Artbooking Made Easy: Christmas Layouts (S01E12)

Christine shows the Christmas themed keys of CTMH's Artbooking Cricut Cartridge which are on pages 74 and 75 of the handbook.  I love the photo mats that are included on these keys, which, as she points out in the video, also make wonderful journalling spots for your pages!

Making a Splash at the Water Park

This layout uses very little CTMH products...but I do love how it turned out.  The base pattern paper is from a cardstock stack called Over the Rainbow, by We R Memory Keepers - which has been in my stash for a number of years now.  It is a simple graph paper design, but I was quite fond of it and was waiting for the right place to use it.

The title and the two embellishments are from a Cricut Cartridge called Life's a Beach and the ribbon is Offray Ribbon that I picked up a Wal-Mart - probably a few years ago.

I cut the circles (page 21 in the handbook) and the journalling tag (page 70 in the handbook) using the CTMH Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge and some cardstock from my stash.  I still need to journal for this layout, but for all practical purposes, it is complete.  I don't often use circles on my layouts, but when I do, I am usually very pleased with the results - and this layout is no exception.

Artbooking Made Easy: Cross-Cartridge Collaboration (S01E11)

Click HERE to join Carlie as she shows how the three CTMH Cricut Cartridges can work together to create even more variety in your crafting projects.  I love all three of these cartridges and they are by far my go to cartridges when I am scrapbooking or making cards.  I own a good number of other Cricut cartridges (every single one purchased before I ever even knew that CTMH made Cricut cartridges.)  However, since I have added the 3 CTMH cartridges to my collection, I rarely use any of my other cartridges.  They contain such a variety of cuts that I can almost always find the perfect cut for my project on one of the three! 

Artbooking Made Easy: Freedom Layouts (S01E10)

Click HERE to view this video from CTMH.  You will see the Freedom key in action as Carlie shows it used on a traditional patriotic themed layout and then shows cuts from this same Key used on layouts that are not patriotic in nature  This is the true genius of the CTMH Cricut Artbooking cartridge - layouts can be as simple as picking a theme and making the coordinated cuts.  Using this method - all of the work has been done for you.  Just make the cuts.  However, you are able to use most of the cuts from each key on other projects and the creative opportunities are fun to explore.  I enjoy flipping through the handbook and sometimes a particular cut will just jump out as exactly what I needed to add that final finishing touch to my layout.  I hope you enjoy today's installment in the Artbooking Video series.

Artbooking Made Easy: Festive Mini Albums (S01E09)

In this video, Jill gives us a peak inside two festive mini albums that were created using the CTMH Artbooking Cricut Cartridge.  The albums are packed with wonderful pages and embellishments there were created using Artbooking.  I love getting to see inside to see all the great design ideas.  These albums are amazing. Hope you enjoy the video :-)

November SOTM

This month's SOTM is called Illuminate.  It contains multiple images that reflect the theme of light, but the corresponding sentiments include words of encouragement and statements of faith.  It can be yours for only $5, with any $50 purchase during the month of November.

Illuminate, November SOTM

Artwork that can be made using Illuminate

Clearly the Best: Preserve with Pizazz (S02E02)

In this video Monica and Christine give a peek inside the pocket album and demonstrate how Christine customized the cover.  The technique is simple and the possibilities are limited only by your imagination and supplies...

Artbooking Made Easy (S01E06): Designed Décor Flip Stand Album

This video shows how pairing the Designed Decor Flip Stand with the CTMH Cricut Artbooking Cricut Cartridge results in a wonderful, and easily personalized, home decor item what will display your photos for everyone to enjoy.  You could even create pages with seasonal themes and pictures and change the display throughout the year in order to keep it fresh and timely  Imagine beach photos displayed during the summer, Thanksgiving pictures from previous years on display during the month of November and Christmas pictures from previous years on display during the month of December...each year just add a page that features memories from the previous year and your family is sure to enjoy reminiscing about the great times spent together.  The Flip Stand is a simple and fun way to bring a few pictures out of your scrapbook albums and right into the center of the fun.

Project Inspirations: Background Stamps

Lisa explores some "out of the box" uses for background stamps.  I am always looking for ways to expand the creative functionality of my supplies and this video provided a couple of fun ideas.

Artbooking Made Easy: Everyday Layouts (S01E08)

The CTMH Artbooking Cricut Cartridge is a dream cartridge for this scrapbooker.  It has so many amazing cuts that can be used to embellish any type of layout.  Of course, the professionally designed layouts that are are already planned and contained on each of the scrapbooking themed keys are wonderful in and of themselves, but they are only a drop in the creative bucket.  In this video, Monica demonstrates the versatility of cuts from several of the themed layouts, showing how beautifully many of these cuts can be used in everyday layouts.  My only complaint about this cartridge (or the other two CTMH cricut cartridges) is that I don't ever have enough time to scrapbook!  But when I do, I almost always pull creative elements from one of my three wonderful CTMH cricut cartridges to add creativity and variety to my layouts.  With 700 images/cuts on each cartridge - I will never run out of options :-)      

Pictures, Pictures, Pictures!

