Stampin Rita

My Scrapbook Room

2011-11-21T16:59:00.001-05:00

Here is my humble abode of a scrapbook room! This is the family headquarters...homework, decisions, discussions, finances, phone calls, planning, web surfing, scrapbooking, card making, and gift making...it ALL happens in this room! The kids know they're about to get a "talkin" when I ask them to pull up a chair at my desk! LOL! But seriously, this is the spot in the house where most everything happens...I suppose it's because I'm always at my desk (if not the kitchen!) :0)

Most of the furniture is from Ikea. The all too affordable & functional Expedits frame my desk and most of the walls. I love the black furniture finish against the creamy latte colored walls with red accents that really POP. Anyways, I've had a vision for the fourteen years I've been scrapbooking and it's finally come to fruition! I do truly enjoy spending time in my scrapbook room and having a consistent place for the kids to work on projects, homework and whatever else they do.

I hope by sharing these pictures you feel inspired to organize, decorate or just scrapbook today!

Happy Scrappin!

Ultimate Scrapbook Rooms!

2011-11-20T14:27:00.001-05:00

I came across (gotta love google) these two amazing pictures of scrapbook havens! I love the white with red accents in the first picture, and LOVE the chandelier in the second pic!! I also think the white adds a crisp brightness, and allows all the other colorful accessories to pop beautifully!

I so wish I was disciplined enough to organize/decorate my scrapbook room like this...bah humbug. I'm going to clean up my room this week and will post pictures soon.

Happy Scrappin'!

Thanksgiving!

2011-11-19T09:59:00.001-05:00

How adorable are these chocolatey turkeys??

I saw these at the Our Best Bites blog and had to share them with you! Definitely check them out, they have lots of wonderful ideas!

Thanksgiving is fast approaching, and I'm happy to say that I've purchased all of my thanksgiving necessities...well, except for the turkey brine from Williams Sonoma. Since I'm attending an all day scrapbook crop today that happens to be by the mall, I plan on making a quick stop! :) After that I'll be ready for Thanksgiving...yay!

Oh, if you're wondering about the brine. I stumbled upon this blog entry at www.skinnytaste.com

that provides the details of the exact brining process I follow with the Williams Sonoma brine. Check it out! The end results are succulent, juicy, tender and unbelievably delicious turkey...everytime!

The brine is sold out online but hopefully you have a WS store near. Trust me, once you brine your turkey, you will never go back!

Have a wonderful weekend!

I'm back!

2011-11-07T17:44:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone! I've decided to reopen my blog for viewers! Sheesh, it's been a long time since I've posted. To be honest, it feels good to blog again. Although I am no longer an active CTMH consultant, I still feel that I can share creative artwork/information with you.

At the moment I don't have a specific direction of where my blog will go. I mean, when I was a consultant the content was obvious, right?! But now what? I don't really know, I suppose I'll figure it out in time.

Mayberry - Close To My Heart

2011-02-16T14:21:00.015-05:00

I chose to use the new Mayberry paper for a card swap. I love the spring feel and lively color combination. I also incorporated several new stamp sets, embellishments and techniques, check them out below!

Circle card featuring Close To My Hearts Canvas Badge Buttons (NEW!) and the Pearl - Opaques Adhesive Gems. Don't you just love the Crinkle Flower technique?!

This cute little altered flower pot is a Target dollar-bin find. I've seen them many times but didn't quite know what to do with them. BUT, when I saw them this time around I knew I wanted to incorporate them into my swap. They'd make perfect little gifts!

LOVE this card! I used the NEW #C1445 Bless this Nest stamp set and the NEW Craft Color-Ready Borders! LOVE THOSE! I simply sponged one strip with cocoa ink and it coordinated perfectly! These borders are so easy to use and best of all they're adhesive backed, definitely worth $5.95 (for 50 pcs!!)

When I saw the #C1460 His and Hers stamp set I just knew I had to have it! I used a couple of brads for the stove top knobs (too cute) and added some shimmery glitter to the stainless steel stove (can't really notice that detail). Notice the fun paper pleated technique!

Hope you feel inspired to create today!

Sweetheart - Close To My Heart

2011-02-14T11:14:00.001-05:00

These lovely SWEETHEART cards & gifts were made by a very special someone...Tracy Lunceford from Portland, Oregon. She is extremly talented and creative, I just adore her! We swap cards upon the release of each new CTMH Idea Book. It's always fun and exciting to see how we're going to "wow" each other next.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Wishing you a sweet day surrounded by the ones you love most!

Happy New Year!

2011-01-06T16:32:00.000-05:00

Hello! Well, well, well, it's been quite a while since I last posted! And you're probably wondering about that picture...up there ^! That's my DAD! The best dad in the world! One of my favorite guys other than my husband and son!

Truth is, I haven't posted much lately due to some family circumstances. You see, my parents were in NY for thanksgiving. I am so thankful to have spent that time with them. But during that time, I just knew, I had a feeling something wasn't right with my dad. You know the 'ol intuition was kicking in and I felt uneasy about it. I couldn't exactly put my finger on it at the time, but my dad just wasn't being...dad!

So the visit was short & sweet and off they went back to TX.

To make a long story short. The exact same day I convinced my husband to go home for Christmas was the same day I got "the" phone call, those dreadful phone calls...

My dad was rushed by ambulance to the hospital for chest pain. Chest pain wasn't all...sweaty, dizziness, shortness of breath and pain in the upper shoulder, neck & head. My mom assured me that he was fine. He stayed the night at the hospital, was sent home the next day with a follow up appointment with his physician.

At that point, I knew. I knew something was wrong. I knew my suspicions were valid. I needed to go home. I needed to be at that doctor appointment with them.

My mom called me at 11am and by 2pm I was at the airport! We went to the dr’s office on Thursday. They immediately arranged an angiogram to be done the following Monday. On Friday we went to the hospital for all the pre-op business. I was supposed to fly home on Sunday, but knowing the angiogram was scheduled for Monday, I stayed.

