Thursday, December 29, 2011

Gift Exchange...CTMH Style!

All of our gifts for our gift exchange...I'm always amazed by the talent on our team! Click on each image to enlarge for better viewing.
Randa opened a gift by Michelle - a coupon book, and more!
Kimberly opened a gift by Julie - a medallion wreath
Vicki opened a gift from Randa - a 6x6 mini album
Francine opened a gift from Vicki - a pampering kit filled with all sorts of goodies
Michelle opened a gift from Peggy - a wooden box with cards & tags
Peggy opened a gift from Kimberly - a cover for her Cricut machine

Oh...I don't have a picture of me opening my gift from Francine - the travertine tile coasters seen here

We has SO MUCH fun at our Christmas celebration! I'm already thinking of gifts for next year!

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Travertine Tile Coasters


I just LOVE these coasters! My friend, and team member Francine made these for our gift exchange. I'm so happy I got them...I really needed them! During our Christmas party, just about everyone asked me for a coaster for their drinks...and I didn't have but one to offer...so this was a perfect gift for me!
Stamping on travertine tiles is simple. Purchase the unfinished, travertine tiles at any Home Depot or Lowe's. Francine used Brown StazOn ink for the stamped images from the Treasure Life set. Then take a sponge dauber and blend different ink colors along the stamped images. Lightly spray the tiles with a sealer...this does take some of the moisture soaking ability from the tiles, but protects the stamped images from moisture. Finally, add felt feet on the bottom to protect furniture from the stone tiles. A set of four wrapped in a bow, make the perfect gift! Thanks, Francine!

Monday, December 19, 2011

Medallion Wreath

When I saw a similar wreath (made by Corina Mitchell) at our CTMH Convention this year...I knew I had to give it a try! I just didn't realize how long it would take to make the medallions! Here it is, the gift I gave away for our gift exchange. I'll show the gift I received on Wednesday, so stop by again!
My wreath is made up of 19 different medallions, using colors from the Wonderland paper packet. The 5 largest medallions make up the base using 3"x12" strips of paper (2 strips per medallion) scored at 1/2" increments. Keep making medallions using 2-1/2" x 12", 2"x12", 1-1/2"x12" and 1"x12" strips of papers, until you have enough to cover the metal wire base.
Then comes embellishments...have fun with it! I used several different products for the centers of each medallion, from Shimmer Brads, Bigger Brads, Bling Assortment, and Pearl Opaques. I also cut out several snowflakes (pg.22) from the CTMH Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge, and covered them in Prisma Glitter for additional sparkle! I created the hanger for the wreath by including a 36" piece of Dark Chocolate Striped Grosgrain.

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Countdown to Christmas

During our annual team Christmas party, we played "Name that Tune" using Christmas Carols as our tunes. The winner, earning the most points for the correct name (and artist) of the Christmas song only after 15 seconds of listening time, got this treat box as a prize. This fun Countdown to Christmas treat box was inspired by fellow CTMH consultant, Lisa Stenz.
You guessed it...another use of the CTMH Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge. Simply cut an 8-1/2" image from the (shift) Font Layer (pg.21) for the 3-D Petal Box. This is the perfect size to fit 9 pieces of Reese's peanut butter cups into the base. I topped each peanut butter cup with a circle stamped with images from the Countdown stamp set. I tied it all up using Sweet Leaf Stitched Grosgrain ribbon. Add a quick tag to finish it up!
Congratulations Vicki for winning this prize...you earned it!

Friday, December 16, 2011

Candy Purses

Everyone who came to our Team Christmas Party got one of these as a little party favor. The inspiration came from here...but of course, I had to adapt it using CTMH products.
If you have the CTMH Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge, you can make them too!. I used the Shape8 (pg.47) cut at 5-1/2" for the Holiday Red base, scoring one end at 1-3/4", and fold over for the flap. I used the same shape cut at 5-1/4" for the Believe striped B&T, cutting off each end (approximately 1-3/4") for the flap of the purse. On the scored line, create two 1/2" slits for the ribbon to be inserted, and secure with a glue dot on each end. The cello bags I had on hand, measured 3-1/2" wide, and 8" high. I trimmed the bags down to 5-3/4", filled with candy and folded over and secured between the flap of the purse with a staple. Embellish as desired.

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Snowman Candy Bar

Everyone enjoys a Hershey chocolate bar, right? Next time you're in need of a quick teacher gift or co-worker treat, I hope you'll try making one of these! They are so fun and easy to make!

