Enjoying the Summer Specials in June

I am truly enjoying the new paper packet, Dream Pop, from last month's special deal. I started to create some projects and I am hoping to post them up soon. First, I wanted to share some really great deals this month that also benefit a great cause and other's that are just too good to pass on.

Close To My Heart is making a new Autumn/Winter 2013 stamp set, A True Thank You, available immediately and will donate 100% of the profits from sales of the set from May 23 through June 30 to the American Red Cross to aid the Oklahoma victims. Help us provide relief to those affected by the devastating Oklahoma tornado by purchasing A True Thank You stamp set for $2.95 (M1029) today! *Offer valid May 23–June 30, 2013. No limit per order.

 

There's another stamp for sale that helps benefit our troops and their family is the Courage, B1437, for $9.95 and the Home of the Brave, D1576, stamp for $17.95. There's even a stamp for Canadians called Strong and Free, D1575, for $17.95

 

Three dollars from each B-size My Acrylix^® Courage stamp set and $5 from each D-size My Acrylix^® Home of the Brave stamp set will be donated to the USO, the leading, most recognized military-support and services organization in the country. Show your support with your own patriotic stamp set!

Dates: Offer valid June 1–July 31, 2013

I think you can make some wonderful cards to support our troops.

 

Okay there are some more deals... HOW ABOUT FREE!!!!

 

 

Close to My Heart is offering an incredible deal for our valued customers.

 

Receive a free My Creations^® mini banner in June! Make it a “banner” day by placing a $25 order that includes a qualifying stamp set to receive your free mini banner. The mini banner includes 10 chipboard pennants in 4 different shapes with 9 jump rings for hanging. Use the mini banner as a decoration for your parties and get-togethers this summer for many “banner” days!

Dates: Offer valid June 1–30, 2013

If you don't think you could use this free gift view the video link for inspiration.

 

But hold on to your purses ladies... there's still more deals for you.

Spend $50 and get this Stamp of the Month set for just $5. June 2013: A Flowering Bunch (S1306A) pictured below.

 

 

For these wonderful deals and to see what's on sale (While Supplies Last), shop online at my store at http://FrancisAmes.ctmh.com

 

 

 

 

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

I wanted to do something special for my mother and she has come to appreciate my handmade cards. I learned through a scrapbook friend how to create a Napkin Fold greeting Card. She in turn learned how to make this beautiful card through Rubber Stamp Café. Surprisingly enough I found another CTMH consultant created a You Tube video on how to make a smaller card that can be mailed without postage. It reminds me a bit like origami but it's simple enough to duplicate. Below is my greeting card and I've linked the YouTube video tutorial for you to follow. Hope you are willing it give it a go!

This is the front of the card and measures 4" x 4". The papers I used are not from CTMH but I wanted to practice first. I also used

 Greeting card without the
 front band.

Sorry the picture is not upright for some reason it's uploading this way.

 



For the inside of the card I used Spellbinder's die, Lacey Ovals- S4-314 for the mat inside and for the front of the greeting card. The roses were hand stamped using Close to My Heart stamp called, Happy Valentine's Day, S1301.

 

You Tube Tutorial  is linked below for you to recreate this greeting card. The video is 30 minutes long but really it's only about 12 minutes of instruction.

 

The paper packet called Buzz and Bumble is available for purchase online at my store http://FrancisAmes.ctmh.com

Dream Pop Paper Packet Special

In honor of National Scrapbooking Month, you can get the yummy Dream Pop paper packet
for only $10 when you spend $35 in May! This exclusive paper packet includes twelve
cardstock sheets as well as 12 B&T Duos^® papers that were specifically designed for this
promotion only — you can’t get these sweet colors and patterns anywhere else!

I'm going to create a layout today using this paper. The textures of the paper are amazing!
I think CTMH truly has outdone themselves. Here's a video to show you some projects that
you can create.

Start National Scrapbooking Month off right with a unique paper packet at a bargain price
and get your creative juices flowing!

The best part if you live in the King of Prussia area, you will receive a special invite for a FREE Dream Pop workshop in June. During the Dream Pop workshop we will create a two page layout and customers will receive instructions for coordinating greeting cards.

