CTMH Whoops-a-Daisy Birthday card

Here is a bright and cheery b'day card using the Whoops A Daisy paper pack I made a while back. I love this paper for birthday cards as the colors just pop! I've been working on a card for the August SOTM blog hop when I've had a chance to sit and play but I can't share until August 1!
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We are in for a full week of mid 90's temperatures - very hot for the Seattle area! Usually our summers are about 75 degrees and a nice light breeze. We actually made a swamp cooler today to try and keep the kitchen cooler. For those of you who don't know what a swamp cooler is - you put a bunch of ice in a bucket and let a fan blow on it so the air cools down. It really does help! Having everyone home this summer has made getting creative time a bit challenge but I'm hoping to sit down tonight after dinner and do one of the Wishes card workshops. I've been dying to try my hand at one and I'd love to start my Christmas cards early this year!

Materials Used:
Paper: Whoops-a-Daisy Level 2, Watermelon Textured Cardstock
Stamp: From Me to You (September 08 special)
Ink: Watermelon, Hydrangea

CTMH Robot Power Gift Card Holder with Animal Cookies, Make A Wish, It's Your Day

Part of the reason why I love Close to my Heart so much is because I am a very practical person. While I am always up for fun and love a bit of sponteniety I am also the person who will have the hand sanitizer, baby wipes in the car and a stashed bottle of sunscreen. I think that is why I love learning how to make things so much - its just such a practical skill to be able to whip up a quick card, gift set, ornament or mini album as a gift.

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Here is a quick but cute robot gift card holder I made for our upcoming Creative Class Night on August 14th. Its a top fold card with the gift card tucked securely in the base. Once again I'm using Animal Cookies and stamping over it to give it a new look. I love the little robot holding balloons and presents - such a cute little guy! On the inside I've once again used our upcoming August Stamp of the Month "It's Your Day" - this baby has been getting some serious use out of me for the past couple of weeks!

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Materials Used:

Paper: Animal Cookies Level 2

Stamps: Robot Power, Make a Wish, It's Your Day (August SOTM)

Inks: Clover Green, Orange, Dutch Blue, Sunflower Yellow

Other: Watercolor Pencils, 3-d dots

CTMH Cupcake Sprinkles Birthday Card, It's Your Day August Stamp of the Month, Animal Cookies

Here is another card based on a pattern from our new Wishes Cardmaking book. I'm having so much fun playing around with all the new patterns and getting ideas from all the gorgeous artwork in this book!

This particular card was inspired by one I saw on the CTMH consultant bulletin board. Here I paired up Animal Cookies with Cupcake Sprinkles and the August Stamp of the Month (you really need to get this stamp set) to make a sweet little card you could attach to a birthday gift or gift bag. Next time I make this card I'll either add ink to the edge of the Birthday! sentiment cardstock or back it with a mat for framing. Its a wee bit small to put a gift card in so I might tweak the pattern a bit to accommodate a gift card when we make this at our August 14th Creative Class. My ladies have requested kid birthday cards or gift tags which is why I'm posting so many kid cards! I like to play around a bit and then choose which ones to make for class night.

Materials Used:
Paper: Animal Cookies
Stamps: Cupcake Sprinkles, It's Your Day (August SOTM)
Inks: Chocolate, Tulip, Dutch Blue
Other: Cranberry Brad (I didn't have any tulip on hand so for class I'll use Cranberry ink), White Daisy Grosgrain Ribbon

CTMH Ocean Treasures Kid Card with True Happiness and Animal Cookies Creative Basic

"Of all the treasures in the sea, you truly mean the most to me." What a wonderful sentiment that goes with this adorable Ocean Treasure stamp set. I'm always impressed with CTMH's selection of themed B size stamp sets. They are only $13.95 for a set of several themed images perfect for creating projects like cards, bag toppers, booty bags for parties, lollipop covers, altered notebooks, scrapbook accents and so much more! I usually stock up on all the new B size stamps with each Idea Book as they are inexpensive, fun and a great way to add a gallery of images into your stamping tool box.

Here I've combined Ocean Treasures with True Happiness for a fun ocean themed card. I made the ocean waves by stamping in Dutch Blue first with the stamp in a straight line and then I curved the stamp on a block to create the bouncy ocean waves. One of the HUGE benefits of our acrylix stamps is that you can bend them into shapes and they bounce right back to the normal shape after you take them off the block. This is great for curving long words, images or borders to create the exact shape you need. I also used the clouds in True Happiness to stamp along the top of the card. The sea creatures are simply stamped on the clover green backside of the blue flowered Animal Cookies Creative Basics paper and pop dotted playing along in their ocean waves. My sea-creature-crazy son gave this card two thumbs up - hope you like it!

Materials Used:
Paper: Animal Cookies Creative Basics, White Daisy Cardstock
Stamps: Ocean Treasure, True Happiness
Inks: Clover Meadow, Dutch Blue
Other: Pop Dots

CTMH Birthday Party Invitation with Animal Cookies and Its Your Day (August 09 SOTM)

I had a chance the other night to play around with the upcoming August Stamp of the Month called Its Your Day. If you are looking for a neat set to make birthday invitations or birthday cards with then you'll want to pick this set up starting August 1 when you can get it at a big discount or even for free - gotta love free! I'll be participating in the August SOTM blog hop on August 1 so be sure to come back and see links to 50+ other CTMH consultants work with this stamp set!

This is another card based on a pattern from our new Wishes Cardmaking book - this one is called Matchbook because of the fold. The party circle is actually keeping the card closed and to open it you simply side the cardstock out from under the tab. Very fun pattern to play with! This card is pretty darn simple as it was getting late at night when I made it. While I LOVE having my kids home for summer vacation (they are a ton of fun) I do miss the time during the school day when I used to get my creative stuff done!

Paper: Animal Cookies
Stamps: Its Your Day (upcoming August Stamp of the Month)
Ink: Desert Sand, Tulip, Dutch Blue, Clover Green, Sunflower Yellow
Other: Liquid Glass (it added texture to the cake pieces)

CTMH Fourth of July Interactive Layouts featuring Flip Flaps, 9x9 Page Protectors, CTMH Blue Ribbon, July Word Puzzle

Here is a two page layout I made last night using some tips shared by a fellow CTMH sister to get more photos on to your layouts. On the first layout I used our new product "Flip Flaps" that hold 4x6" photos or journaling to get a couple of additional photos on the layout. What I really like about these pockets is they are made out of a really heavy duty material so they will stand up to being handled in your scrapbooks. They come with a strong self-adhesive strip that you pull and then attach either directly to your item OR you can attach them on top of the page protector as shown here so there is no cutting a slit in your protector to access the interactive element. You can even stack these little holders to make a stand alone mini book!

The right hand page (the second layout) features a 9x9" page protector laid on its side with the section with holes that you normally put through your posts simply folded over and then attached to the back of the main 12x12 layout. Here I've created layouts using our 9x9 Reflections Program (they don't show it in the current Idea Book but I hope they put it and our 6x6 layouts brochure in a new book because I LOVE these programs!). You could easily use Simply Snapshots if they match your paper OR use the dimensions from a Simply Snapshot to create the 9x9 layouts to put on top of your main layout. I only had a handful of photos from the 4th taken by my sweet neighbor Becca - thank you SO MUCH Becca for these photos! Sometimes I'm so busy doing the event I forget to break out my camera to take photos!

The fun and funky Celebrate block on the second layout was made by layering Cranberry and Outdoor Denim on a piece of Colonial White Cardstock using a plastic baggie. I embossed using Silver, Gold and White Daisy and then rubbed Cranberry and Outdoor Denim on the cardstock with my finger inside a baggie for a tie-dye effect. My son Spencer loves his tie-dye shirts. Its about time for me to place an order for more dye and make him a new batch!

