January 2014 CTMH Stamp of the Month Blog Hop

Welcome to the January 2014 CTMH Stamp of the Month Blog Hop. Whether you're starting here, or hopped over from Kathleen's blog, you're right on track.  Just follow the links at the end of the posts and you'll hop through all the fun creations.

This month's stamp set is perfect for those who love sewing and cross stitch.  You can stamp the images and then stitch over them...or get that cross-stitch look by simply stamping the images on your cards or projects.

Now it's time to hop on over to Tamytha's blog to see what she has created.

How to use Evernote in your CTMH Business

Welcome to my new series on Evernote.  I am finding that I am using Evernote more and more to organize my life.  I have notebooks for my CTMH business, my day job, church, school and my personal life. I don't profess to be an expert on Evernote, but I am passionate about it, so I thought I'd start sharing some of the things I use it for.  

**Evernote is a free product (premium paid version is available for $5 per month) that can be used on a variety of platforms.  I run it on a pc, iphone, ipad and macbook.  The notes/notebooks sync across all platforms so I can retrieve the same information from every device.**

Today I'm going to give a brief overview of how I use Evernote to keep track of my CTMH (Close To My Heart) business.

I have the following folders in my CTMH notebook:

Blog/Video Planner - It's either feast or famine for me.  Sometimes I have a million things I want to blog about and sometimes I can't think of anything.  I use this notebook to keep track of different topics and gather information.  I also make lists/schedules of future posts.

Business Helpers - This is my largest folder! Here are just a few of the things I keep in this folder

• Inventory lists - stamp sets I own, paper, stamp pads, etc.
• New consultant info - current kit, info to share with recruits, etc.
• Featured colors - each catalog I go through the paper kits and make a list of all of the colors that are featured in the paper packs.  This helps me to determine what colors of cardstock I need to order, etc.
• Company Updates
• Notes I've taken at meetings, convention etc.
• Product Info - paper weight, etc.
• Tips on holding clubs, facebook parties, open houses, games, etc.
• Compensation chart
• Master supply list

Cricut - Information about the different cricuts, how to reset, contact information for provocraft, list of cartridges, project ideas, links to videos and websites, etc.  

Extravaganza - This is where I keep my top secret info/planning when I teach at extravaganza.  I list project ideas, add pics of projects to adapt, plan what I'm doing for each board, emails from corporate, etc.

Facebook Parties - Ideas for topics, lists of videos to shoot, lists of parties/themes I've already held, etc.

Order History - This is my customers favorite notebook.  How many times have you had a customer ask you if they have ordered ___________?  I have a note for every customer and each time they order I quickly type the items on the list.  Then when I'm at a party or get a text asking me if they have a stamp set from 2 years ago, I can look it up and tell them yes or no.  It takes a little time to keep it up to date, but it's totally worth it and my customers love it.

Paper Hearts - This is my team.  I have a note for each team member where I record information about them and their family.  I keep track of the number of catalogs they order from me, things I've loaned out, and anything team related.

Project Book - This is a work in progress, mostly because I'm inconsistent. LOL.  My goal is to document each project I make.  I take a picture and type any pertinent information like cricut cuts, measurements etc.  

Project Ideas - Another huge notebook!  I snip web pages, copy photos etc. into this notebook for future projects. I add tags so that I can search for them by paper pack, technique, product, holiday etc. 

Receipts (Expenses) - I use my iphone to take pictures of receipts and invoices and add them to the folder.

Retreats - I keep track of my retreats, food lists, attendees, payments received, projects planned etc.

RSVP - Each month I create an RSVP table to keep track of who has RSVP'd, how many kits they want, whether they have paid or not, etc.  I print it out right before my workshop and then bring it to the workshop to keep track.  

Are you using Evernote in your CTMH business?  How are you using it?  I'm always looking for more ways to organize my life!

Dec 2013 Stamp of the Month Blog Hop

Welcome to the December SOTM blog hop.  Whether you're starting here or hopped over from Priscilla's blog you're right on track.

Ooops! - I've been dealing with some health stuff and didn't get my project done....but have no fear, I'm sure there are many other wonderful creations to explore...so just follow the link below and continue on with the blog hop.

Next stop is Judy's Blog

November 2013 CTMH Stamp of the Month Blog Hop

Welcome to the CTMH Stamp of the Month Blog Hop.  Whether you're starting here or hopped over from Melissa's blog, you are right on track.  Just follow the links at the bottom of each post and you'll hop through and see many amazing creations.

I loved this project because it....WAS SO QUICK AND EASY!!!!  As you can tell by the lack of blog posts lately, life has been crazy.  I'm happy, healthy and doing fine, but I had to deal with a few things and it kind of side-tracked me for a while...and I have had THE hardest time getting my mojo back!!!!  So last night I cleared a spot in my stamp room and whipped up this fun project in less than 30 minutes!  

I used our 6x6 canvas as a base and created a simple little wall hanging.  You can adapt this idea by adding a picture or using a different saying.  It would be a great little gift!

Now it's time to hop on over to Michelle's blog to see what she has created.

CTMH Cricut Artbooking 8 x 8 Mini-Album

I'm still taking pictures and going through my artwork from convention. One of these times I'm going to be super organized and photograph everything as I create it... yeah right. LOL

I absolutely love all the cool mini-albums that are on the Close To My Heart Cricut Artbooking cartridge!! It makes it so easy to whip up a quick gift or scrapbook a special event. Since I was working with the Huntington papers, I pulled out my Michigan pictures and they went together beautifully.

Want to create your own mini-album?  Simply pick a paper pack, a package of stickease and then use the Artbooking Cartridge to cut pages, mattes and decorative elements.

Wait until you see the stinkin adorable baby album I made with the Babycakes paper pack!!!

CTMH August 2013 SOTM - A Chocolate Affair - Blog Hop!

Welcome to our Stamp of the Month (SOTM) blog hop!  I am so excited to see what everyone has created this month because I love, love, love this months stamp set! Whether you're starting here or have hopped over from Krista's blog, you're on the right path.  Just click the links at the end of each post and you can be on a calorie free chocolate journey that's sure to inspire you!

Did you know you can get the Stamp of the Month FREE this month???

Just place a $50 order and you get it FREE!!  

If you're one of my fabulous customers or need a consultant - you can order 24/7 from my website

stamptildawn.ctmh.com 

One of the things I love the most about this stamp set is that it has year round possibilities!  Combine it with the 3-D projects on our Artiste Cricut Cartridge and you can create a little goody for just about any occasion. Here's a small list of ideas I thought of...

(I cut the Popcorn box with the Artiste Cricut Cartridge and stamped the 

checkerboard background  - D1559 Geometric Backgrounds - with buttercup ink.)

• Treat bags at parties
• Valentine's Day
• Birthday Gift
• Card for any occasion!
• Thank you card/gift
• Teacher Appreciation
• Staff Appreciation - One of my friends at work keeps a stash of "Awesome" bars from See's Candy and she gives them to people when they do something "Awesome."  Why not make up a few little gifts to keep in your drawer and give them to co-workers when they need a little pick-me-up, helped you with a difficult project or gave you great service?
• Invitation for a "girls night out" - "Every day's a Sundae" - Skip the coffee and make plans to meet for a Sundae!!

Now it's time to hop on over to Jen Rubio's blog to see what she designed using this fun set.

More Artbooking Cricut Cartridge Samples from my booth

I had so much fun sharing tips and ideas featuring the Artbooking Cricut Cartridge at the Close To My Heart (CTMH) convention and on Saturday I got to share them with my Workshop group!!

I would love to share the same info with each of you!!  Book your online Facebook Party.  I'll share fun demos filled with tips and ideas on how to use the Artbooking Cricut Cartridge for your papercraft projects...and you'll earn free product without leaving your house too!!

In the background you can see part of the demo board I used to show the difference between cuts using real dial size and regular dial size.  I also shared how the layers work and how quick and easy it is to create a fabulous scrapbook page.  The easels in front of the board have one 8 x 8 book and my adorable 6 x 6 Halloweeen book that auctioned for $250 in the Operation Smile auction.

Here's a quick and easy card using one of the photomats on the cartridge.  I creased and distressed the corners to make it look like a little frame.

On this card I used one of the overlays from the Artbooking cartridge as well as the arrow and the cut-out circle behind the pumpkin.

I bet you can't even tell that the overlay doesn't fit the card!!!  I cut it and spread it apart so that it looks like it went edge to edge and then hid the gap behind the pumpkin medallion.

Contact me to pre-order your Artbooking Cricut Cartridge (available August 1) or to book your own party (online or in person) and get your cartridge for only $50 (with a qualifying $250 party).

Cricut Artbooking Samples from my booth at CTMH Convention

Once again I was honored to be selected (one of 18!!) to teach at Extravaganza at the Close To My Heart (CTMH) national convention.  It is a huge honor and every year I wait on pins and needles to see if I made the cut.

About a month before convention they send me a box of new product to play with.  This year I received the Huntington Paper Pack, the Cricut Artbooking Cartridge, our new Paper Piercing ruler and a variety of fun accessories that I will highlight throughout my posts.

I was soooo excited when I saw my paper pack!  I love everything about Fall!!

And of course I about died when I saw how fabulous the new Artbooking Cricut Cartridge is!!!!!  I had a blast figuring out how to use the projects the way they were designed and then I started experimenting with what else can be done.  I have so many ideas to share with you!

(Order your Artbooking Cricut Cartridge from me and I'll put you on my list to receive ALL of my fabulous updates and ideas, including those I don't post to the public.  Gotta save something special for my customers ya know. You can order from my website starting 8/1 or contact me to pre-order your cartridge.)

That's enough chatting...time to start sharing the fun!

Each key on the cartridge is designed to create a scrapbook page (variety of sizes, shapes and styles).  I used page 45 to create a quick and easy 8" scrapbook page

I set the dial size to 8" to cut both the base page and the overlay, add a couple of mattes and some embellishments and you are done!  

(The base page is cut from pg. 44 below)

Then I wanted to see how to put some overlays on some cards.... Oh my!!!  Love them!!!  To decide what size to cut my overlays, I set the dial size to 5 1/2 inches (the size of my card).

The autumn terracotta (orange) ribbon below is our color ready ribbon.  It's so fun to create whatever color ribbon you want!!

CTMH Hostess Rewards just got EVEN better!!!

When our new Autumn/Winter Idea Book goes live on August 1, our hostesses will get even more value in hostess rewards when they choose from our exclusive hostess rewards stamp sets (you are not limited to the hostess sets.)  They are so cute, you'll want them all (retail value is $79.65).... and you can get them all by hosting ONE $250 party . Once your party hits $250, you'll also qualify to purchase one catalog item at 50% off....and that includes all three of our cricut cartridges!

Here's some fun artwork featuring the exclusive hostess sets.  Contact me to set up your next party. We can do one in person or online. My average facebook party is over $300.  It's the best way to earn free product and you don't even have to clean your home or buy refreshments!

Hostess Clubs Forming Now -
Another great way to earn free product is to join one of my hostess clubs!  With just a monthly commitment of $25, you can work through your Close To My Heart wishlist and earn free product too!

Each Club Member Receives:

• A free catalog
• $25 in free product at the end of your term, plus an extra goodie from me
• Exclusive videos with tips and ideas featuring Close To My Heart Products.
• Periodically a club order will go over $250 and qualify for a 1/2 price item.  Each time I draw a name and extend the opportunity to purchase the 1/2 off item to one lucky club member.  You may use this to purchase a hostess bundle or any item in the catalog for 1/2 price...including any of our three Cricut Bundles (Art Philosophy, Artiste or the new Artbooking)

Select the club that best fits your budget

• $25 per month for 6 months.
• $30 per month for 5 months
• $50 per month for 3 months*

*(this level will qualify you to purchase the stamp of the month at the discounted price each month.)

Important Details (FAQ's)

• You may join at any time.
• You will receive your hostess rewards at the end of your commitment.  For example, if you choose the $25 club, you will receive your hostess rewards the sixth month.
• You may cancel your membership at any time, but you will forfeit your hostess rewards.
• Your monthly minimum is before shipping and tax.
• You must place your monthly order by the 15th of the month.
• Orders are placed online on my website .  Simply add your order to the "Hostess Club" party.
• All orders are shipped directly to you via FedEx.
• At any point during your term, you may choose to submit a $150 order and receive additional hostess rewards. - Perfect for when you gather a few orders from friends or want to take advantage of one of our awesome specials. Please remember to email me the list of items you want for your hostess rewards.  Do not enter these items online.  

