Operation Write Home Blog Hop

Welcome everyone!  I'm so happy to be participating again this year the World Card Making Day Blog Hop.  Our goal this year is to share a "thank you" card using one of the Stars and Stripes Sketches. 

And, here is my card.

It is made entirely of Close To My Heart Products and I used sketch #58 to complete the card.  Hop on back to the main page to see more terrific cards!  For Now, Happy Crafting!

Christmas Floral Designs

Just for fun, here are a couple more items I made while working at the store today.  Can you believe that not only am I working on Holiday Paper Crafting items, but I'm also doing nothing but the Holidays at my floral job at Michaels.

The wreath is made entirely from deco mesh.  I am racking my brain on how to include deco mesh in my paper crafting.  What I love about my floral job is that there are so many of the same design principals in both.  What do you think?  For Now, Happy Crafting!

CTMH Frosted and Christmas Village

I have wanted to try CTMH's Christmas Village since I got it right after Convention.  Finally, today, I had a little time to play so out came the stamp set.  CTMH Frosted is perfect for this stamp. 

 



Christmas Village (D1554) is a terrific stamp set that has 6 charming Victorian look buildings along with a size appropriate tree, snowman and fence gate.  It even has a nice sentiment (not the one I used on this card.)  The minute I saw it, creative possibilities began swirling in my mind.  Everyone knows how I love to color and each of the stamps is a line stamp just perfect to color and shade.  Each of the buildings are individual so I can image a full village.  Love it!

This card is made with CTMH Frosted (X7175B,) Champagne, Twilight and Crystal Blue card stock along with Silver Shimmer Tape, sparkles and baker's twine hemp.  The sentiment is from a current set called Holiday Cheer (B1381.)

Stop by my website and take a look at this terrific stamp set.  How many possibilities can you think of?  For Now, Happy Crafting!

CTMH Huntington Workshop

It's time again for me to begin working on my October Workshop featuring CTMH Huntington.  I love that paper packet!  This month not only will we be using Huntington (X7174B), but we will also be using the CTMH Stamp Set called Perfect Fit - Thanksgiving (B1427.)  Why is it called "Perfect Fit?"...several of the images are meant to coordinate with the Artiste Cricut Cartridge (Z1790.)  No more hand cutting out those intricate designs.  Now you can cut your image, grab your stamp and create the perfect shape!

That is exactly what I did on this card.  I cut out the turkey and then inked the corresponding stamp in multiple shades to give my bird a realistic look.  We are also going to be working with CTMH burlap ribbon for the workshop.  The sketch is from Make It From The Heart Volume 2.  Instead of using card stock for the horizontal stripe, I used burlap.  The pins are also currently available on my website under "While Supplies Last."  I've always loved those pins.

Well, it's time to head off and create more Huntington Cards for the workshop.  For Now, Happy Crafting!

CTMH My Creations Bracket Frame

I think that I mentioned that I am teaching paper crafting at the Main Line Night School this fall.  This is the CTMH My Creations Bracket Frame that we will be making on the class scheduled for November 9, 2013.

In this class, we are going the be reviewing how to cover chipboard, making paper flowers, making burlap flowers and how to place embellishments for the most visual impact.  The frame is covered with CTMH Victory and features cuts from the Art Philosophy and Artiste Cricut Cartridges.  This class promises to be a great class and the students will have a handmade gift for the Holidays!

If you are in the Philadelphia PA area, visit the Main Line Night School area and sign up for this great class!  For Now, Happy Crafting!

Announcing My Second Annual Operation Smile Crop!

The time has come to let everyone know about my 2nd annual Operation Smile Crop!  Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 26, 2013!  We will again be holding the event at The Church of St. John in Lower Merion, PA.  The cost of the event is $30 for a full day of cropping, fun, food, fellowship and most importantly, a chance to contribute to a worthy cause...  Operation Smile.

Operation Smile is an organize that travels around the world providing free surgery for individuals effected by facial deformities.  It only takes $240 to change a child's life!  The proceeds from the entrance fee, along with monies raised from varied raffles and other fund raisers will be donated to the organization.

 

We had a terrific time last year and raised enough money to help 2 children.  This year, we want to help even more! 

 

 

So, if you live in the Philadelphia PA area, contact me for registration information.  Space is limited so contact me soon.  It promises to be a great event!  For Now, Happy Crafting!

Close To My Heart National Stamping Month

I haven't had a chance yet to share just that the CTMH National Stamping Month promotion is adorable.  It contains 3 D sized stamps sets and you can get it for only $10 if you spend $50 on product on my website.  What a deal!  And, what makes it even better is one stamp set is cute little images, one set are wonderful sentiments usable for both scrapbooks or cards and the third is a very usable alphabet. 

This is a card I made today using one of the sentiments and one of the images...

I think it is a nice simple card that speaks volumes.  It is a tent fold card in black with white mats that have been embossed with my Cuttlebug.  The flowers were stamped with Black Archival Ink, colored with the CTMH alcohol markers, cut out and popped up to create motion.  I love the sentiment.  :o)

I just think that this campaign is terrific and with all the goodies in the Idea Book, how can you go wrong?  Don't forget to check out my website to get your own CTMH National Stamping Month Stamp Set.  For Now, Happy Crafting!

CTMH Designed Decor Frame

One of the things that I love about Close To My Heart is the product diversity.  There are all those pretty patterned papers, wonderful white core card stock, the stamps, the embellishments and now, a full line of Home Décor Items.  These Home Décor items are designed to work up easily using your paper crafting skills.  One of my favorite in the new Idea Book is the Designed Décor Frame Kit.

What a value it is!  For $35.95 (plus s/h and tax) you receive a large frame with chicken wire embedded in it, a stamp set, 33 die cut shapes, mini clothes pins, bakers twine and all the instructions you need to complete a great gift or decoration for your home.

 

 

I made this as a memento from my Convention trip to Disney World.  Several of us took one of the evenings and headed out to Magic Kingdom.  What a great time we had.  The die cut shapes and stamp set were perfect for this fun outing.

 

 



Another great feature of the Designer Frame Kit is that there are plenty of die cuts and embellishments, that you can change out the design when you like.  I added a special touch to mine and using Velcro, attached a piece of CTMH Fabric from the Chantilly line (Z1819.)  By using the Velcro, I'll even be about to change that when I like.  I used some left over fabric to make that cute flower in the top corner too. 

While the Décor Frame might seem like it is a difficult thing to make, it really isn't!  Look closely, the stamping is done using all of the regular techniques I often talk about....the use of threes and working in triangles.  If you need a unique gift, especially with the Holidays coming or just want something fun, do consider making a Décor Frame.  For Now, Happy Crafting!

CTMH Huntington...Joyful Stars Blog Hop

Hi Everyone.  It's time for the Joyful Stars Blog Hop.  I really love participating in the hop.  This month, our theme is anything fall.  Huntington is one of the new CTMH paper packets and it so versatile.  Last month, I used it for a heritage layout and this month I'm using it to help us get ready for Thanksgiving.  I often think that in today's world, Thanksgiving gets forgotten.  Believe it or not, as a floral designer at Michaels, I've already started making Christmas decorations.  Yup...what I have made for fall is all that there is going to be.  So, I thought I should pay a little attention to this wonderful family holiday.

If you've arrived here from Helen's Blog you are on the right track.  Without further ado, here is my project...

I wanted to do something that we get everyone ready for a great dinner.  Huntington (X7174B) and the Perfect Fit - Thanksgiving (B1427) are perfect for the Dinner Invitation, Napkin Ring and Place Card.

 

The card is an 8 x 3 1/2 inch card.  BTW - I love this size.  Did you realize they fit into a business envelope?  The sketch comes from the Originals "how to" book.

 

The napkin ring uses the CTMH burlap ribbon for the flower and the actual ring around the napkin.  Love our burlap ribbon!

 

Last but not least is the place card.  I made the leaves by cutting them on the Cricut using Artbooking.  I then sponged them with Goldrush, Autumn Terracotta and Barn Red Pigment Inks and heat embossed with clear powder.  I repeated the process to give the almost enameled look.

Well, I hope you are enjoying the Joyful Stars Blog Hop.  It's time to head over to Elizabeth's Blog to see what she has created for us.  Thanks for hopping by and For Now, Happy Crafting!

CTMH Baby Cakes

Working an odd schedule today but I did want to get a quick post done before I head off to work.  I love CTMH's new paper called Baby Cakes (G1068.)  I used it to make that 8 x 8 album I posted a few days ago and wanted to use a few of the left over "scraps" to make a card.

 

 

CTMH is now making stamps called "Mini's."  This baby carriage(M1027) is one of them.  They are terrific because they only cost $2.95!  I colored it using my CTMH Alcohol Markers.  Just a reminder, don't throw away those "tiggles" from an overlay on the Artbooking cartridge.  The Sorbet zig zags are left overs from the baby book.

Well, it's off to work I go.  For Now, Happy Crafting!

