Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Scrapbook Retreat Project #3




4½" x 4½" Thanks Card - Wishes: All Squared Up™

Supplies:
D1187 My Acrylix® For Every Occasion
X7156B Clementine Paper Packet
Z1375 Kraft Cardstock
Z2164 Sorbet Exclusive Inks® Pad
Z2171 Saddle Exclusive Inks® Pad
Z281 White Hemp
Z1753 Sparkles Brown & Tan Assortment
Z1790 Cricut® Artiste Collection Cricut® Shapes:
3¾" Accent 1 <1>
Scalloped Circle
Circle


Thursday, November 22, 2012

Clearly the Best: The Stamp Behind the Mask


My Craft Channel: The Stamp Behind the Mask





Discover the versatility of masking: a stamping technique for only stamping particular sections of your image. Pick and choose the designs and stamp only the parts you want.

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Scrapbook Retreat Project #2


Cricut Artiste Collection: Gift Bag

Supplies: Pirouette

D1187 My Acrylix® For Every Occasion
X7148B Pemberley Paper Packet
1388 Colonial White Cardstock
Z2130 Indian Corn Blue Exclusive Inks® Pad
Z1363 Brad Blue Assortment
Blue Ribbon
Z1790 Cricut® Artiste Collection Cricut® Shapes:
8" 3D Object <Hallween>
Pirouette

Monday, November 19, 2012

Scrapbook Album - In Remembrance of Sharon Curtis

I finally got up the courage and strength to start my Mother's remembrance album at the scrapbook retreat.  I'm not really sure how I got through it without crying besides the fact that I was so focused on completing the album for my Step Father that I don't really remember placing each picture.  When I completed the album on the last night we were there I cried tears of joy.  I couldn't believe I finished it...Thank you to all the ladies who cheered me on and supported me along this journey!

To my mother, Sharon Dawn Curtis - 8/6/51 to 7/16/12
I miss you more than words can say, I love you the mostest in the whole wide world! xoxo






These are just a few of the pages I did, I hope you like them.

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Clearly the Best: Alcohol Marker Madness


My Craft Channel: Alcohol Marker Madness






Learn how to color stamps with your pair of coordinating alcohol-based markers that are sure to brighten a page, spruce up a card, and add pizazz to any project!

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Scrapbook Retreat Project #1

Hello!

I'm back from my retreat (sad face).  I had such a great time, we laughed, we cried, we made cards, 3D items, we laughed some more, relaxed and enjoyed each other's company.

Here is the first item I demonstrated:



One of my gals loved the look so much she spent the rest of the day making Christmas cards with the same layout, changing the center piece for each card!  Kudo's Barbara, they came out great!  Glad my project inspired you...

Supplies used:
ITEM #PRODUCT
COST

1388                   Colonial White Cardstock                                                                                      $14.50

X7155B               Avonlea B&T Duos® Paper Packet                                                                            $9.95

Z1741                 Grey Sparkle Badge Buttons                                                                                   $4.95



C1504My Acrylix® Fall Harvest
$13.95
Z2111Chocolate Exclusive Inks® Pad
$5.25
Z2137Olive Exclusive Inks® Pad
$5.25
Z697Sponge

Monday, November 12, 2012

Getting Organized - Challenge #8 - Getting Ready for a Crop




Download the PDF for this session here

I wish I had made it to this challenge before I went to my retreat a couple weeks ago!  So, how did everyone do, did you finish all the challenges?  Are you organized?  Would love to hear your comments on these classes!

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Clearly the Best: Coordinate with Cricut® Cuts

My Craft Channel: Coordinate with Cricut® Cuts




Learn how to use your stamps to bring Cricut® cut-outs to life! Many Cricut® shapes from the Artiste and Art Philosophy collections coordinate with stamp sets so you have more potential for creating, decorating, and accessorizing!

