Silver & Gold CTMH Australasian Blog Hop

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Hi and welcome aboard the Silver and Gold Close To My Heart Australasian Blog Hop. If you have arrived from aMAZing Close To My Heart Creations than you are in the right place. If you have stumbled upon this page than please join in and take a look at the amazing ideas that the Australian Consultants have designed.

Today we are featuring the Silver and Gold papers. I love these papers for their neutral tones but also for the gold foil designs, Which I have used in my design today. It will not matter what colour you decide to decorate this Christmas these papers will suit all your crafting designs if that be scrapbook, off the page or cards. Screen Shot 2017-11-15 at 12.17.51 am

The design I have done today Have kept simple but I have used different techniques to make it a fun card to make.

Be Merry Silver and Gold CTMH card

Firstly I have used a card blank and ruled in pencil a line at 1 3/8″ from the edge of the card. This was so that when I placed the Be Merry Thincuts on the card blank I could ensure that the cut out would be even. I then used the partial die cutting technique. I placed the card black on the Big shot ensuring that the line and base of Be Merry Thincuts were off the platform. I then ran it through the machine to cut the design in it.

I then scored the card at 1 1/4″ from the edge. This gave me a straight line to then cut the excess of the card blank away. (If you have a Cricut you can do this step easily and let the machine cut for you. Ask your consultant for a demonstration and how to purchase one).

Once the excess is cut away I then chose a piece of the patterned paper that I liked and cut a full Be Merry out. I then adhered a piece of the gold foil design paper to the front of the card. I then heat embossed vellum paper. I stamped the present border stamp in versa mark onto the Vellum. I then coated with clear heat embossing powder and heated. As you can see this softens the good foil up when layered over. I then decorated the card with silver foil tape (you could use Gold) and added a bow to make it look like a present. I also then glued the Be Merry from patterned paper on top of the word on the card.

Clear heat embossed Vellum — This picture shows the subtle design on the vellum by heat embossing with clear embossing powder,

I then heat embossed a sentiment from the Gingerbread friends stamp set onto black card stock. I chose black as I felt it would make the Be Merry pop more. If you didn’t guess from this project. I love Heat Embossing. I am sure you will too.

Thank you for taking a look at my design. Please leave a comment before continuing along to Shaunna’s design at Passionate About Pages.

If you love this pack as much as we do please contact your Close to my Heart consultant. If you do not have a Consultant you can contact me here to order yours today.

Enjoy the ideas on this blog hop and Happy Paper Crafting

All occasion card · Cards

“Little dreamer” Australasian blog hop

Featured 10nya5 Comments

Hello and welcome aboard the Little Dreamer Australasian blog hop. If you have arrived here from Vandra’s Virtual CTMH Craft Room then you are in the right spot. If you have stumbled upon us or sent from my email list then please continue along the hop by clicking on the link at the bottom of this post.

Today’s post features the absolutely stunning Little Dreamer Paper Pack.

This Paper pack has some gorgeous designs and I am sure the amazing ladies in this blog hop will have some amazing ideas showcasing the versatility of them.

My design I am showing you today is a Peek-a-Boo card. These are cute and fun cards and can be used for so many occasions. The Peek-a-Boo cards have a window in the front of the card that when opens allows for another image to appear there. Here is what my card looks like closed and when opened. Note that the image visible in the window when closed in actually attached to the background card stock.

I am using this card for a young girls second birthday who loved hidden images in books so I thought this style card would be perfect for her. I wanted to keep the card child like so I kept it simple and used the glitter complements. What young girl does not like glitter?

As you can see when opened the image that appears is a unicorn jumping over a rainbow. I fussy cut the paper and drew the rainbow on card stock and added bling from the complements pack.

The front of the card is decorated with Whimsy ribbon and cut outs using the cricut machine. The holes in the card were done using the Circle Thin Cuts, however you can do this with any shape thin cut.

I have added colour to my Happy Birthday cut out with ink and sponge. If you wanted a brighter effect you could also use the markers or watercolour paints.

This card is really fun to make so give it a try.

Thank you again for coming along the ride of the Australasian blog hop. Please before continuing along our hop leave a comment. I know the other ladies will have some amazing ideas especially the talented Lauren Moore. Enjoy the ride and don’t forget to pin all the ideas for your inspiration.

Happy Paper Crafting

Tanya

All occasion card · Cards · paper piercing

Stampaganza Australasian blog hop

March 19, 2016March 20, 2016 10nya7 Comments

Hello and welcome aboard our Australasian Close to My Heart Blog Hop.

If you have arrived here from Jenny’s blog The Creative Heart then you are in the right place. If you are starting the hop from here no problem, please join in by following the link at the end of this post.

Today I would like to share with you a card using 2 stamp sets. During the month of March 2016 CTMH has stampaganza happening. When you purchase two stamp sets you will get a 3rd set Free.

For those who do not know me I will give you a little insight into my 3 fav things to do on projects. If there is a flower I love to emboss them, if there is a butterfly I love to lift the wings for the 3D look and the third is to create my own background/paper. Today I will show you a card that I have made and created my own background/paper.

I got inspired for this card by Pinterest. I saw an image there that used a stitch stamp and wanted to get a similar look.

To start with using tone on tone stamping, I have stamped the Princess wings scroll work and stars on the background card stock. On the two smaller white card stock I have stamped using Versamark ink. I did this so that I could still see the lines but would not be clearly visible on the finished product.

I have then paper pierced the stamped designs and the edge of the long white card stock. I did this free hand following the lines of the images. By piercing close together it allows the eye to follow the line and maintain the image. Yes this is a little bit fiddly but I actually found it quite relaxing to pierce the paper. (A bit of paper therapy for you). Here is a closer look at the piercing.

I have stamped the giraffe from Wild Wonders Stamp set with Pigment ink and then clear embossed it. This gives it the glossy sheen and makes it bright as the centre piece of the card. I have decorated it with ribbon and Gold Sequins. I have double mounted the card stock. I Quite liked the look of the different tones of pink in this card. I hope you liked the finished product.

If you would like to see another card using the same technique take a look at this post here.

Stampaganza expires on March 31 2016 so be sure to place your order with your consultant quick. If you do not have a consultant please contact me or place your order on my OBA.

Please leave a comment before continuing the hop to Vandra’s virtual CTMH craft room.

If you are interested in either a full video or written instructions please contact me

Thank you and Happy Paper crafting everyone.

Tanya

Tanya armitage

tanya.armitage@me.com

0407581163

All occasion card · Cards · Embossing · paper piercing

Paper Pierced Background card

March 9, 2016March 11, 2016 10nya1 Comment

Hello Everyone. I created this card after reading the close to my heart blog. They have a competition running at the moment. This is what I created. If you want to participate you can read all about it here.

I was inspired for this card by a 2008 card by Amy Sheffer on pinterest. The card featured a stamp that had stitching design background stamp. I loved the look but didn’t have a stamp similar in my collection for this project. So I thought outside the box and came up with this solution.

I first used the Tone on Tone stamping technique on the cotton candy card stock. To stamp on the Daisy White card stock I stamped in versa mark. This was so that it was clear and not so visible on the final product. I used the Great Job stamp set for the background.

Once it was stamped I then used the Piercing and Embossing Tool to pierce the design on the card stock. I followed the edges of the design for piercing. I also pierced a border along the edge of the larger Daisy White card.

I then Stamped the flowers from the Woodland Romance stamp set on both cotton candy and Daisy White scraps using Memento Ink. I used Memento ink as it dries fast so when I wanted to emboss straight after I wouldn’t damage the image. I then fussy cut the flowers out. To ensure the flowers would easily emboss I cut the petals down to the inner circle of the image. Turning the flowers upside down I used the embossing end of the Piercing and Embossing Tool. I pressed hard on each edge of the petal as well as the centre of each petal. I then turned them right side up and doing small circle motions got the flower to turn up. I then layered two alternate colours together using Liquid Glass.

