Tuesday, August 30, 2011

More Sonoma Wedding Goodies

Here are few more close-ups of the wedding projects that I posed last week. They were all created using Close to my Heart’s new Sonoma paper Collection and the AWESOME new Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge.

The large bracket shapes, 3-D flowers, leaves, and small tags on the layout were all cut using the Art Philosophy cartridge. (Aren’t the coordinating stamps that match the cut out images great?) The little crystal on the bottom under the flowers is from the beautiful
Heirloom Assortment. I also used some yummy ribbon from the Cocoa Ribbon Rounds. The faux stitching around the edges was stamped using the dashed line in the Circle Around stamp set. (I love that I can bend CTMH’s clear stamps to fit any shape I want. My “stitching” is actually made with a straight stamp!)


This card was made using one of the new White-Daisy Die-Cut Cards as a pattern. I actually wanted a Colonial White card so I used a White Daisy card as a template, traced around it, and made my own. I used the Sweet Moments stamp set, the Cocoa Ribbon Rounds, and some Opaque Pearl Gems. This would be perfect for the happy couple to use as their Thank You cards.


The last little project I am sharing today is a simple place card. I used the Art Philosophy cartridge to make the scallop circle base, the oval, and the flower. The base was made using one of the card shapes. I just cut it at a smaller size. (Did you know that there are 100 DIFFERENT cards on the AP cartridge? So cool!) I printed the name and table # on some cardstock and then used the “center point” key on my Cricut to cut out the oval. I added a tiny pearl to the center of the flower.


Don’t forget that you only have until tomorrow to take advantage of CTMH’s overlapping promotions. If you place a $75 order, you will quality to get 4 more stamp sets for only $5 more! And of course, if you order the Art Philosophy cartridge bundle for $99, you will qualify for the extra goodies!

Click here to start shopping.

Saturday, August 27, 2011

"Enjoy" Scrapbook Page Pops with Flowers

Quickly cut, stamp, and curl pretty 3-D flowers using Close To My Heart’s new Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge, Hooray Bouquet stamp set, and your own creativity. Pick up more ideas for embellishing your layouts, cards, and gifts with fun florals in this how-to video.

Then be sure to order your own Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge and Hooray Bouquet stamp set here. (Remember, if you order $75 or more until the 31st, you can get 4 additional stamp sets for only $5 more!)
Creatively Yours,

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Sonoma Boxed Wedding Invitation


As promised, here are a few more details on the wedding invitation that I designed using Close to my Heart’s new Sonoma paper collection and the Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge. I started out creating a petal box with the AP cartridge. I cut the box at 11" out of the floral Sonoma paper. I folded the box with the floral pattern on the outside. (I love that the backside of the paper is pretty patterned Olive color so the inside of the box has a nice color to it. Plus the paper is cardstock weight, so it makes for a nice box.)

Petal box opened...

To make the wrap around the box, the petal box was adhered onto onto the right side of a piece of Smokey Plum cardstock that was cut at 10-5/8" x 5" and scored at 4-7/8" and 5-3/4". Then I cut a piece of Smokey Plum cardstock at 4-3/4" x 5" and folded it in half. I used a circle punch to cut a small notch on the top of one side and then adhered the two sides together to make a pocket. I tied some Colonial White ribbon around it and then adhered it to the left side of the inside of the wrap. I placed a response card and a reception card inside the pocket. (The cards were printed on Colonial White cardstock and matted on Olive cardstock.)


The actual invitation rests inside of the box on a piece of Colonial White cardstock that was folded down on two sides to “hold up” the invitation. I tied some Colonial White ribbon around it to hold it in place.
Can you see how the Colonial White cardstock was folded to hold the invitation closer to the top of the box? It isn’t really meant to be taken out, but I wanted to show you how the invitation was held inside the box.

Here is a close up of the printed invitation. I used a font called Brock Script and printed it on some Colonial White cardstock. Then double matted it onto Petal and Smokey Plum cardstock.


