my christmas presents

OK, I had to buy them myself, but the money was a gift. I got an ATG gun, ms score board and bic markers. Plus i got the preview month for close to my heart. once i get home, i will have a lot to post. so look foward to some fun stuff. i know i am

have a good holiday

We will be leavin soon to drive up to penn and the mich. so i will be gone until jan 10th. But when I come back, i should have much goodies to show you since the idea book goes live in Feb and Jan is our preview month.

plus wanted to let you know, today only , thur 16th, michaels has the pink atg guns for 19.99 no coupon needed. i let everyone i need to let know so i could get this great gun. hope you get yours too.

Holiday Bazaar

Okay, I promised to show pics of what I made at the Bazaar, so here are some.

These are made for coffee sleeves. I always said I was going to make something with these and now I have. ( I was a barista for 6 years. i always was looking at these.)

If you would like, I can show you how I made these.Gift TagsMore gift card holders. These are made from Toilet paper rolls.(Sorry about these photos. This is the 3rd time I have uploaded them and the keep turnning sideways. )

These are Mirror ornaments that I stamped on with Staz-on. I painted over the stamp image on the bird. I didn't want him brown.

I got the idea for these from Heidi Swapp's blog. So simple.8x8 scrapbook pages for the wall. I made one more, can't seem to find the pic of that oneCount Down Calanders. I thought these turned out really cute.

I made more, but I will blog those later. Don't want the post to be too long. Again, If you want me to show you how I made the coffee sleeve gift card holders, just let me know

Most of the products are from Close to my Heart, including all of the stamps I used.

Ugh. I'm so sorry

Life has been crazy for me. For those who don't know, I am an army wife and where my hubby is stationed, he leaves for training alot. So while he is gone, I have to do EVERYTHING. I have a 3 yr old dog which acts like a 3 yr old kid and she demands alot of attention, and many walks. Plus I had a Holiday Bazaar I did at the last minute. Talk about stressful, try crafting for days straight all day. Brain becomes mush. And with my crafting ways, as in if I have crafters block I cannot move on til I get over that one part. (is anyone else like this, because I find it very annoying.) It was one heck of a week. But that does mean I made alot of goodies I get to show off. And maybe even a tut for yous, if you want one. I promise I will try to blog more often then just for the blog hops, which I forgot to sign up for this month. :( But this blogging more often prob won't happen til after the holidays. We are going home to Mich for xmas, gone for 3 weeks. I prob won't get much crafting done while I am gone, even tho majority of the gifts I asked for where craft related. Oh man, I just bummed myself out. Just realized I won't be able to play with most of my goodies til I get back to Cali. :(. Crafters, shed a tear for me. okay, done with being sad about the future. I can be sad in the future. I think i am done with my rant. Hope to see you soon (on my behalf, im the lazy, busy, forgetful one. maybe you are too, but i don't know that)

November Spotlight Blog Hop

Welcome to the blog hop



you should have just come from Melinda Everitt Next Blog hop is Luisa


This month's hop is all about Christmas stamps. Right now all I have is the A timber stamp. But this a great stamp, and its only $7.95. How can you beat that?


Tags I made, very simple to do and makes any gift more personal.




Recipe : Close to my Heart

Cardstock - white daisy, tulip

B&T - Perfect day, Olivia

Stamps - A Timber, Chocolate Alphabet Small

Ink - Pear, Tulip, Creme Brulee

Creme Brulee Grosgrain Ribbon

Corner Rounder
Sassy Strands

I used A Timber to make tags. Tags are great cause you use them for so much. Below I used a tag on a card. Makes a great focal area.


Recipe: All Close to my Heart


Cardstock - White Daisy, Tulip


B&T - Perfect Day, Olivia, Veranda


Stamps - A Timber


Ink - Pear, Creme Brulee, Tulip, White Daisy


Booksmart Dimensional


Colonial White Mini Medley


Pearl Opaques


Sassy Strands


Ok enjoy the hop, next is Luisa

Broadcast Today

Shortly I will be doing my video watch live at Ustream Or watch the recording at any time. After the broadcast I will post what I used and pics. Email me at nikkageers@yahoo.com with your email address if you would like to order. And for the month of Nov, when you spend $100 not only will you get the stamp of the month for free, Close to my Heart will buy you another stamp set for free.

