CTMH Product Spotlight...Inspirational Relay Race

Hello and happy middle of June to you!  Can you believe it is already the 15th of June?  Where oh where has the Spring (and the school year for that matter) gone?

I am so excited to be participating in this month's CTMH Product Spotlight.  This month we had some fun and put a little twist into the blog hop by doing an inspirational relay race.  The basic concept is easy...one person starts the hop with a layout, card or project and then passes it on to the next person in line who pulls their inspiration from the first piece and creates something new.  She then passes that project on to the next person who creates something that inspires them from the second project and so on...

I am 8th in the relay and had no clue what the original design looked like until the hop went live.  I worked off of what Jena created and sent me.  To get the full experience of this blog hop...make sure you go back and start with Nikka. 

So once again - here is what Jena created and sent to me:

and here is what I came up with:

 

I decided to run with the color combo and the butterflies.  I pulled the blues, browns, greens and pinks although in a different shade (and completely different paper) to create the layout and used the butterflies as accent pieces.  I love how I was able to just pull a few aspects from Jena's project and make something completely different.

Now hop on over to Vicki to see how my layout inspired her.  At the very end of the hop, you will be able to view a recap post of all the projects from beginning to end.

{Spaghetti Thief Supplies}

Cardstock:  CTMH Desert Sand, Crystal Blue, Colonial White

Patterned Paper:  CTMH Mayberry Paper Packet

Ink:  CTMH Desert Sand

Stamps:  Bevy of Butterflies - Unity Stamp Company; Comments - CTMH

Other:  Hemp - CTMH; Rhinestones - CTMH; Stickers - American Crafts



CTMH Product Spotlight: Buttons

Welcome to another CTMH product spotlight blog hop.  This month we are featuring buttons which just happen to be one of my favorite go to embellishments!

We have seven lovely ladies participating this month.  So whether you came from Wendy's blog or your just starting here, be sure to keep going to check out all the wonderful inspiration.  You can find your next stop after my layout. 

I would love for you to leave a comment and tell me what you think!

If you are interested in grabbing some great CTMH buttons for yourself, please contact your CTMH consultant or check out the entire selection here.

Next stop along your inspirational journey is Tamytha Jenkins.  Enjoy!

I am also linking up over at the Heart 2 Heart Challenge blog today!  This week's challenge is...you guessed it...buttons!  Check out the Heart 2 Heart blog for some great inspiration.


products used (CTMH unless noted):
CS:  desert sand, white daisy; PP: rough n' tumble (retired), notebook die cut paper (Creative Imaginations); Ink/pens: dutch blue, My Legacy Writers; Stickers: Echo Park Little Boy Collection; Embellishments: buttons, chipboard elements 

Close To My Heart Spotlight Blog Hop: Scrapbooking Techniques

Hello and welcome to the March edition of the Close to My Heart (CTMH) Spotlight Blog Hop.  This month we are all about scrapbooking techniques!  Wether you are coming from Wendy or this is your first stop, welcome!  You will find the next hopper at the end of this post so sit back, grab your favorite beverage and hop along for inspiration today!

When I first saw the spotlight topic I thought to myself..."scrapbooking techinques?  What the heck is a scrapbooking technique?"  I could have thought of about a thousand stamping techniques but was truely drawing a blank on what technique I use when scrapbooking.  When I scrapbook I just do it and let whatever I do come naturally...basically, I don't think about it.  But when I really thought about it, pretty much anything you do when you scrapbook could be considered a technique...distressing, tearing, mating pictures, layering paper, using patterned paper, decorative scissors, punches, stickers, embellishments...pretty much everything and anything goes (and I have done pretty much everything!).

Today, I want to share a layout that uses a really fun retired paper pack I am hoping most of you have in your stash...Zippidee.  I did alot of layering with different elements to add some texture and dimension to the layout.  I mated the pictures in a solid cardstock and used punches and decorative scissors.  I also used the coordinating My Stickease as borders and to draw the elements together.

---> Now hop on over to Corina to see what technique she is featuring today!

