Happy New Year!!!!

I wanted to pass along my wishes for all of you to have a very Happy and safe New Year!!!!
I will be back with new projects to start our New Year.

Christmas Project # 15

I have my last project before Christmas to show you now. CTMH has a product called Dimensional Elements Ornaments. They are a white chipboard in 6 different ornament designs. You can decorate them using a number of products. They take inks, and chalk very well. You can cover with papers too. I also used the Prism Glitter and embossing powder  to add to  some of them too . They are a lot of fun and with all the stamps, papers, ink colors, chalk colors and glitter you could make them in so many ways. Here are my set of 6. I am going to get these again and decorate in another 6 ways. They are fun to make and use as ornaments on the tree and/or add to a gift as an added gift to the recipient. I hope you enjoy them.

Have a very MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Just a Note

I have one more Christmas project to show you. I was going to post it tonight. But when I checked my pictures I wasn't satisfied with how I took them. So I will come back tomorrow and get the posted for you. They are the Dimensional Elements Ornaments. They were fun to make and I can't wait to show you. So check back tomorrow. I will get it posted then.

Christmas Project #14

Today I have two of the same card with just a few changes with papers and sentiment. This card again uses the Mistletoe paper line. The main stamp set used is the Adorn-ables stamp set. The sentiments came from two different ones. One was the December Word Puzzle and the other was a misc. set I own. Added to the stamped branch are punched fern sprigs from a Martha Stewart punch and punched circles that were run through a Xyron and then glitter was added. This card is a 4 1/4 x 5 1/2 .I still have a few more cards and projects to post so come back in the following days to see what else I have. Thanks for stopping by. I would love some comments too.

Christmas Project # 13

Christmas cards are one of my favorite things to make and send for the Christmas Season. Here is one of my favorites. I love the look of it and the message it carries. I used the Mistletoe papers. This is yet another beautiful paper from that line. I also used the stamp sets Everlasting Life for the "Peace On Earth" and Adorn-ables for the Ornament. The cranberry card stock at the top of the card was dry embossed and sanded. The ornament was decorated with mini pearls and an organdy white daisy bow. Using the organdy ribbon not only gives an elegant look but flattens nicely for mailing and still looks good when the card is opened by the recipient. The card size is again the standard
4 1/4 x 5 1/2.  I hope you enjoy this one.

Christmas Project #12

Today I have another standard 4 1/4 x 5 1/2 card that is very quick and easy to make but gives a look of elegance. The B&T paper is from Mistletoe Level 2 and the Creative basics Mistletoe pack. The Apron Lace border punch is used on one edge of the New England Ivy  B&T paper. Add the sentiment on the lower portion of the card with " Holiday Commentary". At the top some ribbon and a button was added along with a few sprigs of fern from a Martha Stewart punch. Add a little red gem at the tail of the word Christmas and the card is complete.
Thanks for looking. I'll be back again tomorrow with another card. See you then.

Christmas Project # 11

I have some more cards for you. I am trying to keep them flat for mailing purposes this year. Not as easy task to do when I love all the bling etc. But with glitter and embossing I hope you like how they turned out. Some of them were cased from other talented crafters and some are my own and some are a combination of the two.
I post a couple today and the next few days I will get them all posted for you.

Both of these cards used the Mistletoe Level 2 paper. I made the letter "O" by stamping from the All the Best stamp set. This is a really nice stamp set that comes in the Mistletoe Workshop Kit. I stamped the round ornament and added Prism Glitter to the swirl design. I added waxy flax for the hanger. A scalloped border punch and some sheer ribbon to finish it off. The sheer ribbon flattens easier for mailing and still looks good when opened. I used some misc. sticker alphabets letters to finish the words. The colors are Olive, Garden Green, Cranberry, and White Daisy. I added Red glitter to the cranberry dots on the B&T paper to accent them a bit more. Very simple cards but they don't really look simple. Enjoy!! Come back tomorrow for a couple more cards.

Plenty for Twenty!!!

Close To My Heart is offering Plenty for Twenty in December! 

From December 1st - 31st, when you place a $20 order on my  MyCTMH website, you'll be rewarded with a popular, retired

D-size stamp set for FREE! That's a $26.95 value, plus there is FREE shipping/handling and no tax on your free stamp set.

 

Grab Plenty for Twenty in December by visiting your Consultant’s MyCTMH website and making a qualifying purchase today!

Within the USA you can shop online HERE and take advantage of this great offer!

Christmas Project 10

Today I have a cute little 3 1/2 x 2 1/2 card. It can be used as a gift tag or gift enclosure. I used the following CTMH products.
9033 Wishes Card book
B1313 Stamp set "Merry Pursuits", X7115B Jingle Level 2,
X5808 Creative Basics Jingle, Z1104 Clear sparkles,
Z1313 Stardust Glitter Glue,
1771 Waterbrush, markers in the colors of
Z2366 Tulip marker
Z2367 Creme Brulee marker
Z2342 Parchment marker
Z2390 Gypsy marker
Z2357 Olive marker
44751 Black Archival ink to stamp the little Elf
I then colored him  in with markers and the waterbrush. There are 4 little Elves in this stamp set. Besides this little one struggling with the strand of lights there is one holding a package, making a snowman and skating. I have all of them in the works so I will be back to show you those once they're done.
I also have 6 more standard size cards to show you. So stay tuned.

Christmas Project # 9 An Elf has been working....

Remember my post titled Christmas Project #4  where I showed you some ornaments I had made with Re-inker colors and Glitter? Well there is a Christmas Elf (little ole me) that is that has been busy making quite a few more ornaments. I had so much fun with the first few I couldn't resist.  I made some cute little heart shaped ornaments as well.  In addition I decided to make some boxes that would hold them in case they are given as gifts??? (I don't want to let any secrets out if you know what I mean?) The 3 larger boxes are the Cupcake Box I used in this post. I got to thinking that it would be the right size for the Ornaments too. Plus it has a clear window on the top that adds to the beauty of the packaging. I used a Cricut Cut file to make these boxes. It used 3 cartridges--George, Plantin Schoolbook, and Accent essentials.I changed the window shape on the lid otherwise they are the same as the Cupcake boxes. The smaller box was made by hand.  This one has a clear top and front to display your beautiful ornament.  I used the Swiss Dots embossing folder and my Cuttlebug for the top portion. Add a ribbon handle and a flower and tag and you have a beautiful box to set off the Ornament. The small box was created by a talented crafter named Becky Roberts. She made it for a Cupcake box but like my larger box I thought it would work for an Ornament box too. I am showing one of the small Ornaments in it but the Glass ball Ornaments fit as well. Thank you for sharing these directions Becky.
So on to some pictures of the boxes and Ornaments. I am showing the boxes with the lids on and off so hopefully you can see better how they look.
The ornaments are either left plain with just a ribbon bow at the neck or decorated with Rub-Ons, glue dots with Prism Glitter,or sparkly trim. So here we go: 

I hope you enjoyed this project!!!

Christmas Project 8

Today I have a gift card holder for that Starbuck's lover on your list. This was a project I got a couple of years ago from a good friend anf fellow Fiskateer. I finally got around to making it!! Can you believe having something for so long before getting it done??!! Anyway the Starbuck coffee sleeve is most likely not the same design this year but you can make it with any of the sleeves they have. I'm not a coffee drinker so I can't say first hand what may be available there this year.Here's how I made it.
First is the cover. You cut on side open with decorative scissors and the other side you punch 2 holes 3/4" from each end for the ribbon closure.

This is the first page when opened. On the left is the sleeve as is with an arrow added. On the right is a double-sided paper that is the size of the entire sleeve when opened. This picture is showing the back side of this paper. The following picture will show the opposite side and it covering both sides.  In addition some more papers were layered along with "Eat" (the start of the phrase Eat, Drink and Be Merry). Some Raindots were added for a little bling, along with Rub-Ons from a Heidi Grace Xmas line.

Turning the page shows you the center paper that was cut to fit the entire opened sleeve. On the left Ornaments were stamped and colored in with CTMH markers. I also added some glue and Prisma Glitter to add a little sparkle. You also punch the same 2 holes in the fold of this paper  to run the ribbon through. The right page has the word "Drink" which has some Raindots and Rub-Ons also. It also has a strip below the main word saying "latte, mocha and coffee that is..." Just a little clarification for the word "Drink". lol

These are the last pages. The left page is the completion for the " Eat, Drink and Be Merry" phrase. Some green rickrack was added for a little decoration.  The right side is where you slip the gift card in where the arrow is pointing at. I plan on writing "Love from...to ..." on the arrow. With some Rub-Ons placed on the Merry Christmas tag and a couple of flowers this page is done. Add the ribbons through the holes in the fold and the gift card is complete.
I hope you like it.

Christmas Project 7

Today I have another Home Dec project to decorate your home for the Holidays. I used the paper Everlasting paper from CTMH. It is a Retired line but our current Mistletoe line would also be beautiful.  The circles are 4 1/2" for the largest which is Ponderosa Pine CS. The patterned paper circles are 3 1/2" and the center circle is 3". All the circles were cut with my Cricut Expressions machine. I also cut chipboard at the 4 1/2" size to give the banner stability. The letters were cut with the Cricut also and the Plantin School cartridge at 2 1/2" using the Real Dial Size. I cut them out of chipboard and 2 different patterned papers. One was from the Everlasting paper line and the other from the Perfect Day line which is available still. I also used the stamp sets Gratitude for the flowers and Playful Flourishes for the flourishes on the center circles. A edge was given to the Po0nderosa Pine CS circles using white paint to simulate snow. You use a distressing brush with a fairly dry brush. Fun and easy to do. To finish it put the circles together with the hinges. Add a photo hinge at the top and some ribbon. Remember you can click on the picture to enlarge it to see the details easier. Hope you enjoy this one.

Christmas Project 6

I have another card today. Simple and beautiful. I call this my Peace On earth card. It is a standard 4 1/4 x 5 1/2 card size. I used the Mistletoe Level 2 paper pack, Cranberry ribbon, clear embossing powder and a large red Raindot. The flower was stamped with versamark on White Daisy CS and embossed with clear embossing powder.

Christmas Project 5

I have another card to share with you today. My card today is an Easel Card. I used the Festive Frills and Holiday Commentary stamp sets from CTMH. I also used the Mistletoe Level 2  paper pack, a Martha Stewart border punch called "Doily Lace" , cranberry Grosgrain ribbon and some Raindots for the berries. I used New England Ivy, Cranberry, and Black inks.

Stencil, Sparkle and Shine

Today the newest webisode of Close To My Heart's Art & Soul was posted. You can watch all 12 minutes of jam-packed-creative-goodness on my website here

This webisode features LOTS of fun tips and tidbits, among which are:

• stamp stenciling
• stitching
• adding sparkle and shine
• great ways to use dimensional element ornaments

Corner Bookmark Tutorial

A few of you have asked how I made the Corner Bookmark I posted HERE. I have put together a tutorial for all of you on how I made the one I posted. You can make them using the supplies I have used or papers, etc of your own choice.

Step 1. Cut your pieces as shown in the photo. I used Barn Red CS, B & T papers( which stands for Background and textured patterned paper) from the Olivia Level 2 and Colonial White CS. Notice the Sorbet Polka dot B&T paper is first cut in a 2 3/4 x 2 3/4 square and then cut in half on the diagonal.
Step 2. Ink all the edges of all pieces with Barn Red ink.
Step 3.  Score the 4 x 4 Barn Red CS by placing a pencil mark at the middle point on 3 sides of this square. Line up two of the marks and score the diagonal line. Do this again for the second set as shown in the picture below.

Step 4. Fold flaps down well with a bone folder. Add sticky strip to all sides and across the middle of these flaps as shown in the photo below.

Step 5. Add the polka dot triangles to the front and back top portion of the bookmark.

Step 6. Add the rectangle B&T paper below the polka dot paper, centering it in that spot.

 

Step 7. Stamp from the A Sip stamp set the cup using Sorbet Ink and then quickly emboss with clear embossing powder.Heat with heat gun and cut it out and ink the edges with Sorbet ink. Also stamp the spoon with Versamark ink and emboss with Silver embossing powder. Cut it out and curve the handle slightly to look more realistic using a pencil. Complete the spoon by adding 4 Bitty Sparkles to the upper handle. Also stamp on the Colonial White CS square the steam stamp with Versamark Ink and emboss with clear embossing powder. After heat embossing it using a dauber and Desert Sand Ink rub over the steam to accent the steam. Along the right side of this piece stamp "Time for Coffee, Tea, or Cocoa using Barn Red ink. Adhere this square on top the 2 x 2 Barn Red CS.

Step 8. Adhere the 2 x 2 Barn Red square on the front of the bookmark. It has approx. 1/8" border along the top 3 sides. Cut a 5" piece of Chocolate grosgrain ribbon and adhere across the front right below the square put on in the previous step. Bring ends to the back taping them down.

Step 9. Wrap natural hemp around the chocolate ribbon tying it into a bow on the left side of the front.

 Step 10. Place Foam tape on the back of the cup and just one piece on the bottom of the spoon. Also put a strip of regular tape adhesive at the top of the spoon handle. Add both of these to the front. Place the cup at the base of the steam. Place the spoon alongside the cup straddling the hemp bow and chocolate ribbon.

Step 10. Place the last Barn Red CS piece that is 4 x 1 1/4" on the back to cover the ribbon and hemp using sticky strip again to secure the edges completely. Place it even with the bottom and sides. Here is the completed Bookmark.

This is the bookmark in use.

 

All the bold print are items that can be purchased HERE. Have fun making some of your own!!

Christmas Project 4 is a Home Dec project

I called this a Home Dec project but it can also be a great gift idea too. I tried my hand at decorating some glass ball ornaments for  Christmas this year. I have seen some examples on the internet and here a few that I have tried. I made mine with Re-Inker Ink from CTMH. Others may have made them in a different way but I wanted to show you what I did. I plan on making some more and trying different techniques.
They are easy to do and don't need a lot of product in making them. I put about 30 drops of ink in the Ornament. Then swirl the ink until the entire inside is covered with ink. Pour out any extra ink. You can add  ink if the amount you dropped in to start with wasn't enough also. While the ink is still wet pour a matching color of glitter or a Prism Glitter into the ornament. Swirl that around and pour out any excess. Turn over into a container until dry. Replace your hanger part and you are ready to hang them on your tree. I tied some small bows with my Bow Easy tool and added that at the neck of the Ornament. It;s a great project for kids to do along with your supervision too.
For my 1st one I made one with Cranberry Re-Inker and Prism Glitter.

My next one was using Olive Re-Inker and Martha Stewart Green glitter. On the outside of the Ornament I placed small glue dots and then added Prism Glitter to the glue dots. Press the glitter into the glue dot until you no longer feel any stickiness.

My last one was using Cranberry Re-Inker and Martha Stewart Red glitter. I also added a Colonial White Rub-On from CTMH's "Love Story" Rub-Ons on the outside of the Ornament. It went on very smoothly. I think this one is my favorite. So far anyway... The CTMH products can be found here. Have fun making some of your own.

Christmas Project 3 is a Gift Idea

This is a nice gift to make for the Holiday's. For the readers on your list give this one a try. They are a fun project to make. In this example I used the paper from the Olivia paper line. You can of course use any papers in making these. I liked the colors for my theme of Coffee, Tea or Cocoa. I made these for some of my friends making each one specific to what they prefer to drink. This bookmark fits on all books and magazines and catalogs. With Christmas coming I thought you might like to see a quick but very useful project especially for the avid readers. If you would like me to post a Tutorial on how to make these leave me a comment and I'll update this post with picture and text directions.

Christmas Project 2

This week I have another 5 x 7 card. I used the Jingle Level 2 paper line from last year but still available. I added a snowflake that I cut using mt Cricut and the "Joys of the Season" cartridge. It was snowflake #2 and cut on Real Dial size at 2". I then ran it through my Xyron and then placed it glue side down in my Prism Glitter container to glitter it up. The Xyron gives it a thin layer of glue from edge to edge allowing for a solid glitter application. A few bitty sparkles to accent the stamped trees and ribbon to give it a final touch. Thanks for stopping by to look. I'd love to have you leave a comment too. I'll be back with another project next week.

Christmas Project 1

As promised I will be posting at least weekly if not more over this month and into the next month to get you into the Christmas crafting spirit.

Today is a 5 x7 card using Colonial White for the card base. I used the Creative Basics Mistletoe papers and the really pretty gold satin ribbon that comes with the papers. The Cranberry circle is the back of the paper used as the base to build this card on which is the very beautiful New England Ivy snowflake print. That is one reason all CTMH papers are so much fun to use. You get two totally different looks depending which side of the paper you use.  Also I used the stamp set D1446 Adorn-ables and D1313 December Word Puzzle for the stamping. The colors are New England Ivy, Cranberry, Colonial White and Chocolate. The ornaments were stamped using second and third generation technique and then stamping another stamp on top to decorate it further. Then the new Opaque cream Pearls were used to give the Ornaments there finishing touch. Add a little stitching around the card to top it off.Hope to see you come back again for my next project to show you.

Happy Halloween !!!

On this Halloween Day I have a card and a Candy Corn treat box to show you.

Hope everyone had a Fun Halloween!!
Stay tuned for a Christmas idea marathon. I have 4 cards ready and will be posting one a day starting Nov. 1st.