3-d Birthday Box

It's been a few weeks since I've had a chance to sit and get crafty. Lucky for me, it's been for good reason. My husband, children, and I recently decided to have an impromptu get-away in celebration of my 20 year anniversary. Hard to believe it when it seems like just yesterday we said "I do". Anyway, that and getting back to our homeschooling year has left me with little to no time to sit and play.

I have a few special birthdays coming up next week and wanted to try my hand at creating some of the 3-d boxes that are available on the new Cricut Artiste Cartridge. Here is the first one I came up with:

 I filled it with a little bag of chocolates that I re-packaged from a bigger box.

 

I used my Artiste Cartridge along with Cricut Craft-room so that I could enlarge this pattern as big as  possible. I also added in the cut out window to show the chocolate inside.  The roses and leaves I added as additional decoration using the same cartridge. The paper packet I used for this is called Flirty. I didn't want to use my patterned paper from the packet until I had a chance to do a sort-of trial run so I used the solid paper from this packet and then added the patterned paper to pretty it up. I really like the way it came out and plan to make several more as little gifts to have on hand.

 

I must share my inspiration came from a fellow CTMH consultant. Here is the link to her blog:

http://tamrascraftypapercreations.blogspot.com/search/label/Fall%20Treat%20Box.

I found the picture on Pinterest and decided to start playing based on hers. Hopefully I am able to inspire some of you to get out your Cricut and create something Lovely as well.

Mojo Sunday Time for Me ...

A week is not quite complete for me unless I am able to somehow squeeze in a little PT (personal time). While it may sound a bit selfish, I assure you it's not. I am usually thinking ahead to what cards I am going to need in the very near future, so I need my PT to create those LOVE-LY cards.  This week I was in need of a cute card for a very special girl who is turning 17 next week. I used the Mojo Monday sketch for this week as inspiration. Here is their sketch:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here is my creation using this sketch:

 

 

 

I simply turned the sketch 90 degrees. Since I was thinking birthday theme ahead of time, it made sense to me to use balloons down the side. To create this card I used my stash of Close to my Heart products.

 

Card Ingredients: Clementine Paper Packet, Saddle Ink, Twilight Ink, Sorbet Cardstock (came in my paper packet. I used both of my CTMH Cricut Cartridges (Artiste and Art Philosophy) to cut out the balloons, the banners, the flower/leaves, and the scalloped circle.  I had a lot of fun using some of the coordinating stamps that came with my new Artiste Cartridge (the balloons and the banners). I love that I can stamp the images any color. Makes the creative possibilities endless. I also plugged in my Cricut to my computer to hook up to Cricut Craft Room. This enabled me to cut another balloon without the little sliver cut out of it (the brown ones I put behind my stamped images). Any other questions, feel free to leave me a comment and I'll be sure to answer as quick as possible.

 

 

Can you see the cute little banner stamp and the balloon stamp that I used from this amazing Cricut Collection? Loved getting a chance to play with my paper and scissors today. Hope I can get to more very soon, but for now, time to go help Mr. Wonderful cook up some dinner.

 

 

Mojo Monday September 7, 2012

This week I was in need of a few sympathy cards.  I was thankful for the new stamp set from Close to my Heart called Words of Comfort  and the Mojo Monday card sketch 257 to help me make these cards convey our heartfelt sympathy for our friends.

 

 

 

Here is the card I created using the sketch shown above:

 

 

Ingredients I used to create the card I created:

 

Close to my Heart Avonlea Paper Packet, Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge to create the roses, butterfly, scalloped circle and white circle, scalloped brown edge and the small tag with the word My Friend on them, retired CTMH stamp set called Say it in Style, CTMH stamp set Words of Comfort, Mocha Opaques Adhesive Gems.

 

If you enjoy my creations or posts, please take a moment to leave a comment. They always make me smile. :-)   Thanks so much.

