Life's like a Bowl of Stamps

First Layout of the New Year

2012-01-21T15:01:00.004-07:00

I have not been much of a scrapbooker but I love paper crafting. My layouts are far and few in between. But I've been wanting to do a layout of my grandson, Xander. So here is the captured memories of my grand son's first haircut, in March last year. I chose Lucky papers to match what he and his dad were wearing. I just love the colors!! I actually did this layout in Studio J last year. [Studio J is the FREE to use online program from Close to My Heart that you can access here.] I designed the layout in Studio J and used that to create this traditional scrapbooking page. Feel free to click picture to see details.

Closer look at the left page layout:

Closer look at the right page layout:

Supplies used (all CTMH unless otherwise noted):

Paper: Lucky Workshop on the Go Kit; Cocoa, Outdoor Denim, Indian Corn Blue, Autumn Terracotta, and Colonial White CS; Lucky My Stickease Assortment

Stamps: D1471 Vintage Type

Ink: Olive, Cocoa, Outdoor Denim, Bamboo

Embellishments: Wooden buttons, Autumn Terracotta waxy flax (ret.), Autumn Terracotta brads, Autumn Terracotta photo clips (ret.), Outdoor Denim grosgrain ribbon from the Blue Collection, Autumn Terracotta grosgrain ribbon (ret.) Pewter photo hanger

Other: Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge; SU tearing ruler

And, for the curious, here is what I actually created in Studio J. When doing the actual layout, it helped me to size my pictures and choose which way someone was looking (because you can also flip pictures around). What a super tool to help in designing your layouts (a necessity for me who professes to be more of a card maker than a scrapbooker).

Studio J was fun but when I look at the two layouts, I think I love the classical scrapbooking one best because of all the textures and dimension! But you can't beat Studio J for a design tool (and it's FREE - go to my shop on line site and create yourself an account and have FUN, FUN, FUN!!)

January 2012 SOTM Blog Hop

2011-12-31T19:00:00.010-07:00

Happy New Year Everyone!! This month the featured stamp of the month is S1211-Little Reminder, a set of 25 images! Below are the images in this stamp set.

If you have come here from Lalia Harris's blog, you are on the right path! I am the first stop for this month's hop! You can find a list of all the partipant's (in case you get lost) here: http://bowlofstamps.blogspot.com/p/sotm-blog-hop-list.html This month we have over 50 Close To My Heart Consultants sharing their creations using this set. The hop is simple to follow - just click on the link provided in the post to move to the next blog!

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My item is a "standard-size card made from the Sonoma Workshop on the Go (WOTG) Papers. I was trying to make a birthday card for my granddaughter whose birthday is January 6th. This is one of those cards that looked so much more elegant in my head. :-)

Supplies used: S1211 Little Reminder Stamp Set; G1028 Sonoma WOTG; Colonial White, Chocolate, Smokey Plum & Olive Cardstock; Olive, Chocolate & Smokey Plum Exclusive Inks; CTMH Cricut Art Philosphy Cartridge; Z1635 Heirloom Assortment (flower); Smokey Plus organza ribbon (retired); old Fiskar border punch.

Time to hop on over to Helen Onulak's Blog to see her beautiful eye candy! Be sure to visit all the Consultants' Blogs to get some great crafting and other fun ideas! Remember, the SOTM is only available until January 31st! Contact your CTMH Consultant (or click here) to see how you can get this stamp set for $5! Here we go!

Happy hopping!

Rock the Block - Blog Hop

2011-12-18T19:00:00.007-07:00

Welcome to the Rock the Block - Blog hop CELEBRATING NATIONAL PAPERCRAFTING MONTH in January 2012. Get an exclusive E-size stamp set and the new My Creations Collage Cubes for just $15 (with a qualifying purchase) available December 19th thru January 31, 2012.

Here is a quick peak at the Image Files - click to show details:

If you have come here from Helen Onulak's blog, you are on the right path! You can find a list of all the partipant's in case you get lost here: http://bowlofstamps.blogspot.com/p/sotm-blog-hop-list.html.

We have just over 30 CTMH Consultants sharing their creations using this amazing set. The hop is simple to follow --just click on the link provided at the end of the post to move to the next blog!

* * * * *

I have not found the perfect theme yet for the blocks so I decided to use the stamp set to create my project:

Supplies: Rock the Block stamp set; Sonoma Paper Pack; Sonoma Level III embellishments; Olive and Smokey Plum Exclusive Inks; Olive, Colonial White and Smokey Plum cardstocks; Paper piecing tool (Pokey Tool); and Clear sparkles colored with copic markers.

Hope you enjoyed my slant on this lovely stamp set! Now it's off to Tracy Godbee's Blog to see her lovely creations!

National Papercrafter's Month Special

2011-12-03T09:47:00.000-07:00

ROCK THE BLOCK! JOIN THE CRAZE! WHEN YOU PLACE A MINIMUM ORDER OF $25 FROM THEAutumn/Winter 2011 Idea Book, you can get two new products for just $15: the My Creations® Collage Cubes (a Spring/Summer 2012 sneak-peek product!) and the exclusive My Acrylix® Rock the Block E-size stamp set. That’s a retail savings of almost $30! You're going to love the Collage Cubes and the Rock the Block stamp set, which work together for interactive, 3-D fun.

Offer available from December 19, 2011 thru January 31, 2012.

December Stamp of the Month Blog Hop

2011-11-30T19:00:00.038-07:00

Welcome to our December Stamp of the Month Blog Hop featuring S1112 Mad About You, with 14 ways to profess your love for that special someone!

If you have come here from Helen Onulak's Blog, you are on the right path! You can find a list of all the partipant's in case you get lost here: http://bowlofstamps.blogspot.com/p/sotm-blog-hop-list.html

This month we have nearly 60 Close To My Heart Consultants sharing their creations using this month's SOTM and other great CTMH products on their blogs. Blog hopping is simple to do - just click on the link at the end of the post on each blog to move to the next one! Here we go!

Now "Hop" on over to Adeline Brill's blog to see her beautiful eye candy! Be sure to visit all the Consultants at their Blogs to get some great crafting ideas and other fun ideas! Remember, the SOTM is only available until December 31st! Contact your CTMH Consultant (or click here) to see how you can get this stamp set for $5!

* * *

Below is one of the ways I decided to use this stamp set (as an anniversary card). It is a 6" x 6" size card. Note that you can click on the picture to see details.

Here is just a closer look at the detail (showing the sparkles lace.

Below is a better picture of the sparkels.

Supplies: Mad About You Stamp Set; Roxie Workshop on the Go Papers; Black, Kraft, Colonial White, Tulip Cardstock, Smoothie, Black, Tulip Exclusive Inks; Clear Sparkes, Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge; Quick Cut Scallop Die & Spellbinders Circle Dies; lace from my sewing basket.

Now hop on over to Adeline's Blog by clicking the block below:

November's Sharing from the Heart Blog Hop

2011-11-28T15:17:00.002-07:00

Welcome to November's Hop! This month's themes we have three themes that each hopper chose from, Thanksgiving, Stamp Of The Month, or Gift Ideas. They may have done all three or only 1 of them.

You have arrived from Jody Gustafson's blog. My project was tags. Needs lots of tags for gifts, right?

The large tags are 5" tall (not including ribbon). The small tags are approximately 3" tall. If you are using your CTMH Art Philosophy cartridge in your Cricut to cut out your tags, the small ones are "original" size. You can click on any pictures for greater detail. I shamelessly copied these ideas from Annette Green.

Here are the individual tags close up.

In the meantime, please hop on over to Kristine Ponte's Blog to enjoy her lovely eye-candy.

If you get lost along the way, please enjoy all of the lovely posts below:

Diana Soling http://mystampingspot.blogspot.com/

Deb Fortin http://papercrazy.blogspot.com/

Elizabeth http://ejoym.blogspot.com/

Heather Hunt http://creativecoconut08.blogspot.com/

Jody Gustafson http://cre8nmemories.blogspot.com/

You Are Here----->; http://bowlofstamps.blogspot.com/

Kristine Ponte http://kponte.blogspot.com/

Lori Stroup http://loriannie670.blogspot.com/

Wendy K. http://myscrapbookingblog.com/

Adeline Brill http://adeline-brill.blogspot.com/

Lela Norris http://lilola4life.blogspot.com/

Thanks for stopping by and have a day full of wonder and delight!

Cherish The Day Stamp of the Month Blog Hop

2011-10-31T19:00:00.010-06:00

Welcome to November's {Cherish The Day} Stamp of the Month Blog Hop! This month the featured stamp of the month is S1111-Cherish The Day, a set of 44 images! Below are the images in this stamp set.

If you have come here from Vicki Price's blog, you are on the right path! I am the first stop for this month's hop! You can find a list of all the partipant's (in case you get lost) here: http://bowlofstamps.blogspot.com/p/sotm-blog-hop-list.html This month we have almost 60 Close To My Heart Consultants sharing their creations using this classic set. The hop is simple to follow - just click on the link provided in the post to move to the next blog!

* * *

My item is a treat/favor holder created with the new Believe Paper Pack (Workshop on the Go). I am SO loving the CTMH Cricket Art Philosophy cartridge with over 700 images and the ability to make many 3D projects like this one!

Supplies used: S1111 Cherish The Day Stamp Set; G1024 Believe WOTG; Kraft card stock; Black & Holiday Red Exclusive Inks; CTMH Cricut Art Philosphy Cartridge; Red Sparkles; Sparkle Brads (retired); Sweet Lear Grosgrain ribbon; Hershey Hugs.

Time to hop on over to Helen Onulak's Blog to see her beautiful eye candy! Be sure to visit all the Consultants' Blogs to get some great crafting and other fun ideas! Remember, the SOTM is only available until November 30th! Contact your CTMH Consultant (or click here) to see how you can get this stamp set for $5! Here we go!

Happy hopping!

Christmas Card Class & Faux Bow Tutorial

2011-10-22T00:00:00.001-06:00

Last night I had a really fun class with 5 new ladies that I met for the first time. None of them had ever stamped before so I wasn't completely certain we would make it through 3 cards. There were a lot of new things to learn with these cards. First off, I have to give credit to Vicki Wiznuik, a Canadian consultant shared her fabulous card ideas on the consultant board. My changes are ever so slight. Here is what we did:

The first card we created had lots of glitz glitter!

Next we moved to something that had a little texture. I also demonstrated that with CTMH's white core card stock that you could sand the texture ever so slightly to make it pop even more.

And finally, we got to make a faux bow which makes a lovely gathered bow. Doesn't it look like the most perfect bow?

So, how do you make this lovely faux bow? Note that any picture (above/below) you can click on it to see more detail.

1. For this ribbon (which is 1" wide) I started with a 10" piece of ribbon, a button (2 holes is easier to do this), and some hemp or waxy flax (I prefer the waxy flax).

2. Take the left end of the ribbon and cross it over the center of the ribbon and take the right end of the ribbon and cross it over the center:

3. Through the top of the button insert the waxy flax and come up through the second hole but leave the waxy flax loose forming a big loop.

4. Insert your ribbon (for pix #2 above) through the loop.

5. Now tighten the waxy flax forming a bow but leaving the waxy flax just loose enough so you can adjust the bow:

6. When the bow is adjusted the way you like, tie a single knot in the waxy flax or if you are using hemp you will have to tie a double knot to hold it. Trim waxy flax down to about the width of the button.

7. Trim the ends of the bow and voila, you have the perfect faux bow!

Now if that isn't the easiest bow I ever didn't tie!

SHARING FROM THE HEART Blog Hop

2011-10-14T07:43:00.001-06:00

Welcome to the Sharing From the Heart Blog Hop! Grab your coffee, sit back and enjoy all the great projects from 13 ladies we've got for you today!! The hop goes in a complete circle so you will end up here or where ever you started when you are finished.
We have several different themes so you'll be getting a good variety today!! You have probably arrived from Jody Gustafson's blog and the next stop after here will be Kristine Ponte's blog.

Below is my artwork featuring FALL FLING ideas! It is a 6" x 6" card. I just love the Dreamin' papers and have been itching to used them!

A closer look showing the dimension:

Supplies: Harvest Happiness Stamp Set; Dreamin WOTG kit; Pacifica, Cocoa, & Colonial White Cardstock; Goldrush, Pacifica & Chocolate Exclusive Inks; Colonial White Designer Ribbon Collection; Shimmer Designer Brads; Piercing Tool

My card was inspired by a sketch from Viva La Verve Week #2 on Split Coast Stampers:

Now, hope on over to Kristine Ponte's blog and see what beautiful eye candy you will find there! Thanks for stopping by today! If you get lost along the way, below is a list of participants. Enjoy!

* * * * * *
Diana Soling http://mystampingspot.blogspot.com/
Adeline Brill http://adeline-brill.blogspot.com/
Deanne Jacobs http://deannestamps.blogspot.com/
Elizabeth http://www.ejoym.blogspot.com/
Heather Hunt http://creativecoconut08.blogspot.com/
Jody Gustafson http://cre8nmemories.blogspot.com/
Kathleen Androlewicz http://bowlofstamps.blogspot.com/ - YOU ARE HERE
Kristine Ponte http://kponte.blogspot.com/
Lela Norris http://lilola4life.blogspot.com/
Stephanie Thompson http://www.voicespast.com/
Tammy Smith http://c2mh.blogspot.com/
Tamytha Jenkins http://paperheartist.com/
Wendy K. http://www.myscrapbookingblog.com/

Blog Award - Oh My Gosh!

2011-10-10T22:00:00.003-06:00

Oh my gosh! Sarah Batkin, whose beautiful and inspirational blog is Sarah Batkin's Legacy of Love, awarded me this darling blog award back on September 19th. I finally got a day off where I was going back through my email trying to catch up and noticed that she had awarded this to me. Thank you Sarah! Thank you so much!!

Liebster is German for "favorite" or "beloved". So essentially it translates into "Favorite Blog". The award is sent to blogs that have fewer than 200 followers. It recognizes the "little blogs" out there and helps to draw more followers . . . something every blogger wants, right?

And here is the best part: As part of accepting this award, I get to pass it on to 5 blogs. I can think of a lot more so this is not going to be easy recognizing only 5. So, here are the blogs I have chosen to recognize and why I would like to recognize them:

Nancy Brown, Creatively Artsy Card Gallary. I learned so much about layering from Nancy. She has some seriously beautiful cards and amazing Etsy cards.

Sheila Bennett, Sheila's Stamping Stuff. Sheila has a great blog! She is pretty much a consistent poster to her blog and she inspires me to do more!!

Adeline Brill, Welcome To My Creative Place. Adeline was one of the original people who inspired me to blog! She is one creative lady!

Melinda Everitt, If You Bling It They Will Come. Melinda always has some fun projects and fun artwork!

Olena Dundee, From My Hands, To Your Heart. I love Olena's layering techniques. She has beautiful artwork. As a MojoMonday fan, I've admired Olena's blog for a long time!
All of these ladies are SO talented and I hope you will visit them and enjoy their beautiful artwork as I have!

October Stamp of the Month Blog Hop

2011-09-30T19:00:00.019-06:00

Welcome to our October Stamp of the Month Blog Hop featuring S1110 Holiday Magic, a set of 18 absolutely darling Holiday stamps!

This month we have nearly 60 Close To My Heart Consultants sharing their creations using this month's SOTM and other great CTMH products on their blogs. Blog hopping is simple to do - just click on the link at the end of the post on each blog to move to the next one! Here we go!

Now "Hop" on over to Beth Naumann's blog to see her beautiful eye candy! Be sure to visit all the Consultants at their Blogs to get some great crafting ideas and other fun ideas! Remember, the SOTM is only available until October 31st! Contact your CTMH Consultant (or click here) to see how you can get this stamp set for $5!

* * *

Below is one of the ways I decided to use this stamp set. It is a 5" x 7" size card. Note that you can click on the picture to see details.

Here is just a closer look at the detail (showing the sparkly brads (retired) and the sparkles.

Supplies: Holiday Magic Stamp Set; Believe Workshop of the Go Papers; Black, Sweet Leaf, White Cardstock, Topiary, Sky, Black Exclusive Inks; Clear Sparkes, Red Sparkles; Glitter Brads (Retired); Border & label punch from SU; Spellbinder Dies; Quick Cut Scallop Die & Spellbinders Circle Dies.

Compatibility with CTMH Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge: I was doing some playing around and found that you can cut the perfect outline shapes with your Cricut for the stocking stamps setting the size to 3-1/4". The cutting shape is found on page 67 and it is the shift key + 7th key on bottom row. See below and click to see detail better:

For the Christmas tree/banner (however you use it). I had to make a height and width adjustment. I use Cricut Design Studio because I'm a visual person and it just works so much better for me. Anyway, I set the height to 3.5" and the width to 2". The cutting shape is found on page 31 and is she shift key + 1st key in 2nd row. See below and click picture to see detail better:

So that's why I've got a cutting machine!

Halloween Banner

2011-09-08T19:00:00.026-06:00

My last workshop turned out to be a lot of fun. We made a Halloween banner and it didn't take a lot of time and turned out pretty "spooky". I wanted to make one similar to the one in the Idea Book in the Mischief Workshop on the Go (WOTG) section, but I didn't want to use up all my paper packet to do it. I also didn't want to make everyone buy the WOTG packet just to make the banner. So, we ended up using only one sheet (from the consultant bulk paper package) and 1 sheet of Black CS. I added in some Sunset paper. Okay, here is my true confessions. I am a ribbon and embellishment hoarder. So, it wasn't too hard to come up with those finishing touches. So, here it is (click to see more details):

Below are the individual pennants:

Supplies: Mischief WOTG kit; Mischief Workshop Stamp Set; All Hallow's Eve Stamp Set; Sunset, Olive and Black Cardstock; Black and White Exclusive Ink; Silhouette Creative Basis B&T papers; Cricut Art Philosphy Cartridge (letters); Black Mini-Medley Accents; Sparkles (skull eyes); Pearl opaques, liquid glass; Martha Stewart Scary Fence Punch; Theresa Collins Black diamonds (on the "k").

I think I'm ready for Halloween now!

Treat Bag using Cricket Art Philosphy Cartridge

2011-09-07T17:10:00.000-06:00

There are so many amazing images on the art Philosphy Cartridge--700 to be precise! This is one of the boxes that you can cut from this cartridge using the Mischief papers. It took about 15 minutes to create!

And one more view

Supplies: Mischief WOTG kit and stamp set; Mixed Shapes Dimensional Elements VersaMark, Clear Embossing Powder; Sunset Exclusive Ink; Liquid Glass; Black Organza Ribbon and Orange Organza Ribbon.

Below is a pictures of some of the amazing shapes on the CTMH Cricket Art Philosophy Cartridge (click to see details):

I just love the 3D flowers and the doilies are so amazing. I never knew you could get such detail from a cutter!

September Stamp of the Month Blog Hop

2011-08-31T19:00:00.004-06:00

Welcome to September's {Limited Edition} Stamp of the Month Blog Hop! This month the featured stamp of the month is S1109-Limited Edition, a set of 21 images! Below are the images in this stamp set.

If you have come here from Debbie Little's blog, you are on the right path! I am the first stop for this month's hop! You can find a list of all the partipant's (in case you get lost) here: http://bowlofstamps.blogspot.com/p/sotm-blog-hop-list.html This month we have just over 60 Close To My Heart Consultants sharing their creations using this classic set. The hop is simple to follow - just click on the link provided in the post to move to the next blog!

* * *

My first item is a card created with the new Typeset Paper Pack (Workshop on the Go). As I thought about what I would make for my project I decided that it had been ages since I had done a Mojo Monday and decided that whatever the Mojo was for this week, I was going to use. I did stay true to design but flipped the design on its side:

Here is the Mojo Monday sketch:

And, here is the 6" x 6" square card I created from this sketch - you can click on picture to better view details:

And a little different view:

Supplies used: S1109 Limited Edition Stamp Set; G1024 Typeset WOTG; Black, Juniper, Vineyard Berry, and Colonial White Cardstocks; Juniper & Vineyard Berry Exclusive Inks; CTMH Cricut Art Philosphy Cartridge; Black Mini Medley Accent Collection; Juniper Ribbon from Wings Creative Basic package (retired); 3-D foam tape.

Time to hop on over to Helen Onulak's Blog to see her beautiful eye candy! Be sure to visit all the Consultants' Blogs to get some great crafting and other fun ideas! Remember, the SOTM is only available until September 30th! Contact your CTMH Consultant (or click here) to see how you can get this stamp set at a discount or even free! Here we go!

Finally, be sure to check out the September National Stamping Month Special which ends September 30th. Get 2 D-size stamp sets free when you spend $75. Download the information from the link at the top-right portion of my blog.

Happy hopping!

Holiday Projects Are A Breeze!

2011-08-22T23:23:00.002-06:00

In the first video, making tags can be a breeze with the new CTMH Art Philosophy Cartridge and the December 25th C1469 stamp set! See how easy below:

And here's a way to make cute quick cards. Again, the CTMH Art Philosphy is showcased along with the A Holiday A1115 stamp set:

Now, for the last video we have it All Buttoned Up:

Healing the Family Tree

2011-08-16T22:07:00.000-06:00

WOW! Tonight I saw this amazing prayer for healing a family tree and had to reprint it here:

Prayer for Healing the Family Tree
Rev. John H. Hampsch, CMF

Heavenly Father, I come before you as your child, in great need of your help; I have physical health needs, emotional needs, spiritual needs, and interpersonal needs. Many of my problems have been caused by my own failures, neglect and sinfulness, for which I humbly beg your forgiveness, Lord. But I also ask you to forgive the sins of my a...ncestors whose failures have left their effects on me in the form of unwanted tendencies, behavior patterns and defects in body, mind and spirit. Heal me, Lord, of all these disorders.

With your help I sincerely forgive everyone, especially living or dead members of my family tree, who have directly offended me or my loved ones in any way, or those whose sins have resulted in our present sufferings and disorders. In the name of your divine Son, Jesus, and in the power of his Holy Spirit, I ask you, Father, to deliver me and my entire family tree from the influence of the evil one. Free all living and dead members of my family tree, including those in adoptive relationships, and those in extended family relationships, from every contaminating form of bondage. By your loving concern for us, heavenly Father, and by the shed blood of your precious Son, Jesus, I beg you to extend your blessing to me and to all my living and deceased relatives. Heal every negative effect transmitted through all past generations, and prevent such negative effects in future generations of my family tree.

I symbolically place the cross of Jesus over the head of each person in my family tree, and between each generation; I ask you to let the cleansing blood of Jesus purify the bloodlines in my family lineage. Set your protective angels to encamp around us, and permit Archangel Raphael, the patron of healing, to administer your divine healing power to all of us, even in areas of genetic disability. Give special power to our family members' guardian angels to heal, protect, guide and encourage each of us in all our needs. Let your healing power be released at this very moment, and let it continue as long as your sovereignty permits.

