Meredith Burgess

Creative Heart's Retreat.

2012-02-28T11:19:00.002-06:00

Our annual Scrapbooking Retreat was held last weekend (Feb. 17-19) in Kansas City and we had such a BLAST! Forty-seven wonderful ladies attended and it appeared everyone had a great time!

Here are a few pictures from the weekend. Above is the welcome gift that awaited all of the scrappers upon their arrival. An insulated cup filled with goodies, a thank you card, of course information about the weekend, and a t-shirt if they ordered one.

Here is a picture of most of the group. I do believe there were a couple that couldn't be found when we took this.

Scrappy Hour is always fun, so of course I had to post a picture of some of the fabulous food some of the ladies brought. My roommate made the pretty pink Oreo Balls and the Cake pops. . . and they were as good as they looked!!!

It is always fun seeing our name on the Door Badge. . .

I have lots more pictures to post. Just thought I would share a few. If you would like to learn more about our retreat, click here.

or go to http://www.creativeheartsretreat.blogspot.com

CTMH Cricut Cartridge for FREE!

2012-02-24T09:14:00.002-06:00

I know it is not March yet, but I wanted to give you all a heads up on this great deal CTMH just announced. If you sign up to be a Consultant in March you get a FREE CTMH Art Philosophy Cricut Collection! That is on top of what you already get when you sign up!!!

Click here to see the Cricut Art Philosophy Collection

Don't own a Cricut or already have the cartridge?

You can instead choose $100 in Select Product Credit. Now how cool is that?

Here is a short video explaining the Promotion.

If you are interested in signing up, you can click here. But remember, you must wait until March 1.

It is really pretty cool to be a Consultant. And you can be any type of Consultant you want.

I signed up to get the discount. That was it.

Of course, now I enjoy doing more with my business.

I have Consultants who also just enjoy the discount. They might also sell to a few friends.

I have Consultants who use our fabulous WOTG Kit of the month program. It is so easy. Their group orders the same Kits and they meet to put them together. There is no thinking or planning involved. Everything you need is included!

I have Consultants who are mainly interested in the online Scrapbooking Program, Studio J. They love getting a discount on their layouts and sharing the program with their friends.

I have Consultants who simply wanted the Consultant Kit and all of the goodies included. They may use their discount a few times to get some goodies and that is it. And that is OK too.

I love how CTMH can offer something for everyone. If this sounds interesting to you (heck, it sounds interesting to me! I wish I could re-sign up!) please feel free to contact me anytime with questions. You can sign up straight from my website (March 1 - March 31).

What can you expect after you sign up. . . .

You should receive a login and password almost immediately. Then you can access the CTMH Consultant Website that has TONS of fabulous information. Business, Art, Tools. . .etc.

You should receive your new Consultant Kit in about a week!!! And let me tell you it is a lot like Christmas when you open that box!!!

Remember, when you sign up, you are also eligible to add on some fabulous Collections that are deeply discounted. They will show you these options during your enrollment.

What are you waiting for??? Oh yeah, March 1!!

House.

2012-02-23T08:44:00.000-06:00

Here is a view of our house from the front. Not much has changed. . .or so it seems. The porch lights are all installed, but we still need our porch posts covered.

Running cable/telephone through my Scrapbook Room!! What a crew!

The main floor fire place. Still need a hearth and mantle, but it is about done.

Claw foot tub, minus the claws. . . sitting in our bedroom. We wanted to make sure we could get it in before drywall.

The foyer/my front door. Probably one of my favorite things about the house. . .the door! I love it!

Brady enjoying the endless amounts of dirt he can dig in around the house. He is in heaven.

Happy Valentine's Day.

2012-02-14T14:47:00.001-06:00

Hope you are enjoying a fabulous Valentine's Day today! We don't celebrate too much in the Burgess Household. My husband believes in giving one gift a year and then he is done for the year. It is typically a good gift, but one and done is his motto. We are building a new house this year, so I think he believes he is done with gift giving forever, because a new house is the ultimate gift!

Brady did have his Valentine's party today and this was his box. .

We were trying to keep the Valentine's box simple this year. I suggested a monster. He accordion folded the arms and legs himself. . .his idea too!!! As were the googly eyes. Simple but cute.

I cut out heart shapes with my Cricut (how did I ever get along with out it??) and Brady glued on googly eyes and accordion folded the legs, then signed the back. We were going to get fancier, but he was getting tired and was needing more and more help. So we simplified our design a bit. Still cute!

Missouri saw its first "real" snow of the year yesterday. This was the front moving in from the west on Sunday evening. I was leaving my sister's house and thought this looked pretty cool.

That snow resulted in a Snow Day on Monday!!!! YAY! We thoroughly enjoyed it! We worked on the Valentine's stuff and made sugar cookies! Brady even dug through our still packed stuff and found his apron his Mimi made for him!!! He was way into it!

Then we headed to my parent's farm for some outside time. It was COLD and drizzling just a bit, but these kids had a blast with Papa pulling them behind the gator on sled. Brady and my niece Ella even were happy to sit by each other on the sled. (They are a lot alike).

My best friend from high school was in town this weekend and I had a wonderful visit with her and another friend. Sometimes it takes those sort of visits to rejuvenate you a bit. :)

It has been an extremely busy past few weeks. . .heck months!! I am very guilty of saying, when things slow down, I will get this done. Well, things haven't slowed down and I don't for see them slowing down anytime soon!! The BIG Creative Hearts Retreat is coming up this weekend and I am working on getting ready for it!!!!! I am really looking forward to it!!!!

Retiring Items

2012-01-29T21:03:00.000-06:00

There are many items set to be retired on January 31, 2012.

I don't want you to miss out on any of these items!!!!!

To see a complete list, click on the Retired List tab above.

You can shop straight from my website by clicking HERE

And if you do decide to Shop from my website, then you better check out the Clearance Section as well.

You can find it under While Supplies Last or just click on that link.

Here is the Wonderland Kit. . .

I love this kit and I have been making some fun projects with it. . .I was kind of wishing it would snow, so I could have more pictures to use with this kit. But now that it is almost February and we haven't seen any snow. . . .I am just fine using pictures from last year and all of our snow!!!! I guess we had enough snow for two years (or more) last year, that we just don't get any this year!! Wishful thinking, I am sure!

Anyway. . . .if you have any questions about ordering or any of these items, please let me know!

Apology.

2012-01-05T15:32:00.000-06:00

If I still have any blog readers left at all. . . let me just apologize to you!!!! I have been utterly horrible at updating my blog lately. The reason why is this. . . .

This is our brand-new house.

I am so excited about it. . . BUT it has been consuming all of my time and all of my thought processes.

And I believe it will continue to consume me for quite some time!

I can't say that I will get better about posting, but I sure hope too!!!

I thought building a house would just be a dream come true. And it really is. BUT, I didn't anticipate the amount of stress it would cause on me. Maybe it is just me, but I have been totally stressed out about it!!!

But, I am excited. We have lived in very cramped quarters for a long time waiting for this time!!!!

I always hate to apologize for my lack of blog posting, but I hate NOT mentioning that I have been absent from my blog for almost a month!!!!

OK. . .hopefully my next post will be way more exciting. . .

Cricut Art Philosophy Christmas Tags

2011-12-09T17:54:00.001-06:00

Dreamin' Scrapbook Kit Projects.

2011-11-18T11:22:00.001-06:00

Here are the Scrapbook Pages I created using the Dreamin' WOTG Kit!

These first two layouts were used with only the Kit Contents.

You will see some of the additional pages below use some coordinating product!

The layout above is the additional layout shown with the WOTG Kit.

This is the Featured Layout in the WOTG Kit.

The instruction brochure takes you step-by-step through the process

of creating these two pages.

This is an Additional Layout that I created.

It is based off of the layout you can find on page 34 of the Idea Book.

It uses extra items, such as the Dreamin' Stickease

and the Harvest Charms, plus items included in the WOTG Kit.

This layout was created by me and based off of the layout you can

find on page 36 of the Idea Book.

I intended for this to be a Make and Take at the Crop for a Cure.

SO, they will be available at our December Workshop.

Everything is pre-cut.

All you have to do is stamp and assemble the pages!

The Kit is $6.

This is the final layout I created with the Dreamin' Kit.

Can you believe how far this one paper pack can go?

I did have to add additional Cardstock, but that is it!

This layout was created by me and was based on one of the layouts shown

on the back of the Stickease.

You can also find this layout and other Dreamin' artwork on the

Close to My Heart Website.

Look under Ideas and Inspiration. Make it from your heart art gallery.

There are lots of ideas there for each kit!

The Dreamin' Kit is still available to purchase. You can shop straight from my website

www.CTMH.com/meredithburgess

OR contact me to place your order!

If you would like the order in time for the next workshop ( Dec. 2 and 3) I need your order by noon on Sunday, Nov. 20!

At our next Workshop we will be working on the Believe Kit.

I will have several Scrapbooking Layouts done for you to complete. As well as, other fun projects for you to do! You can pick and choose whichever projects you would like to complete!

Here is a link to the Believe WOTG Kit.

Crop and Shop for a CURE 2011.

2011-10-28T09:24:00.000-05:00

It is time once again for our annual fundraising event!!

I can't believe it is time already AND I can't believe this is our fifth one!!!!!

Each year, it just gets better and better!

For those of you who have never been to the Crop and Shop. . . here is a little bit about it. .

This event was designed for Croppers AND Shoppers (as the name implies) So you can register and scrapbook the weekend away OR you can just stop by and shop to your hearts content!

We have lots of vendors/crafters with beautifully decorated fall/holiday tables!!! It is so much fun to browse their wares shopping for holiday gifts or just a little something for yourself!

Shopping Hours are 4pm-8pm Friday, November 11
9am-5pm on Saturday, November 12

For the Croppers. . .we have make and takes, ample table space, meals, goodies, games, and prizes!!!

Cropping Hours are 4pm-11pm on Friday, November 11

9am-5pm on Saturday, November 12

Chili and Soup Lunch on Saturday 11am-2pm. (this is included for the Croppers)

Put on by the Scrappers with a Mission Relay for Life Team. Cost $5

Prize Extravaganza- our vendors/crafters and other sponsors have generously donated many items for you to win!!! Purchase your Raffle Tickets and enter to win some fabulous prizes!!!! The drawing will take place at 5pm on Saturday and you do not need to be present to win. This drawing is the highlight of the weekend!!!!

If you have ANY questions, please feel free to email me mereburgess@gmail.com

Burgesses Build a House.

2011-10-02T15:57:00.001-05:00

I have something very exciting to announce!

We are building a HOUSE! And we officially have walls!

I am so excited. . .though I alternate between being excited and wanting to throw up.

We have been talking about this for the past ten years or so.

We are only doing this once.

And due to the very poor farming season, our dream house has been greatly downsized.

Each day when my husband comes home from a bad day of picking crops, the house gets downsized even more.

BUT. . .

I finally will be able to STOP complaining about the high river and moving out of our house! We are going to be high on a hill and if the water gets us there. . .well, then we are ALL in trouble!

Here is the crew taking the forms down.

Loading the concrete forms up.

This is the garage. You aren't supposed to see the room beneath it, so forget you saw it.

Just another view of all the concrete.

We have already made some mistakes and it sort of makes us sick to our stomachs.

But we are moving on.

The plumber is coming this week to finish the rough in of the plumbing in the basement.

Hopefully, the flat work guy will come this week too.

We have had absolutely beautiful weather and I SO hope it continues.

I am busy getting the loan (minor detail), pricing roofing, windows, doors, siding, etc. To me, this isn't the fun stuff. I am ready to pick out cabinets, paint, furniture. . . ya know. . the fun stuff!

So many decisions. I hope you bear with me as I blog about this from time to time.

Now, off to enjoy some sunshine! I have been in front of this computer WAY too much today!

Creative Hearts Retreat 2012!

2011-09-30T15:14:00.002-05:00

I am so excited to announce our Winter 2012 Retreat is now officially open for registration!!!!!

So mark your calendars for

February 17, 18, 19 2012!!!!

Residence Inn by Marriott KCI

Click here for the Registration Form and information

You can also check out our blog here

We do have limited space and we do expect this retreat to sell out again, so if you are interested. . . please register asap!!!

Hope to see you there!

Workshop Extra Scrapbook Layout.

2011-09-15T10:28:00.002-05:00

Here is a picture of one of the extra layouts we will do on Sunday using the Typeset WOTG Kit.

Or just the Typeset Paper pack and the Typeset Canvas Compliments.

I highly recommend adding the Canvas Compliments on to your order, if you are purchasing the Typeset Paper or WOTG Kit!

They are adorable!

Close to My Heart has done the cutest layouts using them!!!

Hope to see you on Sunday! We will begin at 2pm. . . at 5pm we will be talking about our annual fundraiser. . .the Crop and Shop for a CURE!

Family Traditions.

2011-09-07T08:33:00.000-05:00

Each year my family and my uncle's family go on a trip to the Lake of the Ozarks.

We stay at Tan-tar-a in pretty much the same room every year.

We even have t-shirts made. Dorky, I know, but I LOVE it!

There are 22 of us at last count.

We swim, eat, water slide, play golf (boys), and go to the spa (girls), and just hang out with each other.

Our dads farm together and I grew up really close to these cousins. We basically still live pretty close to each other. But, as time goes by we see each other less and less.

I absolutely LOVE that we spend one long weekend a year catching up, reconnecting, and having a little bit of fun with each other. We do see each other at birthdays and holidays. . . but those are usually chaotic times with a lot of people crammed into a small space. It is nice to just hang out with each other!!!

Anyway, my point is. . . I have created a scrapbook completely about this trip. Each year I add a layout or two highlighting that year's trip to the album. I LOVE that this is an ongoing project. . . it will hopefully never be finished. If I fill the album up, I will just start a new one! I love to look back and see how much the kids have changed and how our family has changed each year!

I know I have posted about this before . . . and I still get a lot of questions about it. I gave up scrapping chronologically a long time ago. I now do a lot of albums just like this. I have a Christmas, Halloween, Easter, Birthday, Fall, School, Family, etc albums. This system works for me, because I don't feel overwhelmed. I do a few pages from each of these events and then I can add it to the appropriate album. There is absolutely no way I am going to scrapbook every picture I have ever taken. I am now focused on the memories I want to preserve. . . . not just the photos.

I still feel overwhelmed at times. . . because it seems to be harder and harder to fit scrapbooking into my schedule. I keep thinking. . .maybe things will slow down in a little bit. The truth is, things will probably never slow down. They are only going to get crazier and crazier. So, I am just going to have to make the time.

Enough for today. I just wanted to share a little bit about scrapbooking and how much I love my family and our traditions!

Hope everyone had a great Labor Day Weekend. As much as I love Fall. . . I am very sad to see summer end.

Are you thinking about buying the new CTMH Cricut Cartridge?

2011-08-26T10:17:00.001-05:00

Well, then you will want to consider this. . . .

you can get over $124 in FREE Products when you purchase the CTMH Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge this month (August)!!!! You don't have to purchase the Cricut Cartridge to qualify for this deal. . .any qualifying order amount will work!!! But what a DEAL it is!!!!!

So if you DO order the CTMH Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge,
then you automatically qualify for the awesome Stamp of the Month Wicked for $5!!!
When you add the Stamp of the Month to your order,
you will also receive the new Typeset Alphabet for FREE!!!

But that's not all!!

When your order reaches $75. . .(the Cricut Cartridge qualifies)
You will also receive 2 MORE Stamp Sets for FREE!!!

Included in the Art Philosophy Bundle you will also get . . .
3 Stamp Sets and 3 sheets of Dimensional Elements. . .
that coordinate with the images on the Cartridge!!!!
Let me tell you. . .I am having SO much FUN playing with the Cricut!!!
Why didn't you all tell me it was this much fun??

Are you adding up all of the Product you get by just purchasing the new Cricut Cartridge???

That is 7 Stamp Sets total!!! WOW!!

Now, if you aren't interested in purchasing the Cricut Cartridge, you can still qualify for this deal by placing a $70 order and adding the $5 Stamp of the Month to your order. You pick whatever you want for the $70 and you will get all of that stuff I mentioned above (except the Cricut Cartridge Bundle items) for FREE!!! Still a heck of a deal!!!!!

But want to know something even more awesome?

When your order reaches $150 you will automatically receive $25 in FREE products!!! No matter if you order from my website or through me!!!! Isn't that great? I can't think of many businesses that give their customers $25 in Free stuff when they spend $150. . . I just went to Walmart. . . I should have lots of free stuff from them!!!!!!

There are only a few more days to take advantage of this deal. . . . so don't miss out!!!

If you are coming to the workshop on Sunday, then you can order then!!!!

My Pink Stamper CTMH Cricut Cartridge Review.

2011-08-25T11:40:00.000-05:00

I can't remember how I learned about this gal on Youtube. . . I think it was from another CTMH Consultant, but I can't remember who!!! Thank you to whoever you are!!!!!! This tutorial helped me A LOT!!
Great to see what all this cartridge can do!!!

I'm off to work on some projects for this weekend!!!!!

Back-to-Scrapping Celebration.

2011-08-13T09:37:00.000-05:00

It is SO hard to believe summer is just about over.

It went by so fast. It always does, but it seem exceptionally fast this summer.

It was a wild summer, to say the least.

Typically I am very excited about fall. I love it. I still do love it, but this just seems a little bit different.

It might be that all of our pumpkins were killed in a hail storm, so we won't have them this fall. But I think it is mostly that my little guy will be heading back to school. I am very used to having him home.

Enough of the pity party. . .at least I am hopefully going to have more time to SCRAPBOOK!!! Something that has been very neglected this summer!!!!!!!!

I am hosting a Back-to-Scrapping Celebration on Sunday, August 28 at the Mason's building from 2-5pm

I will have snacks, new products, AND the fabulous new Fall/Winter CTMH Idea Book!! If you would like your very own copy, please plan to stop by and pick one up!!! It is full of great ideas, tips and techniques, and of course beautiful new products!!!!!!

This is also our Workshop time. . . . we will be working on Mayberry, Fanfare, or the new Typeset Kits!! Each are $29.95 and included everything you need to complete beautiful projects!!! Plus. leftover supplies for you to take home and make your own projects!!! I will be there to help you every step of the way (if you need my help!)

New to Scrapbooking? Just bring yourself and I will have the rest for you!!! You can purchase a "beginner Kit" that isn't the full kit and it will help you get off to a nice start!!! Just make sure you mention this when you RSVP!

Of course, everyone is free to bring their own supplies and work on their own projects!!!

There is a $2 building fee for anyone who stays to play!!!!

I will have snacks to share. Please feel free to bring any refreshments you would like!!!!

RSVP by Aug 20 and receive two additional raffle tickets!!!

Any orders for kits or anything else. . .must be received by Aug 20 to have them there in time!!!

Hope to see you there!!!

CTMH Retiring Product July 31!

2011-07-23T10:13:00.000-05:00

Below you will see a list of items set to retire JULY 31!!!!

Just some notes. . . .

there are some block sizes retiring. . .make sure one you have on your list is not retiring!!

Cardstock is changing in price and how you can order it. . .there will be a few available to order in single packs of one color, but most will only be available in a combo pack. And the price will be quite a bit more. Other prices are going down, so it isn't all bad!

The Paper trimmer is just updating, so it won't be exactly the same.

No more ink and marker combos.

I will be placing an order soon. If you are interested in anything, just contact me OR Shop from my website anytime!!!

Here is the list!

