Valentine's Day Countdown - Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day! We made it through the Countdown! Or maybe I should say the CountUP. lol! I hope you have enjoyed the hop process and will join Paige and me for future holiday hops.

This is my final project, and I really love it. It is inspired by a banner made by Lisa Stenz {here}. I used one of the new My Creations banners from CTMH. There are 8 alterable pennants in each set, so you could easily make two of these banners - one for you to keep, one to give away.

I chose to use the new spray pen on the top part, filling the pen to the 2nd line with Blush re-inker and to the 8th line with water. Remember to spray your item in a box to catch the spray-over.

The accordian flowers were easy to make. Each one uses 2 pieces of 1/2" x 12" B&T paper, scored every 1/2" and accordian folded. (The pieces are attached on the short end.) Attach the ends to make a circle, then gently push the inside toward the table until it lies flat. Using a strong adhesive, attach the accordian flower to a punched circle (smaller than the flower) and hold for a few seconds until it is well adhered. Decorate as desired.

The banners come with jump rings, but I chose to put mine together with ribbon.

Items used:
Paper: Sweetheart (light pink polka dots & accordian flowers); Sophia (darker pink); Cotton Candy cs; White Daisy cs
Stamps: Bohemian alphabet
Embellishments: Designer Ribbon Collection - Pink; Opaques Pearl Adhesive Gems; White Daisy grosgrain ribbon
Inks: Blush re-inker; Blush; Hollyhock
Other: Spray pen; corner rounder; My Creations Banner

Valentine's Day Countdown - Day Thirteen - Sweetheart WOTG

I love the Workshops on the Go from CTMH. For $29.95, everything I need to make at least 4 scrapbook pages and at least 6 cards is included! That includes detailed cutting guides and instructions as well as embellishments. There are always plenty of leftovers to make other projects, too. The Workshops on the Go are available in the Idea Book (ask me how to get your own copy!) or on my website.

I made the featured 2-page layout and 6 cards. There is also an additional layout pictured, using one of the how-to books, and 6 more cards.

There is always a new technique featured in each WOTG. This month's technique is using Liquid Applique. This fun, inexpensive embellishment is so fun to use! It comes in a little tube, and you just squeeze it on the page or card, let it dry for 10 minutes or so, then use the heat tool to make it "puff." I used it around the banner letters. So fun!


Items used:
Paper: Sweetheart Workshop on the Go
Stamp set: Exclusive WOTG stamp set, Pennant alphabet
Ink: Cotton Candy, Black
Embellishments: Sweetheart Level 2 Epoxy Stickers
Other: Liquid Applique, heat tool


Check out the projects from other consultants:

Valentine's Day Countdown - Day Twelve - Recipe/Photo Box

Wow! Our Valentine's Day Countdown hop is winding down. Hasn't this been fun?

Today's project is an item that will sit on my desk every day. I used the My Creations Recipe/Photo Box that has been sitting on my shelf every since they came out. I guess it was about time for me to actually use it! I made a box that will keep customer information cards. I love the cheerful Sophia papers.

Pleated cardstock - I used two 12" lengths of cardstock cut 1 1/4" wide. The cardstock is scored every 1/2" to make it easier to pleat. You can also mist the cardstock lightly with water to make it easier to work with. I adhered it to the back of the flap and trimmed it at the ends.

The ribbon rose is from some of the new Pink Collection ribbon. The length of ribbon is 12" long, and you can use it all together or cut a rose off like I did. Isn't it beautiful? I used ribbon from the Pear Mini-Medleys to make leaves.

 The inside - I put cardstock on the flap but not on the inside. I figured that once I get it filled with cards, I won't see much of the inside. But you could certainly line yours with paper or cardstock.

Items used (all items CTMH unless noted):
Paper: Sophia Level 2 Paper Packet
Stamps: Our Mission (not available); Polka Dot Alphabet
Ink: Hollyhock; Blush; Pear
Embellishments: Button Collections - Pink and Green; Sophia Level 2 Journaling Spots; Designer Ribbon - Pink; Pear Mini-Medleys; Dimensional Elements Hearts
Other: My Creations Recipe/Photo Box

Please visit the other Consultants' blogs to see what they have made today!

Valentine's Day Countdown - Day Eleven - Sock Cupcake

You may have seen these little goodies on other blogs. This is another quick, inexpensive gift for someone special!

Start with a pair of spa socks -- the fuzzier, the better! I found mine at Old Navy. Lay the pair out, one sock on top of the other (like they come from the store). Starting at the toe end, roll the socks up, keeping the bottom edge even. Place a rubber band around the bottom of the socks. Place a "cupcake liner" around the sock cupcake. You might have to work with the top a little to make it look more cupcake-like. I tucked a Tulip button into the top for a cherry. I measured the cardstock against the socks and just made it the height that looked good. Then I ran the piece through the crimper after stamping it. This would be a nice little gift, along with some lotion, to tuck into yesterday's gift box.

Items used (all items CTMH unless noted):
Cardstock: White Daisy
Stamps: Love Ya!
Ink: Hollyhock; Cotton Candy; Blush
Embellishments: Tulip Mini-Medleys
Other: Spa socks (Old Navy)

Now, more hopping!

Valentine's Day Countdown - Day Ten - Photo Cube Gift Box

Today's project is another practical/decorative item. I used the My Creations Cube to make a gift box that can later be used as a photo cube. The idea came from the amazing mind of CTMH Consultant Christine David. You can see her box here.

If you'd like to see a tutorial on putting the cube together, click here to go to an earlier post on my blog.

The ribbon roses were really easy to make. Start by punching a circle the size you want your flower to be. Using a glue dot (you'll use a lot of them!), attach one end of the ribbon to the center of the cardstock circle. Start twisting the ribbon, attaching it to the cardstock every little bit with a glue dot. Keep going until the flower is the size you want it to be. I ended my flowers by attaching the end to the back of the cardstock circle. A Pearl Opaques in the center is the finishing touch. I have a lot of retired ribbon, so this is a great way to use it up!

I apologize for the quality of the photos. I'm struggling with the white balance on my camera.

Items used (all items CTMH unless noted):
Paper: Sweetheart Level 2 Paper Packet
Stamps: Love Ya!
Ink: Baby Pink; Cotton Candy
Embellishments: Button Collections - Pink; Colonial White Waxy Flax; Pearl Opaques; Blush ribbon (retired); White organdy ribbon (retired)
Other: My Creations Cube

Enjoy the following projects:

Valentine's Day Countdown - Day Nine - Lollipop Covers

Here's another quick and easy project -- lollipop covers! These hardly take any time at all to put together, and they are suh-weet, if I say so myself! (Sorry -- couldn't pass that one up!) 

To make the covers, I cut pieces of cardstock 2.75" x 7". You may have to adjust yours a little depending on the size of the lollipop. Score at 3", 3.25", 6.25" and 6.5". I used the Soft Set Eyelet Tool to punch a small hole in the center of the bottom scored piece (for the stick). Drop the lollipop stick through the hole, and fold the cover over the top. Close it like a matchbook. I ended up using a little adhesive to hold the flap in place. 

The stamp set is one of our A-size sets at the amazing price of $7.95. Isn't it cute?

Items used (all items CTMH unless noted):
Cardstock: Tulip; Cotton Candy; White Daisy
Stamps: A Game
Ink: Black; Tulip; Cotton Candy
Embellishments: White ric-rac (retired)

Make some of these sweet treats for yourself, then check out the rest of the blog hop:

Valentine's Day Countdown - Day Eight - Masculine Card

Isn't it challenging to make a nice Valentine's Day card for a male? I have to resist my urge to add ribbons and buttons. I created this simple card that I think fills the bill.

Items used (all items CTMH unless noted):
Cardstock: White Daisy; Black; Tulip
Ink: Black; Tulip
Stamps: Card Chatter - Love

That's it. Short and sweet.

Enjoy the projects from these CTMH Consultants:

Spray Pen Unplugged

Enjoy the video from Close To My Heart on using the new spray pen:

Valentine's Day Countdown - Day Seven - LOVE Wall Hanging

Scrapbooking products aren't just for scrapping. You can make lovely gifts and home decor items, too! I made this fun wall hanging using the CTMH Mix & Mingle Album. The album is a mix of white chipboard and acrylic pages in different shapes.

To add color to the chipboard elements and one of the pages, I used our brand-new spray pens. The pens come 3 to a package for just $3.95. Each pen holds 10 ml of liquid. It is super easy to make homemade glimmer sprays using CTMH re-inker, a few drops of Create-A-Shade Pearl Paint, and water. It's hard to see in the pictures, but it adds not only color but a nice shimmer, too. You can also use just reinker and water for a totally different effect.

I recommend placing the item to be sprayed in a box or some other container to prevent splatters from getting everywhere. Yes, I learned this the hard way. I use a CTMH shipping box with several layers of paper towels:

The finished product (sorry that the shimmer is hard to see):

Our ribbon is now offered in color families rather than all the same color. I used the Pink Collection for the Cotton Candy Pom-Pom Ribbon around the large heart.

Items used (all items CTMH unless noted):

Paper: Sweetheart Level 2 Paper Packet

Stamps: Universal Backgrounds

Ink: Black; Tulip re-inker

Embellishments: Dimensional Elements Monogram (L, V, E); Dimensional Elements Hearts; Sweetheart Epoxy Stickers; Black Mini-Medleys; Designer Ribbon - Pink Collection; Sparkles - Red, Pink & Purple Assortment; Tulip Mini-Medleys

Other: Mix & Mingle Album; spray pen

Visit the blogs listed below for other ideas:

Lucky - Mojo Monday 176

It has been quite a while since I entered a card for Mojo Monday, but I really liked this sketch! I have been busy making lots of Valentine's Day stuff, so I was ready for a break from pink, red and black. The new Lucky papers were calling my name, and they seemed a perfect fit for this sketch. I really enjoyed using some of the brand-new, updated buttons from Close To My Heart, including the fabulous Canvas Button Badges (self-adhesive). You can stamp on them as I did or ink them. The new embellishments are just yummy! I can't get enough of them!

Lucky - The front

  

The inside

 

The sketch

Items used (all items CTMH unless noted):
Paper: Lucky Level 2 Paper Packet; Kraft cardstock 
Stamps: It's Your Day; Enjoy Life; Lucky (WOTG); Say It In Style (retired)
Embellishments: Wooden Designer Buttons; Canvas Badge Buttons; Button Assortments - Blue & Green; Lucky Level 2 Assortment; Lucky Level 2 Journaling Spots; Hemp - Natural
Inks: Outdoor Denim; Olive; Desert Sand

Valentine's Day Countdown - Day Six - Clear Card

Ohhh, clear cards -- I {heart} you! These cards are so fun to make. Don't be intimidated -- they are not difficult. They just take a little planning to hide the adhesive. I do suggest "dry fitting" the card before you adhere anything, because the material is not very forgiving once adhesive has touched it. 

I know this will be shocking to you, but I used the Sweetheart Level 2 papers for this card. ;) (I have definitely filled my pink quota for this month!) I am wild about the new Sweetheart Epoxy Stickers -- so fun! I backed a large heart with B&T paper for a different look and added a little heart to the center of a black frame.

Items used (all items CTMH unless noted):
Paper: Sweetheart Level 2 Paper Packet; Black cs
Stamps: In the Month of February
Embellishments: Black Mini-Medleys; Sweetheart Epoxy Stickers
Other: Clear Cards - 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" Assortment

Now check out the artwork provided by other CTMH Consultants:

Are you ready for some FOOTBALL?

Join me for my Super Bowl Party! Call, text, or e-mail me with a CTMH order during the Super Bowl. You will receive a 10% discount on your order and a chance to earn FREE products and Hostess Rewards*! Whether you'll be watching the game at home or away (or not at all!), put my number in your cell phone so you'll be ready to play! My contact information is listed at the end of this message.

Rules of Play


Call, text, or e-mail me on Super Bowl Sunday (Feb. 6) with your order, and you will earn tickets. On Monday, February 7, I'll draw a ticket to see who will be the Hostess for the gathering. (*$150 in total orders is required to qualify as a gathering.) As the Hostess, you can earn CTMH products for FREE or at a 50% discount! I will contact the Hostess on Monday to discuss finalizing her order.


Earning Tickets

Place an order of any size - 1 ticket
Place a $25 order - 1 ticket (in addition to the "any order" ticket)
Place a $50 order - 2 tickets
Place a $75 order - 3 tickets
Place a $100 order - 4 tickets (plus FREE February Stamp of the Month)


FREE Bonus

Be the first to call, text, or e-mail during the game and earn an additional ticket and a Petite Perks Stamp Set (pictured here) FREE! One set will be awarded for each category - phone, text, and e-mail).

Remember - the Spring/Summer 2011 Idea Book went live February 1! Use this opportunity to get some of the fantastic new products available.

To view the Idea Book online, click here.

My cell phone number: (309) 826-6705
My e-mail: lorimiller@myctmh.com
My website


Good luck. Enjoy the Super Bowl!

CTMH Clearance Sale - While Supplies Last!

Visit my website to check out the newly discounted items! There are some amazing deals that you won't want to miss like rub-ons for $2, tons of Ribbon Rounds for $4, and the great Ribbon Rounds Organizer for only $5! (That one won't last long.) 

Here's one of the best bargains -- the Perfect Day Level 2 Paper Packet for only $5. That's 24 sheets of cardstock and B&T paper for less than 21 cents per sheet!

There is so much more . . . hurry, because supplies are limited and won't last long! Click {here} to visit the sale page of my website!

Valentine's Day Countdown - Day Five - Sweetheart Stickease Pages

Did you know that the My Stickease sheets have suggested page ideas printed on the back? I really enjoy using the ideas for quick, easy pages. It's inexpensive, too -- My Stickease are only $4.95. The pages shown here are for my newly-engaged daughter's engagement scrapbook. Both 2-page layouts are on the back of the Stickease sheets and use layouts from the how-to book, "Magic."

Magic: Spellbound - Left

Magic: Spellbound - Right

Magic: Now You See It - Left

Magic: Now You See It - Right

I even had some Stickease left over for another project!

I'd encourage you to try the Stickease pages. They're quick, easy, and pretty!

Items used:

Paper: Sweetheart Level 2 Paper Packet; Sweetheart My Stickease

Ink: Black (for distressing)

Embellishments: Dimensional Elements Monograms (T, W, O); Dimensional Elements Hearts (Note - The suggested pages use the Sweetheart Epoxy Stickers, but I had used mine on other projects, so I just used additional Stickease.)

Check out the lovely projects from other CTMH Consultants:

Valentine's Day Countdown - Day Four - X's and O's Standard Card

What would Valentine's Day be without Valentine's Day cards? This little card was inspired by a Mojo Monday sketch from a few weeks ago.

I used some different stamping techniques on this card. For the background on the smaller rectangle, I inked the "X O" stamp in Baby Pink then rolled the edges in Black (Technique #1 - stamp rolling). I stamped the image on a piece of scrap paper then directly on the White Daisy cardstock (Technique #2 - second generation stamping). I did that for each image, cleaning my stamp between inkings. I also used the large plaid heart stamp to create a textured look on the Dimensional Elements hearts. I don't know if that counts as a technique, but I like the effect!

Items used (all items CTMH unless noted):
Paper: Sweetheart Level 2 Paper Packet; White Daisy cs; Black cs; Cotton Candy cs
Ink: Baby Pink; Black
Stamps: Love Ya!
Embellishments: Dimensional Elements Hearts; Brads - Metal Assortment; Black grosgrain ribbon (retired)
Other: Nestabilities - Classic Ovals Small; Classic Ovals Large

Check out the projects from other CTMH consultants:

Valentine's Day Countdown - Day Three - Love Journal

This idea is one I came across a long time ago in a parenting magazine: create a "love journal" for you and your child (or spouse). Sometimes it is easier to write thoughts and feelings instead of talk about them. The journal passes back and forth between you and your child. You write something in it and leave it with your child. He or she writes something back to you and gives it back to you. And so on. You could also create a journal about things you love. Or creative ideas. Or whatever you'd like! Since the pages of the journal are completely blank, you can be as creative as you want. The decorated cover page just slides in to the clear cover and is easy to take out and change if you'd like.

I used some of our brand-new products on this journal cover, as well as some old favorites. The Kraft paper is new (yay!), and I also love our new scalloped punch. And did I mention the fabulous new Kraft Color-Ready Borders? LOVE them! The Salutations stamp set is one every scrapbooker and card maker needs to have in the stamp library. It is so versatile!

Items used (all CTMH unless noted):
Paper: Kraft paper; Cherry-O Creative Basics (retired); Tulip cs
Stamp sets: Salutations
Ink: Tulip; Brown Bag (for distressing)
Embellishments: Irresistibles Lots of Dots alphabet; Kraft Color-Ready Borders; Buttons - Pink; Dimensional Elements Hearts; Colonial White Waxy Flax; assorted ribbon (retired)
Other: My Creations Journal; 1 1/4" circle punch; 2" scalloped punch; 1 1/2" circle punch - EK Success

Check out the great projects from other CTMH consultants:

Valentine's Day Countdown - Day Two - 5 x 7 Card with Sophia

This card serves a dual purpose: my entry for the Valentine's Day Countdown Blog Hop, and my entry for the Heart 2 Heart sketch challenge! I've also included a tutorial on how to make the flowers.

The card uses one of my new favorite paper packets, Sophia. I love the bright, cheerful colors! The butterfly was a happy accident. I was making the flowers and laid two of the striped pieces across from each other. I looked down and realized it looked like a butterfly. Inspiration comes in all kinds of places!

Items used:
Paper: Sophia Level 2 Paper Packet; White Daisy cs; Hollyhock cs
Ink: Hollyhock
Stamps: In the Month of February
Embellishments: Brads - Pink; Brads - Metal; Black Waxy Flax
Other: 1 1/4" punch; 2" scalloped punch

To make the flower, start by punching four scalloped circles using the 2" scalloped punch by CTMH.

Fold the circle in half, lining up the scallops.

Fold the circle in half again, also lining up the scallops.

Unfold the circle.

This part takes a little practice. You will bring two of the folded edges together, bowing the middle in. I have found it works best if I try to bring the points together.

Do the same thing with the other side.

This is what your "petal" will look like:

Punch a circle out of cardstock. I used the 1 1/4" circle punch by CTMH. Lightly mark the circle into quarters. It makes it easier to put the petals on evenly. Cover the circle with adhesive.

Here's what it looks like with one petal on the flower:

The finished product! It's really easy once you get the hang of it. You can also do this with a regular circle (with no scallops) for an entirely different look.

I hope you enjoyed learning how to make these cute flowers! Now check out what the other consultants have been up to on the blog hop: