Simple Colour Creation

Pink Butterflies are not a natural wonder but there are no rules to break in the world of Creative Adventure and I couldn't resist adding a touch of my favourite colour to the sweet butterfly from the Capture The Day Stamp Set. The addition of the ShinHan Touch Twin Markers to the Close To My Heart range makes it so easy to add rich vibrant colour to your projects. I used the  Cherry Pink, Tender Pink and Marigold markers to colour my butterfly using a simple outline and fill technique. I love how this range of marker colours co-ordinated with the Brushed Paper Pack and the Hollyhock Cardstock... making my butterfly embellishment "pop"!!

I added a little extra detail to my butterfly with the black Marvy Journalling Pen and then Sponged the papers with Hollyhock Ink to add some depth. The sentiment on this card is from the Your Own Kind of Wonderful stamp set -  a beautiful collection of 6 more butterflies with sentiments that touch our spirit and soul and are ideal for  uplifting your family and friends....click here to add this set to your shopping cart.

I hope this card has lifted your spirits...and with "Spring and Sunshine" just around the corner the days are certainly getting much brighter -  be sure to check out the full Brushed My Reflections Collection, they are the perfect products to highlight your Springtime photos and gift giving projects.



Picture My Life Projects

Only a few days remain to purchase any of the 13 available  Picture My Life™ Scrapbooking Programs featured in the 2014–2015 Annual Inspirations Idea Book (you can view them all here)  and receive your choice of  Memory Protectors (10-pack) for just $4.00! - such an awesome deal!  Each Picture My Life Scrapbooking Program already includes a coordinating 10-pack of Memory Protectors, so when you add an additional pack you will be well on your way to your own picture-perfect pocket album/project finished, done and beautiful!!

Each of the Program Kits contains a 12" x 12" cover page to begin your album project, 10 co-ordinating Memory Protectors,  and 122 double-sided cards (in 3" x 4" and 4" x 6" horizontal and vertical designs). The double-sided cards include titles, journaling boxes and so many beautiful patterns & designs to embellish your project. However, the cards can be adapted and used in various other paper craft projects and this is one of the reasons they are one of my all time favourite products. I am currently conducting card classes where you will make 10 cards in less than 1 hour!?!  - Yes! 1 hour!...they are quick, easy and you end up with a collection of cards (and envelopes) that will make you feel very organised - cards for every occasion. If you would like to be super, super organised and a step ahead of your Christmas preparations this year? - why not contact me today to schedule a Christmas 10 Card Picture My Life class - they are a lot of fun!

The cards below, feature the gorgeous Picture My Life Pear & Partridge Scrapbooking Program. I stamped all the blank areas of the embellishment cards with some of the lovely sentiments from the Christmas stamp sets Mary and Babe, Yuletide & To You and Yours....added some Washi Tape, Clear Sparkles and they were finished in no time! I have 2 of these kits in stock now, available for immediate delivery, contact me at lotfam@iinet.net.au and they are yours!

All 13 of the Picture My Life Scrapbooking Progams can be adapted & made into cards such as these - why not choose your favourites from my Online Shop and get started today...remember, multiple purchases that add up to $75 or more, also entitle you to add the August Stamp of the Month to your order for just $5 - don't miss out on this offer...these Owls are just so so cute!!

...More Embossing Fun

In my last post I mentioned "wet" and "dry" embossing and I received a few emails asking if I could explain more. There is nothing really special about this technique it is simply combining Embossing Powders and Embossing Folders together in the one project...as illustrated in the Friendship card I have created below.

I combined the Dot Embossing Folder with the Clear Super Fine Embossing Powder which created a "wet" ocean look appearance to my cardstock. The shells were made using the Princess Gold Embossing Powder, Flaxen & Glacier Exclusive Inks and the Emboss Resist technique. Love all the different textures, they certainly add interest and dimension to a simple card design.

I used the Clear Super Fine Embossing Powder and the Emboss Resist technique to create another card using the lovely Seaside My Reflections Scrapbook Products by Close To My Heart...very cool to be able to make personalised cards from my leftover scrapbook papers.

The larger shell was stamped onto Colonial White Cardstock with VersaMark Ink, embossed with Clear Super Fine Embossing Powder... then Sorbet Exclusive Ink was applied over the top. I used a thin strip of Teal Glitter Paper and a star fish antiqued-gold metal shape from the Seaside Assortment to add a little "sparkle & shine" to my card. There are 6 adhesive backed shapes in this pack including the large fish shown in the card at the top of this post...they are the perfect finishing touch.

Embossing materials and tools are all available from my Online Shop  just add them to your shopping cart, enter your payment details and your goodies will be delivered direct to your home - all very easy & convenient! I also offer technique based craft classes in my home (or yours)... where you can earn sales based rewards (stamp sets, papers etc) - simply contact me at lotfam@iinet.net.au to schedule your class.

If you are attending the "Come Create with Chris" event in Adelaide this weekend?... you will find a little more embossing fun on the agenda - looking forward to sharing this technique with you.

Embossing Fun

WOW! have I had a busy month?? - I have just completed a 6 city tour of Queensland and NSW teaching and demonstrating paper craft techniques at Close To My Heart consultant workshops. I am off to New Zealand this weekend to do it all again...we will be colouring, stamping, embossing and having loads of Crafty Fun... if you are attending one of these events make sure you introduce yourself - I love meeting my blog followers in real life!

One of the Close To My Heart products we have had a lot of FUN playing with at these events is Embossing Powders - my demonstrations have included how to combine "wet" and "dry" embossing in your projects, along with some emboss resist techniques... using the 5 new inks colours released this month - Thistle, Glacier, Flaxen, Canary and Pixie and the White Fine Detail Embossing Powder. Embossing offers so many creative options that can add a real "sparkle & shine" to your projects or even a touch of elegance as can be seen in this card.

The base of the card uses the new Thistle Cardstock a lovely vibrant on-trend colour,  pieces of paper I sponged from the My Crush - In the Pink Book and a strip of  "Juniper" coloured cardstock from the Paper Fundamentals - Whimsy Assortment. All trimmed with a border made with the Scallop Border Punch and a few Aqua Dots.  I love how well the different Close To My Heart product ranges co-ordinate - it certainly makes Close To My Heart my "one-stop lolly shop"!

Remember all these products can be purchased direct from my Online Shop and delivered right to your doorstep....how convenient is that?? I also offer card making classes in your home or mine - simply contact me at lotfam@iinet.net.au to find out how!

 

Single Page Sketch Layout

Every now and then I come across special photos that not only deserve a place in my memory albums but also need their own place in the limelight....and the gorgeous Designed Décor and My Creations range of products from Close To My Heart provide the perfect way to do that. This range is not only trendy and fun but it is also very functional. One of my favourites is the Designed Decor Shadow Box they come in Black or  Colonial White - wooden frames with a hinged back that opens for easy loading and have a magnetic closure.

I've just designed a simple Single Page Sketch that I can adapt and use time and time again to create interchangeable layouts to showcase in my frames. In the Black Shadow Box Frame I made an affirmation layout for my youngest daughter to place in her study - she is just finishing up her final year at University and now, while she is searching for employment, it is even more important that she doesn't give up on her Dreams!.

I love how a bit of random stamping and some layering of paper trims made with the Scallop and Chevron Border Punches can create a layout that looks like a mixed media piece of artwork without all the preparation and mess!! The "splotch" stamp image found in the stamp set from the Brushed Workshop on the Go Scrapbooking Kit makes it so easy to added a painted look to cardstock that is almost feels like "cheating" - Fun, Fun, Fun!! My "Dream" title and other stamped embellishments were fussy/hand cut using my trusty Micro Tip Scissors - I use them so much I think I have to put them as No. 1 on my Top 10 list of favourite products...do you have a "go to tool" or a No. 1 favourite?? if so, leave me a comment below... I'd love to hear what is your most treasured tool.

This is the Sketch I created, along with the layout I have placed inside the Colonial White Shadow Box Frame for my own study - a favourite photo of my girls that I simply treasure. The large "smile" title was cut from some of the 3 x 4 cards in the Picture My Life Seaside Scrapbooking Program using the font found in the Art Philosophy Cricut Collection - the heavier paper adds a little more dimension and makes the title pop! I "blinged" this layout up with a couple of different embellishments, the puffy stickers from the Chalk It Up Assortment and some White Enamel Stars .

If you have a favourite photo or some other artistic handiwork you would like to feature in your home just log into my Online Shop and click on the 3D Gifts and Decor Section and you will find a variety of  display frames to suit your own personal decorating style - even the very on trend Chalkboard and Shabby Chic Wire Frames.

Happy Decorating!



Colour your World with Friendship

The Paper Doll Stamp Set was one of my very first Close To My Heart purchases and has been one of my most used stamp sets.....I could hardly contain my excitement when the co-ordinating set Shreddin' the Slopes was released this month and I knew instantly that combined together they would form a beautiful bond of friendship!! The images also pair very well with our new range of ShinHan Markers which also includes Skin Tones... that make your character images come to life!

 Colours Used:
Cherry Pink, Tender Pink, Barley Beige, Pastel Peach, Clay, Peacock Green, Turquoise Blue, Bronze and Mahogany

 

The pink and blue tones of markers I used are a perfect match for the colour palette featured in the pages/paper of the My Crush - In the Pink Book and I used the adorable patterns in this book to create my Friendship Card. The turquoise coloured gems are actually the Clear Sparkles coloured with the Peacock Green ShinHan Marker ... love how applying a little colour to embellishments can add the perfect finishing touch to my projects.

I also used my black Marvy Journalling Pen  and Watercolour Pencils to scribble a bit of definition into the hair of the dolls...it just adds a bit more realism into the images.

The sentiment for this card was created by once again combining 2 different product ranges - the pink stickers spelling out "Sweet Friend" come from the My Crush - In the Pink Assortment and the stamped sentiment is one of four found in the stamp set You Mean the World to Me. This stamp set is the ideal companion for the Cut Above Collections and if you haven't seen these card and gift making kits? - check them out here.

If you would like to see more of the new products released this month or would like to add some Paper Dolls to you collection?....simply visit my Online Shop - remember if your purchase totals $75 or more you are also eligible to purchase the $27 Stamp of the Month for only $5  - super value :)

Fun & Rewards for Crafty Chicks

This is my 150th blog post - how cool is that?? I hope you have enjoyed following my "Creative Capers". I have certainly enjoyed sharing my creative journey with you...it has been a lot of fun giving you a little insight into my life and my love of all things crafty. However, the best part of my blogging experience has been meeting new friends - fellow bloggers, craft enthusiasts, lovely customers and a great network of crafting buddies in my personal Close To My Heart consultant team.

 

If you would like to come "play" with me in real life you will find it is just as rewarding. Host a papercraft class/gathering with your friends and you are eligible to purchase some wonderful stamp sets at discount prices...and even earn free product - click here for all the details! This card uses one of my favourite Hostess Rewards stamp sets..."Better with a Friend - D1607" - another great set for colouring with the fabulous ShinHan Markers. The fine bullet tip is perfect for these images, it makes it so easy to colour those smaller more intricate areas.

 

Colours Used:

Cherry Pink, Tender Pink, Marigold, Pastel Green, Leaf Green, Cerulean Blue

 

These colours co-ordinate beautifully with the Brushed My Reflections Collection...the leaves were fussy cut from the pretty floral printed paper in this collection, using my ever faithful Micro-Tip Scissors. I also used the tip of the scissors to remove the silver centre from the Metal Flowers, which I then substituted with Gold Bling Gems for a little extra sparkle.

 

 

If you love paper crafting and sharing your creativity with others - you may like to consider becoming a Close To My Heart Consultant - and enrich your crafting passion with lots of Fun, Friendship and Awesome Rewards....two start-up kits are available for you to choose from and whatever path you decide to take, please know I am here to help you every step of the way.

 

Whether you want to be a self-funded hobbyist, consumer consultant, club co-ordinator, digital scrapbook consultant, or even a career builder, there is a place for you on my team of Crafty Chicks!

Benefits of Being a Consultant:

• 22% discount on all CTMH products.
• Potential to earn FREE products with every order
• You can be your own hostess.
• Preview and order new products before they are released.
• Access to an exclusive consultant website - containing artwork, creative insider kits, tutorials, business ideas and more.
• The opportunity to earn your $130 kit fee back in your first 3 months.
• Free on-line training program with creative, personal and business classes.
• Opportunity to attend corporate sponsored events and earn an all expenses paid holiday (every year!)
• Free online shop/website
• An opportunity to purchase a Cricut Machine and/or Cuttlebug at a discount price.

Benefits of Joining My Team:

• One-on-one mentoring that includes product marketing, blog set-up etc
• Access to an exclusive facebook group for team members only.
• Card/Project Kits & Handouts – free & exclusive to my team members.
• Card Swaps, Awards & Incentives throughout the year designed for team members only.
• To be a part of “Chris's Crafty Chicks” an Australian wide team of creative and inspiring artists.
• and so much more…

Click here to order your kit choice and join in the FUN!
Do you have questions?  E-mail me for more information - lotfam@iinet.net.au

Colouring Fun

One of the most exciting new product lines added to the Close To My Heart crafting range is the ShinHan Touch Twin Markers. There is something very therapeutic about colouring in your stamped images - it is also a perfect way to spend a rainy winter day. Twenty-four carefully selected colours are featured in the range -  rich vibrant colours that match beautifully with Close To My Heart's colour palette...which of course takes the guess work out of colour co-ordinating your projects.

I like to colour in a small circular motion rather than taking the linear approach, it gives a much more even coverage of ink leaving you with a smooth professional finish. However, if you want to add a textured look to your coloured image try experimenting with the ShinHan Touch Twin Colourless Blender. A fun thing to do is to desaturate your colouring using a pointillism type technique which is basically "dotting" away colour. I used this technique to give my Koala image on this card a more "fluffy" appearance.

Colours Used:
Warm Grey #7, Warm Gray #4, Clay, Tender Pink, Cherry Pink

I enjoyed experimenting with lots of different tools and materials when piecing together this card. I created a decorative strip by combining the Chevron Border Punch with the Scallop Border Punch and highlighting the perforations with Silver Shimmer Trim. The large scallop circle was cut on my Cricut machine using one of the 700 shapes found on the Art Philosophy Cartridge. The spotted "bluegum" coloured border was cut from a page taken out of the My Crush - In The Pink Book and when I stamped on it with the leaf image from the A Budding Friendship D1602 stamp set it made perfect gum leaves. The lovely pink & white metal flowers come from the Brushed Assortment and I see a lot of these being added to my future orders - you can add them to yours too, by clicking here. Again, I reached for my trusty Marvy Uchida LePen to add some faux stitching. A touch of stitching takes away the harsh edges and gives definition to cardstock shapes.

If you would like to learn more about colouring with the ShinHan Touch Twin Markers, creating gorgeous projects with the wonderful Close To My Heart product range or becoming a Consultant.... contact me today at lotfam@iinet.net.au or visit my website - I'd love to "Show You How"!

Easy Peasy - Stamp of the Month Card

Today I wanted to show you the versatility of this month's Stamp of the Month - it is not all about cute Owl images and Halloween themes! As many of you know I am a flower making addict LOL! and instantly I saw petal, leaf and flower shapes in many of the images showcased in this stamp set. Highlight these images with the new Brushed Paper Pack and you have a totally different themed card. This card was "super easy"  to create I simply followed one of my favourite sketches ( you will find it here ). I then added some random stamping in Hollyhock Ink to my Hollyhock Cardstock for a lovely tone on tone look, a sweet sentiment from the A Budding Friendship stamp set and a little paper piecing and the card was done! - Easy Peasy!!

The paper pieced flower was created by stamping 8 petal/wing shapes from the What A Hoot stamp set in Black Ink onto a small piece of pink patterned paper, taken from a page in the My Crush - In the Pink Book - each petal was then fussy cut using my "all time favourite"  Micro-Tip Scissors then arranged into a flower shape and adhered to the card base. The centre of the flower and the leaves were cut from the images in the large floral design paper in the Brushed Paper Pack - I love the primitive hand-painted look of this paper. I then did some faux stitching using the Marvy Fine Tip Pen just to add that finishing touch.

If you would like to create your own floral embellishments with this stamp set? - simply place a $75 order in my Online Shop and you can purchase this set for just $5 - absolutely amazing value for money - this set contains 17 different images with a variety of applications!

 

What a Hoot! - Totally Awesome New Products

Today is the day Close To My Heart release their new Annual Inspirations Idea Book/Catalogue and My Oh My!! is it jammed packed with the yummiest most awesome products you have ever seen!! I have been waiting for this day with so much excitement & anticipation and I can't wait to share all this goodness with you here on my blog - you will need to log in regularly to see the multitude of ideas and products I have to show you....yes!! I have so much to "show & tell" that I will be posting 3-4 times a week instead of the regular once a week you have been use to!!...be sure to check back so you don't miss a thing. If you head on over to my Facebook Page and share the link I have 3 hard copies of the Idea Book to give away! OR you can simply view an online copy here!

Now with all this yumminess where do I start? I thought the best place to start would be by showing you this month's Stamp of the Month - What a Hoot!  - remember with a $75 purchase, from me personally or in my Online Shop - the Stamp of the Month  can be yours for just $5 ( a huge saving of $22 )...and who doesn't want to add this cute Owl set to their collection?! It is such a "hoot" and so much fun to play with.

It is a perfect stamp set for Paper Piecing and Colouring techniques and I love that the cute owl character can be customised to suit any theme with a variety of wings, eyes and little hats that come included in the stamp set. I used many of the new products released today to create this card, including one of our new ink and cardstock colours called Flaxen, a new Triangle Border Punch and the lovely ShinHan Markers . The extra "Congratulations" sentiment comes from one of my favourite new Aussie Stamp Sets Cute Koalas - D1642 - stay tuned for more ideas using this set very soon!!

I decided to paper piece a second Owl image from this month's Stamp of the Month - I used another of the new ink & cardstock colours called Pixie  - love, love, love!!! and some papers ( pages taken ) from the  My Crush Books along with Kraft Cardstock - same stamp set but such a different looking card...experimenting with colour can bring amazing results.

If you would like to see more of the new products released today - click on the "New Products" tab in my Online Shop and take a peek - if you would like more information about anything you see or would like to place an order or even become a consultant and join my team of Crafty Chicks - please don't hesitate to send me a message at lotfam@iinet.net.au I am happy to help your creative journey any way I can.