So place your order while supplies last at http://FrancisAmes.ctmh.com

Happy Birthday Card for Men

No matter how much fun it is to create frilly cards with sparkles, flowers, and butterflies I must say it can be fun creating cards for the men in our lives. We just have to think masculine. I asked myself how can I coordinate patterns of paper, use masculine embellishments to decorate a greeting card without it looking feminine.

Well I went through my scrapbooking stash and forgot I have the Victory Workshop on the Go kit just waiting and calling to be used. Sad to say ladies that this WOG is no longer available but the embellishments can still be used. Substitute the Victory paper packet with Tommy (X7169B) or the Dakota (X7157B) both current paper packets to create your unique birthday greeting cards.

 

The above greeting card was created following the CTMH Originals Book (9036) pattern called Winning Combinations. The greeting card measures at 5 1/2" x 4 1/4" folded. The largest patterned paper measures at  4 1/2" x 1 1/2". The dark brown patterned paper measures at 1 1/4" squared and the Colonial White square measures at 3" x 2".

 

Embellishments used were the Evergreen Cork Shapes (Z1719), Natural Hemp (Z280), and Square Durable Studs (Z1705). The Happy Birthday sentiment can be found using current stamp (D1475).

The above card was created following CTMH pattern called Balanced Out.

I used Bamboo cardstock as my base, standard A2 card, and Colonial White cardstock measuring at 2" x 4 1/4". The Outdoor Denim cardstock measures at 1 1/4" x 4 1/4". The rich burgundy cardstock, Barn Yard Red, that goes vertical down the card measures at  2 3/4" x 1 1/2".

Feel free to recreate these quick and simple cards that have both texture and appeal. To order the embellishments featured here or the recipe book with many more patterns visit my website at http://FrancisAmes.ctmh.com
 

Happy crafting!

 







 



Baby Shower Greeting Card

Some greeting cards that should always be available in your collection for use are: Birthday, Weddings, Baby Showers, Graduations, and Thank You. Therefore, I have created a new baby shower greeting card that can be used regardless of the infant's gender.

This greeting card was also created to meet this week's Crafting by Design's greeting card challenge. I hope you enjoy!

To recreate this card I used a Daisy White cardstock base measuring at 10"x 4.5" that was folded to create a 4.25" x 5" card. The Close to My Heart stamp that I used is a retired one called, Miracle, D1140. The Miracle infant image was stamped in Dessert Sand ink onto Colonial White cardstock measuring at 4.5"x 2.5".  The ribbon and buckle are a part of the Pear Mini Medley, also a retired item. I also used three cardstocks to the right of the card: Petal (1.25" x 1.25"), Buttercup (1.5" x 1.25), and Sweet Leaf (1.5"x 1.25"). I used Colonial White Waxy Flax to ensure that my buttons were not bare. I also hand stitched the zig-zag and criss-crossed pattern using floss.

 I did not like showing my criss-crossed stitch pattern in the back of front cover of the card so I covered that up with Buttercup cardstock measuring  3" x 3". The zig-zag stitch was still visible but was neatly done.

Simple card with visual appeal

I've just returned from the Scrapbook Expo this past weekend at Valley Forge, Pa. It was fun and I overspent like usual. Any how, I wanted to show you one of my favorite but simple cards that I made. This card was made using a rose stamp from the  RubberStampCafe store. I really like the ladies at this booth and their greeting cards are always just so lovely.

The cool part is that this greeting card really fits into the blog hop challenge at Crafting by Design.

Anyhow, I made this card using a Spellbinders Nestables die to create the card base.

1. The greeting card, made out of white cardstock, measures at 5 3/4" squared and folded. You should leave one side outside of the die template to ensure the card opens.
2. Next fold back the front of the card.
3. Now stamp the wood grain image onto the card in black ink.
4. Also cut out using the same Nestables die but in a smaller size, 3.5", out of black cardstock. You will need two pieces. 
5. Next stamp your images using black Archival ink and color using alcohol markers.
6. Their stamp set has roses in different sizes so I layered them using foam squares.
7. Also added a stamped sentiment and rose inside the card.

I hope you enjoyed this card. It was fun to create and I might have to recreate using Close to My Heart stamps.

