Friday Friend Feature #9

It is time for another Friday Friend Feature… every Friday I have be featuring art work created by my Crafty Friends using Close To My Heart products. Some of this art work has been created by consultants in my team, paper craft designer friends and others from my circle of scrapping and card making buddies – all have fabulous crafting skills and a love for paper craft. 

Today I am sharing some beautiful Christmas Cards created by Veronica a very talented consultant in my team. Veronica has become a little addicted to card making with the new Artfully Sent Cricut Collection ... and if these cards are any indication, I can't wait to see what else she creates from the 700 images available on this cartridge.
Veronica loves using overlays in her scrapbook projects so it was just a natural progression to look at the "sleeve" selection on the Artfully Sent Cricut Collection in the same way...for her cardmaking creations.

I love that both these cards are a deviation from traditional Christmas colours. The "Joy" card uses paper from both the Brushed and the Paper Fundamentals Whimsy Assortment and the sentiment comes from the Noel stamp set. It is a little difficult to see in this photograph but the "Joy" sentiment is embossed with Gold Embossing Powder co-ordinating beautifully with the Gold Shimmer Trim and adds a touch of Christmas sparkle!

 

I think Veronica has a "bit of a thing" for glitter! - she has placed some Purple Glitter Paper behind the "overlay" on her cute Polar Bear card...and how great does that image look stamped in Smokey Plum Ink ??! Remember, today is the very last day you can add this Polar Bear image and the October Stamp of the Month to your orders....don't miss out - click here to have one shipped to you today!

Veronica has also used some Silver Glitter Paper to make this Christmas card "sparkle & shine". This is one of the "sentiment" cards from the Artfully Sent Cricut Collection and how clever was Veronica to use the Chalk It Up Papers to enhance this sentiment - the star print is a perfect choice for Christmas.

If you would like to see what else Veronica has created using the Artfully Sent Cricut Collection head on over to her blog or if you would like to add this cartridge to your crafting collection simply place an order in my Online Shop.

Thanks for popping by my blog today - be sure to leave some "love" for Veronica in the comments section....if you are celebrating Halloween I hope you have a fun day and the rest of your weekend is full of crafting adventures!

 

A Quick Christmas Project

It is not yet November and my Christmas preparations are well under way - and yes! that is very unusual for me...and even more so, considering I have had an extremely busy October! Before I share one of my Christmas craft projects with you....I want to take this opportunity to once again convey my love & gratitude for Jeanette Lynton's Close To My Heart & the sisterhood it embodies. It was a very special moment being honoured by my peers with the inaugural Australasian Spirit of Close To My Heart Award at our first Australasian convention...I sincerely LOVE what I do! ... so much so, that the minute I arrived back home from the convention I hit the road again, spending 4 days in the city demonstrating and promoting this wonderful company and product range.

While the travelling has been fun it is also lovely to be home "playing" in my Happy Room - a little ink on my fingers and lots of paper scraps on my floor and I am bouncing with joy!....and that my friends brings me to the little Christmas project I wanted to share with you.

This quick and easy home décor piece was created using some wooden letters and the gorgeous Yuletide Carol Paper Pack. I simply adhered the papers to the letters ( using Bonding Memories Glue ) then using the Sanding Kit I trimmed the paper back to the outline of each letter. Next some Ink was applied to the edges of the letters using a Sponge..... not only to disguise any irregularities!! but to add some depth and shadowing to each individual letter. I decided to keep this project very simple and chose to only embellish the "O". The roses and leaves were cut using my Cricut Machine and the Art Philosophy Cartridge, then some "sparkle and shine" was added with Gold Glitter Gems from the Yuletide Carol Assortment along with Gold Sequins and some clear Bitty Sparkles....quick, easy and Done!

If you too, are wanting a head start on your Christmas Projects??... don't forget this month's Stamp of the Month.... it is a stamp set jammed packed with images that make great gift tags, tree decorations and add that finishing touch to your Christmas Card Creations...time is running out, so order yours today here at my Online Shop.



....be sure to pop back for a visit on Friday when I share some lovely Christmas Cards created by one of my Craft Friends!

Friday Friend Feature #8

This week I have been busy preparing for a 4 day craft show and as such I haven't spent much time in my Happy Room getting inky or creating cards. However, my inspiring friend Alicia has been crafting up a storm making 2 gorgeous sets of cards - one for the Boys and one for the Girls!

How fabulous is this set of cards? - you would never know that they were all created using small pieces of left-over paper from the Seaside, Wanderful and Chalk It Up paper packs...nor would you think you could create such masculine themed cards from the pretty stamp set called Have a Happy Day but once again Alicia has highlighted how co-ordinated the Close To My Heart product range is. I love the "clean & simple" design of these cards and the Triangle Metal Studs are just the right finishing touch.

Alicia chose to create her "girl" cards using another formula based design and the gorgeous Brushed Paper Pack - which just happens to be my favourite paper pack!...and because all girls love a little pretty and bling they have been embellished with Thistle Diagonal Striped Ribbon, Gold Sequins and Gold Shimmer Trim. The sweet sentiment was stamped in Thistle Ink and can be found in the Lovely Birthday stamp set.

Both the stamp sets Alicia has used to create these card sets can be found in the New Consultant Card Making Kit - if you love card making and sharing your creativity?...you may like to consider purchasing this kit. It is jammed packed with fantastic cardmaking goodies and can be delivered direct to your doorstep simply by clicking here  - or - if you are attending this weekend's Stitches & Craft Show in Melbourne come by and say "hello" you will have the opportunity to take a kit home with you ( on the day ) or you can place an order for this BIG box of yumminess!

Hope you get a chance to pop by my stand ( No. 146 ) this weekend - all the products featured on my blog will be available to purchase... along with some fun project kits to get your creative juices flowing - Have a Great Weekend!

Friday Friend Feature #7 - on Tuesday!

My apologies for those of you who were waiting for last week's Friday Friend Feature...somewhere in the wonderful world of cyber space my scheduled post went missing! I was interstate celebrating all things Close To My Heart at the 1st Australasian Consultant Convention and haven't been able to rectify the mishap until today.

The cards I am featuring today were made by Andrea - a very passionate & organised card maker in my team of consultants. Andrea has made a head start on her Christmas Cards for this year and tells me she has almost finished them! Her secret to being so organised is the Picture My Life collection Pear & Partridge. The 3" x 4" cards became the foundation from which she created her Christmas Cards.

Many of the cards in this collection come with great sentiments & designs but every so often a little extra "something", just finishes them off. Andrea chose to add an Aussie flavour to her cards with the Australian Thanks stamp set and coloured in the Waratah image with ShinHan Touch Twin Markers. The cards were then matted onto Cranberry and White Daisy cardstock - using the Corner Rounder to tie in with the shape of the cards. They were then mounted onto Kraft Cardstock that had been dry- embossed with the Quatrefoil and Dot embossing folders. If you are a fan of Embossing Folders? - then I will let you in on another "secret" Close To My Heart will be releasing another 4 folders into their product range in the very near future - stay tuned for more information!!

If you would like to attend a Christmas Card Making Class simply send me a message at lotfam@iinet.net.au and I will slot you into one of my upcoming events where you will be able to complete 10 cards in less than 1 hour - you'll be as organised as Andrea in no time at all.

I also have lots of other Christmas Projects to share with you...many of which will be on display at my stand ( 146 ) at this weekend's Stitches & Craft Show in Melbourne - come by and say hello or purchase some crafty goodies to get you started.
 

October Stamp of the Month Cards

I have had such a busy schedule lately ( and it is about to get busier ) but today I had a few moments spare and I thought the best way to spend it... was to get a bit of ink on my fingers!! I chose to play with the cute Polar Bear image which is one of the stamps in the October Stamp of the Month and in no time at all I was able to whip up two equally cute cards.

The snowflake embellishment on this card was created from shapes found on the Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge using White Daisy Cardstock and Grey Glitter Paper and finished off with a Clear Sparkle coloured red with the Carmine ShinHan Touch Twin Marker. The "Happy Holidays" sentiment comes from the "Just to Say" stamp set which is one of the exclusive sets included in the Artfully Sent Cricut Collection. This card was so quick to piece together - stamp, cut, paste, embellished - finished!

 

The second card I completed today came together just as quickly using the same Paper Pack and the same stamp, cut, paste, embellish format. I love that this card isn't particularly Christmas themed... it became more of a fun uplifting card with a winter flavour. I have had this idea in my mind for awhile after a consultant friend shared a project where she used the puffy glasses from the Chalk It Up Assortment to embellish her image. The caring sharing nature of Close To My Heart  Consultants  is pretty awesome and I get to experience it a little more this week when I attend and celebrate the first ever Australasian CTMH Convention - be sure to check on my Facebook Page for all the updates...it is going to be very special

 

The sentiment again comes from the "Just to Say" stamp set included in the Artfully Sent Cricut Collection and is actually two different sentiments combined to make one... there are 34 sentiments included in this stamp set that can be combined together to give you endless possibilities. I also used some Red Shimmer Trim to add a touch of sparkle to the card and a White Enamel Star to add some pizzazz to Mr Bear's scarf!

 

When you purchase/or order $75 of Close To My Heart products with me or in my Online Shop during the month of October "Mr Bear" and 6 other delightful images can be yours for just $5 - this is a D-size stamp set valued at $27  - that is over 70% off the retail price - fabulous value!

 

 

Thanks for stopping by my blog today - it is so nice to have you here...I would love you to leave a comment to let me know you have paid a visit...and be sure to check back on Friday when I feature some more cards made by Crafty Friends.

 

Friday Friend Feature #6

Today's Friday Friend Feature is once again celebrating Spring and more beautiful art work from Alicia. Alicia created a stunning little set of cards using more of the fun goodies found in the New Consultant Card Making Kit and she describes these cards as showcasing her favourite design elements - the colour blue, butterflies, white space, a bit of bling!

The butterfly images can be found in the stamp set Your Own Kind of Wonderful it features 6 butterflies and some lovely uplifting sentiments. Alicia stamped the images with Lagoon Ink and trimmed the cards with a B&T Duo™ Paper from the Seaside Paper Pack and Teal Shimmer Trim - all 3 of those items are included in the Cardmakers Kit. The tiny flower images are from another stamp set found in the kit called  Lovely Birthday - which is one of my favourite stamp sets... I actually used it on the card featured in my previous blog post.

Alicia's cards were finished off & embellished with bling from the Aqua Dots and Clear Sparkle assortments...along with a sentiment stamped in Slate Ink

If you love card making and sharing your creativity with others - you may like to consider purchasing this fabulous kit - it is jammed packed with gorgeous cardmaking goodies and can be delivered direct to your doorstep simply by clicking here.

 Benefits of Being a Consultant:

• 22% discount on all CTMH products.
• Potential to earn FREE products with every order
• You can be your own hostess.
• Preview and order new products before they are released.
• Access to an exclusive consultant website - containing artwork, creative insider kits, tutorials, business ideas and more.
• The opportunity to earn your $130 kit fee back in your first 3 months.
• Free on-line training program with creative, personal and business classes.
• Opportunity to attend corporate sponsored events and earn an all expenses paid holiday (every year!)
• Free online shop/website
• An opportunity to purchase a Cricut Machine and/or Cuttlebug at a discount price.

Benefits of Joining My Team:

• One-on-one mentoring that includes product marketing, blog set-up etc
• Access to an exclusive facebook group for team members only.
• Card/Project Kits & Handouts – free & exclusive to my team members.
• Card Swaps, Awards & Incentives throughout the year designed for team members only.
• To be a part of  "Chris's Crafty Chicks" an Australian wide team of creative and inspiring artists.
• and so much more…

Click here to join in the FUN! - or email me at lotfam@iinet.net.au if you would like more information.

Have a great weekend - I hope it is full of lovely spring sunshine and all things crafty!

Artfully Sent - Thank You Card

This weekend we have experienced the most beautiful Spring weather and it made me think of this "Pop-Up" card I created last week using the Artfully Sent Cricut Collection - this little pot of flowers simply oozes Springtime.

 

 

I combined my favourite colours of Hollyhock and Pixie along with the pink patterned B&T Duos™ Paper from the Brushed Collection to form the basis of the card. I then used some Olive and Chocolate cardstock to add some contrast and to bring my pot of flowers to life. The additional leaves were cut from the Art Philosophy Cricut Collection and embellished with a single Silver Sequin - I love using the sequin assortments to add finishing touches. The "You're Awesome" sentiment comes from the "Just to Say" stamp set that is included as part of the Artfully Sent Cricut Collection and stamped in Chocolate Ink.

 

My eldest daughter was fascinated with the "Pop-Up" feature of the card - she even called me a creative genius - ha ha! - and I decided to go with that illusion....she doesn't need to know that the cartridge is really the creative genius behind this clever card does she?? - LOL!! Truly the Artfully Sent Cricut Collection can make anyone look like a creative genius - the designs and ideas are brilliant!

 

The card base for this "Pop-Up" design has a blank front and back which is a great feature of the Artfully Sent Cricut Collection. It allows you to personalise the cards you create. I decided to cut additional flower icons and carry the potted flower theme to the front of my card. The flower pot I used is actually the "relief" (left over / cut-out piece) from one of the "Pocket-Card" designs. Again, it was embellished with leaves cut from the Art Philosophy Cricut Collection. Then I added some extra flowers -  a metal shape from the Brushed Assortment and some stamped images from the Lovely Birthday stamp set. The white scallop mat was also cut from the Art Philosophy Cricut Collection...I added some faux stitching to it with a chocolate coloured pen...that I turned my craft room upside down looking for!! - don't you hate it when you know you have something but can't remember where you might have put it last!?!!

