June Stamp of the Month Blog Hop - Ice Cream Dream

If you are coming from Nikka's Blog, you are on the right track!  Should you get lost along the way, please visit Melinda's Blog for a complete list of bloggers.

This month there are 50+ Close To My Heart Consultants featuring this fun stamp set, "Ice Cream Dream".  I have already made a few fun things with it but am excited to create more!  It is one of those must-have stamp sets!  And did you know you can get it for just $5 with a $50 purchase?  It's true.  You can.  Just contact me or your Independent Consultant to place yours on your June order.

I absolutely love the look of this finished project (card) and hope you do too!  Of course, the photos never do the artwork justice.  I incorporated the Polka Dot textured background using our embossing folder on Cotton Candy cardstock.  Then, I did incorporate the "Bit of Blot" technique I highlighted on this blog post - click HERE - which is shown on page 55 in the Annual Inspirations Idea Book.  It truly is fun so I encourage you to try it; the more blots, the better.

I used our ShinHan markers to color in part of the sentiment and the sundae.  Doesn't it look yummy?  To finish off the card, I added some Lagoon Hearts Washi Tape (applying it to White Daisy cardstock first and then cutting a dovetail) and some Pixie Extra Thick Twine.  Both the sentiment and the sundae are 3-D.

Would love for you to leave a comment to let me know what you think of my card.  It is always fun to read people's comments.  Then, head on over to Judy Faye's Blog to see what she has up her sleeve.  No doubt there is going to be some fun stuff shared in this hop!

Happy hoppin'!

Hooray! It's your Graduation Day!

It is definitely that time of the year and I need to get some graduation cards in the mail.  But before I sent them off, I wanted to share them with you.  I made them to coordinate with the school colors of those receiving them.

I used this stamp set, Diploma Day, to create them.  The sentiment portion of the card is 3-D as is the diploma and graduation cap that I fussy cut.  You know I needed to add a little sparkle with the Silver Shimmer Trim.

Wishing all of this year's graduates the best as they embark on a new chapter in their life!

You're So Kind (Bokeh Technique)

The Bokeh Technique is all the rage right now and so I thought I would give it a try last weekend.  I haven't perfected the blending but I still like how this card came out.

I used Canary and Cotton Candy ink, applying the ink with a Sponge Dauber.  Then I cut a template, with several circles, using some circle punches, and sponged on White Daisy Ink (also using daubers).  I applied several coats of the White Daisy ink to give some different hues and for it to stand out.  (I love the White Daisy pad for various reasons.)

I stamped the butterfly from the Paper Bird stamp set and then outlined it with a Journaling Pen.  Both the butterfly and sentiment were stamped in Black Ink but after the background was allowed to dry completely.  (The Paper Bird stamp set is only available as a hostess item.  You can get it when you collect and/or place a $150 order.  Contact me if you're interested and I will do what I can to help you earn it.)  It really is a fun stamp!

The polka dot paper is from the Brushed paper pack and I love it!  I added some Pixie Extra Thick Twine to finish it off.  I am definitely going to continue to play with this technique and will share when I do.

If you aren't familiar with the bokeh technique, search it on YouTube and you will find some great tutorials there.

Have a blessed day!

Happy Heart Canvas

This canvas is not only super cute but was super easy to create!  It was shown in the Seasonal Expressions 2 and totally caught my attention.

I am teaching how to make it on Monday, June 8th, at Crafty Creations Retreat in Mansfield (TX).  The cost is just $15 and includes the 6" x 6" canvas, a full package of Oceanside Sequins, some Glacier Extra Thick Twine and the paper pieces needed to complete your work of art.  Contact me for complete details as the RSVP deadline, to include payment, is Friday, May 29th, so I will have the supplies in time for the event.

You can also order the supplies to have them shipped to you, with complete directions for assembly.  This would make a great office or home decor item for you or a friend of family member.

Contact me today to make one of your own!

Have one awesome hump day!

Celebrate!

