Australasian Operation Smile Blog Hop

Hello and welcome aboard our Australasian Operation Smile Blog Hop.  Today, we will be sharing ideas using the 'You're the Bomb' C sized stamp set which is featured on the back page of our Seasonal Expressions 1 Idea Book.  For each 'You're the Bomb' stamp set sold until 31st March 2015 Close To My Heart will donate $3USD directly to Operation Smile.

Close To My Heart is partnered with Operation Smile, an organization that provides free, life-changing surgery that repairs smiles and reshapes lives, one child at a time. Since 2008, Close To My Heart has provided support to change the lives of over 1,500 children and their families. Your business with Close To My Heart makes a big difference in the life of a child.

If you have arrived here from Doris' Creative Inspirations, then you are in the right place. If you landed here by accident, no problem, please join in by following the link at the end of this post. 

Here is my project featuring the 'You're the Bomb' stamp set. To say I am in love with this page layout is a huge understatement! This is the additional double-page layout from the Hopscotch Workshops on the Go Scrapbooking Kit created from the 'Mystify' Pattern in the Magic Idea Book.  

My crafting buddy, Perrin actually put this page layout together.  He is such a clever crafter and he just loves the WotG Kits although he always loves to change things up a bit.  While Perrin was working on this layout, I couldn't resist digging out some super cute photos of Darren and the boys taken back in 2001.  Yes, it was a little trip down Memory Lane for me, back to when Boyd was 5 years old and Perrin was only 18 months old! Oh my, how time flies!  And don't they look absolutely adorable on this page layout?

I couldn't help thinking how the sentiments included in the 'You're the Bomb' stamp set described exactly what I think about my beautiful boys and that they would be perfect to complete this layout!  

I stamped five of the sentiments from the stamp set in colours featured within the Hopscotch Paper Packet- Glacier, Flaxen, Smoothie, Indian Corn Blue and Sunset on Colonial White Cardstock, dove-tailed each one and then mounted them on Cardstock of the same colour.  I added the "YOU'RE" sentiment in Smoothie (cut with the 1" Circle Punch) using Thin 3-D Foam Tape and ta-da, the page was perfect (just like my boys)!!

Ingredients used in this layout include:

Hopscotch Workshops on the Go Scrapbooking Kit

Glacier Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad

Flaxen Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad

Smoothie Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad

Sunset Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad

Indian Corn Blue Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad

Slate Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad

Thin 3-D Foam Tape

The “You’re the Bomb” stamp set is available from your CTMH Independent Consultant and $3USD from every purchase of this stamp set made until 31st March 2015 will go directly to Operation Smile. You can also choose to make a donation of any size directly to your Consultant.  Donations over $2 are tax deductible.  Please visit the Operation Smile Webpage to discover more about the amazing work done by Operation Smile. 

Don't forget to keep hopping to the next stop on our Australasian Operation Smile Blog Hop, Shaunna's Blog, Passionate About Pages to see more creative ways to use the Operation Smile stamp set, 'You're the Bomb'.

Until next time.

Warmest crafting wishes,

Denise :) 

This Moment- CTMH January Stamp of the Month Australasian Blog Hop

Hello and welcome aboard our CTMH January 2015 Stamp of the Month Australasian Blog Hop. If you have arrived here from Mandy's Hall of Indulgence, then you are in the right place. If you landed here by accident, no problem, please join in by following the link at the end of this post. 

Today I would like to share with you a special little project which features the January Stamp of the Month 'This Moment' which is available exclusively throughout January 2015 for $27, or for just $5 when you spend $75. This stamp set is the latest of 12 glorious, exclusive Stamp of the Month stamp sets featured in our CTMH 2014- 2015 Annual Inspirations Idea Book!

