So Thankful!

I am so thankful right now for the friends and family who have helped us through the last five months. In September, I never thought I would be able to make it this far. Two weeks ago I wouldn't have thought I could make it through a whole week of school. That is exactly what I did last week though and I couldn't have done it without the help of nice people all around me! I guess I just want to say thanks for all of the cards, gifts, phone calls, flowers, visits, prayers, and just help in general. Thanks so much and hopefully I will be able to help someone else if they ever have to go through a similar situation.

Almost Valentine's Day...

I am proud of myself for finishing some cards before a holiday arrives! I sent out our real valentines to some friends and family, but I wanted to make some fancy cards too. The cards that I mailed I cheated and ordered from shutterfly. For these cards, I used the Sweetheart Workshop on the Go and followed the guide directions. Sometimes it is nice not to think too hard about things! I used an easy folding technique on the card to the far left that I sometimes forget about. On the thin pink strip of paper near the top, I did a fan-fold and it almost makes the paper look like ribbon. It looks neat and is cheaper than using real ribbon! If you are interested in making your own cards using this kit, check out my website http://katiehessel.myctmh.com I hope that you have a great Valentine's Day!

Spray Pen Take 2

This week I am taking my mom to her chemo appointment...and that is not super fun, so I brought the rest of my Wings paper home to finish some cards. We had fun making these cards and experimenting with the spray pen. It can get messy though, so if you are using one make sure you have a paper down behind you. Somehow I always end up with ink all over my hands, but I think it is just me! Kind of like when I eat chocolate ice cream and always end up with it on my face, while everyone else seems to be fine. We had so much fun that we decided I should come home to make cards every Monday...if only work didn't get in the way!!!

If you like these cards you can make your own! Just go to my website http://katiehessel.myctmh.com to order your own Wings Workshop on the Go kit (G1016) It includes a cute stamp set, 12 pieces of B&T paper, 10 pieces of cardstock, black mini-medley accents, a spray pen, and a workshop guide. You will have enough supplies to make 2 two-page layouts and six cards...with some left over! Don't forget to order the vineyard berry reinker if you would to use the spray pen like I did. All the spray pen needs is water and re-inker...I did use pearl paint, but that is optional.

I know I said someday...

I know that I literally just said someday maybe I would be a Close to My Heart consultant, but I guess someday means right now...I finally decided to sign up. I guess two big reasons are that I absolutely love the products that they sell and I have been using them myself for over seven years! The coordinating colors and paper make it so easy that anyone can make beautiful things. I also think that I need a fun hobby and something to distract me right now. I am not counting on anything so that I don't get disappointed, but hopefully it will be fun and not too stressful. I have never done anything like this before, but I am up for trying something new!

So if you are reading this and you would like to have a gathering or learn more about what Close to My Heart offers for scrapbooking and stamping products, please email me at katie.hessel@gmail.com or check out my website at http://katiehessel.myctmh.com Be sure to check the calendar for upcoming events!

How can we???

Like I said on my scrapbook page...how can we have been together for so long and still be best friends? When I was thinking about it the other day, I realized we have been together for over 12 years and married for almost 4!

I know that I don't always tell Kyle this, but I couldn't have made it through this past year without him. It has been a rough year for a few different reasons, but I wouldn't have wanted to tough through it with anyone but him. I am hoping for some good things to celebrate together soon.

In my layout, I used some older paper and bright colors in honor of Valentine's Day. I also used my spray pen for the first time and I love it! I filled it with water, black re-inker, and pearl paint. I don't know if you can see it in the pictures, but the paint made it a little shiny and it looks so cool in person. I can't wait to spray other projects...

Wings Workshop

Close to My Heart had a really cool deal for January...so I couldn't pass it up. Of course:) I found some pictures of Sami from the first Christmas we were married. I think that it turned out cute. I have to wait until I get my next order to see how the spray pen works, so that is why I didn't add anything to the cream tag on the second page. I hope you like it! If you would like to check out the January special, go to my mom's website http://kimschnoor.myctmh.com/ Maybe someday I will be a consultant...

Mojo Monday challenge

I always look at the Mojo Monday challenges every Sunday night and think...I should give that a try. But, then I never do. Except tonight I actually did one! I know it is not that cool of a card, but the point is that I actually did it in like 20 minutes and had fun and didn't even stress.

Maybe the best part of the night though was that while I was in my "office" working, Kyle made me supper and had it all ready for me. Gotta love long weekends. Now if the rest of the week can be this productive!