Same Stamp, Different Card...

I wanted to do a quick post to remind everyone the versatility of different images and not to forget those retired products we have in our stash.  Both these cards are made using the same image from a great retired CTMH stamp set called "Golden Years."

The stamp set was actually an Anniversary set and has been retired for a couple years.  The single rose is so handy.  The first card also includes one of my all time favorite paper packets, too...Miracle.  The second card shows off the rose and an image from a very handy stamp set called "Tag The Occasion."  This stamp set is still current.  By the way, the roses were colored with my Copics.

Speaking of retired stamp sets, the new CTMH Spring Idea Book becomes available on February 1st.  There are some terrific stamps and papers.  But, as always, to make room for those new goodies, some of our favorites must retire.  The Sophia paper packets (used in the second card) will be retiring along with Lucky, Mayberry, Fanfair, Dreamin', Mischief, Believe and Wonderland.  There are many stamp sets that are retiring...to many to list here.  If you have been wanting a particular stamp set, ask me if it is going away.  Also, I noticed that bulk Colonial White and Daisy White ribbon will no longer be available.  If you want to grab a roll of that great ribbon, let me know too.

So, the new Idea Book becomes available in a few days along with all the fun of looking at the new products.  But, don't forget that just because an item is retired, doesn't mean that it still can't be a usable, versatile item in your stash.  For Now, Happy Crafting!

CTMH Rock The Block

This month, Close To My Heart is featuring a terrific promotion.  It is called "Rock The Block."  It features an "E" sized stamp set ($29.99 value) along with an alterable collage cube set ($14.99 in the new Spring Idea Book.)  The total cost to you for the set is $15 when you spend $25 on other products. 

Here is a Valentine I made using the stamp set...

The card is an A2 tent fold using Cranberry, Smoothie and White Daisy card stock.  That is a sneak peak at the Smoothie colored Baker's Twine that is in the upcoming Spring Idea Book.

Here is a look at the stamp set included in the kit...

And, here is the Collage Cube...

At first, I have to admit, I that hummmm, what do I do with this?  But after seeing the set in person, I realize what a terrific deal!  It works out that you are getting a very usable "E" size stamp for free!  I have an idea for the cube too.  If you have any questions about the set, don't hesitate to contact me or place an order on my website.  For Now, Happy Crafting!

Close To My Heart Blog Hop

I haven't participated in a blog hop in a few months.  This is the first time I am participating in this group's monthly hop and I am glad to "hop" in!  We had a choice of sharing artwork featuring the Stamp of the Month, a Valentine or a Wintery Card.  I chose to a Valentine.  If you got here from Diana's Blog, you are on the right track.  So, without further ado, here are my projects.

I wanted to show off the Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge in my Valentine so I made a card with a matching treat box.

I used several goodies to complete the project.  First, I cut a card base using the AP cartridge set on 5 1/2 inches.  This is the base that cuts the heart out of the center.  Both the card and treat box are done in Cotton Candy.  Next, I cut one of the lacy background images in White Daisy and positioned it so that looked attractive through the heart "hole."  After that was attached, I cut a piece of Hollyhock to measure 5 1/4 inches and attached that to give depth to the heart.  I stamped the flourishes in Hollyhock ink (from "Love Life" stamp set.)  The green flourish was cut using Topiary, the tag is cut in White Daisy as were the flowers.  I inked the flowers in Hollyhock before I rolled them.  By the way, the leaves were also cut and inked with Topiary and "Love" is from one of the stamp sets that is included with the AP cartridge.  I'll talk a little about the treat box later...

Here is the inside of the card...I cut the lacy heart using the cartridge in White Daisy.  I repeated the Hollyhock and White Daisy matting on the other side.  The small flourishes are from "Love Life, too.

This is just a close up of the front.  I was pleased how the Hollyhock  complements the Cotton Candy.  By the way, that is Hollyhock twill that is unfortunately no longer available.

Now for the treat box.  I cut the box form on 10 inches.  I love love love how the cartridge has the 3D items that are so easy to work with.  Using the decorative layer feature, I was able to cut the heart silhouettes and then cut the matching mat using shift and the same "button."  I did increase the size by 1/4 inch.  The flower is cut in Cranberry for an accent and the flourish is from the "Love Life."

Whew, this came out to be a longer post than I expected!  :o)  It's time to hop over to Krystal's Blog and check out what she has created.  For Now, Happy Crafting!

BTW - if you get lost along the way, here is the full list of participants...

