Disney Layout

This Disney double (thanks Alissa!) shows how a simple layout can be terrific with just a few extra embellishments. When you're visiting different places this holiday season, make sure you pick up a brochure and save tickets as well. Pieces of these can make great decorations on your page and are totally safe as long as they don't overlap your pictures at all. (Make sure you use acid-free and lignin-free paper and make sure it's buffered so that no acid can spread from any of your embellishments.)

Double Flap Card

This card is set up sort of wierd. I cut the base 4 1/4 inches wide, but only 9 inches wide. The fold is 3 1/4 in from the left edge of the front. You can barely make out the edge of the card in this first picture. I cut a piece of the Everlasting B&T 6 x 3 and folded it in half to make the second flap of the card. I adhered that folded card on the inside of the base so that the 3 x 3 "mat" would be in the center of the card and the fold was on the right.

The artwork is on a 2 inch square card, mounted on Cranberry 1/4 inch larger (square), on White 1/2 inch larger, and Cranberry again 3/4 inch larger. So the measurements are, respectively, 2 1/4 square, 2 1/2 square, and 2 3/4 square.

The main artwork is a montage of stamps on a 2 x 2 block. I used Christmas Scripts, December Word Puzzle, Ho Ho Ho, Holiday Jubilee, and Shining Star and my final of this card actually had a much fuller look to the main artwork as I kept adding stamps. The sentiment inside is from Peace On Earth. If I had it to do again, I think I would put the first part of the sentiment on the white flap under the artwork flap and then add the rest of it, as is, on the inside of the second flap.

This card was also inspired by some I saw on a bulletin board, but there were several that looked the same so I couldn't pinpoint just one person as the originator. Frankly, I think it is an Originals design. Have you used that? They make directions easier to follow than mine and offer diagrams so you can see exactly what you are cutting and what you're going to do with it!

For this card, I used Aspen paper (LOVE IT!) along with some words from the "December Word Puzzle" (stamped in Outdoor Denim with the cards distressed in the same.) The background for it was stamped using one of the "Jingle Borders" in Juniper and I love the way those colors go together!

This card goes together quick and easy!

Stinkin' Cute Snowman Card!

This card was inspired by one created by CTMH consultant Laurel Seabrook, but mine turned out totally different from hers by the time I was through. First I started with the Christmas Memories snow man which is a "two-step" or "base-n-shade" stamp set. First I stamped the shadow of the image, then I added his scarf and hat fill-in. No I didn't match up the gaps perfectly, but it didn't end up mattering. Once I have the shadow and the fill in, (in Juniper and Moonstruck, respectively) I stamped the outline of the snowman in Outdoor Denim. I also stamped the "White Christmas" from the Holiday Jubilee Stamp Set in Juniper. After I finished this stamping, I cut out the snowman (making his arms a little thicker than the single lines that they are) and cut the "White Christmas" in a square.

Once I finished the main artwork, I began working on the background. I stamped the trees on a white 3 1/4 x 2 3/4 card, using the 3 trees from the December Word Puzzle stamp set. On my block, I put 2 together and 1 off to the side. I stamped them all in Juniper.

I used the same basic idea with the snowflake background on the Twilight paper. I put the snowflakes on the block in a non-patterned manner and turned it with every impression (in Juniper) to give it a fully random look. Since I'm covering the center, there was no need to stamp there.

The Twilight 5 x 3 3/4 cardstock covers the 5 1/2 x 4 1/4 base. I layered a 1 x 3 3/4 Outdoor Denim strip across the Twilight.

I stacked a 3 3/4 x 3 1/4 piece of Moonstruck Cardstock and then put the white tree stamped card centered on that. I mounted my sentiment on a Twilight piece just a little bigger than the sentiment, and adhered my snowman using 3d foam squares. Once he was set where I wanted him, I trimmed off the extra bit of him at the bottom, but some of the gals at my workshop left him whole. I used a snowflake punch from the Martha Stewart collection at Walmart and some glitter foam paint that I found at Hobby Lobby for the final embellishments.

Unique Christmas Tree Card

This card looks so elegant, but it was SO simple to make. I can't take credit for it as I found the exact design on a CTMH consultant board, but I don't have the name of the consultant in my file. That's not like me and I'll try to update this posting with the proper credit if I can.