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Artiste project: Gift Box with Flower

I made this gift box for a friend at work, who is transferring to another department, as a farewell gift and a reminder of her friends at City Hall. I filled it with paper clips, sticky notes and binder clips so she could put it on her new desk.

 This project from the Cricut artiste cartridge was so easy to make and assemble! For the finishing touch I made one of the flowers from the cartridge as well and placed it on the top of the box along with some pearls.


Monday, November 5, 2012

Getting Organized - Challenge #7 - Inks, Chalks, Pens and other Coloring Agents





Download PDF here

How is everyone doing on the challenges?  Do you have a favorite challenge?  I'm still plugging away at the previous challenges...but I will get to the end, I've made a promise to myself that I will GET ORGANIZED!!

Enjoy!

Sunday, November 4, 2012

CAPTURE THE DATE, CAPTURE THE SAVINGS!

Save 50% off any stamp set* of your choice when you qualify for and buy the November Stamp of the Month set for $5!

November 2012 Constant Campaign: Capture the Date, Capture the Savings!



Stamp of the Month

November 2012 Capture the Date

(SEE THIS IDEA BOOK)AUTUMN/WINTER 2012 IDEA BOOK

fpo
Capture the Date, set of 72

Recommended Blocks:
1" × 1" (Y1000)
2" × 2" (Y1003)
2" × 3 1/2" (Y1009)

BEAUTIFUL STAMPS, AMAZING DISCOUNTS

Each month you can enjoy a new D-size stamp set, available for one 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.

November 2012: Capture the Date (S1211A)

Spend $50 and get this Stamp of the Month set for just $5.


INCREDIBLY COOL CRAFTS

In love with the artwork we created with this stamp set? Get ready to make it yourself! Purchase the materials listed here along with your deeply discounted Stamp of the Month set to get started!
Materials Needed
  1. My Acrylix® Capture the Date
  2. Dakota Paper Packet
  3. Slate Exclusive Inks® Pad
  4. Posh Journaling Spots
  5. Sparkles Clear Assortment
  6. Baker’s Twine Neutral Assortment
  7. Cricut® Artiste Collection

Required Tools
  1. Cricut® Art Philosophy Collection
  2. Colonial White Cardstock
  3. Goldrush Cardstock
  4. Lagoon Cardstock
  5. Goldrush Exclusive Inks® Pad
  6. Lagoon Exclusive Inks® Pad
  7. Foundry® Binder Clips
  8. Sanding Kit
  9. Bone Folder
  10. Clear Detail Embossing Powder
  11. VersaMark® Ink Pad
  12. Memory Book Mini Glue Dots®
  13. 3-D Foam Tape
  14. Adhesive
  15. Thread
  16. Cricut® Craft Room

12" × 12" Time Flies Page

HELPFUL HINTS

To create the techniques featured in this artwork, follow the helpful hints outlined below. Then use the pattern (Reflections: Front & Center—Accent Band™) found on page 74 of our how-to publication Reflections® for inspiration.
  • Cut the title letters at 3/4" and 1 1/4", found in the Cricut® Artiste booklet.
  • Cut the hearts at 1 1/4" Shift <Heart1>, found on page 26 of the Cricut® Art Philosophy booklet.
  • Emboss a design on the title letters with VersaMark® ink and heat set.
  • To create the six vertical heart rows, line three hearts up and stitch to secure.
  • Embellish with stamped accents, paper accents, and accessories, adding dimension with 3-D foam tape as desired.

7" × 5" Happy Birthday Card

HELPFUL HINTS

To create the techniques featured in this artwork, follow the helpful hints outlined below. Then use the pattern (Wishes: Midpoint™) found on page 77 of our how-to publication Wishes™ for inspiration.
  • Create the zigzag strips in Cricut® Craft Room by altering the diamond border at 1/2" Shift+Accent 2 <Dad>, found on page 75 of the Cricut® Artiste booklet.
  • Cut the Colonial White journaling tag at 2 1/2" Accent 4 <o>, found on page 49 of the Cricut® Artiste booklet. Trim as desired.
  • Embellish with stamped accents, paper accents, and accessories, adding dimension with 3-D foam tape as desired.

Count with Me Box & Cards

HELPFUL HINTS

To create the techniques featured in this artwork, follow the helpful hints outlined below.
  • Cut the box at 5 1/4" 3D Object <j>, found on page 57 of the Cricut® Artiste booklet.
  • Create the connected title in Cricut® Craft Room by linking some of the letters together so they are all joined together. Cut at 3/4" using the Cricut® Artiste cartridge.
  • Cut the hearts for the front of each pocket at 1 1/4" Shift <Heart1>, found on page 26 of the Cricut® Art Philosophy booklet.
  • Add visual interest by hand-stitching around the front of the box.
  • Embellish with stamped accents, paper accents, and accessories, adding dimension with 3-D foam tape as desired.

Saturday, November 3, 2012

Halloween Party 2012

Hello everyone, hope everyone had a fun and safe Halloween.  I wanted to share the annual Halloween party pictures from this years party, we had such a good time I just had to share!  Enjoy!















Friday, November 2, 2012

Clearly the Best: Dauber Dynamite




Discover the beauty of sponge daubing. When you ink your stamps with sponge daubers, you can create a soft, shaded look that is perfect for a gentle image to complete a page or card!

Monday, October 29, 2012

Getting Organized - Challenge 6 Stamps, Punches, and Cutting Systems

Download PDF, click here



Wow, I lucked out, I already started something like this with my stamps and cricut cartridges, phew!  One thing done! 

Friday, October 26, 2012

Scrapbook Retreat with the Girls

Hello everyone,

I'm so excited, I'm leaving for a weekend retreat to scrapbook and make cards to my hearts content with 11 fabulous women!  I'm hoping to work on my daughters album (now that she's 13) and maybe the finishing touches on my wedding album (been married for 4 years and 4 months) and to get a jump start on my Christmas Cards.  I will try to post pictures at the retreat of everyones work but the reception where we are going is terrible so it might have to wait until I get back on Monday!  Now lets just hope I get everything I need organized and packed up to go so I have everything I need to work on all my projects!  Have a great weekend everyone!  Happy Scrapping!!!

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Clearly the Best: Two-Tone



Discover how to create a terrific two-tone look with the base and shade stamping technique. Give your images more life and layers and watch them pop off the page!



Monday, October 22, 2012

Getting Organized - Challenge 5 Memorabilia & Journaling



Download PDF, click here

Take your "Holding Album" to the next level by adding mini-sketches of the layouts you are planning. Get Jill's Template for creating your sketches in PDF.

Jill's Template in PDF Form - Click Here

How is everyone doing with their organization?  I would love to hear your comments on what you think so far....

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Clearly the Best: Spanning the Space


Stamping a continuous image over multiple surfaces is easy. Check out these tips and tricks for spanning your image across several surfaces for more creative freedom and fun!


Monday, October 15, 2012

Getting Organized - Challenge 4



Download the PDF for this class HERE

I'm falling behind, haven't even had time to watch the last two classes, I thought fall was supposed to slow things down.  lol  Hope all of you are staying on track.  I have a long weekend ahead and am looking to get a long list of things accomplished.  Wish me luck!

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Clearly the Best: The Swipe Hype


Learn how to add texture, distressing, movement, and motion to your projects by stamp swiping—a technique that will change the way you stamp. Enjoy!



Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Save with Studio J - In the Month of October

Save with Studio J®!


For the month of October, when you buy 9 custom-printed Studio J layouts, you receive a 10th layout for free!

October 2012: Get a Studio J® layout free when you purchase 9.
October is the month to save on Studio J® layouts. In this special promotion, when you buy 9 Studio J layouts, you’ll get another custom-printed layout for free! It’s the perfect opportunity to use any Member Bonus layouts you may have on your Studio J account, or to try this fast and easy online software for the first time. The discount is automatically applied to your cart when you order 10 or more layouts. You can get up to 4 free layouts with this fantastic promotion! So what are you waiting for? Start your online scrapbooking today!

Visit Studio J to place a qualifying order and get your free layout—only in October! Click Here to try it now!
*Taxes and shipping/handling may apply. Offer good during above-specified dates, while supplies last.

Monday, October 8, 2012

Getting Organized - Challenge 3

Wow, I can't believe we're on week 3 already.  I have to admit my paper sorting wasn't all that bad, I'm a very organized person so I have to have my paper just so anyways so all I really had to do was find a new way to store it so I can see all the colors - vertical shelves vs. horizontal.  How did everyone else make out?

Does anyone else use something like the ScrapRack to sort there supplies?  I would be very interested to see what you use.

Ok, here we go to challenge #3!

Click here for the PDF of this presentation.




Thank you again Jill, these presentations are so easy to follow, you are a great teacher!

Next week....Pictures....now I'm scared! :  )P

Friday, October 5, 2012

October Stamp of the Month - Very Merry Christmas

Stamp of the Month

October 2012 Very Merry Christmas

Very Merry Christmas, set 11
Recommended Blocks:
1" × 3 1/2" (Y1002)
2" × 2" (Y1003)
3" × 3" (Y1006)
fpo

Beautiful Stamps, Amazing Discounts

Each month you can enjoy a new D-size stamp set, available for one 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.

October 2012: Very Merry Christmas (S1210A)

Spend $50 and get this Stamp of the Month set for just $5.

Click Here to Purchase the October Stamp of the Month

Incredibly Cool Crafts

In love with the artwork we created with this stamp set? Get ready to make it yourself! Purchase the materials listed here along with your deeply discounted Stamp of the Month set to get started!
Materials Needed
  1. My Acrylix® Very Merry Christmas
  2. Scholastic Paper Packet
  3. Olive Cardstock
  4. Silver Shimmer Trim
  5. Festive Velvet Rub-Ons
  6. Sparkles Black & Grey Assortment
  7. Cricut® Artiste Collection

Click Here to Purchase Any of these Materials
Required Tools
  1. Cricut® Art Philosophy Collection
  2. Colonial White Cardstock
  3. Cocoa Cardstock
  4. Sweet Leaf Cardstock
  5. Cocoa Exclusive Inks® Pad
  6. Desert Sand Exclusive Inks® Pad
  7. Colonial White Exclusive Inks® Re-Inker
  8. Enchantment Exclusive Inks® Mini Pigment Pads Set
  9. Adventure Exclusive Inks® Mini Pigment Pads Set
  10. Whimsy Exclusive Inks® Mini Pigment Pads Set
  11. Pewter Badge Buttons
  12. Embroidery Floss Neutral Assortment
  13. White Hemp
  14. Spray Pen
  15. Create-a-Shade® Pearl Paint
  16. Sanding Kit
  17. Bone Folder
  18. Sponge
  19. Memory Book Mini Glue Dots®
  20. 3-D Foam Tape
  21. Adhesive

Click Here to Purchase Any of these Materials

12" × 12" Merry Christmas Page




Helpful Hints

To create the techniques featured in this artwork, follow the helpful hints outlined below. Then use the pattern (Reflections: Front & Center—Trio™) found on page 70 of our Reflections® how-to publication for inspiration.
  • Cut the title phrase at 3" <Christms>, found on page 80 of the Artiste booklet.
  • Cut the large ornament at 3" Shift+3D Object <HoHoHo>, the snowflake at 1 1/2" Shift+Accent 1 <HoHoHo>, the two red snowflakes at 1 1/2" Shift+Accent 4 <HoHoHo>, and the two mittens at 2 1/2" Accent 2 <Noel>, all of which are found on page 79 of the Artiste booklet.
  • To create the paint splatter look, add a few drops of Colonial White re-inker and pearl paint to the spray pen and shake until combined. Spray as much as desired and set aside to dry.
  • Embellish with stamped accents, paper accents, and accessories, adding dimension with 3-D foam tape as desired.

