CTMH January Stamp of the Month Blog Hop

I can't believe that it is time for another Blog Hop. As 2010 fades into memory, we look forward to 2011 with great anticipation. CTMH is changing to a bi-annual Idea Book that will be officially released February 1st. I have already seen it and there are many really exciting new products! Items that are featured in the Winter 2010 Idea Book will be available (while supplies last) through January 31st, but January is a transition month. "Wings" a terrific paper packet is available beginning January 1st along with several new stamp sets. What fun to have a sneak peak at the new Idea Book. The January STOM "Find Your Style" has so many possibilities!

This is a circular blog hop so please make sure you check out all of the wonderful artwork that has been completed by the well over 50 participants this month. The full listing is in my last past. If you have arrived here from Kristie's Blog you are on the right track.

I always like to do something a tad different each Hop and this month is no different. One of my 2011 goals is to learn paper quilling. I have dabbled in it but now it is time to begin to get serious. The sentiment in "Find Your Style" is perfect.

To make the rolled roses, I prepared the card stock by spraying it with a mixture of CTMH Pearl Paint mixed with Hollyhock and Amethyst re-inker plus 90% rubbing alcohol. I find that the alcohol dries more quickly than water. I used the spray pen included in the new Idea Book. Once the paper was dry, I used a spiral punch, rolled the paper inward toward the center of the spiral and secured the outer edge with a dab of Liquid Glass. I used my quilling tool, but I tried the rolling with the piercing tool and that works also. Once the Liquid Glass had set, I lightly brushed the tops with liquid adhesive and sprinkled with Prisma Glitter.

The flourishes were rolled using straight pieces of actual quilling paper. The leaves were punched from Topiary and Sweet Leaf. The card stock is Amethyst and Gypsy and the sentiment was stamped in Gypsy.

My next project is done using a fun technique I mentioned in this post. The technique is called Black Magic and is done with images stamped in either White Daisy or in this case Colonial White on dark card stock. Once the ink is dry, you color the image with water color pencils.

The image was stamped on the black band that includes the sentiment (from the Wings Workshop on the Go set) and then the top portion was cut out. The sentiment, by the way, is heat embossed using Silver Pearl. The pattern paper is from the new Wings paper packet. I added some Sparkles and the card was done!

It is time now, to head off to Sarita's Blog and see what she had created using this month's Stamp of the Month. Wishing everyone a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous 2011. For Now, Happy Crafting!

It's Blog Hop Time Again

It's that time again, CTMH Stamp of the Month Blog Hop! Here is the complete list of participants. Check back in at 9:00pm EST for the fun hop featuring a brand new stamp set called "Find Your Style." For Now, Happy Crafting!


Helen Onulak http://www.hookedonstamping.com
Kathleen Androlewicz http://BowlOfStamps.blogspot.com
Teri Baxter http://www.themidnightartist.blogspot.com
Dawn Ross http://iamahappystamper.blogspot.com
Traci Godbee http://createwithtraci.blogspot.com
Dawn Heuft http://stamptildawn.blogspot.com
Judy Burger http://www.makingtimeformemories.blogspot.com
Annette Green http://AnnettesCreativeJourney.blogspot.com
Shannon Buck http://www.stampinbuds.com
Pamela O'Connor http://cherishyourmemories.blogspot.com
Wendy Fording http://papercreationsbywendy.blogspot.com
Kristie Herdener http://www.goofyscrapper.blogspot.com
Cindy Leek http://www.paperspadsandpictures.blogspot.com
Sarita Schraeder http://www.blessedscrapper.com
Melissa Robinson http://www.mlisrobinson.blogspot.com
Lori Brown http://www.savingmine.blogspot.com
Krista Ritskes http://kristaritskes-simplycreating.blogspot.com
Nancy Brown http://creativelyartsygallery.blogspot.com/
Haley Dyer http://inkyscrapper.blogspot.com
Carla Ironside http://carlacreates.blogspot.com
Georgia Hauglid http://inkygeorgia.blogspot.com/
Shirley Ross http://www.momnmescrap.blogspot.com
Carol Harris http://www.carol-harris.blogspot.com
Brae Montgomery http://thebrae-er.blogspot.com
Michelle Loncar http://michelleloncar.blogspot.com
Katy Donaldson http://www.scrappinkaty.blogspot.com
Wanda Riley http://Creatingwithwanda.blogspot.com
Angela Tutton http://www.tuttonstreasures.blogspot.com
Jody Gustafson http://www.cre8nmemories.blogspot.com
Jen Rubio http://JenRubio.blogspot.com
Sheila Bennett http://sheila-bennett.blogspot.com
Toni Hinchcliffe http://whollycrafts.blogspot.com
Doreen Guilfoyle http://whereisyourhappyplace.blogspot.com
Adeline Brill http://www.adeline-brill.blogspot.com
Jen Patrick http://roxybonds-scrappin.blogspot.com
Mary Eisen http://mestamp2.blogspot.com
Melinda Everitt http://ifyoublingittheywillcome.blogspot.com/
Laurie Newton http://www.scrapsfromthebeach.blogspot.com
Melissa Laverty http://www.fancymelissa.com
Beth Naumann http://www.bethscreativeblock.blogspot.com
Susan Brooks http://stampingintheopen.blogspot.com
Tammy Lea Pinchard http://mycreativeclubhouse.blogspot.com
Carol Horton http://carol-scrappininparadise.blogspot.com
Kami Welter http://www.scrappin4memories.blogspot.com/
Tamytha Jenkins http://www.paperheartist.com
Wendy Coffman http://stampingrules.blogspot.com/
Lisa Sargent http://lisa-sargent.blogspot.com
Vickie Tagatz http://create-with-me-vickie.blogspot.com/
Paige Dolecki http://www.PaigesPaperParadise.blogspot.com
Nicole Griggs http://nicolescreativezone.blogspot.com
Corinna McGregor http://corinnamcgregor.blogspot.com
Angel Sawyer http://runningwithscissorsdesignco.blogspot.com
Deanne Jacobs http://www.deannestamps.blogspot.com/
Angela Garcia http://angelascraftcloset.blogspot.com
Tamra Pope http://tamrascraftypapercreations.blogspot.com
LeAnne Dudley http://dudleychickdesigns.blogspot.com
Jean McNulty http://stampinmaui.blogspot.com

Black Magic...A Fun Technique

Every once and a while, I surf around looking for interesting new techniques. I found this one, Black Magic, on Splitcoast Stampers the other day and have been having a great deal of fun experimenting with it.

Making sure that you are using a dark color piece of card stock, you stamp your image in pigment based light color ink. After you heat set it (you can let it dry naturally but that takes quite a while) you color over the image with pencils. Start with the center darker shade first and then blend your coloring using lighter shades. If you like, you can highlight with a white gel pen for further accent. The image appears to "jump" off the page!

This card uses images from CTMH's Treasure Life, Tag the Occasion and A Flitter Stamp Sets. The solid card stock is Spring Iris, Blush and Baby Pink. The pattern paper is from a retired set I had in my stash called Daydream.

This is actually the second card I have made using this technique. The first card will be featured in tomorrow evening's Stamp of the Month Blog Hop! That card features a brand new paper packed called Wings and the January Stamp of the Month. Don't forget, the STOM, is only available during the month that it is featured and you can qualify to earn it at a reduced price or even free! The details are on my website.

Don't forget to stop back tomorrow evening to check out the new CTMH papers and Stamps. For Now, Happy Crafting!

A Clean and Simple Thank You Christmas Card

I hope that everyone had a wonderful Christmas.


Years back, my Holiday was a whirlwind of activity. Christmas Eve we would watch Midnight Mass and open our Stockings. Then it was up early in the morning to make the hour drive to my Parents. We would spend half the day there and then drive back to the city to spend the remainder of the day with DH's parents. There were stops at friends along the way back to the city too. We would return to our house around midnight and finally open our gifts to each other. Whew...it was a lot but I have such wonderful memories of those days.


Alas, both of my parents are gone now as is DH's Dad. :o( Now, we still keep the Christmas Eve tradition, but there is no long drive to the country. I cook dinner at our house, pack it up and take it to DH's Mom's house for a quiet evening meal. As my Step Dad always said..."time marches on" and I suppose that is what has happened in my family. The kicker is, we now have all morning and early afternoon to open our gifts. Do you think the DH will budge on that tradition??? Nope...can't open our gifts to each other until we return home from Mom's house....stubborn stubborn man. :o)


This year, as I had a card and message all ready to post, when the phone rang. When I answer, I hear "Merry Christmas" in a voice that I hadn't heard in at least 5 years. It was a boyhood friend of DH who moved to Chicago many years ago. As I proclaim "What a treat for you to call today," I am asked, "Guess where I am?" He was here in Philadelphia visiting relatives and staying in a hotel a mile from my house! I starts saying, you are coming over and DH's eyes are getting wider and wider...See, he has no clue who is on the phone. I hand the phone to DH and with in 30 minutes we are all sitting in my Living Room enjoying what turned into be a very special Christmas afternoon.


Christmas is magical. Not only for the obvious "Reason for the Season," but also, I think wonderful things happen on Christmas Day. Last year, a cousin who I had lost touch with for many years contacted me via facebook on Christmas Day!


Yesterday, I had the opportunity to make a card for the Splitcoast Stamper's Clean and Simple Card Challenge. A CAS card is one that focuses on design. It should one focal point and be uncluttered with layers and embellishments. Give one a try sometime...they are harder than you think!

The challenge was to make a CAS card using 2 shades of brown, green and white. I chose Chocolate, Brown Bag, Topiary and White Daisy. I randomly stamped the pine branches around the edge of the square. I made sure to use generation stamping for a realistic look. The pine cones were double inked (rock and roll stamping) in Brown Bag and Chocolate. Both those stamps are from a company called Rubber Stamp Tapestry. The "Thank You" is from Close To My Heart's really cute set called "Tag the Occasion." I assembled the card and in a jiffy it was completed.

I wanted to make a "Thank You" card because so often we forget to say "thank you" to Christmas. I say, "thank you" for the reason for the season and "thank you" for the memories that Christmas creates. For Now, Happy Crafting!

A Holiday Card

See, I really am trying to be better about posting my work! :o) I felt like coloring today and I hadn't had a chance to use this stamp yet this year. Rudolph is from a CTMH set called Santa's List. It was issued last year but I think it remains a great set.

The card is done on a standard A2 base of Colonial White. The pattern paper is from Mistletoe...the new Holiday Paper this year...love, love, love it. Rudolph is heat embossed in Cocoa powder and colored with my Prisma Pencils. I used Gamsol (odorless mineral spirits) to blend the colors. Gamsol is a fun medium to work with. Prisma Pencils are wax based. The Gamsol "melts" the wax and thus helps with the blending of colors. I added a few cranberry sparkles for bling and the card was done!

It is soon time for me to head off to class. I continue to teach scrapbooking at now three local "big box" craft stores. Keeps me quite busy but it is great fun. For Now, Happy Crafting!

Lunar Eclipse

There was an interesting and unique occurrence this morning. For the first time since 1638, there was a Winter Solstice Lunar Eclipse. From what I understood, because of the solstice, the appearance of the eclipse was to be unlike an "average" eclipse. An Eclipse results when the Earth lines up directly between the Sun and the Moon. The Sun's light rays are blocked thus casting a shadow on the Moon.

So, at 2:30am, in my pink Christmas pj's, pink faux Ugg boots (shoes must always match your outfit) and long dress coat, I trotted outside with tripod and camera in hand to record the occassion.

It was a beautifully clear night here on the East Coast and despite the cold, I gazed upon the sight for 45 minutes. I have to admit that part of the time I was fighting with my camera and tripod, but none the less enjoying the view. I am not sure what that "streak" in the upper right hand corner of the top photo is...perhaps a falling star?

As I was standing there looking, I couldn't help but ponder how frightening an Eclipse must have been for Ancient Cultures. To see the Moon, a constant in the night sky, turn red without the knowledge of the reason why, must have been petrifying. I am so thankful that "we" know the whys and wherefores of an Eclipse, but are still able to contemplate the mystery of the event.

By the way, I am STILL working on Christmas Cards. I can't post them yet because I don't want the recipients to see them on my blog before they see them in their mailboxes. :o) For Now, Happy Crafting!

Busy Holiday Season

Ok, I know I have no excuse this time :o). It has been way to long since I update my blog. But, that doesn't mean that I haven't been doing anything! I have been so busy that I haven't had the chance to even sit down and type. I've done more craft fairs, a home party, made Holiday Gifts, two card workshops...here are a few pictures and I promise that I will get back on track soon!




Both of these cards are done using Mistletoe. I just love this paper packet. It is traditional with a some flair. And, CTMH papers are double sided which expands the possibilities for creativity. The reverse sides are just as pretty as the "main" sides. The second card I've posted combines both sides of the snowflake paper.

Here are some fun shots from the Mistletoe Workshop on the Go afternoon...ah...we started at 11:00am and kept making cards until 10:00pm!

My cousin even came all the way from Georgia for the Workshop!

Last but not least, here is a picture of my table at a friends Open House...
So you can see that I've not been sitting on my "tinsel" doing nothing! :o) I have so many more goodies to post! For Now, Happy Crafting!

Another Craft Fair

I have yet another Craft Fair tonight. That is where I have been...busy working on items to share with everyone. This is a small photo book I did combining new and old Close To My Heart products. The pages were cut using my Cuttlebug and a Sizzix die. The papers include Just Chillin' (unfortunately retired) and a new Stamp Set called Snow Flurries.

Just because an item is retired, doesn't mean you can't use it anymore! :o) CTMH will be retiring many of our favorite papers in the near future and I will post that list soon. The good news is that retired products make way for new and wonderful items. For Now, Happy Crafting!

Today's Craft Fair Creation

As you know, I have been participating in a number of seasonal Craft Fairs. I keep trying to come up with "different" types of items to sell. Here is today's experiment.

I found these cute little jars in the Wedding section of a big box craft store. Once I got them home, I had to figure out what to fill them with. Hum...off to the Internet I went and found this recipe for homemade bath salts. It was the first time I have ever tried anything like this and it was not an easy task to find all the ingredients. Anyway, after feeling like I was back in Chemistry class, I set out to decorate the jars. Using my 1 1/4 Close To My Heart circle punch I made the gift tags. The images are from a retired stamp set that I have used to pieces. The holly was stamped and then colored in with a blending pen. I added a little bling using my Spica pens. The "to" is from last month's CTMH's stamp of the month. I hand tied the bows adding the the gift tags and embellishments as I went along.

I think they are a "keeper." What do you think? For Now, Happy Crafting!

November Stamp of the Month Blog Hop

Close To My Heart's November SOTM is a very interesting stamp set. "A Little Thanks" has 16 different images including so many ways to say Thank You that the creative possibilities are endless. In today's fast paced world, we need to remember to say "Thank You" to those who have taken time out of their busy days to pay us a kindness. This set helps us to remember to do just that.

As always, this month there are many many talented CTMH Consultants participating in the hop. If you have gotten here from Melissa's Blog you are on the right track.

This month, I wanted to explore ways that a stamp set can be used that doesn't always fit the intended purpose....I found a great "branch" image included in the set and used "Masking" techniques to turn the branch into a Christmas Wreath.

Here is how I created the wreath....
I started with a piece of Colonial White card stock that measured 3 1/2 inches by 3 1/2 inches and a scrap circle cut approximately 3 inches in diameter.

Using repositionable adhesive, I attached the circle in the center of the square and began to randomly stamp the branch image using New England Ivy ink. This begins to form the outer shape of the wreath.

Once I stamped all the way around the circle, it can be removed and you see the outer edges of the wreath are formed.

I then positioned a 1 1/4 inch scrap circle in the center of the already stamped circle and began the process again. This will form the center of the wreath.

Once I stamped all the way around that circle, it was removed and I began a different "masking technique. I didn't want the stem of the branch to effect the texture of the wreath by creating lines. I covered the bottom portion of the stamp with a sticky note each time I inked the stamp. This way only the ends of the branches were used. Remember to remove the sticky note before you stamp and also remember to change your sticky note often. At this stage, I randomly stamped with both Garden Green and New England Ivy to give the wreath a more natural appearance.

I repeated this process until the center of the wreath was filled in. I made sure to stamp a few branch ends into the center to give a more natural appearance.

Then I sponged the center lightly to fill in the areas not covered.

I cut the image out including the center portion.
I applied ink to the edges and used a "Q-Tip" to get ink on the center edges of the wreath. The wreath is now done to embellish as you wish. In this case, I anchored the Cranberry ribbon using 2 eyelets and added Jingle Brads and Sparkles. Here is the finished card once again...
To finish the card, I used Cranberry card stock that was embossed using my Cuttlebug. The pattern paper is from Mistletoe and the sentiment is one of the wonderful "thank you" thoughts contained in this month's STOM.

So many times, people go out of their way to do an act of kindness during the Holidays and I thought this card would be a perfect way to show how much RAK's are appreciated. It's time to hop on over to Susan's Blog and see what she has created. Thanks for hopping by. For Now, Happy Crafting!

Getting Ready for a "Spooky" Blog Hop

Boo! It's Blog Hop time again and what fun for it to go live on Halloween Night! :o) In anticipation of the big event...here is the list of this month's participants....For Now, Happy Crafting!