Bliss Level 1 -- X7132A pg 12
· Bliss Level 2 -- X7132B pg 12
· Bliss stickease -- X7132C pg 12
· Miracle L1 -- X7133A pg 16
· Miracle L2 -- X7133B pg 16
· Miracle stickease -- X7133C pg 16
· Sweetheart L1 -- X7134A pg 20
· Sweetheart L2 -- X7134B pg 20
· Sweetheart stickease -- X7132C pg 20
· Wings L1 -- X7135A pg 24
· Wings L2 -- X7135B pg 24
· Wings stickease -- X7135C pg 24
· Magnifique L1 -- X7127A pg 38
· Magnifique L2 -- X7127B pg 38
· Magnifique stickease -- X7127C pg 38
· Olivia L1 -- X7128A pg 38
· Olivia L2 -- X7128B pg 38
· Olivia stickease -- X7128C pg 38
· Hooligans L1 -- X7129A pg 39
· Hooligans L2 -- X7129B pg 39
· Hooligans stickease -- X7129C pg 39
· Mistletoe L1 -- X7130A pg 39
· Mistletoe L2 -- X7130B pg 39
· Mistletoe stickease -- X7130C pg 39
· Sweetheart WOTG -- G1017 pg 41
· Lucky WOTG -- G1018 pg 41
· Sophia WOTG -- G1019 pg 41
· Bliss WOTG -- G1020 pg 42
· Fanfare WOTG -- G1021 pg 42
· Mayberry WOTG -- G1022 pg 42
· Miracle WOTG -- G1023 pg 43
· Wings WOTG -- G1016 pg 43
· 1” x 1 ½” block -- Y1001 pg 45
· 1” x 6 ½” block -- Y1005 pg 45
· 2” x 11” block -- Y1007 pg 45
· 2 ½” x 2 ½” block -- Y1004 pg 45
· 4 ½” x 6 ½” block -- Y1011 pg 45
· My Acrylix block starter kit -- Y1500 pg 114
· Envelope flats – 2 ½” x 3 ½” -- Z1021 pg 114
· Envelope flats – 3” x 3” -- Z1022 pg 114
· Envelope flats – 3” x 4 ¾” -- Z1023 pg 114
· Envelope flats – 4” x 4” -- Z1024 pg 114
· Envelope flats – 4 ½” x 4 ½” -- Z1244 pg 114
· Envelope flats – 5” x 5” -- Z1025 pg 114
· Envelope flats – 5” x 7” -- Z1026 pg 114
· Envelope flats – 5 ½” x 4 3/4 ” -- Z1027 pg 114
· Envelope flats – 6” x 6” -- Z1028 pg 114
· Envelope flats – 8” x 3 ½” -- Z1029 pg 114
· Designer ribbon – cranberry -- Z1209 pg 115
· Designer ribbon – buttercup -- Z1154 pg 115
· Designer ribbon – sweet leaf -- Z1125 pg 115
· Sophia L2 Journaling Spots -- Z1357 pg 116
· Mini Medley Accents – Pear -- Z1339 pg 117
· Mini Medley Accents – Lagoon -- Z1340 pg 117
· Mini Medley Accents – Outdoor Denim -- Z1277 pg 117
· Top Coats – Framed In -- Z1211 pg 118
· Rub Ons – Across the Board -- Z1231 pg 118
· Rub Ons – Primavera -- Z1265 pg 118
· Dimensional Elements – Villa -- Z1390 pg 118
· Dimensional Elements – Miracle -- Z1354 pg 118
· Dimensional Elements – Booksmart -- Z1223 pg 119
· Dimensional Elements – Borders -- Z1156 pg 119
· Dimensional Elements – Framed Fun -- Z1140 pg 119
· Dimensional Elements – Plain Chipboard -- Z1164 pg 119
· Dimensional Elements – Stars -- Z1312 pg 119
· Dimensional Elements Monograms – A -- Z1055 pg 119 (new DE alphabets in fall book – similar but new sizes and shapes)
· Dimensional Elements Monograms – B -- Z1056 pg 119
· Dimensional Elements Monograms – C -- Z1057 pg 119
· Dimensional Elements Monograms – D -- Z1058 pg 119
· Dimensional Elements Monograms – E -- Z1059 pg 119
· Dimensional Elements Monograms – F -- Z1060 pg 119
· Dimensional Elements Monograms – G -- Z1061 pg 119
· Dimensional Elements Monograms – H -- Z1062 pg 119
· Dimensional Elements Monograms – I -- Z1063 pg 119
· Dimensional Elements Monograms – J -- Z1064 pg 119
· Dimensional Elements Monograms – K -- Z1065 pg 119
· Dimensional Elements Monograms – L -- Z1066 pg 119
· Dimensional Elements Monograms – M -- Z1067 pg 119
· Dimensional Elements Monograms – N -- Z1068 pg 119
· Dimensional Elements Monograms – O -- Z1069 pg 119
· Dimensional Elements Monograms – P -- Z1070 pg 119
· Dimensional Elements Monograms – Q -- Z1071 pg 119
· Dimensional Elements Monograms – R -- Z1072 pg 119
· Dimensional Elements Monograms – S -- Z1073 pg 119
· Dimensional Elements Monograms – T -- Z1074 pg 119
· Dimensional Elements Monograms – U -- Z1075 pg 119
· Dimensional Elements Monograms – V -- Z10576 pg 119
· Dimensional Elements Monograms – W -- Z1077 pg 119
· Dimensional Elements Monograms – X -- Z1078 pg 119
· Dimensional Elements Monograms – Y -- Z1079 pg 119
· Dimensional Elements Monograms – Z -- Z1080 pg 119
· 3” x 3” Mini Album -- Z1166 pg 120
· My Creations 3 ring binder -- Z1141 pg 120
· Kraft Color Ready Borders -- Z1377 pg 120
· Red Eye Pen -- 3501 pg 121
· Embossing Powders – Clear -- Z671 pg 121
· Embossing Powders – Heavenly Blue -- Z647 pg 121
· Embossing Powders – Pansy Purple -- Z664 pg 121
· Embossing Powders – Silver Pearl -- Z678 pg 121
· Block Buddy Set -- Z1289 pg 121
· Pivot Point Stapler -- Z1009 pg 122
· Texture Tools – Foam Tools -- Z1090 pg 122
· Fun Flock -- Z263
· My Accents Organizer -- Z183 pg 123
· My Accents Block Organizer -- Z185 pg 123
· Euro Personal Paper Trimmer -- Z338 pg 123
· Euro Replacement Blades -- Z339 pg 123
· Euro Replacement Blade/Scoring -- Z340 pg 123
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Grey Flannel -- 5573 pg 124
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Grey Wool -- 5571 pg 124
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Brown Bag -- X5644 pg 124
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Parchment -- X5645 pg 124
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Amethyst -- X5631 pg 125
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Baby Pink -- 1299 pg 125
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Heavenly Blue -- 1285 pg 125
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Key Lime -- 1235 pg 125
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Sunkiss Yellow -- 1240 pg 125
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Taffy -- X5630 pg 125
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Juniper -- X5752 pg 125
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Lilac Mist -- 1295 pg 125
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Sorbet -- X5751 pg 125
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Spring Iris -- 1296 pg 125
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Tulip -- X5753 pg 125
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Gypsy -- X5757 pg 125
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Holiday Red -- 1274 pg 125
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Sunny Yellow -- 1225 pg 125
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Sunset -- X5758 pg 125
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Topiary -- X5635 pg 125
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Cotton Candy -- X5760 pg 125
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Dutch Blue -- 1241 pg 125
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Lagoon -- X5762 pg 125
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Pear -- X5764 pg 125
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Sky -- X5761 pg 125
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Autumn Terracotta -- 1270 pg 125
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Barn Red -- X5637 pg 125
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – New England Ivy -- 1282 pg 125
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Pansy Purple -- 5590 pg 125
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Sunflower -- 1242 pg 125
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Garden Green -- 1244 pg 125
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Goldrush -- 1243 pg 125
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Hollyhock -- 1246 pg 125
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Indian Corn Blue -- 1284 pg 125
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Vineyard Berry -- 1248 pg 125
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Buttercup -- 1271 pg 125
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Garnet -- X5638 pg 125
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Moonstruck -- 1293 pg 125
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Ponderosa Pine -- 1276 pg 125
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Smokey Plum -- 1291 pg 125
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Blush -- X5640 pg 125
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Crystal Blue -- 1292 pg 125
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Honey -- X5668 pg 125
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Petal -- X5667 pg 125
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Twilight -- X5666 pg 125
· 12” x 12” Combo Cardstock Pack – Antique -- X5686 pg 124 (colors are not changing but are being re-grouped so combo packs will change)
· 12” x 12” Combo Cardstock Pack – Timeless -- X5700 pg 124
· 12” x 12” Combo Cardstock Pack – Harmony -- X5682 pg 125
· 12” x 12” Combo Cardstock Pack – Blossom -- X5756 pg 125
· 12” x 12” Combo Cardstock Pack – Carnival -- X5765 pg 125
· 12” x 12” Combo Cardstock Pack – Celebration -- X5766 pg 125
· 12” x 12” Combo Cardstock Pack – Harvest -- X5684 pg 125
· 12” x 12” Combo Cardstock Pack – Garden -- X5698 pg 125
· 12” x 12” Combo Cardstock Pack – Classic -- X5685 pg 125
· 12” x 12” Combo Cardstock Pack – Cozy -- X5800 pg 125
· 8 ½ ” x 11” Combo Cardstock Pack – Antique -- X5691 pg 124
· 8 ½ ” x 11” Combo Cardstock Pack – Timeless -- X5705 pg 124
· 8 ½ ” x 11” Combo Cardstock Pack – Harmony -- X5687 pg 125
· 8 ½ ” x 11” Combo Cardstock Pack – Blossom -- X5755 pg 125
· 8 ½ ” x 11” Combo Cardstock Pack – Carnival -- X5767 pg 125
· 8 ½ ” x 11” Combo Cardstock Pack – Celebration -- X5768 pg 125
· 8 ½ ” x 11” Combo Cardstock Pack – Harvest -- X5689 pg 125
· 8 ½ ” x 11” Combo Cardstock Pack – Garden -- X5703 pg 125
· 8 ½ ” x 11” Combo Cardstock Pack – Classic -- X5690 pg 125
· 8 ½ ” x 11” Combo Cardstock Pack – Cozy -- X5801 pg 125
· Stamp Pad set – Antique -- Z1564 pg 124
· Stamp Pad set – Timeless -- Z1569 pg 124
· Stamp Pad set – Harmony -- Z1560 pg 125
· Stamp Pad set – Blossom -- Z1570 pg 125
· Stamp Pad set – Carnival -- Z1573 pg 125
· Stamp Pad set – Celebration -- Z1574 pg 125
· Stamp Pad set – Harvest -- Z1562 pg 125
· Stamp Pad set – Garden -- Z1567 pg 125
· Stamp Pad set – Classic -- Z1563 pg 125
· Stamp Pad set – Cozy -- Z1600 pg 125
· Marker set – Antique -- Z1554 pg 124
· Marker set – Timeless -- Z1559 pg 124
· Marker set – Harmony -- Z1550 pg 125
· Marker set – Blossom -- Z1571 pg 125
· Marker set – Carnival -- Z1572 pg 125
· Marker set – Celebration -- Z1575 pg 125
· Marker set – Harvest -- Z1552 pg 125
· Marker set – Garden -- Z1557 pg 125
· Marker set – Classic -- Z1553 pg 125
· Marker set – Cozy -- Z1610 pg 125
· Textured Cardstock – White Daisy -- X5671 pg 124

Try Studio J for FREE!

2011-06-03T07:48:00.000-05:00

Just taking a minute out of my packing up to share Close to My Heart's great deal this month!

I haven't had time to do my newsletter yet and I did not want you all to miss out on a great deal!

Studio J is Close to My Heart's online digital scrapbooking program.

Online means you do not have to purchase or install any software on your computer to use it!

All of the beautiful Close to My Heart papers, stickers, and embellishments are available online for you to use. What this means to me is I don't have to worry about cutting my favorite piece of CTMH paper!! I can use the digital paper as many times as I want!!!!

There is nothing to purchase or no commitment.

Just go to my website http://meredithburgess.myctmh.com and click on the Studio J tab on the left.

If you haven't already created a profile, then go ahead and set one up. This does not cost anything!! Just makes it necessary to begin!

Then follow the simple instructions and play around with all of the fun ideas!

When you are finished, you will be able to purchase the layout you completed AND receive the JPG for free!!!

Everyone gets one free jpg in June!!!! This just means you can download it to your computer and save it there forever. OR you can print the JPG yourself!

This is a great time to play around with Studio J and see if it is something you like!

Let me know if you have any questions!!! And have fun playing!!!!

Now let the packing resume. . . . :(

All it had to do was not flood.

2011-06-02T08:38:00.000-05:00

And it hasn't yet.

We live and farm along the Missouri River.

The Army Corp of Engineers has been releasing updates for the past few days about the amount of water they are releasing from the lakes on the northern part of the Missouri River.

Best case scenario is not good. Worst case scenario is a lot of water.

We were on go to build a new house. On a hill overlooking the River Bottoms.

Now our new house plans are on hold and we will definitely be moving. I think we have decided this is it. We aren't coming back flood or not. We have moved too many times to do it again. Of course the farm stuff will be back, but at least we won't have to worry about the house stuff too. Makes me sad. As much as I complain about my little bitty house, I will be sad to leave it. I love my yard and I have put many hours and many flowers in it.

So much to clean out. . . House, garage, scrap shack, barns, sheds, machinery. . . the list goes on and on.

So, I know my posting hasn't been as often as I would like. I am not sure what the next few weeks entails for us. If the USACE is correct, probably a lot of this. . . .

This picture is from the USACE-KC Website

Just wanted to let you know where I am and what is going on.

This will be the 4th time in 5 years we have "Spring" Cleaned. Very unusual, but has a lot to do with the amount of water they release from those lakes upstream. Lakes designed to help with flood control. Ironic?

I am an optimist (my husband is not) and we have been spared each of the past four times the river was high. Other local levees broke and ours stayed in tact.

On a more positive note. . . our local Relay for Life event is tomorrow!! Our small community has already raised over $44,000!!!!! WOW!! I am impressed!!!

Here is a link to the latest article about the river. . .

http://www.nwk.usace.army.mil/pa/pr/PA-2011-38%20Flooding%20imminent%20in%20the%20lowe%20basin%20of%20Missouri%20River.pdf

And here is the NWS where they track the river stages and forecast future stages.

Graduation Cards.

2011-05-28T09:59:00.000-05:00

Just a quick post to show you a couple of cards I made for some recent High School Graduates!

The 2011 Paper was given to me by a friend and it worked out perfect!

The following items are all CTMH: Black, Grey Wool, White Daisy, Cranberry Cardstock. Black Archival ink. Bitty Sparkles.

The Zebra print ribbon is from Hobby Lobby.

I wanted to use the 2011 paper and it worked out great with the school colors. But I wanted to make it a little bit girly. The zebra print ribbon girl-ed it up a bit!

These are standard size cards. Hope you enjoy!

Baby Shower for Twins.

2011-05-19T14:00:00.000-05:00

Last month we had a baby shower for my cousin, Kristen.

She is expecting twin identical baby girls. The first in our family.

Of course, we are so excited!

We made her these cute little name banners using the Sophia Paper packet and the Pennant banner. . . both from Close to My Heart.

Aren't they adorable? Melissa, Angie, and I were quite proud of ourselves!!

Here are more of the decorations from the shower.

I thought the clothes line idea was just brilliant! Well done Tammy and Tarin!

And my Aunt printed the ultrasound picture . . . it looks like the girls are kissing in it!

Too cute!

Here is another view of the banners hung up at the shower.

We held the shower in my Aunt's office board room and the big pink thing is a TV covered up.

Kind of fun to work with so much pink!

Here is Miss Kris opening presents with the help of my niece, Ella.

Ella really likes to open presents.

She went around to every person at Christmas and helped them open all of their presents.

She would oohhh and aaaahhhh right with them, no matter what it was!

I "think" Kristen appreciated the help. But she had a lot of presents and I am not sure if that slowed or sped up the process!

And possibly the cutest thing I have ever seen. . .

I am not sure who gave this present, but what a clever idea!

It was a great time. . . just can't wait to meet the little cuties!

6x6 Album using CTMH Level 1 Kit.

2011-05-03T11:53:00.000-05:00

Here is the upcoming Boutique Class Project for our Workshop on Sat. May 14.

Items Used All Close to My Heart.

6x6 Accordion Mini-Album

Bliss Level 1 Kit

Sparkles

Each Level 1 Kit contains enough supplies to make at least two albums, if you wanted to share with a friend. You will just have to split the sticker sheets between you!