A Holiday Treat Popper

Helpful Hints

To create the techniques featured in this artwork, follow the helpful hints outlined below.
  • Cut the treat popper at 7" 3D Object <BdayBoy>, found on page 68 of the Artiste booklet.
  • Cut the snowflake at 1 1/2" Shift+Accent 4 <HoHoHo>, found on page 79 of the Artiste booklet.
  • Embellish with paper accents and accessories, adding dimension with 3-D foam tape as desired.

To-From Treat Bag



Helpful Hints

To create the techniques featured in this artwork, follow the helpful hints outlined below.
  • Cut the treat bag at 5" 3D Object <Noel>, found on page 79 of the Artiste booklet.
  • Cut the tag at 3" Shift+3D Object <#>, found on page 33 of the Artiste booklet.
  • Add visual interest by hand-stitching around the front of the bag.
  • To create the 3-D presents on the gift tag, stamp the image two extra times in various colors and then cut the presents and attach them with 3-D foam tape, as desired.
  • Embellish with stamped accents and accessories, adding dimension with 3-D foam tape as desired.

Red Swirls Box


Helpful Hints

To create the techniques featured in this artwork, follow the helpful hints outlined below.
  • Cut the box at 9" Shift+Font Layer <Dragnfly>, found on page 24 of the Art Philosophy booklet.
  • Cut the tag at 2 3/4" Shift+3D Object <%>, found on page 35 of the Artiste booklet
  • Embellish with stamped accents, paper accents, and accessories, adding dimension with 3-D foam tape as desired.

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Love Your Layout: Studio J - Dakota Kit: Using Photos for a Background



Recreate this adorable layout using the Dakota kit—this month’s Love Your Layout℠ video will show you how! You’ll learn some fun tricks along the way to use in all your Studio J® projects.

Monday, October 1, 2012

Getting Organized - Challenge #2



If you haven't already done so, you'll want to download the Workbook so you can follow along and do the checklist at the end of each challenge.

Download the 2012 Fall Back to School, Back to Scrapping Workbook - click here

Question:  What did you find to be the hardest part of challenge #1?  I had a hard time coming up with 8 rewards, anyone else?

To sign up for this Webinar - click here

Thank you Tiffany for showing us how to become more organized, I'm really enjoying these challenges!!!

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Clearly the Best: Swipe and Stamp



Learn how to add texture, distressing, movement, and motion to your projects by stamp swiping—a technique that will change the way you stamp.

Monday, September 24, 2012

Getting Organized - Challenge #1

Ok, so I have to start this by saying that I feel that I am pretty organized BUT if I were, why is it every time I go to find some of my supplies, I can't quite seem to put my fingers on what I'm looking for, or thought I had....

If your like me then your going to love this Webinar!  Here is the first of 8 challenges.  I will continue to post her presentation video's and a link to her Webinar for anyone who wants to join and play along!  Hope you get as much out of this challenge to get organized as I have, I can't wait to see how my craft room turns out after we finish the challenge!



Just as a side note, I'm not purchasing the ScrapRack, although it does look like a great concept, I have to much money tied up in my scrap room storage as it is.  She does refer to the ScrapRack throughout her presentations but she also gives you other ideas if you don't want to purchase the product.

The 4 Section System Article - click here

Download the 2012 Fall Back to School, Back to Scrapping Workbook - click here

Let me know what you think, I'd love to here your comments and if you decide to join.



Thursday, September 20, 2012

Monday, September 17, 2012

Adding Color to Your Crafts



Discover how to spruce up your designs with these new color families, cardstocks, and kit-exclusive papers. Adding color to your crafts is simple, easy, and beautiful!

