Little Stamps That Make A BIG Impression

I really love our 'A' size stamp sets for making cards, but they are also beautiful when used as titles or embellishments on a scrapbook page. Check out this new video from CTMH for some inspirational ideas for using these terrific, affordable sets. (Be sure to check the June newsletter to find out how you can get this stamp for FREE!) :))

Simple Holiday Tags - Cricut Art Philosophy

Making beautiful holiday tags couldn't be easier when using the CTMH Circut cartridge - Art Philosophy. Here's a new YouTube video from CTMH showing tags made with the Cricut and the MyAcrylix stamp set 'December 25th' (C1469 - $13.95). They're so adorable and really, really simple.

Here's a cute little tag I made with the Cricut cartridge and the 'A Holiday' stamp set (A1115 - $6.95). This stamp set is so versatile! I used it to create one of my holiday cards, I use it on Christmas envelopes, and I love making little gift cards with it, too.

Handmade gifts and cards are such a wonderful way to say "You're Special!" to the ones you love. If you've made your own gifts &/or cards this holiday season, please share them! E-mail me a photo and I'll create a slideshow so that everyone can enjoy, share, and learn from each other.

Have fun!

"It's America" Layout Challenge

I LOVE 4th of July celebrations! I love the picnics and fireworks and parades and the feeling that always comes over me at some point during the day of how truly blessed we are to live in this amazing country.
When I was in NY this weekend with my daughter, I heard a song that inspired a layout idea I can't wait to try. It's a Rodney Atkins song called "It's America" - here's the chorus:

It's a high school prom
It's a Springstein song
It's a welcome home parade
It's a man on the moon
And fireflies in June
Kids sellin lemonade
It's cities and farms
And open arms
One nation under God
It's America

So here's the challenge... Create a layout with photos from your family that represent life in America. What are some other things you can think of? Parades? Eating ice cream? Laying in a hammock? A family picnic? Take your camera with you this weekend and be mindful of the wonderful things all around us. When you see something great - click it! Leave a comment here with your ideas and when your layout is complete - go to my Facebook Page and post it!

I plan to use the Fanfare papers to create my layout. They have such great, patriotic colors and are very "America"! :) Click here to see the Fanfare products & order yours!

Trees & Things

Hi everyone!

It's been a whirlwind here lately - my daughter, Chelsea, graduated from college and my son, Jake, graduated from high school ON THE SAME DAY (you can only imagine!). We left two days later for a 2 week vacation - - but not before finding an apartment for Chelsea in NYC. Yes indeedy! My head is spinning! But it's all great and has been a lot of fun!

I just love the parks in NY and plan to spend a lot of time in them when visiting Chelsea - Shakespeare in the Park, farmers markets, picnics by the lake, people watching.... The CTMH stamp set - Trees & Things - will be perfect for embellishing these photo layouts, as well as our old fishing trips, camping and hikes. And CTMH has just come out with a new YouTube video that gave me lots of extra inspiration for using this great set. I hope it helps get your creative juices flowing, too! I'm ordering mine tomorrow. Click here to order yours, too!

Kraft Backgrounds & Borders

Using kraft colored papers and accessories is the trick to adding charm, toning down bright colors, or bringing an artsy flair to your projects. Using white or black can sometimes create too much of a contrast - kraft is the perfect alternative! Close To My Heart is now offering kraft cardstock for your page and card backgrounds and a package of 24 sheets is only $9.50. And I'm SO excited about their newest accessory - Kraft Borders. These are the perfect embellishment to add a unique touch to your layouts and cards. The pack includes 50 assorted, 12", adhesive backed borders and cost just $5.95!! Check out this great CTMH video then click here to order yours today! :)