March Stamp of the Month

This month's Stamp of the Month special is called Floral Happiness. This stamp during this month can be purchased at the regular retail price of $17.95, S1303. However, you can own this very charming stamp for only $5, S1303A, with any $50 or more online purchase at http://francisames.ctmh.com. * Studio J orders do not count towards the $50 qualifying purchase.

 

To recreate the projects in this photograph the following supplies were used:

Chantilly Paper Packet (x7163B)

Adventure Mini Pigment Ink Pad set (Z2501)

Whimsy Mini Pigment Ink Pad (Z2500)

Chantilly Textiles (Z1819)

Irresistable Frames (Z1843)

Cricut Art Philosphy Cartridge (Z1686)

 

 

 

Chantilly Scrapbook Layout

I'm sure you've been wondering what I've been up to. Scrapbooking of course! Yesterday was my husband's birthday so I had to of course focus on his birthday and the upcoming Valentine's Day festivities. I figured that the Internet would be filled with Valentine's day card ideas so I decided to take a different approach. I scrapbooked the people I love and included an intimate moment filled with love; the birth of my great-niece.

This layout is similar to the one featured in the new idea as to the layout design on page 18 but I made a few modifications. Did you notice the paper patterns I used were slightly different. They used more yellow card stock and did not mat their photos.I also used the Hollyhock Zipper Ribbon around the baby picture. One customer commented, "I saw the Zipper Lace but didn't know how I would use it. It looks so good around the picture." I got a nod from another customer. I've seen people use this type of product to create a flower on a headband. I wonder how you would use it?

For the second layout, again I used more of that darling patterned paper over the card stock. It's just so beautiful I had to show it off. 

What's not easily visible is that the dimensions and ribbon really make the page pop. It adds texture and visual interest.

Products used:

• Chantilly Paper Packet (X7163B)
• Chantilly Dimensional Elements (X7163C)
• Hollyhock Zipper Ribbon (Z1826)

To order these products shop online at www.FrancisAmes.ctmh.com

The layout design is from the CTMH book Magic, layout Showtime.

Buzz & Bumble Card

Hello paper crafters!

I've created this simple but cute greeting card using the supplies from Buzz & Bumble paper packet. I had supplies left over even after create two double page layout. It is easy to recreate the same card at home.

You will need the following supplies

• Buzz & Bumble workshop on the go (one orange and one cocoa cardstock, stamp set, and orange sparkles)
• Cuttlebug bee embossing folder
• Embossing machine (such as Cuttlebug, Sizzix Big Kick, Spellbinders machine).
• Scissors
• Single hole punch
• Adhesive
• 3D Foam Square
• Water color pencils or alcohol markers
• Staple
• Cocoa grossgrain ribbon
• Sandlewood or Dessert Sand cardstock
• Colonial White cardstock
• Ink Pads: Sorbet, Dessert Sand, Cocoa

 To create the card

1. Fold a 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" Cocoa cardstock in half to create a card base.
2. Emboss a 3" x 4 1/8" Orange cardstock by placing cardstock in the Bee embossing folder and using an embossing machine. 
3. Cut a small strip of lined cardstock at 1/2" x 4 1/8" and adhere to the top of the embossed paper.
4. Stamp the sentiment, You are my Happy, using Sorbet ink onto Colonial White card stock. Then cut around the sentiment for matting.
5. Mat the sentiment onto a Cocoa card stock and cut around the sentiment allowing a bit of the dark card stock showing.
6. Place 3D foam squares on the back of the sentiment to create a 3D embellishment. 
7. Adhere the sentiment to the center of the embossed card stock.
8. Next stamp the bee image in cocoa ink onto Colonial White card stock. 
9. Color in bee image using either water color pencils or Honey alcohol ink markers and then cut out.
10. Create the bee into a 3D embellishment by placing 3D foam square on the back and placing the bee cut out at the end of the left side of the stripped border.
11. Now it's time to create the pocket by putting adhesive on the back of the embossed card base along the bottom, the left and right sides card stock. This will allow the top portion of the embossed card stock with the stripped paper free of any adhesive.  
12. Place the embossed card stock on to the front of the folded card base aligning along the bottom of the Cocoa card base.
13. Embellish the front of the pocket with two orange sparkle bling on the bottom right corner in a vertical formation.
14. Create a mat for the inside of the card to allow a handwritten message. Cut orange card stock at 3 3/4" x 5" and adhere to the inside of the card.
15. Next, follow the instructions below for the tag.

 

To recreate the tag:

1. Create the honey comb patterned tag by cutting a rectangle shape at 3 1/4" x 2 1/2". Then using your scissors cut two angles of the top in order to create a tag shape. Next using a hole punch, punch a hole in the center. 
2. Using Cocoa grosgrain ribbon at 2 1/2" length and place through the hole of the tag and secure with a stapler. Cut the edges of the ribbon at a 45 degree angle.
3. Cut the tag's inner mat from cocoa card stock at 1 3/4" x 2 1/2". 
4. Stamp the seeds image using Dessert Sand ink on to Sandle wood or Dessert Sand card stock. Color in image with color pencils or alcohol markers. 
5. Embellish with three small orange rhinestone bling. 
6. Cut out stamped seeds image with scissors and adhere onto the cocoa card stock mat that measures at 1 3/4" x 2 1/2". This can now be adhered to the center of the tag.
7. Place the tag in a 45 degree angle into the pocket created.

Now you are finished! Fun right?

BUZZ & BUMBLE LAYOUT

So this was the first layout that I've created from the new 2013 Idea Book and choose Buzz and Bumble workshop on the go. Although, workshop on the go includes layout instruction and alternate layouts and projects I choose a different path in order to give you another idea.

Colonial White cardstock was used for this layout's base background. I cut the flower shape out of Cocoa cardstock using my Cricut machine at 8 inches. You will find a flower shape in either Close to My Heart's Art Philosophy or Artiste Cricut cartridge.

The patterned paper was cut at 5" x 11". The dark brown patterned paper is at 3"x 12". The honey comb patterned paper measures at 2 1/2" x 7".  The small pocket that I created was part of the top of one of the patterned papers and it measures at 3 3/4" x  1 1/2".  

 Using the stamp set included in the workshop on the go I stamped the Seeds tag, flowers, and swirly dots in Dessert Sand ink. I colored in the seeds tag using Close to My Heart water color pencils and embellished with the Orange sparkles and Buzz & Bumble Assortment. The alcohol markers also would make these embellishments pop.

I created the title using the font found on Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge out of cocoa cardstock and embellished title with ribbon and Buzz and Bumble Assortment.

These are just a few of my croppers. Their layouts look great!

For my second page of this layout I used three patterned paper from the same kit. The honey comb patterned paper was cut at 5"x 11", while the bee patterned paper was cut at 6" x 11". The dark brown patterned paper was cut at 2 1/2" x 11". I also cut a strip of the top of one of the patterned papers and layered it on top of the dark brown patterned paper. All pictures measure at 3" x 5 1/8". 

The same flower shape that was cut on page one was also cut on the Cricut machine at 2".  As a finishing touch I placed a Buzz & Bumble assortment embellishment. I think this layout was made in a snap.  

All supplies used:

Buzz and Bumble Workshop on the Go (G1054)

Dessert Sand Ink Pad (Z2118)

Cricut Cartridge Art Philosophy ( Z1686)

Dark Chocolate Stripped Grosgrain Ribbon (Z1617)

Acrylic Blocks Size used 2" x 6 1/2"  (Y1010) and 3" x 3" (Y1006)

Watercolor pencils (3505)

All other embellishments and stamps used are in the workshop on the go.

To order these products visit my site at http://www.francisames.ctmh.com

Check out my blog again on Friday of this week for Valentine card inspiration.

NEW IDEA BOOK

Yippy! You can now view the brand new Online Idea Book pictured below. 

Visit my blog again on Monday to see a new project from this new Idea Book that I created. I'll give you a hit on which paper packet I used... I was buzzy as a bee creating this layout. And my friends are buzzing about all the neat stuff they must have!

To order items from this amazing idea book go to www.FrancisAmes.ctmh.com

Try something new this year

I challenge you to try something new this year. In February, I will be showcasing some interesting ways to create scrapbooking layouts quickly, more sample greeting cards, and of course paper crafts. 

