Saturday, October 31, 2009

Happy Halloween!

What better way to start off Halloween than to revisit last year's Halloween!

Click on the picture to see the layout enlarged.

I haven't created Lucy's trick or treat layout yet, but her leaf playing Halloween night is ready to share:

This layout was created while we were at the Close To My Heart Regional Celebration in Minneapolis.  The pattern is Cherish:  Simple Pleasures.

Recipe:
Twitterpated Level 2 Paper Packet
Twitterpated Level 2 My Stickease® Assortment
Natural Hemp
Basic Craft Buttons
Clear Sparkles


Sam's Halloween layout was created using Star Wars papers from The Scrapbook Shop and one of Jeanette Lynton's patterns from one of her scrapbooking how to books Cherish, Imagine, or Reflections.  Funny thing is, I can't remember which pattern.  Did you ever have one of those days? 


Friday, October 30, 2009

My Secret Sister

I am a proud member of the SuperSassy Swappers.  We are a group of Independent Consultants with Close To My Heart.  We get together three times each year to share techniques and products at Art Day.  We also swap projects, for instance, I would make 12 of the same layout, 12 of us would all send them in, and we would get back 12 different layouts.  One of the best swaps that we do is the Secret Sister swap.  Each month, October, November, December, and January we send our Secret Sister a gift.  It can be anything hand made with Close To My Heart products, candy, candles, or other gifties. 

I will be sharing the gifts that I have sent to my Secret Sister after January 31, that is when we will all get together for Art Day and reveal who our Secret Sisters are.  I wouldn't want top tip her off!  But I can share what my Secret Sister sends to me with you now.

Yesterday a big box arrived from my Secret Sister and it contained Halloween goodie bags for each of my kids, which had completely disappeared by the time I got home from work.  Along with five very fun layouts.  How cool is that, now I can just plug in my pictures and have pages done in a flash!  Here they are:






What's that, you would like to have your own Secret Sister?  Join my team and get in on the fun!  Contact me today for more information or check out my website.

Come to The Scrapbook Shop for my Halloween Waterfall Layout Class!

Tuesday, November 10, at 6:30 I will be teaching a new waterfall layout featuring Halloween papers!  Have too many Halloween photos and don’t know how to fit them all into one layout? This class is your answer! We will create a 2-page layout that will showcase 10-15 of your favorite photos, using the waterfall technique. This is an interactive layout; pull the tab and watch the album flip open to reveal page after page of your wonderful photos. Papers will be pre-cut. Bring your basic class kit with paper trimmer, scoring tool, bone folder, scissors, glue dots or permanent liquid adhesive, tape runner, and a black pen. Come with or without photos, your choice.

Contact the Scrapbook Shop at 651-698-7979 to sign up for the class, cost is $15.  Space is limited, so please contact them today to reserve your spot!


I am a bit picture impaired today.  For some reason only the left page wants to stand up straight.  It's one of those days!
Left Page


















Right Page (the photo is turned on its side)





















Pages as you open the mini album attached to the page (sorry, just can't get these pics to stand up straight either, silly little ghouls!)

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Little Birthday Girl - Recycled Layout

This layout was created using one of the gift bags that Lucy received a present in.  You don't need to spend much money to create a really cute layout, just cut open your gift bag and cut the sentiment out of a card.  One way to scrapbook green!

Click on the picture to see the layout enlarged.



The left page is her birthday invitation, it was two-sided.  The bases are 12" X 12" White Daisy Cardstock and the letters were from my stash.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

My Valentines'

These layouts were created using papers from The Scrapbook Shop, my favorite store!  It's a little tough to tell in the photos but the red paper with the swirls, is velvet!  It was so much fun to work with.  The embellishments were from my stash.

Both layouts were created using 9031 Reflections™ Scrapbook Program:  Main Frame - Details pattern.  I LOVE Jeanette Lynton's how to books.  I wouldn't know where to begin scrapbooking without them.  They make it faster, simpler, easier!

Click on the picture to see the layout enlarged.



Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Family Photos January 2008

Our family pictures were preserved using the Aspen Workshops On The Go.  This workshop is still available, contact me today if you have the perfect pictures for these layouts.  It was a very fun workshop to create! 

Click on the picture to see the layout enlarged.




One more fun thing about these layouts, they contain the same pictures in both of them, the first is for Sam's album and the second for Lucy's album. Just goes to show you the versatility of this paper pack, it can look masculine or feminine with simple added touches.

Recipe:
D1317 Feathery Flakes
D1303 Classmate Alphabet
X7103B 12" X 12" Aspen Level 2 Paper Packet
X7103C Aspen My Stickease™ Assortment
Z2103 Bamboo Exclusive Inks™ Stamp Pad
Z2160 Twilight Exclusive Inks™ Stamp Pad
Z400 Sassy Strands™ White Daisy Collection
Z1293 Magnolia White Delta Ceramcoat® Acrylic Paint
Z1294 Sanding Kit
Z608 Embossing Stylus
9029 Cherish™ - Scrapbook Layouts Made Beautifully Simple:  Filling Spaces Layout
9030 Imagine™:  Monoloque Layout

Monday, October 26, 2009

Family Outing to see Sesame Street Live

We went to Target Center January 18, 2008 to see When Elmo Grows Up.  We had a fantastic time.  Everyone should experience live theatre at some point in their lives.  Sesame Street Live makes live theatre so much fun for the kids and adults alike!  I would definitely recommend it.  These layouts were so much fun to do, every time I look at them I remember that night; most importantly, the kids do too!

Click on the picture to see the layout enlarged.




Recipe:
X5683 12" X 12" Cardstock Combo Pack, Summer Carnival Palette
1385 12" X 12" White Daisy Cardstock
9029 Cherish™ - Scrapbook Layouts Made Beautifully Simple:  A New Perspective Layout
Jolee's Boutique Stickers

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Sam's Kindergarten School Photo

My baby boy is growing up WAY too fast!!! 



Easter Waterfall Page

This is Lucy's Easter layout for 2008. More fun with the waterfall technique. This way I can put several photographs into one layout, and it doesn't get overly crouded. Instructions for the waterfall technique are in another post on my blog. The recipe for this layout is listed below the pictures.







Recipe:
X7107B 12" X 12" That's Amore Level 2 Paper Packet
X7107C That's Amore My Stickease® Assortment
X5643 12" X 12" Chocolate Cardstock
Z2111 Chocolate Exclusive Inks™ Stamp Pad
Z2166 Tulip Exclusive Inks™ Stamp Pad
Z1210 Heartfelt™ Wonder Die-Cuts
Z1145 Heartfelt™ Whimsy Die-Cuts
D1334 Reminisce
Z679 Liquid Glass

The title was cut using the striped “That’s Amore” paper and my Cricut Jasmine font cartridge.

The rabbits came as squirrels in the Heartfelt Wonder Die-Cuts, so I cut off their furry little tails and turned them into bunny ears.

Happy Scrapping!

Monday, October 19, 2009

Nativity Stair Step Card Updated Pictures

Here are the pictures that I took of my prize winning nativity stair step card before submitting it for the contest at Regional Celebration. I finally remembered where I had saved them! These angles show the sentiment on the back and the dimension from the side. There is another post with the recipe and instructions.















Twitterpated Workshop on the Go


This scrapbooking or cardmaking workshop will leave you enamored with the exclusive My Acrilyx Hello There B-size stamp set available only through this workshop. The whimsical images paired with the Twitterpated Level 2 paper packet and coordinating accessories are perfect for outdoor scenes, camping adventures, and nature excursions. The Twitterpated Basic Kit also includes the Designer Ribbon Rounds Chocolate Collection and a Workshop Guide all for just $29.95. Upgrade to the Best Option Add: Dimensional Elements in Color – Organic, Natural Hemp, and Brads Basic Assortment.

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Waterfall Album Scrapbook Page Instructions

To create the Waterfall Album Scrapbook Page, I started with the Puzzle Junkie pattern from Jeanette Lynton’s how to book Cherish and I modified dimensions of a mini waterfall album to fit a 12” x 12” page. Once you get the basic waterfall album technique down you can modify the dimensions based on your needs. Look for additional artwork showcasing this technique on my blog, and at the Scrapbook Shop, in the coming weeks.

Layout Materials
12” x 12” Heavy Weight Cardstock (5)
12” x 12” Background and Texture (B&T) Paper (6 assorted)

B&T Dimensions
A. 2½” x 12” (2)
B. 6” x 12” (1)
C. 1” x 2” (2) (optional, use the same paper as piece B)

Cardstock Dimensions
D. 2” x 12” (1)
E. 5” x 12” (1)
F. 5” x 11” (2)
G. 5” x 6” (4)

Directions:
1. Use one 12” x 12” cardstock as your base.
2. Attach piece B to the center of the page, leaving 3” on each side, flush top to bottom.
3. To piece D, place 6 glue dots or another strong adhesive to each end and attach it to the base 2” from the top, flush to the left and right sides. Do not put adhesive in the middle 6” of this piece, as the pull for the mechanism will need to slip under it.
4. Attach pieces A to the left and right sides of the base, keeping the edges flush.
5. If you wish, you may camouflage piece D by placing pieces C on top of piece D, flush with the edges of piece B.
6. Score piece E 6 times in 1” intervals starting at one end. When done you will have six 1” sections and one 6” section. Burnish the 6 scored lines with a bone folder.
7. Place glue dots on the back side of the first 1” section of piece E. Match one piece F up to piece E and wrap the section with adhesive around the bottom of piece F, keeping the top flush. This will create a 5” by 22” piece, the "mechanism".
8. Fold the mechanism in half, with the front being piece E with the scored sections on the bottom half.
9. Place glue dots in the top 1” section. Then attach one piece G, placing the bottom at the scored line, and the sides flush. Repeat three times, attaching the remaining pieces G.
10. Place glue dots in the last 1” section. Then attach the remaining piece F keeping the top, bottom, and sides flush. This is your waterfall mini album.
11. Place strong adhesive to the center 4” of piece D on your base.
12. Open your mini album so that the back is facing you and the small pages are facing away from you. Slide the back under piece D on your base and place it ½” from the top and sides of piece B.
13. Fold your mini album closed over piece D carefully, all the while making sure that it is centered on piece D, ½” from all sides. This will attach the backside of piece E to piece D, anchoring the mini album.
14. Open the first page (piece F) and the back page (the other piece F) will emerge at the top. Pull on the back page and your mini album will flip open page by page.
15. Attach a tab or ribbon to the top of the back page. This will be a pull for you to activate your mini album.
16. Decorate the pages as desired using the other B&T papers and embellishments of your choice. Please keep in mind that bumpy embellishments will hinder the action on the mini album.

To place your waterfall album scrapbook page into a top loading page protector:
1. Open the mini album all the way.
2. Put the page into the page protector.
3. Cut a slit in the page protector, carefully, with a craft knife and ruler at the crease in the middle of the back page of your mini album.
4. Pull the page out enough so that when you put it back into the protector, you can slide the open mini album into the slit that you cut in the page protector.
5. Close the mini album.
This will keep your waterfall album page anchored in your album, and allow it the freedom to be opened and closed as intended.

I hope you enjoy creating your waterfall album scrapbook page. I would love to see your creation!

All New Workshops on the Go Program!

The Workshop on the Go Program has changed for the better – with you in mind! Each of the four new paper packs has an exclusive workshop kit that includes an exclusive stamp set only available with the workshop. The kit also includes a full color, step by step, guide to create the exclusive layout and card designs and a coordinating accessory – all for just $29.95 (plus tax and shipping). Whether you are a scrapbooker, a card maker, or both, the Workshop on the Go Program is for you! Each kit contains enough products to create both the exclusive layout and cards; in addition you will have enough supplies remaining to create additional layouts or cards. Hostesses can receive a Basic Workshop Kit at half price. Contact me today to order your workshop or for more information. For additional artwork ideas with these products you can create with the WOTG kits go to jenlee.myctmh.com and click on Workshops on the Go.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Christmas Theme Waterfall Page Class

A heartfelt thank you to all of the lovely ladies who attended my first scrapbooking class at the Scrapbook Shop tonight. I enjoyed working with you. And a special thank you to Rhonda who allowed me to share my waterfall page technique at her beautiful store. What an inspiring place to play!
http://www.scrapbookshopofstpaul.com/

Christmas Theme Waterfall Page Class!



On Tuesday I went over to my favorite store "The Scrapbook Shop" in Circle Pines. I shared my most recent pages with Rhonda, the store owner. She liked my waterfall page so much that she asked me to teach it as a class! I am very excited for this opportunity! The page is a new take on the waterfall card or waterfall mini-album, using the waterfall technique to create a 12 x 12 scrapbook page. As you pull on the tab at the top, the pages open to reveal your hidden pictures and journaling!

Last night I shopped the store for project materials. It took a while, since I am admitedly decision-impared (especially when there are so many fabulous options!). Eventually I left the store with adorable papers from Making Memories, the Mistletoe collection. I love the colors in this line!

Once I got home, I laid out the papers and the page practically created itself. I kept it very simple, using the papers to create the design, to make the project easier to teach. Once you get the technique down, you'll be able to create fabulous interactive pages for your albums.

These are pictures of the proposed project to create in my class, click on the images for enlargement. Rhonda and I will meet again next week to talk about the date, time, and cost of the class. After that I'll update this posting with more information. I hope you can join me for my first official class!

The Christmas Waterfall Layout Class is Set!

Have too many Christmas photos and don’t know how to fit them all into one layout? This class is your answer! We will create a 2-page layout that will showcase 15-20 of your favorite photos, using the waterfall technique. This is an interactive layout; pull the tab and watch the album flip open to reveal page after page of your wonderful photos. Papers will be pre-cut. Bring your basic class kit with paper trimmer, scoring tool, bone folder, scissors, glue dots, tape runner, and a black pen. Come with or without photos, your choice. Recommended picture sizes: (1) 5x7 or 6x6, (4) 3x3, (10) 4x4, and a handful 2x2 or smaller.

Pictures of the base project are shown in the next post. Stop by the store to see the entire layout complete with pictures and journaling.

The Christmas Waterfall Page technique class will be held at The Scrapbook Shop on Thursday, October 15 at 6:30 pm. Space is limited and the cost is $15. If you would like to take my first official class please stop by or call the store. I hope to see you there!

Thursday, October 8, 2009

More from the Close To My Heart Regional Celebration

NOTE: Click on the pictures to see them enlarged and click on the underlined items for a link to my Close To My Heart website to see more about the fabulous products.
Last weekend was the much anticipated Close To My Heart Regional Celebration in Minneapolis, MN! We had a fabulous time! Here are a few of the highlights:

Friday started with an early morning, fellow Inkbuds Darcy and Katie met at my home at 7:00 am to carpool to Minneapolis. When we arrived we received our name badges at registration and fabulous buttons from our senior uplines Jillene Moen and Tina Sutton!




At registration we were also given an exclusive organizer bag, regional celebration charm, and a blinged out purple princess pen.



When they opened the doors to the ballroom we each found a fabulous packet at each space for us. The coffee I picked up during the commute, but the goodies inside the bag were fantastic! It contained the papers and embellishments for our creative sessions.





We each also received 4 brand new stamp sets!





During the opening General Session we watched a wonderful video explaining the beginning of our company, from Jeanette's dime store markers, to DOTS (Dozens of Terrific Stamps) to the fabulous company we now know as Close To My Heart - 25 Years in the making! After a few heartfeld words from Jeanette Lynton we closed and shuffled off to our business classes, had lunch, and reconviened for our first creative session.


During our first creative session we created this It's a Wide World layout using the Cherish pattern, Simple Pleasures.




Technique Spotlight:

Dry Embossing with a template

We used the negative space from the "Wide World" Stickease stuck to the plastic bag from the Stickease. With the dry embossing tool on the reverse side of the chocolate cardstock base, we traced the pattern. Then we turned over the cardstock to the top side and swiped the chocolate ink pad over it to reveal the lovely scalloped pattern.







OK, so you'll have to turn on your left ear to see this one correctly, sorry, I'm picture impared and can't get it to show up landscape.





This lovely garland was created using:





I will be offering this garland as a class in the beginning of December. Watch my blog and newsletter for a class date. Please let me know if you are interested in the class, you can help me pick the date!

After creating these two great projects we were off to find some dinner and freshen up for the evening crop. We stayed until midnight cropping the night away with our new friends! We played games, ate chocolate, oh yeah, and created a few projects on our own. I prepped my create and take project for this Saturday's Home Parties at the Lodge. This lovely Twitterpated card:




Saturday's General Session started at 9:00 am, then we broke out for our business classes, had a fabulous lunch, and gathered together again for more creative sessions.


Now for me, this was the highlight of the Celebration. Jeanette Lynton led us in creating a project all the while answering our questions. She truly is amazing. Everything that Close To My Heart does has us in mind. They all think things through completely before offering us these fantastic products.


Which project you ask? Well we decorated a My Creations™ Journal. This fantastic new product will not be available until January, but we each received one! Here is your sneak peek. I'll have the original at my crop on Saturday, October 17, at the Scrappy Chic workshop for you to check out. It is a spiral bound blank journal with a page protector on the cover, so you can switch out your cover decoration, and it will remain protected. Pretty cool huh!






The last project I created at the Celebration was this fantastic Sweet Home Building Family Memories layout using the Imagine pattern, Role Play.



Technique Spotlight:
Paper Piecing
Stamp your image in 2 different colors, then cut out pieces and adhere them together. We created multi-colored buildings using the paper piecing technique.

Products Used:



There were also several card projects given to us to complete, but I chose to finish the Sweet Home layout and work on my Twitterpated Home Party project instead. At some point in the next few weeks, I'll complete the cards and share them with you. They are really cute!


The last item on the agenda was to announce the winners of the card and layout contests. I won the card contest with my Nativity card. Check out my other post for pictures and instructions. What a great experience. After announcing my name I was whisked onstage to talk about my card. I don't even know what I said. You know, I've had training in Toastmasters (public speaking) but that was about 20 years ago, and it didn't all come back to me, like say riding a bike. I was pretty flabbergasted, to say the least. Thanks again for everyone's votes and thoughtful comments. I appreciate them all!


All in all, we had a fabulous time at Regionals. National convention is in Washington D.C. in July 2010, and I will be there! I am also going to try my best to earn a cruise on the Norwegian Epic! Ask me how you can earn a cruise too!