I then stamped the Happy Birthday sentiment from the Joyful Birthday stamp set on the large white card. The flowers were then arranged and adhered to how I felt look right. I attached ribbon to the two smaller white card pieces and assembled the card.

This month we have Stampganza happening. If you purchase and 2 stamp set you will receive a 3rd for FREE.

If you purchased all three stamps used for this project you would receive the Joyful Birthday stamp set of free.

Thank you for looking at this card. I am looking forward to seeing what you create for #cards4jeanette. I hope you all try these fun techniques

Full instructions are available for any of my projects with a purchase from my OBA.

Tanya Armitage

0407581163

tanya.armitage@me.com

All occasion card · Cards · Embossing · scrapbook page layout · SOTM · Thin Cuts

Sunshine Birdies March CTMH SOTM blog hop.

February 29, 2016March 9, 2016 10nya14 Comments

Hello and welcome aboard our Australasian Close to My Heart Blog Hop.

If you have arrived here from Vandra’s virtual CTMH craft room then you are in the right place.

If you landed here by accident, or from my links, no problem, please join in by following the link at the end of this post.
Today I would like to share with you a creation which features Close To My Heart’s March 2016 Stamp of the Month.

I have three projects to share with you today using this cute stamp set.

The first card I kept simple. I have used a 5″x12″ piece of card scored at 6″. I have then cut from the front of the card 1 1/2″ off from the top. I have then used the 1 Inch circle punch to cut a semi circle in the the card. I then stamped the images I wanted onto the front and top of the card. I stamped on daisy white a butterfly and then hand cut it. I used the Ink Blot stamp set behind where I wished to place the butterfly. I have then using liquid glass glued the body of the butterfly to the card. This is the finished product. I know it is simple and plain but is a great quick and fun card to do with the kids.

The next card I made is a step card. I have coloured the birds in with ShinHan touch markers. To create the clouds I used the Springtime wishes Thincuts. I placed the thin cut under the card stock and then using the sanding tool sanded the shape into the card stock. I then used the same thin cut to cut out a piece of daisy white to look like a cloud. I found doing this made a great outline and made them pop and looked fluffy. The one thing I love about this thin cut set is you can use your imagination to make them into other shapes. I then finished this card off with a trim of Silver Shimmer Trim. Here is the finished product. If you would like a detailed instruction guide then please contact me.

When I first saw this stamp set the butterfly at the top jumped out at me. I then thought of Winnie the Pooh and the the buzzing bees. So I had to create a fun page using it for photos of my friends youngest. As I used Black card stock for the page I used gold embossing powder for the sun stamp and White embossing powder for the butterflies to ensure they stood out. I traced and cut out the Winnie the Pooh and then using a handmade template I sponged white pigment ink to form the dots leading to the butterflies. I have stamped the sentiment on the page and added the butterfly to ‘S. I love how our stamps are clear. It makes lining them up to do this so much easier than the old red rubber stamps.

If you have seen any of my previous posts. I can’t have a butterfly flat on the page. So again I have cut out a butterfly and glued the body down allowing the wings to have a 3d effect.

I have added more dimension to this page by adding an embossed flower, leaves and twine. Here is a close up of the element.

Thank you for taking the time to read my post. I hope you are inspired to do some of the ideas.

This exclusive Sunshine Birdies stamp is only available during March 2016.

It can be yours for just $7.50 with a qualifying order of $75 or for $27 if ordered separately from your CTMH consultant.

If you do not have a consultant please contact me or place an order here Tanya Armitage CTMH page.

I would love for you to leave me feedback before moving on to Shaunna’s Passionate about pages. Don’t forget to share and pin this post.

Enjoy the blog hop and Happy Paper crafting everyone

Tanya

tanya.armitage@me.com

0407581163

tanya.armitage.ctmh.com.au

Cards

Share the Love

February 19, 2016February 18, 2016 10nya10 Comments

Hello and welcome aboard our Australasian Close to My Heart Blog Hop.

If you have arrived here from Maz’s Inky Fingers then you are in the right place.

If you landed here by accident, no problem, please join in by following the link at the end of this post.

Today I would like to share with you a creation which features Close To My Heart’s Share the love stamp set.

If you haven’t heard before close to my heart is not just about scrapbooking. They also provide support for operation smile. Never heard it before? Well here is a brief explanation.

Every three minutes, a child is born with a cleft lip or cleft palate. Facial deformities like these can result in difficulty speaking, malnourishment, and social ostracism. Operation Smile, an international non-profit, organises volunteers and resources to aid these children, their parents, and their communities by performing life-saving surgeries and advocating for sustainable healthcare systems.

You can make donations anytime you order from your consultant. You can also purchase many selected items that will automatically donate proceeds to the cause. The Share the love stamp set is available for this month only and $7 will be donated to Operation Smile.

When I saw this stamp set I had two ideas immediately pop in my head. I have seen a few gypsy things in shops again lately so seeing the arrows I had to create a gypsy card.

I cut out the feathers and then decided to heat emboss them. The gold feather was created by running it over the versa mark pad and then covering it with gold embossing powder. The purple one was created by running it over the pigment ink pad and then covering it with clear embossing powder.

As these images were already cut I placed them on the All purpose mat So that I didn’t burn myself. (which is likely to happen). Remember safety first.

I stamped all the images I wanted to use and then assembled my card adding a trim of purple shimmer trim. If you want full instructions contact me and I will email them to you.

The second card that I wanted to created was inspired by the camera stamp. I had envisioned a polaroid. I wanted to create a card that was different. I have left the polaroid blank for this picture only. I will be attaching a photo to the matt and writing their name on the white of the polaroid. This will make it unique and personalised. It will read you make me smile _name__.

These cards are very simple and will make a greta quick project for you to try. The great thing about these cards is you can use these ideas both on a card or on a page layout.

Thank you for taking the time to look at my ideas. Please leave comments before continuing to Doris Taylor’s blog creative inspiration. Remember purchasing this stamp set will not only allow you to create some fantastic cards/pages but will mean you will be putting a smile onto someone’s face.

Contact me for more information on any of these cards or operation smile.

Tanya Armitage

tanya.armitage@me.com

0407581163

All occasion card · Cards

To be or not to be ruined?

February 14, 2016February 14, 2016 10nya2 Comments

Sometimes we do a project and things just don’t go as to plan. With this card I had a few minor mistakes that I thought would look good, only to have at the end of it something happen and I went NOOOOO!

After stamping the sentiment I was glueing the flowers in place and didn’t realise that me being me had ink on the outside of my pinky. (Those who know me well will realise I am a mess. I often spill something or get myself dirty all the time) So when I placed that flower down my hand rested on the card and bam, black little dot appears under the sentiment, just like that pimple as a teenager that made an appearance before a big event with lots of photos.

What to do what to do?

So I could try to cover it up with some Bling, flowers or other element. The spot where it is I don’t know if another element would really work there.

I could try and dump it. I could say damn this card is ruined and just start again. However I didn’t want to waste all my work.

I could also just leave it. Which is what I decided to go with. I had a few reasons behind choosing this option.

I didn’t like the first two options for fixing it.
I could show you all that these things happen to us all and
I try to find the positive in most things. These little imperfections don’t ruin the card they show someone that I took the time to hand make this card. It shows everyone that it isn’t store brought and that it is personal.

So what would you have done? Cover it, Dump it or leave it?

Shhhhh don’t tell anyone but I did cover one little mistake up, the large flower. When you use an embossing tool the paper needs to have enough give for it to be pliable. I find it needs to have many separate petals or if not you will need to either cut them or use a little water spritz to help make it pliable.

This particular flower I forgot to spritz and when working with it caused a little tear in the base. I knew it was going to be stuck down on this particular place and I could also add a bit of bling to ensure it would’t be seen. (Phew crisis averted) Play around with the embossing tools and many different forms of flowers and you will see what works for you.

If you are a CTMH buyer you have seen our catalogues, if you haven’t feel free to hit annual ideas tab and the seasonal expression tab on my home page to download to browse at your own leisure. There are some fantastic stamps there.

For this card I have used the The best Things Stamp set. This stamp set is not featured in any of the CTMH catalogues but is found on my OBA. There are a few other stamp sets that do not appear in the catalogue so PLEASE take some time to browse all the stamps sets available here.

I hope you like this card and have learned a bit from my mistakes.Feel free to share your experiences with a “ruined project”.

All occasion card · Cards · scrapbook page layout · SOTM · Thin Cuts

La Vie En Rose Australasian blog hop

January 19, 2016January 19, 2016 10nya12 Comments

Hello and welcome aboard our Australasian Close to My Heart Blog Hop.

If you have arrived here from Denise’s scrap stamp share then you are in the right place.

If you landed here by accident, no problem, please join in by following the link at the end of this post.

Today I would like to share with you a creation which features Close To My Heart’s La vie en rose paper pack. I just love this paper pack. Not only is the rose page stunning but there are some black and white pages that can be very versatile and suit all ages and genders.

I have kept this simple for a quick and easy layout. The idea is based on idea 2e from the Reflections how to book. This page would be great as either a title page or a left hand page. If you haven’t seen one of these how to books before I recommend you have a look at your consultants. They give you so many suggestions that can be modified for page layouts and can give suggestions for companion layouts that allow you to create amazing Double page spreads.

The images stamped are from the January 2016 stamp of the month. I have added a bit of sparkle with the silver shimmer trim. As I stamped a border I felt it needed a border at the top too. As I have said this is quick and easy to do and can be modified to suit your needs. I hope you give it a try.

I have also created a card I hope you like. I have used cotton candy card stock to edge the card as well as white daisy for the bottom and the stamped image. The image is from the brand new Springtime Wishes stamp set. I have used the fantastic new Springtime Thincuts to cut out the shape of the flower and then have stamped the image onto the die cut. I just love our stamps being acrylic as it allows you to see where you stamp on the cut each time creating a near perfect fit. Watercolour pencils were used to add a light colour to the image.

I have cut along some of the petal lines on the bottom of the stamped image. This is so that when I use the embossing tool it allows the paper to curl without tearing. Remember when you emboss to use the foam matt. The image below hopefully can show you the effect I was going for.

I have added a gem to the centre of the flower and coloured it to add a bit of bling. To hide the join of the white card and the paper I have used ribbon. Sometimes you do not want that hard edge of a join and ribbon or trim are great ways to hide this. When I stick ribbon to my cards or pages I use liquid glass. This ensures that it will not move.

This card is very quick and easy to do. I love simple cards as they can be so effective and suit all crafting abilities.

Thank you for stopping by. Please leave a comment before you hop on over to view the fabulous ideas that Leah will share at Cameron’s Corner.

If you haven’t got a consultant already please contact me on 0407581163 or tanya.armitage@me.com

Happy Paper Crafting everyone

Tanya

All occasion card · Cards

Love embossing

January 13, 2016January 24, 2016 10nyaLeave a comment

Have you tried embossing?

Today I will talk about two ways of embossing. There are variations and further ways to improve on these techniques but I will be talking about the basics today of heat embossing with powder and dry embossing with folders. I love both equally and have a project using both techniques.

