Monday, December 31, 2012

Christmas Stocking


My aunt had given me a stocking years ago with my name embroidered on it.  I just love it and needed to make Jerrad a stocking that matched it well.  I got out my stocking and my stash of Christmas fabrics.  I traced my stocking onto the fabric and batting.  I quilted squares 1 inch apart and then embroidered Jerrad's name using my embroidery machine and gold thread.  I added a little scrap of ribbon for the hanger.  I am really pleased with how this turned out!



Saturday, December 29, 2012

Everyday Embellishing

It’s easy to incorporate chalk, metallics, and bling into your artwork with a few embellishments you can use on your everyday papercrafting projects. Let us show you how!

This Merry & Bright page uses dots created with the gold metallic marker to add extra sparkle around the edges of the page. Notice the scalloped accents with outlines in gold marker which adds dimension and draws your eye. Our metallics markers will make your artwork sparkle!

Add heart to your art with an extra touch of bling—cover your Dimensional Elements with silver Glitz™ glitter gel, a clear Sparkle or two, or a touch of silver from the metallics marker! Your heartfelt messages will bedazzle your loved ones.

The chalk marker and 12" × 12" chalkboard sheet are a perfect pair for creating a unique project. Journal and embellish your memories with the quaint look of a chalkboard—minus the dust—and a lot of freehand fun, perfect to display in your albums or on your walls!
If you haven’t had a chance to scrapbook your Halloween photos yet, here’s a great idea for a spooky page. The Haunted assortment with its cute skull brads, spider badge buttons, and more, is the perfect go-to for scary Halloween memories. It also coordinates nicely with the Moonlight paper packet and Moonlight Complements Dimensional Elements.

Tell your story with papers and accents that complement your unique tale. The Memo assortment’s little note tags are great for embellishing and journaling all in one, and the tiny epoxy numbers mimic old typewriter keys. Pair the Memo assortment with our Scholastic paper packet and My Stickease® assortment for your school-themed memories and more!

This elegant layout is tied together by antique elements from the Baroque assortment, Avonlea Complements canvas shapes, and the beautiful Avonlea papers. Add a timeless quality to your memories with graceful keys, broaches, and buttons from the Baroque assortment.

Whatever your project, embellishing will bring your artwork to life.  Add that extra something to your everyday projects!

Friday, December 28, 2012

Baby's 1st Christmas Ornament

 
When I saw this idea on Pinterest, I knew I had to make one for my beautiful niece.  I made 3 of these ornaments.  One for mom, grandma, and me.  I am very happy with how they turned out and I hope that the recipients liked them also! 

 
Source: etsy.com via Kira on Pinterest


Close to My Heart Products Used:
My Creations Block
Pear & Partridge Paper Packet
White Cardstock (ran through printer)
My Acrylix Christmas Delights Stamp Set
Barn Red Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad
Gold Ribbon from Mistletoe Creative Basics Kit (retired)

Other Products Used:
Jingle Bells from Stampin' Up



Thursday, December 13, 2012

Whooo's Your Valentine Kit

Celebrate National Papercrafting Month with an incredible deal—our Whooo’s Your Valentine kit for only $10! Combine your love of papercrafting with the contents of this kit to create personalized valentines—perfect for classrooms and other group settings. This darling kit, which retails for $40, can be yours for only $10 when you spend $35 or more in Close To My Heart product from the Autumn/Winter 2012 Idea Book. You’ll receive 12 die-cut boxes, 3 cardstock sheets, 1 sheet of silver glitter paper, 12 treat tubes, and an exclusive D-size stamp set created specifically for the kit. This kit offers you a sneak peek at two new Spring/Summer 2013 products: the treat tubes and the silver glitter paper! Decorate the die-cut boxes with the stamp images, cardstock, and glitter paper. Then attach the clear tube and fill with treats for valentines in a cinch!
Available from December 13, 2012 to January 31, 2013.

Monday, December 3, 2012

Christmas Tree Pants

When I saw this sew-along on Sew Mama Sew last year, I had to go directly to Walmart (the only fabric selection in my town) to purchase fabric.  I found this nice collection filled with non-traditional colors and glitter and thought it would be perfect.  It was super easy to make, and I love this lady's blog- she is a hoot yet inspirational and informative.  I am really really happy with how this turned out and cannot wait to use the left overs to make more things for my house like pillows, place mats, or a table runner.

http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/2011/10/christmas-tree-pants-holiday-sew-along-because-not-all-trees-like-to-wear-skirts/#.UCk-bEQzKUc

http://thehappyzombie.com/blog/?p=516


I let no scraps go to waste.  When I made the points on the stars, I went ahead and sewed another seam 1/2" from the original seam before trimming.  This gave me little squares. 

Sunday, December 2, 2012

Avonlea

The Avonlea collection is a mixture of blues, greens, teal, and neutrals.  My favorite from the Autumn/Winter 2012 Idea Book, it can be both feminine or masculine depending on which papers and colors you highlight.  I have seen beautiful layouts, cards, home decor, wedding, Christmas, winter, and everyday projects made with this collection.  I hope you will like it as much as me and create some extraordinary pieces of art!

Avonlea can be found on pages 16-22 of the Autumn/Winter Idea Book.  It is also featured on the cover.

Saturday, December 1, 2012

December Stamp of the Month

December Stamp of the Month: Year-Round Cheer

Available December 1-31, 2012
Retail Price $17.95
Spend $50+ and get the Stamp of the Month for $5.00

Monday, November 26, 2012

More Out of Home Decor

There are so many creative ways to use hand-crafted 3-D items. Use our great products to create home décor that will bring a fun and unique accent in your home. It’s easy to use Close To My Heart products you already know and love—with a different twist!

This festive thankful countdown uses the My Creations® cubby to celebrate Thanksgiving. Fill the Cricut®-cut boxes with reminders of things you are thankful for, and share the grateful fun with your family. Use it to countdown to your favorite holiday, like Thanksgiving, or use different embellishments and countdown to a loved one’s birthday to show them how much you love them.

This adorable star was made from Collection Two of the Hostess Collections, available through Hostess Rewards in the Autumn Winter 2012 Idea Book. Show your hostesses this spunky star so they have an idea of what they can create from this particular Hostess Collection. While the Dakota paper packet, Casual Expressions stamp set, and Dakota Complements Foil Images have a country feel, you and your customers can use all of these same materials to make a welcoming star for your front door.

Everyday household items can also be combined with Close To My Heart products to create dazzling home décor. Use the Flirty paper packet and your Cricut® machine, along with everyday household items such as a flower pot and Styrofoam ball, to create a papercrafted tree. Or add a few Dimensional Elements to the autumn colors of the Flirty papers to create a desk calendar using two My Creations blocks. You can even use cute Cricut®-cut flowers and leaves to make a festive banner!

For displaying precious memories, the display tray is a perfect fit! Display photos, stamped sentiments, Dimensional Elements, and other embellishments for a prized layout that you can proudly hang anywhere in your home. The display tray is easy to personalize, too; cover up several windows with cardstock for larger photos!
Show your customers how they can make eye-catching home décor in a cinch. Creating unique home décor is so much fun to do; the trick is deciding which project to create first!

Friday, November 23, 2012

Monday, November 19, 2012

Scroll Album Workshop

One of the new Close to My Heart home decor workshops is the Scroll Album.  This is a completely unique spin on showcasing your photos and goes together super fast and easy.  With a lot of glue, the included stickers, and photos your scroll album will be together and sitting on a table, shelf, or mantle for everyone to enjoy. 


Friday, November 16, 2012

Monday, November 12, 2012

My Creations Star


I have recently started fixing up and decorating my basement.  In the living room, I am doing a country/ red barn theme.  This is not usually my style, but I really like the way it is turning out.  I knew the My Creations star would fit right in with the rest of the decor.  I am really happy with the way it turned out and it looks nice hanging in the living room.  I will share photos when I have a few more pieces done!

Close to My Heart Products Used:
My Creations Star
Cashmere Pigment Ink Pad
Chocolate Pigment Ink Pad
Cocoa Pigment Ink Pad (I wasn't sure what shade to use, so I started light with Cashmere.  It was too light, so I added Chocolate.  Still too light, so I added Cocoa.)
La Belle Vie Level 2 Paper Packet
Ruby Cardstock
Artiste Cricut Cartridge
Black Sparkle Flourishes

Friday, November 9, 2012

Monday, November 5, 2012

Cheetah Rag Quilt




Everytime I would walk by this charm pack of fabric at Walmart, I would think of a certain person.  Last year, I finally broke down and bought 2 packs to make her a quilt for a Christmas present.  Rag quilts are so super easy to make and a great way to use up scraps of batting. 

Friday, November 2, 2012

Flirty

The Flirty Collection is fun and bold!  It is perfect for so many occasions, including fall and valentine's day both! 

For a more funky flavor, take a look at the new Flirty paper pack! Florals just got a lot more fun. You probably guessed already that this is another paper pack that introduces kit-specific colors for increased variety and flexibility in your crafting. I love the colorful Dimensional Elements that complement the kit, with more of those delightful multi-color flowers as well as other natural images, such as moths, an owl, acorns, leaves, and more.

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Capture the Date, Capture the Savings!

In November, you’ll get something extra when you buy the Stamp of the Month—50% off another stamp set! When you qualify for and buy the November Stamp of the Month set, Capture the Date, you’ll receive another stamp set* of your choice for 50% off—it’s like two promotions in one! The versatile Capture the Date stamp set is great for any layout, card, invitation, or calendar, and now you can choose another stamp set at half-off for more wonderful papercrafting. Get Capture the Date and then capture the savings today!

