I enjoyed making all of the cards in the Snowhaven Card Kit from Close to my Heart, but before I worked on that kit, I used the new Heartstrings Cardmaking Kit that is in the Seasonal Expressions book. Instead of making all of the cards in the kit, I chose one and made these for my new card club that I'm in this year. I hope all the ladies like them! In the picture below, I chose to make the card on the left side. I have discovered a new favorite embellishment from making these cards: the extra thick twine! I never thought I would use it, but I forced myself to follow the directions exactly as they are in the guide and it required the use of this twine. Love it! I will be stocking up on this before it is no longer available!! This kit is only available for a limited time, so order before time runs out! (March 2015)

Not sure if it's cold where you are at, but it sure is cold here! Regular air temperature is -5 degrees right now and will continue to drop throughout the night again! It was somewhere around -20 degrees today with the wind chill, from what I heard! School was cancelled for today so I got to stay home. Wondering what tomorrow will bring. I was going to work in my scrapbook room today, but stayed up way too late last night with my son who wanted to play video games since it wasn't a school night! Then I got on an organizing site and then at 1:00 this morning I was cleaning out a dresser. Needless to say, I was less than productive today. I did some much needed housework instead and am actually cooking dinner, not a normal thing for me! So with the thoughts of the cold, I pulled up a picture of a card I made last weekend using the Snowhaven paper pack from Close to my Heart and the Polar Bear Holiday stamp set, also from Close to my Heart. All ink, markers and embellishments are also from Close to my Heart. Winter Cheer!

I am in love with Close to my Heart's Picture my Life program! If you are not familiar with it, it is very similar to Project Life, but with Close to my Heart exclusive designs! One of the newest sets is the Heartstrings PML (Picture My Life). Absolutely adorable! I think these would make very cute Valentine's cards or pages, anniversary cards or pages and so many more ideas are running through my mind right now! I have this on my wish list for the month of January so I can also get the Noted paper pack special! Be sure to check that out too! Hope everyone is staying warm tonight and for the next couple of days during this wonderful arctic blast! Perfect time to stay inside and scrapbook!

In celebration of National Papercrafting Month, Close To My Heart invites you to reflect on the things that make you who you are and on what you want to accomplish in the coming months. Then, with the help of the Year >> Noted paper kit, record your experiences and goals! During the month of January, with a qualifying purchase of $50, you are eligible to purchase the exclusive Year >> Noted paper kit (which has a retail value of over $24 USD / $27 CAD) for only $5—that’s over 80% off retail! Or, for an additional $5, you can order the Year >> Noted paper kit with an accompanying My Creations™ kraft mini book. The paper kit for both options includes a C-size stamp set, stickers, cardstocks, and B&T Duos™ papers, all specially designed to coordinate with the My Creations™ kraft mini book so you can have a yearlong scrapbooking experience. This means you will receive over $34 USD / $37 CAD worth of product for only $10 if you purchase the kit with the accompanying mini book! But the fun doesn’t end there—included on the sticker sheet, you will find a large golden seal. Once the year is done and all the pages are filled, seal up your book and create a mini time capsule that you can open years from now. Remember, this deal is only available for January, so make sure to get your own Year >> Noted paper kit today for the perfect start to a crafty year! Dates: Offer valid January 1, 2015–January 31, 2015. To order, click on the "Come Shop with Me" icon to the right of this post!

Yesterday I worked on and completed 8 card fronts for my Close to my Heart Stamp of the Month card swap. Since I already had the supplies out, I worked on and completed 10 cards for my new card club that I joined. I felt very productive! Today I am finishing 15 cards from the Snowhaven Workshops on the Go Cardmaking Kit. I have bought the Scrapbooking Kits before and have enjoyed those, but usually don't buy the card making kits. I don't know why, but they have never been on my list of items that I really wanted to purchase. Well this is no longer the case! I bought the Snowhaven Kit to show customers all the great items you get in the kit and also bought the new Heartstrings Cardmaking Kit, which I already used last month and loved it! If you haven't purchased a card kit before, this should be on your list for 2015! Try something new! Pictured below is the guide, pieces I have cut and stamped and some of the supplies that are included or are needed to complete the cards, along with a picture of one of my completed cards. I plan to buy all the card kits that are in the Annual Inspirations and the Seasonal Expressions this year and, I plan to actually use the kits!! So much fun in one package!

Totes To Go

Ladies, here are the 2 totes I have been drooling over and cannot wait to get!  I'm thinking crops and even a travel bag for my trip in June!  While these are currently unavailable at the time due to a big strike at the dock, I'm checking daily for availability!  I love the design and the durability of this tote!  Perfect size, but with all of my storage containers, I just might have to get myself 2 or 3 or...???!!!  This will be the best purchase of the new year!

August 6 was my last post! As you can see, school started and everything else was put on hold! I am finally getting into a routine, not really, just trying to convince myself! I spent some time tonight playing around with the layout for this blog and ended up right back where I started. Someday I will change it up, but for now, I'm content with the way it is. I did, however, manage to figure out how to add photos on the side that will feature the Stamp of the Month each month. This month's stamp is adorable! I am inspired to get started on my Christmas cards now! With a purchase of $50.00 or more, this stamp set can be yours for only $5.00! You can click on the image and it will take you to my website where you can place your order on-line and the items will be sent directly to you. If you live close by, you can always send your order to me and I will add it onto my next hostesses order and both of you will benefit! I was so excited when my new cartridge arrived! I'll leave you with this image and I am heading to my craft room to play with my new toy! Happy Fall to all of you!