Uhhh...she actually used something other than CTMH!

Last night I was feeling so un-inspired, but had the need to create something. After making a huge mess trying out some random ideas, I decided that it was a great night to go visit my Mom with little Blake. While I was there I snagged her Papercrafts magazine (March 2008). Funny thing is that I purchased the subscription as a gift for her, but I have managed to collect nearly all of them for myself from her. I do promise to give them back, lol.

This card is a template provided in the magazine. I had to play with it and this was my second try. The first card I did by looking at the template and um, it turned out far too tall. Conner tells me that it is his "treasure chest." The adorable baubles are a "pay it forward" gift that I received in the mail yesterday (spectacular gift!). And I tried my best to create a faux metal buckle using CTMH Dimensional Elements and gold embossing powder, but it never ended up looking like I had hoped. So, I pulled out some of my Stampin' Up buckles and they were perfect for this!

Kitchen Mock Up

Here is the mock up of the kitchen we were given after picking out our cabinets. Now granted the final may not look like this because we ended up picking cabinets far beyond our budget (the guy didn't listen well and showed us an expensive line). I do think that it will end up looking close to this regardless of the cabinet selection. Any tips on where to put things like utensil drawers? Right now he has them right next to the stove. On the island is our sink and dishwasher.

What are you working on?

Close To My Heart's Convention is quickly approaching. Corporate hosts a contest and this years is called "Magic Moments." Our task is to complete five 2 page 12 x 12 layouts highlighting our everyday magic moments. I have gone back and forth on if I would complete one or not, we only have until July 1st to have it completed and postmarked. Our company is filled with uber talented ladies and the competition at last Convention was fierce (as in the artist created spectacular "out of the box" albums). Well, as of last week, I WAS NOT going to be stressing myself to complete the album. And then my dear Nona (who placed in the top ten last time) encouraged me again just to do a page or two at the very least. After all it is a great topic and just to think of having a completed album never mind trying to compete. So, now I have sat here over the last weekend working away during spare moments. I have my color combo selected and four of the page sets cut and prepared for pictures, embellishments and journaling. Wish me luck! I'll be sure to post as soon as the cut off date for our entries arrives (if I complete the album, lol).


P.S. The last time I almost didn't complete a contest but ended up doing it at the last minute, I placed in the top ten and here is that layout!

Just a little something...

I was cleaning up my computer files and realized that I haven't shared this super simple gift back that I made for a team swap. It is called a 2 4 6 8 bag. I don't know where I got the instructions from, but I am sure if you google it there are a hundred different sites. :)

Supplies: Starstruck stamp set, Good Times Paper Packet, Chocolate Waxy Flax, Brads and Buttercup Ink Pad. Visit www.CreatewithChristine.com for online shopping.

Last Comic Standing - Jeff Dye (from Seattle)

I am so exciting for this guy! He is a childhood friend and always seemed to be in trouble for clowning around. Now just look at him, he is touring as a full time comedian and is going to be on the Last Comic Standing. It looks like he'll be on next weeks show and makes it to the call back. I am so hoping that he makes it through that round and gets to be seen on the big stage. Check out his myspace page for some much better photos and a list of where you can check him out live! GO JEFF!

Kit of the Month - Our New Display Album

In honor of Father's Day, I am offering a brand new kit perfect as a gift for those special Dad's in your life. Kit includes full instructions, display album, pre-cut/stamped paper, ribbon and brads...everything you need to complete this adorable project except for adhesive. Save yourself the cost of gas and the time of shopping for a store bought gift. Order your kit (or several today) and give a gift from the heart.

Cost: $15.00

additional postage for shipped orders

- or see shopping list option

Order by email or phone!

CreatewithChristine@msn.com

(425) 413-4280

Alternate Choice - Whoops A Daisy

Shopping List

You may also prefer to purchase the supplies yourself to save on the additional postage. Great cost effective option if you are distant, plan on making numerous copies and are prepared to cut materials yourself. In order to receive the Kit on the Go, you must purchase $30 before taxes and shipping. Visit http://www.cwc.myctmh.com/ to shop online.

