Final 2 cards for the Fall Card Workshop

Ok, so the picture quality isn't the best, although the cards are amazing.  Here are the 2 final cards for the Fall Card Workshop coming soon.  Why??? is it that some pictures come out better than others, it's a mystery that I can't figure out????

Have a great evening and thanks for stopping by :)

There's nothing like a clean craft room

With Hurricane Isaac well south of us today, and thank goodness well west of us for the next few days, there's not much to do around here when its raining all day.  Now, I would love to get in some extra sleep, but that's just not me....up every Saturday and Sunday morning at 6:30 my days start with breakfast with mom and dad....and I'm not one for sitting on the couch to watch TV all day, even though it would be nice, I just can't do it....I'm too wound up all the time.  So today I finished cleaning my craft room while I did laundry and cooked my lunches and dinners for the next week.

I don't know about you, but it seems like my weeks go by a lot better when I get those little extra things done over the weekend, and then there's more time for crafting!  AND the best feeling in the world is a clean and organized craft room, so you can mess it up again :)

Here is another video of my craft room, this time its much more organized.  It's my FAVORITE room of the house.

Have a great week.

Fall Card Workshop Sneak Peek #2

Today me and the hubby had planned to go to the beach, but mother nature had different plans......clouds and a drizzling rain :(   And off to my craft room I go, my fall workshop is coming up soon and I needed one more project for the class.  Each person will make five cards, five times, so they end up with 25 cards for just $25.  WOW!!!! I know its a great deal......so while I was sitting in my room thinking of a project, i started playing with the NEW CTMH Cricut Atriste cartridge and decided to make this cute file folder and five card set for this workshop.....File folder was cut at 5 inches.

 This project is a bit different in that each card has a different sentiment with Casual Expressions stamp set D1525.....while the design is the same utilizing the Clementine paper packet X7156B.

 How fun is this set? 

Now, if you have ever wondered what my room looks like when I create, well I'm a creative slob, a great big mess......funny how I am the most organized, neat, "   " retentive person I know, but when I'm in my little spot of heaven I TOTALLY  let go......and the natural mess in me comes out, LOL.....So to let you  into a small part of my world, here is a super quick video of my mess after creating and cutting for this workshop.......NOW its time to clean my room :)

Have a great weekend....check back tomorrow for my final two cards for the workshop.  Thanks for stopping by:)

Fall Card Workshop Sneak Peek

I LOVE Fall and Halloween....its my favorite time of the year.  Here are two cards that I've done for the Fall Card Workshop scheduled for Saturday, September 15, 2012 at my house from 11:00 - 4:00.

Wanna have a fun afternoon out making cards and tags?  This workshop is one of the most amazing deals you can have....25 CARDS/TAGS for just $25.00!  Contact me today to reserve your spot, space is limited and the workshop is almost full.  Have a great day and as always, thanks for stopping by :)

Have I been Creating?

Have I been creating, well yes I have.......lots of yummy stuff actually!  In the next few days I will be posting some of my creations.

Today I will share a cute little gift box used at my Open House earlier this month.  Love this NEW paper packet from CTMH La Bella Vie and the NEW Cricut exclusive Artiste Cartridge......WOW is all I can say, get yours today by shopping with me.  Did you know you can do that right here on my blog, just click shop with me on the right sidebar :)  Want more contact me and receive exclusive hostess rewards with a qualifying purchase.

 

Other CTMH products used:

*  Bamboo, Black and Smokey Plum inks

*  Jardin and Bonjour Stamp Sets

*  Sparkles

Check back tomorrow for a sneak peek from my Fall Card Workshop and don't forget to follow the Stamp of the Month Blog Hop on September 1st........over 50 Consultants participate in this hop and I'm one of them.....

Thanks for stopping by :)

Christmas Wreath and Poinsettia Flower Tutorial

 As promised this is the tutorial for the Christmas Wreath and Poinsettia Flower Tutorials.  Both flowers although very different are made the same.

Lets get started with the Christmas Wreath flowers.  This wreath was made with a green foam wreath from your local craft store.....and if your're wondering....there are 75 flowers on the wreath and it took me three days to make it, and it was so worth the time invested :)

 Cutting Guide:

Cut Flower 7, page 39 from the Cricut Art Philosophy CTMH cartridge in sizes ranging from 3 to 1.5 inches.

