New Year's Countdown Layout with CTMH Little Reminder and Glitz

Welcome to our Stamp of the Month Blog Hop! We will be featuring January's SOTM called "Little Reminder". If you've come here from Michelle's Blog you are on the right path! The blog hop is a great big circle so you can start here and work your way all around. If you get lost along the way, you’ll find the complete list of participating consultants here. 

My project is a glitzy, shiny countdown to New Year's layout complete with champagne glasses!  I can't wait to take a picture of our toast tonight to add to this project!

I had the most fun creating the champagne glasses out of Art Philosophy cuts.  I used an oval shape and cut off the top, a mat shape and cut off one edge plus a small strip of cardstock to join the two. 

I used my waterbrush and applied yellow inks to get the color I wanted. I made a water line and tiny dots with my Stardust Glitz Gel, outlined the glass with Desert Sand sponging and coated the entire thing with a thick cover of Liquid Glass. They took a full day to dry but I love the results!

I used Gray Wool cardstock to cut my letters and my mat.  The Silver Glitz is the same color so the entire letter and mat look fully covered with silvery sparkles even if I missed a spot!

If you'd like to make this project, get these supplies:

Paper:  Colonial White CS, Black CS, Kraft CS, Gray Wool CS

Stamps:  Little Reminder

Ink:  Black, Gray Wool, Buttercup, Honey

Other:  Art Philosophy Cartridge, Silver Glitz, Stardust Glitz, Liquid Glass, Waterbrush, Black Sharpie (for the dots between the numbers)

Now "Hop" on over to Angel's Blog to see her work! I know she'll have something wonderful to share!

Remember, the January SOTM is only available until the 31st! So contact your CTMH consultant or visit my website at www.Paige.MyCTMH.com and order this set for just $17.95 or get it for just $5 with a $50 order!

***Happy New Year!***

Damask Love in Orange and Pink with CTMH Two-Step Backgrounds

This card was inspired by a little 4x4" cutie that appears in the upcoming Idea Book.  I've changed it into a standard sized card as I tend to use those a bit more often and I used our lovely Two-Step Background stamp to create a Sunset and Cotton Candy damask piece for the bottom of the card.  This color combination is such a bright and cheery mix - just right to offset the gray and rainy day we are having in Seattle!  The flower was cut using the Art Philosophy cartridge at 4" and then stamped with polka dots from a retired set.

If you'd like to make this card, get these supplies:

Paper:  Colonial White, Kraft, Cotton Candy, Sweet Leaf scrap

Stamps:  Two-Step Background, Spot On Backgrounds (retired)

Ink:  Sunset, Cotton Candy

Other:  Art Philosophy Cartridge (flower)

Sneak Peek at a card from the New Idea Book!

The Spring/Summer 2012 CTMH Idea Book was just delivered to consultants for our preview period and as always I am blown away by the amazing job our art department does in showcasing our products.  One of the first cards in the new book was a super fun birthday card made with our Art Philosophy cartridge - it was so cute I just had to copy it! 

I had to make a few adjustments because I don't have any new product yet but I just love the cheery feel of this one!

Hope you enjoyed this fun sneak peek!

Merry Christmas to All...

Wishing you and yours a wonderful Christmas and a joyous, prosperous New Year! 

Thank you for stopping in to visit me here at my blog.  Your support, kind words and encouragement keep me going!  Raise a glass high and cheer with me for a fabulous 2012!

Hugs,

Paige

12 Days of Christmas Cards - Day #13

Okay, okay so I've gone over the 12 days but I have ONE more card to share before the craziness of Christmas prep takes over!  Love, love, love the sentiment peeking out from the corner of the card - it comes from our Countdown to Christmas set and pretty much says it all!

12 Days of Christmas Cards - Day #12

I've been waiting to share this little beauty!  This one was lifted from a post I saw on The Shabby Tea Room by Audrey Petit - here is her original on her blog.  I loved everything about it so much I just made it over using CTMH products!  The tiny jingle bells came from a kit at Michaels.