November Stamp of the Month

November Stamp of the Month: Capture the Date
Available November 1-30, 2012
Retail Price $17.95
Spend $50+ and get the Stamp of the Month for $5.00

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Halloween Treat Bag

 

Close to My Heart Products Used:
Artiste Cricut Cartridge
Creepy Creatures My Acrylix Stamp Set
Black Exclsive Inks Stamp Pad
Mischief Level 2 Paper Pack (retired)
Grey Wool Cardstock (retired)
White Daisy Cardstock
Black Stitched Ribbon (retired)
Small Hole Punch (retired) 
Bonding Memories Glue

Other Products Used:
Stampin' Up Scallop Circle Punch

Friday, October 26, 2012

Friday, October 12, 2012

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Flakey Friends Cards


 These cards are made using the same pattern from the Make It From Your Heart book.  I just turned one on the side! I love how different they look.

Close to My Heart Products Used:
Make It From Your Heart- Volume 1
White Daisy Cards & Envelopes
Crystal Blue Cardstock
Dakota Paper Packet
My Acrylix Flakey Friends Stamp Set
My Acrylix Love Life Stamp Set
Slate Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad
Sweet Leaf Alcohol Marker Set
Autumn Terracotta Alcohol Marker Set
Outdoor Denim Alcohol Marker Set
Grey Flannel Marker (retired)
Chocolate Marker (retired)
Silver Glitz Glitter Gel
 

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Happy Holidays Card


Close to My Heart Products Used:
Make It From Your Heart- Volume 1
Colonial White Cards & Envelopes
Pear & Partridge Paper Packet
My Acrylix Merry & Bright Stamp Set
Cocoa Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad
Ruby Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad
New England Ivy Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad
Cocoa Marker
 

Monday, October 8, 2012

Halloween Candy Jar


Close to My Heart Products Used:
Moonlight Paper Packet
White Daisy Cardstock
My Acrylix Perfect Fit Frames Stamp Set
My Acrylix Perfect Fit- Halloween Stamp Set
Smokey Plum Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad
Slate Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad
Cricut Artiste Cartridge
Black Tulle

Other Products Used:
Pasta Sauce Jar
Bamboo Skewers

Friday, October 5, 2012

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Love Never Melts Snowman Card

I am starting to think about Christmas cards!  I have a gathering this Saturday where we will be making Christmas cards and then hope to have a workshop later this month or early November.  Christmas will be here before we know it!


Recipe:
Mojo Monday 261

Close to My Heart Products Used:
Crystal Blue Cardstock
White Daisy Cardstock
Black Cardstock
White Daisy Cards & Envelopes
My Acrylix Flakey Friends Stamp Set
My Acrylix Pirouette Stamp Set
Black Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad
Whisper Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad
Sweet Leaf (dark) Alcohol Marker
Black Marker
Shimmer Trim
Cricut Artiste Cartridge

Other Products Used:
Stampin' Up Scallop Circle Punch

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Save with Studio J!

Get a free Studio J® layout in October! In this special promotion, you will receive a free custom-printed layout when you buy 9 custom-printed Studio J layouts. To receive the discount, just add 10 or more layouts to your cart. You’ll see a discount reflected in your order total. And you can totally take advantage of this promotion by ordering in multiples of 10. Buy 9, get 1 free. Buy 18, get 2 free. Buy 27, get 3 free. Up to 4 free layouts! It’s a great time to use any Member Bonus layouts you may have. If you haven’t tried Studio J yet, now is the time to start!

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Pear & Partridge

The Pear & Partridge collection is beautiful and elegant.  This sophisticated Christmas paper packet will make truly amazing artwork, whether it be scrapbooking layouts featured in the Workshop on the Go, cards from the new card workshop, home decor pieces, or whatever you can imagine up! 

Pair it with the October Stamp of the Month- Very Merry Christmas to get a head-start on your Christmas projects!

This collection can be found on pages 60-66 of the Autumn/Winter Idea Book.  


Monday, October 1, 2012

October Stamp of the Month

October Stamp of the Month: Very Merry Christmas
Available October 1-31, 2012
Retail Price $17.95
Spend $50+ and get the Stamp of the Month for $5.00

Friday, September 28, 2012

Friday, September 21, 2012

Make It With Markers

I am loving the new Close to My Heart alcohol based markers.  I have ordered several colors and like that they have a low price point and that you get 2 shades with each pack for only $5.95. 

At Convention, we were given the Cotton Candy package of markers.  This is what I colored while there and without really thinking about it.  The 2 shades make it so easy to blend and shade and make your stamped images look like they have some depth. 


I ordered more colors, and was able to color the September Stamp of the Month.  This stamp set is perfect for coloring and turns out so cute! 




Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Thirty-One Party Invitation



I am hosting a Thirty-One party next weekend and made up some paper invitations to pass out to my friends.  These were made using the Artiste Cricut Cartridge.  It even cuts the little half-circle slits to hold the details inside and the flap up while closed.

Close to My Heart Products Used:
Dakota Paper Packet
Grey Flannel Cardstock (retired)
Colonial White Cardstock
My Acrylix Art Philosophy Stamp Set
My Acrylix Comments Stamp Set (retired)- used for the journaling lines
Barn Red Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad
Barn Red Dye-Based Marker (retired)
Slate Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad
Black Dye-Based Marker (retired)
Artiste Cricut Cartridge
Clear Sparkles