In our family tree, Lord, replace all bondage with a holy bonding in family love. And let there be an ever-deeper bonding with you, Lord, by the Holy Spirit, to your Son, Jesus. Let the family of the Holy Trinity pervade our family with its tender, warm, loving presence, so that our family may recognize and manifest that love in all our relationships. All of our unknown needs we include with this petition that we pray in Jesus' precious Name. Amen.

+++++++++++++++
St. Joseph, Patron of family life, pray for us.

Blessings upon all of your families!

Pair-A-Phrase Blog Hop

2011-08-14T19:00:00.002-06:00

Welcome to the Pair-A-Phrase Blog hop CELEBRATING NATIONAL STAMPING MONTH IN September. Close To My Heart (CTMH) is offering its first-ever double stamp set: Pair-A-Phrase!

Here is a quick peak at the Image Files - click to show details:

If you have come here from Helen Onulak's blog, you are on the right path! You can find a list of all the partipant's in case you get lost here: http://bowlofstamps.blogspot.com/p/pair-phrase-blog-hop-list.html. We have just over 40 CTMH Consultants sharing their creations using this wicked set. The hop is simple to follow --just click on the link provided at the end of the post to move to the next blog!

* * * * *

I find the little owl adorable so I've selected to show him off in this post with a standard size card. I also chose to feature Taffy papers--the almost forgotten exclusive color:

A close look at the die cut border:

Supplies: Pair-A-Phrase stamp set; Bliss B&T papers - Grey Flannel, Taffy, Chocolate CS & EI; Colonial White paper; Cocoa collection ribbon; mocha opaques; liquid glass; Cuttle bug and Sizzix Embossing folders; Spellbinders circle and scalloped circle dies.

Hope you enjoyed my slant on this lovely stamp set! Now it's off to Melissa Laverty's Blog to see her lovely creations!

"Enjoy" Scrapbook Pages that Pop with Flowers!

2011-08-11T23:36:00.000-06:00

Quickly cut, stamp, and curl pretty 3-D flowers using Close To My Heart’s new Cricut® Art Philosophy cartridge, My Acrylix® Hooray Bouquet stamp set, and your own creativity. Pick up more ideas for embellishing your layouts, cards, and gifts with fun florals in this how-to video.

I can't wait, my cartridge won't be here until next week.....

Happy Scrapping!

Wicked SOTM Blog Hop

2011-07-31T19:00:00.005-06:00

Welcome to August's {Wicked} Stamp of the Month Blog Hop! This month the featured stamp of the month is S1108-Wicked, a set of 9 mischievous images! Below are the images in this stamp set. Today the new Autumn/Winter 2011 Idea Book goes live along with new LOW stamp set prices and no Stamp of the Month program (spend $50 and you can purchase the SOTM for $5.00 or purchase this D-size stamp set outright for $17.95). OMG all our stamps sets have DROPPED in price can you believe it?

If you have come here from Cecilia Marsh's blog, you are on the right path! I am the first stop for this month's hop! You can find a list of all the partipant's in case you get lost here: http://bowlofstamps.blogspot.com/p/sotm-blog-hop-list.html This month we have just over 60 Close To My Heart Consultants sharing their creations using this wicked set. The hop is simple to follow - just click on the link provided in the post to move to the next blog!

* * *

My first item is an easel card created with the new Mischief Paper Pack (Workshop on the Go). I just love how whispy our little witch is! I tried to emphasize her hat, shoes & gloves with Liquid Glass (same thing as Diamond Glaze type adhesive). I finally made up my mind to use or lose my Pazzles Inspiration (die cutting machine like a Cricut only can do a lot more things) to cut all the scallop and circle pieces.

Below shows the card standing up as an easel card (directions can be found at Splitcoast Stampers under Resources).

A close look at the inside of the card (which hold up card).

Supplies used: S1108 Wicked Stamp Set; G1029 Mischief WOTG; Sunset, Black & White Daisy Cardstocks; Black & Grey Wool Exclusive Inks; z1353 CTMH 4-1/2" Circle Cards; z1333 Mocha Opaques; z679 Liquid Glass; Pazzles Inspiration to cut scalloped circles and black CS circles.

Now, this next let gem I had been eyeing to make since last Halloween is the cute little witch's shoe. I had it on display at my workshop yesterday and everyone said they loved it but it looked hard to make. (Oh no it wasn't!).

A closer look at the little sign:

Here's a view so you can see it straight on to get a better idea of the dimension.

,Supplies used: S1108 Wicked Stamp Set; G1029 Mischief WOTG; Black & Sunset Cardstock; Black Exclusive Ink, VersaMark Ink; Z1338 Sunset Mini Medley Accent Collection; Z1095 Orange & Yellow Embroidery Floss (apparently retired); Z1612 Pin Clips; Retired Neutral Buttons (very old); Autumn Glitter Embossing Powder (I got it at a stamping convention).
OK if you are like me you are saying, "So where's the template?" You can find that template here. It really is very easy!

Time to hop on over to Helen Onulak's Blog to see her beautiful eye candy! Be sure to visit all the Consultants' Blogs to get some great crafting and other fun ideas! Remember, the SOTM is only available until August 31th! Contact your CTMH Consultant (or click here) to see how you can get this stamp set at a discount or even free! Here we go!

Finally, be sure to check out the August Specials. Here is the first which is available all month:

The second special for August runs August 15th thru the end of September. Get 2 D-size stamp sets free when you spend $75:

Happy hopping!

White on White

2011-07-25T14:29:00.001-06:00

I have always admired the white on white on white cards that you see posted here and there from time to time. So, I decided to try one for a very special friend that recently lost her beloved sister. I found that having a lot of texture helps to dress it up:

The accenting color is called Grey Wool and it is sponged over clear embossed words.

Although I really didn't have multiple lighting arrangements it looks that way.

The last picture shows a close up. What you really can't see is the pearlized finished of the cardstock. I tried to capture it but the camera wouldn't cooperate!

Supplies used: Card Chatter - Sympathy Stamp set; White Daisy Cardstock; white pearl opaques adhesive gems; white satin & organza ribbon; Cuttlebug embossing folder; spellbinder die cut.

Art Philosphy Cricut Cartridge by CTMH & Provo Craft

2011-07-24T14:27:00.000-06:00

Close to My Heart has worked with Provo Craft to bring you an exciting new Art Philosphy Cricut Cartridge Collection with 700 gorgeous shapes that were personally selected by Jeanette Lynton. Wait to you see some of the fabulous items included with this amazing offer available August 1st. (Email me to get your copy of the new amazing Idea Book now!)

Mid-month Feature Blog Hop

2011-07-14T04:00:00.147-06:00

I just joined a new CTMH blog hop that just started up. It features a mid-month hop with different themes as well as stamp of the month themes. This month I continued with the Stamp of the Month theme because I just love this stamp set!

If you have come here from {Jody Gustafson's Blog} you are still on the right track. We have 14 artists participating in this blog hop. Below you will see my artwork and a little tutorial. From here you will be heading over to {Kristine Ponte's Blog} to see her lovely eye-candy!

* * * * *

I have created a round card with the little fire-cracker stamp. I just love those little fire crackers! I tipped the top of the wick (created with white waxy flax) with a tiny bit of orange glitter and then added liquid glass to the fire crackers for a little more dimension.

A closer look here for dimension and detail.

Recipe: Z1353 White Daisy Circle Cards; D1458 American Celebration; G1021 Fanfare WOTG kit; Z1400 Fanfare Level 2 Brad Assortment; Z1369 Red Button Assortment; Z1371 Blue Button Assortment; Z1081 Colonial White Waxy flax; Z679 Liquid Glass; Sunny Yellow, Cranberry and Pacifica Exclusive Inks; Star gem stones of unknown origin; Spellbinder Nestabilities labels 15.

Next we have the Paper Rocket Confetti Poppers and Tutorial:

Gather supplies: Assorted printed papers; paper towel or toilet paper tube; tissue paper; floss or string, favorite adhesive, hot glue gun; 2 pony beads (won't show); ribbon for streamers; stickers or other embellishments to decorate your rocket.

Gather tools: Staper; scissors; craft or needlework needle; hole puncher; 1-1/4" circle punch (my tube is 1-1/2" diameter so punch needs to be smaller than tube diameter) & fun craft punches for confetti (if you are making your own).

1. Cut a small piece of tissue paper about 3" x 3" (big enough to cover bottom of you tube). Next punch out a circle from scratch cardstock (CS). With some glue, attach the CS circle to center of tissue paper.

2. Let it dry and then thread about an arm's length of twine into your craft needle and tie a bead to the end for a knot. Thread thru the center of your the CS circle attached to tissue paper. This is the chamber door that will hold your confetti.

3. Glue the tissue paper door to your cardboard tube with a small line of glue around the bottom of the tube.

4. The string will come thru the bottom of the tube. You may wish to decorate the end of the string with a pull tab of some sort (shown later on).

5. Next, you will cut a piece of pattern paper to cover your tube. Mine is 4-1/4" x 6".

6. On the paper that will cover the roll I decided to add ribbon streamers and just used scotch tape to tape them to the inside of the paper before I cover the roll.

7. After the roll is covered you can add decorations to the outside. Now you are ready to fill your rocket with confetti. I used some star confetti and decided they would drop like rocks so I made some tissue confetti from the left over tissue paper I used to cover the bottom of the rocket. That way the confetti will sorta float like feathers.

8. For the rocket top, I used cut a large circle out of pattern paper and cut to the center of the paper.

9. I cut a triangle out of the circle so I could bring the ends together to form a cone.

10. String will come out the top of the cone to hold up your rocket so you can poke a hole through the center of the cone.

11. On the rocket tube, punch a hole on each side at the top across from each other. Thread string (I used very thin ribbon thru the holes and take both ends of the ribbon and string it through a pony bead. The top of your cone will rest on top of the pony bead. Now thread the ribbon thru the top of the cone.

12. I secured the cone to the top of the rocket with low temperature hot glue.

13. That is the pull tab of my rocket which is hanging from a ceiling fan.

14. Ahhhh, the decorated rocket in all its glory. Now all I need is a few grandkids to test it out.

15. Add some grandkids to the mix to see if they think pulling the tab and having the confetti fly out is fun. Yep, it worked!

Now, if you stayed for the whole tutorial by sure to hop on over to over to {Kristine Ponte's Blog} to see her lovely eye-candy!

One More Studio J Layout

2011-07-11T22:55:00.000-06:00

Studio J is truly addicting but I had to show you the last layout I did of my grand daughter. It was her first birthday. I wish I had taken some still pictures of her eating her first ever piece of cake because she was covered head to toe. Here is the full layout which is much easier to see when you click on it to make it bigger:

Here is the left page:

And now here is the right page:

The printouts from Studio J are absolutely amazing. I guess they would have to be if they are printed on 12" x 12" photo cardstock!

Aren't grand kids the best? Happy Tuesday!

Pivot Stapler (reprint from MyCTMH site)

2011-07-05T23:53:00.001-06:00

(Note that this article appeared on my Online Ordering site as an "Idea of the Month". )

One of my favorite tools to use is the Pivot Stapler which is a unique tool to CTMH! you can swing the stapler around in all directions to make stapling easier.

The ideas in this post are used by permission and were created by Alisan Smith - A very creative and talented CTMH Consultant whose ideas I still use ALL the time--thank you Alisan!! (Note that you can click on pictures to see greater details.) The first item it showing ways to embellish with staples.

Next is another way to embellish using staples:

The great thing about the stapler is that you can staple all the way down the border of a 12x12 page (do click on this to blow up to see detail!)

On this last one, the ribbon was stapled down and tied a knot around the staple. These bows are NEVER falling off!

Hope you enjoyed today's adventures in stapling!

July Stamp of the Month Blog Hop!

2011-06-30T19:00:00.032-06:00

Welcome to our July Stamp of the Month Blog Hop! We are featuring D1458 American Celebration, a set of 12 absolutely patriotic stamps!

This month we have over 60 Close To My Heart Consultants sharing their creations using this month's SOTM and other great CTMH products on their blogs. This is simple to do - just click on the link at the end of the post on each blog to move to the next one! Here we go!

Now "Hop" on over to Judy Burger's blog to see her beautiful eye candy! Be sure to visit all the Consultants at their Blogs to get some great crafting ideas and other fun ideas! Remember, the SOTM is only available until May 31st! Contact your CTMH Consultant (or click here) to see how you can get this stamp set at a discount or even free!

* * *

Below is one of the ways I decided to use this stamp set. It is a standard size card. Note that you can click on the picture to see details.

I just love the new Kraft papers! Kraft, white ribbon/ricrac and summer all go together! Lots of dimension to this card!

Supplies: American Celebration Stamp Set; Pacifica, Kraft, Cranberry & White Daisy cardstocks, FanFare WOTG kit; Sky & Pacifica Exclusive Inks, white mini ricrac (retired); pewter conchos (retired); white grosgrain ribbon; clear sparkles; border punch.

Event Calendar

2011-06-27T16:23:00.000-06:00

So I'm sure you may be wondering what an "Event Calendar" is. It is also known as a Perpetual Calendar. It is a calendar that has no year on it, just the days of the month by number so that you can record all the birthdays, anniversaries, and important dates you need to remember. The Event Calendar can be used year after year! CTMH's Event Calendar looks like this:

And, when you see something so blank you just have to stamp on it. We created this calendar over two workshops. Below are the top and bottom of calendars:

JANUARY is credited to Brenda Frerichs (she is amazingly talented!)

JANUARY bottom:

FEBRUARY top:

MARCH - This one came from an event calendar swap and I'm not sure who the artist was:

APRIL:

MAY:

JUNE - I think I saw this on the Consultant Board and loved it but didn't note who the artist was:

JULY:

AUGUST (cracked glass technique - although it's hard to see the cracks):

SEPTEMBER - from an Event Calendar swap - artist unknown.

OCTOBER - Event Calendar Swap by Andra Stone

NOVEMBER:

DECEMBER

I love these Event Calendars because the are not only FUN to look at, you can see what is up and coming for that month at a glance!

More Adventures in Studio J

2011-06-25T10:15:00.001-06:00

I had so much fun creating the girls layout the other day that I had to create one just for their little brother Xan-Man (Xander)! I discovered some other neat things in Studio J that you can do with pictures. When you learn design principles, one of the things you learn is to keep your viewer's eyes focused in on your page. So, instead of having an airplane flying off the page (which makes the viewers' eyes veer off the layout), you turn the plane around so that it is flying into the page. You get the idea.

Well, in the picture below, my son and grandson's eyes were looking off the page and I wanted to turn flip that around so the picture would keep your eyes on the page. So, I found out that not only can you blow up and shrink pictures right there on the page, but you can flip them horizontally (or any other way you want). I am having SO much fun! Here's Xan-Man's layout (you can click on the pictures to make larger to see it better):

Larger detail of left side of layout:

More detailed view of the Right side of layout:

When I first created the layout (I knew which one I wanted) but the papers I first chose were the Wings. While it was a spectacular layout, it was just not for a boy--too many butterflies. You wouldn't believe how easy it was to switch the papers! Then a few switches of the MyStickease and voila! Not only is Studio J easy to use but it is really FUN! And, if nothing else, it gives you some terrific ideas for classic scrapbooking. It is FREE to create a .jpg from now until the end of June. Believe me, if you have a few minutes, you should go for it!!

Happy scrapbooking either way (classic or Studio J)!!

My Experience with Studio J

2011-06-24T09:22:00.000-06:00

I admit, I'm a skeptic! I logged into Studio J and decided I would upload some pictures of my granddaughters having amazing fun in their little pool in their front yard in Butte. The laughter that comes from those two girls when they are having fun is SO infectious! Anyway, here is the results (be sure to click on the pictures so you can see the detail because the detail is amazing!):

Here is a more detailed picture of the Left Page:

And a more detailed picture of the Right Page:

All I can say is this was AMAZING fun to create this layout! It took me about 2 hours because I was familiarizing myself with the program as well as totally experimenting with all the embellishments, the stickers, the buttons, the ribbons and a whole host of other options--including layouts that were already set up and unbelievable selection of papers! (OK, in case you may have noticed I did drop a honey colored button on one of the pictures that I didn't notice until now, but oh well when I get these printed, I'll update it).

Until the end of June, CTMH is offering a FREE .jpg file (which you can at any time choose to have it printed in very high quality CS weight 12" x 12" pages). All you have to do is go here: create yourself an account (if you don't have one already) and log in and let your creative juices flow! It's FREE and you will have a super darling download --the link will come to you in an email after checkout. If you have questions and want to get a membership or know more about a membership, email me!

Newsprint Rub-ons from CTMH

2011-06-08T07:45:00.000-06:00

I always enjoy a little information video now and then and thought you might too. You never know where you are going to pick up some new design tips or learn something new!

Enjoy!

Teacher Appreciation Gifts & Tutorial

2011-06-07T00:40:00.000-06:00

With my two granddaughters in school, I had the opportunity to make some teacher appreciation gifts they could take to the teachers to say so-long and thank you. So, here is what I made for them (you can click pictures to see details):

We have a decorated paper bag, a microwave popcorn covered, box of 9 nuggets, a water bottle and a thank-you card. The colors are lilac mist and key lime. I LOVE this combination! It is actually paper I bought in 2003 and have been saving for that perfect occasion (paper horder here). Here are some close ups of each of the pieces starting with the card:

Popcorn package is next. If you click on the picture you can more easily read the poem:

Next is the box of 9 Hershey nuggets:

Next is a picture of the decorated bag. I later made a tag that says "Just for You" but it's not pictured:

Next is the 16.9 oz. water bottle that holds a crystal light package for just that size bottle:

A close up of the Crystal Light holder:

And another look at the Crystal Light holder:

One more bottle shot:

Now for the tutorials for the items:

First the Popcorn wrapper:

1. B&T paper cut to 6-1/4" x 9-3/8". Score at 2-5/8" and 7-1/8". See below--click photo to see more details:

Water bottle label:

For a 16.9 oz water bottle, cut a strip of 9" x 3-1/4". Wrap and seal around bottle.

Crystal Light packet holder:

Here are the measurements that I used for the holder--works better for the 16.9 oz bottles:

1. Cut a piece of cardstock 2-1/4" x 9". Score at 2-1/4" from top and from bottom.
2. Cut a piece of B&T paper at 2 x 4.
3. Watch instructional video from Chic n Scratch here: http://chicnscratch.typepad.com/chicnscratchlive/2008/07/water-bottle-holder.html
4. You can find written instructions as well here: http://blueeyedblessings.blogspot.com/2009/06/water-bottle-tag-drink-holder.html

9 Nugget Box:

1. Download the template here: http://www.scribd.com/doc/57263003/Nugget-Box-9.
2. Create it with cardstock but make sure you use a STRONG adhesive like Score Tape to hold your box.
3. For the "lid cover", I used a sheet of acetate because I decorated all the little chocolate nuggets.
4. For nugget wrappers, use a 1" x 3" piece of B&T paper.

Card:

The card is a Standard size card (4.25" x 5.5") and uses the Dragon Fly & Friends stamp set (a retired wooden stamp set from CTMH). There is glitter on the winds and I used the Diamond Focus layout from the CTMH Originals Card Confidence Program Book. Also, there is prisma glitter on the wings. The inks are Lilac Mist and Key Lime.

I hope you get a chance to do a fun project like this!! Thank the Good Lord for Grandkids!! Have a super day!

Jubilation Stamp of the Month Blog Hop!

2011-05-31T19:00:00.056-06:00

Welcome to June's Stamp of the Month Blog Hop! This month the featured stamp of the month is D1457 Jubilation, a set of 24 calendar event stamps! Below are the images in this stamp set.

If you have come here from Debbie Little's blog, you are on the right path! I am the first stop for this month's hop! You can find a list of all the partipant's in case you get lost here: http://bowlofstamps.blogspot.com/p/sotm-blog-hop-list.html This month we have just over 50 Close To My Heart Consultants sharing their creations using this beautiful set. The hop is simple to follow - just click on the link provided in the post to move to the next blog!

* * *

My item is a standard-size card created with the Miracle Paper Pack (Workshop on the Go). I had planned to do a few more items but I guess you'll just have to come back later this month. :-)

Supplies used: D1457 Jubilation Stamp Set; Miracle WOTG; Chocolate Exclusive Ink; z1377 Kraft Color Ready Border; z1313 Glitz Glitter Gel; z1333 Mocha Opaques Adhesive Gems; z679 Liquid Glass.
Card Layout: designed by Jeanette Lynton featured in the Miracles Workshop on the Go.

And here is another picture....

Close up of the yummy Glitz Glitter Gel frosting:

Now "Hop" on over to Helen Onulak's Blog to see her beautiful eye candy! Be sure to visit all the Consultants' Blogs to get some great crafting and other fun ideas! Remember, the SOTM is only available until June 30th! Contact your CTMH Consultant (or click here) to see how you can get this stamp set at a discount or even free! Here we go!

You & Me Kit - Take Two

2011-05-22T23:13:00.000-06:00

I am scrapbooking again! This is the second layout that can be made with the You & Me kit. I started to follow the suggested layout, but I had more pictures that needed to be added to the layout than the original plan. So I improvised. This was a great day in the Summer of 2003. I happened to be at the park with Ian and Amanda and baby Hannah. What an adorable grandchild! She was so happy to be playing at a play ground. What a super day!

Full layout - click on pictures to see details:

Left Page:

Right Page:

My Next Scrapbooking Project

2011-05-17T08:00:00.000-06:00

My son has gone on paddle fishing trips for at least the last 7 years and has come home with 5 paddle fishes. It is a fish that can't be caught by bait, it has to be snagged. Anyway, I have never scrapbooked any of his fishing trips. So, here are a few pictures from this year's fishing trip that will be the subject of my next scrapbooking project.

Pretty amazing fish! This one he figured was about 17 years old. They live to be about 50 years old. Anyway, this will make for interesting scrapbooking!

You & Me Scrapbook Kit

2011-05-16T08:06:00.000-06:00

I love the colors in the You & Me Scrapbook Kit (CTMH's special kit that celebrates National Scrapbooking month). I'm not a scrapbooker per se but I just had to do this kit. It has memorialized an Easter Sunday back in 2006 when my granddaughters were on a egg hunt. Just love the vintage look of the papers and the photos! Click on picture to see details.

May this Monday bring you blessings the rest of the week!

Scallop Borders With Mayberry WOTG

2011-05-05T19:08:00.000-06:00

Let me show you the secret for making a quick scallop border using a pear stamp image and a circle punch—who would have guessed? You’ll love this tutorial based on the Mayberry Workshops on the Go™ kit and artwork!

