Close To My Heart "Rocks The Block"!

January is National Papercrafting Month, and Close To My Heart is starting the celebration early - MONDAY, December 19th! Introducing "Rock The Block" - an EXCLUSIVE set that includes a brand new product to be released in the Spring-Summer 2012 Idea Book - the "My Creations Collage Cubes", PLUS an Exclusive E-sized stamp set that you won't be able to purchase anywhere else, or at any other time!

Here's the best part - place a minimum order of only $25 from the Autumn-Winter 2011 Idea Book between December 19th and January 31st, and get this set of My Creations Collage Cubes and the Exclusive "Rock The Block" E-sized Stamp Set for just $15.00!! That's right - a $44.90 value for only $15! Whats MORE, you can get a set for $15 with EACH $25 purchase!! So, if you buy $50 worth of CTMH product from the Autumn-Winter 2011 Idea Book, you can purchase TWO "Rock The Block" sets at $15 each! Fantastic!! I completed my Collage Cubes using photos from our Disney Cruise, and it is awesome! Here is what I did:  Side 1 using 2" x 2" photos:

Side 2 using one 4" x 4" photo:

Side 3 using one 6" x 4" photo:

Side 4 using one 4" x 6" photo:

Side 5 using one 6" x 4" photo:

And side 6 using one 6" x 6" photo:

I had so much fun putting this together - and it was so easy because each block face is 2" x 2". There was no guesswork - and the stamps in the stamp set were fantastic. I know you will have as much fun creating yours! They make such fun gifts for birthdays, Mother's & Father's Day, anniversaries - any occasion at all! Contact me TODAY to get yours before it's too late!

December Stamp of the Month Artwork

Yea! You get a peek at the Close To My Heart December Stamp of the Month a day early! Lucky you! The artwork I created with it is the same artwork pictured in the CTMH flyer (why re-invent the wheel, right?), though with my own tweeks, since I didn't have some of the supplies needed to re-create them exactly. That's what I love about our designs - you can take them and interpret them any way you'd like, and with the supplies you have on hand. These items were also displayed at my Open House back in September - so if you were there, you really got a sneak peek! Here's just a sampling of what you can create using "Mad About You":

The "Mad About You" stamp set is Valentine's themed, however, you can use this set for anniversaries, weddings, or any occasion to tell someone what they mean to you. This card uses the "Typeset" paper pack, along with "Just Blooms Paper Shapes - Flutter" (butterfly). The heart image was stamped directly onto it's corresponding "Art Philosophy" Cricut-cut shape.

This card uses the "Typeset" paper again, along with the "Bling Assortment" (stick pins). I didn't actually think I would use the stick pins (they come packaged with really cool bling buttons), but once I did, I really loved them! They make a fun and elegant addition to your artwork.

I love this card. I really like the "ticket" look. Any card using tickets or ticket shapes & images, I am drawn to. And these "Over The Moon" images remind me of that. These shapes were cut from the Cricut "Art Philosophy" cartridge before being stamped on. So quick & easy! I inked one of the Flutter Paper Shapes with red and inked the edges with black.

Pillow boxes are always fun - and an easy gift box to create! Again, these images were all cut, including the box, from "Art Philosophy". You may not be able to tell, but there are tiny "Sparkles" in the swirl of each heart - just to bling it up a little!

I know you will have as much fun with this set as I did. And don't forget, each Stamp of the Month set comes with a Project Sheet which will direct you to the corporate website where you can find a list of materials and instructions for creating all of the artwork I have shown you today! The Exclusive SOTM set, "Mad About You" is available through December 2001 ONLY - for $17.95 OR for only $5 with a $50 purchase. Now that's something to love!

Open House Artwork - Part 6

Hello everyone!

I have just returned from the most wonderful birthday weekend ever - a Disney Cruise aboard the Disney Dream! After a rocky start (literally), it really was an incredible weekend.

So, now, back to the artwork! Yes, there's still more to see! So let's get right to it!

This first card was the Make & Take at my Open House. It uses this month's Stamp of the Month, "Cherish The Day", along with the star images from "Love Life" and the "thank you" sentiment from the "Thank You" set (available only through my online store at http://funforyou.myctmh.com). The stars and "ticket" pieces were cut from the "Art Philosophy" Cricut Cartridge.

This gorgeous layout was created using the Mayberry Paper Pack, Color-Ready Alphabets Cork, the "Love Life" stamp set, Designer Ribbon Cocoa Collection, and the Brad Assortment - Pink. The original layout (featured on page 29 of the Autumn-Winter 2011 Idea Book) used the Elemental Paper Pack and our new Decor Journaling Spots, but since i didn't have either of those products, I improvised - again! I made my own cute envelopes for the tags, and the starts were nice and easy - cut from the Cricut!

