CTMH Blog Hopping

Well if you have found me you were directed by the creative and talented Lori .... I had a great time creating and thinking about what I am going to create next month...


First of all Close To My Heart fall catalog is in the mail... Literally in the mail to us... I can't wait to see the newest stamps and paper. I will have sneak peeks as soon as my catty arrives. Now on to my art work.


I made this simple layout using our great flip flaps... Not only do they add dimension and protection but add place for more pictures and journaling.

 I layered the paper, tore the sides and inked them. Also decided to add some ribbon and buttons. Now to get the pictures on the pages.

I also enjoy altering all kinds of items. In the past I have altered trays, coasters, albums, journals.... Nothing is to off the wall for me to alter. This month though I thought about everyone having 4th of July parties and such... so here is what I came up with..

                                                                          Napkin Rings

I used the fanfare paper pack, the American Celebrations Stamp Set, Holly Hock, Spring Iris & Sunny Yellow Stamp pads. I made the rosette by scoring every 1/2 in and folding. Tricky part is to use a backing so it stays place when you are done with it. In this case I use a 2in scalloped punch. I also used a 2in scalloped punch on the front and cut out the celebrations banner. As a take home gift you can use these nifty tubes, fill them with candies (I use Skittles) and decorate away. Once again I used the fanfare paper pack.

I hope you have enjoyed this as much as I have making these items. If you are interested in buying, selling or just creating with me contact me Michelle Powell...

Now please continue on to Nicole site and enjoy all the fun she has been up to....

Studio J Freebie

June is a great month to test your creativity with Close To My Hearts Studio J.  For no more than 10 minutes you can have a great 2 page digital layout with some of Close To My Hearts great layouts. I have included a few that I have worked on.... Enjoy them as much as I did doing them.

Blog Hopping and Such

I was doing a little blog hopping and such this morning and ran across this great site.. And discovered a wonderful site Roberts Arts and Crafts... They have a great give away going on today and have a great selection of Cricut supplies... Check them out today...

Ever Needed That Perfect Sticker

Have you ever been working on that one projext and needed that one sticker you wish you had.. Well now you can create your own with MyMomentas program you can... Check them out here MyMomenta

Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

With 2011 here I am already behind. The kids had a three out for school and then a snow week. Snow in the south you ask yes.... We received approximately 8 to 10 inches... The children loved it me now so much.. More laundry, cold noses and lots of hot chocolate. It was fun but I have had my fill and am full up until next year.

  Now that we have returned to school I can get started on my "projects".... I am trying my hand at a few things but am not ready yo reveal them yet. Here are a few photos from our Snowpalosa ......

Jinxs Arrival and Cards all aroind Us

Well every year are Jinx are Elf arrives with his duty in hand. He reports back daily to Santa on the goings on of the kids and helps check Santa's  list. I love watching the kids faces every morning as they run from room to room to see if they can spot him. He is a wonderful little guy and quit helpful when I need him to be...My #DecDaily Page will be posted in a few days so keep an eye out for it.

This morning also brought me some much needed quite time to work on some Christmas Cards... I have found some wonderful season stamps from Stampendous - With these cards I used their Cling Santa Trio and a little Snowtex for dimension.

Giving Thanks

We all spend time reflecting on our families and lifes during this time of year. I am thankful for so much and try to take time everyday to thank God for what he has given us and not dwell on the negative of things. I am thankful for where I have come from and where I am going in my my life. god has great things instore for me  and mine.

I also am preparing for the busy month in front of us all. I have decided to start with keep up with the days events with Ali Edwards Dec Daily. What a great idea to keep up with the little things and the great big things we accomplish during the month.. Follow along as I do this wonderful journal. I will post as often as I can but please be patient with me....