Work on it Wednesday - Close To My Heart new product sneek peak (Happy Birthday Layout)

WELCOME FELLOW CRAFTERS!

It's work on it Wednesday. Today, I am continuing with the sneak peaks into the CTMH Sep. 2020 to Aug. 2021 catalog. I wanted to make a scrapbook layout using the same color pallet from the "Party Time Paper Packet" that I used for the cards in my last post!! Later in the week, I will feature cards and layouts using greens, blues and yellows.

Here is the layout.

I used the same pink dot patterned paper on the layout base, with highlights of Lemonade Cardstock and raspberry cardstock. I also used the pink side of the birthday present patterned paper. You would never know the back side of the paper was so blue/green by looking at the layout. It's hard not to love the versatility of this paper packet.

If you look closely at both the patterned paper and the cardstock, you will see I inked the edges with the matching ink color (Raspberry ink and  the Lemonade ink) ) to give the layout a little more "pop". A little splash of glitter using a Raspberry Shimmer Brush, add a few stickers and the layout is done....or is it.

The top picture is the right side of the birthday layout and the bottom picture is the left side of the layout. I added the balloons to the top of the picture to be used as a pull tab. Watch what happens when you lift the tab.

I used flip flaps to create a "waterfall" of pictures because I had a series of pictures showing my daughter first discovering the streamers blocking her door, and then her climbing thru them. I wanted to capture the whole memory and no 1 photo did this.

Here is my list of products used to make this layout

1. Party Time Paper Packer + Sticker Sheet (X8016S - Avaialble Sep 1, 2020
2. Party Time Coordinating Cardstock (X8016C) - Available Sep 1, 2020
3. Yellow Acrylic Stars
4. Raspberry Exclusive Inks
5. Lemonade Exclusive inks
6. 4" × 6" Flip Flaps™ Memory Protectors™

I know many of you are in the same boat as I am with having so many pictures from a single birthday, and how could I not when it was her 21st birthday??  Check back Friday for one more set of girlie cards berfore I fall head first into birthday layouts with a goal of staying in the moment.  

Stay well and Happy crafting!!

TINA Stanczak

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Finish It Friday - Brushed Animal Kingdom Rivers of Light Scrapbook Layout

WELCOME TO BRUSHED WEEK!

Today I am finishing my work on the River of Light Scrapbook Layout for my Brushed / Animal Kingdom workshop. 

Reminder, this workshop features a two page 12x12 Rivers of Light Scrapbook Layout, along with a Stitch layout. All of the layouts in this workshop use the Brushed Paper packet. Brushed is an older paper packet that was "refreshed" with new colors and brought back by popular demand. Yesterday I showed how I made the title for the layout.  Today I am going to fill in a few more details needed to create the Rivers of Light layout.

When you open the design space file, you will see the below image.

Generally, I will hide the photo mats before cutting. The white rectangles are the "Place Photo Here" (photo place holders, so I also hide those so I don't cut them). I leave the photo mats in DS so you will know where the photos should be placed.

Once the photo mats are hidden, Cricut will sort the cuts onto 14 mats. After you make the adjustments shown on Tuesday blog post for cutting the lotus flowers, you will be working with 13 mats.

Mat 1 = Pewter scrap (light side) for large rock
Mat 2 = Bokeh patterned paper for lotus flowers
Mat 3 = Mink scrap for small rock
Mat 4 = Canary (light side) 4x6 piece for RIvers of Light title
Mat 5 = Green Apple (dark side) 3x6 piece for RIvers of Light title
Mat 6 = Green Apple dotted patterned paper for reeds
Mat 7 = Bluebird (light side) for waves
Mat 8 = Bluebird (dark side) -> use same mat but insert into Cricut with uncut cardstock at top
Mat 9 = Saphire (light side) for water
Mat 10 = Black  NOTE: Design Space puts the Black cuts on 2 mats. I moved the cuts on to a single mat.
Mat 11 = Saphire (dark side) for water
Mat 12 = Kraft Cardstock for star template.

After cutting all of the pieces, I inked all of the water pieces (bluebird, sapphire light side and sapphire dark side) with Bluebird ink. Then I inked the wave pieces with Carolina at the bottom of the wave and added clear shimmer brush to the top of the wave to make it look more like water.

The rocks are also inked using Charcoal (because I don't own a Pewter ink pad). I think either would work just as well. Next, I glued the layout together (minus the title). 

If I was to make this lyout again, I would first use a gold shimmer brush to add stars to the black, then glue all the peices down. Instead, I created a star template in DeisgnSpace and used the template to add stars to my layout with stickles. 

Here is what the final two page 12x12 River of Light Scrapbook Layout. 

Rivers of Light - full layout

Rivers of Light Left page

Rivers of Light - Right Page

Please email or Facebook PM to purchase the Cricut DS file for $3.50, or a fully cut layout kit for $10 (available thru July 17th).

Check back Tuesday (Technique Tuesday) for the higlights on using a Cricut cut template to make stars with stickles.

Stay well and Happy crafting!!

And remember all Cricut and general crafting questions are welcome!!

TINA Stanczak

shop |    http://emptynestscrapin.closetomyheart.com

Pinterest |    https://www.pinterest.com/niallsmama

Facebook |     Emptynest   Scrapin   (private group for project instructions)

Work on It Wendesday - Brushed Animal Kingdom Rivers of Light Scrapbook Layout

WELCOME TO BRUSHED WEEK!

Today I am continuing my work on the River of Light Scrapbook Layout for my Brushed / Animal Kingdom workshop. After two days of work, I had designed the main portion of the layout and figured out how to cut the lotus flowers to my satisfaction but I was missing a title. I had created the layout in design space without the title, then cut all of the pieces except the title, because I couldn't decide what colors to make the title.

Reminder, this workshop features a two page 12x12 Rivers of Light Scrapbook Layout, along with a Stitch layout. All of the layouts in this workshop use the Brushed Paper packet. Brushed is an older paper packet that was "refreshed" with new colors and brought back by popular demand. Yesterday I showed how to make lotus flowers using the Bohek patterned paper for the Rivers of Light layout.

Here is what the two page 12x12 River of Light Scrapbook Layout without the title. 

For me, scrapbooking is a creative process. I am very visual, which is why I love to setup my full layout in Design Space with the correct colors and patterns to see what the final project will look like and watch my vision become reality.

Since I couldn't make up my mind what colors to make the title, I cut and glued all the other pieces. Before gluing down all the pieces I had to make a key decision....do I leave the layout as above, or sort out a different solution for the edges. Since you can not cut a 12 inch piece without a 24 inch mat, the blue pieces for the river were only 11 1/2 inches across. I wasn't thrilled about how the layout looked in design space, so I started experimenting with other options. In the end, I decided to go with the African looking Zip/Branding strip. Refer to the below picture for the zip strip I am referring to.

It seemed to me that this zip strip pattern was perfect for a Disney Animal Kingdom layout with the African vibe it gives off. After attaching the zip strips to the right and left sides, it was pretty clear I needed to use the Green Apple and Canary Yellow as the title colors. First, I tried the canary on top with the green apple as the shadow. Again, not thrilled. I switched the colors and liked this combo a lot better.  The green apple was now forming a visual triangle from the zip strip on the left, to the title at the top, to the reeds at the bottom right of the layout.

Now to cut the title and add to the cluster of lotus flowers.

After looking at the title shadow on the pink lotus, I decided to ink the tite shadow with canary to make it pop more off the pink lotus cluster. I also inked the words in green apple so they would pop of the canary background shadow. 

I glued the canary yellow title shadow to my lotus cluster, centering the title shadow on the cluster of lotus flowers. I added "Rivers", "of", "Li" and "ght" pieces in that order. NOTE: the picture above shows the final layout. The lotus flowers were not glued to the layout when I was working on the title. 

Here are more pictures of the finished tite.

If you would like a private tutorial on creating your own titles or adding a drop shadow to an existing title, please email or Facebook PM to setup a private class time. I offer private Cricut training.

Check back Friday (Finish it Friday) for the finished layout.

Stay well and Happy crafting!!

And remember all Cricut and general crafting questions are welcome!!

TINA Stanczak

shop |    http://emptynestscrapin.closetomyheart.com

Pinterest |    https://www.pinterest.com/niallsmama

Facebook |     Emptynest   Scrapin   (private group for project instructions)

Technique Tuesday - Write on the branding (zip) strip w/ Cricut & Hidden Photos

WELCOME TO AURORA WEEK! 

Today I continue to highlight the Aurora / Alaskan Cruise workshop I designed, including a really cool technique using your Cricut to write on the branding (zip) strip of any Close To My Heart paper. 

This workshop creates (8) 12x12 scrapbook pages. I love the rich color combination in this kit. It features the Aurora paper collection from Close To My Heart and creates 8 cruise / outdoor themed scrapbook pages. As I said yesterday, I know so many people who recently went on an Alaskan cruise. This workshop is perfect for capturing your memories of either past or future travels, from cruising to hiking or any other outdoor vacation.

Here are the (8) 12x12 scrapbook pages.

Both Layout 1 : Northern Lights  and Layout 2: Ocean Views / Glacier Bay were previously featured on my blog.

Layout 4: Wild & Free / College Fjord is today's featured layout.

The featured colors of this layout are Linen, Charcoal, Sapphire, Glacier and Peacock. These colors are perfect for photos of - you guessed it!  Mountains and/or glaciers. 

As an extra bonus, the precut workshop features a choice of two titles: "Wild & Free" or "College Fjord". Or, change the text in the design space file to make it your own! (refer to picture below).

The workshop features a really neat technique for using your Cricut to write on the branding (zip) strip. The Color Photo Intructional Guide will walk you thru this technique step by step. Also, I am available via facebook live for a one-on-one tutorial (included in the price of the workshop).  

Another key technique included in this layout is "Hidden Journalling/Hidden Photos" using PML cards. All you need is a little foam tape. The 5x7 photo mat was created using one of the patterened papers, then adhered with foam tape on the top, bottom, and right side. 

Hidden Journalling Technique: I added tabs to 2 of the 4x6 PML cards so they can be used for journalling. I layered a smaller PML cards on top of of one of the larger PML cards to allow for journalling on top of the dark pattern.

Hidden Photos Technique: On the back side of the PML journalling cards I added photo mats so you can include additional photos of your favorite views. Notice that I cut 1/8 inch off each side of the photo mat to make the photo fit the 4x6 PML cards & leave a tiny bit of the pattern paper showing.

Wa-la!  A great way to add extra photos to a layout without using Flip Flaps, thus allowing for the extra photos to be a different size than the main photo (i.e. the 5x7 photo).

When making this layout, I used a white gel pen to add defintion to the banners (cut by the Cricut) and black pen to outline the photo mats. Just that tiny bit of contrasting color can really make the photos pop.

I love the contrast of the blues and grays with a hint of green. It really does remind me of the glaciers and College Fjord. That said, it also reminds me of hiking/snowshoeing in the cold crisp air on a winter day. I know, you are thinking to yourself "Hey lady, it's June!".  One can't help but to envision a nice crisp day by the ocean or in the mountains with these wonderful colors.

Items contained in the precut kit:

Aurora PML Cards

• All Cardstock, Aurora Patterned paper, and Aurora Mix in patterned paper PRE-CUT for (8) scrapbook pages
• (1) 12x12 cardstock weight Sticker Sheet with Metallic Accents
• (1)  Package of Aurora PML Cards
• Emailed Color Photo Instructional Guide of all completed layouts
• Bonus: when ordering a pre-cut kit, you will receive both titles for this layout (stamped title and Cricut cut title)

This is $32.25 worth of product. Plus Color Photo Instructional Guide of all completed layouts which includes instructions for today's Technique using your Cricut to write on the branding (zip) strip. The Cricut Deisgn Space files are also included in the Instructional Guide.

