Interactive Spinning YoYo Card with Video Tutorial and free CCR file

Hello my crafty friends!

I'm excited to share today's card that I created for Heart2Heart Challenge's "Au Naturale" challenge this week - specifically to create something either using neutrals (natural) or nature themed.  This one has a little bit of both to qualify but the fun interactive spinning YoYo element is what really made it a blast for me to create.  All my kids got a kick out of it so be sure to watch (and hopefully like and subscribe to!) my YouTube video to show you how to create this easy and fun element so you can surprise a loved one with a fun spinning YoYo card!

Here is the video tutorial - if you are receiving this via e-mail you'll need to click out to my blog by clicking the title of this post at the top to see the video!

And here are the free CCR files so you can make an exact copy of this card.  The files use Art Philosophy for the elements.  Click the file type below to download and import the file for use.

CCR File

Gypsy File

Shop my online site here:

www.Paige.CTMH.com

If you'd like to purchase the materials to create this file, please click on the linked products below:

Huntington Paper Pack

Neutral Assortment Baker's Twine

Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge

Foam Tape

Thanks for stopping by today!  I hope you'll join us over at Heart2Heart Challenges this week and create something "Au Naturale" to share with all of us!

Stay crafty my friends,

Paige

Wonderful Fabulous You Cards and a Giveaway!

The other night I was looking through some of my older workshops from Close to my Heart and picked up the beautiful Sophia class brochure.  There was a fabulous set of cards that I had made (and since given most away) so I decided to use up some older papers and make a few more.  Here is what I came up with - a set of 6 each in two different color ways - White Daisy with Boom-Di-Ada and Colonial White with Miracle papers.  Do you remember these?  I love going through my older stash and using things up, its a great excuse for a trip down memory lane!

Aren't they pretty?  Leave a comment on this post by Sunday night telling me which color way you like the best and I'll pick a winner on Monday to receive one of these happy mail cuties!

Good luck!

Paige

Just a love note....

When I was perusing my e-mail today I came across a post from Lucy Abrams who was sharing a recent card she had published in a special paper crafts issue (see her post by clicking here).  It was such an adorable card I had to immediately create one of my own!  I used our Art Philosophy and Artiste cartridges to create this in CCR and let my Cricut do the heavy work of cutting for me.

The stamp is from our "Just a Note" set that is still one of my favs.  I used Laughing Lola paper and our Lagoon Washi tape for the background - super easy as all the strips were cut at .5"x4" to cover the card front.

If you'd like to make this card, click the links below to get these supplies:

Laughing Lola Paper Pack

Lagoon Washi Tape

Just for You Stamp Set

Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge

Artiste Cricut Cartridge

Lagoon Ink

Thanks for stopping by today!

Paige

Video - Halloween Layout using Artbooking Cartridge

Hi All -

Here is the next video installment of Artbooking Made Easy - the CTMH corporate weekly video series that shows a fun use of this fab cart!  I love Halloween so these three layouts are right up my alley - looks like I'll have to buy that green set of glitter paper this month!

*If you are receiving this post via e-mail you'll need to click HERE to see the video!

Have a crafty day!  I'm off to go do my second work out of the day.  I'm getting prepped to participate in the upcoming October Black Belt pre-test - an exhausting 5-6 hour test to push the black belt candidates to their limits and make sure the current Black Belts stay in good form.  I definitely need to be pushing myself in the next couple of weeks to be prepared!

Paige

Festive Friday Bog Hop

Welcome to the Festive Friday Blog Hop!  If you have come here from Jamie's Blog you are on the right track!  

For today's card, I used our gorgeous Frosted paper pack with our Quick Cards - Bright all Night hostess rewards stamp.  

I used our Juniper pigment ink and then clear embossed for the center piece.  Once I had an emboss resist surface, I added Olive ink to the trees using a dye ink pad and a waterbrush.  I love the softly muted watercolor look it gives the trees.

This is one of my new favorite ribbon treatments!  I cut a small piece of our Slate polka dot ribbon and scrunched it in the center adding a loop of our Silver Glitter tape to hold it in a bow shape.  Sparkly and fun!

Thanks for stopping by for our Festive Friday hop!  Now head on over to Mary Ellen's Blog and see what she has created to give you holiday inspiration!

