Where Is Your Happy Place?

CTMH - January 2012 SOTM Blog Hop with "Little Reminder"

2011-12-31T21:00:00.004-05:00

Happy New Year!

Welcome to a New Year of our CTMH Stamp of the Month Blog Hop. Each month, more than 50 CTMH consultants will inspire you with creative, new - and sometimes quite surprising! - ways to get the most out of your $5.00 stamp purchase! Yes, it's still true - you can purchase your very own Stamp of the Month set for only $5.00 (with a qualifying $50 CTMH purchase on your consultant's website).

"Little Reminder" S1201 is available only thru 1/31/12

We're starting 2012 off with a beautiful calendar-style stamp set, with 25 beautiful clear acrylic stamp images. The two circular images also coordinate with our exclusive CTMH Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge.

If you have arrived here from

Jen's blog "Roxybonds",

then you are still on the right path.

I'm sure you'll find plenty of crafty inspiration throughout each month's SOTM Blog Hop. Please bookmark my site to stop back again soon to see what I've created with my "Little Reminder". In fact, I think I'll put a "Little Reminder" on my calendar right now to upload my photos just as soon as I have my pc back in working order again! (What a way to start the new year - without my trusty PC in working order.)

Insert Photo of

Very Crafty Project

Here ;-)

Now, Hop on over to Dawn's Blog

"I Am A Happy Stamper"

to continue along!

Remember, this "Little Reminder" is only available thru January 30, 2012, and only through your Close To My Heart consultant. Don't have your own? Please let me start your new year off with a [personalized thank you gift when you choose to make your purchase with me as your consultant, here on my website.

Enjoy your day... make it a crafty one!

Gearing up for 2012... are you?

2011-12-29T09:00:00.000-05:00

2012 is almost upon us. Are you one to make New Year's Resolutions? Or, do you prefer not to place upon yourself the stress? As John Selden was quoted:

"Never tell your resolution beforehand, or it's twice as onerous a duty."

~John Selden

I have always preferred to make my "new year" resolutions at my birthday, instead... because that is the start of MY personal new year. AND, I typically keep my resolutions to myself. But, in 2011, I did not do this. ;-)

THIS year, I AM making a few New Year's resolutions of my own. I'm not sharing them, as I did last year... primarily b/c I haven't even had the opportunity to make good on those ... yet. LOL

As I prepare for 2012, I am going to keep THIS quote in mind:

"We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day."

~Edith Lovejoy Pierce

I'm preparing my own 2012 Book now, are you? :-)

As Oprah said,

"Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right."

~Oprah Winfrey

Enjoy your day... make it a crafty one!

doreen

Rock The Block!

2011-12-28T12:00:00.007-05:00

Celebrate National Papercrafting Month with Close To My Heart and treat yourself to THIS is a fabulous promotion, available only through Close To My Heart!

Here's what the set looks like out of the box, courtesy of Gina.

Rock the Block

December–January Constant Campaign

When you place a minimum order of $25 from the Autumn/Winter 2011 Idea Book, you can get two valuable new products for just $15: the My Creations^® Collage Cubes (a Spring/Summer 2012 sneak-peek product!) and the exclusive My Acrylix^® Rock the Block E-size stamp set (available only during this promotion). This Rock the Block promotion represents a retail savings of almost $30! You're going to love the collage cubes and the Rock the Block stamp set, which work together for interactive, fashionable fun!

E-Size Stamp Set Included!

Dates: Offer valid December 19, 2011–January 31, 2012.

Here's a cool YouTube video about this promo:

Courtesy of
Gina's Little Corner of Stamping Heaven.

AND, for extra fun and inspiration, check out the Rock The Block Blog Hop, right here! :-) The hop is filled with so many inspirational ideas, you'll want more than one set of collage cubes for yourself... and to give as gifts. :-)

Here's a really gorgeous interpretation that I loved on Gina's Little Corner of Stamping Heaven.

If you'd like to purchase this gorgeous Collage Cube set with exclusive {HUGE} E-size stamp set, please visit my CTMH website here.

Enjoy your day... make it a crafty one.

Holiday Pretzel Treats - Yum!

2011-12-27T14:00:00.002-05:00

I LOVE holiday baking! Sifting flour, mixing ingredients, rolling dough and creating cookies are my kind of relaxation. But, my favorite holiday treats are these:

Holiday Pretzel Treats

Click here to go to Family Fun magazine for the easy peasy directions. Personally, I use Wilton baking discs (instead of Hershey kisses) b/c it saves alot of time (no need to unwrap individual Kisses) and tastes just as good!

Enjoy your day... make it a crafty one!

CTMH - December SOTM Blog Hop with "Mad About You"

2011-11-30T20:00:00.001-05:00

Hello and welcome to our Close To My Heart Stamp of the Month Blog Hop! It's a circular hop, so whether you start with mine or arrive from Shannon Beck's blog "Cards From the Farm", you can visit all of our consultants by simply clicking on the link at the end of our posts. (If you get lost along the way, please visit our SOTM Blog Hop List here.)

Make yourself comfy and let's go blog hopping! :-)

This month's fabulous Stamp of the Month is "Mad About You", S1112. It's a collection of 14 adorable stamp images with love in mind: sayings such as "Mad About You" and "You're Sweet" are simply perfect for what I will do with this set!

Mad About You - S1112

I'm making a cute framed scrapbook page for my daughter's room to showcase a pic of her and her BFF. I'm also making a smaller sized photo frame for her to give to her BFF this Christmas, too. :-) AND... later this month, I'm making low-cost, economical treat bags for my child's classmates for Valentine's Day. Yup, I know... STANDARD FARE, as someone said recently. (Of course, I think mine are cute, though. LOL)

Please come back on December 2nd to see my first project I've created with "Mad About You"!!!! :-)

Sadly, this month we've been battling the "Mommy, I have a cast on and need your attention 24/7 so you can never craft at all..." blues that my child has had since the beginning of this month when she was casted. We had to stop gymnastics, dance, ice skating lessons and roller skating with friends, so that's ALOT of free time to fill up. Since my crafting IS my job, she wanted to do OTHER THINGS. So, we're learning how to crochet. Sigh. LOL Anyway, here's a pic of her cast - she has asked me NOT to post pics of her adorably dressed in SHORTS of all things, in the cold:

I'll be posting my artwork by Dec 2nd,

but in the meantime, please enjoy the hop!

Now "Hop" on over to Wendy Coffman's Blog

"Stamping Rules"

to enjoy her artwork, too!

Be sure to visit all the Consultants at their Blogs

to get some great crafting inspiration and other fun ideas!

Remember, our "Mad About You" SOTM S1112 is only available until December 31, 2011! Contact your CTMH Consultant (or click here) to order your set for $17.95, or you can now buy this D-size $17.95 stamp set for just $5.00 with your $50.00 purchase. :-)

Enjoy our hop and ... enjoy your day, make it a crafty one!

A Month of Thankfulness!

2011-11-30T15:10:00.000-05:00

On this very last day of November, our month of thankfulness, I'm reminded of so much for which I am thankful. My daughter, my husband, my mom & dad, my mother-in-law, my father-in-law with whom I had such little time, and my sis-in-law and her husband and family, and my bro-in-law and his wife and their family, and my brother and my nieces, too. I am thankful for my friends - both near and far, both new friends and loyal friends whom have weathered the storms with me. I am thankful for the teachers who have nurtured our daughter throughout the years and have further developed her innate love of learning. I am thankful for modern technology, for Facebook which helps me feel connected on an everyday basis, for unlimited texting plans that allow me to be silly with my BFF throughout the day, for Blogger which helps me to journal in a broadened way, and for Goodreads which allows me to remember books I've read and catalog books on my to-read list, too.

I am thankful for the life I have and for the blessings that God has bestowed upon me and my family. For those things, I am most thankful, and have found happiness.

I hope you have also taken time out of your busy holiday schedule to contemplate those aspects of your life for which you are most thankful. May you also feel blessed. :-)

Enjoy your day... make it a crafty one!

Day 12: For my Daughter...

2011-11-12T08:00:00.002-05:00

THIS is a powerful statement.

I try to live each day, being thankful for the many blessings I have in my life. I thank God every day for my family - both my little family now, and for my parents, who have long since gone to Heaven. My lifelong dream has always been to hear that one beautiful word, spoken by my own child, "Mommy". And, only by the Grace of God (oh, and my hubby), has this been possible. :-)

For my daughter, I am forever thankful.

Day 11: November 11, 2011 is Veteran's Day

2011-11-11T11:11:00.002-05:00

Today, I am thankful for every soldier - past and present - who has ever Served Our Country. Thank you. Thank you for the sacrifice you have made, and are continuing to make, to protect Our Freedom. Thank you for putting the needs of our Country ahead of the needs of your own comfort. Thank you for allowing my child to run free in a land where we do not live in fear, but in Freedom... all because of YOU - The American Soldier. The Military. The member of the Armed Forces - Navy, Marines, Army, Air Force.

For our Freedom, and our Veterans, I am Thankful.

Days 9 - 10: I Am Thankful for Teachers!

2011-11-10T11:00:00.001-05:00

Welcome to Days Nine and Ten in My Month of Thankfulness... a month-long celebration of the things I am thankful for in my own life.

Today, I am thankful that my child has a few days off from school. I miss seeing her sweet, beautiful, smiling little face all day when she's in school! As a stay-at-home-mom, I think it was more difficult for me to be alone all day (at first) without her, than it was for her to be in school all day making new friends, learning new things and "adopting" each new teacher into our family. I'm thankful that her schools have been so fantastic, but I'm also very thankful when we have a few precious "school days" to spend together instead!

And, speaking of teachers, I'm making a few cards as Teacher Gifts for the fantastic teachers who have taken such wonderful care of our daughter in school! We have been blessed to have such incredible teachers throughout her years in school, so far: Mrs. Z, Dr. A, Ms. L and Mrs. L. Each one has been loving, nurturing, enthusiastic and like family to us.

For our excellent Teachers in our education system, I am Thankful!

Days 5- 8: So Thankful for CHoP...

2011-11-10T09:08:00.001-05:00

I am thankful that we live so close to a world-renowned hospital specializing in the care of children. Children's Hospital of Philadelphia is THE place for excellent pediatric care, by far. :-) Children and their families are flown in from around the country and around the globe to receive care here.

A few months ago, I parked next to a dark blue SUV in the parking lot of a local Walmart. The license plate caught my eye - CHOP RN. I was moved to write this person a heartfelt note of thanks, even though I had absolutely NO idea who owned the car, OR had never personally had a reason to visit CHoP for our own child. Yet, many of my personal friends have had to visit CHoP in emergency or urgent situations, and many of the results have been life-saving or miraculous. I placed my hand-written note on the windshield, and hoped that this person would read it and feel the gratitude of so many parents and children whose lives he or she has touched, simply by being a dedicated nurse at CHoP.

We just visited CHoP ourselves, for the first time ever. Our family was given excellent care from the welcome at the parking garage, all the way through the Cast Stage. Everyone we met was friendly, knowledgeable and shared a great sense of humor with us during a time that could have been quite stressful.

For Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, and all of their wonderful doctors, nurses, and staff, I am Thankful.

Day 4: Leaving Me Thankful...

2011-11-04T08:00:00.013-04:00

I am thankful for the opportunity to take long thought-provoking walks with our family, through forest trails. Sounds odd coming from someone whose idea of "camping" is a trip to the local Red Roof Inn, right?

We choose our favorite leaves, and press them inside the pages of our favorite books. Sometimes, we use wax to preserve the leaves. In school, we place our leaves under paper and rub them with a crayon to reveal the veins and leaf patterns.

Here on the East Coast, the fall foliage is so breath-taking that people from all across the US, as well as other countries, actually pay to take sight-seeing trips just to view the magnificent colors of the changing leaves. The Strasburg Railroad (Strasburg, PA) has a train ride specifically for this occasion. Bus trips through Pennsylvania, Maine, New York, New Hampshire and more abound.

For us, it's as close as a walk around the block.

I am thankful.

Day 3: Thankful for Thirsty Thursdays!

2011-11-03T08:00:00.007-04:00

I have a friend who enjoys her "Thirsty Thursdays", as she calls them. It's a night where she and her husband kick back and relax with a cold beverage, while watching their favorite TV shows. Her Facebook posts on Thursdays always make me giggle. And, for her weekly reminder to "kick back and relax", I am thankful! :-)

Here's to you, Julie!

Day 2: Thanks for the memories...

2011-11-02T08:00:00.004-04:00

Those who know me well, know that I have a form of "memory block" that happens when one subconsciously tries to block traumatic images and/or memories. It's something I've lived with for most of my adult life and I'm comfortable in the knowledge that, for me, scrapbooking has helped me to retain memories that I otherwise would not be able to recall without the constant replay of photos and journaling. :-)

For my love of scrapbooking, photography and journaling, I am Thankful.

CTMH - November SOTM Blog Hop with "Cherish The Day"

2011-11-01T10:02:00.000-04:00

Hello and welcome to our Close To My Heart Stamp of the Month Blog Hop! It's a circular hop, so whether you start with mine or arrive from Lori Brown's blog "Saving My...", you can visit all of our consultants by simply clicking on the link at the end of our posts. (If you get lost along the way, please visit our SOTM Blog Hop List here.)

Make yourself comfy and let's go blog hopping! :-) I'll be posting my artwork soon, but in the meantime, please enjoy the hop!

Now "Hop" on over to Pamela O'Connor's Blog

"Reflections of my aRt & sOul"

to enjoy her artwork, too!

Be sure to visit all the Consultants at their Blogs

to get some great crafting inspiration and other fun ideas!

Remember, our "Cherish The Day" SOTM S1111 is only available until November 30, 2011! Contact your CTMH Consultant (or click here) to order your set for $17.95, or you can now buy this D-size $17.95 stamp set for just $5.00 with your $50.00 purchase. :-)

Enjoy our hop and ... enjoy your day, make it a crafty one!

LINKY PARTIES!!!!

I am obsessed with Linky Parties, lately, have you noticed? ;-) I'm planning to enter a few Linky Parties, too. Here's who I'll be playing with this week:

Thirty Days of Thankfulness - Day 1

2011-11-01T10:00:00.003-04:00

I am a happy person by nature. I love to smile, laugh and giggle. I love to find the "Happy Happy Joy Joy" in life. I have also encouraged our child to smile while we seek out the "Happy" in every moment.

Today, on this first day of our Month of Giving Thanks, I am thankful that my wonderful Dad taught me at an early age how to see my glass as "half full", while imagining that what was missing from the other half was already something I've enjoyed (instead of something that was missing). :-) Thank you, Daddy!

So, today, I'm sharing with you something that I enjoy every Tuesday! Papercraft Magazine's blog "MoxieFab World" has a FANTASTIC challenge each Tuesday afternoon called "Tuesday Trigger". I'll be working on my Tuesday Trigger inspiration this week just as soon as it's posted... won't you join me?

Thank you for joining me on this Day One of Giving Thanks!

What are YOU thankful for? Why not get creative and send a handmade card to someone who has inspired YOU to think "happy"!

Have a great day... make it a crafty one!

Tuesday Tute - Base and Shade Stamping Pumpkin

2011-10-04T08:00:00.001-04:00

Here's a quick video tutorial about "Base and Shade Stamping", one of my favorite stamping techniques. Many of the CTMH My Acrylix stamps have coordinating base and shade images!

It's so quick and easy, but has such an impact - great for 3-dimensional stamping!

Enjoy your day... make it a crafty one!

World Card-Making Day 2011!

2011-10-01T23:58:00.000-04:00

I love making cards, so of course, I love World Card Making Day!

Here's what I created today... a few more of these cards:

Love the paper as much as I do? Here's a look at the entire ROXIE paper pack - I LOVE the zebra print paper and just can't wait to use more of this kit!

Happy World Card Making Day 2011!

To enter YOUR card into the PaperCrafts' 2011 World Card Making Day Contest, click here.

Enjoy your day... make it a crafty one!

CTMH - October SOTM Blog Hop with "Holiday Magic" (Not Just for Christmas!)

2011-09-30T21:00:00.041-04:00

Hello and welcome to our Close To My Heart Stamp of the Month Blog Hop! It's a circular hop, so whether you start with mine or arrive from Debra's blog "Memories of the Heart", you can visit all of our consultants by simply clicking on the link at the end of our posts. (If you get lost along the way, please visit our SOTM Blog Hop List here.)

Make yourself comfy and let's go blog hopping! :-)

While the "Holiday Magic" images APPEAR to be quite winter holiday focused, my mind is currently consumed by preparations for our first annual Halloween Party! Yay! So, without further ado, here is my Halloween-inspired creation, using "Holiday Magic" in my crazy, unique way!

Yes, this gift tote was entirely made using CTMH's September SOTM "Holiday Magic", a limited edition set of stamps available only thru your Close To My Heart consultant, and only until the end of October 2011. The set includes 18 unique images including what initially appears to be stockings, triangular trees, and a sleigh. ;-)

Many of these images can be used with our new Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge, however, they are not listed as particular shapes. (Remember, this Cricut cartridge and bundle is ONLY available thru your CTMH consultant. If you don't have your own, please visit my site to get yours now!)

I can't help it - I'm Halloween-ifying everything that doesn't move... and a few that do, too. ;-)

Tri-Color Stamping of "Tree" Image

By simply changing the stamp colors, and turning the tree on its end, it becomes an interesting background stamp for my "BOO" banner. I'm using this tote (recycled plastic) to hold party goodies at our first annual Halloween Bash. You could easily make a similar tote in cardstock using our new Art Philosophy cartridge. :-)

Now "Hop" on over to Dawn's Blog

"I Am a Happy Stamper"

to enjoy her artwork, too!

Be sure to visit all the Consultants at their Blogs

to get some great crafting inspiration and other fun ideas!

Remember, our "Holiday Magic" SOTM is only available until Halloween Night - October 31, 2011! Contact your CTMH Consultant (or click here) to order your set for $17.95, or you can now buy this D-size $17.95 stamp set for just $5.00 with your $50.00 purchase. :-)

Enjoy our hop and ... enjoy your day, make it a crafty one!

LINKY PARTIES!!!!

I am obsessed with Linky Parties, lately, have you noticed? ;-) I've entered a few Linky Parties, too. Here's who I'm playing with this week:

Best Dressed For Less!

2011-09-23T14:28:00.001-04:00

If you have kids and live in the South Jersey area... YOU MUST SHOP HERE! :-) The Best Dressed For Less Consignment Sale (BDFL) is a twice-yearly event that draws in over 400 Consignors - moms (and dads) just like you and I - who are as committed to keeping our landfills from overflowing as I am. :-) Colleen and Kris are the two moms who created, organize, and generally make this sale the wonderful event that it is. All of the BDFL volunteers are Consignors who are moms and dads just like us. You'll feel like you're shopping with your BFF's when you are at this sale!

Re-Use, Recycle, Re-Purpose!

We each individually have SO much! How many times has your child almost magically outgrown a perfectly good pair of pants (or a dress, or shirt, etc.) - maybe worn only once or twice - in what seems like the time it takes to do fifteen loads of laundry? I know my own child had a growth spurt over the summer and it seems that MANY local kids did, as well!

Here's my story:

As a Consignor, I was able to shop the BDFL Pre-Sale (held the day before the Public Sale), and I was AMAZED at how many BRAND NEW OUTFITS, SHOES and TOYS WITH TAGS were available!

