The Paper Taylor

Free Cricut Art Philosophy Collection

2012-03-01T08:50:00.001-05:00

In my sixteen years as a consultant with Close to My Heart, I have yet to see an opportunity like the one that has presented itself during the month of March. Indeed, if you have considered becoming a CTMH consultant, take a moment to watch the brief video below and get ready to pursue your dreams. With a choice of a free Cricut Art Philosophy collection or $100 in select product credit, you will have lots of great new creative tools.

Feel free to click on the "Join my Team" at the top of this page to have your questions answered and find out why I joined the company by choosing the "My Why" tab. I invite you to become a member of the Rising Hearts team!

Paper Trail Blog Hop Marches on with Stella

2012-02-29T23:11:00.001-05:00

This month, the talented artists on the Paper Trail Blog Hop have teamed up to showcase projects created using the Stella paper collection from the new Spring/Summer 2012 Close to My Heart Idea Book. If you have arrived here from Pam's blog, P-Inks then you're on the right trail.

From neutrals of cocoa and colonial white to rich hues of lagoon, olive,sunset, and tulip, this collection is the favorite of many paper collectors. The Stella Complements are some of my favorite as they are adhesive-backed canvas images that add such texture to a project.

I gathered together a paper pack and a package of complements along with some wide chocolate-striped grosgrain ribbon, some mocha opaques, and a bottle of stardust glitz glitter gel. Let the fun begin!

Included in the Wishes how-to book, are a number of card workshop patterns and the cards pictured here are examples from one of those patterns. In the bold 6" x 6" size, these cards make such a statement for a special someone.

Stamped with a variety of sentiments, this collection of all-occasion cards can be completed in little time. Some of the canvas complements were slightly frayed using the edge of my scissors and others were sponged with a bit of cocoa ink.

Now hop on over to Vicki's blog, Wizard's Hangout and enjoy her Stella-inspired projects!

Simple Springtime Hugs

2012-02-23T06:34:00.000-05:00

At times, the simplest of cards can make your day. I have been eyeing all of the cards that I could cut out with my Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge and finally decided it was time to put them to work! Where I live, we have had a very, very mild winter. In fact, today, Feb. 23rd, the prediction is that our temperature will rise to near 70 degrees. I'm sure that was part of the reason that I was drawn to the springtime freshness of the new Lucy papers.

In very little time, I had cut out this sweet card that features a little ticket-shaped window. I pulled out my February Stamp of the Month and one of my favorite sentiments, "Consider Yourself Hugged". A quick stamping of the sentiment in the window resulted in my basic card. All I added was a paper flower sponged with a bit of ink, a cute pink scalloped circle cut from the Cricut as my flower center, and a few opaques and tiny sparkles for a bit of bling.

I must admit that I usually "need" to do much more to a card to make it my own, yet the simplicity of this one made me smile. Enjoy!

Anything Goes with the February Paper Trail Blog Hop.....

2012-01-31T20:00:00.004-05:00

That being said, I just had to share one of the brand new papers as featured in the new 2012 Spring/Summer Idea Book that goes live Feb. 1st! I will be the first to admit that I love all of the new paper packets. Sure, there are some that are favorites, but I love them all and hope to share artwork created with all of them.

This month, if you have reached my blog thru Tamytha's blog, Paper HeARTIST, then you're on the right track. My featured artwork is made from papers in the new Florentine collection. With richly textured designs in colors such as brown bag, garden green, twilight, and vanilla cream, there are so many possibilities for this collection.

I will be the first to admit that when I saw our first "cluster" stamp, Happy Clusters, in the 2011 Autumn/Winter Idea Book, my mind took a bit of time to visualize the possibilities. Let's face it, pictured in black and white, the images take on the feeling of a gestalt psychological test! Once I played with that first set of clusters (see below right), I was sold. In fact, when the new book contained a new cluster set, Love Clusters, it was all I could do to wait until my order of new product arrived.

With stamping and buttons and bling, oh my!... the creations are such fun! This butterfly image sports a bit of each and could be turned into a completely different look with alternate colors and papers.

For those of you who are avid stampers, these images provide such a fun palette for your own creativity! To the right, you will see the very first card that I made using these clusters-same pattern, different papers-and you will see what I mean!

