Christmas Firsts | Overstamping Technique

Phew! I am grateful to be back in the blogosphere after a wonderful Christmas holiday with my family. It's been a crazy whirlwind and as usual I overbooked myself on too many projects and didn't get half of them finished...and enjoyed every minute with my family doing what we loved. I can live with that.

Here's a look at one project I was able to finish this week. It took me all week, because despite the Cricut being super fast and easy, it is kind of loud next to the sleeping baby's room... I get my crafting done after the kids are down for the count at night, so I have to pre-plan my Cricut cutting times so I can do those on the weekend during the day. When I just sit down to mess around and inspiration strikes...well, it sometimes takes a while to try it all out!

Title using the Overstamping technique in Champagne and Cranberry inks. Love this.

Overstamping

All of the ornaments were cut with the Cricut Artiste cartridge. For the large Cranberry ornament, I cut the base in Champagne cardstock at 8" and then the overlay in cranberry, also at 8", matching the layout instructions in Jeanette Lynton's Magic for the Makin' It Happen layout. The ornament for my journalling was cut from Colonial White cardstock, then I embellished with Almond Glitz Gel, letting it dry a few minutes, then added journalling and some old Cranberry grosgrain for trim. I love how the Almond and Bronze glitter appears to change colors based on what is around it. The glitter on the large Cranberry ornament and the Colonial White journal spot are the same, but they appear different on the two colors of cardstock.

Journalling Spot Detail

Green, Red and Almond decorative Glitz Glitter Gel detail.

Just loving this Glitz Glitter Gel! I added dots of Green all over the swirls on the Pear and Partridge B&T. It's Christmas!

The blur of white behind the shoe in the first picture on the Cranberry ornament is a bit unusual, I realize. It was long before I worried much about taking pictures with scrapbook layouts in mind. Meet Raynie. This is the first layout I have done of her since she passed, my sweet baby girl and first "child". I got Raynie, a samoyed, just a week before I got married (Brandon got two in one!) and she was our constant companion for over ten years before she passed.  It's a little sad remembering, but so joyful. I am ready to finally delve into that stack of photos and tell her story. I hope you love her as much as we do. Have a very Happy New Year!

Warm wishes,

Whooo's Your Valentine ¦ National Papercrafting Month

I know it's a litter early to be thinking about Sweeties, but Close To My Heart has just unveiled the National Papercrafting Month bonus kit! This is a available for only $10 with a $35 purchase today through January 31st. Retailing at $40, this darling kit combines your love of papercrafting into beautiful gifts, perfect for teachers or the whole class! Get yours today at http://trishamorton.ctmh.com and shop 24/7 in the comfort of your pajamas! Happy Valentine's Day!

Warm wishes,
Trisha

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A Christmas Card and Retiring Items

Before I get to the list, I just want to share one of the cards we are making this Saturday, December 15th in class. If you would like to order $1 card kits to assemble on your own, you still can. See all of the options here.

Wow! There's a whole lot of change coming up soon at Close To My Heart as the Autumn/Winter 2012 Idea Book draws to a close on January 31, 2013. This time of year is always bittersweet. I CAN'T WAIT for the Spring/Summer Idea Book to come out with all of the wonderful new papers, stamps and products, but I'm so sad to see the close of my favorite Autumn/Winter Book and some of my best-loved treasures being retired. To get new, we must clean out the old, so now's the chance to get those last must-haves before they are gone forever. So without further adieu, here's the list!

I made this card using C1458 Paper Lanterns, which is about to retire for good
(card originally inspired by Vicki Wizniuk).

2012 Autumn/Winter Idea Book Retiring List 

Item#   Description                     Idea Book Page No.

Z1349 Shimmer Designer Brads 127

Z1360 Rhinestone Designer Brads 127

Z1361 Brads Red Assortment  127

Z1362 Brads Pink Assortment 127

Z1363 Brads Blue Assortment 127

Z1364 Brads Green Assortment 127

Z1365 Brads Basic Assortment 127

Z1387 Wooden Designer Buttons 125

Z1391 Buttons Clear Assortment 125

Z1395 Irresistibles™ Eclectic Chipboard Die-Cuts (the alphabet) 130

Z1465 Irresistibles™ Make-It-Count Numbers 130

Z1681 Dimensional Elements  Numbers  131

Z1761 Dimensional Elements Ornaments 131

Z1762 Dimensional Elements Snowflakes 131

Z1765 Color-Ready Arbor Wooden Shapes 130

X7147C Stella Complements Canvas Shapes 68

X7148C My Stickease® Pemberley Assortment 68

X7150C My Stickease® Victory Assortment 69

X7153C My Stickease® Florentine Assortment 69

X7158C La Belle Vie My Stickease® Assortment 38

X7160C Flirty Complements Dimensional Elements 50

X7161C Moonlight Complements Dimensional Elements 56

X7162C Pear & Partridge Complements Glittery Rub-Ons 62

Z1464 Milepost Shapes 128

Z1466 Bling Assortment 128

Z1695 Urban Felt Alphabet  130

Z1696 Keepsake Felt Alphabet  130

Z1709 Just Blooms® Petals Paper Flowers 129

Z1460 Foundry® Ribbon Slides 126

Z1711 Foundry® Binder Clips 126

Z1712 Foundry® Number Plates  126

Z1461 Décor Journaling Spots 129

Z1687 Bohemian Assortment  128

Z1689 Timeless Charms 128

Z1692 Tough Tags 128

Z1694 Bouquet Assortment 128

Z1741 Haunted Assortment 128

Z1749 Autumn Lane Assortment  128

Z1763 Boutique Assortment 128

2012 Autumn/Winter Idea Book Retiring List

Z1772 Dimensional Elements In Color—Holiday 128

Z1393 Mini-Medley Accents Black Collection  126

Z1316 Designer Ribbon Cocoa Collection 124

Z1385 Designer Ribbon Blue Collection 124

Z1615 Designer Ribbon Red Collection 124

Z1616 Designer Ribbon Green Collection 124

Z1388 Newsprint Rub-Ons  130

Z1700 Dark Chocolate Tapestry Velvet Rub-Ons 126

Z1733 Black Tapestry Velvet Rub-Ons 126

Z1743 Festive Velvet Rub-Ons  126

Z1742 Parlor Velvet Rub-Ons 126

Z1407 6" x 6" Olive Quick Pic™ Album 122

Z1408 6" x 6" Pansy Purple Quick Pic™ Album 122

Z1054 My Creations® Display Album 132

Z1378 My Creations® Banner 132

Z1614 My Creations® Memory Game 132

Z188 Craft Jars 120

Z1352 4 1/2" Colonial White Circle Cards 123

Z1353 4 1/2" White Daisy Circle Cards 123

Z1731 My Originals® Sweet Surprises Card Kit 123

X7147B My Reflections® Stella Paper Packet 68

X7148B My Reflections® Pemberley Paper Packet 68

X7150B My Reflections® Victory Paper Packet 69

X7153B My Reflections® Florentine Paper Packet 69

X7158B La Belle Vie Paper Packet  38

X7160B Flirty Paper Packet 50

X7161B Moonlight Paper Packet 56

X7162B Pear & Partridge Paper Packet 62Z1252 Cutting Knife 135

G1041 Workshops on the Go® Avonlea Cardmaking Kit 22

G1043 Workshops on the Go® Pear & Partridge Cardmaking Kit 66

G1040 Workshops on the Go® Spellbound Cricut® Kit 14

G1042 Workshops on the Go® Scroll Album Kit 23

G1044 Workshops on the Go® Advent Calendar Kit 67

G1045 Workshops on the Go® Avonlea Scrapbooking Kit 21

G1046 Workshops on the Go® Clementine Scrapbooking Kit 29

G1047 Workshops on the Go® Dakota Scrapbooking Kit 35

G1048 Workshops on the Go® La Belle Vie Scrapbooking Kit  41

G1049 Workshops on the Go® Scholastic Scrapbooking Kit 47

G1050 Workshops on the Go® Flirty Scrapbooking Kit 53

G1051 Workshops on the Go® Moonlight Scrapbooking Kit 59

G1052 Workshops on the Go® Pear & Partridge Scrapbooking Kit 65

Retiring Stamps in the Spring/Summer 2012 Idea Book

Item#    Stamp name     Page #

A1104 A Tweet 90

A1111 A Tulip 68

A1116 A Melody 94

A1122 Bravo 92

A1128 Quick Cards—Shell 80

A1129 A Rainbow 85

B1365 Spring Up 71

B1369 Rosy Regards 67

B1374 Bee Happy 83

B1397 He Is Risen 74

B1402 My Peeps 72

C1439 Enjoy Life 95

C1440 Take a Picture 93

C1442 Tailor-Made 94

C1450 Eclectic Edges 99

C1452 Delight 71

C1455 Aspire 96

C1456 Heartfelt Treasures 68

C1457 Happy Camper 84

C1458 Paper Lantern 90

C1473 Remarkable Wreath 70

C1474 10 Things 105

C1485 Super Powers 47

C1498 Country Life 82

C1499 Perfect Day 80

D1195 The Works Alphabet 117

D1222 Tiny Typewriter Alphabet 117

D1296 Chocolate Alphabet Small 114

D1301 Hodge Podge Alphabet 114

D1303 Classmate Alphabet 114

D1462 Splendid Day 77

D1464 Card Chatter—Love 106

D1467 Trees & Things 76

D1472 Simple Memories 66

D1478 Bingo Alphabet 113

D1505 Roar! 89

D1508 Diverse Backgrounds 102

D1509 Magic Adventures 78

D1511 Kick Back 81

E1013 Field Trip Alphabet 114

Warm wishes,

Family Game Night | Studio J

Winter sets in, the nights get colder. The kids get bolder... unless you break out some board games! The wind is whistlin' and the snow, it is a flyin'. It's time to start one of our winter traditions again! This super easy scrapbook layout from Studio J can be assembled in 15-30 minutes online in our studio scrappin' suite from Close To My Heart. Kits are predesigned and come as simple or as intermediate as you want, but with drag and drop ease. Give the gift of your family through the year in photos and words as you easily duplicate your pages or albums to share with ALL your loved ones! Schedule some "studio" time with me online via chat to walk you through a layout of your choice. It's free! And most of all, enjoy the season and Merry Christmas!

Warm wishes,

Anticipation | December Specials and Classes

Thanks to Karen Pedersen for sharing her beautiful card
featuring the Stamp of the Month.

Delightful December. It brings to mind magic, wonder and excitement when you hear it. My mom always used to sing a song this time of year, called Anticipation. Just humming the tune could put you in the spirit of giving. I can no longer carry much of a tune, but I'll be glad to share a sliver of mine with you and help make your month Merry & Bright.


In this post...

1. Sale
2. Christmas Card Class
3. Free Holiday Gift
4. December Stamp of the Month

***************************

1. HUGE Sale: You’ll be tickled with the FABULOUS new sale items on my website that went up at midnight this morning (December 1). Just head to my website and click on "While Supplies Last." 

Among the new additions you will find a wide variety of paper and coordinating accessories, all with a substantial markdown. You will also find that most of the items that are currently available will also see a further markdown at that time.

2. $1 Christmas Card Class
I am privileged to be co-hosting a Christmas Card Class with my pal, Yvonne Wickham. We have designed 4 fabulous cards, which are fun, festive, and FAST! We know you don't have much time to spare during the holidays, so we've put together a quick class to get your cards done in a blink. With the touch of your nose, these will assemble quick as a wink, and are priced for minimum impact on your holiday budget, so you can send some beautiful handmade greetings this year to your loved ones, and they'll think you toiled for hours! Class will be held in Taylorsville at Yvonne's Craft Room. $1 per card. RSVP (email) with the number of each card you would like by Friday December 7th so we can cut them in time for class to help speed you along. Can't make it? We'll be glad to send you as many kits to assemble by your own holiday hearth as you like. Additional coordinated stamped envelopes are available! Contact me today to get directions and reserve your place! *Postage not included.*

3. Free Holiday Gift:  To sweeten the deal even more, from December 1–31, all orders placed on my website that reach or exceed $50 will also include a free Bonding Memories® glue pen (Z553)—a $4.50 value! Shop early, because these deals are only available while supplies last.

