Container Store Embellished Mini Suitcase Part II

Holly Jolly Christmas 

Moving to a new city not knowing a single person has been difficult at times.  Also, being shy doesn't make things easier when trying to meet new people.  I struggle. :-( 

Last year, I finally met a really special friend.  She is native to Columbus and has to be one of the kindest people I have ever met.  She gives so much of her time to helping others and I was really fortunate she added me in to her friend circle.

I made this mini suitcase for her family as a way to say thank you for all of the support and encouragement she has shown my family.  I filled it will candy and a gift card to The Cheesecake Factory.

Hawthorn Two Page Scrapbook Layout

Hawthorn Fall Layout

For all of you Fall fans out there--here is a two page scrapbook layout using CTMH's Hawthorn paper suite.  The colors and embellishments work perfectly to help highlight all of your Fall family pictures.

Happy Halloween Cards

Happy Halloween Cards

Do you send out Halloween cards to friends and family?

I love creating Halloween paper projects, but I have to admit, the holiday sneaks up on me every year and it is usually too late to send out cards to my friends and family. This year I have made it a point to create my projects with plenty of time to mail them out to spread a little Halloween spirit.

I used CTMH's very versatile mixin paper suite with our super cute "Bewitched" Fa-Boo-lous stamp set.  Our new Tri-Blend markers make it easy to shade all of your coloring projects.  I love the convenience of three colors in one marker.

A Little Birdie Thank you Card

A Little Birdie Thank You Card

I loved this stamp set the first time I saw it. Here in Indiana we have so many birds.  We love feeding and attracting all sorts of varieties to our backyard.

A Little Birdie stamp set is a simple way to say thank you to all of those wonderful people in your life.  This card went to Sophia's soccer teammate.  The upperclassman drove the younger girls from school to soccer practice each day.  I was beyond thankful not to have to make that trip every day.  I sent this card and a little bit of gas money to show my appreciation for all of her help with transportation.

Hawthorn 6 X 6 Fall Inspired Photo Album

Hawthorn Photo Album

    Fall has finally decided to make an appearance in Indiana.  We are loving this cooler weather.  In fact, last weekend, we finally made it out to Nashville, IN.  Nashville is a quaint little town with great boutiques and restaurants. They have gone all out for Fall with tons of mums and Fall decorations.

We took our dog Holly and she had a blast meeting new friends and getting tons of attention.

I got some great picture of Sophia that I plan to put in this Fall inspired photo album.  I loved the colors of our Hawthorn paper and complements.  I created several pockets to hold Hawthorn Picture My Life cards.  I used Flip Flaps on several pages to add additional photos.  I am looking forward to a few more weekends of Fall weather and fun with my family.

Craft On Two Page Layout

Close to My Heart's Craft On paper suite has to be one of my top favorite CTMH paper packs.

 I love the versatility of the paper.  Of course, the paper is perfect for all of you crafters but if you would prefer to use it for a basic layout--it is great for that too!  I had a lot of fun using up my extra paper for this happy two page layout.

Grab it before it is gone.  Unfortunately, this paper retires with the rest of the catalog on August 31st.

From My Kitchen

Recipes from My Kitchen

I decided to join the fun over at the Three Amigos Blog Hop this month.  This month's theme was any project that was food related.  I thought it over and I decided to create a little recipe book for a family friend who will be headed to college next Fall.

I found a three pack of these cute & colorful blank notebooks at Ikea.  They come three to a pack and are under $4.00.

Our new paper line Craft On was the perfect bright and fun addition to complete my project.   I used the Cricut images From My Kitchen for all of the cuts used in the recipe book. I plan to fill the booklet with all of our family favorite recipes.

Take a look at all of the fun food related projects for the month by hopping over to the Three Amigos blog.  

Happy Crafting!

Congratulations, Graduates!!

Class of 2019

Springtime means more sunshine and graduation celebrations.  Our team challenge this week was the Dutch Door card fold and I decided it was time to start my graduation cards( I know of three graduates this year).  This neat design even has a pocket that will hold a gift card inside.  Perfect card/gift combination all in one cute package.  

A simple black and white base will work with any of the school colors out there.

I used our graduation stamp set C1755 Graduation Tassel for this card.

Happy Crafting!

The Container Store Mini Suitcase Project

So Much Happy Mini Suitcase Project

I wanted to put together something special for my niece who will be graduating High School this year.  I found these sweet mini sized suitcases on my recent trip to The Container Store.  They come in about six colors and they are perfect to adorn with our Close to My Heart product. 

I decided that I wanted to use the So Much Happy paper suite for my project.  I love how it turned out.  The Picture My Life So Much Happy cards fit the theme of the project perfectly.

You can find all of the products that I used by visiting karenleach.ctmh.com.

Happy Crafting!

So Much Happy Complement Set

So Much Happy PML Cards

Easter Card Class Available

Easter Card Class

I am looking forward to teaching this fun Easter card class at the Columbus library in March & April.  If you are you are local, please visit, BCPL to sign up.  The class fee is $10.00 and covers all of your supplies to make one of each card.  Hope to see you there!

You can find the Easter stamp sets and paper by visiting my website at karenleach.ctmh.com.

I Heart Us Scrapbook Layout

I decided at the beginning of the year to participate in a scrapbook challenge group called The Last Crafter Standing.  Basically, the premise is that each week a challenge is presented and if you follow the rules and submit your artwork before the deadline--you move on to the next round.   At the end of the challenge--the participants who made it through each of the rounds will be in the running for prizes and cash.

This particular challenge required us to make two complements and use a "paper clip" element in our layout.

I used the new paper pack "I Heart Us" to create this one page layout of my daughter.

Elegant Thank You Card Kit For Sale

Stock up on your "Thank You" cards with this simple but elegant card kit.

Each kit comes with supplies to make 3 cards and one completed sample card.  You will need to have adhesive and scissors.

Quality Close to My Heart card stock, foil paper and embellishments have been used.

You can order your kit for $9.99(plus $3.50 shipping) by emailing me at karenleach@gmail.com.  I prefer Paypal, but will work with you if that isn't available.

Happy Crafting!

“Hello Friend” Card Kit Set

A very sweet and simple card kit for those who don't have all of the time for design and prepping. 

Each kit comes with supplies to make 3 cards and one completed sample card.  You will need to have adhesive, scissors and some type of coloring pens or pencils on hand.

Quality Close to My Heart card stock, glitter paper and embellishments have been used.

You can order your kit for $9.99(plus $3.50 shipping) by emailing me at karenleach@gmail.com.  I prefer Paypal but will work with you if that isn't available.

Happy Crafting!

Valentine Gift Card Candy Holder

We have an amazing leader at CTMH who a few years back opened up her weekly meetings and challenges to anyone who wanted to participate.  She has a wealth of business knowledge and each week she offers a project challenge.

She came up with this cute gift card/candy holder and I decided it would be a perfect gift idea for Valentine's Day.  Basically, the front and back have pockets that you can place a gift card of note card and the middle section can be used for candy.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Congratulations Card Kit For Sale

Love to paper craft but just don’t have the time to design and prep?  I have simplified the process by putting together a Card Kit for all of those congratulatory occasions in your life.

Each kit comes with supplies to make 3 cards and one completed sample card.  You will need to have adhesive and scissors on hand.

Quality Close to My Heart card stock, glitter paper and embellishments have been used.

You can order your kit for $9.99(plus $3.50 shipping) by emailing me at karenleach@gmail.com.  I prefer Paypal but will work with you if that isn't available.

Happy Crafting!

Hugs & Kisses Greeting Card Kits For Sale

Do you want to send homemade Valentine's Day cards but are struggling to find the time?  If so, this kit might be a good option for you.  

Kit Includes:

4 White Card Bases

4 White Envelopes

1 Finished Sample Card

Cut paper pieces to create three additional cards( your total will be 4 with the finished sample)

All you need to supply is a pair of scissors and your own favorite adhesive.

Completed Cards measure: 4.25" X 5.5"

Price: $10.00 plus $3.25 shipping

Quantities are limited so contact me today to get your kit.

Happy Crafting!

Watch me create this sweet card...

Heart Happy Peek A Boo Card

Heart Happy

One of our CTMH leader's hosts a weekly challenge after demonstrating a paper crafting technique.  Last week she showed us how to make this fun Peek A Boo card and this was my entry into the challenge.

I am having fun creating with the Heart Happy paper line.  If you would like to pick up your own paper to play with--you can find all of it at karenleach.ctmh.com.

Happy Crafting!

Heart Happy Valentine's Day Assortment

Heart Happy 

Have you seen the adorable new Valentines paper pack Happy Hearts?  The calendar might say January, but if you have been to Target lately you will know the next big holiday is Valentines Day. The cynics might say it is a made up Hallmark holiday, but I think anything that will help promote love is okay in my book.

I designed a few Valentines Day cards and a scrapbook layout using the Heart Happy paper line.

Have you started creating your Valentines projects yet?  If you need to replenish your holiday papers, complements, and stamps—you can find everything you need at karenleach.ctmh.com.

Happy Crafting!