One of a Kind

It's that time of year again -- Time for The Christmas Card Extravaganza.  This year I created a 4"x4" pocket card to hold a miniature candy bar and used the sentiment "One of a Kind" -- hence the name of the card.

This card uses a new stamp set just released this fall (D1480) Snowflakes (my favourite winter theme).  Also used on the card and new this year is the Red Glitz Glitter Gel as well as the brown dotted paper from the new Wonderland paper packet.

You can find the supplies and directions here:
"One of a Kind" - Pocket Card

Video instructions here:

17 Days of CTMH Christmas Cards - Day 16: Circle Ornament Card

Advent Cards to College Day 16 - 2010

I wanted to create a card that looks like an ornament with ornaments on it so I used the CTMH Adron-able Stamp set (D1446) on a circle card (cut with my Cricut of course).

You can find the directions to this card in my Google Documents titled: Adornable Circle Ornament Card

17 Days of CTMH Christmas Cards - Day 15: A row of Snow Friends

Advent Cards to College Day 15

Interesting thing about this card.  When I first made it -- I didn't have it colored in and I liked it that way, then I thought well maybe it's too plain, so I colored it in.....oh, no!  I rethought maybe I should have left them plain.  So, time being what it is this time of year, I put it off for a few days before I went back to the beginning and started all over and made the plain one.  Well, as it turns out -- I ended up liking the colored one better, LOL.  So, now I have another to color, hehehehe...

You can find the supplies and directions to this card in with my Google Documents: Snow Friends

Only two more days of cards.  See you tomorrow with a Circle Ornament card. :)

17 Days of CTMH Christmas Cards - Day 12: Pull Out Tag

Advent Cards to College Day 12 – 2010

Supplies
CTMH paper pack Magnifique, Colonial White CS, Sky CS, Vineyard Berry CS, Grey Wool CS, (scrap) Moonstruck CS,
CTMH Vineyard Berry grosgrain ribbon
CTMH Exclusive Inks: Vineyard Berry, Sky, & Pacifica
CTMH Stamp sets: Bird Basics (D1338, page 41, Summer 2010 IB), Feathery Flakes (D1317, NLA), Tannenbaum (B1361, pg 43 Autumn/Winter 2010), Winter Wonder (D1241, NLA), Solos “C” (B1227, NLA)
Fiskars border punch/emboss: All a-fleur
Stapler: color your staples with a sharpie to blend in with the project
Piercing tool and pad
Sponge
Cricut Cartridge: Accent Essentials, page 79
Boho Flowers SU punch
Colonial White Brads
A post it or some other sticky to create a mask


For printable complete supplies and directions you can get them at my Google Documents: Pull Out Tag Card

See you tomorrow for Card 13!

17 Days of CTMH Christmas Cards - Day 6: Heartfelt Christmas Tree

Advent Card to College Day 6

(Sorry about the picture -- I had already mailed off the card before I realize there was glare on the right side there.)


Supplies & Cutting Directions
BASE 5" x 7" - CTMH New England Ivy (I used older CTMH paper that was textured and each side a different shade of the same color.  It matches with the New England Ivy on one side, but the other side is a much lighter color of green -- I miss those papers, I've been saving them in my stash for a special occasion -- what's more special than my daughter! :) )  You will have to cut a lighter shade of green to 2" x 7"
Barn Red CS - 2.25" x 4"
Colonial White CS - 2.25" x 4"
CTMH  Stamp Set: Heartfelt Christmas (C1378 from Fall 2009)
CTMH Exclusive Inks: New England Ivy & Vanilla Cream
CTMH Exclusive Inks Marker: Watermelon
Zig-Zag Corner trimmer by EK Success
CTMH Glitz (Stardust) Liquid Glitter
6 eyelets
Paper trimmer with scoring blade or some type of scoring system
Pop Dots -- the extra tall version

Crop-a-dile or some way to set your eyelets.

Assembly Directions
1. Stamp sentiment in lower left corner of card base with the Vanilla Cream.
2. Using your scoring blade or bone folder, score every 1/4" on the 2" x 7" piece (see picture for direction of score marks) - sponge lightly with the New England Ivy across the ridges created from scoring.  Attach to card base with the 6 eyelets and your Crop-a-dile (or eyelet setter).
3. Stamp tree using New England Ivy on both the Barn Red and the Colonial White pieces.  Cut out the tree from the Colonial White piece (cut off the dots, only leave the tree).  Color in hearts.
4. Use corner rounder on the Barn Red piece, then attach to slightly off center towards right on card base.
5. Now apply Glitz to color in the dots on the Barn Red Piece.
6. Put tall pop dots on cut out tree and attach direction over the barn red piece, then apply Glitz to all the dots on the tree as well.

17 Days of Christmas Cards - Day 2

Advent Cards to College Day 2 - 2010

It's day two of the Advent Card adventure! Today's card uses Close to My Heart's October Stamp of the Month Magic Moments and B & T papers from the Mistletoe Paper Packet.

Supplies
CTMH: Mistletoe Paper pack (level 2), ribbon – I used Hollyhock Twill, Liquid Glass, Brown Bag
and Tulip Exclusive Inks, Share the Magic Stamp Set – D1443 (SOTM – October)
Others: Martha Stewart Pine Branch Punch, Chalks, Adhesive, Glue Dots

The directions and supplies can be found in printable form at Window to Rudolph Cards Google Document.

Harvest Home

It's hard to believe fall is half over. The seasons seem to be flying. Well, that's what the retailers would have us believe anyway. Still fall here. I love the multi-colored leaves in the trees here in Pennsylvania -- the burnt oranges, and deep reds decorate the horizon making such a beautiful display. It may be raining today, but the trees are still hanging on to their leaves so far. Now, that you're in the fall mood, here's today's card.

Supplies
CTMH Bamboo CS: 8.5” x 5.5” (base) 1.5” x 3.5” sentiment
CTMH Colonial White CS: 2.5” x 2” image
CTMH Sunset CS: 2.75” x 2.25: backing for image
CTMH Olivia B&T duos: 1.75” x 5.5” & 3” x 5.5”
CTMH Harvest Home stamp set (C1419 – new fall 2010)
CTMH Exclusive Inks: Sunset (new fall 2010) & Cocoa
CTMH Exclusive Inks Markers: Sweet Leaf, Sorbet, Desert Sand, Brown Bag, Autumn Terracotta
CTMH Bitty Brads (3mm) Metal Collection: Antique Copper (Z1217)
Corner Rounder
Fiskars border punch Flowers
Adhesive

Visit a bountiful card for the complete directions.

Too Cute to Spook - Triangle Trifold Card

October has arrived and I get to create something with the cool new Hooligan papers and little Hooligan monsters. I really like how the card came together and I just love the Hooligan colors!

This card sounds more complicated than it is to create, but it's kind of hard to describe so I needed to make lots of steps.  It's an adorable square card that opens in an nontraditional way.  The two triangle left and right panels make it appear square, but when you open the card it's actually extra long.


Supplies
CTMH Black CS (1386)
CTMH Goldrush CS (1243)
CTMH Hooligans L2 Paper Packet (X7129B)
CTMH Hooligans L2 Assortment (Z1332) - smallest monster
CTMH Sunset Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad (Z2129)
CTMH Colonial White Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad (Z2168)
CTMH Black Exclusive Inks Marker (Z2305)
CTMH Creepy Cobwebs Stamp Set (D1319)
CTMH Troublemaker Stamp set (B1360) for the "too cute..." words (available exclusively w/ the Hooligans Workshop Kit)
Cricut with Accent Essentials Cartridge - Shape Accnt48s (page 79), cut at 2" on CTMH
8" Halloween Ribbon, cut one end at an angle and tie a knot on that end
Also needed, scoring blade or some way to score and adhesive

Cutting Directions
Black CS Base - 3.5" x 10.5"
B&T Duo Paper Square - 3.25" -- cut diagonally
Black CS Large square - 2.75"
B&T Duo Paper Square - 2.5"
Black CS smaller square - 2.25"
Goldrush CS smallest square - 2"


Putting Card together (see card picture for correct placement)

1. First, score your card base at 3.25" and 7" (creating 3 equal sections)
2. Fold the two flaps in and then back out for the next step.
3. On the two end pieces, you will score from the score line at an angle out to the corner (see open version of card for how the folds will look
4. Fold the angled pieces away from the card.  (you will now have 2 valley folds, the first two and two mountain folds, the last two on the angle); fold card closed
5. Now, glue the 2 B&T 3.25" triangles to each triangle section
6. Next, open card and stamp "Too Cute to Spook" saying towards bottom of center inside of card
7. Stamp cobweb with Sunset Exclusive Inks on the Accnt48 shape; also sponge edges with Sunset and write Happy Halloween in black
8. Now for the front while the inside is drying...Sponge the edges of the Goldrush square with the Sunset Ink.
9. Now, stack and attach the 3 remaining squares, plus the Sunset, in descending order ending with the Sunset.
10. Here's the slightly tricky part.  Place your square set where you want but do not attach yet.
11. Apply adhesive to HALF the square (on an ANGLE), so the adhesive will go in a diagonal fashion from the top corner to the bottom corner, and place on card front to the correct triangle half -- do not glue entire back or card will not open
12. Attach the Halloween Ribbon towards the bottom (leaving a little of the Goldrush showing on the bottom) -- wrap a small amount (without the knot) to back so you don't see end and attach ribbon securely with adhesive or pop dots only to half of card (or your card will not open)

Ariel Name Tag - CTMH Veranda

Ariel Name Tag and Binder Clip Stand

 

Our local Fair is coming next week and every year my daughter and I enter a few of our crafts for fun.  One of the things the Fair does is have a table decorating contest where there is a theme to follow and you have certain guidelines you have to meet.

