Michelle's Creative Connections

Christmas Gift Boxes

2011-11-09T14:01:00.001-05:00

Don't you just love these adorable little boxes and gift tag?

They will be perfect for hanging on the tree.

They will keep safe those Christmas gift cards and little treasures.

I made these using

Close To My Heart's Cricut cartridge, Art Philosophy.

This amazing cricut cartridge contains 700 images!

It contains layered images, coordinating tags and cards,

2 full fonts and numbers, and 3D images.

The possibilities are endless!

Christmas Card Workshop

2011-10-10T23:42:00.000-04:00

I am really jazzed about these cards because I was able to make them ALL using:

1 12x12 red cardstock

1 12x12 double sided patterned paper

4 8.5x11 white cardstock

6 envelopes

1 1/2 ft red ribbon

Envelope Album

2011-09-07T12:02:00.001-04:00

Check out this easy to make

Envelope Album...

cover

opened up

I used 6 envelopes (sealed each flap to the back of the next envelope), a cover and decorated inserts in each envelope.

I can't decide what I want to do with my album... I might use it to hold photos of my boys, or as a purse organizer (coupons, receipts, to do list, etc...). I might even use it as one of those budget organizers - where you put your allotted cash into each envelope. I make one out of smaller envelopes to hold business cards.

So many possibilties and so easy to make!

MARCH WORKSHOP: All About Alphabets!

2011-03-18T01:32:00.000-04:00

The possibilities are endless when it comes to using Close To My Heart's Clear Stamps. Their alphabets are what first caught my attention when I was checking out their products, and they are still one of my favorite items. At this workshop, we are going to make wonderfully personalized gifts and cards using some of CTMH's beautiful alphabet stamps.

As many of my friends know, I have this obsession about rocks. For years I had been wanting to find a way to put words and verses on rocks - CTMH held the answer. It is so easy to put YOUR MESSAGE on a rock using Staz-on ink and CTMH's clear stamps. At this workshop, you will put your own favorite word on a rock. I will be showing you some indispensable secrets that will ensure your success for this project. Practice with this little project, then you can graduate up to putting entire verses and sayings on your rocks.

This simple and elegant card was made using the new Bohemian Alphabet set. That special friend will feel so treasured when they receive this personal card.

Our block style Baroque Alphabet set is perfect for this style of card. You can change up the colors and personalize it for many occasions. Words like BABY, LOVE, HOPE, HOME, NOEL, are all possibilities.

My alphabet stamps are used to personalize so many things around our house. We have personalized birthday gifts (tool boxes, shovel handles, gift bags) to make them extra special. Each guest at the workshop will be able to personalize a canvas bag/backpack. I have many colors available.

Be sure to reserve your space at my workshop!

Thanksgiving Thoughts

2010-11-25T09:18:00.000-05:00

Do you ever have those times when a sermon or a story just stays with you? It keeps coming back to you over and over? It touches such a place deep in your soul that it seeps in and changes you? Well, this happened last Sunday morning. Our Associate Pastor, Ron Dingus, brought to mind 2 examples of people who responded with Thanksgiving.
The first example was Bible commentator Matthew Henry. Many years ago as he was walking home one night he was robbed of all his money. Knowing that it was his duty to give thanks in everything, he meditated on this incident and recorded this prayer in his diary:

“Let me be thankful first because I was never robbed before; second, because although they took my purse, they did not take my life; third, because although they took my all, it was not much; and fourth, because it was I who was robbed, not I who robbed.” (Matthew Henry)

This is a great example of “giving thanks in all circumstances.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). I can’t help but wonder how I would respond in that situation. It is not in our nature to give thanks in difficult times - especially when we are hurt by others. I don’t even think it is humanly possible. It has to be one of those, “OK, God, I can’t do this so you take over” kind of dependencies on Him. I bet you have a difficult person or difficult situation that you are dealing with right now, don‘t you? (If you don’t, just give it some time.) We can be encouraged by Matthew Henry’s example and strive to look at it through the eyes of Thanksgiving and offer up a prayer of thanks for all the good that is surrounding it. It may not change the situation, but it certain can change us.
The second example is a woman we all know, but I have never heard her used as an example in a Thanksgiving sermon. Her story can be found in Matthew 26:6-13. She is known as the woman of ill-repute, an immoral woman, a sinner. Jesus had touched her life. She would never be the same. She was so driven with gratitude that nothing could hold her back from displaying it - she did not worry about how much it cost her, what others thought of her or what others said about her. Her focus was Jesus. It was all about Him. She displayed her love for Him with such bold and reckless abandonment. I want to be like that! My Lord has done so much for me. I want to come to the place where I am willing to demonstrate my love, devotion and gratitude to Him with no thought of what it costs me or what others think

Cece Winens captures the beauty of this woman’s deep devotion and compelling love in her song, “Alabaster Box”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5zIOcBiTGg&feature=fvsr

THE ALABASTER BOX
The room grew still
As she made her way to Jesus
She stumbles through the tears that made her blind
She felt such pain
Some spoke in anger
Heard folks whisper
There's no place here for her kind
Still on she came
Through the shame that flushed her face
Until at last, she knelt before his feet
And though she spoke no words
Everything she said was heard
As she poured her love for the Master
From her box of alabaster

And I've come to pour
My praise on Him
Like oil from Mary's alabaster box
Don't be angry if I wash his feet with my tears
And I dry them with my hair
You weren't there the night He found me
You did not feel what I felt
When he wrapped his love all around me and
You don't know the cost of the oil
In my alabaster box

I can't forget the way life used to be
I was a prisoner to the sin that had me bound
And I spent my days
Poured my life without measure
Into a little treasure box
I'd thought I'd found
Until the day when Jesus came to me
And healed my soul
With the wonder of His touch
So now I'm giving back to Him
All the praise He's worthy of
I've been forgiven
And that's why
I love Him so much

And I've come to pour
My praise on Him
Like oil from Mary's alabaster box
Don't be angry if I wash his feet with my tears
And dry them with my hair (my hair)
You weren't there the night Jesus found me
You did not feel what I felt
When He wrapped his loving arms around me and
You don't know the cost of the oil
Oh, you don't know the cost of my praise
You don't know the cost of the oil
In my alabaster box

Thanks for letting me share my heart with you. Praying your Thanksgiving is filled with genuine praise, devotion and a reckless love for our Lord!

~michelle

6x6 Desk Calendar

2010-11-01T15:11:00.001-04:00

DESK CALENDAR

Each page measures 6 x6

Stamp sets used: Everlasting Life, Make It Count, and Moments In Time

Papers: Cherry-O, Olivia, Magnifique, and Moon Doggie

Hope you enjoy it!

Christmas Card Workshop

2010-10-14T00:18:00.000-04:00

Here are the pictures of the cards we are going to make at our October workshop.

Going clockwise...

1. The wreath is gold embossed on a dark green background. I love the simple elegance of this card.

2. Our cardinal is from a beautiful stamp set call "Harmony". This is a fast and easy card to make using a stencil technique with a sponge dauber. So simple. So beautiful.

3. On the easle card (link in previous blog on how to make these) I used the quote and baby Jesus from the "Christmas Story" stamp set.

The blending pen makes coloring in the Baby Jesus much easier and smoother.

4. On the last card, I used one of the Wishes patterens, called "Just Right" as the design. This stamp set, "A Timber", only costs $7.95. Couple that with a pack of the Mistletoe Christmas papers, and you have inexpensive tools for making your Christmas cards.

Merry Christmas - a bit early!

~michelle

Easle Card Workshop

2010-09-06T23:02:00.002-04:00

You might be wondering what happened to me - haven't posted since JUNE! Well, I've been busy making lemonade out of some of those lemons that life throws you sometimes. So bear with me while I attempt to update my blog and show you a sweet little project or two now that I have my creative juices flowing again...

Both of these projects use CTMH's new paperline, Magnifique and the beautiful stamp sets, "Circle of Love" and "Everlasting Life" . You can view all of them in our online catalog by clicking HERE.
These would be nice to use as a sympathy card (I regretfully have a few of those to send off), or as encouragement cards.

This easle card is a miniature version of the 6x6 standard size. My friend, Anita, did a great job of trimming it down to this adorable size (you can get 4 from one 12x12 sheet of cardstock) . The base is made from a 4x8 piece of white cardstock, scored at 2" and 4". The front of the card is a 4" x 4" square. The card can lie flat for mailing, and then the recipient can popped it up by tucking it behind the raised section in the front. I used foam tape to raise my peacock feather image up a bit off the surface. I have also seen brads or buttons used. The brown on the easle card is chalked. You can't see it in the photo very well, but I also clear embossed the feather image by the verse.

For a tutorial on how to make this card, click HERE

Here is a bookmark to tuck into that inspirational book you know your friend would love to receive as a gift.

Both of these projects will be featured at my September workshop.

I'm looking forward to seeing some of you there!

Masculine Card Workshop

2010-06-04T22:38:00.001-04:00

For the month of June, we will be honoring the men in our lives with 4 handmade cards and one gift.

These can be used for Father's Day, graduation, birthday or just because you love him!

Melissa Burch posted this idea on her blog,

and I changed it up a bit to suit a Pastor.
The tie/shirt part of the card slides out of the "jacket".

This would also be a nice one to make for a boss.

This one features one of our CTMH's new Acrylic Cards.

Working on a clear medium offeres so many possibilities.

This one is made as a Father's Day card,

but you can easily change it up a bit to make it for

your husband, son, brother, or grandfather.

This card features the chalk-popping technique.

You might recognize it because I posted it earlier to use at another workshop.

This Pop-Up Gift Card Holder is a cinch to make.

I like how it adds that personal touch to any gift card.

Jane Matsumoto has a great tutorial on her blog on how to make it.

Kristine Fowler also has a really classy version of one on her blog.

Gift Card Holder opened

April Nourse posted the idea of a homemade Car Air Freshner.