Cut Accent 1 on the Noel Key from the Cricut Artiste CTMH cartridge at 1 inch.

Once flower 7 is cut, stamp image with your choice of background stamp.  I used Universal Backgrounds Stamp set D1477 (musical notes and script images)

 

Paper used:  Pear & Partridge Paper Packet X7162B.

Next you will cut each pedal away from flower 7.  See example below.

Once the flower is cut into 6 pieces ink the edges.  Next you will need a piercing tool kit Z114 and a Bone Folder Z1204.

Place the petals on the piercing mat and use the bone folder to manipulate the fibers of the cardstock by rotating the bone folder using the round end in the middle of the petal until it curls up.  

 

Next, pinch the inside point of the flower with your fingers and using the piercing tool curl the other end of the petal to give it more shape.

 

 

 

Using the snowflake piece repeat the process for the petals and create a cup with that image.  Place liquid glass Z679 in center of the cup and place the flower petals to form a flower.

 

 

Once the flower is assembled just before it is completely dry take an embossing stylist and press firmly in the center of the flower so the flower cups up.

  

Now you're ready to assemble your wreath....to adhere the flowers to the wreath use straight pins.  After flower is placed on the wreath you can add buttons to the center of the flowers.

 

 For the Poinsettia use the following cutting guide using the Cricut Artiste CTMH Cartridge: 

Accent 4 from the "F" Key on page 5, cut 2 of this shape

Accent 1 from the Noel Key on page 79

Accent 1 (shift) from the Noel Key on page 79.

Accent 4 from the "F" Key Image is cute in two different sizes, ie 3 pieces at 1.75 inches and 3 pieces at 2 inches.

Next you will stamp the petals, ink your edges and for added dimension use a embossing stylist and create veins on the petals, then follow the instructions above to create a poinsettia flower.   HINT:  when putting the flower together alternate the different petal sizes.  Use the second Accent 1 and the Accent 1(shift) image to create the center of the flower.

Have a great day.  Like this tutorial, leave a comment, have questions, leave a comment and I'll get back with you.  

Thanks for stopping by :)

Only 2 Weeks left Blog Candy Giveaway!

Only 2 Weeks left for the Blog Candy Giveaway.....

When I returned from Convention I came back rejuvenated and ready to build, my team, my supplies and my BLOG.....and I want to share my high spirits with everyone and NOW.  How you ask?  Well its easy. 

This is what you have to do to get in on it?

1. Simply post a comment on this post. You can tell me what you like about my blog, what you would like to see more of, if it's your first time visiting, if you are already a follower or a new follower, or simply that you want to be entered to win the blog candy. 
2. Become a new follower, make sure you leave a comment that you are a new follower, so I have your info for the drawings and double your chances to win the blog candy with a second entry.
3. Grab my blog address and link me on your blog and let me know in your comment (with your blog address) for a third entry into the blog candy drawing.  
4. Join my team by completing the application on the Join My Team Page at the top of my blog, and you will be entered for a special drawing for a FREE Cricut Artiste Collection, which includes the all new and exclusive Artiste Cartridge, 3 My Acrylix D-Size Stamp Sets and 3 Dimensional Elements in coordinating shapes, a retail value of $125.00 and you will have five entries for the blog candy.
5. NEW FOLLOWERS........4 Lucky winners will also be announced for new followers, that's right...... follow me, leave a comment and let me know you are a new follower and enter automatically.  The 25th  new follower, 50th new follower, 75th new follower and 100th new follower will all receive a FREE stamp set from the CTMH 2012 Autumn Winter Idea Book (excluding E-Size and Alphabet Stamp Sets), while supplies last in my personal inventory (and I have them all right now).

Simple enough, huh?  Blog Candy PROMO will run from July 31st until August 31st.   Blog Candy Bundle will consist of all types of products.  I can tell you this......it will be a value of $100.00 in scrapbooking supplies.

***************************RULES AND DISCLAIMERS****************************
I will be posting this blog candy event post starting today and once each week until August 31st.  Then I will take all the persons names who left comments, who linked my blog, all new followers who left comments and those who joined my team and place those names in basket for my husband to draw from.  High tech isn't it?   Please don't enter more than once.  If you win and your email is in your profile, I will contact you to get your mailing address. Otherwise, come back here on September 3rd to see who won the blog candy and email me if you are the winner, so I can ship your goodies to you.
**New Followers:  For the 4 lucky winners, prizes will be mailed out immediately.  YOU MUST LEAVE  A COMMENT AND LET ME KNOW YOU ARE NEW FOLLOWER, this is for tracking purposes for the prizes.  Blogger does not place new followers in an specific order, so I will have to sort through and count the number of new followers based upon your comment and date you became a new follower.  I will obtain your email or contact info from your profile and will contact you to let you know your prize is on its way.  Otherwise, come back here on September 3rd to see who won the blog candy and email me if you are the winner, so I can ship your goodies to you.
***New team members, Cricut Artiste Collection will only be provided after your three month qualifying reporting period ends.

Good luck.

P.S. This post went live on July 31st, you still have plenty of time to join and to WIN BIG.....I've cleaned my room and have a bunch of stuff to give away :)

Blast from the Past

 So i thought i would enter for a color challenge, something I've never done, so to my stash of cards I go looking for just the right card....and this is what I came up with.

Here is a card i made just months after starting to stamp...i was hooked forever.  My friend DiAnn warned me....its addictive!

 Grape, Blue and Green what an amazing color scheme.....

When i first became a consultant for Close To My Heart, I had only been stamping for about 9 months and was so excited to join this amazing team....you know why, because I was a hobbyist and i was my own best customer, literally!  Why not, order what i want, when i want and with no other obligations......super deal.  If you are interested in joining my team for the same reasons or for any other, what ever you want CTMH will fit your needs.  Its easy to join, just click here and sign up TODAY :)

As always, thanks for stopping by and i hope you love this blast from the past.

CTMH New Product Blog Hop

This is a very long post, mostly because I have so much to share.  So grab your favorite beverage of choice and soak up all this yummy work.  This year I was very lucky to be selected to present at Extravaganza at Convention in Dallas and was given the Pear and Partridge Workshop On The Go to work with , along with 4 keys from the new Artiste Cricut Cartridge.  That's what I was permitted to use for 4 art boards, a display table and for my booth display.   At Convention, I promised to post my art and tutorials, so this hop is a good way to do just that.  The tutorials from my class will be posed within the next few days.  

Let's get started.....  If your coming here from Jean McNulty's Blog you're on the right path.....and if you get lost along the way go to Helen Onulak's Blog for a full list of hoppers.  Next on the hop will be Michelle Jones, click on her link here or at the end of this post.

Board One:  Theme...Celebrate Everyday Life!

For the banner I used a shape from the Merry Christmas Key on the Artiste cartridge and the stamp set used was D1530 "Cricut Artiste Collection Kudos" and for the embellishments:  Pink Glitz Glitter Gel; Pewter Brads; Color-Ready Seam Binding Ribbon; and Harvest Assortment Baker's Twine and of course Pear and Partridge Paper Packet.  

Each board had to consist of at least one one page layout or a two page layout.  This is my niece Emily and she loves butterflies. Layout Title:  You Make My Heart Flutter".  Embellishments used:  Clear Embossing Powder; Pink Glitz Glitter Gel; Flutter Paper Shapes; Bling Assortment; Designer Brads; Opaques Peal Flourishes; and Heart Dimensional Elements.

Title was cut with the Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge.

This cute little flower pot was made with the following Artiste cartridge keys:  Noel Key for the box and the "O" key for the flowers.  Products used:  Z1793 Dimensional Elements Quotes; D1531 "Cricut Artiste Collection Word Balloons"; Pink Glitz Glitter Gel and Harvest Assortment Baker's Twine.

Grateful for You card was made with a combination of the shapes from the Cricut Artiste and Art Philosophy cartridges.  Embellishments used:  Sparkle Flourishes and Designer Brads.

Board Two:  "Love and Valentine's Day Theme.

I love this garland for Valentine's Day....'Be Mine"  Using the Merry Christmas Key I made these little treat bags.  Embellishments used:  Harvest Assortment Baker's Twine; Pink Glitz Glitter Gel; Cranberry Pigment Ink.  Stamp Set used:  D1483 "Love Life".  Be Mine was cut with the Cricut Art Philosophy.

This is my favorite card made....so much yummy, yummy goodness going on here!  Stamp sets used:  D1477 "Universal Backgrounds"D1481 "Vintage Type"; and C1464 "Blue Ribbon".  Embellishments used:  Flutter Paper shapes; Milepost Shapes; Bling Assortment; Cranberry marker; Harvest Assortment Baker's Twine; Sparkles; Colonial White Pigment Ink; and Colonial White Rosette Ribbon.

