Joyful Stars Blog Hop

Hi!  Welcome to the July Joyful Stars Blog Hop! If you are coming from Cindy's Blog, you are in the right place! Not sure what a blog hop is? Its basically a big circle of blog posts on a similar theme and you 'hop' from one post to the next through the provided links, eventually reaching the point where you started.

This month, our theme was 'Anything Goes', so I decided to mix some old and some new. I started with the July sketch challenge from Paper Crafting Divas. I used some paper from the 'Clementine' Paper pack (which is one of my all time favorites and is sadly no longer available) as well as cardstock in Champagne and Saddle.

The sentiment is from For Every Occasion, which is probably the most versatile and useful sentiment set I own. If you make cards, you MUST own this set.

The pattern on the brown cardstock is from a new stamp set that isn't available until August 1, but it is really fantastic. It's three different border/background stamps which fit together, making it super easy to make your own patterned paper! I LOVE stamps that let me make my own patterned paper, and this stamp is fantastic. There's the ikat pattern I used here, a checker pattern, and a diamond pattern. I stamped the ikat pattern on the brown cardstock in Chocolate ink because I wanted it to stand out.

I also used some brand new Bronze Shimmer Trim which isn't available until August 1. You guys, I got a roll at Convention and I've almost used the entire thing in the two weeks since I got it. I adore this shimmer trim. I'm not really a glitter person, but I find myself reaching for shimmer trim all the time. As I said, the Bronze shade isn't available yet, but you can find it in silver and black. (OR, to order anything out of the new Idea Book before it's available, you can join my team for only $49, receive $155 worth of brand new product, and get a discount on all of the new products in the new Idea Book! Contact me for more information.)

Now, can we talk the flower design for just a moment. I really love the way it looks, and I have seen these shapes used so many times. Would you believe that I didn't realize how simple they are to make until about three months ago? It's true. (In case you are like me, and don't know, a full tutorial for this card is below and I'll share the secret). To finish off the look, I used a flower from the XXXXXXX assortment pack and a brown button tied with some bakers twine.

So that's my project for today! Hop on over to Joyce's blog, or keep reading for the full tutorial. Thanks for stopping by!

Card Recipe!

Use standard size card base or cut cardstock to 8.5" x 5.5" and fold in half to make 4.25" x 5.5" card
Cut dark brown cardstock piece at 4.25" x 5.5"
Cut beige piece at 4" x 5.25"
Cut 4 squares at 1.25" x 1.25" and 4 at 1.5" x 1.5" from 4 different sheets of cardstock. Stamp or sponge as desired. (I sponged all the cardstock pieces in Chocolate ink)
Use a corner rounder on two opposing corners of all 8 squares. Layer one small piece on one larger piece as desired and adhere to beige cardstock.
Attach shimmer trim.
Stamp sentiment in Chocolate ink
Attach center embellishment
Adhere beige piece to dark brown piece
Adhere dark brown piece to card base.

That's it! If you make a card similar to this or similar to the sketch challenge, send me a picture! I love seeing what you create.

To find out more about CTMH, to order any products from CTMH, to find out more about joining my team and receiving a ton of free product, or to learn about online and in person classes, Contact me! Also, don't forget to check out our July Specials!

Be Crafty!
Meredith

July Classes!

I just wanted to take a moment to talk about classes and introduce the classes for this month. We do a layout and a class on something else (cards, 3-D object, etc) once a month. Class kits are available, and they are available at two different levels. At the first, and easiest level, the kit comes with only what you need to complete the project. For a layout, that means the base pages, photo mats, embellishments, journaling and title blocks, and directions. If you attend this class in person, you will be able to use my supplies for stamping and inking, and if you order it online, everything will be pre-stamped. At the second level, you will still receive all the supplies you need for the project, but there will be some extras. You will receive an entire pack of embellishments, not just the amount you need for the project. You will receive pre-cut paper, but you will also receive some extra paper as well. You will receive the stamps and ink you need to do your own stamping. All classes are available in person or online, and if you participate online, you will receive detailed instructions and Skype/FaceTime/Gchat support as necessary.

Now that we have the details out of the way, lets talk about our July classes. The first class is a layout class. We will be completing two, 2-page layouts with a grey, coral, and teal color scheme and a 'Summer' theme. I'm a huge fan of this layout, and it comes together so quickly! Here's a quick picture of the first page, and I'll have more up soon - I am having difficulties with my camera right now so I'm sorry about that. 

The layout class, if you participate in person, will be on July 30th. Please register by going to the 'Classes' link at the top of the page and selecting the correct option from the drop down menu under July Classes. Registration for virtual and in person classes must be by July 19th.

The second class we have this month is a mini-card class. I absolutely love mini cards, because they are perfect for tossing in a gift bag or including with a quick present (birthday, hostess, thank you, etc). Also, they are just so cute! We will be making 6 mini-cards in 6 different designs for different occasions. The cards will come in a mini 'magazine box' holder that I really wish I could show you, and I will upload pictures as soon as I can. This class will be on July 29th. Please register by July 18th by following the procedure outlined above.

