Papercrafting Fun

Looking for some last minute decorating tips for your New Years Eve party?? - then this cute Bunting may just do the trick!!...simply grab your Mini Stapler and
Designer Creation Paper Bags - easy peasy!!

I have created bunting for so many different occasions but this is the easiest and quickest I have ever produced it... and I have to confess that the bunting in this photo will not be adorning any party! Instead it will form a portion of the classroom decorations for my daughter's Grade 5/6 class of 2016. If you follow my "creativecapers" then you know I love crafting with my youngest daughter and she loves creating fun and inviting learning areas for her students ( if you click here you will see her jungle theme & classroom from this year ). Rather than follow a theme this time around, she has decided to design a brightly coloured pre-teen space with lots of bunting hanging from the ceiling. The fabulous chevron and trendy prints in the Designer Creations Paper Bags certainly complimented the look she wanted.

To create the bunting the paper bags were  laminated, just so they could uphold a whole year of "wear and tear" then a dovetail/wedge was cut into the end with the opening. Next, they were attached along a piece of ribbon with the Mini Stapler - being just a 1/4" in size they are very discrete...giving it a nice professional finish.  I am a huge fan of this stapler for just that reason! It is amongst my Top 10 most used tools, you can find it here in my online shop, along with packs 2000 refills.

Be sure to stay tuned for some more "sneak peeks" into my daughter's classroom we have some serious playtime happening in the craft room at the moment and I look forward to sharing our projects with you in the coming weeks.

Wishing you all the best as you celebrate the New Year - thank you for joining me here in my little world of creativity and supporting my Close To My Heart business....see you in 2016  - Chris xx

 

Commemorating Anzac Day

Anzac Day is when we honour and reflect on the impact of war, conflict and peacekeeping operations in Australia's history. Today marks a milestone in this history - the centenary of the Gallipoli landing by the ANZAC's on the 25th April 1915.  The centenary of World War is of special significance for all Australians - it remains our mostly costly conflict in terms of deaths and casualties and its effects touched the lives of nearly every Australian family and community....mine included - my Grandfather at just 17 years of age served on the Western Front in France and Belgium. Anzac Day always brings back memories of marching with him on as a young child.

This year I have been touched by the 5000 Poppy Project a heartfelt project that invited crafters across Australia to participate in a tribute of respect and remembrance. The aim of the project was to create a massive field of handmade poppies to display as a visual tribute in Federation Square, Melbourne... and oh my goodness what an amazing and emotionally moving sight it is. 

The poppy is a symbol of commemoration tied to the history of the Armistice of 11th November 1918. During World War 1 red poppies were among the first plants to grow in the devastated battlefields of France and Belgium. Poppies have also become synonymous with the Australian War Memorial and was adopted as the symbol for all the centenary celebrations. My daughter has had an ANZAC focus in her classroom this week and her little Grade 1/2 class have been very engrossed in her lessons. They even made their own paper poppies to add to a wreath they laid at their schools Anzac service. She also shared the story of her great grandfather and encouraged the children to do the same. Sharing real stories about their relatives has helped them connect with what they had been learning this week, making it a much more authentic learning experience.

The poppy making continued at home with a little card creation that I made, colouring in an image from the Wavy Blooms stamp set using ShinHan Touch Twin Markers. I kept the card simple and respectfully classic in design, adding only a strip of random stamping ( partially stamped using a 2nd generation stamping technique ) and a few touches of gold in way of embellishent. The sentiment was computer generated and printed onto White Daisy Cardstock 

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning

We will remember them

Seasonal Expressions #2 - Blog Hop

This blog hop is featuring  products in Close To My Heart's recently released  Seasonal Expressions Idea Book/Catalogue #2- whatever season you are experiencing in your life - birthdays, holidays, anniversaries...you are in the right place to find the perfect artistic tool for preserving and celebrating your memories. The Seasonal Expressions products debuted on the 1st April and are available right through until the 31st March 2015.
 

If you have come here from Tracey Pierce's Blog  you are on the right path! The blog hop is a great big circle, so you can start here...with me and work your way all around. If you get lost along the way, you'll find the complete list of participating consultants on Melinda’s Blog – simply click here.

 

This month we have over 40 Close To My Heart Consultants sharing their creations featuring these new products combined with other wonderful Close To My Heart products on their blogs. Be sure to check out all the fabulous art work they have to share - just click on the link at the end of this post to begin the journey!

The Seasonal Expressions is jammed pack with so many adorable goodies that I found it difficult to decide which one to feature today. However, being a huge fan of Mini Albums and an Embellishment addict! I thought I would combine my love of both.

Two new Mini Albums were introduced this month - the My Creations™ Mini Folio and the My Creations™ Mini Mix Album.The Mini Mix Album is a cute album that includes a mix of vellum, white cardstock, and kraft (4" x 4") pages with a white chipboard cover. I thought it would make a lovely birthday gift for my BFF and set about pre-decorating the pages in readiness to add photos.

The cover was decorated with papers from the Blossom Paper Pack, a title... cut from the font included with the Cricut® Art Philosophy Collection, some Oceanside & Coral Reef Sequins... then some of the gorgeous new metal/enamel pieces from the Blossom Assortment were added to the cover design to give it that perfect finishing touch!!

One of my favourite products released in the new Seasonal Expressions is the Carnival Washi Tape Pack - it contains 3 rolls of washi tape including a label based tape with 8 different sentiments making them ideal to cut, trim and alter for a variety of projects... again, perfect for my Friendship Mini Album!

For these pages I also "tore" one of the vellum pages from the album and cut to size to use as a journaling or photo mat. The little heart shape is also from one of the newly released embellishment packs - the Bubbly Enamel Shapes. I used more of the Carnival Washi Tape label sentiments along with some Blossom Complements stickers and sequins to decorate some of the other pages in this album.

I'd love to show you more pages in this album but I don't want to spoil all the surprises for my friend!! - I hope you have enjoyed these little "sneek" peaks"?!

Thanks for visiting my blog and if you haven't already been there or started from the very beginning of this blog hop?? -  now is the time to "Hop" on over to the lovely Catherine Nowak's Blog  to see what she has created...and don't forget to visit all the Consultants at their blogs to check out some great crafting inspiration and other fun ideas! 

Sketches, Kits and More!

Today I have a fun sketch and some exciting news to share with you... for some time I have been receiving requests for pre-made Scrapbook and Card Kits. You have all been very kind and patient and will be pleased to know... that I have listened closely to you requests and "finally"  I can now introduce my "Create Your Style with Chris" sketch based kits.

At the present time the kits will only be available to Australian residents with the hope that I can offer the same service to my international crafty friends soon!!

All Scrapbook Kits include a full colour handout that contains a sketch, cutting instructions and layout guide for a double page. The kit also includes pre-cut paper, stamped images, die-cuts and embellishments for $10 - there is also a free postage  option... email me at lotfam@iinet.net.au to find out more!

Card Kits include a full colour handout, pre-cut paper, stamped images, die-cuts and embellishments for $5 + $2 postage & handling. If 3 or more kits are purchased postage is free! This is a little preview of the current kits using the sweet stamp set A Bunch of Thanks.

 

You can also pre-order a combined $15 Scrapbook & Card Kit using Close To My Heart's Blossom papers and complement stickers to be released on the 1st April - here is a sneak peek!

 

If you would like more details about any of the kits mentioned please email me at lotfam@iinet.net.au or you can order from the paypal options listed on the sidebar.

 

 ... and for a chance to win one of the new kits head on over to my Facebook Page and enter the "giveaway competition". While you are there take a peek at the lovely cards my team member Alicia has created using this sketch. All the products Alicia has used to create her cards can be found here in my Online Shop

 

 



 

Looking forward to sharing more kits and sketches with you in the coming weeks.

 

Friday Friend Feature #15

Today's post isn't actually a "Friend Feature" it is more a "Family Feature"!!... and while it doesn't showcase cards or scrapbook layouts it is still full of papercraft fun.

I subscribe to the theory that the "family who plays together - stays together" and over the past few weeks we have been doing lots of playing!... helping my youngest daughter prepare her class room and play based learning centre.

My daughter is a Primary School teacher, teaching Grade 1/2 (6-8yr olds). This year she has gone with a jungle theme for her classroom and the play based learning centre features a travel agency role play area, where the children will discover all things travel related - exploring other countries, building their own famous landmarks etc etc. As a family we have had a lot of fun assisting her create fun and colourful learning environments for her students.

Many of the objects we have made are a combination of recycled materials and Close To My Heart products.... my consultant discount has come in very handy! The jungle theme came together with twisted brown paper vines... along with 3D flowers and butterflies all cut from the Art Philosophy Cricut Collection and the fabulous array of CTMH Cardstock Colours.

