Card Puzzler Swap Results Jan 2008

I was the hostess for Round #1 of the Card Puzzler Swap on the CTMH Consultant BB. For those of you who do not know what that means is the hostess makes a card and then only sends the pieces (no bases) of the card including stamped images to the other players. Each player gets enough pieces to make a card for the hostess and one for themselves and trys to complete the card very similar to the hostesses. I loved this card layout when I saw it on a stampers blog so the sketch for this card is not mine! (Sorry cant remember who you were)

Here is my sample:

Here are the cards from 4 of the 6 players:

From B Gorton:

From J Coleman

From J Schlangen

From J Macke

I won!

I am so excited that I won a stamp set from Kitchen Sink Stamps from Dee Jackson's blog http://stampincuziluv2.blogspot.com/. I cant wait to try out the 3 part rose stamp! Thanks again Dee and Maria at Kitchen Sink Stamps! I am still doing a happy dance!

RAK Birthday Card!

I love Bellas. I have finally ordered 2 and cant wait to get them. I got this great card from LaVerne (TJ RAK) for my birthday last week! Thank You!

SC161 Happy Birthday

I love this card! So Pretty and anyone who knows me will tell you that I hoard flowers so you are a special someone when I let 2 of them go for one card! This is for a friend whose birthday is on Thursday! Happy Birthday Andrea!

All CTMH
Stamp: Happy Birthday
Flowers: Big Pinks
Ink: Chocolate
Paper: More To Adore
Embellishments: Summer Mini Medloy, and Hollyhock Button, & Dew Drops

TLC153 Dalia Fold

This was a great technique and fun to do. Not sure that I love the card but I do love the flower. I need to try one with a scalloped circle as I have seen some really great ones! Let me know what you think!


All Products: CTMH


Paper: CTMH Creative Basics

New Baby!

I just learned that come September that there will be another addition to my extended family that makes 2 for this year already! My brother is having another little girl in June! This is the congratulations card I made for my cousin and her husband!

True Love 12X12 Scrapbook Pages

Hi Everyone! These pages were inspired by the CTMH Consultant Artwork BB using the Imagine Book (you have to have this book if you are a serious scrapbooker or just a beginner-it is the best)!

Valentines Theme Projects

Life Has been so crazy this past week. It was my birthday and I guess I just got overwhelmed. I had every intention to post these photos when I got the projects done however here I am at 1:30 AM on a Sunday night posting everything! Crazy! Most of the projects were inspired by other blogs and sketches at Splitcoast and Technique Junkies! Let me know what you think!

Here is everything I created. There is a 2 page 12X12 layout titled True Love inspired by the CTMH Consultant BB, a Mini Legal Pad with monogram for my sons teachers, a transparency sheet milk carton (that my son got a hold of before photographing), a altered starbucks bottle, and 5 cards. I will post the layouts in a seperate post for all to see and you would get to see both pages!


Close ups of the projects: Everything is CTMH as these are cards and projects for classes coming up in February!

BLOG CANDY WINNER!!!!

So today is the day! The winners are:

Customer entry: Mary Green
Blog Entry: Jenmarie

Please contact me with mailing address and I will get your new booking set out to you in the mail on Monday! Thanks everyone for playing!

What does Gerriann Mean?

Very interesting and so true about me. My name is not very common either! Humm.... What Gerriann Means

You are deeply philosophical and thoughtful. You tend to analyze every aspect of your life. You are intuitive, brilliant, and quite introverted. You value your time alone. Often times, you are grumpy with other people. You don't appreciate them trying to interfere in your affairs. You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone. You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together. At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together. You are wild, crazy, and a huge rebel. You're always up to something. You have a ton of energy, and most people can't handle you. You're very intense. You definitely are a handful, and you're likely to get in trouble. But your kind of trouble is a lot of fun. You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing. You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long. You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start. You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection. You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive. You have the classic "Type A" personality. You are very intuitive and wise. You understand the world better than most people. You also have a very active imagination. You often get carried away with your thoughts. You are prone to a little paranoia and jealousy. You sometimes go overboard in interpreting signals.

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

LSC151 Background Stamps

So over at Split Coast the Challenge today was to use background stamps. This is great because I used them on this first attempt Valentine with the Faux Layers Technique. I am not completely thrilled with it however I have been thinking about a card using this technique and stars. Enjoy!

Have you entered for the Blog candy yet?

Stamps: CTMH Adorable Backgrounds, and Faries

Ink: CTMH Hollyhock, Blush, and Baby Pink

Embellishments: CTMH Prisma Glitter and CTMH Liquid Glass

Flourish Valentine

So I got a chance to make a valentine using the wonderful technique I found at Nicole's Site ( http://nicholeheady.typepad.com/capture_the_moment/ ). I really loved the simplicity of this card and using the Playful Flourishes and the itty bitty heart from Sensational Seals made this card pop. I backed my focal point with Sweet Leaf and Dessert Sand Cardstock. Fun and Easy Card!

Have you entered for the blog candy yet? The details are hidden in the post below!

Pond Pals Card

Got my order from Korin on Monday and finally got a chance to post the cute card I made using the Faux Layers technique from Technique Junkies Dec 2007 Newsletter. Just love it thanks for the great stamp set Korin!

PS: This card is completely flat it only looks like it has multiple layers. My husband thought it was neat! Remember the blog candy!

Stamp Set: Pond Pals, Ink: CTMH Clover Meadow, Petal, Water Color Pencils, Stickles, Dew Drops.

Blog Candy!

Check out the posts below to find out how to enter for blog candy! It is hidden in there! Happy Hunting!

CD Album for Birthday Party Craft

I have a customer who wanted me to make kits for her daughter and her friends for her birthday. Here is the finished book. Using the Good Times Paper, and Primas, and Bigger Brads and CTMH Ribbon. LEt me know what you think!

Scrapbook Layouts!

This is a Imagine Layout and titled Red Ball in Snow! There is just something about a red ball, a little guy needing to bounce, and a snow coverd sidewalk.

This is a close up of the little snow angel embellishment: CTMH Stamp Set All Bundled Up.

This is the layout for my theme class to be held on Saturday Jan 19th!

January Cards!

Good Times Paper Pack: NEW CTMH 2008 Spring Catalog
Technique: Flip Flap Card (Technique Junkies Dec 2007)

I have been creating things just running out of time to get them photographed and uploaded. So here are some of the great cards that I have created using inspiration from many blogs and SCS. Most are made with CTMH items. A few layouts and mostly cards! Enjoy!

Seredipity: Heart of Winter Special CTMH

For this year!

Hello Everyone! Happy New Year!

As with each new year there is a new CTMH catalog!

I have updated my website for all my classes for 2008- Yes they are all there! http://www.gerriannarmstrong.myctmh.com

Highlights:
Monthly Card Class is the first Wednesday of the Month.

Customer Special with this class only:
Place an order of at least $25 and your card class fee is 1/2 price.Place and $50 order and your card class is FREE. If all the orders placedat the card class is at least $150 total we will hold a drawing for thehostess rewards for that month from the placed orders!

New 2 Page Monthly Theme Layout Class: January Theme: SNOW

This class is perfect for the beginning scrapbooker who wants to learn thebasics. Techniques and instruction on use of scrapbook tools will bepresented. This class is perfect for those who want to complete an entirealbum in 2008 for yourself or as a gift. Last class is 12/13/08.

Cherish Your Memories Layout Class: January Theme: Free Spirit
This is an advanced scrapbook class that is designed to use the goodies inyour stach. You bring your basic tools- paper trimmer, adhesive, hardwarekit. You receive cutting guides and personal instruction for compleing your 8 pages in just 2 1/2 hours.

You can see the theme for the upcomingmonths on my website: www.gerriannarmstrong.myctmh.com

January CTMH Customer Special: Serendipity
https://orders.closetomyheart.com/CTMHConsultants/marketing/pdf/heart_of_winter_flyer_07_us.pdf

Stamp of the Month: January Eastertimehttp://www.closetomyheart.com/stamp_of_the_month.aspx

Tombo Buy-In:

I will be hosting a Tombo Refill buy-in. Boxes of 6 refills are just $12.Pre-payment is due to me by January 18th, 2008. Checks/Cash only please.In town pick up only unless you include postage.

Now for the fun part! If you have read thisblog entry this far then lucky you! Leave me a comment letting me know that you read the entire blog and I will enter you to win a booking stamp set and acrylix block. Winner will be announced on Jan 20th!

I look forward to hanging out with you and creating beautiful projectsthis upcoming year!

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!

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!

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!

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

What's Your Elf Name?

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!

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!