November 8, 2014

I have been playing with the Close To My Heart Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge and thought I would try some 3-D flowers.  I'm pleased with the way they turned out even though they were made with scrap cardstock.  I'll bet they would be really beautiful made from colored cardstock with some inking on the edges!  If you try these, I would really recommend using CTMH's liquid glass adhesive.  It is clear, quick drying and holds very well.  You can find the cartridge and the liquid glass at http://kristieschmidt.ctmh.com

Today's card.

White cardstock
Patterned paper (Tim Holtz Retro Grunge from my stash)
Two colors of cardstock (from my scrap box)
Offray gross grain ribbon
Glue dots--pop ups
Close To My Heart stamp "Give A Lift" D1581
CTMH exclusive inks--Desert Sand
CTMY Durables Triangle Studs, antiqued gold

I inked the edges of the white and beige cardstocks with a sponge dauber, then sanded the patterned paper and rust cardstock.  Glued the ribbon to the patterned paper and then attached it to the card front.  Attached the stamped image to the rust cardstock and adhered the whole thing to the front with pop dots.  The triangles already have adhesive, so onto the ribbon they went!  I think I may stamp a sentiment inside the banner on the balloon.  It's so cool that the CTMH stamps can be curved on the block to fit in there.  Happy crafting!

If you want any of the Close To My Heart supplies, check my web site at:
http://kristieschmidt.ctmh.com

Retiring Close To My Heart products

Close To My Heart has announced the items that will be retiring from the Spring/Summer Idea Book.  Get them while supplies last!

http://kristieschmidt.ctmh.com/Retail/Products.aspx?CatalogID=18

A cloudy day off work.  I finished my chores and errands this morning, then spent some time in the scrapbook room this afternoon.  I tried some generational stamping (stamping several times without re-inking.)  The results were interesting, but I think I need a little more practice!  This technique could make a neat background or border for a layout, or even a card front.  Hope you are finding some time to create something beautiful!

May 27, 2014

     Welcome!  This blog is a place for crafting ideas and techniques and thoughts about life in general!  My name is Kris.  As a child, I always dreamed of being artistic in some way.  Problem was, I was just plain no good at it!  As an adult I was introduced to scrapbooking by a patient in the doctor's office where I work.  Several years, lots of hours, and four grandchildren later, I have a stack of completed scrapbooks and have branched off into cardmaking and other papercrafting projects. 

     Why papercrafting?  There is no wrong way to papercraft--if you like the result, it is right!  Supplies are relatively inexpensive and widely available.  You can keep things streamlined and simple or layer and embellish to your heart's content!  Scrapbooks require only a bookshelf for storage, and cards don't need storage at all but get mailed off to bring joy to someone else!  Handmade items are a great way to show you care and to document your family's history.  Expressing creativity is good for your soul and your health!

     So come and join me on my crafting adventure.  We will explore designs, products and tools and just have a good time together!