Holiday cards :-) and Merry Christmas!

As usual, Christmas just snuck up on me this year. I just wanted to share a few of the cards that I made that went out to friends and family. May you all have a very happy, healthy, and safe Holiday!

The 3x3 version of my That's Amore and Heartfelt Christmas card:

Here is the 4x6 version that was mailed out:


Here is the traditional card that went out-

And a 4 1/4 x 5 1/2 version of the Elf card I made last year:


And some Holiday Cheer- my pups, Midori and Sauza:


Have a very happy holiday!

Last one for now- Tri-Shutter card #4

Here is the last of my recent Tri-Shutter card marathon! This one was also sold at the Save the Boobies fundraiser (hehe, I just like saying it)!



I used textured Bamboo cardstock for the base and B&T papers from the Silhouette paper packet (timeless, isn't it). I stamped the two hearts from Soul Mates- the larger one on Amythest textured cardstock and Pansy Purple ink, the smaller on white cardstock in Petal- this one is also on foam squares for dimension. The finishing touches are not CTMH, but Stickles in Diamond and Purple around the two hearts and in the center of the flowers on both the left (front) and the inserts inside. Here are some of the other sets I used:
Picture Perfect- flower corners and vines
Make it Count- sentiment
Be True- petal words (friend, happy, laugh, special)

I am sure there will be more of these in my future. Since my very best friend is coming to visit this next week (we are going to the U2 Concert together- a tradition since high school!!!), I probably will not create/post again until next week. So stay tuned...

Save The Boobies (and a TriShutter Card, too)!

Can you stand to see another Tri-Shutter Card- I hope so, because I have two more to show you (I will post the second in a few days).

First, I wanted to tell you about the Save The Boobies Fundraiser last night. It was Amazing! So many good friends, many dressed in Pink, and the warm outpouring of support for my friend, Preet, was simply awesome. I brought many of my hand-made cards to sell, as did my dear friend Sally Jo, and we brought in $136 for the cause!!! My offer still stands that if you would also like to donate $10 or more (the link is in the previous post), I will make you a custom Tri-Shutter Card!

Here is the first card I sold last night... I admit, I was a little sad to see it go, as I really enjoyed making it. The pictures do not do it justice- I used a lot of glitter on this one, and boy does it sparkle!





I used Grey Wool cardstock as the base and Grey Flannel and textured Crystal Blue (and the lighter reverse side) for the insert panels, and there is glitter on all of the little flowers. The big flower is the "rock-n-roll" technique in Chrystal Blue and Indian Corn Blue on the outside. I also used Grey Wool ink for the sentiment.

Thanks for looking and have a great day!

Another TriShutter Card for SAVE THE BOOBIES!

I admit- I am addicted to making these Tri-Shutter Cards! I have three more to post, which I will do over the next few days. I am making these for my friend, Preet's Save the Boobies fundraiser that is taking place tomorrow. I will have a few of these Tri-Shutter cards there for sale, from which 100% of the price will go towards Breast Cancer Research. If you would like to donate as well, the link to her site is:
Http://www.the3day.org/goto/manpreetkeyser
For every person that donates $10 or more, I will send you a custom Tri-Shutter Card! you pick from a selection of paper, stamps, themes, etc. Just leave me a comment here and let me know.

Onto the card- I used Emporium Paper and the Coffee Shop Stamp Set. I also used one of the stamps from the Everyday Celebration kit for the inside. I made this to hold a Starbucks gift card:




Thanks for everyone's support!

Tri-Shutter Card- Bon Appetit!

I have been wanting to try this awesome Tri-Shutter card pattern for awhile, so I finally just sat down to do it! I love the Bella paper and knew it would go perfectly with my Bon Appetit- I have had this stamp set since it first came out but inked it up for the first time tonight!

I am using this card as a gift card holder for a Birthday present. I really like the unique fold and the way it came together- much easier than it looks! Enjoy!

Front of Card:

Laying flat:
Standing up:

Christmas Cards for Charity!