Just a note here: I love the way the consultants in this company are so willing to share their ideas and inspiration with each other. I've gotten SO much from my CTMH sisters, especially in my often non-creative times. I find I can brainstorm variations, but can seldom dream up a design from scratch. The best way to thank those who have inspired me is to give them full credit for their creations. Sort of like virtual applause! So even though this card is mine, the brainchild belonged to someone else and I'll tell you who as soon as I can!


Evensong is the paper pack I used. The green mat for the artwork is actually the Evensong Creative Basics, but since that is no longer available, the green print from the regular Evensong pack works just as well. This card starts out as paper punches. I used a circle punch from the Martha Stewart collection. (Walmart) I punched 5 from the red along with one of the stars, and 3 from the green print. I used them all upside down except for 3 of the greens and the star on top. I only used one stamp set with this card - the December Word Puzzle. LOVE THAT SET! I stamped the Noel in Chocolate. I stacked the circles above the Noel on a 3 x 4 card which I stacked on a Creative Basics green paper measuring 3 1/4 x 4 1/4. I covered the entire cardbase with a 5 1/2 x 4 1/4 piece of the red print. Then I embellished with a few sparkles, a Holiday red bigger brad, and the circles (also from the December Word Puzzle) stamped in Tulip.

Okay, now that I've finished the instructions, I searched through the CTMH bulletin board and found the consultant who created the design. She is Lisa Aquino, a Canadian CTMH consultant.

Snow Guy Double-Flap Card

This cute little card is worth the effort! I had never thought of stamping on design paper, but it turned out great! Use the "All Decked Out" Stamp Set. To make this, you will need to stamp all of these parts onto white paper, except the hat and scarf. Stamp the medium circle about 1/3 of the way up from the bottom of a 3 x 4 card. You'll stamp the swirly stamp along the bottom of the medium circle, all the way across to either side of the snowguy bottom. Fill in with the swirly, but make sure you turn the stamp from time to time so all the swirls won't look exactly the same.


When you stamp the scarf and hat on the design paper, cut it out, removing all the extra swirly stuff. (I don't want to spend all that extra time cutting, do you?) Stamp the smallest circle on an edge of the white paper and add the face in black. Cut it out completely. Cut the medium circle out, too, only cut the circle up to the swirlys and then along the top of them. (See the card for the full look.) I started the card with a 4 1/4 x 5 1/2 card base, and centered it with a 3 1/2 x 4 1/2 plaid piece. I cut a white cardstock piece that measured 6 x 4 and folded it in half to make it 3 x 4. This piece I centered on the plaid, closer to the top edge. I covered it with a Twilight cardstock piece that measured 3 x 4. The cut snowman bottom and swirlys go at the bottom of this Twilight piece. The snowman head will go above the body, with about 1/4 inch of margin between the two circles. Put the scarf and hat in good positions over the head.

At this point you will want to add your sentiments. I used the "Peace on Earth" stamps. I actually cut the sentiment into pieces to make it fit this way. I stamped this section inside the 3 x 4 card that is sitting on top of the plaid paper. The second part of the sentiment was left in tact and I stamped it on the inside of the cardbase.

I finished the card off with a Autumn Terracotta photoclip that holds the 3 x 4 flap closed.

A Moment of Your Time - Please expand this list!

Okay, business aside, have you taken a break today? I know, I live it too! Transporting kids, work, errands, shopping, grocery stores, cooking, cleaning, family needs, friends . . . shall I continue? As women, we get the lion's share of the details of the season and it can really be a load on our heads. I don't need to tell you that it's not how it should be. You already know that, but you're still a mom/wife/daughter/sister/aunt/neighbor/friend!
Still, it's hard to really experience the joy of this blessed season when you're stressed, hurried, and trying desperately to keep all your "ends" tied together. May I make a suggestion?

Please, make a priority of taking some time every day (even if it is just 5 minutes) and do something to bring you joy.
Look through your scrapbook.
Watch part of a Christmas movie.
Sing some carols with your kids.
Read the Christmas story in Luke 2.
Read a chapter of a good book.
Take a lovely smelling bath.
Build a fire and enjoy it with a cup of cocoa.
Sit and gaze at your beautiful tree.
Write a note about a special ornament and what it means to you.

