Webinar- Mini Album

I will teaching a step-by-step webinar on making this mini album on November 18th, 2009 from 12:00 noon PST to 1:00pm PST. Cost for the webinar is $10.00. 100% of the proceeds of this webinar will benefit the Private Non Profit Families Together for People with Disabilties to provide family support/education. It is because of thier support I believe I know what is best for my son!
To register on line: http://www.acteva.com/booking.cfm?bevaid=192241
For more information contact Families Together at www.familiestogether.org

Schools Out for Summer!

After a crazy year for us School is finally out for summer! It is amazing how many things that Harrison learned this year and just how much further he came this year than every other year we have been participating in Special Education Services. Next year we have decided to repeat Kindergarten and not take any Special Education Services so that Harrison will not have to be in a self-contained classroom with only other disabled peers. We believe that all kids should be educated with thier peers while meeting their special needs regarding the academics. SO to all the kids who were in Harrisons Classroom this year...THANK YOU Harrison did great because you all did great!!!!

Cupcake Gift Box

I purchased a template from Inking Idaho to make this cute cupcake box. I am excited to finally show it to you. It is amazing how much time goes into to dealing with the education system when you have a speical needs child. That really cut into my creative juices, but schools out for summer tomorrow. I cant wait until my little guy is home for 9 1/2 weeks!

Field Day Photos!

It was an amazing day today where the kids played outside all morning and did wonderful games that showed their skill while earning points for their countries! Harrison had a great time. Tug-of-War was his favorite!

I love Bo Bunny paper and embellishments. Here is the newest Pet Book I have made using the left overs from the Bo Bunny Dog Class Kit and a few sheets of paper! It turned out really cute. The chipboard pages are also from Bo Bunny and the book is bound with my Bind-it-All! Love it all!

Grease Monkey 6X6 Bo Bunny Binder!

Using the Bo Bunny Grease Monkey Paper I made this 6X6 book for my husband for Father's Day. It was nice to see something completely finished including photos for a change. I love it and so does anyone who sees it. Have a great Saturday!

Another Bo Bunny Kit & Cards from scraps

I just love these kits. I made this as a gift for someone special. I know that she will enjoy it and it give me an excuse to see her this week! Hope your Tuesday is Amazing! Blessings!

Bo Bunny Kit

I love to purchase kits and then make them mine in terms of design! I love templates too! Here is a great Bo Bunny Kit that only took about 1.5 hours to complete uninterrputed. Remember when getting a Bo Bunny kit to write down all the measurements for each piece of paper you are using first and then to cut the biggest piece of paper first! This really works best and you always have enough paper this way! Kits are available at A Stamp 4 All here in Spokane!

Backpacks for the End of School

It is amazing just how many activities come at the end of the school year. As this has not been our best year academically it has been a huge year in Harrisons social growth. He is playing Tball on the regular Little League Team! He loves it! Enjoy the photo and have a great Friday!

What a Wild Few Months!

Sorry I have not posted in a while. It has been a crazy ride with the School District. As many know that my son has Autism. As I share more and more of our story with people it has become apparent that people dont realize that there are still school districts that practice "Mainstreaming"-letting children visit the typical developing kids in the general education classroom but not fully including them or making it manadtory that the general educaiton teacher to plan or program for kids with disabilites. Children with disabilites need to be fully included with non-disabled peers. Not only because it is what is best for children with disabilites but because it truly is what is best for the non-disabled kids too! They are all our future and with 1 in 150 children (1 in 90 boys) learning to work together needs to be taught early. OK-I am off my soap box now!

Went on a scrapbooking weekend and completed a ton of paper crafting projects. Check back in the next few days as I will try to get something posted each day!


Here is the first project:



A Flower Pot Card!



Have a great day!

