Fabulously Artsy

Flat Fabios are Fabulous

2012-05-22T10:51:00.001-07:00

Lindy’s Stamp Gang has released a new product line called Flat Fabios. LSG is known for their shimmery, two-toned products and gorgeous colors. Now with Flat Fabios, you get the color…. without the shimmer!

At first, I was hesitant. I love the glittery goodness of Lindy’s Stamp Gang. But after my first spritz, I fell in love with the smooth sprays and the effortless color matching in the newly released Caribbean Cruise and Hawaiian Island collections.

I sprayed white cardstock with Mango Mania and Pineapple Passion for the card above, then added a white embossed border from the Life Is Tweet stamp set from Close to My Heart. For the blue circle piece, I removed the spray top and dipped a wide, flat brush into Ocean Breeze Blue, then brushed onto white cardstock. This gave me an ultra smooth finish for the embossed sentiment.

Materials used (click on the links to shop):
Flat Fabios by Lindy’s Stamp Gang, Mango Mania, Pineapple Passion, Ocean Breeze Blue
Life Is Tweet, June Stamp of the Month by Close to My Heart (available June 1-30)
Dotty For You paper by Close to My Heart (available until May 31 for just $5 with a $35 purchase on my website)
Green Ribbon by Close to My Heart
Cricut Art Philosophy collection by Close to My Heart

Cute, Cute, Cute!

2012-05-09T09:51:00.001-07:00

How adorable is this starfish? I just want to pinch him.

I thought the sandy patterned paper was perfect for the starfish, so I stamped and paper-pieced the little cutie.

A little glitter over liquid glass adds some sparkle and dimension. Sweet and simple!

Under the Sea stamp set by Close to My Heart, just $13.95 on my shopping website.

Materials:
Under the Sea stamp set
Footloose paper pack
Blue & Green Buttons
Prisma Glitter
Liquid Glass

Sympathy Card

2012-05-04T14:51:00.001-07:00

My uncle passed away this week after a long battle with a brain tumor. He was a self-made man who grew up in the depression, the youngest of 7 children in a log cabin in Idaho. He graduated from high school at just 16 years old and worked to put himself through college and law school. He was a lawyer and a senior vice president for Boise Cascade corporation, and later became the dean of Spokane’s Gonzaga Law school. From such a humble beginning, he was truly an inspiration that anyone can aspire to greatness.

I’m drawn to natural elements when creating sympathy cards, something about the soft colors and nature themes seem appropriate.

I used a watercolor paintbrush with Close to My Heart inkpads to create a hand painted look to this wildflower stamp.

Materials used: Florentine level 2 paper pack, Kraft Cardstock, Crème Brulee inkpad, Twilight Inkpad, Desert Sand Inkpad, Cocoa Inkpad, Best Wishes and You are Beautiful stamp set (retired).

Busy, Busy Tresa

2012-04-26T14:01:00.001-07:00

My poor readers, have you missed me?

I’ve been a busy bee, filling orders for the 10 page Footloose Scrapbook Workshop. The response has be fantastic and I’ve been playing catch-up for nearly two weeks!

What’s it all about? Watch this very informal video I recorded on my ustream channel.

Want to get your own? Click here for the original blog post with all the info you need.

Want to see more? Watch the Walk-through.

The most interesting crafter in the world

2012-04-19T09:56:00.001-07:00

You’re not a real man if you don’t use Prisma Glitter.

Whatever Wednesday

2012-04-18T10:57:00.001-07:00

Oh, Ryan….

New Scrapbook Workshop, now released!

2012-04-14T15:04:00.004-07:00

Would you love to attend a class presented by the Stamp Goddess? Well, now’s your chance!
So much more than a template, this is a complete class you can take from the comfort of your own home.

Materials and Instruction Included
You’ll receive three paper packs and 5 full packages of embellishments, plus a full-color cutting and instruction guide to create 10 pages for your 12”x12” scrapbook.
Featuring the Footloose paper pack, the color scheme is suitable for baby or summertime photos. Create a perfect baby shower gift for boys or girls, or scrapbook your favorite summertime memories.

Work With Me
In addition to the printable PDF workshop guide with helpful tips, you can also watch instructional workshop videos. Great for those visual learners, scrap along with me in real time!

Get It While You Can
This is a limited time offer. This workshop won’t last forever, order by May 31 to guarantee delivery!

Get More! Dotty For You Special
Add the Dotty for You paper pack to your workshop kit for just $5 plus $1 shipping! Just select the option using the drop-down menu on the BUY NOW button below.

When you add the Dotty for You option, you’ll receive the colorful special edition 24 sheet paper pack of two-sided B&T duo cardstock weight papers, along with your purchase of your Workshop Kit.

Ready to Order?

Purchase the online Workshop Kit alone, or add the Dotty for You paper pack to your purchase by using the drop-down menu on the shopping button below.

Consultants and local Spokane area residents, scroll down for special offers for you.

Ten Page Footloose Workshop
$47.98 shipping and tax included
US sales only

Make sure to use drop-down menu to add the Dotty For You special!

Please allow up to 2 weeks to receive your workshop kit materials. Workshop guide will be sent by email within 3 days of purchase.

CTMH Consultant Special
Are you a Close to My Heart consultant? Click here for a very special consultant-only offer!

You are….. so not modern

2012-04-11T14:33:00.001-07:00

I tried. I really did. I wanted to make a clean, simple and modern card.

Ultra-hip color combo of grey and yellow. Check.
Graphic type and pattern. Check.

Clean lines, minimal embellishments, generous white space. Umm… veering off the path.

No distressing. Okay, just forget it.

I can’t. I can’t not distress.

Might as well throw in some glitter and imperfect sewing, while I’m at it. Yeesh.

You can try your own hand at something modern.. or not, with the April Stamp of the Month, “You Are…”

Available only in April, you can purchase the Stamp of the Month for just $5 with a $50 order on my Close to My Heart website. You can also order it without any additional purchase required for retail value of $17.95.

Close to My Heart project supplies:
You Are… April Stamp of the Month
Honey Cardstock
Grey Wool Cardstock
Ink pads: Black, Honey, Desert Sand
White Embossing Powder
Prisma Glitter
Silver Brads

Almost Ready!

2012-04-09T06:00:00.000-07:00

Good things take time.
I know, I know… I promised the 10 page online workshop would be ready for purchase on Monday, but I need a few more days. I’ve been working my tail off but it’s just not there. Lots of details to double check.

The good news is that it’s gonna be fabulous, and you will love the full color cutting guide and the Work with Me videos. And you’ll also be able to qualify for the Dotty for You paper pack for just a few dollars more, added onto your workshop purchase. So sit tight! I won’t promise a date, but I will finish it this week and put it up as soon as I can!

Updated Tues. 4/10: CTMH consultant kit will be released at the same time. No need to email me prior to the release. There will be a link right here on the blog, just for consultants to purchase a mini kit or full kit.

Reserve your space for the Spokane Workshop
I am still accepting reservations for the 10 page workshop to be held at my home. Your workshop fee includes all materials, attendance at the Thursday, April 26 Prep Workshop from 7-9 pm, and Assembly Workshop & Crop on Saturday April 28, 10am-4pm. Lunch is included on Saturday. Contact me for registration details.

Dotty for You

2012-04-07T15:50:00.001-07:00

I love a great special! Beginning April 17, you can purchase the Dotty for You paper pack for just $5 with a qualifying purchase on my website.

Cute and contemporary, loaded with color and pattern, this 24 pack of double sided cardstock is created exclusively for this special and will only be available from April 17 to May 31.

You can qualify to purchase this kit for the special price of just $5 when you place an order of $35 or more on my website anytime from 4/17 to 5/31.

Want it for free? Earn the Dotty For You paper pack as a hostess of a $400 gathering (plus you’ll receive $60 or more in hostess rewards!) Online gatherings are a cinch, contact me to set one up.

You can also receive a free Dotty For You paper pack when you join my team as a Close to My Heart consultant.

Three ways to earn this amazing paper pack! You just have to wait for April 17th, and then… which way will you choose?

Whatever Wednesday

2012-04-04T08:00:00.000-07:00

While Supplies Last!

2012-04-02T08:00:00.000-07:00

Back to the serious business of crafting, after my April Fools’ video post below. Hope I didn’t scare anyone too badly. Well, maybe just a little. Bwa-ha-ha.

Today I want to remind you to check out the sale on my website for limited supply items at great discounts. Snap up these great Close to My Heart deals while you can!

Prices as low as $1.00! Shop now!

It’s that time of year again!

2012-04-01T19:11:00.001-07:00

Newly Updated Sale Priced Items

2012-04-01T14:40:00.001-07:00

Love a good sale? Check out all the recent products added to the “While supplies last” section on my Close to My Heart website!

Prices as low as $1.00! Currently there are over 45 items to choose from. Get ‘em while they last!

Shop now!

April Workshop Sneak Peek

2012-03-30T11:21:00.001-07:00

Scrap your baby photos, or your summer memories with this 10 page pre-designed workshop! It’s so versatile, you can use it as a gift, place the pages in a single album, or break them up and use the pages individually. The beautiful aqua and yellow color scheme will work for boys, girls or summertime photos!

In April I’ll be releasing this 10 page workshop, with cutting guides and instructions in a full color printable guide. You can choose to attend a class if you live in the Spokane, Washington area, or you can purchase the kit online and have it shipped to you, for assembly at home. There will be helpful how-to videos related to this workshop, to make your scrapping experience even more fun!

CTMH consultants will qualify for the consultant special to allow you to create your own home workshop for your customers!

I’m still putting the final touches on the workshop, and expect to have the kit available for ordering on or around April 9th. Check back here on my blog for updates.

If you would like to pre-register for the Spokane workshop, contact me for dates and prices.

Now I want a buffalo

2012-03-29T17:06:00.001-07:00

My husband discovered this little gem on youtube. Now we can’t get the song out of our heads.

You don’t want to mess with a guy who’s riding on a buffalo.

Last day of the B2G1 Sale!

2012-03-28T14:42:00.001-07:00

Don’t miss out! Get in on my smokin’ hot deal – Buy 2 stamp sets, get 1 free!

For every two sets you buy, you can choose another stamp set of equal or lesser value for free!

Reader Question: Can I buy two $17.95 sets, and two $9.95 sets, and get a $17.95 set plus a $9.95 set for free?

Answer: YES! Buy two same-priced sets, the third one is free. No limit, as long as you pay for two, the free one can match the price.

Click here for instructions to take advantage of this super special, available only through me, and only through today!

How-to Books still available, but not for long!

2012-03-26T16:58:00.001-07:00

When I sit down to create, I need inspiration. Yep, I do. It’s tough to always be fabulously artsy, sometimes I like to get a little creative nudge from the Close to My Heart How-to Books.

These beautiful books are full of blueprints, paper dimensions and artwork inspiration for cards and scrapbooks. Sometimes I copy a layout pattern exactly from the book, other times I just browse through, looking for embellishment ideas or title inspiration. My collection is within easy reach of my scrapbooking table, I use them often.

Sadly, all good things must come to an end. Close to My Heart has retired every single one of the How-to Books and they are only available while supplies last. I’m so glad my collection is complete, as I will continue to use the ideas and patterns for years to come.

It’s not too late for you. Although Originals and Reflections are now sold out, there are still 4 how-to books still available.

For scrapbookers: Cherish, Imagine, Magic
For cardmakers: Wishes

Over 120 pages in a beautiful hard-bound book with spiral inside (so they lay flat!), filled with full color artwork and plenty of tips, techniques and ideas to spark your creative mojo!

Can’t decide which ones to get? My favorites are Magic for scrapbooking, and Wishes for Cards.

These books won’t be around much longer, so get them while you can!

Shop now!

Buy 2, Get 1 Free!

2012-03-24T17:26:00.001-07:00

For 5 days only, take advantage of this special stamp sale!

Now until Wednesday, March 28, you can earn a free stamp set for every two stamp sets you purchase on my website!

No Limits! For every 2 stamp sets you purchase, you will get one additional set of your choice free!*

Offer applies to all currently stamp sets. Free item will be of equal or lesser value than the least expensive item.

Make sure you read and follow the instruction below to take advantage of this special offer!

Here’s how to get your FREE stamp sets:
1. Place an order on my website for 2 or more stamp sets. For every 2 stamps you order, you will qualify to receive 1 free.

2. Pick out your free sets. Make sure the free sets you choose are of equal or lesser value than the ones you pay for. Do not place the free sets in your shopping cart or you will be charged for them.

3. After you complete your order for your paid stamp sets, contact me with the name and item number of the free sets you would like. These free sets will be ordered and shipped to you separately from your paid order.

Remember, you must follow the instructions above. I can’t alter your order once you have placed it on my website, so make sure you get your free stamps by carefully reading the steps above.

Confused? Want to place your order by email or phone? Contact me and I’ll take care of you! My email and phone are listed on the top of my website, here. Or click here to email me a message.

This offer is only available through Tresa Black and is not a Close to My Heart corporate special. This offer expires March 28 at midnight.

Celebrity Spokesperson

2012-03-24T16:43:00.001-07:00

A few weeks ago I was delighted to participate in a video making session with Close to My Heart corporate. I traveled to Salt Lake City, enjoyed meeting three other consultants and shooting the video below, as well as another video that will be released soon. It was a wonderful experience and I felt like a celebrity!

If you are a Close to My Heart consultant, you need to go to convention. That’s all there is to it. Once you go, you’ll want to go every year.

If you’re not a consultant yet, there’s still time! Join my team and you can party with me and other consultants who are jumping up and down at the excitement that CTMH has in store!

Do me a favor? Click on the youtube logo and go “like” the video, maybe even leave a comment. Show me some CTMH love and support!

Zombies make terrible Close to My Heart consultants

2012-03-22T21:48:00.001-07:00

Close to My Heart consultants come from all walks of life with many different backgrounds. There are as many different reasons to join as there are consultants, and the opportunity to join my team this month has never been better.

Except for zombies. The undead are lousy consultants.

Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of the Close to My Heart consultant opportunity, and why you may consider joining CTMH this month… if you’re not a zombie.

1. Earn Money and Products – Whether you plan to be your own best customer, or make CTMH your full time job, you’ll reap the benefits of a generous product discount, commission on sales and earned product credit.

While healthy humans appreciate saving money, earning an income and building their scrapbooking stash, zombies don’t care about money or products. They really only care about braaains.

2. Excellent Training – Every consultant benefits from the extensive support system created by Close to My Heart. From one-on-one support from your direct upline to a complete online training program that allows you to graduate with a “PHD”, you’ll never feel unprepared. National and regional training events are open to all consultants to mix, mingle and learn more about Close to My Heart products and building your business.

As we all know, the undead tend to be slow and dimwitted. They are terrible at learning to navigate the extensive library of training programs offered by Close to My Heart, and while zombies would enjoy attending one of our national conventions, they tend to wander off in search of hapless victims and miss all the excitement of the event.

3. Make Friends and Build Relationships – Some of my best friends I have come to know because of my Close to My Heart business. Some are customers, some are fellow consultants, but we have all been drawn together by our love of creating. Being a CTMH consultant gets you “out there,” and gives you a chance to socialize and meet new people.

While zombies do like to gather in hordes, they tend to have very poor social skills. When you invite your friends over for a Close to My Heart workshop, the last thing you want is to have your consultant eat your neighbor.

4. Creative Opportunities – Close to My Heart is first and foremost about creativity in scrapbooking, cardmaking, and crafting. You can earn money, share your passion, and enjoy using the best products on the market. Their products are constantly updated with the latest trends, and you’ll have access to projects and how-to’s to keep your creativity flowing.

Zombies could care less about staying up to date on the latest trends or expressing themselves creatively. Think about those zombie mobs, they all blend in and look the same. Does anyone really try to stand out from the crowd? Plus their lack of coordination makes them terrible at using a paper trimmer.

So, as you can see, the Close to My Heart opportunity is for everyone, maybe even YOU.

Unless you are a zombie. Then forget it.

This month only, when you join my team as a Close to My Heart consultant for just $99 plus shipping and tax, you will also receive the $99 Cricut Art Philosophy Collection, absolutely free!

The consultant kit is packed with business and creative supplies and products straight from the Close to My Heart catalog. Valued at over $280 retail, the savings are incredible. With the addition of the Cricut Art Philosophy collection this month only, you’ll receive almost $400 in products for $99 plus shipping and tax.

Plus, all consultants now receive a free online shopping website, plus a professional customizable monthly newsletter to send to your customers, all free. The benefits of becoming a Close to My Heart consultant just keep getting better!

I’d love to tell you more or answer any questions you might have. Contact me! You can read more about becoming a Close to My Heart consultant on my website, or go directly to join now.

Free Cricut Art Philosophy collection offer expires March 31. Don’t miss out!

National Ice Cream for Breakfast Day

2012-03-21T10:15:00.001-07:00

My breakfast this morning....

Life is short... eat dessert first. What better opportunity than National Ice Cream for breakfast day. In memory of Bruce Rosenberg and all others who have fought for their lives, we started our day with waffles and ice cream, and gratitude.