This year's theme is "A Disney Dinner".  You have to decorate your table based on the theme, invite a specific person and plan a meal as well as decorate the table center piece including table ware.  All items must go with the theme.

We are doing the Little Mermaid.  So, for part of the table we had to have a name tag of our guest.  Today's blog is about the name tag I created using CTMH and Cricut; my two favorite crafting tools.

Ariel's name tag is a 3-dimensional tag using clear plastic or acetate to create a floating feeling -- like being under the sea.

I made the base using a binder clip and Fimo (aka Sculpey), some sand and shells.

I used the CTMH Paper Packet Veranda which is perfect with it's pretty bluish-green and yellow patterned paper and matching and contrasting browns to create the base for the name tag.

The 3 Cricut Cartridges I used are:

Wall Decor and More (I just love the monogram letters on this cartridge) - for the "A"

Accent Essentials for the base shape

Songbird for the "riel"

You can see more pictures and download the full directions with materials necessary here: Ariel Name Tag using CTMH papers and Cricut die cutting machine includes the directions for the binder clip stand.

Enjoy!

Mojo Monday 124 - Piece of Cake

Mojo Monday got me thinking this week...I used the CTMH February Stamp of the Month -- Piece of Cake (D1407) Stamp Set.

Supplies

Cuttle Bug -- deco squares embossing folder (not sure of the name will have to look for it)

CTMH SOTM Spring 2010 -- Piece of Cake Stamp Set (D1407)

Close to My Heart Day Dream paper packet

CTMH Exclusive Inks, Ink pads: Lilac Mist (Z2133), Sweet Leaf (Z2153), Créme Brulee (Z2167), Bubblegum (Z2109)

Colonial White crocheted Ribbon

Waterbrush (1771)

Marvy Uchida Medallion Circle Punch

Fiskars Floral border punch

Dried Flowers

Glue Dots, double-sided mounting foam

Directions

Create a (5.5" x 4.25") card base with the Daisy White in the Day Dream paper packet, sponge edges with Sweet Leaf.

Cut a piece of Sweet Leaf CS to 5.25" x 4"; run through your Cuttle Bug and attach to card base.

Stamp cake image on scrap of Daisy White CS; let dry before coloring with the waterbrush.

Attach B&T Duo paper (approx 1.5" x 2.75") to a 1.75" x 3" piece of Lilac Mist; cut another piece of B&T (2" x 2"); attach to card.

Using scraps of Blush and Daisy White, punch out medallion shapes (one each colour); sponge the white with Lilac Mist and stamp "Happy Birthday" with Lilac Mist; attach the sentiment slightly off-set on top of the blush.

Edge punch 1.5" x 4" Lilac Mist; attach Colonial White Crocheted Ribbon, then attach to card base.

Add Dried flowers with glue dot or double sided sticky mount, add another on top of that to attach the sentiment.

Attach the Cake with dimensionals/pop-dots/double-sided foam mounting tape.

Add sentiment inside as desired.

Valentine's Day: Romantic Love or All Love?

Valentine's Day is soon here and it's just bursting for card makin'!  A lot of people think that Valentine's is only about romance, but hey, let's face it there are a lot of single people out there. ...And what about our children? ...for some mothers they are first in their he♥rt and that, while not romantic, is sure worthy of remembrance.  Remember someone special in your life this Valentines day -- it's not just about the chocolates or the push of dead flowers (sorry, I rather have them in the ground, LOL) -- give them a hug or just let them know you are thinking of them this Valentines

I made this card for my daughter who is away at college. Many of you may remember the Advent Card a Day activity I did for her at Christmas time.  While this is not a multiple-day posting of Valentines cards, you'll find that I'm always sending her something at some time or another, LOL.  She also received a box of goodies (chocolates, stuffed creatures....you know the whole Valentine gamut from mom to daughter).

Today's card seems to fit many challenges ... I guess it is just the way with Valentines. :)  Two challenges here -- Check out Just Buggin' Challenge and for Crazy 4 Challenges links over there on the left.

***update posted 2/15/10 -- Forever Friends (words are the link back to the blog) just posted their challenge today and said you may use an already posted "Hearts" card.

To start, the heart and the shapes for the sentiment were made easier thanks to my Cricut! :)

Supplies and Directions
1.  From a small piece of Chipboard, cut 2.5” heart from Cricut cartridge Accent Essentials (pg 67); use sponge applicator to color entire surface with Close to My Heart Exclusive Inks Tulip (Z1266), then glue Martha Steward Red Micro Beads and set aside to dry. (Too much glue will make it curl, but not enough and the beads won’t stick.)

2.  Stamp tag (4 x’s) from Close to My Heart Stamp Set, February Word Puzzle (D1269) using CTMH Exclusive Inks Tulip (Z1266) on a scrap of Daisy White or Baby Pink CS – then choose which words you want to put on the tags (like the Valentines candy hearts) stamp each tag.  Next, punch a small hole in top, loop a piece of matching thread through the hole, and finally attach all together with a blush mini brad.  Set aside for later.

3. Time for Cricut again: Using CTMH Daisy White CS Cut Accent 48S (pg 48) from the Accent Essentials Cartridge at 2”, and then using the CTMH Baby Pink (1299) cut at 1.75”.  Sponge edges of both pieces with the CTMH Tulip, then stamp with sentiment from CTMH Stamp Set, February Word Puzzle (D1269) and the decorative embellishment stamp from Close to My Heart Stamp Set, Cherished Flourishes (D1413).  Attach the pink CS with the sentiment to the White CS. Set aside for later.

4.  Glue Day Dream Paper Packet: Lilac/Pink B&T duo paper 1.75” x 3” to Day Dream Paper Packet: Lilac 2” x 3.25”; set aside.

5.  Now, take a piece of Daisy White CS, cut to 4.5” x 12” and fold in half to create a 4.5” x 6” card base. Then, glue Day Dream Paper Packet: Pink side of B&T duo paper 4.25” x 5.75” (X7108B) to the card base.

6. Next, using Baby Pink CS 1.5” x  4.25” (1299) take the Fiskars All a-fleur Embossing Border Punch and finish one edge.  Cut a piece of CTMH Organdy with Satin Edges Colonial White Ribbon to 5.25” and adhere to the center of the baby pink piece, folding the edges around behind to hide them.  Then, cut a piece of CTMH Blush rickrack to the same size and attach to the center of the ribbon.

7.  Time to start putting the card together.  Glue the lilac combo to the upper left area of the card, then the sentiment to the right of that centered vertically.  Next, glue the baby pink ribbon combo just below the lilac piece.

8.  Attach the tags with a piece of matching thread or similar to the ribbon.  Next take a 12” piece of organdy ribbon and the same length of blush rickrack and tie them around the ribbon into a bow (leaving the rickrack dangle free.  Push the tags over towards the bow.  Use pop-dots on the back of the heart and the put in place over towards the right side of the card.

February: Romance, Friendship, Love and Family -- A month of love for all!

February always brings thoughts of romance, hearts and love, but love can be the friendship kind or the family kind too. Don't forget those that may not have a romantic relationship in their life; they still need to feel loved. Here's a simple quick card for February that leaves the hearts behind, but doesn't leave the heart ♥ out of the, "I'm thinking of you today" sentiment.

Supplies

• 2.5"x4.75" Close to My Heart Card Stock, Moonstruck 1293

• 5"x11" Close to My Heart Card Stock, Desert Sand 1273

• 4.5"x5" Close to My Heart Card Stock, Barn Red X5637

• 1"x4.75" Close to My Heart Card Stock, Colonial White 1388

• 5"x5" Close to My Heart Card Stock, Colonial White 1388

• Close to My Heart Exclusive Inks, Moonstruck Z2134

• VersaMark

• Dauber Duo sponge applicator

• Close to My Heart Stamp Set, Love Language D1343

• Close to My Heart Acrylic block size 3X3

• 21" Close to My Heart Grosgrain Ribbon, Cocoa Z1100

• Close to My Heart Embossing Powder, Cocoa Z1246

• Fiskars Dandy Doodles embossing edge punch

• Cuttle Bug Embossing Folder Stylized Flowers

• Pop dots

Directions

1. Fold the Desert Sand in half creating a 5"x5.5" card base; sponge all 4 sides with Moonstruck ink using the dauber duo.

2. Stamp the Bird using VersaMard on the 5"x5" piece of Colonial White CS. Emboss with the CTMH Cocoa embossing powder; cut out (this is the most time consuming piece, you may choose to leave as a square instead and just sponge the edges).

3. Using Moonstruck and dauber duo, sponge the white areas of the tail, wing and comb.

4. Emboss the Barn Red with the Cuttle Bug Stylized Flowers folder, then sponge the edges with Moonstruck. I also sponged the flowers. Attach to the card base (fold at top).

5. Edge punch the Moonstruck CS, set aside.

6. Cut the Cocoa Grosgrain ribbon into 4 pieces -- 1 piece 6" long the other 3 pieces at 5" each. Attach the 6" piece of ribbon to the 1"x4.75" Colonial White CS, hiding the ends on the back. Attach this to the waiting Moonstruck CS. Finally, attach group to left edge of Card base with the decorative edge facing toward the center of the card.

7. Next, use the remaining pieces of ribbon to tie three different knots, trim edges as desired.

8. Now, attach bird with pop-dots. If you like add a sentiment to the front, or just place inside.

The Last Christmas Card

I waited to post this card since it's the one I made for my daughter for Christmas day, then things were so busy I never had a chance to get on the computer, LOL. So, now it's late, sorry =( ...but maybe you can use the idea for another holiday or even for next year.

It's a square card with half circle flaps that fold in from all four sides. I created the shape using the Cricut Design Studio, but you could probably do the same by creating a square and then using a circle template on each of the four sides to create the half circles.

I ran two of the side flaps through the Cuttle Bug using the Snowflake embossing folder. I also used the Winter saying embossing folder for the inside on an iridescent Mylar.

The trees are from the Cricut Winter Collection using the layers and cutting off the top loop, then sprinkling with mica chips for snow effect.

The penguin is from Close to My Heart Winter Fun stamp set (C1330), which I used VersaMark ink and then embossed in black before using the water color pen to color the beak, feet, scarf and hat.

When I finished I mounted the whole card on a square piece of Colonial white to off-set all the blue when the card is in the closed position. The trees and the penguin are what make it so the card can stand on its own.

Here's a picture of the inside view; the Mylar looks really neat in person.


Here are a couple more views one from the side of the trees and one from the side of the penguin.



Hope you have fun making your own!

Sending the Advent Calendar on the Road - Day 16

The little penguins in this card are having "snow" much fun sledding down the hill...they're doing a real stand-up act on this easel card, hahaha.



Easel cards are a neat way to get a little more mileage from your card by using part of the inside to help support the outside picture. I love ♥ the way they are 3-dimensional in a unique way, but on this card, I even made my snow & penguins 3-dimensional for a little additional pop-up on this card.



Only two more cards and days until I leave to Pick up my daughter or do you say one day? Hmmmm...it's definitely 2 more until we see her, but there is only 1 day in between, LOL. ...Whichever -- so the 18th will be here, and I will be on a long-long drive there and then back again in the same day.




Supplies & Directions
♥ Close to My Heart Daisy White CS (1385) --to create card base, card front, penguins, and pop-up snow: 4" x 8"; score and crease in center and then choose one side and score and crease in the center of that section. Cut 2nd piece to 4"x4" and mount to bottom portion of front -- this is the part you folded the 2nd time.
♥ Close to My Heart Indian Corn Blue CS (1284) -- for background 4"x3"
♥ Close to My Heart Winter Fun Stamp Set (C1330)
♥ Close to My Heart Exclusive Inks Moonstruck Ink Pad (z2134) - "Winter is *Snow* Much Fun"
♥ VersaMark Ink Pad
♥ Embossing pen
♥ Embossing Powder Disco Black by Stamp-n-stuff
♥ Embossing Powder Snowflake Tinsel by PSE (Personal Stamp Exchange)
♥ Cuttle Bug Embossing Folder "Snowflakes"
♥ Snowflake brad
♥ Close to My Heart Daisy White bitty brad from Brad Assortments -- Essential (z1219)
♥ Dimensionals or pop-dots (foreground snow and penguins)
♥ Chalk - blue
♥ Close to My Heart Exclusive Inks Markers: Orange (z2338) beaks and feet, Holiday Red (z2327) hat & scarf if you don't use ribbon, Dutch Blue (z2319) and Star Spangled Blue (z2349) hat, scarf and puffs of snow detail with shadows using both blues
♥ 6" Red satin ribbon 1/8" wide for penguin's scarf -- or you can just use the scarf you stamp
♥ Piercing tool set (make a hole for snowflake and bitty brads)

♥ Emboss CTMH Indian Corn Blue with the snowflakes and mount on top portion of front of card.
♥ Pierce the center of one of the snowflakes and add the snowflake brad.
♥ Cut 4"x3" piece of Daisy White into shape of snow banks and hills, draw little tufts of snow randomly with the blue markers, next highlight with blue chalk, and then stamp saying. For extra on sparkle use the embossing pen to go over a couple of the bumps and then use the snowflake tinsel; use pop-dots to pop from bottom portion of front of card
♥ Stamp Penguin image with VersaMark, apply the Disco Black and heat emboss.
♥ Use the embossing pen to color in faces (except eyes) and bellies of penguins, sprinkle with snowflake embossing powder and heat again.
♥ Finish coloring in the penguins and cut out
♥ Add ribbon around neck of 2nd penguin
♥ Adhere plenty of pop-dots and place penguins wher ethey look good on the hill
♥ Stand up card how you want it to look, then make a place in the center for the brad.
♥ Pierce hold for brad, insert brad and card will now stand using the brad to keep it from slipping

Have a great day. Happy Holidays!

Sending the Advent Calendar on the Road - Day 15

Ohhhh, such a busy, busy schedule today...had to do a quick-quick card. Gotta take care of some car stuff for when my daughter comes home in a few days and a bunch of other errands. Thankfully Cricut was willing to help out. :)

The season is full of joy, and joy is on its way home in a couple of days in the form of my daughter... :) So, today's card is a JOYful Ornament, which is quick and easy. Sorry about the sparkles not showing....trying to be quick and did it on the scanner; does look better in person, LOL.




Supplies & Directions
• Cardstock to create a 5.25"x5.25" card base
• 5.25" x 5.25" Close to My Heart Back Country Paper Level 2 -- use the blue side of the wood grain; distress all four edges.
• 5"x5" Green CS (some green I had left over) -- distress 3 edges after edge punching one edge with the
• Threading Waters edge punch, then glue the green CS to the Back Country paper
• Us the Cricut Wild Card Cartridge to cut 2 sizes of the ornament (pg 74) from the LINER version of the card (one at 4.5" and one at 4") then sponge edges filling in pretty close to center with...
• Close to My Heart Exclusive Inks Moonstruck Ink Pad
• Glue white grosgrain ribbon to the upper back side of the ornament and then glue ornament to the greed CS set.
• Next, glue the lose end of the ribbon to the back of the set and then glue entire set to card face.
• Stamp message with Close to My Heart Exclusive Inks Moonstruck Ink Pad.
• I mixed blue glitter with snowflake tinsel embossing powder to add a bit more than white for color.

All done...see that was quick. Gotta run -- see you tomorrow for day 16.

Mojo Monday 116

This is my first ever Mojo Monday. I just happened upon it this week when I was visiting some blogs from FaceBook, and one of them mentioned Mojo Monday. What a neat idea!

Here is my try at it....


I created this card with my daughter in mind. She is away at college and getting ready for her finals (all this week). She loves penguins and loves to ski. She asked if we would take her skiing when she is home on break. So, I thought this little skiing penguin from CTMH would be perfect. I've been making her a different card every day since the 1st of December because she is missing the advent calendar at home. It has been fun making a new card a day and this was a neat kind of fun because it was like having a little help thinking of it with the pattern already there to get me started. Since I am making this also for my daughter I will not be posting the regular Advent Calendar Card Away At College that I've been posting.

Supplies
Close to My Heart Aspen Paper packet Level 2 (x7103B)
Close to My Heart December Word Puzzle stamp set (D1313) - sentiment
Close to My Heart Winter Fun (C1330) - Penguin
Close to My Heart Exclusive Inks Outdoor Denim stamp pad (z2140)
Close to My Heart Exclusive Inks Dutch Blue marker (z2319)
Close to My Heart Exclusive Inks Orange marker (z2338)
Close to My Heart Exclusive Inks Honey marker (z2362)
Close to My Heart Colonial White grosgrain ribbon (from the colonial collection z1126)
VersaMark Ink Pad (z891)
Cuttle Bug Embossing Folder Snowflakes
Pop dots or some kind of dimensional
Stampendous Kaleidoscope Transparent Embossing Powder

You can find the template and the contest here:

.

Sending the Advent Calendar on the Road - Day 14

Well, yesterday (Friday, 11 December) was the last day for PSU regular classes, so next week all week is finals week. My daughter's last final ends at 4:30 next Friday --- way to have the very last final, LOL...poor kid -- all her friends will already be gone home when she is still there taking that last final.

As you know these cards are running ahead of schedule by 2 days to account for mail....so we will finish the cards a couple days before she actually finishes classes, just in case any of you are following along and creating your own cards.

So here ya' go on to today's card...Sexy Santa all done with her shopping!

(hard to see the detail with a scanned picture, but the ornament has little diamond sparkle chips and is done in liquid glass, also the fur trim on the girl's dress all glitter)

Today for some reason I went a little pink, heehee... Just pulling out and using up some of my old stash....hmmmm some of it I wonder what I was thinking when I bought it, LOL. I'm glad to finally have my papers organized so that I can actually find them. It makes it much easier to use them up. The more I use the old stuff the more I see why other CTMH consultants are purists on the Close to My Heart Products. Wow! You sure can't beat the quality. I like some of the designs of my older stuff, but then they don't seem as "rich" in color as the CTMH stuff and so I end up using CTMH papers instead of using up my miscellaneous supplies, LOL. Today, I did actually use some other papers mixed in with the CTMH stuff. :) You'll have to click on the image to make it bigger to actually see the glitter effects and the liquid glass...neither show up in the small size.


Supplies
Mostly papers I have around don't know colors or names, sorry
CTMH Jingle Paper Level 2
Close to My Heart Holiday Jingle Stamp Set (C1371) - HoHoHo saying
Close to My Heart Ms. Holiday Cheer (D1374) - for the Shopping gal, this is one of my favorites released this fall
Threading Water edge punch
Close to My Heart Colonial White grosgrain ribbon
Sparkles
White glitter chips (Martha Stewart)
Chalks
Close to My Heart Exclusive Inks Holiday Red Stamp Pad
Close to My Heart Exclusive Inks Black Stamp Pad
Liquid Glass (one of my all time favorite things to do to create dimension in scrapbooking)
Pop Dots


Directions
◘ Stamp girl, color with chalk, cut out, apply glue with small paint brush add glitter; let dry
◘ Stamp HoHoHo (on CS sponged with the Holiday Red ink around edges and attached to darker CS) and add sparkles to the dots on the ornament, let dry
◘ Edge punch a 1" piece of coordinating paper
◘ Glue main color over entire card base and add a the punched piece
◘ Attach ribbon to the Jingle paper and then glue in the center of the card base
◘ Add the girl with pop dots
◘ Attach the HoHoHo, apply liquid glass

Send off with lots of hugs! :)

Sending the Advent Calendar on the Road - Day 13

Today I started in one direction and didn't like how the card was turning out...so as I was moving things around and trying to achieve a specific look, I realized if I remove a card stock here and add an extra wide ribbon there...well, that's all it took to get the card rolling in the right direction.

