December Joyful Stars Blog Hop

Welcome to the December edition of the Joyful Stars Blog Hop!

If you've arrived from Krista's blog, you're on the right track. Just keep following the links to "hop" around to see everyone's creation. If you get lost, check out Joyce's blog for a complete list.

Since it's December, I wanted to share with you a quick craft I made using our 3 ring Kraft binder and our Cricut cartridges. I had a vendor show this past week where the organizers wanted the direct sales consultants to have cash and carry on hand instead of guests placing orders. Being so close to Christmas, this was a fabulous idea. I had so much fun creating lots of treat bags (love the Cricut cartridge Artiste for this!), treat tin kits (just add chocolate) and decorating a few of the My Crush books for teens to add their photos from their phones for a quick gift to give their friends. The biggest hit was this Kraft binder I made that would be perfect to store Christmas cards or for the December Daily photo challenge.

I used the Artbooking Cricut cartridge to cut "Christmas" out of Cranberry cardstock (the numbers came from Jasmine, a non-CTMH cartridge). The holly came from Artistry. I used our Carmine Shin Han marker to color the berries red since they cut out of the same layer as the holly leaves. It saved some paper instead of cutting out red leaves and berries. I inked the holly leaves in Olive on Garden Green (retired) cardstock. 

On the binding, I cut numbers out a bit smaller to easily identify the book when it's on the shelf.

This was a fun project to make that I actually made a few of these. I then used the negative space from the cardstock to stencil "Christmas" and "2015" onto the Christmas My Crush book with Cranberry pigment ink. Unfortunately, that book sold before I remembered to take a picture of it.

What would you use this binder for?

Now you're off to see what Nancy has made to share. See you next month!

Second Sympathy Card

Since I won't get into my scrap room for a few more days I wanted to share the second Sympathy Card I made with you today instead of last week. Hopefully, I will have something to share with you by Wednesday.

This is a card I made with some paper & ribbon scraps.

CMTH Sympathy Card by Stephanie Huber

This time, I used a technique I found here for inking embossing folders. I had never tried it and I'm pleased with the results. I hope to keep playing around with this technique in the future.

I used Whisper ink on the Quadafoil embossing folder then layered it over Slate cardstock over a black cardstock card base. I used Slate ink on the stamp from "4 My Friend" stamp set and layered it over Smokey Plum cardstock. The Black Striped ribbon is the last scrap I have (*sniff*) and I stapled it together for interest.

See you soon!

Sympathy Card

Now that Little Miss is in preschool a few mornings a week and I seem to be in a new routine keeping up with everything else, I have found a few moments to my self during the week. This is actually my second time in my scrapbook room this week and I am thrilled! My son is quick to say when I get grumpy: "Mommy, you need a timeout in your scrapbook room". I love that kid, he's so smart! :)

I just gave a verbal agreement to do a vendor show in a few weeks and checked out my ready made cards only to find I don't have any sympathy cards. I think I knew this but with the busy-ness of the last year I never made it a priority to get ahead in making some extras.

I pulled out my bag of leftover scraps from the retired paper pack "For Always" and started measuring. I found I had enough scraps to piece together a few cards very quickly. I used a little Smokey Plum cardstock for a pop of color.

 

CMTH Sympathy Card by Stephanie Huber

I used the "Rosy Regards" stamp set in Blush and Hollyhock inks for the rose, Sweet Leaf on the leaf and White Pigment in for the flourish from the "Live Laugh Love" stamp set. I also used some new Silver Foil tape to add a bit of sparkle. 

I have found (from experience, ahem) that when I make the time to sit down to make one card, it's best to just mass assemble as many as I can. I made 2 of these before my scraps gave out. So I designed another card with the scraps I had left. But I'll share that one on Monday. *wink*

For more information about the vendor show I'll be at in a few weeks, check out my Facebook page for information. See you next week!

Zoe WOTG Layout

Last week I sat down to scrap for the first time in ages .... only to discover - - I had no photos to scrap!!! And here I thought I wasn't scrapbooking because I didn't have any time, silly me! ;)

So after getting prints from Snapfish, I was able to sit down today and scrap the photo I wanted to do last week.

