Tag (You're It) Tuesday Time!

 TAG!  You're it! 

Sooooo how many of you love to make a tag or two here or there?  I love the freedom of making tags and love to pull one off just to mix up my week.  I am hoping to start a new traditional Tag (You're It!) Tuesday on my blog.  Wish me luck in remembering...lol!

Let's kick it off with a tag full of love!  I made this one for two different challenges.  First, I am getting my PINK on with Dynamic Duos where they are having a two-tone pink challenge, so go check them out if you like pink!  

Also, CAS(E) this Sketch has a new challenge posted for the week that I thought would work BEAUTIFULLY on a tag along with my new Close to My Heart Scallop Border Punch!  :)

I started off with a plain chipboard tag from the Art Philosophy coordinating Dimensional Elements and cut a piece of White Daisy CS to fit.  I used a Finishing File to sand down all the edges to match perfectly before decorating it.  I love these handy little tools!  Here is a quick pic:

I always like to check my stash of leftover cuts before cutting more, and I happened to have this "love u" word bubble stamped in Cotton Candy pink and all ready to go!  Anyone else have a stash of leftover cuts?  They are great to recycle for later!  This one is from the Cricut Artiste Collection--both the cut and the stamp come with the set.  

See the little hearts behind the bubble?  Those are on the Retired Whooo's Your Valentine My Acrylix if you happen to have one.  If you don't have one, I have TWO for sale over in my Flee Market!

 

I used my Cotton Candy CS along with the retired Baby Pink CS to cut 1/2 inch scallop borders that were then layered onto the tag.   My Silver Shimmer Trim is a bit of an attention hound, so I had to add a bit to give it a piece of the limelight.  ;)

WHO remembers this button???  This is a spare button from one of my daughter's back to school shirts, lol!!!  I totally claimed it when I was cutting off the tags to wash her clothes.  How could I not???  :)

Thanks for popping in, and I hope you tune in next Tuesday for another Tag (You're It!)

Remember!  Never let anyone steal YOUR sparkle!  :)

Operation Write Home Blog Hop!

Welcome to my blog!  This entire Memorial Day Weekend hop is listed HERE.

If you are are a past, present, or future soldier, then THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart!  This hop is all about giving thanks to the men and women who serve our country, so thanks for joining us! 

I am a newbie at participating in OWH, and here are my cards that I made using OWH Sketch #75!

If you are new to my blog, (first of all, WELCOME!) you might not know that I am addicted to adding sparkle of all kinds to my projects...it is just the way I am.  :)  Unfortunately for my sparkly side, OWH cards may not contain any kind of glitter that will come off, for the safety of the men and women who use them.  It is a major No-No!  To be on the safe side, I was taking no chances here and made a no-glitter-whatsoever rule for myself.  I had to improvise, so I used my Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge from Close to My Heart to make a star burst instead!  You get all the hint of shine without the sparkle!  ;)  The sentiment tag is also cut from the Art Philosophy cartridge and the stamp is included with the collection.  It is one of my favorites!  This ticket shape reminds me of dog-tags, so I knew right away this was the one I would use.   

I am so glad to be participating in this year's Memorial Day Hop!  I am using it as the kick-off to my OWH support and super-excited to be scheduling an Operation Write Home Card Workshop soon!  :)

God bless America and enjoy the hop!  If you ever get lost, just head to the beginning of the hop right HERE!

If you want to see another card made with a different OWH sketch, then keep scrolling to my post from yesterday.  I made it for the Color My Heart Color Dare!  This is a challenge blog that you can join in on by creating a paper project using the specific (or similar) Close to My Heart colors for that week.  Check it out at http://colormyheartcolordare.blogspot.com/  We would love to have you join us by playing along!

Here is my complete creative formulary for this card.  All products are from Close to My Heart unless noted:

Cricut Expression 2 from Provocraft
Cricut Art Philosophy Collection available exclusively from Close to My Heart
Fanfare Level 2 Paper Packet
White Daisy A2 Card Base
Pacifica CS
Pacifica and Cranberry Exclusive Inks
Buttons Red Assortment
Baker's Twine Neutral Assortment
Stars Embossing Folder from Hobby Lobby
Sanding tool

Happy Birthday, Abbie! :)

Today is my niece, Abbie's, birthday!  I love this horse-loving girl so much!   I used some awesome new Close to My Heart products to personalize this adorable kraft journal, and I made her a special card to match.

These banner strips are Little pieces of Dakota B&T paper inked with Chocolate.  (Chocolate Ink, lol.)  I wrapped the front cover with Baker's Twine and tied it up with a large bling button.  These new Durables Artisan Studs were the perfect addition, and I even added one to the end of the matching pen!  Too cute!

When I first saw this beautiful new horse stamp, I knew I would use it on a project for a certain horse lovin' girl.  It is found on the Country-Born My Acrylix Stamp Set. 

Aren't these pens just the icing on the cake?  I found these note sets on Pick Your Plum and "picked" my bushel basket full!  ;)  This will be a true test of how they hold up to use while decorated.  :)

Here is a shot to show what the set looks like with the pen inserted.  Love it.

And now, for the card...

I used the same stamp set for this card, as well as D1525 Casual Expressions for the "Happy Birthday" sentiment with the cute rope around it.  Perfect!

More Baker's Twine in Outdoor Denim and Artisan Studs.  Don't these studs remind you of a comfy pair of jeans?  :)

Inside the card, I added a little star from Casual Expressions.  The paper underneath is the negative cut from a flower I used in THIS project.  Like I always say, I don't throw much away!  ;)  I like the femme effect it has popped up like that over the flower.  What do you think?  

Thanks for coming by today, partner!  ;)

Color Dare #29

Welcome back to another Color Dare!  I hope you weren't frightened by last weeks' color concoction, because this week is all about the color of LOVE!  We would LOVE for you to join us!  Our color combo this week is Blush and Cranberry.  How could I NOT make a valentine?  I really enjoy the combination of pink and gray, so I added the neutral colors black, slate, and whisper.

I reached for my cricut scrap cuts first and found some flowers and this awesome torn-out paper cut from the Cricut Artiste Cartridge.  I just love this one!  I pulled out my new Girls Rock My Acrylix set and got to work. 

This heart squiggle boarder stamp was perfect for the paper doodles.   I added some of our Cranberry Baker's Twine and a new button from the Black Button Assortment.  I did type that correctly--there are both black and gray buttons included in this new assortment.  Some of them have GLITTER!  ;)

Next were the flowers.  One of them was exactly the cut for this large flower stamp from the set.  The others didn't fit exactly, but I thought the stamps would give them some great details even if they didn't match up exactly.  I added foam tape for some layered effects, and some new Pink Glitter Gems and black shimmer trim to bling them up too.

The leaves are stamped in Slate ink on Whisper Cardstock.

For the "Love" sentiment, I used the generational stamping technique.  I stamped it first in Cranberry ink at the bottom, and then without re-inking, stamped two more times up the paper.  I absolutely love how you really have more than one color to play with for each ink pad you have!  :)

You have until Thursday the 14th (Valentine's Day!) to link up with us at the Color Dare to play along, so why not give it a try?  I can't wait to see what you come up with!  :)

Spring and Summer 2013 Idea Book Sneak Peek!

The time has come to give you all some sneak peaks at what will be coming out in the new Close to My Heart Spring and Summer 2013 Idea Book.  I just can't hold back any longer!

Now, I promised myself that I would delve into my stash more this year and not limit my creativity to ONLY Close to My Heart products.  Although I do confess that would be all too easy to do because I love them all!  But you see, I had an extensive scrapping problem life before I became a consultant--and have accumulated quite a collection of other papers, stickers, tools, embellies, and such!  Don't be surprised to see a lot of other "stuff" in my creations this year.  ;)

This card is the perfect example.  CARDS Blog is having a challenge that ends today.  We are to use the color palette chartreuse, aqua, and light grey as inspiration for a card.  Well, I have JUST the paper to do that!  It just happens to be from *whispers* Creative Memories.  Gasp!  How have I never used this gorgeous paper from the Reflections Collection?  I bought it because I LOVED the colors, and it just so happens that I don't really have these exact colors in my CTMH stash.  What I did have from CTMH, though, are some fabulous NEW embellishments and a sentiment to add to it!  ;)

