Color My Heart Color Dare #1

Thank you Sarah Stone for posting this color challenge blog using Close To My Heart colors! This first challenge is to use monochromatic colors of Amethyst, Petal and Smoky Plum. These are colors that I have never used together before so I was intrigued by this challenge. I get "bonus points" for also using a sketch from the Wishes Card Confidence Book found on page 61. The card dimensions are 8" x 3.5". The patterned paper is from CTMH Paper Garden (retired). The greeting is from the Feb. 2012 Stamp of the Month called s1201 Thoughtful Tidings and was stamped on Colonial White CS with Smoky Plum ink. A piece of wall seam tape and prisma glitter was attached to the Smoky Plum paper. The flowers are from Hooray Bouquet. I used 3/8" punched circles from holographic paper (from Dollar Store gift bags) for the flower centers.

Which flower centers do you like better--silver or purple? Thanks for stopping by....

Challenge Me Monday #112--Graduation and Exploring Cricut

Here's a graduation card for a very sweet graduate. I'm entering this in Fantabulous Cricut Challenge Me Monday and Exploring Cricut whose challenge is to use a "neglected" cricut cartridge. Although I purchased it several months ago this is the first time that I used the Wrap it Up cricut cartridge. The dipoma is found on page 47 and I used shift phrase at 2". I used a black cricut marker for the lettering and then cut out the diploma. I used a copper gel pen to outline the phrase and diploma. I used a cuttlebug border to emboss the top and the bottom of the card. It was pretty simple to do!

Dynamic Duos #3, Play Date Cafe and CAS FTL 191 Challenges

I love the sketch provided by Clean and Simple Stamping FTL 191 and am combining it with a new color challenge that I recently discovered at Dynamic Duos. This is the third color challenge being offered by this site and the challenge is to use only the colors black, white and yellow and combine it with a dry embossing technique. The Play Date Cafe Challenge is using the same colors so I may as well enter that challenge also! I used Close To My Heart Sunny Yellow, Black, and White Daisy cardstocks along with Black embossing powder. The greeting is from A1121 A Blossom and the medallion is from B1400 Beautiful Friendship (trimmed down so it would fit in the sketch better) The white background was dry embossed with the "Distressed Stripes" cuttlebug folder. I adhered a piece of wall seam tape to the black panel and then applied CTMH Bonding Memories Glue and Prisma Glitter. The sunny yellow edges were sponged with black ink and a clear sparkle was added to the medallion which was popped up with 3D foam tape. My card:

The sketch:

Thanks for stopping by to check out my artwork :)

Freshly Made Sketches #35

I was inspired to check out the sketch challenge offered by Freshly Made Sketches by a fellow Close To My Heart consultant's Dotty for You card which is posted here. Thank you for the inspiration Allisa Chilton! For my card I used CTMH Lucy paper, Sweet Leaf CS, Topiary Ink CS and Ink. I used an EK Success punch for the butterfly because I like that it has antennae. Silver Glitz Glitter Gel was applied to the butterfly antennae and body. The Thinking of You greeting is from CTMH "Say it In Style" set. The frame around the greeting was made with an old Family Treasures punch that CTMH used to carry. The ribbon is of unknown origin as it has been in my stash quite a long time. I used a Licorice Opaque Adhesive Gem in the center of the ribbon. The card base was embossed with a cuttlebug folder called "Stylized Flower." Here is the sketch that I loosely followed:

Thanks for stopping by to take a look. I hope that I can offer inspiration to you also!

Happy Mother's Day! #2 (H2H, Fantabulous Cricut)