12 Days of Christmas Cards - Day #11

Have you trimmed your tree yet?

12 Days of Christmas Cards - Day #10

I like the Scandinavian feel of the Novembe Holiday Wishes stamp set when done in very traiditional colors.  I also like using up some of my old Christmas papers!

12 Days of Christmas Cards - Day #9

I really like the bright cheery colors of our Believe paper pack.  Even when I'm going for a traditional feel the strong colors still work!

12 Days of Christmas Cards - Day #8

I love making Z-fold cards! They aren't difficult at all (basically you flip back a section of the front panel and then adhere an overlapping element) but the 3-D effect is jolly good fun! This one is based on a lovely card posted on the CTMH consultant BB by fellow consultant Kandi Gallegos-Garcia.

The snowflake is lined up so when its close you can't see the sentiment - but as soon as it starts to open you see...

12 Days of Christmas Cards - Day #7

My daughter loved the Dr. Seuss feel of this card.  Can't you just see little Cindy Loo Whoo putting a present under this tree?

12 Days of Christmas Cards - Day #6

Here is another one using up old paper with a new stamps set!  I modified a card done by CTMH corporate by changing up the paper and ribbon for this sweet card.  I love the look of embossing on B&T paper!

12 Days of Christmas Cards - Day #5

Ho, Ho, Ho! Have you been a good girl this year?  Is Santa going to bring you lots of stampy, papery goodies in your stocking??? 

Yes, Santa!  I've been a VERY good girl!

12 Days of Christmas Cards - Day #4

Love the stocking from the Holiday Wishes stamp set!

12 Days of Christmas Cards - Day #3

I *lurve* the way this one came out!  So festive, fun and QUICK to make!

Materials Used:

Paper:  Jingle (retired)

Ink:  Creme Brulee, Juniper, Tulip, Olive

Stamps:  Holiday Cheer, Adorn-able

Other:  Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge, Silver Glitz, Red Glitz



12 Days of Christmas Cards - Day #2

This sweet card was lifted from Kristina Werner's blog - see her card here.  I simply made this one over using CTMH supplies. 

12 Days of Christmas Cards - Day #1

Happy December 1st!  If you are anything like me, you are still working on getting your cards made, your gifts purchased, your ornaments up and your to-do list is growing by leaps and bounds!  In honor of my fellow getting-it-done-by-the-seat-of-my-pants crowd I've put together a 12 Days of Christmas Cards celebration! 

Each day for the next 12 days I'll be posting a Christmas card for your enjoyment.  If you are still getting yours made then feel free to lift the design - if you are like my mother-in-law and already have your cards written, addressed and in the mail by December 1st then feel free to come to my house and help me out - LOL!   Without further ado, here's a bit of Christmas spirit for you!

If you'd like to make this card, get these supplies:

Paper:  Believe, Black CS

Stamps:  Joyful Jar, Pair-a-Phrase (snowman)

Ink:  Black

Other:  Watercolor pencils, CTMH markers in Gray Flannel, Holiday Red, Orange, Crystal Blue and Olive, Stardust Glitz, Silver Glitz, Red Baker's Twine (Paper Source)

Valentine's Themed Faux Printer Tray with CTMH Mad about You and Roxie

Welcome to our Stamp of the Month Blog Hop!  We will be featuring December's SOTM called "Mad About You".  If you have come here from Wendy's blog, you are on the right path! The blog hop is a great big circle, so you can start here and work your way all around.  If you get lost along the way, you’ll find the complete list of participating consultants here.  

My friend Tanya asked me last month if I'd be putting together a Valentine's Day themed 12x12 framed art class and I immediately said YES knowing I wanted to use this month's stamp to create one!  This set is so much fun to play with and it goes so well with our Roxie paper pack! 

I've seen several samples of printer tray artwork online.  I love the look but I wanted to stick with a format that can be switched in and out of my 12x12 deep frame so I came up with this faux tray look created with slim strips of black cardstock.  I adore the bling brads on this piece - so glam and so easy!

Before you hop off my blog I wanted to let you all know that I'll be doing a

12 Days of Christmas Cards celebration starting tomorrow! 

If you aren't already subscribing to my blog via e-mail, pop on up to the top right corner and signup so you won't miss a single day of the celebration!  Be sure to activate your subscription when you get the initial e-mail and you'll get any new blog posts delivered to your inbox!

Now "Hop" on over to Jen's blog to see her work! I know she'll have something wonderful to share!

Remember, the December SOTM is only available until the 31st!  So contact your CTMH consultant or visit my website at www.Paige.MyCTMH.com and order this set for just $17.95 or get it for just $5 with a $50 order!

Home Sweet Home Card with CTMH Art Philosophy

Here is a cutie I made a month or two ago and forgot to share.  I used the AP Cartridge to cut the house and trees (one is actually a leaf shape sized up). 

Altered Journal and Pen set - a great holiday gift!

This is a set I put together for my son to give a friend for her birthday.  It went together fairly quickly as the basic layout of the front with the black stems and roses was based on a project I made a couple of months back.  I love covering composition books for a personalized gift - who doesn't love getting something beautiful with their name on it?

Here is the inspiration piece found on this blog post.

If you'd like to make an altered journal like the one above, get these supplies:

Paper:  Roxie

Other:  Art Philosophy, Silver Glitz Glitter Gel

Fall Wreath with Art Philosophy Flowers - done just in time!

Ever have one of those projects that you work on for 5 minutes here and there and wind up taking you a month to complete?  This is a very simple wreath project that I started over a month ago - kept picking it up and putting it down so instead of a hour or two to complete it took me a month - eek!  The good news is I FINALLY finished it in time for Thanksgiving and I'm happy with how it turned out!

Close up of the flowers.  The larger mums were cut at full page size (about 10.5") and the smaller roses were cut at 5.5" each (4 per page).  The flower centers are all three colors and both sizes of our Shimmer Brads - they are such a great value at $4.95 for 27!  Love the Bronze Glitz on the kraft colored leaves! 

If you'd like to make this wreath, get these supplies:



Paper:  Light Yellow and Orange Shade Pack (has Buttercup, Creme Brulee and Sunset papers), Kraft Cardstock, Colonial White Cardstock (I backed the kraft leaves with this as it was too floppy on its own)
Inks:  Creme Brulee and Sunset
Other:  Art Philosophy Cartridge, Shimmer Brads, Bronze Glitz, Ribbon (about 5-6 yards of 2.5" - I found this gorgeous one at Costco), small styrofoam wreath base (Michaels)

Breast Cancer We're praying for you card with CTMH From my Heart, Always Remember and TLC

I made this for my mother-in-law.  She is currently undergoing treatment and we continue to pray for her for her and send out our best healing thoughts.  The good news is she lives in an area with research facilities and excellent cancer care.  I was inspired by this card done by my fellow CTMH consultant Karen Day. 

To make this card, get these supplies:

Paper:  Sweetheart Level 2, Gray Wool CS

Stamps:  From my Heart, Always Remember, TLC

Ink:  Gray Wool, Cotton Candy

Other:  Red, Pink and Purple Sparkles, Hollyhock Twill Ribbon

365 Cherish the Day with CTMH November Stamp of the Month "Cherish the Day"

Welcome to the CTMH November Stamp of the Month blog hop featuring the set Cherish the Day! If you have come here from Angela's Blog, you are on the right path! We have over 50 Close To My Heart Consultants sharing their creations using this month's SOTM and other great CTMH products on their blogs. To hop through the whole list simply click on the link at the end of each post in the hop. 

This layout is different from my usual style but I love the clean graphic feel created by evenly spacing the stamped tags across the page.  I wanted to create a layout that celebrates not just one day but all 365 days of the year that I cherish my family.

Here is a close up of the Cricut cut and layered numbers - I've layered a decorative Buttercup cut directly over an Indian Corn Blue cut of the same size and then lay them both off-set on a slightly larger black cut.

And here is a close up of the tags (cut with Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge) and stamped in Indian Corn Blue.  Each tag is numbered with the month in Buttercup - not high contrast but it helps tie in the buttercup buttons, ribbon and top number layer. 

