Merry Christmas to All

Today I'm sharing my very first project using my new Cricut Create and the Storybook cartridge. I resisted getting one for a long time but I really like this little guy. Hope you like it.

And here's hoping 2011 will be amazing for you & your loved ones.
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

CTMH Product Spotlight Blog Hop - December

Season's Greetings to one and all!
This month's hop is focusing on CTMH Pearls and Sparkles, two of my personal favourites. As always, this is a round robin, so start anywhere you like and keep going till you get to the end. You may have just come from Jill's blog, and after you've seen my offering, you'll head to Kristie's.

Today I'm sharing a Christmas card using one of my favourite stamp sets - Ms. Holiday Cheer. As a little girl, I loved colouring and this set's got a whole lot of colouring fun to appeal to my inner child. I chose the tree trimming image because it was the one I noticed when this set was first released. So here she is:

Tree Trimming Missy was coloured in using a combination of CTMH markers and stamp pad with blending pen. Her gown needed some shimmer and I chose to heat emboss it using a mixture of clear embossing powder and Prisma glitter. I also added a touch of shimmer to her shoes and earrings and the star on top of the tree. I wanted to use the Pearls as ornaments on the tree, but they needed a little alteration. So I took out my trusty red Sharpie and gave them a new look. CTMH Pearls are available in white, mocha, and licorice but you can change the look of them with any alcohol based marker you own. So dig up those Sharpies and get to colouring! And while you're at it, enter your holiday creation in the last Heart 2 Heart challenge of the year. I know I am...

Now head on over to Kristie's blog for some more sparkly fun.

Enjoy a fun filled holiday with family and friends.
Hugs and kisses,
TraceyJ

Supplies used:
Cardstock - Colonial White; PP - Mistletoe Creative Basics; Ink - Archival Black, Brown Bag, Desert Sand, Parchment, and Taffy; Markers - Bamboo, Blending Pen, Cocoa, Garden Green, Honey, Sweet Leaf, and Tulip; Stamp Set - D1374 Ms. Holiday Cheer; Opaques Pearl Gems; Liquid Applique; Bonding Memories Glue Pen; Prisma Glitter; Clear Detail Embossing Powder; Foam Tape; Sharpie

Roberts Crafts in Utah...

has an amazing giveaway today with all kinds of DCWV goodies - over $450 worth!!! So head on over to their blog and check it out now. Remember to share with me if you win. After all, I shared the opportunity with you. LOL!!!

When I first started scrapping in 2007, Die Cuts with a View was my very best friend. I loved those economical stacks of paper and cardstock with the matching embellishments. And I especially loved that the colours were all coordinated, so it was pretty easy to make layouts with papers from different stacks if I chose. And I love them now. Maybe I should make a trip to Utah, the scrappy capital of the world, so I can check out Roberts in person...

Laters,
TraceyJ

Scrap'n Tote Giveaway

Anyone with a Cricut knows it takes time, patience, and a lot of trial and error to come up with a workable solution for storing those cartridges. So I'm sharing a bit of good news:  Jamie Lane is giving away a great organisational tool - the Scrap'n Tote - on her blog, Bits of Paper. Head on over there and check it out for a chance to win.

Product Spotlight Blog Hop - October 2010

It's time once again to highlight some gorgeous CTMH products. If you've come here from Kristie's blog, then you're on the right track. This hop is a round robin so you can start anywhere and end up right where you began. From here, you'll be headed to Haley's blog.
Gift giving season is almost upon us and this month CTMH consultants have chosen to show you a few adorable gift ideas that you might be find useful. Today I'm showing a little something I plan to hide on my coworkers' desks this year. I enjoy sharing a few of the things I love and my favourite thing for the season is HOT CHOCOLATE!!! Love it!
I found a huge box in Sams that had a lovely variety of hot chocolates - from the usual milk chocolate to the more exotic raspberry chocolate to my absolute fave dark chocolate. Of course I had to take it home with me. We don't have a big gift exchange at the office since we do a Secret Santa. But I thought it would be fun to stash a few of my hot chocolates in a couple of desk just to see the faces when they were discovered. And you can't just hide it without decorating it a touch. How else would they know it was a little gift for them?
I'm a big lover of stamping so I thought I'd challenge myself to create a package that used absolutely no stamping anywhere. I ended up creating a "matchbook" using the lovely papers of Topstitch as well as the Topstitch My Stickease. Topstitich features a great colour combo of Baby Pink, Heavenly Blue, Vineyard Berry, and of course Chocolate. Appropriate? I think so. Check it out:

Now head on over to Haley's blog and see what she's done for you...