I'm entering this card into the Heart2Heart Challenge to make a mother's day item and also for the Fantabulous Cricut Challenge to use something cut with a cricut for a mother's day item. I used the Close To My Heart Art Philosophy cartridge to make this Mother's Day Card. The center shape can be found on page 67 of the Art Philosophy handbook--shape 10, Decorative Layer Shift, cut at 2.5" from retired CTMH Metallic paper. The pink paper underneath the silver frame was shape 10 cut at 2.5" and is from the CTMH Lucy paper pack. This is layered over a 2.75" x 3" Topiary rectangle which was sanded for a distressed edge. The background rectangles are also from Lucy paper pack and are cut at 2" x 2.75". (The finished card size is 4" x 5.5") The greeting is from Close To My Heart "Say it in Style" which was clear embossed using Versamark and Topiary ink. A one inch Butterfly (2)was cut from page 55 of the Art Philosophy handbook and edge distressed with black ink. A thin strip of CTMH Silver Glitz gel was applied down the middle of the butterfly. The final embellishment is a 1/2" adhesive embellishment from Recollections. I enjoyed making this card and hope you have enjoyed looking at it too! Happy Mother's Day to all!

Happy Mother's Day! (Fantabulous Cricut, H2H, FTL 189, CAS-ual Fridays CFC52))

Here is a card I made that qualifies for 4 card challenges this week. Two of these challenges have a Mother's Day theme--Heart2Heart and Fantabulous Cricut and the third is a sketch by Clean and Simple FTL 189. The 4th challenge by CAS-ual Fridays is to use the theme of birds on a project. I used the Close to My Heart Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge to cut the label (rectangle 8 from page 65 at 1.75") and bird (bird page 51, body cut at 1.5" and wing cut at 1.75") The paper colors are from Close To My Heart--Sunny Yellow, Pacifica, Crystal Blue and White Daisy. The white part was embossed with a cuttlebug folder. The edges were distressed with Pacifica ink. I used a Bitty Pearl Opaque for the bird's eye. I used foam tape to pop up the bird from the card. The greeting is from a very versatile Close To My Heart set called "Say it in Style" It was an easy card to make!

Thanks for stopping by. Happy Mother's Day to all!

FTL 186 Clean and Simple Sketch Challenge

I love this sketch provided by Clean and Simple Stamping. The pink paper is from the Close To My Heart paper pack "Lucy" and the bluish green paper is from the CTMH paper pack called Florentine. The dragonflies were cut with the CTMH Art Philosophy cricut cartridge at 1.5" and 1". The dragonfly bodies were glittered with CTMH Silver glitz gel and the wings were glittered with CTMH Stardust glitz gel. The greeting was embossed with white EP and is from CTMH D1941 Hooray Bouquet.

You still have a few days to enter this challenge. Thanks for stopping by to take a look at my card. If you like it please feel free to leave a comment. Have a great week filled with fun and inspiration!

I Made My Own Bling!

This card features the Close To My Heart March Stamp of the Month "Potential", Say it in Style stamp set and the colors Lagoon and Moonstruck. I wanted to add some bling to it and decided on 6 points. Instead of using glitter gel or sparkles I glued small hole punched circles from holographic paper! This cuts down on the weight of the card and the bulk of the card (and also the cost). (Gift bags can be good sources of holographic paper.) Hope you like the card and can use the idea.

Can you imagine all the possibilities of making your own bling? Different sized punches, or cricut cuts? I hope I've got you thinking....

If you are visiting this blog on 3/31 or 4/1 you could help my son out by voting for him to be selected to be in a WMMR band. Please text vote WC1 to 39333. More details are in the previous post. We would very much appreciate it!

Please Vote for George by April 1!

I have some exciting news:

My son George is a finalist for a "Build a Band" contest by a Philly radio station (WMMR) and would love to have people visit his audition youtube video.

Can you take a moment to check out his youtube video --only 1:04 (if you look closely you can see my grandson Antonio crawling under the DR table!)



To Vote for George Text: WC1 to 39333 by April 1

Can you pass this info on to all your friends also, please?

thanks for your support! Yes, indeed I'm a proud mama!
:) Marie

1-2-3 Challenge at Heart 2 Heart with February Stamp of the Month

Heart 2 Heart's challenge this week is to use 1 stamp, 2 different patterned papers and 3 embellishments. All my card ingredients are from Close To My Heart: Pemberly paper, Bliss paper, Desert Sand CS, Bamboo CS, Outdoor Denim Ink, Clear Embossing Powder, versamark ink, Thoughtful Tidings stamp set and Durable Studs. I used the Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge to cut the circle label at 2.25" and scalloped circle at 2.75".

