It's Giveaway Time!!

I've officially hit 100 likes on my Facebook Page!! As my way of saying Thank You I'm giving away one copy of the Make It from Your Heart Volume 1 book.

This book contains beautiful patterns that were inspired by CTMH founder, Jeanette Lynton. If you aren't familiar with it consider it a sketch book with cutting diagrams! Volume 1 contains 30 patterns -- 18 scrapbook layouts and 12 card patterns. 

To enter simply visit this link: http://bit.ly/XfYZ3v and "like" my page! This giveaway ends 9/2/13 so don't delay. It's only open to US residents and please no CTMH Consultants.

Good Luck!

Artbooking Home Decor Canvas

Welcome to the final week of the Artbooking in August Blog Hop. Each Monday in August CTMH consultants will showcase creative ways to use the new Artbooking cartridge. If you are joining us for the first time, welcome! Here is a summary of challenges we've created along with links to the projects:

Week 1: 2 page Scrapbook Layout

Week 2: Card

Week 3: Mini- Album (Birthday and Vacation)

Week 4: Home Decor or 3D Item

The blog hop is a great big circle but if you get lost along the way please go HERE for a complete list of participants. If you're coming from Emily's blog you are on the right track! 

This week I created a 6 x 6 canvas wall hanging inspired by the artwork on page 42 of the Idea Book.  I started out by creating a template in Cricut Craft Room using the layers feature. Doing this allows you to get your proportions correct and eliminate unnecessary cuts or waste.

Once I was happy with my design I removed the square shapes from my layers since those can be cut by hand which left me with only the Artbooking elements to cut. For this canvas piece I used the Border on page 72 and the "family" sentiment on page 67. 

For some added dimension I cut the "family" sentiment 3 times and layered them together with my Bonding Memories Blue. I've found that when it comes to Artbooking and these intricate shapes a liquid glue with a small tip (like this one) is a lifesaver!

I would love to know what you think. Please leave me a comment and then hop to Cassandra's blog  to see what she's created! 

Supplies used (all CTMH unless otherwise noted): 

Paper: Huntington Paper Pack

Stamps: n/a

Ink: Barn Red

Other: Artbooking Cricut Cartridge, 6 x 6 Canvas, Mini-Medley, Cricut Craft Room, Bonding Memories Glue, Sponge

Artbooking Birthday Mini-Album

Welcome to week 3 of the Artbooking in August Blog Hop. Each Monday in August approximately 35 consultants will showcase creative ways to use the new Artbooking cartridge. The blog hop is a great big circle but if you get lost along the way please go HERE for a complete list of participants.

If you're coming from Emily's blog you are on the right track! This week the challenge was to create a mini-album.  I've already created a Vacation mini (see post HERE) so this week I used the 7 x 5 Top Secret Mini-Album featured on pages 42 & 43 of the handbook to document my son's 10th birthday party!

I decided not to pre-plan this album (a little scary for me but it is a challenge after all) so I started out by cutting all the photo mat pages with the Pro-Player B&T papers. 

Next, I cut the coordinating accents from the cardstock that comes in the Pro-Player pack. I chose to keep stamping to a minimum and only used the notebook paper stamp image that comes with the Artbooking Cartridge.

Once I printed out my photos I began the assembly process. This part came together pretty easily. Honestly, the hardest part was selecting which photos to use!

 

After I had everything adhered to the mini-album I went back and added my embellishments  To keep things simple I only used the Pro-Player Assortment, Canvas Alphabet (colored with Ruby Markers) and Keyboard Craft Alphabet (FYI: Even with all the letters I used in this album I STILL have a ton of letters left from this set!). 

For added contrast I used my Metallics Marker to color the raised portions of the corrugated cardboard shapes in the Pro-Player Assortment pack.

