Digital Scrapbooking

My daughter has earned the Girl Scout Gold Award and we are preparing for her ceremony. I want to have an album highlighting her years and achievements as a Girl Scout. I have tons and tons of pages in our family albums with trips, cookie sales, awards, ceremonies, and friends. Too many for one album. So I thought I'd gather up my favorite pictures from her Girl Scout years and put together one album. I don't have a lot of time to get this done so I thought I'd try a little digital scrapbooking. I clicked on Studio J ( http://cathryn.ctmh.com/CTMH/Content.aspx?id=%2fen%2fsitecore%2fcontent%2fOBA%2fProducts%2fStudio_J.aspx).

Within an hour, I had eight pages done! Here is a two page layout on her trip to England.

So quick and easy. I don't know if I'll the whole album this way, but I am thinking about a few more pages. Studio J is helping me not be so stressed about the upcoming ceremony.

First Day of School Idea

How do you commemorate the first day of school? I always take a photo of all 3 of my kids together in the front yard. Last year I also took a picture of them walking away. I always liked to take a picture of them at school too but now that my oldest is in high school, it is a little embarrassing for her to have her mom follow her into class for a photo.

Today a friend posted this idea of facebook:

This is not any child I know. But I liked the idea. I don't think I am willing to buy a chalk board for the photo shoot but my white board might work just fine. I do have to wonder if any of my kids will actually hold up the board since my youngest is almost 12. Our first day of school is in another week. I will start working on the kids and getting them used to the idea.

Cricut Help Guide

Great videos on how to use the Cricut Artiste Collection.

The Cricut Artiste Collection is just $99. Click shop with me to order.

Christmas Card

I promised a Christmas card about 2 weeks ago but forgot to post it.  So, here it is:

I used the Pear and Partridge paper pack (X7162B) plus a little bit of colonial white paper.  The stamp set is Merry and Bright (C1510). I stamped the card base with white daisy ink. Since this is a pigment ink, it seems to sit above the paper. The sentiment is stamped with olive ink.  I used a few sparkles- red, pink and purple assortment (Z1326). Sparkles are really a must on any Christmas card, I think. And then I used a small piece of the burlap ribbon (Z1760). I like the burlap. I seem to be using it a lot.

There is my first Christmas card of the season! I will be hosting a Christmas Card Workshop coming soon. We will make 15 cards (3 each of 5 designs) so we can get a lot done at one sitting. If you are interesting in hosting one of these workshops, please let me know. My calendar is booking up.

Hoping you are having fun with ink today!

Avonlea Layout

Here's a quick page using the Avonlea paper:

No stamping or ink on this one. Just quick cuts and sticking it down. Sometimes, we need to go quick. This turned out really nice even though it took me less than 10 minutes to complete (that included gathering the supplies and pictures). I used the Avonlea Paper Packet (X7155B) and the Avonlea Complements Canvas Shapes (X7155C). I love when my quick pages turn out so nice.

I was drawn to this pack because the journaling block in the canvas shapes pack reads, "On this day." These pictures are from the candle light ceremony and sing a long celebrating 100 years of Girl Scouts in the United States. On the "On this day" block, I wrote, "On this day... 100 years ago, Juliette Gordon Low stated the first Girl Scouts of the USA meeting in Savannah." Perfect!

Join My Team

Free Exclusive Tote Bag for You!

Join Close To My Heart in August and get a darling Damask Tote Bag free!

When you become a new Consultant in August, you will receive a free Damask Tote Bag (retail value $50), while supplies last. This handy, attractive tote with the Close To My Heart logo lets everyone know you are a Close To My Heart Independent Consultant — with class and style! Choose the $49 New Consultant Essentials Kit or the $99 Master Kit which includes more supplies and tools, and Close To My Heart will send you a tote bag free — only in August and only while supplies last. Contact me for more details or enroll today!

Damask Tote Bag Features

• 17" × 17" × 6"
• Large exterior pocket for 12" × 12" paper packets
• Huge interior can hold a 12" × 12" album and more
• Small, zippered interior pocket
• Fabric is coated-canvas for durability and easy cleaning
• 2 water bottle pockets
• Wear on the shoulder, across the chest, or as a backpack
• Large flap snaps closed

Offer available August 1–31, 2012, while supplies last. Tax and shipping/handling is based on the New Consultant Kit price only, not on the retail value of the tote bag.

It's You Day Stamp Set

You can get this wonderful double stamp set for just $5 with a purchase of $35 or more.

Avonlea Card

Today's card uses the Avonlea paper.

This card comes directly out of the Workshop on the Go Avonlea Cardmaking Kit (G1041). This kit comes with supplies and directions to create 15 cards (5 each of 3 designs). Included is a stamp set and ribbon that you can only purchase as part of this kit. I love it when it is easy to be very creative.

Pillow Box

I made this pillow box as my make and take for Scrapbook Expo last weekend. It is very easy and is the perfect size for  a gift card.

I used the Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge (Z1686) to cut the pattern out of Scholastic paper (X7159B). Use page 28 in the Art Philosophy booklet. Font Layer, shift, <Flower4>, 5 1/2 inches. Keeping it at 5 1/2 inches allows you to get two cuts per 12x12 paper sheet. The gift card fits in but needs to go in at an angle instead of flat. The score lines on the pillow boxes are tough to find because of the curves. They are especially hard to find with this paper. So, make sure you have your glasses on and you have a little patience.

The sentiment on top is from the Casual Expressions set (D1525). This set coordinates with the Artiste Cricut Cartridge, but for this stamp, any oval will work. I used cranberry ink to stamp it. The other decorations are the pin clips (Z1612), dark chocolate striped grosgrain (Z1617), and harvest baker's twine (Z1751).

This is a quick gift box to make. Using different paper and sentiments, this pillow box can be used for any occasion.

Happy crafting!

Workshops, Getaways, and more!

I had a great time meeting people at Scrapbook Expo this weekend.  So many new faces. I can't possibly remember everyone so I hope I took some good notes. If you had a question and I don't get back to you in a few days, I lost the note.  PLEASE, contact me again.

I spoke to a lot of people about workshops. Here is a list of my current workshops, hopefully clarifying what is happening:

This Thursday, August 16 at 7:00, I am holding a card workshop featuring the Avonlea paper pack. I have 4 projects planned. Cost is $10. You must register by August 13. I will have all the supplies ready for you, including the paper cut. If you have a favorite adhesive, bring it along. I will have some CTMH adhesive available if you aren't married to yours. This class is at my home in Fremont.

On Sunday, August 19 at noon, the Avonlea card workshop will be repeated in Oakland. Register by August 16.

If you are wondering how to use the Cricut machine or wondering which cartridge (Art Philosophy or Artiste) you should buy, then my class on Thursday August 23 is for you. At 7:00, we will get together for a FREE hands on workshop with the cricut machine. I will have two machines running, one with Art Philosophy and one with Artiste. We will make a couple projects and then you will have a chance to just play with the machines. I will only take 6 for this class, so sign up early. (Fremont location)

Want a day time workshop? I had several requests today for a day time workshop. In the past I haven't had a lot of luck getting people to show up for a workshop during the day. But because of the requests, I thought I'd try it out for a few months. Thursday, September 13 from 10-noon, I will host a card workshop featuring the Flirty paper. We will work on 4-5 projects. The cost is $10. Please register by September 10. Without 3 people signed up, I will cancel. (Fremont location)

That evening, I will repeat the workshop at 7:00 for those who can't make it in the morning. 

Next, we need to get ready for the Holidays! I am teaming up with a couple of other consultants for a huge event. We are putting together a Holiday Extravaganza. At this all day event on October 20, you will make at least a dozen projects-- cards, tags, and gifts-- for Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. All supplies except adhesive are provided. Plus-- we  serve you lunch! This will be held in Sunnyvale off of the Lawrence Expressway near 101. This is a project making day only, not a shopping opportunity. This location does not allow us to exchange money on site. So, if you want to do more of a project and need materials, you can order after the event. Or you can order beforehand and I can deliver it there. Because of the size of this event, I need you to register with payment by September 22.

To sign up for any of these workshops, please email me at cathryno@gmail.com.

Don't forget that you can host your own workshop. I'll be happy to come to you with supplies for you and your friends to make cards or scrapbook pages. I love holding workshops for people. I love to watch everyone have fun with their craft.

