Close to My Heart Retiring Products

Well, it is THAT time of year again...the Close to My Heart retiring products list has been revealed and let me tell you there ARE some surprises.  Here are some of my favorites.  If you want any of these products, they are only available while supplies last...

Rolling Tote

Shadow Box Frame in both colors

Display Tray

Hinged Display Tray

Extra Thick Twine in all 4 colors

Pink, Teal, Blue, Purple, and Bronze Shimmer Trim (waaaaaah!)

Cricut Art Philosophy Collection

Cricut Artfully Sent Collection

Cricut Artiste Collection

Well, that was a difficult revelation...but it just makes room for MORE amazing products to create with in the future!  :)  As I said, these (and many other products) are only available while supplies last now so when they are gone, they are GONE!  If you would like a complete list of retiring products, just comment with your email address and I will send it to you.  I won't publish your information for all to see, no worries!

ALL the albums are retiring to make way for new!

FREE paper in May only!

Only available in May!

Damask Divas Lollydoodle Blog Hop!

Time for another fantastic display of artwork from the Damask Divas!  Are you ready to see some amazing creations with the new Lollydoodle Paper Packet?

If you came over from Stephanie's Blog, then you are on the right path!  If not, be sure to check out the entire lineup over at the Damask Divas Blog.  Remember, if you are here before March 1st be patient as some of the links might be under construction.  Thanks!

I have been gradually adding to my Designed Decor Flip Stand Album as I try to incorporate each new paper packet.  Today, I am sharing my Lollydoodle page with you!  This is a great tool to showcase just a fun pic or two at a time.  The pages I am making for mine are 6 x 5.5 inches, and I am really loving the small format for some of my favorite family pictures that just don't "go" anywhere else.  :)

See that cute little squiggly frame around my cool-shaded girlie?  I cut it from the Artbooking Cartridge with a simple press of the button on my Cricut Expression 2.  You can find the cut on page 87 of the handbook by the Photo Mat 1 key.

I used a Limited Edition Hostess Reward My Acrylix stamp set that you can ONLY get when you host a gathering or join my Rewards Club called Enjoy the Little Things for the stamping on my layout.  Check out this GREAT little building set...

I used it to stamp the little pocket sentiment here and add a bouquet of flowers adorned with Flamingo Dots.  I rolled two 3D flowers from the Artiste Cartridge to add to the floral mix.  A couple of leaves from the Lollydoodle Compliments, some more leaves cut from our Green Glitter Paper, and some Slate Striped Twist Ties round out the cluster of embellishments.

These chevrons were super-easy to stamp on their own by just inking up that part of the clear acrylic stamp.  The little owl is also found on the Lollydoodle Compliments.  Silver Shimmer Trim, please!  ;)

I love to mix it up with all the patterns from Lollydoodle, so wanted to fit as many into my layout as I was able.  I even squeezed in a zip strip!  :)  The Pink Glitter Paper looks like it was MADE to go along with this color scheme, and how could I resist adding a bit more silver shimmer trim?

Thanks so much for stopping in to see me on our hop today!

Now you are on your way to to Lilian's Blog to see what amazing creation she whipped up!  Come back any time!  :)

MCT Designer's Challenge Birthday Card Using the Artiste Cartridge

Good morning me hearties!  Oh, that's right, it isn't "Talk Like a Pirate Day" anymore, ooops!  ;)

Today I have a cute little, FAST card to share with you.  Besides the adorable Stitched Cloud Dies from MCT, my favorite part about this one is how QUICKLY it came together!

I used a sheet of Sky CS and sanded down the edges and into the the paper a little ways to soften up the background.  The two shapes for the sun are cut in Buttercup and Honey CS with the Close to My Heart Cricut Artiste Cartridge on my E2 cutting machine.  The sweet, floating red balloon is an image on the same Cartridge.  The matching balloon stamp comes with the Artiste set, and fits the cut perfectly.  There is normally a little "shine" cut out in the balloon shape, so I used the Cricut Craft Room to hide it.  The balloon string is even a stamp!  I was able to bend it to just the right shape since the stamps are clear acrylic.  So versatile!

Speaking of versatile and QUICK, the sentiment is found on the CTMH Holiday Tags My Acrylix...one of my go-to stamps right now!  

I am linking up today with the My Creative Time Designer's Challenge: Birthday!  :)

Did I mention how this card came together LICKITY-SPLIT!?  ;)