Beachy Happy Birthday

My mom called and asked for a special birthday card, and we discussed themes.  We landed on 'beach'.  At first I was toying with the idea of using a seashell stamp, but at the last minute decided on this...

What do you think?  Does it look like waves rolling into the beach?  My husband didn't get that from it...oh well.  The 'sand' is made by using a Sanding Block on textured paper, then using a distressing tool to pounce on some Desert Sand and Chocolate ink.  (The white-core textured CS from CTMH is retired, but you could get the same effect by pouncing on some White Daisy ink first.)  Always remember to ink on lightest to darkest.  

The waves were made by simply tearing the white-core CS across at an angle.  So easy!

Thanks for stopping by!
Meredith


Supplies: (all CTMH unless noted)
Paper:  Bamboo Textured CS, Twilight CS, Juniper CS
Stamps:  Happy Birthday (C1257)
Ink:  Desert Sand, Chocolate
Other:  adhesive, sanding block (from the Sanding Kit), stubble tool (from the Texture Tools), card base (Hobby Lobby)

**all current CTMH supplies can be found on my shopping page linked in the sidebar**

Bright Happy Birthday! {Stella papers}

Oooh the laptop is running slow this morning...time for a restart.  But first I'm going to try to get this card loaded.

I snapped a picture of it in the bright morning sunshine--so thankful that spring is making its presence known!

This card was super quick to make.  Thanks to the canvas stickers.

Hope you all are having a bright and sunny day!
Meredith


Supplies:  (all CTMH unless noted)
Paper:  Stella PP, Colonial White CS
Stamp:  (D1497) from Art Philosophy set
Ink: Tulip
Other:  Stella Compliments Canvas Shapes, Edge Distresser, cream card base (Hobby Lobby), adhesive, Micro Tip Scissors.

Stash Buster Sunday: An Easter Card

I've always loved this paper, so with Easter just around the corner, I thought I would make a Spring card.

All the paper is from my stash.  I cut the egg shape with my Cricut and then made a fringe with the micro-tip scissors.

I had enough supplies to make eight!  Which I think is enough for my daughter's Girl Scout troop.  These cards are 4x4 which means you can make 4 cards from one sheet of 12x12 paper.

Click HERE to see what my Stash Buster Sunday is about.


Until next time,
Meredith

These Moments {using Stella papers}

It's really been a very long time since I've done a scrapbook layout.  But today I have the first of hopefully many for you!

I had some pictures of my kids that were beautiful and colorful.  Normally that presents quite a challenge, but I tried to bring out some colors in their clothes with the papers, and then pair it with a healthy dose of neutrals to keep it from getting out of hand.

Left:

I used a couple of techniques on the left page.  Random stamping--{using one (or more) stamps to make a random pattern over the paper}.  In this instance I used tone-on-tone, Goldrush Ink over Goldrush CS.  I also roughed up the edges of the paper using the Edge Distresser.  This technique takes a little practice, but once you get the hang of it, it will be a tool you use over and over.

Right:

I also used the Edge Distresser on the Goldrush CS that frames the pictures.  It gives so much texture to the page and helps the photos leap off the page!

A side by side view:

It's a simple layout, but I'm just getting my feet wet with again.  Here's a couple of details of the texture...

See you soon!
Meredith


Supplies: {All CTMH unless noted}

Papers: Stella PP, Cocoa CS, Goldrush CS, Heavenly Blue CS
Stamps: Just for You (B1398)
Ink: Goldrush
Other:  Stella Compliments Canvas Shapes, Edge Distresser, adhesive

**You can find all current CTMH supplies at my website which is linked on the sidebar.** 

It's a hoot!

I know--roll your eyes, but I couldn't resist!  I saw THESE nails and had to try to copy.  By the way, I have to blame Pinterest for my new nail polish addiction.

Here's my attempt...

Painting on your nails counts as crafting right??  ;)

Disregard my horrid nails, two of them are broken off, and I had to paint on that hand because I am left handed.    My husband didn't do too bad of a job taking the picture LOL!

Until next time,
Meredith

For You (a gift tote)

One of the best things CTMH ever did was partner with Cricut!  I have had so much fun learning to use my Imagine machine.  Here's a little 3D item you can make using the Art Philosophy cartidge...

First I cut the handled tote from the <Square1> key using some patterned paper.  Next I cut the 3D flower from another patterned paper with the <Banner6> key.  My upline Lisa Stenz has a great tutorial HERE for rolling the flowers up.  I'm still getting the hang of it.  ;)

My final step was to cut the 'leaves' and stamp the sentiment.  (I used key <Shape11> in two sizes to make them.)  I inked the edges of the leaves because they looked a little naked to me!

Thanks for stopping by!
Meredith

Supplies: (all CTMH unless noted)
Paper:  Vanilla Cream cs, Florentine pp
Stamps:  From Me To You (D1247)
Ink:  Cocoa, Twilight
Other:  Sponge Dauber, Liquid Glass, adhesive, Art Philosophy cartidge

**I've decided not to link to all supplies, just list them at the bottom.  You can find all current CTMH supplies at my website which is linked on the sidebar.**

Key Terms

When I started out stamping, it would have been helpful to have a little dictionary of terms to navigate me through blog-land and all the little abbreviations and terms that everyone seems to take for granted that you know.

Today I've tried to compile a little list here.  I'm sure I think of more later to add.  :)

CTMH:  Close to My Heart.  The direct sell scrapbooking supply company I am a consultant for.

CS: cardstock, a heavier weight paper.  CTMH's version is white core which means you can use some very neat techniques to let the white show through.

PP: patterned paper.

B&T:  CTMH's word for patterned paper.  Stands for Background and Texture.

EP:  embossing powder.  A fine powder that you heat to set.

I'll add more as I can think of them.  Feel free to ask me any questions about scrapbook terms and abbreviations and I'll do my best to answer them!

Happy Stamping,
Meredith

Key To My Heart

While rearranging the scrap stuff, I went though all of my CTMH papers and stamps from when I was a consultant a few years ago.  Oh I have TONS of stuff too--and it's all still beautiful.    One of my favorites was a promotional kit called Key to My Heart.  It had a beautiful "E" size stamp set.

Of course I had all my new kit stuff still out on my table, so I decided to combine a little.  I wanted to try the new die-cut cards (Z1738).  I also had one of the stamps from my Art Philosophy kit out.

This is the fold over flap of the tri-fold card.

I wanted to use the flourish stamp in the Key to my Heart set to decorate it.  It is a very large almost L-shaped stamp.  So to cover the area I needed to stamp part of it....

Then I inked another part of the stamp to cover that bit that is empty there in the corner.

With that done, I covered the outside flap with some patterned paper, and inked the edges with Cocoa ink and a Sponge Dauber.  I used cocoa ink to stamp a keyhole and flourish from my new stamp set as a little embellishment to the flap.

My next task was to make a cut out key.  I inked the key with Juniper ink.  I stamped it one time on scratch paper, and then without re-inking I stamped it onto my Colonial White cardstock.  This technique is called second generation stamping.   I cut it out with the Micro Tip Scissors and again used the cocoa ink to distress the edges.

For the inside I stamped the sentiment with Creme Brulee ink (which happens to be my all time favorite ink color!)  I inked the heart image with Juniper ink and then stamped off on scratch paper.

 I used the dauber in Cocoa ink to ink the edges of the stamp....

Then I stamped it onto Colonial White cs, cut it out and used foam dot adhesives to pop it up off the base.

For a final touch I added a bit of cream ribbon to the key and adhered it to the front of the card.

Here's the inside...

Whew!  This post took longer to create than the card!

NOTE:  While I used a retired set, you can find a key stamp and flourish stamps in the current catalog.

