Using up some leftovers, part one

I love scraps!

I keep a bin next to my work space and when I'm feeling inspired with no direction (a common occurrence) I just pull out the bin and look around. Inside the bin are all kinds of scraps - little scraps, big scraps, extra cuts from the Art Philosophy cartridge (usually flowers, I make a lot so I always have something on hand) and of course, lots of "tried it, didn't like it" examples.

After I finished up the second round of gift tags, I had a few extra white tags leftover so I threw them in the bin. Along with some leaves and a Smokey Plum flower cut. Once my son was happily watching a movie he got for Christmas, I sat down to work in my craft space with no deadline or pressure what-so-ever. I was going to play. And I did. This is one of the things I worked on. You'll see the challenge I gave myself next week but this tag was so simple - it just came together. I love when that happens; it fuels me.

I inked the tag with both Bamboo and Desert Sand, then used an image from "Family Ties" stamp set in Smokey Plum, stamped off once then rolled again in the Smokey Plum. Then stamped the sentiment, also from the stamp set. The leaves were cut from the Art Philosophy cartridge in Olive then inked in Olive and scored with the stylus. The flower is made from Smokey Plum cardstock.

Christmas Tags, part two

You may remember my recent post where I showed you the tags I made to put on my gifts. Unfortunately, my dog chewed them all up so I couldn't use them. Which forced me to find something else to use. On December 23rd. So back to my Art Philosophy cartridge I went. And I came up with something even better. I had browsed through Lisa Stenz's blog for some ideas and well, I still ended up doing my own thing.

As you can see, I cut the tags from White Daisy cardstock and the snowflake tags from Outdoor Denim. I cut twice as many white tags as I did the snowflake tags so I could use the snowflake cutout too. I just wrote the gift recipients' name on the back side and attached to the gift.  Just a little glue and cardstock, what could be simpler?

Chocolate Tins

This is a quick and easy gift I made for my "bosses" at my volunteer job on Fridays. It has been "sweet" working for them this fall that I wanted make something pretty to brighten their day - and a little chocolate is never a bad idea. I got the idea from my sister consultant, Nicki (check her out at her blog here) who got the idea from Lisa Stenz (check her blog out here). Sorry, I don't have the links to their posts about their versions of the chocolate tins, but I know you'll enjoy browsing their sites looking for them yourself.

Here are two of my versions of the tins:

For the tin on the left, I used a discontinued paper pack called Mistletoe (an beautiful assortment of tradional styled designs), Tulip cardstock (for the flower), White Daisy cardstock (for the the tag), Tulip ink, the September Stamp of the Month, Sweet Leaf ribbon and a Pearl Opaque gem.

For the tin on the right, I used Winter Wonderland paper pack, Sky cardstock, White Daisy cardstock (for the tag), Sky ink and the Dark Chocolate Striped Grosgrain ribbon.

I cut both tags from White Daisy cardstock and the flowers using the Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge. I used Liquid Glass to adhere the flower together while I worked on the rest of the tin. I wrapped each chocolate in a 1" x 3" strip of B&T paper and adhered with Tombow adhesive. The tag on the right, I used Sky ink sponged over an Art Philosophy cut snowflake I used from the gift tags I made (the second round, but that's another post). I tied each of the tags to the ribbon with waxy flax then made a bow with the ribbon. Each tin took about 15 minutes to make and were very well received. I do have to recommend buying an extra bag of chocolates if you are not strong of will. Even thought I bought chocolate with nuts (I'm allergic to nuts) I still had trouble not eating them as I worked. The veggie I had to snack on just weren't cutting the tempation!

Winter Weekend Crop

Now that the holiday rush is over, it's time to sit down and enjoy some peace and quiet... and get some scrapbooking done! I am hosting a Winter Weekend Crop in Lancaster February 10-12.

Get the application here.

Each guest will get a large work space in a well-lit room in a very comfy chair, a goodie bag, meals, contest and giveaways all weekend, a brand new Spring/Summer Idea Book and be undisturbed from your family while you crop till you drop! I will have supplies on hand for sale and mini-classes throughout the weekend. Cost is $150 and due by February 1. Space is very limited so don't wait - this will fill up!

Get the application here.
Email me for more information.

Christmas gifts

Now that Christmas has come and gone, I can share some of the gifts I made to give away. Here is the gift I made for my Father-in-law. His wife and I enjoy sharing lots of time scrapbooking together, even traveling to weekend crops together. (I have the best mother-in-law in the world!)

When he unwrapped this box, he smiled and began to put it down thinking the box itself was the gift. I smiled and told him to look inside. The smile on his face was precious - inside, he found two tickets to see his favorite gospel band, the Gaithers, when they come to town. To anyone else, the box would have been enough but every gift giver knows you have to buy (or make) for the receiver.

I used a discontinued paper pack, Grace, from Close to My Heart, as well as the cork letters (so easy with the adhesive already on the back) and Irresistibles chipboard cutouts. I inked the edges of the My Creations card box in Cocoa, adhered the paper to the box with Tombow adhesive (LOVE, Love, love this stuff) and used Glue Dots to make the key on the front "pop" to use as a handle to open the box. The box is made with a magnetic clasp inside so it latches securely.

Here is another card my upline, Krista Hershberger, designed for a team meeting back in November. It uses the November stamp of the month and Dreaming paper pack. I love how the bronze Glitz gel sparkles up the ribbon. Make sure to check out her blog!

And last but not least...

Here is the last card we did at our Christmas Card Workshop back in September. Stephanie Z designed this great card using my favorite new stamp set "Remarkable Wreath". Great job, Stephanie!

I have such talented uplines and I am awed by their creativity. My second upline, Krista Hershberger, was in charge of the Christmas Card Workshop back in September and aside from planning an awesome day for 14 consultants and 40 guests (and their kids!) she designed three awesome cards.  Here are her creations. Please make sure you check out her blog too. She posts a lot of great ideas!

 The last two cards, Krista designed with the Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge and the matching stamp sets. For the workshop, she precut all the design elements for all the guests to show them how fast and simple this cartridge can make your papercrafting. After seeing these designs, I'm a believer!

Christmas Cards

It seems that a lot of my busy-ness has come down to one thing - homemade Christmas cards. I struggle with this every year because as a crafter I want to give a homemade card to everyone. Unfortunately, my card list is much longer than I want to make cards for and I never start early enough to make it possible. I also love sending photos of the kids to family and friends and the photo cards are so simple to do. Maybe when I don't have cute kid photos to send each year, I will work on shortening my list down to a managable level (or just start earlier) but for now, I simply save the cards I make in classes for "someday". Over the next few days, I will share with you some of the cards my sister consultants designed for our Team's Christmas Card Workshop back in September. I shared with you the card I designed but here are some of the other designs the guests got to make throughout the day.

Christmas Gift Tags

I am loving how easy the Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge is making my holiday gift giving this year! I am able to make some really easy gifts that look like a million bucks! Below are some of the gift tags I made to attach to the kids' gifts. I went a little more dramatic for the tags that will go on the adult gifts but for the kids' I kept it simple.

I cut 14 of the tag from the Art Philosophy cartridge in Olive cardstock and 14 of the rectangle from White Daisy cardstock. Using the December 25th stamp set, I used Cranberry ink to stamp the image onto the white cardstock. Super easy!

This the tag I am using for the adults' tags. I cut Barn Red cardstock to 4"x 6", White Daisy cardstock to 3.5" x 5.5". I used Olive ink with an image from the June Stamp of the Month stamp set and some of the gingham ribbon from the red collection. Since the adults actually care who the gift is from, I made it bigger to accommodate all the extra sentiments adults like.

Christmas Advent Calendar

This post has taken me awhile to do, simply because I have been oddly uninspired after the initial thought of making an advent calendar. I really hate when that happens because the project will just sit on my table mocking me. Some projects I can set aside for months and months until inspiration will strike but my son was the driving force to get this finished. I'm still not 100% happy with the project but I have a whole year to redo it if I choose to do so. In the meantime, I have something that my son is happy to work with for the season, and really, that's all I care about. Though if you have any suggestions on how to better embellish the box, I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Here are some photos of the box and a few cards for your reference.

Here is a list of the 24 activities I used:

My 2012 Class Schedule

I have just updated my Class Schedule for the new year. Check it out on the above tab! See you in 2012!