These are one of my absolute favorite projects. You can click on mini-albums to the right (under catagories) and you can see all of the 6x6 albums I have made. Most of them I made around the Holidays. I recently made one with the Sophia Kit. Sadly, I didn't take any pictures and it was a baby gift for a friend! I really meant to take pictures before I gave it to her!!! It turned out very cute. . .if I do say so myself!!!

It is SO easy to make these! You just cut the pre-printed layout pages into 4 6x6 pieces and then adhere them to the pages of the album. Decorate with the included sticker sheets! Add a little bling here and there and voila! You have an adorable album!

If you can join us for this Boutique Class on Saturday, May 14. . . . make sure you let me know which Level 1 Kit you would like to use. You can choose from any of the Level 1 Kits currently listed in the Idea Book or I have some older ones in stock. Just email me to see a list. I will need to know this by Thursday, May 5, so I can place an order in time for the Workshop!

Can't attend the Workshop, but you would still like to complete the project? No problem! You can order all of the supplies you need straight from my website. Or order through me and I can get the supplies to you. If you live out-of-town, it is probably easiest to order from my website or if you are a Rewards Member, through a special ordering link.

Please let me know if you have any questions. Also, please share your creations on our Facebook Page! I would LOVE to see all of the Close to My Heart Creations you have come up with!! Just click on the Facebook link on the right side.

As a side note. . .these fabulous Level 1 Kits are retiring at the end of July (or while supplies last). Make sure you don't miss out on your favorite kits!!!!

National Scrapbooking Month with Close to My Heart

2011-05-02T11:18:00.000-05:00

I know I have been MIA for quite awhile and I am super sorry.

Life has been super busy. Whose isn't?

I have had a lot to share and hopefully I will catch up quickly, though I won't hold my breath!

On to more current news. . .

May is National Scrapbooking Month and CTMH is celebrating with style!

Purchase the You & Me Special Scrapbooking Kit for $34.95 this month ONLY! Or you can earn a great discount on it OR even get it for FREE! Click here to learn more about this Kit

How would you like to earn discounts on all of your Close to My Heart purchases?

This month ONLY get your Consultant Kit for 50% off! PLUS, you will receive a You & and Me Kit for FREE!!! That is a lot of fabulous new product for a very low price! Plus, you will be set to earn discounts on all of your future CTMH purchases! This is a deal you won't want to miss!!

Whether you just want to earn a discount OR you want to run a business. . . everyone is welcome here!!!

Our May Workshop will be held Saturday, May 14 from 10am-10pm at the United Christian Presbyterian Church in Richmond. There is a $5 Church Fee.

We are also offering a second day, Friday, May 13 same time, same place. Sam W. will be collecting the $5 Church Fee.

As always, bring your own supplies and work on your own projects

Order your Sophia Workshop Kit by Thurs. May 5

and/or

Please bring a friend! Hope to see you there!

Card No. 3

2011-04-07T10:35:00.000-05:00

Items Used All CTMH.

Trees & Things Stamp Set D1467

Splendid Day Stamp Set D1462

Kraft Cardstock

Pear Cardstock

Pear Ink

Desert Sand Ink

Trees & Things Stamp Set D1467

Isn't this stamp set so cute? There are so many fun options with this set!!!!!

Some of the girls were asking for some more "male" cards. So, I thought this one could be more "male," but was still pretty gender neutral. I really like how simple the card is!

Our next workshop is this Sunday at the Mason's Building in Richmond! We will be working on our Lucky Workshop Kits! If you didn't have time to order your kit, no problem! I always have a small "sampler" kit available for new people to our group! A great way to try out our workshop!

Also, we will be ordering Sophia Workshop Kits on Sunday. It is our preferred order date, but you can order your Sophia Kits by May 4 and have them in time for the workshop!! May's Workshop will be held Saturday, May 14 10am-10pm (come when you can, leave when you must!)

Lazy-Day Farm

2011-04-04T13:33:00.000-05:00

I am not sure why it is called "Lazy-Day Farm" because there aren't many lazy days around any farm I have been on!!! BUT, I love this little tin barn just the same!

I picked it up and a few other cute things at a fabulous little antique shop called Flood Plain Trading CO in Hardin. They are only open once a month and I have a hard time making it on that one day!

We know some people :) and were able to go down and shop all by ourselves a few Saturdays ago!

It was so much fun!!! We were a bit rushed. . . I had many "farm" errands to get done for my hubby. . . but I did manage to buy several really cute things.

Now if only I could get a new house to put these new things in!!

Just a bit of a random post I know. . .but antique shopping is one of my very favorite things to do. I really prefer to go to auctions myself, but it is hard to find the time!! And the owners of this store go to lots of auctions, so they have done the work for us!!!!! They are so nice and so helpful and have SO many cute things in their shop. . . I wanted to take it all home with me. Wouldn't the husband love that?

Springin' Up Flower CTMH Video Tutorial

2011-03-31T10:47:00.000-05:00

This is my second post today, but this video shows the stamp set, Spring Up, that I highlighted in my previous post! How perfect!!

This short video shows you how to cut out and roll the flower image! Enjoy!

Baby Card.

2011-03-31T09:41:00.000-05:00

Here is card #2 from our Card Boutique Class on Saturday.

Items used are all CTMH

Tulip Cardstock

Kraft Cardstock

Colonial White Cardstock

Patterned Paper from Perfect Day Kit-retired

Colonial White Ric rac ribbon

Scallop Circle Punch

Tulip Ink

E1018 Pennant Alphabet

B1365 Spring Up Stamp Set

Opaque Pearls

To make the Flower....Punch 4 scallop circles. Fold them in half and then in half again. Open them up and fold two of the sides in to make a triangle. Make the corners of the front and back triangles meet. Do all four and then adhere in a circle. Stamp the flower from the stamp set and then cut along lines. Place it in the center of the flower and put an opaque pearl in the center.

Bunny Card

2011-03-28T13:51:00.000-05:00

We completed four cards at our Workshop on Saturday! This cute little bunny card is the first of the four! Though this card looks very simple, it actually has a very fun technique! Can you see that his little blue jacket is fuzzy?? How cute is that? I used the bunny from the March Stamp of the Month set, Sensational Seasons. The entire set has a Beatrix Potter Peter Rabbit look and it is absolutely adorable!!! This stamp set is only available to order during the month of March! You can earn a discount on it or even get it for FREE!

Here is how you make the "fuzz". . .

Items you need
Fun Flock
Reinker
Spritz bottle
water/rubbing alcohol
ziplock baggie

Put the fun flock in the ziplock baggie.
Mix re-inker color of choice (I used Sky Blue) and water or rubbing alcohol in the spritz bottle. The rubbing alcohol will dry faster. Open the ziplock and spritz the Fun Flock with the reinker mixture until you reach the desired color density. Close the baggie and squish it around to make sure the color is evenly distributed. You may re-spritz if needed. Poor the fun flock out onto a surface to dry. Once it is dry, use something to separate the clumps. It is ready to use once it is dry! I used CTMH's glue pen to adhere the fun flock to the bunnies jacket.

Other items used:
Spellbinders Square Scallop Die
Sky Cardstock
Bamboo Cardstock
Colonial White Cardstock
Desert Sand Ink
Watercolor pencils
Blending pen
Sensational Seasons March Stamp of the Month (available to order ONLY in March!)

Workshop on the Go Video Tutorial

2011-03-13T14:33:00.000-05:00

Here is a great video sharing a little bit about the Workshop on the Go Monthly Kits and the techniques taught in the workshop guide! Love these pinwheels!

At our monthly workshops, I also have lots of other ideas using the kits!!!! There are plenty of supplies to do lots of projects!

The Miracle Kits is one of the kits we will be completing on March 26. If you would like to order it or the Sweetheart Kit, please contact me prior to March 15!

Retreat Class Kits.

2011-03-10T15:32:00.001-06:00

Beautiful Girl Class Kit

Items Used:

Sophia Paper Pack

Pink Designer Ribbon

Irresistibles Eclectic Chipboard Alphabet

Opaque Pearls

Grey Flannel Cardstock

Honey Cardstock

Hollyhock Cardstock

Glitz Glitter Gel

Homemade Pearl Mist- Pearl Paint & Rubbing Alcohol

Stamp Sets Used: Fill in the Blank

Inks Used: Honey, Hollyhock, Blush

2 Cute Class Kit:

Sophia Paper Pack

Outdoor Denim Cardstock

Grey Flannel Cardstock

Pink Designer Ribbon

Opaque Pearls

Irresisistibles Eclectic Chipboard Alphabet

Stamp Sets: Rustic Numbers, Party Pennants

Inks Used: Outdoor Denim, Hollyhock,

Something a little different about classes at the retreat this year. . .I offered Class Kits instead. Things the girls could pick up and complete on their own. Some girls like to have things offered and some would just rather work at their own pace without being interrupted. These are two of the class kits I offered. The picture quality isn't the best, but I didn't want to delay anymore on getting them posted!!!

I have more to post. Hopefully I will get to it soon!

my latest read. . .

2011-03-08T15:46:00.002-06:00

I read all three books in this series

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

The Girl who played with Fire

The Girl who Kicked the Hornets Nest.

And it was so fun to be able to read them right in a row, without waiting. But now I am sad they are over! I want to know what Lisbeth will do next!!! I do love a series and this is a great one!!!

Here is the link on amazon

Other series I have enjoyed are the

Hunger Games Series by Suzanne Collins

Stephanie Plumb series by Janet Evanovich

The House of Knight Series by PC Cast

The Twilight Series by Stephanie Meyer

and of course Harry Potter.

I love to hear what everyone else is reading, so I thought I would share my latest read!

And I think I might read Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand next. Though not a series, it sounds intriguing!

Retreat

2011-03-07T17:20:00.000-06:00

Well, the 2011 Creative Hearts Retreat is in the history books!

Here are a few pictures from our fabulous weekend!!! Above, Tracy showing off her Hawaii Scrapbook Pages and Lisa smiling!

Cheryl and Debbie working hard!

Gloria is really concentrating on her task!

Good student, Susie!

Pat and Rita

Martha and Sam with pretty smiles!

Sara S, Stephanie G, Jan, Stephanie N, Sara R

A new event we added this year. . .The Scrappy Hour. . .and boy was it F-U-N, FUN! (that was for you, Sara S.)

These girls went all out!

Even decorations on the doors. . .

the snacks were superb!

And the decorations were adorable!!!

Of course I loved the Mizzou Tiger theme. . .you might be surprised to learn that I had a relative in this room.

Sharon enjoying her Scrappy Hour. . .

Lisa sporting her pretty hair piece and her Harpo's sticker. . .

Gloria is looking exceptionally festive!!!

The treats made by Marsha's daughter, Mary. And they were every bit as good as they looked.

Scrappy Hour was just an idea I threw out to Marsha and we tossed it around for awhile.

We wanted something fun for all of the girls to do. . .to get them to socialize a bit. . .to relax. . .and just to have some fun!! Though, we didn't want to take too much time away from their scrapbooking.

After we discussed several options, we decided to just let the girls go with it. These are some seriously creative. . .and competitive (so it seems) girls who we knew would come up with something way better than we could!! And they certainly delivered!

I am so glad we did it! With almost 40 ladies in one large room, it is kind of hard to get to know everyone. This allowed us all a chance to visit with each other a little bit and laugh a lot!

After it was all over, we had the girls vote. . .and luckily ALL three rooms won a Best of Catagory! And they all certainly deserved it!

This retreat was some serious fun. I really do think this was the best retreat I have ever attended. And that is saying a lot, because every retreat I have ever been on has been amazing!

We are already making plans for next year!!! I just wish we could do it again next month, instead of waiting a whole year!

Earn a FREE Block in March!

2011-03-03T11:41:00.000-06:00

Purchase $25 in your favorite Stamp sets and earn a 3x3 OR a 2 1/2 x 6 Block for FREE!!!

*limit one free block per order.

To receive your free block, you can shop directly from my website any day in March

OR

Send me your order and I will place it for you!