Everything was adhered together with Bonding Memories Glue - an all-purpose glue stick with large foam applicator... it is perfect for safely bonding photographs, artwork, and so much more. It creates both permanent and temporary bonds and is acid free. Perfect for children to use too!

Another favourite Close To My Heart adhesive choice of mine is Liquid Glass - my husband used it when he made the cute little mail box and it was ideal for adhering the bottle tops and buttons to the cardboard cameras and for the straps on my paper suitcases. Close To My Heart is certainly a "one stop tool shop"...  everything we needed to create the classroom artefacts are included in the product range -  the Score Board, Deluxe Paper Trimmer, Corner Rounder, Mini Stapler and Micro-Tip Scissors - just to name a few!

My 80 year old Dad has also put his crafty skills to practise and re-purposed my daughter's childhood timber bed to create the lemonade stand that has become a Travel Agency - we certainly are a family who plays together and loves crafty playtime!

If you have family or school teacher friends who love crafty playtime then becoming a Close To My Heart consultant may be just what they need. There is nothing quite like having all your crafting materials/tools at your fingertips and at a discounted price!! I would like to offer readers of my blog the chance to go in the draw to win a $75 bundle of crafty goodness simply by referring a friend to join my consultant team. To find out more about becoming a Close To My Heart consultant click here or email me at lotfam@iinet.net.au

Have a great weekend - I hope it is full of crafty playtime!

Home is where the ART is...

Inspired by a post from Close To My Heart's Make It From Your Heart blog highlighting "She Art" and the sweet little 6 x 6 Display Canvas I decided to try some mixed media crafting myself. It is so much fun combining stamps, papers and ink in a non-traditional way...  that it is very easy to get addicted. Today, I am going to showcase one of the projects I have made...  and be prepared to find more mixed media blog posts from me in the future!!

To create my Home Décor project I simply cut a 6 x 6 square of paper to use as a base and built my design from there. My square was cut from the newsprint style paper from the Heartstrings Paper Pack. I used a combination of 4 different paper packs to create my scene - Hopscotch, Brushed, Snowhaven and Heartstrings. Most of the paper piecing was created using some of the new stamp sets featured in the Seasonal Expressions Idea Book/Catalogue. However, the house was cut from shapes using my Paper Trimmer and Scallop Border Punch. I didn't use a pattern of any kind I just cut the basic outline of a house...  along with roof, door and windows until I had a design I was happy with.Creating the clouds was one of my favourite parts of this project. I LOVE to get inky! Using the stamp set Rain or Shine and the base & shade stamping technique I was able to create clouds with texture. I stamped the base shape stamp in Crystal Blue Ink then the outline shaped stamp over the top in Black Ink . Next I dabbed some small dots of White Daisy Pigment Ink into the centre of the cloud shape... as this ink is more dense in consistency it gave the clouds a "fluffier" appearance.

To give the design a touch more of a whimsical look, I added faux stitching and doodling with a fine tip journaling pen (.5mm)... I used the  Marvy® Uchida® LePen™ . The quote was computer generated and printed on White Daisy Cardstock. I took the quote from page 163 of the Annual Inspirations Idea Book/Catalogue - I thought it was just perfect for my little house creation! You will find the My Creations 6 x 6 Canvas Display featured on this page too!

Everything was adhered to the base with Bonding Memories Glue Pen and I used the larger Bonding Memories Glue to add this base to the canvas rather than Mod Podge^®
To seal my design I sprayed some Matte Finish Lacquer ( the type Folk Artists use ) over the entire finished piece.

I have also given you a "sneak peek" of February's Stamp of the Month called "A Happy Hello" ... I used it to stamp the leaves. This stamp set would be ideal for creating mixed media gardens - take a look at the complete set at my online shop. I suggest getting your wishlist together now so you can purchase this set at the discount price of $5 once the calendar ticks over to the 1st Feb!!

Projects such as this canvas, are a great way to use your leftover scraps of paper and let your creativity flow... give it a try I am sure you will LOVE the results!

 

Friday Friend Feature #12

With "Activity Week" commencing in most Primary Schools across Victoria next week... we are certainly on the countdown to the end of another School Year. My crafting friend Alicia has come up with a cute little appreciation gift idea for your child's teacher that I would like to share with you. A handmade gift is a perfect way to show your gratitude and this project is ideal for those of you who may have left it until the "last minute" - it is simple, quick and very economical.

