Turn a Large Die Cut Into A Shaker Card

 Maybe it is because I live on a farm, or because my drinking glasses are all mason jars, or because I actually do can with mason jars, but the Eat Play Love-Card Making Stamp and Think Cut set is a winner.

When I saw that it included a solid die cut for the mason jar and it was a good sized one, I knew I could make it into a shaker card if I wanted to. All I do is cut out a extra layer using fun foam and then with double sided tape and a piece of acetate sandwich it together with the bits and pieces.

You have to admit there are some cute sentiments to add to this one. I do not hang onto many set, but I sure will be hanging on to this one.

If you are interested in purchasing this set (Z3924) it is on sale this month as part of our Stamp and Thin Cut special.  Use the link above to Shop at my site to see all of the great deals we have.  The papers that go with this set are featured this month.  They are so popular, I will be surprised if they last the entire month.  Make sure to check them out.

Happy crafting,

Amy

What is a PIK?

 What is a PIK?  The Paper Inspiration Kit (PIK) was my brainchild that bridged the gap for folks that love to play with paper but may not have stamped before or may not be familiar with Close To My Heart products and workshops. It is a card kit that is designed to be cute, easy to put together, and affordable.

Each month I design a new kit.  They are available for that month, and then while supplies last. They include a stamp, a full sized ink pad, an accessory, precut papers, card bases and envelopes, written instructions with photos and a video showing how to assemble the cards.  The cost of the kit is $20 if picked up locally, or $25 if you would like me to ship it to you directly.

Why do a PIK when Close To My Heart offers wonderful workshops? Good question.  When I started back in 2013, I had been with a scrapbook company that did offer stamping products. I never picked up a block and I did not know that you needed different ink colors or block sizes or any of those little tidbits that make beautiful images. The kits we have are absolutely stunning, affordable and have easy to follow instructions.  The one issue I found was that in addition to the kit you needed to buy two and sometimes three additional colors of ink to complete the kits.  That can make it a bit more expensive to jump into. So the PIK is a way to introduce the concept of stamping, or it is a way to build up your collection of ink colors over time.

Here are few addition things to keep in mind: 

1.  You can choose a different color. If the featured PIK is a color that you already own, you can change it for one that you do not own.  Just let me know when you order it that you want a different color. Again, the idea is that you build your collection of colors not that you stick to my schedule! 

2. This is meant to inspire you, not to fence you in.  I love to see the different versions that my customers create.  There is no right answer and it is supposed to be fun.

3. These make great gifts for new crafters or experienced crafters. One of my customers has arthritis and she likes not having to cut the papers, she can play and create without extra work.

4. It is budget friendly.  Each kit has materials to make an average of six cards, and you have a stamp, ink and embellishment to use on more of your liking.  The kit contains between $25-$30 in retail product each month.

April’s Stamp of the Month- Scandinavian Folk Art Greetings

 Ok, even if you are not Scandinavian it is hard not to see the versatility in this stamp set (How is that for a double negative?) Scandinavian folk design is a hot trend right now and you will see more of this style in the upcoming month (HINT!)  This weekend in my Facebook group I am doing a virtual crop and will be showing a couple ways I am incorporating this into my cards and layouts.  I will post some of that here next week as well.

To see the stamp in more detail you can go to my shop site BitterrootPaperCrafts.CTMH.com and look at the Specials tab. It will show you the current stamp of the month images as well as artwork.  Here is a picture as well.

 The SOTM is a limited edition stamp that is literally only available for that month.  We have three ways to get our hands on them.

1. Buy the stamp for $18.95 during the month.

2. Place an order over $50 and you can add the stamp for $5. This is a savings of $13.95.

3. Be a VIP and place an order over $50 and get it free! This is a $18.95 savings.

(Two free stamps of the month will pay for your VIP membership for the year!)

Getting Ready to Launch the New Paper Inspiration Kit, Previous Month’s Kits Are WSL

It is a typical spring day in Montana. It is warm and sunny today, while yesterday was rainy and snowing.  You just never know what you are going to get for weather. I cannot help but look forward to my garden and flowers and just being outside.

You will see that as a running theme in my Paper Inspiration Kits.  I still have a couple left over from February that featured the Country Bee. This is such a great stamp and who doesn’t love yellow and pewter?  Don’t answer that!  Anyway, the newest video with April’s PIK will go live today on my Facebook group.  I will make sure to post it to YouTube and here as well tomorrow.  If you missed the bee and want to buy this before it is gone let me know ASAP!