The Brae-er

December Stamp of the Month Blog Hop: Mad About You

2011-11-30T15:41:00.002-05:00

Welcome to the blog hop!!

After three months of being "mad about" my daughter, I have finally managed to get some creative time in order to be part of this months blog hop! This stamp set was perfect for getting back into things as it went super well with Ellery's newborn photos.

For these layouts I used the Roxie paper, Wings level 2 ribbon assortment, designer brads- rhinestone and of course the cricut art philosophy cartridge to do all my cuts! The layout is from Magic- one of my favourite ones as it is simple but impactful. I still have to add my journaling but otherwise I LOVE how the layout turned out!

Now hop on over to Shannon's blog and see what inspiration she has to offer!

Studio Layouts for Christmas

2011-11-06T16:27:00.010-05:00

Since my daughter was born two months I have had very little time for my own scrapbooking- any time I have had has been devoted to my customers and business. So- with Christmas around the corner I was stuck with what to do for some family AND had a one week deadline to get it done (we go up north to see my husbands family this weekend.)

SAVED!! by STUDIO J- completed my layouts in about an hour and ordered the JPEGS only (a perk of having a membership)- printed these at Costco and picked them up an hour later. Now this was not the cheapest option but it was convenient. Costco has raised their prices on 12x12 prints and it would have been cheaper for me to print these through Close to my Heart (which I will do for those getting layouts later this year.) The other great thing- I created 8 layouts and 7 of them will be the same for everyone's album BUT one will change to include pictures of that special person!! LOVE how this all worked!!

Now you try- go to ctmh.com/braemontgomery and click on Studio J- it is FREE to try!

November Stamp of the Month Blog Hop

2011-10-31T20:03:00.004-04:00

Unfortunetly I am caught up with other things- my artwork will be late but will be coming in the next two days!

For now hop on over to Wendy's blog!

Pioneer Village layout using Sonoma

2011-10-12T21:45:00.003-04:00

Sonoma is another paper that I find very versatile. I have used it for family photos, heritage photos and here I used it to scrapbook our trip to the Pioneer Village. This layout also uses the pewter mini medley and pins (plus some older accessories from my stash).

The right page also has a hidden book created out of flip flaps- this holds a lot more of the photos from the trip and by placing in the hidden book I don't end up cluttering my page. Below is a close up of the book coming out from behind the paper. I created the pocket for it by stacking foam tape on some paper to pop it up- super easy idea out of Magic!

Maternity Photo Shoot Layout

2011-10-09T21:47:00.003-04:00

I made this layout a few weeks ago at my retreat weekend- LOVED how it turned out!! The Elemental paper is so VERSATILE!!! I have discovered that I love scrapbooking professional photos- so nice AND for once I am even in the photos!

This layout says Baby Makes 4 for the title but the fourth member of your family (my 7 year old Austin) is missing from most of the photos because he just did not want to cooperate that day- but we did get one with his little hands on my belly (see photo at the top of the layout). Now that his sister has arrived he is usually more than happy to pose with her in pictures!

I had no room for journaling once I had added photos so I used foam tape behind a photo and added some hidden journaling.

Other fun stuff used in this layout- Elemental Dimensional Elements, Flutter paper shapes and the cork colour ready alphabet.

October Stamp of the Month Blog Hop

2011-09-30T09:18:00.002-04:00

Welcome to the blog hop and my blog!! This month we are featuring the Holiday Magic stamp set- a set you can earn for $5.50 when you spent $55 with me either online or by email.

For my project I created a 6x6 card using a pattern in the Wishes book and some of our new accessories!

This card uses the Elemental paper (so versatile depending on the colours you use!), pewter mini medley, Red designer ribbon collection, Bling assortment, and our new Kraft cards (which I LOVE!!)

I cut out the sleigh image on the front of my card and mounted it inside to create a peak-a-boo effect!

Now hop on over to Kami's Blog!!

My newest creation!!

2011-09-06T22:44:00.002-04:00

Here she is!! Ellery Kathleen Montgomery- born on September 1st and weighing 7lbs 3oz. She is super cute and sports a full head of hair under that hat. Below is a picture of her proud big brother who FINALLY has received the gift he has been waiting his whole life for- a sibling!

September Blog Hop: Limited Edition

2011-08-30T16:56:00.004-04:00

Yeah September is here and that is such a great month!! It means:

new blog hop with great, inspiring ideas
Back to school (for us this begins next Tuesday!)
cooler temperatures (and I LOVE fall just not what comes after!)
AND the best part is that today (September 1st) I will be at my local hospital welcoming my daughter into this world!!! Wish me luck!

Below is a card that I was able to somehow create amidst all the crazy preparations going on at my house. It uses a pattern out of the Originals book and features the Roxy paper, flutter paper shapes, red designer ribbon collection, silver and red glitz, sparkles and the September Stamp of the Month.

Now hop on over to Melissa's blog to see what she has in store for you!

Dreamin' Kraft Card

2011-08-25T11:44:00.002-04:00

Sometimes a card is the perfect size to let me express my creativity- I seem to handle the space a lot better. I was playing in the studio the other day and came up with this beauty. I have to say I LOVE our new Kraft die-cut Cards and Envelopes- they are great to work with (see previous post where I made a mini-book from three of the cards).

This card uses the Kraft cards, Dreamin paper, Heirloom assortment, bronze glitz, Harvest Happiness Stamp set, Harvest Charms and the Bliss level 2 Assortment- all found in our current CTMH catalogue! I also used our cricut cartridge to create my one paper flower AND to cut out the leaves that I stamped (the Harvest Happiness set works with our cricut!). I was very pleased with the result and have sent the photo in for a contest with CMTH!

Mini Kraft Book from Convention

2011-08-17T19:06:00.008-04:00

We made this cute little book at convention during the closing crop- it was a fun evening and I really enjoyed the creative time- a perfect way to unwind!!

To create the book we took some of the new Kraft Die-Cut Cards and glued them together to form a book. For accessories we used our journaling spots and some pre-cut pieces of cardstock (either cut by the cricut or by a paper trimmer). We also used our new cork letters which are amazing and look soooooooo good!!!

The stamp set used was a special one created for convention attendees.

I still have to add photos to finish it off but it is a great memento of a great trip!

Cards created with the Art Philosoply Cricut Cartridge!

2011-08-16T15:24:00.007-04:00

If you have not heard (and I hope you have)- CTMH released their very first cricut cartridge called Art Philosophy.
I have to admit- I owned a cricut before and cartridges but I got very little use out of them. I just never saw the point when I sold stuff that could do a similar job and was beneficial to me.
Well- now I use my cricut ALL THE TIME!!! I am seriously addicted and even upgraded to a better machine.

If you want to know more about the cartridge then watch the video I posted here. To see my cards just read on!

So the Art Philosophy can cut 700 different images out- everything you see on the following cards was cut using the cricut INCLUDING the card bases!! These cards will be part of a card workshop I am offering either in September or October.
My first card is a back to school one- this is a few weeks off up here in Canada but I know that many of my American friends have children going back this week. For this card I used the typeset paper, School Rocks stamp set, milepost shapes and the typeset canvas.

This card features our roxie paper and flutter paper shape with a generous amount of silver glitz. The card base with cupcake and flowers were all cut with the cricut!

A view of the inside with sentiment from the Art Philosophy Celebration set- Oh-did I mention that when you get the cartridge you also get three stamp sets and three sheets of die-cuts that perfectly coordinate together!!

Lastly, we have a Christmas card- this one uses the believe paper, more silver glitz and the A Holiday stamp set. Simple but cute!!

If you are interested in purchasing the cartridge (with all it comes with) be sure to email me at braemontgomery@gmail.com!

Pair-a-Phrase Blog Hop

2011-08-14T16:47:00.005-04:00

Welcome to the Pair-a-phrase Blog Hop- this stamp is a DOUBLE stamp set that CTMH has realeased for National Stamping Month- as of today you can get in on the goodies and order this set!!

If you email me here with an order worth at least $82.00 you can get this double set, plus a special alphabet stamp and the stamp of the month for an additional $5.50!! (You will need to be Canadian to access these deals through me and everything will be shipped directly to you!) This great deal only lasts for two weeks so act fast!!

Last weekend my sister hosted my baby shower for me- she did an awesome job and I wanted to send her more than just a regular thank you card. So, using the Pair-a-phrase stamp set, Roxie paper, our new Cricut cartridge, Flutter Paper shapes, silver glitz and opaques I created the following box to house a gift certificate that I purchased for her!

I used the stamp set to stamp my sentiment (it is hard to see with how the flowers sit in the photos) and the lovely flourishes around my flowers.

All of the cutting that needed to be done for this pillow box (and for the circles and flowers) was done using the Art Philosophy cricut cartridge- I LOVE THIS CARTRIDGE!!!!! It really is amazing and anyone who has a cricut should have this cartridge!

Now continue on in our hop by hopping over to Katy's blog to see what she created!!

August Stamp of the Month Blog Hop: Wicked

2011-07-30T20:28:00.000-04:00

Welcome! Welcome! Welcome!! I am so glad you have come to check out the stamp of the month and the new product that will be showcased with it!

