Westman Scrapbooks

Scrapbooking with Stamps

2012-01-27T08:55:00.001-06:00

I am not a big fan of placing a lot of photos on a layout. I pick out 2 or three of the best photos and use them. Too many photos in my opinion clutter the layout and the photos will get lost amongst them. Instead I use stamps to “fill” up some space. Strategically placed, they bring the layout together.

One of the best stamps to do this is the Love Life stamp set. It has one of the most awesome curly flourish. You can place just about anything alongside to enhance it. I used ribbon, flowers with brads and buttons, but you can also use sparkles or pearls too.

The stamp set also has a smaller flourish, some flowers, stars and hearts in different sizes that can be placed along the flourish as well. The triple dot rainbow is great for placing on a layout as well. It would be great to top a tag with. The stamp set also has some saying too. You can view the stamp set on my website here.

All supplies are from Close To My Heart unless otherwise noted:

X7134B Sweetheart paper packet

Baby pink and White Daisy textured cardstock

Cotton Candy cardstock

Cotton candy ink

D1482 Love Life stamp set

Z1370 Pink buttons

Pink Ribbon

Pink Waxy Flax

Pink brads

Just blooms autumn Daisy Flowers

Just Blooms big pink flowers

Prima flowers

EK Bracket border pinch

Glue dots

Thanks for stopping by…

Laurie

Winter Paper used for Summer layout

2012-01-23T09:16:00.001-06:00

I like to think outside the box sometimes. I like to show you how to use your supplies for uses other that the “Normal”. That is why I choose the Wonderland Paper to make a layout about swimming with the dolphins. Wonderland paper can be used for layout other than winter. So next time you reach for paper, try and think of uses other than Normal.

All supplies are from Close To My Heart unless otherwise noted:

X7146B Wonderland Paper Packet

Colors are Chocolate, Twilight and Colonial White

D1386 save the date Stamp Set

Z1377 Color Ready Kraft Borders

Z2111 Chocolate Ink

Chocolate Brads

Twilight and Colonial White Embellishments

Flowers (unknown)

Thanks for stopping by…

Laurie

Art Philosophy Layout

2012-01-19T12:54:00.001-06:00

I really like this layout. It is not cluttered, has some simple lines and yet looks superb!

For the bracket I used the Art Philosophy cricut Cartridge that is exclusive to Close To My Heart. I cannot seem to say enough about this cartridge. There are 700 different images on it. Couple that with 6 different functions and many, many sizes you end up with thousands of images! You can purchase the Art Philosophy Here

To make the bracket I used a sheet of 12x12 Pacifica Cardstock and the Square3 button on page 43 (or C3...third image on the third row). I cut this at 10 ¾ inches. I then cut another one using Colonial White cardstock and at 9 ¼ inches. I then layered them and attached them to the layout.

For the Flowers I mixed up a little bit of Sorbet reinker with pearl create a shade paint and painted it on my white flowers.

All supplies are from Close To My Heart unless otherwise noted:

X7141B Elemental Paper Packet

Colors are Pacifica, Sorbet desert Sand and Colonial White

X7141C My Reflections Elemental Compliments Shapes

D1386 Save the Date stamp Set

Z2118 Desert Sand Ink

Z1039 Pearl Create a Shade Paint

Z2264 Sorbet Reinker

Sorbet Ribbon

White Daisy Flowers

Glue Dots

Prima Flowers

Thanks for stopping by...

Laurie

January Spotlight Blog Hop…Scraps

2012-01-14T23:59:00.000-06:00

Welcome to the January spotlight blog hop. If you have come from Nikki Geers Blog you are on the right track, unless you start here.

This month we are spotlighting scraps. Scraps can mean a bunch of things when it comes to scrapbooking but I am going to focus on using the little bits of scrap paper left over from a favorite kit.

For this layout I used a 1.5 inch strip of cardstock and on it placed 1.25 inch squares of different papers that were in my Sofia paper kit to form a focal point across the layout.

One other thing I did was use a scrap of paper that was left over from a class I did. One of the ladies stamped the inside saying of her card in the wrong orientation (horizontal instead of vertical) so instead of throwing out that paper I used the other side to make a mask for my spritzed leaves. To do this I cut out the Leaves from my Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge on the messed up cardstock. I used the negative space for my mask and spritzed it with sweet leaf reinker mixed with rubbing alcohol. So, another great way to use up your scraps.

And another thing I do with any leftover little bits of paper I have is I either cut something out of it using the Art Philosophy Cartridge or I use my punches to punch out a shape. I have these left over images stored in a little sand pail at the moment. I may find a better place for them sometime but the sand pail works for now.

All supplies are from Close To My Heart

X7131B Sofia Paper Packet

White Daisy, Hollyhock and Pear Cardstock

Z2197 Pear Ink

Z1686 Art Philosophy

D1482 Love Life Stamp Set

D1386 Save the Date Stamp Set

Z1370 Pink Buttons

Z1336 Cream Pearls

Z1092 Pink Embroidery Floss

Z817 Just Blooms Flowers

Now you can continue on your hop by going to Wendy’s BLOG.

Thanks for stopping by…

Laurie

Another Sketch from the CTMH Magic Book

2012-01-09T11:12:00.001-06:00

I followed the Magic How to sketch - Out Of the Hat – for this layout. I cannot say enough about the sketches in the Close To My Heart sketch series. They make scrapbooking faster, simpler and easier for sure.

Each sketch has:

A full color photo showing a completed layout with photos and embellishments

Cutting diagrams for easy to follow paper sizes

Blueprint showing paper placement

Shows photo suggestion sizes

Suggested title placement

Suggested journaling placement

Tips or techniques to enhance the layout

So you see these sketches gives you complete directions while still leaving plenty of room for your own creative talents to shine. You can purchase this Sketch book here

All supplies are from Close To My Heart unless otherwise noted:

Magic book – Out of the Hat Sketch

X7131 Sofia Paper Packet

Textured Cardstock in Sweet Leaf and White Daisy

Cardstock in Blush and Hollyhock

D1482 Love Life Stamp Set

Z2153 Sweet Leaf Ink

Sweet Leaf Buttons

Sweet Leaf Ribbon

Just Blooms Autumn Daisy Flowers

Just Blooms baby Pink Flowers

Blush Waxy Flax

Sweet Leaf Brads

Pink Sparkles

EK Scalloped Scallop Border Punch

Thanks for stopping by…

Laurie

Winter Wonderland

2012-01-05T08:00:00.000-06:00

Did you know that you can add a little bling to the My Stickease? You sure can. You can alter them too.

For this layout I used the Wonderland Stickease that matched the Wonderland paper. Just one more reason I LOVE Close To My Heart…they make everything match! For the border along the top Right hand side and bottom left side I cut the border strip to the length I wanted then attached it to Grey Flannel cardstock. It makes it stand out just a little bit more. And I dressed up the snowflake Stickease with Silver Glitter Glitz in the centers. Also on the snowman and kids Stickease I accentuated the fur and top hat with the Silver Glitter Glitz as well. Something as simple as that adds quite a bit of bling.

I also used our NEW Clear Ruler to add some Designer Brads along the border on the left page. Our ruler comes with grid marks and guide holes to make placement evenly spaced. You will never have any more crooked brads! Just use your piercing tool in the guide holes and you have marked where your brads should be. These holes are also great for stitching, button placement and many other uses. Get one today and try it for yourself. You will not be sorry.

All supplies are from Close To My Heart

X7146B Wonderland Paper

X7146C Wonderland Stickease

Z1349 Designer Brads Shimmer

Z4168 Top Coats Icing

Z1482 Glitter Glitz Silver

Z1471 Clear Ruler

Z2124 Grey Flannel Ink

Z726 Sponge Dauber

Thanks for stopping by…

Laurie

Happy New Year and a Christmas Layout

2012-01-02T13:31:00.001-06:00

I hope everyone had a fabulous Christmas and New Years! I know I did. I also enjoyed this fantastic weather we are having. I did get to make a few layouts during the holidays too!

I like the straight simple lines of this layout. Sometimes layouts get too busy and have too much going on and take away your attention on the photos. After all, we scrapbook to showcase our photos and story. So this layout keeps your attention on the photos first, then on the design of the layout. I will add my photos as soon as I get them back from the developer.

Here are a few things I did on this layout:

· I stamped the Santa Image onto the layout with Archival Ink and then colored it in using my water brush and Holiday Red ink and Topiary Ink. My water brush was on the dry side so the archival black ink did not run.

· I traced the Dimensional Elements Stars onto my patterned paper, cut them out then used liquid glass to adhere the stars to the paper. I sanded the edges with my finishing files then finger daubered ink around the edges.

· I cut out my title on my cricut using the Art Philosophy Cartridge. Size was 1 inch.

· I placed the frame around the present.

· I inked our Color Ready Kraft Borders with New England Ivy Ink and attached them to the layout.

Supplies are From Close To My Heart unless otherwise noted:

X7145B Believe Paper

Believe WOTG Stamp Set

Z1377 Color Ready Kraft Borders

Z1489 Olive Mini Medley Accessories

Z1680 Dimensional Elements Stars

4475 Archival Black Ink

Z2135 New England Ivy Ink

Z2155 Topiary Ink

Z2127 Holiday Red Ink

Z1686 Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge

Others: water brush, Finger daubers, adhesive, glue dots, finishing files, liquid glass, paper piercer,

Thanks for stopping by…

Laurie

Christmas Tags

2011-12-21T09:19:00.000-06:00

I made this box and tags for this Christmas season. No supply list was made for these but I hope you will enjoy them and maybe get some inspiration from them too!

May you have a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year and we will be back again in January for some regular posts!

Thanks for stopping by…

Laurie

Gift Card Holders

2011-12-17T09:06:00.001-06:00

I made these gift card holders to use this Christmas. I never kept track of all the supplies I used (there were too many) but I wanted to show you anyways. Happy Holidays!

Thanks for stopping by…

Laurie

December Blog Hop - Stickease

2011-12-14T23:59:00.001-06:00

Welcome! If you have come from Jennifer’s blog you are on the right track.
It has been awhile since I participated in a blog hop! I so miss doing them. I hope to get back to participating each month for the winter at least. This month we are featuring My Stickease. These are heavy weight stickers that coordinate with the my reflections Paper Packet from Close To My Heart.
I have to admit that I was not really a fan of stickers. When i first started scrapbooking many years ago, a consultant from another company encouraged me to place stickers randomly around my cropped and cut up photos. And these stickers had nothing to do with the theme of the page either. But that was how she taught her classes. Needless to say I only took ONE class like that. But it turned me off of stickers for years. It is only in the last couple of years that I started looking at the My Stickease that coordinated with the papers from Close To My Heart. They match the papers, they coordinate with the papers and theme of the layout and there are so many things you can do to the stickers to “dress them up”.
On this layout:
I placed the sticker directly onto my base page.
I layered them onto cardstock
I placed baby powder on the backing to eliminate the stickiness and then popped them up with foam dots
I placed brads through them
I used a fine tip glue pen to trace the lettering or design then applied prisma glitter
I cut a scalloped circle on one side to have one flat edge to place against my photo mat
So as you can see there are many ways you can dress them up to suit your taste or design.

All supplies are from Close To My Heart unless otherwise noted:
Magic – Juggling Act Sketch
X7146B Wonderland Paper
X7146C Wonderland My Stickease
Z2124 Grey Flannel Ink
Colors are Chocolate, Grey Flannel, twilight, Spring Iris and White Daisy
Amethyst Bigger Brad
Foam Dots
Quickie Glue pen
Paper Shapers corner rounder,1 inch and 11/4 inch circle punch
Prisma Glitter
Finger dauber
Now you can continue on your hop by going to Luisa’s Blog!

