Friday, December 21, 2007

My little guy turns 5!- Blog Candy too!

So my Christmas Eve Baby will be turning 5 on Monday! Where did the time go!

So in honor of his birthday I am offering some really cool blog candy!

You could win:


From Close to My Heart: Winter 2007 On My Mind Booking Set, 1X1 Acrylix Block and 12 pewter paperclips (4 each of 3 designs) Connections Club Rewards!

Rules to Enter: (must have these things as a bare minimum)
1. Create a Card 8" X 4"
2. Use the follwing colors: Chocolate, Sweetleaf, Twilight, Buttercup, and Colonial White-See the colors on my CTMH website to try to match them with what you may have in your stache of paper: http://www.gerriannarmstrong.myctmh.com/
3. Have mulitple layers- at least 3
4. Include metal embellishments.

Upload the finished card to your blog/website and email me the link or email me a picture of your card, including the details of what you used.

Winner will be picked by my soon to be 5 year old son on December 28th-the day of his party!

Good Luck!

Thursday, December 13, 2007

Auction for Cards to benefit Autism Organization

I was floating around on line and making my daily blog rounds when I came across that the husband of my of my favorite bloggers is hosting an auction for cards to benefit an autism organization that provides services for the family. Check out the auction at http://mycraftarea.blogspot.com/ and bid!

As the parent of a son with autism sometimes it feels overwhelming and nothing ever works fast enough and agencies like the one that this auction will benefit helps us realize that progress is happening! Thanks for at least looking!

Tuesday, December 4, 2007

The "W" in Christmas

What a great story to remind us all the true meaning for Christmas:

Each December, I vowed to make Christmas a calm and peaceful experience. I had cut back on nonessential obligations -- extensive card writing, endless baking, decorating, and even overspending. Yet still, I found myself exhausted, unable to appreciate the precious family moments, and of course, the true meaning of Christmas.

My son, Nicholas, was in kindergarten that year. It was an exciting season for a six-year-old. For weeks, he'd been memorizing songs for his school's "Winter Pageant." I didn't have the heart to tell him I'd be working the night of the production. Unwilling to miss his shining moment, I spoke with his teacher. She assured me there'd be a dress rehearsal the morning of the presentation. All parents unable to attend that evening were welcome to come then. Fortunately, Nicholas seemed happy with the compromise.
So, the morning of the dress rehearsal, I filed in ten minutes early, found a spot on the cafeteria floor and sat down. Around the room, I saw several other parents quietly scampering to their seats. As I waited, the students were
led into the room. Each class, accompanied by their teacher, sat cross-legged on the floor. Then, each group, one by one, rose to perform their song.
Because the public school system had long stopped referring to the holiday as "Christmas," I didn't expect anything other than fun, commercial entertainment - songs of reindeer, Santa Claus, snowflakes and good cheer. So, when my son's class rose to sing, "Christmas Love," I was slightly taken aback by its bold title.
Nicholas was aglow, as were all of his classmates, adorned in fuzzy mittens, red sweaters, and bright snowcaps upon their heads. Those in the front row-center stage -- held up large letters, one by one, to spell out the title of the song. As the class would sing "C is for Christmas," a child would hold up the
letter C. Then, "H is for Happy," and on and on, until each child holding up his portion had presented the complete message, "Christmas Love."
The performance was going smoothly, until suddenly, we noticed her; a small, quiet, girl in the front row holding the letter "M" upside down -- totally unaware her letter "M" appeared as a "W."
The audience of 1st through 6th graders snickered at this little one's mistake. But she had no idea they were laughing at her, so she stood tall, proudly holding her "W." Although many teachers tried to shush the children, the laughter continued until the last letter was raised, and we all saw it together. A hush came over the audience and eyes began to widen.
In that instant, we understood the reason we were there, why we celebrated the holiday in the first place, why even in the chaos, there was a purpose for our festivities. For when the last letter was held high, the message read loud and clear:
"C H R I S T W A S L O V E"
And, I believe, He still is. Amazed in His presence... Humbled by His love.

Card from Holly Craft!

This is a beatiful card from Holly Craft of TJ 1 on 1! Thanks Holly! You handwriting is amazing!

Monday, December 3, 2007

What Type of Elf are you?

Saw this on another blog adn thought why not! So I am:

Your Elf Name Is...

Candy Mince Meat

Sunday, December 2, 2007

Frosty Friends and Kindred Spirits

Today's challenge for Maria's Blog candy at Stamping Inspirations/Card Inspired included making a card from one of 2 sketches. I was on a roll and made one using each of her sketches.