Alicia followed this tutorial to create her sticky note holders complete with a co-ordinated and conveniently attached pen. Alicia has used Cranberry Cardstock, the chevron patterned cardstock from the Paper Fundamentals - Adventure Assortment and the sweet Red Enamel Hearts to piece together the project. The stamp set she has used is aptly named Teacher Appreciation.

I used the same stamp set to create this Thank You Card which would also be the perfect card to accompany your gift.

This is one of my favourite stamp sets it features 13 individual stamps including 7 different sentiments....and it can be used throughout the whole school year. Having lots of school teachers in our extended family I know that receiving a card of appreciation at any time from a student or a parent truly warms their heart. The Teacher Appreciation set retails for $27 however, during Close To My Heart's Deal of the Decade promotion in December you can purchase this set for only $10 - a huge saving of $17.....to find out more, simply click here. The Deal of the Decade runs right through until the 31st December and not only can you purchase this set for $10, you can also choose any of our C or D size stamp sets for the same price with a qualifying order. Visit my Online Store to view all the stamps available to you.

If you are wanting help with Christmas gifts not only for teachers but for the crafty family and friends in your life - don't hesitate to contact me. I have an array of goodies for immediate delivery or if your prefer a gift voucher, I can help you there too!!

Have a great weekend!
 

Paper Christmas Tree

I thought I would quickly share another Christmas Craft Project...this time made with the gorgeous vintage look Yuletide Carol Paper Pack - this cute little Christmas tree is perfect to adorn your Home or Office during the Festive Season and is very easy to put together.

I started with a DecoFoam/Polystyrene cone shape and covered the base with one of the B&T Duos™ Papers from the Seaside Paper Pack then slowly built the shape up with folded 2.5 inch squares from papers from the Yuletide Carol Paper Pack. I then resurrected an old floral ornament and some red ribbon from my craft cupboard to add the finishing touch. I attached them with Bonding Memories Glue and Liquid Glass my absolute "can't do without" adhesives!!

I'd loved to hear what you are creating this holiday season and what Close To My Heart products you just "can't do without" - leave a message in the comments section below or visit my Facebook page.
 

Christmas Craft Time

My favourite part of preparing for the holiday season is the sharing of recipes and gift making ideas. I don't fancy myself as a cook however, there is something about the festive season that sees me spending a lot of time in the kitchen!!... I love trying out new recipes from my friends especially gingerbread and chocolate treats! Then the fun part begins...packaging these treats up in little boxes and bags to pass on as Christmas gifts.

If this is something you like to do too? - why not join me this week for a Christmas Craft Night? - this is a great opportunity to make your Teacher Appreciation Gifts or something a little more personalised for your Work Place Kris Kringle  - see details below.....YOU MUST RSVP!

I have all sorts of Crafty Fun to share with you -  you can make Holiday Treat Bags, decorate Bon Bons, sample the Cut Above Christmas Card Kits, fashion some Base & Bling Wearable Craft and/or create ornaments, tags, bags and boxes from my pre-prepared kits. Here is an example of some of the creations we will be making, all put together with the lovely Snowhaven range of papers.

All these ideas have been shared with me by fellow Close To My Heart Consultants and I look forward to passing them onto you - a great big circle of creative love!! My favourite creation was the paper pine cone I did however, decide to go "big" (10cm) and make this a home décor piece rather than an ornament for my Christmas tree. It was a little more time consuming but the result was so worth it...imagine a bowl of these in different colours on your table at Christmas! The Close To My Heart art department created this gorgeous bowl of paper pines cones from the Pathfinding Paper Pack - simply select a Paper Pack of your choice and you will be well on your way to creating your own home décor masterpiece in no time at all.

Thanks for visiting my blog today - looking forward to the "paper play-time" with some of you on Friday but wherever you may be - I wish you a fun crafty week!!

Gift Giving Ideas

If you are looking at creating personal and exclusive handmade gifts for your family and friends this Christmas??... be sure to check out Close To My Heart's "colour-ready" My Creations range in my online shop - there are some great goodies to choose from... mini albums, boxes, bags, and frames just to name a few. In my last post I shared one of the Hip Pics Mini Album with you and today I wanted to show a Pennant Frame that showcases one of my favourite photos of my youngest daughter.....a gift for her Grandma.

