The Retired List...Going, Going, Gone!!

It's getting close to that time of year where products will be retiring to make way for all the new & exciting items that make their debut February 1st!  Less than 10 days to get the products below are gone forever!!

The list below contains the products that will not be available after January 31, 2014 OR while supplies last.  Don't miss out on getting more of your favorites or the things you've been holding out on ordering!  Shop now at: http://inspired.ctmh.com/retail/category.aspx

To view this list, with pictures, click here: http://inspired.ctmh.com/Retail/Products.aspx?CatalogID=2159

RETIRING LIST:

• Z4115 Memory Protector Value Pack-Clear(50)
• BULK299 Black Pigment Pads
• BULK300 Cocoa Pigment Pads
• SJ5P2 US/CN Studio J 5-pack
• W1104 Studio J 5-pack cards
• Z1778 Treat Cups
• Z1788 Chalkboard Shapes, Adhesive-backed
• Z1777 Color-Ready Canvas Alphabet
• Z1682 Dimensional Elements Alphabet                  
• Z1735 Dimensional Elements Hearts
• Z1654-79 Dimensional Elements Monograms "A-Z"
• Z1680 Dimensional Elements Stars          
• Z1779 Irresistibles™ Houndstooth Alphabet
• X7165C For Always MyStickease® Assortment   
• X7168C Surf's Up MyStickease® Assortment       
• X7175C Frosted MyStickease® Assortment          
• X7174C Huntington MyStickease® Assortment  
• X7163C Chantilly Complements Dimensional Elements
• X7169C Tommy Complements Canvas Shapes
• Z1883 Base & Bling Floral Accents
• Z1882 Base & Bling Word Accents
• Z1707 Bitty Opaques Pearl Adhesive Gems
• Z1706 Durables Round Studs
• Z1705 Durables Square Studs
• Z1775 Glamour  Glitter Alphabet
• Z1744 Opaques Flourishes Pearl
• Z1335 Opaques- Licorice
• Z1333 Opaques- Mocha
• Z1336 Opaques- Pearl
• Z1776 Pixie Glitter Alphabet
• Z1764 Just Blooms® Floret Paper Shapes              
• Z1463 Just Blooms® Flutter Pape Shapes
• Z1269 Filigree Brads
• Z1905 Base & Bling Necklace Kit
• Z1814 Chantilly Assortment
• Z1811 For Always Assortment   
• Z1890 Frosted Assortment
• Z1881 Huntington Assortment
• Z1841 Surf"s Up Assortment      
• Z1824 Tommy Assortment
• Z1786 Mini-Medley Accents Antiqued Gold Collection
• Z1787 Mini-Medley Accents Slate Collection
• Z1701 Baker's Twine Neutral Assortment
• Z1781 Black Striped Grosgrain Ribbon
• Z1800 Colonial White Rosette Ribbon
• Z1732 Color-Ready Seam Binding Ribbon
• Z1617 Dark Chocolate Striped Grosgrain Ribbon
• Z282 HempBlack
• Z280 HempTan
• Z281 HempWhite
• Z1802 Slate Satin Polkadot Ribbon
• BULK252 Bulk Durables-Antiqed Gold
• BULK253 Bulk Just Blooms- Crème Brulee
• BULK314 Frosted Cardmaking Workshop Guide (10 pack)
• BULK313 Frosted Scrapbook Workshop Guide    (10 pack)
• BULK312 Huntington Scrapbook Workshop Guide (10 pack)
• BULK286 Chantilly Guide
• BULK288 For Always Guide
• BULK292 Tommy Guide
• BULK291 Surf's  Up Guide
• BULK306 Frosted B&T Duos® Bulk Pack
• BULK305 Huntington B&T Duos® Bulk Pack
• BULK284 Surf's Up B&T Duos® Combo Pack
• BULK283 Tommy B&T Duos® Combo Pack
• BULK278 Chantilly B&T Duos Combo Pack
• BULK280 For Always B&T Duos
• Z1804 MyCreations® Cubby
• Z1322 MyCreations Recipe Box                 
• Z1746 MyCreations® Block
• Z1737 MyCreations® Collage Cubes
• Z1803 MyCreations® Star
• Z1819 Chantilly  Textiles
• Z1884 Sparkle & Shine Textiles
• Z891 VersamarkInkPad
• Z892 VersamarkReinker
• Z1845 MyOriginals® Matchbook Card Kit
• X8627 MyOriginals® Polar Pals Kit
• Z1738 Colonial White Die-Cut Cards
• X7163B Chantilly Paper Packet
• X7165B For Always Paper Packet
• X7175B Frosted Paper Packet
• X7174B Huntington Paper Packet
• X7168B Surf's Up Paper Packet
• X7169B Tommy Paper Packet
• Z1483 Bronze Glitz™ Glitter Gel
• Z821 EmbPowderClearDetail
• Z668 EmbPowderGold
• Z669 EmbPowderSilver
• Z1313 Glitz Glue Stardust                                                                             
• Z308 LiquidAppliqueWhite
• Z134 PrismaGlitter
• Z1484 Red Glitz™ Glitter Gel
• Z1482 Silver Glitz™ Glitter Gel
• Z534 MicroTipScissors
• Z555 CraftHeater
• Z1091 FinishingFiles
• Z1796 Rub-On Tool
• Z1298 TextureTools
• Z1769 Almond Glitz™ Glitter Gel               
• Z1771 Green Glitz™ Glitter Gel  
• Z1770 Pink Glitz™ Glitter Gel
• G1053 Workshop on the Go (WOTG)® Chantilly Scrapbooking Kit
• G1055 Workshop on the Go (WOTG)®For Always Scrapbooking Kit
• G1058 Workshop on the Go (WOTG)® Tommy Scrapbooking Kit
• G1059 Workshop on the Go (WOTG)® Surf's Up Scrapbooking Kit
• G1064 Workshop on the Go (WOTG)® Laughing Lola Cardmaking Kit
• G1063 Workshop on the Go (WOTG)® Frosted Cardmaking Kit
• G1070 Workshop on the Go (WOTG)® Frosted Scrapbooking Kit
• G1069 Workshop on the Go (WOTG)® Huntington Scrapbooking Kit
• G1065 Workshop on the Go (WOTG)® Laughing Lola Scrapbooking Kit
• G1067 Workshop on the Go (WOTG)® ProPlayer Scrapbooking Kit
• G1066 Workshop on the Go (WOTG)® Sarita Scrapbooking Kit

Inspired By Blog Challenges - Colour Q #222

Late night inspiration with this week's Colour Q #222 color palette...but I'm very pleased with it!!  Using a bit of something old and something new. I'm starting to feel too much like a collector than a consumer.  I am 90% done with my nephew's albums commemorating his high school athletic career, so I'm SUPER looking forward to focusing again on my projects.

My Creation:

Products used (* indicated retired CTMH product):
- Black & Whisper Stamp Pads
- Archival Brilliance Galaxy Gold Pigment Ink Pad*
- Silver & Black Shimmer Trim
- Gold Polka-Dot Washi Tape (NEW!)
- Holiday Tags MyAcrylix Stamp Set
- Perfect Fit - Frames 2 MyAcrylix Stamp Set
- It's Your Day Stamp Set*
- Sparkles Assortment
- Make It From Your Heart Vol. 2 How-To-Book
- For Always Paper Pack
- Artiste Cricut Cartridge
- White Daisy Value Card Pack
- 3D Foam Tape

Retiring Products List

It's getting close to that time of year where products will be retiring to make way for all the new & exciting items that make their debut February 1st!

The list below contains the products that will not be available after January 31, 2014 OR while supplies last.  Don't miss out on getting more of your favorites or the things you've been holding out on ordering!  Shop now at: http://inspired.ctmh.com/retail/category.aspx

To view this list, with pictures, click here: http://inspired.ctmh.com/Retail/Products.aspx?CatalogID=2159

RETIRING LIST:

• Z4115 Memory Protector Value Pack-Clear(50)
• BULK299 Black Pigment Pads
• BULK300 Cocoa Pigment Pads
• SJ5P2 US/CN Studio J 5-pack
• W1104 Studio J 5-pack cards
• Z1778 Treat Cups
• Z1788 Chalkboard Shapes, Adhesive-backed
• Z1777 Color-Ready Canvas Alphabet
• Z1682 Dimensional Elements Alphabet                  
• Z1735 Dimensional Elements Hearts
• Z1654-79 Dimensional Elements Monograms "A-Z"
• Z1680 Dimensional Elements Stars          
• Z1779 Irresistibles™ Houndstooth Alphabet
• X7165C For Always MyStickease® Assortment   
• X7168C Surf's Up MyStickease® Assortment       
• X7175C Frosted MyStickease® Assortment          
• X7174C Huntington MyStickease® Assortment  
• X7163C Chantilly Complements Dimensional Elements
• X7169C Tommy Complements Canvas Shapes
• Z1883 Base & Bling Floral Accents
• Z1882 Base & Bling Word Accents
• Z1707 Bitty Opaques Pearl Adhesive Gems
• Z1706 Durables Round Studs
• Z1705 Durables Square Studs
• Z1775 Glamour  Glitter Alphabet
• Z1744 Opaques Flourishes Pearl
• Z1335 Opaques- Licorice
• Z1333 Opaques- Mocha
• Z1336 Opaques- Pearl
• Z1776 Pixie Glitter Alphabet
• Z1764 Just Blooms® Floret Paper Shapes              
• Z1463 Just Blooms® Flutter Pape Shapes
• Z1269 Filigree Brads
• Z1905 Base & Bling Necklace Kit
• Z1814 Chantilly Assortment
• Z1811 For Always Assortment   
• Z1890 Frosted Assortment
• Z1881 Huntington Assortment
• Z1841 Surf"s Up Assortment      
• Z1824 Tommy Assortment
• Z1786 Mini-Medley Accents Antiqued Gold Collection
• Z1787 Mini-Medley Accents Slate Collection
• Z1701 Baker's Twine Neutral Assortment
• Z1781 Black Striped Grosgrain Ribbon
• Z1800 Colonial White Rosette Ribbon
• Z1732 Color-Ready Seam Binding Ribbon
• Z1617 Dark Chocolate Striped Grosgrain Ribbon
• Z282 HempBlack
• Z280 HempTan
• Z281 HempWhite
• Z1802 Slate Satin Polkadot Ribbon
• BULK252 Bulk Durables-Antiqed Gold
• BULK253 Bulk Just Blooms- Crème Brulee
• BULK314 Frosted Cardmaking Workshop Guide (10 pack)
• BULK313 Frosted Scrapbook Workshop Guide    (10 pack)
• BULK312 Huntington Scrapbook Workshop Guide (10 pack)
• BULK286 Chantilly Guide
• BULK288 For Always Guide
• BULK292 Tommy Guide
• BULK291 Surf's  Up Guide
• BULK306 Frosted B&T Duos® Bulk Pack
• BULK305 Huntington B&T Duos® Bulk Pack
• BULK284 Surf's Up B&T Duos® Combo Pack
• BULK283 Tommy B&T Duos® Combo Pack
• BULK278 Chantilly B&T Duos Combo Pack
• BULK280 For Always B&T Duos
• Z1804 MyCreations® Cubby
• Z1322 MyCreations Recipe Box                 
• Z1746 MyCreations® Block
• Z1737 MyCreations® Collage Cubes
• Z1803 MyCreations® Star
• Z1819 Chantilly  Textiles
• Z1884 Sparkle & Shine Textiles
• Z891 VersamarkInkPad
• Z892 VersamarkReinker
• Z1845 MyOriginals® Matchbook Card Kit
• X8627 MyOriginals® Polar Pals Kit
• Z1738 Colonial White Die-Cut Cards
• X7163B Chantilly Paper Packet
• X7165B For Always Paper Packet
• X7175B Frosted Paper Packet
• X7174B Huntington Paper Packet
• X7168B Surf's Up Paper Packet
• X7169B Tommy Paper Packet
• Z1483 Bronze Glitz™ Glitter Gel
• Z821 EmbPowderClearDetail
• Z668 EmbPowderGold
• Z669 EmbPowderSilver
• Z1313 Glitz Glue Stardust                                                                             
• Z308 LiquidAppliqueWhite
• Z134 PrismaGlitter
• Z1484 Red Glitz™ Glitter Gel
• Z1482 Silver Glitz™ Glitter Gel
• Z534 MicroTipScissors
• Z555 CraftHeater
• Z1091 FinishingFiles
• Z1796 Rub-On Tool
• Z1298 TextureTools
• Z1769 Almond Glitz™ Glitter Gel               
• Z1771 Green Glitz™ Glitter Gel  
• Z1770 Pink Glitz™ Glitter Gel
• G1053 Workshop on the Go (WOTG)® Chantilly Scrapbooking Kit
• G1055 Workshop on the Go (WOTG)®For Always Scrapbooking Kit
• G1058 Workshop on the Go (WOTG)® Tommy Scrapbooking Kit
• G1059 Workshop on the Go (WOTG)® Surf's Up Scrapbooking Kit
• G1064 Workshop on the Go (WOTG)® Laughing Lola Cardmaking Kit
• G1063 Workshop on the Go (WOTG)® Frosted Cardmaking Kit
• G1068 Workshop on the Go (WOTG)® Babycakes Scrapbooking Kit
• G1070 Workshop on the Go (WOTG)® Frosted Scrapbooking Kit
• G1069 Workshop on the Go (WOTG)® Huntington Scrapbooking Kit
• G1065 Workshop on the Go (WOTG)® Laughing Lola Scrapbooking Kit
• G1067 Workshop on the Go (WOTG)® ProPlayer Scrapbooking Kit
• G1066 Workshop on the Go (WOTG)® Sarita Scrapbooking Kit

Color Dare #50

This week's color dare features the colors in the Close to My Heart Surf's Up paper pack:

This is such a fun paper pack and is continuing forward in the next idea book (in case you haven't gotten yours yet!)  Here is my project - a 2 page layout, using a lot of the latest and greatest products, including flip flaps. 

Flip flaps are AWESOME for adding dimension and interaction to your pages, as well as providing additional "space" for pictures or journaling.  The flip flap is tucked under the dessert sand cardstock.  After I placed the page in the page protector sheet, I used a technique to pull the flip flap to the outside of the page, so it could be opened from the outside and not tear the page protector.  Last, I adhered a button and some baker's twin to the corner to signal "open me" to people.

I also created my own "washi" tape from the paper by cutting it to the width I wanted, tearing the edges to make the white core (all CTMH's papers are like this) of the paper show through and then adhered it down.  Adds a great coordinating look!

Another cool technique - you can probably see it on the photos at the bottom better - is to distress the edges of your photos and stamp directly on it.  It gives them more dimension and as long as it has enough time to dry, you're good to go!

Thanks for stopping in!  Contact me or visit my website to get the products featured in my layouts.

~Denise

Featured Products:

- Surf's Up Paper

- Surf's Up MyStickease

- Trinity Alphabet stamp set

- Baker's Twine: Paradise Assortment

- Sightseer Stamp Set

- Flip Flaps

- Color Ready Trinkets Wooden Shapes 

Later Sk8tr Inspiration

The Later Sk8ter papers have been one of my all time favorites!!

Here are some of my latest projects using this paper pack and other CTMH products:

Did you get this paper before it sold out???

Viva!!

I arrived in Orlando, Florida today for Close to My Heart's annual convention!! The theme is "Viva" & we are at the Coronado Springs Resort.

It's an exciting time- not only do I get to see and hang out with all of my friends, but CTMH will reveal the new products for the Autumn/Winter Idea Book!! Plus it's at Disney World!! CTMH even got us a Twilight ticket to go to one of the parks! Yippee!!

So what happens at convention? Well, a ton of consultants across the US and Canada get together to celebrate accomplishments for the year, learn about the new products, receive {a LOT} of the new products & get to create projects with them, get inspired by the CTMH team & guest speaker, and listen about the direction of the business. Plus there is a ton of fun!!! Swaps, creative sessions, contests, team meetings, and more.

CTMH is such a wonderful company to be a part of, not only for their creative & strategic direction but also their gratitude. We are one big family. The talented team, lead by CEO & founder - Jeanette Lynton - just keeps wowing us!

This will be my third convention and the anticipation is almost unbearable!! CTMH has never disappointed and that's why I fell in love with their products and wanted to be a consultant {a girl has to support her habit, right?!}.  Here is what I made for my roomie gifts:

Does this event sound like something you would want to attend?! For $49, you get the Consultant Kit; that's a value of over $130 worth of product!!  With the help of myself and the tools offered by CTMH, you can become a successful consultant or in-the-know hobbiest. It's what YOU make of it - be your own boss, earn extra money, purchase discounted products, make life long friends, grow and be inspired with your crafting!

LMK if you have any questions. Visit my website: www.inspired.CTMH.com for all the info (on the Opportunities tab) & to sign up as my downline. You could join us at next year's convention or other events, such as Album Retreat!

Add me as a friend on Facebook (www.facebook.com/inspired.by.CTMH) to follow my posts about all of the exciting product reveals and announcements. If you're on Instagram, search #vivaCTMH to see all the convention pictures from myself, CTMH & the other consultants.

CTMH Joins BPC for a Pajama Party!!

Close To My Heart is teaming up with Big Picture Classes to bring you a 1 hour live webcast with step-by-step instructions for making the "Happy Thoughts" kraft container. The FREE webcast will air Thursday, May 30 from 7 pm to 8 pm (MDT) / 6 pm to 7 pm (PST).

