Monkey See, Monkey Do

ScrapbookerPhD

Challenge #19: Birthday (masculine)

It's time for another challenge at ScrapbookerPhD, and I'm very excited to share my project with you. The theme is birthday for a boy. I decided to make a card for my youngest nephew who turns 3 in just a few short months. (Better to be early than later, right!).

I started with the Cricut cartridge B is for Boy, and I cut this super cute monkey. I used two coordinating patterned papers from The Paper Studio. The green pattern is small outlines of the animals on the rest of the pattern. The Monkey See, Monkey Do stamp is from Cardz TV, More Critter Captions, and the Happy Birthday stamp is from CTMH Just to Say set. 

Here is a close up of the green pattern:

Challenges Entered

Bitten By the Bug 2: Your favorite cartridge. *I just found this cartridge, and it is my new favorite since I have 5 nephews ranging in age from 2 to 10. 

Seize the Birthday: Party

Creative Card Crew: For a Child

Home

One of my monthly purchases from Close to My Heart was Camper Crazy Occasions set (C1578). But it has just been sitting in the pile of purchases from that month (this stamp set goes great with the Timberline kit). So today, I decided to be inspired by this stamp set to make a card. 

I started with collecting scraps of papers from the Skylark collection. I used Cocoa ink (Z2114) to stamp the sentiment and the camper image. I used my Spectrum Noir markers to color the camper image. Finally, I added ribbon from my stash. 

I love the way this came together, and it was so easy to do.

Challenges Entered
My Craft Creations: Anything Goes
No Just Cards: Anything Goes
Through the Craft Room Door: Anything Goes
Crafting by Designs: Anything Goes
Little Red Wagon: Home is Where the Heart Is

Fly Away Home

Can you believe it is time for Challenge #5 at Take Heart Ideas, and we have a fabulous prize waiting for the winner, so get out your CTMH products and start playing. Remember, Take Heart Ideas requires you use products from Close to My Heart, and you can include CTMH Cricut cartridges as products if you would like. Like last time, anything goes. Need some new supplies, shop here: http://scrapbookerphd.ctmh.com.

For my project, I wanted create my own background. I looked over my CTMH stamps for inspiration and found C157 Lifting Spirits Occasions with cloud shapes and an airplane. I colored them with my Spectrum Noir markers: TB 1, 2, and 3. Next, I added the bursts of yellow from S1406 Kaboom. I added some glitter. 

I stamped the airplane onto a tag die cut, and used my stash of ribbon and twine to end. I was inspired to put the string and twine from one of the airplanes that carry a message with them in the sky. For the sentiment, i punched a small orange tag and I used D1629 Just to Say (Artfully Sent set). 

Challenges Entered
Clear it Out Challenge: Orange
Inky Chicks: 3 stamps
Through the Craft Room Door: Anything Goes
Crafty Cardmakers: Die cuts or Punches
Pile it On: Create a Scene
Sunday Stamps: Colors
Crafty Calendar: Sparkle, Die Cut, Blue

Halloween POP Up Card

Well friends, I have to tell you... if you own a Cricut, you simply must purchase the new CTMH Artfully Sent cartridge. It is phenomenal for card making with so many interesting elements to choose from. Cards include envelopes and liners. 

You can purchase this cartridge HERE. 

Today, I'm showing you how I created the Halloween Pop up Card, thanks to Mary from Cardz TV who posted her own card. 

Since the pop up is on the inside of the card, I actually started with the outside of the card. I wanted to use all of my favorite Halloween colors, and include a ghost (there are ghosts in the pop up design). This particular ghost is from Miss Kate's Cuttables. Remember that she has a daily freebie file! I used two different stamps here, the cat and moon stamp is from an old Inkadinkado set called Trick or Treat, and the Happy Halloween stamp is from Cardz TV the Going in Circles set. 

Here is the inside. The cartridge cuts the layer with a square pop up that fits just behind the haunted house. The ghost and moon are also cut out of this layer. I backed this on white so that the ghosts were white, and then put a small piece of orange behind the moon. You cut the house and tree separately. 

To keep with the theme of ghosts, I decided to cut another ghost to place on the inside. 

The ghosts and goblins sentiments is from Cardz TV new set Frankly Frightful.

I smeared back ink around the edges of most elements here so that nothing would look too shiny and instead keep with a spooky design. 

The Artfully Sent cartridge is full of these fun cards. Put it on your wish list!

Challenges Entered
Cardz 4 Guyz: Spooky Halloween
Clear it Out: Stash - black and orange (all scraps of cardstock)
Shopping Our Stash: Halloween (stash - papers and moon stamp)
Try it on Tuesday: Spooky
Craftin Desert Diva's: Halloween
Dream Valley Challenges: Halloween
Red Carpet Studio: Halloween (loved the inspiration photo)
Sweet Stampin' Challenge: Halloween
The Corrosive Challenge: Halloween

Tickle Me Thankful

I don't know about you, but when I find a new stamp company, I feel giddy. So many new possibilities. That's how I am feeling right now because I finally found The Alley Way, an amazing stamp store with SVG files to match the stamps! Oh, I just love the idea of no more fussy cuts. Right now, The Alley Way is hosting a challenge with inspiration from different photos. I fell in love with the color combination of teal and orange, and I knew just the right stamp set to use. 

This set is called Tickle Me Happy. But, which feather to use? Then, Just Add Ink (challenge blog) posted an inspirational photo with peacock feathers. All of a sudden, I knew which stamp to use. Look at this gorgeous feather. It reminded me of that peacock feather.

This is a standard A4 card with a teal mat underneath the white. 

I stamped the feathers and the dots using Mememto Luxe Teal Zeal ink. 

I colored the feathers with Spectrum Noir colors OR1 and OR3. 

I stamped the sentiment with CTMH Goldrush (Z2123). You can purchase that HERE. 

For the stem of the feather, I used a teal glitter pen, and then I used a glossy accent over the center of the feather. 

Challenges Entered:

The Alley Way, BIC: color

Just Add Ink: photo inspiration

Fairytale Stampers: something new

Glitter n Sparkle: orange

Anything Goes with a Twist: glitter and sparkle

The ABC Challenge: V is for Vibrant

Addicted to Stamps and More: make your mark

Leaves...

ScrapbookerPhD

Challenge #16: Fall with a Die Cut and Stamp

It's time for another challenge at ScrapbookerPhD, and I am super excited about the theme. I have finally finished all of my Halloween cards for my friends and family including my 3 nephews and niece, and am ready to start Thanksgiving cards. My inspiration for this card was watching the leaves around my area changing colors (and falling to the ground). Here, I started with this fabulous leaf paper from Close to My Heart, the Pathfinding collection. Buy it HERE.  Because the leaf pattern was subtle, I went ahead and embossed the paper with another, but bolder, leaf pattern. 

Next, I used my Sizzix nested circle die cuts to cut a circle just big enough for the sentiment from the CardzTV set Going in Circles. Last, I added a bit of ribbon. 

Challenges Entered
Cards and More: Leaves
Cuttlebug Mania: Leaf
Everybody Art: Leaves
{PIN}spirational: Photo 
Cards in Envy: Autumn
Use Your Stuff: Photo
AAA Cards: Autumn Colors
CAS on Sunday: Emboss It

A Halloween Card, Artfully Sent

I knew I was going to love the Artfully Sent Cricut cartridge by Close to My Heart. When you purchase the cartridge, it comes in a set with stamps and cardstock. I have all of the three previous CTMH cartridges, but Artfully Sent is my favorite now, since the cartridge focuses on making all different types of cards. 

Looking to purchase Artfully Sent? Click HERE

Today, I want to show you how I made the Haunted House card. I have the photo of the handbook below. Notice that the actual card base for the Haunted House is a swing card itself. Where the opening of the card swings out to the left.

I decided that I didn't want the card to swing. I cut the card as directed (black card below), but I wanted to be able to do some layering. In my Cricut Design Space, I resized the black card to on a regular size A4 card with room for layers. The first layer on the card is green, and then the black from the swing card. 

For the inside layer of the card, I used a bright orange, circle glitter patterned cardstock. The cartridge file did all of the work for me. The moon and bats were cut as the liner of the card. Next, I folded the "swing" or the house over the card and adhered it with a LOT of pop dots. 

And, then, I attached this creepy, sparkly crow brad just to add to the feeling of a spooky night at a Haunted House. The entire inside of the card is white for a sentiment of writing. 

I'm looking forward to seeing how other people interpret this card. 

Challenges Entered

Brown Sugar Challenges: Autumn/Fall

Left of Center: 3 or More Layers

Allsorts: Autumn 

Hiding in My Craft Room: Halloween Colors

Come and Get it: Halloween

The Paper Players: Halloween

Thanksgiving already?

Seriously, where did the time go? It was just yesterday that I was swimming and reading by the pool. Now, the leaves are changing colors and falling to the ground. The nights are chilly. And October is here, which means Halloween projects will now slowly ebb into to Thanksgiving. That's where this card comes in...

With so many cards to make, I started with some CAS cards. This card base is on a kraft cardstock  with a green mat, and the leaf patterned paper by CTMH, Pathfinding Collection (X7186B). When I bought the Pathfinding Collection, I also received these great cork embellishments that I used at the bottom of the card. The sentiment stamp is also from CTMH, the Thankful Heart Holiday set (B14563).

Interested in CTMH supplies? Buy them HERE. 

Challenges Entered
Crafty Little Fairies: one patterned paper.
Crafty Creations Challenge: Orange
Crafty Hazelnut's Challenge: Pattern papers
Brown Sugar Challenge: Fall
Keep it Simple: Use 3 of Something (cork circles)
Pile it On: Autumn
Robyn's Fetish: Autumn colors

Thankful Heart

Are you using SVG files with your die cutting machines, well, don't miss out on Designs on Cloud 9. They have a terrific range of files - some complete files, some singular, and of course, a weekly FREE file. I am honored to be part of their Design Team.

Fall is here. There is no more denying it. The leaves are changing colors, and falling off of the trees here in Georgia. That was my inspiration for this fall themed card. The trees. Good thing I found this amazing SVG file of leaves from Designs on Cloud 9. I cut multiple leaves and inked them in various colors. The DP background is from the DCWV, Lemon Flower Stack. Great papers in there. The stamp is from CTMH, the Thankful Heart set. Click HERE to purchase that set. The sentiments is stamped using a Spellbinders die (cut and emboss). 

Challenges Entered

Craft Room Challenge: Fall Colors

Cuttlebug Mania: Thank You

Scrap-Creations: Fall

Crafty Sentiments: Embossing, Designer Paper, Rubber Stamp

CRAFT Challenge: Embossing

Brown Sugar: Fall

Kitty Bee Designs: Fall Colors

If You Give a Crafter a Cookie: Fall Colors

Bump in the Night

It's time for another card challenge with Cardz TV. The theme for this challenge is Stripes and Dots. I'm starting my Halloween cards, so I chose my paper accordingly. I make cards for my nephews and niece, but they can't be too scary. The flexibility of this challenge made that possible. 

For my project, I really went through my stash. 

I started with a craft card base and layered purple and then patterns by Close to My Heart, the Scaredy Cat collection. My Spellbinders Nestabilities die cuts created the base for the ghost stamp from Close to My Heart, the Fightfully Fun set.  The sentiment is from Cardz TV, the More Spooky Saying set. Some embellishments added dimension and sparkle like the gold ribbon, the eye balls, and the purple star. 

Challenges

Creative Colors: Three colors (orange, purple, and blacK) + Polka dots

Paperminutes: Fall 

Robyn's Fetish Challenge Blog: Die Cuts (scalloped circles, and sentiment tag)

Aud Sentiments Challenge: Halloween Sentiment

Moving Along With the Times: 1 image (ghost), 2 papers, 3 color

Tip Top Tuesday: Kids

School Rules

Are you using SVG files with your die cutting machines, well, don't miss out on Designs on Cloud 9. They have a terrific range of files - some complete files, some singular, and of course, a weekly FREE file. I am honored to be part of their Design Team.

