Close to My Heart SOTM Blog Hop

Yeah, yippee, joy!!......  and many other adjectives to celebrate the arrival of September!  Cooler weather is coming my way, Halloween decorations have arrived and somewhere the leaves are turning..

If you have hopping along, then you have arrived from Wanda's blog here and you are in awe with all of the amazing artwork with two little 'ole stamps!

This small stamp set is a basic set BUT it can be used in so many ways!

I decided to create a basic one page layout and I wanted to add some color in my word strip but hmmm... no masking for me...  SO I create different color words strips and added them to the original design.

I must admit that this page was quick and easy because I was running out of time! I pulled out my Huntington paper pack and the layout came together very quickly!

Supplies:

S1309 Poster Tidings

X7174B Huntington paper pack - including zip strip

X7174C Huntington My Stickease

Z1881 Huntington Assortment

Inks colors included Chocolate, Olive, Honey, Goldrush and Autumn Terracotta

Now it is time to hop on over to Sheila's blog here and check out her artwork!

Enjoy!

Artbooking in August Week #4

Where or where did August go???? Welcome to the last Monday in August as we celebrate this creative and artistic adventure!  If you have been following the party, then you know over 35 Close to My Heart consultants have been participating in the "Artbooking in August" Blog Hop!  

 Each Monday in August, these ladies were asked to post artwork to their blogs and they did a phenomenal job, I must admit!!

Their challenge was to create 4 different projects using the Cricut Artbooking cartridge and any CTMH paper pack.   Their mission was to design each of the following:

1. 2 page layout
2. Card
3. Mini Book
4. Home decor or giftable item 

They were able to choose what to make and when to post it. AND if they wanted to add stamps to their designs, that was o.k.  The designs they posted were beyond my wildest dreams and I was so impressed with all of their creativity!

So sadly I am posting today that this is the LAST Monday in August for the "Artbooking in August " Blog hop.  I hope all of you enjoyed it as much as I did!  If you joined us today, then click on my Pinterest board here... and view all of the previous posted artwork.

If you get lost along the way you can always go back to my blog post here which features all of the bloggers and their indivdual artwork. 

If you have been hopping with us, then you have arrived from Gina Brandstetter's blog here.  Isn't her artwork gorgeous???

So you ordered the the WOTG July Constant campaign G1062 Canvas Art Kit and have no idea WHAT to do with it?!!!

Well I have a solution....create a photo collage using the Cricut Artbooking cartridge!

I used the overlay cut from the winter page in the Artbooking cartridge....

I cut the base page at 11.5" square to make the frame from page 61.  Then I created the word "Family" using the font and CCR to accent my photos.  ( There is another design coming this week using the negative space from my "Family" word) 

I added the heart mini banner and the rectangles of color to the layout.The rest of the artwork are from the Dimensional Elements included in the canvas kit.

                           

I just want to tell you that this was an EASY picture frame to create and it will look terrific on my family room wall...(p.s. photo of the wall coming later this week...)

If you have been following my blog then you know I created the base using the Cricut Craft Room!.  Here is the picture of the CCR file - I added a few elements and then after I cut it out, I did not use them!  But I know you are a bunch of creative ladies and will adapt the file to your needs!

If you are interested in the CCR file then you can download it here!  I used a few papers from the Huntington paper pack and then accents from the kit, but you can use any of our products to match your decor!

Now it is off to Terry Ann Diak's blog here where you can view her awesome artwork!

enjoy!!

Artbooking in August Week 3

Wow - this month is flying by!  Welcome to the third week of the Artbooking in August Blog Hop!  The last two weeks over 30 consultants have dazzled us with their creativity!  If you have been following our blog hop, then you know the ladies were presented with a challenge to create!

Their challenge was to create 4 different projects using the Cricut Artbooking cartridge and any CTMH paper pack.  Their mission was to design each of the following:

1. 2 page layout 
2. Card
3. Mini Book 
4. Home decor or 'giftable' item 

They were able to choose what to make and when to post it. AND if they wanted to add stamps to their designs, that was OK.  This week they will add another great design to the challenge and I am anxious to see what everyone has created!

Remember this is a circular blog hop and if you get lost or confused along the way, the list is posted on my blog here.

If you are hopping with us then you have arrived from Gina Brandsetter's blog here

Today my design is a Halloween mini-book using the following pages from the Cricut Artbooking handout.

I messed up a bit and cut the pages at 8" instead of the recommended 6" -oops! But I rather like the larger size of the mini book....

pg 54

pg. 55

I created the title in the CCR by welding both the Halloween title from this page 

...using the shift function to get the title.  and the text from Artbooking....  do check out the dl I have included below...

I added some photos from my stash to create a mini book of memories...

Our costume for the JFD Halloween party - Hanz and Franz!    How easy was this costume?!

Many years of Halloween fun to remember the best of times..

all rolled up into one little mini- book!  If you would like the CCR file for a few of the cuts that I have included you can download them here...

Now it is time to hop onto Terry Ann Diack blog's here  where I am sure you will fine some absolutely awesome artwork!!

Welcome to the NEW Product Blog Hop

Over the last few weeks you have been able to view a plethora of designs from the NEW Autumn/Winter CTMH Idea Book.  Today over 30 consultants are participating in this fabulous and creative event.  Their artwork will hopefully give you additional inspiration to go along with the many other projects that are out there already!

If you have been hopping with us, then you have arrived from Maria's blog here

I decided to use a few pictures that I had taken of my 'boys' playing video games! They drove this mother crazy over the years but I guess they turned out OK so it is ''all good"!!


Here is my ProPlayer layout and I used only stamps and My Stickease to create the layout!

(click on the photo and you will see a larger view of it...)

It seems so busy but that is actually my intention as that is the way I feel when they are playing any video games - sensory overload!!!

I used pattern #5 from the Make It from Your Heart Idea Book Volume 2 and adapted a few changes that I wanted to make to the layout.

Supplies:
X7172B ProPlayer paper pack
X7172C ProPlayer My Stickease
Z1879 ProPlayer Assortment
C1566 Tech Speak stamp set
Outdoor Denim and Ruby stamp pads

Enjoy!!

Now it is on to Tamra's blog here where I know you will be dazzled by her artwork and creativity!

Artbooking in August Blog Hop - Week #2

Welcome to Week #2 of the Artbooking in August Blog Hop. Last week's artwork was so phenomenal and this week over 35 creative consultants are at it again!

Their challenge was to create 4 different projects using the Cricut Artbooking cartridge and any CTMH paper pack.  Their mission was to design each of the following:

1. 2 page layout 
2. Card
3. Mini Book 
4. Home decor or 'giftable' item 

They were able to choose what to make and when to post it. AND if they wanted to add stamps to their designs, that was OK.  This week they will add another great design to the challenge and I am anxious to see what everyone has created!

Remember this is a circular blog hop and if you get lost or confused along the way, the list is posted on my blog here.

If you are hopping with us, then you have arrived from Gina Brandsetter's blog here and viewed her fabulous artwork. 

If you are just hopping along then continue on with Terry Ann Diack's blog here but if you are interested in how I created this card... read on...

Last week I selected a 2 page layout and this week I selected a card.  I guess I have  such a "Type A" personality that I have to go exactly by the list!

I must admit that I am very disappointed in that we do not have a Halloween paper pack!  I have my doubts that there will be one in the mini Holiday catalog coming out in October, but we'll see.  Good thing I save every scrap of my Halloween papers and buy extra as well!!

Here is my Halloween card ... an inspiration from Pinterest

Supplies:

Z1906 Cricut Artbooking

B1413 Perfect Fit - Halloween stamp set

Z1830 Brown and Tan Glitter Paper

Z1829 Black and Grey Glitter Paper

X5668 Honey cardstock

1386 Black cardstock

X5758 Sunset cardstock

Zip strip and Halloween Assortment from the Moonlight paper pack (retired)

page 40

I cut the overlay at 5" from the machine (pre -CCR file availability) and ended up with a bunch of scraps...

I am still trying to figure out what to do with these awesome scrap pieces!!

Then I used the other designs from these two pages to accent my card.  

page 70  

page 71

I had a 'not-so-happy' experience cutting the glitter paper.  I have decided there are two rules one must follow!

#1 - Use a brand new mat AND

#2 - use a brand new blade!!

I cut right side up, AND wrong side down and the fence would still not cut out...

SO in the end,  the black cardstock is finally what cut it nicely....

Here is the CCR file.....if you would like to download it you can click here  *** You must have a 'Box' account

Now it is time to hop  on with Terry Ann Diack's blog here to check out here creative work...

If you get lost you can always go back to the original blog hop list here.

AWA Laughing Lola Workshop was a success!

My first Artbooking with Addie workshop was a success!  I created a CCR for both my layout and card.  I thought I would share them with everyone!

I used the layout from the WOTG and then added the extra pieces from the NEW Cricut Artbooking cartridge.  You can download the files here

I used the card made by Bekki Edwards from our recent SOTM swap for the class sample.

These files are from the Cricut Artiste cartridge.  You can download the file here

enjoy!

"Death by Chocolate Open House"

What could be better than "Death by Chocolate'???  I had the cookbook for years but I can not find my copy - mmm - did I give it away and just plain forgot?  Oh well, I am not going to dwell on my missing cookbook...

My guests were treated to an M & M walkway - if you really know me - then you know I have a 'thing' about M & M's!....  so naturally if I have a chocolate theme, the M & M's will be there!

Here is the walkway that my guests followed to get to my house...

I managed to get them up just before the rains came...  then Ms. M greeted them at the door....

Of course I had to have chocolate treats for them to munch on - 

And the ladies enjoyed the Open House projects that they were able to make...

The first Make-n-Take was the gift bag using the stamp of the month - A Chocolate Affair...

Their thank you gift included the chocolate magnets, buttons and ribbon...

The second make-n-take was a simple faux washi tape card using the NEW Hostess gift set D1558 Washi Wonder..

I like the simplicity of this design and selecting  a bunch of inks to 'make it work'!! I hope you enjoyed the little vignette of my Fall Open House!

Artbooking With Addie workshop

Yep - this is the NEW workshop starting this Friday August 9th!  I am mixing the Make It from Your Heart Volume 2 Idea Book with the NEW Cricut Artbooking cartridge!

Make It From Your Heart Volume 2 

         

 Cricut Artbooking Cartridge

                     

And Viola!  the August 'Artbooking with Addie' layout!

Layout 04   In Focus - make It from Your Heart Volume 2

Workshop Information:

August 9th from 6-9:00 p.m.
Cost - $10 per 2 page layout and the SOTM card
Where - my home - email for directions
RSVP by August 7th - sweetaline@verizon.net


I hope to see you there!!

Artbooking in August Blog Hop - Week #1

Are you ready to get creative??  Let over 35 talented CTMH consultants inspire you with their creativity this month.   Each Monday in August, these ladies will be posting artwork to their blogs and you can follow their blogs or set your alarm to make sure you do not miss a post!

Their challenge was to create 4 different projects using the Cricut Artbooking cartridge and any CTMH paper pack.  ( yes - we all have retired paper packs in out 'stuff' and this cartridge is perfect for using up paper!!)  Their mission was to design each of the following:

1. 2 page layout 
2. Card
3. Mini Book
4. Home decor or giftable item 

They were able to choose what to make and when to post it. AND if they wanted to add stamps to their designs, that was OK.  You will not want to miss any of their totally awesome and fantastic artwork!!

If you have been hoppin' with us, the you have come from Gina Brandsetter's blog  here and viewed her absolutely awesome layout!  She certainly 'amped' up the layout with all her extra cutting!

My design this week is from page 74 of the handbook.  I cut everything at the suggested 11" and copied the layout from the suggested example in the book.

I had to start somewhere and that is the easiest path for me in the beginning.

For an accent to my title I decided to try this 'ombre' look -  I checked out this video first and decided that my title was going to be slightly different.

SO I tweaked it slightly and left out the Creme Brulee.  If you haven't seen the video here is an opportunity to check it out...

            

Rather than use the chipboard letters, I cut out 3 copies of the title and then glued them together.  

Glued them together using 1512 Bonding memories Glue stick! (LOVE this glue!)

I then combined the Liquid Glass and the Autumn Terracotta re-inker for the bottom part of the tile.  The top part is Liquid Glass and Goldrush - hmm - it looks like Butterscotch! ( not using my treat cups!!!)

I really liked how it turned out.  There were a few bubbles but I rather liked that effect!

I am anxiously awaiting the cooler temperatures!  I am over the 90's hot and humid days so these photos definitely reminded me of cooler temps and a fun time!!

Now it is on to Terry's  FAB-u- lous Artbooking artwork here!   I am sure she will dazzle you with her creativity!

Artbooking in August Blog Hop List

Here is the complete list for the Artbooking in August Blog Hop List.  Do not worry if you get lost- you can can come back to this post and find your way around again!

Enjoy!

