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 13: Snow Days Shaker Card

Advent Cards to College Day 13 - 2010

Supplies

CTMH Stamp Sets: Snow Days (C1420) pg 23 AW Idea Book, Snow Flurries (D1384) pg 41 AW Idea Book

CTMH Exclusive Inks: Spring Iris & Black

CTMH Card Stock: Spring Iris & White Daisy

CTMH White Daisy Grosgrain ribbon

Fine Sandpaper 220 grit

Martha Steward Mica

Chunky Glitter (mix with the mica to create the snow)

Foam strips to create the pocket area for the shaker part of the card

Terrifically Tacky Tape

Piece of plastic to create window area

Cuttlebug embossing folder

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 10: All the Best Wishes

Advent Cards to College Day 10 - 2010

Today is another card created by CTMH consultant Jean.  I love the way she brought all the greens together.  Normally I'm not a real big "green" fan -- but this card is just gorgeous in person. :)  This is again using the CTMH Level 2 Mistletoe Paper pack.  What a great way to combine the green side of the snowflake papers from the pack with the cuttlebug dry embossing folder!  It looks so sharp -- what you don't see well from the picture though is the tiny little sparkles to add just a touch of glitz to this card in the lower corner of the sentiment and on the ornament.  Cardstock used: Colonial White and Olive.

Tomorrow -- back to self-created cards with recipes. :)  see you then!

17 Days of CTMH Christmas Cards - Day 9: Dahlia Fold

Advent Cards to College Day 9 - 2010

Today's card is also designed by another CTMH Consultant (Jean) at the Christmas Card Extravaganza we had back in September.  Isn't it fantastic how a few circles can turn into such a beautiful flower!

This card uses the CTMH Mistletoe Level 2 paper pack (Fall 2010) and Colonial White CS.  My favorite papers in this pack are the red snowflakes, used here in this Dahlia fold card, and the green musical notes.  Card base is 5.5"x4.25"

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 CTMH Christmas Cards - Day 5: Oh, Tannenbaum

Advent Cards to College Day 5 - 2010

You can't really see it well from the picture (you have to look very close) but the entire tree is pierced with the paper piercing tool -- it looks cool in person, especially since it's raised off the surface to help the light shine through.  However, today's card is not my own creation.


Today's card is actually from the CTMH website video -- Art & Soul^®: Stencil, Sparkle, and Shine and can be found at:  http://stampmyart.myctmh.com/MyCTMH/CTMHTV.aspx  -- once there, you can watch the video, it's a little later on in the program, and just below that there is a link to see the materials used (including the Wishes Card Confidence Program).

If you need any supplies to create your card be sure to check my CTMH site where you can shop on line any time, and remember this month is Plenty for $20 special.  Make any $20 purchase on my website and get a FREE stamp set -- yes, you read that correctly -- a FREE stamp set.  Here are the details:

Place an order of $20 or more* on your Consultant’s MyCTMH website from December 1–31, 2010, and we’ll reward you with a popular, retired D-size stamp set for FREE! Talk about getting more for your money—the free stamp set is valued at $22.95 US / $26.95 CAN! We’re sure you’ll be thrilled with the set we pick out for you. We’re also giving you FREE shipping/handling and tax on your free stamp set. That’s a lot of Plenty for your Twenty! Grab Plenty for Twenty in December by visiting your Consultant’s MyCTMH website and making a qualifying purchase today!

See you tomorrow with a new card for Advent Cards to College Day 6!

Autumn Table Decor - CTMH Olivia papers

Autumn

The Close to My Heart Olivia Level 2 papers are perfect for fall decorations.

I made this table top decoration using coasters, my Bind-it-all, Modge Podge, some black acrylic paint, CTMH Ribbons and of course the Close to My Heart Olivia B&T Duos and Cardstock. I also sponged the edges of the letters with New England Ivy Exclusive inks to help them pop from the background. Look at the beautiful detail of the paper.

First, I painted the coasters black with an acrylic paint. Then, I used my Cricut to cut the Olivia B&T papers to fit with a 1/4" border. I also used my Cricut to cut the letters using the Georges and Basic Shapes Cartridge.

I applied the base B&T papers with the Modge Podge and then coated them with the Modge Podge to protect them from the environment. I applied the letters of "AUTUMN" using another coating of Modge Podge. I then applied a final coating of Modge Podge and let dry overnight.

Next, I punched with my Bind-it-all and used the 3/4" Antique Brass wire to bind them together.

Finally, I tied a variety of 1/4" CTMH ribbon (grosgrain and organza) on every other wire, alternating the variety of colors.

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.

Halloween: Trick-or-Treat Toppers

Wow! It's sure good to have my computer back. I can finally post on the blog again, LOL.  That's why the Tri-fold Card post took so long.  I actually started it in September, but was waiting for my computer back so I could post the pictures. It took longer than I expected, but it's back now. Yay!

Halloween is always a fun time. I love to see the children dress up and come visiting.  It's a great way to see how the neighborhood children change over the years.

Today's project is super easy. This year I've made treat toppers and filled cello bags with the goodies.  I was able to complete 40 while watching Survivor.  You'll love how simple and quick it is to complete, but shows the kids you're thinking of them! Have fun!  Oh, yeah, how do you like those pumpkins? heeheehee...

Supplies
CTMH Black CS 5" x 4" (folded in half to 2" x 5")
CTMH Orange CS (NLA - replaced by Sunset) 4.75" x 1.75"
Purple CS (an older color I had, so I thought I'd use it up) 4.5" x 1.5"
D1319 Creepy Cobwebs Stamp Set

Stamp on the purple CS, then layer purple on orange and orange on Black, fold in half; fill cello bag with treats; place topper over opening and staple closed.

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!

Random Tip Tuesday - Chipboard in a pinch

Need some chipboard and realize you don't have any, or you don't have enough to finish your project?  Maybe you need to save a couple bucks....  Either way, if you eat cereal for breakfast or have children who do, consider this thought -- cereal boxes make great alternate chipboard.  It's a great way to reuse and prevent landfill explosion.  It's even better than recycling in that it uses less energy to reuse something than to recycle it, LOL.

Cereal boxes are a nice thickness and especially so if you are adding a layer of card stock or decorative paper.  Check out my blog:  I used a cereal box to create this beautiful snowflake, this heart, and these snowflakes.  Go ahead give it try! ♥

See you on the next Random Tip Tuesday.

Jacksonbelle White, Brown and Blue Mojo Monday 128 with CTMH Emporium Papers

Mojo Monday 128 and JBE095

I love Mojo Monday's they always get me thinking...but this week it took a lot of thinking...and thinking...and thinking (LOL). At first glance it seemed like a simple challenge, the layout was one of the easiest I've seen, but for some reason I still had a creative block until I visited Jacksonbelle Tuesday challenge. This really helped me set a direction.  Once I saw the theme this week was a color challenge where you had to make a card or project using white, brown and blue it clicked and I was set to go.

Supplies

Close to My Heart Emporium Paper Packet

Close to My Heart Colonial White CS

Close to My Heart stamp set, You’re a Hoot (C1362)

Close to My Heart Exclusive Inks Cocoa ink Pad (z2114)

Close to My Heart Exclusive Inks Markers: Cocoa (Z2314), Sunflower (Z2350), Crystal Blue (Z2317)

Close to My Heart Bitty Brads Antiqued copper

Gems (very small in blue)

Pop Dots

**you can visit both blogs by clicking on the challenge names links above

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 17 & Just Buggin' Challenge #17 -Inky Fingers

This tri-fold card is brought to you by Cricut...LOL, naaahhh, by me, but Cricut was a big help. I just LOVE the center cut feature. Ever since I discovered that and how to use it, it's been soooooo amazing. Hey, I even pulled out some of my old wooden stamps for this...you can't get them anymore, but I love my stamps and can't part with them, LOL. (you can find the link to Just Buggin' Blog over to the left)

(Scanner does a nice job of capturing the overall card, but it does not do justice to the sparkles)

Well, can't believe I'm up to day 17 only one more card to go, whew....feels like a whirl wind of a couple weeks, hahahaa... So, now off to the actual card. I did need a few extra photos to actually show this card with all the different folds...the pictures from the scanner leave the sparkles flat and the actual camera photos make sparkles SPARKLE, but somewhat seem to change the colors! I'm still working on the lighting issues, someday I'll figure it out, LOL. :)

Soooo, are you ready for the long list of supplies and directions?

