Masculine birthday cards

The design of this card was inspired by some cards I saw on Pinterest.  

Math and measuring aren’t my strong point … this card took some time to figure out, but I am very pleased with the result. To figure out the key sizing, I started by measuring the saw and hammer stamps.  I had to add some more length to the rectangle for the hammer to balance the design.

The finished card is 5" x 7".

The white background is 4 ¾” x 6 ¾”.

Pieces from top left to right:

1 (top left corner) light grey colour 1 ¾” x 1 ½”

2 (top middle) dark blue colour 1” x 1 ½”

3­ (top right corner) light blue colour  1 ½” x 3 ¼”

4 (middle row, left side) medium blue colour 2 7/8" (¾” + 1/8")  and 3 ¼”

5(middle row, right side) dark blue colour  1 ½” x 1 ½”                               

6 (bottom row, left corner) dark blue colour 1” x 1 ½”

7 (bottom row, right corner) light grey colour  3 ½” x 1 ½”

Close to my Heart stamp sets used:

Hammer, saw and hand drill are from C1571 You’re the Best

“Happy happy birthday” sentiment from M1142 Happy, Happy Birthday

Ink colour: Outdoor Denim

Alternate design:

CTMH stamp: C1506

Using Workshop Your Way layout designs for inspiration

Close To My Heart's Workshop Your Way kits are so versatile.  They give you three two-page layouts that are beautiful and easy to assemble, as well as a bunch of card options.  Or as the title implies, you can use the papers, complements and accessories from the kit to make things your own way.

Once finished with a kit, hold on to the layout instructions for future use.  You can change up the papers and accessories for brand new looks using the same layouts.

I am currently working on a travel scrapbook using the Dreamin' Big papers.  I am using existing layout designs (from other WYW kits and CTMH books) so that I can create lots of pages quickly.

Here are two layouts I created using other WYW kits for inspiration:

Layout #1
For this one, I used the Sugar Rush Workshop Your Way layout #1 design with Dreamin' Big papers. complements, sequins and coordinating cardstocks.

Layout #2

This one is inspired by the City Sidewalks WYW layout #1 .  (I haven't decided which part of the trip to feature on these pages yet, so I haven't added a title or themed accents.)

Right hand page

Materials used:
Dreamin' Big paper pack X7218B
Dreamin Big' Coordinating Cardstock Z7218D 
Dreamin' Big sequins Z3315
Dreamin' Big complements X7218C

Dreamin' Big travel scrapbooking

Thanks for visiting the Team Brae'er Blog Hop.

Dreamin' Big is a beautiful new paper collection from Close to my Heart. 

The Glacier, Poppy, Sorbet and Goldrush colours remind me of water, sun and sand.  The corresponding Complements use words like explore, happy place and adventure which screams travel to me.  This combination inspired me to make an album documenting a Caribbean trip.  

Here is one of my two page layouts:

Left hand page

Right hand page

CTMH materials used:
Page Design: Make It From Your Heart Volume 1 - pattern #4 (page 12 & 13) -
Patterned Paper: Dreamin' Big (X7218B)
Title and accent stickers: Dreamin' Big Complements (X7218C)
Sequins: Dreamin' Big Sequins (Z3315)
Base cardstock: Sorbet X5751)
Other cardstock used: Juniper (x5752), Black (1386), White Daisy (1385)

Thanks for visiting and enjoy the next page in our blog hop: Michelle Hughes

Fall Colours

Today on the first day of autumn, I was inspired to create a simple card using fall colours and the autumn images from the September CTMH Stamp of the Month - S1609 Blessed Beyond Measure.

September 2016 SOTM - Blessed Beyond Measure

Color inspiration from:

Color My Heart Dare #211

Pleated Skirt Fold/Drapery Fold Card

Singing Butterfly Adornments

Darcel Kirvan – An Independent Close to my Heart Consultant

Pleated Skirt Fold/Drapery Fold (May 2016)

Supplies Needed:

-          Scoring board & tool        - paper cutter (that can cut wide, angled pieces)

-          Double sided 12/12 sheet of patterned cardstock (for skirt fold)        

-          Card bases (A2 ideal size) or cardstock to make the base     - Pencil and eraser          - Adhesive of choice

-          To decorate: other papers, stamps and inks of choice, ribbon, shimmer trim or washi tape, other accessories

Cutting Instructions

Use an A2 card base (4 ¼” x 5 ½”) – vertical orientation.

1.  Choose a  12” x 12” double sided patterned cardstock.  Ideally it should have a medium or large print on one side and a small print on the back.

2.   Cut the patterned cardstock at 7 ¾” x 3”.

3.  On the right side of the paper, make a mark 1¼” down from the top corner.  On the bottom of the paper, make a tick mark 3” from the left corner.

4.   Cut the paper from mark to mark to create the angle.

Scoring and Folding Instructions

5.  Score the paper with the long uncut side at the top.  Score at: 3”, 3 ½”, 5” and 6 1/8”.

6.  Fold the paper accordion style on the score lines, back and forth. 

Working backwards from right to left: (starting with the score line closest to the shortest side of the paper) mountain fold, valley fold, mountain fold, valley fold.

Card Assembly

7.  Put some adhesive on the back of each pleat to hold the pleats together.

8.  Attach the pleated skirt fold paper to your card base in the desired location.

9.  Decorate card as desired.

Alternate – Card size 6.5” x 5” – horizontal orientation

- Double sided cardstock – cut 10” x 3”.

- Mark 5” on bottom side, mark 1 ½” down on right hand side.  Cut on angle from one mark to the other.

- Score at 5”, 5 ½”, 7” and 8 1/8”.

- Use previous directions to assemble.

Happy Times Pleated Skirt Fold Card

New technique, new stamp set and new paper to celebrate National Scrapbooking Month. I thought I'd try the Pleated Skirt Fold technique that I've been seeing everywhere.  The paper  and stamp set are the special Happy Times CMTH promos.

Inspired by Color Dare #192

Turning 18

The colour challenge really comes in handy when you have to make a card and don't know where to start.  The colours inspire the images and overall look and before you know it your card is done!

My niece is turning 18.  These bright colours reflect her youthfulness and the brightness of her future.

Supplies used:
Cardstock - Pear, Ruby and Colonial White
Inks - Pear, Honey, Gypsy and Ruby
Stamp Sets - For Family C1633, Charming Cascades D1668, Life in Pictures - April 2016 Stamp of the Month S1604
Cricut cartridge - Artistry (photo frame, 18, eat cake sentiment)