Tracey Mason's Studio

Are you crazy for your Cricut????

2011-07-19T09:47:00.000-04:00

You won't believe this Peeps! Check this out!

Close to My Heart has taken it to a whole new level! We are the first to come out with a Cricut Cartridge that pairs with clear acrylic stamps and dimensional chipboard. Simply plug the cartridge into your Cricut®* Personal Electronic Cutter machine and you’re ready to cut any of the 700 shapes, ranging from elegant rosettes and lace to trendy gift boxes and banners! You’ll also receive three stamp sets as well as three sets of 9" × 12" Dimensional Elements that work in tandem with the cartridge. On top of that, numerous My Acrylix stamp sets in our new Idea Book pair wonderfully with images on the Cricut® cartridge. They made it SOOO easy…if you look closely at the sets you’ll see that they’ve put lines around the images that coordinate and marked the size setting right on the acetate sheet.

To preorder this kit or too get your hands on the new Idea Book, email me at traceystamps@aol.com

Off to play with my new Idea Book,

Hugs,

Tracey

The Latest...

2011-04-14T17:56:00.001-04:00

Hello Friends! It's been awhile I know. Seems my photography is a HIT and I'm going for it. I shall have my papercrafting business as well but will be concentrating primarily on Tracey Mason Photography which is now Official! I am licensed in the state O' Maine and open for business!

I appreciate all your kind words over the last few months. Your encouragement and faith in me has made a huge difference in my life and I shall be eternally grateful! So friends I am excited to share with you...............

www.traceymasonphotography.com

I am uploading photos daily so check it out often! Would love your feedback as well!

Thanks and Hugs to all,

Tracey

FYI- Dress Form SVG Files...

2011-04-02T07:32:00.000-04:00

Just a quick update concerning my Dress Form Files (svg). Yesterday, a lovely gal named Pamela did all the work for me and found a place to host my files for download. Click Here to download my dress forms!

This link is also at the bottom of my blog under Tracey's Dress Form Files.

Thanks a million Pamela!

Tracey

Meet Baby Dusty...

2011-03-27T07:32:00.000-04:00

Here is a sneak peek at my latest newborn shoot. Ps. I am currently working on my web site/photography blog. For those interested in pricing and such please contact me tmasonphotography@gmail.com

Thanks and enjoy!

Newborn Shoot- couple more...

2011-03-23T16:36:00.001-04:00

Please note: I am booking Newborn Sessions! Contact me before baby is born & plan on your shoot taking place within 10 days of birth or less.

{Sweetness}

{blurred for safety}

{3 Generations}

Have a wonderful day!

Tracey

Two words for ya. GOT CAKE?

2011-03-19T00:59:00.000-04:00

But you can't eat it!

This is my latest "paper cake". Created especially for the Karen Morris- Dream Team Leadershare Operation Smile Auction. Let's hope this baby generates some BIG BUCKS for a great cause. Changing lives, one smile at a time...

I promise to post more on this after I return from the big, big Houston, Texas.

Let them have cake,

Tracey

Couple more from my newborn shoot...

2011-03-10T19:05:00.000-05:00

Sparkle Eyes...

2011-03-07T20:59:00.003-05:00

Look at this little face...

{Love}

Tracey

Got Milk...

2011-03-04T15:22:00.000-05:00

I love this shot!

Tracey

Newborn Babies...

2011-03-02T17:16:00.000-05:00

I love them. I can't get enough of them. I need them...

To photograph.

Friends I give you some of the photos from my first newborn photo shoot. All I can say is, "Calling all newborns". I want you.

Would love to get your feedback. I don't need you to be a photographer. Just need honest human feedback.

Thanks to Baby B and his family for this amazing experience. I am in awe of fresh, new life.

Tracey

A peak at Harry Potter...

2011-02-26T19:33:00.000-05:00

So much more to come. For now a little teaser...

Watching History...

2011-02-25T15:57:00.000-05:00

Hello friends! The good news is, We are home! The bad news is we went from the 80's to the 30's plus 8" of snow within 5 hours! We actually landed in the snow storm. Not highly recommended-ok?! I would like to thank the JetBlue pilot who got my family home safe today. It was not looking good for a while there. Having two feet on the ground is glorious! Now onto something really fun...

Yesterday my family and I watched history in the making. We were lucky enough to see the space shuttle Discovery launch for the very last time. It was exciting and stressful all at the same time. Up until the last minute we didn't know if all systems were a go. There was apparently some computer malfunction and she almost got scrubbed. We drove from Orlando heading east as close as we could get to Cape Canaveral. It took several hours and we only got within 25 miles. We found this open spot in a clearing with about a hundred other folks and waited. My husband struck up a conversation with a nice fellow who just happened to have retired from NASA years ago. He told us where to stand and where to look. It was awesome & he was spot on!

Before we knew it, she shot up in the sky & was gone. My camera never stopped clicking and sadly the photos aren't great. After all we were 25 miles away. But here is a good one. You can tell it's the shuttle. Well, I can tell it's the shuttle. You can double click twice on the photo & enlarge it to see it better. My daughter captured it on video as well.

I can't tell you how exciting it was for us. I am thrilled to have seen it in person and even more thrilled for my children.

God Bless the Discovery Crew

Tracey

Operation Rejuvenation...

2011-02-20T19:27:00.000-05:00

I promise to be back soon friends. The last few weeks have been quite the experience and the big guy and I have decided to take the kids on a little trip. Renew the soul a bit. Warm up our bones.

Operation Fun begins tomorrow.

Universal Studios here we come.

Harry Potter look out.

Spiderman, you da man.

Dueling Dragons? You bet.

Jurassic Park can't wait.

Camera packed. Clothes not yet.

Must get off computer.

Magically yours,

Tracey

Beach Vintage without the beach...

2011-02-02T16:50:00.000-05:00

Trying something new. Applying that "beach vintage" Lightroom preset on something -non beachy. What do you think?

Before:

After:

And After adding Texture in Photoshop:

I have done nothing but play with Lightroom & Photoshop today. I need to get a life. Now it's dinner time & I've accomplished hardly anything. Oh well. Hope you liked my hard days work! bwaaaaa...

Tracey

"Beach Vintage" Photography

2011-02-02T13:31:00.000-05:00

Just took these a couple days ago & applied a beach vintage look to them. Needless to say, "I Love Them!"

May even blow them up & put them on canvas.

So it's kinda like Maine meets Tiffanys. Yummy combo.

Enjoy!

Tracey

Where I've been...

2011-01-24T15:21:00.000-05:00

Girls, I've been workin' my fingers to the bone. Been stapling, gluing, ruffling, liquid glassing, flower making, punching, stamping & mass producing.

It's SWAP TIME! I belong to a swap group full of super stars (why I'm in it who knows) and these goodies are due Jan 29th. I am over the moon with my creations & glad to say I am DONE BABY. Check this out...

Awesome! All of this was done with a beautiful new CTMH kit called Sweetheart. I LOVE it. Can you tell?

Close ups coming tomorrow!

With love,

Tracey

Dress Form SVG files-FYI

2011-01-20T09:44:00.000-05:00

Hey friends, a quick note about my Dress Form SVG files. I just found out that my account where I had these files stored went and expired! Oops. Until I find a new home for them, email at:

traceystamps@aol.com (subject: Dress Form svg) note: any subject line with "hi" simply can't be trusted. I don't need your Viagra or Rolex watch. LOL

Thanks a bunch,

Tracey

My Studio, An H2H Challenge & a little funny for the day!

2011-01-18T12:31:00.000-05:00

Hi Ya'll. I am going to start out with a little something funny for you today. I've told this story before to just about anyone who has been to my studio- But seriously it's worth telling to anyone who papercrafts, stamps, scrapbooks, has a hobby, is a part-time hoarder, etc.

I've been papercrafting/all of the above for over 10 years now. From the moment I had to stop hiding stuff under the sofa to having a studio, I've been having a grande O time!

Way back some years ago in Ohio, my dear husband. Seriously has to be the smartest man I've met. He truly is blessed with knowledge and common sense (remember this) Well this caring man decided to have me a studio built in the house we were currently building. An oasis of paper & stamps, perfectly organized, room for classes full of great girlfriends and lastly, in the basement where he NEVER GOES. It was AWESOME (except for the lighting but that is another story).

What does this mean? It means Mama collected herself a huge amount of supplies! Let me tell ya. That UPS man was so often present at my house that my man thought we were having an affair! All it took was one day our little boy said "Hey Pops, Mr. Brown Hands was here AGAIN!" Girls. I still here about "Mr. Brown Hands" even after CTMH switched to FedEx. Thank goodness he never found out that I had his cell phone #. The story behind that is: This guy always got an earful from me for delivering my stuff late in the day. Turns out his wife is a scrapbooker so he understood my need for supplies! lol Just in case I needed something for a customer & just couldn't wait- I could call him & meet him along his business route in the morning. Now that is service. Only had to use this once. My BFF was with me & we laughed about it the whole time.

Ok, here is the funny part. I've got supplies to last me a couple hundred years. I could get a cash register & open shop sisters! But one day, out of the blue comes my man down the stairs. (I know his foot steps like I know the sound of a delivery truck 5 blocks away- don't laugh, you know that sound too!). He comes into my oasis, puts his hands on his hips, does a 360 and looks at me and says "Well you got quite the set up don't ya?". I said proudly, "Yes, thanks to you!" Ps. always compliment your man. He won't be that hard on you. Then the smartest man that I know says, "What you got wrapped up in all this, about 500 bucks?" And for the first time in our married life, I bowed my head and confessed. "Yes. Honey that's about right. You caught me." Then he went on to say that I should go out and buy a cash register from Costco so I could make a killing selling this stuff to my girlfriends. Silly Rabbit, those trix are for me! And before I knew it, he disappeared to another part of the house. All was forgotten to him. But I have one heck of a story don't I?

Now that I've told you that story, I'm going to show you my studio. Want to see what 500 bucks will get ya? I've been wanting to show you my studio and have been putting it off but I can't now because H2H has "show off your studio" I mean "show how you organize your supplies" I mean "show me your Hoarding Problem" as a challenge. I am getting a kick out of the responses! I love to see others with the same disease as me. So without further ado, My Studio...

Note: I currently share my space in our walkout basement with the kid's entertainment room & through the french doors is the most beautiful guest room I've ever laid eyes on. That is no joke. I will do a post on that someday. It's the reason we always have guests & can't get rid of them. This space needs a paint job. That yellow makes me want to cry or pee depending on the time of day and I have this piano that is the biggest freaking waste of space that also has two broken legs that I've taped together. Sadly it is the only thing Whitney has of her father who passed away when she was 10 months old. So we schlep that damn thing everywhere for her. When she moves into a place of her own. I will pay to have that thing moved first. Ok sorry for all that- That smashing piece of decor now holds all my Cricut stuff & it's all hidden with my black tablecloth! (thank goodness the smart man doesn't know how much Cricut carts cost cause I have 47, but whose counting). Ok, enough about needing a paint job & a piano mover. Here it is...

This is the view after coming down the stairs. Behind me is the kid's TV & their bookshelves off to the right.

This view is from right inside the door way to the guest bedroom. Dbl doors leading outside. Part of that beautiful piano on the right.

View is facing the guest bedroom. Look at the top of the door way there. I hung a curtain rod that holds my seamless backdrop paper & a purdy damask fabric for photography. The bookshelf is IKEA & it houses everything I have concerning albums, stuff to make albums, finished & started albums, how to books, card making kits & printed/sorted photos. Off to the left is another dazzling view of that piano. Off to the right at the edge of the photo is a Harry Potter Closet. I store things here like stuff I'm selling or stuff I really need to hide. bwaaaa!

I absolutely love this window ledge. It makes for a mean display and is ever changing. BTW, that sign says

Too much of a good thing is wonderful I conquer.

Think I've got enough paper? These IKEA shelves were the best investment. Only $125 each & the strongest things on earth. Just think of the weight on those shelves! The left unit is solid cardstocks with 2 boxes at the top full of paper mache & schtuff. Right unit is specialty papers, kits and more kits and more specialty papers...

Bring on the embellishments! This unit & the plastic towers are nothing but embellishments. Stamps and more stamps, chipboard and more. The white boxes also from IKEA & Walmart are labeled, buttons, brads, flowers, gems, etc. One plastic tower is ribbon, another is punches & scissors. The black one is color mediums such as embossing powders, liquid pearls, flower soft, glitters, reinker bottles, sponges, chalks, watercolor, etc.

The black tables I have are IKEA. I own 3, one is stored unless I have friends over to play. Under my tall one I have a steel cart that I got at Sam's Club. This has been the handiest bugger. I have a bunch of necessities in here & it can be wheeled right out of the way if need be. A couple other things that I have worth noting are Pampered Chef Table top organizers. I have two. One is full of my scissors, hole punches, styluses, rulers, pens, knives, etc. The other holds colored pencils & drawing mediums not used much.

Then of course I have a computer station with printer, scanner & larger monitor for working with photos. I love my space & have plenty of room for parties, crops & classes. I can't wait to paint it that Khaki color that's already picked out and I will do that half wall under my window ledge the same robin's egg or turquoise blue that I am ga ga over.

Well you made it to the end. What did you think of my studio & my whopping $500?

Ya'll come back now ya hear?

Tracey

Finding Your Style with Wings..

2011-01-12T15:34:00.000-05:00

As promised an artwork sample using the new kit- Wings and the January Stamp of the Month, Finding Your Style.

A close up...

Oh, I think that dress form is delicious! I am sick over Dress Form Girls! I have them all over my studio. (I am getting ready to do a post on my studio- watch for it soon)

All Supplies are CTMH except those sweet butterfly punches from Martha Stewart. If you would like to order these supplies- click Here .

Feel free to double click and make the photos larger.

Happy Scrappin'

Tracey

My Camera Equipment...By Request

2011-01-10T20:11:00.000-05:00

Currently in my bag:

Nikon D300

Nikon 18-200 mm VR 3.5

Nikon 50 mm 1.8

Nikon 85 mm 1.8

Nikon SB-600 Speedlight

Battery Grip

Wish I had this:

Nikon 14-24 mm 2.8 Wide Angle

Other Equipment I own:

Interfit EX 150 Light Kit

Transmitter-Receiver (wireless release)

Interfit Reflector 5in1

Tripod

Monopod

Adobe Photoshop CS3

Books I Recommend:

Understanding Exposure

Scott Kelby Books-any or all of them!

Where I go to Learn more:

12 weeks to Better Photography- Free (great place to learn. With photo samples, easy to understand & has challenges for you)

Links to my Photography DIY projects:

Lightbox for Artwork

Backdrops

Important things I've learned:

After you download all the photos off your flash card, don't delete. Format. This is found in the menu. Apparently deleting photos a few at a time leaves bits and piece of info on the card & over time can cause card corruption. Formatting the card erases all this left over junk. Just make sure you have the photos you want in your computer or hard drive first.

VR lenses are great. BUT if you have your camera on a tripod- turn the VR off. You will cause blur not prevent it! Learned this the hard way!

If you do not have a cable release or wireless release- use your in camera timer! I did this recently when my wireless release battery died. Saved my photos!

I take hundreds and hundreds of photos. Most stink. Some are ok. A few are good. One or two are pretty darn good. I can't learn unless I make mistakes. I make a lot of mistakes! Just keep swimming, swimming...

When I shoot my artwork- I use my tripod! Eliminates shake/blur & makes your art appear nice & sharp. I never shoot my art inside without it.

Speaking of shooting my Artwork. I love to use my 50 mm 1.8 lens. It's sharp & great for low light situations. I do use my 18-200 when I want to zoom in on details. I try to use the widest opening possible. I start at 1.8 and go up if I have to. This will blur your background. Check out that 12 week class link. You will learn everything about Apetures there. Zoom lens help blur the background as well.

Ps. This post is also a page link up top, just in case you want to come back.

Happy Snapping Away!

Tracey

Photography Backdrops

2011-01-06T15:35:00.000-05:00

I've been wracking my brain trying to come up with different ways to take photos of my art and not break the bank while I'm at it. My goal is to create art with the art! Photo stylist I guess?

Yesterday I went to The Christmas Tree Shop looking for something else and came out with a whole new idea in mind. It all happened when I stumbled upon the clearance gift wrap. Nice looking stuff for .50 cents. They had pastels & little flocked dots, flower patterns and then I saw it. Woodgrain. Stuff looks like a floor. I instantly thought "Photography Flooring". I've been researching backdrops & flooring for portrait photography and someone out there is making "faux" flooring. It looks like real hardwood floor but it's freakin' rolled up vinyl. OMG! It's awesome. BUT. Big But. It's super expensive. So when I saw this woodgrain roll of gift wrap my heart skipped a beat. Then I saw the price and I cried on the spot. $1. I ran & got a shopping cart. I try to fool myself and say I won't need a cart when I go there. Never make it through without running for a stinkin' cart, but I digress...

A shopping cart full of clearance wrap later, I make my way home & dig out more I've been hoarding. Like that houndstooth or that pink damask. Oh be still my little heart. The ideas are endless.

This is what I came up with. Gift wrap backdrop & gift wrap floor! Say it ain't so. My little crafts are going to be stylin' from now on.

Check it out:

I've gone off the deep end and I couldn't be more thrilled. I am getting up at the crack of dawn tomorrow in search of every single store in Maine that carries gift wrap!

Here is a sneaky peeky at how I did it.

Ok a few things I am going to do next:

1. Tape it to the wall and photograph the kids.

2. Buy some small wooden mouldings from the craft store & take it to the next level.

3. buy some huge posterboards or tri fold display boards & cover them for future use.

Ps. That is my new Purse! And about right now Karen is thinking that looks awfully familiar!

Off to play some more, those kids don't need dinner...

Tracey

Close To My Heart's January Special

2011-01-04T09:35:00.001-05:00

Friends, I am in LOVE with the January Specials! First of all, let me show you the Stamp of the Month Special. I am currently playing with this set & loving every minute of it. The options & creativity are endless.

Getting this set FREE is even EASIER than ever before. This month, and this month only, if you purchase the Wings Workshop on the Go (see page 2-3 of the Inspirations brochure), and 4 other items from the Inspirations brochure, you get the Stamp of the Month FREE. I've figured it out: you can get it with a purchase as little as $52.75 (before shipping and tax). Look at this beautiful artwork from Corp! Mine is soon to come!

But your saying "What is this Wings Workshop on the Go thing & Inspirations"? Ah, onto the next January Special!

Inspirations Brochure

Close To My Heart has put out a gorgeous brochure for the month of January called Inspirations. It is full of beautiful papers, stamps and accessories that will take your breath away. AND, on top of that there are several specials that are good during the life of this brochure (Jan 1-31, 2011).

Buy the Wings Workshop on the Go Kit (pages 2-3 of brochure, see photo above for some of the workshop projects) and get special pricing on the stamp sets shown in the brochure.
Get the January Stamp of the Month for less than ever before!

Want to get your hands on this Brochure? Email me today! I can send it out today! The savings are over the top and the stamps & papers are amazing!

View the Brochure online & purchase today on my web site here.

I would love to send you the Brochure in the mail. There is nothing like having this in your hands. I love to keep these with my How to Books for added inspiration!

Happy New Year & Happy Creating!

Tracey

Another Photo shoot means another day to play with PTM actions...

2011-01-03T09:08:00.002-05:00

Whitney left New Year's Morning to visit more family before she has to return to California for her second semester of college. I wanted to take more photos of her and practice more of that focusing issue that I am "still" working on!

Blech. I am still working on it. I messed up the lighting this time which in turn messed up the focusing. BUT I did some research last night and now know what I did wrong with that. Funny thing is, I did a Google search on Studio Lighting Books. I found this link where someone "who has figured it out" said, "Books will only get you so far, personally I just kept screwing it up till I got it right". Apparently there is something to screwing up which is my MO lately. The more I do it, the better I will get. For right now, no one is safe from my camera. Bwaaaaaaaa! (say that like Dr. Evil).

This particular photo was a stand out & even though things were not great I knew I could do something with it. I recently purchased a set of actions from Paint the Moon and after discovering how easy they are to use, I went to town on this photo. Ps. the set I bought was the Picture Perfect, Miracle Makeover and the Essentials Bundle. I splurged on these but also had a winning gift certificate as well. I can say that after all the freebies I've gotten over the last couple years, NOTHING compares to this purchase. They are the easiest & best set of actions I've ever experimented with. Remember I am a beginner and I get very frustrated when playing with actions and they don't do what I thought they would do or You have to be advanced to use them. But these PTM actions do what they say & I am kicking butt and taking names kids!

What do you think?

I can't tell you for sure the specific actions I used. I went to town experimenting and just kept what I thought looked good. I just used actions from that bundle and the freebie black frame that I got years ago from MCP actions.

Would like to know what you think. Am I on the right track? My husband thought so and that is pretty cool to me. Then again he also said "what the hell is on her forehead? Does she think she's a gypsy or something". Way to keep it real babe.

Ps. You can click on the photo twice to make it bigger and see more detail.
Happy New Year!
Tracey

Edited Post: This just in! Want to win some actions from PTM? Check this out! I just entered & so can you!
Paint the Moon Actions & Textures is giving away a $75 gift certificate at www.moms-with-cameras.com!

Learning to Focus...

2010-12-30T09:17:00.002-05:00

Darn, Darn. Darn. I messed it up. I had both my girls together, happy & ready for my camera. I screwed it up. I didn't focus properly. I thought of everything else. Backdrop, lighting, Camera settings galore and I still failed.

Shouldn't I know this by now? Maybe. But my camera isn't just a point & shoot. They looked great in the LCD. Stupid LCD fooling me! After I uploaded the photos to my computer I saw it. Tragedy. All I could think was..."How could you let this happen? They are in the same state for a very short time & are usually arguing 90% of the that time! You had your chance and blew it". I know, I was so hard on myself. But I can't stay mad at myself long, after all we are best friends. So I forgave & moved on.

Moved onto the million page manual for my camera is what I did. I spent the evening reading, rereading & falling asleep over "how to focus". I think I figured it out. But I had also had a beer. I love those Blue Moon Winter Abbey Ales. I have never been partial to beer but these Blue Moon's are sa-weet. Especially with an orange slice. Have you seen the movie "Up"? Well I just had one of those "Squirrel" moments. Focus. Time to stay Focused on Focusing. Are you regretting reading my blog today?

After all that I've learned a huge lesson. No, it wasn't drink a beer to understand how to focus. It was get over it, learn to do it right, and take many many more purdy pictures. I've scheduled another photo shoot with the kids. Even told Ethan he had to wear pants. This is a funny story that might warrant a post for itself. He is not too excited but he will get over it. I am going to test out my new learned focusing skills & the HUGE difference between the C & the S buttons on the front of my camera and the AF-L on the back! The only lesson not learned is patience. I don't believe I will ever have any of this. If you could buy patience, I would sell off a couple stamp sets for it. And that my friends is saying a lot.

Here is the tragedy in question. One kid in focus, one blurry. My girls. Caitlyn almost 17 on the left. Whitney completely blurry and newly 20 on the right. I am starting to get mad all over. Breathe girl. Just breathe.

Now for something that did go right. This photo you are looking at is the processed one. Seems I am learning Photoshop. Let me tell you about my love/hate relationship with PS. I love what it "can" do for me. I hate what I "can't" do with it! LOL. This software- if you know how to use it will make you look like a goddess. If you don't know how to use it, you will feel bad inside. Almost like a failure. I am starting to brake out of failure mode. There is so much trial and error & what looks good for you doesn't look good to someone else. There is way too much of "how the heck do they do that" and "why the heck can't I figure this out"! BREATHE!

Video Tutorials, Friendly Blogs & folks who sell "Actions" are my life savers! I can be on the computer all stinking day. I have to say that out of all the actions I've downloaded, Paint The Moon's are the best for me. They are easy to use & I am thrilled with the results so far. Check out the photo below...(SOOTC)

Now scroll back up. Now scroll back down. Back up again. Now to me. Now back to this. The difference is incredible. The skin, eyes, hair & sharpening! I also applied an action called "velvet retro" to make it arty farty. I know I have so, so, so much more to learn. But I think this is one heck of a good start! Tonight I will celebrate with another of those Winter Abbey Ales.

Stay Focused & Thirsty My Friends,

Tracey

Portland Head Light in the Blizzard

2010-12-27T19:45:00.000-05:00

I've been dying to see this beauty while covered with snow. After "digging out" we ventured out. Looky how purdy it is...

And looky at these screwballs who were surfing!

Enjoy!

Tracey

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-25T15:11:00.000-05:00

Wishing you a sweet holiday season...

The Mason Family

This Old Barn...

2010-12-25T15:03:00.000-05:00

This Old Barn. I drive by it quite often. It's for sale. It's abandoned. It screams, "take my picture". I trespassed, forgive me. I couldn't help myself.

See...

I think I will go back again. Take the kids. They won't arrest me if I have the kids. Will they?

Happy Holiday,

Tracey

I was chosen as a Friday Five!

2010-12-20T16:44:00.001-05:00

Yippee! I was chosen as a Friday Five Gal over at Heart2Heart Challenges! Not only was I one of the very first design team members at Heart2Heart but now I am a Friday Five Gal. How cool. Thanks girls, I am thrilled!

Scroll down to see my new little blog badge of honor!

Tracey

My cup runneth over!

2010-12-14T15:01:00.000-05:00

Thank you for the kind words in regards to my "Cake" post!

Some of you had questions within your comments, I did my best to answer them in the comment I posted!

I am humbled. Thank you.

Tracey

Two More Christmas Paint Cans

2010-12-14T14:26:00.000-05:00

Here are the other two paint cans that I am offering!

Here is the Snowman one again

I can still do a class if you are interested or I am taking orders for completely finished cans. They are $15 each. Email me at traceystamps@aol.com to order.

Happy Holidays!

Tracey

A Handcrafted Wedding Treasure...

2010-12-13T10:18:00.001-05:00

I have this special friend {lol} whom I just adore. It just so happens that her oldest son is getting married this week. A beautiful winter in Utah wedding, can you just imagine? Truly stunning and I can't wait to see photos! hint, hint special friend!

I really wanted to make something special and well, drop dead gorgeous for them. I can't after all just send a gift card in a card! Well I could have but that isn't my style. I decided to make something that would be a gift within itself. A treasure. Since I had prior knowledge of the wedding theme & colors I could make a personalized treasure.

The idea came to me very quickly but the end result was way more than anything I dreamed it could be. Now my mind is restless. What else can I make in it's likeness. Oh how I wish it wasn't mid December. I want to make more of these. Not shop!

Friends I give you...

The Cake

This work of art stands approx 10in H and 7in W. It's all paper except for the mini pinecones. It is constructed of 3 nesting paper mache round boxes without the lids. I hot glued the 3 boxes together & created a chipboard bottom for the bottom box.

I adhered Colonial White cardstock (ctmh) to each tier (middle tier was embossed first with a Cuttlebug folder) and then added a strip of Breeze cardstock (retired ctmh) to the base of each acting like ribbon. Then I painted on several coats of Pearl Paint (ctmh) to the entire cake. Glitter Glue (ctmh) was added at the bases to hide the hot glue. I then finished off the top & bottom tiers with Pearl Opaques (ctmh).

I hand crafted all the roses out of Colonial White, Sunset (tinted with Tulip) and Breeze cardstock (ctmh) I dabbed them with Desert Sand ink & Pearl Paint. They were hot glued on along with mini pinecones, red berries & Pine Leaves (Martha Stewart Punch, Olive cs-ctmh) I also stuck in several florist pins with crystal tops.

This is the top

Do you see the four ivory ribbons? Well underneath the Cream rose on top is the gift card secured to the ribbons. I took a serrated kitchen knife and sliced through the top tier, just wide enough for the gift card. I did end up going through the second tier a bit. I did that so the gift card would be hidden more. I punched a hole (not through the magnetic strip) at the top of the gift card & tied on the ribbon. The Cream rose is attached to a stick pin and comes out to remove the gift card but goes back in afterwards.

Another view

Note: I also used quite a bit of Liquid Glass (ctmh) to adhere the berries, pine leaves & to create the roses.

The video Tutorial on making my roses is here on this blog or on youtube. I do plan on making additional cakes -my first being a birthday cake for my daughter who turned 20 yesterday. She comes home from college on Friday so I need to get baking! lol Oh, and I need to shop more too.

I do have a favor friends. If I've inspired you to create a cake of your own don't forget me! Not only do I love the credit but I would love to see your creation. Share the love baby.

Have a wonderful day friends!

Tracey

Edited Post: I forgot to add that I made a real cute matching card that used the bride & groom's initials (also on the announcement)

What makes your skirt fly up?

2010-12-03T13:47:00.001-05:00

I so love that expression, What makes your skirt fly up? I hear it a lot since I frequently stalk The Pioneer Woman site. She and I are best friends only she doesn't know it yet. Well she says that quite often & when she does I really know that she likes something.

So I was out yesterday to the Maine Mall with my gal pal, Cec. Yep. The Maine Mall. Only mall in Maine. So I guess it's the main or Maine mall for real! Anyway, Cec and I were trying on clothes and such when she said to me, "Nope that one didn't make my skirt fly up". I thought to myself, hey you sound just like my best friend Ree. I didn't say it out loud. I didn't want anyone to take me to that place with all the white straight jackets. Oh and there's that Stalking Charge thing now for celebrities & such. Don't feel like making the Maine news if you know what I mean. Local woman to blame for The Pioneer Woman's cancellation of her latest Book Signing Tour at the Maine Mall...

Yeah, stayed quiet and began to think. What makes my skirt fly up? Well I'll tell you what is blowing my skirt up at the moment. And Yes. I told you all of that above just to tell you this below.

You know I loves my camera right? It's like a 4th child. It goes where ever I go. I love it. But seriously. I am no pro. I am still learning the basics and I have a thirst for knowledge and expensive camera equipment like you wouldn't believe. That thirst takes me to the web where I stalk more of my best friends, like this gal I am about to tell you about. Don't know how I found her. Just glad I did. She is stinkin' talented. Well she has her own photography thing going and she sells actions for Photoshop & other goodies too. And it just so happens that she is generous on top of being pretty & talented. She is giving away a mega prize package on her blog! You have to check it out. Now. The gig is up at midnight tonight. I WANT TO WIN IT. But I'd be happy to see you win it. I might kick the wall and scream but I'd be happy for you. We are friends after all, right? So just go check this out, huh?

http://paintthemoon.net/blog/

Edited Post: Seems I'm a winner after all kids! I won a $30 PTM gift certificate! Awesome!

If you loves your camera too, you will love this blog and it just might make your skirt fly up! Who doesn't need that?

See ya later chickas!

Tracey

Christmas Class... Creative Holiday Gift Containers!

2010-12-01T10:24:00.001-05:00

Do you love giving Gift Cards for Christmas like I do? How about baked goods? Tired of those boring bags, cheezy gift card holders or boxes? If so, I have a solution to your problems. Why not wrap up those treasures in a beautifully decorated container that doubles as a decoration to be used year after year?

Check out my new class...

A few additional close ups

Santa's Bag is 5x8x2. Perfect for smallish gifties such as DVDs, Video Games, Jewelry, Socks, Hats, etc. This goodie comes together in minutes and can be easily reproduced!

Ah, I love warm beverages. So do a lot of folks. How about surprising someone with a giftie like this? Fill this paper cup with your favorite cocoa mix, Starbucks, Dunkin Dounuts or any Coffee/Tea Company Gift Card. This faux mug of goodness will make anyone's day!

Remember when I told you I liked Paint Cans? Well I had to do another. I think these are the coolest gift giving containers around! You can put ANYTHING into these babies! Plus they will keep year after year as a wonderful Holiday decoration! Fill them with baked goods, Themed treasures, stuffed animals, Diamond Tennis bracelets (hey why not?), a really expensive camera lens like the Nikkor 85mm 1.4 (Hey Why NOT!) etc. This beautifully decorated can features textured snow, glitter, ribbons & jingle bells!

I also want to share that these make great Teacher, Bus Driver, Secretary, Assistant, Co-Worker, Boss, Friend & Neighbor gifts.

I am offering these as a class with dates being announced very soon & I'm offering to ship the materials to those "out o stater" friends of mine. Supplies are limited so if you want a set, best to email me and get on the list. For those of you who want to order finished pieces we can make arrangements.

More info coming soon I promise.

Happy December Ya'll

Tracey

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

2010-11-26T14:36:00.000-05:00

My Christmas decorations are up! True Story. I put them up for Thanksgiving every year. I'm sick like that.

The beauty of it is I have less stress now until Christmas. Now I can shop, eat, craft & take photos up the wazoo and not have to worry about the trees. Yes, I said trees. Two. One big one for the kids & one super purdy dainty one with million dollar bulbs and such.

Since I no longer do the "Black Friday" thing I decided to break out the camera. Ok. I didn't have to break it out. It was just sitting here. I picked it up and purdy things happened. Bokeh happened. See...

and this one

this one too

and this

Bokeh you say?

In photography, bokeh (pronounced /boʊˈkeɪ/) is the blur,^[1]^[2] or the aesthetic quality of the blur,^[3]^[4]^[5] in out-of-focus areas of an image, or "the way the lens renders out-of-focus points of light."^[6]Differences in lens aberrations and aperture shape cause some lens designs to blur the image in a way that is pleasing to the eye, while others produce blurring that is unpleasant or distracting—"good" and "bad" bokeh, respectively.^[1] Bokeh occurs for parts of the scene that lie outside the depth of field. Photographers sometimes deliberately use a shallow focus technique to create images with prominent out-of-focus regions.

Bokeh is often most visible around small background highlights, such as specular reflections and light sources, which is why it is often associated with such areas.^[1] However, bokeh is not limited to highlights, as blur occurs in all out-of-focus regions of the image.

What ever it is, I like it. Google it my friends. There is a whole other world out there.

Ps. almost forgot. The last two images -I got the idea from the DIY photography site. You can use craft punches to create these effects. In this case I used a star punch. Off to make more. I am dreaming of snowflakes & trees & hearts...

Tracey

For the love of paint cans...

2010-11-23T12:54:00.000-05:00

I have a problem. I love paint cans. I do. Not paint cans full of paint. Empty paint cans. You can get these at hardware stores like Home Depot. I like to buy these and decorate them & fill them with goodies then surprise someone with a special treat. I have made many of these in my days of crafting. From Christmas to Beach Theme and from Birthdays to Babies. I LOVE them.

I recently made one for my friend's daughter who just turned 13. I thought it would be cute full of mani/pedi goodies. Needles to say she was thrilled. I am the Paint Can Queen.

Front close up

Lid close up

I had the papers (horder!) lying around for a while & think they are SEI, stamps are Dawn McVey/PTI (my idol) Ribbons & gems are CTMH. I also used a variety of Nestie Dies and of course my famous Roses baby! My secret to paint cans is to use Scor Pal Tape. Sticks for-ev-ah. I also made a template for the handle area. I use it over and over and over... You get it.

I am currently making a Christmas can for an upcoming "Christmas Packaging" class. If you be interested, drop me a note! I'd love to sign you up! I will also ship the class supplies for you out o staters.

Off to make more. Wave to the Queen. I said wave...

Tracey

Freedom is not Free...

2010-11-11T13:58:00.001-05:00

Feeling Grateful for our Veterans

Tracey

Because sometimes you just have to Go with the Flo...

2010-11-03T09:30:00.000-04:00

Our first Halloween Party was a HIT!

But Flo got mad cause the rates went up. She had to take matters into her own hands...

Hope I made you giggle today,
Tracey

Thank You, Thank You very much Special!

2010-11-02T15:32:00.000-04:00

Remember when I posted this display board a few months ago? Well I am posting it again so you can see the cards on the right with the card box. Those awesome pieces were created with the November Stamp of the Month special from CTMH! I was lucky enough to be given this set back in May to create art with it for display at Convention! I LOVE this set. I love Thank You cards and seem to make more of these than any other type of card.

Here is a bit more info on this awesome set:

The November Stamp of the Month (D1444-A Little Thanks) is available to you to purchase or earn FREE during the month of November only. It's GREAT for thank you cards and layouts about gratitude. Read below to find out how to get it!

* earn it FREE when you spend $100 or more (before shipping and tax)

* earn it for 75% off ($5.74) when you spend $75 or more (before shipping and tax)

* earn it for 50% off ($11.74) when you spend $50 or more (before shipping and tax)

* earn it for 25% off ($17.21) when you spend $25 or more (before shipping and tax)

* purchase it for full retail price ($22.95)

A pic of the set itself:

Now if that weren't enough, Bring on the real deal special baby!

November Close To My Heart Special - "A Little More Thanks": During the month of November, Close To My Heart is expressing "A Little More Thanks" to you with a FREE My Acrylix stamp set of your choosing. When you place a minimum order of $100 (before shipping and tax), not only will you receive the November Stamp of the Month ("A Little Thanks"...$22.95 value) FREE, but you will also receive one free stamp set of your choice from the Autumn/Winter 2010 Idea Book FREE (free stamp sets include set sizes A, B, C and D. Stamp sets that are not available as the free set include Workshops on the Go stamp sets, E-size stamp sets, and customizable K stamps. Tax and shipping apply). That means if you spend $100 (before shipping and tax) you could get $45.90 in stamp sets absolutely FREE!

This November special is just Close To My Heart's way of expressing "A Little More Thanks" to YOU, our valuable customers!

To take advantage of this AWESOME special, just click HERE to enter my website, then click on "shop online". You will be prompted to add the FREE Stamp of the Month (A Little Thanks) and your free set at the end of the order.

I am freaking out over this are you?
Makes me want to sing that song- "Thank you very much, Thank you very much! That's the nicest thing that anyone's ever done for me! Thank you very much..." name that movie!

With gratitude,
Tracey

Dude! There's a friggin' moose behind ya!

2010-10-29T09:32:00.002-04:00

Every year according to the Tourism Folks, Maine gets 1.2 Million visitors. Hence the statement, Vacationland. I was once part of this statistic until we moved here last year. Because I know what I am talking about I can lay money on the fact that when people make their list of what it is they are going to do in Maine it will resemble this one below:

1. See a Moose
2. Do what I came here for
3. Take pictures
4. Pack
5. Leave

Everyone wants to see a Moose. They don't want to hit one. They want to see it from a reasonable distance & most likely take it's picture. Even as residents of Maine, my family is no exception. Bring on the Moose we say!

Now we live in Scarborough. For those of you who have no idea what I'm saying: I live ten minutes south of Portland. That is also 45 minutes from New Hampshire. That would be 30 minutes if you are from Mass. Ha-Ha. (slow down!) What that means is we don't see da Moose in this neck of the woods. We are usually too far south. They say you need to head north to places like Jackman/Moosehead Lake to guarantee that sighting! We made that trip last year. Saw a dead one in some guy's truck & two running like mad crossing the road about 100 ft ahead and that was our last sighting. We are lucky they say. Some people can live here their entire life & never see one. Vacation here to only see a Moose & never see it. So I feel good about my rare sightings.

What I'm about to tell you is a TRUE STORY. I know it's almost Halloween & tis the season to make believe BUT my friends this is really TRUE!

This week my son who happens to be 9. Cutest kid in the entire world (has nothing to do with the story but I thought it should be mentioned) is outside playing on our street. We live in a very small like 15 house -cul-de-sac-ish neighborhood. Not much happens here. (Hence the reason we moved here). He is throwing the football with his bud who lives a few houses down. His bud screams "DUDE! THERE'S A FRIGGIN' MOOSE BEHIND YA!" My son turns around & maybe 10-15 ft away standing there looking at him is a Bull Moose with a huge rack with twigs stuck in it. Thank goodness he is bright as well as cute because he took off running (he says like an NFL Receiver Mom!) and ran into the neighbor's garage. All while screaming like a girl. (he may not have said girl but I think so) The Moose took off running between the houses -towards my backyard & ran to the Marsh. Apparently my kid scared it away.

No. I don't have pictures. No I didn't look for it in the Marsh either. The reason is because my kid didn't tell us this story for 2 hours! What the heck! We had to call the neighbor to confirm. Thank goodness his bud's dad was outside when it happened. He saw the entire thing. I feel bad. I actually thought my son was fibbing. We actually threw the "Liars go to jail" at him and he still said it was true.

So there you have it. I chalk it up to Murphy's Law. When you think you WON'T SEE A MOOSE. You will. And don't forget to scream like a little girl & run like an NFL Receiver.

Have a great Halloween & look out for da Moose! Trust me, our eyes are so open!
Tracey

Tales from the Pumpkin Regatta...

2010-10-17T17:45:00.001-04:00

A Pumpkin Regatta? Is there such a thing? Yes my friends there is. I never would have believed it myself. Until I saw it with my own eyes. Pictures? Would I let you down? Come on. We're friends.

Welcome to Damariscotta Maine. Home of the Pumpkin Festival & Pumpkin Regatta. Also home to a couple yummy restaurants and a place to get a cute purse. If you ever get to Maine and are planning a trip to Pemaquid Lighthouse, you should stop here first. Way too cute. Hey I should work for the Damariscotta Tourism folks.

Here was the scene.
This is the "Riv-ah"

Millions of Main-ahs. Ok just hundreds & some leaf peeping out of staters

Here is where it gets interesting. Not only is there a "largest pumpkin" contest but there were HUGE pumpkins everywhere that local artists took time to carve, decorate, paint & whatnot just for my photographing freakness.

Call me...Pumpkin Paparazzi

These are our friends from Ohio, the Looneys. Not like Looney Tunes. Well then again...

I thought of my friend Marty when I took this one.

Save the Ta-Tas!

Oh look even the Dems took part!

My personal favorite. Looks like me first thing in the morning.

True Statement. Books are Magic!

Not sure I understand this one. It's like Pilsbury Dough Boy meets Serial Killer. But hey it's not my pumkin.

Now for the largest pumpkin contest. Here are the two losers.

And the winner! A state record!

How does one grow a 1471 lb pumpkin? I don't know. But it's definately cool.

The Main(e) Event: The Pumkin Regatta

Know what a Regatta is? Sure you do. It's a race with boats or ships. Well a pumkin regatta is a race with pumpkins. Er. What? Yes. A race with pumpkins. Pumpkins so big they are hollowed out and can support the weight of a person in the water then you race! OMG. Here are the photos to prove it.

The Modified Pumpkin. Def: large pumpkin; pimped or not pimped without motor (yes motor). User must use paddles.

Super Modified Pumpkin. Def: Large pumpkin, pimped or not pimped with a MOTOR. Yes. A MOTOR.

And the winner is:

I thought he was sinking but not so. His vessel was a pimped out pumpkin named Mexicali Blues.

And here are my two, cute Pediatric Peddlers. Ps. They didn't win.
Off to recover from this super long blog post.
Tracey

Wordless Wednesday...

2010-10-06T10:47:00.000-04:00

Love you back,
Tracey

Another great class coming soon!

2010-09-23T12:29:00.000-04:00

I mean really, could this get any cuter? Class info coming soon!

(ps. No- those big o' black clips at the top are not part of the design. Just holding the layouts up!)

Tracey

Picture This... You getting Creative!

2010-09-23T11:29:00.000-04:00

New Classes in the Studio!

6x6 Accordian Style Home Décor Piece. 2 sides featuring Fall on the front & Winter on the back. Just add the perfect photos and display for years to come. Also makes a great gift for grandparents.

October 9th Saturday at 2pm. Please sign up and pay before Oct 1st.

Cost $20

Please bring adhesive and scissors to class. Note: I love Glue Dots for the roses. Optional supplies: brown ink & sponge, tweezers.

Can’t make it to class? Add $5 for shipping.

(view all pages for this album on this blog. Look just a few posts back)

Magnifique -10 page chipboard album (plus front and back covers) approx size 6.25x6.25

Each page unique and decked out with ribbons, gems, pearls, buttons and Stickease!

October 23rd Saturday at 2pm. Please sign up and pay before Oct 11th

Cost $25

Please bring adhesive, scissors & craft knife to class. Note: Glue dots are perfect for embellishments. Optional supplies if you own: Edge distresser tool, brown ink, sponge, tweezers.

Can’t make it to class? Add $5 for shipping.

CONTACT TRACEY – traceystamps@aol.com or 614-309-9928

Cash, check, credit cards accepted.

New Class & Kit!

2010-09-17T14:35:00.000-04:00

Hey Ya'll. (That is me impersonating Paula Deen) Just finished cookin' up something delicious! No butter added but it's sure to stop your heart anyway. Ok. I'll stop. I'm putting my Paula away. And that stick of butter. Ok both sticks.

I have a NEW class and kit for those chicks who live far away! Check it out. Cost is $20 (add $5 for shipping) All pieces are cut too! You gots to do the gluin' and rollin' of the roses (see video tutorial) but I'm providin' ya'll with the colored instructions! Oops. Paula came back out. Sorry.

I have the incredibly talented Annette Green to thank for the inspiration of my piece. Annette had an eye catcher of a project that was 2 sided so I ran with that idea. Thanks Annette!

I am going to have an In Studio Class for this hotcake soon. Details to come! But at least for now you can enjoy these photos!

Ps. If you are a 'faraway chickie' and want this kit. Email me so I can get my order in!
Off to find a recipe that has butter in it,
Tracey

out in the middle of nowhere...

2010-09-17T08:49:00.000-04:00

Couple weeks ago the big guy and I went exploring out here in Maine. While driving through no man's land I saw this. It cracked me up! Think about it. How many times have you thought about doing something silly like this but you never act on it? This guy (or gal let's be correct) thought this through and went all the way with it. To me that is worthy of a photo.
Kudos, Mister or Miss junk mail problem solver! Thanks for the giggle.

Ps. How you know you found the right mate. 10 miles and 70 mph later I asked my man if he saw it. He hadn't. But he said, "do you want me to turn around so you can get a picture of it?" Perfect mate!
Hope something hits your funny bone today!
Tracey

My day with the New England Patriots...

2010-09-14T10:38:00.000-04:00

Free tickets. Yes Free. Section 119. Row 3. Seats 1-4. What does this mean? It means you are only 3 rows from the field just to the right of the goal post. Will we ever have this opportunity again? Odds so not in our favor. What is a girl to do? Bring her camera and never stop clicking. No going to the bathroom & no beer. But check it out...

The rush to get in before kick-off.

View from our seats. No zoom on the camera!

Seriously love this!

Lens envy/torture. I want a red vest too. And a big lens. But I can do without that stupid stripped hat. What was she thinking?

Excuse me Tom Brady! Stop staring at me! Don't believe me? Click on the photo and see for yourself!

Even if I didn't have the ball I would run very fast just to get away from the scary long haired man with serious tats!

I think this one is outstanding.

This was the 97 yard punt return for a touch down! He ran right at us while we all screamed "He could go all the way". And he did.

Pat the Patriot's reaction to the touch down!

Ochocinco who was NOT very well liked. Here he is leaving the field just minutes before half time started. But the kicker is the cop in the background! Does Ben Affleck know someone stole his face?

What is he looking at? Proof that old pigs start young. See next photo.

I told you. Young Pig. But Pig none the less.

Realized he was caught.

Oh, there is just so much more but I have to get productive around here. Hopefully you enjoyed that and weren't too jealous! Who am I kidding. Be jealous all you want. That was AWESOME!
Go Pats!
Tracey

Everything is coming up... Paper Roses!

2010-09-11T21:33:00.000-04:00

Don't even say "It's about time Tracey!". Ok. Go ahead. Say it. I agree. After many, many, many requests I have finally caved in and made a high tech video tutorial. Yep it's major high tech. Not. I seriously didn't have much time and really wanted to get it done since I was just asked to make it for the one thousandth time by none other than Karen Morris. Yes girls. That Karen Morris. Hopefully you don't find it as lame as my children do. Those would be the "high tech people with the lame-o detectors".

So without further ado, please keep the following in mind:

Don't watch this while driving
Do laugh
Do pass it on
Turn off your cell phone when watching. You might get a text and forget about the video
Don't email me to tell me how lame it is- I already know remember my kids?
Learn something Aye?
Stay thirsty my friends (through that in because I love that commercial with the Worlds Most Interesting Man)
Hugs,
Tracey

A Magnifique Class...

2010-09-08T20:02:00.000-04:00

I'm so excited to announce a new class here in the Studio. A Magnifique album! Workshops will be held for those in my town but I will also be selling the kits with instructions! Detailed class instructions coming soon- I just completed the album and HAD to post these photos! Any one who is interested in this class or kit, please email me personally to order.
Enjoy!
Tracey

Ps. Ribbon was added to the rings after the photos were taken.

Mistletoe swap!

2010-09-03T15:04:00.000-04:00

Three posts in one day! It could be a miracle. Anyway, just took these photos and couldn't resist posting them. This grouping is for a HUGE SWAP that I got sucked into. The leader of the gang threw out the big names that participate and my heart went a flut-ah! I said yes before I even had time to think!

I am responsible for the new CTMH "Mistletoe" kit. I have to make a 2 page layout plus 4 additional pieces. This is what I came up with. Ps. the layout is from the new "Magic" how to book from CTMH. It's a little slice of scrapbooking heaven. GET Yours Today!

I love, love them & hope you all do too!

Tracey

Happy Birthday little Monster!

2010-09-03T14:27:00.000-04:00

Look at this little cutie! I made this for the little guy next door's birthday. Inside it says "you party animal" The card is made with CTMH's new supplies that are NOW orderable! The paper kit is called Hooligans, stamp set- Party Animal, The felt monster-Hooligans assortment & "happy birthday" is in the set-Party Pennants (my new favorite set)

Enjoy!
Tracey

Mamma been playin' with paper...

2010-09-03T12:34:00.000-04:00

Bad Blogger I am! Life kinda took over the last couple weeks and something had to give. Seems 3 kids needed to head back to school and one of them into college for her second year. Now that the dust has settled, all the supplies are bought and the dorm room squared away - Dis Mamma can play! And play I have! Firstly, I got suckered into some over the top, fantastical board swap with some gals who all happen to be my paper crafting idols! They don't know that I secretly stalk them. Ha-Ha. I guess they will shortly. So all that work is done & I will post those lovely creations soon! Secondly, I had to create a few cards for some girlfriend's birthdays. My first one here was for Karen. You like?

This second one was for several people. For my friend Jeanie who happens to be my new downline! Congrats Jeanie! And I also sent this same card out to my HAS Swap girls & my friend Marty who inspired the card. Inside the bday card says "herd it's your birthday". LOL

I have another really cute card that I will have to show in another post. Seems to be hiding on my hard drive, that little stinker! Oh well. you might see another post soon!

Hope you all enjoy & have a great Labor Day (can anyone tell me what we are supposed to be celebrating? Is it labor? I don't think any kind of labor is fun or worth celebrating really!)

Tracey

New Idea Book Open House & Mega Sale!

2010-08-31T16:13:00.000-04:00

Tracey Mason’s Studio Open House & Mega Sale!

Date: Monday, September 13th

Time: 4:30pm-6:30pm (or so)

Location: Tracey’s Studio

3 Fawn Run

Scarborough, ME 04074

510-1628

You’re invited to join me at my annual New Idea Book Open House and Mega Sale!

The new 2010 Autumn/Winter Idea Book is here! We have some fantastic new products for scrapbooking that are going to knock your socks off! I will be introducing a new scrapbooking guide that will bring a little ‘magic’ to your scrapbooking pages! As always, gorgeous new Level 1 and Level 2 Scrapbooking papers and My Stickease, new faux leather albums with a smaller price, fun new accessories, new mini-albums and so much more! Of course you’ll also find dozens of new My Acrylix stamp sets!

A Large SALE area will be set up with all kinds of NEW and gently used scrapbooking items for those who like a deal – or who want some ‘instant gratification’ on the new products offered in the 2010 Autumn/Winter Idea Book. Orders can be taken for new products not on hand as well.

Just for fun I will have a free Make & Take table so you can get your hands on these irresistible products and try before you buy! No need to bring supplies. I have plenty!

Come see tons of Artwork Samples, including my Grand Prize Winning Album from Convention & my Extravaganza Class Boards!

Preview & Sign up for my Upcoming Classes!

Refreshments and Snacks provided.

Bring a New friend & you will both receive a Free Gift!

Door Prize? Why of course! Each attendee gets a raffle ticket just for showing up and another for each $35 in purchases. No Limit!

Sound like a good time? Want to attend? All you have to do is email me and let me know your coming!

So join me at my Annual Open House to learn about all these great new products, get your hands on some great deals, maybe win a prize & get your own copy of the new Idea Book.

Hope to see you!

Tracey Mason

Tmasonstudio.blogspot.com

traceystamps@aol.com

Fun, Food, Demos & Deals Galore!

Happy Birthday Karen!

2010-08-27T08:18:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday to my wonderful friend Karen! Go show her some love now! Visit her blog she is super talented!

Have a great day!
Tracey

Celebrate Stamping with a Triple Play... CTMH special!

2010-08-16T11:32:00.000-04:00

One’s good, two’s great, and three’s best of all! It’s a Triple Play! Let’s celebrate National Stamping Month with CTMH and a new Kit Special that includes 3- 4x4 albums, special stamp set, 4 mini inkpads, ribbon, die cut shapes, and instructions and best of all- each of the 3 albums can be completed without any cutting. Yes. I said no cutting. This special is up and running! Visit my web site today to order!
http://www.stampcrafting.myctmh.com/

"Picture This" CTMH Album Contest Winning Pages...

2010-08-09T15:14:00.001-04:00

I know, I know. It's about time.

Picture This” Convention Album Contest

I cannot contain my excitement sisters. See every year at convention (started 3 years ago) CTMH has this HUGO contest with a matching HUGO prize attached to it. It’s called the Convention Album Contest. Each year the submissions must meet different criteria announced by corp about 2 months before Convention. This year our Convention was held in Washington D.C. July 7th-10th with the overall theme “Picture This”. The Album Contest followed suit and was named the “Picture This Album Contest”. Each entry had to follow the rules below:

Create 6 (2 page) 12x12 layouts.

One layout must have only Sepia or B&W photos.

One layout must have only 3 photos

One layout must have at least 10 photos

One layout must be entirely Studio J (our online scrapbook design studio)

One layout must feature one large photo on left or right side of layout

One layout must have photos of things not people.

*Each layout will be judged on Photography, Creative uses of CTMH supplies, 3 layouts must include stamping, All must contain journaling, Creative Color combos. Only CTMH supplies used including die cut machines.

Tall order huh? Well when I tell you the prizes- you will see why I entered!

3rd prize- one of every single new Accessory in the Aut/Winter Idea Book

2nd prize- one of every single new Stamp Set in the Aut/Winter Idea Book

Grand Prize- one of every single new ITEM in the Aut/Winter Idea Book (retail value of just under $1300.00)

Ok friends, Are you Ready?

I am completely ecstatic to announce that I won the Grand Prize this year! Let’s just say that I was so excited that I almost lost my dinner as they announced my name and during that whole speech they gave- I didn’t hear 90% of it. Gosh I wish I knew what they had said! Anyway it must have been good! I won. I won. I won. Say it ain’t so, but I won. Did I tell you I won? Yep. I did. So why no pictures until now? Well corp had it until this past weekend. Guess they wanted to photograph it. Steal my ideas or something like that. ha, ha

(This is my "heck yeah girl, I did it" walk)

I would also like to congratulate Kelly English Triggs, my friend who took home 3rd place and Annette Green who took 2nd plus Consultants Choice. I am honored to be among such a super talented group and I feel so grateful to be one of the original 3 Grand Prize Album winners. I think Kim, Nona and I should have our own exclusive dinner or something now -every stinkin' year at Convention. Yes, I know good luck convincing corp we "need" that. I guess for now I will settle with the this HUGE BASKET OF WINNING PRODUCT. Oh the life...

(thanks to Val and her Hubby for taking these photos)

Here is my album and a little tid bit at the bottom that I had concerning each layout. Ps. click on each photo to make it bigger. And kindly remember that if you copy my work- please give credit where it's due and ask me first before you copy my photos and post them somewhere. It's creepy to go to someone's blog and see your kids faces without permission.

Highlights from 2009

Make a banner by cutting even triangles and trimming with ribbon (mine are 2x2)

I colored waxy flax with the Outdoor denim marker. I curled the flax around the round file and secured with liquid glass.

Using the craft knife, I cut through the page protector to allow my journaling window to be used.

Other tid bits: some photos are elevated using the plain Dimensional Elements sheets, paper pieced clouds & decorated

clear buttons.

As She Flew Away

Stamp butterflies with Stazon ink onto the clear cards & cut out. Tip: I use the square & cut them in half first. Let dry before

cutting. Stamp on paper butterflies as well.

To create the sewn sentiment “flew” I hand drew “flew” onto plain paper, trimmed it out, laid it onto the layout & pierced the

holes over my handwriting. Stitched with floss.

Maine, Where We Found Home

I used the “faux wood grain technique” on the Dimensional Element letters. Visit www.tmasonstudio.blogspot.com to view

my video on how to achieve this technique.

“where we found home” is typed and printed using CTMH Sea Captain font. After drying, I applied Liquid Glass. I wrapped

the edges with hemp. Ps. I live 10 minutes from this lighthouse. Awesome.

Halloween

Studio J layout. This was my first and only Studio J layout! I am so impressed with the ease and quality it won’t be my last!

I changed many things on this layout within the design software. I deleted photo spaces, flipped paper & photo areas. I added

buttons, changed out the ribbon color, used brads instead of buckles, & put my My Stickease in photo areas. Altered the size

of My Stickease as well. Distressed the edges and for something different I added the stitching for the buttons to my

journaling space as decoration.

Upon receiving my layout, I decided they were too nice to alter so all I added was Bitty Sparkles on the diamond B&T.

Your Cello

For this layout I created my own spray paint. I used Ocean Re-inker & Create a Shade Pearl Paint. I added several drops of

the re inker to a small spray bottle then added the paint. Mixed it up and sprayed away! Tip: adding a couple drops of

water may help to keep the nozzle from clogging.

I altered my photos in Photoshop to give them a softer feel and to desaturate the colors.

I ruffled and stapled the B&T papers. Stamped and tore the cardstock.

To create the Bird, I outlined the stamp with the Black marker. Stamped this onto White Daisy Cs & trimmed out. I then

stamped over the bird outline with the Houndstooth stamp. No bird is complete without bling so I added some! The pink is cut from the Opaques cherries and the wing is created using Sparkles.

When I think Of Love, I Think Of You

I have a vintage printer’s tray that I picked up at a yard sale. This was the inspiration behind the layout design. I created the

boxes by scoring cardstock and adhering the sides. I then took the VersaMark pad and tapped the edges & embossed the

rims in silver.

I made the flowers with the quilling technique. They are distressed and each has a pearl in the center. Tip: Secure these with

Liquid Glass!

The miniature vintage thread spool was sanded down so it would lay flatter.

I altered these photos in Photoshop using a “Seventies” Action on them.

Thanks for all your loving support my friends!
Hugs,
Tracey

$2, $4, $6, for 8...It's You We Appreciate Sale!

2010-08-04T11:03:00.000-04:00

We are shouting from the rooftops how much we love and appreciate you! So for 8 days, Aug 4th - Aug 11th (WHILE SUPPLIES LAST) you can purchase select My Stickease Assortments for only $2, My Reflections Level 1 kits for only $4 and My Reflections Level 2 kits for only $6 online!

Tax, shipping/handling apply & all prices listed here are US dollars.

Remember this sale is first come first serve and only lasts 8 short days. Better get to my web site quick!
http://www.stampcrafting.myctmh.com/

Happy Shopping and Saving,
Tracey

Extravaganza Artwork Board 3

2010-07-27T23:08:00.000-04:00

Here is my third board from Extravaganza! The trends I was following here are Home Decor items, Jewelry & Vintage Printer Trays.

Upper left item is a CTMH Memory Keeper with an acrylic window cut out & quilled flowers. Under the box I have some home made jewelry. The necklace is made using a Foundry Metal Bookplate. Ribbon bobbi pins, felt & button ring. The wooden frame is decorated with quilled flowers & ribbon.

Right side is a faux printer tray that I made out of very shallow cardstock boxes. I constructed them using the same design of nugget boxes only made them more shallow. I adhered them together onto a 12x12 sheet. Then I embellished the heck out of it. Below the tray is a vintage thread spool mini album. The photos I used were from one of those contact thumbnail sheets you get when you print your photos at places like Costco or Walmart.

You should be able to Click on the photo and see it better.
Well kids I am off to the lake tomorrow, ya'll have a great day now!
Tracey

H2H Challenges a fond farewell...

2010-07-26T11:54:00.000-04:00

Say it ain't so girls. My time has ended. This is my last H2H Challenge! Sniff, Sniff. What an honor it's been to be on this Design Team. But we know all good things must come to an end don't we. So let's end it on a bang shall we?

This week's challenge is a color challenge. Three colors I've never seen together before and yum-o' do they ever work! Check it out.

Here is my creation!

Isn't it Purdy? I think so. Now let me see what you can do with those 3 colors! To play along visit the H2H blog & upload your sight to Mr. Linky!

Have Fun,

Tracey

Extravaganza Artwork Board 2

2010-07-24T09:11:00.000-04:00

Here I go with my second installment of my Extravaganza boards. This one uses the new products in the Christmas Kit: Mistletoe. I love,love the new papers, stamps, and embellishments that coordinate. More on these products coming soon!

I have quite a few techniques going but I'm short on time to explain them. I will have to do close-ups and instructions in later posts. I have family visiting for the next 2 weeks and we are having fun everyday. (my husband is banning me from this computer- bad boy)

Remember you can click on the photo to enlarge it. Hope you likey.
Tracey

Extravaganza Artwork Board 1

2010-07-20T15:53:00.001-04:00

What is Extravaganza you say? Extravaganza is an event at the CTMH Convention that focuses on Consultants teaching other Consultants creative techniques with new products, sales tips, motivation out the wazoo and tons and tons of artwork being shown off! Can you say have your camera ready? Oh, this action packed event lasts 4 hours can you imagine? Don't believe me? Then come to convention next year with me!

Trust me though, it is seriously stressful. Being a teacher that is. When you are picked to teach at Extravaganza you know you are at the top of your game and have to serioulsy impress the masses. Every year my nerves are shot leading up to my classes then I am in all my glory. When the 4 hours is over I am left feeling completely awesome. What else can I say besides it is FREAKIN' AWESOME!

Each teacher creates 3 artwork boards that go on display while you teach. This year my class topic was "Boutique Chic". It's all about following trends and incorporating those trends in papercrafting. This creative approach to crafting keeps your projects fresh, fun and current. It also makes your customers/ friends/ favorite people in the world coming back for more! How exciting!

So there you have board one! This one in particular picks up on that HOT trend- Paper Flowers! Ruffles too!
You Like?
I Like.
Ya'll come back now Ya Here.
Mo to Come.
Tracey

Sneaky Peeky New Product + H2H Challenge = Yummy Results!

2010-07-19T06:00:00.032-04:00

This week's H2H Challenge is a Recipe Challenge! How fun & yummy at the same time! Here is my challenge piece.

Guess what? You are seeing ALL NEW PRODUCT! Awesome! I used the brand new Mistletoe kit- Level 1. Yes -that is a level 1 kids! I also added one of the brand new items sure to stun the masses: Memory Protector Flip Flaps! The one on my page is a whopping 4x12! But wait it gets better... also in the pack are 6x12 & 8x12 sizes! I am totally freaking out here are you?

I also used 2 new stamp sets. "Noel" is from Father Christmas D1449 & "Buche de" is from the newest E set Old World Alphabet E1017. I am crazy for both of them! Added to the layouts are some existing product such as the felt die cuts & buttons. But on the inside are the new Shimmer Brads! These are coming in a pack with gold, silver & bronze in two different sizes! Be still my heart...

Ps. If you are wondering why there are two blank mats on the inside, it's because I want to take more photos of the "cake baking process" and add them later. Note: the Flip Flaps open from the inside so I can pull out that recipe anytime I want. Oh darn. I've flipped for Flip Flaps.

All this new product will be available soon! Don't worry I will let you know.
Now get cooking on your Recipe Challenge!
Happy Baking & Crafting,
Tracey

H2H Challenges... ABC it is!

2010-07-14T14:48:00.000-04:00

Welcome to another sweet week of H2H Challenges! Sorry to post late, I am still smiling yet recovering from convention! Goodness I had a blast!

Anywho this week's challenge is called ABC: Anything But a Card! Now that is something I can do!
Here is my little treat for you! I originally created this for my Extravaganza class at convention but really want to share it with all of you! Do you remember my Paper Christmas Tree from last year? If so, it's made the same way! I have the directions for the tree somewhere here on my blog. I think you would have to travel back to Christmas time to view it. I had the instructions that you can click and print. Awesome!

What you are looking at is a wire dress form that I decorated with paper curls! Her 'chesty' bodice is covered with organza ribbon and topped off with one of those super paper roses with a crystal in the center. Fun or what? Plus she matches my studio. Ah, everything has a purpose. She makes me happy.

So this week we have a sponsor as well. Please show her some love. Thanks Natacha! You can view her sight, see the prize package ( http://www.cardscrapper-me.blogspot.com/ ) & enter this challenge by checking out the h2hchallenge blog at http://www.heart2heartchallenges.blogspot.com/.

Sadly I only have two more weeks left on the H2H Design Team! If you are interested in being on the team check out the app process & hurry time is running out!

Happy Creating!
Tracey

The Convention Experience of a Lifetime...

2010-07-12T11:07:00.000-04:00

Back from the best CTMH convention ever! I truly enjoyed my week in D.C. starting out sight seeing with good friends, Olivia my GPS was a bad, bad girl and got us lost without a road and under a bridge but left us with some of the funniest memories that we will never forget!
Then convention started with a bang and I got to share my love of teaching with others at Extravaganza! I have the best roommates in the whole world who cheered me on and keep me sane when I won the highest honor that CTMH awarded on Friday night, The Grand Prize Winner of "The 2010 Convention Album Contest". Not only did I get one of every new item in the Autumn Winter Idea Book, valued around $1200! (The basket was so big I almost fainted) but I was recognized as an artist of worth which is just the best compliment you can get from a multi million dollar company specializing in Scrapbooking, Stamping & Celebrating Relationships. I am deeply honored, humbled and grateful to be chosen and I so appreciate all the kind words of encouragement and outpouring of love that I am still speechless! Those of you who know me, know this is no easy task! ha-ha.

This week long experience has left me feeling renewed personally and professionaly and I highly encourage everyone out there to strive for it and believe that you can make it happen! Love to all my friends & family waiting at home with the huge steak dinner & dessert celebration.
I am truly blessed and thankful for each one of you,
Tracey

Ps. photos coming!

H2H Challenge & Off to Convention!

2010-07-05T06:00:00.002-04:00

Hey all- alot has been happening here at the Mason residence. So sorry for not posting.

Today is another H2H Challenge day! Your challenge is to use the pattern "City Scapes" from the CTMH book "Wishes". This is a great yet easy design you can crank out. I did this card in about 5 minutes!

For the official sketch visit the h2hchallenge blog. I used all CTMH supplies including the new paper kit Passages.

Also wanted to let you know that I am off to the annual CTMH Convention in Washington DC! I leave tomorrow and come home on Sunday! I cannot wait!

Talk to you soon!
Tracey

H2H Challenges- Let's get Patriotic!

2010-06-28T06:00:00.001-04:00

You knew it was coming- some kind of Patriotic inspired goodness! Friends I give you this week's challenge:

Create something Patriotic! Stars & Stripes, Red, White & Blue, Army, Navy, ETC...

I was SO excited for the July Stamp of the Month I couldn't contain myself. When the time rolled around to use it, the first thing I thought of was that "cute as heck" Hedgehog holding the balloons. BAM! I thought...Red, White & Blue balloons! I absolutely love how the card turned out even though I need to practice my coloring skills more! he-he, I no da best color-er!

Here is my card:

The following supplies used are CTMH:

Animal Cookies Paper (hearts) X7112B

Back Country Paper (blue woodgrain) X7110B

Zippidee Paper (honey stars) X7125B

White cardstock

Dimensional Elements -Stars Z1312

Happy Forever (Hedgehog stamp) -July Stamp of the Month D1423 (only available in July)

Expressives font cd -"Tree House" (Sentiment)

non CTMH supplies:

Copic Markers

Nestibilities Label Die

Cute or what my friends?

Have a great & happy holiday!

Tracey

H2H challenges

2010-06-21T06:00:00.034-04:00

This week we have a color challenge. Three of my all time favorite CTMH colors too! Black, Tulip & Buttercup!

I was so excited to pair these colors together that I whipped up a card in less than five minutes! True Story!

Here is my card:

Can you see all the possibilities with this card design? It is so user friendly & the options are endless! I didn't use stamps but the sentiment piece is large enough to put some in or even some My Stickease. All the following supplies are CTMH.

Heart pattern B&T paper: Animal Cookies X7112B, Black Cardstock, Buttercup Cardstock, Black and Cranberry ribbon collections, Black buttons & "Iheartu" Z1145 Whimsy Heartfelt die cut collection.

Are you up for the challenge? Sure you are! Now go make something in Black, Tulip & Buttercup!

Have a great week!

Tracey

H2H Challenges for Dad!

2010-06-14T10:14:00.001-04:00

For this week's challenge, we are getting scrappy for Dad but not with layouts!! This week we want to see your cards (or other projects) for Father's Day that are made with scraps and/or recycled items. You know you have scraps lying around and other goodies that Dad will think are cool on his card so get creative and play along!

My card incorporates scraps & the latest trend, banners! Banners are everywhere these days & I'm having a blast with them!

Here is my card:

and the inside:

My little guy calls my husband "Pops" not Dad or father. Isn't that cute? With that said I had to make a card that said "POP" & of course use papers that were not girly. I chose the kit: X7110B, Back Country. "You Rock" is from stamp set: D1346 You Rock & "POP" is Color Ready Alphas X5749 Oxford set. Ric Rac ribbon Z1052. Sunflower brads. All CTMH products.

For additional inspiration using banners, check out the card I made Ethan for his birthday!

I made this using the Splendor kit X7124B & rubons. He loved it!

Off to create more for POPS, have a great week & Happy Father's day! Don't forget to check out the other fabulous creations from the rest of the H2H Design Team!
Tracey

Get your "Scrap" on! An H2H Challenge...

2010-06-07T08:26:00.000-04:00

Here we go again! Another fab week of H2H Challenges! This week you have to get "Scrappy"! No rules, sketches, themes or schemes- Just show us a scrapbook layout! Oh, and before I forget we have a lovely sponsor Heather! Click to view Heather's blog & the super gift she has donated. Thanks Heather! You rock!

Now for my layout. I LOVE the kit "Twitterpatted" by CTMH. It's full of great natural colors, patterns, little animals like hedgehogs, deer & more. I just can't get enough. The matching My Stickease are super sweet and really worked well with this design. The design itself you may recognize as a Workshop on the Go layout. I switched it up a bit and added photos using our Flip Flaps. These are clear plastic photo holders with adhesive strips on one end. You add them to your pages to make your layout interactive. What I love is you can add multiple Flaps and make books as well. Awesome, inexpensive product that every scrapbooker should own & play with.

My layout uses photos of our new home here in Maine. They were taken last year before we did 90% of the upgrades. It's nice to see these "befores" and have a record of where we started in this long journey of moving across the country and remodeling a home. I seriously can't wait to show my husband this photo on the left. His major issue with this home was the lawn. See my husband is one of those guys who must have the lawn that looks like a golf course. This front yard has been quite the challenge for him. Had we known it would have been this rough we would have bought stock in the Scotts company. Hindsight stinks. But I am happy to report that the front yard this year is looking- In my husband's words "Tight". He will say "not quite there yet, but tight already". Good boy!

Now I have to say that the main reason for choosing this "Twitterpatted" kit was the little deer stickease. Our new address is: 3 Fawn Run. I know! Too cute!
Enjoy & can't wait to see what YOU create for this challenge!
Tracey

Jackpot June, CTMH Special!

2010-06-01T13:26:00.000-04:00

JackPot June means Daily Deals at CTMH!

Hit the jackpot and win free products OR grab loaded goodie boxes at 50% off or more. Enjoy two types of deal days in June!

On goodie box days… you can purchase one box filled with popular products at 50% or more off retail value! Each goodie box day will feature different surprise items, so you can score a wide variety of current and recently retired products.

On jackpot days… 5 products will be offered for sale at discounted prices. One of the 5 products is the mystery jackpot item for that day, but we’re not telling which—exciting, isn’t it! If you happen to order the mystery jackpot item, we’ll reward you with one or more FREE Close To My Heart products, with shipping included on the free items! If you purchase all 5 products, you’re guaranteed to hit the jackpot! There’s no purchase limit—if you order multiple secret jackpot items, we’ll send you the same number of free items.

These special offers include discounted shipping/handling and are only available on my website. Check back every day for the latest offer.

* Offer valid June 1–July 1 at 8:00 am (MDT), on MyCTMH websites only. New deals are posted each day at 9:00 am (MDT).

To be eligible for discounted prices, your order must contain only Jackpot June items. Visit facebook.com/closetomyheart or closetomyheart.com to see what the mystery Jackpot item was for the previous day. Offers are while supplies last.

Want to take advantage of this offer? Visit my site today! http://www.stampcrafting.myctmh.com/
Have a jackpot of a day,
Tracey

Another Remodel- Backyard & Deck

2010-06-01T12:24:00.000-04:00

Here I am again with another remodeling update. What are we up to now 5 or 6? Feels like 20. I am tired of remodeling. Done. Pooped. Proud. Thrilled. Living it up.

Here is why. What do you do with a poorly stained, moldy, stinky, boring, dry deck? Well the first year we let it go. Hardly sat out there. Sun was way too hot and it was plain boring. So we have some before and afters for you. What I didn't get a photo of was the deck before the cleaning which took 2 people, 2 days. Powerwashing & scrubbing. It was awful. Just picture a neglected deck that was moldy & partially stained orange, yes a terrible shade of orange. Apparently a stain job gone real bad.

This project took over a month to do since we also had to repair & paint the bump out section around the sliding glass door. It was unfinished and in desperate need of repair. Our goal was to complete everything plus get the heater installed on the pool and totally heated by Memorial weekend. We ended up a week ahead of schedule. Party on Wayne. Party on Garth...

Here are the afters plus a bit of the backyard. Enjoy!

Who's ready to party?

H2H Challenges #9 - We've gone Silly...

2010-05-31T06:00:00.002-04:00

Well the Mason's have gone Silly anyway! More about that in a minute... Let's talk H2H shall we? This week's challenge is to use this sketch:

Not quite sure why that is blurry but I think you get the idea, right? Cool sketch! It has tons of potential I think! Since I've been creating cards for the challenges lately I decided to head into layout territory. Here is where the Silly comes in.

My Layout:

Yes, we have gone Ga-Ga for Silly Bands! They have taken over my son's life. He eats, sleeps & breathes Silly Bands. Silly Bands this, Silly Bands that! I cannot wait till it's over. Oh it will end. Just like Beanie Babies, Webkinz, Bakugans, etc... For now- we the parents are locked in the nightmare of finding, buying and crying. The only good news is they are cheap. You will spend more in gas running around finding them than what you will pay for them. Don't even ask what happens when one breaks because they do!

Getting back to this stinkin' cute layout. As you see I used the sketch sideways. All of the supplies are CTMH. The paper kit is the new Zippidee X7125B & the matching My Stickease X7125C (yellow border)

Other goodies used:

Black waxy flax

Buttons

Bold Color-Ready Alphas X5750

Black ink

Simple Alpha Dim. Elements Z1047

Irresistibles Z1307

Pop Dots

Little Artistic Goodie that I've been doing a long time: To make the black stitch marks around the paper edges without using a sewing machine- Use a Pattern Marking Tool (think fabric stores in the notions dept). It is a smallish handled tool with a notched rotating end. Only way I can describe it. Run this over and over thru your black ink pad. Then over the cardstock. Keep re-inking between swipes- ink doesn't go far. Ps. That little tool is quite inexpensive. Maybe $1.95 at the most.

Here is a close up:

Hope this inspires you today! Maybe your little doodles are into Silly Bands & now you think you must make a layout for them. Or maybe your little doodles haven't found Silly Bands yet- you are now armed with the knowledge & can keep them locked up and Silly Band Free. Just say NO to Silly Bands & Hello to your Sanity!

What ever your situation, I am here with a solution! Cuz we be friends.

Have a great, Silly kind of day,

Tracey

H2H Challenge #8

2010-05-24T09:19:00.002-04:00

Welcome back to another awesome week of H2H Challenges! This week your challenge is to create your project by stamping your background. We are talking any project- cards, layouts, bags, 3-D items, etc...

Sound like fun? To make this even better we have a new sponsor this week! Ruth has generously donated a prize for this week's winner! Visit Ruth's blog and show her some love!

On to my project. My husband and I have friends who just had their 3rd baby boy. Yes, that is 3 boys! They are on their way to having a full team if you know what I mean. So I decided to create my challenge card with a baby boy theme and send this card off in the mail soon after. I had a ball making it and hope this inspires you!

All supplies are CTMH
Cardstock colors: White Daisy, Colonial White, Grey Wool, Heavenly Blue, Sweet Leaf

Stamp Sets: D1373 Childhood Portrait (boy), D1335 Intrinsic Backgrounds (background image on Grey Wool), B1346 Ticket To Ride (Argyle image embossed on Heavenly Blue- this set is available in the workshop kit) D1350 Tender Tags ("congratulations" & hearts around boy image)

Embellishments: Heavenly blue buttons, pearls, Sweet Leaf ribbon, pop dots.

Specialty: Versamark ink, Clear Detail embossing powder, Crystal blue embossing powder, Grey Wool ink & marker

Note: Edge punch by EK success.

On a personal note I just wanted to let everyone know that my oldest daughter "safely" made it home Sunday- all the way from San Fran where she concluded her first year of college! Ah... one big happy, crazy family once again.

Have a great day!
Tracey

We finally made it to the top of Cadillac Mountain...

2010-05-18T08:48:00.000-04:00

This past weekend we took a trip up north a bit to Mount Desert. Now Mount Desert is recently famous for it's newest famous resident, the she devil herself, Martha Stewart. For those who "know" me, you know I Love Me Some Martha Stewart! That is why she is my devil. She makes me spend money & gets me in trouble with my man, but I digress...

Mount Desert is also famous for a beautiful place called Bar Harbor. Say it with me now "We paaked the caa in Baa Haa Baa" No r's spoken here. True story. Northeasterner's really speak this way. Some more than others. I've been to Bar Harbor several times but have never made it to the top of Cadillac Mountain. Once due to snow. They have to shut the road down since it gets dangerous with too much snow and ice. But we made it this weekend- even though the weather wasn't in our favor as you will see. Here are a few pics...

This won't be my last visit. Apparently if you arrive here while the world is sleeping, you will be the first person in America to see the sun come up. Now doesn't that sound like a freak photographer's dream? Sign me up.

Even though the weather was in question I still love my photos. In that one it looks like you could reach up and touch the storm cloud.

If you are wondering about Martha, No I didn't see her. Yes, if I had known where her house was I would have stalked her. Yes, I told my kids to look out for her & scream if they saw her. Bad idea for an 8yr old. He yelled everytime he saw a blonde! "There she is momma!" "No son, that is not Martha". Repeat, over and over and over.

Have a great day,

Tracey

H2H Challenge #7 & a little note...

2010-05-17T06:00:00.000-04:00

Just wanted to let you all know that I'm sorry that I haven't been posting lately. I just completed some major projects that have me very, very excited! They were time consuming though. But all is back on track and I hope to be posting regularly now!
Ps. We have finished our deck and it is HOT! Can't wait to show you & we also got our pool opened! Yes! Sweet!

Back to this week's challenge. Hope everyone is enjoying these. We have had such beautiful artwork posts, great giveaways & our first Guest Designer is amazing!

So are you ready? This week's challenge is to use the following colors:

Beautiful colors aren't they?

Here is my card:

All supplies used are CTMH

Stamps sets: D1426 Over the Rainbow

C1358 Surf's Up

Bring on the Tourists & the Surfing!

Have a great Day!

Tracey

Update to H2H Challenge #6- It's over the top...

2010-05-10T08:10:00.000-04:00

Sorry that I couldn't add this as an edit to my first H2H #6 Challenge post previous to this one. Apparently when trying to add info, Blogger decides to eliminate my video. What up?

Here is the skinny. This is the first week we are working side by side with a Guest DT. Our first Guest DT is Deneen. She is over the top talented & seriously generous! She has decided to become this week's Prize Sponsor as well. Now, when I tell you to run,not walk you had better do it! Run to her blog sisters! You will not believe the prize. I can't believe it. I am also slipping into a sad depression since I cannot play for the prize.

Meet Deneen here & show her some love! Play along too while you are at it.

Tracey

H2H Challenge #6

2010-05-10T06:00:00.002-04:00

Welcome to another week of H2H Challenges! This week our challenge is to use a technique! How fun! My technique for you is something I've posted before BUT I realize that since this new blog started, I've had a many new people follow my blog especially for the H2H Challenge. So here is my card & the video below how to make it! Enjoy the challenge!
Tracey

H2H #5 & HAS...

2010-05-03T06:00:00.015-04:00

Sounds like code doesn't it? What it stands for is a Humble Artist Swap card rolled into a H2H Challenge Card! ha-ha. Challenge #5 was to make a Mother's Day Card. My HAS group card had many,many challenges like 7 layers, embossing & alpha stamps, etc. What's a girl to do? Combine them! It's a two-fer!
My card:

I took 3 pics to show you how it folds. I used all CTMH products with the exception of the edge punch which happens to be Fiskars & a Nestie Die.

The ribbon flower I made using the same technique from Challenge #1. See that post from April for instructions.

CTMH Supplies used:
Colonial White, Cranberry, Cocoa & Juniper Cardstock
B&T paper from x7100b
E1016 Friendship Alphabet
D1212 Playful Flourishes
D1254 Soul Mates Word Puzzle
Say it in Style set (happy mothers day)
Cranberry embossing powder
Versamark
Ribbons, gems & buttons
pop dots
Cranberry, Garden Green & Chocolate ink

Hopefully this inspires you today! Show me some love if it does!
Tracey

Major Studio Announcement...

2010-04-27T13:01:00.000-04:00

Friends I give you Studio J

What the heck is Studio J? ONLINE SCRAPBOOKING BABY!

What is Studio J™ Design Software?

Studio J™ is free online scrapbooking design software brought to you by Close To My Heart. Studio J helps you easily create custom-printed two-page layouts using our foundational scrapbook patterns, exclusive color palette, and themed designs all delivered in 12" × 12" custom prints ready for your albums. It’s a snap!

Is Studio J easy to use?

Studio J software is extremely intuitive and easy to use. The program walks you through five steps that include:

*uploading your photos;

*choosing your desired themed kit;

*selecting an exclusive layout pattern;

*adding photos, embellishments, titles, and journaling;

*and purchasing custom-printed layouts ready for a cherished album.

I love Close To My Heart products. Will Studio J use the same great papers, patterns, colors, and embellishments?

Of course! If you love Close To My Heart’s scrapbooking philosophy, then you will love Studio J.

Do I need to download any software to my computer to use Studio J?

Not at all! You only need an Internet connection, and then you simply log in HERE on my website to get started. Feel free to design to your heart’s content—you are not required to buy anything or provide any personal information to get started!

Can I save what I am working on and come back to it later?

You bet! You can create a customer profile that allows you to save and return to a project in progress at a later time. Your active projects will be saved for up to 90 days, giving you plenty of time to work on them. You extend that timeline for your active projects by 90 days each time you make a purchase, and your purchased projects will remain archived for one full year after purchase.

Do I need a printer that can print 12" × 12" pages to use Studio J?

No. Your Studio J layouts are not available for you to print from a home computer. In fact, we take care of the printing for you. When you purchase your designed layouts, we print and ship them quickly and directly to you using only top quality printing technology and archival-quality papers.

What is the price?

You are not charged a thing until you order your custom prints. The price per printed two-page layout is $12.95. We also offer some fantastic rewards for larger orders. You can receive FREE Memory Protectors® to protect your layouts in your albums, and FREE shipping/handling based on the number of layout prints you purchase in a single order as follows:

*For 5–9 layout purchases: You’ll receive a pack of 5 Memory Protectors FREE!

*For 10–20 layout purchases: You’ll receive FREE shipping/handling PLUS a FREE pack of 5 Memory Protectors for every 5 layouts in your single order.

When can I begin creating with Studio J?

You will be able to start creating layouts with Studio J. TODAY!

Please click HERE for much more info & to create your account through my web site!

Ok, off to start scrapbooking online!
Tracey

H2H Challenge Week 4

2010-04-26T06:00:00.017-04:00

Do you love ribbon? I know you do! I love ribbon too! This week's challenge is going to be great because it is a Ribbon Challenge! Simple, use 2 different ribbons. Easy Peasy. You probably already have goodies made with at least two different ribbons- how about sharing them on H2H Challenges? Visit heart2heartchallenges.blogspot.com for all the info & the "mr. Linky" so we can see your beautiful work. Now onto the goods...

Here is my challenge piece:

This card was so easy to make & is a great design for using scraps! I made mine with left overs from the Miracle Kit! I also added Outdoor denim cardstock, ribbon & ink. Then to spice it up I added bitty sparkles for the butterfly trail. Get out your scraps & crank out some cards sisters!

Happy Challenge Monday!
Tracey

H2H Challenges Week 3

2010-04-19T06:00:00.047-04:00

Are you loving these Challenges? I certainly am. I feel more motivated to create & love all your comments! They are like a virtual hug with a "keep it going" encouraging feeling. I hope you have been inspired in some way, either to keep playing or to begin playing! Now let's talk about week #3.

Our Challenge this week is a "Sketch" Girls, I LOVE ME SOME SKETCHES! Take the design work out, put your creativity in! Awesome!

Here is the sketch:

Here is my sample:

The last 2 weeks I've done cards so I thought I'd better kick it up a notch. I can't help myself. I LOVE it. Let me say it again. I LOVE it. I just ran across these photos of my husband and I. They were from the very beginning of our relationship. As you can tell I was a blonde for a bit. I had to have me that Amanda Melrose Place hairdo! Didn't last long. I am not meant to be a blonde. To go brown I had to go green first. No I don't mean green as in saving the planet. I mean green as Ding Dong the witch is dead... Now I am going gray. Ok where is this going? Moving on.

Here are some close ups:

And if you need to get closer click on those photos and prepare yourself.

All supplies are CTMH

White, Colonial White, Black & Blush Cardstock

Chocolate & Blush ink

Twill & black ribbon, blush organza

Misc buttons, pearls, gems & Pretty Pins

Circle Dimensional Element

Edge Distresser

Stipple brush

Argyle embossing folder (Cuttlebug)

Pop dots

And last but not least. This layout is for sale. No, don't be creepy-not with my photos on it. I am making new ones & selling them. Email me personally for details.

Hope you are inspired!

Tracey

Need a Miracle about now?

2010-04-15T14:48:00.000-04:00

I sure could use one! How about a CTMH Miracle? Check this out! A beautiful National Scrapbook Month Kit for as little as $5 or FREE! Now that's a Miracle! Ps. you can even get one starting today! Yes, today!

Miracle Kit Contents (CTMH Colors featured: Sweet Leaf, Olive, Crystal Blue, Bamboo).

5 - Colonial White Cardstock

1 - Bamboo Cardstock

1 - Floral B&T Duos Paper

1 - Stripe B&T Duos Paper

1 - Crystal Blue B&T Duos Die-Cut

1 - Sweet Leaf B&T Duos Die-Cut

1 - 6" x 12" My Stickease Assortment

1 - 6" x 9" Irresistibles Chipboard Die-Cuts

1 - Mini-Medley Accents Colonial White Collection

12" Colonial White Waxy Flax

3 - 4" x 6" Memory Protectors Flip Flaps

2 - Sponge Wedges

1 - Brochure, tri fold with full color instructons

Now let's move on to understanding how it works. It's simple! This charming scrapbooking kit featuring Spring inspired colors and floral patterns is "miraculously" easy to assemble with no stamping required. The brochure will guide you through easily creating two beautiful 2-page layouts (and you'll have plenty of left-over papers and supplies for a few cards!). There are several ways to snatch this fashionable Miracle kit at a great discount or even FREE!

purchase the kit outright for $19.95 (order #CC1009) between April 15 and May 31

spend $40 (before shipping and tax) and receive this kit for $10 (order #CC1009A) between April 15 and May 31

spend $60 (before shipping and tax) and receive this kit for $5 (order #CC1009B) between April 15 and May 31

Host a home gathering between April 15 and May 31 with minimum sales of $300 and receive a kit FREE!

Sign up as a new Consultant between May 1 and May 31 and receive a kit FREE!

I can't wait to show you what I am doing with my kit!
Ps. Do yourself a favor- get this kit!
Order online or email me today!
Tracey

Fleurs...

2010-04-15T14:31:00.001-04:00

I am enjoying the April SOTM set from CTMH. Flower Pot. Seems I can't get enough of the little pots & window boxes! The addition of Flower Soft just takes it to another level. This card is completely 3D. I cut the windows out to view the inside of the card. Window boxes & pots are on pop dots & the awning is folded just right to stand up but will fold down to mail. Genious if I must say myself!

Supplies used:
Everything CTMH unless noted.
Cardstocks: Heavenly Blue, Tulip, Colonial White
Chocolate Ink
Pop Dots
D1409 Flower Pot
D1377 Around the Block (little bricks-former SOTM set)
Chocolate Organza Ribbon
Craft Knife
Micro Tip Scissors

Flower Soft (flower soft co) Spring, Poppy Red, Sunshine Yellow
Scallop punch (SU)

~~Note: My last Flower Soft card sold- if you are interested in this one please email me personally.~~
~~Hoping to Inspire you today~~, EDIT: This card has been SOLD, Thanks!
Tracey

April stamp of the month...

2010-04-12T15:01:00.000-04:00

I was seriously going to wait and post this tomorrow but I just can't help myself! I need to spend more time on my new laptop- you know figure it out somemore... yeah right.

Anyway here is a little purdy card I made with the April SOTM from CTMH. The set D1409 Flower Pot is a cutie set that you can get FREE! Check out my online shopping happy place under my blog header for more info. Here is what the set looks like: sorry for the slight distortion, my bad.

Here is my card:

Yes my friends that is Flower Soft. Here is what I did. First I stamped the flower pot onto sanded Desert Sand Cardstock with Chocolate Ink. Cut it out. Sponged the edges in Choco ink & bent it slightly to give it a rounded feel. I attached the pot using 2 small foam squares in the center and filled it with some liquid glass to keep it's shape. Next I used the Black Texture Tool and swirled it into New England Ivy ink then swirled it onto the cardstock to created a backdrop image for the topiary. Then I hand drew the bark/stem what ever you call that and began with the Flower Soft. That happens to be the "Heather" in case Inquiring Minds need to know. Now I am working on another card that is way over the top in the 3D dept. so give me some time to post that! but it will be worth it. Trust me.
Enjoy!
Tracey

Ps. and yes I realize this is 3 posts in one day. Chalk it up to the new laptop & "L" key that works! ha-ha

Birthday Update & Sincere Thank yous...

2010-04-12T09:47:00.000-04:00

Ladies, ladies! I have to say Thank You, Thank You for all your wonderful, inspiring messages filled with big girlfriend love on my birthday! Between this blog & Facebook- I am feeling some major LOVE! Yowzers! And yes- I got some big love from my family but I will get to that in a minute...

I loved all of your comments! They are actually worth you going back to that post and rereading them over. Seems we girls are in the same sinking boat at times! If you haven't experienced any of this yet, no fear your time is coming! You have something to look forward to! I especially got a kick out of Terri getting a surprise 40th bday party on her 39th bday from her husband who continually argued with Terri's mother (of all people who would know) over how old Terri really was! Priceless! Then poor Karen who got a hunting dog & gun one year from Dan the Man. Hmmm... wonder who that was really for? And what about poor Amy who got a pack of Corrona's and a video game? I would have taken the beer & kicked him to the curb. One six pack later you forgot all about him. Ps. did he even bring the limes? Then we have Lorrinda who got a pocket knife that she freaked over, then turns out she secretly loves it. I won't tell him! Oh it goes on and on. Men. Can't live with them, can't live without them! The sad thing is they actually think we are the ones with issues! How can it be when we even give them lists & tell them specifically what we want? Daim Bramage!

Even after all the Brain Damage, my man pulled it out! Yes sisters he did. Good man. Dat's a good boy, yes. This is how my day went...

7AM. I am still out like a light, slightly drooling. He flys out of the bed and announces the fact that we must get moving. "There is a LAPTOP to be purchased". Ok nothing gets my blood flowing or my mouth to start or stop (in this case) from drooling. My man is giving in and getting me that long overdue laptop. I showered like a mad woman who was conserving water. Then...

He made me breakfast. I am not lying. I got a gourmet pancake & sliced fruit. Next part blows me away. I didn't have to do the dishes. I almost had to but I hinted how nice it would be to NOT do the dishes then he did them. 2 plates & a pan, what a start! We did 90 miles an hour to Sam's Club down the street. lol where I finally picked the little sales slip up & actually got to keep it and take it to the register. Then shocker- he bought the 2 year warranty! Nicely done hunny. The whole time he is paying I couldn't help but think to myself how much I am going to PAY for this! You girls know what I mean...

Now here is where all you girls come in. Remember the Tree Trimming thing? Oh yes he brought home the new trimmer all right BUT mother nature did not like his plan! I think you girls were all praying for me and mother nature answered the call. Sunday was a different story.

Oh forgot to mention that after I came down for breakfast I had a card from the big guy AND a card & present from the kids! Say it ain't so? I did. My most favorite perfume. Viva La Juicy! Makes me smell purdy & now I have me a big o' bottle. This day ain't half bad!

Fast forward to the evening. I didn't have to cook. Another blessing. We had a very good frozen pasta thing from Sam's. One of those Bertolli things. Since we were going to the hockey game we opted for a quickish dinner. Sweet & barely any dishes.

Hockey Time! Several things happened here. First, the Pirates lost big time. This only upset my son the only Hockey fan in the family. Sour Puss face the entire night. What really took the cake though was the constant fighting between the two kids. They ended up getting separated, which was the right move since someone was going to get it if you know what I mean! I even used the "It's my birthday now knock it off" on them, didn't work. They were allowed one soda to share plus they each got a treat to eat. 2 whole minutes after getting back to our seats Ethan hits the soda with his foot & spills the entire thing which sends my daughter into a frenzy. My kids are only allowed 1 soda each on the weekends. I don't believe in kids drinking sodas. So the spilled soda was a tragedy. They fought and fought. "He's touching me" "She won't share her cotton candy" "I can't believe you spilled that soda" "I don't want to sit next to her" on and on and on. My husband is in a "I can't believe I just bought her a computer stupor" and keeps his unfocused eyes on the game. I lose it and separate them. All is fine for a while until...

I spot this woman 2 rows down & over to the right who I swear was Sue Laufer from Hawaii's twin. I couldn't stop staring at her! Could it really be her? Why would she be in Maine? I think I missed the entire second half because I was staring at her & wondering if it was her! Ok, Sue Laufer is a CTMH consultant & a big sweet heart.So I thought to myself, take her picture! That way I have proof. Well she must have caught me staring at her and just as I was thinking 'take the picture' she looked at me like this "Lady, if you keep looking at me I am going to call security". And right there I knew that wasn't Sue Laufer all the way from Hawaii. Then the Pirates lost bad. We left tired, sad and parched and all I could think about was my new laptop sitting there on the table.
The End... kinda. What happened next is between me and the buyer of the Laptop. Told you I would pay one way or another.

Once again, I thank all you lovely ladies who wished me a wonderful birtday full of laptops & no dishes or tree trimming. All my dreams came true, except Sue Laufer's twin. That almost ended real bad.

One year older and another year wiser,
Tracey

H2H Challenge #2

2010-04-12T06:00:00.071-04:00

Are you ready to have fun? Let's do another challenge! It's as easy as 1, 2, 3! Trust me.

This challenge is a 1+2+3 Theme. 1-Stamp, 2-pattern papers, 3-embellishments.

Here is my card:

1 Stamp: Houndstooth from Noted Backgrounds D1412

2 B&T papers: Blue Circles from Topstitch X7120B & Hollyhock Circles (flowers) Magic Memories

3 Embellishments: Hollyhock ribbon z1122, Buttons z1284, Glitter Rub-Ons (hello) Z1221 note: I colored the rub-on with brown chalk instead of the Glitter! Use the Soft Chalk Eraser Z728 to clean it up.

Other supplies used to make this card:

Chocolate ink & CS

Brown Hemp

Scallop Punch

White Daisy CS

Flower & Leaf Punch

3-D Foam Squares

I hope you are enjoying this new challenge blog http://www.heart2heartchallenges.blogspot.com/ I am looking forward to your creations!

Have a great day,

Tracey

Loaded Questions...

2010-04-09T09:28:00.000-04:00

First of all let me just put it out there. I am turning 39 tomorrow. For the first time. What does this mean to me? Ah it means I am not 40 yet, although from what I understand 40 is the new 30. Sounds nice. But what it really means to me is that my family is going to show me a little lovin. Then again...

The "loaded questions" have begun. Let's start with Ethan. Precious child almost 9. Miracle baby, literally. Several days ago (I will give him prompts for thinking ahead-planner like his father) he says to me "Mom, what do you want for your birthday?". Gee kiddo let me think... This is the point where I magically go off to some tropical island and get a shampoo, pedicure & a sinful drink all at the sametime. Let me also say- I am ALONE. What every SAHM wants is to get away! Why don't men & children understand this? My Sa-Weet dream comes to a screeching halt when the "precious child" says "Mom, how would you like to go to a Portland Pirates game?". Say what? Oh, yes the Portland Pirates. The AHL (minor league) Hockey team from Portland. Well shut my mouth honey, that is what this momma always wanted. To go to a minor league hockey game. Just ask yourself who really wants to go to this hockey game? Guess we are going to a hockey game. Oh and let's hope they embarrass me & put my name on the scoreboard! Happy Birthday Tracey you are the big three niner today! Yippee!!!! Off to loaded question #2. If you thought 1 was bad just keep reading.

I have been married to Martin for 10 years this summer. He knows me and what I want. As a matter of fact he learned very early on before we got married! The first year we were dating the man bought me a set of pots and pans for Christmas. I lost it. I am not ungrateful, they weren't even good pans. Think of Jerry McGuire when I say "You almost LOST me with the Pans". Fast forward to this morning. Less than 24hrs to the big day. He says "What are our plans for tomorrow". I say "Well I guess we are going to a hockey game". He says "No, I mean earlier". She begins to drift into a dream like state and sees her husband bringing her breakfast in bed & actually doing the dishes afterward. Wake up sister! Then he says "Well I'm bringing home a new Tree & Bush Trimmer so we can prune all these trees and shrubs tomorrow morning". Well Hot Damn Baby! You know how to treat a girl right. I can't wait to get my hands on the new trimmer. The trees won't be the only thing getting pruned...

If you are wondering where my 16 year old daughter is during this whole thing, let's just say I counted her out a long time ago! When I told her that my birthday was coming up she shrugged her shoulders and gave me the look of and your point is? Nice! This is the same kid who asked me for 2 weeks before her birthday what I was going to do for her. She got a dinner of choice, we gave her a party at the bowling alley for her & 6 friends, she had 4 girls stay the night, I made her a guitar cake, gave her money & decorated the house with balloons & a banner. My gift? Two big brown eyes rolling back in her head as if to say I cannot believe you expect something from me!

Will I get the new laptop that I so desperately need? Yesterday my husband said we needed to separate our "wants" from our "needs". The laptop made my "needs" list. He said my current one would run better if I would "De-frag" it more often & get rid of all that junk. All this coming from a guy who types with one finger. As of right now, I am getting a trimmer.

So my friends I will welcome tomorrow with overwhelming gratitude none the less, mainly because I know the Pink Flamingos won't show until next year...
Cheers,
Tracey

April Stamp Set of the Month...

2010-04-07T15:21:00.000-04:00

There is always a set that makes me happy & gets me motivated. I have to say the April Stamp of the Month special from CTMH has me giddy. Just look at it...

I love the pots! Can't you just see using Flower Soft with this set? Goodness Gracious! Here is some art for you...

If you are interested in this set please click HERE for all the details!
Enjoy,
Tracey

I love a good challenge, don't you? Drum Roll please...

2010-04-05T08:25:00.002-04:00

Ta Da! Welcome to week 1 of the Brand New Heart 2 Heart Challenges! This first challenge was a "Color Challenge". Sweet Leaf, Chocolate & Sunflower. Yum!

Here is my card:

Click HERE to view all samples from our Design Team!

About the Challenges:
Our challenges are open to everyone!

*To enter, follow the challenge of the week and post your results to your personal blog or other online gallery.

*Be sure to go to the H2H Blog and direct link to your challenge post so we can see your artwork!

*In order to enter a challenge, you must use CTMH products but your project does not have to be 100% CTMH. (If you do not own the specific colors in the challenge- get as close as you can)

*If you use something from another company, please consider including details in your project's description.

*Spread the word about our challenge blog by including our badge on your blog.

*Most importantly, have fun creating - the Close To My Heart way!

This week we have our first sponsor, Juli Clark! You must run not walk to the H2H Blog and see Juli's Prize package- then click on her web site & see her "Color Challenge" Sample. It is to die for!

Now here is what YOU need to do. Leave me a comment- let me know what you think. Show me some love, huh? Then get creating! Play along. Link your blog. Maybe win that prize package! What are you waiting for?
Have a Colorful Day!
Tracey

Edit: Let's talk about that flower shall we? It was very easy to create. First thing is to cut or punch a circle to the size you want your flower in the closest color to the ribbon of choice. Using CTMH is the best choice for this technique since we have coordinating products. I used Sunflower CS & Sunflower organza ribbon. Next, tie a knot in the end of your ribbon. Glue dot that knot to the center of your circle. Roll, fold, flip & glue that ribbon down around and around till you get to the very outside. I use Glue Dots and trim the extra cardstock off the edges (If it shows) Add Brads or buttons to the center. That is it! Now go make one. You will love them!
Ps. Let's talk about those scallop borders at the bottom shall we? Guess what I used? A Circle Punch! Punch & Punch Circles then layer them! Instant Border. I think I have a thing for circles today.

Heart 2 Heart Challenges Design Team

2010-03-27T15:33:00.000-04:00

I am so excited to announce that I have been chosen to be a Design Team Member for the New Heart 2 Heart Challenges Blog! If you {heart} Close To My Heart, then this challenge blog is for you!

There will be a variety of challenges posted and Close To My Heart products are required to enter. Don't have any CTMH products? Then Beg, Borrow or BUY from our fabulous roster of Consultants! Or me!

Sponsored and created by Independent Consultants for Close To My Heart, all challenges will be posted on Monday mornings with the deadline to enter each week on Sunday at 10:00 pm EST.

How it works:
Our challenges are open to everyone!
*To enter, follow the challenge of the week and post your results to your personal blog or other online gallery.
*Be sure to come back here and direct link to your challenge post so we can see your artwork!
*In order to enter a challenge, you must use CTMH products but your project does not have to be 100% CTMH.
*If you use something from another company, please consider including details in your project's description.
*Spread the word about our challenge blog by including our badge on your blog.
*Most importantly, have fun creating - the Close To My Heart way!

Click Here to view the Heart 2 Heart Challenges Blog.

Now who doesn't need a little challenge or inspiration?
paper hugs,
Tracey

Makeover part 2 -The Kitchen!

2010-03-25T10:38:00.002-04:00

Here we go! This room I think we are the most proud of. In our eyes it needed a complete overhaul. The only thing we left were the cabinets & floor. Over the last nine months we have replaced all the appliances, lighting, painted plus all the trim & we tiled the entire backsplash including behind the range. That was fun! Seriously it was. It was also easy and quite inexpensive. I will get more into that later but here are the before photos.

First of all let me clear something up. I have great respect for other people and their current style. Even if they lack it. You know some do, admit it. It is your decision to decorate the way that suits your family's lifestyle. I won't judge another's paint color -even if they had a purple kitchen. We live in a free country for the most part and I think it's great that you can decorate any which way you desire. So with that said this kitchen in it's former state probably worked for the previous owner. That is fine with me. But this kitchen belongs to me now & quite simply put it didn't work. We had to change it. I am very proud of it even if you look at it and say "dang they should have left it". Here we go and just like the previous post we had a "bad photographer". lol
"Befores"

Here is the Mason Kitchen:

Here is a close up of the tile behind the range. We opted not to put up another microwave. We wanted more light & more room to flip foods baby. So we went with a nice range hood. Ps. we also tiled under the cabinets on the opposite wall. You can see behind my mixer & Keurig.
"Before"

And how about that classy box of wine huh? Yep you caught us!
"After"

Hey hey Rachel Ray!

Here is the skinny on the tile. Just in case some of you are looking into saving money (a ton of money) doing this project on your own. We had a company come out and do an estimate. Before materials $1500. No, I'm not kidding. We priced out the materials and we were looking at less than $600 before an inexpensive tile saw. We put our plan together by measuring the space & then we went to Home Depot (where else?) and bought bits and pieces of all kinds of tiles & mosaics, bars, etc. We widdled our way down to what you see here. Turns out the hardest part of the job was deciding what to use. They have so much available that it can be overstimulating & you tend to over think it.

What made this job so easy for us was the cut to size peel and stick tile adhesive paper. Yes you heard me right. Or read me right. ha. This product is called SimpleMat. It is amazing! Inexpensive & easy to use! Check it out Here. There is a product demo video as well to show you just how easy it is. And I mean it's easy. We used 1 and a half boxes to do our tile job. Yes, it's very very strong but easy to cut! I can't say anything bad about this product. The entire job took us 3 days. No we didn't work morning to night. We actually did it two nights for a couple hours after dinner then a Saturday. We had to cut tiles of course but it wasn't that hard and the saw only cost $150 & now we have it for future use. Grouting really stinks! But the Mosaic piece was so intricate that it took patience. Did I mention I have none? Right!

So there you have it. The Mason Kitchen. If you are wondering the color we chose is called Magnetitte by none other than Martha Stewart herself. That She Devil has made her way into Home Depot & has her own line of paint & colors. I still used Behr Ultra paint though. Primer & Paint all in one. Two coats baby. Hey Martha get with the program. Put the Primer in your Paint and someone might buy it too!

I would love your feedback. Only if it's good. Ha-Ha. Time to rest. 3 rooms down.
Tracey
Ps. Click on any photo to zoom in big time! If you have any questions even if it's what's on the menu tonight, I would love to answer them!

Makeover Photos part 1...

2010-03-24T16:19:00.000-04:00

This is for you wild and crazy girls who wanted to see some makeover photos! I will post my kitchen tomorrow but don't think I will be able to do the kid's bathroom. The space is too small to photograph plus I don't have any befores. Just know that it's cute. ha-ha.

Keep in mind when you look at these that the "before" is really before we bought the house (we were only in contract). The previous owners were nice enough to let my husband take photos so we could plan. I might add that he is not a great photographer. Please don't tell him I said that. He actually thinks he's good. But that is a whole other post isn't it?

Here we go. I only have the one "before" since there wasn't much to take. Now you will see why I hated it SO STINKIN' BAD. Keep in mind that the actual paint color is yellow. Yes, I said YELLOW. Gag.

Here is my version:

Oh Yeah! I got my freak on real good didn't I? I love it. My husband loves it. I feel as though I can bathe in here now.

Little info: The gray behind the mirrors & behind the hanging candles is a tad bit darker. The other walls are lighter. I only use Behr Paint Ultra, which has the primer in it. So I only needed two coats. Thank goodness since I had to paint straight lines in every corner I don't think I could have handled any more coats. This room gets a tremendous amount of light so the dark colors really work. If you are wondering where the shower is it's a walk in right behind the tub. You can barely see the entrance in the photo above. Also we don't have any homes behind us so we can get away with no window coverings. We back to the woods and beyond that is the Scarborough Marsh which happens to be a tidal marsh so no building can ever take place! Cool. The framed photography is a set of prints that I bought several years ago. They are unbelievable prints of Italian & Parisian architecture. Elaborate Gateways & such. Ah, part of that Calgon take me away. Like to Italy or Paris! Oh and I bought that really cool tall black lantern at The Christmas Tree Shop for only $24. Reminds me of Pottery Barn for less than a 1/4 of the price. The hanging candles thing I bought at Michael's for only $7 with my coupon. The candles were more expensive!

Well that is about it. How do you like? Ok. Kitchen Makeover coming tomorrow. It totally rocks. Wait till you see this!
The Mad Painter Out

"While You Were Out", Remember that show?

2010-03-23T17:03:00.000-04:00

It was one of those room makeover shows on TLC a long time ago. The husband or the wife heads out of town and the other secretly gets with the TLC designer crew & makes over a room in the house. Usually the room that needs it the most. Well I loved that show. Miss it. Inspired by it.

This show is totally the reason for my blogging disappearance. Well, partial reason. I have 4 rooms in my home in desparate need of attention. The worst being the masterbath. We bought a 4 year old home nine months ago here in Maine and we really like it. It's just that it was decorated/painted for the previous owners who's style was the opposite of ours. Luckily for us my husband has "the vision" and could see the possibilities. We've done quite a bit but the major stuff has been recent.

It was no secret that I have been avoiding the masterbath. If I didn't need to bathe, I wouldn't even go in that room. I disliked the room that MUCH! So I decided to get my freak on.

The husband was heading out of town for 4 days on business. I would get my freak on while he was gone. Surprise him when he returned. In other words- pull a "While You Were Out". It was genius. My plan was to clean and prep Monday then paint on Tuesday & Wed. Shop for trinkets and such on Thurs & decorate it while he was on the plane coming home. I ended up starting on it the second he pulled out of the driveway & got it completely done by Wednesday! It is now officially my FAVORITE room in the house! Now I didn't go replacing cabinets or anything major. I painted (2 colors plus all the trim), bought & hung all the decorations & framed art. After that 3 days of non stop hard labor I thought I would die. BUT I found that I have some serious mad painting skills. I can paint a straight line & don't have to use tape! Mad Skills!

So the big guy came home. Walks in the door & announces he wants to go out to dinner. That's fine with me but I couldn't get him to go upstairs. My imagination had him walking up there on his own and totally freaking out. Didn't happen. I had to make him go upstairs. "What did you buy?" was his first response. Men! Why do they always think like that? Anyway, up he went thinking I spent money and was probably working out in his head how he was going to scold me like a child, then he saw it. Let's just say I got the reaction I so desparately needed and hoped for. Just about everday since then he has told me how wonderful it is and how proud of me he is. Isn't that cool?

Then he says- "You know, you have some mad painting skills there". I say "I realize that". Then he says "What are you painting next?" Without thinking I say "The kids bathroom, then the kitchen & most likely the hallway after that". OMG! Really?! It was like I had split personalities or something. Who is doing the talking? Certainly not the chick who half killed herself painting one room.

So here I sit. Tuesday afternoon. Just finished the Kitchen. Cha-Ching. Kid's Bathroom finished last weekend. Cha-Ching. I can hardly stand up straight & I haven't put make up on in over a week. But my house is looking sa-weet! 3 down one to go. Maybe. The big guy is hoping now that I will do the formal living & dining rooms. Gasp. I must draw the line somewhere.

There you have it. I am the mad painter and neglected my blog. No I will not come and paint your house. Nice try.

Off to pass out. Mad painter over and out
Tracey

I find beauty in stuff like this...

2010-03-05T11:10:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I wonder if others find beauty in things like this. To some that is one rusted rail car serving no purpose. To me that is an opportunity. Looking back, I wonder if anyone saw me take this photo and thought I was strange. Yes. My family.
Do something out of the ordinary today. Get your camera freak on.
Tracey

"Happy Spring", my latest card...

2010-03-04T09:29:00.001-05:00

Hope you like my latest card "Welly-nough". Get it? "Welly" as in the boots. These boots are HOT out here in New England. Got myself a pair. Thinking about a photo shoot with just my feet. No I'm not kidding.

I made this card for a swap group that I'm in called The Humble Artists aka HAS. Seriously talented group of ladies who swap cards every other month. I was lucky enough to be asked to join this year. We have very specific rules to follow each time which is always a challenge. I am thrilled with this card & my kids thought the little chick peeping out of the boot was the best!

All CTMH supplies used can be purchased through my web site (link up top).
X7120B Topstitch Level 2 Paper Packet
D1415 Springtime Stamp Set
Z679 Liquid Glass
Z2111 Chocolate inkpad
Misc supplies: photo hanger, brad, ribbon, markers, buttons, corner rounder, & foam dots all CTMH
Non CTMH: Cuttlebug Swiss Dot embossing folder, SU edge punch, Scor-Pal & Scor-Bug tool

Let's hear it for Spring- I think we need it about now!
Tracey

Faux Wood Grain Tutorial

2010-03-02T11:10:00.001-05:00

This is a first for me! A video/tutorial. Now don't go thinking this is some high class production! This is my first time & I have much to learn. I did have a great time with my kids making it. They are very quick to laugh and make fun of me! I guess now I know how they feel since I am always taking their pictures & videos! The little stinkers got me back! As usual my husband thought I was nuts.
Do try to stick it out- I think the end is the best. Yes, I realize that doesn't sound good. Ha-Ha!
Tracey

"The Hills Are Alive"...

2010-03-02T10:44:00.000-05:00

With the sound of music...Ah, ah, ah, ah...Clue #2. Can you guess where we ended up?

On this little excursion the Mason family developed another household saying, bound to become a Mason Classic! "Shut your Von Trapp"! Yes Mam, We are some classy family.
Tracey

If you said Vermont...

2010-02-27T17:34:00.000-05:00

Ding, ding. You were right! We tripped it to Vermont. We had never been and thought why the heck not. First stop on the tour was Ben & Jerry's Factory in Waterbury. I mean really, who doesn't want ice cream in February? We weren't the only crazy folk on the tour either!

The tour itself was fun, delicious & informative but I must say the lighting was too funky - I just couldn't get it right photography wise. Oh well. I also need to say that we were NOT allowed to take photos of the ice cream making process! They think we could have actually stolen secret info! For goodness sake, we were up on another level looking down on the entire process through a huge window. Everything was in large un-labeled vats of some sort- not very likely that we could walk away knowing how to make "Cherry Garcia" Ok! Moving on...

One bummer- the weather was not cooperating so we couldn't take the outdoor tour of the graveyard. The graveyard consists of tombstones with all the retired flavors! Darn! I threw a tantrum that made a two year old jealous and we left!

Here's a few fun shots. Don't laugh at the one of me. I look like a loon and not quite sure what happened to my hair!

Fun, fun, fun! And I must stay they only give you one sample on this tour. Nice sized sample but just one sample. It just so happened that we got to try the new special flavor "Maple Blondie" created to honor Hannah Teeter, Olympic Snowboarder from Vermont. That evening we watched her win a Silver Medal! How cool!

Next stop on the tour. Can you guess? Clue #1 We got "trapped" as in "Von Trapped" .
Until tomorrow,
Tracey

Where was I? Clue #2

2010-02-25T10:05:00.000-05:00

Can you guess now where we were?

Someone has to recognize these cows!
Tracey

What's a girl to do while the paint is dryin'?

2010-02-24T09:38:00.000-05:00

I'm not one to watch paint dry so we hit the road. Can you guess where we were?

No, this photo isn't old. I just seriously messed with it to make it look old with a dab of texture, splash of color & cuts around the corners.

We were literally at this junction. What state were we in? Do you need your atlas?
Many more photos coming...
Tracey

Total Studio Shutdown- say it ain't so?

2010-02-16T11:25:00.000-05:00

It's TRUE. No worries mate. We will be back up and running very soon.

Here's the deal. We had ourselves a bit of a leaky pipe- 4 months ago. The pipe was fixed immediately but the hole in the ceiling, 4ft off my studio wasn't until today. The big guy has the week off and decided to fix the hole & interrupt everything I find sacred in life. My crafts.

He said "Hunny I have to get this fixed before any guests show up".
What he was thinking "How can I get her away from her crafts? Oh yes, let's fix the ceiling."

The deal is he has to mud, sand, re-mud & re-sand THEN re-re-mud & re-re-sand. I've had to cover everything with sheets & hide. It's so sad. But the good news is that there is no more hole in the ceiling.

So the hole is patched but my attitude took a nose dive. If you need a crafting fix check out some of my friends blogs below. I will be back soon.

Off to cry,
Tracey