This calls for a celebration!

As I gear up for next week's card workshop, I'm going to give you a sneak peek!  

This blog entry also serves as the instruction guide for anyone who orders my virtual workshop kit.  

I used the new Sugar Rush paper pack with Sea Glass & Pomegranate cardstock and a Sugar Rush (glitter) Dot.  

The stamp is from Some Kinda Wonderful—Cardmaking  C1673

This card was designed by Rachel Gonsalves and Naomi Smith.  They come up with some amazing cards!  

It's a very simple card and goes together quickly. Just glue the two telephone pieces together with Bonding Memories and attach to the card with 3D Foam Tape.  

The telephone is from the Artfully Sent Cartridge and is 1.75".  I isolated the shape, hid the contours so I could have a solid white background and cut away in Design Space.  Here's the file.  

One of my besties loves this card.  She's planning on giving it to her boss who is planning on retiring from our local telephone company.  How great is that?  I was simply thinking of it as a birthday card. 😀

PS.  It's not too late to register for my January card workshops.  You can order a pre-stamped kit to be mailed to you or attend Thursday at 1 pm, January 27th or Friday at 6:30 (or 7) January 28th.

Kindly RSVP or request your kit no later than Tuesday 1/24.

Have a great day!  

💖

Christmas tag workshop

Lets create some adorable tags for Christmas!  

I'd love to host this workshop in your home in the month of November or early December with your friends.  Each set of 12 tags (2 of each) is just $5.  Everything is pre-cutb .  Just add adhesive!  

My 1st workshop featuring this kit will be Saturday, November 14th at 1pm.  

Please RSVP no later than noon on Friday if you want to attend.  

I plan to have at least one more workshop in the next 4 weeks as well.  I just haven't picked a date.

Let me know in the comments if you're interested in attending an upcoming workshop.  

Want a kit in the mail?  (US addresses only.) I can ship pre-stamped ready to assemble kits.  A handout will be emailed to you to help you assemble them.

This tag workshop was for 2015.  Click here to see and order the 2016 kit.  

Don't wait!  Nearly all the paper I have for these kits are retired.   When I run out, I'll change the design (the tea cup & latte cup wrapper will be the first ones to be changed).

Want to create your own tag workshop?

You'll need CTMH Cricut Cartridges Artiste, Artbooking, Artfully Sent and Artistry.

**Purchase link has been disabled**

I also want to thank my upline Michele Rowley for her inspiration on this tag workshop.  She helped me get started on this kit yesterday and she designed the JOY and nativity tags.  Thank you Michele!

Sangria Seasonal Sampler

I think I saved the best for last, don't you?

No, I haven't been keeping this paper tucked away for a year, it's new!  This sampler features our brand new Sangria papers & assortment from the new 2015 Annual Inspirations catalog.

This features 3 SUPER EASY 3D flowers from our very 1st Cricut Bundle, Art Philosophy along with shapes from Artbooking and the brand new Artistry Cricut cartridge.  

My last workshop will be on Saturday 10/3 @ 7pm  

Click here to order a pre-cut ready to assemble kit to create on your own or at the workshop

The kit will also include 2 coordinating cards.

Want to make one on your own and have the Cricut Cartridges?  

Place an order on my website for $20 and I'll send you the Cricut Design Space Link and a project guide.  This project can also be easily created on the Cricut Expression.  

Items used:

Sangria Paper X7199B

Sangria Assortment Z3084

Quatrefoil Embossing Folder

Pomegranate Exclusive Inks

Adventure Cardstock

Neutrals Cardstock

Cricut Bundles:  

Art Philosophy

Artbooking

Artistry - New!

This completes a full year of seasonal samplers.  We started in October 2014 with Halloween and we're ending in ((late)) September with Autumn.

Check out all of my previous seasonal samplers here.

I have a limited amount of supplies on hand for some of last year's kits. 

Last workshop from the 2014 Annual Expressions

So many mixed emotions!   I've loved theses papers but I'm so excited to feature the all new 2015 Annual Inspirations too!   

This week's card workshops will be feature these 3 cards PLUS 3 more of the same with different papers.  (Jackson, Blossom & Pathfinding)

I have absolutely loved using Brushed (left card) and Confetti Wishes (right card) this last year.  

The latte cup card is from the new Zoe papers and from the new Artistry Cricut cartridge that are already available.    

It's not too late to request a virtual, pre-stamped kit or sign up to attend.  Please contact me no later than noon on Wednesday to RSVP.    Cost is $15 for the workshop or $18.50 for a pre-stamped kit shipped directly to you next week (within US).  Leave a comment below to RSVP.  All comments are moderated and I will not publish comments if you leave me your email address in the message.

I cannot take hardly any of the credit for these cards.  The floral card was designed by Dawn Montagano, the latte cup is everywhere because it's a shape on the new Artistry cartridge... but I used my wonderful upline Michele Rowley's card for my inspiration and the last card was inspired by many many cards that have banners that I've spotted on Pinterest (not just 1 card).

Stay tuned!  I'll be doing more of these virtual card kits in the coming year.  I'm looking forward to sharing my designs with you.

Freedom Sampler

I hope everyone had a good Independence Day weekend!  

Here's the latest installment of my seasonal sampler.  

This one features Cranberry, Colonial White, Outdoor Denim and Kraft papers and lots of Desert Sand Ink to distress the edges of nearly every piece of paper.  

My year of seasonal samplers are coming to end very soon!  Why?  

The supplies are being discontinued this summer to make way for a whole new batch of fresh papers and complements.  If you'd like this sampler or any of my previous samplers, contact me now before it's too late!  The new catalog starts September 1st, but many of the supplies used in earlier samplers are already starting to run out.  (The Yuletide Santa themed Sampler is no longer available and I only have 1 kit remaining of the Snowhaven Sampler.)

Click here to see all of my samplers.

Blossom Seasonal Sampler

Check out the latest installment of my Seasonal Sampler series!

Last night I donated one of these samplers to an Operation Smile auction and it raised $110 towards the cost of an operation to correct cleft pallet or cleft lip.  Each surgery only costs $240 through this amazing organization.  I've never been to a CTMH event that has hosted an Operation Smile auction before.  It was a bit intimidating saying "I'll donate," not knowing if this is the type of item that would sell.  I was wondering if I'd have to bid on it myself just to get back the cost of the frame.   No bidding for me.  I was too busy hanging on to my seat as the bidding hit $80+ in just a few seconds.  Thank you Kelley for your generosity and your final bid!  

It was jaw dropping, inspiring and I was a bit teary eyed.  I'll be writing more about Operation Smile in future posts.  

I want to thank Michele Rowley, my upline, mentor and brainchild of these seasonal samplers.  We've been tag teaming on creating these samplers.  This one was her "baby."  I was going to sit this month out.  I think she knew exactly what she was doing when she send me a sneak peek of her  Blossom Sampler.  It was gorgeous.  I ran with the idea, added that beautiful banner and butterfly and here it is!  Thank you Michele for your inspiration for this year and giving me the nudge to design this one.

You don't have to spend that much to create your own piece of artwork.  This month, for just $20 you can create the 12x12 sampler and 5 cards with the leftover stickers and scraps.  The frame is $28.95 plus shipping & tax (about $34)

Here's the FIVE cards.  I've never had so many stickers leftover.  

We'll be stamping 3 of the cards using the new stamp set Finding the Words D1646.  Even the cute little butterflies on the last card are part of that set.  

We'll be using the following products

Blossom Paper Pack

Blossom Complements

Oceanside Sequins

Teal Shimmer Trim

Bitty Sparkles

Whisper Cardstock

Damask Embossing Folder

Lagoon & Sunset Inks

If you'd like to order a pre-cut kit, they are $20.  

Shipping for as many kits as you like is $6.  I'll cover any additional shipping.  

My in-home workshop is Saturday, May 16, 2015 at 7pm or you can order a kit to-go.  I have full color instructions on how to create this kit.  

If you're a DIYer, you can create this kit on your own.  Just order the $20 from my website and I'll send you the cutting instructions including a Cricut Explore Cricut Design Space link.  You'll have tons of paper left over after you've created this project.  You will need a scrap of Whisper and a 4x12 strip of Pear.  They aren't included in the paper pack.

Click here to shop  

You can order a pre-cut kit for $20.  It will include a full color guide sent by email.

**Purchase link has been disabled**

Last chance for an Advent Calendar!

Here's your last chance to create the Advent Calendar workshop!

The My Creations Cubby is on the While Supplies Last list so I don't know how much longer it will be available.  With that, I'm holding one more workshop on Friday, July 31st at 6:30 pm at my home in Everett, WA.  

