Happy Memorial Weekend!

I'm so excited for the long weekend!  Looks like great weather on Saturday and Sunday and maybe some showers on Monday and Tuesday but still great temperatures.  My husband has project after project planned for us. We are hoping to get the pool opened, the vegetable garden planted, the flower beds weeded and new bark mulch spread.  I would like to get the trim painted on the house but after the deck staining last weekend he wants to wait....he really doesn't like painting.  Hopefully I'll get a little crafty time too, need to clean up my scrapbook room and I want to do some cards for the June stamp of the month and play some more with the Dotty for You paper.  So I hope everyone has a great memorial weekend and the weather stays bright and sunny and warm.  Happy crafting everyone!

Hello Card

Hello!  I really liked the colors that were used in the Wishes How-To Book.  BUT I didn't have the exact paper pattern or colors but think this card came out ok.  This is the last of the cards I had made while I was scrapbooking up North with my mom.  I used some of my scrap papers and followed one of the layouts in the How-To Book, Wishes.  I added stitching, some brads and ribbon to finish the card.

Busy Busy Busy

Hey everyone,  sorry I haven't posted in a while, it's been crazy busy around my house.  My cousin flew in from California on Thursday so I went to see her on Thursday evening.  Friday evening I had a CTMH gathering in South Portland with a great bunch of ladies, thank you Charleen for having us all in your home!

Here is one of the cards we made at the gathering.













Saturday I participated in my first 5K walk/run this weekend and finished in 40 minutes, not to shabby for a slow jog and fast walk :  )P.  A big shout out to my close friend Candice who participated with me!

I also went dress shopping with my daughter to find a dress for her upcoming semi-formal dance for school.   To finish up the weekend my husband and I stained our two decks by hand.

Phew, I'm exhausted just telling you about it.  Hope everyone enjoyed their weekend and had great weather like I did!

Sending Warm Wishes

I used the "A Garden" CTMH stamp set for this card and got my inspiration from the card shown on page 73 of the Spring/Summer 2012 Idea Book.  I really like this stamp set, it seems so dainty to me.  I used a bigger card than what is shown, just seemed to need more height to me.    

I used the CTMH markers to color in the images on the tag I cut out with the Art Philosophy cartridge.  I also used the Art Philosophy cartridge to cut out my card base.  Can you tell that I don't do anything without using the Art Philosophy cartridge!

Happy Birthday Card

This card idea came from the Originals How-To Program Book, it's amazing how many great ideas you can find in these books. 

I jazzed my card up a bit by adding the vase with flowers which I cut out the shapes from the Art Philosophy cartridge.  I brightened up the colors by using the Dotty for You paper pink polka dots.  I added the ribbon bows off to the side and tied them with white embroidery floss.  The Happy Birthday is from the CTMH Card Word Puzzle stamp set found on page 23 of the Spring/Summer 2012 Idea Book.  This stamp set is amazing because you can create so many sentiments!

Here is a closer look at the ribbons and the vase with flowers.

Celebrate Today Card

I think this stamp set is so cute!  It's the CTMH Paper Lantern stamp set found on page 90 of the Spring/Summer 2012 Idea Book.  The Idea Book shows the laterns on a box made from the Art Philiosophy Cartridge, very cute. 

My card is made from left over scraps that I had kicking around from Stampin Up paper (sorry but I really like their paper) and some extra ribbon I picked up somewhere.    If you like the stamp set as much as I do, Check it out here!

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!

Today I just want to wish all the Mother's a Very Happy Mother's Day! 

Enjoy Your Day!

Have you Earned your "Dotty For You" Paper

Dotty For You Paper Packet

The Dotty for You paper packet, created specifically for National Scrapbooking Month in May, includes 24 specially designed, coordinating B&T Duos® sheets (2 each of 12 patterns) and an artwork idea insert. It has a retail value of $19.95 but can be yours for just $5 when you purchase $35 or more in products from the Spring/Summer 2012 Idea Book. You can also get one free when you host a qualifying Gathering or sign up as a new Consultant!  Make a purchase today... Start Shopping!

Studio J: Step-by-Step Basics

If your considering Studio J, watch this video to see just how easy it really is.  You'll love the way this video walks you through creating a layout from start to finish in Studio J^®!

