Creating Keepsakes Convention

I went to the Creating Keepsakes Convention in Valley Forge, PA today. I decided to take the classes offered by Clear and Simple Stamps on using Copic markers. The classes were fast paced and packed with good stuff! I'm still learning and with more practice I'm looking forward to amazing artwork in my future!

Some butterflies are outlined to add dimension. We were given a Copic Multiliner Pen to add crosshatching to letters and to draw a border. Then we used the trio method to color in the area around the sentiment.

Friend is colored in using the trio method.

I used the trio method on the flower and feathering  on the leaves.

The colorless blender marker was used for the polka dot effect. The white paper flower was colored using the air brush system. Look a NEW Close To My Heart bling button!

For this card we were given white ribbon. Two strips were colored directly on with markers and one was to try out the air brush system.

The background was air brushed using a paper doily.

It's hard to tell in photo but we airbrushed with a Spica pen to add sparkle to the cloud. This sample also shows how Copic markers look on kraft paper, nice!

Convention Create and Take: "Paper Bag Album"

Several years ago I saw crafters use paper bag lunch sacks to make a quick 6 x 6 scrapbook or "brag book." This create and take from convention reminds me of those albums. The base of the album is 3 cards from the pack of 10 Kraft Die-Cut Cards and Envelopes. They will be available for $6.95 starting August 1. Two other new products used in this book are the Decor Journaling Spots and Color- Ready Alphabets Cork. Each of these items will cost $5.95. The Journaling Spots come in a pack of 12 pockets, each with a coordinating tag The cork alphabet includes two sheets of adhesive backed cork alphabet letters (and numbers). In this book I used a cocoa marker on the cork.

  

CTMH Convention 2011 Happy Face Video

Check it out I'm in the video at 48 seconds. If you'd like to see your happy face at a Close To My Heart convention I'd love you to join my team and join me next year in Dallas!

Convention Create and Take: Memory Game

This year at convention we had three create and take projects. The first one I want to share is the new My Creations Memory Game. I love the My Creations line of products from Close To My Heart. The Memory Game includes 24 - 3" x 3" chipboard squares in a sturdy chipboard box and will be available  to purchase on August 1 for a retail value of $9.95. We decorated the box with the new paper collection, Elemental. We added stamped embellishments that were cut with the new Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge and then used the coordinating stamps from the set Blue Ribbon.

I didn't have time yet to decorate the chipboard squares inside, but I have an idea. I think I'll use the box in my classroom. I have two ideas. One is to write different ways we applaud each other: round of applause, pat on the pack, fireworks. The other is to write sparkle statements, words the children use to encourage each other. Perhaps I need another Memory Game so I can make both!

I'm so excited. At last check on my Fed Ex tracking shipments my product order from convention is due to arrive tomorrow and my Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge will be arriving Tuesday!

My Gift to Roomies

A couple of months ago I was looking at a beading catalog from Oriental Trading and found ring bases. Inspiration hit! I knew I was going to make rings for my CTMH sisters. Once the ring bases arrived I played with different Close To My Heart Embellishments. I settled with the mesh from the Bliss Level 2 Assortment and the flowers shaped buttons from the Button Assortments. I really like the way they turned out and made a few extras for Hostess gifts!

Roomie Gifts

At convention this year I exchanged gifts with "virtual roomies." My roommate Jolene and I added Stacey, Jean and Stephanie to our exchange even though we weren't in the same room. This year flying across the country made it difficult. The requirement was for items to fit in a 3 x 3 space. Every year I'm impressed with the creativity my friends show in their gift giving. Thank you Jolene, Stacey, Jean, and Stephanie!

Jolene made this sticky boy necklace and pin set. I wore my necklace at the team meeting and my pin everyday at convention hoping to find a hidden sticky boy, but it wasn't meant to be this year.

Stacey made a tag book with several Walt Disney quotes.

Jean made bracelets for each of us. I need to find a picture of my Close To My Heart sisters to put in the heart charm.

Stephanie used the 3 x 3 mini ablum to make a "Dates to Remember" book. Each page is dedicated to a month and has plenty of room to add my friends and family members' birthdates.

Convention Wrap Up

I'm home from Close To My Heart's annual convention. If you are a consultant I highly recommend attending this event. It is worth the time and expense! I feel re energized to create with all the fabulous new products and look forward to sharing here on my blog. Now I just need those Fed Ex tracking numbers to tell me my order is on its way!

With Kathy my 2nd Upline

With Karen my 4th Upline and Naomi my 3rd Upline.

Joyce, Debbie, and Nancy creating a layout using Roxie, a new paper collection.

Our Disney Entertainers from the Awards Banquet

Joyce, My 1st Upline in the middle with The Joyful Stars Team

Close To My Heart Convention Day 1

Today was the first day of Convention. It was amazing! I'm most excited about the Cricut cartridge bundle with an exclusive cartridge, coordinating stamp sets and dimensional elements. Can't wait to get my hands on that.

My upline Joyce and I ready for the Opening General Session



Jolene and Stephanie join me as we wait for the doors to open

The finale of the General Session with Mickey!

Krista, my sideline teaching at Extravaganza

Fun at Disneyland

Here I am the day before Close To My Heart's Convention enjoying some time at Disneyland in California with my friends and fellow consultants.

Jolene, Jean, Me, Stacey

It's a Small World

Sleeping Beauty's Castle

California Adventure's Paradise Pier

The gang with Mickey

Me, Goofy, Stephanie, and Jolene

Happy Independence Day

Close To My Heart has the perfect Stamp of the Month for July 4th activities. Here are cards from a Stamp of the Month Swap I do. These were created by Wendy. Have a great holiday!

American Celebration: July 2011 Stamp of the Month

Background Bar from the How-To Book Originals

Center Squares from the How-To Book Originals

Tied Frame from the How-To Book Originals