Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Dotty For You Paper Packet - Order Yours Now


Dotty For You Paper Packet

It is time to order your Dotty For You Paper Packet.  I love these papers!! There are 12 duo patterns, 2 of each - 24 in packet.  See picture below for close up view.  They are the same weight as the cardstock.  Great for cutting with your Cricut.  They are so bright and cheerful!  I have already ordered two and plan to get two more.  You can do so many things with them from scrapbooking, cardmaking, boxes, gift bags and so much more.  

You pay only $5 with each purchase of $35 in products from Spring/Summer 2012 catalog.  With $50 purchase, you can add the April Stamp of the Month for only $5. What a deal!!  Order yours here.  Free Dotty For You Paper Packet if you join my team April 17 - May 31st.  Click here to join my team.
  • Place your order
  • Click "my shopping cart" at the top of page
  • Scroll down and you will see the Dotty For You Paper Packet and/or the stamp of the month with purchase qualification as noted above. 
  • Click "Add to cart" next to the ones you want and continue your check out.
Order your CTMH Art Philosophy Cricut Collection and you will be eligible for 2 packets of Dotty For You and the stamp of the month for only $5 each.  Order your Art Philosophy collection here.


 




Please contact me if you have any questions or need help in placing your order.  I would love to help you in planning for your next project.  Free consultations whenever you need assistance. 

Contact me: Gloria Shirr
Phone: 818-347-8416

Thanks for stopping by my blog.  I appreciate your business.

Sunday, April 15, 2012

Fun Card with CTMH April "You Are" Stamp Set, Dotty For You and Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge

Hi you fantastic creative bloggers out there.  I created another card to give to my 14 yr. old grandson who just visited from MO for a week.  We had so much fun with him and miss his bubbly personality.  I just received my new April stamp of the month set, "You Are" (pg 141 actual Ideas book, pg 143 online Ideas book) and thought of him when I opened it.  I find it a little challenging to create male cards and scrapbook pages.  I have no problem creating for the girls; but have to be careful being too feminine with the boys.  Ha! 

I am actually going to create the inside with CTMH "Things" stamp set (page 105 actual book, pg 107 online book) - I am using the 10 Things I Love About You idea; but haven't completed that part yet. 

I am still learning how to use my stamps; so please ignore any mistakes you might see.  I have to keep practicing to make them look like they do in our Idea Book.  I don't have the experience yet; but I will in time. 

I used my new "Dotty For You Paper Packet" which is available April 17 - May 31st.  You only pay $5 (savings of $14.95) when you purchase $35 in products from our Spring/Summer 2012 Idea Book.  Such gorgeous paper!!  I created all the images from my CTMH Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge; which I absolutely love! 




The polka dot paper color is good above; but it isn't quite the true Lagoon color in the close up picture below.  I wanted you to see the wording on the card.  The stamps for "You are positively Fun" and the line which says "Inspiring, Wonderful, Awesome, Super Phenomenal" are both from the April Stamp of the Month titled, "You Are".   The star shaped "Wow" stamp is from "Blue Ribbon" stamp set.  I purchased it to make cards for my grandkids when their grade cards arrive.  (pg 92 of actual Idea Book and Pg 95 online Idea Book)



I didn't do as well on stamping this one and couldn't get a good picture.  Double click for close up view.  I used CTMH Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge for all of these cuts.  The stamp is "Things" from Spring/Summer Idea Book, pg 105 actual book.  I love these stamps.  There are many choices to go with the 10 things title.  
Inside of card (See below)

Supplies used for this card:

Card measures 6 1/2 X 5
Cardstock for shapes: CTMH Colonial White and Lagoon
Paper: CTMH Dotty For You stripes and polka dots
Ink: CTMH Lagoon
Stamp Sets Outside: CTMH "You Are" and "Blue Ribbon"
Stamp Sets inside: "Things" and "Blue Ribbon"
Shapes: CTMH Art Philosphy Cricut Cartridge
Foam Mounting Tape for all the shapes

