Mug Shot

Ok, I'm just going to put this out there even though it's not my favorite. This pattern has been around for a long time and I got mine here. I'm not exactly sure what I had in mind for this to look like, but it is what it is. You might be starting to notice a theme here. I've been working on gift card holders. I've also been using the stamp set called C1371 Holiday Jingle p. 11. The paper pack is called Creative Basics Jingle Collection (p. 30). The mug is cut from white daisy cardstock and sponged with Blush. The other stamp pad color is Juniper. This pattern can also be used to stick in a packet of hot chocolate. I taped it shut in a way that the gift card wouldn't go all the way down. I hope you like it.

I received a blog award from my sistah Stacy a while back and I just haven't answered the questionnaire. Here it is.

Along with the award, there’s a little questionnaire. The rules are as follows:
1. You can only use one word to answer the questions.
2. Pass this along to your five favorite bloggers.
3. Notify them that you have given them the award.
4. Have fun.

One word… This is going to be a challenge.

1. Where is your cell phone? coat

2. Your hair? straight

3. Your mother? inspiration

4. Your father? ornery

5. Your favorite food? steak

6. Your dream last night? none

7. Your favorite drink? Coke

8. Your dream/goal? heaven

9. What room are you in? office

10. Your hobby? stamping
11. Your fear? alone

12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? here

13. Where were you last night? home

14. Something that you aren't? outgoing

15. Muffins? pumpkin

16. Wish list item? none
17. Where did you grow up? various

18. Last thing you did? crafted

19. What are you wearing? jeans
20. Your TV? off
21. Your Pets? Lucky

22. Friends? loved

23. Your life? blessed

24. Your mood? pensive

25. Missing Someone? yes
26. vehicle? van
27. Something your not wearing? shoes

28. Your favorite store? CJBanks

29. Your favorite color? blue

30. When was the last time you laughed? tonight
31. Last time you cried? yesterday

32. Your best friend? Stacy
33. One place that I go to over and over? work

34. Facebook? daily

35. Favorite place to eat? moms

I'm supposed to pass this along to 5 more bloggers, but I am doing good to get the quiz finished :0) I have one more card to make before the workshop this weekend. Let's hope I get it done.

You are Close to My Heart,

Yvonne

Quick Post/Simple Card

The kids are needing my attention so this will be a quick post. I didn't get the light right on the outside of the card. I apologize. The actual paper can be seen better here on page 29. The paper is from the Aspen pack. I mixed three different stamp sets for this card.

C1371 Holiday Jingle p. 11
D1243 Peace on Earth p. 71
D1171 New Fallen Snow p. 43



Other items: White Daisy Organdy ribbon, Prisma Glitter and Outdoor Denim stamp pad.
The card design is a pop-up card so I thought it would be cute to use that space to put a gift card. If you have questions you can use the comment section. Thanks so much for stopping by.

You are Close to My Heart,
Yvonne

p.s. Edited to add a side view.

Holiday Jingle

I can't believe that it's almost time for another card workshop! Before we know it Christmas will be here. This card was inspired by ChicnScratch.com. I've posted her video at the end of this blog entry. Please be easy on me :0) This is my sloppy copy and I was too tired to make it again. All products used for this card are from Close to My Heart with the exception of a glitter gel pen. The paper is called Jingle; the stamp set is Holiday Jingle and did you notice the cool brad? It's from a set of brads called Twinkle Brads. Well, enjoy. It's time for me to go figure out what's for supper. Any fast, easy ideas?

You are Close to My Heart,
Yvonne

Make It Count

A very good friend of mine lost her mother this last month. She had been sick for quite a while. It's still never easy. This is her stamp set (Make It Count) and she asked me to create something with it. She made the comment that this set sort of reminds her of her mom. This is what I came up with.

The stamp pad colors are black and desert sand. On the tag and the message part I stamped the background in second generation to make it lighter. The paper pack I used is one of my favorites called silhouette. Even though you can see very little of the paper, it's still there. This card sort of evolved and I ended up covering up a lot of it. Do you ever do that?

The embellishments are some brads and paper flowers from Close to My Heart and ribbon from Wal-Mart. You can see the stamp set here on page 80.