I took on the Color Dare challenge from Color My Heart to incorporate Black, White, and Gold into my artwork.

This is what I came up with:

The Gold Polka Dot Washi Tape is super fun and I thought to incorporate it as soon as gold was mentioned in this color combination.  To add some texture, I used some of the Black Chevron paper from the Paper Fundamentals Basic Assortment.

I took this photo from a different angle so you could see where I placed the chevron paper.  (It is not always easy to photograph.)

The card design came from our Wishes How-To book.  I call our how-to books the Bibles of Papercrafting.  It is where I get my inspiration from and do not know what I would do without them.  :)

The "celebrate" sentiment is from the "Puppy Party" stamp set which is super fun!

Enjoy this Super Sunday!

Carnival & Boardwalk Washi Tape

Who wouldn't be intrigued by the names of our two new Washi Tapes from Close To My Heart?  But...you don't develop a deep love for them until you see them like this!  Aren't they so much fun?!

This is the Carnival Washi Tape.  

This is the Boardwalk Washi Tape.

The colors and sayings offer so much possibility for incorporating them into artwork and that is what I am going to focus on this weekend.  In the meantime, I have just been staring at their beauty.  LOL

The rolls are just $5.95 and come with five yards each.  In fact, you actually get three rolls for $5.95 - the sentiments and then some thin, coordinating Washi.  Click here to see those details for Boardwalk and here for Carnival.  You will definitely want to add this to your next order!

May this Thursday be TERRIFIC where ever you are...

Loving Memories are Eternal

It seems rather fitting I am posting this card today.  It is my Grandmother's birthday and I miss her dearly.  I think about her quite often and am grateful for the many days we shared together.  My memories of her are eternal.

I created this card using the Lagoon Hearts Washi Tape as will as the thin washi colors - Canary, Glacier and Pear - that comes with the Carnival and Boardwalk Washi Tape packs.  The stamped flowers come from one of my favorite stamp sets, "Shower Flowers", which coordinates perfectly with the Blossom product line.  The sentiment was using the "Big Hug" stamp set, using black ink.

You know I had to 3-D some of the stamped images for some added dimension to the card.  The card was fun to make and I was pleased with the result.  (If you like it too, let me know by leaving a comment.)

Thanks for stopping by today!  Enjoy the rest of your week!

Giveaway through May 31st! FREE STAMP SET!

You read that right!  I am giving away this stamp set when you purchase just $35 in orders from me from today through May 31st!  It will help me achieve a sales goal I have set for the month and will allow me the opportunity to thank you for your purchase!

You can place your order by clicking HERE (be sure to Join the "May Orders Go Here" link) or you can also contact me directly.  DO NOT ADD THE STAMP SET TO YOUR ORDER.  I will order it for you and then will mail it to you upon its' arrival.  For a little added inspiration...check out the card I made below!

I stamped the entire Happy Father's Day image in Outdoor Denim and then re-stamped it again in Saddle, Black and Glacier inks.  I then cut out the hat, mustache and bow tie image and glued them on top of the original stamped image.  This technique is called paper piecing and I love what it offers for stamps like this where you want a different color in parts of it.

I used the Diamond Embossing Folder for the textured background on White Daisy cardstock and used coordinating cardstock just to add some dimension to the card.  A little hemp and sentiments stamped in White Daisy and Black Inks and I thought it was complete.

Make that special father in your life a handmade card this year...on me!  Make it a TERRIFIC Tuesday and thank you, in advance, for your order!

P.S.  If you already have this stamp set, don't let that deter you.  :)  I have another stamp option available.

May Technique - A Bit of Blot

Welcome to our Blog Hop where we are featuring the technique, "A Bit of Blot".  This technique is highlighted on page 55 in the Annual Inspirations Idea Book. (Steps to complete this technique is listed at the bottom of this post.

If you have arrived here from Debi's Blog, you are on the right track.  She happens to be the start to this hop so if you get lost along the way, you can return to her blog for a complete list of participants.

