Die Cuts on Gift Bags

Sooooooo...back to that baby shower around Thanksgiving (yeah, lol, I know.)  I posted a little bitty preview of this project on my Facebook Page, so if you want to see what I'm working on in the moment, head on over and follow me there...

I was able to snag some plain white and kraft gift bags on clearance once, so any time I have a gift to wrap, those are what I grab for first.  Then I figure out a way to embellish it!

This one was super easy to transform for two of the biggest Cubbies fans (with a new one on the way) I know!  I die cut some baby onesies with a die from MFT and used some circle punches to create the Cubs logo...DON"T forget the shimmer trim on those cute clothespins!  ;)

Isn't the heart ribbon just the PERFECT addition?

Close to My Heart has a sale going on all month while supplies last on their line of  Thin Cuts Dies so check them out over on my website soon!  They are the perfect addition to any project!  :)

And, yes, I did get that baby his very own Cubs merch, lol!  ;)

Only during March

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!

Thanks A Minion!

My school is participating in "kindness week" along with thousands of schools across the country.  To a paper crafter, this is an open invitation to GO MAKE SOMETHING!!!  :)

Well, I made MINIONS, lol!!!  (My CTMH website is undergoing maintenance as I type this, so I can't add the links with product names yet, boo!  I will get them added asap tomorrow!)

I used the New CTMH Paper Packet, Penelope, for the stripey background paper on this super-cute 3x3 thank you card.   HERE is the link to find directions on making these adorable Minion clips.  I found a really easy (and sparkly!) way to attach them to a card with my Shimmer Trim...

Looks like it is time for a new blade on my trimmer!  ;)

I used the A Thousand Thanks My Acrylix and a brand new Alphabet stamp set called Block Uppercase to create a custom sentiment for my card...and I eventually found the combination of Pacifica and Canary I liked the best.

I popped the letter "A" up on a simple punched shape.

These are such a great RAK gift!!!  I hope the ladies in the cafeteria like them!  :)

Don't forget to check the CLEARANCE section on my website today--they just added TONS!!!  Paper packets for $3 and $6 along with embellishments for less than $3!!!!  You can even search by category now!  :)

Where's My iPhone Charger????

Oh my word, I have no idea how we got to this point.  We have charging cords coming out of our ears over here, but you can never find one when you need it.  Then, there is the constant debate over which cord belongs to who's device.  Well, I learned early on to personalize my cord the SECOND it walked through my door!  ;)

Here is my latest Makeover Monday personalization which features one of my ALL time favorite Close to My Heart products:  Shimmer Trim! I picked this little tidbit up from the fabulous Katy Taylor--she's pretty brilliant!  :)

I love the White and Aqua colors--AND they happen to match my phone case!  :)

There are a literal rainbow of self-adhesive colors available now, so you can customize your own cords with your faves...which ones would you use?

All of the glitter, none of the mess!  Get your Shimmer on HERE!

Beloved Bouquet

Limited Edition Picture My Life Cards to coordinate with the Everyday Life System!

Merry, Merry Christmas!

The stockings are filled, the presents are placed, and this momma is headed to bed!  I just HAD to share the ornament I made for my oldest this year.  Each Christmas, the kiddos each receive an ornament that describes them at the current stage in their life.  We have everything over the years from Blue's Clues to Star Wars, Care Bears to Webkinz, and Barbie to Winter the dolphin.  They all change so quickly that it is truly a timeline of their interests displayed all around our tree.  I am happy to have been able to create one this year for a change!  I could not find one to suit my #1's personality, so I made it instead!

If you are in MY age bracket, then you may be entirely clueless as to what this means...and I am here to reassure you that you are just fine, lol.  This is the "logo" for a musical artist named Hoodie Allen that has stolen the heart and voice of my college girl.  She finally got to see him in concert, met him, and "swooned" as he signed her CD this month.  It was only fitting that this be her themed ornament this year.  (I guess I would have had one that had the New Kids on the Block at one time, lol!) 

I cannot wait to see her reaction!  I used my fine MS glitter inside the plastic ornament.  Then, after it dried overnight, I simply snipped my self-adhesive Silver and Black Shimmer Trim with the Non-stick Micro-Tip Scissors to form the logo.  Easy as french silk pie!  ;)

May your heart feel the love of Jesus, whose birth we celebrate today and always!  Merry Christmas!!!

Makeover Monday is Wonderful Again!

Alright, it has been a little while, but remember this little 3x3 card?

Scaredy Cat

I used the Scaredy Cat Paper Packet, Gold Shimmer Trim, Timely Tidings My Acrylix, and Your Own Kind of Wonderful My Acrylix stamp set from Close to My Heart. I also used my ShinHan Alcohol Markers to color in the white embossed butterfly.

Well, I made this pretty little butterfly over with THREE more paper packets and lots of shimmer trim colors to make a nifty little set!  Take a look!  :)

Brushed Paper Packet in pink

Confetti Wishes

Chalk It Up

I was in such a creative flurry that I kind of changed up the design a bit, but that is nothing new, believe me!  I think I like them both, anyway!  :)

See it HERE on my website!

Get your FREE stamp here with purchase!

Another Gift Card Holder from Artiste

Hi again, everyone! 

I am almost caught up on all the GREAT projects I have to show you in my stash.  In case you are out browsing for gift card holder ideas, I have one for you!  The Close to My Heart Artiste Cartridge has two wonderful gift card cuts to choose from.  I used the Laughing Lola Paper Packet to whip up a beautiful example for you to see!

I want the recipient of this gift to feel very special indeed, so it resembles an award ribbon.  :)  It also features one of my favorite ribbons, the Slate Satin Polka Dot Ribbon.  Get your hands on this gorgeous 1.5 inch wide ribbon before it disappears...they just added it to the retiring list!  Gasp!  The items on this list are only available while supplies last--except for the My Acrylix Stamps which are available until January 31st. 

I used black and silver shimmer trim and the slate striped twist ties to make these accents...yep, I inked one side of the twist ties in Gypsy!   I used the My Acrylix sets from the Artiste Collection and the Frame Flair My Acrylix to stamp the different elements of the sentiment in Black, Crystal Blue, and Gypsy.  Each of the shapes is cut out on my Cricut to match the stamps!  This is one of my favorite features of our three Cricut collections!

The inside panels of the card are simply matted CS rectangles.  The Black really sets off the pop of white.  I used a sentiment from the Perfect Fit Thanksgiving My Acrylix on the bottom corner.  I adore the font in this set!

I spent my gift card, so had to use CS to show where it goes, lol!

Not too long ago, I posted up a cute Christmas themed gift card holder. using this same cut.  In case you missed it, check it out HERE!  :)  There are so many ways to dress this one up!

And now, let me share a secret with you!  Get ready for some awesome deals!!!

Gratitude In All Circumstances with Heart 2 Heart

Hello again my crafty peeps!  I appreciate you all so much.  We don't tell each other how grateful we are for the little things quite enough, know what I mean?  I am trying to be grateful in my life under all circumstances and in all seasons, but it is a tricky thing to do.  (Except Winter, lol!  Kidding!)

Today, Team Sunset is sharing its GRATITUDE with you in our creations over at Heart 2 Heart Challenges.  We are incredibly GRATEFUL to you for always tuning in to see what challenge we might have up out sleeve.  I am extremely GRATEFUL to be serving on the Heart 2 Heart Design Team too!  It really struck me though that I am always striving for the NEXT thing, the NEXT big project, the NEXT big gig...when the ones right here in the now are important too!

So, instead of stressing, I am focusing on the GRATITUDE I have for the NOW.  Right now I have two craft shows lined up, and I am so excited to participate in them for the first time ever!  I am extremely lucky to even have a spot at ONE, so my thankfulness is overflowing.  I designed an adorable set of Santa Tags to take along to sell that I would love to show you!

The base for all these tags is Kraft paper.  I really wanted the White Daisy CS of Santa's mustache to POP!  The Sparkle and Shine Washi 3-pack is fantastic for tags!  So quick and easy!   I suppose the exact same thing can be said for the shimmer trim in all colors!  (These would be the EASY things to be grateful for each day, lol.)  I love the Perfect Fit Holidays My Acrylix stamp set that includes this darling Ho, ho, ho sentiment...

