365 Cards Catch-up!

I had a little bit of time tonight to work on cards and was able to complete a few challenges at 365 Cards.

Day 204- Super Sketchy Sunday

Here is the sketch

I designed and cut this card with Cricut Design Studio using the Home Accents and Stretch Your Imagination cartridges. This was my 1st time creating with Design Studio and it was fun!

Day 211- Super Sketchy Sunday

Here is the sketch

I used Close to My Heart Jingle Level 2 Paper and the Connections Club Clear Shapes from Spring 2009. The stamp set is Close to My Heart My Acrylix Grown With Love and is stamped with Tulip Exclusive Inks.

Day 212- On the Fringes

The challenge is to use some kind of fringe to at least 2 sides of your card.

I used Close to My Heart Jingle Level 2 Paper again for this card. (I am in the Christmas mood!) I stamped the word Jingle with My Acrylix Holiday Jingle in black ink. The pom-pom fringe is from a JoAnn's Christmas collection that I have had in my stash of ribbon for years.

Day 213- In Pieces

This is a paper piecing challenge and you are supposed to use parts of this pattern:

I used Close to My Heart Grace Level 2 Paper and orange cardstock from my stash.

Tuesday Triplets

The challenge at 365 Cards is to use 3 of everything on your card. I instantly thought of the new Close to My Heart Holiday Trinkets stamp set, because I love the shape of the ornaments. I random stamped snowflakes onto the white 6x6 card with Gray Flannel ink. The ornaments were stamped onto separate paper in Blush and Tulip inks, cut out, glittered, sponged along the outside edge, and adhered to the card front. I then stamped the strings in black ink. I know that it is plain, but sometimes simple is a good thing (and rare for me when it comes to cards)!

Color Scheme

The challenge at 365 Cards is to create a card inspired by this color scheme:

When I saw this palette of colors, I instantly thought of fall and the changing leaves. The teal stood out to me, so I chose to make that the accent color. Here in a month, the view out the window of my conference room at work will be beautiful. It overlooks a wooded hill and is just beautiful. While fall is not my favorite season because of the weather getting colder, I look forward to the beautiful yellows, oranges, and reds that the leaves turn to.

I made this 6x6 card using Close to My Heart My Acrylix Many Thanks Stamp Set, and Barn Red, Autumn Terracotta, Gold Rush, and Twilight Close to My Heart Exclusive Inks Stamp Pads. The frame is a scrap of the negative space left over from a Cricut cut for a card a few months ago. I pop-dotted it up and tied hemp to make it look like a sign.

Cricut Celebrates 100 Cartridges!

I love my Cricut, and I love even more when they release super cute new cartridges like Winter Woodland! My favorite things on the cartridge are the cute little forest creatures. I see endless possibilities of combining them with the new Close to My Heart Twitterpated line. The other thing I like on the cartridge is that you can create a Christmas Town scene by cutting and assembling 3D buildings. All in all, this is a great cartridge and is already on my wish list.

The best news with this new cartridge? Cricut is giving 100 cartridges away over the next 5 weeks. To enter the drawing you just have to leave a post on their message board. For an extra entry, leave a link on your blog to the cartridge details like I have done here.
http://www.cricut.com/shopping/ProductDetails.aspx?id=361&s=1&sc=2

Thank you ProvoCraft and Cricut!

Crossing Borders

Close to My Heart has a new episode of Art & Soul online. This episode is titled Crossing Borders and teaches you how to make borders using non-border stamps. How fun! It also explores the beautiful new Grace paper, how to use the new soft eyelet setter, and new ideas of how to use rub-ons.

Check it out here: http://www.closetomyheart.com/ctmhtv/channels.aspx

Please Note:
I do not have a myCTMH website at this time, but I will still honor the special pricing on the My Acrylix Delightful Things. Contact me to order it! I have to say that when I got a sneek peek at the new Autumn/Winter 2009 Catalog, this was the 1st stamp set that I wrote down to order. It is beautiful!

Scrapbook & Share Reminder

Just a reminder that I am hosting a Scrapbook & Share on Saturday, September 19th. It is from 11 to 5 and is FREE. Come and work on your scrapbooking and card making. Or just come and see what I have set up. You will be able to preview the Grace Workshop on the Go, Stamp of the Month sets, and receive details on upcoming Christmas Card Workshops. Please contact me if you need info on the location.

September Stamp of the Month

I can't believe that September is already halfway over! Today I wanted to share the September Stamp of the Month named Treasures. I absolutely love this one- it is beautiful.

This stamp set is available with the following pricing options based on the subtotal of your order:

Purchase Outright for $22.95

$25 Order = 25% off for $17.21

$50 Order = 50% off for $11.48

$75 Order = 75% off for $5.74

$100 Order = Free!

(The best deal is to place a $60 stamp order, and then you receive the Everyday Celebrations Card Kit FREE and the Stamp of the Month for half price!)

Please feel free to contact me by leaving a comment or emailing if you are interested in this stamp set. I can ship from Close to My Heart directly to you.

A 2 page layout:

Cards:

A few cards my mom made using the stamp set (visit her blog)

Everyday Celebration Card Kit

The Everyday Celebration Card Kit is AWESOME and is only available through the end of September! You receive supplies to create 16 shaped cards.
-16 shaped card bases and envelopes
-6 sheets of patterned paper
-2 distressing ink pads, chocolate & dutch blue
-My Acrylix Stamp Set
-Mini Medley Accents- chocolate collection
-3D Foam Squares
-Chocolate Grosgrain Ribbon

-Step by Step Guide

I had fun making some cards using the guide and shaped card bases. That’s right- use the guide, stamp set, and distressing inks again and again to make countless beautiful cards!
How to receive the kit:
-Order $60 of stamps and receive it free
-Host a home gathering with $400 in sales and receive it free
-Sign up as a new consultant during September
-Purchase outright for $39.95

Close to My Heart is also running a contest where they are giving away a card kit each day! How to enter? Place an order through your consultant (or me!). Visit the site to see who has won so far.

Feeling Blue

The challenge at 365 Cards today is titled "Feeling Blue" and you are supposed to use 3 shades of blue on your card.

I picked up scraps laying on my table and went to work. I added the scraps of Twilight (patterned is from Emporium), Outdoor Denim, and Crystal Blue to a Colonial White base. The butterfly is from the Close to My Heart Simple Beauty My Acrylix Stamp Set and the trail is made using the 1/8" Long Reach Punch. I added my favorite product- Liquid Glass to the butterfly and the trail. The "Thanks" and hearts are from the June Stamp of the Month and are stamped in Outdoor Denim ink on Outdoor Denim cardstock to give it a tone on tone subtle look.

Movie Monday

The 365 Card Challenge for Monday August 31st is Movie Monday and should be inspired by the movie Pretty In Pink. I am not very familiar with this movie, but have seen bits and pieces of it. I remembered something about the story having a "wrong side of the tracks" theme because the girl was less fortunate financially and that she wanted to go to prom and made her own dress. I made the card pink with a vellum window. I added flowers and the sentiment "dream" because I thought it fit the movie well.

The card is made following the Open Outline recipe/sketch in The Close to My Heart Wishes Card Confidence Book. (an absolute must have for any card maker!)

Supplies Used:

-Card recipe from Wishes Open Outline

-Pink flowered paper from my stash

-Close to My Heart My Acrylix Aspiration Stamp Set

-Close to My Heart Blush Ink Pad

-Close to My Heart Just Blooms Big Pinks

-Vellum from my Stash

-White Cardstock 6x6 Card Base

Twitterpated Workshop on the Go

I have been busy this weekend finishing the samples for the Twitterpated Workshop on the Go! I have included a photo of everything that I have made with it and there is a ton.

The Workshops on the Go have been redesigned by Close to My Heart to be better than ever! The basic kit now includes step-by-step instructions for a 2 page layout AND 6 cards, a stamp set, and a full package of embellishments. The entire cost of the workshop now counts towards Hostess Rewards and the Stamp of the Month. The Best option has been divided to show each individual accessory and the price of each. So you can get one, some, or all of them.

I include a cutting guide to maximize your paper packet, templates, and recipes. I have made 22 fully embellished projects with this one workshop so far and still have left overs! That is less than $1.36 per project with the basic kit and $1.85 with the all the best options.

If you are interested in attending the workshop on September 19th, please RSVP to me by September 6th in order to assure enough processing and shipping time from Close to My Heart. Remember that you can still come to the workshop date and work on your own projects.

The Twitterpated Workshop on the Go for $29.95 (not including shipping & tax) comes with:

- Twitterpated Level 2 Paper Packet

- My Acrylix Hello There Stamp Set

- Designer Ribbon Rounds- Chocolate Collection

- Step-by-Step Workshop Guide

The Best Options include the following:

- Dimensional Elements In Color- Organic ($3.50)

- Natural Hemp ($2.25)

- Brads- Basic Assortment ($4.95)

By purchasing just the basic Workshop on the Go, you qualify for the September Stamp of the Month at 25% off or $17.21

365 Cards- Super Sketchy Sunday

I finally had some time to create projects for myself this weekend during my open house! It was nice. I made this card for the 365 Cards Challenge with leftovers from the Twitterpated Workshop on the Go. I love the 365 Cards website because it serves as an inspiration when you are stuck in a rut with your cardmaking! I often find myself creating the same card designs over and over, and this helps me prevent that. I unfortunately have been super busy and have not been able to participate in the challenges during the month of August much, but hopefully can begin again!

Today's challenge is Super Sketchy Sunday and you are supposed to follow this sketch:

I used the following products as a part of the Twitterpated Workshop on the Go:
-Twitterpated Level 2 Paper Pack
-Dimensional Elements In Color: Organic
-Hemp
-4.25 x 5.5 Card Base (Value Pack Cards & Envelopes)


Check out the Twitterpated Workshop on the Go post to see everything that I created. I will be hosting this workshop on September 19th. It will be available to customers beginning September 1st with the release of the Autumn/Winter 2009 Idea Book. If you do not live in the Southeast Ohio region and are still interested, I can ship the Workshop on the Go directly to you! It comes with:
- Level 2 Paper Packet
- Full Package of Embellishments
- Size B Stamp Set
- Step by Step Workshop Guide

Contact me for more information.

New Catalog!

Wow I have been busy! I haven't posted for awhile because I have been so busy playing with the new products available from Close to My Heart on September 1st. There are some awesome new things in the Autumn/Winter catalog!

--4 new Level 1 & 2 Paper Packs and Level 2 Stickers
--Countless numbers of new stamp sets that are great. It is hard to pick my favorites out because there are so many!
--New tote bag
--New embellishments including glitter brads & rub-ons
--12x12 Binder, dubbed a "Work in Process" album for those of us that don't scrapbook in order
--The Stamp of the Months are wonderful again! My favorite is September, wait until you see it! I have made some beautiful layouts and cards with it!

My Favorite New Thing:
--The Workshops on the Go have been redesigned and they are better than ever! Available in each of the new paper packs, they now include a Level 2 Paper Pack, full package of embellishments, and a B size stamp set. The guide has been redesigned to include step-by-step instructions for a 2 page layout and 6 cards! You get all of this for only $29.95 and boy is that deal!

On September 1st check out the new catalog here:
http://www.closetomyheart.com/Ideabooks/index.aspx

I will be releasing pictures of what I have been working on beginning this weekend. Be sure to stop by my open house to see everything in person!

(If you are not in the Southeastern Ohio region and are still interested in Close to My Heart, please let me know! I can ship any orders directly to you. I am also happy to discuss options such as catalog parties and consultant opportunities.)

Technique- Sanding

Today's Technique: Sanding

All Close to my Heart Cardstock has a white core, which makes for great distressing. I used to be scared of distressing and "ruining" my paper, but after finding color core cardstock at the store I have ventured slightly into it. One of my favorite things to do is sanding. By sanding, it takes off the top layer of cardstock and exposes the core of the cardstock. For Close to my Heart cardstock, this will be white.

For these examples, I ran a piece of Blush cardstock through the Cuttlebug using the Floral Fantasy embossing folder. Then I sanded off the top, which left the raised up design white.

Before Sanding:

After Sanding

Sanding Kit (1 block, 3 sheets 4x4" sandpaper, 1 emery board): 3.50

Blush 12x12 Cardstock (24 pack): 9.95
Winter Cozy 12x12 Cardstock Combo Pack (24 sheets with 4 each of 6 colors): 9.50

Distressing Kit (includes the sanding kit and many other tools and distressing supplies in a little tool box---on my wishlist!): 34.95

Here is the finished card using the My Acrylix You're A Hoot Stamp Set and Bamboo ink.

Card Cache

Do you love making cards? Well, check out the newest Art & Soul episode from Close to My Heart. These episodes provide so many inspiring ideas and it even includes instructions on making one of the cards. Check it out!

http://www.closetomyheart.com/ctmhtv/channels.aspx

Moon Doggie Workshop on the Go

I wanted to remind everyone that I will be hosting a Workshop on the Go August 22nd. The Moon Doggie paper featured for this workshop is the perfect vintage look for any summer pictures. I will show you how to get a number of scrapbooking layouts and cards out of this one paper pack.

Don't want to do the Moon Doggie workshop? Just come and crop- working on your scrapbooking or card making. It is free and there are the nice big tables to work on. We will also have snacks.

Please RSVP so that I know how many to plan for. If you are interested in the Moon Doggie workshop, please respond ASAP so that I can order your materials! The deadline will be Wednesday August 12, I will only have a few extra kits. Information is below.

Another advantage to coming? You will get to see the brand new products that aren't released until September! The new paper is beautiful and I just love the new stamp sets. There are so many creative possibilities with the new products! Even if you can't stay and crop, just stop by and say hello anytime!

Thanks, Kira

Workshop On The Go!

-moon doggie-

Workshops On The Go are great! You will receive supplies & instructions to make the 2 page 12x12 layout featured to the left, bonus layouts, and bonus cards! We will utilize the kit to its absolute fullest you will leave with 7 layouts and 9 cards!

WHEN: Saturday August 22, 2009

TIME: 11am to 5pm

WHERE: Contact me for information

ITEMS TO BRING: adhesive, scissors, 12” paper trimmer, and a covered dish to share for snacks

COST:--Basic Kit: $23.54 Includes paper, stickers, & minimum embellishments

--Better Kit: $42.49 Includes Basic Kit plus the My Acrylix Extreme Happiness stamp set to take home

--Best Kit: $47.44 Includes Better Kit plus added embellishments

After we are done making the 2-page layout featured, there will be time to finish the rest of the layouts and cards in the kit. If you prefer, you can work on your own cropping during this time!

RSVP: by August 12

Don’t want to make the project? Come and crop for free!

A Certain Sentiment

So today's challenge at 365 Cards is a little more challenging! You are supposed to use the sentiment "You can do it" on your card.

This card uses a white base stamped all over with the Close to My Heart Damask Tiles stamp set in Lilac Mist ink. I then stamped smaller tiles in Hollyhock and the running girl from the May Stamp of the Month Be Yourself. I trimmed these images and inked the edges in Hollyhock also. I sponged Hollyhock behind the sentiment "You Can Do It".

I had a hard time with this challenge, but immediately thought of the Nike slogan "Just Do It" and related to sports. The next thing that came to mind was a friend who ran the Susan B. Koman Marathon for the Cure last February in Florida, which is why I did the running girl in pink. I made a 2nd card because my mom said, "Don't you think everyone is going to get tired of looking at the girl stamp set on every card?" Well, I like the stamp set...but here is another WAY different one!
My boyfriend is a dirt-track car racer and enjoys it so much during the summer. This is a picture of him on the track a few weeks ago. For the front of the card, I used silver metallic paper from The DCWV Metallic Stack and ran it through the brand new Diamond Plate Cuttlebug folder. I sponged a white circle with black ink (wish I had a tire image), and added racing flags. I cut the flags from the Jubilee Cricut cartridge and colored them to look like racing flags. I told him that I would like a picture of him next to the "Feature Winner" sign- meaning that he won 1st place in his racing class, hence the phrase "Good Luck- You Can Do It".

Happy Birthday Layout

I decided to use up some of my scraps from the Silhouette Level 2 Paper Packet which is one of my absolute favorites. I came up with this crazy quilt concept and cut pieces into squares/rectangles of all sizes and pieced them together on some white cardstock. To make the flowers I cut circles and then distressed the edges using the Edge Distresser (great little tool) and curled the edges inwards. I added some clear buttons to the flowers. The stem and leaves are from the "I Am" stamp set, a part of the Tickled Pink promotion. The Happy Birthday and journaling spots on the bottom are a sneak peek of the August Stamp of the Month "It's Your Day".

An "Eye" for an "I"

The challenge at 365 Cards this Tuesday is called an "Eye" for an "I" and you are supposed to use homophones for your sentiment. A homophone is a word that sounds the same as another, but has a different meaning. There are loads to choose from that would work perfectly on a card. Some of my favorites are:
dear/deer
rough/ruff
so/sew
be/bee
pair/pear

I chose to use would/wood because I thought it would be unique from anyone else and I just love the Close to My Heart Treetops Acrylix stamp set and wanted to use it today.


I used a white card base and sponged Creme Brulee ink all over the front. I cut out the sentiment background shape from the Cricut Storybook cartridge in white cardstock and sponged with Sorbet ink. The wood patterned paper is from the Moon Doggie Level 2 Paper Packet. I stamped the tree in Desert Sand and Juniper and layered them. I also stamped little hearts from the June Stamp of the Month set in Sorbet ink and cut them out. I added liquid glass to the swirls and applied the little hearts to the center of each swirl. I ran the card base through the Cuttlebug using the new Herringbone embossing folder. I printed the sentiment on vellum and added a nice sheer bow.

Try a Technique: Sponging

Today at 365 Cards the challenge is to try sponging on your card. This is one of my absolute favorite techniques and I use it all the time! I think the main reason I like this technique is because I can make cards using all white paper and just color them myself saving money and always having the perfect color. I use the Close to My Heart foam tool the most which is one of 4 tools available in the Texture Tools. The foam tool was also included in the Tickled Pink Kit during the May promotion. (I still have 2 kits left in my inventory- contact me quick if you are interested...I am about to snatch one out for myself because I liked it so much!)

For this card, I used a white card base, masking to leave only 1 inch on the left side. I randomly stamped flowers from the Tickled Pink I Am stamp set in Blush and then sponged blush lightly across the entire exposed area. The girl is from the May 2009 Stamp of the Month: Be Yourself, stamped in Blush and outlined with a thin black marker. I inked around the girl square, stamped "Thinking of You" from My Acrylix Fringed Phrases stamp set in Blush, and added a Breast Cancer Awareness pink ribbon.