Stampin' Up Frames & Flowers Projects

Today, I am thrilled to share my latest crafting adventure using the stunning Frames & Flowers Specialty Designer Series Paper from Stampin' Up! This beautiful pack includes 3 double-sided 12x12 papers and 3 sheets of single-sided die-cut designs, providing endless creative possibilities. With the addition of some Lost Lagoon and Petal Pink cardstock from the Subtles 8 1/2 x 11 cardstock pack, I crafted four unique cards and a charming gift bag. Let's dive into the details!

Birthday Bag

• Sponge edge of frame and white matte with Lost Lagoon ink
• Stamp image from Simply Said stamp set to center of white matte
• Attach white matte to bag
• Attach frame to matte with foam tape
• Add additional die-cuts and embellishments to frame

Shabby Chic Distressed Edges

I used my scissors to distress the edges of the Lost Lagoon cardstock on each of these samples. The distressing adds to the homemade appeal and adds more texture to the cards. I also layered a couple of die-cuts from the Unbounded Love dies on the thanks card. I love how many dies come in the set and all the different ways you can layer them.

Sponged Edges - Lost Lagoon Ink

I sponged the edges of several layers with Lost Lagoon ink. Sponging the edges can increase the contrast between the layers, add depth and add a bit of a visual frame to the layers. 

Final Thoughts

Creating with the Frames & Flowers Specialty Designer Series Paper was an absolute delight. The combination of Lost Lagoon and Petal Pink cardstock added a soft, cohesive touch to all my projects. I still have a large assortment of die-cuts and some Designer Series Paper left, which means more crafting fun awaits!

If you're looking for inspiration, I highly recommend experimenting with distressing techniques and sponging ink to add depth and character to your projects. The Frames & Flowers pack provides a perfect starting point for creating elegant and charming designs.

 

CTMH June Stamp of the Month Hello Foxy

I have been having so much fun playing with the June Stamp of the Month - Hello Foxy.  Not only are the foxes super adorable, but I love the flower wreath too.  This set is one of those versatile ones that you can use all year long for a variety of projects.

Busy Life Tip:
It seems like I'm always running around at the last minute and I love to include a handstamped note, card or tag when I'm dropping things off, delivering orders or returning things I've borrowed.  So, whenever I come up with a sweet and simple idea like this bag, I quickly stamp and assemble a few of them.  That way I can just glue them on a bag or punch a hole in the top and make it a tag and I'm done.


Items used for this project:

• Bags - Bought them from Michaels
• Raspberry and Willow Cardstock
• Available individually or in this great combo pack
• June 2017 Stamp of the Month - Hello Foxy
• Black Memento Stamp Pad
• Colored in with Tombow Markers

You can purchase the Close To My Heart items featured on my retail website.

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DIY Gold and Silver Acetate Boxes for Cookies and Gifts

I absolutely love to personalize the gifts I give by dressing them up with pretty cards and boxes.  Even better when I can DIY my own box or bag to perfectly fit!!

My hostess last week makes the most AMAZING cookies so when I was planning the projects to share at her party, I knew I had to share something fun that she could use to package her cookies.  (Please note - I'm not a baker, I imagine cookies will be put in food safe bags first.)

I used the new Fundamentals All About Gold acetate sheets to create these quick and easy boxes and now I am addicted and I keep coming up with more cool ways of using these sheets (stay tuned!!)

Here's a video to show you how to make them.  I've included measurements below.





DIY Acetate Box Measurements

Buy Your All About Gold Acetate Here

Top/Bottom - Cardstock
4.25"x 4.25"
Score at 11/16 from each edge.

Acetate Middle
You can choose any height.
Samples are 4" x 11.5" and 6" x 11.5"
Score along 11" side at 2.75", 5.5". 8.25" and 11"

Embellishments
Z3260 Thin Cuts - Hearts
Flower Market Cricut Cartridge - Buy Your Cartridge Here 

Happy New Year - CTMH National Papercrafting Month

Happy New Year!!  I am looking forward to 2015 and lots of fun with Close To My Heart!  In February I am going on the Close To My Heart incentive trip to Disney Aulani thanks to my buddy Bren, I'm hosting another fun retreat at Rabbit Hill Ranch in March, planning to teach at the 2015 Scrappin Escapes retreats and we're headed to Disneyland in July for our annual convention.  Whew...so much fun already in the works.

In order to get started on the right foot, I spent almost two weeks in December organizing my stamp room, planning projects, cutting kits, writing blog posts and scheduling facebook updates so I can guarantee I have a ton to share with you!!

Let's get started with...National Papercrafting Month!!

 When you make a qualifying purchase of $50 you can purchase the Year >> Noted kit for only $5.  The kit includes printed papers and cardstock and a stamp set.  For just $5 more you can add the My Creations kraft mini album.

The package is designed to help you put together a "time capsule" scrapbook.  You can keep track of your goals, accomplishments, adventures and highlights throughout the year.  Then "seal" up your book with the large gold seal, pack it away and open it in the future....

Tips and Ideas

• You can write on the gold foil stickers with a permanent pen!
• You receive a piece of blue and peach cardstock in the kit.  Cut flowers and embellishments out on your cricut to use throughout your book.
• Remember to save room for the photos you will be adding!

 

 

 

FREE Chevron Ribbon and CTMH Home for the Holidays Stamp Set

I love it when two fun specials combine so that we can get even more goodies!!!

When you order $50 or more in October you will receive a FREE roll of Chevron Ribbon.  It will be a surprise...they will add either a Cranberry or an Outdoor Denim roll when they ship your order.

And since you're already ordering $50, then why not add the adorable Home for the Holidays Stamp Set for just $5?!?!

So head on over to my website and get started on your order today.  Please remember that the while supplies last items do not count towards the $50 order.  They are still a great deal though!!

Having fun with the CTMH Artfully Sent Cricut Cartridge

I think I have a new addiction and nobody will be more surprised than I am!!  I always keep it real at my workshops and crops.  If I think something is a good deal I tell you, if I don't...I tell you or I promote something else...

Well....I haven't said much about the new Artfully Sent Cricut Cartridge because I wasn't too excited about it.  I hadn't seen very many samples and I just didn't see the "vision" of it....Boy oh boy has that changed!  I love this cartridge!!!  It is completely different from the rest of our cartridges and the perfect complement to my collection!!

Okay, Okay... enough blabbing, it's time to start sharing some samples.

With Halloween just a little bit over a month away, it's time to start creating....

One of the features on the cartridge is slide cards.  Typically you make a pouch to slide another card in and out of (wait until you see my gift card ideas!!!) but for Halloween I thought it would be great to turn the pouch for the slide card into a treat pouch.

 

I used the Scaredy Cat Complements to make decorating the pouches quick and easy!

 Another fun way to decorate your projects it to cut out images from the patterned paper in the Scaredy Cat Paper Pack!

You can order your Artfully Sent Cricut Cartridge and the Scaredy Cat paper and complements 24/7 on my website. 

Want to get your cartridge for 1/2 off?  Contact me and we'll set up your party (in person or online via Facebook) and when your party reaches $250, you can get your cartridge for 1/2 off!!  What a deal!!!

Valentine Treat Tube

Here's another project featuring D1560 Holiday Tags.  The labels can be cut with the CTMH Artiste Cricut Cartridge, which makes it quick and easy to whip up a bunch of tags.
.

I cut the cranberry tag from page 37 of the Art Philosophy cartridge

And then cut the white tag 1/4 inch larger using Pg 50.  The wholes didn't line up perfectly so I just re-punched them.

Lava Cake Birthday Jar featuring CTMH Artiste Cricut Cartridge

I have to tell you, I am sooo BLESSED!!!  I have the MOST amazing customers.  Every month it seems like somebody brings me a goodie or a treat.  Many of them know about my Hello Kitty love and they just can't resist it when they see something cute.  They simply have to bring it to me!  While I am truly grateful, I often think "don't they know I am supposed to spoil them?"

