Special Card

I was asked by a dear friend to make some cards that she could use to send to family to explain her husbands impending deployment.  She wanted them to be something patriotic but not over the top.  She is going to include a letter that explains where he is going, how to write to him, what family and friends can mail to him, etc.  I thought it was a great idea.  After some hit and miss on the designs I hit on just what she wanted and here it is...

So this card was created using the Close to my Heart Artbooking cartridge and some retired Close to my Heart stamps of stars (you could just as easily use patterned paper or another background stamp).  Here is the recipe for this card...

Stars(page 74 or Explore code M3E9BD)  the yellow ribbon (page 64 or Explore code M3E742) were all cut from the Artbooking Cartridge (Z1906).  Cut Ruby stars at 1 1/2 and 1",  cut Oudoor Denim stars at 2 and 1 1/2", cut Desert Sand star at 2" and cut Colonial White star at 1 1/2".  The Honey ribbon is cut at 2".  I started by distressing my Colonial White card base with Desert Sand ink and then cut a piece of Ruby cardstock to 2 3/4 x 4 1/4" and distressed it with Ruby ink.  I added a strip of Outdoor Denim cardstock that was 4 1/4 x 3/4" that I used a scalloped border punch on to the back of the Ruby.  Next I took some string I had in my stash and wrapped the Ruby cardstock three time and tied into a knot,  I then used score tape to adhere this part to the card base (because of the string) so it would stay in place nicely.  I cut a strip of Desert Sand cardstock 3/4" wide and about 7" long which I also distressed using Desert Sand ink.  I ran it through this thing I have (no idea what it is called) that I bought years ago that makes cardstock into corrugated paper (it is made by Fiskers) so I could add some additional depth to the card.  I used score tape and slid this strip under the string and let it hang off both sides and just trimmed the excess.  Finally, I added the ribbon to the right (I curled it a little with the bone folder) distressed it with the Desert Sand ink as well and used a 3-D foam tape under it to add interest.  I also used 3-D foam tape under each of the top stars and placed them on the card as shown in the picture.  

Below is a picture of the card without the ribbon, I think I may turn this one into a male birthday card (we card makers all know how hard it is to make a card for men).  All the supplies to make this card are available on my website at www.craftwithronnie.ctmh.com or by clicking on the shopping cart at the top of this blog.  Below is a list of all the supplies I used.  Happy Crafting!!!

Papers: Colonial White (1388), Ruby (X5927), Outdoor Denim (1275) and Desert Sand (1273)

Inks: Ruby (Z2170), Outdoor Denim (Z2140), Bamboo (Z2103) and Desert Sand (Z2118) you would only need the Desert Sand if you were not stamping the stars

3-D Foam Tape (Z1151)

Cricut Artbooking Collection (Z1906)

Pumpkin Treat Box

I wanted to create something fun for my Thanksgiving table and what is more fun than a pumpkin box filled with kisses.  So here it is.....

I was thinking I could also use my Cricut Explore to add a name to the box so I could use it as a place card for my guests, the ideas are really rolling now.  So, I tried to make this in three different sizes, I found much like Goldilocks I had some issues.  The first box I cut at 7 1/2" and it was too small, so then I tried one at 9 1/2" but it was too big, so I cut one at 8 1/2" and it was just right...LOL.  

Pumpkin box was cut from the Close to my Heart Art Philosophy Cartridge (Z1686), page 22 (or for my Explore friends M4765A) cut at 8 1/2" I then folded on the scores, inked the sides for dimension and interest and then curved the sides with my bone folder.  The tag and leaf were cut from the Close to my Heart Artist Cartridge (Z1790).  The tag is on page 64 (M45B7A for Explore) cut at 2 1/2" and the leaf is on page 78 (M4107F) for Explore).  Cartridges are available on my website at www.craftwithronnie.ctmh.com or by clicking the shopping cart at the top of this blog.  So finally, I filled the box with Hersey's kisses and tied the whole thing together with some string (so you can get to the candy without destroying the box.  I am going to be thinking about how I can adapt this to Christmas as well.  This little box is just too cute!!! 

Hope you enjoy this and Happy Crafting!!!

