Happy Birthday!

FUN!  FUN!  FUN!

Today's project is created by using the Artfully Sent Cricut Cartridge and the Confetti Wishes Paper Packet.

Now, I wont lie, I was struggling to find a project that would allow me to add more than just a smidge of such a "loud" design.  I love the design, but in truth, I am not a "bright" gal.  Before you all start laughing at me, what I meant is that I am what I call a "Gap" kinda gal.  I stick to the neutral color palates more.  This project allowed my to stretch my boundaries and try something new. What do you think?

OK, back to the topic!

So I used the Confetti Wishes paper as the main base for my card.  I then used a piece of Honey paper and using my Explore, I cut a perfect matching background to the Happy Birthday, and ALSO, as you can see in the second picture, I  cut a white background so that you can add your sentiment.  

As you might notice, when you close the card, the white sentiment card is completely covered.  

Come back tomorrow and I will have another Artfully Sent project waiting for you!

This cartridge is so much fun!  If you don't already own it, you should seriously consider it!  I can answer questions about the cartridge or any of the CTMH products, if you want to either comment below or email me by clicking HERE!

Come back tomorrow and I will have another Artfully Sent project waiting for you!

If you are interested in recreating this or any of my other projects, you can purchase the products on my Close to My Heart website by clicking HERE!

Boo! From Artfully Sent

Well ladies, and maybe a gent or two, I am absolutely loving this cartridge! Artfully sent is Heaven Sent!

See below is my 5 minute card.  It is "naked" as one of my friends would say.  In other words, no embellishments!  :)

I love that you can use a double sided paper and it will practically decorate the card itself.  

With today's "Boo!" card, I used Close to My Hearts paper packet called Scaredy Cat.  

When you open the card, there is a place on the left hand side to add a stamp with maybe some white ink, or even silver or gold pens! 

Just like with some many of Close to My Hearts other products, there are so many different varieties of things that you can do with the same card.  

I would love to see some of your ideas, please share!

All of the products used to make this card can be purchased through my Close to My Heart Website by clicking HERE!

Thank you and thanks for stopping by!

Mini Hop, but "Artfully Sent"

Hello my crafting friends!

So today, my scrappin' buddy and I decided to have our own little mini hop. We love hoppin!  

Our objective is to show you a few of the projects that you can make from the Close to My Heart "Artfully Sent" cartridge. 

I have to tell you, and many of you out there can agree, the Close to My Heart cartridges are great. This one, my friends, is no exception.  If you are a card maker, this is the cartridge for you!  Look at this card that I made in about 10 minutes!

I used a DCWV white, orange and black striped paper for the base of the card, layered it with a CTMH Sunset Orange and Black front on CTMH thin 3-D tape.   Added a "Boo!, a few ghosts and the front was done.

The front is good, but the inside is GREAT!  Look how fun this card is?  The house and the fence are actually 3- D!  Think of how many different things that you could do with this cute card!

A view from the side.

Come back tomorrow to start my "21 days of Artfully Sent" projects.  You will see just how versatile and fun this cartridge can be.

For any help or information on purchasing the Artfully Sent cartridge or anyof the other Close to My Heart supplies used to create this project, please either email me at by clicking here  or by visiting my Close to My Heart page by clicking  here!

Hop on over to Eileens page at Paper Canvas Creations by clicking here!

Happy Hopping!

EEK! Halloween Suprise!

Well, it's the end of September and we are already seeing tons of decorations for Halloween.  Myself, I have been working fast and furious creating all kinds of handmade decor for this year.  Between my three different haunted houses, family of pumpkins, witches hats and skeletons, I think that I am almost set!  How far along are you?

Today's project was, so far, the quickest to get done.  I don't know if you have heard all of the buzz yet, but for those of you Cricut fans, Close to My Heart has come out with a brand new cartridge named "Artfully Sent".  For card makers, this cartridge is actually almost heaven sent! This card was made in maybe 15 minutes flat.  I think that it took me longer to figure out what I wanted to do than to cut and put this card together.

 I used Close To My Hearts "Scaredy Cat"Paper Packet.  The patterned paper has a little bit of "Thistle" color in it, so I thought that would look kind of neat as a front page.  Its not really a traditional Halloween color, is it?  I ran it through a spider web embossing folder and used Close to My Hearts "3-D foam tape" to set it on the card front.  Ta-Da!

One of the cool features of the new cartridge is that it has pop up cards, swing cards, scenes card and on and on....sigh.... (love).  I am a big pop up card fan.  

I cut the words Happy Halloween" out in black too so that I could glue it on the grey paper.  I added a few spiders and a little extra "bling" and I am ready to send it off!

So, what do you think?  I would love to hear your thoughts!

Stand by for more Halloween cards from Close to My Hearts "Artfully Sent" cartridge and papers!

The items that I used to create this "master piece can all be found on my Close to My Heart website at Kim's Close to My Heart.

If there is anything that I can do you help you enjoy your hobby or craft, please let me know!

Happy Crafting! :)

Kim

Hopping Along With the CTMH Obsessed Scrappers Blog Hop!

Hello everyone!

Well, its time again!  We are getting our 'Hop On"!   The CTMH Obsessed Scrappers Blog Hop is in full swing. Keep an eye out for more of our hops in the weeks to come.  :)

This week you are going to love what we have to show you!  We have pulled our inspiration from a sketch #104 that we found on Cardabilities ( http://www.cardabilities.blogspot.com )  Our "rules" were to use mostly products that we sell thru Close To My Heart.  Below, I will further describe the details of my project.   

We are all excited to share our artistic vision of this sketch with you.
Below is my masterpiece. OK, its no Mona Lisa, but for some reason, I cant stop looking at it. Maybe its because I made the card with a special friend in mind. 


I have been feeling chipper lately.  Actually, maybe a bit giddy.  When I joined this weeks hops, I knew right away that I wanted to make something cheery and bright.  The first thing that came to mind was CTMH's Smoothie card stock.(item #X5763).  I just love the color and it cuts in the Cricut Explore like butter!  I HAD to use it for something!

So first, I used a piece of White daisy card stock and created an A2 card base.

I then cut a piece of Smoothie card stock to fit onto the top of the card base.  You can barely tell here, but I added texture to the smoothie card front by running it thru my Cuttlebug using one of CTMH's new embossing folders.  I used "Dot" (item # Z1924)

I cut another piece of White Daisy just 1/4 inch smaller on all sides. I used some of CTMH's 3-D Foam Tape (Z1151) to add a little dimension, or as my husband says, "POP!" to the card. 

I then cut the scallop card front from Smoothie card stock using the Cricut Explore and the CTMH Artbooking Cartidge set.(Item #Z1906)

Have you ever seen this cartridge before?  It is F-A-N-T-A-S-T-I-C for folks like me that want to scrapbook, but need a little help.  There are TONS of patterns and pages already set up for you, just cut and paste. Seriously, it is almost that easy!

Speaking of cartridges, CTMH currently has three available, but any SECOND now, will be releasing our forth cartridge. It is called Artfully Sent and promises to  be awesome!  It is geared more towards card makers but if it is anything like the other three cartridge sets, it will offer a lot of flexibility. 

The next part of the card project was to stamp and cut the sentiment.  I actually used a framelet set to make that cut.  I used CTMHs Black Archival Ink (item # 44751) to stamp the pattern and sentiment and let it set for a few minutes to make sure that it was dry because I was breaking out my new Shin- Han markers and I was going to color!

Now, I have to tell you, I am having so much fun with our new markers. I love to stamp as it is, but these markers are bringing a whole new level to MY game. There are 24 different colors available.  They are dual tipped, meaning that one end is fine tipped and the other is broad tipped.  This give you much more flexibility with your coloring projects. 


Any of the products that I have mentioned above can be found by visiting my Close to My Heart website at kimbagshaw.ctmh.com.  I would LOVE to earn your business. 


See what the rest of the crew has been inspired to create,  Head on over to Eileens at Paper Canvas Creations.  You can find her at http://papercanvascreations.wordpress.com.

Or if you would rather, check out the rest of the team at the below web addresses.  They are all expecting you! :) 

 http://mimiscraftroom.blogspot.com
www.susiel.com
http://peachylamb.blogspot.com
http://dianamlarson.blogspot.com/


Please leave a comment to this post by Friday September 12th, midnight EST and be added to the drawing for Close to My Hearts new paper packet called "Chalk It Up"!  Good Luck!


Have a great weekend all!
Kim

To The World You May Be One Person

Hello everyone!

Today's card is made with a friend in mind.  Sometimes, people just don't realize how important they are to you.

The stamp is a retired Close to My Heart stamp that reads, "To the world you may be one person" and the stamp on the inside reads, "But to me, you are the world". I stamped it in our Exclusive Inks color Lagoon on a White Daisy rectangle that is adhered w dimensional tape

I have used the new "Chalk It Up" Paper Packet and one of the matching hearts from the "Chalk It Up Assortment" packet.  The twine is also from Close to My Heart and is in Lagoon.

This card came together very quickly once I figured out what I wanted to do.  I really like how the "Awesome" stands out and didn't get covered on the bottom half of the card.  TOTALLY not planned!  :)

What do you think?  Comments are welcome!  Make a comment on my blog by Friday, August 15th, 2014, midnight EST and be entered into a drawing for a free paper packet of Close to My Hearts "Confetti Wishes"

Current products used in today's project are :




Thank you for stopping by!
Kim

"HI" Card

HI!

Today's card is a bright and cheery card using Close To My Hearts new paper packet, "Confetti Wishes".  I won't lie, when I first saw it, I loved it immediately, but I had no idea what to do with it. Then, inspiration hit!  

I used Close To My Hearts Canary paper and one of the Cricut cartridges named Paper Lace to make the swirly pattern of this card.  I sized it to a 4 1/2 x 4 1/2.  I then cut out the background using one of the background and texture papers from the "Confetti Wishes" paper packet.  I used my ATG to attach them both to the Canary card base.

I then used my handy-dandy Cricut Expression 2 to cut two circles.  One in Close to My Hearts Pacifica paper and the other in White Daisy.

I ran the Pacifica circle thru the Cuttlebug for a little texture, and then used one of my all time favorite CTMH stamps on the Daisy White circle. The "HI" stamp was stamped in Archival Black and then I used my new ShinHan alcohol based markers to color it, 

It was quick, easy and fun!

Products used for this project, all from Close to My Heart.  For more info on how to purchase these products, please click on the "Shop with me" link on the right hand side of this blog.

Comment on my blog by Friday Aug 15, Midnight EST and be put in a drawing for a "Confetti Wishes" paper packet.

Thank you!

Kim

Five Things That I Can't Craft Without!

Happy Friday Everyone!

Today's blog is about those items that I just cant live without in my "Scrapping Space".

You know what I mean, right?  Those few precious items that you absolutely need to make any project perfect?  Those items that make you feel like a Scrapping version of  McGyver?

#1
My first "go to" item and the one that I seem to use every time that I craft is my Cutter Bee scissors.  They are handy, small, able to trim tiny little details and the occasional hang nail.  :)  I guard these with everything that I have!





#2
I love, love, love my Close to My Heart Versa mat!   I use it to cut and stamp.  I love that it has a measuring grid on one side, is a self repairing mat and if I turn it over, the surface is perfect for stamping.  this mat stays on my crafting desk and is used for almost all of my projects.



#3
I make a lot of cards. A LOT!  My ATG Gun allows me to whip them up pretty quickly!  My friends think that I just like the ATG because it makes me feel like one of "Charlies Angels", and I wont lie, I do sometimes pose w it as if I am, but that, my friends, is an entirely different blog in itself.  The ATG is a pretty large investment from a crafting perspective, but use a coupon for 50% if you get one.  Its worth the cost!




#4
My Xyron's (sighhhh)  Have you ever cut something out from your Cricut or Cameo that was so small that you couldn't use your ATG and any amount of glue would ruin it?  Yep, me too!  I was introduced to the Xyron and I have never looked back.  As a matter of fact, I have two different sizes.
For those of you that don't know what a Xyron is, it, in short, is a "sticker maker".  You roll, push or wind your paper piece through the machine and it comes out the other side w a sticky backing.  Everything can be made into a sticker! Well, almost everything.  The "popcorn experiment" didnt really work out too well. These machines are pretty affordable and the cost way out weighs the aggravation on using tape or glue on those delicate projects.



#5
My latest NEED for crafting is the ShinHan Alcohol based markers. I love coloring. Its one of my guilty pleasures.  I have a 5 yr old daughter and now we get to do this together .  She has her Crayolas and I have "mommy's markers".



I love how smoothly and evenly these markers "color".  I love my projects with them.  Keep on following and you will see more items that I make with them.

Some of  my other blogging friends have listed their "Must haves" as well.  Hop on over and see what they have to say that they cant live without!  you never know, you might find something new to add to your stash!

Dedra at
www.dedras-crafts-for-a-cure.blogspot.com

Eileen at
www.papercanvascreations.wordpress.com

Debra at
www.davdesigns.com

Brenda at
www.disneygirlcrafts.com

Ivy at
http:www.craftaddictstudio.net


So, what are your "Must Haves"?  Leave a comment on your top 5 must haves and be automatically entered into my drawing for 3 free ShinHan alcohol based markers.  You will have your choice of 24 brilliant colors.  The winner of the drawing will be announced on Saturday, August 16, 2014.  Good luck!

Thank you for stopping by!
Kim

"Hey There" Card

Happy Hump Day to everyone!

Today's project was quick to put together.  Its part of the "Ivy Lane Workshop on the Go Card Making Kit".

The kit contains most of what you need to make 15 beautiful cards.  It has the instructions for completion, card bases, envelopes, the coordinating papers, stamps, "bling" and a roll of gold glitter tape.  You bring the ink, adhesives, the Art Philosophy cartridge and your creative juices.

Whats so great about these kits is that you still have enough paper left over to make MORE cards aaannnddddd you have the stamp set, valued at $17.95, to make as many cards or projects that you want,  in as many color combos as you want, FOREVER!  Its a great investment when you really think about it.

The below card is one of three designs included in the kit for the cards.  I didn't even follow the instructions for completion 100%.  That's where those creative juices come in!  :)

Materials used were
G1079 - Ivy Lane Workshop on the Go Card Making Kit
Z2128 Hollyhock Exclusive Ink Pad
Z2197 Pear Exclusive Ink Pad
Z2114 Cocoa Exclusive Ink Pad
Z2103 Bamboo Exclusive Ink Pad
Z1151 3D Foam Tape
Z1686 Cricut Art Philosophy Collection

"Thinking of You" Card

Good morning everyone!

I have been looking for a reason to use the new Free to Be Me paper pack from Close to My Heart for a few weeks now.  Today is THE day!  :)

This paper pack is chock- full of colorful and textured pages in Gold, Mint, Peach, Red, Tan, Teal, White, and my all time favorite, VELLUM!  It's  only available for a short amount of time, so if you want it, act quickly!

KimBPapercrafts.blogspot.com

This card came together very quickly, so it would be great for an immediate need.

Its 6 x 6.  (6 x 12 scored and folded in half)
I have cut the gold polka-dotted vellum at 3 x 6 and used my ATG to secure it to the red textured card stock.
I then cut 3 flowers from Cricut's Mothers Day Bouquet cartridge at 2.25" in White Daisy cardstock.
The flower edges were then sponged in CTMH Exclusive Ink in Goldrush.
I used Close to My Hearts Metal Flowers in Antique Silver to embellish the centers of the flower.

Thank you for visiting my blogspot, and if you ever have any questions or would like to purchase any of these products, I would love to earn your business.

Kim's Close to My Heart Store

"You're The Best" Card

I am SO loving the Skylark Paper Pack.  I promise, I am almost out of it and I wont keep posting only Skylark projects.  :)

I love to have several cards on hand for those special moments that just pop up.  I quickly made this tri-fold card using my Cricut Explore, but they are pretty easy to make even without it.  These types of cards are great for using your scrap paper.  The card itself fits in an A2 sized envelope.

When making this card, I used all Close to My Heart products-

• Skylark Paper Pack
• Baking Twine in Lagoon
• The flower is from the Skylark Assortment
• The stamp is from Banner Wishes
• I used Exclusive Ink pads in Lagoon and Cashmere

If you are interested in the products used to make this project, please either contact me, or shop with me at Kim's Close to My Heart

"Wonderful Fabulous You" Card

I love the Skylark paper from Close to My Heart! The colors are so fitting for the spring. They make me smile.  :)

When I made this card, I was thinking of one of my good friends who always seems to be there.

For this card, I used the Cricut Explore "ready to make project".  I also used the following
Close To My Heart's products

• Skylark Paper Pack 
• Sweet Leaf paper
• The Wonderful Fabulous You stamp from the Fabulous You stamp set
• Scrapbook Statements / Poets stamp set
• Exclusive Ink Pad in Chocolate

See the link if you are interested in purchasing these products.
Close To My Heart

Have a great day!

Kim