MERRY CHRISTMAS

During this holiday season, I'd like to take the opportunity to tell you how much I value your support of my Close to My Heart business. I love creating  with you and helping you celebrate those meaningful moments in your life.
 Thank you for letting me be a part of that.

I wish you and your family a wonderful holiday. May it be filled with all of the people you love, much joy, happiness and peace.

 Don't forget to take great pictures so that you can scrap your memories later and leave that legacy for your family to look back on over the years as they relive the memories of this Christmas. 

I look forward to seeing you in the coming year!

This month has been filled with family, fun, food and festivities.

 We are looking forward to having our family here.  We have had the opportunity to attend parties with friends, attend the Singing Christmas Tree in Tacoma, and bake goodies with my Grandkids.  Tomorrow, our family will join us for Christmas celebrations.

It will be so exciting to wake up Christmas morning to SNOW!

  Yes we are supposed to get 2" to 12" of snow early tomorrow morning.  There is nothing quite like a white Christmas! 

It is my prayer that you and your loved ones arrive safely to your destinations and that you have a fabulous Christmas.

Remember He is the Reason to celebrate! 

All the best to you and yours,

Sharon

12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS - DAY 12

  I hope you have enjoyed these posts. Today is my last post for my 12 Days of Christmas.  I must apologize as I had intended to post several days ago, but a family emergency kept me from finishing.

This little box is my most requested project for small gifts and gift cards.  I've made it every year with a slight twist.  It is cut on the CTMH Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge.  

I will be posting more in the upcoming days.

HAPPY CREATING!

12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS- DAY 11

QUICK & EASY GIFT CARD

Have ever had to come up with a last minute gift card. 

 Well this a quick one to make, and looks like a box when finished.

Cut a 4"x 10 1/4" piece of  cardstock.  Score at 1 1/2" and 6", fold on score lines.  Cut Backround and Texture paper for top at  1 5/8" x 4 1/2", and cut center piece at

 1 1/8" x 4 1/4".  Attach to card.  Top will overhang CS slightly on sides.  Add a bow, some bling and a velcro fastener .  Put any sentiment inside attach with  3-D foam tape and slide your gift card under the edge.

This is great for any occasion, just change out your papers.  You can get 4 cards out of one piece of 12" x 12" piece of cardstock, and use scraps on the rest. 

DAY 12 WILL BE POSTED ON MONDAY.  Please come back then.

HAPPY CREATING!

12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS - DAY 10

GIFT CARD HOLDERS/ CARDS

These items all hold gift cards.

I made this stocking into a card that can hold a gift card.  The stocking is cut on the CTMH Art Philosopy Cricut Cartridge.  Since it was not intended to be a card, I simply folded my paper in half, then placed it on the mat in about 1/4" inside the outer line.  When you do this, the cutting knife will not cut the folded area.  I then cut the stocking, toe, heal, and top as indicated, then glued on top of the card.  The top will extend that 1/4" above the top of the card.  I then used a gel pen to make the stitching marks.  If you look at a previous post, you will see a similar post of a stocking from a unit card exchange.  that card was hand cut and I wanted something easier, so tried this method.

This cup card was made by making your card, then lining up your fold ( on bottom) in the 1/2" line on you cutter and the top of the card centered in the cutting track. Cut the angle, then repeat the other side by flipping your card over and doing the same.  This card top opens up and the card folds down revealing an inner pocket for a gift card. It closes with a velcro dot.

This is my most requested card holder.  The top of the hat folds up revealing the gift card.  It is hinged with a brad under the bow on the left.

Gift cards holders are easy to make and make giving gift cards a fun way of wrapping.

Come back tomorrow for Day 11.

HAPPY CREATING!

MY CREATIONS BRACKET FRAMES

BRACKET FRAMES MAKE GREAT GIFTS!

I thought I would share with you the Bracket Frames our unit made for Christmas presents at our annual Unit Christmas Party.  Those of us that wanted to participate in the gift exchange created a Bracket Frame in their choice of color and design.  We then held our own on our laps as Angela read  a sweet letter for our Right - Left Game.  Every time the word Right or Left were mentioned, we passed the Frame along to the right or left accordingly.  It was so much FUN and none of us ended up with the one we brought.

I'm sorry, I tried to remember who made which one....but....you guessed it....I can't remember them all.  I will let you know the ones I know, and will add the names of the others as I recall.

 This was the Frame I went home with.  Avonlea by Angela Tutton

Avonlea by Joanne Barnes

Anonlea by Lynne Hunsaker

Hand Stamped (I think by Brandee Pittenger)

This was mine.  Dakota by Sharon Esau

Avonlea ( I think by Kelly Wittier) 

Anonlea by Linda Holliday

Avonlea by Dee Blackburn

Paper Sampler by Mina Bingham

Clementine by Cindy Kleinefelter

I hope you enjoy these as much as we did.

Thanks for stopping by.

HAPPY CREATING!

12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS - DAY 9

CHRISTMAS CARDS

Yes there is still time to get those cards finished and in the mail.  Here are a few more suggestions.

Card & Box

This is a 5" X 7" card with matching box made from a 5" x 7" card.  For the box, just cut 1/8" off the folded edge of the card.  Next score 1" in from all four edges on both pieces.  On the ends of the 2 pieces, cut in to the score line on both corners, then on the opposite end.  All pieces stay attached, do not cut corners out.   Now you can fold on the score lines and glue the flaps to the inside making the bottom of the box.  Fold the top on all score lines and cut to score line on ends just like the bottom of the box.  Lay this piece over the bottom of the box, fold in shape and glue.  Remove top from bottom.  By making the top this way, the top will always fit perfectly to the bottom of the box.

You can use old cards to make boxes, and the box size will be determined by the size of the card.

Supplies: Outdoor Denim CS (1275),

 Blessings of Peace Stamp Set ( B1406),

 Silver Embossing Powder (Z669)

Sparkles (Z1792)

This card comes from the directions of the

 Workshop on the Go Pear & Partridge

 Cardmaking Kit (G1043).  The stamp set is exclusive to the kit.

This card was one of  our unit meeting projects and used the

 Merry & Bright Stamp Set (C1510).  You can see I used one of the stamps to create the back round on the card.

I got the idea for this card from a post and am sorry to say I can't find the post to give her credit.  It is one of my favorite cards this year.  It uses the To You and Yours Stamp Set (B1403),

 the Colonial White Rose Ribbon (Z1800) and

 the Pin Clips (Z1612)

This card was cut using the Art Philosophy and Artiste Cartridges from CTMH, and the

 Merry & Bright Stamp Set (C1510).

This last card is also one of the cards from the Workshops on the Go Pear & Partridge Cardmaking Kit (G1043. 

 This stamp set is exclusive to this kit.

I hope I have given you some card ideas you can use.  Most of these cards used the Pear & Partridge Papers (X7162B).

Be sure to check back tomorrow for even more Christmas ideas.

HAPPY CREATING!

ADVENT CALENDARS

Here are two different Advent Calendars I made .

This was made last year from a Making Memories kit I was given.  It was supposed to be put together in the shape of a tree, but I could not get it to stand, so I put it away without being finished.  When Close to My Heart came out with their NEW My Creations Cubby (Z1804) this fall, I decided to see if these boxes would fit.  To my surprise, they fit perfectly.

Below is the "Workshops on the Go Advent Calendar Kit" from CTMH. 

If you are interested in making one of these, just click on the shopping cart to your right and it will take you to my website. 

This kit comes complete with everything needed to put this Advent Calendar together.

My Creations Cubby (Z1804)

My Acrylix Advent Calendar Workshop Stamp set (C Size)

3 each of 5 kit exclusive Cardstock Sheets

Bitty Sparkles (Z1263)

2 - 12"-6" Dimensional Elements In Color - Frame Sheets

Instructional Brochure

This requires the Cricut Artiste cartridge to complete as shown as that is what is used to cut the boxes.

Both of these were given as gifts this year.  I just added a bow to finish.  Now I will make one to match my craft room to organize those tiny embellishment.  I'll post a picture when I finish.

HAPPY CREATING!

12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS - DAY 8

MY CREATIONS BRACKET FRAME

A GREAT PROJECT FOR GIFT GIVING

This Bracken Frame ( Z1797) can be made in just a couple of hours to give as a gift or keep for yourself.  Any co-ordinating papers can be used.  I used the fabulous Avonlea Papers

 ( X7155B).

The front of the frame is cut using the Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge (Z1686) from CTMH and the

 Fit to Page feature.  The roses also come from the same cartridge and are cut at 5", 4" and 3".

I also used the beautiful NEW Opaques Pearl Flourishes (Z1744), and some of the Avonlea Compliments Canvas Shapes.

Just add your picture to the mat in the center and the frame is finished.

Here are a couple of other frames I have made.

This Frame features the La Belle Vie Papers (X7158B) and the Sparkles Flourishes ( Z1708).

This Frame was made using the Dakota papers (X7157B), Sparkles Black Flourishes (Z1745), and the Filigree Charms (Z1269).  The Rosettes were also cut on the Cricut Artiste Cartridge (Z1790) from CTMH.

This Frame is my Unit Gift Exchange for Christmas. 

 I can't wait to see what I get.

Give this project a try, it is fun, does not take long and they are beautiful.  The pictures don't show how beautiful they are.

  Must be the photographer...What can I say!

Be sure to check back for Day 9 and get some more great ideas!

HAPPY CREATING!

12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS - DAY 7

SNOW MUCH FUN CARD!

These cards are perfect for those that want a more whimsical card for the Holidays.  

Supplies :

Standard 5 1/2" x 4 1/4" card ( X254)

Flakey Friends Stamp Set ( C1506)

Pear CS ( X5764)

Outdoor Denim CS ( 1275)

NEW Silver Shimmer Trim ( Z1799)

NEW Alcohol Based Markers:

Honey (Z2415)

Outdoor Denim ( Z2421)

Pear ( Z2414)

Outdoor Denim Ink Pad ( Z2417)

Punch - Your Choice

Come on back tomorrow to see what I have in store for you!

HAPPY CREATING!

12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS - DAY 6

My Christmas Card for this Year!

Or maybe not!

  It seems everyone wants to use this one this year,

 so I'm off to create another one for mine.  

This card  is a quick card to make.  Just layer an Olive 5 1/4" x 4" piece of CS onto a standard card base.  Top that with a 5" x 3 3/4" White Daisy CS that has been stamped using one of the new Cricut Artiste stamp sets( Z1790) in Olive Ink.  The small doves are then covered with Bonding Memories Glue ( Z553) and sprinkled with Prisma Glitter ( Z134).

This picture does not do it justice.  The card is beautiful with lots of sparkle.  This card is flat for mailing and is easy to mass produce.

Be sure to check back again tomorrow for another great Christmas idea!

HAPPY CREATING!

12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS - DAY 5

Kissing Tree

Today I am going to show you how I made this "Kissing Tree Treat Holder".

  Thanks  Joan Speece for sharing this with me.

Supplies:

Cardstock:

    Olive

               10 1/8" x 2"  Score at 1/2", 3 3/4", 7".  Turn 90* and score at 1".  Fold in half at this score.  Fold on other score lines.  Glue 1/2" score to inside forming a triangle.  See figure 3.

               11" x 2"    Score every inch.  Turn 90* and score at 1", then cut along this score line making two pieces.  Keep one strip as is.  Trim second strip at 4 ", making one 4" and one 7" strip.  Fold on all score lines.  See figures 1 and 2

               Small piece for Tag

    Cranberry

               Small piece for Tag

    White daisy

               Small piece for Tag

    Cocoa

               5 3/4" x 2"   Fold in to a square. See figure 4

Ink:    Coordinating Colors 

Stamp Set: I used several different ones as I made 30 of these.

Embellishments

    Red, White or Green Ribbon

    Red & White Bakers Twine

    Glue

    6" x 8" Cello Bag

Figure 1

Figure 2

Fold in the directions as seen above.  The 4 " strip will be a triangle, glue.

Fold 7" and 11" strip as seen above.

Lay large triangle on a table and place pieces together like a puzzle.  You may glue small areas to hold in place, mostly the outside and center on the 11" bottom piece.  The 7" piece folds and lays along the right side to top (glue at one of the side folds and at the peak) and the 4" piece fills in the triangle on the left (glue a small area to the lft side of the triangle).

At this point it is easier if you put the candy kisses in as it will help it hold it's shape.

Tie the ribbon around the triangle .

Make the trunk piece and glue to hold it's shape.  Place 2 candy nuggets in this area. 

You can now put your Kissing Tree into the cello bag, close with ribbon and place a tag and sentiment of your choice around thee ribbon.

Figure 3

Figure 4

I hope you enjoyed this sweet little project.

Be sure to check back tomorrow for Day 6 of my "12 Days of Christmas" projects.

HAPPY CREATING!

12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS - DAY 4

Dear Santa Christmas Card

Today's project uses CTMH's Pear & Partridge Paper Packet (X7162B) and the

 Christmas Delights ( D1518) My Acrylix stamp set.

This card starts with a standard size card base. 

 Black CS is then cut at 5 1/4" x 4".

 Backround and Texture stripe is cut at 5" x 3 3/4".

  Layer these pieces with adhesive.

  Cut Black CS at 3"x 3 3/4".

  Cut White Daisy at 2 3/4"x 3 1/2".

Using Black dye based ink, stamp images and sentiment.

Color images with CTMH's NEW Alcohol Markers.

I used Sweet Leaf, New England Ivy, Cranberry and Creme Brulee.

Tie ribbon around layer, then adhere to card.

Be sure to stop by tomorrow for

 Day 5 of the 12 Days of Christmas.  

HAPPY CREATING! 

12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS - DAY 3

CREATE YOUR OWN GIFT BAG!

Today's project was quick and easy.  I used some retired papers from "Close to My Heart".  To make this just measure the size if your sack.  Take away 1/2" inch off the top measurement and 1/2 inch off one side.  This was then cut using Outdoor Denim CS.  Cut your White Daisy layer 1/4" smaller in length and width.  Next cut your Backround and Texture paper 1/2" smaller in length and width than the white CS.  Layer and glue to bag.  Decide what width and length you want the horizontal piece,

 cutting a contrast mat 1/4" longer and wider than the B&T.  

The snowflakes are retired CTMH Dimentional Elements (newer ones are still available).  The were covered with Bonding Memories Glue (1512) and sprinkled with Prisma Glitter (Z134).  The larger one was attached with 3-D foam tape and the smaller one was hung on the handle with bakers twine.

This is a great project to use up older papers, or you

 can match you favorite colors for the Holidays.

Be sure to check back tomorrow for another great crafting idea.  Remember to leave a comment below!

HAPPY CREATING!

12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS - DAY 2

Cardinal Christmas Card

Instructions:

Card Base - White Daisy

Black CS - Cut at 4" x 5 1/4"

Cranberry CS - Cut at 3 3/4" x 5",  Emboss

Black cut from CTMH Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge at 2 3/4" 

Daisy White CS - Cut at 2 1/2"

Using Black Dye base Ink:

Stamp Sentiment with "To You and Yours" My Acrylix Stamp Set ( B1403)

Stamp Cardinal  from same stamp set

Using CTMH's NEW Alcohol Based Markers:

Color and shade cardinal and berries with Cranberry markers (Z2419), beak with

 Creme Brulee (Z2406)

Color and shade holly leaves with Sweet Leaf (Z2404) and New England Ivy markers (Z2424)

All items are "Close to My Heart" except embossing folder.

Be sure to check back again tomorrow, and remember to leave a comment below!

HAPPY CREATING!

"Whooo's Your Valentine" National Papercrafting Month Promotion Starts December 13th!

12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS - DAY 1

Christmas Ornament

This ornament was made using 6 snowflake cuts on  the CTMH Cricut Cartridge, folded  in half then glued together.

Just tie a cord at the top and hang it on your tree.

Check back tomorrow for Day 2 and more great ideas for Christmas crafting!

HAPPY CREATING!