Once you're ready for a bit more inspiration, head on over to Lynne's blog, Field's Finery, to see what she has in store for you. Enjoy!

It's a Wonderland on the Paper Trail Blog Hop!

2012-01-03T06:45:00.002-05:00

Card featuring Happy Clusters stamp set

Happy New Year and welcome to the January Paper Trail Blog Hop. This month, we are featuring the crisp colors of the Wonderland paper packet. If you have arrived here from Pam's blog, P-Inks, you're on the right track.

The colors and patterns in Wonderland are so very versatile. As the name implies, winter photos can be showcased using the icy snowflake patterns and yet with stripes, polka dots, and plaids, the options are wide open for any number of projects.

My first project introduces the fun concept of the Happy Clusters stamp set. I will admit that when I first saw this stamp set, the large images designed to provide a base for buttons, blings, and smaller stamped designs looked like, well, blobs. My daughter immediately thought of the Rorschach inkblot tests!

Wonderland Papers

It was only a short time before I realized that I simply loved working with these images! Stamping the star with second generation Twilight ink started me on my way and with a buffet of buttons, sparkles, and additional images from which to choose, it was so simply to create my masterpiece! Fun, fun, fun!

To be inspired even more, check out the brief video below from the Close to My Heart art department.

To see another simple project featuring the Wonderland papers, continue to the end of this post.

To move on along the Paper Trail, hop on over to Karen's blog, Inky Fingers and check out her awesome layout!

In closing, enjoy this super simple celebration layout using the Wonderland papers. The patterned pieces on this layout were all cut from just one sheet of B&T Duos. I added in some additional chocolate cardstock for the photo mats and used a bit more patterned paper and the Cricut Art Philosophy set to cut a few fun packages and a decorative mini-banner. The same cricut cartridge provided the pattern for the scalloped photo mat. A bit of bling from the Bling Assortment and some glitz glitter gel finished the piece. Enjoy!

Roxie is on the Paper Trail Blog Hop!

2011-11-30T20:44:00.001-05:00

Welcome to the December Paper Trail Blog Hop featuring the rich colors and textures of the Roxie paper packet. If you have arrived here from Connie's blog, Scraps & Stories, then you're on the right track.

I will admit that I simply adore working with this paper packet. At first glance, seeing a collection of florals, plaids, and, yes, even animal prints, I was curious as to just how these fabulous papers would play off each other. In experimenting with the papers, I have found that the artwork waiting to come to life is limitless.

These particular cards include images from the December stamp of the month, Mad About You. While I normally choose something other than our stamp of the month to use in the blog hop, I wanted to showcase two cards using the same stamp set and papers and yet having a very different feel.

While the card above takes advantage of the softer look of sorbet, stamped swirls, and a scallop-like sentiment, the card at the right takes on a more contemporary look with animal print background and texture paper, a sleek black card, and opaques and sparkles that march up the center portion of the focal area. Enjoy!

Now hop on over to Betsy Gully's blog, Stamp Scrap Fever and see just what she has to offer using the Roxie collection!

Dreamin' of the Paper Trail Blog Hop

2011-10-31T19:42:00.002-04:00

Dreamin' Swirl

Welcome to the November edition of our Paper Trail Blog Hop. If you have arrived here via Vicki's Blog, Wizard's Hangout, then you're on the right track. If you have started here, you can still follow the trail around to check out this month's artwork!

While this month's featured paper pack, Dreamin', is chock full of rich autumn colors such as Chocolate, Goldrush, and Honey, when you check out the addition of Pacifica, you will find a combination that is just as much at home for those end of summer photos that are waiting to be added to your scrapbook.

This month, my artwork offering features a favorite make 'n' take project- layout elements. Start with a few shapes cut with the Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge, stamp up some of the leaves, and with a wave of your wand, you have layout elements. When added to your base pages, you have a layout waiting to come to life!

Look closely at the Dreamin' Swirl above and you will see how I've added some Olive ink to the pallette. The leaves have edges sponged with Chocolate ink and distressed with scrunched paper and a bit of Sunset and Chocolate inks. Pop on a few Mocha Opaques and you have a swirl worthy of any layout.

