Project Life 2013 Week 5

Not much to say about Week 5.  This post is going to be more of a supplies list

 I didn't have a ton of different photos this week so it made for a boring layout.  Most of the pics were taken on Superbowl Sunday and one other day in the week.  It was a hang out and snuggle at home week with not much interesting going on.

 Of course there was the obligatory Skylander picture.  Connor is obsessed with Skylanders right now.  The title card uses Thickers, the Studio Calico Block Party PL kit stamp and a printable from the SC Day by Day course.  Other supplies used on this page are My Mind's Eye washi tape, SC Wood Veneer Stars and the wonderful alpha that was in the Block Party Kit.  I must have more!

On this side, I branched out a little on supplies.  I used a Recollections Journaling card, SC Phrases and Stars Wood Veneer.  The silver glitter letters are from CTMH Pixie Glitter Alphabet.  The Groundhog day is the first card used from my SC Front Row kit!

Project Life 2013 Week 3

Project Life Week 3

Week 3 of Project Life went a lot easier for me than last week.  On Saturday I realized I had almost no pictures and ended up taking a ton on Sunday.  It was enough that I ended up with an insert.

 I used a Design J protector that is perfect for Instagram pics.

I am much happier with my title card this week.  I used DIY Thickers and Reflections glitter for the lettering.  I think the teal on top of the orange really pops.  The "Love This" arrow is from the It's Your Day stampset from CTMH.  I stamped quite a few of these at the beginning of the month so you will probably see them a few times more. 

The  Lorax image I found on the internet and just printed it up.  I am digging that I included a cut up Applebees gift card holder and journaled inside the apple white space.

 

I am in love with the Studio Calico Wood Veneer stars.  I used them in a couple of spaces.  I do need to make a repair to my album.  The insert photos keep sliding out and I should just bite the bullet and sew the pockets closed but I am scared! My sewing machine is brand new and hasn't even been threaded yet!

Supplies Used:

 Studio Calico Block Party kit
CTMH It's Your Day stampset
Smash Polka dot washi
Random star washi
Studio Calico Wood Veneer Stars

New Products (Cricut Anyone?) and Fabulous Specials

I apologize for not posting in months.  I finally went back to work this spring and am just getting my head above water when it comes to my time.  Doesn't mean I haven't been crafting or making cool things though.  All you Cricut lovers be sure to read to the bottom!

I am specifically posting to let you know about the awesome stuff happening at Close to my Heart right now.

First I want to mention that we have lowered the price of our stamps,  A size are now $6.95, B size is $9.95, C size is $13.95, D size is $17.95 and E is now $29.95.  I love it when prices drop like that!

From Aug. 15 - Aug. 31, we have two specials going on that overlap.  The first special is for the new and improved Stamp of the Month program.  Our August Stamp of the Months usually feature Halloween and this one is perfect.

We have changed up the pricing of the Stamp of the Months now.  Instead of the graduated pricing, the SOTM is just $5 with a $50 order.   You can also order the SOTM at the full price of  $17.95.

During the month of August to celebrate the inauguration of our new Stamp of the Month program, Close to my Heart is also offering the Extra!Extra! A-size stamp set free with a $50 order total.  This stamp is a cute little alphabet stamp set
that will come in handy on many a project. 

National Stamping Month is Aug. 15th - Sept. 30th. To celebrate, Close to My Heart has offered up the Pair-a-Phrase stamp set for free with an order totaling $75 or more.  This oh-so-cute stamp set is actually 2 D-size stamp sets combined together, a retail value of $35.90.

So to simplify things if you place an order with for $50, you will receive the Aug. SOTM, Wicked, for $5 and the Extra!Extra! Typeset Alpha for free.  Add an additional $20 to your order and you can also receive the Pair-A-Phrase double D-size stamp set for absolutely free.

To tell you the truth though, I have an even better deal for you!  I am pleased to announce that Close to my Heart has released their own Cricut Cartridge, Art Philosophy. 

About 5 months ago, I sold my Cricut as I wasn't using it.  Why wasn't I using it?  Well none of the cartridges that I had purchased had shapes that matched up to my stamp sets.  I was always hand-cutting out my images after stamping.  When I needed a shaped piece of cardstock I invariably used my BigShot with my Nestabilities.  This cartridge solves all those problems.  It features over 700 different shapes!  It has tags and labels and shaped cards and pennants and all kinds of different shapes. 

