Faithbooking project off to a great start!

I have partnered with the New Market Shockers to create this beautiful Faithbooking Showcase Album! Each participant had the choice of the paper collection that best suited them, and I chose embellishments that coordinated with that collection. My choice was Emporium (pictured here). Pictured above are the 12 verse pages that we started Monday night. There is a space for a 3x4" Bible verse (a photograph or quote could also be substituted) on each page, and each page can be rotated to highlight a vertical or horizontal verse. Most of the designs came from CTMH's Originals & Wishes card books! I can't wait to finish the books! The opposite side will highlight a calendar or special occasion list (birthdays, anniversaries etc). The second meeting for this project is October 17th if you would like to join in! I also have the ability to make kits for those who are interested but not able to attend. The kits will have detailed instructions and pictures to work from. The cost is $30 for the first book and $28 for each one thereafter. If you need the book to be mailed, just add $5. For more details, e-mail me at: inallsassiness@juno.com. Click here for a slideshow of all 12 pages.

Halloween Preview...fast forward to Neverland!

So the box of costumes arrived earlier in the week and I thought I would wait for a rainy day to open them. This afternoon was indeed that day. This kids were restless and tired of being cooped up all day, so we watched Peter Pan, and then out came the box. What fun was had! Needless to say, my mom and I have a little hemming to do--but with short little legs, it was expected!

What is he thinking??

Such a pretty little Tinker Bell!

Wishing on Pixie Dust!

Peter Gabe!

"I am Hook!"

Nicholas' best Mean grin!

My kittie!

Ellie is technically "my" kitty! She has endured first the arrival of my husband, then our dog Forte, a second cat Mozart, Forte's saddened departure, then Molly's (our current dog) arrival, and then of course, baby Nicholas and baby Gabriel. Add to it, sharing living arrangements for awhile with my parents pets Calli, Cocoa & Statisus and finally baby Abby. Quite of a lot of adaptability and transitions for a cat's lifespan. However, with each transition, she has become a little more patient. Her patience with Abby has been great! Both of the boys love Ellie, and their fascination with her comes and goes, but Abby adores her and plays with "my kittie" as much as the "kittie" will allow! Ellie has patiently been covered with a baby blanket in her cradle, been dressed in Abby's clothes and held her patience when Abby is too rough with her. It is rare that I catch them with the camera, but today Ellie allowed Abby to play with her for quite along time. There is just something that is time enduring of a little girl and her "kittie"!

Monsters...oh my!

And cutsie, merry monsters at that!! Having three little people in my house, monsters are a little scary so when I saw these silly monsters, I couldn't resist. Nicholas (who shows the most fear towards "monsters") thought they were "Super-super silly". He has since decided to make "Super-super silly" monster cards for all of his friends at preschool for Halloween. Sixteen kids--we had better get started!!

To see the cards close up, click here. The Merry Monsters, are the first part of the "Monsters, Witches & Pumpkins Oh My" Halloween Card workshop that will be on Saturday, October 3 during the October Crop at the Linville Creek Church of the Brethren. The workshop will be from 1-3:30PM. For workshop details, click here.

Or, if you and your friends would like to do a Merry Monster workshop, contact me! At a Home Gathering workshop, the cost is just $5 a person or free with a $40 CTMH purchase.

The second part of the "Monsters, Witches & Pumpkins Oh mY" card workshop learns/practices techniques in Paper piecing. Here are two of the four cards that we will be making. Both were inspired by Paper Crafts Magazine and fellow Close To My Heart Consultants. These fun cards give you innovative new ways to use some of CTMH's more unique products such as the Window Charms (used to create the glossy effect in the eyes) and Twill Stickstock (used for the Mummy's bandages). A note: I absolutely love Franky's ears--they fold inward so he will fit in a standard envelope and then flap out when on display!

Emboss that...and that...and even that!

Once you start, it is hard to stop! So easy to do, and it gives a completely different look, dimension, and even texture to a project. While creating this layout for one of my favorite workshops, I decided to try embossing the scalloped circle, and then thought the title could use a little bit of jazzing up, and with those two steps done, the silhouette was just begging to be embossed as well! The results: a beautiful, well balanced layout with richness in texture and dimension!

How does one emboss one might ask? The answer is a simple process.

