Holiday Greetings

Like all Aussie's I dream of a White Christmas or least the opportunity to experience one...there is something very magical about snow scenes at Christmas time and I have created my own! Yes, yesterday as I was finishing the very last of my Christmas cards ( yay-me!! ) I decided to make a special little Holiday Greeting card depicting a snow scene and the cute little woodland critters from Close To My Heart's Miracle of Christmas Stamp Set.

I used a combination of different techniques to create the scene, sponging, colouring, random stamping, paper piecing and paper tearing. The background was sponged in Sapphire and Glacier Exclusive Inks™ and then in White Pigment Ink I randomly stamped an image from the Ink Blot Stamp Set to represent falling snow. I then hand tore strips of White Cardstock and layered them in the foreground. The cute fox and bear images were stamped in Cocoa Exclusive Ink™ onto white card stock and patterned papers found in the White Pines Paper Pack and the Picture My Life™ White Pines Scrapbooking Program multiple times then I fussy cut out features such as clothes and scarves. I used the ShinHan™ Touch Twin™ Clay Marker and the ShinHan™ Touch Twin™ Carmine Marker to add details to the noses, cheeks and ears. The scene was then matted onto some Kraft Cardstock before adhering to the card base. It was so much fun working on this card and using colours other than the traditional red and green.

I have really enjoyed creating cards with these little critters this holiday season and the Ink Blot Stamp Set is an all time favourite. Here is a little peek at some other cards I created using both these sets and similar techniques.

Both stamp sets are available to purchase in my Online Shop you can order online and have your goodies sent directly to your door or if you would like me to place your order and have it delivered to my workshop events simply email me at lotfam@iinet.net.au

 Off now to end out into a hot Summers day to post of my Christmas cards - check your letter box one may just end up your way!!

Treats for Everyone!

Thank you for your patience over the last couple of weeks while I have been making changes to my blog... I think we are almost there and back on track. I've still been crafting behind the scenes and will try and update you on my creations over the next few days. You will notice that I now have a page listing some of my kits that are available to purchase. It will make it easier for those of you unable to attend my workshops.

June as also brought with it a new Stamp of the Month called Ice-cream Dream which is such a treat!

This is the ideal stamp set for those of who love to the colour and our Shin-Han Markers are just perfect for this. I used a combination of my favourite colours to create this card.

ShinHan™ Touch Twin™ Cherry Pink Marker
ShinHan™ Touch Twin™ Tender Pink Marker
ShinHan™ Touch Twin™ Pastel Peach Marker
ShinHan™ Touch Twin™ Barely Beige Marker
ShinHan™ Touch Twin™ Clay Marker

Along with my favourite marker colours, I combined the Stamp of the Month with what has fast become my most used stamp set - a D size set with 37 images and a sentiment for every occasion. This month's Stamp of the Month can also be paired up with the Treats of Friendship to create really "yummy" art work. I used the same colour combination of Shin-Han Markers for colouring the images as the previous card. However, I added some depth to the donut image with a touch of the ShinHan™ Touch Twin™ Light Orange Marker and the Colourless Blender Marker to soften the colours.

When colouring with alcohol markers it is important you make "friends" with your ink and Colourless Blender ... you will notice that I didn't wait long enough for the Archival Black Ink to dry and this caused some slight smudging of the outline when I started to colour with the markers. The name Colourless Blender is a little misleading as it isn't the "magic marker" that will blend two or more colours together it actually re-wets the maker ink ( that as already been applied to the paper ) meaning you can manipulate and push ink/colour around and erase away portions of marker ink already laid down. I always suggest treading carefully with its use, so you don't end up wetting your paper too much and pushing colour outside the outline of the image... it does take practise!

 

I hope you are enjoying your long weekend and have time to enjoy some colouring fun of you own.

 

Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge #105

It is time for another sketch over at the Atlantic Hearts Challenge Blog...



.. and today I can give testimony to how quick a card can come together when you use a sketch design. As I was "cleaning" my craft room  (getting a little distracted in the process) and organising & filing away paper scraps, pre-coloured images and die-cut shapes I came across a little collection of pieces that co-ordinated beautifully and I knew would be perfect for this sketch... amazing what you can do with scraps!!

I reversed the basic sketch design layering some small pieces of cardstock, some pink & purple paper (from a yet to be released paper pack!! - so stay tuned!) then cut a strip from a card found in the For Always - Picture My Life Program to form a border. I then added some faux stitching lines with a black Marvy® Uchida® LePen™ Journaling Pen.

