June Stamp of the Month Blog Hop

Welcome to the June Stamp of the Month Blog Hop!  It's so nice to be back on the hop!  The stamp set featured this month is S1206 Life is Tweet. This month we have 55 wonderful consultants participating and showing off their creations. 

If you have come from Judy's Blog then you are on the right track!

 This month's stamp set is great for cards and scrapbook layouts for events that are sweet like birthdays and anniversaries or just any tweet day!  I used this months stamp set to complete a layout featuring my first foster child and how "tweet" one woman was to give me many, many outfits and blankets and other things for her. 

Products used (all CTMH except where noted):

S1206 Life is Tweet Stamp Set
Bohemian Alphabet Stamp Set
Lucy Paper pack
Cotton Candy, Creme Brulee and Colonial White Cardstock 
Cotton Candy, Creme Brulee, Blush, and Pear Inks
Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge
Bitty Sparkles
Pink Button Assortment

Grey Wool Marker

This is the end of the hop but you can get back to the beginning by hopping on over to Kathleen's Blog to check out her beautiful artwork for this month!

 If you get lost along the way you can go to Helen's Blog to see the complete list of all the participants this month. 

Be sure to visit all the consultants at their blogs to get some other great ideas! Remember, the June SOTM is only available until June 30th!  Contact me (GrigsterN at yahoo.com) or click here to see how you can earn this stamp set for just $5!

Happy Mother's Day!

I just wanted to wish mothers of all types out there a Happy Mother's Day!  I myself get to partake in this holiday this year as well as does my sister-in-law and the new grandmom!  These are the cards that I made for the "moms" in my life.  Enjoy and have a wonderful day!  Also, these cards fit the challenge for the week over at the Heart 2 Heart challenges blog and it has been a while since I participated so I will link to that as well.

Just some crafty info for you:  The first and last cards were made with the Dotty for You paper pack promotion for this month.  Don't forget that if you place a $35 order you can add Dotty for You to your order for just $5!  The other cards use Roxy and Stella.

Dotty for You projects

I have been seeing so much artwork using Close to my Heart's Dotty for You paper pack and so even though I have been very busy with my new foster child I was inspired to clear some time while she was sleeping to make some projects with Dotty!  First up is a name banner that I made for her room, I had just enough mini-banner panels left from making a name banner for my nephew so it was perfect!

The second item is a welcome banner that now hangs on my from door.  I made this using CTMH's Mix and Mingle album.  Some of you may remember the one I did with Wonderland.  Well, since it isn't winter anymore I needed a nice bright springy one!

If you like these projects and want to get your own Dotty for You collection, you have until the end of May.  Simply place a $35 minimum order on my website and then add Dotty for just $5!  It's a great value that includes 24 double sided sheets of bright spring patterned papers!

Happy Easter! Dotty for You!

I had wanted to post pictures of these adorable milk cartons that I made for my cousins for Easter before the holiday occurred but well, better late than never I suppose!

They also fit the Heart 2 Heart Challenges Blog challenge for last week.

 

I used the CTMH spray pen to spray one in Crystal Blue and the other in Hollyhock.  I then used the My Peeps stamp set to stamp the bunnies and the eggs.  I colored the eggs with the water color pencils and tied a white ribbon around the middle to finish it off.  I would like to give credit to Lisa Stenz for this idea, I saw it on her blog a bit ago and thought they would be the perfect gift for my cousins!  They were filled with chocolate dipped peeps to match!

In keeping with this spring theme - Dotty for You is coming!  Starting Monday April 17th through the end of May, when you spend $35 in CTMH products from our Spring/Summer Idea book, you will be able to add the Dotty for You paper pack to your order for just $5!!  You get 24 sheets of yummy 2 sided papers - 12 designs, 2 of each, in our new cardstock weight.   These patterns are so bright, cheery and colorful you won't be able to resist! 

Check out my new website to get yours!

Last 2 days to get 75% your favorite CTMH products!

