Memories of the Heart: August 2009

Monday, August 31, 2009

Stamp of the Month Blog Hop Participants

Here's the list of participants and their blogs for the Stamp of the Month Blog Hop for September.

Jena DeVries http://www.livelovelaughscrapbook.blogspot.com/

Nona Davenport http://www.nonapearl.blogspot.com/

Katy Donaldson http://www.scrappinkaty.blogspot.com/

Cibele Glazer http://www.flowerfoot.blogspot.com/

Laura Dame http://www.thecroppersconnection.blogspot.com/

Lori Leng http://www.pinkcloudscrappers.blogspot.com/

Jamia Bankhead http://www.papermadnessinc.blogspot.com/

Melissa Laverty http://www.fancymelissa.blogspot.com/

Pamela OConnor http://www.cherishyourmemories.blogspot.com/

Sheila Bennett http://sheila-bennett.blogspot.com/

Adeline E. Brill http://adeline-brill.blogspot.com/

Wendy Kessler http://www.myscrapbookingblog.com/

Beth Naumann http://www.bethscreativeblock.blogspot.com/

Barbra Otten http://barbraotten.blogspot.com/

Terrie Dodd http://www.my-life-in-real-time.blogspot.com/

Judy Burger http://makingtimeformemories.blogspot.com/

Jessica Booth http://jessicabooth.blogspot.com/

Leisa Hubley http://www.bigredscraps.blogspot.com/

Helen Onulak http://www.hookedonstamping.com/

Debra Van Patten http://memoriesoftheheartbydeb.blogspot.com/ - You Are Here!

Juli Clark http://www.thestampteacher.blogspot.com/

Sarita Schraeder http://www.blessedscrapper.blogspot.com/

Michelle Robinson http://www.amaizenbluelady.typepad.com/

Maricar Harris http://www.maricarharris.blogspot.com/

Antoinette Herrin http://www.godblessyourart.blogspot.com/

Kathleen Androlewicz http://bowlofstamps.blogspot.com/

Cindy Leek http://www.paperspadsandpictures.blogspot.com/

Dawn Heuft http://www.stamptildawn.blogspot.com/

Barbara Harris http://www.paper-creations117.blogspot.com/

Alanna Moses http://www.damoses.blogspot.com/

Laurie Levnik http://www.creationsbylaurie.blogspot.com/

Tanya David http://www.scramperscorner.blogspot.com/

Karen Norman http://www.gettinscrappywithit.blogspot.com/

Jan Moxey http://scrapandstamp4ever.blogspot.com/

Tammy Lea Pinchard http://mycreativeclubhouse.blogspot.com/

Paige Dolecki http://www.paigespaperparadise.blogspot.com/

Kelly Triggs http://www.stampinallday.blogspot.com/

Sherry Thompson http://www.picturespatternsandpaper.blogspot.com/

Deb Young http://www.scrapbookczar.blogspot.com/

Nancy Ball http://www.ballisticdesign.blogspot.com/

Chris Shouse http://www.houseostamps.wordpress.com/

Dawn Ross http://www.iamahappystamper.blogspot.com/

Brae Montgomery http://thebrae-er.blogspot.com/

Laurie R Newton http://scrapsfromthebeach.blogspot.com/

Haley Dyer http://www.inkyscrapper.blogspot.com/

Carol Taggio http://craftycarol55.blogspot.com/

Amy McVey http://www.clearlystamping.blogspot.com/

Carla Ironside http://www.carlacreates.blogspot.com/

Jen Rubio http://www.jenrubio.blogspot.com/

Kristie Horness-Herdener http://www.goofyscrapper.blogspot.com/

Jill Lucas http://scrapwench.blogspot.com/

Wanda Riley http://www.creatingwithwanda.blogspot.com/

Miranda Kurz http://www.scrampinwithmiranda.com/

Jody Gustafson http://www.cre8nmemories.blogspot.com/

Susan Brooks http://www.stampingintheopen.blogspot.com/

Kami Welter http://www.scrappin4memories.blogspot.com/

Jennifer Patrick http://www.roxybonds-scrappin.blogspot.com/

Julia Menssen http://www.ralphandjulia.blogspot.com/

Shannon Pelletier http://www.mycolorfulworldinvt.blogspot.com/

Linda Shewchuk http://www.awesomememories.blogspot.com/

Brenda Harmless http://keepsakeswithheart.blogspot.com/

Donni Alvarenga http://www.donniscreativetherapy.blogspot.com/

Nancy Brown http://www.creativelyartsygallery.blogspot.com/

Traci Godbee http://createwithtraci.blogspot.com/

Pam Klassen http://eimmap.blogspot.com/

Lori Miller http://www.clearlyfromtheheart.blogspot.com/

Kimberly Smith http://verykimberry.blogspot.com/

Caren Goldsein http://www.scrappycaren.blogspot.com/

Misty Jackson http://www.misstscraps.blogspot.com/

Until next time...