Monday rolls around and we leave Stephenville as happy campers expecting to return that evening. I never made it back to Stephenville. The angiogram is a 45 minute procedure. My dad was out in no time, 30 minutes tops! We thought that was a good thing…

Again to make this short. My dad had five blocked arteries and an aneurysm in the left main coronary artery. He had triple bypass surgery on Dec. 15th. The surgery went well, he was in ICU for 72 hours then transferred to the coronary step-down unit for another 72 hours.
As I type, he is safely recovering at home. It will be a long process but I have faith he will be back to normal in no time! That goes to show...always follow your instinct...I KNEW something was wrong with my dad during Thanksgiving. He finally admitted that he felt ill during the thanksgiving trip...SEE, I TOLD YOU SO!

After rescheduling my flight three times, I finally made it back to NY on Dec. 18th. THEN, my seven year old had surgery on Dec. 21st!!!

His was a simple procedure, an adenoidectomy. Nonetheless, it was stressful having to take him to the hospital at such a young age. No one wants to see their children in the hospital…especially with IV’s and such! It looked much scarier than it actually was. It was an outpatient surgery so we were home that evening.

Besides all of that….I still had to prepare for Christmas! And to prove when it rains, it really does POUR...my computer crashed on Christmas day!! UGH!

With all that said, December was an overwhelming month! I was happy to push 2010 back and welcome the NEW YEAR! I have been absent from the blogging world, but with good reason!

My computer is now up & running, Troy is back to his silly self and things seem to be getting back to normal.

So I close this novel of a post with...I am in the midst of creating some wintery pages for the Scrapbook Club, stay tuned…

Christmas Cards

2010-11-17T19:35:00.002-05:00

Ladies Night Out!

2010-11-09T12:06:00.000-05:00

Many thanks to everyone that attended the Ladie's Night Out at the historic Groom's Tavern. It was an evening full of shopping, prizes, snacks and great fun! I had an overwhelming response to some of my handmade gift items!!! YAY! The cocoa wallets and cupcake kits sold out almost immediately!

If you are interested in purchasing or learning how to make any of the items I had available, please contact me directly at rita_mefford@yahoo.com or 518-280-3573.

Congratulations to Jenn for winning the Magnifique hostess basket!! She won a free scrapbook class for six plus a cute basket full of goodies!

Olivia scrapbook pages - Close To My Heart

2010-11-02T19:36:00.001-04:00

Happy Halloween

2010-10-31T12:45:00.001-04:00

Some of my favorite spooky cards from the past!

Wishing you a safe & happy halloween!

Magnifique Ladies Night Out & My gift to you!

2010-10-29T12:18:00.000-04:00

Clifton Park presents the 4th annual

Ladies Night Out

Friday November 5th, 2010

5pm - 8pm

Join me for an evening of relaxation and shopping as local vendors have their house party at the Historic Grooms Tavern.

Bring your mom, daughters, friends and co-workers!

Get your holiday shopping done early while pampering yourself, you deserve it!

~No Entrance Fee, Door Prizes & Refreshments, 20+ Vendors~

The Magnifique basket featured in this post will be raffled as a door prize!

~ Host a free scrapbook class for you & five friends and get your very own basket with handmade invitations (my gift to you!).

November & December dates available. Don't delay, contact me today! ~

Lucky 7!

2010-09-29T19:23:00.001-04:00

This is my son, Troy. We celebrated his seventh birthday this past Monday {sniff}. I just can't believe he's seven. He's growing up waaaaay to fast. He's at the stage of NOT giving me a goodbye kiss OR hug at school. But I really can't complain because he still cuddles with me in the morning, gives me lots of kisses before bed and says I'm the best mom in the world! :0)

We're having a birthday bash for him on Friday (at Chuck E. Cheese's) but still had a family celebration at home (see photo above). I also had to include a soccer picture of my little stud. I love his little sheepish grin in this pic.

Wish me lots of fun and patience on Friday!

Happy Birthday, Troy!

Hooligans Artwork / Team Swap

2010-09-14T20:03:00.001-04:00

As promised! Here's the Hooligans artwork I created for a team swap! I am absolutely in LOVE with this paper. It is so bright, fun and totally perfect for Halloween but still versatile enough for plenty of other purposes. The cute little purse has wrapped nuggets inside, perfect for a teacher gift!!!! Hope you like everything and feel inspired to create today!

Click here to view & order the entire Hooligans line!

Bieber Fever!

2010-08-26T00:55:00.000-04:00

The Biebs!
Daisy (my daughter) & Jordan

Crazy, crazy, crazy Bieber fans!

Tonight was the Justin Bieber concert at the Times Union Center. The concert was an early birthday present for Daisy, my daughter, whom will be the BIG 13 on Monday. It was a fun night filled with SCREAMING girls! I mean seriously, think about it, thousands of girls screaming at the tops of their lungs! God bless the lady that so generously gave me a package of ear plugs!
Anyways, the girls had a blast, met up with friends and wound up in the front row on the left side of the stage!! I watched them from above and enjoyed watching my baby girl dance her little bootie off! Aaaaaah, to be that young again! It makes me so very happy to see her happy...the many blessings of being her mom! ~Love you D!~

We finished the night by going to Friendly's for some fries & burgers! Then home to upload the pictures as soon as possible so they could share them on Facebook! After tonite, I can without a doubt say I've witnessed the Bieber Fever!

Back to School Card Workshop $5 or Free!

2010-08-19T23:11:00.000-04:00

Here's a Back to School Workshop for you!

Join me for this fun workshop where you'll make three adorable cards and a box band. I'll show you how create a pocket card, how to *build* your own background stamps and how to add personalization to a simple box of pens or pencils! Don't delay, RSVP today, space is limited!

Workshop Fee: $5 or Free when you place any order of $20 or more.
Workshop Dates: Friday September 3rd @ 7pm or Sunday September 5th @ 5pm
RSVP : Contact me at rita_mefford@yahoo.com or 518-280-3573 by August 31st, 2010 OR register NOW on the left side bar!

Can't attend the workshop? Order your kit for only $8, it includes postage, prestamped images and precut paper delivered right to your door!

Tools To Bring: Adhesive, 3-D foam dots, scissors, glue dots

~Two $1 lottery tickets (for pocket card) and a box of pencils or pens as shown in picture~

Classy & Fabulous!!

2010-08-14T00:33:00.000-04:00

I am lovin' my new custom blog banner, aren't you?!!!! Stinkin' C-U-T-E!!!! I've been revamping my blog, website and overall business concept. I have many new things in store for you, so check back soon or subscribe to my newsletter (by entering your email address on the right column)and be the first to know!

Making changes!

2010-08-06T14:54:00.000-04:00

My blog is under construction! In the next couple of days my blog & CTMH website addresses will change. I apologize for the inconvenience but know that I have a purpose!!!!!

You can continue to visit my blog at http://www.istamphearts.blogspot.com/ for the next couple of days until it begins to redirect the traffic to my new domain http://www.stampinrita.com/ . You'll want to resave my blog to your favorites in order to skip the redirecting process in the future. MY CTMH website will not redirect to the new address so please take note of the new change.

My new blog address is www.stampinrita.com
My new CTMH website address is http://stampinrita.myctmh.com

Why the change? I'd like to keep the iStamp Hearts name exclusive to my CTMH team. I feel that the title does not reflect what is actually in my blog! My blog is just that, my blog! I've started a Facebook team page and that is where I will carry on with the iStamp Hearts "brand". Of course there are other reasons but this is the main one!

Will my blog change? No. Just the domain/address and overall look will change. Content will continue & improve in the near future!!! YAY!! I have lots of ideas & changes...if I could just find the time to do it all!!!!

Top 5 Favorite Memories at Convention!

2010-07-23T18:17:00.000-04:00

So I've been wanting to post this "post" but haven't been able to. I've had it saved in my draft folder for a couple of weeks! The reason it's so late is...I'm in Texas! Not that there isn't internet in TX, but in Stephenville...wifi is limited! I tried going to Starbucks every morning for at least an hour to catch up on things...but that didn't last long! Soooo, I'm lucky to have some wifi time right now and wanted to post it!!!

#1 -- Spending time with my sister! Yep, my sister is a CTMH Consultant too! This was her first time attending a CTMH Convention. We had a blast swapping cards, being roommates, making new friends and reconnecting with other Western Heart team members. It was an unforgettable experience and I was fortunate to spend it with my sister!

#2 -- Hanging out with the girls at Pose!, the Gaylord's rooftop nightclub! Pictured above are my girls Lupita Garza of Dallas, TX; Cindy Denning of Stephenville, TX; ME of Clifton Park, NY; Melissa Robinson of Arlington, TX & Lulu Healy of El Paso, TX! We might only see each other once a year but when we do...it's all about having a good time!! We went out several nights in DC, but this night in particular was by far the most memorable. We laughed, danced, laughed and danced some more until 2am!! Even though we had to wake up bright & early the following morning...I would totally do it all over!

#3--Journey to Director Dinner... It's a huge compliment to be considered a leader under Cindy Denning. She leads her team by example and I am honored to be a part of that team.

Cindy organized a J2D dinner the night before Leadership. We were able to chat, reconnect and enjoy each others company before the real "rodeo"(convention) started!

#4--HEATHER SNOW I absolutely love this girl! I met Heather for the first time in 2008 at the CTMH Convention in Orlando. She was my roommate along with Stacy Park & Melissa Robinson (pictured below). Heather & I hit it off and have been friends ever since. Since 2008 we've met at Disneyland with our families, chat online and generally keep in touch via the web. She's one of the sweetest people I've ever met and I can't imagine going through Convention without her!

#5-- Melissa = Girls Night Out = FUN! This little lady is a total firecracker! She's one of those people that you know you're going to have a good time with! She's always game for a night out and that is exactly what we did in DC! Can't wait for CA in 2011!

I LOVE my team!

2010-07-15T13:18:00.000-04:00

I was honored to have three downline in attendance at Convention this year!

As a token of appreciation for all they do, I presented them with a decorated box full of soft peppermints and a Scrap Queen tshirt (not pictured)! I worked hard on altering the mint boxes but the results were definitely worth it! They are stinkin' cute!

Convention 2011 will be held in California at the Disneyland Hotel!! Join my iStamp Hearts team and experience everything CTMH has to offer!!

5 Inspiring Artboards!

2010-07-15T13:04:00.000-04:00

These are a small sampling of artwork pictures I took at Convention in DC. I hope you enjoy looking at them and feel inspired to create today!

Click on each photo to enlarge!

Almost time...

2010-07-03T18:45:00.000-04:00

In just two days I'll be leaving to DC for the CTMH National Convention!!!!!!!! I'll be there Monday thru Sunday...heeeeey!

Monday & Tuesday is reserved for sightseeing with my pals. Can't wait to see Heather, Stacy, Melissa, Cindy, Teri, Robin, Tracy, Lisa (my sister), Carol, Debi, and many others! These gals are true friends that inspire me on many levels. They're real, genuine, honest and just good 'ol people...free of drama & crazy, love them!

Leadership day takes place on Wednesday. Leadership is designed to train and inspire business builders. It's an intense day of business classes with instruction on building and mentoring your downline. Leadership day will also include a sneak peek at new fall product, includes lunch and a special gift!

This year at Convention...I'll be an Extravaganza Group Leader!! YAY me!! I'm so eager to assist the corporate team during this important day. Extravaganza will feature incredible artwork and we'll learn about cutting edge topics & trends. This is the most talked about experience of the whole event....exciting!!!

Then Friday & Saturday are packed with business & creative classes. Convention will come to a joyous end on Saturday with a fabulous closing banquet. A special evening of dinner, dancing and tear-inducing laughter as we're entertained by comedian Anita Renfroe.

It's sure to be an amazing week and I am more than ready!!!!!!!!!

CTMH National Convention

2010-06-28T22:02:00.000-04:00

In just one week I'll be driving down to Washington DC for CTMH's 2010 National Convention!!! I seriously can't wait to see all of my dear friends! I've had the splendid opportunity to meet some amazing ladies through CTMH. I can not imagine experiencing Convention without some of these gals!!! WOOHOO!!!

Convention is being held at the Gaylord National Resort. It's the perfect location for another memorable CTMH Convention. It features a gorgeous 18-story glass atrium, amazing views of the Potomac River & Washington DC and a flourishing multi-level indoor garden. And it's only minutes away from all the major landmarks and museums DC has to offer. How exciting!

I've been busy making roommate & downline gifts, swap cards, and planning my wardrobe for the week. I'm so stinkin' excited! I'll try to post Convention updates, so make sure to check back next week...

Schools O-U-T!!!

2010-06-24T10:05:00.000-04:00

I can not believe the end of the school year is here! Today is the last day of school for our district. You know what that means?? SLEEPING IN!!!!! Both kids have half days today so I need to get things done before they get here, so let me give you the deets on these cuties!

I always wait until the last minute to do things, I like to say it's because I work better under pressure...:0)....well, last night was one of those "do or die" moments! I watched tv until midnight then finally decided to start working on these teacher gifts.

I needed something fast, easy and super cute (because I was so tired by then!)...I totally accomplished that! I purchased several gift cards for Troy's teacher, reading tutor and bus driver. I used the Cricut / Doodlecharms cartridge to cut out the apples & bus. (the apples are 5") I then made a mini tote bag for his teacher and mini pouches (like a cd sleeve) for the other two. It was so easy to make the pouches & bag with the ScorPal (love that thing)! Once I decided on the design of everything, I seriously whipped these out in no time! Hope you like them!

Each gift card was adhered to an apple with a removable glue dot and a simple bow as the finishing touch ------> EASY, PEASY!

Supplies used: CTMH cardstock, DCWV Grade School stack and misc embellishments

Topstitch Cards

2010-05-20T16:38:00.000-04:00

Here's some fun Topstitch cards I made one afternoon. I love this paper pack and hadn't used it, so I got it out and this is what I came up with! Notice another flower pot card...I just love it, it's my new fave template!

Cherry-O Creative Basics cards

2010-05-20T16:16:00.001-04:00

So these are some cards I made recently for a team swap. So cute, huh?! I used the CherryO Creative Basics and some new stamp sets. The elephant card is my fave, how cute is he?! Also new this summer, that I used on the elephant card, is the CTMH Clear Cards...click here for info on those! Thanks for looking, hope you like!

New features!

2010-03-15T10:31:00.001-04:00

I added some new features to my blog today. The first, you might already be listening to, is RM's CHILL MUSIC playlist! I love it!!!! Why not jam out while cruisin' the web!!! Play it loud, sing along and have a total jam fest in the privacy of your own home, it's a bit less embarrassing and on the DL (down low) than blaring the speakers in your swagga wagon (minivan)!!! Baaaahaaaahaaaa! Seriously, I LOVE Adam Lambert! American Idol just isn't the same this season....no Adam, no Paula....UGH! But that's a whole other story I don't want to get into today!

Next, I added three blinkies/badges of my fave card sketch websites. They will be listed on the right column at all times...so either save them to your faves or know that they're here if you need them!

Oooooooh, Let's Get It On by Marvin Gaye is on....looooooove that song, I just want to sway back & forth and smile! Have a great day!

The last of Oldies but Goodies

2010-03-13T11:04:00.000-05:00

I love these cards! Notice the first two cards are the same pattern except completely different paper & embellishments but both equally adorable! The "smile" card was made by my very creative downline Liz Brooner. I made the flip flop card in 2008 for each attendee of the Palm Springs scrapbook retreat.

Oldies but Goodies Part 4

2010-03-11T13:20:00.001-05:00

I love, love, love both of these cards and the best thing about them is...I didn't even make them! The pink one was given to me by my upline Cindy Denning and the blue one was made by my awesome downline Robin Taylor! Notice the same stamp set was used for totally different looks, beautiful!

Oldies but Goodies Part 3

2010-03-10T10:26:00.001-05:00

Oldies but Goodies Part 2

2010-03-09T07:57:00.001-05:00

Here are two of my old faves! I'll never get tired of the Free Spirit paper pack (still available). It's been my favorite ever since it's debut. Come back tomorrow for Part 3 of Oldies but Goodies!

It's a BOY!

2010-03-08T19:11:00.000-05:00

I whipped up this card tonight for a downline in CA. She just had a baby boy and I'm so excited for her! I'm sending the baby a cute little outfit along with this darling card made just for him! CONGRATULATIONS Rocio!!!

Oldies but Goodies...Part 1

2010-03-08T09:56:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Oldies but Goodies Part 1, a five part series of handmade cards made by me in the past! Everyday for the next five days I will post favorite cards of mine. Some stamp sets, paper & embellishments will be discontinued items but the cards are so stinkin' cute not to share! Most of them will be "pre blog era" therefore being posted on my blog for the very first time!!!

If you have any questions about anything, feel free to comment on the post or the chat box on the right! Have a great day!

March Stamp of the Month...earn yours FREE!

2010-03-05T10:41:00.001-05:00

Veranda Creative Basic cards made by me (inspired by Lisa Spence). Scroll down to view a complete list of CTMH supplies used to create these beauties!

You'll love the Veranda Creative Basics collection with pretty papers & coordinating ribbon to craft many cards in no time! Includes 12 sheets of B&T paper (6 each of 2 designs shown) and 4yds of Creme Brulee grosgrain ribbon with White Daisy stitching!

Order your Veranda Creative Basics collection for only $7.95!

A Little Eveything #D1408

The March stamp of the month is A Little Everything! It's a versatile stamp set that can be used all year long! Earn yours today for free or at an incredible discount...click here for more details!