Things that make me smile

So I had the most amazing day on Friday.  I was at a local business women's network meeting a month or so back and one of the ladies was talking about a local Senior Day Center.  It is run by a non profit organization so that caregivers can drop off seniors and get a bit of a respite.  I spoke with a friend who is working there (she does an amazing job with exercises for them) and she said they are always looking for volunteers.  So I volunteered to provide the supplies and my time and to go there to make cards with them for the holidays.  I realized these people have no way to go purchase a card for their caregivers and who wants to ask someone to make their own card.  I was very nervous as I had never done anything like this.  So I designed two ideas (very simple) one had some things that were stamped using my Close to my Heart stamps that they could color in and the other used the sticker concept for those with less mobility.  I meet a lady who loved the whole thing, she was a retired Kindergartner teacher and when we were finished with the activity she said all we need now is a glass of milk and some graham crackers and a nap.  Their sense of humor is wonderful.  Another lady was a retired doctor, one gentleman had a veterans hat on and when he kept calling me ma'am I knew I was dealing with a vet so I asked what branch of service he had been in (the Navy) he was thrilled to learn I have a Marine son and that I had served in the Air Force.  They were all so generous and caring, I had a blast.  At the end one gentleman said "now do we give the cards back to you?"  I responded with "no they are yours to keep and you can give them to someone special in your life".  When I went to leave this gentleman (named John) handed me one of the cards he had made and said "you are special".  Well as you can imagine I was overcome with emotion and simply cried as I thanked him for the beautiful card.  I have never been so touched and these were the most important cards I will ever design.  I am already scheduled to return next month.  Moral of the story, reach out to someone who needs you and you will be repaid in ways untold.

Here is John making his card....

Happy Crafting!!!

Seaside Paper Pack

Thank you Pinterest, I get some of my best inspiration from you (and a spend way too much time there often).  So I wanted to use this new paper pack in a way where I could get the most for my money using the paper wisely and I was inspired by a card that Nicole Robinson had made.  I made a few changes, mostly because I just love this gold shimmer trim.  Here it is...

I love these mini stamps (there a bunch of them, you can see them all on my site) and at $2.95 each you can do a lot with them.  I did not color the words in on this one but I have done that previously and it looks great.  Here is a list of the supplies and cutting instructions for this card.  All the supplies can be purchased from my website at www.craftwithronnie.ctmh.com or by clicking on the shopping cart at the top of this blog.  Happy Crafting!!!

Supplies:

C1599 – Pretty Petals ( flowers and leaves cut from Art Philosophy cartridge or they can be cut out by hand if you want)

M1033 – Heartfelt Birthday Wish

Seaside paper pack (X7192) three different B&T papers cut to 1 11/16 x 4”

1388 - Colonial White Cardstock cut using Art Philosophy, sentiment cut at 2 ¼ x 2 ¼” pg 53, flower cut at 1 ½” pg 39

X5750 -Glacier cardstock cut using Art Philosophy at 2 ½ x 2 ½” pg 53

X5751 – Sorbet cardstock cut using Art Philosophy at 1 ½” pg 39

X5635 – Topiary cardstock (stamp and cut out leaves)

Z2012 – Gold sequins

Z1985 - Gold shimmer trim

Inks: Glacier (Z2641), Sorbet (Z2164) and Topiary (X5635)

Z1681 - Cricut Art Philosophy Collection (includes cartridge with 700 images, basic shapes, 3-D items and fonts, three D Size stamp sets and 3 - 12" x 9" Dimensional Elements)

Masculine Card

I always struggle with masculine cards and many of my friends say the same thing.  Maybe it is because it is hard to do a card that is simple and classy.  You can always throw on some ribbons and bows and make a card pop but with cards for men that is not the case.  Well I love this new stamp set because it is finally something I feel is simple and classy enough that it doesn't require a bunch of embellishment which makes it great for masculine cards.  Here is the first of several cards I intend to make with this set...

This card was inspired by one I saw on pinterest (it just said pinned by pinner so if it is yours let me know so I can credit you).  I kept it pretty simple and straight forward.  (Cutting instructions to follow).  One thing that made this card was the B&T (background and texture) paper from the Seaside paper pack, the rough wood look of the blue paper was perfect.  I also used simple kraft paper which lent itself nicely to this project.  I stamped the image of the lighthouse and the fence using dessert sand ink.  You will notice some light blue down the lighthouse and off in the distance (to give the illusion of the ocean out there), I achieved this by using a watercolor pen (it is a pen you fill with water).  I simply swiped my ink pad onto one of my acrylic blocks and dipped the pen into the ink and started painting, adding more as needed.  I loved the watercolor affect I achieved.  So here is a list of supplies and cutting information.  All supplies (except the watercolor pen) are available on my website at www.craftwithronnie.ctmh.com or by clicking the shopping cart at the top of this blog.  Happy Crafting!!!

