Monday, June 9, 2014
Joyful Stars Blog Hop
For this month’s hop, I thought I would feature some cards that I made using the stamp set called Banner Wishes (B1438). If you came here from Nancy’s Blog you are on the right track. For this first card, I used Banner Wishes and Ivy Lane paper packet (X7178B).
The second card uses Balloon Ride (X7180B) and Banner Wishes.
I love Banner Wishes. The set has the banner image and 6 different sentiments that fit inside. The sentiments can also be used alone.
Since I haven’t posted much in the last few weeks, I thought I would also share some of the things that I have been doing recently…working in my garden..
Well, it is time to head off to Lori’s Blog to see what she has created for us. If you get lost along the way, head off to Joyce’s Blog for a full list of participants. For Now, Happy Crafting.
Saturday, May 10, 2014
Joyful Stars Blog Hop
If you have arrived here from Lori’s Blog, you are on the right track. For my project, I used Balloon Ride (X7180B) and Banner Wishes (B1438.) The Hot Air Balloon is from a retired stamp set.
I used the balloon from this set rather than the beautiful Hot Air Balloon in the current Idea Book because I wanted to use a coloring technique that is not often used anymore. I used my Prisma Wax Based Pencils. Because of the wax in the “lead” the technique used to blend the colors is totally different. This is one of cards and the technique I will be teaching in May. I shall share more about the technique as I develop the class.
It is time to head over to Andrea’s Blog to see what she has created for us. As always, should you get lost along the way, you can always return to Joyce’s Blog to find a list of all the participants. Enjoy the Hop. For Now, Happy Crafting!
Thursday, May 8, 2014
CTMH … You’re The Best
This is a card that I made yesterday for my upcoming card workshop. It is the warm up card and features the CTMH Stamp Set called Banner Wishes (B1438) and the paper packet called Balloon Ride.
I love Banner Wishes because it contains the frame along with 6 very useful sentiments for cards and scrapbooking.
Now, on to my trip…where did I go? Sunny Florida! A dear friend has recently moved there and after all I’ve been through in the past few months I figured I owed it to myself to go for a visit. Those of you that know me well are aware of my love of birds. So, I had to share some of the winged friends I saw.
And, last but not least…The Gulf of Mexico.
For Now, Happy Crafting!
Saturday, April 19, 2014
A CTMH Happy Easter
I haven’t had a chance to post must recently but I wanted to share a project we made in our April Workshops. I have to admit that I got the idea from the recent Joyful Stars Blog Hop. Krista is so talented and creates such wonderful projects. Anyway, I modified her idea and made it work as a “bonus” project for my workshops.
The gals all loved making this little Easter Hanger. Well, time for me to run off to work. For Now, Happy Crafting!
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
Joyful Stars Blog Hop
If you’ve arrived here from Andrea's Blog, you are on the right track. Now without further ado, here is my project for the month.
That sweet Momma Bunny is from one of my all time favorite CTMH Stamps called Sensational Season. It is a retired Stamp of the Month from a couple years ago. I love using it every year. Many of the other goodies on my project are new. The pattern paper is from the Skylark paper packet. I added the teal shimmer tape and embossed and sanded the Lagoon base mat using the new CTMH Quarterfoil embossing folder. By the way, the image is colored with my CTMH alcohol markers.
It is time to hop on over to Stephanie’s Blog. If you get lost along the way, head back to Joyce’s Blog for a full list of participants. For Now, Happy Crafting!
Monday, April 7, 2014
CTMH Lollydoodle Handmade Card
This is a fun card that features an image from the Lollydoodle Workshop on the Go and one of the new CTMH Embossing Folders. I really like the new embossing folders. Yes, we all have a ton of them already, but the CTMH ones are 5 x 7 inches and have a slit that allows you to slid paper through them in order to emboss a 12 inch sheet. How great is that?!?
Time to head back to class prep…I just wanted to share my latest creation. Stop on by my website to check out the embossing folders. Oh by the way, don’t forget the great CTMH deal running this month. If you sign up as a Memory Saver’s Team Member (i.e., become a CTMH Consultant for $99, you will also receive a free Cricut Cartridge of your choice. You can visit my website for those details, too. For Now, Happy Crafting!
Saturday, April 5, 2014
CTMH Lollydoodle Workshop On The Go
By now, you know me…I have to change things up just a tad but this card is very similar to one of the cards that comes in the kit. Each WTOG contains several sheets of pattern paper and card stock, embellishments, a D sized stamp set and an instruction guide. For $24.95 they are a terrific deal.
This is one of the cards that we will be making at my April Workshops. Nice and spring like…what do you think? Check out my website to see the full like of CTMH workshops on the Go. For Now, Happy Crafting!
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
The Art of Doing Business–Close To My Heart
Well, CTMH has done it again! What a terrific deal. Have you ever thought about becoming a CTMH Consultant? Now is the time to join the Memory Savers Team.
Join Close To My Heart as an Independent Consultant
April 1–30, 2014, and receive your favorite “art-full”
Close To My Heart Cricut® collection FREE! Our New
Consultant Kit is just $99 and comes packed with
nearly triple the retail value in products and supplies
to help you succeed. Plus, when you qualify for the
Straight To The Top program, you will be refunded the
price of your New Consultant Kit. Select your FREE
Cricut® collection—retail priced at $99—when you order
your New Consultant Kit online and watch your new
business soar!
My team, The Memory Savers, is a growing and active team. So, if you are looking for a upline that will work with you and “sister” consultants that will encourage you and become your friend, our team is for you. Contact me at savingmemorieswithcindy@gmail.com for more information. I would love to have you join us. For Now, Happy Crafting!
Thursday, March 27, 2014
CTMH Lollydoodle Handmade Card
I wanted to enhance the kit even further so I created a card using the Hostess Reward Stamp Set called Doodle Signs (A1158.) This stamp set can be yours for $4.00 when you have a CTMH party with sales of $150.00.
Lollydoodle is such a fun paper packet…SPRING colors. Oh how I can’t wait for spring. Pear, Sorbet, Sky, Hollyhock are just a few of the great colors that coordinate with the cheery patterns.
If you are interested in seeing more of the Lollydoodle paper, WTOG or the Hostess Rewards Stamp Set or would like to Hostess a party, please stop by my website. For Now, Happy Crafting!
Monday, March 24, 2014
CTMH Ariana
Anyway, this card features Ariana…one of the new CTMH paper packets. I love it as it is so “spring.” It has such muted but pastel colors. By the way, if you live in the Mid-Atlantic States or the Northeast, are you ready for MORE snow tomorrow???
Like I mentioned, the paper is totally from the Ariana paper packet (X7179B.) The focal stamp is one of my all time favorites called Fabulous You (C1533) and the sentiment is another one of those hidden treasure Cricut Compatible Stamps called Created With Love (B1399.)
One of the main reasons I love Fabulous You is that it has so many creative options. You can stamp it and sponge around the edges for a great antique look. You can color it with your water color pencils or as I did in this case, color it with your CTMH markers.
I also wanted to mention that I appreciate everyone’s patience with my lack of recent posts. In February, I experienced an unexpected life altering event. I am OK and slowly returning to a “new” normal. I am going to work very hard at resuming my creating and posting. Don’t forget to stop by my website to check out some of the great CTMH products. For Now, Happy Crafting!
Sunday, March 9, 2014
Joyful Stars Blog Hop
I love how you can combine traditional scrapbooking with the Picture My Life Cards. It is now time to head over to Crystal’s Blog to see what she has created for us. For Now, Happy Crafting!
Saturday, February 15, 2014
CTMH Altered Bird Cage
I set out to create something different…a 3D item that would utilize all kinds of products. I had this metal bird cage that was just screaming for some decoration.
There are so many different techniques and fun embellishments packed into this one bird cage. Let me share a few… the rolled flower at the top, matching “leaves” and base the bird is sitting on is from the For Always Textile set (Z1820.) But those textiles are black and white you say…yes they are. I dyed the pieces using Pear and Crystal Blue re-inker. Speaking of the bird, he was cut twice using the Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge. I glued the pieces together so that he was 2 sided. I added a tooth pick in the middle so that I could stabilize it in a piece of foam that was wrapped in the dyed fabric and hot glued to the bottom of the cage.
There are also cuts from each of the 3 CTMH cartridges. There are so many different and creative elements that can be used on different projects. If you consider all of the different elements in the 3, the total is over 2100 different images!
By the way, the bird cage is done entirely in CTMH products (except for the shred in the bottom of the cage.) The burlap is product number (Z1760,) the ribbon is the Topiary Mini Chevron Ribbon (Z1929,) the badge button in the center of the flower is a retired item (but available on my website (Z1704,) and the spiral embellishments are the Slate Striped Twist Ties (Z1864) that have been twisted around a pencil.
Let your imagination run wild with all the creative possibilities that Close To My Heart has to offer. For Now, Happy Crafting!
Sunday, February 9, 2014
Joyful Stars Blog Hop
It is the 9th of the month, so that means it is time for the Joyful Stars Blog Hop! Our theme this month is to use something from the new Idea Book. What a decision…there are so many wonderful things in the catalogue and I feel quite certain that you are seeing all kinds of goodies in the new book.
So, if you’ve arrived here from Helen’s Blog you are on the right track. This month I decided, after long mental debate, to use the Ivy Lane (X7178B) paper packet for my projects.
This card is made using a sketch from the Make It From The Heart Vol. 2 Pattern Book. Besides the Ivy Lane paper, I also used the new Ruby Chevron Washi Tape (Z1933) and the Flamingo Dots (Z1934.)
This is a basic scrapbook layout that I designed to make in an upcoming Scrapbooking class. Several of the gals coming to this class have never made a Layout so I thought the Ivy Lane papers and the Ivy Lane Complements (X7178C) were perfect.
It is time to head over to Nancy’s Blog to see what she has completed for us. Remember, this is a circular hop so if you get lost along the way, you can always go back to Joyce’s Blog to find everyone. For Now, Happy Crafting!
Saturday, February 8, 2014
CTMH 3D Project–A Tea Bag Holder
This is a matchbook style tea bag holder. It works up quickly and is fun to make.
This is the inside with the tea bags inserted. The pockets are also the perfect size for chocolate square too. Think of this decorated for Easter or Halloween. It would be perfect to give as a treat to neighbors or school children. The directions to make this holder can be found here.
Well, it is off to work for me. As you are trying to stay warm, give this cute little tea bag holder a try. BTW, mine is made with all CTMH products. Guess you’re not surprised about that. For Now, Happy Crafting!
Thursday, February 6, 2014
CTMH Picture My Life (PML)
Picture My Life, or PML, is a program design to help you easily and creatively get those treasured photos off the phone or out of the box and onto pages that everyone can enjoy. I’ve got to tell you, I hate when someone says to me “Here look at the pictures” and they had me their phone. I can’t see it well and what the heck do you do if it rings?
At first, I was a skeptic. I don’t want to just shove pictures in pockets and intermix a few hokey pre-printed cards. Then, I received the CTMH Balloon Ride (Z1948) Program. OMG…I was enthralled, mesmerized and ecstatic. The cards are high quality, varied and offer an opportunity to embellish and journal. Here is what you will get in any of the 8 theme styled programs…
44 - 4 x 6 cards (portrait and landscape)
78 – 3 x 4 cards (portrait and landscape)
1 – 12 x 12 cover sheet to personalize (exclusive to CTMH)
10 – 12 x 12 Memory Protectors (styles include pocket sheets that have room for both landscape and portrait photos and cards.
And, the best part is you get all this for $24.99! Wow…
So, if you are around my age, you have box after box of photos taken over the years. In all reality, it is a pipe dream to think that you will ever get them scrapbooked. Upon receiving my kit, I immediately set out to find a box to work with. I knew what I wanted…those pictures taken in the “90’s” of trips taken with my Mom. Several years in a row, we left the “boys” at home and headed out on a Mother Daughter adventure. We saw such wonderful things and the pictures are just sitting in a box.
I am having such a wonderful time reliving those trips. I was working with pictures that I hadn’t seen in years!
Here we are at the Grand Canyon. Wow… What is really nice about the program is that you are not trapped by just putting photos into pockets. If you look closely at the middle row, the pictures on either end is actually one photo. I cropped it down the middle to fit with the pockets and cards!
Here is another one…It is recommended that you use a 50/50 mix of photos and cards. See how easily you eye moves around the page? The possibilities are endless. You could add embellishments on the cards, add a full page or do whatever you would like to create your book.
Now, many of us also have photos “stuck” on their phones and tablets. Ugh, like I said earlier…how do you share them and is it really fun to just scroll on a tiny little screen? There are several programs out there that you can use to print those memories. I spent a little time researching the possibilities.
1. There are apps that allow you send the photos to a printing site and they will send them to your doorstep. There are even apps out there that for a small monthly fee, will allow you to mark a photo as a favorite and once a month you are sent printed copies. No more excuses that you are too busy or you forgot! Take a look at something called Picture Postie or Print Free. I’ve not used them so I don’t know about the service but it is worth further investigation.
2. Several Drug Stores and Big Box stores also have apps and programs that allow you to send the pictures to the selected store and then in an hour go pick them up.
3. Or, you can do it the “old fashioned” way…the way I’ve done it. I email the picture to my self, edit as I want and then print from my computer or take a thumb drive to the drug store.
So, if you’ve got this…
or this…
or so many pictures on your phone, take a look at CTMH’s Picture My Life Scrapbooking Program. I am completely blown away by the possibilities and looking forward to doing so much more with my old photos. Think about it, do you have photos “wasting” away? Stop by my website to look at the other themes available. For Now, Happy Crafting!
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
CTMH Lollydoodle
I think I’ve mentioned before that I love the Jeanette Archive stamps. This adorable little girl is from the Winter book but is still available. I stamped her using my Archival Black ink, colored her with my CTMH alcohol markers and then cut her out. I stamped the flowers that are included in the set along the bottom of the focal mat, colored them with the markers and sponged the background in sky to give the impression of sky and clouds. The sentiment is from one of the stamp sets included with the Artiste Cricut Cartridge. By the way, the centers of the flowers are the new Flamingo Dots….love them!
For those of you stuck in the awful winter weather pattern, please be safe. I have a suggestion, spend you time at home being warm and creative. For Now, Happy Crafting!
Saturday, February 1, 2014
Friday, January 31, 2014
Introducing CTMH Ariana
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.
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
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.
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!
Friday, January 24, 2014
CTMH Handmade Card With ProPlayer
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…
Thursday, January 23, 2014
DIY: Easy 3-D Effects and CTMH Cricut Cartridges
I Thought this was well done and I LOVE the CTMH Cricut Cartridges. For Now, Happy Crafting!
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
CTMH Spring Summer 2014 Idea Book Sneak Peek
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.
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
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
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.
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
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
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!