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    Seas The Day!

    April 11, 2020 /

    Every year we escape to the coast. We are fortunate to only live a few hours away so we can make it a day trip. Growing up my parents took us annually to visit Fitzgerald Marine Reserve to explore the tide pools. The ocean always mesmerized me. I love everything about it, the sounds, the salty air, the refreshingly cool breeze and even the seagulls! I could explore the tiny underwater world captured in tide pool for hours. If you have pictures from an ocean or beach adventure, this Seas The Day collection is perfect to tell the story behind those pictures! Check out the process video below to see it come together

    To create the embellishment cluster above, I combined elements from the sticker sheet, chipboard die-cuts and fussy cut pieces from the patterned paper. Below, I used leftover scraps and trimmed them into little pennants. Having them create a gently swooping banner helps to break up the hard lines of the squares and rectangles. Tiny enamel dots finish the look and add interest.

    There are so many different ways you can add this kit to your crafty stash. There is an entire scrapbooking workshop, a Seas The Day card kit and of course, all the pieces individually. Below you can see everything I incorporated into my layout.

    Thank you so much for stopping by! I hope you have found some inspiration and new ideas to try. Happy crafting my friends!

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  • Card Making,  Inspiration,  Scrapbooking Layouts and Projects,  Uncategorized

    These Are My People Scrapbook Layout & Cards

    March 28, 2020 /

    We all have special people in our lives. Those of us that scrapbook and memory keep, we like to record these special people in our albums, while we cardmakers like to send happy mail to those special people. CTMH has just perfect collection to help record your memories. It is a new special called These Are My People and I thought it would be perfect to showcase this photo of my sister in law and my nieces and nephew.

    I purchased the scrapbooking workshop option which includes materials to create four 12×12 layouts and five cards. You can get the collection with or without the coordinating stamp set. There is even a PRE-CUT option to create a 6×8 mini album. All you have to do is put the pieces together following step by step instructions. What a great gift idea for mother’s day right around the corner, don’t you think? I have included the YouTube tutorial below if you prefer to watch the process unfold.

    In my video, I show how I created this stamped floral border along the bottom of my layout. I added a soft touch of color by sponging Ballerina ink to the flower centers with a sponge dauber.

    I have created a visual embellishment cluster by layering different elements. I began with stamping then overlapped paper, tabs, and some floral stickers.

    Below is a look at all the cards I created with leftovers. Two of the cards were pre-designed by CTMH while I designed the other three

    I stamped the larger flower from the Love These People Stamp set using Intense Black Ink. I colored them in with the Pale Pink and Dull Green Spectrum Noir Triblend markers. Having three shades in one really takes the guesswork out of shading and coloring. I did add a touch of Almond cardstock from my scraps to create these two cards.

    This card came together quickly. I embossed the Carolina Blue cardstock with a retired floral embossing folder to add some texture to the background. Using my middle Stitched Frame Die I die cut the striped paper. by turning the stitched frame portion over, I can highlight the Pink patterned paper on the opposite side. The majority of my sentiment came from the Say It In Style stamp set posted further down.

    To create these two cards I simply followed the step by step instructions. Anyone can create beautiful artwork because CTMH makes it so simple. How fun it is to send a handmade card to brighten a friend’s day.

    Along with all the goodies pictured, you get two digital cut files to incorporate into your projects. I have seen others cut these from vinyl and adhere to their album covers. You can also cut from paper and make a great page title.

    This “Say It In Style” stamp set is from the core catalog. If you are building your stamp collection, or want a go-to set, this is perfect for cardmakers and scrapbookers alike. There is a sentiment for darn near every occasion!

    Below is a look at the projects you can easily create with the scrapbooking workshop. CTMH gives you step by step instructions to put all these layouts together along with 5 beautiful and uplifting cards.

    Thank you for stopping by. Hop on over to my YouTube page and leave me a comment or question. I do appreciate your support. Happy crafting my friends!

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  • Card Making,  Inspiration,  Uncategorized

    “Stitched” Double Framed Springtime Easter Card

    March 25, 2020 /

    Springtime is here! The world seems a bit chaotic at the moment but I still find joy in my garden where the flowers continue to bloom dazzling us with their showy display of springtime cheer! I was inspired to bring this happy display of color into my craft room and create this card to share with you.

    This lovable bunny stamp was a must-have for me. He is a handsome fellow and makes a lovely card or embellishment for my scrapbook layouts. I have created a few of these cards changing up the sentiments from “Happy Easter” to “Just Because”, “Thank You” or “Happy Birthday”.

