Greeting Farm Cards

I've been a busy crafter of late. Not only have June projects been in the works, along with some other CTMH projects for convention, but I've also had some knit-for-hire and scrapbook-for-hire jobs come up.

One sweet customer commissioned a set of 12 greeting cards using the stamp with Anya holding an umbrella from The Greeting Farm. I also used the Cosmo Cricket Early Bird papers, and CTMH stamps and embellishments. I was so pleased with how these came out that I think I might need a set for me!

CU Classes

These are the two classes I'll be teaching at Tresa Black's retreat: Creative University.  It's coming up at the end of this month and I just can't wait!  Yippee!!!  Now that we have the final class count, I can start ordering and prepping my supplies.

I used all CTMH supplies for both classes - including the "You Rock" paper packet, lots and lots of different "rockin" stamp sets, flip flaps, watercolor pencils, and more.  If you want a detailed list of supplies let me know and I'll list them.

February SOTM Blog Hop

Welcome to the Close To My Heart Stamp of the Month Blog Hop for February!

All artwork on the hop will feature February's SOTM,"Piece of Cake", a set of 10 stamps! If you have come here from {Judy's blog}you are on the right track!  Click the link at the end of this post to continue on the hop and see more great artwork!  As an added bonus this month, I'll be randomly selecting one person to win BOTH of my blog hop cards! To be entered, just post a comment below. Receive a second entry if you sign up to be a follower of my blog! I'll draw a winner and post their name at 8 am, Feb 2.


Here is a photo of the stamp set, and some great artwork that can be seen here in the current Close To My Heart Idea Book!

Card 1: 4.25" x 5.5".  I used the *new* Topstitch paper, Togetherness stamps (for the faux stitching), Create a Shade Pearl Paint, and Spring Buttons.

Card 2: Size 4.25" x 5.5". This card is more simple than I usually do, but is part of my Valentine Workshop Fundraiser which you can read about here.  I used the That's Amore paper, and red stickles for the cherries.

I hope you enjoyed my cards! Don't forget to post a comment. One lucky poster will win both cards!!!

Now hop on over to {Kim's blog}! She is sure to inspire you with her incredible artwork!

Greeting Farm Digi Relay day 2

Here's my card for day 2 of the challenge!  This little diva's name is "Charlotte".  Isn't she cute!!!  She reminds me of my little Ruru.

Supplies are spellbinders, copics, CTMH inks in Blush and Baby Pink (for sponging), CTMH dimensional hearts and rub-ons, scrap paper, and dew drops in clear.

Greeting Farm Digi Relay day 1

TGF is having a digi relay challenge this week.  On Sunday they gave out  a digi stamp for free.  Anyone who makes and posts a card using that stamp by this evening (6 pm central time) gets Monday's digi free.  If you post a card using Monday's digi by 6 pm tomorrow, then you get Tuesday's digi free - and so on.

So this is my Valentine using Sunday's digi - Mer Ian.  It through me for a loop at first, but I'm pleased with the result.  I had to explain to dave the pun - "my FUNNY valentine" is a jazz song from a different musical era, and he hadn't heard of it.  :)  So there ya go...  I used my copics for coloring, my spellbinders for the circle and scallop layers, some random scraps for paper (including sea foam cs - an ancient CTMH retiree).  I embellished with CTMH dimensional elements hearts, waxy flax and mini sparkles.

Challenge Cards

Sparkle is doing a weekly Christmas Card/sketch challenge (you'll have to scroll back a few posts to see it on her blog).  I don't really need Christmas cards, but I do need Valentines.  So I used her sketch for these two cards (left one portrait and turned the other landscape).

Here is the sketch:

I also used some of the Felicity paper from the National Paper Crafting month promotion (ends Jan 31st!).  I used two new stamps that had never seen ink from Stamping Bella, as well as new CTMH stamps.  I colored with my copics, and used random embellishments that were sitting on my desk.

Sorry this first one is a bit crooked.  That's what happens when I take pictures first thing in the morning.  ;)

This stamp reminds me of Sammie's little friend Dylan from school.  He is really into dinosaurs, and even dressed up as a Triceratops for Halloween.

Fairy Anya

I watched a fun tutorial the other day on shading hair like the pros using copic markers.  I'm not even CLOSE to that, but I had fun practicing the techniques from the video on this Fairy Anya.

I also used some new papers from the Spring 2010 CTMH Idea Book called Veranda.  I absolutely *LOVE* this paper pack.  I've already gone through a full pack and the new book doesn't even come out until January 1.  Just one more reason it's awesome being a consultant!

