Happy Birthday Card

Still having fun playing with new markers. Needed a birthday card and came up with this one using Nursery Bash Set from CTMH. I used my cuttlebug to emboss the background and then added the ribbon.

The ribbon is funny really its a never ending roll of ribbon which Kristy Bee gave me when she closed her stamp store down over here on Granbury. That must be 2 years ago now if not longer and it never runs out. I don't know what I will do when I finally get to the end of it.

Hope you have a great New Years Eve - Stay Safe!

Ronnie

PS - New Catalog tomorrow.........

Ms. Sweetheart - D1345

Sneak Peak of one of the new stamps sets from the Spring 2009 Catalog from CTMH. If you like the Bella Stamps you'll love the series of Ms. stamps that CTMH has added to the catalog. I had fun making the card. I colored using my new copic markers. I took a beginners class at Imprints here in Fort Worth on how to use them because I'd been seeing some great cards using them. I've always had a problem with the look of my marker colored images - lines all over the place. I love the CTMH markers for stamping multiple colored images but I wasn't any good at coloring in with them. Well copic markers are working great for me - I find the way I can shade with them pleasing and effective. Only problem is the cost! I'm hoping that Santa will bring me a few more to add to my collection but they make a serious hole in the pocket so I won't be able to afford to collect them all for a while.

A Merry & Bright Holiday Card Kit

Read an independent review of CTMH's Merry and Bright Holiday Card Kit and see if you agree :- Click here to read

I know when I need something quick or a kit for the kids these are what I chose. I love also that you can take the basic kit and add some layering and glitter and it really takes them up to the next level.

Quick Christmas Gift

I don't know about you but I'm always looking out for a quick gift idea at this time of year. I found a tub of peppermint bark at Costco and just needed a cute way of displaying it. I've had the tin for ages and I bought it to use with Hersey Nuggets but didn't get round to doing it. But same idea here with my peppermint bark. Took minutes to make - the longest time was waiting for the stickle to dry!

The tin can be bought online here http://www.catscraftcupboard.com/pc-61-162-metal-tins.aspx - they are the ones with the hinged lid.

I then just made a snug loop of paper to go round and punched out the circles.

Have a great day. I'm off to buy more peppermint bark!

Boy's Birthday Card

I always have problems coming up with cards for Philips friends but I'm fairly happy with this one. I used a masked frame to create the central image which gives the soccer player his clean look. The images comes from the Close To My Heart set called "Best Shot" - Close to My Heart has some great sports sets.


Hopefully the recipient will like the card!

Christmas Planner - Quick and simple gift

The planner is made using a manila folder. You cut it down to 8inch tall and then score the pockets. Cover with patterned paper and your done!

I found this Youtube tutorial which explains how to do it. Check it out!




I used the printable planner pages from this site -

I've been thinking though that this basic idea could be adapted to be used for a wedding planner, a baby shower planner or family reunion planner. Basically anything you could be planning.

Make sure you use a really good adhesive so it stays together!

Pumpkin Dip - Quick Easy and delicious!

This is my favorite recipe for when visiting friends and you need something quick to take at this time of year. It tastes even better if you make ahead so it has plenty of time to chill - serve with the best ginger cookies you can find (Try World Market they have the best!)

You Will Need:

-1 can of pumpkin 15oz (Not the mix…you want to add your own spices)

-2 packages (8oz. each) of Cream Cheese (Room Temp. makes it easier to mix)

-1 1/2 tsp. Cinnamon

-1/2 tsp. Nutmeg

-1 1/2 cups of Powdered Sugar


Directions:

Combine all of your ingredients in a large mixing bowl. I used a whisk by hand, but unless you’re looking to sweat, use your mixer with a wire whisk attachment. Beat all ingredients until smooth, place into a serving bowl.

November SOM Ideas

This months Stamp of the Month with Close to My Heart is a very cool Snowman set














I've been teaching this snowman card in my classes which is using paper pieced items stamped on patterned paper and cut out. Everyone has loved him!















I came across this treat bag on the CTMH website which won second place in the consultant competition for October today. How cute is that! I think I'll be making some of these for gifts. The consultant who made it is Lisa Burdick, Appleton, WI. Great job Lisa.



Here's the supply list

Happy Holidays Cocoa Gift Bag

D1308 My Acrylix® All Decked Out
D1307 My Acrylix® Annotations
X7103B Aspen Level 2 Paper Packet
1292 Crystal Blue Cardstock
1385 White Daisy Cardstock
X5754 Crème Brulee Cardstock
Z2114 Cocoa Exclusive Inks™ Pad
Z2105 Black Exclusive Inks™ Pad
Z2167 Crème Brulee Exclusive Inks™ Pad
Z900 Clear Watermark/Embossing Exclusive Inks™ Pad
Z888 StazOn® Ink Pad
Z1124 Designer Ribbon Rounds™ Heavenly Blue Collection
Z673 White Daisy Embossing Powder
4110 Clear Memory Protectors®
Z578 Corner Rounder
Marshmallows
Cocoa Packet

Dazzling Die Cuts - Layout

As promised a scrapbook layout using the Dazzling Die Cuts. These pictures were taken at a dance festival last spring on a really cold day. When your dressed to dance a cold front blowing through isn't the best thing that can happen.

The stars were inked in petal then the pink die cut was adhered over the top before coating in liquid glue and prisma glitter. Notice I have three stars on the layout making the layout flow and draw the eye through the page.

Have you tried liquid glass??? Its the best adhesive out there for 3d elements but it does so much more. I've used to glue items to display board for the kids school projects, fixed glasses and even a call phone. But for our crafting it makes a glossy finish if you cover stickers with it. Great for doing a stain glass effect and for prisma glitter I love it. The other great thing about it is that its Cheap!

Both of the layout designs come from the scrapbook design book Reflections which features 100 12" x 12" scrapbook pages. Each layout pattern comes complete with a shaded blueprint, detailed assembly instructions, companion layout guides, photo options, and creative techniques - Check it out on my website!

Dazzling Die Cuts

Have you see the CTMH Dazzling Cuts which are the special for this month. They are really cool. You get 12 sheets of pre-cut die cuts plus a sheet of dimensional elements (chipboard shapes). Whats really great about the die cuts is that they are designed to go with the CTMH dimensional elements. This makes them really easy to add without any messing around with the filing tools. With a $50 purchase you choose one or more the sets at $6 each. Each set is a different family of colors. I especially like the basic set which is full of the browns which go with everything.

I decided to play with them to show how you could make a simple card with them. The heart is from the dazzling die cut set and the & is from the dimensional elements alphabet but covered with a dazzling die cut. I then added the rub-ons to finish it off. Done in minutes.

If you want more details about the special check my story page on my website at www.ronnie.myctmh.com - while your there you could even place your order to make sure you don't miss out. Remember their while supplies last.

I want to make a scrapbook page using the dazzling die-cuts so I'm off to play - watch out for a further post when I'm done.

Great News from CTMH

Tonight I received an email from CTMH updating their policy on my use of a blog. They have changed it to the better for me and you. Blogs may now be used for posting artwork and recipes, as well as listing and promoting upcoming events. This is great and means you should be expecting to see more postings on here as I can share more of what I'm doing via my blog - how cool is that. I'm so excited. I'm even allowed to link my blog from my website. I'm even allowed to mention the specials that CTMH are offering! They are also going to provide us with pictures we can use.

So come back often!

Mini Memories

Mini album are all the rage at the moment so I thought I add a class to my normal schedule to make these really cute ones. The original idea comes from Teresa Black - thanks Teresa for sharing a great idea. Each page has its own little pocket to add journaling or even more pictures. They make great gifts for the special people in your life and they aren't expensive to make.

The class sign-ups are complete but if you'd like to host a workshop with friends to make these little books using any of the CTMH level 2 paper packets please free to contact me and we can set a date.

Block Party Results

Last week I held my block party and everyone had so much fun creating gifts. I think you would agree the results were great - I know everyone was happy as many people have ordered more blocks to make more.

Ronnie

A New Technique - Striped Wipe

This mornings sky was beautiful with a range of pinks and blues. It reminded me of this card which I'm teaching this month at my technique classes. This is more a sunset than a sunrise but could always be done with a sunrise instead just choose different colors. The great thing about this technique is its fun and easy. I love that about techniques - when you have multiple steps to do and embossing and and.... I may do it once but never again. This one is worth repeating many times as you get great results quickly.

Overdue - Blog Entry

I can't believe its nearly 2 months since I last blogged. When do these people who blog every day get time to do anything else but create and blog. I'm guessing this is the only thing they do - unlike myself with my other job, my PTA work and the kids. Well I promise as usual to get better at doing this and trying to manage my time. Now I have a new action to do list which bugs me about doing things I may get better - I need to set an action. Its not I haven't been creating I have but just haven't taken pictures and shared.

So the real reason is I finally made my Halloween cards I've been planning and slowly working on. I made the spiders myself having been unable to find a spider stamp I liked of the right size. I came across the black glitter plastic discs in the Imprints Stamp Store here in Fort Worth and knew that I finally had the answer to make them. The background is a new cuttlebug embossing folder using a highlight technique which brings out the web using the white pigment ink from CTMH. Don't very often make Halloween cards but have a few customer who will send me one and so I wanted to get some out myself this year. Please with the final result.

I also want to share my latest block art work - using a block for none stamping seems to be all the rage at the moment so I had to get in on it. The picture is of my two precious children and it will make a great gift for the grandparents.

Bandanna Technique

I know a long time since last post but its the summer! Anyways here we go my latest creation!

Used 3 of the new CTMH colors - juniper, creme brulee and sorbet. Also the saying and flower comes from the September Stamp of the Month. I love how it came out and the new colors - well they are a must have for anyone.

I'll teach this card next month I think - but may make another version or 2 so can't promise!

Another Christmas Card

Here's another Christmas card - purchased this set ages ago but never used it but then wanted to try a new coloring technique and it was perfect for that so this is what I created. I think I will teach this one in August - will see I may come up with something better by then - I'm forever changing my mind!

Colors are cranberry and clover meadow.

Sorry about the poor image but I scanned it rather than took a picture as my USB connected thingy is not available at the moment.

Christmas in July

The rules for Christmas cards for me are simple and quick when you have to make so many - so here's one for starters. This is using up some old Christmas designs from CTMH - but even with the few sheets I have of it I will be able to make multiple of this card. The card size is 6inch square as the tree was so big - but I think if I decide to make more I will use smaller squares and thus get it onto a standard card size - one has to think about the postal costs! Colors are holiday red and clover meadow.

Winner Takes All

Layout 11 for my class - only 2 more to go, what will I do. Would never have scrapped these pictures like this if I hadn't been doing this class. But that being said I like how it came out. This will go in Philip's album as the quote I added is about the benefits of having a sister means you always have a friend. Flowers on a boys page - yes it works sometimes.

This layout was a great use for scraps.

Almost a Teenager

I'm really happy with this layout - its another from my class (are you bored yet of much I'm enjoying this class). Anyway this is a celebration of Eleanor as she is just becoming a teenager. The wording for the journaling is adapted from something I found on the web. The color scheme is the one from the Simple Scrapbooking Magazine - with CTMH papers, Breeze, Ocean, Chocolate and Clover Meadow.

Lucky

Oh My - this one was a hard one for me to do. The design was just not me and using a green crayon to write the word Lucky - on my layout!!! But I wasn't a chicken so I did it and in the end I was happy with what I did. I don't think I will ever use this sketch again but I did. I don't want my class to finish - everyone is begging for a repeat. I know I will sign-up for bakers dozen 2 if they do it. I could do with a sketch every day to push me to scrap. Well maybe every other day.

Stacey Julian is doing a challenge in Simple Scrapbooks from June 23rd to August 25th - one layout per week. You can see it on page 17 of Simple Scrapbook magazine for July/August - I think I will play along - How about you? Post them to the gallery on the magazine website and you have a chance of winning a prize.

The themes -

1. make a layout using the color combination on page 52
2. scrapbook a summer 2007 highlight
3. dedicate your journaling to someone you love
4. scraplift a layout from this issue
5. pair favorite song lyrics with a picture or two
6. create a Halloween page
7. scrapbook photos that are at least 5 years old
8. scrapbook photos that are less than a month old
9. pair nature photos with a quote you love
10. document a vacation memory

What do you think?? Are you up for it???

Here's another one from big picture scrapbook class - I had some fun with this until I had to add the buttons. Buttons and me don't really match on layouts. But we had 25 in our little egg cup that we were meant to apply. So I decided not to be the chicken (as the agreement I'd signed at the start of the class said) and added them. Not bad. Don't think if I did the layout again they'd be on there prefer them on my cards but it will work for me.

Layout 6 - She's so Beautiful

Another layout from my big picture scrapbooking class - and I sewed on it. Got my sewing machine checked over recently so I could sew and finally took the time to do it. Love the look I was able to create. The charm on the L says 'love'.
The class is making me do one page layouts which is out of the box for me. I don't know how it will work when I finally add them to my books but having fun!

Yesterday I got the new Stacey Julian book about how to store and sort photos - had a quick read last night. I think I need to share this with my OCD friends - as this is so totally them. Not sure its me but I will read the book and see about taking on some of the suggestions. From the pictures in the book I just wish I had the space to store all the stuff she stores and how she stores it. I think my pictures are stored better online as they take up less space! Maybe if I write that best seller that I plan to write I will be able to afford the room I want. But I don't promise to keep it any cleaner - I'll be too busy creating!

Halloween Layout

Another Big Picture layout from my class. This one is from Halloween last year. Not that I've done everything before it but I'm set free from doing things in order since I read Stacey Julians book Big Picture Scrapbooking. Have ordered her latest book about how to store your pictures - can wait for it to arrive.