D1609 – Seaside Greetings

Seaside paper pack (X7192) cut to 5 x 3 ¾”

Daisy white cardstock (1385) cut to 3 ¼ x 3 ¼”

Kraft cardstock (Z1375) cut to 3 ½ x 3 ½” and 4 x 5 ¼”

White card base and envelope (X254)

Inks – Glacier  (Z2641) and Dessert Sand (Z2118)

Watercolor pen

Christmas Continues

I am trying hard to stay focused and post here often, not always good about it but I am trying hard to do at least one project a day so I can be ready for the holidays well in advance this year.  So this card is a little different than my normal posts in that I used products other than mainly Close to my Heart. While I do love the CTMH products sometimes there are other brands that do catch my eye and I am trying to get better about using things instead of just looking at them in my craft room, so here goes.

I did use CTMH paper because I love the weight and feel of it and it embosses so beautifully.  The Happy Holidays sentiment is theirs as well.  So here is how I made this one.  I hope you will try it, it was not too hard and it ended up looking very regal and perfect for the holidays.  The card base and envelopes, cardstock, ink and stamp set can be purchased from my website at www.craftwithronnie.ctmh.com or by clicking on the shopping cart at the top of this blog.  I hope this inspires you to look around your craft room and make a card.  Happy Crafting.  

White Card base and envelope (X254) 

Ruby Cardstock (x5927) cut to 4 ¼ x 5 ½” (I build the card on this before attaching to the base to hide the back of the brad, etc.)

Daisy White Cardstock (1385) cut to 4 ¼ x 4” (cut three)

Anna Griffin snowfall embossing folder (I could not resist them on the HSN craft day)

Red Ribbon (from my stash, I wrapped it around the card front and tied the bow and added the pearl brad before I attached it to the card base)

Pearl Brad (from my stash)

Black Ink (Z2105) for sentiment

Clear Assortment Sparkles (Z1752)

Happy Holidays sentiment from Perfect Fit stamp set (B1412)

Snowflake – recollections punch

Another Yuletide Carol Card

As I have said before I hate to waste my paper packs so here is another Christmas card made with one of the other background and texture (B&T) papers from the Yuletide Carol Paper pack (remember that is the same one I used for the card in my last post).  This card was inspired by one I saw on Pinterest which was created by Darlene Ripley.  I relied heavily on my Close to my Heart cricut cartridges for this card.  I love these cartridges (I have all four) because they are so flexible, over 700 images on each one and tons of great projects and pretty much the only cartridges I ever use.  But I digress, here we go...

Here is everything you need to make this card.  You can purchase the supplies on my website at www.craftwithronnie.ctmh.com or by clicking on the shopping cart at the top of this blog.  Hope you enjoy this project.  Happy Crafting!!

Colonial White card base and envelope (X1410)

Ruby Cardstock (X5927), cut to 4 ¼ x 5 ½”,  1 x 4”, Poinsettia is from Artiste cartridge, page 80, cut 2”, 1 ¾” and 1”

Topiary Cardstock (X5635), cut from Art Philosophy cartridge  page 46 at 2 ¼ and 1 ¾”

Yuletide Carol Paper Pack (X7178B) use B&T with notes cut at 4 x 5 ¼” and B&T with swirls for strip cut to 1 x 5 1/4”

Colonial White cardstock (1388) cut to ¾ x 3 ¾” for sentiment

Ink – Topiary (Z2155) for sentiment and for leaves and Ruby (Z2170) to dauber edges of flower

Silver Shimmer Trim (Z1799)

Clear Assortment Sparkles (Z1752)

A Holiday stamp set (A1115)

Daubers (Z726), these are my secret weapon, I use them all the time to give things depth and more interest

Liquid Glass (Z679) or adhesive of your choice to put together flower and attach to card (my hubby calls this stuff my liquid duct tape because I use it on everything, LOL).

Artiste Cricut Cartridge (Z1790)

Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge (Z1686)

A little change can be a good thing

As you can tell from my posts I love to make cards.  I also love Close to my Heart and their products, hence the reason I am a consultant.  However, every now and then we all need a break from what we do for a living (even if we love it and don't always think of it as a job).  So I decided to attend a workshop at a friends home (she works as a demonstrator for another company) and I had a blast.  It was nice to use some new products and even nicer to let her do the work of designing the cards and teaching me (for a change I got to sit back and just craft away without any responsibility).  So here are some of the cards I created during her workshop.  I love them.  

What a great time, looking forward to doing it again soon.  As always, Happy Crafting!!

Yuletide Carol Paper Pack

Today I am making a card that uses a stamp set I have used over and over to make cards year round.  I find this particular stamp set very versatile, it is called Always Grateful.