The cluster of flowers was created with some small flower images from the Wavy Blooms Stamp Set - they were coloured using ShinHan Touch Twin Markers and a layering technique in colours of Cherry Pink, Tender Pink, Peony Purple and Lavender. The centres were embellished with Black Epoxy Bubbles. The flowers were then layered over a flourish and leaf shape left over from a previous project cut from the Cricut® Art Philosophy Collection.


Don't forget to pop on over to the Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge and take a peek at all the inspiring ideas - play along with us and post your creations based on this sketch too... it is a lot of fun!



 

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

Celebration Time

I have been "out of action" this past week recovering from knee surgery but I am happy to report that I am on the mend and looking forward to saying goodbye to the pain that has been a big (and yucky) part of my 2014!! I was cheered up immensely this week with the arrival of a little surprise package from Close To My Heart, containing an exciting stamp. Sticky Boy is an iconic Close To My Heart My Acrylix® stamp - click here to read "his story" and find out how very special he is!

In honour of Sticky Boy's 10th Birthday I created this card of celebration combining him with a cute kangaroo image from the Hoppy Birthday Stamp Set.

.....and there is nothing like a bit of therapeutic colouring when you are laid up and incapacitated. I love how vibrant the ShinHan Markers are and how well they co-ordinate with the Close To My Heart paper range....especially the new Hopscotch and Heartstrings collections.

ShinHan Touch Twin Markers - Colours Used:
 
Cherry Pink -  Z2450
Tender Pink - Z2464
Turquoise Blue - Z2465

Peacock Green - Z2461Light Orange -  Z2455
Barely Beige -  Z2445
Pastel Peach - Z2460
Pastel Green - Z2459
Golden Yellow - Z2452

The card is very simple in design and finished off with some of my favourite embellishments - Teal Shimmer Trim and some sweet puffy stickers...from the Chalk It Up Assortment and the Stuck On You Puffies.

Hope you are having a good week and your Christmas preparations are well underway!

December Stamp of the Month Blog Hop

Welcome to our Stamp of the Month Blog Hop! 

We are featuring December's Stamp of the Month - called Cutie Pie...a  super sweet set of 11 stamps.  If you have come here from Jacquelin Green'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 60  Close To My Heart Consultants sharing their creations featuring this month's Stamp of the Month combined with lots of other wonderful Close To My Heart products. Be sure to check out all the fabulous art work everyone has to share - just click on the link at the end of this post to begin the journey!

I am very excited to be participating in this blog hop group for the very first time...so much so, that I thought I would share "not one but two" cards with you...and "not one but two" new paper packs - Heartstrings and Hopscotch ... that have just been released today!

I have used the same card design for both cards and coloured my cupcake images with ShinHan Touch Twin Markers. I stamped multiple cupcake images on White Daisy Cardstock with both Archival Black Ink and VersaMark Ink  ( combined with White Embossing Powder ) then fussy cut the different sections of the images with Micro-Tip Scissors. These individual sections were then pieced and layered together on the card using Bonding Memories Glue.

Card #1 - ShinHan Touch Twin Markers - Colours Used:
 
Cherry Pink -  Z2450
Tender Pink - Z2464
Turquoise Blue - Z2465

Peacock Green - Z2461
Warm Grey 4 - Z2467

Warm Grey 7 - Z2468
Light Orange -  Z2455
Barely Beige -  Z2445
Colorless Blender Marker -  Z2469

This next version of the card design uses 3-D Foam Tape behind the sentiment panel and the cupcake image to add a little more variation and dimension.

 

Card #2 - ShinHan Touch Twin Markers - Colours Used:

Cherry Pink -  Z2450
Tender Pink - Z2464
Turquoise Blue - Z2465
Light Orange - Z2455
Barely Beige - Z2445
Pastel Green - Z2459

Pastel Peach - Z2460
Colorless Blender Marker - Z2469

 

This is the sketch I used for the card design which was just perfect for the great smile phrase/sentiment in the Cutie Pie stamp set.

 

Thanks for visiting my blog and if you haven't already been there?? -  now is the time to "Hop" on over to the lovely Adeline Brill'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! Remember, the Cutie Pie Stamp of the Month is only available until the 31st of December!  Contact your Close To My Heart Consultant (or click here) to see how you can purchase this stamp set and receive a discount!....this is one set you will most certainly want in your crafting collection! 

 

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

In my last post, I mentioned that Spring brings with it a time of excitement and renewal...and today, I bring that to you... with a brand new segment on my blog called the Friday Friend Feature - each and every Friday I will be featuring art work designed 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 & cardmaking buddies - all have amazing talents and I know they will inspire you to use these wonderful products in ways you never would have imagined.

Today, I am introducing you to a long time crafting friend and consultant in my team - Veronica Wuthrich who has created two gorgeous cards using the Happy Birds stamp set...both are based on card sketches from the Make It From Your Heart idea books. The vibrant & fun colour palette Veronica has chosen, simply oozes happiness!

This card is a great example of the use of embossing - Versamark Ink and White Super Fine Embossing Powder really make the white floral images "pop"...a little more dimension was added by using the Hollyhock coloured cardstock from the Adventure Fundamentals Paper Pack and some 3D Foam Tape behind the images that Veronica coloured in with the ShinHan Touch Twin Markers.

....and I love how Veronica has paper pieced and highlighted the versatility of the Happy Birds stamp set on her 2nd card - how cool to use the feather image as a leaf - very clever!...and as you can see she is a great fan of dimensional elements in her art work. The frame embellishment was covered with Topiary Striped Washi Tape and comes from the dimensional elements included in the Artbooking Cricut Collection. The cardstock was stamped using the tone on tone technique with arrow images from the One Way Borders stamp set and the yellow and green printed papers come from the pretty Brushed Paper Pack.

....in celebration of Spring and my new blog feature, one lucky person will receive the Happy Birds stamp set for FREE - all you have to do is place an order in my Online Store or with me personally for a chance to win.

I hope you have enjoyed my new Friday Friend Feature and Veronica's lovely cards...I'd love it if you could leave a message or comment for Veronica below and I look forward to sharing some more inspiring art work with you next Friday!

Simple Colour Creation

Pink Butterflies are not a natural wonder but there are no rules to break in the world of Creative Adventure and I couldn't resist adding a touch of my favourite colour to the sweet butterfly from the Capture The Day Stamp Set. The addition of the ShinHan Touch Twin Markers to the Close To My Heart range makes it so easy to add rich vibrant colour to your projects. I used the  Cherry Pink, Tender Pink and Marigold markers to colour my butterfly using a simple outline and fill technique. I love how this range of marker colours co-ordinated with the Brushed Paper Pack and the Hollyhock Cardstock... making my butterfly embellishment "pop"!!

I added a little extra detail to my butterfly with the black Marvy Journalling Pen and then Sponged the papers with Hollyhock Ink to add some depth. The sentiment on this card is from the Your Own Kind of Wonderful stamp set -  a beautiful collection of 6 more butterflies with sentiments that touch our spirit and soul and are ideal for  uplifting your family and friends....click here to add this set to your shopping cart.

I hope this card has lifted your spirits...and with "Spring and Sunshine" just around the corner the days are certainly getting much brighter -  be sure to check out the full Brushed My Reflections Collection, they are the perfect products to highlight your Springtime photos and gift giving projects.



Colour your World with Friendship

The Paper Doll Stamp Set was one of my very first Close To My Heart purchases and has been one of my most used stamp sets.....I could hardly contain my excitement when the co-ordinating set Shreddin' the Slopes was released this month and I knew instantly that combined together they would form a beautiful bond of friendship!! The images also pair very well with our new range of ShinHan Markers which also includes Skin Tones... that make your character images come to life!

 Colours Used:
Cherry Pink, Tender Pink, Barley Beige, Pastel Peach, Clay, Peacock Green, Turquoise Blue, Bronze and Mahogany

 

The pink and blue tones of markers I used are a perfect match for the colour palette featured in the pages/paper of the My Crush - In the Pink Book and I used the adorable patterns in this book to create my Friendship Card. The turquoise coloured gems are actually the Clear Sparkles coloured with the Peacock Green ShinHan Marker ... love how applying a little colour to embellishments can add the perfect finishing touch to my projects.

I also used my black Marvy Journalling Pen  and Watercolour Pencils to scribble a bit of definition into the hair of the dolls...it just adds a bit more realism into the images.

