Take Heart Ideas Winner

I am very honored to have been chosen as the September winner for Take Heart Ideas for my Back to School binder.

For more info on Take Heart Ideas challenges visit: http://takeheartideas.com/

Happy Scrapping, My Artsy Friends!

Masking Tape Technique

Hello there readers! Today is going to be a quick blog to showcase my first attempt at the masking tape technique. First, what the heck is the masking tape technique?!?!? Well it is actually really easy! Basically, you take masking tape, dip the sticky side directly into your ink pad, stick it to your paper, pull it up, and that's it!!! BUT, I recommend using painter's tape, instead of masking tape, because it will pull up easier, and therefore not damage your design. Washi tape would also work, but as I am obsessed with washi tape, I can't being myself to "waste" mine.

Now, here is what I created:

I combined this technique with the Scrapping Buckeye Babes monthly color challenge: Topiary, Pacifica, Honey, and Cranberry. And, I sort of made this a fun back to school card, or a card that can be given to someone studying, celebrating good grades, or anything along those lines.

Ingredients: Pacifica Cardstock (X5759), Pacifica Ink (Z2192), Honey Ink (Z2162), Cranberry Ink (Z2116), Topiary Ink (Z2155), Geek Is Chic (D1599)

Happy Scrapping, My Artsy Friends!

Hello. My name is April, and I am a One Sheet Wonder addict!

Recently, I started a card making group for my church. Tomorrow, we will have our first creative meeting. Since many of the women in my group are new to card marking, I created samples that any beginner could make! I used the same one sheet wonder pattern I have posted about previously, and two different paper packs to allow for options.

The cut guide is as follows:

• 4- 4 x 5.25
• 2- 4 x .75
• 2- 4 x 1.5
• 2- 4 x 3.25
• 2- 4 x 2 

I suggest cutting the paper into three 12 x 4 strips to start, and then cutting the individual pieces. It really makes it a lot faster.


The first set I made using the Brushed paper pack. I must admit that at first glance, I was not in love with this paper. However, once I saw it in person, not just in the catalog, I saw a lot of potential.

The Budding Friendship stamp set is a perfect compliment to this paper pack. I used markers to color the flowers for an additional pop of color on two cards. But, I kept the rest simple for the newbies.

I also used the Seaside paper to create a more masculine set of cards. I absolutely love this paper!

For this set, I colored the Blooming Heart mini stamp to add a pop of color, but again kept the rest really simple.

For more one sheet wonders I have made check out these two posts: http://artsyapril.blogspot.com/2014/07/one-sheet-wonders.html & http://artsyapril.blogspot.com/2014/08/one-sheet-wonders-using-snowhaven.html

Ingredients: Brushed Paper Pack (X7190B), Seaside Paper Pack (X7192B), Daisy White Cardstock (1385), Black Ink (Z2105), Chocolate Ink (Z2111), Gold Shimmer Trim (Z1985), Topiary Striped Washi Tape (Z2002), Blooming Heart (M1049), Sincere Expressions (A1146), Be Still (A1141), Look to the Light (B1428), A Budding Friendship (D1602), ShinHan Touch Twin Markers (collection)

Cuddly Salutations: Get Well Soon Card

This week's Heart 2 Heart Challenge is to use your favorite stamp or stamp set. I absolutely love the Cuddly Salutations Hostess Rewards stamp set! I used it today to create this Get Well Soon.

I love the color blue, so I used several shades with the Cuddly Salutations whale sentiment. I also used a white gel pen to create the idea that the whale is spraying up the sentiment. And, I used the ShinHan Touch Twin Markers to color my whale.

I added another Big Hug sentiment that I stamped on a cutout

 from Artbooking.

The final touch was this banner I cut from Art Philosophy and stamped with the All the Details stamp set (another favorite from the current catalog). 

Overall, I think it was a fun way to create a Get Well Soon card!

For more information on Heart 2 Heart Challenges visit: http://heart2heartchallenges.blogspot.com/

Ingredients: Paper Fundamentals Enchantment Assortment (Z2031), Outdoor Denim Cardstock (1275), White Daisy Cardstock (1385), Outdoor Denim Ink (Z2140), Black Ink (Z2105), White Daisy Ink (Z2163), All the Details Stamp Set (D1555), Big Hug Stamp Set (D1584), Artbooking (Z1906), Art Philosophy (Z1686), ShinHan Touch Twin Markers (view them all), Cuddly Salutations (Hostess Exclusive)

Happy Scrapping, My Artsy Friends!

Using Embossing Powders

I am new to the world of embossing. I have had a Cuttlebug for a few months, so I have done dry embossing using embossing folders, like this:

Since, Close to My Heart brought back embossing powders with the Annual Inspirations catalog, I decided to try it out. To use our embossing powder you will need VersaMark watermarking ink, embossing powder (I used white for this card), and a craft heater.

I used a retired stamp set from the Frosted Workshop on the Go to create a fun B&T using embossed snowflakes. Here is the result:

I accented the card with our gold shimmer trim.

And, used a card from the Picture My Life (PML) Pear & Partridge Scrapbooking Program to create the sentiment.

To give the card dimension, I used foam tape to pop up the PML card. I also added an eyelet and twine to give it a tag look.

Things I learned from my first time embossing with powder: 

• Open the powder for the first time over a trash can, because powder shifts during shipping.
• Make sure to knock off all excess powder, or you will end up with a smudge.
• Don't touch the stamped images, because it will smear.
• The paper gets hot. (This should a no-brainer, but apparently, I was too excited to care. OUCH!)
• Embossing is super fun! 

Ingredients: Picture My Life Pear & Partridge (Z2017), Cranberry Cardstock (1272), VersaMark Watermaking Ink (Z891), White Embossing Powder (Z2068), Craft Heater (Z555), Gold shimmer Trim (Z1985), White Card Bases (X254)

Happy Scrapping, My Artsy Friends!

Vintage April

Since I have finished my little man's scrapbook, I decided to create a scrapbook for my own childhood. Today, I created my first page for my book. I used the retired paper pack Chantilly, Yuletide Carol, and some DCWV brand burlap paper to create this original layout.

I started with a sheet of Colonial White cardstock. Using a CTMH spray pen, I spritz the paper with New England Ivy Re-Inker mixed with water. I let the paper set over night to dry.

After the paper had dried, I basically began laying out the layers until I had the look I had envisioned. Because I wasn't working from a sketch, I took a picture of the look the way I wanted it, used a pencil to mark the placement of each layer, and then removed the pieces to distress the edges with Chocolate ink and a dauber.

 I totally adore this picture of me, and I love how the burlap paper not only enhances the browns in the photo, but also adds to the vintage element.

To embellish the page, I tore some retired Skylark fabric to create this bow.

Then, I created a cluster embellishment using the Chantilly stamp set, All the Details stamp set, some bronze shimmer trim, and a craft store flower brad. I set the embellishment on an area where I "painted" in Chocolate with a dauber.

In the end, I think this is a cute page to show off one of my favorite pictures of myself. On a side note, I am about the same age in this picture as my son is now. It is amazing how much we look alike. That is one of the things I love about scrapbooking! It is just fun rediscovering family traits!

Ingredients: Colonial White Cardstock (1388), Yuletide Carol paper pack (X7187B), White Daisy Cardstock (1385), All the Details stamp set (D1555), Bronze Shimmer Trim (Z1849), Olive ink (Z2137), Outdoor Denim ink (Z2140), Chocolate ink (Z2111), New England Ivy re-inker (Z2235), spray pens (Z1380), daubers (Z1938), Cricut Art Philosophy (Z1686)

Happy Scrapping, My Artsy Friends!

Using Flip Flaps & Cluster Embellishments

My son turned one in March. For his first birthday, we took him to the Cleveland Children's Museum. I had an overwhelming number of photos from the day, which is the norm for me. Since it was nearly impossible for me to narrow the number of photos down, I took the opportunity to introduce my readers to flip flaps!

I absolutely love the Confetti Wishes paper pack from the current catalog. The colors are so bright and vibrant. And, since the paper's main theme is a birthday celebration, it worked perfectly for my son's big day! It also happens to fit perfectly with this week's Color My Heart Color Dare #109 (Thistle, Canary, Pear, Crystal Blue, Lagoon, and Pacifica).

Here is the final layout I came up with. Notice that the pages are already in the page protectors. There is a reason for this, which I will explain below. Flaps down:

 Flaps up:

When you use flip flaps, it is best to stick them to the outside of the page protector. This way, you can flip them without removing the page from the sleeve. The left side of my page features one of the 4x4 flip flaps. Although the flip flap contains two 4x4 photos, it is actually hiding four 2x2 photos.

The right side of my page will feature a 4x6 flip flap, but my order hasn't arrived yet. 

Now, let's talk about cluster embellishments! A cluster embellishment is a group of embellishments layered together. Generally, there are at least three layers: flat base, flat but smaller middle, and bulkier/ thicker layer. I created a cluster embellishment for this page using the Confetti Wishes Compliments for the base, stamping from the Cricut Artbooking stamps, Confetti Wishes Assortment (included in the Workshop on the Go kit), Scaredy Cat Assortment (stars), and a craft store brand mustache. I marked the area of the cluster by painting pear ink with a dauber.

I also used the Confetti Wishes Compliments to create this cute banner accent, a journaling spot, and the page title

For more information about Color My Heart Color Dares, visit: http://colormyheartcolordare.blogspot.com/

Ingredients: Confetti Wishes Workshop on the Go (G1086), Confetti Wishes Compliments (X7189C), Scaredy Cat Assortment (Z3011), silver shimmer trim (Z1799), Cricut Artbooking (Z1906), Canary Ink (Z2643), Pear Ink (Z2197), daubers (Z1938), Flip Flaps Small Assortment (Z1747), Flip Flaps 4x6 (Z4114)

Happy Scrapping, My Artsy Friends!

