Happy September!

Today I present to you a Halloween Card!!!

This is a 'Wow!' moment for me as it has been years since I designed and created a Halloween card!!

I am truly loving CTMH's new Holiday Expressions catalogue that went LIVE on September 1st!!  You must check it out!!

https://gwenanderson.closetomyheart.ca

*If you open the above link, click on Products and then Idea Books...you will be able to download and look at both of CTMH's brand new catalogues.  They are fabulous!!

 

Products Featured:

X7724B Cats and Bats Paper Pack

Z4045 Cats and Bats Scrapbooking Stamp & Thin Cuts

X5995/Z2833 (New) Pebble Cardstock and Ink Pad

Z2457 Marigold ShinHan Marker

I believe that sometimes when we are creating and showing new product, we forget to use techniques that we love!!  One of the reasons that I love CTMH is the white core paper, wrinkling it and then inking over top to give the paper a completely different look.

 

I am also pleased as punch that this card will enable me to enter into Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge this week!!  This will be my first time entering a card!!  Whoop whoop!!

 https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2k3QZwM1Vs7sZIT4yrZ1jVd1e-aOLEqoh_L0Yn_8m-zlr81E44PaGP0baJlK_MeyXlKlLPSDSbHvk0ZCIXUjSXQd8ix0oqfJQzxWeDD1oHoNOV7BQDqms4QKdrbVtD7nc5eVHAWYmXU5N/s1600/228.jpg

 

Thanks for looking!!

Gwen

"Enjoy the Little Things!"

New Product and a Challenge!!

Good Morning!!

Thank you for taking a moment to peek at my 'blog' today!

It has been a whirlwind July and I appreciate your patience with me as I have been absent for a bit and then I have been 'scrapped' out.

To explain a little...

I created an Everyday Life Album for a family member celebrating a special birthday and then scrapbooked 26 layouts of my husband and I to have on display for our 25th Anniversary. In three days!!

 Nothing like leaving it until the last minute!!

What fun, but what mental exhaustion!

So today, I must once again thank the ladies at

Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge

http://atlanticheartschallenge.blogspot.ca/

for inspiring today's layout!!  You must check out this challenge blog as I find it very inspiring!!

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsAsKoUCMvOXQD56AbVvI5kNOfVEnWT7p4nj9YVqHSgTLqmJyrg_52rzAu9j0KMTyh8Yrb8rk1tkDmVmHGULgTqDWWaM6jRX6zIafsCTRFegpos3mCRI7RCKpgo4sWydEKWf74RC6Kk_x7/s1600/222.jpg

A sneak peek at some of the NEW CTMH products coming out in our new Annual Inspirations on August 1!!  So excited!!!

Hmm...I must be in a brain fog today as I can't seem to edit my pictures, so please forgive my unprofessional photos today!!  I REALLY want to blog today and I promise I will be 'back' next time!! Oh, dear!!

As usual, all the products used on my single page layout are Close to My Heart and will be available for sale August 1, 2017 with the release of our absolutely wonderful new Inspirations Catalogue!!

https://gwenanderson.closetomyheart.ca/

Thank you for looking and for your patience!!

Gwen

"Enjoy the Little Things!" 

I Needed a Challenge!!

Happy Saturday!

My apologies for being absent...this year has been a crazy spring and my husband has been interfering with my scrapbook time!  Actually, you know things have been crazy when Bob asks me out to the field to help!!  lol.

All supplies are Close To My Heart:

G1129 Workshop Your Way Jack Scrapbooking Kit

 

It has definitely taken this challenge from the ladies at

Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge:

http://atlanticheartschallenge.blogspot.ca/ 

to bring me back to my world!! 

Thank you ladies, for these weekly challenges!! 

Thanks for looking!

Gwen

"Enjoy the Little Things"

Three Cards and Me!!

Happy Wednesday Evening!

The other day, I 'needed'  to be in my Caffeinated Corner...it was one of those days. 

When it is 'one of those days' sometimes the scrapbooking doesn't come as easy, but why not some cards??

I love simple and easy cards.

 That doesn't mean that they have to be boring.  Simple stamping, a little color, some bling and favorite stamp sets.  That's all you need to get your card creativity going!!

 All supplies are Close to My Heart and available today!
https://gwenanderson.closetomyheart.ca

Inks...Momento Black, Cashmere, Cocoa, and Glacier
Stamp Sets...(D1720) Keep Dreaming, (C1608) Brushstrokes, (A1198) Hi Friend, 
(B1536) All the Thanks, and stamp set from (G1131) WYW Anniversary Cardmaking Kit

 Thanks for looking!!
Gwen
"Enjoy the little things"

Good Times!

Happy Monday!

I think that it is safe to say that you have begun to see that

I am happily married with two 'grown' children.

I think that I can safely say that today's layout shows

that all in the pictures are 'adults', but mature??

Good times for sure!!

All supplies used are Close To My Heart:

G1128 Prickly Pear Scrapbooking Kit

Z3189 White and Gold Ribbon

Z3238 Gold Glitter Paper

Z3260 Hearts Thin Cuts (Sold Out!!)

Thanks for looking!

Gwen 

"Enjoy the Little Things!"

Only 6 more sleeps and a day...

until the Living Beautifully Collection is GONE!!

I will truly miss working with this collection of paper, stamps and the fabulous Cut Above Kit!  

With the stamp set, I love the bold images of the flowers as well as the script that CTMH chose for the single word stamps and sentiment stamps.

The paper, beautiful...every piece.

Thanks for looking!
Gwen
"Enjoy the Little Things"

Live Beautifully 2 Page!

As you may have noticed, I like to blog about my single page layouts...I figured that it was time that I put a 2 page layout up for everyone!  Of course, this layout uses the Live Beautifully paper pack and stamp set that I've been raving about this month!

This layout is all about paper and simple stamping! 

 

(I feel that I should be giving someone else credit for this layout design, but my apologies...I can't remember and didn't write it on the back.)

My apologies on the downhill slant and shadow that I see on the picture this morning...I think my progressives are taking a break!! Hahahaha.

Thanks for looking!

Gwen

 "Enjoy the little things"

This Guy...Challenge Take 2!

I am definitely happier with this second entry for the

Atlantic Hearts Challenge!

http://atlanticheartschallenge.blogspot.ca/

 

 This layout 'fell' together much easier than the last one.

I am so glad that all of my family members 'put up with' my love of scrapbooking and allow me to take pictures to blog about!!!

...or maybe I don't always tell them that they end up on my blog!!

All supplies used are CTMH:

Z3306 My Boy Complements

Live Beautifully Paper Pack

Black, Slate, Whisper and Emerald Cardstock

Sparkles (colored with the Black ShinHan Marker)

 

Thanks for looking!

Gwen

"Enjoy the Little Things"

3 Generations...Another Challenge!

I had so much fun doing the last

Atlantic Hearts Challenge,

that I decided to give it another go.

This time I may have strayed too far away from the sketch (213),

but I did find this sketch a challenge for me!

Even with the circle on it (remember, I love circles),

I found that there was too much space on a 12x12 layout.

As I said, I may have strayed too far from the sketch, but I am still having fun taking part in these challenges and recommend it!!

Since I titled my page "3 Generations", I felt that there had to be three flowers, circles and sparkles.  I realized afterwards that I even had three lines of journaling!!!

This layout uses...

the Live Beautifully Stamp Set

the Live Beautifully Paper Pack

Pixie, Juniper and Black ink

Daisy White cardstock

Sparkles colored with Z2464 Tender Pink ShinHan Marker 

*all supplies are Close To My Heart 

**The title and two of the flowers were first stamped with Pixie Ink and then, with a sponge, I added black ink onto the stamp before stamping.  Love the softness of adding ink with a sponge!!

 http://atlanticheartschallenge.blogspot.ca/

(one of these days I will figure out how to add a link.  It seems that I have forgotten!!!)

Thanks for looking!

Gwen

"Enjoy the Little Things" 

A Day of Friendship!

Today has been a fabulous day.

A day full of friendship and then topped off with some scrapbooking and a challenge!

  

A friend pointed out to me a challenge on

http://atlanticheartschallenge.blogspot.ca

and this layout honestly, just fell in place.

With friends, life is wonderful and full of smiles!

 All products used are Close To My Heart...

C1619 So Many Smiles Stamp Set

Sapphire Ink andCardstock

Z3238 Gold Glitter Paper

Zip Strip from Living Beautifully Paper Pack (CC1212B) *only available for the month of May!!!

Z3304 "Happy Birthday" Thin Cut

Z3318 "Basic Circles" Thin Cuts

White Daisy Cardstock 

Adhesive, 3D foam tape and glue pen

This is the original sketch on Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge...

*to check out Atlantic Hearts blog, highlight address closer to top of my

post, right click and open link in a new tab!

Thanks for looking!!

Gwen

"Enjoy the Little Things" 

ps...just a reminder that I do all my journaling after I blog!

