Layout For Our 2011 Christmas Tree

Ok, so I am having a hard time choosing between CTMH’s “Believe” paper and “Wonderland” paper.  They are both something I want to play with this season.  So after tossing it back and forth I decided to do all of our “getting ready” for Christmas and “winter fun” photos on “Wonderland” and all festivities and Christmas itself on “Believe”.  So here is the first layout I did using “Wonderland”:

 

What stunning colors and I LOVE snowflakes!  The letters were cut out using the Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge exclusive to CTMH as was the snowflake, lace photo mat.  Here are just a few details to the layout":

Here is a 6 point flower (cut using AP from CTMH) with a Top Coat Icing Overlay attached to it via a Shimmer brad….FUN and SPARKLY!!!!

Below is an easy technique done by tearing the B&T paper then inking the edges…

This page is my favorite….perfect for displaying a picture of the tree farm we got our tree from on a chilly day!

Thanks, Close To My Heart, for another awesome paper pack!

Using Clear Cards For Xmas

Hi there....so I searched through my Close To My Heart treasures (and that is exactly what they are to me...treasures....:)) and found a few left over Clear Cards. I wanted to try something new with them so here is what I came up with.

A fun bookmark that can double as a gift tag as well:

This one was made when I cut a clear card that I used for a demo. After cutting the card to the size I needed, I colored it with re-inker by squirting some ink on a piece of felt and dabbing it on the clear front. (Alcohol ink works exceptionally well for this purpose and dries very quickly so that is also an option.) Once the ink dried, I smeared a little pearl paint from CTMH using my finger tip. This helped add a little shimmer to the clear card. Now comes the extra fun part.....using the Cricut and the Art Philosophy cartridge from CTMH I cut out a circle (using the layer function) and some 1 inch branches to add to the outside of it. Next "bling" it out using some red sparkle gems and and little ribbon....there you have it! Keep in mind..I may just use some Staz-On ink to stamp the perfect sentiment on the bottom ;)

Ok, now for the Christmas card. Here I inked the card using the same materials but this time instead of dabbing the ink on with felt, I dripped it onto the plastic and used a can of compressed air (the kind you use to clean your computer stuff) and gave quick bursts of air to the ink....so cool (got that tip from Tim Holtz). I then added some strips of B&T from the "Believe" paper pack....cut a tree using AP and added some sparkle.....

Having so much fun using my clear cards....contact me if you want some for yourself!

Penguin Kisses

Here is my newest addition to my gift box collection. I made it using my Close To My Heart Art Philosophy cartridge.....

Here are the images I used by page number:

gift box on Page 23 (cut handles off)
2 ovals(3) at 3 1/4" on Page 42 black for body
2 ovals(3) at 2 3/4" on Page 42 white for tummy
4 circles(1) at 3/4" on Page 21 eyes
2 banner(4) at 1" on Page 49 nose
4 banner(5) Font mode Page 59 feet
2 3 1/4" circles cut in half for arms
1/2" strip of black cardstock for handle
hat was cut from simply charmed cartridge

Voila! Now fill with winter treats....

Craft Fairs and the Holiday Season

Hello, everyone. So it has been 1 week since the 1st annual KWC Craft and Vendor Fair and I got together a few pictures of some of the things that were a big hit with the customers. I love that I was able to put together a few things that were for the holiday season as people we getting an early start to their shopping. These items would be great stocking stuffers, or small tokens of thanks to those you see and work with daily! So here we go (all materials used are CTMH unless otherwise noted):

The first thing that was a hit were these little packs of tissues wrapped in craft cardstock, sweet leaf ribbon, and stamped with cute reindeer/snowman. People were grabbing these...kind of wish I made more than I did.

The other thing that was liked were these lollipop candles I made and wrapped with a simple tag stamped and glitzed with glitter gel. Great gift toppers!!!!!

Here are my favorite bookmarks...great for teachers, librarians, or the other avid readers in your life....again, another great gift topper!

One more idea for ya.....decorate the top of a Ziploc container, fill with crimped, colored paper, and a few K-cups of coffee!!!!! Great for a little Secret Santa gift....

Class: Holiday Gifts on a Budget

Create With Danielle Presents
Gift Giving on a Budget
DATE: November 17th
TIME: 7:00p
LOCATION: My House
MORE: My goal for this class is to teach you how you can use everyday household and home office items and add a little imagination to create holiday gifts or dress up the gift you already purchased.

No need to be a crafter....I am here to show you how.
No need to buy a ton of supplies....I will show you how to take what you may already have and use some CTMH product to make it special and original.
You do need to bring an open mind!

This class will be fun and you will get to create something yourself so you can see how fun and easy it really is.

Do you own a small business or are you in direct sales yourself? This class can give you ideas on how to jazz up your client gifts or monthly specials. Are you a teacher and need a craft idea for your students to create holiday gifts for their families? Well, again, this will inspire you. Local bakers, photographers and other artisans...you too can benefit by getting ideas on how to make your work look more personal and professional at the same time.

There is a $5 fee per person and necessary to reserve your spot. I do have a special running until November 11th. Reserve 1 spot & get 1 spot FREE! If you bring a guest/friend, their reservation fee will be waived. Only one guest per person allowed. That would be like paying $2.50 per person to reserve a spot! Talk about budget friendly! Space is limited so early registration is recommended. Contact me if you are interested in joining us valentino.danielle@yahoo.com Hope to see you!

Let's create together!!!