During the presentation, you’ll learn to make several projects from a variety of sponsors, including Close To My Heart’s "Happy Thoughts" kraft container, as the presenter walks you through the steps. Anyone with an Internet connection can watch, so be sure to tune in!

This is the FIRST Pajama Party & with Close to My Heart's involvement - you know it's going to rock!  The Kraft Containers are SO versatile and can be decorated in countless ways - they're perfect for storing things, used for a present, or anything your imagination can come up with.  I made the featured project at CTMH's Album Retreat in March - it was so fun and easy to make!! It's a great addition to my craft room (as I have 52 creativity starters/thoughts - 1 for each week of the year). 

The Pajama Party class will be available for FREE at BigPictureClasses.com on May 30. If you would like to interact on the message board, participate in live chat, post to the gallery, download handouts, or enter any contests, you will need to log in to the Pajama Party “classroom” by creating a free account on the Big Picture Classes website.  Order your supplies (see below) at www.inspired.CTMH.com.

I'm looking forward to all the ideas, inspiration, tips & tricks, and fun that the Pajama Party!  Hope you can join us!!

To make the "Happy Thoughts" kraft container, you will want to have the following items—or similar products—on hand:

• My Acrylix^® Frame Flair Stamp Set (D1546)
• My Acrylix^® Happy Thoughts Stamp Set (C1536)
• Chantilly Paper Packet (need 1 sheet of B&T, X7163B)
• Crème Brulee Cardstock (need 1 sheet, X5754)
• Lagoon Cardstock (need 1 sheet, X5762)
• White Daisy Cardstock (need 1 sheet, 1385)
• Whisper Cardstock (need 1 sheet, X5929)
• Whisper Exclusive Inks^® Pad (Z2172)
• Lagoon Exclusive Inks^® Pad (Z2195)
• My Creations^® Kraft Container (Z1833)
• Baker’s Twine Neutral Assortment (need 3 yards, Z1701)
• Color-Ready Trinkets Wooden Shapes (Z1844)
• Sparkles Black & Grey Assortment (Z1754)
• 3-D Foam Tape (Z1151)
• Micro-Tip Scissors (Z534)
• Corner Rounder (Z578)
• Paper Trimmer (Z1783)
• My Acrylix^® Spritz Cleaner (1778)
• My Acrylix^® Stamp Scrubber (Z1782)
• 2" × 3½" My Acrylix^® Block (Y1009)
• 4" × 5" My Acrylix^® Block (Y1012)
• Cricut^® Art Philosophy Collection (Z1686)

Inspiration with Tommy

Tommy is one of the new paper packs in the 2013 Spring/Summer Idea Book.  It's a super fun, nautical, and bright paper pack - perfect for summer fun.

Featured colors for Tommy are: Cranberry, Desert Sand, Honey, Outdoor Denim, and White Daisy.  I had a couple cards I needed to make, so I pulled this paper pack out and this is what I came up with (on the fly, and sorta tired!, but they met my standards & I was happy with them).

The Birthday cards above are pattern 20 from Make It From Your Heart-Vol #1 How-To-Book - yup both of them! One is just turned a quarter to give it a whole different look and feel. 

I also wanted to show the difference of what distressing your projects can add to your projects.  "To distress or not to distress??" is something I always ask myself when I'm crafting.  It usually comes down to time, my mood, or my creative vision.  Sometimes, a project must be distressed - it'll just look incomplete without it; others just work with the simplicity of the paper, stamping and embellishing.

The Birthday card on the left is completely distressed - it's easiest to see with Cranberry on the base paper and Honey with the raised (with 3D tape) sentiment.  Stamping the sentiment at an angle gives the Perfect Fit - Frames 2 stamp an added flair, as show on the left-hand side card.

The baby card is for a dear friend of mine that just gave birth to an adorable little guy.  I used the Artiste CTMH Cricut cartridge (LOVE our cartridges - yes there are 2! Art Philosophy is the other.  I have no desire or need to buy or have any other cartridges).  The "treasured moments" tag is part of the zip strip on the Tommy paper!  All edges on this card (excluding the baby diecut) are distressed.

When I have more time, I'm looking forward to adding some bling (sprakles) or some texture (mini-melody accents wooden collection or complements canvas shapes)... and creating a couple great layouts with these fun colors to my Caribbean album.

Now that you are {hopefully} inspired, either to use Tommy or with the color palette - specifically Cranberry, Honey & Outdoor Denim, then get to scrappin!!  And enter the Color My Heart challenge with Color Dare #43!

