Flutterby Special

Two posts in two days? There's some excitement here on the old blog-o this week! I know I haven't been here for a while. I was dealing with a few personal issues that left the mojo in a ditch. Not to mention a lost camera battery so photography was also on hold.

Then, wonder of wonders, I learned my mom was being honored for her contributions to education over the course of her career. So it was off to Jamaica for some family time and a little "sun in the fun". I got to see my sister and her kiddos, and of course, watch my mom receive her award. At this point, the camera battery had been found and charged and... left at home! LOL. Luckily I had my phone and my momma's camera so I was still able to get some photos of the happy event. Hurray. Hurray. But... if I share those photos I may lose "preferred daughter status", so here are a few cards instead.

The sentiment on this first card is absolutely meant for my amazing mom. I feel so lucky to have her in my life. And I hope I make her feel the same - when I'm not making her crazy. LOL.

I tried a little inlaid die-cutting using the SSS Devonshire and Paulina butterfly dies, white cardstock, and my Touch Twin markers. There is also some Distress inking and a|s Splash! spray on the top panel.

Here's my second attempt:

And, yes, this one also goes out to a very special lady. Love you momma!

Supplies Used
stamps: HA year round sentiment, flower bursts pattern, thank you definition
cardstock: PTI white, CTMH grey wool
ink: Memento london fog, SSS black, Distress dried marigold, a|s Splash! in bermuda & winter sky
other: SSS devonshire & paulina butterfly dies, ShinHan Art touch twin brush, glossy accents, corner chomper

Hugs and Kisses.

Merry Monday Challenge 93

Today I'm participating in the Merry Monday Challenge 93 which is to use ornament(s) on your project. Like many of you, I have lots of embellishments and patterned papers that I have yet to use. So, in keeping with the Use Your Stamps challenge, I have decided to try to use up all the stickers I collected at the beginning of my paper crafting journey. My project today uses stickers, patterned paper, and one more image stamp.

Here it is:

This card uses a few ornament stickers from the Eskimo Kisses collection by Basic Grey. I've had the 6x6 pad and the dimensional stickers since the collection was first released, but never used the paper because it was just too pretty to cut up. But look at how pretty the papers and stickers are when combined. I love the little deer ornament so much, I'll have to make sure this card goes to a good home this December. Time to go put on my big girl pants and use up this paper pad. I'll be back soon with more Eskimo Kisses.

This card is also being submitted for the Anything Goes Christmas Card Challenge 9.

Supplies Used
stamps: a|s that's the ticket, BG life of the party stars
cardstock: PTI white, CTMH blush, BG eskimo kisses
ink: PTI berry sorbet, Versafine onyx black
other: BG eskimo kisses stickers, MFT blueprints 1, a|s silver cording, Uniball Signo White gel pen

Until next time,
Hugs and Kisses.

A Little Something I Made

...for a swap I was in recently. I wanted to wait until the exchange had taken place before posting here. Of course, I totally forgot to post and now my camera is on loan elsewhere. Luckily I took a few shots with my phone.
I used the Sophia paper pack from the latest CTMH Idea Book to create two 4x4 cards. For the first, I wanted to try something a little different and ended up with a gatefold card. Not particularly unusual, but not something generally found in a card this size. I used the back of the very colourful floral paper to get a more muted look.
Then I paired the patterned paper with the new CTMH kraft cardstock because I just love pink and brown together. A few pearls and a little sentiment on the inside finished the look. This card uses no foam dots anywhere *gasp* making it very easy to send through the mail.

Since these papers are mostly very pink and girly, I also wanted to do something with no pink at all. Here's what I ended up with:

I created this card from the Pear polka dot patterned paper in this pack. Pear is one of my favourites of the new colours CTMH released last summer so, of course, I had to use it. I think it looks stunning next to the black. I thought about colouring in the Chocolate flower button with a black sharpie, but in the end I left it as is, and you can't really tell anyway. I think next time I'll try Pear with some gray and see how that looks...

All Products Used Available from Close to My Heart
Smile Recipe:

Paper - Sophia; Cardstock - Kraft, Chocolate; Stamps - Sophia WOTG, C1440 Take a Picture, C1396 Love Birds; Ink - Chocolate, Blush; Opaques - Pearl.

Amazing Recipe:

Paper - Sophia; Cardstock - White Daisy, Black, Pear; Stamps - Sophia WOTG, C1437 Happy Moments; Ink - Pear; Buttons - Basic; Corner Rounder (for scallops)


Until next time.
Hugs and kisses...
TraceyJean
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Today is the Big Day!

The newest Idea Book from Close to My Heart is now available to everyone! You can see it on my site anytime or request a copy of your very own. Happy shopping!

 

Hugs and kisses...

TraceyJ

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.

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

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...

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.

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

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

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

{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