Having fun making holiday cards!

Now that we have enjoyed Thanksgiving with family and friends, it's time to prepare for the winter holidays!! We celebrate Christmas at our house and I love to send out handmade holiday greeting cards. Here are a few I have been working on.

CTMH has a great Christmas card kit this year. The Pear and Partridge card making kit contains almost everything you need to make 15 cards (5 each of three designs).  It includes 15 card bases and envelopes, pattered and solid cardstock, a stamp set, ribbon, red glitter gems, and a full-color instructional brochure. Here is one of the cards I completed from the kit.

And here is a photo of the complete kit.

This second card, is one of my own designs. I used the Christmas Love stamp set. I love the wonderful sentiments and the beautiful fonts.

This last card is less traditional. I used tulip pink and juniper green and the super cute reindeer stamp (sorry - it's retired). For a bit of bling, I added the new silver shimmer trim from CTMH and some bitty sparkle gems.  The "Happy Holidays" stamp is also from the Christmas Love stamp set.

I hope you have loads of fun preparing for the holidays. And don't forget you can shop my Close To My Heart web site for great gifts for the paper crafting friends in your life! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

November Special - Capture the Savings!

Now that holiday shopping is in full swing, I wanted to let you know about the November Close To My Heart special "Capture the Savings"! Get a stamp set of your choice 50% off with a qualifying purchase!

I know you love a good deal, especially on quality products like Close To My Heart’s My Acrylix^® stamp sets. If you’ve been keeping your eye on a particular set or two, then now is the perfect time to act! During November, you can get 50% off your favorite stamp set in the Idea Book. Here’s how:

You already know about the Stamp of the Month program, where you can buy an exclusive D-size stamp set for just $5 with your $50 qualifying order. This month, when you qualify for and purchase the November Stamp of the Month set, Capture the Date, you get an additional bonus of 50% off any other stamp set in the Idea Book! This deal excludes those sets sold as part of Workshops on the Go^® kits or our Cricut^® collections, but that still leaves you over one hundred options to choose from!

When you see how versatile and exciting the November Stamp of the Month set is, you will see how this offer rewards you for getting something you already know you want! So head over to my web site to read more about this deal and start shopping.

Elegant anniversary cards

I needed to mail out three anniversary cards last month, so I used the left over supplies from my last scrapbooking project to create these lovely cards. This first card is a nice combination of large and small patterned papers. The stickers layer nicely and the bling adds a touch of elegance.

Supplies used:

Bliss Paper Packet

Colonial White, Chocolate & Grey Flannel card stock

Chocolate ink

Bliss Stickease

Bitty Sparkles

Sparkles - Black & Grey assortment

I reversed the patterned paper layers on this one and added some organza ribbon as a nice finishing touch.

Supplies used:
Bliss Paper Packet
Grey Flannel card stock
Chocolate ink
Bliss Stickease
Bitty Sparkles
Colonial White organza ribbon

On this last card, I used a border punch to add some texture to the card. The center of the flower is topped off with a grey sparkle for a bit of shine.

Supplies used:

Bliss Paper Packet

Colonial White, Chocolate & Grey Flannel card stock

Chocolate ink

Bliss Stickease

Sparkles - Black & Grey assortment

"Sweet Moments" stamp C1435 

To see the latest Close To My Heart papers, stamps, inks, and embellishments, please visit my web site. Enjoy!

One more wedding layout!!

Okay, one last wedding layout. I promise I will move on to scrapbooking vacation photos or something else after this!! My beautiful niece, Allison, was married in December 2009 so it is about time I scrapped the photos! I knew the CTMH Bliss paper packet would be perfect for these layouts. The brown, gray, and soft cream colors are an elegant complement to the lovely wedding photos.

Click to enlarge photo
Supplies used:
Bliss Paper Packet and Stickease
Chocolate, Grey Flannel, & Colonial White card stock 
Chocolate ink
Foundry Flourishes metal accents - photo corners & flowers
Paper flowers
Shimmer & Antiques Copper brads
Journaling card (Making Memories)
Top Coats Framed In - photo overlay

For these less formal photos, I added Twilight card stock to this layout. I love the pop of color.

Click to enlarge photo
Supplies used:

Bliss Paper Packet

Chocolate, Twilight, Grey Flannel card stock

Chocolate & Twilight ink

Foundry Flourishes metal accents - flowers, mini frame
Glitter and Antiqued Copper embossed brads

Paper  and suede  (Maya Road) flowers

Journaling cards (Making Memories)

"Mr & Mrs" stamp from the Love Always set D1337

Fall color cards!

In a previous post, I highlighted how CTMH paper packets can be extremely versatile. These cards show how you can use one set of papers and change the look and feel just by switching to a different focal color.

I used the traditional fall color palette in this first card. The red, orange and yellow colors all evoke the feeling of fall.

Supplied used:
Olivia Paper Packet X7128B
Bard Red, Sunset, Desert Sand, Colonial White cards stock
Barn Red, Sunset, Chocolate Ink Stamp Pads
"the colors of autumn" stamp from the Grateful Hearts stamp set C1372
Tree stamp from the Four Seasons stamp set B1319
Border stamp from the Harvest Happiness Seasons & Nature stamp set C1463
Autumn Flower Soft
Liquid Glass Z679
Orange brads from Sunset Mini Medley Z1338

By adding green to this card, it brightens up the colors, but still works for fall.

Supplied used:

Olivia Paper Packet X7128B

Bard Red and Desert Sand cards stock

Barn Red, Desert Sand, Pear Ink Stamp Pads

Sentiment, corner border, and stem stamps from The Present stamp set D1436

Just Blooms Paradise Paper Flowers Z1710

Shimmer Designer Brads Z1349

Pink is the wild card fall color!! Combined with the dark red and tan, this card shows you can use non-traditional colors any time of year!

Supplies used:

Olivia Paper Packet Z7128B

Bard Red, Desert Sand, Smoothie, Colonial White card stock

Bard Red and Desert Sand Ink Stamp Pads

Leaf and sentiments from the Timeless stamp set B1355

Burlap ribbon Z1760

Mocha Opaques Adhesive Gems Z1333

Happy Halloween!

Halloween is one of my favorite holidays for crafting. There are so many cute products out there!! I have been wanting to use this owl stamp for ages. It is perfect for a Halloween birthday card.

Supplies Used:

Night Owl Mini - Inkadinkado

"It's your birthday" - Big Wish - Verve Stamps

Goldrush, Black, & Pear card stock - CTMH

Polka dot paper - "Boo to You" My Mind's Eye

Pear brad - CTMH

Yellow ribbon - Michael's

Metal rectangular tag - Michael's

I love the stamps on these next two cards. If you look closely, you will see that the pumpkin is made up of many smaller images. The eyes are skulls and the mouth is a bat! Too clever!!

Supplies Used:
Pumpkin - Mindscape Halloween - Inkadinkado
Goldrush, Black, & Pear card stock - CTMH
Polka dot paper - "Boo to You" My Mind's Eye
Pattern paper - Phantom - Pink Paisley
Black brads - CTMH

I used another stamp from this set for this card. The skull is a bit spooky especially with a coffin on the forehead, crow eyes, and spiky fence teeth!

Supplies Used:

Skull - Mindscape Halloween - Inkadinkado

Black & White card stock - CTMH

Pattern paper - Phantom - Pink Paisley

Goldrush brads - CTMH

Have a super spooky Halloween!

Glorious fall color - red, orange, green, and pink?

This month is the one year wedding anniversary of my cousin, Leanne, and her husband Ed. They had a lovely fall wedding in the wine country of Northern California. I chose the CTMH Olivia paper packet to scrapbook their wedding photos since the color palette was perfect for an October wedding.

On this first layout, I emphasized the reddish brown and orange colors in the invitation. The reds, browns, greens, and oranges all compliment the beautiful scenery of the outdoor wedding.

