Let it Snow

Another card for today!  I saw the sketch over at Merry Monday and knew I wanted to play along this week: Play along HERE!  It's their last card sketch for 2012!

I really decided to 'clean' out some of my stash I have.  I literally went through my scrap bin for this one! 

This card is all about 'SNOWFLAKES', so it will be entered at Cute Card Thursday. Since I used 2 ribbons, I'm also playing along with Crafty Ribbon.

Kim :)  Thanks for stopping by!!

Santa Kisses

Hello!  I can't believe santa is coming to town in less than a month!  Wow!  This whole year has just flown by!

I had a chance to play along with Inspired By today.  Here is the photo inspiration:

Isn't he adorable!  I decided to go with the black, white and red santa theme of course after seeing a card at

Jill's Card Creations.

I changed it up a little- made my card circle to resemble Santa's tummy and also added a little sticker from my Jillibean Soup Winter Tortellini and Spinach Soup pack.  For the beard, I used some fun flock. I used my circut and the Art Philosophy cartridge to cut out everything.  

Here is what I came up with:

Here's a close up of the fun flock:

I LOVE how he turned out and this card was super easy to make!  One could almost make use this idea for Christmas tags!

This card will also be entered in the challenge over at The Playdate Cafe. And Ruby's Rainbow for shaped cards.

Well, enjoy the rest of your day!  Thanks for stopping by!
Kim :)

'Tis the season....

Hello friends~

Today's card is from the Jillibean Soup- Winter Tortellini and Spinach Soup pack.  I can't get enough of this set!  The variety of papers are awesome!  Here is the sketch I used from sweet stop sketches:

Here's my card:

Aren't the stockings and the houses so cute!  Love those papers!

Thanks for stopping! ~Kim

Christmas Tag

How's everyone doing?

It's late but I wanted to post the tag I made tonight.  I saw a challenge (ok...a few) and I was thinking about them throughout my women's class tonight at church (addicted, yes) so i came home, put my baby girl to bed (whom I should say was exhausted.  She decided not to take a nap today) and beau bear and I went into my scrapping room.  He made a Christmas card for his daddy and I made this little guy:

The sketch came from Skipping Stones Designs and and here's their sketch.

Then I saw the colors at Color Throw Down:

Here is a close up of the trees:

  I'm also entering this little guy into these challenges:

Little Red Wagon- Trees

Stampin' Royalty- Tags

See my friends, I tell you....ADDICTED.  The papers were from Jillibean Soup- Winter Tortellini and Spinach Soup~  The tree was cut from the Art Philosophy Cartridge.  I cut 5 of them and adhered them together to get the 3D effect.

Well, I've had quite the day today so I'm off to bed!

Have a good night!

~Kim

**Please note, I uploaded this to Stampin Royalty and didn't realize it couldn't be in more than 3 challenges.  Sorry- this was entered in 4 challenges. 

Believe

Howdy! 

I'd like to share another Christmas card with you- I used a sketch from Waltzing Mouse Sketches.  The banners and circle mixed is what caught my eye- the circle snowflake dimensional element from ctmh looks perfect there! :)  Plus I was able to use up some scraps!

Have a great day! Thanks for stopping! ~Kim :)

Sketch Saturday

Hi there!

Today I have a Christmas Card I'm entering into a few challenges.  The sketch over at Sketch Saturday caught my eye over the weekend.  I knew what I wanted to do too after seeing a photo inspiration challenge over at Just Us Girls.

Do you just love the warm Christmas feeling this photo gives you?  So pretty! 

Here's my card:

Poinsettia flowers are so fun to make!  I used the Artiste Circut Cartridge to make it.  The paper is also from ctmh- Pear and Partridge.  You might be wondering how I came up with this card after seeing the above picture....well, I went with the red, green and bow.  If you look closely at the red in the window, the pattern resembles the pear and partridge red paper.  I also thought the stamp was perfect.

Thanks for stopping by!
~Kim

Happy Birthday My friend!

Hi there!

First off I want to thank all of you that stopped by on the Rose Blossoms Blog Hop!  Wasn't everyone's creations just gorgeous!  Thank you for taking the time to stop at everyone's blog.  We appreciate it!

Over the weekend I was able to make some cards and used sketches from various challenge blogs.  I've scheduled the posts throughout the week.

My mom's birthday is on Tuesday so I'm mailing the card below today!  I pulled out an older stamp- Aspiration (ctmh).  It's retired but still one of my favorites!!  I decided to use up the rest of my Flirty paperpack too (ctmh).  For my card, I used a sketch from the Craft's Meow: View it HERE!

Since I paper pieced the flower, I'm also entering this card in the challenge over at Pink Gem Challenge.

I also have some very exciting news to share with you!  I've been accepted to be on a Design Team for Stuck on U Sketches!  Check it out HERE!

I'm super excited to be apart of the such a talented and fun group!  I'll be joining in December and would love for you to join in on the fun!  Watch my blog for challenge details!

Thank you so much for stopping by and have a great Monday!

~Kim



ROSE BLOSSOMS BLOG HOP!!

Hello friends!  Did you eat lots of turkey yesterday?  Hope you had a great thanksgiving!

How would you like to win this?

I'd like to welcome you to the Close to My Heart Rose Blossoms Blog Hop!  Sit back and enjoy our creations!  To qualify for the above prize, you need to comment on EACH blog AND become a FOLLOWER if you aren't already.  Easy Peasy Right?!  Brenda Rose (last on the blog list) will draw for the Grand Prize!

If you just came from Crystal's Blog- All Things Crafty then you are on the right track!  Wasn't her creation beautiful!?

Here is the blog order for you- stop on over and check out everyone's creations!  Don't forget to leave your comments and become a follower too~

1.  Marg- ididnthavepotatoes

2.  Tammie- tchelberg- I love to craft

3.  Crystal-craftinginlove

4.  Kim- agirlandherstamps- THAT's ME :)

5.  Lynn- frommybungalow

6.  Kim H- violetsandsunshine

7.  Brenda- roseblossomlegacies

I'd like to share with you my creations.  For a busy mom like me, I'm showcasing Close to My Heart's Dimensional Elements- In Color Holiday and Pear & Partridge Complements Glitter Rub- Ons. 

First up are the cards using the rub ons:

Isn't it great how cute your card can look using rub- ons!

How about a card using non traditional colors and the circut:  (Stella and Pear & Partridge paper):

And here are my cards using the Dimensional Elements:

 

(Pssttt- this one is my favorite!)  YES, that is Avonlea Paper!  That is just another cool thing about ctmh- you can mix and match all of their papers!  I love Avonlea's paper!  This pattern is so rich!  Perfect for Christmas!

Of course I have to share a page I completed too:  I have a Christmas Album and this will be perfect for the kids santa picture or our family picture this year:

Here's another secret- that pink/red paper in the background is from Stella :)

I hope I left you feeling inspired for this Christmas!  Now hop on over to Lynn's Blog!  I know you will LOVE her creation!

Here is my supplies list:

Paper

Stella

Avonlea

Pear & Partridge Workshop on the Go

Embellishments

Dimensional Elements- In Color Ready

Rub Ons Holiday

Red, Pink & Purple Sparkles

Rhinestone Designer Brads

Dark Chocolate Striped Grosgrain Ribbon

Designer Ribbon- Red Collection

Paradise Twine

Neutral Twine

Green Assortment- Buttons

Clear Sparkles

Opaques Pearls

Stamps

Pear & Partridge Workshop on the Go

Art Philosophy and Artiste coordinating stampsets (2 of them)

Ink

Cocoa

Cartridges

Art Philosophy- Trees on the 3rd card

Artiste- Large Holiday Ornament on scrapping page

Thank you so much for stopping by! 

~Kim

Give Thanks/BLOG HOP

Hi there,

I thought I'd share a card I made for a few challenges.  With Thanksgiving around the corner, I wanted to make a fall/thankful card.  I also wanted to thank all of my followers!  I'm a newbie to this whole blogging thing but am sure having fun with it!  Thanks for following my blog and leaving comments :)  I sure appreciate it!

There are 5 challenges I'm entering the following card in:

*NOTE* On the card below I used the Artiste Cartridge and Art Philosophy Cartridge- both of with are ctmh circut cartridges.

The sketch is from fetch-a-sketch.  A new challenge for me but I loved the sketch!

Then the colors came from ABC Challenges.  I love fall colors!

The following challenges have themes:  You should check them out!  Fun!

bittenbythebug2- use circut "Gratitude"
createdwithlovechallenges- Fall
The Pink Elephant- Thanks

I also wanted to tell you about the Rose Blossoms Blog Hop that's taking place Friday - Sunday!  Rose Blossoms is the Close to My Heart team that so kindly accepted me as a team sister!  You don't want to miss it!  There are tons of creative ladies and prizes!  Stop on by between Friday - Sunday! 

Here is a picture of the prize you could win!!  This is a $38 value!  How cool is that!

Have a great night and Thanksgiving!!
~Kim

10 Things I have learned in 2012....thus far

I came across something fun today.....name 10 things you have learned in 2012.  Here we go!  These by no means are in any particular order:

1.  I realized how important GOD is in my life!  My husband and I became members of our church this past October.  We have longed for a church to call 'home' and we finally found it.  I also realized how badly I want my children to come to know Him and have a personal relationship with him.  It's amazing to me how much my 4 year old has already learned!  I love how he asks questions or tells me things like 'mama, there's only 1 God right?' It's pretty amazing to hear your child ask these questions and to hear their sweet prayers at night. 

2.  My little girl who is almost 18 months doesn't say much and I'm okay with that.  Maybe 5 words.  I don't compare to other moms or kids because I have learned every kid is different.  Her brother does most of her talking :)  She just points and shakes her head yes or no. 

3.  I love my job.  I love working part time and being home part time.  I really do get the best of both worlds!  Some days I appreciate working more than other days if you know what I mean :)  Hey, every mom needs to 'recharge.'  My job is literally .5 miles (if that) from the school.  Extra bonus :)

4.  I have not stuck to one diet this whole year!  lol  BUT I do love Weight Watchers and have been successful when I half way stick to it.  If that makes any sense?

5.  My family is my world.  There is not one thing I wouldn't do for my kids or husband.  They make me laugh every day, get me frustrated and keep me on my toes constantly and I would never have it any other way.  They give the best hugs any mom/wife could ever want and hearing my little boy tell me, "I love ya mama, you're the best' will never get old to me and will melt my heart each time I hear it.  And the best part- soon my little girl will talk too.  My hubby gives the best backrubs and wisker kisses too.

6.  I have learned to stay off the internet when trying to diagnose my kids illnesses.  Before you know it, they have every disease known to man! lol

7.  I have absolutely no time to exercise.  Well, I suppose I could if I didn't blog, stamp and scrap....what fun would that be now?  Of course it will be on my list for 2013 resolutions- it is every year!! 

8.  I appreciate my husband so incredibly much.  He may not pick up after himself everyday but I appreciate how hard working he is and the things he has done for our family.  I have always appreciated him but more so this year as he worked out of town a lot this summer.  While I was at home 'keeping the house under control' he was working 15-16 hours a day.  It was crazy at home and I got frustrated but then remembered he will be home for 6 months EVERYDAY this winter.  (he does concrete work)  I think he deserves some credit for that right? :)  He's a pretty amazing hubby and daddy- extra bonus!

9.  I realized I can handle a lot.  See #8- hubby gone a lot this summer.  While all of this was going on, my daughter was getting tested for milk allergies and getting treated for rashes.  We had a lot of urgent care visits, doc appointments, plus I worked full time for a few of the weeks chuck was gone- yes, the house was a crazy mess and it was caotic but I managed and most importantly, my kids were happy.  I learned to give single moms a lot more credit than I already do. 

10.  I've learned to set goals and go for it!  2 goals I have had this past year- 1) set aside more time to stamp like when I the kids are in bed and the house/laundry are in an ok state that I can live with.  2)  Start the process to go back to school.  I have 3 years under me and it's time to finish what I started.  I have no plans of ever leaving my current job.  This is a just a personal goal of mine.  So wish me luck!! lol

I think I could seriously name a ton more things!  There is so much I have learned and continue to learn daily!  There's never a dull moment in this life, that's for sure!

Thanks for checking in and have a great rest of the day!  Kim :)

Season's Greetings/The Grinch

Hello there,

Well, we survived the birthday party and we had one very excited little boy!  He had a BLAST infact, we all did!  We laughed so hard when the kids were hitting the pinata- oh they are so funny!  Beau said it was the best birthday party ever!!  :)  AND all we had to do was a little clean up at church and come home to a well, half way decent house!

I made a few cards tonight for a couple of challenges I wanted to get in on. 

First up is my take on the Merry Monday Sketch.

I LOVE this color combo- Red and Teal and this sketch was so fun!  I used my Jillibean Soup pack again- Winter Tortellini and Spinach Soup.  I'm in love with that pack!

My next card is for a few challenges: Sweet Sunday #172, Dynamic Duos (w/Snowman option), Addicted to CAS (Snow), and lastly cas-ualfridays- Winter Blues.

The Sketch:

My Card:





I love this color combo too- This card turned out 'busier' than I had  intended but I still like the end result.  My original plan was to only stamp blue snowflakes but then I thought, what the heck, let's throw some black in there too :)

Thanks for stopping by!  Have a great night!

Happy Dance!!

Hey there friends!

I thought I'd share that I was in the Fab 4 at The Playdate Cafe!!  So exciting!

I also got an email from H2H that I was their 'Top Chick' for the month of October!  How cool is that!  That means I get to be their guest member for the month of Jan!  I am beyond excited!

Thanks for sharing in my excitement!

