Close To My Heart December Stamp of the Month Blog Hop!

Welcome to Close to My Heart's monthly Stamp of the Month (SOTM) Blog Hop! Woohoo!!! This time there are over 60 gals participating with dozens and dozens of great ideas to use December's Stamp of the Month, "Notice the Details".  

Did you hop over here from Amy's blog?  Then you're on the right track!

Think of all the cute things you can create with this stamp set.  41 stamps!!!  I have seen some sites selling one phrase stamp for $7 - good grief!!  

In today's blog hop alone, we have over 60 ideas to get you started!  So grab some chocolate, a big pillow and a pen to record some of these ultra fab ideas.

This would be super for a teacher....or to make cute little memory albums as gifts...the possibilities are endless!

I have been anxious to try this accordion file purse designed by Maria Bell.  LOVE it!  And it really didn't take that long to make.  You would be surprised!  Remember, you can click on any of the photos to view them larger.

I used CTMH's "Unforgettable" papers for the entire project, with a few "Notebook" paper scraps.

The purse opens up to reveal an interior and contents much like a large accordion file used to file bills, tax forms, etc.  This one, at just six inches wide, is perfect for holding cards or photos.....recipes....you get the idea.  I had a brainstorm - my hairdresser keeps her client info on index cards in a boring metal file box.  How CUTE would this be in her shop!   Hmmmmm....a holiday gift is on its way!!!

Now, I used a dual-magnet enclosure to keep my purse closed tight, but velcro works just as well.  I usually use the self-adhesive velcro dots for my papercrafting projects.

Here are some of the cards that I have created to go inside the purse.  And here's where you'll see the December SOTM!  I stamped the 'holey' paper edge on the left side of a piece of Notebook B&T, then punched the holes - it looks like I pulled it out of a spiral notebook!

The tabs at the top of each card have the date stamp so I can go back and fill in the date.  I used the words "silly" and "little moments" directly on the photo!  That is my silly son.  Gotta love him!  These cards will be "a week in the life" of me and Alan.

These are photos from a week in San Diego.  Here I stamped the words on the card, and again directly on the photo, using one of the two arrow stamps provided in this SOTM.  How about a cute little mini-album for Grandma with a week in the life of her grandbabies?  Quick and easy!

Finally, here's a closeup of the super cool flower.  This was sooooo easy to make.  A couple of girls on the boards shared their purses and flowers, and I am happy to share with you!

Come back here tomorrow night for details on CTMH's big clearance sale, which starts Wednesday!  You'll be able to order online from me or your favorite CTMH independent consultant!

Need this Stamp of the Month?  Purchase it outright or earn it free!  Ask your consultant how, or e-mail me for details!

Now, hop on over to my friend Judy's blog for some more ideas on using December's Stamp of the Month - "Notice the Details"!

See you tomorrow night,

Deb

Monster Medical - AI Sunday! Scrapbooking in Melbourne, Florida

Cute little buggie monsters seem to be all the rage right now!  This new set, Monster Medical from Artful Inkables, fits the criteria.  You can color up the little guys with any color scheme you want...funky, sedate, 'realistic' (tee hee).....the sky's the limit! 

I used an argyle background with the intention of toning him down a bit on this card, but then I funked him back up with the colors.  Now, maybe we girls wouldn't be so spooked by little bugs if they were as cute as these little guys...they are gosh darned adorable!

I don't know if my Copic coloring is getting better or worse....ugh!  I think it might be better if I had the group of three colors in a row as suggested.  I know he should have a shadow around him....yadda yadda yadda....
but this is how I was able to color while watching the Gators DESTROY the Seminoles  -  wooHOOO!!!!!

Here's the inside sentiment that goes along with the front.  "Heard you caught a bug.......maybe you should let it go."  How cute is that!!!!

Come back Tuesday for Close To My Heart's December Stamp of the Month Blog Hop...you know you want to!  I also have some fun photos to share with you of some of my stamping buddies - including a very handsome young man making his first card!!!

