Creative Loft

2010-07-19T15:37:00.000-07:00

We found ourselves in Washington, D.C., with just a few extra minutes before Close To My Heart's 2010 Convention kicked off, so we decided to visit the Peep store. How fun and colorful!!

Studio J

2010-05-15T06:30:00.000-07:00

It's here, ready for you to upload your pictures and start your online scrapbooking experience. Studio J is so much fun to use and create those one-of-a-kind 12x12 layouts that you will be amazed at how polished and professional your pages turn out. Only Close To My Heart could create a program that you don't have to buy and have a faster, simpler, easier way to get all those pictures trapped on your computer to beautiful layouts in a fraction of the time.

Let me know what you think, I love this online experience but will still continue to do my Classic scrapbooking because I love to use my hands. How about you? Leave a comment and lets share our experience... :)

New April Workshop!

2010-03-30T14:30:00.000-07:00

New for April is the You Rock Workshop! Come Join me for a fun and PACKED workshop of 2 2-page layouts using the Level 2 You Rock paper pack and the On Target Dimensional Elements. AND we are going to add THREE BRAG BOOKS to go with this workshop, all for $27.00. Contact me for details! It promises to be a great time for both beginner and expert papercrafter!

Bee Mine Workshop ~ March 21st

2010-02-21T14:18:00.000-08:00

Come Join Me for a FUN card workshop on March 21st from 2:00-5:00 pm. The workshop will include the Petite Perks Bee Mine stamp set, 4 standard size cards and envelopes, 4 gift-size 3"x3" size cards and 1 place card holder. This promises to be a fun workshop for both experienced and beginners alike. Space is limited so contact me for sign-up details!

SNOW DAY!

2010-02-21T13:56:00.000-08:00

Didn't you just love those days as a kid? It was the best feeling thinking that you got that special day to just go outside and PLAY in the snow. This was indeed a special day because we received a record snowfall this day. FUN!!

February Veranda Workshop

2010-01-30T17:51:00.000-08:00

Come join me for a fun afternoon on Saturday, February 20th from 2:00-5:00 while we make 4 Veranda Layouts. We will be using one Level 2 Paper Pack of the Veranda Papers, On Target Dimensional Elements, and 4 Page Protectors along with your wonderful creativity. The cost is $25 and space is limited! All payments must be received by February 6th so I will have time to get the product and put the kits together! So, come prepared to have a great time with friends and make some beautiful layouts from Close To My Heart!

Felicity Layout

2010-01-10T18:53:00.000-08:00

This is a layout I did with the Felicity Papers. I love this layout because you could easily change it to a more girlie one if you wanted. I have to track down the pictures of my son's favorite things. I took pictures a while back to document his 'sleeping' buddies. I can't wait to put these on his layout and then add journaling onto the die-cut Twilight blue paper circle. Let me know what you think.... I'd love to hear. :)

FREE Workshop~ Customer Appreciation Day!!

2010-01-08T07:55:00.000-08:00

This is what you will get for booking both the January and February Workshop! In March I will have a special Customer Appreciation Workshop Day and make 4 standard sized cards, 4 3x3 gift tag cards and a place card holder. PLUS~ You will get the Petite Perks stamp set, Bee Mine free with this workshop! So, sign up today before all the spaces fill up and get your very own workshop/stamp set FREE on March 20th, 2010 from 2:00-4:00 pm.

Valentine Box w/ 3x3 Gift Cards

2010-01-08T07:38:00.000-08:00

Here is the exciting February Workshop just in time for Valentine's Day! We will be creating a chipboard box using the Topstitch Level 2 Paper Pack and making 8 gift cards. The workshop includes: Level 2 Topstitch Paper Pack (1/2 pack), Chipboard Coaster base, Ribbon, Blending Pen, and our exclusive Sanding Kit. This workshop is $25.00 and will be on a prepaid first come, first served basis. This workshop is for both the beginner and experienced papercrafter. Since seating is limited, you won't miss out on getting RSVP/payment in now.

