Friday, April 26, 2013
Welcome to our Blog Hop, featuring the new special paper pack Dream Pop!
If you have come here from the talented Melissa Robinson's blog, you are on the right path! The blog
hop is a great big circle, so you can start here and work your way all
around. If you get lost along the way,
you’ll find the complete list of participating consultants here.
This month we have 35 Close
To My Heart Consultants sharing their creations using this fabulous promotional kit and
other great CTMH products on their blogs. Hopping is simple to do - just click on
the link at the end of the post on each blog to move to the next one! Here we
go!
I chose to make some flowery treat tubes with the Dream Pop papers:
I used the CTMH Treat Tubes and boxes that we got with a previous promotion. And I turned them upside down to look like flowers. I love how the textured cardstock looks on the leaves! And the bright pattern just makes me smile.
Here are some close ups:
NEXT STOP: Hop" on over to Lucy Kelleher's Blog to see her amazing work!
Be sure to visit all the Consultants at their Blogs to get some great crafting ideas and other fun ideas! And leave a comment or some kind words if you can. We all love to get "love" and feedback on our work.
Remember, the Dream Pop promotion is only available in May! Get 12 sheets of B&T paper and 12 sheets of cardstock in trendy and new exclusive colours and patterns for only $10 when you spend $35. Plus, check out my bonus offers here. Email me with your order today.
Be sure to visit all the Consultants at their Blogs to get some great crafting ideas and other fun ideas! And leave a comment or some kind words if you can. We all love to get "love" and feedback on our work.
Remember, the Dream Pop promotion is only available in May! Get 12 sheets of B&T paper and 12 sheets of cardstock in trendy and new exclusive colours and patterns for only $10 when you spend $35. Plus, check out my bonus offers here. Email me with your order today.
***
One more thing! Here are some manly birthday cards I made using Dream Pop, the May SOTM "Pinwheel" and some washi tape. I love them!
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Wow. It's amazing how a card made just from neutrals can have such impact. I love how this card turned out, using just White Daisy, Colonial White and Champagne cardstock. And it's a great way to showcase one of my favourite stamp sets: Honeycomb. Take a look!
These super simple but super sweet cards are made using some of my favourite Close to my Heart colours: Pacifica, Topiary and Blush. They have a nice, spring-like feel, and they were perfect for the thank you cards I was making. Take a look:
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Have you ever been working on a project, cutting paper to your heart's content? Then you notice that your cuts aren't as sharp as they should be. But you're already in your comfy pants with your hair in a ponytail and you just don't want to go out to the store to get a new blade for your paper trimmer. Or maybe you're just frugal and want your blade to go as far as it possibly can.
That's right. The answer to your dulling blade is right in your kitchen. Simply take a piece of tinfoil and make a few cuts with your trimmer, just as if you were cutting paper. Don't forget to turn your blade around and sharpen the other side too.
Tinfoil can also work to sharpen your punches. Slide in a piece, punch a few shapes and your punch will be good to go again.
What can you do?
USE TINFOIL!
That's right. The answer to your dulling blade is right in your kitchen. Simply take a piece of tinfoil and make a few cuts with your trimmer, just as if you were cutting paper. Don't forget to turn your blade around and sharpen the other side too.
Tinfoil can also work to sharpen your punches. Slide in a piece, punch a few shapes and your punch will be good to go again.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
One fun way to journal on your scrapbooking layouts is to use music. Maybe it's just a chorus or a song title. Maybe it's tied more directly to your layouts, like mine below. No matter -- music can really inspire us when we're in a creative mood.
This layout is a slightly modified Close to my Heart Workshop on the Go for the Claire kit. It's all about my trip to Ottawa to see my friend Joy and go to see Keith Urban in concert at Bluesfest. For fun, I used one of his song titles "Who wouldn't want to be me?" as my layout title.
This layout is a slightly modified Close to my Heart Workshop on the Go for the Claire kit. It's all about my trip to Ottawa to see my friend Joy and go to see Keith Urban in concert at Bluesfest. For fun, I used one of his song titles "Who wouldn't want to be me?" as my layout title.
I used a song title for this layout too: "Making Memories of Us". It features Joy and I on the left page, and some other wonderful people we hung out with at the concert. And yup, that includes the two drunk 20-somethings that almost puked on us, and DID pass out right beside us.
What is your favourite song? Can you use it in a layout you're working on?
What is your favourite song? Can you use it in a layout you're working on?
Monday, April 15, 2013
Welcome to our April Cross Canada Blog Hop. This month we’re featuring Home Decor projects using fabulous Close to my Heart products. I used the amazing Claire paper pack and our 6x6 canvas to make an inspirational quote display for my office.
- This is a circular hop so you can start here and go all the way around
- If you came from Krista’s “Simply Creating” blog, then you are going in the right direction!
- And if you want to follow us from coast to coast, then please start at the beginning with Michelle S.’s blog “My Creation With Michelle”. The complete blog list is also found here if you get lost along the way.
My Project: Inspirational 6x6 Canvas using Claire papers
I have been on a personal journey to lose weight and get healthy – both in my body and my mind. I am happy to say that, with help from Weight Watchers, the support and encouragement of my family, and my own determination, I have lost 25 pounds so far and am well on my way to my goal. And I feel GREAT!
Along my journey, I found Bob Harper. I have always liked “The Biggest Loser” but was never a regular watcher. As part of my weight loss, I started doing Biggest Loser exercise DVDs, including “Weight Lose Yoga”. Bob was the instructor. He is encouraging without being condescending, motivating without being nasty. Since finding him, I have learned more about Bob and his philosophies. And I found this quote that I love: "Believe in yourself. Trust the process. Change forever.” It touched me in such a way that I knew I needed to build it into my environment.
 |
| Bob Harper's words keep me going and make me feel like I'm on the right track. |
That’s why I chose this quote for my Home Décor project. I wanted to create something simple and impactful. The Claire papers were the perfect colours and the 6x6 canvas was the perfect size. I love how the hot air balloon just adds a touch of inspiration and hope, helping me to really connect with the quote and more importantly, the message behind it. I've placed it in my office, right next to my desk and under my calendar, so I see it every day.
Products used:
- Claire paper pack
- Clear Sparkles
- Art Philosophy and Artiste cartridge
- Cranberry pigment ink
- Trinity Esize stamp
- Outdoor Denim ribbon
- Small paper flowers (not CTMH)
***************
What do you think of my project? Please take the time to leave comments on this post, and other posts as you hop along. We love to get feedback from our viewers....whether it was something that you really liked or some new technique that was used that you would like to learn how to do....by leaving us comments, we get to hear what you like, and what you want to see.
Your next stop on the Cross Canada Hop is Michelle M.’s “Twirl ‘n’ Time” blog.
Thanks for hopping along with us - we hope we were able to inspire you to create your own projects using some of the designs and paper seen along the way. Join us again in May when we will be featuring projects on Canvas.
Thursday, April 11, 2013
It has been a sad week in our household. Three people close to me lost someone special in their lives. May those 3 lovely ladies rest in peace and live on in the hearts of those who loved them.
I hope that I am honouring the ones who have passed on, and the ones left behind by creating a card for them, using this week's colour combo.
I hope that I am honouring the ones who have passed on, and the ones left behind by creating a card for them, using this week's colour combo.
For this card, I used Sunny Yellow cardstock plain. I used Black B&T from the "For Always" paper pack. And I used Pear cardstock with random stamped images on it. The stamp set is "Words of Comfort" -- a beautiful and classy stamp set good for just such an occasion. The buttons and sparkle are all CTMH and the black flower is Recollections.
I was inspired by a card I saw in the most recent "Card Creations" magazine on page 108 by Karolyn Loncon. So simple, so pretty.
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Ever wonder how you could take your layouts to the next level? Just add some interactivity! I love pages that I can "play" with, especially if it means I get more photos on the page too!
On May 11, I will be teaching you how to add some flips and folds, slides and spins to your layout. Using the soft and classy Buzz and Bumble papers, we'll do a 2-page layout that has a fun spinner for journaling, a fold-out section that holds 6 4x6 photos, and a "filmstrip" that reveals a secret!
We'll also create some texture and add some fun with stamping, using the fabulous Honeycomb stamp.
Want to join us? I'd love to have you at this workshop. Just RSVP by Thursday, April 18 at 5pm and I'll save you a spot!
Interactive Layout Workshop
Saturday, May 11
1:30 - 4:00 pm
$25 each
Then, please stay and play at the FREE Open Crop afterwards: 5pm until midnight!