From the Ice Cream for Breakfast facebook page:

On March 21st, 2011, Bruce Rosenberg was diagnosed with Cancer. It turns out that it was Stage 4 Metastatic Melanoma. One of the things that came to mind was "Have Ice Cream for breakfast". It was a mantra of sorts, a metaphor for living life. As sad as it is to have such... an epiphany about life only when faced with something that threatens it, it would be sadder still if others didn't understand before they too faced some crisis themselves. He felt that March 21st should be Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day as much as a show of support as an affirmation that everyone will vow to live life and not take even the small things for granted.

Bruce lost his battle with melanoma just 9 days short of March 21 this year. In his memory, let's honor his wishes and eat ice cream (or sorbet or frozen yogurt or whatever indulgence you want!) for breakfast on March 21.

Beyond the Borders

2012-03-20T19:57:00.000-07:00

They are always telling you to think outside the box. Well, how about thinking outside the card?

If you do cross some borders, you probably want to plan ahead. In order to fit this card into an envelope, I needed to cut down on the width of the card base, making it 3-1/4" wide. The horizontal banner piece is 4-1/4" wide, just right for a standard card-sized envelope.

Close to My Heart Supplies: Stella level 2 paper pack, Paradise Paper Flowers, Beautiful Friendship Stamp Set, Kraft cardstock.
Purchase these and other Close to My Heart supplies on my website.

Clowning Around

2012-03-18T20:24:00.000-07:00

My little Jessica (right) and her friend, playing dress up. They make such cute clowns, not the scary kind.

A quote for the day....

"I think of myself as an intelligent, sensitive human being with the soul of a clown which always forces me to blow it at the most important moments."
Jim Morrison of The Doors

Well said, Jim. Looks like you and I have something in common.

Stick It! (Perfect Edge-to-Edge Adhesive)

2012-03-17T17:38:00.003-07:00

If you're a papercrafter, you've got an arsenal of adhesives. Dots, strips, runners, foam, single and double sided, brush-on, squirt-on, rub-on. Choosing the perfect adhesive for the job means the difference between a well done project and something that is, um.... not so well done.

Today I'd like to share my secret for success when covering chipboard, or whenever you want a strong, edge-to-edge adhesive.

What's edge-to-edge mean, and why do you want it? When you are creating an item that will be handled quite a bit, like a mini album, and you are covering the item with paper or cardstock, the adhesive needs to be applied all the way to the edges of your paper/cardstock. This is especially true of the base layer - the paper that attaches to the chipboard. And even more so when the paper/cardstock is cut exactly to size on the chipboard. This prevents lifting of your base layer, which can happen by accident when the viewer is handling your project.

For edge-to-edge application, I recommend a liquid adhesive such as Bonding Memories glue by CTMH, or a brush-on glue such as Mod Podge. You can also use a strong holding glue stick (do not use school glue, it is a weak bond).

Do you ever get glue onto the front of your paper when you're trying to apply it to the back? Here's a GREAT tip, and it's "green" too. Recycle those old magazines and sales catalogs by using them as a working surface for your gluing projects.

Use a clean page every time you have a new item to glue. Work from front to back (or back to front) of your magazine, turning a new page over each time you get glue onto a page. This gives you a fresh, clean working surface for each piece, and when you've used the entire magazine you can toss it in the recycle bin. It will be one big glued together magazine, but it will have served you well.

Start by brushing your glue onto the center of your paper. You'll want to work quickly, so the glue doesn't dry. By brushing onto the center first, you'll leave the outside edges for the last, so you're guaranteed those important edges stay nice and wet until you stick them down.

Brush out any streaks until you have a smooth, even layer. See the brushstrokes in the photo above? That's bad.

Now that's better. Nice and smooth, and still shiny because it's wet. Work quickly people! If I can do it with a brush in one hand and a camera in the other, you can too.

Next, go around all the outer edges of the paper. By saving the edges for last, the glue will be fresh and guaranteed to stick with no dry spots. This applies for all liquid or stick glues. Quickly pick up your paper and position it onto your project, sealing by rubbing with your hands to make good contact with the chipboard. Give extra attention to the edges.

Now my magazine has glue on the left side page (above), I use the right side page for the next items that I want to glue. Continue on, just flipping the page when you need a fresh workspace.

Clean, tidy project, and by gosh it's going to stick!