Marie-France's crafty space

Paper Roses

2011-08-12T09:52:00.005-05:00

Product used:
Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge (Banner 6 - flower) & (Leaf 4)
Tulip cardstock
Cranberry ink
New England Ivy cardstock
Ponderosa Pine ink
Bamboo skewers
Pearl adhesive gems (Z1336)
Lots and lots of Liquid Glass ; - )

I went from this...

to this...

and here is a close-up, you can't really see the pearls inside the petals.
I used 1/4" strips of New England Ivy cardstock to wrap around the bamboo skewers.

It took me most of the day to make a dozen roses but I will have this bouquet on my desk for a long, long time. And when I have more time I will make some baby's breath to go with it.

Blog Hopping "Fabulously" !!

2011-08-01T08:48:00.008-05:00

Tresa Black, a.k.a The Stamp Goddess, is generously hosting a Blog Hop to showcase the wonderful new products from the Fall/Winter 2011 Idea Book.
I met Tresa a few years ago at convention and it was like shaking hands with one of the Beatles! lol

Make sure you visit and subscribe to her blog ; you will be gobsmacked by her talent and artistry.

Here is my entry for this Blog Hop, a Roxie scallop card.

Do you ever wonder why we call our Idea Book an Idea Book and not a catalogue? Our wonderful Idea Book is in itself a tool, full of layouts, cards and inspiration!

I deliberately chose a design from the book (on page 17) and changed the paper from Typeset to Roxie to create a different look and feel to this card. I often don't have the time or energy to create original artwork and often turn to our Idea Book to get me started.
Click on my link to see it online: my Hostess Club members and active customers get a copy for FREE!

Product used for this card:
Roxie paper pack level 2 (X7140B) ~ Black, Smoothie, Desert Sand
Blue Ribbon Stamp Set (C1464)
Black Mini medley pack (Z1393)

Check out the *new* White Daisy Die-Cut cards & envelopes (Z1473, $6.50/10) on page 123. These babies would have saved me from cutting out all my scallops by hand! Brilliant!

Enjoy the Blog Hop!

Studio J® Free-for-All!

2011-05-29T13:36:00.003-05:00

June 2011 Constant Campaign

During our Studio J^® Free-for-All in June, we're giving everyone a FREE Studio J^® JPG file—no purchase required! Simply log on to Studio J, create a layout, then order one JPG file of your layout during the checkout process. It's as easy as that! We're offering one free JPG file per customer account during June, so customers who already have a Studio J or a MyCTMH^® account are ready to log on and start creating. If you don't have an account, no worries—you can log on and create an account and then order your free JPG file with no strings attached.

Make June the month you discover Studio J with our FREE JPG promotion. You'll love it and return for more!

Happy New Year !

2011-01-08T10:50:00.005-05:00

I saw this design on Split Coast and loved the idea. I used Cocoa, Honey, Grey Flannel and Twilight cardstock, a white Sharpie, Prisma Glitter and white embossing powder.
The stamp set is C1293 Wonderful Season (retired set).
The 2011 stick-ons was a bargain find at a local craft shop!

Merry Christmas to me!

2010-12-27T13:35:00.004-05:00

In my constant attempts to find the perfect adhesive I decided to treat myself this year; when I saw this item on sale at Michaels I didn't hesitate!

I still enjoy my Tombow for small projects but this is great for large pieces of paper. It is much lighter than I thought it would be and don't you just love the coulour?! ; - )

Notebook

2010-11-22T17:25:00.000-05:00

It's the project and the name of the paper I usesd. I love making these!

August Stamp of the Month

2010-08-13T09:35:00.004-05:00

This stamp set is so beautiful and vesatile! Here are a few cards I made with this set.

This one was cased from Angela Tutton's Blog. I just love the masking technique she used.
I made mine using the new colours of Lagoon and Pear; I just love them!

From Michelle's Blog I cased the following two cards

This is made with the new Olivia paper pack (available Sept. 1st) and the new Pear and Smoothie inks.

I used It's a guy thing paper pack (retiring soon), Barn Red and New England Ivy inks. Not sure if you can it in the picture but I scored the Colonial white cardstock and lightly sponged it with Desert Sand ink to give some more dimension to the card.

If you love this SOTM as much as I do you can order it, or even get it for FREE, on my website.

For more artwork using this stamp set be sure to visit the Blog Hop, starting here.

Sneek peek ...

2010-08-10T16:50:00.003-05:00

Here is a layout I just did using the new paper pack coming September 1st: Mistletoe !
The pattern is from the new pattern book from Jeanette R. Lynton: MAGIC .
The hidden journaling comes from a photo slide pattern, one of several included in the book. You are certainly going to want to get this book!

Marerial used:
Cocoa cardstock and ink
Cranberry cardstock and ink
Snow Days stamp set C1420 (available Sept. 2010)
Snow Flurries stamp set D1384
Cranberry grosgrain ribbon
EK Success and SU punch
Assorted makers
Mistletoe paper pack X7130B (available Sept. 2010)
Mistletoe stickease X7130C (available Sept. 2010)
Misteltoe assortments Z1320 (available Sept. 2010)

The title is cut from my Slice, Spring cartridge.

Hope you like it!

Jeremy's quilt

2010-07-24T13:13:00.003-05:00

It's been bugging me for a while that I am overdue to make Jeremy a quilt.
I made him look through some of my old Fons & Porter's magazines until he found a style he likes, and one that won't take me a year to make! (picture me shoving a magazine between his face and his iPod saying "do you like this?")

Anyway...
He still likes astronomy so I picked a themed fabric and tried to find coordinating fabrics that will make this quilt last through his teenage years.
I feel in love with the striped fabric and bought the last of their stock!

I hope to get this done by September... I will keep you posted.

Close to my Heart Convention 2010 !

2010-07-21T15:45:00.004-05:00

Once again I had the pleasure to attend a CTMH convention and it was fabulous. I am so excited about the improvements that I will share with you soon. Jeannette is always thinking forward and keeps the company fresh and innovative in this industry !! Check out her Blog to see some pics, a funny video and a sneak peek at the new Idea Book!
The White House
The Capitol Building

The Gaylord National, view from the elevators.
What a beautiful hotel !!

Mini pizza boxes

2010-05-26T18:15:00.004-05:00

I used the tutorial from Split Coast Stampers to make mini pizza boxes but changed the dimensions to make them the perfect size to give Petite Perks. Petite Perks are adorable small stamp sets that I give out as gifts, for Hostesses, or in this case for attending my open house!

Materials used:
Chocolate cardstock (5 1/2" x 10 1/2" ) Scored 1" on all borders and at 4 3/4" and 5 3/4"
Chocolate ink
Sponge dauber
Good Times paper pack
Thank you stamp set (D1361)
White organdy ribbon

The closed box measures 3 1/2" x 3 3/4" and is perfect for 3x3 cards to give as a gift.

Happy Mother's day

2010-05-12T10:29:00.003-05:00

Here is a card inspired by my friend Jessica's Mother's Day cards.
The paper is from Felicity; if you got this pack during the promotion here is another idea on how to use it up!
The stamp set is the March Stamp of the Month (A little everything); you can easily swap the greeting with another! All product is from Close to my Heart unless otherwise specified.

The colours are Barn Red, Sorbet and Colonial White. The brads are from my stash (Making Memories I think...) , I used the SU border scallop punch and the ribbon is from the Colonial White ribbon collection (z1126).

Open House card

2010-05-08T12:42:00.004-05:00

This is what my guests made at my Open House last Thursday night.