I remember heat embossing when I was a child with my mother. We didn’t have the heat guns back then. What we used to do was turn the toaster on and hold the card stock above it. That idea still works today so if you can’t afford a heat gun just whip out the old toaster and give it a go.

To begin have a piece of a4 paper with a fold in the middle handy. Stamp your image or sentiment with the Versamark Stamp Pad. Then using one of the embossing powders cover the stamped image with powder. Tip the excess onto the a4 paper and tap the back of the card to ensure all excess has left the area around the image. Then pour the powder back into the container. By having the fold in the paper to begin with that acts as the funnel and ensure it is easy to pour back into the container ensuring you are not wasting any. Then using your heat gun heat the powder so it melts.

If you are using a toaster then do heat from underneath. Also remember when using any heat instrument keep the paper from an element as it can catch fire. Sorry just had to put that here as I don’t want to be responsible for not adding a warning.

When dry embossing most crafters will have a big shot or a cuttlebug. I have the big shot and find that it is extremely sturdy for all my needs. Do not fret if you do not own one of these machines. You can still use embossing folders. All you need is a rolling pin and a hard surface. Place your card stock in the embossing folder and press heavily on the rolling pin to add pressure as you roll it over the entire card. That is all those expensive machines are doing anyway.

Give it a go and see if you can get the same results. Have you got any other tips like this you want to share with me? Either comment below or email me at tanya.armitage@me.com and share your tips on what you use.

Below is a card that I have used both heat embossing and dry embossing on. I have left a blank space in my embossing to stamp and heat emboss the sentiment. If you would like the instructions to make it simply make a purchase from My OBA before January 31 2016and I will email them to you. There is no minimum order requirement for this.

I hope you give these ideas a go and share your thoughts below.

Happy Paper Crafting everyone

Tanya

0407581163

tanya.armitage@me.com

All occasion card · Cards · SOTM · Uncategorized

Cards with a splash of colour

January 9, 2016 10nyaLeave a comment

Hi everyone and welcome to my first post for 2016. I have much happening in my life to keep me busy. I have undertaken the role of activity coordinator for Tiny Tappers; a group that promotes coordination and confidence through dance/movement for children with disabilities. It is a wonderful group and will keep me on my toes all year.

Despite this I have made myself a promise to escape the stress of life through crafting rather than reading. So you will be seeing more of me. I am not sure if I will save money buy not buying books because I may just spend the money of new craft supplies. oh well but a lot of fun to be had.

Speaking of new craft supplies the new year has brought with it a new Seasonal Expression 1 idea book. You can view and download it from the link. As usual each month there is a new Stamp of the Month. This month it is the gorgeous Beloved Bouquet stamp set. This Stamp set is stunning and has so many uses. It will be one I will constantly use. You can purchase this stamp set for $7.50 with any qualifying purchase or for $27 full price but only through January.

Sometimes you do not want to keep your cards simple. Sometimes I can find paper can distract from the impact of a stamped image. I am not sure if that is just me or if others find this as well.

I had a lot of cards to make before christmas and wanted some cards that were quick and easy. I came up with the below cards. The one on the left is coloured with watercolour pencils and the one on the right I left monochromatic. I personally feel that the monochromatic pops more against the colour than the other. What do you think?

CTMH January 2016 SOTM card and envelope

I have sponged some colour across the middle of card and then stamped the image over the top. I have raised the flower just to give it some depth.

When I sponge I find I get the best results to add ink to my sponge and rub a little off on scrap paper first before I then apply it to the card. This helps eliminate the risk of getting splotches of heavy ink in some areas.

I also find putting pressure on the song and applying in a circular motion allows for a much smoother and even finish. I do like to stamp the envelopes and I have done so on only two corners of the cards.

If you would like the instructions to make this card please contact me via email: tanya.armitage@me.com

Below are some more cards I have made using the same style. As you can see they are simple but effective. Please comment and let me know what you think and share some of your own cards using this technique too.