To view some of my other layouts I have shared that use different scrapbooking techinques, please click on the picture below to be taken to the original post:



inking, doodling, distressing
click on the pic for the original post



distressing, inking, faux stitching, dry embossing, paper tearing
click on the pic for the original post



paper tearing, inking, distressing

click on the pic for original post



CTMH Product Spotlight on Color

Welcome to another CTMH Product Spotlight Blog Hop!  This month we are featuring color...specifically the wide range of colors that Close To My Heart has to offer in cardstock, markers, inks, and embellishments.   If you came from Wendy's blog, welcome.  If you are just starting here, then keep going, your next stop is at the bottom of my post and you will circle back here when you have gone through all the participants this month.

CTMH offers 60 different colors to choose from, each grouped into seasons.  Each of the colors within that season coordinate beautifully with each other...but have you ever mixed and matched your seasons together?  Unlikely color combinations can sometimes lead to that wow! factor you were looking for.  Don't be afraid to play with a little color.

Last year, Jeanette Lynton, the founder of CTMH, featured different color combos each Monday on her blog.  You can check out all the great combos she created here.  I chose one of those color combos to feature today.  The combination of Tulip, Juniper, Cocoa and Desert Sand gave me just the right pop of color I needed for this card:

I love how the colors blend and lend a deep, sophisticated feel to the card.  I hesitated creating this card to share with you only because the stamp sets that I used are all retired.  I decided to use it in the end to make a point that when you see a stamp you love...you need to snatch it up.  These sets are among my most used for pretty much every occassion.  If you have them in your stash...pull them out and give them some love.  I used Cottage Floral, Curly Greetings and the background was created with Magic and Serendipity. 

Your next stop is Corina...head on over and see what wonderful color combos she has to share with you today. 

Thanks for stopping by -

Tracy

Here is the full list of participants in case you get stuck along the way:

Wendy Kessler
Tracy Oleksak
Corina Mitchell 
Laurie Flannery 
nikka geers 
Adeline Brill 
Jill (Scrap Wench) 

CTMH product spotlight blog hop featuring sparkles & pearls

Welcome to this month's blog hop featuring sparkles and pearls.  CTMH has such a wonderful line of embellishments including 4 choices for sparkles and 3 for pearls.  I just love how these products add a little extra shimmer to a page or the finishing touch to a card.

Today, I want to share a card with you.  It uses the Clear Sparkles ($2.95) which I use all. the. time.  I have just started playing with the pearls and I can say that I am in love with them too...unfortuneatly, the project I am using them on isn't quite in the sharing stages just yet.

Don't those two little sparkles just add a little extra something to the card?  yeah, they do.

I also used the Red, Pink & Purple sparkle pack on my little elf cards that I showed last month.  If you want a second peak, click here.

If you arrived here from Luisa then you are on the right track. If this is your first stop, welcome, next stop is Wendy...so pop on over to see what she has to share.

{Happy Birthday Card}

Clear Sparkles Z1104
Stamp Set: With Love D1284

CS: Crystal Blue, Hollyhock, White Daisy

Ink:  Crystal Blue, Hollyhock, Black, Sweet Leaf

Other:  Just Blooms Summer Poises (ret), DP (unknown), ric rac (from Walmart)

CTMH Spotlight Blog Hop featuring Christmas Stamp Sets

Hello and welcome to this month's CTMH Product Spotlight Blog Hop.  With Christmas right around the corner...is it really just under 6 weeks???...November seemed to be an appropriate time to highlight Christmas stamps.

Today you will be treated to artwork and inspiration from 17 talented women.  If you came from Wendy's blog you are on the right track.  If this is your first stop, keep on going...the hop goes full circle. 

I am happy to share 4 cards with you today!  It is so easy to create using these great stamp sets...they are just so much fun.  You will notice too that the paper is all the same, I just changed up the image and layout and tada! there you have 4 unique cards with little effort at all.  Unfortuneatly the paper is a retired Creative Basics pack...but...any of these cards would like adorable using our current Creative Basics Mistletoe Collection.

