New Cricut Cartridge Fun!

I had the opportunity to play with the brand new CTMH Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge recently.  As an avid Cricut user for many years now, I was not sure what to expect...but I can offically say: It is one of the BEST carts I've seen!  Really, that's saying a lot!  Let me tell you why and show you some fun things you can do with it!

1.  It has a TON of images.  Best part about THESE images is that they coordinate with stamps!  That means that when you cut something using your Cricut, there is a matching stamp set!  No more cutting around your stamped images using scissors, um, yeah!

2.  It has a great collection of cute bags/containers.  There are a few carts that you can purchase that have these as well, but if you DON'T have one yet, there is no need to get any more...these are adorable and even though I DO have the bags cart, these are different and well worth getting just for that!

3.  There are a TON of cards.  When I say TON I really mean it!  I lost count at 30 something. There are so many shapes and styles...Perfect for card lovers (or those that would just like to make more cards)

4.  It has TWO fonts.  Yes, I said TWO fonts.  There is a regular no frills font, great for titles, cards or just added to decor & a decorative font that is a little more frilly.  Talk about bang for your buck!

5.  and my favorite: 3D Flowers!  We all love those adorable 3D flowers that are all the rage in paper crafting right now.  This cart has them and they are so easy to make!

This cartridge comes in a bundle that includes the CTMH Art Philosophy exclusive Cricut Cartridge, 3 full size stamp sets that coordinate with the cartridge and 3 sets of 9x12 white dimensional elements that also coordinate with the stamps & cartridge. 

All for $99!  It truly is an AMAZING deal, but you can get this amazing bundle for 50% off!  It's fun and easy and will make this deal even more incredible!

Contact me today to order your new Cricut Cartridge or to earn it for 50% off!
281-687-3686
michelle@cuteziecreations.com

Happy Scrappin'
Michelle

Gone for the Summer, but not for long

Okay.  My goal in starting this blog was to put all kinds of fun, exciting projects and ideas for my crafty (and not so crafty friends)...As you can see, I haven't posted since Father's Day! UGH!  Well, I'm about to blame it on my kids!  Two kids at home all day is taking it's toll...plus, I'm wiped out at the end of the day...so, that's my story and I'm sticking to it!

I will be announcing some great new workshops and adding some projects, just not until my sweeties are back in school!  My sweet H is going to Kinder! I can't believe it!  I have really enjoyed this time with them.  I have had a little time to craft, but not a ton...and definitely not enough time to work on a project and post pictures of it.  Both my kids are in bed right now.  One is asleep and the other is whining.  I'm ready for BED!

I wanted to be in my craft room, but that's not going to happen...maybe tomorrow :0)

Happy Scrapping (I hope someone is getting some crafty stuff done)
Michelle

Father's Day Card

Happy June every one!  It's finally summer! 

I don't know about you, but I'm in TEXAS and it's stinkin' hot around here! 

So, it's the perfect time to be inside and get crafty! 

I found the cutest card in a Hobby Lobby Magazine and had to scraplift!  

I LOVED the little charms, but since I didn't have them and didn't want to go looking for them, I had to improvise.... I did have fun trying to figure out a way to do it with what I had!

Here's my card:

Supplies: 

CTMH cardstock, Desert Sand, Grey Wool, Black
Cuttlebug, Diamond Plate embossing folder
Cricut, Everyday Paper Dolls Cartridge
CTMH My Acrylix Stamp: Say it in Style
CTMH My Exclusives Ink: Desert Sand
Sewing Machine
Mini Craft Iron
Bitty Brads

Since I didn't have the cute charms, I found a few tools from Everyday Paper Dolls Cricut Cartridge.  I cut the hammer and wrench.  (I think it's a wrench ;0)  using black cardstock. 
I then took my VersaMarker Watermark pen and "colored" the top part of the tools.  ***I LOVE the embossing pen, because it's great for little jobs like this!***  After I put the embossing ink on the top of my tools, I covered them with Platinum Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel.  Heat it and got the great shine for the top of my tools!  I was very happy with the results, especially since I didn't have to go purchase anything! 

I embossed the Grey Wool cardstock using the Diamond Plate Embossing Folder & my Cuttlebug.  Perfect for a "tool" themed card! 

I then took the Desert Sand cardstock and crinkled it up, opened it and crinkled it again.  Being very careful not to tear it...It was already cut down to the sizes I needed.  (I didn't really measure anything, just kind of "eye-balled" it from the magazine).

Once I had them wrinkled, I added some Desert Sand ink and ironed out the pieces using a Mini Craft Iron (any iron will work). 

Then I stitched the edges using my sewing machine.  Once that was done, I stamped the "Happy Father's Day" using Desert Sand and Say it in Style stamp set. 

