It's Your Day Treat Purse

My friend, Aggie, taught me how to make this fun purse from a miniature lunch sack.  It was totally fun!  I made it as one of the Secret Santa gifts I mailed out this Christmas season.  It was filled with chocolate, of course.

It was decorated with the Confetti Wishes paper.  While I didn't bling it up at all, it was full of happy colors!

I LOVE making gifts to make people smile.  That's why Close To My  Heart was perfect for me 16+ years ago and still is!

Directions:

1. Cut small lunch bag 4 3/8" from BOTTOM.  
2. Cut two pieces of coordinating cardstock at 5 3/4" x 3 5/8" and 4 7/16" x 3 5/8".  
3. Score the longer piece at 4 1/2".  This piece becomes the back piece that folds over to make the closure.
4. Glue cardstock pieces to front and back of bag and decorate as desired.  
5. Fill with your treat of choice!

Cut Above Christmas Treats

In July, CTMH released a new product line called, "Cut Above".  They are quick kits that are ready to assemble upon arrival.  The kit that I am highlighting today is called "Cut Above Holiday Treat Bag Kit", streamlined for Christmas.  

The kit comes with 10 - 5" x 3 1/2" Printed Treat Bags (5 each of 2 designs), 5 - 4" x 6" Sheets of 3/4" Stickers, 12 - 1 1/2" White Daisy Circles, 12 - 3-D Foam Squares, and 10 - 5" x 3 1/4" Cellophane Bags.  

The treat bag was simple to assemble.  The stickers are perfect for adhering to a candy that is shaped similar to those you see here.  (My favorite candy to use would be Rolos.  They can be bought where they are individually wrapped but I could not find them at the time I created this so I chose some other off-brand candies that work just as well.  I don't know that they taste as good as Rolos but they worked for this purpose.  LOL)

The treat bags are scored which makes them easy to fold and then you stamp your chosen greeting on the pre-cut circles and put it all together.  (There are directions included with the kit.)

I used the "Sweet Salutations" stamp set for my greeting and can see a lot of potential for these cute images whether they be used for cards, gift tags... I am sure the possibilities are limitless.  (With them surrounded by a pink outline, this indicates there is a Cricut image - from one of our exclusive cartridges - that can be easily cut and then stamped with an image that coordinates.  You will see the image is to be cut at 1 1/2" which eliminates any guessing or wasted paper.  Too cool, right?!)

While it might be a little too early to start preparing for Christmas, I just had to get my hands on these kits to try them out for myself.  I love them!  These would be perfect for co-workers, teachers, friends of your children; really they are perfect for anybody!

I pray your week has started out in a blessed way and continues so.  Happy Tuesday and have a Rolo on me...wherever you are!  :)

CTMH Hostess Exclusive Stamps - Blog Hop

Thank you for joining my team, the "Heartfelt Sentiments", as we highlight our Hostess Exclusive Stamp Sets.  There are 11 stamp sets that can only be obtained if you host a Gathering (aka Party).  What does it take to host a party?  Just $150 in orders or $150 purchase if you want to treat yourself!  These exclusive stamp sets can are offered at a great savings, several dollars off their retail price.  Check them out in our online catalog, "Annual Inspirations", beginning on page 5 and continuing through page 10.  Click here for the online version.

If you are coming from Debi's Blog, you are on the right track, and I KNOW you saw some cute artwork using the "Hats Off" stamp set!  You can find a list of all participants at the end of this post.

I chose to highlight the "Be Jolly" stamp set.  I tend to be one who is ready for Christmas when it arrives in December but this stamp set is a good reason to do Christmas in August!  :)

This card started out with me using a different patterned paper and then I saw this cute polka dot pattern that comes with the "Snowhaven" paper pack and...I was in love! It is so cute and I can see some great potential with it, beyond Christmas or Winter-themed projects.

I kept this card rather simple, using Silver Glitter Paper, Black Sequins, Clear Sparkles, and Red Glitter Gems to bling it up a bit.

