Stamp Happy

A Garden - new stamp set!

2012-02-13T13:19:00.000-08:00

I've been playing with the new Spring/Summer Idea Book stamps and papers. Love them! If you want to see the new Idea Book and/or order from it, come to a card class this month, or place an order on my website. :)

I made this card using the new Lucy paper pack:

The fun thing about this card is the white center is on the left panel and the blue stamp frame is on the right, so when it is opened, it looks like this:

It is so cute!
Here's the right panel:

And the left panel:

I love the new Bitty Opaques - tiny, tiny pearls that you can stick anywhere! ;)

I also used the Bitty Sparkles, colored with a pink Sharpie.

Supplies Used: A Garden Stamp Set (A1119, $6.95), 4 My Friend (D1510, $17.95), Lucy Paper Pack (X7149B, $9.95). Card Stocks: Sky, White Daisy. Stamp Pads: Pear, Cotton Candy, Outdoor Denim, Sky. Markers: Cotton Candy, Sky, Key Lime, Sunkiss Yellow. Accessories: Bitty Sparkles, Bitty Opaques - Pearl. Other: Cricut/Art Philosophy Cartridge, Piercing Tool (to place embellishments), Round Sponge, Pink Sharpie

Addicted to this Cricut Shape ...

2012-02-07T20:02:00.000-08:00

I'm so weird. I get exposed to something, then I want to use it all the time. Unfortunately, this has happened with this Cricut Shape. The one that's kind of like 4 parentheses in a square shape.

Originally saw this card by Lisa Combs: (Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge (Z1686, $99), Remarkable Wreath (C1473, $13.95), Roxy Paper Pack (X7140B), Inks: Cocoa, Smoothie, Glitz Glitter Gel)

At first, I thought the wreath only worked for Christmas, but no, it's an all-year-'round stamp set!

I made this new years card for my mom to send to some friends (she makes requests of me). I used Twilight and Crystal Blue with Glitz Glitter Gel. My favorite all-purpose words stamp set ... Say It In Style (D1283, $17.95) It's got it all! (anniversary, birthday, thank you, love, party, mothers day, fathers day, congrats, hello, Easter, Hanukkah, Valentines, miss you...) You should check it out.

Then I did this one with the new LUCY paper pack (LOVE it!) Also love the new little paper flowers (can you tell?) The stamp set has a PEEP (you know, the marshmallow rabbit) on it. You can't really see it, it's under the letter "g." LUCY paper pack (X7149B, $9.95) and My Peeps (B1402, $9.95), Paradise Paper Flowers (Z1710, $5.95)

Well, I got away from the shape, but now I'm on to the flowers. I used the Rock The Block stamp set to make the big green thing on the corner of the card. This is a GREAT way to make lots of simple cards (good to give to friends). The "Thinking of You" is from Card Chatter - Sympathy (D1476), which I somehow missed when it first came out. It's got a lot of really nice sentiments. This is one of those rare occasions where I used black ink.

Well, gotta get back to creating! See you soon. :)

February Stamp of the Month Bloghop

2012-01-31T14:29:00.000-08:00

I'm SOOOO excited - the new Close To My Heart Spring/Summer Idea Book starts in February! New stamps, new papers, new embellishments.....can't wait to show you!

If you've arrived here from {Helen's Blog}, Welcome!

The Stamp of the Month Blog hop is where a bunch of Close To My Heart consultants show you what they did with the same stamp set, in this case, the February Stamp of the Month, called Thoughtful Tidings

Haven't seen it yet? Here it is:

It's got a lot of great "thankful" thoughts. You can just buy it for $17.95, or get it for $5.00 when you place a $50 order. (Nice way to say Thanks For Being A Great Customer.) Click here to start shopping from the NEW IDEA BOOK! (Starts February 1)

I made a couple of projects with the set. Here's the first one:

This one was fun! I used the Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge to make the heart-shaped (French fry) box from the new Pemberley paper (LOVE it!) and a whole bunch of Cricut Tulip colored hearts in different sizes. I sanded the edges lightly, so they would be defined, then using foam mounting tape, I just started sticking hearts to the main heart (from the stamp set). I also used the gingham ribbon from the Red Collection designer ribbon. Very fun, and pretty easy, too! Filled it with chocolate kisses.

My second card is kind of basic, but I wanted to show you more new papers. This one is from the girly pack - Lucy. I used the strip at the top of the 12x12 sheet for an accent piece. (More from Lucy later...)

I put some new Bitty Pearls on the flourishes. The card is kind of basic to me, but sometimes that's ok.

Last but not least is a kind of funny (odd) one. I was looking at the "Many Thanks" stamp and thinking, that looks like one of those political yard signs (which I hate). So, I decided to make some yard signs for the front of my card...like this:

The signs are hanging off the edge of the card. It's kind of funny, and timely, too. I used toothpicks for the sticks and mounted the signs on foam mounting tape. On the inside, I wrote: It's unanimous...you're the best!

To make the grass, I tore it, but instead of making the white core side facing out, I used the "back" (green) side. Then I cut "grass" with my scissors. I know Martha Stewart has some "grass scissors" but I don't have them.

Have fun with this stamp set! I did. :)

Now hop on over to {Katy's Blog} to see what fabulous ideas she has for you! Enjoy!

STRESSED spelled backwards is DESSERTS

2012-01-23T11:49:00.000-08:00

I saw that little saying in a local cupcake store and I thought it would make a fabulous saying on a card...one with cupcakes, of course!

I made this card with the Piece of Cake stamp set. (Lots of cakes and cupcakes in it). I also used some extra little goodies...Liquid Applique (for frosting) and Red Glitz Glitter Gel (for cherries).

Here's a close up of the cupcakes:

You can even puff up the Liquid Applique with a heat gun, but I chose not to. (Not sure about how the Glitz Glitter Gel would react to the heat...not well, I suspect...) You could always puff up the Liquid Applique first and then apply the Glitz...

Hint: Do a couple of test blobs with the Glitz on your scratch paper.

I like making my own patterned paper, and just used the other desserts in the set to do it. I used Blush card stock with Hollyhock ink, stamped randomly. The words "Happy Thoughts" is from the Zoology stamp set. I thought it would be good to wish someone who was stressed and in need of desserts some happy thoughts!

To make the circle tag, I just typed the saying out on my computer, picked a nice font and colored the typeface (with my computer). You can change your typeface colors under Format/Font/Color/More Colors/Custom. I changed mine to Cranberry color (Red 204, Green 26, Blue 51).

Supplies Used:
Piece of Cake stamp set (D1407, $17.95)
Zoology stamp set (B1391, $9.95)
Card Stock: Blush, Lilac Mist, Vanilla Cream, Key Lime, White Daisy
Inks: Hollyhock, Outdoor Denim (for the main cupcake plate), Baby Pink (to sponge around the edges of the white paper
Markers: Key Lime, Cotton Candy, Lilac Mist
Fun Stuff: Liquid Applique, Red Glitz Glitter Gel, Clear Sparkles (colored with a green Sharpie)
1 1/2" circle punch
Sponge Dauber
Foam mounting tape

Sneak Peek & Collage Cubes

2012-01-20T11:00:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited, I just finished decorating my Rock The Block cubes. (This is what happens when you are snowed in...)

If you have no idea what I'm talking about, here's the scoop:

When you place a $25 order from the Fall/Winder Idea Book, you can purchase the Rock The Block promotion kit for just $15 (a $44.90 value)!!! The kit includes an exclusive E-sized ($29.95 value, 8 1/2" x 11 sized) stamp set and the super cute, new product coming out February 1, Collage Cubes! The Collage Cubes are a set of nine 2"x2" paper/chipboard covered cubes that fit in a cute little tray. All ready for decorating!

Here's the stamp set:

The sayings will fit on the 2x2 blocks

I was a little stumped looking at the cubes, because I didn't have any cute pictures in my stash to put on the cubes, so I decided to make this cute perpetual calendar, designed by Lynn Como.

I think it turned out really cute. I used the Rock The Block stamp set, my Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge, BRAND NEW CTMH papers called LUCY. ALSO in my sneak peek are the Just Blooms Paradise Paper Flowers (love 'em!) and the Lucy Compliments Glitter Rub-Ons (the crown...plus there's lots of flowers). (All available Feb. 1)

I cut all the letters and numbers with the CTMH Cricut Cartridge, and blinged it up with rhinestones colored with my new rainbow of Sharpies. I also decorated the tray with Lucy papers. SO FUN! Who knew that snow could make me so productive??

I love how the Just Blooms Paradise Paper Flowers already have printing on them! 68 flowers in a pack in 4 styles and various sizes. Wheeeeeeeeee!

I printed some little Cricut flowers and stuck Just Blooms on top.

