Wednesday, December 11, 2013

CTMH Christmas Card Challenge

As many of you know, I am on the design team for a challenge blog called Crafting By Designs.  It is a terrific site that encourages friendship and creativity.  Weekly, we do fun challenges that often push the creative juices.  :o)  This week, the challenge is to create a card using only the color white.  We were allowed to color an image.  CTMH has so many terrific images that are perfect for coloring but one of my favorites immediately came to mind to use....


 
It is the cardinal from the "To You and Yours" set (B1403).  This set was actually released last year and remains current.  I loved it last year and I continue to love it.   White on White is a challenge.  When I was designing this card, I knew that I would have to come up with texture to show off the different mats.  I used my Cuttlebug folders along with my scoreboard for the top mat to do this.  The cardinal was stamped using my CTMH Archival Black ink and colored with my CTMH alcohol markers.  Just a tip...  when you use the Archival Black ink for your markers please allow it to dry before you color the image.  I usually will do my stamping and go off and prepare the rest of the card while the ink is setting.  You could also use your heat gun to speed the process.  The key is to ensure that the ink is dry to avoid smearing.  Anyway, after the cardinal was colored, I cut it out before I attached it to the mats.  I wanted to do that to enhance the texture of the card.

I know that we are all busy right now, but take a few moments and check out the challenge on Crafting By Designs.  Feel free to enter a card, too.  I would love to see how you interpret the White on White challenge.  For Now, Happy Crafting!

Monday, December 9, 2013

Joyful Stars Blog Hop - Close To My Heart

It's time again for the Joyful Stars Blog Hop!  I really enjoy participating in this hop.  This month, the theme is Holiday Gifts or Tags.  Well, I've done several tags already so I decided to do a Holiday Gift for my home.  If you've arrived here from Helen's Blog you are on the right track.  So without further ado, here is my project.

I took a Glass Craft Block and filled it with Buffalo Snow, Snow Sparkles and a strand of 20 white cord lights.  Next, using Cashmere and Ruby Pigment Ink, I inked the edges, sprinkled with Clear Embossing Powder, Prisma Glitter and heated it, to give the effect of ice around the block.  The CTMH Artiste Cricut Cartridge has a key that includes the negative space "Peace" and the Poinsettias (page 80.)  I cut the sentiment in Champagne and the Poinsettias in Ruby with a Champagne overlay.  Each was sponged, lined with Prisma Glitter and attached to the block with Liquid Glass.  Last but not least, I wrapped the block with Deco Mesh and Ribbon and tied the big bow for the top.  Here is a picture of it in it's new home by my fireplace.

That's it in the lower right hand corner all lit up.  By the way, I used a great deal of Deco Mesh this year for my decorating and I will give some tips but that is for another post.  :o)  It's time to hop over to Elizabeth's Blog to see what she has created for us.  If you get lost along the way you can always head back to the Joyce's blog to find the full list of participants.  For Now, Happy Crafting!

CTMH Christmas Card

I'm still busy working on different Christmas Cards.  How about you?  I wanted to try something a little different for this card and you will have to let me know if you think it worked.  I did some stamping and inking with the My Acrylix Blocks.  Ok, we always use our blocks to stamp because the CTMH stamps adhere so easily and the clear acrylic allows you to see where you are stamping.  But, what if you use the block without a stamp on them?

 

I inked the actual block with shades of Whisper, Sky and Smokey Plum and then randomly stamped them down onto the mat.  I wanted to created the sharp look of an iceberg.  I chose those colors because if you think of the sun shinning of snow and ice, it's not always just white...you have a prism effect of many beautiful colors.  I thought that these 3 colors fit the bill perfectly.  I added a little Prisma Glitter to the peaks of the icebergs, too.

In keeping with the theme of the Penguin Card, I created a "snow globe" for the sentiment.  I took one of the CTMH Treat Cups (Z1778) and used my Spellbinders to 2 holes in coordinating card stock mats.  The treat cups are open on the back so I also cut a back mat that would show through the front of the treat cup.  I stamped on the back mat and before I attached the treat cup (they come with an adhesive strip) I added just a touch of plastic snow that I use with my Christmas Village to create the snow globe effect.  The Penguin is from a CTMH stamp set that is exclusive for Hostesses.  It is called Wintery Wishes (C1560.)  If you look closely, I added some Liquid Applique (Z308) to his Santa Hat.

I really hate to mention that  Liquid Applique and the Treat Cups are all on the retiring list for this spring.  So, if you would like to stock up on these CTMH favorites visit my website to purchase them before they are gone.  For Now, Happy Crafting!

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Clearly The Best: Subway Speak (S02E09)



This looks really interesting!  I've used the 6 x 6 canvas before to create a really interesting project in the spring. 

 
 
  
 
While I didn't use the Modge Podge like they did in the video, I did use the Pearl Paint and re-inker to paint the canvas.  By the way, that is CTMH Forever Fabric and Slate Satin Ribbon.  The Polka Dot Ribbon is going to be retired come the new Idea Book so if you would like to try those melted flowers, click over to my website.  There is a full list of all the items being retired there too.  For Now, Happy Crafting!

Friday, November 29, 2013

CTMH Black Friday Through Cyber Monday Special


I hope that everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!  Now it is time to really concentrate on Christmas.  In order to help you, I am offering a Black Friday Through Cyber Monday Special.  Here are 2 ways to receive a special treat from me!

1.  Join in the  Black Friday Through Cyber Monday Party on my website.  Spend $50 on product to help you make those Holiday Cards and Projects and not only will you be eligible to purchase the Stamp of the Month for $5.00, I'll send you any "B" size stamp set of your choice.

2.  Join in the .Black Friday Through Cyber Monday Party on my website.  Spend $100 on product and not only will you be eligible to purchase the Stamp of the Month for $5, but you will also be eligible for a free starred product in the Holiday's From The Heart Gift Guide.  And, you treat will be any "C" sized stamp set from me.

In both cases to be eligible for the stamp set from me, you must join the "Black Friday Through Cyber Monday party on my website.  You need to also email me you choice of stamp set.  I will order your stamp set and mail it out to you as soon as I receive it.

How cool is that!  For Now, Happy Crafting!

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Crafting By Designs Challenge

I am finally seeing my way clear to assume some of my Crafting By Designs designer team responsibilities.  Whew....  Crafting By Designs is a terrific challenge blog that focuses on creativity and friendship.  The challenges run for a week and many times have a great give away attached.  This weeks challenge is to create a card that features either a Christmas or Winter Theme. 

My card for the challenge features the CTMH stamp called Classy Doily (B1424) and the Frosted paper packet (X7175B.)  Both of these products are 2 of my favorites from the Fall/Winter Idea Book.


To complete this card, I heat embossed the Classic Doily 3 times in silver embossing powder.  I cut out the first image, then cut the second one around an inner design and the third I cut out the center star.  I lightly colored small sections of each with my CTMH alcohol markers for just an accent and the focal image was done.  "Noel" was also heat embossed in silver.  The two bottom strips were punched using my CTMH border punch (Z1851.)   A few sparkles, a little shimmer tape and the card was done.  By the way, the sketch is from "Make It From The Heart, Vol. 1."  (9035)  I love the CTMH sketch and how to books.

So, if you want to take a break from your cooking, baking and eating, hop over to the Crafting By Designs Blog Challenge and share one of your creations.  For Now, Happy Crafting!

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

CTMH Christmas Card

Today I worked some time to begin to organize just how many Christmas Cards I have made and much to my dismay, I don't have enough made yet!  AHHHH....  So, I began to think about a quick card that I could design and mass produce. 

Close To My Heart makes it so simple to make cards quickly but that still have a special flair.  After all, the CTMH motto is "faster, simpler, easier."  I dry embossed Cranberry card stock and then sanded it to remove color from the raised area.  I love that CTMH card stock is white core....just another fun design dimension that can be added to any of your projects.  The sentiment is, once again, from that terrific Frosted WTOG stamp set.  It has become my go to stamp this season.

I was able to create 6 cards in no time!  Whew...  CTMH is the answer to Holiday card making projects.  For Now, Happy Crafting!

Monday, November 25, 2013

CTMH Christmas Card

Well, it's back to work on my Christmas Cards and CTMH makes it so easy.  There are so many wonderful stamp sets and papers and it is hard to decide what I want to make.

I've shared several photos of projects that I've made with the Stamp from the Frosted Workshop On The Go.  If I haven't mentioned it before, this WTOG is the best kit CTMH has put together.  For $24.99, you get 15 card blanks, papers to complete all the cards, embellishments and a beautiful "D" sized stamp set.  Just love it...

 
The focal image of this card is made by "building" the scene.  I know that sounds hard, but it was actually very easy.  Here is how I did it...
1. The White Daisy mat was cut to 3 x 2 inches.  Take a  small circle of scrap paper for the moon and roughly tear scrap paper to produce the sky.
2.  Position the scrap circle in the upper left hand corner and do not move it.  Take the torn paper and position it close to the top.  Sponge toward the top with Sky Ink.
3.  Move the torn paper down about 1/4 of an inch and sponge again.  Remember NOT to move the circle.
4.  Continue this step until you've sponged the entire piece of paper in Sky.  The variations in the sponging will create the "cloud" look to the sky in your scene.
5.  Using Whisper Ink, stamp the trees across the bottom of the card.  You will have to stamp twice to complete your "forest."
6.  Using VersaMark, repeat this step over the trees that you have stamped with Whisper.  Vary the height of the trees from those already stamped.
7.  Using Silver Embossing Powder, heat emboss the VersaMark trees.
8.  Your scene is completed.  No two will look the same.  :o)
 
 

A little more about this card...  I used a White Daisy Card Base and the Gray Sparkle paper from the Sparkle and Shine paper packet.   The larger White Daisy Mat was dry embossed using an embossing folder and "Peace" was embossed in Silver.  It is from the October STOM.  I "grounded" the scene with the strip of Gray, White Daisy, Silver Shimmer Tape and Gray Bakers Twine.
 
It is not too late to make some wonderful Holiday Cards.  The Frosted WTOG and CTMH tools make it so easy.  BTW, we just learned that CTMH is retiring the heat embossing tools in February so, if you are in need of some of the supplies I mentioned here, or need heat embossing tools, visit my website to purchase them.  For Now, Happy Crafting!

Sunday, November 24, 2013

CTMH Thanksgiving and Artiste Cricut Cartridge

Right now, I have to admit, I've been focusing on my Christmas Projects; however, I did take some time this afternoon to make paper these cute place card holders for Thanksgiving Dinner. 

 
They were actually quite simple and worked up quickly, especially with the convenience of the Artiste Cartridge.  I punched 6 2 inch scallop circles for each.  They using the cartridge, I cut the base leaf and the leaf endorsement for the top.  After sponging them, I folded each in half and using Liquid Glass I attached the 6 circles.  Before I attached the last circle rounds together, I inserted a pin clip with the leaf stem inserted in the precut hole.  I love these pin clips and am sad to say that they are currently for sale as "why supplies last" on my website.  Anyway, I snipped off the bottom so that the pumpkin would sit flat and used Liquid Glass to attach it to the bigger leaf I cut.  Easy!
 
I know it is probably a tad late to try these if you don't have the pin clips, but picture them with boxes cut from the Artiste as Christmas Place card holders.  Visit my website so that you can get some of these fun pin clips before they are gone.  For Now, Happy Crafting!

Friday, November 22, 2013

November 22, 1963 A Day That Forever Changed The World

November 22, 1963 is a day that has been indelibly seared into my childhood memory.  The day had started out as a typical day.  I was a wee one, all of 5 years old, and had just gotten home from morning Kindergarten.  Both my parents worked the 3 to 11 shift and my Grandmother lived with us.  My Father had just left for work.  My Mom was walking toward the back door to head out.  My Grandmom was sitting in her usual chair.  Bob and Lisa were having dinner on As The World Turns.  I was playing in the Living Room.  Then, everything stopped:  Walter Cronkite broke into the soap opera, and with those fateful words told us that the course of history has just shattered...  Shots had been fired at President Kennedy's Motorcade in Dallas. 

I can't image what went through my parents minds.  There is my Father already on the road.  My Mom was just about ready to leave...what does she do?  Does she go to work, stay home?  Were we safe?  There were no cell phones,  how do you reach your family?  I know most businesses closed but I have no memory if she went to work, came home or if my Father came home early.  What I do remember is the deep despair for the next several days.  I remember the clip clop of the horses drawing the caisson.  I remember the riderless horse.  I remember Carolyn and John John at the Funeral (after all, they were MY age.)  And, I remember Lee Harvey Oswald being shot on TV.  Every generation has a defining moment and for my cohorts...November 22, 1963 is that day.

I have always been a JFK Assassination buff.  I suppose that even though I was only 5, I was "smart" enough to realize that what I had been witness to an event that would have a lasting impact on my life.  In June of 2012, the Close To My Heart Convention was held in Dallas.  There was no way that I was going Dallas and not go to Dealey Plaza.  I even left for Convention a day early just to find the time to visit the 6th Floor Museum and walk Elm and Houston Streets.



This is a Studio J layout I completed shortly after I returned from Convention.  Studio J is CTMH's online scrapbooking program and was perfect for something like this.  I could easily and quickly complete the layout with the reverence the photos deserved.

Visiting Dealey Plaza was a moving experience for me.  We've all seen the pictures of the School Book Depository, the Grassy Knoll, the snipers nest, but to stand there and realize that an event that changed the world happened there is humbling.  One of the first things that struck me was how small Dealey Plaza is...  We all have this image that is has to be huge but it is actually quite a small area.  I walked all around.  I went behind the picket fence and watched the cars pass.  I visited the museum and gazed out the window looking down on the street.  The actual sniper's next is walled with glass but you can look out the second window.  wow

I find myself in a very odd mood today.  I keep thinking of a young child watching her family's shock, knowing that something terrible had happened but just not being old enough to totally comprehend.  I keep wondering how the world might have been different had JFK not been assassinated.  My parents were Depression Era Children..  My Dad lied about his age and joined the Navy.  My Mom, so wanted to be a Navy Nurse, but failed the physical so she volunteered at the Indianapolis IN USO.  They had both helped to achieve victory in WWII.  They identified with JFK.  He was not a stogy typical politician...he was their generation.  They had something in common.  They were filled with hope for their 5 year old daughter.  There was promise of a better world.  With Kennedy in the White House paving the path for the future, their young daughter would not have to endure the tribulation that they had endured.  But all that ended on November 22, 1963.

What would have been different had JFK lived?  Would we have dove head long into Vietnam? ...a decade that effected and still continues to effect us baby boomers.  Would the Cold War have ended sooner?  We will never know.

I look back at the past 50 years and there have been collective sorrows:  9-11, the Challenger Disaster, the Gulf War.  And yet, there have been monumental triumphs:  Man walking on the Moon, the computer being commonplace, cell phones that are smarter and smaller than my first calculator.  Who shot JFK?  We will never know.  But, today is a day, regardless of your age, to reflect on those sorrows and triumphs.  And, to continue to ask not what can be done for us, but rather, what we can do for others to help make this a better world.  










Wednesday, November 20, 2013

CTMH Christmas Card

The CTMH Holiday's From The Heart Gift Guide has several great Holiday stamp sets.  One such stamp is called Mary and Babe (C1562.)  It is a beautifully drawn set that has 3 images, 2 Bible Verses and a sentiment.  While it is a line stamp and could be colored, I wanted to try it using heat embossing instead.

When I was thinking about how I should complete the card, I knew that I wanted to do something that was both simple and elegant.  The first Cocoa mat is 5 3/8 x 4 1/8 inches.  I then cut the Colonial White mat to 5 1/4 x 4 inches, cut it in half at the 2 inch mark and ran each piece through the Big Kick using 2 separate embossing folders.  I hid the seam with the Cocoa and Colonial White strip.  While the Big Kick was out, I used my Spellbinders to cut a small mat for the star.  A little heat embossing and cutting out, a bow tied and the card was done. 

I always try to match the papers and layout to the style of the card. For this card,  I wanted to do a stylish, elegant style befitting this beautiful stamp.  For Now, Happy Crafting!

Monday, November 18, 2013

Close To My Heart Christmas Card and the New Stitch Guide

A few weeks back, I got the new CTMH Stitch Guide (Z1852.)  I have been anxious to try it since it was introduced at Convention and just hadn't had the time.  Time, I found the time.  All be it, I squashed it in between washing the kitchen curtains, windows and walls, raking leaves, designing a card class for my Michaels schedule and having my car inspected and walking home a mile instead of waiting for it to be done. 

Well, let me tell you, it didn't disappoint!  I used in to make a Christmas Card with Frosted (X7175B) and Yuletide Greetings (D1553.)  Let me describe the stitch guide...  It is a plastic ruler with multiple holes in patterns that you can use to pierce the paper and then stitch with embroidery floss or some sort of fiber.


The guide is several inches long and contains several patterns suitable for a 12 x 12 scrapbook page.  But, because I was doing a card, I used just a small flourish.  It worked beautifully!  I was able to pierce the paper and easily stitch the design.  I used Flower Thread for the stitching...a single ply fiber that was in my cross stitch stash.  I want to share a few tips I learned while doing the stitching....

1.  If you are using embroidery floss, separate the individual threads...any more than 3 will tear the paper.  Hemp and baker's twine are probably too thick.
2.  Make sure you don't pierce the paper too close to the edge. 
3.  Keep your thread short.  This will keep it from tangling as you stitch.
4.  Hold the ends down with adhesive....Tombow or ATG work great.
5,  Pierce your holes lightly...you can always enlarge the holes to accommodate you thread, but you can't make the holes smaller.  :o)

A few more fun things about this card...I used my CTMH Alcohol Markers and Black Archival Ink.  And, the multiple layers of mats are cut only 1/8 of an inch instead of the customary 1/4 inch.  This give just the hit of color.

Even if you're not a sewer, don't be afraid to try the Stitch Guide.  It is easy and adds yet another fun dimension to your scrapbooking and card making.  You can see it on my website.  For Now, Happy Crafting!.



Friday, November 15, 2013

Another CTMH Matching Gift Tag and Christmas Card

Yesterday, I shared a card and gift tag set that I completed using the Season's Tweetings Gift Bag kit.  Today, I want to share another tag and card set I created.  This time I used the Frosted Workshop on the Go Stamp Set and built a serene Holiday scene...


Because the bags are Topiary color, I used that shade of green as my base rather than the Juniper or Olive that coordinates with the Gift Bag Kit and Frosted.  To create the background, I roughly tore stripes of paper.  Because CTMH paper is white core, when you tear it, you have a layered edge.  I sponged across the torn paper several times repositioning it each time to give the effect of clouds and ground.  Also, because CTMH paper is white core, it sands beautifully.  Sanding gives an aged distressed look.  In this case, I sanded to give the effect of snow. 

Don't forget to check out the Holiday's From The Heart Gift Guide on my website.  I think you are going to like all of the goodies!  For Now, Happy Crafting!

Thursday, November 14, 2013

CTMH Holiday's From The Heart Gift Bags and Christmas Cards

I just love the CTMH Holiday's From the Heart Season's Tweetings (Z1913) Gift Bag Set.  For $14.95, you receive 6 fabric gift bags, a B sized stamp set along with 9 tags.  They are just too cute for words.

We are using this set for our 4th Annual Holiday Workshop on Saturday.  As I was preparing for class, I realized that it would be fun to include matching Christmas Cards with the gift bags.

How cute is that to not only create a special wrapping for your gift, but also create a matching card!  Both the card and the tag feature the images from the stamp set that is included in the Season's Tweeting kit.  The card also features the Sparkle and Shine Paper Packet (X7176C) that is in the Gift Guide.


Here are both the card and gift bag so that you can get a better look at them.  By the way, the birdies are colored using my water color pencils and a blending pen.  I also wanted to share just another reason I love Close To My Heart.  Each of the images are separate stamps.  I used the banner stamp as a "booster" for the little bird so that she can reach the bigger bird.  The sentiment is stamped inside the banner after it was stamped.  Try doing all that with a wood mount stamp.  heeheehee.

Stop by my website to see the entire CTMH Holiday's From The Heart Gift Guide.   For Now, Happy Crafting!

Monday, November 11, 2013

Lifting Spirits with Close To My Heart

The CTMH Holiday's From The Heart Gift Guide is just packed with wonderful projects.  It has ideas for the Holidays, but also ideas for scrapbooking and gift giving in the new year.  One of the fun new stamp sets is called Lifting Spirits (C1570.)  It is a terrific C sized set with an old fashioned prop plane, hot air balloon, clouds and 4 sentiments.  The paper packet featured in the Gift Guide are slanted toward Christmas, but pair the paper with Lifting Spirits and look what you can make...

I stamped the balloon image using the CTMH Black Archival Ink (44751.)  By the way, there has been a lot of chatter recently about using this ink with the markers.  I want to tell you that I've never had a problem using the archival ink.  The key is to allow it to set and dry in the paper.  I let it dry at least 15 minutes before I begin coloring.  That seems to be the key.  When I plan on using the ink, I stamp my image and then prepare the remained of the card.  When that is done, I go back and color my image.  I have even used this ink with my Copics without a problem!  Anyway, while my balloon was "setting," I randomly stamped the clouds in the background and cut my mats and banners.  Once I colored the balloon, I cut it out and attached it to the card.

This card is also for the Heart 2 Heart Challenge this week.  The challenge is called "Seeing Double."  I've got 2 double banners along with double clouds in the background.  :o)

Don't be afraid to use your Archival Black ink with your markers.  Just make sure you let it dry and set first.  Also, don't forget to check out the CTMH Holidays From The Heart Gift Guide.  It is not just for Christmas.  For Now, Happy Crafting!

Saturday, November 9, 2013

Close To My Heart Christmas Joyful Stars Blog Hop

It's time again for our Joyful Stars Blog Hop!  Every month, several very talented gals get together and endeavor to provide you with great Close To My Heart inspiration.  This month, our theme is either Christmas or Thanksgiving.

If you arrived here from Nancy's Blog, you are on the right track.  As is usually the case at this time of the month, I am busy preparing for one of my monthly workshops.  This month is no different so I share one of the cards that we will be making at our 4th Annual Crafting in the Country Holiday Party Workshop.

 
This is a square card that uses CTMH Sparkle and Shine papers (X7176B), the stamp set from the Season's Tweetings Gift Bag Kit (Z1913) and images from Yuletide Greetings (D1553.)  I also used my CTMH Alcohol Markers and Prisma Glitter to complete the card.