The first set of cards uses the great little elves from Merry Pursuits (B1313):

aren't these little guys so stinkin' cute?

The next card features All Decked Out (D1308) and the sentiment from Snow Friends (D1244):

Thanks for stopping by.  Your next stop is Tamytha...please go check out what she has to share this month and don't forget to let me know you stopped by!

CTMH August Spotlight Bloghop

Hello and welcome to this month's CTMH product spotlight blog hop.  If you hopped on over from Wendy you are heading in the right direction.  If you are starting here, don't worry, just keep on hopping and you will come full circle. The next blog on the list is at the end of my post and  I have also listed this month's hoppers at the end of the post just in case you get lost along the way.

This month we are showcasing how easy it is to create backgrounds with our stamps.  I created a card using 3 of my go to stamp sets.  For the background on the Autumn Terracotta shaped image I used Spot on Backgrounds.  I also used For Every Occassion for the sentiment and Cottage Floral.  These 3 sets are among my most loved.  The design of the card was inspired by this one from Dawn McVey...check her out, her work is amazing.

I also pulled out a layout from my archives to show you another way of using stamps to create a background or your own patterned paper.  I stamped the baseball image from In the Game - Play Ball onto Color Ready Alphabets to create custom letters for my layout.  I also used a sponge to ink the white space on the right hand page and then random stamped a design (with retired stamp) to create my own patterned paper.  Sorry about the un-cropping of the picture.  For some reason my photo editing software won't open and I don't know how to use Photoshop (it scares me!)

I hope this gives you some inspiration to dig out those stamps of yours and add a little something special to your cards, layouts and projects.  If there is something here that you don't own and would like to, please contact your CTMH consultant or myself.  You can order directly through me by clicking on any of the product links above.

For more inspiration...hop on over to Nikka to see what wonderful project she has for you today!

Have a crafty day,

Tracy

Just in case you get lost:

Wendy K.   www.MyScrapbookingBlog.com

Tracy Oleksak  www.mamaolie.blogspot.com  <------- You are here
nikka geers  www.nikkageers.blogspot.com
Jen B.  http://www.jensmessystudio.com
Haley D.  http://inkyscrapper.blogspot.com
Toni Hinchcliffe  http://whollycrafts.blogspot.com
Karen C  http://my-crazy-never-still-life.blogspot.com

CTMH Spotlight on Cupcake Sprinkles

Welcome to this month's CTMH Spotlight blog hop featuring Cupcake Sprinkles.  If you are hopping on over from Wendy, you are headed in the right direction.  If you are starting from here...just keep going...you won't miss a thing.  Your next stop will be listed under my image.

I just knew I needed this stamp set after reading the name...yum!  I love this set because it is so versatile.  It can be used for cards, layouts, decor, gift wrap, etc. etc. and not only for birthdays....the sentiments included with the set make it useful for so many other events...or just to say hello.

I went with the standard because...hey, a girl can't have too many birthday cards in her stash...I love the simplicity and ease of this card...whipped it up in no time flat and I love how it came together. 

I used Card Patterns Sketch #71 for the layout and all CTMH products.  If you are interested in purchasing Cupcake Sprinkles...please contact me, visit my CTMH shopping site or contact your CTMH Consultant today!

Since I am now craving cupcakes (I think I will have to whip up some red velvet ones..mmmm) I will let you hop on over to Karen C to see what yummy goodness she has posted for you today. 

Thanks for stopping by and don't forget to let me know you where here!

Tracy

Have a Bloomin' Good Day!

Hello there and welcome to the June CTMH Spotlight Blog Hop featuring Just Blooms Paper Flowers. If you just came from Wendy K's blog you are on the right track If you are one of my faithful readers and are just starting here...keep going (the next blog is listed below) and you will be able to circle through all the blogs right back here to me.

CTMH has 4 different varieties of these fun paper flowers to choose from. They are all perfect for adding that little extra something to your cards or layouts. This blog hop is going to give you a sneak peak of what you can do with them and, you can get a look at them all over on my CTMH site.