Stay crafty my friends,

Paige

If you'd like to make this project, click on the links below to purchase these supplies:

Frosted Paper Pack

Quick Cards - Bright all Night (Hostess Rewards stamp - view it in the Idea Book)

Whimsy Pigment Ink

Clear Embossing Powder

Olive Ink Pad

Blender Pen

Slate Polka Dot Ribbon

Silver Shimmer Trim

Video - How to make CTMH Base and Bling Fabric Necklace

The base and bling Fabric Necklace Kit ($14.95) is very fast and easy to put together and looks fabulous!  I made mine in under 1 hour.  For those of you who are interested but think it looks too difficult, check out this quick video CTMH Corporate did that shows you how to make the two flower types that are on the necklace.

*If you are receiving this via e-mail, you'll need to click out to my blog using the title of this post above in order to see this video.

Here is the necklace I created using my kit. I substituted the For Always textiles in black and white when I created mine to customize for my own wardrobe.  Its a fun project to do in an afternoon and would be a great thing to make with or for a teenage girl.

If you are ready to try your hand at creating your own wearable art, visit my shopping site and pick up a kit or the individual Base and Bling al-la-carte items to make your own!

www.Paige.CTMH.com

A few of my favorite things for Heart2Heart Challenges

This week's challenge at Heart2Heart Challenges is to create a project using your favorite things.  Because Close to my Heart products ARE some of my favorite things this one was a super easy and fun challenge - once I narrowed down my top favorites!

My favorite things in this project:
1.  CTMH Artbooking - I love all our cartridges and use them every time I craft.  I'm having fun exploring all the amazing overlays and icons on Artbooking and combining them with our other carts.
2.  Our Glitter paper - the stuff cuts like BUTTER on the Cricut and is so sparkly!  Here I used our silver paper for a fun spider web.
3.  Decorating for Halloween - the one time of year I like creepy crawly spiders, witches, bats and ghosts!
4.  When CTMH puts up new items on our "While Supplies Last" section of our online shopping websites!  This paper is called Spellbound and you can get it for just $2.20 a package right now!  It was part of a Halloween party workshop we had last year and I've been hoarding my scraps so I picked up a couple of packages of this fun paper for future projects and a fabulous price!  Who doesn't love getting their favorite thing (for me CTMH products) at a fabulous price?

Inside Detail

Love my black widow spider - she was embossed in three layers of black embossing powder and some red glitz glitter gel added for her markings.  Just the right amount of creepy!

Here are the links to the Artbooking Cricut Files if you would like to make this project.  The card base is cut at 6" and the layers at 5.5 and 5.25" square.  The rest of the cuts are on the file.  You must have Artbooking in order to use this file.  You can place your order on my website if you need to purchase by clicking here:

www.Paige.CTMH.com

Spider Web CCR File

Spider Web Gypsy File

Thanks for stopping by today!  I hope you'll join us by sharing your favorite things in a project and upload to Heart2Heart Challenges this week!

Paige

Video - Making Tags with the Cricut

This one is going out to my two Hostess Club ladies Kate and Lisa who just ordered this stamp set - what perfect timing for this video!  Here are a couple of cute projects you can create using the adorable new D1560 Holiday Tags set.  If you'd like to pick this one up for yourself, simply click this link to visit my online shopping site:

www.Paige.CTMH.com

*If you are receiving this via e-mail, you'll need to click out to my blog using the post title link above in order to see the video!

Thanks for stopping by today!  Stay crafty my friends!

Paige

Quick Video showing all the projects you can make during the crop on 9/29/13

The Crop Date has been changed to Sunday, 29th September and will now be held at the Snoqualmie Fire Station Training Room from 9AM-4PM.  I had to switch in order to have a place with WiFi access so we can use Cricut Craft Room.

Hello my crafty friends!

On Sunday, 29th September we'll be having our first all-day crop from 9AM-4PM.  During this time you can complete several different projects I have available for your creative pleasure.  Simply purchase your product by Friday, 14th September to ensure delivery of your materials prior to the crop. Crop hours are open so stop by whenever you can and complete as many as you'd like!

