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Here is a layout from a recent trip to New Jersey for a family visit. The day was cool but nice so we decided to spend the afternoon visiting Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. To get on the ferry we had to pass through the NJ 9/11 Memorial. It was beautiful and sad and made me feel lucky that my husbands meeting at the Pentagon was canceled the morning of the attack.

The layout was based on the Magic How-To book and the Out of the Hat layout. The photo strip of pictures was created with the negative space of a dimensional elements (chipboard) piece I had leftover from another project. I covered it with pattern paper and trimmed with my x-acto knife.

As an FYI, the How-To books are retiring. Go HERE to get yours before they are gone for good.

Supplies used (all CTMH unless otherwise noted): 
Paper: Passages (retired), Colonial White Cardstock
Stamps: none
Ink: Brown Bag
Other: Dimensional Elements Borders (retired), Sponge Dauber, Sanding Block, Hang 10 Letter Stickers (Basic Grey), Border Punch (SU)

Mojo Monday 233

For this week's Mojo Monday I pulled out a stamp set I haven't used yet...Pair-A-Phrase, a prior CTMH special. When I saw this week's sketch I immediately knew which stamp I wanted to use and couldn't wait to get into my craft room to make it!

The colors are based on a new weekly color-challenge I've joined. These aren't colors I'd normally put together but I'm really trying to stretch myself and think out-of-the box. The pops of color were added with my waterbrush and ink pads.

Supplies used (all CTMH unless otherwise noted): 
Paper: Grey Flannel Cardstock, Grey Wool Cardstock, Bliss B&T paper (retired), Sky Cardstock
Stamps: Pair-a-Phrase (retired)
Ink: Grey Wool, Sky, Garden Green, Sunset
Other: Waterbrush, Scoring took, Sanding Block, Big Shot (Sizzix), Swiss Dots Embossing Folder (Cuttlebug), Border Punch (SU), Irresistibles Villa Die Cuts, Sponge Dauber, 3D Foam Tape

Here is the color swatch I used:



And, here's the inspiration sketch:

Use Your Stash Hop - Dimensional Elements

WELCOME! If you are joining us for the "Use Your Stash Blog Hop" you are right on track. This month we are featuring Chipboard or Dimensional Elements.  You should be coming from Joy's Blog. If you get lost along the way you can see the entire list of hoppers on Rachel's Blog. Let's get started.

Today I'm working on my youngest's first year album (he is now 2). I love this photo of him and wanted the focus of this layout to be on that. Of course I needed some dimension so to achieve that I used some of CTMH's Dimensional Elements to create a title. 

Supplies used (all CTMH unless otherwise noted): 

Paper: Splendor B&T (retired)

Stamps: alphabet

Ink: Moonstruck, black

Other: Dimensional Elements Numbers, Ribbon, Splendor MyStickease, Scallop Border Punch (SU)

Chipboard generally comes in either a brown or white color. I used my ink pad to change the color to match it to the blue in the background paper. There are several ways to ink your chipboard shapes...you can stamp, sponge, spray...the choices are pretty much limited to your imagination. For this layout I opted to place the shapes face down on my ink pad and lightly push the backside into the ink. It's an easy way to get all over coverage quickly. To smooth it out I did take a sponge and go over the top. Simple. Easy. Quick. Just the way I like it!

Now hop on over to Bethany's Blog for more ideas of using up your stash

Take Twelve - March Baseball Layout

The Take Twelve challenge for March was to take photos of things that remind you of all the ways you are lucky. I strayed again and went with photos from my son's first baseball tournament of the year. They played in 40 degree weather with wind and boy were we cold!

I used the sketch provided from Take Twelve as the starting point for my layout. The photos on the right page was created using the collage feature in Picasa (just found it and loving it!). Now, I don't have to print each photo, trim and then mat. Yeah!

I finished the layout off with a stamped pennant border and a clip-art baseball embellishment printed on cardstock. In case you're wondering his team went 0-3. Better luck next time right!

Supplies used (all CTMH unless otherwise noted): 
Paper: Fanfare B&T (retired), Cranberry Cardstock, White Daisy Cardstock
Stamps: Pennant Alphabet
Ink: Outdoor Denim
Other: Baker's Twine, Paper Piercer, Liquid Applique, Crop-O-Dile, Ruler, Stickers (from stash), MS Clip Art

Mojo Monday 232

I really liked the sketch at Mojo Monday this week and could really see it used many ways. For this card I chose to go with an A2 sized, child's birthday card.

The pinwheel was made using the stamp set from a retired Workshop On The Go set. I really like how it adds so much dimension without being thick like an accordion flower.Here's the inspiration sketch:

Supplies used (all CTMH unless otherwise noted): 
Paper: Good Times (retired), Chocolate Cardstock, Crystal Blue Cardstock
Stamps: It's Your Day, Miracle WOTG
Ink: Chocolate, Sweet Leaf
Other: Sweet Leaf Ribbon, Blue Assortment Button, Glue Dots, Scissors.

How-To Book Update & Sale!

If you subscribe to my monthly newsletter you already know that the How-To Books are being retired with the Spring/Summer Idea Book. I've just received notice that the Reflections Scrapbook Program has officially been sold out and will not be re-stocked! I'm also hearing Originals is very low on inventory and will be out of stock very soon.

Don't fret though...there are still 3 other scrapbook and 2 card-making books to choose from! Because I believe in them so much I want to make sure you get them before they are gone. Anyone who orders a How-To Book now until March 23 will receive 10% back from me! It can be cash back (via paypal or check) or the equivalent in free goodies. It's your choice!

To order go HERE and click join the "March 16-23 Order Here" gathering!

These are the How-To Programs still available:

For the Scrapbooker:

Cherish
This beautiful new hardbound book is similar to the Reflections programs with blueprints, step-by-step instructions, and photo suggestions, but it’s really in a league all of its own. It is a stand-alone publication that will look simply fabulous on a bookshelf or coffee table. It features 50 12" × 12" two-page scrapbook concepts as well as in-depth instructions for unique art techniques, accessory suggestions for every concept, detailed cutting diagrams, step-by-step assembly instructions, a thumbnail index, and all the artwork recipes. 

Imagine
Create your own 12" × 12" designer layouts with Jeanette Lynton’s second volume of incredible scrapbooking patterns. Packed with 50 all new, two-page patterns, complete cutting diagrams, and assembly instructions, plus inspiring techniques, Imagine™ is every scrapbooker’s best friend. Check out the first volume, Cherish™, the book that elevated passion for scrapbooking. Both gorgeous, hardback books feature full-color photos and are coffee-table worthy! (Cherish sold separately.) 

Magic

Bring magic to your scrapbook layouts using clever interactive techniques. You'll add hands-on excitement and dramatically increase your photo and journaling space using pop-ups, pull-outs, slides, cascades, and more!Magic™ also includes 35 gorgeous 12" x 12" layout patterns that can be used on their own or with the interactive techniques. (DVD included.) 

For the Cardmaker:

Originals
Create beautiful handmade cards with confidence using the 99 patterns in our exquisite hardbound Originals®program. With exact dimensions, fold placement guides, blueprints, and step-by-step instructions, every aspiring cardmaker or crafting pro will love Originals. Feast on the gorgeous, full-color artwork sprinkled throughout the pages and then make cards of your own, simply and easily, with Originals Card Confidence! 

Wishes
Bulk cardmaking, trendy circle cards, and all new patterns make Jeanette Lynton's latest hardbound, how-to cardmaking book a must-have for your creative library. The three bulk card "workshops" help you make 8, 12, or 16 cards in a jiffy while getting the most out of your papers and your time. The beautiful full-color artwork and creative tips and techniques offer hours of inspiration and fresh ideas. 

I absolutely LOVE these books and will be sad when they go!!So, if  you've been waiting for a special time to get them now is it! To order go HERE and click join the "March 16-23 Order Here" gathering! If you aren't sure which one you want/need let me know and we'll figure it out together!

Technique Blog Hop - B&T Embellishments

Welcome to our Technique Blog Hop!  This month we are highlighting the “B&T Duos as Embellishments” Technique as shown on page 21 in the Spring/Summer 2012 Idea Book!  This blog hop is a great big circle so you can start wherever you want and continue through to see all the fabulous artwork incorporating this technique. 

We would love to see what you’ve created using this month’s technique, please visit our challenge blog at http://technicallyterrific.blogspot.com where you can share your project and be entered in a chance to win great prizes.  You will also find a listing of all participants and their blog addresses if you should get lost or want to reference a blog along the way.  Let’s get started!

If you are coming from Michelle W's Blog, you are on the right track! 

Last September my husband and I celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary (boy does time fly). I've been wanting to make a special mini-album to celebrate the occasion and thought the floral accents on the back of the Roxie B&T paper would make a perfect embellishment for my album cover! To go along with the theme I also trimmed the zip strip on the top of another B&T paper to create a scallop accent. 

The cover features the 10 Things Pocket which holds a special pull-out tag which I'll share later. The numbered strips on the album sides represent each of our 10 years. I'm still working on the inside pages and will share those when they are complete.


Supplies used (all CTMH unless otherwise noted): 
Paper: Roxie Level 2 (X7140B), Black Cardstock
Stamps: Trinity Alphabet (E1021), March SOTM-Potential (S1203)
Ink: Tulip (Z2166), Black (44751)
Other: Board Book (retired), Cork Alphabet (Z1450), Bling Assortment (Z1466), Bitty Sparkles (Z1263), Black Embroidery Floss (Z1096), Black Grosgrain Ribbon, 10 Things Pocket (Z1412), Dimensional Elements Hearts (Z1735), Micro-Tip Scissors, 3D Foam Tape, Glue Dots, Liquid Applique, Sanding Block, Piercing Tool


Thanks for stopping by!  Please continue onto Lisa's Blog where you will find some additional artwork highlighting this technique!  Be sure to leave a comment and let me know what you thought of my variation. Happy hopping! 

March Stamp of the Month

If you were a fan of the now retired Cherished Flourishes stamp set then you'll love the Stamp of the Month for March!