Here, I stamped the sentiment on a Dimensional Element, added some bling, and decorated this fun Designer Creations Ruby Paper Bag.  It is perfect for a fun little goodie.  They also come in Slate and Lagoon.

Head on over to Tonya's Blog as she showcases some fun artwork using "Happy Hexagons".  Be sure to let me know how you like these creations and this stamp set!

Happy hoppin'!

1. Melissa Robinson - http://mlisrobinson.blogspot.com - "Be Jolly"
2. Tonya Whitehurst - http://heartandsoulscrappers.blogspot.com - "Happy Hexagons"
3. Marianne Hancock - http://thescrapbookchick.blogspot.com - "Well Wishes"
4. Sheila Wilkerson - http://ezscrapbooks.blogspot.com - "Sweet as Sugar"
5. Tawnya Payton - http://paytonsprettypaper.blogspot.com/ - "Cuddly Salutations"
6. Melissa David -  http://melissadavidscraps.blogspot.com - "Sing Glory"
7. Debi Barber - http://debiistheothersister.blogspot.com - "Hats Off"

CTMH Technique Blog Hop - "All Lit Up"

Thanks for joining me and seven other CTMH Consultants who are showcasing the "All Lit Up" technique showcased on page 88 of the NEW Annual Inspirations!  We were challenged to use glitter paper for an eye-catching and exciting look.  

If you are coming from Wendy's Blog, you are on the right track.  The hop starts at Debi's Blog but it is a circle so feel free to keep on hoppin'!  You can find a list of participants on the bottom of this post.

I decided to use some Silver Glitter paper to bling up this 5" x 7" acrylic frame which serves as a make-shift sticky note holder.  I used the "Glitter Glam" stamp set which I thought was fitting for the task at hand.  I used a sheet of our fabulous Paper Fundamentals Whimsy Assortment as the background - I LOVE IT!  It is absolutely beautiful and all of the various patterns are too fun!  I decided to use Outdoor Denim cardstock to complement the Smoothie pattern on the background and used our Scallop Border Punch to add some decorative design.  I gave the "Glitter Girl" sentiment some color by using the Smoothie ink pad and Blending Pen.  

I thought it was fun how this came out and you cannot beat the cost of creating one and the practicality of having one at your fingertips!  Anyone love sticky notes more than me?!  I am addicted to those too!

 It was a little challenging to get a good picture of the frame without the glare.  :)  Oooh!  I used our Chalk Marker to write on the dark sticky note.  Too fun, right?!  :)

Here are four of the six Glitter Papers we have to offer.  Click here to view all of them.

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to head over to Haley's Blog but not before leaving a comment!  :)  I would love to hear from you!

Happy hoppin' and HAPPY FRIDAY!

1. Debi Barber - http://debiistheothersister.blogspot.com
2. Shirley Ross - http://www.momnmescrap.blogspot.com
3. Sheila Bennett - http://sheila-bennett.blogspot.com
4. Michelle Loncar - http://michelleloncar.blogspot.com/2014/08/technique-hop-all-lit-up.html
5. Wendy Kessler - http://www.myscrapbookingblog.com
6. Melissa Robinson - http://www.mlisrobinson.blogspot.com
7. Haley Dyer- http://inkyscrapper.blogspot.com
8. Tonya Whitehurst - http://heartandsoulscrappers.blogspot.com

Lola Notepad

I participated in a "Christmas in July" event on Saturday at a fun store downtown.  It was fun getting to meet people in the area who love papercrafting as much as I do.  I am looking forward to joining with them to work on our projects!

This was the door prize designed for giveaway (although I would love to keep it for myself)!  LOL  I used the Laughing Lola paper packet to cover the composition book (just $0.50 in the school supplies section right now) and the stamp set that matches perfectly with it, "Paisley Perfect".  How fitting, right?  

Then, I absolutely LOVE being able to make a matching pen!  I buy the RSVP pens that you can buy at most stores - and that are cost-effective.  I take a sheet of coordinating paper that measures 1" x 3", wrap it around the ink "tube", stick it back inside the pen barrel and reassemble the pen.  It is too fun to have a matching notepad and pen!  

Love making fun and inexpensive gifts!

Bling It Up - Artwork with an Attitude

As a member of the "Stamper's with an Attitude Team", through Close To My Heart, I am joining this Blog Hop where we are featuring artwork that is "blingy and full of attitude".  There are 14 participants.  If you are coming from Sheila's Blog, you are on the right track!  A list of participants is provided at the bottom of my post.

Nothing screams attitude and bling like a purse (and I have plenty of them)!  Using a pattern found through this link, I used our Ivy Lane paper line to create this fun purse.  It was made from one sheet of cardstock that measures 8 1/2" x 11".  

The sentiment came from the Casual Expressions stamp set.  The Ivy Lane Assortment is too fun to include on your creations.  That is where the purple rosette came from and of course, I had to include some Pink Glitter Gems.

Here is a side view of the purse - perfect for including some little goodies.  

Now, hop on over to Melinda's Blog.  She always has something fun up her sleeve!  Don't forget to leave a comment before you do.  I would love to know what kinds of goodies we could include in the base.  The first thing that comes to my mind is CHOCOLATE!  What else?!

1. Becky McClain ~ http://beckysstudio-cards.blogspot.com
2. Di Crawford ~ http://scrapwithdi.blogspot.com/
3. Barbi Kelley ~ http://barbispapercreations.blogspot.com
4. Kimberly Moss ~ http://kimspapercrafts.blogspot.com
5. Catherine Nowak~ http://catscrapbooking.com/
6. Angela Garcia ~ http://angelascraftcloset.blogspot.com/
7. Sue Latta ~ http://lattastamps.blogspot.com
8. Sheila Bennett ~ http://sheila-bennett.blogspot.com
9. Melissa Robinson ~ http://mlisrobinson.blogspot.com
10. Melinda Everitt ~ http://www.ifyoublingit.blogspot.com/
11. Jen Patrick ~ http://roxybonds-scrappin.blogspot.com
12. Fawn Carriker ~ http://photofunwithFawn.wordpress.com
13. Aggie Peters ~ http://busyaggie.blogspot.com
14. Denise Elliott ~ http://www.inspiredbyd.blogspot.com

Happy hoppin'!

Mini Backpack

I am safe and sound at home.  I just arrived not too long ago and am anxious to just chill and relax with my hubby before I head back to reality (aka "work") tomorrow morning.  

One of my roomies, Debi McBain, made this adorable mini backpack for us as one of our roomie gifts - and she gave us plenty!  It has a mini sticky note on the bottom and it contained various little fun fillers. I can't wait to make some of my own for cute gifts and make 'n take projects at events.

Here is a side view so you can see the dimension to it.  Isn't it precious?!

Stay tuned for more fun pictures to come this week!  Have a blessed night of rest and a productive and SHORT week of work!  (Thank God for holiday weekends!)

Rockin' Ink Starts - "Spring Has Sprung" Blog Hop

I hope you are enjoying a blessed and enjoyable Easter day!  Thank you for joining eight members of the Rockin' Ink Stars Team who are showcasing artwork through this Blog Hop.  We have been asked to create artwork that is Spring-themed.

