Artbooking Made Easy: Cross-Cartridge Collaboration

While each Cricut® collection from Close To My Heart is a treasure trove all its own, 

together they offer an unmatchable selection of borders, overlays, photo mats, and much, much more! 

The thousands of both classic and trendy die-cuts found within this terrific trio will ensure 

that the projects you make are always uniquely your own. 

Mix 'em, match 'em, and love 'em!

I find it hard to believe, that 3 short years ago, I purchased my first Cricut Expression...until CTMH introduced the Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge, I never thought I needed a Cricut...now, I rarely create anything without using one of our fabulous cartridges.  I can't wait to make the adorable 3-D boxes in this video...all by mixing & matching our cartridges.  I hope you make some time to create this weekend!  

Holidays are right around the corner...be sure your Santa knows you would love a CTMH Cricut Collection under the tree!  Contact me today!

Z1906  Cricut ARTBOOKING Collection

Z1790  Cricut ARTISTE Collection

Z1686  Cricut ART PHILOSOPHY Collection

Enjoy your weekend!  See you next week...

Blast from the Past - Flowering Thanks

When Jeanette Lynton began her venture into stamping 30 years ago, she drew by hand all her stamp images. Originally made of rubber and set on wood blocks, a few of these stamp sets are available to you in clear polymer for a limited time only! Enjoy the intricate and cozy line designs in conjunction with our alcohol-based markers for fun accents that will brighten your layouts as they take you back in time.

When I saw Jeanette's stamp archive in the Idea Book back in June, it brought back so many memories of where I began with Close To My Heart.  I had many of the old rubber/wood stamp sets shown on 

pages 114-115 of the Autumn/Winter 2013 catalog. 

Including this one:     A1145 Flowering Thanks

I used a combination of the Laughing Lola papers and Frosted papers.  How often do you try to mix & match papers?  The Champagne patterned paper on the card front is Frosted, as is the piece I stamped on.  The other papers are Laughing Lola, including the zip strip from Lola.  I also used our Exclusive Alcohol Marker Sets to color in the details of the image.  Colors used include: Blush (dark), Gypsy, Lagoon (light), and Hollyhock (dark).  I high-lighted the word "Thank You" by going over the sentiment using the Whisper (light) marker.  My embellishments for this card were kept simple:  Pink Glitz Glitter Gel (bling in a bottle!) and the hemp bakers twine from the Wooden Mini Medley Collection. 

Sparkle & Shine Gift Tags

This project was created and designed by fellow consultant, Tammy Rusch, for our group swap.  Tammy created a set of gift tags...perfect for those presents under the tree 

or as a handmade gift for a friend.

The packaging that holds all 12 tags is created by using the Sparkle & Shine paper packet, and the Sparkle & Shine WOTG stamp set.

The "Merry and Bright" is on a band that wraps around the gift tag folder, 

it slides off to unveil the tags inside.  Start with an 8-1/2" x 10-3/4" piece of patterned paper or cardstock.  Score paper on 10-3/4" side at 1/2" 3-1/2", 4", 7, 7-1/2, and 10-1/2". Turn paper 90 degrees and score on the 8-1/2" side at 1-1/2" and 6".  Fold to create pockets on long side.  

Use adhesive of choice to seal on the 1/2" sections of the pocket.  

Fold into rectangular box, and secure with band of paper of choice. 

Inside, the tags are stamped using the stamp set from the Season's Tweetings Gift Bag kit.

Great job on your Gift Tag set, Tammy!  Love them!

Sparkle & Shine Santa

Need to make a few, very special Christmas cards for those special people in your life?  

This one is just the ticket!

This card was created by fellow consultant, Jodi Frank, for our group swap.  

Products used include:

Sparkle & Shine Paper Packet and Sparkle & Shine Assortment

Stamp Sets: Santa Claus and Perfect Fit - Frames 2

 Embellishments: Silver Shimmer Trim, Pearl Opaques

 and Liquid Applique to add the puffy appearance to Santa's hair and pom-pom on his hat.

Great job on your card, Jodi!

12x12 Sparkle & Shine - get ready to preserve holiday memories

I'm loving the Sparkle & Shine papers and embellishments!  Have you taken advantage of the Holidays from the Heart Special yet?  It's simple...just place an order of $100 or more, and choose a "star" item from the Holiday Gift Guide (retail value of free product ranges from $4.95 to $17.95).  

Here's is my 12x12 scrapbook page I created for our team board swap...I promise to share our groups artwork this weekend.  

I have plans for the opposite page...you'll be seeing it soon!  For this page, I used the Sparkle & Shine paper...can you believe I only used 1 sheet of the B&T paper?  I also used the Sparkle & Shine Washi Tape 3-pack in the holiday gift guide...and it makes it look like I used several different patterned papers.   I also used the Magical Days stamp set for a unique way to add the year (which I got free with my $100 order!) and the Trim the Tree stamp set, and the Sparkle Holiday Shapes.  I added some bling using the Silver Shimmer Trim and the Silver Glitz Glitter Gel...don't you love how it all comes together?  This page is the left page of pattern #11 from the Make It From Your Heart, Volume 2 how to book.  The title (merry & bright) is cut from the Artbooking cartridge in Ruby and White Daisy cardstock...pg. 56, Title, <o>, cut at 10" (NO Real Dial Size).  I shadowed the title cutting a second "merry & bright" in White Daisy Cardstock and just offset the two images. I have found the best adhesive to use with the "welded" titles and the overlays is the Bonding Memories glue pens.  

Artbooking Made Easy - Festive Holiday Mini Album

With the Cricut® Artbooking cartridge from Close To My Heart, your photos will find a cozy home on the pages of a dazzling holiday mini album. Watch the video to gather your own ideas on how to use its themed keys to create merry and bright holiday projects that last.

Holidays from the Heart HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

TODAY is a SPECIAL DAY!

The beginning of the Holidays from the Heart Gift Guide campaign!  

View the Holiday Gift Guide

Choose a FREE holiday product with your qualifying order...

From now until December 31st, when you place an order of $100 or more in retail-priced products, you qualify for one free "star" item from the Holidays from the Heart Gift Guide.  

You'll love the sparkle, and the savings!

Place your order online from my website and have it shipped directly to your door, 

(JOIN the Holiday Gift Guide open party and have a chance to win FREE product) 

or contact me and I'm happy to place your order for you!

Love the artwork? 

The online recipes show what products were used to create all the fabulous artwork inside!

View the RECIPES to the Holiday Gift Guide

Artbooking Made Easy - Halloween Mini Albums

Close To My Heart will bring your projects back to life with the Cricut® Artbooking cartridge. Watch this video to learn how to use it while making your own fun Halloween mini albums.

I haven't personally made this one yet...but it's oh, so cute! 

I love the smaller interactive page within the first mini-album.

By now, you know how amazing the Artbooking Cricut cartridge is.

Enjoy!

Please feel free to leave a comment...

Autumn Pumpkin Paper Crafting

The weather outside has been cooler the last few days, and I'm enjoying my favorite time of year...AUTUMN!  In Colorado, the autumn season doesn't last long enough...I love crisp mornings with afternoon highs in the 60's.  Life is good!

My friend Shari shared this idea with me, and I just had to make one for myself.  

 I've seen something similar posted on Pinterest, in addition to pumpkins, I can see these made with red color cardstock to resemble an apple and give as a small teachers gift too.  

Here's how you make them:

take a 5"x6" piece of cardstock and cut into (8) 3/4" x 5" strips.  If you want to add the tone on tone stamping, do this before assembling your pumpkin.  In this case, I used the flower from the Happy Autumn stamp set, and randomly stamped the 5x6 piece of cardstock before cutting into strips.  

Stack the strips together and pierce a hole in the top and bottom of each piece.  

Add a brad to the top and the bottom of your strips.  

Carefully, flare the pieces out to make a pumpkin shape (this takes some manipulation).  

I cut out images from the Cricut cartridges as follows:

Leaf & Vine - Artiste, pg78, 3D Object, shift <GiveThnk>, cut at 3-3/4"

Black Cat - Artbooking, pg70. Icon, shift <C>, cut at 2-1/4" with Real Dial Size ON

Sentiment Bracket - Artiste, pg33, Accent3, <3>, cut at 1-1/4" in Colonial White, then again at 1-1/2" in Black cardstock.  Stamp set = Holiday Tags.