I wanted something different from the traditional Christmas tree look for my card and I hope I achieved it with this choice.  Here is the finished card:

And here is the recipe I used to make it.  I did use one item on this card that was not a Close to my Heart product and that was the swiss dot embossing folder.  I really wanted the feel of snow falling and the CTMH Dot embossing folders dots were just too big for that affect.  I should also note that I stamped the center tree and then for the two trees to the sides I stamped off the cardstock onto scrap paper and then stamped onto the cardstock.  Again today I worked to use my background and texture (B&T) paper in the most efficent way possible.  All the products listed below can be purchased from my website (except the swiss dot embossing folder) at www.craftwithronnie.ctmh.com or by clicking on the shopping cart at the top of this blog.  Happy Crafting!!!

Colonial White card base and envelope (X1410)

Always Grateful stamp set (C1559)

Yuletide Carol Paper Packet (X7187B)

4 x 5 ¼” and 4 ½ x 3 ¼”

Colonial White cardstock (1388)

Circle 2 ¾” from Artiste page 48

Cranberry cardstock (Z2116)

4 ¼ x 1”, 5 ½ x 4 ¼”, 3 ½ x 4 ¾” and a 3 ¼” circle from Artiste page 48

Winter Wishes sentiment from To You and Yours (B1403)

Red/White Bakers Twine (Z1861) this is part of the Ruby Mini-Medley Accent Collection

Swiss Dot embossing folder (Cricut cuttlebug)

Ink – Chocolate (Z2111)

Artiste Cricut Cartridge (Z1790)

 

Snowhaven Fun

We made a card similar to this during convention this year but I wanted to tweak it so it used the background and texture (B&T) paper to it's best advantage and I didn't waste any (I try to plan my cards to get the most out of my 12 x 12 papers).

So here is my recipe for this beautiful card.  I would also like to point out you can make over 6 of these beautiful cards (with tons of paper left over for other projects) out of one paper pack.  Love it when I can do that!!  All the supplies to make this card can be found on my website at www.craftwithronnie.ctmh.com or by clicking on the shopping cart at the top of this blog.  Happy Crafting!!!

White Card base and envelope (X254)

Snowhaven Paper Packet (X7188) - I used one one of the three B&T papers

¾ x 4 ¼ ” and 4 x 5 ¼ ”

Glacier cardstock (included in Snowhaven Paper Pack)

4 ¼ x 3 ¼” and 1 x 4 ¼”

Cranberry cardstock (included in Snowhaven Paper Pack)

4 x 3”

Daisy White cardstock (included in Snowhaven Paper Pack)

2 1/2 x 2 1/2"

Best Christmas stamp set (D1613) – sentiment in black and snowflakes in glacier

Bitty Sparkles (Z1263)

Ink – Black (Z2105) and Glacier (Z2641)

Corner rounder (Z1912)

Christmas Break

I decided I needed a little break from Christmas cards today so I wanted something fun, colorful and spring like.  What better than a beautiful flower card?  I just love this stamp it is called Quick Cards - Japanese Blossom.  Close to my Heart has a whole series of these simple inexpensive single stamps that are just $6.95 each.  I think I am going to pull all mine out next week and play around with making some cute card sets to give as Christmas gifts.  So here is the card...

And here is the recipe to make it.  You can find these supplies on my website at www.craftwithronnie.ctmh.com or by clicking on the shopping cart at the top of this blog.  Happy Crafting!!!

White card base and envelope (X254)

Quick Cards – Japanese Blossom (A1155)

Memento Tuxedo Black ink (because it doesn't bleed when I use my markers

Misc. markers or color pencils (I used my Spectrum Noir's) 

Daisy White cardstock (1385) cut to 4 x 5 ¼” and 2 ¾ x 2 ¾”

Thistle cardstock (X5769) cut to 3 x 3”

Seaside B&T (X7192B) cut to 3 ½ x 4”

Kraft cardstock (Z1375) cut to 4 ¼ x 5 ½”

Thistle Diagonal Striped Ribbon (Z1990)

Thistle Ink (Z2640)

Getting in the Holiday Spirt

My mother-in-law just loves Cardinals and this card was so quick and easy.  I started with the To You and Yours stamp set, I ordered it because I loved the cardinal but also because it had some great holly leaves and berries and some cute sentiments.

