"Wicked" August SOTM Blog Hop

Welcome to the Stamp of the Month Blog Hop! This month's featured stamp of the month is "Wicked", S1108. If you have come here from Sara Harrington Blog, you are on the right path! 

 Supplies used along with the SOTM "Wicked" for the Vintage Halloween Wall Hanging are:

• Black Ink
• Mischief Level 2 Paper Packet X7144B
• Black Waxy Flax
• Mini Medley Accents Black
• Prisma Glitter
• Opaques Licorice Adhesive Gems
• Felt Shapes (Midnight)
• Liquid Glass
• Foam Tape
• Black Stickles
• Spiced Marmalade Stickles
• Assortment of Prima Flowers stained with reinkers in black, orange and reds to look like blood
• Assortment of ribbon
• Chipboard piece
• Assortment of buttons 
• Hat pin and an assortment of beads
• Tim Holtz metal numbers
• Black wire

Wicked Halloween Card

• Black Ink
• Colonial White Cardstock
• Mischief Level 2 Paper Packet X7144B
• Black Waxy Flax
• Black buttons
• Opaques Licorice Adhesive Gems

While I was in the mood for some Halloween cheer.......I made this Vintage Halloween Wand

• Black Ink
• Sunset Ink
• Sunset Marker
• Black Stickles
• Mischief Level 2 Paper Packet X7144B
• Liquid Glass
• Pewter brads
• Bingo Alphabet D1478
• Wicked August SOTM S1108
• Some photocopied Bingo Cards and a Halloween stamp I had laying around

Now "Hop" on over to Judy Faye Garner's Blog and see her work! Be sure to visit all the Consultants at their Blogs to get some great ideas!

There's a lot of changes happening with CTMH and one of them is the SOTM.  Starting August 1 the SOTM sets will be yours for just $5 with any purchase of $50 in products from your consultant or you can get it flat out for just.....$17.95...WOW, what a deal.

Check out this great printable flyer for you here with all the details for August's SOTM, remember its only available through August 31, 2011! Contact your CTMH Consultant (or click here) to see how you can get this stamp set at retail or discounted for just $5.00.

Contest Layout Six

 Layout 6 "Love to Live Life"

“At least one layout should contain an interactive

element. You may use a technique from Magic™,

but your element can also be an original creation.”and stamping requirements.

The pictures are actually post cards from our travels, photo copied with a laser printer (black only) on regular copy paper and distressed with inks using sponge daubers and watercolor pen.  Before coloring I crumpled each picture to give them a vintage look.

 Photographs were printed by SnapFish using their collage print option.
This completes my album, thanks for looking and I hope you enjoyed it.

The complete list of supplies used are listed below.

Supplies:

Cocoa Ink

Moonstruck Ink

Crème Brulee Ink

Sweet Leaf Ink

Garden Green Ink

Olive Ink

Goldrush Ink

Autumn Terraca Ink

Dessert Sand Ink

Tulip Ink

Pacifica Ink

Sky Blue Ink

Heavenly Blue Ink

Bamboo Ink

Chocolate Marker

Antique Copper photo plates

Assortment of CTMH Ribbon

Natural Hemp

Metal Assortment Brads

Metal Accessories Photo Hangers

Kraft Color Ready Borders

Flip Flaps

Lucky Level 2 Paper Packet

Colonial White Card Stock

Enjoy Life Stamp Set

Catching Waves Stamp Set

Ciao Stamp Set

Happy Journey Stamp Set

Contest Layout Five

Layout 5 "A Mother's Love"

The requirement for this layout was as an additional page with stamping requirements.

 My girls are my life

I dedicated this layout to each of my girls.

The complete list of supplies and techniques used are listed below.

Supplies: 

 

Crystal Blue Cardstock

Colonial White Cradstock

Miracle Level 2 B&T

Emporium Level 2 B&T

Picture This Convention 2010 Stamp Set

Spot on Backgrounds Stamp Set

Sweet Leaf Ink

Crystal Blue Ink

Crystal Blue Buttons

Waxy Flax Colonial White

Connection Club Sweet Leaf Ribbon Embellishments

Twill Bulk Ribbon

4x6 Flip Flaps

2 Inch Scallop Circle Punch

 

Techniques: 

 

Cut One-Eighth of an inch strips of Crystal Blue and Colonial White Cardstock to create flowers. Flowers are made by using a figure eight effect and multiple layers.

Convention Highlights

Now you can see what it is that I get so excited about.......enjoy......and I hope to see you in Dallas next year!

Check out the highlights here.

Contest Layout Four

Layout 4 "True Love"

The requirement for this layout was

“At least one layout should be done in Studio J"

 I actually did 2 layout, because I just couldn't decide on which one I loved the most.  When they arrived I then picked my layout and used the other one to cut up to use a layered effect on the embellishments and photos.

Of the 6 layouts, this one was not displayed at Convention.  I really wish it had been to complete my story.

Contest Layout Three

Layout 3 "Love Myself"

The requirements for this layout where 

“At least one layout should have NO photos,

but be an artistic representation of the wish you are portraying.

Journaling should be the main focus on these pages.

You can use found objects, etc. to help create visuals without photos.”

and each page should have a stamping technique.

 

 Both pages of this layout has five layers of paper to create this opening of my soul as a metamorphosis happens in my life

 Up close picture of the butterflies is a symbol of the changes I undergo in my life.

 Just love the bundles of flowers made with embossing powder, glitter glitz glue, re-inker, liquid applique, liquid glass and a lot of cutting.....

Page 2 are listed some inspirational thoughts I reminded myself everyday.

 

Each butterfly is stamped, embossed and cut out in detail.

 The complete list of supplies and found objects used are listed below.

Supplies: 

 

Bliss Level 2 B&T Paper

Cocoa Cardstock

Notebook Level 2 B&T

That's Amore Level 2 B&T

Passages Level 2 B&T

Baroque Stamp Set

Aspiration Stamp Set

Picture This Convention 2010 Stamp Set

Find Your Style SOTH January 2011

Noted Backgrounds Stamp Set

Cocoa Ink

Cocoa Embossing Powder

White Daisy Embossing Powder

Liquid Applique

Goldrush Reinker

Stardust Glitz Glitter Glue

Hollyhock Ink

Cocoa Collection Ribbon

Photo Hangers

Stazon Brown

Metal Assortment Brads

 

Found Objects:

 

Costume Jewelry Necklace

 

Techniqeus: 

 

Stamped each stem with cocoa embossing powder

and cut out. Stamped each flower with Hollyhock

ink and embossed with Daisy White embossing

powder and cut out. Distressed edges and flowers 

with hollyhock ink. Applied liquid applique to tips

of stems and center of flowers and heated. Then I

mixed Goldrush reinker and Stardust Glitz Glitter

Glue together and applied to each flower center 

once assembled.

 

Contest Layout Two

Layout 2 "Controlled Love

The requirements for this layout where 

"At least one layout must have no preprinted B&Ts.

It must use cardstock only, you may create your own

background paper using stamping.

and each page should have a stamping technique.

I really didn't want a picture of my deceased husband in my entry, but the idea of placing his picture in the background, almost like a ghost with the AA Acceptance prayer, I was able to handle that idea.

I decided to use the Foundry Bookplates as chains and our Love Letter Rub On's on stain glass pieces, that my friend Christine had on hand, as my found objects for this page.  I also used parchment paper and black and outdoor denim cardstock to create the roses, continuing to burn the roses with a lighter for a darker feel.

On page 2, I continued with the same use of the stain glass pieces and roses.  On the chipboard lettering each letter is raised at a different level to reflect the uncontrolled emotions.

For the piece that held my storybook together, I used the foundry bookplates and filigree charms, layering and embossing on black cardstock with silver embossing powder.

 

 and don't forget the tulle.

 The complete list of supplies and found objects used are listed below.

Supplies:

Black Cardstock

White Daisy Cardstock

Outdoor Denim Cardstock

Black Ink

Clear Embossing Powder

Silver Embossing Powder

Picture This Convention 2010 Stamp Set

Spot on Backgrounds Stamp Set

Lovely Lace Stamp Set

February SOTH “Friendship”

Simple Alphabet Uppercase

Simple Alphabet Lowercase

Love Letters Rub Ons

Foundry Metal Accessories

Licorice Opaques Adhesive Gems

Filigree Charms

Pewter Designer Buttons

Spray Pen

Foundry Tabs

Black Waxy Flax

Found Objects:

Doily

Stained glass pieces

Parchment Paper

Black Tissue Paper

Black Tulle

Alcoholic's Anonymous Acceptance Prayer

Black Thread

Contest Layout One

 As promised each day I will post a layout of the album contest entry starting with the first layout titled "Unconditional Love"

 

The album entry had different requirements in order to be submitted and had to be a minimum of five 2 page layouts.  I actually did six layouts to tell my story.  The requirements for this layout where "At least one layout should include glitter" and each page should have a stamping technique.

I used Bliss Level 2 Paper Pack and added Glitz Glitter Gel to the flowers, butterflies and birds on the printed B&T paper.  For the flowers I stamped using Simple Memories Stamp Set, adding more glitz glitter gel to the edges of the flowers.

On the second page of the layout I continued with the glitz glitter gel and created this cute little story

book with some journaling by my mother.

Here I added a pull out tag with more journaling.

The complete list of supplies and techniques used are listed below.

Supplies:              

                                                           

Bliss Level 2 Paper Packet                                         

Simple Memories Stamp Set                                        

Picture This Convention 2010 Stamp Set                   

Bliss Level 1 Kit, My Stickease                                   

Glitz Glitter Gel                                                           

Antique Copper Embellishments                                 

Cocoa Collection Designer Ribbon                            

Background & Borders Stamp Set                              

Chocolate Ink                                                               

Lilac Mist Ink                                                               

Grey Wool Ink                                                               

Studio J Butterfly Embellishment                              

Clear Embossing Powder                                            

VersaMark Ink Pad                                                       

Simple Alphabet Upper Case                                      

Metal Assortment Brads                                             

Filigree Charms                                                            

Stazon Brown                                                              

Techniques:

