Artbooking in August: Week #4

Welcome to week 4 of our Artbooking blog.  If you have arrived from HeatherJane's Blog you are in the right place.  If you get lost along the way, the entire hop list can be found at Adeline's blog here.  

We are on our final week of our blog hop using our Artbooking Cricut Cartridge.  We have been challenged with designing 4 projects:
1.  2 page layout
2.  Card
3.  Mini Album
4.  Giftable Item/3-D project

This week I made a mini album using featuring our ProPlayer paper pack.  

Thanks for hopping by.  Hop on over to Jody's Blog to see what amazing artwork she made this week.
Happy Scrapping!
Jane

Artbooking In August: Week #3

Welcome to week three of our Artbooking blog hop.  If you arrived from HeatherJane's Blog you are in the right spot.  This is week #3 of our blog hop and we were challenged with completing 4 different projects using the Artbooking Cartridge and any CTMH paper pack.  

Our mission is to design each of the following 4 projects:
1.  2-page layout
2.  Card
3.  Mini Album
4.  Home Decor or giftable item

Last week I completed #4.  To see my project, click here.

This week I completed a card to complement the giftable item I made last week.  I plan on giving this as a gift.

Did you know you can make glitter paper almost any CTMH color you want?  I used our Black Glitter Paper and Tan Glitter Paper along with our Lagoon Mini Pigment Ink.  I cut the flowers from our AMAZING Artbooking Cartridge.  I cut the tan flower a 1/2 inch smaller than the black glitter flower.  I then used the pigment ink to cover both.  By using the 2 different colors of glitter paper, I got 2 beautiful shades of blue that were perfect for our Laughing Lola Paper.  And of course, I had to add some bling to the middle of the flower from our Base and Bling collection.  

I also used our cartridge to cut the design for my "Thank You".  Check out these fun new stamp sets here.  

I will be finishing a collection of 10 cards and putting them in my gift box from last week.  I had a lot of fun with this project.

Thanks for hopping by.  Hop on over to Jody's Blog to see what amazing project she has waiting for you.

Happy Scrapping!
Jane

Artbooking in August: Project #2 Giftable Item

Welcome to week 2 of Artbooking in August Blog Hop!  Last weeks artwork was AMAZING!!!  I got so many great new ideas that I can't wait to try.  We have over 35 CTMH consultants participating again this week.  Can't wait to see all the amazing creative work they've completed.

If you just arrived from HeatherJane's blog, you are in the right spot.

Our challenge is to create 4 different projects using the Artbookbooking Cricut Cartridge and any CTMH paper pack.  Our mission is to design each of the following:

1.  2 page layout--I completed last week.
2.  Card
3.  Mini Album
4.  Home Decor' or Giftable Item

I chose to make a card box to hold next weeks project in.  I'm enjoying this hop because it is making me get started on Christmas gifts early so I'm not racing to get them done last minute.

Supplies needed:
Artbooking Cartridge
Laughing Lola paper pack
Lagoon Ink Pad
My Creations Card Box
Base and Bling Floral Accents
Sponge
Lagoon Re-Inker
Lagoon Cardstock
Sparkles Flourishes

The first step is to ink the edges of the box, inside and out.  I put a few drops of Lagoon re-inker on a sponge and then rubbed the color on all the edges.  I prefer this method because it colors darker and faster than rubbing the sponge on the ink pad and applying to the edges.  You don't have to cover the entire box because you are going to cover with paper.

Then cut your paper to fit all the sides.  Be creative and use different patterns inside and out.

Because I used paper that is very "busy" I chose to use the word "Sassy" from the Artbooking cartridge and very few embellishments.  

I used my favorite paper from the LL paper pack which is very busy.  I used Lagoon cardstock and then rubbed it on the ink pad to give it a "deeper" color to help it stand out against the paper.  Suggestion:  wear rubber gloves when doing this...not only will your paper get covered in ink...so will your fingers:)

It really helped darken it up!

I added some bling to the "S" and the "Y" and a few flowers on the front of the lid. Again, because the paper has a busy pattern, I didn't want to over do it with embellishments.  Keeping it simple!

Thanks for hopping by to see my artwork.  Head on over to Jody's Blog to see what amazing artwork she has created this week.  If you get lost along the way, go to Adeline's Blog for the master list of hoppers.

Happy Scrapping!
Jane

Artbooking in August: Two Page Layout

If you just arrived from HeatherJane's blog, you are in the right spot!

If you are starting here, then continue to follow along the hop until you end up right back here.

Are you ready to get creative???  Let some very talented CTMH consultants inspire you with their creativity this month.  Each Monday in August, we will be posting artwork to our blogs and you can hop along with us. 

Our challenge was to create 4 different projects using the Cricut Artbooking Cartridge, available exclusively from Close To My Heart, and any CTMH paper pack.  

Our mission was to design each of the following:
1.  2-page layout
2.  Card
3.  Mini Book
4.  Home Decor or giftable item

We were able to choose what to make and when to post it which will give you a variety of ideas each week.  You will not want to miss this hop!  You will get a ton of amazing ideas each week to create with your new cartridge.  

Don't have your cartridge yet?  No problem, click this LINK, email me at jane.schoof@gmail.com, or call me at 614-725-9677 and I can assist you in getting everything you need to make these amazing projects!

I chose to complete the 2-page layout this week.  

I'm working on a calendar for a Christmas gift and the Artbooking Cartridge was perfect for this project.  I'm so excited that we have "overlays" now.  Have you ever made a calendar and punched out all those squares?  Well, no more!  The Artbooking cartridge will cut the calendar out for you and all you have to do is put the month and dates on the page.  This is such a time saver and looks great!

We also have amazing pre-designed picture frames and themes for creating holiday pages.  With the calendar overlay and the holiday designs, it will make creating this calendar a breeze!

I used all solid cardstock on the top page of the calendar with the faux leather technique.

I used Laughing Lola paper pack for the calendar cut out.  This project has been so fun and when the calendar is complete and bound, I will be sure to post all the pictures. 

Hop on over to Jody's blog to see what exciting project she has made.

If you get lost along the way, go to Adeline's blog to get the entire list of hoppers.

Thanks for visiting...
and Happy Scrapping!
Jane

FLORAL HAPPINESS

Welcome to our March Stamp of the Month blog hop!  This months stamp set from Close To My Heart is Floral Happiness and is available exclusively through your Close To My Heart consultant March 1st - 31st, 2013.  You can purchase this stamp set for only $5 with a qualifying purchase.  

If you have just hopped onto my blog, please start at the beginning at Lucy's blog Love 2 Create.  If you came from Traci's blog Paper Crafting 101 then you are in the right place.

I made a beautiful card for a special friend.  I decided to make my card using a design from Jeanette R. Lynton's "Wishes" card program.  I chose "Sentiment Wave" on page 118.  

Supplies Needed:

Ink:  Bamboo, Cocoa, Honey, Goldrush, New England Ivy, Autumn Terracotta

Cardstock:  Kraft Paper, Cocoa

Prisma Glitter

VersaMark

Craft Heater

Star Dust Glitz Glitter Gel

Bitty Sparkles

Buzz and Bumble

Claire

Sponge Dauber

I chose the bamboo polka dot paper from the Claire paper pack.  I chose this paper so the flowers would have a "faint" polka dot background.  This is the only piece I used from this paper pack, so an easy substitution would be plain White Daisy cardstock.  I used Bamboo ink for the base stamp of the flower.  I used Cocoa ink for the 2nd step stamp.  

I then re-inked the 2nd step stamp with VersaMark and sprinkled with Prisma Glitter.  I liked the looks of the glitter on the flower, but it came off pretty easy.  I realized VersaMark was not the smartest thing to use to adhere glitter.  Sooooo, I decided to get out the Craft Heater to help adhere it to the paper.  I started to experiment and continued to heat the glitter until it lost its "glitz".  What was the end product?  I was so surprised and excited with the result.  Did you now if you "bake" ...actually I "fried" it...the prisma glitter to paper it leaves a texture that almost feels like velvet.  I think it turned out pretty cool!  And it kept the brown color for just the right shade of "milk chocolate" on my flowers.  Warning:  I tried with other colors and when you "fry" it...it still has a brown tone to it.  So this technique is best if using chocolate/brown colors.  