Also used Sharpie-colored rhinestones and my Edge Distresser

This was a really fun project to make, but time consuming because of the Sharpie-coloring and gluing. Also, to "finish" my cube edges, before I started decorating, I sponged them with Olive. I used a few drops of Olive Reinker on a plate and a round sponge to distress the edges. I think that was faster than if I'd used a stamp pad to ink my sponge. Don't know, I didn't time myself!

Let me know if you want to come and check out these goodies in person! Card classes this month are January 20, 26 and 27! lisa@lisasargent.net

Supplies Used:

Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge

Rock the Block stamp set

Lucy Paper Pack (new)

Lucy Complements Glittery Rub-Ons (new)

Collage Cubes (new)

Paradise Paper Flowers (new)

Clear Sparkles

Rainbow of Sharpie Markers

Card Stock & Stamp Pads: Creme Brulee, Cotton Candy, Olive, Sweet Leaf, Chocolate

Liquid Glass (as additional adhesive for Clear Sparkles)

Buttons (Pink Assortment)

Hot Chocolate Warms Your Heart

2012-01-17T19:00:00.000-08:00

I didn't post much over the holidays, mostly because I was busy not doing enough of the many things on my to-do list! I just found these pictures of the little gifty things I made for my boss and some coworkers. Sorry, it's a little late for Christmas, but you get the idea...

I wrapped them up in cellophane for maximum giftiness.

Here's a close-up of one of the snowflakes. I used Stardust Glitz Glitter and a Mocha Opaque for extra bling.

I used the Cricut to cut everything. I love the french-fry box shape!

The cocoa packs were at Costco in a multi-pack (of course!). My friend said the hot chocolate was yummy!

Use up your paper...quickly and easily!

2012-01-14T18:00:00.000-08:00

I admit it, I love paper. I like sparkly paper and pretty paper, but especially paper with flowers on them. Last week I "had" to make notes for the kids to write Thank You's for their Christmas gifts. And I have SOOOOO much paper in my house. Ack! I decided to use up my leftover paper and made some SUPER easy cards.

This is the first one:

Just cut a square and added a CTMH sentiment with a Cricut shape.

Wings paper pack (retired)

Wings Paper Pack (retired)

Olivia Paper Pack (retired)

I made about 20 cards in a very short period of time! whoopeee!

One of my friends writes a LOT of Thank You notes. (I've actually had to tell him to stop writing us Thank-You's.) I gave him 10 of the not-too-girly ones. BONUS, I now have a stash of note cards. Yay!

Supplies Used:
Paper Packs: Olivia, Wings (and a flowery non-ctmh paper (gasp!))
Stamp Set: Thank You (D1361, $17.95) - a must if you write a lot of Thank You's!
Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge (Z1686, $99) (includes 700 Cricut images, 3 stamp sets, and 3 die cut chipboard sheets)
Coordinating Card Stock and Inks: Smoothie, Sweet Leaf, Juniper (Paper); Vineyard Berry & Twilight (Ink)

I hope you're inspired to use up some of your stash!

I like owls...do you?

2012-01-10T20:52:00.000-08:00

Brown paper is from Wonderland; Blue paper is from Elemental; Pink paper is from Sophia

My favorite things are snowmen and penguins...but I like owls a lot, too. They're so crazy! I got this idea from my friend, Rachel.

She got the idea from Cards a la Carte. You can see the instructions here. SO cute! You cut a pillow box (I used Close To My Heart's Art Philosophy Cartridge cut at 5 1/2"). 5 1/2" is large enough to fit a gift card inside, plus you can get 2 off of a 12x12 sheet. Because my box is a little larger than the one in the (linked) instructions, I used more "feathers" (3/4" circles). And I used a 1 1/2" circle for the eyes. My daughter and I decided we liked the brown owl best. Bright colored owls are cute, too. BONUS - you can make a penguin with this idea! If you didn't want to make a pillow box, you could just trim off the extra flaps and make it into a card.

They're so fun, plus you can use up your scrap papers making them.

Items Used:

Cricut Art Philosophy (AP) Cartridge Shapes:

Pillow Box cut at 5 1/2" size

Circle at 3/4" size or use a punch (to make the feathers) - you'll need a whole bunch. You could try using a larger circle if you want.

Circle at 3/4" size - black (for the eyeballs)

Two Hearts - one at 1 1/2" and one at 1 1/4" size

Two Circles at 1 1/2" size - white (for the eyes)

Two Ovals at 1" size for the wings

Really sticky tape/adhesive. I used Terrifically Tacky Tape to seal the box on one side. I used the 3M framing tape gun to adhere the feathers (see below).

On the front side of the box (where the feathers go), I covered the entire center portion (not the top or bottom flaps) with adhesive (I used the 3M tape gun. You just want to be sure to use an adhesive that doesn't dry quickly, because you'll be sticking a bunch of circles on it.) Turn the larger heart upside-down and stick it at the bottom (for the feet). Then starting at the bottom, cover the belly with the circles. I bent the circle-feathers up a little, so they weren't flat on the box.

Then stick the wings, beak and eyes on. You can use a little bling for the eyeballs. I used Clear Sparkles.

Fold the top and bottom flaps in. You're done! Congratulations!

We'll be making this super cute gift card box at my card classes this month. Come on over and play with us. :) Call (425-255-3731) or email me (lisa@lisasargent.net) if you'd like to join us!

Lisa

Happy New Year & January Bloghop!

2011-12-31T18:06:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! It always seems to come too quickly. I've barely (not even) recovered from the Christmas rush, and then it's January already! I hope your holidays were wonderful and filled with food, friends, family and love. I know mine were -- especially the food part, as in too much of it.

Since it's a new month, it's time for the Stamp of the Month Blog Hop! this month's fun stamp set is called Little Reminder. You can buy it from January 1-31 for $17.95, OR you can get it for $5.00 with your $50 order. If you've arrived here from {Teresa's Blog}, you've arrived at the right spot.

The BEST part about January, is that you can also take advantage of the Rock the Block promotion. When you place a $25 order out of the current, Fall/Winter Idea Book, you get the FABULOUS Rock the Block Stamp Set and Cubes for just $15.00 (It's almost a $45 value!) WOW!

This is the E-Sized (large) stamp set that you get with the Kit. It also comes with 9 super cute 2x2x2 decoratable (is that a word?) paper cubes in a tray. All for just $15 with your qualifying order (and it's easy to qualify!).

In case you haven't seen it yet, here's the Stamp of the Month set, Little Reminder:

I thought it would be fun to curve the words in the stamp set "Welcome Little One" and "Let's Celebrate." I random stamped the images...

First I tried it with Sunny Yellow, Key Lime (too light to see) and Smoothie...

Didn't really like that. Key Lime is too light, and the Sunny Yellow elephants are too bold.

Next I tried with with Amethyst, Lilac Mist, Key Lime (still too light), Sunkiss Yellow (better) and Blush. I like this a lot better.

Still, it's a little dull. I tried adding a Key Lime strip across the card (didn't like it because it blocked out my cute words and elephants).

I think I'm going to put a border around the edge -- so then I won't cover up my random stamping.

You can't really tell from the picture, but I colored the rhinestone sparkles with a Sharpie pen. I know we sell colored sparkles, but I recently learned a tip from my upline. You can take a Sharpie (or Copic marker) and (permanently) color rhinestones. It won't work with a Close To My Heart marker, because they are water-based, but the Sharpie and Copic are alcohol-based inks, and will 'stick' to the gem.

Stamp Sets Used: Little Reminder (January Stamp of the Month S1201, $17.95 or $5 with a $50 order); Circle Together B1372 $9.95; Zoology B1391 $9.95
Colors Used: Key Lime, Amethyst (the elephant), Lilac Mist, Blush, Sunkiss Yellow, Gypsy (for the center circle flowers).
Other: 1 1/4" and 1 1/2" circle punches, Clear Sparkles, Colored Sharpie Markers

I know, I know, I used THREE stamp sets on this card -- but with the new lower prices on the stamp sets, it's still reasonable (plus, you get so many stamps in a stamp set!)

Don't forget, if you order the $25 in product from the Fall/Winter Idea Book, you will qualify for the $15 Rock the Block set...which comes to $40. For just $10 more you can qualify for the Stamp of the Month for $5. That's a savings of almost $43 if you get the Rock the Block and the Stamp of the Month. I LOVE saving money! (The Cube Set itself will retail for $15 starting February 1.)

For Christmas I asked for the Rainbow of Sharpies from Costco. I got them (smile). LOVE 'em!

For my second creation with this stamp set, I wanted to use the GIANT circle. I have to tell you, I'm not crazy about it. I'm thinking it might look good as the center of a flower....??? It's so freaking big! (You know me, not a "big stamp image" buyer...love those little stamps!)

I used the CTMH Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge to cut a really big (as big as it would make it on my 12x12 mat -- 5 1/2" card (finished size). This is what I got:

Then I cut two 5 1/2" vellum "flowers" (I think they're actually scallop circles). I folded them so they were folded on the petals and attached them to the card with puffy tape. I cut every other fold, to make the petals. Also, I sponged the edge of the petals with Smoothie Ink (with a Sponge Dauber).

I haven't decided how to mark the birth date yet -- rhinestone sparkle, stamp a star, stamp a circle, draw a circle... Anyway, it was fun! (And easy!!)...with my lovely new Cricut! :)

Supplies Used: Little Reminder (stamp of the month), Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge (Z1686, $99 for 1 cartridge (700 images, 3 coordinating stamp sets, 3 coordinating chipboard sets)

Thanks so much for stopping by to take a loop around the Blog Hop. Now hop on over to {Judy's Blog} to see her wonderful creativity!

Have a Happy New Year! See you soon.

Lisa

All Decked Out - Snowman!

2011-12-21T21:38:00.000-08:00

I LOVE snow, snowmen and penguins (ask anyone who knows me). I love this stamp set, All Decked Out (D1308). It's got all the "fixin's" for a nice snowman.

Here's the tag I made to tie to a candy cane for my coworkers:

If I just stamped the pieces of this stamp set on a card, his face would look disjointed or weird, with the overlapping lines of the stamp images. So instead of having a weird looking snowman, I used a technique called "Masking," so I could make it look like his scarf and hat were in front of his face.

According to "the Internet", "Masking" is "the technique of covering a stamped image so that other images may be placed partly over it without the overlapping area being visible. This technique will add depth and perspective to your art. It is a simple procedure, but it requires patience and careful cutting."

First I put the hat and scarf stamps on the same block. (You'll have to make sure you leave enough room for the face.) Looking back, I could even have put them a little closer together.

Then I stamped the hat and scarf on my piece of White Daisy card stock. And again on two Post-It Notes. I trimmed the Post-Its so that they would cover only the stamped images.

Next, I placed the Post-Its ON TOP of the stamped images on the White Daisy Card Stock

Then I stamped the face circle ON TOP of the Post-Its.

So now, it looks like this:

Then, when you lift off the Post-Its, it looks like this -- like his face is BEHIND the hat and scarf. Pretty cool, huh!

Then you can stamp his little face on him. (There are several faces and face parts to choose from in this set.)

After coloring his scarf, hat and nose and sponging the edges, it's time for glitter!!

Oops, actually, I should have stamped the sentiments first before glittering. I always glitter last. Otherwise it can get messed up if it's still wet. I used Stardust on the tassel.

And Silver on the scarf. I thought the glitter added a lot (doesn't it always?)

Here's the finished tag.

Last November, I also made this snowman card using this same stamp set, shaving cream, some blue reinkers and a clear card. This card involved cutting the snowman out.

Here's the full post.

I know it's might be a little late for Christmas cards, but it's not too late for new years cards (well, maybe it's a little late for them, too)...snow/winter cards?? It's all good! One year, one of my friends made a pop-up Groundhog Day (Feb. 2) card. SO clever! You can always get this stamp set for next year. It will definitely be available through July, but I don't know about next fall...

BUT you can always use the Masking Technique for flowers, trees, anything you want to have "behind" something else.

Supplies Used: All Decked Out (D1308, $17.95); Moonstruck Ink; White Daisy Card Stock; Markers: Sweet Leaf, Twilight, Sunset; Round Sponge; Glitz Gel: Silver, Stardust; Tag the Occasion (B1362, $9.95); December 25th (C1469, $13.95)

I love Studio J!

2011-12-12T21:31:00.000-08:00

OK, I hate to admit it...I'm not much of a scrapbooker. I like taking pictures, and I like sticking papers together, but I have a hard time starting and finishing a layout. That's why I like Studio J - Close To My Heart's answer to Digital Scrapbooking. I can make a layout in 30 minutes (or less)...a 'layout' is TWO pages! and I didn't even have to mess up my dining room table (oops - it's already messy up from the last card making session!)

I made 18 pages (that's 9 two-page layouts) yesterday. SO fun! Here's a couple of them...

WAIT - want to hear the best part? For my 18 pages it cost me $45.50 (plus tax) (and that's BEFORE my consultant discount, so it was even cheaper than that!) AND, I got free shipping because I have a Studio J membership. Memberships get you 1/2 priced layouts, free shipping once a month and free page protectors. WOOOOOOOO!! Interested? Click here for more information...or you can email me.

I loved that I could pick papers (even retired ones) that matched my super bright pink shirts (yes, I have many, as you can see in the photos). These are pics from this summer's Close To My Heart convention at Disneyland. We had so much fun!

I like that I can change paper packs, layout styles and dress it up or down as I like. (I'm a plain kind of gal...but if you want fancy, they have that, too!) The faux stickers and embellishments are SUPER cute! I was even able to convert text boxes to photo boxes (also, not a big journaler). I used 3 different paper packs on my 3 layouts that I made about Convention. That may be a decision I may regret later, but I figured I could show off more papers that way!

You should try Studio J -- it's free to try! You only buy if you like your layout. No upfront costs! Check it out HERE.

Try it, you'll like it!! Let me know what you think!

Lisa

Faux Pinwheel Card

2011-12-05T11:06:00.001-08:00

When I saw this card style, I thought, wow, that's cool! It looks like a pinwheel, sort of, and it also looks like you have to cut your papers to fit into the pinwheel. It really is so much easier than that!

To make the "pinwheel":
Cut four 1 1/4" square Outdoor Denim pieces
Then cut four 1 1/4" x 2 1/2" pieces of Lucky paper
Cut one 2 1/2" square Indian Corn Blue (or any color card stock; you will be covering it up)

Fold the four Lucky papers in half:

Glue the folded papers onto the Indian Corn Blue card stock so that all the openings of the small papers and facing the same direction (clockwise). If you did it right, when it's open it looks like this:

Close the squares up:

Take the Outdoor Denim squares and tuck (and glue) one inside each open fold (with the corner in the center of the "pinwheel"). Repeat with all 4 Outdoor Denim squares. This makes the pinwheel effect.

After you've finished placing/gluing all 4 Outdoor Denim squares, you can put a brad in the center of your "faux pinwheel." I like the bigger brads (like the Filigree Charms or (the larger) Designer Brads). The proportion is better. Try to get your blue squares to line up to look like a large square, also.

Its a nice card, because it's not girly (like most of my cards). The pewter finish of the brad ties it together, although I think the Antique Copper would work nicely with this paper, too.

I used the (old) thinner Background & Texture (B&T) paper, but I think it would work fine with the new heavier cardstock weight.

Supplies Used:
Card Chatter - Birthday
Lucky Paper Pack
Outdoor Denim, Colonial White Card Stock (included in pack)
Indian Corn Blue Card Stock (you can use any color, it will be covered up)
Outdoor Denim Stamp Pad
Filigree Charms

December Stamp of the Month Bloghop!

2011-11-30T17:03:00.000-08:00

Wow, it's December already. December brings all kinds of feelings to mind...family, thanksgiving, Christmas, warm cocoa, snowflakes, penguins (love 'em!) and in the case of Close To My Heart's Stamp of the Month - Love and Valentines. If you've just arrived here from {Tamytha's blog, PaperHeartist}, you've come to the right place!

The December Stamp of the Month is always a love-themed stamp set - and this year is no exception! It's called Mad About You, and is available for just $17.95 -- UNLESS you make a $50 purchase, then it's only $5.00!

I love this stamp set. I'm not usually a big hearts and lovey stamp person, but I like the shape of the circle thingy (not really a circle, as you can see below). Lucky me - it's a Cricut Art Philosphy shape! So are the rectangular one and the hearts.

For something new and different (at least for me!) I decided to make a scrapbook page. I thought the hearts would be nice to make my very own patterned paper. Unfortunately, my pictures cover most of it up. (Is that good or bad? It IS supposed to be about the pictures, after all...)

My homemade patterned paper - save money - make your own!

I love Planned Random Stamping. It's where you stamp your images in an imaginary, invisible triangle, starting with the largest images. So, first I stamped the "big" hearts in Petal Ink and the words in Olive Ink. I then filled in the empty spaces with Pansy Purple (small flower and heart). On top of everything, I stamped the circle thingy in Desert Sand.

Then I decided to use a larger picture, so I went through Jeannette Lynton's how-to scrapbooking book, MAGIC, for a layout that had a 5x7 picture. This is the one I picked out - but I only did the left page...and Magic has some fun secret hiding places for pictures, but I didn't do that on my page, either. Just trying to get it done!

