Where have the years gone...

Well today is both a happy day and a sad one...sixteen years ago we welcomed our first child into the world...now that she is sixteen, it seems like we are sending her out into the world!

This morning marks the beginning of a new chapter for my beautiful daughter, learning to drive will be the first item on today's to-do list, after her early morning test we are planning a visit to Historic Fort Langley where we will shop and lunch and shop some more! Two of Olivia's favorite things to do...she has been waiting for what seems to her as forever to finally get her 'learners' licence...remember when...I sit here reminiscing about some of those same things at her age...

In the meantime, I've been burning the midnight hour away finishing my Workshop tidy so I could make her a special birthday card...this is the end result :)

November's Stamp of the Month

This month's featured Stamp Set is simply perfect for cards and even scrapbook layouts! 'A Little Thanks' (D1444) is available at a discount or even free with a minimum qualifying purchase...just ask me how, or head on over to myCTMH site where you can shop 24/7

Three Workshop Classes, Two Weekend Retreats & One Halloween Party...this mess...Priceless!!!

Ok, so I thought I'd let you know that all things 'orderly' are not currently in practice here at the Ponte household...spent all day yesterday packing up Halloween decor and almost all day on Halloween cleaning up after our 'Hallows Eve' party...phew, what a mess! Loads of fun however ;)

My Workshop always seems to be one of the last places sorted...priorities eh? :)

Thought some pics might just make some of you chuckle...I'm not smiling yet though as I haven't yet completed the task of 'sorting'!!!

I dont know about you, but I can not work until I have everything back where it belongs...glad that there's a spot for everything...well almost everything

Not sure yet where these guys are going as I might have purchased a few more plastic organizers on the way to the last weekend retreat...

This is where the computer/office workspace is SUPPOSED to be!

Nap space and carry all spot ;)

Off to get things right again...check back later for some Halloween pictures and scoop on some upcoming classes...TFSB

Fall Family Photo Shoot!

 With the changing of leaves and cooler weather comes that faithful time of year...the dreaded Photo Shoot! This year we visited the beautiful Deer Lake Park in Burnaby, where textures are abundant, even if Fall colour was harder to find...here's a few pictures to hopefully jump start your
Fall Family Photo Shoot!

My three fabulous kids...

Just the two of Us...where it all started ;)

Take some time this weekend to enjoy the beauty of the season!

October's Stamp of the Month

All about Olivia and Hooligans

 Let's start with the Hooligans paper, shall we...

This is the featured layout from the Hooligans Workshop kit (G1012)...still need to pick up my 5X7 picture for the left page...it's waiting for me at Costco...the right page is three 4X6 pictures that I have cropped to 3.5X4, designed exclusive to the WOTG kit & CTMH...the stamped little critters are from the Troublemaker stamp set which is included and exclusive to the Workshop kit. Still have a title to add as well!

 This is actually one of my favorites so far...I stamped the title using the Chocolate Alphabet (E1010)stamp set, continuously, on one sheet of 12X12 cardstock, then carefully cut it out, keeping it connected...took some time, but in the end I LOVE how it turned out! I also used the Beware (D1381) stamp set and the Spellbound (C1374) stamp set to add the date, bats and journalling box, the My Stickease sticker sheet (X7129C), Black Hemp (Z282) and Lagoon mini-medley (Z1340)...design is from the 'Magic' Scrapbook program (9034)

Photos used were three 4X6 and two 3X4 

It has been great Scrapbooking all of these old pictures of the kids from all the Halloween's past...instead of stamping the title along the side, I decided to use my favorite alphabet stickers, Lots of Dots (Z1261). These are adhesive backed alphabets printed with a polka-dot resist design...so you ink them whatever colour works for your layout and the polka-dots show through...fabulous addition to your scrapbooking/card making stash...in addition to that, I have included the Pear & Sunset mni-medley (Z1339 & Z1338), My Stickease stickers (X7129C) and the adorable Hooligans Level 2 Asst. felt creatures (Z1332)...designed from the newest Scrapbooking Program book 'Magic' (9034). You can use either a 4X6 or 5X7 for the left hand side, (I used a 4X6) and I cropped down three 4X6 photos for the right hand side.

Another very versatile, well used and loved design from Jeannette Lynton. Embellishments are from the My Stickease stickers (7129C), Sunset mini-medley (Z1338) and the Hooligans Level 2 paper pack (X7129B). I wanted to add some texture, so I did a row of double stitching around the images to 'frame' it out and have a contrast between the papers and cardstock. The pictures used in this design are 3X3 and 6X6...I was planning on adding my journalling to the green circle and following the lines around and around...

