Folded Flowers

I've had fun in my "happy room" this week trying out an idea inspired by a fellow Close To My Heart consultant. Over the weekend I was shown some very clever Christmas ornaments made with stamped shapes from the Cricut Art Philosophy Collection they were gorgeous and I wondered if I could create something similar to add to my card creations. These are the three cards I came up with using the ideas. I love how this concept can be used to create a card for any occasion....and a HUGE thanks to the original creator.

If you like the Sparkle and Shine Christmas papers don't forget they are only available for a limited time - they can be purchased from the Holiday Gift Guide which can be viewed at my Online Shop... and as an added bonus if you spend $130 or more you could earn this paper pack for free. I also used this paper pack for the second Christmas card I made using the folded image idea - love how this one looks like a 3D flower.

I decided to try the idea again this time hand cutting my images with the fabulous non stick micro-tip scissors - they have the perfect tip for cutting around intricate shapes and there is something very therapeutic about cutting paper - well I think there is LOL! I also sponged some ink around the edges of the shapes to deepen the colour and add a bit more texture - I think this gives the flowers and the leaves a more realistic look.

If you live in my area and would like to see these cards in real life or even have a little play time creating them or want to purchase some of the goodies I have used ....why don't you pop along to the Shepparton Papercraft Expo.....I'd love to "show you how".

Hope to see you there!

Back To My Ink

....so where have I been - you might well ask?? :) I've been touring the East Coast of Australia passionately sharing what I love about Close To My Heart and all the exciting projects you can create with the product range. Thank you to all the 1500+ people who have attended these events - it was a lot of FUN but after travelling the 5800km from home to Northern Queensland and back. I am happy to have returned to my paper playtime - oh how I have missed my ink!!

When I arrived home my order from the lovely Sparkle and Shine Holiday's from the Heart Gift range was waiting for me.........so many lovely goodies that I didn't quite know where to start, but it didn't take me long and I was inking and colouring up a storm.

The first card I made has given me a real head start on my Christmas Cards and was created with the beautiful Mary & Babe stamp set. This set can be found and purchased from the Holiday's from the Heart Gift Guide. However, there is an added bonus... you can receive it for free! when you place a $130 order from this gift guide. It was such a joy to colour in this image and I can't wait to colour in some more.

Aren't this rosette Christmas Trees the perfect decoration for your home during the holiday season?? - if you would like to know how to create them I would be more than happy to show you - simply contact me - or arrange a gathering with your friends I'm only too happy to share :)

....and while I was in Christmas mode I had a play with the heart warming Stamp of the Month - Scandinavian Wishes stamp set - gorgeous images for your Christmas cards in this collection and a set I am sure you will want! Once I started inking up this set I just couldn't stop - here are a few of the cards I created using it.

Love, love, love the ornament image and the wonderful way it has been designed to work with the shapes cut from the Art Philosophy Cricut Collection. If you are attending any of my upcoming events I will have a "stamping station" set up where you can create your own stamped embellishments with the exclusive Close To My Heart Cricut Collections  - fun, fun fun!!

If you would like to know more about the Close To My Heart range and see these cards and many more in real life then feel free to pop along to the Shepparton Paper Craft Expo - this event will showcase all the product range has to offer, give you the opportunity to play with the stamps, ink and cricut machines and will be your one stop shop for purchasing these wonderful goodies....

 Look forward to seeing you there!!