Happy Holidays

Happy Holiday's from my family to yours!!!

May today be filled with joy and love and your 2012 with health, happiness and lots of creative time!

Love, 

The Battitori Family

Rock the Block Home Decor!

I'm so excited to share the newest CTMH promotion with you all. You're going to love the way the collage cubes and the Rock the Block stamp set work together for interactive, 3-D fun. Watch this video to get more details from Kristine Widfeldt, Vice President of Sales and Marketing.



To get your Rock the Block set place a minimum order of $25 from the Autumn/Winter 2011 Idea Book between December 19, 2011 and January 31, 2012 and you can get two new products for just $15: the My Creations Collage Cubes (a Spring/Summer 2012 sneak-peek product!) and the exclusive My Acrylix Rock the Block E-Size Stamp set (available only during this promotion). That's a retail savings of almost $30!

Contact me for more info or visit my website to get your set today. I'm working on my set now and will share my project as soon as I'm finished!

Christmas Cards - Day 12

This is the last day of my 12 Days of Christmas Card Series. Today's card was inspired by our cooler temps and my wish for some white fluffy snow on Christmas Day. I won't hold my breath though...VA generally doesn't get snow until January or February.

I used my Cricut to cut the snowflake and stamped it with the coordinating Snowflakes stamp set! I just love this set! If I had set a timer I would say this card probably took all of 10 minutes from start to finish.

Thank you so much for staying with me during my first 12 Days of Christmas Cards Series. I hope in some way I inspired you to use your stash of goodies to make handmade cards for your loved ones. I know they will appreciate the time you spent creating something handmade from your heart!

Supplies used (all CTMH unless otherwise noted): 
Paper: Colonial White Cardstock, Chocolate Cardstock
Stamps: Snowflakes (D1480), A Holiday (A1115)
Ink: Colonial White, Chocolate, Twilight
Other: Sparkles, Bitty Sparkles, 3D Foam Tape, Designer Brads (Shimmer), Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge

Mojo Monday 219

Two posts in one day? I'm on fire lately! Actually, I was working on another project this morning and took a break to hop on Mojo Monday's blog. As soon as I saw the sketch I was instantly inspired to drop everything and make this card.

I used the new zip strip from the pattern paper to create the accordion flower. You can't really tell but the strip repeats the sentiment "Here comes Santa Claus. Ho Ho Ho. He's a jolly ol' soul. Who's been naughty? Who's been nice?" It goes perfectly with my stamped Santa.

To make jolly ol' Santa stand out a bit I used my water color pencils to color his jacket and some Liquid Applique and Prisma Glitter to puff up part of his coat and hat and add some sparkle.

Hope you enjoy it as much as I do! Here's the sketch I used.

Supplies used (all CTMH unless otherwise noted): 
Paper: Believe Level 2 B&T, Topiary Cardstock, White Daisy Cardstock
Stamps: Believe WOTG
Ink: Black, Holiday Red, Topiary, Garden Green
Other: Ruler, Essential Brads, Liquid Applique, Prisma Glitter, Button (from stash), Black Embroidery Floss

Christmas Cards - Day 11

Today's card uses the Designer Tag sketch from the Wishes How-To Book. Tags are so much fun to make and add such a big impact to any card or scrapbook project you may be working on. Wouldn't this tag be perfect on a gift?

If you like to make your own tags or find out that you've run out of them while you're wrapping your presents on the 24th then check out this CTMH video below.



See you tomorrow for Day 12!

Supplies used (all CTMH unless otherwise noted):
Paper: Believe Level 2, Cranberry Cardstock, Topiary Cardstock
Stamps: Christmas Love (D1492), Believe WOTG
Ink: Black, Topieary
Other: Black Hemp, Heartfelt Whimsy (retired), Spring Blossom Mini Medley (retired), Corner Rounder

Christmas Cards - Day 10

Thanks for coming back to my 12 Days of Christmas Cards Series. Today I am using my 3/4" square punch and my stash of leftover pattern paper scraps.

These scraps came from a custom order of favor boxes I made several years ago. Why did I kept all these scraps? I have no idea but I'm sure glad I did. There is nothing easier than sitting in front of my TV punching squares!

See you tomorrow for Day 11!

Supplies used (all CTMH unless otherwise noted): 
Paper: White Daisy Cardstock, Other (from my stash)
Stamps: A Holiday
Ink: Black
Other: Ruler, Essential Brads, 3/4" Square Punch (EK Success or Fiskars), Piercing Tool

Technique Blog Hop - Glitz Glitter Gel

Welcome to our Technique Blog Hop!  This month we are highlighting the Glitz Technique as shown on page 35 of the Autumn/Winter 2011 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.  If you would like to start from the beginning, please visit this link.  While there 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've been following my 12 Days of Christmas Cards don't worry...the series will continue tomorrow! If you would like to check it out please start here!

If you've arrived from Debi's Blog you are on the right track! For this month's project I used the Glitz Glitter to highlight the title of my adorable son's first Santa experience. As you can tell it did not go well! 


I love the Glitz Glitter Gel for many reasons. Not only does it go on smoothly, but once it dries it stays put! Don't you hate when you work with glitter and it ends up everywhere. Sometimes I still find flecks of it on my face. Not with this stuff!


If you would like a tutorial on how I made this project please continue reading. Otherwise, please continue on to Judy's Blog !


Supply List (all CTMH unless otherwise noted):
Paper: Believe Level 2 (X7415B), Grey Wool Cardstock, Topiary Cardstock, White Daisy Cardstock
Ink: Grey Wool (Z2125), Topiary (Z2115)
Stamps: A Holiday (A1115), Classmate Alphabet (D1303)
Other: Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge, Dimensional Elements Banner (Z1685), Color Ready Alphabet (X5749), Embroidery floss (Z1094), Mistletoe Level 2 Assortment (Z1330), Colonial White Ribbon Rounds (Z1126), Piercing Tool Kit (Z337), Sanding Block, Mini Glue Dots, Ruler (Z1471)


If you would like to repeat this layout first gather your supplies (see supply list above). OK, let's get started:


1. Start by cutting your papers using the Bottom Border-Footnotes sketch from the Reflections How-To Book. Note, I triple matted my photo to help it stand out!


2. For the base cardstock, score vertical lines using the following pattern: 3/4", 3/4", 1/4", 3/4". Repeat until entire base is scored. Use sanding tools on score lines to show the white core of the cardstock (love this feature!).


3. Ink all edges of paper with Grey Wool Ink.


4. Use the new Ruler to pierce stitching lines on Topiary Cardstock. Sew using Embroidery Floss. Note: I like to tape the ends of the floss on the backside with Scotch tape.


5. Cut the following with your Cricut: 

Step #5

• p. 29, Decorate Layer, <Banner2> at 2". Cut 4 of these and attach to Dimensional Elements Banners.
• p. 46, Shift, <Leaf3> at 2 1/4"
• p. 46, Shift <Leaf3> at 1 3/4"

6. Stamp the holly leaves using Topiary Ink and A Holiday stamp set.

Step #7

7. With Classmate Alphabet, stamp "ho" sentiment using Grey Flannel Ink on two of the banners from above.


8. Using your Holiday Red Marker, color letters "N", "O" and exclamation point found on Color Ready Alphabet, Oxford Caps.

Step # 8 & 9

8. Apply Red Glitz Glitter Gel to "ho" "ho" and Color Read Alphabet. Let dry.


9. Assemble layout and embellish with Ribbon and Mistletoe Embellishments.

Thanks for stopping by! Please continue onto Judy'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 and happy hopping!

Christmas Cards - Day 9

Today's card uses one of the many card shapes from the Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge. This particular card comes from p. 35. If you would like to make a card similar to this you will want to use the card function and select the 5th button on the second row of the overlay. I cut the card at 5" which is about 1/4" smaller than a typical A2 sized card.

For the card front I trimmed a small piece of leftover pattern paper and used my x-acto knife to trim out the center cut. Then, I stamped two of the tree images from the October SOTM, Holiday Magic, using Cranberry and Olive inks. I layered the trees on the card front popping up the top tree with 3D Foam Tape. I stamped a sentiment directly in the cut portion and my card is done!

Here's the inside of the card.

Tomorrow, Dec 15 I will be participating in a blog hop. The 12 Days of Christmas Cards will continue on Dec 16!

Supplies used (all CTMH unless otherwise noted): 
Paper: Neutral Cardstock (American Crafts), pattern paper (from stash)
Stamps: Holiday Magic (Oct SOTM)
Ink: Cranberry, Olive, Black
Other:

Christmas Cards - Day 8

OK, I'll admit it. This gift card holder really isn't that simple or quick but I adore it! I totally CASEd it from Tresa Black.

The front of this card uses 3 tress from the A Timber stamp set. The dimension on it is fabulous!

Here's the view from the inside. Not only does it have a couple areas to write a personalized message but it also has a perfect cut-out for adding your gift card!

She made it last year but I'm just getting around to making one myself. Instructions and a video tutorial for this masterful work of art can be found here. Wouldn't this be great for a teacher's gift this winter season!

Supplies used (all CTMH unless otherwise noted): 
Paper: Colonial White Cardstock, Mistletoe (retired), Cranberry Cardstock, Ponderosa Pine Cardstock
Stamps: A Timber
Ink: Bamboo, Chocolate, 
Other: Cranberry Grosgrain Ribbon, Red Sparkles, Sanding Block, Border Punch (Fiskars), Scallop Circle Punch (SU)

Christmas Cards - Day 7

I'm on a roll with this no pattern paper thing! Today's card uses Liquid Applique and Prisma Glitter to give the illusion of freshly fallen snow on my little cottage house.

I kept the colors neutral with a Grey Flannel card base and Grey Flannel stamped sentiment. As you can see the only color is the ribbon on the door wreath. This card makes me want to grab a cup of cocoa!

Here's a close-up of the house. It's kind of hard to tell but the Liquid Applique makes the snow puffy.

Supplies used (all CTMH unless otherwise noted): 
Paper: Grey Flannel Cardstock, Chocolate Cardstock, Colonial White Cardstock
Stamps: Snow Days
Ink: Grey Flannel, Chocolate
Other: Liquid Applique, Prisma Glitter, Corner Rounder, Blending Pen, Holiday Red Marker, Craft Tray

Christmas Cards - Day 6

We are halfway through our 12 Days of Christmas Cards!  I am going super simple today with buttons. Admit it, you have a TON of buttons in your stash! And, like Day 5, I'm not using any pattern paper.

How stinkin' cute is this card!! I used the "Merry" from the Holiday Commentary stamp set for my tree trunk and was inspired by the flowing lines of the "Christmas" sentiment to create a border around the card. You know what I love most about this card? I was able to make it for just pennies! I LOVE that!

Thanks for sticking around and I hope you are getting some inspiration for your handmade holiday goodness!

Supplies used (all CTMH unless otherwise noted): 
Paper: Colonial White Cardstock
Stamps: Holiday Commentary (C1379)
Ink: Cranberry, Black
Other: Buttons, Embroidery Floss

Christmas Cards - Day 5

With the help of the Two-Step Background stamp set, today's card uses no pattern paper whatsoever!

The sentiment comes from one of the many sets found on the Christmas Love stamp set. I jazzed it up a bit by adding Red Glitz Glitter Gel to the bird. The sparkle and depth on it is pefect!

Supplies used (all CTMH unless otherwise noted): 
Paper: Grey Flannel Cardstock, Ponderosa Pine Cardstock, White Daisy Cardstock
Stamps: Christmas Love, Two-Step Background
Ink: Black, Cranberry, New England Ivy
Other: Designer Ribbon Red Collection

Christmas Cards - Day 4

Here's another holiday card for your viewing pleasure. I've learned through the years that if you are making bulk cards you definitely want to keep it simple like this one!

Even though it's simple I think the red sparkle on Rudolph's nose it gives it a little something extra. You could easily add a holiday sentiment to the bottom right of this card but I really wanted the focus to be on the head deer!

Supplies used (all CTMH unless otherwise noted): 
Paper: pp-Mistletoe (retired), Chocolate Cardstock, Cranberry Cardstock 
Stamps: I Believe
Ink: Chocolate
Other: Red Sparkle

Christmas Cards - Day 3

Today's card was one I recently made for a Christmas Card Workshop I recently had. It uses the awesome Wonderland paper and the new Top Coat Icing Overlays.

Here's a tip for your Christmas cards -- If you have a favorite "go-to" design for card-making try changing it up a little by using a different card shape. This card uses the Die-Cut Cards from CTMH.

If you don't have the overlays you could replace it with a stamped sentiment of choice. This card was CASEd (Copied And Stole Everything) from fellow CTMH consultant LeAnne Dudley.

Supplies used (all CTMH unless otherwise noted): 
Paper: Wonderland, Twilight Cardstock, Chocolate Cardstock, White Daisy Cardstock 
Stamps: Winter Joy
Ink: Twilight
Other: Die Cut Cards and Envelopes, Top Coat Icing Overlays

Christmas Cards - Day 2

Today's card was inspired by this one. I used my Cricut and Art Philosophy Cartridge to cut the star and circle shapes.

The base of the card is 4 1/4 x 4 1/4 and the card fits into an A2 envelope.

Supplies used (all CTMH unless otherwise noted): 
Paper: White Daisy Cardstock, Believe
Stamps: Wonderland WOTG, Two-Step Background
Ink: Sweet Leaf, Black, Crystal Blue
Other: Red Sparkle, Green Grosgrain Ribbon

Christmas Cards - Day 1

If you haven't started your Christmas cards it's not too late! For the next 12 days I will show you some holiday cards I've been making that can easily be created quickly and simply with your supplies on hand. So, go check out your stash and let's get started!

This cute little card was a big hit at a craft fair I participated in. I almost felt a little guilty (key word almost) when I thought about how fast this card was to create. If you want to jazz it up a bit you could replace the Cranberry cardstock strip with ribbon.

Supplies used (all CTMH unless otherwise noted): 
Paper: Mistletoe (retired), Cranberry Cardstock, Garden Green Cardstock
Stamps: Share the Magic (last year SOTM)
Ink: Chocolate
Other: Brad

December Creative Club

This month's club projects focus on gift giving from start to finish. We'll make everything you need for a handmade and inexpensive gift with items found in your local Dollar Store. Don't worry...I won't tell your friends or teachers if you don't!

Card Club is Friday, December 9th at 7:00 pm. If you are in the Northern Virginia area and can attend I'd love to have you. And, if you have a Cricut and Art Philosophy Cartridge bring it with you and I'll show you step-by-step how to use it! If you don't own a Cricut that's OK. I'll cut your images for you while you stamp.

If you are unable to attend, but would like to make this project I have a couple kits available for purchase.

Here's what's included in your kit:

• pre-cut and pre-stamped images
• full-color assembly instructions
• 1 Decorate-Your-Own Mug
• 1 Gift Bag
• Tissue Paper
• 1 sheet Background & Texture paper
• 2 1/2 sheets Cardtock

The price is $5.00 (shipping charges apply for kit orders).  If interested send me an email or leave a comment on this post. Your kit purchase will count towards budget club and will help you earn $25 in free rewards!

Valentine's in December??

Happy December everyone!! It's a new month which means a new Close To My Heart Stamp of the Month. This month;s set includes wonderful images and phrases that would be perfect for celebrating weddings, anniversaries or love in general...hence, Valentine's in December!!

I haven't gotten my stamp set yet so I was unable to participate in the Stamp of the Month Blog Hop this month. If you have a moment and want to check out some fabulous artwork using this stamp set then please visit Melissa's blog and start your hop. You won't be disappointed!

In the meantime, here's some fabulous art designed by the CTMH staff. Isn't it gorgeous??!!

If you would like your own set please email me and I will let you know how you can get it for just $5!!!

Apple Picking with Mayberry

How many times do you go through your pictures and think, "Man, I wish that picture wasn't blurry!" or "Ugh, why are there so many shadows?" Do you hesitate to scrapbook those less than perfect photos? As much as I wish my Nikon camera would transform me into this super-perfect, award winning photo journalist I realize that it won't. So, sometimes I'm left with blurry and shadow filled pictures.

Today's layout uses the Mayberry WOTG to help me tell the story of our 2nd apple picking trip from 2010. And yes, if you take a close look at the photos you will see they are anything but perfect! That's OK though. That's what happened at the time and those photos tell our family story.

The layout was created using The Mayberry WOTG kit that was launched in the Spring/Summer Idea Book. The WOTG is no longer available but the paper is and so are the Token Alphabet set and Badge Buttons used to create the title and accents.

I hope the next time you have less than perfect photos you still use them and share them on your blog!

Supplies used (all CTMH unless otherwise noted):

Paper: Mayberry (X7136B)

Stamps: Token Alphabet (E1020), Mayberry WOTG (retired)

Ink: Smoothie ((Z2196), Olive (Z2137)

Other: Canvas Badge Buttons (Z1397), 1 1/4" Circle Punch (Z1311)

Our BeautiFUL Life Layout

Now that my computer is fixed I have the opportunity to scrapbook again! So, yesterday I created this layout highlighting our 2010 Thanksgiving. I was 7 months pregnant and my doctor's didn't want me to travel so we stayed home and had an intimate celebration...in our PJ's!! It was lovely and completely relaxing!

I started out with the Imagine "Up the Tempo" sketch but didn't like the orientation of the left page so I rotated it to fit my needs.

The pattern paper is an old Making Memories Kit I found in my stash while I doing some scraproom cleanup (yet another advantage of a broken computer). I didn't have cardstock in the kit so I looked through the 60 CTMH colors and found Juniper...a perfect match!

I didn't stamp one itty bit on this layout (I did ink the edges of my cardstock though)! That might be a first for me. Instead, I used the stickers and tags that came with the kit to create my title and embellishments. I did use my Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge to cut the "LIFE" in my title. The alphabet set on the cartridge coordinates perfectly with the Dimensional Elements chipboard!

Thanks for looking!

