Monday, June 30, 2014

Hours Remain to Celebrate 30!

Only hours remain in June 2014 and that means you only have a few hours left to purchase the Stamp of the Month: Kaboom


and select one of the Celebrate 30! Collections.


I posted full details of the SOTM on June 1 and the Celebrate 30! Collections on June 2. If you want any of the Celebrate 30! Collections, do not delay. In addition to ending tonight, some have as little as 13% of the inventory remaining (as of Friday, June 27).

If you do not have a CTMH Independent Consultant to answer any questions you may have, I would be happy to assist you and would be delighted if you make a purchase from me.


Click the Shop with me link above to place an order or contact me if you have questions about any CTMH product or promotion or to schedule a Home or Online Gathering.

Thanks for stopping by today and be sure to come back tomorrow for details on the July SOTM: Circus Alphabet.

Thursday, June 26, 2014

26 Weeks Until Christmas

It is June 26 and there are 26 weeks until Christmas 2014. Another way to look at it is there is one-half year until Christmas. I determined that by dividing 52 weeks (in one year) by two. The way the past few weeks have gone it seems like Black Friday will be here tomorrow.

This week I deviated a bit and made this Christmas Tag.

Christmas Tag collage

The tag was cut using the CTMH/Cricut® Art Philosophy (Z1686) cartridge. The tag is image #M44E8F. I cut the top layer from Colonial White cardstock (1388). I used Cricut® Design Space and the hide contour feature to cut a solid green tag from Olive cardstock (1245) I also cut the green tag slightly smaller than the top layer. I used the Slider Tag (#M3EA90) and the hide contour, duplicate and weld features to create berries to cut from Barn Red cardstock (X5637).

I stamped the Nutcracker from the CTMH My Acrylix™ stamp set Candyland (D1557) using a CTMH Archival Black Exclusive Inks™ Stamp Pad (44751). I colored the image using Watercolor Pencils (3505) and a Blending Pen (3174).

The sentiment is also from Candyland, but I stamped it using a Black Exclusive Inks™ Stamp Pad (Z2105). I also added Baker's Twine Harvest Assortment (Z1751). I added three dots of gold glitter glue in the upper right corner.

Almost all items are from CTMH. If you would like to order any of the items used, just click on a link above to be taken directly to the description of that product. Two of the items are on the retiring list and are only available until July 31 or while supplies last: they are the stamp set and Baker's Twine Harvest Assortment. The only product not from CTMH is the glitter glue used to embellish the tag.

If you do not have a CTMH Independent Consultant to answer any questions you may have, I would be happy to assist you and would be delighted if you make a purchase from me.


Click the Shop with me link above to place an order or contact me if you have questions about any CTMH product or promotion or to schedule a Home or Online Gathering.

I hope you are inspired to create some cards. I would be delighted if you decided to follow my blog and/or Liked my Facebook page Brenda's Paper Crafts. Thanks for stopping by today.

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Even More Sunday Cardmaking

Here is another card I started on Sunday and worked on bit by bit until it was complete.

Happy Teddy Bear Birthday

I started by stamping all of the images from CTMH My Acrylix™ Teddy Bear Birthday (A1143) on White Daisy cardstock (1385) using a Archival Black Exclusive Inks™ Stamp Pad (44751). I colored the images using Watercolor Pencils (3505) and a Blending Pen (3174). I cut around the images using a craft knife with the Versamat™ (Z1279).

I went to Cricut® Design Space and the CTMH/Cricut® Artbooking cartridge (Z1906) to cut out the Square Frame (#M46A32), [scalloped] Square (#M40F7A) and Be Yourself (#M437D5) banner. I used the hide contour feature on the square frame and Be Yourself banner. I used Cotton Candy (X5760) and Cocoa (X5642) cardstock. "Happy Birthday" was stamped with Black Exclusive Inks™ Stamp Pad (Z2105) and the Cotton Candy cardstock was embossed with the Quatrefoil Embossing Folder (Z1926). 3-D Foam Tape (Z1151) was used to attach several items to the card. ETA: I forgot to mention that I used the Sanding Kit (Z1294) to highlight the embossing.

All items, except the craft knife, used to create this card are from Close To My Heart. If you would like to order any of the items used, just click on a link above to be taken directly to the description of that product. Two of the items are on the retiring list and are only available until July 31 or while supplies last: they are the stamp set and Lollydoodle B&T Duos™.

If you do not have a CTMH Independent Consultant to answer any questions you may have, I would be happy to assist you and would be delighted if you make a purchase from me.


Click the Shop with me link above to place an order or contact me if you have questions about any CTMH product or promotion or to schedule a Home or Online Gathering.

I hope you are inspired to create some cards. Thanks for stopping by today.

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

More Sunday Cardmaking

Yesterday I shared a card using CTMH My Acrylix™ Quick Cards—Bountiful Season (A1130). I really like how the stamping turned out so I created a second card.

Bountiful Season - card 2

Like yesterday, I used Sponge Daubers (Z1938) to add color from CTMH Exclusive Inks™ Stamp Pads in the following colors: Autumn Terracotta (Z2101), Barn Red (Z2104), Goldrush (Z2123) and Olive (Z2137). I stamped on Colonial White Cardstock (1388) and looked to the pages of the Originals Card Confidence Program™ (9036) for ideas. I was inspired by the Background Bar™ pattern.

I selected the green side of the hero paper from Ivy Lane (X7178B) to cover the front of a card from the 5 1/2" X 4 1/4" Colonial White Cards & Envelopes, Value Pack (X1410). The card also has a strip of Autumn Terracotta (1270) cardstock and Olive (1245) cardstock is layered behind the stamped image. The Sanding Kit (Z1294) was used to distress the cardstock and some edges. Some edges were also inked using a Chocolate (Z2111) Exclusive Inks™ Stamp Pad. Some edges were sanded and inked. 3-D Foam Tape (Z1151) was used to pop the stamped image. A butterfly from Color-Ready Trinkets Wooden Shapes (Z1844) was inked in Barn Red and attached to the card front using Liquid Glass (Z679).

All items used to create this card are from Close To My Heart. If you would like to order any of the items used, just click on a link above to be taken directly to the description of that product. Three of the items are on the retiring list and are only available until July 31 or while supplies last: they are the stamp set, Ivy Lane B&T Duos™ and Color-Ready Trinkets Wooden Shapes .

If you do not have a CTMH Independent Consultant to answer any questions you may have, I would be happy to assist you and would be delighted if you make a purchase from me.


Click the Shop with me link above to place an order or contact me if you have questions about any CTMH product or promotion or to schedule a Home or Online Gathering.

I hope you enjoyed your visit today and thanks for stopping by.

Monday, June 23, 2014

Sunday Cardmaking

Yesterday, shortly after waking up, I received a phone call. I usually do not answer our home phone if I do not know who is calling, but something told me a call before 8am on a Saturday was a call I should not ignore. It was the sad news that my father's last remaining (and younger) brother had died. They had been trying to reach my dad on his cell phone, but my dad does not keep it on like my generation does, so they were getting anxious to reach him. When I spoke with my aunt (with widow of my father's late twin brother), she was starting to think she would need to send the police to locate my father.

Something about that call made me want to do some crafting so selected this stamp CTMH My Acrylix™ Quick Cards—Bountiful Season (A1130).

Bountiful Season - card 1

I used Sponge Daubers (Z1938) to add color to the stamp. I used CTMH Exclusive Inks™ Stamp Pads in the following colors: Autumn Terracotta (Z2101), Barn Red (Z2104), Goldrush (Z2123) and Olive (Z2137). I stamped on Colonial White Cardstock (1388). Once I got to this stage, I was looking for some inspiration so I started browsing the pages of a CTMH How-To Program: Originals Card Confidence Program™ (9036). I was inspired by the Cubes & Colors™ pattern, but modified it.

I selected the green side of the hero paper from Ivy Lane (X7178B) to cover the front of a card from the 5 1/2" X 4 1/4" Colonial White Cards & Envelopes, Value Pack (X1410). The card also has a strip of Barn Red (X5637) cardstock and leaves cut in various sizes from the CTMH/Cricut® Artiste Collection (Z1790) from Autumn Terracotta (1270), Goldrush (1243) and Olive (1245) cardstock. The Sanding Kit (Z1294) was used to distress the cardstock and some edges. Some edges were also inked using a Chocolate (Z2111) Exclusive Inks™ Stamp Pad. 3-D Foam Tape (Z1151) was used to pop the stamped image and one leaf.

All items used to create this card are from Close To My Heart. If you would like to order any of the items used, just click on a link above to be taken directly to the description of that product. Two of the items are on the retiring list and are only available until July 31 or while supplies last: they are the stamp set and Ivy Lane B&T Duos™.

If you do not have a CTMH Independent Consultant to answer any questions you may have, I would be happy to assist you and would be delighted if you make a purchase from me.


Click the Shop with me link above to place an order or contact me if you have questions about any CTMH product or promotion or to schedule a Home or Online Gathering.

I hope you are inspired to create some cards. Thanks for stopping by today.

Thursday, June 19, 2014

27 Weeks Until Christmas

It seems like time flew between last Thursday and this Thursday. I am a little late getting this card posted, as I have less than one hour until it becomes Friday, but I squeaked this card in just under the wire. The image actually has been colored for about a week and I cut out the globe in the few minutes I had between dinner and meetings earlier this week, but the embellishments just came together tonight as I was too tired to finish this last night.

This is the fourth card I have created using Santa's Letter by Digi Stamps 4 Joy. I have used a different coloring technique for each. Previously I used colored pencils, oil pastels and watercolor pencils. I am coloring another image and will be posting that card soon - I have an anniversary and birthday card to work on first.