I loved the idea and had to try it out.

I am still working out a few of the kinks,

but I hope to be ready for us to make them at our workshop.

I'm looking forward to seeing you at June's Workshop!

Scrapbook Event - Coming up!

2010-05-26T22:35:00.006-04:00

If you want to have a refeshing time AWAY from housework and those darling children of yours so you can SCRAPBOOK to your heart's delight WITH YOUR FRIENDS- then you need to attend the

North Georgia Scrapbook Event

On Saturday, June 12, 2010

at Hollywood Baptist Church in beautiful Hollywood, Georgia

from 10:00 am - 10:00 pm (if you can not attend for the entire time, come for the time you can).

Cost: $10.00

My friend, Amy, has done a great job hosting this brain-child of hers for the past 3 years. She gives away a TON of papercrafting goodies (it is well worth your $10), and she makes us do these crazy scrapbook contests and games (in which we spend a lot of time laughing at each other). The amazing thing is we even get some scrapbooking done. The best part is you might even make a few new friends while you are there.

She has asked me to conduct a few workshops for her event, so I will be doing one on

CHIPBOARD - WHAT DO YOU DO WITH IT?

We will make this 12x12 layout which highlights 7 Chipboard Embellishing Techniques.

I will demostrate the 7 techniques and then you will get to apply what you have learned to your own set of letters (pick your own word for your layout). I will provide all the tools, inks and supplies for you to use.

You will need to bring your own scissors, adhesive and papercutter.

Workshop Supply Fee: $15.00

Please pre-register for this class at http://northgeorgiascrapbookevent.blogspot.com/search/label/Classes

Each workshop guest will receive their own

1. Complete set of capital chipboard letters

2. 4 sheets of cardstock

3. A sheet of patterned paper from the Cherry-O set from Close To My Heart

4. Cordinating ribbon

In my other workshop, we will make

5 VINTAGE CARDS using the CHALK POPPING TECHNIQUE. I love this look, and you are going to love how easy it is to make these cards. You are also going to love the affordable price of this workshop - only a $5 supply fee.

Supply Fee: $5.00

Please pre-register for this class at http://northgeorgiascrapbookevent.blogspot.com/search/label/Classes

Fast, Simple, Easy Scrapbook Pages

2010-04-28T16:17:00.009-04:00

For our May Workshop, we will be doing a 2 page layout that really does keep to Close To My Heart's motto of being FAST, SIMPLE AND EASY.

The LEFT side will be taken from a LEVEL 1 KIT (your choice from those pictured below). These preprinted layouts make it so easy to create beautiful scrapbook pages in a flash. We will be using the alphabet stamps to make your own personalized titles. I like to use an enlarged photo on my left page - one that really captures the essence of our event. You can use any size or number of photos you like.

For the RIGHT side of our 2 page layout, we will use CTMH's photo storage pages. They hold SIX 4"x6" photos on the front and 6 more on back. This is a great way to get a lot of photos into your scrapbooks with very little effort. We will also add a FLIP FLAP to the pocket page, which adds another 2 photos and a fun interactive element to your page. You can also make one or two pockets into journaling or title blocks.

FINALLY, our trip to Ghostown from 2 years ago is saved onto my scrapbook pages!

Here my "assistent", Joel, holds open one of the FLIP FLAPS, so you can see how they work.

If you live in Northeast Georgia and want to attend one of my workshops, just go to my website to get more information.

If you don't live close enough to attend, but want to order any of our Close To My Heart Products, just visit http://mbourlet.myctmh.com/

Flowers & Filigrees Cards

2010-02-27T10:08:00.004-05:00

Here are a few cards that we will be making at my March Workshops. They all use the March Stamp of Month called "A Little Everything". This set of 26 stamps does have a little of everything! It is perfect for all-occasion cardmaking and scrapbook journalling spots.

These cards also feature the Just Blooms Paper Flowers. There are so many ways to embellish and alter these wonderful little flowers - they can be dyed with re-inkers, stamped, chalked, and sponged.

"MANY THANKS" CARD:

Made with the Sweet Home papers.

The flower is sponged with Indian Corn Blue ink using a sponge dauber,

and topped off with a threaded button.

"THANKS FOR ALL YOU DO" CARD:

Made with the Top Stitch papers.

The flower is dyed with blush re-inker and stamped with

the "Playful Fourishes" stamp set in Blush ink,

and topped off with a Filigree Charm.

"HAVE A HAPPY BIRTHDAY" CARD:

Made with the That's Amore papers.

The flower is dyed with blush re-inker and chalked a bit on the edges,

then topped off with a Filigree Charm.

"CELEBRATE" CARD:

Made with the Veranda Creative Basics papers.

The flower is left untouched,

and topped off a a Bigger Brad and a crocheted flower dyed with a creme brulee re-inker.

If you live in my area and want to attend this workshop,

just check out my calendar and contact me to pre-register.

Valentine Treats/Party Favors

2010-02-01T23:10:00.005-05:00

Homemade Valentines and Party Favors speak your heart better than

any store bought sentiment. Mine have a Valentine theme,

but each one of these could be adapted to suit any holiday or

occasion where you would need party favors.

