Just a Bunch of Craziness!

Hi Girls! I've been MIA again! I'm workin' my tail off! I'm just stopping in to share a few things.....

Remember last month when Close to My Heart began offering us FREE Downloads? Well, August 1st we got another one! Isn't it Darling? How Cute are they? You can find them HERE !  

I know they are supposed to be stationary but me...I'm seein' Card fronts! Or Journaling Tags! :) The uses are endless! Download them for free today....it won't cost you a penny and takes only seconds! These will be replaced with a Brand New Fresh Download Sep.1st You'll be glad to have them before they are gone!

When you've found a project that's "just right" for these little beauties then just toss a sheet of cardstock (if you only have 12X12 just trim it down to 8.5X11 with your paper trimmer) into your printer and You're ready to go! :) Totally Free! FREE is one of my Favorite things EVER! :) 

Speaking of FREE......(love that sound)....Have you grabbed the FREE August Stamp of the month yet? How Cute is that?! 

August is an especially sweet time to shop — when you place an order of $50 or more during August, you’ll receive the August Stamp of the Month set, A Chocolate Affair, FREE! This D-size stamp set with a retail value of $17.95 includes 16 images and sentiments that will have your friends salivating over your chocolatey layouts and cards. Make every project a treat with this must-have set. Friends, it just doesn't get much better than that!! :)  

Now, I had planned on having LOADS of artwork to share with you using this darling stamp set but (SIGH)...My Display board projects are taking me longer than I had anticipated so I'm behind - of course! Wanna peek at my studio? 

 

 I can NOT wait to share with you all of these projects one by one right here on my blog! Your patience is very appreciated!! Now, do you have a friend that might enjoy these pretties....INVITE THEM OVER why don't cha!? :) No need to check my blog every few days...just have them subscribe via email over in the right hand side of my blog....then all of my posts will be perfectly delivered right to their email inbox. :) Talk about some SUNSHINE in the INBOX BABY! :) 

For my KIT customers.....are you still hanging in there? As I promised, there are NEW ones on the way! I PROMISE! I just need to complete this undertaking then it's back to work for you! I have now added a tab titled KITS FOR SALE at the top of my blog (under my banner picture) and I will begin adding my kits there as I get my inventory replenished! 

This is what my stash USED to look like (I pulled them all out to inventory and sort a while back....

 

Right now it doesn't look like that....my inventory is very sad and needs building so Just as soon as I'm finished with my boards I'll be adding to my stock! STAY TUNED! 

Girls, Hang with me....Lots of fun coming! :)

Oh BABYcakes!

I've been sharing peeks of new Close to My Heart products the past couple weeks....Let me introduce you to 'BABYCAKES'! Isn't it DARLING!? :)  

You can see a few different New Autumn/Winter 2013 Products here....among them are the Babycakes My Reflections paper kit as well as the Babycakes Embellishment assortment, the Newest Color of Adhesive backed shimmer trim - Bronze (we also now have Red!), Slate striped Twist Ties (oh my gosh, these little things are HANDY!), and my very favorite New product...the Cricut Artbooking Collection! 

Do you see the Overlay cut in Kraft cardstock adorning my card? MEET Mr. Artbooking! A misconception already is that they cricut cartridge is primarily used for Layouts and that is just not the case! :) :)

I just can't hardly wait to share more Products and artwork with you! I'm still up to my neck in Display Boards so consider this post 'Short & Sweet'...I'll be back with MORE, MUCH MORE! Very soon! 

Just for fun, Place an order on my Website of $50 or more before August 1st and I'll send you your own copy of the BRAND NEW Make it from your Heart Volume #2 Pattern Book! It is A MUST SEE I assure you! :) 

Blessings, Sus

A SARTIA Sneak Peek!

Okay Kids! Getting Close to August! You already know what that means! I know you can't wait to get your hands on some of these new Gorgeous Goodies!

I'm still workin' my hiney off on a Huge Project....well, actually it's about 50 Different Projects - give or take. :) Here is another one of my Favorites of the Bunch! 

Meet Sarita! Isn't She Lovely? 

Of course she is even better looking in CRICUT ARTISTE Form! :)  I cut this Cute little Matchbox from my Trusty Artiste Cartridge, It holds (9) Nuggets Perfectly! The Stamped Image is also part of the Cricut Artiste Collection...Sometimes I get so excited about the Cartridge that I forget about the Darling Exclusive Stamp sets included in the Bundle! :) 

And Of COURSE, very few projects make it out my door without my MOST FAVORITEST (that IS a word in 'Sus World') Embellishment, the Burlap Ribbon! I love to unravel the threads and use them on my projects!

The Flower is made from the Sarita Textiles....It is 'Over the Moon' Easy! (Tutorials coming soon)! 

The Lagoon Flower in the center is from the new 'Base & Bling' Assortment! WHOOT! (Here is a small taste of 'Base & Bling' Embellishments)

I am So excited about these embellishments....They perfectly adorn any of our paper crafting projects BUT they also are part of the Wearable Crafts Jewelery Line JUST introduced by Close to My Heart! 

Okay.....Nothing like GETTIN' OFF TRACK! Where was I? Oh...yeah...the PAPER! I'm tellin' ya Girls, it's is FABULOUS! The pictures just do NOT do it justice! 

Here is a snap shot of the Pages from the Sarita Workshop on the Go Kit! I LOOOVE these Wooden Embellishments! And did you notice the Extra Cardstock sheets Close to My Heart is now including with our WOTG Kits?! They tossed in a few Gypsy sheets as well as an additional Goldrush Sheet to further stretch our Level 2 Packs! WHOOT! 

If you've known me for anytime at all you already know that I am  CRAZY THRIFTY! I want the MOST for my investment! The New workshop on the Go Kits are an Amazing Bargain! The Sarita Kit in particular is Valued at $39.59 but sells for only $29.95! That's a savings of $9.64! GAAAHHH! That's almost like getting your Level 2 paper Pack Totally Free! 

GIRLS! If you have never given the WOTG Kits a second thought I'd encourage you to do so with this Idea Book! I mean, My goodness, the EXCLUSIVE "D" sized stamp set is Adorable enough all by itself to justify the purchase! :)  Additionally each WOTG Kit includes a step by step assembly and cutting guide...PERFECT for those of us who just aren't feeling especially creative at the moment (which is me plenty of times!), Beginning Paper crafters, or those who just think the WOTG Layouts are JUST CRAZY AWESOME! Like this one below....:) 

Give them a look, you won't be disappointed! :)

I'll see you soon! With more Lovelies to share! 

Blessings, Sus

How about a peek at some Lola!?

Laughing Lola that is! 

The Launch date for the Close to my Heart Autumn/Winter 2013 Idea book is right around the corner and I just can NOT wait to begin showing you the Artwork I've been working so hard on! 

One of the Brand New MyReflections Paper Kits bears the name 'Laughing Lola' and its as joyful as it sounds! A Crazy Collection of Raspberry, Purple, Black, and Gold make for a striking project I assure you! 

Lola was the first Kit I dug into! I have always loved the bright colors and I am especially fond of pairing black with bright color schemes! :) 

I've been working on a CRAZY AWESOME group of projects for some CRAZY AWESOME ladies and I wanted to share with you a couple of sneak peeks at a few of the pieces...:) 

Here is just a PEEK at a pair of matching layouts...do you see that FABULOUS Gold overlay? Uh...Let me introduce you to Mr. ARTBOOKING! You will be seeing much more of him soon! :)  I'll get a proper photo of these layouts soon but enjoy the CORNERS for now. :) 

 

Here are the corners of a couple of Lola Cards....they were not finished at the time of this photograph (probably around 2 AM when I took it - LOL) but at the time I thought they were just too pretty NOT to capture and share! :)

How about those Purple & Teal Flowers? (Big Smile!)  They are from the Brand New 'Base & Bling' Line....Did someone say Jewelery? GIRLS, I have SO much to share with you, my fingers just can't keep up! :) WHOOT!

And Last but not least...a Full picture because a sneak peek just wouldn't do this project justice! It's my favorite piece created thus far into this new Idea Book's worth of products!

I paired my FAVORITE Box from the CTMH Art Philosophy Cricut Collection, the FRENCH FRY BOX, with the New Laughing Lola paper & accessories! Whoot! I LOOOOOOVE IT!:)

This photo was just taken with my mobile phone (to be shared on Facebook of course!) so stay tuned for some better pictures and more details about how I created this beauty! :)

If you're like me you LOVE cards as well so I was thrilled that the Lola Kit came in a Card 'Workshop on the Go' package as well! And did you know the Card WOTG kits DECREASED in price? YES! They are down to $24.95! and they include a "D" sized (6" X 6") Acrylic Stamp set...HOLY SMOKES...that's like getting the rest of the ENTIRE kit for only $7! DOUBLE WHOOT! :)

Okay, so I'm jabbering on and on...I just had to pop in here and show you a few peeks! I am SOOO Sorry my poor unattended blog has just been sitting here all alone! Please hang with me, I promise it will be worth the wait! :) 

Oh, one more thing....I am reminding you to grab your HALF PRICED Canvas Kit before they are all gone....they are only available til the end of the Month and on a 'while supplies last' basis! :)  

I had a friend inquire about them this week, she asked if they might be a project her little girl could complete on her own to enter into the local fair? I could not believe I'd never thought of it before, that would be a GREAT way to use your canvas! And who wouldn't love a kit for their Birthday or Christmas gift? GOSH, the things you can get now days for under $20 is Amazing! :) :) :) 

Friends, Thanks for hanging with me while during my lack of posting, I will be back shortly with some FANTASTIC things to share! :) 

Blessings, Sus 

I have a few left overs!

Morning Kids! 

A couple weeks ago I hosted a Workshop for this Darling Little album! 

The Workshop was a BLAST but I do have 4 Left over Kits! If you'd like to have one please let me know either by commenting on this post or Emailing me here.  

Each kit comes with all you see here including Complete Cutting Guide and Assembly instructions so you can easily re-create more albums using your favorite paper! 

These are going to be Christmas Gifts for Parents & Grandparents this year for sure! :) Each Kit, SHIPPED is only $25! That's a STEAL! :)

Additional Supplies Required for completion; Paper Trimmer, Scissors, Piercing Tool, & Adhesive.

Additional Suggested (not required for completion) Supplies; Z2111 Chocolate  ink Pad, D1540 In the Background Stamp Set, & B1416 Keyboard uppercase Stamp Set

And no, you are not imagining things, nor did I infringe on a Copyright....Fellow CTMH Sister, Tresa Black created this workshop and offered the copyrights for sale to other consultants....I took advantage - as I have before with Tresa's Kits...She's amazing.  My group had a Blast putting this album together at our workshop, I know it will be a HIT anywhere it goes! :) 

So, if you are interested in purchasing 1 of my 4 available kits please just let me know, I can ship them as soon as...TODAY! 

Blessings, Friends. :)

I Lost my Hero...

I'm neglected my blog for a few weeks...I'm so sorry about that, it thrills me to hear someone tell me how much they enjoy my posting!

I'm posting about something personal today...if you are a Facebook friend of mine you have heard me post about this for a week now.  My Heart is still so heavy, you see, we lost our Hero this last week.  

Obituary Photo

My Grandpa had battled courageously against a very rare type of skin cancer for well over 20 years.  He lost that battle last week. I feel broken inside but I do know he rests in heaven with his Jesus at this very minute.  Grandpa was Crazy for Jesus and throughout my entire life I KNEW it was the foundation of his life! He told everyone how much he loved Christ.  

He had suffered such physical pain throughout this battle and I never heard him complain even once, instead praising the God that gave him life. Throughout his battle he'd have good years here and there....here is a photo of my Grandparents and myself at my Little brother's High school graduation in May of 2010.  I never realized - until looking at this photo - how much I resemble my Grandpa. :)

Grandma, Grandpa, Sus - May 2010

He was a very proud man and especially proud of his children and grandchildren.  As I was growing up (lived less than 2 miles from them) I remember thinking that I must be one of his most favorite people in the world because he always asked to spend time with me, often coming over to pick me up to go fishing.  When I got older I realized he treated all of his grandchildren that way. My cousins, siblings, and I say  that kiddos who are not able to experience Grandparents who truly want to invest in the lives of their grandchildren are getting  cheated!

I don't ever remember - even once - turning on the TV! We were always out fishing with Grandpa, baking with Grandma, making play dough saddles to put on our My Little Ponies (Grandpa perfected this - right at the kitchen table), playing Frog soccer, picking up walnuts, "Riding" on the round bales when he moved them to the hay lot with the tractor, or driving (I never told my parents that he was the one who taught me how to drive).  

My sister and I, along with 2 of my youngest cousins, were only a few years apart so we had many sleepovers at Grandma & Grandpa's house....my most Cherished memory was being put to sleep laying across Grandpa's chair with a plastic tractor running over my back...I know it's so silly but it is a memory I will remember the rest of my life. I had lunch with Grandma yesterday after church and took a picture of my beloved Tractors.  They are most likely older than I am and mean so much to me.

He was such an instrumental part of my childhood and I will feel that void for the rest of my life. While I will continue to miss him I rejoice at the thought of seeing him again one day in Heaven because of our shared faith in Jesus Christ.

Rachel, Grandma, Grandpa, Sus, & Ben - May 2010

Robert William Gardner, the only son of Paul Theron and Mildred Fern (Reese) Gardner was born on August 16, 1935 near Collins, Missouri. God called him to his Heavenly Home on July 1, 2013 at Sac-Osage Hospital after a 23 year hard fought battle with cancer. 

Robert attended Ashworth and Rainey grade schools, then Faith Bible Academy at Roach, Missouri. In 1951 he met the love of his life, Bonny Wheeler, at Vista Baptist Church and on August 16, 1955, he married that love. To this happy union God gave two wonderful children, Jeanie Floyd and Lynn Gardner. Robert loved Ford tractors and farming. 

He was employed on the C.L. King Farm for 50 years. He often said he’d always lived within 3 miles of his birthplace. Robert loved helping people even if it was only pulling them up a slick snowy hill. His greatest thrill was to go “Muddin” with grandson Ben Gardner. 

At 6 years of age he accepted Jesus as his Savior and was baptized in the Sac River. In 1955 he was baptized again to join Vista Baptist Church. He loved to serve his Lord if he was needed as Sunday School Secretary, Adult Teacher, hauling children to Bible School, serving as Deacon or telling someone about Jesus. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Mildred Gardner. Robert is survived by his wife, Bonny Gardner; daughter, Jeanie (Fred) Floyd; son, Lynn Gardner; grandchildren, Susan (Randy) Williams, Rachel (Jeremy) Rothmayer, Ben Gardner, Robert (Melissa) Floyd, Stacy (David) Rogers, Heidi (Matt) Aton, Heather (Trent) Berry; great grandchildren, Cody Williams, Jay Rothmayer, Rylan Evans, Quinton Rogers, Allie, Sean, Kira and Emma Berry, Cole and Bo Aton; his sister, Luella (Bill) Meloy; nieces, nephews, cousins and many, many friends and neighbors. 

Thanks for listening to me blubber on today...I'll be sure to post something FANTASTICALLY CRAFTY tomorrow! 

Blessings, Sus 

Be A PRETEND Hostess with this Exclusive offer!

Don't you lOVE the Hostess Bundles on Page 3 of our Idea book? They are EXCLUSIVELY available to Qualifying Party Hostesses only......UNTIL today! I am offering this special through Myself-as an Independent Consultant....it is not a corporate sponsored campaign.

The next (3) $50 orders placed on my shopping website (You must "JOIN" the BANNER JUNE Gathering) will receive the opportunity to purchase their choice of one of the 4 bundles!

Bundle #1 - Retail $119.81 -  EXCLUSIVELY yours for only $52.53

 Each bundle is a 50% retail savings with NO shipping or Tax charges applied to them! You will only be responsible for shipping charges FROM me TO you (if you are not local)! 

 

Bundle #2 - Retail $121.69 - EXCLUSIVELY yours for only $53.35

This is a CRAZY Bargain on a bundle that is ONLY available for hosting a qualifying Gathering!

Bundle #3 - Retail $120.26 - EXCLUSIVELY yours for only $52.73

Remember, you are only responsible for the Discounted price of the Bundle and the shipping costs FROM ME to You! WOW! 

Bundle #4 - Retail $117.87 - EXCLUSIVELY yours for only $51.68

Would you rather have one of our Amazing Cricut Cartridge collections instead of a bundle? No problem! You may choose ANY bundle or Item from our Spring/Summer Idea book at a 50% off savings! Just for ordering product that you would order anyway! Whoot! 

Now, let's do some double dipping....you need to order $50 of regular merchandise to be able to purchase the bundles, right? Be sure to toss in any A-D sized stamp set and Close to My Heart will send you (2) of our White Chipboard Milk cartons FREE with your order! 

Did you also know that your $50 order qualifies you to purchase the June Stamp of the month for only an extra $5? Isn't it CUTE?! :)

Okay, so if you have added the June Stamp of the Month to your order I will also send you (2) of my June Stamp of the Month Seed Packet Card kits FREE as well! I have even created an assembly tutorial for you so you can re-create more cards with ease! 

Card with the tag tucked inside the pocket.

 

Pulling the tag out....

Sliding the Seed packet out of the tag.

The inside....

Cute, huh?! You will get (2) complete kits for these cards as well as emailed instructions. :) 

 

Girls! We're talking about CRAZY savings with this deal!

So, to refresh.....
* Join the BANNER JUNE party on my website
* Place your order of $50
* I'll contact you to get your Bundle choice
* You are getting a TON of Great product!

DO IT! Exclusive offers like these don't happen everyday....Order, Your husband will LOVE you for it! :)

Claire is in DA HOUSE!

My Ladies have been asking for Claire Kits for a while....it seems like a very popular paper kit.  I finally had some time in between projects to work a few up! There are more to come of course! :)

Lots of Thanks for Jennifer Thompson Cox for the inspiration and of course the Stamp Goddess for her patterns. :) 

This 'So Sweet' Claire Layout is super simple but also super cute! You can find it for sale - among others - in my Ebay Shop or My Facebook Business Site.  

I do love all aspects of this layout...the Buttons and Glitter Gems being top of the list! :)

And it has Lots of Photo Spaces! :)

As well as Journaling Space! :) 

Come take a look at my inventory! or take a peek at THIS previous blog post about why my Pre-cut Layout kits are such a great value and time saver! :) 

If you'd like to purchase any of my pre-cut kits or if you should have any questions about kits or Close to my Heart please do not hesitate to Shout at me! You can email me HERE or message me on Ebay or Facebook! :)  

Blessings Friends!

Sus

Did you know Close to My Heart can create CUSTOM Acrylix Stamps?!

That's right! Have you just been flipping past the page when you look at your idea book? I used to do that! :)

Here is a section from page 115 in the Close to My Heart Spring/Summer 2013 Idea Book. 

It's hard to believe you can get a Custom stamp (up to 4 lines) for less than $10! (Holy Smokes!)

I have several of these, Here is the latest one I've purchased.  I felt it was appropriate to update my information now that I have a blog and a new shopping website address. :) 

Did you also know that Close to my Heart makes all of our stamps 'in house'? My custom stamp didn't slow my order time at all! I got it in the same amount of time as all other product orders! They are SUPER FAST! :) Okay, back to business.....

They are address label sized and come in a small zip top bag. 

Now, I know this makes some people's heart jump but...yes, that is an exact o knife! Hello, I'm Susan and I'm a 'stamp cutter'! I like the ability to use all 4 lines or only part of them.  I use my custom stamps for projects I create to sell, custom gifts, handmade cards, marking my idea books, Christmas Cards, Thank you Cards....Wouldn't your Christmas cards go much faster stamped/signed with your Family greeting?! :) 

So, yes...I do cut them into pieces.  No worries kids, they just stick right back on the block next to each other....you'd never even know! :) 

Be sure to take the plastic backing off your stamp, if not it won't stick to your acrylic block. :)

I wanted to share this small bit of information with you so I could tell you this....Close to my Heart announced a few months ago that they were discontinuing the Custom Stamps.  You will only have until July 31st to order them.  The price can not be beat and the Quality is the same quality that you are already enjoying with our Acrylix Stamp line!  

While on the 'shop' section of my website just type "Custom" in the search section (upper left corner of the screen) and THIS is what you'll see. You will then be directed to another screen (no worries, the rest of your order is safe and you will be directed back to it) with steps to choose your font and information, then click "save stamps" and you'll be returned to your original order.  Easy as can be! :) 

I challenge you to think of uses for your Custom stamp and be sure to get them ordered before they're gone! :) 

Don't forget all of the June Specials going on this month! Free Card Kits, Free Mini Banners, Giving to Oklahoma and the USO! LOTS going on!  

Thanks for joining me today Friends! 

Blessings, Sus 

Let’s Get Patriotic! Just another reason to love CTMH!

And the Constant Campaigns just keep on coming!

Celebrate military service and promote patriotism with new patriotic stamp sets from Close to my Heart —available only from June 1 to July 31, 2013. Three dollars from each B-size My Acrylix^® Courage stamp set and $5 from each D-size My Acrylix^® Home of the Brave stamp set will be donated to the USO, the leading, most recognized military-support and services organization in the country. Show your support with your own patriotic stamp set!

 

Aren't they Darling?! (Squealing with Delight!) And how about some more Double Dippin'!? Purchasing any of these stamp sets on a $25 order from my WEBSITE qualifies you to receive one of the My Creations® Mini Banners Absolutely FREE! Close to my Heart will toss it right in your order box, no sales tax, no shipping charges, Totally free! I Love free stuff, don't you? 

And remember, all orders purchasing the June Stamp of the Month can get in on my card kit special! Read previous Blog posts HERE. :)

We've got some Great campaigns going on this month, don't ya think?! I Looooooove it! :) 

Thank you for joining me again today! I can't wait to get my Patriotic stamps in the mail this week so I can share some artwork with you! :) 

Blessings, Sus

Dream Pop 'Sweet Birthday' Card

I'm not sure how long it will take me to be tired of the Dream Pop...it is such Fabulous paper, I do hope you purchased some last month!  

This card has so many Elements that I Absolutely LOVE! Glitter Paper, Waxy flax, Buttons, Pin Clips...I LOOOOVE it!

You can find all of those Darling embellishments listed above right here on my Close to My Heart Shopping Website!

The embellishments even spilled over into the inside! :)

 

Do you love this card? Want to send it to someone special in celebration of their birthday? Well you CAN! 

I have cut a few pre-stamped/pre-cut 'card kits' for this project and they are available for purchase at the bottom of this post! 

 

These kits are a Fantastic Price! Only $4 (including shipping to you) each....That's a HALLMARK STEAL! :)

Click on the 'buy-it-now' secure  link below to purchase through Paypal, you can also message me on Facebook or submit an email to reserve yours today! :)

Throwback Thursday!

Carrying on with the Fad....:)

I must admit, this 'Throwback Thursday' is kind of fun! It has been a blast going back through old artwork folders seeing projects I created years ago! 

It's also encouraging to me to see "how far I've come"...wouldn't you say Crafting is like most of life, whereas we learn, grow, and continue to get better over time?! I would! :)  

Here are some cards I created back in the Spring of 2011! And YES, I did emboss and TRIM all of those Beautiful flourishes! :) 

Thanks for joining me again today....short and sweet. :) 

Blessings Friends,

Sus 

Free June 'Stamp of the month' Card kits with your order!

Throughout the end of the month, all customers who purchase the June Stamp of the Month will receive (2) of these Adorable Seed Packet card kits absolutely free! I'll ship them right to your door!

You will receive (2) of everything pictured.  :)

I am currently working on the step by step tutorial (The files will be emailed to you) for assembly of these kits as well as measurements and cricut sizes so that you can duplicate more of these at home. :) 

Here is the card while the tag and packet is tucked inside.....

Showing you how it pulls out of the envelope.....

Showing how the seed packet just slips out of the tag....

Up close look at the pull-out tag that holds the seed packet....

And the inside....

If you'd like (2) of these card kits as well as assembly information for creating more just place your order on my Shopping Website  HERE.  You must purchase the June Stamp of the Month (so you can create your cards of course).  Also be sure to check out the While Supplies Last Clearance section HERE....lots of items only $1! (BIG SMILE!) Clearance items DO COUNT toward your purchase! (SMILE AGAIN!) 

Be sure to click "Join" on the BANNER JUNE gathering on the Home page of my website (or just before you checkout) :) :) 

Annnnd! Don't forget, if you purchase an additional A-D sized stamp set (in addition to your June Stamp of the Month) You will receive a FREE Mini Banner with your order! The smiles just keep on coming! :)

Okay, Lots of information to 'take in' :) :) I bet our husband's don't have this much fun fishing! :) :)

Blessings Friends!

Sus