Cricut Artiste Christmas Banner - Reposted By Demand

Wow!  It has been a whirwind couple of weeks!!  I've met so many amazing ladies at the last couple of craft shows I have been at - so much excitement about CTMH product!  I took this Christmas banner with as an example of what you can do - quickly and easily - with our Cricut Cartridges.  Using the Artiste cartridge, I created this banner for our mantle.  I have been asked for the dimensions so others could make it also, so I am reposting the original post.

I love making banners!  I started by making one for my daughter and was amazed at how quick and easy it is to make something beautiful.  Once again, it is especially easy if you have the right tools!  I have decided I will make a banner for my mantle for each of the seasons, and the perfect season to start with is Christmas.

There are many words you can choose but I thought this pretty much sums up the entire season for our family -- JOY.  I used the CTMH Artiste cartridge.  Wow -- it was soooo easy!

Here are my "cut" dimensions.  Page numbers refer to the Cricut Artiste handbook that comes with the cartridge.

Flag pieces - Pg. 77 - 4.5" - Elemental Patterned Paper

Top border - Pg. 47 - 1" - Red card stock (trimmed as needed)

Rosettes (3-D) - Pg. 77 - 1.75" - Colonial White Cardstock (remember to cut two for each rosette)

Rosettes (flat) - Pg. 56 - 3.5" - Colonial White Cardstock

Ornament - Pg. 79 - 3" - Colonial White (remember to cut four as you will need two for each ornament)

Letters - Various Pages - 3" - Cranberry Cardstock

Stamp sets used:

Love Life (D1482)

Very Merry Christmas (Oct. SOTM)

Inks and Embellishments:

Cranberry

Olive

Zip Strip from Elemental Paper Pack

Clear Sparkles (Z1752)

 

Tips/Notes:

-Almost every one of my pieces were sponged around the edges with Olive or Cranberry ink. This step adds dimension to your project.  You MUST do this and you will not be disappointed!

-I just used ribbon to string my pieces together.   I tie a knot behind each piece so it does not slide around.  

-To make the ornament multi-colored, I simply stamped two ornaments, one in green and then one in red.  I then cut out the middle of the green ornament and glued it onto the red.

-I used 3-D foam tape to mount my letter.  Again, gives the project dimension.

Artbooking Made Easy Video - Fall Layout

CTMH has put out a series of videos specifically for our new Artbooking Cricut Cartridge. I love this video series because it helps with understanding how the cartridge is set up and the use of the "Real Dial Size" button.  It also walks you through how easy it is to complete a beautiful layout!

Here is the first video in the series which goes over the cartridge details generally.

Here is the newest video on creating a beautiful Fall Layout using the Artbooking cartridge.  I couldn't get the video to load on my page, so just follow this link.

If you are interested in purchasing the new CTMH Artbooking Cricut Cartridge, come and shop with me here.

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October Stamp of the Month

You can purchase this set for only $5 (reg. $17.95) with any $50 purchase.  This is a fantastic seasonal set which includes holiday sentiments.  It also coordinates with the Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge.  You can start shopping by clicking here.

Holidays from the Heart

Today, CTMH released our new Holidays from the Heart Gift Guide!  This little catalogue introduces you to some new and festive product, as well it allows you to earn some of that product for FREE!  With every $100 purchased from any of our current catalogues, you can choose one of the "starred" products in this little mini catalogue for FREE!  It is packed with everything from paper, embellishments, workshops on the go kit, photo album kit, seasonal stamp sets and non-seasonal stamp sets.  You will definitely see something you like! 

You can look at the Holiday from the Heart Gift Guide using this link and click on the cover called "Holidays from the Heart", or you can call or e-mail and I will get you a copy right away!

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October Stamp of the Month

You can purchase this set for only $5 (reg. $17.95) with any $50 purchase.  This is a fantastic seasonal set which include sentiments.  It also coordinates with the Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge.

You can start shopping by clicking here.

Quick and Easy Huntington Card

I'm hoping to start posting projects more regularly - especially with all the amazing new product!  I am SUPER excited about the Artbooking Cartridge!  I just need to carve out a little piece of creative "me" time :)  I'll post as soon as that happens!

I was super motivated as soon as I opened the Huntington paper.  It is so beautiful and just works perfectly for the fall season.  Here is a super-quick and simple card.  I took the basic design from Make It From Heart - Vol. 1 (Pg. 43 - Pattern 21).

  

Please bear with me as I try to figure out my lighting.  I usually take photos outside or under natural light, but it was so incredibly windy today, it just didn't happen.  As a result, you don't really see the true "bling" effect of the Bronze Shimmer Trim.

I've demonstrated a couple of stamping techniques here.  The first one is on the flower image.  I call it "rock the block".  All you do is ink up your image with one color (in this case, Honey), and then only ink the edges of the image with a second color (Sunset) by rolling only the edge of the stamp on the stamp pad.  Note:  Always start with the light color first!  :) You don't want to end up with a messy stamp pad.  The second technique is just background stamping.  Just think how boring this card would be if the image was only stamped on colonial white cardstock.  I thought it would be a great way to add a little more bright fall colors.

