CTMH Stamp of the Month Blog Hop

Welcome to the Stamp of the Month Blog Hop!  If you came here from Sarita's Blog, you're on the right track.  This month we are featuring "Limited Edition."

 

It took me about two seconds to see that there was a bicycle in this stamp set, so of course I had to use it.  I had fun adding the little zip strip from the top of the Roxie paper pack that says "You're my Inspiration."

 

And then I decided to scrapbook some pictures from our trip to Catalina.  While there are no pictures of us riding bikes on the layout, I still had to use the little bike stamp because that was the whole reason my sweet hubby took me to Catalina.  He read an article about how you can ride around the island and decided it would be the perfect anniversary destination.  I can't think about that trip without thinking about the thoughtfulness behind it....so I added the little bike stamps to the layout.

Now it's time to head on over to Wendy's Blog to see what she has come up with.

CTMH Studio J Fun!

Want to work on your scrapbooks but...

• Don't have room
• Not enough time to pull out all your supplies
• Forget to print your photos
• Or is your craft room as hot as mine is? 

Then now might be the time to try out Studio J!

It's sweltering in my house and I really wanted to scrapbook, but I just couldn't motivate myself to hang out in my stamp room when there's a perfectly good air conditioner in my bedroom.  I played on Facebook for a while, updated some spreadsheets on my computer...but I really wanted to play.  Finally I thought "Hey, I should try Studio J."

In less than 40 minutes I created two fun layouts with pictures I kept forgetting to print.

The coolest thing is that you don't need to download any software and you don't have to buy any digital kits.  You can set-up your account for free and explore Studio J without paying anything.  If you create a layout you love, then you can purchase the layout or the jpg file.  You can purchase layouts and jpg's individually or save money by purchasing 5 packs or memberships!  (Your layouts are 50% off when you purchase a membership and you get free shipping on one order per month when you meet the minimum/maximum layout criteria.) Please contact me if you have any questions and I'll help you get the best deal you can.

Head on over to my website and then click the link for Studio J.  It's a great way to relax during a hot, hot day!

Cricut Class and CTMH Team Meeting

It's been a fun filled weekend full of Close To My Heart!  Friday night I held my first Cricut Class and we had a blast!!  It was a crazy group of ladies that kept me on my toes.  Lots of laughter and fun as we explored the Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge!

Here's a little outline of what we covered:

• Getting to know the machine (speed, pressure, size...oh my!)
• All about mattes (care, refreshing, cleaning)
• Getting to know Art Philosophy Cartridge
• Using the creative features buttons (fit to length, center point, auto-fill...)
• And then we created a couple of little projects

Today (Saturday) I went on a little mini road trip with my upline (Bren Yule).

 We drove up to Cindy Baker's team meeting. We were a little surprised when traffic backed up and we saw a convoy of military vehicles along the side of the road.  Not sure why they were hanging out along the freeway, but it felt a little strange driving through a "military zone."

Cindy's meeting was great!  We went over a few business items, ate a wonderful potluck lunch and then Debbie and Cindy shared a fun project.

My favorite part of the meeting was when we went around the room and we each shared a project or tip.  I loved seeing the amazing things everyone created.  I even got to meet Mandy Leahy!  It was nice to be able to share some techy/video tips with a fellow blogger.

Now I have a ton of ideas swirling around in my head.  I just have to figure out how to prioritize them and get them done before the creative inspiration leaves me.

Elemental Paper Pack and Art Philosophy

The other night I realized that I had barely used the stamp sets that came in the Art Philosophy Bundle, so I grabbed one and quickly cut out several of the matching images and then stamped them with inks that coordinated with the Elemental paper pack... I think the whole process took less than five minutes.

I grabbed some Elemental paper scraps and less than an 1/2 hour later I had these three adorable cards all done....

How did I survive before this cartridge?

One of the cool things about the Elemental Paper Pack is that it is sooo versatile!  One of the patterned papers has a cranberry pattern on one side and an olive pattern on the other.  Perfect for Christmas and Valentines Day!! 

Of course this cute little card really could be used all year long....

A Stamptildawn Crop

I always forget to take pictures at my crop, and truth be told, my customers are a bit camera shy. But I actually pulled out the camera a took a few pictures towards the end of this months crop. I won't identify my buddies and maybe they'll let me take more pictures next month. ;-)

Every month I bring my cricut. Occasionally someone will use it, but mostly it just sits in the corner, lonely as can be... until Art Philosophy!! Tammy saw J trying to trace one of my cards so she could make more and "ratted her out." We had to stage an intervention and teach J how to use the cricut. I don't think anyone got to talk to J the rest of the day. She was too busy cutting and cutting and cutting... I think she and the cricut are good friends now.

