A Very Merry Christmas

Well, I am finished with craft fairs for this year, and thought it would be fun to be creative just for the heck of it!  Today I have a Christmas card in shades of pink.  I know, a little nontraditional, but I think it looks great!

For this card I used White Daisy, Hollyhock, and Blush cardstock. I also used my Cuttlebug, and Cricut Craft Room…along with October’s SOTM ‘Very Merry Christmas.’

I am entering this card into THREE challenges:

Heart2Heart Christmas Challenge

Dynamic Duos color challenge

and Freshly Made Sketches #65.

Happy Crafting Everyone!

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JOY

Hi there again! Today I made a lovely Christmas card using a retired paper pack called ‘Mistletoe’ and cuts using the Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge.  I based my design on this week’s challenge over at Freshly Made Sketches.

Here’s the sketch:

A little trick, or pointer, whatever you’d like to call it…I cut out three snowflakes in .2” increments and just scored and layered them to look like a poinsettia. I love my Gypsy, but if you don’t have one, you can always use Cricut.com’s Cricut craft room to design your page/card elements.

 

Just a note for November: when you spend $50 and purchase the SOTM, you can get another stamp set of your choice (excluding personalized) for 50% off! And for every November SOTM purchased, CTMH will donate $1 to aid relief efforts of Hurricane Sandy!

 

Stay tuned for my next installment, and Happy Crafting Everyone!

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Give Thanks

I know it has been forever! But, here I am, jumping back on the blogging bandwagon.  The last few months have been really hard on me and my family, so I needed to let the blog go for awhile.

Now, things are starting to ease up for a few more months, so I’ll be blogging more often again!

Today I have a project using the Cricut Artiste cartridge, and the Avonlea paper packet!  The new Artiste cartridge is awesome! This cute mini book came together in less than an hour!

I am entering this book into this week’s Heart 2 Heart challenge who’s theme is ‘time to be grateful.’ I have so much to be grateful for, and plan on filling my mini book up with pics from our upcoming Thanksgiving trip with family!

Just a note for November: when you spend $50 and purchase the SOTM, you can get another stamp set of your choice (excluding personalized) for 50% off! And for every November SOTM purchased, CTMH will donate $1 to aid relief efforts of Hurricane Sandy!

Happy Crafting Everyone!

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Retiring Items

So, as some of you know, this is the last month to order from the Spring/Summer '12 Idea Book. Some items will be carried over to the next book, but others will not.  Here is a slideshow list of things we know for sure won't be carried over.

ALSO!!!! For the month of July I am having a bit of a contest.  Shop online on my site, and join the 'Mystery Hostess' gathering. For every $50 (before taxes & shipping) you spend, you will be entered to be the hostess at the end of the month! So spread the word, because the bigger the party, the bigger the hostess rewards! (If you are the winner I will contact you to let you know how much you have to spend in hostess rewards, and get that all ordered for you!)
Happy Crafting Everyone!

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Thinking of You

Today I sat down and just crafted. It has been a long time coming since I have been so busy crafting for the end of the school year, birthday parties, etc.  It was so nice to just be…creative for no one else but me. Unfortunately, I have need for a sympathy card. I wanted to create something elegant and beautiful.  So, take a look:

 

I am entering this in this week’s Heart2Heart Challenge using ribbon.     

Products used:  Card Chatter-Sympathy, Pemberly paper pack, and Outdoor Denim cardstock. I also used Colonial White cardstock, Decorative brads, and Ribbon Assortment.

Happy Crafting Everyone!

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Stampaganza! Only 8 days left…

 

June is quickly coming to an end, and with it this month’s special! Thru June 30th, buy 2 stamp sets, and get a third of equal or lesser value FREE!

Head on over to my website, send me an email, or give me a call to place your order!

*(The fine print)  Purchase any two stamp sets (sizes A, B, C, D, or E) at full retail price and receive a third stamp set of your choice FREE (of equal or lesser value)—a savings of up to $29.95!

Stamp sets that count toward the qualifying purchase include full-priced A, B, C, D, and E sets only. Stamps that do not count toward a qualifying purchase include customizable (K), Workshops on the Go™, Cricut^® collection, and Stamp of the Month (both discounted and full-priced) sets.

