SweetHeart

For my August Playday we used the Sweetheart Workshop on the Go kit and Made a 2 page layout and our calendar page.  I pretty much made the layout just like it was in the pattern except that I used more photos. When a pattern says to use say a 9 x 9 photo, I just fill photos in to fit a 9 x 9 inch space. You also see that while Sweetheart is more love/valentines oriented, I love scrapbooking my granddaughter and what better way to celebrate her and her friends. I also added a journaling block from the now discontinued Sophia Jounaling blocks. It isn't an exact match, but good enough. 

I stamped my letters with Black ink, but the I used Grey Wool for the swirls on my paper. I thought the Black would be just a bit too overpowering. The directions also called to stamp the pennants in alternating fist and second generation Cotton Candy ink. Instead of second generation, we used Baby Pink. It too is close enough and saves time, getting just the right inking that you can't always get with second generation stamping. 

One thing that you cannot see is how I identified the people in my photos. Our Red, Pink Purple Sparkle Assortment just happens to come with 3 different colors of gemstones and I needed to identify people in 3 different photos. So on each of the photos on the left page, I put a gemstone. Then on the right page, I put the same colored gemstone on the bottom of my journaling square and identified the people in that photo. It is subtle, but works. There are two photos of my granddaughter and one of her girlfriends. Those photos each got the same colored gemstone because it is the same girl. I was thrilled that it worked out so well! Of course I had to add more bling to the butterfly and put 3 on on his body and one for his head.

The little white dots are liquid applique. They're a different effect, but I don't know that I like using them on scrapbook pages. They tend to burn quite easily. If you saw this up close and i pointed it out to you, you could see burn marks on my paper. I'm so glad I didn't have it near my photos! I had Liquid Applique out for the ladies to try, but suggested that they may like adding sparkles, pearls, or brads better.

Materials Used

G1017 Sweetheart WOTG

E1018 Pennant Alphabet My Acrylix Stamp Set

Z1386 Sweetheart Level 2 Assortment

Z1326 Sparkles, Red, Pink, Purple Assortment

Z108 Liquid Applique

Exclusive Inks Stamp Pads

   Z2102 Baby Pink   Z2105  Black   Z2125 Grey Wool    Z2190 Gypsy   Z2193 Cotton Candy

Z697 Sponge

Z1151 3-D Foam Tape

Z534 MicroTip Scissors

Our next project was our calendar page. I used the left page of the "Silver Screen" pattern on pages 20 and 21 of Cherish. Honestly, we have the best pattern books. They are designed so you can turn the pattern around any way and have 4 layouts out of one pattern. Flip the pages and turn them differently and you have even more. Each pattern not only gives you dimensions, but also then has you label you the pieces as you cut and you build you layouts with your "a-b-c" pieces; so simple! I always leave the book open because once completed, the final product looks different from the book.

Here I used the back sides of the paper from the Sweetheart Kit. This kit is discontinued, but as of today, I checked and it is available online. If you want it--go order it now! I added Gypsy paper to go with the Background and Texture Paper. People could choose between Pink or white grosgrain ribbon and like the layout above, they can choose they're own title. We added Waxy Flax to the buttons; I think I had some old Amethyst left over that went perfect. I used some metal-rimmed tags for the lower butterfly which was inked first in Cotton Candy and then the body rolled in Gypsy before stamping. You can't tell here, but I put Liquid Glass on this butterfly's "heart" and sprinkled it with Prisma Glitter. The stitching is an old stamp set C1234 Simple Stitches; this is one set I will never part with--no stitching for me when I can stamp! There is a Bitty Sparkle in the lightly sponged little butterfly on the right.

The calendar is so easy. You can make your pages, put them on the calendar, and then after the year is over, use some Undu to take them off and put your pages in a book. You add your own months, days, and decorations to the calendar too. It is spiral bound and a deal at $7.95. I already stuck my page in the calendar before taking the picture so you can see the spiral at the bottom of this photos.

Materials Used
G1017 Sweetheart Workshop on the Go
X5916 Purple Cardstock Shades Pack
Z1030 12 x 12 Monthly Calendar
My Acrylix Stamp Sets:
   E1013 Field Trip Alphabet
   C1234 Simple Stitches
Z1370 Pink Buttons
Z1263 Clear Bitty Sparkles
Z679 Liquid Glass
Z134 Prisma Glitter
Z1463 Just Blooms Flutter Paper Shapes
Exclusive Inks Stamp Pads:  Z2190 Gypsy   Z2193 Cotton Candy

Z697 Sponge

Z1151 3-D Foam Tape

Z534 MicroTip Scissors

Pink Grograin Ribbon

Amethyst Waxy Flax

CTMH Spotlight Blog Hop: Circle Cards

If you have arrived from Wendy's Scrapbooking Blog, you are in the right place. If not, I'll get you there. Each person's site follows another like a circle of us sitting around a table, sharing what we have made with you and if you keep clicking on the following name (my page will take you to Elizabeth's), you will wind up back to Wendy, and then back to me.

