August SOTM Blog Hop!

Welcome to the August SOTM Blog Hop!

If you've arrived here from Kelly's blog, you're on the right path. If you're starting here, just follow the links all the way until you get back to my site and you'll see 63 amazing pieces of artwork from CTMH Consultants all over the US and Canada!

I absolutely LOVE the August SOTM! Such a great set - perfect for any celebration. I also love the bright, cheery feeling of the Animal Cookies papers. Put the two together for a fun combination!

This 8" x 3 1/2" card is the Roundabout concept from the Wishes. After stamping the cake elements, I added a little Liquid Applique and sprinkled a touch of Prisma Glitter on top - makes for a cake good enough to eat!

Thanks for stopping by. From here, you'll head over to Antoinette's blog. In case you find any links in the hop not working properly, I've posted the complete list of Blog Hopper's below.

Jena DeVries - http://www.livelovelaughscrapbook.blogspot.com/
Kristie Horness-Herdener - http://www.goofyscrapper.blogspot.com/
Carla Ironside - http://www.carlacreates.blogspot.com/
Deb Young - http://www.scrapbookczar.blogspot.com/
Alanna Moses - http://www.damoses.blogspot.com/
Paige Dolecki - http://www.paigespaperparadise.blogspot.com/
Wendy Kessler - http://www.myscrapbookingblog.com/
Heather Painchaud - http://www.twindragonflydesigns.blogspot.com/
Helen Onulak - http://www.hookedonstamping.com/
Barbra Otten - http://barbraotten.blogspot.com/
Haley Dyer - http://www.inkyscrapper.blogspot.com/
Nona Davenport - http://www.nonapearl.blogspot.com/
Michelle Robinson - http://www.amaizenbluelady.typepad.com/
Cindy Leek - http://www.paperspadsandpictures.blogspot.com/
Melissa Laverty - http://www.fancymelissa.blogspot.com/
Katy Donaldson - http://www.scrappinkaty.blogspot.com/
Amy McVey - http://www.clearlystamping.blogspot.com/
Tammy Lea Pinchard - http://www.creativeimpressions-pinchme.blogspot.com/
Leslie Markland - http://pandascrapper.blogspot.com/
Judy Burger - http://makingtimeformemories.blogspot.com/
Laurie R Newton - http://scrapsfromthebeach.blogspot.com/
Kami Welter - http://www.scrappin4memories.blogspot.com/
Tracy Oleksak - http://www.mamaolie.blogspot.com/
Karen Norman - ttp://www.gettinscrappywithit.blogspot.com/
Chris Shouse - http://www.houseostamps.wordpress.com/

Cibele Glazer - http://www.flowerfoot.blogspot.com/
Debra Van Patten - http://memoriesofteheartbydeb.blogspot.com/
Terrie Dodd - http://www.my-life-in-real-time.blogspot.com/
Jamia Bankhead - http://www.papermadnessinc.blogspot.com/
Anne Beck - http://www.anniemuses.blogspot.com/
Jennifer Patrick - http://www.roxybonds-scrappin.blogspot.com/
Laurie Levnik - http://www.creationsbylaurie.blogspot.com/
Lori Miller - http://www.clearlyfromtheheart.blogspot.com/
Brae Montgomery - http://thebrae-er.blogspot.com/
Dawn Ross - http://www.iamahappystamper.blogspot.com/
Dawn Slipcevic - http://dawnscrapsalot.blogspot.com/
Barbara Harris - http://www.paper-creations117.blogspot.com/
Carol Taggio - http://craftycarol55.blogspot.com/
Jill Lucas - http://scrapwench.blogspot.com/
Chris Green - http://www.createwithchris.blogspot.com/
Nancy Ball - http://www.ballisticdesign.blogspot.com/
Dawn Heuft - http://www.stamptildawn.blogspot.com/
Kelly Triggs - http://www.stampinallday.blogspot.com/
Beth Naumann - http://www.bethscreativeblock.blogspot.com/
Antoinette Herrin - http://www.godblessyourart.blogspot.com/
Jessica Booth - http://jessicabooth.blogspot.com/
Jen Rubio - http://www.jenrubio.blogspot.com/
Misty Jackson - http://www.misstscraps.blogspot.com/
Adeline E. Brill - http://adeline-brill.blogspot.com/
Lori Leng - http://www.pinkcloudscrappers.blogspot.com/
Pam Klassen - http://eimmap.blogspot.com/
Pamela OConnor - http://www.cherishyourmemories.blogspot.com/
Jennifer Royal - http://www.craftroyalty.blogspot.com/
Caren Goldsein - http://www.scrappycaren.blogspot.com/
Shannon Pelletier - http://www.shannonmvt.blogspot.com/
Sherry Thompson - http://www.picturespatternsandpaper.blogspot.com/
Maricar Harris - http://www.maricarharris.blogspot.com/
Traci Godbee - http://createwithtraci.blogspot.com/
Laura Dame - http://www.thecroppersconnection.blogspot.com/
Miranda Kurz - http://www.scrampinwithmiranda.com/
Leisa Hubley - http://www.bigredscraps.blogspot.com/

