Inspirational Art Canvas

Art Canvas

• Cut a piece of cardstock to the size of your canvas. (Tip: Do all your stamping and inking first before attaching the cardstock to the canvas.)
• Select four or five alphabet stamp sets, varying the size and styles. (Tip: You can create this “subway art” look with whatever alphabet sets you have on hand.)
• Choose a few simple icon stamps to fill in empty areas.
• Play around with the placement and spacing of the letters and icons before stamping.
• Stamp the words and icons with black StazOn^® ink.
• Attach the finished cardstock piece using a thin coat of Mod Podge applied to the canvas.

http://tuttonstreasures.blogspot.com/2010/09/m-stix-tutorial.html

m&m candy tutorial

Artwork created with August Stamp of the Month

August AMAZING PromotionS!!

From August 15 - August 31 there are 3 STUPENDOUS SPECIALS that intersect with Close To My Heart. In fact, if you spend $75 (before shipping and tax) during this period of time, you earn over $40 in stamp sets FREE and another $17.95 stamp set for only $5! No foolin'! Dounle up on promotions this month but only during Aug 15-31st!
Here's how it works:

1. Purchase $50 in product (before shipping and tax) and get the August Stamp of the Month (Wicked) for only $5 ($17.95 value). That $55 also counts toward the $75 in #3 below. The card at the beginning of the post is a standard size card (4 1/4" x 5 1/2") that I made using this set (products used list at the end of this post).
2. When you spend the $50, and then the $5 for the Stamp of the Month (worth $17.95), you also get this darling "A Typeface" stamp set FREE ($6.95 value).
3. Add another $20 in product to your order, so you are spending $75 (before shipping and tax) and get Close To My Heart's first ever DOUBLE stamp set called "Pair-a-Phrase" (two of our "D" size stamp sheets, worth $17.95 each, for a total of $35.90 in value) FREE!

Pennant n Balloon card

I love a homemade card. And, I am sure you will love this one. Who can resist smiling at the bright colors, pennants and balloons?

Thanks P.Dolecki for sharing.

CTMH says "Cricut"

I will admit I love the Cricut! Do I own one? No. I have an addictive personality and a very small budget...honestly,  a zero budget for hobbies right now. So, I have never bought one. No sense in owning the machine if I can't purchase all the coordinating goodies, right? Thank goodness for friends and my kids' school who own one and graciously loan their machines to me. Well, times have changed for me! CTMH has teamed with the makers of Cricut and created an exclusive cartridge for CTMH. It has over 700 images, comes packaged in a bundle with 3 exclusive CTMH stamps AND (as if that wasn't enough) coordinates with numerous stamp sets in the Fall 2011 catalog! I have my catalog now. You can get yours August 1st!! I have decided now is the time for Cricut ownership. With over 700 images and all the other possibilities, this one cartridge will be enough for creative heaven!

Gift: Card box with month cards

JUBILATION June SOTM CARD SET: Cards are 4x4; Box 4.5W, 4.5H, 3D

Stamps: Jubilation SOTM, In the Month of Jan., In the Month of Feb., Snow Flurries

Paper: Sweetheart, Wings CB, Sophia, Fanfare, Hooligans, Olivia, Mayberry

Cardstock: White Daisy, Colonial White, Dutch Blue, Sky, Black, Topiary, Pear, Pacifica, Sunset, Barn Red, Olive, Cocoa

Ink: White Daisy, Cocoa, Dutch Blue, Tulip, Topiary, Hollyhock, Blush, Sunny Yellow, Black, Chocolate, Goldrush, Autumn Terracotta, Olive, Smoothie

Embellishments: White Daisy Brads, Bitty Sparkles, White Daisy Grosgrain, Lime Green Stickles, Holiday Button, Olive Waxy Flax, Cranberry Grosgrain, Glitz, Black Stitched Ribbon, Black Diamond Stickles, Chocolate Organdy, Olive Stitched Ribbon, Colonial White Bigger Brads, Designer Brads

Tools: 4x4 Envelope Flats, Terrifically Tacky Tape, 2" Scallop Circle Punch, Piercing Tool, Sponge, 3D Foam Tape, Glue Dots, 1/2 Velcro Dot 

Thanks T.Lunceford for sharing your great idea!

Layouts: Fanfare paper pack part 2

Another 4 layouts using the Fanfare paper pack. The pattern names are:

Fantastic Five
Sweet Symphony
Jazzy Combination
Portrait Collection
Backstage
Super J (from Studio J)
Abstract
Powerful Trio

Layouts: Fanfare paper pack

4 fabulous layouts created using the Fanfare paper pack. Available until July 31st for $12.95 plus tax and shipping. Tomorrow will display 4 more layouts. Check back soon.

July promotion: Bang for your Buck!

 Bang for your Buck!!

 IT’S SIMPLE. SPEND $50, THEN CHOOSE A BONUS ITEM FOR $1 (FIVE products to choose from). Because everyone loves more bang for the buck!

Eligible $1 Bonus Items:
• Creative Basics® Mistletoe Collection
• Creative Basics® Animal Cookies Collection
• My Originals® Bits & Pieces Card Kit
• My Originals® It’s Your Day Card Kit
• My Originals® Around the Holidays Card Kit

PLUS, don't forget that a $50 order will give you the July Stamp of the Month set (shown below) at 50% off. Another bonus savings for you! :) How cute are your 4th of July pictures going to look in your scrapbooks using this set?

Card: Celebrate with the July sotm

Happy 4th of July! Enjoy your summer celebrations with this fun card. The exclusive July stamp of the month is available in the month of July only. Purchase it for $22.95 or earn it at a discount with purchase, even FREE! I love stars especially this set. Look for more artwork created with this stamp in the near future.

June promotion reminder: Studio J free jpeg

If you haven't created a layout with Studio J, it is not too late. You have until midnight June 30th. I created mine and love it. Love the layout and love Studio J! It was so easy. While I love papercrafting, Studio J makes scrapbooking so easy especially for the multiple books I maintain. Below is the layout I created with Studio J. I plan to print a copy for each of my siblings and parents. With a membership, the layouts will cost $6.50 each and no additional time. I get to simply click 6 copies and checkout. Easy peasy lemon squeezey!

Paper Cake...magnificent

It is hard to write words or provide a worthy description since you are probably still gasping in awe. This paper cake was created by a fellow consultant, Tracey Mason as a gift for a friend's son's wedding. The cake is actually paper mache' round containers covered in paper textured by the cuttlebug (you can buy similar pre made paper), decorated with CTMH pearl opagues and Tracey's one of a kind swirl paper flowers, tiny pinecones from her yard and green 'twigs' are a punch from Martha Stewart (available at Hobby Lobby and Micheal's). The blue 'ribbon' is simply paper but real ribbon would be just as beautiful. My goal this summer is to re-create this gorgeous cake. Can't wait to share it with you.

Freezer meals: Pork Barbacoa

My family especially Abby loves this meal! She is definitely a carnivore. The recipe is from Macey's crock pot dinner solutions. I have made it as a crock pot meal and as a freezer meal. Listed is the crock pot instructions and afterwards my suggestions for converting it to a freezer meal.

Pork Barbacoa
Mix the following a bowl:
3 tsp garlic powder
4 tsp cumin
3 tsp molasses
5 cans tomato sauce
1 1/2 c brown sugar
4 c Dr. Pepper soda

Pour sauce mixture over pork roast in a crock pot and cook on low 6-7 hours.
Shred meat meat, return to pot and cook 1 hour in the sauce on low.
Keep warm until ready to serve.
Serve in flour tortillas. Garnish with lettuce, cheese and sour cream

Conversion Suggestion:
You have 2 options. First, follow the crock pot directions and freeze after meat has cooked for 6-7 hours. Then, shred meat and freeze in sauce. Reheat shredded meat and sauce when ready to serve. Or, secondly,  freeze raw meat and Dr. Pepper in a gallon size bag. Combine other ingredients in a quart size bag and freeze. When ready to use, thaw in fridge. Cook in crock pot as directed above.

