Another Fall Card

Obviously I'm ready for nice cool weather and falling leaves which inspired this card. The acorns and leaves are from our CTMH Art Philisophy cartridge. Of all the cartridges I have, this is my absolute favorite and most-often used. I hesitate to admit it but I have cartridges in my stash that I have never used. (Have I mentioned I am one of those collector type people?)

Snow Storm Layout with CTMH Wonderland

Ok, so calling this a snow storm may be stretching it a bit but this is the most snow we had during the last snow season. March 18, 2011. We don't get a lot of snow here in California so anytime we do it is a picture-taking event. And at first glance it is hard to tell but these are all color pictures- everything was gray that day. Love the palm tree so I made that a focal point. Can't wait for those chilly days to return.

My CTMH October Card Class

I haven't been posting our monthly card class projects because they have been rather scattered. We've been making cards to fit their requests- bug cards, baby cards,etc. So for October I thought I would be more structured. We'll be making the three Halloween-themed cards below. The first one is the Gathering Project from the Mischief paper pack. The other two are my design from the same paper pack. I think the sparkles and glitter add a nice touch.

Winter Window Card with CTMH Art Philosophy Cartridge

I've been watching CNN all day to see what happens with Hurricane Irene. Since I work in emergency preparedness it has been fascinating to see what the east coast is doing to get ready. Thankfully it has not been as bad as predicted, so far. Be safe everyone in Irene's path!

So while I was glued to the tv, I decided to try making a window card with the Cricut cartridge. I cut out the card base twice, in white and patterned paper and then used the front of the patterned paper to frame the window. Here are the results. I think it turned out cute and I'll be using this template again.

"Enjoy" Scrapbook Page Pops with Flowers: Project Inspiration Autumn/Win...

Every time I watch one of the videos produced by CTMH it makes me want to ditch my housework and chores and just...... make something! Anything! Maybe that is why they call these Project Inspiration, hmmmm.

This video from CTMH shows you how to use flowers cut with the Art Philosophy cartridge and the coordinating D1491 Hooray Bouguet stamp set to create a floral centerpiece on your layouts or cards.


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CTMH Wonderland Paper Packet

I guess this card is wishful thinking. We never get enough snow to make a real full-size snowman here in California. Now, where I grew up back in Indiana it was a different story. We lived just blocks away from Lake Michigan and winters were cold, windy and snowy. As kids we would build snow igloos right in our front yard. I don't think that weather would be quite as enjoyable now that I am old.....er.

Fall Card with CTMH Cricut Cartridge

Last night it was so nice and cool after the sun went down and we opened all the windows. Got me thinking about Fall, my favorite season. So, I decided to make a Fall card. I used our new Cricut cartridge to cut the basic shape of the card, so easy once I figured out the size and saved the template in DesignStudio for future cuts. And then I tried one of the images from our new stamp set D1490 Backdrop-Charmed. Loved the results. This set also has a Halloween backdrop that I can't wait to try. This card ended up being all cardstock and stamping, no patterned paper. Love it!

Add Cricut® Flair to Any Workshop

The Squeeze Inn Experience

Took the girls to try this burger after seeing it on FoodNetwork's Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. It was every bit as good and cheesy as they claimed. And yes that is a fried cheese "skirt" surrounding the burger. Yum!

National Stamping Month Offer- August 15 through September 30

^{Get the Pair-a-Phrase double stamp set FREE when you place an order of $75 from August 15 through September 30, 2011. You’ll love this double set—two D-size sets in one envelope—which includes lots of clever phrases and coordinating images you’ll use in your handmade cards all year. And with a retail value of $35.90, this set drastically increases the value of your qualifying purchase! Have double the fun stamping during National Stamping Month with our new Pair-a-Phrase double stamp set!}

Free Bonus Stamp Set! - August 1 through 31

IN CELEBRATION OF OUR NEWLY UPDATED STAMP OF the Month program, we’re throwing in a little something extra: a FREE* bonus stamp set! In August, when you place an order of $50 or more in products and purchase the August Stamp of the Month set, Wicked, for just $5, you’ll receive the My Acrylix® A Typeface bonus A-size set FREE (retail value $6.95)! Think of it as two promotions in one—qualify for and purchase the discounted August Stamp of the Month set, and we’ll throw in a second stamp set FREE! It’s Extra! Extra!

Having fun with my new CTMH Cricut Cartridge

I have lots of cricut cartridges- some of them I must confess I have never even used- but I think this new CTMH cartridge is going to be my favorite. So many shapes, boxes. cards, tags, two fonts, and flowers! The beautiful flower on the card below is from the cartridge and so easy to make. The Cricut cartridge bundle also comes with 3 coordinating stamp sets and dimensional elements. So cool. Available starting August 1, 2011.

Close to My Heart has a Cricut Cartridge!

Card made with Sophia Paper

Creativity with Trees & Things Stamp Set

Every time CTMH posts a new video showing how to use one of their stamp sets I end up thinking "I have got to get that stamp set!" And this video is no different. I love the trees and the swing and the other summery stamps in the set.

National Scrapbooking Month Promotion

You're going to love the elegant layouts that are featured in the National Scrapbooking Month Promotion Kit. So fun and easy to put together. It comes with all the paper and embellishments and an exclusive D-sized stamp set. Just add ink. Oh, and of course some of your own special photos.

Watch the video to learn about the special pricing (only $15) or contact me for more information. pjhouser@sbcglobal.net

My CTMH May Card Class

The girls have been asking to make some baby cards so this is what I have come up with. The template for the quilted-look cards comes from a very talented card maker, Shari Maclaskey. I used the Sweetheart Paper packet for the girly card and Caboodle (retired) for the other two cards. Now if only we would get some new babies in the family....I love babies!

Springin' Up Flowers

After watching this video I had to order the stamp set! it makes the cutest popped-up flowers. And so easy! Check it out and then contact me to order your set.

My CTMH April Card Class

This month's card class features paper from the Bliss Workshop on the Go. Very elegant looking.

Hope for Japan

From now until April 30, purchase the exclusive, non-commissionable “Hope for Japan” A-size stamp set for the special price of only $5 (normally $7.95) and Close To My Heart will donate 100% of the profit to the American Red Cross' efforts in Japan. This beautifully designed stamp set reminds us of how our hearts are hopeful for those who are in need. You can order this stamp set on my website at scrappinwithphyllis.myctmh.com or email me at pjhouser@sbcglobal.net to place an order.

Perfect Paper Pinwheels

It's been a long time since I played with pinwheels. I remember blowing on them til I thought I was going to pass out and swooshing them through the air to make them spin. You will not believe how easy it is to make pinwheels for your scrapbook pages or cards with the stamp set that comes with the Miracle WOTG kit. Just stamp, cut out, fold corners in and secure with a glue dot.   P.S. This is the same kit that comes with those amazing Kraft Color-Ready Borders demoed below. Visit scrappinwithphyllis.myctmh.com to order your kit.

My CTMH March Card Class

The girls are ready to make some "manly" cards and the Lucky WOTG has some great papers and embellishments for this project. You wouldn't think that orange (sunset) would go so well with the other colors but I think it looks fantastic.

Simply Scallops

Check out what you can do with our new CTMH Scallop Punch. Perfect 2 inch scalloped circles every time. And you can use the markings on the side of the punch to make a scalloped half-circle.

My CTMH February Card Class

Also from the Sweetheart WOTG kit, the top picture shows the Valentine's Day Cards my card-making group made for their family and friends. We used the CTMH Applique Pen and Sweetheart Epoxy Stickers to add texture and interest to our cards. The next picture is additional cards I made with paper from the same kit.... and I still have plenty of paper left.

My CTMH February Layout

This is the two-page layout I'm making this month from the CTMH Sweetheart WOTG kit. Now to find just the right pictures of my girls- hopefully all four of them!
P.S. The picture doesn't do the layout justice, it looks so much cuter in person!

Krafty, Kool & Kolorful!

Another cool new product coming out in our Spring/Summer 2011 Idea Book. The borders are also included in our Miracles Workshop Kit.

Spray Pen Unplugged

This video demostrates how to use our new CTMH Spray Pen available in the Spring/Summer 2011 Idea Book which goes live on my website (scrappinwithphyllis.myctmh.com) February 1. It uses water, re-inker and/or Create-a-Shade Pearl Paint so you can customize the color to match your project. Fun to use and so simple.

Snowman Tic Tac Holder

Love this Snowman Tic Tac Holder with the snowball belly. I  used CTMH stamp set D1244 Snow Friends and paper from our Mistletoe paper packet. Add a little coloring, glitter and some cranberry ribbon to tie it shut and you have a cute little, inexpensive gift!

Fall Colors Layout

I just love the brillant fall colors of the trees in our area. This year I convinced my daughter and her boyfriend to pose in front of the trees in our front yard. Then my other daughter and I drove around taking pictures of the other areas. That flashy mustang was on loan while my car was being serviced. Luckily we had perfect weather to drive around with the top down. This layout worked beautifully to showcase our pictures.