De-stashing the Paper and Stamps Closet

When my son told me I had enough paper and stamp supplies to start my own craft store, he wasn't kidding.

Last week, I opened the closet and realized there isn't an inch of room to store new supplies. Even as I cleaned it out and tried to re-organize my space, I knew I had it my maximum limit of paper, stamps, fabrics, and threads.

So... it's time for me to let some of it go.

I'm the one who wants to save everything because one day I may need it again, but not today.  So as I sit and sort and decide what to keep and what to let go, I remind myself that every once in a while we all need to clean our closets. Get rid of the old and look forward to the new.

I'm looking forward to the new and I hope you are, too.

They say someone else's loss in another's gain.

I've listed many of my older CTMH stamps on ebay along with paper packs and soon will be adding some fabric fat quarters to the listings and odd and end craft items like punches, beads, and the like.

I've also got a stack of supplies, including some of my scrap papers, I'm planning to donate to a local pre-school to add to the kids art supplies.

If you're looking for a particular stamp set or paper, let me know I'll check my stash.

In the meantime please feel free to check out my ebay listings here:

CTMH YOU ROCK Stamp Set $9.99

CTMH Stamp Set ROXIE $8.99

coordinates with ROXIE WORKSHOP ON THE GO

CTMH Stamp Set CHERISH THE DAY

AND MANY MORE>>>>> HERE

Hot Cocoa Gift Packs

The kids will be getting out of school soon for their holiday vacation. Before they're off they like to give a little something special to their teachers and school bus drivers. I love this idea I found through Pintrest and have added my own little alterations to these Hot Cocoa Gift Pocket Cards.



We got carried away making them this past week and so they're are some available in the shop made up and ready to ship here. 

Due to the cost of shipping, you have your choice to receive them with or without the hot cocoa packet already in them.



I can't wait for the kids to share these with teachers, school bus drivers, and even their friends.

They're even great for a little something to share with your co-workers anytime of the year.

It's getting close to Christmas, now, are you ready?

Christmas Card Tag Gift Card Holders

I've been in a holly jolly mood this Christmas and I've been working on some new designs.
These are tag cards that I've added an extra piece to with tabs that you can slide a gift card inside.
There is still plenty of space to write on the inside  left flap of the card with your greetings and on the outside there is a place on many of them to write your "To and From".

They're great for those gift cards you're giving this season. They're designed so you can hang them on the tree, attach them to a gift, or just give them as a card.




I've already sold out of the red and green glittered ones and am working on getting some new ones made up again. I love the way these ice blue ones came out.





I'm really excited about how these have turned out.

Tell me, is your holiday shopping all done yet?
Are gift cards on your list for giving this year?

9 Ideas for Using Tea Lights This Holiday Season

I've had tea lights on my mind this week.

Someone asked me for some ideas in a local craft store of what you can do with tea lights. Of course my mind was just racing with ideas and then I got to thinking I haven't made anything using tea lights before. So.... I did a quick scan on Pintrest. Okay, maybe not to quick, because who can get on Pintrest and not get absorbed with all the great things you find there.

But I did find these ideas that include tutorials.

If you're looking for ideas to warm up your home or special occasion with tea lights this holiday season check out these ideas from other paper bloggers:

1. Paper lanterns from Lia Griffith. You can download the tutorial on how to make these here. 

2. Tea Light boxed holders for gifts by Michelle Last. See tutorial here. 

3. Halloween #spook decoration. Find out how to make one here.

4. Floating tea lights in a bowl. Idea thanks to: theartofdoingstuff

5. Wine Glass Lamps with tea light candles and scrapbook paper shades. See how to create them here. 

6. Teal Light Card to "light" up someone's day. Instruction video here.

7. Tea Light Wall Hanging. I love this idea! It's my favorite of all. I'm currently saving my chicken cans to make one. You can probably us tuna cans, too. Check out how to make one here. 