I used the new Creative Basics Cherry-O Collection (X5810) with the cranberry velvet ribbon it comes with, the little bird from Live Inspired stamp set (C1408), a Just Bloom paper flower and the sentiment from the EveryDay Celebration card kit. The colours are Tulip, chocolate, sweet leaf and crystal blue.

The door prize at my Open House is the Hostess reward from the total of all the orders. One lucky guest just won $95 in free product, a 1/2 price item from the Idea Book AND a free Miracle kit !!
Contact me if you want to be on my email list and I will let you know when my next Open House will be (August or September).

It's a Miracle ! paper kit

2010-04-26T21:07:00.005-05:00

Here is a layout I did with the new CTMH promotional Kit for National Scrapbooking Month.

I love that it is neutral enough so that I can choose the accent colour to go with my photos!
Also, it gave me the chance to try out the Flip Flaps which made it possible to put 6 4x6 photos on one page!

He's almost a teenager...

2010-04-18T13:35:00.005-05:00

My son will be 13 soon and his moods are all over the place. I am so glad that I captured ''The Look''. Moms of teenagers, you know the one I am talking about ! lol

I LOVE this paper pack, You Rock (X7122) along with the Top Coats Rockin' (Z1272), the stamp set that came with the Workshop on the Go (Just Be You) and Rustic Alphabet (E1002).

He used to make cute Gingerbread houses...

2010-01-10T12:42:00.002-05:00

Now my son is a tween with an interesting sense of humour. I must admit that I share that trait and had no trouble making "blood coloured" royal icing for his Gingerbread people this year.

I used the Felicity collection to make this layout. The orange tones suited these pictures perfectly!

Short on time this year...

2009-12-27T16:04:00.005-05:00

I didn't have the time to make my Christmas cards this year so I used the fabulous CTMH card kit ~Around the Holidays~ to help me out !

If you ever wondered what the cards look like made up here are a few pictures. It took me less than an hour to assemble the cards and address the envelopes.
Now that is Easier, Faster, Simpler !

Cards for UOttawa teachers

2009-12-27T15:52:00.005-05:00

We decided that our whole class would sign a Christmas card for our teachers this semester and this is what I made:

I used the Jingle paper pack.

A gift

2009-12-27T15:39:00.003-05:00

I saw my friend Sylvie make one of these sets using tin boxes from Solutions, a storage shop here in Ottawa.

I made this as a gift using Evensong paper pack and assorted CTMH stamp sets.

Celebrate National Papercrafting Month with Felicity!

2009-11-29T09:42:00.003-05:00

It is a beautiful collection! I received mine last week so I could preview it and I am sure you are going to love it too.

Campaign Dates:
Customers and Hostesses: December 15, 2009—January 31, 2010
New Consultants: January 1–31, 2010
There are three ways to get the Felicity collection:

Purchase it at full retail price for $40.95.
Place an order of $60/$70 or more in full-retail priced stamp sets (A, B, C, D, and E-size) and receive one collection FREE! Excludes: Stamp of the Month, Art & Soul,®Workshop on the Go,™ and customizable (K) stamp sets.
Place an order of $145 or more in full-retail priced Close To My Heart products and receive one collection FREE!

The collection features decorative die-cut paper, three gorgeous color schemes, and a D-size stamp set that include flowers, flourishes, argyle patterns, birds, and an entire alphabet!
Your papercrafting possibilities are endless!

Noel card

2009-11-09T10:24:00.003-05:00

I had time to do one card last week., this is for a party I am doing on Saturday.
I used the Jingle Christmas card, Holiday Jingle Stamp Set, Holiday Commentary-French Stamp Set, Juniper cardstock, Tulip Cardstock and ink, Colonial White ribbon.
For those who want a french card they will add the "joyeux" and the trema and those who want and english version will omit both.

You might not be able to tell from this picture but the Juniper cardstock is pop-doted.

Halloween treats

2009-10-30T16:19:00.004-05:00

I made 55 of these goodie bags for my practicum kids. They were so nice to me this week!
It says "Joyeuse Halloween de Mme Kupo" on the other side. It's FSL after all! ; - )

You can choose to see it as an act of kindness, or an act of bribery so the kids are nice to me when I return for my next practicum session. LOL!
I see it as a bit of both ; - )

Have a Happy and safe Halloween everyone!

My practicum binder

2009-10-24T19:57:00.003-05:00

I have been quite busy at teacher's college and not scrapbooking as much as I would like.
When I was asked to get a practicum binder for my placement I decided that I needed to decorate it a bit.
I think I am completely justified in spending time on this since being creative is a big part of teaching. Right?! lol

I am also hoping to make a set of cards as Christmas gifts this year... we will see how that plan turns out. I'll keep you posted ; - )

Meanwhile here is my binder, I used Notebook paper and stickease, Shining Star and Storybook alphabet stamp sets.

Everyday Celebration card kit

2009-08-29T14:39:00.004-05:00

The Everyday Celebration card kit was designed by CTMH to celebrate National Stamping Month in September. It includes everything you need to complete 16 cards, 2 each of 8 designs.
I really enjoyed making these and love the gender-neutral colours and style.

This is what happens when you leave you sponge daubers and papers lying around! (Gillian likes to play with my stuff. lol)

I plan on keeping this ruined card base as a template and, with the cutting instructions that are included in the kit, I will make some Christmas cards.
I hope to get those done and posted soon.

Decorated Paint Can

2009-08-19T17:13:00.003-05:00

I needed a New Teacher Survival Kit for a gift and decided to decorate a paint can. I bought an unused one from Home Depot for $5.

I used the Magic Moments paper pack
Doodle Art stamp set and White Daisy Pigment ink for the chalkboard
The worm stamp is Bookworm, an Imaginisce stamp set
Free Spirit stamp set for the circle stamp on the cover
The acrylic tag is a Tim Holtz Fragment with CTMH Love Letter rub-ons
Just Blooms paper flowers
and assorted ribbon, some CTMH and some not, complete the project.

Now I just have to fill it with goodies...

Rock Star layout

2009-08-18T10:02:00.006-05:00

I was cleaning up my stash to get ready for my Open House and came across this unfinished layout. I had everything cut up and ready but forgot to leave myself a note saying how the layout should go!
I knew I had probably used our CTMH reference books so after a quick look through Cherish I found that I had cut up the pattern for Harmony (p.38)

I used the Sarsaparilla paper pack
Colours: Ponderosa pine, Barn Red, Desert Sand and Colonial White.
Twill ribbon
Pewter accents
You Rock stamp set - Desert Sand Ink
The Slice ~ Basics 1 design card

A sneak peek...

2009-08-17T21:34:00.003-05:00

The new Close to my Heart Idea Book will go "live" September 1st, you will be able to see it on the CTMH website.
I will be hosting my Open House on Wednesday September 2nd from 6:30 to 9:30pm. I'll be sending invitations soon, but meanwhile, just to tease you a bit, here is a "little" look:

it's not much I know, but isn't the anticipation fun? !

Baby Memory Box

2009-08-15T15:55:00.005-05:00

I have made this for a friend who is expecting very, very soon. I hope she likes it ! (it's a surprise so don't tell her ; - ) )

I used :
Close to my Heart Animal Crackers Level 2 My Reflections paper pack
My Creations Memory Keeper Box
Hemp
Clear buttons (CTMH with some SU mixed in)
Journaling Jots stamp set
The Slice - Animal Crackers design card (of course!)
Colorbok monogram chipboard
Bazzill cardstock strips
The colours are: Desert Sand, Dutch Blue, Sunflower and Tulip

With big thanks to Joy, for letting me peek at her wonderful Memory boxes and giving me the dimensions! And a very special thanks to Chris Green who made this Memory Box first and shared it with the rest of us!

