Mom 'n Me Scrap

Card A Day Super Bowl Blog Hop

2012-02-04T00:01:00.008-06:00

It's BLOG HOP TIME!
The designers at Card a Day Blog are joining together to do a blog hop this weekend! The theme is Masculine cards! Let's not let the guys have all the fun on Super Bowl Sunday....let's get a little of our own fun in! You will find the blog hop list at the bottom, just click on the blog after mine, Mom n Me Scrap to continue.

My card is a thank you card with a masculine flair. There are times you may need to say 'thank you' for fixing that flat, stopping the leaky faucet, or other helping hand a friend may have shared. That was my inspiration.

I started with a 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" Twilight (blue) card base and added a little Emporium pattern paper (using up my stash - this is a retired paper packet). I found a Cocoa frame already cut and some scraps of Crystal Blue. The small sentiment was just big enough for a stamp image from this month's Close To My Heart stamp of the month - Thoughtful Tidings.

I scuffed everything up with my sanding block or edge distresser and 3-D foam taped the frame to give it some pop on the card.

I hope you enjoyed my creation, please leave a comment here and along the hopping path as there are prizes all along the path.

To join in....visit all the participating designers by visiting their sites, some are having prize give aways...so make sure you pop in!

Make sure you comment on all the blogs too, because at the end of the weekend, they are going to send a list of all who commented on their blog, and we are going to do a grand prize drawing of all comments on each blog!

So JOIN IN TODAY....comment on the main blog page, and visit the other hop pages and comment there too!

Simply Shirley - Use It or Lose It Tool Time

2012-02-03T12:00:00.000-06:00

It is February and time for a new tool. February will be my crimper kind of month. I purchased this tool some time ago and have never used it. Had some great ideas for it, however, they never came to fruition.

The crimper is a hand held tool, wherein your paper goes through two rollers that look like cogs to a clock and the paper comes out looking like corrugated cardboard.

In my example I used heart shapes I already had in my stash (yea, more stash used).

The hearts were rolled through the crimper first. Next a search of my stash paper to find coordinating paper (which is not hard when it is Close To My Heart paper). I found some scraps of Believe pattern paper and a plan began to form.

Looking through the Wishes how-to book (this book is 'while supplies last' as the how-to books will no longer be in our Idea Books after the 2012 Spring/Summer Idea Book, so get yours before they are no longer available), I found a great recipe and the creating began.

Another cute Valentine, now to get them in the mail before the 14th.

The new 2012 Idea Book is live as of February 1st. Need a copy, contact me.

DOUBLE YOUR LAYOUTS with our Five for Free promotion! For each Studio J® 5-pack (SJ5P) you purchase this February, you’ll get one free 5-pack. That means you get 10 layouts for just $55—that’s just $2.75 per page, with free shipping! Even if you’re already taking advantage of Studio J’s incredibly low members-only pricing, you’ll save even more when you purchase 5-packs through this special February deal!

Card A Day Blog - Invitation

2012-02-02T23:01:00.001-06:00

This week over on the Card A Day Blog, we are sharing invitations. With the Super Bowl coming up and the upcoming Super Bowl Blog Hop, I wanted to share a masculine invitation.

I limited the bling to just a little Cocoa Designer Ribbon. In keeping with my use my stash in 2012, I again used an older stash of paper.

Thank you for stopping by.

The new 2012 Idea Book is live as of February 1st. Need a copy, contact me.

Stamping Versatility

2012-02-01T18:21:00.000-06:00

It is amazing how versatile a stamp set can be. Dinosaurs, wings, crowns and more can be for either a girl or a boy, watch the video to see how easy it can be.

Enjoy!

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The new 2012 Idea Book is live as of February 1st. Need a copy, contact me.

Stamp of the Month Blog Hop - Thoughtful Tidings

2012-01-31T19:11:00.002-06:00

It is time for the February Stamp of the Month Blog Hop. There are so many creative and talented consultants along this hop. Grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and enjoy.

If you have come from Jill's blog, you are right on track. If starting here, just hop 'til you see me again and you will have seen them all.

Thoughtful Tidings is a stamp that is good for so much, cards, gift boxes and layouts. Eleven great stamp images and the great thing -- the stamp set is only $5 with a $50 purchase.

Did you notice all the red outlined images - Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge die cut coordinates! Another great reason to add this set to your stamp collection.

My first card is a Mojo Monday inspired design. I used the Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge to cut the card base, the circle (double sided paper ROCKS), the heart, and the notched sentiment piece.

The zip strips (the little 1/2 inch strip across the top of the pattern paper) are great for adding as embellishment. I finished the card with a little Smokey Plum ribbon I had in my stash.

My next card uses a Milespot bracket and the swirl stamp images from the Sonoma Workshop on the Go exclusive stamp set. I added another Art Philosophy Cricut die cut image for the sentiment and cut the same diecut just a little larger to mat the sentiment. A little Designer Ribbon Cocoa collection finishes out this card.

The next card uses the beautiful paisley floral pattern paper, Colonial White waxy flax, pewter brads and more Art Philosophy die cut images. A little zip strip, Jeanette, CTMH founder and CEO, was totally rockin' when she did not want that little strip to just be thrown out. A great, green option for this little strip, one side holds all the information concerning the paper, My Reflections kit name, ink color, etc., and the other a great pattern for your embellishing use.

Add a little bling along the swirly stems found on the pattern paper finishes this 6"x6" card.

Last cards are quick and cute and ready to be mailed.

I hope you enjoyed my creations (comments are welcomed) and now hop on over to Amy's blog and see what creations she has in store for you.

2012 Spring/Summer Idea Book Blog Hop

2012-01-29T20:15:00.002-06:00

Oh my goodness the new 2012 Spring/Summer Idea Book is the bestest ever!!!! Welcome to the 2012 Spring/Summer Idea Book new product hop. If you are arriving from Wendy's blog, you are moving right along. If you are starting here, continue until you see me again. Have fun, take notes, and be ready for your copy of the NEW 2012 Spring/Summer Idea Book going live FEBRUARY 1ST!!

