Box Cards!

Better Late then Never!

Like many crafty folks, I was taken in by the creativity and fun of these box cards! Splitcoast Stampers has a great tutorial on the Pop Up Box Card HERE.  There are several others in various sizes including this one by Dina in a typical A2 size. Mine were made by following the Splitcoast version and were really too large to place in an envelope. Instead, I tied ribbon on some and 1 I made a belly band for out of card stock.

The cards I'm sharing today are from Valentine's Day and were inspired by a $13.99 Hallmark Card found in a Wal-Mart Circular. I placed a pic of the Wal-Mart ad on my FaceBook page and how I could make these for less! Well, wouldn't you know, I had an order for 8 of them from 1 person before the hour was up. Here are just a few of the cards I made for her. 

How did I do that?

These were actually pretty easy although a bit time consuming! I started out with a variety of papers that had a Valentine motif or would coordinate. I ended up using several papers from 2 old packs I had and added Ariana and For Always as well as coordinating card stock from CTMH. As usual, my Cricut helped me do lots of cutting! I actually cut ALL-yes ALL of the decorative paper and shapes on my Cricut using Art Philosophy, Artiste and Art Booking Cartridges which are exclusive to CTMH. 

From there I just decorated each flap and added cut designs to fill in the box. Each of the shapes was either connected to a cut strip of old transparencies I got from teacher friends or if they needed to hold upright better, I just used good old card stock strips. 

I really like how these turned out and so did the friend who ordered them. 

Close to My Heart has a wonderful set of papers and embellishments as well as fantastic Cricut Cartridges. If you haven't tried CTMH products or would like to add something new to your crafting table, I'd encourage you to take a look at our wonderful selection and ideas. You can find all the exciting supplies we offer on my online shop HERE.

I also have a Workshop on the Go monthly club where you get rewards if you join and participate for 6 months! FREE supplies just for ordering materials you would order ANYWAY! You can find more details on this club by clicking the link at the top of this page.

Thanks so much for stopping by to see my projects. If you liked any of the boxes, I hope you shared them via your Pinterest page!

Happy Crafting!

Sharon

Everything ABC's Blog Hop Letter E

Welcome to the Everything ABC's Blog Hop!

For this hop we will be featuring the letter E. This may be the name of a paper, a stamp set or an embellishment. Whatever the crafter has chosen as their E element will be featured in their post.

If you have just hopped onto my blog, please start at the beginning at Linda's blog ~ Scrappy Therapy 

If you came from Michelle Battitori then you're on the right track!

E is for Embossing!

Embossing can add so much dimension to any card or project. Here is the Mother's Day card I made with 2 different embossing folders. One is a damask design embossing folder on the Hollyhock Card Stock and the other is a dot embossing folder on the white card stock in the center. [See the 3rd photo for a close up that shows this best!).  The shine on the photo above is Frost White All-Purpose Ink for fantast/x which I sponged on the flowers and the background card stock. It really isn't that white looking in person but with the right light it does sort of glow. 

Pretty in Pink! 

I love the depth of the embossing coupled with the Frost White! To get this look I made sure I ran Close to My Heart's white core card stock through against the grain. This ensured that I got more white to show. Then to even up the white, I used our sanding block and swirled in circular motions until I got the exact look I wanted. Then I sponged on the Frost White ink and set it aside to dry.

Cricut Cuts

This center section is just jam-packed with Cricut Cuts from CTMH's Art Philosophy cartridge. 

Oval Frame: p.43 Decorative Layer  cut at 3"

Oval (background) p. 43 Basic Oval 3 cut at 3"

Inside sentiment frame: Basic Oval5 cut at 1 3/4"

Flowers: Flower 8 p.50 cut from 1/2" to 2" in quarter inch increments.
The leaf can be cut from the cartridge but I had a punch that I liked better so I used it. If you wanted to cut on the Cricut you'll find a similar branch on p.35 (Branch 2)

I layered the oval frame in Hollyhock on top of the dot embossed oval. Since they were cut at the same size they fit perfectly on top of each other. I stamped the sentiment using Holiday Tags stamp set. I then worked some magic on the flowers. I used the retired {boo} stylus to soften the flowers and bend them using circular motions from the outside edge of the petal into the center. Then I flipped the flower over and pushed the eraser end of a pencil into the middle. If some of the petals didn't curl enough I used my bone folder to get more of a curl. I layered several sizes of the flowers together and inserted a mini-brad in the center. Once that was complete I sponged on some of the Frost White on each of the flowers. Finally, I glued the flowers onto the card using mini-glue dots.

If you want to make a similar card, I'm happy to share my Cricut Craft Room file with you! Just leave your email address with a comment below. I'll send you and invite to Dropbox where you can download the file!

CTMH has a new line of 5x8 embossing folders that are very nice! This video gives great information on how to work with our white core card stock to get different looks. Like less white core showing when you emboss? Then emboss WITH the grain. Take a look at how to find the grain and special features of our embossing folders {open at the top].

I want to thank you for stopping by my blog! I'd like to invite you to join my blog and my Facebook page so you won't miss a single post or project! Your next stop on our Everything ABC'S blog Hop is Cary Magnani of My Heart's Design.

Blessings! ~Sharon

Here is the complete lineup in case you get lost along the way :)

1. Linda Norman - Scrappy Therapy
2. Joy McHargue -  Studiowow 
3. Catherine Nowak ~ Catscrapbooking  
4. Pam Trostle - Pam's Crafty Creations
5. Jenny Gilbert - Jen's Creative Classroom
6. Anita Autore- Cards and Coffee
7. Lauren Moore - CTMH Craftings
8. Michelle Battitori - Michelle's Handmade World
9. Sharon Chapman-Sharon's PaperFiesta        YOU ARE HERE!
10. Cary Magnani - My Heart's Design
11. Stephanie Feist-The Quilted Scrapper
12. Shalana Glass - Scrappin with Shalana

Damask Diva's Lollydoodle Blog Hop

Welcome to the Damask Diva's Blog Hop! For this hop we will be featuring the Lollydoodle Paper Pack. 

If you have just hopped onto my blog, please start at the beginning with Mandy Leahy. If you came from Lilian Yeh then you're on the right track!

Simple Friend Card

This month I decided to make a very simple friend card using Lollydoodle paper, the Owls stamp set, and 3 of the coordinating inks: One thing I love about our paper packs is they always list coordinating colors on the zip strips at the top of the B&T papers! It makes it soooo easy to stamp.

To make this card I used (1) 3x4 piece of B&T, a white card base and scrap white card stock to stamp the owls and branch. I started with stamping the You & me on the left side of the card. When I got to the third {cotton candy} one I knew the me would show so I used a masking technique and adhered a post-it note to the card base where the 'me' would stamp. Then I glued the B&T paper down on the upper right corner of the card. After stamping the owls and branch, I used our wonderful micro-tip scissors to fussy cut them.

This picture shows the owls and branch up close! I used our Bonding Memories to glue the branch down and our foam tape to pop up the owls to add some dimension.  This card has no bling and I know exactly which friend of mine will appreciate a more simple, cute card.
If you would like to see some of my other cards that use multiple stamping click here! 

Thank you so much for hopping on in. I'd like to invite you back on March 8th when I'll be participating in another blog hop: Everything ABC. Our letter this month is 'E'! Mark your calendar!

Your next stop on our Damask Diva Blog Hop is Rhonda Kiernan of Mother Daughter Craft Creations.

For the complete listing of all the participants in this blog and other inspiration check out www.DamaskDivas.com/LollydoodleBlogHop

Blessings!
Sharon

Everything ABC's Blog Hop Letter D

Welcome to the Everything ABC's Blog Hop!

For this hop we will be featuring the letter D. This may be the name of a paper, a stamp set or an embellishment. Whatever the crafter has chosen as their D element will be featured in their post.

If you have just hopped onto my blog, please start at the beginning at Linda's blog ~ Scrappy Therapy. If you came from Michele's Ink It Stamp It then you're on the right track!

Diamond Fold Card 

Yes, sir! I selected the Diamond fold card for the "D" blog hop! I had never made one before but had seen several tutorials available online. My card features the Ariana paper pack from Close to My Heart and the coordinating stamp, Joyful Wishes. I just love the A-sized stamp sets as they are the perfect size and at $6.95, so affordable {and adorable}. And Ariana is a fabulous blend of textures and flowers. If you are planning a project for Mother's Day, Ariana is your paper pack!

