Paper This And That

7 1/2 YEARS OF CATCHING UP TO DO

2025-01-08T17:35:00.000-05:00

Life has a funny way of surprising us, doesn’t it? It’s been seven and a half years since I last posted on my blog, Paper, This and That. Seven and a half years. I can hardly believe it myself! In that time, life has taken me on a wild, sometimes challenging, but ultimately transformative journey. I’ve experienced highs, lows, and everything in between, and now, I’m ready to share my story and revive this little corner of the internet. This post is just the beginning, a reintroduction of sorts, with more detailed updates to come in future entries.

Rediscovering the Blog

The way I stumbled back onto my blog was completely serendipitous. I was tinkering with my AdSense account, updating my banking information after switching banks, when I noticed a link to my sites. Curiosity got the better of me, and I clicked on it. Lo and behold, there it was—my long-lost blog, sitting quietly, waiting for me to return.

The realization hit me: the information on my blog was ancient. It felt like a time capsule from another era of my life. Still, to my astonishment, I discovered that people were still reading my posts—posts written 7, 8, 9, even 10 years ago! I couldn’t believe it. The blog still had a following of over 200 readers, and it was like a beacon, calling me back to writing, crafting, and sharing my journey.

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The Crazy Crafter Returns

In the years since I last posted, I’ve gone through some rebranding. On YouTube, I’m now known as The Crazy Crafter, and I’ve embraced a world of creative pursuits, from paper crafting to sublimation printing on mugs, t-shirts, and more. However, I’ve decided to keep this blog under its original name and URL. It’s already established, connected to AdSense, and, most importantly, it feels like home.

I spent a little time updating the blog, tweaking URLs, and preparing it for new content. It feels good to be back, and I can’t wait to use this platform again to connect with fellow crafters and share my life updates.

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A Major Shift in the Crafting World

One of the first crafting-related updates I want to share is about Close to My Heart, a company many of you may be familiar with. Recently, I discovered they had closed their doors, and Stampin’ Up! acquired their products. If I wanted to return to being a demonstrator, Stampin’ Up! was my only option, so I took the plunge and joined. My kit is set to arrive tomorrow, and I’m excited to dive back into crafting and rediscover the joy of creating with paper.

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Life’s Curveballs: A Journey Through Loss and Recovery

Life hasn’t been all smooth sailing. In 2018, my world was turned upside down when my 12-year relationship came to a painful end. My partner had an affair with an old high school sweetheart, which not only shattered our relationship but also broke up another marriage. It was a heartbreaking time, but I knew I had to move forward for myself and my two sons.

The aftermath of that upheaval took a toll on my mental health, eventually leading me to lose my job. I found work at a local Walmart bakery, transitioning from a desk job to a fast-paced environment that kept me on my feet for eight hours a day. Then, on July 25, 2019, my life changed yet again—I suffered a stroke.

The stroke was a pivotal moment, a wake-up call that forced me to reevaluate everything. While I’ve worked hard to recover, I still deal with lingering effects. My left side, especially, has residual sensory issues. I struggle with textures and sensations in my left hand, which affects everyday activities like holding a coffee cup. These challenges have impacted my ability to craft, but over time, I’ve discovered creative workarounds and reignited my passion.

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Rediscovering Crafting and Joy

For a long time, I believed I couldn’t craft anymore. My stroke made jewelry-making and intricate paper crafting seem impossible. But slowly, I found ways to adapt. Through trial, error, and determination, I’ve learned to embrace creativity again, and it’s brought a new zest for life that I hadn’t felt in years.

Crafting has always been my happy place, my therapy, and my way of connecting with others. Whether it’s paper projects, sublimation, or other creative endeavors, I’m back to doing what I love—and it feels amazing.

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Looking Ahead

This post is just the tip of the iceberg. I have so much more to share—stories of resilience, updates on my crafting adventures, and a deeper dive into how I’ve navigated these past seven and a half years. I’ll be creating a new blog category for these life updates, and I hope you’ll join me as I continue to share my journey.

To everyone who has stuck around, still reading posts from years ago—thank you. You’ve reminded me that this space has value, that my words and creativity resonate with people. I’m excited to reconnect with this community and explore what’s next.

Stay tuned for Part Two, where I’ll delve deeper into my story. Until then, thank you for reading, and remember—no matter how long it’s been or how far you’ve strayed, it’s never too late to start again.

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Final Thoughts

Coming back to this blog feels like reconnecting with an old friend. Life has thrown its share of challenges my way, but it’s also given me the strength to overcome them and rediscover the things I love. Here’s to new beginnings, new crafts, and new stories. Let’s catch up—it’s been far too long.

Stay creative,

Jenn The Crazy Crafter 🌟

Hoppy Birthday Frog Happy Birthday Card

2017-07-01T20:53:00.001-04:00

This is a cute frog themed birthday card that I made today. This card is for my sister n law who has a birthday coming up on July 4th. She really loves gardens and frogs. I fell in love with this Cricut image and had to cut him out.

Hope you like the video. Make sure you visit my channel and subscribe.

Have a good evening.

[ VIDEO ] Beach Themed Honeymoon Mini Album

2017-06-17T09:09:00.000-04:00

Good morning. I have a project share today. Last weekend, my supervisor at work had gotten married and I made this mini album for them to put their honeymoon pictures in. They were traveling to Maine and Mass. When I think of Maine, I think of light houses, beaches, water. That is where the idea for this mini came from.

I used Close To My Heart stamp set for the light house scene on the front and the paper on the covers. I have a whole stash of CTMH products that I used in this album plus a few others that I had on hand. Hope you enjoy it.

Make sure you visit my YouTube channel and subscribe to keep up to date on my latest releases. I don't always have a chance to put up a blog post. If you like my video, please give me a thumbs up :)

I did use Jen Of Eve Designs large keepsake box template. I only had time to make the album from the printable.

Mothers Day Cards 2017

2017-05-15T06:46:00.001-04:00

Good morning. Hope you all had a wonderful Mother's Day. Here is a process video of me making one of the Mother's Day cards. I show both cards at the end.

Hope you enjoy!

[ VIDEO ] Baby Boy Mini Album and Keepsake Box

2017-04-06T20:40:00.000-04:00

Good evening....

I just wanted to drop you a line here and share a project that I finally finished up. I made this cute baby boy mini album with a keepsake box to keep it in for a friend at work. The album and keepsake box was created using printable templates from Jen Of Eve Designs on Etsy and YouTube.

Here is the video

Brand New MISTI Tool For Sale

2017-03-20T11:40:00.000-04:00

Hey Blogland Friends.....

I have an extra MISTI tool in my stash that is brand new in box for sale. It has never been used.

• This is the Most Incredible Stamp Tool Invented. MISTI's simple hinge design provides consistent stamping for the novice or experienced crafter. This tool will accommodate both the red rubber cling mount stamps or clear stamp. A foam pad is included with your MISTI to raise the cardstock when stamping with clear stamps. Your MISTI will provide a platform for multiple stamp techniques that are impossible with traditional stamp mounts.
• Use the two included magnets to quickly and easily position your cardstock, and the included grid paper makes it easy for you to layout and align your card's design.
• Your MISTI is an investment you will treasure and enjoy, while saving you time and money while you make professional looking cards that reflect your creativity.
• U.S. and International Patents Pending
• Dimensions: 8 x 10 - Stamp area: 6.5 x 8.5

I am asking $60 with free shipping in the USA. If you are interested, you can email me. Just click on the contact button at the top of the page for my email address or click here.

Zutter Bind It All and Some News

2017-03-17T19:46:00.000-04:00

Good evening my friends in Blog Land... I have some changes coming into play at the end of the month. I will no longer be a Close To My Heart Consultant. This is mainly due to time restraints.

It was a wonderful 2 years with the company, but sometimes one has to move on. That's not so say I will never return to the company. It is just that right now, the time is not right. I need to work on growing my social media following and my Etsy Store.

The other thing is that I am selling my Zutter Bind It All with the tote bag for it. I had acquired a Cinch and had to decide which I wanted to keep and which I wanted to pass on to someone else. Below are some pictures. I am asking $45 for everything and $12 shipping. If you are interested, you can email me. The little bag for it does have a small spot on it. It is in one of the pics.

Thanks and will catch ya later-----

[ VIDEO ] Twilight Themed Inspired Mini Album

2017-03-01T21:42:00.002-05:00

Hey everyone!!!   How have you been?  I have been busy making a mini album.  It is Twilight inspired from DCWV Immortal Love Paper Collection.  I created it using Jen Of Eve Designs Paper Dream Printable Mini Album templates.  She is on YouTube and on Facebook plus has an Etsy shop where she sells her templates.

Here is my YouTube video walk through of my mini album

[ VIDEO ] Another Masculine Birthday Card and Upcoming Coffee and Crafts Episode

2017-01-26T19:50:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone!!!! How is everyone doing??? I have been busy. Working on mini albums, cards, all kinds of things.

The first order of business is that I am planning a live YouTube stream on Saturday February 11th about 10:00 AM EST. I will be putting together the Close To My Heart Welcome Wreath. You have to check this out.

For details, you can click here

You will find 4 ways to get this wreath kit at the above link. Order yours now and have it by Feb 11th. Then we can make our wreaths together.

Now for the next thing for tonight's post.... I had to make a card for my oldest son who turned 29 this past Monday. You will find the picture and video below.

[ Video ] My First Close To My Heart Haul of 2017

2017-01-21T15:25:00.001-05:00

Good afternoon. I just wanted to share my very small haul from CTMH that I received today. I wasn't expecting it until Wednesday. It came a few days early. I am not going to complain :)

[Video] Birthday Card For My Youngest Son

2017-01-03T20:33:00.001-05:00

Good evening. Here is a card that I made for my son for his birthday. His birthday was New Years Eve

[Video] Faux Christmas Toilet Paper TP Mini Album

2016-12-31T08:46:00.000-05:00

Good morning and Happy New Year and Belated Merry Christmas!!!

I have been super busy over the past couple months. The holidays kill me every year. I first had a battle with my kitty, Bear. He is only 3 yrs old and we almost lost him to kidney disease. A week before Christmas, he was in renal failure. The vet said that there really wasn't anything else that could be done. But they were wrong. She didn't consider the power of prayer. I got on YouTube and Facebook and asked for prayer.... I needed a Christmas miracle. I got it!!! With in hours of going from ready to die that Saturday to eating, drinking, using his litter pan, grooming himself. Now, he is back to normal. He had lost half of his body weight and he is gaining it back again. He plays and picks on his sister. He had made a full recovery.

Now, for my mini album that I made. This was made for a co-worker. We had a secret Santa gift exchange at work.

The covers were made from heavy chipboard and I used Kathy Orta's hidden hinge binding system. Below is a video review of the album.

CYBER MONDAY CRICUT CARTRIDGE SALE CRAZE!!!

2016-11-28T07:11:00.000-05:00

You need to hop over to my CTMH store and check out our Cricut Cartridge sale, today only!!!

Close To My Heart Cricut Cartridge Madness Sale

Have you seen the new close to my heart daily planner?

2016-11-03T07:30:00.000-04:00

OK you have to check out the new planner from Clos To My Heart for 2017. It even includes coloring of pages. WHOOP WHOOP!!!! I can't wait to get my hands on mine. I have the sea glass one coming! You can grab yours here.

Discover your inner artist while staying on top of your schedule with our new 2017 planner system. Featuring seasonal designs you can color by hand, this exclusive planner system combines the worlds of work and play to give you a planner you can truly make your own. Choose a bundle with either the Everyday Life™ Sea Glass or stripes album, or purchase just the planner pages if you already have an album—the choice is up to you!

[ FOR SALE ] and video Halloween Faux TP Toilet Paper Roll Mini Album

2016-10-22T10:23:00.000-04:00

I made this mini a while ago and finished it up not too long ago. I am on a "finish old project" streak. I finished my Birdsong mini that is already sold. But below, you will see a video of this mini that is for sale for $15 plus $7 in shipping. If you are interested just contact me.

Video: Facebook Live Coffee and Crafts With Jennifer

2016-10-12T19:57:00.000-04:00

Good evening...

I started a new video series on Facebook Live. I normally go live in the mornings around 7:45 AM Eastern time during the week. I have to admit, I do miss sometimes but I do let my viewers know. My show is Coffee and Crafts With Jennifer.

Below is the first episode that I made. It was a learning experience. I had my iPad in landscape position and FB showed me on my side along with everything else. But, I downloaded the video and pulled it in to Camtasia and fixed it for YouTube. Then, I found in the facing camera, everything is mirrored. By the 3rd episode, I got that worked out too.... I use the normal camera for viewing my work space.

[VIDEO] New City Sidewalks Close To My Heart Holiday Cricut Cartridge Walk Through

2016-09-22T20:53:00.000-04:00

Close To My Heart has done something they have not done before. They put out 2 Cricut cartridges in the same year.... they came out just a month apart. The new Christmas one is a mini cartridge and it is digital. You do need Cricut Design Space and the Cricut Explorer series machines to use this digital cartridge. Just wait until you see the cute images on this gem.

Here is the link to the cartridge followed by a video.
City Sidewalks

New Close To My Heart Cricut Cartridge City Sidewalks

2016-09-13T21:02:00.000-04:00

OMG Close To My Heart has yet another new cartridge out. It is not as big as the regular release cartridges but still full of awesomeness. This one is City Sidewalks, just released in our new Holiday Seasonal Idea Book.

This cartridge is digital only. It will only work on the Cricut Explorer in Design Space. My copy is on order and will be here soon. I have the City Sidewalks paper pack and can't wait to start some Christmas projects.

Here is a picture of the matching paper pack

[ VIDEO ]50th Birthday Card

2016-08-26T07:56:00.000-04:00

Good morning everyone.

I know it has been a while since I posted. I have just had several projects that kept me busy for a while. One of the things is a skill share class that I did. It is a free class. I made a Christmas Card. Here is the link... http://skl.sh/29g6fOc It is free for a limited time.

Now for today's card.... Video is below

Close To My Heart Retiring Cricut Cartridges

2016-07-16T08:14:00.000-04:00

Good morning.

URGENT!! URGENT!!! Close To My Heart is retiring 3 Cricut Cartridges on July 31, 2016. If you want them, head over to my shop and get them before they are gone.

Below are direct links to the cartridges that are retiring and to the main Cricut page on my site.

Cricut Collections
Art Philosophy - great all purpose cartridge. It has a little of everything. One of my all time faves and go to cartridges
Artiste - mostly 3D items like flowers, boxes, purses, envelopes. But does have a few elements that can be used on cards or on your layouts. Has a couple cards too.
Artfully Sent - a must have for cardmakers. This has cards for every occasion. Loads of embellishments too that can also be used in scrapbook layouts, project life, art journaling and more.

Really.... I know I am going to get questions on which one I would choose (of course I have them all) but if I didn't have any of them, my first choice would be the Art Philosophy because of how versatile it is.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me or leave a comment below.
Have a great weekend.

[ VIDEO ] Graduation Card

2016-06-26T21:11:00.000-04:00

Hey everyone..... it has been almost 2 months since I last posted... ok maybe 6 weeks. Life happens.. I have just been really really busy. However, I did manage to make a card video today. I created this elegant graduation card.

The paper came from the Happy Times Paper Pack. This paper was only available in May this year. It and the matching stamp set were a special promotion for that month only. However, I do have a few packs available. The stamp sets that I used were Diploma Day and Smarty Pants.

Now, for the video..... please, if you like the video, give it a thumbs up and subscribe... Thanks

[ VIDEO ] Masculine Birthday Card and May Specials

2016-05-01T08:41:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone...

Guess what May is??? Give up??? It is National Scrapbooking Month. Close To My Heart is offering a new paper pack and stamp set that will only be available during the month of May 2016. So, if you want it, you have to get your order in by May 31st or sooner. Sooner will probably be better since they may sell out. In my video I will show you the paper pack and the stamp set.

I am also featuring the Stamp of the Month....

Here are the Links that I mention in

the video

Urban Paper Pack

Stamp of the Month for May 2016

Happy Times Paper Pack

Happy Times Stamp Set

Shinhann Twin Tip Markers

Craft Card Stock

Here is the Video

Don't forget to leave a comment and let me know if you would be interested in an online workshop. It will be free. I would need to know if most of you prefer Google Hangouts or Ustream.

Last Chance Close To My Heart Retiring Items

2016-04-29T08:57:00.003-04:00

Good morning!!! Tomorrow at 11:59 PM will be the last chance to order from the current ideas book. We have many items retiring tomorrow night. You don't want to miss out.

Here is are a few items retiring

Penelope Pack

Charlotte Compliments Stickers and 3D Embellishments

My Anchor Thin Cuts Die Set

There are several more items retiring. This is just the tip of the iceberg. Head over to my store and order today.

Here is the link to the catalog that is retiring on May 1

Come And Join My Close To My Heart Team.... Promotion Extended

2016-04-28T09:40:00.000-04:00

Good morning. It has been a while since I posted, but the special to join Close To My Heart for the all time low price of $75. There are fantastic incentives also.... feel free to contact me for all the juicy details.

You can also click the link in my nav bar above Join My Team. I would love to have you aboard. You will receive top knoch training and plenty of perks. I have a private Facebook group for my team only and you will be added to my upline's groups as well. We have some of the industry's best know crafters in our network.

You get all of this good yumminess (if there is such a word) plus an addition $50 in free product of your choice.

Join Today!!!!

Becoming A New Close To My Heart Consultant Is Now Better Than Ever

2016-04-21T07:55:00.000-04:00

April Constant Campaign

Signing up as a new Consultant with Close To My Heart during April 2016 is more rewarding than ever. Not only do you get the beautiful New Consultant Kit at a new, lower price, but when you submit $350 in personal sales within your first 30 days*, you get your choice of either a FREE Cricut® collection or $100 in Select Product Credit—and that’s in addition to the Straight To The Top start-up bonus that you’ll earn along the way!

By signing up and joining MY team, I will show you how you can easily get that $350 in personal sales your first month. You will have access to fantastic private Facebook groups full of other consultants that will also help you along the way. Our upline is filled with many many knowledgeable and successful leaders. You will not find a more comprehensive and thorough training with any other company. Not only will you learn how to host a successful in person, in home gathering, but will learn how to utilize the online community and social media to promote your business.

If you have any questions, you can contact me or go to my New Consultant Sign Up page for more details. This new consultant campaign for April info will be live on April 1st.

* The 30-day period begins five days (US) or ten days (CA) after the New Consultant Kit has been shipped.

Dates: Offer valid April 1, 2016 (9:00 am MDT) – April 30, 2016 (11:59 pm MDT).

#BabyImWorthIt #CTMH #CloseToMyHeart #EarnMoney #BeYourOwnBoss