Cricut Creations!

The Cricut, baby, the Cricut! I absolutely am in love with this new creation! The Cricut Art Philosophy Collection has got to be the hottest thing since sliced bread!!!!

This card, which I have stamp lifted somewhere, and I'm so sorry I can't remember where . . . took me minutes to make! Really! I cut the flowers and the little doily and the leaves out with the Cricut . . . added the "Best Wishes . . . " from one of the sets that came with the Cricut Art Philosophy Collection. The paper is from Dreamin' Collection. So easy!

I have a very old Cricut (it only cuts 6"x12" paper) so I made the french fry box but could only make it 5 1/2" so it turned out little, but SO cute. It would be perfect for little party favors or a gift card.

I used the Dreamin' Paper pack for this one too and the stamp sets that came with the Cricut Art Philosophy stamp set. Oh my goodness, it was super quick to make too and I loved how easy it was to stamp the thank you tag on the die-cut ticket. Super easy too!

I'm hooked on my Cricut!

Get yours too! The CTMH Cricut Art Philosophy is only available through CTMH so let me know if you *need* one too! :-)

See page 13 of the new catalog and be sure to come to my upcoming Cricut 101 class! Fun!

Creative Convention Extravaganza

Oh yeah, baby! Close To My Heart Convention is ALL about the artwork . . . not only do the Consultants get to see some of the best artists at work at Extravaganza, but the attendees also receive all the products they need to create their own fun artwork with the new tools, papers, stamps, and doo dads (oh, how I love the doo dads!)

 These two pages (which I wish I could figure out how to display side by side) was the project layout idea we were given at Convention.(And yes, we received EVERYTHING we needed to make it including the awesome bling, found on page 127 & 128) I used photos highlighting a recent stamp session with my very good friend, Michele, who is SO creative. You should definitely check out her blog for ideas too: http://michelesinkitstampit.blogspot.com/.

I created the pages in her Studio and then went around her beautiful rural property and took some pictures. Michele also took me to a fun lunch place and  . . . yes, there was a chicken store next door. Alas, no big chicken artwork, but I have not lost hope.

These pages were created with the new Roxie paper pack and the stamp set, 10 Things C1474 (remember new stamp prices so it's only $13.95!!!) and the ribbon (which I just noticed is majorly crooked . . . ah well, I'm not perfect either) is from the Designer Ribbon Red Collection Z1615 (only $5.95). I wrote something I love about stamping with Michele on each of the little tags in the pocket (on page 123 of the catalog . . . only $3.95). Michele has a rockin stamp room, you can see from the picture of us . . . don't even worry, I'm heading back that way SOON!

Convention attendees also received everything to create a darling mini album using 6x6 Kraft Cards (p. 123 and only $6.95 for 10 cards & envelopes). The stamp set was an exclusive Convention attendee only stamp set, featuring that adorable castle which Megan, my oldest daughter, says is a rendition of Hogwarts! LOL

The book is created using 3 of the Kraft cards, folded accordion style and attached with strong adhesive. Pictures of my friends from high school playing in Mickey land look GREAT in this book! I love it!

Stay tuned . . . I'm stamping again today! :-)

Playing with new papers!!!

Today I decided to play with some new products from the brand new catalog. These are the rub ons that coordinate with the Wicked set, found on page 46 of the new catalog. They were super easy to apply and not only does it include Halloween themed rub ons, but also Thanksgiving and the borders could easily be used for just about any theme. I love multi use items!

So I made this card, using only the rub-ons, no stamping . . . and the papers from the Wicked set (don't you just love saying you used "Wicked" paper?) I also sanded the background paper and sponge a tad bit of Cocoa ink around the edges to make it look rather Fall like. I love how easy the card was to make and how fun the images came off the paper . . .

The Zip Strip from Dreamin'

Then I decided to make a daisy card, using the stamps from Thanksgiving stamp set C1426 on page 65 of the new catalog. The little sayings came from the "zip strip" from the top of the new background and texture paper. You will notice that our new paper not only is a heavier weight, but it also does not have the logo stamped on the useable piece of paper, it is on one side of a 1/4" strip at the top of the paper and the back side of this piece? Totally different little strip to be used for decorating whatever your heart desires.

I also decided to use some scraps I had left over from Convention make and takes to create these 3 little notecards. I love 2 1/2" x 3 1/2" little cards. Perfect for including with a gift or just writing a little something to a friend or favorite neighbor with those batch of cookies (hint, I love chocolate chip . . . )

Have a fun stamping day! And remember, if your fingers aren't inky when you're done, you didn't do it right!

Wickedly Awesome Stamp Deal

There are only a few more days left to take advantage of this awesome spooky Wicked Deal! This month you can not only get this stamp set for only $5 with a $50 order, but you'll receive the alphabet set shown to the right. Free stamps! Yeah!

The stamp set this month is called, Wicked . . . I love the witch, her stripey socks make me want some just like hers! And the kitty? Well, she's going to be good for other things besides Halloween, like birthday cards for my feline loving pals. I have already made a bunch of cards and then realized . . . oh, I need to wait for OCTOBER to be sending out spooky greetings. LOL

The best change to our stamping program (besides the lower price on all the stamps) is the complete guide to the projects that are shown with the Stamp of the Month at the back of the catalog. How does this work? Well, the CTMH Art Department have shared how they made all that beautiful artwork. Not just WHAT they used, but HOW they did it. Oh my, stamp lifting made even easier??? Sign me up!

This cute box is shown on the last page of the catalog, only it's shown open . . . go to the link from the CTMH website under the "Campaigns and Promotions" section and you can see exactly how it's been done. Yeah!


 http://www.closetomyheart.com/en/Campaigns_and_Promotions/Stamp_of_the_Month.aspx

Happy Stamping and Crafting! Let me know if you *NEED* Wicked or anything else. :-)

Stamper Girls Unite!!!!

Part of our team at Convention 2011

In 1997 I went to my first stamping party . . . my husband asked where I was going at 7:00 pm on a Tuesday night (not that he cared really, not with that dazed look a new dad has when he has a 4 month old baby, a rambunctious 3 year old and a 7 year old that was really just wanting attention, so maybe he just wondered how long he could hold onto his sanity).  I said I was going to a stamping party which was kind of like Tuperware and no, I wouldn’t spend too much, but could I take the checkbook, you know, just in case. When I look back at my life from that point forward (and I still say I'm only 29, just an OLD 29), I have to say the best thing I decided to pursue was my journey as a Consultant with Close To My Heart, the best stamping and scrapbooking company in the whole world. Not kidding, it's true! I've been a Consultant for almost 15 years (that's half of my 29 years . . . oh wait, now my math is getting kinda blurry. LOL)

I love being a Consultant and not just because they carry a FULL line of the best scrapbooking paper (yes, I sniff the new bags of paper. Best. Smell. Ever.), best clear stamps (I sniff them too), and matchy matchy everything from the inks to the accessories to the ribbons, oh how I adore ribbon. You can never, ever have too much ribbon. No, the very best thing about Close To My Heart is the friendships I've made and the connections I have made with both my customers and my team members and others in this awesome company from around the world. And let's face it, many of them became team members after becoming my customer or were my friend and I hooked them into this fabulous art world. Truly, when I say hooked, it really is addicting. My husband watched me with a class of stampers one day and he pulled me aside and said that it was a little like a drug deal going down.

Me: "This stamp pad color would go perfectly with that paper pack."
Mary Stamper: (name changed in case the husband reads this) "oh, yes! I love that color, is it Tulip?"
Me: "oh my, you know your CTMH color palette so well. Would you like to look at the other Tulip accessories?"

Michele P.'s beautiful card.

And so it is that Mary Stamper orders EVERYTHING she needs to make an adorable Cherry O greeting card and enough paper to create pages for her scrapbook and maybe even little goodie bags for her daughter’s birthday party. Yes, it is a little like dealing, I suppose. However, unlike dealing bad things, stamps and scrapbook things are GOOD things. Not only is it extremely therapeutic (I have a psychologist on my team who has endorsed stamping and scrapbooking as a form of therapy) but we stampers create a legacy of scrapbooks and cards for generations to come. Plus, it keeps us out of trouble. Right? Get the glitter, girls, we've got work to do!!

Look what I stamped today!

I made these cute little 3x3 cards today with my new stamps and papers we received at Convention . . . It was SO much fun and now my fingers are inky and I am pretty sure there is a smudge on my nose too (I can just see it as I'm typing this . . . ) but it makes me happy so, that's okay. Maybe the pizza delivery guy won't notice. Oh wait, that's just Dave, my hubby.

I made these cards too . . . I love the blingie buttons (that's a real word) and the butterflies are beautiful and make me think of a Jason Mraz song.

Then I totally switched gears and made a Halloween card. I know, random, huh? But I couldn't let the cat be so boring so I added an opaque black button for her nose and red sparkles on her eyes. Spooky!