Supplies
Cricut Cartridges:
♦ Georges and Basic Shapes for opening in card face (pg 101) and creating oval (pg 114) template
♦ Snow Friends for snowman
♦ When it's Cold Outside 2009-2010 for snowflake
Close to My Heart Card Stock: Indian Corn Blue, White Daisy, Holiday Red
Cereal box, hahaha, yes -- I'm a recycler and this makes great chipboard....heeheehee
Stem from a large leaf -- gotta love nature!
Large red jewel
Red satin ribbon
Cotton Ball
Close to My Heart Winter stamp set (D1040) - believe and snowmen
Close to My Heart Frosty Friends stamp set (D1073) -- Snow family and snowflakes
Peachy Keen Stamps PK-520 Winter Face Assortment Pkg - for the face (of course, LOL)
Judi♥Kins 2203J Swirls (wood mount) Large background stamp
Close to My Heart Exclusive Inks Ink pads: White Daisy, Outdoor Denim, & black
Close to My Heart Exclusive Inks Markers: Orange and Outdoor Denim
Liquid Glue
White Acrylic Paint and wide brush or sponge applicator
Dauber Duo sponge
Stipple Brush
Martha Stewart Blue Topaz fine glitter
Martha Stewart Snowflakes
Adhesive
Pop-dots
Glue dots

Directions
• Card base from Indian Corn blue cut 4" off one side of a 12"x12" to make an 8"x12" piece, then cut an 1/8" off the 12" side. The First fold will be at 3-3/4" and the second one at 4" -- you will have 3 sections. The shortest section (the 3-3/4") will be the inside flap, the larger section the 4-1/8" is the outer part of the card and the part you will be CUTTING next.
• On the Cricut with the Georges cartridge in, find the desired shape -- figure out where the center of the space is on your card, and where you want your opening located --- then make sure you press the CENTER button on the cricut... set aside for now.
• Time for cereal -- Not! LOL... Get that cereal box and put it to some good use, cut it about 5"x5" lots bigger than you need and place inside surface UP on the Cricut cutting mat.
• Now use the Cricut "When it's Cold Outside" cartridge to cut the chosen snowflake.
• Paint entire surface with the White acrylic, while it's drying you have plenty more to do....
• Back to the Cricut - Cut out desired snow man and various accessories
• I wanted my hat and vest to have some decoration, which is where I used my old wooden background stamp -- you can leave yours plain if you like.
• Stamp the snowman's face (black) using the Cricut lines as a guide -- the straight line is where I put the mouth. Color in nose (orange).
• Put your snowman together using a good strong adhesive (I used my ATG) - don't put his arms on just yet, but do glue his hands to the leaf stem so they can be drying
• Use the Blue Denim ink to lightly sponge the edge and bottom of the snowman -- I just did the right side to give him a little shadow and some depth dimension
• Free hand cut a pile of snow, sponge the edge, giving a little more ink to some ares to create depth. Use your finger to spread some liquid glue around on the surface and then apply the snow flakes, let dry while you add pop-dots to the back of the snowman and apply his arms with plain ole scotch tape (no one will see). Turn him over and add cotton to top of hat and brim if desired. Let dry
• While snow man is drying check to see if snowflake is dry - if so, sponge the edges (inside and out) with the Denim Blue (you may not see this after you add the glitter, but glitter does tend to fall off during shipping or use, so it's better to have the snowflake still finished once this starts happening -- actually it looks pretty good without the glitter and if you're not a glitter nut like me you can just leave it plain, LOL) -- apply glue with a sponge applicator or just smear around with your finger both are good. :) Add glitter and let dry -- it won't take too long. Add a pop dot to the back, and then add your Jewel to the center (or not if you decided not to go with glitter) using the white glue. Let it dry while you move on to the next part of the card.

• Use the Cricut to create an oval stencil for making the shadowy white space to stamp "believe". I cut my oval at 2" -- see what works for you. Make sure you cut it with lots of border around the edges so when you stencil you stay within the area and don't have shadows outside where you want them.
• figure out your placement of the "believe" then use your stencil and Daisy White with the Stipple brush to stipple the area. Heavier towards the outer edges of the oval and fading to less and then none in the center.
• Stamp "Believe" first in Daisy white (to create a snowcap), clean your stamp then stamp again using the Denim -- great thing about the CTMH My Acrylics - You can SEE right where to place your image (move the second one just slightly down or up and over a bit so you create a shadow to make it look like snow sitting on the word) add ellipses with the Denim Marker. Now on to the inside first flap...
• With the card folded, find the first flap you will see when the card is opened. At the bottom, stamp: snowmen in Denim. Then, using the Denim marker create 3 more ellipses and add the word "in" just above Snowmen.
• Stamp the Snowflakes first in Denim, then in White to create a muted soft look - in upper corner.
• Add Ribbon around Snowman's neck for a scarf.



• Put snowman in position -- matching hat to open area, so you can't tell if it's Santa or ehem...the snowman, LOL.
• Put the Snowflake on front, just by window.

Write a nice message in side and send it off with lots of hugs!

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.

Christmas gift time: Creating a Purse with My Cricut!

Wow! Cricut is an amazing little friend. :) Isn't this just an adorable purse! Perfect for holding a gift card!



This is such a cute purse I made for my Grandniece for Christmas. It will hold a nice gift card or some pretend lipstick for her and she can play with it on Christmas day too...so it's not just a gift box. She is such a girly-girl...she'll just love it! ♥

Supplies used:
• Walk in My Garden Cricut Cartridge for the Butterfly (Butterfly1 pg 115, #34 if you number your buttons like I do)
• Tags, Bag, Boxes & More Cricut Cartridge for the Purse (purse2 pg 118, #37 if you number your buttons like me)
• 8" 1/2" wide ribbon
• Foam flower
• Stickles in black, blue, and purple
• Cardstock and decorative or textures paper
• Magnet
• Adhesive

1. Set your Cricut on Fit to Page to cut the purse (It comes out to around 5" or so)
2. Cut out the butterfly to a size you want or that looks good with your purse (mine is about 2" -- remember that's the height, not the width)
3. Decorate the wings, body and antenna with the Stickles and leave to dry (an hour or two) While that is drying move on to the next parts.

(Here's a close up of the butterfly after it's dry -- it looks soooo much better in person, LOL)

4. For the front flap, I just traced the top edge of the flap (didn't want to waste the whole paper just for the flap to have Cricut do it)
5. Glued in place with my ATG gun (my new favorite sticky toy, LOL)
6. Then, used the black Stickles to trim the edge
7. Next, glue the foam flower to the center to look like a button....


8. Cut a strip of matching decorative paper for the band towards the bottom -- 1/2" wide (I cut it 5" then lightly marked where to cut before I glued in place)
9. Make sure your butterfly is dry then use some pop dots and put it on the band at an angle or however you like.


10. Now, it's time to put the ribbon handle on -- so nice of the Cricut to cut little holes for you to place the ribbon through. You can tie the ribbon in knots to keep it from pulling out or you can use your adhesive to glue it in place (depends on the look you want).

11. Finally glue the magnet to the inside of the flap and line up the matching piece on the front of the purse to help it stay closed. Works like a charm. :)

Ta-da! The perfect gift card holder and for the girly-girls a great little purse to tote around on Christmas day!