My NEW Studio!!

So I am FINALLY able to unveil pictures of my new studio. I started this summer on the project, and gave my studio an "up do"! My craft table prior was an old Costco fold up, and the wall paint color was blah boring pale green. I also removed my closet doors and took my grandmothers hutch that I chalk painted, and added it for extra storage space. My handy hubby built shelves to house about 30 of my 60 scrapbook albums(all in numerical order by year now!). The table in here was my cherry wood kitchen table, now chalk painted as well. My favorite part of the new room???.....The chandelier, of course!

5 Minute Card!

I am LOVING the new Artfully Sent Cricut cartridge from CTMH. This fun card was SO easy to make! Love the dimension. Get your Artfully Sent Cartridge today!! Item Z3107 if you haven't already!

Jubilee Cards made with cricut Artiste

These cards were made with the Artiste cartridge from CTMH. It amazes me how many times I have looked at the images on this cartridge and can still come up with new creations! Its endless. These were made with the Jubilee paper pack. The first pocket card was cut at 4-1/4" and the insert was hand cut to fit inside. The pinwheels are on page 50, and the base pinwheel(yellow) is cut at 1-3/4" the middle(red)at 1-1/2" and the top is the layering pinwheel cut at 2". The 2nd card was cut at 6"- and I used twine to close it. Both cards bases are found on page 67 of Artiste cartridge.

Paper Clip Banner card

Hello! I was inspired by a fellow consultant, Katy Taylor who made these cute little paper clip embellishments. I decided to make some and use them for a card. They would also be very cute on a layout. The fun thing about them is they use just a tiny amount of scraps, and add a nice embellishment! I used Ariana paper pack, and the featured September Special stamp set (#30YearsofHappy- see my website on how you can get this set for FREE ONLY this month!). I also used the awesome Quatrefoil Embossing folder (Z1926) and silver shimmer trim (Z1799), Dots (Z1853) and a few other retired bling/buttons. You can really use anything to make these fun!

Confetti Wishes Birthday Layout using Cricut

The Confetti Wishes paper pack (X7189B)was the first paper pack I purchased from the new catalog for CTMH! The colors are awesome. (they didn't photograph as well as they look in person!)The new color THISTLE is my favorite new color, and it compliments the new yellow color, Canary. This layout was really fun to make. I cut the hats using Art Philosophy cartridge at 7". They are cut using the triangle banner. They are topped with the pinwheels from Artiste on page 55, cut at 2-3/4". The word "celebrate" is cute at 1-1/2" in both Pear and Canary colors, layered. The embellishments are Z2044, Confetti Wishes Assortment.I also used a retired stamp set Connections (D1330)for the hat topper stamps.

Ghost Selfies

Well, I sure haven't posted in a while, so today I decided to post a few items I have been in my new studio creating. Anyone who knows me, knows I LOVE Halloween, so I started making my annual cards. This one is made with the new stamp set Frightfully Fun (B1453). I colored the creatures with the new Shinhan Touch markers that CTMH now sells. This can be addicting! It brings back childhood memories to color. I used the Warm Gray Light Orange, Pastel Green, Turquoise Blue, and Vivid Green.

Vintage Amoire....FINALLY DONE!

My parents gave me the bedroom set that they bought in the late 60's and had my entire childhood! When they moved to England in 1999, they gave me the amoire and also the matching dresser. I put them each in the 2 guest rooms we have. One is a Tommy Bahama theme, so it works quite well with the decor. BUT, this amoire went in the "beach" themed room upstairs, and I was never a fan of it, but kept it because it is such a SOLID piece, and was in such great condition. WELL...I finally decided to tackle CHALK PAINTING it. I did some research, and since Annie Sloan chalk paints don't require ANY sanding/prep, I ran with it. It's not cheap paint, but goes on very nicely. I started by painting the entire hutch Napoleonic Blue, then did 2 coats of the Pure White. I sanded lightly.....but a LOT! I wanted the look to be very distressed. I used different sand papers, but found the 320 grit worked the best. After distressing, I used the "secret ingredient" which is the Annie Sloan Wax. I brushed it on, and buffed it off with a soft rag. This seals the chalk paint, and makes the finish smooth. Lastly, I used the original hardware, but painted it silver. Wah-Lah!! It's DONE!

Camera Cards!

These cards were made using the CTMH Artbooking Cricut cartridge. I used treat cups to pop out the lens on a few, and had fun mixing it up with adding pictures/embellishments behind them. I affixed the camera on card stock to maek the camera the front of the card. Camera was cut from image on page 40 of Artbooking cut at 3-1/2". Base is 4-3/4" x 2-3/4". Some retired products used here, such as the "vintage beads" CTMH used to sell. Any small items can be added behind these treat cups, to make the card "shake". These were really fun to make! Thanks for looking!

Retiring Products are already selling out!!

Get them while you can! The retiring products are here today, gone tomorrow! Shop here to take advantage of these items before they are gone!

Spreading a little SUNSHINE!

This is a "box of sunshine" I made and painted/papered with bright colors. I have been wanting to make a box that is passed on over and over again between friends, and saw a donut style box on pinterest by Jeannette Hicks filled with yellow items, and this box was created from that! The idea is to give this box of sunshine to someone that "lights up your life". I added a note inside to encourage the recipient to "pay it forward" and fill the box (once they enjoy the goodness given to them) with yellow items and a personal note. Then gift it to someone they feel adds sunshine to their life! I want the box to get passed on and on. I also added a note inside to encourage recipients to post a comment on this blog when they receive it OR post a pic on my INSTAGRAM @HStew67. My hope is that this box adds smiles to multiple peoples faces, and it's a gift that keeps on giving. If you are visiting here because you received it, tells us who sent it to you, and what they mean to you! I hope you continue to spread the sunshine!

For those of you that are looking for the recipe on how the box was made: Retired CTMH memory box Paint- Yellow/coral/tan acrylic paints from Michaels Paper- Superhero's paper pack by Recollections from Michaels CTMH Artbooking for sunrays on front of box- page 53 size 9", Sunshine tag on front pg 52 size 9" Stamp set for works on front of box- CTMH CC1025 You Are My Happy stamp set, D1283 (retired) "Sending You" stamps Misc- Red button (from an old suit I owned, I don't throw those things away! ha), sunglasses brad, retired CTMH sassy strands and yellow dots.

Sandwich Board Birthday Cards

I saw this idea on pinterest (not my original idea!) and loved how easy and unique these cards turned out. The cutting directions are below. I used opaque white embossing powder on black paper to create a look of a chalkboard. The pennant banner is from the Jubilee Complements, and I used simple black/white bakers twine. All products are from CTMH. This also works for a fun July 4th card, with red/white/blue banner. Just a tip! Stamp sets used: Decemeber 2013 SOTM -Special Care S1312 and May 2013 SOTM- Pinwheel S1305

I'm getting ready for Independence Day!!

I don't know what it is about 4th of July for me.....maybe the fact that we get to celebrate what this country is founded on?? Freedom? Also, such a wonderful time to reflect on all those that are so brave to serve us each and every day. I really enjoy sending out cards to my friends and family. Here are a few to share. Cheers! Retired, oldies but goodies- Stamp sets used: CC1020, American Celebration D1458, Home of The Brave D1576. Colors used are Denim, Cranberry and Tulip. Paper on bike card is also from Jubilee and I used silver and red shimmer trim on firework card with red bling.

Skylark Birthday Layout

Happy Happy Birthday.....celebration! I used Skylark with LOADS of embellishments on this one. I was shooting for an eclectic look. The paper was Skylark, and I also used Skylark assortment. In addition, I used the midtown cork shapes, Keyboard Kraft Alphabet (Z1825), Dots (Z1853), Mini Chevron Ribbon(Z1929), and Irresistible Frames (Z1843). Multiple stamp sets were used- (see below). ALL items were CTMH. Colors used were Lagoon, Sweet Leaf, Desert Sand, Saddle, Honey and Lagoon. Stamps used: Skylark WOTG D1591, Hello Tweety B1420, Take A Picture C1440, Believe In Yourself C1574 and True To Life C1575

Timberline Masculine Cards

Today I was in the mood to make a few masculine cards with the Timberline paper pack (X7182B). The card on the left has multiple sentiments stamped from different stamp sets (see below). Colors used on all of these are Bamboo, Saddle, Ponderosa Pine, Slate, Lagoon, Honey and Colonial white. Embellishments used were Triangle studs (Z1928) and Dots (Z1853). Card on left stamp sets: Candlelight C1394 (retired), Party Pennants C1429, All The Details D1555, Banner Wishes B1438, You're The Best C1571. Card in Middle stamp sets: Camper Crazy C1578, Timberline WOTG stamp set for tire tracks D1588 Card on the Right Stamp set: Camper Crazy C1578

Lots of Butterflies!

This card was made with the Darice Butterfly embossing folder, and the die cut from Memory Box.I used glitter paper to cut the die, and also added 3 butterflies punching them with Martha Stewart punches. I am sending my parents this card for their 51st wedding anniversary. Card measures 4x6.

Waking up in San Francisco

Although my passion is papercrafting....and sipping wine.....and shopping....entertaining.....and traveling, SOMETIMES I have to go to work to pay for it all! I have the best career a woman can have. I get to be a Project Manager and get paid, and often get to SHOP, sip wine, and TRAVEL while I do it! This week was San Francisco. My project was in Sausalito, so I traveled the Golden Gate Bridge daily when the sun was rising. BEAUTIFUL!! This was the view from my Union Square room at the St Francis! Life is GOOD!

Faux washi card!

This card was made with the washi stamp from CTMH. I used dutch blue, juniper and sunset for the colors. I added a little bit of bling and dots. wah lah!

"SPRING" card...literally!

I STILL have paper from left from Dream Pop, and copied an card from last year that was done in pastels. I used the My Peeps (retired) stamp set for the bunny and put him on an adehesive spring (Z1725), for added effect. He is so cute on this card!