Jeannette's MAGIC page

My version

I used the Color Ready Alphabets Cork (LOVE THEM) to do the name. (Didn't know there were TWO sets of alphabets in the package!) Here's a close up: (You can ink them, but I really like the cork color.)

TIP: I wanted my letters to be straight, so I used my fingernail and lightly "drew" a guide line for my letters (with a ruler). That way I wouldn't have to try to erase it (like if I'd used pencil).

TIP: I wanted my letters centered under the picture (wasn't quite as successful as I'd hoped on that). There are 7 letters in the name GARRETT, so I started with the center letter - the 2nd "R" and moved out from there.

After I'd LIGHTLY placed my letters on my invisible line, I thought it looked boring with all the letters lined up straight -- so I pried a few up and tipped the "G," the center"R," and the last "T" to make it more interesting.

I also used the Sonoma MyStickease (stickers) for the "buttons" and that square thing at the bottom. As much as I love bumpy cards, I hate bumpy scrapbook pages...weird.

I also did something I've NEVER done before - that is stamp on a picture with Staz-On (permanent ink). I was nervous -- I thought it might slip and look bad (and I'd have to replace the picture). Be sure to practice on the slick photo paper before you stamp on your actual picture.

Pretty cool, huh!

SUPPLIES USED: How-To Book: Magic (9034, $21.95); Inks: Petal, Pansy Purple, Olive, Desert Sand, Staz-On Black; Card Stock: Colonial White, Pansy Purple, Olive, Desert Sand; Sonoma MyStickease; Color Ready Alphabets Cork (Z1450, $5.95); pictures of a super cute kid

I should probably make the other side of the layout some time. I have lots of pictures of my buddy Garrett.

Now HOP on over to {Shirley's Blog, MomNMeScrap} to see what fun love-filled ideas she has for you!

If you like what you see and want it right now, shop online right here! If you have questions, email me at lisa@lisasargent.net

Have a wonderful, blessed December!

Lisa

Peaceful Sonoma Paper Pack

2011-11-22T08:26:00.001-08:00

The Sonoma paper pack is so versatile. At first I was really attracted to the purple flowers...I have a weakness for them (that is, purple things and flowers).

Little Scrapbook 'purse' designed by Michele Kunigk

This is what it looks like opened up. You can put pictures on all the surfaces. You start with 12x12 piece of paper and score like mad. Let me know if you would like the instructions.

{Supplies Used: Sonoma paper pack, Olive, Chocolate, White Daisy card stock, Pair A Phrase stamp set (promotional set in August/September), The Present, Watercolor Pencils, Olive and Chocolate stamp pads}

After drooling over the flowers, I started looking at the "neutrals" in the pack...little bitty stripes, diamonds and dots. You can pretty much do anything with them.

Created by Erin Dunkle

I'm not a big silhoutte fan usually, but I like how the paper actually adds to the peaceful nature of this card. Plus, she used the little 1/2" strip that you cut off the background paper as a design element. They don't call it SCRAPbooking for nothing!

{Supplies Used: Glory To God (D1483); Sonoma paper pack; Bamboo, Olive Card Stock; Petal, Smokey Plum, Olive, Desert Sand Inks; Circle Punch; Clear Sparkles; Copper Glitz}

Created by Sue Pershon

This card has the best of all worlds - (besides that it has purple and flowers)...It's clean and simple, uses flowers, Cricut shapes, purple, bling and Sonoma.

{Supplies Used: Sonoma Workshop on the Go (G1028); Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge; Bamboo, Olive, Smokey Plum, White Daisy Card Stock; Olive Marker; Smokey Plum Stamp Pad; Clear Sparkles; White Grosgrain Ribbon; Sponge; Corner Rounder}

Created by Linda Black

I like to cut paper and all, but not this much! Mostly, I think I just don't like to cut inside of circles. I'm happy cutting out airplanes, penguins (but WE DON'T HAVE ANY PENGUIN STAMPS, CTMH!!), whatever...just not the insides of anything where it just looks bad when I do it. So I give an award to Linda Black for precision cutting. (Wait - but looking more closely at the wreath, Linda punched the center out with a circle punch.) But she did cut out that little banner that says "4 YOU" and the little string attaching it to the wreath. Way too much precision cuttting for me.

The other thing I think is really cool about this card is that she used rectangles to show depth, like on a front door with the recessed panels. I don't usually think about using shades of paper that way.

You could also use a "fancy" brad to make the door handle. I think this would make a wonderful holiday or housewarming card.

{Supplies Used: Sonoma Paper Pack; Smokey Plum, Petal, Bamboo Card Stock; Cocoa, Smokey Plum stamp pads; Cocoa Embossing Powder (for the bow); Antique Copper Brad; Olive, New England Ivy, Goldrush, Petal, Smokey Plum reinkers to make a puddle pad (custom stamp pad) for the wreath; foam mounting tape; 1 1/4" circle punch for the center of the wreath.

I hope you've been inspired by the creations! After your hard day of shopping on Friday, take some time and do something relaxing - like crafting!

And have a wonderful Thanksgiving (if I don't "see" you soon.) I'm so thankful for all my fabulous hostesses, team members, "followers," customers, family and friends. But I'm especially thankful for those of you who I've met in the last few years and have become my friends -- just because we like to stamp and scrapbook together. You're the best!

Santa's Workshop - Part II

2011-11-10T00:30:00.000-08:00

Here's the other half of the goodies we made at my Santa's Workshop this past weekend. Like what you see? We'll be making these same items on Saturday, December 10 at 10am at my house in Newcastle. It's $15 or free with your $15 minimum Close To My Heart purchase. Call or email me to RSVP. 425.255.3731 or lisa@lisasargent.net

Gift Card Holder designed by Naomi Smith

I cut 2 stockings at 7" on the Cricut (1 with Colonial White Card Stock and 1 with the Roxie paper). I glued the edges together with Bonding Memories Glue. (I like Bonding Memories for this project, because it "dries hard" meaning that when the adhesive is dry, your gift card shouldn't stick to the adhesive. If you use something like Tombow, even when it's dry your card might get get stuck on the adhesive and make pulling your gift card out difficult.) You could also use Liquid Glass. Don't forget, just glue around the edges, AND don't glue the top closed.

I then cut out the "pieces" of the stocking (also on the Cricut - also set at 7") SOOO easy! The pieces are just the Roxie paper flipped over. (Remember? Our papers are now double-sided card stock with two coordinating designs!)

I also cut the holly pieces out at 1 1/4". I folded them in half and sanded the 'rib' down the center. I also added Red Sparkles for berries.

Supplies Used: Roxie Paper Pack (X7140B, $9.95), Colonial White Card Stock (for the back), Olive Card Stock for the Holly, Bonding Memories Glue (1512, $6.95) or Liquid Glass (Z679, $6.95) as adhesive, Red Sparkles (Z1326, $2.95 for red, pink and purple sparkles), Sanding Kit (Z1294, $3.50).

Sorry, Starbucks card not included! :)


Chocolate Kiss Holder

I got a super cute 3-Chocolate Kiss holder at convention this year, similar to the one we made in the class. The gal didn't put her name on her sample, so I don't know who to credit...but THANK YOU! It's just a paper wrapped around the kisses, secured with a brad.

Supplies Used: Moonstruck paper pack, Crystal Blue brad, Snowflakes are from Christmas Cheer stamp set (D1494, $17.95 and are stamped in Heavenly Blue). The words I typed on my computer. They say "Snowflakes are kisses from Heaven." Get it? Chocolate Kisses...kisses from Heaven? haha. By the way, I typed the words on my computer, because I couldn't find the words small enough on a stamp. I put a strip to Tombow under the kisses to keep them in place.

I LOVE this box. SO cute! Cricut (again!) to make the box. Then cut a 3 1/4" circle for his smiley face.

Supplies Used: White Daisy card stock, Wonderland paper pack, orange paper for nose (I used leftover paper from Hooligan), Black Button Brads from the Black Mini-Medley Accents (Z1393, $4.95), Baby Pink stamp pad and sponge dauber (for cheeks), Wooden Designer Buttons (Z1387, $5.95), Chocolate Waxy Flax (Z1088, $3.95), Piercing Tool to poke holes for the eye-brads and Black Sharpie for the mouth dots. Secure the box closed with a Velcro dot.

I hope you can come and play with us on December 10!

Lisa

Little Gifty Things - Santa's Workshop

2011-11-07T11:19:00.000-08:00

This weekend I had my Santa's Workshop class - here's 2 of the fun things we made (the other 3 will be posted on Thursday): Most of them use the new Close To My Heart Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge (Z1686, $99). I LOVE this cartridge. I don't feel the need to buy a bunch of other cartridges because there are 700 shapes on this one. So with the different sizes, you can do 32,000 different combinations! wowie. PLUS it comes with 3 coordinating stamp sets AND 3 sheets of Dimensional Elements.

Gift Card Holder

The pillow box and tag cutouts are Cricut shapes (yay, I can make them in any color!). I cut mine at 5 1/2" so I could get two on a 12x12 sheet. It holds a gift card nicely!

Supplies Used: Colors-Holiday Red, Topiary, White Daisy; Believe Paper Pack; Stamp Set: December 25th (C1469, $13.95). The ribbon is from my local craft store. For adhesive on the box, I recommend Terrifically Tacky Tape or Miracle Tape. It's super sticky and will work great to hold the box together. Tombow just isn't sticky enough.

Decorated Post-It Note Holder

I LOVE decorating Post-It notes for Christmas. This one is a 3x3 Post-It note pad decorated with a little paper. Last year we did them with a Velcro dot enclosure, but this year it's more like a book cover.

Supplies Used: The flowers are from Hooray Bouquet (D1491, $17.95). (I cut out the flowers with the Cricut first.) Kraft Card Stock (Z1375, $9.50) (Desert Sand would work, too). Paper Pack: Elemental (X7141B, $9.95). Ink Colors: Pacifica, Sorbet, Sky and Desert Sand (for edging). Just Blooms paper butterflies (Z1463, $5.95 for 68 butterflies in different sizes). Sponge Daubers (to color the butterfly), Basic Button Assortment (Z1391, $5.95), Sorbet Waxy Flax (Z1249, $3.95), Glue Dots, Foam Mounting Tape.

SO fun. Come back in 3 days to see the other 3 goodies we made at my Santa Workshop.

If you want to come and make these little treats, I'm having another class on Saturday, December 10 at 10am. Call or email me if you'd like to join us! The class is just $15 or it's free with your $15 minimum Close To My Heart order. Or if you want to buy the supplies to make your own treats, click here to shop online! Bring a friend!

November Stamp of the Month Bloghop!

2011-10-31T18:09:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Stamp of the Month Bloghop! This is where 50+ Close To My Heart consultants all use the same stamp set (Cherish the Day, S1111), they post their creations, and you get to see a grand circle of creativity, as you hop to and from blog to blog. It's fun! If you've arrived here from {Debra's blog}, you've come to the right place!

In case you haven't seen it yet, here's the stamp set, Cherish the Day (you can click on it to see it larger):

The first project I had was in an inspiration I had last night to make Shrinky Dink earrings. I know, it's a little weird, but, hey, why not!?

What I Used:

Cherish the Day (S1111, $17.95 or $5.00 with your $50 CTMH purchase)

Shrink plastic (available at your local craft store)

Permanent Ink (I used Staz On Purple)

Sanding Kit (Z1294, $3.50) I used the fine grit sand paper

A Fine Tip Sharpie (I wrote the date by hand, but you could stamp it, too)

Heirloom Assortment (Z1635, $5.95)

Earring thingys (yes, I don't know what these are really called)

So first, I gently sanded one side of the shrink plastic. I sanded diagonally both ways, then across, to make sure that I did a good job "roughing up" the plastic. (I'm not sure you really need to do this if you are using permanent ink. I do know if you're using regular CTMH markers you need to rough up the surface so the water-based ink has somewhere to go, instead of just sitting on top the plastic, where it will rub off.)

Before and after shrinking

After decorating the plastic, you put it in the oven to heat up (you can also use a heat gun). The shrink plastic gets super small, like 1/2 the size...and the plastic gets thicker. So fun! Be sure to punch any holes you want BEFORE shrinking.

I decorated with the Heirloom Assortment. I have to get copper colored earring thingys to put in the top. I only had silver, so that's what I took a picture of.

I also made this card with the Elemental paper pack. I stamped each month on a 1 1/2" x 4" strip in a color that seemed to "go" with the month. On each strip I am going to write funny memories from over the months (years) and/or what I love about her. I was inspired to make this card because one of my best friends (since 2nd grade) was here last weekend. Every time we see each other, it's like no time has passed, even though it may have been years. I love that! Everyone needs a friend like her. :)

Supplies Used:
Elemental paper pack (X7141B, $9.95)
Card Stock: Sunflower, Colonial White
November Stamp of the Month (S1111, $17.95 or $5.00 with your $50 order)
Harvest Happiness (C1463, $13.95)
Mocha Opaques (Z1333, $2.95)
Stamp Pads: Autumn Terracotta, Sweet Leaf, Chocolate (leaves)
Stamp Pads: Sweet Leaf, Sky, Holiday Red, Cotton Candy, Sunset, Pear, Topiary, Dutch Blue, Spring Iris, Cranberry, Sunflower, Chocolate (months)
I just typed the words "You're a friend for all season" on my computer

Hope you had fun looking!

Now HOP on over to {Melinda's Blog} to see what kind of fun she has for you!

Remarkable Wreath

2011-10-25T09:02:00.000-07:00

I LOVE the stamp set Remarkable Wreath. It's so simple. We're making this card this month at card class. It also uses the Cricut cartridge, which makes is super easy. But if you don't have a Cricut, you can just use a square or circle around the wreath, that would be pretty, too. OR if you love to cut, you could cut closely around the entire wreath. (I am definitely not that person.)

Inspired by Lisa Combs

I embellished the flowers with the Stardust Glitz Gitter Gel (it's hard to see, but adds a lot) and embellished the card with Mocha Opaques. You could easily make lots of these for Christmas or holiday cards...or even every day cards (minus the Christmas sentiment). (Be careful with the Mocha Opaques if you are mailing these cards - they stick up quite a ways...your post office might not like them too much. Using a bitty brad might hold up better in the mail system.)

The tricky part about the wreath stamp set is that the "sticks" on the wreath are in the circle shape, but the flowers (or berries or leaves) are only a 1/2 circle. Before stamping on your project, I would practice on a piece of scratch paper, to make sure you know how your flowers (or whatever) are going to come together. And ALWAYS stamp first, glue last. Then, if you mess up, you can just throw away (or turn over) the one piece of paper, not an entire card that you just spent time assembling.

Have fun! Lisa

Supplies Used:
Cricut Art Philosophy Collection (Z1686, $99 - includes 700 images, 3 coordinating stamp sets and 3 Dimensional Elements sets)
Colonial White and Cocoa Card Stock
Roxie Paper pack (X7140B, $9.95)
Remarkable Wreath (C1473, $13.95)
Card Chatter - Christmas (D1388, $17.95
Smoothie Stamp Pad (Z2196, $5.25)
Cocoa Stamp Pad (Z2114, $5.25)
Mocha Opaques (Z1333, $2.95)
Stardust Glitz Glitter Gel (Z1313, $2.75)
Sponge (Z697, $1.25)

A flurry of Snowflakes

2011-10-18T21:21:00.000-07:00

I LOVE the Wonderland paper pack (X7146B). It uses Twilight, Crystal Blue, Grey Flannel and Chocolate...with hints of Amethyst and White Daisy. It's very peaceful...and perfect for snowflake cards.

Created by Linda Caler

The Snowflake stamp set (D1480) is a great stamp set...partly because it goes with the Cricut cartridge...but mostly (in my opinion) because it has the "inside" and "outside" of the snowflake (see below). I especially like the card above, because the big snowflake is "glittered up." (What card isn't improved by a little (a lot??) of glitter?!?)

The card below is fun, not only because it's on a circle card, but the snowflake is heat embossed with Versamark and Detail Clear embossing powder. After that, you take Heavenly Blue ink and a Sponge Dauber. Ink up the dauber and then rub it over the embossed snowflake in a circular motion. The embossed part will resist the ink, staying white. Pretty cool, huh! For extra sparkle - dot the snowflake with Silver Glitz. Embellish further with a clear button and Waxy Flax. For even more bling on your own cards, consider Designer Brads (new- Z1360 $5.95), Bling Assortment (new-Z1466 $4.95), Clear Sparkles (Z1104 $2.95), or Bitty Sparkles (Z1263 $2.95)...

Created by Lalia H

This card is simple, but I like it! Plus, it's got a different Cricut snowflake on it (which I hadn't even noticed before). There are several snowflakes...which I also hadn't noticed. I guess with 700 images, it's easy to miss something!

Created by Jennifer Burress

I did a gathering this weekend. We made the card (below). I borrowed elements from the circle card above, and the first card. One of the ladies at the gathering pointed out that real snowflakes don't have 8 points. I didn't know they have only 6 points. Obviously, I don't have much experience with real snow...(because I am from California...)...but you'd think the designers at Close To My Heart (in Utah) would know that!

