Art by Karen Pedersen
DECEMBER
Monday, December 31, 2012
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Friday, December 28, 2012
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
1st Tool of Christmas - Rub & Remove Eraser
Welcome to the Twelve Tools of Christmas!
Be sure to check in each day for the next twelve days, and see great tips and uses for our wonderful Close To My Heart tools!
There's always something new to learn . . .
Monday, December 24, 2012
Sunday, December 23, 2012
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Friday, December 21, 2012
Thursday, December 20, 2012
December Stamp of the Month Art # 15
Art by Karen Pedersen
JANUARY
For the remainder of December, I will posting artwork created by Close To My Heart Consultant, Karen Pedersen. I met Karen at a Close To My Heart Directors' event many, many years ago, where we were assigned to room together. I was very intimidated at first, as she was gorgeous (a former Mrs. Utah) and did such an amazing job with her Close To My Heart business. I still look back on those couple of days, so grateful that I had the opportunity to spend one-on-one time and get to know her, and get OVER myself!!! :-) She is a wonderful leader, artist and friend.
I'm thrilled to feature Karen's artwork here for the coming days. She shares with us little square cards, one for each month of the year, using this December Stamp of the Month set, "Year-Round Cheer." Enjoy! And thank you, Karen!
The Christmas Present
Present.
No, not the kind in a box or gift bag.
The be here now kind.
The being present with the person right in front of you.
The being present with all the memories, feelings and emotions that the Holidays bring to mind for you.
The being present with what you're engaged in now: The wrapping, the cookie tasting, the decorating, the planning, the music, the smells, the lights, this very minute.
The Honor of your Presence is requested in the present.
Slow down.
Breathe.
Pay attention.
Give yourself the gift of connecting: To your experience, your relationships, your own sense of who you most truly, deeply are.
Your presence is a light in the world.
www.LifeUnstuffed.com
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
December Stamp of the Month Art # 14
Art by Tina Dupin
This "Hello Sunshine" stamp has been a favorite this month, hasn't it? What a darling look this big, fluffy "Slate Satin Polka-Dot Ribbon" provides. The scalloped edging at the bottom of the card is a great complement!
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
December Stamp of the Month Art # 13
Art by Sue Laufer
What is it about this little ornament that I love? It's the feather in the hanger . . . I don't know why, but I think it's so darned cute!
Monday, December 17, 2012
December Stamp of the Month Art # 12
Art by Shannon Law
Wood! And a plaid that makes me think of a picnic table cloth . . . What a perfect background for a BBQ image! Again . . . our "Dakota" papers provide the backgrounds here. What I think really ties this whole card together is the black ink sponging around the edges of all the papers. That little added technique carries such a visual value!
Sunday, December 16, 2012
December Stamp of the Month Art # 11
Art by Maggie Cameron
Maggie and I were thinking along the same lines when we made our cards for with this stamp set! This paper is from the "Flirty" paper pack, and the bold layering here is a pretty contrast to the cute little summery image.
Saturday, December 15, 2012
December Stamp of the Month Art # 10
Art by Linda Taylor
What is it about those "Dakota" papers???? They just keep appearing! I think that really speaks to the flexibility of their designs. This cute little floral print is great here!
Friday, December 14, 2012
December Stamp of the Month Art #9
Love the vintage-looking ribbon here? It's our Color-Ready Seam Binding Ribbon, antiqued with ink. What a romantic look. Wouldn't this make a perfect Valentine?
Thursday, December 13, 2012
December Stamp of the Month Art #8
Art by Kathryn Wafer
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
December Stamp of the Month Art #7
Art by Julie Reynolds
I went "natural" looking for this card, using our hemp for a tie. Edges are inked to soften the look, and again - tiny bitty pink sparkles appear here as raindrops!
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
December Stamp of the Month Art #5
Art by Janice Hodgkin
Our "Just Blooms Paper Shapes" bring a surprise here. That bright package of summery-looking flowers now presents as a poinsettia! A tiny leaf cut from BT paper on the Cricut finishes it off for this cute and clean holiday card.
December Stamp of the Month Art #6
Art by Debi Gardner
I love Debi's use of the Silver Shimmer Trim on this card! Add it with the little bitty sparkles, and it gives the impression of a cloudy rainy day, but still with a bit of shine!
Sunday, December 9, 2012
December Stamp of the Month Art #4
Art by Cathy Stai
Nothing says "sunshine" like a pitcher of lemonade! This darling little 4 x 4 card is presented in a monochromatic look, and a single golden sparkle brings it to life.
Saturday, December 8, 2012
December Stamp of the Month Art #3
Art by Amy Raimy
Our "Dakota" papers appear again here, in the fine-striped print, together with its paisley print. These set nicely on Amy's randomly-stamped snowflake background. The Cricut cartridge cuts beautiful single snowflakes and a snowflake border here to make the focal elements.
Friday, December 7, 2012
December Stamp of the Month Art #2
Art by Becky Mackenstadt
What a fun way to present someone special with a gift card! This is a rectangle piece of BT paper, folded and glued up the back and along the bottom edge. Then punch a circle in the top for a "grabber." This holder is finished off with a fancy band, decorated with a beautifully colored-in design. A tiny sparkle on the ornament finishes it off!
Thursday, December 6, 2012
December Stamp of the Month Art #1
Art by Amy McGrew
For me, creativity is all about looking at something with fresh eyes - without any preconceived notions. When I first saw our Dakota papers, my mind stayed strictly in the "Western" theme. I would not have thought to use it with this cute little birdie! But the print works beautifully, with its multi-toned blues.
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Another Star Gift
This star was for my friend, Laurel, who is much more "classic" in her taste. I used our retired "Wonderland" papers to suit her personality. Pick up a couple of these stars and tailor make some gifts of your own!
Monday, December 3, 2012
What a GREAT Christmas Gift!
Using our My Creations Star (page 132 in the Autumn/Winter Idea Book), I recently made some Christmas gifts for girlfriends. It's so fun to personalize according to their personalities . . . This was for my "whimsical" friend, Chris, made with our retired "Jingle" papers. Stay tuned to see a more "classic" look in another color scheme!
Saturday, December 1, 2012
The Twelve Tools of Christmas!
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I've always loved the idea of the "Twelve Days of Christmas." The big build-up we have to Christmas Day can sometimes lead to a little post-holiday letdown, unless we are intentional about continuing the mindset of what we are indeed celebrating.
To continue in that spirit, I'm teaming up with a Consultant friend of mine, Kimberly, to present a holiday gift to our loyal Close To My Heart crafters - and that includes you!
If you're like me, you have a creative burst in anticipation of the Christmas holiday, and then a little letdown. Instead of the after-Christmas slump, please join me for the "Twelve Tools of Christmas," beginning Dec. 25! Visit this site each day for 12 days to see a unique Close To My Heart tool highlighted. You will learn tips and techniques that will enhance your post-holiday crafting! Such fun, at the click of your mouse!
Christmas Blessings to You!
Friday, November 16, 2012
November Stamp of the Month Art #16
Art by Kathryn Wafer
Our new Ruby ink is used here and is gorgeous. Its rich color is beautiful, used to stamp a background out of the month stamps. The rounded corners of the rectangle pieces bring a continuity in combination with the oval focal point.
Thursday, November 15, 2012
November Stamp of the Month Art #15
Art by Janice Hodgkin
What a nice idea for a "Save the Date" card. These are so popular now - - we all seem to receive them as soon as a wedding date has been set. Calendars get full so far ahead in our busy lives, that it's important to know to "save the date!"
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
November Stamp of the Month Art #14
Art by Melissa McBride
I've always loved the phrase, "Oh, Happy Day!" It just makes me smile. This card could be in celebration of anything! A birthday, anniversary, graduation, special accomplishment, promotion . . . you name it!
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
November Stamp of the Month Art #13
Art by Sue Laufer
I love this idea for a Birthday Card! Stamping consecutive months and then emphasizing the birthdate is just a great and simple way to make it special.
Monday, November 12, 2012
November Stamp of the Month Art #12
Art by Jeannine Friend
Speaking of butterflies . . . This lovely one is cut using Cricut Artiste. It was then given its shimmer, using Almond Glitz Glitter Gel (Z1769 - $2.75) To add balance to that shimmer, Jeannine added three tiny little sparkles from our "Brown & Tan Sparkle Assortment" (Z1753 - $2.95) Don't you just love it that we have SO many embellishments that are under $5?????
