Base & Bling Blog Hop

Welcome to our October Blog Hop featuring the NEW Base and Bling line. You will see creations from our participants that will include necklaces, rings, bracelets, headbands and so much more.  To purchase any of the items seen in our blog hop today, contact your local consultant to place an order.

We hope that you will take the time to leave comments on our posts, as we love to get feedback from our viewers....whether it was something that you really liked or some new technique that was used that you would like to learn how to do....by leaving us comments, we get to hear what you like, and what you want to see. Thank you… now on to our hop! 

If you have just hopped onto my blog, you can start here as this is a circular hop, but if you want to follow us across Canada then please start at the beginning and join Michelle at My Creations with Michelle. If you came from Scrapbooking with Cheryl then you are in the right place!

Here is the Base & Bling Necklace Kit that we made at the Close To My Heart Convention.  I just love the colours as it goes with so much!

My daughters just love wearing the Base & Bling Hair Clips.  They either wear them as they are or clip them onto a headband as an added accessory.

For the clip on the top, I used the For Always Textiles fabric and Base & Bling Floral Accents.

For the clip on the bottom I used the Slate Satin Polka-Dot Ribbon with the Base & Bling Teal Jewels.

To adhere the fabric to the base piece of the jewelry, simply use the Base & Bling Adhesive Dots



Your next stop on the Cross Canada Hop is Jan's Work of Heart.  If you get lost along the way, you can head to Michelle S Blog, My Creations with Michelle, as she has the complete blog list. 

Thanks for hopping along with us - we hope we were able to inspire you to get creative using some of the designs, products and techniques seen along the way. Join us again in November when we will be featuring the projects from the new Mini Holiday Gift Guide.  We hope you will join us again on Novmeber 15th.

Sarita has me inspired...

I made a few cards this weekend at a crop using the Sarita Paper Packet left overs after having made the Workshop On The Go Sarita Kit.  All cards are 4 1/4" x 5 1/2".

This card uses the Card Chatter- Sympathy set, Outdoor Denim Ink, Just Blooms Paper Shapes, and the Slate Satin Polka Dot Ribbon.

This next card features the August Stamp Of The Month, A Chocolate Affair!!  I paper pieced the sweet cupcake and added 3D Foam Tape for dimension.  The ribbon is Dark Chocolate Striped Grosgrain  and the centre shape used is from page 43 in the Cricut Art Philosophy Collection.

My 3rd card uses the Stamp Set that comes with the awesome, Laughing Lola Workshop On The Go Kit and inked it in Gypsy & Lagoon Inks, trimmed & layered.  I Scallop Border punched  the Lagoon Cardstock.  I used the Words of Comfort Stamp Set, Gypsy Ink sponged onto the Colour Ready Seam Binding Ribbon.  I love how you can make the ribbon any colour you want it!!

On the final card, I decided to give some love to a couple of retired stamp sets that were just too cute not to use.  Pun Fun was used to make the turtle & sentiment while I made the balloons with Happy Forever.  I did use the new Slate Striped Twist Ties as an embellishment.  Isn't he cute?!

Thanks for stopping by & I hope you're inspired to get out & play with your inks too.

Jeanette's Archived Stamps

Welcome to our September Blog Hop featuring Jeanette's Archived Stamps. You will see creations from our participants that will include 1 of 5 stamp sets that Close To My Heart has taken out of Jeanette's Archieved collection.  To purchase any of the items seen in our blog hop today, contact your local consultant to place an order. We hope that you will take the time to leave comments on our posts, as we love to get feedback from our viewers....whether it was something that you really liked or some new technique that was used that you would like to learn how to do....by leaving us comments, we get to hear what you like, and what you want to see. Thank you… now on to our hop! 

If you have just hopped onto my blog, you can start here as this is a circular hop, but if you want to follow us across Canada then please start at the beginning and join Michelle at http://mycreationswithmichelle.blogspot.ca/   

If you came from Scrapbooking with Cheryl then you are in the right place!

For my card, I featured Jeanette's Archived Stamp Set called Flowering Thanks.

The card is the standard 4 1/4 x 5 1/2 base.  The sketch is from the Make it From Your Heart Volume 2, pattern 24.  I used the Laughing Lola Paper Pack and added some topiary cardstock for the paper pieced leaves.  All of my stamping was done using the Black StazOn Ink Pad. 

The flowers were paper pieced & raised with 3 dimensional foam tape. The Mini-Medley Accents Black Collection made embellishing this card a breeze!  I added some of the Grey Wool Bakers Twine from the Neutral Assortment simply by separating the grey strands from the white and threading my buttons with it.

Your next stop on the Cross Canada Hop is Terry Ann of It's My Garage--I Can Craft In It!
 If you get lost along the way, you can head to Michelle S Blog, My Creations with Michelle as she has the complete blog list. 

Thanks for hopping along with us - we hope we were able to inspire you to get creative using some of the designs, products and techniques seen along the way. Join us again in October when we will be featuring the Base and Bling line.  We hope you will join us again on November 15th.

Let's Get Krafty!

Welcome to our August Blog Hop featuring Close To My Heart Kraft products. You will see creations from our participants that will include our New Kraft 3 Ring binder, the Kraft Container as well as our Kraft paper and cards.  To purchase any of the items seen in our blog hop today, contact your local consultant to place an order.
We hope that you will take the time to leave comments on our posts, as we love to get feedback from our viewers....whether it was something that you really liked or some new technique that was used that you would like to learn how to do....by leaving us comments, we get to hear what you like, and what you want to see. Thank you… now on to our hop! 

If you have just hopped onto my blog, you can start here as this is a circular hop, but if you want to follow us across Canada then please start at the beginning and join Michelle's Blog. If you came from Crafty Carol's Blog then you are in the right place!

I made this keepsake box using the Kraft Ring Box.

It all came together using the Frosted Paper Pack, Silver, Shimmer Trim, Small, Clear Sparkle Flourishes, Base & Bling Teal Jewels, Cricut Artbooking Collection, Quilling Tool & Stardust Glitz Glitter Gel.

 I cut out the flower with the Cricut Artbooking Cartridge & rolled it using the Quilling tool.

Your next stop on the Cross Canada Hop is Terry Ann's Blog.
If you get lost along the way, you can head to Michelle S Blog, http://mycreationswithmichelle.blogspot.ca, as she has the complete blog list.

Thanks for hopping along with us - we hope we were able to inspire you to get creative using some of the designs, products and techniques seen along the way. Join us again in September when we will be featuring Jeanette's Archived Stamps. Jeanette has re-released 5 stamps from her archieves.  We hope you will join us again on September 15th.

July CTMH Cross Canada Hop

Welcome to our July Blog Hop featuring retiring items that you will want to have too.  You will see creations from our participants that will include many retiring items, from stamps, papers, and My Creations products, there is bound to be something that you will need to grab before it's gone.  Last day to order these products before they are going going gone is July 31st.  See your local consultant to place an order.

We hope that you will take the time to leave comments on our posts, as we love to get feedback from our viewers....whether it was something that you really liked or some new technique that was used that you would like to learn how to do....by leaving us comments, we get to hear what you like, and what you want to see. Thank you… now on to our hop!

If you have just hopped onto my blog, you can start here as this is a circular hop, but if you want to follow us across Canada then please start at the beginning and join Michelle S. at  http://mycreationswithmichelle.blogspot.com. If you came from Crafty Carol's Blog then you are in the right place!

I'm featuring the beautiful Avonlea Paper!  I used it on this bracket frame which we created at our CTMH Regionals in Edmonton, Alberta.  The rosettes or yo-yo's as some call them are cut using the Artiste Cricut Cartridge.  I simply had to score & fan fold them to create get these lovely 3D embellishments.  I also used the Avonlea, My Stickease, Slate Mini-Medley Accents & Natural Baker's Twine.

If you would like to make this frame, be sure to order your Avonlea paper & My Stickease by July 31st.  They are available while supplies last so don't miss out.

Your next stop on the Cross Canada Hop is Terry Ann's Blog .  If you get lost along the way, you can head to Michelle's Blog, as she has the complete blog list.

Thanks for hopping along with us - we hope we were able to inspire you to get creative using some of the designs, paper and techniques seen along the way. Join us again in August when we will be featuring our Kraft products.  We hope you will join us again on August 15th.

Canvas Display Project Blog Hop

Welcome to our May Blog Hop featuring our Canvas Display project.  We have 2 sizes available to purchase, the larger one comes in a WOTG Kit and measures 12x12.   The kit is $39.95(G1062), it comes with directions, an exclusive stamp set and Embellishments to decorate your canvas, you can find this on page 23.  The second size available measures 6x6, it can be found on page 126, and is $4.95(Z1818).

We hope that you will take the time to leave comments on our posts, as we love to get feedback from our viewers....whether it was something that you really liked or some new technique that was used that you would like to learn how to do....by leaving us comments, we get to hear what you like, and what you want to see. Thank you… now on to our hop!

If you have just hopped onto my blog, you can start here as this is a circular hop, but if you want to follow us across Canada then please start at the beginning and join My Creations with Michelle. If you came from Cheryl Simpson's then you are in the right place!

I used the 6x6 Canvas for my project.

It's so easy to create a 6x6 project from your favourite 12 x 12 scrapbooking layout.  Simply multiply the measurements by .25 to reduce it appropriately. I used a sketch for the Close To My Heart How to book, Reflections on my 6 x 6 Canvas Display.

The Workshops On The Go® Later Sk8r Scrapbooking Kit is what I used to create this canvas.  I love the stamp set that is available exclusively with this kit!

I started by stamping on the canvas in Outdoor Denim Ink with the checker board stamp. I then used Liquid Glass as the adhesive for all my papers & embellishments.  It adheres so well & dries quickly.

The embellishments used are Slate Polka-Dot Washi Tape, Natural Hemp and 10mm Square, Pewter Studs.

The photo size is 2 1/2 x 3.  I finished with some journaling using a retired, Outdoor Denim Marker.

Here is another canvas I received as a gift from Tina Sutton  I love how she used the Tommy Paper Pack, Tommy Assortment, Durables Studs, Tiny Type Epoxy Alphabet and Sail Away stamp set.  Thanks Tina!!   I love it.

Your next stop on the Cross Canada Hop is Country Crafting Mama.

If you get lost along the way, you can head to My Creations with Michelle, as she has the complete blog list.

Thanks for hopping along with us - we hope we were able to inspire you to create your own Canvas projects using some of the designs, paper and techniques seen along the way. Join us again in June when we will be featuring party themed projects.

Happy Cinco de Mayo!!

Today I'm choosing to blog about FOOD!!  MMMMmmmm

I'm a Hispanic originally from California, living here in Southern Manitoba, Canada.  Sometimes I really miss Mexican food!

So today I give my family the gift of home made treats that are not available to buy anywhere around here.

Here's a photo of me, my brother Mike, My sister Michelle, my dad Mike, my sister Sarah & my brother Daniel.

I'm making my dad, Mike's recipe for home made Chorrizo sausage. Here are pictures of the process with the recipe for you all to try to make at home too.

 Ingredients that you'll need~

 In a 10" skillet, over low to medium heat, cook 500g or 1lb of pork sausage till crumbly.  Do not drain grease.

 Add in 4 Tbsp of Chorrizo seasoning, 1 tps of New Mexico Chile Powder & 1 can of El Pato Mexican Style Hot Tomato Sauce and stir.

Continue to simmer of low to medium heat for about 25 minutes or until the liquid has reduced, stirring occasionally.

 Here's your finished product!

Now, this makes quite a bit as Chorrizo is very rich.  You only need a couple of table spoons to add to a huge pot of fried potatoes or to top some eggs.

Buen Provecho!  ~ Enjoy!

Now is the time!

If you are a paper crafter & would like to receive a discount on your scrapbooking supplies, now is the time!

Join Close To My Heart this April & you get a super deal~

You can get $245 worth of products for just $49!


Want more?

You can get $425 of items for just $99!

No matter which kit you choose, you will also receive the April, May, June & July Stamp of the Month's FREE!

Click HERE to get yours now.

Spring Fling at Camp Koinonia

What a fabulous weekend of crafting, fellowship & food at Camp Koinonia in Southern Manitoba, Canada.

We didn't get everyone in the photo who attended camp but here's on with most of us.  It was 3 glorious days at a camp where they make you feel at home & so special.

 Missy & Kevin are our camp hosts & they go above & beyond the call of duty.  Sunday afternoon, Kevin made us these super awesome desserts......soooo yummy!!

Thanks Chef Kevin!

We had a contest using the contents of the goodie bags that everyone received.  Here are our two winners' artwork who each received the same amount of votes from their peeps for the best artwork.  The prize was a $25 CTMH Gift Certificate.  Congratulations Sharon & Linda!

Here's Karine with her Grand Prize for winning the draw.  She had her choice of the Cricut Artiste Bundle or a $50 CTMH Gift Certificate.  Congratulations to all our winners!!

Looking forward to this weekend at Camp Assiniboia, just outside of Winnipeg, Manitoba.  Hope to see you out sometime!

Sign Up & Celebrate!!

It’s time to sign up as a Close To My Heart Independent Consultant! When you sign up as a Consultant in April, you’ll receive a little something extra for joining the Close To My Heart family—the April, May, June, and July Stamp of the Month stamp sets for free! These D-size stamp sets are great for a new Consultant to create artwork, bring to Gatherings, and show off to everyone. Now that’s a reason to celebrate!

There are two awesome kits to choose from.  We have the Essentials Kit~ Just $49 plus shipping.

Or...for just $50 more, you can upgrade to the Master Kit!!!  Such a great investment..just $99 gets you over $400 in CTMH Goodies!!! 

Click here to sign up.

PLUS~ When you sign up in April, you'll get the opportunity to set a sneak peak at the May, National Scrapbooking Special by ordering early!!

This exclusive paper packet includes 12 cardstock sheets as well as 12 B&T Duos^® papers that were specifically designed for this promotion only—you can’t get these sweet colors and patterns anywhere else! Start National Scrapbooking Month off right with a unique paper packet at a bargain price and get your creative juices flowing!

 Join my team in April & you'll certainly have reason to celebrate!!

January Blog Hop - Consultant's Choice

Welcome to the first Blog Hop of 2013. Our January Hop is featuring a “Consultants Choice”, so each consultant has a unique project to share with you. I hope that you will take the time to leave comments on our posts, as we love to get feedback from our viewers....whether it was something that you really liked or some new technique that was used that you would like to learn how to do....by leaving us comments, we get to hear what you like, and what you want to see. Thank you… now on to our hop! 

If you have just hopped onto my blog, you can start here as this is a circular hop, but if you want to follow us across Canada then please start at the beginning and join Michelle S. at My Crations with Michelle . If you came from Carol's Blog of Crafty Carol's Place then you are in the right place!

For this month's Hop I made some banners using the Dotty For You papers.  These are gifts for some super amazing friends of mine that I'm visiting in St. Thomas, U.S.V.I. next month.

These 3" chipboard squares are leftover from a previous project where I used the CTMH My Creations Memory Game.  I simply cut the 3" squares, attached with Mod Podge & then used the sanding block to round the corners.

I Cut 1" x 12" strip of patterned paper, scored every 1/4" & then fan folded to create these Yo-yo's.  It was easy to secure them with Liquid Glass.  I then used the Token Alphabet, stamped the sentiments in Gypsy ink on White Daisy Cardstock & punched out with the 1 1/4" Circle Punch.  Again, I used Liquid Glass to adhere the Yo-yo's & letters.

I finished off by using the Crop-A-Dile to punch the holes in the top corners & used 3/4" jump rings to secure.  I made sure to punch additional holes on the outside of each word so the recipient of this gift can add them all together is she chooses.  I also papered the back side of each square so she can add other sentiments of her liking.  I hope this gift brings her JOY.

I also made a name banner for a very special girl.  Juneshia lives in St. Thomas & as she and her family have very little in the monetary sense and I wanted to give her something special, just for her.

I sure hope she likes it!

Here's a closer look for ya'.

Your next stop on the Cross Canada Hop is Terry Ann's Blog of It's my Garage--I Can Craft In It!.
 If you get lost along the way, you can head to Michelle S Blog, http://mycreationswithmichelle.blogspot.ca, as she has the complete blog list. 


Thanks for hopping along with us - we hope we were able to inspire you to create your own projects using some of the designs and paper seen along the way. Join us again in February when we will be featuring new products from the 2013 Spring/Summer Idea Book.

Wonderful Christmas Memories

It was so nice to have the whole family together for Christmas!  My 3 step kids came out from Alberta to spend a week here in Manitoba.  It was the best gift that they could have given their dad.  My 3 kids were so happy to have the time with their brother & sisters and that makes my heart happy.

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas holiday too!

Love from the Lees Gang~