Rag Quilts and More!

I hope everybody had a fabulous Christmas!  We sure did here!  I think it was the year of the sentimental.  As some of you might remember, I did the framed scrapbook pages of the USS Coolidge as a gift to my brother (our father was on the ship when it hit a mine in WWII...he was fine).  Guess what I got from my brother and his family!  A scrapbook and disc full of old family photos.  I only had a few as my Dad moved to NC, where my brother lives, after my Mom passed.  He took the box of photos with him.  I had just one album with a few photos that was left here.  My niece got busy and copied, repaired and saved them to disc for me.  She also made a scrapbook with some of the photos.  I don't know how she found the time!  She had twin boys last February and has three other children under eight.  I guess it helps to be young!  LOL!  I can not express how thrilled and grateful I am to have those photos!

I did a lot of handmade items as gifts this year.  I knitted eight of those fun ruffle scarves and six of the moebius scarves.  Of course, I didn't start until late October to do this. Story of my life...just call me "Last Minute Suzie".  LOL!  I'm so excited to show you the quilts I made.  I've been dying to show them but I wasn't sure who might accidentally see them.

I did one for my sister in law, one for the niece who did the photos and one for our daughter.  They were a huge hit.  Turns out my niece has a ton of flag decorations.  In looking at some FB pictures right after I finished them, I noticed she had valances that were a flag fabric, so it fit right in.

I had fully intended to put the 50 stars on the quilts.  I took out my Cricut®, changed the mat and blade, starched the heck out of the fabric and ironed it to freezer paper.  I couldn't get the stars to cut to save my soul!  In looking online it said to iron the fabric to Heat and Bond.  I didn't want to do that as it would make it so the stars wouldn't fray.  So, instead, I hand cut the stars using the card stock cut from the Cricut®.  I could handle cutting 39 stars by hand, but not 150!  LOL!

I had originally seen it on Pinterest (where else? LOL). 

Wash all fabrics until there is no longer any color run.  That is the most important thing I can stress!  I had a friend do a quilt and while she thought she had gotten all the dye out, when she washed to make it rag, the blue still ran.  I felt so sorry for her!

If you are unfamiliar with rag quilts, they are put together so that all the seams are exposed on the top.  You'll find lots of You Tube videos if you need more info.

Each of the stripes was cut 3" wide by 40" long.  You'll need seven red and six off-white (or white if you prefer).  You will also need thirteen 3" x 40" strips of flannel for the batting and the same of unbleached (or bleached if you prefer the lighter color) muslin for the back.   I used a 1/2" seam allowance, so you're finished stripes will be 2" wide. I put all my stripes together, and then cut the spot for the blue fabric. This way, I could be sure it was going to fit correctly. The blue fabric, flannel batting and the unbleached muslin were cut to 16".  Laying the blue fabric on the stripes I marked where to cut for the blue piece to fit.

Using my Cricut ®, I cut a 1 1/2" star to use for a pattern.  After cutting all of the stars I pinned them to the blue in the circle.  I used one of my Pfaltzgraff dinner plates putting the stars around it so they looked even.  Stitch your stars to the blue. Then stitch the blue fabric, flannel and muslin in the spot that you have cut out.

I then took the stripes that I had cut out for the blue section and made them into a pillow.  I found a color book star pattern online and enlarged it, then stitched it to the front of the pillow.  

Now comes the cutting to make it rag.  You will definitely want to get a set of Rag Quilt Scissors.

These are spring loaded which makes the cutting easier.  I got my at Joann's fabric with a coupon.  Make cuts on all the exposed edges about 1/4" apart.  Be careful not to cut through your seams.  Then you'll want to wash it and dry it a couple of times to make the edges fray. Take it outside and shake it between each wash and dry.   I took mine to the laundromat as I didn't want to take a chance of clogging up my washer or dryer with lint.  I also tossed in a couple of the Shout Color Catcher sheets just for good measure. :)

If you have any questions, shoot me an email.suzastampin@aol.com

Whoo's Your Valentine?

It's not even Christmas yet, but CTMH is thinking Valentine's Day.  How cute are these?

Celebrate National Papercrafting Month with these cute candy holders. This cute kit, which retails for $40, can be yours for only $10 with a $35 order.  These are available from  December 13 through January 31, 2013.