    If you have been watching my tutorials for a while, you know how much I love those Stitched Rectangle Frames. They are probably my most used die. In fact, I have a video coming out next week on how to utilize scraps featuring this very die. To see how I stamped and colored this beautiful frame in today’s project, you can watch the youtube tutorial below for a few tips and tricks.

    I hope you are feeling inspired to create this cheerful Springtime card. Leave me a comment here or on my YouTube channel to say hello. Happy crafting my friends!

    To create this project:

    • Begin with a sheet of White Daisy cardstock cut slightly larger than 5.5 x 4.25″ (Your finished card will measure 5.5 x 4.25″)
    • Stamp your floral images around the outside edge of your paper
    • Color stamped images using your Spectrum Noir TriBlend markers
    • Using the larger two of the Stitched Rectangle Frames, attach to your stamped cardstock with removable post-it tape and run through your die-cutting machine
    • Use foam tape to pop up the inner portion of the frame and liquid adhesive to adhere the outer stitched frame.
    • Cut a section of patterned paper using the medium stitched rectangle, and center on your card.
    • Stamp and fussy cut your bunny image and embellish card front as shown.
    • Mail to a friend to brighten their day.

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  • Inspiration,  Scrapbooking Layouts and Projects,  Uncategorized

    “Seven Outlaws” Crafting Through Covid-19

    March 19, 2020 /

    Everyone is feeling the effects of the unprecedented Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic. Many towns and cities have issued quarantine orders while citizens have implemented social distancing. It’s easy to feel the negative effects, fear, and worry generated from the daily reports on the social and economical impacts caused by the virus. I pray for all who have been adversely affected and am thankful for all the healthcare workers showing up day after day to care for those in need.

    So many activities have been canceled and morale is down. It is so important to take a break from the worry and do something that brings joy to your heart. I believe there is healing power in creating. That may look different for others, painting, journaling, music, etc. For me, it is scrapbooking and the good news is that has not been canceled! I’ve been crafting my heart out taking breaks to walk the dogs with my family or play a game of chess with the boys. Not only is Scrapbooking a creative outlet but the photos themselves remind us of happy moments frozen in time. They evoke memories that bring joy and togetherness.

    I created this layout with the Yesterday & Today collection available in the March and April catalog from CTMH. It is designed as a heritage collection but can really be utilized for so much more. I thought it was perfect for this Old Time photo of my best friend and I along with our herd of teenage boys! I created an embellishment cluster with items from the workshop along with the vellum and foil die-cuts.

    I designed my title in the Cricut Design Space cutting it in both Vanilla and Espresso cardstock. Check out the YouTube video below to see how this layout came together.

    CTMH offers this collection with several options. You can get the pieces ala’ cart or an entire workshop to create six 12×12 pages complete with step by step instructions! This ought to keep you busy while you are holed up in the house. Below is a look at the predesigned layouts or you can always use the kit to create your own work of art.

    Yesterday & Today Workshop

    Stay safe, stay healthy and please take time to make the most of the moment! Happy crafting my friends.

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  • Card Making,  Inspiration,  Uncategorized

    Life is a Grand Adventure Tri-Fold Shutter Card

    March 6, 2020 /

    I am excited to share this fun Fancy Fold card project with you. These Tri-Fold shutter cards have been around for a while but they still amaze me and I love to create them. I envisioned this card for my son’s upcoming 8th-grade graduation. Yes, it’s not until June but do you know how good it feels to be ahead of the game and not sliding in sideways disheveled in a desperate attempt to get things done? Pretty darn good 😂

    I combined the Dreams Take Flight stamp set with the beautiful Yesterday and Today paper collection. These products play so well together! I thought this set would make an excellent graduation card because of all the inspiring sentiments. I can see this as a retirement card, new job congrats or you can switch up the sentiments for a birthday card.

    Below is a detailed diagram on how to cut your cardstock to create this project. Begin with a piece trimmed to 12″ x 5.5″ then score and cut on the lines shown below. Only cut on the red lines. You can use an X-Acto knife or a paper trimmer like I did . I recommend watching the youtube tutorial for step by step instructions. Your finished card will measure 5.5 x 4″, slightly smaller than a traditional A2 card.

    Each area Is decorated with patterned paper. I decided to carry the clouds across the design popping them up with foam tape to help them float as a cloud should. I included every sentiment from the stamp set because they were all to perfect to be left out. A few gold foil stars add a pop of fun to the finished design.

    I used the Stitched Bracket Thin-Cut to add layers and help the airplane take center stage. I’ve inked up my clouds with Pewter ink while the plane and sentiments are stamped in Black.

    This card design stands nicely for display and makes a temporary decor piece. I chose to write my personal sentiment on the back of the card for this reason.

    If you haven’t attempted a tri-fold shutter card before then give it a go. You won’t be disappointed! Thanks for stopping by and I will see you next time. Happy crafting!

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  • Scrapbooking Layouts and Projects

    Celebrate Today

    February 22, 2020 /

    What have you been celebrating lately? Today’s scrapbook layout captures a memory of my birthday from a few years back. We usually head to the coast every March and this trip did not disappoint. After exploring Cambria, my family and I toured Hearst Castle. It was amazing! I could envision what ones life might be like at the grand estate. In a sense it was sad. The castle, once teeming with life and imagination, held a sense of emptiness despite the thousands of visitors pouring through.

    Being that it was March, the camellias were in full bloom. My husband and I posed for this picture with the beautiful canopy of flowers forming a perfect backdrop. I knew the Celebrate Today paper collection would be just right for this photo the moment I saw it!

    These bold flowers are from the Celebrate Today sticker sheet. I added touches of vellum from the coordinating vellum die-cuts to add contrast with the darker leaves. If you watch the video you will see my crazy pile of stitched die-cuts frames I have left over from other projects. I’m bound and determined to use these up because they look great when ever I incorporate one. You can see how the stitched detail and frame add another layer to compliment and highlight my photo.

    I love to pop up my embellishments with dimensional foam tape. It really adds something special to the layout and helps define your layers.

    My title came together quickly. The large birthday sentiment is from the sticker sheet. I stamped the word “happy” onto a scrap of Mint cardstock with Versamark ink. After embossing with white super fine embossing powder I doodled a line around the edges to give it some presence. Be sure to watch the process video below for even more tips!

    Thanks for stopping by and happy crafting my friends!

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  • Card Making,  Inspiration

    Beach Treasures Spotlight Stamptacular Sale!!!

    February 15, 2020 /

    I love ❤️ the ocean and make sure to schedule a few trips to the coast every spring. It’s so beautiful! It is peaceful yet powerful. I love the salty smell, the sounds of waves crashing and the shorebirds going about their day. I just feel good when I am there. We always have a challenge to see who can spot the first sea star amongst the tide pools and there is usually someone that does an Indiana Jones impression with a long bull kelp whip! CTMH is having an amazing sale on both stamps and coordinating thin-cuts during the month of February! I have captured my love of the ocean and created several cards to share with you featuring some of these fabulous sets.

    To see how I created these cards I recommend you watch the YouTube tutorial below. I will show you how I used the Strokes of an Artist stamp set to create simple yet stunning backgrounds.

    Ocean inspired cards never go out of style and I will probably never part with this set!

    The cards above and below showcase the Beach Treasures stamp & coordinating Thin-cuts. The embellishments you can create with this set are scaled for both scrapbooking and card projects. The pop of Paprika ink against the Lagoon makes for a striking color combo.

    I love that you can customize your projects by changing up the color of cardstock and inks. I used the clear shimmer brush to add a gorgeous layer of shiny fabulousness to the seashells and it did not disappoint! You can really see the detail in the card below.

    Thank you for stopping by. Be sure to check out the Stamptacular sale before the end of February. Leave me a comment to say hello 😊 and happy crafting!

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  • Inspiration,  Scrapbooking Layouts and Projects

    You Captured My Heart

    February 1, 2020 /

    Hello and welcome! Today I am sharing a layout featuring the Mix In paper collection from CTMH. These mix-ins are designed to complement the existing paper suites but can be used as a stand-alone pack.

    This kitty layout caught my eye on Pinterest. I knew I wanted to create this project and that the Mix-Ins would be perfect! Sometimes it is fun to scraplift a layout. It is a great way to try new techniques and develop your crafting skills. If you’d like to check this pin out for yourself, here is the link https://pin.it/c5gb3chx4ln7hw

    Since I loved the original layout I followed it pretty closely. Although I might vote that my son, with the two baby goats, is cuter. But hey, I am biased. I did include some Nectarine cardstock for a bright pop of color and silver brads to add interest. You will notice I doodled lines around the edges of all the layered papers for a fun carefree vibe. I sanded my thin-cut hearts and love the look it gives with the white cardstock core revealed.