Supplies used: PP - Topstitch; Cardstock - Colonial White; Inks - Blush, Chocolate; Accessories - Topstitch My Stickease, Soft Suede Pinwheels, Clear Sparkles.

Just Dance by Lady Gaga - Cebu Pacific Flight Attendant Viral Video

CTMH Product Spotlight Blog Hop - September 2010

Hey there,

Thanks for joining us CTMH Consultants once again as we highlight one of the many amazing products offered by Close to My Heart. If you've come from Jill's blog, you're on the right track. When you leave, you'll continue on to Haley's blog.

This month we're shining a spotlight on Dimensional Elements. I love these chipboard pieces because unlike the naked brown chipboard that most of us are used to, these babies are ready to soak up ink and paint, get covered with glue and paper, or stay naked and brilliantly white. I love using them with one of my favourite techniques - embossed resist - to mimic the newer and fun Irresistibles, so that's what I'm doing for you today.

I decided to use my favourite Dimensional Elements, Booksmart. This a collection great frames surrounding basic shapes like ovals and squares which means there are tons of possibilities when you're feeling a little creative.

My card is for a special someone who has always supported me, even in my moments of insanity. We've been friends since we were very young and even though we now live thousands of miles apart I know our friendship will last forever. Now if only I could learn to keep in touch more :-) Love you, S!

Hop on over to Haley's blog for some more Dimensional Elements artwork...

Laters,
TraceyJ

Supplies used are all by CTMH:
Cardstock - Colonial White; Paper Pack - X7128B Olivia; Stamp Sets - D1349 Be Yourself, C1406 Hit the Spot, C1422 Unity; Inks - Barn Red, Smoothie, Z891 Versamark; Z1223 Dimensional Elements Booksmart; Z821 Clear Detail Embossing Powder; Z555 Heat Gun; Z726 Sponge Daubers; Z697 Round Sponge

CTMH New Product Blog Hop

Welcome to the Close to my Heart New Product Blog Hop!  Over 40 Fabulous Close to my Heart Consultants are celebrating the upcoming release of the Autumn/Winter 2010 Idea Book by giving you a Sneak Peak of some of the great products available in the new Idea Book starting September 1st!

If you have come here from Cheryl's blog, you are on the right path!

You can find a complete list of Blog Hop participants HERE.

I'm a huge fan of embellishments of all types, but shiny sparkly bring me joy. So my project today features soon to be released Mini Medley Accents in a brand new colour - Pear, along with the new coloured Sparkles. The card base is made of Grey Wool (one of the Basic Antique colours) and I've mixed papers from two new paper packets - Magnifique and Olivia. Don't you just love the way everything from Close to My Heart works perfectly together? The stamped sentiment is from a brand new set - Tag the Occasion.

Now "Hop" on over to Rochelle's Blog: http://delightfulstamper.blogspot.com/ to see her work! Be sure to visit all the Consultants at their Blogs to get some great crafting ideas and see the great new Paper Packs,  My Acrylix Stamp Sets, and my personal favourite - Embellishments!
Remember, all the goodies shown today will be available when the Autumn/Winter 2010 Idea Book goes LIVE on September 1st!

Recipe:

Cardstock - Grey Wool; PP - Magnique, Olivia; Stamp Set - B1362 Tag the Occasion; Ink - Black; Mini Medley Accents in Pear; Sparkles in Blue & Green; Liquid Glass

See you on the first!
TraceyJean

Triple Play

In honour of National Stamping Month, Close to My Heart is offering a brand new (absolutely gorgeous) mini album kit called Triple Play (available now on my website). When you purchase this kit, you will receive enough materials to create 3 mini albums. Triple Play comes to you papers, inks, a stamp set, die cuts, and all the instructions needed to complete your albums.

Each album has its own colour scheme, which makes Triple Play perfect for gift giving since you can choose very different pictures for your albums.

Triple Play can be yours for the low price of $29.95. You may also receive it for the discounted price of $15 or $5 with the purchase of a few My Acrylix®  stamp sets.

Available for a limited time only, from August 15 to September 30, 2010.

Kit contents include:

• My Acrylix® Love This Stamp Set
• Exclusive Inks® Mini Stamp Pads in Desert Sand, Hollyhock, Indian Corn Blue, and Sunset
• 4" x 12" Panels (3 each of 3 color schemes)
• 6" x 12" Die-Cut Sheets
• 72" Length Colonial White Grosgrain Ribbon
• Hook and Loop Fasteners
• Assembly Instructions

The kit colours are Bamboo, Blush, Desert Sand, Garden Green, Hollyhock, Indian Corn Blue, Outdoor Denim, and Sunset.

There are 5 ways you can purchase this outstanding kit available August 15th - September 30th:

1. Buy the Triple Play kit for $29.95.
2. Purchase $25 in My Acrylix® stamps and get the Triple Play kit for just $15.
3. Spend $40 on My Acrylix stamps and get Triple Play for only $5! 
4. Host a Gathering with sales of $300 or more and get Triple Play FREE!
5. Join Close To My Heart as a Consultant in September and get the kit FREE!

National Stamping Month is always fun, and this year you’ll get three times the excitement with Triple Play. So head on over to getinky.myctmh.com and start shopping today!


Laters,
TraceyJean

So I Took a Quiz...

...and came up with this:

You Are a Lemon Cupcake

You are spirited and spunky. You embrace life and have a sunny outlook. You're drawn to all sorts of people. You can find something to like about almost anyone. You are like a cupcake because you're cute and happy. You can turn anyone's day around. You love to laugh and have a wickedly funny sense of humor. You enjoy teasing and joking around. Seems to me the joke's on them. True, I do love a lemony flavour, am drawn to all sorts of people, and I can find something to like about anyone (if I'm in the mood). But cute and happy? Sounds more like a puppy than me. Then again I do like to joke and tease. Problem is, no one gets that it's a joke or just teasing, so then I have to explain myself, which is no fun. Thank God I've got my wicked sense of humour to see me through... LOL! Laters, TraceyJean

Super CTMH Sale Begins Today!

Today is the first day of a blowout sale on my site which will last for the next 8 days, ending August 11. Purchase select My Stickease® cardstock sticker assortments for only $2, My Reflections® Level 1 kits for only $4, and My Reflections® Level 2 paper packets for only $6 on my website. That's right. You can get a paper pack for as little as $4!
And you know the best thing about a CTMH paper pack is the coordinating cardstock is already included! No need to run around a store matching patterned paper and solids - the hard work is already done for you. All sale items are available while supplies last for up to 8 days. With the large variety of Level 1, Level 2, and My Stickease® products to choose from, everyone can get something they love.
The deals are amazing and at this price they're not likely to last very long. So run, don't walk, to getinky.myctmh.com today and get a little something from your wishlist.

Here's what's on sale:


Click here to see pictures of the items for sale.
Laters,
TraceyJ

CTMH Product Spotlight Blog Hop - July

It's time once again to shine a spotlight on the awesomeness that is Close to My Heart. This month 10 CTMH consultants are showcasing the fun and adorable stamp set Cupcake Sprinkles (D1336). This is a round robin so you can join in anywhere and just work your way back around. Thanks for stopping by my blog after visiting your favourite goofy scrapper, Kristie.

I wanted to highlight the versatility of this set and challenged myself to create a one layer card using only the Cupcake Sprinkles set. Once I sat down at my desk I took one look at my supplies and panicked. No fussy cutting? No foam dots? No ribbon? What was I thinking? I grabbed a sheet of Colonial White cardstock and some ink and here is the result.

Not one, but two cards! I amazed myself!

