Still On Cloud Nine

I have been on Cloud Nine since I learned about the National Papercrafting Month Cardmaking Kit. While I enjoy designing unique cards for family and friends, sometimes it is hard to find the time to be creative. It can be nice to have a kit to help me quickly get a card ready to send to someone.

The card I am sharing with you today is one that I created using paper from the Ariana Paper Packet (X7179B) and Sparkles Black Florishes—Small (Z1916). Both will be available for you to order on February 1, 2014. Other products used were 3-D Foam Tape (Z1151), Colonial White Value Pack Cards and Envelopes (X1410), Colonial White cardstock (1388), Artiste cartridge (Z1790), Outdoor Denim (Z2140) and Crystal Blue (Z2117) Exclusive Inks™ Stamp Pads and the stamp set from the Cloud Nine Cardmaking Kit. Other supplies used: Sponge Daubers (Z726/Z1938) and Spray Pen (Z1380). I wish the photo did this card justice as the green paper strip is not crooked like it appears in the photograph.

Here is a close of of the stamped image:

I cut the speech bubble out of the front of the card/Ariana paper at 1/4 inch larger than you would cut the image to fit the stamp. I used a dauber to apply Outdoor Denim to the words and Crystal Blue to the border then I used a spray pen filled with water to mist the stamp. I sprayed from about 12 inches away so I did not "wash away" the color, then I stamped on the Colonial White die-cut. I really like the watercolor-like look to the image. I used foam tape to pop the stamped image.

In case you are wondering what I meant when I mentioned the die-cut carrier sheet last week, here's a photo:

This is what remains after you punch out the die-cuts that come in the kit. Save this and you can trace the shapes onto your cardstock and cut them out to use on your other projects.

This photo shows what remains after I cut as many images as I can that will create more Cloud Nine cards:

After pulling off the unusable cardstock, I am left will all of these die-cuts to remove from the cutting mat:

I hope you like the card I shared today and am interested in reading your comments. I would like to take this opportunity to remind you that the Cloud Nine Cardmaking Kit is only available until January 31 or while supplies last, whichever comes first.

If you are new to Close To My Heart products, I would be pleased to help you learn more about them. If you not have a CTMH Independent Consultant, I would be happy to be your Consultant. If you are ready to order, click the Shop Now link below.

Contact me if you have questions about CTMH products or promotions or to schedule a Home or Online Gathering. I would be happy to answer any questions you have. Thank you for stopping by. Have a great day!

Pajama Party Preparation

On my January 9 blog post, I shared the news that Close To My Heart and Big Picture Classes are teaming up for another Pajama Party. It is two weeks from today on January 30, 2014 at 9pm Eastern. On that post you fill find a link to join the party and a list of supplies. Once again, here is the layout we will be creating:

The layout is the Bottom Border—Title™ pattern from the Reflections™ Scrapbook Program (9037).

Based on the supply list, studying the photo and conversations with other CTMH consultants, I believe the cardstock colors used on this layout are: Cranberry (2 sheets), Hollyhock, Cotton Candy and White Daisy (if you want to capture this layout exactly as pictured, please wait to cut any paper until the night of the Pajama Party just in case I misread the colors in the photo).

The photos are 4 1/2" x 3 1/2" (3).

You will use one 12" x 12" [Cranberry] cardstock for your base.

You will need the following pieces of cardstock (the labels in blue on the photo above correspond to these letters):
A  2 1/2" x 12" [White Daisy]
B  9" x 6" [Cranberry]
C  7" x 12" [Hollyhock]
D 5" x 12" [Cotton Candy]

One piece of washi tape covers a scrap of White Daisy (upper left and above the photo on the left). A scrap of Hollyhock is stamped and used in the lower left. "Lucky" and the flower are stamped on White Daisy; the cardstock was cut using the Artiste cartridge.

I am very much hoping to join you during the Pajama Party. Unfortunately I have a meeting that night and do not know if I will be home on time; I may have to join you late, but I hope to see you there.

If you do not have a CTMH Independent Consultant yet, I would be happy to help you learn more about CTMH products. If you are ready to place an order click the Shop Now button below to browse the products available.

Please contact me if you have any questions.

