Huge, beautiful moon out on this clear evening! Our blog-hop starts tomorrow! Enjoy!

Clementine Blog Hop!

If you came from Janine Garcia/http://jninesworld.blogspot.com/2012/08/ClementineCreation.html you are in the right place!

If you have jumped here and just discovered our blog hop, feel free to check the list at Damask Divas blog, www.damaskdivas.com/bloghopclementine/ to find the complete list of blog hop participants.

"Clementine" is one of my favorite new paper packs from Close to My Heart! This simple card was created using the "Artiste" Cricut cartridge, the tiny sparkles and also Barn Red ink. 

All of the items shown here (except for the small circular piece of vellum) are from the paper pack. I also used one of our new markers (Twilight blue dots) to accent around the edges of the focal point in this piece of artwork. I hope you will leave me a comment or two! This was a fun and quick project to create and I'm happy to share it!

The next blog on the list is: Karina's/Inspir3d2create.blogspot.com/2012/08/damask-divas-september-blog-hop.html. Hope you have a great time on our hop and checking out all the creations using "Clementine".  If you get lost, just hop on over to www.damaskdivas.com/bloghopclementine/ for the full list. These links go live on September 1st.

Good morning everyone! Just had to get a photo of our 'baby' on here somewhere...this is Icabod...he came to live with us about a month ago and reminds us so much of Kirby! His mannerisms and personality are so like Kirby that it's almost uncanny! He's lighter colored and no white feet or chest, but he's adorable and we love him bunches!

Good morning! In the attempt to be a better blogger, I've decided to post some past artwork that I've done...maybe it will inspire someone to do something creative!

This is a leftover project that I did at a Close to My Heart gathering right before Father's Day in June. We put a handful of peanuts inside the bag! Papers were from the "Dotty for You" collection and letters were all cut using "Art Philosophy". Love that cartridge! 

 Completed projects from our June Wednesday Workshop...a little bit of variety. I found this idea posted online, but didn't know how to finish it...how to attach the flower (which actually has a pin backing and can be removed and worn as a pin). So...I did my own version...later found further instructions online, but I think these turned out rather well anyway!

 I'd posted earlier this July project (I think it was for July!), but ended up doing this second one in pink since I have so many granddaughters! I have been thinking about making one for each of the grandchildren as a Christmas gift and putting their photos in the frames...love the Dr. Seuss quote which is also from CTMH. Of course, frames and such were cut with "Art Philosophy". The flower was created by folding circles and gluing, then adding a button to the center. All stamps were from CTMH and I had the little handprint punch already from years ago.

One of the most recent Artsy-Craftsy Club projects. Made with craft sticks, wire and craft foam...and the flowers are from the new "Artiste" cartridge. Found out rather quickly that it's important to use permanent ink on lettering...messed this one up and had to fix it...still a little messy! Good that I always make a sample as a learning experience, right? Today we're having the club and making stenciled bags and some "cheer up" and "hope you're feeling better soon" cards for a service project. Will post photos later. Have a wonderful day!

More photos and new project postings tomorrow...I promise...somewhere in between a piano lesson, Artsy-Craftsy club with the kids, baking bread and making taco dip for the Banjo Band potluck tomorrow night! I WILL post more...promise! G'night for now!

One last thing for tonight...well, actually two, I guess...
First of all, for those who live locally, don't forget our "Avonlea Card Workshop" that is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 5th from 10-12 a.m. at my house. Bring your own "Avonlea" card Workshop-On-The-Go kit. Cost is $5 which will be donated to "Operation Smile". If you don't have the card kit, bring $15 and I will provide supplies for you. $5 will still be donated to "Operation Smile". 

And a great big SHOUT OUT to my downline, NICOLE EVANSON, for just reaching her second Straight-To-The-Top Goal all within her first month as being a consultant! I am so very proud of her! She's amazing!

As an added incentive, anyone who books a gathering (in person or online) between now and September 14th will receive their choice of a FREE "My Stickease" or "Complements" from the new Idea Book. (You can view the Idea Book on my web site, too!) --- of course, if you have at least $150 in orders you will receive FREE gifts anyway! PLUS, if you decide that this crafty stuff is for you and you'd like to earn some extra income or just have lots of free stuff and discounts for yourself, then you can join my team "The Bloomin' Crafty Divas" and I will give you a FREE paper pack of your choice from the new Idea Book once you're all signed up! You can take your choice of two options: the "Basic" package which is only $49 or the all-inclusive at $99. Either one is fantastic! I've been doing some price comparisons with the "competition" and CTMH has the best prices by far! (This photo shows the "Basic" package . . . and if you sign my right away you will get one of those beautiful damask bags to carry it in!)

And...don't forget our "Baroque Borders" Stamp of the Month (SOTM) for August! You can get this gorgeous stamp set for only $5 with a $50 purchase through August 31st.

September is right around the corner and we, of course, have another fantastic Stamp of the Month for September! It's so cute....I can hardly wait to get one for myself!



AUGUST

                   
                                                         






                                                     SEPTEMBER

Time for something new...it's been TOO LONG since I was here last! So, first with a little news...still applying for jobs and going to interviews. Hopefully something happens and soon...but I'm still an independent consultant for "Close to My Heart" also! Love their products and their prices!

I'm having an "online party" right now over on my web site (www.bloomincrafty.ctmh.com) through September 15th. This is National Stamping Month, so CTMH is offering a double stamp set ($35 value) for only $5 with any $35+ order! WOW! That's only through September 15th, so if you want one of those, please visit my site and order ASAP!

