Paper Pleats and Ribbon Roses

Cricut Art Philosophy Non-spiral Paper Roses Tutorial

2012-02-20T14:18:00.000-05:00

The new Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge has some great cut images for creating 3-D spiral flowers. However, for these roses I used a different method. I created the three larger roses on this card using the 'Flower3' image on the cartridge. These roses are similar to the roses that I have been making for years that are completely hand cut. You can find a tutorial for them here.

The sketch I used for this card is 'The Deconstructed Sketch #39' found here.

I love how this card turned out. You can find out how I colored the seam binding here. Love the new 'Thanks' stamp set - very elegant. I cut the Grey Wool circle at 3 1/4", the Colonial White circle at 3".

Please see my video tutorial below to see how I put the roses together. I love the little knock-off Prima fairytale roses also and hope to put together another tutorial next week. You can learn how to make these by going to You Tube and searching for Prima Fairytale roses. After watching a couple of these videos I came up with a method that is basically the same with a few minor differences.

Supplies: Card size is 5" x 5" - All products are CTMH except where noted
Paper - Lucy B&T, Colonial White, Olive and Grey Wool cardstock
Stamps - Thanks -A1125
Ink - Jet Black Staz-On, Grey Wool, Creme Brulee, Olive, Tulip, Cotton Candy, Cotton Candy re-inker
Accessories - Color Ready Seam Binding, Pearl Opaques, Bitty Pearl Opaques
Other - Cricut Art Philosophy, craft knife, 1/2" flower punch (EK Success), 3D foam, rubbing alcohol, heat gun

Cricut Art Philosophy 3D Petal Flowers

2012-02-16T10:04:00.000-05:00

Love the new Cricut cartridge - Art Philosophy - from Close To My Heart. There are five awesome cuts on the cartridge for making 3D rose-like flowers, but you can also make some great flowers from some of the petal shapes. Here are a couple of very simple 3" x 3" cards that I quickly made to showcase the flowers.

The six petal flower above was made using six of 'Petal 1' cut at 1 1/4" and one base 'flower 7' cut at 3/4"

The seven petal flower above was made using seven of 'Petal 2' cut at 1 1/4" and one base 'Flower 6' cut at 3/4"

Check out the video below for details on how I put these flowers together.

Supplies - Cards are 3" x 3" - All supplies CTMH
Paper - Pemberly B&T, Colonial White & Indian Corn Blue cardstock
Stamp - Thank You
Ink - Outdoor Denim, Creme Brulee
Accessories - Opaque Pearls
Other - Cricut Art Philoshophy cartridge

Moose Hunt

2012-02-14T11:08:00.000-05:00

Someone sent this to my husband - too funny!

Several guys from Peterborough Ontario dressed up their truck with a guy tied to the roof.

The driver and passengers put on Moose Head costumes.

As they drove down the main street of Peterborough they caused about 6 accidents.

They were charged with Public Mischief and having open beer in a vehicle, Peterborough cops have no sense of humor.

Stella Valentine's Card

2012-02-07T11:27:00.002-05:00

I love the simple elegance of this Valentine's card using one of the new paper packs from CTMH and my Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge. I like the look of using the negative space and tried my hand at machine stitching on my art for the first time (it was almost my last when my thread snagged six stitches in). The bow was made with our new baker's twine.

I used the current sketch at Card Patterns

The hearts were cut at 3/4" high. I used repositional dotto-dots on the left half of each heart to lay out the pattern and then sewed through each column of hearts. I then folded up the left side of each heart and removed the adhesive with a rub and remove eraser. I wrapped the ribbon around the top of the white layer and then adhered it to the red printed layer using 3D foam tape.

I've had some questions about the word LOVE on the card. I cut them at 1" high. I manually moved the blade on my Cricut to about where I thought I wanted the letters on my card (cut the card front larger than your finished piece - it is easier to cut off the excess afterwards than to position the blade exactly where you want it). I cut out the L and the O first, taking note of the positon of the blade given by the measurements on the screen. After cutting the L and O, I manually moved the blade back to the appropriate measurement so that the V would line up with the L, leaving about an 1/8" between the bottom of the L and the top of the V. Cut out the V and E and then use the negative space.

Supplies - Card size is 5 1/2" x 4 1/4" - All supplies CTMH
Paper - Stella B&T, White Daisy & Black cardstock
Stamp - Mad About You (for inside sentiment)
Ink - black
Accessories - black & tulip grosgrain ribbon, black baker's twine, pewter mini-medley
Other - Cricut Art Philosophy, sewing machine, 3D foam

Florentine Anniversary Card - Coloring CTMH Seam Binding

2012-02-02T11:10:00.001-05:00

I created this card for my parents 64th wedding anniversary this year. The paper used is from one of the new paper packs being offered in the Spring/Summer 2012 CTMH Idea Book. I love the soft colours in this paper pack and some of the great new embellishments available to go with it.

I was really excited to see the Color Ready Seam Binding now available. I love wrinkled seam binding bows on cards. I have been playing around a bit with different methods to color the seam binding and have created a short video tutorial (see below). I will probably only use this on cards for the time being until I can verify the permanence of the dye on the seam binding. (I colored another brand of seam binding some months ago with water and reinker and found that over time the color migrated from the ribbon onto the card - not what I would want to have happen to a layout).

Supplies - Sketch from Originals - Message Enclosure - Card size is 6 1/2" x 4 3/4" (so it can fit into one of my clear boxes)
Paper - Florentine B&T, Cocoa, Black and Colonial White CS
Stamps - Family Love - D1506, Love Always - D1337 (for inside sentiment)
Ink - Cocoa, Twilight, Garden Green re-inker
Accessories - Color Ready Seam Binding, Timeless Charms, Bohemian Assortment, Mocha Opaques and Black Waxy Flax
Other - rubbing alcohol, spray pen, heat gun, 3D foam, corner rounder

Spring/Summer Idea Book

2012-02-01T13:09:00.000-05:00

The new Close To My Heart Idea Book goes live today! Check out the link to the right of this page to see all of the new product available to order from today until July 31st, 2012.

True Fit Folios - Create a Layout That Holds Memorabilia

2012-01-30T10:50:00.002-05:00

I have two children who have long since graduated from post-secondary school, however I have always wanted to create a 'School Years' scrapbook for each of them that could hold their report cards, certificates etc. Close To My Heart offers a product called a 'True Fit Folio' (you can find them on page 129 of the new Spring/Summer 2012 Idea Book) that fits perfectly into a 12" x 12" memory protector and allows you to store items within it and out of sight.

Each month I offer a layout challenge to my customers. The layout sketch for January was 'Transfigure' from the How-To book 'Magic'. I completed my oldest daughter's Grade 9 layout using this sketch, CTMH's Typeset paper pack and a true fit folio. I completed the layout and then adhered the Left page to the front of the folder, trimming the layout as needed and adding some paper to the inside back of the folio folder for a seamless look. I am keeping these layouts fairly simple and flat since I will be adding things to the folders. The Typeset canvas shapes are fabulous and made this layout a snap to complete.

Here is a closer look at the left page to show how you can tuck reports etc. behind the layout.

For the sake of simplicity, I have decided to use this same layout sketch for both albums. Only 29 more layouts to go!

Supplies - All supplies are CTMH except where noted
Paper - Typeset B&T, Black, Colonial White and Creme Brulee cardstock
Ink - Black
Accessories - Typeset Canvas shapes, Mileposts Corrugated shapes, Pewter mini-medley, Black Waxy Flax, Black ribbon, pewter frame (unknown)
Other - Cricut Art Philoshophy, True Fit Folio, 3D foam

A Change of Direction

2012-01-30T10:33:00.000-05:00

A year ago I started this blog and spent a good part of 2011 cardmaking and working on some specific skills. I spent a lot of time browsing blogs, admiring the work of some very talented women and entering card challenges. Even though I thoroughly enjoyed all of these things I have come to the realization that I have to return to my first passion which is creating scrapbook pages. I am looking forward to seeing what the year will bring.

Back In Business - Craft Room Redo Complete

2012-01-20T15:03:00.002-05:00

So, I have spent the better part of the past 2 weeks taking everything out of my scrapbooking room except one dresser, organizing all my supplies, building Ikea furniture and putting everything back together again. I am so excited about my new work space, love everything about it.

This is how my week started:

And here is how it ended (still have a few minor things to attend to but the majority of the room is done)

Love this Expedit bookcase. Still have room to grow.

My work space (still have to buy a new chair) and a new home for my sewing machine and Cricut.

And a fabulous new dresser with tons of storage! I was originally going to get another Expedit bookshelf (just a single row of 5 cubbies)to put above the dresser, but the day we headed into the city to go to Ikea my husband's truck wouldn't start. By the time we got to the store they had just sold the last one. In the end it worked out, since I don't really need the storage, so now I have to decide what to put on the wall above the dresser.

Love my new room! (unfortunately it will probably never look the same again- good thing I took lots of pictures). Here are some closeups of some of the storage:

Stamp Sets - This didn't change. I have been storing my stamp sets in the drawers of this old dresser for a while. I sacrifice one Idea Book each release for cutting up. Each time I buy a new stamp set I cut out the picture of the set and put it into a three ring binder by categories (ie. Nature, Alhpabets etc). Then I store the stamp sets alphabetically by name in the dresser drawers. When I need an image I go through my binder, find the name of the stamp set and then find the set in the drawer. The stamp sets also fit in the new 'Hopen' dresser that I bought.

Ribbon - I bought a couple of Skubb drawer organizers from Ikea as well - great for storage

Cardstock - I have always stored my paper horizontally - however this takes up a lot of space so I thought I would try some vertical storage - 12" x 12" Cropper Hopper's work great. However, I did have to cut about 3/8" off the top of the Cropper Hopper to get it to fit in the Expedit bookcase.

CTMH Paper Packs - When I get a paper pack I always take out the cardstock. I keep the B&T paper and any scraps in the bag that it came in. They seem to be fitting into the Cropper Hoppers, but because of the bags they can't be stored in the bookcase, so they will live on the top of this dresser. I cut out a picture of each paper pack from the Idea books and will be attaching this picture to the top left corner of each bag so that I can see what papers are in each bag without having to take the bag out of the holder.

Can't wait to get back to scrapping - hope to post some art by next week. Have a great weekend everyone!

The Straw That Broke the Camel's Back

2012-01-12T10:24:00.000-05:00

... is my new Cricut Expression. Happy New Year everyone, hope santa was good to you this year. I got my first Cricut for Christmas and was quite excited until I realized that there was no way that I could set it up in my craft room the way it is currently organized (which is not very well). Over the years I have spent most of my craft dollars on scrapbooking supplies, neglecting to purchase proper storage containers and furniture. It was becoming increasingly difficult to work effectively in the room and not being able to use my Cricut in there was the final straw.

So, I have spent the past couple of days organizing and clearing everything out of the room, to make way for some furniture. It's off to Ikea this weekend, and hopefully I will be crafting again in a couple of weeks.

Close To My Heart - Retiring List

2012-01-03T16:21:00.000-05:00

For all of my Close To My Heart customers, here is a list of items that will be retiring as of January 31st, 2012. Be sure to check it carefully so that you don't miss out on something that you want or need.

Spring/Summer 20ll Idea Book
(All Stamp Sets, in order as they appear in the book. Pricing reflects the changes as of January 1, 2012)

Trellis – D1451 - $17.95
Backgrounds & Borders – D1463 - $17.95
Dreams Come True – D1470 - $17.95
Summer Days – B1375 - $9.95
Love Ya – D1460 - $17.95
From My Heart – C1443 - $13.95
A Love – A1103 - $6.95
So Lucky – C1390 - $13.95
Circle of Love – D1438 - $17.95
Soul Mates – D1254 - $17.95
Bless This Nest – C1445 - $13.95
A Little Buzz – B1353 - $9.95
Beautiful Butterflies – B1373 - $9.95
Ambiance – C1349 - $13.95
Springtime – D1415 - $17.95
*A Hop – A1112 - $6.95
Take Luck – B1364 - $9.95
Enjoy Every Moment – C1395 - $13.95
Beloved – B1343 - $9.95
Bunny Love – B1324 - $9.95
Carefree – C1447 - $13.95
A Paisley – A1105 - $6.95
Always In My Heart – A1101 - $6.95
Charmed – C1385 - $13.95
Togetherness – D1402 - $17.95
One Of A Kind – D1410 - $17.95
Blooming Layers – C1449 - $13.95
A Posy – A1102 - $6.95
Extreme Happiness – C1356 - $13.95
Friendship Blessings – D1191 - $17.95
Flower Pot – D1409 - $17.95
Smiles – C1397 - $13.95
Happy Moments – C1437 - $13.95
His and Hers – C1460 - $13.95
Tasty Treats – D1427 - $17.95
You’re Sweet – B1351 - $9.95
Recipe Box – D1364 - $17.95
Bon Apetit – D1367 - $17.95
Daydream – D1297 - $17.95
*Makin’ Waves – C1365 - $13.95
Cruisin’ – D1471 - $17.95
Down By The Sea – C1451 - $13.95
True Happiness – D1365 - $17.95
Summer Breeze – C1453 - $13.95
Treetops – C1368 - $13.95
Let’s Go Camping – C1355 - $13.95
Beautiful Things – D1298 - $17.95
Campin’ Fever – D1353 - $17.95
*Beary Best – C1363 - $13.95
*Beary Busy – C1409 - $13.95
Howdy – D1435 - $17.95
You’re Great – D1434 - $17.95
Hot Diggity – C1407 - $13.95
It’s A Zoo – C1360 - $13.95
Fun Times – B1309 - $9.95
Love Birds – C1396 - $13.95
*Over The Rainbow – D1426 - $17.95
Post Card – Travel Series – D1357 - $17.95
Horizon – C1454 - $13.95
Ciao – D1461 - $17.95
Thrill Ride – D1425 - $17.95
Retro Tech – C1446 - $13.95
Around The Block – D1377 - $17.95
Family Ties – C1346 - $13.95
Family Ties – Children – C1345 - $13.95
Family Ties – Pet – B1350 - $9.95
Family – C1305 - $13.95
Play Day (old set) – D1360 - $17.95
Believe In Your Dreams – B1322 - $9.95
Ms. Scrapbook – B1352 - $9.95
Ms. Chillin’ – D1404 - $17.95
You Rock – D1346 - $17.95
Catching Waves – D1466 - $17.95
X-Treme – D1432 - $17.95
Hero – D1474 - $17.95
Star Power – D1403 - $17.95
Tea Time – C1438 - $13.95
*Little Princess – C1414 - $13.95
Birthday Boy – C1411 - $13.95
*Birthday Blast – C1436 - $13.95
Shining Star – D1320 - $17.95
Royal Birth – D1441 - $17.95
Cupcakes Sprinkles – D1336 - $17.95
Piece of Cake – D1407 - $17.95
Paisley Praise – D1414 - $17.95
Sweet Baby – C1359 - $13.95
*Baby Love – B1368 - $9.95
You Did It – C1351 - $13.95
Adoption – A1098 - $6.95
Precious Love – C1444 - $13.95
Love Always – D1337 - $17.95
A Game – A1113 - $6.95
Magic Tabs – C1448 - $13.95
Circle Together – B1372 - $9.95
Just For Boys – C1338 - $13.95
Just For Girls – C1337 - $13.95
Cherished Flourishes – D1413 - $17.95
Unity – C1422 - $13.95
Two-Step Backgrounds – D1473 - $17.95
On The Edge – C1399 - $13.95
Circle Around – D1300 - $17.95
Connections – D1330 - $17.95
Adorning Corners – D1322 - $17.95
Fill In The Blank – D1465 - $17.95
Priceless Love Word Puzzle – D1348 - $17.95
Kanji Phrases – C1339 - $13.95
Boom! – B1354 - $9.95
Just The Ticket – B1323 - $9.95
Salutation Seals – C1461 - $13.95
A Little Everything – D1408 - $17.95
*For Every Occasion – D1187 - $17.95
Thank You – D1361 - $17.95
*TLC – C1364 - $13.95
In The Month Of February – C1403 - $13.95
In The Month Of March – C1404 - $13.95
In The Month Of April – C1405 - $13.95
In The Month Of May – C1415 - $13.95
In The Month Of June – C1416 - $13.95
In The Month Of July – C1417 - $13.95
Notice The Details – D1378 - $17.95
On This Day – D1468 - $17.95
Happy Holidays – D1431 - $17.95
Dream Big – D1399 - $17.95

Autumn/Winter 2011 Idea Book

Typeset WOTG Kit – G1024 - $29.95
Roxie WOTG Kit – G1025 - $29.95
Elemental WOTG Kit – G1026 - $29.95
Dreamin’ L2 Paper – X7142B - $9.95
Dreamin’ My Stickease – X7142C - $4.95
Dreamin’ WOTG Kit – G1027 - $29.95
Sonoma WOTG Kit – G1028 - $29.95
Mischief L2 Paper – X7144B - $9.95
Mischief My Stickease – X7144C - $4.95
Mischief WOTG Kit – G1029 - $29.95
Believe L2 Paper – X7145B - $9.95
Believe My Stickease – X7145C - $4.95
Believe WOTG Kit – G1030 - $29.95
*Wonderland L2 Paper – X7146B - $9.95
Wonderland My Stickease – X7146C - $4.95
Wonderland WOTG Kit – G1031 - $29.95
Sophia L2 Paper – X7131B - $12.95
Sophia My Stickease – X7131C - $4.95
Mayberry L2 Paper – X7136B - $12.95
Mayberry My Stickease – X7136C - $4.95
Lucky L2 Paper – X7137B - $12.95
Lucky My Stickease – X7137C - $4.95
Fanfare L2 Paper – X7138B - $12.95
Fanfare My Stickease – X7138C - $4.95

pg 124
Colonial White Ribbon collection - Z1126 - $7.95
Cranberry grosgrain ribbon - Z1103 - $6.95
Cocoa grosgrain ribbon - Z1100 - $6.95
Colonial White grosgrain ribbon - Z1102 - $6.95
White Daisy grosgrain ribbon - Z270 - $6.95
Wings Level 2 Assortment - Z1398 - $4.95

pg 125
Embroidery Floss - Red/Pink - Z1092 - $3.25
Embroidery Floss - Green - Z1094 - $3.25
Embroidery Floss - Blue/Purple - Z1093 - $3.25

Waxy Flax - Cranberry - Z1086 - $3.95
Waxy Flax - Sorbet - Z1249 - $3.95
Waxy Flax - Juniper - Z1248 - $3.95
Waxy Flax - Crystal Blue - Z1247 - $3.95

pg 126
Designer Brads - Colonial White - Z1274 - $3.95
Designer Brads - Pewter - Z1146 - $3.95

pg 127
Mini Medley - Antiqued Copper - Z1275 - $4.95
Mini Medley - Colonial White - Z1276 - $4.95
Foundry Metal - Bookplates - Z1147 - $3.50
Soft Set Eyelets - Black and White Daisy - Z1228 - $3.95
Soft Set Eyelets - Chocolate and Colonial White - Z1229 - $3.95

pg 128
Midnight Felt Shapes - Z1462 - $3.95
Harvest Charms - Z1633 - $4.95
Holiday Packets - Z1486 - $4.95
Top Coats Icing Overlays - Z1468 - $4.95
Lucky Level 2 Assortment - Z1356 - $4.95
Lucky Level 2 Journaling Spots - Z1359 - $3.95
Bliss Level 2 Assortment - Z1355 - $5.95
Sweetheart Level 2 Assortment - Z1386 - $4.95
Fanfare Level 2 Assortment - Z1400 - $4.95
Spring Blossom - Z1266 - $7.95
White Daisy Variety Pack - Z1300 - $5.95

pg 129
Cardstock - Black 8-1/2 x 11 - X1412 - $5.50
Cardstock - Colonial White 8-1/2 x 11 - X1411 - $6.75
Cardstock - White Daisy 8-1/2 x 11 - 1320 - $6.75
Color Ready Alphabets - Oxford - X5749 - $3.95
Color Ready Alphabets - Hodge Podge - X1406 - $3.95

pg 130
Dimensional Elements - On Target - Z1226 - $5.95
Dimensional Elements - Flurry - Z1225 - $4.95

pg 131
My Creations - Board Book - Z1310 - $6.95
My Creations - Journal - Z1268 - $7.95
My Creations - Memory Showcase 9x9 - Z1198 - $5.95

pg 132
Rubber Brayer - Z616 - $12.95

pg 133
Soft Set Eyelet Tool - Z1208 - $14.95
Eyelet Tool Replacement Punches - Z1245 - $2.95

I would like to send a huge 'Thank You' to fellow consultant Cassandra for compiling this list.

Another Quick Christmas Card

2011-12-13T16:34:00.002-05:00

I made a quick card today, inspired by Amy Sheffer's card at CASE Study #69.

I love the white on white and this was a super easy card to put together using CTMH's Top Coats clear acetate overlay.

Supplies - All products are CTMH except where noted - Card size is 5 1/2" x 4 1/4"
Paper - White Daisy cardstock
Accessories - Top Coats Icing Overlay, 1 1/2" Blue crinkle ribbon (May Arts), Rhinestone Designer Brads
Other - Script embossing folder (ProvoCraft), Labels 4 - Large (Spellbinders), Bow-Easy, 3D foam tape

Elf Christmas Card - Inspired By #2

2011-12-11T09:30:00.000-05:00

I love Laurel Seabrook's new challenge blog "Inspired By". The inspiration photo for this week brought to mind, Red curves, Elves and Whimsy. As soon as I saw this photo I thought of Santa's bag of toys and the great little stamp set 'Merry Pursuits' (which is unfortunately retired).

This card is in a different style than I usually make, but I did have fun making it. I cut a piece of red cardstock 4 1/4" x 10 1/2", scored it at 5 1/4" and folded it to make the card base (the card base is 1/4" shorter than the finished card so that the presents at the top can extend beyond the top fold and cover it). I free handed a toy bag on a sheet of copy paper 4 1/4" x 5 1/4", cut it out and traced it onto the front of my card base. I cut out the shape (cutting through both back and front layers of the card and then using my pattern as a mask I inked the edges and folds of the bag using first Tulip then Grey Wool ink. (see below)

Here is the inspiration photo:

Here is the pattern that I drew. You can see where I cut the pattern in order to ink the image.

Supplies - All Materials are CTMH except where noted - Card size is 5 1/2" x 4 1/4"
Paper - Animal Cookies (retired), White Daisy, Tulip & Dutch Blue cardstock, Solar White cardstock for images (Neena)
Stamps - Merry Pursuits (retired), Beary Much (retired), Tiny Typewriter Alpha
Ink - Tulip, Dutch Blue, Grey Wool, Sunflower, Clover Meadow, Tuxedo Black (Memento), Copics
Accessories - Color Ready Alphabet - Bold, Sparkles - Clear, Blue, Green, Red, Assorted Ribbon Scraps, two way glue, glitter, Black Waxy Flax, 3D foam tape

Joy Christmas Card - Inspired By #1

2011-12-07T17:26:00.000-05:00

Laurel Seabrook has started an new challenge blog called "Inspired By". The muted tones, the word 'Joy' and the punch of green is what jumped out at me in the inspiration picture. Here is the card that I created.

Here is the inspiration photo:

I based my card on the Card Patterns sketch #144

Supplies - All products are CTMH except where noted - Card size is 5 1/2 x 5 1/2
Paper - Designer Paper - Mistletoe (retired), Bamboo, Heavenly Blue & Colonial White cardstock
Ink - Bamboo
Accessories - Dimensional Elements Monograms, Clear Sparkles, Green 1/2" seam binding (May Arts), bakers twine (May Arts), Snowflake buttons (unknown)
Other - Edge Distresser, 3D foam tape, Labels 18 (Spellbinders)

Gift Idea - 3D Frame

2011-12-01T09:37:00.001-05:00

I created this framed photo as a Christmas gift for my mother-in-law. It features a picture of her as a young girl of 17 on a date with her future husband at the Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto in 1955. I love the Roxie paper with this photo, not sure why but it just says retro to me. The shadow box frames were bought in a pack of three from Michaels for about $12.

I started out looking at scrapbook layout sketches for inspiration and ended up using a card layout sketch. Since the actual working space available is about 6" x 7 1/2", card sketches actually work well. This layout was inspired by a past Mojo Monday sketch #155.

I wanted to do a video tutorial for this, but don't have the time right now. So here are the measurements for anyone interested.

Cardstock Background - 10" x 8"
Designer Paper Background - 10" x 8"
Left DP strip - 6" x 1-3/4"
Center DP strip - 6" x 1-1/2"
Right DP strip - 6" x 2-1/2"
I used my Spellbinders to cut a shape for across the bottom, but you could put a rectangular piece across the bottom at 1-1/2" x 6"
Photo Mat - 5" x 4"
Photo - 4-3/4" x 3-3/4"

I don't own a Cricut yet, but if I did I would have made some 3-D flowers using the Art Philosophy cartridge instead of the prima roses. I distressed the edges of the paper with Desert Sand ink and an edge distresser. I coloured the center rhinestone on each of the rhinestone brads with a Copic marker so that there would be a touch of Juniper on the right side. I changed the colour of the top of the pins using liquid glass mixed with black re-inker and popped the photo with a double layer of 3-D foam tape to pop it up higher.

Supplies: (all CTMH except where noted)

Paper - Roxie designer paper, Black & Juniper cardstock
Stamps - Circle of Love (D1438), Because I Love You (C1259 - retired)
Ink - Black, Smoothie, Desert Sand, Juniper, Black re-inker, Copic marker BG72
Accessories - Paper roses (Prima), Rhinestone Designer Brads, pins and rhinestone button - Bling Assortment, Bamboo Waxy Flax, Bitty Sparkles, 3D foam tape, Liquid Glass, 1/2" Black seam binding (May Arts), window charm (unknown)
Other - Edge distresser, leaf punch (Martha Stewart), Labels 18 (Spellbinders)

Close To My Heart Sneak Peek - Rock the Block Campaign

2011-11-30T13:57:00.001-05:00

Check out the video below for a sneak peek at one of the new products that will be available in the Spring/Summer Idea Book for 2012. These My Creations Collage Cubes will be available in a special promotion that starts December 19th and runs through to January 31st. The Rock the Block campaign also includes and exclusive E sized stamp set.

It's Been a While - A Couple of Photo Frames Today

2011-11-29T14:07:00.001-05:00

Hello everyone. I can't believe it has been over a month since I posted to this blog. I have been very busy with other priorities so haven't spent much time in my crafting room.

I do have a couple of photo frames to show you today, that I donated to a craft sale earlier this month. I picked up these wood frames at Michaels for $1 each. They suited the purpose, but I wasn't very happy with the stand (a small dowel to be placed in a small hole at the back), so I didn't make as many as I had originally intended. These would make a great gift, but I would invest in a better quality frame if I was to make them again.

The first two frames are the same, just different shades of steel blue cardstock were used.

I painted the backs and sides of the frame first with black acrylic paint. I traced the inside opening of the frame unto my cardstock and marked the outer edges of the frame on the cardstock with pencil. I cut out the inside opening (I found it easier to do this before gluing to the frame rather than after) and stamped the image 'Live, Laugh, Love' from the stamp set "Love Life" around the outside. Then I covered the front of the wood frame with 2 way glue, glued the cardstock to the front of the frame making sure to center the opening on the cardstock with the opening of the frame and then trimming the outside of the frame using a craft knife. I then sprayed the whole thing with a matt finish spray sealer.

The frame below is a result of:
a) not cutting out the center opening before gluing the cardstock to the frame. I trimmed the center opening after the paper was already glued to the frame and had a difficult time getting a clean cut (hence I had to add the additional black paper cardstock frame to cover the rough edges)
b) touching the front of the frame with paint on my fingers. I had a couple of spots to touch up with the black paint on the back of the frame and accidentally got paint on the front of the cardstock. This frame was suppposed to be the same as the blue frames above, but I had to change it to cover the unwanted paint. The stamp set used was a retired set called 'Make It Count'

For this final frame I used paper from the retired paper pack 'Miracle' to cover the frame and paper from the retired paper pack 'Perfect Day' for the rose. The letter stickers are from retired 'Silhouette' My Stickease.

New Blog Header

2011-10-18T10:58:00.000-04:00

I have been wanting to change my blog header for some time, but just didn't know where to start. I happened to go to fellow consultant Tresa Black's blog on the weekend and found some great tutorials on doing exactly that. Check them out here!

Thank you Tresa! I now love my blog header.

Card Sets for Local Bazaar

2011-10-16T09:50:00.000-04:00

I am donating items to a local Senior's Home for their bazaar which is being held in November. Here are some of the cards sets that I have already completed and I will post more as I get them done. I am packaging the cards with envelopes in sets of four in these great clear boxes from The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store. I absolutely love these little boxes as they are perfect to slip your cards into after completion to keep them safe, they are great for storing cards and they provide a beautiful way to present embellished cards or sets of cards.
I tried to keep the card styles simple and easy to make (especially when making so many multiples) and as inexpensively as possible to keep the sets at a reasonable cost. These first cards used a great stamp set from House Mouse. Love these little guys. I coloured them simply (no shading) with Copics and mounted on black and white cardstock bases.

I totally CASE'd this next card by Lisa Johnson at PTI.

And here is a sample of what they look like in their clear boxes.

Supplies - All cards are standard A2 size
House Mouse cards - Paper - Black & White cardstock; Stamps - Birthday Cupcake (House-Mouse), Piece of Cake (CTMH); Inks - Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics;
Thank you Cards - Paper - Magnifique, Kraft & Colonial White cardstock (CTMH); Stamps - Circle of Love (CTMH), Say It In Style (Waltzing Mouse); Inks - Pacifica, Chocolate & Lagoon (CTMH), Memento Tuxedo Black; Other - Hemp, Spellbinders labels 4

Just For Fun - Attack of the Killer Apples

2011-10-12T15:54:00.000-04:00

I have been working diligently on items that I am donating to an upcoming bazaar at a Seniors Residence so I haven't got anything new to show you today. I will post pics of the card sets I am making for the bazaar when I get the chance.

A friend posted this video on Facebook that I wanted to share - too cute!

World Card Making Day Challenge - Cartoon Inspired

2011-10-03T14:45:00.000-04:00

In honor of World Card Making Day (which was Saturday October 1st - I'm just a few days late), Flourishes is hosting a fun challenge (FLLCWCMD11). Create a card using your favourite cartoon character as inspiration. I chose Donald Duck, one of my favourite cartoons when I was a child, for my colour scheme on this clean and simple card. I used Card Patterns Sketch 135 as my layout inspiration.

Supplies - Card size - 5 1/2" x 5 1/2"
Paper - You Rock (CTMH - retired), Outdoor Denim CS (CTMH), Neenah Solar White CS
Stamps - Mix 'n' Mugs (Flourishes)
Ink - Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics
Accessories - Bakers twine (May Arts), Buttons (CTMH)
Other - corner rounder

Baby Boy Congrats - Card Patterns Sketch #134

2011-09-27T12:28:00.000-04:00

Nothing quite says purity and innocence like a newborn baby so I like to use a lot of white when making baby congrats cards. This card is for my new great nephew Case (I now have 24 great nieces/nephews).

I was waiting for the perfect opportunity to use some of my new ribbons from the Stamp Simply Ribbon Store. Love this wide May Arts blue and white check ribbon. I used this week's sketch from Card Patterns for inspiration. (The sun was hiding this morning so my picture isn't as pure white as is should be, the card is gorgeous in person.)

Supplies - Card size is 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"

Paper - White Daisy and Sky cardstock (CTMH)
Stamps - Say It In Style (Waltzing Mouse)
Ink - Sky (CTMH)
Accessories - Ribbon (May Arts), buttons, charm (CTMH), white floss (DMC)
Other - Lacy Squares (Spellbinders), Swiss Dot folder (Provo Craft), border punch (Martha Stewart), 3D foam

Another Orchid Card - Timeless Tuesday #136

2011-09-25T16:34:00.000-04:00

The Timeless Tuesday Challenge FTTC136 this week is to create a girly card. Well, this card started out really girly in my head, but after changing out the paper I was going to use for something else it didn't quite turn out as I had originally intended. Still very happy with it though.

Supplies - Card size is 4 3/4" x 6 1/2"

Paper - DP - Enlish Rose (Kaisercraft), Silhouette (CTMH - retired), Black & green CS (Bazill), Neenah Classic Crest Solar White
Stamps - Orchids (Flourishes)
Ink - Memento Tuxedo Black, Bamboo (CTMH)
Accessories - lace (Kaisercraft), satin ribbon (fabric store), resin charm (CTMH)
Other - Spellbinders Plain Ovals (large & small), Labels 18

Another Poppy Patch Card - CASE Study Challenge #57

2011-09-19T09:31:00.002-04:00

Here is a card I created for the CASE Study Challenge #57 and using the "Out of the Box" technique again - although in this case perhaps I should say "Inside of the Box". Love the combination of kraft, black and white, be sure to check out all of the fabulous cards by the CASE Study design team.

Supplies - Card size is 5 1/2" x 4 1/4"

Paper - Kraft, Black and White cardstock
Stamps - Poppy Patch (Flourishes), Say It In Style (Waltzing Mouse)
Ink - Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories - Black pearls (Kaisercraft), Black hemp (CTMH), silver charm
Other - Plain Circles large and small (Spellbindersz), 3D foam

Poppy Patch Card - Flourishes Sketch Challenge

2011-09-16T15:13:00.002-04:00

I put this card together quickly today to meet the deadline for the Flourishes noon time Sketch challenge FLLC911A. This is an older stamp set, but new to me and I was really excited about using it. I am still working on my colouring with Copics, but am slowly getting there.

I used the same technique for extending my image beyond the Spellbinders die-cut as I did in my previous post. You can view a tutorial on the Flourishes website here. Love this technique.

