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

My First Studio J Layout

My first love is actual hands-on-paper-scissors-adhesive scrapbooking.  There is just something therapeutic and indescribably rewarding about taking raw materials and creating something uniquely my own. While I always draw inspiration from other ideas - usually finding something that just speaks to me and using that as a jumping off point - the final product is usually something that has my unique touch embedded throughout.  I can admire my finished product with a bit of pride because I know the creative journey I took to arrive at my destination, and like most journeys, there are a lot of good memories associated with it.  So, just to be clear, I always have and always will enjoy the art of hands-on scrapbooking.

But I journeyed into new territory recently and decided to try my hand at Studio J.  Here is the first layout that I made and I was so pleased with it.  And the actual printed pages do not disappoint!  They are so beautiful and flow seamlessly when inserted among the traditional scrapbook pages of my albums.  I've done additional Studio J layouts and will post them in the future.

Studio J layouts are available as 2 page layouts, but I often have one page layouts - so my solution...I modified each page to include a title elements and then proceeded to add my pictures.   The result was two completely independent pages, but one coordinating, cohesive look - which is exactly what I strive for in my traditional paper layouts. 

Working with Studio J was pretty simple, but I highly recommend taking some time to watch the instructional videos, because, not only are they fun, they are full of tips and ideas...and they simplify the learning curve!

Canvas Art WOTG July Special

CTMH is currently featuring a special for this month...get the discounted Workshop on the Go Canvas Art Kit (G1062) in July - no qualifying order required!  From now until July 31 you can get this kit to create your own canvas art to hang in your home, regularly priced at $39.95, now discounted to $19.95 - more than 50% off!

You can watch the following video for tips and details about using this kit...

My Version :-)

I always create by drawing from some source of inspiration.  That is just what works for me.  However, sometimes the inspiration serves more as a source from which I try to almost directly copy the idea while still giving it a few tweaks to make it my own.  Today's project falls into this category.  I loved the card with the hearts from the For Always Workshop on The Go.  But I don't have that WOTG and I wanted to re-create that look...so here is my version. 

Supply list:
For Always Paper Pack (B&T Duos, Slate Cardstock & Twilight Cardstock)
CTMH Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge (Cut from page 67 of handbook)
Card Word Puzzle My Acrylix Stamp Set (Happy Anniversary Sentiment)
Twilight  & Slate Ink Stamp Pad
January SOTM -  Happy Valentine's Day  (inside sentiment)
Whoo's Your Valentine Stamp Set (stripes on the four hearts)

Inside of the card: