'Tis the Season...

I love it when I can use items already in my stash to create something new and fresh.   This card was inspired by fellow consultant Vicki W. The Wonderland paper from the Peace on Earth card earlier this month reminded me of this retired creative basics paper pack.  And that led to pulling out the October Stamp of the Month, Holiday Magic and spending some time creating...

Happy Creating!
Janice

Close To My Heart products used:  hollyhock ink pad, sweat leaf ink pad, chocolate ink pad, sparkles, hollyhock twill ribbon (retired), Holiday Magic (October 2011 Stamp of the Month), Cherry O Creative Basics paper pack.

Peace on Earth Card

Have you seen the new Bling Assortment packs? I couldn't help myself when I saw the large sparkle buttons- yes the bling in this card is a button!  I had to create a card that would highlight this new accessory.  It went perfectly with the Wonderland papers and the Top It Off  8" x 3 1/2" card pattern from the Wishes idea book.

Close To My Heart products used:  Wonderland Level 2 paper pack (X7146B), chocolate ink pad, crystal blue ink pad, Bling Assortment (Z1360), Twilight Ribbon Rounds (retired)


Happy Creating!
Janice

Happy Thanksgiving and Christmas Card Workshop!

Wishing you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving!!!  I have been very busy creating and finally am able to share all of the cards for the upcoming Christmas Card workshop!

The four cards use all new stamp sets from the Autumn/Winter Idea book and the new white daisy and kraft die cut cards! The kraft die cut cards are 6 x 6 and are perfect to include a family picture, letter, or gift card inside!  

Here are the workshop details:

Date:  Sunday, December 4th from 1 to 6 p.m.

Kit includes:  Precut papers to create 20 cards (5 of each of the 4 designs shown) and decorate envelopes, coordinating embellishments.  I will provide all stamp sets, ink pads and tools needed to create your cards.
 
What to bring:  Lots of adhesive and foam squares!

Cost:  $25

To reserve you spot, be sure to email me!

Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Creating!

Janice

Cards & More October Playgroup

I created this 8" x 3 1/2" Mischief card for my monthly Cards & More playgroup. Today we created a fun banner to decorate our homes for the upcoming holidays as well as the cute Halloween card above. We get together once a month and create cards or a fun paper project, thus the name for the playgroup is Cards & More. We started about three years ago with an original group of three ladies (miss you Pam!) and have continued to grow.  I truly enjoy hanging out with them! We have a great time catching up each month while enjoying a relaxing Sunday afternoon.  Here are a few shots from today, everyone hard at work on their projects!

Here is my completed "Spooky" banner displayed in my family room (this is on the entertainment center above the TV):

If you live in the Central Florida area and would like to join our playgroup- just let me know.  The Workshop on the Go kit each month starts at $29.95 and you can create the scrapbook layouts and/or  the paper craft projects available each month.  You can also gather your friends and start your own playgroup- my house or yours....  contact me and I will give you the details to get started.  If you do not live in the area, remember that all projects are available for you to create, even if you are long distance or just unable to attend!  I will provide a cutting guide and directions.

This is a perfect time to start creating Christmas cards and other fun holiday projects.  Contact me to join in the fun!

Close To My Heart Products Used: Mischief Workshop on the Go  for the Mischief paper pack and exclusive stamp set (G1029), metal brads assortment (Z1366), black designer ribbon (retired), black ink pad (Z2105), grey wool ink pad (Z2125)

Happy Creating!

Janice

September is National Stamping Month!

At Close To My Heart we celebrate September as National Stamping Month!  We are gearing up for the celebration starting August 15th!  Join the celebration with this adorable stamp set;  Pair-a-Phrase!  This exclusive set is the first ever double stamp set- two D-sized stamp sets in one envelope!  It features clever phrases and coordinating images that will have you creating cards and layouts for any occasion!

Get your Pair-a-Phrase stamp set FREE with your $75 purchase from August 15th to September 30th! The stamp sets have a retail price of $35.90- It's a  great value!

Here is a close up of the sets...

Be sure to get your free Pair-A-Phrase with your $75 product purchase! You can shop online or call me to place your order. Love freebies- Gotta love this great offer!

Happy Creating!
Janice

More Bang for Your Buck in July!

