Happy New Idea Book!

It's here, it's here!  I just received my copies of the brand new...

 Close To My Heart Spring/Summer 2013 Idea Book!  

I can't wait to share some of the wonderful and exciting new things that I discovered on it's pretty pages. You are going to absolutely love, love, love all the new papers and coordinating accessories.  Papers are just the start; CTMH is now offering fabric!  Yes, I said fabric!  The Chantilly and For Always collections have matching cotton fabric to really take your creativity into another dimension.

Here's a little sneak peek....

The delicate Chantilly collection featuring spring like shades of Champagne, Twilight, Buttercup and Cotton Candy...

Got a summer vacation to the beach planned?  Then the Surf's Up collection is just what you need to scrapbook those vacation memories.  Check out the Sorbet, Surf's Up Teal, Chocolate and Surf's Up Gold colors used in this fun paper packet...

Believe me, this is just a small taste of the fabulousness enclosed between the pages.  I hope you are just as excited as I am!  

Save the date:  FEBRUARY 1, 2013 (the first day orders may be placed)

Until that time, the current Autumn/Winter 2012 Idea Book is still available to order from.

Don't forget to be sure to get everything on your current wish list no later than January 31, 2013 as many of the items will be retired and are while supplies last.

Shop Now!

More Crazy For Clementine!

Close To My Heart Clementine Scrapbooking Layout of Bok Tower

I'm still paper crafting with the same $21.15 of new supplies from Close To My Heart!  I love the Clementine collection.  Peach is one of my favorite colors and this paper packet has lots of peach, orange, brown and blue tones.  I just love it and I know that you will too!

Today I did a 2 page scrapbooking layout to show off my recent pictures from a trip to the Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales, FL.  Bok Tower is an amazing landmark that was created and donated to the state by a Dutch immigrant named Edward Bok (1863-1930).  Mr. Bok arrived in this country a very poor boy, but was able to make his fortune in publishing, becoming editor of the Ladies Home Journal.  He won a Pulitzer Prize and was a strong advocate for world peace.  The Tower is crowned by a carillon (a musical instrument with bells) that is played throughout the day.  The gardens surrounding the tower are incredibly beautiful and peaceful.  So many different kinds of flowers were in bloom and the weather was perfect.

In my layout, I wanted to highlight the main focus of the visit, which was the gorgeous tower, so I printed out the photo as a 5x7 and centered it on the page to create visual interest.

CTMH Clementine Page 1

For the second page of the layout, I chose 3 smaller photos (two cut at 5" x 3" and one cut at 3" x 3") of the same event and added a block for journaling.

CTMH Clementine Page 2

My inspiration for the layout came from the Close To My Heart publication "Make It from Your Heart Volume 1" by Jeanette Lynton.  This is an amazing book with 16 two-page layout pattern blueprints that are a great starting point to create your own artwork.  Pattern 07 on pages 18-19 is what inspired me today.

Here's how I did it:

From the Clementine Paper Packet I used the Saddle cardstock as my base.  I used 2 sheets of the coordinating B&T patterned paper and cut four strips at 1 1/2" x 8".  Then a piece of Champagne cardstock into two pieces of 6" x 8" each.  I matted my photos with Sorbet card stock.  Then all pieces were inked around the edges with Saddle ink.

I accented the pages with adhesive canvas shapes from the Clementine Complements Canvas Shapes that coordinate with the paper packet.  That is the strip that runs across the bottom of both pages as well as the flower shapes.

To finish it off I used a few supplies that I already had on hand:  Antiquated Copper Brads,
Sorbet Buttons, and White Hemp.  For the title "Bok Tower" I used Sorbet ink on Color Ready Canvas Alphabet stickers.

I am really enjoying this paper packet and I hope that I've inspired you with my layout.  Thanks for stopping by my blog!

Crazy for Clementine!

Close to my Heart Clementine Thank You Card

Over the next few posts, I am shining the spotlight on the lovely Clementine paper collection from the Fall/Winter CTMH Idea Book.  I'm challenging myself to make as many different projects as I can using just $21.15 of new supplies.  

Here is what I've purchased:

Clementine Paper Packet - $9.95 (Item # X7156B)
Clementine Complements Canvas Shapes - $5.95 (Item # X7156C)
Sorbet Ink - $5.25 (Item # Z2164)

For my first project, I made this super cute thank you card.  I just love the orange hues in this collection. They really brighten up a dreary winter day!

I used my Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge to cut out my card base <square1> at 4 1/2" using the Cashmere cardstock from the paper packet.  I cut three strips of coordinating B&T Duos paper at 1 1/3" wide by 4" long.  For the two strips on the outside, I used a corner rounder punch to make the top and bottom corners match the card base.  I then inked the edges using the Sorbet ink and adhered them side by side to the center of the card.

Across the center I glued a strip of 4" by 1/2" paper in another coordinating paper from the packet.  For the center emblem, I used a shape from the CTMH Dimensional Elements that came with the Art Philosophy cartridge and covered it with another piece of Cashmere cardstock cut at 1 1/2" <shape1>.  

In Sorbet Ink, the Thank You sentiment was stamped.  This sentiment is from the "For Every Occasion" stamp set (Item # D1187).  I finished it off with 2 Antiquated Copper Brads.

So with just a few extra supplies that I already had on hand, I was able to make this cute and easy card.

Stay tuned for more Clementine in project #2, a scrapbooking layout.

CTMH Pear & Partridge Candy Holders

For me, the holidays and chocolate just somehow go together.  Okay, actually everyday and chocolate go together!  So, because it is the most wonderful time of the year, I wanted to show you a simple project to bring two of my favorite things together.  Allow me to introduce you to my version of the Close to my Heart Pear & Partridge Candy Holders!

CTMH Pear & Partridge Candy Holders

Hershey Nuggets Embellished with Close to my Heart Pear & Partridge

I saw this idea on fellow CTMH Consultant Pamela O'Connors blog and have modified them a bit based on the materials that I had on hand.  Here's the recipe:

To cover the Hershey's Nuggets - Cut strips of CTMH Pear & Partridge B&T Duos paper into 1" x 3" pieces.  Wrap candy and adhere ends of paper strips.

To nestle your candy - Create a paper tray by cutting a piece of Cranberry cardstock into a 2 1/2" x 4 7/8" strip.  Score at 5/8" from edge along each side long ways and fold up to create a tray.

Top it off - Use your Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge to cut out the shape <Rectangle6> at 2 1/2" and fold in half.  If you don't have a Cricut, cut a 3" x 2" rectangle with a paper trimmer.  Then I cut a 2 1/4" scalloped circle <Circle2> and a 1 1/4" circle <Circle1>.  I then stamped the larger scalloped circle with a stamp from the Perfect Fit-Frames in New England Ivy and the smaller circle with a snowflake from the Perfect Fit-Holidays in Holiday Red.  Center a clear sparkle in the center of the snowflake.  Adhere all pieces from largest to smallest using double sided foam tape to make it pop up.

Enclose in a Wilton Pretzel Bag.  Cut off about 2 inches from the open top end, fold over and staple. Adhere topper with glue dots and share with a friend!

Here are the item numbers of my supplies:

X7162B - Pear & Partridge Paper Packet

D1527 - Perfect Fit Frames

B1412 - Perfect Fit Holidays

Z1686 - Cricut Art Philosophy Collection

Z1752 - Clear Assortment Sparkles

CLICK HERE to shop for the ingredients for this recipe!

I had so much fun making these candy holders.  I really hope that you like them and recreate them for your friends and loved ones.  They make great party favors or stocking stuffers.  It's a great way to give a personalized treat!

A simple gift can be so much more when you "Create with Care"!

Scrapbook, Stamp and Socialize in JACKSONVILLE, FL!

Calling all Jacksonville paper crafters!  I've organized a group through the cool website www.meetup.com. Scrapbook, Stamp and Socialize is a group exclusively for individuals that like to play with paper in the Jacksonville area!  Our first get together is scheduled for this Saturday, December 15th from 1pm - 5pm.  Bring a snack to share plus whatever project that you want to work on.  I'll provide a free "Create & Take" for us to do together as well as providing drinks, paper products and of course...chocolate!!

Click here for more information and to RSVP.  I hope to see you there!

The Magic of Monograms

mon·o·gram noun /ˈmänəˌgram/  monograms, plural A motif of two or more letters, typically a person's initials, usually interwoven or otherwise combined in a decorative design, used as a logo or to identify a personal possession

The classic, crisp monogram never goes out of style.  It is elegant, timeless and distinctive.  Close to my Heart has designed a beautiful new series of monogram stamps that I know you will love and use in so many different ways.  For just $2.95 you can create items such as personalized stationery and desktop accessories or buy the whole alphabet to spell out titles and greetings.  Use one stamp over and over again to create your own background paper or just stamp once to make a classy looking envelope seal. This is such a versatile stamp!  How will you use it to personalize your artwork?  Check out these videos for great ideas and how to instructions.

Clearly the Best: The Magic of Monograms

Monogram Stamps - A Personal Touch

Are you ready to put your personal stamp on your next project?  Click here to order your own monogram.