Friday, January 31, 2014

Introducing CTMH Ariana

Tomorrow is February 1st, and we all know what that means…the CTMH Spring/Summer 2014 Idea Book is released to the public.  The papers in this IB are beautiful.  Today, I thought I would make something using one of the new packets called Ariana (X7179B.)
 
01-31-14


I will let the papers speak for themselves.  Ariana is a vintage look collection that features Crystal Blue, Outdoor Denim and White Daisy.  It also features Ariana Green, Ariana Gray and a beautiful color called Ariana Coral. 
For me, cameo’s have always screamed vintage so I thought that a cameo image would be perfect to introduce this paper packet.


01-31-14 upclose


I used my CTMH Artiste Cartridge to make the cameo.  First I cut the frame in Outdoor Denim.  You can find it on the “W” key using the Accent 2 feature. I cut it at 2 1/4 inches.  Next I cut out the same image but 1/4 inch larger and in White Daisy.  I did this because I wanted the an oval that would be a tad easier to work with for my background.  Then, with the “W” key, Accent 2 feature and shift, I cut the cameo face back on 2 1/4 inches.  I positioned the cameo on the White Daisy oval and began to sponge around the cameo…I used it as a mask.  I sponged heavily with Crystal Blue and then lightly with Outdoor Denim.  If you try this, make sure that you do not move the cameo face or your image will be fuzzy.  Lastly I very lightly sponged the white daisy cameo face with Whisper ink for a little depth.  Then just adhere your oval inside the frame.  There you go…your cameo is done! 


Just a few more things about this card.  The sparkle flourish is from the Sparkles Clear Flourishes – Small pack (Z1812) and the sentiment is from a set called Sincere Expressions (A1146.)  Oh...almost forgot...that is Silver Shimmer tape (Z1799) across the tops. So, tomorrow, don’t forget to visit my website to see all the new goodies CTMH has to offer.  For Now, Happy Crafting!

Thursday, January 30, 2014

CTMH ProPlayer and Liquid Glass

In between getting ready for the upcoming release of the CTMH Spring/Summer 2014 Idea Book, I’m busy working on my February workshops.  I think I mentioned before, how I was using ProPlayer.  When you first look at ProPlayer, you assume that it is meant for young boys.  And, yes, it is perfect for that type of project; but, this is what I love about CTMH, the versatility.  I am using a stamp set called “Cup of Cheer” (B1404.)  I think it is working well.  What do you think?
01-29-13
The faux ceramic tile is a really fun technique using Liquid Glass (Z679.)  Here is how you  make one yourself.
1.  Start with a square piece of paper.  I like to use nothing smaller than 3 x 3 inches.  It will make the “math” easier and you will see why soon.
2.  Stamp your image.  In this case, I used the border from the mentioned stamp set and the coffee pot.  I stamped them with the Black Archival Ink (44751.)  When it was dry, I colored with my water color pencils (3505) and blended with a blending pen (3174.)
3.  Now is the fun part…be brave…cut your finished square in equal pieces.  This is why I start with the 3 x 3 inch square.  I cut at the 1 inch and 2 inch marks and wind up with 9 inch pieces of the “puzzle.”  I sponge around the edges of all the pieces (I like to use Whisper, because it gives a ceramic look.) 
4.  Next, coat each piece in Liquid Glass.  I just put a dollop on each small square and smooth with my finger.  Set aside to dry.
5.  Once dry, it is time to reassemble the tile.  I usually use a piece of Slate cardstock because the gray gives the appearance of “grout.”  I cut the Slate square 1/8 of an inch larger than my original image square.  Put the “puzzle” back together and attach each square using your favorite adhesive.  Sometimes a corner might stick up a bit….just hold it down with Liquid Glass.
01-29-13 upclose
This is a really fun technique.  I think it is fun, too, to be creative and find alternate themes for the very versatile CTMH papers.  If you need any of the products I’ve mentioned, drop by my website to place an order.  For Now, Happy Crafting!

Sunday, January 26, 2014

The CTMH Spring Summer 2014 Idea Book is Coming Soon!

Bombay in Boxwm

The CTMH Spring Summer 2014 Idea Book will be released in just 5 days.  I can hardly wait.  Bombay asks what about you?  For Now, Happy Crafting!

Friday, January 24, 2014

CTMH Handmade Card With ProPlayer

No sooner do I finish one series of classes and it is time to start another round.  The month of February we will be using the CTMH paper packet called ProPlayer (X7172B.)  At first, I wasn’t sure about ProPlayer, but the more I studies it, the more I realized that it is a very useable pattern for many styles of cards.  So, here is the first in the group of my projects for the workshops.


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The stamp set is another one of the “hidden” treasure Cricut Compatible stamps.  These are stamps that have not appeared recently in an Idea Book, but contain images that work with one of the CTMH Cartridges.  This stamp is called “A Cup of Cheer” (B1404) and has a sentiment image that uses the Art Philosophy cartridge.  By the way, the stamps are very usable even if you don’t have the cartridge.My workshops are all about techniques.  This card features sanding, coloring with watercolor pencils and washi tape.


Since I’ve often mentioned my workshops, I thought it would be fun to share a few pictures…
City 2
Some of the gals sharing their projects at Crafting in the City…sorry the exposure isn’t better.
City 1 pix
Dottie and Teresa busy working

Country 1
Here is Pam sharing an organization system for all of our class materials with Sue at a Crafting in the Country class.
Country 2
Here are the gals busy concentrating on their projects at a Country Class.

I love working with everyone.  So, don’t forget if you live in the Philadelphia area, contact me to join one of the classes.  There is also room for one more.  If you have ever thought about, or enjoy sharing the joy of paper crafting, think about joining the growing Saving Memories CTMH Team.  We have a blast!  For Now, Happy Crafting!

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

CTMH Spring Summer 2014 Idea Book Sneak Peek

 I am so excited about the upcoming CTMH Spring Summer Idea Book.  My supplies are beginning to arrive at my doorstep and you will be able to begin to order the goodies beginning February 1st.


One of the wonderful features that is continuing in this IB called Jeanette’s Stamp Archive.  This is a collection of stamps created over the past 30 years by CTMH’s founder, Jeanette Lynton.  This Idea Book has 4 new stamps.  Each of them is cuter than the next.
I’ve chosen one to complete a Valentine Card and that will give you a sneak peek at one of the many new items.


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The stamp is called “Coming Up Roses” (C1579.)  While it does have the sentiment “Happy Valentine’s Day,” I think the cute cherubs and roses work year round for both scrapbook layouts and cards.  I’ve colored them with my CTMH Alcohol Markers and used paper from the Chantilly (Z1814) paper packet.


Chantilly will be retired effective January 31…right as the new IB becomes available.  It is a terrific paper packet featuring bright and springy colors.  Coming Up Roses is available February 1st.  Stop by my website if you would like to order Chantilly before it’s gone.  And, mark your calendar to stop by on February 1st to see the new CTMH Idea Book.  For Now, Happy Crafting!

Friday, January 17, 2014

CTMH Sarita Handmade Card

Are you stuck in the winter doldrums?  The Close To My Heart Sarita paper packet (X7171B) is the perfect combination of bright and cheery colors to lift your spirits.  That is why I saved it for all of my January Workshops.  The combination of Lagoon, Gypsy and Cotton Candy along with the terrific patterns is just what we need to chase the cold.  This is another card in a series of 6 completed for my Crafting In The Country workshop.
01-17-14 Card 2
This card has just a little strip of Sarita but it works perfectly with stamp.  The Hot Air Balloon and sentiment are from a set called “Lifting Spirits” and was in the Holiday Gift Guide.  In addition to featuring Sarita this month, I also worked with a great deal of Baker’s Twine.  I love the CTMH Baker’s Twine.  It is more substantial that many of the other brands out there so it added a strong accent to your projects.  It comes in a variety of coordinating colors and is a bargain for $4.95.  By the way….  how do you like the angled embossed mat behind the balloon?  The CTMH Spring Summer Idea Book is set to be released on February 1st.  Hint, Hint, Hint… 
Now that the flurry of Holiday activity is over, I find that it is fun to get back on track by creating something special.  CTMH has all the perfect supplies you need to make something special.  Stop by my website if you would like to check out more of the goodies.  For Now, Happy Crafting!

Thursday, January 16, 2014

CTMH Sarita

Well, I’ve been having some problems with my blog, so if this looks a tad different than my other posts please know that I am trying to get it fixed. 


I’ve been working on my January Workshops recently.  Several of the classes are featuring the paper packet called Sarita (X7171B.)  This particular card also features one of my “go to” stamp sets called “The Best Things” (C1503.)  It is one of those hidden gems that is great for both card making and scrapbooking.  It is Cricut compatible which means that even though it might not be featured in a recent Idea Book, it is still available. 
01-15-14 class card (2)
It is easy to forget that these stamp sets are available.  To see which others are still out there, stop by my website and check them out.  I hope this method for posting works.  For Now, Happy Crafting!

Thursday, January 9, 2014

CTMH Joyful Stars Blog Hop

Well, here it is January 9th already! Guess I better get busy taking down my Christmas decorations. :o) Since it is the 9th, that means it is time for the Joyful Stars Blog Hop. This month the theme is to create anything using CTMH products.

If you've come here from www.byheleng.wordpress.com Helen's Blog you are on the right track.  Because I am so behind (been having terrible computer problems) I decided to share one of the cards that we will be doing at one of my January Workshops. 

This card uses the Stitching Guide (Z1852), the Sarita Paper Packet (Z1873) and one of the cute mini stamps.  I really like the stitching guide.  It contains multiple designs and all you need to do is pierce the paper following the design and then stitch.  Stitching adds great texture to your projects.

It is time to head over to Nancy's Blog  and see what she has created.  For Now, Happy Crafting!






Sunday, January 5, 2014

CTMH Artiste Cricut Cartridge


I love the CTMH Cricut Cartridge. As a reminder, we have 3 different cartridges each with over 700 images!  Art Philosophy has flowers, a terrific font and great shapes.  Artiste is loaded with all kinds of 3D items.  And, Artbooking has actual scrapbook layouts.  All you need to do is select a LO, find the function keys, cut away and you've got a perfectly sized page or mini album.

Yesterday I had a 1st birthday party to attend.  Now, let's be honest, a 1st birthday party is for the family and friends.  Short of the cake smearing, the poor child is totally confused.  0:).  We weren't sure what to get for our friends' granddaughter so we gave a gift card.  A gift card?  This is the perfect opportunity to use the Artiste  Cartridge to make as special holder.

Artiste is loaded with all kinds of boxes that are just perfect.

This is the box found in the Artiste handbook on page 71.  The sentiment mat and overlay on the lid are also on the same page.  All I did was change the function key!  The rolled flowers and leaves are on page 54.

I also wanted to mention that the pattern paper is called "Chantilly.  It is Perfect for "little girl" projects.  Chantilly will be retiring at the end of the month.

If you are interested in any of the Cricut Cartridges or Chantilly, visit my website For more information on how you can purchase these items.  For Now, Happy Crafting!

Thursday, January 2, 2014

CTMH Happy New Year

Well, I hope everyone had a Wonderful Holiday Season.  I've not been around recently, not by choice, but due to computer issues.   So, please stick with me as try to get used to posting with a tablet.

I've spent some time playing with the CTMH paper packet called Sarita (X7171B.). It is bright, fun and usable for both card making and scrapbooking.  One of the great thing that CTMH started in the current Idea Book is to feature stamp sets from Jeanette Lynton's archive.  Jeanette is the founder of CTMH and has dedicated her life to to her family and this industry.  The feature includes stamps that were published in some of her first catalogues.

I am to not letting this opportunity pass, so I am using a really cute stamp called Teddy Bear Birthday (A1143) for one of my January Classes.
This is a square card for fun.  If you look closely that is an overlay I cut using the Artbooking Cricut cartridge.  I sponged a piece of Colonial White with Gypsy, Cotton Candy and Lagoon to give the card some visual texture.

I love the stamps from Jeanette's archive and, of course, I love the Artbooking cartridge.  Visit my website to get yours. For Now, Happy Crafting!