Chairs To You Stamp of the Month Blog Hop

2011-04-30T19:00:00.003-06:00

Welcome to our March Stamp of the Month Blog Hop! We are featuring D1456 Chairs To You!, a set of 10 absolutely adorable stamps!

This month we have nearly 60 Close To My Heart Consultants sharing their creations using this month's SOTM and other great CTMH products on their blogs. This is simple to do - just click on the link at the end of the post on each blog to move to the next one! Here we go!

Now "Hop" on over to Katy Donaldson's Blog to see her beautiful eye candy! Be sure to visit all the Consultants at their Blogs to get some great crafting ideas and other fun ideas! Remember, the SOTM is only available until May 31st! Contact your CTMH Consultant (or click here) to see how you can get this stamp set at a discount or even free!

* * *

Below is one of the ways I decided to use this stamp set. It is an 3.5" x 8" card. I have paper pieced the chairs and little flowers with cranberry cardstock. Yes, those little flowers were not easy! Also note that you can click on the picture to see details.

Below is a closer look at the paper piecing:

Supplies: Chairs To You! Stamp Set; Cranberry, Cocoa, Kraft & White Daisy cardstocks, Cocoa Exclusive Inks, white mini ricrac; Bitty Brad Assortments and pewter MyAccents (retired).

How'd She Do That?

2011-04-30T15:14:00.001-06:00

This is just a quick how-to post. I had a couple of people ask how to get the frame around the cards from the post below--Birthday Card Workshop. The answer is that I made a template.

Here is what you do (note that you can click on any picture to make it larger to see details):

1. Whatever size card you are making, cut out two pieces of cardstock (for strength) the same size as the card you wish to frame. For the Fanfare cards in my previous post, they were all "standard - A2" (or 4-1/4" x 5-1/2"). So I used some retired color (ocean) pieces of cardstock.

2. Knowing that I wanted at least a half inch margin around the card, I used my paper cutter to cut out the inside of the pieces I created in step 1 (see pictures below which can also be clicked on show more detail) .

3. Glue the two frames together. After you have stamped your card, place the frame over the card and trace around the inside of the frame up to where the stamped image.

4. By using a frame that is the same size as the card you are framing with a border, you always insure that everything will be centered perfectly.

Voila!

Birthday Card Workshop

2011-04-14T22:58:00.002-06:00

I can't wait until this Saturday for my April workshop. We are going to be making a set of Birthday cards along with a little A2 Slant Lid Box to hold the cards. The box is a template created by the incredibly talented CTMH consultant Vicki Wizniuk. The fun thing I like about this workshop is that the birthday cards are one layer and quick to assemble. The Fanfare Workshop On the Go is such a FUN kit and I just love the stamp set that goes with it. It is SO versatile! I have to give thanks on the cards to equally creative and talented CTMH consultants Melinda Everitt and Katy Donaldson--who had the original idea for some of these darling cards! Well, here is what we will be doing:

The kit showing a couple of the envelopes:

Next is a closer look at some of the cards:

Another with a close up of the card box:

And one with it's envelope:

These were so quick and easy, I'm thinking of adding maybe another card. I hate to have the workshop get over too fast because it is also my monthly dose of getting together and socializing with some fabulous friends!

Happy Friday to everyone!

Blessed Stamp of the Month Blog Hop - April SOTM

2011-03-31T19:00:00.146-06:00

Welcome to April's Stamp of the Month Blog Hop! We are featuring D1455 Blessed, a set of 12 elegant outline stamps!

If you have come here from Jean McNulty's Blog, you are on the right path! I am the first stop for this month's hop! You can find a list of all the partipant's in case you get lost here: http://bowlofstamps.blogspot.com/p/sotm-blog-hop-list.html This month we have just over 50 Close To My Heart Consultants sharing their creations using this beautiful set. The hop is simple to follow - just click on the link provided in the post to move to the next blog!

* * *

My item is a standard-size card created with the Bliss Paper Pack (Workshop on the Go). I had planned to do a few more items but I guess you'll just have to come back later this month. :-)

Supplies used: D1455 Blessed Stamp Set; Bliss Level II Paper Pack; Chocolate, Taffy, Colonial White Cardstock; Chocolate, Grey Flannel, and Taffy Exclusive Inks; CTMH Watercolor Pencils; Blending Pen; Mocha Opaques; Chocolate Designer Ribbon Rounds (retired); taffy bigger brads; Liquid Glass; Spellbinder rectangle die.

And here is another picture....

The last picture is a close up that shows the liquid glass dots a little better.

Now "Hop" on over to Helen Onulak's Blog to see her beautiful eye candy! Be sure to visit all the Consultants' Blogs to get some great crafting and other fun ideas! Remember, the SOTM is only available until April 30th! Contact your CTMH Consultant (or click here) to see how you can get this stamp set at a discount or even free! Here we go!

Easter Basket Workshop & Tutorial

2011-03-31T13:13:00.000-06:00

This was such a fun workshop. We started with the basket (video instructions can be found at StampTV where the videos are Gift Basket Part 1 and Gift Basket Part 2). The flowers ideas are the brain child of a wonderfully creative consultant Michelle Auten.

Bunny Close-up in the picture below.

Back side of basket is shown below.

The picture below is showing a closeup of the back side of the basket.

Supplies include: Sophia Paper Pack; Circle Together & Sensational Seasons stamp sets; Retired spring buttons; hollyhock, white daisy, pear cardstock (CS); pear, hollyhock & blush inks and markers; CTMH Watercolor Pencils; blender pen; new 2" scallop circle punch; 1-1/4" circle punch; other circle and scallop punches; border punch; oval & scallop oval dies.

Below is the pattern for the sizes I used (which is different from the video I referred to earlier). You can click on the picture and it will show you an enlarged version.

Basket: 8" x 8" square piece of cardstock; Pear CS layer: 4 squares 2"x2" and 4 rectangels of 3-1/4" x 2; next layer: 4 squares 1-3/4" x 1-3/4" B&T#1 and 4 rectangles 3"x1-3/4" B&T#2

Handle: 1.5" x 12" piece of cardstock; next layer 1" x 12" B&T paper and 1/2" x 12 border

This is so darling in the CTMH papers, but the other thing is that once the Easter candy is gone, you have a place to put your beautiful CTMH paper flowers!

My new Q code:

Hope for Japan and Charitable Fundraiser

2011-03-24T21:53:00.001-06:00

The earthquake and tsunami in Japan caused untold devastation and heartache.Our hearts and prayers go out to the Japanese people. We are all eager to help. CTMH is raising money for the American Red Cross Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami fund by promoting the "Hope for Japan" stamp set.

From now until April 30, you can purchase the exclusive “Hope for Japan” A-size stamp set for the special price of only $5 US / CAN (retail value $7.95 US / $8.75 CAN), and Close To My Heart will donate 100% of the profits to the American Red Cross efforts in Japan. This beautifully designed stamp set reminds us of how our hearts are hopeful for those who are in need.

Keep Japan in your prayers!

Workshop Spring-Easter Basket

2011-03-20T01:04:00.001-06:00

I was having so much fun figuring out what my March workshop is going to be. It was now or never because this coming Saturday is the workshop. Well, we will be working with the SweetHeart Paper Packet. See below:

Don't you just love this paper pack! I can't wait to start working with it. I found this great video on StampTV for making these darling Easter/Spring Baskets. I think they will look so cute with the Sophia papers. Anyway, because I have lots of this paper around, I made the proto-type for the workshop but instead of Sophia, I used the Sweetheart papers. Here's my little basket full of goodies for Easter:

Above, this is the front of the basket. Below is a closer look at Peter Rabbit who is colored using CTMH markers and CTMH watercolor pencils.

He is just SO adorable. I am loving this set more and more!! Next picture below is the back side of the basket.

The next picture captures the sides of the basket. I think my granddaughters will love it!

And, a final picture. I just love how our papers look so super on this basket!! I've been thinking about it, and I think the only thing I seem to be missing is ribbon. I just may add a ribbon. After all, wouldn't a satin ribbon just top this off?

Supplies: Sensational Seasons (March Stamp of the Month); Sweetheart Level II paper pack; Black CS & EI; Gypsy, Petal, Baby Pink Markers; CTMH Watercolor Pencils; Pearl Opaques; Black Polka Dot Ribbon (maybe from Michaels; SU Scallop & Circle Punches; Spellbinders Scalloped Circle, Oval & Scalloped Oval.

Well, here's to loving the Sweetheart papers. My next love will be with the Sophia papers! But we'll see....

Blessings today to all....

Perfect Pinwheels with Miracles Workshop Stamp Set

2011-03-11T23:29:00.000-07:00

The My Acrylix® Miracle Workshop stamp set, exclusively available in the Miracle Workshops on the Go™ kit, includes two stamp images that make it easy for you to create darling pinwheels. Watch the video to find out how!

Wasn't that fun? and easy too!

March Stamp of the Month Blog Hop

2011-02-28T19:00:00.007-07:00

Welcome to our March Stamp of the Month Blog Hop! We are featuring D1454 Sensational Season, a set of 10 absolutely adorable stamps!

Now "Hop" on over to Brae Montgomery's Blog to see her beautiful clear card eye candy! Be sure to visit all the Consultants at their Blogs to get some great crafting ideas and other fun ideas! Remember, the SOTM is only available until March 31st! Contact your CTMH Consultant (or click here) to see how you can get this stamp set at a discount or even free!

* * *

Below is one of the ways I decided to use this stamp set. It is a standard size card. The bunny is colored with Watercolor Pencils and markers. The dress is actually Paper Pieced with the back side of the flower print B&T paper:

Supplies: Sensational Seasons Stamp Set; Sweet Heart Level II Paper Pack, Black Exclusive Inks, Hollyhock and Petal markers; watercolor pencils; Pearl Opaques adhesive gems. White satin ribbon.

Check out the New Scallop Punch

2011-02-22T23:24:00.001-07:00

Today I would like to share a great short videos. Not only is it entertaining, but it gives you some new ideas and techniques. Today's little video is "Simply Scallops":

I hope your day is Super!

Mojo Monday 179

2011-02-21T23:13:00.004-07:00

It has been quite a while since I've done a Mojo challenge. I just love holidays because it gives me a chance to catch up on some badly needed therapuetic-create time. So, below is the sketch. I just love the sketch all by itself!

Now, here is my rendition of the sketch. It is a "standard" size card.

Supplies: Sweetheart WOTG kit; D1361 Thank You; Cotton Candy, Baby Pink, White Daisy White & Black CS; Black & Cotton Candy Exclusive Inks; Resist Chipboard Flowers; new pink assortment brads; Black ribbon rounds (retired); Sizzix butterfly embosslet; Sizzix embossing folder; and Martha Stewart border punch.

I have to tell you about the Resist Chipboard. The pieces I used were from a retired set. But these are such fun because you just sponge on color and the white color pops!

I hope you will all get a chance to try this challenge! In the meantime, I hope your Monday was blessed. I know mine was (thank you Lord for your mercy on a soul like me and thank you St. Anthony--long story for another time)!

Happy SAD (Singles Awareness Day)!

2011-02-14T15:25:00.000-07:00

This was a little valentine I helped my granddaughter Hannah make. She pulled out some glossy paper and wanted to make a valentine for her friend. So, she picked the ribbon and the colors (I suggested colors that coordinated and Hannah made the final choice). So, I showed her how to do the VersaMark resist technique. Anyway, here is what we came up with:

Supplies: Hollyhock and Black CS & Exclusive Ink (EI); VersaMark; Cranberry and Baby Pink EI; Black Ribbon from Michaels?; Great Impressions Stamp; For Every Occasion stamp set.

