I Love to Crop!

On Saturday, May 27th, I hosted a Crop in Grapevine. I was joined by eight other papercrafters and we had such a pleasant time, creating and sharing in some laughter. 

They were some busy bees and everyone was productive with the projects they worked on and completed. However, a papercrafters job is never done so we must get together again sometime soon. LOL

I always enjoy and try to provide a little goodie of some sort at all of my events, and this one was no different. This was made from a 7" x 7" piece of patterned paper from our Little Dreamer product line. I LOVE the polka dots included in this paper pack. You have already seen me use it a few times on some other projects. :) It's so cheery! 

The pockets include a yummy piece of chocolate (Ghiradelli's fit great in here but the grocery store near me didn't have them so I had to go with a different brand that was still very tasty) and the M1172 Today stamp image. It is great for using on scrapbook pages to include a date or small detail.

If you would like to be informed of crop and other events I conduct in the DFW area, please contact me or join my VIP Facebook Group. (No CTMH Consultants allowed, please.)

Hoping you are having a wonderful week!

While I have seen this "ghiradelli"/"tea bag" holder on YouTube by several individuals, I used the dimensions and assembly directions provided by Michelle Snyder. 

She Believed She Could So She Did!

It is almost time to say goodbye to the fabulous National Scrapbooking Month product line, "Live Beautifully". The products are available while supplies last or through May 31, 2017 (midnight MST).

While I loved all of the products created for this exclusive offer, I do believe the stamp set was my ultimate favorite. The title words and phrases are perfect for many types of occasions.

I cut "believe" out of the piece of Blossom cardstock and then stamped the images as shown (inks: Pomegranate and Willow). Then, I cut out "believe" four times and stacked those letters on top of each other.  

The phrase was stamped in black ink and some clear sparkles were added for some fun dimension.

Stacking the letters really added some fun dimension to this card. While it was not difficult to make, it did take a little bit of time as I glued the letters on top of one another.

If you would like to order any of these time-sensitive products, be sure to visit my website ASAP and before they are gone for good on May 31st!

Wishing you all the best during this short work week!

(Technique gleaned from Jennifer McGuire.)

Heart 2 Heart Color Challenge: Emerald, Blossom, Lemon

Welcome to this week's Heart 2 Heart Challenge focused on three colors: Emerald, Blossom and Lemon. I totally love these colors because they are so fun and vibrant.

We would love for you to link up with us. Be sure to incorporate Close To My Heart products into your artwork when you do.

I kept this card relatively simple although I did incorporate some simple techniques.

The Blossom (pink) piece was embossed with the Simple Chevron Embossing Folder. The two dovetail banners and balloons were cut from the Prickly Pear paper pack. I did paper piece the balloons which allowed me to have a fun patter on them. Shin Han Markers were used to color in the little boy.

Of course I had to finish off the card with a little sparkly. :) Three, Emerald Prickly Pear Sequins were added for that finishing touch.

This is the stamp set I used, "True Love". It is our current Operation Smile stamp set and I love it! $5 from every one of these stamp sets purchased is donated to this worthy organization that provides facial surgery for children born with cleft palate.

Thanks for stopping by my blog today and let me hear from you if would like to leave a comment. I always enjoy hearing from you.

Wishing you a wonderful day!

Seasonal Expressions 2 - New Product Blog Hop

Welcome to our Blog Hop where we are featuring new products that were released on May 1st in the Seasonal Expressions 2 (aka SE2). We have four fabulous paper packs as well as stamp sets, embellishments, and so much more!

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

For my artwork, I decided to use the Prickly Pear product line. 

This is the Prickly Pear Workshop Your Way which includes paper, sequins, blue burlap ribbon, and the coordinating Complements.

I incorporated this "Fiesta Time" stamp set and love the sentiments. They are super fun!

I did use the "Sweet Birthday" stamp set to add the face to the cactus which has been a big hit with all those who have seen this card in person. The "word bubble" is one of the Complements that is white. I used a sponge dauber to color it with Lemon ink.

To make this greeting card versatile, I chose to use one of the Complements (aka stickers) for the focal point. I love the simplicity of this card and hope you do too!