Julia Menssen www.ralphandjulia.blogspot.com

Jan Moxey http://scrapandstamp4ever.blogspot.com/

Jody Gustafson www.cre8nmemories.blogspot.com

Hit the Beach with Moon Doggie!

Yesterday the kids and I spent a couple fun hours at the beach. I enjoyed visiting with a friend while the kids seemed to be trying to get sand on every square inch of their bodies! We have sand EVERYWHERE! Okay, so I'm not the biggest fan of the beach, or maybe just not a fan of the sand! Either way, I think our trip was inspired by one of CTMH's hottest new paper packets - Moon Doggie!

At my workshops all month, we've been playing with the Moon Doggie papers, and I think you all are enjoying them as much as I am. I've already shared the fun layout we created at the Kit of the Month Scrapbook nights. Here are the cards we created at the Moon Doggie Card Night. All of these cards are made from concepts found in the new Wishes how-to book by Close to My Heart CEO and Founder, Jeanette Lynton.

This 6x6 is my favorite! I just love the crochet ribbon from the Colonial White Ribbon Rounds.

A quick and easy 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" card. The hibiscus is stamped using the 2nd Generation and Rock & Roll techniques - a great way to add the look of dimension to your stamped image.

This is a fun card that started out as a 4 1/2" square card - until I realized I didn't have envelopes that size. I did, however, have 5 1/2" square envelopes, so I improvised. I adhered the entire card onto a piece of 5 1/2" square Desert Sand Textured Cardstock (lightly sand the textured cardstock first for a fun, distressed look).

I LOVE Close to My Heart!

Have I told you how much I love CTMH? Oh yes, I suppose I have! :-)

In early March, I celebrated my 5th anniversary as a CTMH Consultant. Something that started out as a way to earn a discount on some fun scrapbooking supplies I had discovered has become so much more in the past 5 years. I have loved every minute of my adventure with CTMH...from the home gatherings and meeting new people, to the monthly workshops with my awesome club members, from the team retreats, to the energizing corporate events and oh, yes...the incentive trips!

Last week, I opened my mailbox to find the sweetest gift from Close to My Heart commemorating my 5 years with the company. Isn't this pendant gorgeous?

I have seen so many wonderful changes at CTMH in the past 5 years...tri-annual catalogs, consultant websites, state-of-the art online training opportunities, and of course, My Acrylix stamps!!!

Thank you Close to My Heart, Jeanette and all the amazing men and women at our corporate offices who make my job something I LOVE to do. I look forward to seeing what you have in store for us and the paper crafting world in the next 5 years and beyond!

You've Got Flair!

Have you seen the Stamp of the Month for July? You've Got Flair is such a fun set with flourishes and paisleys and just the right balance between elegance and whimsy.


Check out this fun artwork from some of my fellow CTMH Consultants - all using the You've Got Flair stamp set.




Recognize this first card? Last month, I shared a card made from the same concept from Wishes using the same Tinkerin' papers, but using the Gear Up stamp set. I love making the same card with different stamp sets - less thinking for me! See the original version here. :-)

This fun card came from my friend Sue Laufer - I'm all about simplicity and this card is all that! Don't you love the Badge Button next to the sentiment? Sue proves that simple CAN be incredible!