1. First, cover the designated piece (such as a dimensional elements circle) in Versa Mark ink.

2. Over top of wax paper, cover the stamped image with embossing powder.

3. Lightly tap the image on it's side so that the excess powder will fall off.

4. Melt the embossing powder with the Heat Gun.

5. Set the piece aside to dry.

Note: When embossing a stamped image, simply apply the VersaMark to the stamp as you would a regular ink. Stamp image to paper. Follow the remaining same steps as stated above.

It's the little details are always what makes that special touch!

Supplies used: Cocoa Embossing Powder, Heating Gun, VersaMark, On Target Dimensional Elements, Just Blooms Big Pinks, Basic Craft Buttons (Cocoa), Grace Level 2 Paper Collection, Rustic Edge Anchors & brads, Foam Squares, Twilight & Barn Red Cardstock, Friendship Large and small Sized Stamps and Childhood Portrait stamp set.

Orange You Glad...

That your Mommy is as silly as you? And goes along with your silly antics? Today we celebrated the color orange at our house! It started out as a coloring idea, and when I asked what the kids wanted for dinner, Gabe said "oranges". I began playing with him...orange what? Orange bread?...and so on! Nicholas announced, "we can have all orange stuff for dinner" and the menu was collaborated from there...orange slices, macaroni and cheese, and carrots! Gabriel added the cheezies! Of course, we had to have orange juice for our beverage and orange M&M's for dessert! As silly as it sounds, it was actually quite a lot of fun! And it just reinforces to me how wonderful it is to share these silly moments with my children!

Gabey singing a little song he made up..."Orangy, Orangy, Organgy Banana...Organy, Organgy, Organgy Daddy...Orangy, Orangy, Orangy me..." It only took a few seconds before the other two chimed in creating their own lyrics as well! Silly days!

It's Swappin' Time!

At the crop on Saturday, we are going to have a Scrapbooking Yard Sale. What is this exactly? It gives everyone the opportunity to gather their gently used, or new, scrapbooking products that they no longer have a need for and sell them to fellow scrapbookers/papercrafters! Any funds generated from their sales will be cashed in for new scrapbooking products! A great way to find new homes for those extra stickers, embellishments, books, magazines, etc. that you are finished with! And a great way to get new items on your wish lists for free or discounted!

The details--

1. Go through your scrapbooking/paper crafting supplies. Sort items that you would like to put in the sale.

2. Place items in clear bags in like groups.

3. Label bag with your initials and your asking price.

4. Bring to the crop for others to shop through (we will have a large table).

5. As your items sell, I will keep a tally. At the end of the crop, the amount you sold will be turned into CTMH Credit and you can use on ordering new products! (cannot be used on workshops or crop fees).

Some tips I have found helpful with this type of sale before...

Individual sheets of paper sell well when bundled with like/coordinating papers (i.e. 3-4 sheets for $0.50 etc.) If you have individual sheets that don't coordinate, you can place them in a box with your name on the box and the asking price on the box. I will but mailing labels on the box that the purchasers can pull off so that we don't have to write on the paper. I sell my misc. sheets for $0.25 if that helps). Note: This is a great way to pass along those extra sheets in the Paper Stacks/pads that aren't your style!

Stickers - make sure you place them in a plastic zip-type bag so they don't stick to each other.

If something is not easily recognizable, write a brief description and include in the bag so other shoppers know what the item is.

Ribbon - separate into baggies or sell as a "lot"/"bundle".

Outgrown or upgraded storage items? This is a great opportunity to cash them in!

If you are in need of bags, I have lots! I will be in Broadway for a workshop Thursday night and you are welcome to stop by and get what you need. Upon request, I can also bring bags to the crop for individuals to package there.

Hope this helps those who want to participate prepare! If I can be of any assistance, let me know!

Happiness is Golf & Snacks!

My Uncle David's 60th birthday is today (Happy Birthday if you are reading this! :-) )and yesterday we celebrated the big day! I wanted to make him a small gift that would be a fun gift without the typical "old age" jokes...so this is what I came up with! My Uncle David loves to play golf so I made him a snack bucket! The contents included bottled water, a candy bar & box of candy, a card, and little note book to record all of his golf "stories". Everything went inside the tin as well as a few other snacks. Nicholas helped with the card and all was great until he dropped the tin (hence the dents on the lid--oops!) Needless to say, or gift was handmade and heartfelt!

The Gift Set.

Front of the Birthday Card.

The inside of the Birthday Card.

Little "Note" book!

Supplies Used: Metal Tin (Provo Craft?), Notebook & pen set (Michael's), all other materials are from Close To My Heart --Chocolate Craft Buttons (Basic Craft Buttons), Enjoy The Journey Stamp Set, Chocolate Rub-ons (various sets), Buttercup Waxy Flax, Chocolate Exclusive Inks, Sweet Home Paper collection, Chocolate, Buttercup & Indian Corn Blue Cardstock.

First Soccer game of the fall for the boys!

I have to laugh! Seeing 3 and 4 year olds playing soccer is just so cute! Gabe has learned not to pick up the ball with his hands and to kick the ball into the net, but tonight at his first game, he burnt out after about 6 minutes of play...and then he was "all done" for the game...at least by his definition! Nicholas, on the other hand, was pretty attentive. He loves to run the ball (is that the correct term?--since I am new to the whole soccer mom thing!) and is actually beginning to get pretty good at it!

Taking a moment...

I live in a small town that is surrounded (literally) by mountains on all sides. To go basically anywhere outside of our town, we have to cross a mountain. Sometimes I cross the mountain 6 times a week. Other weeks less. This particular mountain is consumed by sharp curves and frequented by irresponsible, and agressive drivers...and it you don't maintain the speed limit going up or down, you unfortunatley will get run over. There is no time for sight seeing. I know the nooks and crannies of that mountain...where I must be the most cautious for the wildlife (which make night driving rather nerve wracking at times), and the curves that on-coming cars will undoubtably overexgaverate the lanes and the speed. I love the mountain, and fear it at the same time. But yesterday, I was blessed with a different perspective...I had to run some errands on the other side, and upon the return trip found myself behind a tanker truck of some sort right at the top where the passing lane ends...which meant I would be behind the truck all the way down! And the truck LITERALLY went 3 miles an hour all the way down! At first I was a little frustrated as I fretted that I might be late to pick up my son at preschool, but as I drove down I realized this precious gift that I had been given. The gift of seeing the mountain at slow speed! And what a gift it was! I was able to relax and actually SEE the mountain, We saw two baby deer right along the side of the road--on at the bottom of one of the sharp banks-and if one of them had lost his footing he would have been in the road. I am confidant, that God put that tanker in front of myself and the long line of cars that accumulated behind me to protect those sweet deer. For if the cars were speeding by as fast as they normally do, and the babies being so close, they certainly have been hit. I also witnessed patches of the leaves starting to change colors which was completely awesome! Each curve highlighted something miraculous that I had never noticed before. What an awesome way to gain perspective!

Same card, new look!

Part of the fun of card making (and scrapbooking) is that you can take one design, flip it, change the colors, and the elements and you have a completely new card! For this fall card, I used the same design that I used for the previous Christmas snowflake card, rotated the design, changed the colors, and wallah...I have a new card! Want to learn, and try the "Fan-Brush" technique used in creating the leaf? This card is one of the 5 designs for my Home Workshops for September and October! Why not schedule a workshop for you and your friends today! Workshop cost is just $8 a person! E-mail me for details! Card Design is the Sentiment Secured from the Wishes book.

Enjoy the Season Card

I love Christmas! I love the colors of Christmas! And although these aren't the traditional colors of Christmas, I am just as delighted with these colors!! They are spirited and fun! And I can't wait to create with them! Embrace the season...as in the paper crafting world, it is almost upon us!

Supplies used: From the Creative Basic Collection--the Jingle Paper & Juniper ribbon (only available while supplies last--and last season the Creative basics collection ran out well before the season did!!), Juniper Exclusive Ink, Tulip Brads, Snowflake Dimensional Elements, Clear Embossing Powder, Ms. Holiday Cheer Stamp Set, VersaMark Ink, Heat Gun, and Cardstock: Juniper, White Daisy & Hollyhock. Card design is from the Wishes Book.

Recipe:
1. Begin by cutting a Juniper card base to 5 1/2" by 4 1/4".
2. Next cut the Jingle B&T paper to 5 1/4" x 4". Center and adhere to the Juniper base.
3. Next cut a 3" x 4" Hollyhock rectangle.
4. Next, cut a 2 3/4" x 2 3/4" square from the White Daisy cardstock.
5. Stamp the "Enjoy the Season" sentiment in Juniper Exclusive ink to the bottom edge of the square.
6. Adhere the White Daisy square about 1/4" from the bottom and left edges of the Hollyhock rectangle.
7. Align & adhere the Juniper ribbon approx. 1/4" to the right of the White Daisy square.
8. Position, and secure, 2 brads to the bottom of the Juniper ribbon.
9. Next, center and adhere the Hollyhock piece to the center of the B&T Jingle paper.

