And Tinkerin' some more!

This is a GREAT card pattern! I "scrap-lifted" it from another consultant, who had used the design to make a blue and gold graduation card and posted it to our consultants' Yahoo group. (I think the original design came from Tina Sutton, a CTMH Senior Executive Director.) I took the layout and modified it for the Tinkerin' paper pack, and changed the size from 4 1/2" x 5" to 5" x 7". The unique layering effect is fun to make, and creates a great "opening" to get your recipient's attention. I've also used this pattern to make a birthday card, using the "It's A Guy Thing" paper pack. That one turned out great as well - the "guy" colors looked fantastic with this design. Check back later in the week for the layout "recipe." I was working from photos only, but have come up with paper-cutting measurements that seem to fit. My new "Bella" paper pack should arrive tomorrow, and I'll try using that as well!

Just Tinkerin' Around with some cards

I've been working on some thank you cards this week, using the Tinkerin' paper pack from Close to My Heart. These are all 3"x3" cards, and the designs are from the CTMH "how to" card-making book called Originals. I love these bright spring colors. The green reminds me of new grass. :~)

My "Newest" Guy!

I love this picture, as I am holding my youngest nephew! I kept the layout really simple, because I wanted all of the attention on him. I used the Aspen Level 2 paper pack, Dimensional Elements Framed Fun, Outdoor Denim ribbon, Write-n-Rub pen and Prisma Glitter, and Twilight Ink.

My Guys

I made a scrapbook for my mother as a Mother's Day gift, and I thought I'd share a couple of my favorite layouts. This one features "my guys" ... my husband on the left (hi honey - happy anniversary tomorrow!) and my dad on the right.

Tinkerin Workshop on the Go

Tomorrow I'm conducting a workshop for Nikki, down in Boones Mill, VA. We're going to be doing the "Tinkerin'" Workshop on the Go, from the new summer catalog. I made my sample pages tonight, and I've got a real tender spot in my heart for these pictures. They were all taken by my Great-Aunt Frances, about 35 years ago, give or take. After her death, her son, my cousin Mel, sent the pictures to my mother, and she shared them with my brother and me. They are treasures to me. My brother and I are, thankfully, very close, and have been for most of our lives. I love looking at these ... we were constant companions, and I'm so glad for those years together at home in Markham Hollow.

How about some "Animal Cookies"?

Ok, I am making a scrapbook (ok, several scrapbooks!) for my 7-month old nephew. And THIS paper will take center stage! It's called "Animal Cookies," and it's the last new paper for me to introduce from the NEW CTMH summer catalog. It features Clover Meadow, Dutch Blue, Sunflower and Tulip colors, and it's all about the kids! Matching accessories include foam die-cut numbers in matching colors, stamps featuring zoo and choo-choo train scenes, and a special "Creative Basics" package, with decorated papers and ribbon. I can't wait to play with this one! My friend Tonya is ahead of me here ... the layout above belongs to CTMH, but Tonya has used the "Animal Cookies" paper to create her own layout with photos of her beautiful children. Check it out in Tonya's blog here: http://inallsassiness.blogspot.com/

Scrappin' Joy!!

Ah, "Bella" indeed!

"Bella" means "beautiful" in Italian, and it is a very appropriate description for this new summer paper from CTMH! Featuring the colors Creme Brulee, Hollyhock, Olive and Smokey Plum, "Bella" features floral patterns and has a very feminine vibe. The accompanying stamps include buttons, flowers and botanical borders. And as a new accessory - Dimensional Elements Borders! These chipboard pieces can be inked, chalked, stamped or embossed. There is one more new paper to go ... I'll get it posted tomorrow or Friday. Paper isn't all that's new! And you can see it all in our new catty as of May 1 - ask me how! :~)

(Bella artwork courtesy CTMH ... and I can't wait to make my own creations!)