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

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