Mojo Monday #252

Last night I had a chance to play with my paper and decided to start out with the weekly challenge from Mojo Monday. This weeks challenge is super cute. I love square cards and I love hearts on my cards and this challenge included both. Check it out:

I have been using paper from a new Close to my Heart Packet called Clementine this week in preparation for an upcoming card workshop so I decided to stick with that paper as I created this weeks sketch challenge.  Here is what I came up with:

This card is a 4.25 X  4.25 square. I used a white cardstock base and layered a new color in the CTMH product line called Saddle. I added a little extra embellishment with the dark brown bow and some little Opaque Adhesive Gems in Mocha. I am not entirely in love with it, but I will say I am glad to have it ready in my stash of cards, and it got my juices flowing for a few more cards I came up later in the evening.After I created it, I went ahead and scrolled through some of the other Mojo Monday entries for this sketch and found some really gorgeous ones. No doubt I will be playing around with this sketch a little bit more before I move onto  the next challenge from Mojo Monday.

Card Workshop August

Please join me for a card workshop I am hosting on Monday August 13th  2012 from 6:45 to 9:15. We will be be creating 10**, yes, 10 LOVE-LY cards that are of various occasions so  you will be ready for your next card giving opportunity. The cost for this class is $10.00*. We will be using paper from the new Clementine Paper Packet to show you just how versatile one package of CTMH paper can be. Space is very limited so please RSVP to me by Friday August 10th to save your spot.

* Class fee is cut in half for anyone placing a $25.00 order in CTMH products the night of this gathering, or for anyone who brings a friend who has never been to one of my workshops before.**Also, do not feel pressured to complete them all. If you only want 5 cards, just make 5 and the fee is reduced based on how many cards you actually make and take. I am here to help you make your papercrafting wishes a reality.

I will have everything you need precut, ready for you to stamp, glue, add embelishments and take home ready for the next special event in  your life. Embelishments may vary based on what I have available. All you need to bring is yourself (and a friend if you want to).  See you soon.  ;-0)

Summer Scrapbooking Layout(s)

Guess what the challenge is this week over at  Heart to Heart Challenges? Water Fun!! Just the challenge I needed to help get me ready for an upcoming scrapping night I'm hosting this week.

It's not an official class, but rather just a few close friends coming over to join me in doing some scrapbooking. One friend offered to bring dessert. Doesn't get much sweeter than that.

 Anyway, I decided to go ahead and get an early start so that I can be a good hostess and have something a little bit inspiring to get them started. Here is the layout I created tonight:

Footloose Summer Layout

I really love how it came out. I used a packet of paper from Close to my Heart called Footloose. This paper did not excite me when I first saw it. However, I began to see some really cute scrapbooking layouts being shared on Pinterest and on some consultant blogs. It began to grow on me. So glad I decided to get some to use for this summer's pictures. I also used a few of the coordinating dimensional elements. LOVE IT!!!  

I am in the process of doing a few more summer layouts while I am on a roll with this paper packet. Here is another one for you:

Another Footloose Creation

Can you spot my boo-boo? I erroneously stamped the date incorrectly. As I marveled at how I managed to do that, I then spotted a photo I almost added that was from 2012 instead of 2011. Thankfully it was fixable. I love looking back at how much my children have grown even over just a one year period of time. I added a few cutouts from a Cricut Cartridge I had on hand called Life is a Beach. Next to my Close to my Heart Art Philosophy Cartridge, I think this one is my second favorite cartridge that I own. Lots of fun summer goodies are on it. Perfect for doing beach layouts like this one.

If you are interested in learning how to scrapbook your memories, please contact me. I can teach you how to preserve your memories and celebrate your relationships through scrapbooking!

If you are already a scrapper but need a little inspiration now and then, be sure to check out H2H Challenges to see creative ways to use your favorite Close to my Heart products.

Let me know what you think of my creations by leaving me a comment. They really make my day.

Thank You

It seems that lately I have lots to be thankful for. For that reason, I have had to come up with a few masculine thank you cards of late. I thought I'd show you what I came up with as I think they came out really nice.

Thank You Friend using Typset Paper Packet

I created these cards using Close to my Heart paper packet called Typset. Unfortunately, this paper packet retires very shortly (Aug 1st). The good news is that perhaps you can use it as inspiration for paper you have on hand, or use the some of the new paper packets that are coming out August 1st . When you combine the cute paper included in the packet, with the solid cardstock that coordinates (also included in the packet) with the Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge, the possibilities for creating great cards are endless.