My birthday was last Monday and I got so many fun birthday wishes and surprises!  My buddies left me cards and presents on my porch.  When Candace found out there was not a party happening at my office, she showed up with balloons, cold stone cupcakes and lunch. Suddenly everyone at work had to run an errand and we had a fun afternoon party. LOL.  (Obviously I'm the one that plans all the parties in my department. oops)

I asked permission to share one little gift that just blew me away!  I am glad nobody saw me get  out of my car and run up to my porch to check it out.  It looked so stinkin cute sitting there waiting for me!  Hello it even had a spoon on it!! Love it.

My buddy Sandra used the Artiste Cricut Cartridge and the stamps that come with it to create this adorable lava cake in a jar.  The instructions said it had whipped cream frosting and to heat for 20 seconds in the microwave.  I couldn't eat it that night so I put it in the fridge for a couple of days.  (I'm not sure if it had to be refrigerated or not, but I was worried about the whip cream frosting.) Why oh why did I wait so long.  It was sooooo good.  The whip cream frosting really turned lava like. It was some ooey gooey goodness!!

This is one idea I definitely plan to copy.  I felt to special and loved and it was adorable too.

Thank you to everyone that reminded me how truly blessed I am to know so many fabulous people!!!

Artiste Images:

• Banner - Accent 1 pg 35
• Cupcake - Pg. 69
• Birthday Wishes - Accent - Pg. 77

CTMH Easter Basket using Artiste Cricut Cartridge

Still playing around with the "Spring" key on the Close To My Heart (CTMH) Artiste Cricut Cartridge.  There are so many fun projects on this one little key.  It could keep me busy for a while!

This time I made the cute little strawberry basket and turned it into an Easter basket.  Quick, easy and fun!

I wove some of our Chantilly fabric through the sides of the basket and embellished with the Easter Wishes stamp set.

Products Used:

• Cotton Candy Cardstock
• Cotton Candy ink pad
• Key Lime Cardstock (retired - you could use pear or sweet leaf)
• B1422 Easter Wishes
• Close To My Heart Artiste Cricut Cartridge

In case you missed it - here's the post where I featured the Butterfly Boxes from the same key.

CTMH Artiste Butterfly Boxes

My buddy Candace was prepping for one of her workshops and inspired me to make these adorable butterfly boxes with the Close To My Heart (CTMH) Artiste Cricut Cartridge.

I know many of my customers qualified for the Dotty For You campaign a while back so I thought it would be fun to show you something you can do with some of the paper you might have left.

Project Details:
Size - 3"
Key - Spring pg 73

Wrap it Up! Christmas #2

Here's another fun little gift box idea

Once again I used my Dimensional Elements In Color - Holiday to quickly decorate my  box, but you can easily adapt this to any gift giving holiday and embellish with stamps, tags, dimensional elements, ribbon and so much more.

Have you made a gable box with your Artiste Cartridge?  I'd love to see what you came up with!


Artiste Cartridge - Pg. 37

• Key = 7
• Feature = 3d Object
• Size = fit to page 12 x 12 

Sizing Tip:  For some reason I've noticed that my boxes will cut bigger if I use the fit to page feature.  For instance, if the fit to page says it will cut a box 4" and I turn the feature off and then set my size to 4", the cricut will say the image won't fit.  

Wrap It Up - Christmas #1

With only two more weeks until Christmas, it's time to finish up the shopping and get those presents wrapped!  I'm going to share some fun little boxes, bags and tags that you can create to personalize and decorate gifts for co-workers, friends and all those people that provide you with great service throughout the year (hair dressers, dog groomers, water delivery, trash pick-up, apartment managers etc.....)

To make embellishing quick and easy, I used the Dimensional Elements In Color - Holiday.  

