Tonight's post is going to be a quick one so I can slide in under the wire. You know me: Last Minute Latisha!
If you're traveling on the CTMH Blog Hop, you should have arrived from Allison Mullen's blog. After you view this bolg, you will travel to Laurie Newton's blog.
The June Stamp of the Month - D1422 Wonderful Friend - has a Father's Day theme, but can be used for many other celebrations. For my 4x4 card, I used the tie as a background because my husband doesn't wear ties. Hopefully this will inspire you to look outside of the box when working with this set.
Products used:
D1422 Wonderful Friend
Z2135 New England Ivy Ink Pad
Z2140 Outdoor Denim In Pad
Z2114 Cocoa Ink Pad
1301 Bamboo Cardstock
X5642 Cocoa Cardstock
1388 Colonial White Cardstock
Z1146 Pewter Designer Brads
As always, all these products are available on my website.
(Sorry about the blurry picture - I was holding the baby when I took the picture.)
Monday, May 31, 2010
Saturday, May 1, 2010
2 - 4 - 1!!! May Stamp of the Month AND National Scrapbooking Month Special
This month you get a sneak peak at 2 of my most favorite items released with the new Idea Book (Summer 2010) that goes live on May 1:
I can't say how much I LOOOOVVVVEEEEEE this set! Having a background in English/Journalism, I think journaling is very important on scrapbook pages because it tells the story to those who weren't present at the event. I admit, however, that I don't always journal like I should. This set will make it so easy to record the important information without a lot of journaling (for those times when the creative juices are flowing and you don't want to stop to journal about the event).
This stamp set, as well as all the products used on these samples are available on my website.
I admit up front that there is little originality in my creations this month. I used the Miracle Kit to create the pages. The cool thing about this kit is that it gives you EVERYTHING you need to create the pages except the ink and pictures! When you finish creating, you'll have 4 completed pages and scraps to create some cards!
The kit includes:
5 – Colonial White Cardstock, 1 – Bamboo Cardstock, 1 – Floral B&T Duos® Paper, 1 – Stripe B&T Duos® Paper, 1 – Crystal Blue Circle B&T Duos® Die-Cut, 1 – Sweet Leaf Bracket B&T Duos® Die-Cut, 1 – 6" x 12" My Stickease® Assortment, 1 – 6" x 9" Irresistibles™ Chipboard Die-Cuts, 1 – Mini-Medley Accents Colonial White Collection, 12" Colonial White Waxy Flax, 3 – 4" x 6" Memory Protectors® Flip Flaps™, 2 – Sponges, 1 – Directions cutting guide. All of this for only $19.95! You can even get it for free!
Now hop on over to Shirley Ross's for more creations!
- May Stamp of the Month - D1421 Cherish the Moment
- Miracle Kit for National Scrapbooking Month
I can't say how much I LOOOOVVVVEEEEEE this set! Having a background in English/Journalism, I think journaling is very important on scrapbook pages because it tells the story to those who weren't present at the event. I admit, however, that I don't always journal like I should. This set will make it so easy to record the important information without a lot of journaling (for those times when the creative juices are flowing and you don't want to stop to journal about the event).
This stamp set, as well as all the products used on these samples are available on my website.
I admit up front that there is little originality in my creations this month. I used the Miracle Kit to create the pages. The cool thing about this kit is that it gives you EVERYTHING you need to create the pages except the ink and pictures! When you finish creating, you'll have 4 completed pages and scraps to create some cards!
The kit includes:
5 – Colonial White Cardstock, 1 – Bamboo Cardstock, 1 – Floral B&T Duos® Paper, 1 – Stripe B&T Duos® Paper, 1 – Crystal Blue Circle B&T Duos® Die-Cut, 1 – Sweet Leaf Bracket B&T Duos® Die-Cut, 1 – 6" x 12" My Stickease® Assortment, 1 – 6" x 9" Irresistibles™ Chipboard Die-Cuts, 1 – Mini-Medley Accents Colonial White Collection, 12" Colonial White Waxy Flax, 3 – 4" x 6" Memory Protectors® Flip Flaps™, 2 – Sponges, 1 – Directions cutting guide. All of this for only $19.95! You can even get it for free!
Now hop on over to Shirley Ross's for more creations!
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Close to My Heart April Stamp of the Month Blog Hop - Flower Pot
This month's posting snuck up on me - well, sort of. I've actually had the projects completed, but haven't had the time to sit down and write about them. If you're blog hopping, you should have arrived from HELEN ONULAK's blog. If you plan to continue along the hop, JILL LUCAS's is your next stop.
I'll admit up front - I didn't like this stamp set when I first received it. BUT, it has definitely grown on me now that I've created with it. Truthfully, the reason I was turned off was because it's a line art stamp and I just don't want to take the time to "color" in the images. My challenge to myself was to create projects that required little coloring yet effectively showcased the stamp set. I certainly liked what I came up with and hope you do to!
I chose X7121B Caboodle for the My Reflections Paper Pack to create the projects. I also added Z2115 Sweet Leaf Collection Ribbon Rounds to each one and only used two colors of ink in all three projects: Z2117 Crystal Blue Exclusive Inks and Z2105 Black Exclusive Ink. Remember, all of these products are available to order on my website under "Shop Online".
We'll start with the smallest creation and save the biggest for last. The first project is a 3x3 gift card. In addition to the supplies listed above, I used 1385 White Daisy Cardstock for the card base and 3505 Watercolor Pencils blended with 3174 Blending Pen to color the flower pot and flowers.
Next is a 4x4 Notecard. I didn't use any other product on this card other than what's been mentioned already. I did run the Sweet Leaf cardstock through my Cuttlebug for the embossed swirls. I have to say, this is one of my most favorite creations of all time!
The last creation I want to share is a Z1195 6x6 My Creations Memory Showcase album. In addition to the products listed above, I also used Z1217 Metal (Pewter 4mm) Brads, and Z1271 Tiny Tabs.
I'll admit up front - I didn't like this stamp set when I first received it. BUT, it has definitely grown on me now that I've created with it. Truthfully, the reason I was turned off was because it's a line art stamp and I just don't want to take the time to "color" in the images. My challenge to myself was to create projects that required little coloring yet effectively showcased the stamp set. I certainly liked what I came up with and hope you do to!
I chose X7121B Caboodle for the My Reflections Paper Pack to create the projects. I also added Z2115 Sweet Leaf Collection Ribbon Rounds to each one and only used two colors of ink in all three projects: Z2117 Crystal Blue Exclusive Inks and Z2105 Black Exclusive Ink. Remember, all of these products are available to order on my website under "Shop Online".
We'll start with the smallest creation and save the biggest for last. The first project is a 3x3 gift card. In addition to the supplies listed above, I used 1385 White Daisy Cardstock for the card base and 3505 Watercolor Pencils blended with 3174 Blending Pen to color the flower pot and flowers.
Next is a 4x4 Notecard. I didn't use any other product on this card other than what's been mentioned already. I did run the Sweet Leaf cardstock through my Cuttlebug for the embossed swirls. I have to say, this is one of my most favorite creations of all time!
The last creation I want to share is a Z1195 6x6 My Creations Memory Showcase album. In addition to the products listed above, I also used Z1217 Metal (Pewter 4mm) Brads, and Z1271 Tiny Tabs.
Front cover:
Back cover:
Inside pages, set 1:
Inside pages, set 2:
Inside pages, set 3:
I hope you've enjoyed this month's projects. As always, if there is anything I can do to help with your stamping and scrapbooking needs, don't hesitate to let me know! Just a reminder, your next stop on the hop is Jill Lucas's blog. Happy Easter to all!
Labels:
30 cards for $30,
blog hop,
caboodle,
flower pot,
stamp of the month,
stamping
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Close to My Heart March Stamp of the Month Blog Hop - A Little Everything
Happy March! Can you believe the first two months of 2010 are over? I can't! I'm still stuck on time to get started with all that I hope to accomplish in 2010!Welcome to the Close to My Heart March Stamp of the Month Blog Hop. If you started at the beginning with Jena DeVries, and continued through in order, you should be arriving from Katy Donaldson's blog. From here you'll go to Danielle Chapman's blog.
