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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Birthday card for a 16 year old young marine

Today's post is a card I made for a lady at work. This was for her 16 year old grandson who's part of the Young Marines and plans on joining the service once he graduates.

I used old Close to my Heart paper called Independence and several patriotic stamps. The "Semper Fi" are white rub on letters. I added hemp for a little texture.


Sorry for the flash glare. The card was already in a protective envelope before I remembered to take a picture.

Hey There Cupcake

This cute cupcake card was made using the Cricut Imagine cartridge Better Together. This cartridge is perfect for a quick card. I just added a the bling and pearls to give them a little pizazz

Another Nursery Tails card

Here's another card featuring the cute little characters from the Cricut Imagine Nursery Tails cartridge. I love this cute little mouse and snail. They look like best friends on this card.

Cute card using Nursery Tails

The Imagine cartridge Nursery Tails is perfect for baby cards. But it can be used for anyone that you want to send a warm greeting to.

The art on this cartridge is just adorable.

Cards with Kate's Kitchen

Kate's Kitchen has to be my favorite Cricut Imagine cartridge. When I first got it I didn't think I would like it that much, but it has turned out to be a favorite. I just love the cute little characters on it. I'm usually more of a pink and pastel person, so for me to like the bright colors is very unusual.

I like how with these 2 cards just changing the background paper makes them look like 2 totally different cards.

Another Lori's Garden card

Today's card is another I created using the Lori's Garden cartridge. With the Cricut Imagine images you can print and cut with a single layer, or cut out several layers to give your project added dimension

A week of Cricut Imagine Creations

This week I thought I'd share some things I made with my Cricut Imagine. I have to tell you I LOVE my Cricut Imagine. I even stayed home from work the day it launched on HSN in 2010, just so I could watch all the airings.

First up is a card I made using Lori's Garden. I love how the Imagine Art cartridges have papers and art pieces that co-ordinate perfectly. It makes putting a card together so easy.

I added some sparkles and tulle ribbon.

Sexy Red Dress

This card was a special request from a guy at work for his wife. He wanted something fun yet sexy.

I used the Cricut cartridge Formal Occasion for the dress and shoes. The name was cut from George. The red paper is from DCWV Citrus pad. The Happy birthday and the black trim on the dress are stickers from Ecstasy Crafts.

A Million Thanks

OK, so there's not a "million" cards in this post, but there are several thank you cards I made to sell at work. People at work know I make cards and are always coming to my office asking to buy a card because they forgot they needed one. I try to keep a good stash in my desk, but sometimes one person can't decide which one they want so they buy them all in case they need more.













I used miscellaneous supplies. Papers are Clsoe to my Heart, My Mind's Eye, and some I don't even remember when I got them.

The "thank you" stamps are all Close to my Heart.