Rock the BLOCK Blog Hop!

Welcome to our Rock the Block Blog Hop!

We will be featuring December and January’s Constant Campaign!!!  This special starts TODAY – December 19th and it includes an E-size stamp set AND a PREVIEW of a new item in our Spring Idea Book – My Creations Collage Cubes!!!! The stamp set includes 22 ADORABLE stamps!! 

This EXCLUSIVE stamp set & collage cubes can be YOURS when you purchase $25 in product from the current Fall/Winter Idea Book. The RETAIL VALUE of these two items are $44.90 – but you will pay just $15.00!!!  Yes- you will be getting the E-size (retail value $29.95) for FREE!!!!



If you have come here from Gina’s Blog, you are on the right path! The blog hop is a great big circle, so you can start here and work your way all around. If you get lost along the way, you’ll find the complete list of participating consultants HERE.

Today we have over 30 Close To My Heart Consultants sharing their creations using this Rock the Block special!! Yayy!!!  So sit back and enjoy each creation as you venture through this blog hop and get GREAT ideas to create on your own!!

This Hop is simple to do - just click on the link at the end of the post on each blog to move to the next one! Here we go!

I had a LOT of fun using these Collage blocks.  I wanted to create a set of travel games, but time got away from me, so I chose to create an picture album puzzle using our current Christmas pictures. 

There are SIX sides to these collage cubes PLUS it comes with a tray to store the cubes in too!!!  There were a LOT of items to decorate….and the ideas kept coming as I was creating! J I tried to do a different technique on each side of the cube so that you can see a VARIETY of ways to use your stamps and inks!

It was VERY hard for me to not embellish these blocks J– as you notice, I did use 3D foam tape (which I would NOT recommend using J) and some of my blocks are a bit tight in the tray and do not flip very easily. 

 Products I used to create these collage cubes puzzle…

Z1686 Cricut Art Philosophy Collection

X7143B Sonoma level 2 paper
Z1635 Heirloom Assortment

Ink colors I used…

Smokey Plum, Petal, Olive, Bamboo and Cocoa

Now "Hop" on over to Jen’s Blog to see her amazing artwork!
Be sure to visit all the Consultants at their Blogs to get some great crafting ideas and other fun ideas!

If you would like to see more details (and pictures) of the rest of my projects, please feel free to scroll down for the details! J

Remember, the Rock the Block special is only available until January 31st!!! Place your qualifying order of $25 in CTMH product and receive these TWO items (retailed at $44.90) for ONLY $15.00!!!! Contact your CTMH Consultant (or click here) to see how you can get this stamp set at this amazing discount!
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Here are the rest of the details for the collage blocks I created...
I wanted to use some of the BEAUTIFUL Sonoma paper…and decided to use the Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge to create some letters…nothing fancy, but nice and simple.









We had gotten our pictures taken the other week and I thought this was the PERFECT opportunity to use them!

Take notice of how a 4x6 picture will fit on these cubes PERFECTLY!!!!  That is a 4x6 picture cut into 2” squares.

Do you see the frames stamped at the bottom?  If you look at the stamp set, you’ll see there is NOT just a frame shown as a stamp.  What I did was masking…I stamped the framed image “it’s hip to be square”  and cut out the middle of the frame.  When I wanted to stamp just the frame, I put the cut out words over my inked words on the stamp,  and by doing that, I only stamped the frame image that I wanted!   



This next side was a picture of just our three precious children. 

I took the stamp “FUN” and stamped it on bamboo cardstock, and then cut out the letters separately.  If you look closely, you will notice they are not cut perfect…that’s why I put a flower behind each letter so it would hide the imperfection. J It’s also fun to stamp flourishes on top of B&T paper.

This is one side of my cube where I used the 3D foam tape…I would suggest not doing that as it makes your blocks larger and therefore they do not fit back into the tray like they should. J





I chose to decorate the bottom tray that comes along with the Collage Cubes.  I did not have the pictures printed that I’d like to put on here, but thought you might like to see the stamped part of the project. J
I LOVE this HUGE flourish that comes in this Rock the Block stamp set!!!  So many things you can do with this stamp!!! 

Take notice that I used one of the background stamps in this set to add a bit of texture between the two stamped images.  I think I may use my cutting knife to cut away some of the flourish design, and then tuck my picture behind the flourishes…


Here is the outside of the tray…I used our Sonoma paper pack and THEN I used our handy-dandy “zip strips” as my border! (these quick "zip strips" come in EACH of our NEW paper packs as a little extra!)  The zip strips are 12” long…but this tray measured 6 1/2” x 6 1/2”.  Uh oh- what to do?!? The zip strip will not be long enought!!!!  Well…this is where I can use EMELLLISHMENTS!!! J I pulled out my coordinating Heirloom Assortment and used those ADORABLE flowers to cover up the ends of my zip strips!  So clever! J

Then I used the leaves stamp from the Rock the Block pack to make the flower look more real!!! J






I did not have pictures to finish my collage blocks BUT I did complete all 6 sides!!!




Check out how each one is created a bit differently! J

I used the circle border stamp to create a background!!!
Take a look at the “chip off the old block” image.  Can you see I stamped TWO different frames and then just layered them on top of each other? J  I wanted a different look and decided to try this!







This side of the blocks will be for a picture of our daughter.  I stamped the entire 6x6 cocoa cardstock with the one of the texture stamps.  Then I created some flowers by using the “Stamp kissing” method to create a design in my flower!!!  This gives my flowers texture and a different appearance from the original stamp! 

I also cut a shape on the Art Philosophy cartridge for the “It’s Hip to be Square” stamp.  It did not line up perfectly with the precut shape, so I colored the edges that it didn’t line up in smokey plum! 
Also, I used my CTMH markers on this side.  I colored in a few words  on this stamped image and I colored the dotted line around the inside of the bracket line with the olive colored marker too!







My final side of the collage blocks are a random stamped side.  I will be putting one of our sons pictures on this side…so I didn’t want too girly, but decided to pull out that paisley stamp and do some 2 color stamping.  I first inked my stamp in the lighter color – petal, then I rolled the outer edges of the stamp in a darker color – in this case smokey plum.  I then get a two toned stamped image!!!

Now "Hop" on over to Jen’s Blog to see her amazing artwork!

I hope you enjoyed these details! J  Feel free to leave a comment!  I enjoy reading each one of them! 

Have a very Merry Christmas!!!
Blessings!
 Krista

Wonderland Delight with Studio J

This monthly Love Your Layout video has some WONDERFUL tips for when you use Studio J!!! You won't want to miss this episode!




If you are interested in learning more about Studio J, please CLICK HERE to go to an earlier post that will share details about how YOU can “Play for FREE” with Studio J . I LOVE that you can PLAY before Purchasing!! Yayyy Close To My Heart!

OR if you already know the details about how Studio J works AND you would like to CREATE with Sudio J -just head over to my website by clicking here!!!

Happy Creating! J
Krista

Art Philosophy Blog Hop

A HUGE thanks to Lisa Stenz for hosting this Art Philosophy Blog Hop!!! 

I am AMAZED at how I use this Close To My Heart Cricut Cartridge for almost EVERY project I create!  (and I was NOT a Cricut user prior to CTMH releasing this cartridge! J) I  may just cut a simple circle for some, but more often than not – I use this cartridge to cut many of the wonderful shapes, designs, 3D items, etc. from this MAGNIFICENT cartridge!!!

Today I’d like to share with you a hostess gift that I have given recently using the Roxie paper pack.  My cousin recently had a book party for me (thanks Jodi J) and I wanted to show my appreciation to her by giving her these gifts!

I created the purse from the Art Philosophy Cartridge.  The purse is found on page 23 of the booklet.  On the keypad, you will hit the “Font Layer” button + the “Shift” button and then the top row…3rd button in from the left.  If you would like to make the largest size purse you can - you will need to press the “fit to page” button and it will cut ONE purse at 6 1/4”.  (I’m wondering if I had a Gypsy – if this could be changed???)  To create TWO purses on 1- 12x12 sheet, you will set your Cricut size to 5 1/2” and you will get TWO purses!! 

For the flowers…I used the “simple” roses, with no waves or wiggly edges.  I hadn’t used this flower much, but decided to give it a try! 

Well, let me tell you – I’ve been creating a LOT of these flowers lately! J You will find this flower shape on page 70 of the Art Philosophy Cricut booklet.  I cut the roses at varying sizes…3 1/2”, 2 1/2” and 1 1/2” are three sizes you could use. 

I used the leaf key (2nd row from bottom, 6 button in from left, shift key) for the foliage.  After the leaf was cut, I took my dry embossing stylus and created “veins” in the leaf.  Then, swiped the leaf in sweet leaf ink and ta-dah…a real life looking leaf! J
 
  
Here is a post it note holder that is shown in the picture above…

I enjoy creating these post it note holders…they are so FUN to do!!!
I used 2 pieces of 4” cardstock squares and covered them with Roxie paper.  The plaid squares are cut at 5 1/2" and then folded over the edge of the cardstock.  I then cover the insides of the post it note with the other side of the plaid paper– the smoothie, rose print. These are cut at 3 3/4" squares, just to cover up my folded edges of the plaid.  I then used my Bind-it-All machine and punched holes and put in the spiral binding. 

