Saturday, August 27, 2011

August Stamp of the Month, Wicked

Wicked is a teasingly mischievious name for this charming stamp set.  There are so many clever ways to use the set.  However, if you aren't feeling too creative, CTMH has directions to make the three below projects to put you in a spooky mood. 


You only have a few more days to get Wicked.  With a qualifying order of $50 or more, you'll get Wicked for just $5!  Shop on-line at: http://michellejonesva.myctmh.com/ to place an order.  Then, download the templates for the cards and treat box here.  You won't regret getting this stamp set!

Friday, August 26, 2011

Jenny's Stamps

My dear friend, Jenny Maresca, just had a birthday and I wanted to give her something special.  See, I've known her since her actual birth.  Her mom is my godmother and my dad is her godfather.  Jenny is a couple years younger than I am and has an older brother closer to my age.  He, another family friend, Michele, and I used to pal around together, with "little" Jenny trailing behind.  Then, as we got older and more focused on school friends, I lost touch with Jenny for a while.  She's recently back in my life and guess what...she loves to scrapbook and make cards!  So, this similar interest has really bonded us.

Okay, back to her birthday gift.  Jenny recently asked me about CTMH's My Acrylix Organizer as she's collected enough stamps to fill one.  So, I decided that would be part of her gift from me.  But I couldn't just give it to her plain.  I "Jennyfied" it, decorating it with lots of butterflies-her favorite!  I used the retired Wings paper some plain Sweet Leaf cardstock.  I used first and second generation stamping on the cardstock with butterflies from the Blessed stamp set and January's Stamp of the Month set, Find Your Style.  Finally, I cut out butterflies and "Jenny's Stamps" using the new Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge.  I put a few products inside that I knew she'd like (including the new Flutter Paper Shapes, natch), and voila, a custom gift.  I sure hope she likes it!


Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Open House

Close To My Heart's new products are so amazing.  I'm thrilled to show them off to friends coming to my two Open Houses (Thursday, 8/11 9:15 a.m.-noon and Wednesday, 8/17 6-9 p.m.).  It's hard to get a feel for our new papers and products without actually handling them.  So, I've created the two below make-and-takes to get folks familiar with how easy stamping can be!

This first birthday card shows how easily you can use stamping and distressed cardstock to make gorgeous cards...no patterned paper necessary!  I also used the new Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge to cut out the flowers.  If you want to know what exact products I used, come to the Open House! 

These cute little 3x3" cards designed in mind for the start of school feature the new Elements Paper Pack.  I think they'd make great tags on a box of cookies given to a teacher at open house or back to school night.  I've always loved the saying, "Believe to Achieve!" and was so excited to see this on the new Pair-a-Phrase double stamp set.  You can get this "Double D" sized stamp set for FREE from August 15-September 30, 2011 when you place a $75 order.  It has the cutest images and sentiments!

I have one other surprise project for my Open House guests.  RSVP to me (michellejonesva@yahoo.com) and I'll reserve the projects for you!