Just For You

The Just For You stamp set has quickly become a favorite stamp set from the Spring/Summer Idea Book...it's just SO versatile.

Today, I'm sharing a 4-1/2"x4-1/2" card I created using the stamp set with the Stella Paper pack. I first cut out the flower image from B&T paper using the CTMH Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge, then stamped the outline image in Cocoa ink, followed by each petal stamped in Sunset ink.

Scoring and folding on each dotted line on both the flower and leaves gives even more dimension to the images. The center of the flower is a Pewter Badge Button.

Scenic Loop Layout

On Saturday, I hosted an All Day Crop from 10am-10pm, where I provide lunch (grilled ham & cheese sandwiches), dinner (Beef Vegetable Soup), dessert (frosted brownies), snacks and supplies for a 2-page layout all for only $25. It's great getting together with friends doing something you love...it's like therapy, only better!

Here's the layout we created on Saturday. It's using the Kraft cardstock as the bases, and Pemberley B&T paper accented with Honey and Indian Corn Blue cardstock. My new favorite stamp set Just For You (B1398, $9.95) adds just the right embellishment for the page. The title is made up of two stamp sets, Token Alphabet (E1020, $29.95) and Vintage Type (D1481, $17.95)

(click on images to enlarge for detail)

Come back tomorrow to see another piece of artwork using the Just For You stamp set.

Spring IS in the Air...and on artwork!

It's suppose to feel like Spring today (and hopefully melt some of the snow!)...so when and I came across an Online Project Inspiration video using CTMH's Adhesive Springs (Z1725, $2.95)...I couldn't wait to share it with you.

Want to add more "bounce" to your projects and have elements "jump" off the art? Watch this video for some inspiration...I have to make the "Jack in the Box" interactive party favor!



Check out page 72 in the Spring/Summer Idea Book...you'll see the My Peeps (B1402, $9.95) stamp set used in the video. Here's a link to view the Idea Book online.

Stella WOTG and Bonus Project

I'm so excited about all the Workshop-On-The-Go (WOTG) kits in the Spring/Summer Idea Book. To start off, we'll be creating the Stella WOTG kit and my slightly adapted Bonus Project. If you want to attend my workshop, check out my calendar for a date that works for you. Hurry...deadline to register is March 1st with payment.

Layout #1:

Layout #2:

Bonus Project:

The bonus project uses scraps of paper from the kit, left over after creating the layouts, in addition to a couple other products (not included in the WOTG kit). For these cards, you'll need to add on Colonial White Die-Cut Cards (Z1738, $6.95), and Clear Sparkles (Z1104, $2.95)

Sweet Surprises!

It's so much fun (and easy too!) to create fun 3-D candy treat cards by using CTMH's newest card kit, My Originals Sweet Surprises Card Kit. You're bound to put a smile on the recipients face! The kit contains everything (except the candy treats) you need to create 10 (2 each of 5 designs) 3-D sweet treat cards. The kit comes with the tri-fold Kraft card bases, envelope boxes (although I wouldn't use them to mail this adorable project), treat cups, dimensional elements sentiments and shapes, printed sticker sheets (matching the dimensional elements shapes), and ribbon...all for just $19.95!

I have to ask...how many of you go down the candy isle at the grocery store in search of color coordinating candy? I hope I'm not the only one! LOL So...I took this picture (of the printed sticker sheet), and I was off on my mission to find just the perfect candy:

And here's what I found:

The colors work out perfectly!

I'm hosting a Sweet Surprises card workshop on Friday, March 30th from 9-11am or 7-9pm. You can create 5 cards(1 each of 5 designs) or 10 cards(2 each of 5 designs), and the cost including shipping & tax is $11.30 and $22.60 respectively. Bring your choice of candy, or for an extra $1, I'll supply the candy. Contact me with payment by March 19th if you want to attend.

MOPS Paper-Craft Projects

Last week I had an opportunity to share some simple creative projects with a local MOPS (Mothers of PreSchoolers) group. What an energetic and fun bunch of women! We made a cover for a valentine lollipop and a sour cream container filled with conversation hearts.
Both projects had to be easy and quick as we only had a limited time frame to play and create:

The lollipop cover took a piece of 3x6 cardstock folded in half...we decorated the front with coordinating patterned paper and Cricut images that were stamped (using Mad About You, December 2011 Stamp of the Month). After placing the lollipop inside, we simply punched a hole on either side of the stick, and tied it up with a piece of ribbon. Easy...and cute too!

The sour cream container used a piece of patterned paper (oldie but goodie!)cut to 4.5" x 5.5". Apply adhesive on one long end, and one short end. Bring both short ends together, overlap to form a tube (similar in shape to an empty toilet paper roll). Then, with the open end of the tube with the adhesive, squeeze it together. Add any candy treat, then squeeze the open end without adhesive together at an opposite angle, creating a "sour cream" like container. Using a paper punch, punch two holes, then thread a piece of ribbon through the holes and tie a bow. Decorate as desired...the images here are from the Thoughtful Tidings stamp set (only available in February). These are so simple...yet fun to make!

These can be made for any occasion...how about birthday party favors or even a special class treat during a fun holiday! Start planning now to make these for St. Patricks Day or even Easter! By the way...have you seen the new adorable My Peeps (B1402, $9.95) stamp set? Super cute! I will be showcasing this stamp set in an upcoming post soon!

A Fun Diaper-Fold Card TUTORIAL

Happy Valentine's Day!

Today, I am sharing my first ever tutorial, showing you how I made this card...using the 

February Stamp of the Month, Thoughtful Tidings. 

Many of the images in the stamp set coordinate with shapes on the Art Philosophy cartridge!

The card is actually a 3x3 card, great for using up those smaller scraps! The pouch is a Diaper-Fold...so let me show you how you can create it too! (Click on pictures to enlarge for more detail)

First, start with a square piece of patterned paper, preferably printed on BOTH sides...so you can take advantage of 2 different prints! For this project, I used a 8x8 piece of Roxie B&T.

Next, take 2 opposite corners and fold them together, making a triangle...the more precise you do this step, the better the end product comes out.

Then, take one of the tips from the long end of the triangle, bringing it across to the middle of the opposite side, keeping the open ended edge straight across from side to side.

Repeat the last step again for the opposite side, again, keeping your open edge straight across from side to side.

Finally, fold down one side of the upper triangle, and place adhesive on the underside of the tip to secure. You just created the pouch!

Now, it's time to embellish!

I used Bling Assortment (Z1466, $4.95), Red Sparkles (Z1326, $2.95) and shapes from the CTMH Art Philosophy Cartridge (Z1686, $99)...just cut your shapes, and stamp! No cutting by hand...gotta love it!

Here's another idea: Make the pouch from a 12x12 piece, which creates a much larger pouch. Fill a cellophane bag with a special treat, tie it up with a ribbon bow, put the cello bag in the pouch and give to a friend...imagine the smiles you'll receive with such a fun presentation!

February Stamp of the Month Artwork

The February Stamp of the Month set, Thoughtful Tidings, is such a versatile set. 

 It's wonderful for cards, as shown below (click on the picture to enlarge for detail)...but it's also fantastic for 3-D items as displayed in the catalog.

View the Stamp of the Month flyer on the TAB in the menu bar above, each month you can enjoy a new D-size stamp set. When you place an order of $50 or more in Close To My Heart products, you get the Stamp of the Month set for only $5 - that's 72% off the full retail price!

You can also purchase the Stamp of the Month set at full retail value of $17.95 

with no minimum purchase required.

I will have more artwork ideas using this set posted later in the week...come back to see!

Favorite SUPERBOWL Commercial...

I bet many of you watched the SuperBowl just for the commercials, while others for the game. I LOVED this commercial for m&m's, and Ms. Brown's debut...Welcome to the Party, Ms. Brown!

It's FINALLY here...Spring/Summer Idea Book!

You'll love what you see inside this Idea Book...the artwork, papers, stamps, accessories and so much more! Contact me to get your copy.

Check out this video showing the versatility of CMTH products: