Coffee Filter Spring Wreath

In case you haven't noticed I've been on quite the wreath making kick lately!

My latest creation was made with items from my new favorite craft supply store -- The Dollar Tree!  I lucked out by finding the wreath form there (it's very hit or miss so when they are in stock take advantage) as well as a package of white coffee filters.

The flowers were made from pink chevron burlap ribbon I found on sale at my local craft store. The
leaves are from a retired felt accessory set from CTMH.

I wasn't planning on adding a banner to this wreath but my kids and hubby thought it needed something else. In the end I think they were right! The banner was cut with the Art Philosophy Cartridge at 2 1/2". The letters were cut at 1" using the Lollydoodle B&T paper. It matches perfectly with the burlap ribbon!

I can't find the exact tutorial I used but any search for "coffee filter wreath" will do the trick!

~Michelle

Studio J Express Collections

There are only 6 days left in the current Studio J campaign for March...just $5.00 per layout vs. $6.95. It's not too late to jump in if you haven't yet! Oh, and don't forget to close your Studio J orders by midnight March 31!

 

I've mentioned before that Studio J has a lot of features...everything from Custom Layouts, to Photo Only Layouts, to Express Collections. This post is going to focus on Express Layouts but if you still aren't sure what the others are here's a quick explanation:

Custom Layouts:

 

With custom layouts you are the designer. You pick the paper pack, layout design, embellishments, etc. You can add/remove photo wells as well as adjust sizes and placement. There are almost too many features to list here! Here's an example of  one of the first Custom Layouts I created:

Photo Only Layouts:

 

Within the Express Collections you have the option to choose between 7 different photo only layouts. These layouts have pre-designed photo wells in the varying sizes - - this is a great option to get a lot of quality printed photos for projects like Picture My Life!

Express Collections:

Express collections are designed to be FASTER, as there is less customization that you can do. The layouts are basically done - you just add your photos, title and journaling, and you can literally be done in five minutes! Below is a walk through of Express Collections:

This is the first screen you'll see when you are in Studio J, ready to start:

If you click on Express Collections, here's what you'll see:

You'll notice that you won't see 100+ papers and kits to choose from - you'll see completed layouts. CTMH already chosen the paper and layout design for you.

For illustration purposes, if you click on the "Little Miss" here are the completed layouts for that collection (click on the photo for a larger look):

The layouts are pretty awesome right? You can choose to use all of these layouts are select one or two to fit your photos! Here's an example if you click on one of the layouts above:

On the left side of the screen you'll see fewer options to choose from than what you'd see with Custom Layouts. After adding your photos, you can still add additional text and photo wells, buttons, ribbons as well as distress your paper if you choose.

In contrast, if you selected Custom Layouts this is what you'd see on the left hand side:

 

With Express collections you have the choice to change paper colors but not the pattern. You can also choose to delete stickease embellishments (but not change them). You can also change the color of the text and embellishments, as well as add additional photo/text boxes. So, there IS some flexibility but not nearly as much as Custom Layouts.

Don't be afraid to try Studio J - it is truly the most incredible, easy to use, digital scrapbook product I've seen! It's also BY FAR the most affordable and the most flexible! What other company lets you use it FOR FREE without downloading or purchasing any software?

I'm always here if you have any questions! For those that have used Studio J what is your favorte feature(s)? And for those that haven't...what's holding you back?

~Michelle

Scallop Paper Cone Wreath

What do you get when you take a 3" Scallop Punch, Skylark Paper, a Dollar Tree Book, and a hot glue gun?? Why this gorgeous cone wreath of course!

The scallop banner was cut with the Art Philosophy Cartridge (p. 59, Decorative Layer) at 2". I used my Party Pennants alphabet and Black Ink to stamp the letters and strung it with hemp.

This project was certainly a labor of love and I'm VERY happy with the way it turned out (my burnt fingertips may say otherwise though). This one is going to be hard to give up at the Spring Craft Fair I'm participating in next Saturday!

This wreath was inspired by this pin on Pinterest (tutorial can be found on the blog post). I have one more wreath to share later this week.

Have a wonderful day!

~Michelle

The Everything ABC Blog Hop - F

Welcome to the Everything ABC Blog Hop!

For this hop we will be featuring the letter 'F'. This may be the name of a paper, a stamp set or an embellishment, whatever the artist has chosen as their "F" embellishment will be featured in their post. For this hop I've created a canvas wall hanging trio using the Family Love Stamp Set! 

If you've just come from Jenny's Blog then you are on the right track! This hop is a great big circle but if you happen to lose your way please visit Linda's Blog, Scrappy Therapy, for a complete list of hoppers.

I was inspired to make this wall hanging by CTMH Artwork from the 2013 Autumn/Winter Idea Book (tip: never throw out the Idea Books...they have sooo much beautiful artwork. You never know when you'll need to feel inspired).

Panel 1

I started out by using 3 of the My Creations Canvas Displays and one sheet of Skylark B&T paper. Each base piece was cut to 5 5/8" x 5 5/8" and inked with Brown Bag Ink.

For the first panel I stamped one of the images in the stamp set using Lagoon Ink. I accented the panel with a strip of Sweet Leaf Cardstock that I ran through my embossing machine with the new Quatrefoil Embossing Folder. I finished it off with some Silver Glitter Paper and Metal Flowers.

Panel 2

I kept the center panel very simple by using the reverse side of the B&T. I stamped another sentiment from the Family Love Stamp Set and layered onto more Silver Glitter Paper. I popped the sentiment up with some 3D Foam Tape for added dimension.

For symmetry I repeated the banner accents and embossing on the 3rd panel.

Panel 3

Instead of stamping another sentiment I opted to use some of the accents on the stamp set. I inked them in Sweet Leaf Ink and used my sponge dauber to add a touch of Brown Bag Ink to the center. I hand cut and layered them with 3D Foam Tape.  I finished this canvas with more Glitter paper and Metal Flowers!

 

I think this wall hanging will make a great addition to any family room or bedroom! This trio can also be hung vertically! If you want to hang it up I suggest hot gluing ribbon to the back or using some 3M adhesive.

Thanks for stopping by and checking out my project!Now it's time to check out what Shalana's made! 

If you'd like to make this project for yourself here's a list of supplies used (all CTMH unless otherwise specified):

Paper: Sylark, Kraft Cardstock, Lagoon Cardstock, Sweet Leaf Cardstock, Black & Silver Glitter Paper
Ink: Sweet Leaf, Lagoon, Chocolate, Brown Bag
Stamp: Family Love
Other: My Creations Canvas Display, 3D Foam Tape, Quatrefoil Embossing Folder, Metal Flowers, Scissors, Sponge Dauber

In case you get lost along the way please go to Scrappy Therapy for a complete list of participants! 

~Michelle
P.S. I'm giving away a free stamp set on March 31! Please visit THIS POST for details.

A Look Inside of Creative Night

I have been very fortunate over the last few years to host a monthly creative night at my house. Often times I get asked how my club nights work so I thought I'd share a few photos from last Friday's event.

This month I had several new guests...some with cardmaking experience and some completely new! Here is one of my attendees with her first-ever cards! She did an amazing job and I think she may be hooked!

As far as projects go I like to change it up each month. Sometimes we make cards and other times we crate small home decor items or mini-albums. Whatever we do I focus on a specific paper pack from CTMH and one or two techniques to try.

This month's project used Lollydoodle and Washi Tape:

Each attendee receives all the supplies needed (minus adhesive) to create the project as well as color-printed, step-by-step instructions. Here's a snippet of the this month's instructions:

Next month we will be working with Skylark and embossing folders! I would love for you to join me at my next Creative Night (Friday, April 11). If you are in the Northern Virginia area and would like to attend please contact me or visit my Meetup group, Manassas Area Papercrafters.

Non-local friends can always join in on the fun with mailed home kits! You may not be able to join me in person but you'll receive the same materials and create in the comfort of your own home.

~Michelle

It's Giveaway Time!

In honor of all the support you've given me I thought it was time for a giveaway!

From now until March 31, for every $25 of products purchased on my web store you'll receive one entry for the brand new Belated Birthday (B1442) stamp set! So, spend $25 - 1 ticket, $50 - 2 tickets, $75 - 3 tickets, etc.

Purchases can be anything...Studio J (don't forget about the $5 special), paper, While Supplies Last Items, etc. Please note, this giveaway is exclusive to me and won't be honored by other consultants.

I'll announce the winner on April 1!

Good luck!

>>>> Start Shopping HERE<<<<

~Michelle

Technique Blog Hop - Pattern Switch

Welcome to our Technique Blog Hop! This month we are highlighting Pattern Switch! What is a pattern switch you ask? It's taking a scrapbook layout and converting it into a card or taking a card and making it a layout. For this hop we are using the Spring/Summer Idea Book for our switch inspiration.

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. 

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

I was inspired to make a card from the June Stamp of the Month layout, Kaboom, featured on page 15 of the Idea Book. Actually, if you want to get technical I'm not making a card...I'm making a post-it-note holder for an upcoming craft fair! The cover is kind of like a 3 x 3 card, right???

Since my card is a fraction of the size I wasn't able to include every element but I did keep the general color scheme and overall layout. I opted to make the background Slate (instead of White Daisy) so my colors popped a bit more but I did keep the faux stitching around the edges.

Instead of a photo I opted to use a speech bubble from the Artbooking cartridge (p. 79. Shift + Photo Mat 2, at 2"). I stamped it in Goldrush Ink using the coordinating stamp set.

Supplies Used (All CTMH unless otherwise noted):
Paper: White Daisy Cardstock, Skylark B&T, Slate Cardstock
Ink: Goldrush
Stamps: My Life (Cricut Artbooking Bundle)
Other: Cricut Artbooking Cartridge, Mini Gel Pen (Staples), Chalk Board Marker, Mini Glue Dots, Post-It Note Holder (Staples), Shimmer Trim (Red)

Thanks for checking out my post. If you'd like to make a similar project here's a link to the instructions I used: Post It Note Holder. 

Now please hop onto Terry's blog to see what she created!

~Michelle

Brown Bag Butterfly Wreath

I was inspired by this post, MaryJanes and Galoshes, to make this beautiful wreath for a Spring Craft Show I'm participating in! Yes, it was a little time intensive but I love the result.

I bought most of the supplies from our local Dollar Store (including the wreath form) with the exception of the 3" scallop circle punch.

The butterflies were cut from my Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge (p. 41, shift +<Bttrfly1>. I used a variety of sizes ranging from 2 3/4" to 1/2". I folded them around the center and hot glued them to the top of the wreath. 

For some added bling I added Clear Sparkles to the center...it just catches the light and give the perfect amount of sparkle!

Thanks for looking!

~Michelle

Supplies Used (all CTMH Unless Otherwise Noted):

Paper: Amethyst, Brown Lunch Sacks (Dollar Tree)

Other: 12" Wreath Form (Dollar Tree), Scallop Circle Punch (Marvy Uchida), Cricut Artiste Cartridge, Clear Sparkles, Pencil, Hot Glue Gun

Everything ABC's Blog Hop - E

Welcome to the Everything ABC's Blog Hop!

For this hop we will be featuring the letter 'E'. This may be the name of a paper, a stamp set or an embellishment. For this hop I'm focusing on the fun and super easy Easter Bunny Box from the Aritste Cricut Cartridge, one of the many items I'll have available for sale at an upcoming Spring Craft Fair!

If you have just hopped onto my blog, please start at the beginning at Linda's blog ~ Scrappy Therapy. If you are coming from Lauren's blog then you are on the right track.

When I first got this cartridge I was a bit intimidated by making some of these boxes. Now that I've made them I'm not sure why. They really are super easy!

Here's how to make them:

• Select Accent 1 and the <Spring> key on page 73. Set your dial size to 2 1/2" (make sure Real Dial Size is NOT set (if it is you'll get a tiny little box). Cut.
• The box already has score marks but I recommend using a bone folder and ruler to get a nice even line.
• Simply fold in the tabs, get your bunnies together and then slide the notched edges over the bunny! That's it...no adhesive required on this bad boy!

Now's the fun part...decorating. You can do a variety of things with this box. Here are a few examples of what I've done below:

For the pattern boxes I kept the embellishments very simple by adding the Spring sentiment from the Artiste Cartridge (p. 73, shift + <Easter> at 1").

For the cardstock boxes I cut several grass pieces out of green pattern cardstock (p. 73, shift + Accent 3 at 1"), trimming and adding around the box. 

The little bows also come from the Artiste Cartridge (p. Accent 3 + <g> p. 56 at 1/4"). The bow is perfect to use with brads but my stubby fingers were having trouble adding them to these small cuts. Instead I used a glue dot to fasten to the box and then added some adhesive gems!

It might be hard to tell in the photo but I also added Liquid Applique to the bunny tails. Once dry it "puffs" up giving my bunnies a fuzzy little backside!

Thanks for checking out my project and for "hopping" onto my blog! Please visit Sharon's blog, Sharon's Paper Fiesta, and see what creative project she's designed for the letter 'E'.

Have a great day!

~Michelle

If you get lost on this hop here's a complete list of hoppers and well as links to their blogs:

1. Linda Norman - Scrappy Therapy
2. Joy McHargue - Studiowow
3. Catherine Nowak ~ Catscrapbooking
4. Pam Trostle - Pam's Crafty Creations
5. Jenny Gilbert - Jen's Creative Classroom
6. Anita Autore- Cards and Coffee
7. Lauren Moore - CTMH Craftings
8. Michelle Battitori - That's me!!
9. Sharon Chapman-Sharon's PaperFiesta
10. Cary Magnani - My Heart's Design 
11. Stephanie Feist-The Quilted Scrapper
12. Shalana Glass - Scrappin with Shalana

March CTMH Specials

Studio Savings

 

 

During the month of March, order your Studio J™ layouts—including ones using our new Photo Express Collection—for only $5 each! Quickly create gorgeous, personalized studio layouts using our wide selection of papers, collections, patterns, and embellishments. And don’t forget to check out the templates in our new Photo Express Collection**, which allow you to design layouts entirely comprised of photos in minutes. You’ve taken the photos. Now keep the memories™.

*Offer valid March 1–31, 2014. Studio J layouts ship in a protected box that can hold from 4 to 50 two-page layouts. For additional information about shipping and handling, please visit StudioJ.com > Products and Pricing > Shipping Options.

 

**It is recommended that the matting feature not be used with the photo-only templates, the Photo Express Collection, as matting may cause photos to appear misaligned. Close To My Heart does not assume any liability for photos and Photo Express Collection layouts that have been created using the matting option and will give no reprints or refunds in such cases.

 To learn more about digital scrapbooking or to try Studio J for free visit my website!

Stamp of the Month

Happy Place- Available March 1 - 31, 2014

  

  

Get the Stamp of the Month set for just $5 (S1403A) when you place an order of $50 or more. Below are some examples from the CTMH Art Department on ways to use this stamp set:

 

A list of supplies as well as helpful assembly tips  can my found on my website under Promotions.

>>>>Start Shopping HERE

Have a fantastic day!

~Michelle