For the first, I masked off a square and stamped some cupcakes inside using Bamboo, Chocolate, Crystal Blue, and Desert Sand inks. The icing is a mix of Bamboo, Chocolate, and Desert Sand with the help of a few Sponge Daubers. Sprinkles were added with Crystal Blue ink; sentiment in Chocolate; and stitching lines in Desert Sand. I really like the result but think next time I need to slow down, measure thrice and stamp once.

Next up is a little fun with the embossed resist technique. I really wanted that "Celebrate" sentiment to take center stage, so I stamped it in Versamark, heat embossed with the Clear Detail Embossing Powder, and sponged the bottom half with Baby Pink, Blush, and Hollyhock inks. I'm so happy with the faded, marbled look I achieved. It was a  lot of fun stepping outside of my comfort zone and I'll definitely be trying another one layer card again very soon.

Supplies used (all CTMH unless otherwised noted):

Hey There Cupcake

Stamp Set - D1336 Cupcake Sprinkles; Cardstock - Colonial White; Inks - Bamboo, Chocolate, Crystal Blue, Desert Sand; Other - Tombow Markers

Celebrate

Stamp Set - D1336 Cupcake Sprinkles; Cardstock - Colonial White; Inks - Baby Pink, Blush, Hollyhock, Versamark; Clear Detail Embossing Powder; Craft Heater

All supplies are available anytime from your CTMH consultant.

Now head on over to Helen's blog and see the amazing artwork she has to offer...

Jackpot June Final Day

Today is the final day of Jackpot June and it's a Goodie Box!

The box is priced at $125 but has a retail value of approximately $300! Make sure you head over to my site and buy yours today. The clock runs out at midnight...

Laters,
TraceyJean
http://getinky.myctmh.com

Give a Little, Get a Lot

I finally participated in my first card swap. Yes, it's exactly what it sounds like - make a bunch of cards for the others in the group and then exchange. So you make one card and end up with a ton of different ones for all types of occasions. Here's what I made:

I used the new Cherry-O level II paper pack and the Tasty Treats stamp set, along with some cocoa ribbon and clear sparkles. The card layout came from the amazing Wishes book by Jeannette Lynton. I love all her books because the hard work is already done for you with cutting guides for each included card or layout. There's tons of sketches, and who doesn't love a good sketch? You'll find these and other great CTMH items on my website: getinky.myctmh.com. Happy shopping!

Recipe:

Paper - Cherry-O Level II; Stamps - Tasty Treats D1427; Ink - CTMH Tulip, StazOn Timber Brown; Cardstock - Colonial White, Chocolate; Cocoa Grosgrain Ribbon; Clear Sparkles; Wishes

All supplies are available on my site: getinky.myctmh.com

The Jackpot June special continues. Today's items are: Blue Ribbon My Stickease, Boom di Ada My Stickease, Majestic Blue, Sweet Harmony, and Rough n Tumble My Stickease. One of these items will win you the jackpot, but if you'd rather not leave it to chance, get them all and be assured that you will also be taking home the adorable Flutter stamp set. Remember, this jackpot is available on my site today only. Tomorrow is the last day of Jackpot June. So come back to learn about the newest prize...

Happy Blogaversary to You

How would you like a freebie filled with awesome Hero Arts goodness? Hop on over to The Daily Mark and help Miss Kathy celebrate her one year blogaversary. You could be entered to win this gorgeous RAK.

 Take some time to look at her amazing creations and good luck!

June 2010 Product Spotlight Blog Hop

I'm really excited to be participating in the CTMH Product Spotlight Blog Hop for the first time. Each month a group of CTMH consultants get together and showcase a specific CTMH product. For June we're focusing on Just Blooms paper flowers and I'm going to show you my personal favourite - Z1266 Just Blooms Spring Blossom.
First, let's do some housekeeping. You should have come here from Haley's blog and next you'll head to Jennifer's blog.

Now on to my masterpiece. I love the Spring Blossom Blooms because in addition to three different flower styles, there is also an embossed butterfly. Looove that!