This kit includes:

• 12 Die-Cut boxes (3 each of 4 colors: Blush, Hollyhock, Ruby, White Daisy
• 3 12x12 card stock sheets (Blush, Hollyhock and White Daisy
• 1 sheet Silver Glitter Paper - New product for Spring/Summer 2013!
• 12 Treat Tubes with Lids - New product for Spring/Summer 2012!
• 1 My Acrylix® Whoo's Your Valentine Stamp Set (D size)

Visit my website to see all the cute CTMH products.  Be sure to check out the "While Supplies Last" category for card stock at $2.50 and $3.00 and much more.  Check often, new items are added frequently.

The History of the Potato Chip

As I wrote in last week's blog post, the area where I live is rich in history.  Did you know the potato chip was invented in Saratoga Springs, NY, on August 24, 1853?  George Crum was a chef at the Moon's Lake Lodge in Saratoga Springs.  French fries were popular at the restaurant and one day a diner complained that the fries were too thick. Although Mr. Crum made a thinner batch, the customer was still dissatisfied. Mr. Crum finally made fries that were too thin to eat with a fork, hoping to annoy the extremely fussy customer. The customer, surprisingly enough, was happy - and potato chips were invented! 

Mr.Crum's chips were originally called Saratoga Chips and potato crunches. They were soon packaged and sold in New England.  Mr. Crum later opened his own restaurant.

William Tappendon manufactured and marketed the chips in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1895. In the 1920s, the salesman Herman Lay sold potato chips to the southern USA (selling the chips from the trunk of his car). In 1926, Laura Scudder (who owned a potato chip factory in Monterey Park, California) invented a wax paper potato chip bag to keep the chips fresh and crunchy - this made potato chips even more popular. 
 
 Be sure to scroll down to see today's card.  I accidently posted the potato chip story for today instead of scheduling it for tomorrow :)

Create a Card

It's Wednesday again, already!  Here's this weeks card and instructions.

This card was created using the retired CTMH Olivia My Reflections Kit.  Such pretty paper!  The stamp set used is D1523 Sweet Music.

4 ¼” X 5 ½” side fold card base

4 ¼” x 5 ½” Olivia Flower Background and Texture Paper

4 ¼” x 5 ½” Olivia Dot Background and Texture Paper

2” x 2 ½” Bamboo card stock

1 ¼” x 3 ½” Bamboo card stock

2 ¼” x 2 ¾” Sunset card stock

1 ½” x 3 ¾” Sunset card stock

Cut each of the Background and Texture pieces diagonally. Attach to your card front.

Stamp image and sentiment on Bamboo card stock pieces with Sunset ink.  Ink edges of both.  Adhere to Sunset card stock.

Attach image to top of card ½” from top and ¾” from right side of card front.  Attach sentiment ¾” from bottom and ¼” from right side.

Roll the flower, ink edges of with Sunset in.  Attach two leaves and flower to card front.

The flower and leaves came from the CTMH Cricut® Artiste Cartridge.

December Guest Artist

December's Guest Artist is Cindylynn Daniel.  Cindylynn worked with CTMH's Clementine Workshop on the Go kit.

Thanks so much for being a Guest Artist, Cindylynn!

You can find more Clementine artwork and instructions under the Idea's and Inspiration section of my website.

I'd love to have YOU become a Guest Artist! 

Here's the details of the Guest Artist program.

1. If you would like a chance to be a guest artist, please send me a link to artwork on your blog, or, if you have no blog, email me pictures of some of your art. Put Guest Artist in your subject line.
2. On the first of every month, I will choose the guest artist for that month.
3. Upon choosing the artists, I will send you one of Close To My Heart's Workshop on the Go kits. You will need to create the featured layout in the kit (you may jazz it up or put your own spin on it). Then, with all the products left over in the kit, you'll make as many items as you can. You may choose to do another two page layout and some cards, or a one page layout & cards, only cards, or choose something of your own to alter.You will have until the 15th of the month to get all of this done :)
4. When you finish creating, you will send me photos of everything you've created so that I can post them on my blog. If you have a blog, you'll also post them there.
5. You'll get high praise and recognition on my blog.

Does this sound like something you'd like to do? If so, send me your blog link or photos of your artwork.

Holiday Lights at Night

I finally got a chance to go out and take a picture in the dark.  It's not a very good one as it didn't seem to pick up the lights in the pots on each side of the steps very well. But, you get the idea :) 

From the sounds of our upcoming weekend and early week weather reports, it sounds like we may have a little white stuff to add to the decorations.  Truth be told, I could live the rest of my life without seeing snow.  LOL!!  If we have to have snow, a little on Christmas Eve would be nice and then it can melt away on the 26th. 

The Story of the Peppermint Pig

I live in an area rich with historical significance. The story of the Peppermint Pig is one of those.

"In early Decembers long since past, while the quaint Victorian village of Saratoga Springs slept quietly through a chilled and moonlit eve, legend suggests that a bit of magic was in the making.

The first dusting of winter's snow gathered in darkened downtown doorways and twirled by night's wind seemed to dance and whirl like sugarplum fairies. Behind the oaken doors of gingerbread-sized candy shops that dotted Saratoga, tireless old candy makers, bathed in amber glow of crackling hearth and bubbling candy pots, labored on into the night creating... and continuing a holiday tradition known to all as the "Peppermint Pig™.

This "Peppermint Pig™ as aptly it was named, was cast of hard candy similar in fashion to candy cane and festive pink in color. And while the pig is honored in Victorian holiday tradition as a symbol of good health, happiness and prosperity, these special "Peppermint Pigs",™ unique to Saratoga Springs, NY came to represent much more. They proudly stood for an old-fashioned Yuletide itself-a wonderful time when red-cheeked children laughed and rode old wooden sleds over fresh snow, when church bells pealed and fond recollections were shared by family and friends. After the holiday dinner, the Pig was passed amongst those gathered, each in turn giving the pouch a firm tap and sharing a tale of the past year's good fortune. The delicious broken peppermint and warm memories were enjoyed by all in hopes of prosperity for the coming year.

 As holiday seasons passed and time marched further into a new century, the tradition of the "Peppermint Pig™ continued on in popularity...until Father Time could wait no longer. One by one the candy makers of Saratoga Springs passed onto their reward and the "Peppermint Pigs™ became but a wonderful memory."  A Saratoga company called Saratoga Sweets revived the Peppermint Pig in 1988 after being approached by the local historical society.  With borrowed molds Saratoga Sweets made 100 pigs just in time for Christmas Eve Day.

The Peppermint Pig™ is sold all over the nation, Saratoga County is its hometown, and to this day they are made nowhere else!  A local shop called the Crafter's Gallery in Saratoga Springs is the only local shop authorized to carry all styles of Peppermint Pigs.

Such a fun story!!

Create a Card

Happy Wednesday!!  Here's the card of the week.

This card was created with the CTMH stamp set called Sweet Music (D1523).   The cutout was created using the Art Philosophy Cricut® cartridge.

Instructions to create this card:

4 ¼” x 5 ½” top fold card base

3” x 5 ¼” White card stock

1 7/8” x 2 ½” White card stock

1 1/8” x 5 ¼” White card stock

2 1/8” x 2 ¾” Grey card stock

3” x 5 ¼” Black card stock

I stamped the piano keys on white card stock and then cut down to the size listed above.

Stamp Musician and sentiment in black.  Ink edges of both pieces with black ink.  Attach stamped image to Grey card stock. Attach this to black card stock ¼” from left and 3/8” from top.  Attach sentiment and insert two tiny black brads.  Attach to card front. 

Attach piano keys.

Time Flies!

Does anybody else feel like Christmas is closing in extremely fast?!  All of a sudden I feel like I need the world to stop for a week so that I can catch up.  LOL!  I spent the better part of the weekend putting up the Christmas tree and decorating outside.  Here's a picture of outside.  There are lights on the swag, the wreath and in the greenery in the pots. I got the pot idea from Pinterst :)  We pulled out our big trees last spring and put in some new shrubs.  It will take a number of years before they are big enough to put lights on, so I wanted to come up with something to replace them.

I need to get a nighttime picture, but it started raining before I got a chance to last night.  Hopefully, I'll get one some time this week!

Headed off to sew for the day.  Have a great Monday everybody!

Eiffel Tower Calendar

I received my calendars from Snapfish the other day and I love how they came out! I know my buddy is just going to love this one.  It looks like Snapfish has a new offer going.  50% off their bestsellers.  Use the code HOLIDAYBEST and it expires on 12/9.

Here's another page from the calendar.

