Happy Monday! What a great weekend it was and such a busy week that lies ahead. I am blessed with a new grandchild here (which made 8) and one on the way across the country - so in the next few months I will be leaving the peace and warmth of the beach to enjoy.....well....sorta.....the cold Minnesota snow. But for the blessing and joy of the wonderful grandchild - the first child for my middle daughter and son-in-law - I will tough it out :-) (actually you couldn't keep me away).  

This weeks card is simply made with the new Halloween themed paper by Close To My Heart SCAREDY CAT.  This paper pack has a beautiful assortment of brilliant colors that make the possibilities truly endless! 

I love the colors of fall. Although I hate to see the summer end the brilliance of the leaves and the colors of the trees bring fond memories of family and holidays past.  

This card was inspired by the beginning of the leaves changing and the beautiful colors in the Close To My Heart HUNTINGTON paper pack. 

What a beautiful day it has been here at the beach today. Although it started with a morning shower the rest of the day has been beautiful. I am not sure where our summer has gone but our almost empty beaches tell me that it is almost time. I can't say that empty beaches bother me however - the peace and quiet is nice. 

Today inspiration came in the way of an open step card. This Wedding Card was made using the Cricut Divine Wedding Cartridge and an open step card pattern. Have a great weekend!

 

I wish I had the words to say how beautiful our vacation at Niagra Falls was but I do not. It was surreal to me even seeing it in person. So grand and majestic. It was a great time to rest and just take in God's beauty. 

It is back to fun here. This simple easel card was inspired by the Close To My Heart Skylark Scrapbook Workshop Kit and stamp set. I love the brilliance of the colors. 

Halloween Card in a Box Using Cricut and Close To My Heart

I enjoy designing these "Cards in a Box" and they are so popular right now.  This one is themed for Halloween. I used the new Close To My Heart "Scaredy Cat" paper Packet and "Halloween Greetings" My Acrylix stamp set.  For the die cuts I used the Cricut cartridges A Frightful Affair and Happy Hauntings. I inked the arms and skulls sticking out of the ground so that they seem to be dirty. The ghosts in the trees are cut from velum and lightly lined with glitter around the edges - just very lightly.  This card in a box fits perfectly into an A2 size envelope. 

To order items from Close To My Heart you can contact me or shop with me at https://leegwynnedesigns.ctmh.com

I have been waiting to have an inspiration for a Card In A Box. This week my daughter called to let me know her boss and mentor who's last name is Fox would be leaving...I finally had my inspiration. 

Using the Close To My Heart Ariana paper pack and the Wild About Love acrylix stamp set I designed this adorable card in a box. I used my Cricut machine and the Give A Hoot cartridge to make the trees and to cut out the stamped images I used my Silhouette Cameo.  It was fun and easy to make and fits perfectly into an A2 size envelope. 

It has been a fantastic summer with family visiting us frequently over the last few weeks. The weather has been perfect. It was great having everyone around and little ones running through the house. But all good things must come to an end and now it is back to crafting!!  This post is a beautiful birthday card that I made for my sister. She loves it!!

This tri-fold card was desiged  with the Close To My Heart Ariana paper pack and stamped with the Close To My Heart sets - Swirls Around Flair D1551 and Cricut Art Philosophy Celebration D1497.  I used several small items for embellishments.  This card design can be used for any occasion. 

Close To My Heart and Cricut have coordinated their stamp sets and die cut cartridges in this amazing ART PHILOSOPHY SET. A must have for any scrapbook designer or card maker this set has amazing die cut images that coordinate with many Close To My Heart stamp sets. Close To My Heart makes it easy by placing the instruction booklet page number and cut size by each coordinating stamp so you get a perfect cut every time!  Just take a look at a few of the beautiful card designs you can make with this set:

Order this Close To My Heart/Cricut bundle today and you can receive this months Close To My Heart stamp set for only $5. 

I love squash fold cards and books.  You can do so many things with them. For this card I used a simple squash fold to create this adorable Anniversary card for my Daughter and Son-In-Law. I used the Close To My Heart stamp sets: Cricut Art Philosophy Celebration Cricut Collection, The Happy Couple and Funky Blossoms. Enjoy!!

