Happy New Year!

Happy New Year everyone! It was good to take a break, but now I'm ready to ring in the new year with lots of great projects. =)

Here are my card class cards for January. Although, only 2 of them are cards, all three feature great new products from the CTMH Spring 2009 Idea Book. And let me tell you, after 2 weeks of snow that kept me stuck at home, I'm ready for a little spring!

I can't wait to show off the incredible new papers and stamps in this new Idea Book. I say it every time, but seriously - this is the BEST book we've ever put out. Bar NONE! =)

Enough chitter chatter - on to the creations.

This coaster frame features the Key To My Heart stamps and papers, and the Jan SOTM stamps. I also used our new pewter designer brads that are just plain AWESOME.

This card uses the new Emporium Papers and Priceless Love Word Puzzle. Yup - you can also see another new pewter brad on there too!

Finally, this last card (my personal favorite) will probably be the death of my club members. I hope they've been stamping a lot while we've been off, because they are going to flex some serious stampers muscles on this baby. I used the Aspiration stamps, Intrinsic Background stamps, and Priceless Love Word Puzzle stamps. There's also some sponging, two-step stamping, hole punching, ribbon and 3d foam action going on on this card, and you guessed it - another pewter designer brad. =) I hope they're ready!

Merry Christmas!

I may not have time to post again for a few days. Christmas knitting, baking, and general celebrating have got me so busy there's not been time for much paper crafting.

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas with your loved ones!

Many Blessings and thank you for reading my blog this year.

=) Nona

Card a Day 5

I'm reprising Card a Day - and posting a few creations to make up for lost time. =)

These first two cards are ones I've made for my close friends Kristi and Laurie. I won't tell you whose is whose, just in case they read my blog before tomorrow.

We decided this year that instead of purchasing gifts for Christmas, we would spend an afternoon together having lunch, and exchanging handmade cards. They are paper crafters too so this is really exciting for us. We also spent the whole year enabling crafty purchases, so we made a pact to try and use them on these cards.

This first card features a retired stamp set from CTMH (Angelic Animals). I purchased it from another consultant. It also features my nestabilities squares and scallops (I had to use my cuttlebug to cut them out), new copic markers, and 3 of the 4 new CTMH colors (tulip, juniper and creme brulee). I also used the Perfect Day papers, fresh shapes chipboard and color ready alphabet stickers - all CTMH.

This second card features a fun snowflake punch picked up on our retreat last year to Oregon. I also used the Aspen paper pack, nesties dies, copics, and color ready alphabets. The colors are twilight, creme brulee, and outdoor denim.

OHHH!!! And - after an EXTRA 2 days of waiting (UPS truck was stuck in the snow and couldn't make deliveries yesterday or Wed) my new birthday money Bellas arrived! YIPPEEEEE!!!! I love the new HUGGABUG line of stamps that were just released. And, because I purchased $50 in stamps, I got 4 of the mini bellas and 4 embellishment packs for FREE! Super duper. I'm jazzed and all ready to do more creating for Card a Day creations.

Have a wonderful weekend! Hopefully you aren't snowed in. We get 2 days or reprieve before more snow is expected late Sunday.

Pretty Things for Sale.

I had a few left over wall hangings from my craft fair, and am offering them up here for sale on blogland first before etsy. They are each approximately 10"x7" (each panel is 5x7) and the ribbon extends about 3" upward when hanging. They are made of canvas, patterned paper and cardstock, and embellishments. The chipboard letters were covered with liquid glass making them shiny.

Materials are mostly CTMH - colors are Cocoa, Desert Sand and Bamboo on both. "Noel" also features Juniper, and "Wish" also features Blush.

I'm asking $16 each for them, and that includes shipping. Of course any funds raised from the sale of them goes to our adoption fund! =) Please email me if you are interested (nonapearl@firebin.net). At this time I'm only accepting payment through paypal.

Also, I don't plan on making any more of these, so once they are gone they are G-O-N-E!

Anniversary Card

We're officially snowed in. Got about 5" of snow today, and our driveway and street look like ice rinks. I enjoyed sitting by the window today and watching the kids try to snowboard down the street (we have a very slight incline).

The snow in the trees is so beautiful - a true winter wonderland. I'm just thankful to not have to go anywhere. I had jury duty on Monday and was the last person excused from a child molestation case. I'm doubly thankful to not have to sit on that case OR try and commute to the courthouse on very icy roads.

I haven't been too creative lately. Been trying to catch up on the 21 neck warmer orders from last weekend and get those shipped out. I also took a break to put together a mystery puzzle. Haven't done a puzzle in more than 5 years, so it was a great to spend a few hours relaxing and solving the mystery. (Puzzle is "C is for Chocolate" for those who are interested in looking it up).

I didn't have any recent art to post besides this card. I made it for Dave's aunt and uncles' 25th anniversary. Sorry the photo is so dark. I used SU! hostess reward paper, and CTMH Cocoa cardstock. Colored the Riley stamp with my copics. The flower and "love" stamp are also CTMH. The button is from the scrapbook store.

Here's a shot of my puzzle last night. I finished them earlier today. It's a murder mystery puzzle. You have no picture to go by, and you have to put together 2 scenes - one before and one after the crime - to solve the case. The hardest part is figuring out which of the two puzzles each piece goes with.

National Paper Crafting Month

Did you know that I'm a CTMH Consultant? I've been with them for almost 4 years, and absolutely *love* representing a company with such high standards. Our products are of the highest quality, best value, and are stylistically in line with what is trendy and yet remain timeless. We also have fabulous promotions!

Beginning yesterday and running through Jan 31st, we are celebrating National Paper Crafting Month. Check out the details:

The gorgeous new Key to My Heart Level 2 paper packet features all of our luscious new exclusive colors: Tulip, Juniper, Sorbet, and Crème Brulee. The packet is accompanied by the awesome new E-size My Acrylix® Key to My Heart stamp set brimming with elegant, charming designs. It’s a great combo with a retail value of $47.90—and can be yours at substantial savings, or even FREE!

Spend $130 and receive the whole package FREE! -OR- Spend $75 and purchase the kit for just $20 -OR - Buy the kit outright for $47.90

You can also earn the kit for FREE by signing up to be a consultant - OR - Hosting a gathering of $400 or more (catalog gatherings okay too)

ALSO - THROUGH DEC 24th ONLY - I am giving away $5 gift cards to use on the new catalog in January for any Christmas Shopping order placed (for yourself or another person). Shop on my website, or go here to sign up to be a consultant! If you have any questions, please feel free to email me (nonapearl@myctmh.com).

Snow Pictures

We had so much fun in the snow!

Sammie builds a snow ball...

...and laughed when she hit me with it.Then Dave and I got in a snow kicking fight. Love this shot!

When we got cold we came inside for cocoa.

Mmmmmm.......

First Snow!

First I'd like to say THANK YOU to all those who ordered neck warmers! I will definitely be a busy knitter this week. =)

Secondly, my yarn order from Knit Picks arrived - YAY! So as soon as I get my Christmas gift knitting done, I will start on those beautiful hats everyone is dying to have.

Thirdly, we had our first snow of the season. I love when it snows on the weekend and we can enjoy it without having to go out in it. Although we are missing church this morning, and that's sad - I look forward to putting on a fun movie, grabbing some cocoa, and knitting by the fire for most of the day. Ahhhhhhh - I needed this. (Pictures forthcoming - Sammie is dying to go out and play.)

Now it is really starting to feel like Christmas. Have a great day everyone!

Moebius Neck Warmer **Sale**

Are you searching for the perfect Christmas gift? Perhaps something that is beautiful, practical and affordable? Well, search no further!

TODAY, FRIDAY and SATURDAY only

Order a Moebius Neck Warmer & take $5 off!

Pick any color you like. Regularly $25, now just $20 each!

I'm also offering FREE SHIPPING on all orders of 3 neck warmers or more!

All orders placed by Saturday will be shipped priority mail, and will arrive in time for Christmas. And you'll be helping us raise money for our adoption at the same time. (Gurantee for continental US orders only).

To order - send an email to Nona at nonapearl@firebin.net. Please include desired color and quantity. I will send you an invoice via paypal, and will notify you when your neck warmer(s) ship. Shipping is $4.90 for orders of 1 or 2 moebiuses, and free for orders of 3 or more.

COLORS AVAILABLE:

(left to right, top to bottom in photo) - Black, Light Green, Pink Punch,

Carmel, Fall Variegated, Royal Blue, Red, Pumpkin, Purple, Brown.

Not pictured: Peacock Blue/Purple Variegated, Seamist Variegated,

Plum/Carmel Variegated, Baby Pink, Amethyst, Butter Yellow.

How they look when worn:

Hear what people are saying about their moebius neck warmers and hoodies:

"Great craft show today! I'm enjoying my mobius immensely" - Emily

"I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my mobiuses. Thank you so much for making them for me. They will be great gifts." - Maureen

Card a Day 4

I'm back - and with new CTMH product no less!

Here is a fun little card I whipped up tonight. It uses the Emporium Creative Basics Paper and matching 3/8" grosgrain ribbon. Colors are Vineyard Berry, Sweetleaf and Twilight. I also used a new stamp set called Family Ties - Adults. I got the Kids set too because I couldn't resist them. They are just too cute.

I colored this gal with my copic markers, and cut out the scalloped border with my nestabilities. The "Lean on Me" stamp is from the CTMH set called Frienship Word Puzzle. Buttons are from Scrapbook Cafe, and I threaded them with white waxy flax.

Grandma and Grandpa and the dogs have been Elfed!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

We've Been Elfed!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Busy Weekend

Hi Everyone,

No time for crafting yesterday or today.

Last night was Dave's Office Christmas party. It was a James Bond/Casino Royale theme which wasn't very Christmasy, but still lots of fun. We each got $30,000 in chips to gamble with, and Dave and I played Blackjack most of the night. We both went up and down with winning, but when we ultimately lost it was nice to know it wasn't real cash. =)

Today I had my second craft fair. Didn't do quite as well as the first one, but I did better than last year at the same venue. Yay! So I have another $500 to put toward our adoption. That feels amazing, let me tell you!

Tomorrow and Monday I'm teaching "quick and easy" Christmas card workshops, but I should be able to do a little crafting in the evenings. If it happens, I'll post pics. Otherwise I'll resume Card a Day on Tuesday.

Also, GREAT NEWS for those of you who loved the hat I knit for Sammie. I found the perfect yarn and will be knitting up several to sell in my etsy store. I'll be sure and let everyone know here when they are up in the store. I'll also be adding my bears to etsy tomorrow. 4 of them sold at various craft shows, but I still have 3 left, and the yarn to knit more too. =) Mr. Snake is still up for sale too if anyone wants him - $45 and that includes shipping!

With that I'm headed for the couch. My whole body hurts and I'm ready to veg. Hasta Manana!

Card a Day 3

I whipped up this number tonight using my new cuttlebug folder, some sparkles, and retired b&t in hollyhock. The greens are sweetleaf and topiary.

For the CTMH enthusiasts, you'll be excited to know that my consultant "pre-order" from the new Spring catty arrives on Monday! Yippee!! So you'll get to see lots of great new samples next week. Oh my - the new book is PACKED with great goodies. I can't wait to play with them!

Card a Day 2

I was one busy crafting bee today! I made not one - but TWO cards! YIPPEE!!

After hearing that one of my team members had her baby on Nov 14th, and my other downline was in labor as of yesterday, I decided to make them congratulations cards. Both of these ladies were expecting boys, so I made two identical Riley the Moose cards as seen below.

Riley stamps can be found at Hannah Stamps and the "happy birthday" stamps are from this little cupcake set I picked up here. I also used my copic markers to color the images. The paper is all CTMH - Indian Corn Blue, Goldrush and Autumn Terracotta CS, and patterned paper from the Free Spirit Kit. I used my nestabilities and cuttlebug to cut the scallops and emboss, respectively.The other project I tacked today was my annual "Sammie" book. Normally these are hand scrapped, but time and money are tight this year, so I made the pages digitally using the Flea Market "Piece of Cake Album" from the Shabby Shoppe (courtesey of my friend Christine who gave me a gift cert. for my birthday!). I was able to get 19 of 20 pages done with the kit today.

Here is a sample page. I can't show off the whole thing, as many of the people receiving this album read my blog, and I'd like it to be somewhat of a surprise.

The only page left is for Sammie's Santa picture. We tried to get it done this evening, but THAT is a saga I don't care to get into tonight. All I can say is that Santa's "helpers" should try and be more HELPFUL and not so snarky.

Card a Day 1

I'm beginning New Year's Resolutions early this year. One of my goals for 2009 is to use my stash of papers, embellishments, and stamps - especially those that have never seen ink! To accomplish this feat, I'm resolving to do a card a day (and/or a scrapbook layout or other crafty item).

To begin, I used one of the sweet House Mouse images that my friend Kristi gave me. These little guys are HARD to color. I'm still learning how to use my copics, and I found this image pretty challenging with shading, blending, etc. Overall I'm pleased with how it turned out. Card is standard 4.25"x5.5". Paper is retired CTMH cranberry fleur de jardin and CTMH ponderosa pine CS.

Sorry the photo isn't very good!

Lotus Flower Moebius Hat

In Cat Bordhi's book "A Treasury of Magical Knitting" she has a pattern for the most beautiful moebius hat I've seen. For six long months I've been wanting to knit that hat, but never had the time - until last week. I had some down time after the craft fair and whipped up this number.

Unfortunately, I really despise doing gauge swatches and and I tend to bind off too tightly. Because of those two issues, my gorgeous hat's brim (where the bind off edge is) is too tight for my noggin, and I should have gone up a needle size (so the hat doesn't look like it is painted on my head).

I'm also a person who hates tearing out my work. I'd rather just start over with new yarn. So Sammie received the ultimate in fashionable hats. It fits her perfectly. Sigh...Did I mention the yarn is a silk blend and is softer than a baby's tushie? Bigger sigh....

At least one of us is pleased. I hope she enjoys it!