I took the bitty brads and once they were in place I took a mini hammer (one to set eyelets) and hammered the brads down.  They look like little nails! 

After that, I just used my adhesive to glue everything down and voila!  Finshed card!  

I know, it may seem a little much, but really, it didn't take too long! 

The example in the magazine looks like stamped stitching, so if you don't want to actually stitch on your paper, you can just stamp....

I'm working on a few more Father's Day cards, I'd love to see yours too!  Post a link to yours in the comments!  Hope you're having a great summer so far! 
Happy Scrappin'
Michelle

I'm Heart 2 Heart Challenge Blog Sponsor this month!

Welcome to Cutezie Creations!  If you're here from H2H, thanks for visiting.  I'm pretty new to the blogging world, so I am really looking forward to "meeting" some great new crafty friends!

If you don't know about H2H, then you're in for a treat!  Heart 2 Heart Challenge Blog is a great place to find inspiration and some awesome projects using Close to my Heart products!  You can find the link HERE.  Take a look and join in the fun, you just might win one of two great prizes (one of them from yours truly). 

Hope you have a fab month full of great inspiration and crafty fun!
Michelle

Level 1 Rocks!

I decided to challege myself...I wanted to create something different with a Level 1 Kit. For those of you who are not familiar with Level 1, they contain 4 preprinted scrapbooking pages, 2 sheets of B&T duos, 2 sheets of coordinating cardstock & 2 sheets of My Stickease.  Instead of making 2 layouts, I thought I'd try to make cards out of it. 

It was really fun!  Once I cut out the card sizes, I just folded the bases and designed the cards from there.  I used a few stamps, but other than that, it was only Level 1 kit! 

And, for only $9.95, it's a GREAT deal!  Check out the other Level 1 kits and see what you can make out of them! 

Happy Scrappin'
Hugs,
Michelle

A Page to Frame

Ok.  I know this is a little fussy.  Some people don't like putting ONE picture on a layout...I usually don't either, but this was a special picture and I really wanted to make a special layout to showcase it!

I LOVE the BLISS paper!  At first, I was not too excited...thinking that I am not too "fancy" (I like bright, fun colors :0)  But, I really do like this paper!  I like that it's neutral and you can add any coordinating cardstock to match any decor.  So, it has really turned out to be a pack I'm using more and more.

I wanted the page to be simple, but I also wanted it to look vintage and shabby.   I really think this is the perfect paper! 

Materials I used for this project:
Bliss L2 X7132B
Cricut Cartridge:Cindy Loo (frame)
Cricut Cartridge: Home Decor (beautiful)
Flourish Stamp: Playful Flourishes D1212
Chocolate & Hollyhock cardstock

Let me know what you think!  I had a lot of fun with this one :0)
Happy Scrappin'
Michelle

Why Close to my Heart?

There are a lot of Scrapbooking & Stamping companies to choose from...why choose CTMH? 
As an avid scrapbooker & paper crafter, I decided to start doing some research on scrapbooking companies.  I wanted to make a little extra money to help support my crafty habit.  So, I went on-line, called some friends and looked at the different companies and what each had to offer.  Here is what I found:

1.  Close to my Heart had the best consultant compensation plan. They pay 22% base, and as your sales grow, so does your compensation. 

2.  I LOVE that they have clear acrylic stamps!  Ok.  That might not be a big selling point for you, but it was a VERY big deal to me!  I didn't have my own scrap space at the time, so my space was extremely limited.  I didn't have the space to store boxes and boxes of stamps.  And let's face it, part of the reason most of us become consultants is to get the great discount on great products...I knew my stash was about to grow tremendously....I needed to make sure I had the space :0)

3. The consultant kit was way less expensive (about $100 less) than the competitors!  That made a HUGE difference for me! 

4.  I loved that everything was coordinated in "KITS" -because that meant less work for me!

Now that I've been a consultant for over 2 years, I can absolutely say, without a doubt that it was the perfect decision for me!  I LOVE my "job"!!!!

*******50% off Consultant Kit in May! *******

CTMH is offering their new consultant kit for $64.50!
AND-
You will also receive the You and Me kit ($34.95 value) FREE along with your new consultant kit!

It's an UNBELIEVABLE deal....So, if you are thinking about it, give me a call and I can answer any questions you might have....I know that starting your own business can be scary, but where else can you do it for $64.50?  You get all of the business materials and plenty of great product to get you started.  Now is the BEST time to join CTMH!

Happy Scrappin'
Michelle Owen
281-687-3686

Heart 2 Heart Challenge-BUTTONS!

This week I am going to re-post a card from my late night crafting session....I may post a few more if I can get some crafty time later this week :0)
This card went well with the Button Challenge, so I decided to post it on the H2H CTMH Project blog. You can find a link here.  It's a great place to find awesome ideas for using Close to my Heart products!  If you haven't visited yet, check them out!
You're gonna love it there!

Late Night Card Making Session

I had a blast staying up late working in "My Crafty Place!"  I usually do NOT stay up so late (it was 2am) since I have to get up early with the kids...but it was so worth it!  I really got to just sit and play.  Even my hubby came in with his laptop and got some work done!
Here are a few cards I made last night...Let me know what you think!

Sofia L2 paper & Cricut Storybook Cart for frame



Sofia L2 Paper & Martha Stewart Corner/Border Punch



I used Bliss L2 paper pack.  For the flower I used an awesome tutorial that my fab downline Brenda did on her blog.  You can find the tutorial here.  I LOVE that flower...thanks Bren!




I used Mayberry L2 Paper & found a great tutorial on Split Coast Stampers for the Quilt Card. 



  
 
Happy Scrappin'
Hugs,
M

May is National Scrapbooking Month!

You know you have a crazy hobby when there is an entire month to celebrate it!  So get ready, because you are in for a ton of treats this month!

You and Me Scrapbooking Kit
This great kit comes with the most adorable stamp set, paper, embellishments and the most delishious striped chocolate ribbon :0)  Enough paper for 2 two page layouts and extra scraps for cards!  (Plus, you get that awesome stamp set)

You can order this kit for $34.95 or you can get it for $15 with a $50 purchase!
Watch the YouTube video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=myK0CzfXL70&feature=player_embedded

 WAIT! There's more!

50% off the Consultant Kit
Would you like a great discount on great products?  Have you thought about a part time job to help with expenses?  Well, this could be your chance:  In May, Close to my Heart is offering the New Consultant Kit for 50% off!  That means you could get your own business started for $64.50!  That is INCREDIBLE! 

AND by starting your own business with CTMH in May, you will also receive the You and Me Scrapbooking Kit for FREE!

WOW! That's $99.45 in savings!

I'd love to help you get started.  Just contact me and I can answer any questions you may have!  This is the PERFECT time to Join my Team!

Happy Scrappin'
Michelle

Close to my Heart Cardstock, How do I love Thee? Let me count the ways...

I'm a cardstock junkie!  I love the colors, I love the weight. I love the versatility. I have purchased more cardstock than I care to admit. I spent a lot of time (and money) matching it up with my pattern paper and getting frustrated because me and my crazy self won't settle for almost matching...Lucky for me, (and you) CTMH Level 2 packs have the pattern paper AND MATCHING CARDSTOCK!  I am now a die-hard, honest to goodness, for-life, fan! I absolutely LOVE Close to my Heart Cardstock!   Now, let me  show you some examples of why I love this cardstock so much...

1.  It's a great weight and is the BEST I've found to cut with my CRICUT!  It's smooth and sturdy. And I promise, I'm NOT just saying that :0)

2.  IT HAS A WHITE CORE!!!  Some people don't like white core paper, but I am a distressing FREAK-and white core is perfect for distressing!  I did this with my Cuttlebug and my CTMH sanding kit.  It adds the perfect amount of oomph!

3. It has matching ink, so you can do tone-on-tone inking....Notice the subtle difference? I used Goldrush paper and Goldrush ink...It makes the embossed image POP!

Of course, different color paper and inks can give a totally different effect:  Below I used White Daisy Cardstock with Bamboo ink and then Lagoon ink. 

bamboo

Lagoon

4.It takes ink exceptionally well- it was made for stamping!  It's so smooth, so your images won't "bleed"-  That means that you can ink 'till your hearts content! 

The above examples are using my Cuttlebug.  What if I don't have a Cuttlebug? You ask...Well, try this fun and easy embossing technique-No Cuttlebug required!

You will need a stylus, a paper trimmer with the blade removed and CTMH cardstock.

Line your paper up with the blade track, from point to point.  Emboss using

your stylus along the trimmer's blade track. 

Move the paper over and line it up with at a width that you want.  Continue embossing your paper until you have diagonal lines on the entire paper at equal widths.  Turn it over to the opposite end and do the same thing, crossing over your first set of lines.



You will end up with a lattuce pattern that can then be lightly sanded using your sanding kit....

What would I use that for, you ask?

Here is an example of a page that I made using this technique:

This is for my Heritage Album.  I made a pocket to hold special documents.

You could use this technique for great backgrounds, to add texture to border strips or just to add interest to letters.  Remember: you don't HAVE to do this diagonally-you can make straight lines and vary the widths for visual texture.

Here are some more examples of how I distressed/embossed using my CTMH cardstock:

I really could go on and on, but I only have so much space :0)  

So, if you love CTMH cardstock too, I'd love to hear from YOU!

Happy Scrappin'

Michelle

Do you need a gift idea? Try this super easy bow holder!