Featured Products (not referenced above):
- Perfect Fit-Birthday Stamp Set:  B1417
- Cards & Envelopes:  X254
- Artisan Studs: Z1816
- Outdoor Denim Chevron Ribbon: Z1808

Here's the Buzzzzzz

I get a lot of my inspiration from color combinations, papers, stamps, and other people's projects.  Something about how I see things just sparks something in my brain and I can see the creative path or the end destination.  Even going through the creative process, my vision will change and grow.  I love it when I get into grooves like this!  For those sports peeps out there, I consider it to be the equivalent of "being in the zone."

One of my latest creative inspirations, that I actually followed through with and remembered (gotta love my iPhone and photos!), was a layout Karen Pedersen, a fellow CTMH consultant, created.  Her April Play Group Scrappin' Class featured one of the new papers from the 2013 Spring/Summer Idea Book - Buzz & Bumble and I fell in love with the paper and layout!

This is one of those papers that grows on you - it wasn't one of the new papers that I was instantly inspired by or drawn to; it was cute and had potential, but my creative visual brain wasn't feeling it.  As more people, including Karen, posted projects using Buzz & Bumble, I began to drink the honey.  I made sure to order the paper prior to attending Stamp Camp in mid-April so I could try to recreate Karen's layout.

At camp, I got the core of the layout done and then finished it last weekend; it was then that my vision changed.  I'm glad I didn't "finish" it at Stamp Camp because the layout probably wouldn't have ended up the way it is.  My creative path swerved and had me add a twist to the embellishments and titles, making this layout a bit different from Karen's.  Here it my finished project:

I'm so happy with this layout and that I got pictures on it to boot!  My group of scrappers is now inspired to use this paper for their camping trips and outdoor adventures with their families and friends.  The patterns are very earthy and warm and I hope I put a bit of a buzzzzz in your ear to get this paper

Definitely utilize the talents and creative visions of others for your projects - duplicate or add your own unique creativity to it!  Odds are you will probably like it and complete it (if you're like me!).  Thanks again to Karen Pedersen for inspiring me!!

Who's inspired you lately? :)
Denise

Featured Products:
- Buzz and Bumble Paper:  X7164B
- Colonial White cardstock: 1388
- Chocolate Stamp Pad:  Z2111
- Brown & Tan Glitter Paper:  Z1830
- Mini-Melody Accents Wooden Collection:  Z1837
- Cricut Cartridge - Art Philosophy:  Z1686
- Durable Artisan Studs:  Z1816
- Colonial White Waxy Flax:  Z1081

The May Stamp of the Month

During each month, Close to My Heart offers a limited stamp set that is exclusive to that month.  May's  Stamp of the Month is Pinwheel.



This adorable and fun stamp set can you be yours for full retail price of $17.95 or for only $5 with a purchase of $50, before tax and S&H.  

To make things even sweeter, this stamp set corresponds perfectly with the National Scrapbooking Month promotional paper pack, Dream Pop!!  [View another blog post for the full scoop on Dream Pop].

With a $40 order, you are elibigle to purchase the Dream Pop paper pack for $10, bumping you up to get the May SOTM - Pinwheel - for $5!!  What a deal!! 

Visit my website www.inspired.CTMH.com to get shopping and find out more information about CTMH products, the SOTM and Dream Pop!  Contact me with any questions.

Art with an Attitude May Blog Hop

The Stampers with an Attitude team is doing a blog hop, themed {Art with an Attitude}!!  "Who are we?" you might ask?  We are Close to My Heart (CTMH) consultants, who are passionate and talented crafters!

You are in the right place if you just came from
{Cat Nowak's blog}

For this blog hop, I decided to feature the Dream Pop paper, which is the Close to My Heart's National Scrapbooking Month promotional paper pack.  See details below my artwork on how you can get your own Dream Pop paper pack!

I have absolutely LOVED working with this paper and can't wait to get more of it!  The colors are vibrant, the UV (raised clear pattern) on the cardstocks add an amazing extra jazz to them, and the patterns are so versitile!  The paper pack comes with some inspiration too - different projects created by the CTMH team.  Here are my projects so far with Dream Pop:

  

See end of this blog for the CTMH products used in my projects above.

Each project above utilizes the UV cardstock, but can see it best in the first card: Happy Birthday To You - the horizontal stripes are the UV pattern, and also the last card: Happy Birthday - the Tangerine and Mint dove tailed banners have a UV pattern on them. 

Next on the blog hop is
{LaJeania Hicks}

HOW TO GET DREAM POP:

Get the vibrant Dream Pop paper packet for only $10* when you spend $35 in May (valued at $19.95 retail)! This exclusive CTMH paper packet includes 12 UV cardstock sheets AND 12 B&T Duos^® papers that were specifically designed for the National Scrapbooking Month of May.  So that means you can only get this paper from May 1 - 31, 2013.

Contact me today or visit my website to place an order:  www.inspired.CTMH.com to get Dream Pop!

Thanks for visiting - now go get inspired!!
Denise

* plus tax and shipping at the full retail value

Featured Products & Item#:

- Dream Pop Paper (all)

- Silver Shimmer Trim: Z1799 (Happy Birthday to You Card & Layout)

- Stamps:

     - Perfect Fit-Birthday: B1417 (Happy Birthday to You Card)

     - 4 My Friend: D1510 (Hooray For You Card)

     - Sightseer: C1534  (Happy Birthday Card)

     - Frame It Up: D1524  (Happy Birthday Card)

     - Joyful Birthday: B1419  (Happy Birthday Card)

- Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge: Z1686 (all cards)

- Bling Gems: BULK272 (Hooray For You Card)

- Glitter Gems - Pink: Z1807  (Layout)

- Washi Tape-Slate: Z1817 (Layout)

- Stamp Pads:

     - Slate: Z2173

     - Sunflower: Z2150

     - Lagoon: Z2195

     - Sorbet: Z2164

- Sponge: Z697

- Cards & Envelopes- White: X254

- White Daisy Cardstock: 1385

- 3D Foam Tape: Z1151

- Glue Dots: 1772

- Tombo Adhesive: 1514 & 1515

Color My Heart: Color Dare #40

I went looking for inspiration to keep my creativity flowing, so I pulled up this week's Color Dare on the Color My Heart blog.  The rules are simple; basically create a project using the featured Close to My Heart (CTMH) colors and try to use 100% CTMH projects - bonus points if they are current.  Post and reference the blog challenge & woo-la!

This week's challenge focused on three colors from the warmer side of the palette:  Creme Brulee, Sunset, and Goldrush.

Having recently worked with the Buzz and Bumble paper pack, I had an idea of what I wanted to create - here they are:

This was a fun challenge - I definitely plan on participating more!!  Do you want to follow the Color My Heart Blog or participate in the Color Dares?  Here is the link Color My Heart: Color Dare Blog. 

Visit my website to shop for the products featured in my cards above:  www.inspired.CTMH.com

Products Used for the Note For You Card:
- Buzz & Bumble Paper:  X7164B
- Goldrush Stamp Pad:  Z2123
- Just For You Stamp: B1398
- Opaques Pearl Flourishes:  Z1744
- Glitter Paper - Brown & Tan:  Z1830
- Almond Glitz Glitter Gel:  Z1769
- Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge:  Z1686
- Cards & Envelopes-White:  X254

Products Used for the Happy Birthday Card:
- Buzz & Bumble Paper:  X7164B
- Cocoa Stamp Pad:  Z2114
- Kraft Cardstock:  Z1375
- Burlap Ribbon:  Z1760
- Artisan Studs:  Z1816
- Goldrush Cardstock:  1243
- Glitter Paper - Brown & Tan:  Z1830
- Joyful Birthday Occasions Stamp:  B1419
- Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge:  Z1686
- Cards & Envelopes-White:  X254
- 3D foam tape:  Z1151
- Glue Dots:  1772

Workshops On The Go

Did you know that Close to My Heart has kits?  Well we do! There are Scrapbooking Workshop On the Go (WOTG) kits for each new paper pack featured in the current Idea Book and some of the new papers feature an exclusive Card WOTG.

In addition to the papers and cards/envelopes needed to create the WOTG project, there are a few things that make the WOTG kits special:

1. a coordinating and exclusive stamp set that is only available with that kit
2. easy-to-follow directions, printed in color that include all cuts, stamping & assembly
3. two coordinating accessories (i.e. ribbon, buttons, sparkles/gems, etc.)
• sometimes one or both are only available with that specific WOTG

The WOTG are great projects that can be created as shown or they allow you creative freedom to alter as you feel inspired. One of my favorites from the latest Idea Book is the Chantilly Card WOTG.  It's one of the cutest and vibrant papers CTMH has released and provides a lot of versatility.  The WOTG featured 3 cards and provided supplies to create a total of 15 cards (5 of each style).  I was also able to create a couple extra cards from my scraps.

