I Learned Something New…

I learned something new from one of my favorite new blogs, The Pioneer Woman (really not so new, but I’ve been visiting it a lot lately).  She has lots of fabulous things on her blog such as confessions of her life on the ranch, fabulous recipes, photography tips, home & garden tips & ideas, and more.

I decided today to check out some of her photography tips using Photoshop Elements and I learned today how to use the layers with some really fabulous results. I can’t wait to play more with my pictures now.

Here is a photo I took a few days ago of the snowfall in Christoval. I pulled over onto the side of the road right across from our church and took this picture through the trees on someone’s property. Since it was still snowing and it was overcast, the picture didn’t turn out as well as I had hoped…still beautiful, but…

By creating a new layout of the photo in Photoshop Elements (Ctrl + J), and then changing the layer from Normal to Hard Light Effect…I got this…

Sooooo much more striking if I say so myself! If you haven’t checked out her blog…do it now! She has so much to share and she has lots of great giveaways too! You can also find her on Facebook and Twitter.

Enjoy!

Stampers from the Heart Idea Book Celebration Dinner

This past Thursday evening, I met up with all my local Stampers from the Heart team members for our Idea Book Celebration Dinner at Henry’s to enjoy some yummy mexican food and fellowship.

As Close To My Heart Consultants, we received the new 2010 Spring Idea Book this past week (1 month before it’s available to customers) and all I can really share with you now is that it is amazing! I am always so amazed at how Close To My Heart can continually blow us away with fabulous new products and gorgeous new artwork...but they do it every time a new idea book is unveiled (for consultants: December, April, August; for customers: January, May, September).

The new 2010 Spring Idea Book will be unveiled to customers on January 1st! What an exciting way to kick off the new year!

Well…I will at least share with you this fun photo of our local Stampers from the Heart team members with our new 2010 Spring Idea Books…

Pictured left to right: Tonya, Mandy, Sylvia, Pamela, Katy, Debbie M, Michele, Judy (not pictured Debbie H)

Tonya is a fellow consultant that recently moved to the area from Germany! Before she moved, she went to the CTMH consultant locator and found that Katy lived in the same neighborhood that she would be moving to. That is one of my favorite things about being a Close To My Heart Consultant…that there is a sisterhood across the country, even the world! There is a special bond between us all and it’s such a wonderful way to connect with others in new areas. If you are in the surrounding San Angelo area, be sure to contact me and let me know. We would be happy for you to join us at our next event!

(Side note: Don’t forget about the Heyday Clearance Sale featuring products at 50-80% off! The sale runs through December 17th or while supplies last. Shop early for the best selection…My Acrylix Stamp Sets starting at $2!!!)

Sweet blessings until next time,

My Snow Angel

How cool is it that I was able to create this wonderful snow layout the same day that it snowed here in West Texas!?! Do you mind if I tell you again how much I love Studio J…LOL! My snow pictures look fabulous with the Aspen Studio J Kit.

Our first snow of the year...it’s been so many years since we have had any significant amount of snow and we all have been waiting all week for it to make it's appearance here in West Texas. On Friday, December 4, 2009 it finally arrived. I was overjoyed to have captured this stunning photo of Caitlyn in the falling snow at our home in Christoval.

I have to also share the focal point photo with you…

I absolutely LOVE this photo! I so wish I could have gotten a great one like this with my two year old, but she wouldn’t cooperate and look up and smile for me. I got a bunch of her running around in circles in the snow. LOL!

Here is the original shot, so you can tell why I decided to crop it… because of the work gloves she was using to play in the snow. This shot will work great with another layout about playing in the snow.

We had a wonderful time this morning before the kids had to go to school. School was delayed til 10:45 am today and I can just about guarantee you that not much work was done while they were there. Oh well, I know they had fun!

Hoping for a white Christmas in a few weeks…

You know…God does still perform miracles.

Sweet blessings,

My Leave a Legacy Scrapbook Album

I really thought at some point I had shared this album on my blog, but I can not find it anywhere. I recently took it off the shelf to share at an event and I thought you might enjoy seeing it.

Here is what I wrote about it back in 2007…

At the 2006 CTMH Convention in Salt Lake City, I entered the Leave A Legacy Album Contest and was a Top 10 Finalist! This has to be one of my most memorable experiences ever. It was very inspirational and emotional for me as I created my album based on my spiritual testimony and my prayers were answered when my album was placed on display during the convention for all attendees to view. I give all the glory to Him for giving me the creative inspiration and courage to follow through with this project.

Leave a Legacy through the art of scrapbooking & stamping today! God bless!

$100 Grab Bag for ONLY $30! 50-80% Off Clearance Sale While Supplies Last!!!

Click on the items below for AMAZING deals & to see what you can get for 50-80% OFF!!!

Scrapbook Kits, Paper Packets, Card Kits, My Stickease

Grab Bag, Coloring Pencils, Ribbon Rounds, Sassy Strands, My Accents, & More

My Acrylix Stamp Sets

Only while supplies last!

Shop online at

http://pamela.myctmh.com

Online Clearance Sale in Progress!

Visit http://pamela.myctmh.com and click the Shop Online link to get in on some fantastic deals! 50-80% off with $5 shipping on orders of $100 or more!

See clearance sale details and list of items HERE.

Happy Shopping!

Special Close To My Heart Clearance Sale!!!

Have a Holiday Heyday!

Sale Begins Dec 2nd

SIT BACK AND RELAX. It's OK to start your holiday shopping a little late this year, because the best deals start in December! You can buy everyone on your list a gift and stock up on much-needed supplies, leaving you time to enjoy the festivities! Beginning December 2nd at 10 am CT, you will find a fabulous Online Clearance Sale by going to www.pamela.myctmh.com!

You'll want to get in on the amazing deals like My Acrylix® stamp sets from $2 and My Reflections® paper packets from $5. But that's not all-we have "grab bags" for $30, each filled with over $100 in retail products! Plus, great shipping deals on orders over $100. These products are only available while supplies last, so mark your calendar and be the first to fill your shopping cart!
Below is a list of sale items. Please note that I can NOT guarantee that these items will be available when you go to shop. For the best selection, shop early!

Happy shopping and saving!
Pamela

*Sale continues through December 17 or while supplies last. Shipping/handling: $100+ have a flat rate shipping of $5. Orders $99.99 and under have weight-based shipping. Tax is charged based on discounted amount.

List of Sale Items
Item #, Description, US Clearance Sale Price

CC1008 Grab Bag  $30.00
Z9990 Key to My Heart Paper Pack  $5.00
Z9991 Just Because Card Base (4 ¼ x 5 ½ size, Colonial White with faint distressing, pack of 20)  $2.00
Z9992 Life Delights Pack (9" x 9" preprinted pages, B&T paper, cardstock, accessory pack) $4.00
Z9993 Promise of Spring Pack (12" x 12" cardstock, B&T paper, accessory pack)  $5.00
Z9994 Magic Moments Pack (12" x 12" preprinted pages,  3/8" Cocoa grosgrain ribbon, Cocoa brads)  $10.00

Z464 Sassy Strands® Summer Carnival Collection  $1.00
Z400 Sassy Strands® White Daisy Collection  $1.00
Z467 Sassy Strands® Spring Blossom Collection  $1.00
Z401 Sassy Strands® Autumn Harvest Collection  $1.00
Z402 Sassy Strands® Winter Classic Collection  $1.00
Z463 Sassy Strands® Spring Harmony Collection  $1.00
Z466 Sassy Strands® Autumn Garden Collection  $1.00
Z465 Sassy Strands® Winter Cozy Collection  $1.00
Z468 Sassy Strands® Summer Celebration Collection  $1.00

Z1108 Chocolate Brads  $3.00
1759 Silver Brads  $3.00
Z1105 White Daisy Brads  $3.00
Z1107 Black Brads  $3.00
Z1111 Brads Summer Carnival Assortment  $3.00
Z1137 Brads Spring Harmony Assortment  $3.00
Z297 Bigger Brads Autumn Harvest Assortment  $7.00
Z298 Bigger Brads Winter Classic Assortment  $7.00
Z1051 Bitty Brads  $3.00