CTMH Frosted Card Workshop On The Go

Can I begin to tell you what a wonderful deal the Close To My Heart Card Workshop on the Go (WTOG) for the Frosted paper packet (G1063)?  First off, Frosted is absolutely beautiful.  It is shades of blues, grays, champagnes with coordinating colors of Olive, Ruby, Cocoa and Kraft.  In you kit, you receive a "D" size stamp set (WOW), sparkles, pattern paper, card stock, 15 card blanks, bakers twine and the great instructions.  There is so much more in the kit than past years and the best part is the price has been reduced to $24.99!!!

You get plenty of supplies to complete at least 15 cards and here is one of them...

This is a terrific card that works up very quickly.  It features a great technique called second generation stamping.  You ink the trees and stamp on scrap paper.  Using the ink remaining on the stamp, you stamp on the actual mat.  Then you re-ink the stamp and stamp directly onto the paper over the previously stamped image.  See how that creates the illusion that there are trees in the background?

The stamp set included in the kit are so usable that I wanted to create other cards to show off the versatility of the set.  The first card features a Cocoa card base.  For a twist, I've added Slate and the Silver Shimmer Trim (Z1799.)  An unexpected combination.

 

This card is an features Ponderosa Pine instead of the CTMH suggested Olive.  Ponderosa Pine is a blue shaded green and I really like how it works with the blue grays of Frosted.  I've added just a touch of Ruby Shimmer Tape and Baker's Twine for fun.  By the way, the holly in the upper corner is from one of my favorite Holiday Stamps called "To You and Yours" (B1403.)  The leaves have been colored with my CTMH markers.



 

I am really pleased with the CTMH Frosted Card workshop.  Stop by my website to check it out further and see what you can create.  For Now, Happy Crafting!

CTMH Artbooking, Baby Cakes and Kraft Album

Can I tell you how much I love the new Artbooking Cricut Cartridge???  :o)  I've mentioned that I was working on several major projects and I am here today to share one with you.

I just finished an 8 x 8 Kraft Album (Z1871) with a Baby Girl Theme.  I used the new paper packet called "Baby Cakes" (X7173B).  I will tell you that it is an odd color pallet, but is just so perfect.  Artbooking Cricket cartridge is mind blowing for working on scrapbook albums.  These is just so much...  images, a beautiful font, overlays and you can even cut out the actual pages to fit into the 8 x 8 album. Everything in this book is Close To My Heart, but I did use some retired stamps.  There is so much in it that I am just going to let you look and enjoy...

 

 

I've got to say that I really had fun putting this book together.  Artbooking is going to revolutionize scrapbooking.  :o)  For Now, Happy Crafting!

CTMH Laughing Lola Scrapbook Layout

Happy Labor Day!  Where did the summer go???  Well, I certainly been busy "laboring" on all kinds of creating.  Since my last check in I've created several cards, a couple new Layouts and even finished a Baby Book using the new Artbooking Cartridge.  Here I'm going to share one of the Layouts I completed using Laughing Lola.  This layout is for one of the projects that we will be creating at the Creative Scrapbooking class that I'll be teaching at the Main Line Night School later this month.

Laughing Lola (X7170B) is an adorable, playful paper packet that features bright colors.  It is perfect for so many types of projects.  Since this Layout was completed as a class project, we didn't do any stamping, but rather, used the Laughing Lola Complements Dimensional Elements (X7170C.)  I don't often use these embellishments, but I realized just how perfectly they coordinate with the papers and how simply and quickly a Layout goes together using them!  CTMH really does make it "faster, simpler, easier" to complete a terrific looking layout.

The class that we will be making this layout is called "Creative Scrapbooking" and it is being sponsored by the Main Line Night School in Radnor PA.  It is a two week class and we will be reviewing basic scrapbooking principles and techniques.  Visit the School's website for more information about the school.  Main Line has been sponsoring classes since 1938 and I am tickled to be an instructor with them. 

BTW, I realize that I owe a stamp give away.  I've not forgotten and will announce the winner soon.  Now it is back to creating and later off to work.  Yes, I must work on Labor Day.  For Now, Happy Crafting!

CTMH Christmas Card

Well, forgive me for being absent for a few days.  Busy...so what else is new.  I've been preparing for an upcoming workshop and just had a terrific workshop last night.  In the midst of all of that, I was able to finish this card...

I made this card with one of my favorite new CTMH stamps called Classic Doily (B1424.)  To make it, I took a large piece of 140 pound cold press watercolor paper and made a wash.  I scribbled, yes scribbled all over the watercolor paper with different shades of blue and gray pencils.  Then, using my waterbrush, I wet the page to mix the scribbles.  When it was dry, I heat embossed the Doily image 3 times with gold powder.  I then cut out the layer, added some additional coloring with the pencils and a blending pencil and popped up the layers with 3D foam.  Last, but not least, "Joy" was heat embossed on a scrap piece of the water color paper.  :o)

The card also features the new Ruby Glitter tape.  A striking card, what do you think?  And, I just looked at the clock and I must head out to work!  For Now, Happy Crafting!

