Amber Packer

GTU - My Mind's Eye - Christmas Wreath

 

Today, on Good Things Utah, I demonstrated this wreath I made using The Merry Days of Christmas collection from My Mind's Eye. 

I just LOVE how it turned out! 

Talk about a simple, inexpensive project that makes an impact!

It's amazing what can be done with just a few pieces of paper, some ribbon and floral picks.

I designed this wreath for the My Mind's Eye Hobby Lobby Ad.  I thought it was fun, enjoyed how it turned out, but was thrilled for a chance to "kick it up" a bit.

 

 

Would you like to make your own?  I'll put a link to the segment with a video of my segment when it's up this afternoon. 

Update:  The segment video has been loaded in the left column.

But, in the meantime, I've included detailed instructions here.

This is a perfect project for Thanksgiving Day.  After your belly is full, relax on the couch, cut out leaves and enjoy this wreath for many years to come.

I'd love to see what you come up with!

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Do you remember the Witch's Boot?  Are you interested in making an elf boot using The Merry Days of Christmas collection?

Email me by Saturday, November 21 if you would like me to order one for you?

Want to win three My Mind's Eye collections of your choice?

All you have to do is join us at the My Mind's Eye blog in our November Blog Challenge.  Here are the details:

create using this beautiful sketch by Anam Stubbington.

The rules: Use ANY My Mind’s Eye products (current or past) you’d like as long as your project has at least 80% My Mind’s Eye products.

The deadline: Email your project to amber@mymindseye.com (with Blog Challenge 5 as your subject) or add a link in a comment on this post by Thursday, November 19, 2009 (midnight, MST).

(For tips on how to best photograph your entry, click here)

The PRIZE: Our lucky winner will be featured in a blog post and receive one of everything from three collections of their choice!  We will also award an honorable mention winner with one collection of their choice!

Everyone is a winner!  We are grateful to everyone who will participate in this challenge.  We will put every entry in a photo album here on the blog.  By submitting, you are giving My Mind’s Eye permission to include your entry.

I thought you might want to see the layout I did as a sample.  I switched the sketch up a bit by just flipping it horizontally, using three pictures and raising the "weight" of the page up an inch or two.

I also played with the new Life Stories collection - Ah, to die for!  I love how the background papers are pre-printed!

I got in trouble with Riley because the last layout I did was using photos of Neal, so here you go sweet stuff.  This one is for you!

Supplies:  Life Stories Frequency Grid paper, Life Stories Green Damask paper, Life Stories Trip Information paper (compass), Memories Like This Journaling card, Collection 1 Accessory Sheet, Laundry Line Natural "My Boy" Rub-on, Basic Grey chipboard letters, Maya Road Ribbon, felt border.

Enter to win!

Hi!  Wasn't that fun!?  I have been looking forward to this segment for a couple of months.

In case you missed it (or aren't local), here's a link to the segment.  The video will be up soon.

Everyone can enter the contest for my 5 favorite tools.

Here's how:

1.  Simply go to www.abc4.com and click on the contest link

OR

2.  Follow this direct link.

Now, I need you to do me a favor ... please visit the generous companies who donated products to my giveaway, let them know you saw the Good Things Utah segment and tell them how much you love their products!

I can't wait to hear who the winner is!

My 5 favorite tools!

Today on Good Things Utah (abc 4) between 10 am and 11 am, I am giving away 5 of my favorite "tools". 

Thanks to the generosity of a few of the fabulous companies I work with, this prize package is an absolutely FANTASTIC prize!

It was so hard to choose just 5.  I needed at least 10 to get all my favorites.

1. My Mind’s Eye paper (www.mymindseye.com)

· One of everything in the Breaking Free collection

· One of everything in The Spider’s Web collection

· One of everything in The Merry Days of Christmas collection

2. Haylee Bean Photography (www.hayleebeanphotography.squarespace.com)

• Free Photo Session
• Free Cinematic Memories Session (home movie)
• Free Video DVD of "home movie"
• Free Internet files of the "home movie" for blogs, facebook, what-have-you's.
• 2 free 8x10 prints
• 50% off additional order

3. QuicKutz (www.quickutz.com)

• Epic Die Cutting Machine
• Blossom Font
• Dots Border Die
• Cookie Cutter Nesting Label
• Damask Border Die
• Tree Border Die

4. Tattered Angels (www.mytatteredangels.com)

• 1 Box Glimmer Screens: Fanciful Stencils (9 pieces)
• Tweezers
• One bottle Glimmer Mist

5. Glitz Designs (www.glitzitnow.com)

• Frosting! 5 Border strips and two word strips.

Coming up tomorrow ...

on Good Things Utah:  MY 5 Favorite Tools!!

Talk about an amazing GIVEAWAY!  You won't want to miss this segment.

What could they be ...

Halloween at our house

Last Soccer games of the fall season

Visiting Grandparents

"Mom, just let us get going!"

 

It's a good thing I snapped these pics while we were visiting Omie.

 

Ending with: GO UTES!!!

 

Coming up: the world's LARGEST leaf pile (at least our largest)

Just so you know ...

A Page 4 all Seasons Announcement

This is the LAST week we will probably ever have sale this good!  Remember, this expires on October 31, 2009!
  I HAVE to clearance all that I can to generate some sales!  If you use the promo code toughtimes through the end of the month, you will get a 35% discount.  Autoship members, this will be your total discount as well. 
Support our autoship clubs!  I have absolutely loved designing for my new kit club My Page 4 All Seasons... it has been fun to create the layouts and paper project to go with it.  I have tons of new ideas for the upcoming months, and really want to increase the number of club members so we can keep them going!  So... if you join an autoship club, I will give you a $10 credit on your account towards another purchase (or your first autoshipment!) 
Being a small company, we appreciate EACH AND EVERY customer more than you realize.  Thank you so much for your continued support!
PS - Check out our clearance section for deals like 40 sheets of paper for $10.  After the promo code, this makes GOOD paper cost you only $.16 per sheet.  That is HALF what I paid for the paper wholesale!  I have also reduced the cost on product kits to be 20-30% off.  With this 35% off promo code, that makes product kits 50-65% off retail!
This awesome discount is going to be good through October.  Take advantage of the discount and get all that you can while it is here!  We will not be replacing any kits so this could be your LAST chance to see them!
Stock up for Christmas!

PLEASE tell your friends about us!  You can forward this email or you can even blog about us!  Tell me how you've spread the word by emailing me back!  I will recognize you and link your blog (if you would like) through a post on our site!)

A Page 4 all Seasons
www.apage4allseasons.com

Home for the Holidays paper mache house

   

Updated:  Are you ready for instructions?

Download paper mache house instructions: Download Holiday House by Amber Packer

Would you like to see the segment?  Click here

Hey, guys!  Today on Good Things Utah, I'm demonstrating this fantastically fun to make paper mache house featuring Eskimo Kisses from Basic Grey.

You can find every scrapbook product I used at All Scrapbook Steals.  All Eskimo Kisses products are discounted 15%!

I bought the paper mache house(s) at Hobby Lobby.  I have called my local store to let them know I was demonstrating the house so that (hopefully) you won't have a problem finding them!

More detailed instructions & a video of the segment will be available {here} later today. 

In the meantime, here is what you need to get started:

• 2 or 3 – Basic Grey Eskimo Kisses Powdered Sugar paper
• 2 – Basic Grey Eskimo Kisses Peppermint Twist paper
• 1 – Basic Grey Eskimo Kisses Starry Night paper
• 1 – Basic Grey Eskimo Kisses Alpine paper
• 1 – Basic Grey Eskimo Kisses Glazed Apple paper
• 2 – Basic Grey Eskimo Kisses Woodland paper
• 1 – Basic Grey Eskimo Kisses Snow Cap paper
• 1 – Basic Grey Eskimo Kisses Evergreen paper
• 1 – Basic Grey Eskimo Kisses Green Doilie
• 1 – Basic Grey Eskimo Kisses Chip Sticker Shapes
• 1 – Basic Grey Eskimo Kisses Stitched Brads
• 1 – Basic Grey Eskimo Kisses Metal Brads
• 1 – Basic Grey Holly Jolly Itsy Bitsy Stamp
• 1 – Basic Grey Designer Rhinestones Ruby Snowflake
• 1 – Basic Grey Designer Rhinestones Rudy Swirl
• 1 – Paper Mache House (I bought mine at Hobby Lobby)

Also used: Liquid glue or double stick tape, brown ink pad, scissors, pop dots, Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist (iridescent gold), Stickles Glitter Glue, ¾” wood block (to hold up chipboard people), craft boa from craft store for snow (12 feet), QuicKutz Nesting Squares die.

Fall Decor Off

 

Left to right: Tamara Jensen, Tiffani Smith, Mandi Coombs, Amber Packer (me)

For those of you who haven't read a Decor Off post of mine before, the premise is this:

Competitors:  Designers who go on Good Things Utah (mostly representing companies).  This time is was:

Amber's Design Divas and Imaginisce.

All paper, chipboard and ribbon we used was donated to us by My Mind's Eye.  The Vinyl was donated by QuicKutz.

What:  We are all given the same "base item".  This time is was a child's table & chair set from Ikea.  We all start with the raw item.  We could put the table & chairs together prior to the contest, but that was it.

Time:  We are given two hours to be creative and transform our item.

Who it benefits:  All projects are donated to Primary Children's Hospital and are auctioned off at the Festival of Trees which is held annually.  Since this is for charity, my team all donated our time and materials. 

Design: This time we were asked to design something juvenile (obviously) and something that would make people think of the environment.  Of course we thought of

It is so much fun!  We get to spend time with our friends, be creative AND support a good cause!  Thanks for all your help girls!

WE WON!!

It's always so much fun to see what the other teams come up with.  Shauna from Imaginisce did a fabulous job on their table, too!

If you'd like to see more pictures, learn more of what we did and have a supply list, please go to the My Mind's Eye blog on Saturday, October 17, 2009.

I can't wait to hear what you think!

How to buy a Witch's boot or hat

The response to the wood boot and hat has been amazing!

Thank you!

I've had a lot of you email me and ask if you could purchase either a boot, hat or both!

Here's the scoop:  I am happy to place an order for anyone who would like.

Both the hat and boot are $14 each.

Shipping: Pick up for locals.  I can mail it to you as well.

Here's the catch:  I'll need 10 days after you place your order to get the wood and get it ready to ship.  That means that you won't get your wood until close to Halloween.

Please email me at: bloominmemories@yahoo.com if you'd like me to order one for you.

If the shoe fits ...

Did you see the Witch's boot I designed for My Mind's Eye?  It's on their blog!  (Click here to see the post)

This is one of my most favorite projects EVER! 

It goes so well with the Witch's Hat I designed using Glitz products, too! 

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On another happy note, I am no longer "grounded".  It was just the battery, thank heaven!  Because it had only been 20 months since we replaced the battery, Costco happily returned it and replaced it for free. 

Hallelujah!  It's totally doable, but kind of scary not having a car.

Funny Note:  I called my friend who usually repairs our cars and explained what was going on.  He thought it was just the battery, too.  Guess what he told me!?  "That's what you get for buying a car battery from a company who also makes muffins."  I busted a gut laughing!  Humor is a good thing.

Where to find Glitz products

A Cherry on Top (has everything I used):

http://www.acherryontop.com/shop/company/glitz_design/line/plum_crazy

For more online retailer options:

http://www.glitzitnow.com/glitz-find-retailer.php

I'm grounded.

Not really, but we're having battery issues with my car.  It starts easily with a quick jump, but I can't go anywhere because I can't turn off the car.

No biggie.

I had planned to pick up the table & chairs for the Decor Off this weekend and drive to My Mind's Eye to pick up paper for it.  I can do these tomorrow.

Now, I'm grounded.  It may be a good thing, too.  I need to put the finishing touches on tomorrow's My Mind's Eye blog post and design a class for Fancy Pants.  Now I'll have time.

But, before I do that, I'm going to go clean the car -- just in case I need to take it to the shop!

The boys were cute, "let's go to the store and buy batteries.  How many does it take?  Does it need C or D?"  Even the boys know: a car doesn't run on AA batteries!  *wink*

Being grounded is not always a bad thing!  hugs,

Look what we did this weekend!

The boys cleaned the windows (and enjoyed it!):

Then spooked them up (and enjoyed this more)!

I used my QuicKutz Silhouette to cut out of vinyl a spooky fence, bats, spiders, a couple ghosts and a fun "Happy Halloween" sign. 

The boys were trying to be spookier than the "haunted house" in our neighborhood.  I'm not sure we accomplished that (it's an almost impossible task).  The boys had so much fun that I think we're going to have to do this again. 

They're pretty proud of their "spooky" window.

Glitz Design - Witches Hat - GTU

Today is a good day.

I get to go on Good Things Utah, hang with the "girls" AND demonstrate this super cute wooden Witches Hat using the Plum Crazy line from Glitz Design.

Plum Crazy was named one of CK Magazine's CHA top 10 picks.

You can see why!

You can purchase Glitz Design products at your favorite local scrapbook store or online.

Did you miss the segment? Link to segment (video coming soon)

Want to make your own?  Download Glitz Witches Hat

It was so much fun to get all "girly"!  I don't get that opportunity all that often.

I purchased the hat from my friend who cuts wood.  I've heard a rumor that you can purchase it at the Wood Connection here in Utah. 

(If you aren't in too big of a hurry, let me know and I'll see if I can't hook you up.)

Added:  Where to find Glitz products:

http://www.acherryontop.com/shop/company/glitz_design/line/plum_crazy

http://www.glitzitnow.com/glitz-find-retailer.php

New My Mind's Eye blog challenge

2nd Marine Division

6th Marine Regiment

3rd Battalion

K Company

Fought at Saipan

Wounded twice in battle

Marine Volunteer

This is my Grandfather. 

He fought so that my generation might not need to.

Growing up, my grandpa would never talk about this time in his life.  The memories are too hard on him.  As he is getting closer (not too soon, I hope!) to the end of his life, he has began to open up. 

I'm going to frame this layout and take it to him.  Hopefully I can get him to tell me more (I'll be sure to come armed with a recorder of some type).

I designed this layout as a sample for the new My Mind's Eye blog challenge.  If you'd like to win new My Mind's Eye products, just design a layout/project based on this line from a U2 song:

"Every generation gets a chance to change the world"

You have until midnight, MDT on September 24, 2009.

Fun without me.

While I was working at the Expo last weekend, the boys went boating with my family.  I'm so glad they went and had fun while I was working. 

No, really, I am!

They sacrifice a lot.  Usually Bryan takes them to a movie.  But, boating is MY thing!  That's what we did as a family.  So, I must admit that I'm a little sad.

While I was sad that I didn't get to enjoy the lake with them, look at the joy on their faces!  How can I be upset?

 

October "Amber's Possibilities!" Kit Club layouts

Both layouts can be used for so many of your favorite photos from Halloween .  As usual, they are "generic" (in a super cute way) so you can use them with boys, girls or a fun time with your friends!

• $25.00:  If you are a member of my "Amber's Possibilities!" Kit Club (or any other club).  You can sign up at any time and get two double page layouts delivered to your doorstep every month!
• $30.00:  If you are not a member, you have to wait to order until after May 1 and there are no guarantees there will be extras to purchase.
• Click HERE to view the other kits I have available.

Good News!!  If you are a Kit Club member (any club), you will receive 20% off your purchases (monthly Kit Club excluded).

Fancy Pants - Happy Halloween Page - GTU

Did you miss the segment? Link coming soon

Want to make your own?  Download Happy Halloween

I had a lot of fun playing with this line.  The Glitter Cuts are too, too cute!  The woven ribbon is just PERFECT and the papers are a good combination of cutesy and classy.

If you are at the Expo, stop by their booth.  They are selling kits for $7.00 (retail value: $12.97).  The first 50 people who visit the booth and purchase this kit will receive a free prize valued at $15 retail!

the eve of the Fall Expo is here ...

... and it's a BUSY day for me! 

I start off the day at 10 am on Good Things Utah demonstrating this framed Halloween layout using the Trick or Treat line from Fancy Pants Designs!

 

From 2:30 - 4:00:  I will be teaching the "Spooky"tacular Halloween Banner.  There are a small number of kits left.  They will be for sale at the A Page 4 All Seasons booth after the class.

From 5:00 - 6:00:  I will be in the Good Things Utah booth doing this make and take using the Laundry Line collection from My Mind's Eye and the QuicKutz Silhouette.

(hint: You will WANT to stop by both these booths!)

I hope I'll get to see you!  Be sure to visit the Fancy Pants, A Page 4 All Seasons, QuicKutz and My Mind's Eye booths!

September PageMaps

 

I was asked by Becky Fleck of Page Maps to contribute to her September 2009 Page Maps Newsletter.  Becky's website is a great resource!

I could use any products I wanted so, of course, I chose My Mind's Eye products!

• My Mind's Eye Breaking Free Wild Ride "Summer" Roller Coaster paper
• My Mind's Eye Breaking Free Cowabunga "Oh So Very Cool" Rocky Point paper
• My Mind's Eye Breaking Free Cowabunga " Summertime" Boy Cool Flowers Dude die-cut paper
• My Mind's Eye Breaking Free Lighten-Up, Baby! "Best Buds" Decked Out Dots paper
• My Mind's Eye Wild Ride "You Are a Star" Fireworks paper
• My Mind's Eye Lighten-Up, Baby! "Full Speed Ahead" title
• My Mind's Eye Sun Kissed "All Girl" Small Accessories
• K & Co. paper
• Glitz blue frosting arrow
• American Crafts Glitter Thickers
• Basic Grey chipboard

Sad Day

Today is a sad day.  It's my last day on the Bo Bunny Design Team.  When Julia let the Design Team know that she was going to hold Design Team auditions, I knew it was the best time for BoBunny to step down if I was going to this year.

Just because it was the right decision does not mean that it is an easy or fun decision.  I have enjoyed my time on the Design Team. 

I am also grateful to have been asked to stay on in a more "behind the scene" capacity and will still continue designing stickers as well as doing some catalog work.  I am thrilled to continue working with the company.  There are some really great people that work here.  They are a kind company and I have been honored to be associated with them.

Good luck to the new team:

Sherry Wright
Robyn Weatherspoon
Tonya Dirk
Patti Milazzo
Rita Shimniok
Juliana Michaels
Debbie Nicholas
Christine Ousley

and returning Designers
Carole Janson
Dee Gallimore-Perry
Kristen Swain
Julia Sandvoss (team lead)

QuicKutz Headbands - Instructions

At Back to School night this week, I borrowed some of my cute neighbors and we had an impromptu fashion show.  Don't they look so cute actually ON a head?  The girls were all so cute and happy to help me out.  I'd like to thank them all!  (Neal even wanted to participate!  It was a joke, but now he's part of it whether he wants to or not)

I detailed instructions available to download here: QuicKutz Fashion_headbands

If you missed the segment and for a video tutorial, click here.

I had so much fun playing with the dies from QuicKutz and fabric from Pine Needles.  You will enjoy this project!

      

QuicKutz Headbands - GTU

Hi! Because of the short amount of time I had to prepare my segment, I will be adding detailed instructions later (hopefully this afternoon).  I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you and hope you will take the time to check back later.

In the meantime, don't forget to visit QuicKutz and Pine Needles to see more ideas with their wonderful products.

In the meantime, here is a link to the segment.

Instructions are up!  Click here for a link to the instructions and more (better) photos.

Tomorrow on Good Things Utah ...

I received a call this afternoon from one of the producers at Good Things Utah.  She was wondering when I'd like to demonstrate how to make the headband I was wearing and asked when I'd like to do it.  I asked her when SHE'D like me and guess what she said?  Tomorrow!

So, here I am working away getting ready for tomorrow's show.

I'm so thankful to QuicKutz and Pine Needles (located in Gardner Village) for their help in getting ready.  I could not have done this without their support!  It is a privilege to represent these two companies on Good Things Utah tomorrow.

Wish me luck!