Contact me to RSVP by email or by Facebook to attend.  

RSVP with payment no later than 7/1.  I cannot guarantee the availability of these cubbies so please RSVP with a $15 deposit as soon as you can.  I'll go ahead and purchase it now.

Cost is $40 for the workshop, including adhesives and basic embellishments. If you have a cubby already, your fee can be reduced.

I can also ship your kit for $5. 

Are you a CTMH Consultant?

I have great news!  I have a full color workshop guide and cutting files for you.  

They've just been updated to include a Cricut Design Space for the Cricut Explore as well as Cricut Craft Room Files for earlier Cricut machines.  You'll be able to create this workshop for yourself and your customers with ease.  A workshop release is included.  All files are electronic and can be purchased by consultants and customers world-wide.  The cost is $8.00 USD.
CTMH Artiste & Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridges are required for this project.

**Purchase link has been disabled**

To see more info about the Advent Calendar see my earlier posts.

Full Advent Calendar

Freebie Advent Calendar Cutting files (boxes only)

Cyber Monday Sale! 20% off of Cricut Cartridges!

Hello Cyber Monday!!!

In addition to getting a box or envelope full of goodies from me....

For 24 hours on Monday, Dec 1st, our 4 Cricut Collections will be 20% off! 

Click here to shop or keep reading for more amazing deals...

And then it gets better because we have another promotion to go along with it.  

With any $50 purchase (you'll qualify with a Cricut Cartridge in your cart)

you'll get any or ALL C or D sized stamp sets in the Annual Inspirations Idea Book for just $10 each!!!  

As many as you want.  

All for $10 each.  

That's a $3.95 or $7.95 savings!

Why?  It's our Deal of the Decade to celebrate 10 years of our clear Acrylix stamps!  

And there's some new goodies being debuted on Dec 1st.  

SEE THE NEW SEASONAL EXPRESSIONS CATALOG HERE

(the stamps in this mini-catalog are not part of the $10 deal)

You'll find them at the bottom of the each category under New Products 

AND....

when you place an order on MY website, you'll receive a MYSTERY bag or box full of goodies from me!  

No Cricut bundle purchase required for this. You'll receive my free gift with any $40+ purchase.    This offer is good through Dec 15th.  

Now are you ready to shop?  

Cricut Collections

New Products (only visible after 12/1)

All Stamps

Orders must be placed between 12:00 am and 11:59 pm (MST) to be eligible for the 20% off discount.  

December Seasonal Samplers

There's so many ways to celebrate the holiday season that I created 2 samplers for December!

We have the vintage Santa sampler that uses the full set of compliments and accessories from the Yuletide Carol paper pack.

I also have created a Nativity sampler that's extra sparkly.  It uses shapes from the new Artfully Sent Cricut cartridge.  There's also gold shimmer trim and silver glitter paper.  Everything is pre-stamped and pre-cut!  The flowers and the Ruby red cardstock is the same as the Santa sampler.

Come join my Saturday evening workshop on December 6th at 7 pm or request a kit.  

Kits can be picked up or shipped.  I have created full color instructions for these kits.

Want to purchase a kit or a consultant workshop guide for the Nativity sampler?  Contact me.  

(Artiste, Artbooking & Artfully Cricut Cartridges are required.  Only available in a Cricut Craft Room format)

Edited to add...

Here's the "bonus" projects for each of the samplers.  

There were a ton of stickers left over from the Santa sampler.  They were so easy to make up as 8 tags, 2 cards and a gift card holder.

---------------------

There weren't really leftovers from this sampler, but I did use up the cardstock scraps and leftovers from another workshop.  You'll make 4 tags, 2 cards and a gift card holder.  

Artfully Sent Halloween Pop-up card

Halloween is only 10 days away!  I better get my Halloween items posted.  This is one of several cards I created the day my Artfully Sent cartridge arrived.  I played around with most of the Halloween items and created some fun cards!

Here's the front of my card.  The web and spider are from page 43 of the handbook.  I welded the word Haunted using the Artfully Sent font in Cricut Craft Room.

Click here to pin

Colors used are Slate, Goldrush, Smokey Plum and Black

Now for the inside...

Click here to pin

Isn't it fun?  

