April Scrap & Chat Cards

This was the layout we made in April for our Scrap & Chat club. We used the stamp set from Tickled Pink to make our own pattern paper.

Get "Tickled Pink" in May!!!

Receive this beautiful scrapbook kit with stamp set and embelishments (retail $34.95) for FREE with a $60 purchase of My Acrylix Stamp Sets! Kits available April 15th - May 31st (or while supplies last!)

February Scrap & Chat Layout

I am back at posting on my blog again. Our computer crashed and I lost the software to load my photos. So I am so excited to be back at sharing what I love...scrapbooking and stamping.

February Special Starts on the 3rd

In honor of Close To My Heart being in business for 25 years in February, you can get this darling stamp set for FREE with a minimum $25 purchase in stamp sets. What a great way to celebrate 25 years!!!

January Key To My Heart Promotion

This stamp set is so awesome! Plus the paper that comes with it is beautiful!!! This is a stampset that I know I will use over and over again. It is only available until Jan. 31st for only $47.90.

January Scrap & Chat Club Layout

Here is the layout we did for the January 2009 Scrap & Chat Club. Now I need to get busy and take some pictures of the girls all snuggled up in blankets after playing out in the snow.

Here is my other layout for the Close To My Heart Idea Book

Here is the other layout that I did for the Idea Book. It is of our youngest daughter, and her teddy named, Minty. So adorable! She loves that teddy bear so much and even has several outfits for Minty to wear, including a matching outfit (which is in the pictures).

Wow!!! My Artwork is in the Close To My Heart Idea Book!!!

I had the honor of being asked to do artwork for the newest Close To My Heart Idea Book. Wow, what an honor!!! It was so much fun to play with, yet difficult because I only had the one paper packet and stickers to work with. There was no room for boo boo's. Our girls were thrilled to see their pictures in the Idea Book!

*NEW 2009 Close To My Heart Idea Book

The brand NEW Close To My Heart Idea Book is now available. I think I say this every time, and here I go again, I think that this is the best artwork ever! I know, I know I will most likely say it again when the Summer Idea Book comes out. To view the Idea Book online click www.barbkelm.myctmh.com

Close To My Heart Christmas Card

What a beautiful Christmas card I received from Close To My Heart! And on top of that I also got a beautiful silver bracelet with heart charms. Close To My Heart sends out gifts and hand-made cards to all of the directors. What a special surprise!!!

Girls Christmas Photo

Every year I try to come up with a new idea or prop for our Christmas card. This year I found the silver, glittery snowflakes at the Dollar Store. They were perfect and went so great with the dresses. And what a deal! I then strung them up with fish-line and hung them. Now I need to get busy on getting my Christmas cards out!

Mystery Hostess Project

We made this 2 page layout at my Mystery Hostess Night last week. The paper used Creative Basics Evensong Collection. Stamp sets used were the December Word Puzzle D1313

, and the Oct. stamp of the month. For the "Joy" title I used the font Daydream from the Font CD, Volume 2. And of course I had to use sparkles. The sparkles were clear. I just colored over the tops with a red permanent marker. I love these sparkles!

Last layout for Evensong - Workshop on the Go

Here is the last layout for the Evensong, Workshop on the Go. Now I need to get busy and get some pictures on my layouts.

Here is the actual layout that we will be making on the 18th of this month. I love the sparkles, they add so much! Unfortunately, the camera doesn't pick it up.

"Tradition" Layout

This layout is done using CTMH's new program called Workshop On The Go. The paper used is Evensong and looks so great with photos. Now I just need to get my photos on there!

I will be posting the other 2 layouts that come with the Workshop On The Go. I just have to do some final touches before I can post them.

This workshop will be taught at my house Dec. 18th and is also available to be mailed to you. If you would like more info., please contact me.

O Christmas Tree

I have been busy decorating for Christmas and pulled out this Advent Christmas Tree that I made 2 years ago. It is one of my daughters favorite decorations! Each day they love to pull out the treats inside of each box.

I made the tree using match boxes. I don't think I will ever run out of matches...lol. I simply covered the boxes with paper and then decorated the front and back of each box. Each box was done with different decorations. Hope you enjoy! If you make one for yourself, I'd love to see what you come up with!

Snowflake Transparency Card

1. Stamp your image on transparency using Archival Black or Black Staz On.

2. Next mix a couple of drops of re-inker with Create-A-Shade Pearl Paint. I used Close To My Heart, Crystal Blue. And then paint on the center of your card. I used a dauber to do this.

3. Next line up your transparency stamped image, to make sure the paint is covering enough of the paper so that it extends a little bit outside your stamped image. Then remove the transparency.

4. Now you can stamp your sentiment using the same color ink as what you used to mix with you paint color.

5. Take the transparency and line up over your card and punch 2 holes and then secure with ribbon. I then added some Sparkles to the transparency and wha la. This card is much prettier in person and has lots of sparkle.

This card was inspired by my friend, Sara Curl. She showed me a card she made using a Christmas Tree stamp set. It was so darling I had to try and make my own version, using Close To My Heart products. Thank you, Sara for sharing your creativeness!!!

French Silk Pie

This is the best French Silk Pie Recipe EVER!!! This is my mom's recipe and it is so delicious! It is tradition to have this along with Pumpkin Pie for Thanksgiving. I made both pies last night and I am keeping my fingers crossed that they taste o.k.!

So here is the recipe. Hope you enjoy!

Pre-baked pie shell

Use small mixer bowl
3/4 cup butter softened
1 cup sugar
2 1/2 squares unsweetened chocolate (melt and let cool)
1/4 salt
3 pasturized eggs
1/2 tsp. vanilla

In the bowl whip the butter until fluffy. Then gradually add in the sugar while mixing. Now add the melted choc. and salt and mix. Next add 1 egg and beat for 2 min., then another egg and beat for 2 min. and your final egg and beat for 2 min.. Add your vanilla and stir into mixture. Pour into chilled baked pie shell. Ta da. Hope you enjoy!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

This little turkey was made using the Playful Petals stamp set. I used the petals to make the feathers. Colors used: Barn Red, Honey, and Autumn Terracota.