This month's stamp set is one of my favorites. I'm a sucker for sentiment stamps and fonts anyway, so this one was no exception. D1408 A Little Everything is a whimsical set with not only general holiday sentiments but also some additional phrases to complete popular greeting card wishes.
I created 2 projects for this month's hop. We'll start with a standard card. I used X5807 Creative Basics Animal Cookies Collection, 1242 Sunflower cardstock, 1385 White Daisy cardstock, Z1087 Sunflower Waxy Flax, Z1214 Summer Carnival Brad Assortment (Clover Meadow 8mm), and Z2103 Black Ink. By the way, all these products are available on my website or through me.
To create the frame, I used my cuttlebug. The sunflower cardstock is layered under the frame. I love Close to My Heart cardstock because it has a white core. It's nice to choose whether I want the complimentary effect of the white or a solid color tear edge. When I saw the frame, it reminded me of a business window and I couldn't help but create a look of an open/closed sign with the waxy flax hanging from the brad.
One other fun technique I'd like to point out on this card is that the "all you do" is only part of the full phrase. Because Close to My Heart's acrylic stamps are clear, it's easy to omit words you don't wish to use by "stamping off". It's so easy to line up because you can see where you're stamping exactly. The full phrase in this stamp was "for all you do." I just simply left the "for" off and stamped the remainder of the phrase!
On the inside of the CD folder, there's a pull out blank piece of cardstock to write a message to the gift receiver. Opposite the message card, there's another tab pull. On this piece, I placed 4 photo corner holders to insert a gift card.
Once the receiver has removed the gift card, it would be quite easy to turn this into a mini album or photo frame for a desktop. I LOVE when things become 2 gifts in one!
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Close to My Heart February Stamp of the Month Blog Hop
It's hard to believe January 2010 is over and it's now time to be thinking of hearts, cupid, and love! With the close of the month, it means it's time for the monthly stamp of the month blog hop and this month's stamp is ubber-cute! It's called Piece of Cake and is full of fancy cakes and desserts.
But enough jabber, onto the artwork! If you started at the beginning of the hop, you came from Susan Brooks' blog. There are 72 bloggers this month so there's lots of artwork to see! You can view all the participants with their blog addresses on Helen's blog.
I think I mentioned last month that when I purchased the vinyl folios, I had to buy 100 of them. That means I have A LOT of them! So, in effort to use them, I once again created a gift set featuring 4x4 birthday cards.
To create this set, I used X7118B Twitterpatted Level 2 paper pack, Z2111 Chocolate ink, Z2117 Crystal Blue ink, Z2164 Sorbet ink, Z2153 Sweet Leaf ink, and X254 Cards and Envelopes. The card and folio cover designs are from 9032 Originals. I used the 3x3 patterns and cut the paper to fit 4x4 cards.All of these items are available on my website - simply type the product number in the quick search box and each item will appear!

Because the post office charges extra for square envelopes, I chose to use the regular sized cards and simply cut them down and mail them in the envelopes that come with the card bases. Plus, the pieces you cut off the card make perfect bookmarks - part of a future project so check back!
I tried to use a different embellishment or technique on each card. For this card, I used the random stamping technique to create the pattern on the white part of the card. I also added Sweet Leaf Ric Rac from the Z1052 Ric Rac Collection. It's not the easiest to see, but under the ric rac is chocolate brads from Z1218 Basic Brad Assortments.
This was my attempt to make a somewhat masculine card for the gift folio. I never have enough cards for men in my stash so I'm always looking for ways to make more. It's simple and I love the look. I used Z1247 Crystal Blue waxy flax to add the stitching on the side.
This card is another simple elegant - I'm into those right now! I stamped the cake in chocolate ink and then used the 3174 Blending Pen and 3505 Watercolor Pencils. If you've never used these two together, you're in for some fun! When you color with the pencils you get the "childhood scribble" lines, but by simply rubbing the blending pen over the color, it smooths them and makes them look like watercolor paints. One tip, though, be sure to drag your blending pen on scrap paper until the strokes are clear or the color you just smoothed will bleed into the next color.