Animal Cracker Tri-fold Birthday Card

2009-08-13T11:10:00.005-05:00

I really like the August Stamp of the Month and wanted to make something unusual with it. I knew I was on the right track when I saw Kandi's card! I shamelessly proceeded to scraplift it. ; - )

This tri-fold card is easy to make:
take a 5 1/2" x 12" piece of cardstock
Score (the long way) at 2", 4", 8" and 10"
Cut from the 2"mark to the 10", 1 1/2" from the top and bottom of the long edge
Add paper and accents, fold it up and Voila!

I used all CTMH products unless specified:
Animal Crackers Creative Basics
August SOTM ~ It's your Day
Chocolate cardstock for the base
White Daisy textured cardstock
Dutch Blue ink and Cardstock
Tulip ink and cardstock
Sunflower, Bamboo, Sorbet and Creme Brulee inks
Cranberry and White Daisy brads
Sparkles

Remember that you can get the August SOTM and a free Level 2 My Reflections paper pack when you order $125 worth of product this month, from Aug3-17th! Shipping is free as well. See the side bar for a link to more details on the special.

If you would like to see more artwork done with the It's your Day stamp set, take a look at the August Blog Hop where you will see 64 CTMH Consultants sharing their SOTM creations.

Copic markers

2009-07-13T08:05:00.004-05:00

I am not an artist.
As this post, and the last few ones prove, I have precious little time to create anything let alone devote hours and hours colouring in a lovely stamp, creating something spectacular for a card or a layout. No matter how much I would want to ; - )

However, I was curious to see what the fuss was all about. I have been hearing about Copic markers for over a year now, about these lovely Japanese hand made artist tools. Refillable, changeable nibs, over 300 colours (depending on which ones you buy). So I attended Jen's Copic introduction class at the Scrapbox last weekend to try them out.

They sure are lovely to use, vibrant colours, blendable (you can purchase a blending pen also. Very cool!), low odor, alcohol ink and works on ribbon and metal (think customized brads!). They are also $8.95 each. Of course you only have to buy them once.

Here are some websites that can give you more information if you are interested:
http://copicmarker.com/faq/

http://thenextlevelchallenge.blogspot.com/2009/07/tutorials-of-week.html

http://ilikemarkers.blogspot.com/

and here is a lady, bless her heart, who made a Copic marker chart for our Close to My Heart colours:
http://www.hookedonstamping.com/index.php/color-charts/copic-markers-ctmh-colors/

I did not splurge, this time. But I am definitely intrigued and will keep them in mind...maybe someday....

Memory Roundup

2009-07-06T08:08:00.003-05:00

Here's a great idea that I found while sufin' (don't you just *love* blogs?!) on the Katie the Scrapbook Lady site.
Once a month she sits down and compiles memories, backs up her photos, prints them and answers some questions about her and her family's life. She call it the Memory Roundup.

In keeping with Stacey Julian's method that I am going to adapt to my life, doing this roundup is technically still Scrapbooking. So I will not feel guilty spending a few minutes answering these questions and saving my document somewhere safe.
I might change some of the questions and add "what was my child obsessed with this month?" (ITouch) and "what milestone did Gillian reach" (putting on her shoes by herself. yah!).

This is just one more way that I can record and preserve our memories of our busy life.

Work in progress ~ Birth sampler

2009-07-04T13:03:00.006-05:00

Here is the birth sampler I am working on for my nephew. It took me a while to find one that really wowed me, I even bought another pattern and then changed my mind. This pattern took 6 weeks to get here but it was worth the wait!

I needed something that my sister would like, that would suit a boy's room, that didn't look babyish (no pastels please!!) and that had a bit of "me" in it.

An historical sampler imported from England is definitely "me"! ; - ) Aren't the thread colours fabulous?!

I hope Nicolas likes it...

The pattern is Animal Patchwork sampler from www.historicalsamplercompany.co.uk, purchased through ABC Stitch Therapy, stitched on 32 count linen. I'll post the finished sampler when it is done, hopefully by mid-September.

Happy Canada Day !!

2009-07-01T11:21:00.005-05:00

This is the Laura J. Perin Maple Leaf design from her American Quilt Collection.

Dahlia fold ~ An oldie but a goodie

2009-06-28T08:48:00.004-05:00

These Dahlia fold flower cards have been on the web for a while now but I really like the look of them and the 2D effect on a card. I saw samples of these cards on the CTMH consultant board, I wish I could remember the consultant's name, darn it (I am buying Ginkgo Biloba to improve my memory today!)
I used D1355 - Gracious Greetings-French
Emporium Creative Basics
Magic Moments paper
Boom Di Ada Creative Basics

I made these 5x7 cards as thank you for teachers and EAs this year. How do you thank a person that has taken the time to take care and nurture your child, especially one as vulnerable as our little girl? Both my kids are switching schools in the fall and starting a new phase in their education.
I would have loved to have crafted gifst for them all, but I ran out of time. Instead I decided to write a letter thanking them for their hard work and dedication. I hope that was enough...

She rocked my world !

2009-06-15T07:47:00.006-05:00

I have been following Stacey Julian's blog for a while now, last year I even took a class at Big Picture Scrapbooking.
I was intrigued when Stacey mentioned her Library of Memories system on her blog and, being dissatisfied with my lack of progress getting my layouts done (and with a Chapters gift card in my purse) decided to get her book, PhotoFREEDOM.

Well. WOW! She rocked my world! It's not about being "caught up"scrapbooking all my pictures in chronological order anymore!

If I haven't been posting in a while it's because I have been reading her book, using her system to organise my photos and memorabilia. And I can't even say that I haven't been scrapbooking during this time because, as Stacey says:

You see, the term scrapbooking does not refer to the
assembly of pages. Scrapbooking actually describes an ongoing,
multi-dimensional spectrum of activities that begins with an awareness of your life,
followed my a desire to photograph and record your day-to-day experiences,
ultimately resulting in scrapbook albums that are overflowing with colorful,
perspective-laden layouts, each of which contributes in some small way
to the story of your life and heritage.

If you are feeling overwhelmed by boxes of photos and a (or more) hard drive full of unprinted digital images, I recommend you get this book. A weight has been lifted off my shoulders and I feel energized and creative.

Birthday stair-step card

2009-05-14T08:58:00.005-05:00

My baby turned 12 yesterday and I am so very proud so see that he is such a nice, polite and empathetic boy. I see glimpses of the man he's going to become.
He also has an eye for pretty things and thought he might enjoy an unusual birthday card. I saw this on Vicki's blog and put it aside to scraplift for a special occasion and here is my version:

The colours are Outdoor Denim, Moonstruck, and Cranberry.
Stamp sets are: You Rock (D1346), Shining Star (D1320), Happy Birthday (C1257)
I used the Rock and Roll technique for the stars (Makes them stand out and it went with my theme ; - ) )
I also added a few dewdrops, from The Robin's Nest, as accents.

Flower pot card

2009-05-13T09:13:00.004-05:00

I made this card for a teacher at my son's school who is on sick leave. She is our beloved kindergarden teacher who is on the school parent council and does a lot for our kids. We hope she gets better soon!
This is what it looks like opened:

Here is where I found the tutorial.

I used CTMH product, except where specified:
Colours are Chocolate, Colonial White, Hollyhock, Blush, Sweet Leaf and Lilac Mist
Life Delights paper
Just bloom paper flowers
Clear buttons
Hollyhock twill ribbon
Spot on Background stamp set D1280
Serendipity stamp set D1275
Thoughtful Scrip stamp set (french) B1251
Dew Drops (The Robin's Nest)
The Slice ~ Basic Shapes 1 (Making Memories)
Border scallop punch (Stampin'Up)

Close to My Heart artwork forum

2009-05-09T09:38:00.003-05:00

Colleen, a consultant from eastern Ontario, has created a forum for all of us to post and admire our CTMH artwork. The forum is set up so you can search by stamp set or by My Reflections Paper Packs!

I am hoping to find some time to post some of my artwork soon. Meanwhile, please feel free to browse
http://ctmhartwork.freeforums.org/

Bella Cupcake

2009-05-07T10:11:00.003-05:00

I made another one! This was a commissioned project (LOL!) for a friend.
I used the new Bella Paper pack, some ribbon I had in my stash, Just Blooms in Pansy Purple with Colonial White brads in their center, a Big Pink Bloom paper flower, and White grosgrain ribbon to make the "whipped cream". The cherry is a 14mm wooden bead painted red and covered with Liquid Glass; a cranberry brad and cranberry waxy flax completes it.

For those of you who feel like making one I got the tutorial from the fabulous Tresa Black

Open house make & take

2009-05-01T21:07:00.004-05:00

What do you do when you have an open house in a few hours and no make & take ready for your customers? Well, you take the latest Idea Book from Close to My Heart and flip through the pages until you see something you think is cute.
On page 71, you stop at the artwork for the Baby Steps stamp set. Then you notice that it says the design is Center Charms from the Originals card confidence book.
So you flip to page 59 in the book to get the dimensions for the card, use the new Back Country paper and Happy Birthday Stamp set (C125). You add Outdoor denim twill ribbon, some pewter brads, good old sponge daubers (with Olive, Barn red and Outdoor Denim inks) and the SU scallop edge punch and voila!

Nothing motivates quite like a deadline...

Wishes ~ the new card confidence book from Jeanette

2009-05-01T09:39:00.003-05:00

I am thrilled to tell you that Jeanette Lynton’s latest how-to book, Wishes Card Confidence Program™ (9033 $37.50), has arrived —a month ahead of schedule!—and is available for purchase as of today!

This beautiful new book, which will teach you how to make multiple cards in a flash using Jeanette’s “workshop” approach, create trendy circle cards, and much, much more, will be a perfect addition to your creative library.

I am placing my next order on Monday, if you wish to purchase this beautiful book contact me as soon as possible. Cheers!

Card folio with card set

2009-05-01T09:22:00.005-05:00

When I saw the card folio on Rachel's blog and knew it would make a great Hostess gift ! (especialy for a friend who doesn't like to make cards herself, ; - )
Wouldn't this make a great teacher gift?

I used our Expedition paper pack and the new Gracious greetings (in French). The colours are Olive, Autumn Terracotta and Desert Sand. The ribbon and big chipboard button and the hardware are not CTMH.
The folio was made to hold 5 cards but I made 2 of each and they fit nicely.

Another French stamp set !!

2009-04-21T17:05:00.004-05:00

I am very excited to share with you the latest French stamp set from Close to my Heart: Gracious Greetings (D1355). The stamp set isn't new but the French, and Spanish versions are.
At the end of last year they discontinued the few French stamp sets that we had and I didn't think they would come up with more, but they did! Yah!

I was so excited that I ordered it even before the super-nice lady at Corporate office called me to tell me what words were included in the stamp set. She did very well for someone who doesn't speak the language.
Here is an image of the stamp set. I really, really love the elegant script.

April Stamp of the month card

2009-04-20T20:28:00.006-05:00

I shamelessly scrap-lifted this card from Sue Luther, a CTMH consultant from California; the dock was inspired by Michelle Zindorf 's art style. It's the nicest card made with the Stamp of the Month I've seen, I just had to copy it!

I used Dutch Blue and Cocoa cardstock, Dutch Blue ink, some Post-it notes and q-tips to make the planks on the dock. I did a chain stitch all around the Dad using natural hemp. I really like how it turned out.
The u rock is made with our Rub-Ons, chocolate Love Letters. I used clear embossing powder to make the waves in the water. I added the lure at the last minute and I think I won't put it if I make this card again, the proportions are wrong. Oh well, live and learn...

To see more artwork done with the April SOTM (D1342 - World's best Dad) click here.

Easter bread

2009-04-12T11:40:00.006-05:00

When I was a little girl my Mother would make Easter bread every year for our Easter morning breakfast. It was a sweet dough which she braided and added an egg in the middle of the "nest", they would cook at the same time.
I decided to try it again this year but I cheated and used my bread machine to make the dough; I also added some cinnamon and raisins in mine

Jeremy loved it, Gillian didn't even want to try it (even though she loves raisins!). Kids! LOL!
At one point Jeremy apologized and said he was too stuffed to continue; he though he was supposed to finish the whole "loaf" that morning!
I told him it was okay to take a whole week to eat it if he wanted.

These pictures will definitely go into my 2009 family scrapbook. Being half Italian and half french-Canadian food plays an important part in our traditions. I didn't realize how many pictures of food we take each holiday season!
I am looking forward to ordering a new CTMH stamp set that will work perfectly with these pictures as well as making wonderful gifts for teachers and friends: Recipe Box stamp set from our new Summer catalog. Check out Jeanette's blog for a sneak peek.

Tickled Pink ~ National Scrapbook Month promotion

2009-04-08T21:25:00.003-05:00

Join the National Scrapbooking Month celebration in May with this special Tickled Pink offer. It's a darling scrapbooking kit that includes the new D-size My Acrylix® I Am stamp set, textured cardstock, B&T Duos™ paper (2 with glitter!), Mini-Medley Accents White Daisy collection, a foam texture tool, and an instruction brochure for creating two beautiful two-page layouts.

You can get the Tickled Pink kit in one of following ways:

April 15–May 31, 2009

Purchase the kit outright for the price of $43.50 (The kit has a retail value of $49.95 but we are offering it to you at a $6.45 savings.)
Earn the Tickled Pink kit for FREE with a purchase that includes a minimum of $75 in stamp sets (excluding K-size/customized and Stamp of the Month).
Hold a qualifying Home Gathering with minimum sales of $500 will receive the Tickled Pink scrapbooking kit for FREE.

May 1–May 31, 2009

New Consultants who enroll during the month of May will receive the Tickled Pink scrapbooking kit for free as part of their New Consultant Kit.

I will have this kit on hand to show you at my open house in May! Details coming soon...

Emporium Creative Basics Birthday card

2009-03-30T08:38:00.003-05:00

I have not been in the scrapping mood lately and I thought the only card I have created in the last 6 weeks should get it's own post!
The pattern is from the Close to my Heart Originals book (pages 100 and 21). I know there are a lot of great card ideas on blogs and websites out there but it is so nice to have a book where all the patterns are together, printed for me in colour!

I used the Emporium Creative Basics; the colours are Sweet Leaf, Vineyard Berry and Cocoa.
I used the Happy Birthday stamp set (C1257) and the February promotional stamp set Good Times (for the cupcake) and Cupcake Sprinkles (D1336) for the candle.

The Vineyard Berry ribbon came with the Creative Basics pack and I just folded over a 2" piece of ribbon over the long ribbon and added a Colonial White brad to hold it in place.

I'm very happy with the way it turned out because it is suitable for either a man or a woman's birthday. I'm hoping to get a few more done this week and create a box to put them in.
That's the plan anyway... ; -)

Valentine card

2009-02-15T09:59:00.005-05:00

I made this for my Hubby for Valentine's Day. I really like the simplicity of it; I am not one for overembellishing. The card is 4" x 5", the Butterfly is about 3 1/2" x 2 1/2".

I used all Close to my Heart products unless otherwise noted.
The March Stamp of the Month*, Butterfly Wings D1341
Life Delights paper pack
Chocolate, Colonial White and Blush cardstock
Chocolate, Blush, Hollyhock and Clear Inks
Clear embossing powder
Transparency film (from Staples)
Crystal Stickles (Ranger)

I had used some Cranberry ink to colour in the wings but found that the Stickles turned the Cranberry orange! Liquid Glass will do the same thing so always do a test before using on your artwork.

CTMH dye-based ink are perfect to scrapbook because they dry right away, but they don't work to emboss so you need to do one extra step: 1- First, dab you stamp in the Clear embossing ink, make sure you get good ink coverage on your stamp. 2- Then dab directly in the coloured ink, without stamping off first. 3- Stamp off on the paper (the embossing ink will be on top of the coloured ink) 4- Emboss as usual.

*to see more SOTM artwork click HERE. This Stamp of the Month is available March 1–31, 2009 only. Contact me to learn how you can earn it for FREE!

I made a cupcake, not the edible kind !

2009-02-04T12:34:00.009-05:00

This cupcake took me most of the day yesterday to make, between chores and taking care of my daughter who was home with a cold, but was really worth the effort!
I got the directions from the *fabulous* Tresa Black. You might remember my "groupie" post from last summer; I'm a big Tresa fan.

Here is a picture of the cupcake:

I used the Magic Moments paper, Just Blooms pink flowers, White Daisy and Chocolate grosgrain ribbon, Black Waxy Flax and a wooden bead and Cranberry brad for the cherry on top!
I will make a bigger cherry next time. I used 9/16" beads and I find it too small, it gets lost in the "whipped cream".

And here is what is hidden inside! :

Doesn't that make the cutest gift card holder?!

Click here to see her video on how to make one. I ran out of glue sticks for my glue gun and had to make an emergency Michaels run (my daughter got a Dora colouring book as a thank you for letting me drag her outside). Be sure to be well stocked before starting ; -)
Feel free to email me if you need help making one or if you would like to get together to make some. I really enjoyed making this!

25th anniversary celebration!

2009-02-01T21:02:00.005-05:00

Close to my Heart founder and CEO Jeanette Lynton marks 25 years as a leader and innovator in the stamping business, and to celebrate, they are giving us a fabulous gift!
From February 3–28, 2009 when you spend $31.25 in My Acrylix® stamps (K-size customized, Stamp of the Month, and any discounted retired sets excluded), you’ll receive a totally cool, custom-designed B-size stamp set, appropriately titled “Good Times”(B-size with a retail value of $17.50) for FREE.*

It’s a celebration-themed set, with a variety of fun party icons and sentiments like “let’s party” and “hip hip hooray” that are oh, so versatile. Everyone will want one—or more!

*Please note that, as always, you do not pay taxes on free items but you do pay shipping based on the retail value of the item. In this case it would be $1.75 + taxes = $1.98

Les (Z)imparfaites

2009-02-01T20:48:00.003-05:00

Ces dames me font rire chaque jour! www.lesimparfaites.com

Voici l'article qui m'a fait rire tellement que j'ai du courir a la salle de bain (maudites grossesses qui détruit nos vessies! LOL!)

http://www.lesimparfaites.com/2008/12/palmars-des-prnoms-selon-les.html

Desk calendar using January SOTM

2009-02-01T20:14:00.005-05:00

I know it's February but I just got this calendar finished today. The January Stamp of the Month, Moments in Time, is perfect for this project!
(Check here for more SOTM artwork)

The desk calendar is 7 1/2" x 6" and uses the Aspen, Enchanted, Majestic and Sweet Pea paper packs. I used my Slice to cut the photo frames and the letters.

I will be making a few more; these *might* be my Hostess gifts this season, hint, hint...

Here it is with my 2x2 pictures added:

Live at CHA

2009-01-25T14:29:00.002-05:00

I bought a Slice in the fall and now I am watching live feeds from the Craft and Hobby Show in CA.
I love technology! I get to see all the new cartridges and the new EMBOSSING tip!!

http://makingmemories.typepad.com/makingmemories/

What happens when a man makes a greeting card?

2009-01-23T21:15:00.002-05:00

This is what happens:

http://www.livevideo.com/video/537FF9DA20B44560845DEE157D1F9DD6/man-made-card.aspx?m_tkc=7540036

Had to share! ; -)

Canvas scrapbook gift

2009-01-05T08:50:00.004-05:00

The Voice Recorder is my favorite CTMH product, I just can't stop using it !!! I had Jeremy and Gillian record a message for Nonna; this was her Christmas gift (I couldn't post this before because it would have spoiled the surprise ; -) )

Here is how I made it:

Christmas luminary

2008-12-31T11:01:00.004-05:00

Here is something I made for teacher gifts this year. They are easy to make, using only 1 sheet of cardstock (for this stamp set), vellum and scraps for accents. You could make one for any occasion, using different stamp sets. You would need to adjust the opening of the windows and it might take more than one sheet of cardstock.

La tire Ste-Catherine

2008-12-08T13:50:00.003-05:00

November 25th is St-Catherine's feast day and in Quebecois tradition we make taffy on that day! Marguerite Bourgeois made this taffy to entice native children to come to school. Later, unmarried women over 25 years of age (gasp!) would make this candy to offer prospective mates; these ladies were known as "catherinettes". Now we just make it because it tastes so good and is fun to make, no need to worry about your marriage status.

Here is the recipe if you are inclined to make some:

Ingredients

- 125 ml (1/2 cup) Molasses

- 125 ml (1/2 cup) corn syrup

- 250 ml (1 cup) Brown Sugar

- 250 ml (1 cup) white sugar

- 65 ml (1/4 cup) butter

- 1 tbsp. white vinegar

- 1/4 tsp. cream of tartar

- 1/8 tsp. baking soda

Method

Place the molasses, corn syrup, brown sugar, white sugar, vinegar, cream of tartar and half the butter in a pot.
Bring to a boil over low heat until the mixture registers 140° C (260° F). If you don't have a candy thermometer, don't panic. You'll just have to test it several times.
Stir for 5 to 10 minutes. The mixture has to reach the "ball" stage, meaning it's ready when you drop a little of it into a small bowl of cold water and it forms a ball.
Mix in the baking soda.
Pour into buttered dishes and let cool slightly until you can pick the taffy up without burning your hands.
Butter your hands well and begin pulling: pull, fold in half, and repeat the process until the taffy is pale golden, and almost white. If it sticks to your hands, put a little more butter on them.
Pull one last time and twist up tightly in small lengths. Cut into pieces with scissors.
Place on a buttered plate or wrap in waxed paper.

Enjoy!

Christmas luminary

2008-11-30T10:50:00.003-05:00

Every Idea Book release I have one special gift for my Hostesses; this luminary was my Fall 2008 gift. I will be making a few more of these for gifts at Christmas. They are super easy to make, you just need to be good at measuring and using a craft knife ; -)
All product are from CTMH except for the ribbon. I used cranberry and black cardstock, Gloria stamp set (D1305), Markers (Juniper, Sorbet, Creme Brulee, Desert Sand), Vellum, Archival Black ink pad and gold embossing powder.
I've added a battery operated tealight from the dollar store, so it is perfectly safe!

I will be posting an instructional video soon.

Exercise hard. Eat right. Die anyway.