Here are a few I have put together for

an upcoming workshop next week.

Going from left to right starting in the back, we have the

Little Owl Peek-a-Boo Treat Holder, A Bagalope (a bag made from

an envelope), the So Glad We're Friends Tea Bag Holder,

The Pull-Up Chocolate Bar Slider, A Lollipop Cover,

and a Nugget Tent.

Here is a shot of the ones that open up to reveal a treat inside...

January Blog Hop

2009-12-31T16:00:00.003-05:00

Welcome to the January BLOG HOP.

If you have arrived from Kim O'Rear's blog, you are hopping along the right path.

All of the artwork in this hop features CTMH's January Stamp of the Month, entitled "True Friends". It is a very versitile set of stamps that includes 4 friendship quotes, 3 brackets, and 4 frames that are great for cardmaking and scrapbooking journal spots.

Journal

On this blank journal, I have used the SOTM to frame my "ideas". I just LOVE these blank journals. They can be used for so many things. As you can see, this one is going to be a place to keep my ideas for upcoming workshops, cards and scrapbook pages. I need to order about 10 more journals, because I would like to have one for my favorite quotes, recipes, notes from my devotions and prayer list, a travel log, a sketch book, an address book, a brag book, guest book, the list could go on and on! Another fun feature about this journal is it has a clear pocket front, so you can change out the front as much as you like.

The tabs were made just by gluing 2 circles back to back with the page sandwiched inbetween.

On the inside back cover, I adhered an flip flap photo sleeve so I could store removable lists there.

All supplies used are from Close To My Heart:

My Creations Journal

Veranda paper pack

Creme Brulee Cardstock

Antiqued Copper Mini Medley Accents Collection

Rub-Ons: Love Letters

Stamp sets: Jan SOTM, True Friends

State of Mind

Felicity

Mini Double Pocket Card

This mini double pocket card starts out from a 5"x 6" piece of patterned paper.

The finished mini card measures 2 1/2" x 3".

Our 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 envelope flat is the perfect companion for this little gift card.

For a tutorial on how to make the full size double pocket card, click here.

Now hop along to Angela Tutton's blog to see some awesome artwork.

Here is a complete list of blog participants if you get lost along the way:

Helen Onulak http://hookedonstamping.com/
Jena DeVries http://livelovelaughscrapbook.blogspot.com/
Jessica Booth http://jessicabooth.blogspot.com/
Carla Ironside http://carlacreates.blogspot.com/
Lori Miller http://clearlyfromtheheart.blogspot.com/
Misty Jackson http://misstscraps.blogspot.com/
Jen Patrick http://roxybonds-scrappin.blogspot.com/
Susan Brooks http://stampingintheopen.blogspot.com/
Kathleen Androlewicz http://bowlofstamps.blogspot.com/
Dawn Ross http://iamahappystamper.blogspot.com/
Amy McVey http://clearlystamping.blogspot.com/
Antoinette Herrin http://godblessyourart.blogspot.com/
Jill Lucas http://scrapwench.blogspot.com/
Barbra Otten http://barbraotten.blogspot.com/
Lori Brown http://savingmine.blogspot.com/
Brae Montgomery http://thebrae-er.blogspot.com/
Wanda Riley http://creatingwithwanda.blogspot.com/
Adeline E. Brill http://adeline-brill.blogspot.com/
Kami Welter http://scrappin4memories.blogspot.com/
Judy Burger http://makingtimeformemories.blogspot.com/
Pamela O'Connor http://cherishyourmemories.blogspot.com/
Cindy Leek http://paperspadsandpictures.blogspot.com/
Mary Eisen http://mestamp2.blogspot.com/
Sylvia Jacquot http://stampinsylvia.blogspot.com/
Laura Dame http://thecroppersconnection.blogspot.com/
Melissa Laverty http://fancymelissa.blogspot.com/
Haley Dyer http://inkyscrapper.blogspot.com/
Terrie Dodd http://my-life-in-real-time.blogspot.com/
Katy Donaldson http://scrappinkaty.blogspot.com/
Chris Shouse http://houseostamps.wordpress.com/
Tammy Lea Pinchard http://mycreativeclubhouse.blogspot.com/
Krista Ritskes http://kristaritskes-simplycreating.blogspot.com/
Shannon Pelletier http://mycolorfulworldinvt.blogspot.com/
Deb Young http://scrapbookczar.blogspot.com/
Amy Edwards http://paisleysplayhouse.blogspot.com/
Sheila Bennett http://sheila-bennett.blogspot.com/
Kristie Herdener http://goofyscrapper.blogspot.com/
Jen Rubio http://jenrubio.blogspot.com/
Jody Gustafson http://cre8nmemories.blogspot.com/
Sarita Schraeder http://blessedscrapper.blogspot.com/
Laurie Levnik http://creationsbylaurie.blogspot.com/
Debra Van Patten http://memoriesoftheheartbydeb.blogspot.com/
Kimberly Smith http://verykimberry.blogspot.com/
Michelle Nist http://michellenist.blogspot.com/
Karen Norman http://gettinscrappywithit.blogspot.com/
Traci Godbee http://createwithtraci.blogspot.com/
Nancy Brown http://creativelyartsygallery.blogspot.com/
Maricar Harris http://maricarharris.blogspot.com/
Nona Davenport http://nonapearl.blogspot.com/
Laurie Newton http://scrapsfromthebeach.blogspot.com/
Dawn Heuft http://stamptildawn.blogspot.com/
Melissa Burch http://melissaburch.blogspot.com/
Kim O'Rear http://kimorear.blogspot.com/
Michelle Bourlet http://michellescreativeconnections.blogspot.com/ <<="">
Angela Tutton http://tuttonstreasures.blogspot.com/
Jenifer Benner http://jensmessystudio.com/
Shirley Ross http://momnmescrap.blogspot.com/
Latisha Haag http://domestichomefrontcoordinator.blogspot.com/

