So Thankful Scrapbook Layout

Here's a 2-pager I recently created to showcase our Thanksgiving this year.

I used a mix of current and retired CTMH papers and accessories. The stitch lines on the felt shapes were created with a gold Metallic marker.

The title was created using the new Irresistibles Houndstooth Alphabet. I colored the letters with CTMH alcohol markers which blend beautifully together and help tie in my paper colors. The "so" in the title is from the Felt Keepsake Alphabet.

Supplies used (all CTMH unless otherwise noted):
Paper: Colonial White Cardstock, Olivia (retired),
Stamps: none
Ink:  Alcohol Markers, Metallic Markers
Other: Heartfelt Shapes (retired), Irressistbles  Houndstooth Collection, Felt Alphabet 

Flirty Fall Scrapbook Layouts

It's been awhile since I've posted a traditional 12 x 12 scrapbook layout. Today I leveraged the fun Flirty WOTG to create these two fall layouts.

Layout 1

 For the first layout I pretty much stuck to the WOTG. The only change I made was the size of the main picture. The original layout called for 3 x 3 blocks of photos and pattern paper. I changed it to include a 6 x 6 family photo instead.

The WOTG kit includes a package of colored chipboard shapes, My Reflections Complements. The dimension and coloring is gorgeous. Of course I had to bling it up a little with some Clear Sparkles, also included in the WOTG kit!

For the second layout I kept the main layout idea but changed the background pages and size of photos.

Layout 2

I had quite a few photos of this pumpkin filled day from 2010 so I opted to include a flip flap to the top of the layout to add more photos.

The flip flaps are pretty amazing! They come with adhesive strips to attach directly to your page protectors! For consistency I kept the design from the front the same on the inside pages of the flip flap.

The photo on the base page was created using the collage feature on Picassa, a free photo editing program. With the addition of the flip flap and Picasa I was able to get an additional 12 photos on one 12 x 12 page!!

P.S. Don't forget about the December Mystery Hostess Special. Join the Mystery Hostess gathering on my website to order your Flirty WOTG and you'll automatically be entered for a chance to earn free products! 

Enabler Alert: $10 Special!!!

Celebrate National Papercrafting Month with an incredible deal—our Whooo’s Your Valentine kit (CC1022) for only $10!  Combine your love of papercrafting with the contents of this kit to create personalized valentines—perfect for classrooms and other group settings. This darling kit, which retails for $40, can be yours for only $10 when you spend $35 or more in Close To My Heart product from the Autumn/Winter 2012 Idea Book.

You’ll receive 12 die-cut boxes, 3 cardstock sheets, 1 sheet of silver glitter paper, 12 treat tubes, and an exclusive D-size stamp set created specifically for the kit. This kit offers you a sneak peek at two new Spring/Summer 2013 products: the treat tubes and the silver glitter paper! Decorate the die-cut boxes with the stamp images, cardstock, and glitter paper. Then attach the clear tube and fill with treats for valentines in a cinch!

This special is available December 13th at 9 am (MST), 2012 - January 31 (11:59 MST), 2013. One per qualifying order. When you order don't forget to join my December Mystery Hostess Gathering for a chance to win FREE products from me! To join select the Mystery Hostess Gathering on the bottom right of my website.

For the Deal Seeker...

Paper Packs for $2.00...Embellishments for $1.50...Combo items for $4.00...its Deals, Deals, Deals in December!!!

While Supplies Last

With the holiday's rapidly approaching CTMH has made it even easier to get some last minute deals for yourself or your loved ones. Starting now, new items will be posted to the "While Supplies Last:" section of my website. Among the new additions you will find a wide variety of paper and coordinating accessories  all with substantial markdowns!

Sample of Sale Items

And, to sweeten the deal even more, from December 1-31, all orders placed on my website that reach or exceed $50 will also include a free Bonding Memories glue pen (Z553) - $a $4.50 value!

Mystery Hostess Special

Plus, on top of those great deals all orders placed through the "Mystery Hostess" link will be eligible for an additional $25 (or more) in free products!! You must order through the link to be eligible. Please make sure to "Join" the gathering before you purchase.

December Stamp of the Month - Year Round Cheer

Each month you can enjoy a new D-size stamp set, available for one month only, for just $5—that’s over 70% off retail! When you place an order of $50 or more in Close To My Heart products, you qualify for this special Stamp of the Month pricing.

Wish List

If your family and friends are struggling with what to get you this year send them your CTMH Wish List! Go HERE to print one off and fill out. You can either deliver it directly to your peeps or send it to me with a list of recipients and I'll deliver it for you! Gift certificates are also available for purchase!

For your friends and family that purchase online make sure to remind them to "Join" the Hostess Gathering for your chance to win even more items for FREE!

30 Days of Gratitude - Weeks 3 & 4

Here are weeks 2 & 3 of my 2012 Gratitude Journal (you can click on the photos for a bigger view):

Day 16: My DVR
Day17: Creative Time

Day 18: Girl Time
Day 19: My Chiropractor

Day 20: Healthy Babies & Growing Families
Day 21: Getting out of work early

Day 22: My Parents
Day 23: Lazy Days

Day 24: The Gym
Day 25: Husband that pushes me

Day 26: Kids who like school
Day 27: Our Church

Day 28: E-Meals
Day 29: Pedicures

Day 30: Date Night!

Back Inside Cover



My Journal Closed

I learned a few things while doing this daily journal:

1. Perfect pictures aren't realistic. Use what you have...that's part of documenting the process.
2. Make sure you have strong adhesive to bind the book.
3. With binding make sure to account for the thickness of the pictures/cards...also relates to #2!
4. Jot notes daily and then complete 1 week at a time.
5. Tell the "why." It's easy to write who and what but going a little deeper is what makes this special.
6. Have fun!!
7. Make it an annual thing!!

Here is Week 1 (with album construction) and Week 2.

Stamping with Dimensional Elements & Your Cricut

Discover how combining stamps and dimensional elements with your Cricut^® Artiste collection cut-outs can make your artwork stand out!



Thanks CTMH Art Deparment for such wonderful ideas. Isn't that mailbox super cute!! If you don't have the Cricut Artiste Collection now is the perfect time to add it to your holiday wish list. Contact me for more details or visit my website HERE.

30 Days of Gratitude - Week 2

Feel free to click on the photo to read the stories.

Day 8: Cuddle Time
Day 9: My Hubby

This week wasn't the easiest. Work was the worst its been in a long time. It wasn't the volume of work or being super busy. It was because of major drama and feeling like I lost a close friend. It certainly was not the way I envisoned my week to go.

Day 10: Sunsets
Day 11: Good Attitude

There were a couple of days where I felt like I had to really think about what I was grateful for. It was a good exercise though and I'm glad Dan and the kids made me think about it each night at dinner.

Day 12: Women's Support
Day 13: Laughter

I could easily have slipped into that dark moody place that nobody likes. But instead, I chose to find something good and focus on the positive!

Day 14: Old Friends
Day 15: Peace

I absolutely L-O-V-E this project! It's fun, it's simple, it's therapy and it's easy! If you want to see Week 1 and my album design please visit THIS POST.

Thanks for looking!