SAVE THE DATE ~ January 9, 2010

2009-11-18T10:25:00.000-08:00

SAVE THE DATE!! Get ready, get set, it's almost time for my Tri-Annual Open House! Everyone attending will receive a Free Spring Idea Book packed with lots of new products and Tons of Tips to help you scrap/stamp faster, simpler, and easier. I will also have new products for you to get a sneak peak at AND Lots of giveaways! I'm also going to have a Mystery Hostess drawing for the first time and a FUN GAME TO PLAY! So come one, come all to this fun Open House. Time: 2:00-5:00 pm.

Christmas Keepsake Album (All Pages)

2009-11-15T10:14:00.000-08:00

Here is a detailed collage of all the pages we will be making on December 12th.

2009-11-06T19:42:00.000-08:00

Please note the date change for this workshop! Sorry for any confusion... :)

Join me for a great time as we make the Christmas Keepsake Album. We will use the Jingle Level 2 Paper Pack (1/2), My Creations All-Sorts Mini Album, My Stickease Jingle Level 2 Stickers, and assorted ribbon. This workshop is $25 and will take place on December 12th, Saturday~ from 12:00-2:00pm. This Mini Album is sure to become a family treasure for gift giving or as a family keepsake. Contact me via email for more information on this fun and fast moving workshop! :) This is a limited seating workshop, (only 6 people) so prepay by November 30th to reserve your spot.

2009-10-13T09:20:00.000-07:00

I finally added pictures to the cube I decorated with Close To My Heart's Emporium B&T Papers. Jacob loved all his pictures!

October Workshop~ 2-page layout, 3 cards, and Surprise Craft!

2009-10-12T16:41:00.000-07:00

Here's my latest workshop for October 28th, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. The price is $20 and includes the three cards shown and the full 2-page layout. I am also including a Bonus Surprise Craft item that we will do at the end of the workshop.

The supplies included in your kit are: 1/2 Level 2 Twitterpated Cardstock/Papers, Chocolate Ribbon, 1/2 packet of Basic Brads and a Dimensional Element Framed Fun chipboard sheet.

It promises to be a very fun time and if you need more information, contact me on this site. See you on Wednesday, October 28th!

Rustic Alphabet has many uses!

2009-09-16T15:46:00.000-07:00

Using the Close To My Heart Rustic Alphabet, I made a t-shirt that expresses my love of scrapbooking and also showcases a different way to use the MyAcrylix stamps.

There were many steps involved but the shortened version is:
1) Pick the words that you want to put onto your t-shirt
2) Using the 2" x 11" block, make sure that all the letters will fit into the space on the t-shirt.
3) Next, I lined all the letters up on my VersaMat using the grid to keep all the letters aligned.
4) I then, ironed Freezer Paper onto felt and then stamped onto the freezer paper.
hint: When ironed onto fabric, the freezer paper will stick to the fabric and create a paper for you to stamp onto.
5) Next, I cut out the letters with my MicroTip scissors and then put onto onto Heat 'n Bond paper.
6) I lined my letters very close to conserve on the paper.
7) This serves as a bonding agent between the next color of felt. (i.e. I used brown and then off-white)
8) Then I positioned the letters as best as I could with pins and started sewing. If you choose to use the Heat 'n Bond again, that would work too. You just won't have the stitching.
9) I used the same process to cut out a handcut heart... And.... I have a new FUN scrapbook t-shirt!

Christmas Card Workshop for September

2009-08-31T07:11:00.000-07:00

Join me for a fun-filled 2 hours as we make Christmas Cards using Close To My Heart B&T papers, Window Charms, Juniper Ribbon, Twinkle Brads, cutting, masking techniques, sponging techniques, etc. When you are finished you will have 24 finished Christmas Cards (2 of each design) ready to personalize and send out! Wow, before the weather even starts changing, you could be done with your Christmas Cards and only have your Christmas shopping to complete. The total for this workshop is $30.00 That comes out to $1.25 a card! Try finding cards as cute as these handmade cards for that amount of money. You can't! So, reserve your spot today! I only have spaces available for 6 people... And, you can imagine how fast these will go!

