Monday, November 14, 2011

A layout filled with cheer...

So... I wanted to get this post up this morning, but my 3 year old was home sick again and he was very clingy. Poor boy. Anyway, I'm also getting ready to vend at a local crop this weekend so I've been putting some kits together. I thought you may like to have a sneak peek at one of my classes - a quick and easy holiday double layout. It makes me smile when I see that cheerful Santa.


For this layout I used Close to My Heart's Workshops on the Go Believe Kit. It comes with the Believe Level 2 Paper Packet , My Acrylix® Believe Workshop Stamp Set (C-size), Mini-Medley Accents Olive Collection, Dimensional Elements Stars and a Workshop Guide. It's featured colors are  Holiday Red, Topiary, Sky, Sweet Leaf. For my finishing touches, all I needed was some ink and some My Acrylix blocks and I made all of the embellishments and title. It made this layout very affordable and I have alot of my materials still left in my scrap arsenal for 2 more layouts and a card or two.

I used CTMH's Token Alphabet stamp set for my title and stamped it in black ink on the extra striped paper I had cut. The little ribbon or paper strip is from the patterned papers. Close to My Heart now adds these little border strips that cut away and make the cutest accents. I just love them. Talk about using every piece - way to go, CTMH! LOL 



For the balancing Santa, I stamped him right on the white cardstock base. He's an adorable little guy and you can see a similar stamped image of him and his elf friend on the Christmas Cheer stamp set. Just too cute. To color him in, as well as the presents and holly with berries, I used my CTMH blender pen  and dipped it in the matching ink colors and then filled in the stamped images. I would tell every person, that you need to purchase this pen. It makes filling in your stamped images so easy and the colors always match the CTMH papers. Whoot, whoot! LOL I added a present on top and popped it up with a pop dot and finished him off with some gold glitter on his buckle.





It is so easy to use these stamps and these images look whimsical and fun and are very forgiving. I'm not an expert stamper. Actually, I consider myself somewhat new to this art, but I'm loving how easy it is to make my own embellishments on my layouts and cards. You should try them!


So there you have it. A quick and simple layout filled with holiday cheer. If I, a busy mom of 4 little ones, can get scrapping, then you can too! I hope this layout inspires to make a fresh cup of tea or coffee, head to your creative space, and start scrapping! Have fun and God bless.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Don’t forget Close to My Heart’s November Specials too!

November stamp of the month:


Also, there is a Holiday Wishes stamp set that is only $5 with a $25 stamp purchase.


November 2011 Constant Campaign: Holiday Wishes











This set is just perfect for your layouts and especially for your cards. When you place a minimum order of $25 in My Acrylix® stamp set all through the month of November (until November 30th), you can purchase a new D-size Holiday Wishes stamp set for only $5! That’s a tremendous savings off the full retail value of $17.95 US / $19.95 CAN.

Also, if you think that sounds terrific, there’s a bonus as well! Many of the images in the sets coordinate with our Cricut® Art Philosophy cartridge for added cutting and stamping fun! How easy is that!
Okay, since I just threw a lot of info at you, let me summarize: 
*Spend $50 you get the November stamp of the month (retail price of $17.95) for $5.
*Spend $25 in stamps, you get the Holiday Wishes stamp set (retail price $17.95) for $5!
*These two offers CAN be combined. How awesome is that! So for example, if you spend $25 in stamps and an additional $25 on anything else in the catalog or online, you will get both stamp sets for a total of $10 ($5 per set). You save $25.90! Which means the stamps are almost paying for themselves! You can’t beat that!

***Just a Note***  You MUST add the discounted stamps to your shopping cart when prompted by the system DURING CHECKOUT. Stamps cannot be added after the sale is complete and finalized. Also, adding the stamps to your cart BEFORE being prompted by this system will result in being charged full price for promotional stamps

Here’s a look at the Cricut® Art Philosophy cartridge I was talking about:

 

 






Friday, November 11, 2011

A Thanks to Our Veterans

I am the daughter of a proud Marine and niece to a Navy uncle, who is now deceased. I am always reminded of their service to our country and what an honor it is to be an American. On this day, Veteran's Day, I want to thank all the men and women who serve and have served our country. You and your family sacrifice so much for our freedoms and I am eternally grateful.


