Best Friends Forever

Have you ever met someone and instantly become best friends? I had the pleasure of meeting three such ladies who have quickly become my BFF's. Barb Sinclair, Nancy Ball and Jackie Lupien are fellow Close to My Heart consultants, and fellow Canucks. We had arranged to meet all Canadian consultants just before registration at convention. Yep, that's how we met, simple, but after spending time together, quickly became friends. We laughed at the same things (however stupid) and enjoyed each other's company. We have become "Tweeker Sisters".

Jackie made each of us a decorated card box, card portfolio and cards. Now she added her own special flare by adding Edmonton Oiler mitts and chocolates. She used the paper packet Fanfare from CTMH and decorated with buttons, edge distressing and pop dots. Love everything (well except the Oiler mitts - ha ha ha )

Barb simply amazed me with her creative thinking. The hanging banner will go in my office at work. It is created with the tiles from the Memory Game, inked with Stazon, covered with Roxie paper packet and stamped with Live (Every moment) Love (simple pleasures) Laugh (until your heart overflows) The 5 tiles are strung with an organdy ribbon and tie with a bronze brad. I hope you can see all the details in this project. I think a workshop may be forthcoming on this project!!!

Nancy's project is on it's way and I'll post pictures as soon as it arrives.

I cannot wait to see these three ladies again in Dallas, site of Convention 2012. Dallas in July - - we must be crazy!!! I made each of the ladies a "Dallas" 6 X 6 quick pic album which they will be able to fill with pictures and treasures from convention.

Barb, Jackie & Nancy - my BFF's and lifelong friends.

Merry Christmas - Happy Holidays

To all my friends, fellow consultants and family, Merry Christmas. It's hard to believe another year has come and gone, but it has. In reflecting on 2011 I'm reminded of a few changes:

- a new job - I left the insurance industry after more years than I want to tell you (22 years at a large Canadian Insurer) and started at a small law firm. I am loving it and am energized by learning new things every day.

- a wedding - my eldest son, Matthew, married Jenna on May 14th. It was a beautiful day, very special, and full of special touches from them both.

- two new grandpuppies - Jenna & Matt bought Obi - a fawn Great Dane, which ironically was born on their wedding day. David & Jen bought Thor - a Bagel (Beagle/Bassett Hound cross) who was born in August.

- a new house - David & Jen bought their first house in December and are loving the pride of new home ownership. It's exciting to see my youngest purchase his first home, and share in that excitement.

- Disneyland - Convention 2011 for Close To My Heart was held at Disneyland in Anaheim, California. I met three amazing fellow Canadians at Convention who have become great friends. I treasure the friendship of Nancy, Jackie and Barb and feel like these ladies have been friends for years and years. I can't wait to see them again in Dallas - July 2012.

David & Jen accompanied me on the trip and we had such fun together. I think every Mom should have the chance to have time with their children on a trip like this. Jen and I had the opportunity to chat at the pool and I loved seeing her experience her first palm tree, I-Hop, and the joy of Disneyland.

- My mother-in-law celebrated her 80th birthday in April and said it was the best day of her life. It was such a joy to see her so happy and receive the good wishes of family and friends. This lady travelled to Canada from Holland following WWII to start a new life. She didn't know any English, didn't have a job, suffered terrible sea-sickness and married in a new Country as soon as she arrived. An amazing feat that I'm sure I'm not up to.

- My mom underwent major surgery to remove a tumor on her petuitary gland. She had been complaining of losing her peripheral vision, and with several nurses and an optomotrist in the family, we quickly scooped her to a hospital that my sister works at. She recovered remarkably well and we are looking forward to celebrating her 80th birthday in February 2012.

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a very happy holiday season. I heard a great saying the other day and want to share it.

May you receive everything you ever wanted in your stocking this Christmas.

Cheers,

Jennifer

Rock the Block Promotion

Christmas Wishes

Our family Christmas party with all my brothers and sisters along with nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews was held last Sunday at my sister's house. We had so much fun with the little ones. Imagine my surprise when Santa took time out of his busy schedule to visit with us.

First up to visit Santa was Rylan (my great-nephew). I am sure he asked for something related to Cars. He is a big Lightning McQueen fan and taught me a lot at supper. Oh and he taught me his new phrase. "Hey baby, how you doin'" He kept me entertained all through supper

Abby (my great-niece) chatted with Santa telling him what a good girl she had been all year. I'm not sure what she asked for, but I know she is shoe girl, and very girly so maybe something for her closet.

Haidee (my great-niece) was so sweet with Santa. She wanted a Barbie jet. Now when I played with Barbie's all she had was an RV, so I guess Barbie has moved up in the world. Santa told her he was sure she was such a good little girl he thought it may be under her tree.

It seems not everyone is a fan of Santa. Peyton (my great-niece) had to be rescued by her mom. No way was she sitting on Santa's knee. She didn't want anything to do with him.

As part of the Christmas party, we also had a bridal shower for my nephew, Ryan, and his fiance Tiffany. I can't wait for their wedding this June. It will be so much fun to get together with family again. We live all over the province so don't get together very often.

And lastly, I wanted to share a card I made called Christmas Wishes. The card follows the Mojo Monday 219 sketch. I used retired Mistletoe CTMH paper, cranberry, black and new england ivy cardstock, 2" scalloped punch, all CTMH and 1 3/4" circle punch from Stampin Up. The image is from father time stamp set, from CTMH, and coloured with Copic markers. I hope you enjoy.

I want to wish everyone a very happy holiday season, Merry Christmas from me and my family to you and yours.

Jennifer

Holiday Season

I promise I have been very busy in my craft room, and I would love to show you what I've been up to, but.... they are Christmas gifts, so the pictures will have to wait.

The holiday season is very busy, but I hope you are all able to take some time to relax and get into your crafting.

The cowboy card was a big hit with my nephew and his fiance. He kept checking the back to see where it was from, despite reassurances it was handmade. Too cute for words. My daughter-in-law Jenna made the cake - a cowboy stetson which was as good to eat as it was to look at. I'll post a picture of it soon.

I had such fun at our family Christmas party. Santa made an appearance and despite a few cries was a huge hit!!! The wish lists were put in again and all the kids assured Santa they had been very good all year long.

I will post pictures of artwork and the Christmas party soon, so be sure to pop back in to check. Until then, everyone have a safe, happy, and joyous holiday season.

Jennifer

Congratulations Card

My nephew is getting married this Spring. The extended family lives across Ontario and so his Bridal Shower is this weekend. He and his fiance are horse lovers, and Ryan is a steer wrestler in the rodeo.

I couldn't resist a cowboy themed congratulations card for them. This card uses two of my favourite paper folding techniques to make the shirt and the skirt. Of course, no cowboy would be complete without his silver belt buckle so I had to add this cute silver embossed buckle to my cowboy outfit.





All supplies used are CTMH.
Stamp Set - From Me to You
Lovely Buckles (retired)

Paper packet - Sarsparilla (retired)

Misc. - licorice opaques, silver embossing powder, black ink.

I hope you enjoy this cute card as much as I enjoyed making it for the happy couple to be.

Jennifer

Holiday Tags

Do you need some Holiday Tags? Let me show you how easy it is with our new Art Philosphy Cricut Cartridge and co-ordinating stamp sets. Watch this video. Last date to order for Christmas - December 6, 2011!!!




Isn't that great.