If you use Studio J, I would love to hear about your experiences. Unfortunately, I have not had the pleasure of trying it out yet, I'm more of an hands on girl and like to feel the paper in my hands.  I am very intrigued with the concept and am very interested in your thoughts and hope you will share!

Thank You Card

I love the way this card came out, it's so welcoming to me, so bright and summery.  Maybe I'm just dreaming about summer since it's been raining steady for about two weeks now.  I'll do anything to think sunny thoughts!

The layout is in the Wishes How-To Progam Book.  I used White cardstock as the base, Chocolate cardstock for the small picture frames, "Dotty For You" paper in orange polka dots for the large picture frame and white cardstock for the center.  I used CTMH embellisments as my focal point; a piece of cocoa ribbon; a few Paradise Paper Flowers and the anitqued copper bitty brads.

A thank you card I will send to the Sun as soon as it appears again!  To purchase the products used on this card Click Here

"For You" Card

I made another card using the "Just for You" CTMH stamp set, I really do like this stamp set, can you tell?  lol  I used a combination of the Pemberley B&T Duos paper, Dotty For You paper, and Outdoor Denim cardstock for the base.  I used the Art Philosophy Cartridge to cut the flower and the banner shape and added a Pewter brad to the center of the flower.  Do you have a favorite card using this stamp set?  I'd love to see it!  Post a comment to where I can go to see it and I'll leave you a comment!

A Note For You...

"A Note For You" was inspired from the example in the CTMH Idea Book (page 18).  I changed it up a bit by using the Pemberley B&T Duos paper.  I cut out the flower and banner shapes using the Art Philosophy cartridge and stamped it with CTMH "Just For You" stamp set in Outdoor Denim ink.  The base of the card is Outdoor Denim cardstock and the strip in the center is Bamboo cardstock.  I popped the flower off the cardstock with a Dot's glue dot and the center of the flower is a CTMH Pewter Badge Button.

I have seen this card done in so many different colors, the possibilities are endless with this versatile stamp set!  Find the color and design you like best...Shop Now

Eclectic Elegance

CTMH TV Episode - Eclectic Elegance

Have you checked out CTMH TV episodes lately to get some ideas or a fresh look at some cool techniques, well I did and found this episode, Eclectic Elegance.  In this episode you will learn:

How to combine leftover embellishments and dimensional elements into beautiful clusters of three with one focal point. 

The project Inspiration in this episode is "Powerful Trio" which is outlined below.

How to tie the perfect bow and knot bow.  It's so easy!

How to make ruffles out of paper or ribbon.  The ribbon method is very cute!

How to make ribbon rosettes, with a circle punch, brad and ribbon.

Be inspired by Jeanette Lynton's vintage scrapbook page and scrapbook your childhood photo's.

Hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did, it's so fun to learn new ideas and techniques.  To watch this episode Click Here

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Project Inspiration - Powerful Trio

Featured Technique - Creative Clusters

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Materials Needed

• 9030 Imagine™
• C1304 My Acrylix® Sans Alphabet Stamp Set
• D1401 My Acrylix® Authentic Stamp Set
• D1427 My Acrylix® Tasty Treats Stamp Set
• E1016 My Acrylix® Friendship Alphabet Large Stamp Set
• X7126B Passages Level 2 Paper Packet
• Z2104 Barn Red Exclusive Inks® Pad
• Z2114 Cocoa Exclusive Inks® Pad
• Z2120 Garden Green Exclusive Inks® Pad
• Z1316 Designer Ribbon Cocoa Collection
• Z1100 Cocoa Grosgrain Ribbon

• Z1269 Filigree Charms
• Z1217 Brads Metal Assortment
• Z1206 Craft Buttons Basic Assortment
• Z1223 Dimensional Elements Booksmart
• Z1156 Dimensional Elements Borders
• Z1278 Dimensional Elements Hearts
• Z1096 Embroidery Floss Neutral Assortment
• Z1210 Heart-Felt™ Wonder Die-Cuts
• Z578 Corner Rounder
• Z697 Round Sponge

To create the project shown here, follow the helpful hints and the Powerful Trio™ pattern as outlined in our how-to book Imagine™. For more detailed information on how to create the featured technique and project, or to purchase a copy of Imagine, contact your Close To My Heart Consultant.     

