Shop now!

Share/Save

Now on to the next upcoming workshop:

On October 5 @ 6:30 – 9:00pm we will be creating the Clementine Scrapbooking Kit.  If you are in Club, this is the time to order.  You need to order by Sept. 7 by contacting me or joining the correct gathering on my website to receive it by the scheduled workshop date.

The Clementine Scrapbooking Kit includes:
My Reflections Clementine Paper Packet (X7156B)
My Acrylix Clementine Workshop Stamp Set (C-size) only available with this workshop
2 – Colonial White Cardstock Sheets
Cottage Assortment (Z1794)
Instruction Brochure

Additional Layout: (directions on my website)

Bonus Project: (directions on my website)

Add these items to your order to create the workshop bonus project:
Sparkles Brown & Tan Assortment (Z1753)
Burlap Ribbon (Z1760)

Required Tools: (if you are attending, I will have these available for your use)
E1015  My Acrylix Cocktail Alphabet  $29.95
Z2167  Créme Brulee Exclusive Inks^® Pad  $5.25
Z2171  Saddle Exclusive Inks^® Pad  $5.25
Z2164  Sorbet Exclusive Inks^® Pad  $5.25
Z1294  Sanding Kit  $3.50
Y1000  1″ × 1″ My Acrylix^® Block  $3.95
Y1002  1″ × 3 1/2″ My Acrylix^® Block  $5.95
Y1003  2″ × 2″ My Acrylix^® Block  $6.50
Y1006  3″ × 3″ My Acrylix^® Block  $8.50
Spray Bottle with Water

Not provided: Z1151  3-D Foam Tape  $5.95

Coordinating products:
X7156C  Clementine Complements Canvas Shapes $5.95
Z1794  Cottage Assortment  $5.95 (included in Workshop)
D1525   Casual Expressions stamp set $17.95
B1408  Buttons, Bits, and Bobs stamp set $9.95
Z1387  Wooden Buttons  $5.95

Colors (for cardstock, inks, and markers):
Champagne, Saddle, Cashmere, Sorbet, Colonial White

The Stamp of the Month is:
(August) Baraque Borders
(September) Fall Favorites
*The Stamp of the Month may vary depending on your purchase date.  If you order online, it will be the month in which you are purchasing.  If you order by contacting me, the Stamp of the Month will be (September) Fall Favorites.

The current Constant Campaign is:
Celebrate your everyday moments with the My Acrylix^® It’s Your Day double stamp set. Get it for just $5 when you place a minimum order of $35 in full retail products from August 15 through September 30, 2012.

Share/Save

Here’s another older layout that just needed pictures.  It’s from a Close to My Heart Workshop Kit, love these!

Share/Save

This was a old layout I’ve had stashed away that just needed pictures added.  One more down for the year!

Share/Save

C1501 A New Arrival

Supplies used: A New Arrival stamp set, CTMH Chocolate ink, unknown papers (my guess is DCWV), Copic RV34, DCWV Alphabet Stickers, and unknown pebbles.

I originally had planned to use the Stamp of the Month this week but this stamp set spoke to me instead.  A simple layout.

Share/Save

This is a great video explaining the Cricut Artiste cartridge booklets and how to use them.

Share/Save

This video shows a couple artwork samples using the Cricut Artiste cartridge and explains the use of the “Real Dial” function key.

Share/Save

WELCOME!  I’m so glad you are joining us for our “Use Your Stash Blog Hop”.  If you have already started, you should be coming from Cherri Hardcastle’s Blog.  If this is your first stop, continue through until you make your way back here.  This month’s theme is monochromatic (using one color).

Supplies used: DCWV paper, CTMH Glitz Glitter Gel – Green, Just Blooms Paper Shapes – Flutter, and American Crafts Thickers Chipboard Alphabet Stickers.