I have all the final details in place for my Winter Weekend Crop in February. Check out the "Upcoming Events" tab for more information or email me for an application.

I had been anticipating that this post would feature my advent calendar I've been working on but the pressure has been ruining my creative mojo so I've shelved that project until I feel more inspired. I moved on to my next project which is planning my team meeting for this coming week. It's also our Holiday party but I wanted to do a quick Make & Take for the gals to cross of something from their own To Do lists. Oddly, Close to My Heart posted a video on the exact project I was planning on doing so I'll share it with all of you!




For more information on the Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge check it out here.

Thankfulness

Happy Thanksgiving!

Today, I am choosing to be thankful.
I will not to be negative, grumpy or resentful.
I will look at people and assume the best.
I will work my hardest and accept the fruits of my labor with a gratefulness.
I will say "Thank You" to my husband, my kids and my boss.
My family is the greatest gift I have received and I will not forget it.
I am thankful for a warm house that needs repairs, a barking dog asking to be let in, dishes piled up by the sink after a party with friends and laundry that needs washed. God has been faithful to me, and I choose to be faithful to Him.

May God grant you blessings in abundance this holiday season!

Farm Show scrapbook page

Our town puts on the last farm show of the season in our county - and it is a really big deal for us. I married into this town and I have had a blast getting involved in the community since I've lived here. Celebrating my son's first farm show was a big deal and considering we live right down the road we were there every day, all day! This is one of my favorite photos of all time with my husband and son - when I close my eyes this is what I see when I think of them - and I had to preserve it in a beautiful layout. My sister consultant, Vicki Melhuish, is a very talented designer (she can do things with embellishments that just astound you) and this is her layout I was fortunate enough to get during a team swap.

Scrapbooking catch up

Having a second child on the way has increased the pressure to finish my firstborn's baby book. Currently, I am on the second album of his first year but only up to six months of age.... I think I have a problem brewing on my hands! I have started something I will have to continue for the next one, I can only hope that this one will be as cooperative in front of the camera as my son.

I am learning some things as I go along, one being that CTMH still has the photo storage pages that hold 12 photos in a 12" x 12" size page. They are available in either horizontal or vertical pockets. They are a great way to add a bunch of photos to your layout without Flip Flaps (that's another story for another time). This layout is from the Baby Parade I entered my son when he was 6 months old. My husband is a truck driver so I decorated the stroller to look like Daddy's truck, complete with the swan hood ornament! He won first place in his division and was invited to participate in the main parade a few days later but considering I would be the one to walk the whole thing while he slept (the parade would have been at his bedtime) I declined the offer but it was still an honor!

All occasion card

This is my first post back online since I took a break after I found out I was pregnant again. I have been working in my craft room as I feel able so I have some projects to share with you over the next few weeks. For my customers, I am still interested in hosting crops and classes but they will not start up again until the new year (just seems silly to try something now as the holidays are approaching). I am also working on my first winter crop coming in February 2012 so please email me if you are interested in more information. Space will be limited so it's first paid, first served. Now on to the good stuff....

There has been a lot of focus recently on Christmas (even though the Halloween candy isn't yet gone...) but I'm mentally not there yet so I made some all occasion cards for any upcoming needs. I realized I missed a birthday, needed some Thank you notes and one "Thinking of You" card. And as a bonus, I was able to use up some older papers (of course, if I discover that I am having a little girl, I am going to be very sorry I used up all my Cherry-o paper!)

I left the sentiment area blank so I can customize it as I need. I love blank cards, there are so many designs to choose from my stash when it's time to give one away. I noticed that I make a bunch of one kind of card so to rely on one style for every birthday in the next few months makes it hard to feel special about giving a handmade card in the first place. Blank cards on the other hand, never age and it's easy to mix and match for those loved ones who have multiple family birthdays in the same month so everyone gets something special.

