CTMH-- Snowhaven Wintery Layout

Hi.  I hope you enjoyed the holiday season.  Unlike like last year, here in Boston we have yet to have a significant snowfall.  I'm sure it will happen eventually, but this time last year we had a foot or two.  I think we have to wait a bit more for that to happen (or I'll go with no snow!).

The first LO was inspired by those cold, frosty days to come.  And, CTHM's Snowhaven paper came in handy.  The color combination are very soothing and complementary.  For the design I found an old Basic Grey sketch from 2012 and changed it up a bit.

Here is a closer look at the first page. I inked all the edges in Slate ink. 

I have a bottles of colored sequins.  So glad I was able to use some of the red ones of this LO.  CTMH currently carries gold and silver sequins backed glue that makes them easy to apply.

The second page will look better once I put the pictures on. Its a little plain for me, but sometimes less is better, or so they say:)




















Stay tuned tomorrow for the second LO using this paper pack.  I'll be offering a class for local crafters and kits for long distance crafters.

Thanks for stopping by.
Maureen

CTMH Supplies
Paper:  Snowhaven (X7188B)
Embellishments:  Snowhaven Complements/Chipboard (X7188C); Snowhaven Assortment (Z3008)
Inks:  Slate
Other:  Red Shimmer Trim (Z1848); Silver Shimmer Trim (Z1799); and Black Twine (Z1921)

Non-CTMH:  Red Sequins

SOTM Blog Hop-- January

Hi welcome to the January SOTM Blog Hop!  This month we are featuring a 12 piece set called "This Moment". 

There are over 60 CTMH Consultants participating in the hop.  The hop is one big circle.  If you've come from Kelly's Blog, then you are on the right track.  Should you get lost along the way, a complete list can be found HERE.

I created LOs for my project.  This fall we visited an outside sculpture museum in Massachusetts called deCordova.  If you are ever in the area, I highly suggest a day trip.

My daughter and I were drawn to the large cast iron hearts by the artist Dine.  As you'll see from the LOs below, we took many photos of these hearts!  They were absolutely stunning.

For the first page, I started out by spraying white ink randomly on the paper.  While that was drying, I cut out 2 heart overlays from the CTMH Artbooking Cricut cartridge.  I cut the first one in half and placed it behind the photo making it looking it was floating off the page.

Notice how I incorporated the SOTM-- the red pennant, the blue 'love this' heart, and blue circle target and arrow. 

Page 2 above.  I made a smaller heart overlay.  Using the CTMH Artiste, I cut out a Cupid:)
 

Here is a close up of page one.  You can see the combination of stamping, ink spray, stickers, paper, shimmer tape, and metal, sequin.  All of those elements make it different.

Close up for page 2. 

 

I thought about splitting up the two pages-- put one page in her scrapbook and the other in mine.  But these pages are meant to be together, just as she and I are meant to be together.  Every time I see these pictures, I find myself singing U2's 1983 song "two hearts beat as one"!!.

 
Here is the stamp set.  The 2 images outlined in red can be cut using the CTMH Art Philosophy Cartridge.










Well thanks for stopping by.  If you love the SOTM and don't have a consultant, then please contact me or visit my Store.

Next up is Nancy's.  Please be sure to visit Nancy's Blog and all of the consultants blogs.

Happy New Year!
Maureen:)

January Valentine's Day Classs-- 1/10/15; Heartsting Paper Pack

Hello, I haven't done much blogging in the month of December.  With Thanksgiving so late this year, the holidays came so quickly!  As I get older, I get a bit bolder-- I wait longer to get all of my shopping done, to decorate the tree, to get my cards out, and to get my Christmas dinner planned, etc.  Somehow, I manage to pull it all off.  But this year, I think I paid the price!  I found myself very tired.

To unwind, I found myself in my craft-room creating some cards for the next holiday, Valentine's Day.  At our next crop, 1/10/15, I'll be teaching a class on these cards. 

If you are not a big fan of Valentine's Day cards, then you'll notice that 2 of these cards of cards can be changed up other occasions.  For instance, the Polar bear one can be for a birthday or a friendship card.  The 'Hugs and Kisses' one can be used for get well wishes, etc.

For this card, we can change up the sentiment.   For the Polar Bear, I paper pieced the sweater.

Notice the embossed red paper.  I used a CTMH embossing folder called Quatrefoil.

 This stamp set is from the Seasonal Expressions catalog.  Stamp XOXO; (M1054) $2.95. 

The circle (Doodled Design) is on page 27 of the Seasonal catalog. I love how you can use the circle for other sentiments.

The 'Forever in My Heart' stamp set C1604, $13.95, is from Seasonal Expressions.  The heart shapes and sentiments on the left were cut out on CTMH's Art Philosophy's Cricut Cartridge and then stamped.  This makes live so much easier!


















A few of my regular customers often give me specific orders on the cards they want to make.  So long as I know in advance, I don't mind.  Just shoot me a quick email if there are any cards you'd like to make more of or ones you'd like to skip.

Please sign up for Crop and Class here or sign up under tabs on blogs.  Remember all the things you did for others this holiday season.  Don't forget to do something for yourself:). 
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Maureen

Number of Cards

3 Cards $10.00 USD 6 Cards $16.00 USD 10 Cards $22.00 USD

# of Crafters for Crop

Option 1-- 1/10 1 crafter $25.00 USD Option 2-- 1/10 2 crafter $50.00 USD Option 3-- 1/10 3 crafters $75.00 USD Option 4-- 1/10 4 crafters $100.00 USD

CTMH Supplies:
Paper:  Heartstrings (X7193B)
Stamps:  Forever in My Heart (C1604); XOXO (m1054); Doodled Design (circle) (A1170); and Polar Bear Holiday (C1557).
Inks:  Slate, Lagoon, Cranberry, Black
Other:  Red Enamel Hearts (Z2009); White Enamel Stars (Z2010); White Shimmer Trim (Z3024); Blue Shimmer Trim (Z3025); Heart Embossing Folder (z3018); and Quatrefoil Embossing Folder (Z1926)

SOTM Blog Hop- December

Welcome to our Stamp of the Month Blog Hop! We will be featuring December's SOTM, which is Cutie Pie, a set of 11 stamps.  This month we have close to 80 consultants participating in the hop!  

If you came here from Michelle's Blog then you are on the right track.  Should you get lost along the way, then a complete list can be found HERE.

Who does not love cupcakes, cakes or any type of bakery treat?  Well, my daughters love to bake and decorate so much that we often go to "MAKE".  MAKE is just as the word implies-- a place where you can make things.  My daughters gravitate towards the cupcakes and cakes.  On this particular day they decided to make mini-cakes.

My youngest made a dog cake inspired by our dog Rosie.  The oldest decided to make an Irish cake and give it to her grandparents from Ireland.  They loved it!  All in all, the girls and I had a great day!  

Here is page 1 of the 2-page LO.  It shows my daughter Abby waiting (happily) for her cake.  The second photo shows all of the cake decorations to choose from!

Here's a close up.  Please come by again and I'll have the second page complete!















Thanks so much for stopping by.  If you love this stamp and would love to order it, then please visit my store or email me.  Please be sure to visit all of the consultants.  Next up is Jen Patrick.  You will love her BLOG and project!  
Thanks, Maureen 

Supplies:
Inks:  Lagoon; Canary; and Slate. 
Paper: Confetti
Embellishments: Confetti Assortments; Glitter Tape-- White, Blue and Silver

Cyber Monday-- 20% of Cricut Cartridges!!!!

For the first time ever, Close To My Heart is offering a Cyber Monday Sale on Monday, December 1, 2014. There has never been a better time to buy Close To My Heart’s exclusive Cricut® Collections for 20% off the retail price. Whether you love scrapbooking, cardmaking, or creating 3-D projects, our four exclusive Cricut® collections make the perfect addition to any craft room! Sale starts at midnight (MST) on December 1 and ends at 11:59 pm Monday night.  Please visit my website here or email me to take advantage of this ONE Day Only discount.

Artbooking-- Great for Scrapbooking and Overlays

 Artfully Sent-- CTMH's newest cartridge contains pop-up cards and Project Life

Artiste-- Great for Cardmaking and 3D shapes

Art Philosophy-- CTMH's first cartridge.  Contains basic shapes.  I use it all the time for LOs:)













You will be able to take advantage of this special deal as long as it is submitted between 12:00 am and 11:59 pm (MST) on Monday, December 1. Enjoy extra savings on Close To My Heart's exclusive Cricut® collections this Cyber Monday!


When you place this order, you are also eligible to purchase the SOTM valued at $17.95 for only $5.00.  And, there is more... you can also purchase any C or D size stamp in the current catalog.  You can purchase as many C and D stamps as you like!  This is a savings of $3.95-$7.95 per stamp!

So, if you've been waiting to purchase the new 'Artfully Sent' Cricut Cartridge or never got the 'Artbooking' Cartridge, then now is your chance to get something for yourself.  For those of you in the a CTMH club, this would count as your December purchase.  Please note the C & D stamp special will be offered all month long.

Any questions, please let me know.
Thanks, Maureen

12/6 Crop-- Classes

Hello, our next crop in Norwell is December 6th at 4 pm.  This crop is an open crop, meaning you can do whatever you want-- scrapbooking, cards, quilting, etc.  I typically teach or oversee 2 projects during the crops.  The projects/classes are optional.  Here's what we have lined up for December 6th. 

The first project is Christmas Cards.  So far Suzanne, Tina Anna and I are making 15 of these beautiful cards.  The stamp comes with this kit, along with all the a roll of glitter tape and red enamel hearts.  If you need more than 15 cards, then bring extra card-stock and keep stamping!  

The cost of the Card Kit is $29.00 which includes the D size Stamp, 2 sheets of B&T paper, card-stock, 15 cards & envelopes, Red Enamel Heart embellishments, Silver Shimmer Tape, and a cutting guide that you can use to these cards along with other card projects.   

Inks to bring:  Slate, Cranberry, and Glacier

 

The second project is a 2-page LO.  At last week's crop, we had 4 croppers take this class and all were pleased with their LOs.  The colors of this paper pack are stunning.

Please sign up here to take this workshop

Options

Opt 1: Kit + Sticker + 1/2 bling $25.00 USD Opt 2: Kit + Stickers + Full Bling $27.00 USD Opt: 3 Stamp + Kit + Stickers + full bling $40.00 USD

Thanks for stopping by and I hope to see you on December 6th!  Maureen:)

CTMH-- Brushed WOTG LO

Hello, while at my crop weekend I was able to work with the CTMH Brushed Workshop On The Go (WOTG).  I just love all the bright, festive colors.  I chose to follow the WOTG LO #1, with minor changes. 

We spent last Easter at Miami Beach.  And if you know me, you know I absolutely love marshmellow Peeps!  I love them at Easter, Christmas, Halloween.  Any kind of Peep, anytime of the year!  So, you could imagine my delight when I saw the Peeps display in our hotel lobby! It took everything I had to walk by the Peep display and not touch anything.  Of course that changed late one night!  I just couldn't resist:)  So, I took a couple of Peeps.  Well, this started a little Peeps Revolution!  For the next 5 nights, me and my fellow "Peep thieves" continued to eat the Peeps:)  

The first step of the WOTG involved cutting out a lattice in Artbooking and then using the lattice as a stencil.  Simple place the stencil where you'd like to ink and then daub.  For this project, I used colors:  Pixie and Canary Yellow.

The title 'OH SO happy' is from the WOTG kit.  Check out the metal flowers.

For the second page, I cut out the picture frames to hold 4 inch pictures.

The WOTG comes with Topiary Washi Tape,



















Thank you for stopping by.  Maureen

Supplies:

CTMH Timberline with Artbooking

Hello, I'm back with another 2-page LO.  It's from the Timberline paper pack again, but time features the CTMH Artbooking Cartridge.  You may recall that CTMH showcased a LO using Timberline on the cover of the Spring/Summer 2014 Catalog.  Here is my take on their LO.

 I just love the chevron overlays. To add a pop of color just back them in patterned paper.  It takes some time, but the results are worth it!  I added a smaller overlay to the right side of second LO.  The two trees were cut using Artbooking as well.

 Here's a close up of Abby and her friends at their camp site:)  She has kept in touch with all the friends in this picture.

Remember, I still have 2 of these paper packs and stickers left.  Let me know if you'd like them. Thanks, Maureen:)

CTMH-- Timberline LO using Art Philsophy

Hello, its been a couple of weeks since I've posted.  I've been busy creating, so I'll have lots to share with you in the the upcoming weeks!  I went to a Cool Crops event in Crowell CT with a bunch of friends.  I was very productive and finished 21 pages!  You know me, it not only about the number of pages completed, but also the techniques used.

For the first LO, I broke our my CTMH Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge and used some basic shapes. If you look closely you'll see squares, scalloped rectangles, circles and pennants. These are all basic shapes, but by using different patterned paper look how it all pops!

I tried this technique more LOs and loved it.  Well my fellow crafted loved it too and by the end of the weekend we were all using Art Philosophy!  So, here is a challenge for you: create a LO using Art Philosophy.

 Here's a close up of the first page.

The pictures were taken from Abby's Girl Scout Summer Camp.  She just loves here time there!




















Unfortunately this paper line, Timerline, is currently sold out.  Of course I do have 2 more paper packs and stickers left.  Please contact me if you are interested in purchasing them.

Thanks so much for stopping by, Maureen.

CTMH-- SOTM Blog Hop

Hi, welcome to the SOTM Blog Hop.  This month we have close to 80 CTMH consultants participating!  If you've come here from Sheila's Blog then you are on the right path.  Should you get lost along the way, then you can find a complete list Here.


The November Stamp set contains 15 pieces.  I was inspired by the cards in the catalog-- I just loved the bouquets!  I changed it up by cutting out a 'Pocket Card' from the new CTMH Artfully Sent Cricut Cartridge.  Pocket cards can be used for project life scrap-booking but people use them to make cards as I did and to embellish their scrapbook page or to make little books.

Well, to me this stamp step screams happy, vibrant colors.  With that in mind, I choose to use CTMH's Confetti's line which is so festive.

I cut out the enjoy pocket card using Thistle card-stock at 5.5 inches.  Next I matted the back in white card stock and stamped the leaves/foliage in olive. 






















Thank you for stopping by my blog.  If you don't have a consultand and would like to order the SOTM for only $5, then please visit my Store. 

Next up is Michelle.  Please be sure to visit her Blog and all of the other consultants.
Thanks, Maureen

CTMH Supplies:

Stamps:  November SOTM
Inks:  Canery ; Thistle, Crystal Blue (); Olive (); Pixie
Paper: Confetti
Other:  Thistle; Bling Gems; Artfully Sent Cricut Cartridge

CTMH-- Oct SOTM 'Home for the Holidays'

Hello, we had our first ever 12-hour crop yesterday.  We offered our crafters 2 make and takes.  The first one was the Owl for 'Happy Owl-a-ween'.  Below is the second one from CTMH's October SOTM 'Home for the Holidays'.

With all the preparations needed to run a 12 hour crop, I had little creativity left.  I am an avid follower of a fellow CTMH consultant, Aaron Brown.  Her work is absolutely stunning!  Here is her blog.  Once you visit Aaron's blog, you'll become a regular and sign up to follow her.  Anyway, she created this cute card and Julie recreated and taught it to the crafters yesterday.  Everyone loved it!!  Thank you to Aaron:)

This cute stamp is still available for only $5.00 through the end of October 31st if you purchase $50. Please email me or shop my store. Thank you for stopping by!
Maureen:)

CTMH-- Happy "Owl-o-ween"!

Hi, my friend Lisa and I are holding a 12 hour crop on Saturday.  Wow, there is sooo much work!  I always knew that paper crafting was a labor of love, but now I really know!  I still love it though:)

Here is a card that I designed for one of the make/takes.  Its the August's SOTM.  I purchased a few extra stamp sets because I just love this owl!  Here, I stamped him on CTMH's Slate paper for the body, Thistle for his arms, and Sunset for his hat.  If I could do anything over, I'd dry emboss the beige circle to add some dimension.

This stamp set can also be decorated for birthdays as well. 



















If you missed out on this stamp set and must have one, please contact me.
Thanks for stopping by, Maureen

CTMH-- Yuletide Layouts for 11/15 & 12/6 Crop

Hi, with Christmas and the winter holidays approaching I decided it was time to scrap my pictures from last year.  These kits will be available for the 11/15 and 12/6 crops in Norwell MA.  If you can't make those dates or live long distance, I can mail the kits to you.

I fell in love with CTMH's Yuletide line, especially the first LO on page 62 of the catalog.  But, I wanted to change things up for the second LO.

Below is the LO that I changed.  I added some Yuletide stickers, Cranberry striped twill ribbon, shimmer tape, and some CTMH cricut cartridge shapes.

Here is a close up of one of the LO.  My daughters are standing at the gate to Boston Public Gardens, home of 'my little ducklings'.

Love the saying 'Be Calm & Shine On'.

Here's Abby posing with the little ducklings-- so cute!

The next LO was taken directly from the Yuletide WOTG.  I absolutely love this LO-- no changes here!

CTHM's Artbooking Cricut Cartridge was use to cut all of the cricut images-- circle date, Christmas photo mat, and postage stamp.

Here is a look at page 2.























 If you would like a pre-cut kit with directions, then please see Paypal options below.
(Please note that the prices include shipping, tax and other embellishments not contained in the Workshop On The Go (WOTG).

Have a great weekend.
Thanks, Maureen

Options

Opt 1: Kit + Sticker + 1/2 bling $25.00 USD Opt 2: Kit + Stickers + Full Bling $27.00 USD Opt: 3 Stamp + Kit + Stickers + full bling $40.00 USD