Happy Saint Valentine's day to everyone!. By the way, for me today is also a very special day because it is also St.Cyril's and St. Methodius' feast day. They are the patron saints of my our church. They were brothers who seemed to work through more political battles than spiritual battles through their Slavic missions. Prayer: Saints Cyril & Methodius, watch over all missionaries but especially those in Slavic countries. Help those that are in danger in the troubled areas. Watch over the people you dedicated your lives to. Amen.

Pink Collection Designer Ribbon Ideas

2011-02-09T19:46:00.001-07:00

I confess, I'm a ribbonholic. I hord ribbons of all sizes, shapes and colors. Now Close To My Heart wants me to use them on projects!

Go and create and share your ideas! I'd love to see them!!

February Stamp of the Month Blog Hop

2011-01-31T19:00:00.042-07:00

Welcome to our Stamp of the Month Blog Hop! We are featuring February's SOTM, D1446 Friendship, a set of 8 beautiful stamps giving you that damask look and feel!

If you have come here from Vickie Tagatz's Blog , you are on the right path! I am the first stop for this month's hop! You can find a list of all the partipant's in case you get lost here: http://bowlofstamps.blogspot.com/p/sotm-blog-hop-list.html This month we have almost 70 Close To My Heart Consultants sharing their creations using this month's SOTM and other great CTMH products on their blogs. This is simple to do - just click on the link at the end of the post on each blog to move to the next one! Here we go!

Now "Hop" on over to Helen Onulak's Blog to see her beautiful holiday eye candy! Be sure to visit all the Consultants at their Blogs to get some great crafting ideas and other fun ideas! Remember, the SOTM is only available until February 28th! Contact your CTMH Consultant (or click here) to see how you can get this stamp set at a discount or even free!

* * *

My first item is a standard-size card. The background is stamped with VersaMark and then clear embossed. Then blush Exclusive Ink was sponged on.

(Supplies used: February Stamp of the Month - Friendship; white daisy cardstock; blush and cocoa Exclusive Ink; z1206 Basic Craft Buttons; z1354 Irresistibles; z821 Clear Detail Embossing Powder; z1088 chocolate Waxy Flax; z1100 Cocoa Grosgrain Ribbon.)

Now have fun along the way!!

Another 1st Birthday

2011-01-21T00:01:00.001-07:00

My beautiful little granddaughter Zoe will soon be having her first birthday. I wanted to make her a special card and I just LOVE the Nursery Bash set. This card took me ALL DAY! I stamped the giraffe the day before but didn't know exactly what I wanted to do with it. I came across some old card blanks (from 2005 is the copyright) and decided those were the colors I wanted to use. So I just kept adding more and more stuff to the card until it finally looked like this:

Recipe: Nursery Bash (Retired) & D1283 Say It In Style stamp sets; Black and Baby Pink Cardstock; Black & Hollyhock Exclusive Inks; Stardust Glitz Glitter Glue; Liquid Glass; Twinkle Brads; Clear Sparkles; White Daisy Just Blooms; Winter Craft Buttons; Z1209 Cranberry Designer Ribbon Rounds; Smitten Card Kit Card Blank (Retired); SU Boarder Punch, Oval Punch and Scalloped Oval Punch.

I just found out that two of my favorite Birthday card stamp sets have been retired and this is one of the sets (the other is Birthday Wish). Guess this is made from lots of retired stuff! :-(

First Valentine of the Season

2011-01-19T07:43:00.000-07:00

It's been years since I've created an actual Valentine's card and decided I needed to play with some of the stamps from the new Inspirations flyer. I've been into glitz lately because I didn't get my fill at Christmas time so I put glitter on everything! Here it is:

Recipe: A1113 A Game and Amore (December Stamp of the Month) stamp sets; Black, Cranberry & White Daisy Cardstock; Cranberry, Black, and Gray Wool inks; Clear and Red Sparkles, Basic Brad Assortment; Glitter Stack (retired); and Spellbinders Lacey Squares Dies.

I am just loving all the new A-size stamp sets. They are SO cute and such a good price. On my budget it will probably be all I'll be able to afford in the future here!

Introducing Kraft Borders

2011-01-19T00:01:00.001-07:00

The new kraft borders will be available on Febuary 1st, but in the meantime, I thought you would like to see just how super cute they are!

Can't wait until February 1st!

New Tools - New Techniques

2011-01-08T01:35:00.002-07:00

I thought you all would enjoy this great little video (I didn't make) from CTMH called "Spray Pen Unplugged". Just my way of plugging it. hee hee hee. I love learning about new fun techniques and cute little tools to do them with!

Now all I have left is to leave you with some artwork. So, I'm off to create!

MojoMonday #172

2011-01-07T18:26:00.001-07:00

Happy New Year to everyone! My granddaughter Hannah's birthday graces the first part of January. As I spend time looking for inspiration to create a birthday card, I knew it had to be Sketch #172. Here is my interpretation.

Supplies: Childhood Portrait, For Every Occasion stamp sets; hydrangea (retired) CS & Ink; Key Lime, Amethyst and White Daisy CS; Retired Amethyst Background & Texture Paper; My Stickease border strip from Level I Sweet Pea kit (retired); large white daisy brads; clear sparkles; spellbinder circle and scallop circle dies.

Here is the sketch this was taken from:

January 2011 Stamp of the Month Blog Hop

2010-12-31T19:00:00.009-07:00

Happy New Year to Everyone and welcome to our January Stamp of the Month Blog Hop! We are featuring January's Stamp of the Month, D1452 Find Your Style, a set of 9 beautiful stamps giving you style and beauty for all your projects! Plus you will not believe what Inspirations (the new mini catalog with a preview of the Spring/Summer Idea Book that you can download by clicking on the picture in the upper right of the page) has to offer this month! Huge discounts and 5 different stamps set when you purchase the Wings Workshop on the Go! WOW!~

Now "Hop" on over to Tonya Whitehurst's Blog to see her beautiful clear card eye candy! Be sure to visit all the Consultants at their Blogs to get some great crafting ideas and other fun ideas! Remember, the SOTM and Inspirations Mini Book is only available until January 31st! Contact your CTMH Consultant (or click here) to see how you can get this stamp set at a discount or even free!

* * *

Below is one of the ways I decided to use this stamp set:

Supplies: Find Your Style Stamp Set; Wings Level II Paper Pack, Black and Vineyard Berry Exclusive Inks, Black Mini Medleys; White Mini Medleys. Layout is from ORIGINALS Lucky Three

I decided to try one of those cool folded flowers. They look neat but will they travel through the mail? Well, maybe in a padded envelope. :-) Here are the "general" instructions for fan-fold/yo-yo flowers CLICK TO ENLARGE:

I also thought you might enjoy a slide show of our monthly exchange which you can find here. Now have fun along the way!!

MojoMonday 171

2010-12-27T20:53:00.001-07:00

Oh my gosh I just LOVE these sketches and knew what I must do before the day was out! I also just had to use the new Wings papers with the January 2011 Stamp of the Month (D1452 Find Your Style). All of these will be available January 1st!

Supplies: Wings Level 2 Paper Packet; Vineyard Berry, Juniper, Sweet Leaf & Black CSs and inks; Pleated Twill Tape; Black Mini Medley Collection (Courdoroy brad); Find Your Style Stamp Set.

And, in case you were wondering here is the MojoMonday 171 sketch:

Fun sketches, aren't they!

Winter Solstice Lunar Eclipse

2010-12-21T09:15:00.002-07:00

Did any of you stay up or wake up last night to see the Winter Solstice Lunar Eclipse? Do you realize that the last time this event happened it was 1378? Anyway, I wasn't up and I didn't get to take any photos because I was thinking it was tonight instead of last night, but here a double exposure picture shows the moon and the monument of The Savior of The World during the total lunar eclipse as seen from San Salvador.

I hope you are enjoying your Christmas season. I really have done quite a few pieces of artwork and promise to get some loaded soon. Are the holidays as crazy for you as they are for me?

December Stamp of the Month Blog Hop!

2010-11-30T19:00:00.021-07:00

Welcome to our December Stamp of the Month Blog Hop! We are featuring December's SOTM, D1445 Amore, a set of 13 beautiful stamps giving you unlimited ways to profess your love!

If you have come here from Wendy Fording's Blog, you are on the right path! I am the first stop for this month's hop! You can find a list of all the partipant's in case you get lost here: http://bowlofstamps.blogspot.com/p/sotm-blog-hop-list.html
This month we have over 60 Close To My Heart Consultants sharing their creations using this month's SOTM and other great CTMH products on their blogs. This is simple to do - just click on the link at the end of the post on each blog to move to the next one! Here we go!

Now "Hop" on over to Helen Onulak's Blog to see her beautiful holiday eye candy! Be sure to visit all the Consultants at their Blogs to get some great crafting ideas and other fun ideas! Remember, the SOTM is only available until December 31st! Contact your CTMH Consultant (or click here) to see how you can get this stamp set at a discount or even free!

* * *

My first item is a mini pizza box with envelope: This was I did for my monthly stamp exchange item. Below are various pictures of box and envelope that fits in box. The first picture is the box closed:

Looking inside the box at the little envelope:

The inside of the box is lined and here's the little envelope's back side closed by waxy flax and brads.

Box and front of envelope.....

Box is opened and the Envelope is opened.

Here is another project I have made using this Stamp of the Month. It is an Acrylic Clear Card that will be an Anniversary card for my Son and Daughter-in-law. This is my first Acrylic clear Card ever and I love how this looks in real-life. I used the Mojo Monday #167 sketch for this past Monday which is just below.

The picture below shows the Acrylic

Next photo is the inside of the card:

Finally here is the Mojo Monday sketch that I used. It was the Square one:

Now have fun along the way!!

November Stamp of the Month Blog Hop

2010-10-31T19:00:00.172-06:00

Can you believe it is November and time for the Stamp of the Month (SOTM) Blog Hop! Whoo hooo! The November SOTM, D1444 A Little Thanks is a set of 16 images and is just perfect for writing all those Christmas thank you cards!

If you have come here from Helen Onulak's blog, you are on the right path! You can find a list of all the partipant's in case you get lost here: http://bowlofstamps.blogspot.com/p/sotm-blog-hop-list.html

Supplies: A Littl Thanks and Captured Moments Stamp Sets; Black CS, Colonial White CS; Honey CS with Cuttlebug Pumpkin Embossing Folder; Black Ink, Red Barn Ink, Kaleidacolor Autumn Leaves Rainbow Pad (retired); Orange Peel Stickles; Mini black brads; Sizzix Top Note Die; SU border punch.

Then when you pull out the ends, the wiper pops up:

Here is a close-up of the wiper part:

Be sure to check out my November Stamp of the Month card swap slide show here: http://bowlofstamps.blogspot.com/p/slide-shows-sotm.html

Now "Hop" on over to Kristie Herdener's Blog to see her beautiful eye candy! Be sure to visit all the Consultants at their Blogs to get some great crafting ideas and other fun ideas! Remember, the SOTM is only available until November 30th! Contact your CTMH Consultant (or click here) to see how you can get this stamp set at a discount or even free!

Wiper Card Tutorial

1. Cut 2 pieces CS (for base) 4-1/4" x 8-1/2". Score each piece at 1-1/2" and 3" as shown below. The 3" fold is a mountain fold, while the other is a valley fold. HINT: Click for larger view. Also make sure all folds are creased with Bone Folder for sharp folds.

