Convention Roomie Layout Made from Fundamentals

I work to make roomie and team gifts that are practical and will be used.  One of the gifts I have enjoyed making recently, for such occasions, are layouts suited for the event.  While I am a Close To My Heart purist, I decided to incorporate a few Disney touches to finish off the layout (the Disney logo and small Mickey resins in the center of the flowers).

Various colors of the Paper Fundamentals patterns were incorporated, as was some cardstock.  It was fun being able to reverse the fundamentals, creating different textures as I did.  Close To My Heart had recently blogged about incorporating envelopes into artwork so I gave it a try here.  I included a journaling spot and also thought it would be a great place for my roomies to include event tickets, etc.

I did create the Mickey Mouse image by welding three circles together from our Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge.

The ladies were happy to receive them and I had fun making them!

Have a blessed week!

Heart 2 Heart Challenge - Life Is Good!

Studio J assisted me in creating artwork for this week's Heart 2 Heart Challenge, "Life is Good".  I have enjoyed using Studio J to preserve my 2015 Convention memories and love the bright and fun colors used here.  It was created using "Chantilly", a retired but fun paper pack!

With more use of Studio J, I have learned how to create banners like what you see on the title.  The white portion was a rectangle but I created a 1" x 1" square, made with Outdoor Denim (a retiring color), and rotated it so it would blend in with the background and make the dove-tailed look.  Fun right?!  There are so many fun things to do with Studio J or you can keep it quick and simple. 

The sticker, "Blessed Beyond Measure", totally reflected how I feel because Close To My Heart has brought me together with so many wonderful women across the country.  I love being a member of this wonderful company and am thankful for the joy and fun it brings to my life.

Be sure to participant in the challenges at Heart 2 Heart.  We would love to have you and I look forward to seeing your creations!  Thank you for stopping by.

Life IS Good...

Artfully Sent Pocket Card Blog Hop

This month we are showcasing the Pocket Cards that can be created using our exclusive Artfully Sent Cricut cartridge.  They are perfect for coordinating with our Picture My Life product line and fit in our pocket pages.

If you are coming from Tina's Blog, you are on the right track.  She was the fabulous coordinator of this swap and I thank her for generating the idea for this Artfully Sent goodness.  You can find a list of participants, and links to their blogs, at the bottom of this post.

These are the pocket cards I designed.  I incorporated Black, Lagoon, Cranberry, and Pear on these cards, wanting them to coordinate.

This card measures 4" x 6".  I enjoyed using the Fundamentals (the patterned paper) to accent it a bit.

This is a 2" x 3" card and I used various patterns of the Fundamentals to back the flowers.  I love this sentiment which comes from one of the Hostess Stamp Sets that you can get this month for just $5!  (Click HERE for more information.)  And besides friends, bling makes everything better, don't you think?!

Here is a close-up of texture on this card.

Thank you so much for stopping by.  Please consider leaving a comment and then head on over to Terrie's Blog.

This is a list of the participants:

1. Michele Rowley  
2. Tina Lovell
3. Melissa Robinson *YOU ARE HERE*
4. Terrie Shortsleeve
5. Mary Brooks

Happy hoppin'!

Stampers with an Attitude - Summer/Vacation Blog Hop

The Stampers with an Attitude Team is focusing on Summer/Vacation artwork this month and I am thrilled you have joined us.  I am the start to this Hop and a list of participants are listed at the bottom of this post.  If you are coming from Wendy's Blog, you are on the right track.

I chose to use Studio J for this month's artwork.  There was no perfect time than now to use Studio J (there is a special going on - click HERE for those details) and to highlight some of my photos from my recent Close To My Heart Convention experience.  

This paper pack has a "summer/swimming pool" focus in Studio J and I love that it worked perfectly for these photos.  Here are close-ups of the pages.

If you are interested in joining Close To My Heart and sharing in the fun Convention experience, contact your Consultant or me.  We are happy to answer your questions and would love to have you.

Please head on over to Catherine's Blog.  She is always sure to please with her fun artwork!  Thanks for stopping by!

Here is a list of participants:

Melissa Robinson *YOU ARE HERE
Catherine Nowak
Melinda Everitt
Wendy Taylor

Happy hoppin'!

Studio J Flash Sale

Close To My Heart is having a fabulous special through the end of this month on Studio J!  

Do you have an account full of Studio J® layouts waiting to be printed? How about a big photo order you keep meaning to make? Well, now is the time to log in to Studio J and order all your layouts and photos! From July 15, 2015, 9:00 am MDT to July 31, 2015, 5:00 pm MDT, all layouts in Studio J are only $5!

As a reminder for Consultants, your discounted amount is commissionable. Plus, the discounted amount also counts toward earning Hostess Rewards and Gathering totals when connected to an EZ Invite™ published Gathering. Remember, this sale applies only to layouts ordered before the cutoff time on July 31, so get ‘em while they’re hot and start designing—and ordering—as soon as possible!

*Considerations:

• Layout credits are used first before the discounted price takes effect
• Discounted amount counts toward earning Hostess Rewards and Gathering totals when connected to an EZ Invite™ published Gathering
• Discounted amount does not count toward earning the discounted Stamp of the Month
• Normal shipping/handling rates apply

Contact me with any questions you may have about Studio J.  You can find complete details on my website by clicking HERE.  In fact, if you stop by my blog tomorrow, I will have a Studio J layout for you to view.

Be blessed today and always!

Retiring Colors from Close To My Heart

There are changes being made to the Enchantment color palette as indicated in the photo below.  You can see which colors will be retired and which will remain.  There are seven new colors that will replace those that are retiring.  (The new color information will be shared in early September.)

If any of these colors - cardstock, inks, reinkers - are an absolute need, you will want to purchase them ASAP!  They are only available while supplies last.  You can shop on my website by clicking HERE.

Enjoy your weekend!

Close To My Heart: Life is worth...

This video is a must-watch.  Not only does it give you an insight as to what Close To My Heart is all about, it also reminds us of how important it is to value our relationships in this one life we are given.

After you watch it, let me know what you think of it!

Life is worth it!

Jump On It July Blog Hop

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.

This month we are highlighting the Jump On It July Campaign where you can get the July Stamp of the Month FREE or one of our Exclusive Hostess Stamp Sets for just $5!  This is a huge offering as they have been only available to Consultants during this special period.  You can find more details by by clicking HERE.

Here are the stamp sets available through this exclusive offer:

Click on the image for an enlarged view.

I chose to use the "Sweet as Sugar" stamp set for my creation and incorporated both Cocoa and Pixie Paper Fundamentals.  I kept the card really simple, working to draw attention to the yummy candy and fun colors.  I did cut out the bubblegum/pink candy as well as the middle piece of chocolate, to add some dimension.  Liquid Glass was added to make them extra pretty and irresistible.  Aren't you glad they aren't real?!  I sure am!  

  Here is a closeup of the yummy goodness!

Thank you for taking a moment to stop by.  Now, head on over to Melinda's Blog where she is always sure to have something fun in store for you!  Please leave a comment before doing so!

Happy hoppin'!

July Technique Blog Hop - Simple Shadows

Welcome to our Technique Blog Hop this month where we are featuring the "Simple Shadows" technique located on page 102 of the current Annual Inspirations.  Here is a summary of the technique as found in the idea book.

If you are coming from Debi's Blog, you are on the right track.  She happens to be the start of the hop where you can also find a complete list of participants.

I decided to use one our Design Creations Lagoon Paper Bags to make a holder for some photos I am giving to a friend.  I used the Artbooking Cricut cartridge, exclusive to Close To My Heart, for both the camera and sentiment images.

The camera image was cut out at 2 1/2" - both the Black and Cranberry pieces.  Smile was cut at 2" out of Black and Canary cardstock and staggered a bit as shown in the technique.  (I just realized I used the same image as the sample.  LOL)  The original sentiment says "Smiles" but I did cut off the "s" to just have "Smile".  I added some Light Gray Epoxy Bubbles, Pixie Extra Thick Twine, and a Bubbly Enamel Shape.

Here are the pages for the two keys I used - page 40 and 51:

Thanks for stopping by and feel free to leave a comment, if you choose.  Now head on over to Wendy's Blog to see her fabulous incorporation of this technique.

Happy Hoppin'!

H2H Challenge - Life is a Beach

This week the challenge at Heart 2 Heart is "Life is a Beach".  I am looking forward to the fun artwork that will be shared to align with this theme.

What better way to design artwork to coordinate with this theme than with the Seaside paper pack?  Two pieces of patterned paper were used and the Zip Strip was incorporated to blend the seam.  After adding that and the four stamped images, I decided all it needed was a finishing touch of Glacier Thick Twine.  The Beach Gear stamp set was used with the following ink pads:  Hollyhock, Sorbet, Glacier, Topiary.

I love the beach although I do not get to visit it often but will imagine I am there as I watch the beautiful creations shared through the challenge site.

Let's get this week off to a GREAT start!

Disney in Studio J!

In not carrying a current Disney-associated paper pack, I decided to use Studio J to create some 4" x 6" and 3" x 4" Picture My Life-type cards for some of my team gifts.  I am extremely pleased how they turned out and hope you love them as much as I do!

I cut them up and placed them in our My Creations Black Mini Album to give to my team members who have joined me for the national celebration at Disneyland.

I was excited to try this and then became a little concerned, not sure I could pull it off, but I did!  I will be doing this in the future, even using them as accents on scrapbook pages and cards.  Gotta love that you the possibilities are endless in Studio J!  If you don't know what Studio J is, click on the links provided to find out more or contact me!  I am happy to answer your questions!

Enjoying the Disney experience,

At the Happiest Place on Earth!

Yep, the time is NOW!  I arrived yesterday in Anaheim for Close To My Heart's 2015 National Convention in Anaheim!  We will spend the next few days at the Disneyland Hotel, consumed in fun, productivity, new products and fabulous artwork!  I am so excited and can't wait to share all the fun with you while I am gone and when I return.

I know there will be some new fun and memories made but here are some throwback photos of fabulous times enjoyed at previous Conventions with my team members who are also some of my dearest friends.  Most importantly, I am thankful to share in these fun times with my Mom who is also on my team!

AAt

I can't wait to create new moments with my friends.  Let the fun times begin!  Enjoy the rest of your week!