City Sidewalks Layout

I am so in the Christmas mood!! I try to hold off until after Thanksgiving but I'm going with, "Really?! Why wait?"  It's getting chillier but we still have a brown ground.  My kiddos were hopeful we'd get our piece of the first snowstorm of the winter, but it missed us.  (I'm okay with that for now...)

What have you been working on lately?  Do you have any Christmas crafts that you're trying to get ready for the holiday season?

I have been busy working layouts from November's special Happy, Happy Christmas and am loving it!

In addition to these 5 layouts I have prepared an additional 3 two-page layouts for this workshop and will be offering an EXTRA Happy, Happy Christmas Layout Workshop December 6th!  If you're local and would like to attend, contact me!  If you are not local but would love the workshop we can make that happen too - contact me today! Here's a sneak peak at one of the featured layouts in the workshop!

EXTRA Happy, Happy Christmas Layout Workshop - Sign up today!

So how about City Sidewalks? Love all this Christmas paper!  I created this layout using extra complements from the workshop that I had left.  Isn't that car full of traveling family a fun image?   This layout also has white glitter paper snowflakes on it cut from CTMH Snowflake Thin Cuts.

Quick and easy, this layout is ready for holiday pictures!

City Sidewalks Layout featuring Snowflake Thin Cuts

If you need help recreating this layout or would like to attend my upcoming workshop let me know! You can find all the supplies for all of today's projects on my online shopping site!

Happy Crafting!

Sunday Paper: Autumn Splendor

This weather is GORGEOUS!!!  I am loving fall right now.  Seriously, November 6th is usually not shorts and t-shirt weather in Minnesota and we've been sporting them all weekend long.  Love it!

I thought I would share a layout with you that we created at a workshop back in August using Florence papers.  I love this paper for late summer, autumn projects.  It is rich in color - just beautiful. It was a paper pack featured in Seasonal Expressions 2 that retired August 31st, but... it's back!  While supplies last you can have your pick at the Florence paper, Florence complements and Florence Sequins.  Perfect timing to bring such beautiful paper back, in my opinion!

Layout created with Florence Papers and  Flower Market (Cricut).

To create this layout I used one piece of pattern paper and cut it diagonally to create the background. I used my Cricut Flower Market cartridge to create the title.  "Autumn" is a special cut on this cartridge that cuts proportionately to the banner.  "Splendor" is cut using the 2 fonts on the cartridge, a plain-slim font and a curly-slim font.  I also was able to cut the wheat from Flower Market.  The saffron pattern paper is also from the Florence paper and then I used peacock as an additional color. Add some sequin and... done!

If you'd like help recreating this layout or would like to create similar ones let me know! I'd love to have you join me for my next scrapbooking layout workshop!  Hop on over to my online shop and grab your Florence paper, complements or sequins while they are around.

Florence Paper

Florence Sequins

Florence Complements

Happy Crafting!

Jeepers Creepers! Sunday Paper Delivery...

So... not to say I haven't been playing with paper and enjoying spending some weekend time or Sundays with my favorite paper, but... I may have been heading in this direction and that and not delivering.

Here we are, friends, Sunday morning and time to enjoy your favorite paper with your cup of coffee and pjs! Today I bring you a birthday card created using Jeepers Creepers.

Card created using Jeepers Creepers and Flower Market. 

I used the Jeepers Creepers washi tape to embellish the front of the card as well as my mini stapler and my favorite new tool... the shimmer brush!  It's hard to tell in the pictures but up close and personal many of the monsters have a little sparkle to them.  Monsters are less scary with glitter, right?!

I used one of the stamp sets that comes with the new CTMH Flower Market Cricut Cartridge to stamp my sentiments on the outside and inside of my card.  The monster that I stamped on the inside comes from a retired stamp set, Love Ya Silly.  There is a current monster stamp set, Monstrous Halloween, that would do the same trick; Monstrous Halloween also comes in a thin-cut bundle if you're interested in that!  Finally,  I used my Marigold ShinHan marker to color in the white polka dots of the monster to complement the tangerine paper on the outside. 

Jeepers Creepers doesn't have to just be Halloween paper.  There are definite themes of the CTMH paper packs, but taking a look from a different angle can give you a whole new purpose for the papers you love!

A closer look at the supplies used for this layout:

Jeepers Creepers Paper

 Flower Market Cricut Collection

Monstrous Halloween Stamp Set

Thank you for stopping by! I hope you have a blessed Sunday. 

Happy Crafting!

White Pines Layout

So, this is Christmas...

You know I was singing this song in my head for hours after I created the title on this layout!  Sometimes songs just get stuck in your head! :)

Have you had a chance to check out the beautiful CTMH White Pines collection? It's available in the Holiday Expressions Idea Book but ONLY until December 31st!  It's gorgeous and perfect for a variety of creating.  The soft creams and browns pair beautifully for more natural scrapbook layouts and projects and the greens and reds scream "This is Christmas"!

At my last Layout Workshop all three layouts we created used this paper collection.  This layout was one of the layouts!  I'd love to have you join me next time and if you're too far to stop in and attend purchasing a kit on the go is also an option (please let me know if that is something you're interested in)!

In addition to the White Pines paper this layout also features an overlay cut from the new Cricut Artistry collection and embellished just enough with gold sequins for a clean look.  

Christmas layout featuring White Pines paper and Cricut Artistry overlay.

What have you been creating lately?  Are you planning on a crafty Christmas?  Remember to fill our your Santa wish lists and get them to me so I can help you out! If you would like a Santa list, contact me today!

Happy Crafting!

Falalalala Christmas Card

Anyone in the Christmas mood yet?  I so am!  I think it's because I've been preparing Christmas cards for my Christmas card buffet last month and have been playing with my papers of my upcoming layout workshop.  I certainly don't have my holiday shopping done! :)  Although, I have ideas swirling around... so I've got a start! :)

This Falalalala Christmas card was one of the cards that was available at my buffet in October.  

I have to say I love the simplicity of these trees and sentiment.  This card features 5 of 7 of the new CTMH colors that were introduced in September (saffron, fern, peacock, poppy and pomegranate). I have found myself creating a lot with these new rich colors.  They just look great, complementing each other well in multiple combinations and for many different projects!  

All the stamped images and sentiments come from a hostess rewards set available in Holiday Expressions, Festive Trees.  

Falalalala Christmas card featuring new CTMH colors!

 If you missed my workshop or are interested in hosting your own workshop contact me today.  I'd love to bring my workshop to you and a group of crafty friend or family members for a girls night out! 

All supplies used to create this card are available on my online site.  

Happy Crafting!

Sangria Layout

I LOVE the Sangria paper collection.  The mix of colors pared with this time of year puts a smile on my face!

When I saw this layout posted on CTMHs Blog I new I wanted to recreated it.  I love the mixture of stamped pieces that were incorporated from the September promotion Hello, Life and the strokes of water color.  I really like the look of water color and need to experiment this was a great place to begin!

Close to My Heart artwork from Make It from Your Heart.

This is how I recreated this layout with Sangria papers, Hello Life and watercolors.  I also used liquid glass to create epoxy bubbles on my layout and added to the lens of the camera.  

Layout featuring CTMH Sangria paper collection.

Layout featuring CTMH Sangria paper collection.

Aren't the colors in this paper great?  Love it!!

Shop my online site to get your own Sangria papers, complements and assortments!

Happy Crafting!!

Sunday Paper: Sangria Scrapbooking Layout

This last week was the official beginning of fall!  One of my favorite things about fall are the gorgeous fall colors.  It's still pretty green around here but the leaves are starting to change and anticipating the beautiful colors inspired my artwork this week.

This layout was created using Sangria papers.  Aren't they beautiful??  Using kraft paper as the background the Sangria papers really pop and get me in the fall mood!  I used September SOTM: Paper Garden and Antiqued Gold Mini-Medley Accents to embellish and finished the layout off with a small title fit in by the flowers "Autumn Memories".  This stamped title was created using the exclusive Hello, Life! stamp sets (only available this month).

Autumn Memories Layout featuring Sangria papers, September SOTM: Paper
Garden and Hello, Life! stamp set. 