Materials:
Paper: Blue Ribbon
Stamps: With Love (fireworks), July Word Puzzle, Cupcake Sprinkles (for Celebrate), Giggle Lowercase (for numbers), Rustic Alphabet
Inks: Cranberry, Indian Corn Blue, Outdoor Denim
Other: Flip Flaps, 9x9 page protectors, Embossing Powder - Silver, Gold, White Daisy and Clear Detail, Outdoor Denim Designer Ribbon Round (mine is retired but this one is new), Gold My Accents Tube (retired), Prisma Glitter (mixed with Clear Detail powder on the stars inside the 9x9 page protector)

Question: What do you use to take a picture of my son?

Answer: A "ham"-era!
(Spencer came up with the joke. This kid totally cracks me up!)

CTMH Boy Space Birthday Card using CTMH Animal Cookies, Reach for the Stars, Express Postage, Robot Power

I've been wanting to make up a card using this new pattern from the Wishes card book called "Fancy File" and I finally got around to it last night. I love that I can print out the patterns from the CD that comes with the book (both Originals and Wishes come with a CD) and have all the fun and funky shapes AND envelope templates at my finger tips! No need for tons of specialized tools and equipment -with just a paper cutter and a pair of scissors you can create any of the cards in our How-To books!

If the yellow paper doesn't look familiar from Animal Cookies - I used the back side of the Dutch Blue stripe paper and stamped a whole bunch of stars on it to create a patterned paper that matched my theme. Animal Cookies is the perfect paper for birthday cards - there are so many bright and fun colors and patterns in this set and I adore the Animal Cookies Stickease for those adorable zoo critters! I need to buy a set just for making fun fast cards!

Materials Used:
Paper: Animal Cookies
Stamp Sets: Reach for the Stars, Robot Power, Express Postage
Inks: Clover Meadow, Dutch Blue
Other: Watercolor Pencils, Pop Dots, Wishes

Bella Workshop - Signup Now!

What: Bella Scrapbooking Kit of the Month
When: Friday, 31 July at 7-9:30PM
Where: Snoqualmie, WA
Cost: Basic kit starts under $25!

Come join me on Friday, 31 July to make the incredibly beautiful Bella Scrapbooking Kit of the Month! We will create the featured layout (top layout) and then cut the additional layouts for later assembly in your home. A basic kit gets you everything you need to create these layouts, the better kit adds some embellishments on the additional 4 layouts and the best kit includes the stamp set "Buttoned Together". All purchases will also go towards Stamp of the Month discount!
Materials List:
Basic Kit:
X7114B Bella Level 2 Paper Packet $12.95
X7114C Bella Level 2 My Stickease® Assortment $4.95
Z1161 Foundry® Tabs $3.95
25" Hollyhock Stitched Ribbon (from Paige at the workshop) $0.36
Bella Workshop Guide (from Paige with order or at the workshop) $1.00
Total Supply Fee (plus shipping and tax): $23.21

Better = Basic Package + this product
Z1119 Mini-Medley Accents Autumn Garden Collection $7.95
Total Supply Fee (plus shipping and tax): $31.16

Best = Basic + Better + featured stamp set
C1361 My Acrylix® Buttoned Together $18.95
Total Supply Fee (plus shipping and tax): $50.11

Additional Items Supplied DURING WORKSHOP ONLY
9029 Cherish™ $21.95
E1007 My Acrylix® Homestead Alphabet $34.95
Z2128 Hollyhock Exclusive Inks™ Pad $5.25
Z2147 Smokey Plum Exclusive Inks™ Pad $5.25
1776 1/8" Long Reach Punch $9.95

To place your order, simply send me an e-mail or give me a call at (425) 260-6965. We can even do it long distance if you are interested in creating this workshop in your own home!

CTMH Farm Masculine Birthday Card with CTMH My Farm CTMH Happy Birthday

When I saw this stamp in the retired sale several months ago I knew I had to get it to make a birthday card for my Dad. He grew up on a farm and I was raised on a 7 acre lot where he was a "gentleman farmer". He had a day job but we did a lot of gardening and even grew pumpkins for wholesale and retail sales in the fall. I learned a lot from my Dad about hard work, pushing through on a job until it was done no matter how exhausted you were and caring for something for the reward of watching it grow to maturity. The older I get the more I respect him for what he was and how much he taught us. He gave to me the strength of character to get through my toughest of days and the conviction that whatever tomorrow brings I had today and today was good. He has faced adversity time and again with integrity and true grit. Now in his retirement when he was looking forward to the rewards of a lifetime of hard work he is raising a grandchild and caring for my mother who has been stricken with early alzheimers in her early 60's. I know its not an easy road for him and I wish we didn't live on the complete opposite side of the country. I hope this card speaks to him of my love for him and my love for the earth I inherited from him. I think the quote inside from George Washington says it all "I'd rather be on my farm than be emperor of the world." I'm glad he's my Dad.

Materials Used:
Paper: Twighlight, Colonial White, Black
Stamps: My Farm (retired), Happy Birthday, World's Best Dad (for the word Dad - SOTM)
Ink: Barn Red, Desert Sand

CTMH Faux Grid Fish Birthday Card with directions CTMH Happy Birthday CTMH World's Best Dad

One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish! This is the card I made for my fish-crazy 11 year old son's birthday. Spencer really liked it - anything with a fish on it is sure to be a hit!

Close up of the liquid glass on the fish and sentiments. It was a cloudy day so the shiny fish didn't show up too great on film but they're awesome in person!




Basic directions:

1. Cut your cardstock in even inches (5x7 shown here or 4x5)
2. Mark off a 1" grid LIGHTLY in pencil
3. Stamp image with some or all crossing a line.
4. Use a black marker to go over the grid lines (but not through the image)
5. Erase extra pencil lines inside the stamped image.
6. Color images in (I used CTMH watercolor pencils)
7. Color in some squares in contrasting colors saving an area for a sentiment.
8. I used a blending pen to smooth out the squares.
9. Apply liquid glass to the fish images and sentiment (the sentiment is pop dotted on the black base)

For Spencer's birthday surprise we went to see Ice Age 3 tonight. It was better than I expected (I usually trust Ebert's reviews on most movies so I was willing to pay the money to see it in the theater). The kids got a kick out of it and we all laughed at several parts. Afterwards we went out for Chinese at Got Rice - one of our new family traditions for birthdays (about 2 years now we've been going for everyone's b'day). Then home for some presents and cake. Spencer said it was the best day of his life and he had lots of fun. I'm so proud of the young man he is growing into - he is kind, sharing, loving, smart, witty, full of life, joyful, stand up for others and has a strong sense of fairness. I know I'm kind of biased but I basically think he rocks! I'm so glad God gave him to me and I look forward to seeing him grow on life's journey.
Materials Used (all CTMH):

• Cardstock: White Daisy, Black, Orange
• Stamps: World's Best Dad (SOTM), Happy Birthday
• Ink Colors: Black, Star Spangle Blue, Black Marker
• Other: Watercolor Pencils, Blending Pen, Liquid Glass, Pop dots

This card was inspired by one I saw while surfing the net but I didn't log where it came from! I know it wasn't CTMH but can't remember where I saw this technique. If its your design let me know so I can give you credit!

CTMH Creative Club Night Card #3 - CTMH Friendship Card with CTMH Endless Friendship, Buttoned Together and Prisma Glitter

Here is Card #3 of 3 for our Open Creative Club Night on Friday, 10th July! This sweet and simple stamped card features a sparkly Prisma Glitter sentiment from Buttoned Together. If you've ever wondered how to use the Write and Rub pen then this workshop is for you! For just a $5 supply fee you can make the 3 cards I've shown OR you can place a $25 order and get the workshop for FREE! To RSVP today just send me a note at paigedolecki@yahoo.com !

Materials Used:

Paper: Colonial White Cardstock

Stamps: Endless Friendship, Buttoned Together

Inks: Blush, Creme Brulee, Olive

Other: Write-n-Rub Pen, Prisma Glitter

This card was inspired by a fellow CTMH consultant, Lisa S.

CTMH Creative Club Night Card #2 Happy Birthday with CTMH Bella Paper, Bird Basics, Happy Birthday and Dream Big

This is card #2 of 3 for our Open Creative Club Night on Friday, 10th July! We will be making 2 Birthday cards and 1 Friendship Card all for a $5 supply fee or FREE with a $25 order! To join the fun simply send me an e-mail at paigedolecki@yahoo.com to reserve your spot today!

Materials Used:

Paper: Bella Level 2, Colonial White Cardstock

Stamps: Bird Basics, Intrinsic Backgrounds, Happy Birthday, Endless Friendship, Dream Big Incentive Set

Inks: Hollyhock, Blush, Creme Brulee, Sweet Leaf, Olive

Other: Hollyhock Designer Ribbon Rounds

Happy 4th of July! CTMH With Love, 4th of July Card

Here's to a safe and happy 4th of July!

Remember to keep a bucket of water on hand for the kids to dip their spent sparklers in! Sparklers burn hot enough to melt gold and they aren't fun to step on (yes, this is from personal experience!).

This oldie was lifted from a fellow CTMH consultant (lifting is when you copy a card pretty much exactly). I made it a while ago so I don't remember who I lifted from but it is a GREAT 4th of July card!

Materials Used:

• Paper: Dutch Blue cardstock, White Daisy Cardstock
• Stamp Set: With Love
• Ink: Cranberry, Dutch Blue
• Other: Liquid Glass

Open Creative Club Night Card #1 - CTMH Bella Birthday Card with CTMH Endless Friendship and August Stamp of the Month Its Your Day

Here is Card #1 of 3 we will be making at the upcoming Creative Club Night on Friday, 10th July! For a $5 supply fee you can come make three cards with matching envelopes OR you can place an order of $25 or more and get your workshop for FREE! To RSVP your spot today simply send me an e-mail at paigedolecki@yahoo.com with the title RSVP! These workshops are a great value and so much fun! Come join some other frugal crafty ladies for a night of crafting and friendship!

Materials Used:

Paper: Bella Level 2, Colonial White Cardstock

Stamps: Endless Friendship, Its Your Day (August Stamp of the Month - available August 1-31, 2009)

Inks: Blush, Petal, Hollyhock and Creme Brulee

CTMH Mystery Box #6 - Pictures of What I Received and Totals for How Much I Saved!

I am PLEASED AS PUNCH with my $125 Mystery Goodie Box from Close to my Heart! What a total rush to open up this box and see SO MUCH STUFF for just $125! Here is what I received:

Stamps:

D1140 - Miracle - $22.95

C1252 - Abundance Borders - $18.95

D1156 - A Little Bee - $22.95

C1243 - A Friend Is - $18.95

D1198 - Gift of Love - $22.95

D1115 - Princess - $22.95

Paper:

Holiday Creative Basics - $8.95

Best Friends Forever Level 1 (with page protectors) - $10.95

Best Friends Forever Stickease (4 pages) - $8.95

Key 2 My Heart Level 2 - $12.95

Abundance Level 2 - $12.95

Heirloom Level 2 - $12.95

Groovy Blossoms Level 2 - $12.95

6x6 Groovy Buttercup Base Pages - $6.95

All About Nature My Child's Reflection - $9.95

Best Friends My Child's Reflections - $9.95

Other:

Perennials Dimensional Elements - $4.95

9x9 Page Protectors (20 total) 3.75x2 = $7.50

Holiday Photo Greetings Card Kit - $12.95

Originals 1 Program - $14.95

Embellishments:

Fall Leaves Craft Buttons - $2.95

My Accents Baby Pink - $12.95

My Accents Pewter - $12.95

My Accents Gold - $12.95

Autumn Garden Organdy Ribbon Rounds - $8.95

Designer Ribbon Rounds Twighlight - $9.95

Designer Ribbon Rounds Outdoor Denim - $9.95

GRAND TOTAL IN PRODUCT: $348.20!!!!

WHAT I SPENT: $125

WHAT I SAVED: $223.20 (PLUS TAX AND SHIPPING ON THIS AMOUNT!)

If Close to my Heart ever does this event again I'll be all over it like white on rice! I can't wait for the Swap and Crop party on the 17th and then starting to create gifts for Christmas with all this stuff!