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

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

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

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

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. . .

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

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

Available February 1

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

$3.95 or Free with purchase.

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!

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)!

Holiday and Christmas Tags

preview the December Stamp of the Month!

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! :)

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

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

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

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

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. . .

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

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

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!

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!

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

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

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

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!

 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!

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

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?

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!

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

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!

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!

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!!!!

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!