I hope you get a chance to enjoy the great weather - get out and make some great 'Autumn Memories'!

Autumn Memories Layout featuring Sangria papers, September SOTM: Paper
Garden and Hello, Life! stamp set. 

Remember, September SOTM and the Hello, Life! stamp sets are only available during September so hop on over to my online shopping site and scoop yours up while they're available!

Hello, Life! Pocket Scrapbooking Set,  CC1042

Hello, Life! Cardmaking Set, CC1041

Hello, Life! Scrapbooking Set, CC1040

Happy Crafting!

Sunday Paper: Nevermore Layout with Flip Flaps

Where will you put all those cute pictures you take on Halloween?

I think I'll put mine here...

Guess what? I certainly WILL take more than 3 pictures ...and this layout will still work because of flip flaps!! There are 10 photo mats on this layout and I'm confident I could squeeze a few more flip flaps on if needed! :)

Here's the layout with the flip flaps 'opened' up.

I found inspiration for this page from Dana Kessler on Pinterest and made it my own. I also gained a lot of flip flap inspiration from many consultants at Convention this summer.  To create this layout I used Nevermore paper pack, Nevermore complements, Artbooking Cricut cartridge and Flip Flaps.  The complements in the new Annual Inspirations are a home run - seriously cute!

Remember, when you purchase your Nevermore paper this month I you will receive instructions to make this "Spooky Fun " layout and receive a cute Halloween card to add to your stash! 

Happy Crafting!

Sunday Paper: Artfully Sent Halloween Card

The days of September are cruising by and before we know it Halloween will be here!  True Story. Just like that we'll have little goblins and ghosts at our doorsteps trick-or-treating.

This card was created using the Artfully Sent Cricut cartridge.  "Candy Corn Kisses" cuts directly into the card so all I had to do was put some backing (retired Scardey Cat paper) behind the image.  Finally, paper fundamental scraps worked perfectly to decorate the candy corn - voila!  Truly a card made in minutes!

CTMH Artfully Sent Halloween Card

Are you wondering if Artfully Sent is the next Cricut cartridge for you?  Watch this quick video from Close to My Heart to see more of the functions Artfully Sent offers up close.

You can find Artfully Sent and the rest of CTMHs Cricut Collections on my online shopping site. Let me know if you have any questions!

Happy Crafting!

Sunday Paper: Zoe Artwork

I am loving the Zoe paper pack, the color palette and time to play with paper.

Zoe is one of the paper packs in the new Annual Inspirations Idea Book that will be released in September.  Zoe was released early! Have you had a chance to get your hands on it yet? You're going to LOVE all the pieces to this paper line! 

Zoe is the my paper pack of the month! It's featured in my workshops and artwork most this month.  This card was the free make-and-take at my Preview Party.  It was created using Zoe paper and August Stamp of the Month, Framed, stamped in Topiary and Sweet Leaf.  Remember, the August SOTM is a Cricut compatible stamp set and it coordinates with our newest member of the CTMH Cricut family, Artistry! I used coral shimmer trim and Coral Reef Sequins to embellish.

Zoe card featuring August SOTM, Framed.

And a close variation... adding some ink distressing to the paper pieces and changing up the embellishment to green enamel triangles instead of coral shimmer trim and sequins.

Zoe card featuring August SOTM, Framed.

This is one the layouts created at my Scrapbook Layout Workshop this month using pieces from the Zoe Workshop on the Go Kit. The exclusive stamp set that comes in the Zoe WOTG kit is also compatible with the new Artistry Cricut cartridge. 

Scrapbook Layout featuring Zoe Workshop on the Go

How about those little bows made from coral shimmer trim - cute, huh?  I love cute embellishments and is a bonus when they are easy to make! 

To create a faux bow like this you'll need 2 pieces of your favorite shimmer trim (or ribbon, paper, etc.).  I used one piece that was 2 3/4 inches long, left the backing of the shimmer trim on, looped the end around to the back so they meet in the middle and adhered them.  Then I used a smaller piece, about 1 inch, of shimmer trim, removed the backing exposing the adhesive, looped it around the middle of the circle and again attaching the ends in the back creating a bow. 