Call for Action- Washington State Residents

Please watch this video:
http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/02/04/autism.resolution/#cnnSTCVideo

I found that this was a wonderful piece about behavioral intervention in children with Autism and how setting boundaries early and understanding that obsessions are hard to break if we allow them to become out of control. We have to pick our battles however it is nice to see that there are programs that are in development and in practice that will help a family to deal with the issues of home life.

WAA is working hard to get private insurance companies to cover therapy costs that work in get children ready for adulthood (up to $50,000 a year until age 21). If you get a chance to call let the legislators know that you are a friend of our family and that Harrison is a wonderful guy who needs intensive therapy not covered by private insurance because he turned 6 in December and the insurance company no longer covers private therapy-(my personal 2 cents) because they think that this type of therapy can be done completely at the public school level- not so or fair to assume. You are welcome to use Harrison as your example and share with the following legislators who you are in relationship to Harrison. Yes, I am his grandmother, teacher, therapist, aunt, caregiver, friend of the family, Harrison’s friend. I am giving you permission and will sign a release if you need one. Please just make the call in the next 48 hours and I will sign it when I see you next. It is really important to us! Thank you!

Now…what you need to know to call the legislators and why it is important for them to hear from you too!

Dear Washington Autism Advocate,
Shayan's Law (SB 5203) is so important to thousands of families across Washington, as it would require insurance companies to provide coverage of up to $50,000 per year for autism treatments and therapies.

We need your help today to reach out to Senator Karen Keiser, the chair of the Senate Health and Long-Term Care Committee, to call for a vote on Shayan's Law.

We also need your help today to reachout to House Representative Eileen Cody, the Chair of the House Health Care & Wellness Committee, which has yet to schedule a hearing for Shayan's Law.

Both of these Committee chairs need to hear from as many people as possible from the state of Washington. There is national momentum in over 30 states on the issue of autism insurance reform. They need to be made aware that Washington's families who are dealing with the financial challenges of autism cannot afford to wait another day for treatment. The time for change is NOW!

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

1. CALL AND EMAIL THE CHAIR OF THE SENATE COMMITTEE, Senator Karen Keiser, today and continue to call her for the next 48 hours. Ask her to please schedule a vote on Shayan's Law in an executive session! Share your personal stories and convey the following message: Autism is a treatable medical condition. Insurance should cover the treatment. Be polite and persistent. Ask her to please schedule the bill for an executive session vote so that it can continue through the legislative process! Keep dialing until you get through!

Call Senator Karen Keiser - (360) 786-7664

Send an Email to Senator Karen Keiser HERE!

2. CALL AND EMAIL THE CHAIR OF THE HOUSE COMMITTEE, Representative Eileen Cody, today and continue to call her for the next 48 hours. Ask her to schedule a hearing for Shayan's Law! Share your personal stories and convey the following message: Autism is a treatable medical condition. Insurance should cover the treatment. Be polite and persistent. Ask her to please schedule the bill for an executive session vote so that it can continue through the legislative process! Keep dialing until you get through!

Call Representative Eileen Cody - (360) 786-7978

Send an Email to Representative Elieen Cody HERE!

3. FORWARD THIS ACTION ALERT to anyone you know who lives in Washington State that can help advocate for this important legislation. We need to flood the phone lines. Has anyone ever asked you what they could do to help your family? Ask them to help make these calls!

4. REGISTER AT AUTISM VOTES! It's quick and easy. You will then receive e-mail alerts any time action needs to be taken in Washington on behalf of autism legislation. Ask your friends, neighbors and family to register at Autism Votes as well. We need thousands of voices if we plan to succeed in our effort to end insurance discrimination against our loved ones with autism.

This is a chance to receive $50,000 in coverage for treatments and therapies for your child every year moving forward. We cannot let that opportunity get away from us today!