In this layout I used a Big Pink (they are REALLY big) and cut it in half. I sponged ink to the center, added a button, some hemp and presto...


These two cards use the White Daisy Variety Pack (and the retired Autumn Daisy...hope you have them in your stash):



and here is another example of coloring a Big Pink (notice this is a different size...you get 16 flowers in 5 different sizes, and a mix of baby pink and white daisy). I used the Juniper re-inker in this case, dipped the flower and let it dry...perfect:

I hope you found something you can use. If you are interested in ordering any of the Just Blooms, contact your CTMH consultant or place an order here.

Thank you for stopping by. I would love to hear your thoughts so leave a comment, please! Now hop on over to see what fabulous craftiness Kristie has for you today!

Happy hopping,

Tracy

CTMH Product Spotlight Blog Hop Featuring Wishes

hey there ~

Welcome to the May CTMH Product Spotlight. Today we are showcasing the Wishes Card Confidence Program. This beautiful hard cover book contains 100 easy to follow card patterns including step by step instructions; it makes card making...faster, simpler, easier.

Each of the bloggers today will be using the City Scape design. This pattern took me out of my box because of the size. I am used to working with larger cards and at 4 3/4" x 3" this card is far from that by my standards. Wishes made it so easy. All I had to do was cut the paper to the dimensions provided and place it as directed. It came together so easily...the hard part was choosing the paper and stamp set.

So here is my take on Wishes: City Scape: Thanks for looking - I would love for you to leave a comment and tell me what you think. Next you will be hopping on over to Wendy K's scrapbooking blog to see what goodness she has in store for you! This hop is a circle so if you came from Traci Law's blog, keep on going to see them all. If you get lost along the way or find a broken link, the full list of bloggers is in the previous post.

If you are interested in purchasing Wishes, contact me or your CTMH consultant.

Have a crafty day,
Tracy
materials used:
Pattern: Wishes Card Confidence Program City Scape Pattern (9033)
Paper: Boom Di Ada Level 2 Paper Packet (x7095b)
Stamps: For Every Occaion (D1187); Cottage Floral (B1306)
Ink: Barn Red, Sunflower, Autumn Terracotta

CTMH Product Spotlight Blog Hop List

Here is the list of hoppers participating in the May CTMH Product Spotlight Blog Hop List featuring Wishes Card Confidence Program.

Tracy O www.mamaolie.blogspot.com <----you are here
Wendy K. – My Scrapbooking blog www.myscrapbookingblog.com
Carol Horton www.carol-scrappininparadise.blogspot.com
Lori Brown www.savingmine.blogspot.com
Amy Edwards http://www.paisleysplayhouse.blogspot.com
Melissa Burch http://www.melissaburch.blogspot.com
Karen Clauson http://my-crazy-never-still-life.blogspot.com
Adeline Brill www.adeline-brill.blogspot.com
Kristie www.goofyscrapper.blogspot.com
Helen Onulak http://www.hookedonstamping.com
Haley D. www.inkyscrapper.blogspot.com
Melinda Everett http://ifyoublingittheywillcome.blogspot.com
Traci Law www.papercraftingprincess.com

CTMH Product Spotlight Blog Hop

hey there!


If you are just beginning this month's hop...sit back, relax and enjoy! If you came from Wendy's blog then you are heading in the right direction.


This month we are featuring My Reflections Paper Packs found in the Spring 2010 Idea Book. There are so many wonderful patterns and designs to choose from (and hint hint, wait 'til you see the Summer Idea Book...lovin' it!). Since I had to pick just one, I choose the You Rock My Reflections Level 2 paper pack. The collection is jam packed with fun papers in crazy colors, and it worked just perfectly for the layout of my little darlings at the playground.


