Blissful Butterflies

It is finally a crafting weekend! No other commitments at all. It's paper heaven. One of my favorite CTMH crafters is Brenda - and she and her mom Joanie have a blog together.  They both create amazing things, and always give helpful instructions.  I loved Joanie's card here and had to try it.  The measurement was tricky, but after the first try I 'got' it.  It really is an elegant card and it will probably be the wedding card I need for next weekend.





Products Used:
CTMH Bamboo and Colonial White card stock
CTMH Bliss paper (retired)
CTMH Opaques and Chocolate ink
EK and Martha Stewart punches
Recollection lace

 

Sweet Valentine

A peek-a-boo card. The three hole fold was inspired by a baby shower invitation I received.  That was a single fold topper, but with a little fussing I made it a side fold with the other half of the front tucking under the scallop.   I created a template to measure for the punches. Now I need to practice centering my stamps...They looked ok at first, but in the photo it appears a bit off center. Photos are not very forgiving!  This will be one of my workshop cards February 10th.

CTMH products used:
 Pear + Partridge paper (retired )
 Colonial White and Smoothie card stock
 Whoos My Valentine -  stamps set in Valentine kit (available until Jan. 31st)
 Cranberry and Smoothie inks
 Smoothie baker's twine
 11/4" punch

La Belle Vie

 

This will be a February project for both the Bonney Lake Friends of Library group and my own monthly crafting workshop group.  They are so quick and easy! Cut both card and box from La Belle Vie paper using CTMH Cricut Artiste cartridge.  The border on the box was punched and fancied up a bit with some sparkles. The box will have chocolates inside, and is tied with a twist of CTMH black tulle.  The Love stamp is only $6.95, and perfectly fits into the Cricut heart shape. 

Crafting Again!

Just returned from a fabulous trip to Thailand - traveling with my oldest son who lives and teaches in Japan.  What fun we had exploring, eating, and relaxing!  I have been back one week and it has been a shock to come back from 94/sunny to 30/wet, 4:30 AM wake-ups and grading papers.  I'm already planning and saving for my next adventure :-)

It was a delight to get back into my little craft room to make up some cards for the workshop group Sunday.  These are two of the five we made.  The first uses CTMH Clementine paper. I used an older Card Abilities sketch for the design.  With only a few days to put a workshop together, the Sketch file is a life saver!

The second card was a big favorite with my crafters. It uses La Belle Vie papers and Jardin stamp set. Only the black piece is designed paper - the others are all random stamped with Smokey Plum ink and Blush pigment ink.  This pattern comes from the CTMH "Make It From Your Heart" booklet.  I have used this pattern with several other paper/stamp combinations. It is really a versatile sketch.

 

Winter Birthday

 

This card was inspired by one in the most recent edition of Paper Craft magazine.  Their card had a spectacular sled...which I didn't have.  But I loved the colors and so here is my version.  All CTMH products used - even though lots of it has been retired- except for the print piece which is just a page from an old book that I cut with Cricut.  I cut the little mittens also using the CTMH Artiste cartridge.  It's a fun, light-hearted card. Makes me smile...until I remember it is Sunday night and I haven't looked at my homework this weekend. 

Christmas Workshop...continued

Click for close up

This is today's work - both a new and a change up.  I did like yesterdays branches, but wanted to give it a little punch, so I added a few red glitter berries.  It helps I think.  Then, there are ladies who do not need Christmas cards. They will make the black matted version with either the Happy New Year or another sentiment. I have both a Happy Birthday and a Sympathy sentiment that fit in the same spot.  They will choose their own. I'm just loving the sparkly on those branches! Just realized they might work for CASology challenge "#22 - Sparkle" this week.

The Christmas card below uses CTMH Partridge and a Pear Tree paper, a Cuttlebug embossing folder, Custom Crafts stamp from Michael's, CTMH Colonial White, Cranberry and New England Ivy card stocks. 

After a hectic school week, it feels marvelous to be crafting.  My house isn't cleaned or decorated, I've not finished shopping/ mailing gifts, or finished assembling what I need for my big trip...but I am in my happy place with paper + inks!

Simple Christmas

This card was inspired by one I saw - I have searched all my usual blogs, but cannot locate it again. 
The branch and sentiment are from CTMH Workshop On the Go, Partridge and a Pear Tree.  I stamped and matted with Cocoa, sponged with Twilight and Sky inks, traced the branches with Liquid Applique and dosed the whole with MS* crystals.  It really is more sparkly in real life, and I love all the white space. I think my stamping group will like making this on the weekend.