So Excited!!!! Cuttlebug Blog Hop Results

I was so excited to see that I was chosen as a winner in the Cuttlebug Challenges Blog Hop! There are so many amazing ideas and creations out there. I think I signed up for each of the Design Team Members Blogs so that I could see what they were creating. Here is the wonderful blog. Make sure that you go by and check it out and do the hop if you have not already! Thanks againg Cuttlebug Challenges for Picking me!
http://cuttlebugchallenge.blogspot.com/

Love CD Album Tutorial

Love Mini Album
CD Folder Album Tutorial
By Gerriann Armstrong

Materials:
Bo Bunny Paper
*Sweetie Pie Sigh
*Sweetie Pie Squeeze
*Sweetie Pie Snuggle
*Sweetie Pie Accessories Sticker Sheet
Close To My Heart
*Sweetleaf Cardstock
*Black Cardstock
*Sparkles (Kaiser Rhinestones)
*Prisma Glitter
EK Success
*Photo Corner Fancy Punch
Stampin Up!
*Arrows Punch
*Vintage Brads
Creative Imaginations
*Olive Rhinestones #18836
*Red Rhinestones #18834
*Black Velvet Floral #18830
Adhesive
*Tombo Mono Adhesive
*Miss Elizabeth Foam Squares
*Terrifically Tacky/Redline Tape
Ribbon
Studio G! Stamp
Cardboard CD Album (www.uline.com)

Cutting Guide:
Sweetie Pie “Sigh”
3 7/8 X 5
5 X 5
4 X 4 1/2
Sweetie Pie "Squeeze"
4 1/2 X 4 1/2 (2)
3 1/2 X 5
Solid Side:
2 X 2 (2)
4 3/4 X 4 3/4 (2)
3 3/4 X 1 3/4
2 3/4 X 2 3/4
3 5/8 X 3 5/8
Sweetie Pie “Snuggle”
4 X 3
4 1/2 X 4 1/2
3 X 4 1/2
Stripe Side:
4 ¾ X 3
1 X 3 (4)
4 ½ X 4 ½
1 ½ X 4 ½
Sweetleaf Cardstock (CS)
5 X 12
4 ¾ X 4 ¾ (6)
5 X 5 (2)
2 ½ X 3 ½
Black Cardstock (CS)
4 ¼ X 3 ¼
2 ¾ X ¾
2 ¾ X 2 ¼
2 ¾ X 2 ¾ (2)
3 ½ X 2 ¾
2 ¼ X 3 ¼
½ X 4 ½
3 ¼ X 4 ½

CD book Construction Instructions:
1. Score the 5” X 12” Sweetleaf Cardstock at 5, 5 ½, 6, 6 ½, 7, 7 ½, and 8. Slip the now accordion folded CS in CD Album centering the accordion fold in the spine of the CD Album. Secure with Adhesive.
2. Create the 6 pages using the Sweetleaf CS 4 ¾ X 4 ¾ as your bases.
3. Once pages are completed then apply redline tape to the accordion fold and to the opposite backside of the complete page.
4. Adhere pages to accordion folds.
5. Using the “Sigh” 5 X 5 square adhere to the front inside over of the CD Album with adhesive.
6. Using the “Sigh” 3 7/8 X 5 adhere to the front of the back inside pocket folding the extra paper inside the pocket.

Photos:
Front Cover:

Inside Front Cover and Page 1:

Page 2 and Page 3:

Page 4 and Page 5:

Page 6 and Back Inside Cover:



Back Cover:




If you make up a cute book be sure to come back and leave me a link so that I can see it. Hope your monday is fabulous!

Birthday Present for Barbie Lover!!

I made this clothing storage/organizer for a girl in DS class at school for her birthday. She turned 6. Her mom loved it. I am sure that you wont believe it either but I could not find any Barbie wrapping paper anywhere I spent 3 days looking for it. I wanted to cover the box with it. So I had to settle with some outfits from a paperdoll book that the neighbor found for me as everyone was looking for the wrapping paper in thier closets. DS classmate loved the box and since she recieved a few new Barbie outfits with accessories I am sure that it will be used.

The box is from Creative Imaginations. Love them. The tag is a tag from the CTMH Brag and Tag Album stamped with watermelon and bubblegum ink. CTMH Believe alphabet, outlined with black legacy writers. It was a fun project.

