Saturday, December 31, 2011

New Year Card




I've been playing around with some of my scrap papers and the Hooray Bouquet Stamp Set.
The paper is DCWV that I had left over from a book project in 2011.

Here is the receipe for this card:

4" x 5.5" white note card (X254)
Hooray Bouquet Stamp Set (D1491)
Cranberry Ink Pad (Z2116)
Black Ink Pad (Z2125)
Black Brad (Z1393)

See you in 2012!





Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Upcoming Contest

Last month I announced that I would be having a Rock the Block contest this coming January. Please forgive me as I am postponing that contest to make way for another contest that I feel has a much more important purpose in mind.

I will be posting the contest details later next week, I promise.

But just so you can get your minds rolling with ideas, during the month of January I will be accepting submissions for the "Romance Your Card" contest.

Entries will be displayed outside my studio and voted on by the  public.

I'm taking a break from now until after Christmas to spend time with my family and prepare the details of this upcoming contest.

Hopefully after being refreshed after a few days off, I can finish preparing our next workshop kits and prepare some new projects to share!

May you all have a very Merry Christmas!


 

Butterfly Wish Tags

 I've been working on a custom order for the past few days. I have to say that part of creating new books is all about the challenge of designing a book and it's pages that work for the purpose of the book, like this photobooth tag book that I've come up with for a New Year's Wedding.

I used my Art Philosphy Cartridge and cut out these elegant butterfly die cut wish tags using Colonial White card stock. Then I took some Ponderosa Pine Ink and Distressed the edges. Lastly, I used my Phara Phrase Stamp Set and stamped the elegant swirl and "all you need is love" on the tag.

The tags are cut at 2" x 3 1/4" (you set your cricut to 2" and press the "tag" button, then select the tag of your choice.)


For the book, I created something extra special. This page design works two ways. It holds 3.5" x 4" Polorid photos and a wish tag.  I didn't insert the photo, because I wanted to show you how the tag slides in behind the picture. I used my sewing machine and stitched a pocket for the wish tag to slide into.


Here is another look at the opposite side of the page from a different design angel. So we'll just pretend the piece of yellow paper is the photo and the tag is tucked behind. It's so neat! And can be customized to match your event theme and colors. :)

I've already added these tags into my shop and will be adding these special photo booth tag books after the new year!

I hope you'll stay tuned for tomorrow's contest announcement!


Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Tutorial Tuesday: Button Up Card Set



These cards are so cute! They're fantastic for this holiday season and for the upcoming New Year! There's nothing like wishing someone a Happy New Year with a little bling and sparkle!

I loved to see how your new year's layout and cards come out after the Holidays! Send me a picture and how you made it and I'll be glad to share your project with others here on the blog. What fun it will be to show each's work right?

I'll be having a contest coming up soon involving the rock the block set, so for those of you who don't receive the newsletter, stay tuned. Don't forget to sign up, you don't want to miss discounts and contest opportunities, right?

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Paper Potluck


My scrap bin has been overflowing lately. To the point, where I have to creat a new bin or sort out the old one, so Bug helped me the past few afternoons and we stuck my scraps into color coordinated bags. These paper pot lucks will be available at my next scrap meeting coming up here in a fews in January.

There are two different sizes available and they contain card stock and B&T Duo papers of every color, design, and shape. There are purple, red, orange, blue, green, beige and brown, and black and white available. These are all cuts left over from making various guest books over the past year. They're the perfect sizes for card making and even scrapbooking.

I'll post the details of my next workshop and scrapbook night in tomorrow's post. And give you a sneak peak of the desk calander we'll be making!


Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Enjoy Scrapbook Page Pops Tutorial

Today's Tutorial comes CTMH TV's "Enjoy" Scrapbook Page Pops.

I love these cute little flowers! And later next wee I'll show you some cute little thank you cards created using the Bouquet Stamp Set.




Happy Scrapbooking!

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Christmas Goodie Baskets

I'm postponing today's tutorial for a link party hosted over on my site at www.susanlower.com.

I made these cute Christmas Goodie Baskets using the Art Philosphy Cartridge and the Believe Paper Packet. Using the key pad, you want to select FONT LAYER, then press SHADOW, then the button (third white button across the top of your key pad.) These baskets are cut at 5.5". And I stamped and decorated them with the Celebrate My Acrylixs stamp set.  The Chirstmas trees are also cut out from the Art Philosphy Cartridge.

The kids and I filled them with sweet stripes. And they make the perfect little gift for bus drivers, teachers, coaches, and even the mail man.