Sunday, November 11, 2012
November Stamp of the Month Art #11
Art by Kelly Hammonds
"Time Flies" . . . What better accent to use than our "Flutter Paper Shapes?" (Z1463 - $5.95 for 68 butterflies) These little flutteries work so great because they are black and white. This means they are completely customizable! Is that a word? :-) Sponge with any color so they match your artwork.
Saturday, November 10, 2012
November Stamp of the Month Art #10
Art by Elizabeth Hawley
Our Burlap Ribbon (Z1760 - $7.95 for 5 yards) is a wonderful accent to our Typeset papers. The rustic look of both make the perfect combination.
Friday, November 9, 2012
November Stamp of the Month Art #9
Art by Darlys Recker
Another terrific use of the journaling box! Darlys created another wonderful graduation card here, and the notebook-style paper from our "Scholastic" papers provides the perfect background.
Thursday, November 8, 2012
November Stamp of the Month Art #8
Art by Debi Gardner
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
November Stamp of the Month Art #7
Art by Tina Dupin
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
November Stamp of the Month Art #6
Art by Shannon Law
Wouldn't this make a great card for a graduate? Customize the look of your numbers, using any shape frame you like from our Cricut cartridges.
Monday, November 5, 2012
November Stamp of the Month Art #5
Art by Julie Reynolds
Sunday, November 4, 2012
November Stamp of the Month Art #4
Art by Becky Mackenstadt
Such a great Western feel to this card. Becky uses the wood grain BT paper from our Dakota papers, along with its paisley bandana type print, and an accent of black. The embellishments are PERFECTION with the Baker's Twine tied around, and the pearl buttons (fresh off her cowboy's shirt?) Actually - - those buttons are available as part of our "Wrangler Assortment" embellishment pack: 6 of these buttons, and 3 embroidered patches, all conveniently adhesive backed. This assortment is only $5.95. See it on Page 128 of the Fall Winter Idea Book.
Saturday, November 3, 2012
November Stamp of the Month Art #3
Art by Maggie Cameron
Artiste cuts here provide the layered mats - a great complement to the jack-o-lantern! The Stamp of the Month images here are stamped on little tag ends, to add the date. What a great addition to any specific holiday card!
Friday, November 2, 2012
November Stamp of the Month Art #2
Art by Leslie Ann Chivers
I love the versatility of numbers and letters in this set! FOUR different styles of numbers . . . TWO different styles of months! Plus the extras of a journal block and word labels. The abbreviated month, used here, is perfect for small internal area stamping, as in the middle of this wreath.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
November Stamp of the Month Art #1
Art by Cathy Stai
Can you figure out the mystery in the message?
"One and two are before three . . ." In Cathy's own words, "It can be really strange up there in my creative brain!" :-)
Welcome to Christmas Past
When you hear "holiday season" . . . What comes to mind? Think past any stress or demands. When you were a little girl, what did you think of? The sweet smells of spiced cider and Christmas cookies? Spending time with loved ones, when you just enjoyed being together? Maybe even a cozy time of some fun Christmas craft projects? All with the background of soft Christmas carols . . .
Take yourself back to your childhood with my Christmas Card Extravaganza. Choose a time that works for you and join me at my home! Enjoy spiced cider and delicious shortbread. Christmas music will softly play in the background while you sit with friends (old or new) and create 20 Christmas cards!
There will be 4 stations, and you will move at your own pace. No hurried schedule here! You have up to 3 hours, and you will make 5 cards each, of 4 different designs - a total of 20 cards. The cost is only $10 when you place a $25 order, or if no order - just $25.
TODAY is the day to reserve this time in your holiday schedule! Pick what works best for you, and register right away to reserve your spot:
Friday, Nov. 30 - 6pm
Saturday, Dec. 1 - 10am or 3pm
Sunday, Dec. 2 - 2pm
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
October Stamp of the Month Art #30
Art by Traci Pasqualone
Little tiny gifts are so much fun to give away. And they are easy to make with our Cricut Artiste cartridge. This one folds over the top, leaving an opening for a handle - adorable!
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
October Stamp of the Month Art #29
Art by Tina Dupin
Double the ornaments . . . double the color . . . double the fun! Hemp is added to these ornament tops for a darling finish, as the hanger and the bow.
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