I used the Artiste Cartridge

• Key = 1
• Feature = 3d Object 
• Size = fit to page on 12x12

To decorate the flap with a coordinating paper or color, attach a rectangle of the paper to the flap, flip over and trim along the edge with scissors.

CTMH Halloween Display Tray featuring Moonlight Complements

I was so excited when I saw all the fun Halloween supplies in our Idea Book/Catalog. It was really hard not to immediately begin creating!  I know it's still a little early, but October will be here before you know it and October 1st is the day I start decorating my office!

This project was so quick, easy and fun and I am making it EVEN easier for all my customers.

All you have to do is buy the display tray ($19.95) and the Moonlight Complements Dimensional Elements ($4.95) and I will provide the paper, cricut cuts, and close-up photo needed to complete the project.

You can easily personalize the project by putting photos in a couple of the sections instead of the decorations.

When you are done you will have a few elements left over that you can use on your other spooky projects.

CTMH Art Philosophy Cricut Project - Vinyl on Cups

I held a scrapbook retreat for my customers at Rabbit Hill Ranch back in June and I still have projects and updates to post about it.

This was one of my favorites! 

Forgive the crazy photo...we had to hold up a black hoodie to make a makeshift backdrop in order to get the cups to show up in the picture. LOL.  We forgot to take a picture before a few of the cups went home. 

I like to put little goodies out on the tables throughout the weekend so I kind of collect things in the weeks and months leading up to the retreat.  Thanks to my buddy Candace, I was able to pick up these acrylic tumblers.

I had planned to put a cute tag or something on them and then at the last minute I had a brainstorm....

Why not cut their names on the cricut with the Art Philosophy cartridge and personalize them??

So I enlisted the help of my husband and we quickly put the names on the night before the retreat.  I still had plenty of vinyl leftover so I turned it into a vinyl lesson at the retreat and let my customers cut out the design of their choice to add to their cups.

They turned out so cute and it ended up being a fun project!  So fun that I will be helping the girls at church to decorate their water bottles for camp tomorrow night.

Workshops Available! - Contact me to book your own Cricut Vinyl workshop in the San Diego area.

June Workshop featuring Superhero Paper Pack

I'm having fun getting ready for our June workshop!  Here's a little sneak peek at one of our projects.

This quick and easy chipboard album can be personalized to fit a variety of Superhero's in your life!  Great to document a child's birthday, Father's day, your adventures at Comic Con (annual convention held in San Diego), and much more.

Your $10 kit (additional shipping cost will apply for mail orders) will include:

• Color photos of my sample
• Chipboard album pieces (you will punch holes with crop-o-dile when complete)
• Binder rings
• Assorted ribbon
• 1/2 pack Superhero paper pack
• Stamped images from C1485 Super Powers and the stamp set in the Superhero WOTG kit. 

Please note, you will stamp your own images at the workshop.  If this kit is ordered by mail you can stamp your own images or I will stamp an assortment of images if requested.  Sorry cannot accommodate requests for specific images/colors.

Please RSVP and place your order by May 31. 

Workshop

Saturday, June 9, 2012

Rec Room in Lakeside, CA  

11:00am

Easter Treats

When I got an invitation to a little Easter Dinner last night, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to create a little Easter treat for everyone AND enter the H2H Challenge for this week, so I ran to the store, picked up some little treats and whipped up 12 of these cute little treat bags.  I was able to use some scraps leftover from my workshops.  I love it when I'm able to use some of the bits and pieces I have left to make something fun.

The saying says "Happy Easter to My Peeps."

Supplies Used:
B7149B Lucy Paper Pack
B1402 My Peeps
Inks: Grey Wool, Cotton Candy, Desert Sand (for sponging)

Posting Issues - Christmas Fun

Well, I planned a bunch of posts and scheduled them too...sadly something happened and they never got to you.  (haha, the holidays must be invading my brain and incorporating sad rhyming in my writing)

I figured the problem out a while ago, but for some reason I just didn't feel like fixing it.  I guess I was irritated, annoyed or just plain overwhelmed with life. Maybe I just needed a break?

Well folks, my "break" is over and it's time to get this show on the road and start posting all the cool things I have been creating.  I'm sure many of you need some last minute inspiration, right?

First up is a little box I made using the Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge.  I used plain white cardstock and the stamp set from the Believe Workshop on the Go to add my own pattern to the box.  This is a very economical way to decorate your boxes!  And the best part?  I can switch up the colors and use the very same design for any party all year long!

I also used the B1390 Countdown for the little circle on the front.  Another fun set that can be used all year long.

Why not...

• Create a scavenger hunt birthday and number little gifts or clues along the way.
• Create birthday cupcake toppers with the age (1, 2, 3, 50, 60, 90!)
• You can use the numbers on a birthday card too.

I'm always looking for fun container to "alter" and I picked this one up at Smart N Final.  The "trick" to this is, you have to create a angled pattern to wrap around the container.  Everyone who attended my Santa's workshop had the opportunity to copy my pattern so they could use this idea again.

Love the little tag on the top!  It's from...you guessed it... the Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge.  It has a little tree cutout so I placed it on Topiary paper.  Fun and Easy!

And every other year or so I have to put a new spin on Snowman Soup.  This year I found these cool truffle boxes.  They are clear so you can see the contents inside.  My upline, Bren Yule, saw me designing my project...I had the card cut...the layers done...and I was working on the cocoa cup and she said.. "I have the perfect idea for you....Put the All Decked Out Snowman head in the cup."  It was the finishing touch I needed!!!!  Plus I was able to show my customers how to use a mask when they stamped their cup and snowman.

Well I hope you have gotten a little inspiration.  I have a few more photos to post...and a brand new camera (that was ANOTHER reason I was absent for a while...my camera bit the dust!).  Anyway...my new camera takes amazing pictures!

Watch out Disneyland....

The crazy Close To My Heart gals have taken over the Disney Hotel. LOL.  Nothing much to report yet...but here's a picture of the goodies I brought for my downline and my roomies.

The small Mickey head was a little foam stamp I got at the 99 cent store.  I made the large Mickey heads using the circles in the Hit the Spot stamp set.  I had so much fun making these...

January 2010 - Stamp of the Month Blog Hop

Happy New Year!!!  And what a year it's going to be.  So many fun paper packs and stamp sets coming our way!!!

Starting with.... the January Stamp of the Month

Find Your Style (D1452 - Set of 9)

 (If you came here from Traci's Blog, you're on the right path.)

 I love, love, love this stamp set! It is so fun to stamp! You can stamp it in a solid color and it looks beautiful or you can do some stamp rolling, like I did in the sample below. Ink the stamp in the lighter color first (Sweet Leaf) and then roll the edges in a darker color (Juniper).

Now head on over to Judy's Blog to see what she came up with.

Halloween Treat Bags

Ok folks this is just the beginning of paper bag fun!!! I bought a whole case of these cute little bags and I have oodles and oodles of ideas swimming around in my head! I can't wait to share them with you. I'm sure a few of the projects at our Santa's Workshop will feature them!

Tips and Techniques
Stamp up a hole page of these cute little monsters from the Party Animal set. Put the stamped images (I like to cut them into squares so I'm working with one image at a time), a pair of micro tip scissors and colored pencils in a zip-top bag. Clip the bag to a clipboard and you're ready to go. Grab the little kit and color while you're watching tv, during your lunch at work or while you're waiting for kids at soccer practice. Before you know it you'll have a whole little stash of these monsters ready to go.

I put together about 20 bags in less than a half hour. I cut the tags on my cricut, sponged the edges, added a spider web and a scrap piece of patterned paper and boom they were done!!

I'm thinking a little box of these goodies might be headed to the dispatch team at hubby's work.

Close To My Heart Supplies Used:
D1437 Party Animal
D1439 Spook Alley (spider web and saying)
X7129B Hooligans Paper Pack