Paint Sample Punch Card

I see lots of art out there on Pinterest punching the paint samples from stores. I have several laying around and did just that for these shamrocks, and stamped the image from the Love Life stamp set (D1482). The LUCKY sentiment is from retired March Word Puzzle. Thanks for looking!

Bingo St Pattys Day card~

So...if you scroll down on my blog a few posts ago, I did a BINGO Alphabet Valentine for my hubby, and liked the easy format so well I tried it for St Patty's day. It worked out well. I used the Martha Stewart punch for the shamrocks and tied some white twine on it and added some green epoxy bubbles(z1935). Easy Peasy!!

St Pattys Day is Coming!!

I enjoy making St Patrick's Day cards almost more than Christmas cards...weird eh? I don't even think I have Irish in me. Oh well, my family and friend enjoy receiving a random holiday card in March! The card on the left was made with a few older retired stamp sets, D1204 Delight In Everything for the shamrock stems, and I used MArch Word puzzle for the shamrocks. Sentiment is from Joyful Jar B1393. Colors used were Pear, Topiary and Garden Green. I also used Marquee Enamel Shapes Z1961.

Feather card

I saw this idea on Pinterest, and HAD to make a feather card. The Feathers were cut from Cricut Artiste page 78 at 4-1/2" and 3-3/4". I am in love with our new flamingo dots (Z1934) and they couple with the Aqua Dots (Z1853) so well! Paper used was Later Sk8tr and Lollydoodle (X7183B). The striped paper is from the Skylark paper pack(X7177B).

HELLO, My name is AMAZING!

I have a dear friend that ALWAYS looks at the positive. We need more people like that in our lives. She usually uses the term "amazing" when referring to most experiences or feelings. She makes me smile. Recently she went through a divorce, and I am sending her this card to keep her smile going. It fits her! Products used here: Cloud Nine orange paper. Stamp sets-S1202 Thoughtful Tidings/ C1439 Enjoy Life/S1204 You Are and D1555 All The Details. Lined Paper cut at 4-3/4" on Cricut Artiste page 47. (paper is from Dotty For you set). Inks used were black and orange. Thanks for looking!!

Valentines Layout

I made this layout with Ruby, Slate and Cotton Candy card Stock and also used the Sparkle and Shine holiday stripe and hounds tooth paper, which works perfectly for Valentines. I had fun making embellishments using some older stamp sets. Whoo's your Valentine D1548, Soul Mates D1254, Cherish The Day SOTM S111, and Take Note from the new Artbooking collection D1574. I also used Sparkle and Shine embellishments Z1860, Base and bling red jewels Z1893, ruby chevron ribbon z1846, silver shimmer tape Z1799, and washi tape with paper clips. The striped spots for photos are 3x 4-1/2 x 3 and the larger photo spot on the left is cut at 6 x 4-1/2. Other items cut from Circut Artiste are the various hearts (pg 51) cut at 6", 5", 4", 3" and 2". The memo note is pg 47 cut at 3". The title is on pg 72 cut at 2". I cut another at 1-3/4 to give it the shadow effect. I think I am ready for the pics now!!

Sending Love Your Way.......

I saw this card idea on pinterest. I embossed the sky background paper with Cuttlebug and cut the clouds from Cricut Artiste, on page 70. The bakers twine is cranberry from the Harvest Assortment Z1751, and I used a small clothes pin to clip the 1" heart cut from Artiste pg 71 at 1". The sentiment is from Lifting Spirits C1570.

Masculine Valentine.....for my hubby

I've totally been in the Valentine making mood, and LOVE the traditional Red,pink and white colors. BUT...I needed to come up with another idea for Andrew ( my husband ). So...this "bingo" inspired Valentine did the trick. I used the Huntington paper from CTMH for the background, and the Bingo Alpha stamp set (D1478) and added some hearts cut from Cricut AP and bakers twine. Topped it off with a sentiment form the Whoo's your Valentine set D1548 and some bling from the Mini-Medley Assortment Z1857. WHA-LAH...! I think he will like it!

Banner Valentine

I'm still using up my Sparkle and Shine stash! I love how universal this holiday paper is. This valentine banner was cut from Cricut Artbooking page 49 at 2 1/2' real dial size.

Sending LOVE your way........

I've been wanting to make a "pocket" valentine for some time now. This pocket was cute at 2-1/2" from the Cricut Artiste on page 51. The hearts are from Artbooking page 49, use Real Dial size 2- 1/2". The stamp is from Lifting Spirits C1570. I love this stamp set because it is so universal and whimsical!

Gettin' ready for a Happy Valentines Day!

I used some of my Dream Pop scraps for the bright pink tag, cut with Cricut AP at 2-1/2 inches (pg 22). Then I used the gray ribbon to thread through for each side. See pic. The pink embellishments are from Base and Bling set Z1894.

Friendship card

This was a simple card made with colors that I usually don't mix together. I like how bright and cheery it is. The cardstock is ruby and pear. I used the sentiment from July's SOTM, Sweet Life. The gems for the cherries are from the Base and Bling jewel set (Z1893), and the red shimmer tape tops it off (Z1848).