For my project this time, is School Rules using the Designs on Cloud 9 cutting file Bookworm. I had a blast with the patterned papers. I made this card for one of my nephews. If you follow my blog you know that I have a total of 5 nephews. The three nephews on my brothers side are just starting Kindergarten and Pre-School, and they love school. So, I have have been sending them fun school cards. 

I used Cardz TV stamp set, School Day, CTMH My Life Cricut Bundle (D1572), and DoubleClick Skittles.

Challenges

C.R.A.F.T. Back to School

Little Red Wagon Back to School

DesignsChallenge Blog Back to School

Hello Wonderful

It's that time for me...  realizing that some of my favorite papers from Close to My Heart are being discontinued. I have some papers left from the Skylark collection and the Ivy Lane collection. 

These papers are just gorgeous, and I didn't realize how well they worked together. Immediately, I knew I wanted to make a card for my husband. I like to sneak cards into his briefcase every now and then. 

My inspiration came from this fantastically versatile sketch from the Fantabulous Cricut Challenge Blog. The cupid die cut in the center of the circle is from the CTMH Cricut cartridge, Artbooking. These beautiful glossy 3D flowers are also from the Ivy Lane kit. I used the CTMH stamp set, Hello Wonderful Flair, B1443. Get it HERE.

Ready in minutes...

I wanted to make my husband a card to put in his briefcase as a cute surprise. We've had some great fun this summer, and I want to remember this summer forever. Being so busy, I had very little time to put something together. No problem. I went to my CTMH stash this time. I pulled out my Skylark kit and went to work. It doesn't hurt that I know my CTMH Cricut cartridges by heart. I used Artbooking; specifically, this cut file of a couple holding hands. This was definitely my inspiration, but everything else snapped together in minutes because the kit is designed to work together. 

The stamped sentiment is from the CTMH Take Note Cricut Bundle set (D1574) in Ponderosa Pine ink. 

Want the exact circle sizes and the couple cut (it is in Design Studio). Follow my blog and click on the link below. https://us.cricut.com/design#/canvas/project/19163718

Need CTMH Supplies, Just follow this LINK.

Going DARK

Time to do something totally DIFFERENT. I'm Going DARK with this one. I so rarely create a truly creepy card, not even for Halloween, but it was time to give it a try, and Punk You Girl was having an Anything Goes challenge, as long as it is dark or gothic. I started with a skull die cut. I only used the black layer so it would be "creepy" and would pop off of any color or pattern in my stash. WRONG! I couldn't find a pattern or color that looked "creepy" with the skull.

I tried animal print, but it was too much design and not so creepy. 

I tried basic pattern, but it was too soft and cute. 

I tried music paper in a rock style - no, not even close. I needed inspiration.

I decided to create my own background; something I have never done before (Haunted Design House). I smeared Slate ink (CTMH: Z2173) with Hematite glitter, and I loved the look. I still loved my skull in the corner of the edge. Now what? Ugh. 

Back to the drawing board. I thought the spiders mimicked the jagged edge of the frame, so I lined them up across the top. The spiders actually have jewels in the middle. And then used a jagged circle for the word, Fright. At this point EVERYTHING was black and white (Even the word Fright). I had NO color on the card. 

Believe it or not, my GO TO color with black, white, and silver is hot pink, but that just didn't look right. Then, Left of Center announced a Christmas Challenge*, and my colors were chosen: red and green and white gems, with red for the word. *This probably doesn't count for the challenge, but the inspiration is there. I'm really, really please with the final product, especially changing up my style and really using products in a different way.

You should try changing up your style now and then, too. 

Challenges 

Punk You Girl - Anything Goes

Haunted Design House - Reuse in a new way

Just a POP of Color

If you are following along with me, you know that I'm enjoying the geometric patterns in the CTMH Skylark kit. The color palette is subtle and muted, but there are some fabulous pops of colors. I'm taking advantage of ever little bit of color to make my work POP as well. Follow my blog and get my simple Cricut file that goes along with this design.

Here is a link to the bird cutting file all sized and ready to be cut in Cricut Design Studio.
https://us.cricut.com/design/#/canvas/project/19156453 

 Need Supplies, Just follow this LINK.
  

When I saw this pattern with the birds perched along the top, I was instantly inspired because I knew that the Cricut CTMH cartridge Artbooking had a similar cut. I took advantage of this to create interest by making the birds blue and adding adding dimension to them as they are lifted off of the perch. I also used the blue as a mat between the kraft card and the patterned paper. The rest of the embellishments came right out of the Skylark kit. The stamp is from the Believe in Yourself Everyday Life (C1574) with Desert Sand ink. The ink is so perfect; the sentiment blends in exactly how I wanted.

Ready, Set... Scraps

Running out of supplies from a kit? Good thing I saved my scraps. Most of us crafters safe our scraps. We're trained to remember that a piece of 4x4 cardstock could save the day in a month or a year. We can't waste it. The same goes for patterned paper; it is harder to find a use for a piece of bold patterned paper that is 2x3. It tends to sit around longer. 

Not this time! I decided I wanted to use my patterned paper scraps from my CTMH Skylark kit before they became faded by the sun or wrinkled sitting with the other scraps or forgotten. That's why I turned to my Cricut (follow my blog and get a free cutting file). I used my CTMH Artbooking cartridge to make a summertime themed card for my husband. 

Instead of using cardstock for the sunny sky, I used the scraps of this great geometric pattern. For the tree - I truly did use a 2x3 stash of the green chevron-style pattern. The bird from the Skylark kit was so perfect because it also had a geometric pattern to it, and fit perfectly into the style. The sentiment stamp is from the Skylark set, and I used Cocoa ink. This soft brown blends in so seamlessly. 

The shapes from these particular Cricut cuts were so unique, and the patterned paper from the Skylark kit only enhanced the design. Want to try it yourself. Follow my blog, and click on the link before. It's for Cricut Design Space. Everything is sized for you. 

https://us.cricut.com/design/#/canvas/project/19057308 

Need CTMH Supplies, Just follow this LINK.

Challenges Entered

Crafty Calendar Challenge: Summertime

Open-Minded Challenge: Vacation-Related

Crafty Little Fairies: Summer Fun
Card Mania: Travel or Vacation
Use Your Stuff: At the Beach

Grab One and GO - Card 2

If you are reading my blog, you know about my quest for creating a Grab One and GO box. Right now, I'm working on generic multiple choice cards for those last minute - Oh! My neighbor got a promotion. I need a quick card. - You know us crafters have a reputation to protect. My friends think I'm made of cards and can recreate anything crafty they see. My Grab One and GO project is perfect for the incidentals of life.

Grab One and GO is also a great way for me to use my new Close to My Heart supplies.
Today, I'm working on my Grab One and GO Box using the CTMH Cricut Art Philosophy Tags Collection. It's a stamp set that is used in conjunction with the Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge. Buy the bundle HERE.

Here is my second card to enter the BOX...

This time, I decided to go with Celebration type paper, but since I wanted the stamp to stand out, I used only a small piece and then added generic patterned paper and card stock. The looking good button is from my stash, and I always use Skittles to add some POP to my work. Here, I'm using the color Bottle Glitter.

I'm a newbie to Close to my Heart, so I'm using my stash to off-set my CTMH addiction right now. Next up... Card 3.

Grab One and GO

Are you prepared? 

Sure, we prepare all the time for occasions with cards, layouts, frames, and more. 

I have an apple-shaped box for my nephews. I have a wedding box card. There is a tri-fold father's day card somewhere. I still have 8 Halloween cards from last Halloween. You name it - I have it. 

On the other hand...

I am not prepared to find out that the couple I'm having dinner with just retired. 
I am not prepare to find out that my neighbor was promoted. 
I am not prepared for learn that a friend bought a new home. 

It's those last minute life events where YOU should be the one that has the card. (Hey, we all have a reputation to protect!)

That's why you need the Grab One and GO Box. It's that box of cards that are generic. Happy Days cards. Thinking of you cards. My favorite: Multiple Choice Options. Lovely last minute card ready to go. 

Today, I'm working on my Grab One and GO Box using the CTMH Cricut Art Philosophy Tags Collection. It's a stamp set that is used in conjunction with the Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge. Buy the bundle HERE.

Here is my first first card to enter the BOX...

I based the entire card on this fantastic stamp from the CTMH Cricut Art Philosophy Tags. I used CTHM cranberry ink - and the stamp was so crisp and perfect on the Art Philosophy die cut. Right now, I love the combination of CTMH cranberry and lagoon ink, so that is how I chose my pattern papers. You can purchase the ink HERE . The stamp is a multiple choice congratulations stamp, so I went with the camera as a main embellishment.  Finally, I added a little bit of bling for shine. That small gray Skittles is a test run of embellishments from Carri, so if you like it, tell her I sent you. The gold rhinestone ribbon is more embellies from my stash.

Right now, I'm in this "off the edge" mood. I hope it passes. I've been having to make a lot of oversized envelopes!!

Challenges Entered
Card Mania: How Charming
Craft Your Passion: Citrus or Tropical Colors
Clear it out Challenges: Use up your stash
Color Throwdown: Colors

How do you use your scraps?

How do you use your scraps? Are they just in a box? Do you save them for some time and then just toss them? I specifically kept my scraps from this Tri-Fold Shutter Card that I made for Take Heart Ideas. I loved everything about this card, and I hoped I'd find time to play with these colors and patterns again. 

 (Original Card)

I used the CTMH stamp set Hello Wonderful Flair (B1443), which you can purchase HERE. 
This stamp is fantastic because it's 3" round and can be layered easily using any type of circle cutter. Instead of inking this with a colored ink, I used Versa Mark and dusted the stamp with Ranger, Perfect Pearls. I used the shade of Forever Red. The Perfect Pearls give of a beautiful shimmer. 

Here it is, 12 days later, and I finally got back to my scraps. Here's what I did using the Hello Wonderful Flair stamp using the Perfect Pearls in Heirloom Gold.  Instead of just using a circle die cut for the medallion, I used a scalloped and embossed circle cut. I also added a little shine with the two watermelon colored Skittles in the left corners and some metal photo corners on the right. 

Kiss Me

ScrapbookerPhD

Challenge #13: Go Digital +Optional Animal

Create a new paper craft project that showcases your digital crafting skills 
and try to use an animal.

Codes: M, 3E, C10
Challenge ends August 10th

Sponsor:

I am so excited to announce that The Paper Shelter is our sponsor this week. 

The Paper Shelter has so many digital elements to share, and so many of their files have free extras. You can't beat that. 

To claim your prize, email scrapbookerphd@gmail.com. 

For my project, I used The Paper Shelter's Digital Stamp File, Love Bubbles. I just love these adorable fish. I imagine that they are just falling in love, and that's why the one fish is so bashful and surprised by her suitor's kiss. I cut the image out using my Spellbinder's machine using the Decorative Labels 1 set. I stamped the sentiment using the Cardz TV set Hugs & Kisses with Close to My Heart's ink, Lagoon. Finally, the paper and bubbles are both from Recollections.

If you haven't already, you should check out The Paper Shelter'. They have some fantastic digital elements from paper to stamps, and they provide lots of support (and extras!)

Challenges Entered:

Come and Get it Challenges: Colors of Summer
Fairytale Stampers: Summer
Crafty Card Makers: Under the Sea
Lawnscaping Challenge: Color Scheme
Creative Card Crew: Sea/Beach
Fab n Funky: Feels Like Summer
Fresh Brewed Coffee: By the Sea