Archives

Scaredy Cat Blog Hop

Aug31

Welcome to our September Damask Divas blog hop featuring the Close to my Heart paper pack, Scaredy Cat.  Halloween will be here before we know it!  If you came here from Lilian’s blog, then you are in the right place.  You can always click here to go to the Damask Divas blog page and view all that it has to offer including a complete list of blog hop participants.

I could not resist creating a Halloween themed wreath with these papers.   Of course, the color palette does not limit you to Halloween since most of the pack are bright patterns you can use for other themes.  I really liked the actual Halloween themed page in the pack and I fussy cut some of the cute designs and sayings from it to include on my wreath.  I love rosettes so I decided to make the wreath with a variety of rosettes in different sizes using each of the patterned papers in the pack.  I also used the metal pieces from the Scaredy Cat assortment to add interesting accents and was able to bend them a little to fit the round of the wreath base. They are a little hard to see in the photo, but they are tucked between the rosettes and one is on the front of the bottom rosette.  I wrapped the wreath base in burlap ribbon and orange organza ribbon.  The bow is black tulle.  I think it is a fun little project.

Halloween Wreath Using Scaredy Cat Paper Pack

Halloween Wreath Using Scaredy Cat Paper Pack

I cut the rosette strips by hand, but you can also cut them from the CTMH Artiste Cricut cartridge and have fun details on the edges.  I scored them using my scoreboard and used liquid glass to glue them together.  You glue the accordion pleated end to end to make a circle. The smaller rosettes are a strip of paper 1 1/4″ by 12″ scored at 1/4″ intervals to make a 2.5″ round rosette.  The middle size is two strips of 2″ by 12″, scored at 1/2″ intervals and glue the two together to make a 4″ round rosette.  The largest is 2 1/2″ by 12″ scored at 1/2″ intervals – also two strips glued together for a 5″ round rosette.  You will need one inch paper circles (two for each rosette) to hold them together. You can then add an embellishment over the circle as I did or leave them showing if you use coordinating paper for the circles.  The trick is to have your accordion pleated circle sitting on your work table and push the middle together while pulling the outside edges out.  Have your circles ready with the glue on them.  Push the circle as tight into the middle as you would like and press a circle on until the glue is holding, then flip it over and glue the circle on the other side.   I used hot glue to glue them to the wreath, but liquid glass would work too.

Recipe:

Scaredy Cat paper pack – item # X7185B

Scaredy Cat Assortment – item # Z3011

Liquid Glass – item # Z679

Score Board – Item # Z1937 (I already had a scoreboard, but if you need one, check out CTMH’s new scoreboard!)

You will also need a wreath base,  ribbons to wrap the base, unless you use a grapevine wreath, and wide ribbon or tulle for a bow.

Visit my online shop at http://cydneyfowlercreations.ctmh.com to purchase CTMH items or contact your own Close to my Heart Independent Consultant.  Don’t forget to check out the CTMH Stamp of the Month program and special purchase offers each month.

I hope this project inspires you!  The next stop on the blog hop is Melissa’s.   Click here to see her project!  Enjoy and Happy Crafting!

 

There is still time to get the CTMH August Stamp of the Month

Aug14

The August Stamp of the Month by Close to my Heart is still available until the end of August.  You can purchase the stamp set for $17.95 or get it for just $5 when you spend $50.   Click Here to go to my online CTMH shop.  It is my personal site and my account will be credited with your purchase.  I appreciate the support!  The link is http://cydneyfowlercreations.ctmh.com

Owls are very on trend right now – you can use this adorable owl themed set for Halloween with the included “happy Owloween” saying and costume pieces for the owls, or you can use it for a variety of all occasion cards and layouts using just the owls and “What a Hoot” phrase included in the set.

Here is a sample treat bag using this versatile stamp set:

1408-sotm-bag

 

And here is a cute layout using the same stamp set:

1408-sotm-layout

August SOTM

August SOTM

I know you will think of many more ways to use this adorable stamp set for your own creations.