Here they are:

Card size: 5"X5"
Stamp Set: CTMH Frosty Friends
ink: Stazon,
Paper: Signature Collection, Bazzel Bling Cardstock
Embellishments: CTMH Bookplate chipboard, silver star brads, liquid applique, prisma glitter, CTMH bubble gum ribbon
Technique: Paper Piecing- the hats, and shirt, heart.
Kindred Spirits:
Card Size: 5"X7"
Ink: CTMH Lilac Mist
Paper: Signature Collection, Bazzel Bling
Stamp Set: CTMH Kindred Spirits
Embellishments: Bubble Gum Ribbon, CTMH Bigger Brad Silver, Pop Dots
Thanks Maria for the inspiring sketches!

Saturday, December 1, 2007

My Creative Space!

So here is some great photo of my scrap and stamp space that my husband took for me!
I love the drawer units! I got them at the Habitiat store (they have a surplus store to make profits for the non-profit organization) for less than $18 each. I have 35 total drawers which used to house college student clothes but now scrapbooking and craft supplies. I was smart and labeled the drawers in the beginning (yes I have that much stuff!) so everything I bring home has a home of sorts. Enjoy!


Seeing these photos make me feel like I better get busy and get some of the projects done so that I have more space for the new stuff coming out on January 1st from CTMH. I am working on project for my class on Wednesday!
I participate in a monthly layout group at the local scrapbook store. It is great to keep fresh with the new products on the market. The layout below is 1/2 of the 2 page layout from November putting my CTMH spin on it.
Well I posted these photos as my entry in Maria's blog candy celebrating her 1st year anniversary! Congratulations Maria!
Also we were asked on the Card Inspired by Maria to let her know about a blog we feel is one that is inspirational but not well known. So my nomination for that is On My Refrigerator Door!
http://www.efridgedoor.blogspot.com/. She has the best birthday card for a 5 year old using the CTMH Numbers Solos! Thanks for your inspiration Amy!

Thursday, November 29, 2007

Limited Supply Challenges

Here are my cards for the Limited Supply Challenge over at SplitCoast Stampers!
LSC144: Merry Christmas (This weeks Challenge)


Size: 4X4; Stamp Set: Oh Christmas Tree (CTMH); Cranberry CS/ink (CTMH), Clover Meadow CS (CTMH), White Dasiy CS (CTMH), Black ink (CTMH); Ribbon: Clover Meadow Gingham (CTMH), Sparkles-clear, Pewter Brad (CTMH), Tools: Pop Dots, Edge Distressor.

This is last weeks challenge: LSC142 Winter Wonder

Size: 3.5X4; Stamp Set: Winter Reflection (CTMH); Cocoa CS (CTMH), Parchment CS (CTMH), Ink Brown Bag (CTMH), Tools: Edge Distressor, Embellishment: Honey Bigger Brad (CTMH)

Enjoy!

Blog Candy-Check it out!

Visit Leslie at Continuing to Create: http://continuingtocreate.blogspot.com/, she is giving away a new copy of one of my favorite magazines as blog candy! She has some great artwork as well! Thanks again Leslie for letting us all play!

Winter Reflection Card- CC142

This is my card for this weeks color challenge at Splitcoast Stampers. Since I am CTMH girl I tried to match the colors as best that I could. Let me know what you think!Stamp Set: CTMH Winter Reflection (retiring 2008)
CTMH Colors-CS/ink: Crystal Blue, Grey Wool, Sweetleaf, White Daisy
Embellishments: CTMH White Daisy Organza Ribbon Rounds, Pewter Brads

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Go Braless Card-Korin's Sketch Challenge

I was inspired to try Korin's (http://inkydoodle.blogspot.com/) sketch. This is what I came up with:
The stamp is from Dolly Mama's Collection (Stamps Happen, Inc.) Go Braless #80417, Paper is from K & Company Hopscotch Collection, CTMH Topiary Brads, Around the Block Journaling Pencils, and Turponid for blending-great technique for grown up looking coloring! Enjoy!

SC152 Friends Card


This card was created using Basic Grey's Stella Ruby Collection, CTMH Doodle Alphabet, CTMH Garden Green Brads, and CTMH Sassy Strands, SU ticket punch. Fun card and bright. I am starting to get the hang of the sketches that are posted. I love orange!

Monday, November 26, 2007

Birthday Reminder Wall Hanging

I was at Craft Warehouse in the Tri-Cities this weekend (WA State) and got to see a version of this wonderful Birthday Reminder! I loved it. The directions are on the Craft Warehouse Site. They are pretty easy to read and modify. This is a christmas gift for a family member who does not use the computer so that is why I can share it with you! Enjoy!