This month's stamp is 'Wicked' a super-cute set you can qualify to buy for $5.50 by spending at least $55!!

To create my candy box I used the Wicked stamp set and a piece of the Dreamin paper. I also accessorized with pewter mini medleys, heirloom assortment accessories and bronze glitter gel. had a blast making this and with all our fabulous new product I am sure that I will not run out of fun things to make anytime soon!!

You can purchase your stamp of the month here or by emailing me at braemontgomery@gmail.com!

Now hop on over to Nicole's blog to see what she has been up to!

I am so sorry I lied!!

2011-07-28T20:09:00.005-04:00

I did and I apologize! I said I would post the next day and show of some of the product from convention and what happens- nothing!!
Well, below is the culprit!!! My new expressions machine arrived and so did my cricut cartridge that CTMH has available August 1st- oh and it is so amazing!!!

Here are a few of the cards we created at convention- these were done on leadership day!

This one features Sonoma paper and some of our new accessories!

This one is with the Roxie paper- possibly my favourite in this idea book!

And this one features the Mischief paper!

Now I am busy creating happily with my new stuff so you will need to wait just a bit more for more great new stuff!

New Consultant Kit is only $99!

2011-07-25T12:09:00.004-04:00

The new consultant kit is great! For $99 you get $320 in retail product! The basic kit comes with all the stuff pictured above!

The best part is that you can also ADD-ON other collections- this is a one-time thing and you can take all three or just the ones you want!

Roxie Add-On $40 for over $85 in retail product

Elemental Add-On $40 for over $85 in retail product

Studio J Add-On $40 for over $140 in retail product!

Contact me to find out more or click here to fill out your application!!

Elemental Workshop: August 24th

2011-07-25T11:59:00.008-04:00

I cannot wait to get started on the new workshops! With our new cardstock weight paper and all the fun new accessories to play with- this will be so much fun!!
In this workshop your kit comes complete with all of the following product:

Elemental Level 2 paper packet
Element Workshop stamp set
Just Blooms Flutter paper shapes
Antiqued Copper Brads
Instructional Brochure

And I will be guiding you through it all!! Not to mention we will all get a chance to play with the Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge that CTMH has just released!

Besure to RSVP early so that I can order your kit and save your space!

Want to know what MORE you can do with your leftover workshop supplies? Add these two items and you can make the cute board book pictured below!

My Creations Board Book
Colour-Ready Alphabet Cork

Just be sure to add them when you order your kit!

CTMH Cricut Cartridge - Art Philosophy

2011-07-25T11:26:00.002-04:00

Mine should come anyday and I cannot wait to get it!! This cartridge will work with all the cricut machines and cuts out many of our stamped images. Any images in our Idea book that are outlines in RED are ones that can be used with the cricut!! Did I mention that the cartridge has 700 images and even has a font on it!

Convention Recovery!

2011-07-21T18:32:00.004-04:00

What a grand-whirlwind of fun!! Convention is always a highlight of my year but this year it was so much better than any before- it really was magical!! We stayed right at Disneyland and had all the convention on-site, let me tell you that Disney staff really will bend over backwards to make you happy- they were phenomenal!! I took advantage of room service every morning (I know but it felt so good to spoil myself!!). I highly recommend the Mickey waffles with berries- very yummy!

Goofy was cooking up a storm right in our hotel- we had to take advantage of this and have a photo!

This was also my first convention as a Director- WOW is all I can say! Prime seating and a special dinner with park access and a show really helped to make this convention super-special!

I also had the pleasure of accepting the award for top team sales for teams of 1-25 in Canada!! This was a great achievement and I am super-proud of my small but mighty team for earning this award!!

Now I am focusing on recovery... and the new Idea book!! Contact me below or via email to get yours today!!

Convention Countdown is Over!!

2011-07-11T12:20:00.004-04:00

Well technically I do not fly out until tomorrow but today is really the last crunch day in preparations to leave for Disneyland in California where Close to my Heart is hosting out annual convention!!

This is always a time of year that I LOVE but this year is already more special- last month I made director which entitles me to all sorts of perks at convention (like special seating which for my 7 month pregnant self is GOLD!!). I also have been invited to the Directors Dinner where we get whisked away for something special and then have time to play in the park! Not sure what I will be able to do but I will enjoy it anyway.

This is also the time of year for annual awards and recognitions- my team, The Brae-er's, has performed VERY WELL this year and I am pretty sure we may come away with an award (finger's crossed!).

I will blog about all my adventures when I return- so see you in a week!!

July Stamp of the Month: Canadian Celebration

2011-06-30T10:20:00.002-04:00

Welcome to the July Stamp of the Month Blog Hop- my blog features the Canadian Celebration Stamp Set (which differs only slightly from the American one and is only available in Canada!)

If you have come from Judy's blog then you are on the right path!

My card features a cranberry and dutch blue colour scheme. I created my background by stamping with liquid applique (a technique I love and recently taught at the Toronto Regional Celebration!). This allows my fireworks to have some dimension and makes the card extra-special! I also used a generous amount of our NEW red buttons and finished the card with the celebration sentiment which is popped up with foam tape.

If you are interested in the technique of stamping with liquid applique then click here to see my video tutorial post!

I hope you have a wonderful and Happy Canada Day if you are Canadian or a wonderful and Happy 4th of July if are American-they are both such great holidays and a fantastic kick off to summer!

Now hop on over to Angela's blog to see her creation!

and don't forget about my new facebook business page- if I get to 100 followers I am offering a great special and auction!

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Brae-Montgomery-Independent-Consultant-Close-to-my-Heart/182386495143713

Babies First Year- Part Three

2011-06-28T19:15:00.005-04:00

Here are the last layouts I have created so far for Ellery's album- I am sure there will be MANY more to come (especially since my summer holidays start in one more day!!)

This layout uses the Cherry-O paper and stickease and some of our new buttons (if you have not checked out our buttons since the switch you really need too!)

And last this one features Sophia paper, our pink ribbon, Affection stamp set and a flip flap- this one will be for her first month (which will be September) so I will likely have LOTS more photos for this layout!

Babies First Year - Part Two

2011-06-23T17:39:00.007-04:00

Here is the second part of the album I have been working on! This layout here is my favourite so far! For this one I used the Wings paper and one of the layouts out of Magic- it shows you step by step how to create the look you see with four flip flaps!

Looking at the picture below you should be able to make out that the middle page is actually 2 flip flaps and that they open and reveal another page layout.

Here is the other side to the layout. I also used the licorice opaques, Wings ribbon assortment and black buttons to finish off this layout.

I am really looking forward to adding photos to this layout- my son has been requesting for 7 years to be a big brother! This layout uses Mulberry paper and stickease, chocolate ribbon and the eclectic alphabet and some buttons for fun!

Another of my calendar pages- here I used Cherry O paper, pink ribbon, token alphabet and some clear and pink buttons (I really cannot get enough of our buttons!!)

Stay tuned there is still one more post of pages to go!!

Babies First Year Album- Part One

2011-06-21T19:03:00.010-04:00

As I zone in on my due date for my second child, I am having tonnes of fun prepping the cute and girly things that I can. One of the things that I have been working on is her Babies First Year Album.

For this album I decided to mix layouts that would feature the regular layouts you would have for a newborn- with layouts featuring calendar pages so that I can cleary see her growth and write down any special occasions along the way! The calendar idea I got from my good friend and sideline Alyson (who recently started a blog and is very talented so I recommend that you visit her at http://createwithalyson.blogspot.com).

This is just part one of what I have done- I have the rest ready to go and they will be posted later this week!

This layout features the Sophia paper, pink ribbon assortment, opaques, creme brulee ribbon and an image from the Ms On the Go stamp set.

This layout features the Twitterpatted paper, pink ribbon, a variety of our super- cute buttons and images from our Card Chatter- Love stamp set.

Here we have Mayberry paper and stickease with a few opaques.

This layout uses the Sweetheart paper and Sweetheart level 2 assortment. The two pieces of black are actually pockets where I can place some of the many mementos that babies come with! I cannot wait to fill it!!

Operation Smile Banner

2011-06-06T10:47:00.007-04:00

Okay I have to admit that the blog and my facebook page have been suffering lately- I am now in my 7th month of pregnancy and feeling pretty tired and worn out- even small things like cleaning part of the house take A LOT of energy to recuperate from and for someone that usually gets it all done right away I am having a very hard time adjusting to this!
A few months ago I went to a corporate event in Toronto- there they had a Operation Smile Auction with items that the art department had created. I love supporting this charity and decided to leave with just one item! Thanks to the very nice Jan (who was bidding against me of the following item) I was able to be victorious and in the process help one child get closer to the surgery they need!
Here are some pics of the banner.

To create this they used the following product: Kraft paper, spray pen with white re-inker, scallop punch, Paper Lantern stamp set, Corner rounder, some buttons and sparkles and some of our DE alpahbet letters.

I love it!! The full banner says "Happy Birthday" and I guess I should hang it today since it is my husbands birthday- Happy Day Hunny!!

Using Newsprint Rub-ons: Video

2011-05-30T14:13:00.000-04:00