8. Another recycle can project using tea lights. Click here to check out this one. 

9. Spruce up your home this fall with tea light pumpkins! Check it out here.


Got other tealight inspired ideas? Feel free to share them in the comments or over on my facebook page. Can't wait to see them all!

Valentine's Day Hershey Kiss Favor

Burr.. it's been so cold I haven't wanted to leave the house! I'm so glad to see it has warmed up these past few days despite the snow. I guess it's all apart of living in Pennsylvania. I can't honestly remember it being this cold, although I'm sure it was and as a kid it didn't bother me as much. 

I just finished up a writing project and decided I'd better high-tail-it to start on some Valentine's for the kiddos. I got this idea from a YouTube video that you can see below. 

Our church is getting ready to host their 2nd annual Valentine's dinner next week, and it made me think how these would make a great favor for the dinner and even for a wedding. 

They have four Hershey kisses inside and are tied together with ribbon. 

I've had so much fun making them. I'll probably put a few kits in my Etsy shop, but I've also created some downloadable instructions here to create them. 


Stay Warm! 


 

Tweleve Days of Christmas: Project #7 Christmas Coupon Books

A couple of years ago, a friend game me a coupon book for Christmas. I loved it! Inside were coupons for babysitting, lunch, a chi tea from Dunkin Donuts, and several other great gifts of services. 

It reminded me that, sometimes, we don't always need to give a monetary gift, that service is a gift, too!

Bug helped me put together these cute little coupon books. The inside coupons are a pdf provided from Split Coast Stampers. You can download them here  and see the instructions to make your own coupon book.

I put twelve coupons in each of my coupon books. If you're not crafty and would like to have some coupon books (they make a great stocking stuffer) you can find them in my etsy shop. I used some K&C Christmas paper I purchased from Wal-Mart.

Can you think of twelve things you would write on your coupons to give someone else?

Leave a comment here or jump over on my Facebook page today and share. You never know, I may pick your comment randomly for a free coupon book!

Christmas Book Mark Tutorial

What would the holidays be without special book marks for all those great books that you're gifting or recieving?

These are so simple to make and are great if you're a teacher or in a book club to share.

What you'll need:

1 sheet of two-sided scrapbook paper
hole punch
ribbon
corner punch
Paper cutter

Step 1:

Cut your 12x12 scrapbook paper in half so it measures 6" x 12"
Cut each section by 2". So you should have 12 - 2" x 6" pieces

Step 2:
Use corner punch and round corners of each piece (optional)

Step 3:
Punch hole in top center of each piece

Step 4:
Cut 6" long piece of ribbon or string. Place one end of ribbon through hole. Holding both ends of ribbon together, tie knot at end.

Enjoy your new book marks!

**Don't forget that today is the last day to order a guest book and receive a your FREE GUEST BOOK SIGN with each guest book ordered!


 

Mini Kiss Favor

This is a little mini Kiss Favor Treat I created. I'm thinking that over the next few days I'll end up making about two dozen of these for one of the kids to hand out for class room valentines. 

And talking about valentines, just a reminder that the sign up deadline is drawing near for this month's workshop. If you haven't signed up yet, you can do so here.

Mini Kiss Favor Treat Recipe:

Art Philosophy Cartridge - Set size to 5" cut petal box shape and 2 3/4" heart tag shape.

I used baker's twine to tie my favor box together with tag, starting in February with the new idea book you will be able to purchase baker's twine! Got to love this stuff!

1 Hersey Kiss.

You can use any kind of CTMH designer paper, or even plain card stock. Can't wait to see how yours turned out, send me a pic and I'll share here on the blog!

Well the days are running short and there is only 8 more days to get your card entries in for the Romance Your Card Contest. Help me fill the wall with card for Pajama Factory First Friday on February 3, 2012. The more cards, the more proceeds go to the Heller family! Not to mention the cool prizes that you could win for participating!

Tuesday's Tutorial: Valentine Inspiration Part 2

Today is part two of the four part serious from CTMH TV to inspire you while creating those romance themed valentine cards this month.

Enjoy!!


click here to shop now!

Tuesday's Tutorial: Valentine Inspiration Part 1

Today's tutorial begins a four part series from CTMH TV  to inspire you as you work on those romantic cards for the Romance Your Card Contest and other Valentine's day projects. I hope you have fun watching and learning!

I'm off to practice this fun stamping technique!

Stay tuned for part two next tuesday!

MrsChadT
click here to shop now!

Rock the Block

Rock the Block!

You can get an exclusive E-size stamp set and the My Creations® Collage Cubes for just $15 with your qualifying purchase through January 31st!

Join the craze! When you place a minimum order of $25 from the Autumn/Winter 2011 Idea Book, you can get two new products for just $15: the My Creations® Collage Cubes (a Spring/Summer 2012 sneak-peek product!) and the exclusive My Acrylix® Rock the Block E-size stamp set. That’s a retail savings of almost $30! You're going to love the Collage Cubes and the Rock the Block stamp set, which work together for interactive, 3-D fun.

Check out the great video at the end of this newsletter for more details.

Click here to start shopping or contact me to place your order! 

*Offer valid December 19, 2011–January 31, 2012. Tax and shipping/handling apply. Some restrictions and exclusions apply. Only items available in the Autumn/Winter 2011 Idea Book count toward your qualifying purchase total

Romance Your Card Contest

I’m holding a special card contest and want to see your never-before-published romantic cards. Proceeds from this contest will benefit a 10-year-old Delaney Heller who has been diagnosised with a diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) (a tumor located in the Pons, middle, of the brain stem).

I'll award the wiinner with a $100 gift certificate from Close To My Heart to purchase the latest card making products. Participants will also have the opportunity to win other prizes which include (and not excluded to) card making products, restaurant gift certificates, packaged candies, and more!!

How to Enter:

1.Create an original, never-before-published card with ROMANCE as the theme of your card. Card size may not exceed 5.5” x 8.5” nor be smaller than 2.5” x 2.75”.

2. On a seperate piece of paper include your name, address, daytime phone number, and email address.

3. Mail to:  Romance Your Card Contest, Studio 54, 1307 Park Avenue, Williamsport, PA 17701.

4. Entries must be postmarked by January 25th. All entries will be judged during First Friday inside the Pajama Factory at 1307 Park Avenue, Williamsport, PA 17701. Attendees will be given a voting card in which to choose their top three favorite cards. Winners will be determined by the number of votes received. Voting will be held from 5pm – 8:30pm on February 3, 2012. Multiple entries are permitted. The contest is open to all individuals in the U.S. and Canada (excluding Quebec).

5. Entries will not be returned. By submitting your entry to the Romance Your Card Contest you are also donating your artwork (card) to be auctioned off after the voting through eBay and other online sources for the benefit of 10-year-old Delaney Heller.

Entry Fee:

$2.00 per entry

Please make checks payable to: Susan Lower or write "Paypal" along with your contact information to recieve an invoice and pay online for multiple entries.

Official contest details can be found here.

Happy New Year!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

I am so grateful for all of you who have helped my business grow this year. I am especially thankful for those of you who started out as my customers and quickly became my friends. Becoming a CTMH Consultant in 2011 has provided me with such wonderful opportunties to gain new friendships and challenge and stretch my creativity.

I began my crafting business many...many years ago, and have been amazed how much I've learned through the processes. I've played around with many mediums until I found my niche making books and cards. What can I say, I just love books, and I really appreciate all of you supporting me through out the years. I'm looking forward to the new adventures in paper craftng that awaits us in 2012, especially if the new 2012 spring/summer idea book is any indication. Then it's going to be awesome!

This month I have a special gift to thank those of you that place an order (of any size) with me. Anyone who places an online order, a Club order, or calls or emails me with an orderany time during the month of January, will receive a FREE package of Remarks Glitter Rub-Ons ($13.95 value).

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!

 

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!

Christmas Lists Notebooks

I've had a pile of scraps stacking up in my studio lately and hated to see them go to waste, so I got out my Celebration Stamp Set and made a bunch of these cute little Christmas themed pocket notebooks.
They're perfect for holiday list making and Santa wish lists.

I used standard copy paper inside and DESSERT SAND card stock for the covers. I used orange, lime, and red floss to tie the binding at the top.

They're about 2.5" x 5.5"

I'll be listing some in the shop in the next week or so and bringing some along to hand out at gatherings and vendor shows this month.

What do you think, are these little notebooks big enough for your holiday lists this year?

I'm finishing up a Christening book this weekend and I've got several tutorials for you next week.

See ya then,

Suzy
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Stocking Gift Card Holder

We had such a fun time last evening, I wanted to share this second project the ladies and I worked on. All the pieces are cut out using the Art Philosophy Cartridge. Is it so cool or what? This design comes from a fellow CTMH consultant. Thank you Jamie!

I'm working this weekend on getting those tutorial finished and I'll soon have one up on how to make this gift card holder too.

In the meantime you'll need the following supplies to create this stocking gift card holder:

Art Philosophy Cartridge

Holiday Magic Stamp Set (October Stamp of the Month)

Black Ink Pad

Daisy White Card Stock

Black Card Stock

White Ribbon

Glitter Pen

Hope you have an awesome Thursday!

Suzy

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Make and Take Christmas Gift Tags

Today I wanted to share with you this cute little Christmas Gift tag that we'll be making at my home gatherings for the month of November! If you're unable to attend any of the home gatherings or workshops this month you can still have a chance to create this cute little tag.

We'll also be making this cute tag on November 17th from 6-9pm at Hepburn Lycoming Elementry's Vender Night. So stop in and see me. :)

Also, if you place an order of $25 or more this month, I'll send you a little kit to create three of these tags!

This is a great month for creating Christmas gift tags.

What you need to make this tag:

Believe Paper Pack

Rhinestone Button

Black floss

November stamp of the month - Cherish.

And remember, when you order two stamp sets totalling $25 or more this month you get the Holiday Stamp Set FREE!!

Is that so great or what?

Well, I'm off to finish a tutorial for you all and will see you tomorrow!

Suzy

click here to order online

Family Celebration Tree

Last week was First Friday at the Pajama Factory and I wanted to show off some of my own artistic talent. I came up with this cute little family celebration tree.  This is my own design, so you won't find a tutorial anywhere else for it.

I used the foundery pins and created little trading cards and attached school pictures of my nephews and nieces. I only added three, which has six pictures, but you could add however many you want to your own tree.

 I'm working on getting a tutorial made and will post it by next week.

In the meantime, to make your own family celebration tree, you'll need the following supplies:

Celebration Stamp Set (comes with your art philosphy cartridge)

Art Philosphy Cartridge

Elemental Paper Pack

Cranberry Stamp Pad

Juniper Stamp Pad

Foundery Pin Clips

1 Styrofoam Cone (from a local craft store)

It's so easy to make, I can't wait to show you!

Suzy

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Monday Mayham

Do you ever feel like once in a while you've got your fingers glue together? I know there's an old saying about having your hands tied, but recently I've been making a lot of new book covers and have glue on my fingers everytime I turn around! Unfortunetly, it doesn't wash off very easily either!

Anyway, over the weekend I picked up some pretty cool stuff a local fleamarket. Including some old records. I'm planning on recycling in the next few days and creating a book. I'll let you know how it turns out. Until then, I'm off to prepare for tomorrow's tutorial. This coming month we'll be doing a christmas card workshop and preparing for a time of giving. :)

Until tomorrow.
Happy Monday!


Suzy