Scallop Circle Punch

2011-02-17T08:09:00.001-06:00

I am seriously hooked on this new Scallop punch from Close to My Heart! I have been using it a bunch as a scallop border on a layout or as a pennant banner. In the video, she folds her circles in half and uses them that way. I go ahead and cut them in half, which saves you a bit of paper! And we all need to conserve paper, I am sure!

Here is the video. . .enjoy!

RETREAT!

2011-02-14T13:41:00.000-06:00

We started planning this retreat last summer (or as soon as the last year's retreat was over actually) and now we are less than two weeks away from our Creative Heart's Retreat. . . .and I am SO EXCITED!

It seemed like February 25, 2011 was SO far away when we booked this retreat. . . and now it is almost here!!

The very first time I heard about a Scrapbooking retreat I thought it was the silliest thing I had ever heard of.
It took me awhile, but I soon realized how much fun it actually sounded!
A whole weekend of scrapbooking??
No interruptions?
Wow!
What an idea!
Then a good friend of mine planned a one-night retreat at a local Hotel and Spa.
And we were IN.
We thought it would be good to give it a shot and one night seemed like a good start.
We soon realized that one night is not nearly enough!!!

It is a crazy good time.
Just a bunch of girls hanging out.
Having fun.
Doing absolutely whatever we want.
Scrapbook. Sleep. Socialize. Snack. Shop. And the list could go on. . . .

Our group grows each time.
I think they hear about how much fun we have at these things and they just can't bear to be left out.
Me neither.

And for those of you who attended that very first retreat at the Elm's Hotel and Spa. . .hopefully you remember our mantra from that very first retreat. . .Scrapbook On Ladies. . . Scrapbook On. Courtesy of some other patrons of the hotel who were thoroughly impressed with our scrapbooking abilities. Or maybe they had just been in the lounge too long. We will never know.

So. . .I have been busily preparing all of our retreat plans. . .as has my good friend and co-organizer, Marsha.

If you are attending the retreat. . .you are in for a wonderful weekend. . .and a seriously good time!

If you are not attending this retreat, be sure and check out our retreat blog.

We "may" be up for planning another retreat sometime this summer!
We can lay poolside during the day and scrap the night away!

And this retreat fills up fast, so if you are interested. . .be sure and get your name on the list fast!

Scrapbook ON!

Snow Days.

2011-02-04T10:20:00.001-06:00

It has been one snowy winter here in the mid-west. We have had ten snow days since the second week in January.

Yes, 10.

I, for one, absolutely love snow days.

But, even I am reaching my limit, a bit.

Brady's favorite pastime on a snow day is shoveling snow.

I watched from inside the Scrap Shack. . .he was trying to clear our driveway. . .while it was snowing. And then he would haul it away around the corner and dump it. Crazy kid.

We went sledding one day.

He likes to sled, but he would pick shoveling snow over sledding any day.

Strange kid.

Here is a picture of our backdoor during our most recent blizzard.

We live in a very flat area along the Missouri River.

The wind is truly something, with nothing to block it.

Here is the kitchen window. . .I love these little birds in the window.

And this is the view outside. White out conditions.

We don't live very far from our machine shop.

I asked my husband to please bring home a tractor or some other large piece of machinery. . .in case we have a medical emergency of some sort and need to get out. The drifts can get really bad on our gravel roads. . . and I worry. His response was, I can walk to the shop if I have to. It won't be a problem. Then his Dad had a hard time getting home and he decided he would rather have a tractor ready then have to walk to the shop to get one. And of course, the neighbor got stuck and needed help getting home. He was glad his tractor was already here. Driving the tractor, in the blizzard, to help the neighbor who was stuck, he thought he was traveling north. Next thing he knew our house was in front of him. This means he had to drive in a complete circle out into the middle of our field, without even knowing it. I think my husband was then convinced just how dangerous a blizzard can be. He was turning circles and didn't even know it.

the view of the neighbors house.

Most of the time during the storm, you couldn't even see their house.

Playing a fun game of Sorry. . .

Digging out.

We always get a tall drift in the back of our house. . . .

Even though I really like snow days. . .I am really ready for spring.

New Close to My Heart Idea Book!

2011-02-01T13:19:00.002-06:00

to browse the book online, click here.

to receive your very own copy, contact me anytime!

ALSO. . .Check out the two fabulous Promotions for February

Click on the Promotions tab at the top to learn more

Or contact me!!

Last Chance!

2011-01-30T10:00:00.001-06:00

to order your Wings WOTG and receive some great savings on some brand-new products!!

AND

to order the January Stamp of the Month and get it for FREE!

To see all of the great deals in the Inspirations brochure. . .which ends Jan. 31. . .CLICK HERE!

Our Wings Workshop will be Feb. 13 at the Mason's Building

Level 1 Kits to be retired. . . .

2011-01-21T10:51:00.002-06:00

Close to My Heart just announced that they will be retiring ALL Level 1 Kits at the end of the Spring/Summer Idea Book. This does not guarantee that the Level 1 Kits will be available during the life of the Spring/Summer Idea Book. . . Feb. 1- July 31. Once something is announced as retired, it only lasts as long as supplies last. So, I thought I would let you know now, so you don't miss out on any of the great Level 1 Kits you love!

Here is the Mistletoe Level 1 Kit that I used to make 6x6 Accordion Albums around Christmas. . .

to shop all of the Level 1 Kits go here. . .

And while you are shopping, make sure you take a look at all of the Discounted items on my website. There are some really good deals! Just click on Discounted Items. You can also find some items under embellishments.

To see the 6x6 Mini-accordion albums click here.

Though I am sad to see the Level 1 Kits go. . .I know Close to My Heart has something great in store for us!!!!!! Those big announcements will be made in July at National Convention. This year it is being held in California at Disneyland! What a way to incorporate a family vacation with such a wonderful event!

If you are thinking about becoming a Consultant, there is a fabulous Campaign starting February 1. I will be making the announcement soon, so check back for all of the details! I think it is the best New Consultant Campaign I have ever seen!!!!!! And that is saying a lot!!!!

Close to My Heart Ink Organizer.

2011-01-18T11:46:00.000-06:00

For those of you who know me or follow my blog, you know I love organizing. Almost as much as I love actually paper crafting.

So, I really LOVE the Close to My Heart Exclusive Ink Organizer! It holds all 60 of our Exclusive Ink Colors!!!! And our markers too! It spins, so each color is very easy to reach! It is so nice to have all of our beautiful colors right at your fingertips!

A cool thing about this organizer. . . it has a carrying case. . . so you can slip your organizer in the bag and carry all of your ink pads with you, easily. It is absolutely the best thing EVER!

Also. . .there is a re-inker tray you can purchase that will sit right on top. . .and fit inside the carrying case as well. But, I keep my most used blocks in this tray. I like having them right there, ready for me to use!

And it is the time of year when everyone is Organizing. . .or so it seems.

And I must include myself in that group.

Yesterday, I pulled out the P-touch Label Maker (One of my Favorite things) and finished labeling my Ink Organizer. Now, I won't spend a lot of time figuring out which ink I have misplaced (or actually buried under all of my scrapbooking supplies). I carry my inks to Workshops a lot for my customers to use. . . this helps them stay organized too!!! I like having my inks in rainbow order. . .sort of anyway. . .and it is nice not to have to reorganize them when I get home from a workshop!!!

So this is my Organization tip of the day. . . And two Products that are my favorites. . . P-Touch Label Maker by Brother AND the Exclusive Inks Organizer from Close to My Heart!

Class Kit Layout and Photoshop.

2011-01-12T11:02:00.012-06:00

This is the Layout we will be doing at our Workshop on Sunday, January 16.

This project is optional, but I only have a limited supply of class kits!

If you are interested, please let me know asap. . . and I will put your name on a kit!

A challenge I have given to myself recently. . .to use more of my papers for projects other than its intended use. . . just mix it up a little bit!

So, can you recognize the yellow polka dot paper I used??

It is from the Zippidee paper pack. Still don't recognize it? It is the backside of the tan polka dot paper!!!

I absolutely love how CTMH gives us two sides of the paper to choose from!!! This layout is far from the theme of Zippidee. . . and all of our Paper Packs can be used in a similar fashion! Too much pink in the paper? Turn it over! Many times the reverse side is a fun neutral or a blue/green color. . . perfect for a more boyish layout!!

Supplies I used are all CTMH. . .

Zippidee Paper Pack

Gray Wool Cardstock

White Daisy Cardstock

Archival Black Ink Pad

Bohemian Alphabet**NEW

Wings WOTG Stamp Set**NEW

Color-Ready Alphabet Stickers- Oxford

Black Grosgrain Ribbon

Micro tip scissors

Anyway. . . for Christmas I received a most wonderful present. . . Photoshop CS5!! I have wanted this program for SO LONG! On my old computer I used Photoshop Elements. . .but that was a long while ago!!! So now I have this cool, new program. . . now I just have to figure out how to use it!!!!! Above, you can see a watermark image on the first page of my layout. Not on the second page. Well, I put it on the second page, but no watermark. Hmmmmmm.......

There is definitely a learning curve with this program, but I am so excited to learn!!! Any tips? Send them my way!

I did download Scott Kelbie's book. . .thanks to the advice of a good friend. . . I like the way he writes and I am sure it will be very helpful!!!

Some thing else to watch out for. . .My Favorite Things. . . I figure Oprah can do it, well then so can I. The only difference. . .I won't be giving away cars and trips!! I know we all have things we love to use and I love to learn what my friend's favorite things are. . . SO I will start sharing some of my favorite things. . . or newly discovered items that I think are cool.

My first things is Photoshop CS5. It is going to be one of my favorite things, for sure!

Oh and Scott Kelbies books about how to use Photoshop CS5.

I purchase Photoshop from Adobe's website.

Scott Kelbies book I downloaded from my itunes account, but you can find it on Amazon.

Spray Pen Tutorial

2011-01-10T13:15:00.002-06:00

This is a great tutorial showing you how to use the brand new Close to My Heart Spray Pens featured in the January WOTG Kit, WINGS.

The only thing I have to add. . . .is alcohol works really well in place of the water. It dries super fast, where the water takes longer to dry. But the water will work just fine too!

Right now, one spray pen comes with your Wings WOTG Kit. . . it is a bonus item in your kit this month!!!!

Starting February 1, you can purchase a 3-pack of pens out of our new Spring/Summer Idea Book!!!!

The other items you will need are: Pearl Paint and Re-inker. The WINGS WOTG Kit uses Vineyard Berry Re-inker in the workshop.

To purchase your Wings WOTG Kit, visit my website

Or contact me anytime during January to order. The preferred Order date is Jan. 16.

Inspirations.

2010-12-31T12:57:00.003-06:00

To view the new January Inspirations brochure online, click here!

I am always sad to see another year end. . . but I am always super excited for what the new year has in store!!

Close to My Heart has some wonderful things in store for us in the new year. . .and it starts in January!!!

Our new Spring/Summer Idea Book isn't live until February 1, so Close to My Heart has released the Inspirations brochure and it is full of beautiful, brand-new products!!!

Purchase the brand-new WINGS WOTG Kit in January and you unlock some spectacular savings!! For example, when you purchase the WOTG Kit, you are eligible to purchase the brand-new Bohemian E-sized Alphabet for only $25!!! It is regularly $34.95!!! What a deal! There are many more brand-new stamp sets discounted in the Inspirations brochure! Be sure to click on the link and check out all of the beautiful new products and spectacular savings!

The Preferred Order Date for the WINGS WOTG is January 16. (This is our next workshop date.)

If you order your kit by this date, you will receive extra raffle tickets to earn more FREE STUFF!
I draw every month at our Workshop and give away lots of great products!!!

Happy New Year!!!

Christmas Vacation.

2010-12-29T11:10:00.000-06:00

Took this of B in the Garden after our first snow of the year.

The day before, he had been playing in the very same place with a t-shirt on.

Crazy Missouri weather.

I am absolutely loving our Christmas Vacation! It is so nice to have the little guy home AND to not have to get up so dang early!!! We have really enjoyed our time together! I haven't uploaded many pictures lately and I have barely been on the computer! I hope to change that soon!

I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas and I am wishing you a very happy New Year!

Clearance Sale!!!

2010-12-10T08:45:00.000-06:00

Close to My Heart just announced a Clearance Sale with some great deals!!!!

Just go to my website to shop:

http://meredithburgess.myctmh.com

And the other great thing is. . .

Your sale purchase will count towards the Plenty for $20 Campaign. . . spend $20 and receive a FREE Stamp set!!!!

Christmas has come early!!! Head over to my website and let the shopping begin!!!!

Simple Mini-Album Gifts.

2010-12-08T10:12:00.000-06:00

Mistletoe.

Splendor.

Topstitch.

a retired Christmas Pack.

To make these simple albums, I used the following CTMH products.

6x6 Accordion Album

Level 1 Kit:

Mistletoe

Splendor

Topstitch

Christmas

My Stickease

Mistletoe

Splendor

Topstitch

Christmas

Foam Tape

Desert Sand, Chocolate ink

Bitty Sparkles

Sparkles

Liquid Glass.

Sponge

Chocolate polka dot organdy ribbon

To make them. . .

I simply cut the Pre-printed layout pages that come in the Level 1 kits into 4 6x6 squares.

Then I glued them to the Accordion album and decorated with the My Stickease stickers that come in the Level 1 Kit. As well as the stickers from the Level 2 Pack.

I used foam tape to give some of the stickers dimension. TIP- sprinkle a small amount of baby powder on to the back of the Sticker. Rub in until it is no longer sticky. Adhere foam tape to the Sticker and place sticker where you would like! If you leave the sticker sticky. . .it might get smooshed down and stick in places you don't want it to!

I also used Chocolate and Desert Sand ink to distress the edges of the Level 1 Pages before I adhered them And then to distress the white of the accordion album along its seams and pages.

These Albums make great gifts!! I have given them as wedding, baby, graduation, and Christmas gifts!! They are very fast and easy to make! There is still plenty of time to order a Level 1 Kit and Album and get them made in time for Christmas!

Remember, if you spend $20 on my website you get a FREE D-sized Stamp set. That is a $22.95 value!!!!

Also, I have many Level 1 Kits in stock. . .and a few 6x6 accordion albums!! Contact me if you would like to see a list of what I have in stock!!

Simple Tags.

2010-12-03T09:15:00.001-06:00

I used my Slice machine and the Fa la la and Spring cartridge to make these shapes. Very easy to do and they make such cute tags! These would be perfect to add to your packages or to tie around a bottle of wine. Whatever gifts you are giving this year. . .these tags would really dress them up!

Other products I used are
Grey Flannel Cardstock
Cranberry Cardstock
Cotton Candy Cardstock
Black Cardstock
White Daisy Cardstock
Hollyhock Cardstock
Sparkles
Just for the Holidays Stamp Set
Cranberry Embossing Powder
Craft Tray
Craft Heater
Versamark Ink

Did you notice how the cardstock looked shiny?? I made my own Glimmer Mist!! I call it Pearl Mist, because it uses CTMH's very own Pearl Paint! If you are a Scrappinista, then you probably already know how to do this!

To make your very own Pearl Mist you need. . .

Pearl Paint
Alcohol (or water will work. Alcohol just dries much faster)
Reinker of choice (optional)
Mist Spray Pen-- Coming in January!!!!!!!!!!! If you order the January WOTG Kit, WINGS, you will receive a Spray Pen for Free!!!! In February, it will be a part of our product line, so you will be able to order as many as you would like!

1. fill your spray pen up about 3/4 full, but leave some room for shaking.
2. add two drops of pearl paint to the alcohol.
3. Shake it up really well.
4. If you would like yours tinted, add a few drops of whichever reinker you would like!
For the tags, I did not use any reinker.

Make sure you shake it up really well. Practice spraying on something else first. Then spray your projects. The alcohol makes them dry really fast!

Crop & Shop for a CURE 2010

2010-12-02T08:02:00.000-06:00

Here are a few pictures from our Crop & Shop for a CURE the 2nd weekend in November!

Our goal was to raise $1500 and we raised close to $1600 (at last count!) Whoo hoo!!!

It was a lot of work, but it is so worth it!

Thanks to all of the Team Members for all of your help!

And thanks to everyone who supported us! It really means A LOT!

Whirlwind

2010-12-01T09:02:00.000-06:00

I keep thinking things are going to slow down.

It's just not happening!!

A fast update. . .

The Crop & Shop for a CURE was a huge success!!! Our goal was $1500 and we surpassed it by a little bit!!! Way to go! And thank you for all of the support! It means a lot!

My Richmond Spartans won the 3A State Football Championship! We were able to witness it first hand and it was one heck of an exciting game! After being down 17-0 at the half. . . I just didn't know if we could pull it out! But the second half was AMAZING! A touchdown with 11 seconds left and tied it and the extra point was good! It was like the ending out of a movie. . .something you always hope for, but never really happens! Well it did!!! I didn't think I would have a voice left after that game!

But we were up bright and early to go to the MU KU border showdown at Arrowhead. I know, crazy. Right? My husband is not a sports fan, so he definitely things it is is crazy!! But it was a beautiful day and we sat back in the sun and enjoyed a Tiger victory! At least this game was a lot less exciting. I don't think my heart could take another exciting game at that point!!!!!

This Saturday is our December Workshop.
10am-10pm at the United Christian Presbyterian Church
Cost $5.

The featured Kit this month is Magnifique.

Here are some pages down with the paper. . .

Isn't this Kit just beautiful??

It is available to order all month long. We will be featuring it at our January Workshop as well. Along with some other special projects!!! So don't worry if you didn't order it in time for this Saturday!

I seriously can't believe it is December already. I know I think this every month, but I really just can't believe 2010 is almost over!!! Where does the time go????

Six.

2010-11-19T13:12:00.000-06:00

I started this blog post two weeks ago.

And I was reminded I forgot about it as I was blog surfing this morning.

I didn't want another day to go by without posting about Brady's 6th birthday.

It was actually a birthday week. . . complete with three Halloween celebrations thrown in!

Here are Six things about Brady.

1. Loves School

2. Loves to play outside and dig in the yard.

3. His best friend is his cousin Eli

4. His favorite pizza is Taco Pizza

5. He loves chocolate.

6. He loves playing basketball.

And a 7th fact. . .he is growing up way too fast.

My Favorite CTMH Product. . .

2010-11-11T07:42:00.002-06:00

Close to My Heart has issued a challenge to us. . .

to name our favorite Close to My Heart Product.

This is kind of a hard decision.

I mean, obviously, I LOVE many Close to My Heart Products.

Close to My Heart's My Acrylix Stamp Sets. . . are clear, so they are very easy to use. . .you can actually SEE where you are stamping. . . . and they are very easy to store!!

The new How-to book Magic. . . is full of wonderful tips and scrapbooking recipes. And the older stand bys. . . Cherish, Imagine, and Reflections. . . plus the cardmaking recipe books Originals and Wishes. . .I mean, how did I ever get a long before these books??

The Level 1 Kits. . . contain four pre-printed layouts and two sheets of My Stickease. . .all you have to do is add your pictures! Talk about cute pages done FAST!

My list could go on and on about all the things I LOVE about Close to My Heart. . .

But I must just pick one. . . .

My favorite CTMH Product. . .hmmmm. . .

Workshop on the Go Kits (WOTG)!!

YES! That is my absolute FAVORITE Close to My Heart Product!

They are an AWESOME value! They are ALWAYS $29.95 and they are always discounted!!!!

They come with an Exclusive Stamp Set, a Workshop Guide, a Full embellishment. and a full Paper Pack that contains 12 Patterned Papers and 10 sheets of Cardstock.

Oh wait. Cardstock. Let me change my mind.

Close to My Heart's Cardstock is my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE CLOSE TO MY HEART PRODUCT OF ALL-TIME.

I use it on EVERY layout I do. AND on EVERY card I make.

It is such a nice weight, comes in so many beautiful colors, and has that wonderful WHITE-CORE that shows through when you distress it. . . one of my FAVORITE techniques.

But wait. Cardstock is IN the WOTG Kit. . .

so maybe I should say WOTG Kits, because I mean really. . .

they are a great value AND contain Cardstock. . .

AND they allow me to get some projects done in a short amount of time!!!

I LOVE using the products I purchase!!! The Workshop Guide gives me complete, step-by-step instructions to complete a two page, 12x12 layout.

AND the really cool thing. . .if you use the other side of the Workshop Guide. . .it gives you complete step-by-step instructions to complete six cards. . .two each of three different designs!!!!

AND there is plenty of product in the Kit do to both!!!

AND if you want to complete more layouts. . .all you have to do is go to my website and check out the WOTG link.

There you will find an additional layout that you can complete with your Kit!

AND if you have the How-to books. . .you will have ALL of the instructions for cutting your paper and putting your layout together!!!!

AND if you purchase the Level 2 My Stickease, you can turn those sheets over and find more layout ideas for your leftover papers.

AND if you add the Level 1 kit to this. . . you will have even more layouts complete!!!
That is at least 8 layout ideas with one Paper Pack!!!!!

Talk about Faster. Simpler. Easier.

Close to My Heart truly makes it easy for you to get your projects complete!!!!

So. . .my answer definitely IS the WOTG Kits are my absolute favorite Close to My Heart Product.

Accordion Style Mini-album and Fall madness.

2010-11-09T08:08:00.001-06:00

Can you believe this mess? This is what my Scrap Shack looks like right now! YIKES! October through December are typically absolutely crazy for me. With pumpkins, Brady's birthday, workshops, gatherings, craft shows, and my annual Crop & Shop for a CURE (which is happening this weekend!!!!!) my craft room stays pretty busy. Wish I had more time to actually craft, rather than all of the preparation!!!! It wears me out, but I love it! Kind of like March Madness for basketball. . .this is Fall Madness for Scrapbooking!

Here is one of the projects I have prepared for this weekend.
It is an accordion style mini-album and it makes a perfect gift! It can sit open on a mantle or a shelf. This one would work for a wedding, baby, anniversary, family, or many other special things!! I still have a couple of things left to do to it, but I was afraid if I didn't take a picture now, I may run out of time!!!!!!

CTMH Supplies Used:

Silhouette Paper Pack~Polka Dots (retired)

Colonial White Cardstock

Other supplies:

Slice Machine with Wedding, Animal Crackers, and Noteworthy Cartridges

I used the Liquid Glass to secure the small opaques. Most adhere just fine, but I knew that this project was probably going to be picked up and looked at a bunch and I didn't want to lose any of those cute little gems! So, I took my embossing stylus and a paper piercer. I set all of my pearls out where I wanted them. Then I took the paper piercer and picked up or moved the pearl. I dipped my embossing stylus in Liquid Glass and put a little dot where the pearl had been. Then I used the paper piercer to move the pearl back into its spot. It didn't take very long and I know the Liquid Glass will make the pearls very secure!

I also have completed a few more mini-albums that I will hopefully have a chance to post later!

I used a Level 1 Kit, My Stickease, and the 6x6 accordion album (as shown above) to make them and they turned out really cute!

Workshop & Mistletoe

2010-11-01T14:46:00.000-05:00

Wow! It has been a crazy week or so around here.

Brady turned six and we have been celebrating all week!

Plus, throw Halloween in there.

Whew. . .

Well, I can check those things off and now on to the next event!

Our November Workshop will be this Friday night,

November 5 from 4pm-9pm

at the Mason's Building in Richmond.

Cost: $3 for the building.

If you pre-ordered the WOTG Kit, you can put your pages together. If you didn't get it ordered in time, I do have some extra kits. Contact me ASAP to reserve yours! They aren't the full kits, but they will get the job done!

You could also work on your Christmas Cards using the Mistletoe WOTG Kit. Don't pay attention to the date on the picture below. Obviously, it is wrong. I can't erase it from the picture. Seemed like a good idea when I was doing it!

Or you can make these adorable ornaments. I will have basic Class Kits that include a full sheet of the ornament chipboard, Mistletoe Paper (or you can use your own), ribbon, and a piece of sponge.

You can add on other things to bling yours up a bit!

Cards for a CURE. . .