CTMH supplies used

Stamps: March Stamp of the Month

Paper & Ribbon: Veranda Creative Basics

Cardstock: Cocoa, Desert Sand, Colonial White

Inks: Desert Sand & Creme Brulee

Embellishments: Just Blooms Spring Blossom, Bitty Sparkles, Juniper Brads

Veranda Creative Basics Artwork designed by Heather Dennis

2010-02-05T07:58:00.000-05:00

Veranda Creative Basics cards created by fellow iStamp Hearts team member Heather Dennis. Heather did a fantastic job demonstrating the versatility of this paper pack! Heather lives in TX in the Dallas/Fort Worth area where she happily hosts scrapbook/card workshops & clubs. So if you live in the area, give her a call or check out her website for creative inspiration at heatherd.myctmh.com

For those of you not familiar with CTMH's Creative Basic paperpacks, please click here for more information. We currently offer four different varieties at an amazing price of only $7.95, each packet includes 20 sheets of B&T paper (2 designs - 10of each) and 4yds of coordinating ribbon! What a great price!?

I would like to thank Heather, Lisa, Robin and Tracy for participating in our team swap. We're on our 3rd round of swapping and this month's theme is birthday cards!

Would you like to be part of my iStamp Hearts team? Click here for more information...your opportunity awaits!

February Stamp of the Month

2010-02-04T10:58:00.001-05:00

This sweet card was made with the February Stamp of the Month...Piece of Cake! Every month CTMH offers you an exclusive stamp set FREE or at a large discount. The stamp set is available to qualifying customers for that month only. It's our way of saying thank you, and your way of getting fantastic deals on our amazing stamps!

Here's how to get your very own "Piece of Cake" (set of 10) stamp set!

When you spend $25 you qualify to purchase Piece of Cake at 25% off for ONLY $17.21

When you spend $50 you qualify to purchase Piece of Cake at 50% off for ONLY $11.48

When you spend $75 you qualify to purchase Piece of Cake for 75% off for ONLY $5.74

And when you spend $100 you receive Piece of Cake absolutely FREE!

To make the Piece of Cake card above, I used the That's Amore paper pack, chocolate ribbon, sparkles, and CTMH markers. I also used our blending pen to smooth and blend the colors on the cake platter & cupcakes. That's Amore paper is perfect for Valentine cards, treats or scrapbook pages!

All supplies used are CTMH and can be purchased through my website @ rita.myctmh.com

Baby Boy Album & Keepsake Box

2010-02-02T17:44:00.001-05:00

Front of Album
Album & coordinating Keepsake Box

Ribbon detail, lots of blue & brown!

Back of the album, click on the picture to enlarge...you must read the phrase!

One months, two months, three months, four mon....you get the idea (all the way to 12mths)!

Cute little hand print stamp from CTMH in Heavenly Blue second generation.

Album nestled in the box!

Baby Boy Album & Keepsake Box
Is this darlin' or what?! So here's the story, my mother-in-law asked me to make a baby shower gift for a friend. I accepted the challenge not only because I have tons of supplies on hand but because I've never made a baby shower gift! I procrastinated for about two weeks until it was finally crunch time and do or die, you know what I mean! I searched online (splitcoaststampers)for inspiration and gathered several ideas in which I would turn into my own little masterpiece.

VOILA...here we have it! I was somewhat stressed over not having a theme to work with, so I opted for neutral colors with the classic baby blue. I combined ribbon, buttons, metal tags, window charms, stamped images and cricut cuts for embellishing the album.

I actually made the album myself! I had some 12x12 chipboard pieces laying around and I cut them down to 6x6, which made a perfect 8 pg album! I don't like the color of chipboard, it's kind of drab and boring so I painted every page with acrylic paint (Country Tan #20778 Apple Barrel from Micheals). I then took the time to sketch my ideas on paper. Everything came together fairly quick after I had a general plan. Oh, the box....it's a "stacking box" from Micheals just recovered to coordinate with the album.

The baby in question is going to be named Christopher, hence the "c".
I had a grand time putting this together and I hope his mommy will love it too!

Topstitch Artwork created by Tracy Lunceford

2010-01-30T11:34:00.002-05:00

Beautiful Topstitch artwork created by fellow iStampHearts team member, Tracy Lunceford.

Sassy Purse Album

2010-01-30T08:39:00.001-05:00

I created this stinkin' cute purse album for the Skano After School program. Believe it or not but this chipboard album is from the $1 bins at Micheals! Gotta love that! It's an easy project, perfect for little girls. My daughter and her friend painted every single chipboard purse, 50 to be exact! After painting the chipboard I measured the base of the board for paper placement. I then coordinated the paper, embellishments and ribbon. After everything was cut, measured and prepped, I started adhering everything. Deciding which papers to put together and exactly where I wanted the embellishments took about 30mins. I then put everything together which took a little over an hour.

The sweet girls in my class squealed with excitement when I showed them their project! I hope you like it as well!

Update....:0(

2010-01-23T11:17:00.001-05:00

Hey everyone, I know I haven't posted consistently or updated my blog lately...all with good reason. My schedule, if any, is completely out of whack! After christmas, my daughter's bff visited from San Diego for a week. After her visit, I started volunteering at the school and teaching an afterschool scrapbook/card class. I also reorganized all of my holiday storage boxes into plastic storage bins...crazy & obsessive, I know! Needless to say, I've been stressed, busy, preoccupied and a bit frazzled...none of which excuse my blogging absence!

Soooo, with all that being said...my laptop is fried and currently sitting on a counter in Best Buy with a Geek Squad guy trying to save 5yrs of pictures and documents. I mean, seriously, for the last three days I've been utterly disoriented without my laptop. So I've been using my husband or daughters pc's every chance I get.

I predict I'll be getting my prized possession sometime this week. When that happens, I'll finish posting the TopStitch & Veranda Creative Basic swap pictures. Oh...and I'll post pics of a CUTE purse album I made for the afterschool program.

Until then, have a scrappin' great day!

You Rock artwork created by Rita Mefford

2010-01-12T09:04:00.000-05:00

I'm so proud of the very first iStamp Hearts team swap!

It was loads of fun and I was very impressed with everyone's work. Each person chose a new paper pack from the Spring Idea book and created five cards. We swapped with each other and now have artwork for each new paper pack to display at our workshops, without doing all the work ourselves!! We've started a second swap this month, it's a regular Card Swap. Each participant will design one card (x's the # of participants). The first swap was a Display Board swap so everyone had to design five cards (x's 5) but in exchange received five cards in each new paper pack! That's awesome, isn't it?!

If you're a consultant, swaps are the perfect way to build a sample basket. You can even start a swap amongst your customers or host a swap night. The possibilities are endless!

Join in the fun by becoming a part of my nationwide iStamp Hearts team!

Click here to join!

Veranda artwork created by Lisa Saldivar

2010-01-11T21:05:00.000-05:00

Veranda artwork created by iStamp Hearts team member: Lisa Saldivar

Lisa loves to incorporate techniques into all of her artwork. Her favorite CTMH products are Liquid Glass and Prisma Glitter (can you tell!!)! Lisa lives in the Dallas/Ft.Worth area in Texas where she hosts CTMH workshops & clubs. She can also be found, almost every weekend, cropping at the local scrapbook store!

Click here to browse her website or visit lisasaldivar.myctmh.com

Caboodle artwork created by: Robin Taylor

2010-01-10T10:32:00.000-05:00

These beautiful Caboodle cards were made by fellow team member, Robin Taylor. Robin is a CTMH consultant in the San Diego area. She offers fantastic monthly workshops where you can make great cards like these!

Visit her website for class details or creative inspiration robintaylor.myctmh.com

Close To My Heart New 2010 Spring Idea Book!!

2010-01-09T12:57:00.000-05:00

You'll fall in love with all the new paper, embellishments and STAMP SETS featured in Close To My Heart's Spring 2010 Idea Book.

View it online here or contact me today to receive a free copy!

Everyday this week, I'll post pictures of one new paper pack along with exclusive artwork created by my iStamp Hearts team members!

2009-12-31T18:17:00.000-05:00

Make your own Glitter Graphics

Christmas Greetings!

2009-12-25T12:59:00.001-05:00

Make a Smilebox greeting

Save 50-80% on exclusive Close To My Heart scrapbook/stamping supplies! Shop now @ http://rita.myctmh.com

2009-12-02T20:10:00.000-05:00

Get ready for a HOLIDAY HEYDAY with

Close To My Heart's online clearance sale!

Many items are 50% off, with some discounted as much as 80% off regular retail prices. The selection is incredible too! Shopping begins Wednesday, December 2, at 9 a.m. and continues through Thursday, December 17, 11:59 p.m. , or while supplies last.

Go to my website and click on 'shop online' then look for the link for the Holiday Heyday Clearance Sale. You'll want to get in on the amazing deals like My Acrylix stamp sets from $2 and My Reflections paper packets from $5. But that's not all! We have grab bags for $30 each, filled with over $100 in retail products. Plus, great shipping deals on orders over $100. Orders of $100+ have a flat rate shipping of $5

Join in on this Holiday shopping Heyday! Shop now at http://rita.myctmh.com

Introducing...JINGLE

2009-11-10T21:30:00.001-05:00

Jingle Level 2 paper pack $12.95

4 - sheets White Daisy Cardstock

2- sheets Juniper Cardstock

2- sheets Creme Brulee Cardstock

2 - sheets Tulip Cardstock

12 - sheets doublesided B&T paper (two of each shown)

Jingle Level 1 $9.95

4 - 12x12 Preprinted Layouts

1 - sheets Creme Brulee Cardstock

1 - sheets Tulip Cardstock

2 - sheets B&T paper (as shown)

2 - sheets Stickease sheets (one entire alphabet!)

Jingle Stickease $4.95

2 - sheets 9x12 Stickease

Don't you just love this color combination? Jingle is what you need to make scrapbook pages, cards and gifts this holiday season! And because CTMH always makes everything fast, simple & easy...we have ribbon and embellishments that coordinate perfectly with Jingle's color combination! Visit my website http://www.rita.myctmh.com/ to order a Level 1, Level 2, Stickease or order all three for only$27.85!

When you order all three Jingle sets you'll receive cardstock, B&T paper, stickers and alphabet stickers that coordinate beautifully! Start working on your holiday scrapbook pages, cards and gifts, order Jingle today!

Order all Jingle paper packs, Stickease and coordinating embellishments on my website http://www.rita.myctmh.com/

Gift Tags & More Workshop $10 (plus tax/ship)

2009-11-04T09:18:00.000-05:00

Workshop Fee: $10 (plus tax/ship)

Workshop Includes: Cardstock, B&T Paper, Workshop Guide, entire pkg Twinkle Brads, entire pkg Clear Sparkles, White Daisy Organdy Ribbon, Sorbet Ribbon, use of stamps, inks, prisma glitter and other misc. embellishments

Optional Purchase: stamp set New Fallen Snow #D1171 $22.95

Supplies to Bring: Cutter, Scissors, Bone Folder, Adhesive, GluePen, GlueDots, Piercing Tool

Join me for this sparkling fun workshop! This gift item is perfect for teachers, neighbors, family and friends! It's small, cute, handmade, cute, and best of all inexpensive to duplicate, did I mention cute? You'll make 10 glittery snowflake tags adorned with a prisma glitter, a clear sparkle & organdy ribbon. Store your tags in a handmade coordinating box, plus receive a workshop guide so you can make more at home! Your workshop fee includes full packages of Clear Sparkles & Twinkle Brads so you'll have plenty of things to take home! All this for only $10!! I think this workshop will fill up quickly so don't delay, RSVP today!

Can't attend a workshop? Don't live in the area?

Contact me for options of how you can participate via long distance!

All supplies needed for this project can be purchased on my website http://rita.myctmh.com/

Get this stamp set FREE!

2009-11-02T09:27:00.000-05:00

Each month Close To My Heart offers you a specially designed My Acrylix® D-size stamp set at a great discount or even free, available only through the Stamp of the Month program. The set, which retails at $22.95 is available to qualifying customers for that month only. It's our way of saying thank you for purchasing Close To My Heart products! So, how do you get in on the deal and snag our cute Stamp of the Month sets? Simple...

You Spend $25 You save 25% and pay $17.21
You Spend $50 You save 50% and pay $11.48
You Spend $75 You save 75% and pay $5.74
You spend $100 You get it FREE

Check back each month to see the current Stamp of the Month then contact me to place your order! email: rita_mefford@yahoo.com phone: 518-280-3573

website (order online) http://rita.myctmh.com/

FREE Acrylix "Clear" Stamps!!! November ONLY!

2009-11-02T09:18:00.000-05:00

It's a Stampaganza in November!

**Buy 2 stamp sets & get 1 FREE**

WHETHER YOU’RE A LONG-TIME FAN OF STAMPS OR ARE
just venturing into this fun hobby, now is the perfect time to
grab some My Acrylix® stamp sets!

From November 3–30, 2009, when you purchase any two stamp sets at full retail price you will receive a third stamp set of your choice FREE (of equal or lesser value)—a savings of up to $22.95!

Choose from any stamp set offered in any 2009 Idea Book or the current Product Review.
Take advantage of this month’s great offer to add to your
assortment of these innovative stamps.

Shop NOW at http://rita.myctmh.com/

2009-10-31T13:06:00.001-04:00

HaPpY HaLlOwEEn!

Myspace Graphics and Myspace Layouts

Freakishly cute teacher gifts!

2009-10-29T23:33:00.000-04:00

Seriously, are these cute or what?! I found this sweet little Italian bakery called Dolce & Biscotti. They have the BEST coconut cupcakes on earth! And don't get me started on their amaretto cookies, mmmm! Anyways, whenever I'm in the area I try to stop in for a treat.

So I went to D&B the other day and saw these darling cookies!! Guess what I did, I bought them all, I couldn't help it! I just loved them! I knew they'd be perfect as teacher gifts for Halloween. I brought these cuties home and wrapped them up in some cute Halloween paper from Kay & Co, added some bling, ribbon and a cute tag!! I hope Daisy & Troy's teachers will love them as much as I do!

November 2009 Workshops

2009-10-29T16:34:00.001-04:00

Jingle 40-Card Workshop $25 (plus tax&ship)

Holiday Planner Workshop $8

Around the Holidays Workshop $16 (plus tax&ship)

I'm so excited to offer three Holiday workshops in November. I am not offering a scrapbook class this month. I plan on creating a Christmas Album of some sort and will offer that in December or January. I'm thinking about a 10-15 page 12x12 workshop!! I don't know yet, it will be a lot of work, but I'm really eager to start on it. Keep checking for updates on that.

The card workshops have a rsvp/payment deadline due to ordering & preparation of the materials. However, if you miss a deadline just contact me and we can figure something out! Also if you're not in the area but would like a kit, I can ship one to you! (additional shipping applies)

Want to earn free product?? It's easy when you host a workshop or gathering (at my house or yours)! Gather your friends for a memorable Girl's Night Out. You choose the theme and I'll make 12 custom invitations for you! Contact me for more details...

My Art Room

2009-10-28T09:57:00.000-04:00

I am officially open for business! LOL! I am so thankful to my husband for always supporting my obsession! While house hunting, the realtor told me Lendall was very concerned about having a "scrap room" for me. She said it was the first time a husband had ever made that request..:0) Isn't that sweet, he's a keeper!

I'm not completely finished, I need curtains and table clothes. I'm still going back & forth with the color scheme. I love the hot pink & black accents, but my room is open to the rest of the house and it will totally clash with everything else. Just yesterday I saw some tan foam mats at Joann's. I'll probably buy those and try to coordinate with the rest of the house decor. But I really want a pink, girly, blingy room! Again, my husband is totally supportive, he says to do whatever I want!

Bag of Cards

2009-10-27T10:07:00.001-04:00

Here again, I was looking through some art pictures and decided to post this slideshow. I did this workshop in January and it's one of my favorites. I love the color combo and versatility of the cards made.

CTMH supplies used: Simple Pleasures paper pack, cocoa ink pad, cocoa ribbon, brads

Mickey Mailboxes

2009-10-27T09:45:00.000-04:00

I made these cute Disney inspired mailboxes for my 2008 CTMH Convention roommates. Because convention was in Orlando, I decided to go with the Disney theme. The mailboxes were filled with snacks and the paint can had a bottle of perfume for my upline!

Notice the glitter detail around the minnie ears.
I was looking through my Disney art/picture folder and found these cute little mailboxes I made last year. I used the CTMH Giggles & Grins paper pack (discontinued) and diecuts from SandyLion. They were fun to make and turned out super cute. The tin mailboxes are from the $1 Target bins. They're usually available around Valentine's Day, so I just stock up and stash them for special occasions!

Stinkin' Cute Saloon

2009-10-25T18:20:00.000-04:00

I made this stinkin' cute gift box today. I just love, love, love the way it turned out. All supplies are CTMH except the cowboy ribbon. I don't know why the "GiddyUp" paper pack was discontinued. Being from Texas it was, and still is, one of my favorites! I always reach for it when I'm making something for myself....and this little saloon is alllllll mine!

CTMH Supplies used: Giddy Up paper pack, Giddy Up stickease, 3mm brads

Yummy Fall Gifts

2009-10-21T17:49:00.000-04:00

Apple Butter Ingredients

Apples simmering with Apple Brandy, Apple Cider & Apple Juice

Pumpkin Bread Ingredients

Pumpkin Bread batter

7 Jars of Apple Butter & 3 Loaves of Pumpkin Bread (1 is missing...we were eating it!)

I have to apologize for not posting in almost a week! I've been a little busy!

I have a good friend named Julia. She's the kind of friend that inspires you to be a better person...correction...a better everything! I love her to pieces and I've learned so much from her. She's one of those friends that you know will be in your life forever. ** I love you Julia!** I'm adding that because I know she visits my blog, as a good friend should!

Anyways, Julia totally inspired and encouraged me to make/can my very own homemade Apple Butter! And because I have nothing else to do, I decided to make Pumpkin Bread on the very same day. It was a LOT of work but well worth it.

I've never canned anything before so I was completely clueless, thank G, for Julia! I mean, I can't believe I actually canned something!! Sooooo cool! I was so excited to hear the first jar "pop" last night...awesome!