2. Cut one 1 1/2" x 3" piece of cardstock, for the "wiper". Mark it at 1-1/2" on the 3" side. Score from the top right corner to the 1 1/2" mark.

3. Turn your strip around to decorate. Then add strong adhesive to the triangle part of the 3" x 1-1/2" (which is the bottom part of the strip).

4. Take one of your card base pieces and lay it down with the score lines to the right. This will be your card front which will be decorated later. Adhere your strip, image facing down, between the two score lines.

5. Put adhesive on the 4-1/4" side of both pieces (on the inside) of your cardstock.

6. Place your second 4 1/4" x 8 1/2" piece of cardstock over your card front. (Inside of the card is facing you and decorated side of card will face away from you). Make sure the score lines are on the left. HINT: The scored edges of the front piece are to the left while the scored edges of the back piece are to the right.

7. Decorate the front panel and your wiper card is done. It really is much easier than it sounds.

Fun time with friends

2010-10-28T08:23:00.000-06:00

I have probably told you before about one of my very dear friends who happens to be an SU consultant. She is mega talented when it comes to cards even more so than a lot of the popular bloggers that you see on the net. However, she thinks of herself as techno challenged and is totally uninterested in blogging. Anyway, from her party (I love SU punches and Sizzix stuff) we did these two cards--sorry I can't tell you much more about the colors--I just don't know them as well as CTMH colors, but these cards did turn out gorgeous! The first one is a swiper card. I will have a tutorial here in a couple of days so stay tuned. Here is the card as you would get it in the envelope.

All petals are made from Christmas bulb punch.

Here is the swiper card opened:

Then we did a second card. This one did not get sprayed with the schmooch (sp?). The color combo was so interesting to me because they aren't colors I would have chosen to go together.

Don't you just love the textured embossing folders????? Anyway, here is the inside of the card. Yes, my friend Marlene leaves no paper unstamped! :-)

That is so cool!! Finally, since I have this nice big basement all set up as a workshop/classroom studio, I hold the "mystery hostess" party and here is what Marlene made for hosting. Note the partyly eaten candies that my granddaughter's think I haven't noticed:

Now, I bet you are wondering what the little Lion is so upset about (below). Is it because he can't find his "courage"? Actually no. This was his first try at a costume that turned out to be too small--especially for his head and he was MAD! This is my grandson, Xander, the Lion:

Okay, warming up to the suit now:

Here's wishing you a creative day! Blessings!

Officer Michael Roberts - You Are My HERO!

2010-10-26T10:46:00.000-06:00

Officer Michael Roberts, you are my HERO!! You are true patriot and American Hero!! Here is his story.

ExpressJet Airlines first Officer Michael Roberts, a Tennessee pilot, on October 15th was chosen for the X-ray scan at Memphis International Airport. The Houston-based pilot says he also refused a pat-down and went home. This Tennessee pilot says he's tired of being manhandled by security agents and is currently waiting to see if he will lose his job because he refused a full body scan.

Most of these TSA agents in any other facet of life would rarely be able to pass a regular background check to secure any other position. Yet they are allowed to view (and make fun of) naked body scans (that are saved and kept contrary to popular belief) and they are allowed to conduct pat-down. Do you really want those slime bags touching you in a pat-down?

Congratulation Office Roberts on standing up and saying NO to the manhandling! When it comes to keeping your Freedoms or losing rights because "they" say they will protect you, I will choose FREEDOM every time!!

Ben Franklin Quote: "Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." Historial Review of Pennsylvania, 1759.

Mojo Monday 160 and the November Stamp of the Month

2010-10-12T18:35:00.000-06:00

Oh my gosh I just loved the Mojo Monday 160 sketch and decided that this was perfect for the November Stamp of the Month called "A Little Thanks". This is a super set that can say thank you in so many ways! Anyway here is the sketch:

Using the Olivia paper which I have been dying to break into since the Idea Book came out, here is what I did with that sketch (but I reserve the right to change or update it). Oh well....

Supplies: D1444-A Little Thanks SS; Olivia Paper Pack; NE Ivy, Barn Red CS & Exclusive Inks (EI); NE Ivy Organza Ribbon; Cocoa Opaques (little pearls on barn red CS); Holiday Buttons Collection; Corner Rounder Punch.

Oh course you know there will be more to come on the November Stamp of the Month! And I still haven't gotten to Halloween out of me yet. :-)

Not Christmas Yet

2010-10-08T08:33:00.000-06:00

I know the Stamp of the Month was all Christmas and everything and I love it, but I'm still in a Halloween mode!

I had to use the coffin we made to deck out my office. These are a few of the decorations in my office. Our local Ben Franklin's (like Hobby Lobby or Michaels) had some very interesting Halloween decorations! Even my granddaughters are in the Halloween (scary) mode--both of them being silly:

Besides, I still have some Halloween creativity left in me. I wanted to make some of the Hooligans WOTG (workshop on the go) cards and use the TroubleMaker set. The one I choose was cute but the card base was white. I ask you, how Halloween is that? Well, I love black base cards any time of year but especially at Halloween so this is what I turned it into:

Recipe: TroubleMaker stamp set; Hooligans Paper Pack; Sunset embelishment pack; Gypsy, Lagoon, Pear and Black inks; black and white daisy CS; prisma glitter.

Well according to my Halloween Countdown there are 22 days, 15 hours and 31 minutes till Halloween! What will you turn into this year?????

October Stamp of the Month Blog Hop!

2010-09-30T19:00:00.047-06:00

Welcome to our Stamp of the Month Blog Hop! We will be featuring October's SOTM, which is D1442 Sharing the Magic, a set of 12 stamps. Nothing says "Christmas" to me like lots of silver, gold, and sparkle! Can't you just see the glow with these stunning images?

If you have come here from Melissa Robinson's Blog, you are on the right path! I am the first stop for this month's hop! You can find a list of all the partipant's in case you get lost here: http://bowlofstamps.blogspot.com/p/sotm-blog-hop-list.html

This month we have almost 70 Close To My Heart Consultants sharing their creations using this month's SOTM and other great CTMH products on their blogs. This is simple to do - just click on the link at the end of the post on each blog to move to the next one! Here we go!

Now "Hop" on over to Helen Onulak's Blog to see her beautiful holiday eye candy! Be sure to visit all the Consultants at their Blogs to get some great crafting ideas and other fun ideas! Remember, the SOTM is only available until October 31st! Contact your CTMH Consultant (or click here) to see how you can get this stamp set at a discount or even free!

Supplies: Wishes Medallion (layout modified for standard size card). Sharing the Magic Stamp Set, Mistletoe Paper Pack, Silver Ribbon, Cranberry Waxy Flax, Holiday Buttons, Silver Embossing Powder, Red Glitterglue, New England Ivy, Cranberry and Garden Green Markers

Here is another project I have made using this Stamp of the Month: http://bowlofstamps.blogspot.com/2010/09/mojo-monday-sketch-155.html

Be sure to check out my October Stamp of the Month exchange slide show here: http://bowlofstamps.blogspot.com/p/slide-shows-sotm.html

Halloween Workshop

2010-09-27T13:11:00.000-06:00

Fall is my favorite time of year and one of the things I love about it (besides the beautiful Montana weather) is Halloween. My intent was actually to do a little more but I was sick for the last week with a horrible cold so I didn't get as much done as I wanted and the creativity has to be credited to Annette Green--a fellow consultant who is extremely talented!! Below is a picture of all the projects -- 3 cards, a candy bar treat holder and a coffin. The template for the coffin was from Martha Stewart's downloads. Even if you are not a fan of Martha Stewart, her video is a hoot!

Colors used for the projects was Indian Corn Blue, Goldrush and Black CS and Inks.

Recipe: The Boo Crew Stamp Set various other stamp sets for random stamped area; Sunset Exclusive Ink (EI) pad and marker; Moonlight White Brilliance pad (for polkadots); Black waxy flax; black polka dot organza ribbon.

Recipe: Spellbound Stamp Set; Pewter brads; black ribbon; sizzix top note die.

Recipe: Captured Moments and Beware Stamp Sets; Vellum for punched out ghost; wooden ghost charm; pewter brads; Cuttlebug Embossing Folder; White Daisy Pigment (EI) ink and clear embossing powder; Pearl Opaques; black gingham ribbon; staples.

Recipe: Spellbound and Party Animal stamp sets; colonial white and Grey Flannel papers; cranberry and sunset EI; retired CTMH cloud stencil; Martha Stewart Fence punch; Licorice Opaques; Liquid Glass

I just LOVE this little party animal guy! Isn't he the cutest?

Recipe: Thriller and Beware Stamp Sets, Hooligans Paper Pack; Brilliance Cosmic Copper Ink; Liquid Glass; Sparkles; twine

Now "Gramma" is off to help the granddaughters make their own Halloween creations!

Mojo Monday Sketch 155

2010-09-09T11:42:00.002-06:00

I love Mojo Mondays and wish I had more time to do more of the sketches. I was glad I had off Monday because it gave me time to work on a card. I decided to use the October Stamp of the Month because I wanted to play with the new Mistletoe Papers!

Here is the Mojo Monday Sketch # 155:

Here is my standard size card:

This next one shows the dimension of the card and the inside. The pinkish color is really glitter but the camera just doesn't pick up the shiney-ness.

Supplies: D1443 Share the Magic Stamp Set; Mistletoe Paper Pack; Creative Basic Mistletoe Collection; Silver Ribbon from the Creative Basic Mistletoe Collection; Cranberry, Garden Green, NE Ivy markers; Prisma Glitter; Licorice Opaques adhesive gems.

Have a terrific Thursday. I'm off to take First Aid Training!

September SOTM Blog Hop!

2010-08-31T19:00:00.038-06:00

Oh my gosh, school is just starting and my granddaughter Mikayla just started kindergarten. They just grow up so quickly! Well, this means it is also time for September Blog Hop (and the first day of the Idea Book). This month features Halloween with a stamp set called THRILLER (D1442)! You have just arrived from Helen Onulak's blog.

This card is 5" x 7" and uses the new Hooligan papers from the new Idea Book going live today.

Supplies: D1442 Thriller Stamp Set; Hooligans Paper Pack; Black, Lagoon, Gypsy, Sunset, Pear Exclusive Inks; Black, Gypsy, Lagoon CS; Liquid Glass (monacle on guy and scroll); Licorice Opaques gems; Black Designer Ribbon Rounds; Sunset Mini Medley Accents Collection

To see the complete list of blog hoppers are here: http://bowlofstamps.blogspot.com/p/sotm-blog-hop-list.html. Hope you enjoyed the show! Now hop on over to Lori Miller's blog to see more September eye candy and enjoy all the stops along the way!

Side Stair-Step Card & Tutorial

2010-08-30T21:26:00.001-06:00

This turned out to be my favorite of all three. I just love the way it turned out. First, here is a photo of the the Side Stair-Step collapsed:

Standing Card:

And another to better see the stairs:

Supplies: Zipidee Paper Pack (Cranberry, Black, Honey, Indian Corn, White Daisy CS); Black, Indian Corn, Honey & Cranberry Exclusive Inks; Thrill Ride & Ticket to Ride Stamp Sets; Black Waxy Flax; Clear Button; Fancy Fuzz Borders.

Instructions:

1. Start with a 6" x 9" piece of paper. Determine which side you want your side-rise to be on, then on the "back" side of the paper, draw your line lightly at 2".