If you'd like to make this project, get these supplies:Paper: Black CS, White Daisy CS, Buttercup CS, Indian Corn Blue CS
Stamps:  Cherish the Day - November SOTM
Ink:  Indian Corn Blue, Buttercup, Archival Black Ink
Other:  Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge, Buttercup Buttons (retired), Buttercup Ribbon Round (retired)

Now "Hop" on over to Beth's Blog to see her work!

Be sure to visit all the Consultants at their blogs to get some great crafting ideas! Remember, the November SOTM is only available until the 30th! To order your set click here!

November 4th All Occasion Card Class - Card #10 - Birthday Card

Date: Friday, 4th November
Time: 7-9:30PM
Location: Snoqualmie, WA (I'll send directions when you register)
Cost: $15
Cards: 10 all occasion cards
RSVP: Due by Monday, 31 October

I'll be posting the cards individually here on my blog over the next several days!

Want a kit mailed to you? Add $5 for USPS flat rate shipping and I'll mail a pre-cut and pre-stamped kit anywhere in the US! If you are Canadian, just send me a note and I'll figure out shipping! Payments will be collected via PayPal.

November 4th All Occasion Card Class - Card #9 - Anniversary / Engagement

Date: Friday, 4th November
Time: 7-9:30PM
Location: Snoqualmie, WA (I'll send directions when you register)
Cost: $15
Cards: 10 all occasion cards
RSVP: Due by Monday, 31 October

I'll be posting the cards individually here on my blog over the next several days!

Want a kit mailed to you? Add $5 for USPS flat rate shipping and I'll mail a pre-cut and pre-stamped kit anywhere in the US! If you are Canadian, just send me a note and I'll figure out shipping! Payments will be collected via PayPal.

November 4th All Occasion Card Class - Card #8 - Any Occasion

Date: Friday, 4th November
Time: 7-9:30PM
Location: Snoqualmie, WA (I'll send directions when you register)
Cost: $15
Cards: 10 all occasion cards
RSVP: Due by Monday, 31 October

I'll be posting the cards individually here on my blog over the next several days!

Want a kit mailed to you? Add $5 for USPS flat rate shipping and I'll mail a pre-cut and pre-stamped kit anywhere in the US! If you are Canadian, just send me a note and I'll figure out shipping! Payments will be collected via PayPal.

November 4th All Occasion Card Class - Card #7 - Get Well Soon

Date: Friday, 4th November
Time: 7-9:30PM
Location: Snoqualmie, WA (I'll send directions when you register)
Cost: $15
Cards: 10 all occasion cards
RSVP: Due by Monday, 31 October
I'll be posting the cards individually here on my blog over the next several days!

Want a kit mailed to you? Add $5 for USPS flat rate shipping and I'll mail a pre-cut and pre-stamped kit anywhere in the US! If you are Canadian, just send me a note and I'll figure out shipping! Payments will be collected via PayPal.

November 4th All Occasion Card Class - Card #6 - Best Wishes

Date: Friday, 4th November
Time: 7-9:30PM
Location: Snoqualmie, WA (I'll send directions when you register)
Cost: $15
Cards: 10 all occasion cards
RSVP: Due by Monday, 31 October

I'll be posting the cards individually here on my blog over the next several days!

Want a kit mailed to you? Add $5 for USPS flat rate shipping and I'll mail a pre-cut and pre-stamped kit anywhere in the US! If you are Canadian, just send me a note and I'll figure out shipping! Payments will be collected via PayPal.

November 4th All Occasion Card Class - Card #5 - Friendship

Date: Friday, 4th November
Time: 7-9:30PM
Location: Snoqualmie, WA (I'll send directions when you register)
Cost: $15
Cards: 10 all occasion cards
RSVP: Due by Monday, 31 October

I'll be posting the cards individually here on my blog over the next several days!