A short hiatus

Life has been a roller coaster recently! I have never before had the joy of "back to school" since I graduated college, and certainly I have not experienced it from the mother perspective. Convincing my son to get ready for school in the morning is definitely a new challenge. Coupled with a few new volunteer opportunities and my regular job, this fall has brought some new experiences for my family. Then last week, we were blessed with a miracle we have been praying for for many years: I'm pregnant! We had given up with the possibility; I had even gotten rid of most of the baby stuff. I had just posted the last of the stuff on Craigslist the week before. So now any free time I have in my new schedule has been on the couch or in bed. Pregnancy and I don't do well together and once I get a little further along, I will feel like playing in my craft room again. Until then, I am taking a short break from my crafting. I will rearrange my class schedule but if there is a class you definitely want to do, please let me know ASAP so I can let you know when the new date will be. As I get back into my scrapbooking, I have a feeling it will be baby stuff - both in finishing up my son's album (how can I only have his first 4 months done?!?)  and in starting baby #2's album (and possibly that first gray hair I just found).

Until I post again, may God bless you richly!

Christmas Money Card

I designed this card based on a Wishes card design (Classic Closure, page 62) but with a little twist. I made the card base 8"x8" out of White Daisy cardstock and scored at 2", flipped the card over and scored again at 2.5" leaving 3.5" between the score lines. This will create a "C" fold. I cut the tag and border using the Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge and used the stamp images from the September Stamp of the Month: Limited Edition in Holiday Red and Sweet Leaf. I used a brad to attache the ribbon to the tag and the tag to the card. I used adhesive to glue down the inside flap on the outside edges to create a pocket to put a money gift inside. I used a little repositionable adhesive on the inside flap to keep the card closed.

This could easily be adapted for other occasions as well that a money gift would be appriciated - graduation, wedding, birthday. Simple and handmade - that's a gift that gives twice!

"So Grateful" Notepad cover

I got an order a few weeks ago and have been so busy to play with my goodies. My son went to bed early last night so I was able to work in my craft room before he woke up at midnight for a few hours. Anyway, this is what I accomplished right before I heard his footsteps...

So Grateful stamp set, pewter ribbon slides, olive brads & buttons

Pen & notepad from Staples

I am really proud of this! I don't have measurements since I was only planning on making one, but I'm already thinking this would make a great class. Let me know if you'd be interested!

Upcoming Class Schedule

I have updated my September Class schedule to include a picture of the 2 scrapbooking layouts we'll be doing on Saturday, September 24th at 10am. I need to have your payment by 9/12 to hold your spot. If you can't join me that day but still want to do the project, let me know by 9/12 so I can mail your project with instructions to you.

You may recognize these layouts - they are on page 16 & 18 in the current Idea Book. I liked these so much better than the Workshop on the Go kits for this paper pack that I figured you might like them too! (Of course, if you like the WOTG kits better, please let me know so I can schedule something for you!)

I also wanted to apologize that I haven't posted anything new recently, I am working my designing butt into the ground for a Christmas Card Workshop I am teaching in a few weeks with a few other consultants. I can always whip up a pleasant looking card when I'm late for a birthday party or baby shower but when I'm asked to teach - whoa! My brain shuts down. I have designed at least six cards for this event and I'm not happy with any of them. I have to figure something out soon - the event has sold out and I need to start prepping the materials! It's a good problem to have, I guess but I will post the cards once I figure out which one I'm using. Until then, have a great day!

Here is a quick video that Close to My Heart just posted about a stamp set I just got - can you tell what my next card will be?

Christmas Layout using Sonoma

Here is the design I made for my team swap using Sonoma. I used the "Oh Holy Night" scrapbook page from the Idea Book (page 83) and matched it with the Quartet: Offset pattern from Reflections. It's kept me pretty busy to make so many but now I can concentrate on my Christmas Card Workshop and Scrapbook Workshop (using Typeset) in September. I am updating my Calendar with dates for the next few months so make sure you check your calendar too - I have lots of great papers and embellishments to show you!

Simple Birthday card

Here is a simple Birthday card I whipped up last minute when my husband reminded me about a birthday party Sunday afternoon and I didn't. Thankfully, my craft room is well stocked for this kind of emergency and much to my husband's surprise, I took the time to make two.

I used White Daisy and Pacifica cardstock and Hollyhock, Goldrush and Pear inks with the Fanfare WOTG and Birthday Card Chatter stampsets.