Dreamin' Pumpkin

For a second layout element, use your imagination and cut a shape meant to be an ornament. Once it is cut from Dreamin' papers, all it takes is a pair of scissors to trim the bottom and reveal the Dreamin' pumpkin pictured on the right! Use your scrunched paper and inks again to add some pumpkin personality.

For a bit of dimension, adhere your pumpkin to the tag element with 3-D foam tape. The tape also gives a great place to tuck in a Foundry Metal Pin Clip stem and another Mocha opaque! Need leaves on your pumpkin? Trim apart an extra Olive leaf and tuck the bits around the stem.

There you have it... Your two elements are ready for action. Picture them added to the top left-hand and bottom right-hand corners of a double layout and you are all set to add autumn photos galore. Use the Dreamin' Pumpkin for a bit of journaling, a small photo, or a great quote.

Are you ready for a bit more fun? Hop on over to Pam's blog, P-Inks and check out her Dreamin' creation!

An Elemental Journal

2011-10-04T14:42:00.000-04:00

As promised, here is the third in a series of four seasonal journals. Each is created with a different paper featured in the Autumn/Winter 2011 CTMH Idea Book and this version has been crafted using papers from the Elemental collection. By concentrating on the papers using predominantly Pacifica and Sorbet colors, the piece can easily represent the bright sunny days of summer!

Did I mention that by creating four covers, you can have a personal journal that spans the year and yet is changeable by season? This is my favorite part of this project! Of course, if you love, love, love one of the papers, you can surely create your journal in just one design.

By tying long, knotted ribbons to the top coil of the journal, I have the option of using them as bookmarks to lead me back to a favorite page or simply to mark the point at which I should continue my thoughts. Enjoy!

Believe-Our Paper Trail Blog Hop

2011-09-30T20:29:00.004-04:00

Welcome to the October Paper Trail Blog Hop! You are on the right trail if you arrived here from Lynne's blog, Field's Finery. This month, you can enjoy the playful colors of holiday red, sweet leaf, sky, topiary, and white daisy as we create with papers from the Believe collection.

I must admit that I have been having such fun with the latest little box from our My Creations collection and had to pull one out to use for this month's blog hop! It's a small card box that can go from simple white bookboard to a fully embellished piece of art in two shakes of a lamb's, er, reindeer's tail!!! Add a few small cards or perhaps a collection of gift tags and you have a treasured gift.

I will admit that with such a fun collection of papers, it was hard to decide which to use. My solution? Simply create two card boxes! While the box above has a holiday vibe, the box to the right is more generic. Both still feature buttons and stick pins from the bling assortment, a fun flower and swirl from the Cricut Art Philosophy Collection, a few sparkles from the blue-green collection, and a bit of Stardust glitz glitter gel.

It's simple to make the Believe paper collection work for you for holiday and more! Now hop on over to Mary's Blog, Road to Peace of Mind or Escape? to see just what "Believable" creations she has to share! Enjoy!

Roxie Rocks!

2011-09-30T19:40:00.000-04:00

It takes only a bit of clever creativity to go from a journal cover made with Sonoma papers to this version using papers from the Roxie collection. The pattern is the same and with shapes and stamps from the Cricut Art Philosophy collection, the project is simply fabulous! Watch next week for two more journal covers which will complete our four seasons project and watch for workshop dates so that you can create your own! Enjoy

It's Elemental...

2011-09-30T19:24:00.001-04:00

Rising Hearts=A Team of Extraordinary Consultants...

Yes, indeed, my team rocks and during September, I had the opportunity to share a variety of artwork projects with them at our team stamp camps. This card, featuring the papers from the Elemental collection, is one of twenty-four that can be made with just one Level 2 packet of paper. It was so-o-o-o-o much fun to create and share. Look closer to see that we also used fun corrugated stars, mocha opaques, and fun foundry metal pins.

Stay tuned for additional cards from this project. Enjoy!

Celebrating with Sonoma

2011-08-31T22:00:00.003-04:00

Welcome to the September Paper Trail Blog Hop! If you have come here from Karen's Blog, Inky Fingers, then you're in just the right place!
This month, we are featuring the rich colors of the Sonoma paper collection showcasing Bamboo, Cocoa, Olive and Smokey Plum. While autumn is just around the corner, with a few stately trees and a couple of playful snowflakes, this paper becomes a starry winter night!
The trees, snowflake, and bookplate title were so simple and such fun to create with the new Cricut Art Philosophy collection! Included in the collection are stamp sets, one of which was used to stamp the trees. With a few embellishments, my piece became the cover for a journal for a special someone! Enjoy!
Now hop on over to Pam's Blog, P-Inks to see what she has to offer this month!

Celebrating with CTMH!

2011-08-31T21:08:00.001-04:00

I'm celebrating! 15 years ago this month, I decided to become an Independent Consultant with Close to My Heart. Actually, at the time, the company was known as D.O.T.S., Dozens of Terrific Stamps! Yes, indeed, I was a rubber stamper and truthfully, signed on just to do something fun, fun, fun! As a Navy family, we had made a move that resulted in my leaving my job teaching in a community college system and I simply thought I would do a little something fun and creative.

Did I plan to build a business? Perhaps. With a middle school-age child, a husband who frequently deployed, and plenty of family, school, and church activities, I simply thought it would be fun!

In celebrating my 15th anniversary with the company, I can say that CTMH has become an important part of my life and is still FUN!!! Let me share with you my "why".....

August Paper Trail Blog Hop-Getting Into Mischief

2011-07-31T22:00:00.004-04:00

Welcome to this month's Paper Trail blog hop! If you have come here from Betsy Gully's blog, you are on your way to exploring a number of terrific artwork samples. With the latest CTMH Idea Book going "live" TODAY, we chose to go with an "anything goes" theme for the featured paper.
I just had to play with our new Mischief papers and the August Stamp of the Month, Wicked. I must say that having attended a fabulous performance of the musical Wicked in June, this hat image brought back great memories!
Do you see anything else new? Yes! Check in the lower right-hand corner and you will see that our charming decorative brads now come in antiqued copper. Sprinkled in among the licorice opaques are dots of the NEW bronze glitz glitter gel!
Once you're done checking out this sample featuring papers from the Mischief collection, hop on over to visit Terri Howard's blog to see what she has to offer this month! Enjoy!

A Little Something FREE!

2011-07-31T10:06:00.000-04:00

A Typeface Stamp Set

We all love something FREE and this versatile font stamp set can be free to you during the month of August only!

Do you love our Stamps of the Month? Have you heard that the Stamp of the Month program has been simplified? It is so easy... Simply purchase $50 in CTMH product and the SOTM can be added to your order for just $5. A new exclusive stamp set is featured each month!

Now for the FREE part- Qualify and purchase the SOTM in August and receive the A Typeface stamp set free!

It gets even better... Check out the National Stamping Month promotion that begins on August 15th and consider taking advantage of the period between Aug. 15th and Aug. 31st when these two programs overlap!!! Fun and Free!

Awesome Rising Hearts Team!

2011-07-31T10:05:00.001-04:00

The Rising Hearts Team is such an awesome group of CTMH consultants! I want to take this opportunity to thank them in this forum for all of their dedication and hard work this year. This picture shows all of the boxes containing fun goodies that were sent out during convention to all of the team's annual award recipients. I felt so proud as I packed them up and you all deserve a huge pat on the back! Enjoy!

For My Team...

2011-07-28T07:46:00.000-04:00

There is something incredibly satisfying about surrounding yourself with papers, inks, and an assortment of bling as you set out to create for someone special. That's precisely how I felt prior to convention when I began to craft a little something for my "first string" team members who were in Anaheim with me!
Our journal is so simple and fun to create as it features a clear pocket on the front that holds a 5"x7" piece of artwork. With that size canvas, you can create to your heart's content! I even used a pattern from our Wishes card book for inspiration!
Papers from the Sophia collection provide sweet, summer colors and before I could say "bibbidi-bobbidi-boo", I had completed the journal covers!
Note that the background has added texture with dry-embossed lines that have been sanded and many of the papers have added depth with sponged edges.
With an accordion-folded flower, a little button, and a few stamped images, the piece came to life just like magic! Check out the quote, a saying that was woven throughout our convention experience... "A dream is a wish your heart makes..." Enjoy!

Matterhorn Madness!