Supplies used (all CTMH unless otherwise noted):
Paper: Making Memories Autumn Spice Kit, Juniper Cardstock, Colonial White Cardstock 
Stamps: none!
Ink: Chocolate, Barn Red
Other: Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge, Dimensional Elements Alphabet, Ribbon (from my stash)

Give Thanks Mini Album

 I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Mine was a little different than normal. My poor daughter was sick so we chose to have her stay at home with me while my husband and boys visited family out of state. It wasn't my ideal holiday but I still wanted to take a moment to celebrate all the things I am thankful for. So, I made this super cute mini-album, "Give Thanks".

The base of the album is made with 3 of the 6" x 6" Kraft Die Cut Cards (the same ones I used in November's card club). You'll be able to make 2 of these albums out of one package. Cute and economical!!

Using the new Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge, Journaling Spots and Color-Ready Cork Alphabet this album literally came together in just a couple of hours. I love projects like that don't you??!! Here's a close up of the cover. The scallop flap holds the album closed.

With a few different paper choices I think this album would fit so many themes - Christmas, New Baby, or any special event you want to highlight.
If you'd like to make a project similar to this you will need the following items:

Supplies used (all CTMH unless otherwise noted):
Paper: Believe Level 2, Dreamin' Level 2, Colonial White Cardstock, Cranberry Cardstock, Olive Cardstock
Stamps: A Little Thanks (D1444), Treasure Life (D1306), Cricut Art Philosophy Stamp Set, Miracle WOTG (B1378)
Ink: Cocoa (Z2114), Olive (Z2137), Bamboo (Z2103), Cranberry (Z2116)
Other: Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge, Kraft Die Cut Cards and Envelopes (Z1474), Color-Ready Cork Alphabet (Z1450), Journaling Spots (Z1461), Brads-Green Assortment (Z1364), Cocoa Marker (Z2314), 3D Foam Tape (Z1151), Piercing Tool (Z337), Bone Folder

P.S. Don't forget about my Thanksgiving Sales Event! There's only  a short time left in this special.

Exclusive Sales Event! HURRY!!

As my way of saying THANK YOU for all your support I'm offering this exclusive "Michelle Savings" opportunity to my best customers and blog followers! Send me your order between Wednesday, November 23 - Sunday, November 26  and take advantage of my Thanksgiving Specials!

I want you to get the best value for your money so when you are placing your order keep in mind the following CTMH specials:

•  Order $25 in MyAcrylix stamps and get the exclusive My Holiday stamp set for only $5.00! This set works beautifully with the Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge.
• When you spend $50 (any product mix), you are eligible to receive the SOTM for only $5.00!

So, if you're keeping track, spend $50 ($25 in stamps) and get an additional D-size stamp set AND SOTM for only $10!

Oh yeah, I almost forgot. Everyone who places an order with this special will also be entered into a drawing for a Workshop on the Go or a CTMH How-To Book (your choice).

You must email me your order no later than Sunday, 8 pm to qualify for the specials! Free items are based on the highest level of sales you qualify for.

Place an Order of $25 - $50

Receive a free package of embellishments of your choice, Dye Ink Pad, or package of brads (up to $5.25 value).

If you spent $25 in stamps then you automatically qualify for the Holiday Wishes Stamp set for $5! At $50, you qualify for the SOTM at $5!

Place an Order of $51 - $75

Receive a free package of Craft Buttons, A-size stamp set, or Designer Ribbon (up to $7.95 value).

If you spent $25 in stamps then you automatically qualify for the Holiday Wishes Stamp set for $5! Plus you qualify for the SOTM at $5!

Place an Order of $76 - $100

Receive a free Quick-Pic album, My Creations Journal, My Reflections Level 2 Paper Kit (up to $9.95 value).

If you spent $25 in stamps then you automatically qualify for the Holiday Wishes Stamp set for $5! Plus you qualify for the SOTM at $5!

 Place an Order of $101- $149

Receive any D-size stamp set or My Reflections Paper Kit + Coordinating accessory

As an added bonus, choose any A through D size Stamp Set absolutely free! So, if you place an order for $101, you will receive up to $41.85 in FREE products.

If you spent $25 in stamps then you automatically qualify for the Holiday Wishes Stamp set for $5! Plus you qualify for the SOTM at $5!

Place an Order of $150 or more

Receive $25 in free products of you choice and any D-size stamp set or My Reflections Paper Kit + Coordinating accessory

As an added bonus, choose any A through D size Stamp Set absolutely free! So, if you place an order for $150 or more, you will receive up to $60.90 in FREE products.

If you spent $25 in stamps then you automatically qualify for the Holiday Wishes Stamp set for $5! Plus you qualify for the SOTM at $5!

This is only available until Sunday, November 27 and you must email me your order to receive your free items!