Ames Crafts: 2013

Monday, December 16, 2013

Sparkle & Shine Cards & NEW Technique

Close to My Heart was generous enough this year to share with their independent consultants a quick card workshop guide on how to create two darling holiday greeting cards. So I created them and then I created one card substituting it with a Penguin stamp only available for purchase to hostesses using a new technique. I really enjoyed making the cards from the Sparkle & Shine Greeting Card Workshop. So if you like these greeting cards and would like to receive a copy of this guide for free just email me and I'd be happy to send it out to you.

To recreate these cards you will need the following supplies:

Santa Claus stamp set, C1567
Sparkle & Shine Paper Packet, X7176B
Juniper Exclusive Ink Pad, Z2165
Ruby Exclusive Ink Pad, Z2170
Whisper Exclusive Ink Pad, Z2172
Red Shimmer Trim, Z1848
Sparkles Clear Flourish- Small, Z1812
White Daisy Die-Cut Cards & Envelopes, Z1473
My Acrylic Block 1" x 1", Y1000
My Acrylic Block 2" x 2", Y1003
My Acrylic Block 2" x 6" Y1010
Cricut Artbooking Collection, Z1906

There's one tip that's not included in the guide that I'd like to share with you. When cutting your pieces to coordinate with the Santa Stamp on the Cricut use the REAL DIAL feature/button on your machine. Otherwise, you cut pieces will be to small to stamp on.

Also, the Daisy White cardstock where my penguin was stamped on is measured at 1 1/4" x 1 1/4" so substitute this measurement instead of 1 1/8" for the "Ho Ho Ho" sentiment.

So I've added three more products that are not included in the supply list to create this card. I used Sparkle and Shine Washi Tape,the Wintery Wishes Hostess Reward Stamp-C1580, and Liquid Applique. As you may already have noticed, I used washi tape in the inside/bottom of the card.

Have you ever used Liquid Applique? No, filled the area on your cardstock with the contents from this tube by squeezing the sides. Using a heat tool proceed to heat liquid until it rises. Be careful, you can burn the embossed liquid.

I think Liquid Applique is a great way to make 3D snow on your cards. I also like using it on bunny tails, snow covered roof tops, Santa's hat, and snowballs of course. If you are considering purchasing this stock up now, it will soon be discontinued by the next Idea Book, January 2014 will be your last chance to stock up.

I hope you try this new technique to your winter projects. Feel free to share here.

Friday, December 13, 2013

Little of this and that-Holiday Cards

So if you are like me you probably have a stash of card making and scrapbooking supplies from various companies. So this holiday I decided to mix and match brand name supplies to create my own design. Here's a just a few of the holiday cards that I've made.

This top card has got to be one of my favorites. I ran into a friend of mine at Michael's Arts and Crafts store last week when she asked for my opinion on some of her purchases for holiday card ideas. She wanted to heat embossed on the card base directly, nothing wrong with that, but then I proceed to explain to her matting the embossed image even with metallic photo frames would add a real impact and professional quality look to her card. So I created this sample to show her what I meant. She loved it and is creating her own versions of them as well. To recreate I used Recollections card base and stamp. Using metallic paper I had in stock I hand die cut them using a Spellbinders die. The black center with the image is also metallic cardstock. I used Martha Stewart punch to create the ribbon out of metallic cardstock. Lastly, the musical paper was used from a scrap paper that's also found in the Recollections paper packet. Can't remember which one, sorry.

This angel's card was created when a friend of mine thought we should give our pastor hand made cards using angels because we called our bible study group, "the angels". Well I quickly found out I don't have many angel stamps so I purchase a Hero's wood stamp set and made this card using Close to My Heart cardstock (Whisper, Daisy White), Frosted Paper Packet, Neutral Baker's Twine, and a retired Daisy White glitter button. I colored the stamp images using alcohol markers.

This card was made using both Close to My Heart and Recollections paper and cardstock. I used Close to My Heart Polar Bear Holiday stamp and Whisper cardstock. Using Recollections patterned paper and cardstock I made this charming little card. I colored these fun characters using alcohol markers.

Remember mix and match. I love purchasing items that are versatile for me to use time and time again. Holiday stamps are just the trick. It's Christmas every year, birthdays occur every month, and it's always polite to send a Thank You card. So don't feel guilty for buying these items.

Don't forget Close to My Heart has an incredible deal when you purchase from the current Holiday Guide. View the 2013 Holiday Guide here.

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Pop Card using Stitched with Love

This is a second card I made for my interactive greeting card workshop. It's an adorable card that when tab is pulled this charming little girl pops up.

I learned how to create this card from a YouTube by Kim Score posted below.

To recreate this card using Close to My Heart products you will need Lagoon cardstock, Daisy White Cardstock, Stitched with Love stamp, It's a Party Washi Tape, foam squares, alcohol markers, patterned paper, tape runner, bone folder, and red tape.

The measurements for the card pieces that I used are as follows:

Daisy White Cardstock- Card Base= 5 1/4" x 4 1/2"

Lagoon Cardstock- Background back that pops up = 5 3/8" x 4"

Mechanism pops front piece = 2 1/2" x 1 1/2"

Mechanism that pops back piece = 2 3/4" x 1"

Little Mechanism that pops out front piece= 1/2" x 1 1/2"

Jingle Paper- Paper that wraps around = 1 1/2" x 9"

I hope you can recreate this. I think the video is simple enough to follow and I enjoyed making it by following the directions.

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

December time to send the Holiday Greeting Cards

I can't believe it's December already. I've been busy creating greeting cards to send. As time goes on my circle of friends have increase which is a wonderful blessing. Below is a picture of one of the interactive greeting cards that I've made and taught at my last workshop.

Featuring the Sparkle & Shine Paper Packet, Red Shimmer Trim, Sparkle & Shine Washi Tape, stamp from the Frosted Card Workshop on the Go, Mary and Babe Stamp, Red Base and Bling Jewels, Silver Shimmer Trim, Olive Ink Pad, Honey Ink Pad, Ruby Ink Pad, Bamboo Ink Pad, Black Archival Ink Pad, Whisper Alcohol Marker, Olive Alcohol Marker, Ruby Alcohol Ink Marker,
and

This is the inside of the greeting card.

In order to create this greeting card you must first own a Sizzix Bigz die#658038, Accordion Album. I cut six pages out using the Sparkle & Shine paper packet. I place all the pages with the tabs to the right. Tabs are then adhered to the back of the center page.

Using Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge cut out the center picture frame mats.
First, turn to page 53 in the Instructional Manual to see how to cut out the frame. Select <Square 4>, Cut image out at 2 3/4" out of Daisy White Cardstock. You will need 4 pieces but I recommend cutting out 6 just in case you need extra pieces for stamping. Also cut out the picture frame base out of Ruby (2 pieces) and Whisper (4 pieces) cardstocks at 2 1/2" by selecting <Square 4>.

For the first/cover page, I stamp the star in Honey, trees in Olive, sentiments in Ruby, and snowflakes with Bamboo Ink. The embellishment is a retired item from Close to My Heart.

I particularly like how you can color images using CTMH Black Archival Ink. My recommendation is let the images sit for a minute or two before using alcohol markers. Below is how I decorate page two of the card.

I hope you enjoyed this greeting card as much as I enjoyed making it. Hopefully you can make your own version and wow family and friends. Happy Crafting.

Monday, December 2, 2013

Cyber Monday Sale

I have 4 Cyber Sale Deals for YOU! Shipping is FREE!!!!

*** DEAL 1*** Offer Expires: December 15th

Cricut Cartridges just $85! Shipping is FREE! Only orders taken in the US to be shipped in the US. Get all three for just $255!

Art Philosophy, Artiste, Artbooking Cricut Collection Bundle: $255

Art Philosophy Cricut Collection $85

Artiste Cricut Collection $85

Artbooking Cricut Collection $85

****DEAL 2****
Spend $50 or more online and receive November's Stamp of the Month FREE! Must join my online party! Offer ends December 9th! * May substitute with another SOM of equal value if supplies runs out.

***DEAL 3***
Spend $100 and get a Free Star Item from the Holiday Guide and the Free Stamp of the Month by Shopping Online. Offers ends at December 28, 2013.

Star Items are found in the Holiday Guide

***DEAL 4***
Close to My Heart In-Stock Inventory Sale, 25%-50% OFF all items listed below with FREE Shipping. Price listed is already marked down. Just add items to cart and pay at the end.