2011-07-27T15:47:00.002-04:00

Ready to roll!!!
Thought I would share some of the fun and excitement that we enjoyed at Disneyland prior to the fun and excitement of convention!!!
Here we are, my daughter and I, strapped in and ready to roll on the Matterhorn ride. This ride is one of her top favorites and it was only going to be open the first day we were there before being closed for renovation! We just HAD to make sure that we made time for the thrill of tearing through the mountain and being surprised by the abominable snowman!!!
It was awesome! In fact, with that day being early admission for resort guests, we rode the Matterhorn TWICE before you could blink an eye! Disneyland is simply on of our favorite places to be... the happiest place on earth!

Convention!

2011-07-26T09:25:00.000-04:00

Where have I been? Have you missed me? The past couple of weeks have been a whirlwind of fun and excitement as I enjoyed everything to do with Close to My Heart and Disney! This year, our convention was held at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim, CA and the experience was a not-to-be-missed extravaganza of new products, ideas, and dear friends. We spent several days park-hopping before convention and even celebrated the mutual birthday of my daughter and brother. Who could ask for more than being at Disneyland on your birthday?!!!

Convention was.....SPECTACULAR! The new papers are just fabulous and, of course, I am looking forward to playing with all of the new accessories. Here's a snippet of video that you can watch and feel a bit of the excitement as we all look forward to August 1st when the new Idea Book goes live! Enjoy!

So Many Toys, So Little Time!

2011-06-23T07:23:00.001-04:00

I must admit that when I was first introduced to rub-ons, I was a bit rub-on challenged. I have now discovered that there are many levels of quality when it comes to this product and these are terrific. Of course, you would expect me to say that as, yes, I'm a CTMH consultant and show a bit of favor to our products. However, I do love these and this little video from CTMH shows you some of the reasons why! Enjoy!

Treat Yourself!

2011-06-21T23:09:00.000-04:00

Treat Tents using Fanfare Papers

You've seen them and now it's time to add them to your papercrafting repertoire! They're called treat tents and they can be made any size at all. This little trio is ready to march into a birthday party or even a picnic on the 4th of July. Use a bit of adhesive or a glue dot to adhere a little bag of special treats inside the tent and you'll be all ready to make your guests smile.

Are you ready to make your own? Start with a piece of cardstock cut 3" x 9". Beginning at one short end, score the piece at 3-1/2", 5", and 8-1/2". This will give you a substantial base on which to rest the tent along with a 1/2" flap to fold over the top of the tent. This gives your project a cute finished look. I rounded the corners of the flap and sponged with a bit of coordinating ink to complete the look.

The front of the tent is based on a 3" x 3" card pattern from the awesome pattern book entitled Wishes. Papers featured here are from the Fanfare collection. Enjoy!

A Sip of Simplicity

2011-06-21T22:45:00.001-04:00

More than likely, you have seen these little water bottle tags many times. Consider this a reminder of how cute and simple such a project can be as it elevates the lowly water bottle to a thirst-quenching gift or decoration. Try them for birthday parties, pool soirees, bridal showers, and much more. Easily coordinated with a bit of ink and paper, these will fit into any theme or decor.
My version begins with a piece of cardstock cut at 3" x 10" and scored 3" from one end and 2-1/2" from the other end. The 3" section is folded up and decorated as desired while the 2-1/2" section is punched with a 1-1/4" punch to accommodate the bottle top.
Do you want to duplicate the lattice print background? Grab your rubber brayer, add some dimensional foam tape around the cylinder, ink it up and you're on a roll! I used one color in each direction for a fun garden-y look! Enjoy!

The Language of Flowers

2011-06-07T21:43:00.025-04:00

As a young girl, my daughter delighted in being able to celebrate the end of the year with a little something for her classroom teacher, piano instructor, and even the director of her dance studio. She liked for it to be unique and always wanted a hand in creating it from the heart. With Mom's buffet of papercrafting ingredients available, it was only a matter of time before the perfect little gift came to life.

This seed packet pocket would fit any number of occasions and is so very simple to create. I can even see my daughter presenting a little basket of assorted packets, a bit of a bouquet in the making, to a special mentor. As favors for a party, shower, or even a wedding, they would add that special touch.

To make these even more unique, consider choosing the seeds based on their meaning! It is interesting to note that many flowers have a special meaning and it is with this information that bouquets can be tailored to an occasion. As head of a local woman's group, I recently recognized each member with one of these pockets filled with seeds that spoke to the characteristic she most contributed to the club.

Here are the results:

Baby's Breath-Happiness

Celosia-Sense of Humor

Convolvulus-Perseverance

Coreopsis-Cheerfulness

Dianthus-Dignity

Hollyhock-Ambition

Nasturtium-Patriotism

Poppy-Imagination

Zinnia-Friendship

My pocket began as a piece of cardstock cut 4"x8" and scored at 3" from one of the short sides to create the pocket. With a little random stamping, sponging, and the addition of a variety of embellishments, my pocket came to life. In this case, I adhered the pocket only at the upper corners with mini glue dots so that my pocket had a bit of expansion room for chubbier seed packets. Enjoy!

Variation on a Theme

2011-06-04T09:00:00.001-04:00

Yes, indeed, this is still the same stamp set (Jubilation) and even the same paper (Lucky) as in my previous post. Yet we have an entirely different look. This time, we kept the card super simple with 3 sunset flowers marching down the center of the card. Their centers sport opaques from the mocha assortment and the middle flower is very dimensional. The dimension was easy to accomplish; the flower is stamped on one of our new canvas badge buttons and sponged with a bit of cocoa ink! So-o-o-o-o simple and fun!

Feeling Blue

2011-06-02T12:54:00.000-04:00

I admit it...I love the color blue. Color preference must be genetic as it was my mother's favorite color and it is my daughter's as well. That being said, It seems natural that this card evolved into a coordinated sea of blue as I played with the June Stamp of the Month, Jubilation. I chose papers from the Lucky collection. (Ok, so I had a ton of scraps and needed to use them!) I will say that when you look at the Lucky papers, your eye tends toward the olive, sunset, and desert sand hues with just a smattering of outdoor denim. However, just peek on the reverse side of the olive paper with outdoor denim pindots, and you'll find the beautiful blue that I used for the background of my piece! Scalloped circles punched from another Lucky paper, a bit of sponging, a knot of blue ribbon, and, yes, even blue sparkles, brought texture and bling to a card that makes me feel anything but blue!

Memorial Day and Rolling Thunder

2011-05-29T10:20:00.001-04:00

While this card features images from a future stamp set (the July Stamp of the Month), it is just what I wanted for a Memorial Day weekend note...

As a child, I often marched in my hometown's Memorial Day parade. Whether walking with my Girl Scout troop or riding my bicycle festooned with red, white, and blue crepe paper, I felt the pride of remembering those in our military who served and sacrificed. In the center of town, sits a bridge over the river. The parade would split down the middle so that we could utilize the sidewalks on either side and toss bunches of flowers over the railing into the water below. It was a simple act of remembrance. The parade ended at the local cemetery where, with a backdrop of lovingly decorated gravesites, we witnessed a brief ceremony that spoke of the true meaning of Memorial Day.

Now, living in the vicinity of Washington, D.C. we have the opportunity to witness another powerful display of remembrance...Rolling Thunder. Each year, over 250,000 motorcycles ride during the Rolling Thunder Memorial Day weekend observance that is held each year in our nation's capital. The event has evolved to be a exhibition of patriotism and respect for soldiers and veterans from all wars. This morning, we saw throngs of people gathering along the roads and overpasses of the main route to D.C. They were all there to wave, salute, or simply catch a glimpse of the thousands of motorcyclists heading thru our area. Even from my home, a distance from the route, I could hear the rumbling of the cycle engines as they prepared for the trip.

As you enjoy your festivities this holiday weekend, remember the true meaning of Memorial Day and take a moment to thank those who have sacrificed to Let Freedom Ring.

Treasures

2011-05-19T21:39:00.000-04:00

Welcome from The Paper Taylor. I treasure your visit and hope that you will find ideas and inspiration as you check here often. This precious box, a treasure box of sorts, is made with Close to My Heart papers from the Miracle collection. The sweet buttons marching across the front mimic the sweet leaf and crystal blue colors in the paper. Do you see the little striped buttons? They started out clear! Simply dot the back of a clear button with a bit of Liquid Glass, glue to your choice of paper, and allow to dry. Once dry, you can cut out your new custom button, add waxy flax if you like, and add to your project! Enjoy!