A "Love" Lesson

The Take Twelve challenge this month was to take photos of colors that remind you of Valentine's. I decided to go a different route and interviewed my family on the meaning of love.

The process was quite fun as I pulled each one into a separate room for a private, one-on-one interview. The kids thought it was fun and I highly enjoyed hearing what each one said. You can click on any photo for a better view.

Left Page

For extra definition I printed labels with words that my family uses to define love.

Right Page

Supplies (all CTMH unless otherwise noted):
Paper: White Daisy Cardstock, Sweetheart (retired)
Stamps: none
Ink: none
Other: Dimensional Elements, Chipboard Hearts (Bo-Bunny), Art Philosophy Cricut

Love Frame

I was late in getting my project posted for the Use Your Stash Blog Hop this month but I wanted to post my project anyway. The theme was buttons or flowers...I have lots of both!

The frame is 8" x 10" and the heart was cut with my cricut at 5". This project came together very quickly and will be part of my Valentine home decor.

If you'd like to check out this month's blog hop please go here.

Supplies used (all CTMH unless otherwise noted): 
Paper: White Cardstock, Tulip Cardstock
Stamps: State of Mind
Ink: Versamark
Other: Black Embossing Powder, Red Assortment Buttons, Plantain Cricut Cartridge

Mojo Monday 229

I used this week's Mojo Monday Sketch to create a sweet 16 card for my nephew. We recently had the pleasure of spending the weekend with him and his family and one thing was very clear after our weekend...this boy ROCKS!

So, I thought it was fitting to create a card centering around his rock star self. The base of the card is a standard A2 size and the 5 pattern paper strips were cut at 1" x 4". I stamped on the Top Coats with StazOn ink. To get the curve of the stamped sentiment I first placed the stamps on the Top Coat piece and then picked them up with my acrylic block. PERFECTION!!

It's hard to tell in the photo but the cardstock piece underneath the Top Coat Overlay was misted with reinker and Create-A-Shade Pearl Paint. The paint adds such a nice shimmer in real life!

Here's the inspiration sketch:

Supplies used (all CTMH unless otherwise noted): 
Paper: White Daisy Cardstock, Rock Star (DCWV), Green Cardstock (American Crafts), Twilight Cardstock, Bamboo Cardstock
Stamps: Card Chatter (Birthday), Trinity Alphabet
Ink: StazOn (Black)
Other: Twilight Re-inker, Misting Spray Pen, Create-A-Shade Pearl Paint, Top Coats Rockin' (retired)

Hair Bow Organization

I recently saw this project in the Simply Handmade Magazine and I knew I had to re-create it for my daughter.

It was such a quick project to make as I already had a ton of ribbon and some leftover felt (not sure why I had that to begin with).

I tried running the felt through my cricut to cut the heart shapes but because of the adhesive backing on the felt that didn't work. So instead I used my cricut to cut heart templates on paper and pinned them to the felt which I hand-cut. The large purple heart was cut twice.



Once they were cut I layered each piece and hand sewed with white embroidery floss. Before the two purple layers were completely sewed I stuffed the heart with filling to give it some dimension and also attached the ribbon to both the top and bottom.

I used a small command strip on the back of her bathroom door to hold her organizer. Boy does this make morning routine quicker...no more searching in a plastic bag for hair bows!

P.S. My super awesome co-worker and friend, Maureen, makes the hair bows. She is awesome!!

Supplies used (all CTMH unless otherwise noted): 
Paper: White Cardstock (on hand)
Stamps: none
Ink: none
Other: Felt (Walmart), Ribbon (from stash), Embroidery Floss (from stash)

Level 1, 2, 3...What the Heck??

For anyone that's ever looked at a CTMH catalog or been to a gathering, the number one question I receive is what is the difference between Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 layouts. Levels are CTMH's representation and guides for their faster, simpler, easier philosophy for scrapbooking. Here's a little closer look at each:

Level 1...Simply Beautiful: Have lots of digital photos? You'll love Studio J, our patented online design software that gets your photos off the memory card and into your life! Create a layout in as little as five minutes, with as many as 15 photos! It's photo archiving and artwork in a snap. Look for the Level 1 symbol in the Spring/Summer Idea Book on pages 11-61 for Studio J designs you can make in minutes.

Level 2...Especially Creative: Great handcrafted projects start with a strong foundation: CTMH's gorgeous and versatile My Reflections papers! B&T Duos papers are cardstock-weight, are perfect for layering, and feature a different design on the front and back. Pick a design pattern from any of Jeannette Lynton's how-to books, add in easy-to-use coordinating accessories, and let your creative self run wild-no stamping required! See the Level 2 symbol on pages 16-58 for great ideas to inspire you.

Level 3...Masterfully Rewarding: Live your creative life to the fullest with our top-quality My Acrylix stamps! These clear stamps offer unparalleled flexibility for your one-of-a-kind masterpieces, featuring designs to suit any occasion, holiday, or style with flair. See the Level 3 symbol on pages 14-60, as well as stamped artwork through the Idea Book for exhilarating ways to accent any project with the beauty of stamping.

I hope this helped clear things up a bit.  You can find examples of each level my using the Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 labels on the left side of my blog. I'm always here if you have more questions or need help with something. Shoot me an email, handmadefromtheheart@gmail.com, and I will help you in whatever way I can. I am here for you!!

1 Stamp Set: Male vs. Female

When you look through the CTMH Idea Book you'll probably see some stamp sets that you'll automatically label as either "male" or "female." I know at least I do!


The CTMH Video below will show you that with a little imagination and some simple color palette changes, you can achieve a masculine or feminine look using the exact same stamp set!  Check out the video to see how to create the scrapbook pages featured on page 89 of the Spring/Summer 2012 Idea Book.



I have both boys and girls and am thinking I need to add this adorable set to my wish list! I can picture lots of very cute birthday cards being made in the near future...

MOJO Monday 228

This week is a just for fun challenge at Mojo Monday and here's my creation.

I used a retired paper pack, Miracle, and the coordinating Stickease to create this card. I love when cards come together quickly!

Supplies used (all CTMH unless otherwise noted): 
Paper: Kraft Cardstock, Miracle (retired)
Stamps: n/a
Ink: Cocoa, Crystal Blue 
Other: Miracle My Stickease (retired), Dimensional Elements, Green Grosgrain Ribbon, Baby Rub-Ons (Making Memories)

Here's the inspiration sketch: