Perfect Paper Pumpkins

These gorgeous pumpkins are from a 2009 "Color Me Monday" post by Jeanette Lynton. Their designs are beautiful and worthy of a re-post.

"My favorite of the bunch is a do-it-yourself pumpkin patch, created simply and easily in less time than it takes to carve a jack o' lantern. Start with some inexpensive terracotta pots-I used 4", 5" and 6" to give my patch some variety. For the 4" pot, I used one sheet of B&T paper cut into 24 strips measuring 1/2" x 7". You can use either cardstock or B&T paper, and distress or stamp on the strips as you please. For larger pots, simply adjust the width of the strips and lengths to suit-for example, the 5" pot uses 24 strips cut to 3/4" x 12" (2 sheets of paper). The longer the strip length the plumper the pumpkin!"

"For an open pumpkin, attach one end of each strip about 1” inside the lip of the pot using a glue dot, and attach the other end to the underside of the pot. You’ll want to slightly overlap each strip, and puff them slightly to give the finished project that plump pumpkin look. After working all the strips around the pot, garnish your pumpkin with a stamped tag or some curly vines or even a rolled-paper stem. You can even close the pumpkin by attaching the strips to each other instead of the base pot. The choice is yours!

And here’s a handy candy tip: if you plan to pack your pumpkin with treats, just line your terracotta pot with an appropriate size clear plastic baggie before you begin glue dotting the strips down. The plastic will protect the pot from staining and help keep your treats fresh, too. It’s a fun and festive way to transform a summer pot into a fabulous fall treat!"

Jeanette Lynton

Manifique ~ Workshop On The Go

I purchased a CTMH Manifique Workshop On The Go kit and can't wait to put together these "magnificent" layouts. The discounted kit (about 10%) includes a full Manifique Level 2 paper pack, a My Arcylix Heart To Heart stamp set, a Mini-Medley Shades of Chocolate collection and a full-instruction color workshop guide. Click here to see full details on this kit and here for information on all the Workshops On The Go available through CTMH.

Color Me Monday with Jeanette Lynton

Simple Stamping Joys

"Many of you have heard the story about how I became a stamper—I knew right from the moment I held that first stamp in my hand that it was something I was going to do for the rest of my life. I loved the weight of the stamp, the ease of stamping, the amazing versatility, and of course the beautiful results.I think the thing I love most about stamping is that each one is a blank slate: just add color and it can become anything you dream!

Today, I’m featuring more artwork created by the awesome CTMH art studio that combine more fabulous new color combinations grounded in our new Summer palette with our great stamps. Clear stamps are the best for titles and journaling! Unlike stickers or chipboard letters, you never ever “run out” of a particular, well-used letter. And because My Acrylix are clear, it’s so easy to spell out even long words and keep each letter perfectly aligned.

Stamping doesn’t have to be detailed to be beautiful. You can select simple images from even the smallest stamp set. On the flip side, if you already own several stamp sets, feel emboldened to pull them out and mix and match images from totally different sets/looks/feels on the same piece. It’s amazing how unifying color is to pulling disparate stamp sets together. I absolutely love the challenge and fun of pulling out several stamp sets and mixing and matching elements to get a truly unique look.

With the other projects, I just love how the artists used color so boldly—for example, as a pop of color on an otherwise neutral card and unconventional colors (like a burst of Pear) together. It’s a day (like every day) that I’m so happy to be a stamper!"

Jeanette Lynton

Halloween Amigurumi

I have got to learn how to crochet. Aren't these the cutest things?! You can check them out over at The Itsy Bitsy Spider, or order through her Etsy shop. I have no affiliation, just admiration for her work.

Cupcake Mittlets by Shantha Ramachandra

Love this design! This is a FREE pattern offered by Shantha over on her blog. I discovered her work while looking through fingerless mitten patterns on Ravelry and was thrilled to find this one. I will be making these for my girls, and maybe even a pair for me.

