Happy Birthday Birdie Card with CTMH Love Birds

Our "Love Birds" stamp set is so much fun to play with - those little birds are just too darn cute!  Here I've used a palette of Bamboo, Chocolate, Vineyard Berry and White Daisy on this card to make it neutral enough for a male or female - in the final version for Stamp Camp I changed the ribbon from an organdy ribbon to a striped grosgrain which definitely had a more masculine feel to it.

Today I think I need to call a chiropractor.  I was sparring last night and got hit with a back kick to my lower back.  Tweaked out my left knee and all the muscles in my lower back are feeling sore and twitchy.  {Sigh} Sparring is my big weakness and the only time I seem to get hurt doing Martial Arts.  One of my buddies who is GREAT at sparring is going to work with me to teach me some tricks and techniques.  I don't need to be great - I just need to be able to get in the ring, hold my own for a little bit and leave without being hurt.

Enjoy your day!

Materials Used:

Papers:  Emporium Creative Basics, Bamboo Cardstock, Chocolate Cardstock, White Daisy Cardstock

Stamps:  Love Birds, Happy Birthday

Inks:  Vineyard Berry, Chocolate

Other:  Liquid Glass (over the Happy Birthday sentiment), Chocolate Brad, Marvy Daisy Punch, Chocoloate Ribbon Rounds

Enjoy Life card with CTMH Cherry-O and Something Splendid

Another card inspired by a fellow consultant posting several months ago.  I changed up the scallop border by using a stamp from the Serendipity kit that came out 3 years ago.  I really like this border stamp because it has holes in the scallop which let you do fun things like put dollops of Glitz into each hole.  I've also stamped a wee bit of Sweet Leaf ink inside the little daisy flowers.  Doesn't the Cotton Candy ink really pop with Sweet Leaf?  I'm having fun exploring our new ink colors and pairing them up with other colors! 

I have a busy Monday ahead of me (per usual) but I'm hoping to get some time in my room today for crafting too.  I have a swap for a Close to my Heart leadership conference I'm going to so I need to get cracking on making up some cards!  I have until November 5th to get them done but there are some specific design requirements so I need to give myself a bit of design time too.  Along with getting ready for the next Stamp Camp (we're going to do Christmas stocking stuffer and gifty type things along with a few cards), a full week of Martial Arts, all the kids activities, a crop this Fridayd, whew...!  You know that saying "a woman is as strong as her coffee" well, I guess there is a reason I drink a pot of French Press a day!  Hope you all have a terrific Monday and thanks for stopping by!

Materials Used:
Paper:  Cherry-O Creative Basics
Stamps:  Something Splendid, Serendipity
Inks:  Sweet Leaf, Cotton Candy
Other:  Glitz

Queen for a Day Birthday Card with CTMH Royal Birth and Caboodle

This fun card was for a recent Stamp Camp.  I loved the effect of the Glitz on the crown - it color changed the Gyspy ink to create a funky, glittery purple and pink combo.  The sentiment "Queen for a Day" was highlighted with Liquid Glass to give it some umph and the gemstone head of the scepter was given the Glitz treatment too.  All in all a great b'day card for a female of any age! 

Materials Used:
Paper:  Caboodle Level 2 (this is the reverse of one of the papers),   White Daisy CS
Stamps:  Royal Birth
Inks:  Gypsy, Crystal Blue
Other:  Glitz Glitter Gel,  sponge daubers,  liquid glass

Corner Bookmark with CTMH Olivia and The Present

Here it is in use on the corner of our Fall 2010 Idea Book!

I really like these corner bookmarks that I've been seeing all over the place!  They don't take much paper to make, they are a terrific small gift item and they are downright fun!   This is one that we made during our September Open House event and also at a Stamp Camp.

To learn how to make one of these at home, visit this tutorial link from Splitcoast Stampers:
http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/resources/tutorials/cornerbookmark/

Materials Used:
Paper:  Olivia Level 2
Stamps:  The Present, Olivia Workshop Kit Stamp Set
Inks:  Sunset, Barn Red, New England Ivy
Other:  Edge punch

I'm Nuts about You Card with CTMH Hello Friend and Twitterpated

I think Twitterpated is way up there in my favorites list for paper packs - maybe its the Sweet Leaf color in it.  My family room and kitchen are painted in a Sweet Leaf color I picked out a couple of years before becoming a consultant.  Gosh, guess its time to think about re-painting the downstairs!

The squirrel, acorns and sentiment all come from a retired set called Hello Friend that I bought because it has a fox in it.  My youngest kiddo loves foxes and there aren't a lot of stamps or papers that feature that animal.  I was very happy to see one in the new set from CTMH Nature's Gift that came out in the Fall 2010 Idea Book.  I want to use the big moose on that one to make a Merry Christ-moose card (yep, we run corny in this house!).

It was a wonderful night last night - we finally had our Advantium Speed Cook oven installed yesterday and we were ALL totally pumped to have FAST food last night.  We've had an Advantium since we moved into this house 10 years ago and we've gotten so used to using it daily that its been really hard since the old one died a couple of weeks ago.  We have Martial Arts classes Monday through Thursday evening so having meals that are quickly prepared is an absolute must for our household and you just can't beat chicken tenders from frozen to crispy hot in 8 minutes (not to mention cooking a whole chicken in like 25 minutes).  The new one has some additional features like Convection Bake, broil and bread proofing that I'm looking forward to trying out too.  I figure the amount of money we've saved by not eating out over the years more than off sets the price tag of these ovens.  When you can make a far better dinner faster than stopping by a fast food joint you just get out of the habit of doing that.  My kids were so funny when they came home from school, they were jumping up and down with excitement and they all made hot snacks to try the new unit out.  If you have kids or a really busy schedule these ovens are a life saver!

Materials Used:

Paper:  Twitterpated Level 2

Stamps:  Hello Friend, Twitterpated WOTG stamp (for branch)

Ink:  Chocolate, Grey Wool

Other:  Sweet Leaf ribbon, Liquid Glass

Thanks card with CTMH Magnifique

This one goes out to all the people who sent me birthday wishes and visited my blog yesterday!  Thank you so much for taking the time to share in my day and making me feel so special!

I had a wonderful 40th birthday!  I started off with a Tae-Kwon-Do class, spent some time with my kids after school then met my hubby in Issaquah for dinner out at Tutta Bella.  If you are looking for really good Neopolitian style pizza, that is definitely the place to go!  The sauce was exactly right and spot on for the NY style pizza of my youth with the nice thin crust and fresh mozzarella that my family prefers.  We topped it off with desert - the kids all got Gellato (Nutella, Lemon and Pumpkin flavored - all were gone if a flash) and Mark and I split a Tiramisu.  The secret to sharing a Tiramisu is to split it with someone who doesn't like it nearly as much as you do - LOL!  After that we stopped by RedBox and picked up Iron Man 2 to watch last night - fun movie!

Mark was a sweetie and picked up two Martial Arts books for my birthday - one on muscle movements and the official forms as taught by an Olympic coach and another one on flexibility training.  The person who wrote the flexibility one also has a book out on doing Martial Arts after 40 so after I read through these I'll see if I can find that one too.  I've also received permission to have fun (aka spend money) at the CKC event that is coming to Seattle in November.  Eliza and I are going to go to the vendor fair part to do a bit of shopping and idea generating.  I've got my eye on a Big Shot Pro that I've been debating for a while now. 

Eliza made me a beautiful necklace and earring set that I'm wearing today and the boys gave me the terrific present of cleaning their rooms last Sunday (nothing says love to me like labor - whether its doing a job or creating something beautiful).  They really did a great job and it took quite a while for them to get it done and they did it without a single complaint!

Thanks again to everyone for making my b'day so special!  BIG HUGS!

Materials Used:

Paper:  Magnifique Level 2

Stamps:  Magnifique Workshop Kit Stamp

Ink:  Pacifica, Sky

Other:  Opaques (pearls)

Happy Birthday to ...ME! with CTMH Piece of Cake

***40***

Such a big number looks better in pink don't you think?

Actually, to be honest, turning 40 today really isn't bothering me.  Maybe it will hit me next year when I'm "in my 40's" instead of being just 40.  Right now I feel like I'm where I'm supposed to be in life.  My life's journey has definitely had a few bumps along the way but right now things are good - the kids are doing well, Mark is gainfully employed, I'm having fun in my business and am feeling strong as I progress towards my black belt.  I am aware of my many blessings - the love and respect of my husband of 20 years (who still thinks I'm a pretty hot potato), three kids who adore me as much as I adore them (and listen to me without eye rolling), and wonderful friendships with the best group of ladies in the world - both locally and online.  Yep, life is good.  Tonight we're celebrating by going to Tutta Bella in Issaquah for the first time.  We're told they have Neopolotian pizza and this girl who was born and raised in upstate New York and has been West Coast for the past 10 years misses her New York style pizza!  I've got my fingers crossed for a serving of Tiramisu to top that off!

Thanks for sharing my birthday with me by stopping by and here's some artwork just right for the occasion!

