Scrap Insurgents...

Email fail...

2010-08-01T12:57:00.000-05:00

So it's time to get serious about CTMH again. :) I love the product, I just don't have time to really devote to rounding up business! I love our monthly crops. They're a no-stress, laid back, fun with the chicks time! Unfortunately, the new catalogs are FULL of stuff I want to buy, but just can't validate spending the money on right now...

I went to my distribution list in Outlook (that I've been using for years) and it refuses to send out the email. There's nothing questionable in the email. All the addresses are the same as I've been using. But now it wants to balk?

I sent evites to the 'regulars' and tried to hit everyone on the original mailing list. I need more outreach! I can't afford a CTMH website (over $200/year) and I can't set up my own to sell from. Sigh. And worse yet, I don't have time to even do the 'parties!'

The new catalog has "workshop on the go" packages that look very interesting. I may try to get a group together at school and see if they're willing to spend $30 for a class...

So, if anyone's reading this and has any amazing solutions for me, I'm ready to hear them!

September Special...

2010-07-31T19:48:00.003-05:00

Super cute, huh? Get yours! ;)
September Special

Anybody out there???

2010-07-31T18:31:00.002-05:00

Okay, so I just checked this thing and it's been over a year since I posted! I'm trying to find a free newsletter service, since Outlook is now blocking my outgoing messages to my scrapping group. Ugh. Computers are SO frustrating! Anyway, I'm going to keep looking, but perhaps I'll just have to actually make this blog work for me...there's gotta be some kind of cool gadget out there, right???

I did it!

2009-07-20T21:09:00.000-05:00

I made my card pattern and put together my card packs for the swap on the 15th! I'm so proud that I actually accomplished something! :)

Working!

2009-07-20T12:32:00.001-05:00

I'm actually working hard today to design my card pattern for our card exchange. Check out my last post for more details, but it would be great to get a bunch of people involved!!!

I'm off to try to find a pattern that I can 'make my own...'

Trying Something New...

2009-07-11T13:24:00.001-05:00

Hey Everybody!

Join us on Saturday, August 15 from 10-3 for Crop Time.

Also, if you’d like to participate in a purely voluntary card swap, we’re going to give that a shot as well…

Here’s the deal….

THANKS to Kristi and Cathy for the idea!

You’ll need paper, card bases/envelopes, Ziplocs, and any embellishments you choose, (enough for 11 cards).

1. Design (or scraplift) a card. Check out my blog http://katdb70.blogspot.com/ for some fun card-making websites…

2. Make one as a sample.

3. Cut the pieces to make 10 identical cards, but don’t put them together! (The papers don’t need to be identical. Use what you have, just make the shapes the same.)

4. Put the pieces for each card into a card envelope, or Ziploc, along with a blank card base and the sketch/directions. Put the embellishments in the bag along with it. You should have ten card bags and one finished sample.

5. When you get here, we’ll see who’s participating and trade! We’ll all go home with new card ideas, finished cards, and another new experience to tell our friends about! ;) I know there will be at least three of us participating, and I’m guessing this will appeal to most of us.

Use whatever size card bases you have. If you want to make your own, go ahead and make the cards to fit any envelopes you already have. The more differences we have in size, shape and design, the better! If you get carried away and do more than one set, go for it!

Don’t feel like they have to/don’t have to be the same ‘occasion’ or style of card. If you want to make them birthday themed, go for it! If you want to make them a mix, go for it! If you want them to be ‘user-choice’, go for it! No limits!

All of my stamps, inks and tools are, as always, available for you to use.

If you have no interest in making or trading cards, that’s perfectly fine. Come hang out with us and work on your scrapbooks, knitting, weaving, or study for your next test. We’ll have snacks and drinks, and you’re welcome to bring or not bring anything you like. J

I’m also considering dropping my ctmh website. I haven’t had a hit on it, much less an order (that wasn’t mine) in quite a while, and it’s pretty expensive. If you are vehemently opposed to me dumping that expense, please let me know. J I’m always willing to listen to reason.

8706 Decker Lane

278-1415

Saturday, August 15

10-3

Hope to see you here!!!

Kathy

Kathy Blankenship

katdb70@austin.rr.com

Close To My Heart

Independent Consultant

kathyblankenship.myctmh.com

512-278-1415

"Recording and Preserving Memories Since 1978!"