Thanks for stopping by…
Laurie

Using Postcards on Layouts

2011-12-13T11:25:00.001-06:00

Do you ever take photos of places you seen on a holiday only to get home and find out that they did not turn out? That is what happened to me when I went to Washington in 2010. It was a good thing I bought a packet of postcards, so that is what I scrapbooked this page with.

While I was in Washington I also picked up a couple of brochures of the places that we seen. So I made the left hand page into a pocket page. That way I can store the brochures and extra postcards with the pages.

To do that all I did was make the layout as I normally do then cut the top off just above the striped piece. Then I glued that onto another 12x12 base page and only glued the sides and the bottom leaving the top with no adhesive so I can tuck my brochures in. So my title is actually on the back base page and the rest is on the front of the pocket.

All supplies are from Close To My Heart unless otherwise noted:

Passages Paper Packet X7126B

Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge

Passages Epoxy Clips Z1318

Mocha Opaque's Z1333

Olive Mini Medley Z1489

Chocolate Waxy Flax Z1088

Cocoa Ribbon

Thanks for stopping by…

Laurie

Making a Bracket using Art Philosophy

2011-12-09T09:07:00.001-06:00

This was a fun and easy layout to make. I made the Bracket shape on my Cricut with the exclusive to Close To My Heart Cricut cartridge Art Philosophy.

To Make the bracket I used a sheet of 12x12 Pacifica cardstock and punched in the Square 3 shape on page 43 of the booklet or (C3…third image on the third row) and cut it at 10 ¾ . I then used the same image but cut it at 9 ¼ for the Colonial White bracket. I cut off the right side of the image and placed it onto my layout. Fairly simple, but yet makes an impact on the layout.

I also used up some of my older nail heads that have been in my stash for 4 or 5 years. It is time to use them up! I challenge you to make a layout and use something that has been in your stash for years too, be it paper or flowers or eyelets!

All supplies are from Close To My Heart unless otherwise noted:

X7141B Elemental Paper Packet

Colors are Pacifica, Desert Sand, Cranberry and Colonial White

D1159 Coffee Shop Stamp Set

Z2192 Pacifica Ink

Z2118 Desert Sand Ink

Cranberry Nail Heads

Z1686 Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge

Thanks for stopping by…

Laurie

Gift certificate Holders

2011-12-03T13:57:00.001-06:00

When I give a gift certificate, I like to decorate a cute little card to put it in. These are really simple to make. My gift certificates are 3 ½ x 6 1/4.

I took crystal Blue cardstock cut to 10 x 7 ¼

Scored it at 4 inches and 8 inches

I folded up the 2 inch strip and glued down just the sides with very thin adhesive.

Then I decorated it.

One of the other things I did to these is colored my sparkles brown. I took the regular clear sparkles and colored them in with my Copic Marker E47. I set them aside to dry only a minute and then placed them on the tree on the front of my card and on the holly Berries on the inside of the card. Since I bought my Copic markers I buy a lot of embellishments in clear or white and color them with my Copics to match whatever I am working with. This saves a lot of money as I don’t need sparkles in every color now.

All supplies are from Close To My Heart unless otherwise noted:

X7146B Wonderland Paper

Crystal Blue and Chocolate Cardstock

Z2111 Chocolate Ink

Z2117 Crystal Blue Ink

D1492 Christmas Love Stamp Set

D1243 Peace on Earth Stamp Set

Chocolate Polka Dot Ribbon

Z1104 Clear Sparkles

Z1263 Bitty Sparkles Clear

Finger Daubers

E47 Copic Marker

Martha Stewart Cherish Border Punch

Thanks for stopping by…

Laurie

The Greatest Gift Is Family

2011-11-30T14:20:00.001-06:00

The Sonoma paper packet makes lovely layouts. I just love working with it.

This is a layout made from a design in the Magic How To Book, Disappearing Act. Using these sketches are so easy. Follow the paper cutting directions, and placement of them on your layout, then attach a few embellishments, your photos and you are done. For embellishments I used my cuttlebug and cut out the large circle and used my Smokey Plum cardstock to cut out a lacy circle for a mat. I also used some crystal flowers I got from Michaels.

All Supplies are from Close To My Heart

Magic, Disappearing Act Sketch

Sonoma Paper Packet X7143B

Colors are Bamboo, Smokey Plum, Cocoa and Olive.

Sonoma Stamp Set C1476

Pewter Mini Medley Accents Z1487

Large Circle Spellbinders

Lacy Circle Spellbinders

Crystal flowers Michaels

Glue dots

Thanks for stopping by…

Laurie

Art Philosophy and Typeset = One Fine Day

2011-11-28T10:12:00.001-06:00

I had fun making this layout because I got to play a little bit with the Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge Exclusive to Close To My Heart. I cut out the Fancy Square focal point in the center of the layout using the green patterned paper and I cut it at 10 ¾ inches. Then with the numbered patterned paper I cut the same image only a little smaller at 9 inches to make it fit perfectly inside the first one. I also cut 3 stars at 1 ¾, one at 2 and the other one at 2 ¼ inches. But one of my favorite things I cut was the fancy square shape at 1 ¼ inches then I stamped perfectly inside with the UR Special image from the Typeset stamp set. How cool is that?

Another thing I did on this layout was to paint pearl paint on some of the milepost shapes and right on the base pages to add a little highlighting.

All supplies are from Close To My Heart unless otherwise noted:

X7139B Typeset Level 2 Paper Packet

Typeset Stamp Set

D1220 Typewriter Keys

D1420 A Little Everything

E1019 Bohemian Alphabet

X2105 Black Ink Pad

Z2165 JUNIPER Ink Pad

Z1686 Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge

Z1464 Milepost Shapes

Z1039 Create a shade Pearl Paint

Z1298 Texture tools

Z1151 3D Foam Tape

Thanks for stopping by…

Laurie

Using Mischief Paper on non Halloween Layout

2011-11-24T15:19:00.001-06:00

Do you know which paper packet I used on this layout? I used the Mischief My Reflections Kit, primarily a Halloween or Fall kit but it can be used for so many other layouts as shown here. That is what I love about the Close To My Heart Paper kits, they are so versatile you can use them for just about any layout, all you need is a little imagination to look “outside of the box”.

All supplies are from Close To My Heart unless otherwise noted:

Magic Performance Sketch

X7144B Mischief Paper Packet

4475 Archival True Black Ink

Z2104 Barn Red Ink

Z2191 Sunset Ink

C1477 Mischief Stamp Set

Z1393 Black Mini Medley

Z1335 Licorice Opaque's

Z1278 Hearts Dimensional Elements

Z1089 Black Waxy Flax

Black Ribbon

Barn Red Metal Accessories

Bazzill Paper Flowers

Thanks for stopping by…

Laurie

Time to Celebrate

2011-11-21T13:23:00.001-06:00

This is a layout of my precious granddaughter Maddison. I made this layout shortly after her birth in March of 2011 but I didn’t keep a list of items I used. I still wanted to share it with you so…enjoy,

Thanks for stopping by…

Laurie

Scrapbooking with the Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge

2011-11-18T09:50:00.001-06:00

For this layout I used the Final Act Sketch from the Magic book. I did quite a few changes to the sketch as it didn’t fit my photos, but that is what I like about the sketches, they are adaptable to the way you want to use them. They are just like a starting point, A little inspiration.

I also used the Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge to cut out the large mat on the left page. I cut this out at 10 inches (on the size dial) and it cut it in a rectangle, 10 long and 8 or so wide. For the patterned piece on the right page I wanted the same look but I didn’t want a huge rectangle I only wanted a one inch border. So I cut my paper at one inch wide and temporarily glued it to the mat I cut out on the cricut lining up the outer edge, turned it over so I could see the half circles then took my one inch circle punch and cut. I hope that makes sense.

All supplies are from Close To My Heart unless otherwise noted:

Magic – Final Act sketch

Typeset paper packet

Desert Sand Ink

Finger dauber

Milepost shapes

Typeset stamp set

Art Philosophy cricut cartridge

One inch circle punch EK Success

Thanks for stopping by…

Laurie

Quick layout

2011-11-14T18:26:00.001-06:00

Are you finding that you don’t have time to scrapbook but would really like to get some pages done quickly? Well, I have the answer for you!

Just order one of our paper packets, and our Matching Stickease, everything coordinates for you so you save time trying to match up everything. Throw in a sketch from one of our How To Books like Magic, Cherish, Imagine or Reflections and you can get layouts done in no time!

All supplies are from Close To My Heart

Lucky Paper X7137B

Lucky Stickease X7137C

Thanks for stopping by…

Laurie

Pleats and Pinwheels

2011-11-08T12:26:00.001-06:00

I really like the Roxie papers, and when I seen the plaid paper in the kit I knew I wanted to make pleats with it. This is a fairly easy thing to do. I took 2 strips 12 inches long and 1 inch wide each. I then scored the strips at 3/4 ‘’, 1”, 1 ¾”, 2”, 2 ¾”, 3” and so on down the length of the strip. I repeated this for the second strip as well. Then I just folded along the score marks alternating direction. Then I glued it down on my layout.

These pinwheels were also easy to make. You need to start with your paper being square. So for the small ones I used 2 inch square paper and the larger one I used 3 inch square paper. I found the center of the square then cut the corners into the square about half way to the center. I did this for all four corners. Then I used a glue dot in the center and folded one side of the corner into the center on the glue dot to hold it down. I repeated this for all the corners then placed an adhesive sparkle in the center to finish it off.

All supplies are from Close To My Heart unless otherwise noted:

X7140B Roxie Paper packet

D1452 Find your style stamp set

D1339 Moments in Time stamp set

4475 Black Archival Ink

Z1377 Color ready kraft borders

Z1104 Sparkles

Glue Dots

Storybook Cricut Cartridge

Thanks for stopping by…

Laurie

Christmas Card Workshop

2011-11-01T09:04:00.001-05:00

I am hosting a Christmas Card Workshop on Saturday November 26th at 1pm

We will be making the 10 cards shown (2each of 5 different designs). Cost is $12

I will also be hosting the Card Box immediately following the card class. The card box is OPTIONAL.

Cost for the box AND the cards is $25.

Space is limited and prepayment is required by November 16th.

Call to book your spot today!

Thanks for stopping by…

Laurie

2 Spooky for Halloween

2011-10-28T07:37:00.001-05:00

I just love these little characters. They are so fun to work with. I stamped them with Black archival ink and heat set it so it would not run when I was coloring them. I squeezed my closed ink pad to get some ink on the lid of the pad. Then I took my blending pen and gathered a small amount of ink onto the tip of my blending pen and colored these little cuties in. I used 2 of them in place of the “o’s” in the word spooky. I stamped the rest of the letters onto white cardstock then cut them out leaving a little of the white for a border.

Hooligans paper packet X7129B

D1437 Party Animal stamp set

C1477 Mischief stamp set

E1016 Friendship Alphabet

Solo 2 stamp set

Gypsy Ink

Pear Ink

Black Archival Ink

Heat gun

Blending pen

Gypsy marker

Finger dauber

Thanks for stopping by…

Laurie

Pumpkin Patch

2011-10-24T13:00:00.000-05:00

Warning: This is not a 15 minute layout!

I seen another Close To My Heart consultant (sorry cannot find it again) made a layout similar to this one and I just had to scrap lift it. I used a lot of the same things she did but I did make quite a few changes to mine.

I used the Dreamin paper packet for this layout but I did not have any of the blue patterned paper left so I made my own. To do this I used plain Pacifica cardstock and the square dotted stamp that came with the Dreamin Workshop on the go stamp set. I inked up the stamp with colonial white pigment ink and randomly stamped onto the cardstock. I then took my Clear embossing powder and sprinkled it all over the piece. Heat set it with my heat gun, and my very own patterned paper was created.

