Blog Hoppin' Fun!

Welcome to our Close to my Heart Summer 2009 Idea Book Blog Hop! Over 40 Close to my Heart Consultants are celebrating the upcoming release of the Summer 2009 Idea Book by sharing their amazing creations using new products via their blogs. This is simple do to- just click on the link at the end of the post on each blog to move to the next one! If you have come here from Jaime's blog, you are on the right path! If this is your first stop, you may want to go back to Erin's blog http://www.tazzygirl2000.blogspot.com/ and start from the beginning!"

Check out my addition to the blog hop!

Here's a great little card that I whipped up using the new Back Country Level 2 paper pack (item #X7110B - $12.95US), along with the Let's Go Camping stamp set (item #C1355 - $18.95US). I paper pieced the backside of the plaid paper onto the bottom of the camper and to the gear and seat in on the car. I added a bit of outdoor denim twill ribbon to the side of the sentiment for a cute touch. Of couse I stamped the envelope to match - because an envelopes just not complete if it's left untouched :)


Now "Hop" on over to Terrie's Blog
http://my-life-in-real-time.blogspot.com/ to see her work! Be sure to visit all the Consultants at their Blogs to get some great crafting ideas and see the great new Paper Packs and My Acrylix Stamp Sets! Remember, the Summer 2009 Idea Book goes LIVE on May 1st!

Also stayed tuned to my blog for more new and exciting products and artwork featuring new products from the Summer Idea Book!

Happy Scrampin'!
Miranda

PS: In case any of the links on other sites do not work, here are all of the other Close To My Heart participants. Have fun!!!!

Erin Herring http://www.tazzygirl2000.blogspot.com/

Penny Doucette http://scrappinpenny.blogspot.com/

Kathleen Rensel http://scrapbookaddictkath.blogspot.com/

Jessica Moore http://www.jessicaspaperpetals.blogspot.com/

Colleen Porter http://www.inkemup.blogspot.com/

Sherry Thompson http://www.picturespatternsandpaper.blogspot.com/

Jen Patrick http://www.roxybonds-scrappin.blogspot.com/

Corey Acton http://scrappytimeswithcorey.blogspot.com/

Amy Edwards http://www.paisleysplayhouse.blogspot.com/

Amy Schultz http://www.amylizschultz.blogspot.com/

Tresa Black http://www.fabulouslyartsy.blogspot.com/

Leslie Kolic http://www.leannesscraps.blogspot.com/

Rebecca Garrison http://www.stampingwithbekah.blogspot.com/

Miranda Kurz http://www.scrampinwithmiranda.com/

Terrie Dodd http://my-life-in-real-time.blogspot.com/

Traci Tanimura http://www.creativetraci.blogspot.com/

Debora Mcelhany http://www.mcdoodlesscrappinplace.blogspot.com/

Katie Paterson http://katiepaterson.blogspot.com/

Michelle Robinson http://amaizenbluelady.typepad.com/

Lori Scott http://scrapinglori.blogspot.com/

Amberlyn Gentry http://amberlyng.blogspot.com/

Wendy Kessler http://www.myscrapbookingblog.com/

Meredith Burgess http://www.meredithsscrappylife.blogspot.com/

Vicky Sullivan http://www.sullyscrapandstamp.blogspot.com/

Caren Goldstein http://www.scrappycaren.blogspot.com/

Jena Devries http://www.livelovelaughscrapbook.blogspot.com/

Kami Welter http://www.scrappin4memories.blogspot.com/

Traci Godbee http://createwithtraci.blogspot.com/

Julie Banzon http://www.scrapbookiejulie.blogspot.com/

Laurel Seabrook http://www.want2scrap.blogspot.com/

Alisan Smith http://scrappinalistamps.blogspot.com/

Haley Dyer http://www.inkyscrapper.blogspot.com/

Dawn Heuft http://www.stamptildawn.blogspot.com/

Ali Creel http://www.scrapali.blogspot.com/

Helen Onulak http://www.hookedonstamping.com/

Jean McNulty http://stampinmaui.blogspot.com/

Aaron Brown http://aaronsbooth32.blogspot.com/

Shannon http://www.rockinstamps.blogspot.com/

Julie Lane http://raggedydoodles.blogspot.com/

Carrie Zrodlowski http://carriesinspiration.blogspot.com/

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Ready....Set....Go!!!!!

Starting in a few hours, several of my fellow Close To My Heart consultants will be kicking off a BLOG HOP to celebrate the arrival of the new Summer Idea Book! This will be great fun for you - as you'll be able to some of the great new product, and absolutely FANTASTIC artwork put forth by all of us.

So join log onto my site (this one here) starting April 30 and start Blog Hopping! It's going to be super easy. You'll just need to click and the link(s) listed and go.

Happy Scrampin'!
Miranda

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Summer Idea Book Reveal Open House

May is National Scrapbooking Month!!!
Come to the Idea Book Reveal party on May 2, 2009.
This one will be different than ever before!
You will not want to miss it!!!

When: Saturday, May 2, 2009
Times: 10 - 2 OPEN HOUSE
Where: Miranda's House - Denver (email for directions)
Cost: FREE (yep, you read that right, FREE!!!)
RSVP: Please RSVP by Thursday, April 30th

Since this is an open house style of party,

show up when you're able to.

Stay a little or stay a lot!

At the Open House, you'll be able to:

Participate in Make and Takes
View New Products
Get your own copy of the NEW Idea Book
Be Entered to Win the Tickled Pink Scrapbook Kit/Stamp

Get Free Gifts with your Purchase
Make New Friends
View Upcoming Workshops
Schedule a Gathering
And so much more!!!

So, what are you waiting for, RSVP today!

Don't forget to bring a friend!!!

email: miranda@myctmh.com

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Spring is in the air...

Isn't this just a pretty card! I can think of so many uses for it. I made this card last month at my friend Marilyn's house. She's a fantastic, creative gal who happens to also be my Stampin' Up consultant. I know...you probably just gasped that I have a SU consultant. What can I say? I'm an equal opportunist! I love stuff from all different companies. There's just too many cool things out there not to. But for all of you die-hard CTMH consultants, you can create the same look using our supplies.

My favorite part of this card is the coloring in of the embossed butterfly and bee. How you do this is to color the oppisite side of the vellum, after you've embossed. Your color will show thru.

Happy Scrampin'!

Miranda

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Dream...

I've been into masking and sponging lately and for some strange reason, into making a picture with stamps...instead of my normal stuff. I created this card the other weekend when Laurie was over, but finally finished it up today. All supplies are CTMH. I stamped the bamboo from the Instrinsic Backgrounds stamp set and the Dream from the Aspiration set. The 'sky' is a soft pinkish yellow and the hills/mountains are cocoa, olive and sweet leaf. I used organdy ribbon and tied the Foundry Book plate to the card (I also used pop dots to secure it).

I'm sure you've also noticed that in most posts with cards, I always stamp an envelope to match the card. This makes it even that much more special. I always try to coordinate stamping the inside of the card to match the outside as well. I think it completes the look.

Happy Scrampin'!

Miranda

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Pretty Flowers

Hi Everybody,

Today was inspection day at the 'hopefully' new home of ours. I'll let you know how it turned out. If you'd like to view some pictures, click here: http://the13thoffer.blogspot.com/


Anyway, I'll be packing up a bunch of much stuff shortly. I'll be posting as much as I can, but will most preschedule my posts. Look for misc. stuff this week as I'll be working hard to make enough stuff to last me thru the next month or so.


I have already picked out my new room in our new house. I'm brainstorming/dreaming in my head. I'll post some of those thoughts, too.


Here's a quick card to get your thru till later. All supplies are CTMH. I used a bit of random stamping, then stamp rolling for the flower on the ribbon. Sponged the corners, and wala! It's pretty. :)




Happy Scrampin!
Miranda

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Dream Big and Reach for the Stars

I just love the little rocket in this stamp set! Isn't it cute?!?!? I made this card using the Originals card book by Jeanette Lynton - founder of CTMH. The book, and 3 others are absolutely amazing and sooooooo easy to follow. All instructions/templates are included in each book - making everything Faster. Simpler. Easier. And guess what? She's created another awesome book that will be available by June. It's called wishes. Hope on over to her blog to check it out: http://www.jeanettelynton.com/. You won't be sorry. All supplies used here are from CTMH.




Happy Scrampin'!

Miranda

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It's finally happened...

WE HAVE A HOUSE!!!! Yay! After looking for 2.5 months, at over 100+ houses on the inside, our 13th (yes 13th) contract was accepted today! Yay!!!! Can you tell I'm super excited? This will be the first time that I've ever owned an actual 'real' house! It's been years since I've been able to paint walls, move walls, whatever to walls...lol

As soon as I have some 'good' pictures I'll post (got tired of taking pictures after about the 50th house). In the meantime, here's a cute little card that I made a few weeks back when I was hoping we'd get a house then. It uses stamps and supplies from CTMH and SU, and misc. other places.

Now....what to do in the new scraproom! I can't wait!

Happy Scrampin'!

Miranda

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Live Fast and Stay Pretty...

Hi Everybody,

I'm starting to see why sketch and color challenges are so addicting! When you're not in the mood to think too much, they're great to get your creativity going.

This card mixes 2 different challenges together. The layout is from Mojo Monday (http://mojomonday.blogspot.com/) and the color choice is from KJ's Stamp Pad - Color Chef Challenge (http://kjsstamppad.blogspot.com/).



The colors chosen are CTMH colors Tulip, Sorbet and white. But, instead of white, I used Colonial White. The phot is a bit off color, but in person, everything matches. The paper is from the Key To My Heart package (Spring 09) and the stamp set used is CTMH's May 09 Stamp of the Month - Be Yourself (available May 1 - 30). This stamp is AWESOME!!!! I just love the saying for this card. The ribbon is actually Creme Brulee and the flower and button are from my stash of goodies. The scallop was done using the SU scallop punch (Luuuuuuvvvvv it!!!!!).
Happy Scrampin'!
Miranda

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Color Me Challenged April Card

Hi Everybody!