If you are interested in creating this workshop yourself, simply purchase the Aurora paper packet or PML cards from https://emptynestscrapin.closetomyheart.com/ and I will email you the Color Photo Instructional Guide of all the completed layouts and the Cricut Design Space file links.

Or purchase the Cricut Design Space files for $7.50.  When you purchase the DS files, the Color Photo instructional Guide will be emailed to you with the DS file links.

Simply email niallsmama@comcast.net to purchase a precut kit or efiles, or purchase Aurora products from https://emptynestscrapin.closetomyheart.com and receive the workshop for free.

Stay well and Happy crafting!!

TINA Stanczak

shop |    http://emptynestscrapin.closetomyheart.com

Pinterest |    https://www.pinterest.com/niallsmama

Facebook |     Emptynest   Scrapin   (private group for project instructions

Motivation Monday - Aurora / Alaska 8 Page Scrapbook Kit with Cricut cut files

WELCOME TO AurorA WEEK! 

Today, I am highlighting the Aurora / Alaskan Cruise workshop I designed. I am hoping these layouts will motivate you to scrapbook your vacation memories. 

This workshop creates (8) 12x12 scrapbook pages. I love the rich color combination in this kit. It features the Aurora paper collection from Close To My Heart, and creates 8 cruise / outdoor themed scrapbook pages. It feels like everyone I know took an Alaskan cruise past summer, including myself and my husband. And, if you haven't taken an Alaskan cruise, DO IT!!  With all the stir craziness due to our (12 week) self isolation, we are both counting our blessing for past travels and looking forward to a time when we can feel safe traveling again. This workshop is perfect for capturing your memories of either past or future travels.

Here are the (8) 12x12 scrapbook pages.

Layout 1 : Northern Lights was previously featured on my blog.

Layout 2: Ocean Views / Glacier Bay is today's featured layout.

The featured colors of this layout are Sapphire, Glacier and Peacock. These colors are perfect for photos of the ocean rolling by. Additionally, the Cricut Design Space file features a choice of two titles: Ocean View or Glacier Bay. Or, change the text on the title to make it your own!

Title: Ocean View           Bonus Title: Glacier Bay

When making this layout, I splattered the base pages with both the clear shimmer brush and the charcoal shimmer brush (hence the "white" spots on the base. The mountain tops on the title have also been covered with clear shimmer to add sparkle on the snow.

I also added clear shimmer to the lens of the binoculars, then popped them off the page using foam tape.

The colors are so pretty.  Don't they make you want to sit and watch the ocean go by??

Items contained in the precut kit:

Aurora PML Cards

• All Cardstock, Aurora Patterned paper, and Aurora Mix in patterned paper PRE-CUT for (8) scrapbook pages
• (1) 12x12 cardstock weight Sticker Sheet with Metallic Accents
• (1)  Package of Aurora PML Cards
• Emailed Color Photo Instructional Guide of all completed layouts
• Bonus: when ordering a pre-cut kit, you will receive both titles for this layout

This is $32.35 worth of product.  Plus the inctructions Color Photo Instructional Guide and the Cricut Design Space file links.  Workshop is specially priced at $30 plus shipping. 

If you are interested in creating this layout yourself, simply purchase the Aurora paper packet or PML cards from https://emptynestscrapin.closetomyheart.com/ and I will email you the Color Photo Instructional Guide of all completed layouts and the Cricut Design Space file links.

Or purchase the Cricut DeDesign Space files for $7.50. When you purchase the DS files, Color Photo Instructional Guide of all completed layouts will be emailed to you.

