Sneak Preview

I've created a layout featuring a new paper packet called Balloon Ride found in the Spring/Summer 2014 Idea Book. Just remember that the new idea book will be release on February 1st. I used both the Balloon Ride Paper Packet and the Complements. I followed the scrapbooking layout design found on EvenMoreScrapping blog.

 

I also used a few non-Close to My Heart products such as the girlie ribbon, flowers, sentiments, and pearl flourish/swirl. All other embellishments were from the Balloon Ride Complements package. I can't wait to share with you next week more creations featuring this product. In the meantime, happy scrapping!

Beware Mr. Otter is Washi

So far I've submitted one scrapbooking page to meet a scrapbooking challenge at SplitcoastStampers by following their bi-weekly sketch challenge SBSC339.

 

 Once I saw the sketch I thought that looks like either a texture challenge or a washi challenge. I thought I could possibly embossed cardstocks and lay them down or use ribbons. Ribbons? Why ribbons when I can use washi tape. So here goes my first scrapbooking layout where the focus is washi tape.  

 When I first discovered washi tape I instantly loved it. I began to collected washi tape and have learned that not all brands are equal in quality. Some tend to tear very easily. Others are just flat out imposters. They are decorative tape (not easily repositionable) and not washi tape (repositionable). Recollections and even Tim Holtz's version tends to tear on me :( 

However,  I haven't experience any problems with CTMH washi tape but want more. I feel a bit limited by the small collection but will definitely incorporate them in more projects. For now, this was my perfect excuse to use my Recollections washi tape and my scraps of cardstock. I used Metallic Navy Blue cardstock and Orange.

 

So how do I store washi tape?

 When I first started collecting washi tape I used a jewelry container because CTMH did not offer a storage solution.

 

Today, I plan to switch to CTMH small organizer and continue to build my collection.

 

 

Yes, I do own CTMH washi tape see here's proof.

 

I encourage you to view Close to My Hearts for washi tape after February 1st because more washi tapes will become available by then.

 

 

Happy Birthday to Me!

So today's my birthday and I'm off to get my hair done. My mother once told me that I was born in a blizzard and it was tough to get to the hospital. Ever since that day the weather for my birthday is always terrible. It's either too cold, rainy, sleet, or snowing. Well today's weather is not that great but I refuse to let that ruin my day. It's a really a blessing, each and every day. I feel really fortunate to be alive. A few years back I was in a car accident that left my car totaled- no fault of my own, and my body badly bruised and hurt. I felt like I was given a second chance at life. So I will rejoice! And of course eat my favorite cake-love strawberries:)

 

"This is the day which the Lord has made, Let us rejoice and be glad in it!"

Psalm 118:24

 

As you may know I recently joined Splitcoaststampers and earlier this month I made one card that would meet three challenges: Faith Base Challenge using above bible verse(BVC14-PSA 118:24), Card Sketch Challenge (SC470), and Color Combination Challenge (CC460).It's a simple card but it's my tribute to another year for rejoicing.

 

I used Laughing Lola paper packet, Honey, Pacifica and Lagoon cardstock. Using Artbooking Cricut Cartridge to cut out the sun burst. 

Just another Girlie Thank You Card

I can't wait to start creating a new scrapbook layout starting tomorrow featuring Brand New Papers from the NEW Idea Book that will become available beginning February 1st. So you'll just have to wait until next week to see my scrapbooking layouts.

This week, I'm participating in a couple of challenges from

 www.CraftingbyDesign.blogspot.com  

          The challenge was to create a girlie card.

 www.MojoMonday.blogspot.com

          Card Sketch MOJO329

 www.Splitcoaststampers.com

          Color Challenge  CC462

 

The girlie part is all the ribbon, lace, and of course bling. I'm a scrapbooking girl so you know I had to incorporate my most girlie pursuit- Paper Crafts of course! Check out how beautiful the layers look.