DS went to a second birthday party this weekend. I made a really cute play area for her littlest petshop animals and polly pockets. I will try to get that posted in the next few days! Enjoy!

I love you card kit.

I love Aaron Browns blog (www.aaronsbooth32.blogspot.com) and a few weeks ago she posted a great little card kit. I had so much fun making this kit for a lady who made slippers for my son for Christmas. It was so much. I used the Valenintes Bo Bunny paper and also my cuttle bug for the embossed die cut heart. It is so brite and pretty! I love it.

Aaron has some really cute templates that she is selling for Operation Smile. I love the one with the little drawers. I have a project with that template that I will post soon!

Have a great Friday!

Valentines Day Layout

This layout uses the Cuttlebug Mickey Combo Die, Mickey Love Accessories, the Corset Die, Textile Embossing folder (for texture on the dress). This uses Bo Bunny Paper, CTMH Cardstock, Rusty Pickle Chipboard, SU Chunky Glitter, Fiskers Punches-Flourishes, Kaiser Rinestones, Joann's Toole. It was so much fun to make! Enjoy!

Valetines Day Class- kids 6-12

Here are the items that I will be teaching for a kids class ages 6-12 at a Stamp for All on Jan 30th and also on Feb. 9th. Call the store to register!

Class Fee is $22.00. If the classes do not completley fill kits will be available for purchase after Feb 10th. Post a comment if interested.

Remember Me?

December came and went in berms of snow and snow days from school. Harrison turned 6 years old. It is really good for the routine to be back to normal again.

I have been teaching at A Stamp 4 All (www.astamp4all.com) and loving it! I have loved meeting everyone and hanging out with them. I have been creating and collecting supplies too! So here are a few projects to share with you. I hope to be able to update my blog a few days per week. At least that is my goal.

I participated in a SCS Pirate Layout Swap and here are my pages:

I am teaching this Love Mini CD Album using the New Valentines Bo Bunny Paper:

How about a Card?

There was a weekend challenge over on SCS in the WishRak forum. I actually made 11 different cards this weekend. Some are ok and others I love here are 2 of my favorites.

Leaving- Close To My Heart

Dear Friends,

It is with a sad heart that I will be resigning as a consultant with Close to My Heart effective immediately. I love the company, products, friendships, and all the wonderful blessings that my involvement has been with Close To My Heart and the Stamping Tweekers Teams.

There are some truly bright things in my family’s future. My son has started Kindergarten in an Integrated All Day Kindergarten Class where he is very successful.

I have also joined the staff as a Volunteer Parent Advocate for Families Together for People with Disabilities. I finally feel that I am able to help other families through the hidden paths of social services to get the things that they need to provide opportunities for an independent successful life for their loved one.

Taking time for my family and those things that are dear to my heart is the one great blessing that comes from moving forward.

For your Close To My Heart Supplies needs please feel free to order from one of my very dear friends, Kara Schmidt. Her website is www.karaschmidt.myctmh.com or call her at 509-324-2903.

I will be teaching papercrafting projects at the Stamp 4 All in the upcoming weeks. Check out their website www.dawnsastamp4all.blogspot.com for projects, dates, and times.

Thank you again for all you wonderful support and friendship the past 3 years with Close To My Heart. I look forward to chatting with each one of you and sharing my new adventure with you. Check out my blog to learn about what I have been up to: www.scrapandstampcreations.blogspot.com

Sincerely,
Gerriann Armstrong
509-279-046

Washington Autism Advocacy Group

Washington Autism Advocacy(WAA) is a grass roots state-wide coalition of families with children affected by an autism spectrum disorder.

WAA has become a leading voice in the rights of children with autism in Washington state. Our members come from all walks of life and with many experiences, but one core belief binds us together – that our children deserve to be given every opportunity to become productive members of our community.

