Get 2013 Started with some Scrappy Creations

The Holidays are nearing which means we are also closer to a new year of Scrappy Creations.  Get ready for two great Scrappy Creations Classes in January and February.  

On Thursday, January 10th, we will be creating a nice wintery layout and several cards using the beautiful Avonlea Workshop on the Go set.

 

Choose from several Kits to creat projects from simple to more elaborate. 

 

Kit 1- Avonlea Paper Pack ($11.69)

 

Kit 2-Avonlea Paper Pack, Parlor Velvet Rub-Ons ($17.48)

 

Kit 3- Avonlea Paper Pack, Parlor Velvet Rub-Ons, Opapue Mocha Gems ($20.90)

 

Kit 4- Avonlea Paper Pack, Opapue Mocha Gems  ($15.14) 

 

Here are a few examples of the beautiful creations that can be made with this gorgeous paper pack.  

In addition to the January class, I have already started to plan for our February Class that will come a little early in the month so we can prepare for Valentines Day.  Plan on creating these fun treat tubes (a new product from Close to My Heart), on Thursday, February 7, using the "Whooo's your Valentine" Kit that is only available for the remainder of December and January as long as supplies last.  RSVP now for February to ensure the lower price.    

For only $10 you will receive 6 treat tubes to decorate and embellish as you like.  Want more than 6 tubes?  Order $35 online and get 12 tubes, paper, silver glitter paper and the stamp set for only $10.  If you would like to get the full kit of 12, let me know and you can include your January supplies on your order to reach your $35 minimum.  Recommended additional supplies to create more tubes or cards at home include; My Acrylix Starter Kit, Hollyhock Ink Pad, Slate Ink Pad. 

Remember, also that by placing an order on my website before the end of the year will, you will be entered  into a drawing to win a free Close to my Heart Paper Pack.  

Don't delay, order now!  Make sure to RSVP now too.  I will need to know by December 24th to make arrangement for both the January and February Class.   

December Special

Place an order on my online business account between December 1st and December 31st and be entered to win $10 in select Close to my Heart product.  

Purchase this cute "Whooo's Your Valentine" Kit.  This darling kit, which retails for $40, can be yours for only $10 when you spend $35 or more in Close To My Heart product from the Autumn/ Winter 2012 Idea Book. You’ll receive 12 die-cut boxes, 3 cardstock sheets, 1 sheet of silver glitter paper, 12 treat tubes, and an exclusive D-size stamp set created specifically for the kit.

While your at it, add December's Stamp of the Month to your order for only $5 with your purchase of $50.

Make sure to also check out the "While Supplies Last" section for wonderful products at great discounts.  

~Amy

Pear and Partridge Workshop

Check out everything that you can make with one Pear and Partridge paper pack!  I have been busy preparing for tomorrow's Scrappy Creation Christmas Extravaganza.  I am so excited to share all this great artwork with my scrappy friends.    

 Here is a close up of the layout out made for the class.  With a few Holiday Dimensional Elements, some sparkles, sparkle flourishes and a little bit of hemp this simple layout from Volume 1 of Make it From Your Heart turned out just perfect.  I still need to add some journaling on the right hand page, but am happy with the finished look.

Click on the links to purchase the products used to make this layout.  Continue to browse the recent posts on my blog for more details on the other projects we are making.  Happy Browsing!  

~Amy

A Partridge and A "Pair"

I finished the cards we will be making next week during my Scrappy Creation's Christmas Extravaganza.  They turned out cute and are great additions to all the fun projects I have planned for my fellow scrappers.  

 The above card was inspired by this weeks Mojo Monday 266 sketch.  Check out more cards inspired by this sketch here.  

Close to My Heart's Pear and Partridge papers are perfect to use to give your holidays cards that cozy, "homey" feeling of Christmas

Additional embellishments include Natural Hemp and Clear Sparkles.  

