Carla Creates

CTMH Hip Hip Hooray Cricut Card

2012-02-02T09:12:00.000-07:00

A quick & fun CTMH birthday card for you today - - made a few months back for one of my make & take projects at a crop I co-hosted - - I somehow missed posting it here on the blog. I love this colourful & cheerful card so I wanted to share it here as well! This is CASE'd almost exactly from my friend Fancy Melissa! You can find her card HERE.

The gorgeous blossoms, the leaves, and the bracket shape were all cut with the CTMH Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge. The flowers (and sentiment) were then stamped with a stamp set called Hooray Bouquet, one of my favourite stamp sets! Notice how the stamp shapes coordinate perfectly with the Cricut cuts! Love that! The paper is CTMH's Elemental and the bling is CTMH's Clear Sparkles. (The flower colours are Creme Brulee, Sorbet & Pacifica - what a great colour combo!) We added some dimension to each flower petal by gently curling the tips around a pencil, etc. before adhering to the card.

CTMH Spring/Summer 2012 Idea Book is HERE!!

2012-02-01T23:08:00.000-07:00

The new CTMH Idea Book is live today, February 1st and it does not dissapoint!!
So many great new products - LOVE LOVE LOVE!!! Can't wait to get into the craft room & spend some time creating with my new goodies!

You can view the entire catalogue online NOW - - HERE!
Want a copy of your own & live in Canada - - send me an EMAIL!
Shop online for these new products and other great returning & clearance items - - HERE!

I will be back tomorrow with new artwork!! And watch for the big announcement later this week on the winner of my $100 Shopping Spree Giveaway! Thanks to all of those who entered & good luck in the draw!

P.S. For those following my quest to scrapbook more in 2012 - - my final page count for January was 36 pages (some traditional, some digital)! Woohoo! Hopefully February will be just as productive! I have a weekend retreat this month - so it is possible!

CTMH's Stamp of the Month Blog Hop for February

2012-01-31T18:56:00.003-07:00

Welcome to the Close to My Heart Stamp of the Month Blog Hop for February. This month we are featuring the stamp set "Thoughtful Tidings".

Along this month's Stamp of the Month hop you'll find dozens of fabulous creations using this stamp set - all brought to you by a very talented group of CTMH Consultants! If you've come here from Angel's Blog, you are on the right path. If this is your first stop on the hop, that will work too (just keep hopping till you get back here again).

To continue along the hop, just follow the link at the end of each post to go to the next site. We hope that following the hop will give you lots of inspiration and ideas for using this month's stamp set, along with the many other great CTMH products you'll see in each post!

I have two creations for you today.
My first is a one-page layout using this month's stamp set and also featuring the new CTMH paper line called "Pemberley" (gorgeous floral patterns!). The layout design is from one of the CTMH books of layout sketches - in particular this is the Reflections sketch called "Sidebar - Photo Accent".

Materials Used:
CTMH Lucky Chipboard Assortment (retiring January 31st!)
CTMH Cork Alphabet
CTMH February 2012 Stamp of the Month - Thoughtful Tidings
CTMH paper Pemberley (available beginning February 1st!)
CTMH paper Hooligans (the skinny orange strip!)
CTMH cardstock: Pacifica, Desert Sand, Vanilla Cream
CTMH Inks: Pacifica & Sunset
Other: Foam Tape

And my second stamp of the month creation today is a 5"x7" card. This card features the new CTMH paper line called "Cruisin'". This line is just so fun and will be great for masculine cards & layouts. I used the Card Positioning Systems sketch #136.

Materials Used:
CTMH paper - Cruisin' (available beginning February 1st)
CTMH paper - Typeset
CTMH February 2012 Stamp of the Month - Thoughtful Tidings
CTMH Milepost Corrugated Shapes
CTMH ink: Black
CTMH cardstock: grey wool, twilight & black

The "Thoughtful Tidings" stamp set is available from your consultant between February 1st - 29th, 2012. You can purchase it for $17.95 or get it for just $5 with your qualifying CTMH purchase of $50 or more during the month of February.

Thanks for stopping in!! To continue on the hop - please visit ANNETTE's BLOG to see what work of art she has created for you!

Last Chance to Enter! Don't Miss Out!!

2012-01-30T20:21:00.000-07:00

Did you hear the news?!?! I'm giving away a $100 CTMH shopping spree to one lucky Canadian!
Tomorrow at midnight is your deadline to enter!

Read all the details and get your entry in HERE!!

GOOD LUCK!!

Five Fabulous Finds

2012-01-27T22:19:00.000-07:00

Another five fabulous finds for you today (my 'picks of the week' you might say!):

1) Gloria created a really great masculine birthday card this week. The stamps are CTMH and I just love the clean & simple layout of this card! I know a lot of people struggle with ideas for masculine projects so I definitely wanted to share this one with you!

2) What can you do with little strips of paper? Sooooo many things!! Check out all these great projects I spotted this week featuring paper strips: HERE, HERE , HERE and HERE.

3) If you haven't seen Mary Fish's amazing craft room yet - - take a peek. Warning - your jaw will hit the floor!

4) Did you know that Creating Keepsakes magazine has a new free downloadable font each & every Friday? This week is a very cute handwriting font called Carolyn! Available for one full week!

5) Just for those of you who missed my post HERE on my love of my new Canon camera . . . my fifth fabulous find for this week is the Kelly Moore b-Hobo bag! I have mine on order!! Yippee!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Turn, Turn, Turn - with CTMH Fanfare

2012-01-26T08:34:00.002-07:00

We have a new song up on the playlist this week at Scrap it with a Song! The classic 'Turn, Turn, Turn' from the Byrds. The lyrics of this song are amazing - - I had so many ideas for different layouts that I could do just based on the words of each verse, but in the end I went with the obvious - the song title! I knew exactly which photos to use too!!

Certainly lots of turns when you spend the day at an amusement park, right!?!?

I used Sketch #67 over at Sketches in Thyme! A great 2-pager!! The paper and stickers are a soon-to-be retired line from CTMH - Fanfare! (Get it while you can!!)

Materials Used:
Patterned paper - CTMH Fanfare
Pennant border, pinwheel stickers - CTMH Fanfare
Cardstock - CTMH White Daisy, Sky
Alphas - AC Thickers
Journal spot - from my stash

Be sure to link up your "Turn, Turn, Turn" inspired projects over at Scrap it With a Song! You have until January 31st! And did you know we are also having a DT call?!? Just add "DT" next to your name when you link up to be considered in our selections! Hope you'll join us!

Oh my dear Canon . . . How I Love Thee!!

2012-01-25T21:39:00.000-07:00

Crazy that I could be so in love with a piece of technology, but I really, really am!!
Hubby got me a Canon T2i for Christmas - my first DSLR. I love taking pictures and have loved the several Kodak point & shoot digital cameras I've owned in the past 9 years. I'm no professional photographer and have no aspirations to become one, but I've been really wanting to expand beyond the point & shoot world in the last year or two. I have found that as my scrapbooking hobby has become a passion - I'm more & more interested in the photos themselves. Specifically, I really want GREAT photos to put in my scrapbooks. Well, my wish finally came true!! (I think hubby got tired of hearing me whine about all the things my current camera couldn't do, or maybe sick of hearing me say "That's my camera!" every time we saw the Canon commercial on TV. Ha, ha! I know, not very subtle!).

So now that I have this wonderful tool - - I realize just how much I have to learn!

I have quickly realized that I really have no idea how to go beyond the automatic functions of the camera at this point. So I've been reading diligently and a camera class is on my 'to-do' list for this spring.

I've also realized just how many accessories a DSLR girl needs! Oh my!! The shopping list is endless! I've already picked up another lens for the camera (I need a zoom for photographing my kids playing sports, etc.!). And of course I had to get a big SD card, because you never know how many pictures I might need to take in a single day! And today, after much deliberation between brands & styles, etc., I ordered a great camera bag - the Kelly Moore b-Hobo! Can't wait to get it! Pricey, but after reading various reviews etc. online - - I think this is the bag for me!! I've been browsing Etsy for camera strap covers, and lens pouches and all sorts of pretty little things! Who knew that a simple camera purchase would lead me down this road . . .

But it is all so worth it. Even in auto mode, I can already see the difference in my pictures!!
Here is one I took a few weekends ago in Lake Louise, Alberta before dawn right from the window of our hotel room. Do you see the moon? The beauty of early morning was stunning and I love that I could capture it with my new camera!

So that has been my obsession the last few weeks. It has inspired me to ramp up my scrapbooking because I'm so happy with all the new photos I have to work with!

And now I better get back to work . . . need to pay for all my new goodies :-)

Happy to Be with You - with CTMH Topstitch

2012-01-24T14:03:00.001-07:00

A new layout to share with you today!! Just one of many I've been creating! Happy to report I've been a very busy scrapbooker lately! My goal (as part of my participation in the Big Picture class "Twelve" was to create 12 pages per month for 2012). Seemed overwhelming at the time. Well, as of today, January 24th, I'm already at 29 pages this month!! Woohoo!! Let's see if I can keep up that pace :-)

This layout is a quick & easy one using a CTMH paper pack & coordinating sticker pack! The photos are my Mom & my daughter! (Grandmas are the best!!) Another layout for my "People We Love" albums!

Materials Used:
CTMH Topstitch Level 2 Paper pack (retired)
CTMH Topstitch stickease (retired)

Five Fabulous Finds

2012-01-20T09:30:00.000-07:00

A new Friday feature perhaps?!? I can`t promise it will be every Friday - - but every so often for sure! I've seen a few other blogs posting 'picks of the week' type posts and thought that was such a great idea. I spend a CRAZY amount of time surfing other blogs & websites and lately 'pinning' on Pinterest. I thought I would share the inspiration and post some of my favourite finds from this week!

1) A FABULOUS boy birthday card by Vicki Wizniuk using the new Superhero line of papers/embellishments from the Spring/Summer 2012 CTMH Idea Book!

2) Learn with Jenny - one of my new favourite blogs to visit! Jenny is a scrapbooker, but that is only a small part of what her blogging is about. She is also a cancer survivor and is on an amazing journey! After beating cancer she decided she was going to live life to the fullest and has made a list of 1300+ things that she wants to do/experience/accomplish. Her blog is such an inspiration and I look forward to each and every one of her posts!

3) Banner birthday cards! Banners were a big trend in 2011 and seem to still be 'hanging in there' (ha, ha!) - here are three great banner birthday cards I saw this week: HERE, HERE & HERE.

4) The Fall/Winter 2011 Idea Book from CTMH retires at the end of this month. My favourite retiring product that I will miss the most (and will be stocking up on before the end of January) is: the Dreamin' paper pack! Can`t get enough of the gorgeous tones in this paper!

5) Completely unrelated to scrapbooking - but a fabulous find none-the-less - LOVE LOVE LOVE the jewellery from SO PRETTY! You can find her Etsy shop here and her Website here! Check it out if you get a chance - beautiful stuff (I don't normally wear a lot of jewellery but I love the style of her pieces!)

So that is it! My first Five Fabulous Finds!!
Hope you have a fabulous Friday!

Valentine Card & Treat Box & a Sneak Peek!

2012-01-17T23:08:00.000-07:00

***Click Here for my CTMH Giveaway***

My goodies from the Spring/Summer 2012 CTMH Idea Book have arrived (did you know that as a consultant you can order a month before the catalogue is 'live'?!) I had some time to play tonight so I created a cute little Valentine Card and Treat Box that will be my make & take project for the ladies attending my all-day scrapbooking crop this Saturday in Calgary!

The card was inspired by artwork in the new Idea Book. The treat box is just one of the great 3-D items you can cut with the CTMH Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge.

Inside view of the card.

Close-up view of the treat box.