Simply email to purchase kit or purchase product from http://emptynestscrapin.closetomyheart.com and recieve workshop for free.

Stay well and Happy crafting!!

TINA Stanczak

shop |    http://emptynestscrapin.closetomyheart.com

Pinterest |    https://www.pinterest.com/niallsmama

Facebook |     Emptynest   Scrapin   (private group for project instructions

Creative Challenge - Custom Titles using your Cricut

WELCOME TO CRICUT WEEK 2! 

Today I outlining how to create a custom title for your scrapbook layouts within Cricut Design Space. Every once in awhile I want a title that I can not find in the Close To My Heart image sets, so I make my own.

For example, what if I wanted to add the title "Hiking" to the layout I created on Tuesday?

1. First I hide the "Wander" title.
2. Next, I add the text "Hiking" 
   
3. Now, I try different different fonts on for size.  I settled on a font called "Pooh - wood".
   
4. I wanted to use a tree as the letter "I" so I deleted the I and added 2 spaces.
   
5. I resized the tree until it "fit" the title.
6. Then I added two smaller trees to either side of the title.
   
7. Once I have the title cut, I could even layer it onto dark brown or black cardstock, then fussy cut around it.

Here is the layout with the new "Hiking" title.

Don't be afraid to make your own title, if you can't find a suitable title in your images.  You will be surprised how many fonts you can find and how many creative images you can add to your title.  Give it a try.

Stay well and Happy crafting!!

And remember all Cricut and general crafting questions are welcome!!

TINA Stanczak

shop CTMH |    http://emptynestscrapin.closetomyheart.com

shop Cricut |    Tina's Cricut affiliate link

Pinterest |    https://www.pinterest.com/niallsmama

Facebook |     Emptynest   Scrapin   (private group for project instructions)

Think about it Thursday - Adding Custom Patterned Paper to your Cricut layout

WELCOME TO CRICUT WEEK 2! 

As promised on Tuesday, today I showing how to add custom patterned paper to your Cricut layout. When I am creating a layout using Design Space, I like to visualize it with the paper packet I will be using to complete the cuts. As shown on Tuesday, I added a second base layer which was a plaid patterned paper. I have added this layer as a print because I am a very visual person and having the print on the page will help me pick the correct colors for my Cricut cuts. 

The instructions for doing this are as follows:

1. Secure a picture of the patterned paper ( I generally download a picture from my Close To My Heart sale site).
2. Upload a pattern fill. In past blog tutorials, we have uploaded images. To upload patterned paper, click on the Pattern Fill button.
   
3. Selected the picture of the patterned paper and upload.
   
4. Design Space asks you to name and tag the pattern. I named this pattern CTMH Timber red plaid since it is from the soon to be released Close To My Heart Timber paper packet. I tagged this pattern as Animals & Wildlife, Nature, Fall with a type of Plaids and Argyles.
   
5. Now that the patterned paper has been uploaded, I can add it to my design. To use, I simply add a shape (in this case a square), then I choose a "fill" of "print", then select "pattern" from the pull down and select the pattern I want to fill with from the drop down (in this case the CTMH Timer Red Plaid pattern). 
   
6. Once I have added the square for the second base layer, I selected the black base layer and align the center both horizontally and vertical.
   

That's all there is to it. I know nothing beats having all of your paper in front of you and just creating using the colors that match. That said, sometimes I get so excited about creating a layout that I design all of my layouts while I am waiting for the paper I ordered to arrive. I did a happy dance when I discovered I could upload patterned paper into Cricut and use it to design my layouts using specific paper packets.

Stay well and Happy crafting!!

And remember all Cricut and general crafting questions are welcome!!

TINA Stanczak

shop CTMH |    http://emptynestscrapin.closetomyheart.com

shop Cricut |    Tina's Cricut affiliate link

Pinterest |    https://www.pinterest.com/niallsmama

Facebook |     Emptynest   Scrapin   (private group for project instructions)