"Christmas is Coming" Heart 2 Heart Challenge

"Christmas is Coming" is the Heart 2 Heart theme for their Challenge this week and continues through the rest of this month. You, too, can join in the fun by linking up to us on our blog. Just be sure to use at least some Close To My Heart products in your creation. 

It is awesome that Close To My Heart released a small Christmas line with the September/October Idea Book which allowed me to get a little head start on my cards. 

I used this "Comfort & Joy" Cardmaking Stamp Set for the sentiment and bow image on the focal point. I also used the star and branch images to random-stamp on the Glacier cardstock with Glacier ink. 

This beautiful paper pack, called "Comfort & Joy", is what I used for the beautiful background. I love the gorgeous patterns in this pack. It is officially retired at the end of this month so be sure to get it while it's still available!

Make something of your own that aligns with this theme and join us at Heart 2 Heart. We love to see what you have to share! 

Happy crafting!

CTMH Core Idea Book Blog Hop

 

Do you have a hard copy of this NEW Core Idea Book? If not, you are missing out on some fabulous contents on the inside. It has wonderful artwork and NEW products AND you can get it FREE with any size order through December 31st. (If you want to peruse the digital version, you can click here.)

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

I am so excited to share this greeting card with you! I absolutely LOVE how it turned out, although it will be a one-of-a-kind with all the detail I included. LOL

It was made with the Stitched Florals Stamp & Thin Cuts set. This stamp set totally caught my attention in the Idea Book and I enjoyed creating with it. I am ready to make some more items using it. 

To tell you a little bit about the details I included...

I did stamp the main floral image onto a piece of White Daisy but I chose to also do the same on the different colors of cardstock so I could do some paper-piecing. There is a lot going on right here but don't you just love the layers?! I do! It created such great dimension for a finishing result.

The bow is one of our new Thin Cuts (this is the small one) - which I can't wait to use more. I couldn't resist splashing some of the Lemonade Shimmer Brush on the background for some added texture. 

The patterned paper I used is from our Bloom with Grace paper pack.

I always enjoy sharing my artwork with you and appreciate you stopping by. Now head on over to Michelle's Blog to see what she has created to share with you. 

Keep creating!

"Plastic Patterns" Technique Blog Hop

Welcome to our Technique Blog Hop where we are using Close To My Heart products to create artwork using "Plastic Patterns". Participants could interpret that theme however they want so I encourage you to make your way around the Blog Hop to check out all of the fabulous creations.

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

I had a blast making this card, with the background designed using Stencil Pack 1 and two colors of Oxide Inks.

Using the Craft Mat and this beautiful 12" x 12" plastic stencil, I applied the two colors (shown below) on the floral pattern. I started with the yellow shade in the middle and then added the ink, with it blending to create the orange shade. Then, I applied a little bit more of the pink, on the ends, to create a darker shade. 

These are the two colors of ink I used and I love them! 

These are the three designs that come in Stencil Pack 1, although we have others from which to choose.

This is how the White Daisy paper looked before I added on the black hearts, dovetail banners and the simple sentiment.

I enjoyed creating this card and love the results. The best part about it...it didn't take me any time to make it! I love when that happens. 

I appreciate you stopping by my blog. Don't forget to continue your way so you can see the other artwork that has been created to share with you today. Now, head over to Cat's Blog to see her creation!

Happy hoppin'!

List of participants:

1. Melissa Robinson *YOU ARE HERE

2. Cat Nowak

3. Lauren Moore

4. Brandi Robinson

5. Katy Taylor

6. Alyson Mayo

7. Miss Carrie's Creations

8. Michelle Loncar

9. Maz Wood

10. Darlys Recker

"Stencil It" Heart 2 Heart Challenge

Welcome to this week's Heart 2 Heart Challenge where we are creating artwork using stencils, hence the title of "Stencil It"! 

Consider linking up to the challenge on the H2H Blog, being sure to incorporate Close To My Heart products in your creation. We would love to see how you use stencils; there are so many fun ways to do so.

Below you will see the process used to create this beautiful background. It was made using Oxide Inks and Mini Foam Tools (currently unavailable). By layering it onto the cardstock and adding a stamped sentiment and Silver Glitter Gems, it resulted in this simple card.

This is the stencil pack I purchase which contains the heart pattern.  Stencil Pack 1 comes with these three fabulous designs in 12" x 12" reusable plastic stencils. You can use a variety of techniques that result in great artwork.

Using Picked Raspberry, Candied Apple and Mustard Seed (currently unavailable) Oxide Inks, I applied ink onto the stencil which colored in the exposed hearts. This messy look then resulted in this... 

It created this fun background that I then trimmed down and added a few elements to make this simple greeting card. I love how quick and easy this came together for a fun and soft look. I think I may be falling in love with Oxide inks. :) 

Because they have been so popular since arriving in the warehouse, we are limited on colors at this present time. I will be sure to let my customers know, in our exclusive Customer Group, when the others come back in stock. They are definitely something you will want to try! They are so fun and provide for such awesome results! 

Join the Heart 2 Heart Challenge that lasts through the end of the month! We'd love to see what you have to share! 

Moments Like These Calendar (October Special!)

As many of us are ready to wave goodbye to 2020, Close To My Heart is giving us a fun way to look forward to 2021!

This month's special is called "Moments are These". It is a stunning Cut Above Layout Kit and base calendar that allows you to create a beautiful 12-month calendar in minutes. All you need is adhesive, photos and a journaling pen to tell the stories behind the photos. 

This special also features this exclusive stamp set so you can add some unique personalization to your calendar pages. 

The items in this special are available in several purchasing options, with or without the stamp set, AND you can also order items individually. Select the products best for you by shopping here!

Here is an enlarged view of one of the pages. Isn't it gorgeous?! Imagine your photos on this page to preserve those special moments in your life.

If you want to see the rest of the pages in greater detail, visit this link and then scroll down to find the thumbnail view (as shown above). Click on the individual images. They are all beautiful!

Gear up for 2021 with the "Moments Like These "Special and order your kit today! (Might it make a great holiday gift for someone? It's purposeful and would be thoroughly appreciated!)

Make it a great day!

"With All My Love" CTMH Stamp of the Month Blog Hop

Welcome to the October Stamp of the Month Blog Hop where we are featuring a BEAUTIFUL stamp set from Close To My Heart called, "With All My Love". 

If you are coming from Maureen O'Sullivan's Blog you are on the right track. You can find the complete list of participants here. 

You can get this stamp set, which includes 16 images, for $5 with a qualifying $50 purchase. Better yet, get it FREE with a VIP Membership (a new program that started today)! You can find details on my website. 

It comes with gorgeous floral imags and a variety of sentiments, in different fonts. You will find it perfect for greeting cards and other pieces of handmade creations. 

I chose to incorporate several of the floral and leaf images from the set, creating a cluster in this focal point. Created using papers from our current Mix-Ins Paper Pack, I love this Fall-ish and cheerful greeting card that is perfect for saying "thanks a ton" to whomever deserves it. 

I did incorporate some blending withthe tri-color markers and added dimension through the use of Thin 3-D Foam Tape, and some pretty Gold Glitter Gems. I totally find coloring therapeutic; do you? 

I truly appreciate you visiting on this 1st day of October. Isn't that so hard to believe?! Super crazy for me! Now, head on over to Cat's Blog to see what she has to share with you.

Make it a wonderful month! 

"Fall Fun" Heart 2 Heart Challenge

Welcome to this week's Heart 2 Heart Challenge where you are asked to create a piece of artwork along the theme of "Fall Fun". You are to incorporate Close To My Heart products and then link up to us on our blog. 

I had fun incorporating the Wood Grain paper pack into this card and added a little distressing to the Ruby cardstock by rubbing a sandblock over it. Then, I couldn't resist adding some of the gorgeous Sapphire Glitter Paper. 

To create the focal point I used the "With a Thankful Heart" stamp set and Thin Cuts. I colored in the images using the tri-blend markers and then added some dimension by paper-piecing the banner. 

I super love how this card turned out and hope you do too! Be sure to join our challenge and share what you create!

Have a great week!

"Teeny Tiny" Heart 2 Heart Challenge

Today at Heart 2 Heart, our Challenge is to create something with the theme, "Teeny Tiny". You can interpret how you choose but be sure to incorporate Close To My Heart in your creation. That is a requirement of challenges at Heart 2 Heart.

If you have been following me for some time, you probably know I love stamps with punny sayings. That is what I chose to use on this card and actually recreated this card based upon one shown in the September/October Idea Book (page 27). 

Here is the adorable stamp set I used. It's called "Hey There". 

So you might be wondering where I used something teeny tiny. LOL Oh yeah. I guess I need to mention that. ha One of the most adorable things we have in the new Idea Books - isn't something adorable a required purchase? LOL - is this small envelope. It's the Mini Envelope Thin Cuts. It is precious for putting inside the hands of the animals in this stamp set. You can see how I included it on my card. 

The envelope has score lines which allows you to fold and secure it, with adhesive, as designed. It's totally adorable and I can't wait to do some other things with it. 

Consider sharing your artwork creations with us at Heart 2 Heart! We would love to see what you make!

"Creativity in Motion" Blog Hop

Welcome to the "Creativity in Motion" Blog Hop where we are featuring artwork made with this exclusive and animated product bundle in celebration of National Stamping Month. 

While you can buy the related products separately, you save 20% when you buy the bundle! There are three animated stamp sets that allow you create some interactive fun. You can view your purchasing options here. 

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

This was the first card I made with these special and exclusive products.

I couldn't resist using the "Animated Butterfly Kisses" stamp set while keeping it sweet and simple. I love the sentiment, "a friend like you is rare", which is perfectly fitting for the images provided. A small Stitched Hearts Thin Cut was perfect for it. 

One great thing about this product offering is the awesome 6" x 6" Bright Stack where you get a variety of 48 sheets of our patterned paper from past collections! I actually was a little selfish on this first card, not wanting to use my favorite patterns until I knew what I was doing. LOL (Shhhh...don't tell anyone.)

Here is a video to help you see more of how these cards work.

Close To My Heart is hosting a Virtual Event, to celebrate Nat'l Stamping Day, on Saturday, September 18, 2020. It begins at 2 pm MST and continues for approximately 6 hours. They will be showing how to assemble these cards as well as sharing some fun stamping techniques. Consider joining the FUN! 

Now, head on over to Wendy's Blog to see what she has created with this product line.  

I appreciate you stopping by and hope you have a wonderful weekend! Keep creating!