CTMH September SOTM Blog Hop-- Poster Tidings

Welcome to our Stamp of the Month Blog Hop!  We will be featuring September's SOTM, which is called Poster Tidings, a unique set of 2 large stamps which can be used for both scrapbooking and card-making!

On to the hop...If you have come here from Melissa's Blog you are on the right path! Should you get lost along the way, please go to back to Helen's Blog.

This month we have close to 60 Close To My Heart Consultants sharing their creations using this month's SOTM (and other great CTMH products) on their blogs. This is simple to do - just click on the link at the end of the post on each blog to move to the next one! Here we go!

For this hop, I choose to create a single pocket card to celebrate Autumn.  For the tag, I stamped some leaves in CTMH's Bamboo ink and then stamped half of the Autumn SOTM sentiment on the tag in Barn Red.  Next, I cut out the nice leaf using CTMH's Artbooking cartridge-- love the stem! 

 

I hope you enjoyed my little project. If you don't have a consultant and would like to purchase this stamp set, please see my Store.   Next up is Pam. Please see her  Blog and I know you won't be disappointed!

Thanks, Maureen

CTMH Supplies:
Paper:  Huntington
Inks:  Bamboo and Barn Red
Stamps:  Sept SOTM; Harvest Happiness (Retired)
Other:  Mocha Jewels, Leaf cut using CTMH's ArtbookingPam's Blog

Artbooking Week #3

Hello, welcome to Week #3 of Artbooking!!   If you've just come here from  Vicki's Blog, then you are in the right place! So glad you could join us.  Each Sunday during the month of August, over 30 CTMH consultants will be showcasing their creations featuring the CTMH Artbooking Cricut Cartridge!  Should you get lost along the way, please go back to the beginning: Adeline's Blog .

Our challenge is to create 4 different projects using the Artbooking Cricut cartridge with any CTMH paper pack.  Our mission is 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.  AND,  if we wanted to add stamps to our designs, that was o.k.  You will not want to miss any of our totally awesome and fantastic artwork!!

I choose to use the Atrbooking Cartridge to create a 6X6 calendar.  CTMH has just come out with an acrylic stand that is perfect for displaying artwork, especially a calendar for a desk or mantle piece.

It will take me a wee-bit to complete the entire calendar.  Below are 4 months:  Jan, Aug, Oct and Nov.  With the exception of Nov, I used the Artbooking cartridge to help make the pages stand out more.  For Jan, I cut a 5.15 inch overlay, which is located on page 57, key: shift-lock P.  This was the same overlay used in the new Fall/Winter Idea Book.  Love the stamped penguin with the paper pieced scarf:)

For August, I used the Arbooking cartridge and cut out the sun in 3.25 inches and waves at 5 inches.  I hand-stamped the
clouds and put a little sentiment that I had from the Chantilly WOTG.

October was a lot of fun.  Using Artbooking, I cut out the black cat, fence and moon with bats.  My daughter loved this one best!

Although I love Thanksgiving, November is a bit barren in New England with all the leaves down.  And, with the Pilgrims being on the plain side, I tried to keep this one simple.  (Good thing I didn't grow up in that era b/c simple is hard for me!)

















Well, I hope I've inspired you to start thinking about 2014 calendars!  Please come back and follow my blog as I uncover my creations for the other 8 months!  I'll be busy:)  Locally, I will be holding a few classes.  This will get me going as I have to make 4 of these for gifts!

Next up is Jen.  Please visit Jen's fantastic blog at  Jen's Blog and you will not be disappointed!
Thanks, Maureen

CTMH Supplies:
Calendar Stand:  Designed Décor Flip Stand Album (Z1896).
Paper:  Misc. CTMH Paper lines-- retired and current.
Stamps:  January: Wintery Wishes (C1560); August:  Lucy WOTG Stamp; October: Perfect Fit Halloween (B1413); November:  Always Grateful (C1559) and December: October SOTM (S1310).

CTMH Fall/Winter Blog Hop-- Huntington

Hello,

If you've arrived here from Joy's Blog, then you are at the right spot.  There are close to 40 consultants participating in this hop.  So, be sure to check them out! If you get lost throughout the way, then please go to Helen's Blog to find the way.

Well, if you haven't checked out the new CTMH Fall/Winter Idea Book, then now is the time.  There are so many things to choose from-- new paper lines, stamps and accessories!! As you know CTMH also introduced a new Cricut cartridge called Artbooking. 

Today, I'll be showcasing the "Huntington" paper line.  I just love the colors-- it says Autumn to me! I did both a LO and card.

To create the LO, I used the Huntington WOTG and modified it a bit.  I did just one page and added a some border leaves in Olive Green using  Artbooking.  I also cut out a sunset leaf using Artbooking and backed it in Chocolate Brown.

 

All the cool sentiments on the LO are from the Huntington WOTG. The WOTG instructions offer a step by step guide on how to get this cool title.  The 'Give Thanks' sentiment was from the "Happy Autumn" stamp set.

For the card, I used the "Happy Autumn" stamp set.  For the flower, I inked it in Honey and rocked the edges in Sunset ink.  For the sentiment, I cut a square shape using Art Philosophy and stamped the Olive Green border using the "Frame It Up" Stamp set.  Next, I added a background wood-grain stamp from the "Universal Backgrounds" set  in Bamboo.  Lastly, I used Barn Red to stamp the sentiment.  The card sketch was based on this week's Mojo Monday.

Well, I'm so glad you stopped.  Please leave a comment or follow my blog if you'd like to.  Next up is Beth.  Here is a link:  Beth's blog.  I am sure you'll love her work as much as I do.
Thanks, Maureen


CTMH Supplies:
Inks:  Bamboo, Barn Red, Dessert Sand, Honey, Olive Green, and Sunset.
Paper: Huntington
Stamp Sets:  Happy Autumn (D1550); Huntington WOTG Stamp Set (G1069); Universal Backgrounds (D1477) and Frame It Up (D1524)
Other:  Huntington Assortment (Z1881) and Brown & Tan Bling (Z1753)

"Wicked" Excited that my b-day is coming:)

Hi, my b-day is a few days away!  Being in my late 40's, birthdays aren't as fun as they used to be:(.  All of sudden I need my magnifying glasses to read everything and upon waking up each morning, I have to stretch for 30 minutes!  The stretching includes using an "Inversion Table".  Both of my daughters came to see me invert yesterday morning and my dog even licked my face as I was partially upside down!  The thought of all of this makes me laugh now!

Well despite all the bad things that go along with getting older, a friend once told me that it is good to celebrate life (like a birthday) and to be thankful for all you have.  Recently, I remembered this when I was in pain.  I was feeling bad for myself (a mini-pity party) while walking to the doctor's appointment.  I just wanted one pain free day--  just feel like my young self again. 

Upon entering Tufts Medical Center where my doctor is located, I quickly realized how much I did have and how little my injury was compared to others.  I walked by people in wheel chairs and a woman that looked like she just lost her sight, as her daughter helped her navigate the hospital halls.

When you are in pain, whether physical or emotionally, it is hard to remember that there is always someone in a worst predicament than you.  And, things can get better as you try alternatives, change your life style and in some cases just accept them. 

In terms of my neck pain, I am getting better.  As much as I hate having to stretch for 30 minutes in the morning and at night, it is now part of my life, my routine.  I've accepted all that comes with getting older-- the good and bad.  With all this wisdom and acceptance I now I find myself looking forward to this birthday, a time to celebrate all that I do have!

Luckily, my husband and daughters purchased tickets to 'Wicked' as a gift to me.  We are all looking forward to going tomorrow night!  (BTW, in Boston we say wicked all the time-- I'm wicked excited or that is wicked embarrassing!!.  Wicked in Boston means very * 10!)

I created the b-day card below using CTMH new circle spin card and new mini stamps.  The mini stamps are on page 113 of the new catalog and are a deal at $2.95! 

Anyway, thanks for listening to me today and have a wicked good day! 
Thanks, Maureen:)

CTMH Supplies:
Circle Spin Card (Z1866)
Laughing Lola Paper (X7170B)
Mini Stamp: Heartfelt Birthday Wish  (M1033)
Laughing Lola Embellishments (Z1854)

Artbooking Week #2

Hello, if you've just come here from Vicki's Blog, then you are in the right place! So glad you could join us.  Each Sunday during the month of August, close to 40 CTMH consultants will be showcasing their creations featuring the CTMH Artbooking Cricut Cartridge!  Should you get lost along the way, please go back to the beginning: Adeline's Blog .

Our challenge is to create 4 different projects using the Artbooking Cricut cartridge with any CTMH paper pack.  Our mission is 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.  AND,  if we wanted to add stamps to our designs, that was o.k.  You will not want to miss any of our totally awesome and fantastic artwork!!




For this week's challenge, I created 2 cards.  The first card was made using the honeycomb overlay on page 67 of the Artbooking guide.  I used a standard 4 X 5.5 card, so I cut the honeycomb shape at 5.25 inches.  I put the overlay in my Zyron and then attached it to the a piece of paper from CTMH's retired Buzz and Bumble line.  I had extra pieces from the overlay, so I used the left over hexagons and glued them to the corner of the card.  The Artbooking Cricut Cartridge also has a solo hexagon shape, which is great for scrapbooking and cardmaking! 

I've had the "Quick Card-- Bumble Bee" stamp for a while.  It's a very inexpensive stamp ($6.95).  To get the multi colors, I stamped the sentiment in Sunset ink and then stamped the bee in Chocolate and rocked it in Sunset and Honey.  Although, the Buzz and Bumble paper line is retired, this stamp is available until 12/31/13.

For the second card, I used another retired paper line-- Avonlea.  The stamp set is called "Fabulous You" and is also available through 12/31/13.  The catalog shows the stamp in a poloroid frame.  With that idea in mind, I chose a pennant shaped frame, page 76.  I cut the length at 7 inches.  This left approximately 2.75 X 2.75 inside for me to stamp the nice bird image.  After stamping the image in Dessert Sand, I used my blender pen and colored in the flowers, branch and bird. 

Well, I'm happy with how the cards came out. They may look intricate, but they were easy with the Artbooking Cartridge!!  Next up is Jennifer Patrick. Please check out her Blog and you will not be disappointed!  Thanks, Maureen

CTMH-- Join my Hostess Club and earn FREE products!

With our Autumn/Winter Idea Book, our hostesses will get even more value in hostess rewards when they choose from our exclusive hostess rewards stamp sets. They are so cute, you'll want them all (retail value is $79.65)!!  The seven stamp sets, listed below, are only available to hostess and they are discounted up to 45% off retail.

I realize that life is busy and very few people have time to host an actual party.  What I offer instead is a club.  With just a monthly commitment of $25 for 6 months, you can work through your Close To My Heart wish-list and earn free product too!  By being part of the club, when you are the hostess you will earn the Stamp of the Month for Free and $25+ in free products.  If you get some friends to order a couple of things, the you can bring the monthly total up to $250.  That means another $15 in free products and one item 1/2 off! Joining the club is a good way to earn our 3 famous Cricut Cartridges for free or 1/2 off.

Before becoming a consultant, I participated in CTMH hostess clubs.  I wasn't a stamper back then, but used the club to get the beautiful paper lines, card-stock, how to books, bling and CTMH's unique embellishments.  Joining the club is a good way to earn our 3 famous Cricut Cartridges for free or 1/2 off.

If you'd like to join, please let me know.  We have room in our second club and can always add a third club!

Thanks, Maureen

Blog Hop: Artbooking in August; 2 page LO with Tommy

Hello, if you've just come here from Vicki's Blog, then you are in the right place! So glad you could join us.  Each Sunday during the month of August, close to 40 CTMH consultants will be showcasing their creations featuring the CTMH Artbooking Cricut Cartridge!

Our challenge is to create 4 different projects using the Cricut Artbooking cartridge with any CTMH paper pack.  Our mission is 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.  AND,  if we wanted to add stamps to our designs, that was o.k.  You will not want to miss any of our totally awesome and fantastic artwork!!



For the first project, I choose to make a 2 page LO to document my cruise on the 'Spirit of Boston'.  With its nautical theme, the CTMH Tommy paper pack worked perfectly!  To cut the colorful banners, I used the banner border (Border, Little Toes, Shift Lock) on page 85.  To make it colorful, I simply cut out the same size banner for each of the following colors-- white, outdoor denim, cranberry and honey. Next, I took the extra scraps and backed the banners using scotch tape.

For the overlay, I picked the star one on page 64 (Overlay, j).  I just cut it out 8 x 8 and used a portion for the left side of the LO and the remaining on the right side.  To make it pop, I backed a few of the stars with white cardstock.

Well, I'm happy with how it turned out!  I've had these pictures since 2006 and have been dying to scrap them.  With only 2 pictures, I needed to add some detail, which the Artbooking cartridge provided!

Next up is Jen. Please visit her blog: Jen Patrick's Blog to see what she has created!  Thanks for stopping by.  Be sure to visit us all next Sunday night as we showcase additional Artbooking projects! And if you'd like to order the Artbooking cartridge and you don't have a consultant, please visit my store:  Maureen's Store. 

Thanks, Maureen:)

CTMH Supplies:
Tommy Paper Pack (X7169b)
Tommy Canvas Shapes (X7169C)
Tommy Assortment (Z1824)
Desert Sand Ink
Artbooking (Z1906)