2008-11-17T14:53:00.000-05:00

This lovely little notebook was waiting for me when I came back from my scrapbooking weekend in Cornwall yesterday. My wonderful husband took the kids to the dollar store while I was gone and he bought this for me.
To come home after a lovely weekend in the company of lovely ladies, sharing our love of crafting (and sharing treats) and find this on my desk was just perfect. I love it!
Remember, it's okay to have fun once in a while...

A Christmas card

2008-11-07T08:00:00.006-05:00

Here is a 6"x4" card that guests will be making at my Home Gathering this Saturday. I was asked to do a french card.

I used the November Stamp of the Month, All Decked Out, the Chocolate Alphabet (large and small) and the Evensong Creative Basics. I used "pop dots" to raise the head and hat of the snowman and give it more interest and used Clear Sparkles to add a bit of bling.

This stamp of the month is only available for purchase during the month of November, you can even earn it for FREE! Contact me for details.

P.S. My good friend Sylvie Mac gave me great suggestion to put the bling on the hat instead of the tremas. I agree that it looks better because, as she said, it keeps the focus on the snowman, which is what I want.
Thanks Sylvie!

My Acrylic mini album workshop

2008-10-14T08:46:00.004-05:00

You will be creating a one-of-a-kind scrapbook using the Evensong paper pack, our marvelous new rub-ons plus ribbons and accents. You get to take home all your extra product included in your kit.
The workshop includes:
-a third of a pack of Holiday mini-medley accents
-a full pack of clear sparkles
-5 yards of cranberry grosgrain ribbon
-50 craft buttons, Holiday collection
-a full pack of rub-ons, Love Letters
-half a pack of Evensong Level 2
-a My Creations Acrylic mini album
The cost is $60

The dates for the workshop are Saturday December 6th or Saturday December 13th, from 1 to 5pm. Please let me know your availability a.s.a.p. so I can reserve your spot.

My Christmas card workhop

2008-10-11T16:02:00.004-05:00

1. Pick a paper pack
2. Pick a date*
3. Pre-pay and register 2 weeks ahead so that I can order your paper pack
4. I pre-cut all the paper for you
5. Come to my house to stamp and assemble your cards
6. You will make 25 cards, 5 of each design
7. The cost is $30

Here are your choices:

* My workshop dates are: Wednesday November 5th, 7-10pm - Wednesday November 19th, 7-10pm - Saturday November 22nd, 1-4pm.

You can't make my workshop dates but you would still like to make the cards? Or, you would like to make more than one kit?
Buy any kit for $30 each and you can assemble them at home, I do the stamping for you.

Jeremy and Gillian and their cousin Nicolas

2008-10-05T19:41:00.005-05:00

Here at last are some pictures of my beautiful godson, Nicolas.
It's a little strange, and beautiful, to see my 11 year old son leaning over his old crib and sheets. The crib still bears Jeremy's teethmarks.

Very long, the labour was.

2008-09-26T17:12:00.002-05:00

He's arrived!
My nephew and Godson, Nicolas Michel Francois Maillet, on Tuesday September 23rd at 2:47 pm. I'm hoping to post a picture soon but I must say that I think he looks just like Yoda. He's not green of course ; -)

CTMH TV ~ Art & Soul

2008-09-16T11:51:00.008-05:00

Check out this site to see the premier episode of Art & Soul, video tutorials to help you create beautiful projects, from Close to my Heart.

In the first episode, Scrapbooking the “Non-Traditional”, they are showing you how to decorate a My Creations™ Memory Keeper Box using our new Notebook paper. Along with the video you can see see pictures, a supply list, and written instructions so you can make one of your own. Be sure to let me know what supplies you need to complete this project.
If however you do not have any of the products necessary to make this project you have the option to buy it as a "bundle" at the discounted price of $40 (+s/h). The entire collection purchase is required to receive the discount. You get: My Creations Memory Keeper Box, Soul Mates Word Puzzle stamp set, Notebook Level 2 paper pack and Just Blooms Big Pinks paper flowers; a retail value of $56.50.

I will be putting this link on my Blog sidebar, under My Favorite Links; be sure to check for more episodes coming soon! An episode will be released every other week beginning September 16, 2008 for at least 20 episodes.

Notebook layout

2008-09-11T14:22:00.004-05:00

I took Gillian to the park last week and snapped lots and lots of pictures. I was thrilled when I saw that I had captured her signing "water"; it made a perfect 8x10 and I decided to use it in my Notebook layout. She is waiting for the water to spurt out of the ground at Centennial Park.

This is one of the new Workshops on the Go (WOTG) that I will be offering. I will post of list of my workshops soon!

My Pages Talk Voice Recorder

2008-09-10T19:45:00.005-05:00

The new voice recorder from CTMH is so cool! You can record sound and loved ones' voices to preserve in your scrapbook pages. Record the kids singing Happy Birthday to a great-grandparent and send it as a birthday card. Record wedding vows and your wedding song, your child's laugh, your favorite quotes or, like I did, record your child playing an instrument.

I used our Sonata paper (it's retiring at the end of the year so I'll be sure to buy another pack!) to make this layout. The recorder is only a 1/4" thick so it won't take too much room in your scrapbook. It's got a flash memory so even when the battery dies your recording is preserved!

Here is the layout, with a side view:

And here is a video of Jeremy playing on his very first acoustic piano:

My fall open house

2008-09-09T13:46:00.002-05:00

My CTMH open house is this weekend,
Friday September 12 ~ 7 to 9pm
and Saturday ~ 1 to 5pm

I will be showing the new products from the Fall/Winter Idea book and I will have a draw of a gift basket full of product. To earn ticket you can:
RSVP (1 ticket), bring a friend (2 tickets), place an order (1 ticket for every $25) and Book a Home Gathering (5 tickets).

I hope to see you then.

New Spring Colours

2008-09-09T11:20:00.006-05:00

Close to my Heart is always looking ahead and is in tune with upcoming colour trends. With this in mind, and wanting to keep our scrapbooks fresh and beautiful, they have chosen 4 new rich colours for their Spring Blossom collection:
Tulip, Sorbet, Creme brulee and Juniper.

Inspired by the colour forecast from Fashion Trendsetters these colours will be a fabulous addition to your ink, marker and paper collection.

Here is some artwork created with these new colours and the Life's Creation stamp set (D1304)

The retiring colours are Breeze, Kiwi, Pink Carnation and Orchid Bouquet. The inks, paper and kits containing those colours will be available until December 31st 2008.
For a complete list of retiring items go to my Downloadables.

Les stylos de Mme Josee

2008-09-04T11:39:00.002-05:00

I saw this idea at my daughter's school and I recreated it for my son's
school secretary, Mme Josee.

The flowers are from the dollar store, as is the pot. I simply wrapped the stems and the BIC pens with floral tape. The hard part was finding flowers that matched my CTMH paper but I think it turned out well. I used Sweet Pea B&T with Bubblegum and Amethyst cardstock. The ribbon is from Michaels.

This is a great gift for anyone who gets their pens stolen a lot LOL!
The tag says "Les stylos de Mme Josee".

Here is how I did it:

Just Because

2008-08-28T07:40:00.005-05:00

The promotional card kit, Just Because, is a big hit ! It's so popular that stock is going fast; remember that this promotion is "while supplies last". I will keep you posted and will email all my customers when stock starts getting really low. I wouldn't want you to miss out on this beautiful set!
Remember that this kit can be purchased outright for $38.95 (a great deal as it includes a D sized stamp set, 2 inks, card bases, envelopes, ribbon and sparkles!), or $16.50 when you make a qualifying minimum purchase of $80, or FREE when you make a qualifying minimum purchase of $135.

