The FIRST Scrappin' Simply Spotlight

There are SO many creative people out there.  And no one is as kind with sharing their tips and tricks as Close to my Heart consultants!  I am always amazed by this group of crafters!  So, in honour of all those sharing their craftiness with me, I have decided to start this spotlight of inspiration.  Each week I will pick a new blog to spotlight.  For my readers, you will be introduced to some of my favourite blogs I follow.  Most will be papercrafting but there will be others as well.  After all, anyone who knows me knows I like to support all those hard working businesses out there- especially the home based ones!

For my first Scrappin' Simply Spotlight, I'd like to shine it on....

Jayma Malme and her Playing with Paper blog

Her works is just amazing!  Here is a sample of something I created based on the Name Frames I saw on her site:


This name frame is something I made for Kaylee's teacher for her year end/ maternity gift.  I saw the idea on Jayma's blog and knew I just HAD to make one!  Luckily I know a lot of pregnant people!  It was actually VERY easy to make as amazing Jayma gave all the dimensions on her blog!  The hardest part was picking what paper and embellishments to use!  Well- and getting out my supplies.  Oh how I dream for a crafting room!  Anyway- this family hadn't settled on a name yet for the baby but knew they were having a girl and with some investigation work I found out the colours for the baby's room was pink and white.  I incorporated some green and brown and well to bring in some other colours.  I was very happy with how it turned out and the family was thrilled as well! 

Be sure to visit Jayma's blog to see all of her amazing work.  Connect with her blog here to find the instructions for this piece- but don't stop there! She is someone you MUST follow!  I follow her blog with my email so I never miss a post! My in-box is jammed pack with ideas I have gotten from her!  Now go check out her blog, get inspired, and get Scrappin'!

New Facebook Page address!

Wahoo- I have 25 "likes" on my facebook page and now have a smaller URL! I'm SO excited!  Although small, this was a goal of mine! 

If you haven't done so yet, visit my facebook page at www.facebook.com/scrappinsimply or click here.  Be sure to share it with friends and family so they too can get tips, techniques and inspiration for scrapbooking and card making. 

I have lots of pictures to upload but being at my trailer, my internet is slow.  We will be back next week and I'll start showing some samples then.

Thanks to all my followers!  Keep it coming!

Dry Embossing Technique WITHOUT a machine

I just LOVE the look of embossed cards!  But sadly my budget has not yet allowed me to purchase a machine- although I look for sales ALL the time hoping to get one! 

Check out Shirley's blog post today for how to get the embossed look without the machine!  So easy and it looks so great!

If you don't already follow Shirley's blog, she is a must!  She has great ideas and tutorials!  One of my favs!

HERE IS THE LINK (it helps- I forgot it the first time LOL) http://momnmescrap.blogspot.com/2011/07/weekend-artist-time-for-everything.html


Happy crafting!

Stamp sets for Sale

http://s245.photobucket.com/albums/gg70/dramamom_photos/Stamp%20Sets%20for%20Sale/?start=all 
Here is a link to my Upline's Photobucket.  She has a bunch of stamp sets for sale, new and used, all great prices!  I have already claimed some LOL.  I am a stamp junkie!  But contact her if you are interested in any.  You can also email me at scrappinsimply@gmail.com and I'll forward your email along.  She is in Oshawa.

Fun technique using your Acrylic Block

Check out this video that Lisa made of a great way to use your block for your stamps AS a stamp!  How fun! I can't wait to try it!
http://lisascreativecorner.blogspot.com/2011/02/new-use-for-acrylic-blocks.html

Check out my Facebook Page

So- I find I'm in a bit of a bind.  I have big ambitions for my blog, but finding motivation is a little hard with only- sniff sniff- 2 followers.  SO- I decided to start a facebook page!  I will be doing a lot more updates on that but will also direct those people to come and check out my blog.  If this starts building up, I'll do both! 

So go to my page at

http://www.facebook.com/note.php?created&&note_id=206846052685145&id=206792039357213#!/pages/Scrappin-Simply-with-Shannon-Close-to-my-Heart-Scrapbooking-Card-Making/206792039357213

  Even if you don't have a facebook account, you can still view my posts.  And if you want me to keep the blog updated, be sure to message me so I know there are people out there reading and I'll keep going for ya!

Thanks all for following my love of scrapbooking!  Happy Scrappin!

AWESOME kits!!

OK- I just love the CTMH kits which come out for National Scrapbooking Month!  If you look at the post below with my "angel" you will see an example of what I created using the kit from last year.  Those chipboard pieces are SO neat as they come all white. They have a pattern on them so when you add ink, the pattern comes through!  The best part of the kit is they come with an instruction brochure including the cutting instructions to create the layouts or cards in the kits.  So no thought is needed.  Or, if you'd rather, get creative with it.  It's up to you! 

I just LOVE the current one!  More to add to my collection! :)  This is only available in May and I have some people already who want one so please contact me ASAP if you don't want to miss the order!

Of course, I can't figure out how to get the flyer I have into this post LOL.  So you can see the You and Me Kit HERE for now and I'll see if I can figure this out!

Or email me and I'll send you the PDF flyer!  If you are a blogger and know how to make this happen, feel free to enlighten me!

Happy Scrappin!