Roxy Foxy

Close to My Heart is taking a decisive step to being more trendy and what is more trendy than zebra print paper?! Waaaayyy out of my comfort zone, I decided to embrace the challenge and this is what I came up with:

A little goes a long way but the new 6 x 6 die cut kraft cards and envelopes are so easy to use and embellish to design something fantastic! Since I didn't have my cartridge when I did this card, I used the heart stamp from "Unity" and cut it out then just adhered it with the stamped side down.

Gift boxes made from Art Philosophy cartridge

Here are two examples of gift boxes I made from the Art Philosophy cartridge:

 This is a pillow box I made using Kraft paper. I cut the box out at "Fit to Page" to make it as big as possible. I used the December Stamp of the Month: Mad About You" which is compatible with Art Philosophy (which means don't cut something out by hand until you've double checked the stamp carrier sheet for more information!!! Learn from my mistakes.... I cut all of these out by hand and all of them are on the cartridge!) I also stamped Juniper cardstock with Juniper ink with an image from the stamp set to make the band that goes around the box. I used Sorbet ink to make the hearts and bamboo and chocolate ink on Colonial White cardstock to make the rest. I accented with an arrow from the new Milestones Shapes.

This is the "Fry Box" in Olive cardstock. I accented with chocolate grosgrain ribbon, a pewter ribbon slider (new), some Bling, and some pin clips that I just love. I am getting used to big embellishments (I'm rather plain in most things) but the new accessories are so darling I want to use them all!

I am addicted!

I am so totally addicted to the new Cricut cartridge from Close to My Heart - and here's why:

This is a display board I made up to show just what one button can do on the cartridge. There are over 700 different images on this cartridge and that's not including all the sizes you can do based on your machine. One button made this board (except for the letters) but there are tags, cards, solid shapes, filigree shapes, frames and so much more! The butterfly at the bottom was made using different sizes to showcase this additional option. Here is another example of what the cartridge can do:

I made this from the Idea Book - it was too cute to just look at in a picture! I made the bag "fit to page" which came out to be 11.25" but when it's folded, it will hold 3x3 cards. How cute! The stitching on the bag was done using the new ruler to punch the holes. The new ruler has two lines of holes in the ruler to use a paper piercer to punch a hole through your paper to make either a zig zag stitch or a straight running stitch. I was not a big fan of stitching before because it was too time consuming to line it all up but this ruler takes the thinking out of the project. So easy!

My Cricut is chirping!

Since it's arrival on my doorstep, my Cricut has been chirping everyday as I explore all that the Art Philosophy cartridge can do! My son has actually told me to "stop working, Mommy!" I guess I have been spending more time in my craft space than normal -- but oh! it's so much fun! I am working on getting projects made for my Open House this weekend so I will post some pictures of finished projects soon but for now, I will show you what you get when you purchase an Art Philosophy cartridge of your very own:

You get 2 sheets of die cut chipboard, 3 exclusive stamp sets plus the Art Philosophy cartridge for $99! The retail value is over $124 - saving you money. Plus, have you noticed in the Idea Book? Some of the stamp images are outlined in red? This indicates there is a coordinating image on the cartridge! How cool is that?!

Take a look here, on the stamp set itself, there is a dark outline around the image but also there is a size indicated so you there is no guessing on the size setting for the Cricut! CTMH thought of everything! The hardest part is to pay attention to your work so you don't hand cut something the machine can do - learn from my mistakes! ;)

August Specials

Close to My Heart is celebration National Scrapbooking Month (September) and it's spilling over into August! Starting August 15th, celebrate our new Stamp of the Month (SOTM) program with an extra stamp set with your SOTM purchase. You can now get the SOTM for $5 with a $50 order -- so from August 15 - the end of September you get two stamp sets for $5! That's an Extra! Extra! deal!

Extra! Extra! stamp set with SOTM purchase

Also during August 15 - the end of September, you get our first ever double-sized stamp set for free with a $75 order. Combine the two deals and get 4 stamp sets for $5 with a $75 order -- that's a savings of over $65!!

Fall Open House this weekend

I am having so much fun playing with all the goodies that debuted in the Fall/Winter Idea Book that I have literally forgotten to take pictures and post them to share with you! I lent my Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge to a fellow consultant so she can get ready for her Open House so I wasn't able to play tonight - so I'll get caught up here - get ready because there's a lot! :)

First, my Open House is Friday evening & all day Saturday. Different things are happening each day so check my schedule but do what works for you - all my new products and projects will be out for viewing all weekend so the important thing is to stop by and see it!

Friday evening from 5-8pm I am doing a Product Preview:: This is where I will have all the product out for you to get your hands on it! Register with me for a free Make & Take (call or email me so I know to make enough). Bring a friend along and both of you get a free gift. Book a Gathering or Workshop for this fall and get a free gift. Get a free gift when you place an order this weekend. And this is all in addition to the great specials that CTMH has for National Scrapbooking Month! Let me show you how to get 4 stamp sets for $5 with a $75 order!!!

Saturday morning, 8-11am :: I am having a scrapbooking yard sale - I am selling my gently used stamp sets, left over projects and extra paper to make room for all the new goodies in this Idea Book. I made a promise to my hubby to not let my hobby take over the house - you get to benefit! ;) I advertised this in the newspaper so come early for best selection. It is priced to MOVE!

Saturday, 12 noon - 6pm :: Free Crop - I just know you are dying to get your hands on the new Art Philosophy cartridge and this is your chance! Bring a project to work on or try your hand at some of the new 3D items! Free Wi-Fi to work on Studio J (bring your laptop). Please RSVP for babysitting.

See you this weekend! Stop by and say hello!

First Day to see the New Idea Book

Today is the day - here is the new Fall/Winter 2011 Idea Book from Close to My Heart! It is stuffed full of great new products as well as some old favorites. There are great new paper packs, embellishments, and of course the new Cricut cartridge! Check it out online now! My Open House is August 12 & 13th where I will have all the new products, accessories and even some completed projects for you to see. More information to come as soon as I can get the photos up. Still can't wait? Schedule your own Gathering to learn how to use the products yourself and earn some for free!! I am having a Booking Blitz this month so schedule your Gathering now to see what you can get in addition to the great incentives the company offers. I hope you enjoy looking through this Idea Book as much as I have!

While I've been waiting

While I have been (not so) patiently waiting for my new product to come so I can start playing with it, I've been using my time wisely. I am working on organizing my digital photo albums and getting caught up on sorting, tagging, and making copies for friends and family. Here are some of the photos I thought I posted before leaving for convention.

The first three are the roommate gifts I made using the My Creations Journal. I went a different direction with each of them so stretch myself (never a good idea when time is short) but I'm happy with the result.

The next four photos are the cards I did for the card swap. Each year, the consultants swap cards or small trinkets that they've made so imagine 1500 gals swapping cards every time we'd get together - it was so cool to see all the talent and generosity.

I never feel like my work is up to par with other consultants but no one refused an offer to swap and I even had one lady track me down for a card I swapped with a friend of hers - that was a good feeling! ;)

This last one is the business card I did the night before I left. I was all done packing but still had some time to unwind (1am isn't the time to unwind, especially when I had to get up at 5am but I figured I'd sleep on the plane). I also made the little card holder too, I didn't want to take my nice one in case I lost it.

I'll have some new stuff to post soon - in the meantime, enjoy your summer!

Convention Announcements!!!

Hello to all! I had every intention of posting stuff as I was at Close to my Heart's National Convention in Anaheim CA this week but there was just so much stuff going on that I never had the time!! I am home now and trying to get caught up on sleep, laundry, and all the other normal things that need doing. But I wanted to take a moment and share a video with you about THE BIGGEST THING TO COME TO CLOSE TO MY HEART - Ladies, this is almost as big as the My Acrylix stamps!!!!

We have our own EXCLUSIVE CRICUT CARTRIDGE!!!!! I got to see many, many, many cool things you can do with this cartridge - there is an exclusive font, and over 700 images including 3D items! I could tell you all about it, but I will share this video with you so you can see it. I will have it at my Open House on August 12-13 where you can play with it yourself and see all the other awesome tools, papers, stamps and accessories that are new to Close to My Heart this year. All attendees will receive a free Idea Book and other specials and gifts (more information to come). Without further ado....

Last Studio J layouts to share - for now!

I am slowly getting ready for Close to My Heart's annual convention - it is a really big deal and I am having trouble sitting still! I am busy working on cards and gifts to swap with other consultants while I am out in Disney Land and I'll post them soon to share with you.