Oh Deer! Scrapbook Layout

It's Christmas week!!! Christmas means many different things to different people. I love Christmas time!  Every bit of it... the hustle and bustle, the glow of lights, the gatherings and celebrations, the magic, the hope and gift of love, Christmas Eve service, picking out the perfect gifts, taking time to smile on the memories I have of family watching down on us and think about the blessings in my life.

I take so many pictures during December to document our days and traditions and I look forward to documenting Christmas in my albums each year.  I have a layout ready to share with you each day this week to celebrate my favorite time of year! 

This layout was created using Oh Deer! papers.  I love this paper and love the natural look you get when using with with kraft paper.  However, you'll notice I added some gold glitter paper to bling it up!  The title Christmas is cut using the CTMH Christmas Thin Cut. 

 

 

 

Christmas Layout created using Oh! Deer paper collection

Wishing you peace, love and happiness!

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!

Happy New Year! Layout

Happy New Year's Eve!!

I am here to share a layout with you today that you could create and put your favorite pictures from your New Year's Eve celebrations as you count down to 2016.  It could also be used to highlight your favorites from this last year.  It could be a place for your family's new year resolutions or goals.  It would look great displayed in your home in a Designed Decor frame or placed at the beginning of your 2016 Family Album.  The possibilities are endless!! :)

As I played with the paper pack of the month this month, La Vie En Rose, I quickly loved all the the black and white patterns!! Each of these pattern pieces are from the La Vie En Rose paper pack.  The 6th pattern that belongs to the paper pack is a colorful rose pattern.

"Pop, Fizz, Clink" is a cricut cut from the new Artistry CTMH Cricut Collection.  The other embellishments on this layout include: Bodacious Banners stamping, In Review stamping, Watercolor, Gold glitter paper, Gold Fundamental Assortments, Pomegranate Fundamental Assortments, Gold foil tape and Itty Bitty Sparkles.

Do you have any crafting goals for the new year?  One of mine is to keep my Designed Decor frame full all year.  Ideally, I'd love to add a new layout or piece of art each month!  Not only will this layout be out for my family and I to enjoy but it will be a layout that I can quickly and easily add to our family scrapbook. Who wants to join me??  I know YOU do so keep on reading to see how I'm going to help make getting started easy for you!! :)

I'll keep you posted with upcoming workshops and classes!

Stop back this week for new product reveals and January steals and deals!

Cheers!

La Vie En Rose Shaker Card

I have loved crafting away with La Vie En Rose papers!  All of the black and white patterns make creating a layout for almost anything possible and fun.  Adding a color or group of colors of any kind can transform this paper from elegant to playful and fun.

Shaker Card featuring La Vie En Rose papers and Finding the Words stamps.

I created this shaker card using La Vie En Rose paper, Cricut Artbooking and Finding the Words stamp set.  I created the shaker part of the card with a frame cute from my Artbooking cartridge and used a 4x6 Flip Flap to create the window.  I filled the frame with sequins and glitter and used foam tape to seal the edges, containing all the fun stuff! :) I embellished with Poppy stamped images and Poppy Thick Twine.

Shaker Card featuring La Vie En Rose papers and Finding the Words stamps.

Thanks for stopping by!
Happy Everything!

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!

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!!

November News!

Hello!  Thanks for stopping by my little space to check out what I've got going on here and there. Today I've got the details of all the November CTMH (and Ellie) deals for you - check it out!

Scrapbookers, CTMHs November Constant Campaign has the perfect deal for you!!

Fundamental Scrapbooking Bundle!

​Experience the beautiful Simply Fundamental Scrapbooking workshop - available only during November!  This workshop has been created using all the items featured in our campaign exclusive My Legacy album bundles, available this month only for $71.80 each! 

When you purchase the album bundle, you will also qualify to receive a value pack (25 memory protectors) of side load or top load Memory Protectors FREE -- a savings of $19.95! 

