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!