Helen Onulak http://www.hookedonstamping.com
Kathleen Androlewicz http://BowlOfStamps.blogspot.com
Kristie Herdener http://www.goofyscrapper.blogspot.com
Jill Lucas http://scrapwench.blogspot.com
Mary Eisen http://mestamp2.blogspot.com
Shannon Buck http://www.stampinbuds.com
Melinda Everitt http://ifyoublingittheywillcome.blogspot.com/
Lori Leng http://pinkcloudscrappers.blogspot.com
Sylvia Jacquot http://stampinsylvia.blogspot.com/
Judy Burger http://www.makingtimeformemories.blogspot.com
Shannon Pelletier http://mycolorfulworldinvt.blogspot.com
Dawn Ross http://iamahappystamper.blogspot.com
Kami Welter http://www.scrappin4memories.blogspot.com/
Melissa Burch http://melissaburch.blogspot.com
Haley Dyer http://inkyscrapper.blogspot.com
Teri Baxter http://www.themidnightartist.blogspot.com
Tammy Lea Pinchard http://mycreativeclubhouse.blogspot.com
Debra Van Patten http://memoriesoftheheartbydeb.blogspot.com
Antoinette Herrin http://www.GodblessyourART.blogspot.com
Melissa Laverty http://www.fancymelissa.com
Carla Ironside http://carlacreates.blogspot.com
Caren Goldstein http://www.scrappycaren.blogspot.com/
Shirley Ross http://www.momnmescrap.blogspot.com
Laurie Newton http://www.scrapsfromthebeach.blogspot.com
Michelle Nist http://www.michellenist.blogspot.com
Terrie Dodd http://www.my-life-in-real-time.blogspot.com
Pamela O'Connor http://cherishyourmemories.blogspot.com
Jen Rubio http://JenRubio.blogspot.com
Sheila Bennett http://sheila-bennett.blogspot.com
Misty Jackson http://www.misstscraps.blogspot.com
Beth Naumann http://www.bethscreativeblock.blogspot.com
Georgia Hauglid http://inkygeorgia.blogspot.com/
Annette Green http://AnnettesCreativeJourney.blogspot.com
Carol Horton http://carol-scrappininparadise.blogspot.com
Katy Donaldson http://www.scrappinkaty.blogspot.com
Adeline Brill http://www.adeline-brill.blogspot.com
Melissa Robinson http://www.mlisrobinson.blogspot.com
Cindy Leek http://www.paperspadsandpictures.blogspot.com
Susan Brooks stampingintheopen.blogspot.com
Wanda Riley http://Creatingwithwanda.blogspot.com
Cindy Appleman http://applescrapsbycindy.blogspot.com
Carol Harris http://www.carol-harris.blogspot.com
Angela Tutton http://www.tuttonstreasures.blogspot.com
Dawn Heuft http://stamptildawn.blogspot.com
Brae Montgomery http://thebrae-er.blogspot.com
Michelle Loncar http://michelleloncar.blogspot.com
Toni Hinchcliffe http://whollycrafts.blogspot.com
Doreen Guilfoyle http://whereisyourhappyplace.blogspot.com
Lori Brown http://www.savingmine.blogspot.com
Jody Gustafson http://www.cre8nmemories.blogspot.com
Kim O'Rear http://kimorear.blogspot.com
Traci Godbee http://createwithtraci.blogspot.com
Kimberly Smith http://verykimberry.blogspot.com
Jen Patrick http://roxybonds-scrappin.blogspot.com
Jenifer Benner http://www.jensmessystudio.com
Nancy Brown http://creativelyartsygallery.blogspot.com/
Sarita Schraeder http://www.blessedscrapper.com
Chris Shouse http://houseostamps.wordpress.com
Wendy Fording http://papercreationsbywendy.blogspot.com
Wendy Coffman http://stampingrules.blogspot.com/
Kathy Lickenbrock http://scrapinkathy.blogspot.com/
Jean McNulty http://stampinmaui.blogspot.com/
Angela Garcia http://angelascraftcloset.blogspot.com

Craft Fair Christmas Card

Finally a day off from work so I thought that I would make a few cards for my upcoming Craft Fair Tables. This card is made using papers from the "Mistletoe" paper packet and "A Timber." Close To My Heart has recently started reducing the price of several of their My Acrylix Stamp Sets. Yes, reducing! "A Timber" is a great little set that includes not only a Christmas Tree image, but also, six additional very useful images for the Holidays. The set costs only $7.95! Can't beat that with a strand of tinsel! :o)

I used my Nestability Dies to cut both the scallop and oval mats. The tree was stamped in New England Ivy on Colonial White Card Stock and then cut out. I used my gold Spica Pen to color the flourishes. The 4 small snowflakes were punched out of coordinating pattern paper with a touch of Liquid Glass added to the centers. I sponged around the edges, assembled the card popping up the oval mats and tree and tied the pretty cranberry red bow and the card was done!

A quick and easy card using a great inexpensive stamp set. For Now, Happy Crafting!

More Craft Fair Items

"It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year"... sometimes I think this quote should be..."It's the Busiest Time of the Year!" :o) My Craft Fair season is in full swing and I am steady creating. I don't know if I have mentioned that Close To My Heart is revamping the Idea Book in 2011. Beginning next year, we will have 2 rather than 3 Idea Books. In light of this change, many of our favorite paper packets will be discontinued effective December 31st in order to make room for the all of the new and wonderful products. Why do I say all this? Well, I am using up much of my older papers on Craft Fair items. I am continually reminded of how pretty the CTMH papers and stamps are and how I am anticipating the release of all the new goodies.

Here are a couple items I have made using some old favorites....

An Altered Date Book featuring Grace and the the matching My Acrylix Stamp Set.

An Altered Journal featuring Splendor and the matching My Acrylix Stamp Set.

One of the many things that makes Close To My Heart products terrific is their timelessness. I'll post more Craft Fair goodies as time goes on. For Now, Happy Crafting!

Holiday Cards!!

My search to find the perfect item for the many Craft Fairs I do continues. Here are two of the most recent cards I've made...

To complete this card, I used my snowflake Embossing Folder and Cuttlebug to make the Heavenly Blue background mat. The second mat was cut using Twilight. (BTW, the matting technique I show here is one that I teach in my Scrapbook and Design Class. I will be starting another round of classes on November 3rd. Check my sidebar for all of the details....) I used "Snow Flurries" for the stamped images. I love this My Acrylix stamp set. It includes multiple flourishes and the "Peace On Earth" sentiment. I applied both Heavenly Blue and Twilight inks (rock and roll stamping) to the snow flourishes and then added just a few mini sparkles for bling.
This card features the new My Acrylix Stamp Set called "Snow Days." The image was stamped in Cocoa and added just a touch of Prisma Glittler. The pattern paper is from the new B/T Duo paper packet called Mistletoe.

Have you started your Christmas Cards yet? CTMH has so many wonderful papers and stamps that I just don't know which one to use next. For Now, Happy Crafting!

Wipe Off Memo Board

Back in July when I went to Convention, we had the opportunity to purchase "bundles" of new products. The products were at a reduced rate it they were quite a deal. One of the groupings I secured highlighted the new Olivia Paper Packet. The package included coordinating stamp sets, embellishments and of course the Level 1 and 2 Paper Packets. I have never really explored the use of Level 1 packets. No particular reason why, I just didn't. The other day I was exploring my stash and relocated the Olivia paper. The Level 1 paper packets are wonderful. Included in the set are sheets of card stock and pattern paper, but also, these pre-designed card stock layouts. I had an "a ha" moment :o) What about using the pre-done layouts for wipe off memo boards!


The Wipe Off Memo boards are a terrific project. Starting with a purchased 12 x 12 frame (with glass) you complete a one page layout. When done and placed in the frame, the glass acts as a memo board. Using the wipe off pens, you can write on the glass and clean it away when your notes are done.

I designed this board to include the option of writing the month, week or day inside the space created on the left by the chipboard frame. I've left plenty of spots to write other notes and lists on the right side of the board. The board features an example of Olivia Level 1 papers, Barn Red, Bamboo and the newest colors of Pear, Sunset and Smoothee. The flowers were stamped using images from a retired set and cut out. The lettering is from the My Stickease stickers that are included in all Level 1 packets.

A wipe off memo board is a quick and easy project and with the Holidays coming wouldn't one of these boards make a terrific Christmas Gift? For Now, Happy Crafting!

Saturday Craft Fair

Just thought I would post a quick picture of my Craft Fair table from yesterday. Another successful and fun day! I shall post pictures of some of my new items soon. For Now, Happy Crafting!

Close To My Heart october Stamp of the Month Blog Hop!

I just refuse to accept that it is already October! And, as is tradition, the start of a new month signals the time for a Close To My Heart Blog Hop. This month, the stamp is called "Sharing The Magic" and it is right on time for inspiration to start those Holiday projects.

If your arrived here from Lori's blog, you are on the right track. There were so many possibilities of projects to make with this stamp that my mind went numb. But, as I studied the set, Gift Tags just screamed out at me.
This first tag was completed on an acrylic hanger. While it doesn't show well in the photo, you will have to trust me that it is painted with a mixture of blue and silver alcohol inks. The blue strip of paper (Sky) was randomly stamped with VersaMark and heat embossed in Silver Pearl. The package image was stamped using Pacifica and very lightly shaded with Cranberry. The little tags on the packages were colored with Cranberry. For a little bling, Prisma Glitter was added.

This next tag was cut from textured Bamboo Card Stock using my Cricut. The layers are Cranberry and Colonial White. The little reindeer was stamped in Cocoa and colored using my Prisma Pencils and Gamsol. I attached the Holiday Craft Button using Liquid Glass.

Last but not least, is a quick and simple card I completed using the set.

The card also features Mistletoe. The focal point image was stamped with VersaMark and heat embossed using Cranberry Embossing Powder.

By the way, I just wanted to say that I am not cracking up and have already put my Christmas Tree up. This is a small tree that I use in my Craft Fair Display. Since I have a Craft Fair to attend on Saturday, I have pulled it out already. I thought it would make a nice backdrop for the cards. It is now time to hop on over to Michelle's blog to check out her creations. Thanks for hopping by and For Now, Happy Crafting!

October STOM Participants

Here is the list of all participants in the Close To My Heart Stamp of the Month Blog Hop...

Kathleen Androlewicz http://BowlOfStamps.blogspot.com
Helen Onulak http://www.hookedonstamping.com
Shannon Buck http://www.stampinbuds.com
Teri Baxter http://www.themidnightartist.blogspot.com
Nancy Brown http://creativelyartsygallery.blogspot.com/
Cindy Appleman http://applescrapsbycindy.blogspot.com
Katy Donaldson http://www.scrappinkaty.blogspot.com
Jen Patrick http://roxybonds-scrappin.blogspot.com
Angela Tutton http://www.tuttonstreasures.blogspot.com
Kimberly Smith http://verykimberry.blogspot.com
Lori Miller http://clearlyfromtheheart.blogspot.com
Terrie Dodd http://www.my-life-in-real-time.blogspot.com
Tammy Lea Pinchard http://mycreativeclubhouse.blogspot.com
Mary Eisen http://mestamp2.blogspot.com
Krista Ritskes http://kristaritskes-simplycreating.blogspot.com
Antoinette Herrin http://www.GodblessyourART.blogspot.com
Haley Dyer http://inkyscrapper.blogspot.com
Shirley Ross http://www.momnmescrap.blogspot.com
Dawn Ross http://iamahappystamper.blogspot.com
Amy Edwards http://paisleysplayhouse.blogspot.com/
Melissa Laverty http://www.fancymelissa.com
Susan Brooks http://stampingintheopen.blogspot.com
Chris Shouse http://houseostamps.wordpress.com
Wanda Riley http://Creatingwithwanda.blogspot.com
Georgia Hauglid http://inkygeorgia.blogspot.com/
Jill Lucas http://scrapwench.blogspot.com
Dawn Heuft http://stamptildawn.blogspot.com
Misty Jackson http://www.misstscraps.blogspot.com
Carol Horton http://carol-scrappininparadise.blogspot.com
Laurie Newton http://www.scrapsfromthebeach.blogspot.com
Sheila Bennett http://sheila-bennett.blogspot.com
Traci Godbee http://createwithtraci.blogspot.com
Sarita Schraeder http://www.blessedscrapper.com
Carol Loftus http://www.carolloftus.blogspot.com/
Judy Burger http://www.makingtimeformemories.blogspot.com
Jody Gustafson http://www.cre8nmemories.blogspot.com
Shannon Pelletier http://mycolorfulworldinvt.blogspot.com
Lori Brown http://www.savingmine.blogspot.com
Melinda Everitt http://ifyoublingittheywillcome.blogspot.com/
Adeline Brill http://www.adeline-brill.blogspot.com
Kristie Herdener http://www.goofyscrapper.blogspot.com
Danielle Chapman http://cupcake-stamper.blogspot.com
Lori Leng http://pinkcloudscrappers.blogspot.com
Cindy Leek http://www.paperspadsandpictures.blogspot.com
Michelle Loncar http://michelleloncar.blogspot.com
Debra Van Patten http://memoriesoftheheartbydeb.blogspot.com
Sylvia Jacquot http://stampinsylvia.blogspot.com/
Brae Montgomery http://thebrae-er.blogspot.com
Annette Green http://AnnettesCreativeJourney.blogspot.com
Melissa Burch http://melissaburch.blogspot.com
Carla Ironside http://carlacreates.blogspot.com
Jamia Bankhead http://papermadnessinc.blogspot.com
Michelle Nist http://www.michellenist.blogspot.com
Beth Naumann http://www.bethscreativeblock.blogspot.com
Kim O'Rear http://kimorear.blogspot.com
Jen Rubio http://JenRubio.blogspot.com
Alison Mullen http://www.stickygirlstamps.com
Pamela O'Connor http://cherishyourmemories.blogspot.com
Kami Welter http://www.scrappin4memories.blogspot.com/
Wendy Kessler http://www.MyScrapbookingBlog.com
Angela Garcia http://angelascraftcloset.blogspot.com
Jean McNulty http://stampinmaui.blogspot.com/
Wendy Coffman http://stampingrules.blogspot.com/
Toni Hinchcliffe http://whollycrafts.blogspot.com
Nicole Griggs http://nicolescreativezone.blogspot.com/
Kathy Lickenbrock http://scrapinkathy.blogspot.com
Doreen Guilfoyle http://whereisyourhappyplace.blogspot.com
Carol Harris http://www.carol-harris.blogspot.com/
Wendy Fording http://papercreationsbywendy.blogspot.com
Melissa Sanchez-Robinson http://www.mlisrobinson.blogspot.com/

Where Have I Been???