Monday, December 12, 2011

Thank You Cards

This month I've been adding some hand stamped thank you cards to my shop and in with my guest book orders. I just wanted to show you a few I made over the weekend. They can be customized, of course, to match color schemes.





Sunday, December 11, 2011

Attention Craft Discount Seekers


ENABLER ALERT for all of you crafty peeps out there! There is a new online store, called BLITSY. Blitsy is a free members-only online shopping community that offers private, limited-time sale events with the best brands in the crafting industry for up to 60% off retail! Right now they are offering the pink ATG Guns for only $19.99 and the tape rolls for only $3.99. They also have Tim Holtz and Spellbinders products and so much more! The sales last only 7 days or until the items are sold out.

They also have a great referral program. When you tell a friend about Blitsy, and they sign up, then place their first order, you will receive a $10 credit in your Blitsy account! If you'd like to check it out, I would love it if you would use MY PERSONAL LINK to access the site. This way, if you sign up and order, I will get the referral credit.


Plus, they are having a HUGE promotion right now. They are having a
race to 20,000 members! Their 20,000th member and the friend that referred them will each win a $200 Blitsy gift card! How cool is that! Here's a little video that explains the promotion.


They are just starting up, but I think this is going to be great! Be sure to sign up and then share your link with your friends! *Ü*

Click here to check it out and sign up for your FREE Membership and who knows, maybe you will be the 20,000 member and get a $200 Blitsy gift card!

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Christmas Greetings Card

The very first Christmas card I received today was from my 2nd Upline Susan. It was a refreshing in sight today to make me feel merrier about the upcoming holidays. We had snow last evening, but it didn't stick!

A really nice card. Thanks Susan!

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Close to my Heart Hand Stamped Christmas Cards



Creating Christmas cards can be a ton of fun! However, sometimes the overwhelming things on our to-do lists prevent us from making the time to create really fancy and beautiful cards. Well, as a mother of three, I can sometimes say that sometimes it's the simplicity of something that becomes more meaningful and beautiful than dazzling the eye.

I used the HOLIDAY MAGIC STAMP SET and one of the stamp sets that came with my Art Philosophy cartridge to create these hand stamped Christmas Cards. It was so simple, I had the kids stamping away and creating their own too!!

Supplies we used:

50 pk of daisy white cards with envelopes
Sky blue stamp ink pad
Ponderosa Pine stamp ink pad
Bamboo stamp ink pad
Cranberry stamp ink pad
Black stamp ink pad

Happy Stamping!

Suzy
click here to shop now

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Monday, December 5, 2011

December Stamp of the Month: Mad About You

December Stamp of the Month

 
Mad About You (set of 14) #S1112




With a minimum qualifying purchase of $50, get your Stamp of the Month set for only $5.00!

Recommended Blocks:
1" × 1" (Y1000), 3" × 3" (Y1006), 2" × 3 1/2" (Y1009), 4" × 5" (Y1012)

Click here to start a blog hop where you can see TONS of great artwork using this stamp set.

Click here or contact me to order your own December stamp of the month.

Available December 1 - 31, 2011 only.

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Little Hoot Baby Shower



Another little Hoot Owl Baby Shower Guest Book Album to share with you all.

This lovely little owl is lavender with a pink cover. I love this combination. It's just so Girly!!

The inside pages say "Hoot...Hoot..." I don't think I ever get tired of creating color combinations for this book design.

What color option do you think I should try next?

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Birthday Quiz Book

Usually I wait until the weekend to share with you the books I create, but this one couldn't wait. I'm so thrilled on how it came out!






This birthday quiz book is filled with 36 pages. There are 18 birthday quizes like the one picture above and 18 pages for photos to go along with that year's quiz.  I had a great time formating the pages that were predesigned by the customer. Isn't it just the coolest birthday book ever?

I'm thinking of adding a few of these to the shop where you can pick your cover, what do you think?

Tomorrow I'll be back with sneak peeks of the goodies you'll find at the Holiday Artisian Market at the Pajama Factory this Friday!

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Tuesday's Card Video

It took me most of the day, but I'm so proud of myself. Granted, I still have lots of room for improvement when it comes creating video tutorials, but hey this one had music!


And, they say practice makes perfect, so I'm off to practice. Much more the wiser, I promise the next tutorial won't be upside down. Boy has offered to be my cameraman. He's such a sweetie to help his Mom.

Tomorrow I'll be in the studio setting up for Friday's open house event at the Pajama Factory. It's their 2nd annual Holiday Artisian Market. Lots of food, crafts, art, music and fun. What better way to spend a Friday night, right?

Well, I'm off to finish this month's newsletter filled with great deals, news, and tips! If your not receiving the newsletter please sign up. You're missing great deals and announcements that don't always come across on my blog. :)

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Supendous CTMH Sale - Don't Miss Out!

Black Friday Sale!
Great deals starting today - Monday 11/28

 For all of you Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday shoppers, I'm having a sale that lasts more than just one day! Be sure to tell your friends!
The deals you see below are good through Monday, 11/28. So you have 3 more days to shop and save!


Have you been thinking about getting a Studio J Membership? Have you been eyeing the Art Philosophy Cricut Bundle? Whatever is on your Christmas list this year, now is the time to get it! Check out all of the great deals below and email me your order no later than 11:59pm Monday 11/28 to take advantage of these great offers!

Place an order of $25 - $50
Receive a free Dye Ink Padof your choice ($5.25 value.) This also entitles you to receive the Stamp of the Monthfor $5! If this order is $25 worth of stamps you will receive the Holiday Wishes stamp set for $5 as well!

Place an order of $51 - $75
Receive an A size stamp set of your choice, or a cardstock shade pack of your choice (up to a $7.95 value.) This also entitles you to receive the Stamp of the Monthfor $5! If this order includes $25 worth of stamps you will receive the Holiday Wishes stamp set for $5 as well!

Place an order of $76 - $100
Receive 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 Monthfor $5! If this order includes $25 worth of stamps you will receive the Holiday Wishes stamp set for $5 as well!

Place an order of $101 - $149
Receive a free Cardstock combo pack or size C stamp set of your choice (up to $13.95 value). You will also get a Cherish the Day Stamp of the Monthfor FREE! If this order includes $25 worth of stamps you will receive the Holiday Wishesstamp set for $5 as well!(This is a total value of $49.85!)

Place an order of $150 or more
Receive $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 a Cherish the Day Stamp of the Month for FREE! If this order includes $25 worth of stamps you will receive the Holiday Wishesstamp set for $5 as well! (This is a total value of up to $70.85!)

PLUS, everyone who places an order during these sale days will be entered into a drawing for your choice of a FREE Workshop on the Go Kitor a Magic Scrapbooking How-To Book!(Winner will be notified on Tuesday 11/29.)

Be sure to email me your order by clicking here.

(If you place the order online, you will not be able to get your free goodies.)


HERE IS HOW IT WORKS:

1. Email me your order. Please include CYBER MONDAY ORDER in the subject line.
2. Along with your order, be sure to specifiy your free product choice(s)
3. I will send you a invoice for your complete order total including shipping ($7.95 or .0795  - whichever is greater - of product total).
4. Your order will be delivered via CTMH Corporate Office in time to wrap up for Christmas, and your name will go into the drawing for the FREE Magic How-To Scrapbooking book or WOTG to be announced Tuesday 11/29.



*Note: these are my own personal specials and will not be honored by the Close to my Heart Corporate office. 


Friday, November 25, 2011

Give The Gift of Scrapbooking This Christmas



Today begins the offical kick off to Christmas shopping. I'm happy to say I'm almost done. :) But for those of you out searching for the perfect gift this Christmas, I wanted to share this one special thoughtful idea.

Do you know someone who loves the handmade creations of your scrapbook layouts and cards? Are they always saying they wish they could be that talented or have the time to create their own scrapbook layouts?

Instead of just any old gift card this Christmas, why not give a friend or family member their very own passport to perserving memories and discovering their creativity?

Starting today, when you purchase a Studio J membership or layout gift card from my site, you'll receive the stocking gift card holder FREE as my special gift to you. :)

Why Studio J?

For those on your Christmas list this year who admire your scrapbook pages, love perserving memories, and don't have time for traditional scrapbooking... introduce them to a whole new way of creativity and creating their very own scrapbooks - digitally.

Each year, I make digital scrapbook layouts and place them in an album for my husband's father. It's become a treasured gift throughout the years.

Now you can give someone else the gift to create their own digital scrapbook layouts and have them printed and sent straight to their home.

Studio J memberships are available here
along with gift cards for 5- two page layouts with memory protecters here (includes shipping and handling).

Happy Holiday Shopping Everyone!

Suzy
click here to shop online

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Thankful For You All

I just wanted to post how much I appreciate you all and how thankful I am for all you. I love working with each and every one of you to customize your book designs according to your color schemes and event themes.

As many of you know, I began this business a few years ago as a way to contribute to the piling medical bills of my daughter Bella. I can't get over how much she, like my book business has grown in so little time. I love the process of creating handmade books. Just as much as I love meeting new people and working with all my customers to create designs that are especially for them.