I’m not much for monochromatic, however it is a great choice for busy photos.  My photos has so much color that by using one color in my layout it works well.  I used the Glitter Glitz (which I love!) to add some sparkle directly to the page.  I also used it to “color” my butterflies.  Here’s a closeup:

Now hop on over to Judy Faye Garner’s Blog for more ideas on using up your stash.

Here is a list of participants:

• Rachel Ventura
• Debi Barber
• Tabbi Fritz
• Shirley Ross
• Wendy Kessler    <–You are here.
• Judy Faye Garner

Share/Save

Featured items used in this video:
Exclusive Inks Autumn Terracotta Markers Set (Z2427)
Exclusive Inks Honey Markers Set (Z2415)
My Acrylix Fall Harvest (C1504)

Click here to view our full collection of Exclusive Inks Alcohol-based markers.

Share/Save

A1120 Quick Cards – Butterfly

This stamp set is one of a few made by Close to My Heart that are designed specifically to create quick and easy cards.  For this particular stamp, I chose to separate the words and the butterflies by cutting the stamp so that it is now two.  I can now stamp them separate or together.  I will often do this with my stamps.  It is a great option with acrylic stamps but you do have to be careful.  You will want to cut in one single, smooth cut so that it won’t later rip and you need to be careful that you do not cut too close to the image that it won’t stamp correctly (or that you cut into the image itself).  This one was more difficult because they were close together.  I decided to risk it because I knew I would use the stamp more with just the butterfly (and I’m not big on masking).  In the places that were close, I focused on the butterfly image so that if it didn’t work I would have that part.  It ended up working just fine!  I think this is the closest one I have cut.

Supplies used are all Close to My Heart: Perfect Day Paper Packet (retired), Quick Cards – Butterfly Stamp set, Sorbet ink, Opaques Pearl Adhesive Gems, Colonial White Grosgrain Ribbon, and Colonial White and Black cardstock.

This was a very quick card that would work for just about any occasion.  It took me a total of 15 minutes from the time I decided to make the card to completion.  You can’t beat that!

Share/Save

Supplies used are all Close to My Heart: My Creations Bracket Frame, Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge, Love Blooms Stamp Set, Sky ink, Opaques Pearl Adhesive Gems, Black Tulle Ribbon, and Pixie Glitter Alphabet.

I have 3 girls and I have frames for the older girls and needed one for Miranda.  When CTMH came out with this new Bracket Frame it was the perfect solution and a reason for me to get it done.  The opening in the back is 9×9 and the front opening is 7×7.  I printed my photo as an 8×8 and matted it onto black cardstock.  This added more support and you don’t even see the cardstock but it would be okay if you did.

I was unable to find paper that I really liked with this so I decided to try stamping directly onto the frame.  Turns out that I LOVE the new Love Blooms stamp set.  I wasn’t sure about it at first and even after I had it in my hands I had second thoughts.  Even when I was using it I was wondering “how the heck do you line this up?” but then I realized it is very forgiving and you really don’t need to line it up at all.  After finishing all my stamping, I never did figure it out and I love the random look (better than looking like a repeat of the same flower).  I would suggest doing a lot of “stamping off the edge” like I did for the best look.  You also have to sometimes hold the stamp in one hand and press up on the frame (around the inside/middle) with the other because there is not the support from underneath here when stamping and you may miss part of your image.  But even if you do, the great thing about acrylic stamps is that you can just line it up and try again!

I attached my matted photo to the frame with heavy glue dots.

Thought I’d show you this too because it’s a neat look but not what I needed for my project:

The black frame on this one is from the Art Philosophy cartridge page 43 layer set at fit to page.  I don’t know why the Cricut will cut at 11″ for this setting yet when I tell it to cut 11″ it tells me it won’t fit…not the smartest of machines.

Now this next part is because I was curious and I learned some things….  The decorative square on page 53 of the Art Philosophy cartridge sure looks like it matches this frame….so you  should be able to cut your paper to match, right?  Here’s how I did it:
1. Cut the outside using the <Square4> on page 53 with the Fit to Page setting.
2. Unload mat and center the cut image on your mat.  This is easy to do by just lining up the points with the 6″ lines on the mat.