I hope that you will also challenge yourself by believing in yourself and your crafting abilities. Remember, every time we try something new we are novices but that's okay. Maybe try a new technique, new type of paper craft, challenge yourself to incorporate more scraps, use that elusive pattern paper, and maybe create your own embellishments. As for me, I too will join in challenging myself in these areas and will share with you my results. 

If you are an experience paper crafter perhaps you can challenge yourself by doing what you love by starting your own business. Others can enjoy and appreciate from your knowledge and experience. I welcome you to join my team and Become a Consultant.

Save and earn money while creating greeting cards and scrapbooking layouts. In becoming an Independent consultant you can receive discounts, earn product credits (free product), and income from sales.

You are not alone in the process, I will be here to coach you, and the company offers an extensive online and in-person training. Training can include how to build a business, learning all types of crafting techniques to balancing your personal life and business. 

What makes Close To My Heart a good business opportunity? View the video below.

Why did I join Close to My Heart? At first, I fell in love with the product. I loved that the cardstock had a white paper core, and when working with the product I quickly realized the high quality. In my opinion, this wasn't just another stamping company, they are focused on showing you how to scrapbook, create greeting cards, and paper crafts. You don't need a ton of tools like multiple punches, templates, or anything else. They have a line of products for all types of paper crafters and experience level; regardless if they are a novice or very experienced. They even have digital scrapbooking! I love creating embellishments with my Cricut machine and their cartridges are amazing. 

Being a part of this company did not break my bank. You can become an Independent Consultant with $49 +shipping and tax with the Essentials level. For that small amount of registration fee you get approximately $155 in retail value. So for me, I entered the business because of my love of crafting and to enjoy receiving the discount benefits. At the time I registered at $99, Master's level, and that level is still available for people that want to earn money. They get the Essential's Level plus the additional business building tools.

Essential Level 

Master's Level

Early on the challenge for me was that I didn't necessarily want to teach or become a sales person and I really didn't have to. The company is all about you setting up your own personal why and goals. I used to create greeting cards and layouts to be sold online so the discount was really appealing for me. It was important for me not become the pushy sales person. I still don't have to be. Talking in front of others can be a challenge but I can honestly say that now I enjoy showing people new techniques and how to recreate something I've made. I love seeing people light up with pride on what they've created. I just focus on "let me show you how" and my quarterly order requirement of $300 has always been met. People just fall in love with the product because of its quality. Seeing the paper and embellishments in person is always better than the pictures. And as an avid crop hopper people just loved the layouts and products I used at the crops. 

Today, I continue to get out my comfort zone by creating, learning how create a video and blog, posting on my blog, talking to women about paper crafts, and setting up a new personal creative challenges. I love how I've never felt pressured to meet any sales quota or to recruit. I felt that the training they provided me helped me grow in so many areas. The training I received on different crafting techniques was well worth the investment. It is with such gratitude that I share this information with you. This maybe the opportunity that you are looking for.

Feel free to contact me with any further questions about Close to My Heart and it's opportunities.

Clementine Layout

So here's another project using the Clementine Workshop to Go kit (G1046) that is available only until the end of this month. Next month only the Paper Packet (X7156B) and embellishment Cottage Assortment (Z1794) will be available. I also used Paradise Baker's Twine (Z1702) and followed the pattern 6 found on page 16 in the new Make It from Your Heart how-to-publication (9035). I adjusted the layout to allow for two pictures on the right verses the three pictures pictured in the book.

So how do you create this layout? 

Right Page Layout

• Layout page base was created using Colonial White card stock.
• The top strip measure at 1 1/4" x 5 1/2" and will be used to create a title.
• The Sorbet card stock was cut using Art Philosophy at 2", then cut in half.
• The side strip measures 6 1/2" x 1 1/2". 
• Photo measures at 4" x 6"
• The two squares measure at 3" x 3".
• Baker's Twine measures at 17 inches in length.

Left Page Layout

• Top strip measures at 1 1/2"W x 6"
• The two squares below the top strip measure at 3" x 3"
• Photo measures at 4" x 6"
• The left strip was create out of Saddle card stock and measures 2" x 12"
• The two left squares measures at 3 1/2" x 3 1/2"

Using a ruler and black archival safe ink pen create a stitched pattern by making dashes. Next adhere flowers found in the Cottage Assortment package. Last but not least adhere two pictures measuring at 4" x 6" and two measuring at 3" x 3".

To purchase the Clementine Workshop on the Go and the Make It from the Heart how-to-publication visit my website at http://FrancisAmes.ctmh.com .

Stamp of the Month

Don't forget our monthly stamp special, spend $50 and get a stamp valued at $17.95 for only $5. This month's Stamp of the Month is called Happy Valentine (S1301) and you will also be eligible to purchase the Whoo's Your Valentine craft kit for $10, valued at $35. Wow! This is a Great Deal.

Don't want to spend $50 in order to purchase the stamp? Stamp can be purchase at it's regular price this month only at $17.95 (S1301)                               This special is only good until January 31, 2013.

Place your order today at http://FrancisAmes.ctmh.com. On this website there are video tutorials and instructions on how to create this and many fine paper crafts.

Clementine Card 5

Okay so this is the last card I'm going to create using the Clementine Paper. I figured out the dimension and recreate it. I hope you can appreciate it since the directions are not listed in any publications.

• Card base was created using Champagne card stock measuring at 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" folded.  
• Blue patterned paper measures at 3 1/2" W x 4" L 
• Saddle Card stock 3 1/2" L
• Sorbet patterned paper measuring at 2 1/4" x 2 1/4"
• Champagne card stock square measuring 2" x 2"
• Burlap Ribbon 2 1/4" L

You will need spray bottle, ruler, paper trimmer, Tombo adhesive, black archival safe ink pen, Clementine workshop on the go stamp, Cottage Assortment, Saddle Ink pad, sanding tool, and mini clear sparkle.

1. Create a stitched pattern using a black archival safe pen and ruler by creating dashes along the left side.
2. Stamp border on the Champagne card stock square using Saddle ink pad along the top. Then stamp the sentiment, Your Super, using the same ink.
3. Distress Sorbet patterned paper by using the edge of a ruler.
4. Spray water onto the Saddle card stock then ball up and crumble. Tear the bottom to reveal the white paper core.
5. Once paper is dry use the sanding tool to distress and reveal white paper core.
6. Cut the burlap ribbon in half length wise.
7. Now it is time to adhere all the pieces as pictured using Tombo tape runner by adhering the blue patterned paper first, then the saddle card stock, followed by the Sorbet and champagne card stock.
8. Next, place the two pieces of burlap ribbon behind the flower embellishment to and adhere onto the card.
9. Finish embellishing with mini sparkles.

Clementine Cards 3 and 4

The card base was created out of Saddle card stock and measures at 4 1/4" x 5 1/2". I used two Clementine patterned paper (X7156B), Colonial White card stock that measures at 3" x 3", Burlap Ribbon (Z1760), and Sparkles. To recreate cut the floral patterned paper at 5 1/4"L x 1 1/8"W and the second patterned paper at 4 3/4" L x 1 1/8" W. Using a black archival safe ink pen to create a stitch effect by making dash lines using a ruler on one side of the patterned paper. Using a sponge or dauber ink the edges of the Colonial White to distress using Sorbet Ink.  Next, stamp background image onto Colonial White using Honey ink pad. Then stamp a floral image on top of the first image using Sorbet. Now cut the floral image. To recreate the sentiment cut the top portion of the patterned paper, cut a "V" notch on the left side of the word Forever, then  ink the edges using Sorbet. Now cut a "V" shape notched on the bottom of the Burlap Ribbon that measures at 2" in length. Adhere all pieces as pictures and embellish with clear sparkles. Burlap can be adhered using Tombo tape runner adhesive.

The card pictured above is one of my personal favorites. The card base also measures at 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" folded using Colonial White or Champagne card stock. The Clementine Floral patterned paper measures at 4" x 5" and the Sorbet card stock measures at 3" W x 4" L. The Colonial White card stock with the flowers measures at 2 1/2" x 2 1/2". The blue patterned paper torn measures at  1/2" W x 2 1/2" L. The edges of a burlap ribbon were removed by cutting it at 3" in length then tied knots. Using Clementine Cottage Assortment to embellish the card. The smaller flower was stamped using Dessert Sand and a clear sparkle finishes off the flower. Stamp the sentiment "Good Times" using Dessert Sand or Lagoon ink pad on the bottom left side of the Sorbet card stock. Adhere all pieces as pictured using Tombo tape runner adhesive. Using a Black Archival ink pen and a ruler create a stitch pattern along the border of the floral patterned paper.

Clementine Cards

As you know I've spent time over the holiday break by creating these adorable greeting cards using Clementine Paper Packet (X7156B), Cottage Assortment (Z1794), Burlap (Z1760), blue sparkles, and Clementine Workshop on the Go (WOG) stamp (G1046).

To recreate this card you will need to cut the patterned papers at the below measurements.

• Card base folded measures at  4 1/4" x 5" and is made out of Campagne cardstock.
• Sorbet card stock on the cover measures at 4" x 5".
• Circle measures at  2 1/2" out of the lighter patterned paper
• Colonial White piece that flowers are stamped on measures at 2"x 3".
• The blue patterned paper measures at 1 1/2" x 2". Tear the bottom off to reduce its size to 2"x 1".
• The bottom floral patterned paper measures at 3 1/2" x 4 1/4"
• Burlap ribbon measures at 2 1/2" in length.

To construct this card, 

• first ink all sides of the colonial white paper, circle, Sorbet cardstock, floral patterned paper and cardbase using an Ink Dauber to apply a distressed with using the Sorbet Ink Pad.
• Next stamp the border using the WOG stamp in Sobert Inkpad onto the Sorbet cardstock. 
• Adhere the floral patterned paper on the bottom half of the card base.
• Leaving an 1/8" border on the bottom, adhere the Sorbet cardstock flushed to the left hand side of the card base.
• Next stamp a small flower found on the WOG stamp using the Sorbet Inkpad on to the Colonial White carstock that measures 2"x 3". 
• On a separate Colonial White cardstock stamp a larger flower using the Sorbet Inkpad and hand cutting this stamped image out
• Adhere the blue patterned paper to the bottom of the Colonial White cardstock that measures 2"x 3".
• Stamp now on the left side of the Colonial White cardstock (2"x 3") a flower in Honey Ink Pad.
• Create a "V" notch on the Burlap ribbon and adhere about 1/8" from the bottom left side of the Colonial White Cardstock (2"x3")
• Trim the top border of the patterned paper with the sentiment that reads "Friends Forever" and use the saying "Thanks for Everything". Create a "V" notch on the right hand side of the sentiment that reads "Thanks for Everything".
• The alternative to using the printed sentiment you may create your own like I did above by cutting a banner that measures 1/2" x 2 3/4" out of Colonial White. Then stamping the background pattern using Honey Inkpad then stamping the sentiment in Dessert Sand or Champagne ink.
• Ink the edge of the sentiment with Dessert Sand or Champagne Ink.
• Adhere the circle on the top left of the Colonial White cardstock (2"x3"), then Burlap ribbon, and Sorbet stamped flower, and sentiment.
• Now embellish with sparkles in the center of the flowers.

This card base was created out of Saddle card stock and measures at 4 1/4" x 5" folded. 

• Circles measures at 2 1/2", 1 1/2" and 1". 
• Burlap ribbon measures at 5" with a "V" notch in the center. 
• The Colonial White on the top left hand side measure at 3"x 3" and was distressed using Sorbet ink. 
• The stamped flower was created using WOG stamp and Honey ink pad.  
• The sentiment can be recreated by stamping the sentiment in either Dessert Sand or Saddle Ink and measures at 2 1/2" L x 1/2" W. 
• You may use the sentiment found on the top of the patterned paper found in the WOG. I recommend using the sentiment " You make Me  Smile". 
• Stamp the large flower on the large circle using Sorbet Ink pad. 
• Before adhering all the pieces together sand the Saddle card base giving it a distressed look. 
• Now adhere the Colonial White card stock to the top left side leaving  1/8" from the top. 
• Then adhere the Burlap ribbon overlapping on top of Colonial White leaving an 1/8" border from the left side. 
• Adhere the large circle with the stamp image, followed by the Sorbet circle slightly overlapping. 
• On the blue circle I used created a stitched pattern using an Acid Free Black ink pen, then adhered overlapping the Sorbet pattern paper and Colonial White card stock. 
• Next, I adhered the sentiment aligning it to the left edge of the Colonial White card stock. 
• The last step, I adhered clear and blue sparkles in the center of the flowers and on the Sorbet patterned circle.

