Mix It Up!

I believe that it is coded into our DNA that "mixing things up" is "bad". I mean, why else would it be so hard for us papercrafters to use papers from more than one "collection" in our projects? Well, today I'm here to tell you that it is ok. The world as we know it will not come to an end if you mix patterns and colors on the same project. In fact, you may find it quite liberating. You may also find yourself using up a lot more of your scraps!

Luckily, Close To My Heart makes mixing easy and stress-free. Each of their gorgeous paper packs has what's referred to as a "hero" pattern - the bold, dominant pattern in the pack. However, each paper pack also has a more subtle, smaller pattern which is a lot more versatile - and easier to mix! For the card that I decided to make, I used Pattern #19 from CTMH's "Make It From Your Heart - Volume 1". It features four "banners" perfect for showcasing four different patterns of paper. First, I'll show you the paper packs that I chose to use. They are:

"Laughing Lola"

"Surf's Up":

"Tommy":

and "Chantilly"

Now, seen together like this, one would cringe at the thought of ever using them together on the same project. However, here is the card that I created:

Cute, right? I used a strip of CTMH's Slate Washi Tape down the center of each banner and tied it all up with a bow. Ooo, I'm thinking of all the scrap pieces I can use this way!

So let this be a lesson to you - we may be pre-programmed to resist "mixing", but fear not! It can be done - and can be cute, too!  :-)

Give Me Liberty, or Give Me...More Cards!

As promised, I have a few more cards to show you that I created with the "Home of the Brave" stamp set - which is STILL AVAILABLE, by the way! I hope that after seeing all of the fun ways you can use it, you will decide to purchase a set for yourself. A portion of the sales of this stamp set go to the USO supporting our troops. Head over to my website to order one today! Ok, here's what I've got for you today:

I really like the way this one turned out. I used patterned paper from the "Tommy" paper pack (red w/anchors) and the "Dakota" paper pack (blue pin-stripe). I stamped the card base with "We The People" in second-generation Outdoor Denim ink, and also stamped the stars onto the red border strip. The "Pieced Together" pattern for the card came from the "Wishes" Card Confidence Program (pg.34).

I just HAD to do a circle card, because I LOVE circle cards! This one is also from "Wishes", called "Simple Statement" (pg. 11). I used Smokey Plum, Topiary, and Outdoor Denim for colors, and accented the fireworks with a bit of Stardust Glitz Glitter Gel. Fun!

I really love the Statue of Liberty image - it's so iconic. So, I used it again for this card - the modified pattern for which came out of the "Originals Card Confidence Program", entitled "Tag Trio" (pg. 108). I stamped the Statue image three times - without reinking my stamp. The result is three images in a progressively lighter shade - referred to as 1st, 2nd, and 3rd-generation. I also added some Opaques between each matted image.

I hope this inspires you to use your "Home of the Brave" stamp set - or to purchase one if you haven't already! Next week, I am beginning a series based on the Big Picture Scrapbooking Pajama Party project - do you remember it? We decorated a My Creations Kraft Container, and filled it with idea inspiration provided by Big Picture Scrapbooking. If you didn't get them, here's a link to the PDF: IDEA PROMPTS
Just print them out, cut them up, and place them in the container. Then draw one at random and do what it says! I will be starting that next week. Until then, stay cool & keep stampin'!

Passion For Patterns!

Even though I have more patterned paper than I could ever use in a dozen lifetimes, I continue to buy more. Why? I have a passion for patterns...and colors...and the unique and wonderful combination of the two. The newest Idea Book from Close To My Heart introduces seven brand-new collections, which include patterned paper packs. I can honestly say that this is the first time in my 11 years as a consultant that I have purchased every single paper pack in the Idea Book. These collections are, by far, the best yet - I just had to have them all! If you haven't seen them yet, be sure to head over to my website to take a look!

In the meantime, I have created a card that uses each paper collection, so you can get a peek at some of the patterns included. Each paper packet comes with 6 double-sided cardstock-weight sheets of patterned paper - there are 6 different patterns, so you get one sheet each of every pattern, or two sheets each of the three patterns you like best! Here are the cards I created:

Chantilly:

The Chantilly paper pack is easily my favorite. The colors are so vibrant and "Springy", and most of the patterns are small, which is great for a cardmaker like me. This card uses one of the 6 patterns. The design of this card was given to me by my good friend Judi D. - isn't it adorable?!

Buzz and Bumble:

I love the neutral palette of this paper. It's all browns, with a shot of Sunset & Creme Brulee - talk about versatility! This card shows just one of the six patterns in the set.

For Always:

You can't get more neutral than this paper pack - it's all black & white. I love its sophistication - and you can pair it with any color and have it look fantastic. Two of the patterns are shown here.

Claire:

"Claire" is pinks and oranges paired with Outdoor Denim blue for a fun, down-to-earth-girly set of patterns. You can see two of the six Claire patterns used in this card.

Later Sk8r:

Oh yes - let's get down & dirty with a paper pack that's all boy! These masculine papers are perfect for the men/boys in your life. Lagoon, Pear, Outdoor Denim and Slate all make for a very bright, bold, boyish look. I have used three of the Later Sk8r patterns in this card.

Surf's Up:

This is a fun, bright, retro summery paper pack - three patterns of which you can see between the above two cards. The second card has an interactive element that you pull open to reveal a surprise message.

Tommy:

Ok, you wouldn't know it by looking at this card, which is a testament to its versatility, but the Tommy paper pack is nautical-themed. Bright, bold Cranberry, Honey & Outdoor Denim also make this a perfect paper pack for the summer.

And that's all seven collections in the Spring-Summer 2013 Idea Book! To get a closer look at ALL of the patterns available in these spectacular paper packs, go to my website and browse the Idea Book! You can get there from HERE! Enjoy!