In Any CASE...with Melinda & Melissa

Welcome to...

Join us twice a month as we CASE, “Copy And Selectively Edit”, artwork created by the Art Department of Close To My Heart as showcased in the current Idea Books and our Make It From Your Heart How-To Books.

On the 2^nd and 4^th Thursday of each month, at 7 pm CST, we will direct you towards a piece of art and recreate it using the exact products or others that compliment its initial design. Tips, techniques and assembly directions will be shared in detail to help you recreate them on your own.

As you reproduce the items we have shared, post them on social media using the hashtag #ctmhinanycase. We will randomly search that hashtag and reward those who CASE our items. Winners will be announced on our blogs so be sure to follow us!

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Today I am CASEing the fun card pictured in the middle of this image, found on page 48 of the current Seasonal Expressions 2 Idea Book. 

The artwork on this image, and the one I recreated, are made using this Documented - Cardmaking stamp set. It can be purchased with or without the coordinating Thin Cuts. I love the floral images and especially the sentiments. They totally make me LOL. 

Here is my version of the card. While I don't own a sewing machine, so don't sew on my artwork (although I would love to), it is missing that element.

🎨DESIGN TIPS:

I left 1/2" uncovered on the bottom of the card and did use the Pansy patterned paper, from Documented, rather than what was shown in the CTMH artwork. The top, grey patterned paper measures 3" x 4 1/4". The striped paper is 1 1/2" tall on the left side and 2" tall on the right side. I marked those measurements with a pencil and then trimmed it diagonally using my paper trimmer. 

The floral images were colored with Watercolor Pencils and some cute Documented Dots were added for some fun accents. To create the texture on the circle containing the focal point, it was stamped, in Charcoal ink, on the largest Stitched Circle - Thin Cuts. 

This is a simple, yet attractive card, that was fun to assemble. 

Now head on over to Melinda's Blog. She's my partner in CASEing and has reproduced this fun greeting card using one of our newest Thin Cuts.

We both appreciate you stopping by and look forward to seeing  you again on the 2nd Thursday of June for the next episode of "In Any CASE".

Enjoy the rest of the week!

NEW Product Blog Hop - Seasonal Expressions 2

I'm thrilled you have joined me for our Seasonal Expressions Blog Hop where we are featuring BRAND NEW PRODUCT released on May 1st! We've already experienced 16 fabulous days of May with plenty more to come our way. These products are available until the end of July, while supplies last. I love so many of the products and know you will too!

You can view the online version of this Idea Book by clicking on the link or contact me directly (or your Consultant) if you would like to obtain a hard copy. 

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

To create this card, I used this adorable stamp set that is part of the Documented product line. (The coordinating dies can also be purchased to eliminate the need for fussy-cutting.) I LOVE LOVE LOVE the floral images and more importantly, the sentiment; especially the one I chose to use. 

This card was kept relatively simple with some product additions that I feel make it "spring-like" and beautiful. A piece of Bashful cardstock was placed as the second layer, on the side with the lightest color, and the polka dot paper is from the Beautiful Friendship paper packet. Some Lemon and Smoothie cardstock were used, as well as some Silver Glitter Paper. 

One of the products I am most excited about, and requested it of CTMH a couple of years ago, are the Stitched Thin Cuts. We have circles, hearts and ovals. I love the look of the stitched look without the need of a sewing machine. 

To create a little texture behind the sentiment, I used this Splash of Color stamp set, with Lemon ink (2nd generation to create a lighter hue). I love how it added a little bit to the focal point. 

Here is a close-up view of those details.

This sentiment totally makes me laugh. How 'bout you? Can you think of one (or a few) friends you could send this to? Wouldn't that be a fun and special treat?

I appreciate blog love, in the way of comments, so please consider leaving one before heading over  to Melinda's Blog where you are sure to be inspired, and then continue around the Hop.

I hope your week is going GREAT!

Lovely Layers - CTMH Technique Blog Hop

Welcome to this month's Technique Blog Hop where we are using Close To My Heart products to create, "Lovely Layers". Participating Consultants are able to interpret that theme however they seem fit. I look forward to seeing what they have to share with us and hope you are too!

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

To create layers on my creation, I decided to do so with Cricut Cut Flowers. I love that our cardstock has the two tones - one side lighter than the other. You can see I used that effect on the yellow flower, adding some dimension. A little flower cluster and I think this makes for a simple but cheerful card.

I used the Flower Market and Artistry Cricut Collections, exclusive to Close To My Heart.

Here is a link to the DS file for the flowers and leaves, if you would like it for easy recreation: https://design.cricut.com/#/design/91246793

If you're wondering where the sentiment is from, I pulled the sayings from this Kitchen Traditions stamp set.

Thank you so much for stopping by. Please let me know what you think of this creation, if you're willing to leave a comment and then head on over to Michelle's Blog to see what fun she has to share with you.

Enjoy the rest of your week!

Participants:

1. Melissa Robinson *YOU ARE HERE*

2. Michelle Loncar

3. Debi McBain

4. Catherine Nowak

5. Rebecca Coombs

6. Haley Dyer

7. Annemarie Julian

8. Katy Taylor

9. Darlys Recker

10. Marciava Warrell

In Any Case...with Melinda & Melissa

I'm thrilled to have you here for this evening's episode of...

Join us twice a month as we CASE, “Copy And Selectively Edit”, artwork created by the Art Department of Close To My Heart as showcased in the current Idea Books and our Make It From Your Heart How-To Books.

On the 2^nd and 4^th Thursday of each month, at 7 pm CST, we will direct you towards a piece of art and recreate it using the exact products or others that compliment its initial design. Tips, techniques and assembly directions will be shared in detail to help you recreate them on your own.

As you reproduce the items we have shared, post them on social media using the hashtag #ctmhinanycase. We will randomly search that hashtag and reward those who CASE our items. Winners will be announced on our blogs so be sure to follow us!

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If you haven't already heard (or seen), we have a new Seasonal Expressions Idea Book that was released on May 1st. This is the cover of that beauty with plenty of new products and artwork samples showcased inside. While I've already identified quite a few must-haves, I decided to highlight a NEW Thin Cut that is completely fun! (If you would like to view the contents of the Idea Book, virtually, you can click here. Want a hard copy to physically flip through the pages? It is included FREE with every order placed on my website or you can contact me directly if you want me to mail you one.)

Don't forget, my partner in CASEing is Melinda Everitt and she has a fun product to share with you as well. Be sure to read to the bottom of this post and then follow the link.

First of all, doesn't this image just make you happy? I love the beautiful colors and fun favors perfect for birthdays or other celebrations. Today I am CASEing the image used as a decor' item, the "It's Your Day" frame (arrow is pointing to it), in this image. 

Let's first examine the Thin Cut I used called, "It's Your Day". It measures 3 3/4" x 5", also perfect for placing on a card front as I did with my creation. It is a thin metal die that cut easily using a Cuttlebug. To get the look of the artwork sample, I took it through the diecut machine four times:

• Espresso Cardstock - base (I used it rather than Black)
• White Daisy Cardstock - letters and apostrophe
• Tangerine Cardstock - flame
• Beautiful Friendship Paper Packet - candles (polka dot pattern)

Then, I trimmed the needed pieces, in the respective paper, and glued them on top of the main frame as intended. This is called paper-piecing. 

To adhere the pieces easily, I used the Bonding Memories Glue Pen. It has a small tip that is perfect for small pieces. 

Here's a closeup so you can better see the detail.

I totally love how it came out and have already created another sample with this Thin Cut. In fact, there is a similar one that says, "A Big Thank You". It can be used in a similar way so be sure to check it out.

Now it's time to check out the wonderful card that Melinda is highlighting. It is the one in the middle of this image. Isn't it beautiful? When you head to her blog, she'll share information on how she recreated it and you'll want to be sure to head over there by clicking this link.

Thank you so much for stopping by! We'll be back in two weeks for the next CASE! See you then!

Gifts From the Garden - Blog with Friends

Welcome to "Blog with Friends" where I and a few other bloggers share some fun posts associated with this month's theme, "Gifts from the Garden". Be sure to visit their links posted below. There is some fun stuff they are sharing and we always appreciate blog love in the way of comments. :)

I am excited to share this scrapbook layout with you (minus photos and journaling as of today) made from one of our newest product lines, Documented. It made its debut on May 1st along with many other products. The floral patterns and embellishments were perfect to align with the theme, don't you think? 

What I love most about this layout is that the title is "memories" which is very general and allows you to use for a variety of photos and occasions. I'm excited to get some photos on them and will do so this weekend. I'll be sure to share the completed layouts when I do.

The layout has place for five photos and then a cute Picture My Life card that will be used for journaling.

Here is a view of the Documented Complements that contains a variety of items to use as embellishments on your projects. They are so fun and beautiful!

Documented Titles are the adhesive-backed wooden words that are used on the layout. They are dimensional and super fun. (Be sure you place them where you want them because they don't come up! LOL)

Be sure to check out my friends' posts below and enjoy a great start to the week!

Bountiful Stuffed Tomatoes

Strawberry Cream Cheese Stuffed Angle Food Cake

Children's Garden: DIY Upcycled Door

Gifts from the Garden

Postcard Perfect Blog Hop - Nat'l Scrapbooking Month

I love celebrating National Scrapbooking Month all May and am thrilled to come to you today with artwork showcasing our fabulous special, "Postcard Perfect". There are 16 Close To My Heart Consultants sharing some fun stuff with you so be sure to make your way around the entire Blog Hop.

If you are coming from Wendy's Blog, you are on the right track. Should you get lost along the way, all participant's links can be found here. 

Before I show you what I created, I wanted to give a quick glimpse of the products associated with this special. There is a lot of goodness including a Cut Above Scrapbook Kit, paper packet (that includes patterned vellum paper), diecuts, and a coordinating stamp set. You can get a bundle, with all of the items, for $53.95 (retail value $67.80). 

Deciding to make a greeting card with the stamp images available on the stamp set (and another one I used for the sentiment), this is what resulted. It makes me want to be at the beach right now; what about you?

To generate the look of "sand", I used Toffee cardstock and "tore" an edge. Because our cardstock has a white center - that allows for a lot of fun techniques - this was the result. Using the light blue cardstock for the background, from the paper packet, it created for a great blue sky and backdrop.

 Here are a few things I did to finish this card:

🌴 The banner was cut from both a piece of the polka dot vellum paper and Raspberry cardstock. So the adhesive didn't show through in undesired areas, I placed it behind the dots. Not wanting the sentiment, from "Sweet Friends - Cardmaking", to rub off, I stamped it with Archival Black Ink and used the craft heater to heat set it.

🌴 To get the two-toned effect on the flowers, I used the "Rock 'n Roll" technique. I inked the image in the lighter color and then "rolled the edges" in the brighter color.

🌴 For the coconuts, I used the Mahogany ShinHan Marker and colored three medium White Dots. Aren't they fun?!

Inks used: Pixie, Rapberry, Lemon, Tangerine, and Sorbet.

Thanks so much for stopping by! Before heading over to Michelle's Blog, considering leaving a comment, and enjoy the rest of the artwork you see!

Wishing you a productive week!

Classic Summer Bash: May Stamp of the Month Blog Hop

It's May 1st and that means A LOT OF GREAT THINGS when it comes to Close To My Heart! Today is the day we release a NEW Seasonal Expressions 2 Idea Book, filled with wonderful new products and beautiful artwork, kicking off National Scrapbooking Month in a BIG WAY!

You can view a digital copy of it online and better yet, when you place an order, you will get a hard copy when your products arrive! You will definitely want one in your hands so you can make your wish list. There's no doubt you'll want plenty of new items! If you don't have a Consultant and would like one shipped to you, contact me directly and I am happy to mail you one.  

In fact, we also have an exclusive campaign called "Postcard Perfect" which includes a bundle full of fabulous product. 

I am thrilled you have stopped by my blog today where I and several other Consultants are highlighting this adorable stamp set, the May Stamp of the Month, "Classic Summer Bash". These 25 images are perfect for creating an invitation for a summer event or for other fun projects! You are bound to be inspired as you make away around this Blog Hop.

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

Let's get started, shall we?!

I had fun creating this greeting card. As Close To My Heart Consultants we have access to some private groups where artwork is shared. Viewing what others create helped inspire me and I love what resulted.

It was fun making the papercrafted lemonade and I couldn't resist adding a Raspberry-colored straw. The jar was stamped in Pewter ink, onto a piece of patterned paper from the Adventure Fundamentals paper packet. It has an ombre' pattern in Lemon, perfect for my card.

To make the ice cubes look dimensional, I used the masking technique bystamping an ice cube on a sticky note. Then, I cut it out. By placing the image on top of a stamped image, I was able to stamp a cube again, without disrupting the previous image.

You might be wondering where I obtained the floral paper. It comes from our special kit for this month called "Postcard Perfect", perfect for celebrating National Scrapbooking Month! You can buy the paper packet by itself OR there is a bundle being offered that includes a coordinating stamp set AND a Cut Above Scrapbook Kit. Click here to view all of the related products.

This stamp set and paper are just one of the few items to be excited about this month. Be sure to peruse the contents of the online Idea Book and contact me, or your Consultant, if you have any questions.

To continue on the Blog Hop, please visit Melinda's Blog to view the artwork she has to share with you. We always appreciate you leaving a comment, so please consider doing so before you head her direction.

Wishing you a FABULOUS month full of Postcard Perfect Memories!