Throwback Friday ... "Seaside"

Here is another throwback....Love this summer layout! How about you?

May I introduce you to my second favorite paper of this years annual Close to My Heart Idea Book? 

I just love this summer calling, ocean smelling and beach dreaming "Seaside" paper pack. It is such a happy paper bundle and I just couldn't resist to create a water themed layout.

The blue design paper in the "Seaside" (X7192B) paper pack looks like water and therefore is a great background for my design. I used the stamp set "Seaside Greetings" (D1609) and our "Chocolate Ink" (Z2111) to stamp the lighthouse and sailboat image directly onto the paper. 

The stamp set also has this great fence and beach design used on the bottom of the layout. I stamped it on colonial white cardstock which I tore along the fence. 

I intended to use two 5" x 4" photos on page one, but you can use just one big one and multiple smaller once if you like. 

The title word "Summer" was cut out from another design paper of the "Seaside" pack. I used my Cricut machine for the cut out. I edged the wording in chocolate ink to give it more definition. 

A few "Aqua Dots" (Z1853) sprinkled over the page and my left layout page is done. 

You can order the paper pack and embellishments from my website. I also have a kit of this layout for sale. You can either assemble it at home (all items, instructions and pictures included) or you can order it pre-assembled for you....Just email me if you like to purchase a kit or if you have any questions....

Coming Soon ... New Idea Book 2015-16 and more

Like many of you I am enjoying the wonderful sunshine, never-the-less my basement craft room is not abandoned. Lot's of things to prepare for the upcoming start of my classes in September and me waiting impatiently for the brand new Idea Book from Close to My Heart to arrive.

I can't tell you anything about it right now, but there is a special paper pack for August and one other big surprise coming out, so make sure to check back here often. You can also sign up for my newsletter here on the blog and be the first to know whats coming.

Lots and I mean lots of new items are be coming your way. The start of the new Idea Book 2015-16 will be September 1st for all of you. Do you want the new Idea Book? Contact me for more information...

Don't forget to stay tune and find out whats coming....

Throwback Friday....."Brushed"

Summertime and everyone is enjoying it...I hope. So let's do some throwbacks: Do you remember this one?

"Brushed" is one of my favorite Close to My Heart paper pack from this years annual Idea Book. I love the vibrant colors, especially after this long and cold winter.

Doesn't this bring sunshine into your house?

This "Brushed" (X7190B) paper pack not only creates one layout, no, you have plenty of papers and cardstock to create at least 3 layouts from it. Add a few pieces of daisy white cardstock to it and you can create even more. Page 1 of this layout uses a 7 3/4"x5 3/4" picture. The photo mat measures 8"x6". You can also use two 3 3/4"x5 3/4" photos instead.

Why the odd picture sizes you wonder? Yes, normally you would use a 8"x6" or two 4"x6" pictures, but then you have to cut your photo mat about 1/4" bigger, which will result in a lot of paper scraps with odd measurements.

I rather prefer to cut my pictures down slightly (just by a 1/4") which usually doesn't make a difference to the picture, but ...

... it makes my paper cutting more efficient!

 If you like to know more about cutting papers, designing your layouts and get the most for you money form your supplies,...just sign up for one of my classes. I would love to show you how to do it!

If you like a kit of this layout to create at home (all items pre-cut and stamped), please contact me...stay tuned for more

Birthday Oranges Card

Who says you can't use black on a Birthday card? 

This is card number 3 from my June card class. Looking through my special paper pack from last month I found this orange paper. It looks so delicious, don't you think?

So let's get started with this card. The base is a daisy white 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" cardstock base, folded on the top. 

I stamped the "Happy Birthday" phrases in New England Ivy ink. One phrase on a white tag cut out with the Cricut and one phrase on the inside of my card.

I adhered a 4 1/4"x 5 1/2" piece of black cardstock flat on the front. 

I also cut the green tag in half and adhered each half to the white piece, like seen here on the picture.

I further cut a 2" x 5 1/2" piece of sunset cardstock, a 1 1/2" x 5 1/2" piece of orange design paper and a 1/2" x 5 1/2" piece of orange design paper.

Adhere the 1/2" orange design paper to the bottom of the inside of the card. Now place the 1 1/2" piece of orange design paper in the middle of the sunset cardstock. Make sure the spacing on top and bottom are even.

Adhere strip to black cardstock about 1/2" from the bottom.

Set tag with foam dots onto the card and decorate with a few glitter bubbles.

Like to purchase this card or any other card from the blog, please contact me for details. I also offer card making classes and page classes ...contact me for the current schedule...

Constant Campaign in July - Life Is Wonderful

Here is an amazing deal for you starting this July. 