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Angry Birds Themed Birthday Party

I LOVE doing fun parties for my kiddos, and this year I decided an Angry Birds party would be so much fun. The idea started out with some patterns I saw over at Obsessively Stitching. I made a bunch of stuffed pigs, and several angry birds. I also saved small boxes and cans etc., so that when the day came, the 2-5 year old kids could play life-size ‘Angry Birds’

Next, I made some paper birds using mostly basic cuts from the Art Philosophy cartridge. I used these on the banner.

The finished banner: I downloaded the AB font and printed out all the letters for the banner. I used a circle cutter to cut those, but then cut the other circles with the AP cartridge.

I did the same thing for the treat bag labels.

Next, I made pig cupcake toppers. Again, I used my handy AP cartridge to cut all the shapes. Gluing it all together was the worst, but they turned out SO cute!

 

Here’s the whole spread!

 

Happy Crafting Everyone!

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June Stamp of the Month Blog Hop

Welcome to our first monthly Stamp of the Month Blog Hop! On the 15th of each month we will be showcasing the current SOTM set with various projects created by talented Close to my Heart consultants. If you are visiting from Eva’s blog, then you are on the right track, if not please start at the beginning with our hostess Pam!

Life is tweet with the set for June! So many options with this set! You can do birthday’s, anniversary, or just a general thinking of you projects! The possibilities are endless!  I Just LOVE the fun, and whimsical sentiments and characters in this set!

Here is my creation!

 

Now if the goblins of cyber space have gotten you lost along away here is the list of all the talented consultants who are participating in this months blog hop! 

Pamela Stewart - http://i-candy-scraps.blogspot.com/

Amber La Mons- http://www.scrapperstherapy.blogspot.com

Darla Haverstock http://www.stampingunderdoctorsorders.blogspot.com

Eva Friesen http://www.loveofcreating.blogspot.com

Melissa McDaniel http://melissamcdaniel-scraps.blogspot.com

Joanne Barnes http://josiesjoy.blogspot.com

Lucy Kelleher http://love2createitall.com

Addie Recoy http://addierecoydesigns.wordpress.com

Carol Loftus http://carolloftus.blogspot.com/

Amy McVey  http://clearlystamping.blogspot.com

Melissa Wyatt http://ohscrapbym.blogspot.com

Judith Ashmore http://grammiejudys.blogspot.com

Amie Kiger http://mimimyselfandibykigz.blogspot.com/

 

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My Acrylix® Stamps: Did You Know?

Did you know?

• My Acrylix stamps are ready to use right out of the package—no cutting out, mounting, or applying stickers required. Just place the stamp on your block, apply ink, and you’re set!
• My Acrylix stamps and blocks are clear, making it easy to stamp in exactly the right spot.

  

• My Acrylix stamps can be used to create a variety of popular looks, including:
  • base and shade stamping

    

    

    

  • creating your own patterned paper

    

    

  • sponging on multiple inks for single-impression, multi-color images

    

• Many My Acrylix stamps coordinate with Cricut^® Art Philosophy cartridge shapes, giving you lots of creative possibilities. Cut the shape on your Cricut^® machine, stamp the image on the shape, and attach to your project! In the Idea Book, the images outlined in red coordinate with Cricut^® shapes.

  

  

  

• My Acrylix stamps are super easy to maintain, store, and transport.

 

Happy Crafting Everyone!

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CTMH Art Philosophy Blog Hop!

This is the first ever blog hop I’ve participated in, and boy is it great! This hop is to help showcase the stamps and chipboard items that come in the Art Philosophy package.  You should have arrived from Laura’s blog, and your next stop is Eva’s blog. (While you’re here, why don’t you enter my last giveaway celebrating National Scrapbook month in the post below!)

Did you know that all the stamps from the three stamp sets coordinate with this cartridge? All you have to do is set your size, cut your shape, and stamp. If you want to get really fancy, you can attach to a coordinating chipboard piece. Here is my project:

Ok, confession time, making actual scrapbook pages is not my strong suit, but I do like to jot down quick memories, and a picture when I have time. This quick coffee table book is 6x6, and had 12 pockets on the inside. Each has a tag that can be removed to put a small picture, and jot down a memory to go with.  I got the inspiration for this book from fellow CTMH consultant Terry. (She is so creative!)

Carol: www.CarolLoftus.blogspot.com
Tammy: http://c2mh.blogspot.com/
Pamela: http://i-candy-scraps.blogspot.com/
Laura: www.koladesigns.wordpress.com
Melissa: melissamcdaniel-scraps.blogspot.com   (You are here!)
Eva: www.loveofcreating.blogspot.com
Joanne: http://josiesjoy.blogspot.com
Melanie:  http://addierecoydesigns.wordpress.com/
Haley: http://inkyscrapper.blogspot.com
Alice:  http://alicesatticart.blogspot.ca/

Happy Crafting Everyone!

P.S. There is only a few days left to get your ‘Dotty for You’ paper pack for only $5. Just spend $35 from the Spring/Summer Idea Book by May31st!

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Last Giveaway for May!

Alright, May is going out with a BANG! This week I am giving away a CTMH mystery grab bag worth $50! You will want to enter this one!!!  But, I will only be giving this away if I have at least ten people (not comments) enter… so spread the word!

As always…

There are three ways to get an entry:

1) Leave a comment on THIS post

2) Follow my blog, and leave a separate comment letting me know…or that you already do follow me!

3) LIKE me on Facebook, and leave a separate comment after you do.(Or if you already are.)

This week’s giveaway will close on Friday, June 1st at 11:59pm (PST)

Winner will be announced on Saturday!

 

Happy Crafting Everyone!

Stay tuned…later today I’m participating in a blog hop!

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I made Top Ten at H2H!!!

Yesterday when I got home from church, I opened my email, and much to my surprise I was selected as one of the Top Ten over at Heart2Heart challenges for the month of April!  I am soooo honored! (Seriously, head on over there. The art that these fabulous ladies come up with is AMAZING!) This is the card that was selected.  And, HERE is my original post.

A new challenge started today! Why don’t you all head on over and participate!

Happy Crafting Everyone!

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Time for another Giveaway!

It is still May, and still National Scrapbook month! So, I have another giveaway!!! This week I am giving away the April 2012 Stamp of the month called ‘You Are.’ It is so versatile and fun to play with!

As always…

There are three ways to get an entry:

1) Leave a comment on THIS post

2) Follow my blog, and leave a separate comment letting me know…or that you already do follow me!

3) LIKE me on Facebook, and leave a separate comment after you do.(Or if you already are.)

This week’s giveaway will close on Friday May 18th at 11:59pm (PST)

Winner will be announced on Saturday!

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Simply Saturday

Today my 4, almost 5 year old had a plan. She picked out a bunch of different papers from my stash, and asked for some help. She wanted me to trace her hand, and help her cut it out…with part of her arm traced too.  Then we cut out some flowers and a flower pot. She glued it all together and wrote ‘I Love You’ on it and said ‘Happy Mother’s Day, mommy. Here’s some flowers.’ It was so sweet. But, she only wanted one flower cut out of each paper. Then, lightning struck, and I finally had a spark of creativity. I used those scraps of paper to make a few small thank you cards with coordinating envelopes.  Of course I used my handy, dandy Art Philosophy cartridge, and one of my favorite stamp sets ‘Say it in Style’  I got these all put together in about 30 minutes.

Happy Crafting Everyone!

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Winner Winner!

The winner of last week's giveaway is Heather!

HeatherApr 30, 2012 06:19 PM

Such a cute set! I think I am following your blog and I follow your FB page! I love it!

Heather, Please email me your address so I can get this in the mail for you!

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Mother's Day is coming...

Both my Mom, and my Mother-in-law live far away and it's hard to send them an actual gift...so I made cards this year.

I just LOVE the way these flowers turned out, and I owe it all to my trusty Art Philosophy Cricut cart.

Don't forget to enter this week's giveaway!!

Happy Crafting Everyone!

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National Scrapbook Month! Let’s Celebrate!

May is National Scrapbook Month, and I thought I would celebrate with weekly giveaways!  So check back every Saturday to find out if you’ve won, and every Sunday for a new giveaway to enter!  Spread the word too…because if I reach 35 fans on Facebook I’ll do an extra giveaway, AND…if I reach 75 followers on the blog by the end of May there will be another EXTRA giveaway!

So…this week’s giveaway is a cute boyish scrapbook kit from My Mind’s Eye called Fine and Dandy ‘True Blue.’ This set has eight double-sided sheets of cardstock, a sheet of cardstock banner and letter stickers, coordinating buttons, and stamp set. Here’s a pic:

There are three ways to get an entry:

1) Leave a comment on THIS post

2) Follow my blog, and leave a separate comment letting me know…or that you already do follow me!

3) LIKE me on Facebook, and leave a separate comment after you do.(Or if you already are.)

This week’s giveaway will close on Friday May 5th at 11:59pm (PST)

Winner will be announced on Saturday!

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Dotty For You available TODAY!!!

What an amazing promotion! Now through May 31^st you can get this exclusive paper pack for $5 with a $35 purchase from the Spring/Summer 2012 Idea Book! This paper pack features bright, fun designs, and colors that you can use for ANY & ALL your paper-crafting projects!

This paper pack features the following colors:

Smoothie, Crème Brulee, Sunset, Lagoon, Sweet Leaf, Sky, Buttercup, Twilight, Grey Wool, Bamboo, Chocolate, Desert Sand, & Cocoa.

There are so many items that coordinate too!

Paradise Flowers-Z1710-$5.95

Paradise Baker's Twine-Z1702-$4.95

Mini-Medley-Smoothie-Z1697-$4.95

Mini-Medley-Sunset-Z1338-$4.95

Keepsake Felt Alphabet-Z1696-$5.95

Cardstock Shade Pack-X5914-$7.95

And Stamp Sets too!

Just for you B1398 ,

Card Word Puzzle C1494,

Love Clusters C1484,

Affection C1441

Splendid Day D1462,

Love Life D1482

Contact me or place an online order to get yours today!

Melissa McDaniel (206)949-8993

 melissamcdanielscraps@gmail.com

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Dotty For You: Day 2

Today I have another card for you! And again, I am using the ‘Dotty for You’ paper pack.  I am also entering this card into this week’s Heart 2 Heart challenge, as well as Exploring Cricut challenge. This week H2H gave us a sketch, and Exploring Cricut asked us to use flowers on our project cut with the cricut.

Here is my card:

And here is the sketch:

I cut the flowers using the Art Philosophy cartridge, and all the stamping is from the the set ‘Hooray Bouquet.’

Happy Crafting Everyone!

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Dotty for you: Day 1

This week I am featuring projects from the “Dotty For You” paper pack available during an awesome promotion with CTMH starting on April 17th-May 31st!  I thought I’d get you salivating over this ‘MUST HAVE’ item. So keep coming back all week and see all the great things you can do!

Look at the intricate butterfly. I cut it using the Art Philosophy cartridge. Love it!

I hope you all had a wonderful Easter weekend.

Happy Crafting Everyone!

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Happy Birthday! H2H & Mojo Monday

Two posts in one day!! This week I combined challenges again. I used the sketch from Mojo Monday (#234), and the challenge to emboss wet or dry over at Heart 2 Heart.

I chose to dry emboss…I’m still not super-great at using embossing powders. I ran the solid cardstock through the Cuttlebug, and then sanded to show the white core. (And to make it look more like the patterned paper behind it.)

The paper I used is called ‘Dotty for You’…stay tuned ‘cause this will be available in a couple weeks. Trust me, you will HAVE to have this paper pack! Details still to come. For the flower I used the Art Philosophy cart and cut the same flower six times in quarter inch increments. Until next time…

Happy Crafting Everyone!

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Spring is here!!

Although it may not feel that way quite yet here in the Pacific NW.  I have been wanting to make a new home décor piece, but have had sick kidlets. Last night I was finally able to sit down, and put my creation together.

I am also entering this into this weeks challenge over at Exploring Cricut. Their challenge is to make something spring-like using any or all of the colors pink, green, yellow, purple, blue and white. (And of course a cricut cut!) I used mostly pink & green. I cut the banner shapes, flowers, and letters with the CTMH Art Philosophy cartridge. The cute little critters were cut using the ‘Create a Critter’ cartridge. Two of my faves! I used the Lucy paper, pear & cotton candy cardstock.

Happy Crafting Everyone!

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3 x 6 ‘Thank You’ card gift box

I was soooo inspired by this post I saw at a fellow CTMH consultant’s blog…I just HAD to ‘CASE’ it! (Thank you for the inspiration Vicki!)

My cards are only slightly different. I chose to make mine 3x6, and instead of stamping the background paper, I used some B&W printed paper from ‘Me & my Big Ideas.’  I also, designed a cute box to hold them in, and custom made envelopes that coordinate.

This whole set contains 8 cards and envelopes.  Don’t you think this would make a PERFECT gift for anyone, really?

Happy Crafting Everyone!

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