Sunday, September 25, 2016

Close To My Heart Swan Lake

It is Sunday and that means it is time to post some fun artwork using a CTMH product.  This month, my friend Karen and I have decided to highlight Swan Lake along with the Stamp of the Month for September called Blessed Beyond Measure.

I wanted to show how the Swan Lake paper and the STOM could be used without adding the Fall pumpkin.  Included in the stamp set are these fun leaves.  I randomly stamped the leaves around the outer edges of my focal mat.  I then added the berries that are also included in the stamp set.  The sides are heavily sponged using Whisper and Fern ink.   By the way, the paper on the left edge is the color Poppy (featured in the Swan Lake paper packet.)  I embossed it using one of the new CTMH embossing folders called Wood Slats (Z3248.)  I sanded it for extra texture.

This month, Close To My Heart has a wonderful promotion to celebrate National Stamping Month.  It is called Create Kindness and features a number of stamps along with cute 3 x 3 cards.  Using one of the featured stamps and Swan Lake paper, I created this card.
The stamp is only available during the month of September.  It is totally handy image that will be usable for many different projects.  A lined stamp, I colored it using my Shin Hann markers.

Last but not least, these are 2 of the cute little 3 x 3 inch cards that are included in the Create Kindness kit.  For more details about the promotion, or to check out the Stamp of the Month and Swan Lake paper packet, stop by my website.  Also, don't forget to check out Karen's Blog for samples of her artwork.  For Now, Happy Crafting!

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

CTMH Swan Lake and Stamp of the Month

Karen has done it again...check out her blog...My Paper Studio...for her latest creation using Close To My Heart Swan Lake and the stamp of the month called Blessed Beyond Measure.

Don't forget to stop back soon to see more fun fall projects. For Now, Happy Crafting!

Sunday, September 11, 2016

CTMH Swan Lake and the September STOM

Another week has gone by and it is my turn to post a project using the new Close To My Heart paper packet called Swan Lake (X7212B) and the September Stamp of the Month called Blessed Beyond Measure (S1609.)  Swan Lake is featured in the Seasonal Expressions book.  It is a versatile packet that includes a sheet with swans, others with fall designs and still others with coordinating abstract patterns.  The STOM is Thanksgiving themed with a pumpkin, leaves and several sentiments.

I got energetic this morning and decided to create an easel card.  I haven't done one of these is quite a while so let's review the measurements.  First cut a base measuring 4 1/4 x 11 inches.  Score it at the 2 3/4 inch and 5 1/2 inch mark.  Cut another sheet that measures 4 1/4 x 5 1/2 inches.  This sheet will attach to the 2 3/4 inch folded tab.  When assembled, this makes a perfect A2 card (5 1/2 x 4 1/4 inches.)  This will make more sense when you see the card!

Clear as mud...right?!?  :0)


Now you can see how the card folds along the score lines.  When unfolded, and placed flat, it will fit perfectly into an envelope.

I had fun making this card because I used so many fun tools, techniques and colors.  I used the CTMH Artbooking cartridge to cut the pumpkin in Fern Card Stock.  I then stamped the pumpkin on White Daisy using the rock and roll inking techniques.  First I inked the stamp in Flaxen and then rolled the edges in Poppy to create the 2 tone look.  I cut out the stamped image and the attached it to the Fern pumpkin leaving the stems showing.  Also using Artbooking, I cut out the leaves in Goldrush and then stamped the veins using Fern Ink.  I sponged the edges lightly with Poppy ink to give the fall like appearance.  Helping to hold up the focal mat is a strip of gold shimmer tape.  The smaller leaves also act as a wedge to help stabilize the fold.  Here is the front of the card again so hopefully this makes some sense.

I you remember, my friend Karen and I are taking turns showcasing CTMH products.  Don't forget to hop over to her blog to see what she has created.  By the way, Swan Lake will only be available through November and the Stamp of the Month will only be available during September.  Check out my website for more information.  For Now, Happy Crafting!



Tuesday, September 6, 2016

Close To My Heart Holiday Expressions Idea Book 2016 is Here!

Every year, I eagerly wait for Close To My Heart to release the Holiday paper packets.  Now is the time to take a look at this year's selection.  You can see the papers at my website

You can also see a sample of one of the new papers called Swan Lake (X7212B) over at my friend Karen's Blog.  She has prepared a great card for us using that paper packet along with the CTMH September Stamp of the Month.  Hope on over to Karen's Blog to check it out!  I just love a few of the special things she did, but you will have to hop to her blog to check them out.

For fun, I'm sharing a couple other things I've recently made.  If you remember, I am the Floral Designer at my local Michaels Arts and Crafts Store.  Here is one of my recent arrangements.
I also teach a monthly class at my Community Center and I thought I would share the upcoming project.

For Now, Happy Crafting!