It's not just for wiping...

TISSUE STAMPING!

After watching the CTMH TV episode I knew I needed to try it for myself!  I grabbed a roll of toilet paper, three stamp pads, and my new "A Sip" stamp set and got to work.  It was SUPER easy.  You use the lighter color first and then use the other two colors and accent the stamp.  Breath on the image and then stamp it on your paper.  I then just second generation the steam and added my saying.  I made 6 gift tags in less than 30 minutes with the great technique that makes people say, how did she do that?

All I want for Christmas...

As November quickly faded as a memory so did the time I had to sit and blog, much less scrap.  During this time of year like most people we find ourselves rushing about shopping, going to parties, and making lasting memories with the fam!  This year we once again made an advent calendar and have found ourselves reading, coloring, and baking!  All these things bring a smile to my face and another megabit on my camera.  In just a week I will begin my Christmas vacation and look forward to once again SCRAPING! 

If you can't wait another week, check out CTMH TV via the Close to my Heart homepage for the latest tips and techniques.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Fall Fun!

Some time ago (okay honestly it was 2 years ago) I bought these solid white decor letters that read, Fall, with all good intentions of creating our first fall decor.  However, as the years go and since I couldn't figure out exactly how I wanted to do them, my cheap $.97 find just remained packed away.  Well, I decided today after cleaning my scrap area that I did have the right papers (Olivia and Grace to be exact) to complete the project.  So, I pulled out my scraps, mixed the glue/water, and got a paint brush (I was going to try and not get my hands dirty-what was I thinking?). 

Anyway,  I begin my task and here comes Josiah and he asked mommy why do you have glue and a paint brush.  I explain I am making a decoration for thanksgiving.  He says, "mommy can I help you?"  How could I resist?  So, I tell him to come over to the chair beside me and we get to work.  He decides where to put the scraps and I man the glue.  In less than an hour we had this beautiful fun fall accent.

A little More THANKS (continued)!

Day 2: I am thankful for my jobs!  I enjoy working for Cleveland City Schools.  I enjoy watching children learn and continue to see them make progress.  I also find my job as a swim instructor at the Y rewarding.  It is so nice to see progress and children loving to swim.  I find my job as a grant writer rewarding and challenging.  Most importantly my job as a wife and mom is the BEST job anyone could ask for!

A little More THANKS!

Over the next month I want to challenge everyone who is reading this or gets my newsletter to make a point to be thankful for something each day.  It could be as simple as the air you are breathing or ______ (you fill in the blank)
Day 1:  I am thankful for God's healing and answered prayers.  I came home from work today with a horrible headache.  Not from my job mind you, but from the change of season.  I wasn't feeling well, but my kiddos couldn't understand why mommy didn't want to play.  Maggi gave my head a kiss and said all better?  Unfortunately not at that moment.  But, Jo said God will heal your head and He did!  God is good and reminds me of His healing and answered prayers even if the message comes from the mouth of babes.

At the end of the month I will compose a list and make several pages describing the things I and my kids are thankful for.  Now, I didn't do this last year, but remember very distinctly Jo being asked a church on several occasions what he was thankful for...he always gave the same response...his toy dinosaurs.   Oh well...I know he loves me ; )

A little More Thanks...
The month of November Close to my Heart is giving anyone and everyone who purchases $100 or more the Stamp of the Month AND an additional stamp set of your choice (22.95 value or less) absolutely FREE!  So, start checking those Christmas lists and purchasing your loved ones a gift that will keep on giving.  You can give them the free items or keep them for yourself! 

DE Ornaments!

These are all 6 of the new DE Ornaments by CTMH. I did use my scissors to a few of them, but LOVE the results!

These are feature at my 3rd Annual Christmas workshop coming in Dec.  Details coming soon!

"Snow" much fun!

Since the arrival of Snow Friends two years ago it has been one of my favorite Winter sets to use.  It is so versatile!  I have used it on tiles to make one of a kind coasters, cards, and now my latest a fun layout just awaiting the first now!  I just the stamp set to create my own Background and Textured Paper along with the adorable snowman and colored pencils to create boarders and page accents.

My little "hooligan"!

Create this spooky cute layout for your little critter's photos.

However, if you are like me, I don't have any spooky cute little photos yet, but I do have photos from Maggi's second birthday party.  I needed some fun and bright papers to make my photos pop off the page.

For my version of the layout I changed the background paper to white daisy and used the black cardstock to mount and title my layout.  I used the Poster board alphabet to create a bold outline.  Then I gave Maggi the coordinating ink markers to color in the title.  The sunset mini-accents kit was the perfect finishing touches.

Introducing a new way to use Studio J!

Sorry for being just a tad bit behind on the updates. Over the past few months with the start of school and numerous activities that come with the start of a new school year, I for one have had little to no time to actually scrap! As hard as that seems to understand I have made maybe two complete layouts since the start of Sept. If you too find yourself lagging further and further behind...I want to encourage you to use STUDIO J via my website: Not only do you have the ability to use the beloved retired papers, but also some exclusive kits only for studio J members. Yes, I did say members, but never fear if you wish to use current papers and Cherish or Imagine layouts it is completely FREE! I don't plan on printing my layouts, but now have found an even FASTER, SIMPLER, AND EASIER way to scrap! Using Studio J is easy and guides you through each step! I love being able to upload my digital photos and compare the papers, layouts, accents and much more!
I was able to make a layout start to finish in 20 minutes! Thanks to the help of Studio J, I have now laid out 3 different albums at NO COST! I now am able to take my net-book to the table where I scrap and begin to paper piece my layouts and in minutes I have the whole thing including new ideas using my favorite accents!
When you begin using Studio J your screen will look something like this:
It is a little hard to tell, but the second layout with the orange tones is using the You Rock paper.
The layout was super simple and the paper was perfect! This layout could have taken me hours to match the right paper to my photos, but with the ease of Studio J and a few clicks I was able to make 7 layouts in just a few hours while sitting on the couch :)

I used the You Rock paper pack, Goldrush Carstock, Outdoor Denium Twill Ribbon, and Hodge Podge Color-ready alphabet stickease.

$2, $4, $6 for 8…It's YOU We Appreciate! Constant Campaign

I know you won't want to miss this SALE! A select group of My Reflections paper packs, stickease, and level 1 kits are on a 50% off sale. Check out my website: scrapali.myctmh.com And ENJOY!

A book all his own!

Looking for a fun activity to do with your child(ren)? I have the perfect way for you to help them create their own story book! Close to my Heart has white daisy board books! I simply give Josiah pictures from the activities we have done over the summer, scraps from my scrapbook papers, and let him go to town. He loves stamping, adding stickers, and even accents to the pages! This book will last for years to come (as well as most paper books) and the story will be ever changing! Even today he told me of the time he blasted off in space and jumped past the moon.

6 x 6 White Daisy Board Book $6.95Printing of pictures (enough for the whole book) $6
Scraps $5
Time with my boy sharing my passion with him...PRICELESS!

Become a FACEBOOK fan: ScrapAli - Close to my Heart to see additional pictures of his book.

For more details about how to order these cute 6 x 6 albums, comment below!

Zippidde do-ta-da!

So, i know it has been a WHILE...but none the less here is the latest Technique I am doing, emboss resist.

After looking through my pictures I just new I had to use this paper for these pictures. I then took out my handy dandy Imagine book and ZIPIDEE I have a layout in less than 2 hours start to finish!
Zippidee Paper Pack, Cranberry Cardstock, Boys at Play stamp set, Spot on Backgrounds Stamp set, Dimensional Elements, Clear Embossing Powder, Cranberry Ink Pad and Marker, Sunflower Ink Pad, Outdoor Denim Brads, Foam Texture Tool, Chocolate Distressing Ink

Scrapbooking Rocks!

The you rock scrapbooking workshop features the my acrylix® just be you B-size stamp set. The awesome images and sentiments paired with the You Rock Level 2 paper packet and coordinating accessories will rocket your memories to the stars! Sign up today to create this cool, funky layout! Please select one of the following kit options. To register for the workshop please send me payment and your name will be added to the workshop attendees.
$30: You Rock Kit: Level 2 paper pack, Exclusive stamp set, and NEW Outdoor Denim Accent Kit
$20: Half-pack of You Rock Level 2 and Outdoor Denim Accent Kit
$10: Pre-cut layout and accessories to complete a 2-page 12 x 12 spread
Additional coordinating elements:
Z1272 Top Coats™ Rockin’ $4.95
Z1263 Bitty Sparkles $2.95
Z281 White Hemp $2.25
Get it ALL for the low-price of $50 including shipping and tax. Add the SOTM for the low price of $11.48.