I also have a Mystery Hostess gathering you can join when you shop at my online CTMH store.  It is open until August 31, 2014.  The customer with the largest order attached to the online gathering will be the hostess!  The mystery hostess will receive free select product credit (SPC) as long as the gathering reaches a minimum total merchandise sales of $150.  The SPC is $25 when the gathering reaches $150, and goes up as the gathering sales increase. Check out the Idea Book online to get all of the details about sales levels and corresponding hostess rewards.  Just click the above links to get to my online shop and you can get all of the information there.  Feel free to contact me if you have questions.  All of my contacts are on the website.

Happy Crafting!

 

 

 

Chalk It Up Blog Hop

Jul31

Welcome to the Damask Divas August Blog Hop featuring the Chalk It Up paper pack.  If you got here from Judy’s blog, you are in the right place.  You can always go to the Damask Divas blog to start from the beginning and/or to see the entire list of participants.  I created a cute card using the featured papers and the new Great Job stamp set.   I used the Colonial White pigment ink pad so it looked like chalk on the black paper.  Remember to let the pigment ink dry well.  It goes on thick so I blotted it to make it look more see through like chalk.  I fussy cut the Great Job and the shooting star shapes out.  I used the new Touch markers to color the shooting stars and pop dotted them for dimension.  I also used the zip strip from the graphics paper to make a “ribbon” under the saying.  The smaller black square is the reverse of the paper that also has a chalkboard look to it.  The card base is Colonial White.  I like to use the pre-made CTMH card bases that come with envelopes.  You get a pack of 50 cards and envelopes for $14.95 and they look professional.  I used archival ink to stamp the shooting stars since I was going to color them in with markers.  The archival ink won’t bleed from the markers.

A2 size greeting card - Chalk It Up

A2 size greeting card – Chalk It Up

Recipe:

Chalk It Up paper pack – Item #Z7184B

Colonial White Pigment Ink Pad – Item #Z2168

Black Cardstock paper scrap to stamp Great Job and cut out

Archival Black Ink Pad – Item #44751

Great Job stamp set – Item #C1588

Touch Markers – YR26 Pastel Peach, R140 Lt Orange, B68 Turquoise Blue

I hope this card inspires you to make your own creations.  To shop for these items and many more exciting items from the new Annual Inspirations Idea Book, go to my personal online CTMH store at http://cydneyfowlercreations.ctmh.com or contact your own consultant.  We are always happy to assist you.

Next up on the blog hop is Hilary.  Click here to go to her blog and enjoy even more Chalk It Up inspiration!  Happy Crafting!

Cards featuring CTMH July Stamp of the Month

Jul16

I needed two thank you cards for my convention roomie/friends.  I used the July Stamp of the Month, Circus Alphabet (Item #S1407).  This is also a sneak peek at the new Shin-Han markers CTMH is unveiling in the August Annual Inspirations Idea Book.  I love the way they color!  Also a sneak peek at one of the new washi tapes, Topiary (item #Z2002), that is also available in August.  I used various CTMH solid colors to make the festive banner for the multi-color card, and Skylark paper for the green card.  Notice that I cut one inch squares to stamp the individual letters on – that way if you mess up coloring you can do one letter over and the letters are easy to line up this way.  Also, don’t hesitate to stamp letters in a random, wavy pattern if you have trouble lining the stamps up perfectly straight.  Perfect is the enemy of good!  Have fun with stamping and creating!  The Skylark paper pack is available until the end of July (Item #X7177B).  Get your favorite papers before the end of July!  All of the B&T duos patterned papers will be replaced with exciting new designs effective August 1.

Here are the two cards I made for my wonderful friends, Kelle and Erin:

Green Thank You card with the Circus Alphabet and Topiary Washi Tape.

Green Thank You card with the Circus Alphabet and Topiary Washi Tape.

Multi-Color Thank You card made with the Circus Alphabet.

Multi-Color Thank You card made with the Circus Alphabet.

 

Don’t forget – you can only get this cute alphabet stamp set during July.  Retail is $17.95, but you can get it for $5.00 with any $50 purchase during July.  My personal online CTMH shop is located at http://cydneyfowlercreations.ctmh.com.  Click on the link to shop.

Thanks for stopping by my blog!  Watch for regular posts featuring more wonderful Close to my Heart products.  Happy Crafting!

 

 

Skylark Blog Hop

Jun30

Welcome to our monthly Damask Divas blog hop.  We are featuring the Skylark paper pack.  If you got here from Brenda’s blog, you are in the right place.  You can always start from the beginning by going to the Damask Divas blog where you will find a list of all of the participants and links to their blogs.  I created a few cards.  I just love the paper with the birds and dragonflies  so I cut my paper to highlight those images.  I added some embellishments – wood color ready shapes that compliment the design, washi tape, the zip strip from the edge of the paper, some leaves and bling.  These papers are perfect for Spring and Summer.  The colors are very soothing and peaceful.

Dragonfly - Spread Your Wings

Dragonfly – Spread Your Wings

Skylark - Believe

Skylark – Believe

Blue Bird - Happy Birthday

Blue Bird – Happy Birthday

That beautiful blue bird is part of the paper design not an embellishment! This paper would be great as a scrapbook page background as well.  I hope these cards give you some crafty inspiration.  If you want to purchase Close to my Heart papers and crafty goodness, go to my online store by clicking here, or contact your own consultant.  We are all happy to help you. Next up on the hop is Felica.  Click here to go to see what she has created for your viewing pleasure.  Happy Crafting!

Timberline Blog Hop

May31

Welcome to the Damask Divas blog hop for June featuring the Timberline paper pack.  If you got here from Brenda’s blog, you are in the right place.  You can always go back to the Damask Divas blog by clicking here if you want to start at the beginning or view the Damask Divas main blog page.

I could not resist creating a camping themed card with Timberline and the Camper Crazy  stamp set.  Such cute little RVs and camping sayings in that stamp set.  The stars and moon across the top is a zip strip from one of the sheets of paper in the Timberline pack.  The pack includes a wood grain sheet I used for the tree and a variety of outdoor themes and patterns including those I used in the card.  I colored the camper to look like an Air Stream camper and fussy cut it out using my CTMH micro tip scissors.  I “fringed” the bottom strip to look grassy and I “parked” the camper on the grass.

A2 size card using Timberline paper pack

A2 size card using Timberline paper pack

Recipe:

Timberline Paper Pack – Item #X7182B

Camper Crazy Stamp Set – Item #C1578

Art Philosophy Cricut Collection – Item #Z1686 (for the tree trunk and leaves)

White Daisy Card base and envelopes pack – Item #X254

Visit my Close to my Heart online shopping site by clicking here to purchase supplies for this project or contact your own consultant.  Happy Crafting!

Next up on the blog hop is Felicia.  Click here to go to her blog to see her Timberline project.

 

 

Damask Divas Blog Hop Balloon Ride

Apr30

Welcome to the Damask Divas Blog Hop for May, 2014.  If you got here from Jamie’s post, then you are in the right place.  You can always go to the Damask Divas Group Blog to see the entire list and/or start at the beginning.

This month we are using the Close to my Heart paper pack “Balloon Ride.”  It is one of my favorites.  I have been wanting to make a box card and decided I would give it a go with this paper pack.  Melody Lane made the project available to her followers in Design Space so I was able to use my new Cricut Explore to do the cutting on the box.   I cut the balloons and clouds out by hand.  The rest of the decor is from embellishments I had on hand (La Belle Vie, Picture My Life, etc.).  The sentiment is from the CTMH stamp set “Give a Lift” and it also has cute balloons.  Next time I use this paper pack I will use the balloons in that stamp set too.

Back side folded into A2 size card

Back side folded into A2 size card

Sentiment side folded into A2 card

Sentiment side folded into A2 card

Sentiment side of box card

Sentiment side of box card

Front side of box card with balloons and clouds

Front side of box card with balloons and cloud

Supplies used include:

Balloon Ride Paper Pack = Item # X7180B

Give a Lift Stamp Set = Item # D1581

These items and many more are available from Close to my Heart.  Shop my online store – click here – or shop with your own consultant.  We are all very happy to serve you.

Next on the hop is Kelly.  I hope you enjoy seeing all of our creations using this fun hot air balloon themed paper.  There are several beautiful patterns and colors in this pack.   Happy Crafting!

 

 

Damask Divas Blog Hop Featuring Lollydoodle

Feb28

Welcome to the March 2014 Damask Divas blog hop featuring the new CTMH paper pack, Lollydoodle.  Such a fun and bright collection of papers.  If you got here from Ronnie’s blog, you are in the right place.  You can always start at the Damask Divas blog site if you get lost or want to start at the beginning.

I created a fun Spring mobile using the Lollydoodle paper pack.  I used the CTMH Artiste cartridge to cut the rosettes.  I made two of each pattern so I could turn one or the other side out.  So easy – just cut two for each rosette, glue the two strips together, fold on score lines, fold as directed in the Artiste booklet and glue a circle or flower on the center of both sides to hold it all together.  I cut small flowers out of a scrap of Lollydoodle paper to hold the center of the rosettes.  I then tied them on a cute little bird cage with ribbon I had on hand.  You could use fishing line instead.  I made a double sided paper bird from the Artiste cartridge so I would have a birdie in my little cage.  Cute!  I put the mobile on a hook in the ceiling of my shop and took a photo.  With the door open the mobile moves in the slight breeze.  I am sure I will be making more of these.  I have a stash of the little bird cages.

Mobile using Lollydoodle Paper Pack

Mobile using Lollydoodle Paper Pack

I hope you enjoyed seeing this project.  To buy Close to my Heart supplies from me just visit my online store by clicking here or see your own consultant for ordering.  The item number for the Lollydoodle paper pack is X7183B.  The Artiste CTMH cartridge is Z1790.  Next up on the hop is Kelly.  Click here to go to her blog.  Happy Crafting!

Damask Divas Blog Hop Ivy Lane

Jan31

Welcome to the Damask Divas blog hop for February 2014 featuring the new Ivy Lane paper pack by Close to my Heart.   If you came here from Brenda’s blog, you are in the right place.  You can always start at the beginning or hop around by going to the Damask Divas blog for a list of all participants and links to their blog posts.

I used the new Ivy Lane paper pack to make a Valentine’s Day card and candy set.

Floral Valentine Card

Floral Valentine Card

I made a pretty card with the floral paper, some hearts, the pale pink reverse of the chevron paper and some ribbon I had on hand.   Who would not love to receive such a pretty set?  Well, maybe a guy would not care for it.  That should be my next project – something more masculine for Valentines Day.  You can wrap the chocolates in a variety of patterns for different occasions.  You can also use your CTMH stamps to stamp patterns on address labels and wrap the chocolates with the labels.

Decorated Box of Chocolates

Decorated Box of Chocolates

The pink/red chevron and pale pink paper with faint writing work well together for a Valentine vibe.  I cut 1″ x 3″ strips to cover Hershey nuggets.  Just put a narrow strip of adhesive on each end on the opposite side of the pattern you want to show.  As you can see I alternated mine, but you could use all one color.   I placed a doily and piece of paper in the bottom of the box before filling with the candy.  I cut two of the same flower out of the Ivy Lane floral paper.  I cut the middle out of one.  I layered the one with the resulting hole on the bottom, then the complete one on top.  I then used a pop dot to adhere the middle to the top of the flower to give it dimension.  I also curled the edges of the petals a bit with my fingers.  The word “sweetness” is from the tear strip on the 12 x 12 sheet of paper.  I folded a paper doily I had on hand in half and taped it over the corner.  I then added the flowers, saying and a heart cut out on the Cricut using Artiste.  I cut pages of different size and color hearts for my Valentine projects I am working on, so I just used some of the hearts for this project.  I had the smaller roses and ribbon on hand from another project.  I like to raid my stash when making projects so I can use what I have on hand.  I feel like if I really use everything then I can get more!  I love paper and all things crafty!

I hope you enjoyed seeing my projects.  You can purchase Close to my Heart supplies and tools online from me at http://cydneyfowlercreations.ctmh.com or from your own consultant.  The Ivy Lane paper pack is item number X7178B.  There is an awesome new Idea Book and Catalog released February 1.  So many wonderful supplies and ideas – something for everyone.  Be sure to check it out!

Next up on the hop is Traci.  Click here to hop on over and see what she has created!  Happy Crafting!

Damask Divas Frosted Blog Hop

Nov30

Welcome to the Damask Divas December blog hop featuring the Close to my Heart paper pack “Frosted” – perfect for holiday cards.  If you came here from Brenda’s blog you are in the right place.  If you want to start at the beginning or see the entire list of participants visit the Damask Divas blog by clicking here.

I made several cards.  The first two were made with scraps from the third card pictured here.  I used the Colonial White card pack for the base and envelopes.  The patterned paper is Frosted, the solid colors are Champagne and Crystal Blue. I thought these colors complimented each other nicely.  I love the way CTMH papers coordinate so well!

Two rectangles and a square for a simple card with pretty snowflake stamping

Two rectangles and a square for a simple card with pretty snowflake stamping

Same design - two rectangles and a square with snowflake stamping. I added a little silver shimmer tape to give it some bling with the neutral colors.

Same design – two rectangles and a square with snowflake stamping. I added a little silver shimmer trim to give it some bling with the neutral colors.

The main card design has more details with the addition of a sparkly snowflake, ribbon and a banner.  I continued the snowflake theme with the stamping.  I thought the Peace sentiment went with the peaceful theme of the card.

Sparkly snowflake card.

Sparkly snowflake card

The snowflake was cut at 2″ using the Art Philosophy CTMH Cricut cartridge (item #Z1686).  The banner was cut at 2-1/2″ using the same cartridge.   To purchase CTMH supplies visit my online shop at http://cydneyfowlercreations.ctmh.com or your consultant’s site if you have one already.

Recipe:

Larger snowflake stamp – Item # M1031

Peace stamp is from Stamp of the Month for October – Scandinavian Wishes, Item #S1310

Small snowflakes stamp is from Polar Bear Holiday, Item #C1557

Frosted Paper Pack, Item # X7175B

Colonial White Value Pack Cards and Envelopes, Item #X1410

Crystal Blue Paper Pack, Item #1292

Champagne Paper Pack, Item #X5931

Silver Shimmer Trim, Item #Z1799

I used Crystal glitter glue and ribbon I had on hand.

The Peace card includes Champagne paper cut at 3-3/4″ by 5″, Frosted cut at 3-1/4″ by 4-1/2″.  The ribbon is cut at 6″ long.  The other two cards have rectangles cut at 2-1/2″ by 2″ and a 2″ square.  I didn’t include a photo, but I stamped the inside sentiment on a 3″ by 1-1/4″ colonial white paper and used adhesive to place inside the card.  This saves paper so you don’t accidentally ruin the inside of the card with a stamping “oops” and that does happen to me occasionally no matter how careful I am!  I used the stamp set Yuletide Greetings, Item # D1553 and it says, “Wishing you a holiday season that sparkles and shines.”

I hope you are inspired by my cards!  Your next stop is Lilian’s blog – click here.  Thanks for stopping by.  Happy Crafting and Happy Holidays to you!