Not Necessarily Christmas ...

When you see themed paper, be sure to think of other uses than the 'obvious.'  This paper is from the new Mistletoe Christmas themed My Reflections kit, but the completed card is not necessarily a Christmas card.  Even though the red and white paper has snowflakes on it, it can be used as just a nice patterned paper on any project.

 This is actually a clear card with a scalloped bottom edge, even though the uniqueness of a clear card is not obvious in a scanned image.  The brown background is inside the card and is stamped with a nice texture corner stamp from The Present stamp set.  Then the patterned papers are adhered to the inside front of the clear card, and the square and frame are on the front of the card.  The fancy frame is from Circle of Love and the cute flower and sentiment are from Unity.   

The "Present" is a Gift

Two more cards that we created during a "Create & Take" session at this summer's CTMH Convention.  Both of these use Unity and The Present stamp set along with papers from the Olivia My Reflections kit. 

Even though it is difficult to see in the scanned image, this card base is actually clear acrylic.  The focal points are on the front of the card and 'hide' the inside sentiment, and the background is on the inside but is viewable through the clear front.  

A different perspective - with the card open.

This card features a wonderful sentiment from The Present stamp set, along with beautiful papers from Olivia.  It would make a great Thanksgiving card. 

Stamping in the Corner ...

At the Close To My Heart Convention this summer, we had some "Create & Take" sessions and were able to create some nice cards following instructions from CTMH staff and using new stamp sets, papers, and embellishments.   It is always nice to learn new tips and techniques.  Be sure to look at your stamps and try to imagine how they can be used in non-conventional ways.

One of my favorite tips that I learned this year during "Create & Take" was the stamping in the corners of this card.  If you look closely at the green frame with the words "Precious Moments" and then at the corners of the card, you will see that the same stamp was used.  For the corners, only a portion of the stamp was used, and I really like the effect of framing the card.  Even though this card uses papers from the new Christmas themed Mistletoe kit, it is not a Christmas card.  The small frames (one solid and one outline) and the sentiments are from the new Unity stamp set, and the flourish and small circle is from The Present.  Also included on the card are some of the wonderful new Mocha Opaques which are self-adhesive gems, with a pearlized finish.  They are so easy to use, add a great finishing touch, and are a bargain at only $2.95 for 108 gems in a variety of sizes and colors.    

Something Splendid is Irresistible

Participating in Creative University Online this weekend really got me into 'creative mode' and I finally finished a card using a paint "resist" technique that Nona Davenport shared at the CTMH Convention this summer.  

The large flower image from the Something Splendid (August SOTM) was embossed using clear powder onto a piece of patterned paper from the You Rock kit, and then white paint was brushed over the top.  The embossed image 'resisted' the paint so that the patterned paper is visible through the flower petals.  One of my favorite stamp sets available in the new Autumn/Winter Idea Book is Unity, and includes the small frame and cute sentiment used on the card. 


I wanted to add just a bit of shimmer to the edges of the Goldrush cardstock, so I used some of the Glitz Glimmer Gel and applied it with a small paintbrush to the very edges of the cardstock.  In real life, there is a nice little sparkle to the edge, but it is difficult to see in the scanned image.   Another interesting detail is the flower patterned paper on the right side of the card.  You may recognize it from the Sweet Home kit, but the paper is actually a tan color.  Since I wanted a Goldrush color to the pattern, I simply used the ink pad to apply some Goldrush ink directly to the patterned paper.