Guest Designer Tuesday - Cricut Platform 9 3/4 Layout

WELCOME FELLOW PAPERCRAFTERS! 

Today I am featuring Guest Designer Ginni Candelaria.  Ginni is a fellow Close To My Heart (CTMH) consultant who designers layouts using Cricut cut files and CTMH paper packets.  Ginni's Harry Potter workshop launched in March of 2019, however I had not had the chance to create these layouts.  Now that I was on a roll with a Harry Potter theme, I decide to create this layout called "Platform 9 3/4s".

Having immersed myself in the memories of the first time we visited Hogsmead at Universal, my mind quickly moved to our second visit to Harry Potter world at Universal.  Diagon Alley had opened the year before along with the Hogwarts Express.  Platform 9 3/4s and the train ride were amazing.  How could I not create this layout?.  

I started by using Ruby cardstock as the base for the layout. I cut the brick stencil and inked the bricks on the base pages. I wasn't satisfied with the results. As you can see from the picture below, the bricks are barely discernible.

So off I went to my stash. I found a wonderful piece of patterned paper perfect for the layout.

I cut everything else as per the instructions. I did not have the black ribbon for the bows so I went into my stash and found a pack of Fundamentals Assortment Black with some cute little black bows I could substitute.

I am really happy with how this layout turned out.  And very excited to go find pictures to put on it.

Supplies needed:

1. X5965 Ruby Cardstock
2. X5961 Saffron Cardstock
3. X5946 Linen Cardstock
4. 1385 White Daisy Cardstock  
5. X6047 Black Cardstock
6. Charcoal Cardstock
7. Toffee Cardstock
8. Z3312 Gold Glitter Gems
9. Z3517 Black Journaling Pen (.05)
10. Z2497 TriBlend Dark Red Marker
11. Retired Fundamental Assortment Black

Check back in tomorrow for another cute Harry Potter layout and some stash busting tips.

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 - Cricut Quidditch Layout

WELCOME FELLOW PAPERCRAFTERS! 

Today I am having a hard time motivating myself.  Don't we all have days like that?  I decided to take a quick peak into my saved Cricut projects to see if I had saved a scrapbook layout I could tackle quickly to get myself back on a roll.  

And what did I come up with? A Harry Potter Quidditch layout suited my mood, as I was still feeling like I was stuck in the spring break version of the movie Groundhogs day.  And, the last spring break vacation we took as a family was to Orlando, where we spent days immersed in the world of Harry Potter. 

I realized after I photographed the layout I had one of the quidditch goal posts in the wrong place. Shh....don't tell me kids. 

I used cardstock that a friend of mine had given me when cleaning out their craft room.  Don't ask permission, Go ahead, scrap your stash!!

I really liked the green textured paper as it looks just like grass.  The gold and the red are also textured cardstock. All 3 papers were from my friends craft room. Most everything else was cut from craps I pulled out of my scrap box. 

Completing this layouts brought back memories of the first time we visited Hogsmead at Universal.  We were there for the grand-opening on June18,2010.  We had arrived into Orlando June 9th and the next day decided to do a couple of days at Universal before the grand opening crowd.  As luck we have it, we were walking by a 20 foot tall gate that led to Hogsmead when an employee asked us if we would like to go it, try the rides and take a survey.  The answer was HECK, YEH!!

Of course, it was amazing.  We got to ride the flagship attraction "Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey" not just once but twice in a row.  Part of the ride is flying thru the Quidditch pitch.  

Mission accomplished, I am now motivated to complete a set of Harry Potter layouts designed by a guest designer.  Check back tomorrow for Guest star Tuesday to see what I am working on.

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.

Mail those cards!!

WELCOME FELLOW PAPERCRAFTERS! 

Today I am not working on anything new but instead actually using the cards I made on Saturday.  Starting with my favorite, the toilet paper cards, I addressed them and put them out to the mail box.  Then I moved on to my second favorite, the Spread Joy Not Gerns card. Here are my cards waiting for the post man.

It is more important now than ever to keep in touch with our loved ones and family. I know most of my friends are fine but still a little lonely since they are not really leaving theirs houses; every one of them is working from home. Many of my older Aunties are in the high risk category, and therefore going for long walks on country roads is their only chance of an outing. I fear the younger generation, people in their 20s, may  be the people who are most isolated. I know my daughter really misses her friends and the bustle and bustle of a lively college campus.

I was able to get a handful addressed and out before the mailman came so tomorrow I am aiming to mail the next batch. Additionally I am going to show how I made the final card in the bundle my own by changing it up into a Mothers Day card!

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

Spread Joy - Not Germs

WELCOME FELLOW PAPERCRAFTERS! 

