How to Cut a Picture ...

I promised in a previous post to put up the link on how to cut your picture in any shape with the cricut.  So I am coming good on my promise.  This lady has a lot of great ideas on how to use the Art Philosophy Cartridge... If you have more time check out some of her other posts...It will be well worth it.

For a Friend...

Since I already created the cut file for the Birdcage Card (previously posted) , I thought I would try it with a different colour palatte.  I plan to send this to a long distance friend.... I hope it brightens her day!

Art Philosophy - Layout

I wanted to create something to show how versatile the Art Philosophy cartridge is.  I created these layouts using only the Art Philosophy Cartridge (paper is CTMH Top Stitch).  I used my daughters spring school photos for inspiration.

The background is a number collage layer cut at 11 inches (one page cut out of baby pink cardstock and the other cut out of heavenly blue cardstock)  My oldest daughter was in grade six and my youngest was in 2nd grade. So you will see the 2 highlighted in pink on the blue background and the 6 highlighte in blue on the pink background (scroll down for a closer view).

Look at the photo mat  (just one of many images you can use to mat your photos). See the pink 2 in the corner.

The picture is also cut on the cricut.  I will provide you with a link to a post on how to do this in another blog.

Notice the butterflies, tag folder (link to make this in another blog) and the blue 6 ....

The flower were also cut with cricut and stamped using the co-ordinated stamp set - Hooray Bouquet (pg 86)

Look at the butterflies... so simple to do

The tag holder was made from selecting the card function on the cartridge and then cutting out a tag card, and adhering 2 of the sides of the card.

Bird Cage Card ....

The last few days, I have been addicted to using my cricut.  It all started with the arrival of my Art Philosophy Cartridge and then like the icing on the cake my Sophie cartridge arrived.  This card was made using the Sophie cartridge.  I have found that if I create a cut file on my gypsy for the project in the front of the book it gives me a good sense of what the cartridge has to offer.  This is my take on the project in the front of the Sophie cartridge book.

I am giving this to my friend for her Birthday! I hope she likes it.

On a Roll ...Christmas Card Roll

I think this cooler weather we are experiencing here has put me in the mood for Christmas.  So, I am inspired to make yet another Christmas Card.  This time I used my gypsy and the Christmas Card Cartridge and Jingle paper.

Let me know what you think.... if you would like the cut file just send me an e-mail.

Art Philosophy - Christmas Card

 I just received my Art Philosophy cartridge and I can`t stop playing with it.  It is amazing.  My next few posts are going to be all about this cartridge.  I am so glad that Close to My Heart decided to partner with Provo Craft to come up with this cartridge... there are over 700 AMAZING images on it... that is almost double the images on a regular cartridge.  Plus you get 3 exclusive D size stamps sets (the stamp sets alone are worth around $60) and then you get 3 sets of die cuts (valued at around $22).

I love Christmas ... so I decided to start with some Christmas Cards...

This is my take on the Card featured in the catalogue (page 76)...I used a border punch(don`t know the name) to create some interest on the inside.  It is difficult to see from the pic but the `holly` berries have Red Glitz Glitter on them for a little bit of bling!

I created this tag card using my Gypsy.  The card is cut from white cardstock, pattern paper is from the retired Jingle pack.  The tree is cut in 3 layers ... take a look at the detail cut in the tree (this cartridge has to be my favourite!) (If you have a gypsy and would like the cut file just send me an e-mail.)

This one was a very quick and simple card. I used my Gypsy to make a tree window in the front of the card.  Using glitter paper I cut out the frame and the inside liner. (If you have a gypsy and would like the cut file just send me an e-mail).

Just a slight variation on the card above, used red Glitz Glitter instead of a frame.

September Campaign

If you are interested in purchasing the Art Philosophy cartridge now is the time to do it. Get this set - Pair-a-Phrase for Free with any purchase of $82 or more until September 30, 2011

You'll love this double set—two D-size sets in one envelope—which includes lots of clever phrases and coordinating images you'll use in your handmade cards all year long. The double set has a retail value of $35.90/$39.90, which drastically increases the value of your qualifying purchase! Have double the fun stamping during National Stamping Month with our new Pair-a-Phrase double stamp set!  If you are interested in this stamp set or the Art Philosophy cartridge, please contact me.

Stretch Your Stamping Knowledge

Create a multi–layered stamp image using the base and shade technique and our new My Acrylix^® So Grateful stamp set. As you can see on this video, it's as easy as pumpkin pie—and will look great on your Thanksgiving dinner invitations and cards.

Hidden Treasure

I was cleaning up my scrapping space and I came across a sparkly little Christmas Card (I know what you are thinking... Christmas but it is only August).  But in January I love to take some of the Christmas Cards I receive and repurpose them into my own creation.  Well this little card was missed back in January and it was soooo cute I couldn't through it out so I cut it apart and this is what I came up with....  what do you think?

3-D Flowers using the New Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge

Check out this video to see how easy it is to make 3-D Flowers with the new Art Philosophy cartridge. I can't wait until my cartridge arrives!

National Stamping Month in September

To celebrate National Stamping Month in September, we are offering our first-ever double stamp set! You can get the exclusive My Acrylix^® Pair-a-Phrase double stamp set FREE when you place an order of  $82 CAN from August 15 through September 30, 2011. You'll love this double set—two D-size sets in one envelope—which includes lots of clever phrases and coordinating images you'll use in your handmade cards all year long. The double set has a retail value of /$39.90, which drastically increases the value of your qualifying purchase! Have double the fun stamping during National Stamping Month with our new Pair-a-Phrase double stamp set!

Tip: If you order between August 15 and August 31, you can take advantage of this special and Extra! Extra! August special (described in a previous post) and get even more free! It's like double couponing! :)

Save Summer Memories

Studio J(r) design software helps you scrapbook your photos on the fly, so you spend less time documenting your memories and more time making them! Use this cool summer layout to capture anything from birthday parties to camping trips to bike races, and everything in between-any of your summertime activities.

Since lots of the photo wells are square, you can use them for photos that started out either vertical or horizontal. Watch the video to find out how to make this layout; then go into Studio J to create your own!

August Stamp of the Month Blog Hop...

Stumped on what to do with your stamp of the month... check out the S.O.T.M Blog Hop hosted by a fellow consultant.  Just follow the links at the bottom of each post for great ideas. Start Here

New Stamp of the Month Program - Free Extra Stamp in August!




If you have had a chance to browse the new Idea Book which went live on August 1st you probably already know that the Stamp of the Month Program has changed.


Spend just $55 on CTMH products and you can purchase the Stamp of the Month for only $5.50. To celebrate this new program Close To My Heart is throwing in a free alphabet stamp if you order the Stamp of the Month 'Wicked'


Free stamp set - 'A Typeface'

Stamp of the Month - 'Wicked'

Fabulous New Cricut Cartridge Coming to CTMH

In just a few days Close To My Heart's Fall/Winter Idea Book 2011 goes live to customers. One of the exciting changes to our product line is the addition of an excluseve Cricut cartridge that co-ordinates with many of the new stamp images in the new Idea Book. I have held off purchasing a Cricut, but this may be the extra push I need to finally pick one up. Here is a CTMH video describing the Cricut Art Philosophy Collection.

Fellow consultant Amanda Leahy has also created a great video to view the images on the cartridge.