Goodie Bags!

Who doesn't love to get a goodie bag?

As you know, I've been in a few consultant swaps for the release of the 

2015-2016 Close To My Heart Annual Inspirations and 

Fall Holiday Expressions catalogs.  

The last swap I joined was called the New Stamp Swap.  The only restrictions were I had to use a specific stamp set, the project had to be at least 4" x 4", and it was an "anything goes" project.  Oh how fun! 

I was fortunate enough to get the Pumpkin Chevron (B1488) stamp set.  If you haven't seen this stamp set, then you are missing out!  This has got to be one of the cutest stamp sets, ever!

First, I cut out the pumpkin shape using the Artbooking Cricut Collection (Z3169) from White Daisy (1388) card stock.  I stamped the pumpkin chevron in Sunset ink ( Z2191).  To me, it just looked too plain.  So, I stamped the word Boo! (from the same stamp set) in Black ink (Z2105) on top of the chevron.  

The Black paper (1386) was cut into a rectangle 3" x 3.5".  I then cut another rectangle using the Nevermore (X7198B) paper at 2" by 3.75".  I used Black Shimmer Trim (Z1809) to give some sparkle then used pop dots to adhere the pumpkin in the middle.  The purple bag was purchased from a store in bulk.

Don't you think this would be a fun goodie bag?  I'd like to find it sitting on my desk filled with Reese's pumpkins or popcorn or...well, just about anything fun & fall'ish!  What have you created for fall?  I'd love to see it.

Until next time...Happy crafting!

Nevermore - Part 3

The last of the Nevermore (X7198B) paper pack projects.  

The first is a 3" x 3" card.  I cut the card base and  image out of White Daisy (1385) using the Art Philosophy Cricut Collection ( Z3171).  Next, I stamped the image from the Trick or Treat Sweets stamp set (B1460).  

The Nevermore (X7198B) paper was cut to 3" x 3", same as the card itself.  I  inked/distressed the edges of the paper using the Black Exclusive Ink pad (Z2105).  Next, I used Black Shimmer Trim (Z1809) to give it some bling.  The cutout is adhered to the card by pop dots.  

Here is my last card.  It is a 4.25" x 5.5" card.  First, I cut out the card base using Black cardstock (1386).  Next, I cut out the white pieces from White Daisy cardstock (1385) at 3.75" by 5".  The white pieces, both on the top and inside the card, were distressed using the Black Exclusive Ink Pad (Z2105).  Next, I had purchased a paperback book (Interview with a Vampire by Ann Rice) from a local thrift store that I wanted to use for this project.  I tore out some pages and wadded them up into small balls.  After I unrolled the balls, I inked the pages with the Sunset Exclusive Ink Pad (Z2191).  The edges I inked a little more to give definition.  The spider web is cut from the Artiste Cricut Collection (Z3170) and cut in half.  I then took a strip of a piece of Nevermore paper and glued to the top, placing the spider web slightly underneath.  The spider is a plastic toy I bought at the store.  

So, I'm ready for Halloween now that I've made my new cards.  What have you created for Halloween?  I'd love to see your ideas!

Until next time...Happy crafting!

Nevermore - Part 2

 The fall season is just around the corner and I've been busy creating projects for an annual swap I do with other Close To My Heart consultants to help us prep for the release of our new catalog.  I was assigned (meaning I begged for) the Nevermore (X7198B) paper pack.  I love Halloween - not the scary or gory stuff, but the cute and fun stuff.  

As part of the swap, I had to create a 2 page layout using the paper pack.  I was at a loss of how to come up with something unique, as I'm wont to do so it took me longer than I had hoped.  Eventually, I came up with the idea of a night sky as the sun was going down.  Not quite sure if I pulled it off, but, hey, you never know until you try, right?

First, I painted 2 pages of the Watercolor Paper (Z3146) using the 

Watercolor Paints (Z3132).  Basically, I just did large swipes of color across the pages.  

Next, I cut out the images using my Cricut Explore.  All images are from the Artbooking Cricut Collection (Z3169) from Close To My Heart.  I love using the Explore because I can adjust the sizes of the images.  

So, here is my 2 page layout.  Like I said, it's not my favorite thing I've ever done, but, it's definitely unique.  

Until next time...Happy Crafting!

All in the Family

Hello Friends & Welcome Back!