Take a piece of cardstock (mine is White Daisy) measuring 5-1/2"x 6". On the 5-1/2" side, score at 1-1/4", 1-1/2", 3-3/4" and 4", creating the "body" for your snowman, and the cover for your candy bar. Secure the bottom of the body with adhesive and crimp the end closed, leaving the top of the body open to insert the candy bar. The hat is a 6x6 piece of B&T paper; starting from the bottom, fold it over 5/8" and then again, creating the brim of his hat (our B&T paper is printed on both sides). Then I wrapped the hat around the candy bar and secured it with strong adhesive. The hat sits on the body of the candy bar about 1-1/2", leaving plenty of paper to pinch and gather forming a hat, secure with waxy flax and a button. Using scissors, cut thin slits from the top of the hat to the gathering to create a pom-pom like top.
Now, onto making Frosty come to life! LOL I used the All Decked Out stamp set (it has lots of pieces to use for your snowman) to create his face, and used brads for his buttons. His scarf is made by taking a piece of coordinating B&T (or ribbon works too!) measuring 1/2" x 6". Take 2 more pieces 1/2" x 2-1/2" for the scarf ends. I used a corduroy brad to secure the scarf ends to the scarf. Remember to cut thin slits on the end of the scarf too for fringe.
I know your friends will just "melt" for one of these! LOL

Monday, December 12, 2011

Santa & Snowflake Ornament

Our team had our Annual Christmas party on Saturday, and it went off without a hitch...in fact, it was a beautiful sunny day! We played silly Christmas themed games, had a gift exchange and a fabulous meal together! I promised I would share some of the goodies that I made for prizes and our gift exchange (I'll save that one for last!), and this week I will do just that.

First up, is a Santa & Snowflake Ornament made using the Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge. Here's how I did it: Cut Circle3 (pg.41) using Decorative Layer (shift) at 4-3/4" in Holiday Red. Next, I used the Believe B&T and cut Circle1 (pg.21) at 3-1/2", and finally cut Circle1 at 3" with White Daisy cardstock. I stamped the jolly Santa image from the Believe WOTG stamp set and colored in with markers. Of course, you can use any stamp image.
I created a dangle snowflake using Snwflke1 (pg.22) in White Daisy at 2-1/2", and a Layer (shift) Snwflke1 in Sky cardstock at 2-1/2". I assembled the dangle snowflake to the ornament using mono-filament. Did you notice, I took the negative image from the snowflake shape and added it to the santa image above? Have fun creating your very own...

Friday, December 9, 2011

A Holiday

Each year, I like to send handmade cards to family and friends for the holidays...and they expect it! LOL I usually send out 60-80 cards, so the design has to be simple, yet make an impact. I've learned from experience, if it's too detailed, the recipient won't receive them until after New Year's! Again, I'm using product I have on hand...I should never have to buy paper again, but I know I will! I wanted to use the A Holiday stamp set (#A1115, $6.95) and I was inspired by fellow consultant, Vicki Wiznuik, and this card.
The holly leaves are images cut on the Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge, making this card come together quickly! The berries are accented with Red Glitz Glitter Gel (#Z1484, $2.75) for alittle bling. The paper, Evensong, is an oldie but goodie and no longer available (apparently it was a favorite, since I have so much of it! LOL)

I'll be able to share 3-D artwork and more Christmas goodies next week...see you then!

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Holiday Wishes

My sister-in-law asked me to make Christmas cards for her clients...and I was honored at the opportunity. The design, Triple the Fun, was the inspiration for this card, and can be found in the Originals Card Confidence Program (#9032, $21.95). This 5x7 card uses the Holiday Wishes stamp set (last month's special), and I chose to heat emboss the tree, and the "star" on top. It appears that I had to cut these images, but the tree and the starbursts are images on the Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge! What a time saver!
Season's Greetings sentiment can be found on the Peace on Earth stamp set (retired). I've been consumed with purging my supplies and using what I have on hand. The paper is Evensong, which is long retired as well, but I still like the traditional Christmas color scheme.

Monday, December 5, 2011

Christmas Love

If you stopped by today to check out the fun goodies I promised, sorry...you'll have to wait another week...we had to reschedule our Christmas Party due to weather and dangerous driving conditions. I need to keep it a secret until Saturday! I will bring it to you next week.

In the meantime, I hope you'll like this 3.5"x8" card using the Believe (#X7145B, $9.95) paper packet, and the Christmas Love (#D1492, $17.95) stamp set. The design for the card, Simply Said, came from Wishes Card Confidence (#9033, $21.95) program. I've been busy making different Christmas cards this season. I'll show them to you this week.



