Supplies used: Sophia Paper Packet (retired), Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge, Chantilly Textiles, Harvest Baker’s Twine, Felt Alphabet – Keepsake (retired), Sparkle Flourishes, and Bitty Sparkles.

I have to admit when Close to My Heart came out with these fabrics I really wasn’t sure what to do with them.  It’s great that they coordinate with different papers but I have a feeling they will last me a very long time.  For my layout I used the fabric to create the butterflies and flowers.  The butterflies are roughly 2″ squares of fabric cut with pinking shears on the sides.  To create the flowers I first cut a long strip (about 1/2″) of fabric.  Then I twisted it so the pattern was mostly on the outside and from there I twisted it further into a circle.  As I did the final twisting, I used 1″ glue dots to adhere it to my paper flower.  The inside of the small flower is a strip of fabric tied in a loose knot with the ends cut off.  At first, I planned to use knots with the ends but I didn’t like it so I used those (they look like little bows) in the upper corner of my layout.  I used this sketch from Scrappy Sketches.

And here are some closeup pics:

Your next stop is: Judy Faye !

Participants:
Debi
Tabbi
Stephanie Chumbley
Wendy K.
Judy Faye
Shirley
Joy

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The May Challenge at Scrap Our Stash is a Patterned Paper Party!  Create a layout using THREE or more patterned papers from DIFFERENT collections.

Here is my layout:

Supplies used: EK Success Overton House Designs paper, Heidi Grace Designs paper, unknown stack paper, Making Memories Simply Stated Heidi Large White Alphabet Rubons, Stickabilities Alphabet Stickers, Prima Flowers, Michael’s rhinestones, and ribbon.  Sketch from Imagine by Close to My Heart.

At first I thought it was going to be difficult to mix patterned papers because I have switched to buying packs because they are so much easier to coordinate.  But what do you know…I have some really old paper!  This challenge was a good thing because these papers would normally be my last resort.  So single sheets here I come and this is what I came up with.  The best way for me to mix pattern papers is to choose one multi-colored paper as a starting point, then find mono-toned or less busy papers to go with it.  You can see this from my layout.  I have the striped paper and polka dot papers (mostly covered) as my busy, multi-colored sheets.  Then I added the pink flowered sheet, brown flowered sheet, green polka dots, and pink/green flowered sheet.  I have a large supply of Making Memories alphabet rubons making those the first that came to mind.  Even though I have a large stash, I do use them often.  They are good quality and make a quick way to add a title, similar to alphabet stickers but with more letters to use.

Now I will share the funny part of doing this layout.  I was as far as the pictures on the paper, just had to add a title and embellishments, when I realized that these are Christmas pictures – not birthday.  I certainly wasn’t going to start over at that point.  I decided that I did use pink and green so that’s close enough to Christmas colors.  I was just focused on how well the paper matched her outfit and I guess that’s what happens when your child has a birthday so close to Christmas.

What will you create? Go to Scrap Our Stash to submit your own layout.  You have until May 29th.

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Other great items for handmade gifts:
My Creations Kraft Containers
Clear Pillow Boxes
My Creations Paper Pouch – Small
My Creations Paper Pouch – Large

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Supplies used: CTMH Hooligans Paper Packet, Recollections Glitter Tape, American Crafts Elements Clear Mini Jewel Brads, Prima Black Rhinestones Flourish, and Making Memories Simply Stated Hand-Lettered Rub-on Words (Expressions).  I used a sketch from Sketch Savvy.

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Here’s my layout:

Supplies used: Close to My Heart Buzz & Bumble Paper Packet, Close to My Heart Color-Ready Cork Alphabet, Making Memories buttons and flowers, and other Close to My Heart misc. retired embellishments.

I had a little trouble with the circle on this one.  I used the outside of a bowl to place the buttons but next time I will draw a line with pencil and then place the buttons.  Because of the different sizes, they didn’t line up as nice as I wanted them to.  This is a very different layout for me because of the colors but they worked well with the photos and I’ve almost used up this paper packet now.

There is still time to submit your layout at Scrap Our Stash.  You have until April 29th.

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On June 7, we will be creating the Claire Scrapbooking Workshop on the Go Kit.  If you are in Club, this is the time to order.  You need to order by May 3 by contacting me or joining the correct gathering on my website to receive it by the scheduled workshop date.

The Claire Workshop Kit includes:
Claire Paper Packet ($9.95)
My Acrylix^® Claire Scrapbooking Workshop stamp set ($13.95)
Colonial White Cardstock (2 sheets) ($0.80)
Claire Assortment ($5.95)
Keyboard Kraft Alphabet ($4.95)
Instructional Guide ($1.00)

Additional Layout: (directions on my website)

*Note: On the back cover of the Claire Workshop on the Go guide, the incorrect pattern is given for the left page of the additional layout.  The correct pattern is Reflections: Main Frame – Offset.

Bonus Project: (directions on my website)

Add these items to your order to create the workshop bonus project:
Z1818 6″ × 6″ Canvas Display $4.95
Z1812 Sparkles Clear Flourishes – Small $4.95

Required Tools: (if you are attending, I will have these available for your use)
E1024 Keepsake Alphabet stamp set $29.95
Z2175 Cashmere Exclusive Inks Pad $5.25
Z2193 Cotton Candy Exclusive Inks Pad $5.25
Z2140 Outdoor Denim Exclusive Inks Pad $5.25
Z578 Corner Rounder $7.95
Z697 Sponge $1.25
Z679 Liquid Glass $6.95
Y1000 1″ × 1″ My Acrylix Block $3.95
Y1006 3″ × 3″ My Acrylix Block $8.50
Y1010 2″ × 6 1/2″ My Acrylix Block $9.95

Not provided:
Z1294 Sanding Kit $3.50
Z 1151 3-D Foam Tape $5.95

Coordinating products:
X7166C Claire Complements Canvas Shapes $5.95
C1538 Girls Rock stamp set $13.95
D1547 Paper Doll stamp set $17.95
Z1815 Mini Clothes Pins $3.95
Z1816 Durables Artison Studs $3.95
Z1813 Claire Assortment $5.95 (included in Kit)
Z1825 Keyboard Kraft Alphabet $4.95 (included in Kit)

Colors (for cardstock, inks, and markers):
Blush, Cashmere, Cranberry, Hollyhock, Outdoor Denim, Sunset

When you place an order of $50 or more, you get the Stamp of the Month set for only $5.
The Stamp of the Month is:
(April) My Sunshine
(May) Pinwheel
*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, it will be Pinwheel.

The current Constant Campaign is:
(April) Sign up to become a Close to My Heart Consultant and receive the April, May, June, and July Stamp of the Month sets for free!
(May) Get the exclusive Dream Pop Paper Packet for only $10 when you spend $35.
*The Constant Campaign you qualify for 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, it will be the May special.

Here are my layouts:

If you don’t like lumpy embellishments, then you will want to pass on the flowers.  They are thick but very pretty.  As you can see, I adjusted the right side of the page to fit multiple photos.  This can be done quite easily with 2 or 3 photos too.  If you don’t get the stamping perfect on the pink strip at the bottom, just ink the edges and it will camouflage the flaw.  For my white strip, I stamped using the border stamp instead of multiples of the small flower (too time-consuming).

I know there are some of you who like to hear about my mistakes so here’s one and how I made it work.  I had the pictures for both of these layouts together in my paper packet.  When I went to get started, I pulled out the pictures for the second layout and cut them for the first!  I had a feeling that it wasn’t right but did it anyway….  I was going to reprint the pictures, not the end of the world, but I decided to just switch things up and they will still work.  You can see these smaller (ooopsy cut) photos on the first page of this layout and how I matted them to replace the one large photo.  My original plan was to make a photo mat to fit two photos on this page and add flip flaps.
The words that come with the Keepsake Alphabet are so neat and they fit so well into this layout that I added them to the blue edges in Outdoor Denim ink.  I also had to add Opaque Pearls Adhesive Gems and Opaque Pearl Flourishes for more elegance.

One last comment: From the book, I didn’t care much for the Keyboard Kraft Alphabet but now that I’ve used it I really like it.  I like using small letters but they are a pain to stamp so this is a better option.  There are a lot of letters on the sheet so it’s a good value and they are very easy to work with (you can move them around a bit on your page).

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Supplies used are all Close to My Heart: Sophia Paper Packet (retired), Sophia My Stickease (retired), Clear Sparkle Flourishes, Sweet Leaf Ribbon (retired), Green Glitter Glitz, and Stardust Glitter Glitz.

The Sophia Paper Pack was one of my favorites.  I still had some left along with the coordinating Stickease so I decided to use them for this challenge.  These are both retired but I also added in some current product.  The most common things I do with My Stickease is add 3D Foam Tape to add dimension, and add more embellishing to them in some way.  You could use brads, ribbon, sparkles, or my recent favorite – Glitter Glitz.  On my layout, I used Sweet Leaf Ribbon (retired), Sparkle Flourishes, and Stardust Glitter Glitz.  I also used Green Glitter Glitz to add some color and sparkle to the scalloped paper at the top of the page.  One more secret was the placement of the Stickease “buttons”… the scallop was a scrap that I had with my papers and it was a tad bit shorter than what I need for the page.  I used these button stickers to fill the gap!

Here’s a closeup:

Your next stop is Shirley’s Blog!

List of Participants:

1. Stephanie Chumbley

2. Wendy K.

3. Shirley

4. Tabbi Fritz

5. Melinda Everitt

6. Judy Faye Garner

7. Joy McHargue 

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The April Challenge at Scrap Our Stash is Dots and Stripes with Birds, Butterflies or Bees from your stash.  Create a layout using at least one polka dot and one striped paper and either birds, butterflies, or bees.

Here is my layout:

Supplies used: Echo Park papers and stickers, Studio18 Rhinestones, and unknown flower rhinestones.  Sketch by Liz Qualman – My LIttle Sketch Book:

This was a pretty quick layout because I used a sketch and a paper packet.  It really doesn’t get much easier than that!

What will you create? Go to Scrap Our Stash to submit your own layout.  You have until April 29th.

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Here is my layout:

Supplies used: CTMH Life Delights paper (retired), DCWV Alphabet Stickers, 7 Gypsies Pink Posy Velvet Flowers, CTMH Opaques Pearl Flourishes, Hero Arts Pearls, K & Company Life’s Journey Clearly Yours Alphabet, and CTMH Dark Chocolate Striped Ribbon.

I wasn’t sure about the letters on this layout at first.  I left it and came back the next day.  Funny thing is that I liked it right away.  I dug deep in my stash for most everything on this layout.

There is still time to submit your layout at Scrap Our Stash.  You have until March 29th.

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On May 3, we will be creating the Surf’s Up Workshop on the Go Kit.  If you are in Club, this is the time to order.  You need to order by April 5 by contacting me or joining the correct gathering on my website to receive it by the scheduled workshop date.

The Surf’s Up Workshop Kit includes:
Surf’s Up Paper Packet ($9.95)
My Acrylix^® Surf’s Up Workshop Stamp Set ($13.95)
White Daisy Cardstock (2 sheets) ($0.80)
Surf’s Up Assortment ($5.95)
Instructional Guide ($1.00)

Additional Layout: (directions on my website)

Bonus Project: (directions on my website)

Add these items to your order to create the workshop bonus project:
Z 1827 My Creations Paper Pouch – Small $2.95
Z1830 Brown & Tan Glitter Paper $5.95
Z1752 Sparkles Clear Assortment $2.95 (you will need an additional one to complete the kit plus the bonus project)

Required Tools: (if you are attending, I will have these available for your use)
E1021 Trinity Alphabet stamp set $29.95
Z2111 Chocolate Exclusive Inks Pad $5.25
Z2195 Lagoon Exclusive Inks Pad $5.25
Z2117 Crystal Blue Exclusive Inks Pad $5.25
Z2162 Honey Exclusive Inks Pad $5.25
Z1392 2″ Scallop Circle Punch $14.95
Z697 Sponge $1.25
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

Not provided:
Z1294 Sanding Kit $3.50
Z 1151 3-D Foam Tape $5.95

Coordinating products:
X7168C Surf’s Up My Stickease Assortment $4.95
D1534 Patterned Pennants stamp set $17.95
C1531 Tropical Paradise stamp set $13.95
Z1841 Surf’s Up Assortment $5.95 (included in Kit)
Z1752 Sparkles Assortment $2.95 (included in Kit)
Z1837 Mini-Medley Accents Collection – Wooden $5.95

Colors (for cardstock, inks, and markers):
Chocolate, Crystal Blue, Ponderosa Pine, Sorbet, White Daisy

When you place an order of $50 or more, you get the Stamp of the Month set for only $5.
The Stamp of the Month is:
(March) Floral Happiness
(April) My Sunshine
*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, it will be My Sunshine.

The current Constant Campaign is:
(March)
(April)
*The Constant Campaign you qualify for 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, it will be the April Special.

Here are my layouts:

I’m not much for following directions so I just want to note that you stamp the wave border before putting down your paper.

For this second layout, I added another photo to the left page.  On the right page I cut the brown squares larger and used a 4×3 photo instead of the tiny ones.

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There is new ownership over at Scrap Our Stash.  Come see the changes and check out the new challenges!  Our first one is Kraft It Up.  Create a layout using 50% kraft (paper, embellishments, etc.)  The stash buster is metal.  Use at least 3 pieces of metal embellishments (eyelets, brads, gears, hinges, etc.) on your layout.

Here’s my layout:

Supplies used: Close to My Heart Kraft Paper, unknown pattern paper from my stash (it’s from a stack), Close to My Heart Artiste Cricut cartridge, Creative Memories Circle Cutter, mulberry paper from stash, Making Memories Charmed Photo Corners, Making Memories Metal Flowers, Making Memories Metal Word, and Close to My Heart Milepost Shapes (retired).

First of all I have to say that I recently bought some Kraft paper because I see it everywhere and honestly…I hate it.  So this was a true challenge for me!  In an attempt to use up some of my kraft paper, I used it as the background of my layout.  The decorative circle is cut from the Artiste cartridge (p.60 – Accent 4 – Shift – Fit to Page).  I took the scraps from the inside of this circle image and flipped them around (double-sided paper) and used them to create the flower.  I added another circle of mulberry paper that was buried deep in my stash.  Do you remember this stuff?  I even used my Creative Memories circle cutter.  The shapes in the corners of the layout are layered metal pieces, 2 photo corners topped with the flower.

Now head over to Scrap Our Stash and submit your own layout.  You have until March 29th.

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Supplies used: Scrappin’ Sports & More paper, CTMH Slate Polka-Dot Washi Tape, CTMH Game On stamp set, CTMH Adhesive Spring, and Scrappin’ Sports & More Rub-ons.

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Supplies used are all Close to My Heart unless noted: Clementine Paper Packet, Twilight Cardstock, Burlap Ribbon, Basic Brads (retired), and Michael’s Paper Flowers.

This was a layout I finished at the end of February. One of my goals for the month was to finish up the Clementine Paper Packet.  I’ve decided that I am going to continue with that as a monthly goal…to use up a paper pack (or at least to the point of a few scraps to go in my cardmaking scrap bag).

I used this sketch from Sketchabilities:

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Supplies used: Reminisce Sports Chick paper and rubons.

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Supplies used: Flaire Designs All Star Collection Paper, Scrappin’ Sports & More Volleyball Rubon-Ons, CTMH Button – Black Assortment, CTMH Slate Polka-Dot Washi Tape,  CTMH Game On stamp set, CTMH Whisper cardstock, and CTMH Slate ink.
Challenge: Scrapbook.com – Page Maps Sketch Challenge

I used this sketch from Sketch Support:

What started out as a dreaded layout turned into a happy ending.  I think the sketch was what did it for me.  It is very hard to get good sports (action) photos and the smaller photos suggested on this sketch made me “zoom in” on the action and really focus on my daughter.  I have to say that this is my first use of Washi Tape and OMG I am in love – very cool stuff!  I have to also say that these rubons are wonderful…you will be seeing them in the near future as I finish a couple more volleyball layouts.

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Supplies are all CTMH unless otherwise noted: Clementine Paper Packet, Color-Ready Cork Alphabet, Burlap Ribbon, Milepost Shapes (retired), Juniper Marker, Dimensional Elements Awards, Brown Bag ink (retired), Brown Bag cardstock (retired), Basic Grey Pearls, and Prima flowers.  Challenges: Scrapbook.com – Page Maps Sketch Challenge

I used this Sketch Thursday sketch by rotating it and using one photo instead of two:

I am really happy with this layout.  Cork, burlap, and corrugated items are not what I typically use and these items are bound to end up buried in my stash.  So I am proud to have used them and I think I like it because I mixed them with other things that I do enjoy using, like flowers and pearls.  I used the new CTMH Alcohol Markers to color the cork letters.

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Supplies used: CTMH Clementine Paper Packet, CTMH Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge, CTMH Almond Glitter Glitz, Making Memories paperie greenhouse stickers, and Kaiser Pearls.

One of my goals this month is to use up my Clementine Paper Packet so you will see a bit more with this paper and then I will be done!  For this layout I took two of the zip strips that were cut from the tops of the papers and put them together to make the decorative border in the center.  I used Glitter Glitz to the edges of the scalloped circles to add some sparkle to the page.  I used this sketch from Inspired Blueprints.

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Supplies used: Echo Park Summertime papers and stickers, Basic Grey Rhinestones, CTMH Hello Blooms stamp set, and CTMH Lagoon ink.  Challenge: Scrapbook.com – Page Maps Sketch Challenge

I used this Page Map sketch, making it 12×12 page:

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Supplies used are all Close to My Heart: For Always Paper Packet, For Always Stickease, Sparkles Flourishes, Pixie Glitter Alphabet, Hello Blooms stamp set, Artiste Cricut cartridge, Juniper Marker, Sorbet marker, Lagoon ink, Sunset ink, Button Assortment – Black, Slate, Whisper, and Flutter Paper Shapes.  Challenges: Scrapbook.com – Sketch

I used this Creative Scrapper sketch by Aphra Bolyer:

This is a very different layout for me but I really like how it turned out, and it is in fact a favorite.  This is one of my favorite photos too.  For the striped paper along the left side I colored every other line with the Sorbet and Juniper markers (the only two colors that I have!) I really like how it added a bit of color to the page.  The Hello Blooms stamp set is a new one that I debated getting because I have so many flower stamps but I do love it.  Really like the glitter buttons that come in this assortment too.

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Welcome to our February Art Philosophy/Artiste Blog Hop!   As you know, these cartridges are available exclusively through a Close to My Heart consultant.  If you don’t already have a Consultant that you are currently working with, you can search for one in your area or contact me (visit my website).

Our theme this month features not only one of these amazing cartridges but also a brand NEW paper pack from Close to My Heart – “For Always”.   In this hop, you will see projects featuring one (or both!) of our versatile Cricut cartridges with this paper pack from many talented crafty ladies!  Enjoy our blog hop!

If you have just hopped onto my blog, please start at the beginning at Lucy’s blog – Love 2 Create.   If you came from Priscilla’s Paperie then you are in the right place!

Supplies used: CTMH For Always Paper Packet, CTMH For Always Textiles, CTMH Artiste Cricut cartridge, CTMH Sunset cardstock, Ranger Black Diamond Stickles, and CTMH Black and Grey Glitter Paper.  Challenges: Scrapbook.com - Cricut, Scrapbook.com - Sketch.

I started with this sketch by Julie Bonner:

I used Cricut Craft room to create the flourishes and other diecuts from the Artiste cartridge.  I found it was easier to visualize this way.  I flipped the sketch and turned it into a 2-page layout.

Your next stop on our “For Always” hop is Stephanie at The Quilted Scrapper.

Here is the complete lineup in case you get lost along the way:

1. Lucy ~ Love 2 Create
2. Darla ~ Caution: Stamping is Contagious
3. Theodora ~ Celebrate Crafts
4. Michelle ~ My Creations With Michelle
5. Priscilla~  Priscilla’s Paperie
6. Wendy ~ My Scrapbooking Blog
7. Stephanie-The Quilted Scrapper
8. Michelle ~ My Flights of Fancy
9. Ellen ~ CardMonkey’s Paper Jungle
10. Melissa Lind~ MyWatermelonMoon
11. Jennifer ~ 4 Hearts Scrapbooking

Thanks for hopping along with us – we hope we were able to inspire you.

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