Thursday, August 27, 2009

September Stamp of the Month - Sneak Peek

I realized it had been a while since I posted anything...working 6 days a week kinda does that on occasion. I actually got my scheduled day off today (first one in a while)...so I took a part of the day and played with some of the new Close To My Heart products from the Autumn/Winter 09 book. No, my disaster area is not clean and organized. In fact, after today, I believe it's worse :) But I had fun!

I did get a couple of swaps completed today. So, I thought I'd share one with you. For this project, I used the September Stamp of the Month, Treasures. Unfortunately, I cannot share a link with you since it's not yet been released. BUT, if you come back on the 1st of September, I'm taking part in the Stamp of the Month Blog Hop again this month, and you'll get to see the stamp set and a TON of amazing artwork!

Gift Bag (approx. 4" x 5")

Twitterpated Papers (new)

Chocolate Ink

VersaMark Ink

White Embossing Powder

Colonial White Ribbon

Colonial White Brads

Coluzzle Circle Template

Corner Rounder (for the scallops)

Ivory Eyelets (probably well retired, but the only ones I had close - the new Colonial White soft set eyelets would work well)

Until next time...

Thursday, August 13, 2009

August Card Night: Back Country

We had so much fun last night at our monthly Card Night. I love getting together with these gals cause we always end up laughing and having a great time!

This month we used the Back Country Level 2 Papers and coordinating stamps. I did something a little different this time. I opted to make Circle Cards from the Wishes book. LOVE this book! I did these slightly different, in that I did not use the templates included, but used the Coluzzle Circle to cut the card bases and papers. Just take the White Cards & Envelopes Value Pack, fold the cards, then position the coluzzle to cut the largest circle out of the card base. That way, it's guaranteed to fit in a standard envelope without costing extra postage because it's square (although if you add lumpy embellishments, you may still have to pay that extra 20 cents).

All designs from Wishes

Papers: Back Country Level 2

Inks: Barn Red, Outdoor Denim, Goldrush, Olive, Desert Sand, Cocoa

Stamps: Campin' Fever, Let's Go Camping, Beauty of Christmas (retired - deer)

Accessories: Tan Hemp, Autumn Buttons, Pewter Brads, Outdoor Denim Ribbons (twill)

Techniques: Edge Distressing, Ink Distressing, Rock and Roll

We did do 10 cards (2 each of 5 designs), but as usual, I was running behind and didn't have them all ready. Then as we were having so much fun laughing and working, I never did get around to finishing my last card. I was too interested in what everyone else was doing. I love seeing what everyone else comes up with!

Until next time...

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

It's Time to Celebrate with some Blog Candy!

WOW! I realized that I have received over 1000 hits on my little blog since I started it. I know there are so many more blogs out there that have a lot more to offer than what I share. But I'm thankful that you've taken the time to stop by and visit! I think it's time to celebrate with a little Blog Candy.

If you read my previous post, you'll know I've been cleaning and organizing my disaster area. All you have to do to enter for your chance to win is to leave a comment guessing how many CTMH My Acrylix Stamp sets I have. The first one to guess the correct number wins! If no one guesses the correct number, I'll take the closest without going over.

The lucky winner will have their choice of either a Serendipity Kit or a Tickled Pink Kit (both retired constant campaigns). I'll try to get pictures added tomorrow.

You have until Monday, August 17th to enter. Please be sure to leave an email addy so I can let you know if you win! Good Luck!

Until next time...

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Cleaning and Organizing

I know I've been kinda MIA for a few days (not totally unusual, I know). However, this time I've actually been somewhat productive. I took a few days off work with the intention of cleaning and organizing my disaster areas. (Yes, that was meant to be plural.) I have a main room upstairs for all of my crafty "stuff", but I can't actually get IN there to work on anything. So, I kinda overflowed into the somewhat empty bedroom next door (the one we were supposed to be redoing this summer for my oldest boy, but haven't had the time).

So, I started Sunday, going through and updating my master acrylix stamp list. It's an Excel file of 95% of all the acrylic stamps CTMH has sold since they brought them out. Monday, I got all my stamps together (or so I thought), and went through the list to mark the ones I have and hopefully fill in a few holes that I had in the list (mostly the promotional sets from the constant campaigns we've had). I also had to mark the ones that are retired so I don't end up using them for classes or workshops. Thankfully, my mother offered to help!