One More Day to get your Free Studio J Layout

There are so many options and patterns to use in CTMH's Studio J that every layout you create will be unique and different.  It is so easy to customize your layout to fit your pictures and capture that special moment.  Below is an example of how the obvious "Moonlight" Hallowenn papers can be used both for Halloween and Thanksgiving....really any occation you want to remember. 

Remember to get your Studio J order of at least 10 layouts in by tommorrow at 12PM Mountain time to recieve your free layout.  You pay for 9 and get the last layout free.  Order up to 40 layouts and get 4 free. 

Studio J...a Layout for any Occasion

Have I told you how much I love Close to My Heart's online scrapbooking sight, Studio J?  Well I do.  There are so many paper and layout options that make the creative process so fun and exciting.  The options are endless.  I love to use Studio J for holidays, birthdays, and everyday life.  Here are just a few examples of some of the layouts I have created.  

I love how easy it is to create just the right layout for both my son and daughter.  

 

Make sure to take advantage of October's Studio J promotion.  Place a Studio J order by Wednesday, October 31 and recieve 1 free layout when you order 9 layouts.  You may get up to 4 layouts free.  Create your online account now and start playing.  Studio J is free to use, until you decide to purchase a layout.  Whats the delay!  Give it a try!

~Amy

 

This Witch Knows Her Broomstick!

Do you have a lot of scraps that you just can't quite throw away?  Here's a cute and simple way to use them by adding them to a gift tag.  

Every year, my kids and I like to make fun treat bags for our cousins and special friends that come to trick or treat.  This year was no exception, thanks to pinterest.  Using two small (3x4 inch) brown paper bags I created these fun broomstick gift bags.  

 All you need is-
     *2 small brown paper bags
     *a stick
     *treats
     *Raffia or Hemp
     *Your favorite Halloween paper (I chose CTMH Moonlight paper.)
Cut small 1/4 inch strips vertically on one of your paper bags.  Do not cut all the way to the top of the bag.  I left about 1 inch.  Place the 2nd bag inside the cut bag and open up.  Arrange the strips how you would like.  Fill with treats and the stick and then tie shut.
Don't they turn out super cute?

These little brooms would have been cute alone, but by adding a layer of scalloped circles, a stamped image and some different length flag strips, it adds some color and just finishes off these little treat bags.

I love how these turned out and can't wait to try to layering with other gift tags.

This week's Heart 2 Heart Challenge is to create anything "Halloweenie."  Although super easy and not too elaborate, I think these little gift bags are a perfect entry.  Make sure to check out all the other creations here.

~Amy

Studio J Express Kits

Have you tried Studio J's Express Collections yet?  The talented designers at Close to my Heart have already done all the work for you.  All you need to do is add your pictures, some journaling and voila, you have a beautiful layout in literally minutes. 

Here is a "First Day of School"  express layout I created of my son's first day.  Everything was already designed and created for me.  I picked and added my favorite photos, added red mats, changed the brads to red and added journaling.  It really only took me about 10 minutes and I was finished and I didn't even make a mess.  I created it leisurely while sitting on my couch watching TV.  Has scrapbooking ever been so easy?  

(click on the layout to enlarge)

Try out Studio J's Express Collection. Go to my Studio J webpage, create an account and get started.  Make sure to click on Studio J's Express Collection and try one of these easy layout today.  

While your at it, take advantage of Close to My Heart's October promotion.  Create and order 10 layouts and get one of your layouts free.  That is purchase 9 layouts, get 1 free.  You can get up to 4 layouts free.  Hurry, less than one week to get this awesome deal.  

Simple Holiday Bracket Frame

Here's is another fun 3-D home decor project for November's Scrappy Creation Class.  I love Close to my Heart's new chipboard bracket frame, it has a simple shape and when using CTMH's Pear and Partridge Paper Pack as well as the coordinating chip board embellishments the project comes together nicely. 

 Don't forget to finish the sides of the frame with strips of paper and distress with ink.  The burlap ribbon attached to the back of the frame gives you an option for hanging the frame. 

