A Dream Pop Luau Layout

 A few weeks ago, my youngest daughter was invited to her friend's luau themed birthday party.  The party was a little girl's dream.  The pictures that I was able to take with my silly little iphone were so vibrant!  I am planning on adding another layer of my favorite photos with Flip Flaps shortly.  Anyway, I finally broke down and opened up that gorgeous Dream Pop paper pack by CTMH that I have been have been hoarding for over a year!  The bright pink shiny embossed paper might be something that you will be seeing shortly in the new CTMH Idea Book (hint, hint!).  All of the flowers were made using the CTMH Artiste Cricut Cartridge.  So easy, with just the right amount of drama, wouldn't you agree?  Here is a close up.  

PS - The gems and sayings came from my stash!

Kaboom CTMH June Stamp of the Month

 

Welcome to my entry for the June Joyful Stars Blog Hop.  If you arrived here from Nickie's blog, you are on the right track.  I literally threw this card together just in time for tonight's hop...nothing like the last minute!  I wanted to feature this month's CTMH Stamp of the Month, Kaboom.  It has a great summertime, July 4th kind of vibe to it, but I wanted to use it to make a birthday card for my nephew, Ryan.  I used just some scraps from last month's Free To Be Me paper packet.  (Hope you were lucky enough to get one!)  If not, you could easily substitute the CTMH Jubilee paper pack.  The card is based upon the Mojo Monday Sketch 349, a great place for cardmaking inspiration.  I hope you enjoyed this simple card!  Now hop along to see what the talented Janice (The Craftin' Geek) has in store for you!



Proplayer Shadow Box

Today I am featuring this amazing shadowbox made by my mom, Elizabeth Recksiek.  She does not blog...yet!  Maybe I can get her to try someday.  Until that happens, I am more than happy to be able to share her projects with you here.  This shadowbox is made with CTMH Proplayer Stickease and paper.  The shadowbox is from Kohls.  It is going to be a prize at a Tricky Tray that my sister is hosting to raise money for Cub Scouts.  I will be honest, I am hoping to win this work of art because I don't know if others will realize how much of her heart she poured into making this.  I will keep you posted on whether I am successful!

CTMH Free To Be Me - Joyful Stars May Blog Hop

Welcome to the Joyful Stars blog hop for May!  If you have come here from
Cindy's blog, then you are on the right track.  For this month's Joyful Stars blog hop I have decided to share a layout and a card made from the exclusive new paper packet from Close To My Heart called Free To Be Me.  It is available during the month of May, and it is only $5 with a qualifying purchase of $50. 

Here are some up close details of the layout:

 

I added some white cardstock as the base of my layout and card, and I still have the majority of my paper packet left for more projects!  Both projects were so easy to create, and I like how they turned out.  (I must admit, I was intimidated by this paper packet at first.)  I used my CTMH Art Philosophy cartridge to cut those vibrant flower embellishments out of the shiny, embossed solid cardstock contained in the FTBM paper pack.  The word Cherish was cut out of the CTMH Artbooking cartridge and the Happy Mother's Day on the card was from the CTMH Artiste cartridge.  See, I really do love and use all three of my CTMH cartridges!  I little bling and some Teal Shimmer Trim was the only additions to complete my projects.   I hope that you enjoy them.  Please feel free to pin away to your Pinterest boards. 

Now, please hop on to all of the other very talented bloggers, starting with Crystal Davis.

Here is a complete list of bloggers in case you loose your way on the hop!