Personally, I think there are alot of moms out there like me - I love to shop throughout the year, and I love end-of-season sales. But, my level of accuracy in predicting sizes a year ahead isn't always 100%, so I'm left with new clothing that A) my child has already outgrown before wearing, or B) is no longer on her "style radar". (I sometimes envy those moms who still have the opportunity to pick out their children's outfits past preschool age - lucky you!!!! Even luckier, you can shop this sale without your kids in tow! haha) How many times does your child's favorite color change from "Oh I LOVE LOVE LOVE PINK!" to "Me, wear PINK? No way! Never! UGH!" Yes, and, that's usually after Mama scores some big PINK PINK PINK fashion finds, right? ;-) I feel your pain, really I do.

Or, how many of us have daughters who aren't into the cutesy, frilly size 8 baby doll dresses than Auntie Em insists on buying for her? Despite telling Auntie Em that our child has a current penchant for Rocker style, black leather and sparkly girl temporary tattoos, she always buys her these adorable girly girl "frou frou" dresses with teddy bears on the front. I allowed myself to stop forcing her to wear the dresses two years ago b/c so many of my mommy friends insisted it was ok not to force her to wear the dresses, even just for photos. {Items and names have been changed to protect the feelings of Auntie Em, of course. ;-) } I know there are others out there, because I found lots of could-be gift items at the sale!

I love the BDFL sale because it offers me the opportunity to pass along items that are new, or gently used, for a fraction of their cost, to someone else who will LOVE the item... and to earn some spending money, at the same time. Believe me, it has taken me YEARS to be okay "letting go". I'm trying to declutter my life... one new-with-tags item at a time. ;-)

My goal is to consign enough items to allow my child to choose a few outfits, DVD's, books and toys (yes, I let her choose a few toys at this sale, even though we didn't consign any this time), without spending over 33% of what I'm hoping to earn at this sale. The other 67% will go towards our Family Goal. See, the BDFL Sale is also a learning tool for our family - it is teaching our family SO many useful lessons! :-)

BDFL SALE PHOTOS

Here are a few of my own photos from the Pre-Sale AND just one of the items that my child purchased and LOVES (above)!

Happiness for only $3.50!!!!!

I'm already a firm believer in living Green... I recycle, I re-purpose and I re-use whenever I can. This BDFL Sale is just one more way we live Green.

I hope if you live in the South Jersey area, have children, and wish to save money where you can, that you make the time to shop at the Best Dressed For Less Consignment Sale this weekend!

BDFL Consignment Sale Hours:
Friday, 9/23/11 9am to 7pm
Saturday, 9/24/11 9am to 5pm
Sunday, 9/25/11 11am to 3pm and many items will be marked 50% off!

To read my previous post about the BDFL Sale, click here.

For more information on the Best Dressed For Less Consignment Sale, or to find information on how to become a Consignor for the NEXT SALE (Spring 2012), please visit their website here.

Sharing From The Heart Blog Hop!

2011-09-14T05:00:00.000-04:00

Welcome to our Close To My Heart Sharing From the Heart Blog Hop! If you've hopped here from the very talented Patti's blog "Patti Rowe.com", then you are on the right track!

This month, we're highlighting Fall Themes, our "Limited Edition" Stamp of the Month and a fantastic / unexpected Color Combo, too! Let's go hopping...

FALL THEMES

Nothing says "FALL" to me more than pumpkins and foliage that changes color as dramatically as our deciduous trees on the East Coast! Until I can post my own artwork (later this week), please enjoy this wonderful tutorial on Base & Shade stamping, using our new base and shade stamp set called "So Grateful", page 66 of the new Autumn/Winter Idea Book:

"Limited Edition" SOTM

Here's one of my new gift tags for my husband's homemade organic salsa... all tags were made with the new "Limited Edition" stamp of the month and the Roxie paper pack! Click here if you'd like to see more!

Gift Tag made with "Limited Edition" SOTM

Color Combo!

http://www.hgtv.com/decorating-basics/sizzling-makeovers-from-color-splash-miami/pictures/index.html

I just love color! One of my favorite HGTV designers is David Bromstad, the first winner of the HGTV Design Star challenge. His show "Color Splash" is simply fantastic - oh what I wouldn't give to have one of his original signed pieces of art hanging in MY home! :-)

With that in mind, I used the following CTMH colors for my creation: Pansy Purple, Smoothie and Grey Flannel, and I used the photo ABOVE for my inspiration!

Please check back later for my personal artwork!

I've been feeling a little BLUE of late. :(

Don't stop here... our blog hop continues
with a visit to the talented
Jody's blog

"Cre8n' Memories"

Have a great day... make it a crafty one!

Remembering 9/11 - The Memorial Pools and 1WTC 2011

2011-09-11T22:45:00.000-04:00

Photographs taken on Friday, 9/9/11, of the Memorial Pools and 1WTC, still under construction.

Artist Rendering

Remembering 9/11 - A Personal Account

2011-09-11T08:46:00.004-04:00

I am a New Yorker at heart, through and through. Oh, I may not have been BORN in NY, nor do I LIVE in NY... but I love NY, always have. I love Manhattan, I love Long Island, I love the North Fork and the Hamptons. I even married a true New Yorker. I am a New Yorker at heart now, too. Or, maybe that's just me being an American at heart. Because ten years ago, every American I know was watching CNN for up-to-the-minute news of NYC, DC and PA for days on end, waiting for answers. Rudy Guiliani was the Nation's mayor.

I cry every single time we pass the "Freedom Tower" (now officially known as 1 WTC) and the site of the memorial pools in the footprints of the Twin Towers, which is often...

WARNING: The following YouTube Video is Graphic.

Ten years ago, today, my significant other K. (now husband) was at work in Manhattan, on the 54th floor conference room of a high-rise overlooking the Twin Towers. He and his coworkers watched in disbelief, then horror, as the 1st and then 2nd jets hit. Their view was full on. Sometime between watching in horror as individuals chose to jump and the rapid crumbling of the 1st Tower, but before the 2nd Tower crumbled, the shock wore off and K. left the building to begin a very long trek away from the Financial District. Every single day since 9/11, I have thanked God that my husband had accepted a job with his employer, and not American Express. AmEX was situated in Tower Five, where 11 employees lost their lives. And, my husband would have been there when the planes hit.

Five weeks prior to 9/11, on the last Tuesday morning in July, we visited the Twin Towers with my then very young niece. It was her first - and sadly only - visit. Now, at 17, she is one of few in her school that have ever had the opportunity to visit the Twin Towers. A helicopter flew by us while we were enjoying the sights on the Observation Deck. I remember her asking us if planes could fly that low, too. K. and I both said absolutely not due to air traffic control restrictions. Sadly, little did we know... When we exited the building, I wasn't able to photograph the view from the ground b/c I had run out of film (yes, you read that correctly haha), but K. said, "Don't worry, they're not going anywhere. Just take the pic when we come back!". True words. I checked film prices in the WTC shop, but 35mm film was $15 a roll (ripoff!), so I agreed to wait. We were frequently in Manhattan, so it would not have been a problem to take the pic later. Or so we thought...

You know I thank God every day that we chose to visit in July, and not on Tuesday, September 11th. The memory of all of those sweet ladies, who fawned over my adorable niece in the Observation Cafe, haunted me for years. Many would have been at work at the time of the event, and all lost their lives. I still have those photos tucked away in an envelope... I can't bear to look at them, even 10 years later. May their souls rest in peace.

I can remember the day just as if it were yesterday. I was running late for work, as usual then. I entered our lobby and noticed that all of the building Security Guards were gathered around the new TV towers, watching CNN and talking hurriedly on their walkie-talkies. I had never taken notice of those TV towers before that day, even though they had been installed just the prior week. As I waited for the express elevators to whisk me to one of the top floors of one of Philadelphia's tallest high rise buildings, I saw the footage of the first plane's attack. I had to move closer to see because of the growing throng of people now in the lobby. And, then, as we watched in horror, the 2nd plane hit - live on camera. My blood ran cold. K. was there... in NYC... just blocks from the Twin Towers!

I clearly remember hurrying to the elevator, and actually running into a meeting for which I was already late, and telling my boss (the president of the company) to turn on his pc and get onto CNN.com, quickly because two jet planes crashed into the Twin Towers. He completely dismissed my "story", and told all of the VP's of the company to stay put b/c he was sure it was simply just a small private plane. It would be 90 minutes before he agreed to adjourn the meeting to allow others to tend to their constantly buzzing pagers and cellphones.

It seemed as if an Eternity passed before I would receive an email from K's sister who assured me that he was fine, in Central Park, a bit dazed, but certainly alive, Thank God. Cell phone communication was impossible, but email was working!

I had such an overpowering need to go to my father's side; to be with my family at this time. I gratefully left the 36th floor of the building when the Mayor of Philadelphia declared a state of emergency, asking all non-essential businesses to close in case our city was targeted next in this nationwide crisis. The announcement was made moments after the crash near the Pentagon. I remember looking out of my office window, imagining the horror of those who chose to jump to their deaths from what would be 60+ floors above me. I was lucky to make it across the bridge into NJ before the bridges were shut down for security purposes.

It became my responsibility that day to pick up my niece from school, so that I could be the one to explain to her the tragedy that occurred in a place I had just taken her to visit. We sat alone at a booth at the Silver Diner, eating sundaes and watching CNN on the small diner TV. Every where we went, people were crying.

By the time I arrived at my family's place of business at 2:30pm on 9/11/01, my entire small family was there, glued to a tiny b/w TV watching local coverage of the tragedy. My parents said the feeling was reminiscent of that fateful November day in 1963, when the nation gathered to watch coverage of JFK's assassination. We watched CNN 24/7 for days. We talked about countries where terror attacks are commonplace, about God, but mostly about what matters most - family. And, we all prayed that K. would come back to us from NYC, safely.

It would a week before K. was able to leave the island of Manhattan, since all bridges and tunnels and public transportation to/from NYC were suspended. Even the ferries were closed.

9/11 Memorial in Jersey City, NJ

Recently, my husband and I spent time in Jersey City, NJ, just across from the (former) site of the Twin Towers. Today, there is a beautiful, clear view of the still-under-construction 1WTC, formerly known as The Freedom Tower. (In the photo above, the tower is situated between the first flag on the left, and the second.) Near the base of the Ferry, the memorial onsite is heart-wrenchingly beautiful. It is thought-provoking and heartbreaking at the same time. The view of the Manhattan skyline is magnificent; the pain and sadness I felt at the memorial was palpable and almost unbearable. I can only imagine the pain that survivors have felt.

View at dusk of 1WTC (Formerly The Freedom Tower)

Here are my photos from the Jersey City 9/11 Memorial, at the base of the ferry station which was used to provide transport to emergency personnel and medical supplies, and then later the bodies of the victims.

Jersey City, NJ 9/11 Memorial Plaque

Jersey City, NJ 9/11 Fireman's Memorial

Fireman's Memorial (left), 1WTC (right)

Jersey City, NJ 9/11 Memorial Flag

Jersey City, NJ 9/11 Memorial
Actual laminated ID's and keys

Jersey City, NJ 9/11 Memorial - Actual Girder

My heart goes out to each and every person, family, employee and unsuspecting victim of this national tragedy, every time I think about that fateful day. The world has changed in the past ten years, hasn't it? Our hearts have been irretrievably broken, our innocence shattered. But our faith and courage is stronger. Ten years later, we remember and honor those who lost their lives.

While I have visited NYC many times since the attacks, I have not yet returned to the site of the Twin Towers, to pay my respects.

To see more tributes, click here to visit the Yahoo September 11th Tribute or visit ABC's Remembering September 11.

To read another personal account of a visit to to the Eleven Tears Memorial, please click here.

Please visit my blog once again

on 9/11/11 to view actual photos

of Ground Zero

taken this weekend.

Artist Rendering of The Freedom Tower / 2006

Back to School Cupcakes Rock!

2011-09-08T21:13:00.002-04:00

I love the back to school season - everything is so NEW. New clothes, shoes, books, messenger bags, lunch bags, school supplies, cupcakes. ;-) Yes, I said CUPCAKES! I just love homemade cupcakes and have always looked forward to being "that mom", you know... the one who bakes homemade cupcakes for her child's classroom. ;-)

Here's what I created for my child's first day back at school:

Welcome Back to School Cupcakes

I thought these were the most adorable school-themed cupcakes on the planet when I saw them here. So easy to make! The yellow school bus color frosting is Vanilla, with yellow food coloring. (I tried different ways to achieve that particular shade of yellow, but the food dye won. Sorry!) I would have used red M&M's or red Skittles with green frosting leaves to mimic little tiny apples (do kids really still give Teachers an apple???), but my child asked me to use tiny red Hasbro Gummy Bears instead. And, really... who notices? LOL You can choose to add a white Good and Plenty on the side, to mimic a piece of chalk, but I didn't. No one likes those here. I used Keebler Deluxe Grahams for the "mini chalkboards", with plain Vanilla frosting in a pastry bag for the writing on the cookies. My first foray into cookie writing went rather well, I must admit. I really enjoyed the process and after decorating 30 mini-chalkboard cookies, my handwriting seemed better, although my eyesight... eh, not so much. LOL

The only thing that was decidedly not fun was that when I arrived at my child's new school, I was told that it is a "Cupcake Free" school. NO cupcakes, whether store bought or homemade, are permitted due to allergies. :-( I certainly applaud the school for taking allergies so seriously. (No worries... the kids at our bus stop liked them just fine!)

Well... there go MY dreams of being the Cupcake Mom... at THIS school, anyway. ;-) LOL

Enjoy your day... make it a crafty one!

P.S. I'm posting this on one of my favorite blogs "Tip Junkie" on her "Tip Me Tuesday" blog post! Check it out, b/c there are LOADS of adorable crafty things happening there!

NEW! Tuesday Tutes - "Enjoy" Inspiration

2011-09-06T08:00:00.008-04:00

I am a visual learner - I love to read directions, but I really need photos to help me visualize the steps. I'm the kind of driver that even with my GPS, I like to go by landmarks. ;-) So, with that in mind, I'd like to bring you the occasional "Tuesday Tute"... tutorials with photos and/or videos of a technique or an idea that I love. I hope you like my Tutes as much as I do! ;-)

Tuesday Tute:

"Enjoy" Inspiration!

Here's a very cool video tutorial showing how to use the new Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge and my new favorite stamp set - "Hooray Bouquet" (so cool that PaperCrafts magazine recently featured this set in a prize!) - to make the gorgeous 3-D flowers in this page:

D1491 - Hooray Bouquet

RED Outlined Images have

Coordinating Art Philosophy Cricut Image!

(p. 86; $17.95 US++)

Here's the video tutorial:

Please enjoy this YouTube video and let me know what kind of flowers YOU like to use on your scrapbook pages, cards, or altered items. Don't forget, leave me some "love" (as a comment)! :-)

P.S. Remember, you can always view more video tutorials on my ctmhTV website here!

Enjoy your day... make it a crafty one!

"Limited Edition" and Baker's Twine Tute (SOTM Blog Hop - Sep 2011)

2011-08-31T23:39:00.004-04:00

Hello and welcome to our Close To My Heart Stamp of the Month Blog Hop! It's a circular hop, so whether you start with mine or arrive from Angela Tutton's blog (Tutton's Treasures), you can visit all of our consultants by simply clicking on the link at the end of our posts.

Make yourself comfy and let's go blog hopping! :-)

This month, we are playing with CTMH's September SOTM "Limited Edition", which is, in fact, a limited edition set of stamps available only thru your Close To My Heart consultant, and only until the end of September 2011. The set includes 14 unique images, two of which coordinate with the new Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge! (Remember, this Cricut cartridge and bundle is ONLY available thru your CTMH consultant. If you don't have your own, please visit my site to get yours now!)

"Limited Edition"

I love this set for its endless possibilities! Here are just two for now and I've also included a quick and easy BAKER's TWINE TUTORIAL after the hop link, below:

Here's the "BEFORE":

And, AFTER!

GIFT TAG (made with homemade Baker's Twine! See Tute below!):

LABEL FOR MY HUSBAND'S HOMEMADE SALSA:

CARDS - COMING SOON!

LAYOUTS - COMING SOON!

Now "Hop" on over to Terrie Dodd's Blog

"My Life in Real Time"

to enjoy her artwork, too!

Be sure to visit all the Consultants at their Blogs

to get some great crafting ideas and other fun ideas!

Remember, our "Limited Edition" SOTM is only available until September 30, 2011! Contact your CTMH Consultant (or click here) to order your set for $17.95, or you can now buy this D-size $17.95 stamp set for just $5.00 with your $50.00 purchase. :-)

SPECIAL SPECIAL SPECIAL SPECIAL SPECIAL SPECIAL!

September is National Stamping Month!

Every order of $75.00 or more

will receive a FREE double D-size stamp set

(retail value of $34.90) - FREE FREE FREE!

Click here for more information.
Click here to shop with me!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Baker's Twine Tutorial

My love of baker's twine goes way back... to visiting our local bakery as a child with my Dad. I loved watching the baker pull the twine from a small metal box or simply twine ball hung just above the counter and magically wrap our bakery box, securely hiding our decadent treats. It amazed me how the baker was able to wrap the box so securely, and yet my Dad was always able to unwrap the box with such a quick flourish. :-)

Now, the only baker's twine I've seen has been in the craft store (not for lack of visiting bakeries, though). (Note to Bakeries: Taping the box just doesn't have the same magic!)

But... alas... baker's twine only comes in a few delicious colors. In my LSS, Martha Stewart twine is only available during the holidays and only comes in basic red, green, blue. Sure, I can order online and find a bigger variety, and wait for delivery... but I found an IMMEDIATE way to satisfy my craving for baker's twine... in colors that perfectly match my CTMH projects!

Here's how:

Ingredients:
- White / Beige Twine, or embroidery floss, or CTMH
- Markers - I used CTMH markers to match my project exactly. You could use Copic markers, Sharpies, or another type of permanent marker.
- Wooden Ruler
- Masking Tape or clear tape, as I used in my tutorial

Step 1:
Use CTMH or white (or bamboo colored, as I did) embroidery floss. Make sure that what you are using contains no baker's starch (sometimes added to the real thing).

Step 2:
Wrap tape around a ruler, sticky-side out so that the floss will stick to the ruler.

Step 3:
Wrap a lengh of floss around a ruler, making sure that it is secure and tightly wound together.

Step 4:
Press your marker into the floss, at an angle and at evenly spaced intervals. Do this completely around the entire ruler, front and back. Really saturate the floss, but be careful that you do not press too hard b/c the marker can bleed too much color into one area.

Step 5:
Allow to dry. The beauty of using CTMH markers is twofold - 1) it matches my CTMH papers perfectly and 2) our markers dry rather quickly! I was able unwind and use my newly "dyed" baker's twine in less than a minute! Talk about immediate gratification! ;-)

Here's my inspiration... check it out for yourself!

YouTube Video courtesy of UKmaryanne.

Now "Hop" on over to Terrie Dodd's Blog

"My Life in Real Time"

to enjoy her artwork, too!

Be sure to visit all the Consultants at their Blogs

to get some great crafting ideas and other fun ideas!

Enjoy your day... make it a crafty one!

P.S. I'm posting this on one of my favorite blogs "Tip Junkie" on her "Tip Me Tuesday" blog post! Check it out, b/c there are LOADS of adorable crafty things happening there!

Irene, do you like cake?

2011-08-27T17:57:00.000-04:00

Special of the Day - Irene's Upside Down Cake!

No better way to "celebrate" a "Hurricane Party" than with a homemade cake! Hurricane Irene: Go away and don't come back another day! Those of us on the East Coast are ready for you, but it's in God's hands now.

Obviously, we are not celebrating, but I did get up extra early today to bake us two cakes, just in case the power does go out. My hubby loves cake and I know that if we do lose power due to the hurricane, it will be my hubby (and God) who gets us through the days/nights without power. Thanks, hubby!

For those of you who are in Irene's path on the East Coast, be safe!

A Wickedly Sweet Tutorial

2011-08-26T18:56:00.001-04:00

Do you remember my retro Candy Bar Invitation from this month's SOTM Blog Hop? Here's the easy-peasy visual tutorial to make your very own wrappers or invitations!

A Wickedly Sweet Candy Bar Invitation

First let me say that you need NOT use cardstock for your candy bar wrappers!!!! Please do so if you like heavy weight wrappers (and won't cringe if the recipient simply rips off the paper and trashes your artwork), but if you want to be thrifty, you can simply use plain ol' copy paper, as I did for my quickie inexpensive sample. This is also a great way to make many wrappers (i.e., for school classmates who will simply toss the wrapper!) without feeling as if your creativity is for naught.

Creativity need not cost you more

than the price of a candy bar!

{That being said, please check back soon when I will show you how to make a wrapper to equal the price of a really good bar of chocolate, and that has ANOTHER special surprise, too. ;-) }

Second, my directions are for making the exact same Wrapper that I made here, using plain copy paper and CTMH "Wicked" stamps, but you can certainly use the stamps - Halloween or otherwise - in your own stash! :-)

WICKEDLY SWEET TUTORIAL:

Step 1:

Measure your candy bar of choice. I used a standard sized Hershey Bar, but you can use whatever candy bar you like. :-) Cut Base Paper to fit - either leaving edges exposed or not.

Hershey Bar Measurements: My edges are exposed, so I cut a standard 8 1/2" x 11" sheet of white copy paper in half on the long side; both my Base Paper and my Overlay are 5 1/2" x 8 1/2". )

Step 2:
If you are using a different color of paper, or cardstock, for your Overlay, then please cut this piece the same size as your Base Paper.

Hershey Bar Measurements: My Overlay Paper measures 5 1/2" x 8 1/2", too.

Step 3:
Stamp the beautiful 6" swirl in the "Wicked" stamp set on the right and left edges of your Base Paper. Remember to center the stamp and adjust the pattern so that both sides match.

I used a Watermelon Ink Pad and a Black Ink Pad, and stamped my image less than 1/4" from the edges. To achieve the 2-tone stamping effect, I simply touched the center of the swirl in the edge of my Black Ink Pad.

Step 4:
Stamp Paper Overlay using the Honeycomb pattern from "Wicked". Line up Honeycomb with edges on one side only. The Honeycomb pattern is designed to interlock perfectly, and being acrylic, you can see exactly where to stamp the next Honeycomb.

Do not worry that the pattern goes over the edge. You will be cutting this anyway.

NOTE: I used Grey Flannel and Black Ink Pads. I stamped the entire image in Grey Flannel, then touched the just the edges (or 1 full honeycomb) into the edge of my Black Ink Pad. Do NOT do this using a LIGHTER color ink for the accent, as you will most definitely transfer darker ink to the lighter color ink pad. This works wonderfully with Black as the accent, b/c you will not notice the other color on your ink pad (too much). I do it all the time, but use a different Black Ink Pad for regular stamping. ;-)

Step 5:
Now, you can choose to "fussy cut" both sides of your Paper Overlay (as shown in this tutorial), or just the right side (as originally done). To fussy cut on both sides, first trim around the honeycomb pattern on the LEFT side first. Then, position your Paper Overlay over your Base Paper so that the Base swirl is visible on the LEFT SIDE only.

On the RIGHT SIDE, place a mark on the Honeycomb closest to the swirl which will not cover the swirl. Your goal is to cut the honeycomb edge to allow the pink/black swirl on the Base Paper to show. :-)

Step 6:
Affix your Paper Overlay to your Base Paper, allowing both Base swirls to show. ONLY use adhesive on the very OUTER EDGES of the papers, because you need to be able to slip the invitation INSIDE. Do NOT adhere the Overlay to the Base anywhere other than the outer edges.

Step 7:
Let's move onto the Hidden Invitation: I used White Daisy Cardstock for my hidden invitation because I wanted the heavyweight of the c/s to hold up to the bling, the cat, and the pulling motion necessary to unveil the invitation.

Cut your invitation to fit INSIDE the layer between the Overlay and the Base, when the wrapper is in place (over the candy bar). Remember to leave enough "wiggle room" so that the invitation does not get stuck INSIDE.

Hershey Bar Measurements: 2" x 2 3/4" was enough to fit the info and stamps I wanted to use. The 2" width fits perfectly side-to-side, and I could have made the invitation longer than 2 3/4" too.

Step 8:
Stamp the party info on the card. I used "Wicked" and the limited edition "Fanfare" for the "Place, Time, Where" stamps. I also used part of the swirl on the right edge.

For the two tone effect of "Put Your Best Foot Forward", again I used two different ink pads, but this time I only stamped the pink swirls first, then after cleaning the stamp...

I stamped "Best Foot Forward" ONLY in black. The BEST thing about clear acrylic stamps is that you CAN position the stamp perfectly when doing this! :-)

Step 9:
Stamp the cat on scrap white cardstock and then fussy cut her out. Attach her to the hidden invitation with a small pop dot.

Step 10 (featuring the Masking Technique):
Let's move onto the top of the candy bar wrapper - the main stamped image. I used "Have a Wicked Halloween" from the "Wicked" stamp set, but again - you can use your own stash. Just choose an image that is big enough to make an impact. :-)

To create a two-tone stamped image, you can use the masking technique, or you can simply do what I do when I don't have re-positionable tape available: I gently pressed the just the edges (including both scrolls and the words "Have A") in my Watermelon ink pad, inked the c/s, cleaned my stamp, then stamped ONLY the main image "Wicked Halloween" in my Black Ink Pad. To do this, you can simply gently WIPE OFF the black ink wherever you don't want it. Then... gently huff onto the stamp to re-activate the ink. Then, line up the scrolls and stamp the black image. Voila! This takes alot more practice to do, so if you are new to stamping or using rubber stamps, get yourself some Post-It notes and use the masking technique!!!! :-)

Ink edges of cardstock using the direct to paper (DTP) technique. Simply hold your cardstock in one hand, and gently scrape the side of your ink pad onto the paper... creating a beautiful soft line of ink on the edges!

Hershey Bar Measurements: 1 9/16" high (top to bottom) x 3 3/8" was just enough to fit my stamped image. You can make yours an even 1 1/2", but then you must be exacting with your stamping. ;-)

Step 11:
Cut Black Cardstock to allow for a 1/8" border around your main stamped image. Affix stamped main image to black cardstock. Affix this to wrapper with dimensional tape, or 3-D Pop Dots.

Hershey Bar Measurements: 1 3/4" high (top to bottom) x 3 5/8".

Step 12:
Carefully line up the center swirl on the candy bar, wrap around candy bar allowing space for easy on/off movement. Secure edges on back side with adhesive and cut off excess.

Step 13:
Bling it up! I used Clear Bitty Sparkles for accents, Sakura Gel Pen / Black for the cat tail, Glitz Glitter Glue for the cat's eyes since it's iridescent, and a white organdy ribbon under the main stamped image.

If you'd like to have more deets, including the shopping list, click here to return to my original blog post.

That's it! Easy, right? You can do more, do less, do it YOUR way! I love candy bar wrappers and use them frequently since my child's classmates LOVE getting candy and granola bars as class treats. Candy bar wrappers are quick, easy, fun and everyone can play along. Crafting should be fun, and not a challenge of our artistic skills! Plus, it's retro. ;-)

LINKY PARTIES!!!!

I am obsessed with Linky Parties, lately, have you noticed? ;-) Since I was planning this Tutorial anyway, I decided to enter it into a few Linky Parties, too. Here's who I'm playing with this week:

P.S. I'm posting this on one of my favorite blogs "Tip Junkie" on her "Tip Me Tuesday" blog post! Check it out, b/c there are LOADS of adorable crafty things happening there!

Hoooooooo Are You?

2011-08-24T01:58:00.000-04:00

A funny thing happened to me while I was linking up my Wickedly Sweet Candy Bar Invitation to a bunch of Linky Parties... I came across an adorable blog with my favorite - owls:

Of course, being that it is now 1:42am, this is a perfect blog for me to be creeping after midnight. ;-)

AnyHOOOOO... today's challenge is to answer the following questions - won't you play along with me, too? If you do, please link back to Night Owl Crafting by grabbing their button, and posting YOUR answers on YOUR blog! Here we go...

Here are this week's questions!

1. Do you prefer to use a regular pencil or mechanical pencil?
2. What is your favorite color in the crayon box?

3. Bottled glue or glue stick?

4. calculator or do it in your head?
5.Favorite subject while in High School?

My Own Personal Answers:

1.) I love the "sound" of mechanical pencils (the quiet clicking noise as the lead is scootched down a notch), but I love standard No. 2 pencils. So, that's what I use... smooth No. 2's.

2.) My favorite color in my Crayola crayon box is... sadly no longer available! I think the color was originally called Aquamarine and during a recent visit to the Crayola Factory, I bought a handful... because I could. ;-)

3.) Bottled glue for school crafts - and it has to be good ol' Elmer's too! I admit, I love to pour a bunch on my hands and peel it off in one layer. LOL (It's *almost* as good as peeling my hubby's sunburn... almost!) (Note: for my own papercrafting, I use Glue Dots more than liquid glue! LOL)

4.) Honestly, I always double-check my "in my head" calculations using the calculator function on my Samsung Fascinate cellphone if it's really important. But, most of the time, I do the math in my head.

5.) My favorite subject was whatever E.B. White was teaching - math, science, you name it. :-) :::crush crush crush::: (But, if it wasn't based purely on the teacher... then I would say... science or theology.) ;-)

Well, now that you know just a little bit more about MOI, please answer your own questions on YOUR blog and link back to Night Owl Crafting!

Have a great day... and make it a crafty one!

Pair-A-Phrase Blog Hop: For the Purist & More!

2011-08-14T21:00:00.030-04:00

Celebrate National Stamping Month!

This month, Close To My Heart is GIVING AWAY a FREE double-stamp set to everyone who places an order worth $75 or more! (Offer good while supplies last from August 15th to September 30th, 2011.) Get yours by visiting my website here, or by contacting your own CTMH consultant.

Our Pair-A-Phrase Blog Hop!

Let us show you how to use this fantastic FREE set of stamps to create fabulous cards, layouts, altered items and more! Our Blog Hop is a circular one, simply click on the link shown at the bottom of my blog to continue. If you get lost along the way, you can view the entire list of hoppers here.

If you have come here from

Angel Sawyer's blog "Running With Scissors",

then you are on the right track. :-)

I love creating cards and Pair-A-Phrase is a perfect card-crafting set of stamps. I was inspired to create groups of cards, but for today's hop, let me show you the versatility of one simple pair of stamps within this set - the adorable Owl and "Believe In Whooo You Are." --- LOVE IT!

"Whoooooooooooooo" knows what else I'll post throughout the National Stamping Month campaign!

Cards For The Purist

Here's a card for the Purist in all of us. It really is possible to create a quick and cute card with just plain White Daisy cardstock, one stamp set, one marker, a few ink pads and a watercolor brush. No other stamp sets were inked in the making of this set of cards. ;-) Total time - 5 minutes.

Cards: Take Two

My favorite "go to" stamp sets include "stitching" - I love the look of stitching, but honestly... I don't want to be sewing at 2am! I paired our FREE Pair-A-Phrase stamp set with one of our recent stitching sets to create an assortment of greeting cards to use throughout the year. Here's the same Owl and sentiment, in a girly tone. Total time - 10 minutes.

Cards: Triple Play 3-D

Now, let's get crazy! I'm all about dimension and texture in my crafting. I was inspired by Mojo Monday's card sketch MOJO #203 to create this card, using our brand new ROXIE paper pack, and coordinating "Instant Memories" stamp set, along with Pair-A-Phrase. (If you would like to see more of this card, please read this post.)

Here's the ENTIRE set of stamps that you will receive with the Pair-A-Phrase FREE stamp set:

Enter The "Fourth Dimension"

and YOU Can Be a WINNER!!

Will you be placing an order with me during the National Stamping Campaign Month? If so, I'd love to see what YOU create with this fabulous, new FREE Pair-A-Phrase stamp set! Remember, any order of $75 or more qualifies to get this exclusive set for FREE! And, great news - the new Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge is now available through CTMH and qualifies your order automatically! Click here for more info on this great bundle, including cartridge, 3 stamp sets and more!

Enter YOUR creation in my own personal "Fourth Dimension Contest" by emailing me your entry at ScrappyDee417@yahoo.com, by October 14th. With your permission, I'll post photos of your creations here on October 13th, put it to a vote and the winner will be selected by popular vote on October 30th! The winner receives a FREE My Acrylix Stamp Set, now worth $17.95 retail! (Winning stamp set to be chosen from my extensive in-stock inventory of stamp sets!)

Disclaimer: This private contest is only open to customers ordering from my website, or through my September EZ-Invite Order. Please email me at ScrappyDee417@yahoo.com if you are interested in placing your order and participating! Thank you!

Please continue on our Pair-A-Phrase Hop

by visiting the talented

Georgia Hauglid at

"Trust Your Crazy Ideas"

Have a great day... make it a crafty one!

Sharing From The Heart Blog Hop!

2011-08-14T05:00:00.002-04:00

Welcome to our Close To My Heart Sharing From the Heart Blog Hop! If you have hopped here from the very talented Elizabeth's blog "Broken Treasures", then you are on the right track!

This month, we're highlighting School themes, CTMH New Products and our delightfully devilish "Wicked" Limited Edition Stamp of the Month.

School's In Session!

I have millions (well, okay, maybe only 997,999) of photos on my PC. And, until recently, that's as far as my photos traveled. I bought a Studio J membership and it changed my world! Honestly! Now, I can scrapbook - QUIETLY LOL - in my own bed, while watching Castle, and there's no mess to clean up, no worries that I'll spill a little wine on my pages, no need to pull out my 352+ stamp sets looking for the perfect match. Easy, Quick, Simple, Fun. AND CREATIVE. Did I mention, Fun? :-) Anyway, here's what I created using the exclusive school paper pack on Studio J - CTMH's online studio scrapbooking:

This year, I'll use the new Typeset papers for our First Day of School photos. Still have plenty of time for that... school doesn't start until way after Labor Day this year! Yahoo!

It's a Wicked Party...

and It's NEW!

Wicked SOTM, NEW RED Glitz Glitter Gel, NEW Roxie Papers!

I made this cute little "Hats Off To You" congratulations card for my friend "C". She recently received notification from a publisher that one of her spectacular quilts has been selected for publication in an international book. I haven't seen the publication yet, but I know she's quite excited! And, the little Tulip red and Gypsy purple hat... that's a nod to her participation in the popular, but "secret" Red Hat Society. ;-) (One wears a purple hat with red ribbon until they are officially "of age" to become a member!)

This card uses the NEW Roxie papers, NEW Red Glitz Glitter Gel and the Limited Edition Wicked SOTM.

Don't stop here... our blog hop continues with

Diane Tuggle's blog

"Stamping In The Villiage"

Have a great day... make it a crafty one!

Play Along with Mojo Monday #203

2011-08-14T04:00:00.001-04:00

"What exactly is mojo?", my hubby asked me the other day. Of course, my first response was, "Oh, Mojo Monday is awesome!" OK, that's not exactly the answer he wanted.

Anyway, that led me to researching why we say, "I need to get my mojo back", etc. Did you know that according to Live Bold and Bloom, "The word “mojo” derives from an African language and relates to magic and spells to generate luck and power. In today’s language, the word still refers to a source of vigor, energy, sexual potency and power. An entire Austin Powers movie was devoted to his lost mojo and his desperate search to find it. He ultimately discovers his mojo is within, and that he had access to it all along. Groovy baby."

Alrighty then!

I love Mojo Monday! (How's THAT for a segue?) LOL To ME, my "mojo" is my creativity, my passion, my joi de vivre that blossoms whenever I create. :-) Are you with me? If so, let's play along with Mojo Monday's #203 sketch of the week:

Here's my version, all Close To My Heart Products:

Mojo Monday #203

I think I did pretty well keeping true to the sketch of the week, if I do say so myself! LOL

Here's a closer look at the stamping on the card. That's Kraft cardstock peeking out behind the Colonial White c/s. It's stamped with a "photo strip" stamp from the brand new "Instant Memories" My Acrylix stamp set. And, that cute scallop "border"? That's actually the new thin strip of "ID" paper that you can cut off of the new CTMH cardstock weight patterned papers. So fun!

Here's a super close-up of the water-colored Owl, with Glitz Glue on her wings and tiny CTMH Sparkles for eyes. :-)

Love the paper as much as I do? Here's a look at the entire ROXIE paper pack - I LOVE the zebra print paper and just can't wait to use more of this kit!

Here's a look at the FREE set of stamps, Pair-A-Phrase, FREE with a $75 CTMH purchase:

Click here to see the Pair-A-Phrase blog hop, featuring artwork using this FREE set!

If you are interested in purchasing any of the products seen here, please visit my Close To My Heart website here. I would love to be your independent consultant! :-)

Have a great day... make it a crafty one!

WIN CTMH Stamps with the Moxie Fab "Stamp of Approval"!

2011-08-11T14:59:00.000-04:00

I am always so very excited to read about Close To My Heart products in other magazines! This morning, it was PaperCrafts and today, Moxie Fab World's very own Cath Edvalson has given our new CTMH My Acrylix stamp sets their very own "Stamp of Approval".

Right now, Moxie Fab World is hosting a contest... just comment on their page here by midnight EDT on Sunday, August 14th, to win this fabulous set of FOUR CTMH My Acrylix stamp sets:

D1491 - Hooray Bouquet
RED Outlined Images have
Coordinating Art Philosophy Cricut Image!
(p. 86; $17.95 US++)

B1391 - Zoology
RED Outlined Images have
Coordinating Art Philosophy Cricut Image!
(p. 30; $9.95 US ++)

C1471 - Happy Clusters
(p. 93; $13.95 US++)

C1474 - 10 Things
(p. 24; $13.95 US ++)

Head on over to Moxie Fab World for YOUR chance to win these four adorable NEW My Acrylix stamp sets from Close To My Heart. All images outlined in RED have a coordinating Cricut image on the brand new Art Philosophy cartridge, available only through Close To My Heart! What a great way to craft!

Don't worry, if you don't win, you can always order your own here. :-)

And, if you're looking for inspiration, please become a Follower of my Blog... I'll be crafting with "10 Things" and "Hooray Bouquet" soon!

Have a happy day... make it a crafty one!

The ALL NEW Close To My Heart Idea Book is HERE!

2011-08-09T13:25:00.000-04:00

NEW Fall / Winter 2011 CTMH Idea Book!

I LOVE the release of a new Close To My Heart Idea Book! And, this Fall / Winter book is no exception. In fact, I haven't been this excited since... well, since last Fall's book. LOL Take a look through the new book here and let me know what YOUR favorite product is!