My favorite thing on this cartridge is the 3D flower shapes.  I have spent many an hour cutting out spirals to make rolled paper roses.  This cartridge has 6! different ones.  The cartridge also had 3D boxes and bags.  I can't wait to make the french fry and Chinese take out box.

Many of our stamps coordinate with cartridge now.  No more hand cutting!  If an image has a red outline around it, you can cut out that shape with the Cricut!  The carrier sheet for the stamp even tells you exactly what size to cut the image at.  How much simpler can it get? Needless to say, I bought another Cricut Expression!

Now when you place an order for the Collection, you don't just get a cartridge.  You also receive 3 super cute coordinating stamp sets and 3 sheets of our Dimensional Elements chipboard accents that also coordinate with the Cricut shapes.  The retail value of this collection is over $120!  We are offering it for just $99.  You know you want it!

To sum it up, if you were to order the Cricut Art Philosophy collection for $99 you would then be eligible for the SOTM for an additional $5 to total up to $104.  With this order, you would also get the Typeset alpha and Pair-a-Phrase stamp sets for free!

If you are interested in ordering, please give me a call by clicking my cute little widget on my blog or emailing me.  The online catalog can be viewed here. 

H2H Color Challenge!

So I know that my blog has been pretty silent lately.  I have been slacking hardcore.  That is not to say that I haven't been crafting though.  On the contrary, I have gotten quite a lot done recently.

I wanted to get this posted though for the Heart2Heart Challenge this week.  This week was a color challenge featuring CTMH colors Honey, Autumn Terracotta, and New England Ivy. 

I jumped on this pretty quickly since I had a pretty good idea what I wanted to do.  So here is the card I made!

I used the stamp set, Flourished Blessings to stamp out the leaves and the sentiment.  I then used Autumn Terracotta and New England Ivy cardstock to mat everything with.  The bitty brads are from Autumn Harvest collection.  I felt the leaves need a little shimmer to them so I lightly misted them with some shimmer mist I mixed up for the occasion.  I created the shimmer mist using Create-a-Shade pearl paint, chocolate reinker and rubbing alcohol.    I hope you like it!

My friend Holly was over at the time and she joined in on the fun.  Here is her creation!

We stamped way too many leaves and have a ton left over!

Supplies used (all CTMH):
Cardstock:  Autumn Terracotta, New England Ivy
Inks:  Autumn Terracotta, New England Ivy, Honey, Barn Red and Chocolate
Stampset:  Flourished Blessings
Other:  Create-a-Shade Pearl Paint, Chocolate Re-inker, Rubbing alcohol, 3D Foam Tape

4th of July - kinda late!

So I am super proud of this card.  I got it finished before the 4th but never had time to post it.  So here it is now.

The 4th of July up here in Washington is super fun.  We are allowed to set off all manner of fireworks at our homes and that is just what I do.  I love fireworks and it is one of my favorite parts of the holiday.  So when creating a card for the 4th my first thought is BOOM!!

The stripy starry background is actually clear embossed so it has a little shine on it.  It was stamped using the Spot On Backgrounds stamp set.

I had alot of fun creating this card.  The stars are CTMH Dimensional Elements: Stars.  I made them silver using a shimmer mist using Create a Shade Pearl Paint and Crystal Blue reinker and rubbing alcohol.  I then put Clear Sparkles on each of them.

The letters are stamped from the Posterboard Alphabet in Star Spangled Blue and Holiday Red.  I pop-dotted them and then added some Clear Sparkles to really bling it up.

The sentiment inside the card is from the stampset "A Little Everything" (no longer available). The stars are from Star Power.  I hope you like it!  I had hoped to post it in time for the Heart 2 Heart Challenge but never quite made it there!

Supplies Used (all CTMH):

• Cardstock:  White Daisy, Star Spangled Blue, Holiday Red
• Inks: Star Spangled Blue, Holiday Red, Versamark
• Stamp sets:  A Little Everything, Posterboard Alphabet, Star Power, Spot On Backgrounds
• Embellishments:  Clear Sparkles, Dimensional Elements: Stars
• Embossing: Clear Detail Powder
• Tools:  Tombow Adhesive, 3D Pop Dots, Glue dots

Father's Day album using Stardust Paper Pack

I wanted to share this album I made.  I am so in love with it! I kinda don't want to give it to it's intended recipient now.

Okay details on making the album:

I used about half of the CTMH Stardust Level 2 paper pack.  The album itself is chipboard that I cut using a local scrapbooking store's Accucut die cutting machine.  We sell a similar album from CTMH (I just didn't have time to order one from CTMH). 

I used alot of chipboard letters, most of them are for Tim Holtz's grungeboard collection.  I had them just sitting around so I decided to use them as they were the right size.

All the pages and paper edges were distressed using the sanding block in the CTMH Sanding kit.  The distressing looks really good on the album .  It also helps to hide where my cutting skills weren't the best on the album edges.

Pages 2, 3 and 9 use 6" card patterns from the Wishes How To program book with a little bit of fiddling to make the dimensions work with a 6" x 7" album.  The patterns are Satchel, Designer Tab, and Pieced Together respectively.  This album took me about 4 -5 hours altogether.  Much of it was spent trying to figure out to design the pages.  If I were to recreate the album, it would only take me about 2 hours to actually put it together now that I know what I am doing.

I hope you like it!  I can't wait to make another one using a different paper pack.  Look for it in the future.

Supplies Used:

• Paper:  CTMH Stardust Level 2 paper pack
• Stampset:  A Little Everything, Star Power
• Ribbon:  Unknown manufacturer
• Chipboard:  Tim Holtz Grungeboard Mixed Minis and unknown chipboard manufacturer (PLAY)
• Embellishments:  CTMH Bitty Sparkles, CTMH Basic Buttons, CTMH Dimensional Elements: Stars, Making Memories Paperie Buttons, DMC Ecru Embroidery Thread, CTMH Clear Detail Embossing Powder
• Tools:  Paper Hole Punch, CTMH Sanding Kit, CTMH Paper Piercing Kit, TomBow Adhesive, Elmer's Glue spray adhesive, Heat Gun

Behold the glory of CTMH My Acrylix stamps

In response to my good friend Jen's question about the stamped stitching on my last card, I thought I would post a little bit about CTMH's My Acrylix clear stamps.  One of the reasons I love CTMH so much is because of the quality of their clear stamps.

Now I have to let you know I haven't been stamping for long and have never seriously used rubber stamps before.  I have played around with them, mostly using them on multi-colored ink pads on fabulous Lisa Frank paper when I was younger, but I am not the most experienced with them.

One of the first reasons I like stamping is that it is so cost effective for me.  I have a habit of buying stickers and other embellishments to use on a project and then never use them.  Why?  Because if I use it, it is gone and I would have to buy it again to recreate that same project.  I am at heart a cardmaker and I usually make at least 2 of every card that I design because I have a habit of giving the darn things away. I then have nothing left to show at home gatherings and workshops (note 1) or to pet at night (note 2).   So back to the point, I like to make multiples of my card project.  With stickers and thickers and stuff I have to buy two of everything I want to use.  At $2 - $5 a pop for stickers, that can really add up.  Let's not even get into Alphabet stamps and such.  With stamps, I have a one time investment and then can use them again and again and again (note 3 and 4). 

Now why do I love CTMH stamps so much?  Easy!  They are so flexible, not only in texture and form but also in use!  Here is an example!  So for my project for the H2H challenge, I used the stitch stamp from the Cupcake Sprinkles set.  Pictured below in a knot:

Curved to fit on a circle card:

Or just plain ol' straight:

When I don't have a stamp with the sentiment I want?  I create my own!  I place the letters on the project how I want them (seen here on a artistic swoosh I drew with a sharpie):

Pick them up on the block:

And stamp away!

That brings me to another reason why I love CTMH My Acrylix.  I can see what I am doing.  I can see precisely where I am putting each and every stamp through the block. There is no guessing or getting out a ruler or setting up a jig.  I just ink up my stamp, eyeball it and smoosh it down. 

My last reason just has to do with quality.  Many clear stamps don't work well with dye inks.  I have a couple of clear stamps sets bought pre-ctmh that I can't use any of my dye inks on.  The ink pools on the surface even after conditioning.  Some other clear stamps aren't as deep as CTMH so that it is very easy to ruin your project by getting the block inky and smearing ink all over your project.  Last but not least, My Acrylix are a special polymer blend that is made by CTMH that holds detail better than other clear stamps.

So that is a little lesson in CTMH My Acrylix and some stamping techniques!  Can you behold the glory now too?

And Jen to answer your question, that is just a plain ol' stamp!


Notes:

1. My first workshop was rough since I gave away the finished project before the workshop and had nothing to display to give people an idea of what they were to do! 
2. Yes, I sometimes take my finished projects out and admire them all by my lonesome.  
3. Just ask my Friendship Blessings stamp set, I bought it used and have already put some serious miles on that thing.
4. Why no! I don't have a ton of embellishments and rub-ons and stickers sitting unused in a drawer!  *shifty eyes*

Supplies used:

• Ink:  Chocolate
• Stamps:  Hodgepodge Alpha and Cupcake Sprinkles

5-in-1 Workshop

Sorry for not posting so long.  Have no fear though as I have still been papercrafting, scrapbooking even. 
Today I would like to share a 2 page layout I have made.  This is the first in a series of five 2 page layouts using a workshop template designed by another CTMH consultant, Lara Main.  All the layouts are from the Cherish and Imagine How-To program books and are made from one paper pack with the addition of 6 pieces of cardstock for bases.

I can't say how much I absolutely love this workshop.  With the cutting instructions, you get the most out of your paper pack and have these lovely layouts that just need photos and embellishments. 

The pattern is from the Imagine book and is called Subtitles.  It can be found on page 94.  I used the Animal Cookies paper pack and StickEase with the addition of some Autumn Harvest brads.  The layout that you are seeing is not my completed layout.  I took pictures before I added the journaling in order to protect my son's privacy. 

In the large white space at the bottom, I used my CriCut to cut out his name in Clover Green cardstock and hand-wrote his birth stats around the first letter in each word.  I also put his birthday in white ink on the little heart paper in the top right corner.  The finished layout looks superb. 

I chose not to use any distressing techniques on this layout because I wanted it clean and fresh.  I love to sponge the edges of paper but it didn't fit with the subject.  I used pop dots to elevate the Stickease and some of the photos to give them a little more pop.

I didn't use any stamping techniques or even any ink in this layout so this is perfect for beginning scrappers.  You can do this layout with a minimum of supplies all you need is the paper pack, StickEase and some brads.  That is why I love Stickease!  You can use it for all your embellishing need and not worry about getting inky fingers (even though I love my inky fingers every time I papercraft). 

I can't tell you how much CTMH has improved my scrapbooking.  I took a few minutes to look at my old layouts from when I first got serious about scrapbooking.  It is a huge difference in skill and just general design aesthetic.  Don't believe me?  Check this old 1 page layout.

Supplies Used:

• Paper:  Animal Cookies Level 2 paperpack
• How To Book: Imagine
• Embellishments:  Animal Cookies Stickease, Autumn Harvest brads
• Adhesive:  TomBow, 3D Popdots (non-CTMH)

Bella Box with Cards

Argh!  I am totally not keeping up on my blog like I want to.  I promise I am going to try harder!  So today in the interest of putting something up, I am posting about a gift I made a couple of months ago.

This was for my friend Sharon.  I took one of the awesome small boxes my hubby brought me home from work and covered it in paper from the Bella paper pack.  I then made a set of 20 cards to go in the box with the workshop instructions from the Wishes book.  I only used 20 card bases and 3 sheets of B&T duos to make all 20 cards.  I love the Wishes book for just this reason.  It constantly inspires me and I can do many cards efficiently.

I used two different stampsets for this project.  The first was Dainty Thoughts.  It has a ton of different sentiments and is great for making a greeting card set and keeping everything consistent.  The second set I used was Friendship Blessings.  This has definitely become my go-to stampset.  I use it on everything.

Supplies Used (All CTMH unless otherwise noted):

• Book:  Wishes - I can't say how awesome this book is.  If you are into cardmaking, get it!
• Stampsets:  Dainty Thoughts, Friendship Blessings
• PaperPack:  Bella
• Inks:  Smokey Plum, Hollyhock, Creme Brulee, Olive
• Embellishments:  Clear Sparkles
• Tools:  Martha Stewart Lattice Arch border punch, Sponges, Tombow Adhesive, 3D Pop Dots

 Hope this inspires you in your creations.  If you want more info on any of the products used here, please email me at angie v crafts at gmail dot com.

So Pretty!

For my workshop I decided to create little thank you gifts for all my attendees.  These are lavender scented body sprays that I attached a little Thank You tag too.  I had a ton of fun making the tags. 

 I used the crumpled flower technique to make the flowers.  All you need is a scalloped punch, a brad, and some water to spritz on!  I used my CriCut to cut out the scalloped circles.