When I make a book, it's more than just the colors of the cover and the inside pages, it's about the person, the couple, that the book is intended for that counts. I can't help squeezing something a little extra between the pages, and no dear friends we're not taking about paper. I mean the thought, the customization, the getting to know you and putting that little bit of my customer's personality into their creation.

I'm thankful for this talent that I have to share, for all of you whom have made my little business possible, and for your continous support to come throughout the new year.

God Bless
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Holiday Christmas Card Video

Sorry about no post yesterday. I had planned on sitting down in the morning after the kiddos were off at school to share a new video with you all when I got a phone call and had to rescue a family member out of a jam. Needless to say, by the time I got home it was time to pick the kids back up from school and the day was gone.

But what is family for? And today I have to say I'm especially thankful for good friends, too.

So without out any further delay... here is yesterday's holiday card tutorial video for you all.

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Christianing Book



Last week, I finished up this custom order for a special christianing. I couldn't wait to share it with you all. It's so sweet!

The inside pages are full lined with "Blessings for Baby Colton" writing on top and a small line on the bottom for the Guest to sign after writing their special message for the baby to read when he's older!

Tomorrow I'll be back with a new project for Christmas and Tuesday's we'll have a video by yours truelly! Yeah!

See Ya Later!

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Mod Monkey Baby Shower Guest Book



This mod monkey book was such a treat to create. It's inspired from the zoology baby shower book I shared with you all a few weeks ago, Don't remember what it looked like, no problem, you can check it out here.

I didn't have the cricut cartridge for the die cut, so I order them from a seller on etsy. Then of course, I turned around and bought the create a critter cartridge two days after ordering the die cuts. The cartridge arrived before the die cuts, who would have thought!!

I customized the signature pages with a two column lined layout and kept the "baby" stamp at the top.

I'll be adding this to my inside page options very shortly.

Well, no more monkeying around for me, it's back to work in the studio!!

Suzy




Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Your Invited...

You've all heard me mention it before, and today I want to personally invite you all to the 2nd annual:

HEPBURN LYCOMING VENDOR NIGHT

November 17 6:30pm - 9:00pm

Featuring vendors such as:

Close To My Heart Stamping and Scrapbooking, Silpada, Thirty One Gifts, Mary Kay, Lia Sophia, Usborne Books, Longaberger and More!

Visit me at my Close To My Heart section for great deals on CTMH products, a FREE make and take project, and to purchase some fun premade gifts!

No R.S.V.P. necessary!

See you tomorrow night!

Turquious and Green Wedding Scrapbook Journal


This 8" x 8" paperback scrapbook journal was created for a destination wedding.


I just love the glittery accents, don't you?

Monday, November 14, 2011

Christmas Card Kits


Remember the Holiday Magic Christmas card from last week? If not you can view it here. I recently had someone order a christmas card kit to give as a gift and thought what a nice idea that was. So today, I'm working on making one for my mom.

We used to do craft together all the time when I was in high school, so I thought it would be nice to still have this connection with her and how wonderful it is to get a handmade card from someone, right?

I'm going to be putting together a few other card kits that will be available Thrusday night during the Vendor show at Hepburn Lycoming Elementry from 6 -9pm. Some of the cards will include these ones:



 

If you would like to order your own Christmas Card Kit, please contact me. Card kits are $15 for 10 cards or $20 for 20 cards. All card kits include envelopes and pre-cut card stock and embellishments. You will need your own adhesive and scissors.

Stay tuned, as tomorrow I've got a tutorial ready for you.

Suzy
shop online now

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Olive Elegance Wedding Book

I just love this dark green olive design with the gold embossing. This elegant guest book was shipped out a few weeks ago, but will be filled today with the blessings and well wishes of family and friends for the union of this couple.

I hand stitched it using gold cord. Inside are white laser printed pages and tan photo pages.

I pray today is a beautiful day for their wedding.


Saturday, November 12, 2011

Glitzy Occasion


This glitter glitz paperback wedding guest book album was made a few weeks ago for this special couple. The inside pages simply say "Guests" in the top left hand corner.

I love it's formality with just a touch of sparkle!

I'm now well over 200 books made! Looking forward to creating 200 more!

This is defintely black tie formal kind of reception. :)

Limited Time Offer While Supplies Last

Close To My Heart added some new great deals this week that I wanted to share with you. They won't last long....



 


 



 





 And for those of you working on your christmas cards, these deals may interest you too!

 

 
JOLLY BRAD ASSORTMENT $2.00


 




link



These offers will only be available while supples last.









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