Sweet Birthday Wishes

Just when I think I have a handful of cards on hand to last for a little while, another sweet friend has a birthday and I look to my basket of cards and realize "gasp" I need to make more. That is actually not a problem, but a blessing as I LOVE to make cards and I love to have friends who fill my life with joy. This week I used the Mojo Monday Sketch as inspiration for the card I created. Here is their sketch for this week:

Super cute, right? I thought so. Here is the card I created using this inspiration:

To create this lovely birthday card I used a paper packet from Close to my Heart called Florentine, my cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge to create the pretty little flower,  the leaves, the paper ribbons, as well as to cut out the circles I used for placing my sentiment. The sentiments are retired CTMH stamps. The bow was actually created off of the card (it's easier that way) and then I just glued it right over a strip of ribbon that I ran through the middle of my cardstock. Another week I am blessed to use the Mojo Monday sketches as inspiration.Hope I have inspired you to check out their blog and get busy making your own Love-ly cards.

Birthday Cards-masculine theme

Elemental Birthday Cards

Just wanted to share with you a few cards I whipped up this weekend. We had a birthday party to go to for a family member who was turning 8. I had just finished making a card for a 7 y/o the day before using my Super Hero Paper packet so I was wanting to do something different. I pulled out my Elemental Paper Packet and came up with these while the family watched a Saturday evening movie together. I love that I made three so that the next two I need will already be in my basket ready for gifting.

I really just let the cute paper do the work. I did add a little bit of Silver Glitter Gel to the top two cards and some Mocha Opaques to the bottom card. I used my Art Philosophy Cartridge to cut out the cupcakes and used my coordinating stamps to stamp them in brown. On the bottom cupcake, I ran the bottom portion through my paper crimper to give it a little dimension. I love how these came out.

If you enjoy the possibilities of this paper packet, you need to contact me ASAP as it retires the end of this month. Augh!!! I will miss the versatility of this great paper.

Ahhh,..... Summer

Well, it's that time of year that I look forward to most,.... Summer. The mountain is all green from a winter full of snow and the temperatures are in the 70's. Homeschooling is pared to just a subject or two and we have this expanse of time to relax a little bit.  You know what I am looking forward to? Yes, you guessed it, making more cute cards and catching up on scrapbooking.  If that is one of the things you look forward to as well, I hope I can share a bit of what I am doing to keep you motivated and moving forward in achieving those goals.

Just wanted to share a few of the cute cards I have made over the busy month of June:

This great card was made using the Paper Packet Typeset. It will be retiring soon, so if you like it, be sure to get your order in to me by the end of July. I also used the coordinating Typeset Complements Canvas Shapes. This paper also makes really cute birthday cards or just general Guy cards with the dark and neutral colors. 

Here are the Father's Day Cards that I came up with this year:

To create these cards, I used my Victory  Workshop on the Go kit. These kits contain not only a full packet of paper, but also an exclusive stamp set that you can't purchase out side of the kit, as well as coordinating embellishments (in this case the Durable Square Studs and Natural Hemp).  I also played with my White Daisy Pigment Based Ink to create the cool background paper on the one shown on the top right corner. To create the two matching cards, I used my Cricut and Art Philosophy Cartridge to cut out the banner shaped card, cut the paper to match the shape, and to create the star and the #1.  I changed out the cartridge to write the word Dad, but I could have used the Art Philosophy Cartridge to do it as well. The letters would just not have been welded together (unless I used the Cricut Craftroom which I did not want to hook up at the time).

There are a few pregnant Momma's at my church right now so I had several baby boy cards that needed to be made in June. Here is the latest one I made:

This cards was created with some retired products. I used Wonderland Paper (which you just  might get this month as a special part of the Constant Campaign for July). I love the way it turned out. I used my Cricut and Art Philosophy Cartridge to cut out the decorative squares and circles on the top portion of this card. Easy Peasy!!

Hope you get some time to play too!

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Mock Half-cut Technique

One of the things I love about the website Pinterest is that you can get some new creative ideas on just about any topic. Well, of course a topic near and dear to my heart is card making. Therefore, each and every time I log onto the site, my eyes just take in tons of new papers, color combinations, ways to use my Cricut, etc. Tonight I wanted to attempt to create something similar to a card I'd seen on there. I want to be sure to give credit to the original creator so here is the link to her site based on the link I found on Pinterest ~ http://debbiesdesignsblog.blogspot.co.nz/2010/04/half-cut-die-tutorial.html. She called her technique a half-cut-die-tutorial, but I did not use a die, therefore, I am not sure what to call this technique. However, I am willing to attempt to share my try at recreating the results.

Her tutorial was teaching about how to cut out only half of a die, using a die cutting machine. Well, I don't have that die or die cutting machine. Hmmm. What to do, what to do? Do I go out and purchase yet one more thing??? I just did not think that was the answer. Therefore while I went about my business of taking care of my family, visions of that card and how I could create it kept mulling over in my mind. I decided to have a try at it using my Art Philosophy Cartridge.
I first tried logging onto their free site ~ Cricut Craft Room. Once in there, I tried going through each of the tutorials to see if I could cut just half of a shape. No luck. Hmmm. What to do now. I decided to go ahead and cut out the entire shape and see if I could somehow piece it back together to achieve the same look. Tadaa!! Success. While it isn't quite as streamline with just one piece of cardstock, I still think the achieved look is pretty cute. What do you think?

Outside view of card

Inside view of card

Baby boy card



I think they turned out really cute. I cut them out using the square card option on my Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge. The size for the card was 4 inches. I actually did use the online Cricut Craft Room  to help me center the cut out in the middle of the card. It is pretty nifty how you can click and place your cuts exactly where you want them on an online cricut mat, hook up your computer (laptop in my case) to your cricut expression and then hit cut. I don't think I could have centered those cut outs from the center of the cards without using this feature. I then used my scoring tool to score and then fold down the center of the cut out shape.I folded it back how I wanted it and then proceeded to decorate it using paper, stamps and a little embelling (the little 3-d dots) from one of the folders on my Provocraft Cuddlebug.

The baby girl card is created using Chocolate Card Stock cut in the same size (4 inches) with the cut out centered (2 inches using square shape) using the Craft Room again. On the girl card I cut out a square rather than the scalloped circle as I was wanting to match it up with the coordinating stamp set  called New Arrival that I used for that card.  I decorated that card with some of the yellow B&T paper that will be featured in an upcoming CTMH April Special.  This paper packet is called Dotty. You won't want to miss the opportunity to get yourself a pack of it at the great price they are offering it at. Details to follow in April.  I also used some of our Baby Pink Card stock that I had on hand. I cut it out using the same template as the original card  and then ran it through my Cuddlebug to give it the bumpy texture you see. I then glued it down over the Chocolate to create the color scheme shown above. I also proceeded to cut out a few extra 2 1/4  inch squares for that one in the coordinating colors to give it extra support over that cut out portion, as well as add in more colors. I cut out a piece of Colonial white and the yellow Dotty B&T paper just a bit smaller than the card (3 3/4 inch size) to piece together the inside. That way I don't have to write my sentiment on the dark brown cardstock.

The cardstock for the boy paper is Kraft c/s from CTMH. The B/T paper on the boy is some I had on hand (not CTMH, I think it is by Imaginisce). I actually covered up half of the cut out (thereby achieving the look I wanted in the first place) with B&T paper that matches the paper shown on the right side of the cards. I then placed the cut out back in the center (matching it up the best I could). I proceeded to re-enforce the back as well with some more layers of matching Background and Texture Paper.

There  you have it. Time for bed.  If you learned a little something here, feel free to leave me a comment and/or pin my cards to your Pinterest favorites. :-)

New Arrival Stamp Set  (currently retired)

Getting Started Making Cards

If you are just getting started making cards, then this post is for you. I have been creating cards for loved ones for just about 15 years now. Once I got started, I just could not bring myself to 1.) give up the fun of having a creative outlet and 2.) pay $3.00 or more for a card I could make myself with the supplies I had on hand. Just what are the supplies one must have on hand? I will attempt to list the ones I use regularly and let you know where to get them as well. It's a long post as I am attempting to truly help someone who is brand new to stamping or is just wondering what it would take to get started. Even so, I am sure I will overlook something or other, but I will do my best to come back and update as I remember.

