Busy Busy!

When did it get to be October already?! Lots of crafty projects have been under way since then. First there was Hannah's Halloween costume... she found some green fabric with black sparkly velvet spiders that she couldn't live without, so she's going to be a spider fairy. Here's what we've got:

I also made a green and black tutu, but apparently I didn't take pictures of that yet. Then we had an order for a yellow and black baby quilt for a former co-worker's new baby. I'm so happy with the way the quilt turned out - I just love the colors together! The blocks are a mix of cotton, flannel, linen, and corduroy, and the back is yellow minky.

And yesterday Hannah and I made this wreath:

I was inspired by a wreath in the Williams Sonoma catalog that was $90 - definitely not something we could afford right now! So we made a trip to Michael's, where all of their fall floral decor was 50% off and whipped up this baby! Again, pretty happy with the way it turned out! Finally, I started a quilt for Hannah for her birthday which is coming up at the end of the month. As usual, I had WAY more help than was really necessary while I was laying out the blocks! Monkay has to get her two cents in wherever she can...

This is similar to a quilt I have listed in my Etsy shop, but I chose a few different fabrics for this one, as well as special butterfly fabric for the back. I haven't gotten any sewing done on this one yet; it's sitting in pieces on my dining room table. I have several items to add to my shop, so hopefully I can get to that before the weekend's over.

K.I.S.S.

We've all heard it before; we all know what it means: Keep It Simple Stupid. Well I must admit that I'm the "stupid" in this case, the simpleton if you will. Every night at dinner Monkay and I play a glorious game that causes me fits of laughter. On occasion we have to give Monkay a gentle reminder to play the game, as she can be somewhat of a simpleton as well. Here's how it goes:

We all sit down to dinner: Gregg, Hannah, and I. We have a small table in a breakfast nook area, so Gregg takes the seat nearest the windows and faces the kitchen. I take the seat on the short end of the table facing the living room and backyard patio. Hannah either sits in her high chair between Gregg and I, or in a booster seat across from Daddy. She tends to prefer the high chair so she can see the TV (gasp... yes, we leave the TV on during dinner some nights). Anyway, we sit down to eat, Monkay comes rubbing around my legs, I pet her. Then she moves on to rubbing around Gregg's legs, he makes a comment about her fur being "coarse" and then says, "Go-way Monkay!" She skedaddles out of the kitchen through the living room and into the Master bedroom. Then she goes and peers out the door which leads to the back patio, which just happens to be directly across from where I sit. So I giggle hysterically and yell "HI MONKAY!!"  while waving madly as she peers out the back door. It takes her a few moments to realize that I'm hooting and waving at her - completely blank look on her face at this point. The you see it register that she's the subject of my outburst, and she wanders back out of the bedroom, through the living room and dining room, and back into the kitchen where the whole process begins again. Simple? Yes, absolutely! Entertaining? COMPLETELY!!

September Projects

Well I'm a few days behind, but I've finally gotten September's Monthly Monkay newsletter out! If you didn't receive a copy and would like one, email me and I'll be sure to send you one! I'd like to take this opportunity to showcase September's projects:

If you're interested in purchasing kits for any of the above cards or layouts, they run between $25 and $45 each, depending on which accessories and stamps you want to add. Kits include the Mischief paper pack and your choice of embellishments. You can make the treat box and 4 - 6 cards cards OR 3 layouts OR 8-10 cards (no treat box) out of a single "kit"! The kit for the banner is $25 and includes everything you need except the glitter and the August Stamp of the Month, "Wicked". Don't forget that this stamp is only available until the end of August, so order yours today! And don't forget, if you place an order of $50 AND purchase the Stamp of the Month for $5, you'll also get a free alphabet stamp set!

August Stamp of the Month

August's Stamp of the Month is called "Wicked" and it is so much fun! The Stamp of the Month now comes with a project idea sheet in each stamp envelope, and easy access to the directions on the Close To My Heart website! You can choose from several card options or this great treat box when looking for project ideas! Don't wait though - this stamp is only available through the end of August! It's only $17.99 or $5 with a $50 purchase! It's easy to shop online or email me with inquiries!

And we are LIVE!!!

Well folks, today is August 1st and you know what that means.... today is the first day to order from the FABULOUS new Close To My Heart Fall/Winter Idea Book! There are SO many exciting products in store.... whether it be the new exclusive Cricut cartridge, great new paper packs, the awesome August stamp of the month, you're sure to find at least a few things you can't live without! If you haven't already received your new Idea Book, let me know and I'll get one to you - you simply can't miss out on this great new stuff! Since this Idea Book is SO great, I've decided to co-host an Idea Book Extravaganza with my Stamp 'n Scrap Club meeting on Saturday, August 27th. Just send me an email to get the time and location. And remember - we'll be making 3 great layouts and a bonus card at the meeting, plus you'll get to see a few items made with some of the new products in this Idea Book! Here are the layouts we'll be making: 

And here's the card:

Not local? NO PROBLEM! Again, just send me an email by August 19th, and I'll make sure to put together and kit and send it to you, complete with product and instructions! If you are local and just can't make it to the party, I can also put together a kit for you! I will have my September Stamp 'n Scrap Club projects to show at the Extravaganza on the 27th, so you don't want to miss out! Space is limited, so let me know today!!

Another Productive Day!

Today I decided to break out the Halloweeny stuff and create with the new "Mischief" kit from Close To My Heart. This paper is great because both sides have a great pattern - it's hard to decide which to use! The bonus is that even after I finished my banner, I still have plenty of paper left to do a card box and a few cards! I edged my card box with black ink, so it's drying now... I'll get back to that after Hannah goes to bed! Most everything used here is CTMH - the "Mischief" paper; the letters. flowers, and banner base are from the new Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge; the stamps are the August Stamp of the Month! Can't wait to see what else I can do with this paper!!

Today's Project

One of the fabulous new products unveiled at Convention was the My Creations Memory Game. It's a nifty little 3'x3'(ish) box with 24 chipboard squares inside. I saw SO MANY great ideas for different ways to use this box at Convention, but came up with one of my own which was also inspired by my Convention attendance. Turns out that Hannah had a bit of a difficult time with my absence. I've left her alone with Daddy numerous times before, but apparently she's at that age where she actually notices that I'm gone now! When Daddy is gone, she has a little photo album of him playing lacrosse that she carries around, but she doesn't have anything like that of me. So.... (insert "ah hah!" moment here) I decided to make her her own "picture box" out of the Memory Game! I searched through a bunch of digital files and sent a bunch to the local Walgreen's for printing. Then I cut them all to fit the memory game pieces and set to work gluing! I used the "Sophia" paper pack for decorating the backs of my picture cards and the outside of my box - it's one of my very favorite CTMH lines (and it's still available in the Fall/Winter Idea Book!!). I decided it would be fun to put pictures of all of the important people in her life in the little box, so we have grandparents, aunts and uncles, pets, and of course, BOYFRIEND! Here's how it tuned out: 

I used Mod Podge both to attach the photos and papers to the chipboard pieces and box, as well as Mod Podged over the top of everything, so it's sure to withstand pokey little girl fingers! Oh, and the flowers were made using the AWESOME new Cricut cartridge offered by CTMH, and they're cemented on with Liquid Glass, so they're sure to stay put for a while as well! I'd love to hear others' ideas for this great little box!

Monthly Monkay Debut!

Yesterday I launched the very first edition of "The Monthly Monkay" - the exclusive monthly newsletter for Monkay Business! The Monthly Monkay lists my upcoming classes and Stamp 'n Scrap club projects, as well as other tips and tidbits, and even my own sales on CTMH products! If you'd like to join my mailing list, email me and I'll get you added right away! Additionally, if you haven't received the FABULOUS Fall/Winter 2011 Close To My Heart Idea Book, let me know and we'll figure out a way to get you one! You won't want to miss out on all the great new products, including an exclusive Cricut cartridge! You can order from this Idea Book beginning August 1st, so get your copy today!

Convention Recap

Greetings! I just returned from Close To My Heart's annual Convention and have LOTS of great new ideas and inspiration to share! This was my very first CTMH Convention, and what better place to have it than the Happiest Place on Earth... Disneyland!! It was so exciting to meet other consultants and even a few of the "big wigs" of CTMHGreetings! I just returned from Close To My Heart's annual Convention and have LOTS of great new ideas and inspiration to share! This was my very first CTMH Convention, and what better place to have it than the Happiest Place on Earth... Disneyland!! It was so exciting to meet other consultants and even a few of the "big wigs" of CTMH!

 The new Idea Book is AMAZING - I can't wait for everyone to see it and be able to order our great new products! The new Idea Book and great new items will be available to order

August 1, 2011! I can't wait to start creating with some of the new items to prepare for my fall workshops and clubs. If you're interested in being added to my email list or in joining a workshop or club, please send me an email and let me know! You do not have to be local to join one of my monthly clubs; I can arrange to ship the kit to you. We got a few sneak peaks to create with, so check back often to see what I've created!

And the Winner is....

About a week ago I posted about the Etsy Greetings Team June card challenge. Well all the votes have been casted, and the winner of the challenge was from Berkeley Bloom's shop; card #34 on the Etsy Greetings Blog. All of the cards were beautiful and it was so hard to make a decision! I have to say that my personal favorite was from Justyn Leigh's shop. Justyn's card included a commemorative photo of her beloved kitty, Kiki, who recently passed away. Since Monkay Business all started with a cat, I thought it only appropriate to commemorate Kiki here as well. Love that little white chin! So check out Justyn's shop and have a look-see at all of her great items! Cheers Justyn and Kiki!

Dr. Seuss Quilt

I finally finished a custom quilt order I had from my shop after a sewing machine crash and a longer work week than I'm used to! I ordered this great Dr. Seuss fabric from the Fat Quarter Shop and so far I've made (and sold!) two large baby/toddler quilts and even have enough fabric for another large or small one! Of course I forgot to take a picture of the full quilt before I got it prettied up to mail, so the "full" picture is the first quilt I made, the "packaged" picture is the one I just finished. I really like the red ric rac and minky!

Today was my last day of work until.... well.... until the state of California can get its budget act together! I have lots of projects lined up though, so it will be nice to have a few days off. I just hope it's ONLY a few days! I still have to make my team gifts for CTMH's Convention, which is only 13 days away! Plus Hannah and I will be making little 4th of July gifts for her daycare buddies. I hope to be posting several finished projects over the next few days!

AMAZING Work Everyone!

Posting two days in a row is setting a new record for me, but I just couldn't resist! Thanks to a tip from my sister-in-law Carrie, at L7 Designs, I figured out where you can see all of the beautiful cards submitted to the June challenge by the Etsy Greetings Team! Just go on over to their blog and check out all of the beautiful designs! While you're there, be sure to vote for your favorite card! It was nearly impossible to decide, there were so many amazing submissions! I'm currently waiting for shop-owner approval to share one of my personal favorites! Until then, check out Etsy Greetings and pick your own personal favorite!

I Almost Forgot...

While the husband was out of town last week, Hannah and I got busy on a few "pohjets" (projects) for Father's Day gifts! We did Mod Podge picture frames for Daddy and Grandpapa! You might know that I forgot to take pictures of the finished products before I gave them away! We'll have to visit Dad's office to get a snapshot of his finished frame and hope that Grandpapa sends us a picture of his (hintity hint hint). You'll have to excuse the blurriness of the top photo - someONE smeared little girl goobers all over the camera lens!

Another thing I forgot.... CAT FOOD! At one point I thought it would be a good idea to switch the cats over to a wet-food only diet like the vet suggested. The two boys would have no problem with this, as they tend to prefer the wet food. Monkay on the other hand... yeah... that diet's not gonna work out so well! That cat is a kibble fiend! I actually overheard the vet tech telling the vet that Lil was a "fatty" and a "food bully" at our appointment last month! Poor Lil... she sort of eats the wet food - it has to be some sort of "shred" or "chunk" and then she licks the gravy off. She's a gravy gal, what can I say! So until I make it to Petsmart, she will continue to make her dissatisfaction known every morning at 4:30 by pawing at my face and purring (AKA "mouth breathing" according to the husband) VERY loudly.

Holy crap - when did it get to be almost 10:00?! Looks like I'd better call it a day!

Exciting New Opportunity

I'm so excited to say that I've been invited to become a member of the Etsy Greetings Team! This great group promotes hand made greeting cards. It seems they have regular "challenges" for team members, and June's team challenge was to create a card out of this fabulous digital pack over at Katies Wish's Shop. Check out some of her great designs! I've only recently started dabbling with the digital scrapping kits with Close to my Heart's June Studio J freebie this month. I didn't even consider the fact that you could download these kits to use on cards! I wish there was a place you could see all of the submissions with this kit together - there are some fabulous cards posted! The submission deadline was yesterday (unfortunately I joined the group too late to get in on this great project), so perhaps there will be some sort of posting on the Greeting Team's blog in the next few days. I'm also excited to get to know some fellow Etsyers and the great products they have to offer! In the meantime, don't forget to check out my shop over at Monkay Business! I'm running low on items and need to add more, but the sewing machine went kaput over the weekend and I'm working every day this week due to the fiscal year ending next week. Not sure I'll have a [paying] job after Thursday - gotta love the great state of California!

Sneak Peek!

Well it's been over a week since I've had a chance to do anything crafty or post any updates. My parents were visiting from Idaho, so we've all been very busy! We had a great visit, but as always, the time flies and it's never long enough. Everyone took off this morning, so I'm itching to create! Right now I'm trying to get myself organized and figure out what I'm doing for "swap" items and team gifts for CTMH Convention, which is fast-approaching in only 31 days! I have lots of ideas swimming around in my head, but here's a sneak peak of what I'm working on:

I won't be able to post pics of the finished projects until after Convention so as not to COMPLETELY spoil the surprise for some of the gals who are blog followers! I also got another order for a custom quilt, so I'll be working on that over the next few days as well. I CAN post pics of that one once it's finished. Let the crafting begin!

Studio J

This month's special from Close to my Heart is giving everybody a FREE Studio J JPG file! Now if you know me at all, you already know that I'm not terribly computer friendly. I'll use them and can manage basic tasks without much trouble (most days anyway), but I don't particularly enjoy them. In the past few years, digital scrapbooking has become a trend that I've stayed away from... until today! I figured that since I'm now a CTMH consultant AND they're offering a FREE trial of Studio J, I've got nothing to lose! So this morning I logged on and whipped up this layout. I was absolutely amazed at how quick and easy it was; it was even kind of fun! You just upload your photos to the program, pick your "paper pack" (the papers you're going to use for your layout), pick your layout, and then drag and drop everything! And believe me, this program has EVERYTHING!! You can add ribbon, metal embellishments, buttons, distressing.... the possibilities are endless! Some of the layouts even give you "hints" as to where to place embellishments (the program refers to these hints as "toggles"). Or you can turn the "toggle" function off and add your own "real" embellishments after you've printed the page. How great is that! I cheated a little and had my layouts printed at Costco this afternoon, since I need them for a gathering I'm having tomorrow night. Normally I'd have them printed through CTMH and have them shipped to me. It's always good to know that you can upload and print the images locally though if you need them in a pinch! So if I can manage to do this, I'm sure you can! So I challenge you to give it a whirl - you've got nothing to lose since you get one free file this month! I've even added a nifty Studio J button to my blog so you can just click on it and go directly to the Studio J site to get started. Happy scrapping!

Monkay Business Debut!

Greetings friends! I've had this blog site "reserved" for a while now, but never buckled down and "created" it. It will continue to be a work in progress, as I'm generally not too computer friendly. As I'm currently working only two days per week OUTSIDE the home (trying to get the husband to remember that there is lots of work being done IN the home on those other three days!) I've decided to channel my love of scrapbooking, card making, and basically anything crafty into a [hopefully] somewhat profitable business and share my designs and ideas with others! I'll be posting pictures of the fruits of my crafting labors, stories from my "outside the home" job (gotta try to be as PC and professional as I can with these stories, but I do run into some pretty colorful folks!), and stories about being the mommy of a VERY busy toddler! First I feel it's appropriate to introduce you to the Monkay behind the madness that is Monkay Business.