Here is an image of what you get in your kit:
For those of you who have had the pleasure (and maybe frustration) of working with last year's kit, you will be happy to know that there is not cutting out flowers this time and no sanding, just a bit of sponging and edge distressing.

You get enough bases to make 16 cards, 2 of each design. I made the original 8 as per shown in the booklet:

And I varied the other eight to suit my needs. Can you tell I'm running low on Thank You cards?
I also used the Happy Birthday stamp set (C1257) for some of the cards because I needed ...well, birthday cards.

Baby Shower

2008-08-24T20:55:00.005-05:00

My sister's baby shower was yesterday and I just came home today. It was a lovely event and I enjoyed taking care of the details while my sister visited with friends and family.
Of course I *had* to have them play the "let's guess the mom-to-be's belly size"!! Hi hi hi

Here is what I made for my little sis. I used the new CTMH My Creations Memory Keeper box which will be available to order September 1st. Inside I included the thank you cards and baby announcement cards I also made. The Mommy Gorilla is from the In the Wild stamp set (D1011).

Tresa "groupies"

2008-08-09T07:53:00.003-05:00

Joy and I got seriously excited when we spotted Tresa Black while attending one of our classes at Convention. After a few minutes of "should we go over and say Hi?" discussion (thanks to Joy for talking me into it!) we plucked up the courage and went over. My roomate Connie snapped a few pictures of us gushing. I swear it was like meeting one of the Beatles (the Close to my Heart equivalent anyway). Tresa is the one on the right.
If you don't know Tresa Black I urge you to visit her blog and see her *fabulous* work. She had been published in several magazines and is one super nice lady.

While on her blog you will see her version of our new Acrylic album. I am so excited about this product and am busy finishing mine for you to see at my Open House!

She gave me a hug...

2008-08-04T10:33:00.005-05:00

Jeannette, founder and CEO of Close to My Heart was gracious enough to give everyone one of us the opportunity to meet her after our closing banquet on Saturday night. I was an opportunity for me to thank her for everything she does for us consultants. I really do feel supported and appreciated by the CTMH family.

She signed the insert of a new stamp set that I received as a gift at convention.

And, here's a little sneak peak at Circle Around (D1300), a new stamp set coming in the Fall/Winter 2008 Idea Book. For those of you that got the Magic Moments kit in May (hint, hint)...
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
TAH DAH!!!

Day 2 ~ Operation Smile

2008-08-01T20:01:00.003-05:00

We had a very full day again today. I don't have pictures for you but I do have a website:
http://www.operationsmile.org/
We have an inspiring and moving presentation by Dr. Magee and his wife Kathleen, the founders of Operation Smile. Jeannette, CEO of CTMH, has been a big supporter of Operations Kids for many, many years and has decided to narrow her focus on this wonderful organisation. She has urged us to help in any way we can.
I did not realise that a child born with a cleft palette is in danger of dying because it can't suckle. This child can't talk and go to school and learn to read. In the third world a deformed child is ostracised from society.
An easy way that you can help such a child is to round up your next CTMH order to the the nearest dollar. That's all it takes. Every little bit helps and as I was reminded today: we can all make a difference and touch a life.

Close to my Heart Convention

2008-07-31T16:41:00.004-05:00

I'm here, I'm tired and I'm exhilirated !! What a blast it is to see new products and to play and scrapbook all day. And I still have 2 more days here!

I'm wearing a pink feathered tiara to denote a "new attendee" to Convention so everyone is super nice to me.

The new Idea Book goes live September 1st but I will be peppering you with hints all month and I am going to plan my open house in September to show you the new stuff!

Here's a hint: Tulip, Sorbet, Juniper and Creme Brulee

Not all acrylic stamps are created equal!

2008-07-19T07:54:00.004-05:00

Looking through my stash, I was at a lost as to what to use to create my sister's baby shower invitation. I decided to visit my LSS to see what paper (other than CTMH, gasp!) was available. I choose paper from the Baby Powder line from Imaginisce and was happy to see some matching mini acrylic stamps and decided to buy them.
Well...
I soon found out that not all acrylic stamps are created equal! After much swearing (it would NOT stamp properly no matter what I tried!) and worrying about tearing them (handle very, very carefully) and loosing them (they do not stick to their carrier sheet!) I was happy with my creation.
I matched the flocked paper with CTMH Dutch Blue and Sweet Leaf and used the RGB codes to print out the text in Dutch Blue. I will post the codes for you to use as well; check out my downloadable section.
I did use one CTMH stamp set: the April 2008 SOM, Express Postage.

kris's color stripes

2008-06-18T08:13:00.002-05:00

My friend and fellow stitcher, Kim, has shared this fabulous blog with me. If you are into colour combinations and need some help with your scrapbooking or stitching, or home decorating, be sure to check our her blogs

http://color-stripes.blogspot.com/
http://kris-color-dots.blogspot.com/

Here he is !

2008-06-05T09:35:00.002-05:00

Here is my very first picture of my nephew Nicolas. Due date is mid October. I can't wait to spoil him silly !

Tim Holtz class

2008-05-31T13:53:00.003-05:00

I'm a little behind in my posts. I can't believe it's June tomorrow. Feels more like April but anyway...
A few weeks ago I took a Tim Holtz class given by Jen, the super-nice and talented owner of the Scrapbox. We got to play with Alcohol inks and Grungeboard and made this wonderful sample book:

You can check out a video of the man himself demonstrating Grungeboard. It's fabulous stuff.

Father's Day calendar album

2008-05-06T15:46:00.009-05:00

Here is my Father's Day workshop. I used the new My Creations Display Album(XZ1054), it has chipboard covers with 12 spiral-bound 6" x 6" page protectors. At the end of the year I will be able to take the pages out of this album and into my family scrapbook!
I used the new Sarsaparilla paper pack (X7098B) and the colours are Barn Red, black, Desert Sand and Twilight.

I have several options to choose from for this workshop (you used about a 1/4 of a Level 2 for this workshop):
Option 1 : $32 - you get a full Level 2 Sarsaparilla, a Display album and all the accents needed to complete this project.
Option 2: $23 - you get the same as Option 1 but you get 1/2 of a Level 2 Sarsaparilla.
Option 3: $32 - same as Option 1 but you choose your own Level 2 paper pack, such as Rustic Trail or It's a Guy thing; you get a Full pack in this option. Please remember that the accents will be black, ivory and pewter so be sure to choose a paper pack that will coordinate.

The dates for the workshop are Tuesday June 10th or Thursday June 12th, from 7 to 10pm.
If you are interested in attending this workshop please let my know, your option and prefered date, by May 21st so that I can order the paper packs.

Dahlia fold flower

2008-05-03T11:12:00.003-05:00

Here is my take on the Dahlia fold flower. You use round pieces of B&T (double sided); most crafters arrange eight tiles to make a medallion but I saw this arrangement and wanted to try something different. Click here for the instructions !

Mother's Day card

2008-05-02T11:08:00.003-05:00

It is my Open House tonight and tomorrow and I needed a Make & Take. I designed this card yesterday morning. Nothing like a little pressure to get the creative juices flowing ! LOL!

This paper is from the new Creative Basics Boom-Di-Ada; the coulours are Olive, Hollyhock, Sweet Leaf and Buttercup. The Dimensional Element flower was stamped with Spot on Background (D1280) using the Kissing Techinique.

New workshop ~ True Fit Folio album

2008-04-05T15:54:00.008-05:00

Come construct a small, ingenious accordion album for Mother’s Day or a special birthday.

This workshop offers a charming accordion album which features five sentiment pockets perfect for photos or journaling your memories. The album project is constructed using a True Fit™ folio and a My Reflections® Life Delights Level 2 paper pack.