Today I am going to do another quick show & tell featuring a couple of the cards I made on Saturday.  Both of these cards were made using National Scrapbooking Day Cardmaking Bundle 1.  The kit makes 20 cards; 4 each of 5 different designs.  In additiona to the NSD card making Budle #1, I used an older stamp of the month "Random Acts of Cardness" from Sept 2019 (S1909) tostamp the sayings on the inside of the card.

ok, these little soap dispensers are so stickin cute.  I wasn't sold on them until I tried the layered stamping (stamp the bottle with one color ink, then stamp the liquid with the lagoon ink).  oh so cute!  For these cards, I stamped "Hello is it me you are looking for" and incldued a square of TP just to get a smile on the face of the receiver.

The next card is just happy with it's bright colors and smile on the inside. I have one of these earmarked for my sister whose wedding was postposed.  I know so many people whose lives were impacted by sheltering in place, it isn't hard to image finding a good use for these cards. 

Check back tomorrow for the final crad from the NSD Card making Bundle #1 cards.  If interested in purchasing the card making bundle, please click here National Scrapbooking Day Cardmaking Bundle 1.

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.

Toilet Paper Fun!!

WELCOME FELLOW PAPERCRAFTERS! 

Today I am going to do a quick show & tell featuring a couple of the cards I made on Saturday.  Both of these cards were made using National Scrapbooking Day Cardmaking Bundle 1.  The kit makes 20 cards.  For the saying on the inside of the card, I used an older stamp of the month "Random Acts of Cardness" from Sept 2019 (S1909) since the sayings were a perfect fit for the cards.

To be truthful, the toilet paper stamp is the reason I bought the set.  I plan on sending the above cards to some ladies I have been friends with since about 1983ish. And yes, I will be enclosing a square of TP in the card.

The next card is just happy with it's bright colors and heartfelt message. I haven't decided who I am giving these cards to tho I am sure given our current world, I will find a need soon.  

Check back tomorrow for the remainder of the NSD Card making Bundle #1 cards.  If interested in purchasing the card making bundle, please click here National Scrapbooking Day Cardmaking Bundle 1.

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.

National Scrapbooking Day

WELCOME FELLOW PAPERCRAFTERS! 

Yesterday was National Scrapbooking Day, so I dedicated pretty much the whole day from 9am to 1am papercrafting, then I slept until noon. 

I kicked off the day due a virtual crop hosted by fellow consultant Sue Stoughton.  A group of us dailed into her zoom crop for conversation and cropping during the morning hours.  

At noon Close To My Heart kicked off their event (note schedule show Mountain Standard Time).  As you can see from the schedule belo, it was a crazy busy day.

All of the videos for the projects are viewable at: Close To My Heart Facebbok videos

My first project was assembling the Blue Skies project with the video.  If you are interested in assembling this project with the video, the intructions are given in video #1 starting at the 30 minute mark.

Here is the first layout as corporate created it.

Here is my version of the layout.

As you can see, I changed a the photo sizes.  I followed my normal process when creating this layout; which is to find my photos first.  Reviwing my photos I realized I would not be able to crop the photos to 4x4 without cutting thru elements I wanted on the layout and that my 4x6 photo was horizontal.  Following the video, I applied the rainbow first and the first cloud sticker, then I applied photo mats using the sizes I needed.  I only put a small amount removable adhesive in the middle of the mat so that I could move elements around and slide stickers under the mats to ensure all of the elements would fit the layout in a balance manner.  For example, I had waited to attach the second cloud sticker to the left page to ensure it was not too low on the 4x6 photo.

On the right hand page, the process was much the same.  I attached the two photo mats than palyed with the cloud stickers until I felt they were balanced.

Another way I made the layout my own was by using foam tape to attach the rainbow as well as any photo mats attached to the rainbow.  Other suggestions for making a layout your own include adding shimmer brush splatter or random sequins or dots.

For the second layout, I followed the instructions as given.  Now I am wishing I had thought ahead to leave one of the houses off the layout to leave room for an ice cream truck since my photos are of the ice cream truck coming through our neighborhood (which only happens once in a blue moon).

Stay tuned tomorrow for the completion of the NSD projects. 

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

Aurora Workshop Now Available

WELCOME FELLOW PAPERCRAFTERS! 

I am still working away at my Alaska album.  As today is May 1st, I can share the wonderful new Aurora paper packet with you.

Don't you just LOVE it!!  The colors are so pretty!

I created an Aurora Workshop Creates: (8) 12” X 12” Scrapbook Pages.  The following files are included with the Aurora Scrapbooing workshop: Cover page and Welcome Letter, Cutting Guide, 'The Rest of the Story'  which is additional notes * tips to assist you in completing this workshop, including Cricut Design Space links, supply listing, and Photo References (photos of each layout).

I call the first layout Northern lights.

More layouts will be posted next week.  Be sure to stop back to see the rest of the workshop.  

If interested in purchasing the workshop, please email or PM me on facebook.

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