Baroque Birthday - August Stamp of the Month Blog Hop

Welcome to our stamp of the month blog hop!  This month, we are featuring Baroque Borders, a set of 5 stamps (including 2 over-sized corners) with a vintage/distressed feel.  If you've arrived here from Elizabeth Mindemann's blog, or if you are just starting out, you are in the right place.  When you're done here, you'll hop along to Traci Godbee's blog.

One of the things I like about this stamp set is that the designs of the corners are great to use them as NOT corners, LOL.  There's great artwork from corporate where they used one of the corners to make patterned paper.  Here's the sample from them:

How cute is that?! And I think they can look totally different just by using different colors.  I think the Buttercup & Twilight combo they used in their layout has a "fun" feel to it, while the colors I chose feel more "elegant" to me.  Here's my project:

I started with one of the card sketches in our brand new Make It From Your Heart publication, and altered it a little. (*more details below)  I wanted to use the beautiful new La Belle Vie papers, which has some exclusive colors, but I didn't want to stamp with black.  I stamped some samples with various inks I thought would go well, and chose Smokey Plum to stamp two of the large "square" corners on my card base.  I then layered on my pattern papers and added a Rhinestone Designer Brad.  I completed my card by choosing a pretty sentiment stamp and coordinating shape from the new Artiste Cricut Cartridge collection (**more details below), which I stamped in Blush ink and sponged the edges with Bamboo ink.  I adhered it using 3-D adhesive foam tape for extra dimension (or you could use one of the Dimensional Elements).

If you want to skip the supply list and details on Make It From Your Heart and Artiste, you can hop along to Traci Godbee's blog now. (Of course, I'd love it if you leave a comment and/or become a follower first!)

*Make It From Your Heart, Volume 1: Our newest how-to publication features patterns for 16 two-page layouts, two single-page layouts, and 12 cards.  Plus, there are great ideas for techniques and tips for using patterns that are useful to both newbies and those like me who have been around the block a few times!  48 pages, softbound. $7.95

**Cricut Artiste Collection: This second Close To My Heart exclusive cartridge again features 700 images.  Included on this cartridge are some great 3-D items, interactive cards, a full alphabet, and more.  The collection also comes with three D-size stamp sets, shown here, and 3 sheets of coordinating Dimensional Elements (12" x 9" each).  I've only had the chance to make a FEW of the things on this cartridge, but it is AWESOME - the interactive flip cards are great and EASY to decorate.  (Upcoming post alert!) $99.00

Supplies use to make my card (links for new products coming as soon as they are live!):

• Baroque Borders, August 2012 SOTM
• La Belle Vie paper pack
• Cricut Artiste Collection
• Exclusive Inks Stamp Pads in Smokey Plum, Bamboo, and Blush
• Rhinestone Designer Brads

Thanks so much for stopping by today.  I hope to see you again soon!  Now don't forget to hop over to Traci Godbee's blog.

Creations by AR Winner!

Sorry I'm late posting my winner - it's been a bit hectic here of late and I remembered about 5 minutes after I walked out of the door Saturday!  Just got home about an hour ago, so without further ado, here is my winner:

Congratulations Shirley!  Please be sure to email Adela ASAP at creationsbyar@sbcglobal.net

Creations by AR July Release Blog Hop with Graphic 45 and Close To My Heart

Welcome to the July Release blog hop with Creations by AR!  Today we are featuring two new handy files; a scalloped bag & card and a folder organizer.  I definitely see myself using both of these multiple times! Remember, you can leave a comment on every blog for a chance to win one of these great templates.  Be sure you leave your comment here by noon Central time on Friday, and I will announce my winner on Saturday!

First up, the awesome folder organizer!  I have a bit of a thing for steampunk, so I made my organizer using Graphic 45's Steampunk Debutante line.

I'm using this set to store my Tim Holtz embossing folders, which are a little thicker, which is why it doesn't seem to hold as many.  And part of why I need to make another set for my "girly" folders.  After my kids return to school and I can handle math again, I plan on making a reduced version for my ATC size folders and an enlarged version for my 5" x 7" folders. They will sure look a lot prettier and be much more organized than the box I store them in now!