The sentiment for this card was created by once again combining 2 different product ranges - the pink stickers spelling out "Sweet Friend" come from the My Crush - In the Pink Assortment and the stamped sentiment is one of four found in the stamp set You Mean the World to Me. This stamp set is the ideal companion for the Cut Above Collections and if you haven't seen these card and gift making kits? - check them out here.

If you would like to see more of the new products released this month or would like to add some Paper Dolls to you collection?....simply visit my Online Shop - remember if your purchase totals $75 or more you are also eligible to purchase the $27 Stamp of the Month for only $5  - super value :)

Fun & Rewards for Crafty Chicks

This is my 150th blog post - how cool is that?? I hope you have enjoyed following my "Creative Capers". I have certainly enjoyed sharing my creative journey with you...it has been a lot of fun giving you a little insight into my life and my love of all things crafty. However, the best part of my blogging experience has been meeting new friends - fellow bloggers, craft enthusiasts, lovely customers and a great network of crafting buddies in my personal Close To My Heart consultant team.

 

If you would like to come "play" with me in real life you will find it is just as rewarding. Host a papercraft class/gathering with your friends and you are eligible to purchase some wonderful stamp sets at discount prices...and even earn free product - click here for all the details! This card uses one of my favourite Hostess Rewards stamp sets..."Better with a Friend - D1607" - another great set for colouring with the fabulous ShinHan Markers. The fine bullet tip is perfect for these images, it makes it so easy to colour those smaller more intricate areas.

 

Colours Used:

Cherry Pink, Tender Pink, Marigold, Pastel Green, Leaf Green, Cerulean Blue

 

These colours co-ordinate beautifully with the Brushed My Reflections Collection...the leaves were fussy cut from the pretty floral printed paper in this collection, using my ever faithful Micro-Tip Scissors. I also used the tip of the scissors to remove the silver centre from the Metal Flowers, which I then substituted with Gold Bling Gems for a little extra sparkle.

 

 

If you love paper crafting and sharing your creativity with others - you may like to consider becoming a Close To My Heart Consultant - and enrich your crafting passion with lots of Fun, Friendship and Awesome Rewards....two start-up kits are available for you to choose from and whatever path you decide to take, please know I am here to help you every step of the way.

 

Whether you want to be a self-funded hobbyist, consumer consultant, club co-ordinator, digital scrapbook consultant, or even a career builder, there is a place for you on my team of Crafty Chicks!

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 order your kit choice and join in the FUN!
Do you have questions?  E-mail me for more information - lotfam@iinet.net.au

Colouring Fun

One of the most exciting new product lines added to the Close To My Heart crafting range is the ShinHan Touch Twin Markers. There is something very therapeutic about colouring in your stamped images - it is also a perfect way to spend a rainy winter day. Twenty-four carefully selected colours are featured in the range -  rich vibrant colours that match beautifully with Close To My Heart's colour palette...which of course takes the guess work out of colour co-ordinating your projects.

I like to colour in a small circular motion rather than taking the linear approach, it gives a much more even coverage of ink leaving you with a smooth professional finish. However, if you want to add a textured look to your coloured image try experimenting with the ShinHan Touch Twin Colourless Blender. A fun thing to do is to desaturate your colouring using a pointillism type technique which is basically "dotting" away colour. I used this technique to give my Koala image on this card a more "fluffy" appearance.

Colours Used:
Warm Grey #7, Warm Gray #4, Clay, Tender Pink, Cherry Pink

I enjoyed experimenting with lots of different tools and materials when piecing together this card. I created a decorative strip by combining the Chevron Border Punch with the Scallop Border Punch and highlighting the perforations with Silver Shimmer Trim. The large scallop circle was cut on my Cricut machine using one of the 700 shapes found on the Art Philosophy Cartridge. The spotted "bluegum" coloured border was cut from a page taken out of the My Crush - In The Pink Book and when I stamped on it with the leaf image from the A Budding Friendship D1602 stamp set it made perfect gum leaves. The lovely pink & white metal flowers come from the Brushed Assortment and I see a lot of these being added to my future orders - you can add them to yours too, by clicking here. Again, I reached for my trusty Marvy Uchida LePen to add some faux stitching. A touch of stitching takes away the harsh edges and gives definition to cardstock shapes.

If you would like to learn more about colouring with the ShinHan Touch Twin Markers, creating gorgeous projects with the wonderful Close To My Heart product range or becoming a Consultant.... contact me today at lotfam@iinet.net.au or visit my website - I'd love to "Show You How"!