A Birthday Card and a Bear Called Jack

I've been super swamped lately with "house" stuff.  Seriously would consider a tiny home if I could have a second one for my crafts!  ;)

Thank goodness for a back-log of projects I made with the Close to My Heart Jack Cardmaking Stamp and Die set.  This bear.  I cannot explain my love--because bears are not really high on my list of creatures in real life.  Not by a long shot.  What doesn't kill you makes you stronger--but bears, they will kill you!  I like to think my fear is a "healthy" fear.  ;)

Anyhow, this little guy who I just like to call Jack is SOOOO incredibly versatile!  And if you know my crafty self, versatile is a must.

I am definitely not what I would call an experienced "artist" when it comes to coloring, but we can't all be good at everything, so I'm willing to cut myself some slack.  Luckily, the ShinHan Touch Twin markers make it enjoyable and the results smooth themselves out to a point. I like the Mahogany for his fur. My go to ink for coloring stamped images with no embossing is Memento.  Always.

This set mixes so easily with others since this little guy has adjustable arms--he can hold virtually any item!  I used the candle from the Sweet Birthday Stamp and Die set.  (PLEASE NOTE:  You will want to wait to purchase this one if you haven't yet!  It will be available in August as a set with the die included.  Only the stamp set is currently available.  I know it will be tempting to get this one during Stampaganza right now, but you will NOT be able to purchase the dies separately later, only in the set!!!)

One of my new favorite easy-button techniques is attaching burlap ribbon with the Mini Stapler...

I also used one of my favorite card kits right now...Workshops Your Way Let's Party.  I just love this sentiment for the inside...

The papers I used on this one come in the Jack Paper Pack (mmmmm, those trees!) and the Let's Party Kit.  I will have some more Jack to show you later this week!  :)

Never let anyone dull your sparkle!

Only in July!

Buy two get one free!!!!!!  Really!

Fundamental Friday Is SO PAWsome!

A while ago I shared a quick little sneak peek of these adorable thank you cards in progress over on my Facebook page...and I finally got them done and delivered!  These were TONS of fun to make for my kiddos at school...

I used the super-sweet Animal Greetings My Acrylix stamp set, which happens to be the current Operation Smile stamps available from Close to My Heart.

I cut up a variety of colors from the Whimsy Paper Fundamentals and made some colorful combinations.  It was SO easy to use the ShinHan Markers and Watercolor Pencils to add just the right matching colors to the image...

It was really easy to add this little flag detail with my Mini Stapler!

I adore how they turned out, and the kiddos sure loved them, too!!!

Fundamental Friday AND a Makeover!

I created this layout using the gorgeous artwork created by CTMH corporate as my inspiration.  It is actually the very layout they used to feature my daughter's senior pictures...

I don't have those actual pics printed in the same sizes, so I created a totally new twist on the layout...

I used a variety of colors from the Paper Fundamentals Packs...New England Ivy, Sapphire, Fern, and Whisper.  The colors complemented my assorted pics SO well, and I just can't get enough of the pop of white matting!

I just LOVE using the Mini Stapler to attach elements of a layout.  It is a super alternative to adhesive!

The variety of colors in the Fundamentals Stickers will allow you to find just the right combination for your layouts...

Another new addition to the Fundamentals line--Assortments...I used the Gold to add a great little bow and glittery hearts...

The wooden heart embellishment is ALSO included in the Fundamentals Assortment!

This was one of the most fun layouts to put together lately, but it could be the excitement and fun of the subjects at college, lol!  Have a FANTASTIC weekend, my friends!  Remember...

Twinkle is only here for ONE month!

Fundamental Friday!

Yes!  I decided to make my Friday posts ALL about the Paper Fundamentals from Close to My Heart.  They are one of my favorite products right now, AND to come!!!!  (Hint, hint!)  ALL four current Paper Fundamentals color collections will be retiring AS THEY ARE NOW (more hints!) after August, so get them while you can!

I wish I could tell you more, but consultants are not allowed to share the new products on our blogs JUST yet.  You CAN see some sneak peeks over on my Facebook Page until Sept. 1st when I can post them here.

Soooooooo, while my friend and I were at our "off-site" convention this year, she gave me a few leftover cuts from a workshop she had.  I was able to use them to make this adorable, loveable layout!

You can see both sides of the Ruby heart pattern on this sheet from the Paper Fundamentals Enchantment Assortment. One has a shiny embossed pattern and one side has a white heart pattern.

Black Shimmer Trim is ALWAYS the answer! 

I added the Slate Striped Ribbon (retiring) with the Mini Stapler.

The Mini Stapler also adds some super-cute metal embellishments!

This heart pattern won't be around after August, so pick up your Paper Fundamentals Enchantment Assortment today!

Call the Orthodontist!!!

Oh, my goodness, I know, what a strange title for a blog post about crafting!  I HAD to remind myself to call today though so I don't forget AGAIN, and my post will show up in my emails in the morning, lol!  Hope this tactic works!  ;)

On to the crafts!

OK, so really this is my post for the Freshly Made Sketches Challenge this week!

When I saw this perfect little sketch by Narelle, I IMMEDIATELY thought of a donut for that circle image.  WHY?  I have no idea--it just took over my senses from there and I was stamping a pink frosted donut using the Treats of Friendship My Acrylix in no time flat...that's what I get for creating during coffee hour!  ;)  (AND I seriously had no idea yet that it was National Donut Day yesterday!)

The pink frosting isn't real.  I KNOW it looks real, but it is really Pixie CS from Close to My Heart!  Uncanny, isn't it?  ;)

This time, I created a tag for some extra fun.  I started with a tag shape from the oldie but goodie, CTMH Art Philosophy Collection for the Cricut Machine.

I LOVE vellum, and this sketch was PERFECT for it...along with the Silver Embossing Powder of course!  The Ranger Super Fine Embossing Powder is a DREAM!  Melts like BUTTAH on Versamark Ink!

What better way to attach the vellum than with the new(ish) CTMH Mini Stapler!

Sequins are all from Studio Calico, Topiary Chevron Ribbon and Dots Embossing Folder from CTMH, and sparkle sprinkles by Wink of Stella!

TWO FMS sketches in a row for me!  Now that's what I call, SUMMER!  ;)

Only in June!