 

What can I say I also love texture and adding dimension to my projects. Here layering lace, ribbon, embossed card stock, and of course 3D foam tape brings this project to life. Who doesn't love bling? I just had to incorporate it to keep up with the theme. I tried for a while to track down this retired stamp called Ms. Scrapbooking. I think we have some resemblance like we both have short black hair, and I often create while wearing an apron.

 

If you would like to recreate your own card you'll need the following supplies: Chantilly Paper Packet, Cardstock from Whooo's Your Valentine Campaign (Retired), Pink Glitter Gems, Hollyhock Ribbon (Retired), Daisy White Cardstock, Stamps: Washi Wonder (D1558-Retired), Ms. Scrapbook (B1352- Retired), Sympathy Card Chatter for the "You" (D1476-Retired), and Simple Stitches (C1234-Retired), Stamp Pads: Sweet Leaf (Z2153), Ruby (Z2170), Black Momento Ink, Alcohol Markers, White Satin Ribbon, Foam Tape, Scissors, and Paper Trimmer, Spellbinders die and Sizzix Embossing Folders.

 

Cutting Measurements:

• 5" x 7" Daisy White Card Base folded
• 5" x 3" Chantilly Paper (floral pattern)
• 1" x 3" Chantilly Paper (opposite side of floral is the green pattern)
• 5" x .75" Light Pink Cardstock
• 4" x .75" (cut 3 pieces for stamping washi & sentiment) Daisy White Card base
• 4" x 2" Daisy White Card Base for stamping character
• 4" x 5" Dark Pink Cardstock for mat
• 3.5" x 3" Medium Shade Pink Cardstock for mat

My next two posts will be greeting cards then next week I'm hoping to post my scrapbooking layouts. Until next time... keep on crafting!

More Focus on Layouts using Cricut

Here's a great way to create visual focus to your layout using your Cricut machine to cut out triangles to create a fun swirlin' shape pattern. A Circular pattern is a great way to bring focus to the subject, and ads movement to a layout. Does your layout patterns start repeating? Try this for technique for a change. Enjoy this video tutorial.




Remember you probably already have a Cricut cartridge that cuts triangles so why not give this a try?

Challenge Entry

As part of my New Year's resolution is to participate in the online community more through card or scrapbooking challenges at least once a month. Below I've created a card that meets two challenges

MOJO MONDAY- Sketch Mojo238

HEART2HEARTCHALLENGES-Create something that uses the letters CTMH.
C= Cardstock, Chipboard, Chevron washi tape
T=Texture, Textile-Sparkle & Shine
M=Milepost Chipboard, Mojo Monday sketch, Metallic cardstock
H=Hearts, Hot Air Balloon

I think I've also read another challenge that I believe was on Splitcoaststampers where you try to combine patterns but having trouble finding it again. Combine two patterns for easy and five for difficulty. In this card, I've meet the difficulty level. Look closely there are in fact 5 patterns. The one that's least obvious is the Silver Geometric washi tape (Z1932) below the textile.

 

Most of the supplies used are from Close to My Heart:



• Daisy White Card Base  5"x 7" folded 
• Stamp Shape Frame from Cricut Cartridge Artbooking; the image can be found on page 66. To recreate select Photo Mat 2, Shift L, cut at 8 1/2"
• Chipboard banner was included in Artbooking collection
• Sparkle & Shine Washi Tape Pack (1907)-Lagoon on the chipboard banner was from the Holiday Guide 2013-retired
• Silver Geometric washi tape (Z1932)
• Ruby Chevron Washi tape (Z1933)
• Milepost Chipboard Shapes is also a retired item
• Aqua Dots  (Z1853)
• Lifting Spirits stamp (C1570) from the Holiday Guide 2013 is also retired
• Red Metallic Heart stock is from DCWV
• Lagoon Grosgrain ribbon-is retired
• Lagoon patterned paper is from Dotty from You, a retired item
• Ruby Ink Pad
• Sky Ink Pad
• Black Stazon Ink Pad
• Alcohol Markers
• Tombo Adhesive
• 3D double side Tape
• Sparkle & Shine Textile (Z1884) is still available until the end of this month!

