Clowning Around

This layout was inspired by a layout I saw on the web. My son's boyscout troop held a carnival festival and the boys were all clowns. This was in 1995 and we didn't have the funds for a costume. So, I got the jacket at goodwill, sewed on a few patches, made a tie with the extra fabric and made the hat out of poster board. I think he was the cutest clown of all! I printed the background clown on velium and reduced the resolution. I was pleased with the final results.

Never a Better Time!

There has never been a better time to join my team! Join now and receive 50% off your choice of 2 fabulous organizational items. Let me show you how to purchase CTMH items at a discount or help you build your own successful business. Just email or call me right away because this offer ends March 31, 2009.

Away too long!

Hi Everyone - I know I have not posted lately but things got really busy for me. First, sadly my daughter mis-carried at 10 weeks. She is doing ok and the doctors say there is no reason for her not to have a successful pregnancy next time. Next, my son that moved from Guam to Virginia Beach just got engaged and we have been busy with him. I did manage to get away for 2 weekend scraps at the Maggie Valley Scrap House since my last post and have tons of artwork that I am going to start post tonight! Thanks for being so patient.

Big Announcement!!

This is not an art post instead it is very personal to me. For those of you that know me, you know that since my children have been grown I have been anxiously awaiting grandchildren. I'M GOING TO BE A GRANDMA!! My daughter is expecting in September!! I'm so excited I can't stand myself. Now I have a whole new subject matter for tear bears!! I will keep you all posted as my grandbaby grows.

Tear Bear Tutorial

Finally, I got this done for all of you that I promised it too! I'm sorry to take so long but I have been very busy with work and getting ready for my clubs this week. So, the pattern is first, just print if off on cardstock (it is easier to trace around) and cut out the pieces. Cut the B & T pieces out on the line but leave a 1/4" margin around the mulberry pieces. Next, wet the pieces with a water brush or paint brush and water. Using your piercing tool, tear away the wet paper around your pattern line. When you have finished tearing a piece, pull the fibers out straight and set aside to dry. When the pieces are dry, they are ready to be "fluffed". I use a wire brush to scrub the paper lightly. You can find these in the paint department of Walmart for about $2.00. Fluff all of the pieces and then go around the edges with chalk to add dimension. Now your pieces are ready to assemble. For the nose, I use a heart punch and the eyes are printed tear bear eyes that I put through my xyron machine. I purchased the paper and eye printables at http://www.tear-bears.com/. Glue your B & T pieces on and use a fine marker to add faux stitches. Finally, glue all of your pieces in place. Finished!

The next layout I am going to do is one of my son at at Boy Scout event where they dressed up as clowns. I made this bear for that layout and will post the layout soon I hope!

This is one of CTMH's new paper packs - Thats Amore! - I love the color scheme. The pictures are my kids in ...1986 - boy am I getting old! But since I am doing their albums now, when I saw this paper I thought it was a perfect match.

CTMH TV - All Tied Up

This is my version of the card demo from the December 9 CTMH TV project. My color combination was inspired by Vicki Wizniuk, another CTMH consultant. You can view this project and instructions at: CTMH TV.

Here Comes Santa

I made a tear bear Santa for a workshop in December and then added a few friends. I plan to use this on a Christmas layout from years back when my children were much younger.

Baby It's Cold Outside Round 2

I decided to do a 2 page layout of my original "Baby It's Cold Outside" using the CTMH "Just Chillin' paper pack. ... which color scheme do you like the best?

Scrap With Heart February Scrap Day!!

Ladies, get your paper, photos, and trimmers ready because another scrap day is on it's way. It will be Saturday, February 7th, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM. The cost is $12.00 which includes lunch, hourly give aways and a grand prize drawing at 4:00. We are also offering 3 workshops: "Album in a Day" which is an 8 page layout from one paper pack - $20.00. The second workshop is embellishing the new " My Creations Cube", the price is not determined yet but will be posted soon. The 3rd workshop is "Information Central" using the "My Creations Artboard" - $20.00. Space is limited to 37 so don't delay in signing up. You can contact me at dandgblack@embarqmail.com. The "Information Central" project is pictured above using the new CTMH Emporium paper pack. This beautiful layout was copied from a project another CTMH consultant, Sue Laufer, made and the original design was made by CTMH consultant, Bren Yule.

National Papercrafting Month

CLOSE TO MY HEART IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE NATIONAL PAPERCRAFTING MONTH—a January sensation that celebrates all the amazing things you can create with paper and a little creativity. And to make it even more fun, we’re offering a fantastic kit that will enhance every one of your projects.

The gorgeous new Key to My Heart Level 2 paper packet features all of our luscious new exclusive colors: Tulip, Juniper, Sorbet, and Crème Brulee. The packet is accompanied by the awesome new E-size My Acrylix® Key to My Heart stamp set brimming with elegant, charming designs. It’s a great combo with a retail value of $47.90—and from December 16 through January 31 it can be yours at substantial savings, or even FREE!

What’s more, hostesses can get the kit FREE with a Home Gathering sales total of $400 or more. And if you join Close To My Heart between January 1–31, you’ll receive the kit FREE in your New Consultant Kit. National Papercrafting Month promises something for everyone!

A Place of My Own

I hope everyone had a wonder Christmas. My son that is in the navy was home for the first Christmas in two years. That was a great present for Gary and me. Christmas activities have kept me busy so I have not been able to post. But this weekend I was able to get a few things done. Many consultants posted their scrap rooms on the CTMH bulletin board but mine was too cluttered with work in process to get any pictures. I finally got things put away and here is my space. I've have had it for almost a year now and it is an on going project. It was once my children's gameroom, but when they moved out, I got the space! I have room now for my CTMH clubs and workshops. I also host home gatherings here for my hostesses so they don't even have to worry about cleaning up for a party!!

Scrapfest 2008

I, along with 2 fellow consultants, held a day long scrap event on Saturday. This was our first of hopefully many. We had a great turn out and I believe everyone had a great time. We offered 4 workshops: 50 Christmas cards, memory keeper box, 2 page winter layout and santa tear bear. We charged a $10 fee to come and scrap and that fee included lunch. We also gave away hourly door prizes and grand prizes at the end of the day. Any scrappin' day is a good day. My friends Jessica, Dolly and Viktoria from Dallas, NC are pictured.

Maggie Valley, NC The Scrap House

I wanted to let everyone in the NC, SC, GA, TN and VA area know about a wonderful cabin where I spent a awesome weekend with my friends scrapbooking last spring. It is set on the side of the mountain in Maggie Valley, NC with a beautiful view of the valley. When we needed a break from scrapping, we relaxed in the hot tub on the back deck. A great time was had by all. I highly recommend this cabin to anyone planning a scrapbook retreat! You can check it out at: http://www.thescraphousemvnc.blogspot.com