Close To My Heart September Stamp of the Month Blog Hop

Hello There!  I missed last month's Blog Hop and it's nice to be back.  This month, Close To My Heart has a very useful and versatile stamp of the month.  It is called "Limited Edition" and it contains tags sentiments and images.  If anyone is looking for a stamp to personalize their work, this is it.  There are journaling lines and even a "save the date" image.  If you've arrived from Susan's Blog, you are on the right hop along track.

As soon as I looked at this stamp set, I knew what I needed to complete.  I created this scrapbook layout in reverent memory of one of America's most tragic moments.

I took this photograph in June 2001 from the deck of a cruise ship as we sailed from the Port of New York to Bermuda.  To this day, I remain astounded by the image I preserved.

The layout is my take on a layout pictured on page 53 of the new Idea Book.  The background is Sorbet card stock and the pattern paper is from Elemental.  The starts were cut using the Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge and stamped using the set called "Love Life."  I've also used Cranberry, Pacifica and Colonial White card stock and the ink colors are the same with Desert Sand used for sponging and stamping the hand image.   The stamped images from "Limited Edition" include the hand image and "remember."

It's time to hop on over to Paige's Blog to see what she has created.  I always teach that scrapbooking is about preserving our memories.  I can think of no better way to memorialize a day in our history that we shall, nor should we, ever forget.  For Now, Happy Crafting!

The Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge Makes Creating So Easy!

I'm having so much fun with the Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge!  Trendy and sophisticated scrapbook layouts are made easy by using this new tool!

This is my take on one of the layouts featured in the new Fall/Winter CTMH Idea Book.  It features Roxie B/T Duos and one of the new embellishment packs...Bling Assortment.  Roxie is a great combination of Smoothie, Desert Sand, Tulip and Black.  The Bling Assortment is package of terrific crystal buttons and crystal and pearl stick pins.  And those 3D Roses?  Why cut with my Art Philosophy cartridge, of course! 
Making the 3D Roses is easy with the cartridge.  The first thing I tell everyone is NOT to lose the book that comes with every cartridge.  That is your guide for ever available image on the cartridge.  These roses are cut by setting the Cricut on the Font key.  Hit shift and then tell the machine that you want to cut "banner 6."  A spiral shape will be cut.  If you wish, you can ink the edges (like I did in this case) and then just roll the spiral inward.  I hold the rolled shape together with Liquid Glass and you have created a paper rose! 

I've found that I'm creating all kinds of new and wonderful things with the Art Philosophy Cartridge.  If you would like to get one for yourself, visit my website or email me with any questions.  For Now, Happy Crafting!

Using Color To Help Convey the Message in Your Projects

As promised, I want to get back to my thoughts on using color to enhance your projects.  Previously we talked about using Reds, Blues and Yellows.  These are the Primary Colors...the three basic colors from which all other colors are derived.  Because of this, a project done using these colors will portray a sense of simplicity and purity.  Think about a Disney Project.  You automatically gravitate to Reds, Blues and Yellows.  Bright and cheery, these colors convey "fun."  Now, think of a  Herritage  project...bright reds, blues and yellows just do not come to mind.  Softer combinations are what you traditionally think.  In a Herritage Layout, you want to create a sense of respect and reverance.  This is achieved by mixing the Primary Colors.

When you mix the Primary Colors, you create what is known as the Secondary Colors.  Think of colors as the numbers on a clock.

I my sample of a "color wheel" blue is at 12:00, yellow is at 4:00 and red is at 8:00.  In your mind, draw a triangle between blue, yellow and red.  You have now connected your Primary Colors.  Because the triangle you have drawn has equal sides, those shades of blue, yellow and red will always work together in your projects.  Now, for the Secondary Colors.  In between blue and yellow, you have green.  That is because, when blue and yellow are mixed together you create green.  The same applies for the orange between the red and yellow and the violet between the red and blue.  Green, Orange and Violet are the Secondary Colors.  In your mind, draw a similiar triangle between green, orange and violet.  The sides of that triangle are equal like the sides of the Primary triangle.  This is a guide for you to use.  Green, orange and violet will always work together in a project because of the equal sides of the Secondary Triangle.

This is a fun note card I created to show how Secondary Colors coordinate on your projects.  Don't you get a totally different feel from the card than a red, blue and yellow card?  The Violet is a CTMH color called Gyspy, the Green is New England Ivy and the Orange is Sunset.  The image is from a stamp set called "Thanksgiving" and is colored with my Copics.

Using colors wisely in your projects is an easy way to enhance the theme and mood of your projects.  Feel free to experiement with color to create your own special mood.  For Now, Happy Crafting!

So Busy With The Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge

WOW, it's been a long time since I had a chance to update my blog.  But that doesn't mean that I haven't been busy.  I had an Open House, a Card Workshop, taught 2 classes at Michaels and played with my new CTMH Cricut Cartridge.  Have I mentioned that I think it is the best cartridge that I've ever worked with?  :o)

Here are just a couple examples of the fun projects I've created...

I forgot to add that I also am continuing as a Design Team member of Crafting by Design.  What a terrific new website for paper crafters.  Here are two more cards that I made for the site...one is for the fun sketch challenge and the other is for the Copic Challenge.

Please forgive me for not having posted recently.  I have the post almost ready for the continuation of the color series and the Papers Pads and Pictures challenges.  For Now, Happy Crafting!

CTMH Cricut Cartridge and Sonoma Papers

Can I tell you how excited I am about the new CTMH Cricut Cartridge called Art Philosophy?  I know, I've mentioned it several times, but it is just so amazing.  Couple it was the new paper packet called Sonoma and lookie what you can do!

Sonoma is perfect for heritage photos!  I am very fortunate to have many pictures of my Grandmother.  She was born in 1889 and passed away in 1976.  The large photo, I estimate was taken around 1902.  I have dates for the other two...1892 and 1907 (her high school Graduation portrait.)  Just a note about scrapping with old photos...There has been a great deal of chatter about whether to use the original photos or copies.  Many people assert that you should scrap the originals.  If scrapbooking is about preservation of memories, use the originals.  I tend to disagree.  I  scan my originals and print copies.  Here is my thought process....I want the originals to be preserved, so after they are scanned, I store them in a photo safe box and then in a metal box.  You never know if someone else in the family would want a copy of the treasure that you have.  Having had my house hit by a micro burst and severely damaged a number of years ago, I know the importance of preserving special treasures.  When you scrap the copy of an older photo, you don't have the fear of it being damaged or lost.  You also are able to share your with so many more people without concern.  There is no right or wrong answer, this is just my humble opinion.

Anyway, back the the details of the layout.  I used the Art Philosophy cartridge for many of the details.  All of the 3D flowers, and the butterflies were cut using it.  The word "Nana" was cut using the font.  Don't you love the pearl opaque details?  :o)  The cameo is from the new stamp set called "Sweet Memories" but I did use the cartridge to cut the scallop and oval with which it is stamped.  "Remember" and "Sweet Moments" are also from the set.  The flourish is an image contained in a new set called "Love Life." 

I also love the new Heirloom Assortment.  The hanging charm is included in that set along with 3D resin flowers.  Another new embellishment in the Idea Book are Foundry Pins.  See how I have the butterfly attached close to the cameo?  Love it....by the way, I did the hand stitching using Olive embroidery floss.

Two things I need to mention, I've not forgotten the Papers Pads and Pictures Challenge....been so busy playing with the new cartridge that I haven't caught up.  There will be a new challenge coming shortly...thanks for your patience.  Also, I will return to my talk about color theory.  Try to remember this layout in future posts as the Olive and Smokey Plum are a perfect color combo.  If I can answer any questions about the Cricut Cartridge but contact me.  For Now, Happy Crafting!

CTMH Cricut Cartridge

Well, it is official.  Today is the release date of the new Close To My Heart Idea Book.  And, all I can say is wow!  There are so many exciting things in the new book....8 new paper packets, reduced prices on stamp sets and most importantly, CTMH has partnered with Provo Craft and we now have a Cricut Cartridge!  I posted a sample card yesterday but wait until you see what I've done today!

There have been a pile of questions about what size Cricut you need.  While I agree, to maximize the new cartridge called "Art Philosophy" an Expression is best, look what I completed today with my "Baby Bug!"

This card features one of the new paper packets called "Sonoma."  The card is a standard A2 size card in Bamboo.  The pattern paper is from Sonoma.  The focal sentiment image and frame have been cut with the new Cricut Cartride, the flourish has been cut with the Cartridge, the 3D flowers have been cut with the Cartridge along with the frame and oval that I stamped with the matching stamp set called "Sweet Moments."  Wow....I love it!

This fun treat bag was cut using the Cricut.  It is done in Holiday Red.  The pattern paper (scallops cut on the Cricut)  is from a new paper packets called "Believe."  Take a close look....that is a ribbon slide, cut on the cricut along with the star attached to the new pin embellishment.  One of the great things that sets this Cricut Cartridge apart from any other I have ever seen is the MATCHING stamp sets!  Cut the image out and stamp it!

So "Let The Party" begin!  This card base is cut using the card function on the cartridge.  The mats (using a new pack called Roxie) were also cut using the cartridge.  Check out that cut cupcake....yup, cut on the Cricut and stamped with one of the images included on one of the 3 "D" sized stamp sets included in the Cricut Bundle.  I just LOVE the bundle...I know that I am yelling and excited, but I can't help myself.  This is a terrific cartridge....I have had my Cricut since the beginning and this is the best cartridge I have ever seen!

Every project I have posted has been completed with a "Baby Cricut."  Don't fret if you don't own one of the larger machines.  While you won't be able to do everything, these are some of the few projects you can complete.  Don't hesitate....Expressions or Personal Cricut, there are plenty of projects to complete!  For Now, Happy Crafting!