Felicity: January's Constant Campaign

2009-12-27T21:20:00.002-05:00

January is National Papercrafting Month. This year's Felicity Papercrafting Kit is beautiful! (To see more details click on the above image, then on the same image on my CTMH website.) Not only do you get a stamp set that includes a complete alphabet, flourishes, birds, argyle patterns, flowers, leaves, but also twelve 12" x 12" B&T papers in 3 different color schemes along with six coordinating 12" x 12" die cuts perfect for scrapbook layouts or cards, boxes, journals and other papercrafting projects! In addition, you will receive a two-sided, full color brochure giving you project ideas along the recipes for each! In my opinion, this is the most beautiful set CTMH has ever produced. I like it so much, that I don't want to cut into the papers - crazy, isn't it?

There are FIVE ways to get the Felicity Collection*:
1) Purchase it at full retail price for $34.95.
2) Place an order of $60 or more in full-retail priced stamp sets and receive one collection FREE!
3) Place an order of $125 or more in full-retail priced Close To My Heart products and receive one collection FREE!
4) Host a home gathering or workshop with a minimum sales of $400 and receive one collection FREE!
5) Join Close to my Heart between January 1-31 and you will receive the collection FREE in your New Consultant Kit.

*This promotion is while supplies last from December 15, 2009-January 31, 2010.

Stamped Tile Coasters

2009-12-23T15:19:00.003-05:00

These TILE COASTERS make wonderful gifts

- easy, classy and personalized.

These were made as Christmas gifts for our neighbors.

I also plan to make some as gifts for a few upcoming weddings.

Used the Baroque and The Works alphabets

Used the Rustic and The Works alphabets

Used the Friendship and The Works alphabets

To make them,

1) Start out with tumbled marble tiles (Home Depot and Lowes carry them - you get a box of 9 tiles for $5.)

2)Wipe them down with a damp cloth - coming out of the box they are very dusty.

3) Use StazOn brown ink to stamp the names with alphabet stamps. (It is best to practice first on a 4x4 piece of paper). Using Close To My Heart's clear acrylic stamps allows you to see exactly where you are stamping and you can place the entire name onto one block, so stamping multiple times is very easy.

4) Place adhesive backed felt circles on the underside corners of your tiles.

The box was purchased from Dollar General - it had a big poinsetta on the top of it. I just made a matching cover piece for the top that I had embossed with Cocoa embossing powder and double matted with Garden Green and Ponderosa Pine Cardstock.

Invisible Woman: Be Encouraged!

2009-12-09T07:00:00.002-05:00

A friend recently sent me a Youtube video entitled "The Invisible Woman", by Nicole Johnson. It is incredibly encouraging. So much so that I have left it on my desktop all week so I can view it daily before the craziness of the day starts in. (If you cannot view the video, take a peek at this excerpt by Nicole.)

Here is a quote from Nicole, taken from her website, Fresh Brewed Life: "Mothers are making incredible sacrifices every day. And a sacrifice, by its very nature, is almost always invisible. If people saw and appreciated everything you did and affirmed you for it, it wouldn’t really be a sacrifice, would it? But to keep working for something you believe in, and doing things just because they need doing, is what mothers are all about. So it’s only natural they are going to feel invisible a lot."

So if you are feeling a bit "invisible" today, if you are wondering if the many monotonous things you do as a wife, mother, and caretaker have any value ~ be encouraged, because God sees what you are building. He sees the sacrifices you make each day, even when no one else does. You are building something great, but the results are in God's hands in God's own time.

So ...
"...with admiration for the greatness of what you are building when no one sees.”

KEEP ON BUILDING!

Fall Matchbook Candy Holder

2009-11-22T16:31:00.000-05:00

This little Matchbook Candy Holder was fun to make and even more fun to give away. It is the perfect little gift to tuck into a lunch box, desk drawer or customer bag. It would be fun to have some available to hand out to those special folks that make your life a bit easier - the school or church secretary, that friendly clerk, your mailcarrier...
Change the colors and it would be great as a stocking stuffer or Valentine treat. A friend had the idea of making it a bit larger to hold a gift card.

For the tutorial on how to make the Matchbook Candy Holder click here.

I used CTMH's Flourished Blessings stamp set to make the leaves. The cardstock is Olive and Autumn Terracotta. The inks are Olive/New England Ivy and Chocolate. An antique copper brad secures the leaves in place.

November Blog Hop

2009-11-01T14:37:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the November Stamp of the Month Blog Hop!
If you just came from Pam's Blog, you are in the right place.

The Tri-shutter card is a fun way to display the Around the Block stamp set and the Sweet Home papers.
If you want a tutorial on how to make a Tri-shutter card, click here.

I really love how this project turned it - especially because Ps 91:1 works so well on it. This verse from Psalm 91:1, "Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations.", has been mulling around in my head for the past month. It is so incredible when you stop to think about what this verse means. We don't use the word, "dwelling place" very often, but it means HOME. The Lord has been/wants to be our HOME. This is a powerful word. It conjures up all kinds of word pictures and emotions in me. When I think about what the word HOME, I envision it as a place I go to

.... find comfort

.... find companionship and a place of belonging

.... find shelter and safety

.... find relief from the stresses of life

.... find nourishment

.... find rest

The Lord wants to be all this for me! But I must choose to go "home" to Him often in order for Him to be able to meet all these needs for me.

This card is going on our piano so I can see it and be reminded of this wonderful truth often.

Now hop on over to Jen's Blog to continue the Blog Hop.

Creativity Comes in Many Forms....

2009-10-23T20:13:00.000-04:00

I used to think creativity was expressed with pen, pencil, scissors or some other art form. But I have learned that being creative can come in many forms. Finding healthy, inexpensive, homemade products to meet the needs of our family is one form of creativity. It is an avenue I have been forced into - both my husband and middle son have sensitivities to colors, fragrances and preservatives, so I have HAD to learn how to make things from scratch. Now that I have been down this road for quite a few years, I am finding that it is fun to make things "homemade". That is why you will see many recipes for homemade products and meals alongside papercrafting projects on my blog. Hope you find them helpful.

Here is a recipe that will save you money - it costs only 1 cent per load! Try this - it really works...

Homemade Laundry Detergent

1/3 bar shaved Zote
1/2 cup Arm & Hammer Washing Soda
1/2 cup 20 Mule Team Borax
2 gallon bucket
Optional - 1/2 to 1 oz essential oil

Shave soap with knife into sauce pan and add 6 cups of water. Heat until melted. Add soda and borax and stir until dissolved. Remove from heat. Pour 4 cups of hot water into the bucket and then add soap mixture. Stir to combine and then add 1 gallon plus 6 cups water to soap mixture and stir. Allow to sit for 24 hours to gel.

Use 1/2 cup per laundry load.

Optional: Add 1 1/2 to 2 cups Pure Power (purple) for extra cleaning power

Simple Christmas Cards Workshop

2009-10-03T12:22:00.001-04:00

In October and November I will be holding a few

Simple Christmas Cards Workshops.

I know many of you like to make homemade Christmas cards to send out to family and friends, and if you make A LOT of them, they need to be simple in design. Here are the ones we will be making. They range from wimsical to elegant, but each one is very fast and easy to make. We will make 3 from scratch and 1 from CTMH's Christmas card kit entitled, "Around the Holidays". The kit comes with everything you need to make 12 really classy circle Christmas cards (kit costs $14.95). No stamping is involved - just peel and stick. My boys and I are going to make some of these cards this year to give out. (Maybe I'll get my Christmas cards mailed out before January this year!)

Here is a picture of all 4 different designs.

You get enough supplies to make 3 of each design.

I followed the suggested directions for the first 4 cards,

but the others I am going to personalize with photos of the boys and favorite Christmas verses.

"Around the Holidays Card Kit"

October Stamp of the Month

2009-10-03T12:06:00.000-04:00

Close To My Heart's October Stamp of the Month is entitled
"Holiday Warmth". It is cute little set of 11 holiday themed, wimsical stamps. The tree reminds me of the Grinch's tree, so I made a little Christmas card using a quote from the Grinch. The quote comes from a stamp set entitled "Peace on Earth" -it has a set of 17 great Christmas quotes. Just click on the picture to see an enlarged view.
Sorry I don't have a direct way for you to order from this blog (hopefully that will change in the next few months), but if you are interested in ordering any of the CTMH supplies that are posted, just leave a comment with your email and I will get back with you.

If you want to see some really great artwork using this stamp set, you can jump in on the SOTM BLOG HOP: http://www.livelovelaughscrapbook.blogspot.com/

There is another blog hop that started on OCT 3rd for National Card Making Day, so you might see both on the sites you visit.

It's HARVEST time...

