Just Chillin'

Spring has finally made an appearance here - we saw our first crocus today!!!  I really like winter, but am looking forward to the fun that summer brings.  To get ready for some summertime adventures, I decided to create a layout with the new Surf's Up Paper Packet.  I think the colors and patterns have a fun retro feel and am really excited to put some cool black and white beach photos on these pages!

I chose to use the splashes from one of the patterned papers as accent pieces for my layout by cutting them out and adhering them with 3-D Foam Tape.  I did the same with some of the flowers from the patterned paper and coated them with Liquid Glass for a little shine.

Blue sparkles in the middles of the flowers added a little more shine and dimension.

My final embellishments for the layout are the stamped images from the Under the Sea Stamp Set.  It is one of my favorites!!!  I just love the cute little fish!!!  They were colored with my trusty colored pencils and accented with a little more Liquid Glass.

The title was cut on tthe Cricut using both the Art Philosophy and Artiste Cartridges.

Hope it inspires you to get ready for some great summer memories!!!

Materials Used (CTMH unless mentioned):

Paper:  Surf's Up, Crystal Blue CS, Colonial White CS, Sorbet CS

Stamps:  Under the Sea

Inks:  Cocoa

Embellishments:  Blue Sparkles

Other:  3-D Foam Tape, Liquid Glass, Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge, Cricut Artiste Cartridge, colored pencils(Crayola)

Minute to Win It Birthday Party

My blogging has been on the back burner lately - after this post, you'll see why!  My oldest son turned 10 earlier this month and we decided to really celebrate!  After considering many different themes (because a party always has to have a theme, right?) we came up with Minute to Win It.  It seemed like the perfect fit for a group of boys turning 10!

I started by creating an invitation (after surfing the web for inspiration) that wouldn't be too complicated to make since we needed 9 of them.  Here's the final product:

I set up the text on the computer using Word and then printed on white cardstock.  Matted it on black cardstock and then using ancient scraps from my stash added the strip across the middle.  Topped it off with Minute To Win It  clip art and that's it!

The next step was planning activities, which was so easy for this theme!  The Minute To Win It website has tons of games listed along with materials lists so you know exactly what you will need.  I also discovered that the clock and the "Blueprint" - the directions for each game played on the show - are on youtube, so we also had those ready to go on my Kindle so the boys could see the directions before we started. We chose to do the following:

• Breakfast Scramble
• Junk In theTrunk
• Face the Cookie
• Ready Spaghetti
• Candelier
• Defying Gravity

Since it was a sleepover, we thought there would be TONS of time to fill so had worried that six games wouldn't be enough.  Turns out that we didn't have time to do them all - the kids had so much fun with the first three that they took multiple turns at each!  We laughed so much at all of the funny contortions and things they said.  Here's my son playing Face the Cookie (the object is to get the cookie from your forehead to your mouth without using your hands in 60 seconds):

After eating hotdogs, chips, fruit and cupcakes; playing Minute To Win It games as well as hide and seek; opening presents; and a video game or two - we decided it was time to wind down,so the boys watched Wreck It Ralph from their sleeping bags.  It was a great movie for the "game" theme of the day!!!

The next morning was a simple breakfast of several choices of cereal, cinnamon rolls, fruit, juice and milk.  The kids cleaned up, played a few video games and headed home.  As a "Thank You" for attending, they each got a mini photo album decorated to match the theme and filled with photos from the party. 

I think a great time was had by all!



Later Sk8er

The first time I looked through the new Spring/Summer catalog, the paper pack I was most excited to see was Later Sk8er.  I just love the great masculine colors and rough and tumble feel!  I know I will be using lots of it for my boys!!!

I also fell in love with the Fast and Furious Stamp Set, which happens to be featured on the same page in the catalog as Later Sk8er.  It is perfect for my youngest son, who loves trucks and cars.  I created this layout with him in mind!  The tire track border stamp really hits the mark, don't you think?

I stamped each of the trucks in several colors and then cut and paper pieced the parts to create these dimensional and multi-colored images.  Once each image was pieced, I mounted it on Outdoor Denim CS and then adhered to the layout with 3-D Foam Tape.  The gears were cut using the Cricut Artiste Cartridge.  The title came from the Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge.

Hope you enjoy!

Materials used (CTMH unless mentioned):
Paper:  Later Sk8er, Outdoor Denim CS, Pear CS, Lagoon CS, White CS
Stamps:  Fast and Furious
Inks:  Outdoor Denim, Lagoon, Pear, Whisper
Other:  Cricut Artiste, Cricut Art Philosophy, 3-D Foam Tape

Claire Layout

With three boys, I don't have many opportunities to do feminine projects.  One of the best things about being a Close to My Heart Consultant is that I create layouts to showcase all of the new papers each time a catalog is released - which gives me an opportunity to use flowers, pink, and sparkles!  I created this layout using the new Claire papers and one of my very favorite new stamp sets - Paper Doll.

I just love the idea of a stamp set that creates a paper doll and clothes to dress her in!!!!  She is so cute and fun!  I will be using this layout for photos of my two year old niece who is already a fashionista and has very definite ideas about what clothing she will wear.

I used my good old Crayola colored pencils to color the stamped image in, and added some Stardust Glitz Gel to the frosting on the cupcakes and the rose in the center of her bow.  There is also Stardust Glitz Gel on the die cut flowers and the scalloped circle under the &.  Love the sparkle!

Materials Used (CTMH unless mentioned):

Paper:  Claire Paper Packet, Hollyhock CS, Outdoor Denim CS, Colonial White CS, Sorbet CS

Inks:  Cocoa

Stamps:  Paper Doll
Other:  Stardust Glitz Gel, sandpaper, Crayola colored pencils, Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge, Cricut Artiste Cartridge

Digital Delights!

February is sure to be a month of digital delights because you can purchase any Studio J^® layout for only $5—that’s a savings of $1.95 per layout! This is a great opportunity to try Studio J for the first time. Create adorable baby layouts with the Wishes and Fishes kit (shown), or use the new Express Collections with collections of 10 ready-made layouts plus a front and back cover that are easy to use and professionally designed. Preserve your memories at a low price for a truly digital delight!

I hope you will give Studio J a try!  It doesn't require loading any software to your computer, and it is completely FREE to try.  You don't pay anything until you decide to order a print, and then you get the FABULOUS price of just $5 per two-page layout for the entire month of February! 

Simply click on the Studio J link on my website and create an account if you don't have one!  I can't wait to hear what you think!!!

It's FINALLY here!!!

It's here, it's here!!!!  The NEW Spring/Summer catalog from Close to My Heart is live today!!!!  I already have a wish list a mile long!  I know you will love it too! 

To see the catalog now just click here and you will be able to go through it page by lovely page.  If you would like a paper copy you can contact me at HeidiScraps@charter.net and I would be glad to ship one to you for $5.  You will recieve a coupon from me for $5 off your next order!

As a consultant, one of my favorite perks (and there are many), is that we get a month to preview each new catalog and play with new products!  I love being able to create new pages, cards, and projects to share along with the catalogs.  It is such a great way to show off all the new goodies!

Here's the first artwork I have to share using new product:

I used the very classic nautical paper packet, Tommy, and the coordinating Tommy Complements Canvas Shapes for this layout.  I love the texture and interest that the Canvas Shapes add - they are also adhesive backed so very easy to use! 

I added some Pewter Brads and some Hemp to enhance the nautical theme.  I will be adding photos of our kids on the boat last summer to this layout shortly.

Hope you enjoy the awesome NEW catalog as much as I do!!!

Materials Used (CTMH unsless mentioned):

Paper:  Tommy, Outdoor Denim CS, Cranberry CS, Colonial White CS

Embellishments:  Tommy Complements Canvas Shapes, Pewter Brads, Hemp

Clementine

Today I am sharing the layout I did with the adorable Clementine Papers from the Fall/Winter Catalog.  They are so cute and if you play it up (which I didn't here) it has a sweet feminine western flair.  The great news is that Clementine is one of the Paper Packets that will be carrying over to the NEW Spring/Summer Catalog which is almost here - four days and counting!!!!

I haven't put the photos on yet (is that a theme here?) but took some wonderful shots of my kids with their cousins at the beach last summer and they will be perfect for this!  It was a "Fabulous Day"!

The Clementine papers have awesome coordinating Canvas Shapes, which I used for the flowers and part of the title.  They are adhesive backed and printed on canvas for a little extra texture and interest on your pages and cards.  For my title, I cut apart one of the shapes to use just the banner with the word "Fabulous" on it.  It worked like a charm!!!

I love how this layout showcases the patterned papers!

I couldn't resist using my Cricut to cut a sunshine and cloud for my beach layout!  I sanded the edges of the die cut shapes as well as all of the pieces on the layout to give it a weathered look.

I also layered several of the Canvas Shapes and added some Blue Buttons tied with twine.  Such an easy accent for any layout!

Materials Used (CTMH unless mentioned):

Papers:  Clementine, Colonial White CS, Desert Sand CS, Champagne CS

Embellishments:  Clementine Complements Canvas Shapes, Blue Buttons, Twine -Home Depot

Other:  Cricut Artiste Cartridge

Avonlea Part 5

Oops!  I have been so excited about creating with goodies from the new Spring/Summer Catalog, which goes live on February 1st, that I completely forgot to share the 3-D item I created for the Design Team at Inks Outside the Box!  So here it is!

I made this adorable mailbox using the Cricut Artiste Cartridge.  I just love it and can't wait to make some more!  It was so easy to put together and quick too!  I think CTMH was genius when they developed this cartridge with Cricut because there is a book with assembly directions for all of the 3-D items on it. 

I also used the Art Philosophy Cartridge to cut the spiral which became the rolled paper rose.  Again, so quick and easy!

You can easily fit several 3"x3" cards inside the mailbox which would be a great gift.  I made three of the cards pictured from the scraps left from my Avonlea Workshop on the Go Kit.  In total, I was able to create two 2-page layouts, two 4 1/2" x 5 1/2" cards, and this great mailbox and card set!  Not bad!!!

Materials Used (CTMH unless mentioned):

Paper:  Avonlea, Avonlea Teal CS, Avonlea Green CS, Colonial White CS

Stamps:  Avonlea Workshop Stamp Set

Inks:  Olive, Twilight

Embellishments:  Opaques Mocha Adhesive Gems

Other:  Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge, Artiste Cartridge

Countdown and Avonlea Part 4

The countdown is on to February 1st and the fabulous NEW catalog from Close to My Heart!  I can't wait for you to see all of the gorgeous new papers, awesome new stamp sets, and exciting new accessories and embellishments!  Here is a sneek peak of the front cover to give you a feel for how great it is going to be!

Adorable, right?!?  Stay tuned for info on my upcoming Open House, artwork with new products, and more specials!

I also want to share the last of the artwork I created for the Design Team at Inks Outside the Box.  It is the second layout I made using the Avonlea Workshop on the Go Kit.  I didn't follow the directions for the kit layouts, this was a creation of my own. 

I decided to echo the patterned paper with a "lacey" cut from the Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge and added a clock from the Artiste Cartridge.  I also used more of the Parlor Velvet Rub-Ons.  I have to say that this isn't my favorite layout.  I had a vision in my head as I sat down to create, and no matter how much I tried, it just didn't translate to paper.  I really hate when that happens!!!  :(  I am planning to use this with some vintage photos of my grandparents when they first met.  I think the colors will be beautiful with the rich sepia toned photographs.  Just have to get some copies made and then get them on there!

Materials Used (CTMH unless mentioned):

Paper:  Avonlea, Olive CS, Cocoa CS, Colonial White CS, Twilight CS

Stamps:  Avonlea Workshop on the Go

Inks:  Cocoa, Olive

Embellishments:  Parlor Velvet Rub-Ons, Opaques Mocha Adveshive Gems, Pewter Mini-Medley Accents

Other:  Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge, Artiste Cricut Cartridge

Avonlea Artwork Part 3

Back again with another Avonlea card that was done for the Design Team at Inks Outside the Box!  As I mentioned in the last post, even though the paper patterns in Avonlea aren't traditionally winter themed, that's what I was seeing.  So, once again, I decided to just go with it!

This time I used lots of matting to make the patterned papers stand out, and created a folded tree from a semi-circle cut from my favorite pattern.  I love how the folds show off the patterns on either side!

I added a piece of Dark Chocolate Striped Grosgrain ribbon which I tied with some Natural Hemp.  The finishing touch was a Blue Sparkle at the top of the tree.

Hope you enjoy it!  :)

Materials Used (CTMH unless mentioned):

Paper:  Avonlea, Avonlea Green CS, Colonial While CS

Embellishments:  Dark Chocolate Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Natural Hemp, Blue Sparkle

Avonlea Artwork Part 2

I am back with another Avonlea project that I created for the Design Team at Inks Outside the Box.  This is the first of two layouts that I did using the Avonlea Workshop on the Go Kit.  In all I was able to create two double page layouts, two cards, and a 3-D project.  It really is amazing how much you can do with just one kit!

When I first saw the Avonlea papers, the patterns on one sheet just screamed snowflakes to me, so I decided to go with a winter theme.  I can't wait to put some cool black and white photos on these pages!

To create the super sparkly snowflakes on both pages, I first cut <snowflake1>  on the Art Philosophy Cartridge five times each.  Then I glued and layered the snowflakes to create a faux chipboard effect.  Lastly, I covered the snowflakes with Stardust Glitz Glitter Gel.  The photos don't do them justice - they are sooo sparkly!!!

I added Parlor Velvet Rub-Ons to each snowflake to give the feel of a winter wind.  I actually cut the rub-ons to make them smaller and fit the space better.  Worked like magic!

I finished off the pages by creating a "signpost" using the Cricut Artiste Cartridge.  I created faux chipboard again using the same technique as above, but this time I covered the entire piece with Versa Mark ink, coated it with Clear Embossing Powder, and heated.  I was pleased with the effect - looks like a steel signpost to me!

Hope you enjoy!  :)

Materials Used (CTMH unless mentioned):

Paper:  Avonlea, Colonial White CS, Avonlea Green CS, Slate CS

Stamps:  Card Chatter-Christmas

Inks:  Slate, Chocolate

Embellishments:  Mocha Opaques Adhesive Gems, Parlor Velvet Rub-Ons

Other:  Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge, Artiste Cricut Cartridge, Stardust Glitz Gel

Avonlea Artwork Part 1

A while back I was thrilled to share with you that I had been chosen as a Design Team member for the Inks Outside The Box team blog, Creative Moose.  It is finally my turn to be featured and it's so exciting!  I will be sharing the same art here with you, but encourage you to check out all of the fabulous CTMH art and inspiration at Creative Moose!  I am honored to be part of a group of talented and creative women!!!

Today I am sharing a card done with the gorgeous Avonlea papers from CTMH.  I was inspired by all of the cards I have seen recently on Pinterest that featured pennants and ribbons, so cut three of the patterns from the pack into faux ribbons with notched bottoms.  Then I added a frame from the Pewter Mini-Medley Accents Collection  with the word "Happy" stamped inside. 

I finished it off with one of my favorite flower techniques.  I cut 7 of the daisy flower shapes from the Cricut Artiste Cartridge using regular copy paper.  Once the shapes were cut, I inked them lightly with a sponge and Desert Sand Ink.  Then I crumpled them up.  After piling them on top of each other and flattening them out slightly, I attached them to the front of the card with a pewter brad.  Love the dimension!

Materials Used (CTMH unless mentioned):
Paper:  Avonlea, Colonial White CS
Inks:  Desert Sand, Olive
Stamps:  For Every Occasion
Embellishments:  Pewter Mini-Medley Accents
Other:  Art Philosophy Crict Cartridge

Whooo's Your Valentine and Mystery Hostess

Close to My Heart has done it again!!!  The Whooo's Your Valentine Kit is just darling and is such a fabulous value!  I don't know how they do it! 

Included in your kit is:

• 12 die-cut boxes
• 3 cardstock sheets
• 1 sheet of glitter paper (sneak peek of NEW spring product)
• 12 treat tubes (sneak peek of NEW spring product)
• an exclusive D-size stamp set

To get your hands on this adorable kit for just $10 (a steal if you ask me!), you simply need to order $35 in any product from the current catalog.  You can see all of the available products here on my CTMH website.  Don't forget to also check out the While Supplies Last section for deeply discounted retired products!

Now, for the best part!  If you click on Join in the lower right hand corner of the home page of my website before placing your order, you will be entered into a drawing to win the Hostess Rewards for my January sales!  That means, your order qualifies you to win FREE product!  What could be better than that?!?!

My Mystery Hostess "Party" ends on January 20th, so don't wait too long to get your order in!

Can't wait to see what goodies you choose!!!  ;)

Christmas Pages!

I hope your holidays were wonderful, and that you had lots of great photo opportunities!  I know I took tons of photos of my kids as they oppened their gifts, and I also tried to get a shot of each person we celebrated with.  I plan to use these pages to highlight all of the people that made our Christmas special.

I used the Pear & Partridge papers along with the fabulous Pear & Partridge Glittery Rub-Ons from Close to My Heart. 

I can't say enough about these rub-ons!  They go on so easily and don't tear like so many I have used in the past.  I was even able to apply them over the edges of pieces in my layout!  LOVE them!!!  I also used a liberal sprinkling of Red Sparkles to add some shine.

Materials Used (CTMH unless mentioned):

Paper:  Pear & Partridge, Colonial White CS, Cranberry CS

Inks:  Desert Sand (for inking edges)

Embellishments:  Pear & Partridge Glittery Rub-Ons, Red Sparkles