Click to enlarge photo

Supplies used:

Olivia paper packet X7128B

Barn Red X5637, Sunset X5758 card stock

Sunset Ink Stamp Pad Z2191

Flourishes and "Captured Memories" sentiment from Key To My Heart stamp set E1012

Just Blooms Paradise Paper Flowers Z1710

Felt flowers and leaves from Harvest Bean Seeds from Jillibean Soup 

Metal brads from BoBunny Bodacious Brads in Orange Citrus and Clover

"Then and Now" layout from Cherish idea book

On the second layout, I wanted to bring out the femininity of the bride and her bridesmaids so I added pink to the layout. I love how you can change the color palette simply by changing the card stock. The patterned papers on both layouts are all from one paper packet!

Click to enlarge photo

Supplies used:

Olivia paper packet X7128B

Sunset X5758, Smoothie X5763, Pansy Purple card stock

Smoothie Ink Stamp Pad Z2196

Printed Vellum 5592

"Bliss" from the Adorable stamp set D1183

Oval frame and medallions from Smoothie Mini Medley Z1697

Green brads from Pear Mini Medley Z1697

Just Blooms Paradise Paper Flowers Z1710

Journaling Spots - Love Always X1407

"Fantastic Five" layout from Imagine idea book

Beautiful butterflies

As promised, here are the three cards I made using the Florentine paper packet. I'm not sure why, but butterflies were on my mind when I designed these. I love the border stamp on this one.

Supplies Used:

Florentine Paper Packet X7153B

Florentine Stickease X7153C 

Twilight Card Stock X5666

Twilight Ink Stamp Pad Z2160

Just Blooms Spring Blossoms paper shapes Z1266

Just Blooms Paradise paper flowers Z1710

Twilight brads from Blue Brads Assortment Z1363

"Happy Birthday" stamp from Happy Birthday stamp set C1257

Border stamp from Wicked Stamp Set S1108

Layout #25 from the Make It From Your Heart idea book 9035

The sentiments in the new "Words of Comfort" stamp set are so versatile.

Supplies used:

Florentine Paper Packet X7153B 

Florentine Stickease X7153C 

Colonial White Card Stock 1388

Twilight Ink Stamp Pad Z2160

Butterfly from Just Blooms Spring Blossoms paper shapes Z1266

Green/Blue Sparkles Assortment Z1327

"Love and Hugs" stamp from the Words of Comfort stamp set C1524

Layout #27 from the Make It From Your Heart idea book 9035

On this one I used a great butterfly stamp with a lovely sentiment included. Card making doesn't get any easier than this.

Supplies used:

Florentine Paper Packet X7153B 

Garden Green and Parchment Card Stock

Twilight Ink Stamp Pad Z2160

Quick Cards - Butterfly stamp A1120

Mocha Opaques Adhesive Gems Z1333

Layout #21 from the Make It From Your Heart idea book 9035

Browse my Close To My Heart shopping web site to view all of these products and more beautiful paper packets and fabulous stamps! Happy shopping!

Fabulous Florentine!!

Yikes, where has the time gone? I have been meaning to post this for weeks. We have been busy having fun with visiting family. Took a quick trip to Canton, Ohio and Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Now I'm trying to catch up on a few things including finally posting this layout! The Florentine Paper Packet is one of my favorites. The colors are soft yet vibrant and the patterns are beautiful too. It was the perfect paper to scrapbook a summer wedding in Tucson. Jason and Amanda's outdoor wedding was breathtaking. We were honored to be invited.

Click to enlarge photo

Click to enlarge photo

The first layout is a variation of the Florentine Workshop on the Go layout. I saw Annette Green's version and gave it a try. The second layout is "Ensemble Piece" from the Imagine Scrapbooking Program.

Supplies used:

Florentine Paper Packet X7153B $9.95

Florentine My Stickease Assortment X7153C $4.95

Timeless Charms Z1689 $5.95

Antique Gold Mini Medley Accents Z1786 $5.95

Colonial White Waxy Flax Z1081 $3.95

Twilight Brads from the Blue Brads Assortment Z1363 $4.95

Brown and Tan Sparkles Assortment Z1753 $2.95

Cocoa Ink Stamp Pad Z2114 $5.25

Creme Brulee Brads from the Spring Blossom Mini Medley Z1118 (retired)

Creme Brulee Photo Corners from the Spring Blossom Mini Medley Z1118 (retired)

Just Blooms Spring Blossoms Z1266 (retired)

Framed In Top Coats Z1211 (retired)

Journaling Spot from the Annotations Stamp Set D1307 (retired)

I also made three cards using the Florentine paper pack. I'll post those soon - really, I promise!!

Avonlea cards

I really love the trend color cardstock in the Avonlea paper pack. The Avonlea Teal, Green, and Off-White can only be purchased in the Avonlea paper pack and the Avonlea Workshop on the Go Scrapbooking Kit. I made 2 two-page scrapbooking layouts (wedding layout one and wedding layout two) and then I used some of the leftover supplies to make three cards.

Supplies used:

Avonlea Paper Pack X7155B $9.95

Filigree Charms Z1269 $3.95

Pewter Brads from Metal Brad Assortment Z1366 $4.95

Chocolate Ink Stamp Pad Z2111 $5.25

Chocolate Card Stock X5643 $14.50

Colonial White Card Stock 1388 $9.50

"Gratitude" from the A Little Thanks Stamp Set D1444 $17.95

Pattern #22 from Make It From Your Heart Volume 1 9035 $7.95

Supplies used:

Avonlea Paper Pack X7155B $9.95

Chocolate Brads from Basic Brad Assortment Z1365 $4.95

Dark Chocolate Striped Grosgrain Ribbon Z1617 $6.95

Colonial White Waxy Flax Z1081 $3.95

Chocolate Ink Stamp Pad Z2111 $5.25

Chocolate Card Stock X5643 $14.50

"Celebrate" from the Salutation Seals Stamp Set C1461 $13.95

Dot Circle frame from the Perfect Fit Frames Stamp Set D1527 $17.95

Pattern #24 from Make It From Your Heart Volume 1 9035 $7.95

Supplies used:

Avonlea Paper Pack X7155B $9.95
Colonial White Card Stock 1388 $9.50

Mocha Opaques Adhesive Gems Z1333 $2.95

Chocolate Ink Stamp Pad Z2111 $5.25

"Thank You" from the Salutation Seals Stamp Set C1461 $13.95

Fleur de Lis frame from the Perfect Fit Frames Stamp Set D1527 $17.95

Pattern #20 from Make It From Your Heart Volume 1 9035 $7.95

If you want to take it up another notch, you can use the Cricut Art Philosophy Collection Z1686 $99 to die cut the Dot Circle and Fleur de Lis frames from the Perfect Fit Frames Stamp Set. The collection includes an exclusive group of images for Close To My Heart (700 images including fonts, shapes, and 3-D items), three My Acrylic D-size Stamp Sets, and three 12x9 Dimensional Elements in coordinating shapes. 

Next up, I have another wedding to scrapbook. This time I will be using the Florentine paper pack. Check back soon to see those layouts.

The beauty of Avonlea part 2

I like to do two 2-page layouts for weddings when I am scrapbooking. The first layout I posted on 8/19 included the wedding invitation and pictures from the ceremony. This layout has photos from the reception.

Click to enlarge photo

I love the shot of Jacqueline and Nathan at their sweetheart table. They looks so happy!! The big group photo on the right gives you an idea of the size of our family. Included are my parents, my siblings and their spouses, my nieces and nephews and their spouses, and one great niece. And there were a couple people missing! 

Supplies used:

Avonlea Workshop on the Go Scrapbooking Kit G1045 $29.95

Avonlea Complements Canvas Shapes X7155C $5.95

Filigree Charms Z1269 $3.95

Chocolate Ink Stamp Pad Z2111 $5.25

Sparkles Blue & Green Assortment Z1327 $2.95

"So happy together" Stamp Set from Avonlea WOTG Scrapbooking Kit G1045 (see above)

Journaling Spots - Journey X1409 (retired)

Creative Rhythm layout from Cherish Scrapbooking Program 9029 (retired)

In addition to these great products, you can also take advantage of the National Stamping Month special. CTMH is celebrating now through September 30^th by offering the My Acrylix® It’s Your Day double stamp set for the amazing price of $5!! Place a minimum qualifying order of $35 and you can buy the “It’s Your Day” double stamp set for only $5!! That’s nearly 50 images for just $5 (retail value $35.90).  If you really want to maximize your saving, make a $50 qualifying purchase and then you can also buy the Baroque Borders Stamp of the Month for $5 (a $17.95 retail value)!! Start shopping here!!

The beauty of Avonlea

Last November, my beautiful niece, Jacqueline, married her high school sweetheart, Nathan. I am finally scrapbooking pictures from their lovely wedding. I used the Avonlea collection from Close To My Heart for these precious photos. I love the luscious teal color, the wonderful patterned paper, and the coordinating canvas embellishments.

Click to enlarge photo

Supplies used:

Avonlea Workshop on the Go Scrapbooking Kit G1045 $29.95

Avonlea Complements Canvas Shapes X7155C $5.95

Filigree Charms Z1269 $3.95

Chocolate Ink Stamp Pad Z2111 $5.25

Sparkles Blue & Green Assortment Z1327 $2.95
"Mr & Mrs" from Love Always Stamp Set D1337 (retired)
"Sweet" from Soul Mates Stamp Set D1254 (retired)
"Made for each other" Stamp Set from Avonlea WOTG Scrapbooking Kit G1045 (see above)
Journaling Spots - Journey X1409 (retired)
Jazzy Combination layout from Imagine Scrapbooking Program 9030 (retired)

These items can be purchased from my web site. Are you thinking about the perfect photos to use with this collection? These papers are perfect for wedding photos, but would work for so many other layouts as well. Enjoy!

And the adventure begins ...

Well, here it is, my very first blog post! I am super excited to start this new journey in my life! Gone are the days spent in the corporate world and now I am embracing my inner artist. I took the first step towards sharing my passion for scrapbooking and card making with others by becoming a Close To My Heart (CTMH) Independent Consultant! How do you like that title? I’m a consultant – it’s official!

For those of you not familiar with CTMH, it is a wonderful company that offers beautiful scrapbooking papers and colored cardstock, coordinating ink pads and markers, as well as amazing acrylic stamps. We also offer essential tools and fabulous embellishments to take your paper crafting to the next level. We even have two, exclusive to CTMH, Cricut cartridges and numerous stamp sets that coordinate with the Cricut shapes. How cool is that?!

Whether you are a long time CTMH aficionado or new to the company and/or the world of paper crafting, be sure to check out the Autumn/Winter 2012 Idea Book on my web site. Tons of fun new products became available on August 1^st. There are so many wonderful new items including eight new paper collections, alcohol marker duos, and the huge Artiste Cricut collection (over 700 images!).

And if that isn’t exciting enough, September is National Stamping Month. CTMH is celebrating now through September 30^th by offering the My Acrylix® It’s Your Day double stamp set for the amazing price of $5!! Place a minimum qualifying order of $35 and you can buy the “It’s Your Day” double stamp set for only $5!! That’s nearly 50 images for just $5 (retail value $35.90).  If you really want to maximize your saving, make a $50 qualifying purchase and then you can also buy the Baroque Borders Stamp of the Month for $5 (a $17.95 retail value)!!

Be sure to bookmark my web site, subscribe to my blog, and share both with your paper crafting friends. I will be posting pictures of my artwork and sharing the many ways you can create memorable scrapbooks and lovely cards using CTMH products. Please join me on my adventure!

Teresa