Unlike some of the other mini-albums from the Artbooking Cartridge, this one does not have holes to bind it. I decided to use my crop-o-dile to cut 1/4" holes 2" from each end and tied with the Harvest Baker's Twine. It actually feels quite sturdy and allows for room with my 3D embellishments!

I hope you've enjoyed this album as much as I've enjoyed sharing it with you. I have already presented it to my son and he was blown away by it! I'm going to consider this project a success!

Now hop on over to Cassandra's blog to see what she's come up with!

Supplies used (all CTMH unless otherwise noted): 

Paper: Prop-Player Pack

Stamps: Take Note (Cricut Bundle)

Ink: Black

Other: Pro-Player Assortment, Harvest Baker's Twine, Keyboard Kraft Alphabet, Canvas Alphabet, Sparkles Assortment, Ruby Markers, Metallics Marker

Artbooking Thank You Cards

Welcome to week 2 of the Artbooking in August Blog Hop. Each Monday in August approximately 35 consultants will showcase creative ways to use the new Artbooking cartridge. The blog hop is a great big circle but if you get lost along the way please go HERE for a complete list of participants.

Last week the focus was a 2 page scrapbook layout. Today's challenge is to use the cartridge to make a card.

If you're here from Emily's blog you are on the right track! Today I have two Thank You cards to share using the Overlay button and hexagon shape on page 67 of the guidebook.

I started out by cutting a full page overlay at 11." I carefully peeled the overlay off and stamped the remaining pieces with the Honeycomb stamp set (love that CTMH designed the cartridge to retrofit existing stamp sets! Pure brilliance!!) I placed some of the pieces on Outdoor Denim cardstock and outlined them with the Chalk Marker. I finished the card with A True Thank You stamp set, one of the new $2.95 stamp sets.

The second card uses the overlay itself along with a few of the hexagon pieces. I trimmed the overlay to 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" and adhered it to Lagoon cardstock. I filled in a portion of the overlay with hexagon pieces and stamped "Thanks." Both of these cards are great for bulk card making sessions and require very little supplies!

I hope you've enjoyed my cards. I would love to know which one is your favorite so please leave me a comment. Now, hop on over to Cassandra's blog to see the fabulous work she's created.

Till next week...

Supplies used (all CTMH unless otherwise noted): 

Paper: White Daisy Cardstock, Lagoon Cardstock, Outdoor Denim Cardstock

Stamps: A True Thank You, Honeycomb, Alphabet

Ink: Pear, Slate, Outdoor Denim, Lagoon, Colonial White, Black

Other: Artbooking Cricut Cartridge, Chalkboard Marker

Autumn/Winter 2013 Paper Packs

I've spent quite a bit of time playing with the new Artbooking cartridge that I realized I have neglected the new paper packs. So, this post is dedicated to paper...we are after all paper crafters!

To learn more about each paper pack or to see coordinating items please click HERE or on each paper pack name.

Baby Cakes

 This neutral palette is so sweet and comforting. Don't let the name fool you though...it has many uses beyond baby!

Laughing Lola

It's funky, fashionable, and fun! 

Huntington

It's hard to pick but this one is my favorite new pack! It's beautiful, elegant and soft! It's great for fall or any other time of year.

ProPlayer

 

This pack is great for gamers, boys, school, and kids projects! 

Sarita

This is a very versatile pack with colors that coordinate beautifully with either bright or soft tones.

Frosted

The name implies snow and winter but don't let that fool ya. This pack is neutral and gorgeous...I see LOTS of uses for it!

I've already told you which pack is my favorite and now it's your turn. Leave me a comment with your favorite paper pack and how you plan on using it and you might just end up with a free pack on your doorstep!

Artbooking in August - 2 Page Layout

Welcome to the Artbooking in August blog hop! Each Monday in August approximately 40 consultants will be sharing their creations using the new Artbooking Cricut Cartridge. So, set your alarm (or better yet sign up for email notifications of my blog posts) and then sit back and get ready to be inspired by the amazing creativity and craftiness of my fellow consultants. If you are coming from Emily Anderson's blog you are on the right track.

