, shared this card awhile back. I just knew I had to stamplift it. She used Bella papers, C1361 Buttoned Together stamp set, Z1052 Ric Rac Collection & Z1282 Autumn Buttons. I love Lisa's style.

Happy Friday

2009-07-24T12:29:00.000-07:00

Have you ever received a card & once you see it you say "Gosh, I can do that!" My dear friend Julie Reynolds sent me this cute card. Love it! Julie used our Emporium papers & the D1338 Bird Basics stamp set. AND look closely... there is an Antique Copper Brad for the birdie's eye.
Thank you Julie for your kind heart!

Thanks...You're the Best

2009-07-23T13:49:00.000-07:00

For the next few days I will be sharing some of my favorite cards that I have received lately or seen out & about that needed stamp-lifted. I am always inspired by other consultants' artwork and am blessed that I belong to a company of friends who are so willing to share their talents with me. This card features the Back Country papers, the Backwoods stamp set & one of my very favorite stamp sets just released in May-D1361 Thank You. It was created by Linda Sturdivant & brightened my mailbox a few weeks ago. Thanks Linda! You ROCK!

How I Love This Man!

2009-07-22T11:46:00.000-07:00

My how time flies! Thirty seven years ago today Jack & I got married. Amazing. What a fun ride it's been (most of the time). Hard to believe Jack was active duty Coast Guard when you look at his long hair. It was a record setting hottest day of the year. Ahhh...memories.

It's Corny...I Know!

2009-07-18T11:55:00.000-07:00

It has nothing to do with crafting...I know that too! I'm betting you don't know this about me either. I LOVE corn. I could eat corn on the cob every night for dinner. It's right up there with asparagus. Oh, my mouth waters just typing about it.

A few nights ago I made a Mexican meal for dinner & decided to make a favorite side dish. This dish is so easy peasy. I've made it at Thanksgiving, taken it to neighborhood dinners & church covered dish suppers. So I thought I'd share it today.

Corn Casserole

1 15 oz can whole kernel corn, drained

1 14 oz can cream style corn

1 (8-oz) package corn muffin mix (I recommend Jiffy)

1 cup sour cream

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter (melted)

1 to 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 350.

In large bowl, stir together the two cans of corn,corn muffin mix, sour cream & melted butter. Pout into a greased 9 x 13 casserole dish/cake pan. Bake 45 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven & sprinkle top with cheese. Return to oven for 5 to 10 minutes or until cheese is melted. Let stand for at least 5 minutes & then serve "brownie style" in squares. Delicious!

Color Me Monday on Friday!

2009-07-17T12:42:00.000-07:00

When I saw this week's color combo I fell in love! So soft & pretty. It just took me a few days to find a few minutes to create! The card is the Matchbook concept from our awesome book "Wishes."

Happy Independence Day

2009-07-02T12:23:00.000-07:00

I LOVE the 4th of July! I have since I was a kid. Growing up in Pittsburgh we had a carnival every year at the park at the end of our street. I would get up really early & go down to the park & get a "job" for the day working at the pony rides. All day long I would lead the ponies around the course giving neighborhood kids rides. It was great fun. Then in the evening I'd jet back to the house to sit on the porch & watch the fireworks with my family. Sweet memories.

Now, here in Kailua, our 4th of July is packed from morning to night too! We start the day by going to Waikiki where Jack participates in a six man Hawaiian canoe race. It's a great day at the beach. Then we come back to the windward side & attend our church's 4th of July Concert...complete with a 50 piece orchestra, chorus & soloists. Then we dash back to Kailua & join our neighbors for our annual picnic. Everyone brings food to share. After the meal we set up our chairs on the sidewalk out front & watch the fireworks that are shot from Kailua Beach Park (a mile away). It's always a very full...very fun day!

Sketch #57

2009-06-23T14:05:00.000-07:00

Here's my take on this week's sketch from Creative Scrappers. My first time doing an online sketch challenge! I used all Close To My Heart products- the Animal Cookies Level 2 Paper Pack, D1254 Soul Mates, C1360 It's a Zoo & C1359 Sweet Baby, White Ric-Rac and Tulip, Clover Meadow & Dutch Blue ink pads. Topped it off with our awesome Dimensional Element Monograms.

2009-06-22T17:54:00.000-07:00

Every week our fearless leader, Jeanette Lynton shares another beautiful color combo on her blog. This week's combo really caught my eye. I jumped at the opportunity to get creative. My card features the File Pocket concept on page 89 of Wishes. Visit Jeanette's blog for more ideas. www.jeanettelynton.com

Happy Father's Day

2009-06-21T15:04:00.000-07:00

Here's the Father's Day card I made this year to send out to several of my favorite "guy" friends. Since Jack's father & my father have both passed away I still like to send cards on this special occasion. Fellow CTMH consultant, Nona Davenport has a wonderful tutorial on her website teaching how to make the cute shirt. Mahalo Nona for your sharing spirit. After all these years in the business, I stretched a bit & finally learned how to make it. See??? You really can teach an old dog new tricks!
Here's to all the special fathers out there.

It's a Dog Day Afternoon

2009-06-20T12:50:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I came across this great quote. I took literary license & changed the "he" to "she" since my Abbey is all girl.

"She never makes it her business to inquire whether you are in the right or wrong,
never bothers as to whether you are going up or down life's ladder,
never asks whether you are rich or poor, silly or wise, sinner or saint.
You are her pal. That is enough for her."
---Jerome K. Jerome---

2009-06-19T12:23:00.000-07:00

One of my 2009 projects is completing a 9x9 album of favorite photos. I love the 9x9 format. Close To My Heart calls it the "Goldilocks" of our albums because the size is "just right" for so many scrapbooking memories. I'll post some of the pages during the year. This photo has been a long time favorite. Taken in 1986, it shows my awesome mom with all her grandkids. The look on Mom's face is priceless. Love you Mom.

ScrapWorks- Moon Doggie

2009-06-05T10:18:00.000-07:00

This is the exclusive layout we'll create at ScrapWorks in June. Read all about ScrapWorks on my website http://sue.myctmh/ in My Calendar. Choose which date you'd like to attend.

2009-05-28T11:38:00.000-07:00

This card makes me happy. It's one of four cards in a box that will be an upcoming workshop (in July). The stamp set is C1356 Extreme Happiness. Fun, huh?