The "have a fairy happy birthday" stamp is from Stamping Bella and is one of their sentiments.

Simple Thank Yous

We were blessed by so many family members and friends with meals, and with gifts for Ruby and Sammie when we came home.  I needed a bunch of thank you cards, and of course I wanted them to be hand made and cute.  But I also needed them to be quick and easy.

This is the design I came up with and it took less than an hour to make 20!  I just love that little onesie stamp from the Baby Steps stamp set, and the rest of the set is also very cute.  Check out the cupcake!  Oh - and the clothesline too!  Darling!  :)

There is a shower planned for us this weekend, so I think I'll make another set today during Sammie's quiet time.  Maybe I'll do the next set in purple instead of pink.

Supplies all CTMH (except markers):
Blush and Hollyhock CS, Pink RicRac Ribbon, "Baby Steps" stamps, "Thank You" stamps, staples, Black Ink,  Copic markers for coloring.

Beach Day

I met a really sweet new customer this month at my card class, and she commissioned me to make her about 25 cards for her office! She works for a non-profit organization, and they send a ton of cards. I started working on them, and here are the first 3. She needed some "little girl get well" so here they are. As soon as my new Ian stamps (from TGF) arrive, I'll make and show off the little boy cards. :)

Except for the stamps, and the little plastic bead things everything is CTMH. I used the That's Amore papers and matching Journaling Jots for layering.

In other news... today Sammie and I needed to get out of the house. We decided to go to the beach with our preschool friends Laurie (mom), Dylan (classmate) and Haley (little sister). We had a blast! It's so fun to watch Sammie and Dylan play. They are often seen holding hands - at least when Dylan isn't trying throwing sand at her or growling. LOL - I keep telling Sammie that that's what little boys do when they like you. Sometimes they don't grow out of it either!

Here is Haley and Laurie. I switched back to my 50mm lens today, which I haven't played with in a few months. So my focus was a little off in this shot (as I was getting used to it again). It was sure fun using it again though. Forgot how much I love that lens!



My little ham...


Dylan doesn't really like it when I take pictures. This was what most of my shots of him looked like.

They wanted water for the sand toys. That full pail weighs about as much as she does!

4 cards - 1 design

Last Thursday I had a fun crop night with two friends. One of my friends is still new to card making, so we sat down together and made 4 cards. We used the same layout on each card, and the same patterned papers. The only difference that we made was the orientation of the card pieces (2 portrait, 2 landscape) and on the stamps and embellishments we used.

I wish I had remembered to take pictures of her cards because they turned out *SO* cute! She made boyish cards because she has 4 sons.

Here are my cards: I used White Daisy, Petal, and Juniper cardstock (CTMH) along with patterned paper from the Perfect Day paper pack. I used stamps from The Greeting Farm on 3 cards, and a Ketto stamp for the first card. Embellishments include Just Blooms paper flowers, sparkles, Swiss Dots embossing folder, and nestabilities for the scalloped borders. I used my copic markers to color the images.

Card Class Cards

Besides the flower pot card I posted yesterday, here are the other 2 cards I'll be teaching at my card classes this month!

Supplies (All CTMH): Animal Cookies Creative Basics collection, Childhood Stamps, CTMH font cd collection, Animal Cookies PP, Cranberry CS, Dutch Blue, Cranberry and Sunflower ink, cranberry brads, 3d foam.


Supplies (all CTMH): Moon Doggie PP, colonial white crocheted ribbon, Extreme Happiness stamps, Desert Sand, Tulip, Sorbet, and Bamboo ink, pewter brads, Journey Journaling Spots tags, and 3d foam.

July CTMH Blog Hop!

Welcome to the Close To My Heart Stamp of the Month Blog Hop!

All artwork on the hop will feature July's SOTM, "You've Got Flair" a set of 8 stamps! If you have come here from Jamia's blog you are on the right path! If this is your first stop, you may want to go back to Jena's Blog and start from the beginning.

This month we have 46 CTMH Consultants sharing their SOTM creations, and other great CTMH artwork. Joining the hop is fun and simple to do - just click the link at the end of each blogger's post to move to the next one! If you get lost or a link doesn't work just click on links in the list below... Here we go!

I designed this card for my July Card Class and besides featuring the July SOTM, I used embossing (both dry and wet), cutting with scalloped scissors and layering with foam tape. The template is from SCS and can be found here. Other CTMH supplies include: Chocolate Textured CS, White Daisy, Garden Green, and Tulip CS, white embossing powder, twill ribbon, sparkles, and a red button. The card measures approximately 4.25"x5.5"at it's widest/tallest points.

