Barb's Handmade Christmas Gifts - Day 1

                                                                       Hi Everyone!

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! We had a quiet, low key day with a traditional Thanksgiving meal... Turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie... and it was just my husband, son and I... everything was coming together well... I was TOO proud of myself... within moments of that proud feeling... I BURNED the beejeezzes out of my potatoes... (pout)! Fortunately, I had some frozen Oreda mashed potatoes to fall back on, but I was bummed for the whole night! The guys were fine with it all... of course... it was just food! LOL! At least I didn't burn the house down!!

I thought I would hand make some of my Christmas gifts this year! Usually, I run out of time, but this year, even though things have still been busy, some how I have found snippets of time here and there, and I have to say, I have thoroughly enjoyed doing some personal creating! So, I thought it would be kind of fun if I shared some of the goodies with you!

This gift will be for my CTMH Team gift exchange on Sunday... I used one of those clear plastic 'paint' cans and decorated it, and it will be used as the 'gift wrap' for the really fun candle that will be included inside the can. I used retired CTMH "Bliss" paper to make it so that it would hopefully fit in with any home decor, not knowing who will be receiving this gift!

The candle was from Michaels, and then I placed a 4" B&T band around the candle in the center. I then took 2 types of two-sided B&T (using both sides) and cut them into 4", 4 1/2" and 5" strips and then cut them into 1" pieces. I rolled them and sealed them closed (to look like a 'straw') with CTMH's Bonding Memories Glue pen. This candle needed 48 'straws', 4 different patterns (B&T) X 4 of each size = 16 and then X the 3 sizes (see above), it will obviously depend on what size candle you choose to use.

I adhered the 'straws' on top of the B&T band, using CTMH's Liquid Glass! I then put another double band of 'Grey Wool' Cardstock and "Bliss" B&T, and then tied a double bow on the candle. This would make a great wedding gift, or you could add a snowflake to it and it could be out during the snowy months, or... for someone who has an elegant home decor - it could be out year round! This was easy to make, however, it was a bit time consuming!

I hope you find that some of the gifts that I will be sharing during the next couple weeks will help you get your creative juices flowing, or maybe help you find something you can create with minimal additional investments ... I promise they will be easy (that's all I have time for!) and hopefully, inexpensive!

Please be sure to check back often... I am going to try and post something every day!

Thanks for stopping by!
Hugs,

Barb

Only 23 CTMH Shopping Days left!

Hi Everyone!

I just wanted to drop a quick post on my blog as a reminder to you all that the deadline for Holiday gift purchasing from CTMH (allowing for Holiday shipping) is Monday, December 12th. That would be to 'guarantee'* you of items available from the Idea Book directly from CTMH. (*Provided item you order is in stock)

Please do keep in mind that I have plenty of CTMH product on hand, so I might be able to help you directly from my own 'shopping' center! In fact, should you decide to purchase something from me (and not from my website), I will wrap your gift(s) for your friends... or if you would like to give a wish list to your significant other, have them contact me (meridots@aol.com) with your preferences and I will take care of everything, including wrapping, and either mailing it, or deliver it (if in the local NoVA area) to your desired location!

The darling Santa shown below was created by my Upline, Tina Sutton and she was inspired by Tracey Mason... Isn't it adorable!

Please note that the prices below do not include Shipping/Tax...

Holiday Gift Giving Guide for the creative person in your life!

Stocking Stuffers:

Idea/Catalog Subscription- $12.00

Sponge Daubers- $3.95

Edge Distresser- $2.50

Sanding Kit- $3.50

Piercing Tool Kit- $5.95

Texture Tools- $9.95

Prisma Glitter and Glue- $8.75



Especially for card designers:

Clear Cards Package- an assortment
Or both types of clear cards- $18.00

Round Cards- $5.95

50 pack of plain cards and envelopes- $14.95
Acrylix Stamp Case Holder- $12.95

Versa Mat-$14.50

Double Scrubber Stamp Cleaner- $15.00

Exclusive Ink/Marker Tower Organizer- $69.95

Embossing Kit- $45.00- includes heat gun, versamark and powder.