One thing I found out about this technique is it doesn't have to be perfect.  In fact, I threw away a few pieces of cardstock and discovered I actually could have used them.  By the time you stamp over the blots and embellish up your creation, you don't see what you thought initially as imperfections.

I used Lagoon and Pacifica inks to create my background and incorporated those colors throughout my card.  I stamped the butterfly in Lagoon ink and the sentiment in Black.  The sentiment came from the stamp set that is included and exclusive to the Brushed Workshop on the Go.  It really is fun!

I colored four Sparkles with the Black ShinHan marker (a technique I absolutely love)!  Some Black Shimmer Trim, punched with the Scallop Border Punch, and Slate Twine were added to finish off the card.

Truly pleased with my card, I am ready to give this technique another try with some different colors.  Why don't you give it a try?!  I think you will like it!

Hop on over to Sheila's Blog to see her incorporation of this technique.

Happy hoppin'!

My May Newsletter

My newsletter just went out and is arriving in people's email box now.  I have provided a copy below but if you would like to subscribe to my newsletter click on THIS LINK and then you'll see the Subscribe link on the top left of the window.  You can enter in your email address there and it will arrive in your inbox each month.  Have a blessed day!

Happy National Scrapbooking Month! We are celebrating in a BIG way at Close To My Heart! Close To My Heart released an exclusive paper pack and stamp set set just during the month of May.  They are not only absolutely adorable, they are priced right and you will not want to miss out on getting either of them while supplies last (and before the month is over)! The paper pack is just $8.95 for 12 sheets of this beautifully patterned paper.  While the fruit patterns are cute, you will fall in love with the bright colors on the back side.  Whichever side you choose to use, you will love the results! And this cute stamp set...  Yeah... I love it!  It's great for cards, layouts and any other artwork creation you choose and is just $17.95!  (If you need more inspiration, I made a little mini album - click HERE to check it out.  I also made a fun layout - click HERE to view it.  Be sure to check out the card workshop I am offering later this month using these supplies.  All information is below and the deadline to sign up is Saturday, May 16th.) I held an event at Crafty Creations Retreat (Mansfield, TX) on Saturday, May 2nd, where quite a few fellow scrapbookers joined me for some fun in Celebration of National Scrapbook Day!  It was a great day with creativity and photos, of course!  Here is a photo of my group and a couple of other fun ones. If you would like to order any of these fabulous products, be sure to click HERE and place your order, or let me know if you have any questions.  To join in on any of my upcoming events, be sure to keep reading.  Enjoy the rest of the month! Make it a Great Month! Email:  mlisrobinson@gmail.com Phone:  (214) 984-0280 (call or text) Website:  http://mlisrobinson.ctmh.com Blog:  http://mlisrobinson.blogspot.com