Supplies - Card size is 6 1/2" x 4 3/4"

Paper - Designer Paper - Roxie (plaid), Silhouette (dot)- retired, Grace - retired (CTMH), Black CS (Bazzill), Neena Classic Crest Solar White CS
Stamps - Poppy Patch (Flourishes), Card Chatter - Thank You C1381 (CTMH)for inside
Ink - Memento Tuxedo Black, Bamboo (CTMH), Copics - R02, R14, R27, YG11, YG13, YG17, Y21, Y35
Accessories - 1/2" black seam binding (MayArts), Black Waxy Flax, Bamboo Button (CTMH)
Other - Reverse Wonky Rectangles (Spellbinders), 3D foam

Orchid Card - CASE Study #56 & Flourishes Fall Fashion Challenge

2011-09-13T14:54:00.004-04:00

I created this birthday card using the CASE Study #56 challenge and colours from the Flourishes Fall Fashion Challenge. I love this 'Orchids' stamp set from Flourishes. I used a couple of techniques posted on their site - check out the tutorial "Out of the Box" by Iwona Palmountain to learn how to extend part of your image beyond the edge of a Spellbinders die and the tutorial "Adding Dimension" by Dina Kowal to pop some of your stamped image. Love how these turned out.

Supplies - Card size is 6 1/2" x 4 3/4"

Paper - Designer Paper - English Rose Collection (Kaisercraft), Mistletoe (CTMH), White Daisy, New England Ivy and Bamboo CS (CTMH), Neena Classic Crest Solar White CS
Stamps - Orchids (Flourishes), Happy Birthday (CTMH)
Ink - Memento Tuxedo Black, Gypsy (CTMH), Copics
Accessories - 1/2" pleated white satin ribbon, 1" crocheted ribbon, 1/2" seam binding - dyed with Gypsy reinker (all May Arts), Bling Assortment, Bamboo Waxy Flax (CTMH)
Other - Spellbinders - Plain Oval Large and Small, Labels 4, 3D foam

"Gus" Birthday Card - Mojo Monday 206

2011-09-02T14:27:00.001-04:00

Hey all, I've been away for a while. Had a wonderful visit with my oldest daughter and next week my youngest daughter is coming home, so I thought I had better sneak a card in here. My brother-in-law is celebrating his 60th birthday, so I had to pull out my favourite digi image "Gus" from Bugaboo Digi Stamps

Normally I make these cards more simply with white bases and some contrasting bright colours, but I liked the sketch at Mojo Monday this week so I thought I would try something a little different for 'Gus'. I used one of Close To My Heart's new paper packs called 'Dreamin'. The opposite side of these papers, have beautiful floral designs, but for this card the more geometric patterns suited a masculine card better.

I paper pieced the robe and slippers and coloured the image with Copics.

Supplies - Card size is 5 1/2" x 5 1/2"

Paper - Designer Paper - Dreamin' (CTMH), Brown cardstock (Bazill), Bamboo and Colonial White cardstock (CTMH)
Stamps - 'Gus' digi stamp (Bugaboo), Card Sentiments - D1111 (CTMH - retired)
Ink - Chocolate (CTMH), Copics, computer
Accessories - Anitque Copper brads, Flourishes Foundry Access. (CTMH), 1/2" brown satin ribbon (Offray)
Other - 3D foam

Cricut Art Philosophy Images

2011-08-16T14:56:00.001-04:00

Here are all of the images on the Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge available exclusively through Close To My Heart.

(Click on images for larger view)

The Cricut Art Philosophy Collection includes everything you see below. Be sure to check the Fall/Winter Idea Book for more stamp sets that co-ordinate with this great bundle. Order yours today!

Another Sonoma Birthday Card - with Ribbon Roses

2011-08-12T14:33:00.001-04:00

While I had my Sonoma paper out, I thought I had better make another birthday card (there seem to be a lot in August). I realized that I hadn't made a card with hand made ribbon roses in a while so decided to make some of those for this card. I followed the Sketch #127 at Card Patterns.

Supplies - Card size is 5 3/8" x 5 3/8"

Paper - Sonoma & Mistletoe designer paper, Bamboo & Desert Sand cardstock (all CTMH)
Stamps - Happy Birthday (C1257)(CTMH)
Ink - Bamboo, Smokey Plum (CTMH)
Accessories - Opaques - Pearl (CTMH), cream lace (Kaisercraft), seam binding ribbon (May Arts - The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store), 1/4" & 5/8" satin ribbon (Offray)
Other - Spellbinders Lacey Circles & Plain Circles Small, Butterfly punch (Martha Stewart), ticket corner punch (SU), needle, thread, 3D foam

Sonoma Birthday Card And A Great Clear Box To Put It In

2011-08-10T15:52:00.000-04:00

I made this birthday card for a dear friend of mine using one of the new paper packs from Close To My Heart called Sonoma. I love this paper pack, it lends an elegant feel to projects made with it. I used a Viva La Verve sketch by Andrea Ewen at SCS.

I am so excited about some new product that I received yesterday from The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store. The wrinkled seam binding is only one of hundreds of ribbons that Sharon sells and the clear boxes are awesome. Now I can store my cards safely and easily until I am ready to use them and the presentation is incredible. See below for pics.

Here is the sketch that I used:

Supplies - All products are CTMH except where noted - card size is 6 1/2" x 4 3/4"

Paper - Sonoma Designer Paper, Olive & Colonial White cardstock
Stamps - Live Inspired (C1408), Gracious Greetings (D1265)
Ink - Smokey Plum, Bamboo
Accessories - Wrinkled Seam Binding (May Arts), Heirloom Assortment
Other - Border Punch (EK Success), Spellbinders Classic Oval Small & Large
3D foam

Here is a picture of the card in its clear case and also a picture of my Roxie birthday card in a clear case.

Just Had To Share - My Nephew in a Bell Commercial

2011-08-09T19:01:00.002-04:00

How cool is that!

H2H Challenge - Roxie Bday Card with Altered Embellishments & Paper Rose

2011-08-07T11:01:00.001-04:00

As soon as I saw the Roxie paper pack in the new Fall/Winter Idea Book from Close To My Heart, I knew I wanted to make a birthday card with it. This card actually turned out as I envisioned it (this doesn't always happen). I am submitting it to the Heart 2 Heart challenge this week. The challenge was to create a child's birthday card - I am probably pushing the limit on that category, but I think with all of the bling on it, it would be a perfect card for at teen.

All products used on the card are CTMH except the little feather. I have created a video to show how I created the fan, rose and the altered embellishments. Check it out below. You can view my original Paper Rose Tutorial here.

*** Just a quick note - In the video I explain how I made the fan - after folding and adding liquid glass between each pleat I wrapped a rubber band around the end to hold it together just until the liquid glass dries - *** Remove the rubber band when dry ***

Supplies - All products are CTMH except where noted - Card size is 4 3/4" x 6 1/2"
Paper - Designer Paper - Roxie, Vanilla Cream, Black, Juniper cardstock
Stamps - Picture Perfect (D1363), Birthday Script (B1208)
Ink - Jet Black (Staz-On), Desert Sand, Smoothie, Juniper
Accessories - Pin - Bling Assortment, Charm - Heirloom Assortment, Rhinestone Designer Brads, Sparkles, Color Ready Kraft Borders, Black Organday Ribbon, feather (dollar store)
Other - liquid glass, fine wire, 3D foam, Spellbinders Labels 10 & Plain Oval

New Stamp of the Month Program - Free Extra Stamp in August!

2011-08-03T17:14:00.001-04:00

If you have had a chance to browse the new Idea Book which went live on August 1st you probably already know that the Stamp of the Month Program has changed.

Spend just $55 on CTMH products and you can purchase the Stamp of the Month for only $5.50. To celebrate this new program Close To My Heart is throwing in a free alphabet stamp if you order the Stamp of the Month 'Wicked'

Free stamp set - 'A Typeface'

Stamp of the Month - 'Wicked'

Fabulous New Cricut Cartridge Coming to CTMH

2011-07-30T09:57:00.001-04:00

In just a few days Close To My Heart's Fall/Winter Idea Book 2011 goes live to customers. One of the exciting changes to our product line is the addition of an excluseve Cricut cartridge that co-ordinates with many of the new stamp images in the new Idea Book. I have held off purchasing a Cricut, but this may be the extra push I need to finally pick one up. Here is a CTMH video describing the Cricut Art Philosophy Collection.

Fellow consultant Amanda Leahy has also created a great video to view the images on the cartridge.

Just For Fun

2011-07-27T14:44:00.000-04:00

Saw this video on Global News last night, too cute!!!

Making Hand Cut Paper Flowers

2011-07-04T14:59:00.000-04:00

Making hand cut paper flowers isn't new, but I thought I would share with you some of the flowers I have made lately.

I absolutely love how this Sympathy card turned out. The flowers are meant to be Florida Clematis. The flowers were made using good quality copy paper for the petals and printed paper from the retired paper pack Paper Garden.
Check out the video below to see how I made these flowers. For the flower centers please refer to my video tutorial 'Button Carnations' and for the leaves check out my picture tutorial 'Paper Roses'.

Paper sizes for flowers -

Large clematis - 1 - 3" x 3" white copy paper
1 - 1" x 6" designer paper for center

Small clematis - 1 - 2" x 2" white copy paper
1 - 5/8" x 6" designer paper for center

Supplies - All CTMH except where noted - card size is 7" x 5"
Paper - Good quality white copy paper, White Daisy, Ponderosa Pine and Gypsy cardstock, Designer paper - Paper Garden (retired)
Stamps - Card Chatter - Sympathy
Ink - Black, Hydrangea (retired), Grey Wool, Ponderosa Pine, C1 - Copic Marker
Accessories - black brads
Other - Embossing Folder (Provo-Craft), embossing stylus

Here is another 6 petalled flower I made using paper from the paper pack Magnifique

Paper sizes for Magnifique flower -

1 - 2" x 2" multi print
1 - 1 3/4" x 1 3/4" - peacock feather print
1 - 1 1/2" x 1 1/2" - peacock feather print

Eight Petalled Paper Flowers

Below I have another video tutorial for creating 8 petalled hand cut flowers.

Paper Sizes for pink flower -

2 - 2" x 2"
2 - 1 3/4" x 1 3/4"
2 - 1 1/2" x 1 1/2"

Paper sizes for 'Wings' flower -

Large - 1 - 2" x 2" - black print (Wings)
1 - 2" x 2" - pink print (Unforgettable - retired)
1 - 1 1/2" x 1 1/2" - black print (Wings)

Small - 1 - 1 1/4" x 1 1/4" - black print
1 - 1" x 1" - pink print
1 - 1" x 1" - black print

Paper sizes for Black Eyed Susans -

Large - 2 - 3" x 3" - sunflower print - (Magic Moments - retired)
1 - 1" x 9" - cocoa print - (Magic Moments - retired)for center

Small - 2 - 2" x 2" - sunflower print - (Magic Moments - retired)
1 - 5/8" x 6" - cocoa print - (Magic Moments - retired)for center
(can use 3/4" x 6" for center)

I hope you enjoyed these video tutorials. By altering the shape of the petals, the number of layers, the papers for each layer and what you choose for the flower centers you can create an endless variety of flowers. Try glitter, heat embossing etc. for even more variety.

Have fun! I would love to see what you create!

CTMH July Campaign - Bang For Your Buck

2011-07-02T12:12:00.000-04:00

We are entering the final month for the current Spring/Summer 2011 Idea Book. Our new Fall/Winter 2011 Idea Book will be available August first. So this is your last chance to order some of your favourite paper packs and accessories. The following Level 2 paper packs will carry forward to the new Idea Book, all other Level 2 paper packs and co-ordinating accessories will retire.