I used a Valentine sentiment in the card, but you could change up the sentiment and easily use this as a wedding or anniversary card as well! The treat box is the perfect size for a few little sweet treats - your favourite chocolate or some cinnamon hearts perhaps?

Materials Used (all Close to My Heart):
Patterned Paper - Stella (coming February 1st in the Spring/Summer 2012 Idea Book)
Cardstock: Cocoa, Colonial White, Tulip
Stamp Sets: Card Chatter Love, Love Clusters (coming February 1st in the Spring/Summer 2012 Idea Book)
Ink: Tulip, Cocoa
Ribbon: Cocoa Grosgrain
Embellishments: Clear Sparkles
CTMH Cricut Art Philosophy: Heart cut at 3", Scalloped border cut at 1.25", Treat box cut at 6"
Other: Foam Tape

CTMH Kit Club

2012-01-17T14:21:00.002-07:00

***STILL TIME TO ENTER MY GIVEAWAY FOR A $100 CTMH SHOPPING SPREE! CLICK HERE TO READ ALL OF THE DETAILS!***

Did you know that CTMH runs a monthly scrapbooking kit club? They call it "Workshop on the Go"!

Every 6 months - they produce 8 different kits to choose from! Lots of selection and lots of variety! You can pick which months you'd like to do which kit!
I love the CTMH workshop kits because they help me 'keep up' with my scrapbooking. Quick & easy scrapbooking when you don't have to come up with the design on your own!

Each kit contains a full paper pack, a colour workshop guide (with complete 2 page layout instructions and additional 'suggested' artwork), a C-sized stamp set, and coordinating embellishments - - all for just $29.95 (plus applicable tax/shipping)!

I can't wait to show you the new Workshop on the Go kits from the upcoming Spring/Summer 2012 Idea Book after February 1st! But in the meantime, I thought I'd show you a few of the layouts I've done in recent months using past kits:

Sonoma:

Lucky:

Mayberry:

Fanfare:

To see the Workshop on the Go kits that are CURRENTLY available to order - visit my website HERE. You can check out the featured artwork (layouts and additional projects i.e. cards & 3D gift items) for each kit right inside the Idea Book. The current Idea book can be viewed online HERE.

Stay tuned - - on February 1st I'll be announcing a new Workshop on the Go Kit CLUB with special bonus offers! (I'll also be announcing a brand new Creative CLUB for those of you who prefer to mix & match your CTMH products and aren't interested in the monthly kits). Watch for that in my monthly newsletter & here on the blog!

Scrap it with a Song is having a DT Call!

2012-01-16T11:20:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone - - We are having a DT call over at Scrap it with a Song! We'd love to have you join our team!!

Details are:
Scrap it With a Song is looking for some fresh new faces to add to our current list of super-star designers! Do you love both music & scrapbooking? Then our blog is for you!! We find inspiration each week in a song! We will be accepting Design Team applications until January 31st and our new DT will be announced the first challenge in February! The term is running from February-August 2012. You are required to participate in 2 challenges a month. You will be given the challenges a month in advance. As a member of our DT you will need to promote the challenge on your blog, facebook or twitter account. You will also be required to comment on participants entries. No prior DT experience needed! To apply for our DT, just take part in any of our January challenges, and be sure to put "DT" next to you name in the linky so we know you're interested, simple right?

The first challenge of the year is already up - if you'd like to get started. And we will be posting the additional January challenges on each Thursday of the month. So pick one or try them all! You'll be entered in the draw for this month's prize just for playing and you might be our next Designer at Scrap it With a Song!

Taylor Swift - U ROCK!!

2012-01-14T09:07:00.001-07:00

A fun layout today for my weekly Studio J feature! I took my daughter to a Taylor Swift concert this past summer and we had so much fun! This was our second time seeing her in concert - she puts on a really great show if you've never been! I thought this pattern in Studio J was perfect to showcase all of the great photos we captured that evening (most courtesy of my sister who was snapping all the pics that night)!

One of the great things about Studio J is that you can search the patterns available by how many photo wells they include (i.e. if you know you want to include 10 photos - look first at all the patterns/templates with 10 photo wells. If you don't find exactly what you are looking for you can customize other templates by adding or deleting photo wells as needed - but I always look first at the ones given!)

The digital paper kit used is actually called "You Rock" which gave me the inspiration for the title!

You can try Studio J for free!! Check it out HERE.

Have a great weekend,

A World in White - with CTMH Wonderland

2012-01-12T10:28:00.002-07:00

We've turned the music back on this week at Scrap it With a Song! Our first challenge of the year is to create a layout, card, or project using a song of your choice - - one catch, the song must have a 'new year' or 'new beginnings' type theme!

I chose the song New Year's Day by U2 (one of my favourite songs by one of my favourite bands!) My title is a line from the song.

In addition to the Scrap it With a Song challenge for this week, I'm also linking this layout up to the following challenges:
Sketches in Thyme #65
Use it Tuesday - Winter (I used a pack of Thickers I've been hoarding!)
Ribbon Carousel Challenge 35 - Inspiration photo
Paper Cutz #120 - New Year

Materials Used on my layout:
CTMH patterned paper - Wonderland
CTMH cardstock - White Daisy
CTMH ribbon - Designer Blue Ribbon Collection
CTMH licorice opaque gem
AC Thickers
Sharing Memories journal spot
Snowflake - from a Martha Stewart punch

Be sure to stop by the Scrap it with a Song blog & check out the great New Year inspiration from the DT! You'll have until the end of January to link up your project for the challenge!

Wild Thing . . . You Make My Heart Sing

2012-01-11T15:47:00.000-07:00

***I'M GIVING AWAY A $100 CTMH SHOPPING SPREE TO A LUCKY CANADIAN!! CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN ENTER!***

This is a layout I created eons ago, but I'm just finally getting around to putting photos on it! The layout design is from either Imagine or Cherish (two of the CTMH Scrapbooking layout sketch books which are FULL of great 2 page sketches), but I don't recall which! These pics were perfect for the title - photos of my little guy being his wild little self while we were on vacation in Hawaii.

All materials CTMH:

Paper & Stickers - Animal Cookies (retired in paper format, still available in Studio J for digi-scrappin')

Buttons

Embroidery Floss

Cardstock: Desert Sand, Dutch Blue

Be sure to check back tomorrow - I'll have a brand new layout for my first Scrap it With a Song post of the year!

I Hope You Know

2012-01-09T20:36:00.000-07:00

*** HAVE YOU ENTERED MY CANADIAN GIVEAWAY YET? I'M GIVING AWAY A $100 CTMH SHOPPING SPREE!! CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN ENTER!***

A new layout to share today. I'm anxiously awaiting the arrival of my goodies from the new CTMH Spring/Summer 2012 Idea Book (consultants can order a month early!) and in the meantime I am determined to put a dent in my current stash (which has become quite ridiculous, frankly!!). So the next few layouts I'm sharing - you are likely to see some older product and a mish mash of different lines, companies, etc. I'm enjoying the challenge of using up the old! Hope you'll be inspired to do the same (I know every scrapbooker has a STASH!)

Here is my layout - the sketch is from "Once Upon a Sketch - Aug 15/11".

In the main journal box, I've quoted the lyrics from a Beach Boys song called "All I Wanna Do". The photos are of me with each of my babies when I met them. There are stories behind each of the photos - - the first photo is me & my daughter the first time I held her. She was about 12 hours old but had been born severely premature so I had to wait that long before I could hold her in my arms. The second photo is me & my son the first time I held him. We were called to the hospital a few hours after his birth to come & meet him (and we subsequently took him home the next day & proceeded to adopt him). My journalling around the scalloped circle talks about the joy I felt in each of those moments. The hidden journalling in the yellow pocket talks more about the things "I hope they know" - thus the title for the layout.

Materials Used:
CTMH patterned paper - Animal Cookies (retired in paper form - available in Studio J for digi-scrapping)
CTMH cardstock - Black, White Daisy
CTMH felt embellishments - Heartfelt Whimsy collection (retired)
CTMH Black embroidery floss - Neutral assortment
CTMH Decor Journal Pocket/Tag
AC Thickers
Scalloped circle cut with CTMH Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge

Happy Monday everyone - have a great week!

Studio Sunday

2012-01-08T16:46:00.001-07:00

** HAVE YOU ENTERED MY CANADIAN GIVEAWAY YET? I'M GIVING AWAY A $100 CTMH SHOPPING SPREE!! CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN ENTER!**

A little Studio J scrappin' for you today!!

This fun layout uses the CTMH "Backcountry" paper pack - which, of course, is retired in the paper form - - but can still be found digitally in Studio J! Love that! These pics were taken back in August when my hubby surprised me with a ziplining adventure in the Rocky Mountains for my birthday! So much fun!! And yes - - that helmet is super sexy!! LOL! (Click on the layout to view it larger)

You can try Studio J scrappin' for yourself & see just how easy it is HERE! Enjoy!

Thanks for checking in with me! Hope you are having a great weekend!

First new artwork of 2012!

2012-01-06T08:00:00.002-07:00

*** CLICK HERE for my $100 Shopping Spree Giveaway Post! Deadline Jan 31/12 ***

Finally - some new artwork! Felt great to get back at it! The layout design is Sketch #64 from Sketches in Thyme. (Click to view larger)

A modge podge of products on this one!
Patterned Paper - Splendor from CTMH (retired)
Cardstock - Goldrush from CTMH
Chipboard embellishments & Thickers - American Crafts
Border - Bazzill
Journal Tag - Fancy Pants
Waves - K & Company

CTMH Giveaway!!!!

2012-01-05T21:52:00.006-07:00

A New Year, my 4th year of business, and my 500th blog post!! So much to celebrate! And what better way than a little give-away! (ok, not little!! this is HUGE!!!)

I am giving away a $100 CTMH shopping spree!!!! That's right - - $100 to spend on ANYTHING in the Idea Book! (including our Cricut collection, fabulous paper lines, how-to books, Studio J memberships, and MORE!!! Your choice!)

(Note: this is my own personal give-away and is in no way sponsored by CTMH. As this is a give-away for a shopping spree with me and tax and business laws require that I only sell CTMH products in Canada, this give-away is open only to Canadian residents).

How do you enter? Well simply put, I want to connect with more of you! So to enter this giveaway, you need to comment on this post, tell me where in Canada you live (general area - don't need your address!!) & tell me in which of the following ways you qualify - each item listed is worth one entry in the draw (only one comment required and in that comment tell me all of the ways that you qualify!) :

- Publicly follow my blog or subscribe to it via email (can "Follow" or "Subscribe" on the right in my blog sidebar)
- Like my Facebook page
- Follow me on Twitter
- Subscribe to my CTMH Monthly Newsletter (no newsletter subscriptions from CTMH consultants please!)
- Follow me on Pinterest
- Bonus entry if you share the news of my giveaway on your own blog or Facebook page!

Note if you don't have an online profile (ie. Google, etc.) to use to post your comment, select "Anonymous" profile, but be sure to leave me your name and/or email in the comment so that I have a way to identify/contact you!

This give-away will close on January 31st, 2012. Winner will be announced on February 5th (to allow me time to verify qualifications of winner).

GOOD LUCK!!

Customer Appreciation Sale - ON NOW!!

2012-01-04T19:00:00.000-07:00

Great news shoppers!! I have decided to host my own little sale over the next few weeks. 2012 will be my fourth year of business with CTMH and I want to show my appreciation to all of my fabulous customers who have all helped me get here by rewarding you with FREE goodies! If you are a Canadian resident - this sale is open to you!!

All orders of products found in the Fall/Winter 2011 Idea Book*, placed with me between NOW & January 21st at midnight will receive BONUS FREE PRODUCTS and will be entered into a prize drawing for a $25 Gift Certificate!
(Orders must be placed with me directly in person or via phone or email to qualify).

Reward offers are as follows:

Orders $15 - $20 - Free package of 50 Bitty Sparkles (1 draw entry)
Orders $20 - $35 - Free package of Opaques Gems or Sparkles of your choice (1 draw entry)
Orders $35 - $50 - Free A-sized stamp set OR Mini-Medley accent pack of your choice (1 draw entry)
Orders $50 - $75 - Free B-sized stamp set OR Stickease package OR Complements package of your choice (2 draw entries)
Orders $75 - $100 - Free C-sized stamp set OR Paper Pack OR Cardstock Pack of your choice (2 draw entries)
Orders $100 - $125 - Free D-sized stamp set OR Paper Pack & matching Stickease/Complements of your choice (3 draw entries)
Orders $125 - $150 - Two Free Stamp Sets (up to $25 in value) OR Free How-to Book of your choice (3 draw entries)
Orders $150 or more -- Qualify for CTMH Hostess Rewards ($25 or more in Free Product depending on order total) (4 draw entries)

REGULAR CTMH Promotions will also apply on qualifying orders! (i.e. orders over $25 qualify for Rock the Block and orders over $50 qualify for the Stamp of the Month promotion!)
Email me with your order before JANUARY 21st to get your FREE Items!!

PRIZE DRAW for the bonus gift certificate will take place on January 22nd and will be announced on my BLOG and Facebook Page. (I will email the winner also!)

*Exludes purchases of clearance items or cash & carry items that are retired (not found in the current Idea Book).

New artwork & a give-away coming soon!!

2012-01-04T18:44:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to send a quick apology for the lack of new artwork lately!! I'm playing catch-up following holidays which has resulted in a flurry of CTMH business posts here on the blog. I'm finally pretty much caught up with all that & will be hitting the craft room tonight after the kids are in bed :-) So hopefully if the mojo is flowing I'll have something new to share tomorrow! And check back in the next few days - I'm planning a HUGE giveaway to kick off the New Year!!

Cheers!

The New Spring/Summer Consultant Kit is HERE!!

2012-01-03T23:04:00.000-07:00

Thinking of joining CTMH??!! Now is a great time! The new Spring/Summer 2012 Consultant Kit has arrived! For just $99 - each kit is jam packed with almost $300 in products!

Want even more? At the time of sign-up you also have the option to add any (or all) of the following add-on collections ranging in value from $63 to $95 each to your kit, for just $40 each!

Want more info on becoming a consultant? Check out my FAQ's.
Would you like to ask me any questions? Send me an email.
Ready to get started? You can sign up online HERE.

Going, going, GONE!!

2012-01-03T22:40:00.000-07:00

Less than one month left to grab many of the FABULOUS products from the Fall/Winter 2011 CTMH Idea Book!

A few of my fellow CTMH Consultants have very kindly pulled together compilations of the retiring products. The list below is courtesy of Kathleen Stoppelmoor and Cassandra Bennett. And the fabulous visual slideshow is courtesy of Tamytha at paperheartist.com!

So take a few minutes to browse through the items! See something you have to have? Canadian customers can shop online at my WEBSITE or EMAIL me directly with your order.

Level 2 Paper Packs:

Believe
Dreamin’
Fanfare
Lucky
Mayberry
Mischief
Sophia
Wonderland

Workshops-on-the-Go:

Believe
Dreamin'
Elemental
Mischief
Roxie
Sonoma
Typeset
Wonderland

MyStickease:

Believe
Dreamin'
Fanfare
Lucky
Mayberry
Mischief (Rub-ons)
Sophia
Wonderland

Mini-Medley Accents:

Antiqued Copper
Colonial White

Brads & Eyelets:

Colonial White Brads
Pewter Decorative Brads
Black and White Daisy Soft Set Eyelets
Chocolate and Colonial White Soft Set Eyelets

Dimensionals (Chipboard):

Flurry
On Target

Ribbon:

Colonial White Ribbon Collection
3/8" Cranberry Grosgrain Ribbon
3/8" Cocoa Grosgrain Ribbon
3/8" Colonial White Grosgrain Ribbon
3/8" White Daisy Grosgrain Ribbon
Wings Level 2 Assortment

Embroidery Floss:

Blue/Purple
Green
Red/Pink
Waxy Flax:

Cranberry
Crystal Blue
Juniper
Sorbet

Various Accessories:

Bliss Level 2 Assortment
Fanfare Level 2 Assortment
Foundry Metal - Bookplates
Harvest Charms
Holiday Pockets
Just Blooms Spring Blossom Paper Flowers
Just Blooms White Daisy Variety Pack
Lucky Level 2 Assortment
Lucky Level 2 Journaling Spots
Midnight Felt Shapes
Sweetheart Level 2 Assortment
Top Coats Icing Overlays

Color-Ready Alphabets:

Hodge Podge
Oxford

My Creations:

Board Book
Journal
9x9 Memory Showcase

Supplies/Tools:

Rubber Brayer
Soft Set Eyelet Tool
Eyelet Tool Replacement Punches

8 1/2 x 11 Cardstock:

Black
Colonial White
White Daisy

Stamps:

A Hop
A Little Buzz
A Little Everything
A Love
A Paisley
A Posey
Adoption
Adorning Corners
Always In My Heart
Ambiance
Around The Block
Baby Love
Backgrounds & Borders
Beary Best
Beary Busy
Beautiful Butterflies
Beautiful Things
Believe In Your Dreams
Beloved
Birthday Blast
Birthday Boy
Bless This Nest
Blooming Layers
Bon Appetit
Boom!
Bunny Love
Campin' Fever
Carefree
Catching Waves
Charmed
Cherished Flourishes
Ciao
Circle Around
Circle of Love
Circle Together
Connections
Cruisin'
Cupcake Sprinkles
Daydream
Down By The Sea
Dream Big
Dreams Come True
Enjoy Every Moment
Extreme Happiness
Family
Family Ties - Adult
Family Ties - Children
Family Ties - Pet
Fill In The Blank
Flower Pot
For Every Occasion
Friendship Blessings
From My Heart
Fun Times
Happy Holidays
Happy Moments
Hero
His and Hers
Horizon
Hot Diggity
Howdy
In The Month Of April
In The Month Of February
In The Month Of July
In The Month Of June
In The Month Of March
In The Month Of May
It's A Zoo
Just For Boys
Just For Girls
Just The Ticket
Kanji Phrases
Let's Go Camping
Little Princess
Love Always
Love Birds
Love Ya
Magic Tabs
Makin' Waves
Ms. Chillin'
Ms. Scrapbook
Notice The Details
One Of A Kind
On The Edge
On This Day
Over The Rainbow
Paisley Praise
Piece of Cake
Play Day
Post Card - Travel Series
Precious Love
Priceless Love
Recipe Box
Retro Tech
Royal Birth
Salutation Seals
Shining Star
Smiles
So Lucky
Soul Mates
Springtime
Star Power
Summer Breeze
Summer Days
Sweet Baby
Take Luck
Tasty Treats
Tea Time
Thank You
Thrill Ride
T.L.C.
Togetherness
Treetops
Trellis
Two-Step Backgrounds
Unity
X-Treme
You Did It
You Rock
You're Great
You're Sweet

January CTMH Specials & New LOWER Canadian Pricing!

2012-01-03T21:59:00.000-07:00

Lots going on this month at CTMH so I thought I'd put together a post with all the news!

NEW PRICING
First of all - - I'm so excited to announce that as of January 1st - all pricing for Canadian CTMH orders has dropped to be completely equivalent with the US pricing! AWESOME!! This means lower prices on every single product in the catalogue, as well as lower qualifying orders for both Stamp of the Month and Hostess Rewards!! Great news for all of us up North!

STAMP OF THE MONTH
A new month means a new Stamp of the Month! January's stamp is the very functional "Little Reminder". Super cute & with our new pricing - - you need to spend just $50 to get it for ONLY $5!!

SPECIALS
A couple of specials this month!
1) The first is Rock the Block.

This promo began in December but you have until January 31st to take advantage & get some great NEW products for just $15. Check out all the details HERE.

2) Our second January promo is exclusively for our Studio J members! (If you are not a member - now is a great time to become one!! Stay caught up with your scrapbooking in 2012!)

During January - - with every 9 Studio J layouts purchased, Studio J members will receive a BONUS layout for FREE!!
Want to know more about Studio J Membership? You'll find the info HERE.
Want to start creating in Studio J? Sign up or log in HERE.

Shop with me anytime on my WEBSITE or EMAIL ME directly for assistance with your order!

TWELVE!

2012-01-02T22:00:00.000-07:00

If you read my New Year's post you will know that one of my resolutions for 2012 is to scrapbook more, and secondly, to include more meaningful stories in my scrapbooks. So when I recently read the course description for Stacy Julian's new class "TWELVE", I was so excited!! If I can keep up with the class, LOL, I think this will be a great way for me to meet my 2012 scrapbooking goals! Class started yesterday and I can't wait to get started! One of the goals of the class is for us all to create 12 layouts per month for the class (from January to December), each with a specific theme - - yep, that is 144 layouts!! YIKES!! That is a huge goal! But Stacy assures us it is acheivable!! Stay tuned, I'll keep you posted on my progress as I get started!!

You can read all about TWELVE at Big Picture Classes.

Want to join my on this adventure?!?! There is still time!! Registration closes on January 5th!! I'd love to have some 'buddies' to keep me accountable!! Let me know if you sign up!

Year in Review & Looking Forward to 2012

2011-12-31T01:50:00.000-07:00

2011 has been a great year for me . . . highlights were: Great vacations to Hawaii and California with my family and friends. I enjoyed a fantastic & fun CTMH convention in July in Anaheim. I saw the number of consultants on my CTMH team triple. I was published in a magazine for the first time. My artwork won several CTMH contest categories this year. I participated on a Design Team for the first time. I went ziplining for the first time (so fun!). My hubby & I celebrated our tenth wedding anniversary. And most importantly my kids are happy and healthy.

Here, in no particular order, are six of my favourite projects from the past year (because I couldn't narrow it down to just five!):

1) Future All Star Layout (this is my first published layout - in the Summer 2011 issue of Canadian Scrapbooker)

2) Vegas Layout - - love everything about this layout - - everything just came together for me on this one!

3) Xmas Dreaming layout - - I love the simplicity of this layout. It was quick to do and yet I love the end result. I need to do more layouts like this!

4) The Puck Stops Here - - love the title!! I racked my brain for a title on this layout and when it came to me, I knew it was perfect!! Don't you love that feeling?!?! (This layout was also one of my 2011 CTMH Contest winners).

5) Full Throttle Layout - not sure why I like this one - but I do. I think it is partly because I challenged myself in creating this layout & stepped outside of my 'box'. I challenged myself to use the paper from a 'wedding' kit (Bliss) in a non-wedding way!! I also tried to use a variety of embellishments & accents from different manufacturers, paper lines, etc. to pull the layout together (which I don't normally do!!) and was happy with the result! Scrapping your stash is always a good feeling!

6) Time Well Spent layout - KRAFT!! Kraft was new to me this year & I love it - - my new favourite 'neutral'!

So what is ahead for me in the New Year? Well, I have a few goals. I want to scrapbook more. And I want my scrapbooking to include more meaningful stories. (And I would love to help others do this too!!) I would also like to spend more time submitting to magazine calls. On the business side of things, I plan to focus more on my crops and retreats and will do fewer smaller classes/workshops (prioritizing the things I ENJOY doing the most!). I would like to learn more about photography this year if time permits and on a completely unrelated note, I would like to take skating lessons. I would like to simplify and improve the organization of our home. I did a better job in 2011 than I did in 2010 of maintaining balance in my life and learning to say 'no' if needed so that I don't take on too much. I want to continue that in 2012! Lots of big ideas running through this head of mine!! Now to put it all into action! Stay tuned for progress updates!