I've also made these two cards featuring "You've Got Flair" - the July SOTM. I used a waterbrush and Cocoa, Desert Sand, and Bamboo ink to color the randomly stamped images (for the card backgrounds). The finished cards also use Love Story rub-ons, twill ribbons, TLC stamps, edge anchors, just blooms paper flowers, and chocolate mini medley embellishments.




Remember, the June SOTM is only available until June 30th, so contact your CTMH Consultant (or Me!) to see how you can get this stamp set at a discount or even free!

Thanks for stopping by! Now "hop" on over to Haley's blog to see her work! Or... click on the links below for ALL the bloggers participating in the hop:

Jena Devries (http://www.livelovelaughscrapbook.blogspot.com/)
Wendy Kessler (http://www.myscrapbookingblog.com/)
Sherry Thompson (http://www.picturespatternsandpaper.blogspot.com/)
Dawn Heuft (http://www.stamptildawn.blogspot.com/)
Brae Montgomery (http://thebrae-er.blogspot.com/)
Melissa Laverty (http://www.fancymelissa.blogspot.com/)
Karen Norman (http://www.gettinscrappywithit.blogspot.com/)
Deb Young (http://www.scrapbookczar.blogspot.com/)
Adeline E. Brill (http://adeline-brill.blogspot.com/)
Tammy Lea Pinchard (http://www.creativeimpressions-pinchme.blogspot.com/)
Jen Rubio (http://www.jenrubio.blogspot.com/)
Cibele Glazer (http://www.flowerfoot.blogspot.com/)
Laurie R Newton (http://scrapsfromthebeach.blogspot.com/)
Kami Welter (http://www.scrappin4memories.blogspot.com/)
Helen Onulak (http://www.hookedonstamping.com/)
Sarita Schraeder (http://www.blessedscrapper.blogspot.com/)
Chris Shouse (http://www.houseostamps.wordpress.com/)
Paige Dolecki (http://www.paigespaperparadise.blogspot.com/)
Dawn Ross (http://www.iamahappystamper.blogspot.com/)
Jamia Bankhead (http://www.papermadnessinc.blogspot.com/)
Nona Davenport (http://www.nonapearl.blogspot.com/)
Haley Dyer (http://www.inkyscrapper.blogspot.com/)
Misty Jackson (http://www.misstscraps.blogspot.com/)
Jennifer Patrick (http://www.roxybonds-scrappin.blogspot.com/)
Carla Ironside (http://www.carlacreates.blogspot.com/)
Jody Gustafson (http://www.cre8nmemories.blogspot.com/)
Heather Painchaud (http://www.twindragonflydesigns.blogspot.com/)
Julia Menssen (http://www.ralphandjulia.blogspot.com/)
Lori Miller (http://www.clearlyfromtheheart.blogspot.com/)
Pamela OConnor (http://www.cherishyourmemories.blogspot.com/)
Reba Poquette (http://www.thedirtyscramper.blogspot.com/)
Anne Beck (http://www.anniemuses.blogspot.com/)
Shannon Pelletier (http://www.shannonmvt.blogspot.com/)
Caren Goldsein (http://www.scrappycaren.blogspot.com/)
Jan Moxey (http://scrapandstamp4ever.blogspot.com/)
Kristie Horness-Herdener (http://www.goofyscrapper.blogspot.com/)
Alanna Moses (http://www.damoses.blogspot.com/)
Leslie Markland (http://pandascrapper.blogspot.com/)
Barbra Otten (http://barbraotten.blogspot.com/)
Traci Godbee (http://createwithtraci.blogspot.com/)
Jill Lucas (http://scrapwench.blogspot.com/)
Amy McVey (http://www.clearlystamping.blogspot.com/)
Laurie Levnik (http://www.creationsbylaurie.blogspot.com/)

Anya Challenge Card

Every Friday on the Greeting Farm Blog, a new challenge is posted. This week's challenge is to create a card that features polka dots! This is what I came up with. It's perfect timing too - because my 9th wedding anniversary is coming up in July and now I have a card all ready to go. :)

The card is approximately 6" in diameter. I used the 50's Sweetheart Anya Digi stamp; Copic markers to color, and my nesties for the scalloped rectangles. CTMH products include: Dutch Blue, Cranberry, Black, White Daisy, and Colonial White CS; Silhouette PP; Heartfelt felt collection; embroidery floss; Love Story Rub-ons; and sparkles. Ribbon and scalloped punch (inside card) are from Michaels.

Aloha

My hubby is just so darn cute. We recently went shopping for some new "work" shirts for him (his office is pretty casual), and he insisted we get Hawaiian style ones. He had a few already, but they were getting ratty from repeated wear. So, since they were on sale, we got 5 new Hawaiian shirts. He was so excited come Monday. He told me that he now had enough to wear one each day of the week! LOL...

Sooo, as I sat down to make him a Father's Day card, this seemed appropriate! :) I was inspired to add the lei after seeing a similar card on the CTMH bulletin boards. I'm sorry to whoever was the original designer -because I can't remember who you are! I'd love to give you credit though.

All supplies are CTMH - paper is from Moondoggie, stamps are Extreme Happiness, and I used Sorbet, Tulip, and Desert Sand inks. I used hemp, chocolate bigger brads, and 3d foam for embellishments. I attached the shirt to a 4x4 card base. For the shirt, my paper started at 8"x12" and then I used the pattern featured on my Classy Crafts video from last year:

a few more fun cards

Both of these cards feature the CTMH Bella papers, and a few recent stamp purchases from stampingbella.com. I'm quite pleased with these simple, but fun cards. :) I especially love the new Ketto line of stamps (I bought 2 of them!).

June CTMH Blog Hop

Welcome to the Close To My Heart Stamp of the Month Blog Hop! All artwork on the hop will feature June's SOTM, "Tender Tags" a set of 15 stamps!

If you have come here from Reba's Blog you are on the right path! If this is your first stop, you may want to go back to Jena's Blog and start from the beginning.

This month we have 42 CTMH Consultants sharing their SOTM creations, and other great CTMH artwork. Joining the hop is fun and simple to do - just click the link at the end of each blogger's post to move to the next one! If you get lost or a link doesn't work just click on links in the list below... Here we go!

I designed this card for my June Card Class and besides featuring the June SOTM, it uses faux stitching, paper flowers and brads for extra eye embellishment, and 3d foam for popping up the tags. Other supplies include Emporium papers, Pansy Purple and Petal cardstock, Pansy Purple, White Daisy, and Twilight ink, and white brads. The card measures 4"x5.5".

I used the same cute owl and a few of the scrolly stamps from the June SOTM in this card! Remember, the June SOTM is only available until June 30th, so contact your CTMH Consultant (or Me!) to see how you can get this stamp set at a discount or even free!

Thanks for stopping by! Now "hop" on over to Misty's blog to see her work! Or... click on the links below for ALL the bloggers participating in the hop:

Jena Devries
http://www.livelovelaughscrapbook.blogspot.com/
Adeline E. Brill
http://adeline-brill.blogspot.com/
Deb Young
http://www.scrapbookczar.blogspot.com/
Chris Green
http://www.createwithchris.blogspot.com/
Jennifer Patrick
http://www.roxybonds-scrappin.blogspot.com/
Chris Shouse
http://www.houseostamps.wordpress.com/
Alanna Moses
http://www.damoses.blogspot.com/
Haley Dyer
http://www.inkyscrapper.blogspot.com/
Jen Rubio
http://www.jenrubio.blogspot.com/
Kami Welter
http://www.scrappin4memories.blogspot.com/
Caren Goldsein
http://www.scrappycaren.blogspot.com/
Laurie R Newton
http://scrapsfromthebeach.blogspot.com/
Reba Poquette
http://www.thedirtyscramper.blogspot.com/
Nona Davenport
http://www.nonapearl.blogspot.com/
Misty Jackson
http://www.misstscraps.blogspot.com/
Julia Menssen
http://www.ralphandjulia.blogspot.com/
Anne Beck
http://www.anniemuses.blogspot.com
Jamia Bankhead
http://www.papermadnessinc.blogspot.com/
Dawn Ross
http://www.iamahappystamper.blogspot.com/
Sherry Thompson
http://www.picturespatternsandpaper.blogspot.com/
Laura Dame
http://www.thecroppersconnection.blogspot.com/
Lucia Grabb
http://www.luciasscrappinandstampin.blogspot.com/
Nancy Ball
http://www.ballisticdesign.blogspot.com/
Shannon Laux
http://www.rockinstamps.blogspot.com/
Melissa Laverty
http://www.fancymelissa.blogspot.com/
Terrie Dodd
http://www.my-life-in-real-time.blogspot.com/
Mindy Eggen
http://www.creativevalleycreations.blogspot.com/
Helen Onulak
http://www.hookedonstamping.com/
Ronnie Crowley
http://www.ronniecreates.blogspot.com/
Karen Strous
http://karensctmh.blogspot.com/
Jaime Benavides
http://www.scrapcrazydiva.blogspot.com/
Kelly Triggs
http://www.stampinallday.blogspot.com/
Lori Miller
http://www.clearlyfromtheheart.blogspot.com/
Brae Montgomery
http://thebrae-er.blogspot.com/
Shannon Pelletier
http://www.shannonmvt.blogspot.com/
Wendy Kessler
http://www.myscrapbookingblog.com/
Paige Dolecki
http://www.paigespaperparadise.blogspot.com/
Pamela OConnor
http://www.cherishyourmemories.blogspot.com/
Shari Odut
http://stampinshari.blogspot.com/
Tammy Lea Pinchard
http://www.creativeimpressions-pinchme.blogspot.com/
Dawn Heuft
http://www.stamptildawn.blogspot.com/
Cibele Glazer
http://www.flowerfoot.blogspot.com/
Sarita Schraeder
http://www.blessedscrapper.blogspot.com/

2 Card Class Cards

These are two of the cards I'm teaching at my June Card Class. The designs for both come from the new Wishes book - a card guide book by CTMH's CEO and founder Jeanette Lynton. I love this new book and have already used it for several cards!

I'll be posting my third card class card on June 1st as it features the June Stamp of the Month and I'll be participating in a SOTM Blog Hop that day. So you'll just have to stay tuned! ;)

Supplies: Animal Cookies PP, Dimensional Elements Borders, cranberry grosgrain ribbon, dutch blue ink, 3d foam, Wishes template for "Card 6" on page 24 (modified from 6x6 to a standard size 4.25x5.5)

Supplies: garden green, cocoa white daisy, and indian corn blue CS; sorbet, garden green and indian corn blue ink, pewter photo hangars, winter cozy mini medley collection brads, colonial white waxy flax, Summer Sweetness stamps and Intrisic Background stamps, 3d foam, Wishes template "Name Plate" from pg 18 (modified from 3x6 to 4x5.5)

Mother's Day Card

I feel badly for taking so long to post this because the card is so special to me. This is the Mother's Day card that my sweet hubby made for me! On special holidays he always takes the time to go into the studio and raid my stash to make my cards. I feel so blessed to have a hubby who not only supports my business but enjoys it too!

It was extra special this year. He painstakingly embossed and inked those raised edges, and he actually sewed the button into place. Oh and did you see the detail on the leaves? Yup - all his ideas! The best part though - as he was crafting with Sammie he yells up the stairs, "Honey, this is FUN!" I just had to laugh. Looks like I'll be gaining a full time scrappin' buddy once Dave finishes school in August! (Just don't tell his buddies.)

Swap Card - Life is good

This isn't the best picture, but I think it shows off the card well enough. :) My team exchanged New Summer Idea Book cards at our last team crop night. I used a layout from the new Wishes card book (modified from a 5x7 down to a 4.25x5.5 card).

I used the new "Treetops" stamps and Spot on Backgrounds stamps. I also included a bit of the Back Country patterned paper, Heavenly Blue CS, Outdoor Denim CS, and Colonial White CS. Ink colors are Outdoor Denim, Bamboo, and Chocolate. I did the "rock and roll" technique on the tree top using Garden Green and New England Ivy. The tree is also popped up on 3d foam. I stitched around the outside of the card with my sewing machine, colored the dimensional elements bookplate with bamboo ink, and used Heavenly Blue brads as well. I think I'm going to send this one to corp for the monthy "Make it From Your Heart" contest too.

Hope "life is good" for you today!

Card Class Project

I decided to do something a little different for Card Class this month. We will do 3 very simple cards, and focus our major brain power on creating a darling card keeper. This project will be a wonderful mother's day gift (especially for those "hard to shop for" moms).

The card keeper uses a template featured a few days ago on Kathi's blog - I just love her work, and check her blog every day. :) Thanks Kathi!

Some of the techniques I'll be teaching include stamping on sculpty foam, using a water brush to color stamped images, using arrow embellishments with brads, brayering carstock over foundry frames and then sanding, and using scalloped scissors.

This project uses the new Bella papers from the Summer Idea Book (released May 1st!), as well as the following stamp sets: Family Ties - Adults, Confidential, Tickled Pink (from the promo going on right now), Buttoned Together (*new), Thank You (*new), and Happy Birthday.



To see the images larger just click on the photo