Next I selected my paper colors, I decided on Ruby and Olive.  Add some white and you have some great holiday colors.  I stamped the cardinal on a piece of White Daisy cardstock that was cut to 3 x 3" using Black Memento ink (because I wanted to color in the image with my markers and it doesn't bleed).  I used several of my Spectrum Noir markers (whatever markers are your favorite is fine) and began blending the colors.  When I was finished I mounted that piece onto a piece of Ruby cardstock that measured 3 1/4 x 3 1/4" and that was then mounted onto a piece of Olive cardstock that measured 3 1/2 x 3 1/2".  Next I took a piece of the Daisy White cardstock that measured 1 3/4 x 5" and ran it through the Damask embossing folder.  The entire project was then mounted onto a card base made from a piece of Ruby cardstock that measured 5 1/2 x 8 1/2" folded to make a 4 1/4 x 5 1/2" card.   

For the inside of the card I used a piece of white bond paper that measured 4 x 5 1/4, stamped the holy leaves and berries in the bottom left corner (did the same on the envelope) and colored them in using my markers.  Finally, I stamped the Love and joy to you and yours sentiment from the stamp set with Ruby ink.  I am very happy with the results and it really was quite easy.  All the supplies to make this card can be purchased from my website at www.craftwithronnie.ctmh.com or by clicking on the shopping cart at the top of this blog.  Happy Crafting!!!

Supplies Used:

Stamp set "To You and Yours" (B1403)
Damask Embossing Folder (Z1927)
Ruby Ink (Z2170)
Ruby cardstock (X5927)
Olive cardstock (1245)

White Daisy cardstock (1385)

Flakey Friends

Well another day at 100 degrees, but I still managed to find the necessary inspiration to make another Christmas Card.  This one was inspired by one I saw on Pinterest which was made by Allisa Chilton.  I did take the liberty of changing somethings around and making it my own.  I have to say I love the three adorable little snowmen in this stamp set.

I used my Artiste Cartridge to make all the circle cuts (made it so easy).  I started with black cardstock which I cut to 5 1/2 x 8 1/2" and folded to make an A2 card (4 1/4 x 5 1/2").  I then cut Indian Corn Blue (isn't it an amazing blue) to 4 x 5 1/4" and ran it through my Cuttlebug using a swiss dot embossing folder.  Next I cut two black circles, one at 3 1/2" and one a 2 1/4", two Indian Corn Blue circles, one at 3 1/4" and one a 2", and finally two Daisy White Circles at 3" and 1 3/4" all using the circle on page 48 of the Artiste Cartridge (love all the things I can cut with this cartridge, over 700 images and tons of 3-D items).  I then stamped the smallest Daisy White circle with the snowflakes from the Flakey Friends stamp set using Indian Corn Blue Ink.  I cut 1/2" off each of the three large circles and then stamped the cute snowman.  I don't have the new Shin Han markers from Close to my Heart yet (the ladies are all raving about how great they work) but I do have my trusty Spectrum Noirs so I used OR 1 for the nose, EB5 for the arms and BT9 for the scarf and hat.  I added Clear Assortment Sparkles because you have to have bling.  An finally some white ribbon from my stash and there you have it.  I am very happy with the results.  A list of all the Close to my Heart supplies used is provided below and can be purchased from my website at www.craftwithronnie.ctmh,com or by clicking the shopping cart at the top of this blog.  Happy Crafting!!!

Supplies Used:

Cardstock: Indian Corn Blue (1284), Black (1386), Daisy White (1385)

Ink:  Indian Corn Blue (Z2130) and Memento Black

Stamp:  Flakey Friends (C1506)

Clear Assortment Sparkles (Z1752)

Artiste Cricut Cartridge (Z1790)

Snowhaven Christmas Card Workshop on the Go

Ok so I made some more cards today to sell at a craft fair and through my blog.  Again sets of one each of five cards.  These were created by using the Snowhaven Card Workshop on the Go.  It included the paper, the hearts and the stamps I need for three of the cards and then the other two were created with the leftover paper and a few other stamp sets I have in my stash.

Here are all the cards grouped together:

And here they are individually (the first three are the ones created from the kit:

The following card was created using left over paper and the snowflake stamps from the Best Christmas stamp set and the Snowman is from Flakey Friends.

This next card was made with leftover paper and the Best Christmas stamp.

All the supplies you need to create these cards can be found on my website at www.craftwithronnie.ctmh.com or by clicking the shopping cart at the top of this blog.  I hope you  enjoyed and Happy Crafting!!!!

Christmas Cards

I has been hard to get in the spirit of making Christmas cards this week since it has been in the 80's and 90's here on the central coast of California but I did get some done.  Here is a look at a set of cards I prepared for sale at a local craft show using a retired card workshop and some bits and pieces from my stash.  I made a set of 5 different cards and I am pretty happy with how they turned out (got six sets finished so far).

Here they are all together and now here they are one by one: