6x6 Album using CTMH Level 1 Kit.

Here is the upcoming Boutique Class Project for our Workshop on Sat. May 14.

Items Used All Close to My Heart.

6x6 Accordion Mini-Album

Bliss Level 1 Kit

Sparkles

Each Level 1 Kit contains enough supplies to make at least two albums, if you wanted to share with a friend.  You will just have to split the sticker sheets between you!  

These are one of my absolute favorite projects.  You can click on mini-albums to the right (under catagories) and you can see all of the 6x6 albums I have made.  Most of them I made around the Holidays.  I recently made one with the Sophia Kit.  Sadly, I didn't take any pictures and it was a baby gift for a friend!  I really meant to take pictures before I gave it to her!!!  It turned out very cute. . .if I do say so myself!!!  

It is SO easy to make these!  You just cut the pre-printed layout pages into 4 6x6 pieces and then adhere them to the pages of the album.  Decorate with the included sticker sheets!  Add a little bling here and there and voila!  You have an adorable album!  

If you can join us for this Boutique Class on Saturday, May 14. . . . make sure you let me know which Level 1 Kit you would like to use.  You can choose from any of the Level 1 Kits currently listed in the Idea Book or I have some older ones in stock.  Just email me to see a list.  I will need to know this by Thursday, May 5, so I can place an order in time for the Workshop!

Can't attend the Workshop, but you would still like to complete the project? No problem!  You can order all of the supplies you need straight from my website. Or order through me and I can get the supplies to you.  If you live out-of-town, it is probably easiest to order from my website or if you are a Rewards Member, through a special ordering link.  

Please let me know if you have any questions.  Also, please share your creations on our Facebook Page! I would LOVE to see all of the Close to My Heart Creations you have come up with!!   Just click on the Facebook link on the right side.   

As a side note. . .these fabulous Level 1 Kits are retiring at the end of July (or while supplies last).  Make sure you don't miss out on your favorite kits!!!!

Simple Mini-Album Gifts.

Mistletoe.

 Splendor. 

Topstitch.

a retired Christmas Pack. 

To make these simple albums, I used the following CTMH products.

    6x6 Accordion Album

    Level 1 Kit:  

      Mistletoe

      Splendor

      Topstitch 

     Christmas

  My Stickease

    Mistletoe

    Splendor

    Topstitch

   Christmas

Foam Tape

Desert Sand, Chocolate ink

Bitty Sparkles

Sparkles

Liquid Glass.

Sponge

Chocolate polka dot organdy ribbon

To make them. . .

    I simply cut the Pre-printed layout pages that come in the Level 1 kits into 4 6x6 squares.  

   Then I glued them to the Accordion album and decorated with the My Stickease stickers that come in                     the Level 1 Kit. As well as the stickers from the Level 2 Pack.  

  I used foam tape to give some of the stickers dimension.  TIP- sprinkle a small amount of baby powder on to the back of the Sticker.  Rub in until it is no longer sticky.  Adhere foam tape to the Sticker and place sticker where you would like!  If you leave the sticker sticky. . .it might get smooshed down and stick in places you don't want it to!

I also used Chocolate and Desert Sand ink to distress the edges of the Level 1 Pages before I adhered them  And then to distress the white of the accordion album along its seams and pages.

These Albums make great gifts!!  I have given them as wedding, baby, graduation, and Christmas gifts!! They are very fast and easy to make!  There is still plenty of time to order a Level 1 Kit and Album and get them made in time for Christmas!  

Remember, if you spend $20 on my website you get a FREE D-sized Stamp set.  That is a $22.95 value!!!!  

Also, I have many Level 1 Kits in stock. . .and a few 6x6 accordion albums!!  Contact me if you would like to see a list of what I have in stock!!  

Accordion Style Mini-album and Fall madness.

 Can you believe this mess?  This is what my Scrap Shack looks like right now!  YIKES!  October through December are typically absolutely crazy for me.  With pumpkins, Brady's birthday, workshops, gatherings, craft shows, and my annual Crop & Shop for a CURE (which is happening this weekend!!!!!) my craft room stays pretty busy.  Wish I had more time to actually craft, rather than all of the preparation!!!!  It wears me out, but I love it!  Kind of like March Madness for basketball. . .this is Fall Madness for Scrapbooking!

Here is one of the projects I have prepared for this weekend.
It is an accordion style mini-album and it makes a perfect gift!  It can sit open on a mantle or a shelf.  This one would work for a wedding, baby, anniversary, family, or many other special things!!  I still have a couple of things left to do to it, but I was afraid if I didn't take a picture now, I may run out of time!!!!!!

CTMH Supplies Used:

Silhouette Paper Pack~Polka Dots (retired)

Colonial White Cardstock

Black Cardstock

Sky Cardstock

Desert Sand Ink

Bamboo Ink

Colonial White Ink

Opaque Pearls

Liquid Glass

3-D Foam Tape

Other supplies:

Slice Machine with Wedding, Animal Crackers, and Noteworthy Cartridges

I used the Liquid Glass to secure the small opaques.  Most adhere just fine, but I knew that this project was probably going to be picked up and looked at a bunch and I didn't want to lose any of those cute little gems!  So, I took my embossing stylus and a paper piercer.  I set all of my pearls out where I wanted them. Then I took the paper piercer and picked up or moved the pearl.  I dipped my embossing stylus in Liquid Glass and put a little dot where the pearl had been.  Then I used the paper piercer to move the pearl back into its spot.  It didn't take very long and I know the Liquid Glass will make the pearls very secure!  

I also have completed a few more mini-albums that I will hopefully have a chance to post later!  

I used a Level 1 Kit, My Stickease, and the 6x6 accordion album (as shown above) to make them and they turned out really cute!

BLOG HOP. . .New Summer Idea Book 2010!!

Welcome to our Close to my Heart New Product Blog Hop! 

Over 40 Fabulous Close to my Heart Consultants are celebrating the upcoming release of the Summer 2010 Idea Book by giving you a Sneak Peak of some of the great
products available in the new Idea Book starting May 1st!

If you have come here from Laurie Newton's blog, you are on the right path!

This is simple do to- just click on the link at the end of the post on each blog
to move to the next one! Here we go!

This project was so fun to make!  The project was designed by Linda Martin  and I embellished it just a little bit differently. . .such a fun idea!   It is a 6x18 accordion album made with brand-new items from the Summer Idea Book!!!!  There are SO many fun new things. . . you are just going to love it!  

 A-doorable Flap and Splendor Designer Brad.

Another A-doorable Flip Flap Stamped with the Hot Diggity Stamp Set.

Another A-doorable Flip Flap with a Splendor Designer Brad!

Items Used:
Splendor Paper Pack
Hot Diggity Stamp Set
A-doorables 
Splendor Designer Brads
Ink Colors Used:  Topiary, Goldrush, Bamboo, Moonstruck

Now "Hop" on over to Clerissa's Blog
to see her work! Be sure to visit all the Consultants at their Blogs to get
some great crafting ideas and see the great new Paper Packs and My Acrylix Stamp
Sets!

Remember, the Summer 2010 Idea Book goes LIVE on May 1st!

to view it online, visit my website http://meredithburgess.myctmh.com

**Link not working? Missed a Blog? 

Here is a list of all the participants in the New Product Sneak Peak Blog Hop!

