Gina's Little Corner of StampinHeaven

Throughout this year's convention, the story of the Jeanette's struggles and successes through the years to make Close To My Heart the wonderful company that it is today were shared.  We learned how she started out as single mother making rubber stamps in her garage.  We learned that when Jeanette set out to accomplish something - she will!  Jeanette is a woman of faith and family.  She cares deeply for this company that is very 'close to her heart'. On the last day of convention, there was a Question and Answer session with Jeanette.  She is very open and honest and also one very funny lady!  This is always one of my most favorite times of convention.   Before convention, consultants were asked to submit questions.  If your question is asked at convention you will get a special stamp set.   I was one of the lucky people to have my question asked.   After the session was over I went to retrieve my stamp.  When I opened it up and...

Today, I'm off to my 4th Close To My Heart Convention!  I knew after attending my very first convention in Washington, DC in 2010 that I would never want to miss another one!  In 2011, I went to Disneyland in California and last year I attended the convention in Dallas, TX.  This year it's off to Disney WORLD in Orlando Flordia!! I will be staying at the Coronado Springs Resort..... I can't wait for all the excitement to begin.  The first General Session is always electric with anticipation of the new product announcements.  There will be much laughter, squealing, cheering and LOTS of giveaways!   It is a tradition to make (or purchase) roomie gifts for the ladies you room with.  Last year I roomed with 3 other ladies but this year it is just me and my friend Heather.  I've had an idea for several weeks now what I wanted to do but didn't get a chance to finally sit down and do it until Sunday afternoon.   For Heather's w...

I wanted to share a layout I created using the For Always paper and textiles.  I created this layout a few months ago as part of my application to teach at this year's Extravaganza at Close To My Heart's Convention.  I had the wonderful the privilege to teach last year and had hoped to get another opportunity again this year.   I got word on Monday that I was not selected this year.  They have changed the teaching format this year and only chose 18 teachers as opposed to 32 that they had last year.   I know the competition was stiff.  I've seen the artwork by other consultants and they just blow me away with their creativity. I had mixed feelings about not being chosen.  Yes, I was disappointed but I have to admit there was a part of me that was relieved.  This May my youngest daughter graduates from High School so this is beginning to be very hectic for me as I prepare for her graduation and party.   Those that are chosen to teac...

Wedding cards are something that I don't need too much.  When I did need one, I never really had a stamp that was geared towards getting married.   Problem solved with the new 2013 Spring Summer Idea Book from Close To My Heart!  I have a beautiful new stamp - The Happy Couple (D1539) that I couldn't wait to use!  Even though I don't know anyone getting married right now I created a card yesterday.  Now, I will have a card ready the next time I need one. I used the sketch from Just Us Girls this week to create this card. I used a piece of black glitter paper from the new Black and Grey Glitter paper (Z1829) for my background on this 5x7 card.  The cake and "Congratulations" are from The Happy Couple stamp set (shown right).  I trimmed each layer of cake with a tiny strip of black glitter paper.    The third new product I used is the For Always Textiles (Z1820).    These textiles coordinate with the For Always (...