Close to My Heart - These are a few of my favorite things!

You know, every time I sit down to create, I find myself reaching for the same things over and over, so I thought I'd share with you how great these items are!

I always, always, always reach for my Micro-Tip scissors! They are super sharp, with smaller blades which make them great for hand-cutting those small items. They come with a cover, which makes it easy to keep them in my bag without poking through the nylon.

Another item I love: the Piercing Tools! I use a ton of mini brads on my pages, and this comes in it's own little tube with the needles. I keep all three together in that tube and have yet to pierce myself!

I think I might have mentioned once or twice (or maybe a thousand times) how much I love the Texture Tools - especially the black stubble tool. With these tools, you can add a hint of color to a page, or bold, dramatic color. I use these all of the time!

And then, there's the Edge Distresser....what can I say! It's so easy to use, and gives just a slightly distressed look - perfect on our white core cardstock.

I'm really not a "gadget" person, but I can't create without these tools!

CTMH - Layout inspired by Cherish (Abstract) using Emporium papers

For this layout, I used the Cherish how to book (Abstract). My photos didn't quite match the layout, so I modified the pattern; I turned the right page ninety degrees so that it worked with a landscape photo.

I used my stickease from the Emporium Level 1 kit. I also used Emporium Level 2 papers and Emporium My Stickease Level 2. For the base, I used Colonial white cardstock. Then, using the black stubble texture tool, I added sweet leaf ink to add just a little color. I added Cocoa and Buttercup cardstock for mats.

I added Cocoa Grosgrain ribbon, Sweet Leaf and Buttercup buttons from the Winter collection, hemp (natural), colonial white edge anchors from the Heritage Collection, and a spiral clip and corduroy brad from the Winter Cozy Mini Medley assortment