The Nativity

Hello friends! Welcome to my Christmas Week project for The Merry Christmas Challenge Blog, where every challenge, every week, is an Anything Goes Christmas challenge.  This week's project is very special to my heart, my Christmas week nativity card.

I have used so many printed vintage images on my cards this year, and even though this image is not vintage, it seemed Christmas week.  In addition to the printed image, I used three Cricut cuts, the geometric background, the star circle, and the wave banner.  I finished this card with white ink snow, a Merry Christmas stamp, and liquid pearls on the stars.  

We would love to have you join us at The Merry Christmas Challenge Blog this week.  Share your Christmas week projects with us.

Thank you for stopping by today. 

A Few of My Favorite Christmas Cards

Hello friends! Welcome to my project for this week's Bitten By the Bug 2 Cricut Challenge.  I am hosting a non-linked challenge this week.  I have asked to design team members to share their favorite Christmas card they crafted this year.  

My absolute favorite is the pink card above.  I loved this card.  It seems to the capture the magic and joy of Christmas, all presented in soft layered colors.

The vintage looking card above is the card which I reproduced the largest numbers of copies.  We sent out 22 copies of this card. a good hunk of the 75 cards we shared this year.  

I loved the elegance of this red card.  The word JOY is so festive looking with the cut outs in the letters, and I like the golden pine cones.

Below is another of my favorite cards.  I like the vintage image of the sweet little angels watching over baby Jesus (need I add, blonde, Caucasian Jesus?).  Ah the 1950's and 1960's ideas about Jewish Baby Jesus. 

I hope that you have enjoyed viewing my favorite Christmas card from 2017.  I am already planning a style change for 2018!!

From our family to you, Merry Christmas!!

Santa Claus Is On His Way

Hello friends! Welcome to my project for this week's Bitten By the Bug 2 Cricut Challenge.  My Design Team sister Laurie is hosting this week's challenge and has asked us to create projects featuring the Jolly old Elf himself, Santa Claus. 

I am not even going to pretend to have created the idea for my Santa Claus Is On His Way card; I found the idea on Pinterest.  But having viewed a similar image, OF COURSE I had to Susan-ize my version.  I suspect that the original version was made using thin dies.  My version was of course created with the Cricut!

I used five cartridges, Cricut Basic Shapes, and an SVG file to create my version of this card:

A Quilted Christmas - Sleigh and Santa

Christmas (Noel) - Reindeer, Christmas Trees, Baby Doll

Anna's Christmas Kitsch - Candy Cane and HoHoHo

Disney Classics - Teddy Bear

Celebrate with Flourish - Wreath

SVG file - Z-fold card set

I confess that I always admire other's projects when I see embossing on their cards. I am usually known for forgetting to emboss.  This time however, I included embossing on my "master plan" (that sounds almost evil!). I hoped that the Swiss Dot embossing might appear to be snow falling on Santa and the sleigh.  

I cannot remember if the Pinterest version of the card had toys in the sleigh or not, but I was certain that toys were a must.  I added wrapped boxes, the baby doll, the Teddy bear, and that giant candy cane.

I added the ho ho ho cut to make the card a bit more fun.  I gave the lead reindeer (Rudolph?) a red nose for the same reason.

This card was fun to make, though I am struggling with exactly WHERE to sign the card!  This may a problem.  In the future perhaps I will remember not to emboss behind the lead reindeer! 

Have you been by the Bitten By the Bug 2 blog this week?  My Design Team sisters have created some fabulous Old St. Nick projects.  We would also love to see your projects featuring Santa!  Join us by linking your new Santa featured project under the blog post on the BBTB2 blog.

A Visit With Father Christmas

Hello friends! Welcome to my Christmas project for The Merry Christmas Challenge Blog, where every challenge, every week, is an Anything Goes Christmas challenge. Continuing my succession of vintage cards, today I am sharing A Visit With Father Christmas.