So on this day, I created a quick and simple card of thanks.




The card was very easy to create. For the papers, I used CTMH's Fanfare Level II Paper Kit. These papers are great for patriotic holidays, birthday parties and the like, since it has wonderful red, blue and yellow patterned papers with lots of stars, pinwheels, balloons and banners. For the flourish, I used the My Stickease Fanfare Sticker set. So putting the card together was very easy to do.

Here is a close up of one of the Dimensional Elements Stars I used. I stamped the main star in Pacifica Ink with the Stitched Together stamp set to match the stamping I did along the border of the card. I think it brings it together very nicely. I'm not much of a sewer, so these stamps really come in handy. 

So there you have it - a simple and easy card to create in a matter of minutes. Even though it is a simple card, it was made with a great amount of thanks in mind. I hope this inspires you to get scrapping or card making and maybe even thank a veteran you know for their service. God bless and God bless America!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 

Don’t forget Close to My Heart’s November Specials too!

November stamp of the month:


Also, there is a Holiday Wishes stamp set that is only $5 with a $25 stamp purchase.


November 2011 Constant Campaign: Holiday Wishes


























This set is just perfect for your layouts and especially for your cards. When you place a minimum order of $25 in My Acrylix® stamp set all through the month of November (until November 30th), you can purchase a new D-size Holiday Wishes stamp set for only $5! That’s a tremendous savings off the full retail value of $17.95 US / $19.95 CAN.

Also, if you think that sounds terrific, there’s a bonus as well! Many of the images in the sets coordinate with our Cricut® Art Philosophy cartridge for added cutting and stamping fun! How easy is that!
Okay, since I just threw a lot of info at you, let me summarize: 
*Spend $50 you get the November stamp of the month (retail price of $17.95) for $5.
*Spend $25 in stamps, you get the Holiday Wishes stamp set (retail price $17.95) for $5!
*These two offers CAN be combined. How awesome is that! So for example, if you spend $25 in stamps and an additional $25 on anything else in the catalog or online, you will get both stamp sets for a total of $10 ($5 per set). You save $25.90! Which means the stamps are almost paying for themselves! You can’t beat that!

***Just a Note***  You MUST add the discounted stamps to your shopping cart when prompted by the system DURING CHECKOUT. Stamps cannot be added after the sale is complete and finalized. Also, adding the stamps to your cart BEFORE being prompted by this system will result in being charged full price for promotional stamps

Here’s a look at the Cricut® Art Philosophy cartridge I was talking about:






Thursday, November 10, 2011

When that Christmas spirit hits

So last night was one of my daughter's 3rd grade Fall Concert. As soon as the concert was done, the Christmas lists were already being discussed. LOL Whatever happened to Thanksgiving? Well, since the kids were so inspired to talk about the "Big Guy" coming to town, I was inspired to make a quick and easy Christmas card.



As I've stated before, I'm not an elaborate scrapper or cardmaker. I'm the type of crafter that is all about quick and easy, but still looking put-together and pretty. For this cute card, I used hardly any papers and "extras". I used Close to My Heart's Workshops on the Go Believe Kit. In this kit, the featured colors are Holiday Red, Topiary, Sky and Sweet Leaf. In it you get:
  • Believe Level 2 Paper Packet
  • My Acrylix® Believe Workshop Stamp Set (C-size)
  • Mini-Medley Accents Olive Collection
  • Dimensional Elements Stars
  • Workshop Guide
With this one, simple kit, you could decorate and complete many of your Christmas cards. All you need are the staples and then little touches of "extra" here and there. By the way, the stamp set that goes with it is absolutely adorable and is great for cards, layouts and even Christmas tags. Isn't that Santa the cutest? For my extra, I popped up a present that I stamped and then added red colored stickles to the card. That's it. Like my kids like to say, easy peasy. LOL

Well there you go, a quick card done while my 3 year old is running around under my feet. If I can do it, you can do it. I hope this card inspires you to start thinking about your Holiday cards and gets you cardmaking and scrapping! God bless.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Don’t forget Close to My Heart’s November Specials too!

November stamp of the month:


Also, there is a Holiday Wishes stamp set that is only $5 with a $25 stamp purchase.


November 2011 Constant Campaign: Holiday Wishes


























This set is just perfect for your layouts and especially for your cards. When you place a minimum order of $25 in My Acrylix® stamp set all through the month of November (until November 30th), you can purchase a new D-size Holiday Wishes stamp set for only $5! That’s a tremendous savings off the full retail value of $17.95 US / $19.95 CAN.

Also, if you think that sounds terrific, there’s a bonus as well! Many of the images in the sets coordinate with our Cricut® Art Philosophy cartridge for added cutting and stamping fun! How easy is that!
Okay, since I just threw a lot of info at you, let me summarize: 
*Spend $50 you get the November stamp of the month (retail price of $17.95) for $5.
*Spend $25 in stamps, you get the Holiday Wishes stamp set (retail price $17.95) for $5!
*These two offers CAN be combined. How awesome is that! So for example, if you spend $25 in stamps and an additional $25 on anything else in the catalog or online, you will get both stamp sets for a total of $10 ($5 per set). You save $25.90! Which means the stamps are almost paying for themselves! You can’t beat that!

***Just a Note***  You MUST add the discounted stamps to your shopping cart when prompted by the system DURING CHECKOUT. Stamps cannot be added after the sale is complete and finalized. Also, adding the stamps to your cart BEFORE being prompted by this system will result in being charged full price for promotional stamps

Here’s a look at the Cricut® Art Philosophy cartridge I was talking about:










Wednesday, November 9, 2011

A busy day so no time to scrap - well maybe one quick page....

Did you ever have one of those days when you're running around doing so many things but feel you have nothing to show for it? That was my day yesterday. So getting something scrapped meant alot to me. I made this page in about 10 minutes. Seriously. Not every page has to be a work of art (that's what I tell myself when I can't really bling up a page). LOL But honestly, it felt great to have something completed in my busy day. I was thinking it could be cute scout page, friend page, even family page. It's also very easy to make into a double layout.


This layout was so easy to throw together with the help of CTMH's Elemental Level II Paper Pack. I just LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this paper pack. It's so versatile. The muted primary colors and cute geometric patterns could be used for any page - from baby to school to even Christmas, and more!

To make this quick page, I just layered some of CTMH's Kraft paper on some Colonial White paper for the base. Then I punched several circles and layered them to make a border. I popped some of them up with foam dots to make the border more interesting. 



Once you all get to know me better, you'll know I'm all about quick and easy and the CTMH's accessories, like their Stickease and their Complements Dimensional Elements, do just the trick to finish a page off. The Elemental papers have a great set of chipboard elements that compliment the papers with a circular theme. These journaling spots, circles and rings have a playful feel so I totally took advantage of that and used them to put this layout together so quickly.


So there you have it. One mom's quick layout in her busy day when that scrapping spirit was there, but the time was not. I hope you like it, and I hope it inspires you to get scrapping yourself! God bless.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Don’t forget Close to My Heart’s November Specials too!

November stamp of the month:


Also, there is a Holiday Wishes stamp set that is only $5 with a $25 stamp purchase.


November 2011 Constant Campaign: Holiday Wishes


























This set is just perfect for your layouts and especially for your cards. When you place a minimum order of $25 in My Acrylix® stamp set all through the month of November (until November 30th), you can purchase a new D-size Holiday Wishes stamp set for only $5! That’s a tremendous savings off the full retail value of $17.95 US / $19.95 CAN.

