Watercolor - Liberty Layout

Looking for a fun and easy way to add dimension to your layout?  Watercolor splatter is a fun and quick way to add dimension and create a background for your layouts.  Go from blah to WOW in 30 seconds.  Please see video for instructions. 

What better way to scrapbook those 4th of July photos than creating this fun Liberty kit using a watercolor splatter technique for your background.

  Your basic kit will include:

•  pre-cut paper 
• photo mats
• gold Cricut cuts
• Instruction guide with color photo of layout 
• Video instruction on splatter technique link - above

 LIBERTY Layout Workshop

Additional supplies used to create this layout:

• Watercolor Paints - Z3132, medium and dark blue was used for this layout
• Paintbrush Set - Z3188, I like to use the large round brush
• Pewter Ink Pad - Z2832, used to ink/distress the photo mats

• 3D Foam Tape - Z1151, used to pop-up the solid stars

• Bonding Memories glue pens - Z553 & 1512

 

For all of your paper crafting needs please visit my site at:  TexasScrapbookingQueen.closetomyheart.com

Your crafting coach,
Lori

Colorado Bearded Man

Hello scrapping friends.  Here is another example of using CTMH's Flip Flaps to add a couple of photos to your layout.

Below you can see the my 4X6 photo flips up to reveal 2 more photos.  CTMH's Flip Flaps not only add photos, but it also adds fun to your artwork.

Feel free to join my FB Group here.  

Email me here if you have any questions.

Your crafting coach,

Lori

Colorado Fun - Wild Child

Here is a fun layout I created using two different styles of CTMH's Flip Flaps.

On the left side of my layout I use a 4X4 flip flap that flips up to reveal 2 more 4X4 photos.  On the right side of my layout I used a 4X6 flip flap that opens to the right allowing me to add 2 more photos to my layout.

If you haven't tried CTMH's Flip Flaps, give them a try and see how easy it is to add extra photos to your layout.

Contact me here if you have any questions.

Your scrapping coach,

Lori

Colorado - Happy Camper

 Hello my crafty friends!  I got the chance this weekend to work on some photos from our trip to Colorado.  One of my favorite things to use is CTMH's Pocket Plus Memory Protectors.  It is a great way to add photos to your layout w/o adding weight to your page.  So below you can see my layout prior to adding the Memory Protectors.

 

So now I have added my Memory Protector - Design 2, 4X6 vertical style.  By using this I was able to add 4 additional photos.

Well anyone that knows me, knows I love to take tons of photos!  So I ended up needing a couple more of the Memory Protectors.  Below you can see Design 2 on the left and Design 4 on the right which allowed me to add 8, 3x4  photos.  WOW!

So you will see below I added 2 more of the Design 2, 4X6 photos from our trip to Treasure Falls. 

I now have a small mini album in between my layout using all of the great photos I took of our family at the falls.

My fun embellishments were created using CTMH's Cricut cartridge, 'You Are Here'.  

Feel free to join my FB Group here for updates and information on all things paper crafting. 

Your crafting coach,

Lori

My Acrylix® Stamps - Tips For Use & Care

An informative video on how to season, use, clean and care for your beautiful new Close To My Heart!

 

Happy crafting my friends.  If you have any questions please contact me here.

Colorado - Hello Summer

Just wanted to drop in and say Hi! to everyone.  It has been a while since my last blog.  All I can say is life happened.

I am currently revamping this blog.  Stay tuned for new kits, virtual classes, techniques, ideas, and of course artwork showcasing CTMH products.  I have been working on new designs and can't wait to share them with all of you.  

Your continued support is appreciated and will be rewarded with lots of fun stuff.

Above is a fun layout I created with CTMH's Jack paper pack.  All of the Cricut cuts are from the newest CTMH cartridge 'You Are Here'.

Check back soon.  'Remodeling' in the works.

TY
Lori
Your scrapping coach!

 

Beach Fun

So this past summer Hayley got to go and stay with our California friends - Dan, Kristine, Chloe, & Jack.  I so wish I could have gone with her because she always has a blast going to the beach, paddle boarding, Disneyland, and the great weather in Southern California.  I sure could go for some beach time right now!!! 