Here is the use of my ultimate favorite new product.....cranberry pigment ink!  Yes....pigment ink as an embosser.  Stamping the image with our new pigment inks, then covering with clear embossing powder and you now have an entirely new B&T paper to work with :)  Stamp set used:  "Victory WOTG"

Not sure why this keeps getting uploaded upside down?  Tried it a few times, oh well, pretty funny looking this way :)  This box was made using the Artiste Cartridge key "O"

Board Three:  Christmas Theme

I stitched along the edges of this layout using the CTMH Ruler and quilting thread.  Title cut with Art Philosophy cartridge. 

Embellishments used:  Almond Glitz Glitter Gel; Color Ready Garden Wooden Shapes and Designer Red Ribbon Collection.

Treat bag was made with the Artiste cartridge "Christmas" key.  Embellishments used:  Designer Ribbon Red Collection; Antique Copper Brads; Pink Glitter Glizt Gel; Dimensional Elements In Color-Holiday "Z1772". Stamp set used:  B1412 "Perfect Fit-Holiday".  The gift tags were made using the Artiste "Noel" key and B1412 "Perfect Fit-Holidays" stamp set.

Christmas tags are so fun to make.  Stamp set used:  B1412 "Perfect Fit-Holidays".  Snowflakes are cut with the Artiste cartridge "Noel" Key.  I was not assigned a rosette key so I made it the old fashion way.  Treat Box was cut with the Artiste "Noel" key.  For the holiday card i used C1510 "Merry & Bright" stamp set and B1412 "Perfect Fit-Holidays".  Embellishments used on the projects:  Pink Glitter Glitz Gel, Harvest Baker's Twine, Dark Chocolate Striped Grosgrain ribbon; Designer Green Collection ribbon and Co;or-Ready Seam Binding Ribbon.

This in one of my favorite layouts I've ever done....the new Silver Shimmer Trim coordinates so well with the Pear & Partridge paper.  Embellishments used:  Art Philosophy cartridge to cut the "let it" portion of the title and Artiste "Noel" key for the snowflakes.  Dimensional Elements Monograms; Dimensional Elements Snowflakes, Prisma Glitter; silver glitter glitz gel; Designer Brads; White Daisy Pigment Ink, clear embossing powder; and liquid applique.  It might be hard to see here, but I actually made little photo shakers with the snowflakes.

Layout Four:  Christmas Theme

Cone ornament was made with the Artiste "D" Key.  

Stamp set used:  C1510 "Merry &Bright"and Embellsihments used Colonial White Rosette Ribbon and Pink Glitter Glitz Gel

I really enjoy altered projects, picking up everyday items and making them into great displays for around my home.  Perfect example is this lantern I found at Target on clearance for a $1.00.  I had this little light hanging around the house so I glued inside of the lantern and covered it with Pear & Partridge Paper, then created these pine cones with the Art Philosophy rosette and branch key, adding liquid applique to create a snow effect and a great big bow.

Here is a foam wreath covered with 75 flowers and an assortment of green and red buttons.  Tutorial will follow this week for the flowers.

Love this wall hanging.  Another item found at Walmart for $3.

How about a glass cube painted with frost spray paint, embellish it with a key from the Artiste cartridge, designer brads.  Tutorial to follow this week for the poinsettia.

New Star:

Mailbox found at Target in the $1 bin, a great gift idea for a hostess.

Remember to check back next week for a tutorial of this amazing Christmas flower.

Picture frame found at Target for $2.50.....another great deal, covered using mod podge with Pear & Partridge paper packet. 

Here I took a charger adding a mirror then blinging it up with some flowers and flourishes. Purple complements the Pear & Partridge paper line really well.

New Frame:  Again adding flowers made with the Art Philosophy cartridge (key used was the snowflake). 

Tutorial to come this week.

This frame is beautiful the way it comes and adding just a bit of embossing really makes it pop.

How about this super cute mini album using the new Artiste Cricut Collection.

3X3 Block

Pictures are adhered using mod podge.

And a hot air balloon, how cute is this.

Thanks for stopping by, I hope your found some creative inspiration today.  Now hop on over to Michelle Jones' Blog.