Merry Christmas

Color Dare #123 - New England Ivy & Ruby

Welcome to the weekly Color Dare Challenge from Color My Heart.  Each Friday the design team announces a color palette for you to use to create your project.  You can create any type of project you'd like, as long as you use the chosen colors.  If you don't have the actual Close To My Heart colors, just use a similar substitute!

Color Dare #123 - New England Ivy & Ruby

The My Crush Holiday Happenings Book (Z2098) is a great book to in which to store all your holidays memories.  It comes with pre-printed and pocket pages, as well as this fun tree printed on the front.  I love the tree, but felt it needed a little dressing up, so I decorated it!

• The star is a Color Ready Wooden Shape, colored with the Gold Metallic Marker (Z1768).
• The garland is Gold Shimmer Trim (Z1985).
• The ornaments are Durables Triangle Studs (Z1928).
• The Love banner is from the My Crush Holiday Happenings Assortment (Z2062).
• The holly leaves are cut from White Daisy (1385) cardstock with the Art Philosophy Cricut Collection (Z1686).  The coordinating stamps are from the A Holiday (A1115) stamp set and are stamped with New England Ivy (Z2135) ink.
• The holly berry is a Gem colored with a Carmine ShinHan Marker (Z2448).
• The trunk made from four Wood Buttons.

How will this week's color combination inspire you?   Visit Color My Heart for more information about the challenge, get inspired by the design team, and upload your project.  I hope you'll join the Color Dare!

PPA Team Blog Hop - Gift Giving

The Pineapple Paper Artists are showing off all the beautiful new paper packs, stamp sets, and embellishments of Annual Inspirations with a great new blog hop.  Whether you are just beginning your journey or you came here from Amy, the Pineapple Paper Artist, I hope you will continue on until you are inspired by everyone's gifty projects.

Each year I hope to make one of a kind tags for all of my gifts, but rarely does it happen. So to get me inspired, I decided to make a few for this blog post.  I had so much fun I made more than I had planned.  And they were so quick and easy, I'm sure I could whip out a dozen or more in no time!

• The Noel, Christmas Cheer, and Joy elements are all cut out from the new Artfully Sent Cricut Collection (Z3017).  These elements were designed to be pocket cards used in our Picture My Life scrapbooking system.  But as you can see, they have so many other uses!  I cut them smaller than you would to use in pocket pages and they look great on the tags.

• The Holly and Gold printed square cards come from the Holiday Happenings Assortment (Z2062).  This assortment can be used with the My Crush Holiday Happenings Book (Z2098), but can also be used in any of your holiday projects.  The Peace sticker also came from the pack.

• The paper used, including the lovely background, all came from the Yuletide Carol Paper Pack (X7187B).  The paper in this collection is so versatile it can be used for almost any occasion, not just for Christmas.

• Don't forget to use Metallic Baker's Twine (Z1921) when tying up your tags.  The extra sparkle makes all the difference!

I hope you are inspired to make some gift tags of your own. Next, hop on over to what fun project Martha created!

Albums for All

Check out these beautiful new albums!

Totes to Go

You'll definitely want to ask Santa for these great totes!  Shop Now!

BLOOMFIELD HOLIDAY CRAFT BAZAAR 2014

December 14, 2014

Noon - 5:00 p.m.

6680 Routes 5 & 20

Bloomfield, NY 14469

(Doug Turnbull Restoration)

Stop by and visit!  I'll have many one-of-a-kind gifts, my reader pillows, scrapbook layouts, cards, and gift boxes.  And there will be many other artists and vendors.  

PPA Team Blog Hop: CTMH Seasonal Expressions--Hostess Sets

At this month's team meeting we were presented with a challenge.  We were to create a project with each of the new Hostess Rewards stamp sets from the Season Expressions Idea Book.  All we were provided were a few pieces of B&T, ink, cardstock, and adhesive.  Quite a challenge when you usually create in a room full of supplies!  But it was fun to see the different projects created with a limited number of supplies.  And now you can enjoy them too.  Whether you came from Amy's blog, or are starting here, I hope you'll enjoy viewing all these quick and easy projects.

Variety of Thanks (B1471)

Hostess Reward Stamp Set ... Only $6!

• I stamped the 'Merci' from the stamp set onto a piece of White Daisy (1385) cardstock with Black (Z2105) ink.  I added it, a few strips of Snowhaven (X7188B) paper, Cranberry (1272) cardstock, and Sparkles (Z1752) to a White Daisy (1385) card.
• There are several more 'Thank You' stamps in this set, but I only made the one card!

A Thing Well Done (C1606)

Hostess Reward Stamp Set ... Only $8!

• I repeatedly stamped the gears from the stamp set onto a White Daisy (1385) card with Black (Z2105) ink.
• I added strips from the Chalk It Up (X7184B) paper pack.
• I stamped the sentiment into a piece of White Daisy (1385) cardstock with Sorbet (Z2164) ink, then sponged the edges and added brushes of color by swiping the ink pad across the cardstock.  I attached it to the card with 3D Foam Tape (Z1151).
• I stamped the butterflies with Sorbet (Z2164) and Black (Z2105) ink, and Lagoon (Z2195) and Black (Z2105) ink.  I cut them out and attached them to the card with 3D Foam Tape (Z1151).

Love This Story (B1472)

Hostess Reward Stamp Set ... Only $6!

• I cut different width strips from a 6" x 12" piece of B&T from the new Heartstrings (X7193B) paper pack.  The two colored patterns, Cranberry and Lagoon, are the two different sides of the same paper.  I attached the strips onto a White Daisy (1385) background.
• I added squares of Hollyhock (1246) and Crystal Blue (1292) cardstock.
• I stamped the sentiment into a piece of White cardstock with Cranberry (Z2116) and Lagoon (Z2195) inks, cut them out, and attached them to the layout with 3D Foam Tape (Z1151).
• Yes, it's a little plain right now, but after I add some pictures I can pick coordinating embellishments and it will look great!

Hostess Rewards stamp sets are significantly discounted and ONLY AVAILABLE for purchase with hostess credit. There are ten of these sets in Annual Inspirations and three more in the current Seasonal Expressions (available from December 1st, 2014 through March 31st, 2015).  Contact me to schedule a gathering so you can earn Hostess Rewards credit to buy these fabulous sets!

Next, visit Martha's blog to see her take on this challenge!

Color Dare #121 - Cranberry & New England Ivy

Welcome to the weekly Color Dare Challenge from Color My Heart.  Each Friday the design team announces a color palette for you to use to create your project.  You can create any type of project you'd like, as long as you use the chosen colors.  If you don't have the actual Close To My Heart colors, just use a similar substitute!

Color Dare #121 - Cranberry & New England Ivy

If you haven't finished your Christmas cards yet this year, you're in good company.  But don't despair, there is still time.  I hope this quick card full of holiday spirit will inspire you to start stamping!

• All stamps are from the Merry & Bright (C1510) stamp set.
• I stamped the wreath on a piece of White Daisy (1385) cardstock with New England Ivy (Z2135) ink.
• I stamped the flowers, the bird, and the sentiment with Cranberry (Z2116) ink.
• I edge the stamped panel with New England Ivy ink, attached it to a panel of Cranberry (1272) cardstock, then layered it onto a White Daisy (1385) card.
• I finished with one Sparkle (Z1752) in the middle of the bow.
• On the inside, I stamped the sentiment with New England Ivy (Z2135) ink and the bird with Cranberry (Z2116) ink.

How will this week's color combination inspire you?   Visit Color My Heart for more information about the challenge, get inspired by the design team, and upload your project.  I hope you'll join the Color Dare!

Triple Pocket Album Video & Tutorial

Check out my new YouTube video featuring my Triple Pocket Album.  Photos just don't do this kind of interactive album justice, so this video will give you a better look.  Please feel free to go to my YouTube channel and leave lots of positive comments.  Comments will help my video gain more visibility, so I appreciate your help.

Once you view the video and decide you'd like to make one of these great albums for yourself, you can purchase the tutorial or project kit at my Etsy shop, G. Eileen Studios.

Thanks so much for your support!

Holiday Cards Super Workshop

Saturday, December 6th
12:00 p.m.
$35

It's time to celebrate this special time of year with beautiful handmade cards.  In this special extended workshop you'll make 14 gorgeous cards that are sure to impress your friends and family. (The above picture highlights just a few of the cards you will create.)

BONUS:  If 14 cards are not enough for you, I am offering bonus kits to all workshop participants for $25.  You'll get the supplies and cut-to-size papers, cardstock, and envelopes to make an additional set of cards.  Stamp the images during the workshop and assemble at home.  That will give you a total of 28 cards (or more)!  You must let me know BEFORE the workshop if you would like additional kit(s).

Are you interested in making the project but can't make the above date?  Contact me to purchase a kit!

December’s Deal of the Decade

Here's your chance to get UNLIMITED C- or D-size stamp sets for only $10 each!

This year marks the 10-year anniversary of Close To My Heart’s revolutionary My Acrylix® clear polymer stamps—and we can’t wait for you to celebrate with us! With a qualifying purchase of $50 during the month of December, you will be eligible to purchase ANY C- or D-size stamps from the Annual Inspirations 2014–2015 idea book for only $10. 

That’s up to $7.95 USD / $9.75 CAD of savings on a single stamp set! Plus, once you achieve the qualifying order total, there is no limit to the number of eligible stamp sets you can purchase at this discounted price.

Remember, a purchase of $50 will also qualify you to receive the December Stamp of the Month, Cutie Pie,  for only $5, so if you purchase both the discounted Stamp of the Month and additional stamps at this special campaign pricing your savings will compound! It is truly the deal of the decade.

SHOP NOW!

Cyber Monday Only: 20% Off All Cricut® Collections!

For the first time ever, Close To My Heart is offering 20% off the retail price on all Close To My Heart’s exclusive Cricut® Collections.

Whether you love scrapbooking, cardmaking, or creating 3-D projects, our four exclusive Cricut® collections make the perfect addition to any craft room!

• Art Philosophy (Z1686)
• Artiste (Z1790)
• Artbooking (Z1906)
• Artfully Sent (Z3017)

Sale starts at midnight (MST) on December 1 and ends at 11:59 pm (MST) Monday night. Shop my online store & join Gretchen's Holiday Party or contact me directly to order your collections.

You don't want to miss this fabulous sale!

CTMH Team Blog Hop - Christmas Cards

The Pineapple Paper Artists are getting ready for the holidays by making Christmas cards.  Whether you are starting your journey here, or you came from Martha's blog, this hop is perfect for helping you design your own cards or just putting you into the holiday mood!

In Close To My Heart's Annual Inspirations Idea Book there are paper packs appropriate for many different occasions.  There's one that was definitely designed as a Christmas paper and another that is perfect for winter projects.  These papers work wonderfully for the holidays for which they were designed.  However, they can be used for so much more.  I love stretching my papers by using them for purposes not originally intended.  To create this Christmas card, I used a background paper from the Pathfinding Paper Pack (X7186B), which was designed to be a fall-themed paper.  But doesn't it work great in conjunction with Smokey Plum?

• I stamped the Angel from the Sing Glory (C1587) Hostess Rewards stamp set in Goldrush (Z2123) ink on Colonial White (1388) cardstock.  Overlapping the angel, I stamped Hark, from the same stamp set, in Smokey Plum (Z2147).
• I inked the edges of the panel with Smokey Plum (Z2147) ink, layered it onto the Pathfinding (X7186B) paper and then onto a Colonial White (1388) card.
• Using the Art Philosophy Cricut Collection (Z1686) I cut the star from Smokey Plum (1291) cardstock and attached it to the card with 3D Foam Tape (Z1151).  I finished it off by adding a Gold Sequin (Z2012) to the center of the star.

Next, hop on over to Scrappy Sandra's Custom Creations, to see another beautiful card.

Color Dare #119 - Smokey Plum, Hollyhock, Olive

Welcome to the weekly Color Dare Challenge from Color My Heart.  Each Friday the design team announces a color palette for you to use to create your project.  You can create any type of project you'd like, as long as you use the chosen colors.  If you don't have the actual Close To My Heart colors, just use a similar substitute!

Color Dare #119 - Smokey Plum, Hollyhock, Olive 

Sonoma was one of my favorite paper collections, so I have been saving it for a special occassion.  It came in handy for this week's challenge!

• I started by creating a color-blocked background from the Sonoma B&T paper, Smokey Plum (1291), and Olive (1245) on a piece of Bamboo (1301) cardstock.
• I attached the background piece to an Olive (1245) card.
• I added a couple of pieces of one of the zip strips from the Sonoma paper pack.
• Using the Your Own Kind of Wonderful (D1627) stamp set, I stamped the sentiment in Hollyhock (Z2128) ink, the small butterfly in Olive (Z2137) ink, and the larger butterfly in Smokey Plum (Z2147) ink on a rectangle of Bamboo (1301) cardstock and attached it it to the card.
• I stamped the butterfly in Hollyhock (Z2128) on another piece of Bamboo (1301) cardstock, cut it out, and attached it to the card with Dimensional Tape (Z1151).

How will this week's color combination inspire you?   Visit Color My Heart for more information about the challenge, get inspired by the design team, and upload your project.  I hope you'll join the Color Dare!

Holiday Cards Super Workshop

Saturday, November 29th
11:30 a.m.
$35

It's time to celebrate this special time of year with beautiful handmade cards.  In this special extended workshop you'll make 14 gorgeous cards that are sure to impress your friends and family. (The above picture highlights just a few of the cards you will create.)

BONUS:  If 14 cards are not enough for you, I am offering bonus kits to all workshop participants for $25.  You'll get the supplies and cut-to-size papers, cardstock, and envelopes to make an additional set of cards.  Stamp the images during the workshop and assemble at home.  That will give you a total of 28 cards (or more)!  You must let me know BEFORE the workshop if you would like additional kit(s).

Are you interested in making the project but can't make the above date?  Contact me to purchase a kit!

Yuletide Triptych

Contact me if you'd like to attend this workshop!

Saturday, December 13th - 1:00 p.m. - $35*

This beautiful wall hanging/display piece will make a wonderful addition to any home or office.  Whether you are a decorating fiend, or are trying to cut back on your efforts, this piece will help you celebrate in style!


*Receive a $7 discount if you take both the Holiday Happenings Crush Book and Yuletide Triptych workshops!

CTMH Team Blog Hop - Florals

The Pineapple Paper Artists are showing off all the beautiful new paper packs, stamp sets, and embellishments of Annual Inspirations with a great new blog hop.  Whether you are just beginning your journey or you came here from Amy, the Pineapple Paper Artist, I hope you will continue on until you are inspired by everyone's autumn-themed artwork.

My original intention was to use a traditional floral stamp to create a card for this month's theme.  But I had one of those "brilliant ideas" when I came across my Paisley Perfect (C1556) stamp set!  Children of the 80's will hopefully get the "brilliant idea" reference!

• I started with a White Daisy (1385) card.  I attached strips of paper from the Pathfinding Paper Pack (X7186B), including one of the zip strips.
• I layered a square of Glacier (X5770) cardstock on top of the other panels.
• On White Daisy (1385) cardstock I stamped the small paisley six times in Goldrush (Z2123) ink, and then six more times in Glacier (Z2641) ink, to create the petals of a flower.
• I added a pearl to the center of the flower from the Mini-Medley Accents Rosewood Collection (Z1857).
• I layered the flower on a square of Chocolate (X5643) cardstock and attached it to the card with 3D Foam Tape (Z1151).

I hope you enjoy these beautiful florals!  Next, hop on over to Scrappy Sandra's Custom Creations, to see another beautiful project!

Holiday Happenings Crush Book Workshop

Contact me if you'd like to attend this workshop!

Saturday, November 22nd - 1:00 p.m. - $25
Saturday, December 6th - 1:00 p.m. - $25*
Both sessions are required to complete this project.

This pre-bound book features beautifully decorated pages, interactive add-ons, and fun embellishments.  You'll get lots of ideas that can be used on other cards, scrapbooks and art journals.  And when you go home, you will still have lots of room to add your own photographs, souvenirs, and memories.  A keepsake your friends and family will treasure for years to come!

*Receive a $7 discount if you take both the Holiday Happenings Crush Book AND Yuletide Triptych workshops!

November Stamp of the Month - It's the Little Things

Each month you can purchase 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.

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

CTMH Team Blog Hop - November Stamp of the Month

The Pineapple Paper Artists are highlighting November's Stamp of the Month, It's the Little Things, in a new blog hop.  Whether you are just beginning your journey or you came here from Martha's blog, I hope you will continue on until you are inspired by everyone's artwork.  

The Snowhaven Paper Pack (X7188B) is lovely for winter projects, but can work for so much more!  Combining it with the lovely flowers in this stamp set makes an unexpected, yet beautiful, combination.

• I punched a strip of Glacier (X5770) cardstock with the Chevron Border (Z1998) punch.  I attached it, and a strip of Snowhaven (X7188B) paper, to a White Daisy (1385) card.
• Between the two strips, I stamped the flowers and leaves in Glacier (X2641), Cranberry (Z2116), Whisper (Z2172), and Black (Z2105) inks.
• I stamped a larger flower and two leaf clusters on another piece of White Daisy (1385) cardstock, cut them out, and layered them on the card with 3D Foam Tape (Z1151).
• I added one small Sparkle (Z1752) in the middle of the large flower.

Now that you're inspired, you can get this wonderful stamp set for only $5 with a $50 order.  Shop Now!

Next, hop on over to Scrappy Sandra's Custom Creations to see another project!

Color Dare #117 - Choose Your Own Orange ... Sunset

Welcome to the weekly Color Dare Challenge from Color My Heart.  Each Friday the design team announces a color palette for you to use to create your project.  You can create any type of project you'd like, as long as you use the chosen colors.  If you don't have the actual Close To My Heart colors, just use a similar substitute!

Color Dare #117 - Choose Your Own Orange ... Sunset

This week's challenge was to pick my own orange.  I choose Sunset to create this cute Halloween card.

• I cut the cat shadow pocket card from Sunset (X5758) cardstock using the new Artfully Sent Cricut Collection (Z3017) and layered it onto a Black (1386) card. 
• I stamped the diamond argyle from the All Hallow's Eve (C1462) stamp set in Black (Z2105) ink.
• I attached three strips of Silver Shimmer Trim (Z1799), cut on an angle, to create a wide banner.
• I cut "Spooky" from Black (1386) cardstock using the Artiste Cricut Collection (X1790) and glued it on top of the silver banner.
• A couple of Bitty Sparkles (Z1263) work as the cat's eyes.

How will this week's color combination inspire you?   Visit Color My Heart for more information about the challenge, get inspired by the design team, and upload your project.  I hope you'll join the Color Dare!

Black Friday Holiday Open House

Friday, November 28th
2:00 - 5:00 p.m.
FREE

Go ahead, do your early morning Black Friday shopping, take a nap, then come by, relax, and have some holiday fun!

• Make a Christmas Project.
• Purchase completed Christmas gifts and get inspiration to make your own.
• Preview the brand new Seasonal Expressions products.
• The Pendant Bar will be open!  Here's another chance to a make a pendant for yourself or as a gift.
• Enjoy yummy treats.
• Spend time with friends!

Would You Like to Join My Crafting Club?

January marks the commencement of my very first Crafting Club.  My goal for the club is for it to be ...

• Fun - Get together once a month with a great group of crafters!
• Rewarding - Everyone in the club will have a turn at earning Hostess Rewards!
• Productive - Each month you'll make a 2-page layout or set of cards!

Here's how it works...

• Each month the club members will be required to place a minimum combined order of $150 to earn $25 worth of CTMH Hostess Rewards.  (i.e. If there are 6 members in the club, each member will place a minimum $25 order each month.  If there are 5 members, they will place a minimum $30 order.  And so on...)
• Each member MUST commit to participate for the number of months equal to the number of members of the club.  (i.e.  6 members = 6 month commitment)  At the end of that time frame everyone will choose as to whether they would like to continue for another cycle.
• We will draw a name each month to choose the hostess.  Each member will get to be hostess one month in the cycle.
• I will design a 2-page scrapbooking layout or a set of 4 cards for you to create each month.  The hostess will decided which she would like.  (Unless the entire club decides to only do layouts or cards for the entire cycle.)  
• I will have a sample of the project and the list of supplies required to complete the project the month before so that you can purchase the items as part of your minimum order requirements.  You can choose to switch up the papers or supplies if you'd like, the sample is only a example of what you can create!
• As a group we will choose a convenient meeting time.  The hostess can host the group at her home, or I am happy to host the club in my workshop.
• If you can't attend a gathering you are still required to place your minimum order.  You will receive the directions for creating the project so that you don't miss out.
• During your hostess month, you are welcome to bring in outside orders to boost your sales to receive more rewards!  I will post your event on my website so your friends can easily place orders towards your total.

I hope you are all as excited as me about this new endeavor.  I can't wait to get started!  Make sure you invite all your friends to join in because the more members you have, the less you have to purchase each month! 

Color Dare #115 - Sunset, Olive, Outdoor Denim

Welcome to the weekly Color Dare Challenge from Color My Heart.  Each Friday the design team announces a color palette for you to use to create your project.  You can create any type of project you'd like, as long as you use the chosen colors.  If you don't have the actual Close To My Heart colors, just use a similar substitute!

Color Dare #115 - Sunset, Olive, Outdoor Denim

There are so many great card ideas in the new Artfully Sent Cricut Collection (Z3017) that every time I look at the book I find another one I want to try.  These great images make it easy for you to create so many beautiful cards.  Check it out today!

• The spooky house card base was cut from Outdoor Denim (1275) cardstock.
• The bat and moonlight filled sky was cut from Sunset (X5758) cardstock.
• The bats were cut from Olive (1245) cardstock and attached it to the card with Dimensional Tape (Z1151).  (Don't they look especially creepy in green?!)

How will this week's color combination inspire you?   Visit Color My Heart for more information about the challenge, get inspired by the design team, and upload your project.  I hope you'll join the Color Dare!