Especially for Digital Scrapbookers-

5 pack Gift Subscription= $55.00

3 Month Membership- $30.00

12 Month Membership – $99.00

Simulated Leather Album- $24.95

Especially for Scrapbook Designers:

Shoulder Tote- $29.95

Accessory Case- $12.95
Ribbon Assortment- $32.00 – 4 colors of ribbon rounds

Embellishment Collections- $40.00

Scrapbooking "How To" Books- Cherish, Reflections, Imagine or Magic - $21.95
Card Making "How To" Books- Originals, or Wishes - $21.95

Custom Theme Gift Baskets Available * Gift Certificates Available

If I can help, please contact me as soon as possible!
Hugs,
Barb

It's Time to Get Your Christmas Cards done!

Hi There!!
I have to start by saying, YEAH!! I finally got my Christmas cards ready to share! I worked on them all weekend... as I mentioned before, I am a perfectionist and I will not teach/offer a workshop that I am not 100% happy with... which means I also make it easy for you to send out your own "Hall**** cards... when you care enough to send only the best!"... At least, I think they are 'perfect'!

There are a couple of my cards that are very similar to some fellow CTMH's Consultants cards... I believe in credit where credit is due... I was inspired by Ginni Candelaria's Tree card, and I was inspired by Vicki Wizniuk's wreath card,... Thank you to all the ladies who post their cards to inspire creativity in all!

I will be offering my Christmas Card Class 3 times this year, I hope that you will be able to find a time that will work for you!

My Christmas Card Class Info:
You will make 4 of each card, for a total of 24 cards for only $45.00... I will have everything prepped for you, and all you need to bring is LOTS of adhesive, and foam pop dots (thickness of your choice)... be ready to CREATE, get your fingers inky and let's have some fun!!

The dates for my Card Classes, for this year are:
Saturday, November 26th at 10am, RSVP and pay for class by Nov. 19th
Thursday, December 1st at 10am, RSVP and pay for class by Nov. 24th
Tuesday, December 6th at 6:30pm, RSVP and pay for class by Nov. 29th

If you would like to sign up for any of these classes, please email me at meridots@aol.com and I will send you a PayPal request.

If you would like to make more than one set of cards, or if you would like to make more than 4 of any one of the cards, please contact me ASAP, so I can adjust the price for you! If the above dates don't work for you, please contact me and maybe we can work something out!

Thank you for coming by!
Have a wonderful week...
Hugs,
Barb

Still in LOVE with Sophia!

Hi Everyone!

Hope you all are enjoying your weekend! I have spent the majority of my weekend working the cards for my Christmas Card Class... I am not quite ready to post them... Unfortunately, one of my mixed blessings is that I am a personal perfectionist... regarding my 'art'! =)

So, hopefully I will be finished with them tonight and will post them, as well as send an email out regarding my upcoming classes!

In the mean time, while I was down stairs in my Craft Room working, I glanced up and saw this beautiful gift hanging in my Craft Room... This amazing tray was created and given to me by my CTMH down line, Kelly Rizzo. She knows I LOVE CTMH's Sophia Paper and she did such an awesome job creating this! All I had to do was add the pictures, and I added the 'bugs', I just love it!

Thank you, Kelly... You are such a dear friend and I will cherish this always!

Hope you all enjoy Kelly's gift, as well!
Hugs,
Barb

I Can't Think of Anything Better... "Cherish The Day"

Hi There... Happy November!
I am just in shock at how fast October passed us by! And with a new month, comes new specials... and you can get each of them for only $5... even with a regular retail value of $17.95 each!

The first 'special' (shown on the left) is the November 2011 Stamp of the Month called "Cherish The Day" and one of the best things is that it coordinates with the CTMH Cricut Cartridge - Art Philosophy! As I have mentioned before, this AP cartridge is definitely THE BEST Cricut cartridge that is available... hands down! If you were to make a list of all the images that you would cut most often with your Cricut, this cartridge probably has them all! AND in addition to that, our Autumn/Winter Idea Book has a ton of stamps that coordinate with Cricut AP cut's... AWESOME! I use it every time I am in my craft room! LOVE IT!

To get your set of "Cherish The Day", click on the shopping art on the right side of my blog, it will take you right to my online shopping area!

And the 2nd November Special comes right in time to make your Christmas Cards... And once again, the images coordinate with the CTMH Cricut AP Cartridge!!

To sum it all up….

-If you spend $50, you get the November stamp of the month for $5.(retails price of $17.95)

-If you spend $25 in stamps, you get the Holiday Wishes Stamp Set for $5! (retail price $17.95)

-These two offers can be combined. For example, if you spend $25 in stamps and an additional $25 on anything else in the catalog you will get both stamp sets for a total of $10. That’s a SAVINGS of $25.90!

I just love both of these stamp sets and can't wait to get my hands on "Holiday Wishes"... If you would like to purchase either set, please let me know if I can help you in any way!

Hugs,

Barb

And They LOVE the CTMH Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge!!

Hi everyone!
I have thoroughly enjoyed playing with CTMH's Cricut Cartridge called Art Philosophy! I will be sharing some of my creations in the near future! However, one of my customer's, who has become a good friend created the simply elegant card I am sharing today, and I asked her permission to post it on my blog... Leslie Cradlin is the creator of this GREAT card and she said the following, in addition, she shared a tip I wanted to post for all of you who also love the versatility of this great new Cricut Cartridge!

Leslie said in her email:
"I ended up making 18 of these cards today. I love how well the new cricut cartridge works with the CTMH stamp sets. My favorite feature is the ability to create the perfectly sized nested shapes!"

And her tip is:
"One thing I discovered (you probably already know this). I found it easiest to stamp the image on the shape while it was still on the cutting mat; otherwise, I would have used a bit of re-positionable adhesive to hold the shape down while I stamped. To get the nesting shape I just went up 1/4" on the size."

If you have some Art Philosophy artwork that you would like to share on my blog, please contact me via email @ meridots@aol.com and I will be in touch!

Thank you Leslie! I just love this card!!
Hugs,
Barb

I Didn't Fall of the Face of the Earth... I am Alive!



Main Layout

Hello Everyone!

I apologize for my long absence, I have been dealing with some personal stuff... and I was taught that "if you can't say something good/nice... then say nothing at all!" I am happy to say that I am alive and  finally got some of my creative juices flowing again! WOW, it's feels good!

This is a Double-Double Layout that I created for a class I will be teaching at Crops Plus on Saturday, November 5, 2011, and I thought I would share it with you all! I hope you like it!

I used X7142B and X7142C Dreamin' Paper and Stickease, Z1412  "10 Things" Pocket, Z1633 Harvest Charms, Wood Buttons, and Z1325 Flip Flaps Assorted



"10 Things" Pocket


 


Opening Flip Flaps on Right side





Inside (2nd) Layout














If you would like to take this class at Crops Plus, please email me at meridots@aol.com... space is limited!

I have a bunch more to share, so I'll be back soon! Thanks for hangin' in there with me!
Hugs,
Barb

Wooohooo! I am going Absolutely "Buggy"!!!

Hi everyone!

I just had to share that I got my Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge from CTMH on Monday... just mere hours before my grandsons arrived from TX... I had to give it a try! OMG - I can NOT wait to get back down into my Creation Station to do some more creating! I made a couple of the spiral posy shaped flowers (3" and 4") and one of the GORGEOUS lacy doilies... just to give it a try...

Did I mention that I LOVE this new Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge that you can only get from Close To My heart??? Love, love, love it!!

To get yours, I have a special going on through the 31st of July... To Pre-Order yours and find out what my special is - email me at meridots@aol.com

Thanks for stopping by!
Hugs,
Barb

LAST CHANCE!! Retired List includes Level 1's and Some Bulk Cardstock!

Just wanted to give you a heads up about the Close To My Heart Product that is Retiring...


And it's Going, Going... Gone! Available only through July 31st, 2011!!

Paper Kits Retiring:

Bliss Level 1 -- X7132A pg 12
Bliss Level 2 -- X7132B pg 12
Bliss stickease -- X7132C pg 12
Miracle L1 -- X7133A pg 16
Miracle L2 -- X7133B pg 16
Miracle stickease -- X7133C pg 16
Sweetheart L1 -- X7134A pg 20
Sweetheart L2 -- X7134B pg 20
Sweetheart stickease -- X7132C pg 20
Wings L1 -- X7135A pg 24
Wings L2 -- X7135B pg 24
Wings stickease -- X7135C pg 24
Magnifique L1 -- X7127A pg 38
Magnifique L2 -- X7127B pg 38
Magnifique stickease -- X7127C pg 38
Olivia L1 -- X7128A pg 38
Olivia L2 -- X7128B pg 38
Olivia stickease -- X7128C pg 38
Hooligans L1 -- X7129A pg 39
Hooligans L2 -- X7129B pg 39
Hooligans stickease -- X7129C pg 39
Mistletoe L1 -- X7130A pg 39
Mistletoe L2 -- X7130B pg 39
Mistletoe stickease -- X7130C pg 39
Workshops On The Go Retiring:

Sweetheart WOTG -- G1017 pg 41
Lucky WOTG -- G1018 pg 41
Sophia WOTG -- G1019 pg 41
Bliss WOTG -- G1020 pg 42
Fanfare WOTG -- G1021 pg 42
Mayberry WOTG -- G1022 pg 42
Miracle WOTG -- G1023 pg 43
Wings WOTG -- G1016 pg 43

Acrylic Blocks Retiring:

1" x 1 ½" block -- Y1001 pg 45
1" x 6 ½" block -- Y1005 pg 45
2" x 11" block -- Y1007 pg 45
2 ½" x 2 ½" block -- Y1004 pg 45
4 ½" x 6 ½" block -- Y1011 pg 45
MISC. Accessories and Embellishments Retiring:

Designer ribbon - cranberry -- Z1209 pg 115
Designer ribbon - buttercup -- Z1154 pg 115
Designer ribbon - sweet leaf -- Z1125 pg 115
Sophia L2 Journaling Spots -- Z1357 pg 116
Mini Medley Accents - Pear -- Z1339 pg 117
Mini Medley Accents - Lagoon -- Z1340 pg 117
Mini Medley Accents - Outdoor Denim -- Z1277 pg 117
Top Coats - Framed In -- Z1211 pg 118
Rub Ons - Across the Board -- Z1231 pg 118
Rub Ons - Primavera -- Z1265 pg 118
Dimensional Elements - Villa -- Z1390 pg 118
Dimensional Elements - Miracle -- Z1354 pg 118
Dimensional Elements - Booksmart -- Z1223 pg 119
Dimensional Elements - Borders -- Z1156 pg 119
Dimensional Elements - Framed Fun -- Z1140 pg 119
Dimensional Elements - Plain Chipboard -- Z1164 pg 119
Dimensional Elements - Stars -- Z1312 pg 119
3" x 3" Mini Album -- Z1166 pg 120
My Creations 3 ring binder -- Z1141 pg 120
Kraft Color Ready Borders -- Z1377 pg 120
Red Eye Pen -- 3501 pg 121
Embossing Powders - Clear -- Z671 pg 121
Embossing Powders - Heavenly Blue -- Z647 pg 121
Embossing Powders - Pansy Purple -- Z664 pg 121
Embossing Powders - Silver Pearl -- Z678 pg 121
Block Buddy Set -- Z1289 pg 121
Pivot Point Stapler -- Z1009 pg 122
Texture Tools - Foam Tools -- Z1090 pg 122
Fun Flock -- Z263
My Accents Organizer -- Z183 pg 123
My Accents Block Organizer -- Z185 pg 123

Cardstocks ~ Bulk

Cardstock 24 pk 12" x 12" - Grey Flannel -- 5573 pg 124
Cardstock 24 pk 12" x 12" - Grey Wool -- 5571 pg 124
Cardstock 24 pk 12" x 12" - Brown Bag -- X5644 pg 124
Cardstock 24 pk 12" x 12" - Parchment -- X5645 pg 124
Cardstock 24 pk 12" x 12" - Amethyst -- X5631 pg 125
Cardstock 24 pk 12" x 12" - Baby Pink -- 1299 pg 125
Cardstock 24 pk 12" x 12" - Heavenly Blue -- 1285 pg 125
Cardstock 24 pk 12" x 12" - Key Lime -- 1235 pg 125
Cardstock 24 pk 12" x 12" - Sunkiss Yellow -- 1240 pg 125
Cardstock 24 pk 12" x 12" - Taffy -- X5630 pg 125
Cardstock 24 pk 12" x 12" - Juniper -- X5752 pg 125
Cardstock 24 pk 12" x 12" - Lilac Mist -- 1295 pg 125
Cardstock 24 pk 12" x 12" - Sorbet -- X5751 pg 125
Cardstock 24 pk 12" x 12" - Spring Iris -- 1296 pg 125
Cardstock 24 pk 12" x 12" - Tulip -- X5753 pg 125
Cardstock 24 pk 12" x 12" - Gypsy -- X5757 pg 125
Cardstock 24 pk 12" x 12" - Holiday Red -- 1274 pg 125
Cardstock 24 pk 12" x 12" - Sunny Yellow -- 1225 pg 125
Cardstock 24 pk 12" x 12" - Sunset -- X5758 pg 125
Cardstock 24 pk 12" x 12" - Topiary -- X5635 pg 125
Cardstock 24 pk 12" x 12" - Cotton Candy -- X5760 pg 125
Cardstock 24 pk 12" x 12" - Dutch Blue -- 1241 pg 125
Cardstock 24 pk 12" x 12" - Lagoon -- X5762 pg 125
Cardstock 24 pk 12" x 12" - Pear -- X5764 pg 125
Cardstock 24 pk 12" x 12" - Sky -- X5761 pg 125
Cardstock 24 pk 12" x 12" - Autumn Terracotta -- 1270 pg 125
Cardstock 24 pk 12" x 12" - Barn Red -- X5637 pg 125
Cardstock 24 pk 12" x 12" - New England Ivy -- 1282 pg 125
Cardstock 24 pk 12" x 12" - Pansy Purple -- 5590 pg 125
Cardstock 24 pk 12" x 12" - Sunflower -- 1242 pg 125
Cardstock 24 pk 12" x 12" - Garden Green -- 1244 pg 125
Cardstock 24 pk 12" x 12" - Goldrush -- 1243 pg 125
Cardstock 24 pk 12" x 12" - Hollyhock -- 1246 pg 125
Cardstock 24 pk 12" x 12" - Indian Corn Blue -- 1284 pg 125
Cardstock 24 pk 12" x 12" - Vineyard Berry -- 1248 pg 125
Cardstock 24 pk 12" x 12" - Buttercup -- 1271 pg 125
Cardstock 24 pk 12" x 12" - Garnet -- X5638 pg 125
Cardstock 24 pk 12" x 12" - Moonstruck -- 1293 pg 125
Cardstock 24 pk 12" x 12" - Ponderosa Pine -- 1276 pg 125
Cardstock 24 pk 12" x 12" - Smokey Plum -- 1291 pg 125
Cardstock 24 pk 12" x 12" - Blush -- X5640 pg 125
Cardstock 24 pk 12" x 12" - Crystal Blue -- 1292 pg 125
Cardstock 24 pk 12" x 12" - Honey -- X5668 pg 125
Cardstock 24 pk 12" x 12" - Petal -- X5667 pg 125
Cardstock 24 pk 12" x 12" - Twilight -- X5666 pg 125 

One other note: All Stamp Pet sets, Marker sets, & Cardstock Combo's will no longer be available to order... The colors are not changing/going away, they will be selling them loose ONLY!

And regarding the Cardstock Combo's, the colors are not changing but are being re-grouped so combo packs will change)

Please feel free to contact me at meridots@aol.com, or shop from my website: http://www.barbcarrico.myctmh.com/

Thank you for your support! Holler at me if you have any questions!
Have a wonderful summer evening!
Hugs,
Barb

ARE YOU BUGGY for Cricut Cartridges???

Hi Everyone!

I am so OVER THE MOON excited!! I just got home from the Close To My Heart Annual Convention that was held at Disneyland this year!! OMG... I am still in absolute awe... Convention was beyond amazing... well, you can probably figure it out - CTMH and Disney make for a truly PHENOMENAL Convention, and vacation, as well! Below is a picture of the members of my MeriHearts Team who were able to attend... It was taken at the Disneyland Hotel... we had such a truly wonderful, extra special time!!