2 Next, on the 4" side of the line, score at 1", 2", 3-1/2", 5" and 7". On the penciled line at 2", put in your paper cutter and cut from the 1" score to the 7" score.

3. For the side-rise, rather than score it a t 4 1/2", I fold the 2" side in half by lining up the bottom edges of the 6" side. Then I crease everything with bone folder. (You can click picture above to see a larger view).

4. Add stamping and embellishments.

Stand-Alone Pop-Up Card & Tutorial

2010-08-26T18:01:00.000-06:00

Now for the second card from my Customer Appreciation Workshop is the Stand-Alone Pop-Up card which features this month's Stamp of the Month - Something Splendid. Here is the card all flatted out:

Below shows the card popped up and standing alone--you can click to enlarge picture:

Supplies: Something Splendid Stamp Set, Splendor Paper Pack (Topiary, Moonstruck, and White Daisy CS); Moonstruck, Heavenly Blue and Goldrush Exclusive Inks; White Daisy ricrac; pearls; white daisy brads; white daisy grosgrain ribbon; pop dots; prisma glitter.

Instructions:

1. Starting with a Topiary piece of CS 4-1/4" x 11, score parallel to the 4-1/4" side at 1", 2-3/4", 3-3/4", 5-1/2", 7-1/4", 8-1/4", and 10". Be sure to make each line crisp with a bone folder. All lines are valley folds. Click on image to see it enlarged.

2. You will need to cut a slit on the 5-1/2" line for your tag to go through. To do this, place a mark about 5/8" in on either side. You can now cut from mark to mark with your paper cutter or craft knife. Make sure that you will leave enough room for your tag (especially if it has pieces that are dimensional) so it can move freely though the slot. You can do any stamping on the base if you wish while it is still flat. Set aside for now.

3. From Moonstuck CS you will cut out a piece 2-3/4" x 5-1/4" for the tag mat. From Splendor B&T paper make the tag 2-1/2 x 5". Corner round the tops of the tag and tag mat and glue together. Stamp and decorate tag.
4. Using scrap Topiary CS punch a 1-3/8" circle and a scrap of B&T punch a 1-1/4" circle and glue together and fold in half over the top of the tag and glue. Punch with hole punch for the ribbon (tip: eyelet would work well here). Add ribbon.

5. Using Score Tape or Red Line tape, on the stamped 1" end of base, on one side place tape next to edge of paper. On the other end, place tape next to scored line.

6. Slip tag through slit in base piece and attach tag to one side with tape and make sure it is centered along the edge of the base and line it up with the edge of the paper. Fold up the other side with the tape and attach to the tag. As you pull up the tag and push the base down, the card will free stand.

7. TIP: I added a piece to the back of my tag that folds out when the tag is free standing. This helps the base stay down and the tag stand straighter.

Have fun creating! Stay safe!

Customer Appreciation Workshop

2010-08-25T14:45:00.002-06:00

A couple of Saturdays ago, I had a customer appreciation workshop. It was a card-making workshop and the theme was fun fold cards. It was a blast and I really love the cards that we made. It was a super day. Now I am going to debut the cards. Here is the first card we did--a tri-fold. Here is it collapsed

Tri fold opened:

Another view:

A couple of closeups:

Instructions:

1. Cut a 6" x 12" piece of hydrangea CS. Score parallel to the 6" edge at 2", at 4", at 8" and 10". Click to make image larger.

2. Parallel to the 12" side, 1.5" from the edge cut from the 2" score to the 10" score on both edges of the paper.

3. Fold each fold and use your bone folder to sharpen the folds. On the illustration below, M = mountain fold and V = valley fold. Click image for larger view.

5. Now you are ready to begin decorating. I love using the 6" x 12" size because all the panels start out as even sizes. Here is what I did (see image for panel information--click it to make larger).

A = 3" x 4"
B = 1.5" x 2"
C = 3" x 4"
D = 1.5" x 4"
E = 2" x 6"
F = 2" x 3"

6. I started with Hollyhock Cardstock (CS) for covering the first set of panels. I cut Hollyhock panels for E's, D's, & F. For the section that would end up Panel A, I filled in the rest of panel A with a hollyhock piece the size of Panel F. (Panel size e.g. E = 1-7/8" x 5-7/8")

7. Next I used Topiary CS to cover panels B & C. (Panel size e.g. B = 1-3/8" x 1-7/8")

8. Cut Flower B&T for both E & D panels. (Panel size e.g. E = 1-3/4" x 5-3/4")

9. Cut Dotted B&T for all Panel Bs. (Panel size B = 1-1/4" x 1-3/4")

10. The last panel that I cut was a bamboo textured CS for panel A. It should have been 2-3/4" x 3-3/4". Mine was a little larger so I said Oh well..... I used colonial white CS for the flowers, button, and Friendship saying for decorations. I used some punches, brads, pearls, and sparkles as well as a Just Blooms butterfly to finish off.

Watch for tomorrow's tutorial for Card 2. This will be the second of three cards that we made in my workshop. It is a stand-alone pop-up card. So stay tuned!

Sneak Peak & Mojo Monday

2010-08-08T21:58:00.001-06:00

Okay it looks like I've deserted Close To My Heart when you look at this Mojo Monday card. Actually I just got my first order in of some new papers and stamp sets from the Fall Close To My Heart catalog which goes live September 1. I just couldn't resist, these guys are called Party Animals and the paper is the Hooligan paper kit.

Here is the Mojo Monday sketch--I really love this sketch:

And, here is my card which is a 5" x 7" card:

Supplies: Party Animals Stamp Set, Hooligans Paper Pack (Pear, Gypsy, Black & White Daisy Card Stock), Opaques in Licorice (black pearls), Paper Piercing, Orange Grosgrain Ribbon

Establishment Media Pushing Brain Eating Vaccines

2010-08-04T22:50:00.002-06:00

This is really happening! It was bad enough to put flouride in the water (first used by Germany during WWII to subdue and dumb down concentration camp prisoners). Now main stream media is trying to tell us that to lobotimize all the masses into servile minions for the abberant globalist filth is something we should happily volunteer to do. Aren't you sick of being poisoned by the water, GMO in your food? Try to find a pack of gum (sugared gum) that doesn't have aspertame (poison) in it. Why would sugared gum have aspertame? Wake up America to the evil, nefarious, globalist scums who want to get rid of you! They are going to be testing this on many groups of our military in the next couple of months to remove their humanity and turn them into lobotimized zombies who can no longer think for themselves and must succumb.

Super Online Sale Starts Today - Aug 4

2010-08-04T09:33:00.000-06:00

Close to my Heart wants to show how much we appreciate you! And to do so, we are bringing you a MEGA sale with SUPER deals for 8 days only. From August 4th at 8 am (PDT) through August 11th, while supplies last, you can purchase selected My Stickease® assortments for only $2, My Reflections® Level 1 kits for only $4, and My Reflections® Level 2 paper packets for only $6 directly from my shop online site.

The deals are amazing (over 50% off) and in order to bring them to you we will not be able to sell any of the item numbers from these items on regular orders during the campaign. These items will also be unavailable for sale beginning August 1, at 11:01 pm (PDT) in order to prepare for the sale.
Remember these amazing prices are only available for a limited time and while supplies last. Be sure to make your list ahead of time and shop early for the best selection! These goodies make great gifts!

Here are a few FAQs about this great sale...
1. What are the prices of the items for sale?
The My Stickease® assortments area available for sale for only $2. The My Reflections® Level 1 kits are available for only $4, and the My Reflections® Level 2 paper packets are available for only $6!

2. Are these items available only online?
Yes! In order to bring you such amazing deals on these items, we will only be offering these items for sale on my MyCTMH site.

3. Can I purchase other items at full retail along with these discounted My Stickease, My Reflections Level 1 kits and Level 2 paper packets on the same MyCTMH order?
Yes! You will be able to mix and mingle the items for sale from the $2, $4, $6, for 8...It’s YOU We Appreciate campaign along with regularly priced items for sale on my site.

4. Is this campaign a ‘while supplies last’ campaign?
Yes. We have provided a many, many items numbers for you to purchase from during the campaign. So there is ample supply on hand but each item is while supplies last.

5. Will the purchase of the discounted My Stickease, My Reflections Level 1 kits and Level 2 paper packets count toward my receiving the Stamp of the Month at a discount or even free?
Yes! Your purchases for the campaign count toward the Stamp of the Month incentive. So I encourage you to buy smartly to get the Stamp of the Month at a discount or even for free!

6. Will tax be charged on this promotion?
Tax is assessed on the actual amount you pay for the item if your state has sales taxes.

7. How much is shipping/handling for the $2, $4, $6, for 8...It’s YOU We Appreciate campaign deals?
Regular shipping and handling applies.

8. Is there a limit to the number of My Stickease, Level 1, and Level 2 paper packets I can purchase on one order?
Not at all! There is no limit to the number of items you can purchase on one order.

Here is a document to see all of the products that will be on sale.

Here is a list of the products that will be on sale.

Start shopping at my shop online site now!

August SOTM Blog Hop

2010-07-31T19:00:00.025-06:00

Hey Scrampers, it's AUGUST blog hop time! This month I start the hop but if you are hopping thru, you probably came from Katherine Schmitt's blog . The August Stamp of the month is D1424 Something Splendor and I love the 2-step stamping

Here is my first card that actually open's in the middle. It is actually 5" x 5" in size.

Below is the inside which uses white daisy textured card stock:

Supplies: Something Splendor; Splendor Paper Pack; Moonstruck, Heavenly Blue, Goldrush, White Daisy and Topiary CS and inks; ric rac; prisma glitter; brades in Goldrush and Outdoor Denim.

Here is my second sample which uses the Cherry-O Papers and is a 6" x 6" card. I used a Mojo Monday sketch that took me forever to get around to making--I thought it would be perfect for this stamp set!

Here is the sketch that it was taken from:

For a few more additional Something Splendor ideas, see my SOTM swap slide show. Click the Slide Show SOTM link under my banner (above).

To see the complete list of blog hoppers are here: http://bowlofstamps.blogspot.com/p/sotm-blog-hop-list.html. Hope you enjoyed the show! Now hop on over to Helen Onulak's Blog for more August eye candy and enjoy all the stops along the way!

Censoring the Internet-- The Take Over Begins

2010-07-19T12:55:00.001-06:00

This past weekend as "The Obama Deception" went viral on the Internet, Google and YouTube tried to shut down this movie which reveals the masters behind the puppet. See it now in high def while you still can! See why the globalist want this film shut down. Google has been recording all your searches and internet addresses for at least the past 6 years. Instead of google try http://startpage.com/ -- the only completely private web search:

Splendor 3-Ring Mini Album - continued

2010-07-16T15:23:00.000-06:00

Here are the rest of the pages of the album:

Page 3 with tags:

Splendor 3-Ring Mini Album

2010-07-09T08:12:00.000-06:00

Saturday's workshop is a 3-Ring Mini Album and while I tried to conserve by suggesting to use a paper set that everyone already had (because of a workshop that we did last month or so) most tried to talk me into the Splendor papers. Today is a preview of the Splendor 3-Ring Mini Album. Today you will see cover and page 1. But I assure you that the rest is just delightful.

Front Cover:

Inside Front Cover:

Inside Back Cover:

Back Cover:

Page 1:

Page 2:

Page 2 with tag:

So now this will help along your decision. See all of your who are coming to the workshop on Saturday. And for those who aren't but would like instructions - email me for cutting guide, etc.