 I, of course, had the perfect paper kit to go with the great photos that Hayley took from her trip.  I created my layout with ease using CTMH's newest Make It from Your Heart Volume 3 - pattern #22! 

 I was able to add several extra photos using CTMH's Pocket Plus Protectors.  Above shows the design #2, which helps you add 4 additional 4X6 photos.

 I ended up adding 2 of the design #2s pocket protectors since there were so many cute photos; I couldn't decide!

 Above shows the Pocket Plus Design #4 on the right side of my layout, which uses 3X4 photos.

 You can even cut your 4X6 photo in half when using the 3X4 photo slots.  This adds some fun and lets you show off your full photo.  I was able to add an additional 16 photos using the Pocket Plus protectors.  It is like adding a mini album between your layouts.  Super fun and easy!

I love layering the fun embellishments that CTMH gives you in the complement packets.  I also add portions of scraps from the photos that I had cut off.  I thought the sunset colors were so pretty that I added those scraps by dove tailing them and layering them under the 'home away from home' embellishment.

Till next time....

Your scrapping coach,

Lori

Scattered Hearts August Blog Hop

Welcome to the Scattered Hearts Blog Hop for the month of August!  You are probably coming from Jean McNulty's blog.  Make sure you hop all the way through and see everyone's beautiful artwork.  You will find plenty of new inspiration to get your mojo going.

Have you seen CTMH's new Annual Inspirations?  You are going to love all of the new products and all of the great ways to mix and match your papers.  With the release of the new book comes the new color of the year - BASHFUL!  It is so pretty and you are going to love creating with it.  Our cardstock is now two-toned; one side is a lighter than the other.  Now you have even more color options to play with!

Here is a fun frame I created for my co-worker's daughter's birthday party.  The back ground was created using CTMH's watercolors doing a little splatter effect with bashful and black.  Fun and easy for sure!  

My flowers were created with CTMH's Flower Market Cricut Cartridge and the new bashful card stock.  I also used CTMH's clear shimmer brush to add some sparkle and then sponged the flowers with my new Bashful ink to add dimension. 

Gold foil card stock was used to create some of the leaves, love it! 

Bashful Pearls were used for the centers of my flowers and around the Happy Birthday thin cut. 


And just like that you can have a beautiful keep sake that will make a great gift for any occasion!  

You can purchase this cartridge here or from your consultant.

Next stop on your hop is Lori Williams.  Have fun and make sure to leave us a comment on our pages.  TY

Thanks for your support.


Till next time, happy crafting!



Supplies used for this project:
1385 - 12 X 12 White Daisy Card Stock - used as the base of my project
CC1212B - Live Beautifully Paper Pack - black strip B&T
Z3132 - Watercolor Paints - used to create a splatter background
Z3188 - Watercolor Paintbrush Set
X5941 - 12 X 12 Bashful Cardstock - flowers
Z2819 - Bashful Stamp Pad - sponged flowers
Z3293 - Shimmer Brush - Clear
Z3365 - 12 X 12 Gold Foil Paper - leaves
X5980 - 12 X 12 Sweet Leaf Paper - leaves
Z3369 - Bashful Pearls - embellishments
1512/Z553 - Bonding Memories Glue - adhesive
Z3285/Z6390 - Cricut Flower Market - create flowers, leaves, & gold foil images
Z3304 - Happy Birthday Thin Cuts


**Frame purchased at Hobby Lobby
  

Lori ~
Your crafting coach!  

Birthday Gift

I love to give home made gifts to my family and friends and they always love what I make.  So naturally I had to create something special for my friends granddaughters 1st birthday.

 I just love how sweet and fun this photo is.  I first created my background by using CTMH's watercolor and 'flicking' for a splatter effect.  So fun and such a great way to add dimension to your project.  I matted the photo with CTMH's color of the year - Sea Glass.  Love this color - it works with everything!  I also used Sea Glass glitter paper to thin cut the word 'Happy Birthday' as well.  Glitter always makes your projects fun and sparkly!

I used 3D foam tape to 'pop up' some of my hearts that I thin cut with white glitter paper and card stock.  I also used some grey enamel gems as well.

