Sara Batkin's Legacies Of Love

Remarkable Wreath

2012-01-26T08:02:00.000-05:00

I was so happy with the way this card turned out. I started with a colonial white cardstock card base into which I scored 4 rectangular 'panels'. I sponged desert sand ink onto this and the ridges became more obvious. I then cut 4 pieces of cardstock slightly smaller than the scored areas and again distressed with the desert sand ink and attached them within the scored areas.

The wreath branches were stamped in chocolate ink then I sponged Honey, Aut Terracotta and Olive ink onto the leaf image and stamped it on the top half of the wreath. I then repeated it to fill the wreath entirely.

Then I stamped the dots in the chocolate ink and went over the dots with the bronze glitz gel glue.

I stamped the bow in cranberry ink and went over it with the red glitz gel glue. When the bow was dry I used

a craft knife to cut it out. I used the knife and scissors to cut out the wreath.

The wreath was 'popped' up on 3D foam tape and then I used a drop of liquid glass to secure the bow.

The door knob is a shimmer brad onto which I rubbed some cocoa ink to distress it and that too has 3D foam tape under it to make it stand out from the card.

So I hope you like it as much as I do :O)

The Kindle and its cover is complete - you knew I couldn't leave it alone LOL

2012-01-20T13:21:00.000-05:00

Yes I know - I couldn't leave the cover or the kindle alone and had to keep embellishing it LOL.

Would you expect anything else of me?????

So I added more stamping, more Glitz Gel Glue, the buttons I liquid glassed and stitched

with embroidery thread and I liquid glassed the postage stamp and the glass in the

lamps of the Paris theme stamp.

THEN I stamped my Kindle to match - of course I did ROTFLOL :O)

So now they match and I think I am done - well for now anyway - who knows what I might add next !

The fun you can have with your stamps and inks and a Kindle cover :O)

2012-01-17T14:15:00.000-05:00

Over Christmas I treated myself to a Kindle - I have finally joined the 21st Centuary. I am a paper

person myself - a tactile person - so all of this electronic gadgetry just doesn't

excite me. BUT as I am headed to Hawaii in just a few weeks the Kindle seemed

like the perfect solution to hauling a box of books with me.

I found this classic but fun looking cover for it - just like a manilla envelope.

I love it.

It even has the cool string closure to keep everything safe

BUT. . . . .

It is kinda boring looking in a cool retro way - I knew I could 'bling' it up

and make it look like mine.

So out came the Stazon inks and my favorite stamps and the first thing I did was to add my phone number to the inside flap. God forbid that I should loose the flipping thing - hopefully if I did

someone would be kind enough to return it.

And then the fun stuff - Swirls, postage & images of Paris,

words which I love and my Name.

Then I went nuts with the Bronze Glitz Gel glue.

I LOVE how it turned out - it is so obviously mine LOLOL

Hope you like it too - let me know if you do :O)

Sonoma WOTG My Creations Display Album

2012-01-16T08:37:00.000-05:00

Finally I am getting round to posting photos of this gorgeous paper from the Sonoma WOTG

which I used with the 6x6 My Creations Display Album.

The 1st thing I did was to open up the spiral spine and ink distress the white album base

in Bamboo Ink.

On the page above I used an old pair of scissors and cut the large metal frame(from

the embellishment pack included with the kit) in half and tucked the cut edges under the saying.

I rolled the edge of the paper on the left hand side then 'popped' up the photo mat with

3D foam tape

I used the waterbrush to give a soft color to the stamped image at the bottom.

I trimmed the extra paper away from the scalloped border on the zip strip

I love the metal corner embellishment on this page

This frame was the smallest of the 2 sizes and the saying fit it perfectly.

Again I used the waterbrush to color the image and then layered it on a tone-on-tone image.

Here I cut through the page protector to make the album interactive (of course I did LOL)

The metal corner embellishment made a great 'pull tab' so I used 2 - back-to-back

to make it sturdy. The word LOVE is from the zip strip

I didn't glue the saying down completely so that I can still slide a photo underneath it.

Again I cut through the page protector to make a book style photo mat and here is the

other half of the large frame which I used on the 1st page

Again the trimmed scalloped edge zip strip, and I made the flower by stamping the leaf

6 times in a circle and then again - colored both and cut them both out then

layered them on top of each other.

The small flower was made in the same way at the one on the previous page -

I just made one layer and used the small leaf this time.

I cut a V shape into the end of the zip strip to give the illusion of ribbon.

I hope you like what I have done and it gives you the inspiration to make one of your own :O)

Retiring Products - only available until January 31st !!! Get them while they are still available!

2012-01-15T21:02:00.000-05:00

It's that time of year again - when items are retiring :O(

SO if there is anything on the list below that you NEED/WANT/CRAVE now is

the time to get it!!!

There are links on all of these products which will take you directly to my

website where - in addition to all of these cool items - there is a whole heap of

reduced items - while supples last - click here to see them.

Paper Collections

Typeset Workshop On The Go (WOTG) Kit – G1024 - $29.95

Roxie WOTG Kit – G1025 - $29.95

Elemental WOTG Kit – G1026 - $29.95

Sonoma WOTG Kit – G1028 - $29.95

Dreamin’ Level 2 Paper – X7142B - $9.95

Dreamin’ My Stickease – X7142C - $4.95

Dreamin’ WOTG Kit – G1027 - $29.95

Mischief Level 2 Paper – X7144B - $9.95

Mischief Compliment Rub-Ons – X7144C - $4.95

Mischief WOTG Kit – G1029 - $29.95

Believe Level 2 Paper – X7145B - $9.95

Believe My Stickease – X7145C - $4.95

Believe WOTG Kit – G1030 - $29.95

Wonderland Level 2 Paper – X7146B - $9.95

Wonderland My Stickease – X7146C - $4.95

Wonderland WOTG Kit – G1031 - $29.95

Sophia Level 2 Paper – X7131B - $12.95

Sophia My Stickease – X7131C - $4.95

Mayberry Level 2 Paper – X7136B - $12.95

Mayberry My Stickease – X7136C - $4.95

Lucky Level 2 Paper – X7137B - $12.95

Lucky My Stickease – X7137C - $4.95

Fanfare Level 2 Paper – X7138B - $12.95

Fanfare My Stickease – X7138C - $4.95

Ribbon

Colonial White Ribbon collection - Z1126 - $7.95

Cranberry grosgrain ribbon - Z1103 - $6.95

Cocoa grosgrain ribbon - Z1100 - $6.95

Colonial White grosgrain ribbon - Z1102 - $6.95

White Daisy grosgrain ribbon - Z270 - $6.95

Wings Level 2 Assortment - Z1398 - $4.95

Floss & Waxy Flax

Embroidery Floss - Red/Pink - Z1092 - $3.25

Embroidery Floss - Green - Z1094 - $3.25

Embroidery Floss - Blue/Purple - Z1093 - $3.25

Waxy Flax - Cranberry - Z1086 - $3.95

Waxy Flax - Sorbet - Z1249 - $3.95

Waxy Flax - Juniper - Z1248 - $3.95

Waxy Flax - Crystal Blue - Z1247 - $3.95

Brads

Designer Brads - Colonial White - Z1274 - $3.95

Designer Brads - Pewter - Z1146 - $3.95

Mini-Medley & Eyelets

Mini Medley - Antiqued Coppe r - Z1275 - $4.95

Mini Medley - Colonial White - Z1276 - $4.95

Foundry Metal - Bookplates - Z1147 - $3.50

Soft Set Eyelet Too l - Z1208 - $14.95

Soft Set Eyelets - Black and White Daisy - Z1228 - $3.95

Soft Set Eyelets - Chocolate and Colonial White - Z1229 - $3.95

Coordinating Collection Embellishments

Midnight Felt Shapes - Z1462 - $3.95

Harvest Charm s - Z1633 - $4.95

Holiday Pockets - Z1486 - $4.95

Top Coats Icing Overlays - Z1468 - $4.95 SOLD OUT

Lucky Level 2 Assortment - Z1356 - $4.95

Lucky Level 2 Journaling Spots - Z1359 - $3.95

Bliss Level 2 Assortment - Z1355 - $5.95

Sweetheart Level 2 Assortment - Z1386 - $4.95

Fanfare Level 2 Assortment - Z1400 - $4.95

Just Blooms Spring Blossom - Z1266 - $7.95

Just Blooms White Daisy Variety Pack - Z1300 - $5.95

Color Ready Alphabets

Color Ready Alphabets - Oxford - X5749 - $3.95

Color Ready Alphabets - Hodge Podge - X1406 - $3.95

Dimensional Elements

Dimensional Elements - On Target - Z1226 - $5.95

Dimensional Elements - Flurry - Z1225 - $4.95

My Creations Items

My Creations - Board Boo k - Z1310 - $6.95

My Creations - Journal - Z1268 - $7.95

My Creations - Memory Showcase 9x9 - Z1198 - $5.95

Tools

Rubber Brayer - Z616 - $12.95

Soft Set Eyelet Tool - Z1208 - $14.95

Eyelet Tool Replacement Punches - Z1245 - $2.95

Stamp Sets

A Game

A1113

A Hop

A1112

A Little Buzz

B1353

A Little Everything

D1408

A Love

A1103

A Paisley

A1105

A Posey

A1102

Adoption

A1098

Adorning Corners

D1322

Always in My Heart

A1101

Ambiance

C1349

Around the Block

D1377

Baby Love

B1368

Backgrounds & Borders

D1463

Baroque Alphabet

E1006

Beary Best

C1363

Beary Busy

C1409

Beautiful Butterflies

B1373

Beautiful Things

D1298

Believe in Your Dream

B1322

B1343

C1436

C1411

C1445

C1449

D1367

Boom!

B1354

B1324

D1353

C1447

D1466

Charmed

C1385

Cherished Flourishes

D1413

Ciao

D1461

D1300

D1438

B1372

D1330

Crusin'

D1471

D1336

D1297

C1451

D1399

D1470

E1011

C1395

C1356

Family

C1305

Family Ties - Adults

C1346

Family Ties - Children

C1345

B1350

D1465

D1409

D1187

Friendship Alphabet Large

E1016

D1191

C1443

B1309

D1136

D1137

D1431

C1437

Hero

D1474

His and Hers

C1460

Horizon

C1454

Hot Diggity

C1407

Howdy

D1435

In the Month of April

C1405

In the Month of February

C1403

In the Month of July

C1417

In the Month of June

C1416

In the Month of March

C1404

C1415

C1360

C1338

C1337

B1323

C1339

C1355

C1414

D1337

C1396

D1460

C1448

C1365

D1404

B1352

D1378

C1399

D1468

D1410

D1426

D1414

D1407

D1357

C1444

D1348

D1364

C1446

D1441

E1002

C1461

D1320

Smiles

C1397

So Lucky

C1390

Soul Mates Word Puzzle

D1254

D1415

D1403

C1453

B1375

C1359

B1364

D1427

C1438

D1361

D1392

D1396

D1425

T.L.C.

C1364

D1402

C1368

D1451

D1365

D1473

C1422

X-treme

D1432

C1351

D1346

D1434

B1351

We have snow - so here is a snowman :O)

2012-01-13T11:25:00.000-05:00

Gotta love this snowman :O)

I used the All Decked Out Stamp set - where you can build your own snowman -

you get to choose his hat (or ear muffs), arms, whether he has 2 balls of snow for a body or just one -

and even what kind of carrot he has for a nose.

The base of the card was Chocolate cardstock which I scalloped

using the corner rounder, the B&T was from Wonderland Level 2 paper pack

and the insert was Crystal blue cardstock held with Chocolate ribbon :O)

I heat embossed with clear ink the swirls at the bottom of the cardstock and then

sponged the matching ink over the swirls so that they showed up.

I added silver Glitz Gel Glue to the snowflakes (and to the B&T at the top of the card)

I stamped the parts for the snowman on white cardstock then heat set Liquid Applique

while it was still hot I sprinkled liberally with prisma glitter and heated it again.

Black button brads made the buttons

His nose was liquid glasses after I had colored it with the Sunset marker

2 more black brads for eyes and his ear muffs were made fuzzy with fun flock

and the band colored with a grey marker and then liquid glassed.

I used 3D tape to 'pop' up the middle section of him plus his ear muffs.

I think he is super cute - hope you do too :O)

10 Things I love About Winter Mini Album

2012-01-12T21:15:00.001-05:00

How much do I like this paper - let me count the ways . . . . . . This Wonderland

Workshop On The Go had such beautiful paper and you know I love the Sparkles

that I had to make another 6x6 mini album. This time, all about the things I Love About Winter.

I did also use the Polka Dot Alphabet as the dots on the letters matched the dots on the border stamp

that is in this WOTG.

I used the 'steam' image stamp to make the curly border down the side of the photo mats.

The fun thing about this album is that pretty much all of the 6x6 layouts

are orginally 12x12 layouts - taken from Cherish, Imagine or Magic - our

amazing 'How To' books. Pick a layout you like and divide all the measurements by 2.

in some cases you will have to adjust the measurements so that the layout looks good

and the photo areas are big enough to actually add a photo.

Some of the pages I added titles - and some I left blank - you could add your own

or as I find photos to fit the layout I will add a title later.

I loved adding the sparkles from the WOTG to the centers of the snowflakes.

I added Pansy purple ink to this kit as the Quick Pick mini album was pansy purple.

I know the purple used in the paper was a lighter shade but this darker shade

worked perfectly.

I used the 'steam' stamp as a corner border in crystal blue ink.

Can't wait to add photos to this :O)

This layout is the WOTG brochure layout - just reduced to 6x6. You will see

how I made one photo area instead of 2 to make it more usable.

I hope you like it as much as I do and that it inspires you to make one of your own:O)

Rock the Block Promotion

2012-01-09T13:15:00.000-05:00

Oh I have to tell you I am LOVING this Rock The Block special offer E sized Stamp set with it's cute tray & the 9 blank chipboard blocks.You can decorate them any way you like :O)

Above is a quick & easy card which I made using some scrap circles of Roxie paper & then the stamps from the set. I did add a little amount of the Bronze Glitz gel glue in the center of the Desert Sand stamped flower.

Here I used some Roxie paper & again used the Bronze Glitz gel glue to 'color' over the swirl pattern of the paper. I cut a 4x6 photo into 2x2 squares and attached them to one side of the blocks.

For the 'Summer Fun' I took pear cardstock and stamped the 'dots' background in Sweet leaf ink.

I cut the letters out using the Cricut 'CTMH' Art Philosophy cartridge

& then used the large corner shaped stamp in Lagoon ink to add a pattern to the letters. A few scraps of Lagoon & Sunny Yellow cardstock completed this side.

'Easter" was done with the Cricut letters inked with Petal ink then covered with Bonding memories glue & dipped in Prisma Glitter. I stamped 2x2 colonial white cardstock squares with Creme Brulee ink using the corner stamp. I stamped the flowers in Blush & sponged Petal ink on the edges. The leaves were stamped in Sweet leaf. I added a spot of Liquid glass to the centers of the flowers and added more Prisma Glitter.

The "Halloween" side used the Mischief paper with the Zip strip still attached. The letters were sponged with Sunset ink & then I took the trellis pattern stamp and stamped in Cocoa over the top.

Each letter was accented with 3 dots of Bronze Glitz gel glue.

I used the Believe paper on the "Christmas" side.

I added a strip of Kraft cardstock which I had already scalloped the edge with the corner rounder

then added the reindeer zip strip. The letters were ink distressed in Holiday Red ink.

The last side again used the Roxie paper (can you tell it is my favorite? LOL) & inked the letters using

Smoothie then went over with liquid glass to make them shiny - sorry it is difficult to see in this photo.

I did the same thing with the word 'Love' which I matted on Black cardstock before attaching it.

I hope you like what I have done with mine - if you would like one too spend just $25 on items from the Autumn/Winter idea book and receive this stamp, tray and block set for just $15 (value $44.90).

Click on my link below and get yours now before they are all gone !!!

https://sarabatkin.myctmh.com/Retail/RetailLanding.aspx?PageId=184

Typeset Mini Album

2011-12-17T17:28:00.000-05:00

Here is another mini album which I made using a True Fit File Folio as the base. I scored

it at 6 inches in each direction then opened it out so that it was 24x12 then folded up the bottom half -

thus making a 24x6 piece which I think concertina folded to make this.

I used the Typeset Workshop on the Go to decorate it and added some of

the Silver Glitz Gel glue for even more sparkle :O)

I am going to give the main pieces - you can decorate it however you like :O)

Front Cover

6 x6 Black c/s

2.50 x 6 Desert Sand c/s

2 x 6 Number B&T

.75 x 6 Juniper c/s - scalloped edge

2.25 x 6 Desert Sand c/s - scored at 1" and 1.25"

Page 1

5.50 x 6 Vineyard Berry B&T

4.50 x 3 Notepaper B&T

4 x 4 Juniper c/s

3.75 x 3.75 Colonial White c/s

Page 2

6 x 6 Notepaper B&T

1.75 x 6 Juniper c/s

3.75 x .75 Colonial White strip

3.25 x 4 Black c/s

3 x 3.75 Colonial White c/s

Page 3

6 x 6 Creme Brulee c/s

2.25 x 6 Desert Sand c/s

2 x 6 Number B&T

3.50 x 5 Vineyard Berry B&T

3.25 x 4.75 Colonial White c/s

Page 4

6 x 6 Desert Sand c/s

5.75 x 5.75 Juniper B&T

4 x 4 Creme Brulee c/s

3.50 x 3.50 Colonial White c/s

Back Cover

6 x 6 Juniper B&T

.75 x 6 Juniper c/s

.50 x 6 Zip Strip

Tags - front side

Tag #1.

5.50 x 4 Creme Brulee Base

1.50 x 4 Black c/s -scalloped edge

.50 x 4 Zip Strip

Tag #2

6 x 4 Black c/s Base

2 x 4 Juniper Graph paper design B&T with zip strip

5.50 x 3.50 Colonial White c/s

Tag #3.

6 x 4 Desert Sand Base

3.75 x 5.75 Vineyeard Berry B&T

Tag #4.

6 x 4 Juniper c/s Base

3.50 x 5.50 Vineyard Berry B&T with zip strip

Tag #5.

6 x 4 Black c/s Base

5.75 x 3.75 Number B&T

Tags - Reverse Side

Tag #1.

5.25 x 3.75 Number B&T

Tag #2.

.75 x 6 Zip strip torn edge

Tag #3.

3 x 4 Creme Brulee c/s

2.50 x 4 Juniper Pattern B&T

Tag #4.

2 x 4 Black number B&T

3.50 x 5.50 Desert Sand c/s

Tag #5

.50 x 6 Zip strip

So that's it folks - hope you like it as much as I do - I was thrilled how it turned out :O)

Veranda Mini Album for Monica

2011-12-13T18:02:00.000-05:00

I wanted to make Mini Albums for my dear friends Monica & Kristine -

so this is what I came up with - the bases for the covers were 4x8 chipboard and the

back cover was 8x8 chipboard.

I took the gorgeous CTMH Veranda Paper, lots of embellishments

and this is what I came up with :O)

The word LIFE on the front cover was made from itty bitty scrabble style pieces - so I used

the CTMH Tiny Typewriter set and stamped on them :O)

I dry embossed the cocoa cardstock in a criss-cross patters to give it extra texture.

The left hand center page had 2 tags for photos or journalling.

I LOVED this page - the square Juniper colored piece lifted out to reveal the doors

underneath it. the pocket on the far left was made from clear transparency sheets and

I used brown stazon ink on it and then tucked the oval tag behind it.

Here you can see both tags pulled out on the far left and right.

The 2 center pages were heat embossed using clear powder and then

sponged ink over the top to reveal the pattern.

Again I used more of the plain tiles and stamped on them. More tags in the pocket too :O)

You can see on the right hand side that I used a clear card as another half page

and added embellishments and inked the edges.

This was the final page which I added a large pocket for yet more tags - the

gold square frame started off as a cream frame which I heat embossed

in gold embossing powder. I popped it up on 3D foam tape and then used it to slide

another tag behind it :O)

Here it is with all of the tags pulled out - Hope you like it as much as I did.

