Do You Remember the HUGE Warehouse Sale?

Well, guess what? It's here! You’ll be tickled to learn that there will be  FABULOUS new sale items on my website beginning at midnight (MST) tonight! Just head to my websiteand click on "While Supplies Last." Maybe you should go there now so you're ready.. Lol!

Among the new additions you will find a wide variety of paper and coordinating accessories, all with a substantial markdown. You will also find that most of the items that are currently available will also see a further markdown at that time.

To sweeten the deal even more, from December 1–31, all orders placed on my website that reach or exceed $50 will also include a free Bonding Memories® glue pen (Z553)—a $4.50 value! Shop early, because these deals are only available while supplies last.

*LOVE*

Mall Rat {Studio J}

This is my secret name for this layout. Shh, don't tell Brook! (I don't want to scar her for life with my outdated vernacular, at least, not any more than I already have.) It's said with affection!

My sweet baby girl is growing up so fast! These pictures of Brook are from a few years ago, just after she turned seven. Seven is Heaven! They are a collection of random shots of her being girly over a few months that summer that just didn't go with anything else. Together, they paint the picture of a pre-tween tomboy who is just starting to pay attention to girl stuff (but don't tell anyone).

The focal shot is of Brook on a girls outing at the mall - just the two of us and no boys. In our house, this a real rarity! Brook was so excited to be doing Mall Stuff. We shopped (and bought!) just for her, we found some gifts for others and we had an Orange Julius at the food court which is what I remember most about being a kid and going to the mall. It became a tradition of my best friend and I to hit the Hello Kitty store and have an Orange Julius (remember when you used to be able to go places alone as a kid?)

When I met Brandon, he would always have a fresh, hot pretzel, so that became a tradition for us that we have shared with our kids as a family. For me and my princess, though, we did the girl thang and got Juliuses! Enjoy the moments.

Warm wishes,

P.S. - Don't forget Cyber Monday lasts through 11:59pm!

Small Business Saturday and a Layout {Studio J}

The Mortons in Avonlea, inspired by Karen Pedersen.

Welcome to Small Business Saturday! What is Small Business Saturday? Let Wikipedia enlighten us:

Small Business Saturday is an American shopping holiday held on the Saturday after Thanksgiving during one of the busiest shopping periods of the year. First celebrated on November 27, 2010, it is a counterpart to Black Friday and Cyber Monday, which feature big box retail and e-commerce stores respectively. By contrast, Small Business Saturday encourages holiday shoppers to patronize brick and mortar businesses that are small and local.

I appreciate your patronage this day especially and invite you to stop by my Brick and Mortar for a spell and some great Black Friday fun, still going on through the end of Cyber Monday. Go here to see what exclusive hourly deals I have to offer today in thanks!

Along with Mom & Pop shops, comes Family. This is one of those typical family portraits for photographers. Since we are usually behind the lens, it can be a challenge to get a good shot of your family with you actually in it (the self-timer option is our friend). You're at somebody's wedding (in this case, my niece, Paige's) and the setting is beautiful, so you gather the family and ask someone to take your picture and hope for the best! Will everybody be looking at the camera, did the makeshift photographer frame it up right, are your faces now in shadow? I find these can be very frustrating if you let them. So I don't!

Now, I find they are the best portraits of our family and often reveal the real McCoy (in this case, Garrett). He's such a character! If anyone is going to be doing something off, it will be him. Mind you, he's only three, so it's okay. It reminds me of the many years previous when it was first Brook, then Aidan who gave this photographer grief. I'm learning to let it go, finally, and just enjoy the moments! I hope you have had or will have many moments this weekend as you celebrate within your own friends and family all the wonderful ideas and character that has made this nation great. Give thanks for the American Dream and thanks for stopping by!

Warm wishes,

Cricut Artiste or Art Philosophy for 78 Bucks! {Black Friday}

Bridal card I made with Cricut Artiste for my niece, Paige.

Man, oh, man, you can't beat that deal! This offer is available only valid through me (facebook, twitter or email/text/phone). On my website (there are some FANTASTIC While Supplies Last deals there, too!) click on JOIN the Black Friday Deals! gathering and click, click, click to shop 24/7 in the comfort of your pajamas!* Starting now through 10pm MST on Cyber Monday, November 26, 2012, I am offering the Close To My Heart Cricut Artiste or Art Philosophy cartridge packs for only $78 plus tax and shipping! Now, if you want to order off the website and get this amazing deal, you must let me know by joining the Black Friday Deals! gathering so I can refund you the difference on your purchase price because the website is not set up to handle this exclusive deal only through me.

Detail of the embossing. You can see how to make this card here.

Let's Get to the Goods
Both of these collections (and I say that because you get MORE than just the amazing cartridge) have a whopping 700 images EACH - averaging 600 MORE than your regular full Cricut cartridge retailing at $50+ and include matching Dimensional Elements and My Acrylix Stamp Sets to perfectly coordinate your next project Faster, Simpler and Easier! Look at what you get:

Cricut® Art Philosophy Collection

Featuring hundreds of basic, versatile shapes and fonts you'll use every day, many of which coordinate with dozens of our My Acrylix® stamps, this collection is a must-have for every crafter!

Cricut® Art Philosophy Collection includes:
1 – Cartridge (700 images: font, shapes, and 3-D items)
3 – My Acrylix® D-size stamp sets
3 – 9" × 12" Dimensional Elements (3 sheets of different shapes)

Cricut® Artiste Collection

With just the touch of one Cricut® Artiste key you can take your creativity over the top with wonderful 3-D projects, party favors, interactive cards, awards, and more! From robots and spooks to weddings and Valentines, your cupcake wrappers, invitations, and party essentials will coordinate and come together for any celebration! Includes a step-by-step assembly booklet for the 3-D projects.

Collection includes:

• 1 – Cartridge (700 images: themed projects, cards, fonts, shapes, and 3-D items)
• 3 – My Acrylix® D-size stamp sets
• 3 – 12" × 9" Dimensional Elements (3 sheets of different shapes)

Ok, here's the rest of the deal
Your Cricut cartridge collection will only sweeten these rewards inspired by Lisa Stenz's 2011 Black Friday. I've put my own spin on it, of course, but special thanks to her for the original idea! Now. Here's the goods!

Place an order of $25 - $49 

Get a free Dye-Based Ink Pad of your choice ($5.25 value.)

Place an order of $51 - $75
Get an A size stamp set of your choice or any accessory valued at $6.95 or less for free. This also entitles you to receive the Stamp of the Month for $5! When you purchase the November Stamp of the Month set, Capture the Date, for just $5, you can ALSO pick any stamp set** at 50% off!

Place an order of $76 - $99
Get a free B size stamp set or Level 2 Paper Pack of your choice (up to $9.95 value.) This also entitles you to receive the Stamp of the Month for $5! When you purchase the November Stamp of the Month set, Capture the Date, for just $5, you can ALSO pick any stamp set** at 50% off!

Place an order of $100 - $149
Get a free Cardstock color pack (Single color, 24 sheets) or a size C stamp set of your choice (up to $14.50 value). You can also get TWO Stamp of the Month sets for only $5 each! One for you, one for your Bestie! When you purchase the November Stamp of the Month set, Capture the Date, for just $5, you can ALSO pick any stamp set** at 50% off! (This is a total value of $49.36!)

Place an order of $150 or more
Get $25 in free products of your choice, PLUS either a free Level 2 Paper Pack or B size stamp set of your choice (valued at $9.95.)  You will also get up to 3 Stamp of the Month sets for only $5 each! You can also get TWO Stamp of the Month sets for only $5 each! One for you, one for your Bestie and a great gift for the neighbor! When you purchase the November Stamp of the Month set, Capture the Date, for just $5, you can ALSO pick any stamp set** at 50% off! (This is a total value of $82.82!)



Call, text, email or facebook, tweet me Right. Now. to get this amazing deal! Happy shopping!


Warm wishes,

*Purchases of Cricut Artiste or Art Philosophy will drop in the cart at full retail price of $99. Difference will be refunded to you by ME. Thanks!

**Shipping/handling may apply. Offer valid November 1–30, 2012. Offer valid for A, B, C, D, and E size stamp sets only; K-size, Workshops on the Go^®, Cricut^® collection, and Stamp of the Month stamp sets are not eligible for this promotion. Maximum of one 50% off stamp set per order.

Family Ties {Studio J} and Black Friday Preview

Paige & Zac's wedding. Some photos shared courtesy of the family.