Freezer meal: Diablo chicken

Another easy recipe from Macey's grocery store's crock pot dinner solutions. You can find all their recipes archived at www.maceys.com/crocktalk

Diablo Chicken
6 boneless skinless chicken breasts
4 tbsp butter
1/2 c honey
1/4 c dijon mustard
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp curry powder

If making as a crock pot meal, place bottom in crock first and pour the sauce mixture over top. Cook on low for 8 hours.
If making into a freezer meal: place all ingredients together in to a freezer gallon sized bag. Seal and freeze. Thaw in fridge when ready to use. Place in a 9x13 baking dish and bake at 350' for 30 mins or until internal temperature reaches 165'.

Freezer meal: Pork Tenderloin

I have a new love with pork tenderloins. Baked correctly, these pieces of pork are tender and juicy. I purchase mine from a warehouse store for optimal pricing.

Pork Tenderloin

In a gallon freezer bag place:
1 pork tenderloin
2/3 c soy sauce
2 tsp garlic
1 tbsp ginger
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 black pepper
1 c ketchup
1/4 c sugar
1/4 c white cooking wine (very inexpensive  about $1 at walmart)
1 oz honey

In a quart bag place:

1 tbsp vegetable oil
1/2 tbsp sesame oil
1/3 c vidalia onion, chopped
1/3 c celery, chopped
1/3 c carrot, chopped
1/3 c red pepper, chopped
1/3 c green bell pepper, chopped
1 c pineapple chunks

Seal bags. Place together inside a gallon size freezer bag. Label and freeze. Thaw in fridge when ready to use. Can be cooked in crock pot for 4-6 hours on low or placed in oven at 350' for 30 minutes.

Freezer meal: Polynesian Pork Chops

This recipe is courtesy of Macey's grocery store. They offer weekly crock pot dinner solutions. This is their recipe. I suggest serving it with rice and a yummy salad.

Polynesian Pork Chops:

In a gallon size freezer bag place:
4 3/4 inch think boneless pork chops
1 can of golden mushroom soup
20 oz can of pineapple chunks
1 tsp garlic powder or minced garlic
1/4 c water
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 Tbsp honey

Label. Freeze. Thaw in fridge when ready to use.

June promotion: Studio J free jpeg

Studio J is an awesome FREE online scrapbooking option for those who need to get caught up, have limited creative working space, can't find time to scrapbook, need to make multiple projects or love the ease of working on a computer!Best of all, Studio J is FREE to use. Costs incur for printing only.

In June, you will also get a FREE jpeg file of one project. Use the jpeg (the digital copy) to print at your favorite printing store or to share digitally (on a blog or by email).

Click the Studio J button on the right of the blog or go to www.tabatha.myctmh.com and click Studio J. Create an account (to save your work for free for 90 days) and begin uploading photos. Super easy!

Email me your jpeg to be entered into a contest for a $25 gift certificate!! Winner announced July 5th.

Freezer meal: Denison's Lasagna

Here is my hubby's favorite lasagna. The recipe is a family tradition and favorite of my best friend (and partner in crime) Mallory Denison Miller. Thank you Denison family for sharing!

Denison Lasagna
1lb hamburger
3 1/2 c diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
8 oz seasoned tomato sauce
envelope of Spaghetti sauce mix
6 oz mozzarella cheese
2 c cottage cheese
1  box lasagna noodles

Brown hamburger with diced tomatoes, tomato sauce and envelope of seasoning. Cook noodles al dente. In a disposable aluminum baking dish, layer meat mixture, cottage cheese, mozzarella cheese and lasagna noodles. Cover. Label and freeze.

Bake frozen for 2 hrs or thawed for 1 hour at 375'

Freezer meal: Candied Carrots

Don't forget that side dishes and breakfast items can become freezer meals also. Below is a yummy recipe for Candied Baby Carrots. A favorite in our house. It is the only way my kids will eat cooked carrots. With the butter and sugars, can you tell why?

Candied Carrots
2lb bag of baby carrots
1 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar
1/2 c butter
1/2 c brown sugar

Place carrots, salt and sugar in a bag together. Place the remaining ingredients together in a quart size ziploc. Place both bags together in a gallon size bag. Label and freeze.