Want a kit mailed to you? Add $5 for USPS flat rate shipping and I'll mail a pre-cut and pre-stamped kit anywhere in the US! If you are Canadian, just send me a note and I'll figure out shipping! Payments will be collected via PayPal.

November 4th All Occasion Card Class - Card #4 - Woohoo!

Date: Friday, 4th November
Time: 7-9:30PM
Location: Snoqualmie, WA (I'll send directions when you register)
Cost: $15
Cards: 10 all occasion cards
RSVP: Due by Monday, 31 October

I'll be posting the cards individually here on my blog over the next several days!

Want a kit mailed to you? Add $5 for USPS flat rate shipping and I'll mail a pre-cut and pre-stamped kit anywhere in the US! If you are Canadian, just send me a note and I'll figure out shipping! Payments will be collected via PayPal.

November 4th All Occasion Card Class - Card #3 - Birthday

Date: Friday, 4th November
Time: 7-9:30PM
Location: Snoqualmie, WA (I'll send directions when you register)
Cost: $15
Cards: 10 all occasion cards
RSVP: Due by Monday, 31 October

I'll be posting the cards individually here on my blog over the next several days!

Want a kit mailed to you? Add $5 for USPS flat rate shipping and I'll mail a pre-cut and pre-stamped kit anywhere in the US! If you are Canadian, just send me a note and I'll figure out shipping! Payments will be collected via PayPal.

November 4th All Occasion Card Class - Card #2 - Baby Boy version

Date: Friday, 4th November
Time: 7-9:30PM
Location: Snoqualmie, WA (I'll send directions when you register)
Cost: $15
Cards: 10 all occasion cards
RSVP: Due by Monday, 31 October

I'll be posting the cards individually here on my blog over the next several days!

Want a kit mailed to you? Add $5 for USPS flat rate shipping and I'll mail a pre-cut and pre-stamped kit anywhere in the US! If you are Canadian, just send me a note and I'll figure out shipping! Payments will be collected via PayPal.

November 4th All Occasion Card Class - Card #1 - Baby Girl

Date:  Friday, 4th November
Time:  7-9:30PM
Location:  Snoqualmie, WA (I'll send directions when you register)
Cost:  $15
Cards: 10 all occasion cards
RSVP:  Due by Monday, 31 October

I'll be posting the cards individually here on my blog over the next several days!

Want a kit mailed to you?  Add $5 for USPS flat rate shipping and I'll mail a pre-cut and pre-stamped kit anywhere in the US!  If you are Canadian, just send me a note and I'll figure out shipping!  Payments will be collected via PayPal.

What you need to bring: Adhesives (tape runner like Tombow, pop dots, glue pen) and Scissors. All other tools are provided.

Christmas Wishes Card with CTMH Believe and Tannenbaum

All these shapes were cut with the Art Philosophy cartridge - love it!  A very easy card to mass produce for Christmas as the only stamping required is the sentiment on the tag (from the Tannenbaum set).  I did use a bit of liquid glass on the black ribbon slide to give it a more substantial look.

If you'd like to make this card, get these supplies:

Paper:  Believe, Black Cardstock

Stamps:  Tannenbaum

Ink:  Black, Topiary

Other:  Art Philosophy Cartridge, Liquid Glass, Colonial White Waxy Flax, Sponge Dauber

I've been framed Ornament Card with Believe and Art Philosophy

This bling-a-licious card was one of my daughter's favorites.  I'm loving all our new colors of Glitz Glitter Gel!

Pretty simple card, all the shapes were cut with the Art Philosophy Cartridge.  The only non-obvious thing about this one is the paper-saving cheat on the blue polka dot paper.  Instead of using a full 6x6 sheet for the base, I simply cut (4) 6" strips about 1/2" wide.  I adhered the two side pieces down and then used my paper trimmer to cut a 45 degree miter cut on the ends of the top and bottom piece making a false frame.    Easy-peasy and a good trick if you have a limited amount of one paper!