The outside of the invitation wrap is layered with another piece of floral paper from the Sonoma collection matted onto Olive cardstock. Then I stamped a piece of CW cardstock with a sentiment from the Key Moments stamp set, matted it onto some Smokey Plum cardstock and adhered it with some 3-D Foam Tape. The 3-D flower was made using the Art Philosophy cartridge. I cut a 3-1/2" flower from some Colonial White cardstock, inked the edges with Smokey Plum ink and then rolled it. After gluing the flower, I used a toothpick to turn the edges down. (You can see my 3-D flower video tutorial here.) The leaves were also cut with the AP cartridge from some Olive cardstock and then folded, crinkled, and inked with Olive ink.


Obviously this invitation would either need to be delivered by hand or mailed in a box. But imagine how surprised your guests will be when they open the box to reveal the special invitation inside!

Remember, you can still order the AWESOME new Art Philosophy cartridge bundle and get the August Stamp of the month, Wicked, the A Typeset stamp set, and the DOUBLE Pair-a-Phrase set for only $5 more! Click here or contact me to place your order.
Stay tuned. More Sonoma wedding projects to come...

Saturday, August 20, 2011

Sonoma Board Swap Projects

Sorry I have been MIA lately. I have been super swamped finishing up my board swap projects. (Sadly they are a bit late this time.) If any of my swapping buddies want to be surprised, don’t scroll down...

My board for this swap is a wedding theme. The projects include: a one-page layout, a boxed wedding invitation, a place card, two favor boxes, a mini floral wreath that can be used as a centerpiece with a candle inside, and a thank you card from the “happy couple.”

I will post more details about each of my swap items later this week. In the meantime, this is why I have been missing in action...


Sunday, August 14, 2011

Do you love a great deal as much as I do?

Would you like to know how to get FOUR, yes I said FOUR, stamp sets for only $5? Close to my Heart has two promotions that are overlapping for two weeks and you can double dip and take advantage of both of them from August 15 - 31!

The first promotion is to celebrate our new Stamp of the Month program. When you spend $50, you can get the Stamp of the Month for only $5! When you do this in August, you will also get the adorable mini alphabet stamp set called A Typeset FREE!


Below is the August Stamp of the Month called Wicked. When you spend $50 this month, you can get this set for only $5!


AND, to celebrate National Stamping Month which is in September, you will get this adorable DOUBLE stamp set called Pair-a-Phrase for FREE, when you spend $75! You’ll love this double set—two D-size sets come in one envelope—which includes lots of clever phrases and coordinating images you’ll use in your handmade cards all year. And with a retail value of $35.90, this set drastically increases the value of your qualifying purchase! CTMH is starting this promotion today, August 15th and it will run through September 30th.

Since the promotions overlap from August 15 - 31, if you spend $75, and get the August Stamp of the Month Wicked for $5, you will get both the A Typeset stamp for FREE and the Pair-a-Phrase double stamp set for FREE! Now that, my friend, is a GREAT deal!

If you have been thinking about ordering the new Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge bundle, now is the perfect time to do it because you will qualify for all of these great promotions and you will get 4 extra stamp sets for only $5! There are TONS of other great items to choose from as well, including lots of great discounted, while supplies last, products.

Click here to start shopping now or contact me to place your order!



Happy Shopping!

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Chinese Take Out Box and Fortune Cookies

This is another project I made for my Extravaganza class at the CTMH Convention last month. It is a very simple project, but was lots of fun! The new Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge has 8 different box shapes on it and I used the Chinese take out box for this, well...Chinese take out box. LOL! Remember the little chocolates I posted last week here? Well, this is the exact same box shape, just cut at a larger size. It was cut using the “fit to page” option on a 12" x 12" mat.


I used the new Elemental paper collection for this box and for some of the fortune “cookies.” I LOVE that our B&T papers are now cardstock weight and can be used for projects like this! The cookies are actually just circles I cut using the AP Cartridge and then folded and glued together. You can see how to make them here. (Tip: I tried every type of adhesive for them including Glue Dots and a hot glue gun and the only thing that worked was my trusty ol' Aleene's Tacky Glue.)

My cookies have fun prizes inside that my Hostesses and Home Gathering guests can win if they attend a party and place an order.


This one was made using Colonial White cardstock instead of patterned paper. I think it actually looks like a real fortune cookie in real life.


If you’d like to get your hands on your own Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge Bundle and the Elemental paper collection, click here to place your order.

Monday, August 8, 2011

If you have kids...

I know this isn’t a craft related post, but I am just so excited about this program that we started that I wanted to share it with all of you. I’ll give you a quick little background first. As you know, if you read my blog regularly, I have two fantastic kiddos. One just turned 8 and the other will be 5 in a couple of weeks. The kids are pretty well behaved, but as most kids, we do struggle a bit with various things such as cleaning our rooms, whining, and doing things when we are first told without an “attitude.” We also found out this summer that our 8 year old was diagnosed with high functioning autism which is one of the things that has contributed to our struggle. We have tried a lot of different things to help, in addition to having basic house rules.

Our two main rules in our house are:
Rule #1: Our words are kind and true, and our actions reflect what Jesus would do.
Rule #2: We listen and obey quickly, quietly, and with sweet gentle spirits.

If you ask my kids, they will be able to recite the rules to you word for word and explain what they mean. But actually following the rules everyday can be a bit of a challenge.



A friend of mine told me about a program called Accountable Kids. I checked it out online and thought it sounded like a great program. I ordered the kit and waited until we were back from all of our summer travels to get started. So far it has been wonderful! The biggest test for me was to see how our mornings went once school started. (We always had issues in the morning and never could seem to get out of the house on time with good attitudes. Even my attitude wasn’t always good.) I am excited to report that we have been on time everyday so far and the kids have actually done a fantastic job getting up, getting dressed, making their beds, brushing their teeth, asking for their vitamins, etc...all with a happy spirit. They are so excited to get their tickets in the morning and plan what they will turn them in for when they get home. (They are allowed to use them for TV time, computer time, DS time, etc.)

Below is a short video that talks about the program.



I have been learning a lot during the process too. One of the things I told my kids when we started was that I would not be nagging them as much to get their chores done. They just wouldn't get a ticket if they weren't done. My son said to me the other day, when I asked him if he finished his chores, “You promised that you wouldn’t bug us anymore once we started the program.” I told him that he was right and that I was sorry for nagging him.

The biggest thrill for me was when he finished his chores and said to me, “Mommy, I think this program is working.”

I am not affiliated with them in any way, I just wanted to share it with you it because it seems to be working for us. On a scale of 1-5, I would definitely give it a 5! I would love to hear your success story if you decide to start the program. You can learn more about the program by visiting their website here.

Friday, August 5, 2011

August Creative Club - Flower Pens/Vase


This month's Creative Club will be held on Tuesday, August 16th and Thursday, August 18th at 7pm. This month’s project will be a cute little vase filled with 3 flower pens created with the new Art Philosophy Cricut Collection and highlighting the new Cardstock Shade Packs.

The cost for the August Kit will be $7 or $2 with a $25 order. (If you are not local, please add $5 for shipping.)

Contact me for more information, to sign up for this month's class, or to order your own kit(s). Please contact me no later than August 6th if you would like to join us or order a kit(s).


To find out more about my monthly no-commitment Creative Club, click here. You do not need to be local to participate!

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge Images

As promised here are all 700 of the images on Close to my Heart’s Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge. Did you know that on a 12" x 12" mat on the Cricut Expression, you can cut almost every image in 47 different sizes? That’s almost 33,000 options! (And even more on a 12" x 24" mat.) Can you imagine how much 33,000 punches would cost not to mention the storage space you’d need? Wow! When I figured that out, I realized what a great deal this was!

Check out all of these great shapes including boxes, bags, tags, banners, borders, a font, cards, envelopes, flowers (3-D and flat), and all of the incredible images that coordinate with CTMH stamp sets!

Click on the images to enlarge.








Plus, remember,
when you purchase the Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge, you’ll also receive three exclusive D-size stamp sets and three sets of Dimensional Elements (chipboard) designed to perfectly coordinate with images on the cartridge. That’s a retail value of over $120 for just for $99! Stamp on your Cricut shapes, cover your Dimensional Elements with a Cricut shape, or cut, stamp, and then cover!



If you’d like to order your own Art Philosophy Bundle, click here.

Stay tuned for more artwork using this fun new product!

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

3-D Flower Wreath with Video Tutorial


I have had lots of requests asking how I made the floral wreath that was on display at my Extravaganza class at Convention. I also have had a few people asking how to make the 3-D flowers. I decided to make a quick video showing how to do both.


The absolute easiest way to make these flowers is to use Close to my Heart’s new Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge. There are 6 different 3-D flower images on this cartridge in addition to 9 flat flower shapes. (I’ll show you a project made with the flat flowers later next week.)

To make the flowers I used on my wreath, I used the rose shaped flower, which is the third key in on the bottom right of the keypad. Make sure to press both the “font” key and the “shift” key first. I cut some of my flowers at 3-1/2" and some at 4-1/2" from Petal, Smokey Plum, and Colonial White cardstock.


Here is a video showing you exactly how to roll the flowers and adhere them to the styrofoam wreath.



There are sooooo many amazing images on this cartridge and this is just one of them. I will post photos of all of the images later this week so you can see how invaluable this cartridge really is.

If you are interested in ordering one, remember that not only do you get the cartridge, but you also will get THREE coordinating stamp sets and THREE coordinating sheets of Dimensional Elements (chipboard) shapes as well. It is a great deal!

Click here to order your very own exclusive Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge.

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Extra! Extra! Get a FREE Stamp Set in August!


In celebration of our newly updated Stamp of the Month program, Close to my Heart is throwing in a little something extra: a FREE* bonus stamp set! In August, when you place an order of $50 or more in products and purchase the August Stamp of the Month set, Wicked, for just $5, you’ll receive the My Acrylix A Typeface bonus A-size set FREE (retail value $6.95)! Think of it as two promotions in one—qualify for and purchase the discounted August Stamp of the Month set, and we’ll throw in a second stamp set FREE! It’s Extra! Extra!

How cute is the
A Typeface mini alphabet set? It is perfect for cards and small journaling on your layouts.
Below is the fun August Stamp of the Month. Just in time to get ready for your Halloween projects, you can purchase the set for $17.95 on its own, or with a $50 order, you can get it for only $5! Plus get the cute A Typeface stamp set above for FREE!


Click here to start shopping now and be sure to take advantage of the Wicked SOTM and FREE A Typeface stamp set!

*Offer valid August 1–31, 2011. This offer is limited to one per qualifying order. Tax and shipping/ handling apply. Studio J® purchases are not eligible for this offer.

Monday, August 1, 2011

Great Deal on a new Cricut Expression

If you are in need (or want) of a new Cricut Expression, Groupon.com has a great deal right now on the cute peppermint colored machine. It is only $179 and includes 4 cartridges and free shipping.

If you are not already a Groupon member, you can click here to sign up. It's free and they have some really good deals!

Then after you create your free account, be sure to search under Salt Lake City and you will find the Cricut Expression deal on the right hand side. But hurry they only have a limited supply and the deal is only good for one more day.


Once you order your new Cricut Expression, be sure to order your new Art Philosophy Cricut bundle here.