Monica and Kristine loved them too :O)

Rock the Block Promotion

2011-12-07T16:54:00.000-05:00

Sophia My Creations Board Book from Extravaganza

2011-11-20T13:24:00.000-05:00

Here is a board book which I made into a carousel piece. I used the Sophia level 2 paper packet and added cocoa cardstock and lots of ribbon :O)

I scored the blush cardstock in a criss-cross pattern and sanded it and then added

sparkles .

This photo of the right actually tucks into the pocket made by the cocoa cardstock.

Lots of white embossing powder added a textural feel to the cocoa cardstock

and on the right hand page I added a interactive fold out section

perfect for adding lots of photos.

All unfolded :O)

My creations A-dor-ables added more interactive fun and I made a flower

as a handle to open the 'door'

This section was made from the front and back covers of the book. I sliced

through the fold on the spine of the book and then pulled the covers together so that

it formed a circle (hope this makes some sort of sense).

The ribbon hides the join :O)

Hope you like it :O)

Wooohoooo - we did it again :O)

2011-11-07T21:20:00.000-05:00

Yes my life has - once again - been consumed by the Walled Lake Central Marching Band - and I don't mind one little bit :O)
It has been a crazy time with practice for Leo 4 nights in the week after school PLUS most Saturday - all since the beginning of September - so add that to school plus homework - and that lad of mine has no time to get into mischief - gotta love it.
Anyway - all of that hard work has paid off as on Saturday the State championships were held at Ford Field by the MCBA (Michigan Competing Band Association). All of the bands who competed were wonderful - and the top 3 bands were so close in their marks. But we won 1st place and also took the trophies for Best Marching and Best General Effect. The Plymouth Canton Educational Park took the trophy for Best Music - their show was so pretty - I loved all of the unbrellas that formed the flowers for their "Gardens of Babylon" show.
So now I ( and the rest of the WLCMB) are off to Indianapolis on Wednesday afternoon to take part in the Grand National competition where high school marching bands from across the country come and take place. There are about 100 bands taking part so fingers crossed that our band does well
I will be back late Sunday night and will let you know the outcome. :O)

My Creations Board Book Mini Album

2011-10-30T21:57:00.000-04:00

This little book of fabulosity documents an afternoon of fun at Coughton Court in the UK. My dear friend Victoria and I spent lots of time in the gardens and grounds as well as inside the beautiful house. We had so much fun playing hide and go seek in between the hedges and down the gravel paths :O)

I love these hardboard books by CTMH. Instead of opening it in the usual fashion I turned it through 90 degrees and opened it top to bottom. I used the Lucky level 2 paper pack to decorate it. Along with lots of the new Chocolate strip ribbon.

I added a Milepost star and squared shape to the 2 pages which I had inked on the flat side. The Bling buttons are great for a way of adding sparkle. I also used the Bingo alphabet. I love the grid that is included in the set.

Here I added the bronze Glitz Gel Glue (okay I can never say this to abbreviated it to 'squidgy stuff' at a class I taught last week lol) to the ridges of the milepost shapes. and on the bottom page I inked the flat side then stamped on it to. I love the fact that both sides are so versatile.

Again more milepost shapes and on the bottom page I added a fold out page - you know how I like to make my pages, layouts and mini albums interactive.

Lots more ribbon :O)

On the last page I added 2 photos but cut them so that they were very narrow - but they worked perfectly with the photo subject.

Hope you like this little book as much as I do :O)

Halloween Mini Album - My Creations Mix n Mingle

2011-10-25T15:17:00.000-04:00

I loved the way this little mini album turned out.

The 'Label' paper in the Mischief Level 2 paper pack was just perfect to

scrapbook the pictures of Elliott - who is also known as Pumpkin due to his beautiful

red hair.

I made an accordian style spine and then added foldout pages for more areas for photos.

I threaded colonial white ribbon through the ribbon slide

Here I added the bronze Glitz Glitter Gel to the Milepost bracket shape

Hope you like it :O)

Halloween Inspired Mischief My Creations Card Box

2011-10-23T17:10:00.000-04:00

Here is my Halloween inspired box of potions which I created for Extravaganza this year.

I love the Mischief Level 2 paper pack and used the 'Label' B&T on the box and on

the contents. I used the Silver Glitz Gel to decorate the 'Rub-On' cobweb.

I picked up mini samples from the pharmacy of soap, body lotion, hand sanitizer etc

and then used the paper to cover them.

It made a fun item which is so fun to leave out on the table at this time of year

Hope you like it :O)

Fanfare My Creations Card Box & Cards

2011-10-05T11:01:00.000-04:00

Here is another box which I made using the My Creations Card Box and the Fanfare Level 2 paper pack.

I colored the box using Pacifica ink but it felt too dark so I brushed the Pearl paint over the top to soften the color and give a shimmer to the box. It added more interest.

I added the Cranberry pleated ribbon and then a selection of the blue buttons which I threaded with the

white Embroidery Floss.

I colored the cork Alphabet Letters with Honey and Pacifica and Cranberry ink and then heat embossed them with the clear embossing powder to really set the color. I used one of the Milepost shapes covered

with the B&T underneath the flower.

The matching cards are from the Originals and Wishes card confidence programs.

Lots of ribbon and ling assortment buttons added more interest.

Hope you like them :O)

My Creations Card Box Album

2011-10-03T21:09:00.000-04:00

This is the new My Creations Card Box which I was lucky enough to receive as part of

my class products for Extravaganza this year.

I decided to make an multi fold album to fit inside it and used the lovely Dreamin' Level 2

paper pack & stickease, and the Honey Mini Medley accents to decorate it.

I also used C1365 - Unscripted stamp set.

I inked all of the edges of the box and then added Goldrush cardstock which I had random stamped to the inside of the box.

I scored 6 x 12 cardstock at 4" and added tabs so that I could form a

concertina fold album which would fold in and out of the box. I also

added an additional tab to the bottom which allowed me to actually

attach it to the inside of the box permanently. Then I added a ribbon 'pull tab' to the top

to make it easier to pull it out.

I added lots of embellishments and stamped images and the new copper Glitz Gel Glue.

On some of the sections I added fold out sections which allowed me to add

more photos to the album.

The photos are from Christmas last year when my 2 sisters and their families came

and stayed with us. Great photos and great memories :O)

Hope you like it :O)

Travel theme My Creations Memory Game Money Box

2011-09-29T12:05:00.000-04:00

Here is a cute money box made from the My Creations Memory Game which I

created for my Extravaganza class this year.

I took out the chipboard pieces

and used just the empty box. I used a craft knife to cut a hole in the lid.

Then I went to town decorating it with my favorite style of stamps.

I inked all of the edges of the box with desert sand ink and the paper and cardstock

is cut just a little smaller than each panel. By distressing all of the edges of the cardstock

with the same color ink it blends the paper into the box and it means

that the paper isn't going to lift up along the edges when it is handled.

I gathered the cranberry ribbon along one side and liquid glassed it in place.

Hope you like it :O)

Mischief Workshop On The Go Mini Album.

2011-09-26T15:28:00.000-04:00

So here is a fun mini album made from the super cute Mischief WOTG and the new

6x6 Kraft Cards & Envelopes.

The original idea for an album of this sort was given to us at Convention earlier this year.

For this album I used 2 complete cards plus the scalloped edge cut from a 3rd card.

I used the stamps and embellishments from the kit only.

I have tried to list the paper piece sizes for each page - I have given you the page description as

when you unfold the pages they aren't in chronological order, but I think it will make sense :O)

Cover:

5.75 x 5.75 Sunset C/S

5.50 x 5.50 Colonial white C/S

Flap:

6 x .75 Sunset C/S

4.50 x .50 Zip strip - Word design

Page 1:

5 x 3.50 Label design B&T

3.50 x 3.50 Bard Red C/S

3.25 x 3.25 Colonial White C/S

"Book" Page:

6 x 3.50 Black B&T INCLUDING Zip Strip

4.50 x 4.50 Sunset C/S

4.25 x 4.25 Balck C/S

4 x 4 Colonial White C/S

Page 1:

See above

"Spooky" Page:

5 50 x 4.75 Label design B&T

5.50 x 1.25 Label design B&T

4 x 3.25 Black C/S

3.75 x 1 Black C/S

3.75 x 3 Colonial White C/S

3.50 x .75 Colonial White C/S

"Happy Halloween" Page:

5.50x 4.25 Black & White B&T

4.5 x 3.5 Barn Red C/S

4.25 x 3.25 Colonial White C/S

"Fence" Page:

5.75 x 5.75 Sunset B&T

5 x 3.50 Colonial White C/S

"Skull" Page:

5.50 x 4 Colonial White C/S

6 x 1.50 Sunset B&T - attached to the flap cut from the 3rd card and trimmed

to fit the scallops.

"Candlestick" Page:

4 x 2.50 Label B&T

4 x 2.50 Black B&T

5 x 3 Barn Red C/S

4.50 x 3.50 Colonial White C/S

6 x .50 Grey & White Zip Strip

Well - that's it folks :O) I hope you like it and that it inspires you to make one of your own :O)

September Class Projects - Mischief Level 2 Paper pack

2011-09-21T19:14:00.000-04:00

Here is the card we are making this month - just to prove that just because it is the Halloween themed "Mischief" paper - you don't have to use it for Halloween !

Here is a very 'girly' colored card using the September SOTM along with Hollyhock ink and Baby Pink cardstock. Ribbon and pretty 'Bling" in the form of Sparkles make this such a pretty card - and not a Witch in sight!

I also added interest to the Baby Pink cardstock by piercing rows of holes using our new fabulous ruler.

Hope you like it :O)

September Class Projects

2011-09-20T20:50:00.000-04:00

Here is a fun little card which we are making this month using the Roxie WOTG papers and stamp set and the September Stamp of the Month - Limited Edition.

The band comes off the card to reveal a gift card inside - perfect for teachers or how about a

Toys R Us card for a child, a movie theater gift card for a teenager, a gas card for someone

who has just passed their driving test.

Decorate it to suit the occasion. The base of the card is 11 x 4.25 scored at 3", 5.5" and at 8" - t

he card is then cut (to fit which ever gift card you have) along the 5.5" score line.

Fold it so it looks like a W then pt a line of glue to stick the 2 bottom points together.

Hope you like it :O)

Roxie Workshop On The Go - Scrapbook-in-a-box.

2011-09-19T20:00:00.000-04:00

So here is the Scrapbook-in-a-box I made using the Roxie WOTG with its beautiful paper, stamps and embellishments - I added a little 3D tape but nothing else.

The paper pieces for the lid are:

Lid 12x12 Black cardstock,

4 x 4 Smoothie Rose B&T,

1.75 x 1.75 Zebra B&T,

1.25 x 1.25 Leopard B&T,

4 pieces 1.75 x 4 Swirl B&T,

The Smoothie layer is a 12 x 12 piece which is scored at 4" from each edge

The Smoothie layer on the outside has:

2 pieces 3.75 x 3.75 Colonial White cardstock - random stamped

2 pieces 3.75 x 3.75 Plaid B&T

The inside of the smoothie layer is as follows:

2 pieces 3.75 x 3.75 Colonial White cardstock - random stamped

2 pieces 2 x 2 Desert Sand cardstock

2 pieces 1.75 x1.75 Colonial White cardstock

2 pieces 4 x 2 Desert Sand cardstock

2 pieces 4 x 1 Canvas design B&T

2 pieces 1.75 x 2 Colonial white cardstock - heavily inked with Cocoa ink.

The Black Layer is 11.75 x 11.75 piece which is scored at 4" from each edge

Outside of the Black layer:

2 pieces 3.75 x 3.50 Zebra B&T

2 pieces 3.75 x 3.50 Smoothie Rose B&T

Inside of the Black layer is as follows:

2 Pieces 3.75 x .50 "Bling" zip strip

2 Pieces 3.75 x 1/75 Canvas B&T

2 Pieces 1.50 x 2 Plaid B&T

2 Pieces 1.25 x 1.75 Colonial White - stamped

2 Pieces 1.50 x 3.75 Zebra B&T

2 Pieces 3.75 x .50 "Words" zip strip

2 Pieces 3.75 x .75 Colonial White cardstock

The Desert Sand layer is 11.50 x 11.50 piece which is scored at 4" from each edge

The outside of the Desert Sand Layers is as follows:

2 Pieces 3.75 x 3.25 Canvas B&T

2 Pieces 3.75 x 3.25 Colonial White cardstock - random stamped

2 Pieces 4 x 1.75 Zebra B&T

6 Pieces 1.25 x 1.25 Colonial White Cardstock - stamped

2 Pieces 3.75 x 1 5/8 Plaid B&T

2 Pieces 3.75 x 1 5/8 Smoothie Rose B&T

2 Pieces 1.50 x 2.75 Desert Sand cardstock

2 Pieces 1x 2.25 Cream Cardstock

The Smoothie layer is 11.25 x 11.25 piece which is scored at 4" from each edge

The outside of the smallest Smoothie Layer is as follows:

2 Pieces 3.75 x 3 Floral B&T

2 Pieces 3.75 x 3 Zebra B&T

2 Pieces 4 x 1.50 Zebra B&T

2 Pieces 2.50 x 2.50 Colonial White cardstock - stamped

2 Pieces 3 x 1.50 Plaid B&T

2 Pieces 3.25 x 1 Colonial White cardstock

2 Pieces1.75 x 1.75 Desert Sand cardstock

2 Pieces 1.25 x 1.25 Colonial White cardstock

Center piece 3x3 Swirl B&T

This photo shows you how all of the layers open - so this box will hold up to 32 photos/journalling sections.

Use the buttons, pins and black hemp included in the kit to decorate and add a little 3D tape under some of the sections to add interest.

Scoring & Cutting Guide below:

SO here is how you score each of the layers. They are ALL scored at 4" in from each of the 4 sides of the paper (as marked in black) Then each piece is cut from the edge to the score line (4" long cut).

These pieces fold over and become each section.

Now on the smaller layers you will have to trim these flaps as when you fold them over they will be too wide.

On the 11.75 sq layer (black cardstock)- you will have to trim .25 off each flap

On the 11.50 sq layer (Desert Sand cardstock) you will have to trim off .50 from each flap

and on the 11.25 sq layer (smoothie cardstock) you will have to trim off .75 from each flap.

Hope this makes some sort of sense and I would love to read your comments (if you like it LOL) x

What a lovely surprise to come home from work to :O)

2011-09-14T15:56:00.003-04:00

Thank you so much to Tamytha ( you can find her cute blog here http://www.paperheartist.com) who awarded me the very cute Liebster Blog award.

Liebster is German for "favorite" or "beloved". So essentially it translates into "Favorite Blog". The award is sent to blogs that have fewer than 200 followers. It recognizes the "little blogs" out there and helps to draw more followers...something every blogger wants.

There is a caveat to this award - I have to pass it on to 5 blogs that I follow. 5???? Seriously??? I have so many blogs which I pop into see, where I 'oooohh and aaahhhh' over the artwork. I do try to leave comments on the items I have looked as I know how much it means when someone takes the time and trouble to leave a comment or message - it is gratefully received believe me.

So here are the blogs I follow and why:

http://paperpleatsandribbonroses.blogspot.com/ Connie's blog blows me away - her ribbon flowers and artwork are to die for. I wish I lived nearer to her so that I could stalk her. LOL :O) She at this point is probably very glad I don't !!! Check out her gorgeous creations :O)

http://tuttonstreasures.blogspot.com/ Angela's blog is another site which I love to look through - such pretty artwork.

http://paigespaperparadise.blogspot.com/ Paige has a beautiful mini scrapbook - just perfect for little ones which is just one of the cute things she has made.

http://bowlofstamps.blogspot.com/ Kathleen's blog is lovely - again what fun artwork she has :O)

http://createwithbeckie.blogspot.com/ And last but certainly not least my friend Beckie's artwork is well worth a long look at. My fellow cruise earner is super artistic. :O)

SO hope you like the blogs I have mentioned. I wish I hadn't had the restrictions of only 5 blogs which had under 200 followers. Make sure you follow these ladies blogs and leave them comments - I know they will appreciate all you have to say :O)

My Creations Memory Game Jigsaw

2011-09-12T07:28:00.000-04:00

I was given the new My Creations Memory game boxes to 'play' with for Conventions,

so one of the items I made was this fun Jigsaw puzzle.

I had 2 photos printed - a small one to go onto the top of the box and then a large one 12 x 18".

The large photo was cut into 24 pieces each measuring 3x3".

I inked all of the edges of the pieces and attached the photos to the front with a thin layer of liquid glass.

I used the Elemental paper pack on the box and added some of the new Cranberry Ribbon

for a textural feel on the lid.

Hope you like it :O)

The 'Banner' Christmas Tree

2011-09-01T14:56:00.000-04:00

Here is one of the pieces of artwork which I made for this years Extravaganza class.

It is a Christmas Tree made from 2 sets of the Banner pieces.

The trunk is covered with cocoa cardstock which I dry-brushed with cocoa re-inker to make it

look like bark - the paper is from the Lucky level 2 paper pack. I heat embossed the snowflakes

on alternate pieces of the paper.

I used the Dimensional Elements Ornaments and lots of liquid glass !

The pieces were tied together with cocoa ribbon and the the whole thing was decorated with the gorgeous roses ribbon from the Pink collection.

Hope you love it as much I do:O)

Well - its a week later and still the pain continues

2011-08-31T23:38:00.000-04:00

I had my surgery last week and am disappointed to tell you that the pain is still there - but all is not lost - my Dr has prescribed a 6 month treatment with injections - hopefully our insurance carrier will pay up or you will see an extremely destitute Sara !!!

After 3 months we will find out whether more surgery will work - so watch this space - but this is all boring so will try to post some fun stuff for you tomorrow :O)
Sending smiles your way

Just to keep you up to date . . .

2011-08-25T08:16:00.000-04:00

. . . I am back into hospital today for yet more surgery :O( It is 5 months and 2 days since I was last in there and I haven't had a pain free day yet. I am so utterly exhausted by it all.So hopefully after looking inside with cameras etc my new Dr can figure out just what is causing the pain and fix it !!

So my usual apologies for not posting for a while but I am sure you understand. Will let you know how I get on x

Fanfare and July SOTM

2011-08-20T17:41:00.001-04:00

I am sorry - just found these photos on my memory stick. Hhhmmmmm - should have posted them last month - but better late than never!

The top photo shows the cards which I made in July at my classes - it features white daisy heat embossing with cranberry and pacifica ink sponged over. the flower is made with 8 scalloped edged 2" circles and lots of sparkles.

The bottom photo shows a birthday card which I made using the Hooligans paper pack and then a random stamped July 4th card again - lots of sparkles.

Hope you like them :O)

Marching Band My Creations Display Album

2011-08-14T13:10:00.001-04:00

This is the display album which I made using Lucky level 2 paper pack. It features some of the photos from the WLC Marching band from the 2010 season - and my son Leo's freshman year.

So that shows you both Leo and the Band's journey to become 2010 Flight 1 State Champions at Ford Field.

Hope you love it as much as I do :O)

You and Me - National Scrapbooking Month kit.

2011-08-05T23:05:00.000-04:00

Hooligans File Folio Mini Album

2011-08-05T23:03:00.001-04:00

Yes I am at it again - turning the file folio into another album. Actually - this one was the idea which

then turned into the You and Me mini album. LOL.

I used the Hooligans level 2 paper pack and the photos of my lovely boys when we visited

the Detroit Zoo. They were fascinated by the butterfly house and all of the

brass animals that they could climb on.

I love all of the pockets for yet more photos.

And yes - again it was more artwork which I submitted to CTMH - I loved the way it

turned out and obviously they did too :O)

I can feel another mini album coming on - watch this space LOLOL

Hope you love it too xx

The Many Faces of ADHD scrapbook layout

2011-08-01T19:59:00.001-04:00

This is the layout which I made to submit to CTMH to teach at Extravaganza.

It shows all the pictures of Elliott as he has grown and shows just how much

he has changed.

The small pull out book hides the journaling and I popped up the main photo with 3D foam

tape to allow me to get the little book under it.

I rubbed the craft boarders in Versamark ink and then heat embossed using the white embossing powder. I then layered a thin strip of chocolate cardstock behind it to add contrast.

I love the way this layout turned out. Hope you like it as much as I do :O)

Bliss Wedding Wall Hanging

2011-07-31T15:32:00.002-04:00

Here is a wooden wall plaque which I bought at Michaels. I used a marker to color in the edges then covered the edges with the pearl paint.