Everything turned out so tasty, I decided I'll be gifting jars of Apple Butter and mini loaves of Pumpkin Bread for Thanksgiving. So I drummed up a list last night and I have a total of 13 teachers, 2 bus drivers, 6 neighbors and that's not counting all my family members. Needless to say, I'll be a canning wiz before Christmas! I was thinking for Christmas it would be cute to can some homemade salsa and gift it with a bag of chips! Or maybe do chips & salsa for Thanksgiving to eat during the football games? I don't know, whatever I do, I'll let you know.

I can already see cute little bags & jars decorated with CTMH Twitterpated or Evensong paper! My wheels are turnin'...I'll can everything! LOL!

Here are the links to the recipes I used:
Apple Butter: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Supreme-Apple-Butter/Detail.aspx?prop31=1
Pumpkin Bread: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Delicious-Pumpkin-Bread/Detail.aspx?prop31=2

Glitter without the mess!

2009-10-15T12:33:00.001-04:00

Okay, so these are my newest fave glitter item! These Spica glitter pens are amazing! They have a very fine tip with archival, acid-free, waterbased ink that contains crushed glass to give a unique and beautiful sparkle! And the best part is they're waterproof after drying.

I love to add glitter/sparkle to everything and these are perfect. I don't have to wait for them to dry like Stickles. Even though I love the prismatic effect of CTMH's prisma glitter and use it on special projects, these Spica pens are an easy & fast way to add some sparkle in a snap! Check them out at this website http://www.merriartist.com/Copic_Atyou_Spica_Glitter_Pens_s/771.htm or find them at your local scrapbook store. Because these are considered a specialty art item, you will not find them at the big box craft stores.

Whooooo loves you!

2009-10-15T12:33:00.000-04:00

Isn't this the stinkin' cutest owl you've ever seen! I just love this stamp set!

Now that I'm settling into a routine and put my art room together, I figured it was time to create some much needed thank you cards. I made 12 "whoo loves you" cards for my friends in California. I'll be mailing them this week inside a cute stamped envelope (i'll post a pic of those later). Anyways, I just know they're going to be uber happy when they get this card in the mail! I can already see their smiles!

Notice I used a circle window charm over the acorn to make my very own epoxy embellishment...super easy! All supplies are Close To My Heart!

CTMH Supplies: "Whooo Loves You" stamp set #C1323, Twitterpated paper pack, brown bag ink pad, chocolate marker, sponge for distressing edges, chocolate brads, circle charms, natural hemp & colonial white ribbon

Make this card by ordering the supplies on my website http://rita.myctmh.com

More bootiful cards!

2009-10-13T15:42:00.001-04:00

Today I was inspired to create a card using the CPS137 sketch found over at the CPS blog. I combined it with Jeanette Lynton's Color Me Monday color combo. If you've never visited these blogs I seriously advise you to get over there and check them out, they are full of creative inspiration!

All the products are CTMH except the buttons, cute little safety pins and of course the texture on the cardstock made with the Cuttlebug. I liquid glassed the trick or treat tag and filled in the bats with my awesome black Spica glitter pen! The b&t citrus leaf paper came from discountined single color paper packs. Hope you like the cards!!

CTMH Supplies used: BEWARE #D1381 stamp set, orange/black/sunny yellow cardstock, black brads, black embroidery floss, liquid glass, black ink pad.

Christmas Card Workshop Sneak Peek!

2009-10-05T13:49:00.001-04:00

Christmas Card Workshops coming soon!

I have two simply adorable Christmas Card workshops coming up! I can't wait to start promoting them. Stayed tuned for photo slideshows and make sure you come back & check my blog for updates!

My new blog www.istamphearts.com

2009-10-05T13:15:00.000-04:00

Even though I've been blogging for almost a year. I recently purchased my very own domain name, so I had to start a new blog. Somehow I made the mistake of deleting my account linked to my original blog www.ritamefford.blogspot.com so I no longer have access to it.

I've worked really hard getting this new blog going and I hope you continue to visit and find creative ideas!

For the time being you can still view my old blog, but after an undisclosed (per Google) time it will be removed from the web. So if there is something you need from that blog, just let me know!

This blog will operate much like my old one. The left column will feature current workshops, the center column will have my usual updates and the right column will have CTMH business related information.

Halloween Cupcake Box Workshop

2009-10-05T13:11:00.000-04:00

I'm so excited about this Workshop, it's so fun! The original idea came from Lisa Spence. I just changed it up to a Halloween theme and the results are SpOOktAcuLar!!!

Make this cute Cupcake Kit for a teacher, coworker, friend or for yourself!! After baking the delicious cupcakes, use the box to store Halloween cards, pictures, stickers, ribbon or anything Halloween related!

Kit includes Memory Keeper Box, Cardstock, Cupcake Template, use of stamps, inks & markers. Kit does not include cupcake contents. All paper is precut.

Workshop Fee: $13

What you should bring: Scissors, Adhesive, Cake mix (box), sprinkles, cupcake liners, cupcake picks & your choice of candy! I purchased the sprinkles, liners & picks at Micheal's. I then purchased the Hershey's Halloween mini-chocolates which happened to coordinate perfectly at Wal-Mart!!

6 for $6 Halloween Card Workshop

2009-10-05T12:57:00.000-04:00

Your family & friends will love getting one of these cute cards for Halloween! At this workshop you'll make six cards for $6!

Guests will have the option of participating in a birthday card swap, we can always use birthday cards!

Tools to bring to this workshop: Cutter, scissors and piercing tool
Workshop Fee: $6

Halloween Scrapbook Workshop

2009-10-05T12:43:00.000-04:00

Join me for this fun-filled Halloween Scrapbook Workshop. You'll make all four pages, 2-two page layouts ready for pictures of your little goblins! Guests will have the option to join in a halloween card swap! You won't want to miss this workshop! Visit my website www.rita.myctmh.com for available dates & payment deadline.

Tools To Bring to this Workshop: Cutter, pencil, adhesive, and a piercing tool

Workshop Fee: $15