A New Year of Blog Hops starts here!!!!

I'm so excited to be starting my 2nd year of Blog Hopping with the Close to my Heart "Stamp of the Month" Blog Hop group. Each month a group of talented Close to my Heart consultants showcase their work in a Blog Hop to give you a wealth of wonderful ideas to use with the featured Stamp of the Month.

This is a circle hop, so start anywhere and just use the links in each person's post to "Hop" on over to the next Blogger on the list. Start anywhere and eventually you will complete the circle. If you should get lost, check below for a list of all members of this month's hop. Feel free to click here to put in an order on my personal website to get your own Stamp of the Month stamp set. This month we feature "True friends" a stamp set perfect for cardmaking or scrapbooking.

If you have come to my Blog from Haley's blog, you are on the right track.
Here are my creations for this month....




I'm kind of stuck in a creative rut with these "Everyday Celebrations" cards, but I'm really liking them with the new "Topstitch" paper. Colors in this new paperpack are Baby Pink, Heavenly Blue, Chocolate and Vinyard Berry. The frames and the sentiments are from "True Friends"



Next another oldie but goodie...The one sheet tag book that I featured last month is done again with "Topstitch." Some baby pink organdy ribbon and the new "Resistable Dots" alterable letters and a dimensional element covered in B & T finish the front.

Now hop on over to Katy's blog to view her creation for this month's hop. Enjoy!

The Blog Hop Is Coming!!!

Start off the New Year with some creativity and join us for our monthly Close to my Heart "Stamp of the Month" Blog Hop. Each month some very creative consultants from Close to my Heart share their ideas for using the Stamp of the Month in a variety of papercrafting projects. This month's "Hop" features a cute stamp set called "True Friends" perfect for your scrapbooking pages or card projects. Here is the "Hop" list for this month which goes live at 12:00am on January 1st. Join us and enjoy....

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

Starting to feel the crunch!!!

Can't believe it's ony 2 weeks till Christmas and I'm definately starting to feel the crunch....

We will welcome Bryan's parents to the Valley over the holidays...so I better get moving as all the teacher/coach gifts need to get done this week so I can concentrate on getting the house ready next week!!

I wanted to show you what a lot of the teacher/coaches are getting (with a gift card tucked inside)

We made these at my recent gathering at Cathy's house and they are so much fun to make and very easy too!

We also created these cute tic tac holders....

I am also prepping some "night at the movies" gifts too, so will post those when they are complete! Thanks for stopping by and hope your enjoying the season!

Welcome to the December Stamp of the Month Bloghop!

Welcome once again to the CTMH Stamp of the Month BlogHop! This month we are "hopping" with the December Stamp of the Month, "Notice the Details." This awesome stamp set will be perfect for both cardmaking and all those little details on your scrapbook pages.

If you have come from Haley Dyers blog, you are on the right track so sit back and enjoy. When your done here, hop on over to the next blog at the end of my post to continue on the hop....

This month I used the SOTM to create a mini tag book that I discovered on Melissa Laverty's blog . As a bonus, she includes the tutorial to create this cute book. I am addicted to these little gems and am planning on making a few to capture random weeks of the new year. When I get a bunch completed, I hope to find a perfect box to store them in. (ah another project to plan!)



I used B & T paper from the "Sweet Home" Level 2 paper pack and various stickers from the "Sweet Home" My Stickease. For the card stock tags I used Buttercup, Indian Corn Blue and Garnet. I used Indian Corn Blue Ink and did distress most of the Buttercup card stock. Here is a picture of the inside of the book and some of the tags pulled out including my intro tag.







Now, hop on over to Wanda Riley's Blog to continue on your creative journey!

See you next month!

November Stamp of the Month: "Around the Block"

Welcome to the November SOTM "Blog Hop". Can't believe it is November already and can't believe that I am still waiting till the last minute to get these projects done...I thought that was one of the reasons I got my Stamp of the Month's early!!

If you have come from Laura's blog you are on the right track. If you just happened by, you might want to got to Jena's blog and start from the beginning or at least find the full list of participants.....

Here we go:

I created this cute "Welcome to the Neighborhood" card using the November SOTM set "Around the Block." I loved stamping the house many different ways and using my colored pencils on this project. I truly love to color and consider it therapy after a stressful day. I used my chalk and a "cloud" stencil to do the sky and gold embossing on the house trim.

My son wanted to help me, so I let him color his own house and thought you might want to see his handywork. He is only 7 and I thought he did a great job!

I am also working on a scrapbook page with a really tall house, but you will have to wait a day or two to see that as we had two soccer games, some last minute costume emergencies and two parties to go to tonight! Best get on with it....

Now "hop" on over to Lori's blog to see what she has created for you!

Have fun!!!

Check out Stacy Julian's new website!

Gotta share....Stacy Julian, one of my favorite creative people in the whole world has started a new blog and it is fabulous! Each week she gives away a super cool prize and this week, it is a new "gotta have" tool the I-top brad maker. This cool tool will reinvent the way you think about brads!
Go to her site here and check it out!
Working on more of Lisa's Christmas cards on Thursday, so check back for pics....

Report Card Time!

Well it's report card time and I just have to brag on my kids...

Leah got straight A's and Ian got all "E's" or excellents in all his classes. We have decided that giving a little incentive for getting good grades is doing the trick, so I made some cards up to give them their rewards...

Leah's card is the scalloped money card from CTMH's "Originals" how to book. So easy to print out the template and make this card up quick

I also used Just blooms paper flowers, a bigger brad and our crocheted colonial white ribbon. A few Emporium stickease made this card come together really quick.

Ian's card is made from an old zip drive case. I inserted a gold embossed guitar and the You Rock sentiment from the "You Rock" My Acrilix stamp set on some "Key to my Heart" B & T paper and wrote a personalized note inside cut to shape and now I have a reusable gift container for any occasion I want to congratualate my kids... (I have used this in the past to give my daughter a gift card for her birthday)

Until next time...

Terrie

Welcome to the October SOTM Bloghop!!

Hello again everyone,


Welcome to the October SOTM Blog Hop! This month we are featuring "Holiday Warmth" a great image and sentiment stamp set perfect for the holidays. Our monthly blog hop has gotten so large that we have split it into three separate groups to make your "hopping" much easier. If you didn't start there, please make sure you go to Jena's blog to check out the new format and the starting points for each group! If you came from Deb's blog, you are on the right track for this group and if your lost, once again, go to Jena's blog to get back on track....


My card for this month features the large Christmas tree stamp and one of the sentiments from "Holiday Warmth:








To make this card, I used the "Roundabout" pattern from the "Wishes" book, I used B&T paper from the "Animal Cookies" level 2 "My Reflections" kit, organdy ribbon from the autumn organdy ribbon collection, sunflower and clover meadow CS, green chalk, tulip brads and various sparkles and liquid glass to bling it up a bit. I also used prisma glitter on the star. I did stamp the tree twice, once as a base and the 2nd one I "fancy cut" out and popped up with pop dots.


My second project was some wish list magnets that I made from a square coaster cut in half with the cut edge rounded. I adhered some more "Animal Cookies" B&T paper and again used the presents images from the SOTM and fancy cut them out. I popped them up and used some white distressed CS and computer printing to finish it up. Magnetic stips were added to the back to adhere to the fridge where my kids can add to their list throughout the year so I always have a current, updated list when realatives and friends call for ideas.













Thanks for stopping by...Now head on over to Alanna's blog to check out some more artwork featuring this month's stamp.


Should you want to puchase the stamp, click here to find out how. There are several ways to earn this stamp at a discounted price or even for FREE!


See you next month...



Terrie

Catching Up!

Hi all,

Just catching up today after a couple of really busy weeks! My Open House was so much fun with many friends here to visit and create with. I look forward to meeting with many of you to work on your holiday projects. Congrats to Lori and Peggy who won the door prizes that night!

Be sure to check back on October 1st for the monthly "Blog Hop" featuring the new Stamp of the Month. This month we will feature " Holiday Warmth" a fun stamp set with images of presents and a Christmas tree and also some cool sentiments perfect for your Christmas cards or pages. I created a card and some holiday wish list magnets, so be sure and check it out on Thursday.

You have till next Monday to get in on the Septmeber campaign the "Everyday Celebrations Card Kit". You can order this kit outright or earn if for free if you have $60. worth of stamp sets on your order. Click here to check out the details.

I also wanted to post a few pics from our trip over Labor Day to Bisbee. What a great place to spend some time...Cool, friendly and so quaint nestled on the side of the mountain. We also really enjoyed the mine tour. You should visit sometime...

The Copper Queen Motel

One of the Beautifully restored homes, most over 100 years old!

The kids by the Mining Museum with some of the equipment

The view from the coffee shop we ate at...



Getting on the train for the mine tour...

The signs at 1500 feet under! This tour was really cool...47 degrees cool!

See you on Thursday for the Blog Hop!

Terrie

National Stamping Day Event Is Coming!!!

Greetings to all...

I just wanted to let you all know I will be hosting a "National Stamping Day" event on Saturday, September 12th at my studio here in Phoenix.

I will be debuting the new Close to my Heart Fall/Winter Idea Book and Catalog as well as inviting all my guests to create a couple of cute cards with the new "JINGLE" paper pack. I have lots of new product, so keep checking back as I will be showing you some of the awesome new papers and products that this new catalog has to offer!

This event will be a fun way to try out stamping if you are a newbie and I will also be offering many stamp sets and paper packs at drastically reduced prices for you seasoned veterans, so come on by if you are craving some creative time away from the hustle and bustle, relax and enjoy a fun and creative evening.

We will start at 6:00 and "play" as long as everyone is having fun!

Check back soon for more info!!

Terrie

September SOTM "Blog Hop"

Welcome to my little corner of the Blogospere and welcome to the September CTMH Stamp of the Month "Blog Hop!" If you have arrived from Barb's blog, you are on the right track, if you just happened by, you might want to head to Jena's blog to start from the beginning. I tried something new this month and all the blog addresses can be found on my post from yesterday so should you get lost or want to find a specific blogger's site, just scroll down and all 65 plus addresses will be there!

This month's the "hop" stamp set features the Dandylion, that most hated but most beautiful weed! This set has plenty of the wonderful "wishing" flowers that I have very fond memories of blowing into the wind and also some great sayings to embellish your pages!



This month, I created a 12 X12 layout. I background stamped my Bamboo CS with one of the swirly sentiments and one of the smallest "seed" stamps. I double matted my journaling and my daughter's picture on Bamboo and Desert Sand CS distressing all edges with DS ink. The ribbon is from our chocolate collection and the title is stamped with our Rustic Alphabet "E" size stamp set and then cut out with the micro tip scisssors. I also cut out several of the medium "seed" stamps and also the largest "flower" image. Then I came up with something new (I think). I sewed the center of the large dandylion seed flower with embroidry floss leaving small loops on the front and taping the backs down onto the CS. Then I cut all the loops and fluffed them up to hopefully look like the individual floating "seeds." I think it turned out pretty well. I included a close up for you to see what I'm talking about.

Now it's time to head off to Judy's blog to see what she has created for you.

Make sure you check out the National Stamping Month Exclusive Card Kit that we are offering this month. Click on the picture to your right or click here to shop 24/7 on my website.
Till next month.....Adios!

September "SOTM" Blog Hop goes LIVE Sept. 1

Hi again,
It is such an exciting time of the year! Another Blog Hop starts on Tuesday, September 1st with over 70 CTMH consultants showing you their handy work using the September Stamp of the Month "Treasures" This is a beautiful "D" size stamp set featuring Dandylions. I've already seen some awesome artwork showing up on the CTMH bulletin board, so make sure you join us on Tuesday. Below I have listed the participants of the Hop in order, so should you get lost or want to revisit a site or whatever, you will have a list. Here you go and have fun!