Because I have listed several new products, I have highlighted some and linked each one to my website. You can click on the bolded/underlinded phrase and see more information on the products and pick some up if you'd like. If you do, however, be sure to check out the "while supplies last" section for some great bargains.

This month's Close To My Heart Spotlight product is Circle Cards. I chose to use the Colonial White circle cards to make my card. There come in packs of 12 cards with matching envelopes and are also available in White Daisy. We also have Z1309 4 1/2" Clear Cards that are packets containing 8 flexible, clear cards, 4 square and 4 scalloped circles along with 8 cello envelopes. Each card has a removable protective coating. These are so pretty when embossed and work beautifully with our double-sided papers.

Since I just got my Cricut Art Philosophy collection in my convention bundles, and the great Roxie papers that I already played with I knew I wanted to use these products. Oh and I had to use the NEW cute little Just Blooms Flutter Paper Shapes--Love them. Lots of elements and this is what I came up with, a special card for someone special!

The big black center of the left flower is a velvet button I had laying out my craft table. It was huge and I told some friends I would find something to use it for. It made a great coneflower! Everything else is Close To My Heart Products and most are new.

I cut the Rose at 5 1/2" and the Coneflower at 6" on the Cricut. There is a Tulip-colored belly band underneath the flowers, with belt loops on each end to hold the ribbon. that I believe I cut at 3 1/2". The ticket was easy as the carrier sheet that holds the stamps tells you what size to cut it--1 inch.

We have a stamp that matches the leaves, but to stamp them, I would have had to cut them approximately 3/4." I learned why you cannot cut the leaves that small; their stem turns out less than threadlike and it pretty much disintegrates when you take the leaves off the cutting mat. I think my leaves were cut at 2." Then I just took a swirly stamp and stamped a design randomly all over them. Since our stamps are 100% clear, you they are super easy to stamp after you have cut them out on the Cricut. If your cut image it too small to hold with your finger and stamp, hold it with a piercing tool.

Oh and the shimmer on the rose--that's my favorite--our own glimmer spray/mist. Mix it to match your projects, using our Spray pens, Create-A-Shade Pearl Paint, and Re-inkers. Even mix re-inkers to get different colors--the possibilities are endless and very inexpensive since you only use a few drops of reinker, pearl paint and water. You receive a recipe card in with the Spray Pens showing quantities you use, and measuring marks are right on the pen. If you want more, or less shimmer don't want any at all and just want a spray mist, omit the pearl paint.

SUPPLIES USED
Z1352 4 1/2" Colonial White Circle Cards
X7140B Roxie Level 2 Paper Pack
X5754 Creme Brulee Cardstock
Z1686 Cricut Art Philosophy Collection
D1491 Hooray Bouquet (click on title to see all stamps in set)
Z1615 Designer Ribbon Red Collection
Z1463 Just Blooms Flutter Paper Shapes
Z1333 Mocha Opaques (pearl for center of Rose)
Z1263 Bitty Sparkles (for Butterfly Body and dotting the "i" on ticket greeting)
Z553 Bonding Memories Chisel Tip Glue Pen
Z341 Memory Book Mini Glue Dots
Z1151 3-D Foam Tape
Z1114 Piercing Tool (great for an "extra" hand or finger)
Z534 Micro-Tip Scissors
Z1380 Spray pens
Z1039 Create-A-Shade Pearl Paint
Z697 Round Sponge (for shading ink on my flowers)
Exclusive Inks Z2262 Honey Reinker
Exclusive Inks Stamp Pads
   Z2114 Cocoa   Z2153 Sweet Leaf    Z2166 Tulip    Z2167 Creme Brulee

Believe it or not, this was a quick and pretty easy card to make. It took longer convincing myself that I couldn't play with all of my new toys and cleaning up my table afterwards. I had papers, tools, and embellishments everywhere! I tell you, it is just as hard for me when the new goodies arrive as it is for you when you get a new bag, to get back to everyday responsibilities than it is to sit right down and play!

Now it's time to leave my site and go see what the other creative ladies in the month's CTMH Spotlight Blog have created with Cricle Cards.

Next on the list . . . hop on over to see what  Elizabeth at Broken Treasures made.

Crop and Create Project: Memory Game Box

We created this great little box at the recent Close To My Heart Convention. I had so much fun making mine that I thought I'd share it so it's the project at my house on 8/12. Email me for more details.

Supply List
Z1686 Cricut Art Philosophy Collection
Z1614 My Creations Memory Game Box, complete with 24 3x3 Chipboard cards

C1464 Blue Ribbon My Acrylix stamps

X7141B Elemental Level 2 Paper Pack

X7141C Elemental Complements Dimensional Elements

X5920 Winter Cardstock Combo Pack

1273 Desert Sand Cardstock

Z1375 Kraft Cardstock

Exclusive Inks Stamp Pads

    Z2114 Cocoa

    Z2118 Desert Sand

    Z2318 Exclusive Inks Desert Sand Marker

Z697 Sponge

Z1612 Pin Clips

Z1366 Metal Brad Assortment

Z1466 Bling Assortment

Z1151 3-D Foam tape

Z534 Micro-Tip Scissors

1772 Glue Dots

Z1114 Piercing Tool

July 2011, CTMH Product Spotlight Blog Hop: Z1377 Color-Ready Kraft Borders

If you have arrived from Vicki's Creative Space, you're on the right track.

