H2H Sketch Challenge

Hello everyone!  This week it's a sketch challenge over at H2H!  I love sketches; they always seem to get my cards or layouts going so quickly.  Here is the fun sketch, for a large card. 

I liked that this sketch was a size of card I don't usually make, so it challenged me to make something different.  Here is what I came up with...

Here is a close up of the embellishment cluster.  I just love the new black striped grosgrain ribbon and the grey resin flower pins!

I hope you like it!  And I would like to see what YOU create, so please stop on by H2H and add your creation to the list.

CTMH Products used to create this card include:
Papers: Moonlight paper pack (purple B&T only), Black and Slate cardstock
Inks: Black
Embellishments: Clear Sparkles, Black Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Slate Mini-Medley Assortment, and Black Waxy Flax
Other: American Crafts black glittery ribbon

For more inspiration, head on over to H2H and check out the fabulous artwork created this week by my fellow Design Team B members, or click on their links here: Haley, Angel, Nancy, Dorothy and Dania.

If you want to play along, here is what you need to do...

1. Use mostly Close To My Heart products, though it doesn't have to be 100%.  
2. Create your sketch-inspired project!
3. Post your project to your blog or other online gallery. 
4. Link your blog post to this challenge at H2H.

Thanks so much for stopping by!  I love to read your comments, so please let me know what you think.  Happy scrapping!

H2H Challenge: Christmas is Coming!

Hello everyone!  The gals at H2H are aware that Christmas is quickly approaching, so to get us all motivated to get prepared, the challenge this week is to create a Christmas-themed project.  You know I love my layouts, so that is what I decided to create this week. 

I used the beautiful new Pear and Partridge kit, matching rub-ons and sparkly brads.  The layout is from the awesome new publication Make it From Your Heart, and is ready to simply insert Christmas photos! I also used the brand new Cricut Artiste cartridge to cut the title "Noel" in Cranberry cardstock.

I hope you liked this quick little creation!  And I would like to see what YOU create, so please stop on by H2H and add your creation to the list.
CTMH Products used to create this card include:
Papers: Pear and Partridge WOTG, Chocolate and Cranberry cardstock
Inks: Chocolate
Embellishments: Silver Shimmer Brads, Pear and Partridge rub-ons, American Crafts lace ribbon
Other: Make it From Your Heart, Cricut Artiste Cartridge


For more inspiration, head on over to H2H and check out the fabulous artwork created this week by my fellow Design Team B members, or click on their links here: Haley, Angel, Nancy, Dorothy and Dania.

If you want to play along, here is what you need to do...

1. Use mostly Close To My Heart products, though it doesn't have to be 100%.  
2. Create your Christmas-themed project!
3. Post your project to your blog or other online gallery. 
4. Link your blog post to this challenge at H2H.

Thanks so much for stopping by!  I love to read your comments, so please let me know what you think.  Happy scrapping!

H2H Challenge: Inspiration Photo

Hello fellow crafters!  H2H has a great challenge for you this week.  It's a photo inspiration challenge: look at the photo, and craft away.  Be inspired by the colours, shapes, items in the photo; it's up to you.  First, here is the photo....

I was in a Halloween state of mind, and I was inspired by the owls on the table, and the green table runner.  I reached for my Moonlight paper pack and WOTG stamp set, along with the matching dimensional elements, grabbed Make it From Your Heart, and came up with this layout...

I wanted to use the orange printed paper with the owls, along with the green patterned paper from this kit to mimic the table runner.  I used black for my base, but the patterned papers were all left over after completing my WOTG with this kit.  I also used the woodgrain patterned paper from the Dakota paper pack, inspired by the chairs in the photo, and what I imagine is a wooden table underneath the table cloth. 

Here is a close up of the dimensional elements and adorable owl stamp...

I hope you had a Happy Halloween and that you are inspired to get your layouts done!  And I would like to see what YOU create, so please stop on by H2H and add your creation to the list.

CTMH Products used to create this layout include:
Papers: Moonlight WOTG, Dakota bulk paper, and Black cardstock
Stamps: Moonlight WOTG
Inks: Black
Embellishments: Moonlight Chipboard Dimensional Elements
Other: Make it From Your Heart publication

For more inspiration, head on over to H2H and check out the fabulous artwork created this week by my fellow Design Team B members, or click on their links here: Haley, Angel, Nancy, Dorothy and Dania.

If you want to play along, here is what you need to do...

1. Use mostly Close To My Heart products, though it doesn't have to be 100%.  
2. Create your project, inspired by the photo, of course!
3. Post your project to your blog or other online gallery. 
4. Link your blog post to this challenge at H2H.

Thanks so much for stopping by!  I love to read your comments, so please let me know what you think.  Happy scrapping!

H2H: Halloween

Hello everyone!  I apologize for being a bit of an absentee blogger these days.  Things have been super busy, and I have had a hard time making it into my craft room.  That's why I love H2H, because the ladies there continually inspire me, and challenge me to create things I might otherwise not get around to.  So, thanks for stopping by; you keep me crafting!

Over at H2H this week, the challenge is to create something with a Halloween or pumpkin theme.  I decided to make a Halloween card based on a pattern in the awesome new How To publication Make it From Your Heart, so here it is...

I used the all new Moonlight paper pack and WOTG stamp set, along with some black tulle ribbon for a little dimension.  It was pretty fussy cutting to cut out that mummy, but the result is worth it, I think!  I even stamped the inside....

So Happy Halloween!  I hope you liked this quick creation!  And I would like to see what YOU create, so please stop on by H2H and add your creation to the list.

CTMH Products used to create this card include:
Papers: Moonlight WOTG, Black and Colonial White cardstock
Stamps: Moonlight WOTG
Inks: Black
Embellishments: Black Tulle Ribbon and Silver Shimmer Brads
Other: Make it From Your Heart


For more inspiration, head on over to H2H and check out the fabulous artwork created this week by my fellow Design Team B members, or click on their links here: Haley, Angel, Nancy, Dorothy and Dania.

If you want to play along, here is what you need to do...

1. Use mostly Close To My Heart products, though it doesn't have to be 100%.  
2. Create your Halloween or pumpkin-themed project!
3. Post your project to your blog or other online gallery. 
4. Link your blog post to this challenge at H2H.

Thanks so much for stopping by!  I love to read your comments, so please let me know what you think.  Happy scrapping!

H2H: Birthday Card with a Number!

Thanks for stopping by!  Over at H2H this week, the challenge is to create a birthday card featuring a number.  I don't usually put a number on a card, so this one was fun for me.  I decided to create a boyish card for a 7 year old, since we have a few birthdays coming up this month.  I stole away for about 20 minutes and whipped this one up.  Here is what I came up with...

I used the all new Dakota paper pack and WOTG stamp set.  It's not too fancy, but we've had out-of-town guests, and I have been sick the past week, so it was all I could do to get to my craft room today!

I am hoping to get my mojo back, along with some time to craft, in the next little while!  I hope you liked this quick creation!

CTMH Products used to create this card include:
Papers: Dakota WOTG and Black cardstock
Stamps: Dakota WOTG
Inks: Black
Embellishments: Black Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Dimensional Elements Numbers, and Black Hemp


For more inspiration, head on over to H2H and check out the fabulous artwork created this week by my fellow Design Team B members, or click on their links here: Haley, Angel, Nancy, Dorothy and Dania.

If you want to play along, here is what you need to do...

1. Use mostly Close To My Heart products, though it doesn't have to be 100%.  
2. Create your card, featuring a number!
3. Post your project to your blog or other online gallery. 
4. Link your blog post to this challenge at H2H.

Thanks so much for stopping by!  I love to read your comments, so please let me know what you think.  Happy scrapping!

It's Christmas Time at H2H!

It's nearing the end of September, which means Christmas is just around the corner!  So, to get you thinking about the holidays, this week's challenge at H2H is to create something Christmas-related.  It can be a card, scrapbook layout, gift item or anything else you want to make.  Of course, since my true paper crafting passion is scrapbook layouts, that is what I decided to make. 

I used the all new Pear and Partridge WOTG kit.  To make sure I had enough materials to complete this layout, I cut all the papers for the two layouts included in the kit first, and then came up with this layout from the remainders.  This layout is based on a pattern from the awesome new Make If From Your Heart publication, and I love how it turned out.

I stamped the title using the Trinity Alphabet set and adhered the cut-out letters on top of the ribbon.

I plan to add my journalling on the thin Colonial White stripes on the right side of the layout.

CTMH Products used to create this layout include:
Papers: Pear and Partridge WOTG (G1052), Colonial White, Cranberry and Desert Sand cardstock
Stamps: Trinity Alphabet (E1021)
Inks: Desert Sand and Cranberry
Embellishments: Chocolate Striped Grosgrain (Z1617), Red Sparkles (Z1326), Pear and Partridge Complements Glittery Rub Ons (X7162C)


For more inspiration, head on over to H2H and check out the fabulous artwork created this week by my fellow Design Team B members, or click on their links here: Haley, Angel, Nancy, Dorothy and Dania.

If you want to play along, here is what you need to do...

1. Use mostly Close To My Heart products, though it doesn't have to be 100%.  
2. Create your Christmas-themed project!
3. Post your project to your blog or other online gallery. 
4. Link your blog post to this challenge at H2H.

Thanks so much for stopping by!  I love to read your comments, so please let me know what you think.  Happy scrapping!

H2H Challenge: It's a Sketch!

This week the challenge over at H2H is my favourite kind of challenge: a SKETCH!   I love a good sketch to get my creative mojo going, and hopefully it has the same effect on you!  Here is the sketch...

I decided to use the cute new paper line Clementine from CTMH to come up with this little card...

Now let's see what you can come up with!  Head on over to H2H and upload your interpretation of the sketch now!

CTMH Products used to create this card includes:
Papers: Clementine paper pack, and Vanilla Cream cardstock
Stamps: A Typeface (A1117)
Inks: Saddle (my new favourite!)
Other: Cricut Art Philosophy (Z1686)

For more inspiration, head on over to H2H and check out the fabulous artwork created this week by Design Team A, or click on their links here: Mary, Kelly, Caroline, Erin, Madeline, and Shirley.

If you want to play along, here is what you need to do...

1. Use mostly Close To My Heart products, though it doesn't have to be 100%.  
2. Create your project, based on the sketch provided.
3. Post your project to your blog or other online gallery. 
4. Link your blog post to this challenge at H2H.

Thanks so much for stopping by!  I love to read your comments, so please let me know what you think.  Happy scrapping!

H2H Challenge: Biggie Cards

This week, it's go big or go home at H2H!  The challenge is to create a card larger than the standard A2 (4 1/4" by 5 1/2").  I thought this challenge was perfect to start breaking in my brand new Cricut Artiste cartridge, as it contains quite a number of card cuts.  So, without further adieu, here is my biggie card....

I used the all new, and very beautiful La Belle Vie paper pack to make this 6x6 card.  The key I used to cut the shape for the base of the card can be found on page 46 of the handbook.  Here is a better view of the shape...

You will notice that the card I chose is a postcard, rather than a folding card.  I simply cut 2 of them, scored the piece that would make the back flap close to the edge, and attached it to the card front.  That way there is no fold visible on the front of the card.  Here is the inside, so you can see what I mean.

I cut the larger shape at 6", the black on the front of the card at 5" and the butterfly patterned paper on the front at 4 1/2" to create the layers.  The lined paper on the inside is cut at 5" as well.

CTMH Products used to create this layout include:
Papers: La Belle Vie (X7158B), Smokey Plum and Black cardstock
Stamps: Cricut Artiste Collection (Z7190)
Inks: Blush, Smokey Plum and Black
Embellishments: Black Waxy Flax (Z1089), Black Striped Grosgrain (Z1781), Glitter Trim (Z1799), Grey Button (Z1787), Dimensional Elements Numbers (Z1681)
Other: Cricut Artiste Cartridge (Z7190)

For more inspiration, head on over to H2H and check out the fabulous artwork created this week by my fellow Design Team B members, or click on their links here: Haley, Angel, Nancy, Dorothy and Dania.

If you want to play along, here is what you need to do...

1. Use mostly Close To My Heart products, though it doesn't have to be 100%.  
2. Create a BIGGIE card!
3. Post your project to your blog or other online gallery. 
4. Link your blog post to this challenge at H2H.

Thanks so much for stopping by!  I love to read your comments, so please let me know what you think.  Happy scrapping!

I Received a Liebster Award!

I have been nominated for a Liebster Award by a fellow blogger!  I am so thrilled and appreciate it so much!  Thanks so much for the award Mickie!  Her blog is lots of fun, so check out the Little Scrap Corner to see what she's been up to.  

This whole blogging experience has been completely new to me, and has been quite the learning curve.  It's been a lot of fun, and I have so appreciated learning from others out there in the blogosphere who do what they do so well.  And here's the really great part of the Liebster... in order to accept it, you must nominate other bloggers with less than 200 followers whose blogs you love and appreciate!

ABOUT THE AWARD

Liebster is a German word meaning "Beloved," "Favorite," or "Dearest." This award is a peer to peer award in which fellow bloggers present the award to their favorite bloggers with less than 200 followers. The origins of this award is unclear, but is believed to have originated by a German blogger. This award was designed to be a blog award in the pay it forward fashion to share your dearest and most beloved blogs that have less than 200 followers.

RULES FOR ACCEPTANCE

Thank the person who gave you the award and link back to their blog.  Post the award onto your blog.Give the award to five bloggers who you appreciate that have less than 200 followers.  Leave a comment on their blog letting them know that you have given them this awesome award!

PAY IT FORWARD

So, without further adieu, here are the 5 blogs (in no particular order, as they all are fabulous!) with less than 200 followers that I would like to pass the Liebster Award on to..... 

Romaine at Bumbles 'n' Bees
Angel at Angel's Paper Crafts and Things
Nancy at Nancy's Crafty Blog
Kelly at Scrapper Chic
Erin at CreatErin 

I love all of these blogs, and appreciate all of the inspiration you provide!  And now ladies, you will have the difficult task of choosing 5 blogs to nominate!  I found it hard to limit it to 5, as there are just so many fun and fabulous blogs out there.

Thanks again to Mickie for the Award, and thanks to those of you who actually read my blog once in a while!  It's nice to know you are out there!

Flirty Mini Cards for H2H

This week the challenge over at H2H is to create a card smaller than the standard 4 1/4" by 5 1/2" card.  I decided this challenge was the perfect inspiration to make some cute thank you cards.  I decided to make some 4x4" cards.  I used the brand new Flirty paper pack from CTMH, and whipped up this little cutie...

And, if you know me, you know I never stop at just one.  I made a set of 4, so I have a few extra on hand.  

CTMH Products used to create these cards include:
Papers: Flirty, Desert Sand and Bamboo cardstock
Stamps: A Typeface (A1117)
Inks: Desert Sand

Other: Cricut Art Philosophy (Z1686), pink sparkles (unknown brand)

For more inspiration, head on over to H2H and check out the fabulous artwork created this week by Design Team A, or click on their links here: Mary, Kelly, Caroline, Erin, Madeline, and Shirley.

If you want to play along, here is what you need to do...

1. Use mostly Close To My Heart products, though it doesn't have to be 100%.  
2. Create your mini card project.
3. Post your project to your blog or other online gallery. 
4. Link your blog post to this challenge at H2H.

Thanks so much for stopping by!  I love to read your comments, so please let me know what you think.  Happy scrapping!

H2H Challenge: Back to School

As August comes to a close, the challenge over at H2H is to create a project for back-to-school.  I decided to create a covered notepad, as I thought this would make a nice gift to the teacher at the start of the year.

I used up the very last of my retired Typeset paper pack, however this project could just as easily be made with the all-new Scholastic paper pack.  I purchased a 5" by 8" pad of paper, and simply created a folder to hold it.  The back flap has a pocket that the cardboard backing of the pad fits into, and the front flap has an inner pocket as well.  After a lot of scoring and folding to create the folder, I simply embellished the front, and voila!

 

To create the folder, I started with a sheet of Kraft, cut at 8 1/4" by 11".  Along the 11" edge, I scored it at 5 3/8" and 5 5/8".  This created the basic folder.  To create the pocket on the back flap, I started with a sheet of Kraft cut at 6" by 8 3/4".  I scored this sheet at 5 3"8 and 8 1/4" respectively.  I trimmed 1/4" off the top, and adhered it to the back flap using the folds for adhesive.  This way, the cardboard back of the pad slips easily into this pocket.  To make the pocket on the inside of the front flap, I used a 6x6" piece of Kraft, scored at 5 3/8" and 5 1/2", and again adhered it using the folds.

It was mostly trial and error, as I wasn't working from any kind of template, but I like how it turned out.  If my directions aren't making sense, and you are interested in trying to create a similar folder, please contact me and I will answer your questions.

CTMH Products used to create this layout include:
Papers: Typeset (retired), Kraft and Creme Brulee cardstock
Stamps: Typeset WOTG stampset, Blue Ribbon
Inks: Black and Juniper
Embellishments: Vineyard Berry Pleated Ribbon (retired), Black Waxy Flax (Z1089), Evergreen Cork Shapes (Z1719), Black Opaque Gems (Z1335)
Other: Cricut AP Cartridge (Z1686)

For more inspiration, head on over to H2H and check out the fabulous artwork created this week by my fellow Design Team B members, or click on their links here: Haley, Angel, Nancy, Dorothy and Dania.

If you want to play along, here is what you need to do...

1. Use mostly Close To My Heart products, though it doesn't have to be 100%.  
2. Create a project for back to school.
3. Post your project to your blog or other online gallery. 
4. Link your blog post to this challenge at H2H.

Thanks so much for stopping by!  I love to read your comments, so please let me know what you think.  Happy scrapping!

Space Party with Cricut Artiste!

How cute is this?  I am so excited about the Cricut Artiste!  There are so many fantastic projects on this cartridge!  Contact me today to order yours!

Happy scrapping!

H2H Challenge: Lagoon, Pear and Sunset

This week, it's a colour challenge over at H2H: Lagoon, Pear and Sunset.  This is such a vibrant and pretty combination, so I really enjoyed playing along with this one.  Since these colours were all featured in the fun and flirty Dotty for You paper pack, I decided to use up some of my scraps of this paper to create a fun birthday card.  Here is what I came up with...

I used a Kraft die-cut 6x6 card for this project, and these cards come with envelopes.  Here is the card with it's matching envelope...

Don't you just love the dimension added by the awesome new burlap ribbon from Close to my Heart?  I think it's my favourite new accessory in this Idea Book!  The edges of the ribbon are bound, so to achieve this look, I trimmed the edges and pulled a thread or two with my paper piercer to unravel the edges a bit.  I popped up the green pennant, so it would sit nicely on top of the burlap ribbon, and tied the baker's twine around all of the pennants.  I also popped up the 5 on the tag that holds the card closed.

This came together in a snap, and I hope my little guy likes it!  After his birthday, I might turn it into a mini-album by adding some pages to the inside with pictures from his party.

CTMH Products used to create this card include:
Papers: Dotty for You (retired), and Colonial White cardstock
Stamps: Look Who's Turning (D1502)
Inks: Sunset and Lagoon
Embellishments: Burlap Ribbon (Z1760), Sunset Baker's Twine (Z1702)
Other: Cricut Art Philosophy (Z1686), Kraft Die-Cut Cards and Envelopes (Z1474)

For more inspiration, head on over to H2H and check out the fabulous artwork created this week by Design Team A, or click on their links here: Mary, Kelly, Caroline, Erin, Madeline, and Shirley.

If you want to play along, here is what you need to do...

1. Use mostly Close To My Heart products, though it doesn't have to be 100%.  
2. Create your project using Lagoon, Pear and Sunset.
3. Post your project to your blog or other online gallery. 
4. Link your blog post to this challenge at H2H.

Thanks so much for stopping by!  I love to read your comments, so please let me know what you think.  Happy scrapping!

CTMH's New How-To Publication: Make it From Your Heart!

Many of you have asked what was going to replace the fabulous How-To books that so many of us have come to rely on.  Well, CTMH has come out with yet another fantastic How-To publication.  Check it out, and contact me today to order yours!

A Shadow Box Layout for Fiona

As this post publishes, I am driving into the beautiful Jackson Hole, Wyoming to visit my sister and her family.  In preparation for our visit, my sister has been booking excursions and activities for us for weeks.  I wanted to bring her a gift, so I decided to make a layout, framed in a shadow box, for my adorable niece Fiona.  I was inspired by the NEW Close to my Heart Idea Book, and you may recognize the layout from page 24.  I didn't have the all-new Clementine paper at the time I was crafting, so I used up some Sophia paper from my stash. 

This is a photo of the completed layout before I put it in the shadow box.  I left space for a 5x7 photo so my sister could choose which photo she wants to frame.

I embellished the bottom left corner of the photo mat with flowers from the Garden Wooden Shapes collection, various paper flowers, buttons, and sparkles.

Much like the layout in the idea book, I used Cricut-cut scalloped circles to mount buttons tied with waxy flax, and circles to mount Cricut-cut hearts that I scored and sewed to the circles.  I folded them up to add dimension.  All of the edges are inked in Desert Sand ink.

For my niece's name, I used the Eclectic Alphabet Chipboard, and inked it all in Blush, and then the edges in Tulip.  I mounted the letters on my favourite new accessory from the new Idea Book, Burlap Ribbon.  I cut the edges of the burlap and frayed it with my paper piercer.  I love how it looks!

And here is the finished product framed in the shadow box.  I hope Fiona loves it!  I almost want to keep it, so I just might have to make another one to hang at my own house!

I was so inspired by all of the home decor items in the new Idea Book to make something I could hang on the wall.  If you don't have your copy of the new catalog yet, contact me today to find out how to get yours!

CTMH Products used to create this layout include:
Papers: Sophia (retired), Tulip and White Daisy cardstock

Inks: Blush, Tulip, and Desert Sand
Embellishments: Garden Wooden Shapes (Z1718), Burlap Ribbon (Z1760), Colonial White Waxy Flax (Z1081)
Other: Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge (Z1686), miscellaneous paper flowers, buttons and sparkles  

Thanks so much for stopping by!  I hope you enjoyed it.  Happy Scrapping!

H2H Challenge: Dog Days of Summer

This week the challenge over at H2H is to create a project featuring an animal, with the option to step it up by including a dog in your project.  This was a tough one for me as I am allergic to everything cute as far as animals go.  My sister, however, is a major dog lover.  She has two adorable beagles who she loves like children.  I am actually visiting my sister right now, so for this challenge I decided to create a piece of artwork featuring her dogs.  Here is what I came up with...

As I created this prior to my visit, I didn't have a picture of her dogs ready to insert, but picture two really cute beagles where the photo mat is, and you'll get the idea.   Here is a close up of the embellishments, so you can see the dimension.  Various items are popped up, and the star is embossed and folded to make it 3D.

The above pictures are prior to framing.  I framed it in a shadow box, so you are still able to see the dimension of all of the embellishments.  Here is what it looks like framed...

I will try to post a photo of the final product once the dogs are included if I get a chance while visiting my sister.

And for those of you who recognize this layout, I did my best to recreate the layout on page 73 of the new Idea Book.  At the time I created this layout, I hadn't yet received my copy of the all-new How-To publication Make it from Your Heart, so I was guessing at dimensions. 

CTMH Products used to create this layout include:
Papers: Retired cardstock (some of you may remember the names of these packets, but I don't!), Cocoa and Kraft cardstock
Stamps: Limited Edition (S1109), Typeset WOTG stampset, You and Me (D1495)
Inks: Garden Green, Barn Red, Cocoa
Embellishments: Chocolate Baker's Twine (Z1701), Colonial White Twill Ribbon (retired), |Evergreen Cork Shapes (Z1719), Square Durables Studs (Z1705)
Other: Cricut AP Cartridge (Z1686)

For more inspiration, head on over to H2H and check out the fabulous artwork created this week by my fellow Design Team B members, or click on their links here: Haley, Angel, Nancy, Dorothy and Dania.

If you want to play along, here is what you need to do...

1. Use mostly Close To My Heart products, though it doesn't have to be 100%.  
2. Create a project featuring an animal.  Step it up by including a DOG!
3. Post your project to your blog or other online gallery. 
4. Link your blog post to this challenge at H2H.

Thanks so much for stopping by!  I love to read your comments, so please let me know what you think.  Happy scrapping!

Stamping with the Cricut Artisite Cartridge

Contact me today to order your Cricut Artiste Cartridge!  You will love it!  Happy scrapping!

H2H Challenge: Sympathy Card

The challenge this week over at H2H is sympathy cards.  I always hope never to need these, but like to have a couple on hand, just in case.  I decided to use up the very last of my Pemberley paper to create this cute little card...

Here is a close up so you can see the dimension added by the awesome new burlap ribbon from Close to my Heart.  I also popped up the sentiment, inked the edges of the smaller shape, and sanded the edges of the larger shape for contrast.

CTMH Products used to create this card include:
Papers: Pemberley (X7148B), Indian Corn Blue and Desert Sand cardstock
Stamps: Over the Rainbow (D1426)
Inks: Indian Corn Blue and Desert Sand
Embellishments: Bouquet Assortment Resin Flowers (Z1694), Burlap Ribbon (Z1760)
Other: Cricut Art Philosophy (Z1686), Sanding Kit (Z1294)  

For more inspiration, head on over to H2H and check out the fabulous artwork created this week by Design Team A, or click on their links here: Mary, Kelly, Caroline, Erin, Madeline, and Shirley.

If you want to play along, here is what you need to do...

1. Use mostly Close To My Heart products, though it doesn't have to be 100%.  
2. Create your sympathy card.
3. Post your project to your blog or other online gallery. 
4. Link your blog post to this challenge at H2H.

Thanks so much for stopping by!  I love to read your comments, so please let me know what you think.  Happy scrapping!

Stepping Up Your Stamping

New Product Alert: Home Decor!

Some of the awesome new home decor projects in the all-new Idea Book and Catalog are featured in this video.  Check it out and contact me today to get your copy of the catalog!

Happy Scrapping!

Join my Team in August: FREE TOTE!

Have you been thinking about becoming an Independent Consultant with Close to my Heart? Whether you are a hobbyist who simply wants a great deal on scrapbooking supplies, or interested in starting your own business doing something you love, August is the time to join.  Join my team in August, and you will receive this exclusive tote bag (with a retail value of $50) for FREE!

You thought the free tote was great news?  It gets even better!  Join for the incredibly low cost of $49 with the Essentials kit, which includes everything you need to get off to a great start (products total a retail value of $130)!

Or you can choose the Masters kit for $99 and receive everything pictured above, as well as some additional business supplies to really get your business going.

To join my team, visit my website at www.cherylcuddie.ctmh.com and click on Opportunities.  You will love it!

Happy Scrapping!

H2H Challenge: Scraps!

This week the challenge over at H2H is to create something using scraps.  We all have them.  Actually, if you are a paper crafter, you probably hoard them.  I have been trying really hard to use them up lately.  It will take me years to do it, but I am trying, so this challenge was right up my alley.

Here is what I started with...

...a big pile of scraps left over from my Florentine paper pack.  I had already created about 5 layouts with this paper, and I still had lots left just sitting on my desk waiting for this challenge.

Here is what my scraps miraculously turned into...

I created two cards, rather than one.  Part of my strategy in using up my scraps is to make duplicates when I am creating cards with the remnants of my paper packs.  That way, I have lots of cards to use when I need them, and it takes about the same amount of time as making the first one.

CTMH Products used to create these cards include:
Papers: Florentine (X7153B), Chocolate cardstock
Stamps: Hooray Bouquet (D1491)
Inks: Chocolate
Embellishments: Dark Chocolate Striped Grosgrain (Z1617), Garden Wooden Shapes (Z1718)
Other: Bronze Glitz Glitter Gel (Z1483)

For more inspiration, head on over to H2H and check out the fabulous artwork created this week by my fellow Design Team B members, or click on their links here: Haley, Angel, Nancy, Dorothy and Dania.