Mine is definitely the new CRICUT cartridge Art Philosophy! I might even open my new Cricut Expression the minute the FedEX guy delivers my cartridge. LOL Gee, hope he doesn't deliver while I'm cooking dinner. lol (Click on the link above to read more about Art Philosophy!)

You can order directly off my website!

Here's a rundown of some new things a-happening at CTMH:

New Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge Bundle: Click here to see all of the fantastic products you get when you purchase your exclusive Art Philosophy cartridge with CTMH. Cricut Cartridge with 700+ images, THREE D-size My Acrylix stamp sets, THREE Dimensional Elements chipboard sheets. All for just $99.00 US! GREAT DEAL! (See National Stamping Month Campaign below to see what you can get for FREE when you order Art Philosophy before September 30, 2011!)

New SOTM Policy: STARTING in August with the NEW Idea Book, the SOTM policy has changed! Now...you can purchase it at full retail price at only $17.95...which, by the way, CTMH has adjusted all their stamp prices DOWN to make them more affordable!!! OR...when you purchase $50 in CTMH product, you can purchase the SOTM for only $5...as easy as that...only 2 price points to memorize and if you ask me, the $50 in CTMH product will be EASY to reach!!! If you need help, all SOTM's pictured in the Idea Book come with a full list of items used to make the artwork you see pictured. And just when you thought it couldn't get any better...each SOTM stamp set comes with a full color copy of the artwork pictured...it's an insert that comes in your stamp set carrier.

And, just for AUGUST... a FREE set with purchase of the Wicked SOTM!

New LOWER PRICES on My Acrylix Stamp Sets:

A size now $6.95

B size now $9.95

C size now $13.95

D size now $17.95 ($5.00 LESS than before!)

E size Alphas now only $29.95!

NEW! Mischief Level 2 Paper

New LOWER PRICES on Level Two Paper Kits: Level 2 kits are now ONLY $9.95! The new patterned paper is FANTASTIC, too - it's double-sided with two different patterns and heavier weight like cardstock. Here's a link to all of the Level 2 papers currently available.

My September 2011 Girls Nite In WOTG - Typeset

New Workshops on the Go: Now, WOTG include a larger C-size stamp set! A great deal at only $29.95 - full color instructions for two 2-page layouts, full Level 2 paper pack, C-size stamp set and coordinating embellishments! If you haven't tried our WOTG, you must! Check them out here. And, if you want to join my monthly Girls Nite In Workshops on the Go, simply email me at ScrappyDee417@yahoo.com for more information!

Only Available August 15 - September 30, 2011
While Supplies Last!

FREE Pair-A-Phrase Stamp Set: Place your order of $75 US or more with me (or your own CTMH consultant) and receive this adorable double D-size stamp set for FREE! That's a $35.90 retail value for FREE! And, check my blog on August 15th for the Pair-A-Phrase Blog Hop, showcasing artwork for this terrific set AND a special Contest just for my customers!

So many exciting NEW products in the new CTMH Fall / Winter 2011 Idea Book! Browse and shop online with me!

Have a happy day... make it a crafty one!

It's a Wicked Party! (CTMH SOTM Blog Hop / August 2011)

2011-07-31T22:27:00.007-04:00

Welcome to the Close To My Heart Stamp of the Month Blog Hop for August 2011, featuring the Limited Edition stamp set "WICKED" S1108. If you have come here from the wonderfully talented Melissa Robinson's blog "Heartfelt Sentiments", then you are on the right path!

Can I tell you JUST how excited I am by all of the new and wonderful limited edition Stamps of the Month for the Close To My Heart Autumn/Winter 2011 Idea Book? Wow, ALL of the SOTM's are just so versatile, fantastic, and absolute "must haves"!

This month's SOTM is just simply "Wicked". It's a devilish set of 9 spunky little stamps and I'm in love with all of them! Sooooo... I'm throwing a WICKED PARTY! Yes, I am. :-)

Here's my sweet Hershey Bar invitation that I will be handing out to my Workshop On The Go Club girls on August 12th. (Interested in WOTG? Email me at ScrappyDee417@yahoo.com for info!) Who doesn't love chocolate?!

And, here's a closer look at the hidden invitation - underneath Miss Kitty on the right. ;-) It's tucked inside a hidden panel, beneath my random-stamped paper wrapper. Sneaky!

Stop back throughout the month, or better yet, SUBSCRIBE TO MY BLOG, in order to see all of the other fabulous candles, party favors, gift bags and whatnots that I've created for my Wicked Party! I'll be posting these items and more throughout the month. Please come on back... and get Wicked with me! :-)

CTMH Products Used (unless otherwise noted):

S1108 - Wicked (set of 9 acrylic stamps)
B1377 - Fanfare (Fanfare WOTG stamp set - used for party invitation)

White Daisy Cardstock

Black Cardstock

Z2103 - Bamboo Stamp Pad (to season my new stamps before I use them!)

Z2158 - Watermelon Stamp Pad

Z2105 - Black Stamp Pad

Z2124 - Grey Flannel Stamp Pad

Z2205 - Re-Inker / Black (mixed with...)

Z679 - Liquid Glass (mixed together to make cat's tail glossy!)

Z1263 - Bitty Sparkles (perfect for tiny spaces!)

Z1313 - Glitz Glitter Gel (Stardust) (Used to make Cat's Eyes glow!)

Z553 - Bonding Memories Glue Pen (Dries FAST and is perfect)

Z534 - Micro-Tip Scissors (used to "fussy cut" the stamped image on pull out invitation)

CTMH Stamp of the Month Program is CHANGING!

This month's Stamp of the Month is a devilish set of 9 spunky stamps. Limited Edition SOTM is available through August 31, 2011 - please contact your own CTMH consultant, or let me be yours! Click here to order yours, now... even FREE!

Our "Wicked" Hop

doesn't stop here!

Please visit the next blog on our

CTMH Stamp of the Month Blog Hop:

Carla Creates!

to see what fabulous creation

the very talented

Carla Ironside has in store for you!

To see more awesome projects Close To My Heart has in store for you with this versatile stamp set, please visit this page. The Stamp of the Month is even EASIER to purchase now because all of our D-size stamps are now only $17.95 AND it can be YOURS for only $5.00 with any $50.00 purchase.

If you get lost along the way thru our circular SOTM Blog Hop, please check out the entire list here.

Have a happy day... make it a crafty one!

P.S. I've linked this project to one of my new favorite blogs - Making The World Cuter! Please vote for my pic if you think it's cute! Thanks!

P.P.S. I've also joined the following Linky Parties, too! Please come vote for me, and/or enter your own projects:

I am #610; entered on August 23, 2011.

I am #441; entered on August 23, 2011.

I am #391; entered on August 23, 2011.

I am #300; entered on August 23, 2011.

I am #101; entered on August 23, 2011.

I entered on August 23, 2011 - Wicked Candy Bar Invitation!

I am #101; entered on August 23, 2011.

Entered on August 23, 2011.

Yes, Cricuts Are Chirping Everywhere, Jeanette!

2011-07-30T16:58:00.001-04:00

I am SOOO excited, I can barely contain myself any longer!!!!!!! :-)

On Monday, August 1, 2011, HISTORY will be made when Close To My Heart debuts its very first Cricut® Cartridge:

ART PHILOSOPHY

by Cricut®

NOTE: For a PDF file of all 700 images, please email me at ScrappyDee417@yahoo.com.

On Cricut®'s own site, you can read about it here, but you can ONLY buy it through a Close To My Heart consultant - like me! :-) To purchase YOUR very own Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge (available after August 1, 2011), please visit my website at http://doreenguilfoyle.myctmh.com. Thanks!

Check out this YouTube video:

Here's a description (of just the cartridge) from Cricut®:

"Product Details:

Cricut® CTMH-Art Philosophy Cartridge Explore fundamental crafting images with the Art Philosophy cartridge by Close to My Heart! This cartridge features an assortment of layered images that are perfect for any occasion. Creating projects will be a joy when you use the coordinating tags and cards or the two fonts included on this cartridge. Use the latest Cricut® cartridges to create unique and engaging designs for every occasion. The versatility of the cartridges will surprise even the most imaginative crafters."

- Cricut® page here

But WAIT... THERE's MORE!!! :-)

When you buy your new Art Philosophy Cricut® cartridge beginning August 1, 2011, you will ALSO receive three (3) coordinating and exclusive My Acrylix® stamp sets (each worth $17.95), plus three (3) sheets of coordinating Dimensional Elements (white chipboard cutouts) to use with your new cartridge! That's $124.69 worth of products... for only $99.00. It's a great deal! And, it's exclusively available here.

Double click on the image below for FULL photo:

And, there's even MORE!!!!

In August, when you make a purchase of $50 or more, you can purchase the Stamp of the Month (SOTM) "Wicked" for ONLY $5.00 and receive a FREE My Acrylix Stamp Set "Typeset". AND, if you can wait until August 15th (OR EMAIL ME at ScrappyDee417@yahoo.com for a special EVENT INVITATION to get yours EARLIER!), you can ALSO receive for FREE, two more exclusive My Acrylix Stamp Sets called "Pair-A-Phrase:", as our CTMH gift to you for National Stamping Month. That's THREE FREE STAMP SETS just for ordering Art Philosophy and the SOTM. How exciting is that!??? In order to qualify for this fantastic deal, please email me asap for complete information and your Special Event Invitation at ScrappyDee417@yahoo.com.

You can read more about "Art Philosophy" on CTMH founder Jeanette Lynton's blog at: http://www.jeanettelynton.com/2011/07/cricuts-are-chirping-everywhere.html

I am sooo excited, I'm chirping, too!!!!! :-) Tweet!

Best Dressed For Less!

