Tips & Techniques Tuesday

How to make lined envelopes

Another interesting tip I found on Pinterest.  I must post some of my own tips very soon, but in the meantime,  why try to "re-invent the wheel" when you find a well photographed tip?

Step#2 picture ( about cutting the liner paper) is missing here but click on the the LiveCraftEat.com website to see and read the full tutorial.  You can also download a FREE PDF file.  Great Idea for using left over paper scraps.

I'd love to know if you try this.  Why not email me a photo so I can share it here.
Happy Crafting, Marg

Nothing like a weekend in the bush!

Found this on Pinterest.  This is how I felt after a weekend of working on my garden....and my
QUOTE of the WEEK (again from Pinterest)

Back soon, Marg.

Card Making Options with Close To My Heart

A short FAQ -  what's the difference between ....CTMH Kits, Marguerite's Kits and Paper Packs
For this example I am using the NEW (avail April 1st)  Blossom Range
I have linked back to each post in case you need to read again.

Designs by Marguerite - Exclusive  Blossom Card Kit $25.00 (incl.postage)

Everything thing you need to complete four cards.  Only adhesive & scissors required.


Workshops on the Go® Blossom Cardmaking Kit $37.00 + shipping
The Kit (includes):
My Acrylix® D size stamps set-Blossom Cardmaking Workshop
Blossom B&T Duos™ Papers (2 sheets)
Cardstock (4 sheets, various colours)
White Daisy Cards & Envelopes (15 each)
Coral Reef Sequins
Glacier Extra Thick Twine
Instructional Guide
Use the materials, accessories, exclusive D-size stamp set, and instructions in this
kit to create 15 beautiful cards (5 each of 3 designs) inspired by Jeanette Lynton!

you may buy kit to complete at home, you would also need to purchase  Black, Lagoon, Pear, Smoothie Inks, or as part of a workshop/class inks would be shared

MY REFLECTIONS™  Blossom Paper Packet $15.00 + shipping

6 – 12" × 12" B&T Duos™ Papers (2 each of 3 double-sided designs)
6 – 12" × 12" Cardstock Sheets (2 Lagoon, 2 White Daisy, 1 Glacier, 1 Sunset)
you choose how to use the paper- you choose your project
In the not to distant future I hope to be offering classes & workshops with a choice
of options between My Card Kits and WOTG®  Kits.

Have a great weekend,
Marg

Blossom - Four Card Kit

My FIRST Card Kit
Available for purchase - April 1, 2015

As a very, very new CTMH Independent Consultant, I wanted to start creating as soon as possible,
and, to get the ball rolling I am in the process of designing some Card Kits.  A Try It and See, as I am assuming that you may be unfamiliar with the amazing array of Close To My Heart Blossoms Paper Kit products.

These kits are for purchase on line by an individual or as a class/gathering for a group of friends in your home.  Eventually, I will be holding regular classes and workshops in a church hall in the Hornsby area (venue still to be confirmed).

Each Four Card Kit comes packaged with card bases, envelopes, embellishments, stamped, coloured and pre-cut ready for assembly PLUS full colour instructions: "what to do", order of construction & measurements of each paper piece so you my use as a template to create more cards using different colours and elements. In most cases all  that is needed to complete each card is adhesive, sharp scissors and enthusiasm.

Bye for now, off to work on Kit #2 (2 done, 2 to go)
Keep crafting,
Marg

Tips & Techniques Tuesday

CTMH Shin Han Markers - a useful resource

Yet again another great idea found on Pinterest, this one by Regina Kettering, CTMH Independent Consultant. Whilst exploring some other creative uses for the markers, Regina has made up this chart showing how she used the markers to alter the colour of embellishments. Regina tried it out with some CTMH products she had on hand including  both current products and retired products because as she says "I know everyone has products in their stash from which to pull". 

For a closer look HERE'S the link to the post  on Regina's blog - Reginas Stamping Corner.

The Amazing Shin Han Markers - Embellishment Alteration

 Thanks for sharing Regina.

Quote of the Week

Words to ponder....

As a avid Pinterest follower, I often come across some terrific quotes.  Some are powerful, some cute and others that make me giggle or even better laugh!  I have decided to share with you each week, a quote that touched me in some way. Nothing too HEAVY I promise.

To start the ball rolling, a little  fact "about me".  I am a dog lover from way back.

Found on Pinterest from PetMD.com

A GREAT LEAP FORWARD for my blog... I will be posting my first Card Kit later today!
Until then, happy crafting,
Marg

CTMH - Blossom WOTG

Two more "Blossom Cards"

Last Friday, you may remember I posted images on the newest WOTG Kit using the NEW "Blossoms" Paper (available April 1st).

As I mentioned the kit comes with enough supplies to make 15 cards, five each of three designs.  I decided to make up three more cards using "leftovers" from the kit. Today I made two more cards with the "leftovers" and added another new stamp "Shower Flowers Occassions"

Blossoms 2 Card

The flower's and foliage on the right are from Shower Flowers Occassions stamp set. Flowers on the left are from the exclusive stamp set - Blossom, available only with the WOTG Kit. I added to the foliage with one small sprig stamp from the Shower Flowers set.

Blossoms Card 3

Finally, and to save you going back the First extra card posted last week.

Blossom Card 1

Have a great weekend.

Marg

Tips & Techniques Tuesday

EVERY TUESDAY .... I hope to share an interesting tip, technique or tutorial  (most of which I have discovered on Pinterest or surfing the web)

Today I found this on idea on Pinterest from a blog call Stone Gable.