CMTH Zoe WOTG Layout 1 by Stephanie Huber

I used the WOTG guide to create the whole layout but only put one photo on the left page and used the other photo box for journaling. Since I scrapbook chronologically and the next photos don't work well with the colors of Zoe, I will use another layout for those (hopefully, coming soon!). The title box/banner was supposed to span both pages but since they probably won't be next to each other in the album, I moved the whole thing to the right page. 

Here's a close up of the left page: 

CTMH Zoe WOTG Layout 1, page 1 by Stephanie Huber

I want to do a title on this page but I'm having trouble coming up with something. Any recommendations???

Here's a close up of the right page, for a future project:

CTMH Zoe WOTG Layout 1, page 2 by Stephanie Huber

I had a lot of fun using these pretty papers to get back into scrapping. I'm hoping to do some more now that I'm all set up with photos! :)

Leave me a comment with your title suggestions! See you soon!

Sangria Scrapbooking Workshop

This is the perfect kit for your fall scrapbooking pages: The Sangria Scrapbooking Workshop on the Go. Each kit includes (6) B&T papers (2 each of 3 designs), coordinating cardstock, an exclusive stamp set and matching accessories. Plus a full color cutting guide. All for $29.95, a savings of $9!

Here are the two layouts in guide. 

Want more inspiration? Check out #ctmhsangria on your favorite social media.

 Ready to shop?

Color Your World with Sangria

This paper pack is so fun and colorful it's the perfect paper for your fall celebrations!

This paper pack is perfectly sized for your fall scrapbooking pages. I love the jewel tones, aren't they pretty?

Want some more inspiration? Search #ctmhsangria on your favorite social media for fabulous ideas!
Ready to shop?

October Stamp of the Month: Twinkle!

Did you know that there is less than 80 days till Christmas?!?! Yikes!

To help you get started on your homemade Christmas cards, this Stamp of the Month is perfect for your cards.

Compatible with the Cricut cartridge, this stamp set will make quick and cute Christmas cards - how adorable are the little light bulbs? They'd be so cute colored in with our ShinHan markers! And that Cricut cut tag? Cut out a full sheet of those, write a name on it and tape it to your gift - easy peasy!!

Stamp of the Month details: 

BEAUTIFUL STAMPS, AMAZING DISCOUNTS

Each month you can purchase a new D-size stamp set, available for one month only, for just $5. When you place an order of $50 or more in Close To My Heart products, you qualify for this special Stamp of the Month pricing.

To shop, click here!

It's in the Bag!

It’s in the Bag

October Constant Campaign

When you sign up as a new Consultant in October, you will receive the 2015 Close To My Heart Convention bag FREE in your New Consultant Kit! You can then travel in style with this trendy and eye-catching cross body bag, perfectly sized for carrying layouts, paper packets, and projects that are in-progress. Along with the items found in the newly revamped New Consultant Kit, this bag will help New Consultants start your business with confidence and flair! 

Dates: Offer valid October 1, 2015 (9:00 am MDT)–October 31, 2015 (11:59 pm MDT).

Have questions about being a Consultant with Close to My Heart? Let's talk!

Ready to sign up? 

National Stamping Month

National Stamping Month—Hello, Life!

September Constant Campaign

 September is National Stamping Month, and this year Close To My Heart has something to help every kind of papercrafter say a big “hello” to life! Available only during the month of September, these exclusive C-size My Acrylix^® Hello, Life! stamp sets can be purchased for $13.95 USD / $16.50 CAD each! Or, for an even better deal, you can purchase all three for only $34.95 USD / 41.50 CAD—a savings of $6.90 USD / $8 CAD! Each stamp set is designed to fit with a specific type of papercrafting, whether that’s scrapbooking, cardmaking, or pocket scrapbooking. However, all the stamp sets coordinate with each other and can be used together to create dynamic artwork. These stamp sets also coordinate with shapes from the new Cricut^® Artistry collection to help expand your artwork options even further. Remember, these stamp sets are available for one month only, so get your orders in for one stamp set—or all three—before these gorgeous stamps disappear! Make certain to follow Close To My Heart’s blog, Instagram, and Facebook page for artwork inspiration featuring these lively stamp sets all month long. You can post your own artwork to your social media channels using the hashtag #ctmhHelloLife.

Dates: Offer valid September 1, 2015 (9:00 am MDT)–September 30, 2015 (11:59 pm MDT).