 

And just like that I have a super cool gift that will be a keep sake for years to come.  Love it!

 

All of my gifts come with a home made card as well.  I created this one in a snap by using some left over scraps from my Whimsy Fundamentals paper pack.  Don't you love the cute little elephant from the Baby Bundle stamp set?  CUTE!!! 

Are you a member of my Heart of Texas VIP Group on Facebook?  Click here to join!

Till next time - Happy Scrappin!

Your Creative Coach,

Lori

Finding Time

Sometimes life gets busy and we don't always get to those projects right away.  I always love when I can get some time in my craft room.  I can spend hours in there and I normally have to be dragged out!  I value that I have a craft room where I can leave my projects out and sneak in and work on my them when I can.  Here is one of those projects that I started in September and it sat in my to do box until this weekend!     

As you can see I have a lot going on in my layout.  For the left side I created the background, large photo mat with watercolors!  I love how it turned out and it was super easy to do.  It is called Smooshing & Splooshing.  You get your watercolor paper wet and then add watercolor to it randomly here and there till you like what you see.  Then you can use any form of plastic you want and scrunch it up on your paper while the watercolor is still wet.  I used some old Walmart bags for my project.  Once it is dry, about an hour later your paper is ready to go.  I tore the edges of my photo mate for extra dimension and fun.

I combined the Rustic Home Fundamentals with the Uptown Fundamentals and matted my photos in CTMH's color the year, Sea Glass card stock.  I love how everything plays nicely and my layout comes together beautifully.

 

I also used my watercolors to create the splattered look on the background of each side.  Although it might be hard to see I did use 2 different colors.

I used some of the Adventure Compliments to embellish my page. 
 I did a little 'Ombre' look on my words by sponging Seaglass, Glacier, and Lagoon on the 'Little Moments'.  I love that I was able to coordinate my compliments to work with my color scheme.

I included a smaller flip flap to add a couple of action shots of my daughter and father showing their horses.  Hayley's horse placed and it was Hayley's first time in the ring!  We were excited for both them.

Other supplies used:

Gold Sequins
Gold Shimmer Ribbon - from the Uptown Ribbon Pack
Adventure Compliments

Hopefully I can find some more time to play in my craft room.  I have a box of new CTMH goodies coming soon.  I can't wait!  If you want a new CTMH Seasonal Expressions book you can contact me here.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of my supportive friends and family!

See you in the New Year with new goodies!!!

Lori 

 

Christmas Card Series Part 7

Just some fun random cards I created.   After creating wonderful layouts with your WYW's you always have leftover bits.   Why not put those bits to use and make some simple cards to share?

Above I used the wooden stars from the Oh Deer assortment.  Yes, they are actual bamboo!

I used the 'noel' from the City Sidewalks Complements.

Happy scrapping my friends!

Your creative coach and friend,

Lori

Christmas Card Series Part 6

I just LOVE the Oh Deer! Workshop Your Way!   The colors are so beautiful and it features CTMH's color of the year - Sea Glass!  

 

Here are 2 cards I created in a snap using the PML cards from the Oh Deer! paper pack.   I also ink distressed the edges with my new Sea Glass stamp pad to add dimension as well.

One PML card two different ways to create a fun and easy card!

Take some time to create some fun in your craft room this holiday season.

Till next time.

Your Creative Coach and Friend,

Lori

Christmas Card Series Part 5

Christmas is just around the corner!  Can you believe it?  Me either!!!  Are you getting your Christmas shopping done?  I have a few gifts to make and buy!  Time sure does fly during the holiday season.  Take a quick moment to enjoy a good cup of cocoa and watch one of your favorite holiday movies!

Here are 2 more cards I created using CTMH's City Sidewalks paper along with the PML cards from this kit to create 2 fun and easy cards.

 Again, just a couple of embellishments along with glitter paper and I have 2 fun cards to share.

Till next time - happy scrapping!

Your creative coach and friend,

Lori

Christmas Card Series Part 4

More Christmas card fun and inspiration!  For these two cards I used CTMH's 'Season of Magic' stamp set.  You can create a variety of Christmas cards and regular cards perfect for any occasion.

My cards came together with ease by using some leftover scraps of paper from the City Sidewalks paper pack, PML cards and a few embellishments.

Throw in a little glitter paper and your card sparkles!

Remember to check back for more Christmas card inspirations.

Your creative coach and friend,

Lori

Christmas Card Series Part 3

Since I live in Central Texas we don't see much snow.  On rare occasions we get a sprinkling, but not till March.  So no White Christmas for me.  That is ok because I can create beautiful cards with snow flakes using CTMH's newest Snow Flake Thin Cuts.

 

 I used Oh Deer! PML cards from the Oh Deer Workshop Your Way in combination with scraps of Oh Deer! scraps of paper and zip strips to create this series of cards.

 For the above card I used the negative space from my snow flake cut and backed it with white glitter paper.  Don't worry about getting glitter all over the place!  With CTMH's glitter paper the glitter stays on the paper not your hands and face!

 With just a few sparkles and snippets of Sea Glass glitter paper I have beautiful cards to send out to my family and friends for the upcoming holiday season.

Till next time -

Happy Scrapping

Your creative coach and friend,

Lori

Christmas Card Series Part 2

Christmas happens to be one of my favorite holidays.  I love all of the lights, Christmas carols, Christmas movies, the lights on the tree, hanging ornaments, and decorating the house.

Here are three cards I created using City Sidewalks Picture My Life Cards and left over scraps of paper from my card class.  Using your PML cards is a great way to create super fun cards in a snap.

 

I also used the Happy Holidays stamp set that comes with the Happy Holidays Workshop Your Way.

 

Cards come together with ease with just a few embellishments like ribbon, sparkles, gems, and such.  CTMH embellishments are a great buy starting at $2.95!  Make sure you grab some embellishments on your next order! 

 

Till next time,

Happy Scrapping!

Your scrap coach and friend,

Lori 

Christmas Card Series Part 1

Can you believe it is November already!  Holy smokes - Christmas is just around the corner.  Have you gotten your holiday cards done?  For those of you that are local in my area I have a fabulous way that you can make a lot of fun cards for just $25!  Check out this link to my FB event for my upcoming Christmas Card Buffet on 11/12.   Contact me if you have any questions.

Here are some fun cards I created using Close to my Heart's Stamp of the Month - Yuletide Joy.  These cards are super cut and easy to make!

 

For these two cards I used the Oh Deer! paper packet along with sparkles, and gold shimmer trim.

 

On this card I used City Sidewalks paper pack along with  Rustic Home ribbon and more sparkles.

Stay tuned for more Christmas Card inspiration.  I will be posting throughout the month of November!

Till next time...

Your creative coach and friend,

Lori

Field Musuem - Chicago

After our tournament was done we ended up having a full day to kill before heading back home.  We decided to spend the day at Chicago's Field Museum, which one of the world's largest museums of natural history.  The girls started off the day with a famous classic hot dog Chicago style.  


 For my layout I used CTMH's new Enchanted Fundamentals along with the School 7 -12 Complements.  Above is my layout before I add the new CTMH Memory Protectors.

Above you can see how big the museum is from the outside.  When you first walk into the museum you see 'Sue'  who is the largest, best-preserved, and most complete Tyrannosaurs ever found.  Sue measures 42 feet long and is 13 feet tall.  She has 58 dagger-like teeth!  Can you imagine that coming at you?

The museum had a large prehistoric section.  We also went through the Greek history, ancient Egypt, Native American, insects, and so much more.  Big cities = great museums!

 Since I took so many photos, but didn't want to do more then one layout I used the new Memory Protectors Pocket Plus from CTMH.
I used the horizontal and vertical design so that I could include all of the pictures I took of the exhibits.  I was able to add a total of 20 photos!  Love it!

One of the reasons I wanted to go to this museum was to see the  Terracotta Warriors from China's first emperor that they had on display.  I have always wanted to see them and it was the perfect opportunity.  Can you imagine un-earthing these statues?  What a find.  The museum truly had everything.

 By the end of the day we were pooped!   Time to get back home and get back to our Texas life.  

Till next time make sure you print those pictures and get them preserved to share with your family and friends.

Your creative coach,

Lori