This is perfect for me as I have a range of note books and sketch pads for various media plus notes on my ipad and computer.

I was given a great little 6" square, spiral note book for Christmas. I has a bright red cover, with a great graphic - "lots of amazing, fabulous, great ideas in here. It fits easily into my handbag and as of today will become "my go to book"

I loved this little book on Christmas day and it has been sitting on a shelf in my studio, lonely and empty with all the other notebooks.  A light bulb moment for moi!

My new "Go to Book"

.

Seasonal Expressions Two - New Idea Book

Available April 1st, 2015,  

37 Pages of NEW Products & Ideas

Workshops on the Go®  Blossom Cardmaking Kit - Available April 1st

I have received my eagerly awaited New Consultants Kit which, along with all sorts of samples, included the gorgeous Blossoms Kit. Seeing all the wonderful paper, stamps and ink samples in the kit, I have now placed an order.

As a new Independent Consultant, I thought I should make up the cards as per the instructions and share my opinion of the products I used.

My Review

The instructions in full colour are easy to follow and include all cutting diagrams & instructions. The colour of the papers are much more vibrant than on screen. I absolutely LOVE the ink pads, the colours and quality of the ink. The stamps are a dream to use, excellent quality and beautifully packaged. Do make sure you read the instructions enclosed -"How to Condition New Stamps" and "Caring for your Stamps".  Each Workshop on the Go® Kit features an Exclusive Stamp Set which can not be purchased separately. So, if you love the stamp set, the W.O.T.G. kit is a must.

As I have never made a card by following instructions (hard to believe, but true), I decided to make each card and share what I learnt - my tips and faux pas.

Card # 1 "Hope you have a day full of FUN"

I struggled with the stamping because I did not have a full set of MyAcrylix™ Blocks,
(definately worth having and now ordered).  I had to do my paddle pop stamping again. (I should have done the sticks first and I should have definitely conditioned my stamps a bit more)  I also stamped the "fun" too far in. As I had not adhered the Kraft mat I was able to use the back of the Daisy White Card.

Card #2 "You are worth Celebrating" 

I had to stamp the flowers twice (I turned the paper over and stamped again).  The greeting was also a disaster (not lined up properly) so I cut a new piece of Kraft paper, stamped again, used my black stamp pad to edge the paper and glued to the card. A great tip to remember if you make a mess like me. I used a scallop punch (no circle punch) for the Happy Birthday Stamp.

Card #3  "Make a Wish"

By now I had learnt my lessons! Conditioned my stamps well, Stamped on the white card before adhered Kraft mats and the big cheat: I stamped the two "washi tape strips" on white card, then fancy cut and adhered to the card base. I also changed the position of the bow.

The Glacier Twine is beautifully soft and very easy to work with (despite it's title "Extra Thick Twine" and Coral Reef Sequins come in three sizes and colours and are backed with adhesive - so easy to adhere. 

Finally I had to try out The Liquid Glass (which came in my kit). The bottle has a very sturdy applicator and lid. I am impressed!  I used the liquid glass to adhere all the twine and added shiny centres to the flowers in Card 2 and shine to the candle flames & stars in Card 3.

Even though the Blossom WOTG Kit will make 15 cards, I have now ordered the Blossom Paper Pack so I can design some cards to make up into a Card Kit for sale for those not wishing to buy the Kit. In the mean time I had a little play with some of the left over printed paper. I stamped and coloured two flowers from the new Wavy Blooms Stamp set (available April 1st, 2015).

Until next time...Happy Crafting.

Great Video...grab a coffee, sit back & watch

If a picture is worth a thousand words,

a thousand pictures must be worth? ....

I found this video by Katherine Skipper, a talented Independent Close to My Heart consultant on You Tube.   In this video (published on Aug 29, 2014 ) Kathy shares her top 10 favourite products from the new Close To my Heart Annual Inspirations Catalogue/Ideas Book. You can still order from the catalogue until August 31st 2015 (extended by one month).

I particularly love the peek of the My Crush™ In the Pink Book & Accessories and The Brushed Workshops on the Go™ Pack. I think it s well worth watching if you are new to CTMH products.

New Card & Papercrafting Blog

Welcome to Designs by Marguerite

I have recently become an Independent Consultant for Close to My Heart (CTMH) and today I am starting my blog. Please bear with with me as I stumble my way through this unfamiliar format.

Whilst I eagerly await the arrival of my samples and product, a little about me of and my love of paper crafting. I have been teaching card making at a local store for a couple of years but since discovering CTMH I am now going to teach from home and on my blog.

Why Close to My Heart?  I constantly struggle and find it almost impossible to find plain papers that coordinate perfectly with printed papers. Close to My Heart has solved my constant dilemma.
Not only do they manufacture a gorgeous range of papers and inks, with their Exclusive Colour Palette you can be sure all your papercrafts will coordinate perfectly, no matter which colour you choose!  From four colour families with 10 unique tones in each, plus two shades of white, select the perfect palette for all you projects. To view see pages 188-189 of the ideas book.

I am so very excited about the possibilities! Just in case you are curious, below is a link to the beautiful ideas book here.  If you prefer it can also be viewed as a full colour PDF on my website.

To illustrate why I am so excited about starting my CTMH journey check out this beautiful sample from Kathleen at Bowl of Stamps. It is from the Brushed collection and I found it on Pinterest where I have just added CTMH Cards to my boards. I can't wait to start producing my own workl  and look forward to sharing my creations with you all!

Until next time...Happy Creating!
Marg