Get this stamp set FREE! When you purchase just $35 in products from today through May 31st, you will get this stamp set FREE!  You can order directly from my website (and it will ship straight to your door) but doNOT add this stamp set to your order.  I will order it and ship it to you separately as a thank you for your business.   This offer is eligible only through the end of the month and is only redeemable through me, Melissa Robinson.  Purchases for the Blossom Layout Workshop (as posted below) does qualify you for this FREEBIE.   To place your order click HERE and see the link in the bottom right corner that says "May Orders Go Here!"  Click on that link and get to shopping!  :)  (Setting up an account is free and doesn't require a purchase.)  You can also place your order through me; whatever is most convenient for you. Taste of Summer Card Workshop For just $15 you can make 10 cards, five each of these two designs, using the adorable Taste of Summer paper and stamp set! We will gather at Crafty Creations on Wednesday, May 27th at 6:30 p.m. (you can arrive at 6 p.m.).  All items will be pre-cut and you will have all the supplies to walk away with ten completed cards. For a little special this month, you can add on the adorable Taste of Summer stamp set ($17.95 value pictured above) and get the card workshop and it for just $40!  That is a savings of $7.60 because I will pay the shipping and tax for you on the stamp set.  (If you are interested in a long-distance kit, it's $15 plus $5 to mail the workshop to you.  I will stamp all pieces so you are able to assemble at your leisure.You, too, can add on the stamp set and will only pay a total of $45 ($5 for shipping costs). You can email me at mlisrobinson@yahoo.com or transfer money through PayPal at that same address.  Please transfer as a friend and family member so I don't incur any fees.  (I do also accept check or cash for payment.  Contact me for those details.) RSVP and payment, for the card workshop (or kit) must be made by the end of the day May 16th! Blossom Layout Workshop Tuesday, June 2nd - 6:30 p.m. We will make this layout and another, that is just as fun, using the Blossom paper pack.  These layouts are perfect for celebrating those spring and/or summer memories. The cost is just $30 and includes all you need to create the four pages.  You'll get a full pack of the Blossom paper pack (with plenty to take home to create additional projects), Blossom Complements (the "stickers"), the Blossom Assortment (metal flowers) as well as some fun Sequins and Glacier Twine that coordinate. Payment must be made by May 20th in order to secure your spot, allowing me ample time to order and prepare your supplies.  You can pay me through PayPal at mlisrobinson@yahoo.com.  Please transfer as a friend and family member. If you would like a kit mailed to you, contact me directly.  The cost is $40 total to ship to you.  You can also elect to order all supplies directly from my website (a subtotal of $28.75), you would have to add in two additional sheets of White Daisy, and I will email you the cutting diagrams and directions and you can assemble at your convenience.  (Shipping 12x12 paper can be a little more costly so that is why I am providing you with this feasible option.)  Contact me with interest or any questions you have. Scrapbook Pattern FREE! Email me and let me know you received this newsletter and I'll send them to you! I made these layouts and have the cutting diagrams available for you for FREE (provided by Close To My Heart)!  All you have to do is send me an email, letting me know you received my newsletter, and I will send them to you within 24 hours.  They will arrive straight to your inbox.  That is absolutely it!  I love knowing that someone is reading what I write so take a moment and let me here from you.  :) You can use the cutting diagrams with this paper, the Taste of Summer, or choose something else.  Our awesome patterns can be made with any paper and you embellish to suit the occasion.  I look forward to hearing from you! If you have made it all the way here, yay!  I appreciate you!  I will do a drawing from those who respond to the above. For every 10 people who respond, I'll draw for additional prizes and will include the winner's names in the June Newsletter.  (CTMH Consultants are not allowed to participate.  Sorry. I still love you though. LOL)

Hostess Exclusive Stamp Sets - Blog Hop

Welcome to our Blog Hop!  If you have arrived here from Tonya's Blog, you are on the right track.  I am the start of the hop but you will find a complete list of participants at the bottom of the post, should you get lost along the way.

Close to My Heart offers three stamp sets that are exclusive to Hostesses and they are so fun that we wanted to be sure you are aware of them.  To earn them all you have to do is to reach $150 in purchases - either by yourself or gather a few friends to place an order - and when you do so, you can get either, or all three, for a phenomenal price!

For example, I am using this Paper Birds stamp set that has a retail value of $13.95 and you can redeem just $8 of your hostess rewards money to get it!  (Contact me for any questions you may have.)

This is the card I created!  I incorporate the heart image and the smile sentiment.  

For the texture on the background I used the "Brushstrokes" stamp set.  I used the bottom, left image and stamped it separately, three times, in Lagoon, Cotton Candy and Pixie inks.

I did use a Journaling Pen for the doodling around the edge of the Pixie cardstock.

Thanks for stopping by and head on over to Marianne's Blog to see what artwork she has in store for you.

Happy hoppin'!

Here is a list of the participants and links to their blogs.

1. Melissa Robinson *YOU ARE HERE

2. Marianne Hancock

3. Melissa David

4. Debi Barber

5. Terry Morrow

6. Judy Faye Garner

7. Tonya Whitehurst