For the title “pumpkin patch” I used the art philosophy cricut cartridge exclusive to Close To My Heart and cut out the letters onto desert sand cardstock. I wanted them to have some texture so I used the same stamp as I did on the blue background piece and stamped onto the letters with chocolate ink. I then placed my brads into the holes that were automatically cut with the cricut. (This was very time consuming but made the letters stand out so much) I then took my Desert sand marker and traced around the letter edges to define them.

I also used the Art Philosophy cartridge to cut out the leaves then used the stamp from Harvest happiness, to stamp directly onto them.

The bracket around my little pumpkin Novalee was also cut with Art Philosophy.

The pumpkins and attached leaves were stamped with the Harvest Memories stamp set and cut out by hand.

All papers were distressed with Chocolate Ink and a finger dauber.

All supplies are from Close To My Heart unless otherwise noted:

Dreamin Paper packet

Stamps: Harvest Memories, Harvest Happiness, and Dreamin

Inks: Chocolate, Colonial White, Olive and Goldrush

Desert sand marker

Clear Embossing powder

Embellishments: Designer buttons, Antique Copper Brads, Milepost shapes, chocolate waxy flax,

Other: adhesive, glue dots, foam dots, piercing tool, heat gun, craft tray, finger dauber, and tweezers.

Thanks for stopping by…

Laurie

Autumn Days

2011-10-20T12:45:00.000-05:00

It seemed like forever since I had the time to scrapbooks so really enjoyed making this page. I really enjoyed making the folded paper banners. It was something simple but yet a little different. To do this I took my 6 inch paper strip and stamped a border stamp on it. Then I scored it as follows: 1 ¼, 1 ½, 2 ¼, 2 ½, 3 ½, 3 ¾, 4 ½, and 4 ¾. Then I folded on the score lines to resemble the banner. I glued the folds down with mini glue dots and then placed a Shimmer brad in the center. I then placed it on the border strip of the same color. It is hard to see in the photo but it stands out nicely on the layout in person. Also done was some distressing…Edge distressing on both the photos and sponged Chocolate Ink on all the papers. I finished the layout off with some Bronze glitter gel on the centers of the fluff flower.

All supplies are from Close To My Heart unless otherwise noted:

X7142B Dreamin Level 2 paper packet

Dreamin Stamp Set

D1490 Backdrop Charmed

Z2111 Chocolate Ink

Z2123 Goldrush Ink

Z2192 Pacifica Ink

Z1349 Shimmer Designer Brads

Z1483 Bronze Glitter Gel

Z1297 Edge Distresser

Z697 Sponge

Thanks for stopping by…

Laurie

A Christmas Layout

2011-10-13T08:00:00.001-05:00

This layout has a few of the Dimensional Elements On Target circles. These Circles just make the layout. They are really to use too. First, decide which size you would like and punch it out from the backing. Take the finishing files and file down any little tabs that were holding it onto the backing. Next I took my finger dauber and inked it up with the Tulip ink and using little circles rubbed the chipboard circles to transfer the ink. Repeat this process. The more you do this the darker the ink will transfer. I stamped my letters using the Posterboard Stamp set and Creme Brulee Ink and cut them out leaving a little white border around the letter. I stamped some of the presents right onto the base pages and I also stamped some of them on extra cardstock and cut them out to layer them. Added some ribbon and the layout was complete.

All supplies are from Close To My Heart
Jingle Paper Packet
Something special stamp set
Posterboard stamp set
Creme Brulee ink
Tulip Ink
twinkle brads jolly assortment
Cranberry designer ribbon rounds
Dimensional elements On Target
Finger daubers
Finishing files
Glue dots
Piercing tool

Thanks for stopping by...
Laurie

Christmas is coming!

2011-10-10T08:00:00.002-05:00

Here is a Christmas card I made a while ago. I misplaced the list of all the items I used but I still wanted you to see it. Hope you enjoy it.

Thanks for stopping by...
Laurie

Family..today and everyday

2011-10-06T08:00:00.001-05:00

For this layout I used the Dreamin papers. These papers now come double sided and cardstock weight and it was so hard to choose which side I wanted to use. So after much flipping of the papers I decided that this combination looked best. I paired this paper with the coordinating My Stickease and the Harvest Charms. Close To My Heart makes it so easy to do this when they make embellishments to match. The only stamping done on this layout was the date.

All supplies are from Close To My Heart unless otherwise noted:
Colors are Bamboo, Goldrush, Chocolate and Pacifica
Dreamin Paper Packet X7142B
Dreaming My Stickease X7142C
Harvest Charms Z1633
Save The Date Stamp Set D1386
EK Success Double Embossed Dotted Lace Border Punch

Thanks for stopping by…
Laurie

one page layout

2011-10-03T08:00:00.001-05:00

This is a layout we made at a gathering a little while ago. One of the benefits of hosting and attending a gathering is being able to make a FREE layout or card. I know the gals really enjoyed making this one. We used the Kraft Color Ready Borders that are self adhesive making them easy to place anywhere on your layout. We did some distressing with the finger daubers (this is a little time consuming but it is well worth the effort and time). We stamped some flourishes right on the layout then placed some stamped and cut out flowers around them. Finally we added some of the Opaques pearls (which are adhesive backed) on the flowers.

All supplies are from Close To My Heart:
Miracle papers X7133B
Colors are Bamboo, Crystal Blue, Heavenly Blue and Sweet Leaf
Kraft Color ready borders Z1377
Sofia Stamp Set B1379
Polka Dot Alphabet Stamp Set D1469
Opaques Pearl adhesive gems Z1336

Thanks for stopping by…
Laurie

2011-09-27T08:00:00.001-05:00

This was another layout I made a while ago where I never wrote down the supplies I used but I still wanted to show you . Enjoy

Thanks for stopping by...
Laurie

Good Times

2011-09-22T08:00:00.001-05:00

I made this layout a while ago and I never wrote down what supplies I used but I still wanted to post it for you. So here it is...enjoy.

Thanks for stopping by
Laurie

Bliss Paper equals beautiful layouts

2011-09-16T08:00:00.000-05:00

This is another quick and easy layout. I feel like a broken record sometimes but it is true. 15 minutes and you are done. That is the way it is with Close To My Heart products. They make everything coordinate so it is quick and easy for us to get some scrapbooking done.

All supplies are from Close To My Heart
Bliss Paper Packet X7132B
Bliss My Stickease X7132C
Bliss Level 2 Assortment Z1355
EK Success Scallop Punch

Set of Masculine Cards

2011-09-10T08:00:00.001-05:00

Sometimes it is hard to make masculine cards without looking too girly. With the You and Me Stamp set Masculine cards are a breeze! This is a versatile set that can be used for any occasion, from Baby to Father’s day to your most precious wedding photos! All you have to do is change the colors you are using!

All supplies are from Close To My heart unless otherwise noted:
Colors are Olive, Bamboo, Kraft and Colonial White
Exclusive inks Desert sand and Olive
Stamp sets: You and Me D1495
Jubilation D1457
Card Chatter Birthday D1475
Say it in Style D1283
Beautiful things D1298
Basic Buttons Z1358
Bamboo Bigger Brads (retired)
Antique Copper Bitty Brads Z1368
Waxy Flax Green
Paper Shapers 1 ¼ inch circle punch

Thanks for stopping by…
Laurie

Roxie...Wow!

2011-09-05T08:00:00.002-05:00

Wow! Awesome, awesome, awesome is all I can say about Roxie! This paper rocks! There are so many things done to this layout. Let me see…first off the 10 thinks pocket is a premade embellishment from Close To My Heart. It is blank on the front so you can decorate it how you wish and the ten strips come pre-numbered for you to journal on and embellish. The Red ribbon comes pleated so all you have to do is attach it to your layout. The Scalloped Circles, the fancy bookplate with I Love about you stamped on it and the hearts were all cut out using the New Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge. All done with Close To My Heart’s motto in mind…faster, simpler, easier.

All supplies are form Close To My Heart:
Roxie Paper Packet X7140B
Colors are Black, Smoothie, Desert Sand, Tulip and Colonial White
My Acrylix 10 Things stamp set C1474
10 Things Pocket Z1412
Bling Assortment Z1466
Designer red Ribbon Collection Z1615
Colonial White Waxy Flax Z1081

Thanks for stopping by…
Laurie

With Photos or Without?

2011-08-31T08:00:00.003-05:00

Someone told me that they prefer to look at artwork without the photos attached. The photos are too distracting when browsing. What do you think? When you look at the layouts on my blog and on other blogs, do you prefer to see the artwork without the photos or with them? I am undecided about this. My blog was created to show off all the great things that Close To My Heart sells and things you can make with that stuff. It wasn't created so I can show you my life and family. Ok, so that doesn't sound right but you know what I mean. My family is important to me but not necessarily to you. So what do you prefer when you are looking at others blogs? With photos on the layouts or without? Let me know. You can send me a private message or you can comment below. I would like to hear your opinion.

There is a lot going on with this layout. I loved making the banner for my title. To do that I took a 1 ¼ inch square and cut it from corner to corner. Then I sponged some of them with baby pink ink and the other ones with cotton candy ink. Then with Archival Black ink. I also used some of the black Epoxy Stickers and layers them with some stamped images. I also did some stamping right on the layout in a few places.

All supplies are from Close To MY Heart unless otherwise noted:
Sweetheart Papers X7134B
Colors are Black, Cotton Candy, Tulip and Baby Pink
Sweetheart Level 2 Assortment Epoxy Stickers Z1386
Sweetheart Stamp Set B1370
Friendship Alphabet

Thanks for stopping by…
Laurie

A Layout made with the New Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge!

2011-08-27T13:17:00.000-05:00

This was a really fun layout to make. I got to play with the new Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge. This cartridge is exclusive to Close To My Heart, you won't find it at any other store for purchase.

I cut out the leaves on colonial white cardstock and then I stamped the coordinating leaves using a variation of the rock and roll technique. To do this I inked up the leaf stamp in goldrush ink. Then I dabbed on some color using Autumn Terracotta and Chocolate. I even used a bit on Olive too son a few of the stamps. This gives you a one of a kind look to the ink and leaves.

I also cut out the Blue patterned paper from the Art Philosophy Cartridge. So fun…

All supplies are from Close to My Heart unless otherwise noted:

Grace Paper Packet X7117B
Colors are Twilight, Goldrush, Autumn terracotta, Bamboo and Chocolate.
Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge Z1686
Happy Harvest Stamp Set C1436 (coordinates with Art Philosophy)
Color ready Cork Alphabet Z1450
Clear Buttons Z1391
Goldrush Waxy Flax (retired)
Corner Rounder Z578
Harvest Charms Z1633

To cut from Art Philosophy:
Leaf 2 B4 size 2”
Leaf 4 D6 size 1 ½”
Leaf 1 E2 size 2 ½”
Shape 8 C7 size 11”

One the keyboard I have named each key separate. What I did was name each row A, B, C, D and E starting at the top going down. Then I named each one across from 1-10. So 4 down and 6 across is D6. I hope that makes sense to you.

Thanks for stopping by…
Laurie

Happy Retirement Card

2011-08-23T06:56:00.001-05:00

For this card I wanted to make it a “Use It Up” card. Which means going into my stash and using up some of the things that have been retired or I have had for ages. You know what I mean, we all have it…stuff we have bought years ago and have not used. I challenge you to “use it up” this week as well.

For the leaves I inked them up in Honey Ink and then dabbed random spots with autumn terracotta and Olive ink. I then stamped them onto Colonial white textured cardstock and cut them out.