On May 11, I will be teaching you how to add some flips and folds, slides and spins to your layout. Using the soft and classy Buzz and Bumble papers, we'll do a 2-page layout that has a fun spinner for journaling, a fold-out section that holds 6 4x6 photos, and a "filmstrip" that reveals a secret!
We'll also create some texture and add some fun with stamping, using the fabulous Honeycomb stamp.
Want to join us? I'd love to have you at this workshop. Just RSVP by Thursday, April 18 at 5pm and I'll save you a spot!
Interactive Layout Workshop
Saturday, May 11
1:30 - 4:00 pm
$25 each
Then, please stay and play at the FREE Open Crop afterwards: 5pm until midnight!
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
What's better than using Close to my Heart's amazing Stamp of the Month? Using it multiple times to create a great-looking card!
This week's Tip is actually a Technique: Motion Stamping. And it really is as easy as 1-2-3.
STEP ONE:
Choose your stamp. I used the Hot Air Balloon from the "My Sunshine" April Stamp of the Month. Ink it up really well -- I used Outdoor Denim. Stamp it once.
STEP TWO:
Do NOT re-ink. Stamp again, slightly off-setting the image from the original. This is called Second Generation stamping.
STEP THREE:
Do NOT re-ink. Stamp a third time, again, slightly off-set from the second image. Keep repeating until you have created the motion you like, or until you run out of ink on your stamp.
Here are 2 cards, using this technique and the balloon from "My Sunshine".
Feeling like your project can use some motion? Go ahead and try this technique for yourself.
This week's Tip is actually a Technique: Motion Stamping. And it really is as easy as 1-2-3.
STEP ONE:
Choose your stamp. I used the Hot Air Balloon from the "My Sunshine" April Stamp of the Month. Ink it up really well -- I used Outdoor Denim. Stamp it once.
STEP TWO:
Do NOT re-ink. Stamp again, slightly off-setting the image from the original. This is called Second Generation stamping.
STEP THREE:
Do NOT re-ink. Stamp a third time, again, slightly off-set from the second image. Keep repeating until you have created the motion you like, or until you run out of ink on your stamp.
Here are 2 cards, using this technique and the balloon from "My Sunshine".
 |
| Believe in Yourself -- Sky cardstock and Chantilly B&T, Outdoor Denim and Sunset ink, clear sparkles. |
 |
| Enjoy - Sky cardstock and Clementine B&T, Sunset and Saddle ink, Blue buttons. |
Feeling like your project can use some motion? Go ahead and try this technique for yourself.
Thursday, April 4, 2013
One of my favourite things to do is play with different Close to my Heart colour combinations. So I'd like to challenge you each week to try some of the combos I've come up with.
THIS WEEK'S COLOUR COMBO: Outdoor Denim, Sunset and Cashmere
THIS WEEK'S COLOUR COMBO: Outdoor Denim, Sunset and Cashmere
I'm really pleased with how this card turned out. The striping of the 3 colours is strong and simple, but the stamped detailing in Outdoor Denim ink with the "In the Background" stamp set adds some pizzazz. And I just love the Pun Fun stamp sets -- this one is from the Puns of Praise set. I accented the card with some Outdoor Denim ribbon and Antiqued Gold buttons. This card would be great for anyone you think is special.
So go ahead -- give this Colour Combo a try and see what you come up with. And please come back next week for a new combo and creative inspiration.
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Whether you're prepping for a weekend scrapbooking retreat, or just trying
to make the most of your scrapbooking time at home, organizing is helpful ...
and it's easy!
Where to start? PHOTOS!
I start with my big box of photographs (usually after a sale on prints from Costco) and my layout folders OR XL zipper bags. I get my zipper bags from Dollarama and they are 13 inches by 15.6" (33 cm x 39.6 cm) and you get 6 bags for $1.25.
Then I sit down and sort my photos by themes or the layouts I want to do. I try not to worry about how many photos are set aside for each layout -- I just get them sorted. Then I put the photos in the zipper bags -- one bag per theme or layout.
Don't forget the MEMORABILIA!
Next, I go hunting for and pull out any memorabilia I've saved from trips and events. If you're like me, memorabilia is stuff I usually save, then put in a so-called "safe" place, only to forget where that safe place is. Don't worry -- I usually find it ... AFTER my layout is done. So I've started keeping a box with just memorabilia in it (a safe place I can find) and remembering to pull out the ticket stubs, brochures, admittance bracelets, postcards and more when I organize my layouts.