This very pretty card utilizes the Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge once again. I just LOVE how the images from the "Hooray Bouquet" stamp set coordinate perfectly with the Cricut cuts. The flowers and sentiment stamped in the rectangle are from "The Present" stamp set. A Chocolate brad, along with Opaques - Mocha, were also used.

That "Hooray Bouquet" stamp set is so much fun to use - I just had to use it again on this layout of my beautiful daughter. This layout can also be found on page 86 of the Autumn-Winter 2011 Idea Book using different colors and papers. The flowers are perfect for layering! And I am really loving the new Cork Alphabet - it's really cork! The flowers and borders were cut with the Cricut!

These last three cards were all done using the "Remarkable Wreath" stamp set. This is a great set in that you can create three completely different looks for three different seasons. All you have to do is switch up the papers and colors, and voila! These cards were all cut using "Art Philosophy". This one is the autumn card.

This one is the winter card.

And this one is the spring card. Fun!

Well, I hope you have enjoyed this week's inspiration! The holidays are FAST approaching, so be sure you make that special someone a handmade greeting to show how much you really care. Until next time, happy stamping!

November Stamp of the Month and Artwork!

Wow! November already! Well, with a new month, comes a new Stamp of the Month from Close To My Heart - and coincidentally, the next installment of Open House Artwork was done with the November SOTM! The Stamp of the Month is available for this month only, and is called "Cherish the Day". It is a set of 44 (yes, forty-four!) images that also, incidentally, coordinate beautifully with several different cuts on the CTMH exclusive "Art Philosophy" Cricut Cartridge! Here is a picture of the images you'll get:

I created (or re-created) the featured artwork that comes with the stamp set. With every SOTM, you will receive a project sheet that will direct you to the CTMH website for a product list and instructions for creating several different items with that stamp set. They are a lot of fun! And this stamp set was easy and versatile. Check out the artwork:

The patterned paper used is from the "Dreamin'" paper pack. What's cool about these cards is that they originally call for the use of "Milepost Shapes" (item #Z1464), which are corrugated chipboard shapes. I, however, did not have those, so I used Desert Sand cardstock, cut the shapes from the Cricut "Art Philosophy" cartridge, ran them through my corrugator, then inked the ridges with Desert Sand ink (the only exception is the blue stars which were Pacifica CS and ink). So feel free to use what you have to create these fun projects!

Everything on this cute take-out box (including the box!) was cut from the "Art Philosophy" cartridge. I tell you, I had so much fun using that cartridge!

And you will have so much fun with this stamp set! Use it to mark any occasion! It's only $17.95 or $5.00 with a $50.00 purchase! Have fun!

Scrap-a-Palooza II

Hello Everyone!

I wanted to make sure I posted this because it is for a really good cause, and it will be really great fun! Hope you can join us!

This is the last call, ladies!
The Uxbridge Elementary PTO is sponsoring the second Scrap-a-Palooza and it is THIS SATURDAY! We had so much fun at the last one – please come and join our party! You must have reservations in order to attend and the final deadline is WEDNESDAY for certain. Details are included below, and if you wish to register, please do so by calling Julie (508-278-9994) right away!!!

Scrap-a-palooza II

Saturday, October 29^th from 9am to 9pm in the Taft Café

The $45 admission benefits the PTO and includes:

­   Lunch, dinner, and snacks

­   Prizes and, of course, chocolate!

­   Porter service to and from your car

­   Demonstrations and products from Close To My Heart, Creative Memories, Memory Works, and Stampin’ Up!

­   Lots of tools to use including 2 Cricut Expressions and 45 cartridges.

­   10-minute chair massages will be available for an additional $10.

Invite your friends! Reservations are required. RSVP to Julie Bleyhl at 508-278-9994 or bleyhl@charter.net.

Checks may be made payable in advance to “UEPTO” and mailed to Julie at 18 Trask Ln. Uxbridge , MA 01569 . Only your check guarantees your spot, so don’t miss out!

Open House Artwork - Part 5

Seriously - where does the time go?!? My apologies for not having posted in so long. Time has a way of getting away from me! But, you're here to see artwork! So this time around I have a set of cards that use the "Typeset" paper pack and the Kraft Die-Cut Cards. These cards are actually the featured bonus project for the "Sonoma" Workshop On The Go - however, I don't have the "Sonoma" WOTG, so I improvised (again)! OK, first card:

These cards were so much fun to do! In addition to the "Typeset" paper, I used the "Love Life" (swirl & flower corners) and "Hooray Bouquet" ("hip hip hooray!") stamp sets, Clear Assortment Buttons, Bitty Sparkles, and white grosgrain ribbon. Quick & easy!

