I'm Baaaack...

After several years toiling away in grad school and maintaining a busy family lifestyle I have created a space in my life for crafting again.  It feels great to regain some balance in life and return to creating.  I am really geeked about the new things available at Close To My Heart and wanted to show you a quick pic of what is to come in my order soon:

These look fun for making cards for Weddings, Christmas, Birthdays, pretty much any occasion I guess. :)

As soon as I get my hands on the paper I will make some projects to share.  It is like I'm a kid waiting for my birthday to get here!!!

Perhaps I can share a few of the things the kids and I created while we wait.  More soon!

Home Decor Kit and I am in LOVE!!!!

This new kit comes with a cute stamp set, the frame, the mini clothespins and the kraft cardstock shapes.
I used the picture from the Idea book for inspiration and some random pictures from family events and trips in the past 6 months.

Here is the 'big picture':


I also used Pacifica Ink and White Daisy Ink to stamp the images.  I traced around the pennant shapes with a black marker and outlined some of the white daisy arrows for more definition.

A close up with some of the shapes more visible:


The mini clothespins are great because I feel that I can easily change up the look without too much effort and I could reuse the pictures on pages in my albums.  The new Artbooking Cricut collection has the Polaroid-type shape so I could recreate that same look or try something else...who knows what I will do?  (Probably leave it because I really like how it turned out.) :-)

Cute clothespins:


The kit also includes extra tags and banner pieces so you can change the title or embellish the photos.  I prefer to keep things simple and easy.  The entire project from start to finish...including thinking time for what color, photos, etc. took about 2 hours.  I first chose pictures, then color palette, trimmed photos, stamped images, used Tombow permanent adhesive to attach photos to frame shapes, added the string to the banner/title, decided to outline the white daisy stamped images, arranged the title on the top of the frame and used glue dots to secure it, realized that I put the title on upside down (the little hanger thingy was on the bottom!), removed the title, reattached it the correct way, arranged the photos and clipped it all together.  Done!

A better view of the embellishing shapes:


Whew!  It sounds more complicated than it was.  I hope you got a giggle from my wee mistake!  It happens to all of us I assume?

Your mission?  Enjoy and share a link to your latest home decor items.
Stay safe out there agent scrappers!
Amy AKA Agent Reverso

Pajama Party

Just finished watching the pajama party on Big Picture Scrapbooking. The ladies on that site are so funny! CTMH joined BPC to create a cool project using the new Cricut Artbooking Project. I CAN'T wait for tomorrow to post the pictures of all the fun projects I have created (with little E) from the new idea book. If you want a book just let me know via email or comment and I will work with you to get it to you. More pics to follow...only a few more hours. :) Your mission...keep it scrappy!

Spinner Contest

Email your use of the spinner idea (yep you can get creative) OR post a pic here and I will randomly choose a winner from everyone who posts...even CTMH consultants can join in the fun.

Here is a short video with some ideas from Close to My Heart on using the chipboard spinner:


Enjoy!

Hello again from the STILL frosty north!  UGH!
At least we are dealing with rain rather than snow and ice.  (Sorry little brother!)
OK waaaay back in January my baby girl turned 6 and we had a fun doll/tea party with a bunch of Kindergarten girls...so fun!

We "borrowed" a room in the library. :)
I found tea cups and saucers at the Salvation Army (only about 50 cents a cup).  The Salvation Army also had tablecloths and scrap fabric for table coverings for about a dollar each!

I used the Cricut Artiste to create a gorgeous (if I do say so myself) banner and other little decorations.
I used the Who's Your Valentine Kit to make the treat boxes for the girls as well.

