Damask Divas September Blog Hop!

Welcome to my blog!  Starting at midnight of Sept. 1st, I am part of the Damask Divas September Blog Hop. We are showcasing the beautiful new Paper packet, Clementine, from Close to My Heart.  If you came from Diana's Blog, you are in the right place.  If you have jumped here and just discovered our blog hop, feel free to check the list at Damask Divas to find out where you are in the hop.

This month, I had a backlog of pictures and needed to catch up so I decided to create a layout from the new Make It from Your Heart--Volume 1.  I chose the pattern, In Focus, on page 14 (which is really just named Pattern 14, lol thank you, Shelly!)  The pics I used are from spring break 2010 on a trip to Florida.  I feel like the colors in Clementine make these photos of the setting sun on the ocean come to life.

Aren't the colors perfect?  I would have never thought to use them in this way--these pics were the next to use in my scrapbook order, so it just kind of fell into place.  The strips of blue that border the squares of color are from another paper pack, Pemberley.   I also took the letters from the Pemberley Stickease to spell out "perfect."  The color was just begging to be paired up with the colors of the sunset in Clementine.  I inked the edges of a cork heart shape with the new Cashmere Ink and placed one of the Cottage Assortment buttons in the center.  The word "ending" is stamped with the Trinity Alphabet My Acrylix in Saddle Ink.

Next, I fashioned my very own sun from the shapes on our new Artiste Cricut cartridge with one of Clementine's pattered papers and some Sorbet Cardstock.  This cartridge is JAM PACKED with new shapes--700 shapes in all!

I wanted to capture the emotions of the moment in a journalling tag that I cut from the Art Philosophy Cartridge.  It is inked in Saddle and embellished with Soebet Ribbon from the Designer Ribbon Red Collection, Natural Hemp, Sorbet Buttons from the Buttons Red Assortment, a cork heart from the Evergreen Cork Shapes, and another one of the Cottage Assortment buttons.  The words are stamped from the Keepsake Alphabet My Acrylix in first and second generation technique.  First generation stamping is the color you get when you ink up a stamp and stamp it the first time.  Second generation is the lighter color you get when you immediately stamp it again.  This is a very useful technique for creating movement on your pages, or for stamping in a color that you might not have.  ;)

So, what do you think?  I am really loving Jeanette Lynton's new book that I got this layout from.  It really gives you a lot of bang for your buck, and I will be posting other layouts from it soon!  I highly recommend it!  :)

Thanks for popping in on our hop!  Now you are off to Sheri Ann's Blog to see her beautiful creation with Clementine.  DON"T FORGET TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY ON OUR DAMASK DIVAS TEAM BLOG!  I hope you are having a great time learning about some amazing projects you can make with the versatile Clementine Paper Packet! If you get lost in the hop, you can find the entire list of talented consultants at the Damask Divas Blog.  Now hop to it!

Mojo Monday 256

I was able to get my Mojo back on yesterday and finished my card just before midnight, yay!  My tired eyes could not find my camera in my craft room, so I used my phone to take the pic this time.  The quality is definitely fantastic, but not sure how to get the sizing right now.  Hopefully this works!    Here is the sketch for Mojo Monday 256:

I really wanted to try out the round shape to mix up my usual repertoire, and am glad I did!
I think it turned out fabulous and am in love with the sketch now.  What do you think?

The background of the card is from the Pear and Partridge Paper Packet.  The patterns in this packet are definitely more versatile than just for Christmas!  That being said, I also can't wait to use it for Christmas Cards though!  ;)  I am very happy with the way the Archival Ink worked with the new Alcohol Markers.  I made sure that it was completely dry before I colored it, and the black did not smudge at all.  I do need to work on my coloring skills though--glad I no longer have to stay within the lines!  ;)

Here is a complete list of the supplies I used:

Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge
White Daisy and Black Cardstock
Pear and Partridge Paper Packet
Beautiful Friendship My Acrylix
Love Blooms My Acrylix
Archival Black Ink
Black Ink
Smoothie and Olive Alcohol Markers
Shimmer Trim
Slate Satin Polka-Dot Ribbon
Liquid Glass (to seal the cuts on the ribbon)

More from It's Your Day

Last week was the first week of local schools, so a pretty busy one around here getting back into the swing of things.  It became even more hectic when my van decided to die in the pick-up line at school on Wednesday!  I could not believe it.  To complicate things even more, I needed to pick up another child at ANOTHER school immediately after.  What could have been a recipe for disaster, was completely averted by one of the wonderful teachers who works there.  She did not hesitate to come to my rescue by loaning me and my troop of kiddos her minivan!  I could have cried with gratitude right on the spot, but really needed to get my tail moving!  That night I used our amazing National Stamping Month set, It's Your Day, to make her this card:

Inside the card it says, "Thank you for being a part of mine!" 