Happy Stamping!
Meredith

Stash Buster Sunday

I was recently re-organizing my scrapbook room and noticed that, like most scrapbookers, I have entirely too many supplies that I don't use.  Now usually on this blog I will be posting CTMH stuff.  It's just easier for me to work with CTMH because the entire line/colors all match!  But I decided that I really would like to use up all that 'other' paper that I've accumulated through the 10+ years I've been a papercrafter.  So I thought 'Why not devote one day a week to busting up that stash??'


Here's my first contribution to Stash Buster Sunday!

I started with this beautiful paper.  I have no idea how long I've had it.  It's one of those papers that stays in my stash because...it's just too pretty to cut up.  Please tell me you can relate to this ridiculousness.

I decided that I would make an envelope out of it.  I used a white 4x5.5 envelope as a template.  I simply pulled it open.

I moved the template around until I was covering an area of the patterned paper I wanted to be the envelope.  Then I traced around it using a pencil.  I cut it out using CTMH's Micro-Tip Scissors (Z534).  They really are the very best scissors, especially for fussy cuts.  Then I used the scoring blade in my papercutter to score the lines between the corners.  Be sure you place the paper pattern side down so that the envelope folds the right way!

For a finishing detail I used my well loved Sponge Dauber (Z726) dipped in Chocolate Ink (Z2111) to add some depth and distressing to the edges of the envelope.

After sponging the outside edges, I folded them in and sponged the scored edges.

To finish the envelope, I used Bonding Memories Broad Tip Glue Pen (1512) because it's what I had on hand, but the smaller tip would have probably worked easier (Z553).  Here's the finished envelope....

And to just use up the last of that paper, I cut one of the leftover roses out, inked the edges, and stuck it on a piece of cream cardstock from my stash cut to fit the envelope.  Now I have a cute little set!

This is a great way to make something useful out of that paper sitting in no man's land in your stash!

Until next time,
Meredith

New projects on the horizon

I wish a had a card-a-day to post, but I am still trying to re-do my scrapbook room to make it more functional. I do have a post scheduled for Sunday...a little project I'm working on called "Stash Buster Sunday".  So check back.

My husband recently talked me into getting the Cricut Imagine.  (I know, he really is that supportive!)  I was all set to order the Expression and he insisted I just get the newer model.  Boy am I glad he did!  That machine is really awesome.  Oh and HUGE!  So now I need to plan for space for it in the new arrangement as well.

I also started a facebook page for my business.  I'll be posting updates about workshops, events, and promotions on that.  Here's the link.  If you want to "Like" the page, you'll get all the updates and info.

Since my scrapbook room in our new house doesn't have a window (what was I thinking when we drew up the house plans?!?)  I'm also trying to figure a way to make my own light box.  I've done a little research on the web and I think it's do-able.  We'll soon see.

Here's a little something else I am trying to work on...

And as you can see I haven't gotten very far!  I have christening blankets for both of my daughters and two of my nieces, but I need to get the ones done for my other two nieces and my son.  They take me such time because I have to really concentrate on reading the pattern, so it's not just mindless crochet for me.  The pattern book I'm using is Best of Terry Kimbough Baby Afghans.  It has some really pretty ones in it!

See you soon!

Meredith

Watercolors!

Today I had a little time and thought I would play around with some watercolor pencils.  CTMH offers a set of 24 pencils that coordinate with the color palette, and they also have the watercolor brush.  I used them and a wonderful new stamp called Card Word Puzzle (C1494).

First I stamped the image I wanted with Bamboo ink.

Next I used the orange pencil to color the image.  I colored darker around the edges and lighter in the centers of each petal.

Finally I used the Waterbrush to paint the image.  Much like those fun watercolor books you used when you were a kid!

So easy!  Then you can cut it out if you want and add it as a popped up embellishment to a card or layout.  I also did a flower with a lighter touch of color.  Here's the pencil colored in using a light hand.

And here's after the Waterbrush....

You can see how subtle it is.  {My picture-taking skills are lacking today!}  CTMH cardstock is great for this technique because it holds up well to the water.  Hope you play around with this technique--it really is fun.  And it makes you feel like a true artist!

Until next time,

Meredith

Fun New Stuff!

I was pleased to see the new lovelies in my CTMH kit!

I was fortunate enough to sign up under the March promotion which means I got the Art Philosophy kit for FREE!  That's a Cricut cartridge, three D size stamp sets, and some Dimensional Elements! (DEs are chipboard pieces that coordinate).

This is not all the stamp sets that coordinate with the cartridge, these are the ones included in the kit.

Also CTMH now carries color ready wooden shapes to add to your art.  They are so cute!

There they are in the corner!  That's just a sample of the ones included in the kit.

There are other fun new embellishments...I'll have to use some on some work soon so you can see them!

I also played around a little with Studio J.  CTMH's digital scrapbooking arena.  It's fun--I never thought I would be interested in digital scrapbooking, but this program makes it easy to just upload pictures and create a layout....no downloading things to your computer.  You can join a membership with plenty of perks, or you can just create and order...

I'm really excited to dive into all the new goodies and see what I can create!!

Covered in goodies,
Meredith

My New Webpage

Yes Ladies and Gentlemen...I've opened an online store.

I just cancelled that pesky online weight loss page subscription I wasn't using and signed up to have a MyCTMH page.  See, just like that it saved me $12 a month!  I'm already making money at it! (wink wink)

My consultant kit arrives tomorrow (if tracking numbers can be trusted) and as soon as I break out the goods I'm going to get busy making some cards and such.  So hopefully by this weekend I'll have some art for you.

I posted my website on the sidebar.  Take a look around and see if you see anything interesting.  The clear stamps are SO worth your time!  ;)

Take care,
Meredith

A mouse bookmark

Who is not addicted to Pinterest?  Raise your hand...yes I see that not a single hand is raised.  A dear friend got me started and now I am hooked!  So appropriately I have a crochet project.  Get it?  Hooked.  Crochet.  See what I did there??

Anyway, follow this rabbit hole...I saw something on Pinterest that led me to Ravelry.  A lovely site to get lost in with tons of free patterns.  Which led me to this pattern of a bookworm bookmark.  Which led me to my stash of yarn.  Which led me to realize I couldn't seem to get the same effect she did.  I mean I tried and tried, but I think I was using the wrong yarn.  Which led me to try something a little different.  I bunched it up and thought...hmm looks more like a mouse and less like a *tampon* now.  (See I told you I couldn't seem to get the same effect as her.)  Mouse?!?  That's cute.  I could  put some little ears on and ....

finished product

Kinda cute.  Here's the two yarns I used.

Boucle Traditions, Salt & Pepper

Caron Simply Soft, Grey Heather

So here's the pattern (to the best of my ability)::

Chain 62 with non-fuzzy yarn only.  Tie in fuzzy yarn and work the rest of the pattern using both threads.

2 SC in second chain from hook.

2 DC in each of next three chains.

2 Triple Crochet in each of next 5 chains.

2 DC in next chain.

2 SC in next chain.

Slip stitch in next.

Fasten off.  The long chain left will be the tail.  Weave the loose threads in, sewing the body together to resemble a little mouse.

Now I am not going to lie.  When you are working this pattern, the yarn bunches up and is a bit of a pain.  Don't worry too much that you are doing the exact stitch in the exact right chain.  At the end you can shape the little booger into a conical mouse-like shape.

To finish your mouse::

I used a mottled grey felt, google eyes, and tiny pink pompoms.  I traced a button onto the felt to get the ear shapes.  I used Aleen's Washable Fabric Glue to adhere the parts.  It took quite a while for them to dry, but I think they are fairly secure.

I had big plans to make one for each of my oldest daughter's first grade classmates, but the Great February Sick-In changed my plans.  (I'll spare you the details down to the last pink eye.  You're welcome.)  So here sits the first little mouse, waiting for his friends to fully arrive.

So there you have it.  My first ever crochet tutorial.  I hope you enjoyed it!  If you have any questions or find any problems, please let me know!

Hooks Away!
Meredith

PS.  I normally hate to have to register to look at webpages, but Ravelry is worth it.  :)