 

 

 

After I pieced the front panel of the card together I decided to round the corners of the card, both on the inside and outside - not just to soften the look but to also have it complement the rounded corners of the scallop mat. I think it finished it off perfectly!

 

The Artfully Sent Cricut Collection is a "must-have" for any card maker...and during the month of October I will be giving away this complete Collection - valued at $130 to one lucky reader of my blog...

 

..for your chance to win** simply:-

 

1). Place an order of any value in my Online Shop between now & the 30th October

and

2). Leave a comment here or on my Facebook Page

 

Click here to see what is included in the collection.

 

** This offer is valid only for residents of Australia and made available through Chris Lothian - Close To My Heart Independent Consultant. It will not be honoured by the Company or any other Consultant. The winner will be drawn at random and announced on the 1st Nov.

 

Good Luck!

Friday Friend Feature #5

Today is the fifth instalment of the Friday Friend Feature. I hope you have been enjoying the art work shared and created by my Crafty Friends. Today I am showcasing more of Alicia's inspiring card making talents. Alicia's cards feature products from the Confetti Wishes and Seaside product ranges that are included in the Cardmakers New Consultant Kit. I love these fun and funky Birthday cards - the fabulous cake embellishments that Alicia designed were created from the icons in the Confetti Wishes Complements Pack and finished off with cute little bows made from Thistle Diagonal Striped Ribbon (this ribbon is also included the New Consultant Kit). These cards would brighten any Birthday celebration.

...and how great is this card?! - it truly highlights how well the Close To My Heart product range co-ordinates together - this card combines not only the Confetti Wishes and Seaside paper packs but some of the Specialty Papers - the Fundamentals Whimsy Assortment and Kraft Cardstock.

This card has also been "blinged" up with some gorgeous touches of gold - Gold Polka-Dot Washi Tape, Gold Shimmer Trim and Gold Sequin Assortment...all three of these items are also included in the New Consultant Cardmaking Kit....then to give it a little more "pop" Alicia added some 3D-Foam Tape & gold glitter glue.



If like Alicia, you love making cards you might like to consider purchasing a Consultant Kit - not only do you receive the fabulous products featured in these cards but you save huge $$ and continue to do so with 22% ( and more ) off any further purchases. If you would like more information of this awesome offer email me at lotfam@iinet.net.au or click here for all the details.

I hope you have a lovely weekend - and find some time to get your Craft on!!





October Stamp of the Month

Traditionally when my calendar ticks over to October I make a start on my Christmas projects...I like to be organised early and I love making and receiving homemade gifts. If you too, enjoy creating personal and exclusive handmade gifts then this month's Stamp of the Month is perfect! Home for the Holidays has 7 images that will help you create, celebrate and share the Spirit of the Season!

Last year my Christmas Dinner guests received a hand stamped paper package filled with chocolates. This year I intend to fill handmade bon bons with little personalised gifts and I have already got off to a good start. I've had my Cricut Machine buzzing and cutting bon bon shapes from the Artiste Cricut Collection using Kraft Cardstock.

I have trimmed the bon bons with Red Shimmer Trim and the music print B&T Duos™ Paper from the Yuletide Carol Paper Pack  (to give them that olde world classic Christmas look). The roses and leaves were cut from the Art Philosophy Cricut Collection in Cranberry and Olive cardstock. The Colonial White tag was also cut from the Art Philosophy Cricut Collection . The Do Not Open sentiment comes from the  October Stamp of the Month ... which I stamped on the tag in New England Ivy Ink.  The bon bons were tied with the Cranberry Striped Twill Ribbon and embellished with Gold Sequins and Clear Sparkles.

When you place an order of $75 or more in Close To My Heart products here in my Online Shop  you can purchase this D-size stamp Home for the Holidays set valued at $27 for just $5 — that’s over 70% off retail! ( available for one month only )

....and in addition to this Close To My Heart have a special bonus gift to accompany each qualifying purchase of $65 - you will receive one of two chevron ribbons FREE! Each chevron ribbon—Ruby or Outdoor Denim—has an original retail value of $9.50 So which ribbon will you get? It’s a surprise! quantities are limited, so place your orders here early this month.... be sure to take advantage of this fantastic offer so you can embellish your bon bons and craft projects with your own surprise roll of bonus ribbon!

 Hope your start to October is crafty and productive too - Have a great day :)