Musical Cast Guest Book Album

You can use a guest book for so many special occasions in your life. I always feel like I'm apart of those when I get to work with you and create special books for just the occasion.

One of the things I love most about where we live is our local community theater. A few Christmas's ago, my husband got two tickets and we went to a holiday orchestra concert.  I loved it. Not only did I get to dress up for the night, but I got to sit up in a balcony with my program in hand and enjoy the music.

I love music and I enjoy musicals.

Which brings me to the special book I wanted to share with you today, this one for a high school musical being put on this month.

Hot off my crafting table....
"A Day in Hollywood, A night in the Ukraine"

Doesn't that sound like an awesome musical? 

The inside pages are lined with "From the Cast" on the top for the members to sign and give to the director/teacher afterwards as a gift.

I used left over scraps from the book to make this blank music note card to go along with it.

The red on black looks amazing.

Go break a leg! or so they say in the Theater I'm told.
Wishing them a full house and wonderful night for their show.

And, in the meantime, I'm off to bake cookies and sing a few carols with the kiddos.

It's getting close to Christmas, what's left on your list?

Fisker Cutter Paper Tool Review

My paper cutter is probably my most used tool on my crafting table. I've had it a long time, like as old as my youngest child, who is in second grade now!

I love my cutter, but over the years, the numbers have started to fade. (Yeah - I've used it THAT much!)

Sadly, after all these years, the blade has gone dull, but hey 7 years of use is pretty good for a blade, wouldn't you say? But it doesn't do me much good trying to cut pages for inside my books and most the time now, they tear. When I want torn sheets, I tear them myself, not from my cutter though....

While onlines shopping during the Black Friday sales, I indulged myself in a tool this year. My husband encouraged me when I asked him if I should, he said, "Go for it" and I did.

I got a new Fisker's Paper Cutter.

I choose this one for a couple of reasons:

1. Self sharpening blade
2. Size - cuts 12 x 12 papers
3. Density - cuts up to 10 sheets at a time (although I usually only cut 5 so I haven't tested the full 10 pages yet)
4. Blade lock (with kiddos in the house getting into stuff when I turn my back for minute, this is a must)
5. The price. very reasonable.

You can see the new vs the old here on my crafting table.

While my new cutter doesn't have the second slide cutter like my old Purple Cow Cutter did, I honestly never used that second cutter so I'm not really not going to miss that extra feature I never used. 

Also, my old Purple cow had a metal paper holder there by the blade, my new Fisker's paper cutter has a plastic one, put it puts a tighter hold on the paper so you don't have to hold down as hard as the metal one.

And the feature I didn't realize it had and am really getting used to (in a good way) is the blade holds itself up. It used to be I had to lean forward so the blade handle would rest on my shoulder to hold it up while I rearranged my paper to cut, the new Fisker blade stays up one you push the blade up to position your paper. 

And so, after a week of cutting, I'm pretty pleased so far with the use of this cutter. 

Now to see if this cutter can last as long or out last my old one.

I got this cutter from Amazon.com, you can find it here.

Happy Crafting! I'm off to make some books. :)

Easel Guest Book Sign

Last year I added guest books signs as my gift in with most all of my guest book order from my Etsy shop. The year before, I included a sample thank you card. This year... well that is a surprise.

I've been browsing Pintrest in between working on my latest book project and trying to find some new ideas for using up my scrap papers and adding new products to the shop that you all may like.

If you'd like to see new things in the shop, please feel free to post below in the comments section or over on my facebook page. I love hearing from you all, and I love creating new things.

We've been on the double hearts theme this week with the feature of the double hearts and double bound guest book I posted about earlier and then the card I created to match it.

Here is the guest book sign that I made using a tutorial from Split Coast Stampers for creating an easel card.  I'm working on creating some different designs of theses and adding them to the shop this month.

They're definately a step up from the card style ones I created last year and I like how they stand and allow for more of a 3-D look when setting on a table.

Plus, I can customize them to match any event theme and colors.

Well, I'm off to create!
Have an awesome Friday!




 

Double Hearts Wedding Card

 

I'm determined this year to get my scrap pile of papers down to one basket or less. As you saw the double heart wedding guest book from Monday's post, I thought I'd share how I made this double heart wedding card. 

It's so sweet you can change the color scheme and create if for Valentine's day, too!

What you'll need to create this card:

Artphilosphy Cricut Cartridge (CTMH)

Celebration Stamp Set from CTMH)

Then you'll need three layers of card stock

a piece of 1/2 ribbon

border punch - EK Success

The card is 5.5 x 8.5 piece of gray flannel card stock

The first layer (purple and gray) is 3 3/4 x 3 inches

1.5 x 3" black piece of card stock

3 x 4 inch piece of white or white designer paper (I used a piece from a black and white scrap pack I got from Oriental trading)

Foam Dimensional

You'll also need a few scrap pieces of gray wool, gray flannel, and moonstruck (dk purple or your choice of color)

I cut out three hearts: 2 1/2  inches, 1 3/4 inches, and 1 inch 

I used the celebrations stamp and black ink and stamped the banner stamp and "Celebrate" onto a piece of gray flannel card stock then cut out around it. 

You'll want to score your 5.5 x 8.5" piece of gray flannel card stock in half (4 1/4) and fold to make the card. 

Layer the 3 3/4 x 3 inch piece on the far side first. 

Then take your black 1.5 x 3 piece of card stock and punch using a border punch. 

Attach it to the 4" side of your 3 x 4 white design card stock

wrap a piece of 1/2 inch ribbon around it by the border end and secure in the back with adhesive

Next you'll want to position and attach the 3 x 4 piece on the card. 

Place your largest heart down first. Then your smaller two hearts. I used foam dimensionals on the back of the two smaller hearts to make them stand out. 

Then add your Celebrate banner!

All done!

If you make one, I'd love to see your creation! 

Come share with me on Facebook. 

Martini Gift Set

  
 I picked up this martini glass at my local dollar tree and a pack of these martini samplers while I was out grocery shopping. You have to add the alcohol to them, so the grocery store carries them.

My sister-in-law just celebrated her birthday near Christmas. She loves...loves... the color pink. So I put together this cute little martini gift purse for her.

 I used some pink paper out of the passion pack from DCWV 8.5" x 11" paper packs and some floral paper out of a stack pack also by DCWV.

I used a pink pearl brad for the bottom part of the closure and a piece of string to keep the top closed.

I'm quite happy with the way it turned out. If anyone wants the tutorial on how I made it, please let me know and I'll see if I can recreate it. I wrote down the dimensions of the paper as I cut, scored, and folded it together. Now, I just got to find that paper... :)

Twelve Days of Christmas: Project #9 Christmas Tree Card

Today we celebrate the 9th day of Christmas with this Christmas Tree Card project. 

Oh, Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree..... I've been humming this song ever since I made this card.

I've got all the fixings ready for this project. I cut everything, again, from my Art Philophsopy Cricut Cartridge from CTMH.

The card is cut at 5.5" - I used parchment card stock, I like the vintage look of it, but you can also use light tan colored card stock. You'll want to use the "card" setting on your cartridge

The decorative layer is cut at 4"  I used a designer green from a large 180 DCWV 12" x 12" pack.

The oval layer is cut at 3.5" it's a sienna colored card stock from DCWV textured card stock 12 x 12 pack.

You'll need a piece of Navy ribbon and a brad (either silver or bronze works best.)

Assembly:

Attach your decorative layer on to a solid piece of 4" x 5.5 card stock. (I used olive and a brighter green for the decorative layer to make it "pop"). Then attack to the back front of card so the decorative side shows through the cut outs. 

Next, place your ribbon about 1/4" from the bottom of the card.

Take a piece of hemp or ivory embordery thread and tie around the left end of the oval cut out.

Attach Oval cut out around the trees, positing it best to the center.

Insert Brad about 1/2 inch from the end off the right side of the ribbon band.
Tie a piece of tread around the ribbon by the brad.

Take a 3/4" x 3" piece of white card stock and stamp with a warm greeting. Cut the end to make it appear like a banner and attach to card over the ribbon and oval cut out.

A warm and festive card for the season!

The tree is up, the packages wrapped and tagged, and the stockings hung. What's next for you in preparing for Christmas? 
 

Christmas Card Tags Limited Editions

One of the things I always try to do is elimate the amount of waste I have when it comes to paper. I keep a basket with my scrap papers in it for those small projects for the kiddos.

I had some left over paper from the the matchbook notepads I showed you on Monday, so I put together these neat little Christmas card tags.

To me, Christmas is about Hope, Love, and Joy. Jesus brought all of those things when he graced us with his presence on earth. I don't think we share enough of that during these winter holidays.

 

I left the insides blank for personal notes. At 3"x 3" they're a great size for putting atop packages, slipping in a friend's locker, or putting on a co-worker's desk.

 

If you had one word to describe Christmas, what would it be?  

 

CTMH Elemental Christmas Card #2

This card design comes from the October Stamp of the Month in 2011 CTMH Autumn/ Winter Catalog. I really like the results of this card with the 3-D christmas tree and gingham ribbon. I'm thinking of adding this card to the Holiday Card Kit for this month's workshop. What do you think?

To make this card, you'll need:

October Stamp of The Month
Green Ribbon assortment (I used different ribbon, but one of these ribbons will work nicely too!)
Bling assortment
Dimensionals
Daisy Card Stock
Dessert Card Stock
Juniper Card Stock
Juniper Stamp Pad
Cocoa Stamp Pad

See ya later,

Suzy
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Baby Zoology Book

 I got the new Zoology stamp set a few weeks ago and I've been seeing so many cute projects that you all have been making with it, that I couldn't resist making one of my own. I've chosen to use it on this zoology baby shower book. How cute is that?

Bella says it's "Retro" I didn't even know she knew that word! LOL..

Looking to get your own Zoology stamp set? Click here!

Happy Holiday Workshop

This month's Creative Club will be held on Wednesday, November 16th at 7pm. This month we will be getting started on our Christmas cards. The kits will include enough supplies to make 20 cards (10 each of 2 designs.)

Each kit of 20 cards will be $25 or $20 with a $25 order. (If you are not local, please add $5 for shipping.) You are welcome to order more than one kit.

Each kit includes:

• (10) White Daisy Die-Cut Cards and Envelopes
• (10) Kraft Die-Cut Cards and Envelopes
• (4 Yards) Designer Ribbon - Red Collection (1 yard each of 4 designs)
• (100) Self Adhesive Bitty Sparkles
• Pre-cut cardstock for all 20 cards
• Long distance kits also include step-by-step instructions and pre-stamped images.
  

Contact me for more information, to sign up for this month's class, or to order your own kit(s). Please contact me no later than November 4th if you would like to join us or order a kit(s). If you would like to only make 10 cards for $15 let me know that too.

To find out more about my monthly no-commitment Creative Club, click here.

You do not need to be local to participate!

Kit Options

Without $25 order $25.00 With $25 order $20.00 Ship My Kit / with order of $25 $25.00 Ship My Kit (no additional order) $30.00

Mini Smash Book

 I've been hearing a ton about smash books lately. Apparently, EK Success has a blank version of a smash book out that you can buy and make your own. I decided to give it a try. I came to realize that I've been making "smash" books for quite some time and just hadn't been calling them that.

I used my Bind it All, a bunch of scraps from my paper bin, and CTMH Roxie Acrylic Stamp Set to make this one.

There are probably way to many photos here, but bear with me, I wanted to show you some samples of where I stamped and the different sizes of papers I used in this book.

I stamped a little too hard on the left page and got a smudge of CTMH Cocoa Ink. Ordinarily, I'd rip out the page because it wasn't perfect. However, because this is a smash book, it isn't ment to be perfect, so my mistake just may turn out to become part of something special.

These are a set of little half pages I put in. If you've ever got those paper stacks of cut up papers from a local scrapbook supply store, you've probably seen these or have some in your stash.

 Most of the pages in this book are 5 1/4" square. But you'll find some are 3" and 4" wide x 5 1/4" too. I used mainly pink and hot pink with a few ivory pages.

I have this habit on not being able to throw away left over scraps of ribbon and paper. Bug wanted to help, so I left her use my stamp sets and stamp out some roses, hearts, and other images that we cut out of white card stock. Then we took a handful of tags, embellishments, scrap ribbons, and stickers and stuck them in a little clear bag to cooridnate with our smash book. Bell added a fuzzy pen and asked if she could have it as a christmas exchange gift for one of her friends in girl scouts.

What a neat idea. Don't you think?

Suzy
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Happy Days Card

Last week's H2H Challenge was CASE (copy and share everything). Several cards by other talented card designers were pictured in order to pick a card of inspiration. I was immediately drawn to the second card by Brenda. "Follow Your Dreams".

Mostly, because I've been waiting for a project to inspire me to use this stamp set as a card and not just on the cover or inside pages of one of my books.

My husband just started a new job yesterday in a new career field and thought this would be both inspiring to him and encouraging. What do you think?

This card measures 3.5" x 8."
And I used Pondersa Pine, Colonial White, and Creme Brulee Card Stock.
The stamp set is Life's Good  D1495. I believe it is retired now.

We're getting ready for back to school this week and the kids and I have come with some really cute back to school projects to share with you.

MrsChadT
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So Hot I Adore You Card

Today, I wanted to show you this card I made for the H2H Challenge. This week's theme is "Hot" and boy has it been out around here, don't you think? (Yes, I'm talking about the weather. :p)

I went back to my Roxie collection papers and stamp set for this card project. Whenever I thought about the word "hot" it came to me as more of a "hot to trot" kind of theme rather then sweating in the summer sun.

Inside I stamped a sentiment, which just makes this card even more cuter, right?

To make this card you'll need the following Close To My Heart supplies:

Roxie Level 2 Paper Packet X7140B

I used:

Zebra Print B& T Duo

Smoothie Card Stock

Black Card Stock

Roxie WOTG My Acrylics (exclusive to the WOTG kit) G1025

Vintage Type My Acrylics stamp set D1481

Designer Rhinestone Brads Z1360

Black Hemp Cord Z282

Check back tomorrow as I'll be posting the tutorial on how to create this "hot" card.

MrsChadT

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