Blog Hop: October Stamp of the Month

Welcome to the October stamp of the month blog hop, and with that...we usher in a bit of Christmas.  Yes, I did say Christmas.  If you are going to create for the holiday's, now is the time to get started!  Travel through this hop with a beverage of your choice on hand, pin your favorite ideas, and start planning your holiday crafting. 

If you have come here from Nikka'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 on Melinda’s Blog:  http://ifyoublingit.blogspot.com/p/stamp-of-month-blog-hop-list.html.

This month we have over 70 Close To My Heart Consultants sharing their creations using this month's SOTM and other great CTMH products on their blogs. This 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 just love the little house that is part of this set.  We have several new neighbors so I thought it would be a fun welcome card as well as holiday card.  I used the Artbooking Cricut Cartridge to cut the snowflake on card number two but this set has several stamps that coordinate with the Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge.  This makes your creating speedy!  The other supplies I used include the Kraft Cardstock, Snowhaven Paper packet, Chevron ribbon (a special for October), Triangle border punch, Corner Rounder, Cranberry ink, Black ink and Shin Han markers.  Oh yes, and lest I forget, the "Welcome" is made with the stamp set from the new Artfully Sent Cricut collection.  Just love the font both on the stamp set AND on the new cartridge.  

 Here's a closer look at the other images and the possible Cricut cuts! 

Now "Hop" on over to Pam'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 October SOTM is only available until the 31st!  Contact your CTMH Consultant (or click here) to see how you can get this stamp set at a discount!

Keep your eye out for more projects I have created using this stamp set through out this month. 

Happy Hopping,
Michele

Tool Time: Spritz and stamp scrubber to clean Cricut Mats

This tool may seem basic but it really is an important part of your creative endeavors.  The video below will show you how it works.  But, this past week, I found a second use for the spritz and scrubber.  I had several mats that weren't sticky enough to use but were still in good condition.  I sprayed them with spritz, let them sit for a couple of minutes and then used the scrubber to scrub off the loosened paper fibers.  I then ran the mat under lukewarm water to rinse and let it dry. 

After the mat was dry, I used the CTMH memories bonding glue and covered the mat with a light layer of glue, being careful to stay in the "sticky" area.  When that dried, I was able use the mats again.  Love that!



Happy crafting,
Michele

Artfully Sent Creations

When you get a new toy, you just want to play!  I took the seasonal route with my new Artfully Sent Cricut Cartridge.  Added the Scaredy Cat paper packet and in no time...really it was super fast...I had created these cards. 

Cut at 7" page 44  Sentiment function

Outlined with the silver marker and sentiment stamped from Halloween Greetings. 

Cut at 4 1/4" Page 43 Pop up for outer card, Pop up for Happy Halloween, Icon for web, and Icon for spider.  I used purple shimmer trim and Halloween Greetings for card front elements. 

Cut at 5" Page 44, , Pop up for outer card, Pop up for inner card with cut out ghosts, Icon for Haunted House and Icon for Tree.  I used the White Enamel stars and colored them with the Marigold Shin Han marker.   

You can purchase any of these items on my website and create your own 3-D Halloween cards.  (No special glasses needed!)

Happy Creating,
Michele

Seasonal Sampler Club is now taking new members!

I love being able to hang something seasonal in my home.  I have boxes of decor, but sometimes I don't have time to get it all out, decorate and then redecorate.  This is my solution!  Seasonal Samplers.  Each month I will hold a workshop to create a sampler which you can trade out in your frame, store in a flat box (provided) each month, and use again the following year.  When you purchase the frame and complete 8 samplers, your 9th sampler is free. (One of the greatest parts of this club is the collaboration with my downline to share our projects with our respective clubs!) 

October Sampler Workshop
 Oct 3rd 9:30 a.m. or Oct 6th 7:00 p.m. or "kit to go" available through October. 

Created by myself.

November Sampler Workshop
Monday November 3rd 7:00 p.m. or Friday November 7th 9:30 a.m. or "kit to go". 

 Created by Lalia Harris.

December Sampler Workshop
Monday, December 1st, 7 p.m. or Friday December 5th 9:30 a.m. or "kit to go". 

Created by Tracie Cassidy

January Sampler Workshop
Monday January 5th 7 p.m. or Friday January 9th 9:30 a.m. or "kit to go" option.

Created by Meredith Nguyen.  

Contact me to join us for the workshop or purchase your "kit to go".  

Michele

When stamps meet ink!

It feels so good to get creative!  I never know exactly what the result will be.  Sometimes I have an idea of what I am looking for and am not satisfied until I get it.  Other times, I am willing to just let the creativity flow.

I had some stamps that had yet to meet inks so I started with a couple of them.  I kept it simple both because I wanted a workshop card for first time stampers and I wanted to see if I could keep it simple...

Here is one result of my creative time this past weekend...and I am very satisfied.

Do you have stamps that need to meet some ink?  Give it a try today!
Michele

Supplies I used: 

• B1462 Lovely Birthday Stamp Set
• C1564 Stitch Wonder Stamp Set
• D1607 Bodacious Banners Stamp Set (Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge compatible)
• Z2173 Slate Ink
• Z2640 Thistle Ink
• Z2197 Pear Ink
• Z2004 Lagoon Heart Washi tape

Family Is Forever

The September stamp of the month has a folk art style to it.  I have seen many different pieces of artwork made from this set.  If you haven't been through the blog hop, you can start here. 

I also participated in a swap and this is the lovely artwork I received using the stamp set! 

What does this set inspire you to create? 

Remember this set is only available through Sept 30th.  You can purchase for $5 with a qualifying order or at full price for $17.95.  And don't forget about Nat'l Stamping Month #30yearsofhappy stamp set.  This is free with a $30 purchase of stamps.  Lots of goodies this month at CTMH. 

Happy Creating,
Michele

That Feeling of Fall

Yes, it has arrived.  Chilly mornings, warm afternoons, school buses, soccer games, and the feeling of wanting to create and scrapbook the photos of the summer adventures.  Sharing my adventures and creations is what I have for you!

This card was inspired by Karen Pedersen.  The stamp set is from the Chalk It Up workshop on the go.  This money and time saving kit makes scrapbooking summer adventures a breeze and it is great for card making too!

Here's some details about Workshops on the Go!



Ok, she is a little scripted
...but she does give you the details!

Here's the products I used to create this card.

Chalk it up Workshop On the Go

Black, Flaxen, Sorbet and Lagoon Inks

Black Striped Twill

Journaling Pen

Card Bases and Envelopes

Under Construction

Construction is everywhere...even on my blog.  Your patience is appreciated and your constructive suggestions are welcome.

Thanks,
Michele

For Cardmakers and Cricut Lovers!

It has arrived, the Artfully Sent Cricut Cartridge.  You can order here, now!

Contact me 

if you would like a spec sheet with image and function details.  

So excited! 

 Michele

#30 years of Happy! More reasons to celebrate!

September is National stamping month and I am glad you are here to hop along through some great artwork using the #30yearsofhappy.  If you have come here from Kelly's Blog, you are on the right track.  This is a big loop of 40 consultants.  When you are done viewing my page, hop on over toTerry Ann's Blog to see her creative talent shine!  Now, on with the show!

This month we are celebrating with a set of 30 cute little stamps that you receive FREE with a purchase of $30 in stamps.  Isn't this adorable?  Perfect for small gift cards, tags, mini albums, Picture My Life and even classic scrapbooking! 

Here's what I created with this set as I got started...and come back frequently and your will see more artwork throughout the month!

The fun part was using the scraps I had on my desk.  Be sure to visit all the Consultants at their Blogs to get some other fun ideas! Remember, the Nat'l Stamping Month Special is only available until September 30th!  Contact your CTMH Consultant (or click here) to see how you can get this stamp set at a discount!

Want to see more before you go?  In a google search, I found this idea.  Like I said...come back for more ideas throughout this month. 

Can't wait to send this off to my girl at college! 

Enjoy hopping along and seeing all the creative artwork!

Michele