Right page

The first challenge was to create a 2 page layout. I will admit the only "challenge" to this week was picking out the paper and deciding on which of the many layouts to choose from. I opted to use Nursery Layout #2 (page 84 of the handbook) and the now retired Lucy paper.

Left Page

This layout came together in a snap...literally it took minutes! I set my dial size to the recommended 11" and just pushed buttons. I could very easily have just used the cut pieces and 2 sheets of cardstock and had a fantastically cute layout. But instead, I decided to take it one step further and add a little pop!

Sanding & Distressing

I started out by lightly sanding the Slate cardstock with my sanding block. This way I could ensure my embellishments stood out from the rest of the sheet. Next I used my sponge and Blush ink to distress all of the frames.

Title on left page

The title of this page, Sweet, Sassy and Beautiful, spans both pages. On the left page I backed the cricut cut, "Sweet" with pattern paper.

Title on right page

I knew I wanted to use the sentiment "Sassy and Beautiful" on the right page so I chose to use the inside cuts of the recommended 4 x 4 photo mats to leave a little more space. My photos ended up being 2 3/4" x 2 3/4" instead of 4" x 4" photos as shown on the layout in the handbook.

Zip Strip Border

The border on the center of the right was created with leftover zip strips and a small strip of pattern B&T paper!  Such an easy and economical way to add visual interest without cutting a whole sheet of paper.

Flower Embellishments

The flowers were cut with my Art Philosophy Cartridge and stamped with the coordinating Lucy WOTG stamp set. The set is retired but any flower stamp or other flower embellishment would work here. I folded the edges for depth and added a few sparkles for a little bling.

Banner with Liquid Glass

For the banner on the right page,I decided to pop it up with 3D foam tape. I also added scraps of pink cardstock and liquid glass to the hearts. It's hard to see in the photo but the liquid glass gives the heart such a wonderful shine!

Once everything was adhered to my base pages I added a few extra rub-on butterflies and this layout was done! I love the way it turned out and hope you do too. Leave me a comment and let me know your thoughts.

Now hop on over to Cassandra Bennett's blog to see what she created. I'll see you next week for Challenge #2, Artbooking and Cards.

Supplies used (all CTMH unless otherwise noted): 

Paper: Lucy B&T (retired), Slate Cardstock, White Daisy Cardstock

Stamps: Lucy WOTG (retired)

Ink: Slate, Creme Brulee, Blush  

Other: Artbooking Cricut Cartridge, My Reflections Lucy Rub-ons (retired), Sanding Block, Sparkles Assortment (Z1752), Paper Piercer, Spnge, Liquid Glass, Cricut Art Philosophy

NEW Product Lines in CTMH's Idea Book

Have you had a chance to check out CTMH's new Autumn/Winter Idea book? If not, View it here >. Or, View all new products here > Before I show the new products, I want to make sure you know about this "sweet" special for August! Place any order of $50 or more and you'll get the Aug. Stamp of the Month, A Chocolate Affair,  for FREE! This set of 16 will get your taste buds and your creative juices flowing! You are going to LOVE this Idea Book. It's not only filled with amazing new MyAcrylix clear stamps, paper, and coordinating accessories, but CTMH has stepped outside of the crafting box with their new lines of products. Here's a brief introduction to the new and re-vamped products... Hostess Rewards stamp sets This Idea Book introduces hostess-only stamp sets that hostesses can purchase using select product credit earned through a Gathering. (Here's more info on hosting a gathering. Gatherings can be in house or completely on line! These brand new, A- through D-size stamp sets are only available during this Idea Book and are priced at a discount. (For example, a Hostess-only stamp set valued at $17.95 will only cost $10 in Hostess Rewards.) See pages 6-9 of the Idea Book for more info. My Crush Are you familiar with Smash books? My Crush is a similar concept only better! It's a line of books & accessories with coordinating stamp sets that can be used for on-the-go memory preservation. It is a safe place to hold everyday memorabilia. With a glue stick, some washi tape, or a paperclip, you can attach your little things on the printed pages of these handy-sized books and embellish them with the coordinating accessories for quick journaling and accessorizing. My Crush books are hardbound with 60 pre-printed cardstock-weight pages. More info > Base & Bling This is a line of wearable jewelry crafting projects with metal bases that you can dress up with fabric, paper, and accessories. Base & Bling is a personalized, affordable, and lightweight fashion option. More info > New E-size Stamp Sets CTMH's E-size stamp sets now come on two 6" × 6" carrier sheets instead of one 8" × 10" sheet. This way, these stamp sets will fit in the My Acrylix Organizer for easy organization with the rest of your stamps.  Minis stamp sets These are a new size of stamps that come as a single stamp and can fit on a 2" × 2" block. These stamps are only $2.95 each—making them super affordable! (A single wooden stamp of this size would cost at least twice as much!) They coordinate perfectly with the awesome new circle spin cards & envelopes. Designed Décor This is a line of heavy-duty art and memory displays that are durable enough to last for years and years. Choose from a few frames, and there's even an adorable kit! More info > How-to Publications All of the how-to publications previously published are now available in a more affordable softcover edition. This means that Magic, Imagine, Cherish, Originals, Reflections, and Wishes come in the new wire-bound softcover edition at a lower price. Plus 2 volumes of Make it from Your Heart, which include two-page layouts, single-page layouts, and cards for just $7.95. More info > Cricut Artbooking Collection And last, but certainly not least is the introduction of the Artbooking Cricut Cartridge! I've been playing around a bit (see the mini album I made HERE) and all I can say is WOW! Scrapbook pages, mini's, card accents are breeze to complete with a single dial size and a push of a button.  More info> Over the next month I'll be sharing more artbooking projects as well as other new products so make sure to sign up for email updates of my blog posts and Like my facebook page.

Artbooking Vacation Mini-Album

The new Autumn/Winter Idea Book is live!! I love where CTMH is taking this company and it is my absolute pleasure to share this special project made from the new Artbooking Cricut Cartridge.

Cover Page

Before I share my project I would like to give a shout out to Tresa Black for allowing me to be part of her hop. Not only does she create AMAZING art but she has selflessly allowed us consultants to use her linky tool to help inspire and showcase the fabulous items by CTMH*. So, thank you Tresa!

Album Open

Now on to the project...I am a huge fan of mini-albums so when I saw that the Artbooking cartridge has 10 mini-albums I just knew I had to make one! The base for this mini came from the 8 x 8 Travel Mini-Album found on pages 38 & 39 of the Artbooking handbook. It truly was a snap to make since once I set the size dial to 8" everything cut proportionately! No mess, no guesswork...just faster, simpler and easier!

Page 1 & 2

Page 3 & 4

Page 5 & 6

Page 7 & 8

Page 9 & 10

Page 11 & 12

Page 13 & 14

I plan on using this album for our 2012 family trip to Hawaii. I'm still waiting for my photos to be developed so in the meantime I used photo place cards. In case you're wondering, no, I did not submit the photos for processing in 2012. Lol!!

Supplies used (all CTMH unless otherwise noted):

Paper: Surf's Up Paper Pack, Lagoon Cardstock, White Daisy Cardstock, Chocolate Cardstock

Stamps: Surf's Up WOTG, Artbooking Take Note (D1574), Artbooking My Life (D1572)

Ink: Black, Goldrush, Lagoon

Other: Artbooking Cricut Cartridge, 3D Foam Tape, Sparkles Assortment (Z1752), Surfs Up Assortment (Z1841), Paper Piercer, 1 1/4" Circle Punch, Book Rings (Staples)

*This blog hop is open for members of the CTMH Blog Boosters. Please do not enter if you are not a member of the group.