I cut some more roses using the Art Philosophy Cartridge AND cut the bracket shape too! 

The bracket is found on page 37 of the Cricut booklet.  For the vanilla cream bracket that I stamped on – use the Tag key, and press the 2nd row, 4 keys in from the RIGHT.  For the black frame of the bracket…use the Layer key and the 2nd row, 4 keys from the Right button. 

I used two Stamp sets to create this.  The saying “Friends…” came from the Bundled Buddies stamp set.  I LOVE swirls and flourishes J and in this case I used the Instant Memories stamp set to add these swirls. 

  For the finishing touch, I tied some ribbon to the spiral binding and I also created a pen to match this post it note holder. 
Look at what a little bit of Stardust Glitz Glitter Gel does to any creation!!  I LOVE the effect of our Glitz Glitter Gels!!! Check out ALL of our four colors by clicking here!!

I hope you were inspired and are ready to create with your OWN Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge!!! 

If you are not familiar with the NEW Close To My Heart Cricut Cartridge...know that this cartridge HAS it all!!! J 

There are LIMITLESS opportunities with this cartridge !!! You can create over 700 images with this ONE Art Philosophy cartridge!!!  You have a font (and a font layer), 3D flowers, 3D boxes, envelopes, card shapes, etc... ALL on THIS cartridge!!!  PLUS - what I LOVE the most, so many of these Cricut images coordinate with our wonderful My Acrylix Stamp sets!!! YES - no more cutting out stamped images...instead, cut the image with the Art Philosophy cartridge, and stamp your design directly on top of it!!  Wa-Laaa! Faster. Simpler. Easier!!!! This IS a Cartridge that you will use OVER and OVER again!! 

Contact your CTMH consultant if you would like to purchase this cartridge today (Christmas is right around the corner J) OR if you are not associated with a consultant, please feel free to contact me and I will be happy to answer any questions you may have concerning Close To My Heart!!

If you'd like to join this HOP - please DO!!!  The only guideline for this Blog Hop/Linky Party is that you use the Art Philosophy cartridge somewhere on your project. You can use any brand of paper, embellishments, stamps, etc, but make sure you tell us how you used the AP cartridge. The hop will be open for a week and will close to new entries on Monday, December 12th.  More details are found on Lisa Stenz's blog by clicking HERE. 

Blessings to you for a BEAUTIFUL day!!
  Krista

Discounted items added on my website!!!

There are a LOT of NEW clearance items added to my ONLINE store!!!  Check out the paper packs, cardstock packs that are on my site for a discounted price! 

But hurry, these discounts will go FAST!!!

Two of my favorite paper packs (that are now retired) are on the discount list!! Check out the Sweetheart and Wings paper packs at AMAZING prices!!

Sweetheart Paper Packet

(regularly priced at $12.95) - now only $5.00!

Sweetheart My Stickease

(regularly priced at $4.95) - now only $2.00!

Sweetheart Level 1 Kit

(regularly priced at $9.95) - now only $5.00!

Wings Paper Packet

(regularly priced at $12.95) - now only $5.00!

Wings My Stickease

(regularly priced at $4.95) - now only $2.00!

Wings Level 1 Kit

(regularly priced at $9.95) - now only $5.00!

Also, you will want to check out the DISCOUNTED cardstock multi pack prices too!

Winter Cozy 8 1/2 x 11 Cardstock

(regularly priced at $7.95) - now only $7.00!

Spring Harmony 12 x 12 Cardstock

(regularly priced at $9.95) - now only $7.00!

Citrus Leaf 12x12 Cardstock

(regularly priced at $9.50) - now only $6.00!

These are only a FEW of the cardstock packs that are on this clearance site!!  CLICK HERE to see ALL of the cardstock that is DISCOUNTED!!!

I dug into my archives and found MANY items I created with these two paper packs - here are a few ideas that I used for these amazing paper packs.  

Click on the link below to start shopping for great clearance items!!!

A reminder that with any $50 order (before shipping & tax) that you place  in the month of December, you will qualify for the December Stamp of the Month at a discounted price of $5.00!!! 

A quick and beautiful gift EVERYONE will love!

The gift-giving season can be an uplifting time of merriment and joy... but it can also feel a bit hectic. It’s nice to know you can count on Studio J^® to help you give meaningful gifts that don’t require a lot of time or money.




Here are a few ideas to simplify your life and save time for both the giver and the receiver.

• Make one family layout and print multiple copies for everyone. (Time: 15–45 minutes) With Studio J, printing extra copies of a layout is as simple as changing the quantity on the checkout screen. Or, if you prefer, create one layout, then copy it into a new project as many times as you like and customize it for each recipient.
• Give a Studio J 5-pack along with a Quick Pic™ album. (Time: 5 minutes) Since a 5-pack includes free layouts, free shipping, and free Memory Protectors^®, it’s everything they’ll need to create a finished album!
• Present a loved one with a 3-month Studio J membership. (Time: 5 minutes) A 3-month membership costs just $30 US / $33 CAN and is the perfect way to help someone “get their feet wet” with Studio J and give them complete access to a product you love. Combine it with a 5-pack to make it an extra-special stocking stuffer!
• Give a gift certificate for one-on-one Studio J training. (Time: 35 minutes) With Studio J, you can create two 2-page layouts in just 30 minutes. Give a gift certificate for a 30-minute session of one-one-one training where you help them create two layouts. Once you’ve shown them how fast and easy it is to scrapbook the Studio J way, they’ll be excited to create more pages on their own!

So put on the holiday music, pour yourself some eggnog, and pull out your holiday gift list. Studio J is a great way to help you give the gift of memories—without taking much time!

Click on the picture below to start YOUR Studio J pages today!!!!

December 2011 Blog Hop–Mad About You

Welcome to our Stamp of the Month Blog Hop!

We will be featuring December's SOTM, which is Mad About You a set of 14 stamps.

 
If you have come here from Vicki’s Blog, you are on the right path! The blog hop is a great big circle, so you can start here and work your way all around. If you get lost along the way, you’ll find the complete list of participating consultants HERE.

This month we have 57 Close To My Heart Consultants sharing their creations using this month's SOTM and other great CTMH products on their blogs. So sit back and enjoy each creation as you venture through this blog hop and get GREAT ideas to create on your own!! 

This Hop is simple to do - just click on the link at the end of the post on each blog to move to the next one! Here we go!

I chose to create a couple of smaller sized cards this month...what FUN!!!!  The left card is a 4 3/4" x 3 card and the right card is a 3 1/2" x 2 1/2 size card.  It had been quite a long time since I created a different card size rather than the “normal” 5 1/2 x 4 1/4 size card. 
 
I used Jeanette Lynton’s WONDERFUL how-to book Originals to guide me in my creating! This book is a MUST HAVE and is such a HUGE time saver!!!  Who doesn’t like to save time?!?! J

Products I used to create these 2 cards…

X7140B Roxie level 2 paper
X5646 Vanilla Cream cardstock
Z282 Black Hemp
Z1463 Just Blooms Paper Shapes
Z1263 Bitty Sparkles
Z1326 Red, Pink, & Purple  Sparkles
Z1313 Stardust Glitz Glitter Gel
Z1320 Tulip Mini-Medley

 Ink colors I used…

Tulip, Black, Smoothie, Desert Sand and Cocoa

Now "Hop" on over to Helen’s Blog to see her work!

Be sure to visit all the Consultants at their Blogs to get some great crafting ideas and other fun ideas!

Remember, the December SOTM is only available until December 31st!!!  Contact your CTMH Consultant (or click here) to see how you can get this stamp set at a discount or even free!
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Here are some more details on the two cards I created...

First of all – this December SOTM stamp set IS Cricut Compatible – Yayy!!!  The reason I LOVE this option, is I can get the beautiful look of a “cut out” stamped image, without taking the time to cut it out myself – the Cricut machine does it for me!!! J

Now, some details on my cards…the card on the left is found on page 24 of the Originals book and it’s called “Little Squares”. 

 
I used the edge distresser on my black cardstock and inked the edges of the Smoothie card base. 

If you look closely, you may notice the dry embossed hearts on the smoothie cardstock behind the words.  This embossing wasn’t quite the look I was going for, but it is very light and subtle and adds an extra touch to this card design.










The “You’re Sweet” card design is also found in the Originals book on page 16 and the pattern name is “Center View”. 

I love the zebra print in the Roxie paper pack and wanted to use this paper in some way. J The design on the other half of the card I created by stamping the large heart in smoothie ink and used 2nd generation to get the textured look. 

I LOVE that I could cut out this “circle4” image from the Cricut and stamped my frame, and than cut a smaller “circle4” to stamp the You’re Sweet on it.  The small heart was also cut by the Cricut machine…it was cut at .4, just under 1/2”.  I added some stardust glitz glitter gel and covered the small heart to give some extra shine! 

I hope you enjoyed my creations!  Happy Blog Hopping!!! J
 
  Krista