Once you've found your stuff, put them in the zipper bags with the corresponding photos.
Once I have the photos and memorabilia organized, I go through and pull out the paper I want to use for that layout. Sometimes I have a specific Close to my Heart paper pack purchased just for that layout. Other times, I pull out my bin of paper and just see what works. I don't always know what will work best, or what will inspire me more, so I may pull out more than 1 option. Then I select cardstock to match. Don't forget neutral cardstock for your layout bases! Put all your paper into your bag with your photos.
Bring on the BLING baby!
The next thing to add to your zipper bags is embellishments! Again, sometimes these have been specifically purchased, like soccer ball brads or Las Vegas stickers, or sometimes they are just what works, like sparkles or cork lettering. I also pull out any MyAcrylix™ stamps I want to use. The more you can pull together, the better chance you'll USE what you HAVE in your stash.
Choose your
LAYOUT!
Last, I will go through my Close to my Heart how-to books,
like Cherish or Make It from your Heart, or scrapbooking magazines and select
layouts that I like. I will either write
down the layout name and page number, or, in the case of magazines, even pull
the page right out. Pop it goes into the
zipper bag too.
Now, take a look at what I have in my zipper bag:
- Photos
- Memorabilia
- Paper and cardstock
- Embellishments
- Layout ideas
This process may take you a few afternoons or evenings, but
many of the steps can be done in front of the TV. And when you’re ready to be creative, your layouts
are ready for you. It takes a lot of the
thinking out of the equation and lets you focus on the creativity. For many of us, this thinking or planning is
a roadblock to our precious scrapbooking time, so by planning ahead, you make
the most of your opportunities.
And if you’re traveling to a crop or a retreat, it helps you
to pack lighter, so you don’t have to take ALL your paper, ALL your
embellishments, and ALL of your stuff.
I recently created over 40 layout kits, ready for my weekends away this April. I am looking forward to some very productive and creative scrap time!
I recently created over 40 layout kits, ready for my weekends away this April. I am looking forward to some very productive and creative scrap time!
Give it a try! Just
put together 5 layout kits and see how much easier it is to scrapbook, either
at home or away.
Friday, February 15, 2013
Welcome to our February Blog Hop featuring a 2 page layout. This is
the first Blog Hop for us where we have featured just scrapbook layouts.
We hope that you will take the time to leave comments on our posts, as
we love to get feedback from our viewers....whether it was something
that you really liked or some new technique that was used that you would
like to learn how to do....by leaving us comments, we get to hear what
you like, and what you want to see. Thank you… now on to our hop!
Here is my Surf's Up Layout:
Supplies used:
I'm really happy with how this layout turned out and captured the fun and energy of the day.
NEXT STOP:
Your next stop on the Cross Canada Hop is Brae's "The Brae-er" blog.
If you get lost along the way, go to Michelle's "My Creations with Michelle" blog for the complete hop list.
Thanks for hopping along with us. Join us again in March when we will be featuring our new 5x7 Hinged Display Tray.
- If you came from Krista's "Simply Creating" blog, then you are in the right place!
- If you have just hopped onto my blog, you can start here as this is a circular hop.
- If you want to follow us across Canada then please start at the beginning and join Michelle at "My Creations with Michelle" on the East Coast.
Here is my Surf's Up Layout:
Supplies used:
- NEW Surf's Up paper pack
- Lagoon ribbon from Chantilly Card WOTG
- White Daisy and Lagoon cardstock
- Antiqued Copper brads
- NEW Epoxy Bubbles - green
- Liquid Glass
- Cricut Cartridges: Boys Will Be Boys (water gun) and CTMH Art Philosophy (letters, flourish)
- Cherish how-to book: "Designer's Eye" page 70
I'm really happy with how this layout turned out and captured the fun and energy of the day.
NEXT STOP:
Your next stop on the Cross Canada Hop is Brae's "The Brae-er" blog.
If you get lost along the way, go to Michelle's "My Creations with Michelle" blog for the complete hop list.
Thanks for hopping along with us. Join us again in March when we will be featuring our new 5x7 Hinged Display Tray.
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Welcome to the first Blog Hop of 2013.
Our January Hop is featuring a “Consultants Choice”, so each consultant
has a unique project to share with you. I hope that you will take the
time to leave comments on our posts, as we love to get feedback from our
viewers....whether it was something that you really liked or some new
technique that was used that you would like to learn how to do....by
leaving us comments, we get to hear what you like, and what you want to
see. Thank you.
If you have just hopped onto my blog, you can start here as this is a circular hop, but if you want to follow us across Canada then please start at the beginning with Michelle S. If you came from Cheryl's blog, then you are in the right place!
************
My Consultant's Choice: La Belle Vie layouts
These layouts started as a challenge from one of my club girls. She really wanted to do "La Belle Vie", but wanted to do layouts with more layering and a few more techniques than the usual WOTG, plus she wanted to use the "Instant Memories" stamp set. She showed me a Studio J layout featured in the Fall/Winter Idea Book on page 37.
So here's what I came up with:
This layout uses La Belle Vie paper and the Instant Memories stamp set. There is lots of layering, and I upped the ante with a 4x6 flip flap on the left-hand page.
I used the spray pen with Blush re-inker and Create-a-Shade paint to add a splash of colour and complement the stamp set.
I also dyed some of the Flutter shapes butterflies with Blush ink too, and embellished with Opaques cream pearls.
Now, I just have to find the right photos for this beautiful layout.
The second layout also has lots of layering. It's based on "Pattern 6" in the "Make It from Your Heart" book (page 16). Here it is:
One of my favourite techniques is taking 2-3 stamps and stamping a diagonal line across the base pages. It add lots of texture and dimension.
I also added in a second stamp set for this layout - "Sweet Moments". It's featured here in the top corner.
I further embellished with liquid glass, using another favourite technique. I treated the liquid glass almost like a stamp and randomly placed drops amongst the stamped image for extra shine.
This was a great challenge and I'm so pleased with how they turned out. And so are my club ladies!
************
Your next stop on the Cross Canada Hop is Michelle M's "Twirl in Time" blog.
If you get lost along the way, you can head to Michelle S Blog, as she has the complete blog list.
Thanks for hopping along with us - we hope we were able to inspire you to create your own projects using some of the designs and paper seen along the way. Some of these papers may only be available until January 31st, so please contact me at justscrapit@sympatico.ca or shop online to get yours before they're gone!
Join us again in February when we will be featuring a 2 page layout using gorgeous new papers from the 2013 Spring/Summer Idea Book.
If you have just hopped onto my blog, you can start here as this is a circular hop, but if you want to follow us across Canada then please start at the beginning with Michelle S. If you came from Cheryl's blog, then you are in the right place!
************
My Consultant's Choice: La Belle Vie layouts
These layouts started as a challenge from one of my club girls. She really wanted to do "La Belle Vie", but wanted to do layouts with more layering and a few more techniques than the usual WOTG, plus she wanted to use the "Instant Memories" stamp set. She showed me a Studio J layout featured in the Fall/Winter Idea Book on page 37.
So here's what I came up with:
This layout uses La Belle Vie paper and the Instant Memories stamp set. There is lots of layering, and I upped the ante with a 4x6 flip flap on the left-hand page.
I used the spray pen with Blush re-inker and Create-a-Shade paint to add a splash of colour and complement the stamp set.
I also dyed some of the Flutter shapes butterflies with Blush ink too, and embellished with Opaques cream pearls.
Now, I just have to find the right photos for this beautiful layout.
The second layout also has lots of layering. It's based on "Pattern 6" in the "Make It from Your Heart" book (page 16). Here it is:
One of my favourite techniques is taking 2-3 stamps and stamping a diagonal line across the base pages. It add lots of texture and dimension.
I also added in a second stamp set for this layout - "Sweet Moments". It's featured here in the top corner.
I further embellished with liquid glass, using another favourite technique. I treated the liquid glass almost like a stamp and randomly placed drops amongst the stamped image for extra shine.
This was a great challenge and I'm so pleased with how they turned out. And so are my club ladies!
************
Your next stop on the Cross Canada Hop is Michelle M's "Twirl in Time" blog.
If you get lost along the way, you can head to Michelle S Blog, as she has the complete blog list.
Thanks for hopping along with us - we hope we were able to inspire you to create your own projects using some of the designs and paper seen along the way. Some of these papers may only be available until January 31st, so please contact me at justscrapit@sympatico.ca or shop online to get yours before they're gone!
Join us again in February when we will be featuring a 2 page layout using gorgeous new papers from the 2013 Spring/Summer Idea Book.
Subscribe to:
Posts
(Atom)
Close to my Heart
See what I'm up to on Facebook!