I love that the base has a nice sized area where you can label your sets of folders or decorate like crazy!

I opted to make each of my holders with a different paper for fun, and to possibly make it easier to remember which folders are in which holder.  I also put one of my 5" x 7" embossing folders to good use on the "spine" section. (I totally love how this design reminds me of books!)  Here's a quick little tip: if you have paper with a large image like 2 of mine, cut your paper with the allover pattern first (or use an "ugly-paper") and use the negative shape to determine where you want your actual paper to be cut.  Then you can move things around in MTC (or SCAL) so that it cuts exactly where you want it!

Now, quickly on to the second template, this cute scallop bag & card!  For this set, I used Pemberly papers and embellishments, Color Ready Seam Binding, and the Tag the Occasion stamp set from Close To My Heart.

I think this would make such a cute little gift!  I'm currently thinking a little back-to-school gift for the kids' teachers, making it super easy to send notes home.  (Not that I would know anything about that...)  These little cards are the perfect size for gift enclosures, so I'm also thinking a set would make a cute little hostess or thank you gift.

Here's the list of all of the blog hop participants:

• Adela Rossol:   http://cbyar.blogspot.com
• Julia Aston:  http://www.createwithjulia.blogspot.com
• Lisa Somerville:   http://www.lisasomerville.com
• Lori Brown: ------------------YOU ARE HERE!--------------------------
• Lyn Bernatovich: http://lynspaperpetunia.blogspot.com
• Magdalena Cortez:   http://axesdesigns.blogspot.com
• Patti J. Gilliam: http://www.cherisheachpreciousday.blogspot.com
• Sue Kment:   http://suesstampingstuff.blogspot.com

 Don't forget to leave a comment at each blog - we are each drawing a random winner for one of these two new templates!

Thanks for stopping by today.  Hope to see you again soon!

August is In The Bag!

Now is the time!  If you have EVER considered having your own paper crafting store, August is the month for you.  While supplies last, join my team and receive this awesome bag at no additional charge with either the $49 or $99 consultant kit!  Check out the details...

For the first time ever, you can get the new Essentials consultant kit, perfect for a hobbiest or someone who wants a discount for themselves.  For just $49 with your application (plus S/H & tax), you receive this beautiful selection of new products worth approximately $130 plus that gorgeous bag valued at $50.  What a great way to start your business!

You can also opt for our traditional Master consultant kit.  This is great for the person who wants to build a business, including some great business tools and more products in addition to the products in the Essentials kit.  For $99 with your application (plus S/H & tax), you receive approximately $280 worth of products and supplies, plus that awesome bag valued at $50.


Damask Tote Bag Features
• 17" x 17" x 6"
• Large exterior pocket for 12" x 12" paper packets
• Huge interior can hold a 12" x 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. No tax or shipping/handling is charged on the Damask Tote Bag. Tax and shipping/handling is charged based on the price of the New Consultant Kit that is purchased ($49 or $99).

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me any time!  My phone number and email are both listed at the top of my website.  If you're ready to join my team, wait until August 1 and you can do so on my website right here and my information is filled out for you.  My little team is currently spread from Illinois to Hawaii, so we are happy to have newcomers from anywhere in the US!

My Copic Intermediate Certification

You may have noticed it's been a bit quiet here lately.  Well, in part, having three kids home 24/7 is starting to kick my butt, LOL.  I skipped CTMH convention and CHA, nobody went to camp this year, and no week at Grandma & Grandpa's house (Grandpa's been having worse than usual back problems, and I just couldn't subject my 74yo parents to the current attitudes of 11 & 9 yo girls and a 7yo boy!), and I am feeling it.

However, I did escape for a day to attend an Intermediate Certification class for Copic Markers, followed by the launch party for the new Chicagoland Scrapbooker Magazine.  It was a great (if extremely long) day, and I learned so much more about using my Copics!  Of course, now I feel like I need several more markers, but that will have to wait until the budget allows!  So, I decided to celebrate my new certification by coloring.  I did the same image twice in different colors; I'll share one here today and the other over on the Cutters Creek blog on Thursday.

So, here's the first:

Now, I have a confession to make here.  I colored the image first, loving the colors and all, then I discovered I did not have a single piece of pattern paper with a decent purple in it!  Lucky me, I found some cute stamps I liked for this and made my own pattern paper with Gypsy and Lagoon stamp pads.

Notice the shading and the cast shadow?  I really improved this part of my coloring in the class.  We used a transparency with straight lines to help "see" your light source.  For this type of diffused light, just imagine a series of parallel lines coming from the direction of your light source to help determine where the highlights and shadows should be on an image, as well as where the cast shadow appears.

And here's a simple thing I love about Copic Markers: I used one to color the clear bling on this large sparkly brad.

Supplies from Close To My Heart used in this card:

• Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge collection
• Kraft, Gypsy, & White Daisy cardstock
• D1330 Connections stamp set (discontinued)
• Exclusive Inks stamp pads in Lagoon and Gypsy
• Rhinestone Designer Brads
• Burlap Ribbon (coming August 1!)
• Natural Hemp (used to tie the burlap ribbon)
• Liquid Glass (used to adhere ribbon & brad to card front)

Supplies from Cutters Creek used in this card:

•  American Crafts glitter cardstock in Aqua
• X-press Blending Cardstock
• Sarah Kay stamp "Lucy & Kitty" by Stampavie (currently sold out, but just ask Kim if you're interested)
• Memento Tuxedo Black stamp pad
• Copic Sketch Markers: BV02, BV04, BV06, R20, BG11, BG15, BG18, B32, B34, B39, E00, E02, E11, E15, E37, E59, C1, C3, C5
• Scor Tape
• Scotch Quick-Dry Adhesive (to adhered stamped image to front of glitter cardstock)

Thanks for stopping by!  Be sure to come back here on Thursday for the newest Creations by AR release, and also swing by the Cutters Creek blog Thursday to see a Christmas version of this same image.

Hop on Over!

Just a little FYI here - due to convention, we had a little mishap on yesterday's start to our product spotlight blog hop.  But, never fear, everything is back in order now so be sure to scroll down to my previous post and Hop On!

Don't Be Distressed by Distressing! - CTMH Product spotlight blog hop

Hello and welcome to our monthly product spotlight blog hop! If you've arrived here from Haley's blog, or if you are just starting out, you are in the right place. This month we're featuring distressing, so whether you're a pro at pouncing or have never torn a piece of paper, take a look around and see the possibilities!

Close To My Heart offers several products to help you in your distressing endeavors, but I chose to focus on a couple of my favorites for this card.  I got the sketch from this week's Splitcoast Stampers sketch SC393.

I love to have a variety of birthday cards on hand, especially extra masculine cards since they are harder for me to whip out on a moment's notice!  The Typeset paper pack is one of my current favorites to distress.  (It's going away after July 31, so be sure to order now if you want it!)  I used the Edge Distresser on the base paper and the sentiment mat. I then inked the edges with a stamp pad.  For the pennant, I cut the pieces with the Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge, manipulating the size of the shapes using the Cricut Gypsy.  After stamping my stitches on the main piece, I spritzed both parts with water to make them easier to crumple. (Our Spray Pen is perfect for this.) After wadding the papers into balls, I flattened them back out again.  I again used a stamp pad to ink all of the edges, as well as ink the raised parts of the "crumples".

I added some large pewter brads on the end of my banner, and tied some twine around them.

Finally, I added some embellishments using a corrugated circle from the Milepost Shapes, two canvas badge buttons that I stamped, and a pewter button/slide with twine tied on it.

Supplies used for this card:

• Typeset Paper Pack
• Kraft cardstock
• D1481, Vintage Type stamp set
• C1459, Stitched Together stamp set
• C1429, Party Pennants stamp set
• Exclusive Inks stamp pads in Cocoa, Desert Sand, Juniper, and Vineyard Berry
• Milepost Shapes
• Mini-Medley Accents Pewter Collection
• Canvas Badge Buttons
• Edge Distresser
• Spray Pen
• Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge collection

Before I go, I just want to let you know that if you love the Art Philosophy cartridge, you are also going to want our NEW Artiste cartridge collection coming August 1st!  You can see the handbook online here.  Once you know you have to have it, give me a shout - I'll be offering a special price to my customers and placing orders right away on August 1!

OK, that's it for today.  Be sure to head on over to Wendy's blog next and check out her distressed project. Thanks so much for stopping by; hope to see you again soon!

Designing Clear Cards with a Little Mojo and CTMH

Clear cards are some of my favorites! They can be a challenge to make since you can see the inside from the outside and sometimes it's hard to know how much of the clear to cover up. (Personally, I usually cover the entire back of the card, but not always!)  I took a look at this week's Mojo Monday sketch and I thought the design was perfect to use in a little tutorial on the clear cards.

Today's card feature's the Fanfare paper pack which is part of the current Perfect Pair, available through the 15th.  (next up is Lucky, July 16-20)   I'm linking up to Mojo Monday 249 and also to the Heart to Heart geometric challenge (line, line, circle, square).

Here's the overall card:

This is what the outside looks like alone:

And here's what the inside looks like:

Finally, here's the video with some tips & ideas:

Supplies used in this card are all from Close To My Heart:

• Fanfare paper pack
• 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" clear cards
• Black StazOn stamp pad
• Sparkles Red, Pink, & Purple assortment
• Live Out Loud, July 2012 stamp of the month
• C1494 Card Word Puzzle ("happy")
• D1387 Made with Love (on back of card, seen in video)
• D1187 For Every Occasion ("birthday") - discontinued - I only inked up part of a sentiment stamp, so you can easily substitute D1475 Card Chatter - Birthday
• D1300 Circle Around (stars on front) - discontinued - a decent substitute would be D1458 American Celebration

Thanks so much for stopping by today.  I hope to see you again soon!

New Products from Clear Scraps

You card makers will be excited to learn that Clear Scraps has new Send It Clear clear card designs coming out!  I'm really digging all of the designs, but I think my favorite just may be this cute cupcake design featured right on their website:

I have all kinds of ideas rolling around my head for this one!  If you want to go check out all of the new designs, you can see them on the Clear Scraps website right here.  If you like what you see, be sure to go like them on Facebook here, and do me a favor and let them know that Lori Brown sent you!

Forgetful Me!

Oh my gosh, I can't believe I nearly forget that today is the last day for the Dreamin' "Perfect Pair"!  (Fanfare starts tomorrow, so I will hopefully be back with a fun project for that.)  So today I will share a Dreamin' project that I love.

I used one of the pretty patterns as the base for my layout, and balanced it out with a large solid "mat" where I placed my photos, title, etc.  Here's a layout I previously posted where I use the same technique (and posted tips for using this type of paper effectively):

You can see all of the projects I've posted using Dreamin' by clicking here.  The Dreamin' Perfect Pair includes the paper pack and the Harvest Charms.  You can see a couple the epoxy charm with the little bird in the photo above.  Here's a closeup of one of the word charms in the top layout:

For more details on the Perfect Pairs promotion, or to start shopping, just head over to my website!  Thanks so much for stopping by today.  Hope to see you again soon!

Clear Scraps Tutorial

It's my turn over at the Cutters Creek blog again, and since it's Tuesday that means it's time for a tutorial!  There was a question on the Cutters Creek Yahoo Group about the Acrylic Sheets from Clear Scraps, so I thought I would share a project and some tips about them.

These clear acrylic sheets are 12"x12", so they are the perfect size for scrapbook pages or decor projects.  They can also be cut with scissors, dies, and cutting machines (see video for cutting machine tips).  There are plenty of ways to take your projects from everyday to extraordinary using these cool clear sheets!  Today I have my most recent project to share with you, as well as a longer-than-my-usual video with more information.  There's just too much information to type out, so if you're not able to watch videos and have a question, just leave it here in the comments and I will respond as soon as possible.  Here are two photos of the layout I made:

Looks like an average layout, yes?

But aha, remove the cardstock behind and it's a super-cool clear layout!

This layout looks WAY more cool in the video where you can see the lights glaring off of it.  I think it would look awesome in a floating frame on a wall, but in my scrapbook I'll keep the yellow CS behind it so that whatever layouts are behind it in my album will not show through.  It still has all kinds of awesome dimension just perfect for my daughter's album!

Here's the video:

FYI: I checked and it looks like several of the Doodlebug Designs twine assortments have colors that will match this Echo Park collection.  (And as always, you can ask Kim any question.  If she's got items in stock, I'm sure she would be happy to color-compare for you.)

Here's a list of supplies I used that are available at Cutters Creek online store:

• Clear Scraps 12"x12" Acrylic Sheets
• Echo Park Paper, Hello Summer collection (currently sold out, so ask Kim about it if you want one!)
• Ranger Ink, Tim Holtz Distress Ink in Festive Berries (from Winter LE set), Spiced Marmalade, and Peeled Paint
• Scor Tape, 1/8" and 1/2"
• Making Memories, Scrapbook Colors in Red Wagon and Spotlight (currently on special for half off at Cutters Creek!)

Other supplies used:

• Close To My Heart, cardstock in Sunny Yellow and Twine in Paradise assortment
• Echo Park Paper, Hello Summer chipboard elements (possible special order from CC - just ask!)
• We R Memory Keepers, Crop-A-Dile
• Copic, Multi-liner 0.3 in brown (journaling)

I'll have that layout with acrylic accents done soon, and I hope to have my new video on the clear cards finished by next week (kids home for Summer tend to slow me up some!).  Be sure to sign up to follow me by email if you want to be notified when they're posted.  There's a simple signup box near the top of the right hand hand column!

Thanks for stopping by today; hope to see you again soon!

Soar with Mojo Monday

Yes I'm back with another challenge card! I loved the Mojo Monday sketch this week, so I wanted to be sure to play along; and I thought I might as well play along again with Color Dare #6 at Color My Heart just for fun.  Here's what I made this time:

I used the Live Out Loud stamp set again, this time using the "Soar" stamp.  The papers are from the Dreamin' paper pack, which will be in the featured Perfect Pair beginning tomorrow, along with the matching Harvest Charms.  For this, I chose to only use the blue patterned paper from the pack so I could use Smoothie instead of the gold & orange colors in the other patterns.

It's a little hard to see in the picture, but I added in some more Smoothie by coloring in the lighter colored diamonds on this paper with a marker.  I cut two of the butterfly shape on Art Philosophy at 1" and layered them with 3-D Foam Tape.  I blinged it up with some clear Sparkles. 

I also colored the Color Ready Seam Binding ribbon with a Crystal Blue marker to match the paper.  All of my paper edges are inked with direct-to-paper method using coordinating inks.

Don't forget, Dreamin' is part of the Perfect Pair for July 6-10!  Live Out Loud is available through the end of the month.

Imagine the Possibilities!

I'm continuing to use some challenges to keep my mojo flowing!  My card today is for two challenges: a sketch challenge and a color challenge.  The sketch I used is from Splitcoast Stamapers SC392.  The color challenge is Color Dare #6 from Color My Heart: use a paper pack and add a new color to it.  Here is my card:

This card again uses Mischief, a "Halloween" paper pack and the current Perfect Pair promotion from Close To My Heart.  If you look closely, you can see some of the Barn Red & Sunset colors in the patterns I used.  Then I added Tulip red as my new color.  I chose to use Tulip as I thought it would blend well with the existing colors in the paper pack, and I also thought the combination of colors were good for a graduation card (which I thought the sentiment fit perfectly).  I changed the sketch a little bit by rotating the design and centering the main matted image.

I also used a couple of the felt shapes that come in the Perfect Pair, as brackets for my matted image.  I added a little bling with 2 red Sparkles and anchored the large patterned mat with Tulip brads in each corner.

Supplies used for this card:

• Mischief "Perfect Pair" (avail. thru 7/5)
• Cardstock in Tulip (Black & Colonial White come in paper pack)
• Sparkles Red, Pink, & Purple Assortment
• Mini Medley Accents, Tulip Collection OR Brads Red Assortment
• Archival Black stamp pad
• Live Out Loud, July 2012 Stamp of the Month
• Copic Marker, R35
• Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge collection

That's it for now, but I hope to be back later with more.  Thanks for stopping by.  I hope to see you again soon!

Just Us Chickens... and a Perfect Pair

Today I have a  more masculine card for you, one we sent my dad for Fathers Day.  I know a lot of people have trouble making cards for men, but it's easier than you might think!  First, pick an image of something your recipient enjoys, be it motorcycles, camping, or chickens!  (My dad was a farmer until he retired, hence the chicken...)

Once you have your image, the key is to keep it simple - few colors and patterns, and minimal (or even no) embellishments.  Since my image was a little futzy, I opted for no embellishments.  I used a screen and pounced on some ink similar to my card base for a subtle pattern, then layered on a stripe in colors that reminded me of the colors in a rooster.  I colored in the image using Copic markers, added a simple mat in a brighter color to make the image stand out more, and that was it.

Here are the markers I used:

FYI, the paper I used was from a Halloween pack - proof that the colors and patterns you're looking for may not always be where you expect them!  Here's a picture of a layout I previously made with the same papers:

Right now, through July 5, you can get a Perfect Pair of the paper pack and the felt shapes free with a qualifying purchase.  And all month long, there will be additional Perfect Pairs available for a few days at a time.  I will be trying to have a new project made for each of them, so be sure to stop by and check them out.  Here are the full details on what will be available and when:

Place an online order of $75 or more in July and we’ll send you a popular paper packet and coordinating accessory—a Perfect Pair—for free! That’s a retail value of up to $17.90! Different Perfect Pairs are available on different dates throughout the month so you’ll want to place more than one qualifying order to snatch several Perfect Pairs. Place your order early in the availability period, as the promotion is while supplies last.

Offer valid July 1–31, 2012. While supplies last. Additional shipping/handling and tax may apply. Discounted products do not count toward a qualifying purchase.

Order      Perfect                                                                                           Original
Dates       Pair                                                                                        Retail Value
7/1–5       Mischief Paper Packet (X7144B) and Midnight Felt Shapes (Z1462)  $15.90
7/6–10     Dreamin' Paper Packet (X7142B) and Harvest Charms (Z1633)          $14.90
7/11–15   Fanfare Paper Packet (X7138B) and Level 2 Asst (Z1400)                  $17.90
7/16–20   Lucky Paper Packet (X7137B) and My Stickease® Asst (X7137C)    $17.90
7/21–25   Mayberry Paper Pack (X7136B) and My Stickease® Asst (X7136C)  $17.90
7/26–29   Sophia Paper Packet (X7131B) and My Stickease® Asst (X7131C)    $17.90
7/30–31   Believe Paper Packet (X7145B) and Holiday Pockets (Z1486) OR
                Wonderland Paper Pack (X7146B) and My Stickease® Asst (X7146C)$14.90


If you would like to create an online Gathering and earn Hostess Rewards while you shop, just drop me an email.  I can get you set up right away and all you have to do is use the simple EZinvite tool to invite your friends to shop online!  If you'd rather shop on your own, just drop by my website and look around.  If you choose to shop with me, THANK YOU! Your purchases allow my 11yo daughter, 9yo daughter, and 7yo son to participate in choir, orchestra, and soccer (respectively) this year.


Thanks for stopping by today; I hope to see you again soon!