It was cute, magical and fun!  Here are some pictures of the day:

Some close ups of the banner:

 Love that glitter paper! Love the Artiste cartridge.  Love my baby girl most of all. :)

I have been under cover for a few months. :) I'm currently posing as a college student! The classes have been intense and very interesting, however, I am finally nearing the end of my first semester back in school (after a VERY long break) and looking forward to some free time! E (my 5 year old) and I made the advent calendar last weekend...yeah, yeah, yeah, I know it was mid month...the kids have been rushing downstairs each morning to see what is in the treat box for them! (Hint: it's always chocolate.) Speaking of chocolates :) When I ordered the Advent Calendar Workshop on the go kit...which was really easy and fun (you also need the Artiste Cricut Cartridge to cut the boxes out)... I also ordered the Whooo's your Valentine Kit. Sneak peek of new goodies for spring!!! Cute owls, glitter paper, oh my! Get your hands on one I am sure that they will sell out before the end of January. Here's a video with the kit it is even better in person. Well I'm back into deep cover for a week or so...last final is Monday! Statistics?! Why, at nearly 40, am I learning inferential statistics?! Seriously though, I am so happy to be finishing what I started so long ago. :) Life is definitely a winding road. Happy Crafting, Amy

Technique Blog Hop: Alcohol Markers

This is the technique blog hop Welcome to Amy Kaminski's Blog: Creative Agents!

There are 7 lucky bloggers participating this month.  We are using our Alcohol Markers to color.  This technique is highlighted on page 55 of the Fall/Winter 2012 Idea Book.  This blog hop is a big circle so begin wherever you wish and keep clicking to see all the fabulous art work and inspiration; eventually you will end where you started. :)  If you are coming from Shirley Ross' blog then you are on the right track.

Here is a cute little gift tag I made using the Light and Cotton candy pink marker set.  I colored the cupcake pink and the bling too!
How neat that you can use alcohol inks to match bling to every project.

On this bookmark I wanted the trendy blended color look.  I love the bright oranges but enjoyed playing with the blending marker to see what effect it would have on the colors.  Don't you love the look of the oranges and reds blended? (Goldrush and Ruby)  I have been reading for HOURS and HOURS and this little bookmark makes me feel happy. 

Thank you for stopping by, now head on over to Wendy Kessler's blog for even more ideas using this technique.
Be sure to leave a kind comment and happy hopping!
Amy

Studio J using Heritage Photos

My mom and I went to Chicago a few weeks ago and spent some time scrapbooking and shopping. While we were there she gave me some digital copies of old photographs she recovered from her aunt. The pictures bring back so many fond memories for her and help me to feel more connected to people that are no longer living. I also love seeing pictures of my mom, aunts and uncles as children! I hope you enjoy looking at the layouts as much I enjoyed creating them. (Thanks to Studio J I only needed the digital copy and the photos will be preserved in my Album and as a digital copy in case I need to replace them or make copies...hmmm can we say Christmas anyone?!)

These are the first and last pages in the album.

The text is hard to read but these are different pictures of my grandmother 

and her siblings when she was young.

Great-great grandma, great grandma, grandma and mom! 

These are such cool pictures of my grandma with my aunt and uncle...mom is just a few months along. :)

The women in our family didn't have much luck in love but they kept trying and I admire the passion!

The picture in the middle is so adorable!

I love my momma! :)

Hope you enjoyed a peek :)  If you have some old pictures lying in a box try to get them scanned as soon as possible.  You don't need to do anything with the file right away but you will have frozen the image as it is and won't lose any more clarity, color, etc.  The larger the file size when you scan the better.  These pictures will be a bit blurry when they print but they are still precious to me. :)

Alcohol Markers...video!!!

Check it out...the new markers really do rock. More to come soon. :) Your mission: Order some of these bad boys and give it a try. My earlier post shows how you can change the color of the sparkles to match your project with these markers. Go try it. Amy

La Belle Vie...Ooh La La

I finally made time to sit down and get creative with the new products!  Here are a few items I made using this new kit: La Belle Vie and Stamp Set: Jardin (Just click on the names to order.)
 A one page layout that I can't decide what photos to put on...perhaps some wedding or tea party pics?

the smudges around the black paper are Smoky Plum Pigment Ink.  It is impossible to tell in the photo but I added some shine with the metallic silver marker around the frame after stamping in Staz On.  There are also a couple of dots of Pink Glitter Gel for shimmer on the "So Adorable" and "Cherished" Tags

A sweet little gift tag:

For this cutie I just used left over paper (the exclusive La Belle Vie Purple and a sheet of extra pattern paper)  some white rosette ribbon and the pink alcohol marker set...when I get the blending pen I will rework this cupcake a bit!  I colored the bling (from the Boutique Assortment) with the alcohol marker to make it pink and it worked like a charm. :)  You can color the sparkles with these new markers as well.  I wonder how it will look on silver or white brads? Hmmmm.  Oh, I also used a strip of the burlap to make the tag hanger.  Man that stuff is versatile.

A long card: 3 1/2 by 8

On this one I decided an everyday, any reason card would be good.  Pattern paper base with the lightest side inside the card (or you can add a piece of plain cardstock to the inside for a good writing surface).  A strip of black C/S, Burlap ribbon (yep again) and shimmer tape (my new favorite item in the latest idea book).  I added a couple dots of pink glitter gel and stamped some La belle Vie Pink paper with Cotton Candy Ink.  Not sure I would use the shimmer tape again with this one but I do love me some shimmer! :)

A standard-size card: 4 1/4 by 5 1/2

I like the look of the burlap and torn paper edges with this paper pack.  (side note I did NOT think I would like the burlap but I LOVE LOVE LOVE it!)  The phrases are from the "zip strip" at the top edge of the paper sheets.
All the products used  to create these projects are:
La Belle Vie Paper Pack
Jardin Stamp Set
Burlap Ribbon
White Rosette Ribbon
Shimmer Tape
Boutique Assortment
Pink Glitz Glitter Gel
Metallic Marker
Coming Soon: Alcohol markers
Smoky Plum Pigment Mini Ink Pad
Chocolate Ink Pad
Cotton Candy Ink Pad
Staz On Black
Black Cardstock and Bamboo Cardstock (these come in the kit but I think I also used some from my stash)

If you would like to order just click on the names of the products and the link takes you to my website.  Also, you can join the New idea Book Online Celebration and possibly earn some free products.  I am going to run it like a "mystery hostess" event, meaning, everyone who places an order is entered into a drawing to choose free product.  Just be sure to set up an account or send me an email so I can contact you to get your choice of free items.

Thanks for looking and you are welcome to "scraplift"!

your mission: Try something new today!

While Supplies Last= Clearance!

On my website you can shop the new catalog right now.  If you would like to join in the New Idea Book virtual Celebration Click here and then click the "Join" button on the bottom right.

You can then shop as part of the PARTY!  Even the clearance items are available online now.  You shop, CTMH ships and if you place a minimum $30 order you will be entered to win free product credit!  The more shoppers we have the more credits available.  I am guaranteeing that at least one lucky shopper will receive a Workshop on the Go kit of their choice ($29.95 value).

With all the cool new items available from Alcohol Markers to Home Decor and clearance too; there will be something you LOVE!!!

Your mission: Join the celebration!

Want more from your Workshop stamp sets?

Workshops on the go give you more than a couple of layouts. Here are some ways to use the stamp sets that come in the kit: Love these ideas? Find more on my CTMH website: Project Inspiration Your mission: learn something new and try it out!

Studio J: HOORAY!

New and exciting changes to Studio J
NO MORE NEED FOR MEMBERSHIPS!!!!
Interested in trying Studio J?  Click here and create your FREE Freida FREE account to create to your heart's content.  You pay only $6.95 a layout (Yep, that's two pages!) For the layouts you want printed and shipped to you.

New in Studio J:
Express Kits and Layouts!  These are DECKED out in huge amounts of embellishments and savvy tricks of the Studio J elite users. :)  These layouts are beautiful and all you need to do is drag and drop your photos and add journaling.  So pretty.

New exclusive to Studio J paper kit!  (IF you find it and use it: post here and let me know, I will send you a special treat).

Here are some of the layouts created for convention that use many elements in the new EXPRESS kits:

Cool stitching tool adds stitches in shapes to go around elements or photos OR adds stitched lines like the bottom layout.  Gotta love sewing online. :)

You can still get a Studio J 5 pack but now it is only $39.95

Go to my website now, click the Join button at the bottom right and order it now.  You will receive an email with the log in link to use your 5 Pack.  (bonus: ordering in the online gathering enters your name to earn a free Workshop on the Go kit of your choice: $29.95 value)

Your Mission: Play with Studio J!

FREE tote bag for joining in August...while supplies last.

Join CTMH as a consultant before August 31 (or while supplies last whichever comes first.) And receive the tote ($49 value) for free! It costs only $49 to join and in addition to the tote you receive:

The essentials kit will get you started. You will receive an automatic discount on all your orders and can earn additional free products and cash the more you buy or sell. Everyone is welcome to join. If you find that you are spending an average of $100 a month it makes sense to join. I will keep you posted when fun specials crop up and let you know about changes and updates before non-consultants get the scoop! I am here to help you reach your goals wether you would like to save money on your hobby supplies, build a business starting with a $50 investment or make new friends. Have more questions? call me: 414-377-8five26 or leave a comment and I will contact you! Ready to start saving and earning? Click here to join the CIA (Creative Intelligence Agents) Your mission? Scrapbook!

Fun with Mini Banners

These are so simple and fun.  My Cricut is so lonely upstairs in a box...waiting to be unpacked!  There are many fun new ideas and cool project inspired products to show you.  I just returned from Dallas and Close to My Heart's annual convention.  Stay tuned.

Your mission: STAY COOL
Amy

It's STAMPAGANZA time!

This special is a very RARE treat for Close to My Heart Customers.  From the current idea book and the previous idea book you can order ANY size stamp sets.  When you buy 2 you get 1 free.  Of course, the least expensive is the free one.  You can get THREE alphabet sets for the price of 2!!!!  
Go to my website or contact me to place your order.  This special ends June 30th.  The winter 2011 Idea Book expires July 30th so this is nearly a last chance opportunity with these stamps.  Get your wishlist out and cross those stamps off today!  
Read all the specifics about the Stampaganza special here.


Happy stamping!
Amy

I have a great card project that I just completed and have not yet photographed.  In the meantime here is a video for Studio J...the BEST online scrapbooking program I have ever tried.  It perfectly blends with my classic pages and I highly recommend it to anyone that either loves to scrapbook, wants to get a photo book together but doesn't want the "stuff" lying around, wants a super-fast way to preserve some memories, or is a bit OCD and needs everything on the page to be "perfect".  
Please go check it out and then leave a comment below; I will send a goodie to one lucky commenter that either already has a free account or goes to this link and creates one and plays with Studio J.
Name will be chosen on June 15th.
Here is the basics video: (More how-to videos can be found here)



Have a blast and Happy Scrapin'
Amy

Sleepless Scrapbookers Retreat in Wisconsin

This weekend will definitely be Mission Possible!!!!  I have been invited to join the Sleepless Scrapbookers Retreat and can't wait to meet more scrapaholics like myself. :)  I have prepped some layouts for the weekend and MAY do cards on Sunday...depending on interest.

The right page has a little pocket for hidden journaling or extra pictures. :)

We will be making these same pages at the Imagination Station (that's what i have nicknamed the Brooklyn, MI Depot) next weekend March 10th so if you are in the area and would like to join in just email me or leave a comment to reserve your space.  There are a couple spots left.

Looking forward to meeting all these new Michigan and Wisconsin Scrapbookers!

Amy

Time for the Calendar?!

I made this with my dear sweet Mom in January (and promptly forgot to take pics and post).  It was a bit more work than I realized and I plan to use Studio J layouts for next year...it was still A LOT of fun to make with momma!

She has the same pics on different pages...can you believe I had so many layouts with no pictures!!! I sure was surprised (and delighted).

Here are the results:

This is a great project that you can make any month...just begin on the month you are in and git r done!
Keep an eye out for my next posts...upcomming workshops and fun extras.
Amy