Life's a Beach

This card was customized for a co-worker. He wanted something with a beach theme, but also include softball. This is what I came up with.

I used real sand and seashells for the beach. The paper was from K and Co's 2011 summer paper, the palm tree is one of the die cuts from the same line. The sun was a punch I had in my stash. The beach accessories and ball and bat are either Jolee's or Recollections brand. I bought several themed stickers and just don't remember what I actually used.

Another Personalized Card

Here's another card I created for a co-worker. I really enjoy the challenge of making cards for people when they have something specific in mind. All supplies except the letter stickers are from Close to my Heart. I used Outdoor Denim and Indian Corn Blue cardstock and ink. I crumpled the Indian Corn Blue and sanded the Outdoor Denim to distress it.

Happy Earth Day

Customized Birthday Card

This was a birthday card made for a co-workers wife. They love the outdoors. Her favorite color is blue. Most of my co-workers like cards with the intended recipient's name on them.

I used all CTMH product on this one. Crystal Blue and Outdoor Denim inks and cardstock. The font is the Gypsy font and the trees are cut with a Sizzix die.

Immortal Painter's Tray

My daughter and I made this painter's tray for her room. The tray is from Hobby Lobby and the paper and embellishments is from the Immortal Love line from DCWV.

Thank You Card

I have another Thank you card for today. This was one of about 40 I made for a lady at work. She gave her daughter a box of cards fro a gift and wanted several thank yous and general birthdays.

I machine sewed around the edges.

More Dotty for you Sneak Peaks

These two cards are kits I made for my team. I used the new Dotty for You paper pack from Close to my Heart. This paper will be available April 17. It's only $5 with any purchase of $35 or more from the current Spring/Summer 2012 Idea Book.

Another Thank You Card

This card was a thank you for a girl who likes shoes and flowers. I used DCWV Black Currant, the shoes were cut from Forever Young. The flowers are misc. ones from my stash.

Thank You Card

Here's a thank you card I made for a co-worker.


Sorry for the flash glare



I modled this card off the elegant birthday card in this post

The background paper is a piece of randomly stamped paper I had in my stash. I embossed the purple cardstock for texture. The flowers are random flowers I have. Some are Prima, some are from the wedding secation at Michael's and some were bought at a scrapbook garage sale. I added various brands of pearls and sparkles to the flowers for some WOW. I used silver beaded ribbon/garland that I got from Michael's one year in the Christmas section.

Happy Friday the 13th

Friday The 13th Pictures

Get Well Card

Here's a get well card I made for a co-worker. I used Close to my Heart Unforgettable and cuts from Indie Art and Creat a Critter.

Your Story mini album

I created this little mini with the Your Story Photo binding machine. I took one of the binding covers that came with the machine and embossed it to give it some texture. I made the flowers using the Cuttlebug Quilling kits. I added a little ribbon and some pearls I found in the wedding section at Michael's.




The inside were pages pieces of double sided cardstock. I didn't get pictures of the inside before I gave the book away.

Happy Easter

Extravaganza Application part 2

I had to split this into two posts.

This next project is a mini inside one of the My Creations Card Boxes. I cut the front of the box to form a flap that folds down, where the mini album is hidden. There's a tray on top to hold memorabilia or accessories for the book. This project was inspired by Paper Phenomenon's Kathy Files Secretary found here



The box has a nice magnet closure on it, but because I altered the box, the magnet wasn't strong enough to hold it closed. I used two brads and some twine to keep it closed.

Here's the book that is hidden inside








My final art piece is mini album home decor piece. This idea came from Laura at Following the Paper Trail






The sides come off the box so you can put pictures on the "pages"





I made the roses from co-ordinating cardstock and some of the patterned paper. The butterflies are Flutter Paper shapes, sponged with Outdoor Denim, Honey, and Indian Corn Blue inks. The butterfly trails are Mocha Opaques Adhesive Gems.




The box goes together very easily and quickly. I used the Pemberly paper pack and additional Honey and Colonial White cardstock.

I hope you enjoyed my application artwork.

Application for Close to my Heart Convention Extravaganza

Today's post is really exciting for me. Every year Close to my Heart accepts applications from consultants to teach at a convention event called Extravaganza. This year I decided I wanted to give it a try. So I sent in my application and 5 pieces of art and patiently waited to hear. I got a confirmation email yesterday telling me I was accepted to teach. I was excited, scared, nervous, and shocked all at the same time. This is an incredible opportunity for any consultant and I'm glad I get to be a part of it this year.

I'm a very superstitious person so no one saw my artwork entries except my family and Close to my Heart. I took pictures of them before sending them off to the Close to my Heart offices and now that I know my fate, I will post them here for everyone to see.

There are a lot of pictures in this post. I hope you enjoy them.

First up is the card requirement-we had to include a card, a layout and 3 other pieces of our choice.

This card is entirely sponged and stamped. I used techniques I learned from following Michelle Zindorf's tutorials. I used Outdoor Denim, Sky, Crystal Blue, and Black inks, The Best Things, A Garden, and the June 2012 Stamp of the Month Life is Tweet. I added Outdoor Denim ribbon and a pewter ribbon slide. I mounted the scene on Sky and Outdoor Denim cardstock.

This was my layout entry






I used the Victory paper pack, square durable studs, twine and pewter embellishments. The layout is "Dialogue" from the how to book Imagine.

My first "other" project is a Tunnel Book. I've seen several tutorials online for this one and really didn't follow anyone in particular, but here's a good one.



As you can see I created a scene on several layers. I used Stella paper and the canvas shapes Compliments to create the scene. It took a little measuring and hand cutting with an exacto knife to get this one done. It's hard to tell in the pictures, but you could look through it to read the sentiment in the back. It did have to be moved a little to read the full sentiment, but that's half the fun, moving it around to see what else you can find in the scene.

Easter Cards

Here are a couple Easter cards I made for a co-worker. He asked for a couple cards to take to his family this weekend. He wanted them a little fun and whimsical


I used all Close to my Heart products. Stamps sets are My Peeps and A Hop