Barb's 'Sniglets' and Such...

Barb's Handmade Christmas Gifts - Day 1

2011-12-01T20:23:00.000-05:00

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!

2011-11-18T18:33:00.000-05:00

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!

2011-11-14T12:51:00.000-05:00

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!

2011-11-13T15:00:00.000-05:00

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"

2011-11-03T16:05:00.000-04:00

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!!

2011-10-22T14:10:00.002-04:00

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!

2011-10-18T23:52:00.002-04:00

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"!!!

2011-07-27T19:57:00.000-04:00

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!

2011-07-27T19:41:00.000-04:00

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???

2011-07-19T00:15:00.001-04:00

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!

2011-07-03T12:29:00.000-04:00

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!

2011-06-15T19:45:00.002-04:00

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

Studio J ~ Lesson 8

2011-06-02T12:23:00.001-04:00

Hello There!

Thank you for stopping back by... For this layout, I decided to celebrate my friendship with my CTMH Upline, Tina Sutton!

A little more than 12 years ago, my husband was the Commanding Officer of Naval Air Station Meridian, MS and we were supposed to live on base. Bill and I had never lived in base housing before, so this was going to be a new experience for me, well, for my whole family!

There is a long story that goes with this, but the short version is... I knew about D.O.T.S. (CTMH years ago) from a very good friend who lived in CA, but had never been able to get my hands on a catalog or a consultant. Speeding up the story, Tina Sutton lived down the street (her husband was attached to one of the Training Squadrons on the base) and heard that I wanted to learn more about D.O.T.S., so she stopped by with a catalog one evening, and from that point on, we became friends and started getting together! I fell in love with D.O.T.S.... and was convinced I need to go to Convention in San Antonio... however, I had to be a Consultant, so I signed up and the rest is 'her-story'!

On this layout, we used the Bliss kit, and the "Through the Lens" layout pattern. The techniques we used were: Layering Text (see Friends - we created 2 text boxes with 2 different colors using the same font and font size, layering them slightly off); Layering photo mats using journaling area to create double mats (on left page), and creating a My Stickease cluster on right page!

If you have any questions, please let me know... I would love to help you!
Have a gorgeous day... we are experiencing one here in Northern VA after 2 weeks of unseasonable HOT weather!
Hugs,
Barb

Studio J ~ Lesson 7

2011-05-29T14:24:00.001-04:00

Hi There!

Thank you for checking back in on my blog! This is a REALLY cool Studio J layout and I am REALLY looking forward to creating more like this using the techniques we were taught...

However, it may be some what of a challenge to explain without being able to SHOW you in person! The first thing we did was to take the Studio J Exclusive kit called "Boo" in the layout pattern called: "Cherish: Treasure Tags" and to change and manipulate the colors to fit your photos! When all was said and done at the Studio J Boot Camp, there were probably as many different color combinations in this layout, as there were in many of the other 9 layouts we did, combined!

The 2nd technique was to create our own B&T papers using text boxes! You can click on the photo of this layout to see it larger to see what I am referring to!

To somewhat quote CTMH directions: Create word puzzle on one small square by adding journaling areas in various sized Inkling*(*Optional) font with no background. Using different colored inks to coordinate with your layout/photos. NOTE: Use the scale font and copy/paste features to speed up this process. You may want to shut off 'snapping' during this step.

Holding down the shift key, select all journaling areas of your word puzzle. Copy and paste as a group into the other squares, as desired. NOTE: If you can not select all the journaling areas at once, select some of the journaling areas in one step. Copy and paste them as a group, then select the remaining areas and copy and paste them into the same areas on the other squares.

I hope this makes sense and that you have success in creating this REALLY COOL option! If this is your first time visiting my blog, please be sure to check out my other 6 Studio J lessons shown below this post...

As always, you can give Studio J a try... for FREE!! Please read below to find out how!

Thank you for stopping by...
Check back for more to come!

Happy Memorial Day to all, and a huge Thank YOU to all our Servicemembers and their families, and those who have sacrificed all - God Bless!
Hugs,
Barb

Studio J ~ Lesson 6

2011-05-25T19:03:00.003-04:00

Hi Everyone!

I have to apologize for the long delay... I have been busy getting ready for, participating in and then returning from the Somerset, NJ Scrapbook Expo! It was a great event, we did really well and sign TWO new Team members!! Waving to Elizabeth and Andrea!

I have been really looking forward to sharing this Studio J layout with you all... there is sooo much I love about it, but one of most favorite things is the window paned picture of my grandsons! And it is so easy to do!!

When picking a picture to showcase in this type of technique, you need to try and find a picture that has some extra 'space' to work with! First you want to drop in the same picture in all four of the photo wells, then increase the picture size to 200% on each of the 4 pictures. At that point, you are going to pull each picture in to the center, so, as an example, the upper left picture needs to be pulled down toward the center so that what shows is the top left of the picture, and the top right picture needs to be pulled toward that pictures bottom left (center), so that what shows is the top right corner of the pictures... and so on!

One other thing to notice as you are doing this, as you move the pictures, pulling them into the center, you should see a shadow of the picture and then you can line them up to 'match'!

In this layout, we used the "Lucky" kit and the layout pattern was "Reflections: Sidebar-Photo Accent/Sidebar-Balancing Act". We used the Stickease, and the fun argyle and distressing accents! And we used 2 journaling boxes to create the journaling on the right page!

I hope you will be inspired to give these techniques a try... and as always, if you have any questions... please contact me!

Happily, even though we had a GREAT time in NJ, I'm home now and will be posting the final 3-4 lessons in the next week, and I also have a bunch of traditional artwork to post! I hope you will check back to see the rest!!
Have a good day!
Hugs,
Barb

Studio J ~ Lesson 5

2011-05-13T19:17:00.001-04:00

Hello Everyone!

I am sure many of you know that Blogger was down for quite awhile, so I put the time to good use and have been working getting for my Scrapbook Expo that is in Somerset, NJ next weekend!

For this layout, we used one of Studio J's exclusive paper kits called "Take the Cake" and the layout pattern was called "Cherish: Portrait Collection". The main technique was to make these pictures look like Polaroid pictures. You place your pictures in the photo wells, and then create a rectangle shape text box that fits right over the bottom part of the picture, then you fill them with white daisy cardstock. This creates the polaroid look... then create a small journaling box, type in the name or info, make the background none and then turn the text box slightly so it looks like you wroe it on a cock-eyed!

We also learned to create B&T (Pattern) paper by using the Distressing Tool... sanding in White Daisy.

We made paper ribbon (on bottom left page) by creating a small text box, filling it with the lagoon Cardstock and distressing it the same way as we did for the big pieces of Lagoon Cardstock.. Then we turned the text and placed it so it fit over the end of the paper strip creating a diagonal cut to the paper.

We took the arrow sticker and placed 2 of them... one on each page and then worked with them so they looked like it was one sticker placed over the 2 parts of the layout, and then trimmed in half.

I took five of the women Stickease and placed them so that they were hand in hand... We also used the button threads so that it looked like I placed multiple cross stitches on the layout.

For the journaling on the right page, we took a My Stickease frame and increased the size to 130%, then created a journaling box and sized it to fit inside the frame, did our journaling and sent the journaling box to the back.

I hope you are enjoying, or at least finding the 'lessons' useful! To give Studio J a try... for FREE... go to http://www.barbcarrico.myctmh.com/ and click on Studio J... if you haven't already created an online account on my website, PLEASE do so... that way whatever you create will be saved in case you want to purchase it!

Have a wonderful evening and thank you again for stopping by!
Hugs,
Barb

Studio J ~ Lesson 4

2011-05-11T10:02:00.002-04:00

Hello Friends!

I am back with another Studio J lesson... yesterday was a crazy busy day for me and I didn't get a chance to post this 'lesson'!

I LOVE this layout... and I love the pictures! My good friend, Katy Carlson, took these pictures of our Malti-Poo puppy when he was only 10 weeks old! He is almost 2 years old now... but these will always be my favorite pictures of him!

In this layout, we used the "Mayberry" kit, and the "Card Trick" layout pattern. The techniques that were used... I created a banner using TEXT AREAS... yes, I said TEXT areas!! I also used flat knots and diagonal cut ribbons to create the bows and once again, I created a border using My Stickease frames! I also added some My Stickease, but adjusted their sizes... the tree is increased to 125%, and the bike was shrunk to 55%...

The most special thing done on this layout was the banner... The first thing I did was to create a small vertical rectangular text box... Then I changed the text box to the green dot B&T paper, and changed the color to honey. Then I dropped in another text box, changing it to Colonila White (to blend with the background!). Turn the Col. White text box 45 degrees and place along the bottom of each vertical text box to create the pennant shape. Then copy and paste as many as you need of the pennants for each letter in the title.

To create each bow that is between the pennants, use 2 diagonal cut ribbons and 2 flat knots. Crop and rotate as desired! Then select all elements of the bow and copy and paste to link pennants into the banner, rotating as needed!

The letters in the banner were created by using new journaling or title boxes placed (and shrunk down) over each pennant one they are where you want them to be... then just type in each letter in the font and size you want!

Please scroll down to see my other Studio J 'lessons' and instructions on how to explore Studio J on your own! Check back, as I have a bunch more layouts to share with lots of new things to explain!
Thanks for stopping by!
Hugs,
Barb

Studio J ~ Lesson 3... Happy Mother's Day!

2011-05-08T20:44:00.002-04:00

Hello Friends!

These wild and crazy guys are my 3 grandsons! We just adore them! And boy, are they FULL of Personality! The title couldn't be more appropriate!

On this Studio J Layout, we used (believe it or not) the "Magnifique" kit, and the "Reflections: Front & Center - In the Middle/Sidebar - Main Frame layout pattern! We created our own B&T (Background & Texture) Paper aka Pattern Paper by replacing the kit's B&T with cardstock in our chosen color, and then layered the My Stickease flourishes (cropping some down in size and sending others to the back) and flowers!

The tab on the left page and the journaling box on the right page were created using the My Stickease bracket frame. We shrunk the frame for the tab to 50% and increased the bracket frame for the journaling to 200%! For both, we then pulled journaling boxes over top of the frames and adjusted the size to fit!

We used a border on the left page at normal size and then shrunk them to 60% to place borders under each of the pictures on the right page.

One other thing that you may not be able to see on my blog... We added new text areas over top of all of the Outdoor Denim CS areas with no background, then we distressed those pieces with the stubble brush in Colonial White, adjusting the intensity to 60%.

Once done with that, you right click and bring the photos and photo mats to the front, so that the distressing is behind them but showing on the Outdoor Denim cardstock!

Now, don't forget... YOU can try Studio J for FREE... just go to my website @ http://www.barbcarrico.myctmh.com/ and click on the link (on the left) for Studio J... Then create an account (if you don't already have an online account on my website by placing an order(s) in the past)... Once you are there, you can try out Studio J for FREE, and only purchase if you want to... By creating your online account, this will allow you to save your project in case you want think about it, try it some more, OR create 10 layouts FIRST before you buy your membership to get a little more time! It will save your un-purchased projects for about 3 months, so don't forget about them, should you decide to purchase a membership!

To purchase a membership, go to my online shopping area on the link above, and click on the Studio J link and you can go from there!

With all this being said, if you live in the DC Metro area, I would LOVE to offer you a FREE 30 minute class where I will help you create 2 layouts using your pictures in 30 minutes or less... The cost of the layouts are not included in the class...

If you are interested, please email me at meridots@aol.com!

Thanks for checking back... I'll have another lesson soon!!

Hugs,

Barb

Studio J ~ Lesson 2

2011-05-07T13:12:00.002-04:00

Hello Friends!

Thanks for stopping back by... I think you will enjoy this Studio J Layout called "Sugar and Spice".. the pictures are of my precious grandaughter, Hannah! My daughter took some pictures of Hannah for me to use just for this layout! Don't you just love "CTMH's 'Sophia' Paper!! Perfect colors for Hannah's dress!

In this particular Studio J layout, we used the "Sophia" kit, and the "Performance" pattern. We learned how to resize and layer the unlimited supply of 'My Stickease' that are part of this kit! BTW, if you click on the picture of the layout, you can make it larger so you can see the details a bit better!

The green bird on the left page, is the same green bird on the left page... the difference is that we set the size different for each bird. The left bird was set at 30% and the one on the right is set to 100%! The grouping of the My Stickease on the right (bird and flowers) is created by again layering the My Stickease, and moving the flowers to the back behind the bird!

We also use 3 text boxes for the title! The pretty flowers on the chain for the cage are actually added to the chain stickease... It's 3 of our pretty flower sprays layered over the chain!

Another technique we learned, was adding the ribbons and bows/knots and coloring it to work best with our colors in the layout! We added border My Stickease on the bottom of both pages!

Just as a side note, the journaling I added said, "That's what little girls are made of... usually!"... Hannah loves to dress up and be a girl, but she is also definitely FULL of SPICE, and more!

Now, don't forget... YOU can try Studio J for FREE... just go to my website @ http://www.barbcarrico.myctmh.com/ and click on the link (on the left) for Studio J... Then create an account (if you don't already have an online account on my website by placing an order(s) in the past)... Once you are there, you can try out Studio J for FREE, and only purchase if you want to... By creating your online account, this will allow you to save your project in case you want think about it, try it some more, OR create 10 layouts FIRST before you buy your membership to get a little more time! It will save your un-purchased projects for about 3 months, so don't forget about them, should you decide to purchase a membership!