Several of you asked about getaways. Scrapbook U puts on a great getaway. Check out their website at http://www.scrapbooku.com/. I am looking forward to the November crop which I will be attending with a few friends. It is a great crop for those who don't want things too loud. Perfect to laugh with friends while doing your crafting.

Scraptacular (http://scraptaculargetaways.com//) is a getaway company with  bigger crops, a lot of games, and a lot of vendors. I attended this one in May and had a great time.

I recommend both companies. It all depends on what you are looking for and what weekend works with your schedule. I did meet with another woman who runs a getaway company in Northern California. I seem to have misplaced her info. But as soon as I can check her out I will pass along the info and let you know what I think. I love going to crops -- working on my pages and talking with people.

Are you planning your own event? Why not invite a massage therapist? Kristie at Clients Kneaded (www.clientskneaded.com) has a wonderful set of hands ready to give your shoulders a massage. I've spoken with her (and had massages from her) at the last 2 Scrapbook Expos and would recommend her for your next event.

Well, the excitement of Scrapbook Expo is over until March. Now, we need to keep up that excitement by using the products we purchased and trying out all the new techniques we learned. I'd love to help. Let's get together and play with paper.

Christmas Tree Layout

Well, I know it is early, but I am playing with the Pear and Partridge paper pack. I used some pictures from last year to create this layout.

It was a quick layout. I used the Pear and Partridge Paper Pack (X7162B) and the Glittery Rub-Ons (X7162C). I also used the the Color Ready Seam Binding (Z1732) which I colored with olive ink.

I think I will post some Christmas cards next week. I like this paper!!

GIft Card Holder

I was playing with the new Artiste Cricut Cartridge and came up with this fun gift card holder.

A ticket comes out of the pocket

The Artiste Cricuit Cartridge (Z1790) cuts out the pocket and the ticket for you. So easy.
Here are the settings:

Cocoa paper  -  3 inch, card, shift M (p 67) (3 inches may seem small but it ends up pretty big. This is the biggest you can make it with a 12 inch sheet of paper.)
Colonial White paper - 3 inch, card, M (p 67)
Ruby paper - 1 inch, accent 1, M (p 67).  misc size stars, accent 3, birthday boy (p 68)
Outdoor Denim paper- misc size stars, accent3, birthday boy (p 68)


The card base is also Colonial White with dimensions of 5 1/2 x 4 1/4 folded.

The 4 is from the Memo Assortment (Z1766)
The flags are from the Noted Canvas Shapes pack (Z1773). I stamped it using outdoor denim and the Cocktail Alphabet (E1015). The flags are hung on cranberry twine (Bakers Twine- Harvest Assortment Z1751).  It looks like I used a lot of product on here. But in reality, I used very little. I used a piece from this pack and that pack and still had tons left for other projects.

The gift card will be placed on top of the stars on the ticket. Unfortunately, I didn't have a movie gift card handy. I will be picking one up next week before I mail out this card to my friend.

Inside the card is a row of red and blue stars.

There are so many fun projects to play with using the Artiste Cricut Cartridge. I would love to see what you have done with it. Show me your projects.

Back to School Layout

My kids don't go back to school for another month but I am ready. I decided to put together a layout celebrating the kids going off to school last September.

I used the Scholastic Workshop on the Go Scrapbooking Kit (G1049). All workshop on the go kits have a stamp set that you can't buy any other way. This one is no exception. I love the School Xing stamp in this kit. I also used the little letters from the Scholastic My Stickease Assortment (X7159C) and the larger letters are from the Canvas Alphabet set (Z1777).

I loved the pictures of my three kids walking off to their three different schools. This paper went perfectly with it.

New Products Available Today

Today is the day we have been waiting for. All the new products for the Fall/Winter 2012 Idea Book are available today-- including the new Artiste Cricut Collection!

I am highlighting a card from Sue, a wonderful paper artist.

This fun card features the Clementine Paper Pack (X7156B) and Clementine Complements Canvas Shapes (X7156C). Of course, the papers cuts are courtesy of the Artiste Cricut Cartridge. The little sparkle at the bottom comes from the Brown and Tan Sparkles Assortment (Z1753).

This card looks very complicated but is really quite easy with the Cricut. I will be having a class on how to use the Cricut on August 23. This free workshop will show you how to make beautiful creations quickly and easily. Sign up today! Space is limited. Email me at cathryno@gmail.com.