Today, I drafted my boys to help go through and organize some of it. Well, they got this idea that if we got my room all clean by tonight, could they get a PS2 game tomorrow. Knowing full well that it was NOT going to get completely done tonight, I jumped at the chance to let them try to prove me wrong. :) (not evil, just motivating them by giving them something to work towards.) Bless their hearts, we got ALL the boxes gone through and sorted into more manageable piles. No, everything did not get put away (that's another challenge). But, everything is in the general vicinity of where it needs to go. I can now also WALK through my craft room without having to take gigantic steps over things!

Hopefully tomorrow, I can start going through some of the piles I made today and get things put away. I still need to find my stamping counter and my cutting counter - they are both covered. And there's still a row of boxes in the middle of the floor that are sorted into various categories. But I am making more progress.

I did not take any before pics this time. I've taken so many before pics that's it's no longer funny, but I don't have any "after" pics because I've never gotten it finished (not even close). Hopefully by the end of the week I'll be able to share some of those after pictures.

Until next time...

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Retired List

Close To My Heart has announced the 2010 Retired List. While some products will be updated or repackaged in the new Idea Books, others will be gone for good (like the stamps and papers!).

I'm going to try to give you a direct link to the Retired List PDF, but I'm not sure it will work (that's the technologically challenged part again). Just in case that doesn't work, it is posted on my calendar.

Items on the Retired List are available while supplies last until they are retired on December 31, 2009. If there's something you've been interested in or on your wish list, you might want to consider getting it before it's gone!

Until next time...

Monday, August 3, 2009

August Newsletter

Want to see the "pretty" version? Click here

Memories of the Heart
Debra A Van Patten
Independent Consultant

August 2009

In This Issue
Thanks-a-bration!

Monthly Contest

National Stamping Month

Stamp of the Month

Classes, Workshops, & Events

Dear Blog Reader,

Welcome to the August edition of my monthly newsletter. I hope everyone is enjoying their summer. July was really hectic for me (moreso than normal). Carl and I had a wonderful vacation last month. I was told a couple days before we left that it was our honeymoon - not exactly what I would have chosen, but a vacation is a vacation. We came home in time for me to help set up the merry-go-round at the Knox County Fair - something I've been doing for 20 years. The boys love fair week more for the food and the demo, I think, than the carnival now. We also had a rough week last week in that my mother was hospitalized after an asthma attack and then diagnosed with pneumonia. Needless to say, I spent much of last week running back and forth to the hospital, as well as working full time. She is home and doing much better, for which we are thankful (I'm sure she is too). I know I'm behind on a lot of things, which I'm trying to catch up on this week.

Close To My Heart held it's Leadership Conference this past weekend in California. While I did not attend, I was lucky enough to get some of the inside scoop from fabulous sister consultants. There are some FABULOUS things in store for September and beyond! I can't wait to share them with you - which I'll do next month, because August has some AWESOME things in store for you as well. Okay, so there's a sneak peek at the bottom of this email.

We start off with a Thanks-a-bration promotion from August 3-17. You get a free Level 2 Paper Packet and the Stamp of the Month when you place $100 order. Be sure to check out the details.

There's also a new Stamp of the Month for August - It's Your Day! A definite must have for birthdays, weddings, and virtually any celebration you can think of!

August also kicks off our National Stamping Month promotion that runs from August 18 through September 30!

Don't forget my monthly contest. Yes, I know I'm behind in getting prizes out (see the first paragraph). But please know that you will get your prizes.

My August calendar is updated. I will update my September calendar once I get the boys back in school and figure out what extra activities they are going to be doing. One of the great things I do love about being a consultant is setting my own hours around my family.

August also marks my 6th anniversay as a Close To My Heart Consultant. Be sure to check your email later this month for a week long special to help me celebrate and as my thanks to you for your continued support.

It's a Thanks-a-bration!

As a special "Thank YOU!", from August 3-17, 2009, when you spend $100 on any of our great products, you'll receive a current My Reflections® Level 2 paper packet along with the August Stamp of the Month for FREE (a total retail value of $39.90). We're waiving the shipping/handling and tax on the free items as well!

For complete details, as well as a list of the paper packets you could receive, visit my calendar.

Monthly Contest

Congratulations to last months winners!

Lea L.
Margaret L.
Tonette S.
Marcia M.
Nancy S.

Ladies, I apologize again, as I know you have not yet received your prizes. July was really hectic. Your prizes will be mailed out by Tuesday.

This month's question...

How many stamps are in D1353 Campin' Fever?

Remember, most answers can be found in the Idea Book. The first 5 people to email me with the correct answer will receive a small prize (albeit a little late apparently). Be sure to include your current mailing address.

National Stamping Month

Everyday Celebration

TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL STAMPING MONTH in September we are giving you 3 ways to get a FREE Everyday Celebration card kit for making 16 beautiful cards!

