Help!

Jason gave me one of these:

Now I need to learn how to use it. A very talented photographer in Cache Valley is giving away a free mentor session. I need your votes to win. Please go to the following link and vote for me (Nicole Norris the list is alphabetical) before Sunday at midnight. Brooke Snow Photography

My kids will thank you!

February Book Table Layout

I really have been neglecting my blog but it was Workshop week last week and so I was playing all week with my workshop friends! If you would like to join in the fun email me or leave a comment with your contact information and I will send you all the details.

Tonight I am going to post the layout I made with the product from the Book Table club. I did add 2 sheets of white cardstock and some dark brown cardstock.  I also cut out the hearts and the "I heart You" using my friend's "Slice" by Making Memories. The layout is a design from Close To My Heart's Imagine book. I can't live without this book!

I have to chuckle at myself as I post this layout because I don't have pictures on it yet. That is ironic because my last post was all about getting pictures on all my layouts that were assembled but missing pictures. For the record I have picked out pictures for this layout I just need to get them cropped and printed. Enjoy!

Major Accomplishment!

As you might have noticed I have been neglecting both my scrapbooking blog and my family blog. It isn't because I have been catching up on my favorite shows.  I have actually been working on something else far more productive.  I am sure many of you have "THE STACK" of beautiful layouts that are all assembled and are just missing one major component: the pictures!!! Well I kind of got a bee in my bonnet and was cleaning out and reorganizing my scrapbook room and I came across the above mentioned "stack" of layouts. I had layouts from swaps, workshop classes and album retreats that were beautiful pieces of art that just need pictures, titles and journaling.  So I sat down and went to work, picking out pictures, cropping, ordering and attaching to those layout. I put pictures on over 30 layouts! That is practically an album!!!  Now I need to add the journaling and titles to these beautiful layouts and get them in my albums.

Here are a few pictures of some of the layouts in my stack.

February Workshop Group "Topstitch"

Oh I am so excited about this month's workshop layouts.  I just couldn't wait to use the new "Topstitch" paper packet and the fun coordinating stamp set and accessories. 

 

(This layout is obviously missing the title. I was going to cut it out on my Wishblade but I am experiencing technical difficulties)

I used the following products on these layouts:  Topstitch Basic Kit (which includes the My Acrylix stamps et "Love is in the Air, My Reflections Topstitch Level 2 paper packet, Mini-medley Accents Colonial White Collection and the workshop guide which includes cutting directions for the first layout title "Welcome Home").  I also added CTMH's new Dimensional Elements Hearts, Clear Sparkles, Soft Suede Pinwheels, a Pretty Pin and some chocolate Embroidery Floss from the Neutral Assortment. All of these items may be purchased on my MyCTMH website.  If you would like to attend my class please call or email me TODAY!!

February Campaign: Give and Get Back

Many people have been affected by the devastating earthquake in Haiti.  So this month's campaign is not only giving you an amazing deal but with each offer purchased, Close To My Heart will donate $2 to Operation Smile's Haiti relief efforts.  You can learn more about Operation Smile's efforts by visiting their website.

So what is the amazing offer? It is Buy one of our 12x12 textured cardstock combo packs and you get one FREE!!!! Yippee!!! That makes the textured cardstock less expensive then our standard cardstock.  Why go textured? Well let me just tell you.

1- First of all our textured cardstock still has our signature white core which means you can sand it and the white core shows through giving an additional element of fun to your layout.

2- Also each sheet of cardstock features a rich Close To My Heart color on one side and a lighter shade on the opposite side.  This makes it even more versatile.

Now that you know why you need textured cardstock, let me show you why you can't live without it!

In this layout I used white textured cardstock and sponged it with black ink. It gives the paper a linen fabric feel. Does anyone recognize this layout? It was from one of my workshops in the days when we only did single page layout. I finally got pictures on it.

Is Brock so handsome! I used textured cardstock for the scalloped twilight circles. I sanded the circles to help draw attention to the textured paper. (Layout designed by Karen Pedersen)

Ready for Class

This week is workshop week. I have three class times- Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6:30-9:30.  I love this week because I get to spend time with my friends and fellow scrapbookers doing something I am passionate about. One of the reasons we moved into a bigger house was to also provide me with a room to host my classes in. Over the last 8 months I have painted and decorated this room to encourage creativity and although I still need to finish painting the closet doors and redo the floor I love how this room is coming together. (Karen- do you love the card on the far right shelf?)

This is the newest decor addition to the room. Look Lynette you made the wall! (center row bottom picture). All of these pictures bring a smile to my face.

One of my favorite themes for my scrapbook pages- Sweet Allie!

December Booktable Layout

This is the layout I created from the material in my "Booktable kit."  Can I just tell you how much I love Close To My Heart's idea books!  It is so easy to take some cute products great pictures and make a fantastic page with Imagine, Cherish and Reflections.  We also offer Wishes and Originals for you amazing card makers out there.  If you don't have these books get them!

Felicity In Full Swing

I can't begin to tell you how much I love the promotion kit "Felicity"!!! Here are 2 of the 5 layouts I have made with this gorgeous and versatile kit.

 

Promotion ends January 31st so if you would like to get your hands on one here are all the details.

January Workshop Group

Did you think I had fallen off the face of the earth? Well I am back!!! I actually have been busy as a bee cutting, sponging and using some very fun new products and papers from the new Spring Idea Book.  It has been so much fun! My pictures finally came and now I am ready to show off my work. Do keep checking back to see more fun layouts.

For today I would like to post the January workshop layouts.  It is not too late to sign up for this class. Email or call me today if you are interested in joining the fun and create these 3 beautiful layouts. This month I am using the Veranda paper packet found on page 10 of the new Spring Idea Book.

 

I used the following products: Veranda basic kit which includes the Veranda level 2 paper packet, Filigree Charms, exclusive "Follow Your Heart" stamp set and a workshop guide. For the finishing touches I added Just Blooms from the Spring Blossoms collection and accents from the mini-medley Antiqued Copper collection.  I stamped the title on the first layout with cocoa ink and the Chocolate Alphabet- large stamp set.

Allie's 6 Month Photo Shoot - I Need Your Help!!

I can hardly believe my baby is 6 months old. She is getting her personality and is much more interactive and fun. My friend Kassandra Namba came an took her pictures for me. You might remember me mentioning Kassandra, she took our family pictures the end of the summer. She does great work and comes right to your house to take the photos. It is so much more relaxing and enjoyable then going to a studio.  She is also very reasonably priced!!!! So this is what I need from you: If you will go to the following link Allie's Photo Shoot check out the other photos from Allie's photo shoot and leave a comment you can help me earn a free 8x10.  I need 15 comments! Thanks!!!

Allie also had her 6 month check up last week. Here are her stats and a little bit about her development:

Weight: 16 pound 2.5 ounces 55 percentile
Height: 26 1/4 inch 75 percentile
She rolled over for the first time on New Year's Day and she pulled her knees under her on Christmas day.  While on her belly Allie usually moves in a circle or backwards.  She sleeps for an average of 11 1/2-12 hours straight each night and usually takes one 2-3 hour nap in the early afternoon.  We have started solids but only rice and oatmeal.  Allie is a happy baby who only cries when she is hungry or tired. She is sitting up but needs to be spotted because she easily looses her balance. She is babbling and blowing raspberries and is fascinated with her hands but her absolute favorite thing to do and watch her big sisters and brother play. She has started a new habit of growling at me while she is nursing.  She use to be such a quiet eater and now it is almost embarrassing. Allie is a joy and I am looking forward to enjoying every new moment in her life.

Thanks again for helping me earn a free 8x10!