More info on November's Scrappy Creation Class coming soon!  Mark your calendar for Thursday, November 15th. 

Check out the post below for another fun 3-D creation. 

~Amy

3-D Holiday Blocks

November's Scrappy Creation Class will feature a variety of great holiday crafts ranging from traditional cards and a scrapbook layout, to some home decor.  You can choose to create 1 to all 4 of the projects.  One of the projects for the "Christmas Extravaganza" is this cute NOEL block set.  

It is super simple to create and makes a great gift.

This project features Close to My Heart's Pear and Partridge Paper Pack and the Burlap Ribbon.  I used 2x2 inch wood squares painted with Pearl Paint and slightly distressed, but Close to my Heart's My Creations Collage Cubes would also be a good substitute.

This weeks Heart 2 Heart Challenge also features lots of fun Christmas ideas.  Stop by the website to get inspired. 

~Amy

A "Moonlight" Haunting

Just a fun Halloween card using the design from this weeks Mojo Monday Sketch 262.

You can create this same card using CTMH's Moonlight Workshop on the Go.  The kit includes the Moonlight paper pack, Halloween stamp set, black/grey sparkles and the haunted accessories.  Join "Amy's Blogtober Fest" and place an order of any size to be entered to win a free paper pack or two Studio J layouts.  See details here.  

~Amy

Just for Fun!

Want a fun and easy fall decoration?  Use the bottom of a terracotta pot as a candle holder.  Place a candle in the middle then surround it with candy corn.  So Cute!  So Easy!  So Festive!  I like to change it up for Thanksgiving, by switching the orange "Halloween" candle for a rusty fall scented candle and surround it with corn kernels, bird seed or small nuts/acorns.  It really doesn't get any easier then this.     

Bugs and Hisses

Close to My Heart's Moonlight Workshop on the Go papers and stamp set were just what I need to create this cute Halloween Card.  I love that cute little spider for some reason.  

 The design was inspired by this weeks Mojo Monday 261 Sketch.

Remember to join "Amy's Blogtober Fest" on my online business page to get a chance to win a free paper pack of your choice or two Studio J layouts.  Place an order with me for an entry.  The more you order, the more entries you will get.    

Fall Leaves

 Sometimes the more simple a card is, the more beautiful it is.  I think that is true with this simple yet, stunning card.

This week's Heart 2 Heart Challenge was to use the stamping technique of "rolling."  To do that, you simply pick a solid stamp, ink it in a lighter color first, then roll the edges in a darker ink to get a two toned effect.  I rolled the leaves, using two color combinations (Goldrush and Autumn Terracotta/ Autumn Terracotta and Barn Red) to get this very subtle tone on toned look.

Although this CTMH stamp set is no longer available, you could use this same technique and design with any solid stamp set.  Here are few I would recommend;
Fall Harvest
Harvest Happiness
Snowflakes (How cute would it be to make Christmas "Thank You's" with this Stamp set?)
Paisley Flair
Love Blooms

Don't forget to add a sweet sentiment to your card, with the For Every Occasion Stamp Set.

Make sure to participate in my "Blogtober Fest" online gathering and receive an entry for a free paper pack or 2 Studio J layouts.  Go to my Online Business Website, join "Amy's Blogtober Fest" to purchase any Close to My Heart product.  Check out my post here for more info.   Check out the "While Supplies Last" section too for some fantastic deals.

~Amy

P.S.  Thanks to Pinterest for the inspiration.

Blogtober Fest Give-Away

Happy October!   As the autumn days grow shorter and the air gets a little crisper I start to anticipate the arrival of the holiday season.  Yes, I know we still have to celebrate Halloween, but in my book that is the start of the holiday season.  Fun times are right around the corner!  Are you ready?  

Every October my friend and mentor, Tresa Black, celebrates "Blogtober Fest."  It is a month to celebrate your blog and share all the crafty goodness this time of year brings about.  I don't know if she is doing "Blogtober Fest" again, but I enjoyed participating so much last year, I figured I would do it again this year.   It is a great challenge to try to blog more and create more!  

To get "Blogtober Fest" rolling, I am offering a free Close to My Heart Paper Pack or two free Studio J Layouts to anyone who makes a purchase as part of my Online "Blogtober Fest" Gathering.  Participate in my gathering by going to my business page at mnmscrapbooking.ctmh.com and join "Amy's Blogtober Fest."  This will bring you directly to my shopping pages where you can browse and order all the great products Close to My Heart has to offer.  Your order will be shipped directly to you.  Get one entry for any order, get additional entries for every $25 in product you spend with me (i.e. buy $25-get two entries, buy $75-get 4 entries).  The more you buy, the more chances you will have to win.  The number of prizes given away will depend on the final order amount.  

When placing your order, don't forget to take advantage of this month's Stamp of the Month, A Very Merry Christmas.  Click on the link to see the entire stamp set.  Purchase it at full retail value for $17.95 or get it for only $5 when you purchase $50.00 or more with me.  The Artiste Cricut Cartridge compliments this stamp set perfectly and would make for some super cute Christmas cards.   Look at the beautiful projects created using this stamp set created by the CTMH Art Department.  Isn't that little girl in the layout cute?;o)    (Only a mother would be so proud!)     

Hoping to win those two Studio J layouts?  Try out Studio J now.  It does not cost anything to create an account or to create online pages.  Give it a try and have a few pages ready to go when you win!  Better yet, take part in this months constant campaign and receive a free Studio J layout when you purchase 9 layouts.  You can get up to 4 layouts free this month.  What are you waiting for?  Try it out now!  With 10+ layouts complete, you will practically have an entire scrapbook.     

Happy Shopping!  The "Blogtober Fest" gathering will be closed Friday, October 12.  The winners will be announced and contacted October 13th.  Here's hoping for lots of winners!  

~Amy

2nd Annual Christmas Card Workshop

2nd Annual Christmas Card Workshop

Friday, October 19th @ 7PM

Create 15 cards for $16.50

Get into the holiday spirit early.  Stamp and create 5 of each of these beautiful cards.  Come enjoy yummy snacks, door prizes and good friends.  Invite and bring a friend and receive an extra entry for a door prize. 

RSVP no later than October 1st. 

**Because not offered for individual sale, the twill ribbon will be red grosgrain and the red sparkles will be pearls.  If you would like the twill and sparkles as shown in the picture, let me know and I will order you the Workshop on the Go Kit for $35.00.  You will receive all the supplies to create the cards, plus and exclusive My Acrylix Stamp Set (size-C).   

"Beware" Moonlight WOTG

BEWARE......Close to My Heart's Moonlight Workshop on the Go, has endless possibilities.  Some simple paper piecing and stamping gives this card just the right touch for Halloween.  Don't forget to use the fun words each CTMH paper pack has on one of their B&T's zip strips.  Such a simple accent to add!  

 Inspiration for the above card was found in this week's Mojo Monday sketch seen below.

Additional supplies you may want to complete your Halloween look; 

Black Ink Pad

Goldrush Ink Pad

Smokey Plum Ink Pad

October Scrappy Creation Class

October's Scrappy Creation Class

Thursday, October 11 at 7PM

Please join me as we create these two fun Halloween layouts from Close to My Heart's Moonlight Workshop on the Go Kit.  Learn fun stamping and distressing techniques to give your layouts depth and personality.  

 Also create fun treat cards using the remainder of your supplies.  Perfect for those special tricksters on Halloween night.

Please RSVP no later than Wednesday, September 26th to hold your spot and ensure your supplies are ordered in time.

