Copycat: Heart 2 Heart Challenge

Welcome to this week's Heart 2 Heart Challenge where the title is "Copycat". That means you can copy any artwork from one of our current Idea Books, or use them as a source of inspiration.

To join our Challenge, you simply need to go to our Blog and then link up to us at the very bottom. Be sure to use Close To My Heart products in your creation.

I chose to copy these adorable, 3" x 3" cards that are made with our Punny Pals stamp set - showcased on the back covers of our Idea Books. These animal images, with their cute and punny sayings, are a perfect pick-me-up for anyone. 

Here are close-ups of the cards. 

I look forward to seeing your artwork at Heart 2 Heart. Have a blessed day and an awesome week!

Mini is Marvelous - CTMH Technique Blog Hop

Thank you for joining us for this Technique Blog Hop as we feature artwork that [somewhat] aligns with our theme of "Mini is Marvelous"! Participants have the opportunity to interpret that in any way they can so I am sure we are bound to see some GREAT stuff!

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

My "mini" is interpreted in the way of "mini pieces" which were used to cutesy up this awesome new Thin Cut that just debuted in our newest Idea Book. Believe me, there were A LOT OF MINI PIECES but it made the final result well worth it!

This thin metal die, It's Your Day, comes as one piece and there are some fun ways to use it like that. However, I decided to do some paper-piecing so that I could get different papers in various areas of the diecut image. (The cut shape is 3 3/4" x 5".)

To get this end result, I cut this Thin Cut onto four different pieces of paper. First, it was cut on Raspberry cardstock. Next, I also cut it on Gold Glitter Paper, Gold Foil Paper, and lastly, on the striped patterned paper that is part of Documented.

I carefully trimmed the pieces that I wanted to 3-D/layer onto the Raspberry base so they would fit as desired. I had the "your" banner and the many mini pieces of paper for the candles and flames. I used our Bonding Memories Glue Pen for adhering all pieces of the Thin Cut.

I LOVE the result of these efforts - well worth it, although a bit crazy - and hope you do, too!

Now, head on over to Michelle's Blog to see her "mini" creation; whatever that might be. Thanks so much, as always, for stopping by and please consider leaving a comment before hopping to Michelle. Enjoy your weekend!

List of participants:
1. Melissa Robinson *YOU ARE HERE
2. Michelle Loncar
3. Debi McBain
4. Catherine Nowak
5. Haley Dyer
6. Danielle Wagner
7. Darlys Recker
8. Michelle Johns
9. Wendy Kessler
10. Marciava Warrell
11. Katy Taylor

In Any CASE...with Melinda & Melissa

Welcome to...

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!

********************************************************************************

This is the card I am recreating, as found on page 56 of the Annual Inspirations Idea Book. I did make a few slight adjustments while doing my best to reproduce this card. Let's see how well I did! LOL

Because I was using what supplies I had, I cut the patterned paper to 5 1/4" x 4" to allow for a slight white border (since I didn't have enough to cover the entire base LOL). Whisper was used for the front layer of cardstock. 

So the flowers and their pieces wouldn't overlap, I used a technique called "masking". Masking allows you to make stamped images appear dimensional. Let me show you how I achieved this look!

Because the knot was going to be the forefront of the bouquet, I stamped it first.

Then, I stamped it again, on a sticky note - so it was close to the top where I could benefit from the sticky part. I cut the image right on the lines, and placed the sticky note image directly on top of the stamped image. 

Because I wanted this flower and stem to be in front of those to the left and right of them, I stamped it next. With the rope being covered, the stem appears to be inside of or behind it. Cool, huh?

 Next, I stamped the next stem of flowers to the right, without overlapping the other floral image. 

I had to create another "mask" for the first flower I stamped - just the upper part, as shown - so that the leaves and flowers from the stem to the left looked 3-D. You can see how I had both masks in place when I stamped both of the last two images to create the desired effect. And then...my bouquet was complete!

This technique is fun for flowers, balloons, etc. - any time you want this look. Have you ever tried it? I would love to see what you create using this technique! It's totally fun and pretty simple!

Of course, to finish the card, I stamped the sentiments and then colored the images using various ShinHan markers.

This is the stamp set I used, "Many Congratulations".

My partner in CASEing, Melinda Everitt, is highlighting this card on her blog. Consider leaving a comment here and then head on over to Melinda's Blog to learn how she recreated this beautiful card!

I hope you are having a great week! Be sure to tag your CASEd artwork with #ctmhinanycase so we can see how you are doing the same. We're always giving away CTMH goodies for those who participate!

Dad Knows Best - Heart 2 Heart Challenge

Welcome to this week's Heart 2 Heart Challenge where the theme is "Dad Knows Best", in honor of Father's Day, which is just around the corner.

I put a little twist on my artwork in that I used the Rad Dad stamp set that is an exclusive and special focus this month, but went a little rogue with my design. I wanted to first share the stamp set so you have a point of reference for my card. LOL

Wanting to do something a little different, an incorporate the stamp images in a unique way, I created this card. I used the argyle images and stamped them, as shown, in various pastel colors. Then, I added the stitched images, in between them, in Pewter ink. 

The "ribbon" was embossed in Gold Powder, on White Daisy cardstock, and popped with 3-D Foam Tape. A couple of Gold Glitter Gems were added for a finishing touch. 

Here is some additional inspiration for your Father's Day projects. In fact, I have a pretty detailed post about this special. It can be found through this link.

I'll leave you with one additional card of mine that is Dad-focused. Details of how it was created can be found on this post. 

I hope you'll consider linking up to us for this week's Heart 2 Heart Challenge! Be sure to incorporate at least one Close To My Heart product into your creation. I look forward to seeing what you have to share! Have a wonderful week! 

Rad Dad, Masculine-Themed Blog Hop

WELCOME to our Rad Dad Masculine Blog Hop where we are featuring products from the "Dad is Rad" special, available only through June 15th and while supplies last!

For a limited time, you can get this sensational stamp set to show your love for the wonderful men in your life!

Get the Dad is Rad Bundle for papers and accessories you can use to create the cards and scrapbook pages shown above. PLUS, you can find a complete and detailed guide FREE, for completing this layout and four cards, through this link! Download and print it at your convenience. You can even use it with other products and for different occasions.

The kit bundle products are worth $41.67 and can be yours for only $29.95! Here is a list of the items contained in the bundle:

1 – My Acrylix© Rad Dad Stamp Set (D1811)
1 – White Burlap Ribbon (Z3323)
1 – Gold Bows (Z3380)
 Cardstock sheets (1 Almond, 1 Crystal Blue, 1 Juniper, 1 Sapphire, 2 Toffee, 4 White Daisy, 1 Gold Glitter)

If you would like to buy the stamp set, you can do so separately for $17.95. Contact me (or your Consultant) to place an order or for any questions you may have.

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

If I haven't already told you, I LOVE our Glitter Paper. It is of great quality and if you think there is nothing special about it, contact me and I'll send you a piece to try! I promise, there is nothing else out there on the market that compares and I used it to provide a little bit of dad-glitz on this card.

To create the three-toned stamp image, I first inked the image in Glacier ink. Then, I inked part of the top and bottom images in Lagoon. Lastly, I added Pacifica ink to the furthest edges and this was the result! I loved the ease of creating this ombre' effect and I think it came out great!

I know this is for a man, but they can still appreciate a little bit of bling, can't they?! The Gold Bow Clip was perfect for the bottom right corner and I added some White Twine, adhering it on all ends, with the Mini Stapler.

I'm anxious to see what others have created with these products and hope you are too! Head on over to Cat's Blog to see what fabulous artwork she has created to share with you!

Enjoy the rest of the week!

Create the Rainbow - A Spectrum of Savings in June!

During the month of June, add color to your cardmaking and scrapbooking with the Create the Rainbow special! This special features exclusive cardstock bundles, individual spools of Fundamentals ribbon, and select embellishments at 25% off the retail price. You can pick and choose the colors that fit your projects best. You can find a complete list, including visuals, by clicking HERE.

 

As you create the rainbow yourself, add an extra splash of color with the special's exclusive Be a Rainbow stamp set (D1813). It includes 25 images to allow flexibility as you incorporate it into your artwork! Aren't the images fun?!

For Hostesses: When you host a party that reaches the third level ($350) of Hostess Rewards or higher (submitting your party order no later than July 5, 2018), you can choose one Create the Rainbow cardstock bundle, FREE. That’s up to a $9.95 value, totally free!

For New Consultants: Anyone who becomes a Close To My Heart Consultant in June can choose one Create the Rainbow cardstock bundle, FREE. That’s up to a $9.95 value, totally free!










These are just some of the items on sale this month!

To see these rainbow of products - and savings - click on this Create the Rainbow link! These items are available while supplies last so don't wait to get what's on your wish list. I'm always available for questions and any order is always rewarded with a thank you gift!

Wishing a blessed week!

Birthday Cheer 10-Cards Workshop

(I will be hosting this event in the DFW in early July. If you would like to attend, please select the $20 kit option or join me in my VIP Group where full details will be provided once the event is scheduled.)

Birthday Cheer 10-Card Workshop
I have created these bright and cheerful cards using the Birthday Cheer - Picture My Life Cards, some additional pieces of cardstock, Silver Foil Paper, Black & White Dots, and several stamp sets. The Stitched Circles - Thin Cuts have also been used.

Workshop File Only - $8
Includes a PDF file with supply items, cutting diagrams for cardstock and foil paper, as well as full-color directions for assembling the cards. CTMH Consultants: With your purchase of this file, you are given rights to offer and conduct this class for your customers. (Each Consultant should purchase their own file, please.)

Card Kit w/Assembly Instructions + Shipping (to your door) - $23
With this kit, you'll receive a full package of the PML cards, card bases and envelopes, and all other pieces needed to complete these 10 cards. Images will be pre-stamped and the package will also include full-color directions for assembly.

• You will need access to basic supplies as well as markers. (Alcohol-based markers are recommended.)
• With this purchase, you will  be invited to participate in my Birthday Cheer Group on Facebook where I will go live on Monday, July 9th, 2018 at 7 pm CST to help you assemble your cards.) Please allow two weeks (maximum) for the shipping of your kit. To participate in this live feed, your order should be placed through the bottom link by June 25, 2018.

Card Kit w/Assembly Instructions - $20
This $20 kit is for local participation where I will provide the use of the stamps, inks, and markers for assembly. The additional items needed for the cards will be provided, pre-cut. I will be sharing the date and location of this event, for early July, as soon as it is scheduled. (If you don't have a CTMH Consultant, the best place to stay up-to-date with all my class offerings is to join me in my VIP Group.)

Birthday Cheer 10-Cards Workshop

Workshop File Only $8.00 USD Card Kit w/Assembly Instructions $20.00 USD Card Kit + Shipping $23.00 USD

Please contact me with any questions you may have and THANK YOU for supporting my business!

A Bushel & a Peck - Blog Hop

I'm totally excited about this Stamp of the Month and can't wait to see what everyone creates to highlight it. It's called "A Bush & a Peck", with 15 images, and is available this month for $5, with an order of $50 or more! (It is valued at $17.95.)

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

While I was excited to create with this stamp set, I wanted to use all of the images! LOL Thankfully, I only chose a few and came up with this card that makes me happy. I hope it does the same for you!

I love this bokeh-like background that is part of the Central Park paper packet. I'll be honest, I wasn't too keen on it initially, but I am loving the patterns that are part of this new line as well as the coordinating items - stamps, embellishments, etc. Pacifica and Poppy cardstock were added, as well as some White Twine, and a small piece of Bashful Glitter Paper.

Besides that, I used a variety of Shin Han Markers to color in the images. But...you want to know my magic trick to the coloring and making it seem like I "shade" well? LOL It's the Colorless Blender! As best as I can describe, it "removes/blends" ink from the areas to which it is applied. You can see it best reflected on the basket, for example, as well as on her skirt and boots. Cool, huh?!

I appreciate you stopping by and hope you have enjoyed this artwork. You're bound to find some other fun creations as you keep moving through the hop. Head on over to Brenda's Blog to see what she has in store for you and make it a great June!

In Any CASE...with Melinda & Melissa

Welcome to...

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!

********************************************************************************

Today I am CASEing the fun card pictured in the middle of this image, found on page 48 of the current Seasonal Expressions 2 Idea Book. 

The artwork on this image, and the one I recreated, are made using this Documented - Cardmaking stamp set. It can be purchased with or without the coordinating Thin Cuts. I love the floral images and especially the sentiments. They totally make me LOL. 

Here is my version of the card. While I don't own a sewing machine, so don't sew on my artwork (although I would love to), it is missing that element.

🎨DESIGN TIPS:

I left 1/2" uncovered on the bottom of the card and did use the Pansy patterned paper, from Documented, rather than what was shown in the CTMH artwork. The top, grey patterned paper measures 3" x 4 1/4". The striped paper is 1 1/2" tall on the left side and 2" tall on the right side. I marked those measurements with a pencil and then trimmed it diagonally using my paper trimmer. 

The floral images were colored with Watercolor Pencils and some cute Documented Dots were added for some fun accents. To create the texture on the circle containing the focal point, it was stamped, in Charcoal ink, on the largest Stitched Circle - Thin Cuts. 

This is a simple, yet attractive card, that was fun to assemble. 

Now head on over to Melinda's Blog. She's my partner in CASEing and has reproduced this fun greeting card using one of our newest Thin Cuts.

We both appreciate you stopping by and look forward to seeing  you again on the 2nd Thursday of June for the next episode of "In Any CASE".

Enjoy the rest of the week!