Fun with Puns--Fantabulous Cricut Challenge Me Monday 398

When I saw the title of this challenge I immediately thought of using my new Close To My Heart stamp set called "Just a Number". I also used the elephant from the "Zoology" stamp set.

I used the CTMH Art Philosophy cartridge to cut the label (decorative layer of oval 3 on page 42 cut at 2.75")and the hill (oval 3 on page 42 cut at 2.5" and then cut in half). The card size is 6.5" x 5". Paper colors are Sky, Desert Sand and Olive. Ink colors are Moonstruck and Grey Wool. I used a Martha Stewart edge punch called Drippy Goo to make the grass. 3D foam tape was used to pop up the elephant's ear and pop him up on the grass. Hope you find it funny--remember "elephants never forget!"

Valentine for Fantabulous Cricut Challenge and H2H Challenge

Valentine's Day is next Tuesday and 2 of my favorite card challenges are requesting "something Valentiny" (Heart to Heart) or "something with a heart" (Fantabulous Cricut Challenge Me Monday). I am entering this card in both of these challenges.

It is a 6 x 6 card and I used the Roxie paper pack and Bamboo sponged White Daisy from Close To My Heart. I used several Art Philosophy Cricut cuts. I started with a 4" cut square with cricut cut corner flourishes--from page 44 Rectangle, card, shift. (This was actually a piece I had cut out when I was figuring out how to make photo frames for a tissue box cover which can be found here.) The second shape cut is from page 36 Decorative Layer and Shift cut at 2.75" and 3". The heart frame was popped up with 3D foam tape. Tiny opaque adhesive gems were added to the flourishes and the heart frame. Happy Valentine's Day everyone! (Isn't it great to have occasions to create special cards for?)

Liebster Blog Award!

Close To My Heart Consultants Rock! One of my CTMH sisters, who I’ve never met or even corresponded with before has honored me with the Liebster Blog award. Apparently she was inspired by a CTMH bulletin board post about making a tissue box cover (and subsequently checking out my blog) which is my previous post.
I received this award from Terry Diack. Terry has a beautiful blog full of creative ideas and I truly appreciate her recognition. What a nice surprise this was!

I have been blogging and sharing my cardmaking artwork on the CTMH bulletin board since September of 2010 (although I have been a CTMH consultant since August 1996!). After creating a project and taking the time to photograph, describe and post it on my blogsite I’ve wondered how many people have actually noticed or appreciated the effort that goes into the process. This award is confirmation for me that my efforts are worthwhile although the primary reason why I create cards and share them is because it pleases ME! I have learned so much from others from the CTMH bulletin board and reading blogs and it is nice to know that I’ve made a contribution to inspire others also.

I have seen this award on other blogs from time to time and often wondered what it meant and how to get it. I am honored to receive this award and now I have the fun of passing it on to 5 others. I have had fun looking at blogs and deciding who to pass the awards on to next. This award is to recognize blogs that have fewer than 200 followers.

I found this little bit of information about the Liebster blog award requirements from Karen Day’s blog and have copied from it here:

Here are the rules to accept this award:

1. Thank the giver and link back to the blogger who gave it to you.
2. Reveal your top 5 picks and let them know by leaving a comment on their blog.
3. Copy and paste the award on your blog.
4. Have faith that your followers will spread the love to other bloggers.
5. And most of all - have fun!

How did I make my selections? I went back to the CTMH bulletin board and looked for frequent contributors whose artwork had inspired me. I then checked out their blogs to see if they had already received this award or if they had fewer than 200 followers. (I would have chosen Karen Day whose artwork is amazing but she received one in December 2011 so I’m selecting someone else in her place). There are so many talented CTMH consultants who deserve this award I am sorry to have to limit it to 5.
Here are my selections:

Carol Horton: I consider Carol to be the “Cricut Queen” as she so generously gives her time to answer numerous cricut questions on the Cricut Board. She posts everything from cards, layouts, cricut items and business promotions. Thank you Carol for all you do to help and inspire others! Please congratulate her and check out her blog here.