I've put together a quick video showing the various classes you can complete during the crop and below the video will be the links to purchase information for each of the classes.  You can contact me to place your order for materials OR you can order directly from my online shopping site at:

  www.Paige.CTMH.com  

*If you are receiving this via e-mail you'll need to click the blue link above to view the videos on my blog.*


  Click the links below to see the purchase information for each of the classes you can do during the crop:
Laughing Lola 8 Layout Class
Laughing Lola Card Class 
Click HERE to see a video of the Laughing Lola Card Kit
Fabric Necklace Kit
Tommy 8 Layout Class
Surf's Up 8 Layout Class

And here is a video showing the September special - a great triple set of D size stamps that I've created an exclusive Stampologist project file in CCR that you'll get for free with any order!
Send me a note at Paige@Stampologist.com if you have any questions about any of these classes!  

Laughing Lola 8 Layout Class - Sunday, 29th September

Our sweet and sassy Laughing Lola kit is my latest multi-layout class kit.  Join me on Sunday, 29th September anytime during our day long crop from 9AM-4PM and put together these fun and fabulous layouts! If you aren't local to me, long distance class kits and consultant license class kits are available!

Purchase the following items to make this kit:

Item Number	Name	Price
X7170B	Laughing Lola Paper Pack	$9.95
X7170C	Laughing Lola Compliments	$4.95
Z1854	Laughing Lola Assortment	$5.95
Z1799	Silver Shimmer Trim	$4.95

Extra cardstock needed to complete - can be purchased from me during local classes for $3.77 or you can purchase packs of the following colors:

2 Lagoon 

2 Black

2 White Daisy

Additional Items you may want for this class:

Z1726  6x6" Flip Flaps (10)     $4.95

Z4144  4x6" Flip Flaps (15)     $3.95

BIG CHANGE! Crop now Sunday, 29th September!

NEW DATE:  Sunday, 29th September 9AM-4PM
Location:  Snoqualmie Fire Station Training Room

I just found out the room I thought we were going to use for the all-day crop on the 28th doesn't have WiFi access which means we would be unable to use my CCR files during the crop (the CCR program requires an active internet connection).  Fortunately, I still had the Fire Station Training room scheduled for Sunday, 29th from 9AM-4PM so we'll switch venues to that day.

Sorry for the inconvenience but I hope you'll understand this will make creating the available projects possible!

Thanks for understanding!

Paige

Video - Artbooking Made Easy

Because our new Artbooking Cartridge is so different from most cartridges on the market, Close to my Heart is putting together a weekly video series from now through April 2014 to give us all some guidance and inspiration on how to best utilize this amazing new tool.  This is the first quick episode in the series and definitely worth watching for the adorable mini book they show!

   

While this cartridge is different than other carts out there, it is definitely easy to use once you get the hang of "relative size" versus "real size" buttons.  Relative size is the default as all the images are linked to either make a layout (everything cuts at 11") or a mini book (you set the size to what is indicated in the book).  If you want to cut something at a different size you just press the "real size" button and then you can select whatever size you want to cut that element at.  If you want to make a 6" book out of 12" layouts - simply set your cuts to 5.5" (half of 11") and everything is already linked to that scale. 

Its a terrific concept and as is true with so many of the CTMH products, they've thought through the details to bring us a product that is easy to use, trendy, versatile and packed with creativity. Ready to buy?  Visit my online shopping site at:

==> www.Paige.CTMH.com <<==

September is a fabulous month to get the new Artbooking cartridge because for just $114 (pre shipping and tax) you can get 7 D size stamps for a value of $196.80! Let me show you how!

Purchase your Artbooking Cartridge:  $99 (value $125)

Comes with 3 D Size stamps PLUS 3 sheets of Dimensional Elements:  FREE

National Stamping month special - You are my Happy set of 3 D size stamps:  $10 with $50 purchase (value $53.85)

September Stamp of the month: $5 with $50 purchase (value $17.95)

Grand Total: $114 (+ship/tax) with a value of $196.80! 

Go get yours today!

==> www.Paige.CTMH.com <<==

Video on the three CTMH Cricut Collections

One of the frequently asked questions I get from people who are newer to Close to my Heart and our product line is what is the difference between the three Cricut cartridges and which one should I start with first?

