Topstitch Tri-fold album

When I saw this tri-fold album I had to try it! I wanted to make something girlie for my bff to use for her girls pictures and the Topstitch paper was perfect! The album was really easy to cut and assemble - the hard part was adding all the embellishments (I'm too obsessive at times!). I just hope she likes it!

Topstitch paper, stamps from Topstitch WOTG, chocolate card stock

What I've been up to...

Well, I guess my creative juices are flowing again. With the pressure of the holidays, craft shows and workshops off me for a little bit, I decided to do some projects I've been saving. This is one of them - Cool, Huh! This bag ideas is lovingly lifted from an amazingly talented woman, Pamela O'Connor - you have to check out her blog! She didn't have many instructions on the blog, because the info was no longer available, but I went with what she had and...well, Voila!

It holds my book, wallet, sunglasses, keys and afternoon snack quite well!

I used: (NEW) Vernada papers, Posterboard Alpha, stamps from "Felicity" paper pack, bag handles from Jo***, self-laminating sheets from Wal****.

3 x 3 Card Box

I thought you all would like to see the 3 x 3 card box I made for my sister for her birthday last month. It's going off into the mail today (I am really slow at getting to the post office!).

You Rock card and calendar

The new "You Rock" paper pack from CTMH is soooo cool! The best part is, you can use it for a girl or boy. The coaster calendar I made for my rockin' neice and the card was for a boy in my daughters class - it held a gift card perfect! We plan on using them to make Valentines for her class too! I used liquid glass on the guitar, you rock and the 365 to make them pop!

Back to life...

Well, the snow day yesterday was nice, but its even better to be back to normal. I was hoping to do tons of creatin' over the break, but unfortunately the best laid plans...yadda yadda. I did sit down at my newly cleaned work area yesterday and played with some stamp sets I have yet to crack open...
Date book used: (D1372) Grown with Love, (D1285) Life's a Jungle, Celebrate
Valentine card used: (D1406) True Friends (SOM), Grown with love
Cupcake box used: Topstitch Paper
Hope you enjoy...not thrilled with how the date book turned out. The cupcake box is a pre-made box from a local craft store with layered paper flowers and gathered ribbon. I love the new Topstitch paper and the Grown with Love stamp set!

Why we stayed home today...

We decided that since our road looked like this (pic 1) and it took over an hour to shovel the driveway (pic 2 - Devin's working other shovel), and the "beast" is covered in snow...we should just stay home. Oh, how lovely is the snow!

Stressed Yet?

Are you stressed yet? 11 days till Christmas. If your like our family and have to celebrate on days other than Christmas, you could be quite confused. I need some gifts done by Dec. 20, all the kids by Dec. 24 (that's our Christmas morning this year), some not till Dec. 27 and still have to find time to celebrate Devin's birthday(we're going ice skating this year!).
Even with it being so hectic at times, I still want to take the time to do something just for me! We deserve it, right? Well, if you didn't answer yes, you should have....

StAmP-a-PaLoOzA

December 18 at 6:30pm (note new time)

$5 - must RSVP

Project - Altered date book and a card.

Send me an email if you haven't already RSVP'd. Bring a treat to share if you like - diet after the holidays are over! Hope to see you there! - Stay warm!

Card box with cards

I recently came across this great little box that holds 4 cards (with envelopes). Vicki Wizniuk has the coolest stuff on her blog - check it out! I used the upcoming sales promotion from CTMH called "Felicity Collection" and misc. ribbons, brads and buttons. Hope you like it!

Accordian Purse

I have friends that love to shop for purses...

not me, I think I have a problem making them out of paper!

I just love to see how they turn out.

When I saw this on Vicki Wizniuk's blog,

I had to try it. The flower was sooo easy

to make, and fun too.

More Workshop Pictures!

Christmas Card Workshop

Thank you all for a great time this weekend. I had the joy of sharing 2 days with very creative and wonderful women. I hope they all had as much fun as I did watching them create. From the newest stampers to the seasoned veterans - I was amazed at the desire to learn and run with it. It never ceases to amaze me how fabulous the ideas my group comes up with! I am blessed!

StAmP-a-pAlOoZa Workshop

If you missed last Thursdays stamp night...well, you missed it! We had fun, food and a new face! (Thanks Kim for joining us!) And as you can tell...I forgot my camera. We made the paper bow posted below - a lesson in frustration for some. All I can say is practice, practice, practice...and pray! lol I also demonstrated how to turn a "tree" into a poinsettia flower for a pretty gift bag decoration. And of course we did a card - with a twist. We mixed a gift card holder and a purse -

Isn't it so cool!

Well, I was perusing the stamping ideas out there yesterday and came across this cute card idea...it is one of Dawn Griffith's cool tutorials (she cracks me up!). I did mine with a pic of the kids. I can not WAIT to try another one! Enjoy!

p.s. I added a lil' card in the first "valley" to write a note on. This card fits in a standard 51/2 x 41/4 envelope! I used CTMH Cocoa cardstock, ribbon and brads. Bambo brad, Classic White cardstock and Perfect Day paper. (Kids designed by God!)

Fall has fallen...:(

Although the sun is shining in Conneaut Lake, the leaves have all fallen down. I was looking through my camera and realized I had captured some of our fall on "film". I love our yard and view in fall...maybe I'll just blow these up and tape them to my windows - lol!

StAmP-A-pAlOoZa Workshop

We were small, but creative on Thursday nights stamp workshop... We created a folded gift card holder, a Fall criss-cross card and a Thanksgiving table decorating idea (place card and napkin ribbon).
Next one is November 19 - Mark your calendars!

Creativity by Judy H. and Cookie S.! Thanks ladies!

Did you notice???

I have my Close To My Heart website up and running! You have to check it out...the best part is - You can shop online! Your order is shipped right to you, all you need to do to start is click on the picture over there......>>>>>>>>>!
A contest I will be running to introduce my website will be coming soon - so check your mail!

Baby Shower Invites

Well, I finally finished the shower invites for my friend Alicia's baby shower - I love the stamp set and best part - it matched her crib bedding! I delivered them last night and they seemed to really like them - I just can't wait to hold the baby when he comes!

FYI: I used Animal Cookies Paper (CTMH)

& Lifes A Jungle Stamp set (CTMH)

Upcoming Workshops!

Christmas Card Workshop

2 Classes Available
November 21, 2009: 6pm
November 22, 2009: 2pm

We will be making 25 hand-stamped cards, envelopes included.
All cardstock and stamping supplies included. Class fee $25

*Pre-registration is required. Must register by 11/10 to ensure your spot. Classes are on a first come/first serve basis.
Maximum 8 people per class. If classes fill, I may add another Saturday class time.

Christmas Gift Workshop

2 Classes Available
December 3: 6pm
December 5: 2pm

Class includes two gifts that you will be making using stamping. You will also create 12 gift tags. Class fee is $20

*Pre-registration is required. Must register by 11/24. Class times on a first come/first serve basis. Maximum 6 people per class.

** If you cannot attend and would like to do the workshop at home, please email me and I can give you a price for the workshop "to go". (Keep in mind you would need your own stamps and ink pads - which I can offer you at a 15% discount).

*** Wanna save $10?? Host a gathering by 12/31/09 and I will give you $10 off the workshop of your choice!!!

Email me: beth.ivanic@yahoo.com

Busy, Busy, Busy!

Things have been a little busy around here, sorry! I am attempting to keep my calendar (located on right - just click it) current, but things are moving around. My stamp workshop this month will be moving to Thursday, Oct. 29. We will be doing a fall card, place setting idea for your Thanksgiving dinner and a Christmas gift card. The fee will be $5. Please, pass the info onto your friends...if you bring one - you get a gift from me! Check back for pics of our projects and for info on 2 BIG workshops coming up in November and December! You won't want to miss them! Any questions - email me....thanks!

1st StAmP-a-PaLoOzA!!

Well, if you couldn't make it last Thursday night - be sure to come next month! We had a lot of fun. After I realized I forgot my ink pads, aghh, we got to work stamping, folding, cutting and creating. The ladies are all excited to come back again - and I'm thrilled that they learned some new techniques!