Z288 My Accents® Topiary Accessories  $6.00
Z285 My Accents® Garden Green Accessories  $6.00
Z286 My Accents® Outdoor Denim Accessories  $6.00
Z284 My Accents® Cranberry Accessories  $6.00
Z290 My Accents® Autumn Terracotta Accessories  $6.00
Z196 My Accents® Baby Pink Accessories  $6.00

Z1015 Clear Inspirations Believe Ribbon Slides  $1.00
Z1013 Clear Inspirations Precious Ribbon Slides  $1.00

Z1133 3/8" White Daisy Ricrac Ribbon (bulk)  $4.00
Z803 Organdy Ribbon Rounds™ Spring Blossom Collection  $4.00
Z807 Organdy Ribbon Rounds™ Autumn Garden Collection  $4.00
Z802 Organdy Ribbon Rounds™ Spring Harmony Collection  $4.00
Z808 Organdy Ribbon Rounds™ Winter Classic Collection  $4.00
Z804 Organdy Ribbon Rounds™ Summer Carnival Collection  $4.00
Z805 Organdy Ribbon Rounds™ Summer Celebration Collection  $4.00
Z1301 Designer Ribbon Rounds™ Chocolate Collection  $4.00
Z823 Designer Ribbon Rounds™ Autumn Terracotta Collection  $4.00
Z1306 Designer Ribbon Rounds™ Heartfelt Collection  $4.00
Z1305 Designer Ribbon Rounds™ Holiday Collection  $4.00
Z816 Ribbon Rounds™ White Daisy Collection  $4.00
Z814 Designer Ribbon Rounds™ Cocoa Collection  $4.00
Z812 Designer Ribbon Rounds™ Hollyhock Collection  $4.00
Z1303 Designer Ribbon Rounds™ Outdoor Denim Collection  $4.00
Z815 Designer Ribbon Rounds™ Twilight Collection  $4.00

Z331 Eyelet Mat  $2.00
Z169 Black Eyelets  $2.00
Z159 Buttercup Eyelets  $2.00
Z136 Heavenly Blue Eyelets  $2.00
Z171 Pewter Eyelets  $2.00
Z149 Garden Green Eyelets $2.00
Z165 New England Ivy Eyelets  $2.00
Z153 Indian Corn Blue Eyelets $2.00
Z150 Autumn Terracotta Eyelets $2.00
Z179 Chocolate Eyelets  $2.00

Z1012 Braggin' Tags™ Mini Album  $3.00
Z1017 My Creations™ Circle Album  $3.00

1776 1/8" Long Reach Punch  $7.00
1762 Write 'n' Rub™ Pen  $6.00
X1401 StickStock® Linen  $6.00
X1400 StickStock® Twill  $6.00
Z820 Window Charms™ Squares  $5.00
Z922 Pastel Coloring Pencils  $4.00
Z920 Earth Coloring Pencils  $4.00
X8701 Floral Impressions Embossed Photo Mats  $4.00
Z1044 Dimensional Elements Basic Shapes  $3.00
Z4128 Foundry® Frames  $3.00
Z1134 Holiday Fabric Tags  $3.00
Z309 Sculpting™ Foam  $2.00
Z657 Vineyard Berry Embossing Powder  $2.00
Z1010 Colored Staples  $2.00
X277 5" x 5 1/2" Clear Cello Envelopes  $2.00
4109 6" x 6" Matte Memory Protectors® (15)  $2.00
X143 Door Hangers with Pouch (10)  $1.00

X8519 My Child's Reflections™ All About My Family  $4.00

X5802 Creative Basics® Everlasting Collection  $5.00
X5803 Creative Basics® Silhouette Collection  $5.00
X5804 Creative Basics® Boom-Di-Ada Collection  $5.00

X7045A My Reflections® Vintage Travel Level 1 Kit  $5.00
X7045C My Reflections® Vintage Travel Level 2 My Stickease® Assortment  $4.00
X7056A My Reflections® Discovery Level 1 Kit  $5.00
X7060A My Reflections® Heirloom Level 1 Kit  $5.00
X7060B My Reflections® Heirloom Level 2 Paper Packet  $6.50
X7061A My Reflections® Floral Impressions Level 1 Kit  $5.00
X7061B My Reflections® Floral Impressions Level 2 Paper Packet  $6.50
X7061C My Reflections® Floral Impressions Level 2 My Stickease® Assortment  $4.00
X7062A My Reflections® Laid Back Level 1 Kit  $5.00
X7069A My Reflections® Just Chillin' Level 1 Kit  $5.00
X7069C My Reflections® Just Chillin' My Stickease® Assortment  $4.00
X7071A My Reflections® Best Friends Forever Level 1 Kit  $5.00
X7072A My Reflections® School Zone Level 1 Kit  $5.00
X7072B My Reflections® School Zone Level 2 Paper Packet  $6.50
X7072C My Reflections® School Zone Level 2 My Stickease® Assortment  $4.00
X7073A My Reflections® Abundance Level 1 Kit  $5.00
X7073B My Reflections® Abundance Level 2 Paper Packet  $6.50
X7073C My Reflections® Abundance Level 2 My Stickease® Assortment  $4.00
X7076A My Reflections® Sonata Level 1 Kit  $5.00
X7076C My Reflections® Sonata Level 2 My Stickease® Assortment  $4.00
X7077C My Reflections® Sweet Harmony Level 2 My Stickease® Assortment  $4.00
X7078A My Reflections® Cutie Pie Level 1 Kit  $5.00
X7078C My Reflections® Cutie Pie Level 2 My Stickease® Assortment  $4.00
X7079A My Reflections® Rough n Tumble Level 1 Kit  $5.00
X7079B My Reflections® Rough 'N Tumble Level 2 Paper Packet  $6.50
X7079C My Reflections® Rough 'N Tumble Level 2 My Stickease® Assortment  $4.00
X7080A My Reflections® Route 66 Level 1 Kit  $5.00
X7080C My Reflections® Route 66 Level 2 My Stickease® Assortment  $4.00
X7082A My Reflections® Expedition Level 1 Kit  $5.00
X7082C My Reflections® Expedition Level 2 My Stickease® Assortment  $4.00
X7083A My Reflections® Let's Get Together Level 1 Kit  $5.00
X7084A My Reflections® Floral Tapestry Level 1 Kit  $5.00
X7085A My Reflections® Everlasting Level 1 Kit  $5.00
X7085B My Reflections® Everlasting Level 2 Paper Packet  $6.50
X7085C My Reflections® Everlasting Level 2 My Stickease® Assortment  $4.00
X7086A My Reflections® Caprice Level 1 Kit  $5.00
X7086B My Reflections® Caprice Level 2 Paper Packet  $6.50
X7086C My Reflections® Caprice Level 2 My Stickease® Assortment  $4.00
X7087A My Reflections® Enchanted Level 1 Kit  $5.00
X7087B My Reflections® Enchanted Level 2 Paper Packet  $6.50
X7087C My Reflections® Enchanted Level 2 My Stickease® Assortment  $4.00
X7088A My Reflections® Free Spirit Level 1 Kit  $5.00
X7088B My Reflections® Free Spirit Level 2 Paper Packet  $6.50
X7088C My Reflections® Free Spirit Level 2 My Stickease® Assortment  $4.00
X7089A My Reflections® Life Delights Level 1 Kit  $5.00
X7089C My Reflections® Life Delights Level 2 My Stickease® Assortment  $4.00
X7093A My Reflections® Sweet Pea Level 1 Kit  $5.00
X7093B My Reflections® Sweet Pea Level 2 Paper Packet  $6.50
X7093C My Reflections® Sweet Pea Level 2 My Stickease® Assortment  $4.00
X7094A My Reflections® Paper Garden Level 1 Kit  $5.00
X7094C My Reflections® Paper Garden Level 2 My Stickease® Assortment  $4.00
X7099A My Reflections® Whoops-A-Daisy Level 1 Kit  $5.00

X8524 Simply Snapshots® Rough 'N Tumble Album Pages  $4.00
X8525 Simply Snapshots® Lets Get Together Album Pages  $4.00
X8526 Simply Snapshots® Floral Tapestry Album Pages  $4.00
X8528 Simply Snapshots® Everlasting Album Pages  $4.00
X8529 Simply Snapshots® Silhouette Album Pages  $4.00
X8530 Simply Snapshots® Sweet Pea Album Pages  $4.00
X8531 Simply Snapshots® Boom-Di-Ada Album Pages  $4.00
X8532 Simply Snapshots® Perfect Day Album Pages  $4.00

X8608 My Originals® Groovy Blossoms Card Kit  $6.50
X8611 My Originals® Pretty Purses Card Kit  $6.50
X8613 My Originals® Peaceful Season Card Kit  $6.50
X8614 My Originals® Holiday Photo Greetings Card Kit  $6.50
X8615 My Originals® From The Heart Card Kit  $6.50
X8617 My Originals® Holiday Wishes Card Kit  $6.50
X8620 My Originals® Merry & Bright Card Kit  $6.50

Stamp Sets
A1084 My Acrylix® Sweet Flowers (Set Of 6) $2.00
A1092 My Acrylix® Simple Invites (Set Of 16) $2.00
A1093 My Acrylix® Genuine Fun (Set Of 4) $2.00
B1071 My Acrylix® Playful Numbers (Set Of 20) $4.00
B1167 My Acrylix® Thinking Of You (Set Of 6) $4.00
B1182 My Acrylix® Let It Snow (Set Of 6) $4.00
B1215 My Acrylix® Life Is (Set Of 16) $4.00
B1258 My Acrylix® Merry Little Christmas (Set Of 7) $4.00
B1260 My Acrylix® Let Us Adore Him (Set Of 5) $4.00
B1262 My Acrylix® Celebration Labels (Set Of 34) $4.00
B1277 My Acrylix® Hello Friend (Set Of 13) $4.00
C1079 My Acrylix® Playful Lowercase (Set Of 52) $6.00
C1198 My Acrylix® Let's Play Ball (Set Of 8) $6.00
C1209 My Acrylix® Christmas Scripts (Set Of 13) $6.00
C1221 My Acrylix® Choo Choo Train (Set Of 8) $6.00
C1222 My Acrylix® Seasonal Thoughts (Set Of 39) $6.00
C1226 My Acrylix® Floral Charms (Set Of 12) $6.00
C1227 My Acrylix® Our Wedding Day (Set Of 13) $6.00
C1244 My Acrylix® Glistening Snow (Set Of 11) $6.00
C1245 My Acrylix® O Christmas Tree (Set Of 26) $6.00
C1252 My Acrylix® Abundance Borders (Set Of 4) $6.00
D1013 My Acrylix® Playful Caps (Set Of 57) $8.00
D1111 My Acrylix® Card Sentiments (Set Of 10)  $8.00
D1115 My Acrylix® Princess (Set Of 17) $8.00
D1211 My Acrylix® First Class (Set Of 10) $8.00
D1126 My Acrylix® Precious Alphabet (Set Of 52) $8.00
D1140 My Acrylix® Miracle (Set Of 9) $8.00
D1146 My Acrylix® Back To Nature (Set Of 7) $8.00
D1152 My Acrylix® Follow Your Dreams (Set Of 15) $8.00
D1153 My Acrylix® Because Of You (Set Of 16) $8.00
D1165 My Acrylix® Bundled Up (Set Of 10) $8.00
D1175 My Acrylix® Steep And Deep (Set Of 12) $8.00
D1176 My Acrylix® Youthful Heart (Set Of 13) $8.00
D1179 My Acrylix® Festive Thoughts (Set Of 14) $8.00
D1086 My Acrylix® Birthday Bash (Set Of 16) $8.00
D1197 My Acrylix® My One & Only (Set Of 11) $8.00

Visit http://pamela.myctmh.com beginning Dec 2nd at 10 am CT. Happy Shopping!