• Trim papers according to dimensions listed on page 28 of Imagine™, excluding title and journaling. Cut two 1” x 12” Cocoa cardstock pieces, one 3 1/2” x 9” Cocoa cardstock, one 3” x 8 1/2” Colonial White cardstock, one 1” x 2” Colonial White cardstock, five 2 1/4” x 1 1/2” Colonial White cardstock pieces, one 1 3/4” x 6” Barn Red cardstock, and one 1 1/4” x 1” Barn Red cardstock.  
• Create scalloped border along one edge of two 1” x 12” Cocoa cardstock pieces.
• Apply Garden Green ink to surface of two Dimensional Elements flourishes.
• Cover Dimensional Elements as follows: rectangle with 1” x 2” Colonial White cardstock and heart with 1 1/4” x 1” Barn Red cardstock. Trim around Dimensional Element and smooth edges with Finishing File.
• Stamp grid pattern on Dimensional Element heart with Cocoa ink.
• Stamp title on 1 3/4” x 6” Barn Red cardstock using third generation Cocoa ink so it is very light on Barn Red cardstock. Trim each letter.
• Stamp the following on Colonial White cardstock scrap paper: scallop circle in Garden Green ink and journal box in Cocoa ink with year in Barn Red ink. Trim.
• Apply Cocoa ink to edges of all papers, stamped images, and Dimensional Elements. 
• Assemble layout according to instructions on page 29, attaching two scalloped cardstock pieces behind top of A and D, attaching ribbon across center of A and D, and attaching ribbon around right side of journaling.
• Create Cocoa ribbon rosette as follows: Punch or trim 1 1/4" circle from scrap cardstock; attach one end of ribbon to center of 1 1/4” cardstock circle with brad; twist and wrap ribbon around brad covering cardstock circle, securing sections with glue dots as you go; secure loose end to back with glue dot.
• Attach embellishments and cut-out stamped images.

Celebrate Today

This card was inspired from the Originals How-To Book.

I used my leftover Sophia B&T duos paper (I'm starting to see that I'm addicted to this paper lol  It must be the colors)!  The sentiment is from the stamp set "Paper Lantern" and the scalloped border was cut from the Art Philosophy cartridge in Smoothie paper.  For the finishing touch I added some heart shaped breads to the small squares in the center of the card.

Blooming Flourishes Video

Discover how to combine several stamp images to create a cute border design using our My Acrylix^® The Best Things stamp set. It’s easy to do with our clear stamps and blocks!



Enjoy the video!

"4 You" Cards

 The "Remarkable Wreath" stamp set is very versatile giving you 3 different choices to decorate your wreath and your sentiment.  For both of these cards I chose the "4 You" sentiment.

 For this card I chose the new "Dotty For You" paper to give that bright summer feel to my card.

For this card I used my leftover Sophia B&T duo paper to change up the design a little bit.

Tips and Techniques

Have you ever browsed through the Idea Books just for the tips and techniques?  I went back through the last three Idea Books just to learn some new things and there are some great tips and techniques in those books!  Check them out for yourself, you'll be glad you did!  Great for refreshing your memory on all the cool things we can do with CTMH products!

Sanding for Emphasis:  Step 1.  Measure stamp with ruler to determine area to be sanded.  Mark project lightly with pencil.  Step 2.  Sand surface of paper until the color is lighter or patter is less visible.  Clear away any dust.  Step 3.  Stamp on sanded area.    See image, go to page 15

B&T Duos Designs as Embellishments:  Step 1.  Select portions of B&T duos papers to use.  Step 2.  Trim pieces from B&T paper, using micro-tip scissors for finely detailed cutting.  Step 3.  Adhere to project.  see image, go to page 21

Decorating Cork Shapes:  Step 1.  Stamp accent image on cork shape using Exclusive Inks pad of choice.  Step 2.  Sponge edges of shape with contrasting Exclusive Inks color.  Step 3.  Attach to project using adhesive backing or 3-D foam tape.  see image, go to page 57

These are just a few of the great tips and techniques you can find in the 2012 Spring/Summer Idea Book, go ahead and check out the rest of them and give yourself some great ideas!