Help!

2009-06-24T13:39:00.003-05:00

So I've totally failed in my 'picture a day' ambition.
Y'all need to help keep my motivated to post! :) There, I put it back on you, Followers. ;)

Playing with Animoto

2009-06-16T12:49:00.001-05:00

Oops...Guess it's been awhile!

2009-06-12T15:43:00.003-05:00

Hey Y'all.
I just noticed how long it's been since I've been on here! Obviously I failed miserably at taking a picture a day, so I'm going back to just posting whatever I feel like posting!

Don't forget to check out the daily specials on my CTMH website
kathyblankenship.myctmh.com

Our next crop day is June 27 from 10-3. Hope to see you here!

365.60

2009-03-01T15:41:00.003-06:00

3/1
Why yes. Yes, this is a trash can. Why do I have a picture of a trash can? Well, for months now we've been babying and repairing the foot pedal on our 'old' (like maybe a year? UGH.) model. I finally decided to break down and buy a new one. And yes, it does have a motion sensor. I'm a geek. Can't help it!

365.59

2009-02-28T13:38:00.003-06:00

2.28
Their first cake baking experience! Austin was not thrilled about licking the beater, but I made him.

365.54-365.58

2009-02-28T13:22:00.004-06:00

2.23 My desk. Any volunteers to help clean it up?
2.24 Now my nasty kitchen...still looking for volunteers.

2.25 People think I'm exaggerating when I tell them there's a 'gap in my floor.'

2.26 Fish. Looking guilty.
2.27 Sharing an mp3 player. Sometimes, they're sweet.

365.53

2009-02-22T17:44:00.002-06:00

2/22
Hanging out at Decker Lake...

365.51-365.52

2009-02-22T16:13:00.004-06:00

2/20...so my car isn't clean.

2/21 Crazy cousins at the regional science fair. Both contestants won 1st place, and neither one of these bozos won anything. :)

365.46-365.50

2009-02-22T15:53:00.004-06:00

2/15
I'm so far behind posting...ugh. I think I only missed one day of picture taking in this round!! Too many cameras to keep track of. :)

This is what happens when you're too lazy to get up and get a real camera. Phone cameras just aren't as good. :)

2/16 This is a document from the training I had to take today. Doesn't it look like so much fun???
2/17 It rained. Here's the bottom half of my raingear...crossing guard duty is wet.
2/18 So I missed today. Here's a picture of the boys that I actually took tomorrow. ;)
2/19 Mrs. O'Connor's class completely engrossed in I Spy Books. LOVE IT!

365.45

2009-02-14T14:57:00.003-06:00

2/14
Aiden's teacher sent home a broken tape player for him to take apart. He was so excited, but we made him wait until today to do it...you can see there's not much left. :)

365.44

2009-02-14T14:55:00.003-06:00

2/13
Fish & Rizzo's cousin, my nephew dog Vader.

365.43

2009-02-14T14:51:00.002-06:00

2/12

This is the base of Aiden's Valentine's cards. We printed them up on half a sheet of photo paper and punched holes above and below his fist. Shoved in a lollipop, and ended up with...

365.41 & 365.42

2009-02-14T14:48:00.002-06:00

2/10 & 2/11
Got behind again. UGH.

Austin's skate park. He built it at school. That's his teacher skateboarding...

Aiden working out at Manor's Jennie Lane SmartPark. They have built in work out equipment. Pretty cool little place...

365.40

2009-02-14T14:46:00.002-06:00

2/9
Gotta date them, because I keep getting behind in posting!

Mud. Pure and simple. Dragged in by the dogs. THIS is the real reason I don't clean my house. What's the point?

365.39

2009-02-08T08:07:00.003-06:00

Sick Aiden. Still grinning. You wouldn't know he was sick if you didn't know he had a fever! I have to force him to lay down...

365.38

2009-02-07T17:20:00.002-06:00

So I'm a member of Houseparty.com. Very cool website. You get to host parties, and they send you free stuff to share...or at least coupons. This was today's 'Ziploc Home Organization' party. See how thrilled my friends are? Yeah. That would be posed. But it was still fun. :) I'm all about free stuff!

365.36 & 365.37

2009-02-06T19:41:00.002-06:00

I guess I was anticipating the return of my computer, so I forgot to take a picture yesterday. Again. Hopefully, I'll stay on top of it for the rest of February...at least! :)

Chef Boyardee pizza! The best! Of course, there was a day when the leftovers would carry us through another meal. Not so much anymore...Time to buy two boxes.

And a wine glass. Why not? :) I just think it's pretty.

365.35

2009-02-06T19:40:00.002-06:00

Yep. That's Austin. With a book cover on his head. Pretending to be a dog. Go figure.

365.34

2009-02-06T19:38:00.003-06:00

This could almost make you want a cat. Almost...

365.33

2009-02-06T19:37:00.004-06:00

I must have known I was going to miss a day, so here's the one for 2/2. Our 'church girls' getting ready for the 3D commercial during the Super Bowl. :)

365.32

2009-02-06T19:34:00.002-06:00

Now is where the numbering gets tricky. :) And I had to get sneaky. Yes, I took a picture in church...but I wanted to get one of them using their 'quiet bags.'

365.30 & 365.31

2009-02-06T19:32:00.001-06:00

I missed another day. Here's an extra to make up for it. Both boys took part in the first annual Manor ISD Chess Tournament. They were exhausted, but it was a good experience.

365.29

2009-02-06T19:31:00.002-06:00

Can you say, "The Story of My Life?"

365.28

2009-02-06T19:29:00.003-06:00

We so badly wanted a snow day, or at least a delayed start. We didn't get either, but here are the icicles Aiden noticed on our way to school.

365.26 & 365.27

2009-02-06T19:27:00.002-06:00

Here's where I slacked. I missed a day, so here are my two to make up. This is their first Science Fair! :) Austin's was selected to go to Regionals. And I just noticed!! They have the same fake smile! :)

365.25

2009-02-06T19:26:00.003-06:00

This is bittersweet. This is our first trip to McDonalds with no Happy Meal. For either one of them. :(

365.24

2009-02-06T19:23:00.003-06:00

So why do you suppose that every time I went to grab for my ink, I'd pick up my phone? Luckily, it wasn't vice versa, or I'd have ended up with black all over my face!

365.23

2009-02-06T19:21:00.002-06:00

Not his first dance, but the first dance where he danced with a girl...sniff. But isn't she sweet??? :)

365.22

2009-02-06T19:19:00.001-06:00

Yep. A study guide. I'm going to take another certification test in April. Technology Applications. If nothing else, it will look good on my resume. :) And give me a good idea of whether or not I want to get into a computer classroom someday.

365.20 & 365.21

2009-02-06T19:15:00.002-06:00

Aiden posing and Daddy Rubiks-ing.

I actually cleaned out my 'linen closet'...for our bedroom, anyway!

OK!! My Computer is BACK!!!

2009-02-06T17:58:00.001-06:00

I knew living without this beast would be tough, but I didn't know HOW tough! I just got it back tonight, so I hope to get my pictures uploaded to it and uploaded on here before I go to bed!! Just to show you that I actually did take all of my pictures, (some a day late, but better than nothing! I refuse to beat myself up about it!)

I'll get them on here ASAP! :)
Kathy

ARGH!

2009-01-23T15:47:00.002-06:00

I have no way to get pictures to my blog at the moment. My computer is in the shop. :( Yes, it's killing me. I've missed one day so far, but I made up for it. Eventually I'll get them posted. I'm using my 7 year old's computer for this much, but it's an extremely frustrating process...

Don't forget,

Saturday, January 24
10-3

Crop at my house! Scrapbookers, papercrafters, card-makers, procrastinators!
Come hang out! :)

278-1415

365.19

2009-01-19T18:02:00.003-06:00

I hate my computer. Windows Vista ain't no 'Mojave.' I finally called the warranty company today about the cooling fan not cooling and the dvd drive not driving. Since I bought it at CompUSA, and CompUSA no longer exists, I have to send the stupid thing in for service. The box will arrive in 3 business days, and it will take up to 10 business days to get it back. Ugh. So, I'm moving all my stuff over to portable drives and other computers, and hoping that between Aiden's computer and my phone I'll be able to last the two weeks plus that I'll be without the stress inducing machine that somehow, I just can't live without. But I'll tell you one thing. When it comes back, it's getting XP!
And yes, I'm IMming my Sister in this particular shot. :)

Crop on Saturday!

2009-01-19T16:25:00.002-06:00

Don't forget to come join us on Saturday!
8706 Decker Lane
278-1415

10 am - 3 pm

Call or email with any questions!

365.18 Bonus

2009-01-18T21:45:00.001-06:00

Just because I really, really, really like this picture!

365.18

2009-01-18T13:46:00.004-06:00

I'm so showing my age, but do you remember the ads for Virginia Slims cigarettes? "You've come a long way, Baby?" Mark found this pager in his office and brought it in for Aiden to play with...I saw it sitting there and kind of laughed. That's how I used to have to contact him at work. And then he'd have to call me back. Now we have the phone technology that would allow us to video conference, if we really wanted to. Amazing. All this in less than 15 years...probably even less than that. We've come a long way. Baby. ;)

365.16 & 365.17

2009-01-18T11:40:00.003-06:00

365.16: Today was Aiden's birthday party. We had 22 kids and 11 adults here to celebrate! We ordered 12 pizzas, and ended up with 6 leftover (there's one in the bottom drawer, too!). How is this possible??? I guess the kids were having too much fun playing to bother eating. I do this all the time, though. Panic that I don't have enough and end up with too much. Guess there's a lesson here, huh? (But I have to say I LOVE my refrigerator!!!)

365.17: Aiden's 7th birthday. :) I took this picture with my iPhone at a traffic light. I have a feeling this phone is going to be an equal mix of good and bad...it can make me more productive, but there's sure a lot of fun stuff, too.
Isn't Aiden just too cute for words???

365.12, 365.13, 365.14, 365.15

2009-01-15T19:18:00.005-06:00

Yeah, I know. I'm behind. I have a birthday party to host tomorrow with about 36 people, (so far!) coming. I've kept up with the taking, just not the uploading and posting! So...to get my Sister to lay off...here we go!

365.12 is entitled "BAD DOG." He totally knows he's not supposed to be on the couch, and you can see it! Bad dog, Fish. (The beautiful girly blanket that he's laying on DISOBEDIENTLY was made for me by my totally awesome, yet nagging, Sister.)

365.13: UGH. TAKS. the death knell for Texas education. But as long as we HAVE to do it, I guess we might as well just deal with it. Tuesday night was TAKS night at the kids' school. Fun, fun, fun.

365.14: My dirty cat. Cats are supposed to be clean. This is Rypien, (pronounced Rippen...named after the QB for the Redskins when Mark and I were dating). He is not a clean cat. Notice his toes.

365.15: And last, as well as least, it does a mother proud when her children can behave appropriately in public. Notice Jagadesh to the right PRETENDING to stick his finger up his nose. Zach didn't even try. My son, however...
Now I'm caught up. Hopefully I won't get this far behind again soon, but I can honestly say I have taken at least one picture every day! YAY!!

365 Project Day Eleven or 365.11

2009-01-11T19:48:00.004-06:00

I'm stealing my sister's nomenclature. I like 365.11. :)
This was my view from my bedroom window this morning. There are days I really like where I live!

365 Project Day 10

2009-01-10T16:59:00.003-06:00

Science Fair. These words strike terror into the hearts of parents everywhere!
This is what's left of SIX CUPS of styrofoam packing peanuts after adding 1 tablespoon of pure acetone! When we scraped it out of the bowl, there was actually less than a tablespoon of goo left. Totally cool.

365 Project Day Nine!!

2009-01-09T20:17:00.003-06:00

I can't believe I've actually kept up with this for so long!
This is one of the nifty tattoos I got for Christmas from my nephew, Sean. Well, his mama got them for me, (THANKS, SISTER!), but aren't they the coolest??? Everyone at work was SO impressed!

365 Project Days 7 & 8

2009-01-08T16:57:00.004-06:00

Whew. I was gone from 6:30 am to 10:00 pm yesterday, but did I get a picture taken? Of course! This is my stop sign. Well, not mine, but the stop sign I stand under from 6:50-7:40 every morning as a crossing guard for Bluebonnet Trail Elementary School.

The dip? Someone brought over some of Chuy's Jalapeno Ranch Dip the other day, and I'm an addict. I was playing around with recipes, and this is my first concoction. Not bad, but not Chuy's either. I'll keep working on it. But if you want to try it, here's how I started...
16 oz sour cream
1 small can diced jalapenos, drained
1 packet ranch dressing mix
1 t garlic powder
1 T cilantro
1 t lime juice
I put it all in the blender. I'm lazy.

365 Project Day 6

2009-01-06T18:30:00.004-06:00

Hmm...UT tattoos. Whoopee...
Well, yeah, until you know that my husband was laid off in October and today found out that he had a job offer from the UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS!!!! YAY!
And besides that, my Sister gave me the tattoos, (by way of a Christmas present from my nephew),... so there! :)

365 Project Day 5

2009-01-05T19:03:00.002-06:00

I can't explain it. Every time I pick up a camera, I feel like I'm cheating on the other one! I have to say that I really like both of them...the smaller one is great to carry everywhere and does video. The SLR is for 'important' pictures that I have time to mess with. So this picture is just to say, Canons, I love you both. :)

365 Project Day 4

2009-01-04T15:08:00.003-06:00

What's all this? It's my Sunday morning routine. The cooler is full of flavored creamers (and eggnog this morning!). The carafes each hold a pot of coffee, and the big green Costco bag has sugar, powdered creamers, cups and lids. Oh yeah, and my Bible study stuff. :)
I'm really liking this project. It's forcing me to look at things in a whole new way...what's important to me and why? One of my friends, Amy, took a picture of someone holding a Wii remote. Just the hand. I love that! I imagine I'll steal that idea somehow as well. Lego games on the Wii have made up a great deal of our Christmas break...I like having a reason to think about the 'little' things...

Crop Update!!

2009-01-03T19:22:00.000-06:00

The time has been chosen!
(I actually found out that my boys have a dance on Friday night!)
So, the crop is scheduled for Saturday, January 24th. We'll start at 10 and go till at least 3.

Come hang out with us! You can bring a snack if you like, but there's no obligation. (Some of us like trying out new recipes on the rest of the unsuspecting...)

8706 Decker Lane
278-1415

365 Project...

2009-01-03T15:45:00.002-06:00

Hey! Three days in a row! I'm so proud of myself. Here's today's picture. Pink Chicago Cubs Reeboks. I've noticed that as my boys grow, the testosterone level in my home becomes more and more unbearable. Somehow, pink seems to help. Go figure.
As soon as my picture protectors show up, I'll start working on the scrapbook side of the project. Then perhaps I'll get that posted as well...if I actually do it. ;)

365 Project

2009-01-02T14:25:00.004-06:00

Okay, so my friend Kelley is doing this, I've seen it online and advertised, and now I'm doing it too!

365. Pictures. Yes. A picture a day, every day this year!!!

These are the first two I've chosen. The one of the family is from yesterday, and Austin and his Slinky is today's shot.

Anyone else up for the challenge? There are tons of ideas out there, and CK even has a kit for it!

I'm going to do this on my own,since I already own so many scrapbook supplies and I think I can fake my own kit. I'm going to order some 12 x 12 6 pocket photo pages, (Close To My Heart!) and use one pocket for a picture and the one beside it for journaling. (Yep, I'm even going to attempt to journal!) That way I can use 12 x 12 album, (which I already own) and any of my papers and embellishments I want!

I'm hoping, like Kelley, that if I put it out here, I'll make myself do it. Because I know if I don't, you guys will get on to me!!!!

January Stamp of the Month

2009-01-02T11:00:00.002-06:00

Click the post title to see the stamp set!

Input Needed!

2009-01-02T10:58:00.003-06:00

I need your input…
I have two possibilities for crop days in January. Friday, January 23rd, and/or Saturday the 24th. Here are your options. Let me know what works best for you, and I’ll let everyone know the plan!!!

Option A: Friday night. 6:30 PM till whenever

Option B: Saturday 10 AM-3 PM

Option C: LAN party style… starting Friday at 6:30 PM and going until Saturday night!!

(For those of you unfamiliar with the LAN experience…here’s a basic outline…

I. Come Over

A. Bring your scrapbook stuff

B. Bring a snack to share

II. Stay

A. Claim your seat, stay in it till you drop

1. Find a bed, chair, couch, tent, car, or spot on the floor and rest

2. Go home, sleep, come back

B. Come on Friday for as long as you can

C. Come on Saturday for as long as you can

D. Any combination of the above!

III. Shop or Borrow

A. I have some items here for sale

B. Borrow any of my stuff you’d like to use

C. Swap with other scrappers

Personally, I’m leaning toward Option C. Y’all let me know!

Cool website...

2008-12-27T13:21:00.007-06:00

Last night, Shari and I went to the ScrapMania crop at Archiver's in Cedar Park. We had a blast...but I only did 3 pages. 2 of them I don't really like...but hey, like that other company says, the goal is to have finished pages.
Anyway, we ran into some fun people there, and one preschool teacher who can make ANYTHING out of felt suggested www.pagemaps.com
Basically, they give you sketches of pages and samples of completed pages. You can print out .pdfs of the pagemaps. Some are simple, some are complicated. Anyway, check it out!
www.pagemaps.com

I Scrapped! Believe It!

2008-12-21T18:17:00.003-06:00

So I'm not thrilled with the layout. It doesn't look at all like I'd hoped. It doesn't flow the way I wanted it to. But you know what? It's finished, and all those pictures are now safely ensconced in acid free page protectors instead of being squashed in a box of stuff waiting to be scrapped. That, in itself, is a happy feeling! Maybe someday I'll take it apart and redo it. Maybe not. But for now, I'm just glad these pictures will survive. My future daughter-in-laws can fix it when I'm dead. ;)

Kelli's Pages

2008-12-20T19:31:00.003-06:00

Here are three layouts using CTMH stuff (and of course, Kelli's beautiful daughters. And her cast.)
Thanks, Kelli, for letting me use your pages...who knows how long it will be before I have time to do my own! And I apologize for the horrible cropping on the pictures. My hard drive is full and I can't do much of anything at the moment. Yet another project to attack...sigh...

2008-12-14T13:25:00.008-06:00

After a long and crazy week, I spent all day yesterday...(literally. 12 hours) and some of today finishing these up. They're the gift card holders my wonderful sister, Lisa, found on YouTube. The round ones show front/back. I'm supposed to sell them at our school staff Christmas party. There's no way I could recoup my labor on these puppies! I'm hoping to sell them for $2 each, but they cost me at least $20 each in sanity points. Wish me luck!

Paper Ornament Patterns

2008-12-08T17:52:00.005-06:00

Check this one out! We're going to do some...hope they turn out like these, but somehow, they never do...
Click on the "Paper Ornament Patterns" posting title to get to the link, or cut & paste this one in.

http://www.amybutlerdesign.com/pdfs/PaperPinwheels.pdf

Here's a link to another blog with some more ideas.

http://www.memorymakersmagazine.com/blog/EASY+Paper+Ornaments+And+Bows.aspx

Monday. Boy, is it ever.

2008-12-08T17:25:00.003-06:00

Hey Everyone!
I just realized exactly how close Christmas is. I haven't even started my Christmas shopping yet, and most years, I'm completely finished by now!
I've decided that this year, nothing but homemade ornaments are going on my tree. The kids will make most of them, but I might try one or two. If I find some good patterns, I'll post links. Feel free to do the same!
Don't forget to take time to ENJOY the holidays, and I hope to see you here on the 19th! I have some people coming early and some coming late, so come anytime and stay as long as you can!
Kathy

Teacher Gift Idea...Personalize it With a Picture!

2008-12-08T17:23:00.001-06:00

Bookmark

click to view larger

Materials Needed:

1 - 7 3/4" x 2 1/4" Colonial White Cardstock
1 - 2 1/2" x 1 3/4" Olive Cardstock
1 - 7 3/4" x 2 1/4" Large Floral B&T Duos™ Paper
Autumn Terracotta Exclusive Inks™ Pad
Olive Exclusive Inks™ Pad
4 - Antiqued Copper Brads
Liquid Glass
Assorted My Stickease™ Artwork
Sponge
Micro-Tip Scissors

Directions

Step One
With the "Adventure" My Stickease™ still on the carrier sheet, apply a thin layer of Liquid Glass over the center, top left and right, and bottom left and right alphabet squares. When the first layer is dry, add another thin layer over the same five squares. Once both layers are dry, gently bend the My Stickease so the dried Liquid Glass cracks a bit. (Note: You can build the rest of the bookmark while the Liquid Glass dries.)

Step Two
Adhere the 7 3/4" x 2 1/4" large floral B&T paper to the 7 3/4" x 2 1/4" Colonial White cardstock.

Step Three
Using Olive ink and the sponge, distress the edges of the bookmark and the 2 1/2" x 1 3/4" Olive CS.

Step Four
Attach the My Stickease tab in the top right corner.

Step Five
If the Liquid Glass is dry, continue with this step. Using Autumn Terracotta ink and the sponge, distress the edges of the "Adventure" My Stickease. Attach the My Stickease to the center of the 2 1/2" x 1 3/4" Olive cardstock.

Step Six
Attach one brad to each corner of the sentiment mat. Adhere the sentiment mat to the top portion of the bookmark, about 1/2" from the edge.

Really Cute Card

2008-12-08T17:19:00.001-06:00

I realize this calls for specific stickers, but I just like the layout. You could use any stickers or stamps that you like...

7" x 5" Card
Originals: Sweet & Simple™

click to view larger

Materials Needed:

1 - 7" x 10" Barn Red Cardstock
6 - 1" x 1" Barn Red Cardstock (for dimension)
2 - 1/4" x 4 7/8" Small Flower B&T Duos™ Paper
1 - 2 1/2" x 2 1/2" Small Flower B&T Duos™ Paper (solid side)
1 - 6 1/4" x 4 7/8" Circles B&T Duos™ Paper
1 - 7" x 5" Polka Dot B&T Duos™ Paper
Autumn Terracotta Exclusive Inks™ Pad
Liquid Glass
Assorted My Stickease™ Artwork
Sponge

Directions

Step One
With the My Stickease bracket and large flower still on the carrier sheet, apply a small dot of Liquid Glass randomly over some of the small polka dots in the design. (Note: You can build the rest of the card while the Liquid Glass dries.)

Step Two
Fold the 7" x 10" Barn Red cardstock in half, creating a side-fold card.

Step Three
Using Autumn Terracotta ink and the sponge, distress the edges of the solid side of the 2 1/2" x 2 1/2" small flower B&T paper.

Step Four
Adhere the 7" x 5" polka dot B&T paper to the card front, keeping the edges flush.

Step Five
Adhere one of the 1/4" x 4 7/8" small flower B&T pieces along the top of the card, about 1/8" from the top and flush with the fold. Adhere the other 1/4" x 4 7/8" small flower B&T piece along the bottom of the card, about 1/8" from the bottom and flush with the fold.

Step Six
Adhere the 6 1/4" x 4 7/8" circles B&T paper between the two small flower B&T pieces and flush with the fold.

Step Seven
Attach the five My Stickease letters to the bottom right corner. We chose the word "hello," but you can choose any greeting.

Step Eight
Adhere the 2 1/2" x 2 1/2" small flower B&T paper to the right portion of the card with the solid side showing, placing it about 1 1/2" from the top and 1/2" from the right edge.

Step Nine
Layer the six 1" x 1" Barn Red cardstock pieces on top of one another. Adhere them to the center of the 2 1/2" x 2 1/2" small flower B&T paper. If the Liquid Glass on the My Stickease flower is dry, attach the flower over the layered cardstock pieces. The layered pieces will add dimension to the flower.

Step Ten
If the Liquid Glass on the My Stickease bracket is dry, attach the bracket to the left of the flower.

On a Roll...

2008-12-07T13:06:00.002-06:00

Two days, three posts! This might work. Unless I happen to handle this the way I do everything else, which is 'start strong, end sooner than expected!' Either way, it was fun while it lasted, right?
I had a request to post some page layouts. If you have scans of any of your layouts, please email them to me! I'll post them here for the world to see! (Or at least the small portion of the world who will actually see this blog!)
I don't have many 'page' layouts that are new, since I've been working on cards lately. If you go to my CTMH site, you'll see some of the layouts I've finished under "Artwork."
I'm hoping to actually get some pages done over Christmas break, but since I've started working full-time again, "me-time" has disappeared. Which reminds me, I need to get the house clean!
Remember, please email me any layouts you're especially proud of!
Thanks!
Kathy

December Stamp of the Month Art

2008-12-06T10:00:00.002-06:00

STAMP of the month December

D1309 December: Heart Throb
(Set of 10) $22.95 US/ $25.50 CAN

Awaken affectionate feelings of the heart with this collection of artful flourishes, funky designs, and terms of endearment. Love rules! Available December 1–31, 2008 only.

1" × 1½" (Y1001), 2½" × 2½" (Y1004), 4" × 4" (Y1008)

With a minimum qualifying purchase, get your Stamp of the Month at a great discount or FREE! Click here to find out how!

Click here for additional artwork.

Artwork Recipes

Love Notes Memory Keeper Box
D1309 My Acrylix^® Heart Throb
1386 Black Cardstock
1299 Baby Pink Cardstock
X5753 Tulip Cardstock
Z2105 Black Exclusive Inks™ Pad
Z2102 Baby Pink Exclusive Inks™ Pad
Z2305 Black Exclusive Inks™ Marker
Z1116 My Creations™ Memory Keeper Box
Z900 Clear Watermark/Embossing Exclusive Inks™ Pad
Z670 Black Embossing Powder
Z1033 Just Blooms™ Big Pinks Paper Flowers
Z1104 Clear Sparkles
Z1019 Dimensional Elements Fresh Shapes
Z1034 Designer Ribbon Rounds™ Black Collection
Z268 3-D Foam Squares
Z1050 Scallop Scissors

12" × 12" Love Layout
Reflections: Main Frame-Back Drop™
D1309 My Acrylix^® Heart Throb
X5753 Tulip Cardstock
X5747 Basic Textured Cardstock Combo Pack
X5681 Spring Harmony Textured Cardstock Combo Pack
Z2105 Black Exclusive Inks™ Pad
Z2305 Black Exclusive Inks™ Marker
Z900 Clear Watermark/Embossing Exclusive Inks™ Pad
Z670 Black Embossing Powder
Z1098 Love Letters Rub-Ons
Z1033 Just Blooms™ Big Pinks Paper Flowers
Z1104 Clear Sparkles
Z1092 Embroidery Floss Red & Pink Assortment
Z463 Sassy Strands™ Spring Harmony Assortment
Z819 Window Charms™ Circles
Z1034 Designer Ribbon Rounds™ Black Collection
Z268 3-D Foam Squares
Z1050 Scallop Scissors
Z578 Corner Rounder

3 1/2" × 8" Heart Card
Originals: Puzzle Backdrop™
D1309 My Acrylix^® Heart Throb
1386 Black Cardstock
X5753 Tulip Cardstock
X5747 Basic Textured Cardstock Combo Pack
X5681 Spring Harmony Textured Cardstock Combo Pack
Z2102 Baby Pink Exclusive Inks™ Pad
Z900 Clear Watermark/Embossing Exclusive Inks™ Pad
Z1019 Dimensional Elements Fresh Shapes
Z670 Black Embossing Powder
Z1104 Clear Sparkles
Z1034 Designer Ribbon Rounds™ Black Collection
Z1096 Embroidery Floss Neutral Assortment
Z268 3-D Foam Squares

7" × 5" Valentine Card
Originals: Clean Cut™
D1309 My Acrylix^® Heart Throb
1386 Black Cardstock
1385 White Daisy Cardstock
X5747 Basic Textured Cardstock Combo Pack
X5681 Spring Harmony Textured Cardstock Combo Pack
Z2105 Black Exclusive Inks™ Pad
Z1098 Love Letters Rub-Ons
Z291 Hinges
Z1104 Clear Sparkles
Z463 Sassy Strands™ Spring Harmony Assortment
Z1092 Embroidery Floss Red & Pink Assortment
Z921 Primary Coloring Pencils
Z268 3-D Foam Squares
Z608 Dry Embossing/Scoring Stylus
Z1050 Scallop Scissors

Giving this a try...

2008-12-06T09:01:00.001-06:00

Hey Everyone,
I'm attempting to stay more "on top" of my CTMH business! Please give your opinions of the value of this blog...be patient with me, though. Believe it or not, blogging isn't something I do, so I'm expanding my horizons!

So, to begin, I want to thank Kelli for keeping me informed about the things going on at my website, www.kathyblankenship.myctmh.com. Apparently there are some great videos and ideas for using the CTMH materials. It's under the "NEW! CTMH TV" link on the left side of the page.

There's also a section titled "Workshops on the Go" which is super neat. It gives you directions for a large project, and then in the shopping area, you can buy the kit of items you'll need.

Don't forget our Crop Afternoon/Night, for anyone close to Austin! December 19th at 3PM till whenever we stop. You can check out more details on the website as well, under "events."

Okay, so here endeth my first post! Please tell me what you'd like to see here, and let me know if it's worth the time. Thanks for your support!!
Kathy