I've had fun making cards using the identified products. They are super fun colors that make the artwork so festive and happy. 

Please head over to Melinda's Blog to see what nifty artwork she is sharing with you today. Consider leaving a comment before you do so.

Wishing you a wonderful weekend!

Memorial Day Weekend Crop (Grapevine, TX) - $10 or FREE!

Get crafty and work on your papercrafting projects (or other craft of your choice) in the fun company of others!

We will gather on Saturday, May 27th, from 10:30 am to 7 pm at Stacy's Furniture in Grapevine. (You may come and go as you please between those hours.) The crop fee is $10 and includes goodies, an afternoon snack and FUN! If you are willing to bring a snack to share, please do! (This is not mandatory.)

By purchasing one of my kits-to-go (three which are currently available), which will be made available for you to work on at the crop, or placing an order of at least $30, you can attend the crop for FREE! 

Find complete details about those workshops HERE!

(The RSVP deadline applies to these options as well. You are welcome to contact me for further details.) 

CROP INFORMATION

You may bring your lunch with you (we have access to a refrigerator, microwave, soda machine and ice) or you can pick up something tasty from the restaurant, Armend's, on the 1st floor (link takes you to their menu). 

The following items will be available for your use if you want to leave yours at home:

• A Cricut Explore Air (with access to Design Space)
• Cuttlebug (embossing folders and die cuts)
• Heat tool
• Close To My Heart Stamp Pads

Some items you might consider bringing:

• Cricut mat
• Trash receptacle for your creative space - I will have a bag for you
• Cushion for your chair - there are padded folding chairs but if you prefer something more cozy…
• Extension cord and/or "drop" - there are outlets provided only along the walls of the room which can be a distance from your crafting spot
• Covered drink holder - so you don't ruin your crafts or those of others

Things to know:

• We will be on the 3rd floor of the building, accessible through an elevator. Keep that in mind as you pack. Rolling things up there is easiest. :)
• The lighting is of quality at this location. If you prefer a table light, consider what I wrote above regarding the outlets and cords.
• There is free internet available although I'm not sure of the speed. (We have never had many people on it so just keep this in mind as you consider what you will work on.)

To reserve a spot, RSVP 'yes' through one of the means referenced below and pay the crop fee (or purchase a workshop or make a purchase) by the end of the day May 22, 2017. Payments can be made through Paypal by clicking here or contact me for other payment options (mlisrobinson@gmail.com or 214-984-0280). 

Options for RSVPing:

• "Papercraftin' in DFW" Meetup
• "Melissa's CTMH VIP" Group on Facebook
• Email or call me using the information provided above

Information regarding the location - unload/load, parking, etc. - will be sent out to confirmed attendees a few days prior to the event.

If you have any questions, let me know! I hope to see you on the 27th!

Live Beautifully Layout Kits-To-Go (and Crop for FREE!)

I am hosting a CROP on Saturday, May 27th. If you order any of these kits-to-go, or place an order on my website of at least $30, you can attend FREE! 

If you don't live locally and the kit(s) would need to be mailed to you, the following applies:

• There is an additional $5 postage fee (with me covering the rest of the postage charge in order to prepare your items for assembly)
• Paper would be pre-cut
• Stamped images will be provided for you

If you are a member of my VIP group, the $5 postage fee is waived. Not already a member? You can join HERE. 

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"Live Beautifully Cut Above" Kit-to-Go
Retail price of the kit is $44.95 before shipping and tax. (You can either choose to order the products through my website or pay through the respective PayPal button which does include shipping and tax to me.) 

This kit includes materials to make these five coordinating 2-page, 12" x 12" layouts, including die-cuts, stickers, photo placeholders, and instructions. It also includes six 12" x 12" Memory Protectors. All you need is your choice of adhesive and Thin 3-D Foam Tape (aka pop dots) if you would like to 3-d some of the elements as I did.

This image is a better representation of the gold accents provided on some of the embellishments but still doesn't do it justice. The dots to the 'i' are missing because they will go on top of the photos that I have not added yet. :)

LIVE BEAUTIFULLY CUT ABOVE KIT:

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"Live Beautifully THREE Layouts with Complements" Kit-To-Go
Retail price of the items included in the kit are $27.15 before shipping and tax. (You can pay through the respective PayPal button below which does include shipping and tax to me and includes the required cardstock and cuts for stamping. I will also pre-cut all pieces, provide use of my stamp set, and you will get to keep all remaining product from the paper pack and Complements.) 

The $27.15 kit (before shipping and tax) includes:

• Live Beautifully Paper Packet (CC1212B)
• 3 Sheets White Daisy Cardstock (1385) 
• 5 Sheets Black Cardstock (1386)
• You & Me Complements (Z3269) 

If you would like to order all needed products separately, and directly from my website, contact me for assistance. The directions for assembly will then be provided to you.

LIVE BEAUTIFULLY THREE LAYOUTS WITH COMPLEMENTS:

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"Live Beautifully 10-Card" Kit-To-Go
The details of this card workshop are provided here.

LIVE BEAUTIFULLY CARD KIT

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Here is a link to all Live Beautifully products available only through the end of this month, while supplies last.  Please let me know if you have any questions. 

CTMH Technique Blog Hop - Embellishment Envy

Welcome to this month's Technique Blog Hop, "Embellishment Envy", where we are sharing artwork that highlights some of Close To My Heart's embellishments. While there are products specifically identified as embellishments, many others provide an opportunity to accent artwork. We hope you will be inspired by what you see and appreciate you joining us.

If you are coming from Michelle's Blog, you are on the right track. You will find a complete list of participants at the end of this post.

Working to keep the focus on the embellishments, I kept this card very simple.

I used our Thin Cuts - Basic Hearts to cut a window from the piece of White Daisy Cardstock and backed it with Pansy (purple). Deciding on a few types of bling that I wanted to add to the card, I chose what you see here. I placed them randomly and then stamped the sentiment from the "Happy Heart" stamp set (pictured below).

I always love to add a little "doodling", with a Journaling Pen, when just a bit more is necessary.

Happy Heart Stamp Set (A1192)

These are the embellishments I used:

Enamel & Glitter Duos Purple Hearts (Z3124)

Bitty Sparkles (Z1263) & Clear Sparkles (Z3274)

Pink Enamel Gems (Z3091)

Black & White Dots (Z3394)

Thanks so much for stopping by today! If you want to place an order, you can do so on my website by clicking here.

I love hearing what you think of my artwork so please consider leaving a comment and then head on over to Haley's Blog where you are sure to be inspired by her creation. Happy hoppin' and have a blessed week!

List of Participants:

1. Melissa Robinson *YOU ARE HERE

2. Haley Dyer

3. Judy Faye Garner
4. Annemarie Julian
5. Michelle Loncar

Heart 2 Heart Challenge - "Everyday Life"

Welcome to this week's Heart 2 Heart Challenge where we are featuring artwork aligned with the theme, "Everyday Life". You, too, can link up to the challenge and be sure to use Close To My Heart products in your creation.

I held a scrapbook retreat for National Scrapbooking Day and we made sure to celebrate Cinco de Mayo over the weekend. The retreat theme was "It's Time to Fiesta" and that's exactly what we did!

Click on image to increase size.

One of the goodies I provided everyone on National Scrapbooking Day were the items needed to create this layout, perfect for preserving some of our memories. I used patterned paper from the "Little Dreamer" paper pack; the one with polka dots. I love how festive and happy it is!

Here are close-ups of each page:

 I haven't journaled yet, but will. I am still deciding exactly which photos I want to include and may add some Flip Flaps to get a few more on the page.

I was joined by 15 papercrafters on Saturday and had the pleasure of spending the entire weekend with 11 ladies (one is not shown).

One of the papercrafters was my Mom. It was a pleasure having her in for a few days from southwest New Mexico.

We truly had a blast...as I'm sure the photo conveys! There was plenty of crafting going on and don't forget the laughs and delicious food!

These are some of the products used on the layout:

Little Dreamer Paper Pack (X7219B) 

Prickly Pear Scrapbooking Stamp + Thin Cuts (Z3338)

Fiesta Time Stamp Set (C1681)

Prickly Pear Sequins (Z3324)

I look forward to you sharing your CTMH artwork at Heart 2 Heart.