Over the past two years, WAA has introduced legislation focused on effectively supporting children with autism. WAA has been instrumental in passing two critical pieces of legislation supporting autism including "Honoring Individuals with Autism - HR 4697 SR 8724"and "SSB6743 Regarding Training and Guidelines for Teachers of Students with Autism, and the Educational Guidelines for Parents and Educators of Students with Autism."

Our 2008-09 legislative agenda focuses on bringing Autism Insurance Parity(AIP) to Washington state. For updates on AIP visit our website http://www.washingtonautismadvocacy.org/

To learn more about the WAA, thier work and how you can help please visit thier website and sign up to get the legislative updates and help where you can!

http://www.washingtonautismadvocacy.org/

Pay It Forward RAK from VirtualYvonne

I was truly blessed to recieve the most wonderful box from the man in brown yesterday. Thank you again Yvonne. It included the most wonderful things!

Description of items:

It has the most amazing things in it:MM tool kit, Magnetic tin holders, MM gameboard chipboard letters, Fiskers Corner Hearts punch, 4 mounted stamps, Brown ribbon on a closepin, White twill on a closepin, pink ribbon on a closepin, Metal rimmed tags, hundreds of hearts brads, debossed stickers, Chipboard stars, halloween tags, rub on transfers, purple ribbon, blue ribbon,brown ribbon,red ribbon, and finally orange ribbon.

This gift today was truely a suprise and a wonderful offering from you! Thank you from the bottom and the top of my heart!

Oh Joy Mini Album

This is the mini album that I will be teaching in at the local stamp store in November. It uses the Cosmo Cricket Oh Joy clooection and the Bare Naked Ornaments with diecuts. I so love the colors! I am so excited about teaching the class!

I will be at a stamp and scrap weekend! I am looking forward to going! Enjoy!

Fall has Arrived here!

Yesterday I took Harrison and the neighbor and her kids to Finch Arboritium. We took some wonderful photos of the kids and us too!

These are some of my favorite photos that we took!

Enjoy!

Back on a Roll!

I have been creating some mini albums in the past few days. They are too cute. Just need to take the time to take photos. Here are a few more christmas cards until then...

Some More Cards for My Workshop

More Christmas Card Workshop Cards!

My Christmas Cards For StampingTweekers Team Swap

Christmas Cards for Class

I have been trying for 3 days to get Blogger to take my photos. Finally this evening they are finally working.

I know that it has been forever since I last posted. I have been busy. I never thought that having a kindergartener would take so much time. We are settled into the Intergrated Kindergarten Class and Harrison is doing well.

This is a card from my upcoming Christmas Card Class in November. I used a template posted by another consultant using the Evensong Paper Pack. Enjoy the photos and I hope to get a few more up in the next day or two.

Wow Where did August Go?!

I ahve a great deal to share with everyone! A really awesome tutorial, blog candy, a pay it forward, and some artwork.

My little guy will start Kindergarten on Tuesday and I cant tell you how nervous I am about that!

We are prepared for that so I have been working on my new display board swap and some other things.

Hopefully you can hang in there and will check back within the next week for some much needed updating here!

Gerriann

4th of July/Christmas In July Cards

Here are the great cards. I am so excited about these cards!

I used the same sktech for each of the cards and they turned out adorable. I am sure everyone will love them tonight! More Later!

Secret Sister Package

I got a wonderful package of goodies from my secret sister Sandy Dollard. There were tons of idea cards and also a stickease pack, creative clips, and sticker sheets, and oodles of ideas! Thanks for being my pal Sandy! I am looking forward to the next round!

Blog Break

Well I sure did over do it. I have a superficial blood clot in my leg that if we had not caught it could have become a DVT. So anyone who knows me will tell you these just kill me and put me out of commision for at least a week if not longer. So I have done nothing but lay on the couch since Saturday evening. My dear friend Suzanne shared a therapy stocking with me so at least I can walk on it if I have to. The pain meds make me tired and it is so hard to keep track of a busy little guy by yourself in this state. I know that staying off of it and keeping it elevated with speed the recovery. So that is what I plan on doing for the next week or so!