Diana  http://mystampingspot.blogspot.com/

Cindy  http://paperspadsandpictures.blogspot.com/
Krystal O http://creativelyexperimenting.blogspot.com/
Nicole  http://scrappernic.blogspot.com/
Elizabeth http://ejoym.blogspot.com/
Adeline  http://adeline-brill.blogspot.com/
Wendy  http://www.myscrapbookingblog.com/
Lori  http://loriannie670.blogspot.com/
Heather  http://creativecoconut08.blogspot.com/
Lela  http://lilola4life.blogspot.com/
Deb  http://paper-crazy.blogspot.com/
Patti  http://pattirowe.blogspot.com/
Jody  http://cre8nmemories.blogspot.com/

Retiring Close To My Heart Products

Everyone always anticipates the coming of a new CTMH Idea Book.  The Spring/Summer 2012 Idea Book becomes available of February 1st!  How exciting.  But, to make room for all the new goodies, some items will no longer be available after January 31st.  Two of the notable items that are retiring are among of my all time favorites...colored Waxy Flax and the 9x9 inch accordion albums.  Waxy Flax will still be available in neutrals (Black, Chocolate, Bamboo and Colonial White) but those fun colors of Cranberry, Juniper, Crystal Blue and Sorbet will be gone.  I love Waxy Flax.  It is a wax covered embroidery floss that hold its shape and is great for threading buttons (remember no naked buttons), stitching and adding to tags.  The 9x9 inch accordion albums are terrific for quick gifts.  Unlike an 8x8 inch scrapbook, you can scrap 2 4x6 inch photos on a page.  Several of the current paper packets are also being discontinued...Sonoma, Typeset, Roxie and Elemental will remain active. 

In honor of the retiring products, I pulled out one of my favorite, long retired stamp sets called "A Friend is...."  I don't even know when it was current.  :o)  I also wanted to show that you don't always need pattern paper to make an attractive project.  This card is done on a 5 x 7 inch base of Dutch Blue.  When was the last time I used Dutch Blue?  I also used Sky and Cotton Candy.  If you look closely, you can see the scored and sanded background on the Sky colored mat.  It is scored on the 1/4 mark across the mat and then sanded.  Sanding is a fun technique to do with the CTMH white core card stock.  I colored the flowers with my Copics.

By the way, I used my Martha punches for the Cotton Candy mat and added just a touch of Liquid Pearls in the centers of the flowers.  If you are working on a project and concerning that one of your favorite items may be discontinued, please contact me and I will check for you.  For Now, Happy Crafting!

Using Card Sketches

Good Morning Everyone!  I am really trying to stick to my plan of posting several times a week.  Today, before I head out to work, I want to share a quick card that features a card sketch.

There are a great deal of "sketches" available for us to use.  What is a sketch you ask?  A sketch is a line drawing of a layout (either card or scrapbook layout) that we can use to help us design our projects easily and effortlessly.  Close To My Heart has released several books that are probably the best I have found.  Really!  There are four scrapbooking publications (Reflections, Cherish, Imagine and Magic) and two card books called Originals and Wishes.  I own all of them!  What sets them apart from other collections are the simple fact that they are beautiful books.  Each layout or card is featured using multiple varieties of artwork.  The sketches also includes the exact measurements for each element of the project and there are technique tips throughout.  I routinely reach for these books.

This is a card that I made following the sketch featured on page 78 of the Wishes book.

The card features stamped images from a set called  Love Life.  I stamped the flourish using Cotton Candy, randomly stamped the small hearts in tulip and then stamped, cut out and attached the larger hearts (Tulip.) "Love" (black) is from one of the stamp sets included with the Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge.  The papers include White Daisy, Black and patterned paper from a retired packet called Sweetheart.  Sweetheart is currently available on my website under "while supplies last" at an incredible price.

Don't be afraid to use sketch books to help you create your projects.  And, if you haven't checked out Wishes or Originals, make some time to do so.  They are both reasonably priced (on my website.)  I found that when I started using all of the sketch books the time I spent creating great projects was dramatically reduced.  For Now, Happy Crafting!

Happy New Year!

Well, it's been a long time!  "Busy" doesn't not even begin to describe how my life has been.  I kept my classes going, made cards and lo and behold, became the floral designer at the Michaels near my home.  Something had to be put on hold, so it was my blog.  But, now things should begin to stabilize and I will be getting back to my blog.  Now I just have to find time to take down my Christmas Decorations.  hehehe...

More events that have occurred while I was away from my blog our the preparation is beginning for the new Spring Close To My Heart Idea Book.  Some of our favor products will be going away come the end of January like colored Waxy Flax...I will get a list posted of some of our favorites.  I have seen the new Idea Book and have placed my order.  There are some really fun stamp sets coming soon!

I am also continuing with my Design Team work over at Crafting By Designs.  It is a wonderfully friendly site dedicated to furthering our paper crafting skills and crafting new friendships.  I was in charge of posting this week's Copic Challenge.  I called it "Flower Power."  The challenge is to make cards with flowers...let's hide those Holiday stamps for about a month  :o).  I have 2 cards made with the same stamp to show how the use of color effects the look of your project.

Crafting By Designs is a great site and if you are interested in joining email me.  I will get you an invite!

Well, it's 2012...Time to break out of our slumps and do some crafting for ourselves!  BTW - if you are visiting for the STOM blog hop, I'm not sure what happened...long story but please enjoy my blog and welcome.  For Now, Happy Crafting!