JOY Christmas Card

You don't need to check your calendars. It is still August (for a few more hours). Christmas is still months away. But if you want to send out some handmade Christmas cards, it's not too early to start planning them. Over the last few days, I've come up with a few ideas that I'd like to share with you. I'll be posting one card each day for the next four days. I would LOVE to hear your thoughts so please add them in the comment section after the blog posts.

My first card is really simple. If my goal is to make a ton of cards in a hurry, this is definitely the way to go. Simply cut, stamp, assemble and add ribbon. The ribbon is tied in just a single knot.

Recipe (all Close To My Heart):

Jingle B&T Duos

My Acrylix Friendship Alphabet, All the Best and Everlasting Life

Juniper and Colonial White card stock

Juniper ribbon

The inside is stamped with Isaiah 9:6 ("For unto us a child is born..."). What words could bring more joy than those?

This card uses the retired Jingle paper that I bought when it was discounted (whoo hoo!). The juniper and tulip color combo is atypical for Christmas and adds an fun flair. Before I started, I wasn't sure I'd like it, but it really came together nicely.

What do you think? Please comment, I'd love to get your thoughts!

August 28 Cards Workshop

Check out the cards you can make at the next card-making workshop:

Here's the details:

$12 to make 12 cards (4 of each of the designs above)

Everything you need is provided!

August 28, 2:30 - 5:00 pm

My house (please email for address)

Register today -- just follow this link!

Can't wait to see you there!

Winning Convention Scrapbook

You may not understand why I came home from the Close To My Heart convention so excited. Well, here's something that will blow you away. Tresa Black was kind enough to let us repost this video of her winning scrapbook. This year's theme was "Wishes". There were a few rules like one layout could have no photos, one from Studio J,... You get the idea. Contention attendees got to vote on the top eight and Tresa's won! The other seven were also amazing.



I hope this inspires you to try something new. Just don't expect me to be able to teach all the awesome techniques she used!

Open House Door Prize

Come to my open house next Sunday (August 14 from 2:30 - 4:00 pm) and WIN a You & Me Scrapbooking Kit!

This exclusive kit was available for a short time earlier this year and is valued at $34.95. Although designed for scrapbooking, the materials can be used to make some very lovely cards.

In May, I posted a couple layouts I created using this kit. Click here to check them out. Layouts created using the included guide are pictures below. Scroll further down to see the complete kit contents.

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I hope you can come even if it is just for a short while. Bring a friend and receive a gift!

I'd like to get a rough idea of the number of create & take kits to make, so please drop me a quick email if you plan to come. You can also RSVP by accepting the invitation on Facebook.

Open House Create & Take #2

I've decided to have a second create and take at my open house. Come to my house on Sunday, August 14 from 2:30 - 4:00 pm to make this 6" x 6" page in addition to the card in Wednesday's post. While it could be added to a small scrapbook, you do not have to be a scrapbooker to enjoy this cute project. It could be framed, hung on your frig, stuck on your office wall, etc. It would make a great gift. 

You will be surprised how simple it is to create using our clear My Acrylix stamps and the new Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge.

Bring a favorite 4" x 4" picture if you want to finish it here. (No need for specialty printing, just trim down a 4" x 6" print).

This video will give you a preview of the Horrah Bouquet stamp set we will be using.

I'd like to get a rough idea of the number of kits to make, so please drop me a quick email if you plan to come. You can also RSVP by accepting the invitation on Facebook.

Open House Create & Take

Want another reason to come to my Open House? How about this cute little card? This is your chance to get a little dirty and make something!

Everyone who comes will get to make one for free! This card uses the new Elemental paper pack, Blue Ribbon stamp set and a Milepost star.

How you use your card is up to you. It would work as an encouragement or congratulations card. You could drop it in a lunch box or brief case to cheer someone's day. Or maybe you want to give it to yourself --- you can probably think of reasons you deserve to be a Shining Star!

I'd like to get a rough idea of the number of kits to make, so please drop me a quick email if you plan to come. You can also RSVP by accepting the invitation on Facebook.

Wicked Stamp of the Month!!

It's August! I bet you knew that :)

With the new month, comes a new Stamp of the Month called Wicked. This stamp is only available in August and you can purchase it for just $5 with a $50 order on MyCTMH website.

This month only, when you purchase the stamp of the month for $5 with a $50 order, you get this Bonus alpha stamp set FREE! (I like free!)

This weekend, I was feeling a little wicked and made a couple cards using the new Mischief papers. These cards are what I would call semi-Halloween.

I cut this last card out using the new Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge. Speaking of the Cricut, here are a couple treat boxes I made using the Cricut cartridge and the Wicked stamp set.

To get this wicked stamp set, plus free alpha set, fill your card on MyCTMH website!

Open House - August 14 from 2:30 - 4:00 pm

You are invited to my first ever Open House!

Even if you have never made cards or scrap booked (and even you are not sure you want to) you will have a good time, I GUARANTEE it!

FREE Create & Take Projects you will love!

Fabulous Prize Drawings!

Yummy snacks, of course!
All of that, plus you get to see and shop the new Autumn/Winter 2011 Idea Book! I have had so much fun trying out the new products. I can't wait to show you what I've made.

I'll also have information and sign ups for my Autumn/Winter workshops.

Here's the facts:
Sunday, August 14 from 2:30 - 4:00 pm
My house (please email for address)

From 4:00 - 5:00 pm, I will also be doing a Studio J demo. If you have tons of digital pictures, then this online program is for you. Come see how quickly you can turn the photos into beautiful scrapbook pages. If you have a laptop with a wireless connection, bring it and I will help you set up your account so you can get started creating layouts right away. It's free and easy!