2011-07-21T11:28:00.000-04:00

As many of you know, I am A Shopper. Many would say I should consider a 12 Step Program to cure my shopaholic syndrome, but I LIKE being a shopper... I am PROUD to be a good Bargain Shopper, if I do say so myself. :-) And, another tidbit about myself... I am a proud eco-minded, organic food type of mom, too. I love being Green.

One of the most fantastic ways to bargain shop AND be "green" is to sell and shop consignment. I've been to many, purchased at a few, but have never consigned before. Not until I came across The Best Dressed For Less Kids Consignment Sale. OMG. If you have NOT yet been to this kids clothing sale event in the Burlington, NJ area... YOU MUST VISIT! :-)

BDFL Fall Sale Event

Friday and Saturday
September 23 - 24, 2011 AND
Sunday, September 25 (50% off sale on Sun!)
New Consignor Sign Up August 8, 2011

The Masonic Home of NJ (Fellowship Center)

1114 Oxmead Road
Burlington Township, NJ

The two moms who created and coordinate this event each year are spectacular! Colleen and Kris are friendly, organized, fair and have created a fabulous twice-yearly event that is so well-attended, it's become a Hot Ticket here!

In 2009, I was the lucky Facebook winner of a $20.00 BDFL Gift Certificate, so we scoped out the consignment sale and came away with $45 worth of fantastic bargains! I was so impressed personally with Kris and Colleen, as well as all of the volunteer moms at the sale, that I decided to become a Consignor this past spring. Best. Decision. EVER. :-) (Well, one of!)

As a Consignor, I was able to price and sell up to 100 items of clothing (I consigned 62 pieces), as well as up to 100 additional items, i.e., toys, furniture, accessories, etc. (I consigned 5). Within 4 days of the sale's end, I received my Consignor Check for more than what I would have received at a yard sale, for sure! It was quick, easy, worry-free and fun! I also Volunteered (and increased my own consignment percentage by doing so), and met an amazing group of other friendly moms, too. Great experience, all around, as a Consignor, Shopper and Volunteer. Kudos to Kris and Colleen!

If your closets are full to the brim with gently-used children's clothing and toys, consider becoming a Consignor for the upcoming Fall BDFL Sale! I will be! Click here to visit their website.

CTMH July SOTM Blog Hop - American Celebration! (MOJO197 / H2H)

2011-06-30T21:00:00.030-04:00

Welcome to the Close To My Heart Stamp of the Month Blog Hop for July 2011 Limited Edition stamp set "American Celebration" D1458. If you have come here from the wonderfully talented Jen Rubio's site "Jen's Jewel Box", then you are on the right path!

Here's my creation for this month's SOTM Blog Hop:

My inspiration came from Mojo Monday Sketch Challenge #197 (MOJO197) and Heart2Heart Challenges. Why not combine a few inspirational sources at the same time, right? Check back because I have more to share using this month's SOTM. :-)

Here's the MOJO Monday Challenge Sketch of the week:

Click here to play along with the Mojo Monday sketch challenges. And, if you'd like to see which Designer's card I fell in LOVE with, click here. {Don't be shocked to learn that my favorite card (so far) is from a talented Stampin' Up! girl, "Stampin' Pretty!". Mary creates gorgeous stuff! :-)}

Here's the Heart 2 Heart Challenge Colors of the week:

Heart 2 Heart Challenge Blog Colors for week of 6/27/11

If you would like to play along with the Heart 2 Heart Challenge, too, please click here.

Here are a few closer shots, for detail:

Random Stamped Bamboo Cardstock

Random Stamped C/S cut down for 6" x 6" card

It's all about Dimension, Dimension, Dimension!

CTMH Products Used (unless otherwise noted):

D1458 - American Celebration! (set of 12 acrylic stamps)

1301 - Bamboo Cardstock

X5637 - Barn Red Cardstock
1284 - Indian Corn Blue Cardstock

Z2103 - Bamboo Stamp Pad

Z2104 - Barn Red Stamp Pad

Z2130 - Indian Corn Blue Stamp Pad
Z1263 - Bitty Sparkles (perfect for tiny spaces!)

Z553 - Bonding Memories Glue Pen (Dries FAST and is perfect)

Z724 - Embossing Pen (used for scoring the card fold and making lines to distress on card front)

Z1297 - Edge Distresser (used for distressing edges of square on card front)

Z1114 - Piercing Tool Kit (used to poke holes on right side of card front)

Z534 - Micro-Tip Scissors (used to "fussy cut" the stamped images on card front)
- Gold Star brads (other)

This month's Stamp of the Month is a brilliant set of 12 patriotic stamps. So versatile, you can use these for Veteran's Day, Independence Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, and just to say "Thanks" to your favorite American Soldier who has placed his or her priority in keeping all of us safe, and free. (Thanks!) Limited Edition SOTM is available through July 31, 2011 - please contact your own CTMH consultant, or let me be yours! Click here to order yours, now... even FREE!

Our "American Celebraton"

doesn't stop here!

Please visit the next blog on our

CTMH Stamp of the Month Blog Hop:

Paige's Paper Paradise

to see what fabulous creation

the very talented

Paige Dolecki has in store for you!

To see more awesome projects Close To My Heart has in store for you with this versatile stamp set, please visit this page on our Corporate CTMH website. You can find details on the "Stamp of the Month" here on my blog or by clicking on the "Shop with Me" link near the top left. (This will take you to my CTMH website here.)

If you get lost along the way thru our circular SOTM Blog Hop, please check out the entire list here.

Have a happy day... make it a crafty one!

Hello, Fruit Flies and Honey...

2011-06-27T11:27:00.001-04:00

We've had a REALLY busy first week of summer! We traveled to NY to visit with family and stayed at a local Hilton Garden Inn, just for a change of pace. We met an amazing family from Tulsa, OK and spent the majority of our evenings, poolside, together. The indoor pool was small, but private, so we had a blast. Only problem with being away for a week... fruit flies.

So, instead of returning home to have a few hours to myself to create, I spent the better part of the evening researching how my organic indoor basil and rosemary plants attract these tiny monsters. One thing I learned... a mixture of generic apple cider vinegar and local organic honey killed more fruit flies in one hour than any other method I tried. And, I tried A LOT. :-) Fruit flies can multiply and create 500 little critters within their short 14-day lifespan. And, that's just ONE fruit fly. So, you may need this recipe at some point. :-) (See below for recipe and how-to.)

After ridding my kitchen of the pesky critters, I was able to squeeze in just a little "me time". Whenever I have just a few minutes to myself to create, I like to challenge myself by using scraps and only ONE technique per card design. In less than 10 minutes, I created these quick and easy "HELLO" cards using the Close To My Heart June 2011 Stamp of the Month "Jubilation". I hope you like my little 3" x 3" cards!

3" x 3" Card Featuring the Flower image from "Jubilation"

3" x 3" card featuring Heart image from "Jubilation" and
Stitching from "Stitched Together"

3" x 3" card featuring the Clover image
from "Jubilation".

3" x 3" card featuring reverse side circle image from
the round images on "Jubilation".

CTMH Products Used (unless otherwise noted):

D1457 - Jubilation (set of 24 acrylic stamps) available only through June 30, 2011
D1187 - For Every Occasion (set of 28 acrylic stamps)
C1459 - Stitched Together (set of 9 acrylic stamps resembling stitching)

1385 - White Daisy Cardstock

Z2116 - Cranberry Stamp Pad
Z2193 - Cotton Candy Stamp Pad
Z2197 - Pear Stamp Pad
Z2136 - Ocean Stamp Pad (retired)
Z2167 - Creme Brulee Stamp Pad
Z2305 - Black Marker
Z724 - Embossing Pen (used for scoring the card fold)

Fiskars Treading Water Edge Punch

Remember, the CTMH SOTM is only available for a limited time! "Jubilation" is available through June 30, 2011, through your own CTMH consultant, or via my website at http://doreenguilfoyle.myctmh.com. Special Savings: Purchase $25 worth of CTMH product and receive this SOTM at 25% off; spend $50 and receive 50% off; spend $75 and receive a 75% savings; spend $100 and it's yours for FREE!

P.S. If you want more ideas for quick & simple cards like these, check out the cute cards on Lisa's blog here.

DIY FRUIT FLY TRAP

1 small clear bowl or glass cup (or many!)

Apple Cider Vinegar

Honey, preferably "Local" *

Clear Plastic Cling Wrap (Saran Wrap)

Toothpicks, Safety Pin or other sharp-pointed object

1. Pour a small amount of honey into bottom of bowl or cup.

2, Fill bowl or cup 2/3 full with apple cider vinegar.

3. Stir.

4. Obtain a portion of cling wrap large enough to completely cover the opening of your bowl or cup.

5. Pour small amount of honey on the center of your cling wrap.

6. Adhere the cling wrap to your bowl tightly, with the honey side INSIDE the bowl.

7. Poke a few very tiny holes in the cling wrap - just enough for the fruit flies to enter.

8. Place your trap near the object of the fruit flies' attention (fruit, plants, etc.)

9. Change the honey / apple cider vinegar concoction every 24-hours until fruit flies are gone.

10. Remember, their lifecycle is short, but they lay 500 eggs within 2 days of maturation! Throw out old rotting vegetables, fruit and plants quickly.

* Local honey worked better at attracting our fruit flies. In 2 hours, Local Honey attracted some 25 bugs; Generic Honey 0. Since local honey is made from flowers that are grown in my area, fruit flies may already be accustomed to gravitating towards that particular odor. Also, locally grown honey is supposedly great for reducing some allergy symptoms. It works like homeopathic medicines do by infusing your body with small amounts of what ails you. :-) It has worked, in small doses, for my daughter and I, but please check with your own doctor before conducting your own experiment! ;-)

Or, you can click here for more ideas on how to rid your home of fruit flies!