"Chalk It Up" Page Layout Technique

Here is a little tutorial on how to create a shadow under your page title.

You can use your Cricut machine, your Cuttlebug or Sizzix for this project. If you don't own any of these, use a stamped font you have and hand cut the letters. A big font would work best. Naturally the easiest way would be to use one of the machines.

You have to cut your title twice in the desired size!!! but in two different colors!!!

I used "sorbet" card stock from Close To My Heart as my top layer. Since I have a very dark background I picked "daisy white" as my shadow color. For a light background I would pick a darker shadow color.

Adhere both layers together but offset the shadow layer just a bit to the left or right, depending on where you like your shadow to be. I love how it makes the title pop....

Everything is Better with a Friend

This is the last of our four cards we made in Aprils card making class. 

"Everything is Better with a Friend" is a stamp set offered in the Seasonal Expressions Book 1. 

This card is made from a 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" card base. The front panel of this base was scored and folded at 2 1/8".

I further cut two panels from black cardstock measuring 5 1/4"x 1 3/4", one white cardstock piece 1 1/2"x 5" and a "Brushed" (X7190B) design paper piece of 1 1/2" x 5".

The front square measures 2 1/4" in the black and 2" in the white cardstock.

I stamped the image, the swirls and the phrase in black ink.

To assemble the card, adhere the white panel to one of the black once and glue to the inside of the card.

Now adhere the design paper to the second black piece and glue to the front fold of the card.

The white square was raised with foam dots of the black square and adhered to the front panel. Make sure not to cover the image of the lady.

A few rhinestones "Bitty Sparkles" (Z1263) were added to the phrase and image and one "White Enamel Star" (Z2010) was adhered to the front....

Well, this was one of my card making classes from April. If you are interested in joining one of them on a monthly base, please contact me for more details. All cards seen on this blog are also available for purchase... stay tuned for more things to come...

MegaMeet in Novi - Review

This years MegaMeet was held on May 7th until May 9th and like always it was a lot of fun. Lot's of fun classes, great deals and many new vendors, so were do I start?

Lets start with the classes:

This year we didn't attend any of the classes, not because there was a lack of, oh no! It was more because nothing really jumped out to us. But this is my personal opinion and everybody has their own likes of things. Even so I didn't attend any classes this year, I know from previous years that they are always well organized and fun to attend. You can choose from card making, page designing, home decor items to jewelers making and mixed media classes. I am sure these is something for you.

No matter what you might pick next time, just make sure to read the descriptions carefully before signing up. Some classes are for beginners (all levels), others might require some knowledge (intermediate or advanced). Also be aware if it is mentioned that the class is fast going that this means fast. Other than that, just have fun ....

Shopping till you drop:

Since we didn't attend any classes I guess you know what we did that day. Yes, shopping and lot's of it. We got to see and talk to many vendors, some new and some old friends. I you attend a show like the MegaMeet, take advantage of all the "Make&Take" that are offered. Talk to the vendors and see the new products they have. I was so thrilled to see "ArtImpressions" at the MegaMeet. For the first time they had their own booth and I took the advantage to see the new stamps they brought. Yes, you can check them out online, but I love to see them in person and how the artist is using them to stamp and color....They also had an awesome deal. One stamp set 40% with your purchase (only on Thursday morning). Watching Wendy and Tim at the Stampers Anonymous booth was also interesting. Stamps by Judith is always worth a stop (and more shopping) and so many other booth are worth stopping and shopping.

If you haven't been to the MegaMeet before, well put it in your calendar now. Here are the dates for 2016:

May 5th, 6th and 7th of 2016

And to get the best deal, make sure to pre-register and buy your tickets ahead. Not only will you safe money, but you will also be able to get in an hour before anyone else, so don't wait ...Hope to see you next year! I will be there :-)

Let me know if you have questions!

Adventure Page Layout "Chalk It Up" - Page 2

The second page of this layout follows the same design elements as the first one. 

The Close To My Heart "Chalk It Up" (X7184B) paper pack, like all paper packs contain 6 matching cardstock sheets and 6 design papers, 2 of 3 different designs and double sided.

In this layout I further used some metal embellishments and a flip flap to extend the photo display. 



I did use my Cricut to cut out the journal note pad and it is stamped with a coordinating stamp for your journaling. 


All layouts on this blog are available for purchase. You can either order them as a kit or pre-done for you. 

The kit comes pre-cut, including all papers, cardstock, flip flaps, titles, embellishments and full instructions on how to assemble the pages.


Contact me if you would like to order a set or if you have interest in joining one of my page making classes during the month.

Happy Anniversary Card

Today's card is inspired by the colors of our Close to My Heart paper package "Brushed" (X7190B). 

I used the stamp set "Happy To Be Friends" (C1605) for all the embellishments seen in this card.

This card base is cut at 4 1/4" x 11" and folded in half. I used a 2" circle punch to cut out the circle on the front.

Position a post-it note or any scrap paper on the inside of your card were the circle cut out is.

Start by stamping the branches around the circle cut out. Make sure to stamp a little over the edge. The scrap paper on the inside will protect your card.
Now place randomly the flowers from this stamp set around the branches.
I used Sweet Leaf, Hollyhock, Pixie and Juniper Inks.

Once you are done with the front stamping, remove your paper inside and close the card so you can see the stamping around the circle. Line up your phrase and stamp in Juniper ink in the center of the circle cut out. Now open the card and continue stamping on the inside.

One of my flowers ended up a bit to high so it is peeking out when the card is closed, but I actually like it this way :-)


I decorated the flowers with some rhinestones. A piece of "Brushed" design paper is adhered to the left side of the front and a piece of twine is wrapped around the front twice. You can either make the ends into a bow or a simple knot.

If you like to purchase any of the cards seen here on this blog, please contact me...
or if you like to join one of my card making classes each month, check back with me for opening and schedule...

National Scrapbooking Month Special

Just a little reminder of Close to My Heart's National Scrapbooking month special...

This mouth-watering "Taste of Summer" (CC1038) paper is available for $ 8.95!

Featuring bold and vibrant colors on one side and settled designs on the other. Great for pages, cards and so much more ...

What is included in the paper pack?

The "Taste of Summer" paper pack includes 12 sheets of design paper - two each of six designs!

This paper pack is exclusively designed for National Scrapbooking Month. Coordinating cardstock have to purchased separately.  







How do you get this paper home?

You wont believe this, but there is no additional purchase necessary. Yes, you can order just the paper if you like.

You can go to my website and order it there or sent me an email.

... and remember, this paper pack is only available in May, so don't miss out on it ...

Adventure Page Layout "Chalk It Up" - Page 1

Here is a new layout made with the Close To My Heart paper package "Chalk It Up". 

Love the colors and designs of this paper. A fun way to scrap your kids school year or just for any other adventure occurring during the year.




The background paper used for this layout is one of the three designs of the design papers coming in this set. Two of each double sided designs means you can use one set as a background and the rest for extra add-on's to the layout.

The matching cardstock from the package makes for great photo mats and in this case title and arrow strips.




To add even more photos to your page, check out the different sizes of flip flaps Close To My Heart is offering. I added one 4" x 6" flap to the left side of the double page layout.

All layouts on this blog are available for purchase. You can either order them as a kit or pre-done for you. 

The kit comes pre-cut, including all papers, cardstock, flip flaps, titles, embellishments and full instructions on how to assemble the pages.


Contact me if you would like to order a set or if you have interest in joining one of my page making classes during the month.

A Mother's Day Card

Here is card number 2 from our April card making class. Can you tell that this wonderful stamp set is one of my favorites from the new Idea Book?

The stamp set is called "A little Note" (A1171) from Close to My Heart. 

I used a 5 1/2" x 8 1/2" piece of Creme Brulee cardstock, which is scored at 2 1/8" & 6 3/8". You also need two pieces of kraft cardstock. One square of 3 1/4" and one piece measuring 4" x 5 1/4". 
I cut the two pieces of colonial white cardstock for the front about 1/4" and the inside 1" smaller than the matching kraft pieces.

I stamped the flower image on the 3" square and adhered it to the kraft cardstock. I colored the flower stems in with a green coloring pencil. I used a small flower punch to cut out 6 little yellow flowers. Four are adhered to the front piece on top and two on the inside. Each is decorated with a little rhinestone "Bitty Sparkles" (Z1263).

The inside panel was stamped with a partial of the flower image, but decorate like the front.

The front panel is adhered in the center of the card, but with adhesive only on the left half of the panel. This way the card stays close and can easily be opened.

The phrase and flower images were all stamped in Cocoa Ink...

May ... Stamp of the Month

May I introduce you to this months special stamp set " Just Sayin'"...

This is one versatile set of stamps. No matter if you are a card maker or a page maker, this will work with both. 

I love the little phrases and how about extra tags and geometric embellishments? Did you see the "Date" stamp? Isn't this perfect for dating your pictures on a page or for a fun Birthday card?

Oh there are so many options for this set. I am sure you can come up with 10 or more in no time.

How can you get this little jewel for only $5 you ask? 

Just place an order of $50 from the Seasonal Expressions 2 booklet and/ or the annual Idea Book and you can add this stamp set for only $5. This is a saving of $12.95...not bad I would say!!!

And remember, our monthly Constant Campaign offers will count towards the $50 as well...so let's get going.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me, I would love to hear from you...

"Seaside" Page Layout Technique 3

Remember the little package I showed you on page two of the "Seaside" layout? So what is it for and how does it work?

Well, I attached this little package to the page so I could get even more pictures and journaling on my layout. 

To create the bundle...,

cut a strip of cardstock 2 1/2" x 12" and score every 2 1/2". Accordion fold the strip and tie a piece of ribbon around it. Since the squares you scored are 2 1/2" wide, the last one will only be 2". You can leave this one on top or place it on the bottom. 

Adhere the whole bundle, including the ribbon to the page (see picture). Make sure to use strong adhesive for this, since you will be opening and closing the package to see the pictures inside.

Once your page is done, place it into your page protector. Now mark each corner of the bundle on the protector and pull the page out. Insert a cutting mat and use a hole punch (e.g. Fiskars all over the page punch) to punch a hole on each marker. Now use a metal ruler and a craft knife to cut from one hole to the next. Remove the cutting mat and the square you cut from the protector. Insert your page and now you have free access to your bundle of pictures and journaling....If you like to learn this technique and many more, please contact me for upcoming workshops.

"Thanks" card with flower

Our April card making class comes with a wide variety of cards. You can always exchange the phrase with something else if you like.

This card measures 4 1/4" x 5 1/2", is folded on the left and has rounded corners.

The Creme Brulee cardstock is cut about 1/4" smaller than the base and has also all four corners rounded.

I raised both the cardstock and the white flower piece with foam dots. But if your dots are to thick, just raise one of the two layers.

Before you start stamping the phrase, cut and adhere the green poka-dot strip to the creme brulee cardstock.

Now it is easier to stamp the phrase just above the strip and to the right.

Last cut a flag into the right end off the silver glitter paper. Adhere strip to card and cut excess on the left of.

Following this order you will always get the perfect positioning of you stamping with out fighting to get it straight :-) 

The flower stamp is from the "A Budding Friendship" (D1602) stamp set from Close to My Heart.

The full image of the flower is stamped in Sunset Ink while the outline is stamped in Cranberry Ink.

I added another technique to give the flower a more detailed and dimensional look. I used a red pencil, one that matches the ink and place a few extra pencil strokes to the layout. Just flick the pencil for the center up. 

How about joining one of my monthly card making classes? They are so much fun and you will go home with cards, sometimes boxes and so much more. Feel free to contact me for upcoming schedules and if you like to purchase one of the cards from my blog...

Constant Campaign in May "Taste of Summer"

Celebrate National Scrapbooking Month in May with Close to My Heart.

This mouth-watering "Taste of Summer" (CC1038) paper is available for $ 8.95!

Featuring bold and vibrant colors on one side and settled designs on the other. Great for pages, cards and so much more ...

What is included in the paper pack?

The "Taste of Summer" paper pack includes 12 sheets of design paper - two each of six designs!

This paper pack is exclusively designed for National Scrapbooking Month. Coordinating cardstock have to purchased separately.  







How do you get this paper home?

You wont believe this, but there is no additional purchase necessary. Yes, you can order just the paper if you like.

You can go to my website and order it there or sent me an email.

"Seaside" Page Layout Technique 2

"Seaside Greetings" (D1609) is one of my favorite stamp sets from the annual Idea Book. It is so timeless and versatile at the same time.


The blue design paper included in the "Seaside" paper pack (X7192B) is gorgeous as it is. The crackling of the paint, a bit writing here and there and still, to me it looks like ocean...

I used Close to My Heart chocolate ink to stamp the lighthouse on page one and the sailing boat on page two. I matches so perfectly that my workshop ladies thought the paper came this way. They thought their paper packs were incorrect until they realized they had to stamp the image themselves...;)

We also used the fence stamp to create the border on both sides. It is stamped on a piece of colonial white cardstock, just barely taller than the stamp itself. Tore along the top, just above the fence to create a more interesting look.

I have also used this stamp set in my card making workshops. We used it for a beautiful Birthday Card for "him". It is also a nice image for a Sympathy card, a "Miss You" card and on and on....

If you like to learn more about stamping, embellishment techniques or just on how to make cards or layouts, please ...

... feel free to contact me for upcoming workshop. Grab your friend and come join me...