Jena DeVries
http://www.livelovelaughscrapbook.blogspot.com/
Nona Davenport
http://www.nonapearl.blogspot.com/
Katy Donaldson
http://www.scrappinkaty.blogspot.com/
Cibele Glazer
http://www.flowerfoot.blogspot.com/
Laura Dame
http://www.thecroppersconnection.blogspot.com/
Lori Leng
http://www.pinkcloudscrappers.blogspot.com/
Jamia Bankhead
http://www.papermadnessinc.blogspot.com/
Melissa Laverty
http://www.fancymelissa.blogspot.com/
Pamela OConnor
http://www.cherishyourmemories.blogspot.com/
Sheila Bennett
http://sheila-bennett.blogspot.com/
Adeline E. Brill
http://adeline-brill.blogspot.com/
Wendy Kessler
http://www.myscrapbookingblog.com/
Beth Naumann
http://www.bethscreativeblock.blogspot.com/
Barbra Otten
http://barbraotten.blogspot.com/
Terrie Dodd
http://www.my-life-in-real-time.blogspot.com/
Judy Burger
http://makingtimeformemories.blogspot.com/
Jessica Booth
http://jessicabooth.blogspot.com/
Leisa Hubley
http://www.bigredscraps.blogspot.com/
Helen Onulak
http://www.hookedonstamping.com/
Debra Van Patten
http://memoriesoftheheartbydeb.blogspot.com/
Juli Clark
http://www.thestampteacher.blogspot.com/
Sarita Schraeder
http://www.blessedscrapper.blogspot.com/
Michelle Robinson
http://www.amaizenbluelady.typepad.com/
Maricar Harris
http://www.maricarharris.blogspot.com/
Antoinette Herrin
http://www.godblessyourart.blogspot.com/
Kathleen Androlewicz
http://bowlofstamps.blogspot.com/
Cindy Leek
http://www.paperspadsandpictures.blogspot.com/
Dawn Heuft
http://www.stamptildawn.blogspot.com/
Barbara Harris
http://www.paper-creations117.blogspot.com/
Alanna Moses
http://www.damoses.blogspot.com/
Laurie Levnik
http://www.creationsbylaurie.blogspot.com/
Tanya David
http://www.scramperscorner.blogspot.com/
Karen Norman
http://www.gettinscrappywithit.blogspot.com/
Jan Moxey
http://scrapandstamp4ever.blogspot.com/
Tammy Lea Pinchard
http://mycreativeclubhouse.blogspot.com/
Paige Dolecki
http://www.paigespaperparadise.blogspot.com/
Kelly Triggs
http://www.stampinallday.blogspot.com/
Sherry Thompson
http://www.picturespatternsandpaper.blogspot.com/
Deb Young
http://www.scrapbookczar.blogspot.com/
Nancy Ball
http://www.ballisticdesign.blogspot.com/
Chris Shouse
http://www.houseostamps.wordpress.com/
Dawn Ross
http://www.iamahappystamper.blogspot.com/
Brae Montgomery
http://thebrae-er.blogspot.com/
Laurie R Newton
http://scrapsfromthebeach.blogspot.com/
Haley Dyer
http://www.inkyscrapper.blogspot.com/
Carol Taggio
http://craftycarol55.blogspot.com/
Amy McVey
http://www.clearlystamping.blogspot.com/
Carla Ironside
http://www.carlacreates.blogspot.com/
Jen Rubio
http://www.jenrubio.blogspot.com/
Kristie Horness-Herdener
http://www.goofyscrapper.blogspot.com/
Jill Lucas
http://scrapwench.blogspot.com/
Wanda Riley
http://www.creatingwithwanda.blogspot.com/
Miranda Kurz
http://www.scrampinwithmiranda.com/
Jody Gustafson
http://www.cre8nmemories.blogspot.com/
Susan Brooks
http://www.stampingintheopen.blogspot.com/
Kami Welter
http://www.scrappin4memories.blogspot.com/
Jennifer Patrick
http://www.roxybonds-scrappin.blogspot.com/
Julia Menssen
http://www.ralphandjulia.blogspot.com/
Shannon Pelletier
http://www.mycolorfulworldinvt.blogspot.com/
Linda Shewchuk
http://www.awesomememories.blogspot.com/
Brenda Harmless
http://keepsakeswithheart.blogspot.com/
Donni Alvarenga
http://www.donniscreativetherapy.blogspot.com/
Nancy Brown
http://www.creativelyartsygallery.blogspot.com/
Traci Godbee
http://createwithtraci.blogspot.com/
Pam Klassen
http://eimmap.blogspot.com/
Lori Miller
http://www.clearlyfromtheheart.blogspot.com/
Kimberly Smith
http://verykimberry.blogspot.com/
Caren Goldsein
http://www.scrappycaren.blogspot.com/
Misty Jackson
http://www.misstscraps.blogspot.com/

CTMH New Product "Sneak Peak" Blog Hop!