SCRAPBOOKING KITS, CARD KITS, & PAPER PACKETS

Whooo's Your Valentine Workshop Kit (Kit 1,Qty: 1) Contains: 12-Die Cut Boxes, 3 Cardstock, 1 Silver Glitter Paper, 12 Treat Tubes with Lids, 1 Whooo's Your Valentine Stamp D1548.Was $20, Now $11.97

Dream Pop Scrapbooking Kit (Kit #2, Qty: 1) Contains: Colorful Glossy Patterned cardstock, Pinwheel stamp S1305, and Workshop Guide for scrapbook layouts and greeting cards in color. Was $20, Now $11.97

Dream Pop Scrapbooking Kit (Kit#3, Qty: 1) Contains: Colorful Glossy Patterned Cardstock, Whoo's Your Valentine Stamp D1548, and Workshop Guide for scrapbooking layouts and greeting cards. Was $20, Now $11.97

Chantilly Paper Packet (X7163B) Qty:1, Was $9.95, Now $6.97

Buzz & Bumble Paper Packet (X7164B) Qty: 1. Was $9.95, Now $6.97

Laughing Lola Paper Packet (X7170B) Qty: 1, Was $9.94, Now $6.97

Brown Glitter Paper (Z1830) Qty: 1, Contains: 3 pieces. Was $5.95, Now $4.17

EMBELLISHMENTS

Colonial White Mini Medley (Z1276).Qty:3, Was:$5.95, Now. $2.95

Black Mini Medley (Z1393), Qty: 4, Was $5.95, Now $2.95

Color Ready Seam Binding Ribbon (Z1732) 10 yards. Qty: 1 left Was $6.95, Now $4.77

Color Ready Midtown Cork Shapes (Z1863) Qty:1, Was $4.95, Now $3.47

Laughing Lola Complements (X7170C), Qty: 2, Chipboard pieces. Was $4.95, Now $2.97

Laughing Lola Assortment (Z1854), Qty: 2, 13 pieces. Was $4.95, Now. $2.97

Buzz & Bumble Assortment (Z1831), Qty 1, Was $4.95, Now $2.97

Frosted Assortment (Z1890), Qty: 1, Was $5.95, Now $2.97

Baby Cakes Assortment (Z1869), Qty: 1. Was $4.95, $2.97

Neutral Baker's Twine (Z1701), Qty:1, Was $4.95, Now $2.97

Canvas Badge Buttons (Z1397), Qty: 1, Was $6.95, Now $3.95

Color Ready Arbor Wooden Shapes (Z1765) Qty: 3. Was $4.95. Now $2.97

Durable Studs (Z1705) Qty:1, 24 studs with adhesive. Was $3.95, Now $2.77

CRAFTING PROJECTS

Treat Tubes (Z1823,) Qty: 3 left. Contains: 6 clear treat tubes with lids. Was $5.95, Now $3.58

My Creations Memory Game (Z1614) Qty: 1, Contains: 1 Box with 24 Chipboard Pieces. Was $5.95, Now $3.58

My Creations Ring Box (Z1868) Qty:1 Was $3.95, Now $2.77

My Creations Card Box (Z1647) Qty: 2. Was $4.95, Now $3.95

My Creations Display Album (Z1054) Qty: 1. Was $8.95, Now $4.48

My Creations Collage Cubes (Z1737), Qty: 2, Was $16, Now $10.00

DISTRESSING TOOLS

Edge Distresser (Z1297) Qty:1,Was $2.50, Now $2.00

Sanding Tool Kit (220) Qty: 1, Was $4.95, Now $2.75

INK PADS AND MARKERS

Slate Ink Pad (Z2173) Qty:1, Was $5.95, Now $3.57

Blending Pen (3174) Qty: 1, Was $3.95, Now $2.95

STAMPS

Happy Birthday (M1033) Stamp. Qty:2, Was $3.95, Now $2.77

School is Here (B1407) Stamp. Qty: 1.Was $9.95, Now $6.95`

Poster Tiding (S1309) Stamp. Sept 2013 SOM. Qty: 2 left. Was $17.95, Now $7.95

Year Round Cheer (S1212) Stamp. Dec 2012 SOM, Qty:1. Was $17.95. Now $7.95

You Are My Happy (CC1025) Stamp. Double Stamp Set with Images & Sentiment. Qty: 2. Was $10, Now $5.00

You are My Happy (CC1025) Qty: 2. Alphabet set. Was $10.00, Now $5.00

Very Merry Christmas (S1210) Stamp. Oct 2012 SOM. Works with Artiste Cartridge. Qty: 1, Was $9.95, Now $7.95

A Garden (A 1119) Stamp. Qty: 1 Was $6.95, Now $5.00

Perfect Fit Dad (C1542) Stamp. Qty: 1. Coordinates with Artiste cartridge. Was $13.95, Now $9.00

Whooo's Your Valentine (D1548) Stamp. Qty: 1, Works with Artiste cartridge. Was $9.95, Now $5

Tag the Occasion (B1362), Qty1. Works with Art Philosophy. Was $6.95, Now $5.00

Wintery Wishes (C1560) Qty: 1. Hostess Only stamp. Was $13.95, Now $9.95

MISC.