4. December Stamp of the Month:  With every $50 you spend (before shipping and tax) during the month of December, one of these awesome month-to-month stamp set,Year Round Cheer, can be yours for only $5.  That means if you spend $100, you can purchase 2, and so on. Nice!  This stamp set is a perfect holiday gift, and for only $5...why not?

Warm wishes,

Do You Remember the HUGE Warehouse Sale?

Well, guess what? It's here! You’ll be tickled to learn that there will be  FABULOUS new sale items on my website beginning at midnight (MST) tonight! Just head to my websiteand click on "While Supplies Last." Maybe you should go there now so you're ready.. Lol!

Among the new additions you will find a wide variety of paper and coordinating accessories, all with a substantial markdown. You will also find that most of the items that are currently available will also see a further markdown at that time.

To sweeten the deal even more, from December 1–31, all orders placed on my website that reach or exceed $50 will also include a free Bonding Memories® glue pen (Z553)—a $4.50 value! Shop early, because these deals are only available while supplies last.

*LOVE*

Mall Rat {Studio J}

This is my secret name for this layout. Shh, don't tell Brook! (I don't want to scar her for life with my outdated vernacular, at least, not any more than I already have.) It's said with affection!

My sweet baby girl is growing up so fast! These pictures of Brook are from a few years ago, just after she turned seven. Seven is Heaven! They are a collection of random shots of her being girly over a few months that summer that just didn't go with anything else. Together, they paint the picture of a pre-tween tomboy who is just starting to pay attention to girl stuff (but don't tell anyone).

The focal shot is of Brook on a girls outing at the mall - just the two of us and no boys. In our house, this a real rarity! Brook was so excited to be doing Mall Stuff. We shopped (and bought!) just for her, we found some gifts for others and we had an Orange Julius at the food court which is what I remember most about being a kid and going to the mall. It became a tradition of my best friend and I to hit the Hello Kitty store and have an Orange Julius (remember when you used to be able to go places alone as a kid?)

When I met Brandon, he would always have a fresh, hot pretzel, so that became a tradition for us that we have shared with our kids as a family. For me and my princess, though, we did the girl thang and got Juliuses! Enjoy the moments.

Warm wishes,

P.S. - Don't forget Cyber Monday lasts through 11:59pm!

Small Business Saturday and a Layout {Studio J}

The Mortons in Avonlea, inspired by Karen Pedersen.

Welcome to Small Business Saturday! What is Small Business Saturday? Let Wikipedia enlighten us:

Small Business Saturday is an American shopping holiday held on the Saturday after Thanksgiving during one of the busiest shopping periods of the year. First celebrated on November 27, 2010, it is a counterpart to Black Friday and Cyber Monday, which feature big box retail and e-commerce stores respectively. By contrast, Small Business Saturday encourages holiday shoppers to patronize brick and mortar businesses that are small and local.

I appreciate your patronage this day especially and invite you to stop by my Brick and Mortar for a spell and some great Black Friday fun, still going on through the end of Cyber Monday. Go here to see what exclusive hourly deals I have to offer today in thanks!

Along with Mom & Pop shops, comes Family. This is one of those typical family portraits for photographers. Since we are usually behind the lens, it can be a challenge to get a good shot of your family with you actually in it (the self-timer option is our friend). You're at somebody's wedding (in this case, my niece, Paige's) and the setting is beautiful, so you gather the family and ask someone to take your picture and hope for the best! Will everybody be looking at the camera, did the makeshift photographer frame it up right, are your faces now in shadow? I find these can be very frustrating if you let them. So I don't!

Now, I find they are the best portraits of our family and often reveal the real McCoy (in this case, Garrett). He's such a character! If anyone is going to be doing something off, it will be him. Mind you, he's only three, so it's okay. It reminds me of the many years previous when it was first Brook, then Aidan who gave this photographer grief. I'm learning to let it go, finally, and just enjoy the moments! I hope you have had or will have many moments this weekend as you celebrate within your own friends and family all the wonderful ideas and character that has made this nation great. Give thanks for the American Dream and thanks for stopping by!

Warm wishes,

Cricut Artiste or Art Philosophy for 78 Bucks! {Black Friday}

Bridal card I made with Cricut Artiste for my niece, Paige.

Man, oh, man, you can't beat that deal! This offer is available only valid through me (facebook, twitter or email/text/phone). On my website (there are some FANTASTIC While Supplies Last deals there, too!) click on JOIN the Black Friday Deals! gathering and click, click, click to shop 24/7 in the comfort of your pajamas!* Starting now through 10pm MST on Cyber Monday, November 26, 2012, I am offering the Close To My Heart Cricut Artiste or Art Philosophy cartridge packs for only $78 plus tax and shipping! Now, if you want to order off the website and get this amazing deal, you must let me know by joining the Black Friday Deals! gathering so I can refund you the difference on your purchase price because the website is not set up to handle this exclusive deal only through me.

Detail of the embossing. You can see how to make this card here.

Let's Get to the Goods
Both of these collections (and I say that because you get MORE than just the amazing cartridge) have a whopping 700 images EACH - averaging 600 MORE than your regular full Cricut cartridge retailing at $50+ and include matching Dimensional Elements and My Acrylix Stamp Sets to perfectly coordinate your next project Faster, Simpler and Easier! Look at what you get:

Cricut® Art Philosophy Collection

Featuring hundreds of basic, versatile shapes and fonts you'll use every day, many of which coordinate with dozens of our My Acrylix® stamps, this collection is a must-have for every crafter!

Cricut® Art Philosophy Collection includes:
1 – Cartridge (700 images: font, shapes, and 3-D items)
3 – My Acrylix® D-size stamp sets
3 – 9" × 12" Dimensional Elements (3 sheets of different shapes)

Cricut® Artiste Collection

With just the touch of one Cricut® Artiste key you can take your creativity over the top with wonderful 3-D projects, party favors, interactive cards, awards, and more! From robots and spooks to weddings and Valentines, your cupcake wrappers, invitations, and party essentials will coordinate and come together for any celebration! Includes a step-by-step assembly booklet for the 3-D projects.

Collection includes:

• 1 – Cartridge (700 images: themed projects, cards, fonts, shapes, and 3-D items)
• 3 – My Acrylix® D-size stamp sets
• 3 – 12" × 9" Dimensional Elements (3 sheets of different shapes)

Ok, here's the rest of the deal
Your Cricut cartridge collection will only sweeten these rewards inspired by Lisa Stenz's 2011 Black Friday. I've put my own spin on it, of course, but special thanks to her for the original idea! Now. Here's the goods!

Place an order of $25 - $49 

Get a free Dye-Based Ink Pad of your choice ($5.25 value.)

Place an order of $51 - $75
Get an A size stamp set of your choice or any accessory valued at $6.95 or less for free. This also entitles you to receive the Stamp of the Month for $5! When you purchase the November Stamp of the Month set, Capture the Date, for just $5, you can ALSO pick any stamp set** at 50% off!

Place an order of $76 - $99
Get a free B size stamp set or Level 2 Paper Pack of your choice (up to $9.95 value.) This also entitles you to receive the Stamp of the Month for $5! When you purchase the November Stamp of the Month set, Capture the Date, for just $5, you can ALSO pick any stamp set** at 50% off!

Place an order of $100 - $149
Get a free Cardstock color pack (Single color, 24 sheets) or a size C stamp set of your choice (up to $14.50 value). You can also get TWO Stamp of the Month sets for only $5 each! One for you, one for your Bestie! When you purchase the November Stamp of the Month set, Capture the Date, for just $5, you can ALSO pick any stamp set** at 50% off! (This is a total value of $49.36!)

Place an order of $150 or more
Get $25 in free products of your choice, PLUS either a free Level 2 Paper Pack or B size stamp set of your choice (valued at $9.95.)  You will also get up to 3 Stamp of the Month sets for only $5 each! You can also get TWO Stamp of the Month sets for only $5 each! One for you, one for your Bestie and a great gift for the neighbor! When you purchase the November Stamp of the Month set, Capture the Date, for just $5, you can ALSO pick any stamp set** at 50% off! (This is a total value of $82.82!)



Call, text, email or facebook, tweet me Right. Now. to get this amazing deal! Happy shopping!


Warm wishes,

*Purchases of Cricut Artiste or Art Philosophy will drop in the cart at full retail price of $99. Difference will be refunded to you by ME. Thanks!

**Shipping/handling may apply. Offer valid November 1–30, 2012. Offer valid for A, B, C, D, and E size stamp sets only; K-size, Workshops on the Go^®, Cricut^® collection, and Stamp of the Month stamp sets are not eligible for this promotion. Maximum of one 50% off stamp set per order.

Family Ties {Studio J} and Black Friday Preview

Paige & Zac's wedding. Some photos shared courtesy of the family.

Weddings are a great time to get family pictures. This Thanksgiving I am grateful for all of the Family Ties I have accumulated in life. Each one has had an impact on me and I know I am a better person because of these wonderful people. I am so grateful to have my family and sincere friends!

I think hands down, Avonlea is becoming my very favorite paper pack in the Close To My Heart Autumn/Winter 2012 Idea Book. I love the colors and patterns. So classy! Of course it may be that I am fixated on wedding stuff lately, too! Don't forget, with Studio J, you can use and re-use all of your favorite patterns and Complements again and again as you make beautiful EASY scrapbook pages in a snap to preserve for generations to come.

Okay, okay. I'll get to the point you've been waiting for. My Black Friday Sale will start tomorrow morning at 6 AM MST. Check my blog to get the deets on the best Black Friday specials. EVER. Right Here. Then see the exclusive deals and updates on my Facebook and Twitter posts, to stay abreast of developments as they come throughout the day. I will have some deals that run the whole weekend, through Cyber Monday, ending at 10 PM MST. Other deals will be spur of the moment sales and items for just a few hours during the day. Hint: Jaw-dropping prices on CRICUT!! Hope you have a great Thanksgiving and remember the things that mean the most. 

Then shop 'til you drop!!

Warm wishes,

Powdered Garrett {Studio J}

Some days, you just have to scrap the bad with the good. I foresee a lot of these moments in my 3rd child's memory book. Despite his penchant for mischief, he is one cute kid. And it's a good thing.

This layout was a fun challenge I made for myself. Kind of like the challenge presented daily as a parent of Garrett. But I digress. Since we are working with Flirty this month I wanted to use that to start. This color combo screamed girl to me when I first saw it. So what better way to think outside of the box than to use this paper pack for one of my boys! With the deep boldness of Flirty Raspberry prevalent all through, it seemed an impossible task, my dear Watson.

Not to fear. Luckily, these pictures surfaced at just the right time. With the characteristic stylized colors of the typical cell phone camera, my honey oak cabinets morphed into a supernatural chartreuse, reminiscent of the surreal green cast left on film by florescent lighting (or a terrible cell phone camera with low-lighting. I'm just sayin'.)

I had a lot of fun with type on this layout. I absolutely love creative lettering. I wish I had more time and patience to work on this art, because it's so much fun! (Yes, Virginia, I am a font-a-holic.) Subway Art is very much IN right now with a capital I and I took my cue for the age and date blocks from that. I love mixing different font types and sizes so this type of art really appeals to me. Ok, enough with the blah, blah. Switch up the colors on a standard layout kit and nix a bunch of the embellishments because we're guys here. Totally masculine, even with the Flirty Raspberry!

As a side note, I do hope I won't have to do too many more of these similar layouts. (Have mercy.)

Warm wishes,