Artbooking Made Easy: Love Is In The Air

Artbooking Made Easy (S01E18): Love Is in the Air is the latest Artbooking Made Easy video. Close To My Heart releases a new Artbooking Made Easy video each week (except occasional breaks for holidays). Stop by weekly until April 2014 to find the next video in the series. Each video has tips, tricks and project inspiration for using the Artbooking collection.



The CTMH Corp. description of Artbooking Made Easy: Love Is in the Air is "Use Close To My Heart's Cricut® Artbooking cartridge to create striking scrapbook pages for your loved ones, from happy couples to loving families to cherub-like babies and so much more! Plus, learn how to create dramatic backgrounds to perfectly complement your love-struck photos."

A few points I want to be certain that you do not miss while watching the video:

• there are two You & Me-themed keys on the Artbooking cartridge
• you will find the keys on pages 58 and 59 of the Artbooking booklet
• the zebra print background on the You + Me Page was created using the overlay on page 58 and misted with Cotton Candy re-inker (Z2293) mixed with rubbing alcohol; using rubbing alcohol gives the misting a more concentrated and softer look - you do not get a lot of droplets from the spray pen (Z1380) like you may when using water
• except for the overlay, all of the Cricut® cuts were completed using real dial size (this means that whatever you are cutting is cut at the size you enter, not the size that is proportional to the finished layout)
• using real dial size the photo mat was cut at 4 inches, the My Valentine title was cut at 1 1/2 inches so it is an accent rather than a main title and the paper doll and heart were cut at 2 1/2 inches; the size for the You & Me title was not given (or I missed it)
• create the color on the Hello Couple Page by using a pigment ink pad; start in the middle and pull the color to the edge for the color block you are creating; repeat to the other half; when dragging your ink page, lift up toward the end of the color block to create the wispy edges; change colors as you work down the "block" to get an ombré effect
• the Hello Baby Page shows the same keys can be used for more than couples pages, the keys are very versatile
• in Jeanette Lynton's post, Artbooking Made Easy: Love Is In The Air, you will find even more detail, closeup photos and a list of supplies used for each layout

If you have missed earlier videos in the Artbooking Made Easy series, I am maintaining a list so they are easier to find. Just look for CTMH Cricut® Artbooking Collection in the green bar above.

Contact me if you would like to learn how you would be able to purchase the Artbooking collection at 1/2 off by hosting a Gathering either in-home or on-line.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Thanks for visiting today.

Embellished Burlap Bags

Embellished Burlap Bags is a short video that gives us several ideas for using the My Creations™ Burlap Drawstring Bags. They can be gift bags, hold party favors, used for place cards at a special dinner and more.



Today's video Embellished Burlap Bags has the CTMH Corp. description "Easy to embellish and super useful, the burlap drawstring bags from Close To My Heart are the perfect packaging for small gifts, fun party favors, and fancy place cards at the dinner table. Watch the video for ideas on how to stitch them, stuff them, and show them off."

Products used in the video:

• My Creations™ Burlap Drawstring Bags (Z1872)
• Liquid Glass (Z679)
• Color-Ready Trinkets Wooden Shapes (Z1844)
• Outdoor Denim Chevron Ribbon (Z1808)

Some of the tips mentioned in the video:

• place a piece of cardstock inside the muslin bag so the Liquid Glass does not soak through and adhere your bag shut; the cardstock will also prevent the ink from the Alcohol markers from bleeding through onto the "back" side of the bag
• when coloring, use a strip of cardstock to keep your lines straight and move the pen slowly to saturate the fibers - you may have to go over the bag more than one time to achieve the color you want
• the ink may lighten some as it drys

I hope today's video inspired you to try create something with the My Creations™ Burlap Drawstring Bags. If you are ready to place an order the Show Now button will take you to my Online Business Address.

Do not hesitate to email me if you have any questions about this or any other CTMH product.

I Am On Cloud Nine

Why am I on Cloud Nine? Because of the wonderful National Papercrafting Month Cardmaking Kit that Close To My Heart is offering for $15 with a $35 purchase. This offer is only good until January 31, 2014 — that is three weeks from today.

You may have seen my earlier posts about this kit (on Jan 1 and Jan 2), but in case you have not, you should know that the kit includes a D-size stamp set that coordinates with the included die-cuts —  enough to make two cards of each design. You will also receive two sheets of cardstock and one of an exclusive B&T Duo™. There are also three full-sized products from the new Spring/Summer 2014 Idea Book: Gold Polka-Dot Washi Tape, Teal Shimmer Trim and Durables Triangle Studs.

The D-size stamp set coordinates with the Cricut® Artiste cartridge. If you have the Artiste cartridge, you have the ability to cut an unlimited number of additional die-cuts for future projects. If you do not have have the cartridge, I would suggest keeping the die-cut carrier sheet so you can trace the shapes and cut more in the future. In my opinion, the shapes are not too intricate for cutting by hand.

If you are still "on the fence" about the Cloud Nine Cardmaking kit, please check out the projects that I have pinned on my CTMH Cloud Nine Pinterest Board. Aren't they wonderful? The project I created for the Cloud Nine Blog Hop is there as well as all of the other hop stops (Cloud Nine Blog Hop list).

As an added incentive, when you purchase the Cloud Nine kit from my OBA, I will send you a 12" x 12" sheet's worth of additional die-cuts from White Daisy cardstock. This includes enough die-cuts to create three additional "Thanks", "Love You" and "Hip Hop Hooray" cards, four "Just Because" cards and six "Happy Birthday" cards. There are some extra hearts and stars too - I fit as many cuts on a 12" x 12" sheet of White Daisy cardstock as I could in Cricut® Craft Room. Just add your own cards and envelopes (a 5 1/2" X 4 1/4" White Cards & Envelopes, Value Pack would be perfect for this), B&T Duos™ Paper, cardstock and embellishments. Please note the extra die-cuts are only available through me when you purchase from my OBA. After you complete your purchase, send me an email with your order number and mailing address (US addresses only) and I will send you your die-cuts via First Class USPS mail within three business days.

Finally, when you qualify for and purchase the Cloud Nine Cardmaking Kit you are eligible to purchase the January SOTM for $5.  Being able to take advantage of two promotions is a great way to stretch your crafting dollar.

Thank you for visiting today. Please contact me if you have any questions.

Mark Your Calendars for the Pajama Party on January 30

Close To My Heart is doing it again. They are teaming up with Big Picture Classes to bring us another Pajama Party. It will be on Thursday, January 30, 2014 from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm Pacific Time (that's 9:00 pm to 10:30 pm Eastern Time) — that's three weeks from today.

The event is free, but if you want to participate in the chat, complete challenges, download files or enter to win prizes, you must log on that night. If you are not registered at Big Picture Classes (registration is free and you will not receive any unwanted mail), you will find a link to register at the Pajama Party page. You can register today and just sign in that night.

This will be the layout that we will be creating on January 30.

If you would like to create this layout exactly as pictured above while watching the Pajama Party, the supplies you will need are:

• G1066 Workshops on the Go™ Sarita Scrapbooking Kit — for the stamp set
• X5935 Adventure Cardstock Combo Pack
• 1385 White Daisy Cardstock
• Z2106 Blush Exclusive Inks™ Pad
• Z2170 Ruby Exclusive Inks™ Pad
• Z1826 Hollyhock Zipper Lace
• Z1807 Pink Glitter Gems
• Z1850 Lagoon Houndstooth Washi Tape
• Z1294 Sanding Kit
• Z1151 3-D Foam Tape

Of course, you can make this layout uniquely your own by substituting other colors or stamp sets using supplies you have on hand at home. One stamp set that comes to mind is D1559 Geometric Backgrounds.

I hope you will be able to join us over at Big Picture Classes. Their Pajama Parties are always a fun evening. If you do not have a CTMH Independent Consultant yet, I would be happy to help you learn more about CTMH products. If you are ready to place an order, click any of the links above to be taken directly to that item or click the Shop Now button below to browse the products available.

Please contact me if you have any questions.

Artbooking Made Easy: Inspiration Mini Albums

The latest in the video series Artbooking Made Easy is Artbooking Made Easy (S01E17): Inspiration Mini Albums. Each week until April 2014 (except occasional breaks for holidays) Close To My Heart will release the next video in the series. Each video has tips, tricks and project inspiration for using the Artbooking collection.