I am so proud of my friend, Preet! As I am writing this, she is out walking... walking to train for the Breast Cancer 3-Day walk in November. Her goal is to raise a minimium of $2,300 for breast cancer research! WOW! Preet works full time (sometimes works TOO much :-) ), has a beautiful family, including her two amazing children (Hi Anthony and Shifali!!!), is working on her Masters Degree, and somehow finds time to train for the 3-Day and plan a huge fundraiser!

On October 10th, Preet is hosting the Save The Boobies Fundraiser (it's okay if you giggle). Several of our friends are setting up tables to sell Avon, Premiere Jewerly... an Indian Restaurant is donating delicious food, and people are making crafts to sell/raffle all to raise money for this cause! I have several fun cards/crafts I will be sharing here over the next few weeks as my friends and I get together to Create for the Cause!

Okay, so onto the fun stuff! Here is a set of Christmas Cards that will be for sale at the Save The Boobies event (hehehe, I just like saying it)! I used the Greetings Card Workshop from the Wishes Book (pg 110) to make 16 Christmas Cards out of one sheet of B&T Paper (from the Creative Basics Jingle pack) and one sheet of Juniper cardstock and a half sheet of White (plus card bases, of course). I jazzed them up with stamps, glitter, brads, etc.

Close ups: These use the December Word Puzzle stamp sets:

Mixed it up a little and used Ms. Holiday Cheer (no Ms, but the other stamps are so cute, too!)

Merry Pursuits, December Word Puzzle, and Magical Season:

Jingle Borders and December Word Puzzle:

Have a great weekend everyone!

Go See the SOTM Blog Hop!

Join Jena and almost 70 CTMH Consultants for their September SOTM Blog Hop! The fun starts here: http://www.livelovelaughscrapbook.blogspot.com

I did not sign up to play in this hop, but hope you take the time to see all the consultants hard work- it is truly amazing what they have created with this stamp set!

As for me, I am so excited that today is the release of the Autumn/Winter Idea Book! We are celebrating tonight at my house- I will post the projects we create tomorrow!

Happy Crafting!

Autumn/Winter Product Sneak Peak Blog Hop!!

Welcome to our Close to my Heart New Product Sneak Peak Blog Hop!

30 Fabulous Close to my Heart Consultants are celebrating the upcoming release of the Autumn/Winter 2009 Idea Book by giving you a Sneak Peak of some of the great products available in the new Idea Book starting September 1st!

This is simple do to- just click on the link at the end of the post on each blog to move to the next one! This is the first stop on the Blog Hop, so sit back, relax, get out those Wish Lists and ENJOY!
Here we go!

I instantly loved the Twitterpatted paper packet the minute I saw it- and the more I played with these cute papers, the more I realized it is not just for Autumn pages or Thanksgiving cards, either! This was a fun project- I used the Wishes Template, Simple Expressions (page 40), and made three cards from the same template, but rotated it each time. Amazing how all three cards look so different!

• 
  
  
  The first card uses a special stamp set which you won't find in the new Idea Book! That's right, will only be available through the Workshops on the Go program! More details to come on that, but don't you just love those little mushrooms?
  
  Stamp Set: Hello There (Twitterpatted WOTG)
  Paper: Twitterpatted
  Ink: Desert Sand, Sorbet, Sweet Leaf
  Embellishments: Chocolate Ribbon Rounds, Colonial White Bigger Brad, 3D Foam Squares
  
  The moment I saw this next stamp set, Grateful Hearts, I knew there was so much you could do with it- and I cannot resist those precious sayings! Again, Wishes Template Simple Expressions is used, but rotated 90 degrees. I love this as a Fall card.
  Stamp Set: Grateful Hearts
• Paper: Twitterpatted
• Ink: Desert Sand, Sorbet, Sweet Leaf
• Embellishments: 3D Foam Squares
  
  Lastly, who would have thought Christmas cards could be made from this paper packet? Pair it up with a Christmas Stamp (this Ms. Holiday Spirit is so sassy) and it works great! Look closely at the random-stamped holly berries and swirls in the background!
  

• Stamp Set: Ms. Holiday Spirit
• Paper: Twitterpatted
• Ink: Desert Sand, Sorbet, Sweet Leaf
• Markers: Sorbet, Desert Sand, Sweet Leaf, Crystal Blue, Parchment, Creme Brulee
• Embellishments: Glitter, Liquid Glass, Sparkles, Colonial White Bigger Brad, 3D Foam Squares
  
  
  Now "Hop" on over to Terrie's Blog http://my-life-in-real-time.blogspot.com/ to see her work!
  **Please be sure to visit Antoinette Herrin's Blog, too! http://www.godblessyourart.blogspot.com/. The link at the end of the blog Hop was not posted, but believe me, you do not want to miss her post!!!**
  
  Be sure to visit all the Consultants at their Blogs to get some great crafting ideas and see the great new Paper Packs and My Acrylix Stamp Sets! Remember, the Autumn/Winter 2009 Idea Book goes LIVE on September 1st!
  
  **Link not working? Missed a Blog? Here is a list of all the participants in the New Product Sneak Peak Blog Hop!
  
  Erin Herring http://tazzygirl2000.blogspot.com/
  Terrie Dodd http://my-life-in-real-time.blogspot.com/
  Jessica http://jessicaspaperpetals.blogspot.com/
  Leisa Hubley http://bigredscraps.blogspot.com/
  Karen Norman http://gettinscrappywithit.blogspot.com/
  Sherry Thompson http://picturespatternsandpaper.blogspot.com/
  Adeline Brill http://adeline-brill.blogspot.com/
  Miranda http://www.scrampinwithmiranda.com/
  Brae Montgomery http://thebrae-er.blogspot.com/
  Wendy Kessler http://www.myscrapbookingblog.com/
  Dawn Heuft http://stamptildawn.blogspot.com/
  Carla Ironside http://carlacreates.blogspot.com/
  Dawn Ross http://iamahappystamper.blogspot.com/
  Julie Banzon http://www.scrapbookiejulie.blogspot.com/
  Jody Gustafson http://www.cre8nmemories.blogspot.com/
  Helen Onulak http://www.hookedonstamping.com/
  Sheila Bennett http://sheila-bennett.blogspot.com/
  Haley Dyer http://inkyscrapper.blogspot.com/
  Lisa Stenz http://www.lisascreativecorner.blogspot.com/
  Jena DeVries http://www.livelovelaughscrapbook.blogspot.com/
  Jen Patrick http://www.roxybonds-scrappin.blogspot.com/
  Amy Schultz http://amylizschultz.com/
  Lori Scott http://scrapinglori.blogspot.com/
  Tresa Black http://www.fabulouslyartsy.blogspot.com/
  Jennifer Kraynak http://whatchadoin-jennifer.blogspot.com/
  Sharesa Larsen http://creedandsharesa.blogspot.com/
  Amy Edwards http://paisleysplayhouse.blogspot.com/
  Jean McNulty http://stampinmaui.blogspot.com/
  Emma Hubert http://paperaddictsanonymous.blogspot.com/
  Antoinette Herrin http://www.godblessyourart.blogspot.com/
  
  Be sure to comment on any of the artwork that you see- it really means a lot to work so hard on something and know others appreciate it, too! Happy Hopping!

Everyday Celebration Card Kit!

How Exciting! I just received some of the NEW product from the Autumn/Winter Idea Book, including the National Stamping Month Card Kit promo, Everyday Celebrations! Oh My Gosh- this kit is great! Free with a $60 stamp purchase (which you know is not hard for me to do)! Check out all the cool stuff that comes in the kit- enough for 16 cards!!

Two sheets of cardstock, four B&T Papers, Everyday Celebration stamp set (so cute)!, Mini Melody Chocolate Accessories, Sponge wedge, 3D Foam squares, Ribbon, mini-ink pads (yea, it even comes with the ink)! And die-cut card bases and envelopes! It did not take long at all to put these together- 2 of each design. The instruction booklet shows you how to make the most of your paper, and includes the cutting/stamping/assembly instructions. It is such a great template, I used the same guide to make the same cards with the Daydream Paper:

So much fun!

Also, In anticipation of the new Idea Book release, some GREAT Close to my Heart consultants are joining me in another Blog Hop! On Friday, August 28th, a group of 29 consultants will be showcasing great artwork using NEW products! Be sure to stay tuned!!!

Happy Creating, everyone!

Happy Birthday, Coffee Lover!

For my Starbucks-loving friend, I made this:

The coffee cup is supposed to somewhat resemble a Starbucks logo, but you get the idea! The cocoa cardstock is mounted on foam tape so the gift card fits snuggly inside!

On a side note, there is some exciting news brewing at Close To My Heart! The National Stamping Month card kit campaign was just released, which will be available starting August 18th!

Plus, CTMH Consultants were just given a sneak-peak of the new Autumn/Winter 2009 Idea Book and some new changes for our company. I have to say I am EXTREMELY excited to share some of the new products, programs, and the amazing new layout of the book. And stay tuned, because when the Idea Book debuts in September, many CTMH Consultants will be joining me on another Idea Book Blog Hop to kick of the latest and greatest product release from Close to my Heart!

Happy Creating, everyone!

Another take on Wishes: Keep it Level

Here is another card using the Wishes: Keep it Level template. I used the template exactly and love how it turned out. I used the new Animal Cookies Creative Basics and played around with dry embossing/sanding the verticle lines on the Sunflower cardstock. This is for our friends who just had their first baby! Congrats to them!!! It's hard to see, but the word "baby" is stamped in the upper right corner (from the Random Thoughts set). I also used Express Postage to customize the birthday.

• Stamp Sets: Express Postage, Random Thoughts
• Creative Basic Animal Cookies
• Ink Colors: Dutch Blue Cocoa, Sunflower
• White Grosgrain ribbon, Coluzzle
  
  

Happy Father's Day (a day late)!

I am loving the new Wishes Book! Here are the great Father's Day cards I made with two of the new templates. Both cards are made with the Emporium Paper:

This one is Wishes: Folded Focus. It was much easier to make than I thought! I opted to skip the brads and just color in where they would be since this was going in the mail. Side note: We call my Dad H.R.D. (his Royal Dadness), hence the letters:

• 
  Stamps: Spot-On Background, Say it in Style
• Ink: Cocoa, Twilight
• Bold Color-Ready Alphabet, Emporium Level 2 Paper.
  

This second card is the Wishes: Keep it Level template. It also uses Emporium, but I switched up the placement a little. Stay tuned for tomorrow's post, which is another card I did with the same template!

• Stamp Sets: Connections, Say it in Style
• Ink: Cocoa, Twilight, Buttercup
• Emporium Level 2 paper, Emporium Creative Basics, Cocoa Grosgrain Ribbon, Coluzzle

Have a great day everyone!

Emporium 3x3 Criss Cross cards

Here are a few more of the fun 3x3 criss-cross cards using the Creative Basics Emporium paper:




The one on the left uses the new Thank You set; the one on the right uses TLC (and some stamp-masking, blending pen and sparkles). These are super-easy to make and turn out really cute!

Cupcake fun!

I am loving the Cupcake Sprinkles stamp set- how cute are they!? Here is a 4x4 Cupcake card (for birthdays, or anyday) using the Daydream paper- in both Lilac Mist and Blush:



The cupcake base was stamped in Creme Brulee- then I stamped and cut out a second base, folded it along the lines, and adhered that onto the original base for more dimension. The sparkles add just a little bling! I used the sentiments "Celebrate!" and "It's your special Day" from Today's date on the inside. I also stamped a few candles on the inside, too.

Enjoy!

Party at Elizabeth's!

I just had to share the fun from Elizabeth's house this past weekend:
This is Sophie, Beth's adorable, pocket-sized Yorkie. Cropping bags aren't just for paper anymore:


Here are the cards I made for Beth as a Thank You for hosting- I had her daughter in mind when I made this one with the Bella Paper and Priceless Word Puzzle Stamp (Originals Template: Fancy Five):


Here is another one for Beth- a fun 4 3/4" x 3" out-of-the-box use for Cupcake Sprinkles- it's now Popcorn! The inside uses Ticket for all Seasons, Tiny Typewriter Alphabet, Chocolate Alphabet (Small), and the stamp-kissing Technique! And the paper is from the new Animal Cookies paper packet (Originals Template: Right Spotlight):



One last picture- check out the adorable bird-house Beth covered with paper from Let's Get Together! She also used crackle paint and glitter, and I think this turned out too cute not to share!