I have made several of these great little bow holders for baby showers & birthdays. They are so easy and quick to make, (and inexpensive, too!)  They can make a very personal and useful gift for that special someone :0)

Here is a list of supplies:

*White wood letter (I got mine at Hobby Lobby, 50% off)

*paper of your choice (I used Sophia L2, pink polka dot & Pear Cardstock) X7131B

*Chocolate ink Z2111

*Sanding Kit Z1294

*Sponge Z697

*Finishing Files Z1091

Memory Book Glue Dots 1772

Matte Mod Podge

Pink Assortment Buttons Z1370

Coordinating Ribbon

I first turn the paper over to the back side, and turn the letter over.  Trace around the letter and cut it out.  Once you cut it, then you can apply a thin coat of Mod Podge onto the letter and smooth the paper on top.

If there are bubbles, smooth them out carefully by pressing and gently rubbing the paper. Don't put Mod Podge on top yet.  While you allow that to dry, go ahead and start the flower.

Cut several size circles (they don't have to be perfect).  I usually use about 4 or 5.

Once you cut them out, then you can fold them in half, then in half again, then in half again.  When you open it up, it will have creases that can easily be distressed using the sanding block. You do not have to distress it, but it went well with the "shabby" look that I was trying to achieve.

Once they are all distressed, you can ink the edges or just leave them white (this is why I LOVE CTMH cardstock...WHITE CORE, Baby!!!)  When you are happy with the look, take your Glue Dots and attach the circles together.

Next, pull the smallest middle circle and "crumple" it up.  Do the same with the others, one at a time, until all are crumpled into the center.

You may then go ahead and carefully open them back up, being careful not to flatten it out too much...this is your completed flower!  You can now add a button to the center.

Your letter should be dry enough by now, so go ahead and begin to carefully sand the edges using the sanding block (you can use the finishing files for the small nooks and crannies) .  This is to make sure that it looks as seamless as possible.  Once you have sanded,  you can go ahead and ink the edges with the chocolate ink and sponge.

Once you have inked the edges, then you can add a layer of Mod Podge to the top.  This is to seal and protect the top of the letter.  If you have bubbles, take a little Mod Podge on your finger and rub it on top of the bubble to help press it down.  If you get wrinkles, don't worry, it's handmade and shabby! :0)

Now use extra sticky Glue Dots or a staple gun to attach the ribbon to the bottom, back of the letter.  (If your letter only has one "leg" then only attach one ribbon)

Now attach your handmade flower and you are done!

For an extra-special gift, I like to add a few bows to give as well!  (A girl can never have too many!)

Happy Scrappin'
Michelle



So Blessed

This is a project that I did with the Close to my Heart My Creations Banner. I wasn't really sure what to do with the plain white chipboard banner, but once I picked the paper, everything fell into place pretty quicky.    I  used the Bliss L2 paper pack and Crystal Blue/Heavently Blue as an accent color. Here is a complete list of supplies that I used for this project. It was so fun! and I will definitley be doing a workshop soon.

X7132B Bliss Level 2 Paper Pack
Z1378 My Creations Banner
Z647 Heavenly Blue Embossing Powder
Z1392 2" Scallop Punch
Z1371 Blue Assortment Buttons
Z1354 Miracle Irresistables Chipboard
Z1377 Kraft Color Ready borders
Z1294 Sanding Kit
Z2111 Chocolate Ink
Z1333 Opaques Adhesive Gems (Mocha)
D1418 Stamp Set

Happy Scrappin'

Michelle

Some dates for upcoming "crafty happenings"

Hello friends,

I'm still working on this crazy blog thing.  It's not going so well to be perfectly honest.  I found a super cute website that has these awesome templates (like all of the oh, so very cute blogs I stalk) but it ended up messing up the code and I had to go back and try to fix it...so, if it looks a little "off" then just be patient, because I have NO IDEA what I'm doing!!!

Ok, with that out of the way, I'd like to let you know about some "crafty happenings" that I have on the schedule. 

Saturday, April 23rd, 10am-5 pm
All Day Crop- FREE
Tomball Library

Friday, May 6th, 7pm
Scrappy Hour @
My Crafty Place
$5 cover for supplies
Let's get together to make some cards and just play!

These are only the latest additions and upcoming events. 
Contact me for more info or to RSVP

Wow. I'm gonna try this blog thing. Again....

I don't know how long this is going to last. Seriously. I really want to be able to keep up with it, but I didn't do so well the last time (last post was in 2009). I want to be able to post tutorials, examples and have an archives that I don't have to keep up with. I fought it and fought it. I just didn't want to mess with one more thing...but, here I am, once again. I've just got too many things to share. So, I guess I'll give it one more try and see how it goes.

So, send me a little message and let you know that it's working for you...a little encouragement goes a long way :0)

Happy Scrappin'
Hugs,
M