Oh how time .....

Well I am sure each of you realize just how quickly time does fly by us all. This year has been one of those years for me. I started with CTMH in January before I realized exactly what this year would have in store for me and my family. Overall 2011 has been a smooth one compared to years past however it has been a year of change and overwhelming realizations. Personally I am grateful for the new year and the changes being made, but with change comes some sort of reflection. With that being said shortly after I joined CTMH I had to put it on the back burner to focus on what really matters to me... My Family. Now that all of that is handled I am jumping back on the horse and "relaunching" my CTMH Business. I hope in the coming weeks to reveal the changes, plans, and art work I have been working on. Clubs, Workshops, Crops and so much more! Thank you for your support and love during this time in my life and welcome back to my little corner of crafting!

On This Day .... I have found some inspiration!

I have always wondered what to do with the On This Day Stamp Set . In this video from Close to My Heart there are a ton of ideas and great inspiration.

Use the any of the Month stamps to truly personalize a birthday card and remember the little details. Use any of the "squarish" stamps to create a random tone on tone background paper that is unique. Of course don't forget to use it to mark the date for a picture of event on a layout. The ideas are endless!!

Aside from the stamp the color combination options are gorgeous! Use any color with the Craft and Bamboo card stocks. Such as Red Barn or Outdoor Denim for a country feel. Or choose another set of neutrals to go with the Twilight and Sweet leaf accents. Grey Flannel and Grey Wool would complement beautifully, or even Parchment and Vanilla Cream for a softer more subtle look.

Finding inspirtation and creativity is as Fast, Simple and Easy as sitting back and enjoying a good craft project. Keep you eyes and heart open for the idea coming your way.

P.S. If you would like to purchase anything on the video or other Close to My Heart Products please feel free to shop online here or email me anytime!

Finding My Style...

Spring has sprung here in Central Texas! The wildflowers are in full bloom, the weather is sunny and perfect, and fields are being planted all over. Our Family loves this time of year. Endless evening hours are spent outside together. We plant our garden, play in the yard, grill supper, and just enjoy each other. In a stroke of luck I placed a winning bid on a family photo shoot at a crop for Relay for Life. With the clock ticking on cooler weather, bluebonnets, and available weekends this Sunday is the day. Preparing for all 5 of us is getting interesting. Each of us is so unique with our own sense of style and tastes getting us to "match" but keep our personality has proven to be more of a challenge than I had originally anticipated.

Choosing my own outfits has made me wonder about my style and what it really is? Is it Shabby Chic, Modern, Traditional, or all of the above? In the end I have decided it just depends on my mood and what I have found to inspire me at any given moment.

Right now my style and personality is in love with:

1. Damask Backgrounds:

I am in love with using Two-Step Backgrounds stamp set! With this stamp set I can customize the print to match any color scheme. Two-Step Backgrounds is a must have set! Purchase it here.

My go to colors are:

Use them alone, all together, or with any neutral! Stock up on them because I bet you will reach for them over and over again!

Graphics I can not get enough of...

The Hope for Japan Stamp set is so me. I love the hearts, swirls, and flowers; it only cost 5 bucks; and it is being sold for a very charitable cause!!! Close To My Heart will donate 100% of the profits to the American Red Cross efforts in Japan. So me! Get it here.


Who knows what I will wear come Sunday but in the end it really will not matter. I will have captured memories of this point in our life's. Smiles, laughter, and small moments I will cherish, share and love. For me that's what really matters the most, and I just can wait!

P.S. Please pray that our 16 year old son, our 5 year old daughter, and our 2 year old crazy maniac son will all cooperate & smile at the same time!



***** UPDATE: The kids were great! I can not wait to see the final results! All 3 smiled, and played along. I guess when you tell them they are off the hook for Mother's Day if these come out nice everyone does there part. I am such a blessed Mom and I could not be more grateful for the family I have and the memories we are creating!*****

Basic Tutorial for Studio J

Here is a video on how to start using Studio J; Close to My Heart's on line scrapbooking software. It's completely free to try with no obligations. I love my scissors, sparkles, and paper and will never give them up but with Studio J you can complete projects easily and print multiple copies to share. Not to mention you can always add a little "somethin' somethin' " once the layout arrives at your door. Studio J is my "on the go, need some me time, just give me a chance to get it all done" scrapbook corner. Late at night when the heat tool and punches will wake someone I Studio J. I love it and can't wait to give out this years family gifts. Personalized recipe book anyone?

Springin' Up Flowers

I love to making flowers with the Spring Up stamp set. Its simple easy and takes all of the guess work out of where to cut and what to do. From cards to layouts Spring up Stamp set is fun, easy and versatile!

Hope for Japan

OUR HEARTS GO OUT TO THE VICTIMS OF THE EARTHQUAKE AND tsunami in Japan, and like so many of you, we’re eager to help. And helping has never been easier!
During April, purchase the exclusive “Hope for Japan” A-size stamp set for the special price of only $5 (retail value $7.95) and Close To My Heart will donate 100% of the profits to the American Red Cross efforts in Japan. This beautifully designed stamp set reminds us of how our hearts are hopeful for those who are in need.
Contact me today to get involved in this heart-worthy cause!

New Ideas for Ribbon

If you are like me there is nothing better than sparkles and pretty ribbons. Close to My Heart has just launched a new line of Designer Ribbons.This video showcases the new Pink Designer Ribbon Collection. It's a great jumping off point to use all those ribbons you have. There is also a New Blue Designer Ribbon Collection, as well as the classic Sweet Leaf and Colonial White Designer Ribbon Rounds Collections. I hope you enjoy watching!