Like my previous Christmas cards, this card is a hybrid of printed vintage image and Cricut cuts. I used elements from three Cricut cartridges:  Anna's Splendid Soiree, Close To My Heart's You Are Here, and Ashlyn's Alphabet. The white lace background piece was cut with Anna's Splendid Soiree, the snowflakes were cut with You Are Here, and the tag was cut with Ashlyn's Alphabet.  I used the Cricut font Beadwork for the lettering, a Cricut drawing font.

I finished my card with winter white seam binding ribbon, cream twine, and red bells attached to the tag.

This is one of the cards that I made 8 copies of to mail out.  The only change on my mass produced cards was switching the 3-D bells to Cricut cut flat bells to better suit mailing.

We would love to see your Christmas projects!  Join the fun at The Merry Christmas Challenge Blog, where every challenge, every week, is an Anything Goes Christmas challenge.

Gift Box and Tag Set

Hello friends! Welcome to my project for this week's Bitten By the Bug 2 Cricut Challenge.  My Design Team sister Laura has provided us with a week to prep our Christmas gift boxes, treat bags, or gift embellishments.  I chose to create this gift box and matching tag set. In fact, this set is currently nestled under the Christmas tree containing a gift for my daughter. 

I only used two Cricut cartridges on this project, Anna's Holiday Home Decor and Basic Shapes. Because the box is already designed on Anna's cartridge it is especially easy. I  used other cuts from the same cartridge (along with some basic shapes) to embellish the box and make the gift tag.

I used Close To My Heart's Ruby Red, White, and Gold Glitter cardstock to craft my set.  I finished the box and tag with white gel pen doodles and liquid pearls.

If you would like to make this gift box and tag the link for the Design Studio file is HERE.

If you have not already been by the Bitten By the Bug 2 blog, please do go by and check out the variety of projects the team created.  Hopefully you will be inspired to craft your own project(s) and join this weeks challenge!!

Thank you for stopping by today!

Christmas Trees in the Forest

Hello friends! Welcome to this week's Bitten By the Bug 2 Cricut Challenge. My very talented Design Team sister, Janis, selected this challenge.  Janis asked us to use a Cricut cut Christmas Tree on our projects this week.  How appropriate as my home Christmas Tree just went up a few days ago!

In the spirit of full disclosure, this card was inspired by a card I viewed on Pinterest.  The Pinterest card was both more elegant and featured more life-like deer and trees.  I opted for a fun, more surreal depiction. 

I designed my version of this card in Cricut Design Space (I suspect the original card used a die) and used six Cricut cartridges plus Basic Shapes.  The base card was created by welding rectangles, circles, and snowflakes together, then adding score lines.  The decorative elements of the cards were cut using the following Cricut cartridges:

Cindy Loo - Deer
Anna's Seasonal Soirees - Trees (edited)
Anna's Holiday Home Decor - Poinsettia 
CTMH Flower Market - The woodland plants and some snowflakes
Art Philosophy - remaining Snowflakes   
Basic Shapes - Rectangles, circles, and large star
The inside text is from Anna's Christmas Cards and Embellishments and was written by the Cricut Explore 2.

I used all Close To My Heart papers (except for one tree), including the white glitter card stock I used to cut the snowflakes.  I finished the card with white ink and a fan brush which added the snowing effect to wooded scene.

Have you been by the Bitten by the Bug 2 blog this week?  The design team truly wow'ed me with their Christmas Tree projects.  You truly need to go check out their amazing work.  Also we would LOVE it if you would join our weekly challenges.  Check out the rules in the side bar at the Bitten By the Bug 2 Cricut  blog.

Thanks for stopping by today.

December Special - Through The Year Kit

Hello friends! Today is December first and I wanted you to be the first to know about this months Close To My Heart Special.  It is called Through The Year and is a fabulous 2018 Calendar Kit. 

For years I have been making digital calendars in online programs.  Not this year, baby!!  I am SO making our calendars (I make one for Doug's office too) with this new kit!

So here is the scoop on this calendar kit:

There are two options - one for those who purchased our November Stamp of the Month set (CC1344S  $38.95), and a second option for those who did not purchase the November SOTM (CC1344 $56.90).  The November Stamp of the Month is used to complete the calendar labels.  

Another great aspect of this calendar kit is after you have finished with the calendar, you will have 12 scrapbook pages that can be added to a scrapbook.  In fact, you could use each page as a monthly divider page in your 2018 scrapbooks.

Sample page images:

The kit should take about 6-7 hours to complete, give or take, depending on how quickly you scrap.  This includes time for cutting the papers, stamping, etc.

For more information visit my Close To My Heart online store!!  AND remember, this kit is available for the month of December only!!  Give your Santa a nudge if he still needs ideas!!

Strolling in the Evening Snow

Hello friends! Welcome to my Christmas project for The Merry Christmas Challenge Blog, where every challenge, every week, is an Anything Goes Christmas challenge.

I am embarrassed to admit that I am almost 21 hours late with this post.  I have been busy decorating for Christmas and absolutely completely forgot to add this challenge post.  

This is obviously another in my series of vintage image cards.  Have I already told you that most of the cards we are sending out this year contain vintage images?  I thought it would be fun to try something different this year.  In the past my cards have been either stamp and die created or Cricut created.  This year they are vintage images and Cricut cuts. 

I used three Cricut cartridges, plus Basic Shapes, on this card.  The light post was cut using Jolly Holidays.  The holly leaf border was cut using Teresa Collins Christmas Holly.  The ice sickles were cut using Martha Stewart's Seasonal Cake Art cartridge.  

The gold snowflakes are leftovers from a previous project.  

In addition to the vintage image and the Cricut cuts, I also used Liquid Pearls and some lace stamps from my stash.

This square card was fun to work on.  I like that it allowed me to play with my snow creating skills.  I used gray and white ink to add the snow all over the card front.  I have a fan brush that works great on my "snow" effect.

I know I am late getting the word out, but I do hope that you will join us at The Merry Christmas Challenge Blog, where every challenge, every week, is an Anything Goes Christmas challenge.  Go by the blog for more Christmas card inspiration, then share your card with us.

Baby, It's Cold Outside

Hello friends! Welcome to this week's Bitten By the Bug 2 Cricut Challenge. My darling Design Team sister Emily selected this week's challenge theme.  As it is growing colder in many areas of the country (and not so much in other areas), Emily asked us to create projects that feature winter apparel, mittens, hats, scarves, and jackets.  I chose to create a 3-D mitten ornament for our Christmas tree (which is going up this week).

I designed the mitten in Cricut's Design Space software.  I used six cartridges and several cardstock scraps from my Christmas paper stash.  The basic mitten shape was cut using Holiday Cakes (remember those Cricut Cake cartridges?  I still use many of the cuts).  The rosette was created using Ribbons and Rosettes.  The lace at the edge of the cuff was cut using Edge to Edge 2, and the little scalloped lace borders was cut with Create Cards.  The cut circle tag (I love the edge cuts on this tag) was cut using New Arrival.  Finally, I used shapes from Basic Shapes to assist with welding and slicing. I finished my mitten ornament with machine stitched edges, craft pearls, and a Merry Christmas stamp.

I hope that you have been by the Bitten By the Bug blog and viewed the fun and fabulous winter warmth crafted by the Design Team.  We would love it if you found some time this week to join our weekly challenge.   

Thanks for stopping by today.  I hope that you take a moment and read the blog post below about the Cyber Monday sale at Close To My Heart.

Cyber Monday Workspace Wonders Sale

As we are all aware, today is Cyber Monday and that means it our opportunity to snatch up a few more holiday deals.  Close To My Heart has an amazing Cyber Monday deal for you! 

 

We are holding a one-day flash sale to celebrate Cyber Monday! The sale will give you a chance to purchase our Workspace Wonder items at 30% off for individual pieces, and 40% off on select bundles of Workspace Wonder items!

I truly am excited about this offer.  I LOVE my Workspace Wonder organizational tools!  They have replaced other desktop organizer that I previously used.  This is a wonderful opportunity.  If you do not want to purchase for yourself, be sure to have your Santa make his purchases in my online store before 11:59 pm tonight.

This sale starts at midnight (MST) and continues through 11:59 pm Monday night.  

Happy shopping HERE.

Black Friday Sale at CTMH

Hello friends!  I have a Black Friday Special to share with you!!

Close To My Heart is holding a one-day flash sale to celebrate one of the busiest shopping days of the year! The sale will give you a chance to get a 50% discount on all of our currently available Cut Above® Layout Kits. This includes our current kits as well as a selection of layout kits that were previously available. Some of these kits are only available in low quantities, so be sure to place your orders early!

The sale begins at 12:00 am (MST) on November 24 and will end at 11:59 pm. 

As an additional bonus, when you buy the Cut Above Layout Kit—The Story Begins kits (Baby Boy or Baby Girl), you are eligible for additional savings. When you purchase one of these kits, you can purchase a My Legacy™ album of your choice at 30% off! That means that during this 1-day only sale, you can purchase these Cut Above Layout Kits at 50% off AND purchase a My Legacy album at 30% off—Talk about incredible savings!

Click Here to shop in my on-line store!

Being Thankful

Hello friends! Welcome to this week's Bitten By the Bug 2 Cricut Challenge. Caroline, my dear Design Team sister is hosting this week's challenge - Anything Goes Thanksgiving. Use your Cricut to create any type of project for Thanksgiving. I chose to create this Thanksgiving card. 

I am especially aware of all that I have to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.  My family - which has grown by one, my health - especially since having back-to-back illnesses since Halloween, and loving and supportive friends.  

Baby Nathan has had a few rough days, as have his parents, but he seems to be settling into a routine.  I am so thankful that Aaron has this bonus week to spend with his wife and son, and that Crissie might continue to recover from her ordeal.

I have had three seasonal illnesses since Halloween and I am so thankful that this is NOT my normal routine.  It started with a head cold which became a sinus infection.  As the infection was clearing I caught the upper respiratory virus that is spreading like wild fire throughout the southeast.  It was pretty miserable, but I seem to be at the tail end of this crud.  Though the worst part was not the illness, it was being quarantined away from my grandchildren!  I am very much looking forward to seeing all three of them (and their parents) on Thanksgiving Day. So as my card says, I am (especially) THANKFUL this year!

I used three Cricut cartridges to create this card: Flower Market, You are Here, and Basic Shapes. The circle and square mats were cut with Basic Shapes, the flowers and other flora were cut using Flower Market, and the word Thankful was cut from the You Are Here cartridge. I printed the little prayerful pilgrim boy and cut him our using the Cricut Explore before adding him to the card. 

Have you been by the Bitten By the Bug 2 blog yet?  The Design Team has created a variety of fabulous Thanksgiving projects to inspire you last minute crafting!  After you create your new Thanksgiving project be sure to link up with us at BBTB2.

Close To My Heart News:

In addition to the sale news I am sharing below, I have news regarding Close To My Heart cartridges.  In the future Close To My Heart will be switching to digital cartridges only.  They will not produce any more physical cartridges of You Are Here and Flower Market once the current supply has sold out.  If you would like to have either of these cartridges, please purchase them in the very near future, or you may miss the opportunity to own the physical cartridges.

And I mentioned a sale:  During November, save on crafting essentials like paper, ribbon, die cuts and stickers during our Just for FUN sale! Save 40% on bundles of coordinating Fundamentals products, or save 30% on individual items!

Shop with me HERE!

O' Christmas Tree

Hello friends! Welcome to my Christmas project for The Merry Christmas Challenge Blog, where every challenge, every week, is an Anything Goes Christmas challenge.  I call my card this week O' Christmas Tree.

I used four Cricut cartridges and the fabulous vintage Christmas image to create this card.  The Cricut cuts include:

From Anna's Splendid Soiree - Lace invitation (the base card and lace top)
From Trim a Tree - the fun Christmas Tree
From Winter Frolic - the banner
From Basic shapes - the stars and the striped matting layer
From Anna's Fancy Lettering - the font

I also used liquid pearls and light blue seam binding ribbon to compete the card.