But enough jabber, onto the artwork! If you started at the beginning of the hop, you came from Susan Brooks' blog. There are 72 bloggers this month so there's lots of artwork to see! You can view all the participants with their blog addresses on Helen's blog.
I think I mentioned last month that when I purchased the vinyl folios, I had to buy 100 of them. That means I have A LOT of them! So, in effort to use them, I once again created a gift set featuring 4x4 birthday cards.
To create this set, I used X7118B Twitterpatted Level 2 paper pack, Z2111 Chocolate ink, Z2117 Crystal Blue ink, Z2164 Sorbet ink, Z2153 Sweet Leaf ink, and X254 Cards and Envelopes. The card and folio cover designs are from 9032 Originals. I used the 3x3 patterns and cut the paper to fit 4x4 cards.All of these items are available on my website - simply type the product number in the quick search box and each item will appear!
Because the post office charges extra for square envelopes, I chose to use the regular sized cards and simply cut them down and mail them in the envelopes that come with the card bases. Plus, the pieces you cut off the card make perfect bookmarks - part of a future project so check back!
I tried to use a different embellishment or technique on each card. For this card, I used the random stamping technique to create the pattern on the white part of the card. I also added Sweet Leaf Ric Rac from the Z1052 Ric Rac Collection. It's not the easiest to see, but under the ric rac is chocolate brads from Z1218 Basic Brad Assortments.
This was my attempt to make a somewhat masculine card for the gift folio. I never have enough cards for men in my stash so I'm always looking for ways to make more. It's simple and I love the look. I used Z1247 Crystal Blue waxy flax to add the stitching on the side.
This card is another simple elegant - I'm into those right now! I stamped the cake in chocolate ink and then used the 3174 Blending Pen and 3505 Watercolor Pencils. If you've never used these two together, you're in for some fun! When you color with the pencils you get the "childhood scribble" lines, but by simply rubbing the blending pen over the color, it smooths them and makes them look like watercolor paints. One tip, though, be sure to drag your blending pen on scrap paper until the strokes are clear or the color you just smoothed will bleed into the next color.
Labels:
close to my heart,
piece of cake,
stamp of the month
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Close to My Heart January Stamp of the Month Blog Hop
Happy New Year!
I'm so excited about the upcoming year and the blog hop! It is achieving two of my goals on my 101 List of Things I'd Like to Do in 1001 Days (blog coming soon - keep watching): write more and update my blog more often!
If you're following the CTMH Blog Hop you should have arrived from Shirley Ross's blog. Welcome! For those of you new to blog hopping, simply click on the link below to go to the next blog. If you started at Helen's blog, you've made it all the way through. Following each link will allow you to see over 60 different ways to use the January Stamp of the Month, True Friends (D1406). Below is my contribution to the hop (a total of 3 today!).
First is a Postcard Gift Pack. I purchased the vinyl cases from an online website for another workshop, but they are PERFECT for this project.
Inside the vinyl case is two slots. One is perfect for a decorated cover and the other is good for 4x6 postcards. To make the postcards, I simply random stamped one side of a sheet of 12x12 cardstock and trimmed it to the postcard size. You get 6 postcards from one sheet.
(Vinyl case open)
I'm so excited about the upcoming year and the blog hop! It is achieving two of my goals on my 101 List of Things I'd Like to Do in 1001 Days (blog coming soon - keep watching): write more and update my blog more often!
If you're following the CTMH Blog Hop you should have arrived from Shirley Ross's blog. Welcome! For those of you new to blog hopping, simply click on the link below to go to the next blog. If you started at Helen's blog, you've made it all the way through. Following each link will allow you to see over 60 different ways to use the January Stamp of the Month, True Friends (D1406). Below is my contribution to the hop (a total of 3 today!).
First is a Postcard Gift Pack. I purchased the vinyl cases from an online website for another workshop, but they are PERFECT for this project.
Inside the vinyl case is two slots. One is perfect for a decorated cover and the other is good for 4x6 postcards. To make the postcards, I simply random stamped one side of a sheet of 12x12 cardstock and trimmed it to the postcard size. You get 6 postcards from one sheet.