If you would like some more information about the Hooligans paper collection or any of the products I've used here, please visit my website or post a comment here!


Moving on to the Olivia paper collection...

This is the featured layout in the Olivia Workshop kit (G1013), as you can see I have yet to take any new Fall photos of the family, but have plans to add them once they have been taken! I absolutely LOVE this 'Timeless' stamp set and Shimmer brads (Z1349), very simple layout, but beautiful too

I have created the featured layouts on the reverse of the Olivia My Stickease stickers (X7128C), designs can be found in the newest Scrapbook program book, 'Magic' (9034)...only addition to this is some ribbon from the Cocoa designer ribbon rounds (Z1316) and some left over bits from the Chocolate mini-medley package in the Workshop kit.

Great basic design again from the 'Magic' book (9034), Olivia My Stickease Stickers (X7128c) and the Opaques Mocha Adhesives (Z1333)...also snuck in some more Cocoa ribbon

This is one of the featured card designs in the Olivia Workshop kit, stamp set and brads are included in this kit.

Please contact me through my website or post a comment here if you wish to order any of these products or have a question for me ;)

Thanks for checkin' in and have a great day!

BC's Crop 4 Kids Weekend Fundraiser

Ok, so the weekend has come and gone, we had a fantastic time, won a couple raffle prizes, one of which was a seasons pass to Hell's Gate! It is on my bucket list...not sure that I am ready to tackle that one yet...fear of great heights and falling, being the primary reason to date!

I mentioned that I would post a few pictures...so here they are:

 A crazy close-up...really need to talk to Marissa about that !

 It's ok for me to take one of her though because she is MUCH younger than I am!

My messy scrap space...

 Mary and Sandra giving away loads of 50/50 money...

Some handsome pictures about to be scrapped...

A couple 'must-have' items close at hand...

I can't wait to find out the total amount raised...projections are above last years total...yippee, Way to go everyone...especially Mary and Sandra for their fantastic organization of this event once again!

One of the proudest moments I experienced this weekend was my daughters focus and acheivements in her scrapbooking...she finished a total of eleven layouts, all beautifully done...well surpassing anything I can say for my own layout totals...my excuse is the socializing I tend to do...that and large crowds tend to distract my simple senses...:)

BC's Crop 4 Kids

Well, Marissa and I are busy trying to pack up for this years Crop for Kids event at Abbotsford's Ramada...staying overnight on Saturday night...and lending a hand with the set up in another hour or so...

This is one of those events that benefits so many...all class proceeds goes directly to BC's Childrens Hospital and the classes are always great! Mini albums, layouts, cards and 3D projects. Last years' event raised over $20,000. There are many satelite events around the lower mainland leading up to this weekend, increasing the contributions even more!

Of course for the Croppers attending the event, door prizes, 50/50 and silent auction items are up for grabs and everyone loves to win a little something right?

Can't wait to set up my space and get busy! Hopefully I will be able to update everyone with some pictures soon.

Thanks for stoppin' by ;)

Magnifique Workshop Layouts

Well I'm back from our first Hockey Road-trip to Vernon with my son's triple A Peewee team and we had a hoot! Won two games and tied one...here he is defending the net...

Workshops are starting this week and I've got some pictures to share! Remember that you can click on any of these images for a more close up look and they will open in another window...simply arrow back to return to the main page again.

This is the featured layout in the Workshop Kit...nice and simple...stamping with the *new* Pacifica Exclusive Ink colour and using the Shades of Chocolate Mini-Medley collection and Heart to Heart stamp set which is included in the Magnifique (G1015) Workshops on the Go kit 

In working with the Magnifique myStickease assortment I've created two bonus layouts with the remaining papers in the Magnifique Workshop kit:

Magnifique LEVEL 2 paper pack, Magnifique myStickease, Shimmer brads, & Shades of Chocolate Mini-Medley

Magnifique LEVEL 2 paper pack, Magnifique myStickease, Colonial White crochet ribbon, & Opaques Licorice Adhesive Gems

Here are two more layouts I assembled using the Magnifique LEVEL 1 paper pack:

The left hand side of this next layout was made with the last two sheets of cardstock in the Level2 paper pack in the Workshop kit. I needed to add another sheet of the Chocolate and Lagoon cardstock to finish the right hand side of this layout. I also used some Embroidery Floss for the stitching around both pages. The Peacock feathers and sentiment are from the Circle of Love myAcrylix stamp set and I've added a frame from the Foundry Flourishes Asst.