That's all for now. It's a quick post. Gotta' get kids out of the tub :0)

You are Close to my heart,
Yvonne

Nature's Vein Leaf Set

Years ago a downline of mine sent me a Christmas card using this basic layout. I loved the different look of it so much that I saved it all these years and it was my inspiration for this card.

The base of the card is measured at 4 1/4" X 7" and it's scored at 5" to make the folded over part. The middle part of the card measures 10 1/2" X 3 3/4". The stripe strip part is 4" X 1 1/4". The plaid part is a 3 1/2" square.

The leaves were done by stamp rolling them in different colored ink pads. To do stamp rolling you just stamp your solid image in the lightest color first (in this case the color was honey). Then you roll just the edges in a darker color. I used goldrush or autumn terracotta for the different leaves. I lastly barely tapped the entire image on a barn red pad. The veins were stamped in barn red. To get the realistic look I crumpled them up after cutting them out.

Stamp sets used were D1232 Natures Vein (p. 40) and C1381 Card Chatter--Thank You (p. 72)which has a lot of different messages that to with "thank you". The fun paper pack is called Back Country (p. 25). You can see the full sets by clicking here and then turning to the pages listed. If you'd like to order any of the items you can visit my website. Your fun products will be delivered right to your doorstep...no party required. (Page numbers refer to the Autumn/Winter 2009 Close to My Heart Idea Book.

That's all for now. I'm back to the work table to make more fun stuff. Stay tuned!

You are Close to My Heart,

Yvonne

p.s. Tina if you see this...thank you for the idea :0)

Jesus is the Reason for the Season

I know it's not even Halloween yet (which I'm not big on, by the way), but I've been making Christmas cards. I have a workshop coming up on the 17th and then my big Christmas Card making Extravaganza on the 24th so I've been busy. Here's a simple little card that we'll be making at my workshop next week. While I love all the cute holiday stuff, for me this is what it's all about. If Jesus hadn't come to earth my life would be without hope.

This card uses some craft cardstock as a base. I added pattern paper from the(X7085B) Everlasting paper packet. I like mixing and matching stamp sets. This one has (A1097) No Greater Love, (D1243 Peace on Earth) and (D1227) Legendary Moments, all from Close to My Heart. I was at Wal-Mart today and so I grabbed some ivory ribbon which went perfectly with this card. The little button with floss just finishes it off. Stamp pads used were Desert Sand and Ponderosa Pine.

Ok, I'm back to the work table for another one. I have lots to make this weekend to stay ahead of the game. If you need any of these supplies, you can order them here.

You are Close to My Heart,

Yvonne

Jingle All the Way

I just love the new papers that are in the Fall/Winter Close to My Heart Catalog. This card uses some appropriately called Jingle Collection. In this pack of paper there are two designs (12 each) and a roll or ribbon (all shown on card). To see it all you can go here and see page 10. The Level 2 Jingle packet is one that comes with 6 different patterns and matching cardstock. You can see it on page 10.

I stamped the background just once along each side with a stamp from Jingle Borders (p. 47) and the message is from Festive Thoughts which is discontinued. There are several sets in the current catalog and you can see them on pages 69-71.

The fun part of the card is the big chipboard snowflake. I sponged Juniper ink all over it and then covered it in glitter. It's especially eye catching in person.

The oval is the only thing not from Close to My Heart. I used Close to My Heart White Daisy and ran it through my Cricut to create the tag.

Don't forget the Card Making Extravaganza. (See more details here). If you live in my area and would like to come it's on October 24th. The cost is $45 and money is due on October 10th. If you don't live in my area or if you aren't able to come I can cut a packet for you for the same price.

You are Close to My Heart,
Yvonne

Card Making Extravaganza!

If you are still checking back with me I'm so grateful! As you may have noticed, I've been going through a dry spell in blogging. It just seems like there's always stuff to do that takes up my time. Today it's been fun just sitting and playing with all the features. As you can see, I've decided to give my blog a face lift. I loved my other banner, but I've had it for several years so as a sign that I'm getting back into blogging I've changed a lot of things!

October is going to be a great month to get started on Christmas projects. I'm hosting a card creating workshop where you'll get to make 50 cards for $45. Deadline to sign up for this workshop is October 10th. The workshop will take place on October 24th from 9:30-5:00. If you live in my area please e-mail me to let me know you'd like to come. Payment is due by October 10th in order for me to purchase supplies. The cards will include envelopes and there will be five different designs making 10 of each. All pieces will be cut so that you get to stamp and assemble. A light lunch will be served too!