Rebecca Altamirano     www.stampandscrapstudio.blogspot.com
Emily Anderson            http://createwithemily.blogspot.com
Michelle Battitori          www.michelleshandmadeworld.blogspot.com
Casandra Bennett       http://casandra-scrappinbliss.blogspot.com
Gina Brandsetter        www.gmbscrapper.blogspot.com
Adeline Brill                 www.adeline-brill.blogspot.com
Terry Diack                  http://terryanndiack.blogspot.com
Paige Dolecki               www.stampologist.com
Pamela Ellison              http://pamsclearlycraftycorner.blogspot.com
Marie Flayer                 www.njstampingqueen.blogspot.com
Shalana Glass              http://scrappinwithshalana.blogspot.com
Traci Godbee               www.createwithtraci.com
Mary Gunn                  http://marygunnfunn.blogspot.com
Krista Herschberger     http://kristascraftycorner.blogspot.com
Kimberly Hill                http://violetsandsunshine.blogspot.com
Carol Horton               carol-scrappininparadise.blogspot.com
Deb Killian                   http://paperhugz.blogspot.com
Jami Larson                 thepaperfarm.blogspot.com
Polly Lewis                  http://scrapinmolly.blogspot.com
Betty Locco                 http://scrapbookgirl2.blogspot.com
Jean McNulty              http://stampinmaui.blogspot.com
Amy McVey                 http://clearlystamping.blogspot.com
Vickie Odell                 http://www.heartfulstamper.blogspot.com
Maureen O'Sullivan     http://somethingtoscrapabout-maureen.blogspot.com
Jen Patrick                  http://www.roxybonds-scrappin.blogspot.com
Linda Pekrul               http://blueskyscrapping.blogspot.com
Brenda Rose              www.roseblossomlegacies.com
Lisa Schaefer             http://lisalynn00.blogspot.com
Jan Schmidt               www.janscrapsandbits.blogspot.com
Heather Schmuckal   http://heatherjanedesign.blogspot.com
Jane Schoof              http://janesscrapshack.blogspot.com
Jody Spiegelhoff        http://spiegelmomscraps.com
Sarah Stone             sarahstonecreations.blogspot.com
Katy D. Taylor          www.scrappinkaty.blogspot.com
Amy Ulen                  http://amyulen.com

Close to My Heart New Product Blog Hop

Welcome to the Close to My Heart New Product Blog Hop!

                            

I have been busy getting ready for my Open House on Sunday.  Today I am posting a card that I designed using the Make It From Your Heart Volume 2 idea book.  I love all of the new designs in the book!

Supplies:

X7174B Huntington paper pack

C1555 Count Your Blessings stamp set

Z1849 Bronze Shimmer Trim

Z1857 Rosewood Mini-Medley Accents Collections

Z1753 Brown and Tan Sparkles assortment

Retired Olive Waxy flax

Blending pen technique using the Autumn Terracotta and Olive inks

Tag is cut from the NEW Cricut Artbooking Collection

For more inspiration and ideas, visit my fellow CTMH consultants participating in this New Product Blog Hop! Just click any of the photos below to continue. 

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. If you are a consultant and would like to join our group for the next blog hop, please visit us on facebook.

The Tomaino Patch SOTM Swap

Our little group did an amazing job this month with their creativity and designs.  We are open for more members and the samples of the artwork will definitely give a boost to your sales of the stamp of the month!

The guidelines for the swap were to use any of the CTMH pinks, red and chocolate.  Plus if there was a current paper pack that would coordinate with their design, to go ahead and use it!

Here are their awesome cards!

Created by Adeline Brill - hey that's me!

I used the Chantilly B & T paper

 Created by Rebecca Edwards - clever - makes me want to run

 to the kitchen and make brownies!

Created by Nancy Santos - looks like a tic-tac-toe 

board where we all win!!

Created by Gloria Taylor - so clever adding the 

Surf's Up B & T paper!

Created by Norma Mahler - the Huntington B & T 

paper is perfect for this card!

I hope you are inspired to create any one of these cards!  Other than my design which I posted in a previous post here,  I am not sure of the cut files that they used.  Hopefully I can update this post with more information.

Just an added SWEET treat! 

August Constant Campaign: Sweetening the Deal

Place an order of $50 or more during August and receive the August Stamp of the Month set, A Chocolate Affair, FREE! This D-size stamp set with a retail value of $17.95 includes 16 images and sentiments that will have your friends salivating over your chocolatey layouts and cards. 

Purchase $50.00 in CTMH products and you will receive this stamp set FREE! You can contact any one of your favorite CTMH consultants to receive this sweet deal, including all of us in the Tomaino Patch swap group!

Enjoy!