Here is the full 2 page layout:


and the left page:


and the right:
Next up on your inspirational journey today is Danielle. We have 15 blogs on our hop today and I am sure you will find something to make you go grab your paper packs and get crafty! If you find something you don't own & just have to have, be sure to contact your CTMH consultant, and if you don't have one, please feel free to contact me. Now sit back, relax and get ready to be inspired...but before you go, please take the time to tell me what you think...I would love to hear from you.

have a crafty day ~

Tracy

{a trip to the park} materials:
Paper: CTMH You Rock My Reflections Level 2 Paper Pack (X7122B); Stamps: CTMH Notice the Details (D1378)~ past stamp of the month, Unity Stamp Co. A Pocket Full of...; Ink: CTMH black, dutch blue; Embellishments: Badge Buttons (Z1159), Craft Buttons (Winter, Autumn, Basic & Holiday)
PS...you should be able to hop from blog to blog...but, if there is a broken link or you get lost along the way a full list of bloggers is on the post below this one.

You Rock!

Hey there ~

Welcome to the CTMH Product Spotlight Blog Hop. If you came from Jena's blog you are heading in the right direction. If you are starting with me, then continue on through (you will find the next hopper at the end of this post) and check out the inspiration all of these lovely ladies have for you today.

This month we are showcasing the You Rock Stamp set. This set is fun and versatile and I had such a great time creating my cards to show you all today. I used Mercy's Tuesday Sketch #60 for the layout and took it from there. This set can be used for anything, but it just so happens that I created Valentine's cards for 2 of the 3 loves in my life...my 2 little love bugs. I hope you enjoy and they give you some great ideas on how to use this fabulous stamp set.

I used the same paper packet (Magic Moments) and Winter Button Collection on both cards. I also used the same sketchand changed the card dimensions up a bit (the 2nd is closer to what the sketch showed) to accomodate the size of the stamps I used from the set. Even with all this "sameness" (yes I know that is not a word) they both turned out completely different and totally perfect for each of my little loves.

Ok, now hop on over to see what Kimberly has in store for you today...and please don't forget to leave me some love...I absolutely adore reading all the comments.

If you get lost along the way, here is a list of all the February CTMH Product Spotlight hoppers:

Wendy K.
Jenifer Benner

Jena DeVries
Tracy Oleksak
Kimberly Smith

Sylvia Jacquot
Mary Eisen
Carol Loftus
Adeline Brill

Thanks for stopping by - have an absolutely wonderful day ~

Tracy

{you rock} materials:
all materials are CTMH (unless noted)
Stamp set: You Rock
Paper: My Reflections Magic Moments Level 2 Paper Pack, White Daisy CS
Ink: Indian Corn Blue, Hollyhock
Embellishments: Craft Buttons Winter Collection, Just Blooms Autumn Daisy (ret), Brads Metal Assortment, Natural Hemp
Tools: Edge Distresser, Scalloped Punch (Fiskars)

1st Ever! CTMH Product Spotlight Blog Hop

Welcome to the 1st ever CTMH product spotlight blog hop. This is a brand new hop which will take place on the 15th of each month and feature a current CTMH product.

Since January is National Papercrafting Month, it seemed rather fitting that this month we are featuring Imagine. This super cool how-to book makes scrapbooking easy and let's you concentrate on getting pages done fast. Filled with 50 2 page layouts complete with cutting instructions and diagrams, this full color, hard covered book is sure to take your scrapbooking to the next level.

Ok, so that is the sell...but what do I love about Imagine? You did ask didn't you? I love being able to have my pictures out in front of me and flip to the Quick Reference Guide in the front of the book and choose a layout based on the number of pictures I have to work with. I love that I can pull my coordinating papers and know exactly what size to cut them and where to place them. I love being able to mold the layout to accomodate my style. I love that I can start with a template but make the page my own.

So here is what I have to share with you today using Imagine's Three-Part Harmony found on pg 44. The original layout called for 2 vertical pics on the right hand page, but since I was working with horizontal pics I changed it up a bit...and it works for me. It is almost complete...I have to add the journaling (which I am so bad at...I usually sit down and journal 5 pages at once). The journaling will go on the Colonial White stripe at the bottom of each page. (and please excuse the photos...I am great at shooting cards, but still learning the fine art of shooting pages...if only I had a 12x12 scanner....)


and a little close up....I love the white letters on the blue! {plus, JT is too cute in this pic}
So, in keeping with traditional blog hop fashion, if you came from Laurie's blog you are on the right track and can continue on to see what fabulous creations Cindy has in store for you. If you were just stopping by and happened upon this hop, just keep on going and you will eventually end up back here with me. You don't want to miss any of the fabulous inspiration that is in store for you today! Before you go though, I would love for you to leave me a comment and let me know what you think!

Everyone {hearts} a parade products (all CTMH unless noted):
Layout - Imagine, Three Part Harmony
Paper - My Reflections Blue Ribbon Level 2, White Daisy
Ribbon - White Daisy Ric Rac
Ink - Outdoor Denim, Cranberry
Letters - Parade Color Ready Alpha Oxford Caps, others - QuicKutz Metro S
Stamps - Stars Vintage USA, Heart Celebrations Solid (retired)
Other - star brad - unknown, from my stash

I hope this gives you some inspiration and ideas!

Happy crafting - Tracy

December Stamp of the Month Blog Hop

Welcome to the beginning of another month and another CTMH Stamp of the Month Blog Hop! If I am just one stop along your journey I hope you are finding some inspiration for this month's stamp set. If I am starting your journey off today - welcome, sit back, relax and enjoy! You will find a link to the next blog after my projects.

This month's stamp set is Notice the Details (D1378), a wonderfully versatile collection of 41 stamps including images and sentiments. This set is wonderful for scrapbookers and stampers alike. For more info on this set, including how you can earn it for free or at a terrific discount, please click here or contact me. To order this set simply drop me an email or shop online!

Here is the set:


and here is just the beginning of what I did with it. These 2 cards are just too cute and wonderful to send to a friend "just because". I also have some wonderful scrappy pages in mind for this set...now to find those pics (and I promise to post the pages when they are complete).

and here is a close up...notice the detail (he! he!):



I hope I gave you some inspirational mojo! I would love to hear from you so leave me some love! Now hop on over to Shirley Ross to see what she has in store for you!

Have a wonderfully crafty day!

Tracy

"Today" supplies: Stamp Set ~ Notice the Details, Cardstock ~ Desert Sand, Colonial White (bottom card), White Daisy (top card); Ink ~ Dessert Sand, Cranberry, Black; Ribbon ~ Designer Ribbon Rounds Holiday Collection (retired).

December Stamp of the Month Blog Hop List

You've made it....or maybe you are lost. Below is the list of all the participants on this month's blog hop. It should be one big circle so no matter where you start you will hop around to everyone's wonderful creations.