    I didn’t have the measurements from the original project so I just eyeballed it. If you’d like to know any of the measurements from my layout, leave me a comment and I’ll be happy to get that for you. Below is a closer look at the bright colors and fun patterns included in this paper pack. Available through February, however always check the online-only section after the date passes. You can often goodies there past the catalog date! Yay!

    Thank you for stopping by! See you soon.

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  • Scrapbooking Layouts and Projects

    Attitude is everything

    January 28, 2020 /

    I was over the top excited when CTMH announced they were re-releasing the Urban collection for the bring back my pack special. This paper pack was a favorite when it originally launched and now it’s back with refreshed colors and a new coordinating stamp set! Happy Dance!!! This can be purchased as a kit or the individual components. Unfortunately, the Urban kit is available only through the month of February so don’t delay! Once the promo date has passed you can always check the online-only area on my website

    Many have expressed they find it a challenge to scrapbook layouts for teenagers or perhaps the man in their life. In my video, I talk about some elements to consider when designing layouts such as these. Check out the Youtube video below for more tips on creating masculine layouts.

    This paper collection incorporates many elements that lend themselves well to a manly vibe. Metals, wood grains and a rich color palette all play together nicely!

    You’ll notice in the picture below I have incorporated faux metal gears. I cut these using my Cricut and then heat embossed them with silver embossing powder. The unique shapes add a lot of interest to the page and break up the hard lines of the rectangles and squares.

    I also love to incorporate stars and arrows onto my boy layouts. This kit came with both. The wooden arrow embellishments add a lot of texture to the page. These can be used as raw wood or add ink to change them up.

    Thank you for stopping by! Leave me a comment to say hello and let me know what you think. I’d love to hear what your go-to techniques are for creating masculine layouts.

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  • Card Making,  Inspiration,  Uncategorized

    Birthday Cards with Celebrate Today

    January 24, 2020 /

    I have some more birthday cards for you today! I was completely inspired by the “Celebrate Today” paper collection. It is so fun and vibrant it just makes you think confetti and cake sprinkles, and who doesn’t love that?

    I always find it easier to watch a project in action rather than read the directions. So if your like me I recommend watching the YouTube tutorial to see this project come together. You can check it out below.

    Recipe for card #1:

    • Begin with a blank white card and envelope from the value pack
    • Adhere Ballerina cardstock piece (5.25″ x 4″)
    • Trim the sprinkled patterned paper to 5 x 3.75″ and layer onto Ballerina as shown
    • Trim your banner piece to 3.5 x 1.5″ and dovetail one end.
    • Run a piece of White Daisy cardstock through your die-cutting machine with the medium-sized Stitched Rectangle Frame thin cut.
    • Stamp the Happy Birthday sentiment as shown in Black ink
    • Wrap twine around the bottom of your sentiment 3 times and tie a bow
    • Using the Balloons from the coordinating sticker sheet, attach to card face with foam adhesive.
    • Send to a friend to make their birthday special!

    Recipe for Card #2

    • Begin with a blank white card and envelope from the value pack
    • Adhere Mint cardstock piece (5.25″ x 4″)
    • Using the Pixie patterned paper from the collection, cut a piece with the largest Stitched Rectangle Die and layer over Mint
    • Cut 3 circles from your scraps of patterned paper. Since its a collection, they are all likely to look great! I used the 2 middle-sized Stitched circle thin cuts.
    • Cut Mint cardstock with the large Stitched Bracket Thin Cut
    • Stamp your sentiment onto White Daisy cardstock. Here I used retired stamps from my stash. I’m willing to bet you have some birthday stamps lurking around somewhere.
    • The candle strip is cut from the info strip at the end of the 12×12 paper.
    • Adhere all pieces as shown
    • Add sequence with micro glue dots
    • Enjoy!!!

    Recipe For Card #3:

    • This card is my favorite because let’s face it, who doesn’t love shaker cards?
    • Trim your background paper to 5.25 x 4″
    • Cut a 2 x 5″ strip from the floral patterned paper, dovetail one end and attach centered on your card front.
    • Using the shaker window die cut a circle from White Daisy cardstock.
    • Attach circle to the card, apply foam dimensional ring and fill with sequence.
    • Layer your acetate circle and then finish off with the Happy Birthday Thin cut in Ballerina.
    • I fussy cut the yellow flower from the patterned paper however there is a coordinating stamp set with dies available.

    Thanks so much for stopping by. Leave me a comment to say hello and let me know what you think of the cards. Happy crafting my friends!

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