This set contains 8 stamps and coordinates with the Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge. What can you do with this set? I easily see shower or wedding invitations out of this set. Here are some more options below (all made by the fabulous CTMH Art Department):

12 x 12 Layout:

3 1/2" x 2 1/2" Card:

Altered Items:

Banner:

Contact me to purchase this set today!

Mojo Monday 231

It's contest week at Mojo Monday and I'm getting my entry in just in the nick of time! Today's card is 5 x7 and uses the Stella Paper Pack as well as the March Stamp of the Month.

All of the accents (tag, flowers, circle, etc) were cut using the Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge. It's hard to tell in the photo but I added pearls to the center of each flower.

Here is the inspiration sketch.

Supplies used (all CTMH unless otherwise noted): 
Paper: Stella Level 2, Kraft Cardstock, Colonial White Cardstock, Cocoa Cardstock
Stamps: Potential (March SOTM)
Ink: Cocoa, Tulip
Other: Pearls, Glue Dots, Cocoa Grosgrain Ribbon, Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge, Scissors

Baby Mini-Album

My neighbor's daughter recently delivered her first child, Chloe, so I made here a quick mini-album brag book.

 The idea was inspired by fellow CTMH consultant, Terry Diack, who so graciously shared the instructions on the consultant bulletin board (one of the reasons I LOVE being a consultant).

Inside of Album

The inside of the album has two sides. Each open and fold hold creating a really fun interactive element.

Fold Out Sides

The album was made using 2 of the 3 1/4" x 8" die card cards and envelopes and will easily hold 30 3"x3" photos. The envelopes also hold pull-out journaling cards.

Journaling Tags

The book cover was made out of recycled fruit snack boxes!

Front Cover

Back Cover

The finished project is 4 1/2" x 4 1/2".

Supplies used (all CTMH unless otherwise noted): 
Paper: Sophia (retired), Tulip Cardstock
Stamps: Trinity Alphabet
Ink: Pear, Tulip Marker
Other: Sophia MyStickease (retired), Sophia Journaling Spots, Pink Assortment Buttons, Flowers, 1 1/4" Circle Punch, 3D Foam Tape, Book Rings, Crop-A-Dile, Fruit Snack Boxes, Lots of Dots Irresistibles, Colonial White Ribbon

Mojo Monday 230

This week on Mojo Monday we were given the option of a circle card or square card. I used my Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge to cut a scalloped circle card.

The card was cut using the card feature and <Circle3> p. 41 at 4 1/4". I also cut the interior circle at 3 3/4" and four of <Flower5> p48 at 1 1/2", 1 1/4", 1", and 3/4". Each flower was stamped with the Pemberley WOTG stamp set and inked with Desert Sand Ink.

FYI: In March you can get the Art Philosophy Bundle for free (a $99 value) when you join my team! Check out the Monthly Specials page for more info or contact me today!

Here is the inspiration sketch:

Supplies used (all CTMH unless otherwise noted): 
Paper: Pemberley, Kraft Cardstock, Colonial White Cardstock, Vanilla Cream Cardstock
Stamps: Pemberley WOTG, Card Chatter Sympathy 
Ink: Indian Corn Blue, Honey, Desert Sand
Other: Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge, Adhesive Pearls, Bouquet Assortment

March Creative Club

Since it's the 3rd month of 2012, I decided to make this month's creative night all about 3's....three different card shapes, three different stamp sets and three different accessories. We'll stamp, socialize and snack while we make some fun projects!

I'd love to have you join me for a fun evening. Club night is Friday, March 9 at 7 pm. If you are in the Northern VA area and would like to attend please let me know by Wednesday, March 7. If you are unable to attend but would like to make this project please use the link below to purchase a kit.

Here's what's included in your kit:

• 1 - 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" Die Cut Card & Envelope
• 1 - 3 1/2" x 8" Die Cut Card & Envelope
• 1 - 4 1/2" Circle Card
• 1 - Adhesive Spring
• Pre-cut papers 
• Pre-stamped images
• Detailed instructions with cutting diagrams and pictures

To order your kit please choose one of the two choices below.

Local $5.00 USD Ship $10.00 USD

Get the Cricut Art Philosophy or $100 in Select Product for FREE!!

For the month of March, when you sign up as a Close to My Heart Consultant, you get the Cricut Art Philosophy collection for FREE!!!

The new consultant kit is valued at over $288 retail and costs only $99! Here's what's included in the basic kit:

Not only do you get everything above you'll also get the Cricut Art Philosophy collection, valued at $99 for FREE!

Cricut Bundle

In addition to both of those fabulous deals you can also add-on any or all of the following collections to enhance your new consultant kit:

Florentine Add-On

Pemberley Add-On

Studio J Add-On

If you already have the Cricut bundle you can opt to receive $100 in select product credit of your choosing! For those consultants you join my team I'm also offering a special incentive...you'll have to contact me for more info on that!

If you haven't seen the Cricut Art Philosophy in action check this video out below! I'd love for you to join my team! For those that are interested I will be holding two free conference calls this month -- March 15 & March 22 at 8:30 pm (EST). You must RSVP to receive a conference call code!



Seriously...what are you waiting for??!!