Holiday Cards with Stamping Gear

In preparing for my Michael's Arts & Craft store class called Stamping Gear I decided to create a holiday card version of the class. It still teaches the techniques and uses their stamps. However, I had to use Close to My Heart products too. It's the only thing I brought along with me on my vacation.

I made four cards but wanted to show you my two favorites. I think you can see why these are my favorites.

This is a 6" x 6" card I used the small center gear and used Topiary and Olive Green Inks. Two stamps from the same stamp set was used. I matted this piece in Chocolate cardstock with an Olive Green card base.

For the inside I also matted the sentiment. This sentiment is from a Close to My Heart stamp called Merry and Bright, found in the current Idea Book.

The sentiment was stamped using Topiary pigment ink and topped with Gold embossing powder. I wanted a gold/green look so I heat embossed it. I love the way it turned out.

 

This card also measure 6" x 6" and I used the Stamping Gear and stamps to create this lovely affect. Whisper Cardstock was used for the card base, then Twilight cardstock for mat, Daisy White for the stamping base. The color I used to stamp these snowflakes was Twilight. The center snowflake is a Close to My Heart stamp called Snowflake, and can be purchased for only $2.95.  I used CTMH Silver Bitty bling on each snowflake.

The snowflake was stamped using Twilight Pigment Ink topped with Clear Embossing Powder. I heat embossed this image and added Silver Bitty Bling for sparkle. The scalloped background was cut out using a CTMH punch and Twilight cardstock.

 

 

The Warm Wishes sentiment is from a Close to My Heart stamp called Warm Wishes, currently featured in the new Idea Book.

 

What can I say Stamping Gear is fun but I still love my Close to My Heart products.

 

 

Artbooking Mini Album

This mini album was one that I created during CTMH Convention and I absolutely adore it. I am sure many of my friends will too. So here's a few of the snapshots of the pages. This album was created using Cricut Cartridge Artbooking, Laughing Lola Dimensional Elements, Laughing Lola Accessories, Natural Baker's Twine, Geometric Shapes stamp, and one cardstock in Colonial White, White Daisy, Olive Green, Honey, Whisper, Lagoon, and Black colors. You will also need glue dots, tape runner, 3D tape, fine tip liquid adhesive, sponge (optional), scissors, and ink pads in the following colors: Olive Green, Black, and Lagoon.

We used Laughing Lola's Dimensional Elements on the cover, the hearts strip was stamped in Lagoon ink. Use your 3D tape for dimension here. All pages were created using Artbooking Cricut Cartridge. It was easy to reconstruct I would easily recommend this project for a beginner to follow along at a workshop.

 

Again Laughing Lola Dimensional Elements and Accessories really add punch. Artbooking was used to create the photo mat, the Hello greeting, and the arrow. The check board print was created using the Geometric shapes stamp.

All pieces were created using Artbooking and Laughing Lola Accessories were the crown jewel on these darling butterflies. Stamping the patterns on butterflies and arrows adds interest to these elements. Who says background stamps can only be used as backgrounds?

Simple but fun-ctional pages using cutouts and layering dimensional. Again using that background stamp on two elements for more interest.

This has got to be my favorite pages of the mini book. I love pockets! The note book is a Dimensional Element layered on top of a page. I also stamped on green cardstock and layered that on top of a file style photo mat.  Arrows are so cute but allows you to add a title to this page.

 

Honey comb overlays are so popular right now and CTMH knows what we love. Here we can cut out great honey comb patterns and geometric shapes that are right on cue with the market trends. Cut outs with stamping add appeal, dimensional elements add dimension.

 

 

Thanks for visiting my blog if you wish to purchase any of these items feel free to visit my site at http://FrancisAmes.ctmh.com

 

Halloween Layout using Artbooking

I'm currently on vacation in Maine but I couldn't stay away from the blog for too long. I brought along on my trip my Cricut Expression, Artbooking cartridge, stamps, inks, and cardstock. Well there was one rainy day that allowed me some time to create. I thought it would be fun to create a Halloween scrapbook layout. I think it's been a while since I last created one.

 

I used the For Always Paper Packet, Sunset cardstock, Smokey Plum cardstock, White Daisy cardstock, Black cardstock, scrap of Crème Brulee cardstock, Black glitter paper, Natural Baker's Twine, and of course Artbooking Cricut cartridge.

 

The Haunted House, picture mats, moon, bats, and lattice work were cut using the Artbooking Cricut Cartridge. To recreate these items I will refer to the Artbooking booklet/manual.

• The Haunted House is on page 71, select: Border, Shift, and V. Cut item at 10" on Black cardstock.
• Framed mats can also be found on Page 71, select: Photo Mat 2 and V, cut frames at 7".
• The Latice work was cut to Fit Page, image found on page 71. The Latice work can be recreated by selecting the "Overlay" function, Shift, then V.  I did trim a portion of it to fit this layout.
• Needs some bats. They can also be found on page 71, I cut various of them by selecting "Icon", "Shift" and then "V".
• The title Spooky, is also an Artbooking perk. It can be found on page 70, cut to size 7" in black glittery paper. To recreate select "Title", "Shift", and "C".

 

 

Again using the Artbooking cartridge I cut most of these pieces found on page 70 in the manual.

 

• To create the title select: "Title", "Shift", and "C". I cut the title out of Smokey Plum cardstock at 7 inches.
• Spider web corner were cut by selecting "Overlay", "Shift" and "C" cut at 7 inches as well.
• Now we can't forget our spiders. Select "Border", "Shift", and "C", cut one spider at 5" and the second at 3". Using Natural Baker's Twine I just used a glue dot from the spider web to the spider to create a string.
• Web Frames are just so neat. I left corners unglued so that I can just slide a picture in there. They were cut at 7" and 6" by selecting "Photo Mat 1", and "V." This image is found on page 70.
• The only thing that needs to be added are pictures and a journal that fits perfectly on the bottom left corner.

 

I hope you enjoyed this layout as much as I had fun creating it. I didn't give paper dimensions because I would love to see what you create using the Halloween paper cut outs using the Artbooking Cricut Cartridge and your scraps just like I did.

 

If you would like to purchase the Artbooking Cricut Cartridge that's exclusively through Close to My Heart feel free to visit my online store at http://FrancisAmes.ctmh.com

 

Until next time, happy crafting!

 

 

 

Oh baby!

I love the Baby Cakes Paper Packet and when my friend Sherbi asked me to design some baby animal themed thank you cards for a recent baby shower you know that I had to try out the latest Close to My Heart items. So why not share a couple of my designs using nothing but items found in the newest Autumn/Winter Idea Book.

In the first card I used the paper packet called Babycakes (X7173B). To cut out the animals, and the matted background frame I used the new Cricut Cartridge collection called Artbooking (Z1906). New scalloped punch (Z1851) and Bronze Shimmer Trim tape (Z1849) with a touch of Brown Sparkle (Z1753) for bling allowed me to pull this project together.

 

To reconstruct this or a similar card you will need the following measurements and steps:

1. One Baby Cake polka-dot B&T paper cut into two strips measuring 1" x 4.25". The polka dot and letter print are on the same paper so you can really use your scraps to create this card.
2. You will also need Whisper cardstock (found in paper packet) and cut a small strip also measuring at 1" x 4.25".
3. Using the scallop border punch create the scalloped design out using the three strips measuring at 1" x 4.25.
4. The card measure at 10" x 4.25", when folded it measures 5" x 4.25" fits a standard envelope.
5. Select a second patterned paper featuring the animal print.  Cut a piece measuring 2" width x 3" height.
6. Cut a piece of Bronze Shimmer Trim at 4.25" in length and a second piece at 2.5". The shimmer trim has an adhesive back to the ribbon making it easy to adhere to your project.
7. Babycake Paper Packet also contains the solid cardstock needed such as Colonial White, Chocolate, Sunset (orange) and Buttercup (Yellow). You will need these in order to cut out your pieces on the Cricut machine using the Artbooking cartridge. Do not use Real Dial.
8. Cut the Chocolate cardstock at 8", turn to page 77 in booklet for image, select Title, then Walking on Water key, then the cut key.
9. Using the same image cut Daisy White cardstock at 7.5" by selecting Repeat Last, change the size of image to cut at 7.5, then press the cut key. You may also follow step 8 if you are using the Personal Cricut machine.
10. Now is time to create the lion's body. See image on page 50 in the Cricut booklet. Using the Sunset (orange) cardstock we will cut image out at 7". First select Icon, then "e" key, set size, then cut.
11. Insert the Buttercup (yellow) cardstock to create the lion's mane and face. Ensure that Icon key is on, then press Shift key and R. Cut this image out at 7" as well.
12. Now it's time to put all the pieces together. First adhere the animal patterned B&T paper along the crease.
13. Layer the scalloped pieces beginning from the bottom up. You will layer lettering pattern, whisper cardstock, polka-dot pattern paper. I left a 2/16 inch from the bottom untouched to reveal the Buttercup cardstock. Layer the pattern with lettering, From a scallop border edge to edge I left a 6/16 inch  or 1 cm in order to view of the bottom layer.
14. Next adhere the Bronze shimmer trim long piece horizontal covering the top edge of the scalloped piece. To create the bow just remove the ribbon backing and fold it in on itself. Cover the center with a Brown sparkle. Adhere bow down using a glue dot.
15. I recommend layering the brown and white mats in the top center half of the card. The Lion can be put together using a liquid adhesives sold through CTMH. Adhere the finished lion to the center of the brown & mat mats.
16. Cut a second piece of Colonial White cardstock at 3.75" x 4.5" for inside the card. This will allow the for a message to be written of thanks, congratulations, birthday, you name it.  

 

The above card was created using Chantilly Paper Packet, Artbooking Cricut Cartridge, Pear Mini Medley, and Daisy White cardstock. With the exception of the button used all items are in the current Idea Book. To reconstruct this adorable card You will need the following steps and measurements.

1. Chantilly Paper with floral and bird design should be trimmed to measure 3.5" x 3.5" and also cut a smaller piece measuring 1/2" x 1 1/2" for the banner.
2. Next using the same patterned paper above (the back side has a green patterned) cut a circle from the Artbooking, image found on page 83 in booklet. Select this image by pressing the Border button, the Shift key, then the All Star button. Circle needs to be cut at 8", No Real Dial were used.
3. Cut a second circle from the Cotton Candy cardstock by pressing Repeat Last key, then changing the size of image to 6.5".
4. The third circle was cut using the Buttercup (Yellow) cardstock by selecting Repeat Last key, then changing the size of image to 5".
5. If you are using a Personal Cricut machine you will need to follow step 2 and change the sizes and card stock to get desired measurements.
6.  The Many Thanks sentiment was from the top edge of the patterned paper. Trimmed the top sentiment out then cut a v-notch to create a ribbon.
7. Now it's time to reconstruct this card by first adhering the floral/bird patterned paper so that it lays flushed along the left hand side leaving a 2/16 inch border from the top.  Next, adhere the green patterned circle, layer the Butter cup (yellow) circle so that it is touching just one corner of the green circle, followed by the Cotton Candy circle so that it overlaps the other two circles.
8. Using any of the liquid adhesives or Tombo adhesive begin to layer the giraffe pieces together. The completed giraffe should now be adhered. I placed him 3/4 inch from the top of the card and 1.25" from the left hand side.
9. Now cut a v'notch the Thank You sentiment  to create a banner look and then layer it on top of the green patterned paper banner. Adhere these items to the bottom of card as shown. Remember to leave room for the button. To adhere the button I used a glue dot.

 

If you enjoyed these cards and would like to recreate your own with the same supplies you may order these directly from the Close to My Heart company at my Independent Consultant site at www.FrancisAmes.cthm.com.

 

Until next time, happy crafting!

1.  

Laughing Lola

I had fun creating projects using Laughing Lola but these projects were featured at the past CTMH convention and wanted to share with you the many ways you can use this lovely paper packet and accessories.

Laughing Lola, X7170B

Laughing Lola Assortment (embellishments), Z1854
Laughing Lola Complements Dimensional Elements, X71710C

 Lovely Trio of Cards



I'm challenging to scraplift this greeting card.

Use your Cricut Artbooking to create 3D projects.

 

 

 

Decorate a Ring Box, Z1868.

 

 

 

Next time I will feature a mini book using the NEW Cricut Cartridge Artbooking and Laughing Lola embellishments. Check back on Tuesday for the inside scoop.



 

 





 



 

Easy Holiday Card

I love to make simple holiday cards that you can duplicate yet you are proud to present to someone because it looks like you put a lot of effort into them.

So I've created a greeting card using Current New Idea Book items with items that you may already own. I used the For Always paper packet (X7165B), Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge (Z1686), (NEW) Red Shimmer Trim (z1848), (NEW) Ruby Mini Medley (Z1861), (NEW) Yuletide Greetings stamp (D1553), 3" x 3" Acrylic Block (Y1006), Sponge - optional (Z697), Slate Ink Pad - optional (Z2175) and Black Ink Pad (Z2105).  I also used CTMH Ruby (Z2429), Honey (Z2415), Olive (Z2425) and Sky Blue (Z2402) Alcohol Markers.

 

If you would like to recreate this card for the holiday I've included below the instructions to follow with your Cricut machine.

1. Turn to your Art Philosophy cartridge booklet to page 43.
2. You will first insert the chevron patterned paper to create the card base. Select CARD key, square (third row, third key) and cut at 4.25". If you have a Personal Cricut machine you may want to cut this at 4.5" and will need a 5" x 5" envelope.
3. Next you will cut the Ruby cardstock to create a red frame by removing Card feature and selecting Square key (third row, third key) and cut at 4".
4. You will need Daisy White cardstock. Cut two shapes at 3.5" by selecting Square key, then cut. One piece will be for the top of the card and second piece will be used for the inside so that you may write your message.
5. Cut Red Shimmer and Trim tape at 4.25" in length. You will adhere it to the front of the card in the center laying horizontal by starting to place it from the left to the right. You will need to trim the excess from the right of the card due to its peak.
6. Using a piece of sponge (you may want to cut round sponge into quarters and save the rest for another project) pick up Slate ink using to ink the edges of the Ruby and White cardstock by swiping the inked sponge along the edge of those pieces. If you do not wish to ink piece edges you may skip this step all together.
7. Adhere the Ruby cardstock onto the center front of the card.
8. Place your Yuletide stamp onto your acrylic block and ink the stamp image in black ink. Don't forget to place your foam mat stamp insert beneath your white cardstock before stamping.
9. Next stamp your greeting Yuletide Greetings in Black Ink.
10. Now color in your images using the alcohol markers. I used the Sky Blue marker for a shadowing affect on the greeting card sentiment.
11. Now you may adhere this last piece into place and the second white cardstock inside the card.

If you would like to recreate this item feel free to order them online at www.FrancisAmes.cthm.com.

 

Until the next time happy crafting!

 

Want a $17.95 My Acrylic Stamp FREE

We know the great quality that Close to My Heart offers and their stamps in my opinion are the best. I get a great image every time. So when I read about this month's offer I almost fell over. They are gifting the August Stamp of the Month, $17.95 stamp, for $50 or more orders made online during the month of August 2013 only. Wow!!!

Are these stamps not adorable?

 

Check out the items featured in the above picture up close.

 

 

To place a qualifying order during this time limited offer, visit my online store at http://FrancisAmes.ctmh.com.

 

 

Coming soon.. My Purchasing Guide and Holiday Cards ideas. I'm working on a YouTube video tutorial featuring the new Cricut Cartridge Artbooking. I'll let you know when that becomes available. Meanwhile, let the paper crafting continue!



 

 

NEW IDEA BOOK AUTUMN WINTER 2013-2014 LAUNCH

I'm so thrilled that the new Idea Book is now available for customers view and item can be purchase. I can't tell you how hard it's been for me not share all the goodies that I made and learned at convention. Well don't worry I'll do my best to share them. For now take a look at the online version of the Idea Book.

Well there are many good surprises in store for you for example the new Cricut Cartridge called Artbooking. I love this cartridge! Actually I love all of them but this cartridge makes scrapbooking so easy and if you are like me that enjoy creating mini-albums then this is the cartridge for you.

 

There are two new product lines that were introduced in this catalog: the MyCrush and Base and Bling lines. My Crush is similar to the Smash Books while the Base and Bling is a wearable craft line such as necklace, bracelets, rings,and head bands. I love head bands so you know I will be creating one to match my necklace. Also new home décor items, washi tape, and more glittery ribbon. Who doesn't like bling?

 

So here's the HOT snippets for your to view in the Idea Book online.

• Stamp of the Months are now in the front of album starting on page 11.
• Cricut Artbooking collection page 59
• My Crush Albums on page 65
• Base and Bling starting on page 75
• Designer Home Décor items begin on page 71 but check out Page 73.
• Need washi tape or glittery ribbon check out page 121.
• New how to book Make It From the Heart Volume 2 and previous books in spiral bound on page 141

What's really amazing is Close to My Heart's (CTMH) efforts to make crafting affordable for everyone. Their stamps prices now start at $2.95 and they've dropped their Workshop on the Go (WOG) with starting prices at $24.95 which means hostess can potentially get a WOG for FREE with a party sales totaling $150 or more.

 

Not only that but CTMH is now offering special stamps and deep discounts just for hostesses. I can honestly say that I want to host a workshop every week just to get the stamps! Check out the exclusive stamps for hostess starting on page 6. I absolutely love the Washi Wonder and the adorable penguin in Wintery Wishes stamps but can see myself using all of the hostess stamps.

 

The best part of being a hostess

• You don't have to open your home to host a "party"
• No need to collect money or even deliver products
• Host an online party and have your friends look at the products online and place an order directly cutting you as the middle person doing all the work
•  Earn FREE and exclusive products when party sales are $150 or more
• Your friends can get to enjoy this month's great promotion of a FREE Stamp of the Month, a $17.95 when they place a $50 or more order.

Now is the time to host your own online, in person, or catalog party. What are you waiting for to contact me for more details? Orders can be placed if you are located in the US, US Military Bases, Puerto Rico, and Canada. Orders can now be shipped to PO Boxes.

 

Meanwhile enjoy the new Fall/Winter Idea Book 2013-2014.