Heartfelt Sentiments: CTMH Technique Blog Hop

Welcome to this month's Technique Blog Hop where we are focusing on the theme, "Purposeful Patterns", highlighting some wonderful sketch books from Close To My Heart. One thing I enjoy seeing is the different interpretation of the same sketch, by different people, with a different theme, products, colors, etc.

If you are coming from Kirsten's Blog, you are on the right path. You'll find a complete list of participants at the bottom of this post, if you were to get lost along the way.

Want in on a little secret of mine? But you can't tell anyone... I don't create anything from scratch. Yup, that's right! Think I'm creative? I totally wouldn't describe me as so, although people beg to differ (and I appreciate that compliment). Do you want to know what makes me look so artsy? It's our How-To Pattern Books that are a scrapbook or card recipe waiting to happen and if you don't know anything about them, CHECK THIS OUT!

Here you can see a page from Make It From Your Heart Volume 4. This book includes 24 card patterns, 18 vertical card designs and 6 horizontal, in the standard 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" size. It fits inside our Everyday Life albums (separate purchase) for easy and convenient transportation. The pages, measuring 8 3/8" x 6 7/8" come loose with 3-ring holes.

If you look close enough (or click on the image for an enlarged view), on the left side of the spread is where you are provided a blueprint of the card design. Paper dimensions are included as well as information on the placement of the card pieces. On the right side are two delightful cards created from this sketch. PLUS, there are plenty of Artwork Tips included throughout, giving you fun techniques to incorporate in your own creations!

Volume 3 is dedicated to scrapbook layouts and includes 36 two-page layout patterns for standard photo sizes (4" x 6" and 3" x 4"), as well as artwork inspiration demonstrating how to incorporate additional photos using our Pocket Plus and pocket scrapbooking Memory Protectors. Layouts are organized by the number of photos in the design. It, too, fits inside the Everyday Life albums and measures the same as Volume 4 (above).

We also carry Volumes 1 and 2. Each features 16 two-page layout patterns, two single-page patterns, and 12 different card patterns. They include cutting diagrams, full-color artwork, and helpful hints for creating the projects.

While I have eyed this card pattern, it's not until now that I have used it and thought it a perfect greeting card for this occasion. It's Pattern 1 from Volume 3.

The sentiment, from the March Stamp of the Month, Birthday Time (pictured below), is embossed using White Embossing Powder. (If you're not familiar with this technique, please take a few minutes to view this VIDEO. It's a super fun technique that can add a lot to your creative projects.)

The banners are made with scraps from the Make Waves paper pack. And everything is always better with a little bit of ribbon (White & Gold) and White Dots.

I appreciate you stopping by and hope you'll continue on the Blog Hop. Before you do so, I would love for you to leave a comment and let me know what you think of this card. Then, head to Haley's Blog to see what she has created to share with you.

Happy Hoppin'!