The peacock feathers are embellished with the Blue & Green Sparkles

Please contact me if you would like CTMH's newest catalog, featuring this beautiful Magnifique paper and many more or visit myCTMH site where you can shop 24/7 and have your selections delivered directly to your door! Thanks for stopping by :)

Thursday is looking Magnifique

Well this week has gone by in a blur of sorting school supplies, packing lunches, missing school buses, picture day already and homework! New Hockey schedules and Dance schedules...take-out dinners and back-logged laundry piles...hopefully next week will run a little smoother!

Today (evening) Mr. Purolator Dude finally arrived with some more goodies from my CTMH order...Workshop kits, Shimmery Brads, a 12X12 work-in-progress Album, stamps and the long awaited newest addition to our Scrapbook Program, the 'Magic' layout Book...loaded with brand new original design patterns by Jeanette Lynton!

We will be starting a new session of Workshop Club's where we will be creating 3- two page layouts and a card...at least that's my goal...

This month's featured Workshop kit is Magnifique and it is more fabulous than I thought it would be! I worked on the featured 2 page layout from the WOTG kit this afternoon and totally loved it! It doesn't even have photos in it yet! I will be cutting for the two Bonus layouts this evening, now that I have the 'Magic' scrapbook pattern book and will hopefully have some actual photos posted sometime tomorrow...but to wet your whistle...here's a look at some of the art created by some of the fabulous designers at CTMH...

This layout is highlighting some of our newest color additions, Lagoon and Pacifica as well as two fantastic stamp sets Unity and Circle of Love...I played a little today with the gorgeous peacock and the swirl you see in the above layout...you are going to love this one, guaranteed!

Studio J Memberships and 5-packs are now available!

Studio J™ is online design software that allows you to create custom-printed two-page layouts you put in your albums. There is no software to purchase and install; instead, simply log into Studio J and start designing your layouts! You can create and immediately purchase your layouts, or you can save them for later completion and purchase.

Whether you are a seasoned Studio J user, or just starting, the all new Studio J membership is essential. Being a Studio J member comes with exclusive access to benefits and content not accessible to those without a membership. On top of that, Studio J members get our best price of $7.50 per custom-printed layout, compared to the full retail price of $15. That's only $3.75 per page! Saving you an instant 50% off full retail!

For those of you who absolutely adore the Studio J software, a 12-month or 3-month membership is essential. The 3-month membership is ideal for customers who want to start out at a lower price point. Once the 3-months are up you can choose to pay $11.50 each month thereafter or simply upgrade to the 12-month membership.

12-month Membership...........$115.00
3-month Membership.............$35.00

Other membership benefits include:

• Members can print layouts and share them online using the JPG files included free with every custom printed layout or available as a separate purchase for just $3.50. The JPG file includes two versions, one that is perfect for loading on Facebook or posting to a blog. The JPG option is only available to members! 
• Access to exclusive, members-only kits and patterns gives members more flexibility and options as they capture real life in real time. 
• Free shipping and handling on one monthly order of 7 to 10 two-page layouts! Saves members 13.95 every month...and adds up to $167.40 in savings every year, not including the 50% off members get on each custom-printed layout! 
• Free Memory Protectors will keep every one of your custom-designed pages looking as beautiful in the future as they were the day you received them. 
• Members can also participate in exclusive promotions and deals as a reminder of how much Close To My Heart values their love and use of Studio J. 

How about a 5-pack? Who would love to receive a 5-pack?

5-pack (5-two page layouts)...$73.00

• Customers looking to test the waters before they dive into a Studio J membership. 
• Those of you wishing to use Studio J for a one-time project they want to get done now, like a family reunion or wedding. 
• Gifts for friends and family-give a 5-pack for Mother's Day or Father's Day, weddings, anniversaries, graduation, birthdays, even Christmas presents! 
• Classic scrapbookers who enjoy Close To My Heart products and want to try out Studio J using jeanette Lynton's exclusive patterns, papers, and colour palette they already love. 

Remember that you are free to explore and create in Studio J for FREE...just set up an account (no cost) and have fun...any of your creations you make can be saved for up to 3 months...if you place an order for just one layout, the rest of your creations are re-saved for another 3 months...go ahead and give it a try!

Link directly to Studio J here!

New Catalog and all its Goodies!!!