3. Now here’s where I learned that my Cricut is even less smart than I originally thought.  If you go over 6″ it is not the center of your mat…the cricut thinks you only have 11 1/2 x 11 1/2 inches to cut.  So,  you have to be smarter and move your blade over 5 3/4″ and down 5 3/4″ and this will get you to the center.
4. Cut <Square1> on page 23 at 6 3/4″ using the Center Point setting and Real Dial Size on.

And there you go!  A (close to perfect) cut for your frame to add any paper from your stash.  The square I used for the center has rounded corners but I wanted to stick with the same cartridge.  If you want the pointed square, you can use the same directions and just change the image.

Last, here are the instructions to cut a border (like the black I used on my frame):
1. Cut the outside using the <Square4> on page 53 with the Fit to Page setting.
2. Unload mat and center the cut image on your mat.  This is easy to do by just lining up the points with the 6″ lines on the mat.
3. Move your blade over 5 3/4″ and down 5 3/4″ and this will get you to the center.
4. Cut <Square4> on page 53 using the Center Point setting and Real Dial Size on at 10″.  Or cut smaller for a thicker border.

Share/Save

Share/Save

So I decided to tackle making a diaper cake (2 in this case for twins) and it was definitely not as easy as you would think.  Of course, I didn’t pick a simple round one….  I combined different ideas on Pinterest to come up with my own.  It was a learning process.  I would suggest a simple round cake or at least using a nightgown (without legs).  To make mine, I just rolled the diapers and bound with rubber bands.  Then I stuffed the outfits and tried to form as best I could.  The butts were the hardest part!  For the bottom and the head I opened a diaper, filled to form, and used the tabs to hold it together.  The pacifiers are tucked under this top diaper and then fastened with pins.  I also used hidden safety pins to attached the outfit to the blanket to help hold some of the form.  In the end they turned out okay but I won’t do this again!  It should make a round cake super easy though.  Here are some more pics:

Share/Save

This blog hop is a great big circle so you can start wherever you want and continue through to see all the fabulous artwork incorporating this technique.  So if you are starting here, just continue until you make your way back.  If you have already started, you should be coming from Joy’s Blog.

Supplies used: Paper and stamp set from the Workshop on the Go Spellbound Kit, Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge, Black Sparkle Flourishes, Black ink, Sparkle Assortment – black & grey, and Black Tulle Ribbon.

For this blog hop I have used my favorite version of the negative images technique: Whenever I cut a large image with my Cricut I will use the Center Point Function to cut the image in the center of my paper, then I have the original image plus the outer edge which is centered on my paper and ready for another page layout.  In this case, the orange cardstock is my negative image.  I love the quick detail that it adds to my layout.  As a finishing touch I added grey sparkles to my tulle to give it a new look (because you can never have too much sparkle!).

I want to note that used paper and a stamp set that are exclusive to the WOTG Spellbound Kit and are not available for separate purchase.  I will be using my kit in a whole different way than it was designed.  I just loved this Halloween stamp set and I wanted to use the papers for Halloween layouts instead of the party favors.  I will have a future post showing you what I do with the rest of the kit.  After this layout I am SO GLAD I bought this kit.  I don’t have a lot of Halloween pages but I am going to make sure to take lots of pictures this year so I  will be ready to create the pages!

Thanks for stopping by!  Please continue onto Ann-Marie Trammel;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 of my variation and happy hopping!

Here is a list of participants with direct links to their posts:
1. Wendy Kessler
2. Ann-Marie Trammel
3. Michelle Battitiori
4. Judy Faye Garner
5. Tabbi Fritz
6. Cherri
7. Rachel Ventura
8. Shirley Ross
9. Michelle West
10. Joy

Share/Save

Life is made up of simple, everyday moments worth preserving, by the day, week, or month.

To celebrate National Stamping Month in September, we are offering a new double stamp set!  You can get the exclusive My Acrylix® It’s Your Day double stamp set for just $5 when
you place a minimum order of $35 in full retail products from August 15 through September 30.  You’ll love this double set—two D-size sets in one envelope—with trendy images
that capture the flavor of your day-to-day activities, errands, and musings—the little things that make up who you are and are worth remembering and sharing! With a retail
value of $35.90, this set drastically increases the value of your qualifying purchase. Have twice the fun stamping during National Stamping Month with our new It’s Your
Day double stamp set!  SHOP NOW!

Share/Save

If you are starting here or coming from Laurie Newton’s Blog, you are on the right path.

Supplies used: CTMH Dotty for You papers, CTMH Ocean ink & cardstock (retired), and unknown rhinestones and ribbon from my stash.

I tried to think and think of some different ideas for this stamp set and kept going back to that butterfly!  I just couldn’t resist it and came up with this quick and easy card.  I really like the bright colors.

I liked this card so much that I made another one but had to alter the colors because I didn’t have any more of the original ribbon.  I like the blue one better and my girls are divided, one likes the blue and the other likes the pink, funny.

Supplies used: CTMH Dotty for You papers, CTMH Watermelon ink & cardstock (retired), and unknown rhinestones and ribbon from my stash.

Now hop on over to Lori Miller’s Blog!

List of participants:

Kathleen Androlewicz
Helen Onulak
Melissa Laverty
Pamela O'Connor
Adeline Brill
Jean McNulty
Dawn Ross
Mary Eisen
Krista Hershberger
Terry Ann Diack
Angel Sawyer
Traci Godbee
Laurie Newton
Wendy Kessler
Lori Miller
Elizabeth Mindemann (no artwork)
Wendy Coffman
Sheri Ballantyne
Kim Schnoor
Heather Schmuckal
Katy Taylor
Misty Jackson
Michelle Johns (no artwork)
Julia Hammond
Beth Naumann
Pamela Ellison
Judy Faye Garner
Lisa Sargent
Kristine Ponte
Jody Gustafson
Jen Rubio
Casandra Bennett
Lalia Harris
Vicki Price
Shirley Ross
Sheila Bennett
Haley Dyer
Melinda Everitt
Allisa Chilton
Michelle Jones
Gina Brandstetter
Debra Van Patten
Maria Myers

Share/Save

Share/Save

Share/Save

D1296 Chocolate Alphabet Small

Supplies used: Dream Street Papers, CTMH Chocolate Alphabet Large, CTMH Chocolate Alphabet Small, CTMH Cotton Candy Ink, Recollections Glitter Shapes, and Kaisercraft Rhinestones.

As you can see on my layout, I really like using these coordinating alphabets together!  One thing you may not notice is that I also used the “*” stamp and added it among the flowers on the background paper.  I was amazed at how well it blended in as part of the pattern!

Share/Save

The blog hop makes a circle so if you are starting here, just continue until you make your way back.  If you have already started, you should be coming from Diana’s Blog.

Supplies used: Diecuts With a View paper, Close to My Heart Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge, CTMH Sparkle Flourishes, and Making Memories Shimmer Alphabet Stickers.

I chose the banner on the decorative layer page 59 (no shift).  Instead of using it as a banner, I created a border across the bottom of my scrapbook page.  I really like the silver on this layout!

Your next stop is Eva’s Blog!

List of participants:

• Lucy ~ page 62
• Darla ~ pg 34 (shift)
• Diana ~ pg49 (no shift)
• Wendy Kessler ~ pg 59 (no shift)
• Eva~ pg 29 (no shift)
• Carolyn ~ pg 27 (shift)
• Stephanie ~ pg 32 (no shift)
• Joanne ~ pg 24 (shift)
• Laura W. ~ pg43
• Kindred Hearts ~ pg 50 (no shift)
• Pam Stewart ~ Banner 29, 39, 49 & 59.
• Carolyn Mendoza ~ pg 55 (shift)

Share/Save