You just never know when you might need a thank you card, and I am very blessed to have had these amazing supplies on hand to whip one up.  Simple.  Easy.  You get the picture--no trip to the store to squeeze in in order to buy a card--just a few minutes to put it together.  Done.  :)  You can do it too!  Here is a list of the supplies I used to make it.  You can order them on my website right now and even get the Double Stamp set, It's Your Day to boot for $5 with a $35 purchase! 

Baker's Twine Neutral Assortment
Colonial White Cardstock
Crystal Blue Ink Pad
Black Ink Pad
2 x 3.5 inch acrylic block
It's Your Day My Acrylix (only available with a $35 purchase until the end of September!)

Place your online order HERE!

Introducing Today's (or tomorrow!) Guest Designer at Color My Heart!

Me!  I am super-excited to be the guest designer on the Color Dare today (or tomorrow!)  Sarah extended the invitation to me after choosing my project as last week's challenge winner, and I immediately accepted!  This is my first ever guest designer spot, so I wanted to make something special.  With school starting for us this week, back to school teacher gifts won out.  My upline, Mandy Leahy recently posted an adorable project for teachers with this new shape from the Artiste Cartridge, so I made my own version using this cut, turning it into a "Teacher Toolbox" to brighten up the first days of school.  (You can see Mandy's version HERE.) The Color Dare this week is to use Sorbet, Twilight, and Creme Brulee in a project.  I added Kraft paper as a neutral and went to work!

This cut is on page 37 of the Artiste Handbook.  It is super-easy to put together because you can do the whole thing WITHOUT using any adhesives!  Here is the backside of the blue box...

The ribbon is from the Designer Ribbon Red Collection.  "Good Luck" is stamped in Twilight Ink from the Casual Expressions My Acrylix set.  I also used my Creme Brulee Ink to stamp the circle from the Frame It Up My Acrylix set.  There is a layer of one of the B&T Duos from the Clementine Paper Packet sandwiched between the two to give the tag lots of dimension.

On this toolbox, I  used the circle from Frame It Up to random stamp the Kraft paper for the box in Twilight Ink.  This stamp set tells you exactly what size cuts to use with the stamps.  I used the same on a circle of Twilight Cardstock and added the words, "Teacher Toolbox" with the Tiny Typewriter Alphabet.

I filled the boxes with Tootsie Rolls and little pieces of paper with certain "tools" that a teacher would need to have on the first days of school--and beyond! (Yep--they are at a private school.)  ;)

Workshop Wednesday

Awesome news!  I have a new workshop in the making scheduled for Sept. 7th and 8th.  Nope, it isn't a sleepover, lol--I am just offering it on two days at two different times so that whoever wants to participate can fit it into their schedule a bit more easily.  I designed a set of cards from the Avonlea Card Workshop on the Go contents for us to make.  Here are some pics of the set: 

Each person will make four thank you cards with envelopes and a cute magazine file to hold them.  It would make an awfully cute gift set to give away.  I am mixing it up a bit by letting YOU design one of your cards with the supplies I provide!  Cannot wait to see what you come up with!  Here is the adorable magazine file cut that will hold your cards.

The cost of this workshop is $12.  You may order extra sets of the four cards for $7.50 per set to stamp and then assemble at home.  Please let me know soon if you are coming so that I can prepare your spot.

CTMH Consultant August Stamp of the Month Blog Hop!

Welcome to our August CTMH Stamp of the Month Blog Hop! Each month we will showcase the Stamp of the Month which can be purchased exclusively through a Close to My Heart Independent Consultant (like me!.)

We're so excited to be doing this hop and we have a fabulous lineup with some very talented ladies. There are lots of fun projects to see along the way.

This month we will be showcasing the August Stamp of the Month "Baroque Borders."  This stamp can be used in so many different ways, and we hope to inspire you with our creations!

If you just happened to come to my blog, you should start at the beginning at Lucy's Blog.    Otherwise, if you came over from Carolyn's Blog and are already on your merry way, welcome!

I am soooooo excited to share my project with you!  I wanted to do an altered frame with this stamp set, because the large corner stamp would be so much fun to embellish one with.  I purchased a simple wooden frame for $1 at a local craft store, and covered it with one of the B&T Duos from the Avonlea Paper Packet.  I am pleased to share how it turned out!

These Avonlea Papers are extremely versatile.  This particular B&T pattern made a fabulous backdrop for the large corner stamp in Baroque Borders which I stamped in Slate Ink.  The edges of the frame are also inked in Slate.  I used the Artiste Cartridge to cut a 3.5 inch flower on another Avonlea B&T paper, and also cut two leafy vines at 1.75 inches in Avonlea Green.  Then I had a bit of fun coloring the leaves in with our brand new Olive Alcohol Ink Markers.  Shading has never been easier!   The new Black and Grey Sparkles Assortment added just the right amount of bling.

I LOVE to get feedback on my creations, so take a minute to let me know what you think!  I always like to pick up some new followers, so if you like what you see, feel free tag along with me! 

The next stop on your blog hop fun is Ryan at www.pieceandpaper.blogspot.com.  Enjoy her fantastic creation, and thanks for hopping along with us today!  :)

Here is the list of all the talented consultants who are participating in this months blog hop:

1. Lucy ~ http://www.love2createitall.com
   
2. Darla ~ http://www.stampingunderdoctorsorders.blogspot.com/
   
3. Judith ~ www.grammiejudys.blogspot.com
   
    
4. Carolyn Heniges http://www.nuts4scrappin.blogspot.com/
   
5. (me!) Amie Kiger ~  http://www.mimimyselfandibykigz.blogspot.com
    
6. Ryan  www.pieceandpaper.blogspot.com
   
7. Joanne http://josiesjoy.blogspot.com
   
8. Pam Stewart - http://i-candy-scraps.blogspot.com
   
9. Kindred Hearts - http://itmakestotalcents.blogspot.com
   
10. Julia Hammond  http://youcancreatectmh.blogspot.com/
    

Mojo Monday 254 and Color My Heart Color Dare #11

I finally got back on track with another challenge, and this one is a double doozey!  I used the sketch from Mojo Monday 254 and the color scheme from Color Dare #11.

So, the color scheme made me cringe at first as do many that have so many colors to work with.  It included Ruby, Goldrush, Sweet Leaf, Honey, Indian Corn Blue, and Cocoa.  At first, I thought I was going to have to sit out another week since I had no Ruby at all yet.  Then I realized that I have the paper sampler with some of each color and could use that!  I added Colonial White, and then focused on one of the colors that I had a background paper for and ran with it from there.  I decided that the colors actually reminded me of fall so pulled out my Harvest Happiness My Acrylix set.  Here is what I came up with:

My background paper is from the retired Lucy Paper packet.  This gorgeous ribbon is also in sweet leaf and can be found in the Designer Ribbon Green Assortment.

My favorite part of this one is the Cocoa Cardstock stamped with the Colonial White Ink in the leafy swirls.  I covered it with gold embossing powder and heated it.  The effect was fabulous!  I also love the bit of added hemp in the leaf cluster.

Each of the pieces is inked with the Cocoa to bring a sense of cohesion to the crazy color scheme.  ;)  In fact, I was so distracted by the colors that I neglected to add any black to the colors for the whole lesson on shades that Sara gave us on her Color My Heart Blog!  Wooopsie!  Sorry, Sara!  :O

Get Ready for National Stamping Month!

That's right!  There IS such a thing, lol!!!  And I can't think of a better way to celebrate than a special My Acrylix set from Close to My Heart.  This is a Double D set (ok, go ahead and giggle, I did too!) set with a retail value of $35.90--BUT you can get it for JUST $5 with a $35 purchase from August 15th through the end of September!  Here it is:

 I know, you are thinking, "NO WAY!!!"  Well, YES WAY, it is true!!!  Here is my tribute to this amazing set of stamps that is perfect for scrappin'.  I combined the specials from National Scrapbook Month (Dotty For You paper pack) and National Stamping Month (It's Your Day My Acrylix Stamps) to make this crazy-fun layout:

Sorry for the glare.  I don't know if you can tell, but the swimsuit she is wearing in this one has chevrons on it!  Now tell me that it wasn't begging to be in a layout!

These dots are so much fun to add as a background.  I think the 'love this' arrow is going to get quite a bit of use out of me!

This circle is just the right size for a 1.25" circle punch!

I added this bit of twine after the fact--what do you think?  Twine or no twine?   Either way, I just HAD to make these fun letters with the dots on them from the Art Philosophy cartridge, then I popped them up with foam tape to add some dimension.

 I think I am addicted to tags for a journalling box as much as I love matting my photos now!  ;)

Remember, this special starts WEDNESDAY, August 15th (tomorrow!)  :)

A Team Name!

Happy Monday!  Or maybe happy recovering from the weekend?  That is what I am doing after a busy few days, anyway!  I wanted to share with my fellow blog readers that I finally chose a name for my CTMH Team!  I chose....wait for it...

Been There, Blinged That!  

Super-fun name for a super-fun team!  I can't wait to get rolling!  Actually, if you have ever even thought for a moment about becoming an Independent Consultant for Close to My Heart, then now is the PERFECT time!!!  You can get started for as little as $49, and receive this gorgeous $50 value tote for FREE!  You did read that correctly!

Here is the $49 Essentials Kit that you would receive:

 

 Approximately $130 retail value!

Includes a Read Me First Letter, Current Idea Books (qty. 3), Hostess Order Forms (qty. 5), Customer Order Forms (qty. 5), Close To My Heart Color Swatches (W471), Autumn/Winter 2012 B&T Duos® Sampler (W1115), Petite Perks™ Nature’s Delight Incentive Stamp Set (W2023), Avonlea Complements Canvas Shapes (X7155C), Workshops on the Go™ Avonlea Scrapbooking Kit (G1045), My Creations® Recipe/Photo Box (Z1322), Color-Ready Canvas Alphabet (Z1777), Chocolate Exclusive Inks® Pad (Z2111), Slate Exclusive Inks® Pad (Z2173), My Acrylix® Glamour Lowercase Stamp Set (D1522), My Acrylix® Perfect Fit—Frames Stamp Set (D1527), 3" × 3" My Acrylix® Block (Y1006), and a 2" μ 3½" My Acrylix® Block (Y1009).

(Some items may not be shown. Contents subject to change.) 

 

You can find out more details on my website HERE, or feel free to leave me a comment along with your contact info or find me on Facebook HERE and I can answer any questions!  :D  Did I ever mention how much I LOVE my new job?  ;)

Must be in the Genes ;)

Hi there!  Today I just HAD to share two moments with my children.  The first is a card that my oldest made for her friend's birthday.  She eyed my Shimmer Trim and had it in her hands before I could grab it!  Here is what she did, and I am quite impressed!

 Look at the cute pocket she made on the inside!  I might have to CASE this one!  ;)

OK, so the next picture is the logo on my new glasses.  I had not had them for very long when my middle child saw them and said, "Mom, I can't believe you got CRICUT glasses!  You are so addicted!"  Can I just say I about fell down laughing!!!  ROTFL!!!  Does my kid know me, or what?  ;)

Time for a Tip Tuesday! What's a Girl to Do?

I have  a scrapbook layout to share with you that presented a bit of a problem for me.  I had a certain color scheme in mind to work with, and there were these bright purple pails in two of the photos that just did not work.  I could not crop the pics without it looking funny, so I came up with a way of hiding the purple.

Before--Now you see them...

After--Now you don't!

I hope my post inspires you to find ways of making your pics work for you!


I used the following products from Close to My Heart for this layout:

White Daisy, Twilight, Cocoa, Lagoon, and Garden Green (retired) Cardstock
Footloose Compliments (retired)
Foundry Pin Clips
Cocoa Ribbon Rounds
Edge Distresser