Let's start with paper. Most of the cards I make start with a white card stock background. Exactly how you get that white card stock background can come in a few different ways. 1.) The least expensive way is to purchase a ream of card stock (100 lb. weight is my current favorite). You can pick up a ream of 8.5 X 11 white card stock at either Target, Walmart,... or my favorite is to go to a paper supply company. It will cost a little more, but you will get nice, bright, white, with a nice weight to it. Then you take those 8.5X11 sheets of paper and cut them in half on the long side so you end up with two 8.5 X 5.5 pieces of paper. You then take those two pieces and fold them again in half (folding the long side down) and you end up with two cards that are 4.25 X 5.5. I hope that made sense. You will then need to purchase envelopes. You can get this size envelope (the envelope size is actually just a tad bigger so the card can fit in it 4 3/8 X 5 3/4) at Staples or the paper supply company. It is also referred to sometimes as a size A2 envelope. You will want to make sure it is made for this size card. This is the standard size that most hand crafted cards are created on.  Option 2.) is a little more expensive but much more convenient in many ways and that is to purchase your card stock through me. CTMH offers a variety of envelopes or even a card/envelope combo which includes 50 cards and envelopes the size I described above for only $14.95. That would keep you going for quite awhile and there would be no worry if your edges were cut straight. We also offer a variety of different size envelopes so that if you want to get creative and make your card a bigger size, we can help you get it mailed.

Paper Trimmer

Now that we have card bases and envelopes covered, we will move onto paper trimmers. You will want to have one of these on hand to make sure the paper you use is cut with nice straight edges. There isn't a card making day that goes by that I don't pull this out and use it continuously. You can purchase one from me, or pick one up at a craft outlet store like Michaels. There really is a difference in how nicely they work. The nicer ones have a nice wide base with lines on it to help you cut in a variety of sizes. You will also want to be sure you can replace the blades when they get dull.

Bone Folder

Another handy tool I use when I am cutting my own card stock bases from a ream of paper is a bone folder. Once you have cut your card stock the desired size, when you fold it in half, using your bone folder will help you make a nice crisp fold down the center. If you are watching your pennies, you may be able to skip this accessory and use the side of a pen to help make the creases nice.

Adhesive is another must have tool for creating hand crafted cards. Close to my Heart offers a variety of different options but I will share my favorites. I regularly use our Bonding Memories Glue. It comes in two different sizes and I use each of them for different things. I use the larger one to glue down bigger pieces of paper, and the smaller for edges and smaller bits of paper I am gluing together. This glue offers a two way bond. If you use it immediately while it is just been applied, it works almost like a cement with a really tight bond. If you wait a little bit, it offers a stickier, more tacky type of stick, not a permanent bond, but rather a temporary bond. Be careful to use it properly. I also use this larger Bonding Memories Glue to make my Cricut Mats sticky again (but that is another tutorial in itself). You can also use double sided sticky tape on your paper. I have purchased these at Target, online through Amazon (to help make me meet the minimum for free shipping), or best price is Sams Club. Shhhh. You didn't hear about the other guys from me. :-)  .While you can purchase adhesive just about anywhere, I tell you I have come to appreciate adding it to my Close to my Heart order and not having to go into those other retail stores that end up costing me much more than I went in to spend. Or even worse, I unload my 4 children from the car to run in and buy adhesive. We load up on lots of other stuff I didn't need before I went in. Grrr. Yes, I've had that happen one too many times.   Doesn't get much easier for me than delivered right to my door straight from Close to my Heart.

A great pair of scissors is certainly included in my kit of must have tools. I am especially fond of our Micro-tip Scissors. They are small and super sharp for detailed cutting of both paper and ribbon.

Last but not least is a few acrylic blocks. You are going to want to add some sort of sentiment and the most common way to do that is with stamps. Most stamp companies that I know of are now making all their stamps acrylic rather than rubber on a wooden base.That means they are made of a pliable plastic-like substance that sits on a carrier sheet, but not a permanent base. Therefore, if you were going to do some stamping, you would need a supply of acrylic blocks to attach those acrylic stamps to when you were ready to use them. These acrylic blocks come in a variety of sizes to coordinate with the many sized stamped images you may be using. I prefer to use one that closely resembles the size stamp I am using, rather than just have one large one and have to house little stamps on it. It is just easier to maneuver the smaller blocks (in my humble opinion).  The great thing about the new acrylic stamps is two fold. Once you have acquired a few blocks, the actual stamps are less expensive to purchase, as well as the blocks and stamps are clear, therefore you can actually see through them. This makes stamping your image much easier than in the old days when you had to sort of guess where your image would show up under the bulky wooden housing. Here is a picture of an acrylic block and a stamp set to give you an idea of what I am talking about. 