June 2014 Holiday Card - take 4

The image was printed on Georgia Pacific white cardstock and colored with Close To My Heart Exclusive Inks® Stamps Pads in Buttercup (Z2110) - this color is retiring July 31 (or while supplies last), Chocolate (Z2111), Saddle (Z2171) and Whisper (Z2172) and a Blending Pen (3174). A fine point glue pen and CTMH Prisma Glitter (retired) was used for the "snow". The printed cardstock behind the globe is from Starry Night a Recollections Signature Paper Pad. The printed cardstock on the card background is from Echo Park Paper - Winter Park by Lori Whitlock. The holly and banner were cut using my Cricut® Explore and Design Space using the Stretch Your Imagination and CTMH/Cricut® Art Philosophy (Z1686) cartridges (Design Space images #M465F1 and #M41727). "Merry Christmas" is from the CTMH My Acrylix™ stamp set A Holiday (A1115) and stamped with a Black Exclusive Inks® Stamps Pad (Z2105). All other cardstock and a pre-scored white greeting card with envelope are from my stash. I used CTMH 3-D Foam Tape (Z1151) to attach the globe and holly.

I am linking my card to Decosse's Dynamite Doodles 12 Months of Christmas Card Link Up. This is the image for the Digi Stamps 4 Joy June 2014 Monthly Christmas Challenge. The other cards I have created with this digi were just because I really like this image.

Thanks for stopping by and seeing my card. I hope you like it.

Sunday, June 15, 2014

Happy Father's Day

For this Father's Day I created cards for my father and brother. The first card has a gift card holder in the middle.

Father's Day 2014 - card 1

The card was created using Cricut® Design Space and Cricut® Explore using CTMH/Cricut® Artiste (Z1790) and Cricut® Holiday Cakes cartridges. In Design Space search for images #M4630E, #M44A67 and #M40443. The card base was cut using CTMH Balloon Ride paper (X7180B). The blue and brown paper are from my stash.

I cut a matching envelope (#M3C3C2) from CTMH/Cricut® Artiste (Z1790) using white copy paper.

I purchased the file for this card base over a year ago when I received a gift card with the purchase of my Expression 2, but it is part of the subscription if you use Cricut® Design Space.

Father's Day 2014 - card 2 - front


The card front was created with Father's Day - Argyle and Iron-on Lighthouse images. All of the paper for the card front is from my stash.

Father's Day 2014 - card 2 - inside


The inside sentiment and frame were created from CTMH/Cricut® Art Philosophy (Z1686) and Artiste (Z1790) cartridges. In Design Space look for images #M3A4A2, #M45E01, #M43DF8 and #M3CD18. The brown and blue paper is from my stash; the frame was cut from My Mind's Eye™ All Spice designer cardstock paper. I used a pre-made CTMH White Daisy Envelope (XZ1476).

I hope you enjoyed your visit today and that you and your family had a wonderful Father's Day. Thank you for stopping by today.

Saturday, June 14, 2014

CTMH Retiring Products From S/S 2014 Idea Book - Get them while supplies last!

Close to My Heart released a list of retiring items on June 12, 2014. These products will no longer be available after July 31, 2014 or while supplies last.

If you want to see a photo of any item, click on the link or see all of the times on my OBA > Shop > Retiring Items):

Hostess Rewards - available only to Hostesses
time is winding down to schedule a Gathering
page item # description
7 A1158 Doodle Signs
9 A1160 This Is Good
8 B1446 Some Bunny
8 B1447 A Mother's Love
9 B1448 My Hero
7 B1451 Enjoy the Little Things
6 D1583 Unicorn Dreams
5 HB1059 Hostess Collection 1
5 HB1060 Hostess Collection 2
5 HB1061 Hostess Collection 3
Workshops on the Go®
page item # description
23 G1072 Workshops on the Go® Skylark Kit
29 G1073 Workshops on the Go® Ivy Lane Kit
35 G1074 Workshops on the Go® Ariana Kit
41 G1075 Workshops on the Go® Balloon Ride Kit - SOLD OUT
47 G1076 Workshops on the Go® Jubilee Kit
53 G1077 Workshops on the Go® Timberline Kit
59 G1078 Workshops on the Go® Lollydoodle Kit
74 G1079 Workshops on the Go® Ivy Lane Cardmaking Kit - SOLD OUT
75 G1080 Workshops on the Go® Lollydoodle Cardmaking Kit
My Reflections™
page item # description
19 X7177B Skylark Paper Packet
19 X7177C Skylark Dimensional Elements Complements
19 Z3000 Skylark Assortment
25 X7178B Ivy Lane Paper Packet
25 X7178C Ivy Lane My Stickease® Assortment
25 Z3001 Ivy Lane Assortment
31 X7179B Ariana Paper Packet
31 X7179C Ariana Dimensional Elements Complements
31 Z3002 Ariana Assortment
37 X7180B Balloon Ride Paper Packet
37 X7180C Balloon Ride Dimensional Elements Complements
37 Z3003 Balloon Ride Assortment
43 X7181B Jubilee Paper Packet
43 X7181C Jubilee Dimensional Elements Complements
43 Z3004 Jubilee Assortment
49 X7182B Timberline Paper Packet
49 X7182C Timberline My Stickease® Assortment - SOLD OUT
49 Z3005 Timberline Assortment - SOLD OUT
55 X7183B Lollydoodle Paper Packet
55 X7183C Lollydoodle My Stickease® Assortment
55 Z3006 Lollydoodle Assortment
60 X7170B Laughing Lola Paper Packet
60 X7170C Laughing Lola Complements Dimensional Elements
60 Z1854 Laughing Lola Assortment
60 X7171B Sarita Paper Packet
60 X7171C Sarita My Stickease® Assortment
60 Z1873 Sarita Assortment
61 X7172B ProPlayer Paper Packet - SOLD OUT
61 X7172C ProPlayer My Stickease® Assortment - SOLD OUT
61 Z1879 ProPlayer Assortment
61 X7173B Babycakes Paper Packet - SOLD OUT
61 X7173C Babycakes Complements Canvas Shapes - SOLD OUT
61 Z1869 Babycakes Assortment
Designed Décor
page item # description
78 Z1911 Designed Décor Frame Kit - SOLD OUT
Base & Bling and Textiles
page item # description
82 Z1891 Base & Bling Teal Jewels
82 Z1892 Base & Bling Black Jewels
82 Z1893 Base & Bling Red Jewels
82 Z1894 Base & Bling Pink Jewels
82 Z1895 Base & Bling Purple Jewels
82 Z1874 Base & Bling Necklace
82 Z1875 Base & Bling Cuff
82 Z1876 Base & Bling Hair Clips
82 Z1877 Base & Bling Rings
82 Z1878 Base & Bling Headband
83 Z1820 For Always Textiles
83 Z1885 Sarita Textiles
83 Z1970 Skylark Textiles
83 Z1971 Jubilee Textiles
Accessories
page item # description
123 Z1961 Marquee Enamel Shapes–White
124 Z1837 Mini-Medley Accents Wooden Collection
124 Z1808 Outdoor Denim Chevron Ribbon
124 Z1863 Color-Ready Midtown Cork Shapes
124 Z1844 Color-Ready Trinkets Wooden Shapes
124 Z1825 Keyboard Kraft Alphabet - SOLD OUT
124 Z1835 Tiny Type Epoxy Alphabet
124 Z1826 Hollyhock Zipper Lace
124 Z1846 Ruby Chevron Ribbon
124 Z1867 Jute Ribbon
124 Z1917 Lagoon Zipper Lace
125 Z1702 Baker's Twine Paradise Assortment - SOLD OUT
125 Z1751 Harvest Baker's Twine
125 Z1760 Burlap Ribbon
125 Z1817 Slate Polka-Dot Washi Tape
125 Z1850 Lagoon Houndstooth Washi Tape
125 Z1930 Chocolate Woodgrain Washi Tape
127 Z1789 Chalkboard 12" x 12" Sheet, Adhesive-backed
127 X1404 True Fit™ Folios (5) - SOLD OUT
128 Z1843 Irresistibles™ Frames
128 Z1858 Irresistibles™ Hexagons
129 Z1832 Spinner
129 Z1195 My Creations® Memory Showcase 6" x 6" - SOLD OUT
129 Z1647 My Creations® Card Box
129 Z1797 My Creations® Bracket Frame - SOLD OUT
129 Z1868 My Creations® Kraft Ring Box
129 Z1870 My Creations® Kraft Pocket Album
131 Z1039 Create-A-Shade™ Pearl Paint - SOLD OUT
131 Z1801 Alcohol Blending Marker
131 Z1114 Piercing Tool Kit
132 Z338 Euro Personal Paper Trimmer
133 1514 Tombow Adhesive
133 1515 Tombow Adhesive Refill
133 Z1311 Circle Punch 1¼"
134 Z1344 12" x 12" Post Bound Album-Hollyhock - SOLD OUT
134 Z1343 12" x 12" Post Bound Album-Cranberry - SOLD OUT
134 Z1345 12" x 12" Post Bound Album-Black - SOLD OUT
134 Z1348 WIP 12" x 12" Album-Chocolate - SOLD OUT
139 Z2400 Marker Set: Twilight
139 Z2401 Marker Set: Crystal Blue
139 Z2402 Marker Set: Sky
139 Z2403 Marker Set: Juniper
139 Z2404 Marker Set: Sweet Leaf
139 Z2405 Marker Set: Buttercup
139 Z2406 Marker Set: Crème Brulee
139 Z2407 Marker Set: Sorbet
139 Z2408 Marker Set: Blush
139 Z2409 Marker Set: Smoothie
139 Z2410 Marker Set: Gypsy - SOLD OUT
139 Z2411 Marker Set: Pacifica
139 Z2412 Marker Set: Lagoon
139 Z2413 Marker Set: Topiary
139 Z2414 Marker Set: Pear
139 Z2415 Marker Set: Honey - SOLD OUT
139 Z2416 Marker Set: Sunset
139 Z2417 Marker Set: Cotton Candy
139 Z2418 Marker Set: Hollyhock - SOLD OUT
139 Z2419 Marker Set: Cranberry
139 Z2420 Marker Set: Smokey Plum
139 Z2421 Marker Set: Outdoor Denim
139 Z2422 Marker Set: Indian Corn Blue
139 Z2423 Marker Set: Ponderosa Pine
139 Z2424 Marker Set: New England Ivy
139 Z2425 Marker Set: Olive
139 Z2426 Marker Set: Goldrush
139 Z2427 Marker Set: Autumn Terracotta
139 Z2428 Marker Set: Barn Red
139 Z2429 Marker Set: Ruby
139 Z2430 Marker Set: Black - SOLD OUT
139 Z2431 Marker Set: Slate
139 Z2432 Marker Set: Whisper
139 Z2206 Reinker Blush - SOLD OUT
139 Z2210 Reinker Buttercup - SOLD OUT
139 Z2260 Reinker Twilight - SOLD OUT
139 Z2267 Reinker Crème Brulee - SOLD OUT
139 Z2294 Reinker Sky - SOLD OUT
139 Z2106 Stamp Pad Blush - SOLD OUT
139 Z2110 Stamp Pad Buttercup - SOLD OUT
139 Z2160 Stamp Pad Twilight
139 Z2167 Stamp Pad Crème Brulee - SOLD OUT
139 Z2194 Stamp Pad Sky - SOLD OUT
139 Z2500 Whimsy Mini Pigment Set
137 Z4133 Marker Tower
139 1271 Cardstock 12" x 12" Buttercup
139 X5640 Cardstock 12" x 12" Blush - SOLD OUT
139 X5666 Cardstock 12" x 12" Twilight
139 X5754 Cardstock 12" x 12" Crème Brulee
139 X5761 Cardstock 12" x 12" Sky
139 X5936 Whimsy Cardstock Combo
My Acrylix™ Stamp Sets
Not shown in Spring/Summer 2014 Idea Book
item # description
A1130 Quick Cards-Bountiful Season
A1143 Teddy Bear Birthday
A1144 Birthday Cheer
A1145 Flowering Thanks
B1407 School Is Here
B1411 Greek Alphabet
B1425 Stitched with Love
B1426 Pick a Posey
C1473 Remarkable Wreath
C1510 Merry & Bright
C1524 Words of Comfort
C1555 Count Your Blessings
C1563 Cityscape
D1483 Glory To God
D1514 Just a Number
D1551 Swirls Around
D1557 Candyland
D1564 Maximum Power
List current as of July 16, 2014.

If you do not have a CTMH Independent Consultant to answer any questions you may have, I would be happy to assist you and would be delighted if you make a purchase from me.


Click the Shop with me link above to place an order or contact me if you have questions about any CTMH product or promotion or to schedule a Home or Online Gathering.

Friday, June 13, 2014

Exclusive Hostess Rewards Stamp Sets

Today's post is to remind you that there are less than two months to host a Gathering, either Home or Online, to earn Hostess Rewards to select any of the seven Exclusive Hostess Rewards Stamp Sets.

Items created by the CTMH studio artists using the Hostess Rewards stamp sets are in the following images:

A1158 - Doodle Signs - set of 8 - coordinates with Artbooking

A1160 - This Is Good - set of 3

B1446 - Some Bunny - set of 4 - coordinates with Art Philosophy

B1447 - A Mother's Love - set of 7

B1448 - My Hero - set of 5

B1451 - Enjoy The Little Things - set of 13

D1583 - Unicorn Dreams - set of 7

If you have your Spring/Summer 2014 Idea Book, you will find the stamp sets on pages 6 to 9. If you do not have an Idea Book, you can browse through it online. If you would like to recreate any of the above projects, CTMH publishes a PDF of "Recipes" that lists the products used to create that item.

You might remember that I used the Some Bunny stamp set, Art Philosophy and Artiste cartridges on my Easter Baskets this year.

The Hostess Rewards Stamp Sets are only available to hostesses and only through July 2014. The stamp sets are new to the S/S 2014 Idea Book and are discounted to make your select product credit stretch further. Learn more about being a Hostess and Hostess Rewards on my OBA.


If you have any questions about this or any other CTMH promotion or product please contact me. If you would like to schedule a Home or Online Gathering to earn free products, sent me a note with the best number to reach you so we can work out the details.

Thanks for visiting today.

Thursday, June 12, 2014

28 Weeks Until Christmas

There are only 28 weeks until Christmas 2014! I cannot believe how fast the weeks are flying by. This is the third card I have created using Santa's Letter by Digi Stamps 4 Joy. I have used a different coloring technique for each. Previously I used colored pencils and oil pastels.

June 2014 Holiday Card - take 3


The image was printed on Georgia Pacific white cardstock and colored with Sargent Art Water Color Pencils. I used a CTMH Medium Waterbrush (retired) to blend and soften the colors. "Snow" was created using CTMH Stardust Glitz™ Glitter Gel (retired). The printed cardstock is from Starry Night a Recollections Signature Paper Pad. I used CTMH 3-D Foam Tape (Z1151) to attach the globe to a pre-scored white greeting card with envelope. The snowflakes are chipboard stickers from Making Memories. This is another card I "shopped my stash" to create.

I hope you enjoy my card.

I am linking my card to Decosse's Dynamite Doodles 12 Months of Christmas Card Link Up. This is the image for the Digi Stamps 4 Joy June 2014 Monthly Christmas Challenge; I linked Tuesday's card to that challenge and Wednesday's card was just for fun.

Thanks for visiting today.

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Santa's Letter Christmas Card

When I print a digital stamp I typically print 4 or 9 on one sheet of 8 1/2" x 11" cardstock because I do not want to have many little pieces that will not feed well through my printer that I cannot bear to throw away (I still use my QuicKutz/Lifestyle Crafts cutting dies and I can use some really small pieces of cardstock). This is another card I created using Santa's Letter by Digi Stamps 4 Joy printed on Georgia Pacific white cardstock.

June 2014 Holiday Card - take 2

The image was colored with Pentel Arts Oil Pastels. Tortillons and blending stumps slightly dampened with water were used to blend and shade the colors. The red and green cardstock are from my stash. I used the CTMH Corner Rounder (Z1912) on the white and red cardstock. The "Merry Christmas" paper is the back of Bingo Bites from the American Crafts Peppermint Express Collection which I picked up at Tuesday Morning a couple of weeks ago (when we introduced my nieces to the store). "Snow" was created using CTMH Stardust Glitz™ Glitter Gel (retired). The holly is cut using my Cricut® Explore and Design Space using the Stretch Your Imagination cartridge. I used 3-D Foam Tape (Z1151) to attach it to the card. The Baker's Twine is from King Arthur Flour and the pre-scored white greeting card with envelope is from my stash.

Here is a closeup of the holly sprig. I wanted to show you how wonderful the Explore cut it when it is only 1.25 inches wide.

June 2014 Holiday Card - take 2 holly

I hope you enjoyed your visit today and I would love to know what you think about my card.

I am linking my card to Decosse's Dynamite Doodles 12 Months of Christmas Card Link Up. This is the image for the Digi Stamps 4 Joy June 2014 Monthly Christmas Challenge; I linked yesterday's card to that challenge.

I have a Facebook page and I would be thrilled if you headed over there and liked it. Thanks for visiting today.

Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Monthly Christmas Challenge - June 2014

I continue my quest to have all of the Christmas cards I need for the upcoming season well in advance. In trying to reach my goal I created this card with the Digi Stamps 4 Joy June 2014 Monthly Christmas Challenge image.

June 2014 Holiday Card - take 1

I used the following materials to create the card: Santa's Letter by Digi Stamps 4 Joy printed on Georgia Pacific white cardstock. The image was colored using Lyra Rembrandt 72 Polycolor Fine Art Coloured Pencils for Artists. A Sizzix embossing folder was used on blue cardstock and everything was layered on a pre-scored white greeting card with envelope. A fine point glue pen and CTMH Prisma Glitter (retired) was used for the "snow". Except for the image, everything was from my stash.

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you like my card. I would love to hear what you think.

I am linking my card to the Digi Stamps 4 Joy June 2014 Monthly Christmas Challenge and Decosse's Dynamite Doodles 12 Months of Christmas Card Link Up.

Saturday, June 7, 2014

Stamps that say G'day

I have meaning to tell you about these stamp sets for awhile. They are not pictured in the Close To My Heart Spring/Summer 2014 Idea Book. Originally the stamps were only available to those in Australia and New Zealand, but there was so much demand for them in the United States and Canada that they were added to our Online Business Addresses (OBA) for customers in North America to purchase them. Click here to visit my OBA.

The stamps in the PDF flyer are shown at 75%. If you would like me to send you the flyer so you can better estimate the size of the images, please send me a note.


The stamp sets pictured above are Australian Thanks (C1586) and Outback Adventure (D1596). Australian Thanks is a set of 9 My Acrylix™ stamps and the recommended My Acrylix™ blocks are 1" x 3½" (Y1002) and 3" x 3" (Y1006). Outback Adventure is a set of 8 My Acrylix™ stamps and the recommended My Acrylix™ blocks are 2" x 3½" (Y1009), 2" x 6½" (Y1010) and 4" x 5" (Y1012).


The stamp sets in this panel are Australian Salutations (C1585) and Hoppy Birthday (D1597). Australian Salutations is a set of 5 My Acrylix™ stamps and the recommended My Acrylix™ blocks are 2" x 2" (Y1003) and 3" x 3" (Y1006). Hoppy Birthday is a set of 10 My Acrylix™ stamps and the recommended My Acrylix™ blocks are 1" x 3½" (Y1002), 3" x 3" (Y1006) and 4" x 5" (Y1012). Hoppy Birthday is compatible with Cricut® Artiste Cartridge (Z1790).


The stamp sets in the last panel are Aussie Praises (D1598) and New Zealand Greetings (D1601). Aussie Praises is a set of 10 My Acrylix™ stamps and the recommended My Acrylix™ blocks are 2" x 2" (Y1003), 3" x 3" (Y1006) and 2" x 3½" (Y1009). New Zealand Greetings is a set of 11 My Acrylix™ stamps and the recommended My Acrylix™ blocks are 1" x 3½" (Y1002), 3" x 3" (Y1006), 2" x 3½" (Y1009) and 4" x 5" (Y1012). Aussie Praises is compatible with the Cricut® Artiste Cartridge (Z1790).

If you are ready to place an order, please click on the Shop Now button.


If you have any questions about any CTMH product please contact me. If you would like to schedule a Home or Online Gathering to earn free products, sent me a note with the best number to reach you so we can work out the details.

I am on Facebook and I would love it if you Liked my page.

Friday, June 6, 2014

Birthday Cards

Today I have two birthday cards to share with you. Both are from the Ready to Make projects in Cricut® Design Space. They were quick and easy cards to create. It took me longer to pick out the paper I used than it did to assemble them.

This first card is the Happy Birthday Card.

Happy Birthday Card

The card was created with papers from my stash. It's a nice simple card to create and you could tailor the colors for the person you are giving it to. Embellishments could be added to dress it up a bit. For those having trouble with masculine cards this would be a create card to use.

My second card is the Happy Birthday Candle Card.

Happy Birthday Candle Card

The printed My Reflections™ B&T Duos™ Paper is from the Close To My Heart Laughing Lola Paper Packet (X7170B) available until July 31, 2014 or while supplies last. The remaining cardstock is from my stash. I used 3-D Foam Tape (Z1151) to pop the banner and candles on this card. I think this photo shows that better.

Happy Birthday Candle Card


I have not created envelopes for these cards yet. The Happy Birthday Candle Card project has an envelope in the project, but I do not like to cut my envelopes from cardstock (typically 65 lb. cover weight) because I think they are too heavy. I may make an exception this time and use the reverse of the Laughing Lola paper because B&T Duos™ Paperis 100 lb. accent opaque text weight so it would be fine.

For the Happy Birthday Card I think I will do what I have done in the past and create one using Design Space and the Explore.

I hope the recipients of the cards love them. Thanks for visiting.

Thursday, June 5, 2014

29 Weeks Until Christmas

There are only 29 weeks until Christmas 2014. I know that seems like a long time from now and we have not had the first day of summer yet, but my plan this year is to break preparation down into smaller pieces so there will be fewer nights I will up up late in November and December. That said, my goal is to create and post at least one Christmas card each week. This is week 4 of meeting my goal.

Christmas Card Week 29 - option a - front

This is a card I created using Cricut® Design Space, but do not rush like I did. I folded the card backwards so it looks like I flipped the image top and bottom. The last "ho" looks a little weird, but the printed paper hides it a bit. Or at least I hope it does. I grabbed supplies for one card as I ran out the door for work to create and take photos during my lunch break so I'd be sure to have good light. I guess that did not work out as well as I planned. I did not notice my error until I was looking at the photo while cropping and watermarking. I am curious, what is your worst crafting mistake?

Now about the card. I first selected a card with an opening (#M44D60) from the CTMH/Cricut® Art Philosophy cartridge (Z1686). I sized it so two cards can be cut from one 12" x 12" sheet of paper. The "Ho Ho Ho" (#M42117) is from the CTMH/Cricut® Artiste cartridge (Z1790) and I used the weld feature to attach it to the card opening. To cut the B&T Partridge & Pear (retired) paper in the label shape that mimicked the card opening I used the hide contour option and hid the outside cut lines for the card and removed the score line.

Christmas Card Week 29 - option a - inside

I added "Merry Christmas" (#M3806B) - also from the Artiste cartridge - changing the image to write rather than cut, then attached it to the label and used the Cricut® Antiquities Pen in midnight.

My second card is exactly like my first (except I did not accidentally fold the card the wrong way) and I used cardstock from my stash and the recently purchased paper with "Merry Christmas" repeated on it (as soon as I saw this paper at Tuesday Morning I though of a project where the paper peeks through).

Christmas Card Week 29 - option b - front

For this card I had to finish the inside a bit different. There was a distinct pattern on the back of the "Merry Christmas" paper (tic-tac-toe) the looked horrible when cut so I enlarged the label and removed the "Merry Christmas" (but it would have looked nice with the sentiment as well), cut it from white cardstock and embossed using a Sheet Music Sizzix Texture Fades Embossing Folder by Tim Holtz.

Christmas Card Week 29 - option b - inside

If you use Cricut Design Space®, have the Art Philosophy and Artiste collections and would like to be able to create this card immediately, feel free to use this URL to get started. I encourage you to direct  people to this blog post if they too would like to create the card. I only ask that if you use this file and post photos online that you acknowledge where you got the inspiration and create a link back to this post.

I believe this card would easily go together in Cricut® Craft Room, but I have not found the time to give it a try yet.

If you need the Art Philosophy or Artiste cartridges or any other supplies to create this card and are ready to place an order, please click on the Shop Now button.


If you have any questions about any CTMH product or promotion please contact me, especially if you plan to purchase one or more of the cartridges. You could host an Online Gathering to work toward Hostess Rewards and maybe a 1/2 price item. Sent me a note with the best number to reach you so we can work out the details.

I am on Facebook and I would love it if you Liked my page.

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Celebrate 30! See the Collections in this Video

The month of June is a busy month at CTMH. There is the SOTM Kaboom, CTMH Founder and CEO Jeanette Lynton is celebrating her 30th anniversary in the scrapbooking industry with Celebrate 30!, CTMH put together Five Fab Collections That Save - bundles that give you essentials for different types of papercrafting and you can win a Workshop on the Go™ scrapbooking kit from Close To My Heart with the Carefree Crafting Contest.

If you have been thinking about any of the Celebrate 30! Gift Collections, this short video shows each of the options. You can choose one of the collections for $30 when you make a qualifying purchase of $50.



The CTMH description of the video Celebrate 30! is "During the month of June 2014, Close To My Heart has a deal worth celebrating: snag your choice of 1 of 6 gift collections for only $30!"

In addition to everything I listed above, Convention is later this month and some details about retiring and new products might start to become available.

If you are ready to place an order, please click on the Shop Now button.


If you have any questions about any CTMH product please contact me. If you would like to schedule a Home or Online Gathering to earn free products, sent me a note with the best number to reach you so we can work out the details.

I am on Facebook and I would love it if you Liked my page.

Tuesday, June 3, 2014

Carefree Crafting with Workshops on the Go™

During the month of June you can win a Workshop on the Go™ scrapbooking kit from Close To My Heart!

There are three different ways to enter:

Visit Jeanette Lynton's Blog Post Carefree Crafting Contest.

Or visit the Close To My Heart Facebook Page.

Or visit the Close To My Heart YouTube Channel Carefree Crafting Contest post. Learn more details by watching the video.



Do not forget to comment on or before June 30 for your chance to win! Good luck.

If you would rather not take your chances and are ready to place an order, please click on the Shop Now button.


If you have any questions about any CTMH product please contact me. If you would like to schedule a Home or Online Gathering to earn free products, sent me a note with the best number to reach you so we can work out the details.

I am on Facebook and I would love it if you Liked my page.

Monday, June 2, 2014

Celebrate 30!

As I mentioned yesterday, the June 2013 CTMH promotion is Celebrate 30! The promotion is to honor CTMH Founder and CEO Jeanette Lynton's 30th anniversary in the scrapbooking industry. Selecting one of the collections for $30 with a $50 purchase is a great way to get a bundle of similarly themed items to add to your papercrafting supplies or to gift to a crafty friend.


The Celebrate 30! Gift Collections are:



CC10281 - Delightful Ribbon and Trim Collection

  • Hemp Black
  • Dark Chocolate Striped Grosgrain Ribbon
  • Color-Ready Seam Binding Ribbon
  • Party Washi Tape 3-Pack
  • Sparkle & Shine Washi Tape 3-Pack
  • Colonial White Rosette Ribbon


CC10282 - Extraordinary Embellishments Collection

  • Mini Medley Accents Antiqued Gold Collection
  • Just Blooms™ Floret Paper Shapes
  • Pixie Glitter Alphabet
  • Glamour Glitter Alphabet
  • Color Ready-Canvas Alphabet
  • Chalkboard Shapes
  • Durables Round Studs
  • Durables Square Studs
  • Colonial White Rosette Ribbon


CC10283 - Holiday Happiness Collection

  • Season’s Tweetings Gift Bags (2 sets)
  • Frosted Paper Packet
  • Frosted Complements
  • Frosted Assortment
  • Sparkle & Shine Textiles
  • Sparkle Holiday Shapes
  • Sparkle & Shine Complements
  • Sparkle & Shine Assortment


    CC10284 - Accessory Coordinates Collection

    • Black Striped Grosgrain Ribbon
    • Dark Chocolate Striped Grosgrain Ribbon
    • Huntington Complements
    • Chantilly Complements
    • Huntington Assortment
    • For Always Assortment
    • Tommy Assortment
    • Surfs Up Assortment
    • Chantilly Assortment


    CC10285 - Papercrafting Possibilities Collection

    • Color-Ready Seam Binding Ribbon
    • Bronze Glitz Glitter Gel
    • Almond Glitz Glitter Gel
    • Colonial White Die-Cut Cards
    • My Creations™ Cubby
    • My Creations™ Collage Cubes
    • My Creations™ Star


      CC10286 - Gifts and Kits Collection

      • Hemp Black
      • Glamour Glitter Alphabet
      • My Originals™ Matchbook Card Kit
      • Chantilly Textiles
      • Seasons Tweetings Gift Bags (2 sets)
      • My Creations™ Collage Cubes


        Each collection has a minimum retail value of $50 and some have a retail value of almost $65. The gift collections are valid June 1-30, 2014 or while supplies last. Shipping/handling is calculated based on the qualifying order and the promotional price ($30) of the collection.

        If you are ready to place an order, please click on the Shop Now button.


        If you have any questions about this or any other CTMH promotion or product please contact me. If you would like to schedule a Home or Online Gathering to earn free products, sent me a note with the best number to reach you so we can work out the details.

        I am on Facebook and I would love it if you Liked my page.