The Hop is a circle, so please keep moving through the links provided through the posts, and check out the fun artwork we have created to share with you!  If you are coming from Alexandria's Blog (who I had the pleasure of meeting in person earlier this month), you are on the right track.  Here is a list of the Blog participants should you get lost along the way:

1.  Melissa Robinson - http://mlisrobinson.blogspot.com
2. Joy McHargue- http://studiowowjoy.com 
3. Jennifer Kramer- http://4heartsscrapbooking.blogspot.com/
4. Michelle Brooks- http://michellebrooksink.blogspot.com
5. Marianne Hancock - http://thescrapbookchick.blogspot.com
6. Terrie Dodd- http://my-life-in-real-time.blogspot.com
7. Caron Barnard - http://cbdots.blogspot.com
8. Alexandria Duran- http://papercraftsbyali.blogspot.com

This is the least expensive bouquet of flowers I have ever had and much more beautiful, don't you think?!  It cost me less than $5 to create and I am thoroughly pleased with the results!  Now...to figure out where I want to put it.  Home office?  Work office?  

I used a "glass" bought at the Dollar Tree ($1), wooden rods bought at Walmart (package for $0.72), green grass also from Walmart (less than $1) and then White Daisy Cardstock, different colors of ink, a stamp set and various types of bling that I had on-hand.  I used this tried and true stamp set called "Hooray Bouquet" to create the various flowers.  To make the flowers, I folded some Pear cardstock in half, passed it through a paper crimper at an angle and then cut them by hand.  They are leaves so they don't have to perfect.

Here is a close-up of the flowers:

I had fun making this fun spring creation and hope you like it!  Please feel free to leave a comment and let me know what you think of it.  Then, move on to Joy's Blog to see what fun artwork she has in store for you.

Happy hoppin'!

Technique Hop: Embossing Folders

This month some fellow Close To My Heart Consultants and I are highlighting our NEW Embossing Folders.  You can choose from five patterns and I must tell you...they are TOP QUALITY!  Click here to see them all.

If you are coming from Judy Faye's Blog, you are on the right track!  You can find a list of the blog participants by clicking here.  Now...keep scrolling to see what I have designed for this hop.

I decided to use the Chevron Embossing Folder as a focal point for my artwork item.  I covered a 5" x 8" notepad as a fun gift for a lady at work.  I used the pattern idea found on this blog - http://jentapler.blogspot.com/2008/04/nifty-notepad.html - to create the cover for my notepad.  I adjusted it to have appropriate directions for the larger notepad.  (Measurements will be provided on a post later this week.)  I love how the pen holder is attached and part of the pattern.

This is the inside of the notepad.  You have to be sure to cover the not-so-pretty top area with some B&T paper that coordinates, of course!

Thank you for taking the time to stop by.  Now, please visit Shirley's Blog to see what fun creation she has designed.  I would love for you to leave a comment before you do so!

Happy hoppin'!

Washi Tape on Frame

This is one of the items I "won" during the artwork exchange at the retreat I attended a few weeks ago.  I guess the girl who created it, Jennifer, is all about the Washi Tape and has used it to decorate quite a few items.  

With this frame, that was just plain black, she used various Washi Tape designs to decorate the opposite corners of the frame.  The addition of the Cricut-cut title and a few pieces of bling and you have this adorable frame!  (I have to decide what picture to put in it.)

I am placing some Washi Tape on the order I am placing today to see what fun things I can decorate with it!  If you have done so before, I would love to see your creation!  Leave a comment below and share a link to your photo.

Creatin' in my papercraftin' studio,

Heartfelt Sentiments Team Paper Packet Focus

This month a few ladies from my team and I are showcasing some artwork using the Balloon Ride paper packet.

The hop is a circle so move through the artwork by click on the link at the end of the post or feel free to hop between blogs by selecting any of the links below.  If you are coming from Marianne's Blog, you are on the right track!  We truly appreciate you stopping by and hope you will leave some comments and let us know what you think of our creations.  Happy hoppin'!

Blog Participants:
1.  Melissa Robinson - http://mlisrobinson.blogspot.com
2.  Tonya Whitehurst - http://heartandsoulscrappers.blogspot.com
3.  Joy McHargue - http://www.studiowowjoy.com
4.  Debi Barber - http://debiistheothersister.blogspot.com
5.  Judy Faye Garner - http://judyfaye.blogspot.com
6.  Marianne Hancock - http://thescrapbookchick.blogspot.com

One of my friends (aka team members) had some 5 x 7 notepads at the retreat that she had cut in half.  I have seen these before, decorated up in a CUTE way, but have never taken the time to take them to be cut.  (You can go to an office store, like Office Depot, to have it done.  Of course, these days some papercrafters own one of their own.)

I took the Balloon Ride paper packet and used it, and the Dimensional Elements that coordinate, to decorate it up.  The "Live for Today" saying comes from the zip strip (border) on the B&T paper.  I used some Bronze Shimmer Trim - which really goes great with this paper packet - for some fun accents.

The clouds were cut from our Artiste Cricut cartridge and a few little pearls later... I was pleased with the result.

This is how it looks with the notepad inside.  I plan on giving these to some of my staff members for a little token of appreciation.  

Hop on over to Tonya's Blog and see what she has in store for you!

Happy hoppin'!

Balloon Ride Treat Tube

One of the fun things about hosting or attending a retreat is the fun goodies that are usually provided.  For me, a retreat isn't a retreat without them.  

This year I decided to use our My Creations Clear Treat Tubes for a table goodie that would greet the ladies as they arrived.  I filled it with Hershey's Kisses (the ones with almonds) - YUM!

Then, I used our Artiste Cricut cartridge to cut out the hot air balloon and cloud.  They came out really cute, I think, and I hope the girls liked them.  They were perfect for matching our theme.

I hope all of the girls, who attended, soar into new heights this year, both personally and professionally!

Here's soaring to new heights!

For Always is Still a Hit!

Who said you cannot take pictures of someone else's secret sister gifts?!  :)  My Mom's secret sister, Nancy Van Nice, is totally creative and gave my mom these fabulous creations.  I just could not resist taking a picture and sharing them with you.  The For Always retired paper packet is a popular one but now retired.

There is nothing complex about this card but isn't it absolutely perfect?  The little touches make a huge impact on the overall card. 

She took a wooden frame and altered it as you see here.  (You can sometimes get these frames for as little as $1 but doesn't it look like it's worth millions?!)  Totally perfect!

And lastly, this cute sticky note holder is just one of the other coordinating items contained with my mom's final gift.  

Nancy did a great job with these gifts and I totally appreciate the ability to create something that nobody else will have but that did not cost a fortune.  It is the thought that counts, right?!  This is what brought me to Close To My Heart approximately 18 years ago and what keeps me inspired and loving the creativity to this day!

Hoping you've been inspired,

Lollydoodle Frame

I thoroughly enjoyed my friends and fellow scrappers last weekend.  I am sure missing the fun girly time and late nights.  I do not like that our retreat only happens once a year but I will take it.  It is better than zero times a year, right?

I was productive and maybe will have some time to share my creations with you this weekend.  Real work took over upon my return so gotta love fun "work" when I can play with CUTE products that results in FUN creations!

One of my downline, Lisa Lawson, gave me this cute frame with the challenge to decorate it.  As soon as she did, I knew I had to use our new Lollydoodle paper packet and stinkin' cute stickease.  I love how it came out and will be putting some photos in it of my husband and I.  (I will share that photo when I decide ones I want to use.)

It has been a long week so I hope to enjoy a little bit of sleeping in tomorrow morning and some papercrafting the rest of the day!  Enjoy your weekend!

More Goodies!

I received another cute gift, this time from Molly Norwood, made from a Cappuccino bottle.  She filled it with Reese's Peanut Buttercups!   YUM!

She used our new paper packet, Balloon Ride, to decorate it.  She cut the hot air balloons from the B&T paper, layered them on some Cocoa cardstock, and used 3-D Foam Tape.  Fun, right?!  Plus...gotta love that personalization with the M on the front - for Melissa, of course!  

It is too fun to recycle things for cute gifts!  LOVE it!

Still havin' fun with my scrappin' friends!