DIY Christmas Cards

Here we are at mid-November . . . you know what that means - time to start thinking about Christmas cards!    I know not everyone mails cards anymore for the holidays - but I still do!   Despite the outrageous cost of postage - I just love the tradition of it and look forward to the weeks before the Christmas when we open the mailbox each day to find news from our friends and family afar!   Even if you don't send out mass quantities of holiday cards - I encourage you to send handwritten greetings to at least a few very special people - it means so much more than an email!!

So with that in mind, I wanted to give you some great options for beautiful & easy holiday cards.   I know some of you design your own cards & that is great - but I get tons of queries every year about 'kits' as a lot of people just don't have the time during this busy season to create multiple cards from scratch.   So here are my top recommendations this year:

1)   CTMH's Cut Above Holiday Card Kits:

Cut Above Christmas Card Kit (Z2064) - $14.25Cdn - 

Cut Above Holiday Card Kit (Z2065) - $14.25 Cdn

Pair either kit above with the Merriest Christmas Stamp Set (B1468) - $10.95Cdn to complete the greetings on your cards (I recommend stamping in red (ruby or cranberry) or black ink):

One of my finished Cut Above cards & pre-printed envelope:

Each Cut Above card kit contains the materials for you to make 10 cards (5"x7" size!!).   Embellishments include glitter trims and papers, twine, die-cut shapes, foam tape, etc.    I love these cards and they literally come together in MINUTES!!!!  So easy & so cute!   One stamp set gives you four different holiday greetings to choose from in gorgeous, trendy font styles.     As the cards are 5"x7" size you can easily fit a photo inside your card/envelope to send with your greetings.      Buy the one stamp set & then as many multiples of the card kit as you need depending on how many cards you plan to send out this year.  

2)  CTMH's Snowhaven Cardmaking Workshop on the Go:

The Snowhaven Cardmaking Workshop on the Go kit (G1085) - $27.50 Cdn, is the perfect option if you'd like to spend a little more time & effort creating your Christmas works-of-art because you enjoy the process & want to learn new techniques.    Each kit contains the materials & accessories, as well as the stamp set needed to create 15 beautiful cards (5 each of the 3 designs shown above).     You will also need red, blue and grey inks to complete your cards (Cranberry, Glacier, and Slate are recommended to complete the cards exactly as shown).    Completed cards are standard 4.25" x 5.5" size.    Kit includes a full-colour workshop instructional guide!!   Easy to complete at home on your own in just a few hours!

3)   Go digital this year with CTMH's Studio J!!   

(See my post HERE on how-to with step-by-step instructions and photos!!)

Here are the cute cards I did last year:

Each Studio J layout is two 12x12 sheets (high quality photo printing!).   My cards were 5"x7" size - so I was able to fit four per sheet or 8 cards per 'layout'.    If your cards were smaller - you could obviously fit more.  

Until November 30th - you can order Studio J layouts for $5 (plus tax & shipping).   That's only $0.63 for each 5"x7" photo card!    (After November 30th - regular pricing applies - $7.75 Cdn per each 2 page layout or $0.97 per card).

Need envelopes for your photo cards!?!?  You can order those HERE.

Hope that gives you some ideas!!   Not too late to add a little 'handmade' to your holidays this year!!  With every order placed either online at my WEBSITE or via email by November 30th - you'll be entered into my draw for a $25 CTMH gift certificate.    One entry for every $25 spent.   Good luck!

You Left an Imprint on my Heart

A new layout to share - this is the featured layout from the new Skylark Workshop on the Go, with a few modifications to work with the photos I had.   I think CTMH's 'lagoon' is my favourite colour and I love the pop that adding the pink paper gives the photos!   

Materials Used:
CTMH Skylark Workshop on the Go Kit (includes Skylark paper collection, Cardstock, Skylark accessories, twist ties and Skylark stamp set)
CTMH Dream Pop paper
CTMH Paper Fundamentals UV Coated/Embossed Cardstock

Frosted Christmas Cardmaking Kit

Have you started on your Christmas cards yet!?!? Hard to believe December is just a few days away.

With the help of CTMH's Frosted Cardmaking kit, I was able to make 15 great holiday cards in just a few hours.   The kit makes 5 each of the following 3 designs.    The stamp set that comes in the kit is a 'must have' in my books!! 

You can get your Frosted Cardmaking Kit HERE!   

Thanks for checking in today and a very Happy Thanksgiving to all of my American friends :-)

So Lucky!

A few weeks ago I shared with you a layout I created from the CTMH Sarita Workshop kit.   Each CTMH scrapbooking kit actually guides you through two complete 2 page layouts.   Here is my second layout from the Sarita kit:

All of the die-cut pieces are from the CTMH Cricut Artiste cartridge.     My favourite part of the Sarita workshop kit are these super fun little etched wood & metal accents (which are also sold seperately)!  

Super versatile little embellishments!

I have a bit of a crazy week this week - - just a few more sleeps until my fall retreat!   Lots of prep happening here in the craft room!   Can't wait.

Sparkle & Shine Christmas Card Kit - Available Now!

I'm so excited to share these cards with you today!

Based on feedback from my customers - I have found that many people prefer Christmas cards that are large enough to hold 4x6 or 5x7 photos for sending to family & friends.   CTMH has designed some great card kits this year (shared with you HERE) - but the cards are smaller - 4.25" x 5.5" and 4"x4".    So I wanted to give you another option if you were looking to include larger photos in your holiday mailings.   Another consideration for me in designing holiday cards is the CTMH "faster, simpler, easier" philosophy.  If you are anything like me - you send many, many cards each holiday season - that means these cards need to be simple and easy to assemble so that I can make a large quantity in a short amount of time.   Also - for ease of mailing, I do not use any bulky embellishments.

Here is what I came up with - a set of 12 clean & simple cards that you will be proud to send to your loved ones!   (I apologize for the terrible lighting in these photos - apparently there was a streak of light from the window that I didn't notice until I was editing these!!)

Inspired by Pattern #19 in Make it From Your Heart Volume 2

Inspired by Pattern #26 in Make it From Your Heart Volume 2

Inspired by Pattern #28 in Make it From Your Heart Volume 2

Inspired by a card I saw on Pinterest by Julie Warnick

Inspired by Cibele Glazer

Inspired by a card on Pinterest that I cannot, for the life of me, find again!  

I'm offering these cards in kits - each makes 12 cards (need more than 12 cards?  order multiple kits!).
Kits include pre-cut paper and pre-stamped sentiments where applicable - you simply assemble.
Included:  Colour photos of each finished card, assembly instructions, 12 card bases & envelopes, Sparkle & Shine paper (pre-cut), cardstock (pre-cut), 1 package of Sparkle & Shine Complements chipboard pieces, 1 roll of 3-D foam tape, and quantities of Silver Shimmer Trim, Red Sparkles, Bitty Sparkles, Red Chevron Ribbon, Slate Satin Ribbon as needed to complete the cards as shown.

Kits are just $30 each!
Order now - while supplies last!
Available to Canadian customers only.

Options

Sparkle & Shine Card Kit - Local Pickup $30.00 CAD Sparkle & Shine Card Kit - Shipped in Canada $35.00 CAD

EDIT FEB 3rd 2014 - - ONE KIT LEFT!

Christmas Card Extravaganza 2013

Hey everyone - -
I know that with the chill in the air - some of you have started to think about holiday card making.   I wanted to let you know about some great kits that CTMH has put together to make your card making fast & easy!

You can purchase any of these card kits now by using the buttons below (amounts include GST & shipping and handling charges.   Provincial tax may apply depending where you live & will be invoiced separately), or if you'd like to purchase any kit below with additional CTMH Idea Book or Holiday Gift Guide items, simply send me an email.

Note: offers available to Canadian residents only.

FROSTED CARD WORKSHOP

With this kit - you can make 15 great Christmas cards (5 each of 3 designs).    Cards are pre-designed and the kit includes a full colour instruction booklet.    Cards measure 4.25" x 5.5".

Frosted Kit Option #1 (BASIC):

SOLD OUT!!!

Included in the Frosted Kit Option #1: 
1 – My Acrylix® Frosted Cardmaking Workshop Stamp Set (D-size) 
2 – Frosted B&T Duos® Papers 
5 – Cardstock Sheets (2 Colonial White, 1 Kraft, 1 Olive, 1 Ruby) 
15 – Colonial White Cards & Envelopes 
1 – Champagne, Colonial White, & Silver Baker's Twine (10 yards) 
1 – Silver Glitter Gems (108) 
1 – Instructional Brochure
(note with Kit Option #1, you will need to use your own inks for stamping - red, brown, green & blue are recommended)

Frosted Kit Option #2 (DELUXE):

SOLD OUT!!

Included in the Frosted Kit Option #2: 
1 – My Acrylix® Frosted Cardmaking Workshop Stamp Set (D-size) 
2 – Frosted B&T Duos® Papers 
5 – Cardstock Sheets (2 Colonial White, 1 Kraft, 1 Olive, 1 Ruby) 
15 – Colonial White Cards & Envelopes 
1 – Champagne, Colonial White, & Silver Baker's Twine (10 yards) 
1 – Silver Glitter Gems (108) 
1 – Instructional Brochure
4 CTMH ink pads for stamping: Cocoa, Olive, Ruby & Twilight
1 roll of 3-D Foam Tape
1 FREE Stamp of the Month - Scandinavian Wishes

Frosted Kit Option #3 (FASTER, SIMPLER, EASIER):

SOLD OUT!!

Included in the Frosted Kit Option #3: 
All papers PRE-STAMPED & PRE-CUT
2 – Frosted B&T Duos® Papers 
5 – Cardstock Sheets (2 Colonial White, 1 Kraft, 1 Olive, 1 Ruby) 
15 – Colonial White Cards & Envelopes 
1 – Champagne, Colonial White, & Silver Baker's Twine (10 yards) 
1 – Silver Glitter Gems (108) 
1 – Instructional Brochure
1 roll of 3-D foam tape

POLAR PALS CARD KIT

Quickly create 12 tri-fold pop-up shaker cards for sending holiday and wintery greetings to friends and family.   The card kit includes optional card inserts that are the perfect size for holding gift cards or small photos.   

EDIT FEB 1st - KIT IS RETIRED - NO LONGER AVAILABLE

Polar Pals Cardmaking Kit includes:

12 – 4" × 4" Tri-fold Cards (3 each of 4 designs)

1 – 12" × 6" Sheet of Adhesive-backed Stickers

12 – Shaker Bubbles

12 – Adhesive Springs

12 – Colored Envelopes

SPARKLE & SHINE CARD KIT

A card kit for those of you looking for larger sized cards that will hold larger (i.e. 4"x6" or 5"x7") photos.  

CLICK HERE FOR PRICING & DETAILS

Send me an EMAIL if you have questions about any of the kits!  Happy card making :-)

In Love with Today

I am in love with the new Sarita collection from CTMH.  I used the Sarita workshop kit to create this fabulous 2 page layout.

Look how amazing this kit works with the photos I snapped at my sweet cousin's wedding last summer.  I babysat this girl when she was a NEWBORN and now she's married . . .  how did that happen!?!  I can't really be that old!!

The layout came together quick & easy.  The die-cuts are from the Cricut Artiste cartridge.   The stamps, paper, and embellishments are all included in the Sarita Workshop on the Go kit (pictured below).    The kit even includes a cutting guide and instructions for this layout - no guesswork!   I used Goldrush and Outdoor Denim inks for distressing and stamping & voila!

Thanks for stopping by!   Hope you like Sarita as much as I do!  

Endless Days of Summer

Sharing today one of my completed layouts from CTMH's For Always Workshop on the Go Kit.   It is a pre-designed layout - just followed the instructions to complete it & added my photos and journalling. Easy peasy & I have 2 more favourite pictures scrapped in my albums!   (And I have lots of materials remaining in the kit to play with & design additional layouts).   

This gorgeous paper bow is cut with the CTMH Cricut Artiste cartridge.   

Title, scalloped border, scalloped circle also cut with CTMH Cricut Artiste cartridge.   

Love the stamp set included in this workshop kit!   

The For Always Workshop on the Go Scrapbooking Kit is 'while supplies last' as it retires with the Spring/Summer Idea book later this week - get it before it's gone!  

Workshops on the Go® For Always Scrapbooking Kit Contents 
For Always Paper Packet 
My Acrylix® For Always Workshop Stamp Set (C-size) 
White Daisy Cardstock Sheets 
For Always Assortment (resin flowers & pins)
Sparkles Black & Grey Assortment 
Instructional Guide 

Other items needed to complete layout as shown:
CTMH Cricut Artiste cartridge
CTMH ink pads: Honey, Lagoon, Black


Did you know that I offer a Kit of the Month program?   Buy any 6 of CTMH's Workshop on the Go kits from me in a 12 month period & get one absolutely FREE!     Check out all the details and a preview of our brand new Autumn/Winter kits HERE.  

Until next time,

"The Good Stuff" Canvas Wall Decor

Good morning all!   I haven't had a lot of artwork to share over the last 2 weeks, and the reason . . . I was completely obsessed with Downton Abbey.  I just discovered the show recently so I downloaded all three seasons on my laptop and spent every spare minute I had over the last two weeks or so enjoying every minute of every episode!   Fantastic show.     Was so disappointed to find out when I finished that new episodes for Season 4 will not air here in North America until next JANUARY!!! Are you kidding me?   I have to wait a whole year!!  Uuughhh!   Had I known that I think I would have taken my time a bit more catching up on the previous seasons so the wait wouldn't seem so long.  
Oh well- - maybe I'll re-watch them!   Ha ha.

Anyway - - now that life is back to normal, I'm back to the craft room.   Wanted to share with you today my FAVOURITE new item in the Spring/Summer CTMH Idea Book.      Check out this great canvas wall decor kit!     There are a ton of pieces to choose from in the kit - so you can decorate your canvas as shown in the workshop guide, or get more creative and design your own.   Mine here is based on the workshop guide layout.   (I've used my 'extra' pieces from the kit on other projects, such as this LAYOUT).  

This kit was super easy and super fast to put together - - took about an hour total to create.     Better buy multiples - keep one for yourself and give one as a gift!  

Materials Used:
CTMH Cocoa Pigment Ink
CTMH Canvas Art Workshop Kit
Glue Dots
Foam Tape