Teacher Gifts

I am so happy to FINALLY be getting back to my blog...where does the time go?? Here is a picture of the journal I made to give to one of my daughter's teachers. I purchased the blank journal and bookcloth tape that I used on the spine from the Paper Source (http://www.paper-source.com/). For the front and back covers, I used one of the B&T Duos (background & texture) papers featured in the CTMH Daydream Level 2 Paper Packet. This paper packet is especially "girlie" with colors like blush, lilac mist and sweet leaf. The paper flower, button, chipboard nameplate and brads on the front are all CTMH products as well, and were all adhered with Liquid Glass, perhaps one of my most favorite CTMH products because it has multiple uses including working as an adhesive!

Along with the journal, the teacher will receive a giftcard to Starbucks, placed inside a handmade giftcard holder (pictured below) - made exclusively with CTMH product. What could be better??!!

The giftcard holder was provided as a make-n-take at a holiday party that was recently hosted by one of my CTMH colleagues, Barb Carrico. Barb showered us all with delicious tea, snacks and gifts...she was super generous and I really appreciate it....thanks Barb!!

Fabulous Flower Soft

I wanted to share this card I recently made using (of course) my beloved CTMH papers and stamps, but I added another product to the mix...this product is called Flower Soft (http://www.flower-soft.com/). If you haven't heard of it, you will, and if you haven't tried it, you should. It's super easy to use and will bring incredible texture to your cards, scrapbook layouts and other paper creations. Essentially, Flower Soft is "an amazing pot of coloured sprinkles" per the description on their web-site. While it is often used to embellish stamped images, there are many, many other ways to incorporate Flower Soft in your crafting. I have just begun to experiment with this innovative product and have made a few cards. For the card showcased in this post, I used a mix of three Flower Soft colors including nut brown, bright orange and russet red (for another example, view the "For You" card posted on my blog on October 6, 2009). Most recently, I purchased the polar white color which appears to have some natural sparkle. I can't wait to use this color with my CTMH stamp set, All Decked Out D1308, to make some snow men cards that I plan to give to my daughter's teachers for the holidays....I'll post some pics of these once I finish. If you have any questions about this product, feel free to contact me at christinemhealy@yahoo.com.

Awesome Class

Sorry that it's been a few weeks since I last posted, but I've been busy working on a couple of projects...spending more time creating and less on the computer. However, with the long Thanksgiving weekend coming up, I'm hoping to use the extra time to catch up and get some new pics on my blog of the cards and other projects I've been working on.

I wanted to say a special "thank you" to Eileen Hull (http://www.eileenhull.blogspot.com/) who taught a class this evening at Angela's Happy Stamper in Reston, Virginia. I attended this class to learn about the new Sizzix Scoreboard Dies that were designed by Eileen and are soon to hit store shelves. It was a completely hands-on class and we got to make three projects that are super cute!! I'm planning to take some pics of these too and post to my blog.

Since I don't currently own a die cut machine, I decided to ask for the Sizzix Big Shot for Christmas and my mom told me that she bought it for me this week...yippeeee...I can't wait to play with my new toy after Christmas!!

Overdue Shout Out!!

I'm way overdue to send a "shout out" to Laura and all the lovely ladies in her Mom's Group who attended the cardmaking workshop I taught on October 22. I really enjoyed meeting them and watching them dive in to the four card projects that I laid out for them. Here are two of the four card projects I brought along for them to complete:

What was especially enjoyable for me was to watch as several of the ladies added their own personal touch to their cards. Some even changed the look completely by using the backside of the papers or different stamps since all the CTMH decorative papers are two-sided, and I was sure to bring along several different stamp sets. I think everyone really enjoyed the evening and, as a special bonus for me, five of the ladies signed up to attend another workshop that one of them will host in December! Yeah...I can't wait!! THANKS again ladies!!!

THANK YOU!!

I want to say a big THANK YOU to my fabulous supervisor with CTMH - Jennifer Bohnart - who gave me this Blog award...I'm so honored!! So, I've posted my answers here and then I'll be passing it along to: Trish and Elissa (so far, still need a few more referrals!). Here are the rules:

• Pass this along to 6 of your favorite bloggers


• Alert them that you have given them this award


• Must use ONE WORD responses


• HAVE FUN!!!

1. Where is your cell phone ? workbag

2. Your hair? flat

3. Your mother? fabulous

4. Your father? traditional

5. Your favorite food? pasta

6. Your dream last night? freaky

7. Your favorite drink? caffeinated

8. Your dream/goal? contentment

9. What room are you in? office

10. Your hobby? creating

11. Your fear? loss

12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? settled

13. Where were you last night? home

14. Something that you aren't? confrontational

15. Muffins? absolutely

16. Wish list item? house

17. Where did you grow up? suburbia

18. Last thing you did? blog

19. What are you wearing? clothes

20. Your TV? boring

21. Your Pets? pending

22. Friends? lots

23. Your life? good

24. Your mood? fair

25. Missing Someone? yes

26. vehicle? zoom-zoom

27. Something your not wearing? necklace

28. Your favorite store? depends

29. Your favorite color? undecided

30. When was the last time you laughed? today

31. Last time you cried? hhhmmm...

32. Your best friend? Monica

33. One place that I go to over and over? beach

34. One person who emails me regularly? Trish

35. Favorite place to eat? Cheesecake Factory

Upcoming "Grace" Workshop

I will be offering a papercrafting workshop titled "Grace" at my home on Sunday, November 15 from 1:00 - 3:30 p.m. We will be using the Grace Level 2 Paper Packet, an exclusive stamp set "Beautiful Flourishes" and other embellishments to create beutiful scrapbook layouts and cards (examples above). However, don't feel that you are limited to a wedding-themed layout....by using your own pictures, you will define your page to reflect whatever theme you wish. Also, the Paper Packet contains six different two-sided decorative papers and four different colors of cardstock so, essentially, you can end up with a completely different look. Whatever you don't finish at the workshop can be taken home with you and completed on your own time as there is a Workshop Guide included with your kit! As a special incentive to register quickly, I am offering a FREE stamp set to the first person who lets me know they are coming and follows up with payment. The cost for the Basic Kit is $33.95 (includes shipping/handling and tax). There are some additional items you can add to jazz up your pages and cards even more!! If you want to learn more, please contact me by e-mail at christinemhealy@yahoo.com or call my cell at (703)927-2404. I'm always happy to chat and no worries if you don't want to commit to the workshop this time....maybe next time?!

Preparing for Clifton Day Festival

I can't believe it's almost here....this will be my first year participating as a vendor at the Clifton Day Festival (http://www.cliftonday.com/) held this coming Sunday, October 11 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Clifton, Virginia. Since this will be my first time at the Festival, I don't know what to expect, but I'm really hoping to meet some people who like to play with paper, stamps, and ink as much as I do! And if I'm really lucky, I may get some folks who want to sign up for one of the upcoming workshops I'm planning to host in November. Of course, a big reason I'll be at the Festival is to sell my handmade cards. Sometimes I get into a groove and I'll make a group of cards that are similar, either using the same paper packet or same stamp. Here is an example:

Other times, I'll make a completely one-of-a-kind card like the examples that follow:

If you have some time, consider stopping by my booth #308 at the Clifton Day Festival this weekend!!

Follow-up From Twitterpated Workshop

I've missed posting recently as I've been consumed with preparing for the Clifton Day Festival (http://www.cliftonday.com/) where I'll be selling my handmade cards this coming Sunday, October 11.

I've been wanting to let you know how the Twitterpated Workshop I hosted on September 27 turned out. For me, it was an awesome way to spend a Sunday afternoon! And I believe the three ladies who joined me felt the same way since they all expressed interest in attending future workshops that I might host. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU ladies for coming - you all did a spectacular job and I loved sharing our hobby!!

And speaking of future workshops, I am hoping to advertise my next event by the end of next week (mid October). It will likely be scheduled for a Sunday afternoon, either November 1st or 8th....so come visit my blog again soon to find out the details. I would love to have you join me!!

One of the best parts about the workshop is that I'll be giving away FREEbies including stamps and other CTMH products. At this last workshop, one of the ladies won the September Stamp of the Month for free (retail value of $22.95)...just by attending and having her name drawn. Also, each workshop participant purchased a paper packet "kit" that included an exclusive stamp set from CTMH and a full-color Workshop Guide that gives detailed instructions for making one 2-page layout and six cards (two each of three designs). Also, the guide provides pictures of one other scrapbook layout and three other card designs. Pictured above are the three cards I made for the workshop. I followed the guide pretty closely, but added my own touch moreso to the sorbet-colored mushroom card on the left.

TGIF

I don't know what it is about coming home and finding a large box on my front porch that gets me so excited, but I'm already anticipating next Thursday when I'm due to receive a very large box of goodies from Close To My Heart as I placed an order this week. This is the largest order I've placed yet because I had three lovely ladies sign up to attend my Twitterpated Workshop next Sunday (9/27) so I ordered the Basic Kit "plus" for all four of us. In addition, I'm stocking up on a bunch of paper, inks, stamps and other "bling" to prepare for being a vendor at a local festival where I'll be selling mostly handmade cards and some CTMH products. The event is called Clifton Day (http://www.cliftonday.com/) and is taking place on October 11. Stay tuned for more info regarding this event.

As for the workshop I'm hosting a week from this Sunday, I'll be taking pictures and will post them here so that you can see what it's all about. Happy Friday to all!!

Card Project for Mom's Group

Well here I am again at mid-night typing away. While I truly do love staying up late, my body is not so happy when the alarm goes off at 6:00 a.m......uuuuuuggghh!!

I haven't posted anything during the past two weeks because I've been using my time in the evenings to focus on making cards. A couple weeks ago, I was "hired" by my sister-in-law, Laura, to make cards for the four women who hold positions in her mother's group (president, secretary, etc.). Every six months, the officers change over and the ones who are finished receive a parting gift as a token of appreciation. When Laura asked me if I would be interested in making some blank cards to be given to each of the four officers as their parting gift, I jumped at the chance. Afterall, it serves as a great opportunity to do some creating, and also allows me to get my name and product out to the public since I would like to move more in the direction of selling my handmade papercrafts in the future.

So without further ado, here is a sneak peek at a few of the cards the officers will be receiving next week at their meeting...

All of the products used to make this birthday card (above) are CTMH except for the ribbon. Stamped very lightly is the sentiment: "Make a wish..............."

I must give credit for the design of these two cards (above) to my wonderful CTMH supervisor, Jennifer Bohnart, who is a crafting diva!! She hosted my CTMH Kick-off party back in May and this was the "make and take" project. I especially like these two cards as they use one of my favorite CTMH stamp sets which is "Be Yourself" and was the May Stamp of the Month.

Last, but certainly not least, are the monogram cards where I used the Tickled Pink Kit papers (striped) and incorporated some "bling"....tiny rhinestones are one of my favorite embellishments to use.

I hope the ladies like receiving these cards as much as I enjoyed making them!

More Details Regarding Twitterpated Workshop (previous post - see below)

Just to give you a little more information about the Twitterpated Workshop I'm offering on September 27, the number of projects you can complete with the "Basic" Kit are AT LEAST the following:

• 6 cards and one 2-page scrapbook layout, or
• 12 cards, or
• two 2-page scrapbook layouts.

However, you will actually be able to do MORE projects after you leave the workshop because I will be providing you with some additional cardstock, as well as instructions that are in addition to what you receive in the workshop guide. These extras will allow you to create additional cards and scrapbook layouts on your own that will be different from what you complete at the workshop!!

If you do decide to attend the workshop on September 27, in order to make sure I have your supplies in time, I will need to receive confirmation of your interest to attend and payment absolutely NO LATER THAN September 9. Keep in mind that the "Best" Kit will provide you with additional products to jazz up your artwork and really put on the finishing touches!

Here is the breakdown of TOTAL COST, depending on which Kit you choose:

1. Basic Kit ($29.95) plus s/h ($2.38) plus tax ($1.62) = $33.95*
2. Best Kit ($40.65) plus s/h ($3.23) plus tax ($2.19) = $46.07*
   

* Kit price is multiplied by .0795 for shipping/handling charges and then tax (5%) is charged on the Kit price + S/H.

Just contact me via e-mail at: christinemhealy@yahoo.com or call me (703)927-2404. I look forward to hearing from you!!

September Workshop

Each month, I will be offering a different workshop featuring one of the new Close To My Heart paper packets and you can choose to either create several cards, or multiple scrapbook layouts, or some of each!!

These cards and scrapbook layout (shown above) are examples of the possibilities that are waiting for you when you sign up for my Twitterpated Workshop to be held Sunday, September 27 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at my home in the Kingstowne area of Alexandria. The cost of the "Basic" kit is only $29.95, but for only about $10 more, you can purchase the "Best" kit that includes additional products to help you put the finishing touches on your projects.

The "Basic" kit costs $29.95 (valued at over $35.00) and includes the following:

• Twitterpated Level 2 Paper Packet ($12.95)
• My Acrylix® Hello There ($13.95) = exclusive stamp set only available w/workshop
• Designer Ribbon Rounds™ Chocolate Collection ($7.95)
• Workshop Guide ($1.00)
  

The "Best" kit costs $40.65 and includes the following:

• Basic kit listed above ($29.95)
• Dimensional Elements In Color—Organic ($3.50)
• Natural Hemp ($2.25)
• Brads Basic Assortment ($4.95)

As always, you will have complete use of ALL my supplies including tools and ink pads. You only need pay for the products that you will be taking home with you (i.e. Basic or Best kits outlined above).

If you would like to learn more about this workshop or you're ready to sign up now, please contact me through e-mail: christinemhealy@yahoo.com or call my cell at (703)927-2404.

The deadline to register is Sunday, September 6 and payment must be received no later than September 9. Space is limited so get in touch ASAP to reserve your spot!! I look forward to hearing from you!!

Stitching on Cards

I wanted to share with you this card that I recently made using embroidery floss as a border. First, I pre-punched small holes (evenly spaced) using a piercing tool. Then, I used a simple hand-stitching technique to attach the floss to the card. Besides papercrafting, I really enjoy sewing so this technique allows me to merge my two crafts into one! CTMH products used include:

• Creative Basics Animal Cookies Collection (X5807) = blue flowered paper
• My Acrylix stamp set - For Every Occasion (D1187) = Hi!
• White Daisy Variety Pack (Z1300) = white paper flower
• Craft Buttons - Summer Collection (Z1282)
• Embroidery Floss - Red & Pink Assortment (Z1092)
• Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad - Dutch Blue (Z2119)

Thinking Outside the Box with Magic Moments Scrapbook Kit

I've been having a GREAT summer so far and have been able to spend some extra time papercrafting with all my new Close To My Heart products!! Here are the most recent cards I made using the CTMH Magic Moments Scrapbook Kit Z9071 that will soon be retired (can be ordered from my website at http://christinehealy.myctmh.com/ while supplies last). Instead of scrapbooking with this kit, I decided to cut up some of the paper and use some of the stickers, as well as use some of My Acrylix stamps to make these mini (4x4) cards. Also, I used a template from http://www.papertreyink.com/ to construct a cardholder out of cardstock (not easily seen in the background). Well...I'm off to make some more cards!

Back in Town

I just got back today after a vacation with my best friends. I'm really looking forward to rolling up my sleeves and getting to work on some paper projects so check back soon to see what I'm up to!!

First Card

I just started as a Consultant with Close to My Heart in early May and this was one of the very first cards I made using CTMH products. My supervisor, Jennnifer B, hosted one of her monthly card clubs and I attended. We used the Emporium Level 1 Kit which I especially like for its color combinations and eclectic style. I thought this would be a good first card to share with you as I especially like the way it turned out!

Here I go!!

One thing you will quickly learn about me is that I'm a night person, not a morning person...therefore, I anticipate that almost all of my postings will be very late at night. So here it is 12:30 a.m. and I'm busy setting up my first blog!