I am loving everything, how to focus on just one item will be hard and probably impossible, so let me focus on what I love about Close To My Heart products -- how well the products coordinate.

Here I have one of my favorite My Reflection Workshops on the Go, Stella. A beautifully, bright, retro inspired pattern paper pack with endless possibilities. I have paired it with the Stella My Complements Canvas embellishments (X7147C) and the Just for You (B1398) stamp set.

Add to the Stella products mentioned above, the additional products, Colonial White Die-cut cards (Z1738) and Clear Sparkles (Z1104) and create the WOTG bonus project - five 3 1/2 x 8 cards! You will spend under $60 in product and be eligible to add on the February Stamp of the Month for only $5.

This is the joy of the Workshop on the Go, how frugal this purchase can be. Create the two 2 page layouts, the bonus project and still have enough left over to create a 2 page layout from the artwork shown in the New 2012 Spring/Summer Idea Book.

Here is my third layout from the Stella Workshop on the Go and for my budget, it is a win-win!

Enjoy the New Product Blog Hop by hopping on over to Melissa's blog to see what she has created for us.

I love comments and if you don't have a consultant and need your own copy or would like to checkout what is available now, click here

Simply Shirley - Use It or Lose It Continues

2012-01-27T23:52:00.003-06:00

Using up my stash has become an adventure and brings many memories. I loved the Mayberry My Reflection paper packet. Inside the baggie was a pre-cut layout and My Stickease already to be assembled.

After the first layout was completed, I found a great PageMap sketch that I wanted to try. I do miss the cutting diagrams from the Close To My Heart how to books. The sketches are stretching my imagination and my patience at times.

I found some sorbet ribbon that coordinated nicely with the paper packet and I finished the double page layout with photo mats.

The PageMap sketch was changed up a little as I had some pre-cut ovals in the baggie. Why not use what I had. A cute 'always remember this' sentiment cut out on the Silhouette finished this single page layout.
A few more scraps and a sentiment sticker were used to create a card. My Stickease are not for scrapbooks only.

I hope you enjoyed my creations this week. Wishing you a creative weekend!

Roxie Rocks

2012-01-24T08:00:00.003-06:00

I finished the 3-D project or what you may call the bonus project! I created a mini album from a Close To My Heart, My Creations Memory Game box. I am only using 12 of the little square coasters, as I have plans for the other 12, check back often to see.

I may have used a little much in the bling department, however this is my box. I am using it to record the 12 Things I Want to Do in 2012.

The Roxie level 2 paper packet worked perfect. Pink is my favorite color. I used a stamp set with a ticket 'Life's Good', and 'Follow your' and 'dreams'.

My Creations Cool Memory Box game

Side 1

Side 2

Inside the box

The box open and the first word is determined

Thumbnail photos work perfectly

I hope you enjoy, would love to hear from you!

365 Project for 2012

2012-01-23T08:00:00.001-06:00

I shared the beginning of this years 365 project in January's Use It or Lose It blog hop post. I had several comments asking about the finished project.

Well, it is a work in progress and I am pleased to say, I have kept up with my January entries throughout the month.

I am sharing January, February, and March pages.

I hope you enjoy. If you wish to see the instructions for creating this, click here.

Use Your Stash Blog Hop

2012-01-21T09:00:00.002-06:00

If you are joining us for the "Use Your Stash Blog Hop" you are right on track. WELCOME! You should be coming from Debi's Blog.

If you get lost along the way you can see the entire list of hoppers on Rachel's Blog. Let's get started.

Today I am showcasing -- use what you have. Lately it seems that my stock pile of paper packets is growing, so my challenge for January, grab a bag each week and complete all the projects possible. Whatever is left will be put in my 'ready for a new home' pile.

This will be the third week of my plan -- it is working quite well.

I am showcasing last week's layout from the paper packet I had in one of my stash of grab bags. There it was, a layout cutout and ready to complete and yet it still sat undone, how sad.

The paper packet is Sweetheart (retired) and I still had the coordinating My Stickease and the Sweetheart Epoxy Stickers embellishments.

One of the reasons I love Close To My Heart products is the ease of coordination. My Reflections paper packets always have coordinating embellishments. Makes it easy to create just the right layout without hours of searching for coordinating products.

And now this layout is complete and ready for some photos, just in time for Valentine's Day.

Now hop on over to Michelle West's Blog for more ideas of using up your stash.

Packing for a Crop

2012-01-19T01:15:00.003-06:00

Recently, I was part of a discussion as to packing for a crop. My friends were sharing how much stuff they took and it brought back memories of the day.

I remember my first true crop where I packed my Fiskars rolling cart (the size of a small car), with all the matching embellishment and tool caddies. And of, course there was the extra paper carrier and more and more and more.

It took me 30 minutes to unpack the car and get it all inside and 2 hours to set up. I had to stop working in enough time to be able to pack and load the car -- not much scrapping going on. But, if I needed anything it was there.

Now, I am much more of a planner -- I keep my projects in large baggies with the stamp sets and embellishments together.

Here is all I brought to a recent crop. My shoulder tote, my toolkit (LOVE IT), my Starbucks button jars, my purse, my lunchbox, and my camera.

One trip in and I am ready to setup to work.

Here is everything that was in my tote (tip -- I love the cookbook holders. It works well saving space for your how-to books).

As you see, there is my scrubber and spritzer, stamp sets (big and little), my Distressing kit or tool kit, as I like to refer to it. I love this tool kit because it closes. I am a klutz and drop things often. Having toolbox for my little tools, i.e., bone folder, adhesive, 3-D foam tape, sanding kit, piercing tool and so much more AND all in a spill proof container, that works for me.

And now I am ready to work, how-to book open or, as here, a PageMaps recipe at the ready. My paper packet is front and center sitting on top of my Versamat (one of the best crop buddies ever).

Tip - we use cola boxes cut in half as garbage cans on the table.

I hope you enjoyed my tips and my crop packing.

Have a scrappy day!

Technique Blog - Original Argyle

2012-01-15T06:00:00.017-06:00

Welcome to our Technique Blog Hop! If you are coming from Judy's Blog, you are on the right track!

This blog hop is a great big circle so you can start here and when you get back here, you have seen all the fabulous artwork incorporating this technique.

If you get lost along the way, come back here and visit DEBI BARBER'S BLOG, where you will find a listing of all participants.

This month we are highlighting the “Original Argyle” Technique as shown on page 91 in the Autumn/Winter 2011 Idea Book found in one of the tip boxes. This technique describes how to create your own pattern by stamping shapes in an even or repeating pattern.

Now how to be different, as there will be 'Original Argyle' patterns all along the way -- instead I chose to use a stamp, dry embossing and stitching with embroidery thread to create a repetitive pattern.

I started by dry embossing using my trimmer and scoring blade and scored every 1/2". I sanded the embossed ridges to let the white core show through (love white core paper).

Next using the same stamp set as the example Original Argyle tip found on page 91 of the current Autumn/Winter Idea Book, Party Penants (C1429), I stamped two of the birthday sentiments creating a line (well I try to be straight) in between several of the sanded embossed ridges.

I took my piercing tool and our new ruler (Z1471) and marked the stitches. The ruler has a guide for straight stitches, zig-zag and more. Extremely helpful little tool.

Using embroidery floss in a shade similar to our Olive ink, I stitched along the marked holes from the previous step.

There has to be a little bling and in keeping with that tradition, I added square little sparkles (Z1104).

I added a little scallop circle made from a scrap piece of Elemental pattern paper. A few Milepost pieces and scrap ribbon, complete the card.

Thanks for stopping by! Please continue onto Cherri's Blog where you will find some additional artwork highlighting this technique!

Be sure to leave a comment and let me know what you thought! If you don't have a consultant, and see something you like, click here to go to my website to shop.

Card A Day Blog - Valentine's Day Theme

2012-01-12T23:10:00.001-06:00

Valentine's Day is the theme on the Card a Day Blog. I love designing with this great group of ladies.

My card today is a Wishes how-to recipe and one of the five cards we are creating at our card class this month.

I am loving the Roxie My Reflections paper packet. Black card stock for the card base and for the mat over the Smoothie floral and to add a little more contrasting color, I used a faux pocket using the plaid pattern paper (reverse side of the floral print).

I added the butterflies fluttering along their way. Finishing off with a Love sentiment and a bling button with a black embroidery floss bow.

I would love to know what you thought of my card, please leave a comment.

New Year's Use Your Stash Blog Hop

2012-01-07T00:11:00.004-06:00

I hope you enjoy our little blog hop today. Each hopper will share techniques, tools, tips all while using up their stash. If you have come from Judy's blog, you are hopping right along. This hop is a round, so when you get back to the blog you started from, you have seen them all.

Today I am sharing the first tool I needed to get off the shelf and dust off, Zutter Bind-It-All. The Bind It All is a small binding machine, just right for mini albums.

I purchased this when I first started my scrapbook business, six years ago. I used it for a couple of months straight and then, as the way of many of my tools, it was in the closet (scrappin' closet).

Of course, if I purchase a tool, I love storage and a carrying cases for my tools, and Zutter's was great at providing these tool accessories. If I had known they would put out a pink one, I may have waited.

Thanks to my Naughty Santa friend, I received a great Bind It All Book.

So how does it work, or better yet how do I like to use it.

My artwork is twofold. I like to do a 365 album each year, a place to share my yearly adventures with family. This year I am basing my album on my daily walk with the Lord.

I created a little mini album with enough pages for each month.

Binding the mini album was easy. Find the center of your project, slide the page into the slot on the machine and carefully hold the machine while you pull hte handle down. This creates the tiny holes for binding.

Take each page thereafter, and using the first page as a guide, punch holes in all your mini album pages.

Put the wire binding through the holes (the wire binding is easy to cut). And slide the project into the front slot and pull the handle to tighten the metal binding.

The project is complete and I am ready to create another bind it all project.

Enjoy your hop by visiting Rachel's blog next.

Simply Shirley - Use It or Lose It

2012-01-06T01:57:00.003-06:00

Today is the first 'Use it or Lose It' Simply Shirley. My scraproom is becoming crowded with leftover paper or paper packets where I procrastinated beyond belief.

Each week, I will be using a paper packet from my stash.

I want no paper to feel left out, stuck in the back of the bin, waiting it's turn to be used to create beautiful layouts and other projects.

Enough of that, here is the paper packet I picked for this week. Sophia was one of the My Reflections paper packets introduced in 2011 Spring/Summer Idea Book. Anticipating the unveiling of the new 2012 Spring/Summer Idea Book and because it is cold and this paper made me think of warm, it was the perfect choice for my first of many 'Use It or Lose It' posts.

When opened, I could see I had pre-cut for the Workshop on the Go layouts, so I began putting them together.

I also found beautiful coordinating My Stickease (stickers). Each of the two sheets of the My Stickease has a sample layout on the back, which is perfect for the leftover paper.

Pictured are the first three layouts under construction. I have plans for at least 2 more over this 'Use It or Lose It' weekend. I will share the completed projects on my blog over the weekend.

Do you have a boat load of leftover paper or paper you just could not live without and now cannot remember what you had planned? Join me this weekend and create one project using your stash. Leave me a comment below letting me know what you created.

This is just the beginning for these layouts as the remain unblinged and unfinished, not to worry that will change before the end of the weekend.

Check back soon for more 'Use It or Lose It' fun.

