How to books

  Today's topic, are the how-to books from Close to My Heart.  There are four volumes, with three and four being the most recently released within the last year.  Volumes three and four are packaged differently than the older volumes.  You slip these volumes into an Everyday Life album.  They're a convenient size and lay flat or could be propped up to easily view the instructions.  So why would someone consider purchasing one of these books when there's Pinterest?  I love Pinterest just as much as the next girl and enjoy pinning beautiful artwork that inspires me.  However it's easy to get lost down that rabbit hole and lose a lot of your time.  Your time is valuable and most people say I don't have time to be creative.  Or I could never make something like that because I'm just not a creative person.  I'm going to let you in on a secret, even creative people experience a block every now and again.  Well these books are there to help you move past that!

 

  So let's move into the details of these books and why they could help you.  Volume three has 36 two-page layout patterns for standard photo sizes.  As well as artwork that shows you how to include Pocket Plus pages.  The measurements are included and easy to read to create the layouts.  They also have two different completed layouts pictured so that you can see how the layouts can be used for any theme.  Each one also features creative tips on how to create special features on a layout.  Using standard photo sizes (4x6, 3x3, 3x4,...) are what takes your layout up a notch.  It provides a more cohesive look to your layout.  But sometimes you happen to take a lot of pictures at an event and would like to include them all in the one layout.  That's where the Pocket Plus pages come in!  There are multiple sizes and photo configurations available.  *So here's a tip:  if you are looking to print a 3x4 photo in landscape or portrait.  Download the Project Life App from the App Store.  It was only $2.99!  In the app you can fit two 3x4 pictures on a 4x6 layout, then you save it and have it printed wherever you purchase your prints.  This also helps to cut down on the cost of printing.*

  Volume four has 24 patterns to create cards for any occasion in the standard 4 1/4"x5 1/2"size.  Again there are two artwork samples and creative tips for each card shown too.  Cards don't come as naturally to me so having this is such a valuable tool.  The measurements are listed for the cards too.  I don't have a large amount of cards on hand but I can say that my stock has come through on several occasions.  When you realize that you forgot to pick up a card or you have a last minute thank you to mail out it can be annoying to have to drive back to the store just for that item.  It's nice to have them all ready to go, an added bonus is that being homemade adds a personal touch.

  I hope that you find this helpful to take a closer look at what's inside these How-to books.  Having a creative outlet is a great way to relax and have fun with your friends and having the right tools can help you with that.  If you have any questions please let me know!  

Sincerely,

Justine

Photo display

  Earlier this year Close to My Heart put out a wreath kit.  The base was made from a thick chipboard.  I've been trying to figure out what I wanted to create with the center piece from that kit.  So after mulling over ideas for months I finally decided.  You'll notice that's a trend with me.  I take forever to research and finally make a decision but I like to be thorough.  I have a plate display from my Grandma that I've been waiting use.  Using several new products from Close to My Heart I set out to make a photo display.

   I painted the circle with black and blue acrylic paint.  At first I tried my water colors but they were too light so I painted right over it.  I used the new constellations stamp set and heat embossed the images using white or silver powders.  I use VersaMark ink when I heat emboss.  I used the new family thin cut to cut out the word family.  There are various papers mixed from the brand new basic fundamentals and enchantment fundamentals  lines.  The embellishments are are mix of things I have in my stash.

  I love showing people how to be consumable with their crafting stash.  This project would be a good gift too!  You could do a theme from a trip, or even a holiday.  I'd like to try this next with an embroidery hoop and material or paper to see how that would work.  I'd love to hear if you plan to try this.  As always you can check out these products and all the new stuff on my site at www.justineharris.ctmh.com.

Sincerely,

Justine 

Make a Wish

Today I'm sharing a card that my crop attendees will be making.  I'm creating a set of cards for different occasions for them.  I know that I always seem to need a masculine birthday card and have none on hand.  If you find you have that issue too then let me recommend the Urban paperpack!  I love the colors and prints on these papers.  These papers definitely have a masculine feel to them.  

Now for the details on how I created this card!  I used a standard A2 size card in white daisy.  I cut the background piece of paper 5.25"x4".  I used the triangle image from the Crazy Good stamp set.  When I inked that image I tapped to get a decent amount of Saffron ink on the stamp.  Then I drug it across the stamp pad to get those little lines, you could also just stamp the image the normal way.  The piece of kraft cardstock was cut 1.5"x4".  The little strip with the image is the zip strip from the top of the background sheet.  I just cut that off the top of the sheet first, then cut it to 4" across.  I cut an additional piece of White Daisy to 2"x2".  I used Sapphire ink for the sentiment.  Make a wish is from the mini stamp set Wish.  After I stamped the sentiment I used a sponge and dabbed it in Slate ink to distress the edges.  I attached it to the card using foam tape.  I finished the card off on the inside with a saying from the Birthday Funnies set.  That set is a hostess rewards stamp set that you can get for $5 when you reach your party minimum.  

Do you find masculine cards a challenge?
~Justine


 
 

My Top 10 tools.

Let's talk basic tools. I'll say favorites or most reached for because I can't say must haves since we crafters feel like we need them all or at least I do! I have many other tools that I use but these are definitely the ones that I would have to have if going to a crop. I find myself reaching for these the most.

1. Paper trimmer- There are MANY different trimmers on the market but I really like my Fiskars one. It has a wire cut-line indicator. I've read mixed reviews about the wire, but I have read great things about the company replacing the piece that holds the wire should it break! Customer service is really important in this day and I like companies that stand by their products.

2. Scissors- I've owned many pairs of scissors but the non-stick micro-tip scissors from CTMH are simply the BEST! These scissors never gets sticky stuff all over the arms and have issues sticking while trying to cut. They are perfect for fussy cutting (cutting out your stamped images). I've used them every single time I've crafted over the past year since getting them and they are just as sharp as the day I got them! Having little ones I really like that they have a cover to slide into in case someone decided to venture into the craft room. Even keeping my stuff put up at our old house, our youngest is very curious and would climb to get to things.

3. Ruler- I'm not sure if most people use one as often as I do. I like to measure twice and cut once. I think that this helps cut down on waste. I don't waste as much paper and can use up my scraps more efficiently.

4. Adhesive- I have multiple types of adhesive! Tape runners, glue dots, bonding memories glue, liquid glass, foam tape, and scor tape. I like them all and use them all for different projects. Tape runners are quick and easy when assembling cards or layouts. Glue dots are great for embellishments. Bonding memories glue comes in different size tips. When the glue is wet it's permanent and when it's dry it's temporary. This is great for assembling cuts from the Cricut. Liquid glass is AMAZING! A fellow consultant calls it "the woman's super glue." This adhesive can be used to decoupage projects. It can be used for embellishments too. Plus you can put it over top of images you stamp to give it an epoxy look. Foam tape can be cut to any size needed. You can use it to pop a stamped sentiment for cards or pop up an embellishment on a layout. Sometimes it's nice to give your projects dimension to break it up. Scor tape is an adhesive double sided tape.

 

5. Craft mat- CTMH has two different mats. I'm looking to purchase the all-purpose mat soon. I've had the chance to make projects on one while stamping at a unit meeting. You can just wipe the mess right off the mat! People mix water color paints on it, and use it for heat embossing. It's heat resistant up to 240 degrees Fahrenheit, and has a non-slip underside!

6. Corner rounder- Ever since I was little I loved the round corners of my Grandma's vintage photos. This is definitely a tool that I've used since I first started scrapbooking.

7. Blocks- I have found it helps to have a variety of sizes. CTMH has recommended sizes for blocks for each stamp set too! The sides have rounded grooves to hold the blocks easier and keep your fingers out of the ink. They also have a line across one edge on the stamp side to allow you to line up letters or a phrase.

8. Journaling pen- I think that at a minimum you need a black and white journaling pen. I used to use tons of other colors. I don't as much anymore. I find that I've found a favorite black and white pen. I use them the most often.

9. Sponge or Daubers- CTMH's round sponge can be cut into 8 sections to use for different colors. Daubers are great too. You can either use one per each color or you can wash them when your done and let them dry out too. Both of these can create different textures on your creations. They can be used to distress the edges or give a realistic look to plants.

10. My acrylix spritz cleaner and stamp scrubber- These are essential for cleaning your stamps when done using them or in between colors. I've tried using baby wipes but you have to make sure they are alcohol free, plus they can leave fibers on your stamp. Then when you go to stamp you'll have a fibers that is heavily colored and leaves a line across your image. The spray really does last and you can purchase refill bottles.

*Bonus- An organizer to carry those tools in!

What are your favorite or most reached for tools?

~Justine

Life in Pictures

The April stamp of the month is called Life in Pictures.  I LOVE this set mostly because I love old cameras and vintage things.  This set is available through April 30, 2016.  The set costs $17.95 normally, but if you spend $50 you can get the set for only $5!!  Definitely worth it for this set.

Stamp of the month

A fellow consultant Sandy Zimmer posted a beautiful layout that she was inspired to make.  Well I loved hers so much I wanted to make my own to showcase this stamp set.  I used almost every stamp in the set making the layout too!  

Here's one from corporate's design team:

The supplies used to create my layout are listed below.

 

 

Happy crafting!

~Justine