Merry Christmas!!!!

<sup>This year has brought many changes for me - not the least of which was my retirement October 30, 2015.  You would think I would have more time now that I'm not working full time but days seems to fill up faster than ever. 

I am so grateful for all the blessings life has provided for me and wanted to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Joyous Holiday Season.  May 2016 bring you all you wish for - especially, health, happiness and peace.</sup>

Oh and as a resolution for the New Year I promise to keep up with my blog!!!  I'm looking forward to participating in some challenges and of course lots of new artwork.

Until then,

Enjoy

Jennifer

Double Duty

I love the Workshop on the Go program at Close to My Heart.  This is a great way to get your projects completed faster and simpler.

The scrapbooking WOTG comes with a paper package, embellishment, exclusive stamp set and full colour WOTG, often also with extra cardstock. Card making WOTG also come with an exclusive stamp set, embellishments, full colour instructions and 15 card bases & envelopes.

Now while I love the WOTG program, I want to be able to use that exclusive stamp set over and over again in different ways.  

Let me show you how:

 This is the completed card making WOTG - I was able to make 15 cards with 3 designs - all ready to send out.

When finished I still have the fern thick twine and bitty sparkles left over and of course I have the stamp set to add to my collection.

I then completed a 2 page layout using the stamp set, the leftover bitty sparkles.

The trees I fancy cut and popped up in layers, used the zip strip to add some interest and stamped the wreath directly onto the cardstock.


So you can see the stamp set was used in both a card kit and then again on a layout - double duty, more bang for your buck.  I now have my :Christmas cards ready to send along and my layout ready for those fun Santa pictures.

Enjoy,

Jennifer

It's in the Bag

Happy October - fall is definitely in the area.  The leaves are changing colour an the temperature is dropping. October brings some great news from Close to My Heart.

When a new Consultant signs up during October, they will receive the 2015 Close To My Heart Convention bag FREE in their New Consultant Kit! They can then travel in style with this trendy and eye-catching cross body bag, perfectly sized for carrying layouts, paper packets, and projects that are in-progress. Along with the items found in the newly revamped New Consultant Kit, this bag will help New Consultants start their business with confidence and flair! 

This is a fabulous bag that every consultant would like to own, but is available only to new consultants FREE!!!!

Contact me today to join Paper Traditions and the CTMH family.


Jennifer

"UP"

When I heard the theme for CTMH Convention 2015 was based on the movie "UP" I was lost.  I had never watched the movie, didn't know the characters...squirrel.

 Ha ha ha - yeah that part I now get.  What came to my mind as a proud Canadian was, of course, "Up" by Shania Twain - - Up, up, up, things can only go up from here..... (you're singing it now too aren't you?)

There are so many great things we get to do at Convention is create artwork designed by the art team at home office.  The artwork brings into play awesome new products, techniques and a different "view" on scrapbooking.

Using the fabulous new watercolour paper and paints, we created the sky background for this "UP" layout.

Balloons and house are cut with the new Artistry cricut cartridge.

Accents are with new gold fundamentals and enchantment fundamental complements.

An exclusive to convention attendees stamp set created the clouds, and sentiments.

So.... I loved this layout so much I decided to shrink the layout to a card.

Voila... this is my "UP" card.  I absolutely love how it turned out.

Participants at my launch party will be creating this card to make their day magical.

 Of course, Convention also means lots of photo opportunities!!!!

Stay tuned for more artwork and maybe you'll be inspired to re-create your favourite!!!


Enjoy,

Jennifer

A Few of my Favourite Things!!!

I thought I would share with you a few of my favourite things from the 2015-2016 Annual Inspirations and Holiday Expressions catalogues.  Some of the items are new to these books and some are good old standbys that I can't live without.

So, let's get started - - in no particular order cause we can't have a single favourite can we!!!! :)

10.  Cricut Collections - CTMH offers five different cricut collections - each with over 700 images.  New in this release, the collections are being offered with cardstock (instead of die cut shapes), plus three co-ordinating stamps only available with the collection.  Whether you choose Art Philosophy, Artiste, Artbooking, Artfully Sent or the new Artistry you won't be disappointed!!!

9.  Organization - I'm stylin' with my lagoon chevron co-ordinated rolling tote, shoulder tote, marker roll-up and accessory roll-up.  You can fit more than you'll need for a day crop or a weekend retreat with these organization items.  

8.  Micro-tip non-stick scissors - Love, love, love the micro-tip non-stick scissors.  These babies are worth their weight in gold!!!!  Easily cut thru sticky foam tape and move onto paper or twine and no problem!!!!

7.  Fine point tweezers - These are my third hand - I use them constantly from picking up tiny pieces to adhere to your work, to tying bows - my tweezers are always within reach.

6.  Exclusive Inks - Always ready with an up-to-date colour pallette, CTMH exclusive inks are top notch.  They are water based dye inks which soak into your paper.  Also available are pigment inks, Shin-Han alcohol markers and soon to be added Memento tuxedo black ink.  

5.  How-To Books - Whether you are a card maker or a scrapbooker, CTMH has the How-To Book for you.  There are eight volumnes to choose from which all have full colour sketches and samples for easy cutting and assembly.  Turn each sketch 90 degrees for a completely different look.

4.  Paper - A package for every season, reason and papercrafter there is.  Whether you purchase the paper package collection, a fundamental assortment or glittery goodness you will fall in love with CTMH paper.  You can distress, ink, cut and stamp to your hearts content - this paper will take it!!!

3.  Base & Bling - This is such a fun line - not just for jewellery - you can add the 'bling" as embellishments to your cards and layouts.  Although only a necklace chain is sold, you can shorten to a bracelet and make a customized charm bracelet for you & a friend.  

2.  Kits - The "cut above" kits come with everything you need to put together great cards.  I love these kits for quick, easy cards.  They are great for beginner to advanced cardmaker.

1.  My Acrylix - Did I save the best for last.... CTMH My Acrylix are clear polymer stamps making your stamped images easy to place.  There is such a wide variety they appeal to every papercrafter, whether you are a card maker or a scrapbooker.  

What are your favourite things?  I'd love to hear what & why!!!  

Enjoy

Excitement Overload

It's September 1st - - where has the summer gone?  Kiddos are getting ready to head back to school and mom & dads are trying to get back into a routine.

September 1st means the new 2015-2016 Annual Inspirations and Holiday Expressions are live and ready for you to drool over.  It also means that I can share with you all the great projects created at convention and since I've had my goodies in hand.

If you don't have these idea books in hand, have a peak on-line http://jenniferkelly.ctmh.com/ctmh/products/online-idea-book.aspx








September is also National Stamping Month and to celebrate CTMH has three (3) new stamp sets - each valued at $16.50 each or all three for $41.50 (savings of $8.00)

The Stamp of the Month for September is a must have for sure.  I love this stamp set and have been playing with it for a while.  I've created a couple of cards showing the diversity of the set.

 This was my first try at a flower pot card.  I layered the flowers and added a gold sparkle gem in the centre.  The pot is embossed with the woodgrain embossing folder.

 I added some glacier twine and popped up the sentiment - Thanks A Bunch with foam tape.  The card will fit in a standard A2 envelope.

The addition of watercolour paints & paper to the CTMH line has been a hit with consultants.  I love how easy it is to create a fun background and have used varying hues of pink for this card.





I'm looking forward to sharing much more artwork with you and would love to read your comments.

Enjoy,

Jennifer

Colouring for Therapy

Hello, my name is Jennifer, and I love to colour!!!   A brand new box of crayons and fresh colouring book would send me to my happy place for hours on end when I was little.    Well, it might not be an 8 pack of Crayola crayons anymore, but I can still spend hours on end in my happy place.  Colouring relaxes me, it de-stresses me, it makes me smile, so imagine reading that colouring can be considered therapy!!!

So.... here are some of my recent colouring projects.
 
My mom is a quilter so this is one of my favourite images.  It is an Impression Obsession stamp.  The paper, ribbon is CTMH (retired.)

Gus is also an Impression Obsession stamp.  The sentiment stamp, paper, and studs are CTMH.

Can't you just picture your favourite Gus sitting in his lawn chair taking in the surroundings.








I wanted to show how you can still do a quick card once your image is coloured.  This is a Picture My Life card, cut down to fit a standard 4 1/4" X 5 1/2" card base.  Cut out the image, pop it up with foam tape, and add some sequins and you're finished.

This image is from High Hopes Rubber Stamps - all about boys.

I love this new stamp set from CTMH called Balloon Wishes.  I coloured the image with Shin Han Markers (available from CTMH).  This stamp set is available free with purchase of the Marker Roll-Up only in August 2015.







How fun is this kangaroo sending birthday wishes.  I love this stamp set (now retired) from CTMH, and the beautiful Confetti Wishes paper package. Note how the image can be used on similar cards but still look unique.





So, pull out your favourite colouring medium and relax!!!

Enjoy,

Jennifer

Wrap it up in August

Where is this summer going?  It is just flying by.  I spent a lovely week in California for the annual Close to My Heart convention having a great time with friends and fellow consultants.  The new Annual Inspirations will be live September 1st and you are going to love, love, love everything!!!

CTMH has released some new products for August, along with a great special for organizing all your products.

First up:

Accessory Roll-up

When you order an accessory roll up during August you will also receive two sheets of Base and Bling stickers FREE.  The accessory roll up can be used for some many things including embellishments along with your base and bling.

I'm going to use one for my jewellery when I travel.  With 16 separate compartments and an easy roll - this will fit great in my suitcase and keep my jewellery nice and tidy - easy to see in the clear pockets.





There's more:

Marker Roll-up

I am in love with this new product.  The roll-up fits all 26 Shin Han Markers snug in elastic and then rolls up to fit in your tote.

Order the marker roll up during August and you'll receive the Dream Big stamp set for FREE!!!

This is a great stamp set for colouring,and paper piecing.





Wait - don't forget the SOTM:

The cute August SOTM is called Framed and contains 12 images of sentiments and frames perfect for any occasion.

This set is available only during the month of August (2015).








Last but not least - there's a new girl in town - ZOE!!!

   
The colours are so pretty - glacier, slate, sorbet, sweet leaf, canary, whisper and white daisy are featured.  The patterns are classic grid, polka dot, houndstooth, chevron and diamonds.

This is a great paper package you're going to fall in love with over and over.








So until September 1st, I hope this advance tides you over.

Enjoy,

Jennifer

July is Special

Wow - July is here and hopefully with it the warmer weather.  Here in Southern Ontario we have been having cooler than normal temperatures and rain.  So I'm going to brighten your day with great July specials from Close to My Heart.

 First up is the beautiful Life is Wonderful stamp set.  This is available only for the month of July 2015 and you can receive it for only $5.00 with a purchase of $50.00.

This stamp set is great for chalk images - just use your white pigment ink.

As you can see it is great for scrapbookers and card makers alike.  It adds the perfect touch.

Not only can you receive the July SOTM at a discounted price but you can also receive any of the Hostess stamp sets for only $5.00 with a qualifying purchase of $35.00 in stamps during the month of July 2015.

So... if there are any hostess stamp sets you want to add to your collection, July is the month to do it.






Enjoy,

Jennifer

Happy Birthday from Confetti Wishes

I remember when I was little counting down the days until my birthday.  Now... not so much.  There are some birthdays now that we're at a certain age that demand a party.  My two brother-in-laws celebrated their 50th birthday within a couple of days of each other. Their wives planned a surprise combined party for them & actually were able to pull it off right up to the "surprise" !!!!  It was such a fun evening with family and friends celebrating the milestone with them.

Susan Williams created a fabulous workshop using Confetti Wishes which was absolutely perfect to document this event.

 Make a Wish  - - I love all the colours featured in Confetti Wishes.  Add some glittery gold bling and gold sparkle tape and the layout is perfect.

 The dance moves were pretty spectacular.  I love candid photos - they capture the spirit of the moment and bring the memories flooding back.

I needed two layouts to highlight those dance moves and special mom/dad son/daughter dances.

The afternoon was filled with games, food, and, of course, birthday cake.  The guys still didn't know the day was to continue on at the hall for dancing and partying.




When I was creating the layouts and then adding the pictures I couldn't help but smile at the memories created that night.  That's what scrapbooking is all about - documenting those little moments that become big moments in time.

Enjoy,

Jennifer

Thinking outside the Box?

One of my favourite CTMH consultants to follow is Lisa Stenz.  She is such a talented artist and always comes up with some fabulous ideas.

I had the pleasure of meeting Lisa at Convention 2014 and couldn't resist gushing.  Lisa is on the right, me in the middle and Pamela O'Connor on the left.  These ladies were so generous with their time to take pictures while they were preparing for onstage presentations.

Lisa's presentation was using the Pathfinding paper package, and she had created this gorgeous card box and 4 cards.  (along with a myriad of other fabulous projects)

I know I fell in love right away and happily snapped my pictures in the hopes I could also create.

This is a close up of a couple of the cards - the detail was amazing - embossing, cricut cuts, layers of paper and bling.

Ta- da!!  This is my version using the Blossom paper package.  I followed Lisa's design to creat the card box - I love how it turned out.

...and the four cards again using the Blossom paper package.

Perfect for all occasion and great for teacher end of year gifts.







I'm headed to Convention 2015 and can't wait to see what is in store for us this year.... the anticipation is just like Christmas for grown ups!!!

Enjoy,

Jennifer

Snow in July?

Snow in July?   Maybe in some parts but not where I live. We've started to warm up nicely and the boats and fisherman are out on the water.  The loons have returned and I love listening to them call to each other in the early morning.

The snow I'm talking about  isn't on the ground but in the Snowhaven Paper package!!   A very talented CTMH consultant, Susan Williams created a wonderful project using this paper and complements.  Add the black & glitter paper and some sparkles and you're finished.    I purchased this workshop from Susan to create and have available for you to purchase.  The workshop creates four 2 page layouts that are perfect for your winter pictures.

Layout #1

This is such a cute layout with sparkles galore.  The complements are chipboard pieces and add such cuteness to the layout.

Add a few sparkles and ta dah - you're finished.





Layout #2

 Warm & Cozy is the theme of this layout.  Makes me think of hot chocolate, skating, and fireplaces, and of course, sweaters.






Layout #3

Cheers to you and this layout with wonderful black glitter paper highlighting the red of the patterned paper.  Again the complements add the perfect embellishment - along with more sparkles.





Layout #4

Your spirit will be bright after making this layout.   The glacier and cranberry colours are complemented with silver glitter paper and holly berry complements.






If you would like to make these layouts, contact me today to find out how to get your free workshop.

Enjoy,

Jennifer

Confetti Wishes & Ice Cream

I can't tell you guys how much I love the June SOTM - this set is just sooooo cute!!!

I was inspired by a layout created by Liz Johnson to create this double page layout.  Confetti Wishes paper package is the perfect paper for this stamp set.

 It's fun to use patterned paper for photo mats to add a little extra interest.  I chose to use the checkered yellow pattern and then used the honey triangle washi tape for more texture.  The triangle pennants are a zip strip which continue the triangle pattern for continuity.  These zip strips are such a fun part of all paper packages from CTMH.  Don't throw them away!!!!

The thistle diagonal stripe ribbon brings some colour to the border of pacifica and honey.  This has quickly become one of my favourite embellishments.  A few bling from the purple glitter gems and this layout is finished.

I coloured all images with Copic markers - these are great images to colour and cut out for your layouts and cards.

This dog just makes me laugh - having 2 labs who like to steal any food that may be available,







I hope you have been inspired by this cute stamp set - it is only available for the month of June 2015!!!

Enjoy,


Jennifer