When RSVP-ing, chose one of the following kits.  (Click on the links to see the specific supplies).
Kit 1-(Moonlight Paper Pack) $11.62
Kit 2- (Moonlight Paper Pack and Haunted Assortment) $17.42
Kit 3- (Moonlight Paper Pack, Haunted Assortment and Black & Grey Sparkles) $21.72
Kit 4- (Moonlight Workshop on the Go Kit) $35.00

~Amy

Join Me!!

Want to get the latest info about Close to my Heart products, see my latest artwork, get info about classes and just fun scrapping tid bits.  Join me on facebook by "liking" my facebook page, here or by clicking on the button to the right.  Once have 30 "likes" there will be a fun give away for all who like my page.  Don't delay, please like me!   

Matchbook Treat Cards

I always love to create fun treat containers to give to those special trick-or-treaters that stop by on Halloween night.  Here are a few "matchbook" cards/treat holders I created using Close to My Heart's Moonlight Workshop on the Go papers and stamp set.  They were super easy and super mini, just 3 inches by 4 inches and perfect to fit "treat" sized M&M packages.  Check out the Heart 2 Heart Challenge web page for more ideas for mini cards.     

Didn't these turn out cute?  Stay tuned for more info regarding October's Scrappy Creation Class where we will make these as well as two layouts.  Class will be Thursday, October 11th @ 7PM.  Check back in a few days.  
~Amy

It's Your Day Mojo

This weeks Mojo Monday Sketch 256, is a simple design that complimented Close to My Heart's "It's You Day" Double Stamp Set perfectly.  So simple and clean!   

 During the month of September, receive this double stamp set for $5 with your qualifying purchase of $35 dollars or more. Start shopping here.  

~Amy

"It's Your Day" School Milestone

As summer winds down and the impending school year gets closer I always start to get a little sentimental.

This year I feel even more sentimental as I send my oldest off to Kindergarten.  She will start school next week and I can't believe "my baby" is now in elementary school.  How can that be?  She is not that old...is she?

Of course this is a big milestone in her little life and of course I have to document it in a scrapbook layout.  The "Back to School" theme was also part of the challenge at Heart to Heart, so it was a good excuse to get this page finished this week.  I was inspired by several things when creating this page.  First, I found a tender "poem" on pinterest about a child starting school and had to incorporate it.  Secondly, I loved how CTMH created a layout using pocket page protectors for their "It Your Day" Double Stamp Set Promotion. And last the "It's Your Day" stamp set for National Stamping Month was perfect for this project.

I felt like I was truly scrapping when making this page.  The 4x6 rectangles were the perfect size to stamp and embellish separately with scrap paper.  The fun school colors of Outdoor Denim, Cranberry, Honey and White Daisy, plus a few like embellishments helped pull the page together.  Here are some of the pieces close up.      

 I used a 4x12 inch piece of paper for the "Kindergarten" page.  It was a little tricky to put the longer piece of paper into the pockets, but added a nice touch to the layout.

I am looking forward to adding some photos to this layout and plan to share once it is complete.  

Supplies used to create this page.
Pocket Photo Protectors
Kraft Card Stock
White Daisy Card Stock
Cranberry Card Stock
"It's Your Day" Double Stamp Set
Cranberry Stamp Pad
Outdoor Denim Stamp Pad
Honey Stamp Pad
Blue Buttons
Foam Tape

Happy Back to School time!
~Amy

Playing with New CTMH Dakota Papers

I was happy to receive a big box a brand new CTMH product last week, and couldn't wait to dig into all the new supplies.  I started by creating the two layouts we will be making in my Scrappy Creations Class in September.  I love the country look of the Dakota paper pack and think the Dakota Foil Compliments finish the layouts perfectly.  

Layout #1 was copied almost exactly from the current Idea Book.

 Layout #2 was designed using Pattern 9 from CTMH's Make it From Your Heart , Volume 1 "How to" guide.

 This new "How To" guide is complete with 16-two-page layouts, 2 single page layouts and 12 card designs is a must have tool for any scrapper.  The simple cutting guides and directions make it easy for anyone to create beautiful projects.  Get it now for only $7.95.

~Amy