Purchase a minimum of $60 in stamp sets (includes A, B, C, D, and E-size) between August 18-September 30 (CC1006C)
Host a Home Gathering with minimum sales of $400 between September 1-30
Sign up as a new Consultant between September 1-30

You can also buy as many card kits as you'd like for $39.95 per kit (CC1006B). And there's more fun! Place any order between September 1-30 and you'll be automaticallyentered in our daily drawing for a FREE card kit! Winners will be announced on MyCTMH website and closetomyheart.com. Express your passion for stamping with this pretty new card kit today!

You can view complete details and photo on my calendar.

Stamp of the Month

It's Your Day
D1352 (Set of 26) $22.95

It's the perfect time to party! Use these versatile words and images to celebrate the best days of your year.

Available August 1-31, 2009 only.

Recommended Blocks:1" × 1" (Y1000), 1" × 3 ½" (Y1002), 2" × 2" (Y1003)

I hope to have the artwork from our Consulant swap posted to my website shortly. However, if you're looking for some inspiration, you can start with our monthly Blog Hop. The SOM Blog Hop is hosted by the talented Jena DeVries. Each month several consultants participate (this month there's 64!). We each create something using the Stamp of the Month and share on our blogs. I've started you at the beginning, and invite you to take a few minutes to "hop" all the way through.

Classes, Workshops, & Events

All classes and workshops are held at my home in Washington unless otherwise noted. If you cannot make my scheduled class/workshop, contact me to schedule one of your own with your friends. Minimum class size is 5 prepaid guests. Complete details and artwork can be viewed on my Calendar.

Card Night
Wednesday, August 12th, 6pm (please note time)
Back Country Level 2 Papers
Fee: $10.00
RSVP by August 7th

Workshop on the Go

Sunday, August 30th, 2pm
Back Country Level 2 Papers
Fee: Basic Workshop $27 when you RSVP & pay by August 14th
Basic Workshop after August 14th - $36

Open Dates

Saturday, August 22nd, 7pm ET
Sunday, August 23rd, 2pm ET
Saturday, August 29th, 7pm ET

Choose one of the dates above and get a FREE gift when you hold your Gathering. Contact me today to schedule your Gathering or Workshop (all workshops require 2 weeks notice and pre-payment for supplies).

Upcoming Events

Wednesday, September 9th, Card Night, 715pm ET
Saturday, September 12th, Card Night, 6pm ET
Sunday, September 27th, Twitterpated WOTG, 2pm ET

As always, I am here to help you preserve your memories and celebrate your relationships. If you have any questions, need some inspiration, want to schedule a workshop, class or gathering, or would like more information on becoming a consultant, please feel free to contact me.

Until next time...

Debra Van Patten

Independent Consultant

Memories of the Heart

Saturday, August 1, 2009

August SOTM Blog Hop!

Welcome to our Stamp of the Month Blog Hop! We will be featuring August's SOTM, which is It's Your Day a set of 26 stamps. If you have come here from Cibele's Blog, you are on the right path! If this is your first stop, you may want to go back to Jena's Blog and start from the beginning!

This month we have 64 Close To My Heart Consultants sharing their creations using this month's SOTM and other great CTMH products on their blogs. This is simple to do - just click on the link at the end of the post on each blog to move to the next one! Here we go!

Wishes - Circle Collection (5x7)

Papers: Tinkerin' Level 2 Paper Packet
Inks: Clover Meadow, Twilight, Holiday Red, Sunflower
Accessories: Summer Craft Buttons, Bitty Brads, Embroidery Floss Neutral Assortment, 3-D Foam Tape

The Bitty Brads were a perfect accent for the sentiments with this set! I loved how the fit nicely in the circles to highlight the message.

Hopefully you can get a better view of the dimension. The cake is completely pop-dotted (including the candle).

Now "Hop" on over to Terrie's Blog to see her work! Be sure to visit all the Consultants at their Blogs to get some great crafting ideas and other fun ideas! Remember, the August SOTM is only available until August 31st! Contact your CTMH Consultant (or click here) to see how you can get this stamp set at a discount or even free!

If you get lost on the hop or find links that aren't working, here is a complete list of participating blogs:

Jena DeVries http://www.livelovelaughscrapbook.blogspot.com/

Kristie Horness-Herdener http://www.goofyscrapper.blogspot.com/

Carla Ironside http://www.carlacreates.blogspot.com/

Deb Young http://www.scrapbookczar.blogspot.com/

Alanna Moses http://www.damoses.blogspot.com/

Paige Dolecki http://www.paigespaperparadise.blogspot.com/

Wendy Kessler http://www.myscrapbookingblog.com/

Heather Painchaud http://www.twindragonflydesigns.blogspot.com/

Helen Onulak http://www.hookedonstamping.com/

Barbra Otten http://barbraotten.blogspot.com/

Haley Dyer http://www.inkyscrapper.blogspot.com/

Nona Davenport http://www.nonapearl.blogspot.com/