Layout 4 for my Bakers Dozen Class

Still having fun with my bakers dozen class with big picture scrapbooking still. This is the latest layout for today. I would never of done this layout with this class. I really like how it came out and it will find a home in my special people album.

Another Tag Layout

Loving my big picture scrapbooking class. I have done 4 layouts this week! Can't quite believe it but I have felt freed again and able to do this.This layout I have done twice - two versions. It was so quick and easy to do. Faster Simpler and Easier love it......Back to scrapbooking for me while I'm having fun. I've missed my scrapbooking.......

Textured Water Color

Made this one for a 'special' customer of mine. Hope you like it - I think I will teach this technique next month as it was so much fun.

Have a great weekend.

It's June !

Can't believe its already June - only 3.5 days and the kids are out of school. No teacher gifts completed and no idea what to do for them. Help. Need to get working on that but in the meantime I was working on a project for a group that meets at Alcon over here off 35.

Decided to do a gift item this time - so I came up with a covered note book. Used a couple of papers from CTMH from different packages but they go to well together and because the colors are matched across all the CTMH product line I knew they will match. Love that about CTMH papers!

I punched a hole with my croc-o-dile to add the ribbon for a closure. I like that look and helps keep a journal or notebook a little private!

The chipboard letter is also CTMH - comes from one of the monogram sets which gives you a whole variety of fonts for the same letter. So choose the ones for your family and you are good to go.

June Stamp of the Month

Love the look of the flowers on this card - stamp with garden green on garden green cardstock and then used embossing pen to highlight flowers head and embossed with white embossing powder.

Hi Sunshine!

A total lift from another consultant but it was too nice not to replicate it. I just love the colors and looks - only difference is the sunshine stamp I used. I used textured cardstock to give some more dimension on the plain background. I love the look the textured gives to the paper when you sand it.

Guy Card

Still working at making guy cards - I find them really hard to make and I know this is true for a lot of people. This card could work for Fathers Day but I've made for a birthday card using May Stamp of the Month. This car image was a CTMH stamp of the month previously which they have brought back - they changed the words on the stamp part so it applies to more - it now says on your special day for you. I haven't bought it though as I don't think for me it really matters.
Colors on the card are chocolate and sweet leaf.

Graduation Card

Graduation time is coming fast upon us and I have been requested to teach a graduation card for a class this month. Another CTMH consultant shared a similar card to this on our consultant Bulletin Board and I decided to use this as my inspiration. The card is simple to make and could easily be changed out with girly paper. I will try and do that later. But for the moment here's the boy version. Uses last months stamp of the month, card commentaries, simple stitches and rustic alphabet

Hope you like and that is inspires you to create one for the graduate in your life.

Talking about graduations. I can't believe how many times people graduate round here. I only got to graduate from my college. My son has so far graduated from pre-school and kindergarten and he's only 9! My daughter at 11 is graduating from 6th grade this month. Unfortunately we will have to miss the occasion as she has her dance recital but why do you graduate from 6th grade. Its not like you even have to pass a TAKS test or anything in 6th grade. You'd be better with graduation from 5th grade where you have to pass to move on. Enough I hear you say. I'm sure its the same in England now and that they graduate from different grades at school - I'm just jealous I know!

Color Challenge - Orange

I love orange as a color to wear at the moment and it has been joining my blue clothes for a few months now but orange in my cards and scrapbooks still really hasn't made an appearance other than for Halloween. So today I decided I needed to challenge myself. I tried a website which generates color combinations from CTMH colors http://www.scraptitude.com/colorcombo/ctmh/ and it came up with the orange, citrus green and moonstruck blue.
I also wanted to try a new technique which I want to teach this month so this is what I came up with. Hope you like - I do in the end. Not much orange still but maybe next time!

May Cards

I've been working on my cards for May - decided to a set of his and her's cards - using the greeting from the May SOM - both have folded designs on them rather than stamping using some of the great patterned paper from CTMH.
For May these cards will count as one project so still have 2 share. Watch out later this week for the others.

I will teach these cards in all my clubs for May.

Eleanor Plays in Honor Recital

Have to brag about my daughter today - I know nothing to do with paper crafting but there you go she's my only daughter and she made me proud today. Last weekend she had a piano competition and got the top rating which meant she got to play in todays recital. Thought I'd share the movie I made.

Quick Simple Saves the Day

Sometimes one needs a quick and simple card which will work. So this is what I came up with. Granted I didn't come up with the total idea myself - I found the general idea from another Consultant Lisa Stenz but I changed out the stamps and made it even a little simpler that hers.

Its all done on textured card stock. The stamp sets are the next two months SOMs. I can see me making many of these cards in multiple versions and colors.

Enjoy.