March Stamp of the Month

The card on the left was designed by Julie Reyonlds. 

The only change I made was using Cocoa ink and our new Studs. 

The card on the right was stamped with Grey Wool ink and includes the Licoric gems

and our new Color-Ready Ribbon.

You can purchase the March SOM for $17.95 or

 purchase it for ONLY $5 with an order of $50.00 or more. 

Contact me for more information!

Hello!

A Garden is another wonderful A-size stamp set, priced at just $6.95, that can give a LOT of bang for your buck!  

You can cover Thank-you's, Get Well, Anniversary, Encouragement, Thinking of You, and I bet you could even make a baby, wedding or anniversary card with this set!

The lines are sweet and simple to color in with markers, chalk, or pencil, and they look equally adorable left uncolored, or even paper-pieced!

I colored my images with markers, and added some tiny jewels to the flowers' centers.  This is a quick and simple card (because that's the only kind I make!)  I hope you like it!!

xoxo

Love Who You Are

LOVE this new paper!!!! It's the Stella Paper Packet, along with the super cool stamp set, Fashionista!  I added a bit of ribbon from my stash too!! ;)

I have a child SCREAAAAMING on my lap, so I think I should go now! 

Have a wonderful weekend!!! :)

xoxo

A Rainbow

I've gotta say that I think these great little A size stamp sets are a great deal, at $6.95 each! I created this card using this stamp set called, A Rainbow.

On this card, I used Sky card stock, along with Watermelon, Pear, and Sunny Yellow ink.  It's a fresh Springy look for the changing of seasons! (Especially the GREEN, because everrrrrything here in crazy-weather-Florida is covered in green pollen already! In FEBRUARY! Achoooo!)

There are lots of great possibilities with this stamp set, and I bet you have lots of sentiment stamps in your stash to easily turn these images into a birthday card, a baby card, or just about any card you need!  The included sentiment would be perfect for a get well or encouragement card.

Easter Milk Carton by Vicki Richardson

At a recent weekend crop I gave Vicki a challenge - create something with the new CTMH milk cartons.  Vicki jumped to the challenge and here is one of her incredible creations!!!!  I am posting two pictures so you can see both sides.  The top is slightly different.  The stamp set is Peeps.  Pretty cute don't you think?

THANKS VICKI !!!

Super Powers!

 

Brand new goodies for you again today! This is the Superhero paper packet, and the coordinating Super Powers stamp set. I am in LOVE with this stamp set. It is the combination of all great things: retro, funky, fun, and pop-arty.

Everything I used is just paper and cardstock - the only stamped image is the word bubble and sentiment - how quick and easy is THAT!? And oh-so-fun for a boy's (or man's) birthday, or perhaps even Father's Day!

just chillin'!

a card using BRAND NEW STAMPS, from the new catalog! I tore strips of Bamboo card stock, and trimmed a strip of Sky card stock, and adhered it all to a Desert Sand base to create this beachy card.  This cute new stamp set is called, Just Chillin' (C1495) and will sell for $13.95 in the new catalog. It also has flip flops, and a pail and shovel.  The sun actually has fun dotted swirls coming off of it, but for this card, I trimmed them off, because I thought it fit a little better!

Sneak Peek #6

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

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

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

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!!!!!!