I used the same polka dot paper with Honey ink for the first step stamp.  Then topped it with Autumn Terracotta.  I used Star Dust Glitz and went over all the areas from the second step stamp.  Allow plenty of time to dry.  I put on a pretty thick "bead" so it would have a high raised texture.

I used New England Ivy for the leaves.

I inked all the edges of the brown flowers and all cardstock with Cocoa ink and a sponge dauber.  I inked the edge of the yellow flower with Autumn Terracotta ink.

I think my favorite part of the card is the "velvet texture" I found I could make with glitter.  

Your next stop on your "Floral Happiness" hop is Michelle's blog at My Creations with Michelle.  

Below is a complete line-up of our hoppers in case you got lost along the way.

Lucy ~ Love 2 Create
Darla ~ Caution: Crafting is Contagious
Amber ~ Scrapper's Therapy
Jennifer ~ 4 Hearts Scrapbooking
Priscilla ~ Priscilla's Paperie
Theo ~ Celebrate Crafts
Traci ~ Paper Crafting 101
Jane ~ Jane's Scrap Shack
Michelle ~ My Creations with Michelle

Thanks for hopping by.  We hope we were able to inspire you!
Happy Scrapping!
Jane

HOME SWEET HOME

Welcome to our February Stamp of the Month Blog Hop! This month's stamp set from Close To My Heart is "Home Sweet Home" and is available exclusively through your Close To My Heart consultant from February 1 - 28, 2013. You can purchase this stamp set for only $5 with a qualifying purchase.

If you have just hopped onto my blog, please start at the beginning at  Lucy's Blog - Love 2 Create. 

If you came from Stephanie's Blog - The Quilted Scrapper, then you are in the right place!

I chose to make a house warming gift with this stamp set.  This project is simple and a lovely gift for a new home owner.  

  

 

Supplies Used:

Bottle of Wine~or drink of choice

2 wine glasses

Cork screw

Art Philosophy

Mini Medley Antique Gold Collection

Durable Square Studs

Cardstock

Surf's Up paper packet

I cut my cardstock wide enough to cover the actual label on the bottle.  I chose an image from my Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge, stamped in the center and glued the label to my cardstock. Just wrap around the bottle and adhere in the back.   

I'm the last person on this "Home Sweet Home" hop.  Here is a complete lineup in case you get lost along the way:

Lucy ~ Love 2 Create

Darla~Caution: Crafting is Contagious

Amber~Scrapper's Therapy

Jennifer~4 Hearts Scrapbooking

Priscilla~Priscilla's Paperie

Theo~Celebrate Crafts

Traci~Paper Crafting 101

Ryan~Piece and Paper

Michelle~My Creations with Michelle

Donna~Diary of a Scrapbook Addict

Stephanie~The Quilted Scrapper

Jane~Jane's Scrap Shack 

Thanks for hopping along with us - we hope we were able to inspire you.

Happy Scrapping!

Jane

February Campaign

Get ready for our February Campaign!  It's studio J time.  

February is sure to be a month of digital delights because you can purchase any Studio J®  layout for only $5*—that’s a savings of $1.95 per layout! This is a great opportunity to try Studio J for the first time. Create adorable baby layouts with the Wishes and Fishes kit (shown), or use the new Express Collections with collections of 10 ready-made layouts plus a front and back cover that are easy to use and professionally designed. reserve your memories at a low price for a truly digital delight!

*Shipping/handling applies. Studio J credits must be redeemed before this promotion can be applied. 

Offer valid February 1–28, 2013.

If you've never tried our digital scrapbooking program, Studio J...YOU HAVE TO TRY IT IN FEBRUARY!  I will be the first to admit that I like 3-D scrapbook pages.  However, I learned quickly how Studio J could help me.  First, it is very easy to use!  The more you use it, the quicker you get. 

I took my mom on a beach vacation a few years ago and I'm still working on getting my scrapbook done.  I had every intention of making one for my mom too, but I just can't get myself to duplicate the pages or come up with new ideas for her book.

So what did I do?  Yep, I logged into Studio J and started scrapbooking our vacation!  The templates were ready for me and I had tons of papers to choose from.  All I had to do is drop my pictures in and go from there.  I had 5 - 2 page layouts done in no time at all.  When they arrived in the mail, they were gorgeous!!  I will have her scrapbook done in no time at all and I've been working on my own for months!  I'm waiting till her 70th birthday in April to give it to her and I can't wait.  

Here is a sneak peak of her album:)

Did you notice the size of some of those pictures.  Studio J will automatically re-size your picture for you.  You can have 5x7 and 8x10 photos and you don't have to worry about paying big bucks to print them.  It's all included in the price!!!!

If you're interested in trying our digital scrapbook program, Studio J, Click Here.  Click on the top left to "Create an Account" and you are ready to go!!!

Don't forget our wonderful tutorials on using Studio J.  Valuable information for all!  Click Here to visit CTMH's You Tube video channel.  Below is a video on getting started with Studio J.

Happy Scrapping!

Jane

Technique Boutique: Make Your own B&T

Everyone has a different style in scrapbooking, which is what makes our artwork so unique.  I love to use my solid cardstock, but when I finish the page, I feel like I have to fill the "blank" spots.  If I don't, I feel like there is a lot of empty space.  I'm starting to get past it, but not quite there yet.  I've got a goal this year to start using stamp sets in my drawer that I've never used.  Today I chose our Universal Background stamp set.  

If you've never stamped before, follow my tutorial to learn How To Stamp Artwork-Part 4 of 4. I used our La Belle Vie paper pack and started with Smokey Pum as my base page.  With my Universal Backround stamp pictured above, I stamped the entire page.  With our clear stamps, it makes it so easy to line up and see where you need to stamp next.  What's nice about making your own B&T (background & texture) papers, even if something doesn't stamp perfect...it's a background, not your main focus to your page.  Leave any imperfections there...that's what makes it unique, not manufactured!

I love the difference it made to my page!

I hope this gives you some ideas of how you can make your own B&T paper to give the extra touch you're looking for.  

Thanks for stopping by...AND Happy Stamping!

Jane

Victory!

I love the Victory paper pack.  I live in a house full of boys, so I'm always looking for masculine paper for their layouts.  

This layout was inspired from a pin on Pinterest from Paisley and Polka Dots. 

I used Barn Red cardstock and stamped a star with the Shining Star (retired) stamp set and trimmed around it.  I tied Bakers Twine around the star.  I also used our Burlap Ribbon.  

I used a Sponge Dauber and some acrylic "Antique White" paint to swipe on the Milepost Shapes.  I let that dry and then used a sponge dauber to swipe New England Ivy ink.  Don't forget to use your "zip strips" from your Victory paper collection.  Makes a nice border for your pictures.

Our Fall/Winter 2012 catalog is about to expire.  Paper kits are selling out fast!  Victory is one of the kits that will no longer be available after January 31st.  

Don't forget about our awesome kit for only $10.00 when you spend $35.00 (before shipping/tax).  You'll receive a fun stamp set, gorgeous paper and fun "treat tubes". 

Kit includes:

• 12—Die-Cut Boxes (3 each of 4 colors: Blush, Hollyhock, Ruby, White Daisy)

• 3—12" x 12" Cardstock Sheets (Blush, Hollyhock, White Daisy)

• 1—Sheet Silver Glitter Paper—new product for Spring/Summer 2013!

• 12—Treat Tubes with Lids—new product for Spring/Summer 2013!

• 1—My Acrylix®

 Whooo’s Your Valentine Stamp Set (D-size)

And of course, our Stamp Of The Month for only $5.00 when you spend $50.00 or more (before shipping/tax).  

This month is a great time to get some extra goodies on your order.  Don't wait, product is selling out and will no longer be available.  

Thanks for stopping by,

Jane