Time is running out to grab this incredible deal!!  Until Saturday March 31st, you can get over $400 in CTMH goodies for just $99!  How, you ask.....sign up as a Close to my Heart Consultant!

I love what I do, helping people gain their creative confidence and get those juices flowing!  I have so much fun and I get to choose how and when I work!  What could be better?!
 
Not only do you receive all of these products …


But the Cricut Art Philosophy Bundle or $100 in FREE PRODUCTS can be yours as well!

That’s well over $400 for a $99 investment and you can decide if you want to grow with it or just NAB the DEAL!  I am here to help you in whatever capacity you need and would love to have you on my growing team!  You can sign up online HERE.

I know there are a few more of you waiting to go for it on receive this AMAZING DEAL!  I know that I would do it if I could, I can't but YOU CAN!!

Crop this weekend and artwork to share

I will be vending at the Scrap 'N Support this Saturday at the Assumption Academy in Emerson, NJ and I just wanted to share the make and take layouts I will be offering for the croppers (in case you are one of them!)  The "classes" will be $10 for each 2 page layout.

The first one features Cruisin' and the cute little bottle caps and clips that add dimension to this layout.

 The second layout features Lucy and our new "springs"  I love how they give the layout a little extra "pop"!

The third layout features Florentine and is my personal favorite!

Maybe I'll see you Saturday - if not, happy crafting!

H2H color challenge (March 4th)

The challenge for last week over at the Heart 2 Heart Challenge Blog was a fun color challenge!  I love these kinds of challenges and somehow they always have a way of working very well with projects I need to complete.  Seeing that I recently became an aunt to my adorable nephew, Nathan, the colors of Sunkiss Yellow, Sky, and Sweet Leaf were perfect to do some pages for his book!

I dug out some old paper packs to get some patterned papers in Sky (Fanfare) and Sweet Leaf (Emporium).  I also used Sunkiss Yellow cardstock.  There is even a little pocket on the right hand page to hold the newspaper clipping from the day he was born.

Even though I am a couple days behind with this challenge, I hope you head on over to the H2H Blog to check out the other creations or to submit one of your own!

H2H Challenges 1-2-3 and Sketch

I am going to admit to not keeping current with my creation of items for the H2H Challenges but I just don't always get the time I want to sit down and make something.  I actually had that opportunity over the weekend and was kind of in a creative slump, I wanted to craft but had no direction whatsoever.  So I checked in with the challenges knowing I had liked several but not made anything.  I decided to further challenge myself to combine the challenges.  I managed to come up with a 2 page layout, one page that fits the 1-2-3 challenge (Feb 13th) to use 1 stamp, 2 patterned papers, and 3 embellishments, and a second that is my version of the sketch week challenge (Feb 20th).

Here is the first, the 1-2-3 layout of my adorable nephew, Nathan, who is already 1 month old!  I used the retired paper, Miracle to make this layout because the colors worked perfectly!

 

The second page is my scrapbook layout version of the sketch.  I thought that the vertical bar would be perfect for 2 tall photos. I added a little cluster of embellies in the corner and one additional photo to fill the empty space.  I like how it turned out.

 

And finally, these are the 2 pages together.  Pardon the glare on the photo, I recently relocated my crafting space and need to find a new photo spot.

 I invite you to head on over to the H2H Challenges blog and get your February entries in before the end of this week and check out all the other inspirational artwork that has been posted!

Studio J - Five for free in February!

I am so excited to announce that I am an aunt!!  My brother and sister-in-law had a new baby boy on January 27th!   What's even better - I not only got to see him that day, but when I came home, I uploaded the pictures and used Studio J to create the first 3 layouts that will go in his scrapbook.  Still better - it only took me 2 hours to make those layouts and I was able to get 2 sets, one for his book, and one for mine! Easy Peasy!  And Close to my Heart is having a great Studio J special this month, read about it below.  Check out how adorable he is!

DOUBLE YOUR LAYOUTS with our Five for Free promotion! For each Studio J® 5-pack (SJ5P) you purchase this February, you’ll get one free 5-pack. That means you get 10 layouts for just $55—that’s just $2.75 per page, with free shipping! Even if you’re already taking advantage of Studio J’s incredibly low members-only pricing, you’ll save even more when you purchase 5-packs through this special February deal!
Studio J 5-packs include everything you need to have 5 two-page layouts (that’s 10 scrapbook pages!) shipped to your door ready for your scrapbook album. Each 5-pack can be redeemed for up to:
• 5 two-page layouts
• 5 Memory Protectors®
• Free shipping and handling
Whether you’re looking for an affordable gift or a way to save money on your own layouts, Studio J 5-packs offer you convenience and savings. Keep one for yourself and give one as a gift!

Visit Studio J on my website and start creating your own beautiful layouts, starting February 1, 2012 (9 am MST).

Dates: Offer valid February 1, 2012–February 29, 2012.

 Feel free to contact me (GrigsterN at yahoo.com) if you need help getting started or would like to order your 5-packs!

February Stamp of the Month Blog Hop

Welcome to the February Stamp of the Month Blog Hop!  This hop marks the first stamp of the month set from our Spring/Summer Idea book!  The stamp set featured this month is S1202 Thoughtful Tidings. This month we have 60 wonderful consultants participating and showing off their creations. 

If you have come from Carol's Blog, then you are on the right track!

 This month's stamp set is great for cards of all types.  There are great sentiments that could be used for a great number of occasions.   I made a card using this stamp set, the Footloose papers as well as some help from my handy dandy Art Philosophy Cartridge!  I even got my spray pen out and had some fun with White spritz! This card is 4.5" by 4.5".

Products used (all CTMH except where noted):

S1202Thoughtful Tidings Stamp Set
Footloose paper packs 
Pear and White Daisy Cardstock 
Smoothie and Pear Inks
Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge
Durables Studs Round

Spritz in White Daisy (spray pen and white daisy reinker)

Now "hop" on over to Allisa's Blog and check out her beautiful artwork for this month!

 If you get lost along the way you can go to Helen's Blog to see the complete list of all the participants this month. 

Be sure to visit all the consultants at their blogs to get some other great ideas! Remember, the February SOTM is only available until February 29th!  Contact me (GrigsterN at yahoo.com) or click here to see how you can earn this stamp set for just $5!

Spring Summer 2012 Idea Book New Product Blog Hop!

Welcome to the New Product Spring/Summer Idea Book Blog Hop!  This hop marks the introduction of a brand new Idea book and allows you a sneak peak at all the fabulous new things you will be able to order come February 1st!!  This hop has 27 wonderful consultants participating and showing off their creations. 

If you have come from Jean's Blog, then you are on the right track!

 

For this hop I decided to make a couple of scrapbook pages because some of the new paper packs coordinated so nicely with the pictures I had!  The first layout features the Crusin' paper pack along with the silver foil stickease complements that match.  I also borrowed the layout idea from the Victory Workshop on the Go!

The second layout features the Footloose paper pack and the matching chipboard complements.  This pack is perfect for beach photos!

Products used (all CTMH except where noted):

Footloose paper pack
Footloose  complements dimensional elements chipboard shapes
Keepsake felt alphabet
Just Chillin' stamp set
Smoothie, Pear, Lagoon, Creme Brulee, New England Ivy and Sweet leaf ink pads
Crusin' paper pack
Crusin' complements silver foil images
Bottle Caps
Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge

Now "hop" on over to Jen's Blog and check out her beautiful artwork for this special hop!

Be sure to visit all the consultants at their blogs to get some other great ideas! Remember, the new products will be available starting February 1st!  Contact me (GrigsterN at yahoo.com) to place an order or shop on my website!

Heart 2 Heart Color Challenge

Since it is a little harder now for me to find time to get crafty, I have decided that I will challenge myself to participate in the H2H challenges more often.  This will force me to make crafty time!  I got to spend some time crafting this evening actually and I came up with this cute little box/purse in the colors of Amethyst and Crystal Blue for the Heart 2 Heart Challenge for this week.  I also took the plus challenge and added some glitter!  I got this idea from the new Spring/Summer Idea book which will be available to everyone on February 1st.  It is fantastic!

I used paper from the Wonderland paper pack as well as Amethyst cardstock.  The CTMH Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge was a huge help in making the little bag cutout as well as the snowflake and the tag.  I incorporated the stamp set from this months special, Rock the Block to create the border and the saying on the tag.  If you look closely you'll even see 2 brand new CTMH products that I used!
Thanks for looking and be sure to stop on over to the H2H Challenges Blog and check out all the other artwork!

Heart 2 Heart Challenge - NEW!

I haven't yet shared this adorable piece of home decor I made.  I needed something wintery to hang on my front door after all the Christmas decorations had been taken down so I found a mix and mingle album that had not yet been used and got to work!  I love the Wonderland paper pack but seeing that we haven't had any snow (and this is not me hoping for any...)  I haven't had a use for the paper but wanted to use it so badly, so it just seemed fitting to put the 2 together.  This project also fits the H2H challenge for this week to find a stamp set that you haven't used yet or used in a long time and make something with it.  The stamp set I used, Winter Joy, was one that I ordered in the summer right after the CTMH convention and didn't use until this project, just the other day!

I love how this turned out and I now love returning home at the end of the day just to see it shimmering on my front door!    I also added some of the Icing Top Coats and bling for a little something extra.  I hope you enjoyed my project and be sure to check out all the other entries this week over at the H2H Challenge Blog.

Thanks for stopping by!

A little reminder - January Stamp of the Month Blog hop!

Happy New Year!!! 

Welcome to the January Stamp of the Month Blog Hop!  This hop marks the last stamp of the month set from our Autumn/Winter Idea book already - almost time for a new one!  The stamp set featured this month is S1201 Little Reminder. This month we have 54 wonderful consultants participating and showing off their creations. 

If you have come from Angel's Blog, then you are on the right track!

 

This month's stamp set is great for any occasion where you might need to remember or mark a date.  It would be great to use to announce a special event or send out reminders for the date for a special event.  I used it on 2 projects, a page layout that celebrates the 4th of July (I know, I'm a little behind!) and a card that will go to my sister-in-law when my nephew is born in February (yep, a little ahead of the game!).

4th of July Layout

Close-up of the stamped date

Card for baby (the date is just his due date and not attached permanently!)

The layout I created features the Dreamin' and Elemental Paper packs as well as some stars and fireworks cut using the Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge...it just doesn't get old!

The card uses the very small scraps I have left of one of my favorite paper packs, Aspen.  It has been retired for a while now but you can still use it in Studio J!  I used one of the line stamps from this set to make the cris-cross pattern on the dark blue piece of paper as well as the lines around the outer edge of the card.

Products used (all CTMH except where noted):

S1201 Little Reminder Stamp Set
Dreamin', Elemental, and Aspen paper packs 
Outdoor Denim, Twilight, Creme Brulee, Colonial White, Pacifica, and Cranberry Cardstock 
Outdoor Denim, Colonial White, Cranberry, and Pacifica Inks
Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge
Bitty Sparkles and Sparkles

Glitz Glitter gel in Red and Silver

Cranberry Ribbon

Colonial White Designer Brads

Journaling Spots

Now "hop" on over to Dawn's Blog and check out her beautiful artwork for this month!

 If you get lost along the way you can go to Helen's Blog to see the complete list of all the participants this month. 

Be sure to visit all the consultants at their blogs to get some other great ideas! Remember, the January SOTM is only available until January 31st!  Contact me (GrigsterN at yahoo.com) or click here to see how you can earn this stamp set for just $5!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

 Enjoy a wonderful holiday with family and friends!

Scrap That Holiday Crop Preview!

It has been quite a while since I have taught classes at ScrapThat and I am excited to be there this Saturday for their 3rd Annual Holiday Crop!   I will have some awesome make and takes and I wanted to give you a sneak peek in case you want to reserve your kit(s) early as there are limited quantities and they will most likely sell out.

Wonderland Layout  $8 (Inspired by Helen Onulak)

Typeset Family Layout $8

Christmas tag box with 20 tags  $15

4 different tags, 5 of each

The 3 pictured above are the newest creations, I will also have a Halloween layout, a Christmas layout, a Veranda layout and some all-occasion cards.  Prices vary from $5- $15.

If you would like to reserve your kit in advance, please either comment here or call/email me!  Thanks and hope to see you there!!

New Clearance Items and lower prices!!

If you are looking for a great deal on some CTMH products, new ones have just been added to the While Supplies Last section on my shopping website! 

     Some of these items include:
        Wings Level 1 Paper Pack ($5)
        Wings Level 2 Paper pack ($5)
        Wings My Stickease ($2)
        Sweetheart Paper Packs - same deals as above
        Tons of Cardstock!!!  -   8.5 by 11 multi packs for $7 and 12 by 12 multi packs for $7

Sweetheart Project Idea

Also - new reductions have been taken on some of the items that were previously listed:

     Lucky and Mayberry Level 1 Kits are just $2!!  That's 80% off!  These kits go together in a jiffy or make  a great gift!

Shop Now!

December SOTM blog hop

Welcome to the December Stamp of the Month Blog Hop!  I can't believe it is December already!  The stamp set featured this month is S1112 Mad About You. This month we have 56 wonderful consultants participating and showing off their creations. This stamp set is great for projects for someone you love and looks great on cards, tags, scrapbook pages, and 3-D projects!

If you have come from Amy's Blog, then you are on the right track!

 

This month's stamp set is great for any occasion where you might need something special for that special someone or just want to express your love for whatever it is you love.  It took me a while to get into this stamp set, I'm not really the mushy, gushy, lovey-dove type.   As I was looking through the Art Philosophy booklet I found some shapes that I wanted to play with and that was how these 2 cards were born. 

The first card is cut using one of the card shapes from the Art Philosophy Cartridge.  Still loving it!!  The card is 4.25" by 4.25" and the 2" heart of this stamp set fits perfectly in the cut out shape!  I was hoping that would happen.  :)

The second card is an easel card and I had a lot of fun playing with the placement of the hearts and bling.  The hearts and the banner shape were also cut with the Cricut Cartridge.  I used papers from the Roxie paper pack.

Products used (all CTMH except where noted):

S1112 Mad About You Stamp Set
Roxie paper packet
Vanilla Cream, and Kraft Cardstock
Smoothie, Tulip, Desert Sand, and Black Inks
Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge
Bitty Sparkles and Sparkles

Now "hop" on over to Dawn's Blog and check out her beautiful artwork for this month!

 If you get lost along the way you can go to Helen's Blog to see the complete list of all the participants this month. 

Be sure to visit all the consultants at their blogs to get some other great ideas! Remember, the December SOTM is only available until December 31st!  Contact me (GrigsterN at yahoo.com) or click here to see how you can earn this stamp set for just $5!

Holiday Wishes to you!

I have been so busy getting ready for the holidays and a baby shower tucked nicely in between and have been neglecting my poor blog!  Last weekend I held my holiday card workshop and it was lots of fun!  One of my attendees, Sue, even used this month's campaign stamp, Holiday Wishes on her card.  Check it out, so pretty!

Don't forget that if you want to get your hands on this great stamp - here's what you have to do:  Place an order that contains $25 of CTMH stamp sets, then add Holiday Magic for just $5!  But only until November 30th!  Also, this stamp set works beautifully with the CTMH Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge!

Happy Holiday Crafting!