Also, if you think that sounds terrific, there’s a bonus as well! Many of the images in the sets coordinate with our Cricut® Art Philosophy cartridge for added cutting and stamping fun! How easy is that!
Okay, since I just threw a lot of info at you, let me summarize: 
*Spend $50 you get the November stamp of the month (retail price of $17.95) for $5.
*Spend $25 in stamps, you get the Holiday Wishes stamp set (retail price $17.95) for $5!
*These two offers CAN be combined. How awesome is that! So for example, if you spend $25 in stamps and an additional $25 on anything else in the catalog or online, you will get both stamp sets for a total of $10 ($5 per set). You save $25.90! Which means the stamps are almost paying for themselves! You can’t beat that!

***Just a Note***  You MUST add the discounted stamps to your shopping cart when prompted by the system DURING CHECKOUT. Stamps cannot be added after the sale is complete and finalized. Also, adding the stamps to your cart BEFORE being prompted by this system will result in being charged full price for promotional stamps

Here’s a look at the Cricut® Art Philosophy cartridge I was talking about:







Tuesday, November 8, 2011

In the wee hours of the night...

... that's when I get alot of my scrapbooking done. That's the answer to a question many people ask me when they see I have 4 rambunctious, younger children who are very active in sports, girl scouts and just life in general. I feel it's so important to scrapbook for my family. I want my children to see how much they were loved. Speaking of family... I was inspired to do this double layout. It has beautiful Fall colors of a smokey plum and olive and cream. It's perfect for a Thanksgiving layout or even a layout with an heirloom theme.


I used Close to My Heart's Workshops on the Go Sonoma Kit. It was really simple to put together with the help of the Sonoma Stickease stickers for those added touches. For my title, I stamped it in the Smokey Plum Ink and used the Bohemian Alphabet stamp set.


To make the flowers, I just stamped a large paisley shape (from the stamp set found in the Sonoma Workshops on the Go Kit). I just stamped it in a circle and placed a wooden button in the middle. The stamps for the journaling and tickets were from an expired CTMH stamp set, but you can easily use the Just the Ticket stamp set or even one of the stamp sets that go with the Cricut® Art Philosophy that CTMH sells. You really need to see that collection. Collection


Anyway, I'm sure you feel the same way as I do and want to get going on getting those memories down on paper. I hope you like my work and it inspires you to get crafty. So if the spirit moves you, then get scrapping! Have a great day! God bless.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Don’t forget Close to My Heart’s November Specials too!

November stamp of the month:

 
Also, there is a Holiday Wishes stamp set that is only $5 with a $25 stamp purchase.


November 2011 Constant Campaign: Holiday Wishes




























This set is just perfect for your layouts and especially for your cards. When you place a minimum order of $25 in My Acrylix® stamp set all through the month of November (until November 30th), you can purchase a new D-size Holiday Wishes stamp set for only $5! That’s a tremendous savings off the full retail value of $17.95 US / $19.95 CAN.

Also, if you think that sounds terrific, there’s a bonus as well! Many of the images in the sets coordinate with our Cricut® Art Philosophy cartridge for added cutting and stamping fun! How easy is that!
Okay, since I just threw a lot of info at you, let me summarize: 
*Spend $50 you get the November stamp of the month (retail price of $17.95) for $5.
*Spend $25 in stamps, you get the Holiday Wishes stamp set (retail price $17.95) for $5!
*These two offers CAN be combined. How awesome is that! So for example, if you spend $25 in stamps and an additional $25 on anything else in the catalog or online, you will get both stamp sets for a total of $10 ($5 per set). You save $25.90! Which means the stamps are almost paying for themselves! You can’t beat that!

 


 
***Just a Note***  You MUST add the discounted stamps to your shopping cart when prompted by the system DURING CHECKOUT. Stamps cannot be added after the sale is complete and finalized. Also, adding the stamps to your cart BEFORE being prompted by this system will result in being charged full price for promotional stamps

Here’s a look at the Cricut® Art Philosophy cartridge I was talking about:











 





 

Monday, November 7, 2011

Okay, a bumpy blog start, but time for Fall Fun

I was inspired to create this blog to share my scrappy work, but it immediately fell to the side because of various family activities, sicknesses, holidays, etc. - well you all know how life can be! LOL  Anyway, it was my birthday on Saturday, the 5th, and I decided to get back on the scrapping saddle and do give my blog another whirl. I decided to work on a fun Fall layout. It will be perfect for the photos I took of the kids raking up all those leaves!


For "Fall Fun", I used CTMH's Dreamin' Kit. It has gorgeous and deep colors and that Pacific Blue and Goldrush colors along with the vivid patterned papers really make the layout pop.



For the title I used my Posterboard Alphabet set and then popped them up with foam dots, and for the leaves, I used an older CTMH foliage set, but you could use the Harvest of Happiness stamp set just as well. 


I used the stamp set that came with the Dreamin' Workshop on the Go Kit for the borders on the top and bottom of the pages, and I used the Dreamin' My Stickease Assortment for the journaling block and faux brown ribbon strip. 


I have to say, as a mom with 4 young kids, the CTMH Stickease stickers are certainly the way to go to make your layouts or cards quickly while adding those pretty, personal touches.


Thanks for stopping by and I hope that scrappy spirit moves you too! Now get scrapping! God bless.







Don’t forget Close to My Heart’s November Specials too!

November stamp of the month:




Also, there is a Holiday Wishes stamp set that is only $5 with a $25 stamp purchase.


November 2011 Constant Campaign: Holiday Wishes






























This set is just perfect for your layouts and especially for your cards. When you place a minimum order of $25 in My Acrylix® stamp set all through the month of November (until November 30th), you can purchase a new D-size Holiday Wishes stamp set for only $5! That’s a tremendous savings off the full retail value of $17.95 US / $19.95 CAN.

Also, if you think that sounds terrific, there’s a bonus as well! Many of the images in the sets coordinate with our Cricut® Art Philosophy cartridge for added cutting and stamping fun! How easy is that!
Okay, since I just threw a lot of info at you, let me summarize: 
*Spend $50 you get the November stamp of the month (retail price of $17.95) for $5.
*Spend $25 in stamps, you get the Holiday Wishes stamp set (retail price $17.95) for $5!
*These two offers CAN be combined. How awesome is that! So for example, if you spend $25 in stamps and an additional $25 on anything else in the catalog or online, you will get both stamp sets for a total of $10 ($5 per set). You save $25.90! Which means the stamps are almost paying for themselves! You can’t beat that!



***Just a Note***  You MUST add the discounted stamps to your shopping cart when prompted by the system DURING CHECKOUT. Stamps cannot be added after the sale is complete and finalized. Also, adding the stamps to your cart BEFORE being prompted by this system will result in being charged full price for promotional stamps

Here’s a look at the Cricut® Art Philosophy cartridge I was talking about:



























Thursday, September 22, 2011

Yay! My very first post on my very first blog!


Well, I went and did it. I finally decided to join all the other crafty people out there and create a blog. I want this blog to be a place where I can share my work, teach some techniques, share my Close to My Heart products and get some friendly input from my fellow scrappers.

As a mother of 4 children (ages 10, 8, almost 6 and 3) I don't have much time to scrap. My youngest is on the Autism spectrum and he needs alot of my time. Even though my days are filled with school, soccer practice, girl scouts, therapies, homework and housework (unfortunately), I do believe it's so important to take the time and scrap the small moments as well as the big celebrations. We need to preserve and remember those precious moments with our family and friends because time goes by so quickly. I hope you enjoy my work and find my creations inspiring as well as fun. Happy scrapping!