January Stamp of the Month & a Valentine's Day card

It's not often that I get around to working with one of CTMH's Stamps of the Month during the month it's on sale but this stamp set has spoken to me on many levels. I originally bought it because of the sewing aspect - I know a lot of sewers and knew this would be a much-used set to send those lovely ladies happy tidings. Then I started seeing how other consultants were using the set - for Valentine's Day! - and I have to say, I honestly never saw that use in the stamp set, but I love it!

I had a team meeting yesterday afternoon and originally planned to make a card with the stamp set but since we talked too much (*cough, cough*) we didn't get around to it. So I'm posting it here so I'm going to share with you too.

I used Whisper cardstock to make the base, with the fold on the left. I used Sparkle & Shine B&T and Ruby cardstock. Accessories are: foundry pins, sparkle gems and baker's twine. I used Whisper ink on the edges of everything and Ruby ink on the sentiment.

The second card I'm going to share today is an elegant Valentine's Day card using Whisper cardstock and Sparkle & Shine B&T.

 I used Whisper Ink on the edges and the sentiment and pearl pins stuck in foam tape between the layers. I used Artiste to cut the fancy shape in Whisper and White Daisy. The sentiment is from "4 My Friend".

Stay tuned because I have been really busy working on projects from the new Idea Book. I'm toying around with having another virtual Open House. Would you be interested??? I just love this Idea Book and all the lovely goodies inside - and I know you will too! Please comment on this post and let me know if you'd like to see my Online Open House on February 1 & 2.  Thanks!!!

A friend's Chantilly card

Back in April I participated in my upline's team swap featuring Chantilly cards. I showed you mine here.

Today, I want to share with you one of cards I received that blows my mind. My friend Arlene Zimmerman created this card and her artistic skills astound me!

Her card is a simple design using a strip of the Chantilly paper with a flower and vine cut using Artiste but what gets me everytime I look at this card is her stitching!

 Arlene used colored pencils to highlight parts of the stamped image in the background to complete the card.

Isn't it awesome?! I love this card and have it hanging on my inspiration board. I would love to try stitching on my artwork but while  I lack a reliable sewing machine right now, I lack the vision of it. I'm hoping once I try it I'll like it and will be able to get more creative as my skills improve. Until then, I look at Arlene's dreamy card.

Special thanks to Arlene Zimmerman for letting me share her card on my blog.

87 Days till Christmas

Have you started designing your Christmas cards this year? It's closer than you think! Less than 90 days to go and what have you done? Keep reading for some designs sure to spark your creativity.

Monogram stamps aren't just for initials. Designer: Krista Hershberger

Make a tree out of ornaments. Designer: Nickie Hoffer

Emboss a few stars to create some twinkle in your card. Designer: Nickie Hoffer

A subtle image portrays the true meaning of Christmas. Designer: Krista Hershberger

Artiste Cricut cartridge can create some wonderful, out of the box cards. Designer: Gennette Feagan

Artiste makes an basic card anything but boring. Designer: Gennette Feagan

The new Idea Book is almost here!

August 1st marks the day that you can get your hands on the new Autumn/Winter 2012 Idea Book - but!!!!

 I have a few teasers for you NOW!!!

Close to My Heart always blows me away with each Idea Book and this one is no different! There is another Cricut cartridge - Artiste! This cartridge as almost 700 images and a font. There are buttons to plan parties from cupcake wrappers to 3D boxes to home decor and more! This will be a must have item! And there are images that coordinate with our stamps. Pre-order your Artiste cartridge with me (by 7/31) and save the cost of shipping (tax will be charged). You will receive the Artiste cartridge, 3 exclusive stamp sets and 3 sheets of die cut chipboard for $104.94.

CTMH "Artiste" Cricut cartridge - preorder with me by 7/31 for free shipping!

We now have our own alcohol markers! This is something I haven't tried yet but I know that it will be awesome! For $5.95, you get TWO alcohol markers in a base shade and a coordinating shade to seamlessly blend the colors. 


CTMH Exclusive colors - coordinating cardstock, stamp pads & markers

Plan now to be at my Open House & Crop on August 17th & 18th to see the new products in person. Stay and crop your summer memories while you shop for new products out of the Autumn/Winter 2012 Idea Book. All orders placed this weekend will be entered to win the Hostess Rewards.

Friday, August 17th from 12 - 8pm & Saturday, August 18th from 10 am - 6 pm.