Crafting by Design Animal Challenge

Hi, I like to stay in touch with the gals on Crafting by Design
blog, http://craftingbydesigns.blogspot.com/.
Although I'm often on the beat and path on what I post
I still thought it would be fun from time to time to join
their challenges. After all they are a talented group of
greeting card makers.

Below is a cute mini Easter card that I made featuring
the Chantilly paper packet (X7163B), the
Easter Wishes stamp (B1422), and
the Frame Flair stamp (D1546).

This card was created because I wanted to use the stamp
and use up some of my scraps. I'm please how this miniature
greeting card turned out. The card measures 3"x3" inches squared
folded. The green background paper measures at 2 7/8"inches. I
stamped and colored in the little fellow, sentiment, and frame using
Alcohol markers. Using foam squares behind the chick and sentiment
this little guy looks like he's popping out of the frame as if he were a
cartoon character. You will need to place this card in a 3"x3" envelopes
that are also available through Close to My Heart. Envelope colors include:
Daisy White (Z1475), Colonial White (Z1756) and Kraft (Z1721). The inside sentiment reads, "It's what's in the inside that counts."  Is that just charming!

Beware making mini cards is just as addictive as making mini-scrapbook albums.
Enjoy!



 

Scrapbooking Month filled with Video Tutorials

Hello Paper Artists!

I want to share some quick and easy paper crafts during Scrapbooking Month with weekly video tutorials. I hope you will enjoy them and follow along.

Below is a video I've made featuring a cake treat box. Have fun crafting!

It's time to join a fun team!

It’s time to sign up as a Close To My Heart Independent Consultant! When you sign up as a Consultant in April, you’ll receive a little something extra for joining the Close To My Heart family—the April, May, June, and July Stamp of the Month stamp sets for free! These D-size stamp sets are great for a new Consultant to create artwork, bring to crops, gatherings or workshops, and show off to everyone. Now that’s a reason to celebrate!

*No additional shipping/handling or tax will be applied for the free stamp sets. Only new Consultants who sign up during the month of April will qualify for the free stamp sets. Offer valid April 1–30, 2013.

So how much does it cost to join? As little as $49 or as much as $99, you decide which level! No huge commitment levels!

 Essentials Level $49 + Shipping & Tax

You will receive the basic business and creative supplies you want most. All the supplies in the kit have a retail value of approximately $130!

 



Contents of the New Consultant Essentials Kit include:

• Read Me First Letter

• FREE WEBSITE!

• Current Idea Books (qty. 3)
• Hostess Order Forms (qty. 5)
• Customer Order Forms (qty. 5)
• Close To My Heart Color Swatches (W471)
• Spring/ Summer 2013 B&T Duos^® Sampler (W1123)
• Petite Perks™ Critter Expressions Incentive Stamp Set (W2025)
• Chantilly Complements Dimensional Elements (X7163C)
• Workshops on the Go^® Chantilly Scrapbooking Kit (G1053)
• Reflections^® Scrapbook Program (9037)
• Originals Card Confidence Program® (9036)
• Buttercup Exclusive Inks^® Pad (Z2110)
• Cotton Candy Exclusive Inks^® Pad (Z2193)
• Spinner (Z1832)
• My Acrylix^® Wheel of Life Stamp Set (D1545)
• My Acrylix^® For a Friend Stamp Set (D1542)
• 4" × 5" My Acrylix^® Block (Y1012)

Some items may not be shown. Contents are subject to change without notice

 

Master's Level, $99 + Shipping & Tax

New Consultant Master Kit

The Master kit includes everything in the Essentials kit plus more supplies and 5 Studio J® layouts. Approximately $335 in retail value!