It's school holidays for me at the moment so I have been spending as many hours in The Crafty Shed as possible.  My little crafting buddy, Perrin and I have been busy creating pages, cards and other special paper crafting projects.  This means that we also have lots of leftover scraps of paper from these projects.  These leftovers always cause me some degree of anxiety!  I don't want a whole lot of off-cuts laying around taking up space, but I also don't want to throw them away.  Needless to say, I am always on the look out for simple projects that are perfect for using up paper scraps (remember my obsession with the Herringbone card design? I know you do!)

I first fell in love with this cute card idea when I saw it featured in the Lollydoodle Workshops on the Go Cardmaking Kit and I must admit that it is one of my go-to projects when I want to use up my paper scraps and also create a quick, easy card.  This card really does tick all the boxes!

I also wanted to create a card with the January Stamp of the Month, This Moment that wasn't all lovey-dovey.  Don't get me wrong, I love smoochy cards, but I already have a Valentine's Day card made for my husband (don't tell him), and I don't need another one right now, so I wanted to create something fun and move away from a "love theme".

The "Hello" sentiment is perfect on a card for a friend you haven't seen in a while.  You know that friend you've been meaning to call, write, text or email for a while and haven't got around to calling, writing, texting or emailing.  Write your message inside and pop it in the mail to remind that person that you are thinking of them.  Maybe you can use the opportunity to suggest a catch-up like dinner or the movies!  You could also use this card as a fun birthday card or another fun occasion.

Right now I am completely in love with our Hopscotch products from our new Seasonal Expressions 1 Idea Book.  Perrin and I have been having so much fun with the Hopscotch Workshops on the Go Scrapbooking Kit and needless to say we have some paper scraps left over after finishing the two gorgeous double-page spreads in this kit.  So I fished some of the scrappiest scraps from the bottom of the bag and set to work.  If you'd also like to create this card, here's how you make it.

"Hopscotch Hello" Greeting Card

Ingredients:
January Stamp of the Month, 'This Moment'
Hopscotch paper scraps (three different colours/ patterns- I've used both sides of one of the B&T Duos and some of the leftover Glacier Cardstock to create the squares
Colonial White card and envelope (Value Pack)
3 1/4" x 1" Colonial White Cardstock
3 5/8" x 1 1/4" Smoothie Cardstock
Smoothie Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad
Sequins- Gold Assortment
3L E-Z Dots Adhesive
3-D Foam Tape

Instructions:

1. You need four 1 1/4" x 1 1/4" squares cut from each of the three papers/cardstock you choose to use.  That means you will need 12 squares altogether.  I cut the squares using my SureCut Deluxe Craft Paper Trimmer because I wanted the squares to be cut to the exact size as any variations will result in an uneven alignment of the squares and ruin the look of the finished pattern. 
2. You can arrange the squares any way you like, but I have stuck to the original pattern in the Loolydoodle WoTG Cardmaking Guide.
3. Leave a 1/4" border all the way around the outside.  I use my Versamat to line the squares up precisely and always arrange them on the card first to make sure I'm happy with the alignment before sticking them down.
4. Stick the squares down with an adhesive of your choice.  I have used 3L E-Z Dots Adhesive cause it's so quick and easy to use and allows me to pull up and reposition squares if I need to (really that hardly EVER happens- LOL!)
5. Stamp the "Hello" sentiment in Smoothie ink onto the Colonial White Cardstock.
6. Dovetail one end using your Non-Stick Micro-Tip Scissors.  
7. Stick it onto the Smoothie Cardstock and dovetail the end.
8. Adhere the sentiment to the card using 3-D Foam Tape.
9. Embellish with Gold Sequins.

I had so much fun making this card I decided to use up some of my Seaside and Heartstrings scraps to create another two versions of this card.  Lets face it, you could spend all day making these cute little cards and use up all of your scraps.  That would certainly be a crafty day well spent! :)

Well I hope you love this super-cute way to use up some of your paper scraps.  If you'd like to share your creations with me, please visit my Facebook page and post a picture of your cards.  I would LOVE to see them!   

