Holiday Sparkle/Season of Joy BLOG HOP

Welcome to this Blog Hop where participants have the option to highlight the Holiday Sparkle Card Kit contents OR our Fabulous NEW Season of Joy Cricut Collection! I'm sure you're in for a BIG treat!

If you are coming from Chris Robertson's Blog, you are on the right track. Continue making your way around the circle to see some awesome creations! You can find a complete list of participants through this link.

I debated about which product line to work with tonight but settled on Holiday Sparkle. I totally love these shaker cards and the possibilities they offer for Christmas!

The card base, "Happy Holidays" sentiment, and striped Raspberry strip (behind the main sentiment) are all part of the original design of this card. By adding a few touches of my own, I was able to personalize it a bit. 

With the background of the circle being simple, I decided to stamp the image in Raspberry ink for some added color. I also random-stamped the small heart images in the bottom area using Ballerina ink. 

To create some additional color in the Silver Sequins, I cut out some of the hearts, using the Thin Cuts Shaker Window & Confetti. They were cut from Raspberry cardstock. The larger, stitched circle was used to create the covering of the shaker window. I used Lagoon cardstock. 

In order to make the card a bit more festive I decided to add Santa, of course, as well as Silver Embellishing Thread. A few additional confetti hearts were a perfect finish, I think. 

Here is a close-up of the details. I used some paste to give Santa some texture. You can see details about that process on this blog post.

You can find complete details about the Holiday Sparkle SPECIAL, which is only available this month and while supplies last, through the respective link. These cards are super easy to put together; I'm talking minutes!

While I haven't yet created anything with the Season of Joy Cricut Collection, it totally has some fabulous designs! I will be playing with it very soon!

Now, head on over to Cat's Blog. She's always got something awesome to share! Be sure to make your way around the Blog Hop to enjoy some festive creations! Let me know what you think about my card, by leaving a comment, before you do! I love hearing from you!

Always be sure to...Make it from your heart!

Paste-fully Creative - CTMH Technique Blog Hop

Welcome to this month's Technique Blog Hop where we are creating with the theme, "Paste-fully Creative"! Close To My Heart recently began carrying different pastes, and their related supplies, and we are excited to showcase our use of them!

If you are coming from Jayma's Blog, you are on the right track. To find a list of participants, if you were to get lost along the way, you will find them at the bottom of this post.

I decided to use the September Stamp of the Month, Thanks & Giving, to create another card.

To highlight our paste, I decided to use it to create a handmade embellishment. Before I tell you how I did so, I wanted to mention that I used the floral stamp image to create my own background paper by stamping it repeatedly in Charcoal Ink. Then, I used color pencils to color them in. By stamping the hearts in Ruby ink, I feel it created a nice background (and I hope you agree). 

I decided to add some Liquid Glass to the heart made with paste. It gives it a nice shimmer that I thought was a fun addition, along with the Silver Embellishing Thread and Silver Glitter Gems.

I created a heart stencil by stamping the "full heart" image on the Stencil Sheet and then cut it out. 

By placing it on a white sheet of paper, I added the paste and then fussy-cut around it to adhere it to my card. To create the pink color on the heart, I actually started out with a different idea that failed. LOL So...I had Ruby ink on my paste and decided to just mix it in and this pink color resulted. LOL Hey! I couldn't let paste go to waste!

I enjoyed using it to make an embellishment. You can use it for so many different things and I look forward to seeing what everyone else did with it. You can find the kinds we have to offer, and their related products, by clicking on this link.

Now, keep moving through this hop by heading over to Haley's Blog. We always love hearing from you so consider leaving a comment!

Happy hoppin'!








Participants:

1. Melissa Robinson *YOU ARE HERE*
2. Haley Dyer
3. Michelle Johns
4. Michelle Loncar
5. Wanda Rogers
6. Darlys Recker
7. Kimberly Bower
8. Catherine Nowak
9. Valerie Kapsha
10. Katy Taylor
11. Shirley Ross
12. Maz Wood
13. Tamara Sandwisch
14. Vandra Stenton
15. Jayma Malme

In Any CASE...with Melinda & Melissa

Welcome to this episode of...

Join us twice a month as we CASE, “Copy And Selectively Edit”, artwork created by the Art Department of Close To My Heart as showcased in the current Idea Books and our Make It From Your Heart How-To Books.

On the 2^nd and 4^th Thursday of each month, at 7 pm CST, we will direct you towards a piece of art and recreate it using the exact products or others that compliment its initial design. Tips, techniques and assembly directions will be shared in detail to help you recreate them on your own.

As you reproduce the items we have shared, post them on social media using the hashtag #ctmhinanycase. We will randomly search that hashtag and reward those who CASE our items. Winners will be announced on our blogs so be sure to follow us!

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Today I am showcasing beautiful Christmas cards made with the  Workshop Your Way Mistletoe Wishes Cardmaking Kit. This is how they are showcased in the Idea Book on page 52. Don't they look festive and beautiful?

Did you know you get an exclusive stamp set in the kit, as well as full-color directions for assembling 12 cards, 6 each of 2 designs? You do!

The Gold Tinsel Embossing Powder makes all the difference on these greeting cards. It adds the perfect touch to these Christmas cards that are guaranteed to bring some sparkle to the holidays. 

It is not included in the main kit, so be sure to review the Additional Supplies Needed list provided through the link. 

This card was simple to create, yet draws great attention. The holly was embossed and some simple stamped images, plus Gold Glitter Gems, provided a finishing touch. 

I love the ornament on this card, stamped in Candy Apple Ink. Both the "Merry Moments" and upper portion of the ornament were embossed.

TIP: To determine where the string and bow were to be stamped, so it connected perfectly with the ornament, I used the ornament image to see how far I was going to place it from the left edge of the banner. Then, I stamped it accordingly and the rest followed.

I love the design of this card, with the "wishing you" banner going through the ornament.

Here is a close-up of the embossed image. The "tinsel" provides that glittery effect that is perfect. 

You can see the contents of this kit, including the images contained in the exclusive stamp set. 

Do you have anyone on your Christmas card list who would enjoy receiving one in their mailbox? I would!

Melinda is teaching you how to make this beautiful card using a wonderful and popular new product. You'll want to head over to Melinda's Blog to see her awesome creation!

Wishing you a great end to your week!

Have FUN with the Holiday Sparkle Shaker Cards!

Shake things up this holiday season with the Holiday Sparkle Cut Above® card kit! 

This kit contains materials for creating 12 festive shaker cards, including printed card bases, die-cut pieces, stickers, sparkly sequins, and simple assembly instructions. 

Get a 20% discount when you get the Holiday Sparkle Bundle, which pairs the card kit with the My Acrylix® Love with All the Trimmings stamp set, specially designed to further customize the insides of your cards.

These are the first two Shaker Cards I have made with the kit and new CTMH product offerings. They were super fun and super easy - a great combination, I think! 

After finishing the first card, I wish I would have stamped a sentiment in the middle of the circle. It needs a little something more, in my opinion. The one on the right is fine as is, since there are sentiments printed on the circle. I love that!

I did stamp the insides - with two separate sentiments - a bigger and a smaller one. I'll showcase that on the how-to video I do in my VIP Group in a few days! I'll demonstrate the process for assembling them and a few tips for doing so with ease. 

Wanna join me there? You can do so by clicking on this link or contact me directly. 

Hostess Bonus: Hostess Bonus: When an October party order total reaches at least the third level of Hostess Rewards, the hostess of that party qualifies for a FREE Holiday Sparkle Cut Above® Card Kit! The party must have an October Gathering date and be submitted no later than November 5, 2018. You can find those details by clicking here or I'm happy to tell you more! 

New Consultants: Anyone who signs up as a new Consultant in October will receive a Holiday Sparkle Cut Above® Card Kit ($29.95 value) in their New Consultant Kit FREE! Find details about the KIT by clicking here! I would love to have you on my team and have an extra special offer if you sign up with me this month! 

There's something special about making someone's mailbox sparkle with a handmade shaker card...from YOU! Find details about the Holiday Sparkle Card Kit/Bundle by following this link which also provides you the opportunity to place it on your order this month! 

Thanks & Giving - October SOTM Blog Hop

Welcome to this month's Stamp of the Month Blog Hop where we are highlighting this fun and seasonal stamp set, "Thanks & Giving".

This set comes with 17 images, perfect for this time of the year. While it is a D-size stamp set, valued at $18.95, you can get it for $5, in October only, when you place an order of $50 or more. You can find those details here.

If you are coming from Amy's Blog, you are on the right track. You can find a complete list of participants through this link, if you were to get lost along the way.

This card. I love it and hope you do as well. To me it's simple and soothing; perfect for the Fall. Thankfully we have experienced a touch of cooler weather, and rain, over the last week or so.

I did fussy-cut the heart and leaf images. The leaves were stamped with Fern Ink and then I used the waterbrush pen to obtain ink from the ink pad to color them in.

The heart pattern is the Zip Strip from one of the sheets of patterned paper contained within the Grateful Heart paper pack. I love the accent that it provides for finishing off this card, along with the White & Gold Skinny Ribbon and Gold Glitter Gems. The Fern polka dot paper is from the pack.

Circle Stitched Thin Cuts were used, on Ballerina cardstock, underneath the focal point. Thin 3-D foam tape was added for dimension.  

Cardstock colors used are Pomegranate and Ballerina, one of our new colors.

I know I have many things to be thankful for, even when life may throw a curve ball my way. I pray the same is true for you and that when life gets tough, you can take a moment to reflect on the positives.

Head on over to Cat's Blog. She is sure to inspire you. She always does so for me.

Wishing you a season of blessings and papercrafting!

In Any CASE...with Melinda & Melissa

Join us twice a month as we CASE, “Copy And Selectively Edit”, artwork created by the Art Department of Close To My Heart as showcased in the current Idea Books and our Make It From Your Heart How-To Books.

On the 2^nd and 4^th Thursday of each month, at 7 pm CST, we will direct you towards a piece of art and recreate it using the exact products or others that compliment its initial design. Tips, techniques and assembly directions will be shared in detail to help you recreate them on your own.

As you reproduce the items we have shared, post them on social media using the hashtag #ctmhinanycase. We will randomly search that hashtag and reward those who CASE our items. Winners will be announced on our blogs so be sure to follow us!

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Today I am CASEing this beautiful card from page 45 of the Holiday Expressions Idea Book. Don't have a hard copy? You can view a digital copy online or you can get one FREE with an order! Contact me with questions. 

Do you see the stitching?! Yes I did include it and love how it turned out! Did I use a sewing machine? Nope, I sure didn’t! I used our Stitch Guide – IN THE CLEARANCE SECTION, while supplies last – and a PiercingTool to make the holes in the cardstock. Then I took a needle and some of our Silver Embellishing Thread to stitch through them as shown. Pretty fun, right?!

To add some texture to that top gray strip, I stamped the arrow image repeatedly in Charcoal ink from the related stamp set shown here. The butterfly image came from the stickers included with the Grateful Heart Complements. While I don’t have the new Cork Images just yet, I included some hearts that are from a retired package (and also available in the Clearance Section). 

As you can see, on the original artwork, there is a little bit of color behind the sentiment. They used the Mint Shimmer Brush to add it. I don’t own that color yet but it’s on my next order! I chose, at this time, to use the Watercolor Paints to add the splash of color. 

I love the simplicity of this card design which allows you to use scraps of paper, besides the main patterned piece in the background. I can see great potential for it!

My partner in CASEing, Melinda, is taking this week off but will back with us next week! You are always welcome to check out the artwork she shares on her blog.

When you CASE artwork from us or CTMH, please be sure to tag it with #ctmhinanycase, on social media. We would love to send you a goodie for doing so! 

Wishing you a great end to your work week! 

Sweet Treats - Heart 2 Heart Challenge

Thanks for joining me today as I showcase artwork aligned with "Sweet Treats", the Heart 2 Heart Challenge for this week!

While the September Stamp of the Month is called just that, you can interpret the theme however you would like. To link up to our Challenge be sure to incorporate Close To My Heart product in your creation and note what it is that you have included, especially if it's not obvious.

This is the stamp set I used and you can find details about how you can get it here.

I am pleased with how this card came out and hope you like it! I random-stamped the Lilac cardstock to create a texture and then included Bluebird and Carolina; all new colors released on September 1st! I think they go great together!

The sentiment was stamped in Charcoal and I added some Silver Embellishing Thread and Silver Glitter Gems.

To create the cup of hot cocoa, I paper-pieced it on Lilac cardstock and then added the decoration in Charcoal ink. Texture Paste was used to create the whip cream which is three dimensional. It is super fun!

So...head on over to Heart to Heart and consider linking up to this Challenge or any other for September! We love to see your creations!

Have a great day/week and be sure to... Make it from your heart!

Ribbon - Heart 2 Heart Challenge

Welcome to this week's Heart to Heart Challenge where "Ribbon" is our focus. You can incorporate it in any way you choose. I look forward to seeing creative ways in which to use it!

To link up to the challenge, just visit the blog and click on the respective link at the bottom of the challenge post. Be sure to use Close To My Heart products in your artwork.

This simple card creation was made by cutting the largest Thin Cut Heart out of a White Daisy piece that measures 4" x 5 1/4". After stamping the sentiment in Espresso Ink, I glued strips of ribbon (they are retired) on the back side of the cardstock and then used 3-D Foam Tape to adhere it to the front of the card base.

That's it. It was that simple. What a fun technique that can be used for a variety of themes, don't you think?!

Thank you so much for stopping by today. Be sure to consider linking up to us at Heart 2 Heart. You can join any of our September challenges through the end of the month!

Have an awesome week!

Sew What?! - CTMH Technique Blog Hop

Welcome to this month's Technique Blog Hop where we use Close To My Heart products to highlight different techniques. This one is called, "Sew What?!" The participants can incorporate stitching - real or faux - on their artwork. It will be fun to see what everyone has created to share!

If you are coming from Vandra's Blog, you are on the right track. You can find a list of participants at the bottom of this post, if you were to get lost along the way.

I couldn't help but make another card using the September Stamp of the Month, "Sweet Treats". Ballerina, one of our new colors, was incorporated for a soft pink look. 

This time it was a must that I incorporate the cute mug and whip cream. Remember, you can get this stamp set for $5 - during this month only. 

The patterned paper comes from our Season's Mix-ins which is designed to coordinate with the other paper collections in the Idea Book. 

Years ago we had a stamp set that resembled stitching and I have kept it all this time. I was thrilled to see this new one, "Stitched Borders", in this new Idea Book. It was one of the first I purchased and I'm sure I'll be using it frequently. In fact, my friend, Katy Taylor, used it in very creative ways when she showcased her artwork at Convention. I do plan on copying her at some point. ;) 

On the close-up of the focal point, you can see that I paper-pieced the mug - isn't it cute?! I also random-stamped the Ballerina cardstock piece with the small floral image from the stamp set. Stiching was also added around the sentiment and you can see the zig-zag stitch above the patterned paper.

While it's not depicted great in the photo, the Scallop Border Thin Cut is cut out of Silver Foil Paper. A few Clear Sparkles were added.

Thank you so much for stopping by.  Consider leaving a comment, if you would like. I always love to hear from you!

Now, head on over to Haley's Blog to see what fun she is showcasing for this Hop!

Participants:

1. Melissa Robinson *YOU ARE HERE*
2. Haley Dyer
3. Debi McBain
4. Wendy Kessler
5. Michelle Johns
6. Michelle Loncar
7. Marciava Warrell
8. Darlys Recker
9. Kimberly Bower
10. Catherine Nowak
11. Annemarie Julian
12. Valerie Kapsha
13. Vandra Stenton