Closed Diamond Fold Card 4x4

Above you see the card when it is closed. The diamond is part of the card base with the attached stamped layered square on top. I stamped the Joyful Wishes image in Outdoor Denim Exclusive Ink on a 3x3 square of Daisy White card stock and sealed it with clear embossing powder. I then used markers to color in the image. Once complete I added a 3.25 square of Outdoor Denim card stock from the paper pack. I set that aside while I created the card base. 

Card Base

Here is a quick slide show that shows the basics for folding this card. You begin with a 4" x 12" piece of card stock or B&T paper you want for your base and scoring and folding does the rest!

If you need more information you can click here for a link to the Splitcoast Stampers tutorial. They have 2 variations in addition to this tutorial available.

Inside Front View

Side view gives you a good look at the folds

When you open this card there is an explosion of triangles that support the diamond on top. I couldn't find any written dimensions for covering this card. So I've put instructions below for you to make it easier!

Decorative paper pieces

Here are the cuts you'll need to decorate each of the areas:

(2) 1 3/4 in x 3 3/4 in B&T paper for side

(2) 1 7/8 in x 3 7/8 in card stock background layer

(2) 3 3/4 in x 3 3/4 in coordinating B&T squares: Cut to make triangles as shown above.

For the top diamond I used a 2 13/16 in square of B&T in the coral pattern for brightness and contrast.

Supplies 

Most supplies are available on my online CTMH store or from your CTMH independent consultant. 

Close to My Heart Supplies

Ariana Paper Pack

Outdoor Denim Exclusive Ink

Joyful Wishes stamp set

Bone Folder

Paper Trimmer

Additional Items

Score Board: Mine is the Martha Stewart board & I would recommend it. 

Clear Embossing Powder

Thanks for coming to the Paper Fiesta!  The party isn't over yet as you have 1 more hop!

Your next stop on our Everything ABC'S Blog Hop is Anita Autore of Cardsandcoffee.blogspot.com

Here is the complete lineup in case you get lost along the way :)

1. Linda Norman- Scrappy Therapy 

2. Lauren Moore- CTMH Craftings

3. Michelle Battitori - Michelle's Handmade World

4. Catherine Nowak ~ Catscrapbooking 

5. Jenny Gilbert - Jen's Creative Classroom 

6.  Lisa Plummer - Flaunt Your Creativity

7. Cary Magnani - My Heart's Design 

8. Shalana Glass - Scrappin with Shalana

9. Pam Trostle - Pam's Crafty Creations 

10. Michele Pryor - Michele's Ink it Stamp it

11. Sharon Chapman - Sharon's Paper Fiesta    <<<<<& you are here!

12 Anita Autore -Cards and Coffee 

Damask Divas Ivy Lane Blog Hop

Welcome to Sharon's Paper Fiesta and the Damask Diva's Ivy Lane blog hop! If you are coming from Kelly Janes's blog then you are in the right place! If you are starting here then make sure to go to our Damask Diva blog and see all the other creations from the start!

Ivy Lane

Romance is in the air with Ivy Lane! I just love the color combinations in this new paper pack: pinks, purples, greens and lots of great patterns and textures. With Valentine's day right around the corner, I designed this card using cuts from our fabulous Art Philosophy and Artiste Cartridges. I don't know what I would do without them!

I started out by cutting a 5x5 card base, card front, circle and hearts all from the Art Philosophy Cartridge using CCR. Then I cut out the adorable cupid from the Artiste Cartridge. Then I sponged the sides of the card base, circle and pink heart in Smokey Plum Exclusive Ink. To put the card together, I used our Bonding Memories Glue and Foam Tape.  This gave the card a bit more dimension.

 Finally I place a small Sparkle Flourish just under the corner of the pink heart. I felt like the card needed a bit of sparkle. {Of course what card doesn't??}

In this photo you can see that the cupid is popped up just a bit.  He's been my go-to guy lately as I've been working on several Valentine's cards. Those cards will be posted soon, so please subscribe to my blog and come back soon!  Now off you go to see the next inspirational project done by none other than Michelle Southworth.