But wait, isn't Halloween not for another 2 months? Don't tell Target or Michael's that, they barely got the summer stuff out there for me to think about and bam, it's Christmas stuff. Huh? Anyway, Have a Wicked Christmas! LOL

Paper Flower Tutorial

I love making the paper flower rosettes that are on the new CTMH Art Philosophies cartridge . . . and my friend, Michele Pryor really has the best tutorial ever!  Michele's Flower Tutorials

Making flowers is SO much easier than growing them! Michele is an exceptional paper gardener as shown here with a card she made using her Cricut and the CTMH set that coordinates. Beautiful!

 This is the side angle of the Cherry O paper card . . . I love how Michele has the flower petals curled up a bit to give it more diminsion. Simply lovely! And no watering involved. Have fun with your paper garden!

Wicked Fun

 I am LOVING the August Stamp of the Month . . . and maybe it's not just because it's called Wicked. It's no where near Halloween and yet, the stores are full of Halloween stuff already (and school hasn't even started). Heck, if I bought candy for the trick or treaters now, what would the chances of it still being here (or me finding it in October because I hid it in such a perfect place from myself that I can't find it) . . . yup, not a good idea.

So, instead I'm stamping witches and brooms and lots of scary stuff . . . including the cat, who, by the way, is NOT wicked. She's really cute and I just had the thought that she would make an adorable card . . . and I could make her have green eyes with some of my little jewels. OR I could make her spooky with some of the red ones.

this is a cute cat card

this is a real wicked cat

Oh, and the cat card was really fun to make because I cut the scallop shaped card out with my new CTMH Cricut cartridge. There are several really fun shaped cards, including circle cards which I love making, but are hard to cut out because, well, I failed cutting circles out in kindergarten. LOL

Okay, so apparently, I need to go make some more cards with my new Wicked stamp set. I hope it's not wicked of me to not make my family dinner because I'm too busy stamping. It's not Wicked if you make cute stuff, right?

MeOw!

Fun with the Cricut (I know, more!)

I just found more ideas and hints and tips for integrating the Art Philosophy cartridge with the stamp sets.
I want to make more of these adorable flowers.

Also, if you want more step by step directions on very 3D rosette flowers, see page 33 of the current catalogs. It couldn't be easier to create one of a kind art work!

Online Current Catalog (go to page 33)

Have fun and let me know if you have any questions or want your own Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge.

Chirp, chirp!

Scrapbooking in Studio J

https://stampedbyme.myctmh.com/Retail/StudioJ

I bet you didn't know this, but I have expanded my Studio . . . don't even worry, Dave won't be mad, because the Stamp Studio, also known as our living room, is still the same. I've expanded my studio with Studio J, which is the Close To My Heart digital online scrapbooking program.

I know, first I was using the Cricut this week and now I'm scrapbooking online. It's crazy! Today I created 4 beautiful layouts this afternoon and I have submitted them to print . . . my total cost: under $25.00 and I get free page protectors and earned free shipping! And that's not all! I immediately received the jpg images so I can show and tell them here or on Facebook or if I wanted to print them myself (although the CTMH printer uses higher quality and the colors are much better than my Canon.)

For a VERY short and easy training (7 minutes) we have a video on YouTube: 

 This is the link to the video if this doesn't work: http://www.youtube.com/Studio J
This is the link to the pricing information . . . there are several options to pick from, but to just try the software and creative your page so you can see how it works . . . that's FREE! http://www.studioj.com/studioj_pricing.html  Let me know if any of those links don't work!

(To see the layouts in a larger size, click on them and it will enlarge them!! Magic!)
The first layout I created featured my fun day at Disneyland last month:

Then I had some more fun with our trip to the zoo!

And the last two were memories from my two summer birthday children. I am so excited to get so much scrapbooking done!

Hope you enjoyed my show and tell. If you have any questions regarding the program or the how to's, just give me an email or call and I'll walk you through it. It sure does make scrapbooking SUPER fast and super easy. And did I mention cheapest way I can think of to get some cute pages done too! Make sure to tell all your friends about my blog so I can get more followers and I won't feel so sad that I only have 12 people. LOL

Happy Scrapbooking!

Cricut Chirp, Chirp!

What a FUN afternoon! My good friend, Katie and I sipped iced tea, and I showed her all I know about the Cricut, which isn't much, but we experimented and used up some old cardstock and managed to make some cute cards and tags, if we don't say so ourselves.