I believe that it is very important to include all aspects of a scrapbook page in each layout...design (over all layout, composition, pattern paper and embellishments), pictures and journalling.  But, for me, the pictures are the most important part and often dictate all other aspects of my design.  In other words, when planning a layout, I always select my pictures first.  Based on the number of pictures I want to include in a layout, I then proceed to pick a layout that will accommodate this number of pictures.  I almost always have a lot of pictures on each layout and often this means there is little room left over for embellishment :-(

Today's layout is no exception - it includes 12 pictures!  After getting all of my pictures on the layout, there was very limited room for embellishments.  This is one reason that I like to treat the journalling area like an embellishment.  Today's layout uses two journalling boxes that were cut using the CTMH Artbooking Cricut Cartridge and then stamped using Ruby Exclusive Ink and the coordinating stamp from D1571, Sweet and Love, which is one of the three stamp sets that come bundled with the Artbooking cartridge.  I love how the journalling blocks on this layout do double duty - telling the story and embellishing a picture-heavy layout.

The trio of heart's were cut using the heart on page 71 of the CTMH Artise Cricut Cartridge handbook.  I welded 3 hearts together for for the base of my embellishment using my Gypsy - but the weld can also be accomplished using the Cricut Craftroom.  I then stamped the heart from D1571, Sweet and Lovely, using Ruby ink on a scrap piece of cardstock and then trimmed it out using my micro-tipped scissors.  I layered it over the center heart of the trio of hearts using 3-D Foam Tape.

Finally, the title was cut (page 69 of the handbook) using the CTMH Artiste Cricut Cartridge.  The pattern paper that served as the base of this layout was from a glitter stack called Laundry Line, by My Mind's Eye. 

Artbooking Made Easy: Fall into Artbooking (S01E07)

Watch the video and see the Autumn/Harvest themed keys in action.  Jill will show you what beautiful cuts are included on pages 72 and 73 of the CTMH Artbooking Cricut Cartridge.  I love how the photo mats, when cut as a part of the layout, are already sized for my photos, but when I use real-dial size to modify their size, they suddenly become an accent element for my page.  In this video, Jill used 3 different sizes and different colored cardstock and the result was the photo mat cut also became the base for two accent clusters and a title.  The resulting design continuity was subtle, but effective, because the shape repeated throughout the layout, but the variety of sizes and cardstock colors gave enough diversity to keep the layout interesting, but cohesive.

Mother's Day Scrapbook Page

Today's layout is from Mother's Day a couple of years ago.  I used contraband cardstock from my stash.  The lighter colored textured cardstock is from Bazzill Basics line called Two Scoops, Irish Mint. and I have no idea what company the darker cardstock is from.  This layout is a slightly modified layout from CTMH Reflections Scrapbook Program, page 124, Sampler - Pieced, 10d.

I also stamped using Washi Wonder (an exclusive Hostess Rewards stamp set, D1558) and Olive Exclusive Ink on a scrap piece of Colonial White Cardstock.  I then used my micro-tipped scissors to trim the pieces out and then attached them to my layout  The Washi Wonder stamps set combined with scraps of cardstock and ink of your choice is like having an endless supply of washi tape to match almost any layout/color/card - so much fun!

My title was cut from CTMH Artiste Cricut Cartridge, page 74 of the handbook.  However, I used my micro-tipped scissors to carefully cut away the word "Happy" because I didn't want that in my title.

I also cut the lace medallion using the CTMH Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge, page 66 in the handbook.  I added some bling from my stash (Gemstones from the Paper Studio) to finish off this layout.

Project Inspirations: Mixed Papers

I really enjoyed learning a bit about how the CTMH paper packs are designed - with hero papers and what I'd call the side-kick papers (those who play a supporting role in the layouts and let the hero papers take the center stage.)  In this video, you will see how easy it is to combine these side-kick papers from various paper packs to get many new design options. Watch and learn....

Clearly the Best: A Burst of Creativity (S02E01)

Hexagon Card

I have had several products in my possession for several months now but have simply not had time to use them.  So I challenged myself to incorporate all three of these items into one quick project and I decided to make a card!

Sweet As Honey Card

My challenge was to use My Acrylix Stamp Set Honeycomb, C1537,  Hexagon Irresistibles, Z1858 and the amazing CTMH Artbooking Cricut Cartridge, Z1906. 

I cut the border on page 66 of the Artbooking Handbook. Using the Gypsy, is the equivalent of cutting without the real dial size on, so the height of my image ended being a staggering 22 inches...but do not fear, the resulting cut was no where near 22 inches, although it did extend past the 12 x 12 inch Cricut mat.  I cut this border using Pear cardstock.

I trimmed off the hexagon that would have been where my sentiment is and then placed the border over my card base (5.5 inches by 4.25 inches) so that the left upper corner of the hexagon at the top of the border aligned with the upper left corner of my card.  I glued the border down and then trimmed off any part that extended past my card base.

I then stamped my sentiment using Pear Exclusive Ink (Z2197) Stamp Pad.  I used the linen looking hexagon stamp and stamped inside all of my hexagons using the Pear Exclusive Ink.

I used Lagoon Exclusive Ink (Z2195) Stamp Pad, first generation stamping, and the remaining patterned hexagon stamps to stamp in seven of the hexagons, which left two hexagon spots what contained only the pear linen stampings.

I also used the bee and the dashed flight pattern to stamp using Pear Ink.  I was able to bend the  dashed flight pattern into a curve to get a better fit for the area that I had to work with on my card.

I used Pear Ink and a sponge dauber to color one of the Hexagon Irresistibles and Lagoon Ink and a sponge dauber to the other Hexagon Irresistibles.  I then secured them both in the remaining hexagon spots on the card using Glue Dots.

I stamped my sentiment which used two stamp sets... Honeycomb and Card Word Puzzle,  C1494.

I hope you enjoy!

Artbooking Made Easy (S01E05): Halloween Mini Albums

This video sheds some light on the two Halloween Mini Album keys that are on the Close To My Heart Artbooking Cricut Cartridge.  These keys are found on pages 54 and 55 of the handbook (keys U and I.)  I love how the measurements are already done for us - which certainly cuts done on the prep time needed to complete a mini album.  It was also helpful to see the two finished projects and the different looks that can be achieved with cuts from these two keys.  Hope you enjoy this video.

October SOTM

Are you already preparing for Christmas...at my house if the Christmas tree is not up before Thanksgiving- I feel as though I will start the Christmas season behind.  My reasoning is that I want to enjoy every single minute of the Christmas season, and if my home is already decorated, then as soon as Thanksgiving is over, we will transition seamlessly into Christmas and all will be well :-)  It is also my way of maximizing the days in which I get to enjoy the sights and sounds of the season...

Anyway, early October is a bit early for even me to begin thinking about Christmas, but the amazing staff at CTMH knows that in order to allow time to create our Christmas projects, we should start planning things in October.  So my hat goes off to them for reminding me that it is not too early to start thinking about Christmas and making plans for the projects that I want to complete this year.

October's SOTM is just amazing!  It contains 5 images, 6 sentiments, and a border stamp.  I just love it.  And to make it even better, 4 of the images have corresponding cuts on the CTMH Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge!  This will truly be a fun SOTM, and it can be yours for just $5, with any $50 purchase during the month of October.

Images that are included in Scandinavian Wishes

Samples of Artwork using Scandinavian Wishes

Loving 4x8 Cards

I have quite a few envelopes leftover from the 4x8 photo Christmas Photo Cards that I am fond of sending.  Over the years, I have saved the extras, so I have quite a collection.  I recently needed to make a couple of cards and decided this would be a fun size to make.  Here are the directions for each card:

I started by cutting  an 8x8 inch square from  White Daisy cardstock for each card. I then folded each square in half to get my 4x8 inch card bases.

I then cut two 4x8 rectangles from For Always B&T pattern paper.

I cut two 10 inch lengths from the Tulle Ribbon, which is a retired product, I regret to say.  But I do love it and will be quite sad when I use up my roll.

For each of my two cards, I then cut the Tag at 2 inches from page 41 of the Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge using the For Always B&T pattern paper and two additional cuts from the scrap of my White Daisy cardstock. I glued this three layers together to get result in a chipboard like piece.  I also cut three circles at 1.25 inches from page 48 of the Artiste Cricut Cartridge from the White Daisy cardstock scraps and glued them together to get a chipboard like piece.

I stamped different sentiments on the circles... I stamped the sentiment frame from the Perfect Fit Thanksgiving My Acrilix Stamp Set, B1427, using Black Exclusive Ink.  I then stamped the Thank You sentiment from the same stamp set on on and the words, "Thinking of You" from Card Word Puzzle, C1494, on the other.  I then adhered the circles onto my tags, centering.

Next, I threaded the tulle segments through the openings on my tags and the centered them on my 4x8 rectangle of the For Always B&T pattern paper.  I used tape to secure the tulle to the back of the B&T paper.  I then adhered this to me card base.  The last step was to attached a 3/8 inch by 8 inch strip of For Always B&T pattern paper.  I will eventually stamp a sentiment on the inside of the cards, but I'll save that step until I actually use the cards and that way I can tailor the sentiment to the recipient.

I also wanted to make the envelopes coordinate with the cards so I attached a 6x2.5 inch scrap of  to the inside of my envelopes.  This segment of coordinating B&T paper covered a section of gold foil that lined some of my envelopes, which was a vast improvement because there was no gold anywhere on either of these two cards!  Here are pictures of my cards and the coordinating envelope:

Thinking of You Card

Thank You Card

The inside of the two cards

The Inside of the Coordinating Envelope

Artbooking Made Easy (S01E04): Spooky Halloween Layouts

The newest Artbooking video and it features Halloween layouts - so fun!

Spin Cards - My Take

The new CTMH Spin Cards are a lot of fun to make and they offer the crafter a fresh, new, fun pallet upon which to be creative.  I recently hosted a card workshop and these are the cards that I came up with for my ladies to make...

Front of Card 1

Inside of Card 1

Inside of Card 2

Front of Card 2

 

Front of Card 3

Inside of Card 3

To make this set of cards, I used the Chantilly paper pack because it still remains one of my absolute favorite paper packs!  After making a set of 10 cards, there was still plenty of paper left over to use for other projects, so I'm sure you will see Chantilly used in future posts!

I used the following supplies:
White Daisy Spin Cards and Envelopes, z1866
Chantilly Paper Pack, x7162b
CTMH Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge, x1686
Color Ready Seam Binding, z1732
Sparkles Clear Assortment, z1752,
Cotton Candy Re-Inker, z2293
Buttercup Re-Inker, z2210
Twilight Re-Inker, z2260

The solid color card stock pieces were all cut from cardstock included in this paper pack:   Cotton Candy (Card 1), Buttercup (Card 2), and Twilight (Card 3). For each card I cut:

• three circles (pg 21 of the Art Philosophy handbook)
• one shaped base (page 53 of the Art Philosophy handbook) (used on the inside of the card)
• one 5x2 inch rectangle.