If you are interested in ordering any Close to My Heart products  or need a new Idea Book, please visit my online store HERE! I also have a Kit of the Month Club that earns you FREE products and other monthly specials and give aways.  Let me earn your business!

{HUGS}
Sharon

Huntington Damask Diva Blog Hop

Welcome to your next stop on the Damask Diva's Huntington Blog Hop! If you are coming from Jessica Wilson's blog you are in the right place! But no worries…if you are starting with my post you can find all the links to the blog hop at our Damask Diva blog.

This is just one of the projects I've made using the Huntington paper pack. I love the rich textures and colors CTMH has put together so much I've bought several packs so I'll have it for projects throughout the year!

Make it from Your Heart vol. 2

This card comes from our great Make it From Your Heart Vol. 2 book. It is found on page 43. Pattern 22 gives you great layers and a stamping area that is very versatile! I chose to use the beautiful stamp set for fall called, Happy Autumn. To begin with, I took the small cluster of flowers and inked them up using the Rock the Block technique. Rock the Block is when you first stamp your image in the lighter of 2 colors. Then you take the darker color but instead of fulling inking the stamp you gently rock your acrylic block in a circular motion touching only the edges of the stamp. For this card I used Autumn Terracotta ink as the base color and I rocked it onto Barn Red, just on the edges of the flower. I made one imprint and then without re-inking I immediately printed again underneath. This technique is called Stamping Off. Then I stamped the sentiment in Chocolate ink. I made this card as part of a Stamp-a -Stack class and below is an example of what one of the class members, Robin, made.

Super Cute!

I think Robin's card came out super cute! She masked (covered) part of the sentiment and then used the Turkey from the retired stamp set, C1426 Thanksgiving. On one of her other cards she changed it up a bit and used the pumpkin from this set and the pilgrim boy{2 cute}. 

While, buying new stamp sets is always exciting. I just love seeing how so many sets old and new can be used to create wonderful cards and layouts!  

Stamp a Stack

Here are some more pics from my Stamp-a-Stack class I held at my home. We had a great time stamping a variety of cards-10 cards in all!

The creativity and personal touches everyone adds to their cards always amazes me! I want to thank Robin, Shirley, and Jennifer for attending the class! 

It is so much fun to be a CTMH consultant! It has blessed my life in so many ways. 

Grateful!

I'm also so grateful to you for stopping by! I hope that you'll come back soon or better yet, join my blog and never miss a post! 

Now hop on over to Brenda's blog and see what she has been busy making for you! 

May the Blessings of Thanksgiving be with you the whole year through!

Sharon

Sympathy Card

I unfortunately had to make my first sympathy card since becoming a CTMH consultant. A few weeks ago, my cousin's college age son passed away unexpectedly. Such a tragic loss. While I haven't seen the young man since he was a toddler, his grandmother (my aunt) played a very important role in my life and I knew I needed to send sympathies to her.

Background stamping

I began the card by making an A2 card blank. Next I cut fronts for the card in 1/8 in increments with the bamboo card stock 1/8 in greater than the colonial white card stock. The using the Universal Background stamp set and bamboo ink I stamped the script background. 

Torn card stock technique

As you can see, I tore the corner off both the bamboo and white card stock. I find if you tear with an "up" motion with your dominant hand the paper tears and leaves the rough edge. All CTMH card stock has a white core perfect for this and for embossing.
I finished up the card by stamping the flower and sentiment. The flower is from a retired stamp set. Both sentiments are from Card Chatter-Sympathy stamp set. Don't dismiss this stamp set! It has great sentiments that work for many situations, not just in a time of loss. I've used this set many times for illness, baptisms and support of those going through a difficult time. I'm sure my aunt felt the love sent with this homemade card.

Want to start making your own cards?

Making your own cards is fun and easy! But even easier with CTMH Workshop on the Go Card Kits!

We have 2 card kits available in our Fall 2013 Idea Book: Laughing Lola and Frosted(Christmas) These are great crafting kits at an awesome VALUE!

But you can get even more value when you join my Monthly Kit Club! You'll get FREE products every month you order one of our Workshops on the Go or Decor Kits! Want to know more about the great monthly FREE products and the special gift at the end of the club? Click HERE!  I know you are going to LOVE the great products!

To order any of our great CTMH products, please click here! I appreciate your business and am just a click, email or call away to help you make the most of your crafting!

Whooo?

Just a quick post today! Awhile back I made this cute little bag from CTMH's Artiste Cartridge! I think it turned out pretty cute.

I cut this using several Artiste cuts:

• Wings- Ovals
• Feet-upside down heart
• Eyes-scallopped flower and circle
• Feathers-Artiste owl cut
• Hand cut triangle for beak

I stamped the white feathers with our In the Background stamps. I also used a white gel pen to add some squiggles to the edge of the beak. The buttons are pretty large and heavy so I used large glue dots to stick them onto the eyes. 

I hope that this inspires you to create one also! 

To order CTMH products used in my projects, click here!

No Siesta! Paper Fiesta!

~Sharon

Same Cuts So Many Unique designs!

Recently, I provided the activity for a birthday party of a fellow crafter! Christina asked me to prepare an 8 x 10 layout where her friends and family could place a 4 x 6 photo. Isn't that a GREAT idea for a birthday party or ladies day out? I was so excited to do this so I got right to work!

Stella Paper to the Rescue

My first thought was how can I make something that will appeal to all sorts of people? And since 20 ladies were invited, what paper did I have enough of to make 20 sets of materials? The answer, thankfully, was the same for both questions: STELLA, a retired pack from a few years ago that I just loved!{Of course, I just love EVERY paper pack-LOL!}

Now to the design

I needed quick and easy to cut and to put together. But I also wanted something versatile enough that everyone's wouldn't look the same. I ended up cutting the double sided paper down to about 8 1/2 x 10 1/2 inches for the background. The left over from each 12 x 12 Boarder & Texture paper was then cut down into 1 1/2 in strips. Then I used our Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge to cut a top note frame in cocoa card stock, a flower in the B&T, and from the Artiste Cartridge the word Family. The Artbooking Cartridge couldn't be left out so from there I cut the word Remember. Loving our zip strip, I ended up adding it to the layout also. Here are some of the designs I came up with using these simple cuts.

I love the lagoon card stock and how our double sided paper makes it so easy to change the look just by flipping the paper over. All of these pictured have a brown frame with brown script background stamped on it but I actually also provided lagoon frames and cocoa words in some of the baggies. You can see that I came up with 5 different designs. Not bad...but NOTHING like the creativity of the ladies who came to the party! Take a look at their work pictured below!

So versatile!

As you can see they ladies came up with their own designs that fit their personalities. 8-10 pieces of paper came together in all different ways. Best yet the ladies had a great time and many made more than 1 layout that afternoon. It was a fun filled party with crafting, laughing, a little chismé,  great food, sangria, and margaritas! Who could ask for more!

Color coordinated value!

It is amazing to me the value you get when you purchase one of CTMH's paper packs. 2 sheet of 3 designs Boarder and Texture paper AND matching card stock! That to me is such a blessing! When I first started to craft I'd pick paper packs out at the store downtown, get home and then realized I didn't have enough coordinating card stock. Back to the store I'd go, hoping and praying that one of their packs would work with my project, often spending more money, even with a 40% off coupon. It is such piece of mind, knowing when I open a paper pack up, I'll be able to do several projects with paper that all goes together beautifully. Then add My Creations Stickease or Compliments and your layouts, cards or craft projects will come together perfectly! 

So you like FREE?

Who doesn't like FREE? I have a new club just for you! Purchase 1 Workshop on the Go or Home Decor Kit each month for 5 months and get a FREE gift EACH month from me but that's not all! Learn more here or go to the Monthly Kit Club at the top of this blog!

Thanks for stopping by!

No siesta....Siempre Fiesta!

~Sharon

Chantilly Cards and Free Product Announcement

Chantilly Cards

I love our Workshop on the Go and Decor Kits and that is why I'm launching a Monthly Kit Club complete with FREE gifts! More on that later!  Here are two cards I made with the left overs from the Chantilly Workshop on the Go Card Making Kit I purchased over summer!  One of the fun things about stamping and scrapping is that you can create with little scraps and supplies left over from bigger projects!

The green boarder and texture paper were left over pieces from the WOTG kit. I just trimmed the one on the right a bit to fit the card, added a focal point flower and a sentiment (or a group of them!) and I was done!

This one is my favorite of the two cards! I'm loving the multi-stamped sentiment look these days! I just grabbed a bunch of Happy Birthdays I have and made a design I liked. The Sweet Leaf green one is from the WOTG card kit. The large HB is from Card Chatter Birthday(D1475). The Sunset HB is my NEWEST stamp set that I'm soooo in love with as a card maker called Holiday Tags (D1560). It has decorative frames with coordinating holiday greetings. The flowers are Floret Paper Shapes (Z1764) and I used one of our brads.

This card is great for those who like Clean & Simple! I stamped the flower and leaves from Happy Thoughts Stamp Set (C1536) in sunset and olive inks. Then I fussy cut these. The label at the bottom is also from Happy Thoughts with that small Happy Birthday from Holiday Tags this time in Sweet Leaf. What do you think of these little cards? I'd love to hear from YOU! Comments are appreciated!

Card Making Kit

Above are the cards I made from our Chantilly Card Making kit offered in our last Idea Book! The card kit came with 15 base cards and envelopes as well as a C-sized stamp set exclusive to the kit (a $13.95 value) and the ribbon. These on-trend designs with chevrons and ribbons are easy to create with the included cutting and stamping guide. TIP: I always keep my WOTG guides to use with other papers later! You add your own inks, adhesive and creativity. We have several great kits available right now! These kits are a real bargain starting at $24.95! But wouldn't you love to get more bang for your buck? Well, you can by joining Paper Fiesta's Monthly Kit Club!

New Club & GREAT FREEBIES!

Today, I'm announcing my new Paper Fiesta Monthly Kit Club!  Join my 5-month club committing to purchase at least 1 kit per month and as a thank you I'll send you your choice of either a stamp pad, marker set, or re-inker. Then after you complete your 5 month term having purchased each month, you'll get to choose any A-D size stamp set FREE from our current products! It is a GREAT way to get all the kits you already want to buy anyway AND add great products to your craft supplies!  Ready to sign up? Click here. Want to learn more? Click here or on the Monthly Kit Club tab. There you'll find out all the details! 

Thanks for stopping by my Paper Fiesta! 

Until next time, 

No siesta, just paper fiesta!

Sharon

In need of stamping and scrapping supplies? Check out my CTMH store!

  

Get Ready: Holidays from the Heart!

From Rosette Christmas Trees to Super Cute Stamps

Close to My Heart has done it again! They have added a holiday gift guide just in time for the Christmas! From the festive Sparkle and Shine paper with just a touch of silver to the new Hip Pics Album Kit you'll find quality items that every crafter must have! I just love the Sparkle & Shine paper used to make these trees. You can also get a matching Washi Tape 3-pack. This set of green, red and silver tape measures 15 yard for each color! Style and value that  is perfect for not only Christmas but all year long! 

Earn STAR items....FREE!

For every $100 you purchase from any combination of items from Holidays from the Heart and our Fall 2013 Idea Book you'll qualify for 1 'star' item from the holiday guide absolutely FREE! You'll also qualify for our fantastic Stamp of the Month! This great scandinavian Christmas set will add style and fun to your cards and layouts!

Limited time

The Holidays from the Heart gift guide is here for a limited time. Check back on my online shop from October 15th -December 31. Take advantage of these great products, many of which are while supplies last! Remember, to join one of my online gatherings when you order! Or if you plan to order more than $150, contact me before you order and I'll set it up so you get Hostess Rewards!

Inspiration coming!

I've got some great projects I'll be posting for Christmas and they'll include Sparkle & Shine! Please make sure to check in with my Facebook page and this blog. You don't want to miss out! 

Party on! No siesta! Let's Fiesta! 

Sharon

Eight Great How-to Helps: CTMH Layouts and Card Making books!

These how to books are so great! These are tried and true recipes for your crafting! From beginners to pros you'll find great project ideas that are easy to make your own. Each of these books is under $20 and 6 of them are spiral bound which makes them easy to open and use as your crafting.

