CTMH May Stamp of the Month Blog Hop

It's time again for the CTMH Stamp of the Month Blog Hop!  Available beginning tomorrow is a great stamp set called "Chairs to You."  It includes chairs, yes chairs...dining room chairs, lounge chairs and patio chairs.  It also has several great sentiments.  Think of the possibilities.  If you've arrived here from Nicole's blog, you are on the right track. 
I decided I wanted to do something different and unexpected...so here is my first project.

It is a trinket box that has been painted with Pearl Paint mixed with Goldrush re-inker.  I used pattern paper from the Sophia Paper Packet.  The flower is also made from Sophia and the leaf is from Heartfelt Treasures Stamp Set.  The sentiment is from the Stamp of the Month.

I couldn't let a Blog Hop go buy without making a card!  The comfy chair has been colored with my Copics and the sentiment is also from the Stamp of the Month set. 

Now it is time to hop on over to check out Dawn's Blog.  For Now, Happy Crafting!

Hats Off To You! PPPC #2

Thanks to everyone who participated in Papers Pads and Pictures' first Project Challenge.  The cards are wonderful and stop back on Sunday for the winner.

Now for the second challenge..."Hats Off To You!"  In honor of not only the Royal Wedding, but also the Kentucy Derby next week, we are having an Inspiration Challenge.  You can't help but notice those wonderful hats and facinators.  Feathers, netting, flowers, pearls, sparkles...anything goes.  Your next challenge is to create a hat inspirated by those trendy adornments.  Here are a few examples to get you started.

Here is was Nancy came up with for her inspiration card.  Don't forget to check out her terrific blog!

And here are mine...

More about a few special touches in these cards later. Link your card to the post at the the top.  Using a random number generator, one lucky entry will win a Close To My Heart Paper Packet along with the matching embellishment package.  We can't wait to see what everyone creates.  For Now, Happy Crafting!



PPPC #1 Challenge

Papers Pads and Pictures is now hosting a Challenge. The info about Challenge #1 can be found here. Please post your artwork and don't forget to leave a much appreciated comment!

A Handmade Graduation Card

I think one of the hardest things to do is make a masculine card.  There is always the tendency to add a bobble or a bow.  The challenge today at 365 Cards is to make a card that that you could give to anyone, wasn't too personal, not gender specific and it had to have a sentiment.  What a mouthful!  :o)

This is an A2 sized tent fold card.  The pattern paper is from the CTMH paper packet called Passages.  The sentiment and Graduation Cap are from a set called "You Did It."  I stamped the Cap and cut it out.  The tassel is made from embroidery floss.

Thanks to 365 Cards for another fun challenge.  For Now, Happy Crafting!

Mother's Day Card Using Sophia Papers

I certainly hope that everyone had a pleasant day yesterday.  The weather here in the Philly area was beautiful.  I even got the chance to sit on my patio for a little while.  As my Step-Dad always said, "Time marches on" so with Easter Sunday past us, it's now time to focus on Spring flowers! 

I made this card for the 365 Cards Challenge Day 55.  The challenge was a sketch challenge and you can find it by clicking on the link.  I wanted to make a card using flowers.  I work really hard in my garden in the spring and summer and having the opportunity to sit outside yesterday really got me in the mood.  The image comes from a CTMH set called "Flower Pot."  I love the set.  It includes several pots, a window with shutters and all kinds of flowers that fit perfectly into the pots.  You decide the look that you want.  You can color them with anything you wish...I used my Copics.   The "stitching" is from a set a just got called "Stitched Together."  It includes a number of images that give the appearance of hand stitching.  I like to stitch on cards, but sometimes it just isn't time effective.  This set is perfect for the simulation of stitching.  By the way, the pattern paper is from Sophia.  Most people recognize Sophia for the wonderful pinks, but the reverse side is this subtle yellow.  I used Goldrush and Creme Brulee for my accents.  The double sided CTMH paper packets are so versatile. 

I had to share this beautiful tulip that is blooming in my garden.  I have a shade garden so I don't get tulips every year...a true treat!  For Now, Happy Crafting!

Happy Easter with CTMH Sweetheart Papers

Wishing you a Happy Easter!

I made this card not only to offer you an Easter wish, but also for the 365 Cards Challenge Day 54...Make a card for "Some Bunny."  I used CTMH Sweetheart pattern paper, White Daisy and Cotton Candy card stock.  The image is from last month's stamp of the month and it had to be colored with my Copics.

May your day be Blessed.  For Now, Happy Crafting!

A Gate Fold Card and the CTMH April Stamp of the Month

I have always enjoyed making fun fold cards.  Today, I made a Gate Fold card for the City Crafter Challenge Blog's Weekly Challenge #53.   The challenge was to do just this...make a Gate Fold Card.  There are many ways to score the folds.  You need a sheet of card stock that is 12 x 6 inches.  You score and fold on the long side at the 3 and 9 inch marks.  When folded, the card will meet perfectly in the center.  You then need some way to hold the card closed.  This is usually done with an overlapping piece of card stock and then tied with a ribbon.  You could also hold it closed with Velcro.  Easy peazzy and makes for a very interesting card!  Now for my card...

I started with a CTMH Hollyhock card base.  I matted each side with  pieces of Colonial White and Blush.  The Blush was scored at the 1/2 marks to replicate the slates of a gate.  I sponged both pieces in Hollyhock.  The closure piece is made from a piece of Hollyhock that has been punched with my MS punch around the page punches.  The gate image is from a terrific set I have had for years from Artist Impressions.  The set is made specifically for water coloring.  I stamped the gate image in Cocoa and then water colored using Gray Wool, Gray Flannel and Cocoa.  The set also includes a variety of flower, greenery, grass and stone images that you randomly stamp to complete your scene.  Now for the inside...

The Flower Pot images are done the same way as the gate.  The pot is stamped and water colored and then the flowers and greenery are added.  The sentiment is from the CTMH April Stamp of the Month (only available through the end of the month.)  I even added the stepping stones on the bottom of each panel to reflect the message of the sentiment.

Fancy fold cards and fun and always delight the receiver.  Just remember to score at the 3 and 9 inch mark and you've got it!  Thanks again to the gals at City Crafter Challenge Blog for another fun challenge.  For Now, Happy Crafting!

Mix the New with the Old

The Day 52 challenge at 365 Cards is called Spring Cleaning. The challenge is to rummage through your stash and make a card that contains 2 pieces of pattern paper that you have had for at least a year, a piece of ribbon that you have had for 2 years and something that you have had since you started paper crafting. I rummaged through my stash and this is what I came up with...


Doing the unexpected is so much fun. I just recently received the CTMH stamp called "Heartfelt Treasures." It is the perfect companion for the Sophia Paper Packet. As I was going through my "old" pattern papers, I realized that the leaf would work well with the pattern in "That's Amore," a paper packet that was released 2 years ago. The flower image has been stamped in Chocolate twice on Colonial White paper and then colored with my Copics. I cut out the images and attached them after curling the edges upward. The center piece was also stamped, colored, cut out and attached. The leaf is also from the same set as is the sentiment. By the way, I have had the pattern paper and ribbon for 2 years and I used a corner rounder tool that I bought at the first home demo I attended about 15 years ago...WOW... :o)

My point to all of this...May times we see a stamp set in an Idea Book or Catalogue that is paired with a particular paper pattern and think that the two must be used together. Don't be afraid to study your stamps and papers and mix and match. Many times stamp sets will with with totally unexpected papers. Have you ever tried mixing things up? For Now, Happy Crafting!

Scrap Happy!

Last evening I received some exciting news. I will be attending the Copic Certification Class in June. I can't wait to learn more about the markers. To celebrate the occasion, I had to make this card.

I followed today's 365 Cards Recipe Challenge (#51). The challenge was to complete a card with the following...one piece of pattern paper, twine, 3 buttons, a stamped image, a sentiment and the card was to be 4 x 4 inches. My image and sentiment are from a CTMH set called Ms. Scrapbook. I had to color it with my Copics! :o) For Now, Happy Crafting!

Experimenting With Color...CTMH Mayberry Papers

One of the most important and sometimes challenging aspects of creating a card or scrapbook layout is the use of color. We accumulate piles of paper and never quite know what "goes together." A great thing about the Close To My Heart paper packets is that all of the "matching" has been done for you! There is actually scientific theory behind why colors match and why certain colors are more appealing to our eyes. I have "tested" the CTMH colors and they are scientifically accurate! In the coming weeks, I shall share some of the theory and ways to select pleasing colors, but for now, keep in mind that if it is pleasing to your eye, it is never wrong.

The 365 Cards Blog Challenge Day 49 is a challenge for us to use colors on a card that we would not normally "put together." I chose to use the Mayberry Paper Packet. My card base is done in Olive with a Cocoa mat. Prior to this challenge, I would not have made Olive and Cocoa as the focal colors of my project.



I purposely did a very simple layout because I wanted to see if the colors appealed to me before I made a more elaborate card. Remember, there is a "reason" that our eye is drawn to certain color combinations and in the coming weeks, I will share those reasons. The more important thing is to use colors that appeal to YOUR eye. For Now, Happy Crafting!

CTMH Birthday Card Using Sophia Paper Packet

Happy Birthday to the City Crafter Challenge Blog! This week is their 1st Birthday. Their challenge was to case the card highlighted on their blog. It is a lovely card and included a tiered cake, flowers and flourishes. Pop on over to their blog to see the card... I wanted to use a tiered cake so I immediately reached for a favorite of mine called "Piece of Cake." I really do like this CTMH set. I also wanted to play with a new set I just received called "Heartfelt Treasures." It is going to become a favorite, too! I really like the Sophia Paper Packet! It is so cheerful and reminds me of much needed Spring. The cake and sentiment are from Piece of Cake and the flourishes and cut out flowers are from Heartfelt Treasures. The colors include White Daisy, Hollyhock and Pear. I added some glitter and sparkles because what birthday card is complete without bling. Happy Birthday, City Crafter Challenge Blog and a big thank you to those gals for helping me keep my creative juices flowing. For Now, Happy Crafting!

Recycle and Reuse Heart 2 Heart Challenge

Oh boy, I'm running around like a chicken today with the my new Blog Challenge starting today (check it out here) and prepping for my card workshop tomorrow! As I was finishing my "bonus" project for my Club Members tomorrow, I realized that it fit in perfectly with the current Heart 2 Heart Challenge. The current challenge is to reuse or recycle something in your project. Well, I recycled a Valentine Gift Bag and made it an Easter Treat Bag. The bunny image is from a sweet My Acrylix set called Bunny Love (B1324.) The images are lined images and perfect for coloring. I plan on introducing them to the use of a blender pen. I shall put "blender pens" on my list for tips and techniques here too. What do you think? For Now, Happy Crafting!

Announcing the Papers Pads and Pictures Project Challenge!!

After a great deal of planning and work, the day is finally here! Papers Pads and Pictures is beginning a Blog Challenge!!! I know that there are lots of challenges out there, but I wanted this challenge to be a little different. Every other week on a Friday, I will be announcing a new challenge. A "winner" along with "highlight" artists will be announced 2 days after the challenge closes. Everyone will have 2 weeks to complete the challenge. I have prizes and surprises planned along the way! I want this challenge to be as fun as it is informative so each challenge will include a tip or technique. Challenges should not be about just making a project, but also about helping us grow as artisians! This challenge is open to all paper crafters...Please show us your projects...scrapbook layouts, altered items, cards. We invite all skill levels to play along...after all, I WANT everyone to learn and grow. You do not have to use Close To My Heart products to play along, but you will be seeing great CTMH supplies in our samples. This challenge is being done with the help of one of my very talented friends, Nancy. She will be the Lead Designer for all of our artwork. Check out her terrific blog and her entertaining YouTube videos.

So, here we go PPPC#1 Sketch Challenge...

Here are some examples made with this sketch...

Nancy made the cute little bunny and I made the other two samples. Remember, with the idea of a sketch is to give ideas for layouts, so if you don't have a 4 inch oval, you can use a square. Feel free to alter the sketch a little, but keep with the basic design. Also, this is a "project" challenge...use this sketch on a scrapbook layout, on the top of a decorated box...you decide and don't forget to post your work and leave a comment. Now, for the fun part...everyone who joins in the fun these next two weeks will be eligible for a prize! We will also have cool blinkies for your very own web pages, blogs and facebook. I will be using a random generator to select the receipent of a complete CTMH Level 2 Wings Paper Packet and a matching "A" size stamp set called "A Flitter." Retail value of the prize is approximately $21.00. Yippieee!!! I'll have a "sticky" post at the top of this blog where you can link all of your artwork! Can't wait to see what everyone comes up with. For Now, Happy Crafting!

CTMH - Fanfair Paper!

I realized that I hadn't shown you one of the paper packets in the current Idea Book...Fanfare. Fanfare is fun, bright and perfect for birthdays, Summer Holiday's and Congratulations.

There is a lot to chat about on this one 5 x 7 card so let me get started....

The large star was done using a technique called "tissue stamping." If you look closely, you can see that the image is actually a mixture of red and yellow. I took a paper towel and rubbed it on my stamp pad. I then blotted the stamp. I repeated the process several times using both colors of ink. Another great thing about a clear stamp is that you can see when you have enough ink on the image. I cut the star out after it was stamped.

The fan folded "star" is the upper right corner is scored, accordion folded and held together with glue dots and Liquid Glass. I scored and sanded. I even stamped on ribbon!

Last but not least is the card sketch is from CTMH's "Wishes" sketch book. I just love that book! It is filled with sketches, tips and ideas. There is even a CD included that is used to make fun shapes like the "wind swept" Cranberry part of the card. All you need to do is print out the template and cut your card stock. So easy... As a matter of fact, the sketch for this card is called "Windswept."

Fanfare is a fun paper packet. I can see you using it for so many things. For Now, Happy Crafting!

CTMH Wedding Card Using Bliss

I finished another card! :o) This one is for the Card Pattern Weekly Sketch Challenge 110. I love challenges...have I said that before??? I think that a challenge does just that. It helps us try things that we wouldn't normally do and to help us augment our creativity. Keep checking back here later in the week too, for more news about challenges... :o) Over the weekend, I was fortunate enough to spend Saturday evening at a lovely Wedding in Center City Philadelphia. It put me in the mood to make a Wedding Card...

The cake image is from a CTMH set called Precious Love (C1444). I heat embossed it, cut it out and colored it with my Copics. I added a few Opaques for bling. The pattern paper is from a Paper Packet called Bliss which is perfect for Weddings and Heritage scrapbooking. The blue is Moonstruck. I haven't seen Moonstruck used with Bliss, but I thought the shade worked well with the gray tones of Bliss. What do you think?

By the way, here is the picture of the sketch... Thanks to Card Patterns for a great sketch! For Now, Happy Crafting!

CTMH "Miracle" Get Well Card

One of my all time favorite Close To My Heart Paper Packets is Miracle. I love the combination of the Crystal Blue and Sweet Leaf green. I have used it for everything from scrapbook layouts, to 3D altered projects to all kinds of cards. For the 365 Cards sketch challenge Day 41, I have once again used this paper packet. Here is the sketch...

And, now for my card...

One of the things that makes Mircle so much fun to work with is the matching chipboard. The chipboard is called Miracle Irresistables. Each chipboard piece coordinates perfectly with the paper. If you look closely, you'll see the the ink resist images. The pieces are designed so that when you sponge them with ink, a pattern emerges. So fun! The sentiment is from a stamp set called Tasty Treats. Not only is this set a great set for recipes, but it also has a number of sentiments that work for a number of cards. I finished off the card with Colonial White ribbon, and Bamboo, Crystal Blue and Colonial White card stock. Those are Sweet Leaf sparkles for just a touch of bling!

My thanks once again to the gals at 365 cards. They always seem to have a fun challenge. For Now, Happy Crafting!

City Crafter Challenge #51 - Cheer Up

After missing a week, I'm back giving the City Crafter Challenge Blog's challenge #51 a whirl. The challenge is called "Cheer Up" and participants are to make a "Thinking of You" or "Get Well" card. The spin was that you also needed to use something digital on the card. As I was thinking about what to make, I remembered this cute digi stamp that I had downloaded about 2 years ago. I wish I could give credit to the designer, but alas, I didn't record that info. Thanks to whomever it is as I really do like this image! :o)

I colored that "cool cat" with my Copics. The sentiment is from "Sweet Treats" a CTMH set that I use all the time. I used some retired CTMH colors that I have always liked...Ocean and Breeze. I added just a few sparkles for bling.

It's always fun to have a reason to play with my Copics...thanks CCCB! For Now, Happy Crafting!

Close To My Heart Mix and Mingle Picture Frame

A little while ago, I posted about CTMH's Mix and Mingle Acrylic Albums and showed you a Bell Pull that I had made. It is a fun piece and one of the projects that I will be teaching at my upcoming workshop. A Mix and Mingle Album is a fun alterable item that includes 5 pieces of chipboard and 3 pieces of coordinating acrylic. I had a few pieces left over after the Bell Pull, so, here is the Mix and Mingle Photo Frame that I will also be featuring in my workshop on April 16th.

Just like the Bell Pull that I made, this photo frame features the Miracle Paper Packet. The roses were made using a stamp set called "Spring Up." What a fun stamp set. One of the images is a flower with a squiggle line in it. After you stamp the image, it is cut out and rolled to form the roses....a very quick and easy way to make paper flowers. An easy way to secure the rolled rose is with Liquid Glass. One can just not say enough about Liquid Glass. It is an adhesive, a texturing agent, a way to create an ink resist image...the possibilities are endless. I even used Liquid Glass to adhere the strips of Bamboo card stock on the center acrylic frame. By the way, those are Mocha Opaques in the center of the paper roses.

If you are in the Philadelphia PA area on April 16th and would like to join in the workshop, please email me. For Now, Happy Crafting!

CTMH and Studio J

I have not fallen off the face of the Earth, but I did almost fall into the Gulf of Mexico! Yes, I have just returned from a terrific long weekend on the panhandle of Florida. I was at a Close To My Heart Leadershare. It was an unexpected treat and I am so glad that I was able to attend. What is Leadershare you ask? It was a weekend gathering of CTMH Consultants. We learned all kinds of great information and had a wonderful time together.

One of the sessions focused on Close To My Heart's online scrapbooking program. I admit that I really haven't done much with Studio J since it was introduced about a year ago, but after listening to the lecture by one of the Corporate Representatives, I was determined to learn to work with it more than I had in the past.

All I can say is "WOW!" I have done some digital scrapbooking in the past but never have I worked with a sophisticated and easy program. Unlike the average digital scrapbook program, Studio J is done totally on the computer. There is no software that needs to be downloaded. New embellishments, new papers and new layouts are immediately available. The "kits' include many of the current CTMH paper packets, some all time favorites and a few members only kits. You never have to pay to "upgrade" your program. You can experiment and design to your heart's content. You only pay for printing. There are even a variety of Studio J memberships that cut the cost of printing and offer all kinds of perks like free shipping and page protectors! In a day, I was able to scrapbook my ENTIRE trip to Leadershare in Navarre Florida!

The pages that I have just shared were free web sized j-pegs I received because I am a Studio J member. I also got full sized j-peg copies to print elsewhere if I wished. As a member, you can purchase j-peg versions and print later, too!

Think of the possibilities! Being able to scrapbook an entire trip in a day. You could scrapbook a Wedding as a gift and have it ready before the Bride and Groom get home from their Honeymoon! The fun you can have with Studio J is endless. To give Studio J a try, visit my website and click on "Studio J." For Now, Happy Crafting!