Flamingos for Breast Cancer

Flamingos are really in right now, and I'm actually with the crowd for a change!  My two cards were inspired by Leigh Penner's card I found on pinterest (I tried to find the direct link to the picture on her blog, but the picture isn't directly linked).  I was able to save her card to show you, instead.

What I liked about this card is the background and the flamingos facing each other.  I'm not crazy about the mirror image of the flamingo, though.  CTMH's flamingos show some individuality within the group.  : )





Another inspiring aspect of making a flamingo card is for Amber's friend's mother.  She is part of a group who flocks people's yards in San Diego with flamingos to raise money and awareness for Breast Cancer.  I told Mary I had the perfect stamp set, and that I'd be happy to make some thank you cards for the flocked...

As is my typical fashion when working off inspiration, I make at least a couple versions to save on time and thought.  Of course these two could easily have bloomed into more.


I cut Watercolor Paper (Z3146) down to 4" x 5.25".  I took 1/4" washi tape and layed it across the watercolor paper with 3/4" in between the washi tape.  You can see at the top that 3/4" will leave a little bit left over (I didn't do any math to get the right proportions).  After the paint dried, I removed the washi tape to reveal crisp lines.

The Flamingos are stamped with Pixie ink while the wings and heart are stamped with Cotton Candy.

"Pink" was outlined with Tender Pink ShinHan Marker (Z2464).

The watercolor paper was adhered to a 4 1/8" x 5 3/8" piece of Cotton Candy cardstock.

For this card, I started with a 3.75" x 5" piece of watercolor paper that I painted on.  I used the brush width to mostly define the width of the colors.  I was able to control a little more of width of the color bands, thus fitting "exactly"(I got really lucky with this)!

I mounted this (once it was dry) on a 4"  x 5.25" piece of White Daisy cardstock.  This in turn was mounted on a 4.25" x 5.5" Pixie cardstock (the card base could be this color if desired).

The Flamingos are stamped with Cotton Candy ink while the wings and heart are stamped with Pixie.




A few extra details...

These Flamingos were NOT hand cut.  They were cut using my Cuttlebug and the Thin Sets corresponding to the stamp set!  The eyes were hand drawn in though (they were white before, so I knew exactly where to put them!).  The watercolors I used for these cards are (from top to bottom) #4, #13, #12, #25, #1 darker (less water), and #1.

The wings are mounted with Thin 3D foam.  If I weren't making Breast Cancer thank you cards, I think the background cardstock would have been Crystal Blue.

I like the second card's watercoloring better (can you believe that I'm going against symmetry?!); the first card's flamingo and heart colors; the second's layering; the first's saying (although I don't mind "you are FABULOUS!" either).  I'll see what Mary likes.

Thoughtful Thursday 5/26/2016

It's easy to get caught up in the day to day activities of life.  I'd like to take a moment to preflect (thinking ahead of time instead of reflecting) this Monday's Memorial Day.

So many men and women, gave everything for us.  There are so many unsung heroes over the years and years of conflict (and even in peaceful times).  It's mind boggling that since 1774 (before we won independence) men and women have been defending our great nation.  Behind those who have given the ultimate sacrifice are their mothers, fathers, spouses, brothers and sisters.  They too sacrificed much of themselves.  Because if you think about how the people around you have affected your life... just imagine losing a family member.  So, thank you, too to the families of the fallen.

Thank you for keeping our country safe and free.  This family appreciates it tremendously, and will light a candle on Monday for those who have passed keeping us free.

Graduation Card - Pinterest Inspired

There are a ton of graduation cards on Pinterest right now.  I found this card today that needed to be made with our new Smarty Pants (C1649) stamp set.  


Unfortunately I don't know who to give credit to since it didn't link to a blog and there was no signature on the picture.  I'm modifying it anyway...

I used the Chervon Embossing Folder (Z1925) on White Daisy cardstock that was cut to 4" x 5.25" before it was run through my Cuttlebug.

Sapphire cardstock was utilized because that is one color from my daughter's school (she's going to high school in the Fall).  You could use one of your school colors.  The Sapphire is cut 2" x 1.75" to mat the mortar board 1.75" x 1.5".  Sapphire was also cut to 4.25" x 1.5" to accommodate the 4" x 1.25" saying.

The mortar board was hand cut and mounted with Thin 3D Foam.

As you can see, the smaller White Daisy pieces were sponged with Sapphire ink.





Then I made the card again, for Heather's son, making some modifications.  The same measurements were used.  I changed:

• Used New England Ivy - his high school colors - instead of Sapphire
• The Confetti Embossing Folder (Z3118) gives it a party feel
• I sponged the embossed White Daisy cardstock as well
• I stamped the tassle in New England Ivy and glued it on (see picture below)
• I second generation stamped the diploma in New England Ivy ink under "congratulations!"