Monday, May 5^th 2008 ~ 6:30 to 10:30
or
Thursday, May 8^th 2008 ~ 6:30 to 10:30

Cost : $25 ~ You get to keep your Level 2 paper pack

I am offering free shipping on the Dimensional Elements Fresh Shapes: add $6.25

Please prepay before April 14^th 2008 to allow shipping time on the paper packs.

Easter layouts - fun thing to do with Big Blooms !

2008-04-05T15:43:00.007-05:00

I used Sweet Pea paper, Lilac Mist, Baby ink, Sunkiss Yellow and Amethyst inks and Eastertime (the January Stamp of the Month).

Check out how I made the bunny rabbit! I stamped and cut out an egg shape using Baby pink ink. I cut off some petals off of Big Blooms, pink and white, and painted them with our new Create-a-shade Paint. It gives a pearly finish and you can mix it with any reinker but I didn't do that this time. A little black waxy flax, black brad and a black marker and voila! Cute heh?!

March Scrapbook workshop layout

2008-03-13T15:26:00.005-05:00

This eye-catching layout is a little tricky to do, I will be "showing you how" on Friday, March 28th from 7 to 9 pm. The cost is $10 and you just need to bring your trimmer and adhesives. Please contact me to reserve your spot. Bring 12-17 pictures that can be cropped.

Ville de Quebec layouts

2008-03-13T11:55:00.003-05:00

Here are a few pages I did using Free Spirit paper. I just HAD to use it for the pictures from Jeremy's trip to Quebec last summer with his aunt, Christianne.

I borrowed a Cricut for the titles (thanks Sylvie, Monique & Sylvie). I glued B&T paper to the back of some square acrylic buttons (from SU) and laced some Indian Corn Blue Sassy Strand on them.
The layout is from Cherish, Dramatic Fashion p. 82.

The Idea Book is online!

2008-02-15T13:41:00.002-05:00

Here is a way to view the CTMH Spring 2008 Idea Book online when you don't have it with you.
I am very excited about this new feature!

Click here to see the Spring 2008 Idea book online

You can also download the Product index and the Recipes for this issue.

Valentine's Day

2008-02-13T15:56:00.003-05:00

I was issued a challenge, by Mary, the moderator of the VC Gallery, to post our Valentine's day family traditions. I like to make a point of celebrating Valentines as it reminds me to cherish friends and family.
When I was little my Daddy would always get a big card and some treats(usually chocolates) for his three daughters. Even if I make my own cards today I sure miss those large, factory made, corny cards because of the love with which they were given.

With my own family I like to include a little love note in the lunch box on the 14th. Jeremy's favorite store is Dollarama and he found a heart-shaped frying pan; I have to make sure to make heart shaped pancakes for breakfast!
I also ordered some nut/peanut free chocolates from Vermont Nut Free Chocolates for Jeremy. We serve those for dessert.

Here is the card I made for my DH, I was inspired by a card on saw on SCS. I used the white textured CS, Soul Mates stamp set (D1254), and Friendship Word Puzzle (D1258) for the inside. Cranberry and black CS and ink and my piecing tool for the dots. For the middle heart I used white embossing powder on Colonial white CS, watercolor pencils and waterbrush.

February Workshops

2008-02-01T15:52:00.000-05:00

Despite my computer sitting in pieces in the basement, waiting for a new fan, I've managed to find a way to post pictures using this temporary machine. It's amazing how much I depend on my computer, the settings, the bookmarks and the programs. Anyway, I digress...
~~~

My Event Calendar workshop is scheduled for Saturday February 9th, but it is full. I will consider another date if there is enough interest. Just send me an email if you would like to make one.

~~~

I have decided to offer Monthly Scrapbook Workshops. Each month I will pick a different layout (from Cherish or Imagine, or one of my own) and a paper pack. The workshops are $10 and the paper and embellishments are all included. Just bring some adhesive and your basic tools of paper trimmer, ruler, scissors, pencil etc...

Here are pictures of my February Scrapbook Workshop, scheduled for Monday February 18th from 7-9:30pm. I used Creative Basics Silhouette and Cranberry B&T from Everlasting. They work so well together!

I have two spots left, please contact me if you are interested in attending.

Event Calendar

2008-01-16T09:17:00.000-05:00

It is finished! I'm very happy with it and now I will find a date to offer it as a workshop.
This workshop is an all day affair; as my Hostess Club members and I have found out, there is no way to finish all 12 months in one evening!

January 2008 Open House

2008-01-11T12:02:00.000-05:00

Here is the Make & Take for my Open House, it is a bookmark using Good Times Paper pack, Sweet Leaft CS and Chocolate grosgrain ribbon:

I am having an open house to show the new CTMH Spring 2008 products.
Saturday January 19^th, from 1 to 5 and Monday January 21^st, from 7 to 9, at my home.

Pick up your copy of the new Spring 2008 Idea Book, create a cute make & take , sign up for workshops, win some door prizes.

Please RSVP at mfkupo@yahoo.com ~ I am looking forward to seeing you!

Craft TV Weekly Webisode ~ CTMH Pocket Book

2007-12-31T19:55:00.000-05:00

Check out the cute Pocket book made with Close to My Heart My Originals Card Kit !
You can even download the instructions
I've got to make one of these. As soon as I do I will post it for you. If you make one be sure to share your creation.

http://www.crafttvweekly.com/player.html

Wedding invitations

2007-12-28T09:47:00.000-05:00

These are the samples I made for Michaels ~ I will teach Introduction to Wedding Invitations this Spring.
I love the black and white look; I was inspired by the Spring 2008 Close to my Heart Idea Book and the new Silhouette collection!

Ok, so it's not scrapbooking...

2007-12-28T09:33:00.000-05:00

...but I also enjoy needlework so here is a Tamari ball I made this year. I always forget how much fun they are to make!

More Christmas cards

2007-12-19T12:15:00.001-05:00

Here are a few I had time to make.

I used vellum from Michaels and found out it was not a true 12"x12". Don't you hate that when it happens?! Anyway, a big Thank You to my friend Joy for letting me copy her idea (again!).

I love this little baby Jesus. I think I'm going to have to cave and buy it for myself. Thanks to Sylvie for letting me borrow it. I love how the Enchanted paper pack, meant as a Halloween pack, works with this Christmas theme.

I made these tags as a special thank you to my Hostess Club members.

Winter images

2007-12-19T12:05:00.000-05:00

Here are a few shots taken during the big snow storm last weekend. I'm looking forward to scrapbooking these.

A few cards

2007-11-27T11:19:00.000-05:00

These were the "make & take" cards for my Fall Gatherings. I'm posting these a little late ; -)
Now, if I can only find a way to make time stop and get ready for Christmas!

I used the Happy Haunting stamp set and Enchanted paper pack

For this one I used the Caprice paper and Card Commentary stamp set. I LOVE using the coordinating ribbon and brad. No more scrounging around for something that matches. Isn't CTMH great?!

Hostess Club Christmas cards

2007-11-15T23:19:00.001-05:00

Here's a sneak peak of the cards that my club members will be making at our next meeting.

Halloween at the Harpers

2007-11-06T12:03:00.000-05:00

Jeremy is allergic to peanuts so going "trick or treating" is a bit pointless for him. We are always looking for special things to do with him. When he found out that you could trick or treat at the Prime Minister's house he wanted to go! Last year we got there 10 minutes after the doors were closed but this year my husband and son made it in time.
Check out Mr. Harper's shirt.... it matches the CTMH paper Enchanted. I've ordered the paper and will be using it to make a layout of this historic event ; -)