I am entering this in the following challenges:

Die Cuttin Divas -  Pastel Colors
Cupcake Craft Challenges - Cupcake 187 - Spring is in the Air
Anything Challenge -  Challenge 64 - Anything Goes
Belli Challenge -  #141 - Children - (For my 14 yr. old grandson)
Make It Monday - Any paper craft projects
365 Cards - Just a Touch
365 Cards - Let's Chat
365 Cards - A Certain Sentiment
Shopping Our Stash -  #47 - Masculine theme - For my 14 yr old grandson
Trimmies Craft Challenge - Inspiration
CES Challenges - #81 - Paper Piece It
Little Claires Designs -  Doin the Rounds - (Circle and dots)
Our Daily Bread Designs -  Spring Word Challenge (S=stamping; I=ink; G=green)
The Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge - #181 - A Man's card
ABC Challenges -  Neutrals
Craft Your Passion Challenges: Use diecut or punch
Crafty Friends Challenges - Use two die cuts

I hope you have enjoyed my card creation today.  I don't normally use so many items with the same color scheme; but I love this paper and wanted to create my grandson a card showing him how much fun he is and how much we enjoyed his visit. 

We started this tradition 2 yrs ago.  When one of the grandkids turns 14 yrs old, (The airline they fly on requires this age.); we fly them to CA for a week with me (grandmother) and their step-grandfather.  He was only the second one to come so far.  It has turned out to be such a blessing to us when they come.  My 14 yr old granddaughter came last time and her & I spent 3 days at Disney riding all the rides.  Boy was that interesting for someone my age.  Ha!!  Her step-grandfather only went one of the three days.  He didn't get to have all the fun I had.  :)

Make sure you take time for yourself and spend time with your loved ones.  Family is the most important part of our lives.  Keep on creating those wonderful creations we love so much. 

Please leave me a comment below.  I love reading them and I answer all of them. 

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Organize your scrapbooking/cardmaking on a Budget

There are many organizers for different things.  Everyone's needs are a little different depending on the space available for your projects.  I wish I would have had this information when I first started my scrapbooking and cardmaking.  Hope it helps someone to get organized.

I discovered you could invest a lot of money in keeping yourself organized; so I decided to challenge myself to discover inexpensive organizers for my products.  I would love to hear from all of you on what you use for keeping yourself organized.
  
I have a spare bedroom I use; which serves as our guest bedroom. It has to be organized and ready for guests when they visit; which is several times a year.  Half the closet is used daily and the other half for our guests.

I have included pictures of the items, where to purchase and estimated cost based on memory. 
  • 4 foot folding table ($32.99) and chair ($19.99) from Costco
  • 4 - small 3 drawer organizers from Big Lots, approx. $5.50.  Wal-Mart also sells them; but they are more expensive.
  • 1 rectangular plastic container with lid for Copic and other markers - Joann Fabrics - $2 on sale.
  • Several rectangular open plastic containers which hold pens, color markers, etc.  Wal-Mart for approx. $1.  The 99 cent stores or dollar stores might sell them.
  • Small square boxes on left from Big Lots  - larger slots for punch out items - cost $3 and Joann Fabrics has smaller slots for $1.99.



Container from Big Lots with larger compartments - $3

Container from Joann Fabrics with smaller compartmens - $1.99.


Smaller Container from Tuesday Mornings with medium compartments - $1.99.


The cabinet for my Cricut Expression was previously used for a TV; purchased at Best Buy - don't recall price.  I love all the space it provides.  Look around your house and see what you can use and rearrange things if needed.  Two lamps found on sale.  One faces my desk and one faces the Cricut cutting area.  It gets dark in this room at night.  No overhead lights.



I have two of these bags.  They zip and have 12 slots inside to hold smaller paper items, stickers, etc.  Big Lots for $5.  I used these in the beginning before I started to accumulate so many products.


 
  • 3 drawer plastic drawer container for my 12 X 12 paper packs -$20 at Big Lots amd Wal-Mart.
  • I use the top to hold my paper cutter (Fiscars from Michaels) and my
  • 2 in one trimmer by Purple Cows that I purchased at Costco $20 - $25.  It actually has two parts.  The other one is in the closet.  I use both of these all the time.  This one has seven blades for different paper edges. 


  • 2 - 8 1/2 X 11 drawer containers to keep my inks, embossing powders, acrylic blocks, smaller stamps, etc.  Wal-Mart - $9.   These are on my bedside table with my lamp for easy access. 
  •  A smaller container for brads on the table - Tuesday Morning - $1.99.


  • 2 ClosetMaid 31- inch white horizontal stackable organizers from Target - $14 - $15
  • 1 - 2 shelf ClosetMaid 31 - inch white vertical stackable organizer at Target - $14 - $15
  • Plastic containers that hold my 8 1/2 X 11 paper packs were purchased at Big Lots - $5. 
  • The tall piece with the 12 X 12 containers was purchased at Michaels with clear plastic containers- 50% sale so it was $20.  You have to pull the containers out to get inside; but it works well so far.  I use for loose paper,  paper packs and stamps sets.
  • Scrapbooking 12 X 12 colored containers purchased at Michaels and Joann Fabrics - $2 - $5 depending on sale.  (Reg price $9 when not on sale)  
  • The photo boxes on the horizontal shelves purchased at Michaels for $2 - $3 depending on sale. (Reg price $4 when not on sale.)  I use them for punches, ribbons, Bling, etc and label them so I know what is in each box. 
  • 2 in 1 trimmer on the floor - This is the other half mentioned above that basically cuts paper (from Costco - Purple Cows brand)



  • A close up view of the containers from Michaels and the shelving unit on the right.  
  • 1 plastic container on the shelves to the right for my embossing folders and Cuttlebug items - purchased at Big Lots or Wal-Mart for $5 - $6. 
  • Many plastic envelopes (leaning on wall in front of shelves) for keeping pictures when I am working on a scrapbook, left over paper, dimensionals, etc.  $1 at Big Lots.  $2 at Michaels.



  • Photo boxes - Michaels - $2 - $3 - contain my photos that I may use for scrapbooks
  • 8 1/2 X 11 drawer container for my business supplies - $9 at Wal-Mart
  • Craft notebooks - labeled on the front, haven't done the sides yet.


I have two larger containers for supplies.  They are on the opposite side of the closet; which is full of clothing.  I keep extra supplies so I don't run out in the middle of a project.  I purchase supplies when I can with coupons or good sales. 

I hope this was helpful information.  Please leave a comment letting us know what you find useful to organize your scrapbook and cardmaking stash.

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Mojo Monday 236 - Card made with scraps - Cricut Art Philosopohy Cartridge

Hi you lovely bloggers!  I hope you are having a wonderful day!! I am so grateful for all of your love and support.  I appreciate your lovely compliments on my blog.  Your cards and projects are such an inspiration to me.  I couldn't do this without all of you.  Knowing there are others who see my creations and who may be inspired by what I have created is what makes this so much fun.  I appreciate each and every one of you and your creations. 

I decided to try Mojo Monday challenge today as well as several others.  Using scraps of paper was a little more challenging than I thought.  I also decided to include the color scheme for PPA Color Challenge.  This is probably the most unusual card I have ever made  with the color scheme and the unusual combinations.  I love combining several challenges into one.  I think it involves a little more creativity and makes it so much more fun.  I only did one view of my card today since there isn't really any specific details that need to be shown.  Click on the card to see a closer view.



The sketch used to make this card is really a great sketch.  I am sure I will use it again.  I can think of several ways to make a card using this sketch.  Enjoy!!




I used my CTMH Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge to create the flower.  I love this cartridge.  There are so many things on this cartridge that it is incredible.  I use it every time I create something.  It has such a wide variety.  I feel it is an absolute necessity to have this cartridge if you own a Cricut.  I own a lot of punches; but they are only one size.  I can try several sizes before I get the size I am looking for and this cartridge allows me to do that easily and effortlessly.  Click here to order your Art Philosophy Collection.

I just purchased my Cricut Expression in December and it was the best investment I have ever made for my scrapbooking and cardmaking.  The second best investment I made is to join CTMH as a consultant.  The $300 in free products you receive for just $99 is a fantastic investment.  The products are high quality and unique, the friendships, the team I belong to, the free training and the discounts are all just part of this great company.  There is so much more that I can't explain it all here.  Click here to see the great free products you receive when you join my team.  Scroll down on that page to see the products and the discounted add on products you can purchase as well. 

Supplies used for this card:

Patterned paper: Scraps left over from other projects cut to 1 in strips.
Hot pink cardstock: Recollections
Embossing folder: Cuttlebug machine with "The Paper Studio" flourish
Flower and layer: CTMH Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge - cut at 2 1/2 inches
Ribbon: Lt Pink 3 - Offray ribbon - purchased at Joann Fabrics
Bling: K & Company (hot pink)
Foam Mounting tape for the flower

I am entering this card in the following challenges:

mojomonday.blogspot.com - Mojo Monday 236
totallypapercrafts.blogspot.co.uk - Bingo - Flowers, Diecut and blue (1st row down)
anythingchallenge.blogspot.com - Challenge 64 - Anything goes
cutecardthursday.blogspot.com - Challenge 211 - I want candy!
Thanks for stopping by my blog.  I hope you enjoyed my latest creation.  It is a little unusual; but I don't think it turned out too bad for just using scraps of paper.  Have a fantastic week and keep creating those wonderful cards and other projects. 

Monday, April 9, 2012

Dotty For You Paper Packet using Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge

Hi all you fantastic bloggers out there.  I am so happy to have time to create something today.  I decided I haven't used my "Dotty For You paper packet" enough and wanted to create something else for you.  This beautiful paper will be available to order April 17 - May 31 for just $5 when you purchase $35 or more in products from our Spring/Summer Idea Book.  Click here to order.  For just $50 in products; you can add the April stamp of the month for just $5.  What fantastic deals!!  My stamp of the month should be on its way now.  I can't wait to use it!

I decided to use a sketch from Sweet stop sketches to create this card.  I love their sketches. They are so much fun.  Here is my card.  I love the "Everyday Life Stamp set" which is included in the Stella On The go Workshop.  This chair and the sentiment are just too cute. 




This is the sketch I chose to use for this card.  There are many sketches at their blog.  There were other options for this challenge if you want to participate.  See their link below.



I used the new CTMH "Dotty For You paper packet: for this card.  I also used Lagoon and Colonial White cardstock.  I used the CTMH Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge to cut the square and the oval for my stamped chair and sentiment.  The chair and sentiment are from "Everyday Life Stamps" which is part of "Stella Workshop On The Go"; which you will find on page 19 of the Spring/Summer Idea Book.  This is a closer view of the stamp, sentiment and the patterns in the paper.  There is a pattern in the paper with the butterflies.  I love this paper packet.  I have already ordered two of them as I know I will want to use it for a long time.  See how nicely the colors and patterns coordinate with each other. 

Supplies I used for this card:

Patterned Paper - CTMH Dotty For You Paper Pack
Cardstock - CTMH Lagoon cardstock (background) and Colonial White cardstock for square/oval
Chair stamp and sentiment - "Everyday Life Stamps" in the Stella Workshop on the Go
Ink - CTMH Lagoon Exclusive ink
Square & Oval - CTMH Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge, Oval 2 - 1 1/4 in; Square 1 - 3 in.
Sparkles - CTMH Sparkles
Foam Mounting Tape

I am entering this card in the following challenges:

papertakeweekly.blogspot.com - Anything goes or monotone theme
http://cutecardthursday.blogspot.com/ - Challenge 211 "I want candy"
http://anythingchallenge.blogspot.com/ - Anything goes, anything goes
http://simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.co.uk/ - Use your favorite tool - Cricut Expression


Thanks for stopping by to see my latest creation.  I wish I had more hours in the day to create all the time; but I am thankful I have the time to do it whenever I find a little spare time.  Keep creating all you wonderful bloggers.  Your creations motivate me to continue to create.  Thanks so much for the inspiration.  I deeply appreciate each and everyone of you.  I would love to have you follow my blog. 

Have a fantastic day!!! Take time to stop and smell the roses.

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge - Birthday card

Hi you wonderful bloggers out there!!!  Another Spring day in Southern CA and it is gorgeous outside.  Can't wait to get out there.  My 14 yr old grandson is visiting from MO and we are having a blast!!  I have to get up at 5 AM in order to get my cards and scrapbooking done.  Not much sleep this week; but it is so worth it to have him here.  We spent the afternoon yesterday just visiting high end car dealerships in Beverly Hills.  What an experience.  I didn't know there were so many expensive cars out there.  He is a walking fact machine for cars.  Knows everything about them.  He could sell all of them.  :)  Rodeo drive is always a hot spot for expensive cars as well. 

I used three different sketches this week and I think I was able to pull it off.  I entered this card in my 1st, 2nd and 3rd sketch challenges.  This was my 2nd entry for the 1st sketch.  I think I am getting the hang of it now.  Here is my "Happy Birthday" card using three sketches, dots/spots, stripes, pastels, never inked stamp, Spring and flowers.  Wow!! That was fun putting them all together.  I like combining my challenges.  This paper is very shiny and pretty; but the shine doesn't show up on the pictures for some reason.

This is a view trying to show you the shiny paper.  Everything on here shines.  It was hard to capture.  Click to enlarge. 


This sketch is from Cards & Things Sketch Challenge #114. See list below for link to this challenge. 



This is the sketch from unscriptedsketches.com.  You can flip it, rotate it, create a card, a scrapbook page; whatever you want to do and it is fine with them.  I love this.  See below for link.



This is my second entry into the sketch challenge seen below.  I think this card is pretty close to the same sketch as this one; so I decided to enter another one. 

 



I love the CTMH Art Philosophy Cricut collection!!  You can create so many fun things for your cards and scrapbooking.  It has become my favorite cricut cartridge.  I used it for my flowers in 3 different sizes as well as the tag for the Happy Birthday stamp.  This is a closer view.  Click on the pictures to enlarge. 



The Happy Birthday stamp was made with my new Acrylix CTMH Card Word Puzzle Stamp Set which was part of the Pemberley Add-On selection that I purchased with my kit when I joined CTMH the end of March.  It has several words you can select and put together to create whatever you want to say.  They are small; but very clear.  I was very impressed with these stamp sets.

Supplies used for this card:

Card - Reflections 6 1/2 X 5 white
Paper - S-e-i Couture (Shiny cardstock)
Ribbon - American Crafts
Flower Shapes (3 sizes) and tag - CTMH Art Philosophy Cricut Collection
Stamp - CTMH Card Word Puzzle Stamp Set
Ink - VersaMark dazzle
Embossing powder - Stampendous - Pearlustre Rubellite
Bling - want2scrap.com
Foam mounting tape
I am entering my card into the following challenges:

krista-kris-challenges.blogspot.com - Cards & Things Challenges - Sketch Challenge #114
unscriptedsketches.com - Unscripted Sketches #152
www.southerngirlschallenge.blogspot.com - Challenge 41 - You Got Something You Wanna Say?
useittuesday.blogspot.com - Challenge #28 - Uninked stamp
stampandcreateblog.blogspot.co.uk - April Monthly Challenge - Spring
partytimetuesdays.blogspot.com - PTT#62 - Flowers
sassycherylschallenge.blogspot.com - Challenge #109 - Soft Pastels
craftyourpassionchallenges.blogspot.com - Challenge #104 Dots and Stripes
ladybugscraftsinkchallengeblog.blogspot.com - Challenge #57 - Spots and Stripes
tuesdaythrowdown.blogspot.com - Tuesday Throwdown #92 Pastels
stamptacularsundaychallenge.blogspot.com - Challenge #157 Playin' with Pastels
http://creativecardcrew.blogspot.co.uk - #7 Spring
http://sweetstampinchallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk - Spring or Easter
http://simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.co.uk/ - Challenge to "use your favorite tool"
http://www.comeandgetitchallenges.blogspot.com/2012/04/bring-it-onspring.html - Spring
thepinkelephantchallenge.blogspot.com -Clean &  Simple
http://pumpkinspiceblog.blogspot.com/ - Something Happy, green, any stamp and ribbon
http://divasbydesignchallenge.blogspot.com.au/ - Anything goes
http://www.4craftychicks.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/challenge-84-flowers.html - Flowers
http://ppp-makeitmonday.blogspot.co.uk/ - Anything goes
http://www.sjpapercrafts.blogspot.com/2012/03/monthly-challenge-3-marchapril.html - 1-2-3
http://anythingchallenge.blogspot.com/ - Anything goes
http://flourishes.org/category/challenges/timeless-tuesday/ Birthday
http://thecraftgarden.blogspot.com/2012/04/april-challenge.html - Pastels

Check out the fun challenges this week and enter as many as you like.  Have fun!!!

Thanks for stopping by my blog.  I hope you enjoyed my card today.  I always like to get ideas from other bloggers.  It helps to get your own creativity in high gear when you see someone else's work.  :)

Have a fantastic day.  I would appreciate as many followers as possible.  Thanks.:)


Sunday, April 1, 2012

Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge - New CTMH Dotty Paper packet - Easter Card

Hello Fellow Bloggers.  It is another great Spring morning in Southern California.  I love it!  The birds are singing and Spring is in the air.

I chose to do an Easter - Spring card combo. I used the new "Dotty Paper packet" from CTMH. Isn't it beautiful? I love how they create paper packets that coordinate so well with each other. It takes the guesswork out of matching. It is available free when you join as a consultant this month; or you can also purchase these paper packets from April 17 - May 31 for only $5 when you place a $50 order with CTMH. Click on button to the right to order yours on April 17. They are beautiful colors and include 24 double sided pages (2 each of 12 designs). I am so in love with this paper. It was a dream to cut using my Cricut.

This is the first card I have ever created from a sketch.  It was a fun challenge and I loved putting all the colors together.  The challenge is for "Sweet Stampin Challenge Blog".  This is the sketch we were to follow for our challenge this week.


I used my CTMH Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge to make the circles and the scalloped border.  I used Cricut Kate's ABC's Cartridge to create the little rabbit and Happy Easter.  It came with the butterfly on the right and the little flowers.  This paper is such a high quality I was able to cut very small letters without them tearing.   



  

Supplies used for this card:

All the paper except the rabbit cut out is from the new "CTMH Dotty Paper packet"
Happy Easter and Rabbit - Cricut Kate's ABC's Cartridge
Circles and scallops - CTMH Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge
Butterfly Stamp - Fiskars
Butterfly stamp ink - CTMH Goldrush
Ribbon - Offray - Joann Fabrics
Bling - K & Company
Foam Mounting tape - CTMH

I am entering this card in the following challenges:
Sweetstampinchallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk - Spring or Easter
Cutecardthursday.blogspot.com - Challenge 210 Happy Easter
Oldiebutagoodiechallenge.blogspot.com - Easter Wishes - For this I used a base card over 6 months old, ribbon that was several years old and bling that was over 6 months old.
Anythingchallenge.blogspot.com - Challenge 63 - Get Ready For Easter
Cutecardthursday.blogspot.com - Challenge 210 Happy Easter

Dotty For You Paper Packet






Thank you so much for checking out my blog.  Have a fantastic day!!