Don't forget to keep hopping to the next stop on our Australasian Blog Hop, Shaunna's Blog, Passionate About Pages to see more creative ways to use the January Stamp of the Month.

Until next time.

Warmest crafting wishes,
Denise :) 

‘25 Magical Days Until Christmas’ Advent Calendar

This Advent Calendar was a huge hit in our house this year in the lead up to Christmas Day.  It is based on the Advent Calendar that was featured in the Close To My Heart 2013 Holidays from the Heart Gift Guide and is created using the Snowhaven Paper Packet.  

Ingredients:

Designed Décor Black Frame

Snowhaven Paper Packet

Cricut Artiste Collection

October Stamp of the Month ‘Home for the Holidays’

Magical Days stamp set

Slate Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad

Cranberry Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad

Glacier Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad

White Daisy Pigment Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad

Thin 3-D Foam Tape

Mini Glue Dots

Ruby Chevron Ribbon

1” x 1” My Acrylix Block

1” Circle Punch

25 Mini Pegs

Instructions:

1.  Cut 25 boxes.  The boxes are cut from the Cricut Artiste Cartridge p. 80, 3D Object, cut at 1.75” (Relative Size).  You can cut 3 boxes from each piece of paper or cardstock (with leftovers for stamping and creating the backings for the numbers).  Use the following quantities of cardstock/paper for the boxes: 2 sheets Glacier Cardstock, 1 sheet Cranberry Cardstock, 2 sheets Whisper Cardstock, 4 sheets Snowhaven B&T Paper (NB. Only cut 1 single box from the 4^th sheet of paper to make 25 boxes altogether).

2.  Fold and assemble the boxes, using Mini Glue Dots to stick them together.

3.  Stamp each of the numbers from the Magical Days stamp set using your choice of colours on white or coloured cardstock. (N.B. Many of the numbers can be stamped twice using different colours and then cut out and layered).

4.  Punch or cut out the numbers (1” circles or squares)

5.  Punch or cut out contrasting backings for the numbers (1 1/4” circles or squares).

6.  Use adhesive and Thin 3-D Foam tape to layer the numbers and backings on the boxes.

7.  Create the topper for the Advent Calendar with the “dreaming, believing, wishing” stamp from the October SotM using the Cranberry stamp pad and the Ruby Chevron Ribbon. Adhere to the frame using Mini Glue Dots.

8.  Put the completed boxes on the Frame with the Mini Pegs.

9.  Fill the boxes with delicious treats and fun surprises!

Happy crafting,

Denise :o)

Can't get enough of these CUPCAKES!!

This was a quick and simple card that I created as a fun, free Make 'n' Take activity at my recent "Christmas Cheer @ The Crafty Shed" event.  It features the gorgeous December 2014 Stamp of the Month, Cutie Pie and one of my favourite new stamp sets from the Seasonal Expressions 1 Idea Book, You're the Bomb.

These cards also feature Confetti Wishes Paper Packet, Junebug and Stuck on You Puffies, Marvy Uhida LePen Journalling Pen and ShinHan Touch Twin Markers.  The cards below are two variations of this simple card created by one of my beautiful crafty gals Anne.

I hope you are still having lots of fun using the December Stamp of the Month Cutie Pie to create beautiful projects.  If you'd like to be inspired by lots of different projects featuring this sweet stamp set, then feel free to visit my CTMH December 2014 Stamp of the Month board on Pinterest as there are so many idea on there that you will love! :)

Sweet crafting wishes,

Denise :o)

Cutie Pie: CTMH December Stamp of the Month Australasian Blog Hop

Hello and welcome aboard our CTMH December Stamp of the Month Australasian Blog Hop. If you have arrived here from Loretta's Creating Memories, then you are in the right place. If you landed here by accident, no problem, please join in by following the link at the end of this post. 

Today I would like to share with you a special little project which features the December Stamp of the Month 'Cutie Pie' which is available exclusively throughout December 2014 for $27, or for just $5 when you spend $75. This stamp set is the latest of 12 glorious, exclusive Stamp of the Month stamp sets featured in our brand new CTMH 2014- 2015 Annual Inspirations Idea Book!

My “Cupcake Smiles” card project is based on the card idea on page 16 of the CTMH Annual Inspirations Idea Book.  I just love how bright and fun it is.  A perfect birthday card or a car for a special friend.  I am totally in love with the Paper Fundamental Whimsy Assortment right now and find I am using it on so many of my card projects.  The colours are just so fresh and clean and they suit so many themes and occassions.

Ingredients

December Stamp of the Month ‘Cutie Pie’

White Card and Envelope (Value Pack)

5 1/4” x 4” Paper Fundamentals Whimsy Assortment (Canary Chevron)

3” x 3” Lagoon Cardstock

5 1/4” x 1 1/8” White Daisy Cardstock (for stamping sentiment)

2 1/2” x 2 1/2” White Daisy Cardstock (stamp cupcake x 2 and heart x 3)

Archival Black Stamp Pad

Tender Pink ShinHan Touch Twin Marker

Golden Yellow ShinHan Touch Twin Marker

Marigold ShinHan Touch Twin Marker

Carmine ShinHan Touch Twin Marker

Cerulean Blue ShinHan Touch Twin Marker

Thistle Diagonal Striped Ribbon

Pink Glitter Gems

Thin 3-D Foam Tape

Marvy Uchida LaPen Journalling Pen

Instructions

1. Stamp the cupcake 2 times and the small love heart 3 times on the White Daisy Cardstock in Black Archival ink.  Leave to dry for at least 15 minutes before colouring in with the ShinHan Touch Twin Markers. 

2. Draw a freehand line close to the outside edge around all sides of the Canary Chevron paper with the journaling pen and adhere it to the card base.

3. Draw a freehand line close to the outside edge around all sides of the Lagoon cardstock and adhere it to the Canary Chevron paper.

4. After stamping the sentiment on the long, thin piece of White Daisy cardstock, dovetail one end and draw a line close to the outside edge using the journalling pen.

5. Tie the Thistle Diagonal Ribbon on the left side of the sentiment and adhere it to the card using Thin 3-D Foam Tape.

6. Cut out the stamped and coloured images using your Non-stick Micro-tip Scissors.  The cupcake is created by cutting one out in full and then cutting only the top off the second one and mounting with Thin 3-D Foam Tape to create a 3D effect.

7. Adhere the cupcake and hearts to the card.

8. Add the Pink Glitter Gem to the top of the cupcake to finish your card.

The December Stamp of the Month 'Cutie Pie' is only available until 31 December 2014 from your CTMH Consultant.  

Thanks so much for dropping by to check out my latest card project.  I'm really interested to hear what you think about it, so I'd love you to leave a comment before heading off to the next stop on our Australasian Blog Hop, Doris Taylor's  Creative Inspirations.  


Do come and visit me again soon as I have lots of ideas to share with you this month! 

And don't forget about our AMAZING Deal of the Decade this month. 2014 marks the 10-year anniversary of Close To My Heart’s revolutionary My Acrylix® clear polymer stamps, and we can’t wait for you to celebrate with us! 

With a qualifying purchase of $75 during the month of December, you will be eligible to purchase ANY C- or D-size stamps from the Annual Inspirations 2014–2015 idea book for only $10. That’s up to $17 of savings on a single stamp set! Plus, when you place a $75 order, there is no limit to the number of eligible stamp sets you can purchase at this discounted price. Remember, a purchase of $75 will also qualify you to receive the December Stamp of the Month for only $5, so if you purchase both the discounted Stamp of the Month and additional stamps at this special campaign pricing your savings will really start to add up! It really is the Deal of the Decade!

Don't forget to keep hopping to the next stop  on our Australasian Blog Hop, Doris Taylor's  Creative Inspirations. 

Warmest crafting wishes,
Denise :)