I used my Gypsy to cut the B&T pattern paper squares at 5x5 inch and at the same time I cut the inner square.  The inner square was centered on the shaped square cardstock base and adhered to the back of the card, taking care to align the B&T square with the window in the card front. 

Card 1 was stamped using Cotton Candy Exclusive Ink and

• Heartfelt Birthday Wish, M1033 
•  You Only Live Once, B1434 (Only available as a Hostess Reward)
•  Hooray Bouquet, D1491

Card 2 was stamped using Buttercup Exclusive Ink and

• Baby Carriage, M1027
• Babycakes WOTG Stamp Set, D1569
• A Garden, A1119

 Card 3 was stamped using White Daisy Exclusive Ink and  

• A True Thank You, M1029
• You Only Live Once, B1434 (Only available as a Hostess Reward)
• Love/Joy/Hope/Fun, D1498 (One of 2 Stamp Sets bundled with Art Philosophy)

I also dyed a 10 inch segment of Color Ready Seam Binding, z1732, for each card using the corresponding color of Re-Inker.  I also used three 4 mm Clear Sparkles on each car. At this point in the process it is only a matter of assembling each card.

Just one more tip:  you could also choose to just save the circles and stamp them with whatever theme you may need for a card in the future!  This is a great way to maintain maximum versatility  - the card can become whatever theme you need it to become - birthday, thank you, get well, etc.

Artbooking Made Easy (S01E03): Summer Mini-Albums

The newest installment in the Artbooking Made Easy  Video Series:

Artboooking Made Easy (S01E02): A+ School Layouts

As promised, here is the next video in the Artbooking Made Easy video series.  Spend a few minutes to watch it and see the wonderful school themed layouts you can make by using cuts from just a couple of keys.  But many of the cuts on these keys are versatile enough to be used on any layout theme, especially the overlays!  The ability to mix and match cuts found on various keys makes the creative options almost limitless!

                                 

Hostess Rewards: Better than Ever!

CTMH has made the Hostess Rewards program even better!  Now when you host a gathering and earn Hostess Rewards, you will be able to apply those rewards to exclusive Hostess Only stamp sets - and they was so adorable!  And to make the deal even better, these stamp sets are offered to Hostesses at discount prices.  For example, Washi Wonder, a D-size stamp set, would retail for $17.95.  However, you would only need $10 of your Hostess Rewards to purchase this versatile stamp set.  Watch the following CMTH corporate video to learn more about this enhancement to the Hostess Rewards program and to see Kristine use Washi Wonder on a couple of projects.

Artbooking Made Easy (S01E01): Getting Started with Cricut Artbooking

The newest CTMH Cricut Cartridge, Artbooking Z1906, is just amazing.  I have played with it just a bit, but have yet to make a project - there are just not enough hours in a day!  However, I know that once I have time, I will have so much fun creating with this amazing cartridge.


CTMH has announced a new series called Artbooking Made Easy.  Over the next 8 months, September 2013 through April 2014, artwork from Artbooking will be featured on Jeanette Lynton's blog, the CTMH YouTube Channel and the CTMH Facebook page.  I will post the videos here on my blog so that you will be sure and not miss any of them. While this cartridge has a lot of the work already done for you in terms of planning mini albums and scrapbook pages, it is packed with wonderful cuts that are versatile and, therefore,  can be used in a variety of settings.  Let's start learning...

 

Decision Made :-)

I have loved the art of scrapbooking for over 15 years now and, as most of you can probably relate too, I have collected a lot of supplies!  I only discovered Close to My Heart a little over a year ago and I am certainly a great fan of the amazing products that this company carries - so much so that I decided to become an Independent Consultant and start a blog!  However, I have struggled with whether or not to include projects on my blog that use papers, embellishment, etc, from companies other than CTMH.  While the primary goal of this blog is to showcase CTMH products, an extremely important supporting goal is to simply share my love of scrapbooking.  I have therefore decided that I will include projects that use supplies from companies other than Close to My Heart.  For sake of clarity and simplicity, I will give credit to the companies when possible, but will label them as "Contraband" when the information is not available. And I will continue to sing the praises of the CTMH products and provide you with ideas/inspiration for using them in your projects.

To begin this new direction in my blog, I want to share an extremely simple layout that uses pattern paper from a paper stack titled Summer Song by My Mind's Eye and some textured cardstock that I pulled from my stash.  I inked the edges of the textured cardstock square that holds my focal photograph with Pear Exclusive Ink Pad.  I also used the Bohemian Alphabet Stamp Set, E1019, and Pear ink to stamp my title.  The paper flowers, buttons, fibers and brads were all pulled from my stash and are all contraband.  I inked the edges of the paper flowers with Cotton Candy Exclusive ink and the journalling block was cut using the Tag on page 50 of the CTMH Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge handbook.  I covered the holes in the pink portion of the tag with the flower brads to give it some color and texture.  This layout came together rather quickly using basic embellishments to add a bit of interest.

September SOTM - Poster Tidings

During the month of September, you can purchase Poster Tidings, the September SOTM, for only $5 with any $50 purchase.  This stamp offers two word collages that will work well on either cards or scrapbook pages.  Using a masking technique, the sentiments can be used alone to give added versatility to this wonderful stamp set (see my two projects at the end of this post.) 

Two stamped images are included in Poster Tidings, the September SOTM

Sample of Artwork that can be created with Poster Tidings

I have included the CTMH corporate video in which Karlie gives you several additional creative ideas for getting the most out of this stamp set. In the final segment of the video, she demonstrates how she deconstructed the image and then used segments of it along with other embellishments, like washi tape and patterned paper, to produce a totally unique look for a card.

I also want to show you a couple of projects that I made using this stamp set.  The first one is a card and I used the entire fall-themed stamp, but I masked off the word blessed for the front of my card.  Then when I stamped the sentiment inside, I masked off all but the work blessed.  Simple, but it gave me a bit of variety.  I stamped using chocolate ink on a scrap of B&T duo paper from the Chantilly Paper Pack.

September is National Stamping Month

Yes, that is right..September is National Stamping Month and Close to My Heart is all about celebrating by offering 3 times the fun with our new stamp set trio of D-size stamps for only $10 with a qualifying purchase.  You can get the exclusive You Are My Happy stamp set trio in celebration of National Stamping Month! During the month of September, when you make a purchase of $50 or more, you qualify for this whimsical stamp set trio for only $10. The trio of stamps includes a whimsical alphabet, light-hearted sentiments, and fanciful images for a variety of occasions to give a cheerful touch to your projects, with a full retail value of $47.90.

*Offer valid September 1-30, 2013. Placing a minimum order of $50 is required for qualification.

Dates: Offer valid September 1-30, 2013.

You Are My Happy National Stamping Month Stamp Set Trio

Here is a CTMH corporate video that will give you some additional information about this promotion and the stamp set:

Chantilly, Oh So Simple, Card

I was inspired to make a card using only paper and stamps and this was the result...

Simple Chantilly Card

I cut a word blurb from Daisy White cardstock at 1 3/4 inches (see page 65) using the Artiste Cricut cartridge.  I then stamped the sentiment using Pear Ink.  The four strips were also cut using the Art Philosophy cartridge at approximately 4 inches, but these strips could easily be cut with your  paper trimmer and the ends could be trimmed into pennant ends with your scissors.  Before adhering them to my card base, I used Pear ink to ink the edges of the base. 

I cut a strip of Pear cardstock to approximately 1/4 inch and adhered it to my card approximate 1/2 inch from the top of the card.  if you prefer, you could also use a coordinating piece of ribbon. I then attached the word blurb using 3-D foam tape instead of the usual piece of ribbon, because I wanted to keep it extremely simple. 

Chantilly Mini Book

As promised, this post will reveal the inside of my mini-book...

The pages were cut using the Artiste Cricut Cartridge.  I cut the cover page from page 58 of the Artiste handbook using Chatilly B&T pattern Paper and the other two pages were cut from page 59 of the handbook using buttercup cardstock and white daisy cardstock.

I still need to add my journalling, but this mini-book was put together quickly and with minimal embellishments.  In a way, the unique shapes of each page work well as a design enhancement, minimizing the need for additional embellishments.

Chantilly Prom Layout

There is so much I love about the Chantilly paper pack...and when I sat down to do a layout for my daughter's Junior Prom, the was the paper that called my name :-)  I am so happy that Chantilly is still available in the new Autumn/Winter Idea Book, along with the Chantilly Assortment and Dimensional Elements.

First things first, the left hand page...

Junior Prom, Left Hand Page

This page includes the equivalent of two 5x7 pictures, but the one of the left is actually a mini-book.  I'll post details about this mini-book in a later post.  The flowers across the bottom of my page were inspired by the flowers that graced the cover of our Spring/Summer 2013 Idea Book.  I used  Buttercup, Cotton Candy and Pear Ink to stamp the flowers and swirls from several stamp sets:  D1498 (from the Art Philosophy stamp set); D1482 Love Life; and C1503 The Best Things.  The title was stamped in Pear Ink using E1019 Bohemian Alphabet Stamp Set, which is retiring and once the stock is depleted, will no longer be available.  As a finishing touch, I added a multitude of pearl embellishments that I have had in my stash for many years.

Junior Prom, Right Hand Page

The right hand page was a very simple layout that featured the Pear cardstock and Pear Ink and a couple of stamped images from The Best Things stamp set.  Again, a few pearls scattered on this page, finished the layout.

Look for my companion post  (it will be posted in a day or two) that will give you additional details on the mini-book :-)

Also a reminder, the August Stamp of the Month, A Chocolate Affair, is available for FREE with a $50 purchase.  This stamp will make a fun, light-hearted addition to your stamp collection.

Ribbons and Trims

This is a quick video that explores many of the ribbons and trims offered by Close to my Heart.  It not only provides inspiration for how to use many of the different products, it also demos coloring the Slate Satin Polka-Dot Ribbon (and this same technique can also be used to color the Color Ready Seam Binding Ribbon.)  This is a fantastic technique, because suddenly your Slate ribbon can now become Sunset and used on a Babycakes card and your Colonial White Seam Binding Ribbon can become Gypsy and added to a treat box that you cut using Laughing Lola and the Artiste Cricut Cartridge. So many options!

Tiffany also alludes to a technique in which you combine re-inker and alcohol to dye the Colonial White Rosette Ribbon.  Used as is, the Colonial White Rosette Ribbon is so beautiful and I have used it on several projects that were intended for a baby.  However, now that I know that it can be dyed using our re-inkers, my creative juices are flowing.

I also wanted to mention that I have had wonderful results using re-inker and alcohol to dye the color ready seam binding.  It is a great technique when you want to dye more than a small piece of ribbon and by adjusting the ratio of re-inker and alcohol, your results can range from muted, soft hues all the way to intense, rich colors.  You can experiment to get the look you want.   Also, the alcohol helps to speed up the drying process, which is a plus.  Being able to apply ink to these ribbons completely opens up the creative possibilities.
 

August SOTM

A Chocolate Affair is CTMH's August SOTM.  It will be a wonderful addition to every chocolate lover's stamp collection and with this month's special from CTMH, can be your FREE with any $50 purchase during the month of August.

Images of the stamps available on A Chocolate Affair

Sample of some Artwork that can be made using the August SOTM

Buzz and Bumble, The Fun Continues

The lovely Buzz and Bumble paper has certainly been one of my favorite from the Spring/Summer 2013 Idea Book.  I will most likely end up using every scrap of paper from that paper pack - because I just love it so much!

Here are two more layouts that I created using papers from this pack.

Buzz and Bumble, IB Diploma

On my IB Diploma layout, I used cuts from the Artiste Cricut Cartridge and stamps from the Avonlea WOTG.  I made the cuts using Sunset cardstock and them stamped the images using Cocoa ink.  My title was made using the Canvas Alphabet on which I stamped using Sunset ink and the 2 1/4 inch flower from Hooray Bouquet (D1491) as a background and texture stamp.  I love the look of this technique.

Buzz and Bumble, Remember

My Remember layout was made exclusively from B&T papers and cardstock, with the exception of the title.  The title was from the Avonlea Complements Canvas Shapes and was stamped using Sunset ink and Universal Backgrounds (D1477).  A few sparkles from the Brown and Tan Assortment (Z1753) finished this layout.  

Stamp Scrubber

Here is a quick video from Corporate that demos the CTMH Stamp Scrubber - I have found it to be a wonderful tool for keeping my stamps in the best possible condition.

Second Buzz and Bumble WOTG Layout

I created this layout for my youngest daughter's school's annual spring fling.  I know the original layout featured 3 pictures, but I am a picture lover and I always have a difficult time narrowing down my choice of what pictures to include in each layout.  For me to get the selection down to under 10 is usually quite remarkable, but to limit it to only 3 - then I most likely only have 3 pictures of that event :-)

The most obvious modification for my layout was that I opted to use two 4x6 photos instead of the one 8x10 that was featured in the WOTG.  I decided with this change in photo size, it would be best if I expanded the vertical height of my sunset colored B&T pattern paper.  Also, the sheer length of my title prevented me from trimming a pennant edge on the end of my title block.

Left Hand Page of Spring Fling 2 page layout

 My right hand page needed to accommodate four photos (two portrait 2x3's and 2 square 3x3'3) and again I needed to expand the vertical height of my sunset colored B&T pattern paper.  I still need to add my journalling, but for all practical purposes, this layout is complete.

Right Hand Page of Spring Fling 2 page layout

 

I will be posting additional projects that were completed using the paper included in this WOTG - it is amazing how much that can be completed with the supplies that are included in each WOTG.  More about that in the near future...

Buzz and Bumble WOTG

I recently hosted a Buzz and Bumble Workshop on the Go.  This WOTG is one of my favorites...the pattern paper is so beautiful and the detail on the stamp set is simply amazing.  The finished layouts are very impressive - and I must say, the pictures simply do not do these layouts justice.  I am sad to say that this WOTG will retire at the end of this month, so if you are interested in adding it to your collection, please do so before midnight on 31 August 2013.

When I completed my layouts, I tweaked them just a bit to accommodate my pictures, but I maintained most of the original design and I was so pleased with the results  I am sharing the primary layout today and will post the second layout in the near future.

On the Left Page, I strayed from the original design by altering the size of my focal photo, and chose to use some of the space allocated for a 5x7 photo for my journalling.  I also utilized the space behind the 9"x6" Cocoa colored B&T patterned paper to create a hidden pocket in which I tucked away a copy of the program for my daughter's Junior Piano Recital (the two protruding pieces of hemp are the pulls to retrieve the program.)

Left Hand Page of Recital 2 page layout

On the right hand page, I needed to accommodate 6 landscape photos.  This modification was very easy and the only adjustment to the original design was that I moved the placement of the stamped sentiment "Wonderful, Beautiful Day" and I decided to use the entire sentiment, not just a portion of it, as was done in the original layout. 

Right Hand page of Recital 2 page layout

It is useful to note that this WOTG utilized two wonderful techniques...Masking (note the use of Sunset ink for the word "Beautiful" and the use of Cocoa ink for the remainder of the stamped sentiment) and the use of Blending Pens (notice the color of the word "Seeds" on the stamped image of the seed packet.)  Blending Pens were used to sprinkle additional pops of color throughout the layout, and this technique offers a quick and inexpensive way to add color exactly where you want it.  Both of these techniques are very easy and fun and the results look quite impressive.

Be sure to look for the second layout created using this WOTG in the coming days :-)

Background Stamps

Here is a fun video from corporate that demonstrates a couple of the wonderful background stamp sets that CTMH currently has available.  Monica demonstrates how the stamps are designed to link and nest, which makes it easy to use them to create your own unique patterned paper.  Hope you enjoy!

Artiste Swing Card

Here is a card that I made using the CTMH Artiste Cartridge.  It is one of several Swing Card that can be cut with this cartridge.  They can be found on page 52 of the Artiste handbook.  All of these swing cards have companion cuts, some are on the Artiste Cartridge and some are on the Art Philosophy Cartridge.  The companion cuts fit into the cut out section of each card.

I cut this card using the Accent 1 Key.  And the companion cut, which is found on page 62 of the Art Philosophy handbook, was cut 3 times...twice for the front of the card (the actual front of the card and the backside of the front) and a third time for the inside - which also serves as a place to write a personal message.

July SOTM

With a $50 order in July, you will have the opportunity to purchase the July SOTM for only$5.  With 6 sentiments and 3 images, it is a great deal for only $5. 

Images from the July SOTM (A Sweet Life) Stamp Set

Examples of July SOTM artwork

List of Retiring Products

CTMH is preparing for the launch of the Autumn/Winter 2013 Idea Book and one sure sign of transition to the new idea book is the announcement of the items that will be retiring...I'm providing a list of the products that will retire as of 31 July 2013.  So if you see any item that you have been considering purchasing, just know that time is running out....

Also, I do apologize for the fact that this is a rather long list, but I certainly felt that it was important that you at least be made aware of all of the retiring product and can plan accordingly!  

Part	Description	Category	Family
Z1347	12 x 12 Post Bound Album- New England Ivy	Album	album
Z1366	Brads Metal Assortment	Accessory	brads
Z1410	Antiqued Copper Designer Brads	Accessory	brads
Z1358	Buttons Basic Assortment	Accessory	Buttons
Z1369	Buttons Red Assortment	Accessory	Buttons
Z1370	Buttons Pink Assortment	Accessory	Buttons
Z1371	Buttons Blue Assortment	Accessory	Buttons
Z1372	Buttons Green Assortment	Accessory	Buttons
Z1703	Wooden Badge Buttons	Accessory	Buttons
Z1704	Pewter Badge Buttons	Accessory	Buttons
Z1821	Buttons Black Assortment	Accessory	Buttons
G1060	Workshops on the Go® For Always Cardmaking Kit	WOTG	Card
G1061	Workshops on the Go® Chantilly Cardmaking Kit	WOTG	Card
Z1412	10-Things Pocket	Paper Product	cards
Z1474	6" x 6" Kraft Die-Cut Cards & Envelopes	Paper Product	cards
Z1721	3” x 3” Kraft Envelopes	Paper Product	Cards
Z1722	4 1/4" x 5 1/2" Kraft Envelopes	Paper Product	Cards
Z1723	5” x 7” Kraft Envelopes	Paper Product	Cards
Z1724	6” x 6” Kraft Envelopes	Paper Product	Cards
Z1450	Cork Color-Ready Alphabet	Accessory	Color Ready
Z1718	Color-Ready Garden Wooden Shapes	Accessory	Color Ready
Z1719	Color-Ready Evergreen Cork Shapes	Accessory	Color Ready
Z1773	Color-Ready Noted Canvas Shapes	Accessory	Color Ready
1771	WaterbrushMedium	Tool	coloring
Z1246	EmbPowderCocoa	Tool	coloring
Z1350	embossing powder topiary	Tool	coloring
Z1351	embossing powder dutch blue	Tool	coloring
Z655	EmbPowderOlive	Tool	coloring
Z656	EmbPowderOutdoorDenim	Tool	coloring
Z659	EmbPowderCranberry	Tool	coloring
Z670	EmbPowderBlack	Tool	coloring
Z672	EmbPowderRed	Tool	coloring
Z673	EmbPowderWhite	Tool	coloring
Z724	EmbossingPen	Tool	coloring
X7155C	Avonlea Complements Canvas Shapes	Accessory	Complements
X7156C	Clementine Complements Canvas Shapes	Accessory	Complements
X7157C	Dakota Complements Silver Foil Images	Accessory	Complements
X7159C	Scholastic My Stickease® Assortment	Accessory	Complements
X7164C	Buzz and Bumble My Stickease® Assortment	Accessory	Complements
X7166C	Claire Complements Canvas Shapes	Accessory	Complements
X7167C	Later Sk8r My Stickease® Assortment	Accessory	Complements
Z1392	2" Scallop Circle Punch	Tool	cutting
Z578	Corner Rounder	Tool	cutting
Z1326	Sparkles Red, Pink & Purple Assortment	Accessory	embellishment
Z1327	Sparkles Blue & Green Assortment	Accessory	embellishment
Z1710	Just Blooms® Paradise Paper Flowers	Accessory	Flowers
Z1612	Paper Clip Pins	Accessory	foundry
Z1827	My Creations™ Paper Pouch - Small	Crafts	gift
Z1828	My Creations™ Paper Pouch - Large	Crafts	gift
G1062	Workshops on the Go® Canvas Art Kit	WOTG	home décor
Z1734	Irresistibles™ Persnickety Journaling Spots	Accessory	Journaling
Z1755	Posh Journaling Spots	Accessory	Journaling
G1053	Workshops on the Go® Chantilly Scrapbooking Kit	WOTG	Layout
G1054	Workshops on the Go® Buzz and Bumble Scrapbooking Kit	WOTG	Layout
G1055	Workshops on the Go® For Always Scrapbooking Kit	WOTG	Layout
G1056	Workshops on the Go® Claire Scrapbooking Kit	WOTG	Layout
G1057	Workshops on the Go® Later Sk8r Scrapbooking Kit	WOTG	Layout
G1058	Workshops on the Go® Tommy Scrapbooking Kit	WOTG	Layout
G1059	Workshops on the Go® Surf's Up Scrapbooking Kit	WOTG	Layout
Z1748	Brocade Assortment	Accessory	Level 2
Z1766	Memo Assortment	Accessory	Level 2
Z1780	Wrangler Assortment	Accessory	Level 2
Z1794	Cottage Assortment	Accessory	Level 2
Z1810	Later Sk8r Assortment	Accessory	Level 2
Z1813	Claire Assortment	Accessory	Level 2
Z1831	Buzz and Bumble Assortment	Accessory	Level 2
X7155B	Avonlea Paper Packet	Paper Product	Level 2
X7156B	Clementine Paper Packet	Paper Product	Level 2
X7157B	Dakota Paper Packet	Paper Product	Level 2
X7159B	Scholastic Paper Packet	Paper Product	Level 2
X7164B	Buzz and Bumble Paper Packet	Paper Product	Level 2
X7166B	Claire Paper Packet	Paper Product	Level 2
X7167B	Later Sk8r Paper Packet	Paper Product	Level 2
Z1487	Mini Medley Accents Pewter Collection	Accessory	mini medley
Z1489	Mini Medley Accents Olive Collection	Accessory	mini medley
Z1697	Mini-Medley Accents Smoothie Collection	Accessory	mini medley
Z1736	My Creations® Mini Banner	Crafts	My Creations
Z1739	My Creations® Milk Carton	Crafts	My Creations
Z1740	My Creations® Bookmark Album	Crafts	My Creations
Z1774	My Creations® Canvas Journal	Crafts	My Creations
Z1081	ColonialWhiteWaxyFlax	Accessory	Ribbon
Z1088	ChocolateWaxyFlax	Accessory	Ribbon
Z1089	BlackWaxyFlax	Accessory	Ribbon
Z1096	EmbroideryFlossNeutralAssortment	Accessory	Ribbon
Z1798	Black Tulle Ribbon	Accessory	Ribbon
Z906	BambooWaxyFlax	Accessory	Ribbon
W1123	Spring Summer 2013 B&T Duo Sampler	Supply	Supply
Z1267	Paper/StampOrganizer8.5x11(3)	organization
Z4134	Handle and Swivel Base	organization
Z4136	ExclusiveInksOrganizerCarryingCase	Organization
Z4200	AccessoriesOrganizer	Organization
Z608	EmbossingStylusMedium	Tool
A1132	Family	Stamp	A
A1133	Festival of Lights	Stamp	A
B1372	Circle Together	Stamp	B
B1395	So Grateful	Stamp	B
B1396	School Rocks	Stamp	B
B1405	Rugged Dude	Stamp	B
B1406	Blessings of Peace	Stamp	B
B1410	A Friend Like You	Stamp	B
B1414	Bonjour	Stamp	B
C1438	Tea Time	Stamp	C
C1461	Salutation Seals	Stamp	C
C1466	Instant Memories	Stamp	C
C1505	Pun Fun	Stamp	C
C1507	Angelic Blessings	Stamp	C
C1508	Paisley Flair	Stamp	C
C1511	Love Blooms	Stamp	C
C1520	Christmas Joy	Stamp	C
D1187	For Every Occasion	Stamp	D
D1388	Card Chatter - Christmas	Stamp	D
D1399	Dream Big	Stamp	D
D1440	Everlasting Life	Stamp	D
D1444	A Little Thanks	Stamp	D
D1492	Christmas Love	Stamp	D
D1517	Game On	Stamp	D
D1519	Abundance	Stamp	D
D1521	Powder Heaven	Stamp	D
D1523	Sweet Music	Stamp	D
D1528	Jardin	Stamp	D
E1010	Chocolate Alphabet Large	Stamp	E
E1014	Posterboard Alphabet	Stamp	E
E1015	Cocktail Alphabet	Stamp	E
E1017	Old World Alphabet	Stamp	E
E1018	Pennant Alphabet	Stamp	E
E1019	Bohemian Alphabet	Stamp	E
E1020	Token Alphabet	Stamp	E
E1021	Trinity Alphabet	Stamp	E
E1022	Hero Alphabet	Stamp	E
E1023	Varsity Alphabet	Stamp	E
E1024	Keepsake Alphabet	Stamp	E
K900	Single Name Stamp	Stamp	Custom
K9012	Address Stamp w/o Icon 2 Lines	Stamp	Custom
K9013	Address Stamp w/o Icon 3 Lines	Stamp	Custom
K9014	Address Stamp w/o Icon 4 Lines	Stamp	Custom
K9022	Address Stamp with Icon 2 Lines	Stamp	Custom
K9023	Address Stamp with Icon 3 Lines	Stamp	Custom
K9024	Address Stamp with Icon 4 Lines	Stamp	Custom
W1600	Customized Set	Stamp	Custom