 I tied the sentiment onto the leaf & vine using Bakers Twine, and added some tan bitty sparkles to the cats eyes.

Artbooking Made Easy: A+ School Layouts

With school in full swing now, hopefully you have time to preserve some of those precious memories.

Close To My Heart's new Cricut® Artbooking collection will give you what you need to score an A+ on back-to-school projects! See how to make your own in this video.

Enjoy!

Saturday YouTube: Mixed Papers

If you're like me, after you have created your layouts from the WOTG kits, you still have a few scraps left over. 

I am always challenging myself to "finish off" a paper pack, so I try to create as much artwork as possible to use it up.  Do you ever consider mixing and matching papers from different kits to 
create artwork with a new look?  It's time to think outside the box.  

In this video, Tiffany shares with us how you can coordinate mixed papers from different paper packs.

Have a great weekend!  Enjoy!

Trick or Treat with Artbooking

MY CONFESSION: 

When my upline, Michelle Snyder, shared her Halloween layouts...I knew I had to scrap-lift her amazing artwork!

Thanks, Michelle!  

Isn't this layout stinkin' cute?  

For the layout, I used the 1/2 overlay (corner spiderweb) cut from the Silver Glitter Paper.  The spider web overlay can be found on page 70 in the Artbooking booklet, you guessed it, the size dial is set at 11" for the spider web.  The title "Trick or Treat" is from page 55 in Artbooking, and this one was set at 6" since this key is designed for a 6" Halloween themed mini album...I might just need to make that too!  I added the zip strips from Laughing Lola papers, and matted my photo spaces with Laughing Lola papers too.  My base pages are Lagoon, with a piece of 11x11-1/2" Black cardstock on each, leaving a 1/2" border around 3 sides and coming together in the center.  Each Sunset square measures 2-1/4".  The photo mat on the left page measures 5-3/4"x7-3/4", and the Lagoon cardstock measures 5-1/4"x7-1/4" for a 5x7 photo.  The larger of the two photo mats on the right page measures 5-3/4"x5-3/4" and the Lagoon cardstock measures 5-1/4"x5-1/4" for a 5x5 photo.  The smaller photo mat measures 4-1/4"x3" with the Lagoon cardstock measuring 3-3/4"x2-1/2" for a wallet size photo.

Growing up, Halloween was one of my favorite holidays...I always enjoyed dressing up in costume and going door to door trick or treating.  I have lots of happy memories of Halloween's past.  Since moving to the country 16 years ago, and living in Colorado's high country...Halloween is usually our first cold spell of the season.  

So...now that you have seen how you can coordinate papers to work for Halloween, I hope you create some special moments this Halloween, and preserve your memories in scrapbooks!  

Spooky Halloween - Artbooking Made Easy!

It's easy to add some creative spook to your projects with the Cricut® Artbooking collection from Close To My Heart. View a few creepy creations and learn how to make your own in this video.

This video inspired me to make my own Halloween layout.  So many of you mentioned the lack of Halloween papers in this new Autumn/Winter 2013 Idea Book.  Well...let me prove you wrong!  Although, honestly, I didn't think about it either...but I've seen so many great layouts using Laughing Lola papers with the addition of a few coordinating colors, Sunset, Lagoon, Slate & Whisper.

 Have I mentioned how much I LOVE the new Artbooking cartridge!  This layout took me no time at all to create!    All the images can be found on page 71 of the Artbooking booklet, with the size dial set at 11".  All the images are linked to automatically re-size themselves for perfect sizing of photo mats, titles and accent pieces.  I did use the Black Glitter Paper for the haunted mansion, and a few of the bats too...this idea was inspired by my upline, Michelle Snyder...her artwork is amazing!

I can't wait to add pictures to this layout!  What are your plans for Halloween?  

Why not create a layout or two and preserve your holiday memories!

Come back tomorrow...I have another glittery Halloween layout to share!

October Stamp of the Month: Scandinavian Wishes

Each month you can purchase a new D-size stamp set, available for one month only, for just $5 — that’s over 70% off retail! When you place an order of $50 or more in Close To My Heart products, you qualify for this special Stamp of the Month pricing.

View the October Stamp of the Month 

I took a different spin on my card using the Scandinavian Wishes stamp set.  