 Joyce-joyfulcreations.blogspot.com

    Krista Hershberger     Kristascraftycorner.blogspot.com

 Betty Locco             scrapbookgirl2.blogspot.com

    Helen Gullett            byheleng.wordpress.com

    Nancy Brown            creativelyartsygallery.blogspot.com

    Nickie Hoffer               nickiehoffer.blogspot.com

    Lori Meadows           CraftyMeadows.blogspot.com

     Cindy Leek                 savingmemorieswithcindy.com     

Andrea Sherman       girlspluspaper.blogspot.com

        Crystal Davis               craftingwithcrystal.blogspot.com 

        Janice Centritto          craftingeek.blogspot.com        

        Stephanie B                stephanielovesscrapbooking.blogspot.com

 

 



CTMH Base and Bling Customized Jewelry

I am madly in love with Close To My Heart's Base and Bling jewelry.  My favorite items are the adorable pendants that are fully customizable.  I love that I could add a photo of my four kids, slide on a little charm and add a flower embellishment.  The ensemble on the right was made from CTMH Skylark paper onto which I stamped the word love, and added a bow from the CTMH Arianna embellishments.  I will be featuring a jewelry bar tomorrow at the Scrapbooking Circle of Tuxedo crop.

April 2014 Joyful Stars Blog Hop

Welcome to the Joyful Stars Blog Hop for April 2014. If you found your way here from Elizabeth's blog, you are on the right track.  Our theme for this month is Easter, so I thought that I would share a Studio J digitally scrapbooked layout that I just created last month.  I just found a disc with photos from all the way back in 2003, and wanted to get them scrapbooked.  Can you believe these babies are now 13 and almost 17?  Where did the years go?

I love Studio J for its ability to help me create layouts in a jiffy, allowing me to get caught up on my scrapping.  I also love that I can select "paper packs" that are retired.  I had selected the Chantilly kit for its Springtime feel.  I picked a layout template that worked best for the photos that I had, and I was able to customize the background "papers" and digital embellishments.  I was also able to journal and create titles as I desired.  I opted to print this two page layout for only $7.95, and it was delivered to my door. The pdf files were also included in that price, and I was able to download the layout to share with you, or to have reprints made.  If you would like to try Studio J for your own layouts, it is absolutely free to try, and you only pay if you would like to order your creations.  I hope that you enjoyed my little journey back in time!  Thank you for joining me.  



Next up, please visit the very talented Cindy Leek at                savingmemorieswithcindy.com

Remember to check back every month on the 10th to hop.

In case you get lost, here is the list of bloggers:

Joyce Houck            Joyce-joyfulcreations.blogspot.com

Betty Locco             scrapbookgirl2.blogspot.com

Crystal Davis               craftingwithcrystal.blogspot.com

Nancy Brown            creativelyartsygallery.blogspot.com

Nickie Hoffer               nickiehoffer.blogspot.com

Elizabeth M               ejoym.blogspot.com

Andrea Sherman      girlspluspaper.blogspot.com

 Cindy Leek                 savingmemorieswithcindy.com

Stephanie Huber         lavendersagedesigns.blogspot.com

Lori Meadows           CraftyMeadows.blogspot.com

Krista Hershberger     Kristascraftycorner.blogspot.com

Stephanie B             stephanielovesscrapbooking.blogspot.com

back to Joyce            Joyce-joyfulcreations.blogspot.com

FREE CTMH Cricut Collection during April 2014

Would you like a free Close To My Heart Cricut Collection?  During April 2014 you will get to pick from the following three CTMH Cricut collections when you join my team.  That's right - you choose - Artbooking, Artiste or Art Philosophy for FREE!

 In addition to your FREE CTMH Cricut Collection, a $99 value, you will also receive over $309 in CTMH products.  That is a $408 value for your investment of only $99! 

Whether you are looking to start your very own exciting business or just looking to receive a 22% instant discount on your own Close To My Heart products, I would LOVE to have you join my GIRLplusPAPERhearts team!!!



Balloon Talk - CTMH's April 2014 Stamp Of The Month

Introducing Balloon Talk, the April 2014 Stamp of the Month from Close To My Heart.  This fun stamp set can be yours for only $5 with a qualifying purchase of $50 in CTMH products.

Disney Studio J Layouts

Are you looking for a quick way to scrapbook some photos?  If so, why not try Studio J online scrapbooking?  There is nothing to download and it is free to create your layouts, and you only pay if you would like to have them sent to you.  I am years behind in my scrapbooking, so last night I decided to create a double layout featuring our 2013 trip to Disney.  I would like to share them with you.  Isn't the new CTMH Balloon Ride "paper" just a perfect match for our morning at the Grand Floridian?   

Skylark Cards for Joyful Stars Blog Hop

Welcome to the Joyful Stars blog hop for March!

Today I will be sharing two of the cards that I made with the brand new CTMH Skylark Paper Pack and My Acrylix Love This stamp set.

 

Up first is my 4.25" x 5.5" card, which came together very quickly.  I used the stamp set to create the vine trailing down from the flower.  Speaking of the flower, it was cut from the CTMH Artiste Cricut cartridge.

 

My second card measures 3" x 3".  I stuck to the Skylark and Love This once again.  I added a little Turquoise Shimmer Trim and glittered the bird.  Both cards are meant to coordinate with the layout featured in last week's post.

 

I would like to thank you for taking a look at my projects.  Please feel free to pin away on Pinterest...I love to share my artwork!  Next stop on our Joyful Stars blog hop is the very talented Betty Locco's blog.

 

Here is a list of all of the bloggers in case you get lost!

Joyce Houck            Joyce-joyfulcreations.blogspot.com 

Nancy Brown            creativelyartsygallery.blogspot.com

Krista Hershberger     Kristascraftycorner.blogspot.com  

Stephanie Huber         lavendersagedesigns.blogspot.com 

Cindy Leek                 savingmemorieswithcindy.com 

Crystal Davis               craftingwithcrystal.blogspot.com 

Nickie Hoffer               nickiehoffer.blogspot.com

Lori Meadows           CraftyMeadows.blogspot.com 

Andrea Sherman       girlpluspaper.blogspot.com 

Betty Locco             scrapbookgirl2.blogspot.com 

Elizabeth M               ejoym.blogspot.com

 

 



Skylark Layout

  My layout features the brand new CTMH paper pack called Skylark.  I love the beautiful colors it has in it.  I began with a pattern from the CTMH Make It From Your Heart Volume 2 book.  I also used an adorable stamp set called Love This for all of the stamped accents that you see.  I made the 3D flowers out of the CTMH Artiste cartridge, and the honeycomb overlay out of the CTMH Artbooking cartridge!  A little Bronze Shimmer Trim and Rosewood Accents complete the layout! 

Studio J Savings!!!

Are you a digital scrapbooking WONDER, or do you simply WONDER what it's all about?

 

Do you have a lifetime of photos trapped on your computer or memory card just waiting for you to finally get around to printing them?

 

If any of this sounds familiar, than the March Close To My Heart Studio J special is made for you.

 

Let me start by saying that Studio J is absolutely free to try.  You will only need to pay if you choose to print out your layouts, or opt to download them as a PDF.

 

During March, a 2 page 12" x 12" layout is yours for only $5.00!!!***

 

Please watch this corporate video for more information.

 

 

And with the Studio J "No Limits" layout, you can print 12" x 24" of photos in any sizes you choose.

Do you like the trendy square photos that are so popular right now?  You could print 18 - 4" square photos for only $5.00, for example.

Simply click on any of the Studio J links throughout this post and you can get started.

I personally love how quick and easy it can be to create custom layouts to help me get caught up with my layouts.  I will be sharing some of my Studio J layouts with you throughout the month for inspiration (and giggles).

 

***A $5.95 flat rate shipping fee applies, whether you purchase the minimum of 4 layouts or the maximum of up to 50 layouts.

 

 



Happy Place CTMH Stamp of the Month

I would like to introduce you to "Happy Place", the March 2014 Stamp of the Month from Close To My Heart.  During the month of March, you may purchase this stamp set for only $5 with a qualifying purchase.  Please visit my website for complete details, as well as a much better look at this adorable stamp set, valued at $17.95.

CTMH New Product Blog Hop

 

It's that time again!  New Close To My Heart product time!!!  Today I am showcasing a number of new products in my brand new 2 page layout.  Also, as a special treat to satisfy your need to see new products, I have joined in the CTMH Blog Boosters New Product Blog Hop.  You will be treated to fabulous new projects designed by some the most creative consultants ever!!!

 

My layout was created with the brand new CTMH paper pack called Ariana.  I love how perfectly it works for Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Easter, Spring and so much more.  I started with a pattern out of the CTMH Make It From Your Heart Vol. 2 instruction book.  It is such a valuable tool for me, as it includes easy to follow patterns and cutting guides that make my layouts a breeze!  Working with the CTMH Artbooking Cricut cartridge and one of the stamp sets included in its bundle, I was able to make many of these adorable stamped images. 

Although I love so many of the embellishments available in the 2014 CTMH Spring/Summer Idea Book, I am featuring a few of my favorites.  Don't you love the Gold Polka-Dot Washi Tape?  I had never used washi tape before, but I love how the sheerness of it picks up whatever color you put underneath, in this case white.  You will get a lot of mileage out of this roll, as it boasts 15 yards!  The Teal Shimmer Trim is also up therewith my favorite things.  Notice those little pink accents in the middle of my handmade flowers?  They are from a package of Flamingo Dots, 108 to a package in three shades of pink with three sizes.

Speaking of those little flowers, aren't they just the sweetest?  I cut them out using the CTMH Artiste Cricut Cartridge. 

 

I hope that you have enjoyed your time here at GIRLplusPAPER, and I would love to have you as a new follower of all my past and future creative endeavors!

So Sweet CTMH Artbooking Mini Album Kit

 

Are you ready for another great CTMH Artbooking project?  Here is an 8" mini book that have I designed using our now retired CTMH Sparkle and Shine paper packet along with a little help with the CTMH Artbooking cartridge.  It has seven pages, that's fourteen front and back, to place a whole bunch of photos or memories.  Isn't it SO SWEET?

 

I have taken all of the work out of this adorable album to make your life easier.  I have a very limited number of kits ready for your assembly enjoyment.  I have made all of the paper cut outs and provided all of the embellishments needed for only $25.

 

 Or, if you prefer, I have created a Cricut Craft Room file that will save you hours as well as paper.  Let's face it, trying to cut out each little shape and make them all fit while minimizing paper consumption can take A LOT of time, especially when occasionally using the real size dial.  My entire book was made from only half a pack of CTMH paper (I chose to use 4 sheets of my patterned paper, but you could opt to use more solid cardstock).  That means two mini books out of one CTMH paper pack!!!!   I will send to you, via USPS, an actual heart and xoxo cut out of CTMH Cotton Candy paper to comply with CTMH rules.  Your Cricut Craft Room file will be sent out within 24 hours of purchase, usually much sooner than that!

 

You must have Cricut Craft Room and the CTMH Artbooking cartridge for this option to work for you.  It is available for only $5.

 

I hope that you enjoy the rest of the album!

CTMH Cloud Nine Cardmaking Kit

It's that time of year again, National Papercrafting Month!  CTMH is offering this trendy cardmaking kit for only $15 with a qualifying $35 purchase.  Shop with me by clicking here and don't miss out on this fabulous value!

Artbooking Made Easy: Elegant Mini Albums (S01E15) (+playlist)

Washi Wonderland

Artbooking Made Easy: Celebration Layouts

Victory Double 2 Page Layout Kit

What could be more fun than creating a two page layout?  Creating 2 two page layouts!  Featuring the very striking Victory line of paper from Close To My Heart, this kit will provide you with everything that you need to create your layout and you need only use your favorite adhesive and pop dots if so desired.  Each layout features a shape (or four!) from the CTMH Cricut cartridges as well as chevron embossed paper accents.  Your pages will come together very quickly with precut paper and using the two full sheets of Victory My Stickease that will be provided in your kit.  Two full color photos, rather than written instructions, will be included in your kit to guide you in the placement of all of your elements.  These kits are very limited so be sure to order yours before it is gone for good!

This Victory Double 2 Page Layout Kit can be yours for only $19.95 plus shipping.