The new* Autumn/Winter Catalog is here! I am really excited to get started with my Monthly Hostess Workshop Clubs and we are going to start September off with the Magnifique Workshop Kit (G1015) The colours featured this month will be Chocolate, Lagoon, Pacifica and Sky and I will also be using both the Circle of Love and the Unity my acrylix stamp sets which are not only beautiful by very versatile.

September's Stamp of the Month is Thriller and as you can see it's going to get you in the mood for Halloween ~

Stay tuned for some of my artwork additions and add a comment or send me an email if you want more information about my Monthly Workshop kits or the Hostess Clubs I have running...remember you can get everything you need to complete these projects and much more on myCTMH website, where you can shop 24/7

Sunday's Sketch Challenge

Well I realize it's now Monday...but after arriving home last night from a fabulous Atlantic Lobster dinner at friends...I had no strength to even turn on the computer...so here it is today instead...hopefully I will be a little better with my timing next week!

I want to highlight a two page layout by Becky Fleck's PageMaps I will be posting my interpretation of this sketch shortly...how about you? Are you up for a challenge?

How about a Sneak Peek???

Have a look at some of the new* colours added to the CTMH colour wheel! I am loving Pear and Lagoon...I thought I'd let you have a look at a couple of the new B&T duos paper collections too...

This one is called 'Magnifique' and I've seen it used in more masculine layouts as well as winter themed and elegant ones as well...can't wait to start playing with this one. There are a few additions to the Sparkles, Blue & Green Asst. (shown below) and a Red, Pink, & Purple Asst.

This one is called Hooligans...they have also added some Mini-Medleys in Pear, Lagoon and Sunset...and you might just see a little tidbit of something felt to the left of this picture...

I really love this one...might have something to do with the name...'Olivia'...it reminds me a lot of the Basic Grey paper style...of course you'll notice that the new ink colours go beautifully with the new paper collections...they have even added some snazzy new 'Opaques' in Licorice, Mocha and Pearl as well...

Now, there are many new stamp sets to help bring all these new products together and I hope to keep things going here with some pictures soon...

Feel free to contact me to get your hands on the new Autumn/Winter 2010 catalog...you can always look to your hearts content...but you'll have to wait till September 1st to make any orders...sorry about the teaser, but I couldn't resist ;)

National Stamping Month kit; Triple Play

ONE’S GOOD, TWO’S GREAT, and three’s best of all! Celebrate your love of stamping by using stamps to embellish the three mini albums in our exclusive 
National Stamping Month kit, Triple Play. 

With inks, stamps, albums, and pre-cut accents for stamping, you’ll complete all three albums in a jiffy. Since each album has its own color scheme, all three are unique and ready for many different kinds of photos. Make one for yourself and two to give away—if you can bear to part with them!

In honor of National Stamping Month, you can get huge discounts on the Triple Play kit when you purchase My Acrylix® stamps from your wish list, or get it free when you host a qualifying Gathering or become a Close To My Heart Consultant. 

1. Buy the Triple Play kit for $34.95.
2. Purchase $30 in My Acrylix® stamps and get the Triple Play kit for just $15.
3. Spend $47 on My Acrylix stamps and get Triple Play for only $5!
4. Host a Gathering with sales of $350 or more and get Triple Play FREE!
5. Join Close To My Heart as a Consultant and get the kit FREE!


Triple Play Kit Contents:

1 – My Acrylix® Love This Stamp Set
4 – Exclusive Inks® Mini Stamp Pads (Desert Sand, Hollyhock, Indian Corn Blue, and Sunset) 

9 – 4" x 12" Panels (3 each of 3 color schemes)
3 – 6" x 12" Die-Cut Sheets
1 – 72" Length Colonial White Grosgrain Ribbon
3 – Hook and Loop Fasteners
1 –Brochure

Colors: Bamboo, Blush, Desert Sand, Garden Green, Hollyhock, Indian Corn Blue, Outdoor Denim, and Sunset

Summer Fun

Ok so it's nice and relaxing here in Kelowna, but the smoke from the forest fires in the surrounding areas makes it look like it's overcast...the sun is shining, just getting a filter from the smoke!

Isn't that sweet, sisterly love....

All you need is swim trunks, a large floating device and water.....

Looks like he's walking on water...not so...just a great 300mm

It's a rough life, but somebody has got to do it...

Now that he has mastered that, he can move onto a surf board...?

Enjoy your day, I know we will :) TFSB