Materials Used:
Paper:  White Daisy CS, Black CS, Bubblegum Textured CS (this is the back side)
Stamps:  Piece of Cake
Ink:  Archival Black
Other:  Watercolor Pencils, White Daisy Ricrac, Cuttlebug Swiss Dots folder

Sweet Pink and Chocolate Stripes and Polka Dots card with CTMH More to Adore, Hit the Spot and Dazzling Diecuts

A very long post title for a sweet little card!  This card uses the retired More to Adore for its paper base and its color scheme.  I stamped some big polka dots from the "Hit the Spot" stamp set on a piece of Colonial White and added a couple of pieces from some Dazzling Diecuts (a special from over a year ago), a dash of Glitz to give it some glam and all done!

Materials Used:
Paper:  More to Adore Level 2 (retired), Chocolate Diecuts (retired)
Stamps:  Hit the Spot
Other:  Glitz Glitter Gel

So Glad We're Friends Card with CTMH Buttoned Together, Endless Friendship and Key to my Heart

I just love this color combination - Creme Brulee, Hollyhock, Sweet Leaf and Olive.

Materials Used:
Paper:  Key to my Heart (retired special), Hollyhock CS, Sweet Leaf CS, White Daisy CS
Stamps:  Buttoned Together, Endless Friendship
Inks:  Olive, Hollyhock Creme Brulee
Other:  White Daisy Marker, Bitty Sparkles

Girly Skull Card with CTMH Thriller and Hooligans

Arrr (said piratey)....isn't this a cute skull?  There have been a lot of similar cards posted by other CTMH consultants using the reverse masking technique with this stamp set.  Basically, you stamp two of the skull images in black ink.  Cut out just the skull on one and use temporary adesive to place it over the skull on the piece you are going to keep.  Then sponge ink on all the surrounding areas.  When you pull the temporary skull off, the bright white skull that is left underneath looks awesome!  I applied a wee bit of Glitz gel to the eyepatch for a bit of sparkle and used our White Daisy marker to ghost stitch around the whole shebang.  Very simple but cute card!

Materials Used:

Paper:  Hooligans Level 2, Black Cardstock

Stamps:  Thriller (September SOTM)

Inks:  Black, Gypsy

Other:  White Daisy Organdy ribbon, White Daisy Marker

Polka Dots and Pennants Happy Birthday Card with CTMH Party Pennants and

This card is based on this one by a fellow CTMH consultant, Karla Krose.  You can see it better in person but the present is pop dotted and has Glitz glitter gel on the white areas to make it sparkle.  Both these stamp sets - "Party Pennants" and "Hit the Spot" are on my must-have list for any stamper. They are both so trendy, versatile and fun to work with - and best of all they are both C size so they are just $18.95!

I did cheat a little on the swag at the top - I used a big circle from our "Circle Around" set instead of trying to get a perfect curve on the dotted rope that comes with the Party Pennant set.  When we're doing Stamp Camp I try to make things as easy on my ladies as possible so I used a pre-set circle to get the perfect swag.  Yep, I'm just nice like that (LOL!).

Materials Used:

Paper:  Lagoon Cardstock, White Daisy Cardstock

Stamps:  Party Pennants, Hit the Spot, Circle Around

Inks:  Lagoon, Sunset, Pear

Other:  Glitz, 1" circle punch, satin ribbon from Michael's, border punch (I think its EK Success)

Happy World Cardmaking Day! You are my sunshine card with Jingle, Treasures and Over the Rainbow

Happy World Cardmaking Day to everybody!  Last night I had a really fun Stamp Camp to celebrate World Cardmaking Day today.  Above was just one of the 20 projects available to make last night.  This one was definitely one of my favorites!  I used the cloud from the "Over the Rainbow" set to stamp the sky and one of the sentiments from the "Treasures" stamp set.  The sun is simply a large white scallop with heavy sponging in Creme Brulee overlaid with a Creme Brulee circle.  A little bit of Glitz and a red sparkle add just enough pizzaz without making this an overly girly card.

Materials Used:
Paper:  Jingle Level 2, Tulip Cardstock, Heavenly Blue Cardstock
Stamps:  Over the Rainbow, Treasures
Inks:  Creme Brulee, Heavenly Blue
Other:  Glitz, Red Sparkles

First Day of School Layouts using StudioJ Online/Digital Scrapping with Member Only Layouts and Class Act Paper

These are the 4 layouts I created in StudioJ to celebrate the kid's first day of school.  Can I just say how fabulous I feel that two major events from September 2010 have ALREADY been scrapped?  First Time Ever that I've been so quick and its all because I could just pick the paper, pick the layout, drop in the photos with a wee bit of editing and (POOF) I was done! 

I absolutely adore this StudioJ Member Only paper set called Class Act - the crossword paper and the black board paper are just so cute!  I used heavy distressing on all these layouts and was REALLY happy with our blemish removal tool as Devin had a big scab under one eye that was very prominent in these photos!  I also used 4 different Member Only layouts - how cool are these?!? 

Isn't my daughter beautiful?  Eliza is becoming the young woman I've hoped and dreamed she'd become - smart, independent, funny, empathetic, athletic and a really good head on her shoulders.  I couldn't be more proud of my girl.

Check out the smile on my cutie Spencer.  He's such a happy fun-to-be-around guy!  I've never seen anybody better at catching critters than this kid.  I swear he's a frog whisperer. 

Devin is such a character!  This kid has unbelievable inner strength and persistence.  He's like water - he'll just keep pouring it on until he gets the results he's looking to achieve.

CTMH StudioJ Online/Digital Scrapping with Hooligans Paper

Our new Hooligans paper pack has such fun colors and themes that I knew it would be perfect for all of the pictures I took during Devin's 9th B'day party.  On these StudioJ layouts you can really see the distressing tools in action.  On the first one there is our new Sunset color sponged on the edges of the two White Daisy base pages and Cross hatching directly on the paper on the black strip underneath.  I love that you can make your cross hatching in any color - even ones that wouldn't show in traditional scrapping like Lagoon on Black (shown here).

One of the other cool things in StudioJ are the photo mats.  You can choose various widths starting at 1/16" and going up and you can use any of our 60 colors on any of the mats.  Here I've used Pear on the first three mats and Sunset on the last three on the left.  Again, I had fun working with sponging on the edges of this layout.  Both of these layout patterns are for Members Only - aren't they AWESOME?  I love the diecut paper look on these two layouts.  Tomorrow I'll share our First Day of School layouts with even more of the Member Only funky layouts!

I hope you are enjoying this peek into StudioJ!  If you haven't already checked it out, go over to my site https://paige.myctmh.com/Retail/StudioJLanding.aspx?PageId=185

and have some fun playing around for free.  I just love that there isn't any nickle and diming on the different elements - no $1 charge for this paper pack or $3 for this layout - everything in all of StudioJ and all of the future upgrades and new releases are included in the membership price!  Yep, this product ROCKS!





My First Studio J Order - and I LOVE IT! Hooray for online/digital scrapping!

Let me preface this post by saying that when StudioJ first came out we were in the midst of unemployement so I wasn't able to play with the new product like I wanted to.  Now we're back in the black so to speak and I was able to get a full one-year membership to StudioJ - YES!

These new memberships ROCK because:
- You get unlimited layouts at just $3.25/page ($6.50 for a double layout)
- FREE Shipping (up to 20 layouts) once per month (extras are up to 20 in a box for $5.95 shipping)
- FREE High Resolution and Low Resolution JPEGS
- FREE Page Protectors
- Member Only paper packs AND layout patterns

A THREE month membership is only $30 bucks (can you believe it?????) and a 12 month membership is $99.  You seriously break even on a YEAR membership with just 15 layouts! 

What do I LOVE about StudioJ?  My biggie is that I don't have to print out the pictures before I can scrap!  I'm terrible about getting the photos dumped from my computer and over to Costco to get the pictures printed - not to mention having to re-print enlargements because I change my mind on which is my lead photo.  So many of my scrapping ladies laugh at me because they have tons of pictures and need to make the layouts - I have the layouts and need to get the pictures printed to fill them!  StudioJ takes away that extra step and I adore how easy it was to use. 

The biggest plus for me was being able to enlarge photos/crop with ease AND the new photo editing tools.  I was able to fix red-eye, remove a scab under my son's eye with blemish removal, remove mega-glare from glasses, and use wrinkle remover if I wanted to (okay - these are all kid shots so I'll use that when I get to MY OWN photos!)  I wanted to make sure I got my FREE shipping in September so this Saturday I sat down and made 7 layouts in one evening!  I did some finishing work and double checked my distressing and such on Tuesday and pressed BUY yesterday. 

Here is my first Studio J layout to share - a cute layout of my kids in the pool this summer using a Member Only paper pack called Splash Zone and the layout I chose was Dialogue (open for anyone).  I'm using my FREE Low Res JPEG to share here - how cool is that?!?

On this one I didn't use a whole lot of distressing or anything - pretty much just colored in the ribbons and added stickease (the H2Oh! title and the tag).  Tomorrow I'll show some of the first day of school layouts I did that used more of the distressing tools.  So, what are you waiting for?  Did you know you can create a FREE account on StudioJ to check out the product without ANY cost?  Go play around on my site here and let me know what you think!  You don't get charged a PENNY until you purchase a layout or signup for a membership but I really think you're going to love the product and ADORE the pricing!