September Stamp of the Month: Autumn Card

Autumn is my absolute favorite season. As a military wife, I have been moved many places that don't see the beautiful colors of Autumn. But, now that we are in Ohio, I get to enjoy it once again! It is still pretty hot here, but as it is now September, the season of bright colors, warm sweaters, and pumpkin spice everything is upon us. The September Stamp of the Month is perfect for celebrating this season.

This stamp, which is only $5 with a $50 purchase can actually celebrate Autumn or Spring, but I chose to use it to create a card for my favorite season.

I stamped the gorgeous tree in Saddle on Colonial White cardstock, which I then matted with Kraft paper on a Colonial White card base. I distressed my edges using Chocolate on a dauber. But, the most interesting part of this card is the leaf pattern.

I cut the leaves using the Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge. The leaf images are all cut at 1in. I used scraps from the Pathfinding paper pack to cut them out. This gave the card some really fun colors. I also stamped the heart from the tree in Barn Red, fussy cut it, and added it on top of the original heart with foam tape.

The "Warm Wishes" sentiment is from the Happy Hexagons Hostess Rewards stamp set. I stamped it in chocolate over top the bottom of the images to add another layer of dimension. And, there you have it! An easy, Autumn card!

Ingredients: Colonial White cardstock (1388), Kraft paper (Z1375), Pathfinding paper pack (X7186B), Family Is Forever- September Stamp of the Month (S1409), Happy Hexagons Hostess Rewards Stamp (Hostess Rewards), Barn Red Ink (Z2104), Chocolate Ink (Z2111), Saddle Ink (Z2171), Daubers (Z1938), Cricut Art Philosophy (Z1686)

Happy Scrapping, My Artsy Friends!

Bargello Technique for Card Making

I started a monthly card swap recently. For the month of August I tasked the members to complete a card using the Bargello technique. Bargello is actually a type of needlework that creates a some really fun line patterns. I found a tutorial to complete this technique for papercrafting on Splitcoast Stampers. You can find this specific tutorial here: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/resources/tutorials/bargello/.

I made my card using the retired Laughing Lola paper pack. And, I basically followed the tutorial above to the letter.

I embellished with some teal shimmer trim and stamping. The notebook paper was cut using the Cricut Artbooking cartridge and then stamped with the coordinating stamp set. The "You Are the Best" sentiment is from a retired stamp set. I colored it with ShinHan Twin Touch markers.

I had some challenges with this technique, because the small pieces didn't want to stay glued down. I found that the best adhesive for this technique was a wet adhesive, because it was easier to cut through. Since I had to use a wet adhesive, I had to let everything dry fully, so there was a lot of waiting around. I am happy with the results, but if I try this again, I may try running the small pieces through a sticker creator. 

Ingredients: Cricut Artbooking (Z1906), Teal Shimmer Trim (Z1918), ShinHan Twin Touch Markers (here)

Happy Scrapping, My Artsy Friends!

Using Picture My Life Cards as Embellishments

I have a confession. I love bold color combinations. The Later Sk8r Picture My Life (PML) cards feature the bold, adorable color combination of Outdoor Denim, Pear, and Slate, three of my favorite colors in the Close to My Heart color wheel. The week's Heart 2 Heart Challenge is to feature your favorite color combination, so this was a perfect opportunity to showcase using PML cards as embellishments! I created this title page for my son's first year scrapbook.

I used one of the PML cards as my title for the page. And, I added stamping and an epoxy number to give it some dimension. 

In the lower corner, I added a cluster embellishment to tie the page together.

This page was bittersweet for me to create, because it was the last page I had to create for my son's first year scrapbook. I have had such a blast documenting his first year on this Earth. I can't wait to start year two!

For more information on Heart 2 Heart Challenges visit: http://heart2heartchallenges.blogspot.com/

Ingredients: Picture My Life Later Sk8r (Z1945), White Daisy Cardstock (1385), Slate Cardstock (X5930), Pear Cardstock (X5764) Paper Fundamentals Adventure Assortment (Z2031), Great Job stamp set (C1588), Fast and Furious stamp set (D1541), Chalk It Up Assortment (Z3009), Mini-Medley Accents Olive Collection (Z1489), Pear ink (Z2197), Slate ink (Z2173), Outdoor Denim ink (Z2140), Sponge Daubers (Z1938)

Happy Scrapping, My Artsy Friends!

Happy National Stamping Month!

Welcome to National Stamping Month! To celebrate both National Stamping Month and 30 years of business, Close to My Heart is offering this adorable stamp set for FREE with a $30 order!

Better yet, there is no limit to how many stamp sets you qualify for! So, spend $60, receive two! Spend $90, receive three! And, these little minis can make great artwork, like this card I made for my sailor husband! 

As always, CTMH is also featuring a Stamp of the Month. This month's stamp is all about family love.

Just a reminder that the Stamp of the Month is $5 with a $50 purchase. That means this month, when you spend $50, you will get one stamp set free, and another for only $5 more! What an awesome stamptastic deal! Visit http://aprilwatkins.ctmh.com/ to place your order, or click the blinking "Shop Me" icon on the right!

Happy Scrapping, My Artsy Friends!