It was created digitally with Studio J and the La Belle Vie papers. 

Stamp a Stack Club

For December, our Stamp a Stack Club is using the CTMH stamp set D1523 Sweet Music.  I love these types of stamp sets.

The papers used are both retired papers, Mischief and Olivia.  The flowers were cut using the CTMH Cricut® Artiste cartridge.

I'll be posting directions to create some of these cards on our Wednesday Create a Card posts.

Technique Tuesday

Stamping Across Multiple Surfaces

Stamping a continuous image over multiple surfaces is easy. Check out these tips and tricks for spanning your image across several surfaces for more creative freedom and fun!

Close To My Heart Retiring List

Yea!  CTMH has put out their retired list for the Autumn/ Winter 2012 Idea Book and the stamps retiring from the Spring/Summer 2012 Idea Book.  What does this mean?  It means that these products are now available "while supplies last".  You'll find the retired list HERE.

And, while we're talking "While Supplies Last"...

Everyone enjoys shopping the deals this time of year, and you’ll be tickled to learn that CTMH is making more fabulous deals available to you. At 12:00 AM MST (11:00 PM Pacific, 1:00 AM Central, 2:00 AM EST) on December 1, CTMH will add new items to the “While Supplies Last” section of my website. Among the new additions you will find a wide variety of paper and coordinating accessories, all with a substantial markdown. You will also find that most of the items that are currently available will also see a further markdown at that time.

To sweeten the deal even more, from December 1–31, all orders placed on my website that reach or exceed $50 will also include a free Bonding Memories® glue pen (Z553)—a $4.50 value! Be sure to shop early, because these deals are only available while supplies last.

Eiffel Tower Calendar

As I've posted before, my Cruisin' Buddy absolutely LOVES the Eiffel Tower. :)  This is the theme of one of my Christmas presents to her this year. Last year I created a calendar using pages I scrapbooked in CTMH's Studio J®.  It was a huge hit and so much fun to look at all the places we had visited.  I finished creating the pages of the Eiffel Tower calendar over the weekend.  Studio J® creates double page layouts, so I just split the double page layouts into one page for each of the twelve months of the year.  When you order the JPGs from CTMH, each page comes as it's own JPG. Snapfish is having their Buy One, Get Two Free calendar sale again.  Once you've created your calendars, simply enter STARCALS in the box when you're checking out.  It came out to less than $40 for 3 calendars.  Can't beat that!

Here's the January layout.

I used the pretty La Belle Vie papers to create the pages.  These papers are so pretty!!  All of these layouts are 12 x 12 so that we can slide the pages in our scrapbooks when the year is over.

Have a wonderful Thursday, everybody!  I'm off to sew three rag quilts.  I'll post pictures when they are finished.

Create a Card

This week's card was created using the Close To My Heart paper packet called Flirty.  The stamp set used is C1524 Words of Comfort.  The hearts were cut out using the CTMH Artiste Cricut® cartridge.

Here are the instructions:

4 ¼” x 5 ½” side fold card base

4 ¼” x 5 ½” Goldrush card stock

4” x 5 ¼” Flirty Background and Texture paper

1 ¾” x 4” Flirty Background and Texture paper

Stamp sentiment and small heart on heart with Goldrush.  The easiest way I have found to split the stamping is to only attach the part I want to ink on the block and fold the rest of the stamp over the back of the block. 

Attach to Goldrush heart. 

Punch another piece of Goldrush card stock with your favorite edge punch. Then cut it to 2 ½” wide at center of scallop and 4 ¼” long.  Attach the Flirty Background and Texture paper piece Goldrush side up.

Attach Flirty flower Background and Texture paper to Goldrush card stock.

Attach your scalloped Goldrush piece ¾” from top and 1 ¼” from right side of card front.

Insert three green brads.

Attach heart with foam squares.

Technique Tuesday

I just had to post one more card from the C1504 Fall Harvest stamp set that we used in the September Stamp a Stack Club.

This one was created using "random" background stamping.  For those who are not familiar with random stamping it really is an easy technique.  There are just a few simple steps and you'll be random stamping like a pro in no time flat!

I use three different size stamps and 3 different colored inks.  You start with your largest stamp.  I usually start somewhere near the middle, but not directly in the middle. Place your card stock on a piece of scrap paper.  Stamp your first image just off center.  Continue to stamp a few more of those images forming a triangle.  Turn either your paper or your stamp so that all of the designs are going in different directions. Be sure to stamp off the card stock so that it l will look more natural.  Also, be sure to leave plenty of room between your images so that you can stamp your second and third stamps.  Take your middle sized stamp and ink with another color.  Fill in between the first color, still leaving room to stamp your third image.  When finished with your second stamp, ink your smallest stamp with ink and fill the spaces you have left. 

And there you have it!  Easy peasy!  Practice make perfect, so, grab your scrap card stock and inks and practice away!

Guest Artist

November's Guest Artist is Jennifer Rue.  Jennifer worked with CTMH's Pear and Partridge Workshop on the Go.

Jennifer will be filling the cute jar with teacher goodies.  Fun!!  Thanks so much for participating, Jennifer!

There's also more artwork and instructions under the Ideas and Inspiration section of my website.

I'd love to have YOU become a Guest Artist! 

Here's the details of the Guest Artist program.

1. If you would like a chance to be a guest artist, please send me a link to artwork on your blog, or, if you have no blog, email me pictures of some of your art. Put Guest Artist in your subject line.
2. On the first of every month, I will choose the guest artist for that month.
3. Upon choosing the artists, I will send you one of Close To My Heart's Workshop on the Go kits. You will need to create the featured layout in the kit (you may jazz it up or put your own spin on it). Then, with all the products left over in the kit, you'll make as many items as you can. You may choose to do another two page layout and some cards, or a one page layout & cards, only cards, or choose something of your own to alter.You will have until the 15th of the month to get all of this done :)
4. When you finish creating, you will send me photos of everything you've created so that I can post them on my blog. If you have a blog, you'll also post them there.
5. You'll get high praise and recognition on my blog.

Does this sound like something you'd like to do? If so, send me your blog link or photos of your artwork.

Black Friday Weekend Sale!

Did you head out to take advantage of the Black Friday sales?  Lots of great bargains out there!  Once you get done, head back to the computer, put your feet up and shop 'til you drop and you could win $50 in FREE Close To My Heart products!

When you place an order through the Mystery Hostess Party link on my website, you will earn chances to receive double the hostess rewards, plus somebody will also receive one of the Workshops on the Go kits.  So...here's the details:

• Earn one entry for every $20 you spend via the Mystery Hostess Party Link.
• The winning hostess will receive double the hostess rewards.  For instance, if the party total is $150, the winner will receive $50 in hostess rewards, rather than the usual $25.  If the party total is $250, the winner will receive $80 in free products, rather than the usual $40.
• And, one winner will also be chosen to receive a FREE Workshop on the Go kit.

To take advantage of this Freebie, when you go to my website to place your order, on your check out page, there will be a Join button to join the Mystery Hostess Party with the November 30, 2012 closing date.  Simply click that link before entering your check out information.

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Black Friday Weekend Specials - Good through Monday November 26th at 11:59 pm EST

FREE Shipping on the Art Philosophy and Artiste Cricut® cartridges!   Each Cricut cartridge is only $99.00 and comes with lots of fun goodies including (3) stamp sets and (3) chipboard sheets per cartridge.  Don't forget that you can take advantage of the Stamp of the Month for $5, plus any stamp set for 1/2 price when you order either cartridge.  Plus, CTMH will donate $1 to Hurricane Sandy relief.  Plus get a FREE A-Size stamp set from me!  You must Email me your order to take advantage of the FREE Shipping and let me know which A-Size Stamp Set.

 Place an order on my website and you will receive a free gift from me.

 

Subtotal of your Order	Gift w/ Purchase – Black Friday Sale with Suzanne Davis
$25-$49.99	CTMH Exclusive Inks® Stamp Pad or Marker Set
$50-$74.99	My Acrylix® Stamp Set (Size A) This level entitles you to receive the Stamp of the Month for only $5!  Plus, by purchasing the Stamp of the Month you will qualify to receive 50% off an additional qualifying stamp set under this months Constant Campaign
$75-$99.99	CTMH My Reflections Kit or B-Size Stamp Set  - This level entitles you to receive the Stamp of the Month for only $5!  Plus, by purchasing the Stamp of the Month you will qualify to receive 50% off an additional qualifying stamp set under this months Constant Campaign
$100-$149.99	Free package of Card Stock or a Free C-Size Stamp Set  - This level entitles you to receive the Stamp of the Month for only $5!  Plus, by purchasing the Stamp of the Month you will qualify to receive 50% off an additional qualifying stamp set under this months Constant Campaign
$150	Receive a FREE D-size Stamp Set of your choice (a $17.95 value).  Receive a FREE Marker Duo set of your color choice (a $5.25 value).  Receive $25 in free products of your choice!  Receive the Stamp of the Month for FREE.  Receive 50% off any qualifying stamp set under the November Constant Campaign .You MUST email me your order to
Art Philosophy Or Artiste Cricut® Collection	FREE SHIPPING and a FREE A-size Stamp Set

 Don't forget, for every $20 in orders place you will receive one entry into the Mystery Hostess Party!


All orders up to $150, with the exception of the Cricut® Cartridges can be placed through the Mystery Hostess Party on my website.  All Freebies will be mailed separately by me.

All the offers listed above are exclusive specials from me ~Suzanne Davis~ and are not a Close To My Heart Promotion. If you have friends or family members that also enjoy paper crafting, please be sure to pass along this information and savings to them. This is the perfect opportunity to get stocked up on gifts, goodies, and MUST-HAVES!  Plus, by shopping with me it helps me to be able to continue offering sales and giveaways on my blog on all your favorite Close To My Heart products.  If you have a family member or friend (that I haven’t met, yet) and they make a Black Friday purchase through me and mention your name, I will send you a FREE Petite Perks Stamp Set as a Thank You!

   If you have any questions, just shoot me an email.

Create a Card

This weeks card uses the CTMH Flirty papers.  I love the fun, vibrant colors!  Two of the colors are limited edition papers created just for this kit.  The stamp set used was C1524 Words of Comfort.  The embossed paper was created using the Cuttlebug and one of it's folders.  And, for the New England Ivy and Bamboo cut outs, I used the Close To My Heart Artiste Cricut® cartridge.

Here are the cutting instructions.

4 ¼” x 5 ½” top fold card base

4 ¼” x 5 ½” Bamboo card stock

4” x 5 ¼” Flirty Background and Texture paper

2” x 3 ½” Goldrush card stock

1 ¾” x 3 ¼” Bamboo embossed card stock (included in the kit)

Stamp sentiment with New England Ivy on Cricut piece.  Mat to New England Ivy piece.

Attach Flirty Background and Texture paper to Bamboo card stock

Attach embossed Bamboo piece to Goldrush card stock. Wrap gold ribbon around bottom and tie in bow.  Attach this piece to card front ½” from left and 3/8” from bottom. 

Attach sentiment.

Attach flower.  I cut off some of the pin part of it to make it shorter.

Technique Tuesday

Easy Party Planning with Cricut®

Learn how to plan the perfect party using one key from the Cricut^® Artiste cartridge—it’s that easy! Invitations, envelopes, banners, cupcake liners, and party favor boxes will make this party a hit!

Magic Club Layout

In the Magic Club for November, we're using CTMH X7157B Dakota paper packet.  We sanded all the card stocks, and, as you can see, I wrinkled one photo mat.  Thankfully, it will be covered with a picture :)  The buttons, brads and stick pin are all from the Mini-Medley Slate Collection.

Happy Weekend!

Boy, does it seem to you like the weekends keep coming faster and faster?  It seems like every time I turn around it's Sunday again.  LOL!  Yea..I know...it's not Sunday yet, but it will be before I know it!  My mom used to say how fast the weeks went by.  As a kid, I could never understand it as there's 24 hours in every day.  I sure know now what she was talking about!

I'm headed to the basement for a day of sewing.  What are you doing this weekend?  Hope it's something FUN!!!
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Just a quick reminder of a couple of things going on right now.

Christmas Card Workshop

I've been busy last weekend making Christmas cards!  I love how they turned out.  I started with the CTMH Pear and Partridge Workshop on the Go kit.  Then, (as Carson Kressley says) I tjuzed them.  LOL!  This is a quick and easy workshop!

The kit contains enough products to create 15 cards, 5 each of 3 designs.  The cards in the front are the basic cards described in the color brochure you receive with your kit.  The second and third cards of each design have been tjuzed.  I'm not sure if you can tell with the picture, but, I dry embossed with my Cuttlebug or ran the cranberry card stock pieces through my crimper on others.  I matted some parts with New England Ivy card stock.  Be sure to click on the pictures to get a better look at the cards.

Included in the kit:
1 – My Acrylix® Pear & Partridge Cardmaking Workshop Stamp Set (C-size)
2 – Pear & Partridge B&T Duos® Papers
4 – Cardstock Sheets (Cranberry, Colonial White, 2 Cocoa)
15 – Colonial White Cards & Envelopes
1 – Red Glitter Gems (108 pieces)
1 – Tan Twill Ribbon (5 yards)
1 – Instructional Brochure

Some basic tools you may already have, such as inks, stamp blocks, or tools are needed to complete this project.
 
 Would you like to make these cards?  There's plenty of time to get them done!  Whether you are local or across the country, you can do these cards!

Pear and Partridge Workshop

Optional Tjuz Package

 


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Freebie Friday Special

Win a Mystery Hostess shopping spree!  All month, when you place an order through the Mystery Hostess Party link on my website, you will earn chances to receive double the hostess rewards, plus somebody will also receive one of the Workshops on the Go kits.  So...here's the details:

• Earn one entry for every $20 you spend via the Mystery Hostess Party Link.
• The winning hostess will receive double the hostess rewards.  For instance, if the party total is $150, the winner will receive $50 in hostess rewards, rather than the usual $25.  If the party total is $250, the winner will receive $80 in free products, rather than the usual $40.
• And, one winner will also be chosen to receive a FREE Workshop on the Go kit.

To take advantage of this Freebie, when you go to my website to place your order, on your check out page, there will be a Join button to join the Mystery Hostess Party with the November 30, 2012 closing date.  Simply click that link before entering your check out information.   If you have any questions, just shoot me an email.

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Happy Weekend, Everybody!

My First Moebius!

What fun these are to create!  I had bought the yarn last year to make them for Christmas, but never got to getting started.  So, this year, after creating a bunch of the ruffle scarves that I posted a few weeks ago, I decided it was time to try the moebius out.  Of course, I didn't have the correct circular needle for them, so I had to order one online.  The one that I just finished required a #10 circular needle that was either 47" or 60" long.  Nothing like that in AC Moore or Walmart.  Those are the only placed to look here.  I found one at Red Heart.  Here's a link to the page they are on.  I may have to go back and order some other needle sizes as I find more patterns that I want to try.

I spoke with a former CTMH consultant last year, as she knits them.  She directed me to be looking for Cat Bordhi, as she pretty much invented this style of moebius.  She has a You Tube video showing how to cast on...the craziest cast on that I've seen.  LOL!  Good thing there's a video!

They can be worn around the neck, or if it's stormy, you can pull part of it over your head.  This one was created using Lion Brand Homespun yarn.  It doesn't take a full skein to make them.  After I finish all of moebius gifts, I'm going to see if I can get some type of a hat out of the rest of the yarn. 

The mobius is so easy to knit!  One of those items you can knit will you watch tv as there's no counting stitch patterns in this one.  You can find lots of patterns at Ravelry.  It's a free site made up of lots of knitters and chocheters. If you have questions, that's the place to ask.  And, there's a ton of free patterns, plus others that you can purchase.  Cat Bordhi has 5 or 6 pages of patterns!  So, if you're looking for a quick, easy project for holiday gifts, give the moebius a try! 


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It's Freebie Friday!  Win a Mystery Hostess shopping spree!  All month, when you place an order through the Mystery Hostess Party link on my website, you will earn chances to receive double the hostess rewards, plus somebody will also receive one of the Workshops on the Go kits.  So...here's the details:

• Earn one entry for every $20 you spend via the Mystery Hostess Party Link.
• The winning hostess will receive double the hostess rewards.  For instance, if the party total is $150, the winner will receive $50 in hostess rewards, rather than the usual $25.  If the party total is $250, the winner will receive $80 in free products, rather than the usual $40.
• And, one winner will also be chosen to receive a FREE Workshop on the Go kit.

To take advantage of this Freebie, when you go to my website to place your order, on your check out page, there will be a Join button to join the Mystery Hostess Party with the November 30, 2012 closing date.  Simply click that link before entering your check out information.   If you have any questions, just shoot me an email.

Magic Club

This is one of the layouts that the Magic Club will be creating in the month of November.  It uses the Close To My Heart paper packet X7157B Dakota.  The buttons and brads are from the Mini Medley Slate Collection.  The Baker's Twine comes from the Neutral Assortment.

 

Create a Card

This card is a simple basic card, but I love the color combo and the soft elegance it shows.

The stamp set used is Close To My Heart C1524 Words of Comfort.  I cut flowers from the CTMH Art Philosophy Cricut® cartridge.  The colors used are Lagoon and White.  Here are the directions to recreate the card.

4 ¼” x 5 ½” side fold card base

4 ¼” x 5 ½” Lagoon card stock

2” x 2 ¾” Lagoon card stock

½” x 4 ¼” Lagoon card stock

1 ¾” x 2 ½” White card stock

Stamp sentiment on white card stock with Lagoon ink and mat on Lagoon.  Ink edges of Lagoon flowers.  Shape petals of one flower.

Cut embossed piece to 4” x 5 ¼”.  Attach Lagoon card stock.

Attach matted sentiment 3/8” from bottom and right side.

Attach Lagoon piece 1 ¼” from top of card front.  Attach flowers and pearl.

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Be sure to stop by my website as there are more deeply discounted items in the While Supplies Last category.

Technique Tuesday

Dauber Dynamite - Getting Perfect Precision from your Inks

Discover the beauty of sponge daubing. When you ink your stamps with sponge daubers, you can create a soft, shaded look that is perfect for a page or card!

Christmas Card Workshop

I've been busy over the weekend making Christmas cards!  I love how they turned out.  I started with the CTMH Pear and Partridge Workshop on the Go kit.  Then, (as Carson Kressley says) I tjuzed them.  LOL!  This is a quick and easy workshop!

The kit contains enough products to create 15 cards, 5 each of 3 designs.  The cards in the front are the basic cards described in the color brochure you receive with your kit.  The second and third cards of each design have been tjuzed.  I'm not sure if you can tell with the picture, but, I dry embossed with my Cuttlebug or ran the cranberry card stock pieces through my crimper on others.  I matted some parts with New England Ivy card stock.  Be sure to click on the pictures to get a better look at the cards.

Included in the kit:
1 – My Acrylix® Pear & Partridge Cardmaking Workshop Stamp Set (C-size)
2 – Pear & Partridge B&T Duos® Papers
4 – Cardstock Sheets (Cranberry, Colonial White, 2 Cocoa)
15 – Colonial White Cards & Envelopes
1 – Red Glitter Gems (108 pieces)
1 – Tan Twill Ribbon (5 yards)
1 – Instructional Brochure

Some basic tools you may already have, such as inks, stamp blocks, or tools are needed to complete this project.
 
 Would you like to make these cards?  There's plenty of time to get them done!  Whether you are local or across the country, you can do these cards!

Pear and Partridge Workshop

Optional Tjuz Package

Freebie Friday

I just finished playing around in Studio J®.  Yes, there are other things I should be doing, but you know how it is when the creative bug hits.  I just had to let it out before heading to the shower to re-caulk it.  LOL!  Anyway, here's the layout I just created using CTMH's Pear & Partridge paper packet.

While my layout was created digitally with Studio J®, you can easily reproduce it using paper products.  The products you can use are:

• X7162B Pear & Partridge My Reflections Kit
• X7162C Pear & Partridge Glittery Rub-ons
• Z1772 Dimensional Elements - Holiday

 It's Freebie Friday!  Win a Mystery Hostess shopping spree!  All month, when you place an order through the Mystery Hostess Party link on my website, you will earn chances to receive double the hostess rewards, plus somebody will also receive one of the Workshops on the Go kits.  So...here's the details:

• Earn one entry for every $20 you spend via the Mystery Hostess Party Link.
• The winning hostess will receive double the hostess rewards.  For instance, if the party total is $150, the winner will receive $50 in hostess rewards, rather than the usual $25.  If the party total is $250, the winner will receive $80 in free products, rather than the usual $40.
• And, one winner will also be chosen to receive a FREE Workshop on the Go kit.

To take advantage of this Freebie, when you go to my website to place your order, on your check out page, there will be a Join button to join the Mystery Hostess Party with the November 30, 2012 closing date.  Simply click that link before entering your check out information.   If you have any questions, just shoot me an email.