I am planning a scrapbook bingo with a few of my customers and other consultants so for those of you I will be calling you to let you know the details.

Good thing we have a laptop and wireless access so that at least I can do some business things!

Until next week!

Pre-School Graduation

My baby is so grown up! I knew that Kindergarten was coming but boy it really seems so real right now!

Scrapbook Class Layouts

These are the layouts that I taught last night at my scrapbook class. It was fun to have vintage photos on the pages,brought back memories.

These used the colors from Boom-Di-Ada (CTMH). They turned out nice I think!

Secret Sister Word Bloom Results

On Friday after I left to go to Stamp Camp the mailman arrived with a package from my Secret Sister. My husband called my UL and since she was coming up on Saturday Night she brought my package which included the Family Word Bloom, some dew drops in colors I did not have, and some CTMH buttons that I did not have either. I was determined to work on this album and this is the results. I used the Free Spirit Paper Pack from CTMH. Thanks again Secret Sister I love the book. Oh I used my Bind It All to bind the book-So Awesome!

Stamp Camp Results!

I finally had a moment to take some photos of the creations from Stamp Camp. It was a four day weekend where on Friday I sorted layouts without photos (you know that you have them too) and photos without layouts (yes it was about 8 boxes-of various stages of fullness) to have them meet. I got a ton of photos on layouts and photos set aside for my siblings. Then on Sunday and Monday I was determined to do a couple of cute mini albums. So that is where we are now... This is the cute file folder album that I made (lifted ideas from my DL Tony) using the new Game On paper pack form CTMH.

Blog Candy Winner is.....

#24 Mandiannie!

Please send me your snail mail address to davearmie@comcast.net and I will send out your shoebox full of goodies.

Thanks for everyones birthday wishes to Dave.

I accomplished a great deal on my scrapbook weekend...however I have a class tonight and I hope to get photos of my secret sister gift (I got the neatest Family Chipboard Book) and also the file folder mini album and the stack of layouts that found photos. It was a huge success!

Jamie-I got my prize thank you!

First Trophy for Harrison

Last night was the awards ceremony for the kids who played TopsSoccer. It is a special program designed to have a buddy who helps kids with disabilites learn the basics of the game. If I can find a tutorial on uploading a video to UTube.com then I will share some of the game and the awards ceremony.

SC177 Follow Your Dreams

Here is my card for the sketch challenge today over at Split Coast Stampers. I am using up some of my stache of non-CTMH paper because I have had it forever! My new downline got her new kit today so this card will be for her! She is going on the weekend with me as well and looking forward to doing some projects using the new products in her kit!

Enjoy! Remember the blog candy-a shoebox full of embellishments and goodies!

Blog Candy!

So today is my husbands birthday the big 4-0. He is not one for birthdays however if you leave a birthday message for him on this thread by Monday (5/26/08) at 12 PM (noon) PST I will enter you in the drawing for the shoebox full of goodies -tons of embellishments, a 3X3 chip board album. some scrapbook tape (the decortive type), eyeles, brads, stickers, vellum envelopes, and much more just check out the photo! I am leaving for a scrapbook weekend on Friday so I hope to have wonderful projects to share when I return now that I have located some pretty cool alterables and supplies!

Enjoy and remember to wish Dave a happy birthday!

5000+ posts-Blog Candy This week

So I have cleaned out my stamp/scrap room and have a ton of neat things to share with a lucky winner. I will post my blog candy this week so check back! I am sure it will be an embellishment lovers dream! More later!

CC167 Times Fun

This card uses another Sheetload of Cards sketch and the color challenge over at SCS. I used Outdoor Denium, Heavenly Blue, and Sweetleaf instead of the SU! colors. It turned out ok I think! Happy Tuesday! I should go to sleep now! That is a total of 30+ cards today! What a day!