Call me (817-473-8308) or email me at AnMeriDesigns@msn.com for information on this exciting and budget friendly workshop.

2009-08-19T07:07:00.000-07:00

The latest cards that I have been creating. I used new paper from the soon-to-be-released Fall/Winter 2009 Idea Book and also Daydream from the current catalog. Christmas cards don't always have to use the traditional colors. Just start thinking about all the Home Decor colors that you see out today. Then, start playing with colors and get to Creating!! :)

Jacob's Circle Photo Magnet

2009-07-31T09:12:00.000-07:00

It is always so hard to cut a clean circle that this circle photo was right up my alley! After I laid the 'Animal Cookies' background paper on the CD, I then used the CD to help create a template. This ensured I had cut the right size AND that it was a perfect circle. Next, I added mat, pop dotted the photo and the buttons, and then hand-wrote Jacob's name on small punched out circles. I love how fast, simple and easy this was to do. Why don't you give it a try too.... :)

Clever Circle Album

2009-07-30T19:02:00.000-07:00

This clever Circle Album was the inspiration of a friend of mine. I just had to try it out since I seem to have a million of these laying around. I took Close To My Heart Moon Doggie Paper (Level 2) and covered the CD's with this. I adhered the paper onto the CD's using double stick tape.

Next, I embellished with ribbon, Liquid Glass, and coordinating Cardstock in Cocoa and Tulip.

Then, using my Crop-a-dile, I punched holes into the sides and strung ribbon through to hold the 'album' together. AND WhaaaLaa, my Clever Circle Album ready to dress up with pictures and give as a gift! Super Fast, Easy, and Simple! Just what Close To My Heart is all about!

Post Foot Surgery

2009-07-26T16:17:00.000-07:00

I've been out-of-it lately. I had foot surgery and even though I heard lots of, 'Oh, I've heard that surgery hurts really bad', I just didn't want to dwell on it, especially before the fact. Well, I'm here to tell you first-hand that foot surgery does hurt like the *&%$##!!! I had a bunion removed but also a plate and pins put in my big toe. Apparently, I have arthritis in my big toes. Of all places, who would have thought.... Anyway, it did give me lots of time to get projects caught up. At least until next month! Hope your summer is going well and that you have no injuries to slow you down! :)

The BEAST

2009-07-19T18:35:00.000-07:00

Man, I thought that this fence would never end! I kept painting and painting and painting. Finally, after a full week of what seemed non-stop painting, it is done. For now. I do see spots I'll have to redo, but for now, I'm DONE!

Work is never done!

2009-07-02T08:16:00.000-07:00

I have so many 'chores' to finish up before summer ends. I know-I know, it's only the beginning of July, but I feel like I am running out-of-time. Currently, I'm painting our wrought iron fence that surrounds our pool. Not a bad job, when I get hot, I just jump in the pool. However, the temperature has been averaging around 98* and painting black on a metal fence is a little HOT! That's why I'm trying to go as fast as I can. I'll try and post some scrapbook pages tomorrow. I need to do some girly work too! :)

It's HOT!

2009-06-25T14:35:00.000-07:00

I just finished up a very tiring but Important week of Vacation Bible Camp with my son. We had a total of 17 kids in our class and with temperatures at around 97-100 all week, everytime we went outside for recreation activities, the sweat just started pouring. Needless to say, I looked very 'grungy' when the end of our day came. The overall kids participating was over 750. That's a lot of kid energy going on!! Anyway, I've posted a picture of the bookmark that each child received plus extra for our youth helpers. It was FUN but I'm glad it's over.... Until next year! :)

Summer is Here!

2009-06-13T07:37:00.001-07:00

Why is it that I always think I am going to get so much done during the summer. Without the school routine and 'me' time, I can't seem to accomplish anything. ;) So, this summer, I am going to set a schedule up for me and my boys. For everybody that is super organized, this is a no-brainer. Me, I just like to have tons of spontaneity in my life. Great for fun, but not so great in getting things done. Oh, I'll leave blocks of time for lazing in the sun by the pool but I also want to feel like things that didn't get done during the school year are finally getting accomplished. How about you? How are you approaching this summer? Do you have special vacation trips planned? Whatever you do, cherish your family and enjoy the time you are in.... :)

SCHOOL'S OUT!

2009-06-05T06:06:00.000-07:00

I think I'm as excited as the kids that school is out for the summer. Now, next week might be a different story when they're whining about nothing to do. But, I've finally tried to be proactive and schedule a field trip day once a week. This may seem like a no brainer for some but I have always lived by a very spontaneous summer schedule and this summer, I'd like it to be a little more organized and FUN!!

June Deal-A-Day..... It starts TODAY!

2009-06-01T08:10:00.000-07:00

The June Deal-Of-The-Day is HERE! Starting today, just check into my website or go to the June icon on the left and just click. This will take you right to my website and there, you can shop, even in your PJ's!!

Crazy Saturday

2009-05-09T05:45:00.000-07:00

Today is a packed day to end a packed week. Picture Day/ Soccer Games, Soccer Tournaments, Deliver and hang Window Treatments, meet with a friend to organize her presentation, and then back for final soccer game at tournament. We seem to have more technology, things that are supposed to make our lives simpler and easier but they seem to just add onto our list of more things to do. I'm going to make an effort to better organize and prioritize so that things will run smoother and there will be more time at the end of the day instead of more things to do at the end of the day! How about you?

Spring

2009-04-16T10:35:00.001-07:00

I'm looking outside my window in the office and the ornamental cherry that we planted last fall has pink blooms all over it. Spring is so fun with the warmer weather, beautiful flowers, and wonderful fresh grass. (not so great with allergies) What do you have planned for spring? Any new plants to add, projects to start/complete? Why not finish up the Christmas layouts and be ready for all the summer ones? Well, gotta go and start Scrappin! Also, don't forget to check out the Scrapbook and Share site. What a great way to celebrate National Scrapbook Month! Only Close To My Heart would think to do something so fun and innovative! Check it out! :)

Saturday!

2009-03-28T15:56:00.001-07:00

The wind came howling down out of the north again! It was hard to keep the soccer ball in one place at my son's soccer game. Hope your spring is coming up Roses and your creativity is soaring! Visit my latest workshop that I'm having in April. You'll find this on the right side of the blog. Hope to see you there!

2009-03-05T15:14:00.000-08:00

Thursday and all is well. Wind is blowing pretty bad though. Not a good hair day. The Mansfield Scrapbooking Group is holding its first crop on Saturday. I will be presenting and staying for the crop. If anyone is going, I look forward to meeting you and helping with any scrapbooking dilemma's that you might have. Until tomorrow........

2009-02-28T06:21:00.000-08:00

It's Saturday! YEAH! This has been a LONG week for me. Just trying to organize all of our schedules to get soccer practice figured into the homework mix.
The Crop on March 7th should be lots of fun! You'll need to check the link above to see if there are any spots available. Come join and let me share all the fun techniques that make cropping faster, simpler and easier! Hope to see you there!!!

2009-02-24T09:17:00.000-08:00

Thank You for visiting! This was my most recent endeaver.... My son just had a birthday and this was his birthday card. It turned out pretty FUN!

I love using Close To My Heart's products because there are so many fun ways to get the most for your MONEY! And, let's face it, we all need to squeak every last dime out of the budget that we can. One thing I have promised myself, is that I will leave just a little each month to continue my addiction! Scrapbooking, Cardmaking, and Papercrafting! You don't need to spend a lot to be creative! In fact, necessity is the mother of invention. I'd love to show you how....

If you'd like to learn more, visit my website at Close To My Heart. It's located in the upper-left corner of my blog.

Again, thanks for visiting and hope you have a Blessed Day!