The card shape for this fun Happiness card is found on the Art Philosphy Cricut cartridge and the gnome is from the new stamp set called Gnome Garden C1470. Katie made one just like it, in blue, because we needed a man card. Yes, we know . . . the bow might not make this manly, but we added some of those opaque circle things . . . plus, you know, her brother will just be amazed at the gnome and won't notice the flower and stuff, right? ;-)

We also made this tag to hang in Katie's car . . . to remind her of how cool gnomes can be. I could tell Katie's husband was really excited about the gnome picture. The squirrel is totally making the card, everyone knows that squirrels and gnomes are the real bosses of the forest and definitely good luck!

We also experimented with the rosette flowers that come on the Cricut cartridge. This tag was made using two of the different style flowers. Super easy to make too! You just choose your flower and the size (I did 4" ones) and after it cuts the flower (a spiral shaped circle), you start on the outside of the spiral and roll it up toward the center of the circle (I used a skinny sanding tool but a pencil works too). Once you have it rolled, just glue it down to the center circle. I used a glue dot and then added some Liquid Glass here and there to keep it in place. then I stuck a decorative brad in the middle for the center of the flower. The tag is from the Cricut cartridge. So much FUN! I love the little Cricut bug! :-)

 What have you been making with yours? Let me know! Chirp, chirp!

This witch is NOT wicked!

Life was just never the same after that house fell on Glenda, the Good Witch's evil sister, in the infamous Wizard of Oz movie and that reminds me, the Stamp of the Month program will never be the boring, old same either.  You can still just buy the stamp, if you so desire, or spend just $50 and you can buy it for just $5 more. Pretty good deal, if I don't say so myself, but this month, it's even BETTER!

Spend $50 and buy the stamp set, Wicked for just $5 and get the Typeface (A size) font set for FREE! That's just wickedly awesome and such a great way to kick off the new catalog. But wait. There's more. (I sound like an infomercial now.)

If you go the www.closetomyheart.com and look under the Campaigns and Promotions subtitle and click on Stamp of the Month, It has directions and recipes for the ideas present at the back of the catalog. There's also a card included with the stamp set that has a close up picture of the projects. This is great news for lazy crafters like me, who love a great idea (that may or may not be my idea . . . mostly not) and I just hate having to guess what was used. Thank you, CTMH, for making it even faster, simplier, and easy! Love it!

Have yourself a wickedly witchy day!

This Cricut Cartridge ROCKS!

Wowzer, I am loving this new Cricut cartridge Art Philosophy from Close To My Heart. Not only is using the Cricut to cut out letters and shapes ultra cool and easy, but stamping your design right on the exact size shape is just . . . well, pretty awesome, in the words of my Rachel (17 years old). I stamp lifted (yeah, okay, copied) this card shown here right from the little book that comes with the cartridge. And speaking of that little book, don't lose it!!!! It shows you EXACTLY how to get the images to print, including the fonts, the tags, the cute shaped card, like this oval scalloped card here:

I made this card exclusively with everything that is included with the bundled Cricut cartridge . . . including those 3D flowers! The stamp set too! And in case you were wondering why some of the images in your new CTMH catalog are outlined in red, those are the images that can stamp perfectly onto one of the 700 images contained on the Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge and you can order it from me, easy as . . . well, easy as stamping with CTMH acrylix stamp sets.

For more great Cricut ideas, check out Jeanette's blog: Jeanette's Blog and the CTMH Corporate how to video: Corporate Art Philosopy YouTube Video

If you have any questions or you want your VERY own Cricut Cartridge and stamps and dimensional shapes, send me an email or shop on my website: http://stampedbyme.myctmh.com

Have a Chirpy Day!
Elaine

New Cricut Cartridge!

I am SO excited! The new CTMH Cricut cartridge arrived in the mail a few days ago and today I can try it out! It came with 3 D size stamp sets that coordinate with the diecuts (they fit right in the images perfectly) and the cartridge comes with some 3 D projects like boxes, special cut cards, and even some flowers! VERY cool!

Here's a picture of the back so you can see what it includes!

The cartridge package is shown and explain in detail on pages 12 and 13 of the NEW catalog! You don't have a NEW catalog? Well come and get one! I will leave some on my porch or email me and I'll get you one ASAP. Here's the link to the online version: Link to the New Fall Catalog!















As always, no order is too small. Let me know if you'd like to treat yourself to something from the new catalog or shop directly from my website at http://stampedbyme.myctmh.com.

Off to play with my new stamps and Cricut toys!
Let me know if you have any questions!