During the month of July, when you purchase $25 in current, retail priced stamps you will qualify automatically for the following deals:

First Choice:

You can pick any one Hostess Rewards stamp set from the current Annual Idea Book 2014-2015 or the Seasonal Expressions 2 Book for only $5....or




Second Choice:

You can choose the July stamp of the month "Life Is Wonderful" (S1507)for FREE! Yes, with no extra costs to you.
This stamp set is a lovely, versatile set that is a great match for your cards and layouts that celebrate all the wonderful things -big and small- that life has to offer. 




The Hostess Rewards stamp sets have previously only be available as part of the Hostess Rewards program, which means now is the perfect opportunity to get those special stamp sets you've had your eye on!

You can email me your stamp order and your choice of either the FREE set or one Hostess Rewards set. 
You are also able to place your order online at my website, just don't forget at the end of your order to choose the extra set you like!

No matter which combination you choose, be aware that this offer is only good during the month of July and while supplies last, so spring in action and jump on this deal before it is gone!

Congratulation - Gratuation Card

Today we are creating a Graduation card or maybe you can use it as a Anniversary/ Wedding card as well.

Sometimes I like to keep the purpose of the card more open, so you can decide what occasion you would like to use it for. 

I used the Close to My Heart colonial white cardstock for my base. The card measures 5 1/2" x 4 1/4". I further cut a piece of "Desert Sand" cardstock at 5 1/4" x 4" and stamped "Congratulations" onto the lower right corner. I adhered it in the center of my card base front.

I stamped a nice sentiment inside the card by using the same ink from the outside, here "Cocoa"



I used colonial white cardstock and a piece of gold dotted vellum to create the three banners.

Colonial white cardstock is cut at 1"x 4", 1"x 3 1/2"and 1"x 3".

The vellum is cut at 3/4"x 4", 3/4"x 3 1/2" and 3/4"x 3".

First cut a triangle from each vellum strip and adhere it to the corresponding colonial white cardstock piece, flush with the top. Now cut the triangles into the colonial white piece so you have a small rim around the vellum. 





I spaced all three banners evenly over the front of the card, but I adhered them differently. 

I used thicker foam dots (you can use two on top of each other instead) for the longest banner, a thinner foam dot for the middle banner and I adhered the smallest banner right to the card.

 I punched out a few stars from Cocoa cardstock and placed them randomly onto the front and one star on the inside.

This was card number 2 from my June card class workshop. Like to join one of my cardclasses or create pages with me? Let me know and we see how we can get the best schedule for you.

July .... Stamp of the Month - Life Is Wonderful

Last Monday I introduced you to the Close to My Heart special for this month and naturally there is also a special stamp set for July....

"Life Is Wonderful" (S1507) is an awesome set that shouldn't be missing in your collection. Perfect for faux chalk stamping if you ask me.

You will be able to get this stamp set for FREE. What do you have to do you ask? 

When you purchase $25.00 in current, retail priced stamps, you qualify to receive this months "Life Is Wonderful" set for FREE....Yes, this will be an added bonus.

All you have to do is pick out your stamp sets and email me. You can also place an order on my website and be sure to add the free set at the end of your order. 

Don't miss out on this on this popular set....it's flying out the door right now!

Strawberry Birthday Card

Close to My Heart had this cute paper pack last month, that I had to buy. So fruity, colorful ... simply calling for summer.

I thought these strawberries are perfect for a birthday card, so let's see how this one is made:

This 5 1/2" x 4 1/4" daisy white card base is folded on the top. I used the Close to My Heart embossing folder "Quatrefoil" (Z1926) to run two strips of daisy white cardstock through my Sizzix/ Cuttlebug machine. Each strip measures 1" x 5 1/2". I adhered each strip to the left and right side of the card base front.

The strawberry paper measures 3" x 5 1/2". I used one piece of ribbon and placed it at the lower end of the strawberry paper. Both ends were adhered with glue dots to the backside. A second strip of ribbon was placed underneath the first one and tied into a knot. Move knot to the desired position and cut excess off. In case the ribbon is a bit loose upfront, place a glue dot underneath to secure it to the strawberry paper.

Now place foam dots onto the back of the strawberry paper and center it on the card front. The embossed paper strips should be seen evenly on both sides.  

I stamped a Happy Birthday phrase onto a piece of white daisy paper and cut triangle at one end. Now place piece with foam dots onto a piece of New England Ivy cardstock and cut a corresponding triangle into this one as well. 

Adhere to card either direct or with foam dots.

Sprinkle a few rhinestones on the front and stamp a few strawberries inside the card for decoration.

Well, this was the first of our four cards we made in our June card class workshop. If you like to join my workshops, or if you are interested in creating pages or other home decor items, please feel free to contact me.

All cards and pages seen on this blog can also be order. Let me know if you would like to purchase one...