I used the Bliss level 2 paper pack to cover the base and added Vineyard Berry cardstock which I dry embossed with a diagonal pattern - sanded then again dry brushed the pearl paint over it.

I made the ribbon ruffle from the chocolate paper and then covered the join between the paper and cardstock with a section of Kraft Border which I had inked using Chocolate ink.

the large Dimensional Element heart was stamped and the small heart was inked with Vineyard Berry.

Hope you like it :O)

Fanfare Workshop To Go

2011-07-29T10:52:00.000-04:00

Here is the last Workshop on the Go for this idea book - the very patriotic Fanfare set. It is perfect for everything Americana and especially July 4th.

I also love the stamp set which is included (along with buttons & embroidery floss) as it is perfect for party invitations and birthdays & for wonderful hot summer ice-cream filled days :O)

The 3 cards below are made following the instructions included in the kit - just perfect for those July 4th picnics & get togethers :O)

This card - made using the colors Cotton Candy, Sweet Leaf,Garnet & Desert Sand uses the Fanfare WOTG stamp set but puts more of a birthday party theme to it. I also included the stars image from the set Circle Together as an added accent and a flower shaped chocolate button for some textural detail.

Hope you like them :O)

Convention 2011 - Disneyland Hotel

2011-07-24T23:42:00.000-04:00

We had such a lovely room at the Disneyland Hotel for this year's CTMH Convention at Disneyland, Anaheim, CA this month. The wall behind the bed played music and the fireworks lit when yo pushed the button which we all thought was adorable. 4 of us shared the room, My friends Dana, Victoria, Lisa Marie and I - we all get along so well and as you can imagine there were lots of laughs ahead !!!

Apologies for my every changing blog image . . .

2011-07-20T19:42:00.001-04:00

. . . . I have been trying to import a calendar to my blog so that you know when I am teaching - if you want to join a class - who knew it would take nearly 5 hours to work out the code and sync google and outlook calendars which just the information I wanted - yuck - there were a 101 things I would have rather been doing but never mind it is done. Now to keep it updated LOLOL :O)

So if - every time you have looked at my blog today - it has changed and you think you are losing your mind - no you are not (well you may be but I am not sure I am to blame).

I will try to keep improving it and if there is anything you want me to put on here - just let me know :O)

Back from Extravaganza - and able to blog again WOOOHOOOO :O)

2011-07-19T20:42:00.000-04:00

Did you miss me??
I know I have been MIA again - I have spent weeks and weeks and weeks creating and shipping all of my artwork ready for CTMH's 2011 Convention - which I was greatly honored to be asked to teach a class. I loved teaching my subject of the My Creations line of products which include 2 new fun items. I was given new paper, new 'bling', new ribbon - oh my goodness - total awesomeness !

I do hope that everyone that listened to me waffling on and on, enjoyed my class and learned a little about out fabulous products - some new - some not so new. And I hope you LOVED the fascinator hat I wore as much as I did.
You also know that I can't post photos until August 1st - so you'll all have to be that little bit patient - but hopefully it will all be worth the wait :O)

I was also THRILLED to be awarded #6 in sales for the entire US and receive an award for Centennial Club (which means I have held over 300 classes/gatherings in the year - actually I held 110 !) and was also recognised for earning the Hawaii cruise which will take place in March 2012 and I will be taking my daughter along with me. I can't wait :O)

So now that I am awake again after a very hectic 5 days in Anaheim, CA with Mickey mouse at Convention - I will be able to start posting some fun stuff.
Sending warm thoughts your way
Sara xxx

Jubilation - June Stamp of the Month cards

2011-06-01T17:21:00.000-04:00

So from being the very last post of the month to the very 1st post of the month - both with stamp of the month cards. Here is what I did for June with this adorable set - it is so stinkin cute and so versatile. I made a range of cards to suit occasions for all year around.

This cute birthday card is the card we are making at my classes this month - dry embossing and prisma glitter are the fun techniques on this one.

This adorable "spooky' card uses paper from the Hooligans level 2 paper pack

Mistletoe paper and tiny red sparkles make a cute Christmas card.

This one has to be one of my favorites - I rolled the edges of the stamp in a 2nd color to make fall leaves then paper pieced the cornucopia - loved it :O)

Cranberry cardstock and lots of prisma glitter combined with the scalloped edge created with the corner rounder made this fun Valentines card.

Petal cardstock which I sanded and layered with a little blush cardstock - then crystal blue, blush and amethyst snowflakes for an alternative winter combination

Smoothie, lagoon and the new kraft cardstock for a summer card - agin with the prisma glitter hahaha :O)

The same combination for a corner page bookmark :O)

And last but not least - Olivia paper for a fun Happy New Year card.

Hope you like them :O)

Chairs to You - May Stamp of the Month

2011-05-31T21:24:00.000-04:00

Well by the skin of my teeth I just about get in here with the stamp of the month samples for May - nothing like leaving it to the last minute !!!

Anyway - without further ado - here they are :O)

This 1st one uses Perfect Day paper - yes I know it is retired but I am carefully eeking out my carefully hoarded stash of it :O)

This cute little one features the paper from Olivia and I colored the chair with markers.

This one features Mayberry paper and lots of liquid glass on the little pink heart.

I used Miracle paper on this tag card made with Bamboo cardstock and stamped the chair seat on the paper and cut it out to make the seat patterned.

And last but not least - this card features Sweetheart paper - I used the reverse of the paper as it has a tiny flower - perfect for an 'all over' print for the chair :O)

Hope you like them :O)

Join Close To My Heart for just $65

2011-05-23T21:42:00.000-04:00

You won't want to miss out on this amazing special from CTMH.

Have you ever though of starting your own business, working the hours that YOU choose, doing something you LOVE, and earning money while doing it? Well now is your chance.

Join Close To My Heart for just $65 - thats a 50% saving !!!

You get to customize your kit with the choice of 3 of 5 beautiful collections tailored to suit your specific needs (valued at up to $350), Plus up to $200 in additional free product.

and that's not all . . . . As May is National Scrap-booking Month - anyone who takes advantage of this fantastic offer of joining CTMH will also receive the beautiful You & Me scrap-booking kit (worth $34.95) absolutely FREE.

(S&H and Tax apply to all items)

Click on the link below to join my team today.

https://orders.closetomyheart.com/Enrollment/Default.aspx?SponsorID=17040

You & Me True Fit File Folio scoring guide

2011-05-13T13:03:00.001-04:00

Many of you have asked how I scored the 12x12 file folio - so here we go :O)

When you get it out of the packet the tab is on the top on the right.

Turn the folio inside out so that the tab is now at the top on the left hand side.

Place it in the paper trimmer (still with this tab on the top left) and score it at 7.5" from the left.

Then turn the folio 90 degrees to the right and now score it at 6" from the FOLD.

That's it :O) now trim off the tab part and open it up and fold up the bottom 4.5" and then fan fold it to make 4 sections of 6" wide. Decorate it and secure between the pockets with liquid glass :O)
Hope that helps :O)

You and Me - National Scrapbooking Month Kit. Part 2 :O)

2011-05-04T13:43:00.000-04:00

Okay this is what I did with the rest of the paper in the kit. Yes I added chocolate,colonial white cardstock and a little desert sand cardstock to this to make the card bases and a little cocoa and colonial white ribbon - but all of the other embellishments are from the kit. Where there looks like there is colored cardstock - eg Spring Iris or Smoothie - that is where I have taken a piece of colonial white cardstock and then rubbed it with an ink pad or sponged ink onto it to color it.

I have listed the book and pattern the cards were based on underneath each photo for you.

So are you ready. . . . . . . . . . ???? Okay here we go with the 26 cards I made :O)

8 x 3 1/2 - Wishes - Simple side view - page 83.

8 x 3 1/2 - Wishes - Simply Said - page 17

8 x 3 1/2 - Originals - Vertical three - page 118

7 x 5 - Originals - Fancy Five - page 114

7 x 5 - Originals - Clean Cut - page 105

6 x 6 - Wishes - Celebration card workshop - card # 2 - page 22

6 x 6 - Wishes - Pieced Together - page 34

6 x 6 - Wishes - Keep It Level - page 107

5 1/2 x 41/4 - Originals - Cubes & Colors - page 11

5 1/2 x 41/ - Wishes - Lucky layers - page 27

2 1/2 x 3 1/2 - Wishes - Well Rounded - page 27

4 1/2 circle - Wishes - Simply Secure - page 46

3 x 6 - Wishes - Fancy File - page 81

3 x 6 - Wishes - Sunrise - page 59

3 x 3 - I think this one started out to be Wishes - Middle Ground - page 19 LOLOL

3 x 3 - Wishes - Middle Ground - page 19

3 x 3 - Wishes - Layered Look - page 19

2 1/2 x 3 1/2 - This one is pure me :O) Made it up as I went along LOL

6 x6 - Originals - Tied Frame - page 39

5 1/2 x 41/ - Originals - Center Charms - page 59

5 x 7 - Originals - Colors & Cubes - page 63

6 x 6 - Originals - Background Bar - page 75

5 1/2 x 41/ - Originals - First Impression - page 11

3 x 3 - Wishes - Mini Combination - page 84

3 x 6 - Wishes - Name Plate - page 18

5 1/2 x 41/ - Wishes - Collage - page 97.

Woooohoooo - you made it to the end. SOOOOOO what do you think??? Hope you like them as much as i do :O)

You and Me - National Scrapbooking Month Kit.

2011-05-02T17:52:00.002-04:00

I am absolutely loving this kit. It comes with a gorgeous set of My Acyrlic stamps, Background & Texture paper, colonial white cardstock, ribbon, dimensional elements, Mocha opaques and the cutting guide and instructions to make 2 beautiful double layouts.

BUT if you don't scrapbook here is the mini album which I made using a 12x12 True Fit File Folio ( X1404).

This front cover was based on the 5.5 x 4.25 card front from Wishes- 'Collage"

Page 1 pocket is based on Wishes - 'Framework"

Page 2 pocket is based on Wishes - 'Simple Expression'

Page 3 pocket is based on Wishes - 'Gallery'

Page 4 pocket is based on Wishes - 'It's a wrap'

The only other product I added was a couple of sheets of Chocolate cardstock. I hope you love it as much as I do. If you want to know how you can get your kit - let me know :O)

Folded flower card.

