4th of July

It is so cold here that I decided to scrap some pictures with a warm feel to them. I chose our 4th of July pictures from 2006. Again, some of the products are retired. When I stamp for myself, I use everything I have. There are some stamp sets I just can't part with even though they are retired.

Recipe

Paper: Independence Level 1 (retired), cranberry cardstock, outdoor denim cardstock, colonial white cardstock

Stamp sets: Snap, Crackle Pop (retired); Rustic Alphabet, Celebrate America (retired)

Ink: cranberry, outdoor denim

Embellishments: outdoor denim spirals, My Stickease Level 1, pop dots, outdoor denim bigger brads



Have a great weekend!

FINALLY

I have been scrapbooking this week just for me! Yes, I have actually been getting some pages done for my boys' scrapbooks. I think I am going to spend the rest of the week scrappin' too! I am having so much fun!

This layout is for my son, Tate. He has been waiting to lose a tooth for over a year now. All his friends and cousins have lost teeth and FINALLY he lost his first one at the end of December 2007. I purchased this stamp set, Fairy Wishes, which is now retired just for this occasion. He wasn't thrilled about all the pictures I was taking, but this was such a milestone in his life. Now, he is getting his grown up teeth. As you can see, he was happy the next morning when he got cash for his tooth. He can't wait for the next one and more cash!

The paper I used is retired too! When I started this layout last year, it wasn't retired yet. Sorry, the only current products are the accessories and cardstock.





Happy Stamping!

Sillhouette Card Class

I am ready for the card class I am offering in March. I can't believe it, but I felt like creating some cards and thought I might as well make them for the next class. I used the new Silhouette paper from the current 2008 CTMH Idea Book. This is a very popular paper pack and is one of my favorites too! It is so versatile for making cards and layouts!

I used various stamp sets and will list them under the card.

Thoughtful Scripts stamp set (retired)

Vintage Snowflake and Comforting Thoughts (retired) stamp sets

Simple Blossoms and Heartfelt Sayings (retired) stamp sets

Vintage Snowflake and From Me To You (2007 special offer) stamp sets

Simple Blossoms stamp set

Thanks for stopping by!

Technique Tuesday - Faux Suede

Okay, I got a little tired just doing liquid glass techniques. I took a break from liquid glass this week and tried a new one for me....faux suede. This technique is really cool, because the paper really feels like suede. You won't get the full effect from the picture. Hopefully, you will be able to see that the paper is soft.

This 6 x 6 layout was created by Joanne Coleman, CTMH Independent Consultant. She did a great job! Her instructions are so easy to follow. I used the same color she did for my card. I think you could use any three similar colors for this technique. Suede comes in all colors now. A pretty pink would be nice.

Faux Suede

Supplies:

• White Daisy cardstock
• Desert Sand stamp pad
• Chocolate stamp pad
• Cocoa stamp pad
• Sponge
• Spray bottle with water
• Bone Folder

Step 1: Crumple and fold up a piece of White Daisy cardstock. Smooth it out; crumble and smooth again. Lightly misting with water will help prevent the edges from tearing, but allow to dry before proceeding. Place it on a soft surface (a mouse pad works great) and rub all over with a bone folder or the rounded side of scissors.

Step 2: Find a corner that is coming lose and VERY CAREFULLY pull the layers apart, working around the edges to avoid tearing. You will now have two pieces of a rough side.

Step 3: Lightly dampen a sponge. With the rough side of the cardstock up, randomly sponge all over with Desert Sand ink, then Chocolate ink, then Cocoa ink. Be careful to not over ink.



For this card, I used Free Spirit paper and Happy Birthday stamp set.


Now, it is your turn!

Happy Stamping!

Fall Themed Party

I am posting an extra time this week, because I realized today that I promised to post my Fall theme and did not do it. I was cleaning the house and it occurred to me, "Hey, you posted the wrong project." I am so sorry!

The layout was designed by Tiffany Cheney, CTMH Independent Consultant. I followed her theme and created a card, gift tag and gift bag. I love leaves and colors, so this was a great theme to make.

Recipe:

Stamp sets: Nature's Vein, Boutique Alphabet, Classic Caps, FALL (retired)

Paper: Abundance pattern paper, New England Ivy cardstock (cs), Barn Red cs, Autumn Terracotta cs, Colonial White cs

Ink: New England Ivy, Olive, Barn Red, Cranberry, Autumn Terracotta, Goldrush, Cocoa

Embellishments: twill ribbon, colonial white edge anchors, barn red bigger brads, new england ivy bigger brads, designer ribbon, new england ivy sassy strands

Brenda R-G emailed me and asked how I made my gift tags. Great question! I use the Coluzzle gift tag template that CTMH sells in their current catty. Thanks for asking, Brenda and thanks for your nice comments.

layout

card

gift tag

gift bag

Have a great weekend!

Blue Ribbon Congratulations

I am posting early today, because I have a card class tonight.

This card was sent to me by my upline, Chris Shouse. I absolutely love! What a great way to use ribbon. I think I will save this idea for a graduation card this year. Thanks for the inspiration, Chris!


Check back tomorrow for another themed party...FALL!

Have fun Stamping!

Thank You Postcard

I have had my eye on this Vintage Postcard stamp set ever since it came out last year and I finally got it. When I saw it, I thought I could use it to make little thank you cards for my customers. I use thank you cards all the time and this is a cute way to send one. I decorated the front of the postcard with pattern paper and a thank you sentiment. The sentiment is from the For Every Occasion stamp set. The flower and bigger brad is non-CTMH.


Here is the back of the postcard where I write my message. This one is for my sister, Connie. We have a joke between us that we are each other's favorite sister. We don't have any other sisters. That is why I put she is my favorite customer. LOL! Surprise, Connie!


Happy Stamping!

Back to Nature

Here is one of the latest theme parties I made. This design was developed by Jena DeVries, CTMH Independent Consultant. The only things I changed are the pattern paper, the color combination and the gift tag. I really like this one!

The pattern paper I used is from the Laid Back Level 2 collection. The color combination is dutch blue, autumn terracotta, olive, bamboo and cocoa. I used Outdoor Trek and Back To Nature stamp sets.

This layout will work for camping, fishing and hiking. Great color combo!

Layout

Card

Gift Tag

Gift Bag

Have a great day and take time to create!

Technique Tuesday - LG on My Stickease

I am still on the "Add Class with Liquid Glass" series and will be for awhile. There are so many neat things you can do with that little bottle of magic. Here I put it on a My Stickease sticker that CTMH sells. These stickers are thick like cardstock. You can add liquid glass to any type of sticker you want to give it a little shine or to highlight a section. I put a little touch of liquid glass on the middle of the three circle flowers stickers too.

This card is from the card kit series that is in the current CTMH Idea Book. These cards are fast and easy to put together for when you don't have a lot of time to create.


Here is a close-up of the bigger My Stickease with liquid glass.

Now, it is your turn to grab your bottle of liquid glass and class something up!

Happy Stamping!

Sports Themed Party

My sister is holding a themed party in March and she wanted to see the Sports theme I finished, so here it is Connie! I hope you like it. This Sports theme was created by Kelleigh Magle, CTMH Independent Consultant. She did a great job! I used the Let's Play Ball stamp set and black, colonial white, autumn terracotta, olive, star spangled blue and barn red cardstock. I used cranberry red, black, star spangled blue ink and brads for accessories.

Layout

Card

Gift Tag

Gift Bag

I have finished an outdoor theme party I hope to show you next week.

Have a great weekend!

Layout Class

I showed you the card class I am offering in January. Well, in February I will be offering a layout class with this WINTER theme. I got this idea from a consultant on the bulletin board, but I forget her name. Of course, I used different stamp sets (Bundled Up and Glistening Snow), color scheme (ocean, vineyard berry, desert sand) and paper packet (Just Chillin').

Here is page one of the two page spread. I used white daisy pigment ink for the title. When I use pigment ink, I need to be more patient than with dye-based. It doesn't dry that quickly, so sometimes I use my heat gun to speed up the process.

The big snowflake is a Christmas ornament I got from Target during the Christmas season. It is not archival, so it will be an optional item for those who attend the class.


Here is page two of the layout. I used white daisy pigment ink for the snowflakes/stars to match the pattern paper from the first page. In addition, I used it on the sentiment, which reads "All bundled up for a warm holiday season." I added a little bling on this page, because I am into bling at the moment.


Oh, I wanted to correct myself on yesterday's post. The stamp set I used was Delight in Everything not Let's Get Together. Let's Get Together is the paper pack that goes with that stamp set. Sorry!

Thanks for stopping by and Happy Stamping!

February Technique Class

I chose dry embossing as my next technique class in February, because I had a couple of customers ask me how I made a card with this technique. This 6 x 6 technique layout, I showed three different dry embossing techniques and included the written instructions.

In addition to the 6 x 6 instruction layout, we will be creating this card. I think this card is so cute! Dry embossing is not a difficult technique and adds something to make a card pop. I got this idea from Sue Shade, an CTMH independent consultant. I used the Let's Get Together and solo "t" stamp sets. The colors are clover meadow, hollyhock and black. All products used are CTMH.


Happy Stamping!

Technique Tuesday - LG on Chipboard

Keeping with my liquid glass (LG) theme, I covered a dimensional element letter (chipboard) from CTMH's alphabet line. First, I daubed the negative letter with the color of ink I wanted it to be. Then, I stamped thanks on it and covered the entire letter with liquid glass. I let it dry overnight, but I think it was dry within a couple of hours. I just wanted to make sure. I finished off the card with Let's Get Together paper pack and matching ribbon from the designer ribbon rounds. Of course, I had to add a little bling. This is a 3 x 3 thank you card and all the products used are CTMH.



Thanks for stopping by!

Card Class

Thursday night (last night), I held my first technique class where we learned about liquid applique. On January 24th, I will be holding a card class. We are going to create these great cards:


These might look familiar (click to enlarge). I created these designs for my distressing display boards. It is so neat to see the same designs in different colors and and paper sets.

I am focusing on classes and themed parties this year, so you will be seeing a lot from me regarding these projects.

Have a great weekend and take time to create!

Coaster Calendar

I got this coaster calendar design from Amy Celona at ustamp4fun. It is made from a plain 4 x 4 coaster that I covered with pattern paper. I used my xryon to ensure the paper was totally covered with glue.

I thought this would be a good gift for hostesses, so Sandy...surprise! Sandy is holding a "Girls Night Out" party this Friday and will be receiving this as a hostess gift. Sorry to spoil the surprise, but now it can be anticipation!

I used a medium calendar from Vippies and matted it with bubblegum cardstock. The pattern paper is from the Sweet Harmony Level 2 paper pack. The clip is from an office supply store. It was black and I painted it pink by adding bubblegum re-inker to the white ceramic paint from CTMH. The ribbon is amethyst grosgrain, bubblegum organdy and baby pink grosgrain. The pink bling is more blog candy I won from Diane. Awesome!

I am planning on making more of these once I buy more clips.

Happy Stamping!

Hoppy For You

I won blog candy from Diane, My Little Stampin' Spot, a couple of months ago and I finally took the time to use the stamps and paper. I have been concentrating on the classes I am offering this year and the themed parties that I wanted to take a break and make a card with my new goodies. The stamp set is called Very Punny from Stampin' Up. I love the frog, so I used him first. I hope you like it Diane!


Happy Stamping!

Technique Tuesday - Dew Look on Flowers

I am finally back to creating. I really have the bug, since I took so many days off over Christmas break. I started working on my "Adding Class with Liquid Glass" display boards, so the techniques you will be seeing for a few weeks will involve liquid glass.

For this card, I used the Delight in Everything stamp set and Let's Get Together paper packet. Some of you said these are your favorites. This stamp set is so versatile. You can't see on the card, but I put liquid glass on the yellow flowers to represent dew. Liquid glass is so great, because it dries clear, which lends itself to endless possibilities.

I learned from my friend, Jeanne, when you purchase liquid glass to cut just a little from the tip of the bottle; place a straight pin in it and put the cap back on the bottle. Then, turn it upside down in your carry-all and it will be ready to use the next time you grab it. I used to have to pick the dried piece of liquid glass out of the tip before I started. Now, I use Jeanne's tip and viola...I am ready to go. Thanks, Jeanne!


Here is the close-up of the flower, so you can see the dew. I wasn't quite sure how much dew to put on the flowers. I guess it is up to you.

Now, it is your turn!

Happy Stamping!

Loved CTMH stamp set SALE

Each year Close To My Heart comes out with a retired list and I review my stamp sets to see, which ones I have loved over the years but don't use much anymore. I try to not use retired sets too much, so my customers are seeing how to use the current products. I have listed the price under the stamp set. Shipping is NOT included, which is $2.00 for the first set and $1.00 for each additional set. If you purchase four or more, shipping is free. Please email me at stampfest@cox.net, if you are interested. Even though the sets are pinkish, they are stamp just fine.

Warm Wishes, regular $13.95, sale price $8.00

Thanks for Everything, sale price $8.00

Seasonal Celebrations, original $22.95, sale price $15.00

Merry Christmas Blocks, original $13.95, sale price $8.00

Blossom Blocks, original $13.95, sale price $8.00

Flower Blocks, original $13.95, sale price $8.00

Life Is So Good, original $13.95, sale price $8.00

Holiday Accents, original $18.95, sale price $12.00

Free Spirit, original $22.95, sale price $15.00

Designer Christmas, original $18.95, sale price $12.00

Have fun shopping and Happy Stamping!

Good News for Cheryl KVD

Wendy emailed me with her address and wrote that she has the Cuttlebug embossing folder that I offered in the blog candy. She wanted me to draw again for that candy and give it to the next winner. SOOOOOOOOOO...Cheryl KVD won the Cuttlebug embossing folder. Boy, that sure was nice! Thanks, Wendy and Congrats, Cheryl!

CAKVD said...

OMG!! You are so generous!! I love CTMH items, but I don't have a demonstrator, so I don't have much CTMH things. My favorite colors are Bubblegum and Citrus Leaf. I love the stamp set Magical Season. Thanks!
Cheryl KVD

Please email me at stampfest@cox.net with your snail mail address and I will send it to you.

Technique Class and WINNER

The winner is.....

Anonymous said...

My favorite stamp set is "O Come Let Us Adore Him" and my favorite paper is "Life Delights" Thanks for the great blog cand. what a great way to start off the new year.

Please email me at stampfest@cox.net to let me know your snail mail and name.

I have the stamp sets everyone listed, except for Lovely As a Tree and that is on my wish list for 2008. Thanks for all of your comments.

Here is the technique class I will be holding next Thursday, January 10, 2008. We will make both the 6 x 6 layout that explains how to complete the technique and the card, so we will actually use the technique we learned.




I promise I will post on a regular basis once my boys go back to school on Monday, January 7th. My sister keeps bugging me about it. I haven't taken time to scrap, since the boys have been on vacation. I need my routine back!

Happy Stamping!