~Kim

Thanks and Bday planning

Hello friends!  I promise I have a card to share BUT I need to share birthday party preps :) 

I've been crazy busy preparing for my boy's 4th birthday party!  We are having it tomorrow afternoon after church.  We were able to rent our church which will be nice because then the kiddos can run wild all they want! lol

I asked beau what kind of party he wanted and he asked for Wild Kratts.  Of course I told him yes- little did I know there is literally NOTHING out there for a kids party soooo....this crafty mama got her craft on!

Started with simple invites: my friend owns a print shop and was able to print the image for me for only $18!!  Huge savings for me!! 

Then I thought the kids should have something fun to do or wear- thanks to pinterest and blogland I came across these power pack shirts.  I'm sorry I don't remember where I found them!  I wish I could give credit!  Aren't they cute?  The kids will put a laminated power pack in the middle of the shirt just like Chris and Martin on Wild Kratts- there's velcro on the shirts.  If you've never seen the show they are explorers in the jungle, etc. and they use power packs. (oh and there are bright pink shirts for the 3 girls that are coming :))

I used felt and glue!  No sewing for this chick.  I hate it! lol  Turned out perfect for the kiddos and they'll have a blast!

Then I made these cute little things to put out on the food table- simple and cute:

The other ones say Safari Sandwiches, Jungle Jello, Jungle Juice, etc. 

And what's a birthday without a banner!?  This project made me fall in love with my circut all over again!!  lol  I had all the paper on hand.  Is it just me or do you have like a million 'zoo' papers?  Seems like I have a ton so that is what I used.  I was a little worried as I ran out of the striped ribbon but managed to make it work the way I wanted it:

And finally here is the cake and cupcakes- beau picked strawberry, which in my opinion is the best :)  He DOES have a little bit of his mama in him afterall lol.  Oh and beau placed all the pieces on his cake the way he wanted it.  Not too shabby huh!?!  Those orange and yellow circles are the power packs that will velcro to the shirts.  There are 5 different colors.



I think the only thing I didn't take a picture of was the party favors- they are zebra and tiger print bags filled with tons of little trinkets for the kids.  They are going to have so much fun.  I'll try to post party pictures.  I also have leopard print table clothes and zebra and tiger printed balloons.  We also bought a lion pinata for the kids.  I can't wait for this party!  AND this is the cheapest party we've ever had!  I think this whole party (food included) cost me less than $100 thanks to my circut, paper and stamps that I already had on hand!  The majority of it was the tshirts that I made and they were around $30.

OKAY I do have a card to post too :)  After all this party planning and prepping I needed to take a break tonight and make a quick card just to get it out of my system :)  I'm playing along with casology- Thanks- check it out here!

I cased Shana's Card- view it here!  I love Shana's work and I think you will too :)

Here is my card:

Thanks for checking out ALL of my creations!  I know this post was long but I hope it was worth it.  Have a great night!

~Kim


Cards for Daddy

On Tuesday, this little man turned 4:

And tomorrow it's my hubby's birthday:

Yes, our son is a mini chuck!  Infact, some friends even call beau chuck! lol

Here is the card beau made for his daddy today:

He picked the papers out himself and the stamps.  I put out 5 stampsets and told him to pick 2 that he liked.  The clock on there is because chuck has a pocket watch.  The green square is a present with a bow on top.  I love the stamp on top- U and Me Forever....how cute for this card.  Of course he can't read to see what is says but it's so fitting- they are buds!  Beau is so excited to give it to him.  He said daddy is going to 'freak out!'  I think he meant be surprised? lol  Oh I love this age!  I love his card....so sweet.  He was pretty excited about using 'tape' and scissors too! Oh and the ink!!  lol

Here is the card and little treat pail I made after working with Beau: (he loves tootsie rolls)  I kept with the same sketch as the Christmas card I made this morning. 

The treat pail idea came from Brenda Rose- check out her blog Here- Treat Pails!  Trust me- you'll LOVE her blog!

Well, the kids are napping so I'm headed back to my scraproom to pick up and then on to laundry....I would much rather be scrappin! ~Kim

Joys of the Season

Hello!

I have a quick quick card for you today!  I used my new Jillibean Soup pack- Winter Tortellini & Spinach Soup.  I LOVE this pack! There are so many yummy papers in it!

I decided to play along with a few challenges this morning.  It literally took me minutes to make this card.  My 17 mth old daughter was in my scrappin room with me like usual and she had the room ripped apart as fast as I could make this card...lol

The sketch I'm using is from Freshly Made: Check it out HERE!  This is the perfect sketch for making Christmas Cards because it's quick and easy!

I'm also playing along with Dynamic Duos- See the Challenge HERE!

 And here is my creation:

Have a great rest of the day! I'm off to make more creations- it's my hubby's birthday tomorrow and I told my little guy we would make something fun for him.  Maybe I'll share it tomorrow :)