Paige Dolecki: I’ve selected Paige because I love her artwork! She shares frequently with others on the CTMH artwork bulletin board and has made some really unusual items. She has also volunteered her time and talent to design for Heart2Heartchallenges.blogspot.com where many CTMH consultants play along. Here is one of my recent favorites that Paige has created. Thank you Paige for inspiring me and others! Congratulations on your award!

Pamela O’Connor: I’ve selected Pamela because I love her artwork! She recently posted a cricut cut Purse Card gift set that is so adorable. She even included a Cricut Craft Room Cut File—that is very useful! Here is a link to that post. Thank you Pamela for all you do to inspire me and others! Congratulations on your award!

Kathy Skipper: I’ve selected Kathy because I love her artwork! The piece that most impressed me is her tutorial on using CTMH collage blocks to make a Magic Photo Cube Video which can be found here: This is definitely on my list of projects to make! She has also taken the time to create 5 other really fun video tutorials. Thank you Kathy for your clever projects and for so freely sharing them with others! Congratulations on your award!

Tracey Sanders: I’ve selected Tracey because I so enjoyed her Art Philosophy cricut creations! Her blog contains many clever holiday uses from the AP cartridge. My favorite post of hers was making candy cane toppers and it can be found here.
Although she hasn’t posted anything in a while I still remember how impressed I was with her creations. Thank you Tracey for your inspiration and congrats on your award!

If any of you fabulous ladies cannot accept this award please contact me at mflayer@comcast.net and I will have to select a new recipient. I wish you all continued success in your crafting and hope that you have as much fun as I did in passing on this award.
Hugs  Marie

H2H Challenge--Make a 3D Item--Covered Tissue Box

This is the first project that I've done using the new Pemberly paper by Close To My Heart. You can see the other beautiful patterns in this new paper set here. Last week's challenge at H2H can be found here and here is my 3D item. I've made a tissue box cover with photo frames. The tutorial to make this box came from Splitcoaststampers.com and can be found here. (Their version was just a decorated box and I adapted it to hold photos to make it even more functional.)

The photo frames were cut using the CTMH Art Philosophy cartridge. I found it on page 44 and used shift + card function set at 4". (2nd row--very last grey image.)

First I trimmed my photos to 3.75" x 3.75". Then I made a template where I cut off the corners at a 45 degree angle. I then traced around it and made a frame that I placed over my photos to get the best possible image. I traced the inside edges with a blue photo marking pencil onto the photos and then cut them out on the lines. I used Tombow adhesive to attach the photos to the Pemberly photo frames.

The cardstock papers that I used are CTMH Outdoor Denim and Indian Corn Blue for the top. The navy and white leaf print border on the box lid is the zip strip from the Pemberly printed paper that I used. On the top of the box lid I stamped and clear embossed a greeting from the Hooray Bouquet stamp set which says "You Make Me Smile" and of course, looking at pictures of my grandson do that for me. The labels were cut at 1" (Indian Corn Blue) and 1.25" (Outdoor Denim) and were cut with the cricut from page 65--Rectangle 8. The label is popped up twice with 3D foam tape and is placed in one corner. I used an Outdoor Denim marker to color inside the swirls cut in the top paper layer on the box lid.

Here are a couple of other tissue box covers that I made to decorate my home for the holidays last year. (Do you recognize last year's CTMH papers Olivia and Mistletoe?) These were all easy to make. Thanks for stopping by. Have a great week!

Fantabulous Cricut #96 3 x 3 Valentine

All of the elements for my card were cut with the CTMH Art Philosophy cartridge--the birds, doily and scalloped card. This was made for the Fantabulous Cricut Challenge Me Monday #96. The paper is cranberry, white daisy and retired cherub pink "Fleur des Jardines." The scalloped card is from page 33 card function at 3". The doily is from page 70 cut at 2" font layer shift. The birds were cut from page 51 card shift at 3" and popped out of the card and outlined in grey wool ink. The stamps are from a very old CTMH wood valentine super set (can't remember the name of it) stamped with Moonstruck ink. The doily and lovebirds were popped up with 3D foam tape. The edges were distressed with a sanding block. It was fun to do!