Until Tuesday,

Deb

Mojo Monday on a lazy Saturday morning CTMH Scrapbooking in Melbourne, Florida

Good morning!  Are you still stuffed?  I believe we had the best Thanksgiving dinner ever!  I believe I say that every year. tee hee!

Here's my take on this week's Mojo Monday sketch.  I just had to buy this Tropical Christmas stamp set my first year (2007) with Close To My Heart!  This is, I'm sure, how Santa gets to our homes here in Florida - ha!  Instead of the scallops on the sketch, I made waves with crystal blue cardstock.  All products are CTMH, except for the button and the Stickles on the jolly guy's beard. 

Well, Alan headed back to Gatorland last night.  He has tickets for the BIG game today.  Sorry to my FSU friends, but the Gators will be chomping down on some Seminole hiney today! 

After a few chores, I'm off to my mom's house to watch the game with her.  Then an evening of stamping to Christmas movies!  woohOOOO!!!   What an exciting life I have...tee hee!

Till tomorrow,

Deb

Birdies and flourishes.....oh my!!! CTMH Scrapbooking in Melbourne, Florida

I don't know if I can wait till December 15 to tell you about this special paper with die-cuts and a stamp set, but I absolutely know that I cannot wait to show you this card that I made with it!  A friend of mine is on this JUGS challenge team (Just Us Girls - tee hee!!!) and this week's challenge is to use this color palette:

Pretty, right?  I used CTMH colors Autmn Teracotta, Sorbet and Twilight.  The Twilight is a little darker and not quite as bashful (tee hee), but I think it matches the vase on the table...right???  So here's my card:

I LOOVE this paper and cannot wait to offer it to you!  The birdie stamp, the flourish stamp and the entire alpha stamps are in the special!  Oh glorious day.  The die cuts - yep, they're in there.  Nice, nice, baby!!!

I'll have another post for you before Thanksgiving, unless Alan comes home early from Gatorland.

If I don't.....have a wonderful holiday!

Deb

It's my challenge today - use chipboard! Scrapbooking in Melbourne, Florida

Hey, y'all! Today's a new challenge over at Artful Inkables, and I'm the hostess!  My challenge for you is to use chipboard on your project.  Now, I know that you have some chipboard in your stash.  You wouldn't believe how much I have, so I won't even begin to try to tell you!

You have so many options with chipboard.  I used four different processes in this project alone, and I've really just touched the tip of the iceberg. I used CTMH's Dimensional Elements.  These chipboard pieces are already white, not bare grey chipboard, so you don't even have to color or cover them if you choose not to!

Here you see where I painted my chipboard.  I painted both the flourish and the snowflake with my CTMH Pearl Paint colored with Sweet Leaf Reinker.  Secondly, I added glitter to the flourish with a little Liquid Glass, sprinkled with glitter.

Covering your chipboard with paper is really easy to do if you do it backwards.  Turn your paper and your chipboard piece upside down, as I did with the letter "Y" in this picture.  Trace closely around your letter.  Then, using microtip scissors (these are the BEST), cut just inside your traced line and you'll get the perfect fit!  Use your favorite adhesive to attach the paper to your chipboard.  You can file around the edges if you need to, but I cut close enough that I didn't find it necessary.  This works with cardstock or paper, so use your imagination!

Another awesome way to dress your chipboard is to stamp on it.  I used one of the two snowflakes from Artful Inkables' brand new stamp set, "License to Chill", to stamp snowflakes on the snowflake image (ha).  Now, you can stamp on plain, unfinished chipboard, papered chipboard, or painted chipboard as I have done here.

Lastly, wrap it, poke it...embellish it!  I wrapped the "J" with some sparkly red ribbon and poked it with one of CTMH's sparkly Twinkle Brads.  Can you ever have enough sparkle?

