Making Memories come ALIVE!

After creating the perfect background for the BIG snow and I was ready to add a few special touches!  The ribbon was placed perfectly with the accents of handmade paper candy, but I really wanted to give that snow feel.  I used the NEW Spray Pen.  Put water and white paint, shock (with spray nozzle not attached) and then spritzed it across the bottom edges of my page. 

Rock and Roll is here to stay ;)

No, I am not talking about the type of music, but the lasting memories you leave in your albums for years to come.  Don't just stamp your image, but allow it to really pop of the page. 

Step 1:  Ink your image in a base color. (I used Cranberry red.)
Step 2: Take the block and gently "rock" the stamp in a circular motion in a darker color (cocoa or black).
Step 3: Breath on the stamp and press to your paper. 
Step 4: Cut the image out and adhere to your layout using 3D foam squares or my favorite substitute, folded up scraps.

For best results use the correct block size as to not get access ink on the block, if you don't have the right block size make sure you put the image closest to a corner of the block to make the rocking easier.

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!