Valentine Card - Roxie

2012-01-05T00:01:00.003-06:00

I love being a part of the Card A Day design team and today is my first post for 2012. In keeping with this month's Use It or Lose It theme, I used my Roxie scraps to create the Valentine card, our Card A Day blog theme.

It was cool to find a scrap with the rose in just the right place. I had a Cricut image already cut sitting in my stash and it worked perfect for the sentiment, all it needed was a gold embossed rose. The images are from the Roxie Workshop on the Go (WOTG) kit exclusive stamp set. This stamp set is perfect for love, grunge, steampunk, and much more.

A little trim around the bottom rose petals and some curling of the petals and there was a little pocket for the sentiment piece to fit. Follow that up with a little trim around the embossed heart for the stamped Love image.

Triple matting (Smoothie cardbase, Desert Sand mat, Plaid B&T) popped the colors of the rose beautifully.

And finally a little embroidery floss finished the card.

Please take a moment and let me know what you thought of the card. Thank you.

PAC Layout

2012-01-03T00:01:00.000-06:00

I am privileged to be able to hold a class each Wednesday at the local Performing Arts Center. It is going on my 6th year and to celebrate our classes, I will be sharing our class layouts and/or projects here on my blog. Now, you can join us, if not in person then in spirit.

This month we are using PageMap sketches as our layout recipes.

I found this first PageMap recipe very interesting. I am always using Jeanette Lynton's How-to books (love, love, love them) and she spoils us with cutting diagrams. The first thing I had to do was figure out some measurements.

The small squares were easy as the photo sizes were provided. The tag was a little more difficult, however using my trusty grided VersaMat (self healing on one side and stamping spongy on the other.

This little project will soon find it's way into a shadow box for special little one.

The photos were 1 1/2" squares so I made all the squares 1 1/2" x 1 1/2". Do you love the flower? Created using 2 sizes of one of the Art Philosophy Cricut flower images.

The scalloped border piece in the upper right hand corner, was created using the same Cricut cartridge with the Cricut Craft Room (CCR), where I was able to adjust the image to just the right size. CCR is online crafting tool provided by Provocraft to make adjustments to any image.

I added an Art Philosophy 'E' to finish off the tag image on the layout, which again was cut in the CCR, where I was able to add the word 'Lady' to the top of the tag. Placing a piece of black behind the cutout letters made the word pop.

Instead of a 4" x 6" photo, I found the definition for princess and used this section for a journaling block.

The journaling became a little hidden when I added a background to the piece using the second generation stamping technique (stamp off onto scratch paper the first time, and before you reink, stamp the image on your project), however when I distressed using black ink and a sponge, the background was muted. I love this layout and hope you do, too.

January Stamp of the Month Blog Hop - Little Reminder

2011-12-31T21:44:00.002-06:00

Happy New Year and welcome to our Stamp of the Month blog hop. This month the stamp set, Little Reminders, is a cute calendar inspired beauty. It is perfect for birthdays, new babies, calendars reminders and more. If you have come from Lori's blog, you are on the right path, didn't you love her tutorial!!

Starting in January I am offering a 365 Faithbooking project. It will be a mini-album created using the Roxie My Reflections paper packet. Little Reminders is the perfect stamp set for this project.

I created the pages using the criss-cross card pattern. The pages are two 6x12 sheets, folded in half. On the right side, the right upper corner is brought down to meet in the middle section.

The left side, the upper left hand corner is pulled down and folded over towards the center.

Adhere the two sheets together. If using different paper, as shown here, decide which pattern you want to show.

Each flip flap page will hold 15 to 16 tags.. Each tag is ready for a verse of the day. At the end of the month (or year) these tags may be laminated to protect them.

I love the circle month stamp image and decided to use that on each page - the marking of the month, I am still thinking about.

The project will be completed by using a ring hook to hold each set of verse tags and using my Zutters Bind It All, the whole book will be put together with a chipboard front and back cover.

Remember, the Stamp of the Month is only $5 with a $50 purchase. If you don't have a consultant and would love to pick up this stamp set, click here.

I would love for you to leave me a comment and then hop on over to Sheila's blog for more great Little Reminders artwork.

A Time of Reflection

2011-12-30T10:05:00.000-06:00

Wishing you a wonderful and safe New Year's celebration.!!!

I received a box in the mail from a dear friend. She sent to me some things she thought I would love to have. In the last bag of cards, I found my very first card swap card. Oh my the memories flooded back.

I was not sure what a swap was or what constituted good artwork, all I knew was I wanted to try my hand at this swap thing. I got out my card base, did a little swervy cut. I used the scrap piece of card base as a mask before I started my random stamping. I did two random stamped patterns, one on the outside of the card and a different one on the inside of the card base.

I matted my sentiment and using the stitch stamp image, I created faux stitches along two of the edges of the senitment and along the swervy edge of the card base. To create a more realistic stitch look, I used my piercing tool and pierced holes along the stamped stitch image on the swervy edge of the front of the card.

I finished the card using markers. I drew a line along the inside of the card following the swervy edge to add depth on the inside to the inside of the card. And finally, I added little dots as part of the random stamped card base.

Did I think it was the cat's meow? You know I did.

That was almost 6 years ago. My artwork has come a long way and, thanks to my many Close To My Heart friends, I am still running my own business -- I TRULY THANK THEM and all the wonderful CTMH addicts, like me! (If you aren't one yet, click here)

Random Stamping

Supplies:
Stamp set of your choice
Up to 3 coordinating ink colors
Cardstock

Directions:

Choose your largest image and first ink color. Load your stamped image with ink (tap, tap, rub, rub, tap, tap) and starting in one corner stamp your image.
Continue to reink and stamp your image creating a triangle between the stamped images.
Repeat steps 1 and 2 using the medium size image and finish using the smallest image. You may wish to overlap images, it is your choice.

12th Day of Christmas

2011-12-24T23:41:00.002-06:00

I wish you all a Merry Christmas!!