Supplies (all are CTMH unless otherwise noted)

Paper:  Huntinton Paper Packet, Cocoa and Colonial White Cardstock
Embellishments:  Durables Artisan Studs(Z1816), Bronze Shimmer Trim (Z1849)
Stamps:  Happy Autumn (D1550)
Ink:  Honey, Sunset, Chocolate

To order any of these products, please follow this link and shop online!

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Don't forget -- it's National Stamping Month!!  For the month of September only, with a $50 purchase, you can qualify to purchase ALL 3 of these amazing stamp sets (with a value of $47.50) for only $10!!

The "You are my Happy" stamp set trio is a fantastic value -- not to mention versatile!  This offer includes a stamp set of sentiments, an alphabet stamp set and a set of seasonal icons! Don't miss it!

Get Organized with the new Large Organizer!

In our last catalogue, we introduced another piece to our line of storage/organization tools - the Large Organizer!  This is one of my FAVORITE  items!

I have A LOT of scrapbooking supplies and this has been a great way to put them all in their place.  I love that it is portable.  I love that it is stackable with our other sizes of organizers.  I love that it has removable divided sections.  It can be used for stamp sets, tools, stamp pads, etc.  It fits MY needs perfectly.  Check out the video below!

Don't forget -- it's National Stamping Month!!  For the month of September only, with a $50 purchase, you can qualify to purchase ALL 3 of these amazing stamp sets for only $10!!

The "You are my Happy" stamp set trio is a fantastic value -- not to mention versatile!  This offer includes a stamp set of sentiments, an alphabet stamp set and a set of seasonal icons! Don't miss it!

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One of My Favorites - Hinged Display Tray!

One of my closest friends recently lost her Dad.  My heart went out to her as I recalled how we all felt when we lost my husband Jason's Mom.  She had posted a few of her favorite photos of her Dad on Facebook.  When I saw them, not only was I moved to tears, but I was also inspired.  Using the hinged display tray, I used her photos and made her a gift.

I used the Tommy Paper Packet as well as the Tommy Complements Canvas Shapes.  I simply cut strips of one of the patterned papers to cover the outside edges.  I could have left it black, but I found that adding the paper around the frame allowed for a little more contrast and added to the overall "nautical" feel.  Here are a couple of close-ups:

I also used one of my favorite all time CTMH alphabet stamp sets -- Token Alphabet.  What I love about this stamp set is that you can punch out circle pieces using a 1" or 1-1/4" punch and the letter will fit perfectly.  You can then use of the background stamps included with the set and create a custom-colored background for the letter.

In keeping with the theme, I also made her a quick card.

Supplies (all are CTMH unless otherwise noted)

Paper:  Tommy Paper Packet (X7169B), Colonial White Card
Embellishments:  Artisan Studs (Z1816), Outdoor Denim Chevron Ribbon (Z1808), Cranberry Bakers Twine (Z1751), Tommy Complements Canvas Shapes (X7169C)
Stamps:  Family Love (D1506), 4 My Friend (D1510), Token Alphabet (E1020)
Ink:  Outdoor Denim, Cranberry

To order any of these products, please follow this link and shop online!

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Don't forget -- it's National Stamping Month!!  For the month of September only, with a $50 purchase, you can qualify to purchase ALL 3 of these amazing stamp sets for only $10!!

The "You are my Happy" stamp set trio is a fantastic value -- not to mention versatile!  This offer includes a stamp set of sentiments, an alphabet stamp set and a set of seasonal icons! Don't miss it!

Celebrate National Stamping Month -- Do not MISS this one!

For the month of September only, you can qualify to purchase ALL 3 of these amazing stamp sets for only $10!! 

The "You are my Happy" stamp set trio is a fantastic value -- not to mention versatile!  This offer includes a stamp set of sentiments, an alphabet stamp set and a set of seasonal icons!  See the video below for some great ideas using each of these sets.

With any $50 order, you qualify to purchase these stamp sets for only $10!  If you would like to take advantage of this fantastic offer, follow this link.

Make it a "Banner Day"!

Promotion for the Month of June

 

When you place a $25 order in June that includes one stamp set, you will receive a My Creations® Mini Banner for FREE!  The Mini Banner includes 10 chipboard pennants in 4 different shapes with 9 jump rings for hanging.  The Mini Banners are versatile and a great addition to your parties & get-togethers.

Not the greatest quality picture, but here is a project I made for my daughter using the My Creations Mini Banner!  I even had a couple pieces left over to use as chipboard elements for cards or scrapbook pages. For the blog posting featuring this project, click here.

The Art Philosophy cartridge has cuts that co-ordinate with the shapes of this banner, so if you have the cartridge, it is super easy to cut your paper for these pieces.  Take a look at this video for more fun ideas on using the My Creations Mini Banner!

My Creations Mini Banner Video

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June Stamp of the Month

June 2013: A Flowering Bunch (S1306A)

Spend $50 and get this Stamp of the Month set for just $5.

Further details on these three projects can be found here.

Quick and Easy with Studio J

I like to get right into paper and embellishments -- that is why I scrapbook!  There is something to be said for taking pieces here and there, and putting them together to make a page that captures memories.

However, I have been feeling a little overwhelmed lately and decided to I wanted to recharge my batteries by putting together a few digital pages.  Once again, I was AMAZED at how quickly they come together.  Close to my Heart has put forth a great deal of effort and resources to make digital scrapbooking with Studio J very EASY and USER-FRIENDLY.  They have brought out a feature called Express Collections.  You simply choose a paper pack, and there are a bunch of pre-designed layouts where you literally DRAG and DROP your photos in, add a little journalling and VOILA! It doesn't get much easier than that!  All you simply need to do is upload your photos and the rest is very easy. Of course, for those of us that want the freedom to be creative -- all the great full features of Studio J continue to be at your disposal.

Here are a couple of samples using the Express Collections feature in Studio J.  After I uploaded my pictures, these layouts literally took me about 15 minutes to complete!  Seriously?!?  It's that simple.

Here are a couple more sample using the full features of Studio J.  These took me a little longer to put together, but I had more creative options and layout flexibility.

I have used a number of different digital scrapbooking companies and programs.  What is great about Studio J is that you DO NOT commit to a membership, minimum, etc.  You have full access to the online software for FREE!!  Yes, no charge to try it out for a test drive!  The only time to have to pay for anything is when you want to order.  You have the option to purchase JPG files to print out yourself, or have them printed by us.  The quality is IMPRESSIVE!!  You WILL NOT be disappointed!

If you have ever been interested in giving digital scrapbooking a try, follow this link and give it a try!  You can also go to my CTMH Website here and click on Studio J at the top of the page.  If you have any questions or would like to be walked through the process, I am happy to help -- just give me a call or get in touch with me via e-mail!

Spring/Summer Catalogue Released!

  

The New Spring/Summer Catalogue has been released!!  To check out the online version (which can now be seen on your iPad - YAY!), go here. It is full of new paper packs, amazing stamp sets, new bling elements (like glitter paper -YAY), a new large organizer,  some new small items for decorating up thoughtful little gifts, decor items and embellishments!!  I guarantee you will fall in LOVE with something!!  The cover (pictured above) features one of our new paper packs "Chantilly". 

Send me an e-mail if you would like a copy!  I will be posting some new projects as they are completed.  In the meantime, one of my favorite new products is our fabulous divided display tray!!  Watch for a class with this for sure!!

BEAUTIFUL STAMPS, AMAZING DISCOUNTS

Each month you can enjoy a new D-size stamp set, available for one month only, for just $5—that’s over 70% off retail! When you place an order of $50 or more in Close To My Heart products, you qualify for this special Stamp of the Month pricing.

February 2013: Home Sweet Home (S1302A)

Spend $50 and get this Stamp of the Month set for just $5.

Avonlea Sympathy Card

Here is a quick card I put together using the Avonlea Paper Pack.  I love using this layout because you just need to pick a paper pack and away you go!  A favorite embellishment of mine is the Flutter Paper Shapes.  I love, love, love these little butterflies because you can use them "as is" or use an ink pad and a sponge to color them up as I did here!  This is a really quick card -- especially if you have the dimension (which I'm going to give you)!

And of course, I always like to make a coordinating envelope and decorate inside the card.  Here is what I did with this one.

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Dimensions:

Teal piece - 2-3/4" x 4" 

Avonlea Patterned pieces - 2-1/2" x 2" (two pieces)

Garden Green in center - 3-3/4" x 2-3/4"

Colonial White in center (to stamp on) - 3-1/2" x 2-1/2"

Supplies (all are CTMH unless otherwise noted)

Paper:  Avonlea Paper Packet, Colonial White Card and Envelope
Embellishments: Just Blooms Flutter Paper Shapes (Z1463), Bitty Opaques Pearl Gems (Z1707).
Stamps:  Love Life (D1482), Eclectic Edges (C1450), Casual Expressions (D1525), For my Friend (D1510),
Ink: Pacifica, Garden Green

Don't Miss Out on the January Promos!

I know it has been a while, but after the hectic holiday season followed by a fantastic, spontaneous family getaway, I am eager to get back into a routine!  With the February launch of the new catalogue, I am SUPER excited!  You are going to LOVE the new products!!

I just thought I would put out a reminder not to miss out on the January Stamp of the Month and the super-cute Whoo's Your Valentine Promo.  There are only a few days left to take advantage of both offers (ending January 31).  They are both very different in style.

The January Stamp of the Month, Happy Valentine's is full of love and can be used in a number of different projects, and as always is only $5 with any $50 order.
 

Project Ideas

January Stamp of the Month Set

The Whoo's Your Valentine Promo is SO cute!  The treat tubes are so versatile and are a little peak at the new product coming out in the new catalogue.  I know I will be using the stamp set in this promo for a number of projects -- I love the little owl!  And for just $10, it is an incredible steal!  It includes twelve die-cut boxes (in four colors), three sheets of colored cardstock, one sheet of silver glitter paper, twelve treat tubes with lids and the Whoo's Your Valentine Stamp Set. 

Project Idea for the Kit

Stamp Set Included in the Kit

Each of these promos is available with any $50 order.  You can even take both!!