You can find all of these books by clicking here or click on the individual title for more specific info:
Cherish Scrapbook Program (9038)
Imagine Scrapbook Program (9039)
Magic Scrapbook Program (9040) -Interactive pages for advanced scrappers
Reflections Scrapbook Program (9041)
Wishes Card Confidence Program (9041)
Originals Card Confidence Program (9036)
Make it from Your Heart Vol. 1 (9035)
Make it from Your Heart Vo. 2 (9042) which includes great ways to use Artbooking Cartridge cuts!

Take a peek at a layout I made recently using Make it from Your Heart Vol. 1 by clicking here.

Thanks and remember No Siesta, Paper Fiesta!

Sharon

Family Mini Album

Front Cover

Today I'm showcasing an album a made awhile back for my niece Holly. I used Avonlea paper because it was the paper I used for her baby's name banner. I also used the retired All Sorts Mini album from CTMH. Each page was covered in card stock using CTMH's Bonding Memories Glue. There are also several cuts from our great Cricut Collections. Many of the frames, tags, and even the envelope on the back of the album were all made using the Cricut. Our paper packs make it so easy since everything coordinates and when you add our Stickease or Compliments you have all you need to make those special cards, mini albums or layouts!

Back cover with additional tags & journals

Take a look inside! 

Current Products used in mini-album

Irresistables Houndstooth Alphabet

Pirouette Acrylic Stamp

A Bowwow Acrylic Stamp Set

Card Stock

Cricut Collections

In addition to the album I sent Holly a small keepsake card. Think of it as a dedication card in a way because I got to say how much she means to me.

Coordinating Card

I had such a great time making this album that I decided to make one for my other niece using the Tommy Paper Pack. I'll have that one posted soon!

Need crafting supplies?

I hope you'll give me an opportunity to earn your business! I offer support to all my customers...near and far!  My Close to My Heart business page is just 1 click away. Make sure to JOIN a gathering listed when you purchase under $150. If you are looking to spend more than $150, please contact me so I can set up your OWN gathering and earn hostess rewards! 

Thanks for joining the party! You're invited to come back soon and check out all my posts. I love getting comments and would appreciate them!

Laughing Lola Blog Hop by the Damask Divas

So glad you joined the Damask Divas' Laughing Lola Blog Hop! If you got here from Mandy's post featuring Laughing Lola you are in the right place! If you ever get lost along the way, you can always find the entire list of links for the hop at our very own Damask Diva Blog.

For this month's hop I'm sharing two scrapbooking layouts I made using the Laughing Lola paper pack and layout #6 from Make it From Your Heart Vol. 1. I made these for a recent swap and while that base and cuts were the same, I decorated each one a bit differently! I love having the dimensional elements and how just changing their placement changes the feel of each layout.

Chevrons add a different feel

Flower, plume, and arrow from dimensionals

 Paisley Perfect

Using the Paisley Perfect stamp set, our Black Exclusive Ink, and Clear Embossing Powder, I stamped and embossed several paisley shapes on both Laughing Lola B&T paper and lagoon card stock. Then I fussy cut them out and placed them on the layout in different locations. (If you'd like to see another clear embossed project click here.)
The title Sassy was cut from our newest Cricut Cartridge: Artbooking. I believe I cut it at about 1.5 inches. Also cut and stamped from our great Artbooking Collection was the decorative journal piece in daisy white card stock and lagoon ink. Here you can see the paper colors coming through the paisley stamps as well as the shine from the embossing powder. A little shimmer tape and some  

some sparkles added just the right touch.
The thin and ornate stamped boarder you see running vertically on the Laughing Lola purple card stock is from the retired Wicked stamp set.

While the colors are fantastic I also love this layout because you can fit so many different sized photos on it: From the three 3x3 on the left hand side to two 4x6s or four 2x3s in the center panel. And if you used our fabulous Flip Flaps there are even more possibilities.

CTMH Supplies for this project

Here are the wonderful products still available from CTMH. Click on the items you can't live without and order TODAY!