I guess it would have been better if the New England Ivy was a lighter color so you could see there is a color difference.













To the season for graduations.  These came together quickly, you can make them too!

Details from my May 2016 Workshop - Display Tray

Here are the details from my workshop.

Display Tray:

Left Side of the Tray-
Spotted paper cut from B&T paper to 3.5" x 2.5".  White Daisy CS cut to 3" x 2" and stamped with saying in Black ink.

The circles are cut from Art Philosophy Collection (much better than trying to cut a perfect circle by hand) at indicated dimensions (on stamp set).  They are stamped in Lagoon, Honey, and second generation Pear.

Green B&T is PML trimmed down to 3.5" x 2.5".

Right Side of the Tray -
The striped paper is from the PML cards from the paper packets, trimmed down to 3.5" x 5 1/8".  The picture will be 3" x 4 5/8"
The background of the circles is cut 3.5" x 2.5".    Circles stamped in Honey, Lagoon, second generation Lagoon, and Pear.

Close up of the saying.

Black shimmer trim runs the length of the saying and PML card.  The Lagoon circle is adhered directly to the base while the Honey circle has been risen with Thin 3D Foam, and the second generation Pear has been raised with 3D Foam.





All of the sparkles were clear sparkles and colored with Black ShimHam Marker on the storage tray.

Items needed:

X7210B	Calypso Paper Packet
1385	White Daisy Cardstock
C1619	So Many Smiles stamp set
Z2195	Lagoon Ink
Z2162	Honey Ink
Z2197	Pear Ink
Z2105	Black Ink
Z1809	Black Shimmer Trim
Z1752	Clear Sparkles
Z2446	Black ShinHan Marker
Z3171	Art Philosophy Cricut Collection

May 2016 Workshop Details - Cards

Details for the cards in my workshop.

You are Fabulous Card:

Cut Canary and White Daisy cardstock, pineapple B&T, and Green B&T paper 4.25" x0.75"

Stamp small circle in Canary Ink on Canary cardstock.

Stamp "you are Fabulous" in black ink and centered on the White Daisy cardstock.

Cut Green Shimmer Trim to two 1" pieces.  Banner one side of each.  Center on White Daisy cardstock making them flush with the ends.

Adhere strips to card front.  Add colored sparkles.



Thinking of You Card:

Cut Pineapple B&T paper to 4" x 5.25"
Cut Canary cardstock to 3.75" x 5" and 1" x 3.25"
Cut Green B&T paper to 3.5" x 4.75"
Cut White Daisy cardstock to 3.25 x 4.5" and 0.75" x 3"

Stamp "thinking of you" in black ink centered on the small White Daisy cardstock.  Banner each side.  Add 3D Foam to the back.

Stamp the leaf in Pear ink to the upper part of the large White Daisy cardstock.

Adhere layers as shown.  Add two colored sparkles.



Items needed:

X7210B	Calypso Paper Packet
1385	White Daisy Cardstock
X5772	Canary Cardstock
C1619	So Many Smiles stamp set
Z2643	Canary Ink
Z2197	Pear Ink
Z2105	Black Ink
Z3087	Green Shimmer Trim
Z1752	Clear Sparkles
Z2446	Black ShinHan Marker

Basket Weaving Technique Video

I was on Facebook the other day and saw some really cute woven baskets.  Tina Law made a couple of videos on the technique that I HAVE to share with you.  I'd like to think we'd do this as a workshop some day, but I'm not sure we can get it done.  Either way, these are must see.

Tina made two videos as she made the basket in real time:


Here is the second video that finishes the basket:



I do intend on making one of these. Perhaps this summer... : )

Happy Times Paper Sample

National Scrapbooking Month means a special paper packet and stamp set from Close to my Heart.  This special paper hit the mark!  It's colors are vibrant, the patterns are hip - with gold inlays, and I just love the way they are HAPPY!

My fabulous upline mailed me this card as an example:

Some things to point out...
The leaves and flowers are all Cricut cut from the same paper (ombre red/orange with green stripes on back).  The butterfly is also a Cricut cut in Champagne cardstock and then glittered (can't tell too well from picture).

The woodgrain paper is also part of the Happy Times paper packet (CC1063 - earn with $60 or buy for $14.95)

The stamp set used is So Many Smiles C1619 (same one as my May Workshop). And the accessories are Aqua Dots (Z1853) and Clear Sparkles (Z1752).

This card made me smile!!  Thank you, Kay!

Thoughtful Thursday 5/12/2016

I seem to have a bunch on my plate in the coming weeks.  I'm trying not to panic or over stress.  Retreating to my crafting is one way for me to handle things, too bad non-crafting tasks are on my plate...

Meadowbrook Middle School is having a book fair - buy one get one free - the week of May 23rd.  Come by and buy if you want to purchase some Scholastic books at fabulous prices (because you get one free).

I'm hosting a booth at the San Diego County Fair on June 8th, June 15th, and June 17th to show off Close to my Heart.  I'll be doing a live demonstration on the 15th at 4pm.  Come see me on the Home and Hobby floor!

Lindsey is promoting from 8th grade June 9th!

And I'm trying to get the ball rolling for our Welcome Back School Carnival (August 19th).

This illustration also reminds me of the movie Through the Looking Glass that is coming out soon.  There is some imagination there!

What would you like to escape from?!

Celebrate with Cake Stamp of the Month - May 2016

Before the month disappears on me (yes, I know we're not quite half way, but it was just February yesterday)!

Here is another versatile stamp set (S1605) that can be used for weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, and anything else you'd celebrate with cake (graduation season is around the corner).

Here's my card using the set, which I teamed up with the Magical Paper Packet (X7209B):

This pattern #20 is from Make it From Your Heart Volume #2.  The dark blue strip is actually Sapphire cardstock (X5775).  "Celebrate" is stamped on it in Black ink (Z2105).

Next, I stamped the candle and cake slice with the Black Pigment Ink (Z2503) on scratch White Daisy cardstock.  I added Super Fine Clear Embossing Powder (Z2088) over the images and heat embossed them.

For the stand, I inked that up with VersaMark ink (Z891) and heat embossed with Silver Embossing Powder (Z2067).

Coloring was done with the ShinHan alcohol markers:

The candle is colored with Carmine (Z2448), as is the base of the flame.  The flame is finished off with Golden Yellow (Z2452).  The stand was treated to Turquoise Blue (Z2465).  The accents were hit with Warm Grey 4 (Z2467) and then the Colorless Blending Pen (Z2469) softened the color a little more.  The cake icing was colored with Marine Blue (Z2458) and then the cake was highlighted with Warm Grey 4, softened again with the Colorless Blending Pen.

Then all three elements were cut out (I highly recommend our Micro-tip scissors - Z534 or Non-stick Micro-tip scissors (Z1836).



The finishing touches:

I added the candle to the back of the cake - only half of it is exposed because I didn't want it to disappear in the dotted background. The cake stand was adhered directly to the card base.  The Cake received some Thin 3D Foam (Z2060) and the tip of the candle got 3D Foam (Z1151) to add a little more dimension to the image.

Calypso Sequins (Z3215) - black and white -  were added as accents, and done!!

Thoughtful Thursday 5/5/2016

Yesterday was Star Wars day with "May the 4th be with you" - a play on "May the Force be with you".  Since 2012, today has been Revenge of the 5th - for Revenge of the Sith - incorporating everything Star Wars beyond the original trilogy.

Here is a quick blurb about today's origins:

"Dallas-based Medina and his friend Eric Shirey created Revengeofthe5th.net in 2012 as a reaction to Star Wars Day. “My nephew cracked a joke on May 4 about Revenge of the Fifth,” Medina told Inverse over the phone. The new phrase was a riff on Revenge of the Sith, the title of George Lucas’ third prequel episode of the saga, and was meant to be a tongue-in-cheek companion to Star Wars Day. It honored the movies just like the fourth, but instead expanded the celebration to two days and was meant to highlight the kitschier side of Star Wars."  If you'd like to read more, here is the whole article.

Party goers believe May 6th is the Revenge of the 5th in celebration of Cinco de Mayo.  What's your take?

May is National Scrapbooking Month - Happy Times 2016

Along with our newest offering in the Seasonal Expressions 2 catalog, May is National Scrapbooking Month.  Of course CTMH is going to celebrate with an exclusive Stamp Set and Paper Packet!!

Get your paper packet for free with a qualifying order of $60 (subtotal).  Or you can buy it outright for $14.95.  It features floral designs, gold foil details, and fun bright colors!  The corresponding D-sized stamp set Happy Times is no slouch either!  But don't wait: the month of May will be over before you know it and so will the opportunity to purchase these items!!  Come shop now, and don't forget, Mother's Day is next week!

May 2016 Display Tray and Card Workshop

I want to share with you my May workshop.  We'll be making this display tray and two cards featuring Calypso paper, So Many Smiles stamp set, and Clear Sparkles.  This paper and workshop will make you happy with the colors.

Would you like to join me on Tuesday May 17th or Wednesday May 18th?  You'll make the display tray (the empty spots are where pictures will go), and 2 each of the two cards.  Cost will only be $32 for all materials.

Materials will need to be ordered by Thursday May 5th, so please let me know by then if you're coming.