That's it for today! Check back tomorrow for a very exciting blog hop, on Wednesday for my next party kit (you guys are really going to love this one), and don't forget about all of the exciting July specials!

Be Crafty!

Meredith

Space Theme Birthday Kit

It's the first Wednesday in July! Who's excited? I know I am. I'm so happy to show the first of my new line of party kits! I really love how this kit turned out, and I hope you do too! This kit includes:

A Happy Birthday banner

10 invitations featuring a rocket ship and stars

The insides of the invitations are ready to be filled out with all of the information for your party

10 UFO cupcake toppers in blue and orange

And 10 cupcake wrappers which say 'Happy Birthday' on the top

They are also in blue and orange

This kit comes with everything you need to throw a space theme birthday party, AND, it's customizable! You can add more invitations or cupcake supplies. You can add party favor boxes. You can add a name to the banner. Basically, you can add anything you want to make this kit exactly what you need for your own space-themed party!

The kit retails at $30, but remember, in July, everything is 10% off! Use the code HBJuly2013 in my Etsy store for the discount, or contact me directly to purchase it.

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to check back next Wednesday for the next kit!

Be Crafty!

Meredith

It's July!

Late post today, guys. Sorry about that. I'm still recovering from my trip, and straight back into school, so my brain feels a bit full today. But I'm excited that it's July because my birthday is this month, which means savings for you! I have a 10% off code for my Etsy store, just use the code HBJuly2013, and I'm offering 10% off anything you want to order from Close To My Heart! And, now is a great time to use that offer because the current Idea Book expires at the end of this month, so there's a bunch of great items on the retired list, AND a fantastic July special you can use it on as well!. 

The July special from Close To My Heart is this fantastic 12' x 12" canvas workshop, including an exclusive stamp set, the canvas, and lots of embellishments to make a gorgeous display piece for your home. In the Month of July, this workshop is 50% off! It retails at $39.95, but in July, it can be yours for $19.95 with no qualifying purchase AND you get an additional 10% off because I love you guys! How great is that? Now, the June special sold out about halfway through the month, so if you want this deal, order soon! To take advantage of  my offer, you must contact me directly instead of ordering off my website.

So, lets review! 10% off anything in my Etsy store, 10% off anything from Close To My Heart, and a gorgeous workshop at half price! Don't you just love July?

Remember, every Wednesday this month I will be introducing a new party kit, and those also qualify for this special, and stay tuned for more information for this month's class. We are doing a mini card kit that I can't wait to show you, and classes are in person and online so everyone can join in the fun!

To find out more about classes, to learn more about Close To My Heart, or to take advantage of any of these specials, feel free to contact me!

Be Crafty!

Meredith

Convention Recap!

Hey Guys!

As you know, I'm at Disney World right now! I'm having so much fun hanging out with good friends, eating great good, spending time at the pool every day, and finding out all about the new products and designs Close To My Heart is offering in their new Idea Book! It's super motivating for me, which means I brain is full of new ideas for new projects for my Etsy store, new kits for you, and tons of great crafts! There are a lot of changes this year, and I'm super excited about almost all of them. So, let's get started.

First, Close To My Heart is offering a new Jewelry Line! This line is called Base and Bling, and is composed of different jewelry bases, including a necklace, cuff bracelet, hair clip, and more! 

There are also different collections of flowers and embellishments, as well as a kit with fabric to enable each piece of jewelry you make to be completely customized and personalized, and there are also tons of great ideas for making the jewelry interchangeable (think velcro hooks, magnets, and more!). I'm so excited about this idea and I can't wait to get some and start playing around with them!

The second hugely exciting thing they announced is a BRAND NEW CRICUT CARTRIDGE!!! You guys. I can't even tell you how excited I am about this. I use my Cricut all. the. time. I love it. With this new cartridge, called Artbooking, you can create overlays, mini albums, and even do paper embossing. I can't wait to buy it and try out all of the fantastic options! As always, the cartridge comes with three D-size stamp sets and coordinating chipboard shapes, and let me tell you, I love these stamp sets. There are some great shapes and designs in there. This cartridge, like everything else in the new idea book, is not available for order until August, but if you pre-order it from me by July 31st, you will receive free shipping. Contact me for more details or to pre-order the fabulous new Artbooking Cricut Cartridge.

I'm also super excited about some of the changes they have made to the Workshop on the Go program. These kits now come with a D-size stamp instead of C-size stamp, and are still the same price, so the savings for you is about $10 per kit. There are some beautiful new paper packs and workshop stamp sets, and they are even more of a terrific value than before.

And now, some photos. Because I know you guys are just dying to see my vacation pictures and don't really care about all the cool new products, right? That's what I thought. :)

My sister-in-law and I found this donkey and we just had to take a picture with it.