As 2011 draws to a close, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your interest in me, my blog, and my crafty creations. CTMH and blogging have opened up a whole new world to me these last few years and I can't wait to see where it all takes me next!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Out with the Old, In with the New

2011-12-29T23:45:00.000-07:00

The new Spring/Summer 2012 Idea Book is coming very soon!!! My consultant copies arrived on my doorstep today & the book will be live & available to YOU on February 1st! I'm so excited to share the new book and products with you in the coming weeks!

In the meantime, it is time to say goodbye to some great items we've enjoyed in the Fall/Winter 2011 Idea Book! You have just one month left to order these great paper lines (including the stand alone paper packs, the workshop kits, and coordinating accessories - click on the links above the photos to view products):

DREAMIN':

MISCHIEF:

BELIEVE:

WONDERLAND:

Get your orders in for these popular lines by January 31st!! You can send me an email at csironside@shaw.ca at any time with your order or shop online on my WEBSITE.

Start Your Engines with Typeset

2011-12-29T23:09:00.000-07:00

Hope you all had a great Christmas! I'm enjoying lots of time with family! It will still be a a few days at least before I'll have a chance to head back into the craft room, but in the meantime thought I would share a project or two from recent months that I haven't yet had a chance to post.

Here is a two-page layout (click on it to view larger) - love this design! It is from the CTMH sketch book "MAGIC".

Materials Used (all Close to My Heart):
Typeset Paper Pack
Variety of Dimensional Elements chipboard pieces
Alpha stickers from Silhouette Level 1 kit (retired)
September 2011 Stamp of the Month - Limited Edition
Blue Ribbon Acrylic Stamp Set
Black Ink, Juniper Ink
Black, Desert Sand, Bamboo Cardstock

Thanks for stopping by!!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-22T23:58:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note to wish all of my followers, readers, customers & friends a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!! Wishing you many memories made with family & friends over the holidays!

Inspired by: Serenity in Stamping

Materials Used (all Close to My Heart):
Card Chatter - Christmas acrylic stamp set
Bundled Buddies acrylic stamp set
Stardust Glitz Glitter Gel
Ink: Black, Indian Corn Blue, Sweet Leaf
White Daisy Cardstock

SEE YOU IN 2012!!!

Rock the Block

2011-12-20T23:23:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note to let you all know about the National Papercrafting Month promotion from Close to My Heart called "Rock the Block"!

Place a minimum order of $25 between December 19th and January 31st and you can get TWO brand new products for just $15; the My Creations Collage Cubes (sneak peek of a Spring/Summer 2012 product) and the EXCLUSIVE "Rock the Block" E-sized stamp set! That is a retail savings of almost $30!!

So many possibilities!! With Christmas fast approaching, I haven't had a chance to play & create with my Rock the Block goodies yet - so I thought I'd share some inspiring ideas I've come across online:

First of all - check out this video from the Close to My Heart art department featuring Rock the Block:

And here is some great artwork I have come across online using Rock the Block:

Angela's cute seasonal home decor:
http://angelascraftcloset.blogspot.com/2011/12/rock-block-with-ctmh.html

Wendy's gorgeous holiday ornaments:
http://www.stampingrules.com/2011/12/rock-block-blog-hop.html

Brenda's stunning artwork (more home decor & a homemade shadowbox):
http://roseblossomlegacies.blogspot.com/2011/12/rock-block-winter-promotion.html

and more great ornaments from Christine:
http://createwithchristine.blogspot.com/2011/12/rock-block-perfect-for-ornaments.html

and lastly, Gina's family picture collage:
http://www.gmbscrapper.blogspot.com/2011/12/rock-block-december-18.html

So many great ideas!! I can't wait to get into my craft room to start playing! Hope these links have inspired you too!! Contact me before January 31st to order or shop online to get yours!!

Crafting with Kids - Christmas Ornament

2011-12-17T15:57:00.000-07:00

Thought I'd share a cute little Christmas tree ornament that I taught to my daughter's hockey team today at their holiday party:

Easy peasy!! Just two materials - several strips of cardstock and a length of ribbon!

I used the CTMH BELIEVE paper pack for my ornament and white daisy grosgrain ribbon.

You can find the full instructions to make these ornaments HERE!

Enjoy crafting with your kids!

Oh Christmas Tree

2011-12-15T09:58:00.000-07:00

We have a new challenge for you at Scrap it With a Song today. Create a project (layout, card or other) inspired by ANY Christmas carol!

My choice was Oh Christmas Tree:

My card was inspired by one in the 2010 Autumn Winter CTMH Idea Book. I just love the bright 'pear' green!

Hope you'll be able to find a few minutes for crafting in this busy holiday season and play along with us at SIWAS! We are offering a fantastic prize this month and you have until December 31st to link up your entry!

Xmas Dreaming

2011-12-08T07:52:00.001-07:00

We have a new song up on the playlist for you at Scrap it With a Song this week! It is the timeless "Dreaming of a White Christmas" by Bing Crosby!

My creation is a layout of my son when he was about 21 months old. We were hanging out in the playroom/family room and he just curled up in a corner, layed his head on a little foam chair & fell asleep! There is nothing sweeter than seeing your babies sleep!

The paper is pretty busy, so I kept my embellishments to a minimum, just adding some gems to the snowflake centers.

The paper is a retired CTMH pack called Jingle - - one of my all time favourite winter packs because of the non-traditional colors! The alphas are AC Thickers.

Hope this song inspires you as well! Link up your card, layout or other project by December 31st over at the SIWAS blog to be entered in this month's draw for a really FANTASTIC prize - THREE holiday paper collections!!

Inspired by Pinterest

2011-12-07T21:38:00.000-07:00

Are you as inspired by all of the amazing images on Pinterest as I am!?!? I am totally addicted! If you are . . . you will love this new "Inspired By" challenge blog with Laurel Seabrook. Each challenge will feature an image from Pinterest to inspire your creations! Love the seasonal image she chose for the inaugural challenge:

GORGEOUS!!

I am really last minute on this one, so I whipped up a really clean & simple card to play along!

Materials Used (all Close to My Heart except as noted):

Christmas Love acrylic stamp set

Olive & Sky Ink

White Daisy & Sky Cardstock

Foam Tape

Gems from Martha Stewart

Be sure to bookmark this new challenge blog to help spark your creativity!!

CTMH Clearance Sale

2011-12-05T17:46:00.000-07:00

Woohoo - just in time for Christmas shopping (or a little gift to yourself!!) - - CTMH added some fabulous items to our "While Supplies Last" Clearance Rack online today!!

Don't miss out - - they'll go fast!!

Included are some great paper packs like Sweetheart, Wings, and Olivia, as well as some great variety packs of cardstock!!

GO HERE to start shopping! Remember that you can combine your Clearance order with regular priced items and your order also counts towards earning this month's Stamp of the Month!

I dug back into my previous posts to find just a few examples of the artwork I've created using these fabulous paper packs you'll find on sale:

As you can see - - all three of these great collections have been 'well-loved' in my craftroom!! I know they will be in yours too!

Get them now before they are gone! Click here to start shopping!

CTMH's Stamp of the Month Blog Hop for December

2011-11-30T18:58:00.003-07:00

Welcome to the Close to My Heart Stamp of the Month Blog Hop for December. This month we are featuring the stamp set "Mad About You".

Along this month's Stamp of the Month hop you'll find dozens of fabulous creations using this stamp set - all brought to you by a very talented group of CTMH Consultants! If you've come here from Fancy Melissa's Blog, you are on the right path. If this is your first stop on the hop, that will work too (just keep hopping till you get back here again).

To continue along the hop, just follow the link at the end of each post to go to the next site. We hope that following the hop will give you lots of inspiration and ideas for using this month's stamp set, along with the many other great CTMH products you'll see in each post!

My creation for you today is a Valentine card measuring 5" by 7". My creation was inspired by a card I saw HERE on Splitcoast Stampers. This card could easily be adapted to a wedding or anniversary card by simply changing the sentiment.

Materials Used (all Close to My Heart):
Roxie Level 2 Paper Pack
Made for You stamp set (December 2011 Stamp of the Month)
Colonial White Designer Ribbon
Hearts & circles cut with the Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge
Vanilla Cream cardstock, Black Cardstock
Tulip Ink, Black Ink
Foam Tape

The "Made for You" stamp set is available from your consultant from December 1st to 31st! You can purchase it for the great low price of $19.95 or get it for just $5.50Cdn with every CTMH order of $55 or more placed in the month of December!

Thanks for stopping in!! To continue on the hop, visit Traci's Blog to see what she has created for you!

And the Winner is . . .

2011-11-28T14:24:00.000-07:00

Hope everyone had a great weekend! Thanks to all of those who commented on my Thankful Blog Hop post to enter to win two great CTMH stamp sets!

The winner is . . . .

Jamie said...

what a great 2 page layout I absolutely love it.. its so nice and i love the colors you used. tfs

Congrats Jamie -- send me an email at csironside@shaw.ca with your mailing address & I'll get those stamp sets in the mail to you!

A Thankful Blog Hop

2011-11-24T04:00:00.003-07:00

Happy Thanksgiving to all of my US blogging friends :-)

The girls at Scrap it With a Song are celebrating Turkey Day with a Thankful Blog Hop!

We are all taking inspiration today from Kelly Clarkson's song "Thankful".

If you have arrived here from Jennifer's Blog, then you are in the right place! If you'd like to hop from the beginning, you can head back to the Scrap it With a Song blog and start there!

Be sure to stop by all of our designer's blogs to see what they've created for you & then head back to SIWAS to leave a comment for your chance to win this great prize from Pretty Little Studio:

As a bonus and a thank you to everyone who stops by my blog during our hop, I am also giving away a prize! Be sure to comment here on my blog before Friday at midnight for your chance to win & I'll draw a random winner from all of the commenters! If you feel so inclined, I would love for you to become a follower here at Carla Creates as well - - but that isn't required to win :-) I'll be giving away these sweet CTMH stamp sets to the lucky winner:

Holiday Magic:

and Abundance Borders:

And now, with all that said, here is my Thankful project (you can click on it to view it larger!):

My layout was created in CTMH's digital program - Studio J, using the Dreamin' kit (also available in paper format!)

Photos used in this layout were taken by DeannaMae Photography!

I'm definitely THANKFUL for my hubby and the life we have built together and I was glad to be able to express that on this layout with the gorgeous photos from Deanna!!

Now for more Thankful inspiration, hop on over to the next stop on the hop: KYLIE's Blog!

But don't forget to leave a comment here first to be entered into my prize draw!

Enjoy your Thanksgiving Day if you are in the U.S., and if you are not (like me!) . . . Happy Thursday!!

A Thankful Blog Hop

2011-11-22T11:06:00.001-07:00

Be sure to check back with me on Thursday! The Pop Gals & Rock Chicks from Scrap it With a Song will be hosting a Thankful Blog Hop in honor of the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday! Some great artwork with a "Thankful" theme & a few prizes too!

See you then!

A Toast

2011-11-21T20:00:00.000-07:00

Canadian Scrapbooker magazine recently introduced a monthly Sketchy Challenge on their website.

I created this layout for their October sketch, but sadly did not get it photographed & submitted on time . . . I always feel a step behind on everything this time of year! So much to do, so little time!!

In any case - thought I would share it here with you:

Another layout for the wedding album . . . slowly chippin' away at it, LOL!

Materials Used (all Close to My Heart):
Wings Level 2 Paper Pack (retired)
Eclectic Chipboard Alpha
Black ink for distressing
Vineyard Berry ink to colour alphas
Black Mini Medley accessories
All shapes cut with the CTMH Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge

The November sketch looks like a great one too -- hopefully I'll be a little more timely with that one!

Have a great week,

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

2011-11-17T09:15:00.001-07:00

Time for a new song on the playlist at Scrap it With a Song.
This week we have the 80's classic "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun".

I have another layout from my Vegas girls' trip! The sketch is #59 from Sketches in Thyme.

Materials Used (all CTMH, except as noted):
Mayberry Level 2 Paper Pack
Kraft Cardstock
Colonial White Cardstock
Thickers (AC)
Kaiser flower embellishments
Bazill Basics alpha stickers

Be sure to stop by Scrap it With a Song - - the rest of the DT has some fabulous layouts to inspire you! Hope you'll play along with us too - - the deadline to link up is November 30th!

Kraft Card with Mischief

2011-11-14T18:00:00.000-07:00

Every once in a while I scroll back through my photos and I find a few projects that I haven't yet posted here.
This is one of those projects. I made this card back in September to showcase the Mischief paper pack at my Fall/Winter Idea Book open house. As it was so long ago - - I have no recollection of whether this card was inspired by someone else, whether I used a sketch or whether it was a creation 'all my own'.
But - - I think it is a great card & was worthy of sharing . . . so if this looks familiar to anyone - please speak up so I can give you proper credit :-)

Materials Used (all Close to My Heart):
Kraft Die-Cut Cards & Envelopes
Mischief Level 2 paper pack
Black grosgrain ribbon
Sunset Mini Medley
The Present acrylic stamp set
Black ink
Sunset cardstock

Hope everyone is doing well - - I'm busy cutting pieces for my upcoming card workshops. Tedious work! Not a great start to the week with a bit of a snowstorm here today also!

I've been contemplating doing a "December Daily" album this year (CTMH style, of course!). Curious - - how many of you are planning on doing one or have done one in the past? Any tips for me?

First Day of School - Digital Style!

2011-11-12T10:56:00.000-07:00

A new installment of Studio Saturday for you today - - I have a layout to share that I created in CTMH's digital program "Studio J".

This two page layout features the Typeset kit -- great paper patterns & stickease for all your school themed photos!

A fun technique I used on this layout was to create transparent journal boxes which I layered over top of the very cool tags and ledger paper found in the Stickease selection for this kit. This makes it look like I journalled directly onto the tags/ledger paper.

Contact me if you'd like to set up a Studio J consultant to learn how to do this (& other great Studio J techniques!)

Have a great weekend everyone!

Give Studio J a try - it is FREE to play with!! Truly Faster, Simpler, Easier scrapbooking!!

Shop my CTMH website!

Believe Workshop on the Go Layouts

2011-11-09T09:34:00.000-07:00

I was kept pretty busy during the recent Canmore retreat I was hosting & didn't have a whole lot of time to work on my own projects - but one thing I did have a chance to complete was the Believe Workshop on the Go. I love the CTMH workshop kits because I can grab a kit and it has everything I need in it to complete some great projects - no thinking or pre-planning required, other than which photos to use!

With this kit - you can complete two great 2-page layouts. (With a few extra materials - you can also complete a set of cards & a card box, but I opted to stick with the layouts for this one!)

Here is the first layout from the brochure:

And here is my take on it (click on it to view larger):

And now - this is the second layout as shown in the workshop guide:

And my completed layout:

Quick & easy scrapbooking for holiday photos!

Materials Used (all Close to My Heart):

Believe Workshop on the Go Kit (includes paper, accessory kit, chipboard stars, stamp set, workshop guide)

First layout also uses the Trinity Alphabet stamp set for the title

Second layout also uses the Cocktail Alphabet stamp set for the title

I used Topiary, Holiday Red, and Black ink in the first layout and New England Ivy ink in the second layout.

A sad day . . .

2011-11-07T12:18:00.000-07:00

Fellow papercrafter & blogger Katie Renz lost her battle with cancer this morning.
Please join me in sending thoughts and prayers to her family.
Rest in peace Katie, thanks for taking us along on your journey.

Mojo Monday Congratulations

2011-11-04T09:48:00.000-06:00

It has been forever since I played along with Mojo Monday. Mainly because I've been doing more scrapbooking than cardmaking lately. But this week I was in need of a card to congratulate friends of ours who just became engaged . . . and Mojo Monday's sketch provided me with the needed inspiration!

Materials Used (all Close to My Heart):
Wings Level 2 paper pack (retired)
Veranda Creative Basics paper pack (retired)
For Every Occasion acrylic stamp set (best EVER stamp set for cardmakers!!)
Soul Mates acrylic stamp set
Spray Pen (with Pearl Paint, Vineyard Berry Re-inker, and water)
Licorice Opaque Gems
Colonial White Waxy Flax
Black Ink
Cardstock: Black, Juniper, Colonial White, Vineyard Berry
Foam Tape

Have a great weekend!

My Darkest Fear

2011-11-02T23:21:00.001-06:00

We have a new song up on the playlist for you at Scrap it With a Song!
The new selection is "Can't Change Me" by Chris Cornell.

I wasn't familiar with this song - but after a listen, one line in particular resonated with me. Part of the lyrics are 'uncover your darkest fear'. This inspired me to create a layout about a fear that I don't ever talk about.

I used Creative Scrappers Sketch #180 for my layout.

The hidden journalling talks about how my biggest fear as a cancer survivor is that my cancer will one day return. The journalling on the front of the layout reads the famous quote "Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift, that is why they call it the present". I chose this to embellish my layout as a reminder to myself to live every day, one day at a time & not worry about what the future might hold. For that reason, I think my darkest fear does affect the way I live my life - but in a positive way!

Materials Used (all Close to My Heart, except as noted):
Dreamin' Level 2 Paper Pack
The Present stamp set
Harvest Happiness stamp set
Journal box and Leaves were cut with the CTMH Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge
Decor Journal Tags
Inks: Chocolate, Pacifica, Goldrush
Cardstock: Chocolate, Colonial White
Large Chipboard Alpha (Pink Paislee)
Small Alpha Stickers (from my stash)

I hope you'll check us out at Scrap it with a Song! This is a great song with some very powerful lyrics to inspire you! Hope you'll play along!

CTMH's Stamp of the Month Blog Hop for November

2011-10-31T18:59:00.004-06:00

Welcome to the Close to My Heart Stamp of the Month Blog Hop for November. This month we are featuring the stamp set "CHERISH THE DAY".

Along this month's Stamp of the Month hop you'll find dozens of fabulous creations using this stamp set - all brought to you by a very talented group of CTMH Consultants! If you've come here from Jill's Blog, you are on the right path. If this is your first stop on the hop, that will work too (just keep hopping till you get back here again).

To continue along the hop, just follow the link at the end of each post to go to the next site. We hope that following the hop will give you lots of inspiration and ideas for using this month's stamp set, along with the many other great CTMH products you'll see in each post!

My creation for you today is a 2 page layout. I used the "Add an Element" pattern from the CTMH scrapbooking how-to book "CHERISH". I used the Stamp of the Month to journal the very special date that my grandparents celebrated their 50th anniversary.

Materials Used (all Close to My Heart):
Cherish the Day stamp set - November stamp of the month
Bliss Assortment
Bliss Stickease (retired)
Bliss Level 2 paper pack (retired - but you can get the Level 1 kit right now for just $3.25!)
Journal box and ticket cut with CTMH's Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge
Dimensional Elements Numbers (this font was retired - but has been replaced by these).
Moonstruck cardstock
Chocolate ink, Moonstruck

The "Cherish the Day" stamp set is available from your consultant from November 1st to 30th! You can purchase it for the great low price of $19.95 or get it for just $5.50Cdn with every CTMH order of $55 or more placed in the month of November!

Thanks for stopping in!! To continue on the hop, visit SHEILA's BLOG to see what she has created for you!

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T09:50:00.000-06:00

I'm back from a fabulous weekend retreat in Canmore, Alberta! I co-host the Canmore retreats with my good friends Noreen & Heather . . . and this past weekend we had 41 ladies join the three of us for a great weekend of crafting, fellowship & lots of laughs! Definitely a fun time had by all!

A few pics from our weekend (all out of order as Blogger is refusing to cooperate with me this am!):

My Close to My Heart store!

The Cricut & CTMH Program Book Station! The ladies were LOVING CTMH's Art Philosophy cartridge and kept these bugs humming all weekend!

Tool table!

The room at 3am after the last person went to bed!! Judging by the tables - everyone had a productive first night!

Some of the Halloween fun -- TEAM CLAIRE!

More Halloween fun! We held a costume contest "from the neck up" - the ladies enjoyed showing us their best hats, masks, wigs, etc.! Our Mad Hatter here was the costume prize winner as voted on by all the retreat attendees!

Places set! Catalogues and goodies from CTMH, Stampin' Up! and Sharing Memories, as well as water, snacks, chocolate, postits, kleenex, pencils, goody bags from Rocky Mountain Soap company! Welcome everyone!

My van - LOADED!

Back of the van - even more stuff!!

The room - everyone is just starting to arrive!

Hope you enjoyed the little peek into my weekend! For some reason I forgot to take pics of all the ladies working hard & also neglected to get a photo of Heather, Noreen & I! Note to self for next time!! In any case, we have such a great group attending our retreats - I'm already looking forward to the next one!

And now I'll leave you with a fabulous little CTMH Halloween project from Jeanette Lynton:

Happy Halloween everyone! Have a great day!! Check back tomorrow for some CTMH Blog Hopping fun with the November stamp of the month!

Believe Quick Pic Mini Album

2011-10-30T01:28:00.000-06:00

CTMH Consultant Pamela Wallace designed a fabulous little mini-album using our Quick Pic album and the Believe Level 2 paper pack. I loved her design but decided to make it even Faster, Simpler & Easier by using the coordinating Believe Stickease (rather than embellishing with stamping, as Pamela did).

Here is my album:

Super cute & quick mini album for a collection of holiday photos! Great for gift giving as well!

If you'd like to make this album, you'll need to order the following:
Believe Level 2 Paper Pack
Believe Stickease
Olive Quick Pic Album
Desert Sand Ink Pad (optional, for edge distressing of papers)
Sponge (optional, for edge distressing of papers)

Thanks for the inspiration Pam!

Holiday Wishes - a special stamp set for the holidays!

2011-10-29T01:21:00.000-06:00

Place a minimum order of $25 in CTMH acrylic stamps* between now and November 30th and you'll be eligible to purchase this gorgeous seasonal stamp set "Holiday Wishes" for just $5 (retail value is $19.95!!)! You may buy one Holiday Wishes stamp set for every $25 in stamps that you purchase. As a creative bonus, many of the images in the stamp set coordinate with the shapes on the Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge for added cutting & stamping fun.

Place your order now and receive your new Holiday Wishes set just in time to make beautiful holiday cards to send to family and friends!

The shapes of the images outlined in red can be cut with the Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge.

*Stamp of the Month, Customized Name Stamps, Cricut Art Philosophy Collection, and Workshops on the Go Kits do not count toward qualifying purchase of acrylic stamp sets. Tax & shipping apply.

Christmas Card Extravaganza 2011!

2011-10-27T00:38:00.000-06:00

Want to see what's been keeping me busy lately? (Other than getting ready for my retreat!!) Here they are, my selection of Christmas Cards for this year.

I picked my favourites from blogs, Pinterest, the Close to My Heart Idea Book and a few new creations of my own to bring you the 'best of the best'! Lots of variety and techniques - something for everyone!

