XOXO

This card is a little late in the sharing. I made it for my hubby for Valentines Day. I was very happy with how it turned out. Rather simple and so you'll probably see a couple more cards with the same layouts coming soon. :)

Here's to Andrea -

I am so excited to host my first gathering in my studio for my dear customer Andrea . She gets to spend a super fun evening with her closest friends and doesn't event have to worry about having her home picked up. Plus, I won't have to worry about lugging my supplies out and about, so I am able to invest more in our party make and take (and prizes). Here's is the project that each attendee will get to create, it can be used in a scrapbook or framed - would make great wall art!

Are you in need of some creative therapy and time with your friends? I'd love to design something special especially for you and your friends. Let's talk about scheduling your time, CreatewithChristine@msn.com.

Nona's Knits / One Darned Cute Boy

My buddy Nona knitted my boys two of her McSteamy hats. I was so thrilled when I got them and put them on my boys, they made their eyes pop. We purchased the adult size, so I could roll up the edges and the boys could continue to wear them for years to come. Blake was the perfect model. Maybe someday soon I can convince Conner to pose for a few pictures.

To purchase your own McSteamy hat, contact Nona at nonapearl@firebin.net

One note about the last picture. For some reason this kid likes to stick his tongue out. When I see this picture I flash forward to a 15 year old Blake rockin' to KISS (I really hope not, but he looks like he might give me a run for my money).

What a BLAST!

Thank you to each and every one who came to celebrate on Friday night. What a blast! A room full of ladies creating, earning stamp bucks, bidding on prizes and have a good time. My favorite of the night were the reactions at all the goodies I had for prizes...I tried to tell you, I planned to spoil you (hint: you won't want to miss the next event). No one left at the end of the night empty handed, many needed bags to take their loot home.

Of course, I wanted to provide a peek at the evening and so I made sure to capture a video before the festivities began. Enjoy!

(when watching the video back, I realize I was a bit shaky...sorry about that)

Open House - FAQ: Stamp Bucks

First here is a little treat. Quite awhile back my friend Ellie sent me an invitation to her son's first birthday. It was an adorable cupcake shape. I have held onto it for nearly two years now wanting to use it to design a card and I finally did. I love how it turned out, so thank you Ellie for your inspirational invitation. ;) Note: this card features the adorable celebration stamp that Close To My Heart has available free for you with just a $25 stamp purchase. I'm telling ya, this is a set you are sure to want to add to your collection.

Open House FAQ: What are Stamp Bucks?
My upcoming open house on February 20th at 7pm is a free treat for all my customers. As an attendee you have the ability to earn "stamp bucks" which will then be used to bid on a wide selection of prizes. The more stamp bucks you earn (through the methods listed below), the more "money" you have to "buy" the available product in the silent and live auction.

Here are all the ways to earn stamp bucks:

RSVP ($10 - Double Bucks for the first 5 RSVP's)

Bring a Friend ($30 per friend)

Arrive on Time ($20)

Come Prepared with your Shopping List ($40)

Complete the Make-n-Take ($10)

Register for a Workshop ($20)

Schedule a Party ($40)

Join my Close To My Heart Team ($100)

Submit an Order ($30 for each $25 spent)

Are you ready to RSVP? Give me a call at (425) 413-4280 or email at CreatewithChristine@msn.com

Class Schedule

What a blessing it is to have my scraproom complete and ready for classes. I am so excited to invite you guys into the space that I have dreamed about for so.... long.

For my distant readers, I will invite you in through pictures sometime after my big open house. Don't want to spoil the surprise for those who will get to make it to the celebration.

Hope to see the locals at an upcoming class or crop night!

2009 Class Schedule

Creative Class: Cards
Create 3 cards for $7.50 or FREE with $20 order

Sundays 2-4 pm, Tuesdays 6:30-8:30 pm

Feb 8,10 Mar 8, 10 Apr 5, 7 May 3, 5 Jun 7, 9
Jul 12, 14 Aug 9, 11 Sep 13, 15 Oct 11, 13
Nov 15, 17 Dec 6, 8

Creative Class: Scrapbooking
Create 6 layouts and take home left overs/aver. $25

Sundays 2-4 pm

Feb 22 Mar 22 Apr 19 May 24 Jun 28 Jul 26
Aug 23 Sep 27 Oct 25 Nov 29 Dec 27

Free Friday Night Creative Time
Come spend an evening of creative fun once a month. Bring your latest project to work on whether it be scrapbooking, card making, quilting, knitting, etc. Those who are working on paper crafting projects are welcome to use my stamps and inks free of charge. Additional supplies are available for sale.

Fridays 7 - 10 pm

Feb 6 Mar 6 Apr 3 May 1 Jun 5 Jul 10
Aug 7 Sep 4 Oct 9 Nov 13 Dec 11

*You may also see these dates on my website.

It's time to PARTY - and you get the gifts!

Open House Celebration: Prizes Galore (I'm talking about $500 to $1000 in product)
Friday, February 20th @ 7pm
Christine's - Maple Valley

Come enjoy a grand tour of the new scrap studio, dine on goodies, receive a free Idea Book, complete the make-n-take AND earn stamp bucks for the show stopping auction that you deserve.

There will be lots of great new products on display and many more in the auction.

Here are all the ways to earn stamp bucks:
RSVP ($10 - Double Bucks for the first 5 RSVP's)
Bring a Friend ($30 per friend)
Arrive on Time ($20)
Come Prepared with your Shopping List ($40)
Complete the Make-n-Take ($10)Register for a Workshop ($20)
Schedule a Party ($40)
Join my Close To My Heart Team ($100)
Submit an Order ($30 for each $25 spent)

RSVP Today: (425) 413-4280
CreatewithChristine@msn.com

Creative Class: Unforgettable Scrapbook Layouts

Join us on February 22nd at 2pm sharp to create six stunning pages using the new Unforgettable Paper Packet.

Purchase the basic kit including a complete Level 2 paper packet, My Stickease and embellishment kit for $26.89 (tax/sh included).

RSVP and payment must be received by February 11th.

Optional Add Ons/Bring List-(if you already have it):
Cherish $21.95
Aspiration Stamp Set $18.95
Pewter Brads $4.50
My Acrylix® Building Block Alphabet $34.95

Sorbet Exclusive Inks™ Pad $5.25

Cocoa Exclusive Inks™ Pad $5.25

Dry Embossing/Scoring Stylus $3.25

Sponge $1.25

Remember to bring your tool kit of 12 x 12 paper trimmer, adhesive, pierching tool, scissors and any other extras you like to have on hand (such as foam tape, ruler etc.).

RSVP Required: (425) 413-4280
CreatewithChristine@msn.com

Fancy Cut Botanicals

One of my sweet uplines offered up a contest for her downline using Close To My Heart's Botanicals. I thought I'd take a stab at it since they are dirt cheap. These probably would have escaped being ordered without the contest (with a prize up for grabs), however I am so happy I ordered them. They have been fun to play with! Now that a photo of the card is submitted to the team contest, I am off to send it into Close To My Heart for their contest. Who knows maybe someday I'll be one of those featured artists.

Self Portrait

I absolutely love every paper in the Spring Idea Book and Unforgettable is no exception. What a stunning paper packet and I can't wait to share it in my upcoming workshop on Sunday, February 22. Watch for a posting soon on class sign up details or sign up for my newsletter to receive an invitation by email.

Far too often I am not featured in my scrapbooks and by I mean not "featured," I mean not in pictures at all. When I first saw this layout I was going to use it to scrap a couple pictures of Brian and I from our wedding. To my dismay I couldn't find my cd of wedding photos, so plan b. I actually gave into the idea of taking self portraits and using those shots. Surprisingly, I am thrilled with how my shots of myself turned out and how perfect they are for the page.

Home Decorating/Uppercase Living

I am having so much fun decorating my new house. When we were in the mobile home I never had the desire to dress it up. I had my loved family pictures up on the wall, but never anything I would consider art. This is a picture of the shelf in my guest bathroom/laundry room. A little while back I was talking to a friend who does Uppercase Living and came to the conclusion that because I had so many ideas of decorating with the product, that I should just sign up. So, I did. The "do something Creative everyday" is one of the first things I purchased. Yes, I know it is an interesting statement for my bathroom, but hey it is my scraproom bathroom and I am loving it. :)

No worries, UL isn't going to take over, I am still all about Close To My Heart. If you are interested in vinyl lettering/expressions for your wall, I am happy to share though and you can even explore the website at www.createwithchristine.uppercaseliving.net.