Add some sparkle . . . or "BLING"

This card was really fun to make. I used the stamp set *EXPRESSIONS OF LOVE FOR MOM.

This card is 3"x3" and it would be REALLY easy to use this on a scrapbook page layout. I think it would be cute to make three or four somewhat identical squares and use them as a repetitive embellishment on your scrapbook page. But I haven't even mentioned my favorite part of the card yet. . . do you see the little glassy circle to the left of "i love you"? Its a SPARKLE. They come in 2 shapes (circle and square) and 4 sizes. This is a fun way to add a little flash to your project. AND. . .added bonus. . they aren't very expensive. . . . and who doesn't want a good deal right now?

*This stamp set is specially discounted until May 31, 2009. Use item #AS1012 to receive the discount

We're Tickled Pink!

Celebrate National Scrapbooking Month.

This adorable set was created for National Scrapbooking Month and is only available from April 15th through May 31st.

Click on the link below to see the "Tickled Pink" Scrapbooking Kit and to learn more about it. You can print out the PDF if you would like.

https://orders.closetomyheart.com/CTMHConsultants/marketing/pdf/May09CCFlyerUS.pdf

Like what you see? Click here to purchase your own kit today.

Grab your STAPLER

I had a friend over to make cards and I was rememinded how fun USING STAPLES as an embellishment can be.

There are a few things that make staples unique:


1. They can be used to attach something directly to your card or scrapbook page layout.
2. They are easy to find, most of you reading this probably own a stapler.
3. They add an unexpected element to what ever you are creating. You just don't "expect" to see a staples - I like those kind of little surprises.
4. Metal is a fun look, you see all sorts of metal embellishments on scrapbook pages right now (IE. brads, eyelets, etc.) and even if you don't have those things, you can still GRAB YOUR STAPLER and JUMP RIGHT IN.

5. Easy to use! Just whack your stapler a time or two and you are done. Whew!

Here's a picture of two cards I used staples on, but it would be really easy to adapt this idea to your scrapbook page layouts. Generally, I like to use odd numbers when I am adding things to a card or layout, so you will see that the one on the left has three staples and the one on the right has more 2 groups of 3 staples (does that still sound like I am using an odd number?) I prefer the one on the right. And by the way, I didn't glue down the "love" accent I ONLY used staples to attach it.




Staple away!

Itsy, bitsy, teeny, weeny, yellow polka-dot, CUSTOM MADE SHEET PROTECTORS

Have you seen those cute "little" albums and had a hankering to make one, but weren't sure where to find sheet protectors to put your teeny tiny pages in? And if you do find any itsy, bitsy page protectors, what if they don't fit the album you may be planning to use? Well here is a GREAT solution and so CONVENIENT I might add. . . you probably already have everything you need sitting on a shelf at home.


So what's the big idea? CUSTOM MADE SHEET PROTECTORS - yellow polka dots not included.


You can make your own sheet protectors to fit your scrapbook page layouts. You are not actually "making" the sheet protector but rather converting an existing 8 1/2 x 11 inch sheet protector. This works particularly well for smaller sizes like a sheet protector for a 4x4, 5x5 or 6x6 album. I'll bet that if you are REALLY clever you could make it work for an 8x8 as well.


So, HERE'S HOW YOU DO IT:

Take a regular letter size sheet protector (8 1/2" x 11") slide your small page inside.
If you are making a 6x6 layout, trim your sheet protector 6 inches FROM THE BOTTOM (you want to leave the existing side and lower edges in tact.)
Then trim 7 inches from the side - and I mean the side without the holes -
you will actually be trimming the preexisting holes off.
Now that you've trimmed your sheet protector all you have to do is add new holes (and you can do that with a regular hole punch)and Viola! Custom made sheet protector. I think you can have a lot of fun with this idea.

WORLD'S BEST DAD April stamp of the month

Its time to start thinking about those Father's Day cards! (and you just can't have too many cards for all those special men in your life.) This year instead of just making a card for your dad, remember all the other special father's in your life, (IE husband, brothers, father in law, grandfathers, to name a few)

But don't just stop with Father's day cards, this stamp set is perfect to use on your scrapbook page layouts for anyone who is "outdoorsy" and for when you are ready to create a scrapbook page layout about a special fishing trip - you are going to want these stamps.

Do you like what you see? Click here to order a set of your very own, remember this stamp set is ONLY available in April. Remember to order ink and any acrylic blocks you may need, too.