I know you will love them as much as I do! A total of 20 different designs to choose from!
Four easy ways for you to send these cards to your friends & family this year:
- join me at my annual Christmas Card Extravaganza workshops to create your own
- host your own Christmas card party with your friends for a creative night out
- purchase pre-cut, pre-stamped kits to make on your own at home
- purchase completed ready-to-mail cards

Here are the close-ups of the cards (all materials used are Close to My Heart (CTMH) and all die-cut shapes are cut with the Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge):

CASE'd from Susan Tomaino

Size: 4.25" x 5.5"

Materials Used:

Peace on Earth stamp set (sentiment - retired)

Art Philosophy stamp set (tree)

Believe Level 2 Paper Pack

Red Sparkles

Milepost Shapes

Cardstock: Desert Sand, White Daisy, Topiary

Ink: Topiary

CASE'd from Nancy Ball

Size 4.25" x 5.5"

Materials Used:

Universal Backgrounds stamp set (sheet music background)

Remarkable Wreath stamp set (image & sentiment)

Colonial White waxy flax

Red Glitter Gel

Cardstock: Tulip, Grey Flannel, Crystal Blue, Colonial White

Ink: Tulip, Cocoa, Crystal Blue, Grey Flannel

CASE'd from Vicki Wizniuk

Size: 4.25" x 5.5"

Materials Used:

Love Life stamp set (star)

Wonderland Workshop stamp set (mittens & sentiment)

Believe Level 2 Paper Pack

Sweet Leaf Grosgrain Ribbon

Holiday Red Buttons (retired)

Black Waxy Flax

Cardstock: Holiday Red, White Daisy

Ink: Sky, Sweet Leaf, Black

CASE'd from Vicki Wizniuk

Size: 4.25" x 5.5"

Materials Used:

Holiday Trinkets stamp set (sentiment) - retired

Believe Level 2 Paper Pack

Holiday Red button (retired)

Colonial White waxy flax

Cardstock: Sky, Holiday Red, Sweet Leaf, White Daisy

Ink: Black

CASE'd from Michelle Loncar

Size: 4.25" x 5.5"

Materials Used:

Holiday Magic stamp set (sentiment & image) - October 2011 stamp of the month

Roxie Level 2 Paper Pack

Red Glitter Gel

Licorice Opaques

Cardstock: Black, Colonial White

Ink: Desert Sand, Black

Inspired by the CTMH Idea Book

Size: 4.25" x 5.5"

Materials Used:

Holiday Cheer stamp set (sentiment & ornament)

Hemp

Cardstock: New England Ivy, Desert Sand, Colonial White, Chocolate

Ink: Barn Red

CASE'd from Cibele Glazer

Size: 4.25" x 5.5"

Materials Used:

Tannenbaum stamp set (sentiment & image)

Mistletoe Creative Basics Paper Pack (retired)

Bitty Sparkles

Cardstock: White Daisy, Cranberry

Ink: Black

Inspired by Connie Babbert

Size: 4.25" x 5.5"

Materials Used:

Card Chatter Christmas (sentiment)

Mistletoe Creative Basics paper pack (retired)

Cranberry Grosgrain ribbon

Shimmer Brads

Gold elastic cording (not CTMH - from my stash)

Cardstock: New England Ivy, Cocoa, Cranberry, Colonial White

Ink: New England Ivy

Inspired by Alissa

Size: 4.25" x 5.5"

Materials Used:

Snowflakes stamp set (snowflakes & sentiment)

Dreamin' Level 2 Paper Pack

Bling Button

Chocolate Waxy Flax

Cardstock: Chocolate, Colonial White, Crystal Blue

Ink: Pacifica, Chocolate

CASE'd from Vicki Wizniuk

Size: 4.25" x 5.5"

Materials Used:

Festive Frills stamp set (sentiment) - retired

A Sip stamp set (image)

Wonderland Level 2 Paper Pack

Pearl Opaques

Chocolate Stripe Grosgrain Ribbon

Cardstock: Chocolate, Colonial White

Ink: Twilight, Chocolate

Inspired by Susan Williams

Size: 4.25" x 5.5"

Materials Used:

I Believe stamp set (image)

Mistletoe Level 2 Paper Pack (retired)

Font cut with "Joys of the Season" Cricut cartridge

Bitty Sparkles

Cardstock: Chocolate, Colonial White

Ink: Chocolate

Size: 5" x 7"

Materials Used:

A Holiday stamp set (sentiment)

Mistletoe Creative Basics paper pack (retired)

Red Glitter Gel

Cardstock: Desert Sand, Cocoa

Ink: Cranberry

Inspired by Jen Sannes

Size: 5" x 7"

Materials Used:

Universal Backgrounds stamp set (star)

Everlasting Life stamp set (sentiment)

Roxie Level 2 Paper Pack

Clear Sparkles

Black Grosgrain ribbon (retired)

Cardstock: Desert Sand, Colonial White

Ink: Vineyard Berry, Bamboo

Size: 6" x 6"

Materials Used:

Snow Flurries stamp set

Silver Embossing Powder

Versamark Ink

Cardstock: White Daisy, Outdoor Denim

Inspired by: Homemade Gifts Made Easy

Size: 5" x 7"

Materials Used:

Christmas Love stamp set (sentiment)

Believe Level 2 Paper Pack

Bitty Sparkles

Cocoa Grosgrain ribbon

Cardstock: Cocoa, White Daisy

Ink: Cocoa

CASE'd from Vicki Wizniuk

Size: 5" x 7"

Materials Used:

Christmas Love stamp set (images & sentiment)

Wonderland Level 2 Paper Pack

Liquid Applique

Cardstock: Twilight, Colonial White

Ink: Chocolate, Twilight, Heavenly Blue

Inspired by: Karen Day

Size: 6" x 6"

Materials Used:

St. Nick stamp set (image)

Stitched Together stamp set (stitching)

Holiday commentary stamp set (sentiment)

Kraft Die-Cut Cards

Cardstock: Black, Kraft, Colonial White

Ink: Black, Blush

Size: 6" x 6"

Materials Used:

I Believe stamp set (image & sentiment)

Mistletoe Level 2 Paper Pack (retired)

Cocoa Grosgrain

Pearl Opaques

Cardstock: New England Ivy, Colonial White

Ink: Cocoa

Inspired by the Close to My Heart Idea Book

Size: 5" x 7"

Materials Used:

Bundled Buddies stamp set (image & sentiment)

Hemp

Watercolor Pencils

Blending Pen

Cardstock: Barn Red, Crystal Blue, Olive, Chocolate, Colonial White

Ink: Chocolate, Olive

Size: 6" x 6"

Materials Used:

I Believe stamp set (image)

Holiday Commentary (sentiment)

Mistletoe Level 2 Paper Pack (retired)

Antiqued Copper Brads

Cardstock: Cocoa, Colonial White, Cranberry

Ink: Cranberry, Chocolate

Are you inspired? Click HERE for more details & pricing of workshops and kits.

Cricut Christmas Gift Tags

2011-10-26T14:09:00.001-06:00

My Cricut is working overtime this week! Still prepping for my retreat this coming weekend in Canmore.

These four cute little holiday gift tags will be my make & take project this weekend for all of the retreat attendees:

TAG 1:

Materials Used (all Close to My Heart):

Cricut Art Philosophy - "Tag5" cut at 4.25" (black), Stocking "Shift, Tag" cut at 4" (desert sand), and "Tag5" cut at 4" (Roxie)

Roxie Level 2 Paper Pack

Just for the Holidays stamp set (retired)

Liquid Applique

Black Grosgrain (retired)

Black Ink

TAG 2:

Front:

Back:

Materials Used (all Close to My Heart, except as noted):

Cricut Art Philosophy - Tag 2 cut at 3.75" (Believe), Square 1 cut at 2" (2 times in white), Star 5 cut once at 1.5" and twice at 1" (crystal blue)

Believe Level 2 Paper Pack

December 25th stamp set

Liquid Glass

Holiday Red and Crystal Blue Ink

Ribbon - from my stash

Tag 3:

Materials Used (all Close to My Heart):

Cricut Art Philosophy - Tag 3 cut at 4" (colonial white), Rectangle 3 "Shift, Font" cut at 1/2" (new england ivy border strip)

Mistletoe Level 2 Paper Pack (retired)

Bundled Buddies stamp set

Share the Magic stamp set (retired)

Watercolor Pencils

Blending Pen

Desert Sand Ink

Cranberry Grosgrain

Tag 4:

Front:

Back:

Materials Used (all Close to My Heart):

Cricut Art Philosophy - Circle 1 cut at 2.75" (2 times in white), Circle 1 cut at 3" (2 times in crystal blue), Circle 2 cut at 3.75" (tulip)

Just for the Holidays stamp set (retired)

Remarkable Wreath stamp set

Fill in the Blank - Holiday stamp set

White ricrac ribbon (retired)

Red Glitter Gel

Tulip ink, cocoa ink, crystal blue ink

I hope these tags inspire you to make YOUR own holiday gift tags this year! Or . . . I can make them for you - contact me for pricing of a custom order of these little cuties!

SHOP MY Close to my Heart WEBSITE!

Cricut Halloween Treat Bags

2011-10-24T12:34:00.002-06:00

These little cuties will be making an appearance at my upcoming weekend retreat in Canmore!
They were soooo easy to make using the CTMH Art Philosophy Cricut cartrdige!

I kept them simple as I needed to make 44!!

This bag is just one of the great 3D items you'll find on Art Philosophy. I cut these ones at 5.5" using the "Font Layer" function, and the "Square1" key. The machine cuts slits where you need to score & fold which makes assembly quick & easy!

The bats & spiders were cut using the Wild Card Cricut cartridge at 2.75".

Linking this project up to:

Heart2Heart Challenges - Halloween/Autumn challenge

Happy Monday!!

Shop my CTMH website!

Love Your Layout: October

2011-10-23T21:45:00.000-06:00

A great new Studio J tutorial for you! Learn to capture your life as it happens! This elegant layout is ideal for important occasions or special relationships. This video walks you through creating the layout from start to finish.
Enjoy!

Rockin' with the Grateful Dead!

2011-10-19T22:42:00.000-06:00

A new kind of challenge this week for you at Scrap it With a Song! The Rock Chicks and I have a photo inspiration challenge happening and our photo is an old tour poster for the Grateful Dead! How fun!

I must admit that the Grateful Dead are a little bit before my time and their style of music isn't exactly my thing - - but this poster did provide lots of inspiration! The idea for this card came to me right away when I saw the photo! Be sure to check it out!

Fitting with the challenge, don't you think?
Hope you'll play along with us at Scrap it With a Song for this one - - I'd love to see YOUR take on this challenge!

Materials Used (all Close to My Heart):
You Rock Level 2 Paper Pack (retired)
Cardstock: Black, White Daisy
Two Step Backgrounds stamp set
Xtreme stamp set
A Little Everything stamp set
Ink: Black, Smokey Plum
Black Waxy Flax

Birds of a Feather

2011-10-18T22:52:00.000-06:00

Not often, but every once in a while - I do a quick & easy layout with just stickers & paper! No stamping, no distressing, no embellies - - keepin' it simple! It is the only way I'm ever going to get all those Rubbermaid buckets full of photos scrapped!!

My other time saving technique . . . SKETCHES!!! I would say 90% of my layouts begin with a sketch of some kind! My favourite sources for sketches - CTMH's How-To Books, Sketch blogs (I have several listed on my blog sidebar), and magazines (I especially love the sketches in Creating Keepsakes - lots of multi-photo 2 page spreads!). I find the 'where to start' with a layout to be the hardest part so using sketches saves me soooo much time! (Before I discovered sketches & patterns I used to sit & stare at my pile of photos and papers for endless amounts of time before I could move forward with a direction or idea of what to do!!)

So - my artwork for you today is just such a layout - - just stickers & paper & based on a gorgeous sketch (this one is from Sassy Lil' Sketches)!

Materials Used (all Close to My Heart):
Mayberry Level 2 Paper Pack
Mayberry Level 1 Scrapbooking Kit
Mayberry Stickease

Best Stamping Tip EVER!!

2011-10-15T20:55:00.000-06:00

Seriously!! I have never heard this tip (I need to be at your table next convention, LOL!)!! LOVE IT!! Works every time! Try it - you will get the best stamped images ever!
Thank you, thank you Fancy Melissa! You rock, my friend!

Dreamin' on Studio Saturday

2011-10-15T16:16:00.000-06:00

Hello crafty folks! My scrap room has turned into a Christmas card factory!!! I'm working overtime pumping out a whole bunch of different Christmas card designs & trying to decide which ones are going to make the cut for my annual Christmas card workshops! Thanks to all the talented folks whose blogs I follow, as well as all the great things on Pinterest - there are no shortage of great ideas! The tough part is going to be narrowing down the choices!

So - - while I work on those - - I bring you another great Studio J layout! I usually pop my laptop on my lap when I'm watching TV and can make a few layouts in the span of a one-hour show! So even when my craft table is covered with other things (like it is right now) - I can still scrapbook!

This layout features the "Dreamin'" kit - but I changed it up a bit by throwing in some Cranberry cardstock for a pop of colour!

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!!

You can try CTMH's digital scrapbooking program "STUDIO J" for free! Check it out!
Shop my CTMH website!
Connect with me!! I'm on Twitter (@carlacreates), Facebook (carlacreates) and Pinterest (carla ironside)!!

Have you checked my Clearance items lately?

2011-10-13T09:31:00.000-06:00

New items added just this morning to the "WHILE SUPPLIES LAST" section of my website!

New items include:

BLISS paper packs for just $3.25 each!

Miracle Paper Pack for just $5.50:

And your LAST chance to get our RETIRED sizes of acrylic blocks (4 sizes available):

You can combine order with regular priced items as well! Be sure to spend $55 or more and get this month's AWESOME stamp of the month "HOLIDAY MAGIC" for just $5.50!

Remember, these items only available while supplies last!
Head to my WEBSITE now to start shopping!

For You - A simple Dreamin' Card!

2011-10-12T21:14:00.001-06:00

I love the versatility of this card - it would really work for any occasion! This stamp set is super versatile too! In addition to/instead of the leaves - you can also stamp flowers or berries on your wreath. Love it!! You'll be seeing more of this stamp set in my Christmas card workshops this year for sure!

Materials Used (all Close to My Heart):
Dreamin' Level 2 Paper Pack
Desert Sand Cardstock
Colonial White Cardstock
Remarkable Wreath stamp set
Twill ribbon
Ink: Crystal Blue, Goldrush, Cocoa

Believe in the Magic - Studio Saturday

2011-10-08T09:42:00.000-06:00

Hi everyone! I have a new Studio J layout for you today! If you are new to my blog, Studio Saturday is my regular feature all about creating with CTMH's digital scrapbooking program!

I used the Believe kit for this one - so cute! (you can click on it if you'd like to see it in a little more detail!)

I used the digital stickers to 'journal' on this layout - I thought the sentiment worked well for my layout which is a collection of photos showing the excitement on my kiddos faces as they discover their gifts!

Well - that's it for me for the weekend. It is Thanksgiving weekend here in Canada (happy Thanksgiving to all my Canadian friends!). We are hosting the big turkey dinner here tomorrow and then on Monday I'm driving 3 hours to my family farm to celebrate the life of my dear aunt, who passed away Thursday. Looking forward to time with family and I am counting my blessings, for sure! Have a great weekend everyone! See you on Tuesday!

You can try Studio J for free HERE!

Shop online for more great CTMH products!

Everything

2011-10-05T22:26:00.000-06:00

This week at Scrap it With a Song, we are playing the classic Bryan Adam's song "Everything I Do". I absolutely LOVE this song - it has been a favourite of mine since junior high, LOL!
I was inspired to do a layout about my family - - who truly are my everything!!
Sketch Design is from Sassy Lil' Sketches.

Materials Used (all Close to My Heart, except as noted):
Splendor Level 2 Paper Pack (retired)
Designer Wooden Buttons
White embroidery floss
Foam Tape
Cardstock: Moonstruck
American Crafts Thickers
Making Memories Tiny Alpha Stickers
Bazzil pennant border

Does this song inspire you?!?!? Hope you'll play along with us at Scrap it With a Song - - you have until October 31st to link up your take on this challenge!

DT Announcement at Scrap it With a Song

2011-10-04T00:03:00.000-06:00

We have a new Design Team at Scrap it With a Song! Some returning members as well as some new faces!! You'll love the work these ladies do! Fabulous talent!

Our returning team members are:
Mindy
Carla (that's me!!)
Karen
Kelly
Shelley
Tiffany

And our brand new faces are:
Jennifer
Elena
Emanuela
Nicolle
Dana
Kylie

Welcome ladies!

Our first challenge with the new team will be on Thursday, but in the meantime be sure to stop by Scrap it With a Song and play along with our current challenge - Bryan Adam's Heaven!!

CTMH's Stamp of the Month Blog Hop for October - Holiday Magic

2011-09-30T18:59:00.004-06:00

Welcome to the Close to My Heart Stamp of the Month Blog Hop for October. This month we are featuring the stamp set "HOLIDAY MAGIC".

Along this month's Stamp of the Month hop you'll find dozens of fabulous creations using this stamp set - all brought to you by a very talented group of CTMH Consultants! If you've come here from Fancy Melissa's Blog, you are on the right path. If this is your first stop on the hop, that will work too (just keep hopping till you get back here again).

To continue along the hop, just follow the link at the end of each post to go to the next site. We hope that following the hop will give you lots of inspiration and ideas for using this month's festive stamp set, along with the many other great CTMH products you'll see in each post!

My creation for this month's hop is a layout! I wanted to go a little out of the box with this stamp set - so I stayed away from a festive project. I decided to use one of the Christmas tree images in the set to make a pennant banner. Love how this turned out! I made the flower embellishments by cutting several circles, distressing the edges, spritzing them with water, scrunching them up, then unscrunching them & layering them. Cute & easy!
The design for this layout was inspired by Sassy Lil' Sketches September Week #2 Sketch.

Materials Used (all supplies are CTMH):
- Roxie Level 2 Paper Pack
- Holiday Magic stamp set (October 2011 stamp of the month)
- Kraft Borders
- Black Brads
- Cork Alphabet
- Circles were cut with the CTMH Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge
- Black waxy flax
- Ink: Black & Tulip
- Cardstock: Black, Tulip

The "Holiday Magic" stamp set is available from your consultant from October 1st to 31st! You can purchase it for the great low price of $19.95 or get it for just $5.50Cdn with every CTMH order of $55 or more placed in the month of October!

Thanks for stopping in!! To continue on the hop, visit ADELINE's BLOG to see what she has created for you!

Newsletter Problems!!!

2011-09-29T19:20:00.000-06:00

Hello friends -
I just wanted to post a quick note here to all of my newsletter subscribers!! I've heard from a few people that they did not receive my October newsletter that was sent out yesterday (Sep 28th). If you are on my regular distribution list and the same is true for you - please let me know so that I can get another copy out to you ASAP and also try to figure out what is happening!! Send me an email at csironside@shaw.ca !

Good news is that CTMH is launching their own newsletter service for consultants very soon so I'll soon have a new provider - - but in the meantime - - I have to apologize for the difficulties I'm having with my current service! Yikes!! Thanks to those of you who have already let me know about the problem!!

Thanks,

FAB Freebie in October!!

2011-09-28T12:17:00.002-06:00

The deal just got sweeter for anyone thinking of becoming a CTMH consultant!!

Join my team between October 1st and 31st and receive one New Consultant Kit Add-On Collection of your choice for FREE!! Add-on collections are priced at just $40 each and have a retail value of up to $140Cdn, making this an incredible deal!

For just the $99 enrollment fee, you'll receive a New Consultant Kit packed with business essentials and new products valued at over $320, plus a FREE Add-On Collection to enhance your kit! (That's a grand total of over $460 in products for just $99Cdn!!!) Then, if you choose, you can add either or both of the additional add-on collections for just $40 each! Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity!

Check out all the goodies up for grabs with this deal:

The New Consultant Kit:

The available Add-On Collections:

Want more information -- send me an email at csironside@shaw.ca!
Have questions about becoming a consultant - check out my Frequently Asked Questions!
Ready to sign up (wait until October 1st!!) - visit my Website Online Application!

Contest Winners!

2011-09-27T21:58:00.000-06:00

So excited to have had three layouts chosen as winners in Close to My Heart's Fall/Winter 2011 Make it From Your Heart Contest (a semi-annual artwork contest for consultants).

The first layout won the Level 2 Category for the Wonderland paper pack (Level 2 category means - using the featured paper pack, any CTMH accessories, but NO stamping). You can click on the photos to view any of them larger!

Materials Used (all supplies CTMH):

Wonderland Level 2 Paper Pack

Milepost Shapes

Black Waxy Flax

Pewter Brads

Wings Level 2 Assorted Ribbon

Pewter Mini Medley (retired)

Cork Alphabet

"PUCK", circle, and scalloped circle were cut with the Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge

Cardstock: Black, White Daisy

The next layout won the Level 1 Category for the Wonderland paper pack (Level 1 means created in Studio J using the featured paper pack):

Materials Used : CTMH Studio J Digital Scrapbook Program

The last layout won the Level 2 Category for the Sonoma paper pack (Level 2 category means - using the featured paper pack, any CTMH accessories, but NO stamping):

Materials Used (all supplies CTMH):
Sonoma Level 2 Paper Pack
Eclectic Chipboard Alphabet
Sonoma Stickease
Pewter Brads
Foundry Bookplates
Cardstock: Bamboo, Olive
Ink: Bamboo

Be sure to head over to check out the Close to My Heart "Make it From Your Heart" art gallery -- it is full of great inspiration for all of the newest products in the Fall/Winter catalogue! The artwork included is from all of the winning consultant entries, as well as samples from the CTMH art department!

Skate!

2011-09-26T19:30:00.000-06:00

Are you in the mood for winter yet? I'm not quite - we've actually been having some amazing fall weather here in Calgary . . . BUT I am loving the new winter themed line from CTMH called "Wonderland"! Gorgeous!!

Here is a layout using Got Sketch #126:

Don't you love the snowflake embellishments? They were cut with the Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge and then stamped with a coordinating stamp set! LOVE!!! So easy!

Materials Used (all Close to My Heart):

Wonderland Level 2 Paper Pack

Snowflakes acrylic stamp set

Bold Color Ready Alphabet Stickers (retired)

Clear Sparkles

Bitty Sparkles

Foam Tape

Cardstock: White Daisy, Chocolate

Ink: Twilight, Crystal Blue

Have a great week!!

Baby Kisses

2011-09-24T07:35:00.001-06:00

It's Studio Saturday! The layout I have to share with you today was created in Studio J using the Elemental kit! Elemental is a great new paper pack in the current Fall/Winter catalogue - so I could have done this layout traditionally, but I decided to do it in Studio J so that I could play with the paper colours a little bit to better match my photos (for example, the blue paper in this layout is actually creme brulee in the traditional paper pack!). Another advantage to doing this layout in Studio J was that I was able to drop my digital photos into the photo wells and they automatically get re-sized to fit. Had I done this layout traditionally - I would have had to have my 4x6 photos re-printed in the larger and smaller sizes to make the layout pattern work. Faster, simpler, easier - - LOVE IT!

Enjoy your weekend everyone!

Look!!

2011-09-21T23:59:00.000-06:00

This week's song at Scrap it With a Song is Coldplay's Yellow.

Here is my layout using a word from the lyrics as my inspiration and Creative Scrappers Sketch #170 for my design:

This is such a great song - - the SIWAS design team took this one in so many different directions - - you'll love what they created!! Hope you'll check it out and take the time to play along with us! You have until September 30th to enter your creation!