2 Lagoon cardstock base sheets

Laughing Lola paper pack

Laughing Lola Complements Dimensional Elements (X7170C)

Black Shimmer Tape (A1809)

Clear embossing powder

Black Exclusive Ink

Journaling stamp from Artbooking Collection

Zip strip from Laughing Lola paper

Paisley Perfect stamp set (C1556)

Black and Gray sparkle assortment (z1754)

Corner rounder

Sassy-cut from Artbooking cartridge p. 80

Make if From the Heart Volume 1

Thanks so much for hoping on by! Please stop by again soon or better yet, subscribe to my blog and join my Facebook page. There are easy links on the right and left side of this post to do just that.
Here is a sneak peek of upcoming posts:

Your next stop on this Damask Diva Laughing Lola Blog Hop is the talented Traci Williams.  

Comments and questions are always welcome here or on my Facebook Page!

Celebrate Life!

~Sharon

Quick ALL Card Stock Card!

Yesterday, parents of former students called and invited me to a family event celebrating their aunt and uncle's 40th anniversary. I accepted their invitation but didn't have an anniversary card ready in my stash. A quick Google search gave me the inspiration I needed! Kim O'Connell had a great card on her blog which I made my own using CTMH's three Cricut Cartridges: Art Philosophy, Artiste, and Artbooking. I used only card stock and the script stamp from Universal Backgrounds stamp set, glue, and some brads from my stash.

Happy Anniversary!

The card base is 5x5 inch daisy white card stock. I also cut a 4x4 inch piece of black card stock and using Cricut Craft Room was able to cut the top note shape out of the center. I also cut the numbers from the black. On another mat I placed red and white card stock to cut out the flowers, ribbon (in both colors: red & white). I had the green swirl (behind the flowers) pre-cut in my stash. Some quick glue, brads, and glue dots and my card was done!

CTMH makes things so easy! Check out more products and craft ideas by going to my online shop: Sharon's CTMH.

Thanks for stopping by!

Sharon

Bring the beach with you!

Happy September!

Hope you had a great Labor Day with family and friends! Before I show you the Portable Padre that a friend made, let me tell you about the great offers CTMH has for September! All of these offers along with great card making and scrapbooking papers can be purchased on my online store by clicking here!

Celebrate National Stamping Month!

Love stamping? Then it's time to celebrate with CTMH's Exclusive "You are my Happy" set of 3 stamps worth over $40! Aren't they adorable?!? You can get your set for only $10 when you order $50 in products. Check out this great video highlighting projects you can make with this set.

Get even more bang for your buck!

It's easy! Because that same $50 purchase also qualifies you for the September Stamp of the Month for just $5 a savings of 70%. This D-size stamp set called Poster Tidings celebrate fall and Christmas in two stamps that just like the name~look like posters. Perfect for the chalkboard look! 

Ready to order your qualifying purchase?

I'd love to be YOUR consultant! I'm happy to help you with any questions or even work with you over Skype! Join the Paper Fiesta today! Shop here!

Portable Padre!

Isn't this a cool way to send the beach to someone?!? A good friend of mine, Shirley, recently made this Portable Padre reusing an Altoid tin, acrylic paint, CTMH Footloose Paper, CTMH Under the Sea stamp set, tiny cork bottles from Hobby Lobby, sand, water, and shells all collected from South Padre Island. It would also make a great keepsake for your next trip to the beach!

Uplifting a friend

 Shirley belongs to a group of ladies who RV, called The Pink Flamingos (hence the flamingo in the tin). They visited the Rio Grande Valley of Texas awhile back and had a day set up to visit Padre. One of the group members, Sharon, had been ill prior to coming and had to leave early as her condition deteriorated. This caused her to miss going to Padre which she so wanted to do. She traveled to San Antonio and after a complete work up she was diagnosed with cancer. Shirley, being an RN, could tell that something was very wrong with Sharon's health. She also knew how much Sharon wanted to see the beach. So Shirley made this great portable beach to raise her spirits. What a great present! Today, Sharon is free of the cancer after chemo and radiation therapy. 

Praise God! 

One of the reasons I love crafting so much is that it adds a personal touch as we uplift, celebrate and acknowledge our loved ones. This is a perfect example! We are truly blessed to be a blessing.

Take time this week to celebrate life by sharing your crafts with others!

Blessings!

Sharon