CTMH Convention Highlights - Post #1

I'm back from an amazing time in Orlando, Florida!!!  The Close To My Heart (CTMH) convention was held at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort.  We had so much fun and I can't wait to tell you all about my trip, convention, the new products, all the secrets I have been keeping the last couple of months and much more!!!  In order to get it all down, I'll have to break it up into little pieces so I'm going to start off with a little bit of the fun!

One of the BEST parts of being a Close To My Heart consultant for 18 years is that I have made some incredible friends.  Seven of us were able to head over to the Magic Kingdom together.  Standing in line is always entertaining with this group!

Part of the reason I have been a bit behind on my blog is because I was working behind the scenes with my top secret products!!!  I was one of 18 teachers selected to present at our Extravaganza!  I received the new Huntington paper pack, our new Artbooking Cricut Cartridge (so stinkin cool!!) and an assortment of coordinating products to use for my booth.

This year we had the mirrors above us like you see at the fair exhibit halls.  The lighting was awful when we were trying to take photos of me in my booth, so please forgive.  This is the best we were able to get.

Years ago a group of us dubbed ourselves the Fab Four (used to be Fab Five - We miss you Karen Carnevale. I know you're thinking about joining again. LOL) We are spread across the country and only get to see each other at corporate events...but when you get the four of us together, we have a blast brainstorming and sharing fabulous ideas!!!

Ok, enough back story... This year one of our Fab Four got a big promotion so Gail and I snuck over to decorate her door.

and we brought along one of our favorite cohorts in crime... Heather!

Stay tuned for more convention fun!  I have many more pictures to go through...and I'm still trying to figure out whose camera ended up with the picture we took at the Magic Kingdom.  I might have made a poor family pose for pictures with us because of their shirts. Yep - I just make new friends where ever I go!

June 2013 CTMH SOTM Blog Hop and My 600th post! Wowza!

Welcome to the Close To My Heart (CTMH) stamp of the month blog hop!  Each month we feature artwork using the stamp of the month.  Whether you're starting here, or you hopped over from Alyson Mayo's (my Extravaganza teaching buddy!!!) blog, you're right on track.  Just look for the links at the end of each post to hop your way through all of the blogs.

This month's set is S1306 A Flowering Bunch

I am totally loving this set.  Here are a couple of cards I created using the Buzz and Bumble Paper Pack and the Flowering Bunch Stamp set.

Technique Tip:

Stamp your images on colored cardstock and then sponge to add depth/dimension.  Great for when you don't have time to color...or aren't quite in the coloring mood.

Now it's time to hop on over to Pamela's Blog to see what she has created!

It's almost GRADUATION time!

It's almost GRADUATION time... If you're like me, you'll see all sorts of graduation posts on your facebook feed....nursing school, elementary, middle school, high school, Associates degrees, bachelors degrees, graduate degrees, phd's...and in my house... we are hoping for a Police Academy graduation.

It's never ending.... A great way to save money and personalize the cards and gifts is to stamp them!

I love our A size graduation set because it has individual numbers so it will last for many years and hello...it's only $6.95

Here's a quick and easy graduation card that we made at my last workshop.

Need to order your own graduation set?  Hop on over to my website and it will ship directly to you.

Having fun with the CTMH Tommy Paper Pack at my Workshop

I have been having so much fun with the Tommy Paper Pack!  I have created:

• Pages for my Sunday's with Daddy scrapbook
• Scrapbook pages
• Father's Day Cards

and I still have a few more ideas running around in my head.

Here's a fun photo collage I put together for my card kits.

And here are some close-up versions....

Do you have any projects that you would like to use the Tommy Paper Pack for?

You can order your paper pack here.

Big Picture Classes Pajama Party features Close To My Heart (CTMH)!!

Have you heard the news? Big Picture Classes and Stacy Julian are holding online Pajama Parties.  How fun is that?? The first pajama party is Thursday, May 30th at 6:00pm pst and it features Close To My Heart products.

You can click this link - Big Picture Classes - to get all the info and sign up for the FREE pajama party.

You know that I can hook you up with all the goodies you need, so look over the list below and see what else you need to order.  Then hop on over to my website and add your order to the Big Picture Pajama Party.  When the party qualifies for hostess rewards, I will draw names for FREE goodies!!!

(If you're in San Diego, come to my workshop Saturday and I can hook you up with many, if not all of the papers needed.  I have to check what I have in my stash!)

Here's a list of the products they are using:

• My Acrylix® Frame Flair (D1546)
• My Acrylix® Happy Thoughts (C1536)
• 2" x 3 1/2" My Acrylix® block (Y1009)
• 4" x 5" My Acrylix® block (Y1012)
• My Acrylix® spritz cleaner (1778)
• My Acrylix® stamp scrubber (Z1782)
• Cricut® Art Philosophy collection (Z1790)
• Whisper Exclusive Inks® pad (Z2172)
• Lagoon Exclusive Inks® pad (Z2195)
• micro-tip scissors (Z534)
• corner rounder (Z578)
• paper trimmer
• My Creations® kraft container (Z1833) 
• one sheet of 12" x 12" Crème Brulee cardstock (comes with 24 sheets, X5754)
• one sheet of 12" x 12" Lagoon cardstock (comes with 24 sheets, X5762)
• one sheet of 12" x 12" White Daisy cardstock (comes with 24 sheets, 1385)
• one sheet of 12" x 12" Whisper cardstock (comes with 24 sheets, X5929)
• one sheet Pink B&T Duos® paper from Chantilly paper packet (comes with 6 sheets, X7163B)
• two yards Grey Wool baker's twine from neutral assortment (comes with ten yards, Z1701)
• three butterflies from Color-Ready Trinkets wooden shapes (comes with 57 shapes, Z1844)
• three grey Sparkles from Sparkles black & grey assortment (comes with 108, Z1754)
• 3-D foam tape

Be sure to check out my version of the My Creations kraft container.  I blogged about it here. 

Lava Cake Birthday Jar featuring CTMH Artiste Cricut Cartridge

I have to tell you, I am sooo BLESSED!!!  I have the MOST amazing customers.  Every month it seems like somebody brings me a goodie or a treat.  Many of them know about my Hello Kitty love and they just can't resist it when they see something cute.  They simply have to bring it to me!  While I am truly grateful, I often think "don't they know I am supposed to spoil them?"

My birthday was last Monday and I got so many fun birthday wishes and surprises!  My buddies left me cards and presents on my porch.  When Candace found out there was not a party happening at my office, she showed up with balloons, cold stone cupcakes and lunch. Suddenly everyone at work had to run an errand and we had a fun afternoon party. LOL.  (Obviously I'm the one that plans all the parties in my department. oops)

I asked permission to share one little gift that just blew me away!  I am glad nobody saw me get  out of my car and run up to my porch to check it out.  It looked so stinkin cute sitting there waiting for me!  Hello it even had a spoon on it!! Love it.

My buddy Sandra used the Artiste Cricut Cartridge and the stamps that come with it to create this adorable lava cake in a jar.  The instructions said it had whipped cream frosting and to heat for 20 seconds in the microwave.  I couldn't eat it that night so I put it in the fridge for a couple of days.  (I'm not sure if it had to be refrigerated or not, but I was worried about the whip cream frosting.) Why oh why did I wait so long.  It was sooooo good.  The whip cream frosting really turned lava like. It was some ooey gooey goodness!!

This is one idea I definitely plan to copy.  I felt to special and loved and it was adorable too.

Thank you to everyone that reminded me how truly blessed I am to know so many fabulous people!!!

Artiste Images:

• Banner - Accent 1 pg 35
• Cupcake - Pg. 69
• Birthday Wishes - Accent - Pg. 77

May SOTM blog hop

Welcome to the May Stamp of the Month blog hop featuring S1305 Pinwheel.  Whether you're starting your journey here, or you hopped over from Elizabeth's blog, you're right on track!

Uh oh!!!  I forgot about this hop!!!  I took a last minute trip to Disneyland to celebrate my birthday and I totally forgot about the hop.  Sorry!!!  I'll get my artwork up as soon as possible!!

In the mean time you can hop through my buddies blogs to see the amazing things they created with the May SOTM..

So hop on over to Sheila's blog to see what's next...