 
Using my Artiste Cricut Cartridge (Z1790) and the Sparkle and Shine paper packet I made these fun 3D Christmas Ornaments.  I cut each image 3 times.  After adhering the overlay to the solid image, I scored them and attached them side by side to give the 3D effect.  I added some sparkles and Prisma Glitter to a little bling.
 
It's time to hop over to Elizabeth's Blog to see what she has created for us.  This is a circular hop but if you get lost, start back with Joyce's Blog.   Thanks for joining us.  For Now, Happy Crafting!
 


Thursday, November 7, 2013

Close To My Heart Christmas

I just love the CTMH Holidays from the Heart Gift Guide!  There are papers, kits, WTOG's, washi tape and even an album.  I've been playing around with some of the items and want to share them!

 
 
These are two of the Season's Tweetings Gift Bags (Z1913.)  They come in a kit that contains 6 fabric gift bags, 9 tags and a B size stamp set.  They are so cute and work up so easily.  What fun for office or teacher's gifts.  By the way, the images pictured here were colored with my CTMH alcohol markers and had a little Red Glitz Glitter Gel added for an accent.
 
 
 
This card is made using the same stamp set that is included in the Gift Bag kit and the Sparkle and Shine paper packet (X7176B.)  It also has some washi tape, turquoise dots and prisma glitter.  I love the stamp set and being able to also use it for cards or even scrapbook layouts just proves the value in CTMH products.
 
If you would like to give these projects a try, visit my website and order a set.  For Now, Happy Crafting!


Close To My Heart - Twist Ties!

I love this idea.  Guess what I'm going to try before I go to work!  For Now, Happy Crafting!


Tuesday, November 5, 2013

How To Become a Close To My Heart Consultant

There has never been a better time to become a CTMH Consultant!  Beginning November 1st through December 15th, if you sign up to be a consultant you can earn Close To My Heart's soon to be released scrapbooking program called "Picture My Life."  The scrapbooking program features the consistent and well know CTMH quality while adding the ability to preserve those memories in a quick and fun style.  When you sign up now, and achieve an easily reachable sales requirement, you will receive the "Picture My Life" kit of your choice right after the 1st of the year for free!

The rewards are many.  Scrapbooking, card making and home décor projects and supplies that are trendy.  Fellowship and fun with a group of consultants that are committed to helping you find and grow your creative spirit.  And, a company that is on solid footing, communicates well and provides a great support system for the Consultants.


 
So, if you are interested in starting a new path, contact me.  For just $49.00, you can begin a new scrapbooking journey that will help you rekindle your interest in paper crafting.  I would love you to join my growing team called the Memory Savers.  Contact me at savingmemorieswithcindy@gmail.com for more information.  For Now, Happy Crafting!

Friday, November 1, 2013

CTMH Operation Smile Crop

Well, I had my Operation Smile Crop on Saturday, what a success and what fun!  We raised enough money to change the lives of almost 3 children!  I am going to let the pictures speak for themselves....  For Now, Happy Crafting!




 

Thursday, October 24, 2013

CTMH Scrapbooking Operation Smile Crop Prep

Well, less than 48 hours till my Operation Smile Charity Crop. Whew, lots and lots of work. For fun, this is what my living room currently looks like. :o)
 
There are still a few spots left so if you live in the Philadelphia PA area, message me...  We would love for you to join us! For Now, Happy Crafting!

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Close To My Heart (CTMH) Scrapbooking

Close To My Heart recently released this video and I just had to share it!
For Now, Happy Crafting!

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Close To My Heart Holidays From The Heart Gift Guide

Finally, the Holidays From The Heart Gift Guide is here!  This is the first time that I remember CTMH releasing an Idea Book supplement and the just released products are terrific.  The Gift Guide is a 21 page pamphlet that contains a new paper packet, a gift bag set, stamps, sparkles ... oh my!  :o)

 
This is a card that I made using the new paper that is called "Sparkle and Shine."  The paper packet is hard to describe as the patterns include fun ornaments, polka dots, hounds tooth, a lattice pattern and these traditional stripe and small pattern papers used in my card.  The coordinating colors are Ruby, Slate, Whisper, Juniper and Sparkle and Shine Gray.  I think Topiary green would also look terrific.  This adorable little bird and the sentiment are from the Season's Tweeting Gift Bag Kit (Z1913.)  That kit is another one of those terrific deals that CTMH offers....6 large muslin patterned bags, a stamp set and the die cut tags that you need to spice up your gift giving.  And, the stamp set is so cute, after your bags are made, you use the stamp set to make cards.  :o)
 
 

If you click on the cover, the link will take you to a place to view all the fun products in the guide.  I also just want to say, that not everything in the guide is Christmas based.  There are great stamp sets for Valentines Day along with a stamp set that has a Hot Air Balloon!  Some of the items in the Gift Guide are "While Supplies Last," while others are sneak peaks at items that will be in the Spring 2014 book.  So my suggestion is to check out the guide on my website and make sure you get in on the fun!  By the way, if you order over $100 from either the guide or the current IB, you'll get to pick one of the marked items in the book for free!  The potentially free items are clearly marked with a star in the guide.

I hope you enjoy the guide!  For Now, Happy Crafting!

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

CTMH Frosted - Joyful Stars Blog Hop

It's that time again...  the 9th of the month means the Joyful Stars Blog Hop!  I enjoy participating in the hop and seeing the work of so many talented fellow CTMH Consultants.  This month, our theme is either Fall or Christmas using new CTMH products.  If you got here from Stephanie's Blog you are on the right track.

I got this stamp called Christmas Village (D1554) shortly after Convention and hadn't really used it that much, but loved it from the moment I saw it.   I've wanted to make a project using this wonderful stamp and thought our blog hop would be the perfect time.

 
 



 
Each of these cute little houses are in the stamp set.  I stamped each one on Cashmere card stock and cut them out.  I did the same with the 6 evergreen trees using Olive and New England Ivy.  Each image was colored with my pencils and then highlighted with Prisma Glitter and Liquid Applique.  The road was made from a torn strip of Cocoa, sanded and then accented with Liquid Applique.  It was built on sanded Crystal Blue that was accented with clouds that are from a retired set.  The wooden frame was painted with Pearl Paint colored with Champagne re-inker, the front was covered with a sheet of Frosted paper and then accented with the sparkle flourishes and the sentiment stamped with pigment ink and heat embossed.  Foam tape was used to give the 3D effect.
 
It's time to hop on over to Helen's Blog and see what she has created for us.  If you get lost at any point, head back to the start at Joyce's Blog.  Thanks for stopping by and For Now, Happy Crafting!

Monday, October 7, 2013

CTMH Huntington

There is just something I love about the CTMH Huntington paper packet.  I've used it for multiple cards and for a Heritage Layout.  It is vintage, fall and the gray paper mixed with black and white would be perfect for a wedding card.  Today, I used it for its intended purpose...a fall card.

 
This card is for my upcoming October Crafting in the Country workshop.  It uses the Perfect Fit Thanksgiving stamp set (B1427) for the sentiment and the pumpkins are from last year's September STOM.  We had used that in last years October class.  Each of my classes builds upon a previous class.  We review techniques we've done in the past (in case some one new is joining us), sometimes use stamps from previous classes with new papers and always have a new technique.  Last month, we did the Frosted Workshop on the Go, so I wanted to use one of the sketches we used from that class to show that a sketch works for multiple styles of cards.

This card is done on an A2 base of Barn Red.  The mats are sponged with Cashmere and the pumpkin has been stamped with Archival Black and colored with my CTMH Alcohol Markers.  The card is also embellished with Bitty Pearls and hemp.

So, remember, just because a paper or a sketch has been pictured using it is one set way, doesn't mean you can't change it up and call it your own.  For Now, Happy Crafting!