I'm back!  It has been a while since I blogged- wow, time flies!  I have had a busy Summer but have found some time to create so I have lots of sharing to do!  I have also updated a few of the pages on my blog- be sure to check out the new Consultant Kit in the Join My Team and a sneak peek at the new Cricut Cartridge that will soon be available from Close To My Heart!!  This is my favorite new product that I will be writing more about soon!  Both blog pages can be viewed by following the link at the top of my blog.

Today, I thought I would share the great special that is available during July, Bang for Your Buck and a great Christmas gift idea (yes, Christmas....) that you can create with this month's promotion!

Bang for Your Buck!

Spend $50, get a favorite paper product for only $1!!  Choose from these favorites:

• Creative Basics, Mistletoe Collection (retail $8.95)
• Creative Basics, Animal Cookies Collection (retail $8.95)
• My Originals Bits & Pieces Card Kit (retails $12.95)
• My Originals It's Your Day Card Kit (retails $12.95)
• My Orginals Around the Holidays Card Kit (retails $14.95)

Here is a great Christmas Card Tin that I decorated using one of the cards from the Around the Holidays Card Kit, inside there are four cards. I used foam squares, sparkles and liquid glass to add a little bling! These make great inexpensive holiday gifts for family members, friends, coworkers, and/or teachers!

Happy Creating!

Janice

Chairs to You! May Stamp of the Month

I am LOVING the May Stamp of the Month!  This simple card was created with the Chairs to You! Stamp Set.  I stamped the comfy chair twice on patterned paper from the Mayberry Level 2 Paper Pack.  One of the images was cut out entirely while the second image was just the seat cushion (this breaks up the continuous pattern and gives it more of a "separate seat cushion" look.  Make sense??  I really like how it looks on the kraft paper- it really stands out.  Remember that this cute set is only available this month, and you can get it at a discount on free with your $25 minimum order- so be sure to include it with your order this month!

CTMH Products Used:  Mayberry Level 2 Paper Pack (X7136B), Chairs to You May Stamp of the Month (D1456), Cocoa ink pad (Z2114), Kraft Cardstock (Z1375), 2" circle punch (Z1392), corner rounder (Z578), Basic Assortment Buttons (Z1358), Cocoa Collection Designer Ribbon (Z1316), White Hemp (Z281)
Other Products:  small scallop punch (fiskars)


Happy Creating!

Janice

It's Birthday time!

Check out these cute cards that I created for a friends birthday!  I created the first card using Pear and had a friend over to recreate the card and she choose to do it in Cotton Candy!  I was so excited that I created a second one with the new color choice- aren't they awesome!

Here is the inside...

I can't wait to give it to my BFF, Shanon,....  just not sure which color to give her and which to keep for myself!!

Close To My Heart products used:  Royal Birth stamp set (D1441), Friendship- February stamp of the month (D1453), white daisy cardstock (1385) , black cardstock (1386), pear cardstock (X5764), cotton candy cardstock (X5760), black ink (Z2105), pear ink pad (Z2197), pear marker (Z2397), cotton candy ink pad (Z2193), cotton candy marker (Z2393),  clear sparkles (Z1104), red, pink, & purple sparkles (Z1326)

Happy Creating!

Janice

Blessed in April!

This beautiful April Stamp of the Month, Blesssed, really had me going crazy!  At first I wasn't sure how to create with this stamp set- I just couldn't decide how I would  color in the images. This set can really be used in so many ways:  color in with watercolor pencils, chalk, paper piece, or use the two step stamping to fill in the images.  I decided to use the two different techniques!

The 8" x 3 1/2" card on the left uses the two-step stamping.  The solid images of the butterflies, bird, and flower were stamped in second generation twilight!  For the 6" x 6" card on the right, I stamped the bird image twice:  once on colonial white square and once on the cocoa patterned B&T paper.  I cut out the bird image on the patterned B&T and then adhered him to the image on the colonial white paper.  I LOVE how they turned out! What do you think??  Feel free to leave me a message!


Here is a close up of each card..

Close To My Heart products used:  Blessed Stamp Set (D1455), Cocoa Ink Pad (Z2114), Twilight Ink Pad (Z2160), Bliss Level 2 Papers (X7132B), Pearl Opaques (Z1336), Mocha Opaques (Z1333), Bliss Level 2 Assortment flower (Z1335), Cocoa Ribbon Collection (Z1316), Grey Flannel Marker (Z2324)

Don't forget that you can get this great stamp set at a discount or even FREE with  your order this month!  

Happy Creating!

Janice

March is a "Sensational Season"!

I am truly enjoying playing with the March Stamp of the Month: Sensational Season, D1454. Here are some of the cards that I have created with a little cardstock, ribbon and buttons. Remember that this stamp set is only available during the month of March and you can get it at a discount or FREE based on your order. Enjoy!

Close To My Heart products used: Sensational Season Stamp Set (D1454), kraft cardstock (Z1375), Sweetleaf Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon (Z1383), Green Assortment Buttons (Z1372), white hemp (Z281) heavenly blue cardstock (1285), blush cardstock (X5640), sweetleaf cardstock (X5639), white daisy cardstock (1385), watercolor pencils (3505), cocoa ink pad (Z2114), opaques pearls (Z1336)
Other products used:  Cuttlebug and embossing folders to create embossed images on cardstock.


Happy Creating!

Janice

Happy Birthday!

February is a busy month in the Franceschi household! Two birthdays and Valentine's day within 10 days!  Today is my hubby's birthday! 

Happy Birthday, honey!

We are celebrating both birthdays and Valentine's later this evening! Whew- that is a lot of celebrating in one day!  Here is the card I made for my hubby for his birthday...

It's a bright and busy card with lots of B&T-- I like it!  Here are the details...

Close To My Heart products used:  Fanfare Level 2 Papers (X7138B), Pacifica Ink Pad (Z2192), Cranberry Ink Pad (Z2116), Sky Ink Pad (Z2194), Sunny Yellow Ink Pad (Z2152), Cranberry Grosgrain Ribbon (Z1103), Candlelight Stamp Set (C1394), Party Pennants (C1429).

Hope you have a wonderful Sunday!  Happy Creating!

Janice

Happy Valentine's Day!

This is the Valentine's Day Card I made for my husband.  I used the new Sweetheart Paper Pack and Pink Assortment buttons.  LOVE the papers!!

To sweeten his day (or at least his lunch) I also decorated a candy bar with coordinating papers...

You can create the candy wrapper by using piece of tulip cardstock that is 5 1/2 x 6 1/2 and the stripped B&T (background and texture) paper that is 5 x 6 1/2. I adhered the two together and wrapped it around my candy bar (I used a Hershey's chocolate bar).  Adding a few stamped images and ribbon added the final touches!   

Hoping you have a "sweet" valentines!!!

Happy Creating!

Janice

Close To My Heart products used:  Sweethearts Level 2 Paper Pack  (X7134B), Love Language (D1343), Pink Assortment Buttons (Z1370), Cotton Candy Ink Pad (Z2193), Tulip Ink Pad (Z2166)

January Stamp of the Month Artwork!

This awesome stamp set is so versatile!  It is called Find Your Style- and it is only available this month!  Remember that if you purchase the Wings Workshop on the Go kit you can get it  at a discount or FREE with a purchase of 4 products from the Inspiration brochure!!

View the Inspiration Brochure! 

I made this card using the leftover papers from my Wings Workshop on the Go Kit.

Here is a close up of all of the images on the Stamp of the Month, Find Your Style: 

I have more artwork coming this week... so come back and visit me soon!

Happy Creating!

Mistletoe- December Workshop

  

The December Workshop on the Go will feature the Mistletoe paper pack and exclusive All the Best Stamp Set- perfect for all of your winter and holiday photos!  All you need is the basic kit to get started and add any tools or coordinating products to accessorize and add a personal touch to your artwork!  To RSVP  just preorder your kit by emailing me at scrapstudio@myctmh.com or calling 407-957-6672 by December 2nd, or order anytime this month to create it at home on your own!  A full color brochure with directions and artwork is included!

Mistletoe Workshop on the Go

Scrapbook Playgroup- Friday, December 10th, 7 pm

Cards & More Playgroup- Sunday, December 12th, 2 pm

Basic Kit
_____  G1014 Mistletoe Workshop on the Go Kit, $29.95, includes:
*   Mistletoe Level 2 Paper Pack
*  Mistletoe Level 2 Assortment flower accents
*  All the Best My Acrylix stamp set
*  Color workshop guide
Best Options- Add coordinating accessories to upgrade your artwork!
_____ Z1209  Cranberry Collection Ribbon Rounds, $7.95

Tools, Ink Pads, etc…-  Items you may need to complete your project.
_____ Z2116 Cranberry Ink Pad, $5.25
_____ Z2114 Cocoa Ink Pad, $5.25
_____ Z2135 New England Ivy Ink Pad, $5.25

_____ E1010 Chocolate Alphabet Large, $34.95
Coordinating Items you may wish to order:

____    X7130C Mistletoe Stickease Assortment, $4.95

_____  X7130A Mistletoe Level 1 Kit, $9.95

_____   B1356 St. Nick, $13.95

_____   C1420 Snow Days, $18.95

It's time for the Christmas Card Workshop!!

Tomorrow is the first round of Christmas Card workshops!  I am so excited to get started creating Christmas Cards!  The house is decorated and I am ready to begin the celebrations!  Want to join me in creating your Christmas Cards?  There is still room in the December 3rd workshop- call to reserve your kit!! 

Christmas Cards Workshop

$20

Workshop Fee Includes: 

·       Precut papers to create 20 cards (5 each of 4 designs shown above)

·       Use of MyAcrylix stamps, inks, and tools

·       Product specials

·       Light refreshments

Extra accessories: 

·       Coordinating Envelopes, $6.50

·       Opaque Pearls, $3.40

What to bring:

·        Adhesive and refills*

·       Foam tape or squares*

·       Scissors

·       Snack to share

*Tombow adhesive and foam tape may be

preordered when you RSVP. Tombow refills

will be available for purchase during workshop.

Get ready early for your Holiday Shopping!

Just in time for the Fall! This is one of my favorite Fall sets, Flourished Blessings!  The leaves go perfectly with the Oliva papers.  I created this set of cards for a make and take for the Holiday Show this weekend.  I will have samples of the Christmas cards for the Santa's Workshop coming soon.  You will be able to sign up for the Santa Workshop, shop for your favorite products and create your own fall card! 

November 13th

9 am to 3 pm

4545 Mildred Bass Road

St. Cloud, FL 34772

Other vendors participating include:  Silpada, My VIntage Baby, Pink Papaya Spa Parties, Thirty One Gifts,  Scentsy, Discovery Toys, Brown Bag Parties, Heather Handbags, Wilders Saddlery, Willow House, Princess House, Pampered Chef, Urban Betty's Boutique, Tastefully Simple, Mary Kay, Longaberger Baskets, massages, crafts, food, and of course Close To My Heart... me!!  So come on out to get your Christmas shopping done earlier! 

Scared Silly Over You!

I have the most adorable 8 year old niece.  (I am not biased or anything....) For holidays, I like to create a basket of goodies or something fun for her to enjoy.  This Halloween I will be sending her this super cute card.  The little Frankenstein is so adorable!  To color him in I used our Exclusive Inks Markers that match our paper packs and accessories perfectly!  I love that I don't have to hunt for matching markers, ribbon and brads all over town!  The brads and ribbon are from the new Sunset Mini Medley Accents which include ribbon, buttons, square metal tags, brads, photo clips and more that coordinate with our new Hooligans papers and Sunset ink! The center image is actually on foam squares to add dimension to the card.  I think my niece is going to get a giggle out it!!  Don't you?

Happy Creating!

Close To My Heart products used:  Hooligans Level 2 Paper Pack (X7129B), Spook Alley Stamp Set (D1439), Sunset Mini Medley Accents (Z1338), Sunset Marker (Z2291), Pear Marker (Z2297), Gypsy Marker (Z2290), Black Marker (Z2305)

A "Thriller" Card Playgroup!!

On the second Sunday of each month I get together with a great group of ladies to create cards. It is our Cards & More Playgroup!  We truly have an enjoyable afternoon creating, eating, and catching up! Out hostess this month was Melody and she treated us to a "Thriller" of a spread!  Here are a few pictures of the fun Halloween display that Melody created.  It went so well with the Stamp of the Month, Thriller!

Here is a close up of the "finger" sandwiches!

How about some "Mummy" cupcakes??

The Thriller Stamp of the Month is only available until September 30th so be sure to get yours in time to make  your Halloween cards and layouts! These are the cards I created using Thriller. 

The "ribbon" in this card is not ribbon at all!  It is a strip of B&T paper from the Hooligans Level 2 paper pack that is folded to appear ribbon-like.  On the right is a close-up of the paper ribbon.  The card also uses the black embossing powder on the main image.

For the second card, I cut out the skull and colored the area around the skull using chalk!  I used a sponge dauber to add the black ink around the cut out image.  I love the effect!  

 

Here is a close up of the chalking done on the skull: 

To get your "Thriller" September Stamp of the Month place your order by September 30th. You can get it discounted or even FREE- ask me how!  If you are interested in any of the display items that Melody used for her Thriller display such as the French Wire Three Tiered Stand and the Red Cinnabar Casserole, visit her Willow House website at http://mrush.willowhouse.com.

Happy Creating!!

Close To My Heart Products Used Card #1:  Hooligans Level 2 Paper Pack (X7129B), Thriller September Stamp of the Month (D1442),  Black Embossing Powder (Z670), Versa Mark Ink Pad (Z891), Craft Heater (Z555), Sunset Marker (Z2391), Corner Rounder (Z578), Pear Ink Pad (Z2397)

Close To My Heart Products Used Card #2:  Hooligans Level 2 Paper Pack (X7129B), Thriller September Stamp of the Month (D1442), Texture Tools (Z1298), Black Ink Pad (Z2103), Black Brads (Z1218), Sunset Mini-Medley (Z1338), Autumn Soft Chalks (Z904), Summer Soft Chalks (Z903)

8 New Colors Now Available!

Did you know that in the new Fall/Winter Idea Book, Close To My Heart introduced 8 new vibrant colors to our Carnival and Celebration palettes?  This updated new palette is sure to brighten your latest artwork!  You can find the new colors in cardstock, stamp pads, reinkers, and markers!  They are also featured in our new My Reflections paper packs in the Fall/Winter Idea Book!

I LOVE the new Magnifique My Reflections Papers- it's bright shades of blue make this peacock absolutely stunning! Three of the new colors can be found in the beautiful Magnifique papers: Lagoon, Sky, and Pacifica.  To create this 5 x 7 card, I used the watercolor technique for the peacock.  I first used Cocoa ink to stamp the peacock.  Then used the waterbrush to add in subtle shades of Lagoon, Sky and Pacifica throughout the feathers.  For a final touch I added a bit of prisma glitter over the feathers with a glue pen.  Simply stunning!  (My favorite combination of a simple technique with a huge impact!)  You may also notice the new blue sparkles- it's a great little package which coordinates beautifully with the Magnifique papers!

Be sure to contact me to get your own copy of the Fall/Winter Idea Book!  In the meantime, you can check it out online by clicking here!

Happy Creating!

Close To My Heart products used: Circle of Love Stamp Set (D1438), Magnifique Level 2 Paper Pack (X7127B), Cocoa Cardstock (X5642), Lagoon Ink Pad (Z2195), Sky Ink Pad (ZZ2194), Pacifica Ink Pad (Z2192), Cocoa Ink Pad(Z2114), Waterbrush (1771), Sparkles Blue & Green Assortment (Z1327), Prisma Glitter (Z134), Glue Pen (Z553)

Hot Diggity Fun Card!

The Splendor paper pack is one of my Summer favorites! The cute froggy is from the Hot Diggity stamp set- it goes perfectly with this paper pack! TIP: Use your CTMH EK Success corner rounder to create the scalloped border! Remove the corner guide and insert the paper and puch to create the first scallop, then continue to glide the corner rounder and punch to create a scalloped effect.  I also used the sanding kit to add texture to the solid cardstock. Happy Creating! 

 

All supplies from Close To My Heart unless otherwise stated:  

• Paper Pack: X7124 Splendor Level 2
• Stamp Set: C1407 Hot Diggity
•  Ink Pads: Z2155 Topiary,Z2123 Goldrush
• Other supplies: Z1126 Colonial White Ribbon Round Collection
• Tools: Z578 corner rounder, Z1297 edge distresser, Z1294 sanding kit