I'm Changing the date

to next sat, Nov 6th. Too many people have other things to do. see you then

Today is the day

My online video will be posting today at 3pm (pacific time). It will air live but also be recorded to watch at any time. Nikka on Ustream After the video, I will post the items I used and start the online gathering. If you would like to order, send my your email and I will send you an order form. Just a reminder, If you wait til Nov, Close to my Heart will buy you a stamp of your choice (A, B, C or D stamp only) when you spend $100. Plus you also get the Stamp of the month, A Little Thanks, for free as well.

Online Gathering and Ustream Video

On Oct 30th I will be doing a live video on 3 interactive christmas cards. If you cannot make the live show, it will be recorded.

I will also have an online gathering were you can order your products to make your own christmas cards. It will be open from the Oct 30th to Nov 5th. If you wait till Nov to place your order,Close to my Heart will buy you a stamp set when you spend $100, plus you also get the Stamp of the Month for free.


If you would like to order, just leave your email and I will send you an order form

My Ustream channel
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/create-your-vision

We are still doing the candy.

Since i haven't come to fifty friends yet, I decided to give this out during this months blog hop. Two rule, join me as a friend and leave a comment. If you link you blog to mine, let me know and you we get to enter twice. And I have a lot more coming on the way. I will be doing an online Workshop thru Ustream and other items i willteaching on Ustream. Look forward, you will be seeing alot more of me soon


~nikka

October Blog Hop - Christmas Gifts

WELCOME

Here is October's Blog Hop for Close to my Heart. 11 consultants will show you how to make beautiful gifts with our products. You should have come here fromWendy K

This is a christmas card with a twist. The picture is framed and removable from the card. So after christmas they have a picture to keep on their mantel or wall

For the frame, I used Desert Sand cardstock to make a frame, stamped with flourishes with Tim Holtz Distress Inks ( I know, not CTMH but I really wanted that color). Then I cracked the frame by embossing it 3 times with UTEE and placed it in the freezer. Once it was cooled, I cracked it and went over it with Brown Staz-On.

Recipe : all Close to my Heart unless Stated

Cardstock - Desert Sand, Bamboo

B&T - Olivia

Ink - Pear, Brown Staz-On, Tim Holtz Distress Ink Fire Brick (Ranger)

Stamps - Circle of Love, A Little Everything

Booksmarts Dimensional Elements

UTEE (Ranger)

Pleated Ribbon (PinkPaisley)

This tent card does double duty as well since the center is removable and can be hung on the tree. Plus it is a shaker box.

Recipe : Close to my Heart unless stated

Cardstock - Colonial White, Tulip

B&T - Veranda, Perfect Day

Ink - Creme Brulee, Tulip, White Staz-On

Stamps - A Timber, Cherished Flourishes

Die Cuts - Labels 4 (spellbinders)

Glitter Ribbon (Big Lots)

Micro Beads (unknown)

Acetate (from stash)

Ornament hangings (from stash)

I made this artwork for my open house to show what you can do with tags. These tags were very simple to make and would make a great gift.
Here is the close up of the tages. The hardest part was doing the rosettes. First because I didn't have any Pear cardstock so I dyed copy paper. The circles have Glitter Glitz rubbed all over them. I also stamped a border stamp on the letters.

Recipe : Close to my Heart unless stated

Cardstock - White Daisy, Tulip

B&T - Zippidee

Copy paper

Ink - Creme Brulee, Pear, White Staz-On

Stamp - A Timber

Cindy Loo Cricut (provocraft)

Glitter Glitz

Corner Rounder

Black Hemp

Frame (dollar store)

mini clothespins (unknown)

Thanks so much for enjoy my blog post. The next on the hop is Jill

I'm Back, just without net temp.

Finally made it home from my two month trip to Michigan. I was so busy, when I wasn't sick. I hosted a Operation Write Home party last month, I will be posting the cards soon. I am temp. without net so I won't be posting unless I take my dog for a walk and go down where there is Wifi. Darn net, I want you to work at home. I will have stuff to post when I am able to.

My art for sale

I've been bad about post while in Mich. But I have been working on art. I am doing a garage sale for my mom and decided to sell some of my artwork there as well. More money to spend on new items from the catty. :)

My major items have been altered tiles and canvases.

This is the first tile I made. I was so glad how this turned out. The stamping on the tile turned out great. I am so happy.

I am having problems with this one. I dyed the satin ribbon with our new Lagoon ink pad, and this been done for a week now, but it is still absorbing thruthe top layer and staining it. I love how this looks, but don't know what to do about the staining. I already added an extra feather under the peacock to cover one stain. If anyone has a tip, I would be greatfull. I have not had this problem before. This is the same ribbon I have dyed before.

August Spotlight Blog Hop

Sorry that this post is late. I have been sick and out of town. Here its is. Better late then never.

August blog is featuring background stamping. For my post, I took pattern paper and altered it with stamps to make my own paper. This is great for when you have paper that really doesn't work, you can make it work.

You should have came from Tracy's Blog Next on the Hop is Jen.

I took B&T paper from Zippidee and used a background stamp, then a flower stamp in circles of the paper. Then I added small stamped dots on the edge of the circle. Then I added a swirl the same color as the background.


For this card, I did a technique called Ghosting on the B&T paper. I stamped the damask pattern on a script paper with Versamark and embossed it with clear embossing powder. Then I inked the paper with Sunset and added some depth with Chocolate. Then I removied the embossing powder by ironing it off onto a scrap piece of paper.

I back....TESC123

I've been in Mich for a while now, but haven't really posted. Been to busy to. Here is some art. It a sketch challenge from Taylered Expressions .

Recipe : Close to My Heart unless stated

Cardstock - Colonial White, Juniper, Tulip

B&T - Jingle, Perfect Day

Ink - Tulip

Stamp - Serendipity

Organdy Ribbon

Stardust Glitter Glitz

Clear Inspirations Believe

Buttons (unknown)

Pearls (unknown)

Hole Punch

Scallop Scissors

Help me reach 50 Followers

Once I reach 50 Followers, I will give away some blog candy. I will list you twice in the drawing if you happen to help me out with this by posting a link on your blog. Please let me know you are doing this by posting a comment. And don't forget to join this weeks weekend challenge. Enjoy.

Just some good luck

I ave been winning some blog candy, whic is awsome. and i just won some more for papercrafts blog. WOOOHOOO. makes me happy even tho i am pain from the surgery.

I am heading out tonight to the airport and will be in michigan tomarrow. once I get settled in i will start posting pics again. and even show off my goodies. :)

Birthday blog candy

Inkedispirations is celebrating her birthday by giving away 5 (you heard it, 5) bundles of candy. check it out

color guide blog

This can combine all colors from CTMH. Check it out

Cricut Cake Blog Candy @ Creating From The Heart

Over at Creating From The Heart Melissa is giving away a cricut cake. Can you believe that!!! That is so cool. Go check it out.

Check out this great blog candy

Head over to Kellie's Blog to enter to win this blog candy. But if you win, you have to share cause I told about it. (just kidding)

New Challenge blog starting aug 2

This is a photo inspired challenge. Check it out. The first challenge starts Aug 2

Surgery is done and i won blog candy

HAd my surgery today. man do i hurt, that is what happens when they cut your stomach open and burn the outside of your uterius. plus i had a tube down my throat. not the best of days. But to make thing better, I have won 2 things of blog candy. I won last week at Runs With Paper and I won today at Tuesday Morning Sketches. Free stuff to play with will cheer me up. WOOHOO

I'm Gonna be gone for a while....

I am having surgery Monday and will be on bed rest. Then shortly after my bedrest, I am leaving to go to Mich. I will post again when I am all set up at my moms.

Tuesday Morning and Moxie Fab

It is week 2 of Tuesday Morning Sketch's birthday. Again you could use any one of there sketches (which I used sketch #48), but they also have a special prize if you use a Inktegrity image. I used their free digi image for this week.

I am also entering this card into Moxie Fab Card Style week. My card is in the style of Shabby Chic and Vintage Challenge.

I aged this card alot. I added rubons (you can bearly see them on the B&T) and the sanded the paper. I also inked with Desert Sand. I added faux stitching by inking my tracing wheel and adding it to cardstock. This is such a quick and easy way do it. I made the flower myself from lace and an applique I have had forever. The applique is almost as old as I am. I even added a little bit of Desert Sand to the lace so it wasn't so white.

Recipe : Close to my Heart

Cardstock - Colonial White, Vineyard Berry

B&T - Silhouette

Ink - Desert Sand, Black

Primavera Rub Ons

Vellum

Digi Image - Inktegrity

Embossing Powder

Pearl Strand ( RibbonFX)

Lace, Buttons, Ribbon Applique (unknown)

Tracing Wheel

Color Throwdown 100 and Tuesday Morning Sketches

Two blogs are celebrating big events this week. Color Throwdown is celebrating its 100th throwdown. Tuesday Morning Sketches is celebrating its 1st birthday. I made this special card just for this.

Colors are part of the Color Throwdown, Sketch is TMS40.

Recipe: Close to my Heart

Cardstock - Tulip, Parchment, Garden Green

B&T - Simple Pleasures

Ink - Blush, Tulip, Garden Green

Stamp - Felicity, Treasures of the Heart

White Daisy Just Blooms

Ribbon, Lace (other)

Rhinestones (other)

Weekend Challenge # 6

Ok. I am posting the sketch for you. But I have not made any samples yet...those will come soon.Here is the sketch....the challenge is to alter B&T paper. Take it any way you would like. Try to think outside of the box with this one tho.

I altered B&T with Emerging Color Resist. Check out Tresa Black Video on this technique at Ustream

I do these challenges for me, but I post them so other people can play along. I love to see what you can do with my ideas. Sometimes you come up with ideas I never would have thought of. So if you do play along, please add your link to the comments so I can check them out and admire your work. And don't forget to add you name to the list above for the blog candy if you link your site to mine. I am up to 19 followers now and very excited.

h2h challenge - city scape

this is my take of the city scape sketch from Wishes. Had lots of fun distressing the card. Even used a French Dictionary for the paper.

Recipe : Close to my Heart unless stated

Cardstock - Tulip, Colonial White

B&T - Notebook

Dictionary Papers (Oxford)

Ink- Tulip, Chocolate

Stamps - Adorable, Crackle (unknown)

Dimesionals - Booksmarts, Perennials ( as template)

White Daisy Just Blooms

Filigree Charms

Colonial White Ribbon Rounds

Colonial White Emboroidery Floss

3D Foam Tape

Walnut Ink Spray (Tsukinek)

Tracing Wheel (unknown)

Mojo Monday 146

This weeks sketch for Mojo Monday inspired this card.

Recipe :

Cardstock (Paper Studio)

Pattern Paper (Paper Studio)

Vellum (Paper Studio)

Ink - Chocolate, Creme Brulee (Close to my Heart), Gold (Paintbox)

Stamp - Chocolate Alphabet Small (Close to my Heart)

Just Blooms (Close to my Heart)

Colonial White Ribbon Rounds

Brads (Close to my Heart)

Gold Embossing Powder (Stamp Crafts)

Cross Stitch Canvas (DMC)

Another Paper Craft take

This is a Close to my Heart version of Paper Craft mag.

Recipe : Close to my Heart unless stated

Cardstock - Desert Sand Textured

B&T - Cherry-O, Notebook

Ink - Tulip

Stamp - Thank You

Irressitables

Colonial White Ribbon Rounds

Tulip Buttons

Colonial White Embroidery Floss

Blue Rhinestones (unknown)

Red Lace (walmart)

My take on a Just Cards card

Another take of the magazine card. Recipe : Close to my Heart
Cardstock - Cocoa
B&T - Veranda
Stamp - Follow Your Heart
Ink - Chocolate
Creme Brulee Ribbon Rounds
Antiqued Copper Mini Medleys
Cross Stitch Canvas

My take on the Paper Craft Card

I wanted to do more of girly vintage of the card in Paper Craft Mag. The flower is actually from a playing card. I got a bunch of old cards from my grandma-inlaw. There are some pretty backing of playing cards, and a great use for when you lose some cards.

Recipe : Close to my Heart unless stated
Cardstock - Desert Sand Texture, Outdoor Denim
B&T - Notebook
Stamp- Thank You
Ink - Chocolate
3D Foam Tape
Playing Card (unknown)
Cross stitch Canvas (DMC)
Sheer Ribbon (Jo-Anns)

Weekend Challege # 5

Welcome to this weeks challenge. Below is the sketch. The challenge is to do a one layer card with one ribbon. For those who don't know, a one layer card is just one piece of cardstock, no more paper added. So here is where you stamps shine. I had a hard time with one layer. One of the cards I made for this did not turn out. But now that I made some, they are so hard. I like the simplitic look that comes from one layer cards. Here are the two cards that did make it. Embossing is an easy way to decorate one layer cards because you can do it with just the cardstock. As you can see, I embossed on both cards.

Recipe : Close to my Heart unless stated

{Love} card

Cardstock - Parchment

Stamp - Treasures of the Heart, Chocolate Alphabet Small, A Little Everything, Serendipity

Ink - Chocolate, Garden Green

Colonial White Ribbon Rounds

D'vine Swirl Embossing Plate (Cuttlebug)

Congrats Card

Cardstock - White Daisy

Stamp - Doodle Alphabet

Ink - Black

Embossing Stylus

Black Dotted Organdy Ribbon (Michaels)

I have been having problems with linky, so just add you blog in the comments.

Can't wait to see yours.

CPS 173 - Birthday card

I have a birthday party to go to today and I made the card with the sketch from Card Postioning Systems.

The inside of the card. It holds money. I even decorated the envelope. This not part of the sketch. I made this cake box for some m&ms to give with the gift. I made candles by rolling up B&T paper and the flame is just paper folded in half.

Recipe : Close to my Heart unless stated
Cardstock - White Daisy, Cranberry, Black, Cocoa
B&T - Zippidee
Stamps - A Little Everything, Atomic Lowercase
Ink - Black
Dimensional Elements Stars
Edge Distresser
3D Foam Tape
Embossing Ink (Craft Smart)
UTEE (Melt Art)
Studs (unknown)
White Marker (Galaxy)
Envelope

I made my own embossing plate

I made my own embossing plates. I made them with cardstock. I just glued them down on a chipboard backer.This one I made with my hole punch.This one i made with my Sizzix die cut.This one I used my stamp and cut them out. Here is what they look like used. This one is the leaf on cardstock with garden green inking.This is the argyle on our B&T duo paper. This is the dot plate. I used it multiple times. Then I sanded it down with our cardstock that has a white core. Below these are these used in cards.


Recipe : Close to my Heart unless stated

Thank You card
Cardstock - Colonial White, Cocoa
B&T - Veranda
Stamps - Thank You, A Little Everything
Ink - Garden Green, Chocolate
Colonial White Ribbon Rounds
Basic Embroidery Floss
Sanding Kit
Corner Rounder
A-door-able (as template)
3D Foam Tape
Chipboard (unknown)
Leaf Stem Die cut (Sizzix)
Buttons (Making Memories)

So Blessed card
Cardstock - Colonial White
B&T - Caboodle, Perfect Day
Stamps- Treasures of the Heart, Felicity
Ink - Sorbet
Big Pink Just Blooms
White Daisy Grosgrain Ribbon
3D Foam Tape
Buttons (Making Memories)

Party card
Cardstock - White Daisy, Watermelon
Stamp - Do Nothing
Ink - Juniper, Black
Liquid Glass
Sanding Kit