"Welcome to the Close to my Heart New Product Sneak Peak Blog Hop! It's time to celebrate and get excited for the upcoming release of the Autumn/Winter 2009 Idea Book by giving you a Sneak Peak of some of the great products available to the public, September 1st! 30 Fabulous consultants have been busily creating some great artwork to get your creative juices flowing and show you that CTMH has done it again with the realease of it's newest Idea Book! If you have come here from Erin's blog, you are on the right path! If this is your first stop, make sure you go back and start from the beginning here. Blog hopping is easy.... just click on the link at the end of the post on each blog to move to the next one!



Here we go! I have created some cute note pads from an inexpensive pack of 5 "Dollar Tree" colored pads. I created one pad from each of the 4 new paper packs and also added some of our new embellishment and stamp sets as well....Enjoy!

First, using the new "Jingle" paper pack:

I cut out the present and the present "swoosh" from two different B&T papers. I used Juniper and Tulip card stock and some liquid glass on the ribbon of the top present and one of our new Twinkle Brads in Tulip.

Next was the "Grace" paper pack:

Here I used Cocoa, Honey and Barn Red Card Stock and a strip of the B&T papers, coloring in the mums with colored pencils. I was going to cut out some flowers from another B&T, but our autumn Just Blooms and the corduroy brad were too perfect to pass up!

Next was "Sweet Home"

I used Indian Corn Blue and Garnet card stock and layered 3 different rows of B&T paper for the bottom strip. I also used B&T to reverse stamp my initials with the Rustic alphabet stamp set and then cut them out. The "o" is the embossed button punch from Martha. I inked up one of our bulk dimensional elements in buttercup and used rub-ons for the sentiment. The button and DE are tied with embroidery floss.

Finally "Twitterpated"

I did not have the right color note pad to match this paper pack, so I opted to use a grocery list type paper pad. (also from the dollar store) I used Sweet Leaf card stock and cut the tree trunk out of one of the B&T papers. I used the branch stamp from the exclusive stamp set, "Hello There" in the Twitterpated WOTG to stamp the branches and then the leaf stamp also from that set to do the Sweet Leaf and Sorbet leaves on the tree. I used a white gel pen to put polka dots on all the leaves to mimic yet another B&T paper that I really liked. (but didn't want to hand cut all the leaves!) The ribbon is bulk sorbet, the word grow is our color ready alphabet stamped in sweet leaf and sorbet and outlined with a thin pen. The little hedgehog is from the My Stickease set.

Here is a shot of the note pad opened. I used a $1 bin item from Michaels as a jumping board and it was sooooo easy to cut and score the note holders. I did use a velcro closure to make sure they stayed shut.

Here they are all together, so cute and so easy to make!

Now "Hop" on over to Jessica's Blog to see her work! Be sure to visit all the Consultants at their Blogs to get some great crafting ideas and see the great new Paper Packs and My Acrylix Stamp Sets! Remember, the Autumn/Winter 2009 Idea Book goes LIVE on September 1st!

Don't forget to check back here on September 1st to check out the great artwork offered at our September Stamp of the Month Blog Hop! This month's Hop will feature some outstanding ideas to use with our exclusive stamp set "Treasures" Don't miss it!

Couple of Things....

First, I want to alert you to a great "Blog Candy" give away celebrating Kelly's 10,000th blog hit! For those of us that work on our blogs regularly, this is quite an accomplishment to get that great of a following! Go on over to her website "LaMaison DePapier" by clicking here and check it out!

Also, I wanted to let you know that next week on Friday, August 28th we will be having our New Product "blog hop" featuring new products in the "Close to my Heart" Fall/Winter Idea Book. You will be able to see some great ideas using the new products. It all starts on Friday, so check back next week to get all the details and then join us on the "hop". You won't want to miss it!

I will also be back early in the week to give you an updated schedule for September so you can come on over to my Open House and experience some of the new product CTMH has to offer. I'm also gearing up for a HUGE sale of paper crafting items....you won't want to miss it!
Terrie

"Everyday Celebrations" Card Kit Is Here!

Just a quick post to show you all the awesome new campaign from Close to my Heart!

Make sure you go to my website and check out the details, but this unbelievable value comes with 16 card bases/envelopes, enough paper to make all 16 cards, a "D" size stamp set, chocolate accesories pack, two distressing mini ink pads, a sponge and ribbon! Very cool, new paper too.... Here are some cards I made by using the guide that is included in wonderful kit. The bottom picture shows you the card that the kit will demostrate and above that are cards made with the same pattern, but with new "Jingle" paper and last catalogs "Emporium" paper. Pretty cool huh?

Welcome to the August SOTM Blog Hop!

Welcome!


If you are arriving from Debra's blog, you are on the right track. If you just happened by, go back to Jena's blog and start from the beginning so you don't miss out on any of this month's great artwork.


I so missed not participating last month in the "Blog Hop", but I'm Baaaak!


I think this months stamp is a great one for everyone to add to their stash. You just can't go wrong with a Birthday set.


This first card was made for my Dad's Birthday. I had quite a lot of candles to add to the cake, but I liked the way it turned out!




CS-White Daisy for the base and Holiday Red for the strip.


Ink Colors-Holiday Red, Sunflower, Dutch Blue and Clover Meadow


Other items-2 yellow eyelets and yellow embroidry floss.


All direct to paper stamping except the "Happy" which I stamped and cut out and pop dotted and "tied" through the eyelets. I also embossed with our gold embossing powder the "cake plate"


The second card is a wedding card that was the first thing I wanted to try when I got this stamp set. I try to think outside the box so I can market the stamps to more people. I stamped the cake parts in Bamboo ink, cut them out and pop dotted them after adding some liquid glass to hopefully make it look like fondant icing. I used some of our littlest "just blooms" in pink and white and added centers of mini crystals and pearls. I pop dotted them X2 to make it look like a cake topper (I hope) and then liquid glassed the black cake plate. Using Simple Stitches, I faux stitched the sides of this top fold card and stamped the "Celebrate: It's your day sentiment inside. Hope you like....


Now "Hop" on over to Jamia's blog for some more great ideas.


Again, if you get lost or a link isn't working, go to Jena's blog to get the hop order.



See you next month,


Terrie

Blogaversary Alert!!

Just a quick post tonight to alert you to an awesome Blogaversary "Blog Candy" givaway. Melissa over at "Keepsakes by Melissa" is celebrating a year of blogging fun with some awesome blog candy....go check it out here!

Don't forget to come to my blog on Saturday morning for the CTMH SOTM "Blog Hop"

Terrie

August Blog Hop Test...

Hello everyone,
I'm testing out the links before and after me for the August "Blog Hop" that will debut on August 1st! You will come to my blog from Debra's Blog and will travel on to Jamia's Blog after leaving here. Should you get lost or want to start from the bottom, you will go to Jena's Blog.
If all these links are good, my post will be available and ready for you to view at 12:00am on August 1st. Make sure you come back and check it out!
Terrie

Ian's Birthday-Part 2

Today we headed out to Desert Hills Lanes for Ian's 7th Birthday Party.

We had gone to Chuck E. Cheese on his actual birthday on the 14th, but he really hasn't had a party for a couple of years, so off to bowl we went. His guests included: Spencer and Brady, Paige and Parker and Trey and Logan. Leah also invited her friend Ally to tag along. Bryan is out of town (in Milwaukee), so thanks too to Lisa, Bob and Michelle for helping me out with the kids. The kids bowled amazingly well and even the littlest ones scored a strike or two. Here is a couple of pics from the event:










My goal tomorrow is to clean up my scrap table so I can actually create something! I have my post for the August SOTM "Blog Hop" ready to go, but boy did I make a big mess! I also need to clean out the hot tub and Ian is invited to a pool party, so I better get to bed so I can get everything done. Have a great weekend!
Terrie

OK, I'm ready to start posting vacation pics!

Wow, it was fun and after 1,600 pictures, 5050 miles and 90 hours in the car, we are home and I have a few shots to post of our vacation....

I'll post one picture of each place we went or each event we attended..

#1 Hoover Dam

#2 CTMH Headquarters

#4 Yellowstone

#5 Little Big Horn

#6 Devil's Tower

#7 Mt. Rushmore

#8 Flat Tire

#9 Corn Palace

#10 Moorehead with the McManamons

#11 Sandy and Dan's Wedding in Ottertail MN

#12 Mall of America

#13 Pine Creek Cabins with the O'Connells

#14 Marion

#15 Water Sking with Mary and Lee Lang and the boys

#16 Des Moines with the Kirchners

#17 Oklahoma Aquarium

#18 Tulsa with Bill, Barbara, Robyn and Bob

Home again!!!!

Whew....I'm tired, I think I'll go to bed now!

Talk to you again soon....

Terrie