I was assigned to use the October SOM set with the Sarita papers.    

My card is 4-1/4"x5-1/2" and my inspiration came from the Make It From Your Heart, Volume 2 card design #22.  I used several embellishments that coordinate with the Sarita papers...the Sarita Textiles, Aqua Dots, Base & Bling Teal Jewels, and the hemp bakers twine from the Wooden Mini-Medleys.  

Creating coordinating artwork is so easy to do with the fabulous CTMH product line!

A Winter Luminaria using ProPlayer

LAST CALL...  

If you haven't taken advantage of the National Stamping Month exclusive stamp set trio, 

You are My Happy, time is running out fast! HURRY...this special ends TODAY!!!

***Click here for all the details!***

When you make a purchase of $50 or more, you qualify to get the entire "You Are My Happy" stamp set trio (retail value $47.90) for only $10!  This exclusive trio includes a playful alphabet, light-hearted sentiments, and a variety of fun images to use for countless occasions.  

The same $50 order also qualifies you to get the September Stamp of the Month for only $5.  

JOIN my Mystery Hostess party on my website to take advantage of this amazing special when placing your qualifying order.

Now...are you ready for more Artbooking artwork?

When I first got my hands on the CTMH Autumn/Winter 2013 Idea Book, the first artwork that REALLY caught my eye were the luminaries on page 17.  I knew I would have to make one for myself...and sooner than later!

I made these for my 3-D item for our Board Swap. 

I used the overlay on page 50 of the Artbooking booklet, cut at 5".  I was able to get 6 of the overlays on one sheet of 12x12 paper (each luminary takes 4 overlays, one for each side).  Each corner is made up of a strip of cardstock 1" wide and 5" tall, scored down the center at 1/2", and the overlays are attached using Bonding Memories glue.  Then decorate to your personal taste.  I wanted to show the versatility of the ProPlayer papers, so I embellished my luminary using snowflakes with some bling to reflect the light of the candle inside (it goes without saying...use extreme caution when using a flame next to paper!).  A flameless candle (battery) would be ideal to use, however, I do have a small candle in a jar inside.  

I used snowflakes from the Artbooking cartridge, cut from Slate and White Daisy cardstock in different sizes.  Experiment with different shapes.  The sentiments are from one of the stamp sets from the Art Philosophy Cricut Collection.

Artbooking Made Easy - Getting Started

.   

Close To My Heart's revolutionary Cricut® Artbooking collection will take your papercrafting to a new level! Learn how to use the new collection to turn your themed layouts and mini scrapbooks into beautiful works of art.

Join me each week for the ARTBOOKING MADE EASY series!

Here is my first layout I created using Artbooking, 
it was for the CTMH Pajama Party on Big Picture Classes back in August.  

The overlays give the pages so much more dimension and texture.  The images on each key are linked, so all the guess work is done for you!  No need to wonder what size to cut photo mats, accents, or titles...simple, fast and easy!!!
All the Cricut images on this layout can be found on page 78 of the Artbooking booklet.  Just set the size dial at 11" and start cutting!  The most difficult aspect is determining which color cardstock to use for each piece.

Saturday YouTube Video: You Are My Happy

There is still time for you to get the

You Are My Happy stamp set TRIO!

 HURRY...offer valid only until September 30th!

See the playful alphabet, light-hearted sentiments, and fun images of Close To My Heart's You Are My Happy stamp set trio—exclusive for National Stamping Month! Use this set for a variety of occasions to give a cheerful touch to your projects!

Have a fabulous weekend! 

Enjoy!

Poster Tidings - September SOM with video!

I finally had a chance to create artwork using the September Stamp of the Month set, Poster Tidings.  I was inspired by the beautiful artwork other team members shared at our team training last week.

Fall is my favorite time of year!  I love the change in weather (yes, even Colorado's hurricane/monsoon season!), to the colors associated with fall.

I stamped this image in 3 colors, beginning with the lightest color first, as to not contaminate my ink pads.  In this case, I used Goldrush ink on the upper 1/3, Autumn Terracotta ink on the middle 1/3, and finished with Barn Red ink on the lower 1/3.  I stamped the image on a 2-1/2" x 5" piece of Colonial White cardstock, backed with Barn Red cardstock.  The patterned paper comes from the Huntington paper pack.  The leaves were cut using the Artbooking Cricut cartridge...and layered.  I used New England Ivy cardstock layered with Olive cardstock for the green leaf, and Autumn Terracotta cardstock layered with Goldrush cardstock.  The "orange" leaves were cut at 1-3/4" from page 72, using the Icon function key. The "green" leaves were cut at 1-1/4".  I also cut a piece of Burlap Ribbon, bunched it up with Natural Bakers twine from the Wooden Mini Medley, tied in a bow.  I used the largest brown sparkles as embellishment.  The card measures 3-1/2" x 8".

Oh...and the Poster Tidings set also has a Holiday image for December or Winter artwork too!  Check out this video on the trendy subway art technique.  I figured I owed you one, since I've been missing for a couple weeks...with a good excuse, we were under construction in my studio!

Enjoy!

Saturday YouTube Video: CTMH Convention 2013 Highlights

 Want to see what all the excitement is about when I attend the CTMH Convention? 

Here we are in Orlando, FL at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort:

See if you can spot me...I'm in there twice!  It's quick...

Does it look like something you would like to share with me?  Join my team!!!

I am already registered to attend Convention 2014 at the DisneyLand Hotel in Anaheim, California.  I've been to 13 Conventions, and the one at DisneyLAND several years ago, was the BEST...
perfect wether, variety of restaurants, walking distance to the parks!  Fun, Fun, FUN!!! 

I can't wait to go back!

I also want to show you the layouts we created during our Creative Sessions.
These papers were exclusive to Convention attendees.
We also received an exclusive stamp set to preserve our memories shared in Orlando.
I have pictures for my layouts coming soon!

Each year, during Convention, the corporate staff hides our company mascot, StickyBoy (I will have to post Sticky Boy's video too).  I have found only 3 StickyBoy's in 13 years.  In Orlando, I found this tiny little guy hanging out on a metal door frame in the Art Gallery room. 

 I love that he is decked out in his sombrero, and maraca's.  VIVA!!!

To learn more about the testing that went into the My Acrylix stamps before we made the switch from wood & rubber nearly a decade ago...watch Sticky Boy's video.
I love the sense of humor our corporate staff has!

Fun and Games with ProPlayer WOTG

In the month of September, I'm hosting the ProPlayer WOTG scrapbooking layouts.  

These papers are so fun to work with...great for those ever challenging masculine layouts.  

These pages will allow you to highlight life's fun moments!

(click on any image to enlarge)

By purchasing the WOTG kit, you receive the exclusive ProPlayer stamp set (now D-size!), 3 extra sheets of cardstock, and all the embellishments (the ProPlayer Assortment and the Slate Twist Ties) used to create both of these layouts!  In addition, you SAVE $11.34...and only pay the low price of $29.95 even though the kits have more product, and larger stamp sets than last years kits.

Thank you CTMH!  

Thoughts from the Heart

Do you enjoy scrapbooking or cardmaking more?  I'm not sure I could give you a definitive answer to that question.  I enjoy it all!  Most importantly, I think I enjoy the "people" that I create with.  I love the friendships that I have developed because of Close To My Heart.  I have friends all over the country that I wouldn't have otherwise met.

I'm beginning the workshops from the Autumn/Winter 2013 Idea Book with the Laughing Lola Cardmaking WOTG kit.  These cards the perfect "pick me up" for a friend.

View the Laughing Lola Cardmaking WOTG flyer here

The cardmaking kit includes the papers (both cardstock and B&T Duo papers), kit-exclusive accessories, cards with envelopes and instructions to create 15 beautiful cards (5 each of 3 designs) inspired by our own Jeanette Lynton.  Even if you're unable to attend the live event, you can create this workshop on your own time with the full color step-by-step instruction guide...order yours today.   This is my therapy!

we all SCREAM for ICE CREAM layout

I love super FUN mail days!  

Recently, I received this amazing layout from my 2nd upline and friend, Michelle Snyder, 

for reaching a sales goal in June 2013.  

Did you realize that during the month of July (specifically July 21st this year), there is a National Ice Cream Day?  How did I not know this?!?!  Well...until now! Oh, how I enjoy ice cream...of all flavors!  

(click on image for more detail)

This layout is so bright and cheerful...I love the vibrant colors (Lagoon, Smoothie, Sunset, Pear and Cream Brulee), and the use of the Silver Shimmer Trim to add some glam.  Michelle also used the Chalk Marker to add highlights to the "Ice Cream" title and the waffle appearance in the ice cream cone.  Brilliant!  The scoops of ice cream and the white background behind the title comes from the Artiste Cricut cartridge (pg36, Accent 3, <6>, cut at 2-1/2" and 4-3/4" respectively). How creative!  She also used the Pixie Glitter Alphabet as part of the title, and used the font from Artiste for "Ice Cream".  I am always inspired by Michelle's artwork!  Thank you, Michelle!  I can't wait to add photos to this layout.

Saturday YouTube Video: Ombre Technique

Oooh, can't wait to try this technique for myself! 

HaPpY SaTuRdAy!!!

Dress up titles and sentiments in vibrant colors to make your lettering fresh. With the ombré technique, you can watch colors of your choice melt together for a fun new style.

Have a GREAT weekend, everyone!

ProPlayer Card - Just Hanging Out

One final card from our team shoebox swap...

Yes, all 6 paper packets from the Autumn/Winter 2013 catalog were showcased in our Shoebox Swap.

WooHoo!

Melanie, one of my newest team members, used the ProPlayer paper pack for her card creation.  Mel was so nervous about participating, but she did an amazing job with her card!
So creative, and original too!

Mel used the Artbooking Cricut cartridge to create the frame for her card.
Artbooking: pg64, Photo Mat 1, shift <J>, cut at 4-1/2"
I love how she used the sentiment from the ProPlayer WOTG stamp set "Just HANGING Out", and let it just "hang" out.  She used the Slate Twist Ties to tie it to the frame.  Using one of the embossed metal badge buttons from the ProPlayer Assortment for the "O"...too cool!

I have lots more artwork to post using this paper pack in the next week or so in our Display Board swap. Watch for it...

Laughing Lola cards

More cards from our team shoebox swap...

Kimberly and I chose Laughing Lola for our cards.  The Lola paper pack have several colors that are exclusive to only Laughing Lola, but other colors in the CTMH color palate also coordinate, such as Lagoon and Gypsy.

Kimberly used You Only Live Once (B1434, pg7) stamp set, which is one of the Hostess Rewards stamp sets, only available to hostesses.  The sequin ribbon and shimmer button are both from the new Black Mini-Medley Accent collection.  The tag cricut images are from Artiste and Art Philosophy, and the "Live" image is from Artiste.  The sentiment "Live" is stamped inside the frame from Holiday Tags using Gypsy ink.

My card uses an overlay from the new Artbooking Cricut cartridge.  You can find more details, including measurements and image shapes on my card in an earlier post HERE.  I was able use the same card from my Catalog Celebration, and kill two birds with one stone by creating just one card!

Frosted Cards

More cards from our team shoebox swap...

Both of these gals, Donna and Tammy, used the new Frosted papers for their cards.

Donna's card uses the B&T Duos cut into 1" squares, then each square corner rounded (thanks for doing that part for us Donna!)...that's a big job in itself...but I love the look!  Actually, the only stamping was on the inside where we stamped "Thinking of You" from the Sincere Expressions stamp set, and randomly stamped the snowflake from the new mini Single Snowflake stamp.

Tammy's card uses one of the seven new Hostess Reward Stamp Sets as the focal point on her card (Friend, A1142, pg8).  The inside is stamped with images from the Polar Bear Holiday stamp set in Bamboo ink.

Saturday YouTube Video: Hostess Rewards: Better than Ever!

Each new CTMH Idea Book is better than the last...in my opinion.  Being the leader in the industry, we stay on top of current trends and have innovative products.  This new Autumn/Winter Idea Book has exclusive Hostess Reward Stamp sets...just for our amazing hostesses!

Take advantage of the opportunities from Close To My Heart to earn Hostess Rewards stamp sets; must-have sets, just for you! Watch this video to see one of these adorable stamp sets in action and learn how to get your own.

Ready to earn the Washi Wonder stamp set for yourself?  Let's schedule a gathering (online or in person) for you and your friends, so you can choose one or more of the hostess reward stamp sets for your collection!

Contact me today!

Sarita Cards

More cards from our team shoebox swap...

Now...this is the first time in many years of doing this swap, that 2 people used the same stamp set with the same papers...but the look is completely different!

Vicki and Jodi both used the Sarita papers for their cards...
coincidentally they both used the One-Way Borders stamp set.

First up, Vicki's card.  Did you notice she didn't use any patterned paper at all for her card? However, Vicki's card still has lots of "texture" with the combination of the images in the Borders stamp set and the addition of the Lagoon Houndstooth Washi Tape and Sarita Textiles in place of ribbon.  The sentiment is from one of the exclusive stamp sets included with the Artbooking Cricut collection.

Jodi's card was inspired by the card on page 27 of the new catalog, starts out with a 5x5 card base (cut cardstock 5x10 and fold in half) in Colonial White CS.  A 5x5 piece of Sarita B&T Duo paper covers the front of the card base.  Jodi used Goldrush, Lagoon and Gypsy inks when stamping just one of the borders multiple times.  The "HeLLo" sentiment is from the Artiste cartridge (pg65, Card, shift <B>, cut at 1-1/4" from Outdoor Denim CS).  Also used on her card is the Neutral Bakers Twine and the Trinket Wooden shapes (still one of my favs!) with the new Aqua Dots in the center.

I hope you come back to see more!

Huntington Cards

More cards from our team shoebox swap...

Both Victoria and Anne-Marie used Huntington papers for their creations.  

I love the Huntington papers...fall colors are my thing!

Here's what Victoria did with her card.  

She used several Art Philosophy (AP) Cricut images for her focal point.

AP Cricut Cartridge: 

pg34, shift <Leaf2>, cut at 2-1/2" from Autumn Terracotta CS and B&T Duo paper

pg34, Layer, shift <Leaf2>, cut at 2-1/2" from Champagne CS

pg56, shift <Leaf4>, cut at 2-1/2 from Olive CS and Saddle CS (leaf veins are dry embossed then sponged with ink to highlight)

pg62, shift <Leaf1>, cut at 1-1/4" from Barn Red CS (cut 2)

pg67, Decorative Layer, shift <Stocking>, cut at 2-3/4" from Desert Sand CS

pg67, <Shape10>, cut at 2-3/4" from B&T Duo paper

The <Leaf2> images were stamped with the flower base image from the Happy Autumn stamp set...I thought this was a very clever idea!  It gives a great texture to the plain cardstock.

Anne-Marie used the Perfect Fit-Thanksgiving stamp set for her holiday themed card.  Her images were cut from the Artiste Cricut cartridge.

Artiste: pg61, Accent 3, <z>, cut at 1-1/4" from Colonial White CS

pg78, Accent 3 <Thnkgvng> cut at 1-3/4" from Colonial White CS

Artbooking: pg75, Photo Mat 2, <Merry>, cut at 3" from Slate CS

Opposing corners were rounded using our new Corner Rounder.   I really like this look, and often forget to do this...it just looks so much more interesting than a standard card with square corners.  

I also like the pop of the Honey CS too.

I still have more to show you...come back and visit again!

BabyCakes Cards

I always look forward to our consultant shoebox swap...for each CTMH catalog release (February and August), our team of consultants gets together and creates artwork using new papers and stamp sets.  Each of us randomly chooses a new paper and a new stamp set to work with (no assignments given out), and we each create just ONE card and then supply all the pre-cut pieces and embellishments for others to create our card.  

The fabulous thing about participating in the shoebox swap, 

is the amount of new artwork we have created when it's over.  

This round we had 11 people participate, so 11 new cards!

Both Theresa and Randa chose to work with BabyCakes papers and each card has a baby theme.

Theresa's card uses the exclusive stamp set that comes with the BabyCakes WOTG scrapbooking kit.  In fact, all the embellishments on her card are included in the kit too...a great value!

Randa's card uses the Wild Wonders stamp set for the main image..adorable!  But she also used the Geometric Background stamp set to create a patterned cardstock piece on the Sunset cardstock.  With just a piece of chocolate grosgrain ribbon for an accent, and a mocha opaque for the giraffe eye.  

Come back to see more!