• Z1054 Display Album $7.95
• X7098B Sarsaparilla Level 2 Paper Packet $12.95
• X5666 Twillight Cardstock $9.50
• Z814 Cocoa Designer Ribbon Rounds $9.95
• Z1051 Bitty Brads $5.95
• Z1040 Antique Copper Brads $4.50
• C1307 Western Flourishes $18.95 (*don't forget acrylic blocks)
• Z2105 Black My Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad $5.25
• Z2305 Black My Exclusive Inks Marker $2.95
• Circle Punch (not necessary - but I used one)
• *X7099B Whoops A Daisy Level 2 Paper Packet $12.95
• *1386 Black Cardstock $9.50
• *Z2163 White Daisy My Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad $6.95
• *Z299 Basic Bigger Brads $12.95
• *Z816 White Daisy Ribbon Rounds $8.95
• 1514 Tombow Mono Adhesive $8.95
• Z534 Microtip Scissors $9.95
• Z261 Double Scrubber $14.95
• 1778 My Acrylix Spritz Cleaner

House Selections...

Yesterday was a very busy day. Our house is officially taking its' shape and feel. Here are a few of the items we selected. I don't have pictures of the door hardware, trim, flooring, tile, countertops or carpeting yet, when I get them I'll post them as well.

We selected brushed nickel for all plumbing fixtures, white trim/doors with oil brushed bronze and Knotty Alder with a burnishing stain for our cabinets. These items are just the beginning, I can't wait to show the flooring options we selected. So far, I'd say that our house has a warm earthy, but open feeling. It'll have some great character (at least I hope).

*This is not the exact front door we selected. It is similar. Ours has the two bottom panels and the stained glass appearance comprised of varying squares of glass in clear/textured/frosted with black leading.

No Kids Required...

I know that many of us have children as the main focus of our scrapbooking. Sure, it is easy to understand why. We want to remember every special moment of their lighting fast childhood. However, there are so many aspects to life that we should all take time to document. In preparation for my open house celebration, I created a layout showcasing a few of my favorite photos from my recent photography class. It was a blast to create and I just LOVE the new Boom-Di-Ada papers.I hope that you can see in the photo that I was able to create a shadow by stamping Barn Red and then adhering my cut out letters using the Boutique stamp set. I also, wrote part of the title in my own hand writing, something I don't know if I have ever done previously.
Normally, I am guilty of trying to use my absolute best writing when journaling (or I fall back on computer journaling). After seeing a fellow Consultants pages and noticing that they had such a great personal feel to them due to her wonderfully imperfect handwriting, I took a stab at simply just writing quickly. I worried that I would destroy my layout (I wrote after everything was already attached), but the pressure was a good thing and I am happy with the results.

Super duper good news...

Yesterday morning we received some extra special good news. We are approved for our financing on our home. Now we just have to get them our contract with our builder, a set of prints and the final numbers. As soon as we do that they'll send for an appraisal and as long as it appraises close to what we anticipate that it will, we are ready to go.

It was a bit of a scary situation since we are really pushing the envelope. The lender requested more documents than I could have ever guessed and honestly, if she had asked for blood I wouldn't have been surprised. Since I am a stay home mom and we are going to be on a very tight budget, I had to write a letter explaining that I was employable and if needed that I would return to the working world. The loan officer prepared me that they may say no or ask me to return to work before granting approval. So, when she called and told me that we were approved, contingent only upon the house appraisal, I was beyond ecstatic!

On Monday, we get to go pick out flooring, countertops, millwork, doors, plumbing and more. It is going to be a busy day, but the day that we get to "create" the look and feel of the inside of our home. Sure wish I was a designer, lol.

Are you in the Seattle area?

You're Invited to a Celebration!

Who: You (and a friend!)

What: an awesome time filled with
fun, crafting and prizes!

When: Sunday May 18, 2008 @ 4:45 (until they kick us out)

Where: Round Table Pizza - Lake Meridian

Cost: Come alone and the cost is $5.00
(free w/purchase or booking a party)
Bring a friend and the fun is FREE for you and your friend.
*Cost includes the fun projects shown below, prizes and the New Idea Book.
Plus, your choice of feminine or masculine layouts.I am so excited to be featured in the brand new Close To My Heart Summer Idea Book that a celebration seemed in order! In addition, to the excitement of the new book, we also received our building permit.

You, my dear customers, have a large part in these successes!
I'd like to treat you to a celebration! Join me for fun, prizes, scrapbooking/stamping projects & the NEW Summer Idea Book!

You must RSVP to reserve your spot!

Only a few spaces are still available!

You can RSVP by phone or email: (425) 413-4280 CreatewithChristine@msn.com

Cedar River Water Shed Photography Course

As I mentioned earlier, I took some pictures today during the photography course. Many of these are practice shots, but some of them turned out better than hoped. Shooting in RAW may be more than I am ready for, I just don't know if I have any time to figure out a new process. After actually installing the software that came with my camera, I was able to upload the RAW images and convert them to JPEG so I could edit them. In this case, the only editing I have done is to crop. Enjoy! (Click on Image to See the Entire Album)

It's about time...

Well, I haven't been too up to creating much art lately. With so much on my plate, I have been overwhelmed and ready for bed when the boys are finally down for the night. So, it was about time that I get some art up her for ya'll. Here is a darlin' card I made for my Mother-in-Law tonight. I should have another to post tomorrow, because I have to make one for my Momma.
I had a super fun day today with my oldest sis. We attended a photography class taught by Eric Kessler. He was an amazing instructor and taught me an a lot today. Some of the pictures are worth posting. There is a glitch though, I shot in RAW mode and don't know quite how to get my computer to read it yet. Here is a tidbit: JPEG is a lossy format, this means that every time you open up your file and resave it, you lose information. Open and save enough times and poof, you find yourself with a corrupt file. When you are going to edit your photos, be sure to make copies and move from there. Eric, recommended that we always save a copy in TIFF format, a non-lossy file. When I can figure out how to upload and edit my new "RAW" images, I'll be sure to share them.

A big thank you to...

my sweet readers that sent me such touching comments on my post about my Dad's funeral. I'll tell you, it makes me feel really special to have you take the time out of your busy days to send well wishes. I truly appreciate you and your comments!

We did it!

Today we met with the lender with the best numbers and put down our earnest money. Now comes the waiting for approval. We are cutting it tight with the loan amount based on Brian's income alone. As long as they approve us, our time to start building is very short. The word is that it could take 3 to 4 weeks. Unbelievable that we are so very close!

I have a bit more work to do before we would be ready for final lending approval, but I promise that I'll be sharing more artwork very soon.

What an emotionally draining day...

Today was the memorial for my biological Dad. You may wonder why I say "biological." It is not because I am adopted, it is simple because he chose years ago to step out of my life. My Step-Dad took up the role of Father and has always loved me as if I was his own flesh and blood. I attended the memorial with great hesitation, but strove for graciousness all day. My Dad missed out on so much in life, three wonderful daughters (four counting our half sister - I do not know how much he was in her life), the fantastic husbands and beautiful grand babies. Yet, I sat watching a video of all his world travels and a mansion (no, kidding) he built the in Phillipines. The memorial left me feeling sad, I can only wonder if he ever feel like he was missing out on anything. By all appearances, he continued on with life after my parents divorce, easily walking away from his children. It is unkind to hope that from time to time, he felt a pang of guilt and sadness for not being in our lives?

It was nice to see so much of my family (his side) that I have not seen in years. And my (half) sister has a stunning two month old little girl, who made my entire day! We enjoyed several hours of feasting on amazing food (including Lumpia - something so wonderful) and catching up with distant family.

There is much work for me to complete, my Close To My Heart newsletter with some amazing specials, the finishing touches on a new video tutorial, college class assignments and oh, the list goes on. But bed is calling early and I am going to go pop on a movie and escape from the happenings of today.

I wish you all close and special relationships with those in your life! The end comes far too fast and unexpectedly...don't wait for tomorrow, make your amends today.

Thank you...

Lately when I go out with the boys, I find myself extremely frustrated by the lack of common courtesy. People will see that I have two little ones and cut in front of me, push around or stand and watch me struggle to open a door. On the other hand, my husband and I will go out of our way to help others and make their day a bit easier.

Recently, I have ran in to a couple of people that I'd like to thank...even though they may never read this blog:

Gentleman at McD's yesterday - Thank you for assisting me with my baby into the play area. I appreciate that you saw me struggling to carry a baby carrier with a chubby Blake in it, keep Conner under control and balance a tray with a soda on it AND came over to help however you could!

Sweet Lady at Target (a couple of month's ago) - Thank you for assisting me in getting a box into my cart while I try to keep a pacifier in Blake's mouth to keep him from screaming at the top of his lungs. She actually saw me from 5 aisles away, she was even heading the opposite direction and still she ran over to help me out.

The things may appear so very minor, but I'll tell you. I am still thinking about them and smiling. I challenge you to offer assistance to someone that looks like they could use a hand. Make someone else's day nicer!