11th Day of Christmas - Let It Snow

2011-12-23T09:18:00.000-06:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Today is Christmas Eve Eve, are you dreaming of a white Christmas? Okay, maybe not this year.

I hope my little project adds a little snow spirit into your Christmas season. Here is a little tutorial on the use of Liquid Applique.

Liquid Applique is a unique paint that when heated puffs like pop-corn after it has popped. If you heat it immediately, you get a more popcorn texture; however, if you let it dry 24 hours, it will puff smoother.

I am using Wonderland My Reflections Paper Packet, the paper packet of the month, Twilight ink, Crystal Blue reinker, a trimmer and scoring blade, sanding block or paper, White Daisy, Gray Flannel, and Twilight cardstock, the Wonderland stamp set (have I mentioned, it is one of my favorites), glue dots, 3-D foam, silver glitz glitter gel, Wishes recipe, craft heater.

Start with a 7" x 8" piece of White Daisy cardstock for the base, folded in half on the 7" side, creating a card base 3 1/2" x 8".

Cut a 3 1/4" x 7 3/4" piece of Twilight and using your trimmer, place this piece at an angle under the timmer arm and with the scoring blade (or stylus or bone folder) score diagonally lines. To create a more snow like look, use different pressures as you score, even skipping small sections. Do not press too hard as you may tear the paper.

Turn the Twilight cardstock piece over with the ridges facing up and sand lightly until your paper looks like streaks of snow.

Next use the Liquid Applique to create snowflakes. I found I got the best little ball of snow by holding the tip of the Liquid Applique applicator close to the paper, in fact, almost touching.

And for a more textured loo k, I heated right away.

Next, squeeze a little Liquid Applique onto a paper plate or paint palette, add a few drops of reinker and mix using a toothpick or paint mixing tool. Mix until it is smooth. Take your stamp image and load it with this Liquid Applique mixture and stamp it onto your project cardstock. I used a scrap piece of White Daisy cardstock, as I was cutting the image out. Using your craft heater, heat the stamped image. You will see texture appearing. It will be more subtle and have a softer look than if you used the Liquid Applique full strength.

To add a little more texture, I added the Liquid Applique directly to the top of the mitten image to mimic fluffy faux fur mitten tops and then I added some silver glitz glitter cause I love bling.

I cut each mitten out (I am making 5 cards for a swap), and began to assemble my cards. I stamped the sentiment to the left of the top Gray Flannel piece and placed the mittens below and added a little Chocolate waxy flax as the ribbon that holds the mittens together. I also changed the card recipe by moving the collage paper pieces to the top of the card instead of at the bottom as shown on page 57 of the Wishes book. Remember, a recipe is only a guide, you are welcome to add your own flair.

Now my cards are complete and off in the mail to be swapped!

10th Day of Christmas - Name that Blog and Win

2011-12-22T08:26:00.005-06:00

A good friend, Debi, is leading a group of fellow CTMH consultants to create a wonderful new challenge blog in February. Our plan is to offer you up some great scrapbooking and paper crafting techniques and then challenge you to create and share your artwork using these techniques......there will be prizes and awards offered to add some fun to the blog each month as well as great artwork and inspiration for your projects.

Our first challenge for you - "Name that Blog". We're looking for something catchy, easy to remember and unique.......we will choose a name from all the entries and the winner will receive $25 of free product from the soon to be released Spring/Summer 2012 Close To My Heart Ideabook. Entry deadline is January 10, 2012....So put your thinking caps on and leave your name idea in the comment box.....

Leave your comment here and good luck!!

On the 9th Day of Christmas

2011-12-21T09:15:00.000-06:00

Are you ready? I hear the excitement in the children's voices. It is a beautiful 9th day and today is another Christmas spent with my wonderful friends at the Performing Art Center.

When I started my scrapbooking business, this was the first place I hosted a crop and, I am so happy to say, we are still cropping there today.

Here a few photos of some of the ladies who have joined me at this great crop.

Enjoy your friends today and have a crafty fun time.

8th Day of Christmas

2011-12-19T23:05:00.000-06:00

On the eighth day of Christmas, I am so happy for the small world I have found through papercrafting. Recently, Mom and I drove by one of my high school friend's childhood home and I thought, I wonder where she is now.

Fast forward a few weeks and at a recent crop, one of my croppin' buds, Stacy, said she had been cropping with someone who remembered me from high school. I asked her name and, Stacy said Joy but Stacy did not know Joy's maiden name only her married name. So, I did a little research and, low and behold, it was Joy, whom I had graduated with me.

Here is a link to her blog -- she is awesomely talented!

Rock the Block Blog Hop - 7th Day of Christmas

2011-12-18T21:13:00.002-06:00

On the 7th day of Christmas, I am able to share another reason I love Close To My Heart -- the awesome alterable products.

A few of my Close To My Heart consultant friends are participating in a Join the Craze -- Rock the Block blog hop. If you have hopped from CC's blog, you are on the right track and this is a round, so if you start here and end here, you have seen them all!!

In anticipation of National Papercrafting Month (January), Close To My Heart is offering a sneak peek at a new product from the 2012 Spring/Summer Idea Book. The new idea book will be available February 1st.

Rock the Block special contains a great My Creation Cube Collage (White Daisy covered chipboard which will retail for $14.95). Cute little cubes, which come in there own little tray and the best part of this special, the Rock the Block stamp set (exclusive to this special, so don't miss out) -- it truly ROCKS!!! A $25 qualifying order (any product in the 2011 Autumn/Winter Idea Book) and the My Creations Cube Collage and the Rock the Block stamp are yours for only $15!!!

The Rock the Block stamp set is an 'E' (retails for $34.95) size stamp set with block oriented images, swirls, paisleys, circles and the cutest little sentiments ever!! I see this stamp as one of my favorites.

The project I created was to share the men and boys in my life. I have the most wonderful son-in-law and two of the cutest little grandsons!! I wanted the cube collage to showcase how much I love them.

Each cube can be altered (do you see baby blocks for a shower gift), in my creation I attached three of the cubes in a row so I can easily flip - I stayed with a black and white theme.

A 4"x6" photo fits perfectly along six of the blocks, and I think one of my favorite images is the diamond mesh (it really looks just like a chain link fence, do I see some cute projects in the future using this image as a background.

As you can see attaching the blocks will let me flip them easily, be sure and check what outside edges will show, so you can be sure and alter them accordingly.

I also altered the tray using the great circle border.

I hope you enjoy my project (comments are greatly appreciated). If you don't have your own consultant, I would love for you to shop on my website.

Now to continue on the hop, check out Helen's creation

5th and 6th Days of Christmas

2011-12-18T00:01:00.000-06:00

This weekend I am so thankful for my 'Memory Keeper', formerly knows as 'scrapbooker', friends. I am blessed to spend the third Saturday of each month with a great group of ladies.

We make cards, share our lives, laugh and cut-up. Food abounds and this month was even better as we had our cookie swap and 'dress up a cookie' contest. Not only did each lady bring cookies, some came with up to 5 different kinds.

May you have a blessed and beautiful weekend spent with good friends and/or family!

4th Day of Christmas - Memories of Christmas' Past

2011-12-16T01:33:00.001-06:00

On the 4th Day of Christmas, I wanted to share a trip down memory lane with a little yuletide food fun. This is the season for sharing those delightful family favorites - the cookie recipe handed down the generations and the fun memories of decorating cookies with my family and sometimes friends.

I have memories of the old simple cookie cutters (we still have these stored in a box in the pantry) used by my Grandmother and then by my mother. The sugar cookies made using Grandma Bean's Betty Crocker cookbook.

Mom would whip up a batch and our job would be to roll them out and begin cutting out as many as we could. There would be stars, bells, Santa with his gift pack, Christmas trees and more. The cookies would be placed on the cookie sheets, and we would pick up the scraps of dough and re-roll until there was not enough left for a cookie cutter. The last scraps would be rolled into a ball and pressed down with the bottom of a glass that had been dipped in sugar.

The cookies would be ever so golden brown around the edges and soft in the middle and carefully placed on the cooling rack or Mom's old formica dinette table top, which could cool a cookie in no time.

We would gather with the bowls of green and red icing made with confectionary sugar and milk. We had red and green and yellow sprinkles and the little white pearl candies, and many other toppings. And each of us would begin to decorate. If a cookie was broken, we would have to eat it, which would also cause Mom to often check to see who was eating more than could possibly have been broken.

Finally plates of decorated cookies would be ready to wrap and be delivered to friends and family throughout the holiday season.

These memories are so vivid one can smell the cookies cooling in the kitchen or hear the sounds of children's laughter.

I believe this is why I scrapbook, the memories I want to share for myself and for generations to come.

Technique Blog Hop - 3rd Day of Christmas

2011-12-15T06:00:00.016-06:00

In keeping with my Days of Christmas theme, this the 3rd day, I am thankful for the wonderfully creative friends I have made through Close To My Heart. A few of my crafty friends love to share techniques found in the Idea Book. I am pleased to welcome you to our December Close To My Heart Technique Blog Hop! The hop is continuous. If this is the first stop, when you get back here, you have seen them all.

If you have come from Judy's blog you are on the right path.

I think of December as the month of glitter and glitz, bright lights and tinsel, reds, greens, silver, gold all the trimmings of the season. I love that our technique for December is Glitter Glitz, shown on page 35 of the 2011 Autumn/Winter Idea Book.

My first creations are the Dreamin' Workshop on the Go bonus project cards. These 4 1/2" x 4 1/2" round cards were fun to make. Adding the Bronze Glitter Gel gives the cards that little glittery pop.

Glitz Glitter gel reminds me of tube icing and is applied in a similar manner.

If adding it in a line, holding the bottle above the project about a 1/4" of an inch or so and squeeze the bottle gently, try to keep the flow even. If you encounter an air bubble, stop and restart at the point you left off.

Creating the stems, I slowly twisted the bottle creating a thin ending to line.

The Glitz glitter gel dries slowly so carefully handle the project. You may want to have a drying area ready. A craft heater may be used to speed up the drying time. When dried with the craft heater, you will see a slighty different effect.

The next is a sneak peek at my upcoming swap card embellishment -- look for more after the 20th when our swap cards are revealed!! Silver Glitter Glitz Gel adds a little more dimension to the Wonderland Workshop on the Go mitten stamp image (I love this stamp set).

Thank you for visiting. I would love for you to tell me what you thought of my use of the Glitz Glitter gel, please leave a comment. And if you do not have a consultant and would like to purchase any of the products you have seen, please go to my website and contact me.

Now on to Tonya's blog.

2nd Day of Christmas

2011-12-14T00:01:00.000-06:00

Christmas day is fast approaching, have you found the crowds beginning to grow and, unfortunately, the patience beginning to dwindle. It amazed me that in the post office parking lot someone would honk because I wasn't driving fast enough.

Today my Christmas cheer wish is that we may all be able to stop, just for a moment, and enjoy our lives, stop and 'smell the roses' as the saying goes. My little flower was created using some stash embellishments as a preparation for my 'Use It or Lose It', New Year's resolution.

Mom and I are going to go out for lunch at a local museum where they are hosting their first luncheon. It will be a special lunch, just Mom and I. The camera will be on the ready and tomorrow I will share our 'smell the roses' moment.

Enjoy and Merry Christmas.

1st Day of Christmas

2011-12-13T09:15:00.000-06:00

I am excited to share over the next 12 days leading up to the big day -- Christmas, my 12 Days of Christmas cheer.

Today, on the 1st Day of Christmas, I want to share the joy of friends. Last week we had our first PAC Croppers Christmas brunch and I was amazed at how close this hobby brings people. Throughout the year, we each share our family, our dreams, our everyday, ourselves with each other through our layouts. Coming together to share our joy of this magical season topped off a great year.

Here is one of the beautiful place settings at Teena's home, she was gracious to open her home for this celebration.

Merry Christmas!

National Papercrafting Month Special - Sneak Peek

2011-12-05T00:01:00.007-06:00

I am too excited about this great special coming December 19th and running through January.

I received my Rock the Block stamp set and the My Creations Collage Cubes and am looking forward to sharing my artwork with you soon. On December 19th, I will be participating in a Rock the Block blog hop. You don't want to miss the awesome artwork shared by our talented hoppers.

Enjoy this little sneak peek video!

Remember, between December 19, 2011 and January 31, 2012, you can get two new products for just $15: the My Creations® Collage Cubes (a Spring/Summer 2012 sneak-peek product!) and the exclusive My Acrylix® Rock the Block E-size stamp set (available only during this promotion). That’s a retail savings of almost $30!

Mark your calendars for December 19th!

New Adventures in 2012

2011-12-03T07:45:00.002-06:00

In the upcoming New Year, there are new adventures for me and one of these adventures is to vendor at a scrapbook retreat for the first time. Studio29eleven scrapbook retreat to be held in February will be my first and I am toooo excited.

Here is a sneak peek at my class project, a mini album, and please, contact Dena or Sandy, if you would love to join us.

Tags, Tags, and More Tags

2011-12-02T00:01:00.001-06:00

I am so excited about an upcoming tag swap I am participating in. My previous post gave a sneak peek at the tag I created to swap.

Here is a great tutorial for tags created with the Arts Philosophy Cricut cartridge. Enjoy

December Stamp of the Month Blog Hop

2011-11-30T20:19:00.002-06:00

Oh my it is already December and the weather has a touch of chill just in time for hot chocolate and thoughts of Christmas. Let us celebrate December with another Stamp of the Month blog hop.

If you have come from Lisa's blog, you are on the right path. This is a big blog hop round, so you may start anywhere and hop til you get back --

The December Stamp of the Month is called Mad About You, and is available for just $17.95 -- UNLESS you make a $50 purchase, then it's only $5.00!

I love hearts -- big pink blingy hearts, however I am still into Christmas. My challenge -- how can I use this stamp set in my Christmas projects.

Oh, and I was so happy to see that there were Art Philosophy Cricut coordinating shapes. I definitely am hearting my E2 and Art Philosophy cartridge.

I am part of a tag swap and I loved the idea of using the rectangle stamp image as part of my tags.

I recently saw a great StampTV episode demonstrating how to use gold embossing powder to create border paper to match your embossed sentiment image.

So my project is a tag -- the edge of the tag was created using Versamark ink and gold embossing powder.

A mask was made to cover the middle portion of the rectangle stamp image and again, using gold embossing powder and Versamark, I stamped over the mask creating a beautiful gold border for the Merry Christmas sentiment.

A piece of red and white polka dot ribbon from my stash finish the tag.

Thank you for dropping by and I hope you enjoyed my little project and would love for you to leave a little comment.

If you see anything you would like to make your own and you don't have a Close To My Heart consultant, please checkout my website.

Now hop on over to Angel's blog for the next awesome creation.

Card a Day Blog - Shopping

2011-11-23T00:10:00.001-06:00

This week over at the Christmas Card a Day blog, we are sharing our SHOPPING creations. I was thinking what do I like about Christmas? Chocolate, non-traditional colors, chocolate, snowflakes, chocolate.

Okay there was a theme throughout -- so I created a snowflake background on Pear (love that color of green), add a Tulip (dark pink) package tied in a Chocolate ribbon (love chocolate), and add a few scalloped snowflakes peeking out from the side.

I finished with a little Merry Christmas --

Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas, hope you enjoy your holidays

Mojo Monday on Wednesday

2011-11-16T00:05:00.002-06:00

I love a sketch challenge, however, I have had a time challenge lately. This week I was able to work it in, even if it is Wednesday.

My card starts with what I think is probably my favorite Close To My Heart paper packet at the moment, Dreamin'. Maybe because it is so full of a Fall colors and I would love some Fall weather here in the South or maybe because Eli and Zeke, my two favorite fellas, are getting so much more photogenic. Whatever the reason, here is my version of the Mojo Monday sketch 215

I used the Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge to cut the letter background, the flowers, and the ticket.

November's Stamp of the Month, Cherish the Day, fit perfectly in the ticket shape. I added some Chocolate striped ribbon and deconstructing the ribbon, I created a little accent in the middle of the flower.

I love how you can fold the petals up and by rubbing them between your thumb and finger, create a 3-D looking flower.

All products used are CTMH, click here to visit my website or contact me if you see something you can't live without.

Would love to hear what you think of my project, please leave a comment.

Close To My Heart Technique Blog Hop - Ghosting

2011-11-15T06:47:00.007-06:00

Oh my, how fast it seems time is flying. It is already November and time once again for another Close To My Heart Technique Blog Hop, This month our technique is a spooky sounding "Ghosting", wait it is so easy. You may find an example on page page 45 of the new 2011 Autumn/Winter Idea Book.

Each hopper will share their version of this technique. It is a round, so if you are starting here, keep hopping until you return here. If you have come from Debi's blog, you are on the right path.

Ghosting, well it is like embossing but not. It does take some embossing powder, your craft heater, an iron (yes, dust it off and bring it in the craft room), a towel (I like to use my craft table to iron, so I cover it with a hand towel), your cardstock and stamp set (I used So Grateful, B1395) and let us get ready to ghost.

I am using Dreamin' pattern paper (X7142B), one sheet of pattern paper with a little a 2 3/4" x 2 3/4" piece of Colonial White from my stash.

I cut a card base from the blue polka dot pattern paper at 4 1/4" x 11", creating a top folding 5 1/2" x 4 1/4" card base. I folded it so the Autumn multi-colors would be the card front. I took a piece of blue polka dot (4" x 5 1/4") for the frame piece of the card and added a 3" x 4" Autunm multi-color piece, torn at the bottom (this piece will be portrait on the card).

Now for the technique, I stamped, in Chocolate, the pumpkin shaped words a little ways toward the top of the Colonial White sentiment piece. Leave yourself enough room at the top for the stem and enough at the bottom for the sentiment phrase. Next, I stamped right over the word image, using VersaMark (glue ink) the base pumpkin image and covered it with embossing powder. As an experiment, I did not use clear embossing powder, but a mixture of clear, white, and prisma glitter (what I call my snow mixture). I shoke off the excess onto a piece of plain copy paper folded in the middle, a tip I learned from Gina K, as you can add the excess embossing powder back into the jar and then toss the paper - no more mixed embossing colors. Okay back on track again. I heated the embossing powder until it melted beautiful and set it aside to let it dry.

Next, step I took a dauber and in a circlular motion I added Goldrush ink around the embossed pumpkin image, followed by Chocolate ink around the outside edges of the sentiment piece.

Ironing time, I took my hot iron (not hot enough to burn the paper) and placed my image on the towel and a scrap piece of cardstock on top of the image piece and began to iron. You may have to change the scrap piece a couple of times. BE CAREFUL NOT TO MOVE THE SCRAP PIECE AROUND AS YOU CAN ADD EMBOSSING TO OTHER PARTS. A little too dramatic, sorry. Your goal, remove the melted embossing from the piece. I was pleasantly surprised that using the embossing powder mixture did come off just like the clear and left a ghosting effect.

Once all the embossing powder has been removed, you have a ghosted effect left.

I assembled the card, added a little metal and the sentiment 'Thanksgiving' and the card was complete.

I hope you enjoyed my version of the 'ghosting' technique, now hop on over to Wendy's blog and check out her great creation. Before you go, please let me know what you thought of my creation by leaving a comment.

Joy - Christmas Decor Idea

2011-11-10T00:08:00.002-06:00

I recently saw some word blocks on the Close To My Heart bulletin board (join my team and you can see them too) and I fell in love with the look. I had found some large clothes pins in the dollar bin at Micheals and thought, okay this could be cute.

So here is my version of the word blocks -- Joy. I used Believe B&T (pattern paper), White Daisy, Black, and Sweet Leaf cardstock. The Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge cut all the parts, the square, the flower (faux poinsetta), letters. And for the blingy look, I added medium and large gold shimmer brads.

I hope you enjoyed my little creation.

Christmas Card a Day Blog - Food

2011-11-08T00:01:00.001-06:00

Oh my, Christmas food is a hard theme I found. Since I love all the Holiday food, thought it would be easy. Here is my creation for the Christmas Card a Day Blog.

So I started by bringing together all the parts, scrap bags of Chocolate, Colonial White, Believe pattern paper, chocolate stripe ribbon, kitchen themed rub-ons, and several Christmas themed stamp sets.

Using the Wishes recipe book, I found the perfect 4 1/2" x 4 1/2" card recipe (Fancy Four page 76). I used an apron and 'I heart cookies' black rub-ons (a stash item from a recipe book project) on the Colonial White and using the masking technique, I stamped swirls (Snow Flurried D1384) and snowflakes on the apron to give it a holiday feel.

A circle punched from my 1 1/4" circle punch stamped in black ink with Merry Christmas (Tag the Occasion B1362) and an outline of dots in Chocolate (I heart chocolate chips), finished the sentiment part of the card.

Chocolate card base (4 1/2" x 9" folded) with the Believe pattern paper stripes stamped with the sentiment Holiday Cheer (B1381), don't you just love how I can make my own pattern paper or alter pattern paper with stamps, are the perfect backdrop for the sentiment pieces.

I added a few Mocha Opaques to finish the card. I hope you enjoyed my creation and I would love for you to leave a comment.

November Stamp of the Month - Cherish the Day

2011-10-31T21:29:00.004-05:00

It is Fall, truly Fall,the leaves are changing, the weather is cold, and I love the smell of all the cinnamon, pumkin, and spice. And what could be spicier then the Stamp of the Month blog hop.

November's Stamp of the Month, Cherish the Day, is a calendar inspired stamp set of 44 images. I love calendar stamp sets and this one is awesome.

If you have come from Nancy's blog, you are on the right path. The blog hop is a great big circle, so you can start here and work your way all around. If you get lost along the way, you'll find a complete list of participating consultants here.

As usual, I begin to fill my space with the parts I think I want to use.

My creation is special to me as Zeke, my newest grand, is the center of the project. I love mini albums and this stamp set will work great for his 2nd year mini album.

I started with Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge tag (2 sizes) and ticket images. Stamping with Chocolat ink, I stamped each ticket with the each month from the Cherish the Day stamp set. I sponged the ticket with Chocolate to add some color and depth.

The Dreamin' Workshop on the Go inspired me and I used the few leftovers and the color scheme of Chocolate and Pacifica.

I printed Zeke's pictures onto Colonial White cardstock for a matte finish. I attached the photos to a stamped background tag, attached a stamped ticket and a smaller stamped tag for journaling.

Each page will hold a photo and memory for the month.

The Dreamin' paper packet leftovers worked great for creating a front and back cover. I took a small piece of chipboard (thin) and cut a tag, attached the pattern paper giving the front and back covers a little more stability.

Isn't he a cutie.

I hope you have enjoyed my little creation and would love to hear what you think.

May you have a wonderful November and upcoming holidays.

Continue hopping by visiting the next blog in the hop, Brae's. Don't forget the Stamp of the Month will only be available for November. Contact your consultant or go here to order yours before it's too late.