I am very excited about the new Close To My Heart Idea Books for 2014 -2015.  Roll out is July 1st and the content in the new books is the best yet!!!  In addition for the month of July is this STAMP OF THE MONTH set.  This CIRCUS ALPHABET set is perfect for your scrapbook layouts or cards and can be yours for only $5 with any qualifying Close To My Heart purchase. Contact me today with any questions!  

Artbooking Made Easy (S01E01): Getting Started with Cricut Artbooking

The Cricut Artbooking Cartridge is a fabulous cartridge to own. You can order yours today at http://LeeGwynneDesgins.Ctmh.com

Tropical Design Man's Shirt Card

This beautiful tropical design shirt was inspired by my Husbands large closet full of tropical shirts - so I began searching the internet for a template. As simple to make as the regular dress shirt - but with a front that is ink blended, this shirt card makes a fantastic masculine card for that very special person in your life.

Thinking of You and Spectrum Noir Markers

My flower gardens are in bloom and with them brings many types of God's beautiful winged creatures. I have hummingbird feeders all around my yard and many natural plants that attract them. They are so fun to watch. I love it when they battle over the feeders and playfully torment each other. So tiny yet so powerful. 

Inspired by the spring colors and adorable birds I have used the colors from Spectrum Noir to blend and highlight this stamped image by Inkadinkado.  It catches perfectly a scene from my gardens that plays each day. A true blessing of God. 

You're An Amazing Dad - Father's Day or Birthday Card

Inspiration for this card was found on the internet in other similar designs that portrayed cars, motorcyles, boats and other big boy toys.....that father's would love. The simplistic colors of black and white stamping of the background is what in my opinion makes the card stand out. 

For this background I used the Close To My Heart Sets Born To Ride and Maximum Power. For the Sentiment I used a Hampton Art stamp. In order to show each of the stamps I used a 5" x 7" card.  You can modify this card to stamp for children or other occasions.

Father's Day Shirt Card

I sometimes find it difficult to come up with ideas for masculine cards. This fun fold card is a favorite and perfect for Father's day, birthday or any event for that favorite guy in your life. This card is quick and easy to make (it only looks hard to do - trust me!). There are many designs are all over the internet but I like this one. There is so many different changes you can make with this.  Thank you for visiting - Please Share - and Have A Great Day!!

Celebrate 30! With Close To My Heart

My Hero My Dad!! 

It has been another beautiful day at the beach. Weather is cool enough that yard work is not a struggle and that is always a bonus. I am hoping for a beach or pool day soon. I am a bit behind on my summer tan.  

Today's card is for those wonderful Father's out there. I used the Triple Time Stamping technique and it turned out beautiful. Very easy to make and as always fun to put together.  I hope everyone is having a great day!

Cricut Artbooking Made Easy: Fun in the Sun

Great Cricut Artbooking Tutorial!

What does summertime mean for you and your family?  Is it camping in the woods or swimming in the ocean? No matter your destination, the summertime-themed keys on the Cricut Artbooking cartridge will have the perfect cutouts to use in recording all those unforgettable memories.

The Cricut Artbooking Cartridge collection can be purchased through my Close To My Heart store. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me.  Have a great day!

I would like to thank everyone for their support the last few weeks. I have not been able to add to my blog often since my daughter and son-in-law gave birth to their first son and since we had to take a trip to Alabama to assist in the auction of my mother's estate. 

Finally we are back at home and somewhat back to normal. The phone calls, emails, texts and cards from every with prayers and support have meant so much to us. We thank you. 

Finally...A New Card...YAY!!!!

Today I made a card to give with a gift that I had purchased for a very special lady in my life. For this card I used the Close To My Heart Lollydoodle Paper Pack with Slate as the card base. 

For the focal point I used the Close To My Heart My Acrylix stamp set Sensational Season and Words of Comfort for the sentiment.  I can't wait to hear from her when she receives her gift and card!  