Weddings are a great time to get family pictures. This Thanksgiving I am grateful for all of the Family Ties I have accumulated in life. Each one has had an impact on me and I know I am a better person because of these wonderful people. I am so grateful to have my family and sincere friends!

I think hands down, Avonlea is becoming my very favorite paper pack in the Close To My Heart Autumn/Winter 2012 Idea Book. I love the colors and patterns. So classy! Of course it may be that I am fixated on wedding stuff lately, too! Don't forget, with Studio J, you can use and re-use all of your favorite patterns and Complements again and again as you make beautiful EASY scrapbook pages in a snap to preserve for generations to come.

Okay, okay. I'll get to the point you've been waiting for. My Black Friday Sale will start tomorrow morning at 6 AM MST. Check my blog to get the deets on the best Black Friday specials. EVER. Right Here. Then see the exclusive deals and updates on my Facebook and Twitter posts, to stay abreast of developments as they come throughout the day. I will have some deals that run the whole weekend, through Cyber Monday, ending at 10 PM MST. Other deals will be spur of the moment sales and items for just a few hours during the day. Hint: Jaw-dropping prices on CRICUT!! Hope you have a great Thanksgiving and remember the things that mean the most. 

Then shop 'til you drop!!

Warm wishes,

Powdered Garrett {Studio J}

Some days, you just have to scrap the bad with the good. I foresee a lot of these moments in my 3rd child's memory book. Despite his penchant for mischief, he is one cute kid. And it's a good thing.

This layout was a fun challenge I made for myself. Kind of like the challenge presented daily as a parent of Garrett. But I digress. Since we are working with Flirty this month I wanted to use that to start. This color combo screamed girl to me when I first saw it. So what better way to think outside of the box than to use this paper pack for one of my boys! With the deep boldness of Flirty Raspberry prevalent all through, it seemed an impossible task, my dear Watson.

Not to fear. Luckily, these pictures surfaced at just the right time. With the characteristic stylized colors of the typical cell phone camera, my honey oak cabinets morphed into a supernatural chartreuse, reminiscent of the surreal green cast left on film by florescent lighting (or a terrible cell phone camera with low-lighting. I'm just sayin'.)

I had a lot of fun with type on this layout. I absolutely love creative lettering. I wish I had more time and patience to work on this art, because it's so much fun! (Yes, Virginia, I am a font-a-holic.) Subway Art is very much IN right now with a capital I and I took my cue for the age and date blocks from that. I love mixing different font types and sizes so this type of art really appeals to me. Ok, enough with the blah, blah. Switch up the colors on a standard layout kit and nix a bunch of the embellishments because we're guys here. Totally masculine, even with the Flirty Raspberry!

As a side note, I do hope I won't have to do too many more of these similar layouts. (Have mercy.)

Warm wishes,

Thinkin' Inkin'? Pigment vs Dye

Not sure when to use what? Here's a great short video on the benefits of both types of ink when it's best to use each.
Warm wishes,
Trish

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November Deals and {Play} Dates

Autumn is my most favorite time of year! The smells of the crisp aspens just as they turn, fresh apple pie and homemade cranberry sauce, the crimson-lined streets as the trees show their best shade, grateful blessings, friends and family. It doesn't get any better! I wanted to share with you some beautiful artwork today, created by Karen Pedersen, where noted. She has designed some amazing classes, which I am offering in November, and she has graciously allowed me to share her art with you.

Here's what's in store for November:
1. Stamp of the Month
2. Capture the Savings
3. Play Dates

• Christmas Advent Calendar
• Flirty Scrapbook Layouts

1. Stamp of the Month

Get the Stamp of the Month set of 72 stamps for just $5 (S1211A) when you place an order of $50 or more in products. Jump-start the fun by ordering the items from the list below to create this artwork! You’ll find helpful assembly tips at my website under Promotions. Available November 1–30, 2012

Dakota Paper Packet
($9.95, X7157B, Autumn/Winter 2012 Idea Book p. 32)

Slate Exclusive Inks® Pad($5.25, Z2173, p. 9)

Posh Journaling Spots
($5.95, Z1755, p. 129)

Sparkles Clear Assortment
($2.95, Z1752, p. 127)

Baker’s Twine Neutral Assortment
($4.95, Z1701, p. 125)

Cricut® Artiste Collection($99, Z1790, p. 15)

RECOMMENDED BLOCKS: 1” x 1” (Y1000), 2” x 2” (Y1003), 2” x 3½” (Y1009)


2. Capture the Savings

In November, you’ll get something extra when you buy the stamp of the month—50% off another stamp set! When you place an order of $50 or more in full retail products and buy the November Stamp of the Month set, Capture the Date, for just $5, you can pick any stamp set* at 50% off! Get Capture the Date and then capture the savings today!