Have you been by The Merry Christmas Challenge Blog today?  You are going to love the fabulous Christmas projects the design team created to inspire you.  After you enjoy all of the Christmas eye candy, be sure to link up your Christmas themed project under this week's challenge.

Close To My Heart News:

During November, save on crafting essentials like paper, ribbon, die cuts and stickers during our Just for FUN sale! Save 40% on bundles of coordinating Fundamentals products, or save 30% on individual items!

Shop with me HERE!

Christmas in Connecticut Card

Hello friends! Welcome to this week's Bitten By the Bug 2 Cricut Challenge. This week's challenge was selected by our very talented Design Team sister, Amy.  Amy challenged us to create projects based on a book or a movie.  

Given the time of the year, I chose one of my favorite old Christmas movies, "Christmas in Connecticut", a 1945 production, on which to base my project.  I was first introduced to this movie one Christmas break back in Michigan, sometime around 1970+/- when I was watching Bill Kennedy at the Movies, a show that was broadcast midday on one of the Detroit channels.  Bill's daily show featured old movies (old even in the late 60's - early 70's when I was watching) with a bit dialog thrown in to tell us about the actors or the production.  I discovered many old gems through Bill, but "Christmas in Connecticut" is a standout. 

I used quite a number of Cricut cartridge cuts on this card, as well as the vintage winter image.  

Anna's Winter Wonderland - the fabulous Christmas tree
Edge to Edge 2 - the corner cuts
Vintage Wedding - the lace oval frame
Anna's Holiday Home Decor - the poinsettia
Flower Market and You are Here - the snowflakes
Teresa Collins Christmas Holly - Holly border
Basic shapes - the matting layers

I finished the card with white 3-D Stamp Paint, a gold sequin, gemstones, and a white bow.   

This was actually a fun challenge once I stopped over thinking it.  I hope that you will take time this week to create a book or movie inspired project and to share it with us at Bitten By the Bug 2 Cricut Challenge.

Remember last week when I told you that my grandson was due last Wednesday?  Wednesday came and went with no delivery.  Then Thursday passed.  Then Friday passed.  Then on Saturday night I received a text message with a photo of my son with his new born son!  Nathan Grant Edwards was born at 9:13 pm Saturday night.  Doug, my mom, and I went to meet him yesterday.  He is darling.  In fact, he is perfect! 

My amazing daughter-in-law is recovering and requested no photos until she could shower (understandable after 17.5 hours of labor).  But here we are, me, GranDoug, and our son Aaron, adoring Nathan Grant Edwards.

Na-Na Na-Na Na-Na Na-Na, BATMAN!

Hello friends! Welcome to this week's Bitten By the Bug 2's Cricut Challenge. This week I am the challenge host and I selected the theme.  Today is my older son's 32 birthday (Happy birthday, Aaron) so I thought to celebrate that I would ask the Design Team to create Cricut cut Super Hero projects.  Aaron's favorite super hero is still Batman, though I believe he has some secondary well loved super heroes as well.  Remember that scene in Toy Story 3 where Andy is going to college and plans to take Woody with him? (Yes, that did make me cry a little). Both of our sons took a super hero  and a couple of figures to college with them!

For Aaron's birthday card, and the BBTB2 challenge, I used the Batman cartridge to create this card. The only "Susanizing" I did to the card, was to cut the phrase "Happy Birthday" four times from the Bat call light.  

The back of Aaron's card features this tough looking Batman logo.  I am pretty sure that Aaron is going to love his card.

Have you been by the Bitten by the Bug 2 blog yet today?  You need to go check out the super cute super hero projects my design sisters created!  You can click this HERE to take a look.  

One final note:  Aaron is actually having a very low key birthday.  He and his wife are expecting their first child - due date is THIS Wednesday!  He told me that they plan to have dinner at home and wait for the baby!!  I am hoping that later this week I will be able to report that Aaron had a happy birthday and that Crissie delivered a healthy baby.  I will keep you posted!