CTMH Joyful Stars Blog Hop

It's the Joyful Stars Blog Hop!  I am so happy to be participating in this hop for the second month.  This month, our goal is to share new anything new from Close To My Heart.  Oh my, with the new Fall/Winter Idea book now released, how does one decide?  :o)

If you've come here from Angelina's Blog you are on the right track.  And, here is what I have to share with you...

 

The paper is from one of the new paper packets called Huntington (X7174B.)  In the Idea Book, it is pictured with fall stamps, but as I studied it, I thought it would be perfect for heritage or vintage Layouts, too.  The Title, photo mats, flowers and leaves are all cut with the new Artbooking Cricut Cartridge.  What makes this cartridge so special is that everything is cut on the same key!  Yep, all the goodies on this layout are from the "D" alpha key.  All I did was use different functions.  Artbooking makes it so simple.  Just a sidebar...the photos are primarily my maternal grandparents, my Mom is there, too...the young teenager.    I am so lucky to have these wonderful shots.  That is my Grandmom on the left in 1900.  The windmill in the lower right is the family sawmill somewhere near Cologne Germany...photo taken circa 1890.  Believe it or not, my relatives still own the business today.

 

We are all so busy that finding the time to preserve our memories is difficult.  Everyone needs a little help getting the task done...please meet my assistant, Bombay.

 

So, where or not you are lucky enough to have an assistant, the Artbooking cartridge makes preserving your memories so easy.  Well, I am the last person on the hop list, so thanks for joining us...or if you came the our fun in the middle, hop on up to Joyce's blog to see what she has created for us!  For Now, Happy Crafting!







CTMH Home Decor and Frosted

Hold onto your hat, but I actually had a little free time to create today!  I know, I can't believe it either.  :o)  When we were at our Post Convention Team Meeting the other week, one of our creative projects was to make the make one of the CTMH My Creations Stars along with Karen (the PaperDolls fearless leader) teaching us to may a rolled flower.  Well, I never had the chance to make my star at the meeting, but it is such a wonderful project that I was determined to make one. 

Why is it so difficult to get a decent picture of the best things?  I used the new "Frosted" paper packet (X7175B) to cover the chipboard star (Z1803).  A template is available to use to cut out the individual "legs."  What I learned from this is when using 2 different papers, you need to remember to have the template facing the same way for 5 of the points and the opposite way for the other 5.  Otherwise, you will wind up with miss matched papers.  Not a problem, you just need to remember this.

Now for the Polka Satin Ribbon (Z1802)) Flower in the center.  When Karen taught us how to make the flower, she used the burlap ribbon (Z1760).  I looked at the satin ribbon and wondered would it work.  Well, it did!  :o)  Cut two pieces of ribbon...one to measure 12 inches and the other measuring 24 inches.  When using burlap, you only need 12 inches for each length.  Fold the lengths in half and glue the edge using a hot glue gun (don't burn yourself.)  Begin to roll the 12 inch length tightly and hold together with the glue.  You want a tight roll so feel free to add glue from the selvage to the top.  This is the center of your flower.  Next take the 24 inch length, attach to the base (salvage) edge of the flower center.  Make sure that you only glue the bottom portion.  Begin to wrap around the flower center and randomly pleat the ribbon so that it fans out to look like a flower.  When you are close to the end, fold in the edge to keep the ribbon from fraying. If you are using burlap, you may fringe it to give the petal effect.  This is why you need less ribbon when you are using the burlap...the fringing forms the petal look.  Cut two shorter lengths of ribbon to attach to the bottom to form your "leaves."  Very easy and a great effect.  What do you think?

I love these stars and can see me making several for Holiday Gifts.  For Now, Happy Crafting!

Fall Floral

This is just a quick post before I head off to work.  I think I've mentioned that I am the floral designer at my local Michaels.  Well, here are two items that I just made...what fall already?  :o)

Well, it's off to work.  For Now, Happy Crafting!

Another CTMH Scrapbook Layout

It is soon time for me to head out to work, but before I do, I wanted to share another layout that I recently completed for my CTMH Convention Album.

 

I actually completed it in May and didn't want to post it until after Convention which is why you see my old blog address.  Anyway, it is a combination of two paper packets...Clementine and Dakota.  That is one of the many great things about CTMH, it is so easy to create because everything coordinates so well together.  I don't know how well it shows in the picture, but the rainbow actually pops up as you turn the page.  Click on the picture and it will show better.  I took all three of those pictures...just in the right spot at the right time.