Here's a closeup of the final chipboard embellishments adhered to the card.  Now it's your turn!  Pull out your chipboard, bling it up and link your creation to my challenge post over on the Artful Inkables blog by midnight Monday, December 7 for a chance to win a bagful of Artful Inkables goodies! 

Don't be afraid of your chipboard - embellish it!

Good luck - and HO HO HO!!!!

Deb

Ouch Monster - new Monster Medical AI Stamp Set! Scrapbooking in Melbourne, Florida

When Kristin (the owner of Artful Inkables) told us about this stamp set, I was jumping around like the fool that I am!  I have been dying for a medical stamp set - and this one is just perfect!  Monster Medical - how fabulous!  This is just one of the little monsters who's just not feeling too good!!!  I stamped the background cardstock with the little bandaid that's in the stamp, along with the "Ouch!"

Another feeble attempt at using my new Copic markers.  Just wait - I am working on my technique!!! 

Now check back Tuesday, 'cause it's my turn to host the challenge over on the AI blog.  I hope you will like my challenge and play along for the chance to win this adorable little monster!

Enjoy,

Deb

My new scrappin' buddies - what a bunch! CTMH Scrapbooking in Melbourne, Florida

I thought I would share with you some photos from last week's Christmas card class.  Good grief, these are a rowdy bunch of ladies!  We had SUCH fun!

This is my new BFF Kim.  This girlfriend had never stamped.  Never made a card.  And look at this darling little card she made!  Can't you just see the excitement in that smile?  She will never be the same - ha!








This is her sweet young daughter, Becca.  Becca or Rebecca, but never Becky!  This was her first time too.  Don't ask me how she put up with our shenanigans..she will never be the same either!

Here is my new stamping buddy Donna.  Now, I already knew Donna from the office, but don't get to see her very often.  It was our first playtime together!  Does Donna look happy?  Terrified?  Who knows.....but she sure made a lot of cute cards!  We had so much fun together.  I'm so happy she was there!






The young lady on the far left is the troublemaker in the group - ha!!!   Now, this was Shelly's second time getting crafty with us, and you would not believe some of the things that come out of this girl's mouth.  She is a hoot and a half!!!  My stomach hurt from laughing so hard! The sweetheart on her right is my dear friend Terri, who is about the best stamping buddy you can have.  If you need anything, including the shirt off her back, Terri will give it to you!  It's hard to believe that they got anything done, but I think Shelly made 13 cards that night!

Now here's a group shot.  The pretty-in purple gal in Kim's other daughter Gina.  Can you believe Kim has daughters this age?  And Gina has her own baby!  Man, oh man.  Gina is an old pro at this cardmaking, having stamped for three or four months now ;-)

And let us not forget my gal pal Stephanie, who is tucked behind Donna (who is standing), in the black shirt.  I got a great photo of Stephanie working diligently.  Except that the flash did not go off, so it was not such a great photo.  Stephanie won the grand prize at my open house in September, which was every stamp of the month for 2009 - 12 stamp sets!  You might remember her photo from my September open house post.

I am repeating this card class tomorrow for some ladies at a senior living community.  I know we will have fun too.  I hope I remember my camera!

So, are you getting together with buddies to make your holiday cards?

Sweet dreams,

Deb

A luminary for the birds! Scrapbooking in Melbourne, Florida

Are you having 'one of those weeks'?  'Cause I sure am!  Work is so crazy right now.  My left hand doesn't know what my right hand is doing.  Having lost my 15 years of work on computer is really diminishing my productivity this week.  So what's the cure for that?  Stamping, of course!  tee hee

I 'needed' to get ink on this little birdie (from Artful Inkables "A Bird's Song") one more time before I move on to more holiday craftiness.  I decided to try a technique that is new to me - stamping on the front of vellum and coloring on the back.  Now, you know that I broke down and bought some Copic markers a few weeks ago.  Yes, I have purchased more.  And more.  Enough markers that I felt I could do this birdie justice. 

I still have a ton to learn about using these.  Who would have thought you would ever have to 'learn' to use a marker?  Good grief!  I passed coloring 101 with flying colors!  Pun intended.  HA!

I digress.  It's that kind of week.  Anyway, the Copics are super smooth on the vellum, but tended to pool a little bit, maybe 'cause I used too much ink?  Who knows.  I think it's okay, though.  Okay enough to make up into a little luminary with a battery-operated candle in the center.  What do you think?

Thanks for stopping by.  If you've read this far, bless you! 

Deb

New Releases! AI Blog Hop Scrapbooking in Melbourne, Florida

Welcome to the Artful Inkables New Release Blog Hop! You should be joining me from Emily's blog. If you’ve missed any of the blog hop, you might want to start at the Artful Inkables Blog and follow the links. 

Each member of the design team has a creation with one of four new sets, “Monster Medical”, "License to Chill", "Love Ya Lots",  and “Creature Comforts”.

I cracked open the new “License to Chill” set and started coloring.  Look at this cute little guy!!!  Wait till you see his buddies, too....so cute!   The two snowflakes in the background are part of the set as well.  You gotta love it!  

I used K&Co's "Winter Wonderland" paper stack from JoAnn’s for the patterned paper ('cause I needed more paper - ha!), along with my trust CTMH inks and cardstock (Smokey Plum and Crystal Blue).  Soft, wonderful May Arts Silk Ribbon, Gold Liquid Pearls, Nestibilities Labels 5 (my fave), an EK Success punch and a Martha snowflake punch round it out.

Have you commented on each of the INKgirls’ blogs? Have you seen something that you need?  I sure have!  Be sure you left all the INKgirls a comment, because one lucky reader will win your choice of not one, but TWO new releases!!!  wooooHOO!!!

Leave your comments on each of the blogs in today's hop no later than Wednesday, November 18 Midnight PST. A random winner will be chosen and announced on the Artful Inkables blog.

You've reached the end of the hop.  So hop on over to the AI store and pick up your favorite new release - or all four!  While you're there, take a look at the Twilight stamps, which will be featured in Friday's Twilight hop, just in time for the "New Moon" movie.

Good luck!!

Deb

My AI Challenge Tag Scrapbooking in Melbourne, Florida

What a nice, cool day it has been here today in Florida!  We woke up to a chill in the air.  How yummy!  Windows open...happy happy me!

This time the Think Ink Tuesday challenge is to make a tag.  Well, what goes better with a tag than a cow????  tee hee.  I have been DYING to use this cute little cow image from Artful Inkables' "Down on the Farm" stamp set.  Isn't she purrrrty?

My color inspiration came from this paisley 60's throwback ribbon that I purchased from Michaels' dollar bin.  I used Close To My Heart Watermelon, White Daisy and Key Lime cardstock.  The blue grommet is one of those big honkin' ones that came with the Big Bite Cropadile.

I bit the dust and used my brand new Copics to color Daisy.  I tried to feather the colors to make it look like cowhide.  Of course, that was silly since there aren't any blue, pink and green cows! 

I need time to practice with my markers.  Heck, I just need time! 

Would you like to win a grab bag of Artful Inkables stamps?  Then create your own little tag and link it to the Think Ink Tuesday challenge on the AI blog...you just might win!

Good luck, y'all!


Deb

Mojo Monday 112 CTMH Scrapbooking in Melbourne, Florida

I did it!  I actually completed the Mojo Monday sketch challenge on Monday, instead of waiting till Sunday!  Woohoooo!!  Now, if I could only get it posted on Monday....ha!!!!

This is such a cool sketch!  How can you not get inspired by it?  I decided to pull out my Close To My Heart "Jingle" paper pack and make a little holiday card this time.  And I made it in no time!