We also found Mexican Donald, so we had to take a picture with him, too. Quick story. My husband and I came to Disney World for a long weekend shortly after we were married and I found every single Donald in the park to take a picture with because he is my favorite. So when I called Jeff after this photo was taken, I told him something awesome had happened and his first guess was a picture with Donald. Because I love him that much.

My sister-in-law, my good friend Elizabeth, and I after the awards banquet, at which we were served some absolutely fantastic food...

...including this adorable and amazing Mickey Mouse head chocolate hazelnut mouse thing. It was so good I wanted to steal another one off the server's tray as they walked passed, but because I am an adult (I think), I refrained.

One of the perks of Convention this year was a twilight pass into one of the parks, so we went to Epcot because it is my favorite.

Our hotel consists of several very large buildings which surround a lagoon, and I'm pretty sure I have a picture across the lagoon from just about every single point on the lagoon. It's pretty beautiful.

The pool has these 'Aztec ruins' or something which looked really cool especially after dark. These had water flowing down them and into the pool.

That's my trip so far guys! Stay tuned for some more convention news on Monday, as well as July specials and some photos of some of the awesome projects we made at Convention. Wednesday, Party Kits! Also coming this month: class schedule for the next six months, kits for make it yourself projects, and, since it's my birthday this month, 10% off everything in my store! Stay tuned for all of these exciting details!

Be Crafty!

Meredith

I'm So Excited!

I'm so excited you guys! I have three really exciting things to tell you about today, and I can't figure out which one I'm most excited about! Let's jump right in, shall we?

First! I've been working really hard for the past few months developing a line of party kits. The idea is that if you are throwing a birthday party, I've got you covered. The kits will contain, at minimum, invitations, cupcake toppers and wrappers, a banner, and something to hold favors. Depending on the theme, there may be other things as well. Standard party kit will be for 10 people, and of course you can add on if necessary! I will be introducing these kits throughout the month of July, in addition to my regular posts, and I'm so excited about them I'm going to give you a sneak peek of the first one right now!

This whole kit looks so cool, and I'm so excited to show off the whole thing. Check back Wednesday, July 3 for the whole thing, and every Wednesday in July for a look at each new kit.

Speaking of the month of July, it's a great time of year for you! Why, you ask? Well, I'll tell you. My birthday is in July, so in celebration, I'm offering a 10% discount for anything purchased from my Etsy store, from my shop on this website, OR from Close To My Heart. It's a great time to stock up on anything from the current Idea Book you might have missed, as this book will no longer be current at the end of July. And you get a discount! How great is that? To purchase anything from my Etsy store, just click on the link and shop. To purchase anything from this website or CTMH, just shoot me an email and we will arrange all the details!

AND, speaking of Close To My Heart, the third every exciting thing I have to tell you about is that on Wednesday of this week, I'm going to Florida for 4 days to attend the Close To My Heart annual Convention! This year, Convention is at Disney World, which is one of my favorite places in the whole world, and I get to spend three days with some of my best friends seeing brand new product, crafting, and spending time with people who are as passionate about crafting as I am. I can't wait! I will be blogging more regularly than usual as I find out about new product and exciting new happenings, so check back frequently this weekend to stay up to date!

Ok. That's all for today. I have to go finish up some gifts for my team and pack, so I can be ready to leave SUPER early on Wednesday morning. 

Stay Crafty!

Meredith

Creatively Redeeming Treasures Blog Hop

Welcome to the first ever Creatively Redeeming Treasures Blog Hop! I'm so glad you are here. If you are coming from Elizabeth's blog, you are in the right place! This month, we are featuring hexagons, which are such a fun shape, and especially the stamp set Honeycomb Flair. This is such a fun set and I especially love it because I can make my own patterned paper with it. Inspiration for this card also came from a challenge from Paper Crafting Divas. Lets get started!

I used a cream colored card base for this card. I added a 1.5" x 4.5" strip of paper from the Buzz and Bumble paper pack. Then, with the Hexagon stamps and ink in 5 different colors (Chocolate, Desert Sand, Honey, Goldrush, and Ponderosa Pine) I stamped a 3" x 3.5" piece of cream card stock to make my own patterned paper.

On top, I stamped a sentiment from one of the stamp sets that comes with the Artiste Cricut Cartridge in Ponderosa Pine and edged it with Goldrush ink

I used a piece of tan ribbon from my stash to make a little strip across the bottom, and added three sparkles as a finishing touch.

I really love how this card turned out. I love the hexagons, the colors, the sparkles, the sentiment, everything. To order a kit to make this card yourself, or any other projects you see on my blog, to learn more about CTMH, or to sign up for virtual or in person classes, send me an email or leave a comment below! If you have made something with hexagons, I'd love to see it. Thanks for visiting! Now, hop on over to Elizabeth's blog to see some more gorgeous artwork!