This week's video is Artbooking Made Easy: Inspiration Mini Albums and the CTMH Corp. description of the video is "With the inspiration-themed keys of the Cricut® Artbooking cartridge from Close To My Heart, your scrapbook pages will say the things you can't put into words yourself. Watch the video for ideas on combining your most treasured memories with borders, overlays, and other complementary shapes from the cartridge to make inspiring artwork of your own."

A few points I want to be certain that you do not miss while watching the video:

• there are two Inspiration-themed mini album keys on the Artbooking cartridge
• you will find the keys on pages 44 and 45 of the Artbooking booklet
• the first mini album, 1 of a Kind Vacation, in the video is presented in the My Creations® Kraft 3-Ring Album (Z1871) which is the perfect size for the Artbooking 8x8 inch pages
• real dial size was used on many of the shapes in the album so they could be used as accents
• on the fourth page the overlay was cut at 2 1/2 inches and used to cover the area under the photo
• on the sixth page a pocket was cut to hold photos; using real dial size allows you to cut pockets to fit various pages (and the mementos you want to tuck inside)
• use a photo mat as a half size page
• use an entire page in the album to "journal" using cuts from Artbooking
• for the second mini album, "You Inspire Me", the dial size was set at 6 inches and real dial size was not selected
• on the "Live Out Loud" word balloon page the overlay was cut at 7 inches, adhered to the word balloon and the excess was trimmed away
• Flip Flaps were used in the pocket for journaling
• in Jeanette Lynton's post, Artbooking Made Easy: Family-Inspired Mini Albums, you will find even more detail, closeup photos and a list of supplies used for each album

If you have missed earlier videos in the Artbooking Made Easy series, I am maintaining a list so they are easier to find. Just look for CTMH Cricut® Artbooking Collection in the green bar above.

Contact me if you would like to learn how you would be able to purchase the Artbooking collection at 1/2 off by hosting a Gathering either in-home or on-line.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Thanks for visiting today.

Cloud Nine Blog Hop

Happy New Year everyone! Almost everyone makes resolutions to start the New Year and mine is to build up my assortment of cards. The Cloud Nine Cardmaking Kit is a perfect way to kick start my goal.

There are many talented consultants participating in the hop; I think I follow all of their blogs there is so much inspiration on them. If you have been hopping with us, then you have come from Melinda Everitt's blog, If You Bling It. I find many wonderful projects on Melinda's blog to CASE, don't you?

I created one of each of the cards exactly as described in the workshop brochure (you will find a photo of those cards below). Then I decided to create variations for a few of the cards. The cards created following the instructions are on the left and on the right I made a minor change - how I inked the stamp. I used daubers to ink the stamps, one color on the inside and another for the edge, then I "huffed" the stamps to re-moisten the ink. The end result is the color is a little softer and the image looks a little more distressed, but I am quite happy with all of the cards. (Clicking on any of the photos will open my Flickr page in a new tab where you can see larger images; just close that window/tab so you can easily visit the next stop on the Cloud Nine Blog Hop.)

When I finished using the die-cuts in the kit, I cut some more with my Cricut® and the Artiste cartridge. While I still had some of the Cloud Nine B&T Duos™ Paper remaining, I decided to save that piece and create my own paper from cardstock using a stamp from Geometric Backgrounds (D1559) and Lagoon ink. I used Honey ink rather than Sunset to color my hearts. I rubbed the stamp pad directly on the small hearts to get a deep color and used a sponge on the larger heart for a softer effect. When I stamped the image I used the swipe technique to create more texture.

Here's a closeup of the image and paper I created with the background stamp.

This is the photo I mentioned that shows the cards I created following the instructions as they appear in the brochure.



I am sorry to say that is it time for you to head to your next stop, Joy McHargue's blog. I am certain that you will find much inspiration along the way. If you get lost at any point Melinda keeps a list of all of the stops here.

Thank you for visiting.

Celebrate National Papercrafting Month With Cloud Nine

As I posted yesterday, the CTMH promotion for the month of January 2014 celebrates National Papercrafting Month with the Cloud Nine Cardmaking Kit. Here are the five different cards you will make with the kit:



One of the fantastic things about this kit (besides making 2 each of 5 wonderful cards) is you will receive three full-sized products from the new Spring/Summer 2014 Idea Book (customers can begin purchasing from this book on February 1, 2014): Gold Polka-Dot Washi Tape, Teal Shimmer Trim and Durables Triangle Studs.

In addition, the stamps in the included D-size stamp set (a $17.95 value) coordinate with cuts from the Cricut® Artiste cartridge. The smaller die-cut embellishments can be cut with the Artiste cartridge as well. If you do not have this cartridge, contact me to learn how you can purchase it for one-half off. Alternatively you could save the sheet that you punch the die-cuts from, trace the shapes and cut them out by hand. Either way, this is one stamp set that you will definitely be able to use on future projects.

I hope I have an additional reason for you to purchase the Cloud Nine Cardmaking Kit by January 31: when you purchase the Cloud Nine kit from my OBA and send me an email with your order number and mailing address (US addresses only), I will send you die-cuts to create at least three more of each card (four "Just Because and six "Happy Birthday") with extra hearts and stars - I fit as many cuts on a 12" x 12" sheet of White Daisy cardstock as I could in Cricut® Craft Room. Just add your own cards and envelopes (a 5 1/2" X 4 1/4" White Cards & Envelopes, Value Pack would be perfect for this), B&T Duos™ Paper, cardstock and embellishments. Please note the extra die-cuts are only available through me and a purchase from my OBA.

Please stop back tomorrow evening for the Cloud Nine Blog Hop.

Contact me if you have any questions about the Cloud Nine kit or promotion.

CTMH January 2014 Stamp of the Month: Cross-stitch Wishes

Happy New Year! The Close To My Heart January 2014 Stamp of the Month is Cross-stitch Wishes.

I think this stamp set is so cute. You really need to see a close-up view of the samples in the photo above to appreciate this stamp set. You will find larger images, a list of the products used and some hints for recreating the samples above on my OBA's Stamp of the Month page. Another place to look for ideas using this stamp set is my Pinterest Board CTMH 2014 01 Jan SOTM Cross-stitch Wishes.

Cross-stitch Wishes is an exclusive D-size stamp set of 13 stamps that you can only purchase during the month of January 2014. The stamp set can be yours for $5 when you place an order of $50 or more in qualifying Close To My Heart Products. Alternatively you can purchase it for $17.95.

Recommended CTMH My Acrylix® Blocks: 2" x 2" (Y1003), 3" x 3" (Y1006), 2" x 3 1/2" (Y1009) and 2" x 6 1/2" (Y1010).

National Papercrafting Month brings us the Cloud Nine Cardmaking Kit. Here are the cards I created following the brochure.



Please stop back on Friday evening. I am participating in a National Papercrafting Cloud Nine Blog Hop where I will share some card variations; based on the sneak peeks I have seen there will be many wonderful ideas for using the kit. As I hop, I will be adding the ideas to my board CTMH Promo Cloud Nine. In fact, you will find some pins there already.

The Corporate Office created this video for the National Papercrafting Month Cloud Nine Cardmaking Kit.



You may purchase the exclusive Cloud Nine cardmaking kit for only $15 (the regular retail is $46) when you make a purchase of $35 or more during the month of January. The kit makes 10 cards (2 each of 5 designs). The kit gives you an opportunity to try three new full size products from the Spring/Summer 2014 Idea Book, Gold Polka-Dot Washi Tape, Teal Shimmer Trim and Durables Triangle Studs, and you will have a D-size stamp set that you will be able to use on future projects. D-size stamps sets typically retail for $17.95 on their own!

And when you qualify for and purchase the Cloud Nine Cardmaking Kit you are eligible to purchase the January SOTM for $5. If you purchase the cardmaking kit and SOTM you order total would be approximately $55 before tax and shipping - depending on the purchases you make to reach or exceed $35, but the value of your purchase would be almost $100 ($98.85). That is a wonderful example of maximizing your crafting dollar.

I would like to remind you that our current Idea Book (A/W 2013) is only valid until the end of January. You will find the Retiring Items on my OBA. Do not wait - retiring items are only available while supplies last.

If you are ready to place an order, Click the Shop with me image below to be taken to my OBA. If you have questions about any CTMH product or promotion or to schedule a Home or Online Gathering do not hesitate to contact me.

Thank you for visiting today.