I started with a Bamboo card base stamped with Boutique Borders, sponged with Bamboo ink, and rounded the edges with the corner rounder punch. I used the new 1 1/4" circle punch and Veranda papers, folded the circle and stuffed it with a few blooms that I inked with Bamboo and Sorbet. Next I rubbed a little Cocoa ink on the butterfly and added a touch of foam tape to the center. I stamped a background on some Colonial White cardstock using second generation stamping and sponged it with some Bamboo ink. I added some leaves and stems from "One of a Kind" in Garden Green and Cocoa ink. Then I had what I chose to call a "happy accident". I wanted to add a bit of shimmer to the butterfly, so I mixed some Pearl Paint with water and Tulip reinker, and gave the butterfly a quick spritz. Of course I wasn't paying attention so I ended up with my homemade shimmery spray all over my card and flowers. I wasn't about to start over, so I decided to work with it. I'm thinking it came out ok.

Here is the card at an angle so you can see a touch of shimmer.

Now head on over to Jennifer's blog and get some more inspiration.

Recipe (all items by CTMH unless noted)
Stamp Sets - D1332 Boutique Borders, D1410 One of a Kind, C1381 Card Chatter Thank You; Cardstock - Bamboo, Colonial White; PP - Veranda; Ink - Garden Green, Cocoa; Tulip Reinker; Pearl Paint; Just Blooms Spring Blossom; Foam Tape; Foam Tool; Corner Rounder Punch; 1 1/4" Circle Punch

Jackpot June - Day 7

Today is a jackpot day! Up for grabs are Dimensional Elements Simple Numbers, Dimensional Elements Perennials, Dimensional Elements Framed Fun, Dimensional Elements Booksmart, and Dimensional Elements Fresh Shapes. Purchase any of these today (at 19% off the original price) and you could win the Make A Wish stamp set pictured here. Of course, instead of leaving it to chance, you can just  buy all five Dimensional Elements and be guaranteed to go home with this great stamp set. You will love using Dimensional Elements in your projects. They're white chipboard that is ready to be inked, chalked, coloured, or covered in paper to perfectly match whatever you are working on. Head on over to my website - https://getinky.myctmh.com/Retail/Products.aspx?CatalogID=1601 - and get some today.

SWAGGER WAGON

Art and Soul - Overstamping

Ready to learn a new papercrafting technique? Take a look at the newest video on CTMH TV and try your hand at overstamping. You'll get tips and tricks to help you create a layout similar to this one. Titled "Legend", this layout uses the how-to book Reflections and the new Zippidee paper pack. Close to My Heart's Idea Books are a great starting point for creating beautiful layouts and cards because all the measuring is already done for you. Just grab your papers and a how-to book, follow the cutting the dimensions, and embellish away. You'll be amazed at how quickly it all comes together, and at how much more productive you can be with the limited time you have available.

These and other great products are available to you on my website 24/7, no waiting...

Laters,
TraceyJ

Looking for a Sweet Treat?

Check out Miss Debbie's birthday blog candy at Passion for Crafts, and enter for a chance to win.

There's even more available than you see in this photo - Copics, Nesties, Punches, Paper... The list goes on.


Hop on over to say hi... and good luck!

Laters,
TraceyJ

Janey Cutler - Britain's Got Talent 2010 - Auditions Week 4

This is proof that a woman is full of surprises at any age. You go girl!

Been So Long...

...and I've been missing you, blogland.

It's been a rough couple of weeks. I had a class (Politics) that I was just not grasping. No amount of reading was helping me, and for a while, I gave up. It's so stressful when everyone keeps surging ahead and you're stuck trying to understand the first few concepts. Then as time passes, you get more and more lost, until you just want to throw in the towel. But I'm happy to report that I persevered and made it all the way through to the end. I may not have done as well as I would have liked, but I'm so proud of myself for sticking to it. Did I pass? Only time will tell.

In the meantime, I'd like to share what else I've been up to - I signed up to be a Close to My Heart Consultant! I've been thinking about it for a while, agonising over the decision, but I could not pass up the last promotion - 4 stamps free in addition to the already (seriously) discounted consultant kit. I couldn't turn it down. I hope I can count on your support bloggers.