Note: some of the basic tools used in every day crafting, such as paper trimmer, stamp pads, stamp blocks, scissors, adhesive, and other tools, are needed to complete the WOTG's.

To change it up, I created one of the cards per the instructions and then had fun with the others & added in some bling:

The top card is the WOTG as directed - the others are my variation and inspiration based on the paper and colors.  Like I said before, this paper provides versatility and a lot of that has to do with all the amazing colors it showcases.

The card on the left is the WOTG card; the other four are altered by me.  I enjoyed using the Exclusive Inks {Alcohol} Markers to color in the cake - it really added to the card & they are so easy to use!

The top card is the WOTG card; the other four I put my touch on.  This is the only set I distressed, but it made them pop so much better after I did.

3x3 cards created using some of my scraps and I threw in a Sparkle Flourish (Z1812). I have a few more scraps I plan on creating a couple more cards with.

Birthday cards are my favorite to make - everyone loves {& expects} a Denise-Card now...yes, I've spoiled them! So having a WOTG that I could take a design and create and then be inspired to change up is fantastic!! 

CTMH is all about Faster. Simpler. Easier. and the WOTG's truly follow that motto.  Does the WOTG inspire you?

Questions or comments, please let me know.  Now go get inspired!!
~ Denise ~

Featured Products & Item #:

• Workshop On The Go Card Kit - Chantilly:  G1061
• Pink Glitter Gems:  Z1807
• Stamp Pads:
• Outdoor Denim:  Z2140
• Lagoon:  Z2195
• Pear:  Z2197
• Sunset:  Z2191
• Cotton Candy: Z2193
• Ruby:  Z2170
• Butter Cup:  Z2110
• Twilight:  Z2160
• Dessert Sand:  Z2118
• Sweet Leaf:  Z2153
• Exclusive Ink Markers:
• Pear:  Z2414
• Outdoor Denim:  Z421
• Cotton Candy:  Z2417
• Sponge:  Z697
• Glue Dots-Mini:  Z341

Perfect Fit My Acrylix Stamps

I fell in love with the Perfect Fit My Acrylix® stamps that are "newer" to the Close to My Heart (CTMH) lineup.  Not only are they awesome, but they inspired me to teach my first class at my group's annual Stamp Camp retreat in April.

Like many of our stamps sets, they correspond with our CTMH Cricut Cartridges: Art Philosophy or Artiste.  So far (at least that I count), there are 7 Perfect Fit sets: 2 for Frames, a Halloween, a Christmas, a Mom, a Dad, and a Birthday one.  As the owner of all of these sets, their design makes crafting faster, simplier, easier.  For my Stamp Camp cards, I decided to use the Birthday, Mom, and Dad stamps.

The Claire paper is absolutely adorable in person - with this in mind, I wanted to create a Mother's Day, a Father's Day, and 2 Birthday cards (one for a guy and one for a girl).  This paper gives you the versatility to make your projects feminine or masculine. When i got to the Father's Day card, I decide to throw in one of the papers and colors from the Later Sk8r paper pack to add a different feel to it. I know you're curious to see what I came up with, so here they are:

I was inspired differently for each card:

• The girlie birthday card was inspired by one of the For Always cards I made:

• The Mother's Day card was inspired by a card I made at last year's CTMH convention:

• The simple/masculine birthday card was inspired by a card I made last fall using the Moonlight paper:

• The Father's Day card was inspired by the card CTMH shows in the Spring/Summer Idea book on page 67, which features the Perfect Fit-Dad stamp set:

The great thing about any project is that you can take bits and pieces of things or color combinations that you see and put your own twist on it.  If you love, recreate it!! And use different papers and colors to spice it up.  You never know what you'll be inspired by.

Products featured in these cards:

• Perfect Fit-Mom My Acrylix® stamp set - C1543
• Perfect Fit-Dad My Acrylix® stamp set - C1542
• Perfect Fit-Birthday My Acrylix® stamp set - B1417
• Claire paper pack - X7166B
• Later Sk8r paper pack - X7167B
• Artisan Studs - Z1816
• Pink Glitter Gems - Z1807
• Bitty Sparkles - Z1263
• Baker's Twine: Paradise Assortment - Z1702
• Outdoor Denim Chevron Ribbon - Z1808
• Shimmer Trim: Silver - Z1799
• Cards & Envelopes: White Value Pack - X254
• CTMH Exclusive Inks:
• Sunset - Z2191
• Cashmere - Z2175
• Lagoon - Z2195
• Blush - Z2106