http://www.livelovelaughscrapbook.blogspot.com
http://www.hookedonstamping.com
http://www.nonapearl.blogspot.com
http://www.bethscreativeblock.blogspot.com
http://Michellenist.blogspot.com
http://www.flowerfoot.blogspot.com
http://www.stamptildawn.blogspot.com
http://www.gettinscrappywithit.blogspot.com
http://thebrae-er.blogspot.com
http://adeline-brill.blogspot.com
http://www.roxybonds-scrappin.blogspot.com
http://mycreativeclubhouse.blogspot.com
http://www.fancymelissa.blogspot.com
http://www.houseostamps.wordpress.com
http://www.misstscraps.blogspot.com
http://www.clearlystamping.blogspot.com
http://www.awesomememories.blogspot.com
http://jessicabooth.blogspot.com/
http://stampinsylvia.blogspot.com/
http://PaisleysPlayhouse.blogspot.com
http://www.scrapbookczar.blogspot.com
http://makingtimeformemories.blogspot.com/
http://www.papermadnessinc.blogspot.com
http://www.paigespaperparadise.blogspot.com
http://www.mycolorfulworldinvt.blogspot.com
http://www.cherishyourmemories.blogspot.com
http://bowlofstamps.blogspot.com/
http://memoriesoftheheartbydeb.blogspot.com/
http://www.myscrapbookingblog.com
http://www.iamahappystamper.blogspot.com
http://www.scrappycaren.blogspot.com
http://www.savingmine.blogspot.com
http://www.clearlyfromtheheart.blogspot.com
http://www.blessedscrapper.blogspot.com
http://www.scramperscorner.blogspot.com
http://barbraotten.blogspot.com/
http://scrapsfromthebeach.blogspot.com/
http://www.goofyscrapper.blogspot.com
http://www.maricarharris.blogspot.com
http://www.creationsbylaurie.blogspot.com
http://www.carlacreates.blogspot.com
http://www.paperspadsandpictures.blogspot.com
www.mestamp2.blogspot.com
http://sheila-bennett.blogspot.com
http://www.pinkcloudscrappers.blogspot.com
http://www.stampingintheopen.blogspot.com
http://www.jenrubio.blogspot.com
http://createwithtraci.blogspot.com
http://kristaritskes-simplycreating.blogspot.com/
http://www.inkyscrapper.blogspot.com
http://www.my-life-in-real-time.blogspot.com
http://www.creatingwithwanda.blogspot.com
http://www.GodblessyourART.blogspot.com
http://www.thecroppersconnection.blogspot.com
http://scrapwench.blogspot.com
http://www.scrappinkaty.blogspot.com
http://www.cre8nmemories.blogspot.com
http://verykimberry.blogspot.com/
http://melissaburch.blogspot.com
www.mamaolie.blogspot.com <------ You are here!
http://www.momnmescrap.blogspot.com
http://www.maricarharris.blogspot.com

November Stamp of the Month Blog Hop

Hey there!!!

Can you believe that it is November already??? It seems as if October just flew by (being a long month and all). Hoping this post finds you & your family healthy...the flu went through the kids earlier this week, I have been diligent about prevention for me...as mommy is not allowed to be sick!

November 1st means Blog Hop the CTMH way! Yeah! This month we are featuring the November Stamp of the Month ~ Around the Block (D1377). This great little stamp set is only available until November 30 so contact me...or your CTMH consultant if you are interested in adding it to your collection.

I have a card for y'all today, eventhough I can envision these stamps on a page as well, which is what I originally had planned for today. But, darned if I could find the pictures of our house that I have been putting off scrapbooking until the perfect stamp came along to embellish my page...now I have the set, and the pictures are gone...oh well, I must move on.
Products (all CTMH): Stamps ~ Around the Block (D1377); Patterned Paper ~ Emporium Level 2 (X7105B); Cardstock ~ Cocoa, Vanilla Cream; Ribbon ~ Cocoa; Ink ~ Cocoa, Buttercup; Markers ~ Crystal Blue, Vineyard Berry, Honey; Other ~ sponge, punch (EK Success).

From here you need to continue on to Jena's blog. This is one big circle so no matter where you start you will circle through all of the blogs. If you get lost or hit a broken link along the way scroll down to my previous post for the master list.

Thanks for visiting and I would love to hear from you!

Tracy

Using up the pretty paper

Yep, I am using up all the pretty paper. I have SO much paper it is funny. I don't think if I caught up on all of my backlogged scrapbooking projects that I could actually use all of the paper that I have accumulated...and continue to. Not to mention the stamp sets, embellishments, I am sure you can sympathize with me.

So I have been trying very hard to resist the urge to buy more paper and create layouts with what I have on hand. I have put some layouts off because I don't have the perfect paper for those pics (really, I don't) but I have reimagined some of my layouts and am really liking the result.

So today I will share one of those backlogged layouts that has come to life and can be added to the book. These are pics of the first year K took dance lessons (gulp...2003) and they are finally finding their way onto a page. I lifted the first page from the CTMH Autumn/Winter 2008 Idea Book. I actually bought the paper when I saw that layout having these pictures in mind...and am now getting around to creating the page (although I have moved & redecorated my craft room since then...so I do have a little excuse). I haven't decided if I need a title in the right hand corner of the left page (I am thinking black chipboard letters with Dance), I kind of like the blank space as it draws your focus to the pics and the pictures and journaling speak for themselves...I don't know, but I would really like your feedback on this, so please let me know.

Products used (all CTMH): paper ~ Notebook Level 2 paper pack, Colonial White CS, black CS; Ink ~ black; Other ~ Just Blooms Big Pinks paper flowers, Buttons Winter Collection, Designer Ribbon Rounds Black Collection, hemp.

Don't forget the CTMH November SOTM blog hop this Sunday! You can hop your way to inspiration starting at 12:01 am November 1st - right here!

Have a great day,

Tracy

Oh how I have missed thee....

Oh how I have missed my craft room! It seems as if I have not been able to escape to it in so long and I know the room has felt my absence as well, I could tell by the stuff piling up on my work surfaces and the general lack of organization everywhere! Not that when I am creating it isn't a complete disaster, but it is a work in progress disaster, not just a complete mess. So, I cleaned it up a bit and started back to creating. I have set a personal goal to complete at least 2 layouts a week till then end of the year (a far cry from the goal I set back in January - but it will do).


Today, I have a card for you. I love the simplicity of it. I haven't had the pleasure of buying new supplies lately (except for my Unity KOTM) but when I saw this great stamp set in the CTMH Idea Book and some of the ways they used it, I just had to get it. It also went great with the Simple Pleasures cardstock I had on hand.

Products used (all CTMH): Stamps ~ Childhood Reflections; Paper ~ Simple Pleasures Lvl 2 paper packet; Ink ~ Cocoa; Ribbon ~ Cocoa; Other ~ punch by Fiskars.


Part of the reason that I have been neglecting my craft room is that I have fallen in love with another book series that I just cannot put down (it is the Twilight curse all over again!). I just finished the second book (Dragonfly in Amber) and started the third book (Voyager) last night. Each of these novels is page after many page of romance, adventure and historical fiction. If you haven't fallen in love with Jaime and Claire yet, check out the Outlander series today!



Ok - so I don't know why the third book cover is so teeny, but anyhoo.


I have a layout to share with you all tomorrow, and maybe even something on Saturday...but be sure to save some time on Sunday to hop along with me and close to 70 other CTMH consultants as we do our monthly Stamp of the Month blog hop. The November Stamp of the Month is super cute and you can check out all the inspiration starting here with me on Sunday. Posts will go live at midnight!


Have a great day -

Tracy

OO2, 1st Day of School & some CTMH goodness

hello hello!

Today marks day #2 of Operation Organization (OO2) in my humble little home. The clutter bugs are going to loose this battle....I will prevail {insert evil little laugh here}. My journey began yesterday with about 10 loads of laundry...2 more to go today and I will be caught up...mission #1 - complete.

Mission #2 - armed with my trusty trash bags I am going 1 room at a time. Just picking up and putting away - moving things to the room that they actually belong in and throwing out stuff that no longer needs to be in my home. Stay tuned for more updates.

Today was the first day of school here. K & J are going to a new school this year as their small little neighborhood school closed down at the the end of the last school year. It was old, but it was small and it was home. They are now in a much larger school - but I am sure they will be happy. This is a pic of them walking to the bus stop with the neighbor...K looks so big next to the boys.

and here is the gang at the bus stop:
So with the kiddos off to school...I must get to cleaning, organizing and making life easier around here.

But first, a little CTMH goodness....

The new Idea Book will go live tomorrow and it is filled with great artwork and new product. I will have a link up tomorrow for you to view the book online. But wanted to share some sneak peaks courtesy of some fabulous consultants who have thier act together (and money in their pockets...). You can view all the sneak peaks starting here with TazzyGirl2000 and follow along with the sneak peak blog hop.

This month's special is Everyday Celebration - a card kit collection free with the purchase of $60 in stamps. Wendy did a wonderful job creating the cards in the kit - so please go check out her blog for some inspiration.

And...last but not least, the monthly Stamp of the Month blog hop kicks off tomorrow. There are over 60 consultants participating (I had to sit this one out this month). For some inspiration on how to use September's fab SOTM start with Jenna on 9/1.

Off to complete my OO missions....

Tracy