APG - Gift Card Pocket

I found this super cute card and pocket idea online and thought I'd share it with you. Watch the video below to get the instructions for making this project. If you are wanting to order this stamp set of any of the paper used in this project shown, let me know and I'll help you with that. Thanks for watching!

As our minds turn toward Christmas and giving, I look for any opportunity to make something quick and simple so that there's always a gift at hand. You never know when you might need to reciprocate or even give a trinket to someone whose spirits need lifting. Today I put together a very, very easy pocket that houses a gift card. Because the pocket and the gift card are separate, they provide lots of opportunity for embellishment. This project takes 1 piece of 12" x 12" design paper and 1 sheet of 8.5" x 11" cardstock, along with some scraps. With less than a 10 minute investment in time, you're going to a have personalized gift card pocket, ready to go.
Check out the video on how to make this super cute gift card and envelope.

Supplies used (all CTMH unless otherwise noted):

Paper:  Elemental B&T; Colonial White, Sorbet, Chocolate CS

Stamps:  Love Life, Wonderland, Card Chatter Birthday

Inks:  Sorbet, Chocolate

Embellishments:  Chocolate grosgrain, Mocha Opaques adhesive gem

Other:  1 1/4" circle punch, 2" circle punch (Fiskars), Doily Lace border punch (Martha Stewart), 3D foam tape, ScorTape (ScorPal), Score Board (Martha Stewart)

wondering how this was made

I found this photo and I am really wanting to know how it was done. Any ideas? I couldn't find any tutorial or instructions anywhere.
Help!

Matchbook Mini Album Tutorial

Are you looking for a new idea for a mini album? This video is a great idea for a new and easy gift or brag book! Put any kind of paper on the album to dress it up for any occasion. This album is done up using paper that would be great for Christmas. Use some spooky cool paper for Halloween themes.
There are so many different options! This small album is so easy to do you can give them made up as gifts. Use lots of cool embellishments and die cuts to change up the look. Use lots of ribbon to get a fun frilly look.
How easy is this! Go ahead and try it for yourself today. Christmas is only two months away and it's time to start thinking about gifts and party favors. Happy Crafting!

Pumpkin Doorhanger

If you want to have a cute project for Halloween tomorrow here's an idea for you. A super cute door hanger with easy pumpkins and a die cut tree. 

These cute pumpkins are easy to make using just circles and ovals. Take three circles and ink the edges. Starting with the center of the pumpkin place a circle off to the left and right of the middle pumpkin. (see photo) Do the same with three ovals. Cut a small strip with an angled top and put it behind the pumpkins at the top for the stem. Voila! You have made pumpkins! 

The die cut tree and the door hanger are done using the Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge with CTMH. 

Try yours today! Let me know how to get the new CTMH Art Philosophy cartridge. 

Sympathy Card With CTMH

Sometimes you need to have more than just thank you cards and birthday cards! This super cute Sympathy card is just perfect for anyone who has suffered a loss. This card uses The wonderful Elemental paper packet from CTMH. How cute is this! The strip of paper on the left that has circles is the new thing that CTMH has done with their paper. Each piece of patterned paper has a "zip strip"; a 1/2" strip of coordinating patterns that is attached to the top of the paper. You just slip the paper into your paper cutter and ... zip! You have a cool border for your project. Cool huh? 

This Sympathy card also us using the new CTMH Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge. The cute swirl is cut using the Cricut machine. It's so easy and great that you don't have to cut it out yourself. Also cut with the Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge is the banner at the bottom and the perfect circles. I'll bed you can't cut a more perfect circle if you tried!

If you want to make this card, send me a message to order this paper packet! And don't forget to get the awesome Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge! 

Happy Scrapping!

Cute Card Box with CTMH

So here's a project that so easy anyone can give it a try!

Sponge all the edges of the box in a nice chocolate or cocoa ink.
Cover the surface of the box with coordinating CTMH paper.
Decorate as desired using dimensional elements and cardstock cut using the Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge. Make 3D roses and die cut shapes to stamp on.
How easy is that! Here are some other photo ideas!

Fall Wreath Using CTMH Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge

So I saw this super cute wreath and I am so going to make one too! Here are the photos and instructions...

"I used all the flowers on the Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge.  I designed it on my Gypsy so if I ever wanted to do another one like in Christmas Colors or for a Wedding I wouldn't have to start all over.  I designed it in 7 different layers on my Gypsy.  Each layer is full of flowers or leaves.  I maximized each layer with different sizes to fill my mat.  On the layer with the leaves I used 5 of each leaf in different sizes.  This way I would have a few of each size in one color since i am using 12 x 12 sheets of cardstock.  I can't believe how many flowers and leaves it took.
Here is the start.  After I placed the first few flowers and leaves I thought to myself, "what were you thinking this is going to take forever".  But then I also thought, yes but it will last forever too.

"For the flowers I used 4 sheets of 7 different colors.  It is the different colors that make this wreath pop.
I did roll all the flowers first to see what the different shapes and sizes looked like before placing them on the wreath.  I added the leaves as I went along.  I thought about placing them at the end but I could tell right away that it wasn't going to work." 

"I did use the hot glue gun to attach the flowers and leaves.  I did have fun placing and replacing the flowers and leaves before I glued them down.  I am so glad that I did not choose a larger wreath. 
Half way there and I need to cut and roll more flowers. I do love how it is turning out. I guess I should have counted how many flowers and leaves it actually took.  But I bet you can see the answer would be a lot!  LOL!  I really am thinking about doing one for Christmas now.
I just love the Art Philosophy cartridge it has so many useful shapes and goodies on it.  I couldn't live without it.  OK! OK! I could but it makes my life so much easier because it is so versatile.
You can order your Art Philosophy cartridge here if you don't have one yet.
So here is the finished wreath".
Lots of work I know!  But I do love it.
Let me know what you think.
All products used are CMTH unless stated otherwise

Cardstock colors for the flowers are:
Goldrush
Autumn Terracotta
Sunset
Smoothie
Gypsy
Sunny Yellow
Sunflower
Sizes were 5, 4, 3.5,3,2.5
The leaves:  were from the Mothers Day Bouquet Cartridge
Garden Green
Olive
New England Ivy
Sizes were 2, 1.75 I cut 5 of each color they were on one layer on my Gypsy
The wreath I bought at Beverly's it's 12".
Hot Glue I had on hand.


Pictures and instructions found at http://michelesinkitstampit.blogspot.com/

CTMH Mischeif Paper Pack

October is the perfect month to use the Mischief Paper with CTMH.  This paper is perfect for doing Halloween layouts and cards. CTMH paper is nice cardstock weight and has two different patterns on each sheet. You can make the look any way you want it, either subtle or totally spooky! Check out these photos I found of artwork using the Mischief Paper from Close to my Heart!                           What kind of projects do you like to use themed papers for? Do you like having paper that is versatile enough to use for a non-holiday? I know many people who don't really do Halloween but they like doing projects for Thanksgiving. It can be hard to find papers out there sometimes that are easy to transition from one holiday to the other. I like this layout that used the stripes side of the Mischief paper.

Cute and Tiny!

I am thinking that bigger is not always better. Take shrimp, for instance… they are so small but so tasty with butter, or fried with that red sauce they serve it with! And babies! They are so cute and cuddly when they are small but they grow up (too quickly) and you are left with a big kid who you can’t pick up under one arm and tote around.
True, there are good things about big kids, they walk on their own, pick up their own toys, feed themselves and so on, but there is nothing like the tiny baby!
Tiny cards are awesome too! They are so cute and pack a punch in spite of their size. Check out the small ornament cards right now! They are so fun to make and pretty easy too! I used my Cricut machine to cut the ornaments and did some extra distressing, added some bling, ribbon and voila! Super cute cards. They can be adapted to be gift tags too, if that's what you need. Go and have some fun with tiny cards and tags!
Happy Scrapping!

Adorable Mobile Art with CTMH

Paper Mobile
Crafting this lightweight mobile is a cinch when you use two packages of Dimensional Element On Target (Z1226) chipboard circles, a 1 1/4" circle punch (Z1311), and the My Acrylix^® Hot Diggity (C1407) stamp set.

• Stamp owl five times each in Crème Brulee, Sorbet, and Juniper on Colonial White cardstock; trim. Turn cut-out image over and stamp on the blank side.
• Punch 10 pairs of circles each from Elemental (Crème Brulee and Sorbet) and Typeset (Juniper) B&T Duos papers. Attach pairs of matching circles together to hide back of B&T.
• Leaving space between each element, use a sewing machine to stitch through centers of circles or owls. Be sure to leave extra thread at the top.
• Take the largest scallop circle from each Dimensional Elements package and sponge surface with Sorbet ink. Sponge edges with Cocoa ink, if desired.
• Create the top of the mobile as follows:
  • Flip one of the scallop circles upside down so the sponged surface is facing away from you.
  • Tie bow in ribbon and secure ends with Liquid Glass to the white side of the Dimensional Element scallop circle. We used the dotted ribbon from the Designer Ribbon Colonial White collection (Z1126).
  • Use piercing tool to punch nine evenly spaced holes on the same white side of the Dimensional Elements scallop circle. Pull thread through each hole, starting under the circle on the sponged side; knot to secure.
  • Use Liquid Glass to attach second Dimensional Elements circle to first, placing white sides together and sandwiching thread ends and ribbon.
• Alternate idea: If you’d like to use more of your Dimensional Elements circles, simply incorporate them in the mobile by switching out some of the punched circles or stamped owls. All you’ll do is match up sizes from each package, sponge or cover them with B&T paper, attach thread to center of one on white side, and then attach the white sides together. Simple!

All Products used are CTMH (Close to my Heart)

Adorable Wall Hanging Owl on Canvas

Home décor just took on a whole new level of cuteness! These quick and easy owl-themed projects are a great way to bring a smile to the faces of all who see them.

Canvas Wall Hanging
Create this paper-pieced owl—isn’t he a cutie?—then attach it to a 12" x 12" canvas (available at your local craft store). Here are some tips:

• Cut the pieces freehand or print some clip art from the Internet for a pattern. We used the flower stamp from My Acrylix^® Fill in the Blank (D1465) as a template for the feet, and used the
  1 1/4" circle punch (Z1311) to punch the eyes from Cocoa cardstock.
• We wanted to add Juniper to the artwork, so we added the Typeset Juniper damask B&T Duos^® paper to the Sorbet, Crème Brulee, and Olive B&T papers from Elemental.
• For the background, score a piece of 12” x 12” cardstock at
  1 1/4" intervals. Turn the paper over and lightly sand the ridges using a sanding block.
  • If the Sorbet background doesn’t match your particular color scheme, substitute Olive, Juniper, Desert Sand, Crème Brulee, or Cocoa cardstock for it.
• Attach the eyes, beak, wings, and belly to the body, using 3-D foam tape on the wings and beak. Be sure to outline the entire wings and beak with foam tape and add some in the middle to make sure it’s sturdy.
• Attach the finished owl body to the cardstock base then attach the whole thing to the canvas using Liquid Glass or Mod Podge.

All Papers are CTMH (Close to my Heart)

Buttoned Up Card Set: Project Inspiration Autumn/Winter 2011 Idea Book

This super cute video features a great little stamp set that works for upcoming holidays AND any occasion you want to use a star! I love how there are little stamp images that fit in the different circles on the star and tree. So versatile! You can use the tree with just the stamps; stamps and buttons; stamps and bling; buttons and bling... the possibilities are only as limited as your imagination!




Try this stamp set for yourself. Send me a message and I'll order you one today!

Scrapbook Layout with the CTMH Cricut Art Philosophy

Technique Thursday:
3D Flowers using the CTMH Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge
So I have been playing around with the new CTMH Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge and have found the 3D flowers to be super awesome! There are over 700 images on this cartridge that has been released only through CTMH (Close to my Heart) and there are quite a few 3D projects to do. At the end of the booklet are the 6 different flowers you can cut out. The process for making them is super easy and the end result is so cute!
After you cut out your flower image out at the size you want, pick it up and start rolling the flower from the outside end around and around (using a piercing tool, wood stick for rub-ons, etc). When you get to the center of the flower, or the larger circle, stop rolling. Release your grip on the flower and let it loosen to get the desired look. You may want a tight flower or a nice open loose flower. Put liquid glass, a glue dot, or other adhesive on the flat base and press the entire flower firmly into the adhesive. Make sure you press in the center of the flower so it stays put. Then all you have to do is put your adhesive glue on the bottom of the flower and place where you like! It's that easy! Take a look at the cute layout I made with a bunch of the roses I made using this CTMH Cricut Cartridge!

I love this layout, what do you think?

