Holiday Cookie Exchange

Happy Holidays My Crafty and Creative Friends!

'Tis the Season for baking, creativity, family and friends!!! I have been out of the crafting groove for a while, BUT I thought this event was the perfect opportunity for me to get back into creativity.

A group of girlfriends and I got together for a cookie exchange and it was so much fun!  This is the first time I participated with them, but I have been baking cookies for about a year.  Click HERE for the recipe that started it all.  It's the base of my cookie I made for the cookie exchange with a few changes I made. I'll share the changes I made later.

First, I want to share with you the cookie box I made with the CTMH Cricut Artiste Collection and Cranberry Cardstock.

The box I used is on page 38 cut at the suggested cut of 5".  The size of the box is 2 3/4  x 2 3/4 x 2 3/4 inches.  Fits about five cookies.

The stamps sets I used are A Holiday, Enjoy!, and Perfect Fit-Holidays. I also used the CTMH Cricut Art Collection to cut the "frame with love" and the circles for the snowflake.

Another requirement for the cookie exchange is that the recipe be provided.  This EXCITED me because it gave another opportunity to be creative!  

I took it upon myself to create my own recipe cards...I have been wanting to create or decorate recipe cards, but I didn't know if I wanted to keep an electronic or physical recipe book.  I guess both is good to have.  Here are the photos of the recipe.

Lastly, to close the box and attach the recipe cards, I punched a hole in the recipe cards and used Cranberry Twine to tie it together.  As an additional touch I used the Free Monthly Rediscover CTMH Printable Download to finalize the project.  The holiday tags are available until December 31, 2013.  They change monthly so be sure to check back in.

Other materials used:
Cranberry Ink
Cranberry Marker
Lagoon Ink
Lagoon Marker

Thank you so much for checking in with me!

Happy scrappin'!

PS
If my links no longer work please visit K Pekin's site by clicking HERE.

Hi There!

Hi there my creative friends!

I deeply apologize that I have not kept you updated with the latest awesome stuff that Close To My Heart has to offer.  Life happened. Enough said. :)

Good news!  I will work on getting you all up to speed going forward...and back into the groove of crafting.

Happy scrappin'!

A Beautiful Rose

Happy Friday My Creative & Crafty Friends!

Today I am going to share a card made by a new friend, Bart.  He was visiting his friend, from Los Angeles and they both stopped by the Seaside Farmer's Market that I participate in every other Saturday.

I was very excited that someone else besides me loves to be creative using stamps.  (I only say this here because with my experience I learned that the FM customer's rather buy something that was created versus creating something themselves :))

Here's the beautiful card he made using the Love Blooms Stamp Set.

Created by Bart

I really love how he distressed the edge of the card and looks water colored.  If you would like to get in contact with Bart please send me a message and I will provide you with his contact information.  He currently does not have a website.

Happy scrappin'!
Melika

Business Card Holder

Happy Hump Day Creative and Crafty Friends!

Today I am going to share an oldie, but goodie from the CTMH Cricut Art Philosophy Collection.

I cut the door hanger at 9" to hold my hand stamped business cards. 

Stamp Set: Card Word Puzzle (Flower); Sentiment Stamp (Retired-Wings WOTG). Suggestion: Scrapbook Statement-Poets, Scrapbook Statements-Women.

Did you notice that I used the liquid glass in the middle of the flower?  Looks neat huh?  It added the perfect touch for this project.

The downfall of making the door hanger this small is that the circle is not exactly big enough for a typical sized water bottle (12-16 oz.).  When I thought of making this I was using a bottle with a smaller diameter.  It's all good though, I am just going to use it as is with the bottle I have. :)

Hope you enjoyed!

Happy scrappin'!

Melika

"Beautiful Friendship" Gift Box

Hi there!

Today's project was inspired by San Diego Bath & Body Company's "Living the Dream" soap cover.  I love their products.  I mainly use their  bar soap and lotion bars.  But, I have tried their deodorant, sugar scrubs, lip balms, soy candles, and liquid soap. AND, I just love everything!

I am a lavender feign.  I really love the mix of lavender with mint.  I think I bought this one maybe twice, maybe three times-not sure.  I try to buy a different scent every time so I can be sure to try them all.  This time I bought it for a friend as a Thank you gift.

I used the Cricut Artiste Collection to make this box.  It's a perfect size for the soap bar. The box was cut at 4", the recommended size notated on the instruction booklet of this Cricut Collection. 

The stamp set I used is Beautiful Friendship.  I used my favorite stamping technique, Background or Random stamping, - it's an easy, fun way to create a unique B&T pattern.  You can even Random stamp on B&T paper.  I've done it and it turned out great.

To finish the project up, I added burlap ribbon, (my hubby liked this addition because he said I never done that before-true), Baker's Twine, and Markers to color in the butterfly. *Please note when coloring images with the alcohol based markers, such as CTMH's, it is best to use Archival Ink or Stazon Ink.  The water base inks bleed.  But, I was okay with it because I wanted the butterfly to be purple.

Other items used:
Lagoon Ink
Gypsy Ink
Sponge Daubers
Liquid Glass ***NEW FAVORITE***  Liquid Glass has been around for a while, but I just began using it.  A fellow consultant recommended it to use as glue.  It's main purpose is for adding a crystal effect to embellishments.  However, it's an awesome glue-it's not too sticky, it dries fast & clear, and it's permanent.  I used it for the entire project, except for the box-I used strip tape.

Thanks for visiting!

Happy scrappin'!
Melika

Surf's Up 6x6 Accordion Album

Whoo-hoo! It's FRIDAY!!!  Who's ready for the weekend?!  Summer is here and I thought I'd create something summer inspired to share.

I used the My Creations™ 6x6 Accordion Album and the Surf's Up Paper Packet to create this nifty 8-page album perfect to hold those weekend pictures from the beach or pool.

Stamp Sets:
Posterboard (retiring)
Trinity (retiring)
Just Chillin'
Under the Sea

Hope you enjoyed!  Have a great weekend and happy scrappin'!

Melika

"You Make Me Happy"-Rediscover CTMH

Happy Hump Day Happy Srappers!

On Monday I shared CTMH's "Rediscover" July downloadable.  Today, I am going to share what I made with it.

But of course, I have to share a background story, on Sunday, I had a wonderful Funday with my husband, my ohana, and my sister's friend.  We went to the La Jolla Open Aire Market. If you are a local San Diegan or are visiting, I recommend checking it out.  They have a large amount of farmer's that grow organically, lots of organic, vegan and non-vegan food vendors, such as Indian Food (Love their Veggie Sambousa's with the extra spicy lentil sauce), Lotus World Foods, their food and dessert are all vegan and organic (straight from Susie Farms), even vegan macaroons from  Rickaroons, as well as, a lot of artistic people, sharing art from vegan soap and deodorant, to stamping their own material and sewing dresses, aprons, and silverware items, and so much more.  Check it out! =)

After walking around the Market, we went to Ohana Cafe to fuel up on some Hawaiian grinds.  The grinds were delish.  We had the chicken katsu, salmon salad, hulu chicken, local moco, kalua pork, and La Jolla Musubi (this one was okay-I'd stick to the Spam Masubi).  It was like eating a huge California Sushi Roll with no flavor.

While we were eating a man in his twenties wearing khaki pants, chucks, & shirtless decided to smoke near us, pace, and SPIT!  The smoke I didn't mind because the wind wasn't blowing our way, no shirt-we're near the beach-expected.  IT WAS THE SPITTING that bothered me!  Don't people know spitting spreads germs?! AND it's rude!  The man was less than 3 feet away.  I didn't even know he & his girlfriend were having lunch next to us!  She just laughed when I became furious and outspoken.  I take spitting in public seriously, I do yell at my husband and my brother when they spit in public. 