I am so sorry that I have been away so long. Sparing you the gory details, I have dealt with hours of work, teaching and the prep that goes along with it, working on items for my upcoming Craft Fair and major computer problems. To show you that I haven't been slacking off, here is a card I made for the Craft Fair.
The card uses a new Christmas Stamp Set called "Snow Days". The image was stamped in Cocoa. The wreaths were colored with markers and a little Prisma Glitter was added to the tree and roof line. The pattern paper is from the also new paper packed called Mistletoe.

Later today, the October Stamp of the Month Blog Hop is set to kick off. It features a very special My Acrylix Stamp Set called Sharing the memories and promises to give us all inspiration to get begin our Holiday Crafting. For Now, Happy Crafting!

Monochromatic Scrapbook Layout

I have been really busy (so what else is new) working on samples, class content and Layouts for the SDU class I will be teaching beginning September 8th. This is a sample that I made that uses a number of great design elements.

I took inspiration for the layout from the Close To My Heart sketch book called Cherish. If you have never seen these books, you must check them out. The sketches, tips and ideas are invaluable. This layout is done in a monochromatic color scheme. What that means is all the colors used are in the same color family. I selected a variety of shades and tints of the same color to complete the page. I purposely selected colors in the "red-pink" range because the story told on the layout is that of a cruise I took on the "Love Boat." The Pacific Princess or "Love Boat" was the setting for the Sit Com "The Love Boat." The cruise sailed to Bermuda. I wanted to focus on the ship but did not want the viewer to forget that destination of the cruise. Bermuda just screams "pink," hence the color scheme. The colors used are all CTMH and include Baby Pink, Blush, Barn Red and featured is the new shade Smoothie.

To add texture and depth to the layout, I scored the Smoothee sheets on the 1/2 mark and sanded the paper as a highlight. I repeated the "heart" embellishment three times. Repeating elements in threes is a basic design technique. I also added the flower borders to once again remind that the cruise sailed to Bermuda.

This is my favorite element of the page. I found an anchor on my computer, printed and cut it out. The "chain" is chain stitched hemp and I added the heart just as the heart was positioned on the anchor in the opening credits of the TV show. Cute? :o) What do you think?

I'll be highlighting more samples and techniques that will be covered in the SDU class as time goes on. I hope to eventually get a card done too! For Now, Happy Crafting!

The New Idea Book is Here!

Finally, the new Close To My Heart Idea Book is available for all to oh an ah over! I have been so excited to share it with everyone. There are 8 new colors....Pacifica, Lagoon, Sky, Cotton Candy, Gypsy, Smoothie, Sunset...4 new Paper Packets...Magnifique, Hooligans, Olivia, Mistletoe and piles of new stamp sets and embellishments. Everything aimed at helping you make wonderful papercraft projects "faster, simpler, easier." The new Idea Book is available for you to view on my website.

I have been busy working on samples for my SDU class at the Michaels in Collegeville PA. I always have enjoyed scrapbooking but while preparing for the class, realize that I just don't do enough. CTMH makes scrapbooking so easy. The paper packets are designed in 2 levels. Level 1 packs contain pre-designed pattern papers, 2 matching B&T Duos pattern papers, coordinating card stock and Stickease. "Stickease" are card stock stickers that coordinate perfectly with the papers. The Level 1 set that is included with the paper packet even contains an alphabet. There are also Level 2 Stickease, sold separately, that allow you to add even more embellishments to your layouts.

Here is a Level 1 Layout using Mistletoe...

To complete this layout, I only used supplies included in the Level 1 paper packet! To make the circle mats for the letters and holly berries in the upper corner, I did use my 1 1/4 inch punch....that is a tool not a supply (wink.) The layout includes many of the theories and techniques that I will be teaching at the SDU class. BTW - the photos were taken during the Christmas 2009 blizzard.

Take a look at the new Fall/Winter Idea Book to see all of the wonderful new Close To My Heart Products. For Now, Happy Crafting!

A Halloween Wall Hanging

It is so hard to believe that summer is almost over! As Labor Day approaches, I turn my thoughts to preparing for my Holiday Craft Fairs. As a trial, I made this fun wall/door hangwe out of chipboard hangers. It measures 5 1/4 inches by 3 inches. Each piece of chipboard was covered with a retired Halloween paper called Enchanced. I drilled the hole in the bottom with my craft drill so that the bottom chipboard could be flipped around. The letters on the top piece of chipboard are rub ons from a retired CTMH set and the larger letters on the bottom are from the Color Ready alphabet. I chalked and sponged the letters to add the color. Lastly, the witch is heat embossed in black and is from the brand new Fright Night My Acrylix Stamp Set....

I'm thinking that it would work well as an office door hanger. Anyone have a boss or friend they might light to buy this for? :o) For Now, Happy Crafting!