Where Has the Time Gone?

I'm a little ashamed that my last post was nearly 2 months ago! Where HAS the time gone. I'm only a little ashamed because I've been selfish with my time reading books, swimming with the kids, watching movies, celebrating birthdays.

I just recently read "Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet" by Jamie Ford. It was an easy read and was a little predictable, but there were quite a few surprises. Having been born in the late 60s I am not too familiar with WWII history. This book addresses Japanese internment camps during the war. I felt conflicted with the situation: on the one had you can't tolerate the possiblity of spies, but on the other hand these are AMERICANS who happen to have Japanese roots. This injustice is quite disturbing to me. If you happen to read this book, let me know if you give it thumbs up or down.

I'm preparing for a great weekend getaway with my scrapbook buddies at a Close To My Heart leadership conference in Long Beach, California. I look forward to sharing new products and ideas when I return.

Watch for a DEAL-A-DAY in June

LOVE A GREAT DEAL? HOW ABOUT 30 GREAT DEALS?
Close To My Heart has a daily deal for you in June. Each and every day a product
special will be available through my website only that day and only while supplies last. Irresistible shipping discounts are included! Read on to find out how you could win extra CTMH goodies.

Watch for popular products offered FREE when you order your favorite stamp set (excludes personalized stamps and the Stamp of the Month). Simply add the stamp set of your choice to your shopping cart, and you will be prompted to add the free item offered that day.

On select days in June you can purchase a specially priced mystery box filled with great goodies. I can’t tell you exactly what is included in the goodie box - that would spoil the fun, but contents will vary by box and include both current and retired favorite stamp sets, paper kits, embellishments, and other great products. These goodies boxes will all have different pricing of at least 50% off retail, with some at even deeper discounts! You can purchase boxes on different dates and receive a wide variety of differing products!

Look for the June Deal-a-Day link in the online shopping section of my website to see that day's deal. Deals are available for 23 hours beginning on the day announced and while supplies last. New deals are posted at 8:00 a.m. (9:00 a.m. mountain time) each day and expires the following day at 7:00 a.m.

There is a healthy stock these products available, so you don’t need to “rush the doors” just be aware that the special pricing is available on that day only.

Discounted shipping as low as $3 is available when orders meet all Deal-a-Day guidelines. In order to receive this great shipping discount, ONLY Deal-a-Day qualifying items may be in the shopping cart at checkout. Additional purchases will need to be made separately. Mystery box shipping costs vary between $6 and $10 and represent only a fraction of the value of the contents.

As an added bonus each online purchase in June will qualify you for an entry into a drawing for a $20 CTMH gift certificate.

Check back often to stock up on your scrapbooking and cardmaking supplies at a discount.

Tax and shipping/handling may apply.

Wishes Do Come True

If you like to make cards, but need a little inspiration this may be just what you've been wishing for. Created by Close To My Heart founder, Jeanette Lynton, Wishes is a hardbound book of new patterns including circle cards and bulk cards. The three bulk card patterns help you make 8, 12, or 16 cards getting the most use out of your papers and your time. The full-color artwork and tips & techniques will get your creative juices flowing. Order yours today for just $29.95 (Wishes Card Confidence Program, Item 9033). You can purchase right from my website, or contact me to place an order.

Card Folio

As promised, here's another simple, inexpensive gift idea for family and friends that will show them your appreication.

Here's how to make it:

Step 1:

Cut cardstock to 11-1/2 x 5-3/4. Cut two additional pieces of cardstock to 3 x 5

Step 2:

Larger piece of cardstock-Score (with the 11-1/2 edge at the top) at 3", 3-1/2", 8" and 8-1/2". Fold on score lines.

Smaller piece of cardstock-Score at every 1/2". Accordion fold on score lines.

The following picture should give you the idea

Step 3:
Next you'll attach the accordion pieces to either side of the folios front edge.

Step 4:

Attach the other side of the accordion piece to the back of the folio. This will make your accordion pocket for your five cards to fit into.

Step 5:

Decorate.

All materials used are Close To My Heart.

S. O. S. - Save Our Scrapbooks...

I was flipping through my May/June issue of Simple Scrapbooks and saw the Editor's Note from Stacy Julian titled A Simple Farewell. At first I thought Stacy was moving on to pursue another book showing us how to make a mini album in a weekend. But the farewell she was speaking of is the farewell of Simple Scrapbooks magazine. I have gleened many ideas from the pages of this publication and I'm sorry to see it go like so many other newspapers and magazines. I will continue to get tips and tricks from Creating Keepsakes, big-sister publication to SS.

Scrapbooking is one of the many hobbies I enjoy (not as much as the homebaked treats I make, but definitely more than exercising - although I always feel strong and accomplished after a meaningul workout). It is very gratifying when my children pour over pictures in our albums commenting about how cute they were (they WERE and still are in my opinion). So, to save our scrapbooks I'm challenging you to spend a couple of hours one day this week to preserve your memories; whether you're a digi-scrapper or the traditional type with paper and glue like me. And get out from behind the camera so that YOU are in some of those photos too.

If you're at a loss for time or don't know how to get started, join me for a crop on National Scrabooking Day, Saturday May 2nd from 1-11 p.m. For $15 you'll get your own workspace, limited interruptions, a mini album class, access to my stamps & inks and "how-to" books, and a Mexican fiesta (it's close enough to Cinco de Mayo, right?). You'll also get a gift from me, as well as chances at other prizes. Seating is limited so RSVP right away.

My little crafty protoge

As the saying goes..."the apple doesn't fall far from the tree." My 6 year-old loves to color, draw, paint, cut, glue, staple, you name it. She's a crafty one.

This week in school, the children were given pre-printed cardstock to make place cards for Easter dinner. Hailey followed directions, coloring the basket and cutting only on the basket line, not the dotted, fold-here line, to make a cute little place card for me.

Then she came home and proceeded to make her own creative place cards for the rest of the family. Aren't they adorable?

Happy Easter everyone. Take a moment to give thanks for this life that God has blessed you with and to evaluate what you are doing to give back.

Inexpensive Paper Craft Ideas

As promised in my newsletter, this month I am posting some creative ideas for inexpensive gifts for teachers, mom and grads. (Post a message if you'd like to receive my newsletter.)

Today's idea is a Coaster Clip Board. You'll need a heavyweight coaster to start with. Restaurants like Chili's may be give you a few coasters if you ask them.

• Cut printed paper to fit the size of coaster you are using and then adhere to the coaster. I like using Bonding Memories glue from Close To My Heart. If you are using printed coasters from a restaurant, you will want to cover both sides of the coaster with decorative paper.
• Sand the edges of the coaster (tip - sand 'down' towards the edge so the paper does not pull up).
• Attach sticky notes to the decorated coaster and secure in place with a 1-1/4" binder clip.
  You can decorate the binder clip with coordinating paper (1-1/4" x 3/4"). Adhere the paper to the clip with Tombow adhesive or similar two sided tape runner.
• Use ribbons, paper flowers, sparkles, etc. to jazz up your Coaster Clip Board.

Let me know how yours turns out.