Kemille Garvin created this fun 6x6 card. She used CTMH's Exclusive Inks Markers to add a little color to the focal image. Love it!

Another fun card using the Tinkerin' papers! This one was created by Catherine Smith.


Finally, Gayle Luker used the hot, hot, hot Moon Doggie papers for her fun card!

Why I LOVE Close to My Heart

I am often asked what I like best about being a CTMH consultant! Choosing what I like BEST is tough, because there are so many amazing things about CTMH. I thought it would be fun to share 10 of my favorite things about Close To My Heart...

1. Top-quality, innovative stamping and scrapbooking products!
2. Generous compensation plan (i.e., GREAT discounts!)
3. Wonderful friendships! :-)
4. Energizing corporate sponsored events (I honestly hate to miss them!)
5. Amazing Incentive Trips (Alaska and the Mediterranean were both dream trips)
6. Incredible online training opportunities
7. Flexible work schedule (I can work when and how often I want to)
8. CTMH is led by Jeanette Lynton and a phenomenal corporate staff who do EVERYTHING with the consultant in mind
9. CTMH has a place for everyone from the hobbyist who simply wants a discount on supplies to the business builder who wants to replace a full-time income - and everyone in between!
10. Fabulous New Consultant Kit

If you've ever considered joining Close to My Heart, or even if you haven't, but would love to get your scrapping and stamping supplies at a discount and earn a little extra money, July is the perfect time to act! From now through the end of July, when you sign up as a new consultant, you can select FIVE additional select products FREE! Your "Favorite Five" products have a potential retail value of over $98 - WOW!

*Choose your "Favorite Five" from this list of products:

-My Acrylix Thank You stamp set (retail value $22.95)

-Magic Moment Scrapbooking Kit (retail value $34.95

-Basic Textured Cardstock Combo Pack (retail value $14.95)

-Life's Delight Memory Showcase (retail value $12.95)

-My Originals Hello Birdie Card Kit (retail value $12.95)

-Creative Basics Silhouette Collection (retail value $8.95)

-Heartfelt Whimsy Die-Cuts (retail value $9.95)

-All-Out Adventure Rub-Ons (retail value $9.95)

-Window Charms Squares (retail value $9.95)

The New Consultant Kit is only $99 (plus tax and shipping) and includes approximately $300 in product! Add one or both Bonus Packs for additional savings. Add the Favorite Five goodies and your basic kit is still only $99 (plus tax and shipping) for approximately $400 in amazing stamping and scrapbooking supplies! That deal simply can't be beat! Click here to see the current New Consultant Kit.

In addition, each new consultant who joins my team in July will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win another fabulous surprise - email me for the details!

I would love to chat with you about the CTMH consultant opportunity. Drop me an email and let me know a good time to call. I am happy to answer any questions you might have and share any information. Ready to sign up? Head on over to my CTMH website for more info or to sign up right online!

And the winner is...

Thanks to those of you who have taken the time to check out my blog lately, and a special thanks to those who took the time to leave me a quick note or comment! I loved reading about your traditions and memories surrounding my favorite holiday.

The winner of my Proud to Be An American give-away is...Kim Dawson! Congrats Kim! Your red, white and blue goodies will be on their way to you soon!

Keep checking back often for fun new artwork, inspiration and more give-aways!

Happy Birthday, America!

Happy 4th of July to all of you! I hope your day is filled with family, fun and fireworks! We are looking forward to a BBQ with friends and family and fireworks over the lake tonight.

Don't you love getting unexpected mail? I call that unexpected mail "Happy Mail"! The other day, I received some Happy Mail from my dear friend, Sue. Check out this adorable 4th of July card! She used CTMH's Blue Ribbon papers along with the July Word Puzzle and Vintage USA stamp sets. Cute card, Sue! THANK YOU!

Today is your last day for a chance to win some fun patriotic "blog candy"! See my post below and share a favorite memory. The winner will be announced on Monday.

Happy 4th of July!