Such a great color combo to transition into the part of winter AFTER Christmas.  I am a big fan of grey, so this was a super-fun card for me to design.  There is a grey sparkle up in the chartreuse flower.  See it?  Then I chose to highlight one of our BRAND NEW My Acrylix Stamp Sets, C1539 Scrapbook Statements--Poets.  Isn't the sentiment beautiful?  It can be yours starting February 1st!  

Next up, I used some baker's twine to add some bling.  This sparkly button is from the BRAND NEW Button Assortment in Black!  It is a beautiful slate color with glitter along the rim.  I love these, let me tell you!

One of our favorite new products is our Slate Washi Tape!  Yes!  You heard me right--beginning on Feb. 1st, Close to My Heart finally has washi!  It looks a tad brown because of the green background paper, but I assure you it is our gorgeous slate grey color.  :)  Getting excited yet?  I completely understand! 

 
Here is my complete creative formulary for this card:

Creative Memories Reflections Collection
*Close to My Heart White Daisy A2 Card Base
*White Daisy Cardstock
*Black Exclusive Ink Pad
*C1539 Scrapbook Statements--Poets (available 2/1/1013!)
*Bakers Twine Neutral Assortment
*Shimmer Trim
*Slate Washi Tape (available 2/1/1013!)
*Buttons Black Assortment (available 2/1/1013!)


Thanks for stopping in to see, and have a great and SPARKLY day!

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!

Cricut Imagine Playdate Continued...

Just a few other creations from my Cricut Imagine playdate left to show you.  These two both started off as the same cuts, but I used them in completely different ways in the end.

 

I used a wonderful little set called Notice the Details on this one.  LOVE the little binder clip stamp!  The torn notebook paper edge if fabulous as well.  I just used a hole punch to make the hole--it isn't really notebook paper, lol.  ;)  These images were taken from the Imagine More Cards Cartridge.

 This card turned out amazing with all the details that developed.  I just kept adding things as they popped into my head.  The sentiment, Thanks, is from one of my cricut carts, not sure which though since it is a leftover cut from months ago, sorry!  It really ended up tying in well with this one though! 

I used the June Stamp of the Month, Life is Tweet, on this card as well.  I really do like how the tag embellished with the baker's twine sits in the background.

Added some bitty sparkles for some shine!

This last card is a bit different than I am used to doing, so kind of out-of-the-box for me.  It is a tag in it's own little pocket.  I really ad a lot of fun putting the different elements together on this one!  It can double as a bookmark!  :)  I used my CTMH ruler and poking tool to make evenly spaced holes along the sides.  Then I hand sewed two threads of white embroidery floss through them with a needle. 

Here is the tag/card taken out of the pocket:

I added my own little note on the back of the tag as if I were writing on the inside of a card.  I wanted to put something on the front of the pocket, but didn't want to clutter it up or take away from the tag inside, so I settled on stamping a simple sentiment with my White Daisy ink.  This was my first attempt with the light ink, so it was a little sparse in the middle, but I was hesitant to get too much ink because it has a different consistency than the other inks.  Our light inks are pigment based dyeds instead of the water based dye that the other colors are.  Someone said to think of it like you were stamping peanut butter--gentle on the ink pad and lightly on the paper so it doesn't smoosh out the sides.  It was a great description for sure!  Won't forget that one...

One Down!

It is totally Tuesday!  Did anyone happen to catch Monday?  Anyone?  Yep, me neither.

Anyhow, I had a fantastic time at my very first card workshop this past Friday.  It is really some feeling to be able to share a hobby that you love with your friends, but for me to be able to attempt to make a career out of it is a dream come true for sure!  Here are a couple of pics of my set-up--and kudos to Bethie for thinking of taking them!  ;)

Here is my new table!  I think I might be asking for another for Christmas...

Table #2...hope it wasn't wobbly, girls!
  

Here are the name tags for the containers that held the card supplies...wouldn't want your hard work to go home with someone else!  :)

My next workshop will be in August, and I am busy designing and working out the kinks as I type! 

OK, so we have this little issue of my sneak peak last week.  Yes, I remember!  I had printed out a bunch of paper pieces from my Cricut Imagine--and I actually got it calibrated the BEST I have managed yet.  I used them to make some awesome cards with my Close to My Heart embellies and stamps and such.  It was great to get back to my Imagine to play, and I love the results!  Hopefully all the recipients have seen their cards by now! 

Love the bear's little twine collar.  Makes him less scary, don't you think?   ;)

Whew, that was pretty picture heavy.  I will save the rest for tomorrow! 

June Stamp of the Month Blog Hop!

Welcome to our first monthly Stamp of the Month Blog Hop! On the 15th of each month we will be showcasing the current SOTM set with various projects created by talented Close to my Heart consultants. If you are visiting from Judith, then you are on the right track.  If not, please start at the beginning with our hostess Pam!



Life is tweet with the set for June! So many options with this set! You can do birthdays, anniversaries, or just general thinking of you projects. The possibilities are endless!  I knew I had to have this set when I saw the play on words they use with "tweet."  I am a total sucker for that, and with my cricut cartridges, I have lots of birds to choose from.  ;)  Also, just a side note, THIS IS MY FIRST BLOG HOP!!!!  Woot!  I am a bit excited!


Here is my creation:

 This is a standard size A2 card (4.25 x 5.5)
 Inside sentiment:

 The balloon stamp inspired me to use color on this particular card.  The White Daisy cardstock really makes them POP!  I also used to be one of those people who thought they would NEVER take the time to cut out and use stamped images other than the easy-peasy cricut cuts, lol--never say never!

 Tied the balloons up with a piece of baker's twine so they wouldn't get away.

 Here is a little tip too.  I wanted to draw the string lines on the card behind some of the balloons, so I just placed a little dot at the place where each should start.  This allowed me to remove all of the balloons at the same time and left plenty of room for drawing the lines.  :)

Here is a complete list of CTMH supplies for this card:


Life is Tweet June Stamp of the Month
Desert Sand, Creme Brulee, Baby Pink, and White Daisy cardstock
Tulip, Hollyhock, Lagoon, Pansy Purple, Creme Brulee, Pear, Desert Sand, and 
Black Exclusive Ink Pads
Paradise Assortment Baker's Twine in Lagoon 
Sparkles Red, Pink, and Purple Assortment
Fine-tip, black marker
AND my trusty micro-tip scissors!


Now if the goblins of cyber space have gotten you lost along away here is the list of all the talented consultants who are participating in this months blog hop!

 1. Pamela Stewart - http://i-candy-scraps.blogspot.com/

        2. Amber La Mons- http://www.scrapperstherapy.blogspot.com/

3. Darla Haverstock http://www.stampingunderdoctorsorders.blogspot.com/

4. Eva Friesen http://www.loveofcreating.blogspot.com/

5. Melissa McDaniel http://melissamcdaniel-scraps.blogspot.com/

6. Joanne Barnes http://josiesjoy.blogspot.com/

7. Lucy Kelleher http://love2createitall.com/

8. Addie Recoy http://addierecoydesigns.wordpress.com/

9. Carol Loftus http://carolloftus.blogspot.com/

10. Amy McVey http://clearlystamping.blogspot.com/

11. Melissa Wyatt http://ohscrapbym.blogspot.com/

12. Judith Ashmore http://grammiejudys.blogspot.com/

*you are here* 13. Amie Kiger http://mimimyselfandibykigz.blogspot.com/

If you happened along in the middle of all our fun, just go back to number one form me!  Pam is our hostess with the mostess!  Thanks, Pam!

DON'T FORGET!  June STAMPAGANZA is on right now!  Buy two any size A, B, C, D, or E stamp sets  and your third set is FREE!!!  This is not a joke, lol--and it doesn't happen very often, so go check them off your wish list NOW!  Only through June 30th!  www.mimimyselfandi.ctmh.com