The crafting bug bit my niece!  YAY! It's always fun to craft someone else, especially family who makes you laugh.  My niece Madison just turned 11.  She wanted to make a project for her room using the colors hot pink, black, and white.  She also wanted to incorporate zebra print and a cross.  No challenge there, right?  Luckily, I had a wooden cross in my stash and lots of paint.  

She painted the base of the cross black and the edges hot pink.  

Ain't she cute?!  If she knew I posted a pic of her with her glasses, she'd be so mad at me.  But, I think she's adorable with her glasses, so... here she is. We didn't finish the cross that day, so I haven't got pictures of the finished product.  I will have to get some and post for you soon.

For Madison's 11th birthday, she wanted to give her friends a keepsake.  She and her mom bought some frames at a craft store.  I cutout letters using my handy-dandy Cricut.  Madison painted the frames pink and then she Mod-Podged the names on them.  One for each girl who came to the party.

Using a retired punch from Close To My Heart, I punched out several pieces of black cardstock, squirted the punches with water, and then crumpled them up.  After unwrapping the scrunched up punches, I put a hole in the middle and put a retired blinged out brad through it.  Thus, I created a cute flower.  Here is an example of the finished product...before the pictures of the girls. 

Personally, I think for an 11-year-old, Madison did a GREAT job!  What do you think?  

What have you created lately?  Need supplies?  Check out Close To My Heart!

Until next time...Happy crafting!

Classroom Decor Part 2

Here it is, the 2nd item I created for my classroom after browsing the cuteness at the craft store.  As I mentioned before, I can't pay my hard earned $$$$$ for something that I know I can make at home.  Now, I will admit, I did pay for the frame, but I got it at 50% off, so it was worth it.  I also purchased 1 sheet of scrapbook paper, which I used as the background.  I very rarely purchase anything other than Close To My Heart products, but I just loved this paper and I knew it would be perfect for my project.  

All the letters were cutting using either the Art Philosophy Cricut Collection (Z3171) or the 

Artiste Cricut Collection (Z3170) from Close To My Heart.  The rose was from the Art Philosophy Collection.  The bling is unfortunately retired now, but I absolutely love it.

Here is the project hanging on the wall of my room.  It's hard to see, but you can get the idea.  Not bad for a $10 frame and some scrapbook paper, right?  :D

Let me know what you think, I love hearing from you!  And post any items YOU'VE made for your work space or classroom.

Until next time...Happy craftin'!

Classroom Decor Part 1

As I mentioned last time, I've been through a whirlwind and haven't posted much.  Well, part of that whirlwind has to do with a job change.  I'm so very happy to say that I am the new psychology and sociology teacher at a local high school.  It is the best job & words cannot express how much I love it.  With my new job, came my new classroom.  A classroom I only have to share for 1 period.  So, you know I had to craft it up! 

Here is the first project I did for my room.  I saw something similar at a craft store that I like to frequent and get ideas.  In fact, every time I go in there, I take about a dozen pictures of things I'd like to make.  Well, this is one of those items that I just couldn't pay $30 for when I knew I could make it myself and make it 'mine.'  At the time, I didn't have my watercolors yet, so I used the Watercolor Pencils (3505) and the Blending Pen (3174).  I colored a 12x12 piece of White Daisy Cardstock (1385) with a blue'ish colored pencil and then blended it with water.

Next, I cut out the W from a retired piece of 12x12 cardstock from Close To My Heart.  The roses are cut from Honey cardstock (X5668) using the Art Philosophy Cricut Collection (Z3171).  I added some retired bling flourishes.

I was able to get a 50% discount on the frame at the craft store, so of course I bought it.  It's a shadow box frame, and I really liked it.  And, since I wanted the turquoise, grey, and yellow colors in my room, it was perfect!

So, as you can see, for only $10 for a frame and items I currently had, I was able to make an adorable monogram for my classroom. 

Nevermore - Part 1

Hello my friends!

It has been quite some time since I've posted and I'm sorry.  Life has been insane and I'm just now getting back to some normalcy.  

So, back to the blogging and posting of creations I have done.  The card below is 5x7 using the new Nevermore paper pack from Close To My Heart as the base.  The overlay is an old transparency that a co-worker was going to throw away.  I snagged up about 5-7 boxes of transparencies that day - for free!  The edges & images have been inked in Staz-On and the images are from the Steampunk Scoundrels stamp set.  

As always, you can click the links and go straight to my website to order the paper and stamp set.  I'd love to hear your opinion on the card.

Until next time...Happy crafting!