Close To My Heart and City Sidewalks

Well, the time has come to post another example of CTMH's City Sidewalks paper packets.  This is a fun and very useable Holiday packet that is available in the Seasonal Expressions II mini Idea Book.  I like the fact that it features not only Willow (one of the new colors) but also features Cranberry.  Cranberry has been a mainstay color since before I became a consultant.  City Sidewalks even has a coordinating Cricut Cartridge!

 To complete this card, I used 2 of the patterns included I the paper packet.  By the way, the product number of City Sidewalks is X7213B.  "Joy" can be found in the stamp set called Very Merry (D1694.)  Look at the tree...don't you love it!  It is from the coordinating Cricut Cartridge.  The images match the papers.

The possibilities with CTMH never end!  Did I mention that the new 2017 Planner has been released?!?  I don't have mine yet, but it is on order.  Stop by my website to see the planner and to check out City Sidewalks for your self.  Also, don't forget to check out my friend Karen's Blog for even more CTMH inspiration.  For Now, Happy Crafting!

Close To My Heart City Sidewalks

I am sorry that I am a day or so late with my post.  I participated in a craft fair at my Community.  I had a table last year so when the opportunity came up again this year, it had to be done.  But, I will tell you that having a table is a lot of preparation work. 

Before I share a picture of the table, let's talk Close To My Heart...

This month, Karen and I have decided to highlight City Sidewalks (X7213B.)  This is a colorful paper packet that features Willow...one of CTMH's new colors.  CTMH came up with a great idea this year...they have a separate package of the featured colored cardstock.  This gives you the opportunity to have extra sheets to make more cards and scrapbook layouts.  The City Sidewalks packet includes 12 sheets... 3 each of Cranberry, Lagoon, Peacock and Willow. 

If you look closely at the background word search papers, you will find Christmas words...what fun.  Anyway, Karen and I also decided to feature a new stamp set called "Very Merry" (D1694.)  Not only does it have sentiments that work perfectly for the outside, but it also has great sentiments for the inside of your cards.  By the way, the Christmas Tree is cut out using the new CTMH Cricut Cartridge called Flower Market (Z3285.) 

As I mentioned earlier, I did a craft fair this weekend.  This is my table.  Many of the items I sold were items that had been made at the craft class that I teach here at the Community.  Of course I always have my cards and my scrapbooks.

I love to make Christmas Cards.  This year, Close To My Heart has two wonderful paper packets to make those cards with.  Next month, Karen and I will be featuring the other one...I shall keep you in suspense.  Don't forget to stop by Karen's Blog for more samples of artwork using City Sidewalks.  Also, don't forget to stop by my website for more information or to purchase your set of City Sidewalks.  For Now, Happy Crafting!

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!

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!

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!

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!

Close To My Heart Flower Market Cricut Cartridge

Good Morning and I hope everyone has had a great week!  I had a fun time visiting Fort Desoto near Tampa (right where the Gulf of Mexico meets Tampa Bay) and I created a cute hostess gift.

First, let me share the little hostess gift.  Close To My Heart has a new Cricut Cartridge called Flower Market.  The images span the spectrum of creativity by including anything garden, 3D flowers, words and an alphabet font.  I love the 3D flowers because not all of them need to be rolled.  This is great because you can achieve the texture without all the "work."  CTMH has also come up with a new program called "Color of the Year."  This color is not in any of the established color groups and will be only available for the duration of the Idea Book.  This year the color is called "Sea Glass" and it is a wonderfully pale aqua as the name suggests.

The purse was cut using one of the retired CTMH Cricut cartridges.  Love Artiste...  Anyway, the hibiscus was cut with the Flower Market Cartridge, Cotton Candy, Hollyhock, Fern and Black card stock.  It is so simple.  You just cut out the layers and glue the pieces together.  The dotted paper behind is from the Calypso paper packet that is available in the current expressions mini book.  It is a fun packet that includes pineapples and pink flamingos.  Check it out on my website.  Please hurry if you like pink flamingos as the Calypso (X7210B) is only available until August 31, 2016. 

Now, for a little about Fort Desoto State Park.  The park is located in Pinellas County Florida and was originally the home to a US Army Costal Artillery Company.  Today, it is home to hundreds of species of birds and over 1100 acres of beach plants and trees.  In many circles, Fort Desoto is considered one of America's Best Beaches.

I have had a fun week!  Don't forget my friend Karen over at My Paper Studio.  She always has some fun things posted.  For Now, Happy Crafting!

The New Close To My Heart Annual Inspiration Book Tour

I think I mentioned that there is a new Close To My Heart Idea Book!  Plus, I mentioned that my friend Karen and I are sharing artwork and ideas each week.  Well, this week, I am sharing the best of both worlds. Karen, over at My Paper Studio, shared the CTMH video about the new idea book.  I think it is a great idea too!

There are so many fun and new products.  Enjoy the video.  For Now, Happy Crafting!

The New Annual Inspiration Tour

I think I mentioned that there is a new Close To My Heart Idea Book!  Plus, I mentioned that my friend Karen and I are sharing artwork and ideas each week.  Well, this week, I am sharing the best of both worlds. Karen, over at My Paper Studio, shared the CTMH video about the new idea book.  I think it is a great idea too!

There are so many fun and new products.  Enjoy the video.  For Now, Happy Crafting!

Close To My Heart Watercolors

It's time to share another creation with the Balloon Wishes Stamp Set (D1667.)  If you remember from past posts, My friend Karen and I have decided to feature a CTMH product monthly and share our creations with that product each week.  Today is my turn!

Watercolors are so hot right now!  You can use them as a background, highlight or paint with them.  Today I chose to actually paint my stamped image.

 Balloon wishes has such a wonderful main image that I thought it would be fun to frame it!  First I stamped the balloon with Memento Black.  After it dried, it was cut out.  I used my CTMH watercolors (Z3132) to paint the image.  Tip...when painting a round image, to help it look more realistic, paint the area darker on the outer images and lighter in the center.  This will give the illusion of the light reflecting off the item.

I used Glacier Cardstock for the background and sanded it to give the appearance of a "real" sky.  The clouds were cut using one of my CTMH Cricut cartridges and lightly sponged with Whisper ink.  Lastly, the "Up Up and Away" was stamped with the black ink, cut out lightly painted and attached to the balloon using pop up dots.

Please feel free to check out Karen's Blog to see what she is creating.  And, for sure, don't forget to check out my website for these products along with all of the wonderful Close To My Heart items.  For Now, Happy Crafting!

Close To My Heart and Coloring with Shinhan Markers

I love to color.  I've loved to color before it became popular last year.  It is relaxing along with making you feel like an artist.

The other day, I was going through some of my "older/retired" Close To My Heart stamp sets and came across one that I have always enjoyed using.  It is called Summer Breeze and pictures a lighthouse, sailboat and beach scene.  It is just perfect for coloring!

CTMH began collaborating with Shinhan markers a few years ago.  They are alcohol based which makes them easy to blend and shade.

By the way...this is the second week of my joint venture with Karen and the featured CTMH product.  Hop on over to her blog and see what she did with the Balloon Wishes stamp set.  For Now, Happy Crafting!

It is time for a new CTMH Annual Inspirations Book!

It is hard to believe that the me has rolled around for a new Close To My Heart Annual Inspiration Book.  The 2016/2017 book is here today!

I've not been as good about posting as I once had been.  I start out with the best intentions and then life gets in the way.  Well, I am really going to try to do my very best maintain steady posts (this with a little help from my friend Karen.)  We have decided to share posting time by featuring a product a month.  This month, to celebrate the new idea book, we chose to feature a wonderful stamp set called Balloon Wishes (D1667.)  It highlights a hot air balloon that is perfect for watercolors, markers or paper piecing along with a number of useful sentiments.  This set works perfectly for both scrapbook pages and cards.  So without further ado, here is our first installment using Balloon Wishes.

I used Glacier and Juniper card stock for the mats.  The top mat of Glacier was embossed using the Confetti Embossing Folder (Z3118) and then sanded for additional texture.  The balloon image and sentiment were stamped using Black Memento ink onto White Daisy card stock.  Each was then cut out.  The Balloon was colored using my CTMH watercolor pencils (3505) and the color was blended with the blending pen (3174.)  Lastly, the sentiment was "popped up" using 3D tape.

This is just the first in many planned featured product posts.  Remember, I mentioned Karen???  While I'm doing the featured post today, do not forget to head over to her blog for some of the fun things she has been doing.  Next week, she will be doing a project featuring this same stamp set.

I am going to try my very best to keep this posting going.  It feels so good to be doing this kind of creating once again.  If you are interested in seeing the new idea book, stop over to Karen's blog or visit my website for more information.  For Now, Happy Crafting!

Collection Connection: Magical

This is one of the new CTMH paper packets.  Check out all that you can do with the versatile Close To My Heart products!

How to Make That Flip Flop Wreath

A post or so back, I showed you a flip flop wreath that will be our Community Center May project.  As I was doing research for the project, I learned that there were many problems with the flip flops falling off the cardboard/fiber board ring.  I wanted to figure out a way that this would not happen to the ones we made.  I "got it" and now I'm going to share it with you.

Here we go...

1.        Poke pipe cleaner from front side of flip flop through to the back at both heel portions of the shoe’s strap. 

2.     Attach the flip flop to the wire wreath at the connector points of the wreath.  It will take 6 shoes (3 pair) of flip flops to complete the wreath.  Secure with hot glue.

 

3.     While glue is drying, cut 24 pieces of mesh approximately 15 inches in length.

4.        Twist 4 pipe cleaners between each shoe in preparation for the mesh.  This will take 24 pipe cleaners.

5.     Attach mesh to wreath by twisting into each pipe cleaner.

6.      Cut excess pipe cleaner (not to short) and twist ends downward to hide in the mesh.

7.  Hot glue daisies or another type of flat flower to the heel of each shoe to hide the pipe cleaner.

8.      Carefully open the ends of the twisted mesh to spread.

9.       Attach glasses or other decorations if desired.

The finished product...

Simple, quick and cute.   There are so many fun and colorful flip flops.  These flamingo ones

came from Michaels and the ones I used in the first wreath were from the Dollar Store.  For

Now, Happy Crafting!

Close To My Heart Happy Times

Close To My Heart has a special paper packet this merry month of May in honor of National Scrapbooking Month.  It is called "Happy Times."  It is a fun paper packet with what I bet is a hint of the new colors.  There are even 4 sheets that have foil embossed patterns.  It is bright and colorful and I really like it. 

As I mentioned, I want to get back into the swing of things so I used one of my favorite sketch challenges to help me...MojoMonday.  I haven't done a sketch challenge in so long....

The card features a gold heat embossed sentiment to match the Happy Times gold embossed paper I used as a background mat.  The flowers were cut on the Cricut using Hollyhock paper.  Happy Times is available free with a $60 purchase from my website.

I am also working on a picture tutorial on making that flip flop wreath featured in my last post.  Don't forget to check out the CTMH Happy Times paper packet on my website and the sketches on MojoMonday.  For Now, Happy Crafting!

Flip Flop Wreath

I know, where have I been?!?  Every time I insist that I would keep up with my posts, I fail.  :(

All is well, just working tooooo hard...so what else is new.  One of the fun things I've been doing is teaching a class at our Community Center.  While most of it is not paper craft (already have a card teacher) it is a general craft class.  A great group of gals attend each month.

I just had to share May's project...

Flip Flop wreaths are one of the hottest projects this year.  I did mine a tad differently on a wire wreath and I will really really try and share how I made it but I must head off to work.  For Now, Happy Crafting!

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.

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!

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!

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!

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!







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!

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!

Close To My Heart Mission Statement

I may not have been at the CTMH Convention this year, but I did get to see the new mission statement.  I just had to share it with you!  It sums up what I feel along with what I want to share so clearly.  Take a moment to watch it.  For Now, Happy Crafting!

CTMH...Where have I been?!?

Well, it has been about forever since I last posted.  Things have changed so much for me that I had fallen away from my creating.  I missed it...oh, how I missed CTMH.

The CTMH Convention starts today and it got me thinking that I really need to get back into the swing of things.  As time goes by, I will share tidbits of my life changing journey, but for now, I just wanted to create a card and share it with everyone.

This card features a stamp set called "A Little Note" (A1171) and is colored with  Close To My Heart's featured ShinHan markers.  We already know that this cute little stamp set will not be retiring come September 1st!  The pattern paper is Seaside (X7192) and it will be available through August.

I am so excited about creating again and having the opportunity to help you with your creative journey.  We will be watching all the fun new products being revealed at CTMH Convention 2015.  For Now, Happy Crafting!

Joyful Stars Blog Hop

I know, I know...it has been forever since I lasted posted.  Well, things have been crazy for me in the last several months.

What I thought would be easy has become a mess.  My plan was to share what has been going on and even actually create a card for you.  Time didn't allow so I thought I would at least share something I recently made.

So, if you have arrived here from Betty's blog   Sacrapbookgirl2.blogspot.com you are on the right track.

Well I can't even get the picture posted.  0:(  and it even had a hint about my new life.  Ah well, I will keep trying.  Hope over to Marie's blog njsstampingqueen.blogspot.com and see what she has created.  I am going to keep trying to get a picture posted.  For Now, Happy Crafting!