This pop up was just so easy!  It's 2 pieces, 4 total if you count the tree and web.  The haunted house with fence in black were simply glued on to the "bracket" that's part of the card base.  The ghosts are also part of the card base.  They're cut to allow the color of the card front to show through.  

The haunted tree and headstone are one piece cut from Smokey Plum.  

I took a scrap of silver glitter paper and filled in the fence.  You don't need to but I was a little rough getting it off of the mat and it wanted to curl.  I filled in the windows with gold glitter paper.  

On the handbook pages below you'll see that items that work together are similar color.  The popup card is the lower page.  The popup has 4 elements that are all in various shades of orange.  They will be sized to work together to make a great card at 5."

  This is a 5x7 card.  It's 5" tall when folded so you'll set your dial size to 5"  

Love this card?  Get your own Artfully Sent cartridge here.  

Be sure to join my "Fabulous Customers" gathering and I'll send you a free My Reflections paper pack for free!  This offer expires 10/24/2014.  

Artfully Sent: Coffee or Tea?

Last night was our monthly Fun & Fabulous card workshop and we had a blast!   They're usually on the 4th Friday of each month, but a few of us are off to a scrapbook retreat next week so we rescheduled it!

Here's a card that I whipped together at last minute yesterday morning.  Artfully Sent has so many cards.  It's hard to notice all of the cards the first time you look through the handbook.

Some are a complex and fancy with folds and pop-ups.  This one is just simple and cute!  I live near Seattle.... So this card is PERFECT!  We love our coffee!

I used a 2 x 5.25" scrap of Seaside paper inside the card to give the cups that lovely Sorbet color.  I made three wraps of some pretty twine I found in my stash (shh... it's not CTMH but we do have some similar).  I tied it off once on the left, trimmed the ends and used those trimmings to make two more "faux" knots along the twine.  It's easy peasy.  

Order Artfully Sent 

The "thanks" is from our Happy Autumn set that debuted last year.  I cut it apart to get just the thanks portion.  Yes, I do chop up our stamps and then put them back together! 

I stamped it in our Colonial White pigment ink.  This ink takes a bit to dry.  And since I didn't use any heat to set the ink, it was a little smudgy.  Clear embossing powder over the top would do the trick as well.  

The ladies loved this card last night.  It was simple & fun!  All of my cards are fun... though not necessarily simple.  My goal is for you to practice a new technique each month.  

My next 4th Friday is November 28th, (Black Friday).  We'll be starting a little earlier that evening, probably around 5 pm and having a little party.  I'll pull out the "leftovers," card leftovers from this year so you can create as many cards as you like for $2 each.  This gives you a chance to make a card that you missed this year or to make another card that you loved.  I'll also have a few Christmas cards designed for you to make.   Feel free to bring a "leftover treat or snack" to share.  

Don't forget!  My Fun & Fab Card Workshop attendees get $5 off their workshop fee when they place a $25 order!  You'll earn a free workshop with a $75 order!  You can order online in advance, or at my workshop.  

Check out all of my events here on my blog.  I hope you can join us.  We have a great time!

Create Every Day – Day 3

I’m continuing my challenge of creating something everyday.  This was another use-up-my-stash card.  Everything was already cut except for the card-base which was great because I made a little improvement!

This is a great card with the ProPlayer papers that are being retired at the end of the month.  I also used the June Stamp of the Month. 

I’ve created this card before, but this time I changed the base a bit.  The card is actually 4x5.5” That allows me to get 6 of the blue background pieces from a single 12x12 sheet of paper. 

It also allows me to cut 3 card bases from a 12x12 piece of cardstock.  Generally I’d start with a 4x11 piece but this time I didn’t trim it down, I scored at the 11” mark and made a pocket for a gift card.  I adhered the flap with some Scor-Tape.  You want this flap to be well adhered down and tight so the card doesn’t fall out.  Out of 3 of these cards, 1 of them is really tight. 

You can now follow all of my Create Every Day posts by clicking here.

Artfully Sent CTMH’s Newest Cricut Bundle

Yes!  A new cartridge!

It’s a cardmaker’s dream!  Create custom cards at the touch of a button or use any of the 700 images to create your own unique card! 

Here’s a little video about it.  I’ll be sharing some artwork created by Close to My Heart all month! 

Click here to view it on YouTube.com

This bundle will be release “sometime” in August.  Would you like to be the first to get it and receive a free gift from me?  Join my mailing list to be notified!