2009-09-30T20:37:00.002-04:00

I don't know what it is about fall that makes me want to bake, cook, and store up food for the winter. I have been acting like a squirrel! It has been all about FOOD around here lately. We discovered our local Cannery (a place to go can food), so my neighbor, Coral, and my oldest son, Paul, have joined me in canning pearbutter (like applebutter) and pear preserves. I also made grape juice the easy way (see recipe below), and put up some vegetable beef soup. If you have not been to a cannery - check and see if there is one near you. It will save you so much time and effort in canning - and you will meet a lot of really nice folks that will be glad to give you tips on putting up food.

The boys hauling pears through the path
in the woods after we picked them from the neighbor's yard

Adding honey to our Pearbutter... YUM!

We also added brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves.

Today we tried out a new Homemade Granola Bar recipe - it is a keeper. It is a good basic recipe that can be adapted to your tastes and needs. This is going to replace the ones we have been buying every week from the store!

Homemade Granola Bars
(I adapted this recipe from a few different ones and we liked the result)
4 1/2 c rolled oats (can also substitute some Rice Crispies)
1 c whole wheat flour
1 t baking soda
1 t vanilla
1 c melted butter (you can substitute some applesauce for the butter and some of the honey)
1 c honey
2 c additions (mini choc chips, raisins, sunflower seeds, dried apricots, craisens, dried cherries, etc..)

Preheat oven 325 degrees. Lightly grease or line with parchment paper cookie sheet.
In a large mixing bowl combine oats, flour, baking soda, vanilla, butter, and honey. Stir in the addtions.
Press the mixture into the prepared pan. Bake at 325 degrees until golden brown - about 20 min. Take out of the oven and use a spatula to firmly press into the pan further (this will help it not crumble). Let cool for 10 min then cut into bars. Let bars cool completely in pan before removing or serving.You can wrap individually and then store in a freezer bag in the freezer.

Easy Grape Juice (my parents made this when I was a kid - we loved it)
Into each 1/2 gallon sterilized jar, add 2 cups grapes (we used muscadines that we gathered from the woods) and 1 cup sugar. Fill the jar with hot water and stir it up a bit to disolve the sugar. Put on your lids and process for 30 minutes. Let sit for 6 weeks. When ready to drink, just strain your grapes and seeds.

Fall Themed Vellum Cards

2009-09-26T09:54:00.000-04:00

These are the cards we made at a recent workshop I held. The ladies really enjoyed it. I designed the cards so I could teach various ways to attach vellum and to do a variety of techniques with the vellum. I've included all the details for making the cards. Enjoy!

(All products are from Close To My Heart. If you are interested in ordering any of these items, just email me.)

Four Seasons Card

Stamp Sets: Four Seasons and Make It Count
Supplies Needed: Piercing Tool, Adhesive, Paper clip
4 Antique Copper Brads
Inks: Indian Corn Blue, Autumn Terracotta, Topiary, Sweet Leaf, Cocoa
Paper: White Cardstock (CS) base: 7 ¾ x 8 ½ (folded in half, fits business size envelope)
Terracotta CS: 3 ½ x 8
White CS: 3 ¼ x 7 ½
Vellum: 3 x 7 ¼

Instructions:
1. On the vellum strip, going from left to right, stamp:
      A) winter tree in Indian Corn Blue
      B) fall tree in Autumn Terracotta
      C) summer tree in Topiary
      D) spring tree in Sweet Leaf
     Set this aside to dry thoroughly. Once the ink on the vellum is dry,
2) turn the vellum over (so the season are in correct order) and stamp the
Ecclesiastes verse from the Make It Count stamp set in Cocoa ink in the lower right corner.

Let dry completely.

3. Ink the edges of the Autumn Terracotta CS with Autumn Terracotta ink
4. Paper clip the vellum to the White CS, and pierce a hole in each corner. Adhere brads in the 4 corners.
5. Adhere to Autumn Terracotta CS
6. With the fold of the White CS base on the top, adhere to Autumn Terracotta CS to card base.

Grace Card

Supplies Needed: Adhesive, Scotch tape
Inks: Barn Red, Cocoa
Paper: Ivory CS base: 8 ½ x 5 ½ (folded in half)
Barn Red CS: 4 x 5 ¼
Grace large flower PP: 3 ¾ x 5
Vellum: verses/quotes computer printed on 4 ¼ x 5 ½

Instructions:
1. Ink edges of Barn Red CS with Barn Red ink
2. Ink edges of the Grace patterned paper (PP) with Cocoa ink
3. Rip or cut side edges of vellum
4. Fold top and bottom edges of vellum around the horizontally positioned Grace PP, then adhere with scotch tape on the back.
5. Adhere Grace PP to Barn Red CS
6. Adhere to Ivory card base, with fold of base card on top

Autumn Splendor Card

Stamp Set: Autumn Splendor
Supplies Needed: Autumn softchalks & applicators, Stylus and pad, hole punch, paper clip, Raffia, Adhesive
Inks: Versamark, Brown staz on ink, Chocolate
Paper: : Ivory CS base: 8 ½ x 5 ½ (folded in half)
Chocolate CS: 4 1/8 x 5 ¼
Grace yellow PP: 3 7/8 x 5 1/4
Vellum 3 5/8 x 5

Instructions:
1. Use the Versamark ink to stamp leaves on the vellum
2. Color the leaves with the soft chalks
3. With the pad under the vellum, use the stylus to make veins on the leaves.
4. Turn the vellum over (chalked leaves facing down), and use the Brown stazon ink to stamp “Autumn Splendor" in the lower right corner.
5. Ink edges of Chocolate CS with Chocolate ink.
6. Paper clip the vellum to the Grace yellow PP, and punch 2 holes at the top.
7. Tie a raffia bow through the holes, trim ends of raffia.
8. Rip the bottom edges of vellum and Grace yellow PP.
9. Adhere Grace yellow PP to Chocolate CS.
10. Adhere Chocolate CS to card base with fold on left side.

Make a Wish Card

Stamp Sets: Treasures and Treasure Life

Supplies Needed: Piercing Tool, 4 Pewter Brads, Adhesive, Corner rounder punch, Hole punch, paper clip, 4” White Daisy Organza Ribbon
Inks: New England Ivy and Black
Paper: : Ivory CS base: 8 ½ x 5 ½ (folded in half)
New England Ivy CS: 4 x 5 ¼
Ivory CS Tag: 2 5/8 x 4 ½
Vellum Pocket: 3 3/8 x 3 ½

Instructions:
1. Make the tag:
     A) stamp the large dandelion with New England Ivy ink in the upper left corner off the tag
     B) stamp the stem with New England Ivy
     C) stamp “Make a Wish….” with Black ink along the stem
     D) use the corner rounder punch to round the top corners.
     E) use hole punch to punch hole in the top middle
     F) Place ribbon in hole: fold ribbon in half, thread fold through the hole, poke ribbon ends through the loop of ribbon.

GENTLY pull ends to tighten ribbon. Trim ends.

2. Ink edges of New England Ivy CS with New England Ivy ink
3. Stamp the “Plant Smiles” verse with Black ink on New England Ivy CS
4. Paper clip the vellum to the New England Ivy CS, ¼” from lower left corner.
5. Use piercing tool to make holes in corners of vellum and through the New England Ivy CS.
6. Attach brads in all 4 corners.
7. Adhere New England Ivy CS to the card base with the fold on the left.
8. Stamp small poof in New England Ivy ink 3 times going off the edge of the vellum and onto the New England Ivy CS. Tuck tag into vellum pocket.

Here is a great FREEBIE for you...

2009-09-24T23:37:00.000-04:00

You can go to this link and print off a free entrance coupon to go to a museum this Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009 for FREE. There are several museums from all over the country that are participating.
Check it out:

http://microsite.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/

Enjoy ;)

Snowman Soup

2009-09-23T17:20:00.000-04:00

This little snowman topper and bag of goodies made for a wonderful Christmas gift last year.

My boys had a good time making and giving them to friends.

The topper is made with Close To My Heart's Snow Friends stamp set, Outdoor Denium Cardstock, and patterned paper from the Aspen paper pack, and Raffia. The bag is filled with a hotcocoa packet, mini marshmallows and a candycane.

SNOWMAN SOUP POEM:

Was told you’ve been

real good this year.

Always glad to hear it.

With freezing weather

drawing near

You’ll need to

warm the spirit.

So here’s a little

Snowman Soup

Complete with

stirring stick.

Add hot water, sip it slow

It’s sure to do the trick!

Twitterpatted Fall Layout

2009-09-19T15:59:00.000-04:00

Here is the 2 page LO we will be doing at my upcoming Scrapbook Workshop this Thursday. This is the 3rd year our family participated in our local Passion Play. It is so much fun to "step back in time" and to imagine what it would have been like to witness Jesus' resurrection...

Layout details: (all products are from Close To My Heart)
Twitterpatted papers,
colors: chocolate, sorbet, sweet leaf, crystal blue
Techniques: using dimensional elements; We will answer the question,
"What do you do with those little cardboard letters and shapes?
We will embellish them with papers and inks!
This is the Thumbnails layout from the Imagine book.
I choose this layout because it is easy, uses pics adapted from 4x6 prints and it lends itself well to a fall theme. It would work well with titles such as:
Count Your Blessings
Happy Fall
10 Things I Love About Fall
Give Thanks
There are still a few more spaces available if you want to attend this workshop - be sure to email me to pre-register!

Blogging World, here I come...

2009-09-19T14:24:00.000-04:00

How fun to have my very own virual space to share with the world my musings, art and inspirations.

To start out my blog, here are the words to one of my favorite songs. It has been written by Dennis Jernigan, and sung by the group Point of Grace.

All In All
You are my strength when I am weak,
You are the treasure that I seek,
You are my all in all
Seeking You as a precious jewel,
Lord, to give up I'd be a fool,
You are my all in all.

Chorus
Jesus, Lamb of God, worthy is Your name
Jesus, Lamb of God, worthy is Your name

Taking my sin, my cross, my shame
Rising again I bless Your name
You are my all in all.
When I fall down You pick me up,
When I am dry You fill my cup,
You are my all in all.