Simple, Embossed Cards!

Embossed Cards...

I love the elegance and the simplicity of embossing with gold and silver!

 I am also in love with CTMH's "Live Beautifully" Stamp Set and Paper Pack that are only available for the month of May and while supplies last!  

Sometimes I forget that the more simple I keep my cards and life, the more beautiful they both will be!!

 

The how to....

When embossing I find it best to use an anti-static product to keep the embossing powder from sticking to unwanted spots.  Then stamp with Versamark (Z891), sprinkle with gold powder (Z2066), and heat with a craft heater (Z555).  Work as quick as possible for best results.  

Simple and beautiful!!

Paper Pack is 17.95.  Stamp Set is 23.00. Created for National Scrapbooking Month and only while supplies last!

 Thanks for looking!

Gwen

"Enjoy the little things!" 

Hello, Monday!

Good Morning, Everyone!

Lately I have had an addiction to SHAKER CARDS!!!

Yesterday afternoon I had a group of 4 ladies join me in making three shaker cards...it is so great to see the differences that happen when 4 different people make the exact same card.  I'm so sorry that I didn't take pictures!!!

I'm very excited to give this class another go tonight with 6 more ladies!  Can't wait and I'll try to remember to take pictures!!

Supplies Used:

B1532 Sweet Birthday Stamp Set

Z1151 3D Foam Tape

Z899 Momento Black Ink

Variety of ShinHan Touch Twin Markers

Z3240 Sea Glass Glitter Paper

Z3304 Happy Birthday Thin Cut Die 

Z3312 Gold Glitter Gems

Page Protector cut up for the 'window' of my shaker box!

Variety of Sequins from my local Dollar Store!

Thanks for looking!

Gwen

"Enjoy the Little Things"

NATIONAL SCRAPBOOKING DAY!!

Good Morning!!

I am getting super excited about an upcoming weekend that I am hostessing to celebrate NATIONAL SCRAPBOOKING DAY! Which is, of course, on May 6th!

I figure, though, why only a day?  How about a weekend?

Friday May 5th, Saturday May 6th and Sunday May 7th.

The theme... "Live Beautifully"!

Wow!!!

To add to my excitement, Close To My Heart designed a paper pack, stamp set, Cut Above Layout Kit and an Album Bundle to help us celebrate!  Amazing!!

The layout that I am showing you today, is my FREE gift to all attendees at my weekend crop!  I will have all the pieces cut for them and then they will have to put it together!  I hope that they love it as much as I loved creating it for them!!

More details about my weekend and all my upcoming classes can be found on my Facebook page ...

Gwen Anderson - Independent Close To My Heart Consultant

 

Live Beautifully paper pack and stamp set!

Live Beautifully Album Bundle! 20% off!!

 Thank you for looking!

Gwen

"Enjoy the Little Things"

Happy Easter!!

I hope that, if you celebrate, you had a wonderful Easter weekend filled with family and friends!

Since it is Easter Monday for me, I thought that I would share this FUN single page layout of myself!!

With April 'winding down', that means our Seasonal Expressions mini catalogue will be going 'off-line'...many of the items will be no longer available and some are even already there at this point.

But, this also means that we will be 'getting' a new Seasonal Expressions at the beginning of May and I can't wait to share this one with you as well!  It is fabulous! Close to my Heart just keeps on impressing me and gets better and better!

Back to my layout...

*the papers that I used are 'Some Kind of Wonderful'.  I love the fun colors that this package of paper has to offer.

 *the stamp set is 'Journaling Prompts' (B1548)

*the dragonfly comes from 'Dreamin' Big - Cardmaking (C1674)

*all of the items used on this layout are from the Seasonal Expressions set to retire April 30, 2017.

I hope that you found today's layout as FUN and 'Spring-y' as I do!!  Thank you for looking!

 My apologies for not 'cropping' my photo, for some reason, my computer and I were not getting along!!  Not enough coffee???

Gwen

"Enjoy the Little Things"

Thin Cuts...Love Them!!

Only 4 more sleeps and the 25% off Thin Cuts Sale will be over!

I have always LOVED the THIN CUTS!!  They are so easy to use and can really enhance the project that you are working on!!

As you can see, I used the "LOVE" (Z3257) thin cut, and the "HEARTS" (Z3260) thin cuts on this layout.  I even used the "Love" thin cut to cut through our beautiful

SEA GLASS GLITTER PAPER (Z3240)!

Stamp sets used include the Operation Smile Stamp Set,

"True Love" (D1711) and

"Hello Lovely - Scrapbooking" (D1713), which is only available until April 30, 2017.  All other supplies are current Close to My Heart products and available through my OBA.

I hope that my single page layout inspires you to create today!

Thanks for looking!!
    Gwen
"Enjoy the Little Things!"

"Things I Love!"

Good Morning!

I know that it's Spring, but since here in Saskatchewan we still have snow, I thought that I would post another Winter Layout!

As most of you know, there are many 'things' that

I am in love with...

glitter paper (the snowflake, the 'xo' and the sea glass sheet),

Close to My Heart Thin Cuts (which are 25% off this month!!!),

Snap Chat (which my daughter and I use to keep in touch),

the use of 'flags' on a layout,

sequins (were not always my favorite, but on this 

layout they look lovely!!),

and B&T paper!!

Life is Great!

Have a Wonderful Day!!

Thanks for looking!
    Gwen
"Enjoy the Little Things!"

Circles and Shimmer Trim!

Good Morning!

I would like to think that today's post is a quick and simple one!  The left page is to hold two 4x6" photos horizontally and the right is to hold four 4x6" photos vertically, with no cutting for any of them!

I used the 1" circle punch, some of our wonderful shimmer trim, and accented with some sparkles.

The stamp set is "Some Kinda Wonderful-Scrapbooking" (D1716) from our current Seasonal Expressions Catalogue.  Love this stamp set!!

The paper is from the Sugar Rush (X7215B) Paper Pack.

Thanks for looking!
    Gwen
"Enjoy the Little Things!"

Watercolor Wonder!

Happy Monday!!

Today's post is all about watercoloring...with Close To My Heart's pencils and blender pen, paints and brushes and the fabulous ShinHan markers!!

**

With the "Always Know..." card, I used CTMH's card that they did on their blog last week.  I did not have as much luck with the paints as they did, so changed my watercolor medium to the pencils and the blender pens.  Definitely more my 'thing'!!  This card also features the (Z3301) Hello Lovely Cardmaking Thin Cuts Bundle (which is on sale right now while supplies last!!)!

**

The "Tea Cup Happy Birthday" features the March Stamp of the Month, Tea-riffic (S1703), the ShinHan Markers, the paints and brushes and the Happy Birthday Thin Cut (Z3304), which is also on sale while supplies last!!

(this card is CASED from Pinterest and the originial was created by Laura Beacham)

**

The "Blue Happy Birthday card" features the paints and brushes, the Happy Birthday Thin Cut (Z3304) and the 

(Z3293) Clear Shimmer Brush 

(which doesn't show up well in the picture, but gives the card a lovely sparkle)!

**

On all of the cards I have used (Z3146) watercolor paper as this helps to 'move' color around and be more 'workable'.

This is a card class that I am featuring for the month of March.

Thanks for looking!
    Gwen
"Enjoy the little things!"

Keeping it Simple!

Good Morning, Everyone!

Today's 'work' is honestly about keeping it simple!

For my single page layout, I pulled out some PML (Picutre My Life) cards to enhance my photo.  Used one of them to cut out a couple of circles.

Enhanced the page with a few colored sparkles and this month's SOTM, Tea-riffic!!  This is an absolutely fun stamp set that can be colored with all types of mediums...I used the ShinHan markers for the stamped images on today's page.  

I will definitely be using this stamp set for upcoming posts!  Did you know that there is a way to get this stamp set for $6.00???  Only available in March!!

 I love a good special!!

Thanks for looking and have a great weekend!!!
    Gwen
"Enjoy the Little Things"

Loving "Sugar Rush!"

Hello, Everyone!

   Today's post is a great way to use up scrap paper that you may have laying around!!  Who doesn't have a bag full of scraps on their work table??  I know that I sure do!
   This layout, though, was done with the Sugar Rush Paper Pack (X7215D) from CTMH's Seasonal Expressions catalogue!  I love everything about the product in this catalogue!! 
   When putting this layout together, I did use my VersaMat's (Z1279) for measuring and spacing (I have two of them on my work space at all times for double layouts) as well as my ruler.  Each square of paper is 3" with a mat of 3 1/8". Colors used for the mats are Sea Glass (X5789) and Raspberry (X5788). 
   All embellishments come from the Sugar Rush Complements (X7215C).  The ribbon, I love that CTMH now has a variety of ribbon in the Annual Inspirations Catalogue...the grey one with polka dots comes in the Rustic Home Ribbon Pack (Z3292) and the blue 'love' ribbon comes in the Whimsy Ribbon Pack (Z3287).

*I do apologize for the lighting of my pictures lately...I will figure out these new lights in my crafting space yet!!!!

Thanks for looking!!
    Gwen
"Enjoy the Little Things!"

Cards to Share!

Happy Friday, Everyone!
I am very excited to be sharing with you three cards that I have prepped for a card class that I am having on Monday!  It had been a long time since I've used the watercolor pencils (3505) - I forgot how much I love them!!  I get great control with the pencils, can press harder to get more color, and then use the CTMH Blender Pen (3174) to give my coloring a 'watercolor' look!  Simple!  The other two cards are featuring a couple of the THIN CUTS that CTMH has been coming out with.  The HEARTS (Z2360) and the HAPPY (Z3258)!!  I love that CTMH has been coming out with more and more thin cuts!

A few things to note....
*the "Hello" stamp comes from the Carmaking WYW (G1123) and is exclusive to that kit.
*the hearts on the Hello card are cut out multiple times and layered for the look I wanted.
*I also used Ink Blot (D1660) on the Hello Card

*The "Happy" card uses paper from the Some Kind of Wonderful PP. (X7217B)
*Gold glitter paper (Z3238) is beautiful and CTMH's is a fabulous quality!!
*The ribbon is Black Shimmer Ribbon (Z4012)
*The front of the card has had 1" cut off of the bottom for a fun look!  The gold and black layer are attached to the inside of the card.

*"Happy Spring" features the February Stamp of the Month, the rabbits are adorable!!  This stamp can be purchased for $23.00 or $6.00.  Ask me how!!!
*Brushstrokes (C1608)
*Sea Glass Glitter Paper (Z3240)
*features a piece of Sugar Rush Paper Packet (X7215B)
*Gold Glitter Gems (Z3312)
*Blush Shimmer Ribbon (Z3313)
*To create a "Wow" card, I cut 1" off of the bottom of the front of the card and then another 1".  One of the strips was 'cast' aside and the other one I used to attach the rabbit family to. In the 'empty space" is where I stamped the flowers, on the inside of the card.  I did use a ruler for this, just to guide me and make sure I stayed straight.  It was honestly super simple, for a "Wow" look!

I hope that you enjoyed these cards, make them yourself and "Wow" a friend or two!!

Thanks for looking!!
    Gwen
"Enjoy the Little Things"

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Since today is all about love...of course my post is going to be as well!!  My love of scrapbooking helps me to show those around me that I absolutely love them and it is also a way to remind me why!!!  I definitely need to remind myself that it is the "little things that make life beautiful"!

Today's single page layout features the paper collection, "Oh Deer".  Unfortunately, it is retired, but you can always substitute other paper and stickers in place of mine.  I spent 'hours' contemplating how I wanted to scrapbook these pictures as this 'moment' was so important to me.  Sometimes life doesn't always work out the way we plan, but our family and friends will always be there to give us a hand up and remind us to push on!!  Love that my husband is always one of the first to do this for me!!  These pictures and this moment also reminded me to "Keep It Simple!"  Scrapbooking is about preserving the memory!!  Have a fabulous Valentine's Day!!

Thanks for looking!!
    Gwen
"Enjoy the Little Things!"

It Feels Good To Be Back!!!

Wow!  It has been a crazy amount of time since I have posted...my apologies for that!  A lot of 'things' have been happening around here, but one that I'm most proud of is the creation of a scrapbook that I recently raffled off for Operation Smile.  I was so pleased when it sold for $150.00!!  Wow!!  Still cannot believe it!!  Over the next little while I will post the pages that are in the album and I hope that you can use some, or all, for your own creating!!  All products are, of course, Close To My Heart, which is still near and dear to my heart!!!  Right now, we have amazing products in our Seasonal Expressions catalogue, as well as the Annual Inspirations!!  Check out my Shop Now button and take a peak at these fabulous catalogues!!

Thanks for looking!!!
      Gwen
"Enjoy the little Things!"

OPERATION SMILE ABLUM, POST #2

**I LOVE my So Many Smiles Stamp Set (C1619) and, as you know, my circles!!  lol.  I am also very fond of washi tape and shimmer trim.  Can't get enough of my SHIMMER TRIM!!  The new Raspberry color is very uplifting as well.  My apologies on the 'glare' that has occured...my husband put new LED lights in the craft room and I haven't figured out my camera settings with them yet!!

Thanks for looking!!
     Gwen
"Enjoy the Little Things!"