All of the stamp sets shown in our catalog will list with the price the recommended block sizes you will need for that stamp set. If you already have them, you are ready to use the set once you ink it up.

Ink would be next on my list of needed supplies. Close to my Heart offers over 60 different colors of ink to coordinate beautifully with our papers. Love the ease of creating loveliness when the matching sets are made so easy for me to choose from.

Okay, now comes the fun part. Once you have your basic supplies, you add your choice of  beautiful paper, stamped images and sentiments, matching ink, and fun embellishments such as stickers, ribbons, or adhesive gems. The possibilities are endless.

Close to my Heart offers paper packets that include either different colored solid papers that look beautiful together, or patterned paper packets that include a few sheets of matching solid paper to make being creative easy. We also offer inks that match those same color combinations.
The picture above shows one of the available Hostess Collection benefits that a customer can acquire. I added it here to show the variety of products that can be put together to equal lots of creative potential. Shown above is a Pemberely Paper Packet, a matching My Stickease collection,  a few stamp sets, a matching ink pad, an acrylic block, envelopes in Kraft color, and a variety of different embellishments to dress up your cards. As you may have guessed, the above products work not only for creating beautiful cards, but also gorgeous scrap booking layouts as well.

My very favorite inspiration over many years has been the Close to my Heart idea book. I actually have quite a collection of them. They come out twice a year and are full of lovely and creative cards and scrapbooking layouts using the products offered through consultants from Close to my Heart. Now you have the opportunity to see it right over the web in the comfort of your jammies by clicking on this link. Have fun.  I've said it over and over, but truly, the possibilities are endless. Just need to add your imagination and personal touch to these great products.

Hoping I can help get a few of you started in a crafty outlet that is very Close to my Heart.

Why Scrapbook?

I believe that scrapbooking is a way of remembering the goodness God has brought into our lives. Whether you are a teenager remembering special events, friends,  and family gatherings,  or if you are a woman newly married, or one who is beginning a family, counting our blessings is therapy indeed. There are always going to be others around us who are able to do more, have more,etc ....., and if we keep our hearts and eyes stayed on what we do not have, our hearts and minds can be burdened. Instead, by keeping focused on what God has done in our lives, we are reminded of his goodness to us and the many blessings that surround us all, big and small.

If you are a mother or grandmother~what are you writing and recording for the generations to come? We must not think only for today but we must remember that generations will follow us. As parents, we have the awesome mandate from God to pass on His ways, not only to our children, but to our children's children and to their children. In this day of easy communication by telephone, e-mail, or texting, we can often delay putting pen to paper or pictures to paper. When you write down memories or scrapbook your memories, you are creating a permanent record.  People can re-read what you have written or re-live the memories and moments that you have put into your scrapbook.
Many mothers keep special baby books to write down all the little things their children say. I regret that during the time my babies were babies, I often felt overwhelmed with just getting through the day. While I cannot go back, I can go forward and try to create keepsakes for them of how many of the days of their lives were spent. I am realizing too quickly that as the years go on, the memory fades. It is important to capture it on film and on paper.
As we as mothers seek to make precious memories for our families, let us remember that the most important thing we can do is point them back to the goodness of God. His word tells us "I will remember the works of the Lord: surely I will remember thy wonders of old". Deuteronomy 32:7. In Exodus 17:14 "The Lord said unto Moses, write this for a memorial in a book". Numbers 33:2 "Moses wrote their goings out according to their journeys by the commandment of the Lord".  Psalm 102:18 says "This shall be written for the generations to come".
What are some of the special things you want your children to remember. Most parents I know love to make a special celebration on their children's birthdays, Jesus's birthday, Easter with extended family,summer vacations, etc. Realize that by taking pictures and then putting those pictures into scrapbooks, you allow your family to relive those special moments and people in their lives over and over.

Much of the information listed here came from a great bible study I did called The Power of Motherhood, what the bible says about Mothers by Nancy Campbell. When I read it, it really hit home that scrapbooking is more than just a hobby, but rather a special way of remembering for my family and generations to come. I hope this has inspired you as well.