Again, this card uses "Typeset" paper, "Love Life" (swirl), "Hooray Bouquet" (flower & sentiment), Sparkles, Clear Buttons, & white grosgrain ribbon. The flower was cut with the "Art Philosophy" Cricut Cartridge.

Same materials again (aren't these fun?!). I love adding the little bit of bling with the Sparkles and Bitty Sparkles to give things just a little bit of pop!

These hearts were stamped from the "Love Life" stamp set, and the "You & Me" sentiment is actually cut from the "zip-strip" border that is found at the top of every patterned paper duo from Close To My Heart. I also used Mocha and Licorice Opaques.

Again, the flowers were cut using the "Art Philosophy" Cricut Cartridge - available exclusively from Close To My Heart - and stamped with "Hooray Bouquet". The die-cut cards, if you hadn't been able to figure it out, are tri-fold - on this card, the right-hand side with the scalloped edge is a flap that opens up, then the inside opens just as a regular card would. These cards measure 6" x 6".

I hope you enjoyed viewing these cards as much as I enjoyed making them! The instructions for these cards can be found online by clicking HERE. Have fun & enjoy!

Open House Artwork - Part 4

I am so excited to share these cards with you (I LOVE circle cards)! I worked on three different bonus Workshop on the Go projects...and I didn't even have the kits! I just fell in love with the projects, so I completed them with the supplies that I had. For the set that I will be showing you today, I had the paper, but not the exclusive stamp set that comes with the Workshop on the Go - nor the Chocolate-striped ribbon...so I improvised! I think they came out pretty darn good, but I'll let you be the judge!

Each of these cards uses the White Daisy Circle Cards and the "Dreamin'" Paper Pack. The leaves are from the "Harvest Happiness" stamp set, and "Just For You" is from the "December 25th" stamp set. I simulated the Chocolate-striped ribbon with lines drawn with Chocolate marker on cardstock.

This card uses the "Blue Ribbon" stamp set ("Happy Day"), along with Mocha Opaques and the Cocoa Designer Ribbon Collection.

Again, the striped ribbon has been replaced by striped cardstock on this card. "Harvest Happiness" was the stamp set used, only this time, I cut out a couple of acorns and adhered them with 3-D foam tape. In addition, I went back with Glitz Glitter Gel (Stardust) to accent the stamped images.

This one is fun! I just love circles! They make everything seem so playful. The "100% Awesome" is from the "Blue Ribbon" stamp set. The blue strip is one of the zip-strip borders now found on all of CTMH's patterned paper. Again, I made my own "ribbon", only this time I inked it up, because the white lines were just too bright for me on this card.

Lastly, this card uses the "Love Life" stamp set ("simple pleasures") along with "Harvest Happiness". There are also Mocha Opaques in the lower-right corner. This card also utilizes one of the zip-strip borders now found on CTMH's patterned paper.

It was such fun creating these cards - especially trying to find ways to make them look like the originals featured in the bonus project, without having the materials that were originally used. Don't feel like you can't create a project if you don't have exactly what is called for - find ways to use what you have! Not only will you stir those creative juices, but you might just use some of those unused products as well! More "adjusted" Workshop on the Go Bonus Projects next time!

Open House Artwork - Part 3

Oooo, these cards just keep getting better and better! I had so much fun making them, too! Well, let's not waste any time, and just get to it!

Oh, how cute is this?! It's a 3" x 3" card - perfect for putting in the kids' lunches for a mid-morning ego boost! And so easy to make thanks to the new Close To My Heart Cricut "Art Philosophy" Collection! Stamps included in the Collection, as well as many other stamp sets throughout the Autumn-Winter 2011 Idea Book, are designed to perfectly coordinate with cuts made from the Cricut cartdridge! No more tedious cuts with the scissors! This card also uses the new "Blue Ribbon" stamp set and the new "Typeset" paper pack (my favorite new paper pack).

Here's another card using the "Typeset" paper and "Blue Ribbon" stamp set. This card also uses the new White Daisy Die-Cut Cards, which have the bracket edge already cut for you! Love that! You will see an entire set of cards using the Die-Cut bases in a later post (there are some cool Kraft Die-Cut Cards, too!).

Ah, yes, "Typeset" paper again (I told you it was my favorite!), along with a cut/stamped image from the "Art Philosophy" Collection.

Mmmmm, I could really go for a cupcake right now! This cupcake was cut from the "Art Philosophy" Collection twice - once in pink, and once in tan. Then the coordinating cupcake stamp was stamped with pink ink on the pink cut and tan ink on the tan cut. I cut the top off of the tan piece and layered it on top of the pink piece for a yummy-looking cupcake (I also gave it some sparkle with a few dots of Glitter Glitz).

This is an adorable treat/mini gift bag! All the cuts (including the bag!) were done with "Art Philosophy". Don't you just love the 3-D flower accent?! The cartridge is so versatile!

And lastly, the snowflake card. The entire snowflake background is one cut from the "Art Philosophy" cartridge. Amazing, isn't it? There are several doilies and backgrounds you can cut with the cartridge. After getting all the little paper pieces out of the design (whew!), I painted it, first with white, then with CTMH's Create-a-Shade Pearl Paint. It really gives it a nice shimmer! I then "blinged it up" with Clear Sparkles and a simple sentiment. Beautiful!

Well, I hope this has been another inspirational installment of artwork to get your creative juices flowing! There's still a LOT more to see, so keep coming back to check it out!



                     

Open House Artwork - Part 2

Yea! It's time for more artwork inspiration! the three cards I am going to post today were done with this month's National Stamping Month Special - the "Pair-A-Phrase" Double Stamp Set! Have you seen this set yet? It is absolutely adorable! Here, take a look for yourself:

Tell me these aren't the cutest stamp sets! And the best part about them is that they are FREE with a $75 Close To My Heart order! That's a savings of $35.90! PLUS, you will also qualify to purchase the September Stamp of the Month for just $5!! That's an additional savings of $12.95!! WOW! September is a great month for stamping!

There are three cards pictured on the "Pair-A-Phrase" flyer - I decided to do these for my Open House so as not to reinvent the wheel. However, if you're dying to see more artwork done with the "Pair-A-Phrase" sets, head on over to CTMH's Facebook page! They've been posting cards done with these sets all month long, so check them out at http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150272520471123.334145.101779776122&type=1. These are fantastic cards! In addition, here's mine!

This is a cute one! It uses the "Wonderland" paper pack. Brrr...frosty!

I absolutely love the bike in this set! It's so darn cute! The patterned paper is from the "Typeset" paper pack.

OK, these images just keep getting cuter and cuter! And I just LOVE circle cards - they make me happy!

I hope you grab the opportunity to get these great stamp sets for free this month! And I hope you have as much fun as I did creating fun artwork with them! More Open House artwork coming your way next time!

Open House Artwork - Part 1

Well hello everyone!

Thank you for being so patient with me while I spent the last few weeks preparing for my annual Close To My Heart Open House. It was a lot of fun, and I just loved using all the new products from CTMH to create incredible artwork (if I do say so myself)! Close To My Heart really does make it so easy to look good!

At the wonderful suggestion of my husband, I created a video of my Open House setup so that those of you who could not attend could get a feel for it...however, the video is too large to post here. So, you'll just have to be content with viewing the artwork piece by piece (you get to see it better this way, anyway!). There is a TON of it, though, so I will have to bring it to you in multiple posts (more to look forward to!). I think I'll start with the Halloween pieces that I did, since that holiday is coming up first. Many of the pieces you will see on the cards and scrapbook layout were cut from the new "Art Philosophy" Cricut Cartridge from CTMH. I had such a great time exploring this new cartridge! Here are the pieces:

This card uses the "Captured Moments" stamp set and the "Mischief" Level 2 Paper Pack. Love it!

This card uses the same as above, along with the new White Daisy Die-Cut Cards & Envelopes.

This is my absolute favorite card! I love the creepy background paper (from the "Mischief" pack), the pleated paper "ribbon" below the candelabra, the 3-D flowers created with the Cricut "Art Philosophy" Cartridge, and that absolutely stunning black candelabra "Felt Shape" (brand new!). Love it, love it, love it!

This is the left-hand page of a two-page spread, created from the "Mischief Workshop on the Go". The WOTG includes the new Felt Shapes and an Exclusive C-size stamp set, along with the "Mischief" paper pack.

Here is the right-hand page. The word "NIGHT" was cut using the font on the "Art Philosophy" cartridge. And here's what the spread looks like together:

Very cool! I can't wait for Halloween so I can have some pictures to put on this!!

Well, that's all I have for Halloween artwork! Come back real soon to view more Open House art - you're gonna love it!