Size Matters

This is the wreath that took on a life of its own. Since we recently painted our door black, an evergreen wreath just wasn't going to work. I wanted something shiny and lovely, and handmade. Then, for some insane reason, I thought this Christmas ball wreath would be simple and inexpensive. A jaunt to the Dollar Tree (love this place) scored me a few tubes of ornaments. I wanted a styrofoam wreath, but after seeing the prices a straw base seemed like a good idea. I mean, come on, who wants to spend 10 bucks on a base that no one really gets to see anyway? Got me a big one, no use in making a small wreath as long as I'm going to get such a good deal on ornaments.


Fast forward four days and about 5 more trips to the dollar store. My hand has permanently become claw shaped from holding a hot glue gun for hours on end. But it's all worth it... this is one eye catching wreath! I can't bring myself to add a bow, it might cover some of my hard work. If you spied the bare spot, avert your eyes. The glitter balls don't like sub-freezing weather and slammed doors, so a couple popped right off. Back to the glue gun when my hand regains its flexibility.

What the heck is a bagalope?

If you're hunting for the perfect party favor, look no further! Bagalopes are quick, easy and inexpensive. So simple, yet so darned cute.

Love a Bargain?

I love a great deal, don't you? Don't miss out on the Holiday Heydey online clearance sale on my website! Super bargains on fabulous Close to My Heart products. But hurry, this stuff goes fast. Special $5 shipping on orders of $100 or more. Order through my website and you'll also receive a hand-stamped card from me! Click here to shop the sale!

Shopping website may experience slow periods due to volume of visits on Close to My Heart sites. Be patient, it's worth it!

WHAT is that crazy lady doing NOW?

I hope my neighbors understand that I'm not insane. Take this photo clip from the video I'm working on right now. Creeping around the bushes in the backyard with a rifle.... well, that's not something you see every day. Care to guess what the video is about?

So thankful for moments like this....

Keeping a blog, website, youtube channel and more is often a big responsibility. But the wonderful comments and feedback I receive is better than any paycheck I could receive. I am amazed at how far I've reached sometimes, and I'm almost overwhelmed by the amount of people who have been inspired by my sharing. The other day, I received an email that just made my day. It was from Elena, in Barcelona, and I was so touched that I asked her if I could share it here. This is what she said:

Hi Tresa!

My name is Elena and I'm Cuban, but currently living in Barcelona, Spain.
I’m writing to you because I wanted to thank you personally for your blog and the tutorials that you’ve been publishing in Youtube. I came across your space a couple of months ago and, sincerely, helped me a lot. I have learned many new techniques and your videos are always inspiring. From your blog, I enter the virtual world of Scrapbooking and I’m still fascinated with it.

I recently saw your prize related to the question about the glitter ... I didn’t answer ‘cause the truth is that I can not imagine that there might be something that doesn’t look better with glitter, but the fact is that, on seeing the great prize you finally offered, I felt very sorry!
I would like to invite you to visit my blog dedicated to Scrapbook, in which I’ve been publishing some works that use some of the techniques I learned from you. I always give you the credit you deserve!. I’m still a beginner and don’t have almost anything but paper, cardboard, water pens, scissors, glitter and a lot of enthusiasm… Here is the address: Pelusa’s Scrapblog. (Although I speak Spanish, I write this blog in English).

Greetings!

Elena


Here is a mini album that Elena posted, based on my video instructions. I love how little album turned out! You can see more of her work on her blog, stop by and leave a comment!

Need a Giggle?

This probably explains why it takes me so long to make a video.

'Tis the Season... for Glitter!

There are just so many ways to apply glitter, this is just one... "glitter 'n tape technique". If you haven't tried it yet, you just gotta! So simple, and it really sticks. Some tapes work better than others, but almost any clear tape will work. Heck, you don't even need clear tape if you are using colored glitter. Whatever you choose to use, be prepared to sparkle!

Just a note about the music... since I'm making a Christmas card, you'd think I'd have Holiday music. But come on, how perfect is a song with the chorus "Don't you know, everywhere I go, I got the shimmerin' light on me." How could I pass that one up? And glitter and rock 'n roll go hand in hand, right?