Behind the Scenes at the Paper Cupcakes Team Retreat

Last weekend my upline, Bren Yule, hosted a team meeting/retreat at Rabbit Hill Ranch.  11 of us were able to stay for the whole weekend and we had over 20 people at our meeting on Saturday.  We truly had so much fun.  We laughed, and laughed and laughed.... and in between we made a few projects.

When one of our buddies said to save her a "comfy chair by the bar" for the team meeting we knew we had to create a special chair tag for her.  Denice and I started the tag (Denice welded all the letters in cricut craft room) and then we passed the tag around the room and let everyone add a little something something...

It turned out so cute!

Here are a few behind the scenes photos....

Denice working her cricut craft room magic!

My buddy Gail, who was probably sorry she sat next to me by the end of the weekend...or maybe 5 minutes after we got there. LOL

Who are all these crazy characters?  A little still shot of us in our wonderful Harlem Shake costumes.

I forgot to take pictures until after a couple of people left.  No way would those tables be that clean otherwise!!

Of course, they probably were never as messy as my area!  How does it get like this?  I think someone came in and just threw a bunch of stuff on my table to make me look like a slob!

Sneak Peek at the May National Scrapbooking Month Special - Dream Pop

I took a little time out from making our Harlem Shake - Scrapbook Style video, to actually create some samples, at our team retreat last weekend.  I brought the Dream Pop paper and some coordinating accessories and inks and set out to see how many different things I could make.

I figured that since I'm going to tempt you with a sneak peek at this special, I might as well go all out and share my little bakery treats!

I used the Artiste Cricut Cartridge and my Cricut Expression to create these adorable treats.  The pie box is cut at 6" and the cupcake is cut at 5 1/2". I love how perfectly the Colonial White Rosette Ribbon goes with them!  The little bow on top of the pie box is cut on the cricut too.  I kept the design sweet and simple so that you could easily make a bunch of them for your next party!

This is just the beginning!!!  I made a ton of samples and will be featuring them over the next couple of weeks so make sure to check back often or subscribe to my blog.

How can you get the Dream Pop Paper Pack?
In honor of National Scrapbooking Month, you can get the yummy Dream Pop paper packet for only $10 when you spend $35 in May (valued at $19.95 retail)! This exclusive paper packet includes 12 cardstock sheets as well as 12 B&T Duos^® papers that were specifically designed for this promotion only—you can’t get these sweet colors and patterns anywhere else! Start National Scrapbooking Month off right with a unique paper packet at a bargain price and get your creative juices flowing! Also, consider hosting this month: Hostesses receive one paper packet free with qualifying May Gathering sales totals of $400 or more.

So "POP" on over to my website starting May 1st to get your own "Dream Pop" paper pack!!

Harlem Shake at the Scrapbook Retreat....

So what did YOU do this weekend?

Me?

My weekend was filled with hilarious laughter, some scrapbooking, some stamping, some card making and some Harlem Shaking!!

I tend to come up with some interesting ideas and I wasn't sure this was a good one.  In fact I almost chickened out and didn't share this brainstorm.

It all started with a phone call to Bren...

"Hey Bren... I have a really funny idea.  Have you ever heard of the Harlem Shake?"...

Then I had to explain what it was and encourage her to watch some videos.  Some of those videos can be a little...well... ours is probably one of the cleaner versions.

Less than 48 hours later this was born





I think the best part was that my AMAZING team mates totally jumped on board.  Many of them had no idea what we were talking about, but they brought costumes and totally went for it.  I have watched this video about 20 times and I laugh every single time.  As you look around at each person and see the crazy things they did.  It just cracks me up.

Now do you see why I love these women so much!!!!!

I can't promise that every team meeting or retreat will look like this one, but I can truthfully say that I have created some amazing memories and I have the most fabulous friends because of the connections I have made with Close To My Heart.

I would love to have YOU join my team!!  The recruiting special is still going strong.  You get 4 FREE stamp of the month sets when you join by April 30th and our kit price is only $49!!

Hop on over to my website and start your memories today!

Chantilly Chalkboard Technique Card

I found a bunch of photos I haven't blogged.  I guess I better get busy and get some posts written!!

Last month I was going through a bit of a chalkboard obsession!!!  It started out because I fell in love with our chalkboard marker!  I used the marker to create the little polka dot border on the card below.  It shows up beautifully on dark paper and makes it fun to add little white accents.