All of the products I used in my artwork today are available now on my Online Shopping Site! Let me know if you have any questions! 

Happy Crafting!

Sunday Paper: Wanderful Artwork

Wanderful is the perfect paper collection to complement your travels.  I have been busy creating layouts with my Wanderful Workshop On the Go kit and still have paper left!  I decided to store a little away until all my vacation photos arrive and then use it up.

These first two layouts are the layouts that are showcased in the WOTG.  They were quick to put together.  Remember, one of the benefits of the WOTG kits is that CTMH provides an instructional brochure with each kit.  The instructional brochure helps you put together two layouts: there is always a main layout and an additional layout.

The main layout included an Artbooking overlay.  I altered my layout and the pattern papers a little from the original to fit my taste more but the basic design is the same.  By the way, even though many of the main WOTG layouts include Cricut cuts you do not need a Cricut to be able to complete the layouts in the WOTG.  CTMH provides alternative directions for completing the layout without Cricut cuts!

I also adjust the papers on the additional layout to my taste and pictures I know will find a home here soon.  I love how well all the CTMH products coordinate!  The arrow washi tape is so fun to work with! I was putting little arrows everywhere.  Once the washi tape is down the arrow pops so well.  Can you find all the arrows I added to my layouts?

I found a scrapbook sketch on Pinterest from Scrapbook Generation that inspired my work on this next layout.  Shifting the focus and creating my layout at an angle was fun and not nearly as challenging as it may look. I started with 4x6 photo mats.  I lined the photo mats where I wanted them then snipped excess paper and adhered zip strips and other papers to create the look I was going for.

The Wanderful collection has a coordinating Picture My Life collection.  I used three Wandeful PML cards on this layout as well. That's right!  Picture My Life cards don't have to only be used in pocket scrapbooking.  They often fit well on traditional layouts. If you haven't used a PML card on a traditional layout before I challenge you to do that soon!

The Wanderful paper pack is one of the paper packs that is available while supplies last and will be retiring at the end of the month.  Unfortunately, the WOTG kits are already sold out but the following Wanderful pieces are still available:  Wanderful Paper Pack, Wanderful Complements, Wanderful Picture My Life cards, Black Arrow Washi Tape.

Remember! August is Mystery Hostess month!  Place an order with me during August and you will earn tickets into the drawing for the hostess rewards.  For every $5.00 that you spend in product, you will have your name entered into the drawing for free product! If you have any questions or need help with your order, please let me know!

Thanks for stopping by!
Happy Crafting!

Sunday Paper: Artistry Cards

Ahh... time for our favorite Sunday Paper!

This weekend I decided to get punny with my Cricut Artistry cartridge.  I giggled a bit so maybe you'll also get a little endorphin lift while you're here too! :)

I was inspired to check out all the little creatures on the Artistry cartridge while listening to our Product Premiere presenters at Convention in July. Naturally, I took it a little further than just checking them out.  I cut them out!  Whale, whoo's ready to get googley-eyed and giggly?

"Hey lil' Squirt!" is my favorite! The phrase inspiration for this totally came from one of my favorite little whale outfits my kiddos have worn.  This whale image is from the new CTMH Cricut Artistry cartridge and the sentiment is stamped from the CTMH Cricut Artfully Sent alphabet stamp set.  I got a couple cuts into my new Zoe paper pack and was able to coordinate with some grey baker's twine and glacier washi tape.  I can't wait to send this off!

"Hey lil' Squirt" CTMH Artistry card featuring Zoe paper. 

I couldn't just make one whale card so I decided "Get Whale Soon" would be a punny card to send someone who could use a pick me up!  I have a pack of teal glitter paper that has been begging to be used.  This card was perfect!  Glittery waves coming on up.  The waves were made using CTMH Cricut Artbooking cartridge.  The raindrops from Junebug Puffies matched perfectly (I love when that happens!) and looked way cuter than cardstock for this card.  As with all of Close to My Heart's Cricut cartridges Artistry also has its own unique font.  The "whale" is the font from Artistry and the stamped words again are from the Artfully Sent collection.

"Get Whale Soon" CTMH Artistry card.

Whaley cute, right?  What other "whale" sentiments can you come up with? 

I'm not done yet!  You see there is also this cute little crab that I cut out and got creative with too!

"Oh Crab! This wish is late..."  In a perfect world I would get all my cards and wishes sent out on time.  Well, that's doesn't eggs-actly (I means exactly) happen all the time.   I obviously know this about myself because the Belated Birthday stamp set was one of the first sets I purchased from the current Idea Book.  I purchased the Belated Birthday stamp set but haven't really made Belated Birthday cards until it's belated, of course, and then it's even more belated because I didn't have it ready.  So, I figured it was time... time to be on time with my belated wishes.  "Oh Crab! This wish is late..." and the sentiment on the inside "wishing you a belated birthday!"  Now, I'm ready to be late.  Make's sense, huh?!

This cute little crab can be cut from the Artistry cartridge.  I used some Fundamental scraps for the image, it added nice texture without being too much.  You can actually see more of the embossed image on the Fundamentals from the light in the photo than in person.  A little liquid glass to adhere his googley eyes.  Side note: I'm noticing I used all-caps when I cut out "OH CRAB!" as I did above with "WHALE" and you should know there is a lowercase alphabet on this cartridge also! :)

"Oh Crab! This wish is late..." CTMH Artistry belated birthday card.

Add caption

One more! So I have to say this card actually turned out better than planned because I didn't even realize I was attaching everything on the card upside down until I was all done.  Man!  Have you ever done that?  Well, in this case it worked out just fine and gave me a good giggle! 

"Oh Snap!"

"Oh Snap" CTMH Artistry card.

Whale, thanks for stopping by!  If you are ready to get your hands on CTMHs newest Cricut family member the Artistry Collection or are interested in any of the Cricut Collections they are available on my Online Site.  Let me know if you have any questions I'm happy to help! 

Later gator!

Happy Crafting!

Sunday Paper: Wavy Blooms

At CTMH Convention many consultants brings cards and swap with others. I debated and debated on what to create, tried a few different things and came up with this card for my card swap card this year at Convention.

To create this card I used Wavy Blooms and Finding the Words stamp sets, Cricut Artbooking and kept it clean and simple with white, black and thistle.

I made 30 cards for my first year attending and I think it was just right for me.  I had a chance to meet some pretty great ladies this way.  Swapping gives us all a chance to see each other's work up close and personal as well as give each other some new ideas and fun cards to add to our stash! Fun idea!

I was happy with what I came up with and it was well received.  I'm already looking forward to next year now that I got a taste of what card swapping is all about!

Happy Crafting! 

Sunday Paper: Brushed

Brushed is the July paper pack of the month. I'm pulling my paper out and getting ready to put some summery pages together!

Often times when I sit down to scrap again (and especially when it feel like I haven't in awhile) I look around for some inspiration.  When I grabbed my Brushed papers I headed to my Annual Inspirations Idea Book to see what CTMH corp put together using this paper pack.  I found some cute ideas and these layouts to get me started and inspire my creativity. 

Brushed Workshop on the Go: Brushed Paper Pack, Brushed Workshop Stamp Set,
Coordinating Cardstock, Brushed Assortment, Topiary Striped Washi Tape,
Instruction Brochure for 2 Two-Page Layouts

Layout Featuring Brushed Paper Pack, Complements and Assortment

Layout Featuring Brushed Paper Pack, Complements and Assortment

I like the bokeh ombré print on the paper used as the background in this layout. And, I'm thinking the Brushed Complements have some cute titles and accents. Don't you think? "Sassitude" Ha! 

Side note: Creating a card or layout using the bokeh technique is on my summer to-do list. Have you tried this technique yet?

The Brushed WOTG Kit has already sold out, BUT you can still get the Brushed Paper Pack, Brushed Complements and Brushed Assortment while supplies last on my Online Site. Be sure to pick up your favorites while you can!

Brushed Paper Pack

Brushed Complements

Brushed Assortment

Remember your CTMH Idea Book is full of inspiration! Contact me if you still need your own copy of Annual Inspirations 2014-2015.

I'm off to play with paper!

Happy Crafting!