Friday, January 22, 2016

Close To My Heart and My Cricut

I love my new Cricut Explore Air.  I have always had a Cricut.  My purchased my first baby Cricut soon after they were released.  I had a "big" hit at the local Casino and stopped on my way home at the Michaels and grabbed the first bundle.  Over time, there have been many versions, but the Cricut Explore is the best I have seen.  Using the Design Studio, all of my all cartridges come to life on my computer or IPad screen.  Ok, I sound like a commercial, but I really do love the machine.

Anyway, I told you that I have begun teaching again.  Yesterday I had class and we made those adorable glass blocks.  I knew that I would need a small add on project, so I designed a Valentine card using entirely Cricut cut outs.  This card was done entirely using CTMH Artiste and CTMH Artbooking cartridges.

The card bases can be found on my website.  What a great deal...10 cards and envelopes for $2.78.  The images are cut using Colonial White, Ruby and Cotton Candy.  The gals in class had a great time and were amazed at what the Cricut and the CTMH cartridges are capable of doing.  BTW. here is another picture of the block we made.  The palm tree is also cut using the CTMH cartridge.
I love the amazing things you can do with both the Cricut and the CTMH Cartridges.  For Now, Happy Crafting.

Friday, January 15, 2016

Close To My Heart La Vie En Rose

I am really going to keep this creating thing going.  It is hard with my schedule (more about that later) but I am going to try.

This card is made using CTMH La Vie En Rose (X7201B.)  It is a combination of Black and White with a colorful pattern sheet with Poppy, Sorbet and Pomegranate roses.  For those that remember, it reminds me of a  retired paper packet  called "For Always."  This type of paper packet is perfect for Weddings, Anniversaries and Valentines Day.

The stamp set I used is from one of CTMH's Cricut Collections.  I treated myself to one of those fancy Cricut Air models and gosh do I love it.  It was worth every penny.

If you look closely, the frame image is a line stamp that I colored using my ShinHan markers.  Adult coloring is so in vogue right now!  CTMH has the markers and pencils you need to take up this new fun hobby.  By the way, that is CTMH embossing powder and the new CTMH silver foil tape.  All of the items can be found at my website.

I keep talking about my awful schedule.  I am still working full time as a floral designer at my local Michaels.  I never realized the stress this would put on my time.  I STILL don't have my craft room the way I want it.  Slowly but surely I hope to get it together.  I owe so many notes and phone calls.  I am thankful for the understanding about my time constraints.

I leave you with this beautiful sunset.  I snapped it one day in the shopping center parking lot while I was on my work dinner break.  For Now, Happy Crafting!

Tuesday, January 12, 2016

CTMH Charlotte Workshops Your Way

As promised, here is another post!  This card comes from the new Seasonal Expressions mini-idea book from Close To My Heart.  Starting with this supplement, CTMH is altering the familiar Workshops on the Go.  Now the kits include more pattern paper, embellishments and even 12 x 12 paper that can be cut apart and used as Picture My Life Cards.  The stamp sets are no longer included which is a good news bad news.  Sometimes I liked the paper and didn't care for stamp set or vice versa.  Now, you can used the suggested stamp set or use your own.  As always, there are instructions for scrapbook pages and cards.

This card is made using the Charlotte Workshop You Way Kit (G1104.)  Charlotte's B/T Duos are a wonderfully soft and delicate pattern including the shades of sorbet, slate, whisper and champagne with accents of black and gold.



By the way, the stamp set used is called Spring Time Wishes (C1641.)  Both the stamp set and the Charlotte Workshops My Way paper pack can be found on my website.  It is fun to be "back."  For Now, Happy Crafting!



Friday, January 8, 2016

Happy New Year

It is the New Year! And, with the New Year comes new thoughts and new ideas.  It is high time for me to begin sharing my work again.  I shall keep up this time...repeat...I shall keep up this time.  :)

Enough beating myself up.  I have actually been doing a great deal of creating since October!  I started teaching again!!!  YEA!!!  You all know how I love to teach.  Selling my Studio was one of the most difficult things I have ever done.  In my new community, I have a beautiful space that has a great craft room perfect for classes.  In a few weeks, this is going to be our main project...

Can you stand it...palm trees and pink flamingos.    That is a glass block filled with LED timer lights.  The outside has been decorated with images cut using my Cricut.  Of course, the paper, shimmer tape and prisma glitter are Close To My Heart.  I plan on doing a small Valentine project, too.

Just for fun, here are a couple of the other projects I've taught...
December's Wreath

A Close To My Heart Star and Gift Box
Mason Jar Madness featuring CTMH leaves cut on the Cricut.

I have been spending time studying the new CTMH Idea Book and Expressions Book.  I think the new I think I may have something to post tomorrow...heeheehee.  I have to say I love both those books and think that they are some of the best CTMH has offered in recent years.!  Keep watching..I already have something made to post. 

I am happy to be back.  For Now, Happy Crafting!




Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Quick Hand Made CTMH Card

It seems that all I do anymore is race off to work.  The more I want to work on my crafting, the less time I have available.  Ah, such is the life of a floral designer in peak season.

I was able to get a quick card made to share with you.  It features the Close To My Heart August Stamp of the Month called Framed and the Blossom paper packet.  Both are only available until the end of August.  Visit my website if you would like either product.  Gotta start selling again sometime...heeheehee...


 
Well, I will ask again for patience with me.  I owe sooooooo many phone calls and notes to family and friends.  .  I shall get to as soon as I get a free day!  Miss chatting and blogging.  For Now, Happy Crafting!




Wednesday, July 29, 2015

A Close To My Heart Happy Birthday

Before the release of the 2015/2016 Annual Inspiration book, I am working really hard to get my creative mojo back.  There are so many wonderful products in the current book.



I used more of the Brushed paper packet (X7190B.)  This is really a versatile combination and regretfully it isn't being carried forth.  The sentiment comes from the Your Own Kind of Wonderful (D1627.)  This is a great set that is being continued.  The flowers with colored with my ShinHan markers, cut out and attached as an accent.

I promise I will post pictures of my new digs along with more of my journey, but today I must head off to work.  So what else is new these days.  For Now. Happy Crafting!

Monday, July 20, 2015

It's A Beautiful Day with CTMH

As I said, I am going to work really hard to try and get a little something posted on a regular basis. Today, it is off to work for a fun filled day of floral design.  If you can believe it or not, I am already well into the throws of fall wreath production!  But, before I leave, I was able to put together this little card.


This card with made with the Brushed paper packet (X7190B) and a full little stamp set called Capture the Day (A1165.)  I layered the papers on to a Canary background and stamped out the sentiment.  The butterfly was stamped in black, cut out and sponged with Pixie and Canary inks. It doesn't show well, but there is also a touch of my beloved Prisma Glitter on the body.

One of the things that I have learned in the last year is that we really can't let even a single day get away from us.  Things can change so quickly just with the blink of an eye.  That is why I wanted to use this stamp set.  By the way, I want to thank so many of you who commented and contacted me after my last couple posts.  I miss you all and am working to get in touch with all of you.  It is off to work for me. For Now, Happy Crafting!