Googly Eyes!

Once again, I'm highlighting a friend's work. Look at what the talented Angie Black did with the August Stamp of the Month, "What a Hoot". 

 This owl was just begging to have googly eyes added. What a perfect touch.

Get him while you can because come September 1st, he'll have flown away.

Back to School

Oh, yes, it's back to school time. My kids started last week and are in full swing with homework, marching band, etc.

Because I've been a bit swamped with back to school myself, I'm highlighting the lovely Shelly Johnson's work. Shelly is a teacher so she knows just what a teacher loves. And this thank you card is absolutely darling. With a cricut cut note book page and a little embossing, I think this is the cutest card.

Happy Back to School!

Lucy

My niece, Lucy, has got to be the cutest baby on the planet. Well, she's three now so she's the cutest toddler on the planet. But being caught up is not the point, right? Being inspired is the point. Anyway, I created this little folder album using the Cricut Artbooking cartridge for a convention class I did last year. I had a blast playing around with different sizes to see what the folders looked like. And then, inspired by Heidi Swapp, I made a mini album with the folders featuring the one and only Lucy.

 
Seriously, this little one is a true original. Love her!

Happy Stamping and Scrapping!

What a Hoot!

Sometimes a stamp of the month just speaks to me. And this one... well, I adore him. 

Get him while you can! Because once August is over, he will fly away too! Go here for more info. 

Picture My Life: A Look Back at My Close to My Heart Career

One advantage of being a part of Close to My Heart for almost 20 years has been the friendships I have made. I have met so many wonderful people and so many of them have had a positive influence on my life. I was feeling very nostalgic recently and started going through some of my photos from various events over the last several years. It was so much fun to look back and remember.

Here is my first convention. I had only been a consultant for five months--my three lovely downline less than that. We were so overwhelmed and so excited to be starting out on this big adventure. And we had no idea what we were getting ourselves into. 

This is my third convention. I don't know where pictures of my second went. That's my sister--yes, I roped her in and she's still a part of this adventure as well. 

Ahh, San Antonio, TX! We had so much fun, even if Jodi and I were both pregnant and miserable in the heat. 

My team, titled Kindred Spirits (yes, it is a play on Anne of Green Gables), was growing and the memories and friendships were multiplying. 

We've been blessed to know those who are no longer with us (love you, Cindy!). 

Lots of fun and games going on with these folks!

So much talent in our team! And so much generosity to share ideas! Many of us taught at conventions and other events. The lovely Kim, pictured above, was an album contest winner, a huge honor!

Why yes, we did have a pageant! These lovely ladies competed in creativity, artful knowledge and technique. 

So much fun with friends from far and near! I feel very blessed to know these women (and yes, a few men consultants too). 

I still have a few more years to cover and I still have to go back and journal. But honestly, this project was the result of a few hours on a Sunday afternoon and a Picture My Life Skylark kit. This month's special is all about the Picture My Life kits and the pocketed sheet protectors. Check it out here. I will need some extra sheet protectors to finish out this project so it is a timely special for me. If you're swamped for time but have pictures that need to be pulled together quickly, check out Picture My Life. It truly is fast and easy and a perfect way to pull together an album. 

And if you've ever thought about doing what I do, check it out and contact me. I wouldn't trade the last 19+ years and the friendships I've made for anything. 

CTMH Blog Boosters New Product Blog Hop

I love blog hops--so many wonderful ideas. So I've joined in another one (wow, two in a row). Been playing some more with new CTMH product from the new Close to My Heart idea book that went live yesterday.

You know, you always have to remember that just because a stamp is a holiday stamp, does not mean it has to be used for that purpose. The scooter from Make it Merry was just meant to be used with the Wanderful paper. How cute is this?

I once again used the black arrow washi tape. I so adore washi tape. I love how it looks on top of the polka dot pattern paper. And I love the new arrow embossing folder. Embossing folders give such great dimension to a card and this one is perfect with Wanderful and the scooter.
 

I hope I've inspired you all. And now on to enjoy some of the other wonderful ideas in this hop. Happy Crafting!