The stamp I used is from the For Always Card Workshop on the Go Kit (G1060).  I love that stamp set so much!  I just keep using it and using it.  I used our white daisy ink pad to stamp the image.  Just give it a few minutes to dry and it comes out perfect.  No need to emboss!

Supplies Used:

• White Daisy Stamp Pad
• Chantilly Paper Packet
• Chantilly Textiles
• Chalk Marker
• Black Cardstock

Sunday's with Daddy

I think I've mentioned it a few times here, but my Dad is pretty sick.  We've had many close calls over the years, but like a cat with nine lives, he keeps cheating death.  At some point you begin to wonder how many lives he has used up.  A couple of months ago, we thought he was at the end of his ninth life....

I love my Dad and we have always gotten along well, but he's not what you would call communicative.  If you call him on the phone, you better have a list of topics to discuss or he'll be hanging up the phone or passing it to someone else pretty quick.  Of course you can get him pretty worked up if you bring up a topic that he is passionate about, and 20 years in the Navy means there's a sailor's mouth to go with it!  So conversations with Dad are kind of a balancing act.  I'll admit that I have brought up a contentious topic a time or two, just to get him to talk to me. 

I didn't worry about Dad much before.  He keeps himself busy. I know he loves me.  He knows I love him.  He doesn't expect me to call or visit all the time. After all, the phone works both ways.  It's not like he's calling me!

Well he has been so sick, that he has been pretty much bed ridden.  My step-mom handles so much and calls and visits ARE important to her, so I decided I need to make an effort to try and visit every Sunday.  At first there were a lot of things to discuss.  Fun topics like what kind of funeral he wants to have and the importance of following the "rules!"  He's now being fed via IV and you can tell his brain is getting food.  He is more coherent and he will actually carry on a conversation if you can come up with a topic.  I noticed that he started to get the little sparkle in his eye when I would show up to visit and he would ask about my trips and my son.  Could it be that my dad was talking to me?

One day I had a brainstorm.  I had been seeing many blog posts and pinterest posts about people participating in "list a day" challenges.  What if I give my Dad homework each week?  I could assign him a list or two to work on and then we could talk about them on Sundays.

Little did I know how amazing that brainstorm was! A couple of days after I emailed the first lists my step-mom wrote back to say how much fun he was having.  

I think we are all having fun!  And because he has shared so many interesting stories, I thought it would be fun to start a new series called Sunday's with Daddy.  Each week I'll share part of what he has shared with me or one of the pages in the scrapbook I've created about our visits.

So be sure to come back on Sunday for the first installment of  "Sunday's with Daddy"

I haven't taken any photos lately - but here's one from December so you can see how tiny and frail he was.  My step-sister (Catherine) and I brought a little Christmas cheer...

April CTMH SOTM Blog Hop - My Sunshine

Welcome to the April Stamp of the Month (SOTM) blog hop!  Whether you arrived from Adeline's blog or you are starting here, you're right on track.  Just follow the links at the end of the posts to "hop" through all the participating blogs.

This month we are featuring S1304 My Sunshine (set of 8).

My customers often ask "how do you come up with ideas?"  Well, sometimes I wonder the same thing. haha!  But seriously, I wasn't sure what to do with this set and as soon as I started playing with it, I fell in love!!  So here are a few things that I did to get me started.

• Pick a paper pack or color scheme to work with.
• Pull out the inks and embellishments that will match.
• Stamp each image on a piece of scratch paper just to see how it stamps and what it looks like.
• Cut corresponding cricut shapes, if available and stamp a couple.
• Flip through the Idea book and look for card styles or scrapbook pages that might work.
• And don't be afraid....to copy someone else!  Yep, I said it!!  Give credit of course, but sometimes you just need to sit down and copy something in order to get your creative juices flowing.

After I stamped a couple of images and tried to figure out how to use the balloon stamp, I discovered that it kind of looked like a flower petal so I stamped and cut out a bunch and created a flower.

One of the things I love about this set is the separate stamp for the bird wings. It makes it so easy to add a second color to the bird.

Here's a little video with more info, tips and ideas


Now that you have seen what I dreamed up, it's time to hop on over to Pam's blog to see what she has come up with.