I stamped the sentiment (which included the holly leaves and berries) in Topiary ink on textured cardstock, but didn't want green holly berries...so I used Red Sparkles (#Z1326, $2.95) to bling the berries! I needed some additional embellishments on the upper corner, so I used coordinating buttons to create a small cluster.

Thursday, December 1, 2011

December Stamp of the Month Artwork

Today, I'm sharing my team swap using the December Stamp of the Month, Mad About You (#S1112). When I see this stamp set, I automatically think of using it for Valentine's Day...but our artwork shows the versatility of this set.
(Click on picture to see more detail)
Artwork by: Bertha MacMillan (Believe), Julie Nilsson (Dreamin), Randa Wacaster (Sonoma), LeAnne Dudley (Elemental), Vicki Price (Typeset), Angie Petersen (Roxie), and Kimberly Denies (Believe)

This set can be yours for only $5 with a $50 order, or you can purchase it for just $17.95. Make sure to click on the tab in the menu bar above to see all images and other artwork using this set!

Make sure to stop by next week - I've been creating lots of goodies for our team Christmas party on Saturday...but I need to keep it all a secret until then! See you next week!

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Happy Thanksgiving!

This card was inspired by one of my team members...thanks Bertha! (I told you I was going to stamp lift it! LOL) I didn't need to change perfection...but I did want to make it my own, so I did use different papers. I've been working to purge and organize my scrappin' and stampin' supplies, and I'm all about "consume it, don't collect it" lately! It does open up your creativity when you see your space organized! Not to mention, what an episode of watching "Hoarders" can do you motivate you! LOL

As we draw near to Thanksgiving, I hope you enjoy a day with family and friends and give thanks to the blessings you have in life!

Here's my Thanksgiving card to you...
This card uses Cherish the Day (November Stamp of the Month, #S1111) and Backdrop - Charmed (#D1490, $17.95) stamp sets. The paper...well its long retired, but I have a healthy stash of it left, so I wanted to use it up...and sadly these cards didn't make much of a dent in it!
Happy Thanksgiving to you all! Thanks for stopping by!

Monday, November 21, 2011

Harvest Happiness

I had to share a cute little sour cream container that my friend, Francine, gave me last week. These make wonderful treat gift ideas! Inside you can fill with any number of delicious goodies! This one contained Dove chocolates...yum! Thanks, Francine!

These are so easy to make too! Just take a square piece of paper (any size, I use 6x6) and take two opposite ends and adhere them together to make a tube. Then bring one end of the tube together and place adhesive to secure. Next, take the other end of the tube and bring it together at an opposing angle (do not use adhesive on this end), fill with treats and secure with a ribbon. Embellish to your desire! This one uses the Dreamin' paper (still a favorite!) and some Cricut images for the tag and leaf.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Love Your Layout - November 2011

I love these videos, showing what you can do in Studio J Online Scrapbooking. The possibilities are endless. Have you tried creating your own Studio J layout yet? Try it here. Watch this Love Your Layout video and learn to layer and resize My Stickease and create a fun title using the Quick Title feature. It's so quick and simple...and no mess to clean up after you've created your layouts! Love that too!

Thursday, November 10, 2011

A Season of Thanks

If you're a follower of Jeanette Lynton's Blog (Founder of CTMH), then this card may look VERY familiar to you...I stamplifted it from her Weeks of Wonder: Creative Blocks post. It was the technique that I really wanted to try. Go check it out for yourself!

My card is 5x7, and uses the Unscripted (#C1465, $13.95) and Captured Moments (#C1423, $13.95) stamp sets.
I used some small wooden buttons (#Z1387, $5.95) left over from another project (I can hear my friend Shari saying..."use what you have!"), but they were too light in color for my liking, so I just "stained" them darker using Cocoa ink and a sponge dauber! Love it...customized embellishments!

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Studio J layouts

Are you one to take lots of pictures, just to have them sit on your computer for eternity? Are you so far behind in scrapbooking your memories, that you feel you'll never get caught up? I have just the answer for you...Studio J Online Scrapbooking!

Studio J Online scrapbooking requires nothing to download, its free to try and it is SO user friendly! Trust me...if I can do it, so can you! Here's just a sampling of my latest Studio J creations:
When you click on the layouts, they will open up to show larger detail.
CTMH Convention at DisneyLand Resort

A Lil' Taste of Summer - fresh fruit, Colorado grown!

My nephew hitting the trails on his motorcycle

Our vacation with a view - our trip to Moab, UT (just last month!)

Ask me about how Studio J Memberships can benefit you too! If you want to learn more about Studio J Online Scrapbooking, watch my calendar for FREE Studio J 101 classes...or contact me for a one-on-one session at your convenience.

Monday, November 7, 2011

Wonderland Card Workshop

These cards are gorgeous in person! The picture doesn't do them justice, since it was difficult to get a good picture with the reflection from the Icing Overlays. I want to thank LeAnne Dudley for sharing her amazing artwork! This is a workshop I have scheduled just in time for the holidays...check my Calendar of Events TAB on the menu bar above. The cost is $25 for 10 cards, includes all the papers and embellishments to make the cards. Contact me or leave me a comment below to participate in one of my classes.

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Cherish the Day Artwork - November SOM

Here's some fabulous artwork, created by our team, using the November Stamp of the Month - Cherish the Day (#S1111). We each used a different paper pack so you can really see the endless possibilities!
Remember...click on the pictures to enlarge to see more detail.
Artwork (TOP Row L-R) by: Krista Staton (Elemental), Kimberly Deines (Dreamin'), Bertha MacMillan (Mischief), (BOTTOM Row L-R): LeAnne Dudley (Roxie), Angie Petersen (Typeset), Vicki Price (Wonderland)
Artwork (TOP Row L-R) by: Jodi Frank (Sonoma), Randa Wacaster (Dreamin'), Bertha MacMillan (Mischief) (BOTTOM Row L-R): Cathlene Burk (Believe), Julie Nilsson (Elemental)

This stamp set is SO versatile! To see the Stamp of the Month flyer, make sure you click on the Stamp of the Month tab above in the menu bar. Cherish the Day contains 12 images (one for each month of the year) and numbers #1-31. As you can see on the artwork...you can use this stamp set for just about any occasion!

Don't miss this one...it's only available during the month of November. You can purchase it for only $17.95 or just $5 with a $50 order.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

November SPECIAL - Holiday Wishes


November is here...and along comes another fantastic stamp set SPECIAL...available ONLY during the month of November. When you place a minimum order of $25 in My Acrylix® stamp sets in November, you can purchase a new D-size Holiday Wishes stamp set for only $5! That’s significant savings of $12.95! And here’s another bonus: many of the images in the set coordinate with our Cricut® Art Philosophy cartridge for added cutting and stamping fun!

View the Holiday Wishes flyer for all the details on this exclusive stamp set!

Oh...and did I mention that you can buy one Holiday Wishes stamp set for every $25 in qualifying stamp sets you purchase? What a great gift idea for the holidays!

Don't forget to add the November Stamp of the Month to your order of $50 or more for only $5. To view the stamp images in the November Stamp of the Month, click the "Stamp of the Month" tab above in the menu bar.

Monday, October 31, 2011

Happy Halloween!


Today, I thought I would share a SPICED PUMPKIN CUPCAKE recipe that I had at my All Day Crop on Saturday. These cupcakes are so yummy! A terrific fall treat...Enjoy!

SPICED PUMPKIN CUPCAKES
1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
3 tablespoons sugar
1 box yellow cake mix
1 cup canned pumpkin
1/2 cup water
1/3 cup vegetable oil
4 eggs
1-1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1 container cream cheese frosting

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Place paper baking cups in each of 24 cups of a muffin pan.

In heavy skillet, cook pecans and 2 tablespoons sugar over low heat about 8 minutes, stirring constantly, until sugar is melted. Sprinkle with remaining 1 tablespoon sugar and toss.

In large bowl, beat cake mix, pumpkin, water, oil eggs and pumpkin pie spice with electric mixer on low speed 30 seconds. Beat on medium speed 2 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full. Bake 20-25 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Remove from pan to cooling rack. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.

Frost cupcakes with frosting. Sprinkle frosted cupcakes with pecans and sugar. (I added a candy corn too for Halloween!)

--printed in Colorado Country Life (October 2011), recipe courtesy of Bobbe Jones

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Studio J - Love Your Layout



If you haven't tried Studio J yet...maybe this video will inspire you to give it a try! Studio J Online Scrapbooking requires nothing to be downloaded to your computer, simply load the pictures you want to use on your two-page layout from your computer, select your kit mix, and pattern...and personalize it! Trust me...it's SO user friendly!

(View the Studio J Step-by-Step Basics video when you click the Studio J Online Scrapbooking TAB above.)

If you're interested in a personal one-on-one session to learn more about Studio J...I'd be happy to get you started! OR watch for Studio J classes on my Calendar of Events to learn more.

Studio J is PERFECT for people who:
1) take lots of pictures, but keep them stored on their computer
2) are behind in scrapbooking their memories (who isn't?!)
3) don't have room to store all the products used in classic scrapbooking
4) need to create several copies of the same layouts for relatives
5) only have short bursts of time to scrapbook (Studio J saves your work!)

Studio J Memberships have benefits too! Save 50% on every custom printed layout purchased, get free shipping on your monthly order, get free memory protectors, free JPG files for every layout purchased, special member only patterns and papers...and so much more! Contact me to learn more of what Studio J offers!

Friday, October 28, 2011

ROXIE Birthday Cards


Two more cards for birthday's in October. Whew...it's been a busy month! The stamp set with the candle image is no longer available (Candlelight) but still one of my favorite's for making birthday cards. The paper is Roxie (X7140B, $9.95)...don't you love the animal print? I plan to spotlight this paper packet in February for Valentine's Day too!

Watch your mailbox...these might be on their way to YOU! Happy Birthday, friends!

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

FUN Mail Day!

Don't you just LOVE to open the mailbox to find a package inside, especially when it's for you? I do! Last week, I had several fun mail days filled with birthday wishes (Thanks, everyone!) and a birthday package from my friend, Shari. Look what she made for me...
She tells me she made the pedestals, and boxes from the Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge! I have yet to discover the cricut image for the pedestals...but I will! One of the boxes is filled with color coordinated m&m's (go figure! LOL), and the other is filled with delicious chocolate truffles! This paper is another one of my favs...Wonderland.
I feel so blessed to have such dear friends who made my birthday EXTRA special! I cherish each of your friendships!

Monday, October 24, 2011

Road Trip!

Sorry for not posting much over the last few days. I got home from one long weekend being away, and had one day to get ready for another mini vacation. Last week, I had a birthday...and my hubby surprised me with a road trip to Moab, UT. We actually spent my birthday hiking the trails of Arches National Park and Canyonlands.
Sunset at Dead Horse Point State Park.
If you've ever visited Arches National Park, you'll recognize this famous arch...Landscape Arch. Can you imagine resting under this arch and hear what you thought was cracks of thunder from distant clouds, when actually a 60-foot long rock slab was peeling away from the arches right side. It actually happened in September 1991, and changed the arch forever...glad we could experience it's beauty!
Here we are inside one of the arches known as the North Windows arch. I may be smiling in the picture, but my knees are trembling! I don't DO heights...and directly behind me was a HUGE drop off!
This one is my all time favorite. Ken ventured off to this rock ledge, and I decided NOT to join him...and I'm so glad I got this picture! It shows Ken admiring the view with the canyon floor thousands of feet below him.
After spending a couple days hiking and walking the National Parks, we decided to take a scenic drive around the area. Here, we're overlooking the town of Moab, UT and sporting our matching jackets! LOL
I'm thankful we were able to take this impromptu road trip and mini vacation, and I can't wait to scrapbook these memories. I promise...more artwork coming! Thanks for stopping by!

Monday, October 17, 2011

Retreat Treat Bags

I just returned from a wonderful weekend scrapbook retreat with some great friends. I thought I would share the treat bags that I made for them. These are so easy to make! Remember, you can click on the images to see more detail.
Take a paper lunch bag, fold the lunch bag in half, then fold down the front flap about 2". Tie a ribbon around the bag to hold down the front flap creating a pocket. Embellish to your desire. I used the Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge to create the leaf clusters, and the scallop tag. I added the Mischief Complements Rub-Ons (#X7144C, $4.95) to each of their bag treats as a special goodie. The rub-ons have 2 sheets of Halloween images, and 2 sheets of Autumn images...they are so fun to use!
I also added an M&M stick (gotta have some chocolate!), filled a 1x8 clear bag with autumn colored m&m's, sealed the end, and made a cute tag using the owl image from the Pair-a-Phrase stamp set. The tag image is on the Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge too. So many Cricut images...so little time!
I loved how these turned out. Everyone was excited to get their treat bags. These little goodie bags seemed to inspire the creative juices too...one gal even used her leaves cluster on a scrapbook page she created!
Finally, here we are...I can't wait to scrapbook our group photos! Thankfully, we were able to see some of the Colorado fall colors too. Thanks ladies for a terrific weekend!