Somethin' {pretty}

With getting back into routine, these last few weeks have flew! And so, there's been little time for crafting but I thought I'd share somethin' {pretty} with you instead.  

Who doesn't {heart} Pinterest?  It's one of my fave pastimes, just ask those that know me well! Or maybe not since I'm to blame for leading them into the world of Pinterest.  And if you don't know what Pinterest is, don't worry as it won't be long before you too are on it! Here's me in case you need somewhere to start!

Anyways a while back, I stumbled on this wreath during one of my Pinterest search endeavors which linked me to Catshy Crafts on Etsy. Cathy creates heartfelt decor including embroidery hoop art, yarn wreaths and felt flowers in her Bellevue, Washington home.

And, it's social media at its best since I then 'LIKED' her Facebook page and followed her blog.  Yet, I feel I lucked out since I entered one of her contests .... 

... and was the winner of Custom Hoop Art!  The design process began with inspiration from her Etsy shop.  Let me tell you, it was tough trying to decide!  But, Cathy is easy to work with and embraced my idea along with my indecision head on!  I just {love} the felt flowers so it seemed the obvious choice.

So guess what arrived in the mail today?  Yup, my very own custom hoop art ... what do you think?

Clean and simple for me! Now, I just have to find a small wooden easel to display it in my craft room. Thanks Cathy for such a beautiful piece of art!  

Back-to-School Gift: {Perfect Teacher Recipe}

It's school time again! And, back to school brings with it a slew of emotions. On the one hand, there’s the promise of children seeing friends daily and the buying of new school supplies — new possibilities encapsulated in blank notebooks. But on the other hand, there’s the end of summer and the transition back to structured days, not to mention the challenge of switching the brain from off to on ... ahhh ROUTINE!

Back to school teacher gifts are a great way to let your children’s teachers know they are so loved! I believe gifts are one of my LOVE LANGUAGES :0 and {love} giving gifts that they can use.  Plus, most teachers would say a special gift in the beginning of the school year makes them feel appreciated. 

So, today I am sharing a simple gift. There are all types of different character traits that make up the {perfect} teacher.  Trust, care, love, kindness, respect, diversity just to name a few. This little gift along with the Perfect Teacher Recipe gift tag is the perfect way to get them excited about the new year.

A cute mini notebook with the teacher's initial accompanied with a post-it note holder.

Here's a peek inside ...   

A few note cards clipped on the inside flap.

Embellish with a cute stamp!

What do you think are the best teacher gifts? 

SUPPLIES: 

Papers: Black, White Daisy, Creme Brulee & Lagoon Cardstock (CTMH), B&T patterned paper scraps (CTMH)

Ink (CTMH): Slate, Vineyard Berry (retired)

Stamps (CTMH): A Typeface (A1117), School is Here (B1407) & School Years (D1556) -   

Embellishments (CTMH): White, Baker's Twine Neutral Assortment (Z1701), stitched black ribbon (retired)

Tools: Chevron Embossing Folder (SU), LLD - Insert It 3x4" Notebook Paper Die-namic (MFT), High-Rise Lowercase Die-namic (MFT),       

1 1/4" circle punch (SU), 1 3/8" circle punch (SU), 1 3/4" circle punch (SU), 1 3/4" scallop circle punch (SU)

Other: 3 1/4" x 4 1/2" Mini Composition Book, 3x3 Post-it Notes, 1/2" Scor-Tape, mini binder clips 

National Stamping Month - {You Are My Happy}

The school year is upon us again and I {love} cool crisp autumn mornings ..... NOT SO! Well, at least not here in Ottawa, where it is still HOT & STICKY!  Last week my home was extremely warm as the A/C was out of commission but thankfully now running again. And while I am finding myself longing for those slightly cooler days, it looks as though the {dog days of summer} may be around for awhile.  

Anyhow, regardless of what the temperature says, the calendar does in fact say that September has arrived! And, that means it's National Stamping Month, which comes a wonderful new campaign from Close to my Heart.  It will make you  ....

To celebrate National Stamping Month, you'll have 3 times the fun with the new stamp set trio! You'll not want to miss out, so be sure to get this exclusive {You Are My Happy} stamp set! During the month of September, when you make a purchase of $50 or more, you qualify for this stamp set trio for only $10. You'll LOVE the whimsical alphabet, light-hearted sentiments, and fanciful images for a variety of occasions to give a cheerful touch to your projects, with a full retail value of $47.90.

*Offer valid September 1-30, 2013. Placing a minimum order of $50 is required for qualification.

How cute are these?

Watch this video and shop online or contact me to place your qualifying order to snatch this darling stamp set trio today!

And don't forget to take advantage of the Stamp of the Month - Poster Tidings. Available this month only, for just $5 — that’s over 70% off retail! When you place an order of $50 or more in Close To My Heart products, you qualify for this special Stamp of the Month pricing. To see the actual stamp set, visit my website.  Here's a peek at featured artwork:

So are you ready to take make somethin' {pretty}?