To purchase a membership, go to my online shopping area and click on the Studio J link and you can go from there!

With all this being said, if you live in the DC Metro area, I would LOVE to offer you a FREE 30 minute class where I will help you create 2 layouts using your pictures in 30 minutes or less... The cost of the layouts are not included in the class...

If you are interested in taking me up on this offer, please email me at meridots@aol.com!
Thanks for checking back... I'll have another lesson soon!!
Hugs,
Barb

I Am FINALLY Home... and Boy, do I have some Cool Stuff to Share!

2011-05-06T18:35:00.004-04:00

Hello Friends!

I apologize!! I have been quiet for far too long! I was doing so well about posting 2-3 times a week, however, I have been out of town for the past 3 weeks and just returned home early this morning (1am)! Now that I've got my house all straightened/cleaned up... laundry is on-going, and I caught up on a few of the gazillion emails and messages I received, I had to post some exciting info on my blog for you!

During this past 3 weeks, I drove down to FL (from my home in VA) and back... spending about 10 days with my Mom! I do this every year in mid-April... we have a timeshare down in St. Augustine and we spend 7 days just chillin' and enjoying our time together, and we spent the other 3 days (some years we are able to spend 7 additional days together) we spend time at her place in Jax Beach and visiting my family and friends in and around Jacksonville! This year, my time was far too short and I didn't get to see many of my favorite FL people! I am very happy that I got to spend some quality time with my Brother and Sister-in-Law, and my niece... usually it's just a quick visit!

So, just so you can understand why I was so quiet, after the time with my Mom, I spent 11 hours on the road home just last Saturday, and then flew out on Monday at 8am to Salt Lake City for 2 days... yes... only 2 days (plus 2 travel days)!

Did you know that Close To My Heart has an absolutely awesome Digital Scrapbooking program called Studio J? Well, I am thrilled that CTMH offered 40 lucky consultants an exclusive Boot Camp to help us learn all the 'ins and outs' of Studio J! I was one of the 40!! OMG! I have always loved Studio J, but even though I have played around with it quite a bit, I LEARNED SO MUCH!!

The Studio J Boot Camper's were put through lots of training and shown many different (AWESOME) techniques! I am going to spend the next couple weeks sharing my completed layouts, and sharing with you the different techniques and tips that we learned to create each one! I hope you will follow along and give Studio J a try... which you can, for FREE!!! I will tell you how at the end of this post!

This Studio J Layout is Called "Beautiful You" and this gorgeous young woman is my niece, Kelly... She is graduating from HS in 3 weeks and when I saw her Sr. pictures, I knew I would be using her pictures on this layout!

In this Studio J layout, we used the "Sweetheart" kit, the pattern was "Imagine: Up the Tempo"... we changed a vellum journaling box into white 'cardstock' and then place that darling 'My Stickease' dress form w/dress on it. We also created a border by manipulating a 'My Stickease' square frame using a cut/paste technique, and then copied it and pasted it onto the 2nd page, as well! We created a unique title using multiple 'Title' boxes - one for 'beautiful' and one for 'You'. We double matted every picture with the mat tool - and btw, you can choose any color, and any thickness!

This particular layout, as shown above, is considered a digital layout, however, I am going to make this layout what is considered a HYBRID layout... That is when you take a digital layout and add real embellishments to the layout to make the layouts 3-d...

Here is a picture of the same layout, however, now I have added some CTMH Sparkles, ribbon and Bliss Level 2 Assortment (silver flowers)! Look at what you can do...

I just love this layout, and can't wait for Kelly to see it!

Now, don't forget... YOU can try Studio J for FREE... just go to my website @ http://www.barbcarrico.myctmh.com/ and click on the link (on the left) for Studio J... Then create an account (if you don't already have an online account on my website by placing an order(s) in the past)... Once you are there, you can try out Studio J for FREE, and only purchase if you want to... By creating your online account, this will allow you to save your project in case you want think about it, try it some more, OR create 10 layouts FIRST before you buy your membership to get a little more time! It will save your un-purchased projects for about 3 months, so don't forget about them, should you decide to purchase a membership!

To purchase a membership, go to my online shopping area and click on the Studio J link and you can go from there!

With all this being said, if you live in the DC Metro area, I would LOVE to offer you a FREE 30 minute class where I will help you create 2 layouts using your pictures in 30 minutes or less... The cost of the layouts are not included in the class...

If you are interested in taking me up on this offer, please email me at meridots@aol.com!

Please keep checking back to see more 'lessons' on Studio J! I think you will LOVE it... it's a GREAT way to catch up!

Thank you again for stopping by... hope to 'see' you again soon!

Hugs,

Barb

Tina's LeaderShare Operation Smile Silent Auction and More!

2011-04-07T11:09:00.001-04:00

Hi Everyone!
I have been in FL for the past week for my CTMH Upline's LeaderShare event! 70+ CTMH Consultants converged upon Navarre, FL for an extraordinary event provided to us by my UL, Tina Sutton, and CTMH Corporate Staff! It was an amazing event, we learned so much and had a BLAST exploring Navarre and Pensacola... and Tina's Craft room!!

I was deeply honored to be asked to provide an item for the Operation Smile Silent Auction! I decided to make an acrylic album in which I used CTMH's Mayberry Paper, and lots of our new buttons, and etc! I was inspired by an album that my friend Ginni Candelaria created for me as my Mediterranean Cruise Secret Pal Reveal gift! I hope you like it!

I am so proud and very pleased that my "CTMH Friends" mini album auctioned off for nearly 1/2 of a Operation Smile surgery! And... partnered with the "Friends" Album I personally bid on and won - created by Jackie Gay... I helped provide 1 full (plus a little extra) smile surgery at this event! Operation Smile is, as you may know, very near and dear to my heart. My sweet grand daughter, Hannah, was born with a cleft palate and I have been inspired to raise as much as I can, to help other sweet children in impoverished countries have their own REAL smiles! So far, with the help of my fabulous customers and friends, I have raised enough for almost 6 Operation Smile surgeries!

This gorgeous "Friends" album shown here on the left is the album created by Jackie Gay that I won! Jackie's album is phenomenal! I am so in awe of her creativity and talent! And very proud to own it!! I can't wait to put my pictures on to the album!

We were also asked to bring 11 'Wowie' Swap items... I decided I wanted to do something different, so I created these cute little treat boxes with White Daisy Card stock and Sophia Paper, and then added these pretty 'carnation' type flowers to the top! They are so fun and easy to make! I used CTMH's 2" scallop punch for the bigger flower and a 1 1/2" scallop punch for the smaller flower! These would make a wonderful Baby or Bridal Shower favor! I will post a picture tutorial of the flowers next week for you!

These are the CTMH Cruiser's that attended Tina's LeaderShare
Event along with Monica and Kristine - CTMH VP's!

We had such a blast at this event and I believe we all would have loved to stay a bit longer! Thank you to Tina and Kent Sutton for their hospitality... and to CTMH for asking Tina to host this event!

Thank you for stopping by!

Hugs,

Barb

Another Reason to Celebrate on the Cruise... Our 34th Wedding Anniversary!

2011-03-28T15:57:00.001-04:00

Picture taken on the Cruise

WOW! I feel so old say we've been married 34 years! However, I have to say that the CTMH cruise couldn't have been a more perfect way to celebrate our Anniversary!

When we finally got to go to our cabin, we found some tasty treats from CTMH saying 'Congratulations' (for earning the cruise)... there was a veggie plate and a bottle of Champagne! And there was also a very special surprise from my Mom... Congratulating us on our anniversary! A cake, fruit tray and a bottle of very tasty wine... Oh... and our room was very festively decorated with balloons, wedding bells and streamers! Thank you, Mom! What a happy surprise for the beginning of our awesome cruise and week of celebrations!!

From Close To My Heart!

From My Mom!

The first 2 days, we spent at sea... heading down to St. Maarten! We had dinner with my Upline, Tina Sutton and her husband, Kent, and the rest of Tina's team who earned the cruise. CTMH had a Business meeting for us and our families to share some CTMH updates with them! And we did all kinds of fun stuff on the ship during the first couple days, including seeing the "Blue Man Group" together with my fellow CTMH cruisers and their families! They were great... I laughed so hard and really was impressed with how talented the whole group was including the musicans who were behind a screen in black light... Amazingly talented people! And one night, a group from CTMH went to a Dinner Theater production of 'Cirque Dreams' - it was phenonmenal! And food was yummy too! These acrobats had muscles on their muscles... and on their balance was amazing... on a rockin' and rollin' ship!! We had a wonderful time!

Thank you for stopping by...

Hugs,

Barb

Sayin' 'So Long' to Miami Beach!

All the CTMH Cruisers and Corp. Staff

'Sophia' Level 1/Flip Flap Class for Creative Crops in April

2011-03-25T13:49:00.000-04:00

Hello Friends!

I am excited to share this fun and easy class that I will be offering at one of my crops in April... The crop is called 'Creative Crops' and is located in Shepherdstown, WV... the crop is the weekend of April 15 - 17th! For more information about this crop, please go to:

http://www.creativecrops.com/

Can you tell that I am in LOVE with Close To My Heart's Level 1 kits and our awesome Flip Flaps Assortment (Z1325 - $3.95)? I have been sharing them at all my crops with all my customers... and have a TON of them in the process...

This class we will be creating a layout with 14 pictures on it! We will be using CTMH's 'Sophia' Level 1 kit... I love this paper and it worked out beautifully with my "Rita's" Ice Cream Parlor picture from this past summer!

This is a really easy class, and once you have played with the Flip Flaps... you are hooked!! For more information about this class, please contact me privately at meridots@aol.com

Thanks for stopping by...

Hugs,

Barb

CTMH has "Hope for Japan"!

2011-03-24T19:10:00.002-04:00

Hello Friends!

Is your 'HEART' with the people of Japan? Close To My Heart just announced today that an exclusive stamp set has been created to help raise fund for Japan. An "A" size stamp set usually sells for $7.95, however, CTMH has lower the price of this stamp set to $5.00 and has announced that 100% of the profits will go to the American Red Cross Relief for Japan.

If you are interested in adding this exclusive stamp set to your collection, and to help the Japanese people at the same time, contact me (meridots@aol.com) for more information!

Thank you for taking the time to check back... more Cruise pictures and artwork coming soon!

Hugs,
Barb

Yes, We are Alive and Well! And Home from the CTMH Cruise!

2011-03-21T20:03:00.000-04:00

Hello Friends!

We have actually been home for 2 weeks... I CAN NOT even begin to believe that! Where has the time gone? We got home and I started getting ready for 2 events I had coming up and wooosh... here we are!

Bill and I had a really wonderful time! We were spoiled by CTMH and NCL... I have so many pictures to share and stories to tell, but today has been another LONG day, so I just thought I would really quickly let you all know that we were home, had a blast and share a picture that we had taken as we boarded the NCL Super Ship EPIC!

While we were on the cruise, we celebrated our 34th Wedding Anniversary! What a perfect way to celebrate such an occassion! Thank you to Jeanette and CTMH for helping make it possible to kick off year 35 (OMG!!) with one heckuva trip!!

I'll post more tomorrow... thank you for taking the time to check back!
Hugs to you all!
Barb

An Oldie (Paper) But Goodie!

2011-02-24T20:24:00.001-05:00

Hi Everyone!

I am so excited! My husband and I are leaving tomorrow morning to head down to Miami, FL to join my fellow CTMH friends and their guests, as we begin our Incentive Cruise on the NCL Supership "EPIC"... We are heading to St. Thomas, St. Maarten, and Nassau , Bahamas! 7 Days of ALL Expenses Paid delight and pampering Thanks to Close To My Heart!

One of the things I wanted to post before I left was this Wedding gift for a very special couple... Adam and Erica Jaco who live in Elgin, IL and are very dear friends of our son, Scott! Scott was a part of their wedding party.

I created this album using CTMH 9x9 Memory Showcase, our retired Silhouette Paper, Smokey Plum cardstock (one of the Bride's colors), and some Bazzill silver, black and pearl white! I also used a part of their announcement - shown on the bottom picture on the left. It was a paper band wrapped around the announcement that had mini glass marbles on it in a spiral design. And the ribbon was also part of the announcement. I had some misc. wedding embellishments/stickers that I added to it! You can click on the pictures to see the pictures up closer! Aren't they just a stunning couple!

It will be mailed when I return from the cruise... I hope they like it! It was made with lots of love!
Have a wonderful week, everyone... I'll post some pictures when we get back!
Hugs,
Barb

My 'Happy Valentines Day' to You!

2011-02-13T18:33:00.065-05:00

I just wanted to take a moment to send you all a 'Happy Valentine's Day!' Simply... I love my 'job' and it is because of YOU guys and the relationships I have formed because of CTMH that makes this the best job ever!! I wish I could send each and every one of you a card, however, that isn't feasible, so I thought I would post my Valentine card here for you to see! AND here is another PLUS... it's a 'greener' way to do it too!

Don't you just LOVE CTMH's new papers! This card is made with (X7134B) the 'Sweetheart' Paper, the hearts and the 'Love You' come from 'Affection' stamp set (C1441) and the sentiment and heart on the inside are from the 'Card Chatter - Love' stamp set (D1464). I used white embossing powder on the black cardstock - hope to make it look like I wrote it on a chalkboard! And those are the Pearl Opaques in the upper right corner.

The pink strip of paper above the hearts is cut 1/4" x 5 1/2" and then pleated... I love this look! I don't have a LOT of 'lumpy' embellishments on the card so that it can be mailed without extra postage!

BTW, just as an fyi - I always place my card in the envelope so the embellishments are on the flap side of the envelope - it seems to not get as beat up in the postage machines!

I hope that you and your family have a wonderful Valentines day, filled with lots of love and good memories!
Hugs, Barb

Using CTMH's Flip Flap Assortments!

2011-02-11T20:07:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone!

I am trying something different... I usually use PhotoBucket for my slideshows, but I thought I would give Picasa's Movie's a try... I hope this works out okay! It is posted on YouTube in case you can't see this version... the link is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BpPvaWZpIMI

This is a class that I will be teaching next weekend at Crop Occasions (http://www.cropoccasions.com/) in Sterling, VA at the Double Tree Hotel at Dulles Airport!

Thanks for stopping by!

Have a great weekend!
Hugs,
Barb

What a Fun Afternoon!

2011-02-07T16:15:00.003-05:00

Hi Everyone!

Happy Post Super Bowl to you all! What did you do yesterday, besides watch the game? I had my CTMH Team Members over for our Qtrly Team Meeting and we played with CTMH Flowers, ribbon, Sparkles, pins, and a bunch of other embellishments... and we created these really cute Flower Clippy things!!

The story behind the story... CTMH had a Team Builders Conference in Salt Lake City a few weeks ago and unfortunately, I wasn't able to attend. However, Kelly Rizzo (3rd from the left on the top row) attended and had LOTS of exciting info to share with us! One of the 'goodies' that she received there was this really pretty Flower Clippy thing that the CTMH Art Studio made for every consultant who attended! The one shown on the left is the one that Kelly received... isn't it beautiful!?

Top Row from Left - Susan Acheson, Me, Kelly Rizzo and Becky Mason
Bottow Row - Bannie Connor, Nylsa Correa and Chris Bero

SO... I thought it would be fun for everyone who attended my Team Meeting to make one of their own! The group picture shows most everyone who attended the meeting and their creation! You'll notice that I don't have one in my hands! I decided to wait to make mine later... I am a very slow crafter... Well... I am a perfectionist, and I take my sweet time and I didn't want to slow everyone down! I promised that I would post a picture of mine as soon as I am done! And I will post it here, as well as the swap card and etc...

Thanks for checking back... I have to have a bunch of artwork to post now that I have a little free time!!

Have a wonderful day!

Hugs,

Barb

I am such a Happy (Almost) Cruiser!

2011-02-02T18:24:00.002-05:00

Hi Everyone!

It's been awhile, I was doing so well about posting, and all I can say is that after 4 weekend crops in a row - no matter how much I love them and how much fun I have, I am exhausted! There has been very little internet time, or truly very little time for much else!

However, I ran out today to a very much overdue hair appointment and came home to find my Cruise Goodie Box waiting for me from Close To My Heart! Ohmigosh!!! I am so excited! As always, CTMH and their Art Studio have out done themselves with the Cruise Create and Takes! I can NOT wait to get to work on them!

The first picture is the Goodie Box as I opened it!!

These are the Cruise Shirts for Bill and I!

And don't you just LOVE the exclusive Cruise stamp set!!

I would love to go play with them right now, but I have some work to do... My MeriHearts Team is coming over for a Team Meeting this weekend and I have some goodies to make for them! ;o)
Have a wonderful day and stay safe and warm!
Hugs,
Barb

It's an... "Oh Happy Day!!"

2011-01-21T10:36:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone!

I just had to post this really quickly, as I am getting ready to head out of town for a crop in Gaithersburg, MD (Waving to my "It's A Diva Crop" friends!!

I was so excited to find a package at my door late yesterday afternoon... it was a gift from one of my 2nd DL, Kelly Rizzo! She sent me this GORGEOUS picture frame that she created by hand... Isn't she amazingly talented!! She used all CTMH products including: (X7135B) Wings Paper Pack, January's Stamp of the Month (D1452) 'Find Your Style', the black ruffle is from (Z1398) Wings Level 2 Assortment, and the chipboard frame pieces are from (Z1140) Dimensional Elements 'Framed Fun'!!

Thank you so much, Kelly! I love this and (as you can see) I already have a picture in it... It's a picture of me with some of my Team Members at CTMH's Convention in Orlando, a couple years ago... HOWEVER, Kelly, we need to take a picture together at the next Team Meeting, because that is what picture belongs in there!!

Thank you again, Kelly and thank you all for stopping by!

Hugs,

Barb

More 'Studio J' Fun! I Just love it!

2011-01-19T13:12:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone!

I am working on a special project and wanted to finish my 'Studio J' layouts, so I could get them printed! So last night, I sat in front of the TV (and fire) with my laptop and finished up several more layouts and placed my order! I was having so much fun, I was awake until 3am!

This morning when I got up, I came directly to my computer to check and see if I had my JPegs... Woooohoooo!! They were waiting for me! I can NOT wait to hold my 12x12 layouts in my hands! I then immediately uploaded some of the layouts and placed an order at Costco... I'd say more, but it will spoil my 'special project'! I can pick them up tonioght! I am so excited! I'll share more about my 'special project' as soon as I have all the i's dotted and t's crossed!! Ooohhhhh... I am so excited!

The layout above holds 15 pictures and it was perfect for me to add pictures of all my CTMH friends that I would never have come to know had it not been for Jeanette Lynton and her precious gift to all of us - 'CTMH'! The group picture is a picture of my extended MeriHearts Team... we actually had more Team Members there, but were unable to get everyone together for the picture! After looking at this layout again, I realized that I am missing so many of my dear friends! No worries, I will just have to create another "U R CTMH" layout... or 3... For those of you not shown on this layout, I apologize - YOU are equally important to me! Please keep in mind that I did this at 2am and my brain wasn't functioning at even 50% power! I also forgot I have a BUNCH of pictures from Convention on my PC, so there will be more of these layouts to come, for sure!

One of the things I will change personally at convention this year (Did I mention that "We're going to DISNEYLAND!!")... I will take more pictures of ME WITH my friends! I know a LOT of you already do that... However, I have always been just so excited to see you, I don't always stop and take the time to get a picture of us... Look out, my friends... I am gonna be ready this year!!

If you haven't already taken the opportunity to play with 'Studio J'... PLEASE, please give it a try... As I have mentioned in previous posts, you can try it for free!! It costs NOTHING, and the only thing you have to 'load' is your pictures into the 'Studio J' Album you are working with! If you love it, you can place an order for membership and get your layouts at a 50% discount... Or just pay full price for the layouts you want! CLICK HERE and create your own acct (to save your projects just in case)!

If you have ANY questions, please contact me (meridots@aol.com) ... Thanks for stopping by!
Hugs,
Barb

A Little Slice of Heavenly Goodness!

2011-01-12T20:09:00.002-05:00

Hi Everyone!

I am in prime crop season right now and have a 2-3 day crop every weekend this month and into February! I do love my job, however, it seems that I am always pretty busy trying to get everything ready for the upcoming crop(s) and dealing with coming down out of the previous weeks crop...

I am always looking for something yummy to have for dinner that isn't going to take too much to prepare!

Back in early December, I was watching Oprah's Favorites and saw the DELICIOUS Chicken Pie that Gayle found, and that they all LOVED had been made available to the public via Harry & David. So I decided to give it a try... problem was it was so popular that it was on back order (for a whole month)!

As it turned out, that's okay - it was to arrive in the middle of crop season and we'd get to enjoy having it then! Well... woooohooo... it arrived today and I couldn't wait for dinner... It is amazing! The flavor is wonderful, the crust is so flaky and tasty, and the gravy and big chunks of chicken... OMG!! It comes very well protected in a little styrofoam cooler packed with dry ice! It is a bit pricy, but as a 'once in a blue moon' treat... YUM!!!

Here is a link to the pies... I do recommend them - highly!! Centreville Pie Co. Chicken Pie available through Harry & David's Have a wonderful day!
Hugs,
Barb

On the "Wings" of Pure "Inspiration" - Part 3

2011-01-06T15:38:00.002-05:00

Created by Jennifer Cox

Hi There!

Thank you for checking back... this my 3rd and final post sharing the cards I received in the CTMH January Stamp of the Month Swap hosted by Sue Laufer.
These cards are just gorgeous... This was definitely a fun and inspiring swap! Thank again to all of my CTMH Sisters who participated in Sue's swap! Beautiful artwork shared by all!

Datebook Created by Melissa McBride

Matchbook Card created by Nancy Gaskins

I will be at Creative Crops (http://www.creativecrops.com/) in Shepherdstown, WV for the next 3 days... if you are near by, please stop by and say hi! Have a great weekend and I hope you all stay warm and cozy!

Hugs,

Barb

On the "Wings" of Pure "Inspiration" - Part 2

2011-01-05T14:02:00.000-05:00

Created by Trish Roberts (closed)

Welcome Back!!

Here is the next set of "Find Your Style" January SOTM Swap cards, for your viewing pleasure! Once again, thank you to the ladies who participated in Sue's SOTM Swap and Thank you for checking back in to see them! See you tomorrow!

Trish's Easel Card Open

Created by Amy McGrew

On The "Wings" of Pure "Inspiration"

2011-01-04T15:50:00.000-05:00

Created by Sue Laufer

Hi Everyone!

So remember that "Wings" (X7135B)/"Find Your Style" SOTM (D1452) Card I posted a few weeks ago? Well, I created it for this Stamp of the Month (SOTM) Swap that Sue Laufer (a fellow CTMH Consultant from HI) runs every month! We create 7 identical cards and mail them to her. She swaps them out and then returns 7 different cards to us!

I got my set back last night, so I thought I would share what I got back from everyone... I am only going to show 2-3 per entry so I can spread them out a bit.

Today, I have posted Sue Laufer's 8' X 3 1/2" card on the left, and I am also sharing Paulette Patterson's Tri-fold Card... I took 2 pictures, one closed and one of the card opened, so you can see how beautiful everything is!

Next post, I'll have a couple more cards to share! They are all beautiful! I didn't really think I was going to like this paper at first... LOVE IT!!

Created by Paulette Patterson (Closed)

Paulette's Card Open

Hope you have a wonderful day and please check tomorrow for a couple more! Thank you to Sue Laufer and everyone who participated in this great swap!

Hugs,

Barb

They Say That Confession is GOOD for the Soul!

2011-01-03T11:10:00.000-05:00

Happy 2011 Everyone!

If you were to pop in right now, you would find me watching some 'OWN' shows off the DVR, and FINALLY getting my (Christmas) New Year Cards ready to mail! I know... SERIOUSLY?!

Okay... here is my confusion! My big problem at this point in my life is that I am SO overwhelmed with all that NEEDS to be done, I am NOT getting to a fraction of them! I will also confess that I am the "Queen of Procrastination"! I actually 'produce' better and more efficiently, when I am under pressure... But it tends to build and build... POW! I think it's reached it's max!

My reason I am 'confessing' is because I am hoping it will help me open my eyes, and help me get my life back on track! If any of you that read this have any suggestions... please post to the comments, or you can write me privately (meridots@aol.com)... I KNOW I am going to need all the help I can get, to get this situation under control and to help me live a less stress-filled life!

Happy New Year everyone... and here to new beginnings!
Hugs,
Barb

Happy New Year Everyone!

2010-12-31T12:02:00.000-05:00

Before I even get started, I wanted to give credit for the majority of this post to my friend, Laura Dame! I saw her most recent post, read it and was completely amazed that our resolutions, or goals, for the New Year are almost exactly the same!

Here are my goals for the coming year...

1. Organization....I used to be a very organized person but in the last few years, I have added so much inventory, that has changed. LOL... I have so much 'stuff', I certainly could open my own scrapbook store... Oh wait... I kind of have!! ;op

My goal is to organize both my CTMH business and my personal life so that I don't waste so
much time looking for things, and messing up my inventory. So I am going to pull out my brand new label maker and find a place for everything and will TRY to keep things in their NEW place.

2. Blog posting....I do have a plan... And with that, I can promise I will not be posting daily but I hope to post at least 3-4 times a week.

3. Healthier lifestyle....of course, with this comes getting back on track with my weight loss and (trying to get my knees moving so I can) exercise... Maybe I can get Cooper back out for longer walks - if it weren't so danged cold! I know... excuses, excuses!

4. Read more...computer less....So much of my CTMH work durng the week is online, plus there are so many great things online.. however, I can waste lots of time doing nothing also (Thankfully, I am NOT playing the FB games anymore!). AND I plan to try and read one book a month... Thanks to my iPad and the iBooks/Kindle apps, it's much easier. I may try and get back on track with Oprah's Book Club... it seems like she is aiming for some of the classics - we'll see what direction I head!

5. And one of the bigger goals for me - something that has been lacking for me since I kicked up my CTMH business years ago... I would like to work on more scrapbook layouts for my own albums. This includes using Studio J regularly. I purchased the Studio J membership back in September and while I have done some creating, I need to get back on track, finish them and get them ordered! My personal goal for this: I want to make 10 layouts monthly with Studio J, and at least 5 classic layouts... and not just by adding my pictures to the layouts that I create for display!

I am trying to make my goals do-able for ME... I have set myself up for failure in the past... As I enter this new decade, I really would love to succeed at these goal - I would be a better ME for ME, if I can!

Happy New Year everyone, and thank you again for getting me started, Laura!
Hugs to you all!
Barb

From My House to Yours... Merry Christmas!

2010-12-26T23:55:00.004-05:00

Merry Christmas Everyone!

I was so far behind in all of my preparations for Christmas, I ended up making my goodies on Dec 23rd! I used to make LOTS of different cookies to share with my friends, however as my life seems to get busier, I decided to simplify and make my 'famous' "Puppy Chow" aka "Muddy Buddies"(shown on the left) and my MUCH requested Chocolate Cake (shown below)! Yummy goodies that I love to share with my friends and neighbors, to let them know how much I value and appreciate their friendship!

The recipe came from one of the volunteers that my Mom works with at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville! It is really easy and as my Christmas gift to you... I thought I'd share the recipe!

Excellent Chocolate Cake

Pre-Heat oven to 300 Degrees

In a LARGE bowl, add:
2 Boxes of German Chocolate Cake mix
2 Boxes of Vanilla Pudding (Regular... NOT Instant)
6 Eggs
1 1/2 C of Water
1 1/2 C of Veg. Oil
16oz of Sour Cream

Beat well, then fold in 16 oz (I add more) of Milk Chocolate Chips.

Spoon batter into 6 larger loaf pans, or 10-12 mini loaf pans (a little more than half filled) and
place on cookie sheets. Bake for 70-75 minutes for the large pans, and about 60 minutes for the mini pans... or until the top of the loaves are fairly firm.

I have always decorate my house to the max, but this year I have 4 crops coming up in January and there will be no time to un-decorate. So, I only put up my trees, and a few pillows and throws.... just enough to make the house Christmas-y and cozy!

I came down Christmas morning and my husband was chuckling... I asked what he was laughing about... He said he had forgotten that we still had a little guy in the house. I was confused because our Grandkids are in TX this Christmas...

Apparently, Cooper, our 18 month old Malti-Poo, smelled his treats in his stocking and went 'shopping' for them while Bill was making his coffee...

It seems that he found his bones... even through the plastic they were wrapped in!

In addition to celebrating Jesus' Birthday, we also celebrated Bill's 60th Birthday this Christmas Day! I have always had special parties for him on his BIG years, however, he really encouraged me to not do that this year! So... to make it special... since he loves ice cream, I always try and find him a different, fun, creative ice cream cake... this year I wanted something out of the ordinary!

Many years ago, my Mom found what turned out to be his all time favorite. She got it at Publix (we lived in Jax. FL at the time), and we have NEVER found one like it again! It sort of looked like a castle and it was ice cream, cake and it was created using the darker brown pointy sugar cones.

This year, I found a local place called 'Maggie Moo's' - they are an Ice Creamery and they had a cake similar to 'THE' one he loved best... So I placed the order and I went to pick it up on Christmas Eve morning! It was NOTHING like what I saw in their online gallery of cakes! Oh well, he liked it anyway, and that's all that matters, right?!

I hope that you all had a wonderful Christmas, and that 2011 brings wonderful things to you and your family!

Hugs to you all,

Barb

Shhh, Here is a Sneak Peak of...

2010-12-20T22:59:00.001-05:00

Hi Everyone!

Thank you for stopping by... As I was saying, I have a Sneak Peak of CTMH's new paper pack 'Wings' AND the January SOTM - 'Find Your Style'! Wait until you see the rest of this set! LOVE it!!

I decided to participate in a SOTM Swap for the first time and this card is my submission! I really do LOVE the January SOTM, and I think you all will too!

I promise, there will be more 'Wings' and 'Find Your Style' artwork to follow... I can't wait to get back downstairs to play! However, I have some more stuff to do to get ready for Christmas, so it may be a few days! I can NOT believe we are only a few days away from Christmas... where has the time gone?
I'll be back soon!
Hugs,
Barb

The Fun Never Stops with CTMH's Mistletoe!

2010-12-08T11:15:00.001-05:00

I'm Baaack... This time I have a really cute little gift item... This fun frame was created using 2 - 4" coasters, CTMH's Mistletoe Paper, 2 of CTMH's hinges, Pearl Opaques, Cranberry Grosgrain ribbon, Natural Hemp, and MS's Ornament Punch! Just an FYI... I used the inside snowflake punch from within the ornament, with the Pearl Opaques on the front...

I covered both sides of both coasters, first... Then you need to use the sanding block to 'clean up' the edges! If you want the picture to be as large as mine is (3 1/2" square), make sure to mat and adhere the picture BEFORE adding the hinges! THEN, decorate the front, so you can strategically cover the brads!

I just have to say, CTMH has absolutely gorgeous paper... without question! However, I believe that I LOVE the Mistletoe paper more than any other paper we have had in the 11 1/2 years I have been with CTMH! It's 'Classic', 'Classy', 'Traditional'... simply put... Beautiful!

Hope you are having fun with your 'Homemade' Christmas!

Hugs,

Barb

More Fun with Mistletoe!

2010-12-07T14:15:00.001-05:00

Hello! Thank you for stopping by!

I had my Annual Christmas Tea this past Sunday! We always have so much fun... it's a very relaxed and enjoyable way to slow down and spend some time with friends! I really love offering this brief festive break to my CTMH Downline and Friends! As always, we had Holiday Tea, Scones, veggies, an 'Edible Arrangement' and lots of other munchies!

One of the things that we do every year is to create a couple useful for the season, and fun, Make and Takes... This time we made another gift card CARD... they always come in handy! This one I have seen all over the internet, but when I was searching for specifics, I found Tina Sutton's version, and made it my own! Thanks, Tina!!

The dimensions for the big piece (New England Ivy - green - in this case) are: 4 1/4" by 11" and you score it at 3", 5 1/2" & 8"... then decorate as you chose!

How fun to make something so simple and cute to put that gift card in, no matter who it's for, or the amount... This kicks it up a notch! Enjoy creating a few for yourself!! Any questions, please contact me!

Hope you are having a wonderfully creative Holiday Season...

Hugs,
Barb

Holly and Mistletoe - It's Such a Wonderful Time of Year!

2010-12-03T13:45:00.002-05:00

Hello There!

Have I mentioned that I LOVE CTMH's Level 1 Kits? I love them all because we have SO MANY options with them, LOL.... as I have mentioned before! And I am sure you can tell that I am 'head over heels' in love with CTMH's Mistletoe Paper this year!

This time, I have created a 6x6 mini album. So, I cut 2 of the 12x12 pre-printed Mistletoe (X7130A) Cardstock layouts into 4 - 6x6 pieces. I then distressed the edges of the 6x6 Memory Showcase (Z1195) with Garden Green ink... I then adhered all of the 6x6 pages down. Then I went back and decided on what size mats to put down on each page. After I placed the pictures on the mat, I went back and placed some of the Stickease that came with the Mistletoe Level 1 kit, Pearl Opaques (Z1336) and also embellishments from the Mistletoe (Z1330) Level 2 Assortment, as I liked! With this project, you should be able to create 2 of these 6x6 Mini Albums ... so just be sure to add 2 of the 6x6 Memory Showcase albums to your order...

What a wonderful gift these would make for the Grandparents! The pictures on this album were from our family vacation last Christmas in San Antonio. I'm sad that we won't be spending Christmas with our daughter and the Grand kids this year, so I used those pictures so I could re-live last year's awesome trip! It helps.. a little!

I have a busy weekend ahead... Tomorrow, I have a bunch of my customers/friends coming over to make Christmas Cards... and on Sunday, I have my annual Christmas Tea for my local Downline and my friends! I'll have to post pictures next week!

Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving, and are staying warm with your memories!! Enjoy your weekend!
Hugs,
Barb

CTMH's Olivia Paper for... A Hawaii Album?!

2010-11-28T15:54:00.000-05:00

Hi There!

I hope you all have had a wonderful Thanksgiving! We had a fairly quiet day, with plenty of good food, a fire in the fireplace and football! I know I have been quiet, it's because I have been working at crops for the past couple weekends and there has been no down time in between! I do apologize, as I was REALLY doing well posting at least several times a week! That was pretty amazing for me! I am going to try and get some more artwork done and posted during the next few weeks! I really appreciate you checking in!

At one of the crops I was at, one of my regular customers, Heidi Sheridan, brought this beautiful, although somewhat 'out of the box' mini album of her family's trip to Hawaii! I say 'Out of the box' because Heidi used CTMH's (Fall intended) 'Olivia Level 1' kit (X7128A) and a 'My Creations 3 Ring Binder' (Z1141), plus stickers and vintage postcards she purchased in Hawaii specifically for her album. This paper is gorgeous anyway... however, Heidi took it up a notch! 'Olivia' couldn't be more PERFECT for Heidi's vacation pictures! I have to admit that, as I have mentioned before, I LOVE CTMH's Level 1 kits... for so many reasons!

You can make cards, as I am doing with some of my friends next weekend - we are using the Mistletoe Level 1 kits (see my previous post)... Or you can use them in the traditional way... as 2 or more double layouts! Or you can cut the 12x12 layouts into 6x6 pieces and adhering them on the 6x6 Memory Showcase Accordian Albums (Z1195), or the CTMH My Creations Board Book (Z1310) and using the Stickease that come with the Level 1 kits. Or this way, one of my favorites... by cutting each pre-printed piece of Cardstock layouts (there are 4 in each level 1 kit) into 3 - 5x7 pieces and adhering each piece to one side of the dividers inside the mini album. Heidi actually cut some of them down to create smaller 5x5 inserts between the tabbed pages.

A BIG Thank you to Heidi for allowing me to share her beautiful work of art! What a wonderful remembrance of this very special trip!

Thanks for stoppin' by!
Hugs to all,
Barb

I LOVE CTMH Level 1 Kits!

2010-11-08T13:00:00.001-05:00

Hello Friends!

When I saw the Mistletoe Kit in the CTMH Idea Book at CTMH's Convention in July (2010), I loved all the Kits, however, I feel head over heels in love with Mistletoe! I could picture so many ways I wuld love to use these papers!
Every year, I like to offer a Christmas cards workshop to my friends and customer's! Who doesn't like to give and receive handmade Christmas Cards! I sure do! So I could see this would be the perfect opportunity to combine my favorite paper with something that everyone would enjoy using at THE perfect time!
I did want to share that I used some inspiration for the first few cards... I have been in a creative slump for some time and really needed to get my 'groove' jump started! Some of the cards were inspired by a fellow consultant, Lisa Fowler... Thank you Lisa for sharing your cards... you got my mojo going! I hope you all enjoy them...

Even though you see only 22 cards here, you will have enough of everything to create 25 cards! With that said, these cards were created using ONE Mistletoe Level 1 kit (X7130A), 1/2 of a bulk package (X1419) of CTMH Cards and envelopes, a Mistletoe Level 2 Assortment (Z1330), Sparkles and ribbon! I used multiple stamp sets, however, you could re-create the cards by using one decorative stamp set and 1 sentiment stamp set!

**** I am offering this workshop, at my home on Saturday, December 4th at 10am for the low cost of $35.00... that is only $1.33 per card! So please contact me at meridots@aol.com to sign up and pre-pay for your workshop kit!

The REALLY good thing about making the time to come to me for this workshop is that you will save a ton of $$$! I have ALL of these awesome stamp sets and inks available for you to use, so you won't have to buy them... unless you want to!! During the workshop, you can copy the cards exactly, or make them YOUR own way! Either way, I hope you'll come and join us for a few hours of fun and checking one more thing off your 'To Do' list!

If the slide show above is moving too fast, or is partially obscured, simply click on the pictures and you can see them individually!

Hope to see you soon!
Hugs,
Barb

"A Little Thanks" to You!

2010-11-01T22:55:00.001-04:00

Hello Friends!

Don't you just love it when you get a handmade card in the mail? I sure do!! Well, I am happy to share that November's Stamp of the Month (SOTM) is a wonderful set for all those 'thank you' notes you might need to write this Holiday Season! It's called "A Little Thanks" and it is D1444... you can buy it outright for $22.95 plus shipping and tax, or you can get it discounted, or even FREE!

Purchase $25. or more in CTMH product (before S&T) and you'll receive a 25% discount ($17.21)... Purchase $50. or more and you'll get it for 50% off ($11.48)... $75. or more is 75% off ($5.74) and purchase $100. or more and get it FREE!!

This is such a great... and not to mention, useful stamp set! I have thoroughly enjoyed using it... below is just one small example... I used (X7127B) Magnifique papers and "A Little Thanks" SOTM...

Hope you enjoy playing with your set!

I am filled with Gratitude!!

Hugs,
Barb

Close To My Heart is Number 1!

2010-10-30T14:33:00.001-04:00

Hi everyone!

I just read it for myself... Close To My Heart is NUMBER 1 in the Best Direct Sale Companies for Women!

I just saw this on a friend's FB page... and I am so excited, I had to share... and brag... I LOVE Close To My Heart, as you probably already know... and to see this exciting news, well it just made my day! And btw... I already knew it was, but it is nice that it is being recognized for being THE Best Direct Sale Company for Women!! Please click on the link below to read the whole article!

For the article, click here...

If you are interested in working with the & joining Close To My Heart click on the link below:

To join my Team, click here...

Just a few of my Team Members... PLEASE JOIN US!

Hope you have a fun and Happy Halloween!
Hugs,
Barb

A Quick and Easy Gift Idea!

2010-10-27T13:44:00.002-04:00

Hello Dear Friends!

This fun notebook was created using a regular composition notebook, CTMH's 'Magnifique' Paper Pack (X7127B), Dimensional Elements Monograms (pg. 95 in A/W IB), White Daisy Variety Pack (Z1300) ribbon, brads, and they are all CTMH! The 'contraband' is the chocolate flower (unknown), Pentel RSVP Pen, Red Line adhesive sheets, and mini glass (clear) marbles for the pen.

It is SOOO EASY to do! Take a 12x12 sheet and cut it in half, and then on the remaining 12" sides, cut down to 9 3/4"... so those pieces will be 9 3/4" x 6" ... use one piece on the front, and one of the back... then cut a coordinating sheet of Background & Texture paper (B&T) down to 4" x 9 3/4" for the spine. ALWAYS USE very strong permanent adhesive on all paper you use, because your finished project will be handled... After you have all the base papers glued down, use CTMH's Finishing Files (Z1091) to file off the extra paper on the edges and give your project a finished look!

Oh, I also covered the "M" with the back side of the 'Pacifica' B&T which is 'Bamboo', and then filed off the extra B&T. You can also distress to your hearts content, but I chose not too on this project and it looks beautiful! And, one other thing, personally, on this Book, I also lined the inside of both the front and back covers, but it is something you do NOT have to do! I have made a bunch of these and everyone LOVES them!

There are a couple ways you can decorate your matching pen... For this pen, I took a Pentel RSVP pen, took the cap off, cut a piece of Coordinating B&T to 3 1/4" x 1 1/4", and run it through the xyron. Place the sticky side down around the barrel. Press it firmly down, then cut a piece of the Red Line adhesive sheet to the same measurement, and place around the barrel over top of the B&T. Take the red cover off the red Line adhesive, and then roll your pen in the clear glass mini marbles. Then gently roll the pen on a hard surface to SET the marbles firmly in place.

The other way to decorate the pen is less involved... take the RSVP pen apart, take the piece of B&T... I don't know the exact measurements, however it will be smaller then the other way... and roll it so it is long, and slip it inside the barrel, but on the outside of the ink refill. then put the pen back together! VERY VERY EASY!! And still really pretty!

Hope you enjoy this little project, it makes a GREAT gift for any occasion... Christmas, Birthday's, Teacher's gifts, Party Favors... and even for someone in the hospital so they can have all of their notes in one place! Have fun!!

Hugs,
Barb

A Family Favorite!

2010-10-24T18:42:00.001-04:00

Hello Friends,

As the days get shorter, and the nights get cooler, my family has a favorite meal that we had never had before we moved to Meridian, MS in 1997.

Scott (our son) played Football for NE Lauderdale HS and we LOVED going to his games to cheer him and his team on! Shhh, do tell him, but we had ulterior motives! The Band Parents sponsored the Concession stand and it was there that we were introduced to Fritos Chili Pie... Yum, yum!

Flash back to the now, and we were talking about yummy foods that brought back good memories... And this was mentioned! We loved Meridian, MS and this was only one of the fond memories we have of that wonderful time!

If you have never tried this yummy rib stickin' meal, and you like chili... you've got to try this! It is so easy to make... make a 'bed' (layer) of Fritos in a bowl, add a couple dollops of your favorite chili, and then put some shredded cheese on top! There are lots of things you can add to it (Sour cream, onions, whatever 'floats your boat) , but this is the way we love it! Hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

Hugs,
Barb

Fall Is Definitely In The Air!

2010-10-22T17:50:00.000-04:00

Hello Friends!

We are supposed to get cold tonight, and I finally had to cave in and turn on the heat today... but just until tomorrow, as the weekend weather is going to be spectacular!

This afternoon, I had to make some 'thank you' cards to send out... so I headed down to my craft room and since I just LOVE CTMH's Olivia Paper (X7128B), I pulled it and the stamp set "Many Thanks" (D1371) and did some 'playing'!

To create the two tone look on the leaf, I stamped the leaf in 'Sunset', stamped it once on scratch paper, then I took a sponge and pounced it a few times on the Barn Red, then gently tapped it around the edges of the leaf! Don't you think it is a really nice look for this Fall 'Thank You' card!

I popped the leaf up with our '3-D Foam Tape (Z1151)... That is another product that I use so often! I love it because, how many times have you pulled out pop dots and you CAN NOT get the protective cover of the square... for me... toooo many times! I end up so frustrated I want to scream! NOT with CTMH's '3-D Foam Tape'! It's very easy to use! The roll contains two sizes, and you can pull off as much, or as little, as you need!

Thank you for stopping by to check out my blog! I hope YOU have a wonderful Fall weekend!
Hugs, Barb

Having Fun with CTMH's Mistletoe Paper and Paper flowers!

2010-10-17T20:40:00.002-04:00

Hello Friends!

I had my CTMH MeriHearts Team Meeting today, and we always share 4 Techniques. We take turns... usually 2 Team Members share 2 techniques each! I shared 2 of the techniques today!

Personally, I have been wanting to try those beautiful, FLAT flowers that are made from 9 - 1 1/4" circle punches. Close To My Heart shared this pretty paper flower in the Summer 2010 Idea Book as a Technique with the X7124B Splendor paper pack, on page 13. The really good things about FLAT is that they are easier and less expensive to mail!
So, I decided that was going to be one of my techniques! They are SO EASY!! I had such a good time creating them for the meeting today, I decided to try to make a card from my scraps!

The bigger round flower is made from 9 circles... 8 folded circles and 1 base, and the smaller 'bud' was made from 4.- 3 folded and 1 base (folded in half and trimmed once the 'petals' are attached)! The paper I used here is CTMH's X7130B Mistletoe paper. I love these things!!!

Below is a picture of how you make each petal... fold the left side of the circle 1/3 over, then fold the right side 1/3 over to overlap the left side, then glue 7-8 'petals' on to a 1 1/4" circle base:

My 2nd Technique for the meeting today was the simply gorgeous 'Twisted Ribbon Flowers'... I'll get that picture up asap too...
Hope you like the card...
Hugs,
Barb

I LOVE Happy Mail!

2010-10-12T14:20:00.000-04:00

Hello friends!

Don't you just love it when the mailman brings you something besides bills... I am so excited! I got some happy mail today and it was from my Close To My Heart Upline (& BFF) Tina Sutton!

She sent me this really 'jazzy' and fun card... It was congratulating me for earning the Epic Cruise! And in the envelope was a Brighton jewel studded Guitar keyholder! How fun is this! My keys are going on it today so that any time I need to go somewhere, I will hold the keychain in my hand... and it will make me think about how much I love my job and all of the awesome customers, and CTMH Consultants, who have become my friends... dear friends... and without CTMH... I probably wouldn't have met any of them!

Thank you, Tina... for being so helpful and supportive with my CTMH business; for kickin' me in the hiney when I needed it; the gentle reminders when I needed that; for my Brighton Guitar keyholder; and most especially for being my friend!!

Hugs to you all... Barb

There is a NEW AND IMPROVED 'STUDIO J'!

2010-10-09T20:50:00.002-04:00

Hi Everyone!

I'm a bit behind, but I finally had some time today to sit down with CTMH's New and Improved 'Studio J' Studio Scrapbooking! I am so far behind on my own personal scrapbooking, I decided it was time to give it a whirl!

OMG... this is the coolest thing ever! I had so much fun, I couldn't stop! Below are five of the layouts that I created today, and all 5 are celebrating my Spirit of CTMH award, and the behind the scenes stuff too! Tina and my family knew for 2 months and NO ONE spilled the beans! Can you believe that... not even the grandkids! PLEASE read below for all the new info about 'Studio J'... You are going to want to give it a try, it is so easy, so fun and FREE!! Think of all the scrapbooking you could get done in one day!

"What Grammy Doesn't Know..."

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Full Retail

You’ve taken the photos—now keep the memories. In five easy steps, create beautiful 12" × 12" two-page layouts showcasing your stories. When the custom prints arrive at your door, slip them into your cherished albums. No one will guess it only took a few minutes to design them!

Purchase Option Price

Per two-page, custom-printed layout $13.00 US / $15.00 CAN

Shipping per box of up to 20 layouts $5.95 US / $13.95 CAN

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"That's Me!"

Membership

Save an amazing 50% off retail price by becoming a Studio J® member. Only members receive free JPG files of their layouts with each purchased custom-printed layout and also have the option to purchase JPG files separately. JPG files come in both high resolution and thumbnail sizes to print, share, or archive. Membership comes with other perks like exclusive patterns, kits, and free Memory Protectors®. On top of all that, members also get free shipping on their monthly order of 4 to 20 layouts in the continental US or 7 to 20 layouts in Canada and non-continental US shipping zones. For full details, see the FAQ.

Membership Option Price

12-Month membership $99.00 US / $115.00 CAN

3-Month membership $30.00 US / $35.00 CAN

Per two-page, custom-printed layout $6.50 US / $7.50 CAN

Per two-page JPG file $3.00 US / $3.50 CAN

Minimum layouts per order for free shipping 4 (continental US)

7 (non-continental US)

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"Spirit of CTMH"

5-Pack

A 5-pack includes 5 two-page, custom-printed layouts, 5 Memory Protectors, and free shipping. Ideal for gift giving, or as an affordable way to try Studio J for the first time.

Purchase Option Price

5-Pack $55.00 US

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Shipping

Close To My Heart products are shipped to the continental United States by Federal Express (FedEx), to the non-continental US by United States Postal Service Priority Mail, and to Canada by Landmark. Studio J layouts ship in a protected box that can hold from 1 to 20 two-page layouts plus Memory Protectors. Standard shipping and handling per box is priced as follows:

Destination Shipping Method Price

Continental US FedEx SmartPost (< 8 days) $ 5.95 US

FedEx Ground (< 5 days) $ 7.95 US

FedEx 2nd Day Air $11.95 US

FedEx Standard Overnight $18.95 US

Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, Guam USPS Priority Mail $ 9.95 US per box

APO/FPO USPS Priority Mail $ 9.95 US per box

Package Tracking

FedEx or Landmark will notify you by email when an order is shipped so you may track the delivery of your order. Studio J orders shipped through USPS do not have tracking numbers.

"Award Reception"

Shipping Options

In the continental United States, Studio J customers have 4 shipping methods available through Federal Express (FedEx). These options are not available for destinations outside the continental United States. Upgrading your shipping method will not affect the in-house turnaround time of your order (typically 2 to 4 business days).

Please keep in mind that upgraded shipping methods are guaranteed by the carrier, and Close To My Heart is not responsible for shipping delays after the order has left the warehouse.

The shipping options are:

•FedEx Standard Overnight: After leaving Close To My Heart’s corporate office, this option guarantees next-business-day delivery Monday through Friday by 3:00 pm to most US addresses; by 4:30 pm to rural areas.

•FedEx 2nd Day Air: This option guarantees orders will arrive to most areas 2 business days after leaving the corporate office, Monday through Friday by 7:00 pm.

•FedEx Ground: After leaving the corporate office, orders using this option typically arrive within 1 to 5 business days, Tuesday through Saturday between 9 am and 8 pm.

•FedEx SmartPost: After leaving the corporate office, orders using this option typically arrive within 2 to 8 business days. SmartPost orders are delivered via the FedEx network but will use the United States Postal Services (USPS) for final delivery.

"Oh, What a Night!"

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One other thing... I've had a few of my customers try the NEW and IMPROVED 'STUDIO J' and they were very pleased with their finished projects! One of my customers, Heidi Sheridan, even sent me a couple of the jpeg's of her layouts to share her first attempts! I am so excited that she shared with me! I think they are GREAT! What do you think?

'Seashells'

BTW - If you give 'Studio J' a try, please be sure to send me your jpegs and I'll post them on my blog!

'Let's Boogie!'

Well, that gives you a good bit of the info you need to get started... So, please give it a try for yourself, and don't forget it's FREE, CLICK HERE and create your own acct (to save your projects just in case)!

If you have any questions, please let me know!

Hugs,

Barb

Thank you for YOUR Support...

2010-10-01T16:47:00.001-04:00

It is OFFICAL... I just got the email from CTMH congratulating me! I have earned Close To My Heart's Eastern Caribbean Cruise!And it is because of you, my dear friends and customers, and your kind and generous support! Because of you all, I have been able to take my husband on 2 vacations "of a lifetime"!

The first one was to Alaska in May 2007... OMG... If you have never had the GREAT opportunity to travel up and through Alaska, by way of cruise &/or bus or train... You have got to try!! At least add it to your "Bucket List"... The scenery was SPECTACULAR... and to be able to see whales up close (and not on TV), and Bald Eagles are on most every tree... I am serious... PLEASE TRY to get up there!!

Bill and I in Glacier Bay

And then in October of 2008, Bill and I flew to Barcelona, Spain and began our 2nd cruise with Close To My Heart through the Mediterraen! This was HUGE treat for me, and with Bill having many years in the Navy... he had 'seen it all'! But for him (& me), Malta was definitely the highlight! We had a blast on the whole cruise and have tons of awesome memories... I can NOT wait until March 2011 to climb aboard the NCL Supership, The EPIC, and send 7 days with my CTMH friends!!

Bill and I in Malta

Thank you all again, every single one of you, because even if you have never order from my website, or through me... If you have visited my website or blog... YOU have encouraged me to keep trying!!
Sending Warm Caribbean Hugs to you all!
Barb

FINALLY!! Some Artwork from the CTMH A/W 2010 Idea Book!

2010-09-28T15:43:00.000-04:00

Hello Friends!

I finally made some time to do some catchin' up on my artwork! I will be honest, these are not my original designs! This is artwork that CTMH had for us to do at our Convention in July! I have just been so consumed with so many things, creating wasn't a luxury I was allowing myself!

My friend and DL, Katy Carlson, had a Birthday crop at her house this past Saturday! She has been having them for years, but I usually have crops that I vendor at during September. And this particular weekend was free... However, I was so exhausted from going non-stop, I was moving slow and almost allowed the opportunity to pass by! Fortunately, they kept calling me and I pulled my convention artwork and the needed items together, and finally made it over! I am so glad I did! We had such a great time AND I got this artwork done! So a big 'Thank You' to Katy and her croppin' friends for including me and making me feel so welcome!

This first card (2 views) is created using all brand new products:

CTMH's X7130B - Mistletoe paper pack

C1422 UNITY stamp set

Z1333 Mocha Opaques (pearls) gorgeous!!

And Z1323 Clear Cards ~ 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" Assort.

This 2nd card is also created using the same Clear Card Assortment (Z1323), the same Unity Stamp Set (C1422), and Mocha Opaques (Z1333), however the paper used with this card is (X7128B) Olivia!

And this 3rd card is again created using the Mistletoe Paper (X7130B), and the Unity (C1422) Stamp set!

Aren't they just gorgeous! CTMH has awesome artists on staff in their Studio and they design this beautiful artwork for the consultants to create during our 'Create and Take' portion! EVERYTHING we need, and more, is included in the cost of Convention!

11 1/2 years ago, I signed up to be a D.O.T.S Demonstrater so that I could go to their convention and have all the fun that I heard they were! OMG... they are better than I thought! I love CTMH! I love going to their conventions, spending time with my old and new CTMH Friends who come from far and wide!

If you are interested in having some fun with us at the next CTMH Convention at Disneyland in July 2011... I hope you will consider joining my team!

Thank you for stopping by... more artwork to follow!! I know... I keep saying that, but I really hope to get busy creating and having fun!
Hugs,
Barb

The Most Giving Women are CTMH Consultants!

2010-09-27T14:01:00.004-04:00

A couple weeks ago, my former Son-In-Law, Jack, who is currently stationed 'over there'.. contacted me through my daughter. He remembered how I helped them get out of Ocean Spring, MS during Katarina - with a lot of assistance! Of course, we got a LOT of help from our family, but I had also mentioned it on our CTMH Team Yahoo groups! These women, many of whom I had never met, or didn't know well, stepped forward and donated money to help my daughter and her family to get out of harms way! One wonderful woman (Thank you, Kim!) even took the whole family (2 adults, 4 kids and their pets) into their home over night on their way to safety in TX! What am amazing group of women!

So, back to my story... Jack sent word to me, asking for help! Apparently, a round of mortar shells had hit the tent home that 19 men and women from Jack's company shared in their 'camp'. Thankfully, no one was in the tent at the time, however, they lost everything they owned/had with them in their tent. Jack was asking for my help to make a difference for these young men and women! I posted a note on our Yahoo groups again and the money and donations started pouring in! My original goal was to send one box of 'help' to share between 2 of these soldiers, however, I received so much, I was able to put together 1 box filled with tons of goodies for each of these 19 soldiers plus enough left over for shipping them 'over there' too! I am so very honored and proud to work with such amazing & generous women!

Thank you for stopping by!

Hugs, Barb

CTMH's Autumn/Winter 2010 Idea Book is HERE!!!!

2010-09-01T12:12:00.002-04:00

Hello Friends!

It's really here!! I am so excited! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE all of the beautiful papers in this Idea Book! I am attaching pictures of the GORGEOUS WOTG Kit called Olivia! This is what my classes will be during September... As the leaves start to turn and Thanksgiving approaches... this paper is absolutely PERFECT!

Olivia WOTG Scrapbook Layouts

Olivia WOTG Cards

September Stamp of the Month ~ Thriller

I hope to get some of my artwork on my blog soon! I have been busy trying to get all of my Idea Book subscriptions out, and catch up on all the fun stuff that has kind of fallen through the cracks for the past couple months... ARTWORK IS VERY IMPORTANT too!!

Thank you for stopping by!!

Hugs,

Barb

CTMH's National Stamping Month Special ~ Triple Play

2010-08-27T20:35:00.060-04:00

Hello Friends!

I have finally had some time to do some creating... to have something to share... Close To My Heart has created a really fun National Stamping Month (September) Special called Triple Play... It is a mini album kit with 3 different colored mini albums! Indian Corn Blue, Hollyhock and the brand new color - Sunset, each of these colors along with Desert Sand! You get everything you need to create thisGREAT gift albums... including the ribbon to hold the albums together, die cut sheets (1 for each album) for the fun and colorful flowers and leaves, an exclusive stamp set to this kit that fits the die cuts AND the full color directions!

However, I decided that I wanted to show you all some of the other ways you can use this kit... and not just for the mini albums... As you may know, I have had a very busy summer and I am so behind on everything, so I went looking online, and "Thanks" to some of my fellow consultants, I created a cute little Card folder and 6 ~ 3.5" x 3.5" cards to go in it, and a 12" x 12" double layout (plus 2 sheets of Colonial White Cardstock and 2 sheets of Indian Corn Blue Cardstock... and using the BRAND NEW awesome Recipe Book called Magic)!

Above is the Mini Card Folder and 6 ~ 3.5" x 3.5" Mini Cards
(Thank you to Gloria Rogers)

Above is one of the actual Mini Albums in Hollyhock and Desert Sand

And here is a version of the the new layout I mentioned out of the new Recipe Book "Magic"... And this was created with the pieces of the Indian Corn Blue Mini Album... I did flip the pages because I wanted the larger picture on the right. (Thank you to Helen Onulak)

BTW, if you click on the pictures you can enlarge them to see them better!

Thank you for taking the time to stop by and check out my example of CTMH's TRIPLE PLAY Special!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Hugs,

Barb

NEW Summer Colors for CTMH

2010-08-25T13:36:00.000-04:00

So here is the first post about all of the NEW AWESOME changes that are coming to CTMH in just a few days! On the left is a picture of the brand new, beautiful colors that are making their debut in the soon to be released Autumn/Winter Close To My Heart Idea Book! The colors that are retiring in a few days are: Clover Meadow, Hydrangea, Orange from Summer Carnival and Bubble gum, Citrus Leaf, Ocean, and Watermelon from Summer Celebration. And there are 8 gorgeous new colors that will now be apart of the Summer Celebration and Summer Carnival CTMH color families! These are colors are bright and fun... this picture doesn't do them justice... and their names just scream 'summer time'! So, without further ado... (top to bottom and left to right) Smoothie and Lagoon; Sky and Cotton Candy; Pacifica and Sunset; Gypsy and Pear I have no doubt that you will love them as much as I do! The new CTMH A/W 2010 Idea Book is available starting next Wednesday... To get your copy contact me at: meridots@aol.com

More "Happy" Mail...

2010-08-19T16:31:00.000-04:00

Hello friends,

I'm afraid I need to apologize to 3 very kind and special friends... these 3 ladies sent me "Happy" mail in June and July... and I feel so badly even saying this... I never acknowledged their beautiful cards! I hope you all will forgive me, my life has been a bit out of MY control... there was so much stuff stacked on my desk, it is taking me entirely too long to clean it off!

I just wanted to share these great cards with you all...

On the left, using CTMH's Perfect Day Paper and our new 'Irresistibles' Dimensional Elements, a beautiful card from Kelly Rizzo... one of my 2nd DL, who has become a very dear friend.

In the center, using CTMH's Twitterpated Paper and the July 2010 Stamp of the month, a cute, fun 'Congratulations' card from one of my sister Consultants, and she is such a sweet friend, Cherie Lynn Hagan.

And on the right... a classy, yet simple card using the Passages Creative Basics Paper, Pewter Designer Brad, and the CTMH Stamp set called 'Live Inspired' from another sister Consultant (She was such a HUGE help to Tina and I at the New Jersey Expo in May) and she has also become a good friend, Jennifer Cox!

Thank you guys, so much... And I do apologize to all 3 of you for my tardy response!

Take Me Out To The Old Ball Game!

2010-08-19T15:35:00.000-04:00

Hi Everyone!

I know I have been really quiet for the past couple months... there has been so much going on! Our grandson, Bryce, stayed here with us for 3 weeks after his Mom and siblings left to head home! We had such a wonderful time... we went to several movies; he helped me decide on, and prepare, dinner every night; he made some new friends; walked Cooper; went swimming; took in Chuck E. Cheese a couple times; he spent a bunch of quality 'car' time with Poppy and Uncle Scott; AND so much more!! Bryce even made his own Travel Journal... title "The Best Trip Ever"... I printed off a gazillion wallet size pictures that he glued into his journal! We are all so proud of Bryce... he is a really good kid!

One other thing, we also took in a Washington Nationals Baseball game, and I just got the copy of the picture we had taken... even Uncle Scott joined us! It was a great game... the Nationals won, Strasburg pitched and 'Zim' hit a home run!

Sadly, I had to fly him home to TX on Tuesday, and then flew right back home that same day! It was so hard to leave him, and to say goodbye again to my daughter and the other 3 grand kids. I hate that they live so far away from us! It was REALLY hard to fly home alone! Fortunately, we all have a bunch of REALLY wonderful memories and I can see some scrapbook layouts in our future (at least!)... What a great Summer we have had!

So, now it's time to get back to my everyday life! I had mentioned in a previous post that there was a lot of really neat new goodies and changes coming to CTMH and that I would share them... well, I kind of dropped the ball on that one! So, now that everything is getting back to normal, I will start posting about all the new products and changes... and even some of the awesome artwork we created while at the CTMH Convention... and even some of my own!
Thanks for taking the time to stop by...
Hugs,
Barb

Look what I just received...

2010-08-06T11:35:00.000-04:00

I was checking my email and I found something there from Close To My Heart Corporate and included was this picture of Jeanette and myself at the Awards Reception. It's an absolutely gorgeous picture of Jeanette, however, I look like I just woke up! I asked Tina if my hair was okay before the picture, she said it was fine! NOT! No matter, 'it is what it is', and I am just honored to have been selected for the Spirit of Close To My Heart Award, and to be having my picture taken with Jeanette! She is such a gracious, kind and considerate woman... I am honored to represent her 'baby'... HER company... Close To My Heart!

And to further share my shock at my appearance... this picture of Tina and I with Jeanette also arrived in the same email! I look like I am not sure what I am doing there! Tina and Jeanette look beautiful - as always, and very confidant! Thank you again to everyone who nominated me, and to all of my friends and customers for all of your emails and kind words!

Hugs to you all,

Barb

HUGE APPRECIATION SALE... for YOU!

2010-08-03T23:49:00.001-04:00

Let's hear it... $2, $4, $6... for 8 (days)... WHO DO WE APPRECIATE! YOU!! My special friends and customers! Starting tomorrow morning (8/4) at 11:00am EDT, and through August 11th, or while supplies last...THIS is the time to take advantage of THE greatest sale that CTMH has ever offered! If you LOVE our papers, CTMH is getting ready to retire almost all of our awesome papers and Stickease! This is happening in order to make some spectacular future changes... WE ALL LOVE CTMH Paper!!

Be sure to check out the attached list, and the pictures of all the papers that will be available on this sale! Please keep in mind, this is while supplies last... You don't want to be caught not getting that extra paper pack for the project you are working on... or the paper that would be perfect for that future project!!

The Stickease are $2. (regularly $4.95 or $8.95), the Level 1 kits are $4. (regularly $9.95), and the Level 2 Paper packs are $6. (regularly $12.95)... and they are only available for EIGHT DAYS... or while the supplies last!

Pictures of all Paper Packs/Stickease on sale

List of Paper Packs/Stickease included in the sale

To take advantage of these beyond awesome deals, go to my website http://barbcarrico.myctmh.com/ or if you have any problems (ex: you're at work, the order isn't going through... whatever, let me help!), please contact me via email (meridots@aol.com) or phone (703-298-8629) and I will be glad to help you!!

Thank you for taking the time to stop by!!
Hugs,
Barb

Today is a "Happy" Day!

2010-07-31T12:49:00.001-04:00

Look what I found in the mailbox today... Don't you just love it when you get an unexpected gift! I call them "Happies"! I usually present my customers with "Happies" when they make purchases from me, and they often ask... "What is a "Happy"?

A "Happy" is something you receive (or give), usually a small unexpected gift, and that makes you happy... both of you!

This "Happy" came from Tonya McCrary, and she is one of my Sidelines with CTMH... She said in her note that she had brought it to the CTMH Convention to give me as a 'Thank you' for organizing the Scattered Hearts Swap, however, we never seemed to be in the right place, at the right time!

Thank you so much, Tonya! For the surprise, the gifts and for all of your kind thoughts/words! I have to say, I love B&BW, however I was unaware of this fragrance... It's called "Butterfly Flower"! OMG - it is simply wonderful! I am going to have to go check out the rest of this line!

Have a "Happy" day, everyone!
Hugs,
Barb

CTMH's 2011 Retired List - Holy Cow!!!

2010-07-31T11:20:00.002-04:00

And a HUGE WOW!! Close To My Heart just released it's Retired List for this year... Let me just say it again... WOW! They are retiring all the paper packs and stickease, and lots of the stamps and embellishments... except what is being released in the A/W 2010 Idea Book... If you love our paper/stickease... I would strongly recommend stocking up on your favorites... especially if you are working on a project that uses (or that you planned to use) one of our current papers... I know I will be!

Oh, one other thing... the availablity of these products are WHILE SUPPLIES LAST! They will NOT be restocking any of these items!

To see the Retired list, click on the title above...

To place an order, go to my website... http://www.barbcarrico.myctmh.com/

If you have any questions... please let me know!
Hugs,
Barb

OMG... I am so Honored!

2010-07-15T17:43:00.002-04:00

Hello Friends!
A week ago, I was at Close To My Heart's annual Convention... this year it was here in Washington, DC... On Friday evening, I was attending the Awards Gala to celebrate my friends and the awards they would receive... We had quite a few National Award winners... including Tina Sutton, my upline; Antoinette Herrin and Lisa Moseley for Recruiting; Tonya Sheridan for Centennial Club, and 2 of 3 "Rising Star" Awards! Imagine my surprise and PURE Shock, when as they began to reveal who the winner of the "2010 Spirit of Close To My Heart" Award... the most prestigious Award that Close To My Heart presents at Convention each year! The first baby picture, I did NOT recognize - but the 2nd picture I knew well because it was one of my Mom's favorites of me... ME... OMG... it was ME!!

The YouTube video below is the slide show CTMH created with pictures that my Mom and Tina sent in! Tina and my family knew about this for 2 months, and NEVER let on to it! I was completely blow away! Even my Grandkids knew and didn't tell me!

I also have a slide show of pictures... but Blogger is acting up and I can't add it to this post... I will add it separately... It was quite a moment... one that I will never forget! I am so honored to be included with the previous "Spirit of Close To My Heart" Award winner... they are AMAZING women!

I want to thank everyone who nominated me, and everyone who Congratulated me at Convention, and those that have sent me all of the sweet 'Congratulatory' notes afterwards! I am still amazed, in shock, and floating on air... what an honor!

Anyway, I have lots to share with you all... please bear with me! It's going to take a few posts to get it all on!
Hugs to you all,
Barb

Display Board Swap from Spring 2010

2010-06-12T09:00:00.005-04:00

LOL... As promised... I am back with some artwork from the Spring 2010 CTMH Idea Book! In the last Idea Book of 2009 (A/W 2009), CTMH announced that they had created a new program for all of their Consultants to make getting out and about to teach & share CTMH in a 'Faster, Simpler, Easier' way for all of us! AND it's really special for everyone - Customers and Consultants alike! What was announced was someting called 'Workshops on the Go'.

These kits are scrapbooking and card making kits that anyone can buy/use to create 1-2 double 12x12 Double Layouts, and/or 6-12 cards using CTMH's directions, paper, and embellishments... and an EXCLUSIVE stamp set that are only available through the WOTG purchases and it is all included in the WOTG. This is the first time that my swap group has used the WOTG directions to produce a sample for all of our customers! You can purchase the Basci kit for $29.95 plus S/T... however, I strongly recommend purchasing the kit with the BEST option... that way you have ALL the embellishments you will need to create everything they show in the Directions! The only other items you will need to finish all the artwork is an Alphabet Stamp set, the stamp pads in the appropriate colors, and the acrylic blocks for stamping. My Swapping friends and I hope that you all will love what CTMH is now offering, as much as we all do!

G1004 ~ Caboodle 'Workshop On The Go'

Artwork by Heather Hicks

G1005 ~ Topstitch 'WOTG'

Artwork by Tina Sutton

G1007 ~ Veranda 'WOTG'

Artwork by Barb Carrico

G1006 ~ You Rock 'WOTG'

Artwork by Amanda DesJardins

If you would like to purchase any of the GREAT kits... I would love to help you be sure to get everything you need to make them just like the directions! Please just drop me an email!

Thank you, as always for stopping by to take a look at our artwork!

Hugs,

Barb

Playing Catch up!!

2010-06-11T12:34:00.000-04:00

Hello Friends...

It has been WAY too long since I have posted some of our Display Board Swap artwork! I am embarassed to admit that the Display Boards haven't been posted since the Summer 2009 Idea Book! So, with a great deal of pleasure, today... I am posting the Display Board Swaps from the Autumn/Winter 2009 Idea Book.

X7177 ~ Grace Display Board

Created by Tina Sutton

X7115 ~ Jingle Display Board

Created by Heather Hicks

X7116 ~ Sweet Home Display Board

Created by Barb Carrico

X7118 ~ Twitterpated Display Board
Created by Amanda DesJardins

If you have any questions, please just drop me an email at meridots@aol.com. All Artwork above was created with CTMH products. Each Display Board is also created using the new embellishments that CTMH releases with each respective Paper Pack! Such neat stuff to try out!

Thanks for stopping by to check out our artwork and thank you to my Swap Buddies for sharing their awesome artwork through these swaps! Oh, and check back tomorrow to see the Spring 2010 Idea Book Swap Artwork... I'll have the Spring 'Workshops on the Go' for you!

Hugs,

Barb

What a Blast WE Had in NJ!

2010-06-03T12:59:00.001-04:00

I know... I have been quiet way too long! I promise you, I have been so busy! I can not even explain how crazy everything has been for me! First, I have been busy keeping my vendoring (CTMH) running along as smoothly as possible while I was also preparing for a HUGE scrapbook event in NJ in late May. This adventure was something far bigger than I have every attempted before! It all started when I had the honor of being asked by my CTMH Upline (& Best friend) Tina, to be apart of her Booth at the NJ Scrapbook Expo.

Long story short, WE DID IT! There were times that I wasn't sure I would get it all ready, or that it would come together on time! We did have our issues (Thank you to everyone for bearing with us on the credit card problems), but all and all it was a HUGE success! We had a great time, and we had an AWESOME Team working with us! We can never thank 'our Team' enough... And also to our customers... Thank you!

Our Friday Team

Our Saturday Team

Then, we got home just enough time to unload the UHaul van, take Tina back to the airport and then to jump right into creating the FRESH Wedding Flowers for a friend's sons Wedding over Memorial Day! It was quite a large task and I sure am proud of what we did... Below are the bouquets I made...

Brides Bouquet

(using Hydrangeas, Calla Lilies, Roses, Hypericum Berries)

Maid of Honor

And 5 Brides Maids

I hope to share a picture of the Wedding Party in the near future!

So, now... it is time to take inventory, follow up on everything I need to from NJ and get busy creating! CTMH's Convention is here in DC in a little more than 4 weeks and I need to get all my swaps made, my Team Gifts and Awards prepared... not to mention all the other creating I WANT to do! OH, and don't forget, I am offering several classes/workshops each month of this summer... PLEASE be sure to check my blog, and my calendar on my website for all upcoming events:

http://barbcarrico.myctmh.com/

I have a bunch of artwork I need to take pictures of and to post here and on my website... be looking for it - coming VERY soon! Thanks for taking the time to come check out my blog!

Hugs, Barb

Close To My Heart's Jackpot June is Here! A New Deal Each Day!

2010-06-02T18:41:00.000-04:00

Hit the jackpot and win free products OR grab loaded

goodie boxes at 50% off or more. Enjoy two types of deal days in June!

* Offer valid June 1–July 1 at 8:00 am (MDT), on MyCTMH websites only. New deals are posted each day at 9:00 am (MDT).

To be eligible for discounted prices, your order must contain only Jackpot June items. Visit facebook.com/closetomyheart or closetomyheart.com to see what the mystery Jackpot item was for the previous day. Offers are while supplies last!

On goodie box days… like today... you can purchase one box filled with popular products at 50% or more off retail value! Each goodie box day will feature different surprise items, so you can score a wide variety of current and recently retired products.

On jackpot days… 5 products will be offered for sale at discounted prices. One of the 5 products is the mystery jackpot item for that day, but we’re not telling which—exciting, isn’t it! If you happen to order the mystery jackpot item, we’ll reward you with one or more FREE Close To My Heart products, with shipping included on the free items! If you purchase all 5 products, you’re guaranteed to hit the jackpot! There’s no purchase limit—if you order multiple secret jackpot items, we’ll send you the same number of free items.

These special offers include discounted shipping/handling and are only available on my MyCTMH® website, http://barbcarrico.myctmh.com/ Check back every day for the latest offer.

Here's a Fun Flip Flop Album

2010-04-27T14:59:00.000-04:00

My CTMH Downline, Katy Carlson, and members of her team, had an Operation Smile Fundraising Crop last weekend... Katy contacted me and asked me to donate a finished piece of artwork for a Silent Auction! I was happy to donate this cute 6x6 Bella Flip Flop Album for the Auction... I hope whomever 'won' it enjoys using it, as much I enjoyed creating it!

Shucks, I have to apologize... I created a Slideshow in Photobucket of this cute little album, and for some reason it is not letting me post it on on my blog... Oh well, here is a picture of the front cover:

To see the rest, go to the link below:

Bella Flip Flap Mini Album

Enjoy!
Hugs,
Barb

STUDIO J goes LIVE!

2010-04-27T14:08:00.002-04:00

Happy "Studio J" Release Day Everyone!!

I am so excited that I can finally share "Studio J" with all of you! I just checked and 'Studio J' is up and running on my website... PLEASE go here "STUDIO J" to give it a try... it is so worth it! There is no cost to you for trying it! I had one of my customers send the following statement, and then below that is my reply to her... hope it answers some of your questions/concerns...

****************************************************

From G...

I’ve been interested in starting digital scrapbooking but this seems so expensive. If I did just 10 pages it will cost me about 130 dollars to print. I have no idea how that price compares to other digital sites though. Do you?

****************************************************

My reply..

Hi G...!

I understand your concern...I would love to share with you what I have found!

First, the bigger picture...

Regarding traditional scrapbooking, the amount of money and time you would spend to acquire the CTMH Idea Books (Cherish, Imagine, and Reflections), papers, stickease, embellishments and the printing of your photos (including some larger pictures - 5x7 or even 8x10)... and the time to plan/design, prepare and do the actual creating all contribute to the 'big picture cost'.

For other Digital scrapbooking software/companies... first, you have the cost of their software (Studio J is free and there is NO downloading), I have heard that some of the companies have monthly membership fees (not with Studio J), also with some of them you have to PAY for each and every embellishment (not with Studio J), plus the time involved in loading everything, and space used on your hard drive, many have to invest in external hard drives - You have to download all the papers, embellishments, and then spend more time setting up and/or searching for the 'right' item to use on your layout (our products are all right there - ALL of the coordinating products - including the familar CTMH papers and stickease, all the embellishments - ribbon, brads, buckles, photo hangers, hinges and more - in every color that goes with the paper you have chosen... and you can even distress your papers!!), and then there is the cost of printing the 'other' digital layouts - whether you use your own printer and photo paper (it's a huge initial investment to you, that will balance out in time), or you can order it to be printed elsewhere (there is the cost to print, gas and etc to get to and from store)... Your time, $ and extra effort grow with each item!

Studio J is available for you to use on any computer, anywhere, anytime - as long as you have internet access! No downloads, no searching - it's all right there!

The $12.95 may seem high per double layout, but we have done some figuring on all of the products/cost, and CTMH figured that you would save - I believe I heard - 20% overall by using Studio J! Of course that 20% does not even account for the time & effort you would need to do the other types of digital...

When we first found out about Studio J and the costs... I spoke to some of my customers who do some digital scrapbooking... Truthfully, they have told me that they do not care for the other companies software... it's difficult to locate some of the items they need/want, or they don't like what they find when they do locate a certain item, or the programs are difficult to use...

Studio J also has a few 'digital papers' that are exclusive to Studio J... they are not available through our Idea Books. CTMH is marketing Studio J as "Real Life. Real Scrapbooking. Real Time." because you can take the kids to the zoo, come home and put them down for a nap and finish all your zoo layouts during their naps! Just that fast, just that simple, just that easy!

I have used Studio J and I love it... it is actually fun and addictive... you will be amazed at how much you can get done in a short period of time! I urge you to give it a try... and please understand that you can try it for FREE and you do not have to order a thing! But, I think you will love what you see!

Oh, and something else... One thing I forgot to mention... and it is a big one (or 2)... I understand COMPLETELY about the investment in to traditional scrapbooking, and believe me - I have tons, myself... Here are a couple good things about using Studio J...
1) ALL Close To My Heart products will work together... you can create Studio J and traditional layouts using CTMH products and they will coordinate perfectly!

2) If you create a Studio J layout - and you do not resize any of the embellishments, but use them as they originally show up, you can add the CTMH traditional embellishments on top of the digital embellishments on your finished layouts to make them 3D or "hybrid"...

Believe me, I could NEVER give up my traditional scrapbooking - I NEED that creative outlet... this will just help me get caught up - faster!
Let me know if there is anything I can do to help... my phone number is 703-690-4160

Have a wonderful day,

Hugs,

Barb

How About This Technique? Morphed Spotlight...

2010-04-20T10:13:00.000-04:00

I always love to use, and teach, techniques that are new to me... and hopefully YOU too! I was searching for something fun and different to use with CTMH's April Stamp of the Month (D1409) "Flower Pot".

I came across a set of cards on a fellow CTMH Consultant's blog (Thank you, Michelle L.) and decided to give it a try! This technique is called "Morphed Spotlight" and it is similar to the "Spotlight" technique.

For those of you who do not know what the "Spotlight" technique is, you stamp a scene - usually made from one of the single stamps that have a scene design, and leave it plain - just the stamped image whether it's black or brown... then you pick an area you want to "Spotlight" and stamp that part of the scene again on the same color cardstock, mat it in black or whatever ink color you used, and color it in. Then you pop dot the colored in/matted piece and place it directly over the exact same spot/design on the card below - thus "Spotlighting" a certain area.

The "Morphed Spotlight" technique that I used below, does pretty much the same thing except, you stamp your whole design on a long piece of cardstock, then cut that long piece into thirds, mat all 3 pieces, and place the two outside pieces down on your card, and then color in the center piece, and pop dot it in the center of the two outside pieces. It is really quite easy and I think it makes a beautiful card! I hope you like it!

I will be using this card as my Make and Take at all my crops for the next month!

Would love to have you join us at one of those crops! Check out my calendar on my website for the dates and locations of those crops!

http://www.barbcarrico.myctmh.com/

Hugs, Barb

YEAH!! Here comes 'STUDIO J'!!

2010-04-16T19:57:00.008-04:00

I am so excited... the time is very near... STUDIO J will soon be HERE!!!

It will be available to everyone in only 10 days! You are absolutely going to LOVE using STUDIO J!

You will be using all of CTMH's fabulous paper packs, the coordinating My Stickease, and all the embellishments you have come to love and trust!

Starting Tuesday, April 27th at 10am EDT, you will be able to log in to YOUR own account that you will create on my website (http://www.barbcarrico.myctmh.com/)

upload some pictures,

pick a CTMH paper pack to work with

pick a layout from the many available from the CTMH books you are familiar with - Cherish, and Imagine

place your pictures (without having to make copies ahead of time)

set you embellishments and pick your colors

do your journaling using one of CTMH's fonts

Double check to be sure you are finished

And Repeat...

This fun layout was created using the CTMH Good Times Paper, and pictures of my family

celebrating "Poppy's Birthday" with the grandkids in San Antonio last Christmas.

We had such a 'good time' just being together!

I know some of you REALLY don't enjoy scrapbooking the digi way... You want to have your creative time... Let me just say... That is what I thought at first, however, the STUDIO J way is a Faster, Simpler Easier way to get "SOME" scrapbooking done in your "Real Life. Real Scrapbooks. Real Time"!! I can honestly say that since I am a hands getting dirty kind of gal, I won't switch over 100%...
But I know - without a doubt, that I will have a blast using STUDIO J

and it might even help me get caught up!

Plus, since you are using all the familiar CTMH products, if you place certain items like our Paper Flowers on the Studio J layout (after you receive it of course - lol!) without making it smaller, or larger... you can put our REAL Paper Flowers on top of the digi flower to create a 'hybrid', as CTMH calls it -Embellished Studio layout... or you can use our brads, buttons, ribbon & buckles,

and even the Cardstock Stickease...

it all fits/works!

With this launch, we're offering our customers a special introductory promotion. You may purchase each two-page layout for just $12.95 US. Also, when you place a single order for 5–9 layouts, you'll receive a pack of 5 Memory Protectors FREE! For placing an order for 10 or more layouts, you'll receive FREE shipping/handling plus a FREE pack of 5 Memory Protectors for every 5 layouts in the single order. What a deal!

I really hope you will consider giving it a try... after all there is NOTHING to download,

the software is free, and you can try it for FREE... You only pay for the finished layouts! If you have any question, please let me know...

Hugs, Barb

A MIRACLE Awaits... YOU!

2010-04-15T18:00:00.002-04:00

As we approach the magical month of May... full of Spring Flowers, warmer days & lots of celebrations... it is time to celebrate National Scrapbook Month! Close To My Heart always pulls out all the stops to make our NSM Special - EXTRA SPECIAL!! And this year is no different! I just received my set in the mail when I returned home from my trip to visit my Mom in FL. All I can say is WOW! I love everything about it! Especially the colors!! Blue, green and yellow!! For whatever reason, that color combination has always caught my eye! I promise you will agree - this kit is gorgeous!

How can you get it, you ask? Well, it is very easy... starting today (4/15/10) and through 5/31/10, you can buy it out right for the very low cost of $19.95; with a $40. CTMH purchase (before s/t) , you can buy it for only $10... OR with a $60. CTMH purchase (before s/t)... you can get it for a mere $5.00! I promise, this is a MUST have kit!

YewwwwwHoooooo...

May I have your ATTENTION, Please!

For each of my customers who purchase this beautiful MIRACLE kit from me during the next 6 weeks,

I am going to have a contest, of sorts...

What you need to do is buy and receive your Miracle kit, and create the layouts as is, OR create on your own... any layouts and/or cards... email me your jpeg pictures of your finished projects by June 15, 2010. For everyone who participates, I will put your name in a container for a drawing... I will pull the winners name on June 16th and will then post the winners name and a picture of their creation on my blog! The rest of the pictures I receive from you all, will be put in a slideshow and I will post it on my blog, as well!

PLUS... the winner will also receive a CTMH Gift Certificate - from me,

for $50. worth of CTMH product!

Woooohooooo!!!

So, come on... what are you waiting for... let's get creating!!

Hugs,

Barb

What Better Way...

2010-03-16T22:02:00.001-04:00

... to record your memories of a special trip than with a travel journal you create!! Below is a slideshow of my personal Travel Journals. One from each of my Cruises I earned from Close To My Heart! I used 'Majestic Blue' Paper and Stickease (X7081B & C) for my Alaska Cruise and I used 'Vintage Travel' (X7045B&C) for my Mediterranean Cruise, however, 'Vintage Travel' has been retired.

I will be offering a Workshop for these fun Travel Journals at the next 2 crops I will be a Vendor at... Our Crops Plus (http://www.ourcropsplus.com/) on April 17 - 18, and Creative Crops (http://www.creativecrops.com/) on April 23 - 25. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email me at meridots@aol.com !

It's Caboodle Time!

2010-03-06T18:53:00.000-05:00

I have been at Fresh Crops for the past couple days having such a great time! I don't think I have laughed this much in YEARS!! Thank you to Patti and Kelly for such a fun crop! I always have such a good time!

This cute card was my make and take for the weekend! I used Caboodle (X7121B) Background and Texture Paper, and the February Stamp of the Month 'Piece of Cake' (D1407). With a touch of Crystal Blue and Sweet Leaf Cardstock, and Sorbet ribbon. I colored the cake in with our Watercolor pencils and Tombow Blending Pens!

I love this card so much... I made a bunch of them to send out for some upcoming birthdays... Maybe one will be coming your way...

Hugs to you all, Barb

Another Fun Class!

2010-02-12T10:58:00.002-05:00

Hi everyone!

This was my 2nd class for the Dry Erase Board, and this one was at Creative Crops in Shepherdstown, WV. We had a great time and these fun ladies walked away with some wonderful Dry Erase Boards! Some made them as gifts and others are keeping them for homes. Some how I missed taking a picture of one of the ladies... sorry Susan! I hope you enjoy looking through these beautiful examples... I will be teaching it one more time next weekend at Crops Plus... If you are interested, please contact me for more information!

Thank you again to these super fun ladies for allowing me to take pictures of them and their boards!!
Hugs,
Barb

What a GREAT Class!

2010-01-25T23:34:00.002-05:00

Hi There!

I just had to share the finished Dry Erase Boards that the ladies in my class at "It's A Diva Crop" created! We had such a wonderful time, and everyone LOVED their Dry Erase Boards! I was so impressed with the ladies and their creations. I think they enjoyed the class so much because even though I shared the ideas and the materials... every single board was their very own! Each one was different... this was a very creative bunch of women! Thank you all for making this class so fun for me!

Thank you for stopping by!
Hugs,
Barb

Workshop Samples and My Make & Take for January!

2010-01-19T18:35:00.016-05:00

Hi Everyone!!

I wanted to share these darling little 'Treat' Tents... they are what my M&T will be at all the crops I'll be attending during the month of January... I hope you'll stop by my booth and make one with me!! Close To My Heart has another really cute example in the Spring '10 Idea Book on page 36.

For those of you unable to come by, these treats are created using Baby Pink cardstock cut to 1.75" x 6" and then scored at 2.5" and 3.5". Fold on the scored lines, then adhered CTMH's "Topstitch" B&T paper (X7120B) cut to 2.25" by 1.5" on both sides, then punch 2 holes at the top and close with a 6" piece of ribbon. Have fun decorating as you wish.

I used Colonial white ribbon, one of the stamps in the "In the Month of February" stamp set. You stamp it in Chocolate twice - once on Colonial White and once on Baby Pink - cut out the pink heart only and then adhered to the Col. White circle on top of the Col. White heart. I added a little extra sparkle with a couple "Bitty Sparkles" z1263. Ohhh, I almost forgot.. you will also add a Hersey's Nugget or Kiss (with a little tape on the bottom to keep it in place.)! These make great little Valentine (or any other Holiday) treat for the kids to pass out, or for your co-workers... Oh... and what about as wedding/baby shower favors!!

And these REALLY cute Dry Erase Boards were inspired by one of my extended Downline... She created and gave this as her gift for our Christmas Gift Swap! Lucky Christine Healy received this awesome gift!!!

The left Dry Erase Board is Kelly's and she used "Unforgetable" Paper for her board. I created the one on the right and used the new "Veranda" paper. I will be teaching this at both of the crops I will be attending in the next 2 weeks... This weekend is "It's A Diva Crop" ( www.itsadivacrop.com ) in Gaithersburg, MD... and Next weekend, I will be at Creative Crops ( www.creativecrops.com ) in Shepherdstown, WV... I am thrilled because the classes are filling fast!!

Thank you for taking the time to stop by!! Hope you have a wonderful weekend ahead!

Hugs,

Barb

Happy 2010!

2010-01-04T12:00:00.019-05:00

Happy New Year Everyone!! We got what we wished for... to hug and spend time with our
Daughter, Kim and her4 kids! Bill and I flew to TX and had them meet us in San Antonio where we did the sights... Sea World, The Alamo, The Riverwalk and lots more...

We had such a great time... it is so hard to have them so far away, especially since Kim and the 2 older boys (Trevor and Bryce) lived with us for 2 1/2 years when the boys were babies... we miss them so much! And the time flew by! But we have some GREAT memories of our time together!

When we got home and the mailman brought my 10 tons of mail to the house, I had a package there from one of my CTMH Downline, Kelly Rizzo... she is so good to me! I am so blessed to have wonderful ladies like Kelly be apart of my MeriHearts Team!!

Kelly gifted me this beautiful hand made box full of darling Greeting Cards made from "Perfect Day" Papers - one of my all-time favorites!! Kelly also include a precious little red Brighton Heart Charm! Thank you so much, I love everything, Kelly!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Well, it is that time again... a BRAND NEW Close To My Heart Idea Book was released on January 1st!! And with that exciting time comes a new Idea Book Swap for me and some of my dear friends! I am doing the WOTG kit for "Veranda"! It is absolutely gorgeous! And I will post pictures of the artwork as soon as they are finished... Tina Sutton is doing "TopStitch", Heather Hicks is doing "Caboodle" and Amanda DesJardins is doing "You Rock"... Each one is completely different and suits the many aspects of your life, family, and friends!! I can't wait for you to see these great kits!! And the stamps... and "Studio J", CTMH's Studio (Digital) Scrapbooking... I am so excited, and can not wait for you all to try it! I have no doubt that you will love it as much as we all do!

I hope you all have a wonderful 2010 and that it brings lots of good things your way!!

Hugs,

Barb

Merry Christmas, My Friends!!

2009-12-24T21:37:00.004-05:00

I just wanted to take a moment of your time to wish each of you a very Merry Christmas and I hope that 2010 will be absolutely AWESOME for all!

Bill, Barb & Cooper

And here is what I want for Christmas... to hug and spend time with our precious Grandkids, and our Daughter!

Merry Christmas to all and to all a Good Night!!!!

Hugs, Barb