When ready to use, place carrots, salt and sugar in a saucepan. Cover with water. Boil; reduce heat to medium and cook for 20 minutes. Drain. Add butter and brown sugar. Cook 5 mins. Serve!

Freezer meals: Honey Lime Chicken

In my searches for recipes, the term 'Freezer Meal' seems to have many definitions. I think of a freezer meal as a dish of unbaked food tossed in a bag and placed in the freezer for later cooking and consumption. But, I find many cookbooks full of recipes of cooked meal, frozen and re-cooked. Isn't that a left over??? Below is one of those "questionable" recipes. It is delicious. To make it a Tabatha-approved recipe, I would follow the suggestions under the original recipe. This recipe was found online at http://www.30mealsinoneday.com


 Honey Lime Chicken

2lbs chicken tenders
1/2 Tbsp garlic salt
1 Tbsp peanut oil
20 oz can of pineapple rings
1/4 c honey
3 Tbsp lime juice
2 Tbsp soy sauce
1 Tbsp cornstarch


Original directions:
Sprinkle chicken with garlic salt. Brown in oil. Add 1/4 of pineapple juice to skillet. Cover. Simmer 6-8 mins until chicken is golden brown. Remove chicken. Add honey, lime, soy, cornstarch and remaining pineapple juice to existing juices in pan. Bring to boil, cook until clear-about 1 minutes. Remove. Cool. Place chicken, pineapple rings and sauce in bag together. Freeze.
Thaw in fridge when ready to use. Heat in 9x13 dish in oven for 30 mins at 350'

Tab directions:
Place frozen chicken tenders in a ziploc bag with garlic salt and 1/4 c pineapple juice and pineapple rings. Seal. Set aside.
In a quart size ziploc, place remaining pineapple juice, lime juice, soy sauce, honey and cornstarch. Seal. Set aside.  Place both bags into a large gallon size bag with instructions.

Instructions: Thaw in fridge. Place chicken mixture in a 9x13 dish. Boil sauce for 1 min or until clear and thick. Pour over chicken. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes or until chicken reaches 165'

Freezer meals: Stuffed Shells

I love pasta! And, I love cheese!! Enter in Stuffed Shells....I am in love! The secret to freezing pasta...under cook it before freezing otherwise it will turn to mush. Yuck! This recipe is from Kraft foods. I use to receive a free quarterly magazine from Kraft Foods and tore out this favorite. I now receive weekly emails. You can sign up at http://www.kraftfoods.com/. When preparing this, I suggest doubling it. Not only do the cheeses come from the grocer in the doubled size containers but with little work you will have 2 meals prepared.

Stuffed Shells (single tray measurements)

12 jumbo shells, cooked al dente (under cooked)
4 oz mozzarella cheese, divided. use 3/4 c in shells. remaining on top
8 oz ricotta cheese
2 oz parmesan cheese
1 egg
1/4 tsp pepper
1 jar spaghetti sauce

Combine cheeses, egg and pepper in a bowl. Spoon into shell unto full. Place filled shells into a disposable tin (can be a pie tin or cake pan. these are inexpensive and can be found a grocery stores and $1 stores). Pour spaghetti sauce over the top. Top with remaining mozzarella cheese.
Cover and freeze.
Thaw in fridge when ready to use.
Preheat oven to 350'
Bake for 30 mins.

Freezer meals: Almond Chicken

I shared this recipe at a church function and it was well received. I found the recipe in a church produced cookbook from Beaverton, OR. The recipe is similar to one from the great freezer meal company Dream Dinners. For convenience and gourmet taste, Dream Dinners is great. You can see if a location is near you by searching http://www.dreamdinners.com/

Almond Chicken

6 chicken breasts (frozen is cheapest and convenient but fresh is ok)
3 eggs, beaten
1/2 c sliced almonds
2 c bread crumbs (I prefer Panko bread crumbs)
black pepper to taste

Place frozen chicken breasts in a freezer gallon size. Add beaten to eggs to chicken bag. Seal bag. In another quart sized bag, place bread crumbs, almonds and pepper. Seal crumb bag. Place the 2 sealed bags inside a 3 gallon sized bag for storage. Freeze.

Thaw in fridge when ready to use.
Drain excess egg from chicken.
Dredge chicken in bread crumb mix.
Place in a greased 9x13 baking dish
Bake 30 mins at 350'  

Freezer meal: Gorgonzola Stuffed Meatloaf

Here is one of my favorite freezer meals. I love the gourmet taste of this meal. Give it a try for yourself and comment how you like it. *This recipe was created for me by my awesome cousin Mindi. The recipe and other fabulous foods can be found on her blog http://www.mindikamoments.blogspot.com/   I strongly recommend checking out her blog. Become a follower to stay on top of updates.

Gorgonzola Stuffed Meatloaf

12 oz ground beef
12 oz ground turkey
4-6 green onions, chopped
1 c toasted Panko bread crumbs
2 eggs
4 Tbsp. dijon mustard
3 Tbsp kethcup
2 Tbsp worcestershire sauce
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
4-6 oz gorgonzola cheese, crumbled

Preheat oven to 375' (unless preparing as a freezer meal)
Add all ingredients except gorgonzola cheese to a large bowl.
Using your hands stir well. It is the best way to insure everything gets mixed.

*If preparing as a freezer meal- place meat mixture in a gallon size freezer bag. Label and freeze. When you are ready to use, place bag in fridge to thaw. Do not freeze gorgonzola.

Divide meat in half. Take half and place flattened in a greased 9x13
Lay gorgonzola in middle of meat.
Cover with other half of meat mixture. Spray with cooking spray
Bake 375' for 1 hour or until 165'
Cool 10 mins, then drizzle with balsamic glaze (optional)

Purchase balsamic glaze or make your own (1 c balsamic vinegar and 2 tbsp brown sugar. Combine a saucepan; bring to a boil then reduce hear to medium high and cook 5-10 mins until reduces to a syrup)

Time

There is rarely a day that passes that I don't hear "How did you get all of that done today?" Usually, it comes from my hubby but often from my friends. First of all, I am pretty sure I have Redbull running through my veins...or atleast a higher dose of adrenaline. Or maybe it is ADD. I don't like to sit still or can rarely do so. I prefer to keep busy and sometimes...most times...it is self inflicted. I am mother of 4 children beginning the prime of life's activities so I am pretty sure my life will get busier. I am actively involved in my childrens lives which means many hours volunteering, driving and cheering them on. I also refuse to give up my life. I have loves, hobbies and interests. How does one balance the life she chooses? That is where my Secondly and Thirdly come in. Secondly, I know my limitations. My boundaries are large and can be stretched which allows more accomplishment in a day. But, don't mess with my sleep or I turn into bear. My brain cannot process on less than 9-10 hours of sleep. Thirdly, it does take skills in Time Management. I was taught this in my youth when so much was required of me. Things had to be done for the family before I could do for myself. Therefore, create systems to work more efficiently and free up time. As a mother these same principles apply. One of my secrets for freeing up time is preparing FREEZER MEALS. For the next few weeks I will be sharing some of my favorite freezer meal recipes. I did not create them. I have found them in cookbooks, from friends, on the internet, etc. I will give credit in each post if I remember where I got the recipe.

Thank you for the recipes requests. Women especially my sister in law, Kaylyn have inspired me. I now share in hopes of helping you.

3x3 Thank you gift card and bag

I created these little cuties to attach to a gift bag (see below) as part of a thank you gift to be presented to 19 women who have volunteered at a local school.

I love the classic look of the black and white. I added the color to infuse a little sass of color. They turned out adorable and I love them.

Bags from Xpedx

Created these 3x3 cards with:
2x3 grey scroll print paper from Hobby Lobby
1x3 Silhoutte dot paper from CTMH
d1361 Thank you stamp from CTMH
Clear sparkles z1104 from CTMH


Inside these cute bags- bobby pins with either a resin rose or jeweled brads on the ends. Very cute!

National Scrapbooking Promotion May 1-31st

Available for the month of May. This 'too cute' for words kit is a worthy addition to your scrapbook. Can be combined with the May stamp of the month promotion for additional savings.