I used the Simple Memories stamp set and stamped the seven pedal image 4 to 6 times to created each

flower in different sizes. To create a flower, first stamp and cut each image out along the stamped 

edge. Cut a slit in the first image to the middle, add glue to the left pedal and adhere the right pedal

to the left pedal. For the second pedal, cut one pedal from stamped image (like a pie slice) away

and repeat the gluing instructions. For the third pedal, cut two pedals from the stamped image and repeat gluing instructions. For the forth pedal, use the two pedal cut out piece and roll to make one of the inner pedals and for the inner most pedal use the one pedal cut out and roll and glue. Assemble flower by cutting away a small portion of the base of each pedal and layer beginning by placing the inner most pedal into the second smallest pedal and repeat until flower is complete. Using a pencil roll pedal edges and distress with ink and Glitz Glitter Gel.

Stems and leaves are cut from Bliss Level 2 paper a and chocolate leaves are randomly cut pies of chocolate cardstock, scored with stylus, sanded and inked edges.

In Loving Memory

I'd like to take a moment and remember my Uncle Nick.  Many of my friends knew of Uncle Nick through my stories and most recently because of his poor condition.  I first met Uncle Nick in 1999, he's really not my uncle but that's what I've always called him.  Nick was the God Father of my deceased husband Eddie and was the best man at our wedding.  From day one Nick and I hit it off.  He was absolutely the most funniest person I have ever met.  After my husband died Nick and I stayed in close contact, talking on the phone for hours almost daily.  Nick had no family here in Florida to call his own, although they were living just miles down the road.  A messy divorce separate this great man from his family, but he found a new family with good friends and neighbors.  On June 10, 2011 Nick went in for a surgical procedure and suffered a massive stroke immediately thereafter.  Waiting at the hospital I realized after a few hours that something had to be wrong and upon receiving the news, I was left in a situation like I had never been in before.  I had been friends with Nick for 12 years, but had no way of getting in touch with his brothers or his distant children. I called another friend who was able to contact his brothers.  Day by day I visited Nick at the hospital, giving him words of encouragement and talking to him for hours although he could not return the conversation.  I had planned my trip to California for the convention with CTMH and saw Nick for the last time on Sunday before I left.  I reminded him that I would be back in a week and to keep up all the hard work he had been doing through his treatment and therapy.  As I landed in California, I received that dreadful call that Nick had passed away, just minutes before I touched down.  Alone he died without me by his side as I had been since that first day, I only hope he did not suffer and thought of me as I was thinking of him every minute I was away.   Upon my return, the very next morning I attended Nick's funeral.  I will always remember Nick for the kind man that he was, for his unique sense of humor, our great friendship, and for all support he gave to me and my family through the years.  God bless you Nick and may you finally find the peace you so deserve.

Love me......

Art Philosophy Cricut® Collection

The biggest news is here!!! Close To My Heart and Cricut have teamed up and I must say this is the best pair I could have ever imagined.

Starting August 1, you can order the brand new "Art Philosophy" Cricut cartridge exclusive to Close To My Heart. There are 700 images on this cartridge, many that coordinate with the newest stamp sets in the Autumn Winter 2011 catalog.  This great bundle includes the exclusive cartridge, 3 stamp sets and three  9" x 12" chipboard sheets that coordinate.  The cartridge also has card making, tag, and 3-D features.

For an early preview, check out this 5 minute video and see for yourself what all the excitement is about. Mark your calendars for August 1 when the new catalog goes live right here on my blog...........And don't forget my open house on Sunday, August 7, 2011 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., for an exclusive preview, great door prizes, make and takes and much, much more.

Wishes Do Come True

Friday morning I sneak up on the convention stage for a picture with Cinderella's castle behind me, dreaming about winning the album contest I entered.  I may look cool and collected in this picture, but my nerves were a wreck as the clock ticks closer and closer towards the awards banquet.

 

What a feeling it is to hear and see your name on a big screen during the most wonderful dinner and banquet show I have ever attended. Drum roll, please.....................................

Third prize winner of the album contest from Melbourne, Florida is Tamra Pope, what that's me......just as I took my seat, the announcer continued with, and the winner of the Consultant's choice is a woman who touched our hearts with her life story of how dreams can come true, Mrs. Tamra Pope!!!!!  WOW, I was stunned but I managed to make it to the stage again and as soon as I returned to my seat I called my upline Annette Green who was waiting anxiously at home, where it was 12:30 am Saturday morning.  Thanks Annette for waiting up for me and to everyone who follows my blog, every consultant who voted for me and to my friends and family who watched me put my story to paper for over 3 months....I can't wait until next year.

OMG, those flowers are heavy......and most definitely the most beautiful flowers I have ever seen in my life.

 

Here we are with all the flowers, the basket of prizes, and the biggest check I have ever seen in my life made out to me.  I especially want to thank my fellow Flamingo Gal Debbie Tuggle, my roommate and fellow consultant who had to deal with me all week and for all her support tonight as my nerves ran a muck.

See you when I get home.....My open house will be soon, so you can check out all the new goodies from the Autumn Winter catalog, and trust me when I say Jiminy Crickets this the best CTMH has ever done!