To show our support of Red Cross relief efforts for those areas of the US severely affected by Hurricane Sandy, Close To My Heart will donate $1 for every Stamp of the Month set sold as a part of this promotion during November. So pick one up today and lend a helping hand.
*Shipping/handling may apply. Offer valid November 1–30, 2012. Offer valid for A–E and M size stamp sets only; K size, Workshops on the Go®, Cricut® collections, and Stamp of the Month stamp sets are not eligible for this promotion. Maximum of one 50% off stamp set per order.

3. Play Dates

Christmas Advent Calendar Workshop

Artwork by Karen Pedersen

You can participate in this workshop in one of three ways:

1. Come to an in-person class (see dates and times below)
2. Participate long-distance
3. Host this workshop in your home with you and at least 5 friends and I'll come to you (in Utah).You, as hostess, will earn at least $40 in hostess rewards and at least one half-off item (and that's only if everyone only purchases the Basic Kit. The more you sell, the more you earn)!

Call or email me to order a kit and sign up in one of those three ways (check the side bar for contact info). Read on for more details...

The finished project is 14" x 14" x 2 3/4" and each daily drawer is 2 1/2" x 2 1/2" square. It's a darling Christmas decoration and very functional. One of the things I love most about it is that the little drawers are so roomy you can easily fit enough treats in each one for each child or grandchild that will want to pull out the drawer each day in December. (Most advent calendars are only for one treat or prize.)  My friend, Karen, had the great idea of filling each drawer with Hershey's Kisses and a scripture reference.

In person classes at my South Jordan Home (if you want to attend one of these classes, I need to hear from you no later than Monday, November 19):

• Monday morning, November 26  from 10 am - 1 pm
• Saturday morning, Novemberer 24 from 10 am - 1 pm
• Saturday evening, November 24 from 7 pm - 10 pm

To attend the class, all you need to purchase is the Basic Kit.  Anything above and beyond that is up to you. I will be providing the items you see in  the Better and Best Kits for your use at the workshop, but you may want some of those items of your very own. View the kit details here.


Flirty Scrapbook Layouts
This class was designed by Karen Pedersen and these are just the funnest! This trendy, fun paper is such a bright turn for Autumn. The colors emulate the changing leaves and the brightness of the season. You can make these great layouts in my November Play Date Scrappin' Classes. I would LOVE to have you join us!  For details on how these classes work, just scroll down the left side of my blog until you see the section titled "Play Dates" and you can read all about it. 

Here are the three 2-page 12" x 12" layouts we will be making in November (click on any photo to see it larger and in more detail). If you would like to participate, please contact me (look to the top of the left column for info) with your kit order no later than Thursday, November 7.

You can participate in my Play Group classes in one of three ways:

1.  Attend a class in person
2.  Host one in your home with your friends (and earn free product!). Call or email me to schedule your date
3.  Participate long distance. Just add $5 to the kit total you see to have your kit shipped directly  from me to you. (call or email me to order your kit)

In person class dates and times:

• Monday morning, November 12,  10 am - 1 pm
• Friday evening, November16, 8 - 10  pm

I'm confident you will enjoy what we do and be very happy with the projects you make! Layout #2 was inspired by the fabulousVicki Wizniuk and Layout #3 was inspired by the wonderful Liz Johnson. Thanks, ladies!

After the layout photos, you'll find the shopping list.  Keep reading...

Layout #1: "Autumn Bloom"

Layout #1: without photos

Layout #1: detail shot one

Layout #1: detail shot two

Layout #1: detail shot three

Layout #1: detail shot four

 ________________________

Layout #2: "Family" (inspired by Vicki Wizniuk)

Layout #2:  without photos

Layout #2: detail shot one

Layout #2: detail shot two

 _________________________

Layout #3: "Happiness" (inspired by Liz Johnson)

Layout #3: without photos

Layout #3: detail shot one

Layout #3: detail shot two

Layout #3: detail shot three

Layout #3: detail shot four

 Shopping List:  To attend or participate in a class, all you are required to purchase is the Basic Kit.  If you want to purchase the Better or Best Kits, or even pick and choose a few items from those to add to your Basic Kit, you are welcome to, but it is not required.

Basic Kit (this is all that you are required to purchase to participate) 

• Flirty Workshop on the Go Kit (includes: Workshop Stamp Set, Flirty Paper Pack, 2 extra sheets of Colonial White Cardstock, Sparkles Clear Assortment, Flirty Dimensional Elements, Instructional Brochure)
• 2 extra sheets of Colonial White Cardstock
• 1 extra sheet of New England Ivy Cardstock
• Karen's Cutting Guide

Subtotal: $31.36
Total with Shipping and Tax: $35.90 (add $5 more if you are participating long distance)


Better Kit = Basic Kit + the following products (I recommend this kit!) 

• Autumn Lane Assortment
• Color Ready Arbor Wooden Shapes
• Olive Mini-Medley

Subtotal: $48.21
Total with Shipping and Tax: $55.31 (add $5 more if you are participating long-distance)

Best Kit = Basic Kit + Better Kit + the following products  

• Cocoa Stamp Pad
• Olive Marker Set
• Autumn Terracotta Marker Set 

Subtotal: $70.61*
Total with Shipping and Tax: $81.00 (add $5 more if you are participating long distance) 

*at this purchase level ($50 or more)  you qualify for the November Stamp of the Month ("Very Merry Christmas" - $17.95 value) at only $5! 
e) at only $5! 

Phew! I know that was long, but thanks for sticking with me! Have a great November and a Happy Thanksgiving!

Warm wishes,

Spooky Banner {Cricut Artiste and Art Philosophy}

I bought some random Halloween papers at my local craft store a few years ago and they have been sitting, collecting dust ever since. All cute papers but nothing to go with them! That's one of the main things I love about Close To My Heart - everything coordinates! Not only that, but with My Reflections Paper Packs, you don't get home and have one really cute paper... and nothing to dress it up with.

 I've been on vacation this past week and spent it at home. Sometimes that can be really relaxing and sometimes it's not! I had a little of both this week and was able to spend my relax time on this fun project.

This banner is a combo effort, using both of CTMH's exclusive cartridges, Art Philosophy and Artiste and no stamping! Let Cricut do the work for you. I programmed cuts in between loads of laundry. The B&T's used for the pennants' bases are Little Yellow Bicycle. The rest of the products are all CTMH.

Using Art Philosophy, cut one pennant per B&T (the first striped and the last white bat are the same paper, different sides). Pennants: Stripes "S" pennant: Page 29, cut at 7"; Second "O" purple diamond: Page 29, cut at 10 1/2"; Spider web "P" pennant, page 60, cut at 9 1/4", White with black bat "Y" pennant, page 60, cut at 6 1/4"; Orange First "O" pennant, page 68, cut at 8", black graveyard "K" pennant cut with Fit To Page, which scaled at 11 1/2". Cut your letters in White Daisy cardstock using the Font Layer feature, all in lower case at 3": "S" page 42, "P" page 40, 2 letter "O" page 30, "K" page 38, "Y" page 36. Rosettes: Floral rosette in Orange (retired), page 41, using the Decorative Layer feature x 6 count; The Black Discs are the negative center of the circle frame on Page 41, using the Layer feature, cut at 1 1/2".

Artiste: Rosettes (cont.): page 50, cut 12 pinwheel flower strips in Pansy Purple (retired) at 1 1/2" (you need 2 per rosette.) Fold and adhere the ends together with a little Tombow Adhesive. Flatten and adhere to the pennants with Liquid Glass. Spider: Page 77, use Shift, Accent 4 plus the [Halloween] key, and cut at 2". Spiderweb Border: Page 76, use Shift, Accent 4 plus the [Eek!] key and cut at 1 1/2". Glowing Eyes: Page 77, use Shift, Accent 3 plus the [Halloween] key and cut at 4".

Tie on a little Black 1/4" stitched grosgrain ribbon and some D-rings and you're done!

Warm wishes,