Created by me, Lisa Sargent!

I hope you've gotten a couple of fun ideas to make your own snowflake cards!

Halloween cards...already?

2011-10-07T22:29:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry I've been kind of absent, lately. I've been getting ready for my Christmas/Holiday card workshop this weekend. (Let me know if you want to come.) It's always a mad rush to make sure I have everything I need for the workshop, cutting, prepping, and everything else. It's really fun - I love helping my customers get ahead of the holiday rush.

But that's not what we're here for today...today is Halloween card day! (just 23 days away...)

I love getting the Halloween card swaps during this time of year. These 3 cards have a creative spark, that I hope inspires you!

Created by Kandi Gallegos-Garcia

This card, by Kandi, uses the Mischief Workshop on the Go Kit (G1029, $29.95). I like creepy non-symmetrical eye sockets in the skull, for some reason. It's hard to tell from the picture, but there's two different sized sparkles in the eye holes, too. You could also use googly eyes, but that would make it more whimsical.

Created by Jennifer Gilson

This card, by Jennifer, uses the Backdrop - Charmed (D1490, $17.95) stamp set. What I really like about this card is that the background (the lighter parts) are stamped in (regular) black ink and the Happy Halloween are heat embossed.. I also like the glitter around the edges.

I know, this one is not a Halloween card, but I saw this stamp set used similarly as a Halloween card...

Instead of kisses in the jar, it was a bunch of googly eyes, which made it really creepy...like a jar of eyeballs. hmmmmmmm. Just change out the background paper and sentiment.

I do actually have a Halloween card that I made ... we made this card last month in my class!

It's on a clear card!

The white and black pieces of paper are on the front of the card; the orange (Sunset card stock) is on the back piece (inside) of the card. Not much space for writing (I like that!) This is the August Stamp of the Month, Wicked.

Hope you're inspired today!

October Stamp of the Month Blog Hop

2011-09-30T12:50:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited for Christmas! I always love the October Stamp of the Month, because it's always the holiday one. This time is no exception! Don't you love it? It's super cute, and got lots of potential.

Don't forget, you can only get the October Stamp of the Month in October. You can buy it for $17.95 OR you can get it for $5.00 with your $50 Close To My Heart order!

Thanks for HOPPING BY! If you've just arrived here from Nicole's Blog, welcome!

I designed this first card for my October 8th & 9th (next weekend, if you want to come) holiday card workshop. We'll be making 6 of this one, plus 6 of two other designs. (It's really fun, email me if you are interested in making the cards. I can send you the pieces if you can't be here.)

Supplies Used: Believe paper pack (X7145B, $9.95), Holiday Magic (October Stamp of the Month, S1110); Holiday Red and New England Ivy Stamp Pad, White Daisy, Holiday Red and Sweet Leaf Card Stock; gold brad.

The other card I made with this set is a little more involved -- embossing and "reverse" inking.

To make the tree, I took a Colonial White piece of card stock, stamped it with White Daisy Ink (Versamark would work great, too), then sprinkled it with Detail Clear embossing powder and heat embossed it. It makes it hard and shiny, and it resists the ink. Then I sponged with New England Ivy ink to make it 'pop.' (It's a good idea to use a tissue to wipe off the embossed part, after you're done sponging.)

The plaid is from the Roxie paper pack. It's kind of Christmassy in a Scottish kind of way!

I wanted to sparkle it up with some pearls and sparkles...always a fun addition!

Supplies Used: Roxy Paper Pack; Tag the Occasion (B1362); Holiday Magic (October Stamp of the Month, S1110), Cocoa, New England Ivy, Cocoa Card Stock; New England Ivy, Tulip and Cocoa Stamp Pads; Sparkles (Z1104); Mocha Opaques (Z1333); Tulip Mini-Medley (ribbon); 1 1/4" Circle Punch; Sponge (Z697)

Now, hop on over to Elizabeth's Blog to see what kind of creativity she has to share with you!

Decorating a Boring Box...quickly and easily

2011-09-22T19:00:00.000-07:00

My daughter is a secret pal for someone on the swim team. In true teenager fashion, I found out about it the night before she was supposed to bring a gift for the girl to school. (arggh!) Luckily for me, the girl (Fiona) wrote down that she likes buttons and ribbon (SCORE! I was so thankful she likes something I had hanging around!!)

I put a few CTMH craft jars with buttons in them with some retired ribbon in a little (2"x3") box from the office supply store and decorated the box.

I printed the gal's name on sparkly paper and using my newfound Cricut-ing sklls, I made a flower and stuck it on the box. Pretty easy, and my daughter said I was the best gift-making mom in the world. (Yes, she is easily pleased, since I feel like a total newbie.)

Fun with the Elemental paper pack

2011-09-19T09:08:00.000-07:00

Have you seen the new Elemental paper pack? It's got 6 different patterns in 6 different colors: Desert Sand, Olive, Pacifica and Sorbet. At first I didn't know what to do with it...but it's so basic that you can do pretty much anything with it. You can use it like you would use card stock. OHHHH, that's why they call it Elemental...it's basic. 'doh!

Anyway, I participate in a new stamp set swap, and boy, am I glad! Since I didn't know what to do with this paper (I actually didn't really like it), I'm glad that others knew what to do!

Here's a few samples of what you can do with this versatile paper pack. The colors in the Elemental Complements (X7141C) (instead of MyStickease stickers, they have coordinating printed-on dimensional elements) remind me of the now-retired paper pack, Caboodle, which I loved.

Created by Melanie Murry

I really liked how Melanie cut out the deer (from Bundled Buddies, C1472) and popped him up with some puffy tape.

Created by Jennifer Gilson

The flowers are cut out with the Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge. LOVE it! and stamped on with Hooray Bouquet (D1491, $17.95)

Created by Nicole Beasley-Becker

The card was made with Kraft paper and the Cricut cartridge. The stamp set used, Vintage Type (D1481) (great alphabet. There is no tree in this stamp set. Nicole stamped the triangle and cut the tree out with her Cricut!)

I hope that you've gotten a few ideas for using this paper. I'll be using it soon, now that I know what to do.

Win a Cricut Expressions from Close To My Heart!

2011-09-16T08:29:00.000-07:00

Close To My Heart is giving away a Cricut Expression® Machine to one random winner! Larger than the Cricut Create® Machine or the Cricut® Personal Electronic Cutter, the Cricut Expression® Machine precisely cuts letters and shapes in impressive sizes using the 12″ × 24″ mat or the 12″ × 12″ mat. Use your Cricut Expression® Machine with Close To My Heart’s new Cricut® Art Philosophy Collection (sold separately) to create gift boxes, cards, spiral flowers, and more!

The contest is open from September 12 to 26. I entered, and you can, too, as long as you have a Facebook account. (one entry per person - sorry!)

Click here to go to Close To My Heart's Facebook Page to enter!

And if you win (or even if you don't) you can get Close To My Heart's new Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge to use on your Cricut machine. I LOVE mine! 700 images, tons of ideas...click here to shop now! PLUS, they've added a bunch of new Discounted/Discontinued Items - like the Sophia and Mayberry Level 1 Kits at 30% off! Somethings are 70-80% off. woooo!

Also, every day this month, Close To My Heart is Facebook posting a new project made with the fabulous Pair-a-Phrase stamp set. I love this set! Would you like to get it for free? When you place a $75 minimum order, you will get this double stamp set for FREE (a $35.90 value)!! So, when you get a Cricut cartridge in September, you can get the Pair-A-Phrase stamp sets for free. woo-hoo! I LOVE Free! (AND discounts)

Channeling Lisa Stenz...

2011-09-12T19:00:00.000-07:00

Here's one of my first attempts at decorating a tin. It was SO easy with the Cricut to cut all the flowers. A big thank-you to guru, Lisa Stenz.

I got a 4" round tin and decorated it with the Sophia papers for one of the items in my Newcastle Days prize drawing. I was kind of targeting the moms with the girly paper choice. I made a bunch of 2", 2 1/2", and 3" Cricut flowers of different styles. I used Cotton Candy and Hollyhock card stock. I also cut some Colonial White flowers and sprayed them with the Spray Pen (mixed with water and Cotton Candy Reinker).

I'm planning on filing the tin with with the Treasures chocolates. I can't put the chocolates in the box at the fair, because it's supposed to be 85 degrees. (yay!)

Here's a closeup of the flowers. I added Pearl Opaques to the centers.

To adhere the paper and white ribbon on the tin, I used redliner tape (Terrifically Tacky Tape), 1/4" width. For the pom-pom ribbon and flowers, I used a hot glue gun.

I was trying to figure out how to raise the center flowers just a bit. I ended up using a top to the Craft Jars that Close To My Heart sells, and gluing a bunch of the flowers to that first. This was fun to make. I actually like winding the flowers up and making them. It's kind of relaxing. To see how to make them (even if you don't have a Cricut), click here.

Thanks for checking out my blog! Have a fabulous day!

Supplies Used:

A 4" round metal tin (any size will work, but try to make sure it is a cylinder, and doesn't taper in at the top or bottom...which will make it a nightmare for you to figure out the proper size in order to decorate the sides! Trust me...learn from my mistakes!!!)

Sophia Paper Pack

Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge (for flowers, leaves and circles)

Card Stock: Hollyhock, Cotton Candy, Colonial White, Sweet Leaf

Pearl Opaques Adhesive Gems (Z1336, $2.95 for 108 gems)

Spray Pen (Z1380, $3.95 for 3 pens)

Cotton Candy Reinker (and water)

Pom-pom ribbon from Pink Collection (Z1384, $7.95)

Craft Jar (top only) (Z188, $3.50 for 6)

3/8" White Daisy Grosgrain Ribbon (Z270, $6.95 for 20 yards)

Hot Glue Gun (but you could use Liquid Glass)

Lisa

2011-09-08T18:28:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it, summer is finally here in Seattle. It's been so cold all summer long. September has been beautiful, though. LOVE IT! I was inspired to make a summery card.

I especially like the tire swing. I stamped it so that it wasn't hanging straight up and down. It looks like the kid just jumped off of it! Makes me smile. This stamp set also has sentiments that say Congratulations, Here's to You; Wishing You Sunshine and Have a Splendid Day. I like it for someone who might be feeling kind of blue. I'm also thinking about using some red Glitz Gel to make some apples on the tree...but I don't want to wreck the card that I already have, in case it doesn't work out.

Supplies Used:

Splendid Day (D1462, $17.95 - new lower price, yay!)

Card Stock: White Daisy; Tulip, Pear

Inks: Topiary, Chocolate, Grey Wool, Sunny Yellow, Tulip (sponged on Sunny Yellow then stamped), Sky, Pear (used a Sponge Dauber and sponged it on the tree leaves)

Glitz Glitter Gel - Stardust (on tree leaves)

Sponge Dauber

If you live in the Bellevue/Seattle area, stop by my booth at Newcastle Days this Saturday, September 10 from 11am to 7pm at Lake Boren Park in Newcastle. It's a great community day - there's booths (like mine), free music, jumpy toys, pony rides, musicians, climbing wall, wine and beer garden, food, classic car show, all kinds of things... And the weather is supposed to be warm and sunny. A perfect day for a family outing!

PLUS, if you schedule your gathering in the next few days (for some time this fall), you get EXTRA goodies when it's time for your party! I have also scheduled my (seventh!) annual Christmas/Holiday Card Workshop - October 8 and 9. It would be fun to see you there!

September Stamp of the Month Bloghop - Already??

2011-08-31T17:38:00.000-07:00

I know I say this at the start of every month...but how can it be (September) already?? The kids have gone off to school (HOORAY), and I love the routiine-ness (is that a word?) that school provides.

Anyway, I'm excited it's September - there's a new Stamp of the Month called Limited Edition. If you've just arrived here from {Shirley's Blog}, welcome!

Here's the Stamp of the Month images, in case you haven't seen them yet.

I like the vintage-ness of it...the library card, the old fashioned hand and watch. I'm not much of a vintage person, but I think this set will be fun!

I'm thinking Christmas, with that tag. Plus, the little elf from the Christmas Cheer set.

Supplies Used:
Limited Edition, September Stamp of the Month (S1109, $17.95 or $5 with your $50 purchase)
Christmas Cheer (D1494, $17.95)
Inks: Tulip, Black
Card Stock: Colonial White, Topiary
Markers: Topiary, Tulip, Vanilla Cream, Honey, Sparkly Clear Gel Pen
Glue Dots
Colonial White Ribbon (retired)

One of my customers requested a schedule of my upcoming events. I thought this would be fun to send her. Come to think of it, I should make some more...

Here's a close up of the (Cricut) flower set at 2"

Supplies Used:
Limited Edition, September Stamp of the Month (S1109, $17.95 or $5 with your $50 order)
Typeset Paper Pack (X7139B, $9.95)
Card Stock: Colonial White, Creme Brulee
Inks: Crystal Blue, Chocolate, Juniper
Waxy Flax - Sunflower (retired)
Bigger Brads - Juniper (retired)
Sponge Dauber
Cricut flower (set at 2")
Hole Punch

That's all for today. I plan on making some more cards with this set. Have a fabulous day, and stamp yourself happy! Now hop on over to {Adeline's Blog} to see the fabulous things she has for you to peek at.

Carefree!

2011-08-30T22:44:00.000-07:00

Carefree was far and away my favorite stamp set in the Spring/Summer Idea Book.

I love the chunky stems and the great leaves and flowers.

I got this lovely, simple card from my downline, Michele. So what did I do? I copied it! (You know the sincerest form of flattery is copying...)

Here's Michele's card:

Here's my version, with the Carefree stamp set (of course!):

I made my card larger - 4" x 5 1/2", but it's the same principle. The colored part is a band of colored card stock that wraps around the card and slips off the side (to open).

Plus, I liked using the Mocha Opaques. (I used the middle brown pearls. I like how they picked up the orange in the Smoothie paper and ink.

I also did first and second generation stamping. Second generation stamping is where you stamp some of the ink off on a scratch paper (or your project). The ink is lighter, but still the same tones.

Like how I lifted Michele's idea? You're next! (haha) Happy Stamplifting!

Supplies Used:

Carefree stamp set (C1447, $13.95)

Card Stock: Smoothie, Pear, Colonial White

Inks: Smoothie, Pear

Sponge Dauber

Mocha Opaques

Colonial White Ribbon (retired)

Happy Birthday Sweetie

2011-08-28T16:31:00.000-07:00

Last week was my husband's birthday. I'm sure he would be horrified if he knew I was telling you all (what he doesn't know won't hurt him!), but I wanted to post the birthday card I made for him. Unfortunately (for him) the card also shows his age. He's not too excited about the cards I make, generally, but he does get very excited about the scrapbooks I make. (Especially if they have our kids in them. so sentimental...)

Its not fancy (for the reasons I just said, above). But the other thing is I always feel like I'm cheating when I make him a card. (looking at it now, a few hemp bows would have been a nice addition on the stars.)

I wanted to use the corrugated stars (I LOVE them, I don't know why, though!) used the Cricut to make everything else. I made the numbers at the 2" size. What freaked me out a little bit was that the number FIVE was 2" tall, but the ONE was smaller. I couldn't figure it out, at first, but I noticed that the pokey holes were in the same spots. So the typeface is designed to have smaller and larger numbers, but the dots line up. Ahhhhh. My friend tells me that you can also tell the Cricut to make the numbers the same size, but since I'm pretty much a Cricut Newbie, and I didn't feel like reading the directions, I just went with what I had.

I chose the numbers that had holes punched out (layer), so I could put brads (I used copper antique) in the numbers.

Supplies Used: Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge (Z1686, $99); Card Stock: Kraft, Olive, Bamboo, Colonial White; Antiqued Copper Brads; Sponge; Cocoa Ink; Milepost Shapes (Z1464, $3.95)

See -- you can make a card in minutes with your Close To My Heart Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge! Even me, the Cricut Newbie.

Here are all 700 images on the cartridge. For the $99 price, you also get THREE D-Sized Stamp Sets (a $53.85 value), THREE sheets of coordinating Dimensional Elements and the coolest Cricut Cartridge around!

You can click on the images to make them larger. :)

You can also get two free stamp sets (the Pair-A-Phrase sets) when you place a $75 order in August or September - so if you order the Cricut for $99, you also get the $35.90 in stamps for free. woo-hoo!

But wait! Don't answer, there's more! :)

Since you are buying more than $50, you can buy the Stamp of the Month (Wicked), for $5. In August, in addition to the Stamp of the Month, you will ALSO get the "A Typeface" stamp set for free!

August Stamp of the Month - Wicked

woo-hoo!

This set is free when you order the Stamp of the Month for $5. wowie!

Get $60.80 in stamps for $5? Hmmmmm, tempting! Don't wait too long, the Wicked stamp set special ends on August 31. The Pair-A-Phrase special ends September 30. Click here to shop now!

Lisa

Heart2Heart Challenge Blog Card

2011-08-21T15:31:00.000-07:00

Hello! Thanks for stopping by my blog! I'm excited to participate in the Close To My Heart Heart2Heart Challenge Blog this month! If you've never seen that blog before, it's for people who love to use Close To My Heart products (and not just consultants...customers, too!). You can even post your art on the challenge blog and link to your blog to show everyone what you've created!