I'm going to try to carve out some time this week to create a scrapbooking layout. But this week may become distracting it's my birthday week!

 

PS. Just got my order with new paper packets from the new Idea Book that will launch on February 1st. Can't wait to show you.

Spellbinder's die are awesome!

I really enjoy playing with my Spellbinder dies because they not only cut but emboss as well. If you've played with their dies you know that the trick to the dies is using wax paper. This will allow cut items to be removed with ease which tend to get stuck in dies with intricate designs. As a Michael's Arts & Crafts instructor I get to play with different dies, machines, and get a pulse on what's new in the industry. I really enjoy getting play with a variety of mediums, teach them in person, and get a discount to boot. I've made the below cards for the Spellbinders class that I teach at Michael's.

It turns out that I had just created matches the Crafting by Design challenge for this week. So here it goes...

To recreate this card I used items entirely found at Michaels Arts & Crafts store. The chevron paper (Lost & Found Paper Packet), card base, black and white cardstock and thank you sentiment are all Recollections. The stars patterned paper is from American Crafts paper packet I purchased last year at the Joann's discount bin for $5. I couldn't resist, this paper packet has really cool colors and modern designs which I could use on my Smash Book, cards, and scrapbooks. Lastly the floral, lady bug and butterfly embellishment are from K & Company. What is not easily visible is that the floral embellishment has glitter on them. I added foam squares for dimension and really makes this card pop. I use my Cuttlebug or my Big Kick machines to cut my designs.

 

Using the right tools like Spellbinder dies are fun and can be used all year round. I created a few others to demonstrate the versatility of dies.

 

This is a great birthday card for a winter baby like me. I used a CTMH sentiment stamp here.

I cut vellum using the same die as above. I love playing with texture so I added lace ribbon and of course washi tape! The embellishment is a Recollections brad if I'm not mistaken.

 

Didn't I say I love texture. Well I've added a corrugated board and cork board for texture. I thought this might work for a man but my husband says there's to much red and not masculine enough. Next time I'll use a dark color base like navy blue. I also used a CTMH sentiment stamp here. Maybe a less fancy script will help build the masculine look.

 

The beauty of CTMH Cricut cartridges you don't have to reinvest tool after tool, dies after dies. I've made similar patterns for cards and layouts using Cricut Cartridges from Close to My Heart. What can I say I love crafting and don't like giving up my tools. I still laugh that I still own old tools no longer being manufactured and people still take notice and ask how it was created. The key is keep creating and blend the old with the new, right?

 

 

 

Holy Washi! More Washi Tape Uses...

Yes, there are more washi tapes uses than what's listed on my last post on the subject. I think I will need to consider making a more comprehensive list. For now, enjoy this video on creating washi tape backgrounds for mini albums.

 

To shop for washi tape or the mini album viewed in this tutorial just follow this link.

 

PS. Here's a secret between you and me. More washi tape options will become available in February, promise.

Close to My Heart sketch books

Close to My Heart published various "sketch books" for us to follow in book and magazine format. Make It From Your Heart (MIFYH) is what I consider the magazine format version of card making and scrapbooking sketch book. It features a sketch, shows you a cutting diagram, and pictures of how this sketch was used. I love them.

Below is a card I made using MIFYH volume 2 using pattern #24, found on page 44. I turned the sketch on its side it's like using a second sketch. This greeting card measures 5 1/2" by 4 1/4".

To recreate you will need the following supplies:
Chantilly Paper Packet-X7163C, Juniper Grosgrain Ribbon (retired), Teal Base & Bling Jewel-Z1892,  Juniper Cardstock (included in paper packet), Buttercup Cardstock (included in paper packet), Daisy White Cardstock-1385, A Flowering Bunch- S1306 (June 2013 Stamp of the Month), Black Ink Pad-1386, Juniper Ink Pad-x5752, Alcohol Markers, Scissors, Paper Trimmer, 3D Foam Tape and Tape Runner.

Cutting Measurements:
2 Pink Pattern Papers- 1"x4"
1 Floral Pattern Paper- 3.5" x 4"
Juniper Cardstock- 3.25" x 3.75"
Buttercup Cardstock- 3" x 3.5"
Daisy White Cardstock- 2.75" x 3.25"

Happy Crafting!

NATIONAL PAPER CRAFTING MONTH

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It's NATIONAL PAPER CRAFTING Month and I'm on Cloud Nine with Close to My Heart's new deal only available until January 31, 2014. Check out this video below:



In celebration of National Paper Crafting Month you can order your own adorable Cloud Nine card making kit at a fabulous price! Place a qualifying order and get this zesty kit, complete with varied die-cuts, a stamp set, and exclusive B&T paper, all at a discount. To see its playful possibilities for yourself, watch the video, then order yours before January melts away.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

You can create 10 adorable cards (2 each of 5 designs) using the materials in this exclusive card making kit and some basic supplies. The Cloud Nine card making kit offers you a sneak peek at 3 new Spring/Summer2014 Idea Book products: gold polka-dot washi tape, teal Shimmer trim, and Durables triangle studs! It also includes a new, exclusive D-size stamp set and an instructional guide for creating 10 cards. The full kit includes:

 

o        1 – My Acrylix™ Cloud Nine Stamp Set (D-size)

 

o        1 – Cloud Nine B&T Duos™ Paper

 

o        1 – Lagoon Cardstock Sheet

 

o        1 – Honey Cardstock Sheet

 

o        1 – 9" × 9½" White Daisy Die-Cuts Sheet

 

o        1 Roll – Gold Polka-Dot Washi Tape

 

o        1 Roll – Teal Shimmer Trim

 

o        1 Package – Durables Triangle Studs

 

o        10 – Card Bases & Envelopes

 

o        1 – Instructional Brochure

 

Featured colors: Lagoon, Sunset, Honey, White Daisy.

 

 

Can I buy the card making kit at its full retail price?
No.

   

     What are the recommended block sizes for the Cloud Nine stamp set?
The recommended My Acrylix™ block sizes are 2" × 6½" (Y1010) and 3" × 3" (Y1006).

 

What do I have to do to qualify for the Cloud Nine card making kit?
Simply place a qualifying order of $35 during January.

     What products count toward a qualifying purchase? Are there any items that do not count?
Qualifying products include:

o        Products from the Autumn/Winter 2013 Idea Book.

o        Stamp of the Month (both full retail and discount price)  

Products from online business (excluding "While Supplies Last" items)

 

 

Products which do not count toward a qualifying purchase include:

 

o        “While Supplies Last” items

o        New products in the Spring/Summer 2014 Idea Book

o        Layouts and JPG files purchased in Studio J™

o        Products found in the Holidays from the Heart Gift Guide

 

How many Cloud Nine card making kits can a Customer qualify for in a single order?

There is no limit! For every $35 spent in an order, you can purchase one kit for $15. For example, if you place a qualifying order of $70, you qualify for 2 Cloud Nine card making kits. Note that the Cloud Nine card making kits do not count toward qualifying order totals. The retail value of the order is totaled prior to determining promotional kit eligibility. For example, if a customer purchases $60 in retail items, and adds a single Cloud Nine card making kit for $15, that $75 purchase does NOT qualify the customer to add a second promotional kit. The qualifying base purchase is exclusive of promotional card making kits.

 

Is this offer available “while supplies last”?
Yes. The Cloud Nine card making kits are only available while supplies last, so be sure to place your orders early!