3options to get your hands on this adorable kit:

Sign up as a Close To My Heart Consultant during May (at half price!!!! Only $65 for over $300 worth of kit goodies) and get the kit FREE with your New Consultant Kit. Just head to my website and go to town. I suggest for your 3 "Choose Me" kit options that you do kits 2, 3 or 4, and 5.

• Spend a minimum of $50 in CTMH products (before shipping and tax) and get it for only $15. You can call or email me with your order (801.830.5160, tabathafergus@hotmail.com) or just go right to my website. You'll be prompted to add this set at the end of your order.
• Purchase it outright for $34.95. You can call or email me with your order (801.830.5160, tabathafergus@hotmail.com) or just go right to my website. You'll be prompted to add this set at the end of your order.

Now on to the details of the kit. It includes:

• 1- D size ($22.95 value) "You & Me" Stamp Set
• 1 - 12" x 12" Colonial White Cardstock
• 6 - 12" x 12" B&T (Patterned Paper) Duos (New Cardstock Weight!)
• 1 - 6" x 9" You & Me Irresistibles Chipboard Die Cut Sheet
• 1 yd. Chocolate Striped Ribbon
• 1 pkg. Opaques Mocha Adhesive Gems
• 1 - Full-Color Cutting and Instruction Guide

Studio J Editing Tool

Bliss Sympathy Card

Bliss Sympathy Card

A beautiful card for a sensitive and special time. Created using the Bliss paper packet, the quiet neutral tones will share reverence and your heartfelt love.

Bliss x7132b
Universal Backgrounds stamp D1477
Color Ready Craft Borders z1377
Cocoa ribbon z1316 

Studio J step by step tutorial

If you haven't tried Close To My Heart's user-friendly and oh-so-beautiful answer to digital scrapbooking: Studio J, NOW is the time! This just over 7-minute tutorial gives you all the basics you need to make your first layout...and MORE! You'll LOVE it! 

Studio J is FREE to create. No need to purchase programs or bog down your computer with downloads. Your projects will be saved for 90 days. Plenty of time to create multiple pages and purchase in quantity for better deals on shipping and pricing. Memberships are offered for AMAZING savings but not necessary.

Give Studio J a try! Click on the badge at the top of my blog for easier travels to Studio J.

                      More chocolately deliciousness artwork using the Color Resist with Spray Pen

Technique: Color Resist with Spray Pen

The super talented K.Pedersen shared this card on her blog. I admit, I am an addicted follower! I love her style and ability to combine products...from old to new, colors, etc.

In this beauty, she shared a color resist technique. It takes a few steps but all are easy. Yet, your final result is elegance.

Directions:
1. Embossed the stamped image from Close To My Heart's April Stamp of the Month with the Versamark Pad and White Daisy Embossing Powder on White Daisy Cardstock.
2. Filled my Spray Pen up to the first line with Chocolate Re-Inker and then to the third line with water.
3. Sprayed the embossed paper lightly with the above mixture until I got the desired look. Hint: if you want a soft look with light spray marks like my card, be sure to hold your spray pen about 6-8 inches away from the paper you are spraying and press the nozzle fast.
4. I used my Heat Gun to dry this quickly.
5. I then used my Waterbrush and picked up color from my Cotton Candy Stamp Pad and my Pear Stamp Pad to color in the flowers.

The Chocolate Cardstock that I used in the background is stamped tone-on-tone with the butterfly image from the stamp set with Chocolate Ink.

For the card: I have been making tons of 3.5" x 8" cards lately. I love these little puppies. Not only do they fit simply in a legal size envelope to mail, they also cut easily from a standard (8.5" x 11") sheet of cardstock. Just cut a 7" x 8" piece and fold in half on the 7" side. You'll have enough cardstock left for stamping on pieces and using them to layer. Cool beans!


She used the April 2011 stamp of the month. You can purchase it or earn it FREE with qualifying purchase on my website http://www.tabatha.myctmh.com/


April Stamp of the Month



Chipboard Monograms

A is for Abby

 Covering chipboard is one of my favorite things. I made these monogram letters for my girls' doors. Another reason I love crafting: personalization. With each project I make, I customize the project and colors to the recepicient. Abby is my everything pink girl. I was able to find super cute pink paper with shades of pink and brown dots. Maddy, on the other hand, is an all blue nothing pink kind of girl. She loves shades of blue especially oceanic hues. Instead of dots or stripes, I opted for a more fun grown up yet sassy flower print that reminded me of the islands. 

M is for Maddy

Don't forget the embellishments! They are as important as the basic supplies. Currently, my favorite dimensional embellishment is the accordian flower. Easy to make but packs a big punch. I will post a video tutorial on how to make this style paper flower.

Accordian flower

Tutorial: Pinwheels

<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/uZEgWyl4tCI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

Tutorial: Video Presentation

<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/U8u-Py68klw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

CTMH: April Campaign

 I love the ease and speed of Close to my Heart's level 1 paper packets. Preprinted pages and coordinating stickers make scrapbooking faster.simpler.easier. Give level 1 paper kits a try today. For the beginning scrapbooker or the expert with limited time.

Bling. Bling. Bling. I love bling! With CTMH's Sparkles you too can add bling to your projects!

Available in 4 collections: bitty clear, clear (2 shapes and 4 sizes), blue & green assortment and red, pink & purple assortment. At $2.95 each collections, you can afford all 4 collections. Self adhesive.

Don't forget the super vintage Opaques! Available in 3 collections: Licorice (black, greys), Mocha (browns and tan) and Pearl (cream) these gems are self adhesive for instant glamour. ($2.95 each collection)

And the Winner is...............

Congratulations to Bethany G for winning the custom made Sophia layout! I will deliver this after spring break. See you soon! Congratulations again!

Look in May for another contest and giveaway.

Olive the Owl

Olive by simplykellyb

 One of my followers suggested a blog and I am so glad I looked at it! I found an amazingly creative site brimming full of great ideas and projects. I, too, suggest you take a stroll over and look for yourself. Her template for Olive the Owl can be purchased for $4 (pattern is emailed). This first photo is from her website. Olive swept me off my feet with cuteness and jealousy (got to make one now!). I bought the template and went to work. *Warning: Olive is large at about 2 feet long and addicting. I already have plans to make 9 more!
Below are 2 other owls: Olivia and Oliver.
I made Olivia with a vintage feel and my creative partner in crime, Mallory, created Oliver to hang in a boys room. Each owl is unique and fun. I love them all! Can't wait to finish the other 9. I am preparing for a boutique April 22nd (more details to come). If you don't want to create one for yourself, you are welcome to stop by my booth and purchase one.

Visit this link for ideas and to purchase the owl template:
www.simplykellyb.blogspot.com

Olivia by Tabatha

Oliver by Mallory

Monday 'Minders

Just a few quick reminders for this week:

This is the last week to enter to win the cute Sophia layout showcased at the beginning of the month. Search "contest" to find the details and picture of the layout. Good luck!

Also, I will be placing an order this Wednesday March 30th and invite you to join me! As a 'thank you' I am offering FREE shipping. Combine this deal with CTMH's Block Party for additional savings. (Purchase $25 in stamps and choose a FREE acrylic block 3x3 or 2x6 1/2). Order and payment must be received by 7 p.m. March 30th to qualify for FREE shipping. 

Layouts: Mayberry

Here are 2 of 6 layouts made from the Mayberry paper packet (x7136, $12.95). Layouts also include the Kraft Color Ready borders (z1377, $5.95) and Pewter mini medley accents collections (z1243, $4.95). All 3 can be found on my "favorites" list. From summertime activities to beachy vacations, this paper collection is a must have! Watch for the other 4 layouts to be shared this week. P.S. You can make all 6 layouts as shown with supplies to spare for $26.80! Wowsers! Attend a workshop or schedule your own.

Tutorial: 3D Pop up Balloon card

I was recently directed to a blog titled Valita's Fresh Folds.  She has a cute balloon card she got from another source.  I thought I'd make a smaller version to fit in a standard 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" envelope and share it with you!

 First, let me show you what I came up with for the outside of the card.  I cut strips of leftover paper using the same colors as the balloons on the inside of the card.  (I love using up scraps!)  The colored strips were mounted with foam tape to add visual interest.  A simple stamp from the "Card Chatter--Birthday" stamp set, inked in black, finished the front.  But let's get to the card base and the inside----the really fun part!

Begin with a 5 1/2" x 10 1/2" piece of cardstock.  Score at 4 1/4", 4 3/4", 5 1/4", 5 3/4", and 6 1/4".

Fold  your cardstock: Mountain, valley, mountain, valley, mountain.  Notice how the folds stack together in your hand, as if you were starting to make a paper fan from your childhood.  Lay the paper back out on the table and add a strip of Tacky Tape to the inside of the last two score lines.  Remove the pink backing and refold the card base.

Flip the card open to the inside.  You will see that two folded strips have formed in the middle.  Add a strip of Tacky Tape to the inside of both strips like this.

Remove the pink backing.  Add your balloons, cutting the acetate at varying lengths to make some balloons appear higher than other ones.  After adding your balloons, pinch the two folds together to sandwich the balloons neatly in between.

Note:

I used my Cricut cartridge "Celebrations" to cut out the balloons, using paper from the local Michael's.  Why not CTMH paper?  I had twenty cards worth of balloons to create and decided to make good use of paper from my pre-CTMH days.

1/8" strips of acetate were sandwiched between two balloon cutouts to create one clean-looking balloon.  (If you don't have acetate, re-purpose food packaging to achieve the same look.)

 

Photos & directions shared by Brenda F. another talented CTMH consultant. Thanks for the awesome idea!

Promotion: Free Acrylix block

Build your collection with a FREE acrylix block! Simply purchase $25 minimum in stamps and then choose a FREE block....3x3 or 2x6 1/2. Yippee for FREE!

For the best value, choose an A- and C-sized stamp set. I am so excited for this offer and will be getting Eclectic Edges (C1450, pg. 93) and A Tulip (A1111, pg. 55). Look for artwork soon.

Available for the month of March. Contact me to place an order or shop online.

Technique: Kraft Color-Ready Borders in Action

Spotlight: Caring for your Acrylix Stamps and Blocks

Caring for your CTMH Acrylix Stamps and Blocks is easy. These products of superior quality and are made to last. The following are handy tips on how to clean them.

You will want to clean your stamps right after you have stamped your images. Using the CTMH stamp scruber and cleaner makes this task easy.

Simply spritz a little cleaner onto the raised side of the stamp scrubber. With your stamp still on the block, gently rub your stamp over the damp scrubber. (I like to use little circular motions.) Then, rub your stamp over the dry side of the scrubber to finish. Peel off your stamp and return it to its storage sheet.

You can gently rub your empty block across the stamp scrubber (if your srubber is pretty clean) to clean and dry it, too--before storing it away for another day. CTMH offers a microfiber cloth to help dry your acrylix blocks. I recommend purchasing one of these, as it will help leave your blocks scratch-less and lint-free. Many digital cameras come standard with the same type of cloth. These are also acceptable to use.

About the stamp scrubber: It doesn't cost very much and does such a great job cleaning the stamps! Well, let me just say the purchase was so worth it. I simply remember to rinse the scrubber under warm water when it needs it--as, with use, a little build-up can occur.

Now, back to the CTMH Acrylix Stamps. Over time, they may lose a little of their sticky-ness. This is perfectly normal. When this happens, use a colander from your kitchen (don't want to lose any down the drain) and warm water and a drop of dish soap to rinse your stamps. Then, leave the stamps in the colander to air dry. After they are dry, return the stamps to their storage sheet for future use.

Occasionally your stamps may require extra care. This doesn't happen often and I will be happy to give you tips on how to do this. A quick visit to my website and you can drop me an email. I'll get back with you promptly.

I hope this helps you enjoy your CTMH Acrylix products for years and years to come!

Mayberry Cards

These happy spring cards were shared by another consultant, Donna. I love the focus on the yellow print from the Mayberry paper pack by CTMH. You can't help but feel happy and smile when receiving these cards.

Products:
Birdhouse stamp set from office
Buttons
Natural Hemp #z280 $2.25
Mayberry Workshop Kit #G1022 $29.95
Includes- exclusive stamp set
Mayberry level 2 paper packet
Canvas Badge Buttons
Workshop Guide (full color with cutting directions)