That's when my sister's friend busted out her pay it forward "Hope for Today" cards.  She causally placed it on the table in front of me for the "next" person to pick up.  I joked with her, asking if it was for me, of course, she said it is for anyone that may need it so I decided to take it.  We laughed.  Whooo-Sabbbaaaaaaah!

Hope for Today Card from my sister's friend

Then on Monday, I was looking through the CTMH Consultant News and noticed that CTMH had free downloadables, which I shared on Monday.  Get yours by visiting HERE.

CTMH suggested that they can be used to give to others who are having a crappy day.  So I printed them out because it reminded my of my sister's friend's "Pay it Forward," but of course, I couldn't just print and cut them.  I had to create something with them.  So I made mini cards (4"x3"); readily available for me to use in case I need to attach a card to a gift or someone is having a crappy day.  Then I can tell then how much they mean to me, insert an inspiration quote, or even a JOKE! =)

I used the Surf's Up Paper Packet, Pink Brads, Metal Brads, Green Brads, & Blue Brads, and Hemp.

My husband and I like to share each others art with one another. I love when he shares which ones are his favorite.  I indicated them below. =)

Wasn't sure about his one. This was one of the last ones I put together.

I love this one-obvious huh?

Hubby likes this one. So do It has that old vintage 1970 Beach look.

Surprisingly, hubby liked this one too.

Add caption

This one reminds me of an old 1970 curtain. lol.

One of my hubby's fav't.  This one is my fav't too.  I made this one first.

We both like this one too.  I really love the rays in the background.

Thanks again for reading about my Sunday Funday!  It ended well with more dessert at the Living Room (baklava!)


Happy scrappin'!

"Rediscover Close to My Heart"

Happy Monday my Crafty, Creative, and CTMH addicts!

I am so excited for the NEW Idea Book to be released August 1, 2013!  That is less than a month away! I did not go to convention, but I hear that CTMH has definitely revamped their idea book with new product that CTMH has not had before and that we will all be pleasantly surprised.   Promise.


As we all anticipate the release of the new catalog look for CTMH ads in the following magazines: Creating Keepsakes™, Paper Crafts, and Scrapbook & Cards Today.

CTMH is so excited about the new catalog that they are offering a free downloadable every month beginning August 1.  However, to get our creative  minds going, one is available now!

Get it by visiting, CloseToMyHeart.com you’ll find a new, free download each month (posted on the 1st.)

I can't wait to use mine!

Happy scrappin'!
Melika

Close to My Heart Spring Summer 2013 Retiring List

Happy Monday my Crafty & Creative Friends!

Close to my Heart is clearing up the Spring/Summer 2013 Idea Book to make some room for the new Idea Book arriving in August.  I honestly can't believe what is going!  Below is the list of what goodies are retiring.  Click on the Description to see the product.  Shop ON-LINE or contact me to place your order.

Happy shoppin'!


 

Spring 2013 Retiring List:
Part	Description	Category	Family
Z1366	Brads Metal Assortment	Accessory	brads
Z1410	Antiqued Copper Designer Brads	Accessory	brads
Z1358	Buttons Basic Assortment	Accessory	Buttons
Z1369	Buttons Red Assortment	Accessory	Buttons
Z1370	Buttons Pink Assortment	Accessory	Buttons
Z1371	Buttons Blue Assortment	Accessory	Buttons
Z1372	Buttons Green Assortment	Accessory	Buttons
Z1703	Wooden Badge Buttons	Accessory	Buttons
Z1704	Pewter Badge Buttons	Accessory	Buttons
Z1821	Buttons Black Assortment	Accessory	Buttons
Z1450	Cork Color-Ready Alphabet	Accessory	Color Ready
Z1718	Garden Wooden Shapes	Accessory	Color Ready
Z1719	Color-Ready Evergreen Cork Shapes	Accessory	Color Ready
Z1773	Color-Ready Noted Canvas Shapes	Accessory	Color Ready
X7155C	Avonlea Complements Canvas Shapes	Accessory	Complements
X7156C	Clementine Complements Canvas Shapes	Accessory	Complements
X7157C	Dakota Complements Silver Foil Images	Accessory	Complements
X7159C	Scholastic My Stickease® Assortment	Accessory	Complements
X7164C	Buzz and Bumble My Stickease® Assortment	Accessory	Complements
X7166C	Claire Complements Canvas Shapes	Accessory	Complements
X7167C	Later Sk8r My Stickease® Assortment	Accessory	Complements
Z1326	Sparkles Red, Pink & Purple Assortment	Accessory	embellishment
Z1327	Sparkles Blue & Green Assortment	Accessory	embellishment
Z1710	Just Blooms® Paradise Paper Flowers	Accessory	Flowers
Z1612	Paper Clip Pins	Accessory	foundry
Z1734	Irresistibles™ Persnickety Journaling Spots	Accessory	Journaling
Z1755	Posh Journaling Spots	Accessory	Journaling
Z1487	Mini Medley Accents Pewter Collection	Accessory	mini medley
Z1489	Mini Medley Accents Olive Collection	Accessory	mini medley
Z1697	Mini-Medley Accents Smoothie Collection	Accessory	mini medley
Z1081	ColonialWhiteWaxyFlax	Accessory	Ribbon
Z1088	ChocolateWaxyFlax	Accessory	Ribbon
Z1089	BlackWaxyFlax	Accessory	Ribbon
Z1096	EmbroideryFlossNeutralAssortment	Accessory	Ribbon
Z1798	Black Tulle Ribbon	Accessory	Ribbon
Z906	BambooWaxyFlax	Accessory	Ribbon
Z1748	Brocade Assortment	Accessory	Level 2
Z1766	Memo Assortment	Accessory	Level 2
Z1780	Wrangler Assortment	Accessory	Level 2
Z1794	Cottage Assortment	Accessory	Level 2
Z1810	Later Sk8r Assortment	Accessory	Level 2
Z1813	Claire Assortment	Accessory	Level 2
Z1831	Buzz and Bumble Assortment	Accessory	Level 2
Z1347	12 x 12 Post Bound Album- New England Ivy	Album	album
X7155B	Avonlea Paper Packet	Paper Product	Level 2
X7156B	Clementine Paper Packet	Paper Product	Level 2
X7157B	Dakota Paper Packet	Paper Product	Level 2
X7159B	Scholastic Paper Packet	Paper Product	Level 2
X7164B	Buzz and Bumble Paper Packet	Paper Product	Level 2
X7166B	Claire Paper Packet	Paper Product	Level 2
X7167B	Later Sk8r Paper Packet	Paper Product	Level 2
Z1412	10-Things Pocket	Paper Product	cards
Z1474	6" x 6" Kraft Die-Cut Cards & Envelopes	Paper Product	cards
Z1721	3” x 3” Kraft Envelopes	Paper Product	Cards
Z1722	4 1/4" x 5 1/2" Kraft Envelopes	Paper Product	Cards
Z1723	5” x 7” Kraft Envelopes	Paper Product	Cards
Z1724	6” x 6” Kraft Envelopes	Paper Product	Cards
G1060	Workshops on the Go® For Always Cardmaking	WOTG	Card
G1061	Workshops on the Go® Chantilly Cardmaking	WOTG	Card
G1053	Workshops on the Go® Chantilly Scrapbooking	WOTG	Layout
G1054	Workshops on the Go® Buzz and Bumble	WOTG	Layout
G1055	Workshops on the Go® For Always Scrapbooking Kit	WOTG	Layout
G1056	Workshops on the Go® Claire Scrapbooking	WOTG	Layout
G1057	Workshops on the Go® Later Sk8r Scrapbooking Kit	WOTG	Layout
G1058	Workshops on the Go® Tommy Scrapbooking	WOTG	Layout
G1059	Workshops on the Go® Surf's Up Scrapbookin	WOTG	Layout
G1062	Workshops on the Go® Canvas Art Kit	WOTG	home décor
Z1827	My Creations™ Paper Pouch - Small	Crafts	gift
Z1828	My Creations™ Paper Pouch - Large	Crafts	gift
Z1736	My Creations® Mini Banner	Crafts	My Creations
Z1739	My Creations® Milk Carton	Crafts	My Creations
Z1740	My Creations® Bookmark Album	Crafts	My Creations
Z1774	My Creations® Canvas Journal	Crafts	My Creations
Z608	EmbossingStylusMedium	Tool
Z1392	2" Scallop Circle Punch	Tool	cutting
Z578	Corner Rounder	Tool	cutting
1771	WaterbrushMedium	Tool	coloring
Z1246	EmbPowderCocoa	Tool	coloring
Z1350	embossing powder topiary	Tool	coloring
Z1351	embossing powder dutch blue	Tool	coloring
Z655	EmbPowderOlive	Tool	coloring
Z656	EmbPowderOutdoorDenim	Tool	coloring
Z659	EmbPowderCranberry	Tool	coloring
Z670	EmbPowderBlack	Tool	coloring
Z672	EmbPowderRed	Tool	coloring
Z673	EmbPowderWhite	Tool	coloring
Z724	EmbossingPen	Tool	coloring
Z1267	Paper/StampOrganizer8.5x11(3)	organization
Z4134	Handle and Swivel Base	organization
Z4136	ExclusiveInksOrganizerCarryingCase	Organization
Z4200	AccessoriesOrganizer	Organization
A1132	Family	Stamp	A
A1133	Festival of Lights	Stamp	A
B1372	Circle Together	Stamp	B
B1395	So Grateful	Stamp	B
B1396	School Rocks	Stamp	B
B1405	Rugged Dude	Stamp	B
B1406	Blessings of Peace	Stamp	B
B1410	A Friend Like You	Stamp	B
B1414	Bonjour	Stamp	B
C1438	Tea Time	Stamp	C
C1461	Salutation Seals	Stamp	C
C1466	Instant Memories	Stamp	C
C1505	Pun Fun	Stamp	C
C1507	Angelic Blessings	Stamp	C
C1508	Paisley Flair	Stamp	C
C1511	Love Blooms	Stamp	C
C1520	Christmas Joy	Stamp	C
D1187	For Every Occasion	Stamp	D
D1388	Card Chatter - Christmas	Stamp	D
D1399	Dream Big	Stamp	D
D1440	Everlasting Life	Stamp	D
D1444	A Little Thanks	Stamp	D
D1492	Christmas Love	Stamp	D
D1517	Game On	Stamp	D
D1519	Abundance	Stamp	D
D1521	Powder Heaven	Stamp	D
D1523	Sweet Music	Stamp	D
D1528	Jardin	Stamp	D
E1010	Chocolate Alphabet Large	Stamp	E
E1014	Posterboard Alphabet	Stamp	E
E1015	Cocktail Alphabet	Stamp	E
E1017	Old World Alphabet	Stamp	E
E1018	Pennant Alphabet	Stamp	E
E1019	Bohemian Alphabet	Stamp	E
E1020	Token Alphabet	Stamp	E
E1021	Trinity Alphabet	Stamp	E
E1022	Hero Alphabet	Stamp	E
E1023	Varsity Alphabet	Stamp	E
E1024	Keepsake Alphabet	Stamp	E
K900	Single Name Stamp	Stamp	Custom
K9012	Address Stamp w/o Icon 2 Lines	Stamp	Custom
K9013	Address Stamp w/o Icon 3 Lines	Stamp	Custom
K9014	Address Stamp w/o Icon 4 Lines	Stamp	Custom
K9022	Address Stamp with Icon 2 Lines	Stamp	Custom
K9023	Address Stamp with Icon 3 Lines	Stamp	Custom
K9024	Address Stamp with Icon 4 Lines	Stamp	Custom