A Day on Dr. G's Boat

Let me first say, I get seasick on the ocean. I love lakes but when it comes to going on a boat in the ocean I'd rather have hives! That said, I'd do just about anything for my family.
Fast forward to being in Hawaii with my family and being invited out onto my old boss' boat for the day. UGH!
But my son and his buddy, I knew, would have sooo much fun. So onto the boat we went.
We left Ala Moana yacht club at 8:30 in the morning. It was sunny, calm and I was optimistic. As we head out I'm thinking " I can do this. I feel good." As we head to Diamond Head the waves aren't bad, I'm doing okay. We get past Diamond Head towards Coco Head and I'm thinking "Uh-oh!"
As the doughnuts get past around my mouth starts to water in not a good way. I love doughnuts but I know that if I eat one I'll be feeding the fish.
As the boat turns back towards Waikiki it is really choppy and the boat is going up & down, side to side...and with it my stomach.
Now, everyone else is great. Laughing, talking, asking us about our lives. The two boys are down in the berths sleeping. My husband is looking at my like "Are you okay?". I'm looking back at him like " NO!!". Then paste a smile on my face and try not to swallow.
We anchor off Waikiki and now that's better. Calmer. Stomach quesy but still where it should be.
Boys loved the NINE hour day on the boat. Me? I'll never go on another boat...unless it would be fun for my family. Then, I'll go too....
Enjoy the day!

11 Studio J Layouts Done this Month

Sorry I've been missing for a few days. I've been busy creating layouts in Studio J and finishing up a HUGE swap I'm participating in.
I just finished 11, yes that's right 11, layouts in Studio J! Man, you gotta love that! And I learned a few things. Look for pics in the next few days and I'll share what I discovered too.
Enjoy the day!

Another Roxie Card

You'd think I'd be tired of this paper packet but, amazingly, I'm not. Which is a good thing since it just came out and I still need 2 items for my swap I'm participating in.
I love to amplifiy images by cutting them out and using mounting tape to make them "pop". But what was I thinking when I decided to do that with this set. Man, those little flowers are soooo small and my eyes ain't what they used to be.
It needed alittle sparkle so to my handy Glitz Glitter I go.
Enjoy the day!

Live. Laugh. Love.

I love this layout...and I didn't think of it myself. Why do you think the Idea Book isn't called a catalog? Because it's full of IDEAS!
On page 95 of the Idea book is a sweet layout that I "tweaked" to fit my style.
Who says you have to reinvent the wheel? Not me.
I used the Roxie paper(yes this is for my swap), Love Life (D1482) stamp set, Just Blooms Paper Shapes, AP Cricut for the hearts, Sparkles.
Enjoy the day!

Remarkable Wreath

As soon as I saw this stamp set at Convention I knew that I had to have it. And after using is, I was right! This set is awesome!!
This card is one I'm making for a big swap that is due at the end of the month. I am alittle behind but, if you knew me, you'd know this is not unusual. I create better under pressure. And believe me, it's getting hot, hot, hot!
I have used the Roxie paper packet as that is the paper kit I've been assigned. I cut the frame on the Cricut with the Art Philosophy cartridge with Colonial White then Roxie paper. Alittle Glitz glitter added to the berries on the wreath makes it sparkle. Designer ribbon with Mocha Opaques finish it off.
Enjoy the day!

Meet Angus

Meet Angus. This is my tri-color Pomeranian who is 6 years old. This year we hosted the families July 4th celebration. Normally we go to someone elses house and we don't subject our animals to all the noise. But this year we had everyone to our house and the dogs, cat, goats, and chickens did great.
Now Angus is my dog. He is loyal and totally pig headed. We say that he has the "Napolean" complex. You know, little man who doesn't think he is little. But I'm telling you when he looks at you his mouth always looks like he is smiling. Which makes me smile!
Studio J gives me the ability to take a small picture of a small dog and increase the size and viola'....big Angus.
Enjoy the day!

Can God Use Even Me?!

Do you ever wonder if God can use a "person like me"? I think we all have had our doubts. I received this message below in my daily message from Mikey's Funnies and thought it was very appropriate.

Jacob was a cheater, Peter had a temper, David had an affair, Noah got drunk, Jonah ran from God, Paul was a murderer, Gideon was insecure, Miriam was a gossip, Mary was a worrier, Thomas was a doubter, Sarah was impatient, Elijah was moody, Moses stuttered, Zaccheus was short, Abraham was old and Lazarus was dead. Now..... what's YOUR reason for
thinking God won't use you?

God CAN use you where you are...if you let him! :)

Now what do you think?
Enjoy your day!

National Stamping Month

Take a look at what you can get starting August 15 through September 30th. A free double stamp set just for placing an order of $75. or more. How fabulous is that?!
Just think if you order the Cricut Art Philosophy you can receive Pair-A-Phrase for free!
Click on the click to shop with me and...
Enjoy your day!

Little Gift Bag

In playing with my Cricut I'm figuring out sometimes things end up bigger or littler than I was anticipating. The bag is a good example. I set the dial at 3 1/2" and out popped this cute little bag. It is perfect for a Ghiradelli square, a gift card or cash, my son's favorite!!
Enjoy the day!

Rolled Rose Card

I used the Dreamin paper packet to create this card for my Open House demonstration. This card uses the Cricut cartridge (of course!), Dreamin' paper, Pacifica & Honey ink, Mocha Opaques.
Enjoy the day!

Paper Rose Wreath

Who doesn't love a rose? How about a whole wreath of roses that will last forever? Me too!
I am so inspired by all the wonderful paper projects I saw at Convention. A wreath of all roses was made by Lisa Stenz & I loved it!! Now her's was bigger and in shades of purple but otherwise mine is the same.
I used the Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge by Close To My Heart, Hollyhock/Blush/Daisy White cardstock, and straight pins. I think I made like about 75 roses and I didn't cover the back!! It actually went really fast and it was fun seeing all those roses come to life.
Are you ready to get your Art Philosophy cartridge for yourself? Click on the Shop with Me gadget and it will take you to my website to order.
Enjoy the day!

Open House Gift

I love to share little gifts at my Open House with the people who come. This little box holds a small incentive stamps that I was gifting to anyone who booked a workshop. Then once they held their workshop I also will gave them a FREE A/B/C size stamp set of their choice. The little box is just a tangible gift of thanks for continued support of my business.
Cut at 4 1/2" with the second button on the top row of the Cricut images using Crystal Blue cardstock and Moonstruck for the snowflake which is the same button but pushing the layer>shift buttons.
Finish with Glitz Glitter and some ribbon.
Enjoy the day!

Cricut Daisy Bouquet

My friend, Christine Adams, made a daisy bouquet at Convention that I needed to make too! I cut the daisy on the Cricut at 2", 2 1/4", 2 1/2" in Daisy White paper. I then cut in Olive the center flower and layered a Honey circle on top. I layered the petals together with mounting tape and glued on the center.
I then sponged the edges with Honey ink to give it alittle life.
The leaves are cut from Olive paper and crumbled & sponges with Olive Ink.
I glued them all together onto lollipop sticks I inked in Olive with a round sponge.
Poked it all into a black container filled with foam. Tied a ribbon and done!
Enjoy the day!

Roxie Cupcakes

It's time for my Annual Open House and I'm frantically creating items to put out.
I'm in love with the Cricut cartridge!! and just had to re-create a display I saw at Convention by Lisa Stenz. These cupcakes were on a multi-tiered display and I thought they were so cute, I just had to make them.
Yes, they are made using the Cricut for the sentiment. I used the Harvest Happiness stamp set (C1463 $13.95) and the Roxie paper packet. Cutting the image on the Cricut the stamp set says to set your size dial at 1 1/4". So for the mat I just added 1/4", so set the dial at 1 1/2". I stamped the saying in Smoothie ink.
The cupcake is using the mini cupcake papers from the craft store and a 1 1/2" styrofoam ball. I put Liquid Applique over the top of the ball and heated. BE CAREFUL!! The styrofoam kinda melts as you heat the liquid applique but you don't notice. After it puffs up I added prisma glitter.
I wrapped the cupcake with Roxie paper and viola!
Enjoy the day!

One Button, So Many Images

I was so impressed at Convention with a board that showed one button and all the images you can get by pushing the different function buttons.
This cupcake image is so stinkin' cute...and look at all the other images that you get when you push the function buttons.
I can't wait to show you the stamps that come in the Art Philosophy bundle and how they fit perfectly onto the images cut by the Cricut.
I've learned so much by playing with my Cricut. One biggie is that the images in the book, that come with the cartridge, shown in gray are achieved by pushing the "shift" key then the image! Whoohoo! The book is starting to make sense to my little brain.
Want to play? Come to my Open House on August 13th from 12-4pm. I will have a make-n-take station set up. You will be making a cute little box that will hold a Ghiradelli square candy.
Enjoy the day!

When I say, " I Am A Christian" by Carol Wimmer

I receive Mikey's Funnies daily in an email. These stories, poems, inspirational messages range from funny to sad. This poem by Carol Wimmer really spoke to me...I hope it rings true for you too!


When I say, "I am a Christian,"
I'm not shouting "I am saved."
I'm whispering "I was lost";
That is why I chose this way.

When I say, "I am a Christian,"
I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble,
And need someone to be my guide.

When I say, "I am a Christian,"
I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak,
And pray for strength to carry on.

When I say, "I am a Christian,"
I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed,
And cannot ever pay the debt.

When I say, "I am a Christian,"
I'm not claiming to be perfect.
My flaws are too visible,
But God believes I'm worth it.

When I say, "I am a Christian,"
I still feel the sting of pain.
I have my share of heartaches,
Which is why I speak His name.

When I say, "I am a Christian,"
I do not wish to judge.
I have no authority;
I only know I'm loved.

Enjoy the day!

Family & Friends

Have I told you how I love Studio J? Are you still skeptical? I'm totally sold on the ease and versatility that Studio J offers. Now don't get me wrong, I still love classic scrapbooking but I have gotten more layouts done with Studio J than ever before.
Why you wonder? I think for me it's the hassle of getting my pictures printed. They are never the right size, I may want to enlarge or focus on something specific in the picture or something like that. With Studio J I don't have to worry because it does it for me.
I can also work on my laptop with my family in the same room. When I scrapbook with paper my family doesn't want to be anywhere near me...I can't understand why? Don't they love the smell, feel of all my paper? Arent' they excited to see accessories flying everywhere? Geez, I thought everyone loved that. Are you in agreement with my boys? Don't want the "mess" of classic scrapbooking? Then Studio J is for you. Check it out on my website at www.lisacombs.myctmh.com > Studio J.
Enjoy the day!

Full on Bling Card

I've been known to "bling it up" alittle but this simple card adds alot of big blinge with one small accessory. The new Designer Rhinestone Brads come in 2 sizes (I've used the larger one on this card). I love how they add alot to a simple flower but don't take alot of time.
I have a friend who is going to use them on the head bands she makes for her daughter. What a great idea!
Enjoy the day!

August Stamp of the Month non-Halloween

I have nothing against Halloween but since my son is 18 yrs old we no longer have Halloween pics nor do I get tricker treaters at my door (I live down a private, dark road).
So I wanted to use the August Stamp of the Month in a different way. I love the sayings in this set and I love the images.
This card was imspired by Rachel and then tweaked.
Roxie paper packet, and new Glitz gliiter Bronze (on her shoes) are used.
Enjoy the day!

Fully Cricut Card

Here's my first card using the Cricut.
I wanted to share with my card workshop gals just what the Cricut can do. That said, I realized I needed to know how to use this machine more than just cutting circles!
So off I went playing with the settings, pressure, speed, etc. It was very addicting! I want to keep cutting shapes out!! Agh!!
I used Smokey Plum cardstock, Olive cardstock and the Hooray Bouquet stamp set. Then added some new Bling buttons and Sparkles.
I haven't even gotten to the 3-D items it can cut!!
Enjoy the day!

Roxie Cards

New Kraft Die-Cut Cards/Envelops

Circle Die-Cut Card

I love the new Roxie paper packet and the stamps & accessories that go with it.
In playing with this paper I was so torn with which side of the new Background/Texture paper to use. CTMH has ungraded their B/T paper into cardstock weight with a new zip strip at the top that details ALL the colors used in the paper, not just the 4 main colors as previously done.
LOVE THIS!! And this zip strip (which you trim off with your paper trimmer) has a border pattern on the opposite side of the color palatte.
It seems like I haven't had a chance to really play with my new "goodies" but with a card workshop tonight & tomorrow, I need to get busy!
Enjoy your day!

Convention Layout

I have shared with you how much I love being a Close To My Heart Consultant. One of the things that I love is being able to go to Convention every year. Convention is almost undescribeable but I will try.
You meet old & new friends, you get to play with new products and make beautiful projects, and you get to charge your creative batteries that will last a very long time.
Have you thought about becoming a consultant for awhile but decided it wasn't for you? What's not for you? I think that if you love papercrafting, Close To My Heart is for everyone. Check out the new consultant kit and then tell me what you think.

Go to my website to sign up and get started on your journey.
Enjoy the day!

4th of July

I love the 4th of July and I love it even more when I can scrapbook it in Studio J!!
With Studio J you don't have to order prints in specific sizes, you don't have to worry about cutting your picture down to fit into a photo well and you don't have to worry about journaling. It does all this for you with ease and quickness.
This layout shows my son, Dalton, and his friend Daniel blowing everything in sight up! My driveway was covered with smoke & fire most of the day...and I Love It!!
Enjoy the day!

Add Cricut Flair to Any Work

I'm home from Hawaii and while I unpack I thought you might like to see this new video produced by CTMH about the new Cricut cartridge. There is sooo much I want to share about this wonderful addition to the CTMH products but I have to get my newsletter sent out.
I do have art work I made before my trip I will try to get posted in a day or two.
And yes, I had a wonderful time with my family in Hawaii. It was 89 degrees everyday...and I LOVED it!
Enjoy your day!

Dalton's Senior Pics Video

10 Things I Love About You

This is one of the layouts I created at Close To My Heart Convention. I love this Roxie paper!! We also used the stamp set 10 Things, hence the name of the layout. Also used are the new Bling assortment, 10-Things Pocket, New Red Ribbon Collection.
Enjoy the day!