The Quilted Scrapper

Not only can I not believe that 2011 is almost over, I cannot believe that the current Close to My Heart Idea Book is only in use for another 34 days! I have seen the new Idea Book and it is fabulous! However, there are quite a few items retiring that I wanted to make you aware of so you can stock up before they are no longer available. The following paper packs will not be available after January 31st: Mischief Wonderland Believe Lucky Sophia Mayberry Fanfare The corresponding Workshops on the Go will be guaranteed until January 31st and then until February 29th while supplies last. Embellishments that are retiring: Lucky Level 2 Assortment (page 63) Luck Level 2 Journaling Spots (page 128) FanFare Level 2 Assortment (page 63) Colonial White Collection of Ribbon (page 124) Cranberry, Cocoa, Colonial White and White Daisy Grosgrain Ribbon (page 124) Wings Level 2 Assortment Ribbon (page 124) All Embroidery Floss except Neutral Assortment (page 125) Cranberry, Sor

Beginning in January 2012 I will begin offering monthly page kits. Each month you will receive paper, embellishments, sketch and cutting instructions to create a 2 page layout. Here is a sneak peak of January's Layout (the sketch is from the Magic Scrapbook Program by Close to My Heart): There are 3 membership options to choose from: Annual Membership $55 (if paid prior to January 10, 2012 receive free pack of Bitty Opaque Pearl Adhesive Gems.) Quarterly Membership $15 (must be pre-paid each quarter) Pay As You Go $6 a month (must be ordered by the 1st of each month)  If you do not live in Spokane and would like to participate, it would be an additional $4 a month for postage (or you can choose to have them mailed quarterly  to save on postage) Page kit's will be ready the 15th of each month and order must be placed by the 1st of each month so I can plan accordingly. Please e-mail me at cardsbystephanie@gmail.com to sign-up.

I love how easy and quick it is to make small gift bags with the Art Philosophy Cartridge. One sheet of paper, some scraps and you are ready to go. This will be great to have on hand to stick little chocolate's in for a quick gift. Products used: Close to My Heart Denim Cardstock Close to My Heart Believe Close to My Heart-White Daisy Close to My Heart-Light Blue Misc. ribbon

Every day from now until Christmas I will post a handmade Christmas project idea. Today's is a simple card but everyday will be different. I hope this provides you some inspiration this Christmas season. I absolutely love the Holiday Wish Stamp Set Close to My Heart came out with last month. However, this was my first chance to use it. I also used the wonderful Art Philosophy Cartridge from Close to my Heart. Here are the supplies I used: Close to My Heart Denim Cardstock Close to My Heart Cranberry Cardstock Close to My Heart Sweet Pea and Black Ink Queen & Co. Pearls, Grass Green Red Mist from Oriental Trading Company

I am starting some exciting new Clubs in 2012 and many will occur during school hours so you don't have to give up an evening with the family however, most will also have an evening option. Project 12 This is PERFECT for those who want to preserve family memories but don't want to invest the money or time into scrapbooking every picture. Project 12 preserves memories one month at a time instead of event or picture at a time. Scrapbook & Cards Today lead Project 12 with fabulous sketches and ideas for us to follow each month. In a nutshell, we will meet at the beginning of every month, beginning in February and create a 2 page layout showing the highlights of the prior month. This would also be a perfect gift for the grandparents. Included in your cost is all paper (you can choose any paper pack from the CTMH catalog, embellishments, album (color of your choice) and use of my inks, stamps and Cricut. You will need to provide your own adhesive (or I can provide it at a

Everyone loves a good sale and freebies! So, to thank you all for being a loyal customer and supporting me the past 8 months I am having a week of sales beginning Monday November 21st at 12:01 am, just in case there are any insomniacs out there! You will be required to pay by check, PayPal or credit card prior to Sunday November 27th as all orders will be submitted Sunday night and should take approximately a week to receive. Spend $25-$49 (tax and s/h add'l)-Receive Distressing Inks (black and Chocolate for free) Spend $50-$99 (tax and s/h add'l)-Receive a free Card Workshop in 2012 or a free ink pad (color your choice) Spend $100-$150 (tax and s/h add'l)-Receive free November Stamp of the Month Other limited time specials. Order the Close to My Heart Art Philosophy Cartridge and you have the opportunity to earn a percentage off. The first person to place their order and pay receives 20% off ($99 is original price) The second person 15% off The third person

If you are looking for a handmade gift for a neighbor, co-worker, family member or teacher, this workshop is just for you. On Tuesday November 29th from 6:00-8:30 you will create a set of matching 15 cards and a box to hold them in. You can choose from one of the papers in the photo below. The cost is $20 and I provide all supplies and will have everything pre-cut. RSVP by November 27th.