I put together a few little cardpacks for my card makers. The pieces were pre-cut and based on the samples I posted here, but I told them they could stamp whatever images they wanted. Here's what Tammy came up with. Aren't they adorable? She used images from the Pair-A-Phrase (Earn your own FREE Pair-A-Phrase set.  Here's a post I did about the specials this month.) set and miscellaneous sentiments from other sets. Great job Tammy!! (She always improves upon my designs!)

While I offer special projects and workshops during my crop, I also provide space for everyone to work on their own projects. Here's a little picture of someone creating 100 candy bar wrappers. We are a productive group! (If you look closely you can see the original See's Candy wrapper in the picture, the tip of a "Junk Journal" (workshop coming soon) and a little corner of the wall hanging we did this month)

My next crop/workshop is September 10th, 2011. I'll be featuring the Mischief paper pack and I have a Halloween workshop that I'll be posting soon. My workshops are located in Lakeside, CA (east side of San Diego County). See the calendar and workshop tabs above for more information.

Cricut Class - Sneak Peek

I'm offering a FREE cricut class for all of my customers that purchase the Art Philosophy Cricut Bundle this month ($10 for consultants or those who have not purchased their cartridge from me.)  I want to make sure I show you tons of cool ways to use your cartridge so that you get the most for your $$.  We'll make a couple of projects and I'll demonstrate some quick tips and techniques to make things Faster, Simpler and Easier!!


So mark your calendars and RSVP!

Close To My Heart - Art Philosophy Cricut Bundle Class

Friday, August 26th - 6:30pm
Rec Room - Lakeside, CA  92040 

(contact me for the complete address)

Here's a little sneak peek at one of the projects we'll be completing.... (I have a non- Halloween option available.  You must request it when you RSVP)

This fun little treat bag can be adapted to any holiday or party.  Just switch out the papers and stamps for a completely different look.  Make it a little shorter and it can be a cute place setting.  The ideas are endless....

Supplies Used:

• Mischief Paper Pack
• August 2011 Stamp of the Month - Wicked
• Black Ink
• Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge

Mojo Monday - #204

I keep thinking about playing along with some of the challenge blogs.  This week, instead of just "thinking" about it... I did it!  And it was so quick, easy and fun!!

Here's my version of Mojo Monday 204

Supplies Used:

• Elemental Paper Pack
• Elemental Compliments - circular saying
• Opaque Pearls
• Cricut Art Philosophy (fancy corner)

Stamping Technique:

• I kept it simple, but added some sponging with Desert Sand Ink

Combine the Specials starting today!

Woo Hoo!!  I know many of you have been patiently waiting for today because....today you can combine two different specials, order your Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge and get FREE stuff!!!  I always love to maximize the deals!!

**For my customers only**
I filled in the Close To My Heart pdf order form for you with the basic information and order totals.  Email me and I'll send you a copy so you can start your order.

So here's the deal...

Order the Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge Bundle for $99 and that qualifies you to

Receive the National Stamping Month Promotion (Pair a Phrase Stamp Set) for FREE

You can also purchase the August Stamp of the Month (Wicked) for only $5

And!!!  If you buy the Stamp of the Month, you receive the A Typeface stamp set FREE!

If your order is shipped to my house (my sales tax rate is 7.75%) Your total is $125.70 and you will receive $185.59 worth of product!!!!!!  Amazing!!

Want more FREE stuff?  Turn your order into a party by bumping it up to $150 in retail product or gather some orders from your friends...and then you'll qualify for Hostess Rewards too!

But you have to hurry!!!  In order to maximize the deals like I've described here, your order must be placed by August 31st.  Email me if you have any questions!!

Here are a couple of links to inspire you on how to use your new treasures!
August Stamp of the Month - Wicked
Art Philosophy Samples

Another Art Philosophy Video Tutorial

I have been having so much fun making cards with the Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge that I decided to make another video to show you how easy it is.   This is another in the "beginner" series.  I took some time and showed how to move the blade around the mat and select the different features.  I may skip some of that on future videos so they aren't so long....I don't want to bore you!

Here are pictures of the cards featured

And here's the video!




Supplies Used:
Miracle Level 2 Paper Pack (Retired)
Pair a Phrase Stamp Set
Inks: Chocolate, Bamboo, Crystal Blue
Markers: Taffy, Buttercup, Colonial White, Crystal Blue and Sweet Leaf

Someone Turned 40!

 

One of my buddies turned 40 recently so I just had to whip out the cricut and the Art Philosophy cartridge to create a fun card.  Welcome to the 40's my friend!! (hey, it's not that bad...I'm paving the way for you...)

The numbers are the decorative font layer.  There are little holes beneath the pearl embellishments, which means you can simply let the paper below show through, or bling it up with some fun.  It's cute either way!

Supplies Used:

• Cricut Art Philosophy - Numbers background label (black/hollyhock)
• Sophia Paper Pack
• Opaque Adhesive Gems (in pearl)
• Cute Ribbon - sorry, it some contraband ribbon from my stash...but isn't it adorable!!