These tags and mustaches are cut on my Cricut with the Close to My Heart exclusive Cricut Artiste Cartridge.

Embossing folders are GREAT for tags.  This one is a woodgrain from Tim Holtz.

Sticking the red shimmer trim to CS and trimming it out really makes it stand out...

This final tag is my favorite!  Two little Licorice Opaques are the beady little eyes, and I colored the large Opaque Pearl for Santa's nose with my Alcohol Ink Marker in Cranberry and let it dry (this takes TIME!)  Sharpies work as well...

The sentiment is from the December 25th My Acrylix available on my website that I used Cranberry Pigment Ink to stamp.  I love this face!

Alright, I shared mine, now it is your turn!  Show us your GRATITUDE!  What are YOU thankful for?  Will you make a thank you card or gift?  Something else?  Link up with us over at Heart 2 Heart Challenges by the end of November for your chance to become top chic!!!  That would be some awesomely easy gratitude, eh?   ;)

I am gratefully linking up with Simon Says Stamp's Anything Goes Challenge in hopes of being even more grateful!  ;)  

Artbooking's Sweet and Lovely Lace Stamp and a Fry Box? Oh, Yes!

Hi everyone!  Team Sunset is back with a new October challenge for you from Heart 2 Heart Challenges.  It is time to grab your LACY Close to My Heart supplies and get crafty, because we are LACING it up this week!  :)

My first instinct was honestly to cringe for this one, lol.  I am not that much of a lace girl.  Bling and sparkle, definitely, but lace, not so much!  Anyway, I did think of the beautiful new stamp on the Artbooking Collection's Sweet and Lovely My Acrylix Stamp Set...

I had recently hopped through my awesome teammate's Damask Divas Sparkle and Shine Blog Hop, and thanks to Jamie, my Kraft paper was calling out my name!  How could I deny these two the chance to get together?  ;)  I cut a Fry Box out of the Kraft paper from the Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge...and the rest is history!

Wow, do I love the look of the White Daisy Pigment Ink stamped on that Kraft CS!  I thought the lace would made a lovely little backdrop for a wintery Christmas scene. 

This adorable little snow-covered house is from the new Close to My Heart Christmas Village My Acrylix.   I LOVE it!  I stamped the image in Slate Ink and used my white gel pen to color in the snow.

The Sparkle and Shine Complements Dimensional Elements are a new FAVE of mine!  They are super for adding to both cards AND layouts AND as you see here--just about everything else!!!  I added some Bitty Sparkles to the tree too.  You can never have enough sparkle!  ;)

That star on the tree is sporting another of my new favorite products--the Sparkle Holiday Shapes!  Aren't they fantastic!!!?  They add an outline of bling to several different shapes that coordinate with the Art Philosophy Cartridge cuts! 

I also used the new Sparkle and Shine Washi tape in metallic silver on the star before I added the bling.  Here is how I did it...then I just cut it out with my Non-Stick Micro-Tip Scissors.  What did I ever do without these?  Oh yeah...gum up my other scissors!   ;)

The washi is silver metallic--not white!  That is the shine you see!

This tag is White Daisy CS cut into this fave shape of mine using the Art Philosophy Cartridge.  I attached it to the Ruby Chevron Ribbon with a skinny little strip of Silver Shimmer Trim looped through.  

I used Slate Exclusive Ink to stamp the wonderful tag image found on the Scandinavian Wishes October Stamp of the Month.  If you have your eye on this great set, don't wait!  It is only available this month and coordinates with the Art Philosophy Cricut Collection!

DON'T forget to check out my new Reward Clubs that are forming NOW!  You have the chance to win one of Close to My Heart's Cricut Collections JUST by joining!  Read all about it HERE.

I hope you have a chance to play along with us this month over at Heart 2 Heart!  All the challenges can be played throughout the month, so you still have plenty of time to link up!  For a full list of the rules to play by, click HERE.  I love to see all of your beautiful inspiration! 

I am also linking this up to the Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge for Christmas Themed projects!