This will be my first project using doubled pointed needles. I'm tired off seaming mittens, so I'm attempting my first pattern knitting in the round. And since I don't have the correct size needles, I get to place an order at Knit Picks for a few of the items on my wish list. ;)

Crochet Pumpkins

Aren't these adorable? Anita over at ASE Knits 'n Crochets created these from a pattern found on The Itsy Bitsy Spider blog. I'm fascinated by amigurumi, but I don't how to crochet ... yet.

Anita is having a giveaway for the crochet pumpkins shown above. Pop-on over to her blog, check out her amazing work and enter for the chance to win one of these gorgeous creations.

Art & Soul - Color and Cutting Confidence

The latest CTMH Art & Soul webisode has been released and it's full of great cutting ideas.

The Color & Cutting Confidence episode features a technique that is simply, yet provides a distinct "pop" to your images, giving your layouts or cards a unique look.

"Learn how to skillfully use your cutting knife to create cute pop-up images and to transform your Memory Protectors® to accommodate your interactive layouts. Then get ready for a special introduction to our new summer colors and see how to mix, match, and pair them for eye-catching pizzazz."

Jeanette Lynton's new design book, Magic, is also featured in this episode. Learn how to make your layouts interactive and engaging with just a few simple cuts in your Memory Protectors. Your scrapbook viewers will be drawn into your memories as they flip, turn, pull or spin elements that are an integrated part of your layouts.

Color Me Monday by Jeanette Lynton

Mix & Match for Magical Results

"The CTMH art studio has had a ton of fun recently playing and experimenting with the newly introduced Summer color palettes. These fresh new hues represent what’s hot in clothing, design, and home décor, and will definitely bring warmth and pizzazz to your papercrafting projects.

First up is a classic primary color scheme centering on Pacifica (blue), Cranberry (red), and Honey (yellow), with a little Colonial White for balance. Each primary is strong, but when you use one in dominant quantities (as was done with the Pacifica), you can always achieve proper color proportion.


Here, the studio used a primary color combo, but with a twist. The focus color is Holiday Re, the yellow is Buttercup, and instead of a traditional blue to complete the primary look, our great Lagoon color was used.



Next up, a complimentary color scheme. Complimentary colors are found across from each other on a color wheel, like red and green (here, Smoothie/Baby Pink for my reds and Topiary for the green were used). Complimentary colors ALWAYS work well together, and often include the matches of red/green, orange/blue, and yellow/purple for primary starters—as you add black to any one of the colors, you’ll deepen its shade. As you add white to a color, you’ll get a lighter tint.

Check out yet another great example of a complimentary color combination which uses Gypsy purple and Crème Brulee yellow as opposites that attract. A subtle hint of Amethyst and Colonial sooth the purple/yellow combination.

Here’s an analogous color combination (also called a “harmonious” combination). To create an analogous combo, select 3-4 different colors that are adjacent to each other on a color wheel; they are similar without being monochromatic. Here, Sunset, Crème Brulee, and Cocoa, were used with just a touch of Olive for contrast.

Here's a “split” color combination—blue and yellow are primary colors, but their blend is green. Here, Sunny Yellow is used as the focus, with Crystal Blue and Sweet Leaf as supporting colors. A touch of Chocolate and Colonial White keep this party under control."

Jeanette Lynton

Journaling In Your Own Words

I found this great website called Elle's Studio and she has blessed everyone with a FREE PDF download from a journaling class she hosted back in August. The class "explored how others tell their story, with tips and techniques to help you share yours on your scrapbooking projects".

The PDF is 33 pages packed full of tips from some of the best designers and instructors around, including May Flaum, Ali Edwards, Lisa Dickinson, Marcy Penner, Christine Middlecamp and Tara Anderson ... just to name a few. Pick-up your copy here and get journaling!

Caftan Pullover

I voted for this gorgeous Caftan Pullover - Interweave as the next knit-along project over at Knitting Daily. It's extremely ambitious ... and way beyond the dishcloths, scarfs and hats I've been making. But I figured I'd jump in with both feet and try something new. I love the caftan style and it seems very versatile. Wish me luck!

Color Me Monday by Jeanette Lynton

Bold, Bright, Beautiful

"If you have a passion for bold, bright, beautiful colors, then odds are you’re wild about our brand new Summer Carnival palette. These six primary and secondary colors will transform any piece of artwork into an eye-catching masterpiece that demands your attention, thanks to our new Gypsy, Sunset, and Pacifica hues, complemented by our faves in Holiday Red, Sunny Yellow, and Topiary.
Check out my fun artwork—from a flashy bingo game made using our versatile Memory Keeper box to the raffle box, invitation card, ring toss, and of course, our prize ribbons. What great ideas for a school carnival or child’s birthday party! In addition to the splash of summer color, I also love the strong use of paper medallions in the various projects, like the banner and the ribbons. These are SO easy to make!"

Jeanette Lynton

Pumpkin topiary

I am so ready for Fall. If I can't comfortably swim at our place on the Elk River in Maryland, then I'm all ready for pumpkins, corn stalks and the change of season.

I found this neat pumpkin topiary on the Good Housekeeping website and might try my hand at these. Since I want something that I can use for a few years, I will be modifying this project by using craft pumpkins from Michael's or AC Moore. DH can search for the urns at Home Depot, then it's just a matter of finding a safe lighting option. Here's a few more samples from some fabulous crafters over at 2 Peas in a Bucket.

Remember

"You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains."

Matthew 24: 6-8

PSA

Scrumptious yarn

This is the gorgeous Schachenmayr Nomotta La Nova tape yarn (#81-41) I will be using to create the Oat Couture Stow-Away Shopping Bag I posted here a few days ago. The colors remind me of sherbert and are yummy IRL. No pun intended!

I have my Knit Wits group tomorrow and will be starting on the bag, munching on some delicious treats and getting my fix of girl-time. Can't wait!

Are You Happy?

I found this on Staci Julian's blog and it made my morning. A super-sized poster hanging in my family room would do the trick, don't 'ya think?

Color Me Monday: Invite Yourself to the Celebration!

"Summer may be winding down, but the party is just beginning! Now that Close To My Heart’s Autumn/Winter catalog is in full bloom, it’s time to get creative with amazing, gorgeous new colors that reflect the hottest trends and the coolest styles. In today’s artistic spotlight, I’m featuring the Summer Celebration palette from Cotton Candy, Dutch Blue, Lagoon, Pear, and Sky to Smoothie. This palette is grounded in vibrant greens and blues, which are always among our most popular colors for inks and cardstock—they’re just so versatile, and because they’re picked straight from nature, they really resonate and they’re easy to use."

Jeanette Lynton

Check-out all the amazing party-themed artwork over on Jeanette's blog. From favor bags full of colorful buttons to the sweet treat lollipops and cupcakes, you'll get tons of inspiration for using CTMH's gorgeous new color palette.

Stow-Away Shopping Bag pattern

I purchased this Oat Couture Stow-Away Shopping Bag pattern while visiting Legacy Yarn Co. in Willow Street. The owner, Wanda King, was simply wonderful. As a new customer, she took the time to show me the layout of the store, gave me a quick 1-on-1 lesson on i-cords and even surprised me with a generous "new customer" discount on my purchase. It's hard to find over-the-top customer service now-a-days, but Legacy Yarn Co. pulls it off effortlessly. Kudos to Wanda!

I picked up two balls of Schachenmayr Nomotta La Nova tape yarn for this project and will post a photo of the gorgeous colors at another time. I'm excited to start this project, as it will expand my knitting know-how with a few new techniques. The bottom of this bag is a pouch into which you can stuff the sides when not in use. Too cool.

CTMH's Fall/Winter Idea Book

It's here! CTMH's Fall/Winter Idea Book goes live today! And it's full of awesome new stamp sets, gorgeous papers and unique embellishments. There's trend-setting multi-size Flip Flap Memory Protectors to create interactive pages, ornament-shaped Dimensional Elements and faux leather albums ... just to name a few. Plus, CTMH has released 8 new shades to their exclusive color palette.

Pop over to my website and click here to view all the new releases. Then contact me to get your own copy of the Fall/Winter Idea Book.