Butterflies

Who doesn't love butterflies? And take a look at these. These are the new Just Bloom Flutter Paper Shapes. For only $5.95 you get 68 butterflies in 4 different styles, ranging in size from ¾” to 2 ½” in Colonial White with black designs. You can stamp on them, sponge them, dye them with reinkers and water, or dress them up with brads, sparkles, pins and more. The easiest way to color them is simply with ink and a sponge. Check out this card my friend, Tracy Liu, made with the Roxie papers. Tracy sponged Tulip ink on 3 flutter paper shapes then dressed two of them up with Bitty Sparkles (Z1263). The third butterfly was accented with one of the pins from our Bling Assortment (Z1466). Just thread the pin through the body of the butterfly and then attach with a glue dot. Easy and oh, so cute.

Why I Scrapbook

Many of you know that a little over a month ago, my family said goodbye to our beloved dog, Jack. He had been with our family for over ten years but one day, he got very, very sick and no matter what our wonderful vet did for him, he just couldn't seem to recover.

It's been a strange thing not having him around. I almost missed a hot air balloon one morning. In the past, Jack would have detected it first and barked to warn the whole family that there was a dragon in the sky and then inserted himself between the door and anyone trying to leave to make sure they knew he was watching out for them. I still find myself making sure I don't step on him in the night (he always slept at the top of the stairs to make sure no boogie men came up the stairs), I miss the thump of his tail on the floor when I would walk in a room, I miss him standing at the back door watching for my kids to come home at the end of the school day.

Recently, I sat down and pulled out several photos of my wonderful friend. I call him my friend because while I know many of  you refer to your dogs as your children, he always seemed like more of a partner in raising my family than one of my own kids. After all, he joined our family when my youngest was less than a  year old and he's been right there every step of the way, watching out for each of them. I needed to honor him some how. So while most of the photos are going to end up in a mini album honoring Jack, a few choice ones ended up on this layout. I have asked each of my kids to write down something they loved about Jack and my husband and I will add them as well. In the end, we may end up going beyond ten things we love about him but I wanted to record at least those. Because this I don't want to forget. And that is why I scrapbook.

September Stamp of the Month: Limited Edition

I’m a big fan of anything with a nostalgic touch to it. So when I saw the September stamp of the month, Limited Edition, it was right up my alley! There is a very vintage look to this stamp set and I think it would be perfect for so many things. Of course the obvious, is an invitation. Here’s my first attempt.

 Oh, I love the paper rose. I can't even begin to tell you how much simpler my CTMH Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge has made those roses. But I digress...

It’s not often that you come across a set that can be used as an invitation but is flexible enough for other options as well. My sister in law gave me a CD of Halloween music last Halloween and she decorated the case up perfectly. It inspired me to create this fun CD cover. I plan to write in on the note the contents of the case.

 Note: it's a little bulky so you might want to use a thicker CD case if you plan on using all the embellishments (which of course, I can't live without). For a thinner case, leave off the pin and the brads.

I have all sorts of great ideas for this kit. Take a plain list and spice it up a bit with these stamps, slap a magnet on the back and you have a darling refrigerator list (hmm, sounds like good neighbor gifts for Christmas). A composition notebook (on sale now with back to school) would be darling decorated up with these. And the possibilities for scrapbook journaling are huge. So take advantage of the opportunity to get this set in September because once October rolls around, it’s gone! And with a $50.00 purchase, it is only $5.00. Now that’s worth remembering!

Back to School

Where have two weeks gone? First, I sent these three off to school. Busy, busy, busy.

This one just found out she was chosen as president of her class. She is very excited.

And then I celebrated my birthday (there is no need to go into how many I've had). I took the day off to shop and play with my fabulous friend, Becky, and when I came home, my kids had made me this beautiful cake. They got a little over anxious and decorated it while it was still warm so it has a bit of a slope but it still tasted fantastic.

 

Needless to say, there hasn't been much time for paper crafting. But because it's National Stamping Month, I can't go another day without giving you some kind of inspiration. So I'm borrowing a cute idea from my wonderful friend, Launi Layton.

Launi used paper from the Dreamin paper packet and stamps from the National Stamping Month Set, Pair a Phrase. This is the first time Close to My Heart has offered a double D sized stamp set. Look at these wonderful images that you get free with a $75.00 purchase this month. Lots of great images here.

 

And now, as it is the weekend and I finally have a minute, I'm off to my craft room. I have a new portable DVD player and I'm in the mood for "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" and some stamping. Have a great weekend everyone!