Circle Spinner Cards (Z2866) Qty:2. Contains 10 cards & 10 envelopes. $8.95, Now $5.37

Memory Protectors Flip Flap (Z1325) Qty: 1, Contains: 8-12" Assorted protectors with adhesive flaps. Was $5.95, Now $4.10

Memory Protectors Flip Flaps Small (Z1747) Qty:1 Contains: 16 small assortment with adhesive flaps. Was $3.95, Now $2.95

Premade Superhero Paper Bag Mini Album (PBSuper) Qty: 1 Was $30, Now $20

Premade Pemberly Paper Bag Mini Album (PBPemb) Qty: 1 Was $28, Now $18

Sunday, December 1, 2013

Get a Great Deal with just $49+

Here's an incredible deal from Close to My Heart for just $49 + Tax+ Shipping and Handling, becoming a consultant to become eligible to receive an exclusive Picture My Life project, which is not available to the public until February 2014!

To register to become a Close to My Heart Independent Consultant click here and pay your online registration for $49+Tax+Shipping and Handling for the Essential Kit. You will receive a Consultant Kit valued at $130!

You may upgrade to a Master's Level receive materials that will support your business for $99+Tax+Shipping that's valued at $233, but that's optional (shown below).

Join Close To My Heart between November 1 and December 15, 2013, and submit qualifying minimum personal sales, they will not only receive one of their choice of the incredible new Picture My Life scrapbooking programs, but they will become the newest member of the Close To My Heart family!

Who is eligible to sign up?
We welcome everyone in the US who desires to sign up as a Close To My Heart Consultant, even those who have formerly been a Consultant with another scrapbooking company or with Close To My Heart.

Can a new Consultant select from either the Essentials or the Master New Consultant Kit at enrollment as part of this campaign?
Yes, both are options for new Consultants that sign up during the promotional period of November 1 to December 15, 2013.

What is required of a New Consultant to receive the Picture My Life scrapbooking program free?
A new Consultant must sign up between November 1 and December 15, 2013, as well as submit minimum personal sales of $300 before March 31, 2014.

What is the new Picture My Life™ scrapbooking program? The eight new Picture My Life™ scrapbooking programs feature themes based on some of our most popular paper packets, plus two brand new paper packets. Each individual program features 122 double-sided, designed cards plus 10 unique Memory Protectors™ to hold creative combinations of these cards and your own photos. You get 44 – 4" × 6" cards (2 each of 22 designs) which come in 14 vertical and 8 horizontal designs. You also get 78 – 3" × 4" cards (3 each of 26 designs) which come in 10 vertical designs and 16 horizontal designs. (Sample is viewable below)

What makes the Picture My Life™ scrapbooking program different from other card-style programs on the market?
Our product features unique Close To My Heart designs, specifically with Jeanette’s signature artistic influence. Many card programs are very simple patterns or solid colors, and our product offers a much more thoughtful approach to design, journaling options and prompts, headlines, and layered, graphical, illustrated or distressed style—each of the 8 kits really is a fresh take that is theme-rich and yet extremely versatile, not just color changing the same core designs. Additionally, our cards are printed on our Background and Texture-weight cardstock, heavier than similar programs on the market, which makes them easy to mix and match with coordinating cardstocks or papers. Our 12" × 12" cover page gives you a unique opening page to kick off your album and deliver a finished look, and our Memory Protectors™ remain the same heavy-weight, durable material you’ve come to depend on to protect your photos—absolutely the industry standard!

How is the Picture My Life™ scrapbooking program intended to be used?
The product was designed to fill the 10 included Memory Protectors™ following a guideline of 50% photos to 50% cards (which will give you several different card options leftover to give users choice as they create their custom layout.) However, it’s just a fun and versatile product—you can use it any way you wish! If you use a higher ratio of photos, you can purchase additional Memory Protectors™ separately (all styles sold separately as well as part of the scrapbooking program); you can mix and match cards from different programs, and you can absolutely mix Picture My Life™ with classic 12" × 12" layouts, including those from Workshops on the Go™ and coordinating My Reflections™ paper packets.

This program is meant to provide you with the ease of scrapbooking life’s moments as they happen. With adorable pre-designed cards featuring unique sentiments, icons, and journaling space, all you have to add is your own photo collection! The several themes can be mixed and matched for more versatility. The prompts on several of the cards will help you creatively journal, and the various assortments of Memory Protectors™ will make your finished products truly unique.

Need more information, feel free to view the following videos or visit my website.

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