Tutorial on creating your own Treat Tubes

I've showed you a few of my creations I thought you might enjoy viewing a tutorial on how to decorate and construct these fun Treat Tubes. Best part is you can also recreate the boxes by using Cricut Artiste. I hope you enjoy this video tutorial. 

This Month's Special... Whooo's Your Valentine?

WHOOO’S YOUR VALENTINE?

Spend $35 and get the exclusive treat tube kit for only $10!

In celebration of National Papercrafting Month, we’re offering a new product, available through January — our Whooo’s Your Valentine kit! This darling kit, which retails for $40, can be yours for only $10 when you spend $35 or more in Close To My Heart product. The kit includes 12 die-cut boxes, 3 cardstock sheets, 1 sheet of silver glitter paper, 12 treat tubes, and an exclusive D-size stamp set created specifically for the kit! Perfect for gifts and classroom projects, the Whooo’s Your Valentine kit will make Valentine’s Day a cinch!

Qualify and buy the Whooo’s Your Valentine kit today for only $10!

*Shipping and handling may apply. Offer valid November 15, 2012 – January 31, 2013. Maximum of one $10 Whooo’s Your Valentine kit per customer.

Below is just a few of the treat boxes I created but I had enough to create a dozen of these charming crafts.

What will you create? To order yours today visit my site at http://www.FrancisAmes.ctmh.com

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Happy New Year to all Paper Crafters!

No matter how much you plan I feel like the winter holidays seems to be the busiest season of all. Many cards to make, decorations, and lots of baking. As for me, I did manage to do some paper crafting after all I must keep sane.

So I was able to create a 12-month scrapbook calendar (still need to adhere some pictures), a mini album, a 12x12 two page layout, five greeting cards, and six Valentine candy favors. It's not a whole lot but given that I was away from home for a week I think I did well. I did notice that my Hanukkah cards were not automatically posted like I'd hoped. Sorry. Technical goof:(

So here's a couple of neat items I created hopefully to get you inspired to get a jump started on your paper crafting:)

This month's Special...Valentine Treat Boxes 

Clementine Cards..Alternative Project in the Workshop on the Go

Sneak Preview of the Clementine Layout not found on the Workshop on the Go.

Details on the above projects will be forthcoming. Stay Tuned...

Christmas Cards Week 2

Here's the next installment of Christmas Greeting Card ideas. The best part is that these cards are easy to duplicate and don't cost extra to mail.


Supplies you will need: 

• Colonial White, Olive Green, and Cashmere or Dessert Sand Card stock. 
• Again, I utilized the paper packet Pear and Partridge.
• Ink pads used were Cranberry and Everest Green (can be substituted with Olive Green). 
• The embellishments are retired and are called Mistletoe. 
• Current Stamps used are Very Merry Christmas (S1210) and Merry and Bright (C1510)
• Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge or two round punches that measure at 1.25" and 2".
• Gold Metallic Markers (Z1768) used dots around the circle.
• Adhesive, prefer Tombo Adhesive.
• 12"x 12" Paper Trimmer

To create the card bases:
I create the card bases using 12" x 12" Colonial White and Olive Green card stock. 

1. This can be done by first cutting one inch of the edge (1" x 12"). 
2. Then turning the card stock 12"x 11" horizontal on the paper trimmer and cutting the paper down to 8.5" x 11". 
3. Cut the 8.5" x 11" horizontally so that you have two pieces of 8.5" x 5.5"  card stock. 
4. Fold the 8.5" x 5.5" in half creating a 4.25" x 5" greeting card.
5. Save the excess colonial white card stock for stamping sentiments.

To duplicate the greeting cards above cut the patterned paper and card stock at the measurements listed below. Don't forget to stamp you sentiment before adhering.  Then layer and adhere. Last but not least embellish it.

• Wide With of patterned paper or card stock: 2.5" x 5.5"
• Squares Base: 2.25" x 2.25", Inner Squares: 2" x 2"
• Circle Base: 2",  Inner Circle: 1.25"
• Thin bands : 1" x 4.25"
• Medium Band (i.e., all cards in second row): 2" x 4"
• Sentiment mats (i.e., Let the Spirit of Christmas): 1.5"x 2.5"
• Ornament: 1.75"

Next post we will cover more Christmas Cards with a different patterned paper. On Dec. 10th we will focus on Hanukkah greeting cards and gift tags. Lastly, we will cover paper crafting holiday decor before the big day: December 25th. Stay tuned for random posts with new techniques. 