I can't get this picture to rotate but I wanted to let you see up close how cute these are!
Supplies used (all CTMH unless noted):

• Cardstock: White Daisy
• Friendship Blessings Stamp Set
• Bella Level 2 paper pack
• Ink:  Smokey Plum, Pansy Purple, and Creme Brulee
• Clear Sparkles
• EK Success:  Corner Rounder Punch
• Random Ribbon from Michaels (I think)
  

Miracle!

I just wanted to introduce you to the Miracle kit with goes on sale April 15!  This kit is awesome!  It uses the great everday colors of Sweet Leaf, Olive, Crystal Blue, and Bamboo.  You won't believe all the awesome items that come in the kit.  It contains:

5 – Colonial White Cardstock
1 – Bamboo Cardstock
1 – Floral B&T Duos® Paper
1 – Stripe B&T Duos® Paper
1 – Crystal Blue Circle B&T Duos® Die-Cut
1 – Sweet Leaf Bracket B&T Duos® Die-Cut
1 – 6" x 12" My Stickease® Assortment
1 – 6" x 9" Irresistibles™ Chipboard Die-Cuts
1 – Mini-Medley Accents Colonial White Collection
12" Colonial White Waxy Flax
3 – 4" x 6" Memory Protectors® Flip Flaps™
2 – Sponges
1 –Brochure

That is enough to create a couple of pages of layouts and then some cards too.  It is all wonderfully coordinated and I can't wait to tear into it!

So how do you get this awesome deal?  Well, you can buy it straight out from my website for $19.95.  OR place an order for $40 and get it for $10 OR place an order for $60 and get it for just $5!  Yay!

Get yours now! (Does that sound too salesmany? (Is that even a word?))

Paper Flowers!

So in preparation for my first workshop on Sunday, I have been working on a few embellishment techniques.  One of the ones I really liked was the use of crumpled paper flowers on the front of the Tri-Shutter album.  These flowers are beautiful.  Just look!

It is a pretty simple tech-nique.  All you do is cut out 8 - 10 scalloped circles in an appropriate size.  They can be all the same size or graduated like these.  These were cut out of Veranda paper between 1 3/4" and 2 1/2".  I used my CriCut to cut the circles using the Serande cartridges.  The next step is to stack them up and pierce them with a piercer.  Stick a brad through the pierced hole or even use a button.  Then you lightly spritz them with water and crumble each scallop individually to your taste.  All you have to do then is let them dry.

On this particular flower, I inked distressed the edge of each scalloped circle with a matching color.  When I spritzed the flower, the ink ran slightly giving it a muted look which I love.  I can't wait to make more of these flowers.  I would love to make some with buttons in the middle and try glitter gluing the edges of the flower too.  I also thought about using markers to draw veins in the lighter colors.  I think my next one will be all Creme Brulee papers with the edges inked with a pinker ink.  Hope you like the technique!

Happy Easter and my first workshop details!

Happy Easter everyone!

While my son, Connor, was napping, I decided to whip up some Happy Easter cards for the family function I was attending.  I was happy and impressed with how fast they came together.  I think it took me less than an hour from start to finish.  I have to apologize for the picture quality.  The flash has gone out on my camera and I haven't the funds to replace the camera yet.  Works great with no flash in good light though.

Supplies used:
Non - CTMH
Cardstock:  Beautiful Design
Paper:  ADT
Ribbon:  Michael's bulk
Cricut Cartridge: Serenade
Brads:  Sugar Brads

CTMH products
Paper flowers: Just Blooms
Ink:  Amethyst, Heavenly Blue, Key Lime, Pansy Purple, Black
Stampset: Hodgepodge Alphabet

My first workshop!

I have finally scheduled my first workshop for April 18th from Noon - 3pm at Forza's on Pearl St in Tacoma.  We will be making the awesome Tri-Shutter albums that have previously been featured here and here on my blog.  The workshop fee is $12.  You have your choice of papers either You Rock, Caboodle or Veranda.  I have posted some slideshows below.  Please note the Veranda and You Rock albums haven't been embellished yet but you will have a ton of different embellies to do with as you choose at the workshop.

If you would like to attend, please email me at angievcrafts at gmail dot com!  If you are one of my friends from out of town and would like to do this workshop, I can ship a kit to you with all the goodies for the same price - shipping included!

Hope to see you there!