Blogtoberfest & A Give-Away!

The Fabulously Artsy, Stamp Goddess, Ms. Tresa Black, has issued a challenge for all the bloggers this month. It's called Blogtoberfest and I'm joining in! Blogtoberfest is a celebration of blogs! I plan on using it as a reminder to be a better blogger (i.e., more posts!!!).

So, to kick off Blogtoberfest I'm going to have a give-a-way...my first one!!! I'm giving away this super-versatile "It's Your Day" Card Kit. You'll be able to make 12 cards without stamping! It's great for when you are in a pinch and need a quick card!

Here's how to enter:

1. Leave me a comment.
2. Get a second entry by becoming a follower. Leave another comment telling me you did or already are a follower.
3. Get a third entry by blogging about this post and linking back to it. Leave me another comment that you did along with your blog address!

I'll keep this give-away going until the end of October and will announce a random winner on November 1!

Thank Tresa for always being an inspiration! Your artwork is truly is amazing. Here is a link to her blog and a list of bloggers who are taking the Blogtoberfest challenge!

Trick or Treat - You Pick!

Actually, there is no trick but I do have a special treat for you! Usually Close To My Heart announce their new specials at the beginning of each month but they've decided to treat all of us and start their next special early! And, it's definitely a TREAT!

To help you create fabulous holiday artwork we’re launching the November Constant Campaign early. From now until November 30, for every $25 in My Acrylix® stamp sets you purchase, you can add on the new D-Size My Acrylix® Holiday Wishes set (CC1015) for just $5. Since many of the images coordinate with the Cricut® Art Philosophy collection, you will be all set to create quick and easy handmade gifts and cards for the holiday season!

Don't forget to go HERE for your chance to win this fabulous blog candy. I'll be drawing 1 lucky winner on November 1!

As a friendly reminder, there are just a few more days to take advantage of the fabulous October special!

This month all new consultants who join my team will be eligible for a free add-on collection!

New consultants who enroll for $99 with Close To My Heart between October 1-31, 2011, will receive one FREE New Consultant add-on collection!

Each of the three add-on collections is priced at $40 and has a retail value of $80-$130, so this is an incredible deal!

Here's a look at what's in the base kit:

And, here are the add-on collections to choose from:

Elemental Add-On

Roxie Add-On

Studio J Membership

There are so many great reasons to become a consultant! I started out as a hobbyist wanting to get a great discount on fabulous projects. Then, I met a few great ladies with the same love for paper crafting and I went from being a hobbyist to a club leader. Now, I get a bigger discount on my favorite products AND get to lead fun projects and learn new techniques. There really isn't anything better than doing what I love and making money at it!

If you are interested in learning more please visit the Join My Team Page or contact me for more information. I look forward to helping you get started on your own creative journey!

Ready to sign up?? Then go here and in a few short clicks you'll be on your way to a new and exciting adventure!

Creating a Halloween Banner - Part 3

If you are just now joining me then you'll want to go to Part 1 and Part 2 first. If you've been with me the whole time thank you. We are almost finished with our Halloween banner! Now that we're done with our prep work we can move on the best part of all -- assembly!

Step 7 - Assemble pennants

Layer your paper pieces and adhere to pennant. Make sure to alternate pennant patterns before you add your letters! Once the tops of your pennants are attached trim the edges flush with the pennant. Start adding your embellishments. Don't be shy about using foam tape. When you hang your banner on your mantle, door, or wall the dimension will give it lots of interest! Continue assembling the rest of your pennants.

Step 8 - Stamp bats on 3 Pennants

Stamp bats (or other images) using Colonial White Ink on the 3 dark pennants. When using Colonial White Ink remember that it is similar to VersaMark in that it's very thick and sticky and easily slides on your paper. Therefore, make sure you stamp straight up and down and not slide or rock your image. Also, please remember that it takes a little bit to dry so don't stack anything on top!

Step 9 - Final Steps

Trim and attach pieces from Midnight Felt shapes to create multiple banner elements. Once all your banners are decorated, turn the pennants over and use a pencil or hole punch in top two pennant corners. Attach pennants together using included jump rings or ribbon.

Congratulations! You have completed your banner!!

Now let's get a close-up of each one:







I hope you enjoyed this project as much as I did! This really came together quickly and I hope you'll give it a try!

~Michelle

Creating a Halloween Banner - Part 2

Thanks for joining me again. Today we're going to get a little inky and focus on creating our accents for our Halloween Banner. If you would like to see Part 1 of this project go here.

Step 4: Stamp Accents

Use Grey Wool and Black Ink to stamp images. The stamp set I used was part of the Mischief Workshop on the Go. If you don't have that stamp set feel free to substitute with something similar. Depending on the size of your images you may need to adjust some of the cut pieces though.

Step 5: Prepare Letters "S", "P", "K", "Y"

I used the Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge to cut the the letters to match perfectly with the Dimensional Elements. If you don't have the Cricut or this particular cartridge (although I think you'd love it!!) then you can easily trace each letter onto cardstock and trim with your scissors. If you end up with a few jagged edges just use your sanding block and finishing files to smooth them out.

When you have your letters ink them with black in and attach to 1 3/4" squares. I used a little foam tape on the skull 'O's for a little extra dimension.

Step 6: Sponge edges of accent pieces

Trim the stamped tombstones and candle. Use your black ink to sponge edges of all cut-out papers. If you don't have a sponge you can use the direct-to-paper method and swipe the ink pad along the edges of the papers.

You are almost done!! Stay tuned for part 3 - assembly and finishing!

Paper Lace Birthday Card

On Friday my father turned 61! He is the most self-less and giving man I know (next to my husband of course). Unfortunately he's out of town at the moment so I guess we'll have to celebrate when he returns. In the meantime here is the card I made for him.

It was inspired by this Mojo Monday Sketch and this Heart to Heart Challenge. It came out exactly like I envisioned in my head. I love when that happens!!

I used the Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge to make the paper lace and accents. If you'd like to make one similar use the following cuts:

• Paper Lace (cut twice): Font Layer <Circle5> p. 61; with Fit to Length Option  (this cuts at 5 1/2")
• White Daisy Accent: <Rctngle7> p. 61; Size 2 1/4"
• Vineyard Berry Accent: Layer <Rctngle7> p. 61; Size 2 1/4"

When cutting paper lace, or any other intricate design, with your Cricut make sure to set your cut speed to low or minimum. If you don't your delicate accents may cut.

Supplies used (all CTMH unless otherwise noted):
Paper: Typeset B&T (X7139B), White Daisy (1385), Vineyard Berry (1248), Black (1386)
Stamps: Everyday Life (Typeset WOTG), Card Chatter-Birthday (D1475)
Ink: Black (44751), Juniper (Z2165), VersaMark
Other: Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge (Z1686), Black Embossing Powder (Ranger), Milepost Shapes (Z1464),Chipboard Numbers (BoBunny), Button Brad (BULK213)

Thanks for checking it out! Happy Birthday dad! I love you!!!!
~Michelle

Creating a Banner - Part 1

Pennants and banners are all the rage right now. If you open a craft magazine you'll see them in everything from cards to scrapbook layouts to cake decorations. Today I'm going to show you how to create a home decor project with banners. I'm choosing to make it for Halloween but you can choose to do it for any theme or color scheme you want. This will be a three part series. I hope you'll follow along with me.

To get started here's a list of supplies you'll need (if you would like to order please go HERE or EMAIL me):

• Assorted Paper - I'm using Mischief Level 2 (Z1378)*
• My Creations Chipboard Banner (Z1378)
• Dimensional Elements Notable Alphabet (Z1682)
• Halloween theme stamp set*
• Ink to match (Black, Colonial White, Grey Wool for my project)
• Felt Shapes (Z1462)*
• Sanding Kit (Z1294) or Finishing Files (Z1901)
• Scissors
• Corner Rounder
• 3D Foam Tape

*Note: These items are all part of Mischief WOTG.

Now on to the project...

Step 1: Trace and cut 6 banner pieces on pattern paper (3 pennants for one pattern and 3 on another).

I find it best to adhere the banner to the wrong side of the paper first. Then, Trim with your scissors. Alternatively you can trace your banners with a pencil and then cut. To eliminate some cutting, make sure to line your banner along the edge of the cardstock. With a 12 x 12 sheet you will easily get 3 banners out of one sheet.

Step 2: Sand and ink your edges

Depending on your scissors you may find it difficult to make smooth cuts along the banner edge or around the corners. To fix this you can use your sanding kit or finishing files to smooth out any jagged cuts. Don't worry if you sand a little too much and see white. Just swipe your edges with your black ink pad!

Step 3: Trim your remaining papers

Go here for cutting diagram. Round two kitty corners on each of the six 1 3/4" x 1 3/4" accents.

Stay tuned for part 2...

Halloween Layout & WOTG

I'm prepping for Halloween a little early by creating my spook-tacular layout in advance. I usually don't pre-make my layout as I generally start with the photos I've already taken. Every once in awhile I do find myself creating layouts early for the following reasons:

1. This layout is in preparation for my Oct 22 Mischief scrapbook class;
2. I used the Mischief WOTG (Workshop On The GO) so I had all my supplies ready to go (including cutting and layout instructions);
3. It helps me decide what pictures I want/need to take on Halloween (also great for Christmas, and Birthdays); and,
4. It's fun to print pictures on Halloween night or Nov 1 and put them on my layout immediately--the kids love not having to wait!

This layout has so much dimension with the the dimensional felt accents that come with the kit. They are perfect for highlighting the fun of the season and I absolutely adore them!

This is the first time I stamped on dark cardstock using Colonial White Ink. It does take a little while to dry so make sure if you use it you don't stack your layouts on top of each other...I learned that the hard way!

Thanks for taking a peek.
Supplies used (all CTMH unless otherwise noted):
Paper: Mischief WOTG (G1029)
Stamps: Mischief WOTG, Posterboard Alphabet (E1014)
Ink: Colonial White, Black
Other:  Felt Shapes (Z1462)