Sketch #31

I have been busy taking care of a little boy with a tummy ache!  Poor little guy.  He is on the mend now so I took some time to make a couple of cards for this weeks OWH Sketch challenge.  I have also been busy cutting cardstock for card kits to be put together at my OWH Birthday Bash on September 18th.  I have enough kits for 100 cards!  yes, I used all scraps except for the bases!  Still haven't made a dent though.  Here is the sketch:

Here are my two cards:

Not my favorite cards but they work.

Mid week challenge

I LOVE the digital download for this weeks challenge.  I have never done a digi card before.  I actually copied several of these little darlings so that I can make more!  I used watercolr pencils for the 1st time too.  Here is a  link to the copy of the digi girl:

 

http://www.owhstarsandstamps.org/

And here is one card that I made:

I will definately try this again!

OWH Sketch #30

It's Monday morning and I have had two cups of coffee.  I am ready to create!  I saw the sketch challenge on the Stars & Stamps Blog yesterday and have been wanting to make my own.  Here's their sketch:

And here is my card:

The smeared part is not on the actual card.  I guess my scanner glass is dirty...too much ink. 

I started follwong a Faithbooking Blog and can't wait to start particpating in their layout challenges!

Don't forget that ist's National Stamping Month and you can take advantage of Close To My Heart's Monthly Special on my website!
http://www.missmaryann.myctmh.com/

National Stamping Month

ONE’S GOOD, TWO’S GREAT, and three’s best of all! Celebrate your love of stamping by using stamps to embellish the three mini albums in our exclusive National Stamping Month kit, Triple Play. With inks, stamps, albums, and pre-cut accents for stamping, you’ll complete all three albums in a jiffy. Since each album has its own color scheme, all three are unique and ready for many different kinds of photos. Make one for yourself and two to give away—if you can bear to part with them!

 In honor of National Stamping Month, you can get huge discounts on the Triple Play kit when you purchase My Acrylix® stamps from your wish list, or get it free when you host a qualifying Gathering or become a Close To My Heart Consultant. Here are five ways to getthis outstanding mini album kit: (Note: We’ve saved the best for last, so be sure to read all five!)

1. Buy the Triple Play kit for $29.95.

2. Purchase $25 in My Acrylix® stamps and get the Triple Play

kit for just $15.

3. Spend $40 on My Acrylix stamps and get Triple Play for only $5!

4. Host a Gathering with sales of $300 or more and get

Triple Play FREE!

5. Join Close To My Heart as a Consultant and get the kit FREE!

National Stamping Month is always fun, but this year you’ll get three times the excitement with Triple Play!

http://www.missmaryann.myctmh.com/

*Qualifying stamps set purchases exclude Stamp of the Month sets, K-size custom stamps, and Workshops on the Go™ stamp sets. Tax and shipping/handling may apply. Offer valid for customers and hostesses August 15–September 30, 2010. Offer valid for new Consultant enrollees September 1–30, 2010. Limit one discount-priced Triple Play kit per order per customer. Offer valid while supplies last.

This week has been busy busy!  I have had Ian at the doctor twice.  Once for a check-up which went well.  He is growing so fast.  The second appointment was with a Retina Specialist and he gave us a glowing report on Ian's eyes!  What a relief!  The pediatrician had me a little worried. 
It has been a busy Pajama Program week as well.  on Monday I got a phone call from the Huntsville High School Theater Director expressing interest in supporting the Pajama Program by collecting PJ's and books at their fall shows.  They are doing a musical of Alexander and tThe Terrible, Horrible, No Good Very Bad Day and Miss Nelson is Missing.  They do a matinee show for the Elementary Schools in the area and are sending a letter asking them to wear their PJ's and bring pajamas and books to donate as well as having a collection box at the entrance.  They are going to advertise on tv and radio as well. 
Wednesday I had a meeting with the iceplex and the are going to have a Pajama Party at the ice rink with skating characters, story times, snowman building contest, etc.  It will be an AWESOME event! 
As you can see I haven't had time to create my card for the OWH Midweek throwdown.  I finally made time last night.  The challenge was to create a fall themed card with no sentiment.  Here is my card:

Today will be spent decorating collection boxes for the Pajama Program as well as organizing my stuff for a crop tommorrow and creating card kits for 2 OWH Birthday Bashes.  One here in AL and one in CA.

Photos of my personal Challenge

Yesterday i challenged myself to use up not only my scraps, but stickers, rub-on's etc for my cards.  i have a HUGE stash of these and would really like to use them up.  It was a lot harder than I thought it would be.  Here are a few cards that I made:

A Challenge to myself

Recently I have challenged myself not to cut any paper for my acrds other than the bases.  I am now challenging myslef to use up stickers, rub-ons etc.  I have so much stuff I just need to use it.  So, other than the OWH challenges I am going to only make cards using up this stash as well...giving my stamps a rest.  This could be fun and interesting and very challenging.  Let's see what I can come up with!  I challenge all of my creative friends to do the same.
Let the fun begin!

Another Midweek Throwdown

Ok this week's throwdown is right up my alley.  Use up scraps from beautiful backgrowund papers.  Here are 3 cards I came up with and there are many more.

I really enjoy these challenges as they get my creative juices flowing!  I have been making more cards and scrapping more lately. 

Today I ordered some paper kits and stickease collections from Close to my Heart at a really great discounted price.  If you would like to check the deals out visit my website at:

http://www.missmaryann.myctmh.com/

Remeber everything is while supplies last!

$2 $4 $6...FOR 8 IT'S YOU WE APPRECIATE!

There is a BIG sale starting Wednesday and lasts for ONLY 8 days!

From August 4th to August 11th, you can take advantage of some great online sales.

http://www.missmaryann.myctmh.com/

Here's the list of sale items (please remember that these are while supplies last):

Abundance My Stickease $2.00

My Reflections Abundance Level 1 $4.00

My Reflections Abundance Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00



Animal Cookies My Stickease $2.00

My Reflections Animal Cookies Level 1 $4.00

My Reflections Animal Cookies Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00



Aspen My Stickease $2.00

My Reflections Aspen Level 1 $4.00

My Reflections Aspen Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00

Back Country My Stickease $2.00

My Reflections Back Country Level 1 $4.00

My Reflections Back Country Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00



Bella My Stickease $2.00

My Reflections Bella Level 1 $4.00

My Reflections Bella Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00



My Reflections Best Friends Forever Level 1 $4.00

Blue Ribbon My Stickease $2.00

My Reflections Blue Ribbon Level 1 $4.00

My Reflections Blue Ribbon Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00



Boom-Di-Ada My Stickease $2.00

My Reflections Boom-Di-Ada Level 1 $4.00

My Reflections Boom-Di-Ada Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00



Caprice My Stickease $2.00

My Reflections Caprice Level 1 $4.00

My Reflections Caprice Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00



Cutie Pie My Stickease $2.00

My Reflections Cutie Pie Level 1 $4.00



Daydream My Stickease $2.00

My Reflections Daydream Level 1 $4.00

My Reflections Daydream Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00



My Reflections Discovery Level 1 $4.00



Emporium My Stickease $2.00

My Reflections Emporium Level 1 $4.00

My Reflections Emporium Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00



Enchanted My Stickease $2.00

My Reflections Enchanted Level 1 $4.00

My Reflections Enchanted Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00



Evensong My Stickease $2.00

My Reflections Evensong Level 1 $4.00

My Reflections Evensong Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00



Everlasting My Stickease $2.00

My Reflections Everlasting Level 1 $4.00

My Reflections Everlasting Paper Packet $6.00



Expedition My Stickease $2.00

My Reflections Expedition Level 1 $4.00

Floral Impressions My Stickease $2.00



My Reflections Floral Impressions Level 1 $4.00

My Reflections Floral Impressions Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00

My Reflections Floral Tapestry Level 1 $4.00



Free Spirit My Stickease $2.00

My Reflections Free Spirit Level 1 $4.00

My Reflections Free Spirit Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00



Game On My Stickease $2.00

My Reflections Game On Level 1 Kit $4.00

My Reflections Game On Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00



Good Times My Stickease $2.00

My Reflections Good Times Level 1 $4.00

My Reflections Good Times Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00



Grace My Stickease $2.00

My Reflections Grace Level 1 $4.00

My Reflections Grace Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00



My Reflections Heirloom Level 1 $4.00

My Reflections Heirloom Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00



It’s a Guy Thing My Stickease $2.00

My Reflections It’s a Guy Thing Level 1 $4.00

My Reflections It’s a Guy Thing Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00



Jingle My Stickease $2.00

My Reflections Jingle Level 1 $4.00

My Reflections Jingle Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00



Just Chillin My Stickease $2.00

My Reflections Just Chillin Level 1 $4.00



My Reflections Laid Back Level 1 $4.00



My Reflections Let's Get Together Level 1 $4.00

Life Delights My Stickease $2.00

My Reflections Life Delights Level 1 $4.00



Magic Moments My Stickease $2.00

My Reflections Magic Moments Level 1 $4.00

My Reflections Magic Moments Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00



Majestic Blue My Stickease $2.00

My Reflections Majestic Blue Level 1 $4.00

My Reflections Majestic Blue Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00

Moon Doggie My Stickease $2.00

My Reflections Moon Doggie Level 1 $4.00

My Reflections Moon Doggie Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00



More To Adore My Stickease $2.00

My Reflections More To Adore Level 1 $4.00

My Reflections More To Adore Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00



Notebook My Stickease $2.00

My Reflections Notebook Level 1 $4.00

My Reflections Notebook Paper Packet $6.00



Paper Garden My Stickease $2.00

My Reflections Paper Garden Level 1 $4.00



Perfect Day My Stickease $2.00

My Reflections Perfect Day Level 1 $4.00

My Reflections Perfect Day Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00

Rough n Tumble My Stickease $2.00

My Reflections Rough n Tumble Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00

Route 66 My Stickease $2.00

My Reflections Route 66 Level 1 $4.00



Sarsaparilla My Stickease $2.00

My Reflections Sarsaparilla Level 1 Kit $4.00

My Reflections Sarsaparilla Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00



School Zone My Stickease $2.00

My Reflections School Zone Level 1 $4.00





Silhouette My Stickease $2.00

My Reflections Silhouette Level 1 $4.00

My Reflections Silhouette Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00

Simple Pleasure My Stickease $2.00

My Reflections Simple Pleasure Level 1 $4.00

My Reflections Simple Pleasure Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00

Sonata My Stickease $2.00

My Reflections Sonata Level 1 $4.00

Stardust My Stickease $2.00

My Reflections Stardust Level 1 $4.00

My Reflections Stardust Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00



Sweet Pea My Stickease $2.00

My Reflections Sweet Pea Level 1 $4.00



Sweet Harmony My Stickease $2.00



Sweet Home My Stickease $2.00

My Reflections Sweet Home Level 1 $4.00

My Reflections Sweet Home Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00



That’s Amore My Stickease $2.00

My Reflections That’s Amore Level 1 $4.00

My Reflections That’s Amore Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00



Tinkerin My Stickease $2.00

My Reflections Tinkerin Level 1 $4.00

My Reflections Tinkerin Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00



Twitterpated My Stickease $2.00

My Reflections Twitterpated Level 1 $4.00

My Reflections Twitterpated Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00

Unforgettable My Stickease $2.00

My Reflections Unforgettable Level 1 $4.00

My Reflections Unforgettable Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00



VintageTravel My Stickease $2.00

My Reflections Vintage Travel Level 1 $4.00

OWH Schetch Challenge

It's time again for the weekly challenge.  I can never make just one card.  This time I made 3 different cards from this sketch.  I have about 8 years worth of scraps to use up so other than the actual card base, they are completely made of scraps.  I haven't even made the smallest dent in my stash but it has been fun coming with the cards. 

I am still trying to find a location to host a card making extravaganza for OWH.  I think I will have better luck tying it into the Birthday Bash and Sept 11th.  Wish me luck!

""The point is not to pay back kindness but to pass it on.""

Who knew it would be so hard to find a spot that would allow a group of people to get together for a day of making cards and supporting the Service Men and Women who are fighting for our freedom everyday.  I mean, this is a big city and you would think that some local business would allow us to gather for a few hours. 

I have been putting kits together, with my scraps of course, in the hopes of someone responding to my inquiries about using their space.  If nobody has allowed us to use a space by the time our house is finished, I will just hold it in my scrap room even though it won't hold as many people.

Now I am off to get ready for an IORG Installation of Officers.  It has been a while since I have attended anything Rainbow...I miss it.  Ian is going to meet the ladies today :)

OWH Midweek Throwdown

After an afternoon of Pajama Program planning, I logged on to the Stars and Stamps Blog and discovered their midweek throwdown.  I love making Christmas cards so this challenge was right up my alley!  Here are a few cards that I have made only using scraps:

Pajama Day

  Today is a Pajama Program day.  I am going to pick up some jammies from a volunteer. The pajama program really is a worthy cause....I love my PJ's and a good book and I love the fact that I get to share that love with children in need. 

When I get home I will be calling Receiving Organizations to set up deliveries.  I will be working on planning a Halloween fashion Show to benefit the Pajama Program as well.  I also need to work on finding a business who might donate a space for us to sort/store our pajamas.  Many chapters have donated warehouses and or office space...not sure how I can go about getting some space donated to me, but I will try. 

Tonight when you put your pj's on or get your children in their pj's and read them their bedtime story remember the children who aren't fortunate enough to have a parent read to them or a pair of pajamas to wear.  Seek out a local chapter and donate a pair of Pj's or a book in honor of your child.
 Visit:
http://www.pajamaprogram.org/  to find a chapter near you or even start a new one!

OWH Challenge Card

We took Ian to the clinic on Post today. and it was the worst experience ever! We were there from 1pm until 4:30 pm! They lost his medical records...had us wait an hour in the immunization clinic only to discover when it was our turn the doc had not put the shots in the computer. He had to re-do his PKU test for a 3rd time because they didn't do it right the last time. We went to get his medical records fpr the dr to look at the results from the original PKU test done in CA but they couldn't find his records anywhere! Poor little guys has been miserable all night long...After I got him down, I decided to have session in creative therapy by working on the OWH challenge.

I picked my husband up from the airport tonight and we went to our property. They got the forms up for the foundation! We walked through it and I can't wait to get my new scrap room! Of course, I forgot the camera. We will go back tommorrow and snap some pictures.

I put away the card making supplies and pulled out the paper to start working on some grandparents books. I haven't actually started yet. I have mainly been picking papers and trying to match colors. I am pretty excited to get started!

Good Find

""Babies make your heart bigger!""

Author: Brienne Kearney

I now know that feeling of loving someone more than I ever thought possible. I can't wait to share all the love memories of my sweet baby boy with everyone. I plan on making Grandparents albums so when I got some Michael's coupons in the mail, I rushed right in to get some supplies. I know I should be using all Close to My Heart products and don't get me wrong, I plan on using them, I just couldn't pass up the good deal. I got a K & CO paper pad called Itsy Bitsy Boy that I plan on using. The pages are 8.5 x 8.5 and are 2-sided this will make it more economical to create 4 yes 4 books! The colors in this paper pad will compliment the CTMH exclusive colrs. I hope that the grandparents enjoy the books as much as I will enjoy making them.

A day of organizing

I amm sitting here at my computer and when I look to left there is clutter everywhere! When I look to the right, yep you guesed it...Clutter! I don't know how I can stand this messy room! It has been hard to keep clean because we were supposed to move and I started packing things up. When I found out we weren't moving for another 3 months, I started to pull things out that I had decided I didn't need before but can't live without now. This has resulted in 2 six foot tables covered in stamps, punches and scraps of paper. Today I will clean it and organize this clutter! I will not play until I can see the table again. Clean-up won't be so overwhelming once my space is organized again. I can't wait to get into the new house with my new scrap space!

OWH Sketch Challenge

I know I should be doing laundry or cleaning the bathrooms or something productive in the household chores department, but I just don't feel like it. I did run the dishwasher and have a load of laundry going so I feel I'm entiltled to play around a little while Ian is sleeping.

I have given myself a challenge of not cutting my full size sheets of paper to make cards until my scrap drawers are under control. Seeking inspiriation, I checked the Stars and Stamps Blog for Operation Write Home and low and behold a new sketch challenge was posted! Above are the cards inspired by this sketch. I plan on sending these cards in my box for the troops and hope that they will be able to use them to send home to a loved one.

Ramblings at 1am

It’s 1 am and I just got done feeding my son. As tired as I am, I wouldn’t change it for anything. I can’t wait to start scrapping the milestones and memories we will make along the way. When I started scrapbooking years ago, I did layouts of other peoples’ children. The kids in my preschool classes, my niece, etc. I started scrapping vacations my hubby and I took, the dogs and construction projects. I started to lose the excitement and passion I had for scrapbooking. That is when I developed a new love of stamping and started creating cards. I am so glad that I did! Had I not, I would have given up any interest in scrapbooking and would have given up the opportunity to scrap and record life with my son. He is our Little Miracle Baby and I want to preserve every little moment.

Excited!

!I’m so excited! My very own paper crafting/volunteering blog! How cool is that? I figured since I’m thinking about scrapbooking and ideas on how to boost pajama drives and a new volunteering venture with Operation Write Home 24/7 anyway, I might as well write about it. I love to paper craft and volunteer.. I love to shop for supplies and pajamas and children’s books.. I loves me some scrapbooking magazines and idea books. I spend too much time on the internet reading scrapbook message boards and blogs. I have a scrapbook area in constant need of organizing – which I love to work on. Jeez, is there anything about scrapbooking I DON’T like??? Nope. Can’t think of anything.

I am hoping to spread the word about projects that are near and dear to my heart. In the following day, weeks, months I plan to share these addictions of mine with you. Thanks for supporting my addictions!