An idea I have had for quite awhile, but just haven't put together. . . is Cards for a CURE.

Cards we make and donate. All of the proceeds from the sale of these cards

will benefit the Ray County Relay for Life.

Bring your scrap paper or any unwanted scrap items to our Workshop.

I will bring my scrap stash, plus some sketches and Idea Books to browse through.

Hopefully we can get a few cards made to sell at our upcoming Crop and Shop for a CURE!

Mizzou wins!

2010-10-26T08:49:00.000-05:00

Photo by Kansas City Star

Wow. What a game. I was on the edge of my seat the entire 4 quarters. But, oh was it a good one!

My Missouri Tigers FINALLY beat the Oklahoma Sooners. Such a nice feeling! The last time we beat them was in 1998.

Next up, the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Sure hope we can send them out of the Big 12 Conference with a nice sound loss to the Tigers!

Still trying to enjoy this victory for a short time, before I start getting worried for next Saturday.

Oh. . .and I want to apologize to all of my twitter followers out there, because I have been obsessed with any Mizzou tweets this week and will probably continue to do so until football season is over.

I'm not much of a Pro-football fan, but I do like when the KC Chiefs win!!!

And my hometown Spartan team is undefeated as well. . . .they are Conference and District Champs too! Let's hope we can follow them clear to St. Louis next month!

Mizzou Homecoming 2010.

2010-10-21T12:38:00.000-05:00

What a big Game this Saturday. 7pm on ABC.
Also, College Game Day in Columbia for the very first time.
Can't believe I am going to miss it.
Good Luck Tigers!
I am super glad you will be on ABC and NOT Fox Sports this week.
And for the record. . .the next time Dish and Fox decide to have a feud. . .do it before or after football season, please!

I'm SO EXCITED!!!

2010-10-20T08:20:00.000-05:00

So maybe this won't be as exciting for some. . . BUT I am super excited this morning!

If you go and watch the newest episode of CTMH TV on my website. . . here is the link. . Or copy and past this into your browser.
http://meredithburgess.myctmh.com/MyCTMH/CTMHTV.aspx

I submitted some pictures awhile ago to CTMH and low and behold. . .there they were this morning!

Let me know if you can spot the familiar looking people! Clue. . .we grow very large pumpkins. . . AND it is towards the end of the show. . .before the Studio J segment!!!!!!

AND it is a DELIGHT (that is another clue!!!)

Post a comment here or shoot me an email. . . . so I know how many have seen our only claim to fame!!!

Workshop Projects

2010-10-19T08:39:00.001-05:00

We did something a bit different at our Workshop this month. . . and I really liked it. I have a few minor tweaks to make, but I think it went really well!

First. I {heart} the Mason's Building we used for the very first time on Sunday.

It is new.

It is perfect for our Workshops.

Big Crops?

No. It only had about 8 tables in it.

Not enough for all of our ladies and their "stuff."

But it is perfect for our Scrappinista Workshops.

Here is a rundown of what went on this month.

This is the Class Project Kit. It was $5 and included everything here, besides the Opaques.

Here is a close up of the title using the Chocolate Large Alphabet. I use this set a lot!

And two of the smaller paper roses.

Here is the other part of the title. I used a stamp set not available now. It was a January special last year. . .and the flourish was included as well. Love this set! The large Paper Flower is my favorite that I have ever done! It does take some practice. They aren't hard, but a bit tedious. I got my instructions from Tracey Mason. If you click on the Tutorials link on the right, you should find her video. I pretty much did it just like she said.

This is the alternate layout for the Olivia WOTG Kit. So, you know how your WOTG comes with one featured layout, plus 3 featured cards? Well, did you know that on my website you can find another layout and more card ideas using the WOTG kit? All of the recipes for the layouts can be found in either the new Magic Book, Cherish, or Imagine. This is my interpretation of the alternate layout. Black does not come with the Olivia Kit. I added it plus some other embellishments.

The title template is on a neat little CD that you can just pop into your computer, print out the template you need, and presto. . . you have a fun shape like this! I love this feature to our How-to books! They show you cool shapes and other things you can make. . .but they also give you the resource to make those same shapes!!!! I used the Boutique Alphabet set, black ink, black opaques, pewter grommets, and back designer ribbon. I used a black pen to make the faux stitching around the title. I thought it needed a little something else and I just don't have a sewing machine. . . though it is on my Christmas List!

I really love Clear Buttons! Here, I used the border flourish stamp from the set that is included in the Olivia WOTG Kit. I random stamped it all over a scrap piece of bamboo paper. Then, I used liquid glass and adhered the buttons in various spots on the paper. I gave them some time to dry. Probably thirty minutes or so. Cut them out. Poked holes through the button holes. And ran black waxy flax through the holes. I secured the waxy flax with glue dots to the back of the buttons! Customizable buttons! So fun and so easy!

Pretty much the same as mentioned above. The leaves come from the Olivia WOTG stamp set as well. Something else I also did. . .I used a White Daisy ink pad and pressed my Orange (Sunset) Patterned paper into the white. Just a little bit. It subdued the bright orange just a bit and I think it made it blend nicely with the rest of the layout. Not a big change, but just enough!

So how things worked this month. . .

instead of having a teacher led Class where everyone basically works at the same pace. . . I made stations.

If you purchased the Olivia WOTG Kit, you could choose to work on the

Featured Layout at station #1

the Alternate Layout at Station #2

or the Class Kit Layout at Station #3.

I don't think I had anyone get to all of the stations. But most got done with at least two stations!

Hey, that is 4 layouts in 3 hours. . .plus time to order, gab, and talk about the Relay for Life Crop for a Cure! I think we got a lot done in a day!

The building does cost us to use. I collected a $2 donation from everyone who attended. It will typically be close to this amount. For 2-3 hours $2. For 3-5 hours $3 5-6 hours $4 and all day $5

This is just the guide we are using now. It is a brand new building and these things could change!

Up next month, Mistletoe WOTG!!!!!!

We will be having our Workshop on Friday, November 5 from 4pm-9pm

at the Mason's building!

If you are interested, I need your WOTG order by Oct. 27!

And if you would just like the Class Kit (typically under $10) I need that order by the 27th to guarantee your kit!!!

In December, we will be meeting the first Saturday, December 4 at the Richmond United Christian Presbyterian Church. From 9am-9pm. Check my Calendar for details!

And don't forget about our Crop and Shop for a CURE! November 12 and 13!!!

Organizing Scrapbook Supplies. . .

2010-10-15T07:07:00.036-05:00

Please step away from the P-Touch label maker. . . .and no one will get hurt.

I borrowed my MIL's P-Touch yesterday and boy howdy I am hooked.
I warned my husband everything not moving will have a label.
He joked even the pile of laundry at the foot of the bed.
Sometimes men don't know what is OK to say and what is not.

These are the first labels I made. . .

Inside the 12x12 Iris Containers (I purchased these at Michaels and Joanns) are all of my stickers. Well, my non-CTMH Stickers anyway. See the pink just slightly showing above? I used to keep my stickers stored in pretty pink baskets on top of this cabinet. As you can expect, I never used said stickers. This shelf was really a hodge podge of stuff that I never used either. SO. . .I broke up my stickers into different categories. I pretty much had this done already. If you click on the image, you should be able to read the labels easily. I LOVE this size of label. Easy for me to read!

Next up, some of my fun stuff. . . Embossing Powder, Re-inkers, and Paint. Plus other inks, older CTMH inks, non-ctmh embossing powder, stickles, other distressing stuff. . . I used these 12x12 Sterilite draws from Walmart. I was bummed at first, because my re-inkers and other things didn't fit inside standing up. Well duh. . . they certainly fit laying down!! Works just great!!!!

These are 12x12 Iris containers again, but in the Cart this time! I use these to store my CTMH embellishments. I have them organized by color (thanks Tresa Black for that tip!) So all of my Red buttons, brads, small ribbons, etc are in one drawer. I REALLY love this!! I also have ribbon in three of the drawers. Two are CTMH only and one is some new ribbon and ric-rac that I picked up recently.

I picked up this container at an Orschelns of all places!!! I keep all of my plain CTMH Chipboard in these bins. Love it!! If I wasn't a CTMH Consultant, I would keep all of my chipboard in these bins. All colors shapes etc. . . but I like to keep my CTMH and other stuff separate. . .

Even my Scrap Paper couldn't avoid me and my label maker!!!! I have shown you this cart before. I LOVE it very, very much! I keep all of my CS scraps in each of the bins. I search here first before I cut into a new piece of cardstock!

I really can't believe it is Friday already.
Once again, it has been a super busy week.
Any crafting time I have had has been spent on my Workshop Projects. . . which will be happening this Sunday at 3pm or making lots of labels!

Friday Sneak Peek

2010-10-08T10:58:00.002-05:00

Here is a sneak peek at what I have been working on!
This is one of the layouts available for those who purchased the Olivia Kit and are attending the Workshop on Oct. 17! It is turning out really cute! And, hey. . .I even have pictures on this one!!!!!

Here is the link to more artwork done with the Olivia Kit.
I will post all of my Olivia Projects after our Workshop on the 17th!

It has been a crazy, busy week. Can't believe it is Friday already, but I am glad!
I know Brady is glad too.
He doesn't particularly enjoy getting up so early every morning.
I am getting used to it, but would prefer a little extra time under the covers in the morning.

Here are some pictures from the past week. . .

Here are the large pumpkins my Mother-in-law grows.
And the guy, Moose, who sells them.
They aren't as big this year, but Moose does an excellent job selling them.
If you see a big guy in a white Chevy with a trailer load of very large pumpkins. . .it is probably Moose. He is a really great guy and fun to chat with! There will never be another Moose.

And Cowboy Brady with his boots on, gun in his holster, Cowboy hat, and watermelon in his hand. . . Moose nicely went out to the patch and found a couple for us. We hadn't eaten watermelon in quite awhile and it was a nice treat! Brady loves the Cowboy getup.

There are no more soybeans in this field.

As a matter of fact. . .everything is looking quite bare around our house.

Corn harvest is over and we are well into Soybean Harvest.

If you are interested in more farm pictures, check out my other blog, Burgess Farms. I don't update very often, but there are some pictures there of our farming operation.

You can find the link if you scroll all the way down to the bottom.

Baby Card with Paper Flower

2010-10-01T12:48:00.000-05:00

Just a quick card I made for a baby shower last night.

I LOVE the Paper Flower. . . if you haven't already, go and watch the video tutorial I posted of Tracey Mason's. Scroll back a page or click on the tutorial link to the right.

Items Used:

Topstitch Paper Pack

Blush Cardstock

Black Ink

Opaques Pearls

Liquid Glass

Glue Dots

Sponge

Houndstooth print from Walmart eons ago.

Cuttlebug Embossing Folder.

Colonial White Cardstock.

2010-09-30T08:57:00.001-05:00

This may not seem like much to most.
But this summer we poured a patio by our back door.
For the past almost ten years, this small space has been a constant pain.
I've tried shrubs, flowers, weed matt and rocks. . . nothing grew and my dog dug up the rocks.
SO, I finally convinced my husband to help me with a patio. We were going for pavers, but ended up pouring cement. Something he didn't want to do, because a sewer line runs under this space.
One hot, humid spring day, my dear husband and our dear cousin Delbert, poured me a patio.
When I say, hey, look at my new patio. . most people say, where is it?
Yes, it is small. But I love it.
It also doubles as a swimming pool when we get a lot of rain. Guess my concrete pourers weren't the best.
But, I have always wanted a pool too!
Above is a picture of an old glider that was my husband's grandmas. . .sitting on my patio. . . . I usually paint it, but I like the shabby chicness of it. . .and a palm I have planted in a tub on my new patio. I really can't believe the palm tree is still alive. Since my dog can no longer dig up rocks. . .she likes to dig up palm trees.

Can't believe it is the last day of September. I will miss Summer, but I sure do love Fall!!!

Club Class Project.

2010-09-29T11:33:00.001-05:00

This is the Project we created during our September Club Class.
We learned Dirty Stamp Kissing with a Twist!!
Sounds crazy, but the results are fabulous!
Just look at the tiger striped Party Title!
I have shown this technique before.
Look under blog hop or just scroll back a few posts!

Items Used All CTMH:
Hooligans Paper Pack
Headline Alphabet
Gear Up Stamp Set
Noted Backgrounds Stamp Set
Sunset Mini-medley Accents
Black ink
Sunset ink
Lagoon ink
Liquid Glass
Archival Black ink
Other: Punch

Interested in attending a Club Class?
I have recently changed the format of my Club Classes and I think you are going to LOVE it!

No more commitments.
Order when you like and what you like.
You can come to Club Class and there are no ordering minimums.
If you would like to get your name on THE LIST to earn free stuff. . .just place a $29.95 min. order.
Each month you order, your name moves up the list!
Best of all. . .you don't have to order to attend the workshop! (Though, if we are at capacity, those on the Scrappinista Rewards List will have priority. )
And if you live out-of-town. . .You can still enjoy the rewards! You can purchase the Club Project and I will mail the project to you (please add $5 shipping to class total).
OR you don't have to attend anything to be a part of the rewards! Email me your orders if you are local OR I can send you a special ordering link and you can place your order that way!

Our October Workshop/Club Class will be held Sunday, Oct. 17.
Check my Google Calendar to the right for details.

Here are your options this month:
1. You can purchase the Olivia WOTG by Oct. 5 ($29.95)
2.You can purchase the Class Kit (typically $5-$10) please let me know ASAP if you would like this kit.
3. You can bring past WOTG or your own projects to work on.

Cost: $3 (donation for the building)

Interested in earning Raffle Tickets for more FREE STUFF?

Bring a New Friend to the Workshop/Club . . .you will receive 5 tickets! If that friend joins the Scrappinista Rewards List, you BOTH will receive 5 tickets!

Outside orders? Receive 5 tickets for every outside order you collect. (People not already on the List.)
During your Hostess Month, this is a good way to bump up your hostess rewards aka FREE STUFF!

Questions? Send them my way. mereburgess@gmail.com

Art and Soul CTMH TV

2010-09-23T08:48:00.000-05:00

There is a brand new Art & Soul Episode on my website!

Click here to view it

I LOVE these episodes!

Great tips. . .beautiful artwork. . .so fun to watch!

Here's a tip when watching it. . . if the video isn't playing continuously. . .pause it for a bit. . . do something then come back to it. . . and hit play. It should play just fine!

Enjoy!

Level 1 Scrapbooking Kits

2010-09-22T13:40:00.001-05:00

I created each of these pages using the Hooligans Level 1 Scrapbooking Kit from Close to My Heart!

I absolutely LOVE the Level 1 Kits! They truly are Faster, Simpler, Easier!

The Level 1 Kit comes with 4 Pre-printed Layouts. This is a HUGE timesaver! The layout is already done for you! I used to worry my pictures wouldn't fit the layout design. . .but I am almost always able to make the pictures fit!!!

It also comes with 2 sheets of stickers. One Alphabet sheet and one other sheet of words, borders, and other images. And 2 sheets of B&T (Patterned Paper) and 2 sheets of Cardstock.

I made the above layouts using only the product contained in the Kit.

Once I add the photos, I plan on jazzing it up a bit.

That is the fun part about these kits. . .I can get some pages done very quickly. . .and spend more time jazzing them up with embellishments, stamping, or other fun techniques!!!

I will be using these layouts for my nephew's birthday party! The colors will be perfect for our trip to Air Zone. A really fun place for kids in NKC. . . and a really easy place to have parties!

True. . .these pages are GREAT for beginners! They teach us about design and how layouts can look. . . AND they make it fast and easy for us. BUT. . .these pages are GREAT for anyone who just wants to get some cute pages done super fast!

Oh. . .and a REALLY cool thing about these kits. . . on the back of the My Stickease Sheet. . .they have pictures of the pages all done up! So all you have to do is recreate what they did with the kit. Now how easy is that? Or you can do your own thing as well!

Each Scrapbooking Kit has a Coordinating Level 1 Kit. Click here to see all of the Scrapbooking kits CTMH has!

Scrappinistas: Scrapbooking Kit Hooligans

2010-09-16T13:55:00.000-05:00

Scrappinistas: Scrapbooking Kit Hooligans

Scrapbooking Kit Hooligans

2010-09-16T13:21:00.000-05:00

The Hooligans Scrapbooking Kit is featured in October. But it is available to order until Dec. 31, 2010.

These two pages were created using the Additional Pages shown on my website.

I, sometimes, don't follow exactly as they are shown. I decided to switch out the Paper and make it my own.

I haven't made the additional cards yet, but click here if you would like to see them!

Our Workshop is at 2pm this Saturday, September 18!

The Church will be open from 10am-10pm on Saturday, if you want to get some of your own scrapbooking done.
The Cost is $5 for the Day. This money goes to the Church for letting us use the space.

The Supplies I used were All CTMH:

Hooligans Workshop on the Go Kit
Hooligans Level 2 Felt Monsters
Opaques Licorice
Hooligans Level 2 My Stickease.
Magic - the new How-to book devoted to Scrapbooking!

Click on the links to order OR email or call me with your order!

Interested in earning FREE STUFF for making purchases? Contact me to learn more about Scrappinista Rewards!

My number 1 Stalked blog. . .

2010-09-15T09:56:00.001-05:00

hopefully Tresa Black won't be calling the authorities, but I do seriously stalk her blog.

This lady is fabulous.

She is a fellow CTMH Consultant and did I mention she is fabulous?

I used a tip from her the other day. . .Dirty Stamp Kissing with a Twist.

If you are a regular, you know I mention her a lot.

Her videos are a riot and so informative.

She even has an online, live streaming class on ustream. It is fabulous as well.

Check out her blog, but please come back!!

CTMH Skull Card

2010-09-12T17:50:00.000-05:00

Items used:
Thriller Stamp of the Month
Black Cardstock
Cotton Candy Cardstock
White Daisy Cardstock
Black Ink
Cotton Candy Ink
Gypsy Ink
Bitty Sparkles
Sponge
Versamark ink
Black embossing powder
Sand paper
Other- Large Sparkles

To Make this Card I stamped my image on White Cardstock with Versa Mark Ink. Sprinkled the image with Black Embossing Powder, then tapped off the extra. Sometimes I use a paint brush to brush off any extra powder Then, heat set it with a heat tool. Next, I sponged Cotton Candy and Gypsy Ink over the image. I used black to distress the edges of the white cardstock.

I matted the image onto Cotton Candy Cardstock. I edge distressed it as well.

Then I glued it to the black cardstock, which I had sanded.

Next, I adhered sparkles everywhere!

I took this picture with my brand-new lightbox I just made today! Thanks to Tracey Mason, whom I already confessed to stalking (see previous post) . . . I don't think I have enough light yet . .but it was super easy to do! Visit her site to see her tutorial!!!!

Paper Rose Tutorial

2010-09-12T11:53:00.001-05:00

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One thing I LOVE about being a CTMH Consultant. . .is ALL of the super talented other consultants out there. . . some of the these ladies I seriously stalk on a daily basis. Tracey Mason, was one of the first Consultants I started stalking. . .I saw her name in a magazine for a card she had submitted. . . and I was in awe! Now, I love to check out her blog every once in awhile!!!

She definitely has the paper rose technique down. . . she has some pretty cool artwork on her blog, if you scroll through it!! {click here} to go to her blog.

I LOVE these paper flowers and I love the Liquid Glass tip!!!! I couldn't get mine to stay together, so I am SO happy she shared this!!!

I just had to share her video. . .it really helps me to see it being done!!! I am definitely a visual learner!

I will share some other consultants blogs whom I stalk from time to time. . .lest you all think I am really just that crafty. . .the reality is. . .I get lots of great ideas from these superb consultants! I hope they inspire you too!

Digital Scrapbooking with Close to My Heart

2010-09-11T11:47:00.001-05:00

Class Act~a Studio J Exclusive Kit

WOW.
I am really impressed with Studio J! Close to My Heart's online Digital Scrapbooking Program!
I had only played around with it a little bit.
A couple of days ago, I decided to make my very first layouts.
I can't believe how FAST and EASY it was!!!!!!!
I mean minutes!
If you are interested in learning more about {Studio J} . . . click on the link.

What I LOVE about Studio J. .
   *no software to purchase.
   *everything is done online.
   *I can adjust pictures to whatever size I want!
   *I can move, crop, and use filters to make the pictures like I want!
   *exclusive kits available online only.
   *I can never use ALL of the Pretty Paper! I can use as many sheets as I would like!!!!!!
   (if you know me and my aversion to cutting pretty paper, then you know this is huge!)
   *tons of layouts already designed for me. . . which makes it fast.
   * BUT, If I don't like the arrangement, then I can change it!
   Papers, colors, and tons of things to make it exactly like I want it!
   *And of course, it is Super fast AND Super Easy!!!!!!!

  This will be GREAT for gifts! Make one layout and print it multiple times for Grandparents. . . .

Have a themed album you would like to get done fast??? I can see my last vacation done in a snap!!!!

For me also. . .I have a very hard time with big events like Christmas. SO MANY pictures. . .it is hard to know where to begin. There's Christmas Eve, Christmas Morning, Christmas Day, Christmas Evening, Burgess Christmas, Tracy Christmas. . .not to mention all of the other Christmas activities we do. I get overwhelmed thinking about it!!! I can see Studio J helping me with my Christmas Scrapping Phobia. . . I can get several layouts. . .with lots of pictures. . .done quickly. . .and not leave any of the activities out.

Now. . .will I be an exclusive Digital Scrapbooker? No. Not me. I love having products in my hands. . .the smell of the paper and the feel of the trinkets. Just too much fun. BUT. . .I do see Studio J helping me "catch up" on some of my scrapbooking. . . (I hate to use the term "catch up", but how else to say it?)
and to create themed albums quickly.

Want to try Studio J out?

There is nothing you have to buy to play. You can play all you want and never purchase a layout!!!

Just go to my { website } and click on the {Studio J} link ( or click the highlighted words here)

You will have to create an online account, if you don't have one already.

So what are you waiting for? Go check out some of your favorite paper packs. . .or any of the new ones too. . .and if you become a Studio J member, you will have Exclusive Paper Packs available ONLY to YOU! AND Exclusive Layout Patterns available to you only as well!!! AND you will receive huge discounts on all of your Studio J purchases!!!!

Let me know what you think!!!

And, of course, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask!

Labor Day Weekend.

2010-09-07T10:16:00.002-05:00

Brady & Eli at Layne's birthday party.

Just about the entire gang at the Birthday party.

The birthday boy is on the right, holding the football.

They had a Spartan Football Party. . .and Brady actually joined in on the football game.

He had a blast.

Though, he was sad he never once touched the football.

I'm just glad he had fun and joined in!

Brady loading our watermelon we had just eaten.

It was our third for the day and not our last!

One of the benefits of raising watermelon on your farm!

Throwing it away. I think he just wanted to smash it.

My brother-in-law would be very proud of this hat!!

Nothing too exciting over our Labor Day Weekend.

We did get to sleep in! I wasn't sure if we would be able to!

Lots and lots of watermelon. . .picked, loaded, and eaten.

Pizza at Van Till Farms on Friday night. That place is amazing! If you are close, you have to go!

Birthday Party on Saturday Night.

Hanging around home on Sunday and Monday.

Now, we are gearing up for Corn Harvest on our farm.

Just waiting for it to dry.

Kind of like waiting for a pot boil. . .feels about the same!

And I see some Pumpkin Picking in my near future!

Hope you had a good Holiday!

New Fall/Winter Idea Book.

2010-09-03T07:08:00.000-05:00

Click here to go to my website and view the book online! You can turn the pages and zoom in. Just about as good as having it in your hands.

Or contact me and I will get you a copy! I have a very limited supply, so be sure to reserve your copy today!

This is the last edition of Idea Books in our Tri-Annual Series.

Starting with the Spring Idea Book 2011. . .due out in February. . .CTMH will move to releasing books twice a year. February and August.

I am very excited about this change.

As much as I looked forward to the new Idea Books every four months, this just makes more sense!

There will be the same amount of product released each year. . .just less books!