"Besties" - Heart 2 Heart Challenge

Welcome to this week's Heart 2 Heart Challenge where the theme is "Besties"! To participate, create any artwork, and incorporate Close To My Heart products when you do, then link up to us on our Blog.

I'm excited to share what I have created, using this adorable - and soon-to-be-gone stamp set, called "My Bestie". You can get it, only through the end of this month, by placing a qualifying order. You can visit those details on this area of my website.

The Mix-Ins paper packet was used, along with Raspberry Cardstock and Black Glitter Paper. The images were colored in with Watercolor Pencils.

Be sure to join us at Heart 2 Heart! I look forward to seeing what you create! 

You're the Best, Dad!

Show appreciation for dads, grandpas, and more using the You're the Best workshop. This project guides you in creating a thoughtful mini album using the exclusive My Acrylix "For My Father" stamp set paired with the Into the Wild paper designs, cardstock in coordinating colors, and an exclusive wood mini-album cover.

Look at this fun and exclusive stamp set that is perfect for that special man in your life. You can use it on this mini album or on any other project. Wouldn't it be fun for children/grandchildren to complete the sayings and then maybe do so again years later?

Save 25% on these supplies by purchasing a workshop kit that includes the stamp set. You can find details about all your options, regarding this special, by following this link. Be sure, when you add it to your order, that you choose the correct US version, unless you want the British spellings.

If you didn't know, we also sell the wooden album separately. That means you can do what you want with it!

What do you think of this album? Can you see using it for another theme? Let me know your thoughts by providing a comment below.

Thanks for stopping by today!

NEW Product from Seasonal Expressions 2! Blog Hop

Welcome to this FUN Blog Hop where we are featuring NEW Close To My Heart product that was released on May 1st! There's no doubt you're going to love all you see so grab your favorite drink, and something to write on, because there are things you'll want to add to your wish list!

This (above) is the beautiful color of the new Idea Book, celebrating our 35th year anniversary. Isn't it a fun way to depict this milestone? Various new products and artwork are contained to make the number. But...wait until you open it up and look inside. There are TONS of new stamp sets, products and artwork that are sure to inspire you!

Don't have an Idea Book? You can view it online or place an order of any size on my website (or on the website of your Consultant.) When you place an order, you'll receive one FREE! (Be sure not to check out as a guest or it won't automatically be added to your cart.)

If you're coming from Becca's Blog, you're on the right track. To see a complete list of participants, click here.

I had a great time creating this card using the Escape to Paradise Stamp Set and coordinating Thin Cuts! (You can even buy the stamp set on its own.)

The Shaker Window & Confetti Thin Cuts was used for the Candy Apple circle around the ship. 

Watercolor pencils and a waterbrush were used to color in the images. The "escape the ordinary" sentiment was white embossed. 

I totally love this card, especially after we took a cruise in early April. I know I will get great use out of it. 

Head on over to Catherine's Blog to see what she has created to share with you. I'd love for you to leave a comment, if you would like. It's always fun to see what people think of what I share.

Enjoy the rest your week and happy hoppin'!

"Make the Cut!" Technique Blog Hop

For this month's Technique Blog Hop, incorporating Close To My Heart product, our theme is "Make the Cut!". Participants were asked to include diecuts or images from our Thin Cuts (CTMH's version of 'dies') or Cricut Collections. I'm excited to see what they have designed and hope you are too! 

If you are coming from Carrie's Blog, you are on the right track. You will find a complete list of participants at the bottom of this post.

To create this greeting card, I decided to use the "You Are Here" Digital Cricut Collection. Whether you are traveling abroad, taking a road trip, or enjoying a relaxing staycation, this Cricut Collection is sure to have everything you need to document your journey. It comes with the three coordinating stamp sets shown above.

Crazy enough, I haven't created with it much but I am going to incorporate it into my scrapbooking layouts, documenting some fun trips I have taken over the past year! I can't wait to do more with it!

This fun "hello summer" card was created using all images from the collection. Then, I took some Toffee cardstock and tore it, exposing the white core, to resemble sand. 

After designing it, this card was super quick to cut and assemble. (Keep reading! I provided the Design Space file for you to use!) It definitely makes me want to be at the beach. What about you?! 

Here is a closer look at the details. I made sure to cut the castle a reasonable size so the Cricut blade didn't yell at me. I think I succeeded, by placing the images in various locations on the card, to add dimension and perspective. 

Did you know we have a variety of exclusive Cricut Collections from which to choose? Click HERE to visit them in greater detail and please contact me if you have questions. 

FREEBIE: Here is the Design Space file to recreate this card using the "You Are Here" CTMH Cricut Collection.

Thank you so much for stopping by. Consider leaving me a comment before heading to Katy's Blog to see what she has created to share with you! I don't doubt it, and the other artwork, is worth you doing so!

Happy hoppin'!

Participants:
1. Melissa Robinson *YOU ARE HERE*
2. Katy Taylor
3. Valerie Kapsha
4. Krista Hershberger
5. Catherine Nowak
6. Terry Metzger
7. Michelle Loncar
8. Haley Dyer
9. Maz Wood
10. Tamara Sandwisch
11. Carrie Simonds

May Day - A Blog with Friends

Celebrated in many counties, on May 1st, May Day is a traditional springtime festival or day honoring workers. Today, I join my "Blog with Friends" group to celebrate it in a variety of ways as you will find, by reading their related blog posts (links below). 

I chose to celebrate it by making these fun creations, where flowers are the focal point. 

One of Close To My Hearts newest die cuts are these Thin Cuts - Stitched Flowers. You can see them used as focal points on three of the above items. By simply running them through a diecut machine (i.e. Cuttlebug, etc.), they make for a great element on any papercrafted item. While I didn't think I needed them, initially, I think they are my favorite product at this time! 

We've got some fabulous paper suites, with coordinating products, I incorporated. This one is called "Zoe" (and only available through this month).

"Craft On" is another fabulous line I am currently in love with. It's available through the end of August, while supplies last. 

I am teaching these items on my VIP Group, where I would love to have you! You can attend both physical (DFW area) and virtual events. 

...Now it's time to check out these fun topics highlighted through my "Blog with Friends" by clicking on their links below. Comments (aka "blog love") are always appreciated. 

Karen of Baking in a Tornado

Dawn from Spatulas on Parade

Lydia from The Cluttered Genius

Thanks so much for stopping by! Make it a great day!

"Minty Fresh" - Heart 2 Heart Challenge

Welcome to this week's Challenge, for Heart 2 Heart, entitled "Minty Fresh". It can be interpreted however you see fit.

Consider creating some artwork of your own, being sure to incorporate at least one Close To My Heart product in your creation, and then link up on the Heart 2 Heart Blog.

Mint is a Close To My Heart color and I chose to incorporate it as the main color scheme on this card. In fact, the color combination of Mint, Smoothie and Peacock is one contained in our Love of Color how-to book. I love using it as a source of inspiration. 

To add a little texture to the card, I added vellum paper, from The World is Yours paper pack, on top of the Mint cardstock. It softened it slightly and was a fun little addition.

Watercolor pencils were used on the image from "To My Bestie", the May Stamp of the Month. You can get it, this month only, for $5 with a qualifying purchase. Click here for complete details. 

I look forward to seeing your creation on Heart 2 Heart!

Enjoy your week!

Happy Mother's Day!

Wishing all the Mothers out there, especially my own Mom, and my Sister, a very Happy Mother's Day. 

May you be blessed today and always. Enjoy your day!

The World is Yours! Nat'l Scrapbooking Month Blog Hop

It's National Scrapbooking Month and I hope you are, or plan, on celebrating it soon! I hosted a NSD Crop in Irving, TX, Saturday, where I was joined with 11 other papercrafters and we enjoyed a GREAT time! 

Close To My Heart celebrates this occasion every year. This go-round, they have released a fabulous and exclusive product line - available this month only. It's called "The World Is Yours". While based around a travel theme, to some extent, the products are versatile enough to use for other artwork. 

You can buy the products separately or save money when you purchase them in a bundle. View those options and details by clicking HERE.

I've joined with other Consultants in this Blog Hop and hope you'll make your way around to see fabulous artwork we have to share with you. 

If you are coming from Becca's Blog, you are on the right track. You can find a complete list of participants here. 

One of the product items I chose to incorporate is this fun stamp set. While the images are GREAT for scrapbooking, I loved this sentiment and of course, the bike was perfect to coordinate. 

I kept this card very simple, adding some paper from the pack, some Sequins, and Black Dots. Be sure to "enjoy the ride" of life. You can choose to do so, or not. I am going to make it a fun ride, how about you?

Make your way to Cat's Blog. I know she has something fun to share! 

To My Bestie - May Stamp of the Month Blog Hop

Welcome to this month's Stamp of the Month Blog Hop. It's probably one of my absolute favorite stamp sets! It's called, "To My Bestie". You MUST be sure to get it this month. Be sure to make your way around the Hop to see all the awesome creations made with it.

This stamp set includes 19 images to include fabulous designs and sentiments. Jt can be yours, for $5, with a $50 purchase; that's it! I have already created several items with it and can't want to make more. 

If you are coming from Cat's Blog, you are on the right track. You can find a list of participants HERE. 

The first image I chose to work with this is this one. It's sweet and I think of several friends who are dealing with some life challenges for which it is perfect.

I used Watercolor Pencils to color in the image and then blended them with the Waterbrush Pen. The "Sweet Girl" paper pack was incorporated, as was coordinating cardstock and White & Gold Twine.

Now head over to Michelle's Blog, and be sure to continue making your way around the Blog Hop. No doubt you will find fun artwork along the way!

"Florals" - Heart 2 Heart Challenge

Happy Monday! Here's wishing you a positive start to the work week.

"Florals" is the theme for this week's Heart 2 Heart Challenge, which is actually the first one for May. You can participate by creating artwork of your own, linking up to the respective Challenge on the Blog, ensuring that you incorporate something from Close To My Heart in your creation. That's all that's required. Considering joining us! 

I totally enjoyed creating this card using the Make It From Your Heart, Volume 4, How-to Book. I couldn't resist incorporating the April Stamp of the Month one more time. (It's only available until the end of this month and can be yours, with a qualifying order, for $5!) 

Sugarplum, our Color of the Year, was incorporated throughout, even in the way of the Glitter Paper. Isn't it pretty? Other colors added were: Fern, New England Ivy and Sapphire. 

The dimensional elements of the card really added to its design. The opaque Sequins are from the I Heart Us Sequins. 

Let me know if you have any questions about you can participate in Heart to Heart's Challenges. 

Make it a great week...or not...the choice is yours!