Visit my website at stephaniehuber.ctmh.com to order - remember to use the September Orders link to be entered to win the Hostess Rewards at the end of the month.

New Annual Inspirations and Holiday Expressions catalogs are here!

They're here!

The new Idea Books are live - check out the link to see the books online. There are two! The Annual Inspirations will be available all year while the Holiday Expressions is available until December 31st. Lots and lots of new goodies to play with! I can't wait to share with you everything I've been working on with these great new products. 

Use the September party link on my website to be entered to win the Hostess Credits - any order made on my website until 9/29/15 will be entered to win!

Scrapbooking Clearance!

Just a reminder for my local peeps ...

This Saturday is my annual Scrapbooking Clearance sale from 8am - noon. My son is joining in on the fun with a lemonade stand. Stop by and save BIG on Close to My Heart, Creative Memories and more! See you Saturday!

{For more information, email me}

Happy Mail

I love getting happy mail!

Today, I was blessed by receiving a homemade, especially for me card from my upline Krista. Unbeknownst to me I had the highest sales for her team in July! Yea! The card was lovely but the handwritten note that accompanied the card (not shown) was so sweet.

It reminded me that this is why I do "homemade" myself - that extra special touch is what I want to convey to those I'm sending happy mail.

So here's a challenge for you today: send some happy mail to someone (or more than one) today. I know you're thinking of someone - just do it! It will brighten someone's day!

Fall Open House!!!

Hey All!!!!

I am so excited - it's almost here!!!

During August, you've seen lots of sneak peeks from the new Annual Inspirations from Close to My Heart and the wait is almost over! I will be having my Fall Open House on September 1st and 2nd so you can see all the goodness yourself!

Arriving September 1st - Close to My Heart 2015 Annual Inspirations

Tuesday, September 1st from 6:30 - 8:30pm and Wednesday, September 2nd from 10am to noon.

I'm still in the planning stages but there will be prizes and projects and incentives galore! Stay tuned for more information. :)

August Joyful Stars Blog Hop: Coffee Time!

Hi all!

Welcome to the August edition of the Joyful Stars Blog Hop. We are in the "Sneak Peek" month of the soon-to-be-unveiled Annual Inspirations and there are a few new products to share with you! If you've come from Marie's blog then you're on the right track. If not, just start here and follow the links till you've seen everything. If you get lost you can visit Joyce's blog for a complete list.

The Artistry Cricut Collection is quickly becoming my favorite cartridge ever!! There are so many on-trend images on this cartridge that I can't make cards fast enough! The card I made to share with you will be my Teacher's gifts for my kids' teachers in a few weeks because it is just so cute.

I used the "5" key using the icon and shift functions. I cut the card to 5" (tall) so it would fit into a 5x7 envelope to make it easy to mail. I used Colonial White for the base and a sheet of the new Paper Fundamentals as the cup and Desert Sand for the cozy. The gold heart is a special sneak peek from an item available in September (Shh!) Used a journaling pen to hand draw some fun designs instead of inking edges. The two sentiments come from the stamp sets included with the cartridge and I stamped them in the new Sapphire ink.

Now you're off to Lori's blog to see the fun she's cooked up. See you next month!

Celebrating, CTMH Style!

I received some happy mail today!

Days after receiving a boxful of wonderful goodies from convention (that I can't reveal quite yet) I was blessed to find another package at my doorstep. Inside, I found a lovely letter from Jeanette congratulating me on celebrating 5 wonderful years with Close to My Heart!

While my anniversary isn't technically until October, I was able to share this with my upline today as well. It's been a tremendous journey and I've loved every minute of it! CTMH is such a wonderful, caring community that I never want to leave! I may only be a "hobbyist" to the company but I know that I am valued and appreciated!

I am looking forward to many more years to come!

Joyful Stars Blog Hop: Pathfinding Card Kit

Hi All!

Welcome to July's edition of the Joyful Stars Bog Hop. If you're coming from Marie's blog then you're on the right track. If you're starting here,  follow the links at the end of each post to circle 'round until you come back to where you started. If you get lost, you can go to Joyce's blog for the complete list. 

Currently I am in sunny California soaking up all the sunshine at CTMH's annual Convention! But with all my preparation before I left, I wanted to share with you one of my saving grace's: the Pathfinding Card Kit. This kit came in *very* handy for me this week. Even as a seasoned scrapper, I needed the convenience of this beautiful kit.

It always seems like I need thank you cards when I haven't been making them, and this past week was no exeption. I needed more than I had on hand. Cue the music! I rummaged through my stash (because we ALL have a stash!) and found this gem, unopened. I don't usually buy kits because - hello! I can do it myself. Famous last words! I remember buying this because I really liked the stamp set that came along with it. I loved the large stamp with the wood grain. I could do so many things with that stamp, I thought. Needless to say, it sat unopened most of  the year. *sigh*

The card kit makes 15 cards total, 3 styles of 5 cards each. The stamp set and card designs are all exclusive to the card kit and it's very easy to cut and assemble with the included instructions. I made this kit in about 30 minutes, with help from my two little helpers. I then sent out most of them in the mail that day. Thankfully, I had enough to start my stash again, so hopefully, I won't run out soon. :) Unfortunately, I didn't take a photo of all the cards before I sent them out - oops! But here's one that shows how easy and beautiful they turn out to be! ;)

Now you're off to Lori's blog to see her pretty creation. See you soon!

CTMH Convention 2015: Leadership Day recap

Hey All!

I just wrapped up the first day at CTMH's annual convention. Actually, it's a pre-convention day and it's only for leaders. There is so much information flowing throughout the day, it's hard to take notes. My upline Krista was taking photos of all the slides while I was feverishly writing down as much as I could. The afternoon's focus was on social media and how to make it work for our business. So if you don't follow me somewhere else, now is a good time to check out my other links!

Facebook - scrapbookyourmemories
Instagram - lavendersage
Pinterest - l8ybugs
Youtube - lavendersagedesigns

One benefit to the day was receiving a new Workshop on the Go for August featuring the new paper pack Zoe (you can see a sneak peak on my Instragram).

I'll be posting some of the highlights of each day during Convention but visit my other social media accounts to see more frequent photos. And bear with me as I am learning as I go! :)

See you next time!

Summer Class Schedule

Hey all!

I finally got a few things straight with my summer schedule so I can now post it for you!

July

July 8-11: I'll be at CTMH's Convention in Disney Land!!
July 17th, 10 am -11:30am: My Crush Workshop. All supplies available to choose an purchase at the event. RSVP by 7/15, space is limited to 6.
July 24th, 9am - 5pm: Free Crop. Bring your own project to work on. Free wi-fi available. Kids are welcome (please chip in for the babysitter).

August

August 5th, 9am - 5pm: Free Crop. Bring your own project to work on. Free wi-fi available. Kids are welcome (please chip in for the babysitter).
August 26th, 6-9pm: Scrapbooking Workshop. Cost/Project TBD mid-July.

September

September 1st - New Idea Book Launch!!
Fall Open House - TBD
Christmas Card Workshop - TBD

You can RSVP to me by the date specified (or the day before for free crops) so I can make sure to have enough materials and seats ready for you. As always, call me if you have any questions!!

Why do you create?

This is a question I've been contemplating lately. It's a question I get asked frequently by people who are making small talk or simply by those who are really wondering (but too polite to ask) "What is the purpose of making stuff?

The answer is individual, much like the creative process. The answer for me is simple but complex:

"It makes me happy."

A lot is meant in those little words. When I first started doing crops, I really had to figure out my "why". Setting up a day or weekend crop is a big endeavor. It takes a lot from my family and there's little monetary gain. The simple answer I give my hubby when he gets frustrated during these times is "This makes me happy". Happiness is something that is given and it's even better when it's given away. Planning time for my customers and friends to spend doing something for them is something that makes me happy (my spiritual gift is serving, so it makes sense). I'm happy when I give happiness away.

Early in the Bible, God explains that mankind was created in His image. This little tidbit of information explains mankind's desire to create: we were created in the image of the Creator. Of course we should use our minds and hands to create things of beauty and function!

When I create, it's finally something in my day (or week or month) that I feel competent at doing. There's very little about parenting two little ones that I feel competent about. I'm not inherently a clean person (we have a dog, she keeps the floors clean),  I only do laundry when little man is out of socks (I have been known to buy more just to avoid the washing machine). Meals are a pot luck - I'm constantly running out of key ingredients because I don't want to go to the grocery store with the littles in tow. But when I sit down in my craft space (or Mom Cave as little man has acknowledged), whatever happens is good. There is no right or wrong with creating. The project evolves, changes from the plan to something that works. There is no "perfect". There is only a release of positive energy.

