Susan Tomaino, Independent Close To My Heart Consultant

Sneak Peek #6

2012-01-29T06:44:00.001-05:00

From the new UPCOMING Spring/Summer Close To My Heart Idea Book

available February 1

The Best Things

C1503, Page 98

This set has so many uses, and the "follow your heart" fits one of the CTMH Cricut AP Cartridge cut outs. The swirls add something to so many projects, and I love having three sizes in this set!

Sneak Peek #5

2012-01-19T06:51:00.013-05:00

Look What's Coming soon from the Spring/Summer 2012 Close To My Heart Idea Book!

Available February 1.

Look Who's.....

D1502, Page 91

Imagine all the projects you can create with this set!

The scalloped oval and the banner images can be cut using your CTMH AP Cricut Cartridge.

What a time saver!!!

A Little Thanks

2012-01-18T17:55:00.000-05:00

Using a sentiment from A Little Thanks, and a cutout from the Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge, I whipped up this card for you!

Have you seen the new Paper Crafts Magazine's Cool Tools for Paper Crafters yet? It is filled with lots of great inspiration, and there just might be two cards inside, featuring Close To My Heart stamps, created by little old me! (Plus there's a card of mine on the cover!!!! Eeek!)

I was also happy to see a CTMH stamp set featured in Paper Crafts Magazine's Stamp It! 3 Ways. On each page of this magazine, three designers worked with one stamp set, and each created totally different projects. It's very cool to see the different styles and ideas, all coming from the same product. {And oh look, I have a card on THAT cover too!!! Giggle giggle giggle!!!!}

So now that this post has pretty much been me rambling on, in order to avoid doing the dishes, or dealing with my wild children, I suppose I'll get back to the real world, and get some WORK done (so that I can play and have inky fingers tonight!)

xoxo

Vacation Book created from NEW Product - Spring/Summer 2012 Idea Book

2012-01-16T17:19:00.000-05:00

This is one of the projects that will be offered at the Scraptique Weekend Crop January 28 & 29 in Estero, Florida. If you love the book, come to our Weekend Crop!!

The paper is a new design called Crusin. The stamps used are new stamp sets in the Close To My Heart Spring/Summer 2012 Idea Book.

Remarkable Wreath

2012-01-10T06:00:00.000-05:00

I know. . .I know. . .I told you last week that I had just ONE more holiday card to sneak in. But I guess I have another. Although, this could totally be a . . .um. . .New Years card. Yes. Or a Happy Winter card. Certainly. So there you go. A New Year's wreath, using the Remarkable Wreath stamp set. As I look at this card now, I sort of wish I had added some more bling. (We can always use MORE BLING!)

The Remarkable Wreath set is another great basic set to fulfill so many purposes. You can make cards for all seasons and occasions. And the little banners that come with it look terrific with AND without the wreath! It's very versatile! Love that!

And now, I promise, I am done showing you holiday cards. (I don't know about you, but I am totally sick of them!) Hopefully by the time you read this, I will have my Christmas tree down, and be fully ready to move on from the Christmas season! HAPPY JANUARY! :)
xoxo
Laura,

Sneak Peek #4

2012-01-09T06:56:00.000-05:00

My Peeps

B1402, Page 72

From the new Close To My Heart Spring/Summer Idea Book 2012

Available February 1

Who doesn't just LOVE Peeps?

Sneak Peek #3

2012-01-05T06:58:00.000-05:00

From our new Spring/Summer 2012 Close To My Heart Idea Book

A Tree

A1124, Page 73

Our new book includes many new "A" size sets, this is just one!

At a cost of only $6.95, this is an easy way to add to your stamp collection!

sneaking in one more. . .

2012-01-02T06:48:00.000-05:00

Can I sneak in one more holiday card before I call the Christmas season officially closed? :)

I have a few cards to share this month that I made while I was at my parents house, and had full reign of the craft room! It's just a few quick cards that I made in between the boys tearing apart the craft room, or dragging me off to do other fun stuff!

I was thinking that this could be a fun design to create as a bag-topper for some yummy Christmas goodies. But I think it can stand alone as a card too. It features the stamp set, December 25. This stamp set coordinates with the Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge, and every single stamp in this set is adorable! I love the clean lines and festive fonts it uses!

Happy 2012! Here's to lots more craft goodness! And in a few weeks I'll have goodies from the NEW CATALOG to share with you! Eeek! I can't wait! :)
xoxox
Laura,

Sneak Peek #2

2012-01-01T07:01:00.000-05:00

From the new Spring/Summer 2012 Close To My Heart Idea Book!

Fashionista

D1504, Page 17

This set will be a favorite of many! Whether you are scrapbooking, card making, or paper crafting 3-D projects, these Fashionisa's will just make your project a "Wow" project!

SNEAK PEEK of the New Spring/Summer 2012 Close To My Heart Idea Book

2011-12-29T07:04:00.003-05:00

Available February 1

Reserve Your Copy TODAY! (JoeSusan@aol.com)

$3.95 or Free with purchase.

2011-12-23T11:51:00.000-05:00

Thank You!

Thank you for stopping by! It seems like it's been WAY too long since I stopped by with a card to share!

But today is the day. . .

on this card I used some kraft card stock, along with Typeset patterned paper,

and the super-cool cork letters.

Easy peasy, and just the kind of card you need, when you have lots of Christmas gift thank-you's

to get out the door in a few days! :)

I hope you are ready for Christmas, because you are quickly running out of time! And so am I!!!! But I have biscotti baking, and a pile of gifts waiting to be wrapped. I think I can. . .I think I can. . .

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

xoxo

Rock the Block Special!

2011-12-16T06:57:00.021-05:00

December 19, 2011 through January 31, 2012

Rock the Block!

Get an exclusive E-size stamp set (pictured below)

and the NEW My Creations Collage Cubes for only $15

with your qualifying purchase of $25 or more from the Autumn/Winter 2011 Idea Book.

This fantastic special is available from December 19, 2011 through January 31, 2012.

To qualify place an order of $25 or more from the current Autumn/Winter 2011 Idea Book and you can purchase this kit for only $15.00. That's a savings of almost $30.00.

You'll receive the above E-size stamp set AND the My Creations Collage Cubes (shown below)!

a little of this and that. . .

2011-12-06T06:00:00.001-05:00

As I'm coming back to reality, after our week in Orlando, I thought I'd give myself a break and share some oldies-but-goodies with you. It's sort of fun every so often to go back and look at older projects I've created, and see whether I still like them or not! Here are a few that I still like! Many of these products aren't still available, but they can still re-inspire us, by the layout, or color scheme!

First up, Twitterpated. . .oh how I loved you, Twitterpated paper pack! Although the paper is gone - the layout is quick, simple, and easily adaptable to any sentiment or theme. Paper trimmer, and a circle punch, a couple of stamps and you are ready to go. I think I made these cards as part of a matching set.

Next up. . .I think I never actually even shared this card with you. I had tucked it away, hoping to have it published, but now that the paper is long gone, that chance is out the door. SO, here you go! One of my most favorite (and still available) stamp sets. So you could sit down and recreate this card with some different papers (but if you're like me, you may still have some of this paper in your stash!)

I'll be back next week, hopefully caught up on laundry, sleep, and holiday decorating. I promise, I'll have SOMETHING new for you! (What it will be, I'm just not sure!!!)

xoxo

Holiday and Christmas Tags

2011-12-03T14:01:00.001-05:00

preview the December Stamp of the Month!

2011-11-29T06:00:00.002-05:00

The December Stamp of the Month is called Mad About You, and features some lovely LOVE themed stamps, perfect for Valentines, anniversary cards, and anytime you wanna show a little LOVE!

You can see the complete kit, along with samples and instructions here: December Stamp of the Month. This stamp set coordinates with the Cricut Art Philosophy Collection, so you can die cut your images to your HEART'S content! :)

2011-11-24T07:11:00.001-05:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!!

May your day be filled with family, friends, food, and fun! Wishing you a cozy, comfy, and wonderful Thanksgiving!

xoxo

(card goodies: Mischief paper and rub-ons, Barn Red and Coloinal White cardstock, twine from May Arts)

Paper Crafts Magazine's Get Inspired

2011-11-22T06:00:00.000-05:00

HAPPY (almost) THANKSGIVING!!!!!
Today I have a card to share with you, to say THANKS for stopping by.
This is a card I created for Paper Crafts Magazine's new special issue, called Get Inspired. Each page of the magazine features an inspirational piece - a shoe, a cool mug, a blouse, or interesting piece of jewelry. . .and then four projects, inspired by that item. It is so interesting to see how different designers interpretted the inspirational pieces. (I have two other cards in this issue too! hooray!) It's definitely worth checking out! This stamp is from Close To My Heart, and I handcut the branches and leaves, from cardstock and vellum, adhering them with foam tape.

I hope your Thanksgiving holiday is happy and healthy, and full of family and fun!
We are heading off to Orlando for a trip to Disney and LegoLand next week, but not to worry. . ..I already have a post scheduled for you, with a sneak peek of the December Stamp of the Month! :)

xoxox

happy days

2011-11-15T13:19:00.001-05:00

just a little break from the holiday hustle and bustle that seems to be upon us. the days started flying by on october first, and i am BEGGING them to slow down so we can enjoy the beautiful fall weather, and the anticipation of birthdays and christmas and vacations and turkey!

there's nothing i love more than bright bold colors, and a crisp graphic pattern. (especially circles!)
on this card, I used the stamp set, Retro Tech. I wish beyond all wishes, that they would make a companion set to this one, with all sorts of wonderful puns and catchy little sentiments to go along with the retro phones, television, and records. it's a really fun set - and a great one for making feminine, OR masculine cards.

that's all for today, my friends! go savor the day, make it a happy one, and come back SOON!!!!!
xoxo

Card from CTMH

2011-11-09T08:23:00.002-05:00

I received this card from CTMH and just love it. The stamp set is Hoorah Bouquet (D1491, Page 86 in current Idea Book), the papers are Sonoma and Elemental, and the colors are Blush, Hollyhock, and Chocolate.

Using our CTMH Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge, the flowers are easy to create! Just cut them out using the CTMH AP Cartidge and then stamp on the cut out! The largest flower is cut using the Sonoma paper and the edges are lightly sponged.

The Close To My Heart Art Philosophy Cartridge (Z1686 Page 13 of the current Idea Book) is a wonderful addition to our product line. I love having so many stamp images on the cartridge! Just cut them out, stamp, and create. No more time consuming cutting stamped images with scissors.

You can order this fantastic tool by emailing me, calling me or go online at:

susan.myctmh.com

The package includes: 3 D-size stamp sets (each valued at $17.95), 3 chip board Dimensial elements that coordinate with the cricut images and the Cartridge with 700 images, shapes, and 3-d items.

The retail value of this kit is over $120.00 but you can purchase this kit for the low price of $99.00. Be sure to ask me how to include the Stamp of the Month for only $5.00!

As you look through the current Idea Book you'll see a red line around stamp images that coordinate with the Cricut AND the stamp set lists the coordinating size for easy cutting. No guessing!!!!

Send me your questions or comments.

a quick card and giftwrap

2011-11-03T06:10:00.000-04:00

Need a super quick little bag? This decorated sandwich bag would be perfect for sharing yummy homemade treats in, with a neighbor or co-worker. It would also be perfect for any little gift you might give! I used the Paper Lantern set, to stamp the "string" and sentiment on the card. Then I used Elemental papers to make some triangles on my trimmer. (Just cut a rectangle, and then lay it on the diagonal to cut triangles!) I adhered them with foam tape, and tied the sandwich bag with twine. Tada!

The whole thing only took me a few minutes, and it definitely jazzes up a simple brown bag!

Thanks for stopping by! I hope your first week of November is crisp, cool, and cozy!

xoxo

You've seen her as a tomato. . .

2011-10-31T06:19:00.000-04:00

You've seen her as a tomato, but have you seen her as Raggedy Andy!? I have!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my sweet mommy (who has to celebrate her birthday with a million trick-or-treaters at her door!)! As a tomato, or as Raggedy Andy, you are creative, fun, and the best mommy I could have imagined!

I love you love you love you!!!!!!

xoxoxo

sending love

2011-10-27T06:00:00.000-04:00

Sending love? Do you have a stamp that says that? No? Neither do I. But I DO have one that says Sending MY Love. . .in the set called Say It With Style. (I've told you a time or two. . .or three million that you NEED this stamp set, so hopefully it's in your collection.) I simply inked half of it at a time, leaving "my" unlinked, and put the two parts together.

I created this card with lots of Roxie goodness, and just my one little stamped sentiment. The flowers and flourish were trimmed from patterned paper, and I used a border punch (I think it's Martha Stewart) for the scalloped edge.

Have a great week! :)

Smarty Pants & Squishy Tomatoe

2011-10-24T09:40:00.000-04:00

A GREAT BIG SQUISHY TOMATOE thanks to my

SMARTY PANTS buddy, VENIA,

for all her help during the weekend crop.

If you were fortunate enough to take one of the classes from VENIA,

you already know what a joy she is! AND talented!

We had a blast with all of you at the Crop-tober Fest Weekend in Fort Myers.

Don't miss the next big weekend in late January, 2012.

Don't you just love Venia's glasses?

Makes her look even smarter, don't you think?

Deb - we missed you!

Gayle, we love you! Thanks for being our back up on Saturday.

Weekend Crop-toberfest!

2011-10-24T09:35:00.001-04:00

We had a great weekend at the Holiday Inn Express this past weekend. One of our challenges was to dress up on Saturday night and have a costume contest. Here is my favorite picture from the event - can you tell which one is me??? (NO I am not the jail bird!)

Sorry my red shoes are already off!

If you missed out - watch for the next SW Florida weekend crop the end of January!

I love you sew much!

2011-10-20T06:29:00.001-04:00

In honor of my mom, who got out her sewing machine this week, I have a cutie patootie little card for you today. I must admit, I totally and completely LOVE this card. This is very much NOT my normal color scheme. Me and purple. . .well, we don't get along nicely. (In fact, I have a whole post dedicated to my ironic dislike for purple, and you can read it HERE.)

BUT, this card turned out JUST as I pictured it in my head, and that doesn't always happen, right!?

Hopefully my mom will grace us with a picture of her tomato costume that she whipped up this week. When I was a kid, she sewed ALL of my Halloween costumes. And I. Looked. GOOD! She is a whiz.

Okay, here are the deets on this card. .. the paper is Sonoma (despite the purple, it is GORGEOUS paper!)
and the stamp set is called Tailor Made. I added some kraft card stock, plus some twine from my stash! This card is a great way to use up scraps. I trimmed my strips about 1 inch, which gave me room to overlap them just a bit. You could recreate this card in a million different color schemes! SO MUCH FUN!

xoxo

Weekend Crop Classes

2011-10-14T11:14:00.000-04:00

Upcoming Classes at the Croptoberfest Weekend Crop

October 22 & 23

Fort Myers, FL

These are just two of the Close To My Heart classes at the weekend crop October 22 & 23. We are offering 8 CTMH classes which included a double page layout using lots of Flip Flaps, Journal, Greeting card Birthday book, Christmas cards, Christmas book, All occasion cards, and more!

For information about the crop, email me at: JoeSusan@aol.com

October Stamp of the Month

2011-10-07T06:19:00.000-04:00

Both the cards below were created using the

Close To My Heart October Stamp of the Month, "Holiday Magic"

Colonial White and Chocolate Cardstock. Cranberry ink, ribbon, and brads. New England Ivy ink. Chocolate ink and ribbon.

This card was inspired by designer Karen Pederson. The background frame was cut from the new Close To My Heart Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge. The green strip is stamped with Ponderosa Pine ink using the Universal Background stamp. Cranberry ink was used to stamp the tree from the October SOM. The finishing touches: twill, cranberry brad and pin, and the star from Milepost shapes.

a little more October decor

2011-10-02T12:03:00.000-04:00

Need to add to your October decor???? I failed to take a picture of the whole spread of pumpkins and miscellaneous fall STUFF in our foyer, but these are some QUICK (seriously QUICK) little goodies to add, if you are short of decor items. Using the Mischief paper, with the very cool labels all over it, I just trimmed a couple, and stuck them to assorted bottles and canisters. The "Black Raven Pepper" goes perfectly on our pepper grinder, and the olive oil became "Castor Oil". And the marsala wine. . .well, it's "Vanishing Cream" now. Hmmm. . .

I also tied some black tulle around the olive oil bottle, to cover the colored rim, which didn't match my decor!

And to help you along in the fall mood, here is a picture of my cute guy and his first pumpkin of the year (I say FIRST, because we always end up with a wide assortment of "baby punk-mans" each year!)

HAPPY OCTOBER!!!!!!

autumn treats!

2011-09-28T12:24:00.001-04:00

Let's pretend for a moment, shall we? Let's pretend that the cute little treat pail you see before you, is filled with yummy delicious candy corn. Or the candy corn that's shaped like pumpkins. Or maybe some ginger snap cookies. Or cinnamon sticks.
There WAS a bag of candy corn to fill this treat can. But it never made it INTO the treat can. I did it for you though - REALLY, I did. I didn't want you to be SO SAD that you have no candy corn. So I saved you from seeing it. That's my story, and I'm stickin' to it. {giggle giggle!}

Okay, so as you can see from my cute (empty) treat can and card, I have been busy with the Mischief rub-ons. No stamps on these two projects. (WHAT!?) Just rub-ons. You can see the whole package of rub-ons HERE. . .they are so cute. Perfect for Halloween, AND fall. I highly recommend them! And they were VERY easy to apply, even to the tin pail! I just added some ribbon and twine from my stash, and one of CTMH's cute little wooden buttons. And maybe one day, the candy corn will last long enough to make it INTO the treat pail! ;)

Okay, now for the bonus round. . . .just HOW LONG exactly have YOU been a fan of Close to My Heart? Were you with us when it was D.O.T.S????? I'm talkin, way back in the day of wood mounted stamps. Because THIS, my friends, is a little framed piece I did a VERY long time ago. I pull it out every fall, because I still just LOVE those pumpkins. I colored this with colored pencils, and it just makes me HAPPY! I saw it as I was walking outside to photograph today's project, and I thought I would share it with you, just because! :)

Cricut Tips and Ideas!

2011-09-20T12:14:00.001-04:00

Cricut Tips from The Tomaino Patch:

Debi Squires, Melissa Murray and Jamie Schopoppmann

Close To My Heart offers their own Cricut cartridge that includes over 700 designs, three exclusive stamp sets, and 3 sets of dimensional elements. The Cricut Art Philosophy is a must have for all paper crafters! For more information, contact me JoeSusan@aol.com

• When you get a new mat write "top" on the upper corner of the plastic sheet (before removing) with permanent marker so you know which side is up (there is a difference on the plastic sheet sides).

• Be sure to replace the plastic sheet on the mat when not in use so the mat doesn't collect dirt and dust (helps extend mat life).

• Always make sure your mat is clean of all little paper i.e. from eyes or holes from a tag. The spatula tool is a great item to have. If you find your paper is tearing when you cut an image, it might be because you have these little circles or chunks of paper still stuck to your mat. You can use the Pampered Chef scrapper too!

Our CTMH piercing tool is a great tool to lift Cricut projects off the mat--especially the small ones and insides you don't use or need.

• When I am not sure how much cutting pressure a certain design will need, especially the more intricate ones, I have learned to cut them on a scrap piece of the same weight paper or the actual paper I am using in a smaller size. This does two things. It wastes less paper if you need to make adjustments and, if there was enough pressure to cut it out in a smaller size, it will always cut well larger because the curves are larger. (See Cricut Chart below).

• If you need to cut 20 scalloped squares for a large project, try out the quantity button on your Cricut Expression, it is AWESOME and a great time saver! OR if you need a whole page hit the auto fill button, it makes life so much easier :)

• When making a project with vinyl always cut out in scrap paper first to see if its the size and font you want. I hate to waste anything especially vinyl, AND when you do cut with the vinyl make sure you do the "kiss" technique blade 4, speed 3, pressure 3, that way you don't cut through the backing!

• If you are unsure about the size of an image, cut it on scrap paper first so you aren’t wasting your "good" paper or cardstock :)

• Cricut Flowers - your mat has to be very sticky. My older mat wasn't, I added dotto dots to the paper & it still shifted which ruined the cut. Roll the flower from the outside in-tightly. Keep the bottom even as you roll, otherwise it'll start to get like a cone shape. You want it as even as possible. Liquid Glass is the best for adhering it. Put a blob on the flat part, let the flower unfurl slightly & hold it in place till it bonds. Also lower the cutting speed. While you may want a fast speed when cutting circles, you want a slower speed when cutting anything intricate. (Jessica Ballas)

FOR MORE TIPS, ETC. visit Closetomyheart.com

with gratitude

2011-09-18T08:33:00.000-04:00

the right season at the right time. I told you, I am super weird and holiday jump in my cardmaking in a MAJOR way!!!!
I used the new stamp set, called So Grateful, for this card. Check this out - the image below, is from the catalog, and as you can see there's a solid pumpkin, which would be terrific on its own, OR you can stamp the swirly sentiment pumpkin right on top of it for a totally different effect. (Or you could certainly stamp the swirly sentiment on its own as well!) I used a sentiment from Thank You, which works perfectly with my pumpkin! I wish I could remember what colors I used on mine. I'm thinking the pumpkin is Autumn Terracotta (or Goldrush??) and the words are Barn Red or Chocolate. (I'm not much help, am I!)

I also used some NEW paper on my card - from the Dreamin' collection. Lots of pretty patterns and color combos for Fall in this collection!

I've had my first pumpkin spice latte of the season, from Starbucks, and I'm using great restraint, in not picking up a cinnamon broom from the grocery store YET. (I try to make myself wait until October 1st!) Around here, it doesn't feel like fall until about November! But we are READY and waiting for it!!!

Have a great week!
xoxo

merry christmas?

2011-09-13T06:33:00.000-04:00

Okay, so I holiday jump a bit. Does it make you crazy? ("Geesh, one week she's working on Halloween, the next thing you know it's Christmas, and tomorrow it will be Easter!!") But think of it this way - I spared you from the Valentine card I did last week. I'll save that for another week or two (maybe) - LOL!

This is a clean and simple Christmas card using stamps from cutie-patootie little set, called A Holiday, and HELLO, it's only $6.95 - what a bargain!!!! And even BETTER news, it coordinates with the Cricut Art Philosophy collection cartridge!!!!! So you could whip up an awful lot of cards in a short amount of time!!!!! (And Lord knows we all need to whip up Christmas cards that don't take an eternity to create!!!)

SO - have you STARTED your Christmas cards yet? :)
xoxo

It's Your Day!

2011-09-03T15:45:00.000-04:00

Have you had enough Halloween for now?

(Don't worry, if you haven't, I have some FUN LINKS for you down below!)

In the meantime, using some fun fall colors, here is a card featuring the Flower Pot. stamp set. I paper-pieced the flower pots, but colored the flowers with colored pencil. I added some twine and a cool faux button from my stash.

But now, in case you need some Halloween inspiration, have you visited Pinterest?! I am OBSESSED. If I'm not blogging, or on Facebook - then I am pinning away on Pinterest. You can find my Pinterest boards HERE . It's a fun way to organize scrappy ideas, recipes, quotes - anything you want to save online! I've been collecting some holiday ideas lately, for the fall and winter - go check them out on my Holiday Magic board!

Have a GREAT weekend!

xoxo

Boo banner

2011-08-25T09:28:00.002-04:00

When the My Creations Banner came out, I thought it was THE cutest thing. . . .
but then I couldn't figure out WHAT the heck to do with it.
(don't you hate it when that happens!?)

But I got inspired when I started playing with my stash of Mischief paper, and felt goodies.

I had a HORRIBLE time trying to photograph this crazy thing, so please bear with my picture. I'll try to get some better pictures soon.

I covered each of the pennants with patterned paper, and distressed the heck out of the edges! I used the felt shapes, and trimmed some of the cool little labels from the patterned paper (and inked the edges of them.) The letters are from the Friendship Alphabet. (love that stamp set!)

I added some black ribbon to the ends, and used the links that come with the banner set to attach the pennants together.

Now, for my next mission. . . .should I tell you? (Maybe I should surprise you. . .)

No, I'll let you in on my secret. My next mission, is to create ANOTHER banner, on the back side. That way, I will have a reversible banner! Halloween, and then flip it for Thanksgiving (or Christmas. . .I haven't decided which!)

I'll be SURE to share it as soon as I have a plan, and make it happen!

Have a GREAT weekend! We are going to be recovering after Bryce's first week of school, and celebrating Tanner's second birthday! Oh, yes . . .humor me for a moment, and I'll share Mr. B's back-to-school photo!

Cute as can be, right!!!??

Happy weekend!

xoxo

a little more spooooky!

2011-08-20T09:35:00.000-04:00

A little more spooooky Halloween goodness for you today! (I warned you last week!) I used the August stamps on these two cards, along with other matching goodies from the catalog. (See previous post for more info on this fun Halloween stamp set!)

On both of these cards I used a while colored pencil to highlight my images. The sentiment on this first card, as well as the stripe are from the new patterned papers - I LOVE that CTMH has jumped on board and added that little strip to the edge of their patterned papers!

On this second card, I used the felt frame from the Workshops on the Go kit, but you can also get it in the Midnight Felt Shapes sheet. I stamped the witch's head inside the frame, and added some other witchy goodies, and again added the highlights in white colored pencil. I was sort of going for a "witch's house scene" although I'm not sure I totally pulled it off! LOL!

Next week. . .home decor project! It's all done, i just need to photograph it for you! Have a terrific weekend, and a fabulous week! Make sure you snag this August stamp set before it's TOO LATE! September is RIGHT around the corner!

BOO!

2011-08-11T09:35:00.000-04:00

I don't know about you, but we are pretty dang ready for AUTUMN around here.

And playing with Halloween stamps and paper only makes it worse. Or better. I'm not sure what it does, but it is certainly making me THINK about fall weather and festivities!

For the next few weeks, I'm going to be sharing some projects centered around the new paper pack, Mischief, and this month's Stamp of the Month, called Wicked.

I am not a HUGE Halloween person. I love pumpkins, and kids dressed up in cute costumes. And I certainly love candy! But I'm not so much into the spooky stuff. That all being said, I really LOVE this stamp set! The cat is stinkin' adorable, and I love that honeycomb pattern. At first, I wasn't sure what to do with it, but i think it made the perfect little background for my sentiment! (It would be a great journaling spot too - and you can stamp it repeatedly to make a background!)

So there you have it! I think the card is pretty self-explanatory. I inked the edges of everything. And the paper I stamped the witchy woman onto, has the fence along the bottom edge - it worked perfectly. (And did you notice the tiny jewels I added to her shoes!?)

I'll be back next week with a few more cards (and maybe a home decor project later this month) to get you all ready for FALL!!!

all new goodies!!!!

2011-08-04T06:00:00.000-04:00

Well I just returned home from a week of playing with BRAND NEW GOODIES! Today's card features NEW NEW NEW, . . .new Roxie patterned paper (you are going to LOVE the new thicker cardstock weight patterned paper!) Also a new stamp set, and this image was cut out with the NEW Cricut cartridge! (you can see the new Close To My Heart Cricut cartridge, and the coordinating stamps HERE). I have all of the new paper with me at home now, as well as the new August Stamp of the Month, and I will have lots more to share in the coming weeks!

Pair-a-Phrase - double stamp set !

2011-07-30T14:35:00.001-04:00

This card was created using the Pair-A-Phrase stamp set and Elemental paper pack.

Created by Laura Williams

August 15-September 31 you can earn this special DOUBLE stamp set - both sets are Size D - when you place an order of $75 or more. If you place that order between August 15 and August 31 you can also purchase the August Stamp of the Month for $5.00 and receive an additional SPECIAL stamp set for free. Talk about a big bang for your buck!

August SOM - Wicked
Free stamp set with the purchaqse of SOM A Typeface

Flower Pot

2011-07-23T06:22:00.000-04:00

One of the new-to-me sets that I got recently is Flower Pot. I had fun coloring little flowers, and doing a lot of paper-piecing with this set. The flower pots are really easy to work with, no matter how you want to color them! It's a really fun set to play with!

On this second card, I paper-pieced the flower pot with patterned paper, which I LOVE. I also added tiny Opaques to the flowers' centers.

I have to keep this post short and sweet today, because tomorrow we are heading up to North Carolina to meet my parents!!!!! I have a MILLION things to do!!!! I know my mom has NEW PRODUCT to play with when I arrive though, so we'll try to whip up some goodies to share with you next time. See you next week! Thanks for stopping by!
xoxo

RETIRING JULY 31

2011-07-17T06:34:00.000-04:00

The following items are not included in the new Autumn/Winter Idea Book. This means they can not be ordered after July 31. Please note additional information as you look through this list. If you see something you can’t live without, contact me asap to place your order before the items are sold out or no longer available.

• Bliss Level 1 -- X7132A pg 12
• Bliss Level 2 -- X7132B pg 12
• Bliss stickease -- X7132C pg 12

• Miracle L1 -- X7133A pg 16
• Miracle L2 -- X7133B pg 16
• Miracle stickease -- X7133C pg 16

• Sweetheart L1 -- X7134A pg 20
• Sweetheart L2 -- X7134B pg 20
• Sweetheart stickease -- X7132C pg 20

• Wings L1 -- X7135A pg 24
• Wings L2 -- X7135B pg 24
• Wings stickease -- X7135C pg 24

• Magnifique L1 -- X7127A pg 38
• Magnifique L2 -- X7127B pg 38
• Magnifique stickease -- X7127C pg 38

• Olivia L1 -- X7128A pg 38
• Olivia L2 -- X7128B pg 38
• Olivia stickease -- X7128C pg 38

• Hooligans L1 -- X7129A pg 39
• Hooligans L2 -- X7129B pg 39
• Hooligans stickease -- X7129C pg 39

• Mistletoe L1 -- X7130A pg 39
• Mistletoe L2 -- X7130B pg 39
• Mistletoe stickease -- X7130C pg 39

• Sweetheart WOTG -- G1017 pg 41
• Lucky WOTG -- G1018 pg 41
• Sophia WOTG -- G1019 pg 41
• Bliss WOTG -- G1020 pg 42
• Fanfare WOTG -- G1021 pg 42
• Mayberry WOTG -- G1022 pg 42
• Miracle WOTG -- G1023 pg 43
Wings WOTG -- G1016 pg 43

• 1” x 1 ½” block -- Y1001 pg 45
• 1” x 6 ½” block -- Y1005 pg 45
• 2” x 11” block -- Y1007 pg 45
• 2 ½” x 2 ½” block -- Y1004 pg 45
• 4 ½” x 6 ½” block -- Y1011 pg 45
• My Acrylix block starter kit -- Y1500 pg 114

• Envelope flats – 2 ½” x 3 ½” -- Z1021 pg 114
• Envelope flats – 3” x 3” -- Z1022 pg 114
• Envelope flats – 3” x 4 ¾” -- Z1023 pg 114
• Envelope flats – 4” x 4” -- Z1024 pg 114
• Envelope flats – 4 ½” x 4 ½” -- Z1244 pg 114
• Envelope flats – 5” x 5” -- Z1025 pg 114
• Envelope flats – 5” x 7” -- Z1026 pg 114
• Envelope flats – 5 ½” x 4 3/4 ” -- Z1027 pg 114
• Envelope flats – 6” x 6” -- Z1028 pg 114
• Envelope flats – 8” x 3 ½” -- Z1029 pg 114

• Designer ribbon – cranberry -- Z1209 pg 115
• Designer ribbon – buttercup -- Z1154 pg 115
• Designer ribbon – sweet leaf -- Z1125 pg 115

• Sophia L2 Journaling Spots -- Z1357 pg 116
• Mini Medley Accents – Pear -- Z1339 pg 117
• Mini Medley Accents – Lagoon -- Z1340 pg 117
• Mini Medley Accents – Outdoor Denim -- Z1277 pg 117
• Top Coats – Framed In -- Z1211 pg 118
• Rub Ons – Across the Board -- Z1231 pg 118
• Rub Ons – Primavera -- Z1265 pg 118

• Dimensional Elements – Villa -- Z1390 pg 118
• Dimensional Elements – Miracle -- Z1354 pg 118
• Dimensional Elements – Booksmart -- Z1223 pg 119
• Dimensional Elements – Borders -- Z1156 pg 119
• Dimensional Elements – Framed Fun -- Z1140 pg 119
• Dimensional Elements – Plain Chipboard -- Z1164 pg 119
• Dimensional Elements – Stars -- Z1312 pg 119
• ALL Dimensional Elements Monograms – A through Z -- pg 119 (new DE alphabets in fall book – similar but new sizes and shapes)

3” x 3” Mini Album -- Z1166 pg 120 (ALREADY SOLD OUT)
• My Creations 3 ring binder -- Z1141 pg 120
• Kraft Color Ready Borders -- Z1377 pg 120
• Red Eye Pen -- 3501 pg 121
• Embossing Powders – Clear -- Z671 pg 121
• Embossing Powders – Heavenly Blue -- Z647 pg 121
• Embossing Powders – Pansy Purple -- Z664 pg 121
• Embossing Powders – Silver Pearl -- Z678 pg 121
• Block Buddy Set -- Z1289 pg 121
• Pivot Point Stapler -- Z1009 pg 122
• Texture Tools – Foam Tools -- Z1090 pg 122
• Fun Flock -- Z263
• My Accents Organizer -- Z183 pg 123 (SOLD OUT)
• My Accents Block Organizer -- Z185 pg 123
• Euro Personal Paper Trimmer -- Z338 pg 123
• Euro Replacement Blades -- Z339 pg 123
• Euro Replacement Blade/Scoring -- Z340 pg 123

The individual packs of 24 sheets of one color of cardstock have been changed in the new book. There are 15 colors you can continue to buy in packs of 24. With the new book, you can buy a pack with 3 shades (example: Light Red & Pink Shade Pack which includes Blush, Hollyhock, and Tulip).

NEED BULK for Holiday cards? Don’t delay!
• Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Grey Flannel -- 5573 pg 124
• Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Grey Wool -- 5571 pg 124
• Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Brown Bag -- X5644 pg 124
• Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Parchment -- X5645 pg 124
• Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Amethyst -- X5631 pg 125
• Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Baby Pink -- 1299 pg 125
• Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Heavenly Blue -- 1285 pg 125
• Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Key Lime -- 1235 pg 125
• Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Sunkiss Yellow -- 1240 pg 125
• Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Taffy -- X5630 pg 125
• Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Juniper -- X5752 pg 125
• Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Lilac Mist -- 1295 pg 125
• Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Sorbet -- X5751 pg 125
• Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Spring Iris -- 1296 pg 125
• Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Tulip -- X5753 pg 125
• Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Gypsy -- X5757 pg 125
• Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Holiday Red -- 1274 pg 125
• Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Sunny Yellow -- 1225 pg 125
• Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Sunset -- X5758 pg 125
• Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Topiary -- X5635 pg 125
• Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Cotton Candy -- X5760 pg 125
• Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Dutch Blue -- 1241 pg 125
• Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Lagoon -- X5762 pg 125
• Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Pear -- X5764 pg 125
• Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Sky -- X5761 pg 125
• Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Autumn Terracotta -- 1270 pg 125
• Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Barn Red -- X5637 pg 125
• Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – New England Ivy -- 1282 pg 125
• Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Pansy Purple -- 5590 pg 125
• Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Sunflower -- 1242 pg 125
• Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Garden Green -- 1244 pg 125
• Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Goldrush -- 1243 pg 125
• Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Hollyhock -- 1246 pg 125
• Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Indian Corn Blue -- 1284 pg 125
• Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Vineyard Berry -- 1248 pg 125
• Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Buttercup -- 1271 pg 125
• Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Garnet -- X5638 pg 125
• Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Moonstruck -- 1293 pg 125
• Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Ponderosa Pine -- 1276 pg 125
• Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Smokey Plum -- 1291 pg 125
• Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Blush -- X5640 pg 125
• Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Crystal Blue -- 1292 pg 125
• Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Honey -- X5668 pg 125
• Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Petal -- X5667 pg 125
• Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Twilight -- X5666 pg 125

The combo packs below are retired only because our seasonal color palatts have been rearranged. The 12 colors in each season have changed, but we still have all the same 60 colors.
• 12” x 12” Combo Cardstock Pack – Antique -- X5686 pg 124
• 12” x 12” Combo Cardstock Pack – Timeless -- X5700 pg 124
• 12” x 12” Combo Cardstock Pack – Harmony -- X5682 pg 125
• 12” x 12” Combo Cardstock Pack – Blossom -- X5756 pg 125
• 12” x 12” Combo Cardstock Pack – Carnival -- X5765 pg 125
• 12” x 12” Combo Cardstock Pack – Celebration -- X5766 pg 125
• 12” x 12” Combo Cardstock Pack – Harvest -- X5684 pg 125
• 12” x 12” Combo Cardstock Pack – Garden -- X5698 pg 125
• 12” x 12” Combo Cardstock Pack – Classic -- X5685 pg 125
• 12” x 12” Combo Cardstock Pack – Cozy -- X5800 pg 125
• 8 ½ ” x 11” Combo Cardstock Pack – Antique -- X5691 pg 124
• 8 ½ ” x 11” Combo Cardstock Pack – Timeless -- X5705 pg 124
• 8 ½ ” x 11” Combo Cardstock Pack – Harmony -- X5687 pg 125
• 8 ½ ” x 11” Combo Cardstock Pack – Blossom -- X5755 pg 125
• 8 ½ ” x 11” Combo Cardstock Pack – Carnival -- X5767 pg 125
• 8 ½ ” x 11” Combo Cardstock Pack – Celebration -- X5768 pg 125
8 ½ ” x 11” Combo Cardstock Pack – Harvest -- X5689 pg 125
• 8 ½ ” x 11” Combo Cardstock Pack – Garden -- X5703 pg 125
• 8 ½ ” x 11” Combo Cardstock Pack – Classic -- X5690 pg 125
8 ½ ” x 11” Combo Cardstock Pack – Cozy -- X5801 pg 125

• Stamp Pad set – Antique -- Z1564 pg 124
• Stamp Pad set – Timeless -- Z1569 pg 124
• Stamp Pad set – Harmony -- Z1560 pg 125
• Stamp Pad set – Blossom -- Z1570 pg 125
• Stamp Pad set – Carnival -- Z1573 pg 125
• Stamp Pad set – Celebration -- Z1574 pg 125
• Stamp Pad set – Harvest -- Z1562 pg 125
• Stamp Pad set – Garden -- Z1567 pg 125
• Stamp Pad set – Classic -- Z1563 pg 125
• Stamp Pad set – Cozy -- Z1600 pg 125

• Marker set – Antique -- Z1554 pg 124
• Marker set – Timeless -- Z1559 pg 124
• Marker set – Harmony -- Z1550 pg 125
• Marker set – Blossom -- Z1571 pg 125
• Marker set – Carnival -- Z1572 pg 125
• Marker set – Celebration -- Z1575 pg 125
• Marker set – Harvest -- Z1552 pg 125
• Marker set – Garden -- Z1557 pg 125
• Marker set – Classic -- Z1553 pg 125
• Marker set – Cozy -- Z1610 pg 125

• Textured Cardstock – White Daisy -- X5671 pg 124

NEW Autumn/Winter Idea Book 2001

2011-07-17T05:52:00.001-04:00

I have the new book in my hands! WOW oh WOW it's exciting to see all the new product, changes, and fantastic artwork. One of the BEST things EVER is the new LOWER prices on all our stamp sets! Yes you heard me right!!!! Our stamp sets are now $6.95 to $29.95. (Were $7.95 to $34.95).

Another exciting new product - our very own Cricut cartridge!!! We offer the Cricut Art Philosophy Collection that includes the cartridge, (3) D-size stamp sets and (3) Dimensional Elements. These all work together and you can use your Cricut to cut out the images. Throughout the Idea Book you'll see stamp images with red lines around them. All those images can be cut with the new Cricut cartridge!

Also, I am so excited that in the new book all our stamp images are shown ACTUAL size!!!! Lots more to share so stay tuned!

The new book is "Live" August 1.

thank you squares

2011-07-15T09:30:00.000-04:00

Happy Friday! I'd like to share a card with you today that I had THE best time making! I am on a roll with combining my CTMH stamps and the CPS sketches - this is my card for this week's sketch, #226. I used one of my VERY favorite stamp sets. (I say that a lot, don't I?) Thank You has sentiments of every shape and size. Seriously, you NEED this set in your stash if you create a lot of thank you cards! I stamped the "thanks" squares in Pear, Outdoor Denim, and Sunflower and adhered them to white cardstock using foam tape. Then I stamped the circle "thank you" in Pear ink, layered everything up with some large circles and TA-DA!

tailor-made

2011-07-07T06:00:00.000-04:00

I broke out another new-to-me stamp set this week . .. it's called Tailor-Made, and it has the cutest little sewing images! I have been cranking out cards for the Card Positioning Systems blog, and this is another one. It's based on this week's sketch, #225.

After I stamped the images in Bamboo ink, I used a brown colored pencil to trace over parts of them, adding some little shadows and depth. I like the way it turned out! And I just LOVE the measuring tape. I think it's my favorite stamp in the set!

Have a great weekend!

Life is Good!

2011-07-02T11:18:00.000-04:00

Hello, hello! I created this card based on this week's sketch at Card Positioning Systems (in fact, you can see this card over there too!) It's a clean and simple sketch, and it was a lot of fun to create with! If you are feeling stumped for some inspiration, I highly recommend the CPS blog. Another fun challenge blog I like is The Playdate Cafe - all of their challenges are COLOR based (but not specific to any one manufacturer) and it's a totally fun way to get motivated!

Okay - so on this card, I used this fun color combo: Sunflower, Lagoon, and Pear. I used the Treetops stamp set, along with the cloud from Over the Rainbow.

I hope you have a FABULOUS 4th of July weekend! We are off to the beach and the pool with family, now that Tanner is (just at this very second) waking up from his nap. SO, I suppose I better go rescue my little one, and pack up our towels and swimsuits! See you next week!
xoxox

lagoon and white

2011-06-25T06:54:00.000-04:00

A perfect card for summer weddings, or maybe even a graduation. I love the Lagoon and White together! I used a stamp from Salutation Seals, stamped in Lagoon ink. The ribbon is just Offray ribbon from JoAnn's. To create the corners, just stick the corner of your cardstock into a small circle punch, with the corner pointed toward the center of the circle. (Try it on a scrap piece first, to see how large of a corner you'd like!)

two for the price of one!

2011-06-16T09:57:00.000-04:00

Sorry to trick you. . .no, there's no two-for-one deal going on, on stamps. . . .but do i have TWO cards to share with you today! When the current catalog came out, I was SUPER EXCITED about this stamp set. It's called Retro Tech, and it has very cool vintage looking images of phones, a television, record player, camera, etc. I have been making some SUPER SIMPLE, clean and graphic cards with these stamps. And I love them! They are so quick and easy, I thought I'd better share two of them today!

On this first card, I cut some squares of cardstock (great way to use up scraps!) to create the bottom border. And i stuck a rhinestone jewel over the camera flash.

I stamped the records in Cotton Candy, Pear, and (shhhh.. . .) Breeze (I keep trying not to use that color anymore, since it's gone, but I just can't help myself! WHY oh WHY they discontinued it, I have no idea. Sniff, sob. Gulp. Okay, I'm done now.)

Sometimes I get so bogged down trying to create an intricate masterpiece, that it is refreshing to just stamp something quick, simple, and to the point. No layers, no busyness - just a crisp clean image.

Have a fabulous week! I am off now to create a Father's Day card with my little men. I won't be stamping on it, but if you want a sneak peek. . . .check out this link. If you have a technology geek in your house, you might want to try it too!!! (It's ADORABLE!)

happiness is. . .a snazzy color combo!

2011-06-08T15:32:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago I made a similar card, (which you can see HERE.) When I'm feeling stuck, and I don't know where to start on a project, sometimes I steal my own ideas. So that's exactly what I did. I loved the card I did a few weeks ago, so I just copied it using different paper, colors, and stamps.

I used Sky, Sorbet, and Sunflower together on this card. I think it's a really fun summery color combination. I came up with it, because the stamp pads happened to be stacked next to each other, and I thought, "Oooh, that would be nice together!" And then I came up with a few other color combos to try, that same way. (So I have a head start, the next time I sit down to create!)

The stamps are both from the Paper Lantern stamp set. (Swooon, I love that stamp set!)

To create the card, I simply cut a bunch of Sunflower and Sorbet strips, layered them onto a block of Sky cardstock, matted it with Sorbet, and adhered it to my Sky colored card base. And then I added my sentiment and lantern. Super fun, and easy to do. (My favorite things!)

Friday is FINALLY the last day of school. (I swear, this has been the LONGEST week ever, even for ME!) We're all looking forward to the lazy days of summer vacation! And I don't have a Kindergartener anymore!!! First grade!? YIKES!

Have a great weekend!!!!

XOXO

wishing you sunshine!

2011-06-05T13:57:00.000-04:00

This 8x4 card was created with the Splendid Day stamp set, along with Miracle papers. And the puffy cloud is from Over the Rainbow (you know, the stamp set I use - oh- every other day!)

I have been working away on some cards to share with you in the upcoming weeks, and my trusty Close To My Heart consultant, (and fabulous mommy that she is) is about to send me a batch of new-to-me stamps to play with. Hooray!!!!! Nothing helps me accomplish projects like NEW STAMPS to play with!

I hope your weekend has been FABULOUS! I'll be back in a few days with a card I did last night, and I really have to say, I love the way it turned out! My teaser is. . . .it uses no patterned paper. But it LOOKS like it does. And it's a fun new summery color palette! Okay - enough said! See you soon!

XOXO

Laura,

happy polka-dotty hearts!

2011-05-28T07:28:00.000-04:00

Happy Memorial Day weekend! I hope your weekend is off to a GREAT start! We've already been to the beach on Thursday afternoon, and tonight (although he doesn't know it yet) the hubby will be cooking hamburgers and corn on the cob, on the grill for dinner! Bryce only has two more weeks of school, and then I will have to figure out what the heck to do with him all summer long!!!!!

Today I'd like to share a sweet pink card with you. It could certainly be a Valentine, but I think it would work for any other day of the year too. I used Sweetheart papers, along with the coordinating Affection stamp set.

I stamped the hearts in Cotton Candy ink, and I stamped the stem in black - but second generation (meaning, i stamped it once on a piece of scrap paper, and then onto my white cardstock. I used a piece of white ribbon from my stash, and used the Fiskars Threading Water punch for my scallops.

Thanks for stopping by today! Have a safe and relaxing weekend!
XOXO

Teachers Rule

2011-05-19T06:31:00.000-04:00

Well, Mr. B is in the final countdown of Kindergarten. I think we're down to 14 school days left. (Gulp!)

I thought it was a good time to come up with a teacher card idea, for end of the year thank-yous. I used In The Month of August, along with Fanfare patterned paper. The cardstock is Sky, and Pacifica.

This card is completely scraplifted from one of my favorite cardmakers, Julie Campbell. I am so thankful that we have become friends online, and worked together from time to time. She recently achieved one of her DREAMS, becoming one of the newest Go To Gals at Paper Crafts magazine! I was over the MOON thrilled for her! The card I created is based on one of her cards featured in Paper Crafts Card Style special issue that came out last year. (It's on page 21, if you happen to have the issue at home!) Julie's card featured a bubble gum machine in the circle, and lots of repeating circles throughout the card. And I LOVED the way she put the pearls along her rounded corner. So THANK YOU, sweet Julie, for the fabulous inspiration!! Getting ideas from other cardmakers is a great way to become a more accomplished cardmaker, copying ideas from those you admire. Plus it can be a great motivation to get some projects DONE!!! If you post your work online, just be sure to give credit where credit is due!

If you'd like to scraplift my card that I scraplifted from Julie, LOL, post it online and leave a link in the comments! I'd love to see what you create! :)

Card Ideas

2011-05-09T15:17:00.000-04:00

The birdhouse card was inspired by a card sent to me by Karen Pederson. Karen created her card using the stamp set from the Mayberry WOTG. My colors, papers, and basic format are the same as Karen's card, but I made some minor adjustments. Sharing ideas can inspire a lot of creativity! I always need that inspiration! (C1445 Bless This Nest, Mayberry Paper Pack).

The second card is something I have used over and over but with different papers and ink colors. I LOVE THAT STAMP SET, A Little Of Everything!!! It's a great way to use paper scraps too. (D1408 A Little Of Everything, Mayberry Paper Pack).

Chairs to YOU!! (and me!)

2011-04-29T12:01:00.000-04:00

It's almost MAY!!! And do you remember what that means???? A new stamp of the month - it's one of my VERY favorite stamp sets. I made this card AGES ago, and I've been waiting and waiting to share it, until it got closer to MAY. (I didn't want to taunt you TOO much, before you could get this stamp set into your inky hands!)

I will admit, I REALLY wanted to cut out all those little areas in between the chair decorations. But I just couldn't do it. So I'm pretending I totally wanted it that way, and just rolling with it. (We have to do that sometimes - just roll with it.)

I paired a little ribbon from my stash with the Watermelon and Kraft chair. I am loving the color combination! (And I'm OBSESSED with Kraft, in case you hadn't noticed yet!)

So - chairs to YOU. . .it's the weekend!
chairs to ME. . .it's my birthday!
chairs to ME. . . it's my anniversary!
chairs to Prince William and Kate . . .they chose to get married on MY special day!
chairs to the astronauts about to take off this afternoon . . .it's a momentous day all over the world!

xoxo

pinwheels spinwheels. . .

2011-04-21T17:21:00.000-04:00

Happy almost-Easter!!!! This past weekend, we had an un-birthday party (it's a long story) at The Little Gym, where the boys have both taken gymnastics classes for pretty much their whole little lives! I was trying to decide what fun thing I could decorate cupcakes with, since we didn't really have a theme, and there would be boys and girls of all ages there. I decided on these cute little SUPER easy pinwheels. I used Animal Crackers paper (which we are all sad isn't available anymore) but you could use any of Close To My Heart's two sided papers to create this fun project.

Simply cut a 3x3 square. Gently crease the paper from corner to corner on both sides, to find the center point. Then cut from each corner to ALMOST the middle, being careful not to cut the whole thing up into triangles! Then pull one side of each section down towards the center. Use your piercing tool to poke a hole (make sure to go through each layer) and stick a brad in the center. I hot glued the pinwheels to short kabob sticks, and stuck them in the cupcakes. I really should have done a tutorial to share with you, but if you google it. . .I promise you'll find a lot of them, if you need more help.

Totally un-paper related but equally fun, are the rainbow cupcakes. These are quickly becoming a kid-party tradition in our household. Use yellow or white cake mix, prepare it as directed. Then divide it into separate bowls - however many colors you want, and just add food coloring to each dish. Blend it until you have the colors as you like them. Then just spoon each color into your cake pan. If you're doing a regular size cake, just distribute the spoonfuls evenly. If doing cupcakes, just do a small (really small) scoop of each color. After they bake, they look sort of tie-died. You can try to smooth out the layers and make them truly rainbow-like, but I sort of like the splotchiness of it!

I also used a new-to-me frosting recipe for these cupcakes. Wilton's Fluffy Boiled Frosting. It came out pretty nice! Not as super-sweet as buttercream, and there's no butter or shortening in it. (So it's fat free! Does that count as healthy??? Perhaps not so much!) It is the consistency of marshmallow fluff. Pretty fun stuff!

I totally forgot to take a picture, but we also made favors. We made rice krispie treats with Froot Loops in them. (Here's the recipe I used!) I wrapped each individually in plastic wrap, and then wrapped a 1 inch band of patterned paper around it, finishing it off with some baker's twine. It coordinated with the pinwheels, and it was pretty adorable!

The pinwheel cupcake toppers would be perfect for Easter!!! I bet a tray of pinwheel cupcakes would be a fabulous centerpiece!

HAPPY EASTER!

new stamps! hooray!

2011-04-14T06:18:00.001-04:00

May is almost here! Have you checked out the May Stamp of the Month yet?????
Chairs.
Oh my CHAIRS!
Chairs to color. Chairs to paper-piece. Chairs to leave just as-is.
"Chairs to YOU!"
(But since it isn't quite May yet, here's the link to April's lovely Stamp of the Month set. . .maybe you need both sets, so place an order NOW, and then again in May!)

I left two chairs as is, and then cut the comfy big chair from Vineyard Berry cardstock.
I think I want to do this card again, and use some crazy funky paper (or maybe even fabric!) because I have some "one of a kind friends" who are WAY more one of a kind than just Vineyard Berry!
Or here's another idea. Stamp a pattern onto cardstock, and THEN stamp the chair over it. Hmmmm. I think I might try that today! :) Thanks for inspiring me!

And have you seen? There's another new stamp set - with a fabulous cause. It's called Hope For Japan, and you can purchase it HERE for only FIVE dollars! Even better - 100% of the proceeds will go to the American Red Cross to help Japan.

Happy Thursday! The weekend is almost here. Doing any stamping this weekend???
XOXO

happy birthday!!!!!

2011-04-07T16:39:00.000-04:00

Hello, hello!!! April is upon us! It is the season of birthdays - I think half of the people I know and love seem to have a birthday in April (oh, including ME!)

I created this card using Sunny Yellow, Sunflower, and Sky paper and ink. And the stamp set, called Candlelight is one of those "super-practical-adorable-must-have" sets. You'll use it all the time, I promise! The sentiments are terrific and you can use the candles as firecrackers, menorah candles, or birthday candles!!! I've even used the outline candle as a tag or tiny journaling block. HELLO double-duty stamps! (LOVE THAT!)

Little design note: The three blue dots that look sort of like brads (but they aren't) were simply dots that I cut from a second stamped image of that polka dotted candle!

I rattled on, at my blog today, about a dear friend of mine whose birthday is TODAY!!! Her name is Karisse, and she is super creative, and has quite an amazing story. Head on over to my blog to find the links and read all about her inspiring story!

I hope you are having a beautiful Spring day!
See you next week!

a true friend remembers. . .

2011-03-31T14:07:00.000-04:00

Finally a break in the rain so I could photograph this card to share with you today! I used Treetops, in Pear and Chocolate ink, along with some red jewel apples. The sentiment (inside and out) is from the Card Chatter - Birthday set. I wasn't sure I liked the way the chocolate ink showed through, underneath the green part of my tree (I popped that up on foam tap) but now that I'm looking at it in the photo, I really like it because it makes a great shadow effect.

As a quick finishing touch, I added some baker's twine top the top of this card. Easy peasy!

We are enjoying Spring Break . .although it's rained for half the week, we've managed to have a pretty good time, and it's been nice to have the wacky and wonderful 6 year old home all week. And we started off vacation with my parents here for a quick visit (which is why you didn't see me here last week! I was playin' with my parents!)

I hope you have a terrific weekend! Back to the grind, next week!

XOXO

Top 'O the Mornin' to Ya!

2011-03-17T13:16:00.000-04:00

Have you been pinched today, or did you remember to wear green today? Thankfully, the toddler boy doesn't know about such traditions, because so far, I am green-less today.

It doesn't get much more quick and simple than THIS clean white card. But you may be a little surprised about the stamp I used. . . it's the cute Affection stamp set, with all the sweet hearts and flowers. The heart flower makes a perfect clover, and the dotted stem can be bent to fit right in it. (Gotta love clear stamps, that you can curve and bend!)

I am obsessed with twine right now. A few friends and I split a GIANT (and I mean SERIOUSLY GIANT . . .3400 yards) roll of twine (well, we actually split three rolls of twine: red, green, and brown, but who has to know that?) So I will be making cards, and wrapping gifts with twine for the next 5 years. Hopefully it will stay in style for a LONG time.

I hope you have a lucky day today! Bryce was super excited to go to school, because he was pretty sure that some leprechauns were going to have made some trouble in the classroom overnight! I can't wait to see if he was right!!!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

happy trees!

2011-03-11T16:14:00.000-05:00

Hello, hello! Today I have a card to share with you, featuring Treetops and Over the Rainbow. The trees in the Treetops set are quite versatile. . .they are bright and springy on this card, but envision them stamped in Vineyard Berry, and Autumn Terracotta, for a beautiful autumn card. I stamped the trees in Pear ink, and stamped and trimmed some on Pear cardstock, popping them up on foam tape.

I chose a white background for this card, but I sort of want to do it again, and put it on blue cardstock, just to see how it turns out.

Next week I'll be back. . .with a St. Patrick's Day card - using a NON-St. Patrick's Day stamp set! Fun, fun, fun!

Have a terrific weekend. Go make something pretty!
XOXO

Don't scrap the scraps!

2011-03-03T09:33:00.004-05:00

It's a quick and SCRAPPY card today - I sat down to create, with two goals. #1 - Make a QUICK card (because I could only contain the 18 month old at my feet, for a short time!) #2 Use up the scraps of Mayberry paper, that I couldn't bear to throw out!

So here's what I came up with. I loosely based this card on a sketch from Paper Crafts Magazine. But it took on a life of its own, as cards so often do! I inked the edges of all of my paper in Gray Wool ink. Inking the edges always makes it look more finished to me. If I had a sewing machine, I would have stitched it - sort of a patchwork quilt sort of deal. And the kraft color-ready border was the perfect finishing touch, along with some Opaques stuck on!

And once Tanner got busy playing with adhesive tubes (sealed of course!) and ribbon at my feet I had another two minutes to embellish a matching envelope!

Success. And a quick cute card to send out for a special someone's birthday!

So go sit down with some scraps, and see what you can create! Have a terrific weekend!

XOXO

have a splendid day!

2011-02-26T10:54:00.003-05:00

Spring is REALLY springing around here. . ..pollen is covering EVERYTHING, the grass is on it's way to GREEN, and the weather is getting quite warm all the sudden. (It IS still February, isn't it?)

This springy little card features Mayberry papers, and the oh-so-cute stamp set called Splendid Day. Here are a few of the sneaky little techniques I used:

-to create the grass, I inked the edge of my cardstock in green. Depending on how you brush the cardstock over the ink, you can get a lot of different effects. I just brushed it straight up and across - and came up with this grassy look. (Love that!!!)

-If you look at the stamp set, you'll see that the banner I used for my sentiment has a triangle and string on the end, where you can attach it to the airplane stamp. But if you trim carefully, you can trim that end right off, and use it on it's own, without the plane. (Love that!)

I hope it's starting to feel like spring (and not winter, OR summer) where you are! Enjoy it while it lasts!!!! See you next week! :)

One card, three ways

2011-02-17T16:22:00.003-05:00

One stamp set. One card layout.

And a variety of paper bits, and embellishments.

I used the Card Chatter - Birthday stamps for all three of these cards. And the same layout. Pennant flags are so trendy right now! CTMH has an adorable pennant alphabet stamp set, and the Party Pennants set (also completely adorable!) But just in case you don't have those sets (yet) here's a way to tide you over. I created these pennants by cutting a rectangle of patterned paper, 1x2.5 inches. Lay the rectangle on your paper trimmer, lining up the opposite corners on the cutting line. (To cut two obtuse triangles.) Then, lay the two pieces back together, and cut from the opposite side, corner to corner. You'll have FOUR pieces - two of them will be the pennant shape. Cut a couple in different papers, and you can mix them up a bit! Or just use the front and back side of the paper, for some variation. (I hope that made sense, I seem to have a 17 month old screaming at my feet.)

Using Fanfare paper, and jewels. I inked the pennant's edges in coordinating ink.

Using Sophia paper, and pearls.
Love how this card can be totally girly, kid-friendly, or masculine. Just change up the embellies and papers. And you can play around with the measurements of your pennants to adjust them for a 12x12 layout, or a smaller card. Have fun!!!!!

it's your birthday. . .celebrate!

2011-02-10T06:00:00.000-05:00

I have more NEW goodies to share with you today! This card features the new Fanfare paper. Perfect for birthdays, 4th of July, and summertime (among many other occasions, I'm sure!) I hand cut some of the stars from the paper to use as embellishments around my sentiment. Remember the rule of THREE when you create. The three stars, placed in a loose triangle shape cause your eye to continue roaming around the card. It's a good trick to turn to, if you feel like there's no focus to your project. Three elements - even if they aren't the same, to move your eye around the card, layout, painting - WHATEVER you're working on. Trust me, it will work! :)

I purposefully tried to keep this card FLAT, so it would be easier to mail, but I really want to go back and add some buttons or brads to the star's centers! I inked the edges of all my papers, in their matching color of ink, just to accentuate their edges. I think this really makes elements on a card POP! (And I love POP!)

The stamps are from the set, Card Chatter - Birthdays. If you create a lot of birthday cards, this might be a stamp set you NEED!!!! It has a great array of sentiments, just perfect for card-making.

Have a terrific weekend! I'll be back next week. . .with SOMETHING (hopefully something fabulous!) to share with you!!! XOXO

Hilton Garden Inn February CROP

2011-02-07T08:15:00.000-05:00

We had a wonderful weekend at the Hilton Garden Inn cropping away. New friends, new projects, new techniques, and new ideas!!!!

Want to join us the next time? Save the first weekend in April! We'll be back to the Hilton Garden Inn the first weekend in April! Watch for the specific details (We may begin on Friday afternoon), and make sure you contact Kim (scrapnstik@aol.com) to join her mailing list. Space will be limited!

A great big thank you to Kim of Scraptique, Inc. for ogranzing our incredible weekend!

Making New Friends

Making lots of scrapbook pages, cards, and projects

Learning to stamp

Discovering new techniques and products

Sharing the moment

Paper Lanterns!

2011-02-03T19:36:00.002-05:00

Paper Lantern. My new favorite stamp set. (I say that all the time, don't I?!) But seriously, I have been using this set non-stop since I got it! The two sentiments are fabulous, and the paper lanterns are versatile, easy to stamp, and fun to play with.

You may have already seen this card, if you saw the sneak peek of it on my blog a few days ago. It was also on the Card Positioning Systems blog last week. It's clean and simple, and I love the way it turned out. Just the way I had envisioned it in my head. (That doesn't always happen, so it's always a pleasant treat when it does!)

I used Tulip, Sunny Yellow, and Lagoon for this card. Love these bright cheery colors together!!! Have a terrific weekend! I'll see you next week!

Yummy Candy Treats

2011-01-30T07:23:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Karen Pederson for sharing her cute creation - I was inspired to play with this idea too! Here's what I created at the Create & Crop on Saturday.

a little more love!

2011-01-27T06:00:00.000-05:00

I have a little more LOVE for you this week, using the NEW Sweetheart paper, and Affection stamp set (plus one of those cute pink buttons!) You can create lots of cute mixy-matchy flowers and hearts with this stamp set. And isn't it about time to whip up some Valentines? Even if you don't have these new products, the layout of this card (and last week's) would be pretty easy to duplicate using other adorable stamps and papers!!!! So give it a try! And if you do, be sure to link us up to your creation! We would love to see it!!!!

Wings Workshop on the Go Kit

2011-01-25T07:05:00.000-05:00

Wings Workshop on the Go Kit

from the new Spring/Summer 2011 Idea Book

The new Wings WOTG kit includes a stamp set and papers I really like. The kit also has a color brochure for creating scrapbook layouts and cards. The card above is not one of the cards in the brochure, but it does use the supplies in the kit. This is a fast card to create!

new! new! new!

2011-01-20T06:00:00.000-05:00

I received not one. . .but TWO boxes of CTMH goodies in the mail on Tuesday! (Plus two different magazines with my cards published in them!) It was a BANNER MAIL DAY, that is for sure! So what do you think I did? I sat right down to play of course! On this card, I used NEW patterned paper from the Sweetheart line, along with a NEW stamp set, called Affection. This paper pack features the colors Tulip, Baby Pink, Cotton Candy, and Black.

Love it. Love it. Love it.
Next week I'll have something else NEW to share with you! I have so many new goodies to play with, I can hardly stand it! (Not that I'm bragging or anything! Well. . .maybe just a little!)

Have a terrific weekend!

Weekend Crop in Fort Myers - February 5-6

2011-01-19T09:29:00.001-05:00

WEEKEND ESCAPE

Kim of Scraptique, Inc. (Scrapbooks N Stickers) has organized a fantastic weekend crop at the beautiful Hilton Garden Inn FGCU/Airport across from the Gulf Coast Town Center, Fort Myers Florida.

Saturday, February 5, 2011 from 7:00AM until Sunday, February 6, 2011 at 12:00 Noon.
.
This location was selected to accommodate our friends from the east coast of Florida as well. This is also perfect for those of you across Alligator Alley that want to get away. Stay at our host hotel where the crop is being held, and shop at the Gulf Coast Town Center or down the road at the Miromar Outlets.

If you are interested in this event, please e-mail me for a special deal available to my Close To My Heart friends (JoeSusan@aol.com) AND email Kim to join her email list at ScrapNStik@aol.com. By joining Kim's list you will hear about all future events so you won't miss out on the fun in SW Florida!

Can't come for the entire event? Ask about special classes available on Saturday. Email for more details.

Cost: $45 for the entire weekend and includes:

Non-stop cropping from 7 AM Saturday to 12:00 Noon on Sunday
Late lunch on Saturday afternoon (approx. 3 pm)
Two full 12 X 12 two page layout kids from Scraptique
FREE Create & Take projects from Scraptique and Close To My Heart
Optional Classes (space is limited)
TWO goodies bags full of surprises and snacks!
Prizes and more

You Color My World

2011-01-15T08:45:00.002-05:00

A few days late, but HERE I AM! Mr. B was sick for the first part of this week, and of COURSE, right about the time he was getting better, I got sick. I think I am finally on the upswing though, and I am happy to be stopping by today with another card using the brand new Wings paper. I also used stamps from Priceless Love. I shared a Valentine card using these stamps, a few weeks ago - and I TOLD you it could be used for so much more than Valentines! (Believe me now?) ;)
I love handcutting the little butterflies from this paper. I added just one little one to the top of my sentiment, and I folded up the wings a bit, and only added adhesive in the center. It adds a fun little bit of dimension.
I have NEW PRODUCT coming to me soon! I can't wait to play, and I can't wait to share my creations with you!
Have a terrific weekend!

Happy New Year!

2011-01-06T13:44:00.002-05:00

Have you seen the new paper, Wings? The base of this 4.25x8.5-inch card is Vineyard Berry, and then I layered some of the new Wings patterned papers, topped off with Vineyard Berry pleated ribbon, from the Level 2 Assortment, as well as a black button from the Mini Medley Accent Collection. (You can find both of these things on pages 6-7 of the Inspirations Product Sneak Peek! Speaking of which, have you checked out the Sneak Peek online yet? You will find gorgeous products and ideas using the new Wings kit. The color combo of this kit is GORGEOUS - Vineyard Berry, Juniper, Sweet Leaf, and Black. Simply stunning! I'll be back next week with another card using this paper!

Happy January! See you next week!

(card details: sentiment stamp "Life Is Good" from the Treetops stamp set. The butterflies were hand cut from one of the patterned papers in the kit. Brown twine was from my stash.)

my challenge. . .

2010-12-23T06:00:00.000-05:00

I needed a little self-motivation, and focus when I was sitting down to create this card. So here's what I challenged myself with:
one color of cardstock
two colors of ink
one type of embellishment

And this is what I created! I used the stamp set, Priceless Love, Holiday Red and Black ink, and red Sparkles. I cut out the X's and O's, and adhered them with foam tape, and used the border stamps to create a fun little design. I really like this stamp set, and although it makes terrific Valentine's, you can use it for so much more too!!

Hopefully by now, you are done with your Christmas cards, and ready for the big day on Saturday!!! And if you are. . . .kudos to you - now get started on your Valentines!!! ;) (tee hee!)

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
XOXO

yummy cupcakes!

2010-12-16T09:37:00.002-05:00

Hey there cupcake! This card was created with the stamp set, Cupcake Sprinkles, paired with Twitterpated paper I also used the sweet little frame stamp (one of my new favorites!) from the set, Priceless Love. I added some Chocolate ribbon, plus a piece of string and a button that I found in my stash!

Are you ready for Christmas!? We have just about all our shopping done for the boys, but now I need to get WRAPPING!!!!!! I am off to school today, to help the Kindergartners make gingerbread houses! It will be a flurry of sugar and candy - and CHAOS!!!!

Have a TERRIFIC day!!!

Wings Level 1 Kit - Make a bunch of cards!

2010-12-07T14:04:00.002-05:00

One of our new products for January is the new Wings set. It is available as a Workshop on the Go kit, Level 1 Scrapbooking kit (with pre-printed pages, paper, cardstock, and My Stickease), a paper pack (with patterned papers and matching cardstock), and My Stickease.

For the cards pictured below I used the Level 1 kit, Dreams Come True stamp set, and some various embellishments.

By using the pre-printed pages as the card base for most of your cards, you can really create a bunch of cards. I still have lots of supplies from the Level 1 kit even after making 12 cards!

You can order any of the Wings products and the stamp set beginning January 1. Make sure you check out the January special featuring the Wings WOTG kit!

Wings Level 1 Kit - Cards!

2010-12-07T14:02:00.002-05:00

More Cards Using Wings Level 1 Kit

2010-12-07T13:59:00.002-05:00

many many many thanks!

2010-12-02T08:58:00.002-05:00

HAPPY DECEMBER!!!! (Can someone tell me where 2010 went to????) :)

I love to combine two different stamp sets to create some new unexpected cards! I used the August Word Puzzle set, along with the sentiment from Many Thanks.

To create the globe, I stamped the image in black onto a white cardstock block. Then I stamped it in Pear ink, on Sky cardstock, cut out just the globe and adhered it to the image. I sanded all the edges of my layers, and added a few little jewels at the end, for some added pizazz. Lots of layers doesn't mean it has to be a busy cluttered card. It's still pretty clean and simple, thanks to the double layer of white.

We are off to SeaWorld for the weekend, along with my parents, to celebrate Mr. B's 6th birthday! I'll share some pictures next week! Have a great weekend!

Wishes Card Confidence Program - Top Band

2010-11-29T08:35:00.005-05:00

These three cards were created using the Wishes Top Band format. Using one card design but different papers and stamps can really make creating Faster, Simpler, Easier!

If you need the handout for this design, just email me!

Blessings

2010-11-18T06:00:00.000-05:00

I came home from my parents' house with a few new stamp sets to play with!!! Hoooray! (Thanks Mom!) This is a quick and simple card (cause that's what I like best, of course!) using Sunflower, and Sunset cardstock and ink (and the Flourished Blessings stamp set!) To create the colors on the leaf, I used one of my favorite techniques. First I inked the leaf in Sunset ink, (on Sunflower cardstock) and then I rolled the edges in a darker color, before stamping it. I'm thinking I should have written down what I did, because to be honest, I am NOT exactly sure WHICH two colors I used. The good news is, that LOTS of color combos work beautifully with this technique. As I was playing, I tried out Sunset, Smoothie, Honey, and even Vineyard Berry. There are colors in each season's color palette that really lend themselves to this technique on the fall leaves. Just remember to start with the LIGHTEST color, so you don't ruin your ink pad!!!!

a seriously BRIGHT christmas!

2010-11-11T06:00:00.000-05:00

Why is it that I really generally despise making Christmas cards? I hate it! Unless. . . .I am using some sort of funky color combination. Pink and green tends to be my go-to Christmas card color scheme. (Actually, pink and green tends to be one of my go-to color combos all year long!)

I used Pear and Cotton Candy to create this card, along with the Evergreen stamp set. To create my snow drifts, I simply tore a few layers of cardstock, and tucked my trees between them. Then I punched some circles from white cardstock, adhered them, and covered them in Liquid Glass to create my sparkly, shiny snow.

As you read this, I am at my parents' house, probably rifling through all my mom's scrappy stuff, seeing what I can steal and take home with me!! ;) And I'm taking a stack of cardstock to punch circles with. I only have two little circle punches of my own (and no room to store more than that, anyway!) So I always fill up a Ziplock bag of assorted punched circles when I go home!!! (Especially the scalloped ones!!!!) So thankful for my mommy and all her toys!!!!

Have a great weekend!
XOXO

I'll love you forever

2010-11-08T12:23:00.003-05:00

Hello hello! Happy November! And yes, it seems to be whizzing by just as quickly as October did. Which is why I made the executive decision in my household, to LET GO of my rule - "No Christmas music till Thanksgiving," because at the rate we are going, Christmas is going to come and go, just in the time it takes me to turn on the music!

Today's card features paper from Splendor. This is such a pretty color palette - its great for spring and summer, but the colors lend themselves to fall too! (And the paper in that pack, with the clouds all over it, is one of my ALL-TIME favorite papers!)

I paper-pieced my little owls, from the Love You Forever stamp set. This is such a sweet little stamp set - lots of fun to paper-piece, but almost as fun to color too!

After I finished this, I felt like it needed a little something extra, so I pierced the edges with my paper piercer. (Another of my go-to techniques, as you probably already know!)

And now, I am off to enjoy a hot beverage, the cool weather, and some CHRISTMAS MUSIC!!!! Bring it on!

See you Thursday! (Where I'll be coming to you live from my parents' house! HOORAY!)
XOXO

Boo!

2010-10-28T06:00:00.001-04:00

Boo to YOU! It's Halloween week! The boys in this household are getting geared up for Trunk-or-Treat at our church, trick-or-treating in the neighborhood, and a fall party at school!

Halloween also just so happens to be Susan's birthday!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY MAMA!

Today I have a card featuring Boo Crew! I pieced together some scraps to make the patterned paper background on this card, matted it on black cardstock, and then added my stamped images.

Whether you are trick-or-treating, handing out candy, eating birthday cake, or none of the above, I hope you have a great weekend! Is it REALLY almost NOVEMBER?!

peace on earth

2010-10-22T10:06:00.002-04:00

Clean. Simple. Just about as clean and simple as you can get. White and Sky cardstock. First I stamped the dove from Christmas Melodies. I used a smaller circle punch than the stamp, and punched out only the dove, without the text around it. I used a slightly larger circle punch and matted it on Sky blue. Then I stamped my sentiment from Say It In Style. . .I'm telling you, if you only have ONE sentiment set, that is the set to have! It has EVERYTHING you need (and then some!) I am ALWAYS turning to that set for sentiments!
So, that's about it. Pretty easy peasy. Stamp, punch, cut, trim, adhere. And then add some pearls.
And you're done! I hope you like this card! I was really happy with how it turned out. I find I like my cards more, the more simple they get! It's hard to let go, and leave things more simple. Almost harder than piling on the goodies, and stamping like crazy. But it feels GOOD. Like a freshly cleaned room. :) (And I LOVE a freshly cleaned room just as much as I LOVE a clean and simple card!)
Have a great weekend!

cards in mass production!

2010-10-15T21:29:00.005-04:00

I have been working on cards to give as gifts for the holidays. . .as well as trying to use up some of my paper stash! I am HORRIBLE about hoarding paper that I really love. I never use some of it, just because I don't want to be gone. Or I love it, but I'm just not sure what to do with it. So I've been trying to come up with some cute but fairly quick and simple, (and easy to duplicate) cards. These are two that I made with Twitterpated paper, and a stamp from Dain ty Thoughts. The two cards are slightly different from each other. I used my piercing tool, and pierced the outline on the green card, and I added some pearls from the Mocha Opaques. (Have you used those yet? I am OBSESSED!)

If you plan to make homemade cards, calendars, gift wrap, or some other wonderful creation . .. NOW is the time to start!!!! I am working on digital calendars, card sets, and pretty soon I'll probably get started on some ornaments with Bryce.

And before I go, as promised, here is a picture from our trip to the pumpkin patch last week! Both boys picked out little pumpkins, and we got one big one that we are going to decorate soon! (Yes, DECORATE, not CARVE.) Carved pumpkins just can't handle the Florida heat, so in order to have our pumpkin actually make it until Halloween, we are going to make a happy little face out of felt for our orange friend.

Have a wonderful weekend!!!!

Boo To You!

2010-10-07T12:34:00.003-04:00

Hello! Hello!!! Happy October! We are going to the pumpkin patch tomorrow, to pick out this years pumpkin(s). We have gone to the same pumpkin patch every year since Bryce was born. It's one of my favorite photo ops of the year! (Which is why I was horrified, when my camera was totally malfunctioning last year, and took terrible photos - and for Tanner's very first Halloween. Ahhh, the horror!) This year, all will be well though. The batteries will be charged, the flash will be working properly, and I will probably take a hundred pictures.

Today's card is featuring a circle card, and the stamp set, The Boo Crew. I used Pear, Sunflower, and Black cardstock, along with Sunset and Sunflower ink.

I hope your October is off to a terrific start! I'll share some of our pumpkin patch photos next week!

what holiday is it?

2010-09-30T10:08:00.002-04:00

Am I confusing you? The past few weeks, I have gone from Christmas, to Halloween, and now back to Christmas. That's just how I roll!

This is a pretty quick and simple 5x7 Christmas card, using the gorgeous new Christmas papers, called Mistletoe and the new stamp set, I Believe.

I did lots of inking on this, along the edges of the paper. I used a mixture of a few different colors. . .Chocolate and Barn red mostly. And when I inked my images, I inked them in red ink, and then bumped the edges around in a brown ink pad. (I think it was Barn Red and Chocolate!) It's subtle, but it adds a little extra interest and dimension (especially in person. Sometimes it's so hard to photograph those little details!)

Whatever you are working on. . . Christmas, Halloween, or something else altogether, I hope you have inky fingers and maybe some glitter on your nose! Have fun!

2010-09-29T13:05:00.001-04:00

STUDIO J

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE EMAIL ME AT JOESUSAN@AOL.COM

Products & Pricing
Studio J® is free online scrapbooking design software brought to you by Close To My Heart. Studio J helps you easily create two-page layouts using our foundational scrapbook patterns, exclusive color palette, and themed designs all delivered in 12" × 12" custom prints ready for your albums.

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You’ve taken the photos—now keep the memories. In five easy steps, create beautiful 12" × 12" two-page layouts showcasing your stories. When the custom prints arrive at your door, slip them into your cherished albums. No one will guess it only took a few minutes to design them!

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Shipping Options –
In the continental United States, Studio J customers have 4 shipping methods available through Federal Express (FedEx). These options are not available for destinations outside the continental United States. Upgrading your shipping method will not affect the in-house turnaround time of your order (typically 2 to 4 business days). Please keep in mind that upgraded shipping methods are guaranteed by the carrier, and Close To My Heart is not responsible for shipping delays after the order has left the warehouse. The shipping options are:

FedEx Standard Overnight: After leaving Close To My Heart’s corporate office, this option guarantees next-business-day delivery Monday through Friday by 3:00 pm to most US addresses; by 4:30 pm to rural areas.

FedEx 2nd Day Air: This option guarantees orders will arrive to most areas 2 business days after leaving the corporate office, Monday through Friday by 7:00 pm.

FedEx Ground: After leaving the corporate office, orders using this option typically arrive within 1 to 5 business days, Tuesday through Saturday between 9 am and 8 pm.

FedEx SmartPost: After leaving the corporate office, orders using this option typically arrive within 2 to 8 business days. SmartPost orders are delivered via the FedEx network but will use the United States Postal Services (USPS) for final delivery.

halloween? or not!

2010-09-23T09:55:00.002-04:00

I am running with the Halloween theme again this week, although really this doesn't have to be a Halloween card at all! I think it would make a fun card for any occasion, especially for a child! (Bryce will LOVE this, and want this card if I ever let him see it!)

These felt self-adhesive monsters are soooo fun. I paired my fuzzy googly-eyed pal with the matching Hooligans paper. I tried and tried to decide what sentiment to put on this card, and I think I found the perfect one. . . it's from Be Yourself (one of my favorite sets. . ..you can see it HERE!)

To create the vertical purple zigzags on my card, I cut them out from the backside of the patterned paper. Love the tone-on-tone on the back of the CTMH patterned papers!!! It makes them even more versatile!

Have a great day! I'll be back next week. . .and we're jumping back (ahead) to CHRISTMAS again! See you then!

moving backwards!

2010-09-16T08:35:00.002-04:00

Last week we thought about Christmas, but now I'm going to distract you. . . .let's go back to Halloween. This is a cute and OH-SO-STINKIN-SIMPLE little treat can. I stocked up on a bunch of these cans, from the Target Dollar Bin, when they were on clearance. Watch for them, and you'll see them here and there! Really any kind of little container would work.

To create the tag, I used a scalloped and a regular circle punch. I stamped the Spot On Backgrounder stamp onto my circle, matted it on the black scalloped circle, and pierced holes along the edges. I think that little touch really makes the tag POP! The sentiment is from Say It In Style (still one of the most practical and well loved stamp sets in my collection!)

I stamped the cutie pie pumpkin face (from Spooky Smiles) onto my can using black StazOn ink. It's slippery, so be careful . . .but when stamping with black, I have an easy trick for boo boos. If it doesn't stamp totally evenly, just use a black Sharpie to fill in any un-inky spots! Easy peasy!!

Okay, on to the assembly. A few pumpkin Peeps. . . put them in a sandwich size ziplock bag. Trim off the zipper part. Tie it with a piece of string, ribbon, whatever you have. Tie a little ribbon bow, attach it to your tag, and use two sided tape to attach the tag to your treat bag. Stick it in the can. And guess what? YOU'RE DONE.

I told you it was easy!
This idea can be VERY easily altered for just about any occasion! This would make a great teacher gift, co-worker gift, or a child's gift! (I think ours is going to be a Halloween decoration for just as long as I can keep Bryce's fingers out of those Peeps!)

It's not too early!!!!

2010-09-08T19:49:00.002-04:00

Here it is, SEPTEMBER. . . . and if you are making your own Christmas cards, NOW is the time to start! Before the hustle and bustle of the crazy winter days, get a head start! I have one done now, see!?

To create this card I used a stamp from Christmas Melodies along with the NEW holiday paper, Mistletoe. I also used the new Mocha Opaques Adhesive Gems. (LOVE these things!) The flower is from the Mistletoe Level 2 Assortment. I snipped between each petal a little bit, so that I could fold them and crinkle them a bit. I also inked the edges just a bit!

I hope I've given you some holiday inspiration. Now. . .go get busy! Christmas is coming! Christmas is coming!

Hooligans Invade!

2010-09-03T08:31:00.003-04:00

This card was created using our new Hooligans paper pack and felt assortment. They are so darn cute! The inks are both new colors, Gypsy and Lagoon. If you are attending the Round Robin Card Workshop in September, this is one of the cards you'll be creating!

For My Teacher

2010-08-26T09:08:00.003-04:00

Here's the great big Kindergarten boy. . .

and here's the card for his teacher!

I stamped the Spot On Background stamp on white cardstock, and trimmed it to be the size I wanted. (Just slightly smaller than the actual stamp size) Don't feel limited by background stamps, just because they aren't quite the shape or size you need! I've been known to stamp a square background and punch circles or flowers out of it. The possibilities are endless!

I stamped the apples (from You're So Sweet), and cut them out (Kiwi or Pear are both perfect shades for this card!) I think I used Clover Meadow for the leaves, and the sentiment, but any of the darker shades of green will work! The sentiment came from the Family Ties - Adults set. And three red buttons finished it off!

If you have kiddos back to school, I hope their year is off to a great start! Bryce is doing FANTASTIC, and he loves it! Hooray!

EDT: I just realized, I used Citrus Leaf on this card. . .so, in addition to Pear or Kiwi being perfect, Citrus Leaf works perfectly too!

more blue skies!

2010-08-19T06:00:00.000-04:00

Happy Thursday! Two days until Tanner's first birthday party (but thankfully another week before the ACTUAL day. I'm not ready to have a one-year-old!!! I've been working on some fun decorations, using Close To My Heart products, that I can't wait to share with you next week!

I've also been working on a cute teacher card for Bryce's Kindergarten teacher! I'll have that to share with you soon too!

But in the meantime, I couldn't resist heading back to my favorite stamp set, Over the Rainbow. I was thinking that this card would be really cute in a primary color scheme, of red, blue, and yellow too. Or what about something a little different, like pink, purple, and yellow?

I am off to enjoy the last few days of summer vacation. We're heading out this morning for one last morning playgroup day, with Bryce's pals. Then home to decorate cookies for the birthday party! Have a great day!

You're Sweet!

2010-08-12T06:00:00.000-04:00

Happy Thursday! I have a summery, fruity card to share with you today!I used Clover Meadow and Kiwi ink on this card, and raided my stash of miscellaneous buttons and ribbon (I think both were from JoAnn's) to pull this together. The stamps are all from the You're Sweet set.
I'll tell you a secret. . . in retrospect, I sort of wish I hadn't put the ricrack all the way across. I wish it was only across the green cardstock. But I couldn't get it off the card without having to start over. . .

so it is what it is. ;)

Sometimes cards don't come together just as we want them too - and other times we think a card is coming along terribly, but somehow it ends up perfect.

Have a wonderful weekend! I'll see you back here next Thursday!

XOXO

Sweet Cherry-O

2010-07-31T20:26:00.003-04:00

Sweet, sweet Cherry-O, how I adore you!!! This paper was new in the Spring catalog, and I just LOVE it. I love the homespun feel of it, and the cute cherries. And I LOVE the color Tulip, so it's just perfect!I stamped the ticket shaped frame from Tasty Treats and the sentiment from the fruity fun set called You're Sweet. A simple Sweet Leaf ribbon and a button from my stash finished off this card. (And the stitched strip at the bottom is just a section of Cherry-O patterned paper! No real stitching required! Shhhhh!)

Thanks for stopping by! (And sorry that I am a bit late this week! I'm sure you were checking every ten minutes for my post! Tee hee! Hopefully the boss lady won't fire me!!!)

XOXO

Hope You Feel Better

2010-07-15T14:20:00.002-04:00

Two stamp sets, one color of ink, one color of cardstock, and this simple, simple, simple card is DONE. My cards are getting cleaner and simpler, and then cleaner and simpler again these days. I was trying to decide if I should add something else to this. . . but for now, it is what it is! I hope you like it!

First I stamped the background from Spot On Backgrounds onto ivory cardstock, and cut it out. I stuck it onto my 4.5x4.5 card base. I was going to pop it up on foam tape, which is why I cut it out - but I changed my mind! You could just stamp it right on the card if you'd like. Then I stamped the scalloped circle and sentiment from Tasty Treats. The circle I did pop up on foam tape.

Last week was the Close To My Heart convention, which means NEW NEW NEW product, a NEW catalog, and lots of big news!!!! (I am MOST excited about some new COLORS!!!!!!) Hopefully your trusty CTMH consultant will be along soon to tell you all about it! (Although we are all heading up to the mountains, so you may have to wait a bit!)

Have a terrific summer day!
XOXO

life IS good!

2010-07-08T06:00:00.000-04:00

life IS good, because I am typing this blog post from my parents' dining room! hooray! sleeping in the room full of stamps, and playing all the days long with my kiddos and fun, crazy family!

I combined a couple of stamp sets for this card. . . . two of my favorite stamp sets - Treetops and Over the Rainbow . The colors I used are Bamboo, Desert Sand, Topiary (ink on the trees) and Sweetleaf. I headed straight for my go-to finishing technique and added some paper-piercing along the bottom strip when I felt like it needed a little final touch!

I am going to get back to spending time with my family. . . .goodbye computer! Have a terrific day! Thanks for stopping by!!

Roaar!!! Happy Birthday!

2010-07-01T06:00:00.001-04:00

I have been waiting for QUITE some time to have the chance to play with the Animal Cookies paper!!! I hardly even did any stamping on this card, because I was having such fun with the paper. I cut out the lion from the paper, and trimmed some cute little squares, inking the edges. This card is based on this week's sketch at Card Positioning Systems. (And you can see this card on the CPS website today too!) The only stamp I used on this is from Dainty Thoughts.

This time next week, I will be at home with my parents, sleeping in the very room which houses more stamps and scrappy goodies than I can imagine. It smells like paper in there. . .it's delicious!! (It also happens to be my old bedroom. . .I can think of no more fitting use for my dear bedroom!) It will be TONS of fun!!
Have a wonderful day! Thanks for stopping by today!!!!

nothing but blue skies!

2010-06-24T06:00:00.000-04:00

It's Thursday. . .and I remembered to be here, this week!!! Hooray! And I am here to tell you . . . .I am OBSESSED with this stamp set. It is definitely one of my new very most favorite and my best stamp sets ever. Love. Love. Love. The set is called Over the Rainbow, and if you can't live without it, you can find it right HERE!

This card was sooo super quick and simple. I am doing a lot of plain white cardstock cards lately. White space is a beautiful thing! It really makes your stamps and sentiments stand out and make a BIG statement! Bright and bold is almost always my style!

I stamped the rainbow right onto my card base, stamped the sun over the top, and then stamped it again on yellow, paper-piecing it onto the card. Then I stamped the cloud onto a scrap of white, cut it out, and adhered it with foam tape. The ribbon was recycled from some packaging. . . .I love rescuing ribbon from presents and packages!

I hope the skies are blue where you are! Enjoy your summer day!
See you next week!

Where the heck did Thursday go!?

2010-06-19T06:36:00.003-04:00

Hello Thursday, where were you this week? And where was Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday too? Friday, I remember you, I think you were yesterday. And Saturday. . .gotcha. . .you are today. But everything else was a blur. Bad, bad blogger this week, that is what I am!!!!

Too many days at the pool for swimming lessons must have fried my brain a bit, as all the sudden, here we are on Saturday, and I realized - "I Didn't BLOG this week!!!!"

The good news (for me anyway) is that I have found some time to create. . ..and although this is an oldie-but-a-goodie from my stash, I have a couple of super cute new cards using BRAND NEW CTMH stamps and papers - the only sad part for you is that I can't show they to you. There are a couple of publication calls for "never before seen" work - so if the magazines don't pick them up, I will be happy to show them off here. But in the meantime, you can enjoy this one, using Caboodle paper, and the stamp set, Candlelight!

And I promise, this week I will create some goodies with the NEW stamps from my big CTMH box, that you CAN see . . .because there are some seriously cute stamps!!!!