10. Create the snowflake: Using a sponge dauber, ink the snowflake with Juniper ink. Apply softer ink to the center of the snowflake, and darker ink to the edges. Impress the snowflake (inked side down) into the VersaMark pad. Cover the wet side of the snowflake in Clear Embossing Powder. Flip over to remove excess powder. Use the Heat Gun to melt the embossing powders. Let dry. Attach to the center of the White Daisy square using Mini Glue Dots.

My future little teacher!

Nicholas has been "teaching" his brother and sister all week...I documented the conversation (or rather directional dialogue) that he had with his brother and sister during their pretend school session and created this layout to tell their story. For the layout design, I referenced back to CTMH's How To Book Imagine.

This layout will be the layout for the Month's Fly By Series that features the Monthly Word Puzzle Stamp Sets. To find out more about this workshop, or to sign up, click here. To see the details of the layout or to read the journaling, click here.

Fall Scrap Challenge: #13 Use a bracket shape.

O...H...I...O!

"O"
"H"

"I"


"O"

Go Buckeyes!!

Football season is here! Time to cheer!

True Love...

Still Twitterpating...

Still loving this new paper collection! It is a reminder that Fall is almost upon us! And I do truly love the fall season! This paper, and the new Workshop To Go program inspired me to create this heartwarming layout of my husband's and my trip to visit his grandparents several years ago. The photograph on the left is one of my favorites--and changing it to sepia tones, made it all the more perfect! Want to create this layout yourself, join me for the Twitterpating Workshop To Go on September 17th! To see the layout details, click here. For the workshop details, click here.

Supplies used: Twitterpated Exclusive Workshop Guide, Twitterpated Level 2 Paper Pack, Foam Squares, Liquid Glass, Natural Hemp, Basic Brads (Colonial White), Headline Alphabet Stamp Set, Organic Dimensional Elements, Chocolate Love Story Rub Ones, Chocolate Exclusive Ink; Chocolate and Colonial White Cardstock.

Fall Scrap Challenge: #Create a border using stamps. #20 Create, and use, your own patterned paper by stamping; #26 Use a Technique from Wishes on a Scrapbook layout.

Hello there Mr. Green Jeans!

Ok, well not really Green Jeans, but everything else is certainly GREEN! Currently, Nicholas' favorite color is green...can you tell?? He was so very excited to head off to his new preschool today! Mommy was the one who had the tears.

Nicholas, I love you! and I love you more!! As you walk through the front doors to your new school, please know...

I love your excitement for school. I love your energy level. I love each art project that you bring home. I love your passion for reading. I love your cuteness. I love your sense of independence. I love your caring insight. I love your compassion. I love your inquisitiveness. Most of all, I love that I was able to share this special moment with you. In years to come, you may not remember this first day of "big kid preschool" but I will remember it for you...because it was this day that I came to the realization, that my little boy is no longer a little boy...he is spreading his wings and learning to fly!

Truly Majestic...

Today was one of those mornings where it was somewhat chilly, and more than anything I just wanted to stay in bed a little longer! However, I needed to run to the store before Jay left for work (as it is soooo much easier that taking all three children!) and I am so very thankful that I did! This is the view that was given to me -- there was an amazing fog blanket running along the mountain by my development. God does work in amazing ways! I thank Him for bringing us to such a beautiful place!

Our neighborhood.

Our house is the Cape Cod in the center.

Announcing a new shoulder tote!

A stylish addition to your organization collection! This fun new tote is perfect for going to a workshop, or small crop as it holds 12 x 12 paper and even an album! And pretty enough to use for your non-scrapbooking errands as well! Introduced publicly just this morning! Want one of your own? There are FOUR ways you can pamper yourself, and get one of these shoulder totes!!

1. Purchase $175* of Close To My Heart Products between now and October 31st. *Does not include classes, crop, or workshops fees.

2. Host a home gathering/workshop, or host a book show, of your own in the month of September and when sales reach $350 you will earn it for free! (This is in addition to all of the benefits that the company has to offer). This is a great time to host a show as we have a brand new Idea Book! I still have several open dates that I would love to fill with your gathering!

3. Join my team in September or October and sign up to be a CTMH consultant and I will give you this great bag to help you start your journey in style! Even if you sign up just to be a hobbyist, you will reap the benefit of a 22% discount! Ask me how!

4. Purchase it outright from myself or on my website. To do so, click here. Retails at: $29.95.