Each bundle includes: 

1) One My Legacy Album (style and design of your choice) 

2) One Paper Fundamentals Enchantment pack

3) One Fundamental stickers Enchantment pack

4) One Peacock Fundamental assortment

5) Three sheets of White Daisy cardstock

** And Your FREE Memory Protectors!

You will then be set to turn these beautiful products into fabulous layouts using the new Simply Fundamental Scrapbooking workshop featuring five layouts you can make using all the supplies in your bundle.  The layouts are fun, versitile and available to you electronically upon purchase of this bundle!!

The gift giving season is upon us: This bundle could be just the perfect gift to yourself, for yourself or from Santa! It would also make a pretty swell gift for a crafty friend or relative!  

Shop for your Simply Fundamental Bundle anytime this month and get ready to have some FUN with FUNdamentals!

Piggyback Promotion: FREE Paper Pack of your Choice!

When you purchase your Simply Fundamental Bundle from me this month you'll also score your favorite paper pack from me for FREE!!!

More great paper = more great layouts for that new album your getting!! You can choose from any of the paper packs in Annual Inspirations (Zoe, Sangria, La Vie En Rose, Kaleidoscope, Georgie, Urban) or Holiday Expressions (Nevermore, White Pines).  

 

Sangria is my featured paper pack of the month.  Check back this month for artwork ideas
using these beautiful papers!

Stamp of the Month: Cheers

"Cheers" is available during November only - for just $5 with a purchase of $50 or more. Grab yours today! 

Holiday Wish List!!

With November here and December well... that'll be here before we know it!  It's holiday shopping time!  Keep me in mind for those crafty friends, family members, teachers, secret santas, etc. you're shopping for.  CTMH has many crafty gifts that are very reasonably priced.  I'd love to help you find what you're looking for.

But most of all....  I'm ready to help YOU get all the CTMH goodies you're hoping for!!!  :) I've got a Santa letter ready for you to fill out! Leave your information in the newsletter section of my blog and I'll get you a copy ASAP!  You can leave your list out for Santa to see - or better yet... email me/give me your list and your Santa(s) you'd like me to contact and I'll make sure you're on the nice list!! :)

I would like to place all holiday orders by Sunday, December 6th to be sure everything makes it here and under the trees in time!! So, get busy!  Fill out your list and send it my way so I can contact those husbands, parents, friends or family members for you!! :) 

Coming Soon!!!

If you're following me or CTMH on social media (Facebook Business Page) you've seen the sneak peek of the new Planner System CTMH is releasing December 1st!  There are multiple products releasing with this system from the Everyday Life binder to planner pages and a new roller stamp to washi tape.  I will post more details here my blog and will be sending emails as it gets closer to releasing so be sure you're on my newsletter list! 

The need-to-know is this... it's adorbs.  And, all the products will be available individually but also in a bundle deal. Perfecto! If you're planning on planning this next year plan on checking this out December 1st!

Upcoming Workshops:

Tuesday, November 17th, 6pm-9pm:  White Pines Layout Workshop at my house.

-- RSVP by Tuesday, November 10th please. 

Friday, November 20th and Saturday, November 21st: CTMH Live Creative Broadcast on CreativeLive.com

-- Join the event for giveaways and inspiration anytime during these two days.  CTMH has an event set up on their Facebook page with more details in you're interested!

Host a Gathering or Workshop!

Is your wish list getting long?  Host a party and get some of that for FREE or 1/2 off!!  If you're not on my calendar to host a party yet and would love to be let's get that planned!  I'm ready whenever you are!! :) 

 

Happy Crafting!

Halloween Layout!

Halloween is just around the corner. It's time to 'eat, drink and be scary'! I hope you all have spooky, fun plans with your ghouls and goblins!! 

Halloween layout featuring Nevermore and Cricut Artfully Sent.

This layout was created with Nevermore papers, Cricut Artfully Sent and Cricut Artbooking. I used a new favorite flair stamp of my mine from the new Annual Inspirations, Ink Blot, in the background.  Check out those cute green eyes. You can easily create any color sparkle you are looking for - those are clear sparkles colored with my ShinHan alcohol markers!

You can find all the supplies to recreate this layout on my online shopping site.

Happy Halloween!

Happy Crafting!

Halloween Layout

Things are getting spooky around here!

This layout was created using Nevermore paper, black glitter paper, my new favorite stamp set Ink Blot and Artiste Cricut cartridge. 

Layouts like this one can be created with me at my Layout Workshops! My next scheduled Layout Workshop is Tuesday, November 17th at 6pm. Mark your calendars! 

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!

Happy National Stamping Month!

September is off to an exciting start!  The new Annual Inspirations Idea Book and the first Holiday Expressions Book are now live.  If you are still in need of your own copies of these Idea Books let me know and I can get a copy sent your way!

National Stamping Month Promotion: Hello, Life!
September is also National Stamping Month! To celebrate CTMH has release 3 exclusive stamps, available only during the month of September, to help every kind of papercrafter say a big "hello" to life!  These C-size My Acrylix Hello, Life! stamp sets can be purchased for $13.95 each!  Or, for an even better deal, you can purchase all three for only $34.95 - a savings of $6.90! 

Each stamp set is designed to fit with a specific type of papercrafting, whether that's scrapbooking, cardmaking, or pocket scrapbooking.  However, all the stamp sets coordinate with each other and can be used together to create dynamic artwork.  These stamp sets also coordinate with shapes from the new Cricut Artistry collection to help expand your artwork options even further. 

Remember, these stamp sets are available for one month only, so get your orders in for one stamp set - or all three - before these gorgeous stamps disappear!  Make certain to follow Close To My Heart's blog, Instagram, and Facebook page for artwork inspiration featuring these lively stamp sets all month long.  You can post your own artwork to your social media channels using the hashtag #ctmhHelloLife

CTMH Artwork created using exclusive National Stamping Month stamp sets, "Hello, Life!".

Stamp of the Month: Paper Garden
During the month of September you can purchase this exclusive D-Sized stamp set,Paper Garden, for only $5 with an order of $50 or more!

Paper Pack of the Month: Nevermore
Stay tuned to my blog, Facebook page and Instagram for Nevermore inspiration this month.  Nevermore will be featured in my artwork and at workshops this month.

Nevermore Paper Pack: X7198B

Nevermore Assortment (adhesive-backed, printed, faceted gems): Z3083

Nevermore Complements (coordinating stickers, Kraft Di-Cuts & Plastic Die-Cuts): X7198C 

I'd love for you to play with this paper collection along with me!  When you order your Nevermore paper pack during September you'll receive a fun Halloween card as well as instructions to create this exclusive scrapbooking layout.

Upcoming Workshops
Paper play dates are even more fun when spent with friends!  Be sure to mark these dates on your calendar!

September 20th: 2:00-4:00pm Kid's Club

September 22nd: 6:00-9:00pm Layout Workshop

October 10th: 9am-Midnight CROPTOBER FEST Crop

October 20th: 6:00-8:00pm Christmas Card Buffet

These upcoming workshops and classes are ones that I'm hosting at my house.  You are all welcome and invited to come!  Please call, email or text with your RSVP and I'll get you on the VIP list! :)

Finally, I am still take reservations for gatherings this fall!  As my calendar fills I want to make sure you are on it!  You can pick the type of party you want.  Just for hosting YOU get free product in addition to all the hostess rewards you will earn and EVERY party will have a free make-and-take project for you and your guests.

It's National Stamping Month! Keep Calm and Stamp On!

Happy Crafting!

Sunday Paper: August Stamp of the Month

Have you had a chance to create with August Stamp of the Month, Framed?  It's a really versatile stamp set that offers many sentiments to last the whole year. 

Take a look at a couple cards I created using sentiments from the SOTM, Framed.  This first card was created with Zoe papers, Framed, August Stamp of the Month, Artiste Cricut cartridge (those cute bows!) and embellished with gold sequins.

Happy Birthday card created using Zoe paper and Framed stamp set.

This card was created using Zoe papers, Framed, Artistry Cricut cartridge and embellished with clear sparkles.

Thinking of You card created using Zoe paper and Framed stamp set.

Be sure to get your Framed stamp set while you can - it's only available this August!

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!