- Sophia
- Mayberry
- Lucky
- Fanfare

When you place your order for your favourite products this month take advantage of our July special

Spend $50 on product from the Spring/Summer 2011 Idea Book and you can purchase one of the following items for only $1

Eligible $1 Bonus Items:
• Creative Basics® Mistletoe Collection (original retail: $9.95)
• Creative Basics® Animal Cookies Collection (original retail: $9.95)
• My Originals® Bits & Pieces Card Kit (original retail: $14.50)
• My Originals® It’s Your Day Card Kit (original retail: $14.50)
• My Originals® Around the Holidays Card Kit (original retail: $16.50)

Click here for more details

Birthday Card - Heart 2 Heart Bingo Challenge

2011-06-25T11:52:00.000-04:00

I managed to squeeze in a few hours in my craft room yesterday, the first time in far too long. I created a birthday card for the Heart 2 Heart challenge this week, as well as for the current Clean & Simple sketch using the colours at Color Throwdown.

This weeks Heart to Heart challenge is to create a project using products as outlined in the Bingo card below. Use three items found in a row, I chose Flowers / Border Punch / Buttons. The 8 petalled flowers are hand made using paper from the Wings collection and Unforgettable (retired). No punches were used to make the flowers (one was used for the leaves).

Here is the sketch from Clean & Simple :

and here is the color challenge from Color Throwdown, I used CTMH colours - Baby Pink, Vineyard Berry, Black and Juniper:

Supplies - All CTMH except where noted, card size is 5" x 7"

Paper - Designer Paper - Wings, Cherry-O, Unforgettable, Juniper, Black and Vineyard Berry cardstock
Stamp Set - Birthday Script (B1208)
Ink - Black, Juniper
Accessories - Buttons - Pink Assortment, Opaques - licorice
Other - Leaf punch - Martha Stewart, Border punch - EK Success

Life - "1" Creativity - "0"

2011-06-07T12:20:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone, I have had a few people express concerns that I hadn't posted in a while so I thought I should leave a quick note. All is well, however, computer problems, having to be out of town for a while and family obligations have kept me out of my craft room for almost 3 weeks (yikes!). I hope to start creating and posting again soon.

Hope you are all enjoying this beautiful weather. Have a great day!

Blog Candy Winner

2011-05-21T09:44:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to Sara I. you are the winner of my very first blog candy. Sara, please email me with your mailing address so I that I can send your goodies off to you.

I want to thank everyone that participated and for all of your wonderful comments. I hope you continue to check back with me from time to time to say hello!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Heart 2 Heart - Share a Technique - Button Carnations From Scraps

2011-05-17T15:37:00.002-04:00

This week's Heart 2 Heart challenge is to share your favourite technique in a project. If you have been following my blog you know that I am pretty much into flowers of all kinds, so it should come as no surprise that the technique I want to share with you today is a new flower that I have been working on. This flower reminds me of little button carnations and they are so simple to make. Please watch the video below for instructions. (The quality of my video isn't the greatest this time - I don't think my camera liked the grid pattern on my craft mat and was changing focus quite a bit, but you should be able to follow it well enough).

This card is also going into the Play Date Cafe challenge #81 (see below)

Supplies - All supplies are CTMH - card size is 5 1/2" x 4 1/4"
Paper - Hooligans patterned paper, White Daisy, Bamboo, Pear and Hydrangea(retired) cardstock
Stamps - Happy Birthday, Treasure Life
Ink - Bamboo, Pear, Hydrangea (retired)
Accessories - Sweet Leaf 1" ribbon
Other - Border Punch and Leaf Punch (Martha Stewart), Embossing Folder (Provo Craft), Spellbinders Labels Two

BLOG CANDY - after you watch the video be sure to check out my previous post 'Celebration Blog Candy' for your chance to win!

Celebration Blog Candy!

2011-05-16T16:21:00.001-04:00

Happy Monday everyone! I reached 100 Followers over the weekend and thought it would be a good time to offer up some blog candy to celebrate. It has been almost 5 months since I started my blog and I have to say that I am enjoying it very much. I love sharing ideas, techniques and my art with you and I especially love to hear from you.

What has kept me somewhat on track this year, was the setting of some scrapbooking goals for myself back in January. I wanted to 1. learn some ribbon flower techniques, 2. work on my colouring with Copics, and 3. play along with the Mojo Monday sketch challenge each week. I have accomplished my first goal, haven't done as much of #2 as I would like and have participated regularly in Mojo Monday (every week was a bit ambitious for me).

Blog Candy - Moon Doggie Level 2 Paper Pack, Dazzling Die Cuts - Spring Harmony, Cherish the Moment (D1421) stamp set, Mix & Mingle Album, Prima flowers, Pearl Opaques and Pebeo Dimensional Paint

So, for a chance to win the products pictured above, all you have to do is leave a comment on this post before midnight EST on Friday May 20th. In your comment let me know what scrapbooking goal you might set for yourself. It could be learning a new technique, completing a certain number of pages etc. etc. You don't have to be a Follower to participate.

I will use a random number generator to select the winner and will post the name on Saturday, May 21st. Good Luck and thanks for stopping by.

(Open to residents of Canada and US only)

First Heart 2 Heart Challenge - All Buttoned Up

2011-05-14T11:31:00.000-04:00

I have been meaning to try a Heart 2 Heart challenge for some time now. If you haven't heard of this challenge blog check it out here. This challenge blog is all about Close To My Heart products, even if you don't participate it is a great spot to get ideas for creating wonderful projects with Close To My Heart supplies.

This weeks challenge is to create a project using some of CTMH's great buttons. I decided to go with a simple card today using the paper pack 'Magnifique'. This paper pack will retire at the end of July, so if you haven't ordered it yet, or need more to complete a project be sure to add it to your wish list.

This card was inspired by a sketch by Becky Fleck at Page Maps. Initially I tried cutting out the diamond shapes from a 1" strip of paper and cutting both ends at an angle. This produced diamonds, but not very uniform ones. So I cut out a diamond from one of the papers from the 'Lucky' paper pack and used it to trace a template from cardstock - which seemed to work much better. I drew a line in pencil, 1" from the top of the Colonial White cardstock to help me lay down the first three diamonds correctly. Once those were down, the rest just fit in like puzzle pieces.

Supplies - all products CTMH - Card size is 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"
Paper - Magnifique, Colonial White and Pacifica cardstock
Stamps - Thank You
Ink - Pacifica
Accessories - Buttons - Blue collection, hemp
Other - embossing tool, glue dots

Mojo Monday #189 - Friend Card w Ribbon Flower

2011-05-08T14:30:00.001-04:00

Happy Mother's Day to all. I didn't think that I would get a chance to finish and post this card today. I have a very dear friend who is going through a difficult time and I wanted to make a special card for her. I was happy to be able to combine it with this week's Mojo Monday sketch which is also a contest week. The paper I used - 'Wings' - is one of my favourites from Close To My Heart's current catalogue. I have also been playing with different colours of ribbon to make some more multi-petalled ribbon flowers. You can find instructions here on how to make them.

Supplies - All supplies are CTMH except where noted. Card size is 5" x 7"
Paper - Wings, Black and Colonial White cardstock
Stamp - Find Your Style
Ink - Black, Garden Green
Accessories - Cranberry Waxy Flax, Pretty Pins (retired), Pearl Opaques, Designer Shimmer brad, 3/8" black satin ribbon (fabric store, 1" Burgandy satin ribbon (fabric store), black eyelets (unknown)
Other - Martha Stewart border punch, Spellbinders Labels 10, needle, thread, glue gun

National Scrapbooking Month Special Kit

2011-05-01T12:40:00.000-04:00

To celebrate National Scrapbooking Month, CTMH has created a beautiful scrapbooking kit that you can purchase with a qualifying order. Place a minimum order of $55 CAN for any Close To My Heart products*, and you can grab an exclusive You & Me scrapbooking kit for just $16.50—that’s more than half off the retail value of the kit! Woo-hoo! The kit features two fully embellished layouts, each with their own unique personality, a D-size stamp set, and an instruction guide to step you through the creation process.

Watch the video below for details on this great kit:

Call or email me before the end of May to place your order.

Multi-Petalled Ribbon Flower - Sunflower

2011-04-19T15:28:00.000-04:00

Here is the video tutorial for the Sunflower that I used on my Mojo Monday card yesterday. It comes to an abrupt end because I had to cut the last few seconds off that took me over the 15 minute limit.

New Ribbon Flower and Mojo Monday 187

2011-04-18T14:51:00.003-04:00

I have been hard pressed to make it to my craft room the past couple of weeks, so was very happy to complete this card today. Actually, I am more excited about this new flower that I created than the card. When I was putting away my organdy ribbon after my organdy flower tutorial, I started playing around with the ribbon and came up with a multi-petalled flower. I recreated it in satin ribbon as well and that is how I ended up with this beautiful sunflower. I hope to have a tutorial ready for you sometime this week.

The inside of the card reads 'You bring sunshine into all of our lives - Happy Mother's Day'

Here is this week's Mojo Monday Sketch

Supplies - Card size is 5 1/2" x 4 1/4"

Paper - Brown print (K&Co), Script print (Prima), Green dot print (Kaisercraft), Sunflower and Colonial White cardstock (CTMH)

Ink - Cocoa (CTMH)

Accessories - 7/8" Yellow satin ribbon, 5/8" Brown satin ribbon (Offray), 3/8" Cocoa grosgrain ribbon (CTMH), charm (my stash), small Dimensional Element tag, Love Letters Rubons, Chocolate Waxy Flax, Designer Shimmer brad, Mocha Opaques (CTMH)

Other - needle, thread, glue gun, corner rounder, Bow Easy

Layered Organdy Ribbon Flower Part 2

2011-04-08T15:20:00.006-04:00

You can watch part 1 of Layered Organdy Ribbon Flowers here

Spring Is In The Air - Mojo Monday 185

2011-04-06T14:06:00.000-04:00

I really like this week's Mojo Monday sketch, and couldn't wait to use some of the new spring Graphic 45 paper that I bought (love the little bonneted birds in the print) and a spring stamp set from Just Rite stamps that I purchased this past winter.

I stamped my tulip images twice and coloured them in with copic markers. Then I cut up one of the images and paper pieced three of the tulips and part of the bow over top of the original image. After cutting out each piece I gently rolled them over a pencil to give them more dimension. On the largest tulip I also made some cuts with a craft knife along a couple of the inner petal lines. The bottom scallop border was created by using a 1 1/4" circle punch and layering the light and dark green circles. I topped it off with a beautiful Antiqued copper butterfly from CTMH.

Supplies: Card size is 5" x 7"

Paper - Once Upon a Springtime collection - Graphic 45, peach, lt. & dk. green cardstock (Bazzill), Colonial White cardstock (CTMH)
Stamps - Breath of Spring (Just Rite), Happy Birthday C1257 (CTMH)
Ink - Memento Tuxedo Black, Juniper (CTMH), Copics - R000, R01, R02, Y21, G000, G21, G28, E42, E43, E50
Accessories - Dimensional Elements - Bookplates (CTMH - retired), Antique Copper brads (CTMH), Antique Copper Butterfly - Bliss L2 Assortment (CTMH), cream satin ribbon (fabric store)
Other - Spellbinders - Classic Oval Small, Classic Scalloped Oval Small, 1 1/4" circle punch (CTMH)

Hope For Japan

2011-04-03T10:31:00.000-04:00

Give a little hope to Japan by purchasing an exclusive stamp set for just $5.

OUR HEARTS GO OUT TO THE VICTIMS OF THE EARTHQUAKE AND tsunami in Japan, and like so many of you, we’re eager to help. And helping has never been easier!

During April, purchase the exclusive "Hope for Japan" A-size stamp set for the special price of only $5 (retail value $8.75) and Close To My Heart will donate 100% of the profits to the American Red Cross efforts in Japan. This beautifully designed stamp set reminds us of how our hearts are hopeful for those who are in need.

Contact me today to get involved in this heart-worthy cause.

CTMH April Campaign - Lovin' Level 1

2011-04-03T10:02:00.000-04:00

When you place an order of $115 CAN or more on my MyCTMH^® website during April, you can choose one free My Reflections^® Level 1 kit from the selection of great kits below:

Passages Level 1 Kit (X7126A)
Perfect Day Level 1 Kit (X7100A)
Splendor Level 1 Kit (X7124A)
Sweet Home Level 1 Kit (X7116A)
Topstitch Level 1 Kit (X7120A)
Veranda Level 1 Kit (X7119A)
Zippidee Level 1 Kit (X7125A)

*Shipping/handling apply. Offer valid April 1–30, 2011. Free Level 1 kit available while supplies last.

Baby Birl Card With Pink Organdy Flowers

2011-03-27T12:52:00.000-04:00

I just loved the pastel flowers that I created using CTMH organdy ribbon (see video tutorial here) and couldn't wait to make a card using them. I think that these flowers would work really well on baby cards or layouts, shower invitations, princess or ballerina layouts (they remind of tutus) etc.

Supplies - Card size is 5" x 7"

Paper - White Daisy cardstock (CTMH), Pink cardstock (Bazzill)
Stamps - Sweet Baby C1359 (CTMH)
Ink - Baby Pink (CTMH)
Accessories - Baby Pink organdy ribbon (CTMH), Colonial White designer brads, Pearl Opaque gems, Pink Sparkles (CTMH), 3/8" & 1" pink satin ribbon (fabric store)
Other - Hearts Embossing folder (Bringing Crafts Too You), border punch (Martha Stewart), liquid glass (CTMH), glue dots, 3D foam, needle, thread

Layered Organdy Ribbon Flower

2011-03-25T13:57:00.002-04:00

In this video I mistakenly say that you need 15" of ribbon, you actually need 18"

Birthday Card With Layered Organdy Ribbon Flower - Mojo Monday 183

2011-03-25T13:52:00.002-04:00

For this weeks Mojo Monday sketch I have made a birthday card for a dear friend of mine. I used some new designer paper from Prima and created a hand made organdy flower with a center made from a Close To My Heart designer brad and pearls. I have created a video for how to make these cute little flowers, please see my next post.

Please Note : in my video I mistakenly say that you need 15" of organdy ribbon when you actually need 18", I do say the correct length later but just wanted to clear that up in case there is any confusion.

Here is another closeup of the flower -

Supplies - Card size is 6" x 5"

Paper - DP - Madeline Collection (Prima), Brown cardstock (Bazzill), Colonial White cardstock (CTMH)
Stamps - Friendship D1453 (CTMH)
Ink - Timber Brown (Staz On)
Accessories - 5/8" Colonial White organdy ribbon, Colonial White Designer brad, Mocha and Pearl Opaque Gems (CTMH), cream lace, 3/8" satin ribbon (fabric store)
Other - Spellbinders - Lacy Circles, Large Labels, Bow-Easy, needle, thread, glue dots, 3D foam

Just For Fun

2011-03-22T08:48:00.000-04:00

Mojo Monday #181 - Live Inspired Stamp Set

2011-03-09T14:08:00.002-05:00

The first Monday of every month is a Mojo Monday contest. For this card I used some Basic Grey designer paper and a leaf embossed cardstock that I won at a crop (it's difficult to see the embossed pattern in the picutures). I added some hand made ribbon rose buds to pick up on the subtle blue in the pattern and coloured the clear crystal flourishes with my Black Copic marker.

Supplies - Card size is 7" x 5"

Paper - Basic Grey designer paper, Green leaf embossed cardstock (unknown), Black cardstock (Bazzill), Colonial White cardstock (CTMH)

Stamps - Live Inspired - C1408 (CTMH)

Inks- Memento - Tuxedo Black, Olive (CTMH)

Accessories - 5/8" black satin ribbon (Offray), fine wire, 3/8" Heavenly Blue ribbon (CTMH), Fairytale rose (Prima), Crystal flourishes (Prima), Blue floss (DMC)

Other - Spellbinders - plain circle and scalloped circle, border punch (Martha Stewart), piercing tool kit, needle, thread

Mojo Monday #180 - Baby Girl Congratulations Card

2011-03-04T15:03:00.002-05:00

I am a great aunt again, that makes 23 so far! Baby Timea Elizabeth came into the world on Wednesday and all are well. Since I didn't have a baby girl card ready I thought I would use the Mojo Monday sketch for this card. This is actually the first circle card that I have made and I am quite pleased with the results. I used a Boo digi image from Bugaboo Stamps - too cute!

Supplies - Card size is 4" round

Paper - Printed - Sophia, Magic Moments (CTMH), Neena Solar White (for image), White Daisy textured, White Daisy, Blush, Hollyhock (CTMH)

Stamps - 'Boo & Teddy' - Bugaboo stamps, Tender Tags (CTMH)

Ink - Black, Copics

Accessories - 5/8" White satin edge organdy ribbon, 3/8" white satin ribbon (fabric store), 3/8" white organdy ribbon (CTMH), Bluch waxy flax, metal charm (CTMH)

Other - Spellbinders - scalloped circle, lace border punch (Martha Stewart), 2" scallop circle punch (CTMH), 1 1/4" circle punch (CTMH), computer, needle, thread

March CTMH Campaign - Free My Acrylix Block

2011-03-01T10:37:00.000-05:00

Place an order of $30 or more in My Acrylix stamps in the month of March and you will receive your choice of either a 3" x 3" or 2" x 6 1/2" My Acrylix block for FREE!

Contact me for more information and to place your order.

Masculine Birthday Card - Digital Image

2011-02-28T10:17:00.000-05:00

March is a big month for birthdays in my family. I needed a few cards suitable for middle aged men and when I couldn't find what I wanted in my stamp sets I started searching for some digital images. I found these really cute 'Gus' images on the site 'Bugaboo Stamps'. They are just perfect for the kinds of cards I wanted to make. This is the first time that I have used digi images. I really liked the fact that I could instantly upload the images that I wanted.

I simply printed the images on my Neenah cardstock and coloured with my Copic markers. I paper pieced the robe by printing the image on printed paper, cutting out the robe and gluing it over the original image.

Supplies - Card size is 7" x 5"

Paper - Neenah Solar White (for image), White Daisy, Buttercup and Dutch Blue cardstock (CTMH), Sweet Home printed paper (CTMH)
Stamp Set - Happy Birthday (CTMH), Gus Digi Image (Bugaboo Stamps)
Ink - Black (CTMH), Copics
Accessories - Dutch Blue brads (CTMH)
Other - computer

Comments Not Working

2011-02-28T09:59:00.000-05:00

I am not sure if anyone else is having difficulty commenting on my posts. I just tried to respond to a question that someone posted and was unable to post a response. If anyone else has this problem or knows how to fix it please let me know. If you can't post a comment here please email me, thank you.

Mojo Monday #179 - Card with Vintage Flat Ribbon Rose

2011-02-23T12:03:00.003-05:00

Good morning everyone, hope you all had a wonderful long weekend. Here is the card I made for this week's Mojo Monday sketch. The rose that I used on this card is called a vintage flat rose. I made it using 1" satin ribbon. I love the way it looks and the fact that it is a fairly flat flower so is suitable for layout pages. If you would like to learn how to make this flower I highly recommend a book call Ribbonwork The Complete Guide by Helen Gibb.

Supplies - Card size is 5" x 7"

Paper - Basic Grey Cappella print, light green cardstock (Bazzill), Chocolate and Colonial White cardstock (CTMH)

Stamps - For Every Occassion (D1187) (CTMH)

Ink - Chocolate (CTMH)

Accessories - 1" lt. brown satin ribbon, lace (local fabric store), 3/8" New England Ivy grosgrain ribbon, Chocolate waxy flax, Opaques Gems - Mocha (CTMH), metal flower, pearl sprays (unknown)

Other - Spellbinders - circle and scalloped circle, fine needle, thread

Super Easy Paper Flowers

2011-02-17T10:32:00.005-05:00

I visited a website called Wild Orchid Crafts about a week ago and saw this great little video on how to make these little carnations with flat paper flowers. When I went back to link to it, the video was replaced with another one by a different designer. Unfortunately, I did not take note of the name the first time since I assumed that it was an in-house designer and that I would be able to get back to the video. If anyone knows who did this video please let me know so that I can give credit. With no link I decided to make my own little tutorial (see post below). Hope you enjoy!

WARNING: These flowers are highly addictive. I find that I want to glue all of my flowers together to make them.

Super Easy Paper Flowers

2011-02-17T10:30:00.001-05:00

Waxy Flax Spirals

2011-02-15T12:29:00.001-05:00

Bliss Card - Ribbon Flowers / Waxy Flax Spirals

2011-02-15T12:26:00.001-05:00

I created this card for Close To My Heart's 'Make It From The Heart' contest. Unfortunately it did not win, but that also means that I can share it with you now.

I have used a number of different ribbon flowers on this card, a folded ribbon rose using 3/8" Colonial White grosgrain ribbon for the center and 5/8" (folded) Colonial White Satin edge organdy for the ruffle, some simple flat rosettes using 1/4" Cocoa satin ribbon and upright spiral rosettes using 1/4" Buttercup picot edge ribbon and waxy flax spirals. For complete instructions on how to make these ribbon flowers I highly recommend the book Ribbonwork The Complete Guide by Helen Gibbs.

I am posting a video on how to make the waxy flax spirals after this post.

For the ribbon at the top of the card I stitched together, with a zigzag stitch and sewing machine, two pieces of the 5/8" Colonial White satin edged organdy ribbon and then ruffled it using a gathering stitch. The pattern for the card is 'Fancy Five' from the How-to-book 'Originals' from Close To My Heart.

Supplies - all products are CTMH - card size is 5" x 7"

Paper - Bliss B&T, Chocolate and Vanilla Cream cardstock

Stamp Set - The Present D1436

Inks - Chocolate

Accessories - 3/8" Colonial White grosgrain ribbon, 5/8" Colonial White satin edge organdy, 1/4" Cocoa satin ribbon, 1/4" Buttercup picot edge ribbon,Crystal Blue Waxy Flax, Opaques Gems - Mocha, Twilight brads, liquid glass

Other - piercing tool kit, needle, thread, sewing machine, large toothpick, 3D foam

Mojo Monday #177 - Magnolia Birthday Card with Ribbon Violets

2011-02-08T11:55:00.004-05:00

OK, so I am back in business. Picked up a new camera yesterday, couldn't wait until Wednesday. I used this weeks Mojo Monday sketch for this card and hand made ribbon flowers. You can find instruction for making these flowers in the book by Helen Gibb - Ribbonwork The Complete Guide.

I would also like to say that I am still working on perfecting my colouring with Copics. I tried a different cardstock this time. I usually use Neena Solar White, but I was having some problems with feathering and bleeding. So, for this card I used XPress It Blending cardstock. I didn't mind it, have to use it more to see if I like the blending. What paper do you find works best with Copics?

Supplies - Card size is 6" x 6"

Paper - Express It Blending CS, Wings B&T , Magic Moments B&T (retired), Pansy Purple and White Daisy cardstock (CTMH),
Stamp Sets - Tilda with Balloon (Magnolia), Happy Birthday C1257 (CTMH)
Ink - Memento Tuxedo Black, Black (CTMH), Copics
       Skin - E50, 51, 53, 93
       Hair - E41, 42, 43, 44
       Clothing - V000, 12, 15, 09, C1, C3
       Shoes - E42, 43, 44, 47
       Balloon - G21, 82, 94
       Grass - G82, 94, E43
       Shadow - W00, 3
Accessories - lace, 5/8" satin ribbon (fabric store), 3/8" Sweet leaf grosgrain ribbon (CTMH), Opaques Gems - Pearl (CTMH), 3D foam, needle, thread

Technical Difficulties

2011-02-06T15:55:00.000-05:00

Today is a sad day - my camera died. It has been acting up for a while and finally gave up on me this morning when I was working on the instructions for the folded ribbon rose and leaves.

Since I live in a small town I won't be able to replace it until Wednesday when I can head into the city. So, I am afraid there will be a delay in the rest of my tutorials. Check back by the end of the week, I should have everything up and running by then.

New 'Wings' Paper from CTMH and Handmade Ribbon Flowers

2011-02-03T09:18:00.002-05:00

Good morning all, I am anxiously awaiting a parcel filled with Copics and some new stamp sets that I was supposed to get yesterday but which was delayed by the storm. Can't wait to get my hands on my new things and play.

The new Idea Book from Close To My Heart went live on Tuesday and is valid until the end of July. Click on the icon to the right and check out some of the great new papers. This card uses some of the paper from the 'Wings' paper pack.

This card also features hand made ribbon flowers - one of my new favourite things. If you are interested in making flowers like these I highly recommend a book called Ribbonwork The Complete Guide by Helen Gibb.

(In the second photo the bitty pearls are missing since I took that picture before I added them, I wasn't able to take a new photo since my camera just wouldn't focus). The ribbon rose and pink posies were all handmade with CTMH ribbons.

Suppplies - All products are CTMH except where noted - Card size is 5" x 7"

Stamp Set - The Present D1346

Paper - Wings B&T, Black and White Daisy cardstock

Ink - Vineyard Berry

Accessories - 3/8" Blush Satin ribbon (retired), 1" Sweet Leaf grosgrain ribbon, 3/8" Sweet Leaf grosgrain ribbon, 3/8" white organdy ribbon, Pretty Pins (retired), Opaques Gems - Pearl

Other - Spellbinders Labels 10, 3D foam, fine needle, thread, Bow-Easy

Mojo Monday #176

2011-01-31T11:59:00.001-05:00

Well, that has to be a record for me. It usually takes me a long time to make a card - finished this Mojo Monday #176 card in less than an hour! I love this ruched ribbon technique (details on one of my previous posts). I think this turned out to be a really elegant card. I used one of CTMH's new paper packs 'Bliss' - perfect for weddings, special occassions and heritage craft projects.

Supplies - Card size is 5" x 5"

Stamps - Gracious Greetings D1265 (CTMH)

Paper - Bliss B&T paper, Colonial White cardstock (CTMH), brown cardstock (Bazzil)

Inks - Desert Sand (CTMH)

Accessories - 1" ribbon (fabric store), Opaques Gems - Pearl (CTMH)

Other - fine sewing needle, thread

DIY Light Box for Photographing Your Art

2011-01-31T11:46:00.000-05:00

Taking pictures of your artwork can sometimes be a challenge. I found this great tutorial on Tracey Mason's blog on how to make your own light box using a cardboard box, tissue paper and packing tape. No more waiting for the sun to come out from behind the clouds for some daylight. You can also take great pictures at night. This light box cost me $1 for the tissue paper. I won't go into any more detail since Tracey does such a good job - check it out. I am still playing with my light sources a bit, but all in all I am quite pleased with the result (my biggest problem was trying to find space in my craft room to set it up).

Mojo Monday #175

2011-01-30T14:22:00.001-05:00

Alright, so I have already missed one Mojo Monday, and am just squeeking this one in before the new challenge tomorrow. Hopefully, I will find more time in the future.

For this weeks sketch I chose to do a Valentine's Day card for my husband. I usually do a more sentimental card, but thought I would try something a little more fun this time. I love the great new stamp set from CTMH - Birthday Blast (C1436) - as soon as I saw it in the new Idea Book I wanted to do a Valentine's card like this one.

I made a light box for taking pictures of my artwork, but still have to tweek the lighting. All in all I am not too unhappy with the result. At least I don't always have to wait for sun to co-operate. I will post a picture and details tomorrow.

Supplies - al products are CTMH - card size is 5" x 7"

Stamp Set - Birthday Blast C1436

Paper - Wings B&T, Juniper, White Daisy, Black and Tulip cardstock

Inks - Staz-On Jet Black, Juniper, Bamboo, Sweet Leaf Exclusive Ink pads, Tulip, Sunny Yellow and Blush Exclusive Inks markers

Accessories - Pewter Designer brad, pewter brads, Black Organdy ribbon (retired), Black Grosgrain ribbon

Tools - Fiskars border punch, Spellbinders circle and scalloped circle nestabilities, water brush, computer

CTMH New Spray Pen

2011-01-24T15:27:00.004-05:00

One of the new products in Close To My Heart's Spring/Summer 2011 Idea Book is the Spray Pen (mister). Now you can make your own spray mists to co-ordinate with the rest of your CTMH products with just water and reinker, or add a little Create-A-Shade Pearl paint to give you some shimmer.

Spray randomly on your scrapbook page or card where you want colour, or use stencils, die-cuts, chipboard or things around the house (lace, wire mesh etc.) to create a pattern. The possibilites are endless.

Please note:

1. Fill the pen to the seventh line with water (some people use 70% isopropyl alcohol instead of water because it dries faster - I found the water worked just fine and the dry time was minimal), add re-inker to the ninth line, then add 3 - 5 pea sized drops of Create-A-Shade Pearl Paint (if the nozzle clogs use less paint) - shake well and you are ready to go.

2. I put a couple of small beads in the spray pen to help mix

3. It is best to hold the pen at least 8 inches away from your paper, this can cause some overspray so you may want to place your work in a cardboard box to protect your work area. I sprayed the first couple of sprays against the side of the box to make sure it was spraying evenly before I sprayed my artwork.

4. Especially when using paint in your mix, remove the nozzle from your pen when you are done, stick the end of the tube in water and pump until all of the re-inker/paint mix is cleared from the tube and nozzle (be sure to aim the spray into the water and not the wall), put the nozzle back in the pen and put the cap on. This will prevent the nozzle from clogging.

Here is a quick card that I put together today to try out this new spray pen. I used Sweet Leaf re-inker to spray the base of my card. Although it doesn't show up very well in the picture, it gave a soft shimmery green to the background.

Supplies - All products are CTMH- card size is 3 1/2" x 8"

Paper - Miracle Level 2 Paper Pack (New)

Stamps - Bohemian Alphabet E1019 (New)

Inks - Bamboo Exclusives Ink Pad, Crystal Blue Exclusives Ink Pad, Sweet Leaf Re-Inker, Create-A-Shade Pearl paint

Accessories - Crystal Blue brads, Sweet Leaf RicRac, Irresistibles - Miracle, Spray pen, 3D foam

Paper Roses Instructions

2011-01-21T10:07:00.002-05:00

Life has been busy this past week and I am also working on a couple of contest projects that I can't share yet, so I don't have anything new this week. What I would like to share with you is some instructions to make paper roses. This is by no means an original idea, there are a couple of You Tube videos out there.

I created these roses to decorate small gifts of chocolate bars and boxed candy. They are really quite simple to make and you don't need any special tools that you don't already have in your scrapbooking room.

Start with three squares of paper (for the small roses on the wrapped candy gifts I used 2" x 2" squares, for most of the following pictures I used 3" x 3" squares to make it easier to see) You can use whatever size squares you like to give you the size of rose you want.

Take each of the four squares and fold them in half to form triangles. Then fold each of these over to the left (or right if you are right handed) forming a smaller triangle, and then fold over to the left again (or right) for your final triangle shape.

Draw a cone shape on the triangle with pencil and cut out, using this shape as a template to cut the other two triangles. Cut the tip off the bottom of the cone of each.

Open out each and you will have three 8 petal flowers. Ink the edges of each flower.

Take one flower and cut out a 2 petal piece along the fold lines, giving you a 2 petal and a 6 petal piece. Take the second flower and cut out a 3 petal piece, giving you a 5 petal peice and a 3 petal piece. Take the final flower and cut out a 4 petal piece and a 1 petal piece (discard the remaining 3 petal piece). You should now have six pieces - a 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 petal piece.

Take the 6 petal piece and apply glue to the front face of one of the end petals. Fold the opposite end petal over top and adhere - this gives you a 5 petal flower. Do this with the 5 petal piece, the 4 petal piece and the 3 petal piece.

Take a toothpick or whatever round tool you require and fold the edge of each petal around it to curl the petals on all pieces including the 2 petal and 1 petal piece.

After curling the petals of the 1 and 2 petal pieces, lay the toothpick along the inside edges and roll up into a small cylinder and glue as shown in the picture below.

You should now have 6 flower pieces with curled petals as shown in the picture below.

Take the 4 petal piece and apply glue to the bottom outside (I used liquid glass), and insert this piece into the 5 petal piece.

Continue adding each piece in this manner (adjusting the petals until you get the desired effect) until you have completed building your rose. Cut the tip off of the 1 petal piece to make it easier to insert.

Making the leaves - for the 2" square roses I used a 1 1/2" circle punch, punch out two leaves from each circle as shown.

For larger leaves use either a larger punch or another circle cutting system. Lay each leaf on a foam mat and using an embossing stylus draw a line down the center of each leaf and draw veins on each leaf being careful not to tear through the cardstock. Turn the leaf over and rub green ink over the surface with a sponge to highlight the veins you have created. Ink again with brown and then some red to get the desired effect. Attach the leaves to the rose with glue dots.

Chocolate Bar and Cany Wraps Instructions

To make the chocolate bar wraps (Hershey's Bliss) and the candy wraps (Jelly Belly) cut the following

Cardstock - 8 3/4" x 5 5/8"

Printed paper - 8" x 5 3/8"

Score the chocolate wrap at 1 1/2" , 2", 5 3/8" and 5 7/8" on both the cardstock and paper

Score the candy wrap at 1 1/2", 2 3/8", 5 3/8" and 6 1/4" on both the cardstock and paper

Punch a decorative border at the end of the cardstock piece closest to the 5 7/8" or 6 1/4" score line. Fold the cardstock and the paper along all of the score lines using a bone folder. Apply glue to the inside of the paper piece and attach to the cardstock starting at the non punched end and folding both the paper and cardstock along the score lines as you do so. If you try to apply the paper to the cardstock while they are both lying flat when you try to fold the wrap around the candy you will run into problems (when scoring the paper piece be generous with your measurements - this will facilitate the above process). Once you have adhered the paper to the card stock, run a line of glue runner to the front straight edge, wrap around your candy and adhere.

Pop up a tag on the front. Attach a multi-looped ribbon and your rose with glue dots and liquid glass and you have a perfect little gift.

Colouring With Copics and Ribbon Roses

2011-01-15T14:06:00.003-05:00

This card features two of the skills I have been working on in the New Year, colouring with copics and making flowers with ribbon. This 'Sweet Tilda' image from Magnolia Stamps, was supposed to be part of a white-on-white card with a lot of ribbon flowers, as you can see she ended up being something else. I received some of the new product from Close To My Heart's Spring/Summer Idea Book this week and couldn't resist using some of the new paper. This is a sneak peek at one of the new paper packs 'Sophia' which will be available to customers February 1st. In the end I used only one of the ribbon roses that I made, (the rest will be ready for a future project).

I should have done some shading around the Tilda image, but I was afraid I wouldn't like the result, that's a skill I will work on in the future as I get more confident with my colouring.

Supplies - Card size is 5" x 7"

Paper - Neena Classic Crest Solar White (for image), White Daisy cardstock & Sophia B&T (CTMH)
Stamps - 'Sweet Tilda' (Magnolia Stamps)
Ink - Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics - Face - E0000, E00, E01, Hair - E42, E44, E47, Clothing - R81, R83, R85, R89, Shading - C1, C3, 0
Accessories - Blush brads (CTMH), Pretty Pins (CTMH), 3/8" and 1" white sating ribbon (fabric store), 3/8" white organdy ribbon (CTMH), Spellbinders - Labels 10, 3D foam tape, needle and white thread

Mojo Monday #173

2011-01-13T15:02:00.003-05:00

I hope to do all of the Mojo Monday card sketch challenges this year. Here is week #2. I have a niece that is due to have a baby at the end of February so I thought I would make a baby card. Don't know what she is having yet, so I will have to create a little girl card at some point.

One of my goals for this year is to teach myself to colour with Copic markers. I didn't have the exact colours that I wanted for this sweet little mouse from House-Mouse stamps, but I managed to colour it with those that I do have. I'm not happy with the gray aura that I put around the whole picture, oh well, too late now.

Supplies - Card size is 5" x 7"

Paper - Neena Classic Crest Solar White (for image), White Daisy & Sky cardstock, Magnifique B&T (CTMH)

Stamp Sets - Sleepy Baby (House-Mouse), Tender Tags D1350 (CTMH)

Inks - Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics - E31, E35, E42, E44, E47, Y11, Y21, B000, B21, R20, C1

Accessories - Buttercup buttons, Splendor Designer brads (CTMH), blue floss (DMC), ruffled organdy ribbon (fabric store), 5/8" Lt. blue satin ribbon (Offray), Polka Dot embossing folder (Crafts-Too), Spellbinders plain oval (large and small), Bow-easy, 3-D foam tape

Check Out "52 Weeks of Wonder"

2011-01-09T10:53:00.002-05:00

If you haven't visited Jeanette Lynton's blog (CEO of Close to My Heart) before, now would be a good time to start. Each week for the next fifty-two weeks she will be showcasing a new stamping technique with instructions and beautiful artwork. Here is a sample of the first week 'Generational Stamping with a Twist' posted on Friday, January 7th, 2011.

Bookmark her site today and check back every week for more inspiration!

Ruched Ribbon Technique

2011-01-07T16:32:00.004-05:00

I have had a few requests to explain how I gathered the pink ribbon on my Mojo Monday card posted on Thursday, January 6th.

The technique used is called ruching. Use a long thin needle with a small eye and sewing thread (if you find your thread breaks when you pull up the gathers you should try a stronger thread like a beading thread). Use white thread for light ribbons and black thread for darker ribbons, I have also used invisible thread but it is a bit tricky to work with. The amount of ribbon you require will depend on how tightly you pull the ruching and the weight of the ribbon. For yesterday's card I required a length of ribbon about 3x the length of my finished piece. I left my ribbon attached to the roll until I had finished stitching and gathering the ribbon to the desired length and then cut the ribbon for less waste.

Below is a picture showing the zigzag pattern that you hand stitch onto your ribbon. Begin stitching at the top edge, starting with a couple of back stitches, (do not knot the end of the thread and start that way as the knot will most likely not hold and will pull through your ribbon when you start pulling on it for gathering), and make small running stitches diagonally to the other edge of the ribbon. Take your stitch over the edge of the ribbon (I have tried to show this in my hand drawn diagram), make a right angle and continue stitching back to the top edge.

Once you have stitched as much of the ribbon as you think you need, pull on the thread and gently gather the ribbon, pushing it towards the start end. Pull it as loose or as tight as you like depending on how you want the finished piece to look. I leave my threaded needle in the ribbon in case I need to add more stitches. Once you've got the finished length take a few back stitches and cut the thread and ribbon.

I hope that is clear. Leave a comment if you have any questions.

Mojo Monday #172

2011-01-06T11:25:00.006-05:00

I like the Mojo Monday card sketches and would like to do each week's challenge, but am not sure that is going to happen. I did manage to complete this week's sketch though.

Supplies - Card is 5" x 7" - All supplies CTMH except where noted

Paper - Neena Classic Crest Solar White (for image), White Daisy, Chocolate and Crystal Blue cardstock, striped paper - Cherry-O B&T (ret'd), Chocolate print - Topstitch B&T (ret'd)

Stamp Set - Piece of Cake D1407

Inks - Memento Tuxedo Black, Staz-On Timber Brown, Crystal Blue, Copics - R81, R83, B000, B00, E25, E29, Y15, W00, W3

Accessories - Crystal Blue Bigger brads, 7/8" Swiss Dot Lt. Pink ribbon (Offray), Spellbinders - plain circles, 3-D foam tape, needle, thread

One of My Favourite Cards

2011-01-04T10:42:00.004-05:00

Here is a card that I created a few months ago. Some of you may have already seen it since it has been posted to my Close To My Heart website. I am posting it here because it was inspiration for half of my blog title and I just really like it. (I will be posting the inspiration for the second half of my title when I get it completed).

This card features the peacock image from the CTMH stamp set Circle of Love. I heat embossed the image in gold and using a water brush painted it with Pear, Lagoon and Pacifica inks. I made the box pleats from one of the B&T papers from the CTMH paper pack 'Magnifique'. I cut two strips of patterned paper 1" x 12" and hand pleated using the pattern on the paper as my guide. You can also create box pleats by scoring the strips lightly at 1/4" and 3/4" intervals and then using these lines as a guide to form your pleats. If one strip is not enough, glue the second strip to the first after you have pleated the first piece so that you can tuck the end in and the seam won't be visible. I also used two 1/2" x 7" strips of cardstock - I glued my pleated strip to the first one using Tombow and liquid glass and then glued this strip to the right side of my card. I prefer this method as opposed to gluing the pleats directly to the card since you do have to fiddle with it a bit to get everything straight and if you make a mistake you haven't ruined your card. I glued the second 1/2" x 7" strip over the left edge of the pleats to give my ribbon a nice smooth surface to adhere to (satin ribbon shows all of the ridges of an uneven surface).

Supplies - Card is 5" x 7" - All supplies are CTMH except where noted

Paper - White Daisy and Lagoon cardstock, Magnifique B&T
Stamp Sets - Circle of Love D1438, Birthday Script B1208
Ink - Versamark, Gold embossing powder, Pear, Lagoon, Pacific inks
Accessories - Blue/Green sparkles, Aqua 5/8" satin ribbon (Offray), Water brush, Bow-Easy

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T12:02:00.003-05:00

Well, here we are at the start of another new year. I am looking forward to all of the exciting possibilities that each day will bring and I wish all of you a happy and prosperous 2011.

As you know Close To My Heart is switching to a program of 2 Idea Books a year as opposed to the 3 that you are used to. That means that our Spring/Summer Idea Book will be valid for 6 months from February to the end of July. To bridge the gap in January a small brochure called 'Inspirations' was created for this month. Click on the icon to the right to view.

The ‘Key’ to the specials offered in this brochure is the ‘Wings Workshop on the Go Kit’ found on page 3. When you purchase this kit for $33.50 you then unlock and are eligible for the following specials:

· Special pricing on all of the My Acrylix stamp sets in the brochure

· Purchase up to four different items in addition to the Workshop on the Go kit and you can get the January Stamp of the Month (pictured at right) – ‘Find Your Style’ – at a discount or for Free! – see the chart on page 7

If you do not wish to purchase the Wings Workshop on the Go kit, you can purchase items from this brochure or the Fall/Winter 2010 Idea Book the same as you usually would. You will earn a discount on the January stamp of the month based on the total dollar value of the sale as you would in the past.

***Note: All of the products in the 'Inspirations' brochure will be available in the Spring/Summer 2011 Idea Book

Purchase any of these great products on-line on my website (click on icon at right) or contact me and I will order the products for you.

Enjoy your day!

Two More 2010 Christmas Cards

2010-12-31T16:11:00.004-05:00

Here is another Christmas card that I made. The image for this card is from Just Rite Stamps. It's difficult to see in the picture, but I stamped the background paper with snowflakes and embossed with VersaMark and clear embossing powder mixed with glitter. It has a subtle shimmer that turned out really nice. I touched the snow and branches with glue and sprinkled some glitter on the image as well.

Supplies: Card size is 5" x 5"

Paper - Neena Classic Crest Solar White for image, White Daisy and New England Ivy Cardstock (CTMH)
Stamp Sets - Backyard Birds (Just Rite Stamps), Snow Flurries D1384 (CTMH)
Inks - Memento Tuxedo Black, Versa Mark Watermark, Copic markers, white gel pen
Embellishments - Clear detail embossing powder mixed with Prisma Glitter (CTMH), black metal bookplate (unknown), Rub-on letters (CTMH), Red satin ribbon (Offray), Prisma Glitter & glue (CTMH)
Other - Spellbinders scallop circle, Bow-Easy

This next card is one that I made for my youngest daughter who lives on Vancouver Island. Earlier this month they were getting a wicked snow storm which is unusual for the island, and she actually had more snow than we had in Eastern Ontario. I thought a snowy card was called for. I was inspired by a card created by the talented Tosha Leyendekker. I love the simplicity of white cards. I scored some horizontal lines with a dry embossing stylus, masked the area for heat embossing with post-it notes, stamped with versamark and heat embossed with silver. The sentiment is a glitter rubon.

Supplies - All CTMH except where noted - Card Size - 5" x 7"

Paper - White Daisy, Sky cardstock
Stamp Sets - Snow Flurries D1384
Inks - Versa Mark, Silver Embossing Powder
Embellishments - 5/8" Light Blue Satin ribbon (Offray), Silver Shimmer brad, Silver bitty brads, Glitter Rub-ons - Winter Cheer
Other - Martha Stewart border punch, Spellbinders - Labels 10 and Plain Oval, dry embossing stylus, beading wire

Wreath Love Christmas Card

2010-12-30T15:29:00.003-05:00

Here is a card that I made for my husband this Christmas. I have just started playing with Copic Markers and absolutely love them. Hope to spend some time over the next few months perfecting my colouring skills. I used Mojo Monday Sketch #125 for my card layout design.

The image I used for this card is from House Mouse Designs (I think these little guys are the cutest) - 'Wreath Love'. Card size - 5" x 7"

Supply List:

Paper - Neenah Classic Crest Solar White (for image), White Daisy and New England Ivy cardstock, 'Mistletoe' printed paper (CTMH)
Stamp Sets - Wreath Love (House Mouse Designs), Holiday Commentary - C1379 (CTMH)
Inks - Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic Markers, Black (CTMH)
Embellishments - 5/8" Moss Satin Ribbon (Offray), Cranberry Waxy Flax (CTMH), metal heart (unknown)
Other - Hearts embossing folder (Crafts-Too), Spellbinders Plain Circle Nestibilities, Bow-Easy

First Blog Post - I Finally Did It!

2010-12-30T15:11:00.000-05:00

This is my second attempt at starting a blog. I tried a couple of years ago and got bogged down in the design process and trying to come up with a title and address that I liked that hadn't already been taken. I hope to post cards and scrapbook pages here. If you see something you like I hope you will take a moment to make a comment. Thanks for visiting!