Wishing you and all your ghosts, goblins, monsters and princesses a spooky and safe Halloween!

Inside, add some trim, some stickers and stamped images, and some extra cardstock to make this feel like a continuous piece.  Whatever you do, just have some fun!  And don't forget some spots for journaling!


Finish off the back cover with a spooky message!

And it's so affordable!  The Cut Above Treat bag kits are just $16.50 and you can make your mini album as big as you want -- or even make two!  These treat bags are now available for Halloween and Christmas, and coming soon for Valentines and Easter.

Ok.  I'll admit it.  I love the polar bear postage stamp in the October Stamp of the Month "Home for the Holidays".  That's why I had to make 2 more cards using this super cute stamp.


The first card stays traditional, combining papers from our Paper Fundamentals series and the "Snowhaven" paper pack.  Pear is one of my most favourite colours, and it really pops against the other colours.  A touch of black defines the images.

The second card "zags" by using "Seaside" papers and featuring another great colour, Lagoon.  The heart washi tape and enamel shapes add a loving touch -- and this card is perfect for someone who may not celebrate Christmas, but you want to send good wishes to.

Lastly, these designs are not intricate are involved.  It just shows you that some simple strips and a great stamp are really all you need to make some beautiful cards.




Want to make some fun cards this holiday season?  Get this adorable stamp set for just $5 when you place an order of $50 or more, only available in October!  Email me at justscrapit.ctmh@gmail.com or shop online!

I know Halloween isn't traditionally a card-giving holiday.  But this year, I want to send a little treat to each of my nieces and nephews and I've made some cute little cards to go along with it.

The trick to this card is the folding!


It's so easy to make, and so economical with the paper.  The black enamel stars are a great accent.

Who loves candy corn?

My older son is addicted to candy corn, and that inspired these little cards.



Great for using up little scraps, and again, the stars add some fun punch!  I could have coloured the stamped images, but thought that the black & white against the colourful background created more impact.  Aren't these stamps super cute?

Here's wishing you a spooktacularly sweet Halloween!

I love making Christmas cards.  And I can see myself playing with Close to my Heart's new Cricut Cartridge, "Artfully Sent" to make some great cards.

Here's one of them.  I used Artfully Sent, our Paper Fundamentals, and the October Stamp of the Month "Home for the Holidays".  I love the non-traditional colour combination!


This card came together so easily -- just one stamped image and some simple trim.  The Cricut did the rest.

October SOTM "Home for the Holidays" -- yours for just $5 with a qualifying purchase!

Welcome to this new monthly feature on my blog:  The CTMH V-Factor!  V stands for versatility.  We have so many wonderful products that can be used for more than one thing -- and this is the place where I'm going to show that off!

OCTOBER:  1 layout, 1 paper pack, 2 looks
This month, in honour of Halloween and the tremendous fun you can have being spooky, I have been featuring creative pieces using the "Scaredy Cat" paper pack.  BUT, I know Halloween isn't always a something you scrapbook.  So here are two layouts, both using the same layout sketch "Clear Dimension" from "Cherish" (one of CTMH's amazing how-to books) and both using Scaredy Cat papers, but to celebrate different memories.

Halloween Layout First


This layout is very Halloween and very fun, with lots of pop.  The colours and patterns work well to create a happy layout.  All you need is your photos!

Our new Cricut cartridge, "Artfully Sent" has some great accents and more that helped to add to this layout.  The spider and its webs are fun, and the Picture My Life pocket card made for the perfect title.  Embellishments, like sequins layered with stars, liquid glass, zip strips and stamps made for a spooktacular finish.


Many of the patterns in the Scaredy Cat paper pack are versatile and don't have to be used for Halloween.  I've pulled 3 different patterned papers and paird them with some basic cardstock to create this warm look.  I added some random stamping to emphasize the "love" theme.

Once again, I tapped into "Artfully Sent", my stamps and embellishments to add finishing touches.  Liquid Glass on the dots adds texture and shine.  And pairing the slate and thistle ribbons just made it feel girly and coordinated.

This year, CTMH is celebrating our 30th anniversary -- 30 years of great products, 30 years of consultant successes, 30 years of friendships ...  #30yearsofhappy !!!!

So, the Brae-er's team has chosen to share what has made US happy with CTMH.

If you're coming from Darcel's blog, you're in the right place!  This is a circular hop, so it doesn't matter where you start -- just keep hopping to see what makes us happy!  Please take a moment to leave comments along the way -- comments make us happy too!

My Happy is going to Hawaii!

Convention 2013 was a fabulous experience for me.  It was my first Convention, and it was where I won my first high profile award.  And it was where the motivation to take my business to the next level was born.  When they announced that Aulani, the Disney Resort in Hawaii, was the destination for our next incentive trip, I knew I had to go for it.  I may not make it, but if I really wanted to take the next step, this is what what going to get me there.

And guess what?!  I worked my butt off and I DID IT!  My hubby Matt and I are going to Hawaii with CTMH in February!!!!!!!!!!  The last few months have thrown some pretty huge challenges at my family, and having Hawaii to look forward to is definitely what will get me through.

I am grateful for all the help, support and encouragement I received from so many people, making my dream of Hawaii a reality.  So I've made some cards (and will be making more) to show those special people just how much they mean to me.


The Island Greetings stamp set was perfect for the cards I wanted to create.  And I played with our new Shin Han markers too -- colouring is so relaxing!



SUPPLIES:
Island Greetings Stamp Set
Shin Han Markers: R5, RP198, Y222, G46, WG4, Colourless blender
Brushed papers
Honey Paper Fundamentals
Cardstock: White Daisy, Ruby, Slate, Hollyhock
White Enamel Stars
Bitty Sparkles


Another thing that really kept me focused was the vision board I created.  I used our Surf's Up Picture My Life cards and our versatile Display Tray.  It came together very quickly and didn't need to be intricate or involved.  Just a little shimmer trim, some Lagoon bling and some Donald.  But every day, when I walked past it, it reminded me of my goals and kept me working hard to get there.


KEEP ON HOPPING!

The next stop on this Happy Hop is Christine's Creative Life blog.  Keep hoppin', and don't forget to leave us some love!

Giving adorable treats to your child's friends or classmates has never been easier!  Close to my Heart has introduced a new line of products called "A Cut Above".  These kits are so fun and come complete with just about everything you need to put together treat bags or cards.

Here are the ADORABLE Halloween treat bags!  No glue or ink needed.


This kit comes with the treat bags in two patterns, several sheets of spooktacular stickers, plastic bags and diecut circles. All you have to is add candy!  So fabulous, you'll be the mom everyone is oohing and ahhing over.  So easy, your kids can even help you!

The kit comes with enough supplies to make 10 bags.  Purchase multiple kits affordably to fill every treat bag in the classroom.

Simply email me at justscrapit.ctmh@gmail.com and get your Cut Above Halloween kits in, just in time for Halloween.

Happy October!  My nine-year-old is counting down the days until he can go trick-or-treating -- though he doesn't know what costume he'll be wearing yet -- and I'm really glad this fun holiday is on a Friday this year.  Now to just keep our fingers crossed for warm-ish and DRY weather conditions.

And when the photos are taken and the treats gobbled down, I have a great layout ready and waiting!


I love the colours and how it looks very Halloween-y without being dark.  It's bright and fun!