Supplies:
Paper: Free Spirit Paper Pack CTMH, Cocoa CS, Honey CS
Ink: Cocoa Ink, Indian Corn Blue Reinker
Paint: Dream Coat Magnolia White (CTMH)
Embellishments: Prima Flowers, Jump Rings, Basic Grey Chipboard Letters, Eye Hooks, 1/8" Hole Punch

Friday, November 23, 2007

BLOG CANDY WINNER!!!!

So I had 15 entrys for the candy and the winner is:

dd2njoy who said:
What a cool xmas candy!!! I just found your blog through allison so of course i'm off for a visit!Thanks for the chance to win!!

Please email me at chattytweekerscrappers@gmail.com with your mailing address.

More blog candy when I reach 1000! Thanks for checking out my blog often.

Blog Candy!

I have hit 500 visitors! It is time for some blog candy! I have been inspired by all the wonderful Christmas Stuff being posted that I thought I would help the Christmas Cause. In this give away is a sheet of CS stickers from Doodlebug Designs, Jellys from Doodlebug Designs, Rhinestone stickers saying "Merry" and "Christmas" and 6 blank 4X4 coasters. I will mail to US and Canada only! I will pick a winner on Friday after Thanksgiving. Leave me a comment on this post telling me what you like best about Christmas Time. One entry per person. Thanks!

Thursday, November 22, 2007

Birthday Card-Card Puzzler

These are the pieces of the card puzzler I recieved in the mail the other day. The object is to make your card look like the hostesses card. We are sent enough materials to make 2 cards, one we keep and the other we send to our hostess.


This is the card I created! Looking forward to seeing the others!


More Christmas Cards!

I have been on a roll tonight. I at least am inspired to re-create things I have seen. So here are two cards the first is for the confessions of a stamper blog candy challenge. I think I did it right this time and the second is a wreath card using a snowflake stamp set. I loved the look and even though I think it is lopsided my Husband thinks its great!


Stamp Set: CTMH New Fallen Snow
Colors: CTMH: Chocolate, Heavenly Blue, Dutch Blue, Moonstruck, Indian Corn Blue
Embellishments: CTMH: Outdoor Denium Organdy Ribbon, Twilight Sassy Strands, Sparkles Clear, White Embossing Powder
Technique: Embossing Resist (??) Emboss the large snowflakes in white EP, then add the color around the snowflakes lightest to darkest. Stamp a few snowflakes around the embossed ones. Take a hot DRY iron and place the panel between a folded sheet of typing paper and lift the embossing powder off to the typing paper, stamp images in darkest shade of ink around and on the white snowflakes. And that ladies is how I made the focal point of my card.


Stamp Set: New Fallen Snow
Colors: Ponderosa Pine, Cranberry
Embellishments: CTMH Cranberry Grossgrain Ribbon, Sparkles
Technique: Generation Stamping: Take and stamp the snowflake 3 times before reinking in a circle. Make the darkest snowflakes touch to create the circle and the 2nd and 3rd stamping off center a bit to make it look like branches on the wreathe. Stamp the little red dots from the set to look like lights or holly, add sparkles.

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Blog Candy Challenge Card

There are a few rules when you do a challenge card. First you must read the directions all the way through. I was so excited to have time today to get this one done for Confessions of A Stamper that I got ahead of myself. The only thing that I got right was baby blue (CTMH Heavenly Blue) and Brown (CTMH Chocolate) and the layers of 5 or more. I will try again later with a new card for the challenge.


This card was inspired by a card in Take Ten created by L. Grandlund page 132.


Stamp Sets: Playful Flurishes, Friendship Blessings
Supplies: All CTMH unless noted

Paper: Chocolate CS, Heavenly Blue CS

Ink: Chocolate and Heavenly Blue

Accessories: Petwer Brads, Chocolate Organdy Ribbon, Prima Light Blue Flowers, and finally kisses from DH

Turkey from Preschool

The paper turkey that I made was a big hit with my son Harrison. He loves it. He was so excited to show me the turkey he made at school today and to Tom the paper turkey. I love it more than mine (I am sure it was because he made it). So we had to have a photo shoot with it. Harrison wants to have his picture taken however it is really hard to get a good shot of him because he wont look at you (autism thing). So here are the best shots of Little Tom, Tom the turkey and Harrison. Enjoy!


SC151 Sketch Challenge

So I have finally found a few minutes to make up a card for the weekly challenge. I try but sometimes life gets in the way.


Everything CTMH unless noted:

Colors: Ponderosa Pine CS & ink, Cocoa CS, White Daisy CS

Embellishments: Liquid Applique, Olive Organdy Ribbon

Stamp Set: Beauty of Christmas (retired)

Creativity Is Flowing

I am finally getting around to posting some creations that I have been working on! Enjoy!

This is a double pocket card using the December SOTM from CTMH. I love the colors and the Denium Days paper pack. Colors are Autumn Terracotta, Honey and Jeans paper from the paper pack. Thanks to pat at technique junkies for the great directions from your monthly newletter bonus. It was fun and a nice way to stuff a great deal into invitations (which I will be working on soon for Harrisons 5th birthday party!



I fell in love with this christmas paper from Basic Grey called Figgy Pudding! I made a couple of christmas cards for inspiration but then made the most beautiful 9X9 Accordian Album with the rest of the paper. I need to take some photos where I have some nice "clean" space to get the shots right. It is so pretty-I dont want to give it away! Luckly I made a 2nd one for a friend for Christmas using the Genuine Boy line and was able to get the cutting guide just right for it. I love it too. The stamp sets used were Christmas Scripts and Christmas Wishes, paper is Basic Grey and accents are CTMH and Heidi Swap (clear stars).



At our local scrapbook store (just love scrappers attic) they created a mini album using manilla file floders cut down. I created the one I bought from a kit and thought I can do this with stamps and CTMH paper- here is my final result. I love the leaves (Natures Vein-CTMH) and the letters are stickease from the sampler pack colored with black and autumn terracotta inks-CTMH, I used Liquid Glass for texture, and used the paper and stickease from the Expedition paperpack, and well as ribbon from the Autumn Terracotta Ribbon Rounds. I guess I could have said that all are CTMH unless otherwise noted.

This is all for now. Hopefully I will get the photos of the 9X9 albums done tomorrow and get them posted! Have a great night all!

2 more Card Puzzler Results

I recevied 2 more Card Puzzler results back this past week (just now getting to posting them) They are from: J. Liedle and H. Chamberlin. It is really neat to see how others take the pieces of a card you created and try to put it together like they think you may have done it. I have really enjoyed this swap!


Friday, November 16, 2007

CD Album-Snow Friends

Here is a really fun CD Album we made at the last team meeting. Thanks to my Secret Sister for sharing a Halloween Version with me for Harrison. Everyone loves it.



All CTMH unless noted:
Hollyhock CS, More To Adore Paper Pack, Blush CS, Snowfriends Stamp Set, Prisma Glitter, Vellum, Baby Pink Ribbon, Archival Black Ink, Coordinating Ink and Markers, Chipboard Bookplates.

Harrison made a Birthday Card

So my son who is 4 (almost 5) made a homemade Birthday card for his friend Morgan who turns 5 tommorrow! He stamped and used a lot of his moms favorite things- paper flowers, ribbon, and stamping. He also did some hand-writing! I love it and I am sure that Ms. Morgan will love it too!



CTMH December Stamp of Month Artwork

The following cards I created for the Stamp of the Month Swap for our team meeting.
Details: (all CTMH unless listed)
D1245 In My Heart Stamp Set, Floral Tapestry Paper Pack, Lilac Mist CS, Pewter Photo Hanger, Winter Sassy Strands, Stickles Clear Glitter.

Details:
D1245 In My Heart Stamp Set, Denium Days Paper Pack, Outdoor Denium Ribbon Rounds, Sunflower Bigger Brad, Colonial White CS.

Saturday, November 10, 2007

Paper Turkey

There are reasons why you should not spend to much time on the computer, mainly because there are too many neat ideas.

This idea came from http://murdocks.typepad.com/polishedtoperfection there were wonderful directions including photos. This little guy is for my mother-in-law for Thanksgiving Dinner center piece. I may do another for my parents too. Thanks again for sharing your ideas!
Supplies: Styrofoam egg, ball, and heart
Paper: CTMH Abundance Level 2 Paper Pack
Embellishments: Googly eyes, lace (rusty pickle), lots of stick pins, brownish/red paint (dream coat), ribbon slide (CTMH)




Friday, November 9, 2007

Oct 15 Card Puzzler Results

These cards are starting to roll in (does not help that I sent them out late) however, this is the first one that was returned. My origional is the snow man z-card below. I will post the rest of the cards as I get them with Card Puzzler as the title. Thanks for looking!

By Schlangen:

Wednesday, November 7, 2007