I haven't created a lot recently. This past year and a half has been really hard. I may not recover, I can only move on but I can create something new. Something beautiful. Something that makes me happy. And we all crave a little happiness.

Why do you create? What makes you happy? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

It's been quite a year!

It's been awhile since I've devoted any time to my scrapbooking, or anything creative really. It's been a wild ride this last year and my free time evaporated overnight.

I was able to sneak away for two weekends over the winter but all my tools & scrapbooks just sat where I left them when I came home. In fact, they're still there now.

But I do have plans to get back into my (brand new) scrap room soon and when I do I will share with you the layouts I created while I was at my weekend crops as well the as start up to my summer classes and workshops. I have some plans to start up a card class and scrapbooking workshops soon.

I wanted to share with you the June specials this month because they are super cute.

My Crush books are a quick and easy way to preserve your summer memories while you make them. Simply add your ticket stubs, park maps or memorbilia into the pages then add your photos when you get them developed. Easy!

The Stamp of the Month is perfect for all the ice cream parties, root beer floats and melted goodness that are sure to show up in your summer photos. They also make a super cute party invitation!

I am really excited because Convention is right around the corner! After the chaos of the last year, I am looking forward to spending some time with my sister consultants playing and learning together. This is also my first year I am able to attend the Leadership Day which is an extra free day from Corp where we learn some great business building information. 

The best part of convention this year is that it's in Disney Land - simply my favorite place to be! 

Check out the tabs above to see what's new. I'll talk to you again in a few days! 'Bye!

March Joyful Stars Blog Hop

Hi all! Welcome to another blog hop with the Joyful Stars!

I'm fresh off two weekends in two months of scrapbooking crops so I have some new stuff to show you over the next few weeks! If you're coming from Nickie's blog then you're on the right track. If you get lost along the way,  so at Joyce's blog for the complete list.

I shared this layout with you back in September but didn't have any photos or embellishments on it. Here it is again but all dolled up.

Now you're of to Jolene's blog. See you next month!

February Joyful Stars Blog Hop

Hi all and welcome to the February edition of the Joyful Stars blog hop!

If you came here from Betty's blog then you're on the right track. If you're starting here then just follow the link at the bottom of the post to hop over the next blog. So grab your coffee and enjoy the eye candy!

It's been awhile since I've created anything but I finally got away last weekend to a winter scrapbooking retreat and created some lovely layouts that I'll be sharing with you over the next few weeks but the first layouts I want to share are two, single pages I did to try out a new (to me) technique: scrapbooking only one photo per page.

I've seen these pages all over the magazines and I'm really too much of a shutterbug to ever think about this technique until I get to my retreat and realize that I have two single photos of two different events. Seems like the perfect time to try something new!

CTMH Chalk It Up with lagoon shimmer tape, Chalk It Up accessories and white enamel stars

 I used the Chalk It Up paper pack (which by this time is just scraps), the matching Chalk It Up accessories, Lagoon shimmer tape and white enamel stars. I inked the edges of all the paper with Lagoon ink and colored in the enamel stars with Bronze Shin Han marker.

CTMH Chalk It Up with lagoon shimmer tape, Chalk It Up accessories and white enamel stars

 I love this picture because my husband is actually *smiling* !!!

CTMH Chalk It Up with lagoon shimmer tape, Chalk It Up accessories and white enamel stars

 The other page I'm going to share with you is made using the Paper Fundamentals, Avonlea Picture My Life cards, sparkle flourishes and the twill ribbon.

CTMH Paper Fundamentals, Lagoon ink, Avonlea Picture My Life cards, sparkle flourishes & twill ribbon

I used the Lagoon stamp pad to color in the paper (carefully wiping the ink off the resist pattern) then adhering the Picture My Life cards in a pretty pattern and adding the flourishes and ribbon.

 (Sorry this is turned, I can't get Blogger and my photo editor to stop over-thinking each other)

CTMH Paper Fundamentals, Lagoon ink, Avonlea Picture My Life cards, sparkle flourishes & twill ribbon

Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment (hint, hint). Now you're off to Marie's blog to see what she has for you. See you soon!

PS If you get lost along the way, check out Joyce's blog for the complete list.