So... THE BIG NEWS... I have the extreme pleasure of telling you that CTMH has finally released the most unbelievably fantastic Cricut cartridge ever! Serious... there are over 700 shapes, 46 sizes, and with all the different function keys... that allows for over 32,000 options!

Double click on the picture below to see the full image!

AND it is only $99.00 plus S/T... You get the Art Philosophy Cartridge, 3 stamp sets that coordinate with the shapes you can cut with the cartridge (Oh, and on the Stamp sets carrier sheets, they even tell you what size to cut the image so it will match the stamped design!), and 3 packages of Dimensional Element (chipboard) that also coordinate with the cartridge and the stamps!!

Check out this video!!

How can you be among the FIRST to get yours???

Here's how...

• You can pre-order it from me by July 31st... And you will get the Cricut Bundle and an exclusive gift as my THANK YOU!! To find out more about my Pre-Order Special... please email at meridots@aol.com

• You can Host a $250.00 Gathering, and you can get it with your 1/2 price Hostess Reward. Starting August 1st, ANY ORDER of $150. or more can receive Hostess Rewards, even if it is 'just you' placing the order...  To host your own Gathering, contact me at meridots@aol.com

• Or sign up to be a Consultant and get it at a great discount... If you chose this option, and sign up to join MY MeriHearts Team... I have a very special (Exclusively from me) Thank you gift that will coordinate with this wonderful Cricut Bundle! To sign up, go to: http://www.barbcarrico.myctmh.com/

Also, there is a BRAND NEW CTMH Idea Book that is available...

To order YOUR copy, please contact me and I'll be in touch with the info...

CTMH also just announced that they have lower the price of the New Consultant kit to $99.00...

NOW is the time to join us... so many wonderful new things will be taking place, lots of new product to be released to customers on August 1st! Consultants get theirs EARLY!!

I have so much to share, but I am still on California time, in VA and it is WAY past my bed time, so be watchin' my blog... there is LOTS more info to come!!

Thank you for stopping by!
Hugs,
Barb

Happy Birthday, AMERICA!

Happy 4th of July to you all!

I have been kind of busy preparing for Close To My Heart's Annual Convention! Lots of goodies to create... Swaps, gifts and Team "Happies"! And unfortunately, everything I am creating can't be posted yet... once I return, I promise!

I am so excited because this year we are going to DISNEYLAND!! I am an East Coast gal, so I haven't been to Disneyland since I was about 10 years old... That is way toooo many years ago! I can't wait to see my CTMH friends, and spend some time with Mickey and Minnie!

The picture is of my children and grandchildren when everyone was here last July! They are my life, my pride and joy! I just wish they all lived closer! I miss them so much!

From my family and I, we wish you all a very safe and Happy 4th of July Holiday weekend!

Hugs,
Barb

CTMH's Veranda Level 1 Mini Album ~ All About Me!

Hello!
Thank you for stopping by! I just had to share this really pretty Veranda 6x6 Memory Showcase that I created as a gift for someone in my family!

I know I have said this before - many times... I LOVE Close To My heart's Level 1 kits! As I mentioned, I used the Veranda Level 1 kit, which is perfect for an "All about Me!" album!

I cut the 12x12 pre-printed layouts into 6x6 pieces and laid them out trying to find the best 'look' for the album.

I used a bunch of the coordinating My Stickease, using pop dots on a good many! The 'carnations' on the front cover are created using 8 scalloped punches (I made 2 sizes - CTMH's 2" Scalloped punch, and a 1 1/2" punch for the smaller size)... mist each one with water and then crumple up in an almost 'spit ball', then open all 8 of each size and layer them on top of each other alternating sides (Cocoa B&T and Creme Brulee B&T)... then pierce a hole in the center of the stack, and put a large brad in and open. Next, you want to crumple layer one up and around the brad, and follow all the way down to layer eight! Then gentle start opening up your 'carnation' with your thrumbs... Once they are open, set aside to dry... You will be amazed that when you come back to check on them they are hard... at that point use your Glitz Glitter Gel (Z1313 - $2.75) to gently leave a little glitter around the top of the carnations!

This was fairly quick to make and I really love how it turned out! If you have any questions, please drop me a note... I would love to help you!

Hope you are having a wonderful day!

Hugs,

Barb