Decorating this frame was a quick afternoon project...my cricut machine cut out all the pieces and I just pieced it together! The frame, flowers and leaves were all cut from shapes found on the Art Philosophy Cartridge and the title and overlay (decorative edge around the photo) are featured on the Artbooking Cartridge. It was all adhered together using my favourite adhesive - Bonding Memories Glue. This all-purpose glue is perfect for safely bonding photographs, artwork, and more. It is acid free and creates both permanent and temporary bonds. I was really happy with my flower centres which came together when I applied Black Epoxy Bubbles on top of Gold Bling Gems - it really made the flowers pop and how great does the variegated paper from the Brushed Paper Pack look, made up as flowers??? - very effective! I love, love, love! this paper pack!!! I also have a pack to send to one lucky reader of my blog...to be in the draw, simply leave a comment below or add your name to my followers. I will randomly chose a winner and announce it here on Friday the 14th November.

Over the next few weeks I will be conducting Christmas Craft Classes full of "create & take" type projects such as this, along with decorative boxes for your Christmas baking treats and many more gift giving ideas. If you would like to attend one of these classes or schedule a gathering to create these projects, with your friends and family - please feel free to email me at lotfam@iinet.net.au I'd love to "show you how".

Thanks for stopping by today - don't forget to leave a comment and be sure to pop back on Friday and see what my crafty friends have been up to.
 

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 #2

Today is also the 2nd instalment of my Friday Friend Feature...each and every Friday I will be featuring art work created by my Crafty Friends using Close To My Heart products. This art work will be created by consultants in my team, paper craft designer friends and others from my circle of scrapping and card making buddies - all have amazing talents and a love for all that is crafty...I know they will inspire you to use these wonderful products in ways you never would have imagined.

Today's crafty goodness comes from another consultant in my team who also happens to be my youngest daughter Larissa - she just loves making pretty handmade things!! Larissa is currently doing some volunteer work at a small rural Primary School and assisting and helping prepare items for their school fete. The date of this year's fete happens to fall on Halloween and this is the theme they will focus on. Larissa has been busy working with her students creating goodies to sell at their stalls and she has found Close To My Heart's Cut Above Treat Bag Kits perfect for this.

The Kits contain:
10 – 5" × 3½" × 1³/₈" Printed Treat Bags (5 each of 2 designs)
5 – 4" × 6" Sheets of ¾" Stickers
12 – 1½" White Daisy Circles
12 – 3-D Foam Squares
10 – 5" × 3¼" Cellophane Bags
and being pre-cut, ready to assemble make them ideal for the classroom and children alike. They can then be customised with ink, co-ordinating stamp sets and your choice of embellishments. The Treat Bags Larissa's class have made, feature an apt and very cute stamp set called Trick and Treat Sweets, it includes 9 images  - 6 are little characters such as this witch and cat. These treat bags were embellished with Black Shimmer Trim and White Enamel Stars.

The little pencil gift packs have also been a hit with the children. They have enjoyed playing with ink & stamps but also taking a sense of pride in their handiwork. These packs make great party favours too, simply combine with the Perfect Fit - Birthday stamp set to complete the theme. The Annual Inspirations Idea Book/Catalogue has another cute pencil topper idea on page 41 - don't forget this Idea Book is jammed packed with inspiring ideas...you can view it here or if you prefer a hard copy? I am happy to send one out to you -  email me at lotfam@iinet.net.au

 

Here is video from Close To My Heart that gives you a preview of some other great Cut Above Kits...

Remember that September is also National Stamping Month, and when you spend $30 on any current retail-priced stamps during the month of September, you qualify to receive the exclusive C-sized stamp set #30 Years of Happy for FREE! Larissa has used some of the images to create more pencil pack gifts which she will use as Student Rewards - tokens of encouragement and merit awards.... if you too are a school teacher then this a set for you!

I hope you have enjoyed today's Friend Feature, the Cut Above Kits and Larissa's handiwork - I'd love you to leave a message for Larissa in the comments section below and don't forget to check back in next Friday I have some lovely cards to share with you that were made by one of my Paper Craft Designer Friends.

Have a great weekend of Crafty Play!
 

Embossing Fun

WOW! have I had a busy month?? - I have just completed a 6 city tour of Queensland and NSW teaching and demonstrating paper craft techniques at Close To My Heart consultant workshops. I am off to New Zealand this weekend to do it all again...we will be colouring, stamping, embossing and having loads of Crafty Fun... if you are attending one of these events make sure you introduce yourself - I love meeting my blog followers in real life!

One of the Close To My Heart products we have had a lot of FUN playing with at these events is Embossing Powders - my demonstrations have included how to combine "wet" and "dry" embossing in your projects, along with some emboss resist techniques... using the 5 new inks colours released this month - Thistle, Glacier, Flaxen, Canary and Pixie and the White Fine Detail Embossing Powder. Embossing offers so many creative options that can add a real "sparkle & shine" to your projects or even a touch of elegance as can be seen in this card.

The base of the card uses the new Thistle Cardstock a lovely vibrant on-trend colour,  pieces of paper I sponged from the My Crush - In the Pink Book and a strip of  "Juniper" coloured cardstock from the Paper Fundamentals - Whimsy Assortment. All trimmed with a border made with the Scallop Border Punch and a few Aqua Dots.  I love how well the different Close To My Heart product ranges co-ordinate - it certainly makes Close To My Heart my "one-stop lolly shop"!

Remember all these products can be purchased direct from my Online Shop and delivered right to your doorstep....how convenient is that?? I also offer card making classes in your home or mine - simply contact me at lotfam@iinet.net.au to find out how!

 

Single Page Sketch Layout

Every now and then I come across special photos that not only deserve a place in my memory albums but also need their own place in the limelight....and the gorgeous Designed Décor and My Creations range of products from Close To My Heart provide the perfect way to do that. This range is not only trendy and fun but it is also very functional. One of my favourites is the Designed Decor Shadow Box they come in Black or  Colonial White - wooden frames with a hinged back that opens for easy loading and have a magnetic closure.

I've just designed a simple Single Page Sketch that I can adapt and use time and time again to create interchangeable layouts to showcase in my frames. In the Black Shadow Box Frame I made an affirmation layout for my youngest daughter to place in her study - she is just finishing up her final year at University and now, while she is searching for employment, it is even more important that she doesn't give up on her Dreams!.

I love how a bit of random stamping and some layering of paper trims made with the Scallop and Chevron Border Punches can create a layout that looks like a mixed media piece of artwork without all the preparation and mess!! The "splotch" stamp image found in the stamp set from the Brushed Workshop on the Go Scrapbooking Kit makes it so easy to added a painted look to cardstock that is almost feels like "cheating" - Fun, Fun, Fun!! My "Dream" title and other stamped embellishments were fussy/hand cut using my trusty Micro Tip Scissors - I use them so much I think I have to put them as No. 1 on my Top 10 list of favourite products...do you have a "go to tool" or a No. 1 favourite?? if so, leave me a comment below... I'd love to hear what is your most treasured tool.

This is the Sketch I created, along with the layout I have placed inside the Colonial White Shadow Box Frame for my own study - a favourite photo of my girls that I simply treasure. The large "smile" title was cut from some of the 3 x 4 cards in the Picture My Life Seaside Scrapbooking Program using the font found in the Art Philosophy Cricut Collection - the heavier paper adds a little more dimension and makes the title pop! I "blinged" this layout up with a couple of different embellishments, the puffy stickers from the Chalk It Up Assortment and some White Enamel Stars .

If you have a favourite photo or some other artistic handiwork you would like to feature in your home just log into my Online Shop and click on the 3D Gifts and Decor Section and you will find a variety of  display frames to suit your own personal decorating style - even the very on trend Chalkboard and Shabby Chic Wire Frames.

Happy Decorating!



Christmas Treats

I know I have already posted this week but I did say I would be back with a little surprise! For those of you who have attended the "Come Create with Chris" events over the past few months you will remember me making the promise that I would share the instructions for the Toblerone Chocolate Wrap?!.....well today is the day - Ta Da!! I have finally updated my instructions.

This is a super easy peasy papercraft project and simply perfect for this time of year, especially when you are looking for little gifts to give your work colleagues, trinkets for Church fetes or something the kids can make for Teacher gifts.

I have just made a nice little bundle of these to use as place settings on our Christmas Dinner table. I found some really gorgeous decorative borders in the Artbooking Cricut Collection from Close To My Heart that I used to decorate them with. I then trimmed the edges of these borders with the Sparkle & Shine Washi Tape - it has to be one of my favourite products from this year's Holiday From The Heart Gift Guide .....if you haven't seen all the wonderful goodies in this gift guide then head on over to my Online Store and check them out!

 

I have also put the Washi Tape to good use when making decorative toppers for bags of chocolate treats - again, super easy to make up and the little jumping Santa from the Santa Claus stamp set is such a cute stamp to add that finishing touch....and while I am in the gift giving mood... I thought I might give away one of the Santa Claus stamp sets to the next person who places a $100 order through my Online Shop - then you too, can create your own gift projects this Christmas... and as the saying goes "you have to be in it to win it"!!

 

...and don't forget my previous giveaway - leave a comment under my  Cards for all Occasions post from Tuesday 3rd December and I will send you 2  card kits....everything pre-cut just waiting for you to assemble.

 

Happy Christmas Crafting!

 

Gift Giving Ideas and Gatherings

I mentioned in my last post that I would share some Home Décor items with you and it comes as no surprise to most of you that I am in Papercraft Heaven with the gorgeous range of Close To My Heart products...there are endless possibilities for what can be created with them. I love making one of a kind gifts for my family and friends and this year I intend to be super organised for Christmas. I have made a good start with these framed pieces of stamped artwork. I found the shadow box frames in a local discount store and I was very pleased with how the art work looked framed within them. They were very simple to create and a little addictive too - I made 4 one afternoon and have recently purchased some frames to make a few more!

The frames were a little difficult to photograph for you as the glass and the Clear Sparkles were a little reflective and black on black doesn't show up too well.... but I am sure you get a good idea of how they turned out.

My youngest daughter is laying claim to this black and red creation it tones in well with the colour scheme of her house ;) The border was created with Red Shimmer Trim, the Scallop Border Punch and an arrangement of stamped images from the Washi Wonder stamp set - remember this set is exclusive to hostesses of a gathering event  - if you would like to add it to your stamp collection?... schedule an event with me today .

Christmas is traditionally that time of year when we all love making and receiving Homemade Gifts and as your Close To My Heart Consultant I can assist you with this task. If you would like to make a head-start on your Christmas gift making preparation check out the The Holiday Gift Guide in my online store you will find stunning papers, a scrapbook kit, embellishments, stamps and ideas for Christmas cards and gifts. If you purchase $130 or more you can choose one *"star"* product FREE - an extra special deal to save you more this holiday season! Contact me today, about hosting a Christmas Craft Gathering  - I would love to show you how to make some of these cute art work frames along with lots of other paper craft gifts and help you earn some of the wonderful Close To My Heart product collection for FREE. To host a gathering with your friends full of FUN and FESTIVE cheer simply contact me at lotfam@iinet.net.au or alternatively I can make you a customisedpiece of Home Décor email me for details.

A Chocolate Affair

....is the name of this month's "Stamp of the Month" from Close To My Heart. Today I have had the sweetest time creating all sorts of goodies with it....I feel like I have had a real chocolate affair LOL!! It is the perfect stamp set for gift making because..... who doesn't like receiving chocolate gifts - right?!!

A jar full of chocolate treats looks very yummy and creating a simple tag to tie around the top really dresses it up and makes it the ideal gift giving solution for any occasion - Birthdays, Mother/ Father's Day or just a gesture of friendship. A great idea for School and Church fetes too!

Bag toppers are also fun and simple to make - the scallop tag on this little goody bag was made using the Cricut Art Philosophy Collection and I added a single white chocolate raspberry into the cellophane bag of fruit and nut mix... just to add a little more fun & humour to the project.

My playtime continued with this little gift card that I made for a friend who is going through a tough time at the moment. My plan is to attach it to a box of her favourite chocolates in the hope that it adds a smile to her day.

...and lastly before I had to leave my craft room for the day, I "whipped" up this card. I used one of my new favourite tools the Scallop Border Punch to trim the strip of images and added a little piece of bunting underneath using the banner/flag stamps from the Chantilly Cardmaking Workshop set - C1554

When you place an order of $75 or more during August, you will receive the Close To My Heart - Stamp of the Month set -"A Chocolate Affair " - S1308A for FREE!
This stamp set has... a retail value of $24 - it includes 16 images and sentiments that will add a "yummy" look to scrapbook layouts, cards and more - visit my online store before August 31st and give yourself a treat....OR join my team in the next 7 days and I will be sure to add this delightful set to your new Consultant Kit....contact me for all the details....Enjoy!

P.S. - I just noticed on my product listing that I incorrectly added the name of the stamp set as "My Chocolate Affair" instead of "A Chocolate Affair" - but in truth any chocolate in this house belongs to ME!! :)