If you want to play along, here is what you need to do...

1. Use mostly Close To My Heart products, though it doesn't have to be 100%.  
2. Use up some scraps to create a great project.
3. Post your project to your blog or other online gallery. 
4. Link your blog post to this challenge at H2H.

Thanks so much for stopping by!  I love to read your comments, so please let me know what you think.  Happy scrapping!

H2H Challenge: Water Fun!

The challenge this week over at H2H is perfect for summer!  The theme is water fun.  The guidelines are that your project must include swimming or beachy images.  I decided to create a layout with a pattern from Magic using the soon to be retired Footloose paper pack for this challenge, so here it is...

The photo is too small to read the journalling, but these are photos of my son who was terrified of the deep end only weeks before this trip!  Apparently he conquered his fear in Florida!

Here is a close up of the pockets.  Mine are decorative, but they could be used to hold hidden photos or journalling.

CTMH Products used to create this layout include:
Papers: Footloose (X7151B), White Daisy cardstock
Stamps: Footloose WOTG stampset (G1036)
Inks: Lagoon, Creme Brulee, and Chocolate
Embellishments: Lagoon Baker's Twine (Z1701), Wooden Badge Buttons (Z1703), Designer Ribbon Green Collection (Z1616), and Sweet Leaf Stitched Grosgrain (Z1383)
Other: Corner Rounder (Z578), Sanding Kit (Z1294), and Magic (9034)  

For more inspiration, head on over to H2H and check out the fabulous artwork created this week by Design Team A, or click on their links here: Mary, Kelly, Caroline, Erin, Madeline, and Shirley.

If you want to play along, here is what you need to do...

1. Use mostly Close To My Heart products, though it doesn't have to be 100%.  
2. Create your project, making sure to include beachy or swimming images.
3. Post your project to your blog or other online gallery. 
4. Link your blog post to this challenge at H2H.

Thanks so much for stopping by!  I love to read your comments, so please let me know what you think.  Happy scrapping!

Sports Day Layout: More Dotty for You

I am still using up my Dotty for You paper packet while I anxiously await the arrival of all of my NEW goodies from Close to my Heart.  I like how this layout turned out.  It's simple, but I think it highlights the fun pictures.

 To create the banner, I simply cut strips of paper in varying widths and cut the ends into pennants.  I tucked the edges underneath the photo mat.  I created an award-type ribbon using a couple of stamped images, and tucking pieces of sweetleaf grosgrain ribbon underneath after cutting the bottom into pennants.

For the title, I used the Pennant Alphabet stampset, and the colour-ready cork alphabet, which I distressed with Grey Wool ink.

CTMH Products used to create this card include:
Papers: Dotty for You (retired, Grey Flannel cardstock
Stamps: Victory WOTG stamp set (G1035), Superhero WOTG stampset (G1037), Pennant Alphabet (E1018)
Inks: Grey Wool and Lagoon
Embellishments: Sweetleaf Grosgrain Ribbon (Z1383), Colonial White Waxy Flax (Z1081), Dimensional Elements Numbers (Z1681)
Other: Edge Distresser (Z1297), Notebook Punch (Stampin' Up)

Thanks so much for stopping by!  Happy Scrapping!

Cricut Artiste Collection Available August 1st!

The all-new Cricut Artiste Collection is available for purchase on August 1st!  Contact me today to pre-order yours!

Click here to view my post including a review of this cartridge by fellow CTMH Consultant Beverly Tiemann.  You will see the huge variety of shapes and cuts on this awesome cartridge! 

The collection is $99, plus shipping and taxes, and includes 3 coordinating D-sized stamp sets, and 3 sheets of dimensional elements chipboard in coordinating shapes as well.  The total retail value of this collection is $125. 

If you want a chance to purchase the Cricut Artiste collection for half-price (or any other item in the Idea Book!), simply host a party with sales of $250 or more!  You will receive the item of your choice for half-price, along with at least $25 in FREE product!  Parties can be in person, or online. Contact me today to book your date or for more information!

Thanks for stopping by, and Happy Scrapping!