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Studio J: Perfect Placement



Discover the tools in Studio J® that help you perfectly place your embellishments right where you want them!

Check out Studio J Here!

Thursday, September 6, 2012

Studio J: Photo Editing Tool



Edit your photos right in Studio J, including adjusting brightness; changing color balance and saturation; removing red-eye, blemishes, and wrinkles; and whitening teeth. Find out how easy it is in Studio J, Close To My Heart’s online scrapbook design software!

Want to learn more?  Click Here!

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

September Stamp of the Month - Fall Favorites

Beautiful Stamps, Amazing Discounts

Each month you can enjoy a new D-size stamp set, available for one 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.

September 2012: Fall Favorites (S1209A)

Spend $50 and get this Stamp of the Month set for just $5.

 In love with the artwork we created with this stamp set? Get ready to make it yourself! Purchase the materials listed here along with your deeply discounted Stamp of the Month set to get started!
Materials Needed
  1. My Acrylix® Fall Favorites
  2. Moonlight Paper Packet
  3. Autumn Terracotta Exclusive Inks® Marker Set
  4. Olive Exclusive Inks® Marker Set
  5. Burlap Ribbon
  6. Brads Metal Assortment
  7. Cricut® Artiste Collection

Required Tools
  1. Chocolate Cardstock
  2. Colonial White Cardstock
  3. Chocolate Exclusive Inks® Pad
  4. Honey Exclusive Inks® Marker Set
  5. Indian Corn Blue Exclusive Inks® Pad
  6. Slate Exclusive Inks® Marker Set
  7. Brown StazOn® Ink Pad
  8. Alcohol Blending Marker
  9. Embroidery Floss Neutral Assortment
  10. Color-Ready Seam Binding Ribbon
  11. Bone Folder
  12. Sponge
  13. Memory Book Mini Glue Dots®
  14. 3-D Foam Tape
  15. Adhesive


 To create the techniques featured in this artwork, follow the helpful hints outlined below.
  • Cut the outer cover of the card box twice, once with cardstock and once with B&T Duos <sup>®</sup> paper, at 6 3/4" Accent 3 <u>. Cut the card box base once with cardstock at 6 3/4" Shift+Accent 3 <U>, both of which are found on page 47 of the Artiste booklet. Cut the tag at 1 3/4" Shift + 3D Object <@>, found on page 32 of the Artiste booklet.
  • Add visual interest by hand-stitching embroidery floss around the border of the card box, if desired.
  • Embellish with paper accents and accessories, adding dimension with 3-D foam tape as desired. 










To create the techniques featured in this artwork, follow the helpful hints outlined below. Then use the pattern (Wishes: Geometric™) found on page 124 of our Wishes™ how-to publication for inspiration.
  • Add visual interest by making an embossed grid on the front of the card base.
  • To create the watercolor effect on the scarecrow, color with the marker sets until desired look is achieved. Use the blending marker, as desired, to soften the colors.
  • Embellish with stamped accents, paper accents, and accessories, adding dimension with 3-D foam tape as desired. 











To create the techniques featured in this artwork, follow the helpful hints outlined below. Then use the pattern (Make It from Your Heart®: Pattern 17) found on page 38 of our how-to publication Make It from Your Heart® for inspiration.
  • Cut the title letters at 1 3/4" using the Cricut® Artiste cartridge. Cut the small tag at 1 3/4" Shift+Accent 3 <&>, found on page 37 of the Artiste booklet.
  • To create the watercolor effect on the pumpkins and leaves, color with the marker sets until desired look is achieved. Use the blending marker, as desired, to soften the colors.
  • To create the shadow effect on the title, simply cut your title letters in a light color and then again in a darker color. Then, offset each dark letter under the light letter.
  • Embellish with stamped accents, paper accents, and accessories, adding dimension with 3-D foam tape as desired.