Erin Herring http://www.tazzygirl2000.blogspot.com
Carla Ironside http://carlacreates.blogspot.com
Dawn Ross http://iamahappystamper.blogspot.com
Amy Edwards http://paisleysplayhouse.blogspot.com
Tresa Black http://www.fabulouslyartsy.blogspot.com
Dawn Heuft http://www.stamptildawn.blogspot.com
Kimberly Smith http://verykimberry.blogspot.com
Jessica Moore http://www.jessicaspaperpetals.blogspot.com
Leisa Hubley http://bigredscraps.blogspot.com
Helen Onulak http://www.hookedonstamping.com
Brae Montgomery http://thebrae-er.blogspot.com
Wendy Kessler http://www.myscrapbookingblog.com
Adeline Brill http://adeline-brill.blogspot.com
Sherrie Thornton http://www.impressionableart.blogspot.com
Sheila Bennett http://sheila-bennett.blogspot.com
Terrie Dodd http://my-life-in-real-time.blogspot.com
Lisa Stenz http://lisascreativecorner.blogspot.com
Jody Gustafson http://www.cre8nmemories.blogspot.com
Kathleen Rensel http://scrapbookaddictkath.blogspot.com/
Lori Scott http://scrapinglori.blogspot.com
Beth Naumann http://bethscreativeblock.blogspot.com
Teri Baxter http://www.themidnightartist.blogspot.com
Wendy Fording http://papercreationsbywendy.blogspot.com
Laurie Newton http://scrapsfromthebeach.blogspot.com
**Meredith Burgess http://meredithburgess.blogspot.com**
Clerissa Lewis http://www.thestampdr.com
Jennifer Kojder http://aglitterymess.blogspot.com
Georgia Hauglid http://inkygeorgia.blogspot.com
Antoinette Herrin http://www.godblessyourART.blogspot.com
Haley Dyer http://inkyscrapper.blogspot.com
Tanya Mae http://scramperscorner.blogspot.com
Priscilla http://priscillagotham.blogspot.com
Cassandra http://abitofitallforscrappin.blogspot.com
Jean McNulty http://stampinmaui.blogspot.com
Carrie Haines http://www.bizzymom.us
Janelle Janish http://stampandthecity.blogspot.com
Maranda Dickerson http://marandasmemories.blogspot.com
Cheryl Even http://www.evenmorescrapping.blogspot.com
Karen Johnson http://www.myheartscraps.blogspot.com
Cindy Leek http://www.paperspadsandpictures.blogspot.com
Nancy Walters http://njwHelpingUcelebrate.blogspot.com
LaJeania Hicks http://www.scraptilyoudrop.blogspot.com
Traci http://www.creativetraci.blogspot.com
Emma Hubert http://paperaddictsanonymous.blogspot.com
Kristine Fowler http://www.scrampingaddict.typepad.com
Amanda DesJardins http://creatively-amused.blogspot.com/
Tamra Meservey http://www.croppinoncloud9.blogspot.com
Melinda http://www.ifyoublingittheywillcome.blogspot.com

Star Album Picture

Here is a picture of the Star Album we created at Club this month. This is what it looks like folded out.

You can use the ribbon to tie the ends together and hang it up.

Or you can tie the ribbon and sit it on a table.

Or you can close it up like a book and tie the ribbon to hold it close.

For directions, see the previous post.

Notice the gaps in between the paper??

Also, notice that my pages don't have enough adhesive on them.

The next one I made, I made a little better. I haven't decorated the pages of this one yet.

Hope you enjoy! You can also Google Star Album for more ideas!!!!!

Star Album Instructions.

We made these adorable Star Albums at our December Club Class. . .

by the way, which was a lot of fun!!!

Here are the instructions. . .

You need 7 4 x6 1/2 pieces of colored cardstock

You need 7 4 x 5 1/2 pieces of colored cardstock.

These pieces will be your inside and outside, so you can use the same color and save yourself some cardstock!
The best way to do this is to cut 7 4 x 12 pieces of colored cardstock. . . now cut them once at the 5 1/2 mark. . .

You will now have 7 pieces of 4 x 6 1/2 and 7 pieces of 4 x 5 1/2

Now cut 4 4x 12 pieces of white cardstock. . .or whatever color you are using. . . cut these pieces in half to make 8 4 x6 pieces. . .you only need 7.

Fold EVERY piece of cardstock in half and make three piles for each size.

next, decorate your smallest colored cardstock piece. . . 5 1/2x4 however you would like.

Adhering your pieces together might be tricky without pictures to help explain. . .

I will try, but look for pictures to come soon!!!

Pick up one white (or middle) piece of cardstock. . . . 4x6. . . .hold it like it is a book open with the fold in the middle going up and down. . . just like you are looking at an open book. . . now flip it over and put two strips of adhesive along the outer sides only. Not the top or bottom. . . . just along the outsides of the piece.

Pick up your largest piece of colored cardstock like it is an open book also. . . .line up one side of the white piece with the side of the larger piece. Make sure the edges are flush. . . then adhere the other side the same way. The middle will not be glued down and there will be a gap. . . That is what you want!!!!

Now adhere the smaller piece of colored cardstock that you have decorated, the exact same way to the top of the white piece!

Do all of the pieces this way.

Once you have them all done, you will now adhere the backs of the largest piece of colored cardstock to the other pieces. Put a fair amount of ahesive all along the back. . .avoiding the fold line. . .glue all of the pieces together until you have your book made. Leave one end open so it will fold up like a book!!!!

Like I said. . . pictures to come soon. . . .

Baby Album

All Supplies CTMH unless otherwise noted. . . I used Animal Cookies Paper Pack, Animal Cookies Stickease, white daisy ric rac, buttons, white daisy embellishment assortment, assorted buttons, natural hemp, and a 9x9 Memory Show case accordion album.



I started this little accordion album for my cousin Sara's little boy Connor. He was born in June and I am just now getting it finished! It really was easy to do. . . just finding the time to do it seemed to be the problem. These accordion albums make great gifts!!

Pedal Tractor Champion!

So the Big Mushroom Festival was this weekend and we had a great time, as usual! Food, Parade and Parade party. . .and our 2nd try at the Pedal Tractor Pull. . . .some of you may not know what this is. . . It is simply a little riding tractor. . .you know, the kind kids ride and you have to pedal. . .no battery operated here!!! And they hook up some kind of thing in the back. The kids take turns seeing how far they can pull their load. Last year, Brady barely moved his tractor at all. This year he was the winner of the 3 and 4 year old division!!!!!! Next, year they will add weight to the load, so it won't be quite so easy for him!! He had a great time and was pretty proud of himself. . .

Notice his BIG smile. . . .


and here he is receiving his Grand Prize. . . another John Deere Toy. . . Just what he needs another toy!



I also attended a baby shower on Sunday, for my friend Kristin! Of course, I had to make her a little something to go with the rest of the gift we got her!


Here is one of the sides


the other side looks just about the same, except the numbers are 6, 9, and 12 (this if for months!)

I used the Close to My Heart 6x6 Accordion Album. . . Colonial White Designer Ribbon. . . some Martha Stewart Paper that I hope matches the baby's room well. . . Notebook Design Cartridge and the Slice Machine.

Welcome to the Blog Hop. . .

So glad you joined in on the fun!!! If you are just starting out. . .here is how the Blog Hop works. . .

Several Close to My Heart Consultants joined together to put on a Blog Hop! They have been working hard creating beautiful artwork showcasing some of the brand new products you will find in the Summer Idea Book!!! Once you browse through the artwork I have posted, then Click on the link at the bottom of this post. This will take you on to the next blog and to see more artwork!!! Keep clicking the links and browsing around! If you ever get lost. . .I am posting the participating blogs at the very bottom of the page! Just come back here and find a new blog to hop on to!!!! Now for the fun stuff. . .

Here are some of the things I have been working on. . .


Here is a view of the 3x3 1/2 card up close. I used the Robot Power Stamp Set, Field Trip Alphabet, Tinkerin Scrapbooking Kit, Clear Buttons, Tulip Ink, Clover Meadow ink, Sunny Yellow ink, and Twilight ink for this card. Sorry the picture is a bit blurry!


Here is the gift box I made. I used one sheet of 8 1/2 x 11 paper. I found the directions for this off of Split Coast Stampers, but I would be happy to share with you!! Products used were the Tinkerin Kit, Happy Birthday Stamp Set, Red Craft Button, White Daisy Grosgrain RIbbon, Black ink.

I decided to go ahead and share this with you even though it is a work in progress. I have wanted to do a mini-album about all of the cute things my little guy says. He is 4 and loves to invent his own way of saying things. I believe he gets this trait from my Mother, because she is always calling things by the wrong name. ANYWAY. . .I was so excited when I saw the new 3 ring mini-albums from CTMH!! I knew it would be perfect! So far, I have documented Canmote=remote. . .condrections=directions, goad rader=road grader, increbidle=incredible, and hopicopter=helicopter. I plan on sharing this album in its entirety just as soon as I get it finished!!!

Here is another gift box. . . this one is using Crystal Blue Cardstock, the Tickled Pink Stamp set, Say it in Style Stamp set, Black ink, Blush ink, and Crystal Blue ink. This is one of the projects my Sunday Scrappers Club completed at their last meeting!



Another card. . . I used paper from the Unforgettable Kit (new in the Spring Idea Book) but I just had to share! This one was actually made by one of my Club members. She accidentally picked mine up and took it home. . . but they look very similar! I really don't know how she could tell!!! Anyway, I found this pattern on Split Coast Stampers as well. I used Unforgettable Kit, Aspiration Stamp Set, Sorbet ink, Blush ink, and Chocolate ink. The flowers pull out to reveal a place to write your message!


And another Club Card. . . I used the Stamp set from the Tickled Pink kit, white daisy cardstock, crystal blue cardstock, crystal blue ink, Blush ink, and white daisy ribbon. The measurements are 5 x12. Score at the 4 inch and 8 inch mark. Cut the outside panels in half. Adhere paper to front. Fold and adhere sides in. Make a card for center!!! Done! Very easy to do and this can be used so many different ways!!! Let me know if you need further instructions!!!



This is another Card my Club completed at their last meeting. I used the Money holder template from the Originals book, Sonata Paper Pack, Liquid Glass, Prisma Glitter, Chocolate ink, For every occasion stamp set.


I hope you have enjoyed your hop on my blog!!


Keep on hoppin. . . . here is the link to Vicky Sullivan's blog, the next stop on the hop:
http://www.sullyscrapandstamp.blogspot.com
If the link doesn't wok just copy and past the link into your web browser and away you go!! Have fun!!!

Here are the other participants on the Hop. . .be sure and check them all out!!! The ladies are fabulous and you don't want to miss a thing!

Erin Herring http://www.tazzygirl2000.blogspot.com/
Penny Doucette http://scrappinpenny.blogspot.com
Kathleen Rensel http://scrapbookaddictkath.blogspot.com
Jessica Moore www.jessicaspaperpetals.blogspot.com
Colleen Porter www.inkemup.blogspot.com
Sherry Thompson www.picturespatternsandpaper.blogspot.com
Jen Patrick www.roxybonds-scrappin.blogspot.com
Corey Acton http://scrappytimeswithcorey.blogspot.com
Amy Edwards www.paisleysplayhouse.blogspot.com
Amy Schultz www.amylizschultz.blogspot.com
Tresa Black www.fabulouslyartsy.blogspot.com
Leslie Kolic www.leannesscraps.blogspot.com
Rebecca Garrison www.stampingwithbekah.blogspot.com
Jaime Benavides www.scrapcrazydiva.blogspot.com
Miranda Kurz http://www.scrampinwithmiranda.com/
Terrie Dodd http://my-life-in-real-time.blogspot.com/
Traci Tanimura www.creativetraci.blogspot.com
Debora Mcelhany www.mcdoodlesscrappinplace.blogspot.com
Katie Paterson http://katiepaterson.blogspot.com
Michelle Robinson http://amaizenbluelady.typepad.com
Lori Scott http://scrapinglori.blogspot.com
Amberlyn Gentry http://amberlyng.blogspot.com
Susan Williston www.thecraftstudio.blogspot.com
Wendy Kessler www.myscrapbookingblog.com
Meredith Burgess www.meredithsscrappylife.blogspot.com
Vicky Sullivan www.sullyscrapandstamp.blogspot.com
Caren Goldstein www.scrappycaren.blogspot.com
Jena Devries www.livelovelaughscrapbook.blogspot.com
Kami Welter www.scrappin4memories.blogspot.com
Traci Godbee http://createwithtraci.blogspot.com
Julie Banzon www.scrapbookiejulie.blogspot.com
Laurel Seabrook www.want2scrap.blogspot.com
Alisan Smith http://scrappinalistamps.blogspot.com
Haley Dyer www.inkyscrapper.blogspot.com
Dawn Heuft www.stamptildawn.blogspot.com
Ali Creel www.scrapali.blogspot.com
Helen Onulak www.hookedonstamping.com
Jean McNulty http://stampinmaui.blogspot.com
Aaron Brown http://aaronsbooth32.blogspot.com/
Shannon www.rockinstamps.blogspot.com
Julie Lane http://raggedydoodles.blogspot.com

Happy Hopping!