Like I told you in my last post, I'm starting to try out some sketch/color challenges. Today's challenge comes from the Color Me Challenged blog ran by a few CTMH consultants. I thought I'd give it a try because I really thought the color combo for April was a challenge for me. Check it out at http://colormechallenged.blogspot.com/

Instead of a sketch, they supply you with colors to use, and you can do whatever you want. April's colors are: Outdoor Denim, Twilight, Honey, and Cocoa.

I decided to create a masculine looking card great for all those outdoor lovers we have here in Colorado. The real inspiration came from last weekend when Laurie was over and we were creating all things trees. Here's my card...

All supplies are CTMH supplies. I did a bit of masking to creat a sun/moon, and mountains. I then sponged in all four of the colors to create the affect I was looking for. Once done, I stamped the tree from Beautiful Things in versa mark, then right into the cocoa ink. I then embossed the tree with clear embossing powder to make it pop even more. I finshed it off with some honey sassy strands, a cocoa edge anchor with twilight brads, and matted with twilight and cocoa card stock. I actually enjoy the look of this card (it's totally not my normal style).

Happy Scrampin'!

Miranda

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Mojo Monday 81 - Sketch

So I thought I'd finally try my hand at doing some sketch challenges. I checked out a lot of blogs looking for something that was on a weekly basis, easy to understand, and the let others post their creations. I found just that at Mojo Monday (www.mojomonday.blogspot.com).

Here's the sketch they had for this past week. Deadline for entry is today at 8 - so I'm about 2 hours away.

And here's my creation! I just love this layout and this card. It's the first time that I've done several things on this card. All supplies used are from Close To My Heart. I tried out my Cupcake Sprinkles stamps for the very first time, along with liquid applique for the 'frosting' on the cupcake. I mixed in prisma glitter, heated and let dry overnight to make sure it was still puffy. I also tried my hand at stamp kissing. I took my intrinsic Backgrounds stamp set and 'kissed' the cupcake holder for a look that is much cooler than just the plain stamp. I finshed the look with a dimentional elements circle scallop, sassy strands and a few brads. I love it!

Here's a close up of the cupcake frosting and stamp kissed cupcake holder.

I loved this challenge so much that I plan on participating in many more. Check out Mojo Monday and try out next weeks challenge, too!

Happy Scrampin'!

Miranda

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Making Changes...

Hi Everybody,

As you can see, I'm making some changes to the appearance of my blog. I've decided that I'd best get to bed (since it's 4:15AM), but will continue with changing some things later on, on Sunday.

In the meantime, Happy Easter!

Miranda

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Happpy Everything!

I love this card. I made it last summer when this stamp set was the June stamp of the month. You'll be happy to know that it will be available for purchase starting May 1t. The stamp set is With Love (item # D1284 - $22.95) and the paper is from Game On (x7097 - $12.95). You can't really see it too much from the picture, but I stamped the large flower all over the paper in a light gray color. I embossed the vase and the large flower and used pop dots to make it pop a bit more.

Happy Scrampin'!
Miranda

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Coasters are Cool...

Have you jumped on the coaster craze yet? If not, here's a super easy/simple project. Take your standard 4x4 coaster that you can pick up at any restuarant. Cover with pretty paper. Add some pretty ribbon, maybe an embellishment or two, cover a binder clip with matching paper, steal a post it note from your work - wait, strike that last comment....I mean, purchase post it notes at your local store, add more ribbon/fibers to your binder clip, stamp the post its, clip together and wala!!!! It's beautiful! And cheap (if you 'borrow' some of your supplies).

These are super fun to make. We made the one above at a Idea Book reveal I held last summer. We'll be making more fun stuff like that at the next reveal - Saturday, May 2nd. It's being held 'open house' style. Drop on over if you're in Denver. I'd love to meet/see you!

Happy Scrampin'!

Miranda

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No Lion,You're the Best!

I just LUUUUUUUUUUUUVVVV this stamp set! And you'll be happy to know that it will again be available starting May 1st! Life's A Jungle (item D1285 - $22.95) is pictured here with paper from Expedition Level 2 pack (item X7082B - $12.95), chocolate grosgrain ribbon, and matching buttons. This set works great for so many things - just change up the colors and make that cute baby's card, or zoo paper!

Happy Scrampin'!
Miranda

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Coming Soon....

As you may know, I kinda put my creating on hold while Ray and I have been looking for a new house. Who would have thought that it would be soooooo difficult!!!! So far we've made 11 offers. Yes, you read that right, 11 OFFERS!!! So, needless to say, we still have not found a new home. The homes we've looked at either end up foreclosing, end up having multiple offers, or end up not being approved for an FHA loan. It's crazy. So, we're still looking.

In the meantime, I had started packing up some of my crafting supplies (again, thinking the buying a home process would be quick and easy - in this market). I have since gotten the creative bug, and have unpacked some of the stuff that I recently packed (good thing I hadn't taped the boxes up just yet). I didn't realize just how much creating something with my hand relieves stress!

So, starting up again this week, be on the look out for new, creative stuff from me! Hopefully I didn't get rusty in my 2 month hiatus...lol

Scrampin' Again Soon,
Miranda

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