All supplies are from Close to My Heart unless otherwise noted:
Black cardstock
Bamboo and Colonial White textured cardstock
Autumn terracotta B&T papers
Autumn Terracotta brads (unknown…they were a gift)
Party Pennants C1429
Natures Vein D1232
Autumn Terracotta Ink Z1201
Olive Ink Z2137
Honey Ink Z2162
Foam Tape Z268

Thanks for stopping by...
Laurie

Quick and Easy Layouts

2011-08-19T06:52:00.002-05:00

These are very simple pages to do. The sketch is from the Magic book…magician’s choice. It uses very little patterned paper so leftovers from some other pages would do. Throw in a couple of cardstock and you have your layout!

All supplies are from Close To My Heart unless otherwise noted:
Sketch from the Magic Book…Magician’s Choice
Lucky Paper Packet X7137B
Colors are Olive, Outdoor Denim, Desert Sand and Colonial White
Ribbon, Green Collection (retired)
Buttons Green Assortment Z1372
Colonial White Waxy Flax Z1081
EK Success Bracket Border Punch

Thanks for stopping by…
Laurie

It has been a while...

2011-08-15T18:52:00.000-05:00

I used to play a lot of Bingo a few years ago. It was sort of a family tradition in our family. So when the Lucky Papers came out I was really excited! They would go perfect with my Bingo photos. I really like the Lucky Level 2 Assortment Chipboard Accents. They are lightweight, thick chipboard with a shiny finish.

Again, Close To My Heart has a winner here with these coordinating accents.

All supplies are form Close To My Heart unless otherwise noted:
Sketch…Magic…Parlor Trick
Lucky Paper Packet X7137B
Colors are Desert Sand, Bamboo, Olive, Sunset, Outdoor Denim and Colonial White
Lucky My Stickease X7137C
Lucky Level 2 Assortment Z1356
Outdoor Denim Exclusive Inks Z2140
Moments in Time Stamp Set D1339

Thanks for stopping by…
Laurie

Exciting News!!!!

2011-07-28T10:21:00.000-05:00

I have got some exciting new to share today! Close To My Heart has teamed up with the makers of the Cricut machine and we now have our own exclusive cartridge! It is called Art Philosophy and it is paired up with 3 of our My Acrylix Stamp Sets and 3 Dimensional Elements Sheets to make some awesome artwork. On top of that, numerous other My Acrylix Stamp Sets in the Idea Book pair wonderfully with images on the cricut Cartridge.
There are 700 different shapes on the Cricut cartridge, ranging from elegant rosettes and lace to trendy gift boxes and banners. Oh, and there is an alphabet too!

This is a photo of the CTMH Cricut Bundle Art Philosophy with the 3 exclusive stamp sets and the Dimensional Elements.

This is a picture on the back of the Cricut Box. This is just some of the images you will be able to cut.

This is the overlay Keypad that shows the functions.

And the best news is that you get the Cricut Art Philosophy Collection for only $109.95.
It includes:
1 Cartridge (700 images, font, Shapes and 3-D items)
3 Coordinating My Acrylix D Size Stamp Sets
3 Coordinating 9x12" Dimensional Elements Sheets (tags, mixed shapes, banners)
This collection along with all the other NEW Close To My Heart items unveiled in our New Fall/Winter 2011 Idea Book starts on Monday, August 1st.
You can see all the current Idea Books here. Note: the New fall/winter idea book will not be live until Monday August 1st so be sure to stop by on Monday to check out the link then.

Just ask me how you can get this collection for 50% off!

Thanks for stopping by...
Laurie

A Christmas Layout in July!

2011-07-11T10:41:00.001-05:00

A Christmas Layout in July. As you can see, I do not scrapbook in order. Whatever inspires me is what I use. This time I was going through some old pictures and these just junped out at me.

All supplies are from Close To My Heart unless otherwise noted:

Imagine…Double Take
Mistletoe Paper Packet X7130B
Colors are Cranberry, New England Ivy, and Colonial White
New England Ivy Exclusive Inks Z2135
Stamps: Notice the Details D1378
No Peeking D1177
Share the Magic D1443
Sparkles Z1326
EK Success Dotted Scallop Border Punch
Copic Markers
Prisma Colored Pencils
Lyra Metallic Pencils

Thanks for stopping by…
Laurie

Summertime!

2011-07-04T10:37:00.001-05:00

I have to admit that this paper Packet…Fanfare… was not my favorite. In fact I really did not care for it at all. But, I bought it anyways to see if I can make some layouts with it. And it was not even a challenge at all. Once I pulled it out of the package and seen it in person and started working with it things just went together quickly. I really like this layout. This is a Magic layout…Hocus Pocus. Nice, Clean and simple. I hope you like it too!

Supplies used are from Close To My Heart
Magic - Hocus Pocus
Colors are White daisy, Cranberry, Pacifica, Sky, and Sunny Yellow.
X7138B Fanfare Paper Packet
X7138C Fanfare My Stickease

Thanks for stopping by…
Laurie

Quick and Easy Layouts

2011-06-27T10:28:00.007-05:00

Here is a quick and easy page with not too many supplies. I think it only took me 15 minutes to make. When I use the coordinating My Stickease there are sample layouts on the backside. If I like them then I can just copy the layout, place the stickases on and Wa - La my layout is done! Simple. It just cannot get any better than that!

All supplies are from Close To My heart unless otherwise noted.

Magnifique paper packet X7127B

Magnifique Stickease X7127A

Unity Stamp set C1422

Vellum

Thanks for stopping by...

Laurie

Use up that Stash

2011-06-21T10:21:00.001-05:00

For this layout I wanted to use some of my stash up, so almost everything that I used is retired. I hope you don’t mind. I would like to challenge you to “use Up” some of your stash too.

All supplies are from Close To My Heart
Majestic Blue Paper Packet X7081B
Textured Cardstock Crystal Blue and Outdoor Denim
Bamboo cardstock
Stamps: Solo I
Solo L
Pewter Brads
Pewter Photo clips

Thanks for stopping by…
Laurie

Scrapbooking with not so great pictures

2011-06-16T10:17:00.001-05:00

These pictures are not perfect. Many years ago I scanned in some old Polaroid photos into my computer to make sure the memories were preserved. My scanner at the time was an old one. Long story short, when I printed them off they were all pixilated. I was so disappointed, so I filed them away not wanting to scrapbook them. But the reason I scrapbook is to tell the stories and memories with pictures and text. So, although the pictures are not perfect they still tell a story. And here they are.

All supplies are from Close To My Heart unless otherwise noted:
Magic…Mesmerize Sketch
Jingle paper Packet X7115B
Colors are Olive, Tulip and White Daisy
Stamp Sets: Peace on Earth D1243
Tiny Typewriter Alphabet D1222
A Timber A1110
Sparkles Red Collection Z1326
EK Success Scalloped Scallop Border Punch
Martha Stewart Himalayan Snowflake Large

Thanks for stopping by…
Laurie

Let's Celebrate!

2011-06-13T10:16:00.000-05:00

Well, summer finally arrived! The weather is getting better outside so that means life is starting to get busy too. My posts to this blog will still be coming throughout the summer but maybe not quite so often as they have been.

These are some really old photos…it is of my 5th birthday. I used the Fanfare Workshop On the Go Kit but I did make a few changes to fit my photos into it and to “customize” it a little bit.

All supplies are from Close To My Heart unless otherwise noted:
Fanfare Paper Packet X7138B
1225 Sunny Yellow Cardstock
B1377 Fanfare Stamp Set
D1469 Polka Dot Alphabet
Z1371 Blue Assortment Buttons
Z1096 White Daisy Embroidery Thread
Z1392 2 inch scallop Punch
Z578 Corner Rounder
Z2192 Pacifica Exclusive Inks
Z2116 Cranberry Exclusive Inks
EK Success Scalloped Scallop Border Punch

Thanks for stopping by…
Laurie

A Christmas layout in June!

2011-06-02T08:00:00.002-05:00

This page was inspired by another Close To My Heart Consultant, Corrina Mitchell.

I liked the layout that she had done so I scrap lifted (copied) lots of her design and added a few things of my own to customize it for me.

All supplies are from Close To My Heart unless otherwise noted:
Magic…Performance Sketch
Mistletoe Paper Packet X7130B
Colors are Cranberry, New England Ivy, Bamboo, White Daisy and Black
Exclusive Inks: Desert Sand Z2118
New England Ivy Z2135
Cranberry Z2116
Stamp sets: Tiny Typewriter D1222
Peace On Earth D1243
Adorn- able D1446
Mistletoe Level Two Assortment Z1330
Cranberry Brads Z1361
White daisy Brads Z1365
Nestabilities Labels Four
Flowers (unknown)

Thanks for stopping by…
Laurie

Jean's 75th Birthday

2011-05-30T08:00:00.001-05:00

A few years ago, we surprised my Mom on her 75th Birthday by taking her out to supper.

For the journaling I printed it out on my HP Printer using the custom color tab to print it with Tulip Color Ink. I have the RGB codes that match Close To My Heart ink colors. So I just enter them into the Red Green Blue codes in the custom ink colors in my word program then the printer will print out that color. This is great to get the journaling to match your project.

All supplies are from Close To My Heart unless otherwise noted:
Cherry O Paper X7123B
Colors are tulip, Chocolate, Sweet Leaf and Colonial White
Cherry O My Stickease X71123C
Cherry O Opaques Z1319
EK Success Bracket Punch

Thanks for stopping by…
Laurie

Key to my Heart

2011-05-26T08:00:00.001-05:00

This is a quick post today. I came across this picture of a layout I made a while back. I didn't write down any supplies I used so I hope you will just enjoy the layout without a supply list.

Thanks for stopping by...
Laurie

Love that Rocking Horse

2011-05-23T08:00:00.001-05:00

I am so glad I had foresight to keep some of the things my kids had when they were little. It is really cool to see my grandbabies use the same things their parents used.
This layout uses only cardstock, no patterned paper at all. It is a very simple layout that only took a few minutes to put together.

All supplies are from Close To My Heart unless otherwise noted:
Magic…Out of the Hat sketch
Black, Sunny Yellow and White daisy Cardstock
Stamp set Flower Child D1248
Archival Black Ink
Sunny Yellow Brads
Gingham ribbon (unknown)
Offray Stylish Ribbon Accent Flowers
Prima Black Flowers

Thanks for stopping by…
Laurie

You are my Miracle

2011-05-19T08:00:00.001-05:00

Wow are these Pictures old. My son is now 27 and has a baby of his own. This is one of the reasons that I really like to scrapbook. To Remember. I can still feel him in my arms as we are cuddling on the couch. Oh, those were the days…

All supplies are from Close To My Heart:
Magic: Raise the Curtain™
X7133B Miracle Level 2 Paper Packet
X7133C Miracle Level 2 My Stickease® Assortment
Z2103 Bamboo Exclusive Inks® Pad
Z1371 Buttons Blue Assortment
Z1327 Sparkles Blue and Green Assortment
Corner Rounder

Thanks for stopping by…
Laurie

Product Spotlight...Color Ready Borders

2011-05-16T08:00:00.001-05:00

Have I told you I absolutely LOVE the Kraft Color Ready Borders? They are the coolest new product we have in the Spring/Summer 2011 catty! You get 50 (2 each of 25 designs) 12 inch adhesive backed borders. They can be used as is or they can be colored. You can even weave strips of paper through them like I did on this layout. And the best part is they are only $6.50. Yep, that is right I said only $6.50. What are you waiting for…order some today here, or give me a call to place your order.

This layout is also the Miracle Workshop on the Go. I did make a few changes that made it work with my photos better. I hope you like it.

All supplies are from Close To My Heart unless otherwise noted:
Miracle Paper X7133B
Colors are Colonial White, Bamboo, heavenly Blue, Sweet Leaf and Chocolate
Color ready Kraft Borders Z1377
Chocolate Exclusive Inks Z2111
Chocolate Buttons Z1358
Crystal Blue Waxy Flax Z1247
Stamp Sets Miracle B1378
Polka Dot Alphabet D1469
Martha Stewart Frond Punch

Thanks for stopping by…
Laurie

Happy Monday

2011-05-09T08:00:00.001-05:00

It seems like forever since I posted a card.
I made these cute little cards for my downline who had the highest sales in my 1st, 2nd and 3rd level of downline. I have such a wonderful team; I wish I had time to make all of them a card every month!

For the strip running across the card I wanted a muted version of Sunset to match so I used White Daisy cardstock and my stipple brush and stippled Sunset Ink onto the cardstock. I think it turned out great! Using these brushes from the distressing kit really makes your supplies go farther as you can use them to make your own custom colored cardstock.

I used the Olivia Paper packet for these cards and paired it up with some unexpected color Pacifica! (other colors I used in the other cards were Lagoon and Gypsy).

All supplies are Close To My Heart unless otherwise noted:
Olivia Paper Packet X7128B
Cardstock Colors are Pacifica, Sunset and White Daisy
Beautiful Day Stamp Set D1450
Express Postage D1262
Mini Medley Sunset Collection Z1338
Stipple Brush from Distressing Kit Z1299
Corner Rounder Z578
Martha Stewart Bubble Bath Border Punch
EK Success Circle Punch and Scallop Circle Punch

Thanks for stopping by...
Laurie

All Star Layout

2011-05-05T08:00:00.001-05:00

I really like the layout of these pages. It is another sketch from the Magic How To Book, Juggling Act on page 110. These sketches make it so easy to duplicate the layouts with Cutting Diagrams, Placement diagrams, paper sizes and full color photos of a completed layout using the pattern. I cannot say enough about the How to Books from Jeanette Lynton founder of Close To My Heart.

All supplies are from Close To My Heart unless otherwise noted:
Colors are White Daisy, Cranberry, Bamboo and Indian Corn Blue
Zippidee Paper X7125B
Grace paper X7117B
All Star Stamp Set D1256 (retired)
Cranberry marker
Cranberry and Indian Corn Blue Exclusive Inks
Star Nestabilities
Paper Shapers Star Punch
Big White Brads from?
Blazing Red Stazon Ink

Thanks for stopping by…
Laurie

I made a wish...

2011-05-02T08:00:00.001-05:00

I made a wish and you came true...Spoken from my heart.

All supplies are from Close To My Heart unless otherwise noted:
Magic: Disappearing Act™
X7133B Miracle Level 2 Paper Packet
X7133C Miracle Level 2 My Stickease® Assortment
Z2103 Bamboo Exclusive Inks® Pad
Z2153 Sweet Leaf Exclusive Inks
C1422 Unity Stamp Set
Z1327 Sparkles Blue and Green Assortment
Z1104 Sparkles Clear Assortment
4275 My Legacy Writer Black Journaling Pen
Blue Ribbon (Hobby Lobby)
EK Success Bracket Border punch

Thanks for stopping by…
Laurie

Start your own Close To My Heart Business for only $70!

2011-05-01T10:14:00.000-05:00

Have I got a deal for you!

From May 1 until May 31 2011 you can start your own Close To My Heart business for only $70! How great is that?

You get all the business supplies you need PLUS You get to choose 3 of the 5 bundles shown here to customize your own kit.

Bundles 1-4 are product bundles

And bundle 5 (not shown) is a 12 month membership to Studio J, our very own digital scrapbooking site.

***********

Plus you will also receive the beautiful Me and You scrapbooking kit absolutely FREE! (Value $38.95) Click here to view

Total Value of the kit is well over $300 but for May 2011 only you can get it for $70!

************

I would like to build my team so you would be helping me out too!

It is a win/win for both of us!

For more info or to sign up now click here

Offer available only in Canada.

Quick and Easy Layout

2011-04-28T08:00:00.001-05:00

This is a quick and easy page today.

All supplies are from Close To My Heart unless otherwise noted:

Magic Pattern…Levitate
X7138B Fanfare paper Packet
Dimensional Monograms
Foam Numbers (retired)
Nestabilities Scalloped Circles

Thanks for stopping by…
Laurie

Pontoon Fun

2011-04-25T08:00:00.001-05:00

I love this sketch from the Magic How to Book. It is called On With The Show. It is a very simple layout, one that doesn’t use a whole lot of paper too! Another plus of this sketch is that it uses 4x6 photos. Lots of my customers only have 4x6 photos as they get them printed out at places like Wal-Mart or Superstore and do not have their own photo printer at home to use.

One thing I did do on this layout is to color the Color the chipboard letters that spell Oak Lake. First, I colored the top part with sweet Leaf ink using my finger dauber and rubbing in tiny circles all over the top of the letters. Next I used Crystal Blue in and did the same thing in the middle part of the letters. Lastly, I finished them off by applying Indian Corn Blue to the bottom of the letters using the same technique with the finger dauber. This gives a nice tri-color appearance. Just remember to start with the lightest color and work your way to the darkest color.

All supplies are from Close to My Heart unless otherwise noted:
Magic Sketch – On with the Show
Emporium Paper Packet X7105B
Colors are Crystal Blue, Indian Corn Blue, Sweet Leaf and Colonial White
Exclusive Inks Sweet Leaf Z2153
                      Crystal Blue Z2117
                       Indian Corn Blue Z2130
Stamp Sets: Bohemian Alphabet E1019
     Express Postage D1262
     Save the Date D1386
     June Word Puzzle D1288 (retired)
     Boutique Borders D1332
Circle Window Charms (retired)
Buttons Blue Assortment Z1371
Buttons Green Assortment Z1372
Sparkles Blue and Green Assortment Z1327
Sparkles Clear Bitty Z1263
Dimensional Elements Monograms Assorted Letters

Thanks for stopping by…
Laurie

Happy Thursday!

2011-04-21T11:42:00.000-05:00

Once a month for 8 months my club meets and we make cards. These are the cards we made at one of the meeting a little while ago. I am taking registrations for Fall Club Nights. Ask me about joining our club in the fall!

All supplies are from Close To My Heart unless otherwise noted:

Colors are Bamboo, Sweet Leaf, Crystal Blue and White Daisy
Magnifique Paper
Wings Paper
Stamps:
Find your Style D1452 (blue Set)
Smiles C1397 (Yellow set)
Noted Backgrounds D1412 (Blue set)
Happy Birthday C1257 (Purple set)
Happy Holidays D1431 (Pink set)
Diamond Plate Cuttlebug Embossing Folder
Swiss Dots Cuttlebug Embossing Folder
EK Success Corner Rounder
EK Success 1 ¼ inch scallop circle punch
Martha Stewart Eyelet Lace Punch
Bamboo Ribbon
Bamboo Finger Dauber

Thanks for stopping by…
Laurie

Kilkenny Castle

2011-04-11T08:52:00.002-05:00

These pictures were taken at the Kilkenny castle in Ireland last summer. It was such a beautiful castle. I really enjoyed our trip there.

All supplies are from Close To My Heart unless otherwise noted:
Magnifique paper packet X7127B
Colors are Chocolate, Lagoon, Pacifica, Sky and Colonial White
Heart to Heart stamp Set B1358
Mini Medley Shades of Chocolate Accents

Thanks for stopping by...
Laurie

Sweet Baby Card

2011-04-07T08:46:00.001-05:00

For this card I was in the USE IT UP mode. There are only a few items that are new. Most of it has been in my stash for a few years. But as you can see…older items make great cards too! So I challenge you all to dig into your stash and use at least 3 products that you have had for at least 1 year and put it on your project!

All supplies are from Close To My Heart unless otherwise noted:

X7107B That’s Amore Paper Packet (retired)
Colors are Chocolate, Blush, Tulip, and Colonial White
E1019 Bohemian Alphabet Stamps
D1254 Sole Mates Stamps
Z2166 Tulip Ink
Big Pinks Flowers (retired)
Flowers Dimensional Elements (retired)
Tulip Shimmer Spray (Homemade)
Swiss Dots Cuttlebug Embossing Folder
Wilton Doily (found in the baking section of Michaels)
Prima Flower
Pink String Pearls

Thanks for stopping by…
Laurie

My Giggle Monster

2011-04-05T09:15:00.001-05:00

Here is a layout I made with the Hooligans Paper packet. This paper packet is only available until the end of July so if you want it get it before then.

All supplies are from Close To My Heart unless otherwise noted.

Sketch...Magic...card trick page 86

Hooligans Paper packet X7129B

Hooligans Level 1 stickease (for the word monster) X7129A

Hooligans Level 2 Assortment Z1332 (retired)

Dimensional Elements monograms assorted letters

Black Journal Pen

ribbon (unknown)

Thanks for stopping by...

Laurie

3 Constant Campaigns for April!

2011-04-01T10:45:00.000-05:00

Count them...1...2...3! That's right there are 3 Constant Campaigns for April. How cool is that?
Let's start with the first one...Lovin Level 1
During April, when you place an order of $115 CAN or more on my MyCTMH® website you’ll receive one My Reflections® Level 1 kit of your choice FREE during our Lovin’ Level 1 campaign. Choose from several popular Level 1 kits. You’ll also qualify for a free April Stamp of the Month set! Now that’s a deal.

Next, I will tell you about the 2nd April Constant Campaign...Hope for Japan

From now until April 30, purchase the exclusive, “Hope for Japan” A-size stamp set for the special price of only $5 (retail value $8.75 CAN) and Close To My Heart will donate 100% of the profits to the American Red Cross’ efforts in Japan. This beautifully designed stamp set reminds us of how our hearts are hopeful for those who are in need. You can see the stamp set here

And finally the 3rd April Constant Campaign...Sparkle with Studio J

This April, it’s time to let your Studio J® layouts shine with this exclusive, members-only campaign! Studio J members get free bling when they buy 10 layouts this month. Bling it up and bling it on with FREE self-adhesive Sparkles and Opaques Pearl gems!
You can try out the online software here for FREE

Wow, April is the month for savings with Close To My Heart. Contact me for more details about any of these Constant Campaigns or to place your order!

Thanks for stopping by...
Laurie

Life's Little Moments

2011-03-28T09:18:00.001-05:00

Life's little moments...that says it all.

All supplies are from Close to My Heart
Mayberry paper Packet X7136B
Mayberry My Stickease X7136C
Colors are Honey, Olive, Smoothie and Colonial White

Thanks for stopping by...
Laurie

Magnifique Note Folder

2011-03-24T09:00:00.002-05:00

I made this note folder a while ago and never got around to posting it until now. For the notepad itself, I went to the local Staples Depot and asked them if they would cut a regular notepad in half so I could make a few of these little pads. They did charge me a small fee but I was happy just to have them cut it for me.

All supplies are Close To My Heart unless otherwise noted:

Magnifique paper packet X7127B
Colors are Pacifica, Sky and Chocolate
Unity Stamp Set C1422
Treasure Life Stamp Set D1306
Foundry Flourishes Z1331
Nestabilities Beaded Ovals
Nestabilities Ovals
Chocolate brads
Velcro Circles

Thanks for stopping by...
Laurie

Tilda Goes Shopping

2011-03-21T09:13:00.001-05:00

This is a quick simple card today. I usually go wild with the embellishments but sometimes they are too thick to mail so…simple is what I did today.

All supplies are form Close To My Heart unless otherwise noted:
Colors are Crystal Blue, Colonial White and Sorbet.
Caboodle Paper X7121B
Colonial White Ribbon
Friendship Stamp Set D1453
EK Success Bracket Punch
Archival Ink Black
Tilda goes shopping by Magnolia
Copic Markers:
Skin: E000, E00, E02, R11
Shirt and Bag: R00, R01, R02
Hair: E37, E35, E33, E31
Pants, Purse, Pendant, Bag, and Necklace: B000, B00, B02
Boots: E13, e11, E00

Thanks for stopping by…
Laurie

Beauty

2011-03-18T09:00:00.000-05:00

Sofia Paper…my favorite paper in the Spring/Summer 2011 Catalogue. I guess I love it because I have 2 granddaughters. It is great for making girly pages. In this layout I was using some of my stash that had been retired. I have challenged myself at the start of the year that I need to USE some of my things that I bought ages ago instead of just hoarding them. The photos are of my daughter Amy and my Granddaughter Novalee.

All supplies are from Close To My heart unless otherwise noted:
Magic: Deck of Cards™
X7131B Sophia Level 2 Paper Packet
X7131C Sophia Level 2 My Stickease® Assortment
Z2128 Hollyhock Exclusive Inks® Pad
Z2106 Blush Exclusive Inks
Z1362 Brads Pink Assortment
Z1370 Pink Assortment Buttons
Z891 versamark Ink
Z673 White Daisy Embossing Powder
Z1096 White Daisy Embroidery Floss
Z1104 Clear Sparkles
Z1035 Baby Pink Edge Anchors (retired)
D1363 Picture Perfect Stamp Set
D1141 So Sweet Season Stamp Set (retired)
Flower Dimensional Elements (retired)
Z726 Sponge Daubers
Martha Stewart Doily Lace Border Punch

Thanks for stopping by…
Laurie

March Blog Hop...Techniques

2011-03-14T23:00:00.004-05:00

Welcome to the March Blog Hop...scrapbook techniques. If you have just came from Corina Mitchell's site you are on the right track.

In this layout I chose to do some embossing. This is fairly simple to do. First you ink up your stamp with Versamark. This is a "sticky" clear ink pad that stays wet a little longer than a regular ink pad. Then you sprinkle your embossing powder onto the wet versamark ink. Swoosh the embossing powder around until the entire image has embossing powder on it. Then you tap off the excess powder and return it back into the bottle so there is no waste. Next, you heat the image with your heat gun until the powder melts and turns shiny. And then you are done! On the above layout I embossed the design on the Christmas Ornaments on the left page and the snowflakes on the right page. Also on the right page on the frame that surrounds the photo of me and my granddaughter I embossed it as well.

To do that I took the Versamark in my right hand and swiped the edges of the cardstock frame on all four sides leaving a random pattern around the frame. Then I sprinkled the embossing powder around and heat set it just like I did when I used the stamps. This gives a unique frame around the picture.

All supplies are from Close To My Heart unless otherwise noted:
Supplies:

Adorn-able D1446
December Word Puzzle D1313
Moments In Time D1339
Versamark
Craft Tray
Gold Embossing Powder
Cranberry and New England Ivy Ink
Cranberry and new England Ivy Finger Daubers
Omega Nylon Christmas Thread
Scotch tape for Masking

Now you can hop on over to Haley Dyer's blog here and see what technique she will feature!
Thanks for stopping by...
Laurie

Meet Baby Maddison

2011-03-12T09:33:00.000-06:00

Please meet the newest member of my family. This is my granddaughter Maddison Ciara Flannery. She is the darling daughter of my son Terry and his better half Jessica. She was born on March 8th at 11:34 PM and weighed in at 6 lbs 13 ozs. (By the way...that is the exact weight her daddy Terry weighed when he was born too!) Stayed tuned for lots of scrapbook layouts featuring baby Maddison.

Thanks for stopping by...
Laurie

A Baby Boy Layout

2011-03-10T08:00:00.002-06:00

Here is a layout I did of my son a few days ago. This was the day he was born…in 1984! I would not call me “behind” in scrapbooking…I just scrapbook whatever inspires me at a particular moment. It could start with a certain paper packet, or stamp set. It could also be the story I want to write about. So in other words…wherever my heart desires…just the way it should be…right?

All Supplies are from Close To My Heart unless otherwise noted:
Deck Of Cards Sketch from Magic 9034
Magnifique Paper Packet X7127B
Colors are Pacifica, Sky, White Daisy and Buttercup
Pacifica Ink Z2192
Sky Ink Z2194
Just the Ticket Stamp Set B1323
Just For Boys Stamp Set C1338
Checklist Stamp Set D1252
Buttercup Ribbon Z1154
Paper Shapers Star Punch
EK Success Bracket Punch
Storybook Cricut Font

Thanks for stopping by...
Laurie

Snow Much Fun

2011-03-07T08:00:00.000-06:00

This was the first time my granddaughter went out to play in the snow. It is so cute watching her discover new things!
I got to add lots of photos to this layout thanks to the New Page Protectors Flip Flaps. You get 8 flip flaps in each package, two 4x12, four 6x12 and two 8x12 all for only $4.50. How cool is that? These have an adhesive strip that attaches on the outside of your page protector. They can go on either the top, or bottom, left or right sides. So anywhere! In the above photo I have the 8x12 attached to the left side of page one and the 4x12 to the right side of page one. I also have a 6x6 attached to the top and bottom of page 2.

Magnifique Paper Packet X7127B

Colors Sky, Lagoon, Colonial White and Cotton Candy Cardstock
Pacifica, Cotton Candy and Chocolate Ink
Stamp Sets:
Bundled Up D1165 (retired)
January Word Puzzle D1268 (retired)
True friends D1406
Unity C1422
Snow Days C1420
Picture Perfect D1363
Memory Protectors Flip Flaps Z1325
Martha Stewart Himalayan Snowflake Large
Martha Stewart Arctic Snowflake
EK Success Bracket Border Punch
Finger Dauber
Blush Brads
French Script MT Font for Title

Thanks for stopping by...
Laurie

March Stamp of the month

2011-03-03T08:00:00.003-06:00

Isn’t this set the cutest you have ever seen? I think this is my all time favorite Stamp of the month that Close To My Heart has put out. And the very best thing (besides being able to color them with my COPIC markers) is that it may be “intended” for Easter, but with any other saying stamp you can use it for whatever occasion you want it to be.

For You:
This card can be for any occasion, I plan to give it away to someone that orders off my website. Yes, every time you order off my website, you will receive a handmade card from me…how cool is that?
My website Link is here…hint, hint…Ha-ha.
Copics Used:
W00, W02, R0000, YG0000, G20, G21, E33, E31, E30, T4, T2, T0 blender

Happy Birthday
I just love this Mama Bunny. She is so adorable.
Copics Used:
W00, W02, R0000, Yg0000, YG01
E000, E0000, B000, B0000, BV0000, T0, T2, Blender

Way to go
This card is going to go to one of my downline…yes they get handmade cards from me too! Ask me how!
Copics Used:
W00, W02, R0000, Yr00, YR02, G20, G21, E00, E000, E0000, B000, B0000, T0, T2, Blender

So again, this stamp of the month will be one of my go to sets for just about any occasion.

All supplies are Close to My Heart unless otherwise noted:
Heavenly Blue, Taffy, Key Lime and White daisy Cardstock
Heavenly Blue and Taffy Ink
Stamp sets: Sensational Season D1454 March 2011 Stamp of the month
For every Occasion D1187
Happy Birthday C1257
Heavenly Blue Button, ribbon and Brads
Key lime Rickrack ribbon
White daisy Flower painted with Taffy reinker mixed with pearl paint.
Taffy Ribbon (Unknown)
Foam Dots
Pop Dots
Martha Stewart Swirling Lace Punch and Laurel Leaf border and corner punch
Nesties Long Classic Scalloped rectangle
Cuttlebug Swiss Dots and Frills Embossing Folders
Memento Tuxedo Black Ink
Copic Markers

Thanks for stopping by...
Laurie

Bliss Workshop On The Go

2011-02-28T08:00:00.006-06:00

This is the Workshop On The Go that we need to order by March 13th so it is back in plenty of time for the April Workshop. Call me to order or for more details. Or you can order it here and put it together at home anytime.

This paper goes really well with Wedding or almost any other occasion. A fellow CTMH Consultant did one about horses and it was beautiful. That is the great thing about the paper packets from Close To My Heart they can be used for almost any photos you may have.

Thanks for stopping by...
Laurie

A Blast from the Past!

2011-02-24T08:00:00.002-06:00

Wow, these are some really old pictures. These sometimes aren’t the “prettiest” pictures to scrapbook as they were odd sized and grainy but they sure do tell stories.

We are making this layout for the March Scrapbook Class on March 11th at 7pm. Please let me know by March 8th if you plan to attend. Space is limited and sometimes fills up fast.

One of the products I am going to highlight today is the Versamat. It really has so many uses. One thing I did today was to line up my stamps in the curve formation before I stamped it. I set the curved cardstock onto my mat, and then I placed the letters face down around the curve and adjusted them to where I wanted them using the square grid as a guide. Then I took my block, pressed it down onto my stamps and picked them up off of the Versamat.

Next, I laid out all the pieces of my layout, without gluing them down yet, just in case there is a mistake when stamping. (Yes, I still make some mistakes) then inked up the title stamps and stamped onto my layout. Then I glued everything down.

In case you are wondering…you can find the Versamat on my website here.

All supplies are from Close To My Heart unless otherwise noted:

Magic Pattern…On with the Show Page 62
Lucky Paper Packet X7137B
Colors are Colonial White, Outdoor denim, Olive and Sunset.
Stamps: Memories D1127 (retired)
Bohemian Alphabet E1019
Outdoor Denim Buttons Z1277
Pewter Photo Clips (connections Club reward)
Orange Embroidery Floss (retired)

Thanks for stopping by…
Laurie

Happy Maggie Monday!

2011-02-21T08:00:00.001-06:00

It has been a while since I posted a Maggie. It felt really good to dig these little cuties and play a bit.
This is a really quick card today…less than 10 minutes to make it (that is after I had her colored).

Not everything we make needs to be a masterpiece. At least that is what I keep telling myself, as I tend to stress about how things looks sometimes.

All supplies are from Close to My Heart unless otherwise noted:
Caboodle Paper Z7121B
Colors are Sorbet, Crystal Blue and White daisy.
Happy Birthday Stamp Set C1257
Prima Flowers
Taffy Brads
EK Success 2 inch scalloped circle and Plain circle punch
Blue spica pen over top of the saying
Tilda with Gifts by Magnolia
Copic markers:
Skin: E11, E00, E000, R20
Hair: E55, E53, E51
Dress Shoes and Ponytail and some Presents: B02, B00, B000
Presents: YG13, YG11, YG0000
R22, R20, R00
Pinafore: Y11, Y00, Y0000

Thanks for stopping by…
Laurie

Water Fun

2011-02-18T09:00:00.001-06:00

This layout was made using the Splendor paper packet and Stickease. These Stickease are really fun and easy to use. Just peel off the backing sheet and place on the layout. Did you know that on the back of the Stickease sheets there are sample layouts that you can make? I used one of the samples to make this layout…with a few changes to make my photos fit. So next time you purchase the Stickease make sure you look at the back of the sheet for ideas!

I also used the Flip Flap Memory Protectors to add more photos on my layout than what would fit. These are really handy and affordable…Just $4.75 for 15! Each one holds two photos…one on the front and one on the backside, so a package will last for many layouts.

All Supplies are Close To My Heart
Splendor Paper Packet X7124B
Splendor Stickease X7124C
Colors are Topiary, Goldrush, and Colonial White.
Flip Flap memory Protectors Z4114
Summer Wishes Stamp Set B1349
Goldrush Brads

Thanks for stopping by…
Laurie

February Blog Hop - All About Color

2011-02-14T23:00:00.002-06:00

Welcome to the February Blog Hop. Today we are featuring

"All about Color"

If you have just come from Corina Mitchell's blog you are on the right track.

I think this has to be my favorite Color Combination: Olive, Goldrush, Honey, Cocoa and Colonial White. When you work with 4 or 5 colors, you want to make sure your color is balanced with one or 2 main colors and the others are just accent colors. What I mean is make one color your main color…in this case Goldrush is my main color so I want the biggest proportion that color or about 50% that color. Next is Honey…which is about 25% that color. Next is Cocoa and Colonial White which is about 10% each and then we add in the Olive at about 5%. What you want to avoid when working with colors is having the same proportions of each of the color, or equal amounts of all the colors.

All Supplies are from Close To My Heart unless otherwise noted:

Goldrush, Honey, Colonial White and Cocoa Cardstock.
Olive patterned paper from the Lucky Paper Packet X7137B
Honey, Goldrush and Olive Ink
Stamp Sets: Cards Chatter – Sympathy D1476
Sofia B1379
Bitty Clear Sparkles Z1263
Medium Grit sandpaper Z1294
Olive Brads Z1364
Martha Stewart Swirling Lace Punch around the page
Nesties: Scalloped Circles, Scalloped ovals and Petite Ovals small
Cuttlebug Swiss Dots Embossing Folder
Tim Holtz Checkerboard Large Embossing folder

Now it is time to hop on over to Adeline Brill's blog here

Thanks for stopping by...
Laurie

Queen for a Day

2011-02-12T09:00:00.001-06:00

This is a real simple card to make. I used a Martha Stewart border punch to create the desert Sand border on this card. Then I used the Nestabilities Lacey Circles and plain circles to create the mat to stamp on. I also stamped my saying from the Royal Birth Stamp set. Used my Bow easy to make the perfect bows, added a few brads and we are done.

All supplies are from Close To My heart unless otherwise noted:
Silhouette Paper Packet
White daisy, Black and desert sand Cardstock
Royal Birth Stamp set D1441
Bamboo Brads
Archival True Black Ink 4475
Martha Stewart Rings, Bubble Bath and Swirling Lace border Punches
Nestabilities Lacy Circles and plain circles
Ribbon (unknown)

Thanks for stopping by…
Laurie

Hand and Hand

2011-02-08T12:39:00.000-06:00

This paper packet has to be one of my all time favorite papers from Close To My Heart. It is called Sofia and is one of the 8 new paper packets in the Spring/Summer 2011 catalogue. These pictures were taken last summer and it was the first time my granddaughter Novalee had walked in the sand. It was funny, watching her discover the cold sand between her toes! It was so cute. Ya, I know...excited grandma talking here...
Anyways, this layout was made from the Sofia Workshop on the Go kit.

All supplies are from Close To My Heart:
Sofia Workshop On The Go G1019 which contains
Sofia Level 2 Paper Packet
Sofia Stamp Set
Pink Assortment Buttons
Colonial White Waxy Flax
Workshop Guide

You also get in the Workshop guide instructions for 6 cards as well. And there is plenty of paper and accessories left over to do many more projects too!
To get your Sofia Workshop on the Go kit visit my website here

Thanks for stopping by
Laurie

A Perfect 10

2011-02-05T10:35:00.001-06:00

SCORE A PERFECT 10 IN FEBRUARY! IF YOU’RE A STUDIO J®

member, you can take advantage of this great opportunity to fill up
your scrapbook. For every 9 custom-printed Studio J layouts you
buy, you’ll receive the 10th layout free. 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. And so on! If you’re not a member yet,
now’s a great time to join! Contact me for more information.
Start your Digital Scrapbooking here.

Thanks for stopping by...
Laurie

Free, Free and Fabulous!

2011-02-01T10:26:00.001-06:00

WHEN YOU BECOME A CLOSE TO MY HEART CONSULTANT DURING February and achieve Straight To The Top, you will receive a rebate of $140 on your New Consultant Kit, plus $110 in select product credit rewards. That’s a total retail value of up to $544 in products and business supplies for FREE! Your kit’s free, your select products are free—how fabulous!
Reach Straight To The Top by:
• Submitting sales of $330 or more in your first month and
• Submitting total sales of $1,330 or more during your first three months.
Then redeem your $110 in select product credit for My Acrylix® stamps, blocks, Exclusive Inks,® cardstock, My Reflections® paper packets, and more!

Ask your Independent Consultant how you can join their Team in February and earn the Free, Free, & Fabulous rewards.
Sign up today!

Thanks for stopping by...
Laurie

Another Wings layout

2011-01-27T08:30:00.002-06:00

Here is a layout I made of Close To My Heart Convention in 2008. The colors of the Wings papers went perfect with the dresses Liz and I were wearing. (Hi Liz!) I also tried a new technique for the green area inside the scalloped strips in the layout. I will be teaching this technique at my technique Class in January. The marbled look also goes great with the Wings kit.

All supplies are from Close To My heart unless otherwise noted:
Wings Paper Packet X7135B
Colors are Sweet Leaf, Vineyard Berry, Colonial White and Black
Wings Level 2 My Stickease X7135C
Tim Holts Elegant flourishes
Nestabilities standard and scalloped circles
Liquid glass
Sweet Leaf Exclusive Inks Z2153
Black Journaling Pen
Computer Font – Calibri

Thanks for stopping by…
Laurie

Quick Card today

2011-01-24T10:38:00.000-06:00

Here is a quick and simple card I made for the Mojo Monday 168 Contest but of course I didn’t get it posted in time so I am just showing it here. Hope you like it.

All Supplies are from Close To My Heart unless otherwise noted.
Splendor Paper Packet X7124B
Colors are Topiary, Goldrush and White Daisy
Best Wishes Stamp Set B1349
Colonial White Ribbon
EK Success Circle Punch, Scalloped Circle punch and Corner Punch

Thanks for stopping by…
Laurie

Express Yourself

2011-01-21T12:39:00.000-06:00

This is another Faster, Simpler, Easier layout I made. It uses the Wings Paper Packet, Wings Stickease and the New Black Mini Medley Accents Collection. I think it tood me under 30 minutes to put this all together. That included printing the pictures and doing computer journalling.
The Wings Collection is available right now...a little preview of the new Spring/Summer catty that goes live on February 1st!

All supplies are from Close To My Heart.
Wings Paper Packet X7135B
Wings My Stickease X7135C
Mini Medley Accents in Black Z1393
Spray Pen Z1380 with Vineyard Berry Shimmer recipe

Thanks for stopping by...
Laurie

January Technique Class

2011-01-17T10:23:00.002-06:00

These are the cards I will be teaching at the January Technique Class. We will make all 3 cards and you will get full instructions on how to do the techniques. Class will be held on Sunday January 30th at 2pm. Cost is $10. You must pre register by January 27th to reserve your spot!

Thanks for stopping by...
Laurie

January Blog Hop

2011-01-14T23:00:00.004-06:00

Welcome to the January Blog Hop…the theme this month is Valentines! I love Valentine’s Day, it is a day that you can express to your sweetheart how much they are loved. And mine is such a sweetheart…

If you have just come from Adeline's blog you are on the right track.
For this card I used the colors Blush, Sweet Leaf and Chocolate. It uses the sweet leaf pattern paper out of the NEW WINGS paper packet. I also like to decorate the inside of the card.

All supplies are from Close To My Heart unless otherwise noted:
Wings Level 2 Paper Packet X7135B
Chocolate, Blush and Colonial White Cardstock
Soul Mates Stamp Set D1254
Chocolate Exclusive Inks Z2111
Blush Exclusive Inks Z2106
Sweet Leaf Edge Anchors Z1035
Blush Brads Z1216
Chocolate Ribbon Z1127
3D Foam Tape Z1151
Martha Stewart Lace Heart border Punch
EK Success Scalloped Scallop border punch

Now it is time to hop on over to Traci's blog.

Thanks for stopping by…
Laurie

January Scrapbook Class

2011-01-12T10:34:00.000-06:00

Would you like to make this layout? I will teaching the class on Friday January 21st at 7pm. Cost is $12. You must preregister by January 20th to reserve your spot.

Thanks for stopping by...
Laurie

Tulle Skirt Tilda

2011-01-10T10:32:00.005-06:00

For this card I combined two paper packets…Magnifique and topstitch. I like how they go together. One of the other things I did was to take my opaques pearls and color them with my Copic marker RV11 to match. Since I bought my copics I tend to buy more white or cream embellishments and color them to match whatever I am working on. This saves a lot of money when you don’t need something in every color!

All Supplies are from Close To My Heart unless otherwise noted:
Magnifique paper Packet
Topstitch Paper Packet
Sky, Chocolate, Baby Pink and Colonial White cardstock
Opaques Pearls
Topstitch Workshop On The Go Stamp Set
Nestabilities Circles and Beaded Circles
Saying on the inside is from Stampabilities
Flowers are from Modern Romance
Tulle Skirt Tilda by magnolia

Copics
Skin: E11, E00, E000, R11
Hair: E55, E53, E51
Dress: B97, B95, B93
Shirt and Bows: B12, B00, B0000
Tulle: C00
Waterfall Stickles on Bows and Tulle
Platinum Stickles on Buttons.

Thanks for stopping by...
Laurie

Spread your Wings

2011-01-05T10:30:00.000-06:00

Sssshhhhh....I have a secret to tell you...Did you know that on the backside of the My Stickease there are two sample layouts that you can make with the Stickease and the coordinating paper packet? Well...there is. How cool is that! Never before seen layouts too. That makes scrapbooking faster...simpler...easier.
Here is one of those layouts. I bet it only took me 15 minutes to complete this layout. For everyone who says they never have time to scrapbook anymore they just need to buy the paper packet and coordinating stickease.

It uses the Final Act Pattern from the Magic Scrapbooking How to book.
It also uses the Wings Paper packet, that you can order today as a sneak preview to the Spring/Summer Catalogue coming in February!
All supplies are from Close To My Heart
Wings Paper Packet X7135B
Wings Level 2 My Stickease Assortment X7135C
Mini Medley Accents Collection in black Z1393

Thanks for stopping by...
Laurie

Sneak Peak at some new Products

2011-01-02T13:02:00.000-06:00

Take a sneak peak at some of the Spring/Summer Idea Book Products - including some amazing deals on new stamp sets and the January Stamp Of the Month when you buy the Wings Workshop on the Go Kit. You can view the Inspirations flyer here

Call or email me with your order today.

Also I am starting a Workshop on the Go Club. Each member is required to make a minimum purchase of the Workshop on the Go Kit for the price of 33.50 (plus shipping and taxes) each month for 6 months. Once in those 6 months you will get the hostess rewards of $30 that you can use to purchase paper, inks, markers, stamps or blocks. This is a great way to get some supplies without breaking the bank.

These Kits come with:
1 Level 2 paper packet
1 My Acrylix Workshop Stamp set
1 accessory...varies each kit
and 1 workshop guide with full instructions to put together a two page layout and 6 cards. There is also additional instructions on my website for another 2 page layout and 6 more cards.

I will offer a FREE workshop to put together one of those 2 page layouts but attendance at the free workshop is not mandatory. You can do these workshops at your convenience at home if you choose to do so.

There will be 8 new Workshop on the Go kits in each new catalogue. Our club will be for 6 of these kits, but if for some reason you do not like the kit that we are doing a certain month you can choose another one of the two kits that we will not be doing. If you live in the Pipestone, Reston, Virden, Souris or Brandon areas we can arrange a drop off of the kits if you cannot attend the FREE workshop at my house. If you live outside of these areas additional shipping may be required.

The first kit we will be doing is the Wings Workshop Kit. It is featured on page 3 of the inspirations flyer (attached) I will need orders by January 15th and the Free Workshop will be on February 13th. At this time you will order the next kit to put together in March and so on. If you have any questions please let me know, sometimes it is hard to explain. I will limit the club to 6 members so the first 6 that orders will be included. If there is enough interest I will hold two or three clubs depending on the numbers.

I tried sending out emails to some of my customers today. Alot of them bounced back to me. If you did not receive an email from me and would like to receive one please send me your email address to flannery@mymts.net

Thanks for stopping by...
Laurie

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T08:37:00.001-06:00

Happy January 1st! Hope you all had a very wonderful holiday season. As we start a new year we tend to think about all the new starts and things we may like to change or do differently. I hope to make life a little less complicated….not sure how I am going to do that but I sure am going to try!

Here is a little Candy Cane girl I colored up last year and never got around to making it into a card until now.

Supplies are from Close To My heart unless otherwise noted:
Mistletoe Paper packet X7130B
Colors are New England Ivy, Cranberry and Colonial White
Opaques Pearls Z7130 (I colored these with my Y28 Copic marker)
Mistletoe Level 2 Assortment Z1330
Tim Holtz Elegant Flourishes Sizzix Die
Red Satin Ribbon (unknown)
Magnolia Candy Cane Girl
Magnolia Calendar (January 1st)

Copics:
Skin: E11, E02, E000, R20
Dress: G05, G02, G00
Socks: R24, R20, R00
Hair: E37, E35, E33, E31
Calendar E37, E35, E33, E31, E21, E000
Gold Spica
Pitch Black Spica

Thanks for stopping by...
Laurie

Be Mine

2010-12-23T08:43:00.001-06:00

This card was made using the December 2010 Stamp Of The Month…Amore.

You can see the full set here
It is an awesome set for Valentine’s Day or Love in general. I also used the Magnifique paper packet…unexpected colors for Valentine’s day which add interest. Also perfect as it will go to my wonderful hubby, so it is masculine…which sometimes is hard to do.

All supplies are from Close To My Heart unless otherwise noted.
Magnifique Paper Packet X7127B
Amore Stamp Set D1445
Chocolate, Sky and White daisy Cardstock
Chocolate Ink Z2111
Pacifica Ink Z2192
Chocolate Button Z1206
Blue Embroidery Floss Z1093
Colonial White Ribbon Z1126
Chocolate Ribbon (retired)

Thanks for stopping by…
Laurie

Maggie Card Kit

2010-12-20T09:33:00.002-06:00

A while ago I participated in a Magnolia Kit swap. This is where each participant made up “kits” containing some colored cardstock, patterned papers, some embellishments and at least one stamped Magnolia Image. We made up 6 of the same kits and swapped them for 5 different ones and the hostess gets to keep one kit for the time and effort it takes to bring the swap all together…believe me it is worth more than one kit to do this…thanks Audrey Benno our hostess!

This card is made up from a kit from Elaine Atterbury. It came with way more embellishments than I placed on my card and two patterned papers that I just couldn’t make work with the card I had in mind. I will place the remaining items on other cards that I create later on.

I also used the Atyou Spica pens. These are really pretty in person. You get a very fine glitter where you put them without the thickness of glitter glue. It is about as thick as ball point pen ink. Great for very fine areas. They are a bit pricey, but well worth it for the end result in my opinion.

Copics used are:
Skin: E000, E01, E02, R20
Hair: E31, E35, E25, E27
Hair Bow: R37 and Red Spica
Dress and Socks: G40, G82
Candy Canes: R000, R29
Bow on Present: R000, R02
Present: G85 and Gold Spica
Pinafore and Shoes: W00

I also used the Petite Oval Small and Scalloped Large
Christmas Party Tilda by Magnolia is the Image.

Thanks for stopping by…

Laurie

Clear Christmas Cards

2010-12-16T09:19:00.001-06:00

Here is the cards we made for the November Club Meeting. We did a few differnent things with these...generation stamping, rock and roll and we also decorated a clear card.

Clear cards are awesome to decorate. But there are a few tricks to decorating them. First off there is a protective plastic coating on BOTH sides of the clear cards that you must remove before you attach your cardstock. You can do this by scratching your fingernail along a corner until it starts to lift then just peel back along the whole card. Then repeat that for the other side.

Another thing to think about is the adhesive you will use. Liquid glue will not work. The best thing that I have found to use is the ATG gun, that I use (my all time favorite adhesive) or Liquid glass. These will work the best. Also you must think about where you place your adhesive, so it does not show on the back side. For this reason I keep my adhesive a little ways in from the edge of the cardstock I am gluing. Also I place another piece of cardstock on the back to cover the adhesive on the back side.

Now for the fun part…I place some of the smaller elements on the front of the clear card and the larger pieces on the inside of the card to give it that 3D look you are going for. The best thing is to just sit down and play with it so you can see for yourself just how fun these clear cards can be.

All supplies are from Close To My Heart unless otherwise noted:

Mistletoe paper X7130B

Cranberry, New England Ivy and White Daisy Cardstock
Cranberry and New England Ivy Ink
Colonial White Edge Anchors
Cranberry Grosgrain Ribbon Z1103
All The Best stamp set B1357
Just for the Holidays Stamp set D1380
Christmas Melodies Stamp set D1324
Clear Scallop Circle cards Z1309
Liquid Glass Z679
Paper Shapers 1 ¼, 1 ½ circle punch
Paper Shapers 2 inch scalloped circle punch
Martha Stewart Rings border punch
Nesties Standard circles small
Nesties Standard Circles large

Thanks for stopping by...
Laurie

Maggie Monday Challenge

2010-12-13T09:22:00.000-06:00

Here is a card I made for the Magnolia inspiration Challenge. It was to use pink, blue and green.

This is a really simple card.

All supplies are from Close To My Heart unless otherwise noted:
Topstitch paper packet
Baby blue, Vineyard Berry and colonial White cardstock
Vineyard berry Ink
Opaques pearls colored with YG13 Copic Marker
Ribbon unknown
Nestabilities Ovals and Beaded Ovals
Martha Stewart Swirling Lace border Punch
Foam dots
Tilda sitting with bows by Magnolia
Inside saying from Print works collection
Copic markers (sorry I colored this girl up ages ago and cannot find the paper where I wrote down the colors I used)

Thanks for stopping by…

Laurie

Joy

2010-12-09T09:26:00.002-06:00

Here is a layout done with pictures taken last year on Christmas Morning. It is Novalees's first Christmas. She looked so cute in her Christmas dress. Christmas this year will be fun too...as she will be able to open all them toys herself!
I did not write down what I used for this layout so there will be no recipe for this one. Sorry.

Thanks for stopping by...
Laurie

Seasons Greeting from Edwin

2010-12-06T09:22:00.000-06:00

Another Maggie Christmas card made! This little cutie is Santa Edwin. He is reading over his naughty list. I hope I am not on there…ha-ha. I used the Mistletoe striped paper but I wanted to add some glitter to it so…I took my quickie mini glue pen and traced over the red lines and sprinkled some micro fine glitter on there. Then shook of the excess glitter and replaced it back in my jar. The end results in some homemade glitter paper. I also added some Polar white diamond flower soft for the fur trim on Santa Edwin.

All supplies are from Close To My Heart unless otherwise noted.

Mistletoe paper X7130B
Colors are Cranberry, New England Ivy and Colonial White
Tannenbaum Stamp Set B1361
Mistletoe Level 2 Assortment Z1330
Paper Shapers 1 ½ inch circle punch
Paper Shapers 2 inch scalloped circle punch
Flower Soft Diamond Polar White
Quickie Glue Pen
Jewel Glitter Ritz Fire Red
Red satin Ribbon and My Bow Easy
Foam Dots
Copic Markers
Santa Edwin by Magnolia
Cardstock is Xpress Copic paper

Copics:
Skin: E000, E00, E02, R11
Hat, Coat and Mitts: R27, R24, R22
Boots: E35, E33, E31
Scroll: E43, E42, E40, E0000
Hair: E27, E25, E21
Socks: W4, W2, W0
Flower Soft Polar White diamond on the fur

Thanks for stopping by...
Laurie

Amore!

2010-12-02T09:00:00.001-06:00

December Stamp of the Month is a very cute Valentine's or Love Set. Along with a few heart images it has some sayings and images that can be used for alot of other occasions as well.

You can see the whole set here

Remember that you can earn this set for a discount off regular price or even FREE. Watch for some samples that I made up using this cute set.

Thanks for stopping by...
Laurie

Plenty for $20

2010-12-01T09:00:00.001-06:00

Close To My Heart has an exciting Constant Campaign for December.

PLACE AN ORDER OF $20 OR MORE* ON Laurie's MyCTMH website from December 1–31, 2010, and we’ll reward you with a popular, retired D-size stamp set for FREE! Talk about getting more for your money—the free stamp set is valued at $22.95 US/$26.95 CAN! We’re sure you’ll be thrilled with the set we pick out for you. We’re also giving you FREE shipping/

handling and tax on your free stamp set. That’s a lot of Plenty for your Twenty!
Grab Plenty for Twenty in December by visiting your
Consultant’s MyCTMH website and making a qualifying
purchase today!
You can view the products here

Thanks for stopping by...
Laurie

An Anniversary Card for My Hubby

2010-11-29T09:00:00.000-06:00

My hubby and I celebrated our 26th Wedding Anniversary the other day. My, how time flies. It seems just like yesterday...
Anyhow this is the card I made him. I hope you like it.
All Supplies are from Close To My Heart unless otherwise noted:

Magnifique paper packet X7127B
Party Pennants Stamp Set C1429
Amore Stamp Set D1445
Colors are Black, Bamboo, and Colonial White
Neenah White Cardstock
Desert Sand Ink
Memento Tuxedo Black ink
Prima Flowers
Foam Dots
Martha Stewart Lace Heart Border Punch
Ribbon (unknown)
Wedding Rose Arch from Magnolia
Bridal couple from Magnolia
Copic Markers

Wedding Rose Arch #663
Wood: E37, E35, E33, E31
Leaves: YG 25, YG23, YG17 Melon Spica
Roses: R85, R83, R81, Pink Spica, Fruit Punch Stickles

Bridal Couple #168
Skin: E02, E00, E000
Groom Suit: E31, E30, E0000
Wedding Dress E0000
Brides Hair: E55, E53, E51
Groom Hair: E57, E55, E53, E51
Flowers: R85, R83, R81
Leaves: YG25, YG23
Diamond Stickles

Thanks for stopping by...
Laurie

An Awesome Layout

2010-11-25T09:09:00.002-06:00

I haven't posted a scrapbook layout in a while as it seems like all I have been making lately is cards, so here is a layout. This photo was actually taken at Close To My Heart convention in Orlando Florida a few years ago. I used the veranda paper packet...i just love the colors in it...creme brulee, juniper and chocolate!

All supplies are from Close To My Heart unless otherwise noted:
Veranda Paper Packet X7119B

Colors are juniper, Chocolate and Crème Brulee and Vanilla Cream
Grace Stamp Set
Dimensional Elements Monograms
Chocolate Embellishments
Crème Brulee Brads
Black journaling Pen 4275
Finger Dauber with Juniper Ink to go around the papers
Chocolate Ink to stamp
Sketch is Magic Performance Page 48

Thanks for stopping by...
Laurie