Materials Used in my layout (all Close to My Heart, except as noted):
Wonderland Level 2 Paper Pack
Connections stamp set
Chocolate Brads
Kraft Borders
Kraft Cardstock
Chocolate Cardstock & Chocolate Ink
American Crafts Thickers
American Crafts Remarks sticker
Journal Spot from Sharing Memories Scrapbooking

Pair-A-Phrase Artwork

2011-09-21T20:15:00.000-06:00

Only a few more days to get the AWESOME Pair-A-Phrase double stamp set! Free with every order over $82 Cdn!

Here are a few more cards I've made using this stamp set. Both were inspired by the artwork on our promotional flyer for the stamps!

Materials Used (all Close to My Heart):
Pair-A-Phrase Stamp Set (September 2011 Promotion)
Grown With Love Stamp Set (retired)
Elemental Level 2 Paper Pack
Cardstock: Colonial White, Desert Sand, Chocolate
Opaque Mocha Pearls
Foam Tape

Here are all the images in the stamp set:

If you'd like to see more artwork using this stamp set - be sure to check out the Close to My Heart corporate facebook page - they've been sharing new ideas every day this month!

Play!

2011-09-19T09:14:00.001-06:00

A clean & simple layout for you today to play along with Sketches in Thyme's sketch #56!

Materials Used (all Close to My Heart, except as noted):
Grace Level 2 Paper Pack (retired)
Frame of Mind acrylic stamp set (retired)
Cardstock: White Daisy & Cranberry
Ink: Black
Remarks stickers & Thickers from American Crafts

Have a great Monday!

DT Call - Reminder!!

2011-09-19T08:49:00.000-06:00

Just a reminder to send in your DT applications for the Scrap it With a Song design team!! We've seen some great applications already - - but are still looking for a few fresh faces! TOMORROW is the deadline - don't delay!!

HERE ARE ALL THE DETAILS!!

Studio Saturday

2011-09-17T20:59:00.000-06:00

A great tutorial for you - follow along to create a gorgeous summer layout in Studio J with the Splendor kit.

Friends with Typeset

2011-09-17T10:35:00.000-06:00

What do you get when you add a pack of neutral cardstock, a few wooden buttons, and some black waxy flax to your 'leftover' scraps from the Typeset workshop kit? Well, using the great instructions provided by CTMH - you get five great cards to give to all your BFF's!!

These cute 4.5" inch cards were all cut using the Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge! Super fun!

Enjoy your weekend!

Shop my CTMH website for all of the great products you see here!

Thirty Something & Fabulous

2011-09-16T20:31:00.001-06:00

Part Two of my 'reveal' of my Typeset Workshop on the Go finished projects.

Here is the second layout as shown in the brochure:

And here is my version with pics of me and my BFF in Las Vegas:

And finally tomorrow - I'll share with you the five Typeset workshop cards, along with my regular installment of Studio Saturday! See you then!

Shop my Website for all of the great CTMH products you see in this post!

Are you Game?

2011-09-15T14:19:00.000-06:00

Over the next few days, I'll share with you my take on the new Typeset Workshop kit from CTMH.
The workshop includes 2 two page layouts, and 5 cards.

Here is the first layout from the workshop guide:

And here is my take on it (click on it to enlarge):

This was a really fun workshop layout to create. It includes some painting, some fun distressing with reinker and a stipple brush, and the use of the new Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge! The kit included the paint used, stamp set, and also comes with the fabulous corrugated shapes you see.

I'd love to see your Typset workshop finished layouts - feel free to add a link in the comments!

Shop my CTMH website for all the products you see here!

Clearance Items Added to Website

2011-09-14T14:17:00.000-06:00

A selection of retired CTMH items has just been added to the Clearance section of my WEBSITE!

Run, don't walk - - they'll go fast & are 'while supplies last'!! Discounts up to 70% off! Combine your order of clearance items with the new items on your wishlist to take advantage of our current promotional offers and to get the best rate on shipping! Email me at csironside@shaw.ca if you have any questions!

You're my Inspiration

2011-09-12T23:00:00.000-06:00

So many challenges, so little time! This card was inspired by the Clean & Simple Stamping sketch #156 and also by the Heart 2 Heart "Die Cuts" challenge!

Materials Used (all Close to My Heart):
Roxie Level 2 Paper Pack
Rosy Regards Stamp Set
Cocoa Ribbon Rounds
Cocoa Cardstock

Quick post today -- getting back into the fall routine with my kids is killing me!!! I'm exhausted!

Studio Saturday

2011-09-11T14:34:00.000-06:00

Welcome to this week's Sunday installment of Studio Saturday, LOL!
(Life happens!!)

I have a layout for you this week - created with the Sasparilla kit in Studio J! The actual paper version of this kit pre-dates my time with CTMH, so I love that I have the opportunity to play with these great 'retired' papers in digital form!

Thanks for stopping by today!

You can stry Studio J for FREE on my Website!

Email me at csironside@shaw.ca to book your personal Introduction to Studio J session!

Thank You for your Thoughtfulness

2011-09-07T11:23:00.000-06:00

Love the sketch over at Card Patterns this week! Pulled out my new CTMH Dreamin' papers to play along! Which then led me to another challenge. Heart 2 Heart has challenged us to use our favourite colour combo this week! My all time favourite colour combo is any shades of blue/brown and cream!! A peek at my wardrobe or home decorating would confirm just how much I love this combo! Specifically on this card - I used the combo of Pacifica, Chocolate, and Colonial White - - LOVE!!

Materials Used (all Close to My Heart):
Dreamin' Level 2 Paper Pack
Thanks - Card Chatter stamp set -- retired . . . but Thank You is another great set!
White Daisy Just Bloom flowers
Pearl Opaques
Blue Sparkles
Shapes cut with Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge

Scrap it With a Song DT Call

2011-09-06T16:47:00.001-06:00

Hey everyone -
we are looking to add some new faces to our DT over at Scrap it With a Song!!

We encourage EVERYONE to apply - only requirement be that you love music too and can find inspiration in a song! Hope to see lots of my blogging friends apply!!

Here are the details:

We are looking for some fresh new faces, some up & coming stars! We have DT positions as well as Guest DT positions and we need to get this playlist jamming! We are looking for YOU! We will be accepting applications until Sept 20th and our new DT will be announced the first challenge in October! The term is running from Oct 11 - April 12. You are required to participate in 2 challenges a month. You will be given the challenges a month in advance. As a member of our DT you will need to promote the challenge on your blog, facebook or twitter account. You will also be required to comment on participants entries! No prior DT experience needed! Please send the following information to SIWASdt(at)gmail.com...

1. Name
2. Contact Information
3. Blog and Online Gallery Links
4. Song you'd like to see on our playlist
5. Any prior or current DT postions
6. 3 projects or layouts that best showcase your style

We can't wait to hear from you!! By Sept 20th PLEASE!!!

The SIWAS Girls :D

Capturing Summer Vacation Highlights with Studio J

2011-09-03T09:11:00.000-06:00

A great video tutorial for you for this week's installment of Studio Saturday! Enjoy!

CTMH's Stamp of the Month Blog Hop for September - Limited Edition

2011-08-31T18:53:00.002-06:00

Welcome to the Close to My Heart Stamp of the Month Blog Hop for September. This month we are featuring the stamp set "LIMITED EDITION".

Along this month's Stamp of the Month hop you'll find dozens of fabulous creations using this stamp set - all brought to you by a very talented group of CTMH Consultants! If you've come here from Melissa's Blog, you are on the right path. If this is your first stop on the hop, that will work too (just keep hopping till you get back here again).

To continue along the hop, just follow the link at the end of each post to go to the next site. We hope that following the hop will give you lots of inspiration and ideas for using this month's versatile stamp set, along with the many other great CTMH products you'll see in each post!

My creation for you today is a 6x6 square card. The pattern is this week's sketch over at Mojo Monday. As soon as I saw the challenge this week - I knew it would be perfect for the great tags in this Stamp of the Month set. Tags are obviously great on layouts for journalling spots and accents, but they are also great embellishments for cards!

Materials Used (all Close to My Heart):
September 2011 Stamp of the Month - "Limited Edition"
Pair-a-Phrase stamp set - September 2011 promotional set
Typeset Level 2 Paper Pack
Milepost Shapes
Black Grosgrain
Wings Level 2 Assortment - Juniper pleated ribbon
Black Ink, Vineyard Berry Ink, Juniper Ink
Bamboo & Black Cardstock
Foam Tape
Tag shapes cut with the CTMH Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge

The "Limited Edition" stamp set is available from your consultant from September 1st to 30th! You can purchase it for the great low price of $19.95 or get it for just $5.50Cdn with every CTMH order of $55 or more placed in the month of September!

Thanks for stopping in!! To continue on the hop, visit SHEILA's BLOG to see what she has created for you!

Happy Mail!

2011-08-30T14:29:00.000-06:00

There is nothing that can brighten your day like receiving handwritten cards or letters in the mail! I opened my mailbox this week to find this BEAUTIFUL card from my "Great-Grandma" CTMH upline Pam Klassen. Pam is three 'levels' above me & the last in the family tree before you get directly to corporate! So glad to be a part of her "Greenhearts" team!

The card was created using an exclusive stamp set we received at last year's Close to My Heart convention in Washington, DC. Love it!

Thanks so much for the card and for brightening my day Pam!!

Back to School with Class Act

2011-08-27T15:04:00.000-06:00

Studio J has great benefits for members! One of which is the exclusive member-only digital paper packs available to create with. One of my favourite member-only kit is "Class Act". Perfect designs for school photos!

Here is a layout I created using Class Act for my son's first day of school pics from last year!

CTMH Studio J Layout using "Class Act" - First Day of Preschool

Thanks for stopping by for this week's installment of Studio Saturday. Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Just Cruisin'

2011-08-24T14:22:00.000-06:00

Hey all!! Hope you are all enjoying the last days of summer, as I am. Actually, this is the hottest week we've had all summer in Calgary and I've spent most of it sitting in a cold hockey arena!! My daughter is in hockey camp this week and despite missing out on some of the amazing weather - I do love watching her play!

Haven't had much time to craft over the last few weeks - but when I have - I've been scrapping some of our fun summer memories from years past!

This photo is from several summers ago! Whenever we visit my family farm - the kids love getting a chance to 'drive' around the yards. (Just like I did when I was a kid!) This is my daughter at age TWO driving on my Mom's lap!

Layout pattern is "Bottom Border - Title" from the CTMH book "Reflections".

Materials Used (all CTMH):

Mayberry Level 2 Paper Pack

Chocolate Alphabet stamp set

Lots of Dots Color Ready Alphabet Stickers

Cocoa Buttons

Colonial White waxy flax

Antiqued copper photo corners

(the flower/leaf embellishments were simply cut out from the Mayberry patterned paper)

Enjoy the rest of your week!

Studio Saturday - Convention 2011 Layout

2011-08-20T11:45:00.000-06:00

A new layout for you for this week's Studio Saturday!

This layout was created using the Fanfare kit! This design (originally a 10-photo design, I added an extra photo in a text space) was perfect for creating a page of 'highlights' from my Anaheim trip for CTMH's 2011 Convention!
The brads and hinges are digital embellishments and I coloured them cranberry for my accent colour. The heart accent is a digital 'sticker' for the Fanfare kit that I thought fit perfectly on this Close to my HEART layout!
Love, love, love that this layout only took me about 10 minutes from start to finish! Dragged & dropped my favourite photos from my trip and they were automatically resized to fit the photo wells, added my title and accents and voila - complete!!

The highlights I chose for this layout include the CTMH executive team, the new Fall/Winter Idea Book, the BIG Cricut announcement, Mary Flynn (Disney Institute keynote speaker), some of the convention fun/games, and a few snapshots of me from the week. Aaahh, good memories!! Exactly what a good scrapbook page should be!

Create with Studio J today! It's free to play with - you only pay when you are ready to purchase your completed layouts! You are going to LOVE it!!