I am so glad to be back. It is going to be a beautiful spring and summer!!!

Happy Birthday!  This card was inspired by the beautiful spring green textured cardstock that I found. I used a Martha Stewarts paper edge punch and a butterfly trip. I finished it off with a foam and burlap flower and a birthday stamp from Close To My Heart. Simple but elegant and great spring colors!  

IT'S A BOY!  The only thing that brings more joy and emotion than the day that you give birth to a child - is to be there when that child gives birth to her child!  Yesterday we added a grandson to our family. We are very blessed that he is healthy and beautiful. 

What better time to make a card themed for baby.  I love this Noahs Ark stamp. So many beautiful colors and possibilities. 

Quick and Easy Gift cards can be made with these single stamps on 3" x 3" cards. I make these several at a time to keep on hand. They are great to give with gifts for several occasions. You can purchase the 3" cards and envelopes or use up the pieces of scrap that you have. 

The ARIANA Paper Pack by Close To My Heart is the inspiration for this beautiful card of Hope.  I used this pack as the base color and design along with the Close To My Heart single My Acrylix  cling stamp HOPE to make this card. This paper pack is beautifully designed with spring colors great for Mother's Day, Easter, Spring and more. 

The Ariana design comes in a Paper Pack and Workshops on the Go scrapbooking kit. 

You can purchase any of these sets and stamps at 

http://leegwynnedesigns.ctmh.com

 

Finally!!!   Cricut digital handbooks are here!!  Have a cartridge with no handbook - find it here

http://www.cricut.com/home/handbooks   Just search to find your cartridge and click on the digital handbook that you need!  Thanks Cricut for bringing this back to all crafters who are missing that one special handbook. 

Become a Close To My Heart Consultant and watch your business soar!!! 

 Join Close To My Heart as an Independent Consultant April 1–30, 2014, and receive your favorite “art-full” Close To My Heart Cricut® collection FREE! Our New Consultant Kit is just $99 and comes packed with nearly triple the retail value in products and supplies to help you succeed. Plus, when you qualify for the Straight To The Top program, you will be refunded the price of your New Consultant Kit. Select your FREE Cricut® collection (Artiste, Artbooking or Art Philosophy) —retail priced at $99—when you order your New Consultant Kit online and watch your new business soar!

Along with this amazing consultant kit you can choose one of the Cricut Collection set for FREE!!  For more information or to join Close To My Heart just send us a message. We will be happy to assist you!

Happy Easter card with my favorite House Mouse.  These little mice are so cute and always into mischief. What a great card to give at Easter and spring time. 

Ivy Lane paper pack from Close To My Heart inspired this beautiful Easter Blessings card. This paper and cardstock in this pack is beautiful with bright spring colors and elegant patterns.

  

For more card designs please visit us on Etsy at 

https://www.etsy.com/shop/LeeGwynneDesigns

The Skylark Paper Pack from Close To My Heart looks great with the new CTMH stamp set GIVE A LIFT.  

You can find the Skylark Paper Pack and the Give A Lift acrylic stamp set at http://leegwynnedesigns.ctmh.com

Baby Diaper Card designed with Cricut's Close To My Heart ARTISTE cartridge.  This card is adorable, simple and so fun to make. You can use these cards for shower invitations, announcements and much more. Use any cardstock you have and embellish them any way you want. With the cards shown I have used solid blue cardstock on one and Close To My Hearts Babycakes design paper for the other. There is a scalloped insert that you can layer or one single cut. It is a great insert for your event information or announcement. I used different brads on the diaper flaps to make it look like pins are used.  I really enjoy this card and people love to receive them!

If you would like to purchase the Cricut Artiste cartridge or the Close To My Heart Babycakes paper packet please contact me or visit my store at http://leegwynnedesigns.ctmh.com

Noah's Ark Baby Boy card!  With our 8th grandchild due in only 5 weeks and with the baby shower this weekend my mind is on Baby Cards.  I can't help it!  They just keep popping into my mind and have to be done.  This baby is a boy and of course this card is done in shades of blue.  I guess I am just an excited granny.  I love Noah's Ark stamps and have several - this one is adorable. Colored with Spectrum Noir markers to give it just the right look.  What a sweet card to accompany a gift or to send as a Welcome for a new baby boy.  Enjoy!!!

Happy Easter !!! This great holiday Easter card was inspired by the Cricut cartridge Creative Holiday Cards. This card is easy to make and can be completed with optional embellishment for a different look every time!  

Welcome New Baby Pop-Up Card - WHEW!!!  It has been a while since I was able to post. The south east was blasted with a winter storm that iced us in.  We lost power and of course all access to the outside world for a while. You do not realize how much you depend on internet, cable and phones until you are without them.  It took 4 days but we are up and running again. From deep freeze to 70 degree weather. Unbelievable!!!

Today's favorite card is offered by Emili... This adorable card was designed using the Cricut Art Philosphy cartridge, B Is For Baby stamp set by Close To My Heart,  Sizzix pop-up dies, paper by Kaisercraft, and the Carriage stamp by Hampton Art.   

To purchase the Cricut Art Philosphy cartridge and coordinating stamp set, or the B Is For Baby stamp set please contact me or visit my shop at 

http://leegwynnedesigns.ctmh.com

A Gift For Baby - With our second Severe Winter Warning in 2 weeks what better way to stay warm and cozy and take your mind off of the weather outside but to play with paper?  

Today used scrap from my Close To My Heart Babycakes collection along with using the Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge (for the square scallops) to create this adorable card to give with a new baby gift. This is an A7 card. In addition to the above I also used a Darice embossing folder to decorate the strip underneath the scallops. The stamp set used for the "A Gift For Baby" is from the Close To My Heart acrylic stamp set  B IS FOR BABY D1561. This is an extremely easy card to make. 

You can purchase the BabyCakes Colletion of paper and cardstock along with the B IS FOR BABY stamp set and the Cricut Art Philosopy Cartridge from my store at 

http://leegwynnedesigns.ctmh.com 

Child's Birthday Card - Our vacation to Savannah was wonderful!  Even though we arrived on the day the ice storm came through the Southeast last week and it was extremely cold we still had a great time. Savannah is a beautiful city and I can't wait until we can return.  It was good to get away and clear out the Holiday thoughts and begin thinking about our New Year. 

Today's new card was inspired by this adorable train stamp set. This Happy Birthday card would be great for any infant or toddler and with a little modification could be used to welcome a new baby or for a shower.  

The Cricut Kate's ABC's art cartridge inspired this adorable Easter card. Tough to do with the weather station calling for snow this week. I used the Close To My Heart acrylic stamp set EASTERTIME D1259 was used to make the inside sentiment 

"Eastertime is full of cheer it means spring is really here"

With all of the Pinks and Frills that a baby girls card demands....This elegant pink carriage card is inspired by Kaisercraft paper and the carriage stamp by Hampton Art. I love this card! So many aspects with ink shading and layers. A joy to design! 

Reviving the retired stamps can be fun. This retired JRL Designs/Close To My Heart stamp set of the children's nursery rhyme Humpty Dumpty has been sitting in a corner for much too long. With the help of blue cardstock and Close To My Heart Babycakes collection paper and embellishment assortment Humpty Dumpty is back together again in this adorable card. I stamped the inside with a phrase from the nursery rhyme and punched hearts to trim the inside matching the paper on the front. It is now ready to go!! Take a look around - I bet there are stamps that you have that you have forgotten about. Share them here!  I will be happy to post your designs.  Thanks for stopping by and Have a great day!!

The Close To My Heart Babycakes paper and cardstock collection has had my attention the last few days.  It is such fun paper with great colors and patterns. Tonight I made a couple of quick cards that are fun to do and easy to put together. Both are A2 cards. I had used Spectrum Noir markers on some stamped pieces (I love House Mouse stamps).  And I am having a whole lot of fun out of my new Silhouette Cameo!  I love it. My poor Cricut machines are going to get dusty I believe.