Happy Haunting Layout

Trick or Treat! Fall is the time for colors to change, pumpkins to carve, and of course little spooks going around in funny costumes. If you are like me, you love this time of year; getting all prepared with childish excitement for a holiday that is not just for the children anymore. With adults only Halloween parties out there there is lots of fun for us grown ups out there. And what better thing to do with your photo memories than to scrap them! I made a super fun layout perfect for the Halloween holiday coming up. Electric with greens, black, orange and a hint of brown; this layout is jazzy enough for the kids or adults. Check out the details of the pages! Intricately cut images of pumpkins, bats, spiders and webs, and a large Frankenstein head. There is space for at least 4 photos, up to 6 or 7! Large photo is 8×5.5″ and three black boxes are 3.5×3.5. The photo can completely cover the black or photos can be 3×3 with a black mat. Lots of space to journal if you wish or leave it blank for great white space! Sheer orange ribbon graces both pages and three die cut tags are sewn onto the page with ribbon and embroidery floss. Title of layout is “Happy Haunting”. What kind of things do you like to do with layouts for Halloween?

simply sophisticated

Simply Sophisticated

Categories: ART ATTACK, NEW & NOW

“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication,” said Leonardo da Vinci, and who could argue with that great artist? The seeming simplicity of the My Acrylix^® Fill In the Blanks stamp set (D1465) is what makes it such a perfect—and perfectly versatile—addition to any stamper’s toolbox!

The words and outline images that make up this set really lend themselves to a variety of looks and techniques. Let’s take a peek at some artwork!

The butterflies on this card are stamped tone-on-tone using the small butterfly image from the Fill In the Blank set, and then we took word stamps and stamped them in first and second generation to create our own patterned paper.

We’ve also used the small butterfly stamp on this layout, but can you guess what other stamp we used from the set? If you guessed “flower,” you’re right! Since our My Acrylix stamps are flexible, we’ve scrunched up the flower stamp in different ways to get these cute cloud images. We stamped them on B&T Duos^® paper to give them a subtle pattern.

For this card, we cut out the large butterfly stamp image a few times and then layered it to make it dimensional. Here are the steps so you can make it yourself:

1. Stamp butterfly with Desert Sand ink on Colonial White cardstock. Using a craft knife, cut along wings, leaving body intact. Mount cardstock piece on Cocoa cardstock and Bamboo B&T paper. Pop up wings using 3-D foam tape.
2. Stamp butterfly again on Crystal Blue B&T paper. Cut out entire image, omitting body. Mount on Colonial White butterfly using 3-D foam tape.
3. Stamp butterfly a third time on Sweet Leaf B&T paper. Cut out entire image, including body, and mount on Crystal Blue butterfly with 3-D foam tape.
4. Accent body with Opaques Mocha adhesive gems.

Spring/Summer 2011 Idea Book, page 96

This card, featured in the Spring/Summer 2011 Idea Book on page 96, also shows the stamping on B&T paper technique. This time we used the bird stamp, and the background pattern is much stronger. To give visual variety, we stamped the bird’s wing on a complementary piece of Grey Wool cardstock. Then, we stamped three different sentiments with Grey Wool ink, then highlighted one of them by stamping over it in Goldrush ink. This brings in a third color and makes the “friends always” sentiment stand out as the main message of the card.

Spring/Summer 2011 Idea Book, page 96

Does this card look familiar, too? It’s also from the Spring/Summer 2011 Idea Book on page 96. Check out the Hollyhock cardstock on the sides. We stamped the flower on it in a repeating pattern to make an abstract, subtle patterned paper. Notice how the petals overlap in various spots? This gives the flower image a whole new look!

And here’s a final technique for you: using the stamp set as a cutting guide for negative space then filling it with a patterned paper to give visual interest. To create the stars you see in this layout, follow these steps:

1. Stamp three stars on top of your layout, overlapping paper pieces and photos.
2. Use a craft knife to cut out the center, leaving a 1/8" border, and distress the edges with a stipple brush dipped in Desert Sand re-inker.
3. Stamp three 2 1/2" × 2 1/2" pieces of Colonial White cardstock with words or phrases, using Cocoa ink and first, second, and third generation.
4. Attach the cardstock pieces to the back of your layout so the sentiments show through.
5. Accent each star with a pair of Opaques Mocha adhesive gems to give them even more zing!

Have you created a fun project using the My Acrylix Fill In the Blank set? Post it on the comment section or on my Facebook wall. Be sure to label it “Fill In the Blank”—we’d love to see it!