Happy Birthday Card

These 3 x 3 cards are so cute and simple!  I had fun making these cute cards with leftover Sophia B&T duo paper from 2011 Spring/Summer Idea Book.  I made the roses from the Art Philosophy Cartridge which adds just the perfect touch.  The idea for this card came from the current Spring/Summer Idea Book on page 104.  I combined the Smoothie paper with the pink polka dots and the Sweet Leaf with the green polka dots.  The sentiment "Happy Birthday" is from the stamp set that comes with the Art Philosophy Collection.  Since the Happy Birthday is side by side I had to mask one side with paper while stamping the other side, did a pretty good job if I do say so myself.  :  )P

Stamp of the Month - May - Friendship Bouquet

May 2012 Friendship Bouquet

SPRING/SUMMER 2012 IDEA BOOK

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.

May 2012: Friendship Bouquet (S1205)

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

A BOUQUET OF PROJECTS

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. S1205My Acrylix^® Friendship Bouquet
2. X7148BPemberley Paper Packet
3. Z1734Irresistibles™ Persnickety Journaling Spots
4. Z1695Urban Felt Alphabet
5. 3174Blending Pen
6. Z1142Brown StazOn^® Ink Pad
7. Z2140Outdoor Denim Exclusive Inks^® Pad
8. Z2310Buttercup Exclusive Inks^® Marker
9. Z2311Chocolate Exclusive Inks^® Marker
10. Z2362Honey Exclusive Inks^® Marker
11. Z2337Olive Exclusive Inks^® Marker

Required Tools

1. 1385White Daisy Cardstock
2. Z697Sponge
3. Z341Memory Book Mini Glue Dots^®
4. Z11513-D Foam Tape
5. Y10021" × 3 1/2" My Acrylix^® Block
6. Y10032" × 2" My Acrylix^® Block
7. Y10124" × 5" My Acrylix^® Block
8. Adhesive
9. Sewing Machine and White Thread

HELPFUL HINTS

To create this artwork, follow the helpful hints outlined below and the assembly instructions found on page 52 of our how-to book Reflections^®.

• Use cutting diagrams on page 52 of Reflections to cut papers, including one 11 1/4" × 11 1/4" Outdoor Denim cardstock.
• Sponge edges of A, B, C, and photo with brown ink.
• Lightly sponge Journaling Spots with Outdoor Denim ink.
• Using masking technique, stamp sentiments on inner solid area of Journaling Spots with Outdoor Denim ink.
• Stamp one large flower, three small flowers, and six leaves on scrap White Daisy cardstock with StazOn ink.
• Color each stamped flower with Buttercup marker; color inner portions of flower petals with Honey ink; color circles with Chocolate marker; color leaves with Olive marker; use blending pen to soften the colors.
• Assemble page according to pattern on page 52 of Reflections, using 3-D foam tape as desired.
• Sew border around outer portions of A and B.
• Embellish, using 3-D foam tape as desired.

HELPFUL HINTS

To create this artwork, follow the helpful hints outlined below and the assembly instructions found on page 53 of our how-to book Wishes™.

• Use paper dimensions on page 53 and templates on CD-ROM of Wishes to cut papers.
• Sponge edges of B and D with brown ink.
• Sponge edges of card base, A, and C with Outdoor Denim ink.
• Sponge Journaling Spots with Outdoor Denim ink.
• Stamp sentiment on D with Outdoor Denim ink.
• Stamp one flower with stem and one leaf on scrap White Daisy cardstock with StazOn ink. Color stamped flower petals with Buttercup marker; color inner portions of flower petals with Honey ink; color circle with Chocolate marker; color leaf with Olive marker; use blending pen to soften the colors.
• Assemble card according to pattern on page 53 of Wishes, using 3-D foam tape as desired.
• Embellish, using 3-D foam tape as desired.

HELPFUL HINTS

To create this artwork, follow the helpful hints outlined below and the assembly instructions found on page 52 of our how-to book Wishes™.

• Use paper dimensions on page 52 and templates on CD-ROM of Wishes to cut papers.
• Sponge edges of all papers with Outdoor Denim ink.
• Cut away striped edging from rectangle Journaling Spot, leaving an outline of resist around the plaque. Sponge Journaling Spot with Outdoor Denim ink.
• Stamp sentiment on C and inner portion of Journaling Spot with Outdoor Denim ink.
• Stamp two small flowers and four leaves on scrap White Daisy cardstock with StazOn ink. Color stamped flowers with Buttercup marker; color inner portions of flower petals with Honey ink; color circles with Chocolate marker; color leaves with Olive marker; use blending pen to soften the colors.
• Assemble card according to pattern on page 52 of Wishes, using 3-D foam tape as desired.
• Embellish, using 3-D foam tape as desired.