If you don't live in my area, but would like to purchase a packet please let me know. For the same price I will send you a package of card bases with envelopes and pieces to complete your cards. You can choose to have me pre-stamp the items for you or work with you in deciding which of your stamp sets would work. Just let me know.

That's all for now. I'd better get back to creating!

You are Close to My Heart,

Yvonne

Color Throwdown

It's about time for another card workshop so I've been working on cards for that this week. Sometimes it's hard to get started so I turn to challenges for inspiration. This week I visited the Color Throwdown blog to see what the color challenge is. While I don't have the exact colors of the challenge I think I've gotten them pretty close. The colors I used were Ocean, Cranberry and Sweet Leaf. I stamped the background colors with tone on tone with some background stamps from Intrinsic Backgrounds. The message comes from a set that I've been using all week. It's appropriately named Thank You. The butterfly is from a set called Celebrate Life. I know those are not normal butterfly colors, but I think they still look cute on this card, especially since they are covered in Prisma Glitter! All products used on this card are from Close to My Heart. Don't forget to check out my website for any of these great products.

You are Close to My Heart,

Yvonne

Oh Baby!

Since it's Father's Day month I have challenged myself to make guy cards for my workshop (coming up this weekend). An easy "guy" card is a baby boy card. This one uses the paper pack called "Notebook" which I've used and used. The flip side to the blue polka dot paper is pink polka dot so you could totally make this a little girl color by just flipping the paper. The card base is Colonial White and the brown is textured chocolate paper which comes in a neutral combo pack. I love it because the flipside of the card is a light color making it easy to use with cards. I did stamp some polka dots on it using the Argyle Backgrounds stamp set to go with the whole polka dot theme. The onesie and frame are from a set called Baby Steps which has a lot of cute little stamps (most of which would have fit in the frame.) Rather than coloring in the onsie I decided to stamp it on the Notebook paper to match the blue strip. I then stamped it one more time on the brown to get the little heart. The ribbon just finished it off and I think it's from Walmart. Finally I used rub-ons from the Chocolate Love Letter Collection. On the inside of the card I used the alphabet rub-ons and spelled out my new nephew's name. I can't wait to send it along to my sister.

All supplies for this card except for the ribbon can be found on my Close To My Heart website. Don't forget to look for the deal of the day if you're visiting in June 2009! Thanks for stopping by!

You are Close to My Heart,

Yvonne

Father's Day

Guy cards are soooo hard to create. After many attempts I finally have one here that my man approves. I have learned some things about making guy cards in the process. The stamper/crafter in me whats to keep adding stuff to them, but it's a less is more deal on guy cards. Of course flowers are out, but I've learned that hearts are really out too even though you love the guy you're giving them to. According to my husband that makes them more feminine looking. Ribbon is pretty much out too.

For this card I added some chipboard from a set called Fresh Shapes from Close to My Heart. It started out white, but I sponged chocolate on it to begin with and then kept adding layers of chocolate ink until I was satisfied.

Color is another important factor in making guy cards. Dark muted colors are the best or when in doubt go in black, brown or dark blue. Don't even try and throw a hint of pink in there! This paper is called Simple Pleasures and has been my favorite for a long time. I stamped the coffee ring on there as well as the water splotches that are really light. The stamp set is called Coffee Stain. The set has a heart and star in it as well, which I had to refrain from using for this card. I'm glad my husband pushes my creativity!

You can find everything used to make this card on my website and while you're there, check out the deal of the day. Every day in June there's a new special! Thanks for stopping by!

You are Close to My Heart,

Yvonne

Posting Two Days in a Row!

Hello again. I have another card share from my workshop this week. This is a simple little card in honor of Mother's Day. I LOVE the Emporium paper and this time I paired it with the Notebook paper pack. Not much to explain on this one. My workshop girls will be making this on Saturday. Here are the specifics:

Papers: Notebook and Emporium

Stamp Sets: Code it and Boutique Borders

Stamped Colors: Cocoa

Other: Twill ribbon and a flower from my stash :0), 1" circle punch for middle of flower.

You are Close To My Heart,

Yvonne

A Workshop Card

Hello everyone. If you're still visiting my blog let me just say thank you for your patience with me. School is almost out and I will have a lot more time for stamping and posting. I have started back up doing card workshops and this is one of the cards for this month. I have photographed the others so be watching. If I can steal a couple of minutes away, I'll post them.

The base of the card is sweet leaf and I used a stamp from the Intrinsic Backgrounds stamp set using a sweet leaf stamp pad to make it subtle. The cute paper is from the Emporium Level 2 paper pack. I love the colors in this set. They are Buttercup, Cocoa, Crystal Blue and Sweet Leaf. The other stamp used on this card is from the Gracious Greetings set. I love the script writing. Wish I could write like that!

The embellishments were fun to add. The white flower is from the Big Pinks paper flowers set. The corduroy brad is from the Mini-Medley winter cozy collection...sooo fun! The clear flower is from promotional item that Close To My Heart did during the last Idea Book. I couldn't resist adding it with one of our buttons. You may or may not be able to tell, but I used Staz-On white ink with another of the Intrinsic Backgrounds stamps. I put that one on a foam square to add dimension. The only thing not Close To My Heart on this card is the little flower punch and the center. I love punches so I pick them up all the time. I think that the little pearl center was from the dollar spot at Target :0)

That's all for now. Thanks for stopping by :0)

You are Close to My Heart,

Yvonne

P.S. Check out my website!

I {Heart} This Stamp Set!

I recently did a card workshop and I have yet to put it all away. It's all been sitting on my desk just calling my name to come and play. I've been so busy with work that I've had little time but tonight I sat down to make a thank you card for a family that had us over for Easter dinner.

This card was so easy to make and I didn't even have any of what I call "sloppy copies". The first one I made was the one I liked...no paper waste! How did I do it? I grabbed my Originals Card Confidence book and just opened up to a spot. Seriously, all the card patterns in this book are so cute and yet so easy to follow. This pattern is called Diamond Duo.

The stamp set is called Aspirations and really has become one of my favorites. You'll be seeing more of it in upcoming posts. The paper is from a pack called "Perfect Day". I love the colors! They are Cocoa, Juniper and Sorbet. Everything is from Close to My heart except for the ribbon which is from Wal-Mart. The little pearls in the center of the flowers are from the Target Dollar Spot. Thank you for stopping by.

You are Close to My Heart,
Yvonne

Hey There Cupcake!

Well, after a long hiatus I am back to stamping. I had so many things going on right at the holidays that I just had to take a break. Then after that I was gone for three weeks to the Philippines. Then, it took me another month to catch up. Boy, jet lag is a killer! Anyway, I finally got a workshop on the calendar and it happened this last weekend. I'll have four posts for sure coming up :0)

Here's the first one. It uses the appropriately named set called Cupcake Sprinkles. I used Spring Iris, Hollyhock, Blush, Creme Brule' and Sweet Leaf. The adorable paper is from a pack called Daydream. I took this card straight from the Card Confidence program which made getting ready for this workshop so easy! I added some stickles to the cupcake to give it a little pop. I'm not exactly sure where the brads came from, but I do know it was on one of the shopping trips that my sistah Stacy and I went on. Aren't they the cutest? Check out my Close to My Heart website for these fun supplies. Thanks for stopping by.

You are Close to My Heart,

Yvonne

Still Playing Catch Up

Well if you're still visiting my blog I want to thank you for your patience. It's been a long couple of months with a lot going on. I returned from the Philippines at the end of February and I've spent the last couple of weeks getting my days and nights squared around. My body also decided to get the crud that's going around here too, but I think I'm on the upswing of it all. I still have a couple of big projects to complete (like my taxes....am I the only one still not done with that?).

I haven't stamped in quite a while and I'm a little nervous that I have lost my creativity! ACK! I really wanted to post something so that you know I'm still here. I was going through my blog favorites and I noticed that Kristina Werner had a color challenge up. I already had a card done in those colors so I'm sort of fudging a little and posting that one. Is that ok Kristina? I hope so :0)

This is one of my favorite stamps ever from the set In the Wild by Close to My Heart. Isn't he so cute? I apologize for the not so great picture. I scanned it in the days before I had a digital camera. Thanks for stopping by.

You are Close to My Heart,

Yvonne