In addition to the January SOTM, I used the Grace Level II Paper Pack (X711B) and Copper Brads (Z1217).
(Postcards with open case)
The second project is a 4x4 Gift Card. The sayings on this stamp set was perfect for gift giving.
I like to try and use paper and color combinations that differ from the company suggested combinations. This card uses paper from the Tinkerin' Level II Paper Pack (X7113B) and the Designer Ribbon Rounds Sorbet (Z1123). I also added Just Blooms Paper Flowers White Daisy Variety Pack (Z1300) and Twinkle Brads Jolly Assortment (Z1220).
Finally, I altered a 2010 Planner that I picked up at my local Dollar General store for $1. The paper pack is retired now (Free Spirit Level II Paper Pack), but I loved the colors. I also used the Playful Flourishes set (D1212) and some brown ric rac I purchased when a fabric store was closing.
All of these current items are available to view on my Close to My Heart website. Click here and then choose the "Shop Online" button. You can search by item number for quick location of the products.
Be sure to join me again in February for the Stamp of the Month Blog Hop. A listing of classes, workshops and crops will be available on my website shortly after the first of the year. Subscribe to my blog to receive updates when I post.
If you're continuing in the blog hop, your next stop is Helen Onulak's blog.
Here is a complete list of blog participants if you prefer the jump around method:
Helen Onulak http://www.hookedonstamping. com
Jena DeVries http://www. livelovelaughscrapbook. blogspot.com
Jessica Booth http://jessicabooth.blogspot. com/
Carla Ironside http://www.carlacreates. blogspot.com
Lori Miller http://www. clearlyfromtheheart.blogspot. com
Misty Jackson http://www.misstscraps. blogspot.com
Jen Patrick http://www.roxybonds-scrappin. blogspot.com
Susan Brooks http://www.stampingintheopen. blogspot.com
Kathleen Androlewicz http://bowlofstamps.blogspot. com/
Dawn Ross http://www.iamahappystamper. blogspot.com
Amy McVey http://www.clearlystamping. blogspot.com
Antoinette Herrin http://www.GodblessyourART. blogspot.com
Jill Lucas http://scrapwench.blogspot.com
Barbra Otten http://barbraotten.blogspot. com/
Lori Brown http://www.savingmine. blogspot.com
Brae Montgomery http://thebrae-er.blogspot.com
Wanda Riley http://www.creatingwithwanda. blogspot.com
Adeline E. Brill http://adeline-brill.blogspot. com
Kami Welter http://www.scrappin4memories. blogspot.com
Judy Burger http://makingtimeformemories. blogspot.com/
Pamela O'Connor http://www. cherishyourmemories.blogspot. com
Cindy Leek http://www. paperspadsandpictures. blogspot.com
Mary Eisen www.mestamp2.blogspot.com
Sylvia Jacquot http://stampinsylvia.blogspot. com/
Laura Dame http://www. thecroppersconnection. blogspot.com
Melissa Laverty http://www.fancymelissa. blogspot.com
Haley Dyer http://www.inkyscrapper. blogspot.com
Terrie Dodd http://www.my-life-in-real- time.blogspot.com
Katy Donaldson http://www.scrappinkaty. blogspot.com
Chris Shouse http://www.houseostamps. wordpress.com
Tammy Lea Pinchard http://mycreativeclubhouse. blogspot.com
Krista Ritskes http://kristaritskes- simplycreating.blogspot.com/
Shannon Pelletier http://www. mycolorfulworldinvt.blogspot. com
Deb Young http://www.scrapbookczar. blogspot.com
Amy Edwards http://PaisleysPlayhouse. blogspot.com
Sheila Bennett http://sheila-bennett. blogspot.com
Kristie Herdener http://www.goofyscrapper. blogspot.com
Jen Rubio http://www.jenrubio.blogspot. com
Jody Gustafson http://www.cre8nmemories. blogspot.com
Sarita Schraeder http://www.blessedscrapper. blogspot.com
Laurie Levnik http://www.creationsbylaurie. blogspot.com
Debra Van Patten http:// memoriesoftheheartbydeb. blogspot.com/
Kimberly Smith http://verykimberry.blogspot. com/
Michelle Nist http://Michellenist.blogspot. com
Karen Norman http://www. gettinscrappywithit.blogspot. com
Traci Godbee http://createwithtraci. blogspot.com
Nancy Brown http://www. creativelyartsygallery. blogspot.com
Maricar Harris http://www.maricarharris. blogspot.com
Nona Davenport http://www.nonapearl.blogspot. com
Laurie Newton http://scrapsfromthebeach. blogspot.com/
Dawn Heuft http://www.stamptildawn. blogspot.com
Melissa Burch http://melissaburch.blogspot. com
Kim O'Rear http://kimorear.blogspot.com
Michelle Bourlet http:// michellescreativeconnections. blogspot.com/
Angela Tutton http://www.tuttonstreasures. blogspot.com/
Jenifer Benner http://www.jensmessystudio.com
Shirley Ross http://www.momnmescrap. blogspot.com
Latisha Haag http:// domestichomefrontcoordinator. blogspot.com
Jena DeVries http://www.
Jessica Booth http://jessicabooth.blogspot.
Carla Ironside http://www.carlacreates.
Lori Miller http://www.
Misty Jackson http://www.misstscraps.
Jen Patrick http://www.roxybonds-scrappin.
Susan Brooks http://www.stampingintheopen.
Kathleen Androlewicz http://bowlofstamps.blogspot.
Dawn Ross http://www.iamahappystamper.
Amy McVey http://www.clearlystamping.
Antoinette Herrin http://www.GodblessyourART.
Jill Lucas http://scrapwench.blogspot.com
Barbra Otten http://barbraotten.blogspot.
Lori Brown http://www.savingmine.
Brae Montgomery http://thebrae-er.blogspot.com
Wanda Riley http://www.creatingwithwanda.
Adeline E. Brill http://adeline-brill.blogspot.
Kami Welter http://www.scrappin4memories.
Judy Burger http://makingtimeformemories.
Pamela O'Connor http://www.
Cindy Leek http://www.
Mary Eisen www.mestamp2.blogspot.com
Sylvia Jacquot http://stampinsylvia.blogspot.
Laura Dame http://www.
Melissa Laverty http://www.fancymelissa.
Haley Dyer http://www.inkyscrapper.
Terrie Dodd http://www.my-life-in-real-
Katy Donaldson http://www.scrappinkaty.
Chris Shouse http://www.houseostamps.
Tammy Lea Pinchard http://mycreativeclubhouse.
Krista Ritskes http://kristaritskes-
Shannon Pelletier http://www.
Deb Young http://www.scrapbookczar.
Amy Edwards http://PaisleysPlayhouse.
Sheila Bennett http://sheila-bennett.
Kristie Herdener http://www.goofyscrapper.
Jen Rubio http://www.jenrubio.blogspot.
Jody Gustafson http://www.cre8nmemories.
Sarita Schraeder http://www.blessedscrapper.
Laurie Levnik http://www.creationsbylaurie.
Debra Van Patten http://
Kimberly Smith http://verykimberry.blogspot.
Michelle Nist http://Michellenist.blogspot.
Karen Norman http://www.
Traci Godbee http://createwithtraci.
Nancy Brown http://www.
Maricar Harris http://www.maricarharris.
Nona Davenport http://www.nonapearl.blogspot.
Laurie Newton http://scrapsfromthebeach.
Dawn Heuft http://www.stamptildawn.
Melissa Burch http://melissaburch.blogspot.
Kim O'Rear http://kimorear.blogspot.com
Michelle Bourlet http://
Angela Tutton http://www.tuttonstreasures.
Jenifer Benner http://www.jensmessystudio.com
Shirley Ross http://www.momnmescrap.
Latisha Haag http://
Labels:
altered,
blog hop,
close to my heart,
CTMH,
stamp of the month,
stamping
Monday, November 2, 2009
Getting what YOU want for Christmas!
Don't miss the latest from Close to My Heart. November's special is Buy 2 My Acrylix stamp sets, get 1 FREE!
Click image to view larger picture.
Click image to view larger picture.
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