And...this Wednesday, July 18th, is the next "Workshop Wednesday"...we're making this cute little frame using the "Art Philosophy" cartridge and also a 1" circle punch to make the flower.  Each of the small squares at the top will hold a photo when completed. I might go back and add a few additional flowers to make it more complete. This was my sample for sign-ups. 10 a.m.-11:30 at my home and $10 gives you everything you need to make this project.

Here is my version of the ever-popular "Art Philosophy" board...samples of many of the die cut images and 3-D objects. Oh, "Artiste" is only going to amaze you even more!

A little closer look at the wonderful new - only from CTMH - Cricut Cartridge "Artiste"

So...let's review: Sign up to be on my team (for either $49 or $99) during August and you will receive a beautiful damask bag FREE from corporate CTMH (first come/first served) plus some "surprise" gifts from me to help you get your business off to a great start. Next, book your own gathering (either an actual party with ME or an online gathering) in August or September and you will be entered into a drawing for the June Stamp of the Month, "Life Is Tweet". Third, Place an order online and receive FREE goodies from CTMH every week in July (I think I forgot to tell you about this one...if you place an order for $75 or more, before tax and shipping, you will receive a paper packet and embellishments or compliments for FREE...different every week the whole month. Only online orders over $75 qualify). Last, but not least, if you pre-order the new Cricut "Artiste" from me you will receive an additonal "surprise" from me when it is delivered. So...lots of choices, lots of fun!

 

So many cool and exciting new things to share! I hear that the Convention in Dallas was fantastic! Next year it will be at Disneyworld...maybe I can go?

At the left you see just a few of the wonderful new things...new colors of ink, new markers (alcohol-based), new colors of stock, new small pigment ink sets, new boxes from "Artiste"...so many wonderful ideas to share!

Come join us now...place your order online at www.bloomincrafty.ctmh.com or join my team in August or September and I have surprise gifts for you for doing so! It's time for these flowers to really bloom and I want to share the fun I'm having with you all!

BOOK A GATHERING....and get a set of these for FREE! These are the all new Autumn/Winter "Petite Perks" stamp set that I give to all of my hostesses. If you book a gathering with me August 1-September 1st, not only will you receive this set, but you will also receive a FREE additional set of the Spring/Summer "Petite Perks" or other stamp set as available. One lucky hostess will receive a "Life's Tweet" Stamp of the Month from June. (I have an extra set of those and will having a drawing to give it away before the end of the year.)

FOR NEW CONSULTANTS ONLY!

Remember how I mentioned that I'm recruiting? There are TWO new options for new consultants...and both are exciting! If you join my team in August you will not only have your choice of the $49 Basics kit or the $99 Executive kit, but you will also receive this wonderful damask bag...now this is doubly great since the "master team" that I'm on is called the Damask Diva's and oh, how I'd love to have one of these...but they are only for new consultants and only while supplies last...so sign up to be on my team today...still working on a team name, but we will be something with Bloomin' Crafty, of course! (Side note: our director of the Damask Diva's just got an award at convention for recruiting the most people during the last year! Congratulations to Mandy!)

I am just soooo bad...it's been a crazy summer here...looking for a job, family visiting, trying to teach lessons and art club, trying to remain sane...it's hard sometimes. I really will do better!

I achieved a goal with CTMH this month - I completed the degree of Bachelor's of Close to My Heart Business! On to the Master's program now!

I really HAVE been busy...I completed my art board for the "Art Philosophy" cartridge...will post photos soon. Also, I've had several fun workshops and classes as well as some wonderful gatherings, met both my STTT #1 and STTT #2 goals and now I'm recruiting!

CTMH convention was last week and there are so many new and exciting things to share with all of you! We have another new CTMH only Cricut cartridge (Artiste) with 700 different images - boxes, 3-D elements and flowers, cards and envelopes, cupcake holders, and oh, so much more! It will be available for purchase August 1st...but...if you'd like to pre-order with me NOW, just let me know!

SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY: Help me reach my end-of-May goal — visit my web site at http://bloomincrafty.ctmh.com and place an online order between now and Wednesday, May 30th and receive a special surprise from me!

It's also STAMPAGANZA month beginning June 1st...buy any two My Acrylix Stamp sets and get the third of equal or lesser value for FREE!!! Included are size A, B, C, D and E size sets only. Customizable (K), Workshops on the Go, Cricut collection and Stamp of the Month are not available as free sets.

So come visit my web site and get all the stamps you want!

 Front cover of closed book...

 Inside, first two pages - you can put tags or photos or little notes in the little pockets. I wrote various verses about friendship on the background papers.

 The road to a friends house is never long.

 Friendship isn't a BIG thing...it's a million little things...her favorite color is purple, so I tried to include some in the color scheme of things!






My favorite page is the chocolate chip cookie...friends are the chocolate chips in the cookies of life!

And last, but not least( for now) - this little "meander" book was made from one double sided sheet of 12x12 paper. Although the paper is not CTMH, I thought it turned out really cute. We made these at our last Workshop Wednesday and they were a definite hit. This is one I made for my hairdresser since she had to cancel her party for tomorrow (holiday!) and reschedule and she felt so badly about having to do that! I wanted her to know that her friendship means a lot to me...so this book is entitled "Friendship..."

In June, I'm teaching how to make this little exploding box at a gathering. We're actually making these for graduation party favors! This is just one I sort of "threw together" with what I had around the house. I think the actual boxes might have a real tassel or at least gold colored ribbon. The hostess is getting the supplies and I will do the prep before the gathering.  They will hold treats inside and have a "thank you" on the reverse side of the mortar board.