If you'd like to make this card, get these supplies:

Paper:  Believe, White Daisy CS (ornament overlay and card base)

Other:  Art Philosophy, Silver Glitz Glitter Gel, Red Glitz Glitter Gel

Boo! Halloween Card with CTMH Mischief, Captured Moments

This card was inspired by one in the new Idea Book.  I used our AP cartridge to cut the card base and letters out (so easy!) and then a bit of Silver Glitz gel on the letters for a bit of sparkle.

If you'd like to make this card, get these supplies:

Paper:  Mischief, Colonial White

Stamps:  Captured Moments

Ink:  Black, Versamark

Other:  White Daisy Embossing Powder, Silver Glitz Gel, Black Mini Medley (button brads), Olive Mini Medley (ribbon)

Christmas Scene 12x12 Home Decor with CTMH Wonderland and Holiday Magic

Welcome to the CTMH October Stamp of the Month blog hop featuring the set Holiday Magic!  If you have come here from Tamytha's blog, you are on the right path!  We have over 50 Close To My Heart Consultants sharing their creations using this month's SOTM and other great CTMH products on their blogs. To hop through the whole list simply click on the link at the end of each post on the hop. 

This stamp set is the perfect vintage holiday set for cards, layouts and home decor items.  I couldn't wait to start playing with this one to create another scenic holiday home decor piece for my front room.  I wanted to get a lot of depth on this piece so there is a whole lot of layering going on - its the most foam tape I've ever used on one project!  I'm going to have to get a shadow box 12x12 fame for this one!

Trying to show the depth of the layers and those cute Red Assortment Buttons!

I gathered Sweet Leaf ribbon and layered with some Cranberry Velvet...

If you'd like to make this project, get these supplies:
Paper:  Wonderland, Colonial White CS, Twilight CS
Stamp:  Holiday Magic
Ink:  Olive, New England Ivy, Tulip, Versamark
Other:  Art Philosophy Cartridge Collection, Clear Embossing Powder, White Daisy Embossing Powder, Cocoa Embossing Powder, Red Assortment Buttons, Colonial White Waxy Flax, Sweet Leaf Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon, Cranberry Designer Ribbon Rounds, Twinkle Brads

Now "Hop" on over to Dawn's Blog to see her work!

Be sure to visit all the Consultants at their Blogs to get some great crafting ideas and other fun ideas! Remember, the October SOTM is only available until the 31st!  To order your set and start getting ready for the holidays, click here!

Thankful card with Dreamin' and Harvest Happiness, Adorn-able

Sorry I've been hit and miss on posting lately. 

I try for posting at least 3 times a week and have fallen far short of that over the past couple of weeks.  Some of it was getting the kids ramped back up for a new school year - all the curriculumn nights, new homework levels, new schedules, etc.  Some of it was losing my Grandmother this past week - thank you again to everyone who sent condolences and prayers.  Some of it is my new work out schedule - I've started ramping up my training for my black belt test next May and I've just been plum exhausted from the added running and weight lifting I've been doing not to mention sapped by super-duper sore muscles.

So thank you for hanging in there with me while I adjust to my new schedule and work load!  This card goes along with what I wanted to say to all of you today - I really am so thankful to have a place here to share my crafty creations and such a wonderful group of people who stop by or get my e-mails delivered.  You really are my inspiration to keep creating, learning new things and stretching myself to bring you beautiful things!  THANK YOU!

My card was inspired by this card made by a fellow CTMH Consultant Tina Sutton.

If you'd like to make this card, get these supplies:

Paper:  Dreamin'

Stamp:  Harvest Happiness, Adorn-able

Ink:  Honey, Chocolate

Other:  Mocha Opaques, Dark Chocolate Striped Grosgrain Ribbon



In Loving Memory of Josephine Kozikowski

This weekend my beautiful Grandmother passed away.  She was an amazingly strong woman and a cornerstone for most of my holiday childhood memories.  I have so many thoughts of her tumbling through my heart and head right now.  

This picture is the front shot of an album I made for her 90th birthday three years ago.  It was my chance to tell her as an adult how much she meant to me and my childhood.  I can't tell you how glad I am that I did this project.  It is so important to tell those we love how special they are to us while we have the chance.

Grandma, I love you!