Friendship (February SOTM Blog Hop)

Welcome to our Stamp of the Month Blog Hop which features the Friendship stamp set from Close To My Heart.  This month's special stamp set has some wonderful images that can be used to make damask backgrounds. 

If you have come here from Jen's 'Roxybonds' Scrappin' blog, you are on the right path! With over 50 Close To My Heart Consultants sharing their creations using this month's SOTM and other great CTMH products on their blogs, you should be able to find lots of great creative ideas to use for your own projects.  Blog Hopping is simple to do - just click on the link at the end of the post on each blog to move to the next one!

The inspiration for my card was a Mojo Monday sketch from last year.  One of the decorative stamps from the Friendship set was used along with the beautiful sentiment available in the stamp set.  Patterned papers from the new Lucky paper kit were used along with some embellishments from the Sunset Mini-Medley Accents Collection. 

Now "Hop" on over to Doreen's 'Where Is Your Happy Place?' blog to see her work!  Be sure to visit all the Consultants at their blogs to get some great crafting ideas and other fun ideas!  Remember, the Friendship stamp set is only available until the end of February.  You can earn this stamp set at a discount with an order from the new Spring/Summer Idea Book, released February 1.


If you get lost on the Blog Hop or find links that aren't working, there is a complete list of all participating blogs on Kathleen's 'Life's Like a Bowl of Stamps' blog.

Aspire (New Product Blog Hop)

Welcome to our Close To My Heart New Product Blog Hop/Linky Party! Some very creative CTMH Consultants are celebrating the upcoming release of the Spring/Summer 2011 Idea Book by giving you a 'Sneak Peek' of some of the great products available in the new Idea Book as of February 1st.

Aspire is one of my favorite new stamp sets in the book.  There are three different dancing poses, and each image has wonderful 'flourish' detail in the body of the dancer.  In addition to the sentiment used for this card, there is a "Dance as if no one is watching" sentiment and a great little flourish to decorate corners.  Papers used on the card are from the new Sweetheart paper packet, which includes great shades of pinks and purples paired with black for a nice accent.  

If you would like to see even more fabulous creations using new products available in the Spring/Summer Idea Book, click on any of the 'thumbnails' below to visit participating blogs.  Thanks to Erin and her Tazzygirl2000 blog for organizing the Linky Party!

Unfortunately, the Linky Tools has expired, so the thumbnails of each project are no longer available. You can still visit each of the participating blogs by clicking on the links in the list below.

Bliss Baby Scrapbook Pages: tazzygirl2000.blogspot.com/2011/01/ctmh-springsummer-2011-blog-hop.html
Valentine's Project Class: abitofitallforcraftin.blogspot.com/2011/01/springsummer-2011-ib-new-product-linky.html
Sea Breeze and Sweetheart: paperspadsandpictures.blogspot.com/2011/01/close-to-my-heart-new-products.html
Carla Creates- Bliss Butterfly Card: carlacreates.blogspot.com/2011/01/bliss-butterfly-card-another-sneak-peek.html
Aspire Card-Sheila Bennett: sheila-bennett.blogspot.com/2011/01/aspire-new-product-blog-hop.html
Sophia Layout by Lisa Stenz: lisascreativecorner.blogspot.com/2011/01/springsummer-2011-new-idea-book-blog.html
Amy Liz Schultz: amylizschultz.com/2011/01/ctmh-spring-idea-book-blog-hop/
Beth Naumann- Sophia Cards: bethscreativeblock.blogspot.com/2011/01/springsummer-new-product-blog-hoplinky.html
M.Loncar: michelleloncar.blogspot.com/2011/01/new-product-linky-blog-hop.html
Debbie Carriere: scrapmyheartout.blogspot.com/2011/01/sophia-hair-bow-holder-ctmh-blog-hop.html
Rosy Regards Card: thebrae-er.blogspot.com/2011/01/new-product-linky-blog-hop.html
Sophia Layout: inkyscrapper.blogspot.com/2011/01/new-ctmh-springsummer-blog-hop.html
Tresa Black Fabulously Artsy: www.fabulouslyartsy.com/2011/01/ctmh-new-product-blog-hop.html

Teri Baxter: themidnightartist.blogspot.com/2011/01/ooh-ooh-ah-ah-new-product-blog-hop.html
Donna McGlasson: http://savoreverymemory.blogspot.com/2011/01/scripture-cards.html

Teresita Arvelo Freindship Card: www.scrapbookymas.com/2011/01/disene-esta-postal-utilizando-la.html

Shannon: http://cardsfromthefarm.blogspot.com/2011/01/ctmh-springsummer-2011-blog-hop.html

Mayberry Layout by Lori Scott: scrapinglori.blogspot.com/2011/01/springsummer-2011-new-idea-book-blog.html
Lori Miller- Fanfar Layout: clearlyfromtheheart.blogspot.com/2011/01/new-product-blog-hop-fanfare-layout.html
When SOTM's Marry.....: p-inks.blogspot.com/2011/01/only-five-going-to-be-made.html
Kandi Gallegos-Garcia: http://teojax.blogspot.com/2011/01/gone-gone-gone-she-been-gone-so-long.html

Marie Flayer: njstampingqueen.blogspot.com/2011/01/new-products-from-ctmh-linky-party-blog.html
Wings Layout by Jane Hass: scrappy-gram.blogspot.com/2011/01/sweet-b-family-wings-layout.html
Pinwheel Cards by Big Red Scraps: bigredscraps.blogspot.com/2011/01/springsummer-new-product-blog-hoplinky.html
Sophia Magic: sharesasclosetomyheart.blogspot.com/2011/01/close-to-my-heart-new-product-blog-hop.html
Scrapping With Lisa: http://scrappingwlisa.blogspot.com/2011/01/2011-here-we-go.html

3-D Spring Home Decore- Some Bunny Loves You: http://www.stampininthevilliage.blogspot.com/

Sweet Treats- cherishyourmemories.blogspot.com/2011/01/sweet-treats-for-valentines-day.html
Pixie Pals- ownerofchanel.blogspot.com/2011/01/pixie-pal-2.html
Hello- jessicaspaperpetals.blogspot.com/2011/01/hello-and-hop.html

Wings Display Board- www.scraphappyandlovinlife.blogspot.com

Heartfelt Treasures- annsnovemberrose.blogspot.com/2011/01/heartfelt-treasures-card.html
Pennant Banner using Wings II Paper: wmcraftgoodies.blogspot.com/2011/01/wire-crate-re-makewhat-wendy-did.html
Rosemary Bridges: rosemaryscreations.blogspot.com/2011/01/cropstop-challenge-3-square-plus-die.html
Dreams Come True: scrappinwithcristin.blogspot.com/2011/01/new-product-blog-hop.html
Altered Notepad using Wings: wescrapmoments.blogspot.com/2011/01/altered-notepad-using-wings.html

Pennant Alphabet Stamp Set: thepaperplayhouse.blogspot.com/2011/01/happy-thursday.html
Sweetheart Layout: savingmine.blogspot.com/2011/01/giveaway-day-3-ctmh-new-product-blog.html
Altered Square Envelope Scrapbook Tutorial: scrappinbeckyb.blogspot.com/2011/01/tutorial-altered-square-envelope.html
Stamped Tile Coaster Set Tutorial: scrappinbeckyb.blogspot.com/2011/01/stamped-tile-coaster-set-tutorial.html
Mayberry Layout, Scrap It Girl: scrap-it-girl.blogspot.com/2011/01/close-to-my-heart-springsummer-idea.html
Sweetheart Layout- Mary Thompson: scrapbookersrock.blogspot.com/2011/01/new-product-blog-hop.html
JuliAnne's Recycled banner with Sophia Flowers: juliannemyctmh.blogspot.com/2011/01/valentines-banner.html
Sophia Layout: roxybonds-scrappin.blogspot.com/2011/01/ctmh-new-product-sneak-peek-sophia.html
Terrie Dodd: http://my-life-in-real-time.blogspot.com/2011/01/new-product-blog-hop.html

Sophia WOTH Bobus Card: suzcreativestation.blogspot.com/2011/01/sneak-peek-sophia.html
Wings 2010 Cover Page: specialtscrapbooks.blogspot.com/2011/01/wings-2010-cover-page.html
Valentine's/Anniversary Card: http://stamptasticmom.blogspot.com/2011/02/h2h-sketch-challenge.html

Wings Desktop Calendar: scrappinwithbridget.blogspot.com/2011/02/wings
Tic Tac Toe Game: inkyscrapper.blogspot.com/2011/02/game-stamp-set.html

Knitted Baby Blanket

Finally finished my first "big" knitting project.  It is a Baby Blanket made out of cotton yarn.  

It is difficult to get a good picture of the blanket, but the size is approximately 25" square.  Not a very large blanket, but will be a good size for covering a car seat and taking along when leaving the house.  Even though it is difficult to see in the picture, the colors are a blend of pink, blue, and green.   

If you are a knitter, then you have probably knit a dishcloth using cotton yarn and the Grandma's Favorite Dishcloth pattern.  There are many sources of the pattern available on the internet.  These are fun and easy to knit, and are my favorite to use in the kitchen too.  This blanket pattern is knit the same as the dishcloth, with the only exception that every 8th row is purled instead of knitted.  The occasional purl row gives the stripe look to the design.

And no, there is absolutely NO reason for me to knit a baby blanket.  I just wanted a semi-large knitting project to work on and liked the pattern.  The blanket is now being stored in a chest, and can wait many years before it is needed for grandchildren!

Inspirations (New Product Sneak Peek)

If you have not already seen the Inspirations brochure from Close To My Heart, you can view it online by clicking the link on the right side of the blog.  Or visit my CTMH website and click on the 'View January Inspirations' link in the lower right corner. If you would like to see samples of items created using the new products, visit the Blog Hop/Linky Party which was hosted by the Fabulously Artsy Tresa Black. 

This special brochure includes a "product sneak peek" for new items that will be available in the new Spring/Summer Idea Book which will be released on February 1.  Also included are amazing deals on five new stamp sets and the January SOTM (Find Your Style) when you buy the new Wings Workshop on the Go kit.

The Wings Workshop on the Go includes the complete Wings Level 2 Paper Packet, special Wings workshop stamp set, Black Mini-Medley Accents Collection, Spray Pen, and a Workshop Guide - all for only $29.95.

During the month of January, when you order the Wings Workshop on the Go, you qualify for special pricing on the five 'sneak peek' stamp sets shown in the brochure.  

• A Game - regular price $7.95, special price $5 (37% savings)
• Rosy Regards - regular price $13.95, special price $10 (28% savings)
• Take a Picture - regular price $18.95, special price $15 (21% savings)
• Dreams Come True - regular price $22.95, special price $18 (22% savings)
• Bohemian Alphabet - regular price $34.95, special price $25 (28% savings)

All of these stamp sets will be available in the Spring/Summer Idea Book at the regular price.  The special pricing is available only during the month of January. 

There is also special pricing for Find Your Style, the January SOTM.  The regular price for the SOTM is $22.95.  However, order the Wings WOTG plus the number of items from Inspirations brochure and receive the stamp set at a discount.

• WOTG + 1 item, SOTM is $17.21 (25% savings)
• WOTG + 2 items, SOTM is $11.48 (50% savings)
• WOTG + 3 items, SOTM is $5.74 (75% savings)
• WOTG + 4 items, SOTM is FREE (100% savings)

If you have any questions, please contact me via the email link in the right column of the blog.  Hope you find some "inspiration" with the special pricing and product sneak peek this month.  

Tic Tac Toe from Inspirations

Since Close To My Heart is changing the schedule for their Idea Books and the new Spring/Summer 2011 is not effective until February 1, they put together an Inspirations brochure with special pricing for the month of January.  Inspirations includes a "sneak peek" at products that will be introduced in February.  The best news is that there is very special pricing on the five stamp sets that are featured in the brochure.

This card was created using the new A Game stamp set - which is available for only $5 with purchase of the new Wings workshop-on-the-go.  The patterned paper in the Wings paper packet is a great combo of designs with the unusual color combo of Black, Juniper, Sweet Leaf, and Vineyard Berry.  Also used to complete the 'tic tac toe' phase was A Little Everything stamp set.

If you would like to view the Inspirations brochure, visit my CTMH website and click on the 'View January Inspirations' link in the lower right corner.   You can also click on the picture of the Inspirations brochure on the right side of this blog.  Or contact me and I will be glad to send you a copy of the brochure.  Also, watch for a blog post soon with more Inspirations details. 

Inspiration for the card design is from this week's Mojo Monday (MOJO172) blog, which was a challenge for me because I had trouble coming up with a sentiment that I liked.  What I ended up with is just a little silly, but thought it would be a fun birthday card.

In order to see even more fabulous creations using new products available in the Inspirations brochure, visit the Blog Hop/Linky Party on Tresa's Fabulously Artsy blog.   Click on a thumbnail to visit a blog participating in the 'Linky Party.' 

Fair Isle Tam

Yes, I made this!!  

 

It is a Fair Isle Tam, and I am proud of it.  

This includes a lot of "firsts"- first time knitting in the round, first time following a chart, first time using stitch markers, first time knitting with multiple colors, first time knitting with very small (to me) size 3 needles, first time blocking, first time taking a knitting class, and I'm sure a lot of other things.  The pattern is really pretty,and I am very pleased with how it turned out.  But, there are certainly a lot of mistakes in it too.  One of the mistakes is that I knit very tightly, and so it is a bit smaller than it should be and there is not much 'slouch' to it.

It just doesn't seem to lay well on my head.

When it was still 'on my needles' you can really see all the puckering from the too-tight knitting.