• Current Idea Books (qty. 10)
• 5 Studio J^® Layouts (redeem within 3 months)
• Hostess Order Forms (qty. 25)
• Customer Order Forms (qty. 25)
• Spring/Summer 2013 Gathering Postcard (W1122)
• Close To My Heart Color Swatches (W471)
• Spring/ Summer 2013 B&T Duos^® Sampler (W1123)
• Petite Perks™ Critter Expressions Incentive Stamp Set (qty. 5) (W2025)
• My Creations™ 6" × 6" Canvas Display (Z1818)
• Spinner (Z1832)
• Chantilly Complements Dimensional Elements (X7163C)
• Workshops on the Go^® Chantilly Scrapbooking Kit (G1053)
• My Creations^® Star (Z1803)
• Color-Ready Seam Binding Ribbon (Z1732)
• Reflections^® Scrapbook Program (9037)
• Originals Card Confidence Program^® (9036)
• Cello Bags (qty. 25) (W1152)
• My Acrylix^® Stamp Scrubber (Z1782)
• My Acrylix^® Spritz Cleaner (1778)
• Bonding Memories^® Glue (1512)
• Sponge (Z697)
• Liquid Glass (Z679)
• Non-stick Micro-tip Scissors (Z1836)
• Buttercup Exclusive Inks^® Pad (Z2110)
• Cotton Candy Exclusive Inks^® Pad (Z2193)
• My Acrylix^® Glamour Uppercase Stamp Set (D1537)
• My Acrylix^® Wheel of Life Stamp Set (D1545)
• My Acrylix^® For a Friend Stamp Set (D1542)
• 4" × 5" My Acrylix^® Block (Y1012)
• 3" × 3" My Acrylix^® Block (Y1006)

Some items may not be shown. Contents are subject to change without notice.

If you have any questions feel free to send me a message. To enroll as a consultant visit my website
https://orders.closetomyheart.com/enrollment/default.aspx?sponsorid=133980797&h=0

 

Happy Easter!!

Happy Easter! Who says that size counts? A small greeting card can have a great appeal and they are quick and simple to recreate. The best part is you can use up all your scraps.I sure did! Can you guess which paper packet these cards were made from?

Both of my mini greeting cards measure at 3" x 3" and I have used current Idea Book products which means you can replicate.

The measurements to duplicate the above greeting card are:

• The card base is made from Colonial White cardstock and measures at 3"x 3" inches or 7.5 cm folded.
• Sorbet mat (Pink cardstock) measures at 2.5"x 2.5" inches or 6.5 cm x 6.5 cm.
• The Honey Mat (Yellow cardstock) measures at 2"x 2"inches or 5 cm x 5 cm.
• The images were stamped and matted onto Daisy White cardstock.
• Daisy White cardstock mat measures at 1 3/4 "inches squared or 4.5 cm.
• Green grass is made using the Patterned Paper* and it measures at 3/4"x 1 3/4" inches or 4.5 cm x 1.5 cm. Then using scissors cut slices to the mid point and curling some of fringes to create grass.
• I used Colonial White grosgrain ribbon
• Creme Brulee Flower and of course an adhesive pearl.

 
Below is another chance to guess which paper packet I used to create both greeting cards.

Again this card was created using Colonial White Cardstock that measures at 3"x3" folded. The green patterned paper in the background measures at 2 13/15" inches squared or 7 centimeters squared.

Next, I stamped the images onto Daisy White Cardstock in Black ink and colored in using Alcohol Markers. I also used foam squares to make this fun character and greetings a 3D element. He kinda looks like he's just jumping out at you to greet you.

 

Okay are you ready to find out which paper packet and stamp I used on the above projects? Here it goes...

 

Chantilly Paper Packet (X7163)

Easter Wishes stamp (B1422)

 

PS. You may be wondering what's in the background. It's my Easter treat bag that I created using Chantilly Paper Packet materials. This treat bag can be duplicated using the Cricut Artiste cartridge.   I also have my ink pads neatly stored in the Medium Organizer (Z4139). I love this storage container. The large container can store up to 40 stamps. Sadly, I will need several of those containers for all my Close to My Heart stamps.

 

As always, you may order these and other fine products at my site http://FrancisAmes.ctmh.com

 

 

Create great embellishments and paper crafts easily

I love to create all types of embellishments and paper crafts using my Cricut machine and with Close to My Heart cartridges Artiste and Art Philosophy the possibilities are endless.

Check out this video to see simple ways you can create an embellishment and paper crafts that will surely make you smile.

 

To recreate any of these projects you may purchase either the Cricut Artiste or the Art Philosophy cartridges through my Close to My Heart website at http://francisames.ctmh.com.

Paper Handbag Tutorial

Hi Ladies!

Remember when I wrote about challenging yourself in new areas and getting out of your comfort zone? Well I am happy to report that I created my first narrated tutorial. I had experimented last year on how to create a video but hated my voice. So I decided to get over myself, take the leap and just do it.

I hope you enjoy my short tutorial on how to create a handbag purse using the Cricut cartridge Artiste available through Close to My Heart. To recreate this you will need

1. One sheet of Chantilly B&T paper
2. Cricut Artiste Cartridge Collection
3. Scoring Tool or Bone Folder
4. Tombo Adhesive
5. Hook and Loops (Tiny circle velcro)
6. Button
7. Glue Dots

Enjoy!

Best Hostess Offer!

Jump for Joy!

March 2013 Constant Campaign

Hostesses earn more rewards in March because when a Gathering reaches $250 or more in sales, the hostess jumps up to the next Hostess Rewards and Hostess Rewards Plus! levels. Now that’s a reason to jump for joy! Information about Hostess Rewards can be found on pages 2-3 of the Spring/Summer 2013 Idea Book.

*Shipping/handling and tax applies. Only Gatherings with a total of $250 or more will qualify for the jump in Hostess Rewards or Hostess Rewards Plus!. Qualifying hostesses will receive Hostess Rewards from one level only—the level that is one higher than their sales total.

Dates: Offer valid March 1–31, 2013.

 



Contact me today to discuss how you can become a hostess.

Mini Album Tutorial

Hello Paper Crafters! I must admit that I LOVE mini albums so everytime one is featured in the CTMH Idea Book I feel the need to create one too. If you are like me then I've attached a tutorial for the mini album featured in the current Idea Book found on page 86. Have fun!

Spirelli Card

In response to the challenge on Crafting by Design blog, this is the card I made showcasing a spirelli embellishment. It's always fun to just create from your imagination with  just a little inspiration. I hope that you too will soon create one.



To recreate this card the card base folded measures 5" x 7" using Daisy White cardstock. Next, is the Lagoon Blue BT background at 4.5" x 6.5".  The spirelli was cut using the 2" scalloped punch out of Dotty For You paper. Using a glue dot to secure the one end of the Baker's Twine I criss-crossed the twine ensuring that all groves were covered. Again using another glue dot I secure the last piece of twine. 

Creating the sentiment was a snap. First of all the stamped images rest on a Daisy White cardstock that measures at 3"x 5".  I stamped the two fun bird characters from the stamp, Easter Wishes, in black ink and colored in using copic markers. The sentiment was stamped in Lagoon ink, also found in the same stamp set. A second stamp set was used, A Garden, to create the folliage using the  Olive ink pad. I stamped the image criss-crossing in the first and second generation.

First generation stamping means that I inked the stamped image only one. Meanwhile the second generation stamping means that after stamping the image once I used the same stamp without reinking it to stamp a second image.

Now for the finishing touches..washi tape. Just cut two piece of the tape in an angle and tape down at the bottom of the Daisy White cardstock with sentiment and images. Adhere the spirelli embellishment with glue dots.

To recreate this card I used the following products:

• CTMH Dotty for You (BT) paper packet, discontinued paper
• CTMH Neutral Baker's Twine (Z1701)
• CTMH Washi Tape (Z1817)
• CTMH Black Ink Pad (Z2105)
• CTMH Olive Ink Pad (Z2137)
• CTMH Daisy Cardstock (1385)
• CTMH Whisper Cardstock (X5929)
• Glue Dots, and Tombo Adhesive
• CTMH Stamp A Garden (A1119), for the folliage
• CTMH Stamp Easter Wishes (B1422), for sentiments and characters
• CTMH 2 inch scalloped punch (Z1392)

Happy Crafting!

Digital Scrapbooking

Have you ever tried digital or online scrapbooking? Close to My Heart has a tool called Studio J that allows you to create your own scrapbook layouts online, available for print and mailed to your home with page protectors. Right now you can get a double layout for just $5!

February 2013 Constant Campaign- Digital Delights!

 

February and March are sure to be months of digital delights because you can purchase any Studio J® layout for only $5—that’s a savings of $1.95 per layout! This is a great opportunity to try Studio J for the first time. Create adorable baby layouts with the Wishes and Fishes kit (shown), or use the new Express Collections with collections of 10 ready-made layouts plus a front and back cover that are easy to use and professionally designed. Preserve your memories at a low price for a truly digital delight!

*Shipping/handling applies. Studio J credits must be redeemed before this promotion can be applied. Offer valid February 1 – March 15, 2013.

 

You can give it a try by visiting my website http://francisames.ctmh.com and selecting Studio J.

A Garden Stamp a Favorite

I must admit that A Garden is one of my favorite go to stamps. Cindy, from the blog Paper Pads and Pictures, first introduced me to this stamp and since then I have used it to create various greeting cards, a milk carton, tags, and included it in a mini scrapbooking album.

The below is a standard 4 1/2" x 5" greeting card that was created using A Garden stamp (A1119), left over scraps from the Chantilly Paper Packet (X7163B), Chantilly Dimensional Elements (X7163C), Washi Tape (Z1817), Lagoon Ink Pad (Z2195), Black Ink Pad (Z2105),  Sweet Leaf Ink Pad (Z2153), and Honey Ink Markers (Z2415). The non-Close to My Heart products that I used was the Sizzix Cuttlebug embossing folder and machine.

Close to My Heart cardstock has a white core which means when you sand its white paper core is revealed. I cut the center mat from Honey cardstock at 4" x 4 1/4". Using the Cuttlebug machine I embossed the Honey cardstock found in the paper packet then sanded it down. Can you see how the embossed areas with the flowers and bird are more prominently visible now that it has been sanded?

 

If you do not have a Cuttlebug embossing folder or machine consider using Chantilly paperned paper featuring the flowers and birds.

 

Also found in the paper packet you will find the rest of your cardstock pieces. Cut two pieces of Lagoon cardstock measuring at 3" x 2" and 2 5/8" x 1 1/2". Also cut one Chantilly BT/Patterned Paper at 2 6/8" x 1 3/4" and one piece of Daisy White Cardstock measuring at 2 1/2" x 1 1/4".

 

Stamp the folliage onto the Daisy White cardstock using Sweet Leaf Ink Pad. followed by stamping the bird in Black Ink Pad, and the Hello sentiment in Lagoon Ink Pad. Fill in the bird with Honey marker.  Now adhere this stamped piece to the Lagoon cardstock.

 

Now adhere all parts into place; the patterned paper onto the second Lagoon cardstock, the embossed Honey cardstock to the center of the card, and both matted pieces on top of the embossed cardstock.  For the finishing touches place washi tape on the corners of the card and place the dimensional elements for embellishments.

 

If you like the stamped images this stamp is currently available for purchase for only $6.95 at http://francisames.ctmh.com

 

Many Uses for Washi or Decorative Tape

Anyone that's recently scrapbooked with me will tell you that I keep mistakely call washi tape with wasabi tape. I think its because I keep craving for sushi? Although I may misprounced the name I certainly know how to use it! So I thought it would be useful to share with you some tips on how to use washi tape.

Washi tape is a decorative tape that can be used to use on greeting cards, and scrapbook layouts. There are many uses for washi tape and I have used them in the past to create

• A banner on greeting cards or even scrapbook pages

• Thread it through a tag to create an easy way to pull a hidden journal

 

•  Make a rossette and embellish with a button as shown on the blog www.paperpadsandpictures.blogspot.com
• Create a background out of various patterns and colors
• Tape down photographs into your scrapbooks or Smashbooks

 

• Tape the borders of your matted pictures or the front of your greeting cards

No matter how you use wasabi, I mean, washi tape I'm so happy to have some in my crafting stash. This decorative tape is very forgiving and can be repositioned to its appropriate location. Love that!

Thanks Close to My Heart for including Washi Tape (Z1817) in the new Idea Book because it's neutral color allows me to use it with any theme!

February 2013 Stamp of the Month

I love a great deal don't you?
You can always take advantage of the Stamp of the Month deal every month when you place a $50 or more order, you may purchase the Stamp of the Month for just $5. Otherwise, the stamp can be purchased for $17.95 during that month only. This stamp is available from February 1-28, 2013.

February's Stamp of the Month is Home Sweet Home (S1302A)

I recommend using a 3"x 3" acrylic block (Y1006) when using this stamp.

To order this stamp or any Close to My Heart product please visit my online store at http://www.FrancisAmes.ctmh.com. 

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