Happy Crafting!

Francis 

57 Greeting cards in just 3 days!

Things become so hectic around the holidays. I feel like this year it just arrived too fast and I'm just trying to catch up. I have decided to create all my holiday cards and to create enough to send to our US troops. So I've forced myself to make time and the results were amazing. I created 57 cards in three sittings of 5 hours each. I will have to create more cards with a Hanukkah them and will share with you once they are completed. 

So you will receive weekly inspiration from now until Christmas. My cards will become simple to duplicate and I hope you will have just as much fun creating them as I did.  Below are the directions for the first installment for the week.

Above I create these greeting cards using the current paper packet Pear & Partridge and the retired embellishment packet called Mistletoe. Using the Cricut Cartridge Art Philosophy, I cut both the circles and the round ornaments. 

To create the card bases I used Colonial White 12"x 12" card stock and cut them to create cards that measure 5.5"x 4.25" folded. This allowed me to create two card bases plus extra card stock for stamping sentiments.

What are greeting cards with out stamping? I utilized two current stamps sets, Very Merry Christmas (S1210) and Merry & Bright Holiday (C1510), and two color ink pads, Cranberry and Everest Green.

To duplicate these cards just cut patterned paper and card stocks at the below measurements. Layer the pieces as shown in the picture, stamp your sentiment, and use an embellishment of your choice.

• Wide With of patterned paper or card stock: 2.5" x 5.5"
• Squares Base: 2.25" x 2.25", Inner Squares: 2" x 2"
• Circle Base: 2",  Inner Circle: 1.25"
• Thin bands (not banner): 1" x 4.25"
• Sentiment mats (i.e., Let the Spirit of Christmas): 1.5"x 2.5"
• Ornament: 1.75"
• Banners: 1" x 2.75"

Happy Crafting! Francis Ames

Interactive Scrapbook Layouts

I've MIA and I sincerely apologize. I hurt my back and so bed resting is my life right now. Thanks to my friend Cindy Leek I am using this time to do some planning. I can't wait to share with you all the projects that will be featured in the next coming months. For now enjoy some of my recent creations before my back mishap.

 The top image is how the left page looks like with the interactive pages closed. It gives a hit to what to expect once you open the pages. The protective sheets shown here are adhered to the outside of your 12x12 protective sheet.

Once the page is open, as shown below, there's still another layer to be seen but this is a great way to add many photos without losing the theme.

Open the inner pages or inner flaps to reveal more pictures!
Notice that I always leave room for journaling. The tags allows me to write the dancers' names.

 Below is the second page of my layout.  Live, Laugh, and Love. I just think this expression really captured what we felt.

 Open the top flip flip flaps to reveal even more pictures. I haven't adhered all my photos but you can see that there's room for 5 more pictures or a combination of 4 photos and a journal entry.

The Close to My Heart supplies that I used to create these interactive pages were: 12" Assortment of Memory Flip Flaps (Z1325), Sweet Leaf Cardstock (X5639), Dessert Sand Cardstock (1273), Crochet Flowers-Bohemian Assortment (Z1687), Bling Buttons- Current mini medley (Z1466), Colonial White Mini Medley not available but can be substituted with Smoothie Mini Medley (Z1697), Flutter Paper shapes-butterflies (Z1465), and the paper packet that I used was Dotty for You (no longer available), and the wonderful stamped sayings and images were from D1482 Love Life.  I also used two Cricut Cartridges for the titles, Story Book and Plantin School Book.

Scroll Scrapbook Album. Not found in any store.

Okay so I've been scrapbooking for over 10 years and I can honestly say that I've never seen this in any store. I love to look out for the unique. This is project is fantastic because it's a hybrid of my favorite things...scrapbooking and paper crafting/home decor. Have you ever seen this before?

You too can recreate this through a simple purchase at my online store at http://www.francisames.ctmh.com/.

This kit includes

• 1-My Acrylic Scroll Album Workshop Stamp Set (C-size)
• 1- 7 1/4" Wooden Spool with 4 feet of Kraft Paper
• 10-Buttons (3 Twilight, 3 Chocolate, 4 Sunse)
• 1- Chocolate Grosgrain Ribbon (1 yard)
• 2- 12"x 6" Printed Canvas Sticker Sheets
• 1- Instructional Brochure
• All this awesomeness for only $35.95
• Item # G1042- Workshop on the Go Scroll Album Kit

Please tell me what you think of this project. Can you visualize yourself owning one to display for the holidays? How about a newly bride and groom gift? The possibilities are endless.

NEW Cricut Cartridge called Artiste

If you ever loved the Cricut Cartridge Art Philosophy then you will surely love Artiste!

• Cartridge has 700 images, fonts, shapes and 3D items
• Package includes 3 D-Sized Stamp Set
• A coordinating 3 packages of Dimensional Elements (12"x9")
• Retail Value of nearly $125
• Priced to sell at $99
• Item # Z1686- Cricut Artiste Collection

This will become available for purchase beginning August at my Close to My Heart website at http://www.francisames.ctmh.com/

Become your own boss!

Close to My Heart has created an incredible deal for those women that enjoy creating scrapbooks, greeting cards, and paper crafts. If you are like me that enjoy creating and would love to save money on quality supplies then you don't want to miss this incredible deal. But before I tell about the incredible deal let me tell you about my experience.

I began my business right after attending my first gathering. The consultant was not the sales person type in fact she didn't even present the business opportunity! I was a participant creating cards, took a look at the book and instantly knew this was the right fit for me. I make and sell greeting cards and scrapbook pages/albums why not use quality products with a discount... at least that was my logic. Today, I hold workshops and the ladies love the products. They want to buy everything in the book! They want to know how create so many of the projects found in the Idea Book. People at crops often ask me where did you get that beautiful paper:) My upline is fantastic! I am a part of a team that are not only creative but helpful too. The company offers so many FREE training opportunities online which means I can fit it to my schedule and at my pace. I can honestly say that I've learned so much from the company that I never thought possible.

Now women with all types of crafting abilities can be a part of such a wonderful company as an Independent Consultant. That means that you are your own boss! I am here to help you with any questions. You can work as independently as you like or can work together as a team. This is the lowest price I've seen for starting your own scrapbooking business $45 and you get approximately $130 in products!



This is the Essential Kit for $49

 Essential Kit includes:

• Read Me Letter
• Current Idea Book-3
• Customer Order Forms-5
• Color Swatches
• Autumn/Winter 2012 B&T Duos Sampler
• Petite Perks Stamp Set
• Avonlea Canvas Shapes
• Workshop on the Go-Avonlea
• My Creations Recipe/Photo Book
• Color-Ready Canvas Alphabet
• Chocolate Exclusive Inks Pad
• Slate Exclusive Inks Pad
• My Acrylic Glamour Lowercase Stamp Set
• My Acrylic Perfect Fit-Frames Stamps
• 3"x3" Acrylic Block
• 2"x3 1/2" Acrylic Block

For both kits some items may not be shown, contents are subject to change without notice.

Upgrade to the Master Kit

Master Kit

Includes everything in the Essential Kit plus more supplies and 5 Studio J layouts. Approximate value for this full kit is $280. The added items include:

• Current Idea Books (7)
• You are Welcome Here Recruiting Brochures (25)
• The Rewards Come Now Hostess Brochures (25)
• 5 Studio J Layouts (redemeem within 3 months, not shown)
• Hostess Order Forms (20)
• Customer Order Forms (20)
• Petite Perks Stamps (4)
• Cello Bags
• My Acrylic Stamp Scrubber
• My Acrylic Spritz Cleaner
• Bonding Memories Glue
• Spnge
• Liquid Glass
• Chocolate Exclusive Marker Set
• Micro-Tip Scissors

Signing up is a breeze!

Just complete an online application and for just $49 or $99 you can begin your business. Each consultant will receive a FREE Online Business Address where your customers can shop online with you! Both you and customers can shop from your online store and you get commissions from all sales.

Here's the catch. IF you sign up before August 15th you will get a FREE gift bag regardless of which business kit you select!

Do you love stamping, card making, scrapbooking, and paper crafts then this company is the right fit. They have it all including online digital scrapbooking. Enjoy the discounts and the exclusive products and training.