The main image/sentiment is just one of several images in the "Just for the holidays" stamp set.  I love, love, LOVE this stamp set!  Click on the link to get a closer look at all of the cute images - great for gift tags - just stamp 'em, punch 'em and add some twine!  I already have mine ready!

My photo is sort of stinky - the flash went off and I realized it too late.  So everything looks flat.  In fact, the two rectangular panels are popped up, as are the Creme Brulee flower, the Juniper snowflake, and the Tulip stamped sentiment.

So, do you like this stamp set?  Would you like to get it FREE?  Buy two sets, get one free in November!  All the scoop is on my CTMH homepage.  Or shop online and the computer will figure it up for you!  If you need any advice, e-mail me.  I'm going to collect the rest of my Solo Alpha's this month.  How about you?

Smiles,

Deb

Think Ink Tuesday - a challenge! Scrapbooking in Melbourne, Florida

It's challenge time over on the Artful Inkables Blog!  Every other Tuesday we give you a new challenge, then you have a week and a half to work it up for a chance to win AI goodies!  This week Crystal is challenging us to make a tag.  Read the details over on the blog....come back Sunday to see my take on it....and link up your own for your chance to win!

Deb

Mojo Monday on a low-mojo Sunday Scrapbooking in Melbourne, Florida

Hello, friends!

• I was anxious to make a card for last Monday's Mojo sketch
• I knew which elements wanted to use
• I had all my supplies pulled together in one location
• It took me a week to get to it 'cause I have been FARMING on Facebook!

Good grief.  Somebody stop me!  Tee hee.  Here's the sketch.  Nice and simple!

Here's my card - also nice and simple!  You know I usually 'pile it on' when it comes to cardmaking, so I am quite pleased that I used a bit of restraint!

The precious birdie image is actually printed on twill.  It's from a page of nine images and is called Homespun Cotton Scraps.  I purchased it a while back from Sharon Johnson's wonderful little store and it's been in the back of my mind ever since!  The image is matted on blue linen.  I'll discuss its origin in another post ;-)  The elegant papers are CTMH's "Perfect Day". The flower, metal and ink are all Close To My Heart as well.  It was so simple and quick....delightfully so!

Are you ready to go back to work?  Neither am I.  Although I feel it will be a very productive week.  I hope to sign two new doctors to the group.  Keep your fingers crossed!

Deb

Rockin' and Rollin' - Artful Inkables Tutorial Scrapbooking in Melbourne, Florida

Today it's time for my first tutorial, created for you and for Artful Inkables!  Are you ready to rock 'n roll?!  I taught this technique at my last home gathering, and the gals were so excited with the results!  We used the technique on a leaf stamp, but today I'm going to use a super pretty bird's nest stamp from AI's newest stamp set, "A Bird's Song".

It's really easy!  First grab your supplies:

• Background paper or cardstock for stamping
• Stamp (either acrylic block or wood-mounted)
• Two ink pads (one lighter, the other darker)

The rock 'n roll technique will result with an image that has the lighter color in the center, with the second (darker) color 'rolled' around the edges.  The colors that you select will depend upon the type of image that you are stamping.  I chose Bamboo as my light color, and Chocolate as my darker color.

First, ink up your entire stamp with the lighter color.  Don't stamp on your paper yet!

While you still have your lighter color of ink on your stamp, 'roll' the edges of your stamp in the darker color.  Roll it around a couple of times to ensure you have the darker color ink all around the edge of  your image. 

Stamp your image on your paper or cardstock.  The result may be subtle or more striking, depending upon the ink colors that you selected.

Here I used some other Artful Inkables stamps with bolder ink colors I selected Blush and Tulip inks on the tiny snowflake, Crystal Blue with Petal edges on the larger snowflake, and Sweet Leaf rolled in New England Ivy for the holly branch.

So pick up our favorite stamp...........put on a little music...............and rock 'n roll!

Thanks for stopping by....please leave a comment and include a link to your rock 'n roll creation!

Deb

Artful Inkable SALE - Get your Twilight Stamps! Scrapbooking in Melbourne, Florida

From November 1st until November 15th Artful Inkables has 35 sets on sale for 25-35% off.

No code is needed to take advantage of this sale and free shipping on orders over $45 still applies to all  products including the sale items.

So stock up now on those sets you've had on your wish list or better yet, send a loved one to over to buy some for you for Holiday gifts.

See all the sales sets HERE.

November Stamp of the Month Blog Hop! CTMH Scrapbooking in Melbourne, Florida

WooooHOOOO!!!  It's that 'time of the month' - Close To My Heart's November Stamp of the Month Blog Hop! 

This time we have 64gals hoppin' - good grief! If you've arrived from Mary's blog, you're right on track,  The hop started way back at Jena's blog.  Jena has a list of all of the links, so you might want to take a second to open her blog and minimize it, in case you get lost along the way and need to get back on track.

My heart nearly jumped out of my body when I saw this adorable stamp of the month.  I loved it so much that I created two projects for you with this fancy little stamp set!

The first project is a  9x9 layout.  Remember, you can click on the images to view them larger.

The November Stamp of the Month includes the house outline with two different roof options, a couple of different windows and doors, as well as shutters, window flower boxes, steps.....oh goodness, what doesn't it include!  It also has the cute little clouds and hearts I used in the background here. 

I stamped "HOME" with one of my favorite stamp sets, "Boutique Alphabet".  CTMH Tulip and Blush Cardstock and Inks, a little Heartfelt heart, a few markers, a piece of die-cut borders, and there you go!

Now here's my second project.  Y'all know how much I love to make little paper bag purses!  I had some leftover stickease from my "Life Delights" collection (it's retiring - more about that in a second).

So where is the Stamp of the Month on this project?  I used the window shutter to make little fence posts, which are connected by the brick image!  This was super quick and simple.  Although I usually put cardstock on both sides of the bag, I thought this looked just fine the way it is.  Besides the fence and the Just Blooms Big Pinks flower, everything else is Stickease....even the handle!

Now, about that retiring list.....starting tomorrow, all of the retiring stamps will be noted in a special category on my website.  How would you like to buy 2, get 1 free?  That's right!  Starting November 3, all stamp sets - new, retiring, old, you name it....are buy 2, get a third one (lowest price, of course ;-) FREE for the entire month!  Details are in my sidebar to the right.

Now's the chance to get that big E-sized Boutique Alphabet that I used on the layout here, or finish collecting all of those Solo Alphabets and Numbers!  That's my plan!

Thanks for stopping by!  Now hop your way on over to my sistah  Haley's blog to see what she's dreamed up for you.

Enjoy your day!

Deb

My challenge piece - "make something new to you" Scrapbooking in Melbourne, Florida

I have two posts today - please scroll down for the CTMH Stamp of the Month blog hop.

Hey, y'all! Did you enjoy that extra hour of sleep this morning?  Do you have a chocolate hangover????  What a perfect combination.....extra sleep......chocolate....and paper crafting!  Ha!!!

Every two weeks we have a new challenge for you over on the Artful Inkables' blogspot.  This time divalicious Sherry is challenging all of us to either use a new technique or create a new 3-D item that you've never tried before. Well, that's just what I did!

I have seen these adorable sour cream containers around but never tried one.  Well, when I received my "Down on the Farm" stamp set....I thought that would be perfect for this set!  I intended to put the cow image on here, but my sour cream container was too small for the cow.  And I was too lazy to make a bigger one - tee hee! 

Here's the little piggy again....he so adorable!!!  The fence image is also in this set.  And of course I had to curl up my button's waxy flax like a little piggy's tale!

Why don't you join us for the challenge?  You can win a grab bag of Artful Inkables goodies by linking your creation here on Mr. Linky.

Thanks again for stopping by.  I appreciate your comments!

Good luck,

Deb