Without further ado, allow me to introduce you to the new Summer Idea Book which you can receive from me for FREE if you place an order of $25 or more. That's an almost $4 savings off the cover price. It's got tons of great projects - ideas - featuring all the new summer products as well as other current products. Check it out.

Here's some artwork featuring more new products and my favourite paper pack Splendor:

That's it for now. I'll be back soon.

Laters,
TraceyJ

CTMH is on Facebook!

"Check it out! You’ve helped us reach 10,000 fans on Facebook!
Let’s do something to celebrate: Tell your friends and family to become fans of Close To My Heart, and when we reach 15,000, the first ONE THOUSAND people to place product orders on any Consultant’s MyCTMH shopping site will receive this adorable apron abso...lutely free! It’s a custom designed apron, valued at $14.95.
Tell everyone you know—your free apron awaits! "

Close to my Heart's Facebook Page

My Close to my Heart website is http://getinky.myctmh.com . If you time it just right (making sure that CTMH's facebook page hits 15,000 first,) getting yourself a free apron should be easy!

My thoughts are with you (7 of 52)

clipped from cardpositioningsystems.blogspot.com

Today I pulled together a quick card for a friend who didn't have time to go shopping. Look at me turning into the local (free) Hallmark.

I was drawing a complete blank, so I decided to do a quickie web search for some inspiration and came across this sketch from Card Positioning Systems. Sketches are such time savers, particularly when you feel like all your creative juices have dried up and you can't come up with one more thing.

So here is my masterpiece. I hope she likes it.

Supplies used: Paper - Basic Grey Sugared; Stamps - Clearly Wordsworth Comfort Collection, CTMH Felicity; Ink - CTMH Autumn Terracotta, Cocoa, Goldrush, Desert Sand; Ribbon - American Crafts, Offray; Adhesive - CTMH Liquid Glass, Scotch Foam Tape, Tombow Mono Liquid; WRMK Corner Chomper

Catch you later,
TJ

Papertrey Ink Blog Hop!

This month PTI customers get the chance to pay homage to their favourite Design Team members, as a thank you for all the inspiration they provide every day. My introduction to Papertrey Ink came in the form of a blog I accidentally visited whose author blew me away with her creations. Each day I returned I found something clean, beautiful, creative, and yes, inspirational. Reading Dawn McVey's blog every week gave me the courage to try my hand at cardmaking. So I present to you my Dawn inpired creation. It includes the 5 things that say "Dawn" to me - Kraft cardstock, Raspberry Fizz, ribbon, scallops, and polka dots.

I wanted to try my hand at those circle cards that seem to be popular right now; so I pulled out my Coluzzle and got to work. Since I'm new to the Papertrey family, I don't yet have the supplies I *need* but I did the best I could to represent Dawn with what I had on hand. First up is some kraft and raspberry fizz cardstock from the "Try Me" pack. Next is a little vellum window and some embossing with my darling little Sizzix Texture Boutique. In place of the much loved Polka Dot Basics II (gotta have this set), I used a Cuttlebug folder to get some dots on my vellum. I cut a window in the card base so that I could show off the embossing a little better, adhered a half circle with a scalloped border across the top, added some ribbon and a sentiment, and I was done. Enjoy!

Supplies used:
Cardstock - PTI Kraft, Raspberry Fizz, Vintage Cream; Vellum - Office Depot; Stamps - Inkadinkado Chelsea Sentiments; Ink - CTMH Barn Red, Colorbox Chalk Chestnut Roan and Creamy Brown; Embossing Folder - Cuttlebug Spots and Dots; Ribbon - Joann Fabrics; Punch - Fiskars Scalloped Sentiment, Coluzzle

I'd like to say a big Thank You to all the designers at Papertrey Ink for being a continuing source of inspiration for me and everyone else in "internet land".
You Guys Rock!

Laters,
TraceyJ

For My Friend JN (6 of 52)

Today, I'm sharing a little treat created for the birthday girl - my dear friend Jeannette. I don't get to see her every day, the way I used to, so I wanted to do something extra special.

I've been seeing the emboss resist technique everywhere lately and I wanted to give it a try, but I just couldn't find a stamp that worked well enough for me... until I happened across an old CTMH stamp of the month - You've Got Flair. It had a lovely medallion image that I felt would achieve the look I was going for, and it did. I embossed, and got to work with about 4 different inks. First, I went from light to dark to create a sort of gradient effect. Then I went back around the edges with the darkest colour until I had just the look I envisioned. I adhered it to a lovely piece of Basic Grey patterned paper, placed it on the card, and finished up with a sentiment from the January 2010 Stamp of the Month, a few puffy little heart stickers, and the best bow I've created yet. (A big thank you to the YouTube ribbon tying lessons from Kristina Werner and Dawn McVey)

And here are my ingredients:
Cardstock - PTI Kraft, Georgia Pacific White; Paper - BG Eva; Stamps - CTMH You've Got Flair, True Friends; Ink - Versamark, CTMH Barn Red, Blush, Chocolate, Hollyhock, Vineyard Berry; Stickers - K&Co Puffy Hearts; Embossing Powder - Ranger Super Fine Detail Clear; Ribbon - PTI Fresh Snow; WRMK Corner Chomper

Somethin Special (5 of 52)

Here's a little V Day card I created for my girl Nika - can't leave her out. The poor dear is trapped in a house full of boys, so you know I had to make her something girlie.

Flourishes abound on this sweet, swirly little number. I started with my Effervescence border punch from Fiskars so I could get lots of curves and circles. Then followed up with a beautiful K&Co heart flourish and finished off with a delicate bow.

Laters,
TraceyJ

Materials used: Cardstock - PTI, Bazzill; Paper - MM Cosmopolitan; Stamps - CTMH Somethin' Special, K&Co Seasonal; Ink - CTMH Blush and Hollyhock; Punch - Fiskars Effervescence; Ribbon - Offray; Adhesive - Tombow Mono Aqua; Scissors - Cutterbee

Hugs & Kisses (4 of 52)

Hugs & Kisses, originally uploaded by munzoo.

This is a little something I put together for my girl Nikki for V Day. It came together as I was watching a youtube video where the presenter was doing demo in which she punched both sides of the paper with a border punch. Now, it's not that this had never occurred to me before, but just watching her punch away made me think of pretty scallops and ribbon. So I grabbed a post it and sketched it down quickly before I forgot my idea and then I went in search of the perfect punch.
As I was cutting out the sentiment, I thought of all those cool Nestabilities tags I've been seeing all over the net. But I have none, so I improvised with the Corner Chomper. I'm thinking it turned out ok. Inked up everything with Brown Bag by CTMH and called it done. I'm really liking this look. I'll definitely be trying it in the future with some other border punches I own.

On a side note, I was watching Run Fat Boy Run this morning, and I have to say, I highly recommend it. I won't lie and tell you it's the best movie I've ever seen, but it was so fun, and the ending had me in tears. I thoroughly enjoyed it and so will you.

On to the ingredients of this card:
Cardstock - PTI and Bazzill; Paper - BG Eva; Stamps - Inkadinkado Hearts & Love; Ink - CTMH Brown Bag, Blush, Garnet, Black; Punch - MS Doily Lace; Ribbon - Dots & Dashes; Adhesive - Glue Dots, Tombow Mono Aqua, Scotch Foam Tape.

Until next time,
TraceyJ

{Heart} U (3 of 52)

Silly girl, after you make them you have to post them. How else do we keep track?

Yes, there will be much catching up today. I was blurfing, looking for some inspiration when I decided to check out the ol' blog. Immediately I realised I had not posted any of my weekly cards since January. Uh oh! What this means for you is that there will be a whole bunch of insane posts in the next day from yours truly. (It's the only way I'll get caught up)

N-E-Wayz, here is the first of many - a little something I put together for my girl Ali. Anyone who knows her is aware that she is a big holiday girl, with Valentine's Day topping the list.

This little gem has got some faux stitching, heat embossing, and a touch of the gold leafing with a paint marker. I really enjoyed making it and I especially like the end result.
(In case you're wondering, yes, she loved it)

Here's what I used:
Cardstock - PTI and Bazzill; Paper - MM Cosmopolitan; Stamps - CTMH Chocolate Alpha, K&Co Seasonal Stamps; Ink - Colorbox Frost White, CTMH Garnet; Ribbon - AC; Pens - Elmers Gold Leaf, Uniball Signo Broad; Punch - Fiskars My Funny Valentine and Upper Crest; Zing embossing powder; WRMK Corner Chomper

Laters,
TJ

Love (Card 2 of 52)

All week I've been feeling a little under the weather - tired, achy, sniffly... Well today I woke up with a runny nose and a sore throat. I figured that meant I wouldn't actually manage to make a card this week. Since this is only the second week, I felt that it was way too early to start skipping, so I pushed myself to get it done and I'm glad I did. This week's card is for my mom who always pushes through to get things done, especially when she's feeling less than 100%. Love you Momma!

My inspiration for this card came from a sketch I found on the Sweet Stop blog. So here it is - Sketch #SSS39. Enjoy!

I covered the card base with paper, punched out a border, added some chipboard, and finished it off with a bow.

See you next week!

Supplies used: Paper - Basic Grey Eva Collection; Chipboard - 3Birds; Punch - Fiskars Scalloped Sentiments; Adhesive - Tombo Mono Aqua Liquid Glue, ATG 714.

Hey There Sunshine

Here it is, week 1 of my 52 week cardmaking journey.

When I realised it was 9:30pm on Saturday night and I still hadn't posted, I knew simple and quick was the order of the day. Unfortunately, with my stash, that's easier said than done. Oh the stress of finding the right paper combo, the perfect stamp, and the right embellishment. At 10:30 I realised I'd never be done without some serious help, so I turned to cyberspace and found this sketch from the Card Patterns blog.

And I finally managed to grasp that concept embraced by cardmakers everywhere: Keep It Simple Stupid! So I did. And here it is - my take on Sketch 46 from Card Patterns:

This is just a simple white card base coloured with ink, an old tag, and a chipboard sticker. I didn't think I'd like it, but I think it came together very well. Yeah me!
Here's hoping the sunshine really does come back out. My toes are ice cubes in my socks and I live in sunny Florida! Hey there Mr. Sun, send us a little of your warmth please.
See you next week...

Supplies used: Inks - CTMH Buttercup, Creme Brulee, & Chocolate; Sticker - DCWV Latte Collection; Tag - Colorbok; Ribbon - Offray; Card Base - Value Pack from Michaels; Rhinestones from a swap; Tombow Mono Aqua Glue; Ranger Glossy Accents

New Year, New You

It's that time of year when we reflect on the past and look hopefully towards the future. Those who know me are aware that I don't believe in the whole "New Year's Resolution" thing, so I won't even bother to list some here.

I will say that I am still determined to use up my stash. To that end, I've been exploring the wide world of Amazon looking for some idea books to help me out, and I found this one: A Card A Day by the lovely people at Paper Crafts Magazine. Now I can't see me making a card a day for a whole year, but I figure I can manage 52 cards in 52 weeks, so I think I'll give that a try. I may end up doing more, but I figure this is a doable goal. And it will have the added benefit of giving me room to get some of the gorgeous new stuff I know is coming. (What can I say, it's an addiction.)

I haven't started yet, but I decided to post a little something I did for a girlfriend of mine who finds herself a year older this week. The card is based on a Mojo Monday sketch I found a few weeks ago.

Supplies used: Basic Cardstock; CTMH Stamps Set - Surprise; CTMH Markers - Honey, Crystal Blue; Tombow Dual Brush Marker Blender Pen; Inks - ColorBox Frost White & Memento Tuxedo Black; EK Success Border Punch - Diamond Lace; Perfect Pearls; Cuttlebug Embossing Folders - Moroccan Screen & Herringbone; American Crafts Zing Embossing Powder in White; Spellbinders Nestabilities - Labels 3; Sizzix BigKick; Ribbon from Michaels; Tombow Mono Liquid Glue