I put these here for a reason. I'd like to expand this list! Would you all (yes, I actually asking you to do something else - LOL) leave an idea of your own in the comment or email it to me? I want to include as many other ideas for "a moment of your time" as I can!

What a simple card. Special thanks to consultant Tiffani Hughson for sharing this design! The red is stamped using White Daisy with the "Jingle Borders" stamp set. The green and red cardstock start out as 5 1/2 x 3 1/4. I created a template with another scrap of cardstock and then cut both the red and green at the same time with one stacked on top of the other. That way, even if my curve wasn't perfect, it would still have a parallel look to it. I used the two ornaments from the December Word Puzzle stamp set and embellished them with chocolate Waxy Flax and free-hand black lines. Would love to see your take on this card! Please post it in the comments!

Star Challenge Layout - Christy

This layout was contributed by Christy Land. [[Thanks!]]

This turned out so great! We used some of the Game On paper pack along with the "Shining Star" stamp set. The colors for the Game On pack are black, colonial white, bamboo and desert sand. I challenged the gals to add another color or two depending on the photos they wanted to put with it. Here, Christy added the school color of Sunny Yellow with mat paper as well as stamping accents.

Whoops-A-Daisy Layout

This layout was contributed by Alissa Shirah. [[Thanks!]]

Alissa has become a great fan of "Clear Bags" envelopes! She used Whoops-a-Daisy paper to create this simple layout, but gave it a real pop with her stack of pictures on the edge of the layout.

The Clear Bags envelopes are acid and lignin free and work great when you have more pictures than you can fit on one double layout. Using these, you can stack the envelopes, adhering them to each other and the page itself; cover the adhesive flaps with some decoration and insert 2 pictures into each envelope.

Once you slip your page into your page protector, you cut a slit in the protector just large enough to pull the photo flaps through.

These are generally called interactive pages and there are all sorts of variations on it. If you've never tried one, now is a great time and I'd love to see your take on it!

Rustic Trails Layout (2nd)

Lynn Maternowski contributed this layout. [[Thanks!]]

I LOVE how Lynn used the Rustic Trails gingham design paper on this layout. (The blue plaid on the left-hand side.) She cut it into (3) 12x1 strips and (7) 3x1 strips and wove them together. Addind a couple of brads here and there made a great compliment to the torn and distressed matting cardstocks that she used on this layout.

Rustic Trails Layout

This layout was contributed by Lynn Maternowski. [[Thanks!]]

Lynn used the Rustic Trails paper to highlight her photos and it workded perfectly! Don't lose your chance to get this great paper! It is retiring as of January 1!

She added brads and chocolate Waxy Flax over the title as light, manly touches to complete the look.

Life Delights Layouts

This double layout was contributed by Lisa Navarre. [[Thanks!]]

I LOVE how the design paper was used as the actual background paper instead of using cardstock. It isn't as thick, but since the pages go into page protectors, it works just great! Also, don't miss the Just Blooms "Pinks" that embellish this page. Lisa used one large white and one smaller pink flower. She cut each in half, stacked them, and put a sparkle as the center. This paper was just MADE for this type of layout!

Halloween Artwork

Special thanks to Juanelle Mendez for these great spooky cards and layouts. The layout is highlighted by the CTMH stamp set, "Creepy Cobwebs."

10-from-1 Cards

While this is a fun way to get kids involved in stamping, there really is a right way to do it in order to get a balanced, well-designed page. Star with the largest stamp you plan to use. Stamp them in triangles around the page. Look at the first picture. Notice how the maple leaves in the top right quadrant form a triangle? The bottom three form another triangle, but they aren't exactly the same. If you stamp them all just alike (with equa-distance and similar angles between them) you'll end up with a page that is TOO designed. It will look too patterned and not random enough. Make sure to stamp right off the edge of the paper as well (have scratch paper underneath) to give your paper a look of continuity.

Once you add your large items, fill in with smaller images and tighter triangles. Be sure to rotate your stamp when you make the impressions so they don't all look alike. If you don't have markedly large stamps, you can still get a great look with the smaller stamps. You can stop at this point, and have a loosely stamped page. Just make sure you have enough of the paper stamped so that every small section you will cut (not less than 1x1 inches) has at least part of 1 or 2 images. If you have too much blank space on the paper, it will not work for this project.

In my opinion, the more the merrier! I love the way the paper looks when I fill it entirely with different images. The less white paper that shows through, the better I like it. It also means I don't have to worry about how or where I cut my paper since all of it is designed.

Once I decorate my paper, I cut it along with 2 coordinating cardstocks to design the cards. I used the CTMH Originals Card Confidence program to design the cards and I change them everytime I make them. Often by the time I get to the 9th or 10th card, I have to get a little creative and adapt the design I want to whatever paper I have left. All of the blank places that you see on these cards were filled with sentiment stamps or artwork (mostly sentiments). I also added brads, ribbon, and some "Just Blooms" leaves to the final cards. Usually I use Cranberry, Autumn Terra Cotta, Garden Green, and Desert Sand with my Autumn cards, but I thought it might be fun to try them with some non-traditional colors. I like the way they turned out, but I do prefer the richer colors that I normally use.

Mid-week Makeover

It's funny, I've done more projects in the last month than I normally do, but just haven't had the time to post them. It's Wednesday, so I'll start with the Mid-week Makeover. This is where I take a card or other project that has been made with non-CTMH products and remake it using CTMH items.

This is 2-for-1 week! I found this card on Split-Coast Stampers which is primarily a Stampin' Up artwork site. This card was made by someone with the username Dejah_Cote1. Mabye one of you would have a better idea about the stamp set and paper, but it looks to me like the creater used a random stamping technique with a similar stamp set. It's hard to see that the leaves have been colored green with marker just like the red ribbon.

I made my first one using the Enchanted paper pack and I really fell in love with the Smokey Plum look to this card. The stamp set for the central figure on both cards is from the October Stamp of the Month - Annotations. The sentiment on this Autumn cards is from the "Say it with Style" Stamp of the Month from a while back, but you could use any number of small words or sentiments with this.

I decided I wanted to create a Christmas card with this design, too. I used the Evensong paper pack for this, only I wish I had used the Cranberry cardstock as my base instead of blush. I really like the darker look to the card. By the way, have you noticed how the new CTMH paper packs have print on both sides? I used the multicolored flowers for the bottom section of my artwork, but I used a full rectangle of the back of that paper (green on green of the same print) as the background. It worked perfectly, blending the print from the red with the color from the green! Gotta LOVE that!

Artwork Invitation!

Didn't have any takers on this Challenge. August is a TOUGH month. Hopefully September will be better! If you decided to use this sketch, I'd LOVE to see your artwork!

I was inspired by some one-picture layouts that I've seen in leading magazines. I have to admit, I don't do too many one-picture pages. (I have 4 children!) So I thought I would adjust my sketch a little and offer a few other options for pictures. Now my samples don't always "toe-the-line" when it comes to these sketches. I usually make the sketch and then do what you do - create my layout as close to the sketch as possible. I know my sample isn't exactly like the sketch, (My pics were a little too big.) so I adapted a little. Here is my take on the sketch!

Friday Flair

Gold brads are easy-to-use accents that will take a card from plain to PURTY! In this case, I'm using the new colors of Tulip and Sorbet for the "Gift of Love" stamp set and another new color, Juniper, in the "Perfect Day" paper pack. Using the 3D foam squares also makes an easy focal point.

It's easy to add the brads, but don't try to pop them through the paper by themselves. Even thin paper can keep the brad points from popping through and can ruin the "tails" of the brad. Use a paper piercing tool, and awl, or an embroidery needle to start your hole and THEN steer the brad through it.

To get the brad flush against your project, follow this tip. Go ahead and split the "tails," folding them on the back side of the project. Then turn it rightside up. Using the screw of a pair of scissors (the centermost part of the scissors) or a snap setter, firmly push on the top of the brad. This spreads out the "tails" and makes the brad right against the paper.

As for this project, I can't help but think this still needs something. I distressed the striped paper and edged it in gold ink, but it still feels unfinished. I'm just not sure what else to add to it. Maybe I'm just not used to torn and inked edges and this looks too bare compared to that.

Any suggestions you could offer would be most appreciative!

Try it Out Thursday

OHHHHH, CTMH just offered a brand new line! I told you we would have a LOT of opportunities to try new things after August 1! Well in THIS case, I'm so excited to use their new RUB-ONS! They have made 2 different designs and each one comes in 3 colors - black, brown, and white - and you get all three sheets in the one package.

Now I've used rub-ons before. I had to work a blister on my thumb when I was decorating my sister's baby shower gift (an album with pictures and letters from members of her family). It took forever to get the letters to come off of the sheet and some of them had trouble sticking on the album.

This was a totally different experience! I was able to get them on the page quick and easy - even the individual letters. Those individual letters, "GOOD," lined up REALLY well, another thing I thought I would have a problem with. And check out how well the words stand out in a varied background. CTMH hit a homerun with this one! All I can say is, "more, more, more!"

:-)

Mid-week Makeover

This mid-week makeover is a little different. I used one of the CTMH card designs to make a window card and then I recreated it to make a totally different. One of them was pretty expensive, mostly because I used textured cardstock, but I find I like the second one - which was considerably less expensive - better.

Here is the first. I used Desert Sand textured cardstock as the base and a bit of one of the newest CTMH B&Ts from the "Evensong" paper pack as the accent. I held back the folded edges with Cranberry brads (which you can get in bulk, now!) and hung a star from another new stamp set using hemp. The JOY was created using "The Works" stamp set in cranberry and distressed in Desert Sand.

The second is like the first in the design and template, but I used a B&T from the Creative Basic set. If you haven't heard of that set, CTMH puts one out in each book right now and it compliments one of the other paper packs. (In this case, "Evensong.") It offers 12 sheets in each of 2 designs and a roll of ribbon to match it and is especially for card-making.

I also added the darling little snowman from the "Winter Memories" stamp set. It is totally cute. I also added some torn paper on the bottom of the card and tied the green ribbon that came with the set in a knot in the top right corner.

Please send me pictures if you make some cards with this design. I would love to see and post your creations as well!

Tuesday Technique

This card is one of the ones I plan to offer at my card-making workshop in October. (See my plans here.) It uses one of my favorite techniques, although I don't know if there is an official name for it.

I used the new "The Season Defined" stamp set that includes some larger words and also definitions of those words in smaller print. I stamped the definitions as the base on this card in twilight and then added the larger words (love this font!) in Outdoor Denim on top of the definitions.

BTW, the snowflake paper is from the new "Aspen" paper pack - my newest favorite!

I tried this technique last year as well, using the words from the "Christmas Scripts" stamp set as the background of the card. I stamped it in the same color as the paper to add a kind of watermark to the card and then added the artwork on top of it. I really liked the variety of fonts and sizes in that stamp set and every project looked totally different.

Monday Momentum

Had a great Open House tonight - and have a bit of artwork to show for it! I love the fact that we get Idea books 3 times a year. There is almost always a reason for a party.

This one was rather low-key. Had a LOT of activity getting ready and holding the retreat a couple of weeks ago and I just had trouble gearing up to make new things. I had the ideas, but my follow-through was a little on the rough side. It was also on a Monday because I just don't have anymore weekend times available. Well, I think I've learned that Monday night is probably not the best time. I had more visitors this weekend, who couldn't come tonight, than I did during the actual event, but I'm not complaining!

Sometimes low-key events provide important opportunities. This night was that type of night. I had some folks come that I'm just beginning to get to know. It was great talking with them and learning again why I love having my own business - the relationships I get to make with people I wouldn't have the opportunity to meet otherwise!

So I'm ready to start this season. Even though most of my customers don't know it, yet, I have 3 workshops planned along with my regular Scrappin' Happy workshops. I also added a second date onto all of the workshops so my customers can have choices. I've got a frame workshop, a talking-ornament workshop, and of course the yearly Christmas card workshop. I'm also thinking of doing a decorative clock workshop, but I haven't wrapped my brain around that one yet.

Monday Momentum

In the fall, moms are superwomen! School starts, sports kick in, and demands from scouts, ballet, church and other areas stretch every minute we have. If you are also in business, the fall is a primary sales time where people are already thinking about the holidays and need your services! Yikes!

I feel your pain! Right now, my business is demanding quite a bit of my time. My personal assistant job also has daily and weekly requirements, but my kids are my priority and school is my own responsibility. Add to that church commitments, volleyball season, football games, and senior activities. Oh, and mix in daily devotions and Bible study, house-cleaning, room painting, garage organizing, and yard work! Then, if there is a spare moment, I can actually find peace and quiet in my bathroom!

Balance is something we all struggle with. This summer, it was so easy to just throw myself into my business and work up project after project for this website, too. It can be fun, but it is unhealthy to be so single-sided. Especially as women, we thrive the best when we have variety.

Women have been multitasking since the dawn of time; we created the action! Have you ever seen a picture of a Native American man in the field or cooking with a papoose on his back??? No, it's the gal! I love how the movies of the 40s and 50s portrayed women and men. Some people think they are degrading to women, but I don't think so. They clearly show that the women is thoroughly capable of taking care of every aspect of life from the broad to the detail. Just because the man sits on the sofa smoking a cigar while she does it doesn't cheapen her image at all! But multitasking isn't a word that women made up! That term was what some man made up in proud success when he learned he could talk on the phone and type on the computer at the same time! For pity's sake, we do that while we're cooking dinner, as we clean out the fridge, and all with a toddler at our ankles and a baby on our hip! - - another good reason to have good balance! :)

It's also important that we take out some time for ourselves. Carve out a little even if it is just a 20-minute bath or arriving extra early for a school pick up and reading a new novel. (Find some shade and kick on the AC!) For me, it's Perry Mason. I know I've seen every one of them 1000 times, but they're simple, light, and don't require my attention. I set aside 1 hour every day for me to eat lunch while I watch Perry Mason. I don't always get to, and sometimes I miss who the murderer is, but with the time set aside - appointed - I can usually get SOME time to just veg.

So my encouragement for this week is to work on your balance. And with that note, I can tell you that I may not be posting quite as often for the next couple of weeks while I work on my own balance. I would be delighted to post some of your artwork or techniques if you are willing to share! Oh I would LOVE THAT! I hope to post at least a couple each week, but priorities being what they are, we'll just have to see!

Blessings on you! :-)

Midweek Makeover

This month, the sketch challenge is along the left-hand column. It is a different type of layout for me and as I said in the blurb, I was inspired by some other very popular, single-photo layouts. This is one of them. Please forgive me, though; I don't have the name of the designer to credit! I had saved this in a file just for my own inspiration, and inspire me it has! I wanted to show you what inspired this sketch and my own take on the layout. So if anyone knows from whence this layout came - the website or the designer - please let me know. I really want to always give credit where credit is due!

Now anyone who knows me, knows that I am a self-proclaimed CTMH snob! I have rarely used any other supplies in any of my artwork since I started my business in October of 2004. But for this layout, I ACTUALLY splurged and used some embellishments that my mom got me before my CTMH career started. The blue jean jacket, bandana, and pockets are from Joleyn's. The papers that I used were from a limited edition from last winter. I've had so many comments on the paper that I'm hoping desperately to see it or something like it become part of the regular line! I used paper strips and ribbons to criss-cross the background design. Outdoor Denim organdy, Colonial White, and Outdoor Denim striped ribbon were clipped and sanded to fray. All the paper was sanded and after looking at it, I'm thinking I should add some eyelets or brads in pewter.

Retreat Pictures

Oh, you need to see these wonderful ladies! And don't miss looking to the next post to see some samples of the scrapbookig pages these gals made!

We had our tables set in a U-shape with two 8-foot tables in the inside (mushpot).

The "bottom" of the U had Kym, Christy, and Adriane working.

This left leg had Chelsea, Sarah, and Angie. Brandy,
who is pictured below, was also sitting on this leg.

The right leg had Cindy, Julie, Brea, and Kevin creating.

There were 3 gals on the mushpot table. Alissa got excited about stamping and stenciling
in her album for the first time!

Maria worked on her wedding pictures.
Priscilla used the elements of the distressing kit!

We had plenty of room to work AND plenty of room for all our STUFF!

Angie finished her son's graduation album!

Kym used Imagine to make many layouts in her album.

Brandy got so tickled using the Sarsaparilla paper. She taught us all something new. She stamped with the "Legendary" stamp set in white daisy and then again on top of it, stamped again with Barn Red. It gave a real 3D effect.

Christy embellished the tar out of this great baseball layout.