My answer as to which one you should get first is always the same - it depends on what you want to papercraft next!  They all have 700 versatile images which includes a font and each have three stamps and chipboard sheets each so they are equivalent in value.  I like to ask people what they want to work on for the next month or so to determine which one fits you first.  I do say first because as a suite of cartridges they pretty much cover all your papercrafting needs as the three contain 2,100 images all together that can be combined and resized to make just about anything your imagination can create!

Art Philosophy - your one stop shop for all you foundational basic and iconic shapes, tags and card bases.  From acorns to snowflakes this one is chock full of 700 images that cover a range of papercrafting needs.

Artiste - if you are planning a party or like to give gifts in specialty wrapping this is the one for you.  I love the party hats, the gift boxes, cupcake wrappers and themed parties on this one and use it extensively now to decorate for any occasion.

Artbooking - The focus is on scrapbooking - both traditional 12x12 pages as well as themed mini-books.  The 700 images include photo mats, overlays, borders, icons, font and more.  Everything is size linked together to make scrapping a breeze but all can be used individually and sized for any type of project.

Here is a video done by CTMH corporate which talks about our three cartridges so you can see exactly what I mean - foundational images, party planner or scrapper - we've got you covered!  Once you watch the video you can click out to my shopping site to order the one, two or three cartridges that fit you and your papercrafting needs.

==>> www.Paige.CTMH.com <<==

*If you are receiving this via e-mail you'll need to click out to my blog using the post title above in order to see the video.

Stay crafty my friends!

Paige

September FREE CCR File with any purchase! You are my Happy Card Set and Gift Bag

I recently began a new program to thank my customers and hostess club members.  Each month anyone who orders through me at www.Paige.CTMH.com will receive an exclusive CCR file (Cricut Craft Room's free program) to cut a project that uses one or more of our Cricut Cartridges.  My exclusive files are a way to thank my customers for their loyalty and give you ways to use the product you purchase through me.

My Hostess Club members get the added benefit of access to my Hostess Club CCR drive which houses all the monthly files plus extra files I've uploaded for sharing.  As time goes on, this Hostess Club area will be a content rich repository of instant access projects.  Its all part of my devious plan to make being a club member so worth while that people never want to stop!  If you are interested in joining a club, send me a note to Paige@Stampologist.com and I'll send you more information.

This month CTMH has an incredible special for September's National Stamp Month - you can get 3 sets of D size stamps for just $10 with a $50 purchase, I'll show you these cuties in a minute. What better way to celebrate this special and make sure you can make a project the INSTANT you get these stamps in your hot little hands than to create a free file using these sets?

All of the cuts you see on the projects below are made on the Cricut using Art Philosophy and Artiste.  I even give you color suggestions for each of the layers and you just feed paper into the machine and stamp!

\

And here are the 3 sets you can get for just $10 with a $50 order - PLUS you can get the September Stamp of the Month for just $5 - getting an extra 4 D size stamps with your order of $50!

When you place any order at 

 ==>>  www.Paige.CTMH.com  <<==

I'll send you the electronic CCR file within 24 hours so you can be ready for your September special as soon as it arrives at your door!

Stay crafty my friends,

Paige

Honeycomb card for Heart2Heart Color Challenge

This week Heart2Heart Challenges is hosting a color combination challenge of Cashmere, Sunset, Barn Red and Gypsy.  At first I wasn't sure how these colors would combine but once I played with them I fell in LOVE with the combination!  It had such a fun vintage vibe going on I thought it would be perfect for a card with a quilt feel to it - something warm and snuggly like a hug that I can send to a friend who had a rough week.

I have a confession to make.  When the Honeycomb stamp set came out last year I didn't get it even though I really liked it.  Why?  Because I didn't want to have to hand cut all those beautiful hexagons.  I know, I know, I'm totally spoiled by my Cricut now aren't I?  BUT when Artbooking was previewed for consultants, a friend shared with me that you can cut the honeycomb overlay at 11" and it will create spaces that perfectly fit this set.  Even better?  All the negatives that are left on the mat are sized to stamp on with the set and pop dot them up.  Can you say FABULOUS!  So, I had to order this set this month so I could play!

The heart and banner shape are from the new Laughing Lola Card Workshop kit.  I knew that set would become a favorite for me to make cards!

I hope you'll join us at Heart2Heart Challenges this week and combine Cashmere, Sunset, Barn Red and Gyspy into a project that speaks to you!

Click on the links below to shop for the products used to make this project:

Artbooking Cricut Cartridge (for honeycomb overlay used for spacing)

Artiste Cricut Cartridge (to cut the heart shape)

Honeycomb Stamp Set

Laughing Lola Cardmaking WOTG stamp set

Cashmere, Sunset, Barn Red and Gypsy Inks

Black Shimmer Trim

Stardust Glitz Glitter Gel (Bee wings)

Barn Red and White Daisy Cardstock

Other:  Bee stamp is from a retired Petite Perks, Flower, leaves and Barn Red brad are retired items

Surf's Up 8 Layout Kit - Long Distance and Consultant License Kits Now Available!

Today I'm adding two more 8 page Scrapbooking Layout Classes to the list for long distance customers and Consultant License Kits - Tommy and Surf's Up.  These two paper lines will be available through the end of this Idea Book cycle which is January 31, 2013.  When you purchase the materials to create the class through my online ordering site (www.Paige.CTMH.com) I will send you the electronic files including the CCR files to create these projects for yourself! 

If you do not have the required Cricut Cartridges, I can cut and individually bag all the layouts for you for a $10 cut fee plus the cost of shipping the materials to you.  To do this option contact me directly at Paige@Stampologist.com.

PLUS - each month when you order through me I have a bonus CCR file that I send for FREE!  The current file is for the You are my Sunshine file below:


If you are a Consultant looking for a Class License, please see this page HERE for special pricing for my CTMH sisters!

Surf's Up 8 Page Layout Class:
Inspiration from Annette Green and CTMH Corporate

Surf’s Up Basic Kit:

Product	Item Number	Cost
Surf’s Up Paper Pack	X7168B	$9.95
Surf’s Up Stickease	X7168C	$4.95
Burlap Ribbon	Z1760	$7.95

You will also need the following extra cardstock:

4 Colonial White CS (two for Bases)

1 Black CS

1 Kraft CS

2 Crystal Blue CS (for bases)

Approximately 12” of Burlap Ribbon if you are not purchasing full roll

Additional Tools Required:

Sanding Kit

White Daisy Ink (for ghosting)

Chocolate Ink for Distressing

Art Philosophy, Artiste and Artbooking Cartridges

Tommy 8 Layout Kit - Long Distance and Consultant Kit Classes Now Available!

Today I'm adding two more 8 page Scrapbooking Layout Classes to the list for long distance customers and Consultant License Kits - Tommy and Surf's Up.  These two paper lines will be available through the end of this Idea Book cycle which is January 31, 2013.  When you purchase the materials to create the class through my online ordering site (www.Paige.CTMH.com) I will send you the electronic files including the CCR files to create these projects for yourself!

If you do not have the required Cricut Cartridges, I can cut and individually bag all the layouts for you for a $10 cut fee plus the cost of shipping the materials to you.  To do this option contact me directly at Paige@Stampologist.com.

PLUS - each month when you order through me I have a bonus CCR file that I send for FREE!  The current file is for the You are my Sunshine file below:


If you are a Consultant looking for a Class License, please see this page HERE for special pricing for my CTMH sisters!

Tommy 8 Page Layout Class:
Inspiration from Kelley English Trigg, Christine Adams, Brenda Rose and CTMH

Tommy Basic Kit:

*You can purchase the Tommy WOTG Scrapbooking Kit (Item #G1058) which includes several of the items below.  This kit has limited time availability.  If it is no longer available, I give options for a non-stamping version.

Product	Item Number	Cost
Tommy Paper Pack	X7169B	$9.95
Tommy Canvas Shapes	X7169C	$5.95
Tommy Assortment	Z1824	$5.95
Dimensional Elements Stars (Optional)	Z1680	$3.25
Baker’s Twine Harvest Assortment	Z1751	$4.95
4x6” Flip Flaps (Optional)	Z4144 (set of 15)	$3.95

Extra Cardstock Needed to complete:

6 Sheets of White Daisy CS for Bases

Additional Tools:

Cranberry Ink - Optional for sponging the edges of the stars

Outdoor Denim Ink – If using the Tommy WOTG stamp

Honey Ink – Optional for sponging the edges of the stars

Art Philosophy and Artiste Cartridge