For my project, I chose to make a card from the Wishes Card Confidence Program. I used the "Three Wishes Pattern" found on page 109. Instead of cutting three strips of paper, I used my Kraft Borders that I painted with a mixtue of Pearl Paint and Gypsy reinker. The Hearts are White Chipboard that I sponged with Tulip ink and edged with Gypsy Ink. See the list below for all materials I used.

Supplies Used

9033 Wishes Card Confidence Program

G1017 Sweetheart Workshop On The Go

Z1377 Color-Ready Kraft Borders

Z1378 Dimensional Elements Chipboard Hearts

B1379 Sophia My Acrylix Stamp Set

Exclusive Inks Stamp Pads

   Z2102 Baby Pink   Z2193 Cotton Candy   Z2190 Gypsy   Z2166 Tulip

Z2290 Exclusive Inks Reinker Gypsy

Z1039 Create-A-Shade Pearl Paint

Z341 Memory Book Mini Glue Dots

Assorted Small Buttons

To see more uses for our Color-Ready Kraft Boarders, go see what Luisa has created. 

Be sure to check back next month to see what we work on then.

I have the best friends!

Tomorrow I leave to go to the Close To My Heart Leadership Retreat followed immediately by the annual Convention. It is in nearby Anaheim this year and I am so excited to attend. I will get to see my Upline and her team members who are several states away from me. I should be in my craft room working on swaps and roommate gifts. I cannot wait to get the new Idea Book. The new Idea Books are available on 9/1 and I am compiling my mailing list. If you would like one of your own,  just let me know.

I took a few minutes this morning to work on my poor roses. I haven't trimmed them this year, leaving that to Ray. He just cuts away without regard to where he is cutting. We learned that a timer has been unplugged in the back so he asked me to water a few tomato plants. Our weather has been so hot and humid, it was nice to get out there and trim them in the great weather God has provide us with today. 

I have had a few speed bumps occur lately and had a wonderful weekend with friends. Karine came and spent Friday through Sunday. Candice came and stayed Saturday and all day Sunday. Eilene and Teresa came on Saturday. Karine lead us in making a fantastic project. I will post mine after it is finished. But these ladies were fantastic to occupy my mind and cheer me up. Ray enjoyed all the goodies we had around the house and me not watching his diet. Thanks for the laughter, chats, and fun ladies.

My other news is I have joined a Blog Hop. I used to participate in lots of swaps, but time and the expense of mailing them back and forth have stopped that fun. I miss the creative challenges they bring. The Blog Hop brings just that without the time of having to make lots of items and I don't have to mail my finished projects anywhere. Be sure to check back on July 15; my first posting goes live at midnight.

OopsI hear the dryer calling me!

Until then, I will try to post some sneak peaks from convention. 

Computer Tip: Disable "Display Mixed Content" Security Warning Pop-up

Warning: I am NOT a computer Geek. I was blessed to have worked with a wonderful team of technicians on my last job, however, and did learn a few things from them. One was how to look some fixes for annoyances. My latest is the following Internet Explorer 8's security warning pop-up.

At Microsoft Answers, I found someone with a similar complaint and solution. (Click on highlighted words to go there yourself.) 

There is also another link inside the above which provides a little history, some technical info, and PICTURES! Maybe it's the scrapbooker in me, but I found the pictures to be very helpful. My blog is also proving to be helpful. I post lots of "Labels" in my articles. These make up an "Index" for my blog.  By posting this here, and having my labels list on the right, I can quickly look up and click on "Computer Tips," and find these instructions.

Hope this is helpful to someone else.

Karine's Boyfriend

Karine is one of my "God-Friends." These are friends whom God has placed in my life for a special reason. I sold her the first set of stamps she bought on Ebay. She was so nice I thought for sure the sale wasn't going to go through. It did and I remember thinking I wish there were more people that nice in the world. Then later on, we met in person through an online Magenta Yahoo Group in which we both participated. At the time we were about 100 miles apart, one way. How likely is it that our paths would cross, not once, but twice under different circumstances?

Years, laughter, and tears later, we are now friends for life and beyond. We try to see each other as often as possible and have helped each other many times since our friendship finally clicked.  Now, we're only about 75 miles apart--hey every mile counts! When she first came over after I got Rusty, he was smarter than me and hooked up with her instantly; Karine was partial to him too. With both of them, what's not to love! So the last time she was here, he knew her the minute she came in the door and just started wiggling all over and could hardly wait for her to sit down and pet him. Of course, like Quincy before him and Lucy Belle, he is welcome at the scrap table and had to sit in Karine's lap while she worked.