New Autumn/Winter 2011 Idea Book and Sweet Treats Artwork


The New Autumn/Winter 2011 Idea Book is here! And let me just tell you that in the past 6-1/2 years that I have been a Close to my Heart Consultant, this is probably my favorite one yet! It is larger, has more artwork, has the stamp sets shown at 100%, has TONS of fabulous new products, and is available for you to get your very own copy right now!
You can view the Idea Book online here, or you can contact me and I will be happy to send one to you. The Idea Book is FREE and I just ask that you pay $5 to cover the shipping. However, you will also get a $5 coupon to spend on your next order, so basically it will cost you nothing. *Ü*

I can't wait to share all of the amazing new products with you. Of course there are tons of new paper collections and new stamp sets, along with lots of wonderful new embellishments, but I must share my favorite new product with you. This is something that I have been working with for three months and haven't been able to tell a soul because it was "top secret." But, now I can share my excitement with you. CTMH has teamed up with Provocraft to bring you our very own EXCLUSIVE Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge. I have to tell you that this is the most all-inclusive cartridge that I have ever seen! It has EVERYTHING including boxes, bags, tags, tons of different card shapes, envelopes, banners, a font, flowers (flat and 3D), and TONS of images that coordinate with our stamp sets! Yes, you don't have to cut out those intricate shapes anymore with scissors! Just select the size of the shape that is shown on the stamp set carrier sheet and your Cricut will cut as may as you like. Then just stamp your image directly on the die cut image. Soooooo much faster, simpler, and easier!
It is such a great deal too because not only do you get the cartridge, but you also get THREE coordinating stamp sets and THREE sheets of Dimensional Elements (chipboard) die cuts—all for only $99! It is an incredible deal. Plus, as a hostess with a gathering total of at least $250, you could even get the bundle for 1/2 price! Now, that is a steal!

I'd love to share a fun 3-D project with you using this awesome new cartridge. This is little stand holds 3 different projects that I made using the new Art Philosophy cartridge. The first tier holds some little cupcakes that are made using styrofoam balls, Liquid Appliqué, and of course the new
Art Philosophy cartridge for the toppers. The second tier holds little “chocolates” that were made using the Chinese take out box image from the Art Philosophy cartridge. The third tier holds some candy boxes made with the Art Philosophy cartridge. They were all made using the new Wonderland Paper Packet. The stand was wrapped with our YUMMY new Dark Chocolate Striped Grosgrain Ribbon.
Here are some simple directions for making these little sweet treats.
Mini Cupcakes: These little cupcakes were each made by covering a 1-1/2" styrofoam ball with some Liquid Appliqué. Then I heat set them being careful not to melt the styrofoam. Once the “frosting” puffed up a bit, I sprinkled some Prisma Glitter on top. Then I hot glued them inside of a mini cupcake liner and wrapped a piece of Wonderland paper around it. The toppers were made by cutting two scallop circle (the second image from the top on the left side of the keypad with the layer function) images at 1-1/2". Then I cut another scallop circle shape out of Colonial White cardstock and stamped the initial with the Token Alphabet and layered the pieces together onto a toothpick.
Chocolates: These little cardstock treats were made by cutting the Chinese take out box image at 4-1/2". Then I folded them up and turned them upside down before placing them in the candy wrappers. Each one is decorated using either cardstock strips, ribbon, die cut mini flowers, Opaque Gems, or Liquid Appliqué.

Candy Boxes
: These little boxes were cut at 6-1/2" and are so easy to put together. They are tied at the top with some ribbon. I added a little tag to some of them that was also cut using the Art Philosophy cartridge. (There are TONS of different tags on this great new cartridge!)


This is what the box looks like when it is opened. It fits a small chocolate perfectly.
If you are interested in ordering any of these fun new products, click here or contact me for more information.
Would you like to see more great artwork using Close to my Heart's new products? Check out the great artwork below from some other talented Consultants. A huge thank you to Tresa Black for organizing this great Blog Hop/Linky Party!