 

Scrapbooking with CTMH is just the best.  I love combining stamping, the Cricut Cartridges and Stickease on one layout.  And, with the terrific embellishments you can spice up your pages even more.  All while creating "faster, simpler, easier."  :o)  Well, off to work.  For Now, Happy Crafting!

The New CTMH Idea Book is Here with a Give Away!

It is finally the day to release the new Idea Book!!!!!!!  Party Hardy everyone because this IB is probably the best one in ages!  I love everything in it.  There is a new Cricut Cartridge that is ground breaking.  Literally, you no longer have to waste paper cutting images that don't fit on your project.  Just set the Cricut on the size of your layout the the title, embellishments, overlays and photo mats cut perfectly.  There are new wonderful papers, embellishments and stamps.  I hardly know where to begin.  Convention was a blast this year because of all of the excitement around the new products.

One of the special treats in the IB is in celebration of the upcoming anniversary.  Hard to believe, but CTMH has been in business for almost 30 years and remains as solid and innovative as ever.  One special treat are stamps from Jeannette Lynton's archive.  They are stamps favorites from years past that are being brought back for a limited time only.  So very special...

This adorable ragdoll is just one of those archived stamps.  It is from a set called "Stitched With Love" (B1425.)  There are soooo many fun things packed into this little card.  The pattern paper is from a new set called Laughing Lola (X7170B.)  The sentiment is actually from one of the stamp sets that come with the Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge...the first CTMH Cricut Cartridge.  And, that buttercup zigzag... is from an Artbooking Cricut Cartridge cut.  Ah...don't let those cuts from the overlays go to waste.  I am working on a project that I will be posting in a week or so...

Anyway, to celebrate the new Fall/Winter Idea Book, I'm doing a give away.  Leave a comment on this or any future post through August 18th and you be entered into a random drawing to receive this wonderful retro stamp.  Place an order on my website by joining in on the online party called Fall Winter Idea Book Party between today and August 18th and I'll send you a special treat along with two entries into the random drawing.  Comment on my Facebook Page during the same dates and I'll also enter you into the drawing.

Come party with me and celebrate the new Close To My Heart Fall Winter Idea Book.  For Now, Happy Crafting!

Close To My Heart Scrapbooking

I started scrapbooking many many years ago.  I, like so many others, was invited to a "home party" and was told to bring 3 pictures and be ready to be hooked for life.  So, off I tootled to that party, pictures in hand and guess what...I was hooked for life!  It was a Creative Memories party hosted by a teacher where DH works and the consultant was a fellow teacher.  I spent a small fortune!  Cover sets, papers, tools...those border and circle/oval cutters, that corner rounder that I STILL use.  Even my current CTMH students know that if you want the best corner rounder use the 2 color blue one.  :o)

But things change.  I made several albums and then I discovered card making.  I was introduced to Close To My Heart via a friend and another home gathering.  Oh wow... what terrific goodies.  Beautiful, high quality papers, white core card stock that I can distress and age, STAMPS and inks that feed both my scrapbooking and card making addiction.  I spent yet another fortune on stamps, inks and those terrific acrylic blocks.  I thought, wonderful...now I don't have to worry about storing those bulky wood blocks anymore. 

When it came time to make the decision to start my own paper crafting business, the decision was easy.  I went with Close To My Heart.  They had everything.  Card making and scrapbooking supplies, all kinds of tools, ultra high quality products and those stamps.  :o)  The compensation plan was great, the discount was great and even better was the solid foundation that Jeanette Lynton had built for CTMH.  Faster, Simpler, Easier...Let me show you how... were all mantras that soon began to roll off my tongue. 

 

This is a scrapbook layout that I recently did as the opening page of my Convention 2013 Album Contest entry.  There are so many goodies packed into this layout...items from the Cricut Cartridges, color coordinated papers, embellishments, stamping and the all important journaling.  Close To My Heart truly does help you to create beautiful scrapbook albums.

I've been on my scrapbooking journey for at least 15 years and a Close To My Heart Consultant for five.  I have never looked back.  I have never regretted either a CM or a CTMH purchase.  Times change.  The gals that initially got me started all those years ago have both left DH's school, but would you believe we still remain in communication!  Close To My Heart has given me the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people.  CTMH has helped me grow as an artist and has helped me grow as a person.  Don't be afraid of change.  Give CTMH a try.  Let me help you meet new people and expand your horizons.  Visit my website for more information.  For Now, Happy Crafting!