They have regular challenges, postings and prizes. This month I'm one of the sponsors, so I got to play along with the design team!

This week's challenge is a Back-To-School theme, since it's that time of year. HOORAY!

I thought that the Typeset paper pack was kind of a natural choice for this card, since it has numbers and letters on it. The other thing I really wanted to use was the new Pin Clips (the little metal circle on a pin). Since I use a lot of puffy tape (foam mounting tape), it's really easy to stick the pin into some of the tape somewhere on the card (mine is under the star). I love making things pop up off cards. (I popped the stars and ribbon, too, even though you can't really tell.)

One of the stamp sets I picked comes with the new Cricut cartridge collection that Close To My Heart has just introduced.

Supplies Used:

Blue Ribbon (C1464, $13.95) Did you notice the new lower prices on stamp sets?? yay!

Cricut Art Philosophy Collection (Z1686, $99.00--includes 3 stamp sets and 3 packages of Dimensional Elements) Did you know you can get a bunch of free stamp sets in August & September when you place a qualifying order? And the Cricut will definitely qualify you. Email me to ask how - here.

Typeset Level 2 Paper Pack (X7139B, $9.95)

Milepost Shapes (Z1464, $3.95)

Pin Clips (Z1612, $4.95)

Metal Brad Assortment (Z1366, $4.95)

Card Stock: Bamboo, Desert Sand

Inks: Juniper, Cocoa, Cocolate

Stipple Brush

Foam Mounting Tape

Christmas Pillow Box

2011-08-19T23:20:00.000-07:00

I've been having fun with my Cricut machine. My friend suggested I make all the boxes as large as I could, so I could show people what they could do. I made this fun pillow box and decorated the wrapper with the new Believe paper pack.

I used super sticky Terrifically Tacky Tape to put the box together, and on the wrapper and label. Nothing else I tried worked very well. I loved the elf in the Christmas Cheer stamp set. (He actually looks like someone I know.)

I really like the new heavier B&T (Background & Texture) (patterned) paper that Close To My Heart came out with. Plus, the new paper packs are lower in price! $9.95 instead of $12.95. They still have 6 patterns in each pack, but the papers now have 2 complimentary but different designs on a single sheet Yay! The heavier paper is great for projects like these (above) where you need some substance on the wrapper.

Supplies Used:
Believe Paper Pack (X7145B, $9.95)
Christmas Cheer (D1494, $17.95) -- all stamps sets have new lower prices!
Card Stock: Holiday Red, Topiary, White Daisy
Stamp Pads: Black, Holiday Red
Markers: Topiary, Sunny Yellow, Holiday Red, Parchment
Buttons: Green Assortment (Z1372, $5.95), Holiday Red (retired)
Waxy Flax: Colonial White
Glue Dots

Pair-A-Phrase Blog Hop!

2011-08-14T17:03:00.000-07:00

Did you know that August is a great time to shop with Close To My Heart? There's some FABULOUS specials happening now!

Promotion 1: Stamp of the Month Promotion - August 1-31: Place a $50 order and get the Stamp of the Month for $5 AND a cute alphabet set for free!

Promotion 2: Pair A Phrase - August 15-September 30: Get TWO FREE stamp sets if you place a $75 order (National Stamping Month is September, but the promotion starts August 15)...

So between August 15 and August 31 the two specials overlap, and you can get $42.85 in FREE stamp sets with your $80 purchase! (The 75 + 5). The 3 stamp sets are really nice ones, too.

The the National Stamping Month promotion is called PAIR-A-PHRASE. Here they are the 2 free stamp sets:

If you've arrived here from {Jean's blog}, you've come to the right place! Thanks for HOPPING by!

Here's the 3 cardsI did with the Pair-A-Phrase stamp set.

Check out the snowman - glitter (of course!)

I even cut the tag out, old school, with Micro-Tip Scissors!

I love the new blingy diamond button things. They even have a place for waxy flax!

SUPPLIES USED: Pair-A-Phrase Stamp Set; Wonderland Paper Pack (NEW!) (X7146B, $9.95); Lilac Mist, Spring Iris, White Daisy Card Stock; Spring Iris Stamp Pad; Baby Pink, Sunkiss Yellow, Spring Iris, Grey Flannel, Creme Brulee (for nose) Markers; Liquid Glass, Prisma Glitter; Bling Assortment (NEW! sparkly buttons); Micro-Tip Scissors; Amethyst Waxy Flax (retired); 3/8" organdy ribbon (retired).

For my second creation, I did a Cricut card, sized 4 1/4" square. The card design has 3 flowers cut out of the front panel, so that the inside will show through. I put a 4" square Colonial White piece of paper on the inside of the card, so that the flowers would show up better. I added 3 blue sparkles on the INSIDE of the card that show through to the front of the card. What I like about this one, is it's a simple design. Just stamp and color in the bicycle. (I used Watercolor Pencils and the Blending Pen.) I also used the A Typeface Stamp Set for the "Happy Day." I think I need a little more practice with the letter placement. My "Y" is too close to the "P."

SUPPLIES USED: Pair-A-Phrase Stamp Set; A Typeface (available in August only...for free); Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge; Crystal Blue, Colonial White Card Stock; Outdoor Denim, Moonstruck Stamp Pads; Watercolor Pencils (3505, $22.95); Blending Pen (3174, $3.95); Blue & Green Assortment Sparkles (Z1327, $2.95)

My Third and final creation for this swap was this super fun owl card. Another consultant (I can't remember her name) posted a similar card on the Close To My Heart Bulletin Board. SO cute!

Inspired (practically copied exactly) from Brenda, who designed the card template.

Here's the inside:

When you open the card, the tree trunk rounds out and the party owl peeks out and makes you laugh. If you didn't want to do the fold-y inside-of-the-card thing, you can just make the front of the card. It still works.

To make the tree trunk look like it has some texture, I used the Texture Tool (Stipple Brush) and some Chocolate Reinker on the Kraft paper and just brushed it up and down to make it look like tree bark.

The owl card took a little while to make, because I had to read the instructions (here). Next time I will be faster.(Totally worth the effort, though!)

SUPPLIES USED: Pair-A-Phrase Stamp Set; Remarkable Wreath Stamp Set (C1473, $13.95); Sky, Sweet Leaf, Colonial White, Cocoa, Tulip, Sunkiss Yellow Card Stock; Kraft Card Stock (Z1375, $9.50); Chocolate and Cocoa stamp pads; Chocolate, Bamboo, Desert Sand and Parchment Markers; 1 1/4" circle punch (for the leaves); small flower punch (for the hat, not-CTMH), 1 3/4" punch for the tree trunk hole; sandpaper (for the leaves).

If you are in the Seattle area and want to come to a card class - send me an email! We'll be doing the snowman and the owl cards (plus 3 others). If you aren't able to come to one of my classes, be sure to get the Pair-A-Phrase Stamp Set (and the A Typeset, too, if you order between August 15 and August 31.) Click here to shop online right now!

Now HOP on over to {Mary's Blog} to see what kind of creativity she has in store for you! Thanks for stopping by!

Chinese Takeout Box with my new Cricut!

2011-08-13T21:34:00.000-07:00

I'm loving the new CTMH Cricut cartridge! I love the little boxes and other 3D items you can make with it. Here's my second official project - the Chinese Takeout Box (my fav), that I made with the new Love Life stamp set. I think this would be perfect for wedding favors or other party goodies.

Here's a close up of the flower (also from the CTMH Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge)...and a better picture of the swirls and flowers. I LOVE this project! SO easy! We also made it today at our team meeting.

Supplies Used:
Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge
Take Out Food Box (largest - 11")
Flower (sized at 2 1/2")
White Daisy Card Stock
Love Life Stamp Set (D1482, $17.95)
Sky Stamp Pad
Sweet Leaf Stamp Pad
Smoothie Stamp Pad
Sponge Dauber

These are the flowers in the CTMH Cricut Art Philosphy cartridge.

There should be one more flower in there! Sorry about the omission.

You can make lots of fun flowers - I inked mine with the Sponge Dauber (and Smoothie Ink) and swirled it around some tweezers. See this post for more details on how to make the flower. Each style of cutout makes a different type of flower. Check it out!

I think there are only 6 different styles - there is a duplicate in there.

To color the flowers I used a sponge dauber (on both sides). You could also use the Spray Pen and spray a little color onto the white flowers. Also, adding a little Glitz Glitter Gel is a great look! You can also add pearls in the centers.

To secure the flowers in the middle, I used a blob of Liquid Glass and held it there for a few moments. You can also use craft glue that dries clear. Have fun, good luck!