Sometimes these things come to me as I'm making them. Sometimes they are inspired by another card I've seen or sometimes like today...I think I'm going to do a specific thing, only it turns out it doesn't look the way I thought it should, and I have to make some changes to get back on the right track.

So, on to today's card...



Supplies
5.5"x6" card base
4.5" x 4.5" Close to My Heart Holiday Red CS (1274)
4.25" x 4.25" Close to My Heart Colonial White CS (1388)
Velum
Wide wired seasonal ribbon, edges folded under to match the width of the card
21" of grosgrain ribbon, cut in to three 7" sections
Close to My Heart Holiday Commentary Stamp Set (C1379) - Christmas
Close to My Heart Rustic Flowers Stamp Set (D1186) - large pattern & open flower
Close to My Heart Exclusive Inks Holiday Red Ink Pad (z2127)
Close to My Heart Exclusive Inks Sunflower Ink Pad (z2150)
Close to My Heart Exclusive Inks White Daisy Ink Pad (z2163)
Close to My Heart Edge Distresser (z1297)
Chalks - medium green
Button
Zots glue Dots
Terrifically Tacky Tape
Adhesive
small clear sparkle


Directions
♥ Glue the Wide ribbon to the top edge or the far right edge of the card using the Terrifically Tacky Tape (this is great for mounting unlike surfaces)
♥ Distress the edges of both the Red and White CS
♥ Stamp the large decorative background with the Sunflower Yellow onto the Colonial White, let dry
♥ Stamp the Large loopy flower on the velum with the White Daisy ink; when dry, cut out around the flower just outside of the inked area (you may have to leave sit for a bit or use a heat tool to speed the process)
♥ Using the medium green chalk, chalk over the yellow you stamped on the Colonial White CS earlier, fuzzing out the edges a bit
♥ Use a glue dot to adhere the button to the flower and another glue dot or two to adhere the flower to the center of the stamped CS.
♥ Stamp Christmas towards the bottom
♥ Glue set to card base
♥ Tie all three ribbon pieces together in one large knot and adhere to card with glue dots
♥ Glue small sparkle to the dot on the "i" in Christmas

Enjoy!

Sending the Advent Calendar on the Road - Day 12

Shake, shake --- shake your snowman....LOL. Today I made a shaker card. Lots of fun to play with. Shake this way - shake that way...shaka-shaka, watch the snow falla. :) A bit more difficult to actually see the shaky part in a still photograph. Soooooo, scroll to the bottom for a little video clip of the shaking part.

(Ooooh, so bummer....I had the directions all typed up and FireFox crashed before I could save and grrrr...they are all gone. hahahaha....so, let me know if it's missing stuff because on the repeat I may have thought I did it, but it didn't get back in...sorry.)


Supplies
Close to My Heart Daisy White CS (1385)
Close to My Heart Key Lime CS (1235)
Close to My Heart Merry Pursuits Stamp Set (B1313) -- Build a snowman elf
Close to My Heart Holiday Trinkets Stamp Set(D1366) -- Snowflakes, trees, dots, & message
Close to My Heart Exclusive Inks Markers: Citrus Leaf (z2312), Bamboo (z2303), Holiday Red (z2327)
Close to My Heart Exclusive Inks: Clover Meadow Ink Pad and Black Ink Pad
VersaMark Stamp Pad
Zig Embossing Pen (Z724)
Sparkles
Embossing heat tool
Embossing Powders: snowflake glitter and clear
Chunky Glitter
Grosgrain ribbon
ProvCraft Terrifically Tacky Tape (1/8")
Cricut Cartridge: Wild Card
liquid glue

Directions
♦ With the Wild Card cartridge in the Cricut, cut out the Birthday card (page 40) at 8.25" (you will need a 10" x 11" card stock)
♦ Use the Clover Meadow Ink to stamp the dots just under the window, the trees towards the bottom of the card, and the message inside the card.
♦ Cut the White Daisy CS 1/8" bigger than the opening. Stamp the Elf/snowman (line it up in the window to make sure you don't have any open edges showing; all you should see is the white from the image CS, not the green from the inside of the card) -- color in desired colors.
♦ Cut Transparency about 1/8" bigger than the opening. Line up with opening making sure it completely covers the opening, use a small piece of tape on one edge to hold in place for the next step; the tape is not staying.
♦ Using the VersaMark and the small snowflakes -- randomly stamp the snowflakes on the top part of the card letting a couple hit the transparency. Sprinkle with the snowflake glitter. Now remove the transparency from the card being careful not to touch the embossing powder -- you will need to heat emboss separate from the card as the card will tolerate more heat. Heat emboss the card, then holding the heat tool at a distance and moving often heat the transparency. If it warps, turn it over and heat a little more to help it reshape or while it's still warm press under some heavy books.
♦ Match the edges of the transparency to the window area and the overlapped stamped snowflakes. Use the Terrifically tacky Tape on the FRONT to hold in place (the best stuff to use for this).
♦ Now place a small amount of chunky glitter in the center.
♦ Put the Terrifically Tacky Tape on the FRONT of the CS with the image on it; line up your edges, and make sure your image looks the way you want, and then seal in place.
♦ Decorate the trees with the sparkles/glitz and add a bow -- Shake-away!

Sending the Advent Calendar on the Road - Day 11

I can't believe I'm already up to day 11 of creating cards to send to my daughter. Yikes! The month is sure going fast.



Today's card takes a bit more time if you are creating along with me. It's a split open card, like double doors opening, so you cannot use a standard card base you will need to make your own for this one.




I don't think the pictures do it justice -- as with many things that glitter or sparkle it's so much prettier in person than what the camera or scanner can capture (well at least with the equipment I currently have, LOL). The scanner just plain failed this time around, LOL...I had to resort to the camera and downloading...hahaahaa. :)

Can you believe I only used one stamp set this time? I know. Amazing, isn't it?

Here I am listening to the newest Green Day and typing quickly away in hopes that the supplies and directions don't take me longer to put together than the card, LOL...(so many of the other cards were quicker than compiling the information,hahahaha). ...but, I guess ---- I should get to the point...

Supplies
Close to My Heart CS:
• Holiday Red (1274)
• Colonial White (1388)
• Daisy White (1385)
Close to My Heart Exclusive Inks:
• Ponderosa Pine Ink Pad (z2145)
• Holiday Red Ink Pad (z2127)
Close to My Heart Holiday Warmth Stamp Set (D1376)
Close to My Heart Exclusive Inks Markers:
• Citrus Leaf (z2312)
• Clover Meadow (z2313)
• Star Spangled Blue (z2349)
• Crystal Blue (z2317)
• Petal (z2361)
• White Daisy (z2359 -- to tone down the color of the petal on the present)
• Holiday Red (z2327)
• Watermelon (z2358)
Embossing Pen by EK Success (CTMH product number z724)
VersaMark (CTMH product number z891)
Sparkles or jewels
Martha Steward Peridot green/gold shimmers (beware verrrrrrry static-y more than glitter or embossing powders)
Translucent Embossing powder (for the bow on the blue package, you'll need to look close in the picture because it's hard to tell...again, it looks better in person)
Star brad
Silver Stickels
Heat tool
Sponge
Chalks
Pop Dots
Liquid Glue
Adhesive
Sponge applicator if you don't want to use your fingers

Directions
• Cut Holiday Red CS to 10" x 6.5" -- mark, score and fold on 2.5" from edge on each side (giving you a 5" center, with two flaps) - Strengthen the creases making sure they are very tight (or the card will just keep fighting to stay open)
• Cut Colonial White CS to 4.5" x 6.25", use Holiday Red and sponge to sponge the 4 sides.
• Stamp the tree in the center of the Colonial White/Holiday Red piece of CS, color with the Clover Meadow, don't worry about being perfect, it won't show much. It's just to keep any white from showing later -- cut in half (2.5") when finished coloring.
• Stamp chosen sentiment inside of card.
• On a scrap piece of Daisy White use the VersaMark and stamp the dove, let set while you ....
• Take a scrap piece of Colonial White stamp the two different presents and color with your markers. Use your embossing pen to go over the ribbon on the blue package and add the translucent embossing power and heat. Then carefully cut out (I used an exact-o knife to cut the bow openings before cutting the packages from the main part of the CS. Put pop-dots on the back of the packages.
• Now back to the dove. Use the light or medium blue chalk and lightly go over the area where the dove is hiding -- it will magically appear. Cut out and put a pop-dot on the back.
• Apply stickles to the star brad set aside to dry.
• Apply adhesive to the back of the tree pieces you cut earlier, carefully match the center of one edge to the center of one of the flaps. Once that is done you need to carefully match up the tree pieces.
• Put sparkles on the ornaments and randomly on the tree where you want.
• Now for some fun and a little tricky stickiness... Open card up flat and turn over so you have one half of the tree to work with - apply liquid glue and make sure you cover the entire tree (use a sponge applicator or artist brush to get to all the areas) being careful around the sparkles. Apply the Green/gold sprinkles. Repeat for other side.
• Apply presents and Dove
• Flatten star brad and carefully push one side between the two layers of CS at the top where the star is, use the other side to help keep the card closed.

Whew! alllllll done.