I am very excited about November's Card Workshop. We are making shaped cards all from the Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge. I hope you can join me Tuesday November 22nd for this fun evening. From 6:30-8:30 you will create these 10 great cards for $15 and all you do is show up! Have family in town, bring your mom, friends, sisters and receive $5 off your workshop. Buy the Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge and get the class for free. RSVP by Sunday November 20th.

This November I decided to remind myself and my family all that we have to be thankful for. Simon, my 5 year old, helped me make a "Thankful Jar" this morning. He painted a regular mason jar from the pantry orange while I used my Cricut and Thanksgiving cartridge to create the leaf.  I also printed out strips of paper that say "I am thankful for ___________________________." So that each night we can all write what we are thankful for. At the end of the month I will scrap some of the more memorable thankful's. Simon has told me he is ready to begin as tonight he wants to put he is thankful for the time he got to spend with Tori, our cat who passed away 2 years ago. I am looking forward to this exercise to help remind all 3 of us what we are most thankful for.

Have you had your eye on some of the fabulous Close to My Heart products? Is the Art Philosophy Cartridge on your Christmas list? If so, consider hosting a Home Gathering in November/December and earn free product and the opportunity to buy the Cricut cartridge at 50%. A home gathering costs nothing to you or your guests. I will provide all supplies to make 10 Christmas gift tags that showcase the fabulous Close to My Heart line. In exchange, you invite all your friends to come to your house and play for the night. It is that simple. Here is a look at the fabulous Hostess rewards: Hostess Rewards (US) When Your Gathering Sales Reach: Reward Yourself with selected Close To My Heart Products*: And choose your Hostess Rewards Plus! option(s) from any Idea Book item or the Hostess Collection $1,050 or more $200 or more** in free products AND select up to 4 items in the current Idea Book at 50% off $950–$1,049 $180 in free product AND select up to 4 items in the current Idea Boo

This will be the best workshop of the year! Join me Saturday, November 12th from 5-10 pm for Christmas dinner and a fabulous night of crafting all for $30. I will provide all supplies to make the following: Set of mini cards with envelopes and holding box Chinese take-out box Pillow box DVD/Gift Card holder box Joy banner Altered paint can Gift bag Door hanger/gift holder 5x7 Christmas card Numerous Christmas gift tags Mini album (not pictured) You can create as many of these (altered paint can excluded, limit 1 per person) as you can in 5 hours. You will have a wide array of papers to choose from and can coordinate everything for one great gift or personalize each item for different individuals. Space is limited to 10 people so RSVP fast. If workshop fills up quickly I will schedule a second one on Saturday November 19th from 5-10pm, but will need a minimum of 5 people.

On Sunday December 4th I will be hosting a Christmas Card Workshop at 3:00 in the afternoon. We will spend 2 hours creating these fabulous 10 Christmas Cards from Close to My Heart Wonderland, Believe and Mistletoe papers. Most of the cards are originals, but 2 are from the "Wishes" book, which is now on my must have list. Prior to December 4th however, I am taking my workshop on the road and going into homes providing this great workshop to groups of friends. I have a few openings left if you would like to get some friends together and host the workshop at your house. The cost of the workshop is $15 and I provide all supplies and snacks. I hope to see many of you at my workshop or one of of your own.

I have not had much time to quilt lately but had a good friend move and wanted to give her a one of a kind housewarming gift. I saw this kit from Pieces from my Heart and knew it was perfect for her. I also finished it before Fall was over which is a huge accomplishment for me!

We all do it, even though some of us won't admit it-reuse gift bags. The one problem with re-using gift bags is that there is no tag. Fret no more, join me Thursday October 20th from 6:30-8:00 to make 15  3x3 mini cards for $10. All supplies included.

Are you behind on your scrapbooking, looking for some inspiration or looking for a way to get started? If so, join me Monday November 14th from 6:30-8:30 for a fabulous Workshop On the Go. With one great kit from Close to My Heart you will create two-two page layouts and 5 beautiful cards. The kit includes: Wonderland Level 2 Paper Packet My Acrylix ® Wonderland Workshop Foundry ® Pin Clips Clear Sparkles White Daisy Cardstock (2 sheets) I will provide additional supplies to create the layouts and cards. The cost of the workshop is $35 (this includes shipping and tax). You must RSVP and pre-pay by Friday November 4th so I can order enough kits. The kit is available for order even if you cannot make the workshop.

Christmas is my favorite holiday. There is so much to love about the season besides the gifts! Celebrating Jesus' birth, spending time with family and friends and creating lifetime memories for my son. We have a 24 days of Christmas Santa that was given to me as a gift and each year instead of putting candy in the boxes I put a family activity, so every night we do something together as a family. Sometimes it is as simple as a game or story, but also includes church, baking, ice skating, sledding and of course decorating the tree. Christmas should be a time to slow down and enjoy time with friends and families. So, in order to help everyone do that I am hosting a 24 Days of Christmas Countdown Box on Tuesday November 8th from 6:30-8:30. For $18 I will provide all supplies, a list of ideas, and snacks. You must RSVP by Monday October 31st so I have enough time to order supplies.

I am a little behind this week as I had to go out of town unexpectedly. However, here is day 10, which was a card on Lynette's blog. I used misc. scraps of paper I had at home and also created the oval that "Celebrate" is stamped in and the rose with the Art Philosophy Cartridge. I also used purple Glimmer Mist on the rose to give it some more color. I hope to finish days 11 and 12 tonight after Simon is in bed.

I am running a few specials this month to help you increase your supply or help you Christmas shop for a friend or family member who enjoys scrapbooking, card making or paper crafting. CARD MAKING SPECIAL "For Every Occasion" Stamp Set-$17.95 Black Ink Pad-$5.25 2"x 3 1/2" Acrylic Block-$7.50 Sonoma Level 2 Paper Packet-$9.95 Retail Total:  $40.65 (plus tax and shipping) October Sales Special: $36.65 (plus tax and shipping) SCRAPBOOK SPECIAL Everything you need to create special layouts of your Halloween fun. Mischief Level 2 Paper Packet-$9.95 Mischief Rub-Ons-$4.95 Midnight Felt Shapes-$5.95  Retail Price-$20.85 (plus tax and shipping) October Sales Special-$18.85 (plus tax and shipping) PAPER CRAFTING SPECIAL Everything you need to create a Christmas Banner. My Creations Banner-8 White Chipboard Pennant Banners with rings-$5.95 Believe Level 2 Paper Pack-$9.95 Designer Ribbon-Red Collection-$5.95 Retail Price-$21.85 (plus tax an

With my husband's business having a booth at the Spokane Home Idea Show this weekend, I got a little behind on my Shape-A-Day challenge to myself! However, after Simon's hockey today Seth went to the Show and Simon and I came home and I manged to get caught up. Jeanette's blog has some fabulous examples of using tags, bags, boxes and flowers. I used them in cards, bags, boxes and on a wreath. Enjoy! My bag and box were made from Mischief Paper. My card from an old Close to My Heart paper kit called Reflections. The wreath is all made from scraps of cardstock and brads I had left over from a Christmas gift years ago!

I am starting a monthly Card Club where we will come together, learn a new technique, create 3 cards using that technique and make new friends. Here's how it will work: We will meet one night a month and complete 3 cards using a new technique every month, have snacks and spend the evening enjoying ourselves. You will learn embossing, flowers, stained glass, stamping, easel cards, shaker cards and more. This will definitely take your cards up to the next level. In return, you commit to purchasing $15 worth of Close to My Heart product every month on our Club night. This is a great way to pace yourself as you buy all the wonderful Close to My Heart products in the current catalog. Our first club will meet Monday January 23rd, and follow every 4th Monday of the month. And here are the 3 cards we will be making: As a bonus, each month someone earns the hostess rewards for that month, which means free/reduced Close to My Heart Product. So, once during the Club period, you will

If you have been thinking about becoming a Close to My Heart Consultant, October is the month to take the plunge. Fall is here and with Christmas shopping right around the corner it is a great time to start with strong sales. Becoming a Close to My Heart consultant is a great way to earn money, make new friends and to share your passion for scrapbooking and stamping. Becoming a Close to My Heart Consultant is as easy as 1-2-3 and only costs $99 to get started. You get an amazing amount of business and creative supplies and products in your New Consultant Kit. AND now when you join this month you can enhance your kit with one FREE add-on collection. You can also purchase one or both of the other add-on collections for just $40 each--well below the retail value. Here are your choices for your amazing consultant kit: Follow this link to see your amazing options and then contact me with questions or to receive an application. I look forward to building my team with both loca

I am so far behind on my own scrapbook's that Simon may be married before I finish his first five years! However, thanks to Jeanette Lyton's blog I should get a few layouts done this month. Her Shape-A-Day for Day 5 was stars. I decided to dig through my ever growing stash and use my Tinkerin' paper, some star shapes and some photographs from Mother's Day 2009 to put together a layout. I started with a scrap lift from the Winter 2010 CTMH Idea Book, but as always, I am not good at following along and only ended up using a few ideas from the layout! Here is my layout: I look forward to Day 6's gift box. Have a fabulous Thursday and if you are in Spokane, stay warm and dry.

This is going to be a quick post as I have to pick Simon up from school shortly and time slipped away this morning. Jeantte Lynton's blog Cut-A-Day shape for Day 4 was a dragon fly. I decided to make a Birthday card using scraps of Blue Denim, White and miscellaneous ribbon and blues. I also used the Universal Background Stamp Set and the "Happy Birthday" stamp that came with the Art Philosophy Cartridge. Here is my card: Have a fabulous Wednesday.

Following along with Jeanette, the founder of CTMH on her blog really shows you all the wonderful features of the new Art Philosophy Cartridge. Day 3 was the Cameo Box. What a great idea for a box. This would be a perfect way to wrap up a gift card, set of cards, CD, candy, etc. I used the "Believe" paper, Blue Denim cardstock some ric-rac from my drawer and make the box and rosette. The snowflake is also from the Art Philosophy Cartridge. This box is definitely going to be added to one of my workshops this Fall. Have a fabulous Tuesday and I look forward to showing you dragon flies next.

The one thing I love about this cartridge is that it not only has shapes it has font. Who doesn't love a cartridge that has multiple features. Day 2 of Jeanette's blog  was to use the font feature. Jeanette used hers in a beautiful layout. I decided to use the font on the cartridge, along with a few other cuts to make a FALL banner for my china cabinet. I used the font, banner, acorn and tree limb cut. I used the following products: Vanilla Cream Cardstock (CTMH) Chocolate Cardstock (CTMH) Olive Cardstock (CTMH) Olive Ink (CTMH) Brown Ink (CTMH) Here is the finished banner:

Jeanette Lynton, the founder of Close to My Heart has a fabulous blog. For the month of October she is doing a "Shape-a-Day" with the new Art Philosophy Cartridge that Close to My Heart came out with this Fall. I am going to follow along and create something every day using the same shape she uses. I hope you will follow along. For October 1st, she chose the tag shape. She used hers on a card. I decided to use mine in a scrapbook layout. I used the following products: Serendipity Kit Vanilla Cream Cardstock Blue Denim Ink Versa Mark Ink Black Embossing Powder Bingo Alphabet Stamp Set Remarkable Wreath Stamp Set Enjoy Life Stamp Set Yes, I like to mix and match my stamps! I also am trying to use up my stash, which I am ashamed to admit would probably last me for years before I ever "needed" to buy new paper. As you can see, I just cut strips from the Serendipity paper, cut some circles and embossed a clock and popped it up with a 3-5 foam dot. I c

One month I promise to have my cards done before the month begins. Maybe October! Last night I finally finished September 28th's card class samples. We have an array of birthday, thank you and general cards that can be tailored to your needs. These would be a great way to get a jump on holiday gifts or to have a set of cards on hand to send out to friends. The cost is $15 and I provide all supplies. We will meet Wednesday September 28th from 6:00-8:30. RSVP today.

Now that summer is officially over, even though Mother Nature did not get the message, it is time to start thinking about Fall and Winter. I enjoy decorating for Fall and Christmas so thought it would be ideal to make a banner that utilized both sides. One side says "BOO" for Halloween and the other side says "JOY" for Christmas. I used the Believe and Mischief paper from Close to My Heart and then my Holly Jolly, Art Philosophy and October 31st Cricut Cartridges to cut the fonts and shapes. I love how it turned out and even though it is only September, I already have the "BOO" side hanging in my front entry way. If you are in Spokane and want to make one, I am holding a workshop on Monday October 3rd from 6:30-8:30 for $15, all supplies included. RSVP by September 26th.

I am "trying" to finish half started quilt projects before I begin any new projects, so this past weekend I finished our family picnic quilt that I am embarrassed to say has been sitting for 2 years in a box and only needed about 30 minutes of work. So, I finally finished it and loved how it turned out. It is made up of 9 patch blocks and twisted 9 patch blocks that my friend Kristen showed me how to do over two years ago at a quilt retreat. We had lot's of fun eating on it today and hope to use it many more times this summer.

I was not actually sure it could be done, but it actually can! You can create 20 layouts in 5 hours. That is right, you can preserve memories from your wedding, baby's first year, family vacation, create a Christmas album and you have 10 years with of Christmas' ready to go or use the layouts to get caught up. Everything is cut and ready for you to put together. You also get full use of my inks, stamps, decorative scissors, punches and Cricut. This workshop is great for beginners as well as more experienced scrapbookers who just need some help getting caught up. Here are the layouts you will be creating (Sorry some are sideways. They are not like that until I upload them to my blog): I will offer 2 workshops in September. The first is Friday September 23 from 6pm-11pm. Your second opportunity is Saturday September 24th from noon-5pm. I will have light snacks available. You can create 10 two page layouts like I did, or you can break them into one page layouts