2011-04-22T13:07:00.000-04:00

This is the pretty card which I am teaching this month. It features the Sweetheart Level 2 paper and 3 stamp sets.
The scalloped border at the top comes from D1336 - Cupcake sprinkles. this mimics the scallops of the flower, The 'screen' background comes from D1477 - Universal backgrounds and provides a neutral pattern which accents the flower, The last set I used was the sentiment from D1361 - Thank you.
I used Black, Petal and Hollyhock exclusive inks and a black button brad from Z1393 Black mini medley.
Hope you like it :O)

Blessed - April Stamp of the Month

2011-04-20T10:50:00.000-04:00

What a fun stamp set this is - it just shouts Spring :O) Birds and flowers and swirls oh my !

This first card features the Miracle level 2 paper pack and I have added some of the swirls and words from the Micracle WOTG.

This one was heat embossed using white embossing powder and then the flowers were colored in using a marker. I used the corner rounder with the guide removed to make the scalloped edge. The magnifique paper was perfect for this and the white daisy organdy ribbon finished it off.

This card was inspired by the beautiful artwork created by the very talented Karen Pederson. Again I heat set white embossing powder on the sweet leaf cardstock and stamped a tone on tone design on the chocolate cardstock using chocolate ink. Cocoa ribbon was added with a layer of the white daisy ric-rac ribbon and I layered the pink and chocolate buttons for a fun flower look.

This pretty card using Sophia paper would be perfect for a wedding or engagement. I used the Mocha opaques pearls to accent the swirls.

This card was sent to me by by friend Michele Gamble - again the Sophia level 2 paper pack and she used the waterbrush to color the leaves.

This final card features the Bliss level 2 paper pack and I layered the buttons and the mocha pearl opaques to accent the scalloped edge. I 2nd generation stamped the images on the bottom piece of cardstock.

Hope you like them :O)

Hope For Japan

2011-04-15T18:25:00.000-04:00

I have to say that I absolutely love this little set of stamps which is doing so much to raise money to help those affected by the terrible tsunami and earthquakes in Japan.

This set is worth $7.95 but costs only $5 and the whole of that amount goes to the support efforts. Here are a few cards which I have made with it - I hope you like them and it gives you the inspiration to make more beautiful artwork with this set. If you don't have it yet let me know and I can get one ordered for you right away.

Here are all of the cards which I made and I have taken individual shots so you can see what I used :O)

This pretty pink card uses the dot design B&T from the Sweetheart Level 2 paper pack along with Grey wool cardstock. I used Baby pink, Sunkiss yellow, Key Lime and Taffy markers to color in the tiny flowers and added the tiny flower buttons from the pink/red buttons with a cream opaque pearl in the center. The heart was stamped in blush ink and I added liquid glass for a glossy look. Colonial white ribbon adds more shimmer.

This has cocoa, sorbet and juniper cardstock and I did a tone on tone technique with the cocoa ink on the cardstock. I cut out the heart and then liquid glass to add a glossy accent - again the colonial white ribbon and then I used the darkest brown from the Mocha opaques pearls

Juniper, tulip and cocoa cardstock with the main image heat embossed using the gold embossing powder. The little heart was stamped in Tulip ink . I used cocoa ink for the words on the creme brulee cardstock and layered it on the colonial white ribbon.

This card features the Lucky level 2 paper pack and I used the small winged heart in outdoor denim and desert sand ink. As you can see the middle heart is placed inside the card with a corresponding section cut out of the front of the card so you can see it. Hemp and a wooden button add a more masculine feel to it.

And last but certainly not least is a pretty circular card using the Miracle level 2 paper pack and again I have heat embossed the 2 winged images using the gold powder. I stamped the heart in crystal blue ink and again added liquid glass for more glossy accent.
Hope you like them :O)

What you can do with a bag of scraps, one ink pad and a lot of bling :O)

2011-04-10T18:11:00.000-04:00

I was very bored yesterday as I was only able to attend a crop I was meant to be hosting for just a few hours. My dear friends Victoria and Pam took over for me and I am truly grateful for them. So back here at home I had no inks, paper, stamp sets as they were all at the crop. So I hunted through my stuff and found a bag with a few scraps of the Cherry-O paper, a Chocolate distressing ink & the Mayberry WOTG which hadn't gone to my crop. A clear card and lots of bling later - this is what I came up with :O)

The words were 'rub-ons' there is liquid glass and prisma glitter on the dots inside the flowers, a found a piece of chipboard and used a small Coluzzle templete to make the sweet leaf scalloped square and the heart shape. Red bitty sparkles, tulip and colonial white ribbon and I was done.
Hope you like it :O)

Off to Pisa Layout

2011-04-03T17:34:00.000-04:00

This was the morning where we were off to visit Pisa - I was really looking forward to visiting the aea around the tower. I wasn't sure what to expect but I knew we would have fun.

Update . . .

2011-04-02T12:53:00.002-04:00

Well you all know what I am like - can't be still for any length of time . . . so I have manages to totally overdo things and am back in bed again. This is so frustrating. I feel well but obviously my body doesn't so back on bed rest :O(
But on the bright side - did make some pretty cards over the last 3 days - just not allowed out of bed to photograph and post them. Sorry :O(

What a week !!

2011-03-29T11:07:00.000-04:00

As many of you know - I had surgery last Wednesday so today is the 1st day I have felt like turning on the computer. I will try to post some artwork over the next few days - but I feel like I have been hit by a train right now. Even cleaning my teeth is hard work lol. It actually seems really strange not to be working - I have 2 weeks off before my Dr will consider letting me work - she actually want me to take 4 - 6 weeks off but I would go stir-crazy if I stayed at home that long. Each day gets a little easier so hopefully I will be back to feeling great very soon :O)

March Stamp of the Month

2011-03-19T14:08:00.000-04:00

Just how cute is this little rabbit and his Mama :O) I used the spray pen with a mixture of Heavenly Blue reinker and water for the sky background and then used chocolate ink to stamp all of the images. The watercolor pencils and blending pen did an awesome job of perfect coloring :O)
Hope you like it :O)

Victoria's Birthday Card :O)

2011-03-18T18:08:00.000-04:00

I was so happy with this card. I used the Miracle level 2 paper pack and then the 'A Tweet' stamp set. Desert sand cardstock and cocoa, baby pink and hollyhock inks were perfect. I added pink sparkles to the centers of the hollyhock flowers and clear sparkles to the baby pink flowers. Hope you like it :O)

Spring window box of flowers

2011-03-16T15:23:00.000-04:00

Here is another fun spring themed card which I made the other night with thoughts of the H2H chalklkenge which asked us to use 3 images in front of each other. I started with Bamboo cardstock which I stamped using the bricks out of D1377 - 'Around the block' and used Desert Sand and Cocoa ink. Then on a piece of colonial white cardstock I stamped the window and shutters and window box from D1409 - 'Flower pot'. I colored the window box using Barn Red markers. I stamped the image again and just cut out the shutters and again colored using the Smoothie marker. and laid them on top. Then I stamped the flowers and colored them using Pear, Cotton Candy and Taffy markers. I used the same marker colors on the tiny flower pot and the 3 sets of tiny flowers that I layered on the top of the flower pot.
Hope you like it :O)

Bliss Workshop on the Go

2011-03-15T07:56:00.000-04:00

Oh I soooooo love the paper and stamp set in the Bliss Workshop on the go. So very me :O) This is one of the cards we are making at this months class. The colors are sorbet, chocolate and olive inks and I have shown a selection of the B&T in the paper pack. I have used a sentiment from C1422 - Unity which says Friend Forever. I think this is such pretty card
Hope you like it :O)

Spring showers & boots . . . . . Burberry Style

2011-03-14T07:57:00.000-04:00

I had fun making this 'Burberry" inspired boots & Umbrella set for a pretty spring card. I used the Mayberry paper and D1415 - Springtime stamp set. I used 2nd generation desert sand ink for the centers of the images and used Black ink for the outlines. I then took the cranberry and black markers and colored in alternate lines within the images - leaving some of them white.
Would love to read your comments on it - hope you like it :O)

The infamous Rebellious Fish . . .

2011-03-11T23:44:00.000-05:00

Yes here we are drinking the famous (or infamous) Rebellious Fish Cocktail - and yummy they were ! It became the name of our tour and we referred to each other as 'Fishie" (we still do LOL). We had such a great night - many smiles and laughs :O)

Rome layouts

2011-03-08T07:22:00.000-05:00

These 3 layouts completed our day in Rome. There was so much to see and so little time but I think we did a good job. The middle layout shows how we rented a taxi and Eduado rove us from place to place - waited while we took photos - then drove us to the next place. It was such a fun day filled with laughter.

Would you like a FREE My Acrylix® Block ??

2011-03-06T13:21:00.000-05:00

At Close To My Heart, we know we’ve got the best clear stamps and blocks on the block and we’re ready to prove it to you!

Throughout March, when you purchase $25 in My Acrylix® stamps, we’ll give you a FREE My Acrylix® block! Choose from two of our most versatile sizes: 3″ x 3″ (Y1006) or 2″ x 6 1/2″ (Y1010). You can get this at a class during March or if you wish to order directly from my website.

[Start Shopping] – My online cart will prompt you to add this item upon checkout.

Dates: Offer valid March 1-31, 2011.

Limit one free My Acrylix^® block per order per customer. Qualifying stamp purchases include A-, B-, C-, D-, E-size stamp sets, and Stamp of the Month sets purchased at full retail or at a discount. K-size stamp sets, Stamp of the Months earned for free, and Workshops on the Go™ are excluded. Tax and shipping/handling may apply. Close To My Heart reserves the right to substitute a block of a similar size or price.

I'm back from my cruise with CTMH :O)

2011-03-06T12:42:00.000-05:00

Have you missed me or have you just been enjoying the quiet LOL
I have been on a week long cruise of the Caribbean with Close To My Heart. We had a wonderful time there - 80 degrees and sunshine and palm trees - oh I could go n for ever. Now back in Michigan we have 4 inches of new snow bu the sun is shining so that is a start :O)

Here are the photos of the coffee travel cups I made for my friends who also earned the cruise with me from our unit. I made 8 in total and this one is mine - okay it has a few extra flowers on it and an extra shell - but essentially it is the same LOL. The travel mugs came from Starbucks - the decorate your own ones. If you are thinking of doing one yourself here is a hint - don't layer too many pieces of paper and cardstock - there isn't much room to slide the finished piece in. Brads are a no-no. they just won't fit.

I used Cocoa, Olive, Desert Sand, Honey,Smoothie and Sky inks. I made the speckled background for the sky using Heavenly blue ink added to water and used the spray pen.

I liquid glassed the waves and inked the shells in olive ink and then rolled the edges in desert sand ink.

The same technique was used for the large flowers in smoothie ink. inked them - stamped the excess ink onto a piece of scrap paper and then rolled the edges again in the same color ink. the small flowers were just stamped in the smoothie ink. I used liquid glass and prisma glitter on the centers of all of the flowers.

I sponged the umbrella in desert sand and cocoa ink. I tucked 2 small pieces of ribbon behind the title piece which I had matted using s scrap of paper from Mayberry Level 2 paper pack.
I hope you like what I did :O)

So what do you think of the new blog design I have??

2011-02-13T10:55:00.001-05:00

Apologies to those of you if you were cruising around my blog and it kept changing. I was trying out different looks, buttons, apps etc. I love this background - it is so me :O) And JuliAnne - just for you - the font is called Cherry Cream Soda.
Hope you like it too :O)

Valentines day card for Richard

2011-02-12T09:11:00.000-05:00

Here is the card which I made for my husband Richard for Valentines day. I went through my stash of horded beautiful papers that I can't bear to part with and for this one used the Elegant Bouquet paper - I used the Stamp set E1012 - Key to my heart. I am sorry - neither of these items are available - but I can't get rid of them and love to use them. I KNOW you have items you feel the same way about :O) I used the 7 Gypsies Antique Gold sealing wax and then stamped a small heart and cut it out to place in the center of it.I used the corner rounder to scallop the edges of the card. Ink colors are Cocoa,Cranberry and Desert Sand.

I was thrilled with the way it turned out - hope you like it too :O)

WOOOHOOOOO - even more fun items deeply discounted on my website :O)

2011-02-07T17:53:00.000-05:00

https://sarabatkin.myctmh.com/Retail/Products.aspx?CatalogID=1702

Hi everyone - oh my gosh - click on the link and go and check out even MORE items which have been added to the 'while supplies last' tab. These is ribbon, accessories, storage cases, my pages talk voice records and much much more - as the name suggests they are only there while supplies last - so don't miss out :O)

February's class projects.

2011-02-06T12:01:00.000-05:00

Okay here are the 2 cards which we will be making at this months class. The left hand card is a 3x6 card featuring the Magnifique paper and Pacifica and Chocolate inks and the right hand card is from the Sophia WOTG. Love this stamps set - it is so cute. We will use the corner rounder to make the scalloped edge on the pear colored cardstock.
Hope you like them :O)

February SOTM - Friendship

2011-02-03T09:05:00.001-05:00

Good morning everyone - here were are in snowy Michigan - but the sun is shining and we have a beautiful blue sky. As we had a snow day yesterday I got lots of artwork done with the new sotm for February - it is gorgeous. Just my style as you know - so here is the artwork I made :O)

I love this set and hope you like it too :O)

Trevi Fountain

2011-01-25T08:06:00.001-05:00

The Trevi Fountain was just beautiful - and I am thrilled with the way this layout turned out. The colors in the reverse side of the paper really compliment the stonework.
Hope you like it :O)

White hot party layout

2011-01-22T11:08:00.001-05:00

This was such a fun night - NCL held a White Hot party where all of the staff wore the color while and the guests were invited to wear it too. Some of the staff had these fabulous feather angel wings on - oh I sooooo wanted a pair :O) As you can see we had a great night :O)
Hope you like it x

Casino on the Norwegian Gem

2011-01-21T12:13:00.000-05:00

We had so much fun in the casino. Just pushing quarters into the machine which slides backwards and forwards. We would all take a quarter and chant...1.....2.....3.....GO. and all pushed them in at the same time. The casino was empty when we started - by the time we finished there was a watching crowd of about 40 people. We won bottles of champagne, $20 bills but best of all we had so much fun and made so many memories :O)
Hope you like it :O)

Arch of Titus

2011-01-20T08:02:00.003-05:00

Here are more layouts of Rome - I did want to upload the rest of the photos from our day in Rome but the server is having issues So we will just have to do it one layout at a time. I will work my way through them :O)

HUGE sale on my CTMH website - don't miss out :O)

2011-01-19T21:52:00.000-05:00

Wooohooo - Close To My Heart has done it again !!!! More great savings on my website.

https://sarabatkin.myctmh.com/Retail/Products.aspx?CatalogID=1702 is the place to find discounted papers, cardstock, embellishements, cardkits, ribbon, and more !!!

Don't miss out - you know it won't last long at prices up to 80% off.

Some more photos from the Marching band season :O)

2011-01-18T18:04:00.000-05:00

So these 3 layouts - plus the layout featuring the voice recorder - pretty much brings me up to date with the photos I have. Mind you I have ordered more and they will be arriving towards the end of the week so hopefully I can finish this seasons photos before the next season gets going again in June. Holy smoke - that is going to come round fast !!

Hope you like them :O)

Double scrapbook layout included My pages talk voice recorder.

2011-01-17T14:02:00.000-05:00

I hope you will like the layout which I added the voice recorder to. Yes more marching band layouts LOL But the end is in sight I am nearly to the end of the 2010 season. Of course - I can't wait for the next season to start :O) Hope you like it.

Christmas 6x6 memory showcase albums

2011-01-10T07:54:00.000-05:00

I made four of these before Christmas as presents for my family (now you know why I haven't been on here LOL). For my sisters and my mum and one for me. Both of my sisters and their families came to visit over the holidays with 12 of us in one place it seemed like a great idea to get lots of photos taken. I then spent Saturday getting them printed and made more tags as there were more photos than spaces to put them and here your go - the finished item :O)

This is a photo of my 2 sisters and I - Claire, me and then Rachel.

Claire with her 2 girls - Lucy and Jenny

Leo, Elliott and my nephew Andrew.

Me, Leo, Elliott Robyn and Rich.

I love this 1st one of my kids - they are doing the 3 monkey thing. Speak no evil, see no evil, hear no evil.
Hope you like it :O)

January Stamp of the month - Find your style

2011-01-08T16:37:00.000-05:00

So here are the cards I made with the new January stamp of the month - I love this set - it is so pretty - very much my style. I am sure you can imagine my reaction when I saw it :O) I used the new 'Wings' level 2 paper pack and the black mini medley.

On the 1st card I used vineyard berry ink on the same color cardstock circle and used the tailors form stamp to give a tone-on-tone pattern to the circle. The square card again used this same stamp - but I curled the bottom part of it around slightly - to give the 'swirl' in the corners. The blue butterfly card used the matching sparkles to add 'bling' to its body and again on the bird card I used a blue sparkle for its eye.

This card below is the card I am teaching this month at my class - I have shown 3 of the different color combinations - both of paper and of ink colors. The paper is pleated along the top and the stitching is drawn on with either a sweet leaf green or black marker.

Well - I hope you like them and they inspire you to use your set :O)

Happy New Year

2011-01-07T07:48:00.000-05:00

Good morning - wow I can't believe that it is over a month since I last posted. I have had both of my sisters and their families staying with me for the Christmas period so with 11 people in the house it has been a little crazy as you can imagine!
I also have some health issues which I am trying to take care of which is also slowing me down - so my apologies for not posting in the last few weeks.

Anyway - I have some artwork to post - so I am off to charge my camera battery and I will post on here later today - I have some gorgeous cards featuring the new Stamp of the Month so pop back a little later and come and see what I have :O)

A belated Happy Thanksgiving to all :O)

2010-11-27T13:50:00.000-05:00

Yes I know - I am a little late but - better later that never right!

We had a lovely day here at home and Robyn came over for the day too which was lovely - I manged to get the 3 kids to be nice to each other for a short while to take a photo LOL
Hope you like it - I love it - this will probably be our Xmas photo for 2010 :O)

9x9 Memory showcase Album

2010-11-22T09:34:00.001-05:00

This 9x9 Album I made using Robyn's photos from her Senior Prom. I used liquid glass and prisma glitter on the peacock's feathers. Organdy colonial white ribbon - and green/blue sparkles added more bling

I used a top coat over the main photo and more ribbon and sparkles. I added clear embossing powder mixed with prisma glitter to the stickease in the center of the flower

More liquid glass and prisma glitter really highlighted the feather on the right hand page.

I was so pleased with the way this turned out - hope you like it too :O)

21st place in the Bands Of America Grand Nationals :O)

2010-11-14T21:47:00.000-05:00

I am so totally thrilled with the Walled Lake Central High School Marching Band. This past weekend they competed in the Bands of America Grand National competition and took 21st place = out of 86 bands. they did such a good job and this is on top of being the 2010 Flight 1 Michigan State champions. What a wonderful group of kids and teachers and supporters we have.
The season is virtually over and I am going to miss the involvement so much - but Jazz band starts in January so that will be good - I know Leo is going to enjoy that :O)

My Favorite Close To My Heart Product. . . . . .

2010-11-09T18:57:00.000-05:00

. . . . . now that is a tough one - Close To My Heart sells so many awesome products - how can I narrow it down to just one!!!! Okay I think we need to do this by a process of elimination:

Versamat? - I love it 'because it makes it so easy to line items up and place them in the correct position - plus the added bonus of the foam back is perfect as a stamping surface - but that's not my favorite.
Clear acrylic stamps and blocks? They are totally awesome - you can see where you are putting your images - plus the high grade acrylic made clear and crisp images every time - but again - not quite my favorite.
The 60 exclusive colors of inks, markers and cardstock - now that is getting nearer - I love the fact they they all match and co-ordinate with each other - but no - that's not it.
The level 1 & 2 scrap-booking kits - they too are so cool - the Level 1 kits are perfect for both beginning scrap-bookers AND those of us who need to complete a beautiful layout quickly. and the level 2 paper packs are just perfect for scrap booking and card making alike.
Okay - I think we are there - I think my favorite product is probably the mini medleys - yummy little packets of embellishment goodies. ribbons and buttons and brads and fun accessories which match the colors in our inks, cardstock, paper packets and more. But wait. . . .
No sorry - changed my mind again - It HAS to be the Prisma glitter - oh what fun I have with that. You can truly add glitter to anything:O) And you can use it with so many different adhesives. how about adding it using the glue pen as snow or to form the glass in windows or as dragonfly and butterfly wings, or over the top of liquid glass for a 3D look. For perfect stripes - run a length of Tombow Mono Adhesive and sprinkle the glitter over the top - or to 3D foam tape for perfect squares and rectangles of glittery blocks. You can add it to embossing powder and heat set it - you can add it to the pearl paint for even more shimmer.
So yes Glitter gets my vote - what's your favorite item??

The WLCMB competition at Lakeland High School -

2010-11-08T16:53:00.000-05:00

I am absolutely thrilled to tell you that my son Leo and the other members of the Walled Lake Central Marching Band took 1st place in the Flight 1 State championships on Saturday. All of the competing bands were marvelous but the judges thought that they were the best.
This is the 1st time they have been State Champions so that makes it even more special.
So if you copy and paste this link into your browser http://www.vimeo.com/16357912 you will be able to see the show from a couple of weeks ago. Remember that these kids are aged between 13 and 18. They spend many hours practicing so it is so nice when it all pays off :O)
Hope you enjoy it.

A little more thanks to you :O)

2010-11-04T08:20:00.001-04:00

DURING NOVEMBER WE’RE EXPRESSING OUR GRATITUDE TO YOU

by helping you earn two fabulous My Acrylix® stamp sets for FREE!

When you place a minimum order of $100, you will not only receive the November Stamp of the Month set,

A Little Thanks, for FREE, you will also receiveone stamp set of your choosing from the 2010 Autumn/Winter Idea Book for FREE*!

This means you can increase the value of your purchase by up to $45.90—that’s almost 50 percent more

in value! It’s just our way of imparting A Little MORE Thanks to you for being a great customer.

Mistletoe - Workshop on the Go

2010-11-02T17:13:00.000-04:00

The cards above are from the Mistletoe Workshop on the go - I think they are just gorgeous - the paper flowers and mini brads, bigger brads and acrylic brads are included along with the lovely stamp set which includes these beautiful ornaments and phrases. The instructions are on the leaflet included in the kit.

These 3 cards were made using more of the paper in the paper pack which is included and the patters come from the Originals and Wishes card confidence programs.

This double layout was so lovely I had to make it - again the instructions are on the leaflet included in the kit. Hope you like it :O)

Walled Lake Central High School Marching Band Scrapbook Layouts

2010-10-28T16:15:00.000-04:00

So you can guess what I have been doing for the last few days hahaha :O) Yes - getting up to date with the marching band photos for Leo. I have used Outdoor Denim cardstock and Sunflower cardstock and paper and ribbon and accessories in the same colors. I then added Indian Corn blue, white and bamboo for accents.

The middle photo on the right hand page opens and is tied shut using the ribbon and gold photo hangers.

Dimensional element swirls were colored in with the sunflower markers.

White grosgrain ribbon added texture.

I used colonial white waxy flax to stitch through the stickease buttons.

Lots of buttons!!!

I dry embossed the Outdoor denim cardstock and then sanded it to expose the white core.

Both pages had interactive section on them the left hand page has a fold out section which you can see below and was tied closed with ribbon.

The right hand page also had flip flap sections which lifted up.
Hope you like them :O)

Hooligans Halloween goodie bag

2010-10-27T08:48:00.000-04:00

This is a fun Halloween party goody bag - I used a regular paper lunch sack and then added black cardstock to the front and back. I then added the Hooligans B&T and cardstock and stamped the Monster from D1437 - Party Animal. I colored him using the matching markers and then Prisma Glittered his tummy :O)
Black organdy ribbon forms the handles.
Hope you like it :O)

Olivia Workshop On The Go - with a twist on the color

2010-10-25T12:36:00.000-04:00

This is a card inspired by my good friend Kelly Waterman who made a layout many years ago using fall leaves and these spring colors. It was so pretty and stuck in my head - so when I say the Olivia WOTG stamp set I knew I had to make a card using those same colors, Amethyst, Heavenly Blue, Key Lime and Baby Pink. It makes a fun spring themed card. I used the piercing tool to make the stitching holes along the left hand side of the ink distressed Amethyst cardstock and used the corner rounder with the guide removed to make the scalloped edge and then used a hole punch in those scallops. The word Delight was stamped in Cocoa ink.
Hope you like it :O)

Hooligans Workshop on the Go Cards

2010-10-21T08:17:00.000-04:00

Here are the cute cards made with the Hooligans level 2 paper pack and accessories from the Workshop on the Go

The bottom 3 cards I made using the Originals and Wishes card confidence programs - again using supplies just from the Workshop on the go kit.

These are perfect birthday cards or invitations or even 'Well Done' cards - perfect to celebrate a good grade, exam result or 'Just because'
Hope you like them :O)

October Stamp of the month - Share The Magic

2010-10-14T09:05:00.000-04:00

So finally - here are my samples of the October stamp of the month. What a cute set - these 1st 2 tags above were copied unashamedly from Melissa Laverty's blog - they were so stinkin cute I couldn't resist. I love the fact that this set has 'To' and 'From'.

These 2 3x3 tag cards were fun to make - the snowman has Prisma glitter 'snow' and the new light blue Sparkles for buttons. The reindeer - who has the cutest knees I have ever seen - has a liquid glass nose and prisma glitter on the tree lights above his head.

On the Santa gate fold card - I went nuts with my sparkly heat embossing again - I added prisma glitter to clear and embossed the candy canes, prisma glitter to silver for his belt buckle, prisma glitter to white for the cuffs and hat and then used liquid applique for his beard. I sliced through the top of the sack and tucked the teddy bear in. I used the Creative Basics Misteltoe paper - pg88 of the new Winter idea book.

This round card is a birthday card - the present stamp can be used for any occasion - not just Christmas - so I used markers and then paper pieced the ribbon - the paper is from the Perfect Day level 2 kit - my all time favorite - as you know LOL. A tulip button finished it off.The pattern is from Wishes - pg 127 - Side Note.

When I saw the teddy bear stamp I knew it would be absolutely perfect for baby cards so I made these 2 cute tags - using the Topstitch paper and pale pink and pale blue sparkles.White embroidery floss was stitched down the edges.
Hope you like them :O)

Malta album - Extravaganza Artwork

2010-10-11T09:20:00.000-04:00

This is the album which I made using parts of 3 albums. the front cover is from the new Mix & Mingle album and the rest of it is a combination of the Acrylix and Allsorts albums.I still have pages from both left over. Enough to make another :O) I used the Perfect Day paper and matching Stickease and LOTS of sparkles and liquid glass.

I covered the dimensional element circle with the paper and added liquid glass to the dots on the paper. I dry embossed the horizontal lines into the cocoa cardstock and then sanded them.

The right hand page features and opening section. It is kept closed with the ribbon.

I love making the pages interactive. this way I was able to add more photos to the page.

This - I think - is my favorite piece of artwork created for my Extravaganza class at convention. I hope you like it as much as I do :O) Would love to hear your comments on it :O)

Good morning

2010-10-11T09:07:00.000-04:00

and yes I am still having camera issues - good grief - just how difficult is it to find a good camera which takes decent pictures and which is affordable. My apologies to all for my serious lack of blog items - added to which we have had a crazy busy week with Marching Band for Leo - they competed in the band of America Regionals on Saturday - Leo was at school by 8am and we didn't get home from the competition till 12.40am - a very long day ! But give me just a few minutes and I will post some fun artwork :O)

Hello :O)

2010-10-03T21:39:00.000-04:00

Hi guys - I am sorry I have been MIA again - I had a major problem with my camera and had to go back to Costco to sort it out. They didn't want to deal with me but needless to say - I won and have a new camera. Now to figure out how to use it - give me a couple of days and I will give you a wonderful post of photos using the new October SOTM :O)

Leo :O)

2010-09-28T14:53:00.000-04:00

This is all about my 14 1/2 year old son - Leo - who I am very proud to say is a member of the trumpet section of the Walled Lake Central High School Marching Band.

He looks so smart in his uniform :O)

I am so proud of the way he is adjusting both to high school and to the grueling schedule of the Marching Band. And - he loves it - the camaraderie, team spirit and just honest to goodness fun that they have.
Go Leo and GO BAND :O)

Hair today - Gone Tomorrow.3x3 Mini Album. Extravaganza Artwork

2010-09-27T15:30:00.000-04:00

Here is a 3x3 My Creations mini album which I made with photos of Leo. He decided that he needed a new look as he was going into High School. I used the new Magnifique level 2 paper packet & matching stickease. I added the paper to the Dimensional Element solo 'H' and tied the chocolate dot ribbon around it. I also added the Glitz glitter gel to the stickease in the bottom right hand corner. I wanted to show how you can add 'bling' to projects for boys without making them 'girly'.

The inside cover is the Bamboo cardstock which I suede distressed with the Desert Sand ink pad. Again I added the glitter gel to the stickease and further embellished it with one of the Opaques Pearls from the Liquorice pack. I then added 3 pearls to the bottom of this page.

More pearls and then the stamped tag and stickease on the right hand page. The tag is from the new C1422 - Unity.

On the left hand page I stamped the dots and then went over them with liquid glass to add shine. I layered the 2 ribbons on the right hand page.

I used one of the My Creations A-door-ables on the page below, I covered it with the B&T then added a tag from C1422 Unity and a shimmer brad as an accent to hold the ribbon handle in place.

A piece of Pacifica cardstock on the inside of the door covered the ribbon and the back of the brad.

I used an arrow from Z1019 Fresh Shapes dimensional element on the right hand page and added ribbon and pearls to decorate it.

Again - liquid glass on the dots and pearls on the photo.

I used a photo as my B&T on the left hand page and added my journalling over the top. Ribbon accents the journaling piece.

Ribbon is tied over the B&T but under the journaling square to add some shimmer and interest.

And the final page - my 'cool dude' complete with faux hawk haristyle, shades and a smile.

The inside back cover is the same distressed cardstock as the front and a stickease and pearl finish it off :O)
Hope you like it :O)