"Season to Sparkle" CTMH Technique Blog Hop

Thank you so much for joining us for this month's Technique Blog Hop titled, "Season to Sparkle". I hope this holiday season finds you in a sparkly mood, truly enjoying the reason behind this holiday.

If you are coming from Miss Carrie's Creations, you are on the right track. You can find a complete list of participants at the bottom of this post.

I've in the card-making spirit for over a week and have a few more I want to make before the end of tomorrow. However, I could't resist making a fun, yet simple gift tag. 

I did use the Holly Jolly paper packet for the festive Christmas colors. 

To add some sparkle, I used Shimmer Trim and Stickles, highlighting Santa's pompon and the berries on his hat. A red gem was used for his nose. I love the little additions that make for a CUTE tag!

Thank you very much for stopping by. Please head over to Cat's Blog to see what she has to share with you and then continue to make your way around the Blog Hop. We love when you leave comments, too, so consider doing so! Enjoy the rest of your weekend and wishing you a very Merry Christmas!

Participants:

1. Melissa Robinson *YOU ARE HERE*
2. Catherine Nowak
3. Krista Herschberger
4. Alyson Mayo
5. Tamara Sandwisch
6. Katy Taylor
7. Michelle Loncar
8. Haley Dyer
9. Darlys Recker
10. Miss Carrie's Creations

Urban is BACK!

We have brought back a blast from the past with the return of the Urban paper suite! This slimmed down and updated paper packet is sure to be a go-to with its unique vibe!

Along with a brand-new sticker sheet and a coordinating cardstock pack, the Bring Back My Pack special also includes a new workshop kit, with materials you need for creating layouts and cards for every occasion.

Save 25% on the Urban WorkshopKit that includes the Urban Flair stamp set! The Bring Back My Pack—Urban special is available only while supplies last, so be sure to get yours before they’re gone!

Follow this link to see your product options and contact me if you have questions.

Offer available December 1 through January 31. Shipping & handling based on full retail price of all items. 

"Gratitude" - Blog with Friends

Join me and my bloggin' friends as we post topics surrounding the theme of "Gratitude". I've posted images and links to their blogs below. We always appreciate blog traffic so be sure to check them out after you read what I have to share with you.

Do you send greeting cards for the holidays or special occasions? I do and they are always handmade. I don't know the last time I have given (or sent) a store-bought card. I need to do a better job on sending them to various people throughout the year. These cards were especially made for this time of the year, a season of gratitude (although it, too, should happen throughout the year). 

I enjoy making handmade greeting cards, and other treats, for family and friends. There were some basic stamping techniques incorporated into each of these and I've given a brief description of each of them below the close-up of the card. 

This one incorporates "2nd Generation Stamping". The middle color used on the acorns is the same as the one on the left. To achieve the lighter hue, I first stamped the darker image on a separate sheet of cardstock and then stamped the image again, without re-inking it, on the card base. That gave the result you see which allows you to achieve different hues of the same color. 

Where the sentiment is located, that technique is called "Tone-on-Tone". That means that the same color of ink was used, as the cardstock (on the lighter side). It's a subtle, but appealing, look. 

For this one, I used the "Rock 'n Roll" technique. I stamped the entire image up in the lighter yellow color (Saffron) and then rolled it in the darker shade, only getting that color along the edges of the image. This technique allows for "blended" colors. For the pine cones in the middle, they were stamped on a separate sheet of paper and then glued on top. 

This one does not incorporate a technique per say, but I did use Watercolor Pencils to color in the image. By easily using various colors, it's easy to show the various colors on the leaves, as shown. By using a Watercolor Brush, you can give the "watercolor" look (without the mess). 

One of the reasons I have enjoyed stamping for so many years is because of the various techniques you can learn and incorporate with supplies you may already possess. 

I hope you have enjoyed seeing these handmade cards. Contact me if you would like to make some of your own or if you would like for me to make some for you. I would be honored to do so. 

I truly appreciate you stopping by my blog today. Don't forget to click on my friends' links provided below. They are highlighting some fun topics this month!

Karen of Baking in a Tornado

 Lydia of Cluttered Genius

Tamara of Part-Time Working Hockey Mom

Dawn of Spatulas on Parade

"World Kindness Day" - Heart 2 Heart Challenge

This week's theme, for the Heart 2 Heart Challenge is "World Kindness Day". How do you interpret that in the way of handmade creations incorporating Close To My Heart products? Show us when you link up to the challenge on our Blog. 

I love that I get to celebrate World Kindness Day on a regular basis, with my love of papercrafting. I enjoy sending handmade cards to friends and family, for various occasions. Here is one that I created recently for a dear friend who is battling breast cancer...for a second time. 

I hope it put a smile on her face when she received it, knowing I am keeping her in my prayers. I love her sweet and positive spirit. She is such a blessing to be around and I am thankful to know her. Even in the midst of this challenge, she smiles BIG and knows to trust God in her journey. 

Exhibit kindness always. You never know when you might be a blessing to someone who truly needed it. 

Have a wonderful week! 

"Paper-Layering" CTMH Technique Blog Hop

If you are coming from Kim Loewen's Blog, you are on the right track. You can find a complete list of participants at the bottom of this post.

I was experiencing a bit with this card and figured it was a great example of some paper-layering. I loved making the snowman appear to be in a snow globe, with presents surrounding it. The shaker part (aka snow globe) is layered so the sequins can move and then the dimension provided with the gifts was enhanced with the 3-D bows.

This card is just a fun and merry Christmas greeting. I hope you agree !

Go check out what Katy Taylor has to share with you on her blog. I'm sure you'll love it!

Thank you very much for stopping by! Be sure to leave a comment as I/we love blog love! Enjoy your weekend!

Participants:
1. Melissa Robinson *YOU ARE HERE*
2. Katy Taylor
3. Catherine Nowak
4. Tamara Sandwisch
5. Michelle Loncar
6. Haley Dyer
7. Maz Wood
8. Miss Carrie's Creations
9. Darlys Recker
10. Kim Loewen

CTMH New Product Blog Hop

Welcome to this Blog Hop where we are featuring NEW Christmas products from Close To Heart! The new items were released on October 15th in this November/December Supplement. This fabulous publication contains phenomenal artwork with the products only available while supplies last. You can place an order to receive a hard copy FREE or visit this link to view a virtual copy.

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

Upon first glance of these Buttoned Up Thin Cuts I thought "meh". They were cute but I didn't think I needed them until... I took some time to study the awesome artwork in the Idea Book and then started seeing others share items created with them. Then I was sure to put them on my next order! I love the simplicity of their use that results in some cheerful items, for Christmas and beyond!

By simply using a card base, I layered on the various colors of cardstock, respective to each piece, to create this awesome greeting card. Isn't it CUTE?!

And check out the elf! It totally makes me chuckle a bit. You can totally use the various images to create cute tops for men and women, and I'm sure there's a lot more potential as well!

I can appreciate how quick these are to assemble, providing a CA-UTE card (or bag). Have any ideas on how they might be incorporated onto a layout?

Now it's time to head over to Cat's Blog to see what she has created with new products! I hope you have a fabulous time hopping!

"Family Time" - Nov. Stamp of the Month Blog

As I strive to mindful of my many blessings 24-7-365, there is no doubt that November is known for reminding us to reflect on all for which we are grateful. The November Stamp of the Month, "Family Time", is perfect for us taking time to do so. I used it to create a card and would love to share that with you.

I cannot get enough of this Stitched Circles Embossing Folder and used it to create the top part of the card design. Using some of the Hawthorn paper pack, I then kept the card relatively simple by adding some of the images included in the stamp set. I was pleased with how this card turned out. I hope you like it too! 

This stamp set has these awesome images, great for cards, layouts or other papercrafting related items. I cannot wait to do more with it. You can get it for just $5, with a qualifying order. Read more about our Stamp of the Month Special by clicking on the link provided. 

Here's a close-up of the texture on the card. I added Liquid Glass to the heart, just for an added touch.

Wishing you a wonderful month!

"Anything Goes" Heart 2 Heart Challenge

Welcome to this week's Heart to Heart Challenge that allows you to create anything you want as long as you incorporate Close To My Heart products in your creation. This week's theme is called "Anything Goes"!

I am thankful I had an opportunity to create some fun greeting cards this weekend and decided on showcasing this one today. There is a card in the November/December Idea Book that uses strips (for a birthday card) and I decided to alter it slightly for a Christmas card. 

By cutting 1/2" x 4 1/4" strips, I generated the background as shown. Feeling that the card needed a bit more, I decided to stamp some of the small stars, in Glacier ink, and believe it was the perfect addition. 

The stamps came from this adorable and exclusive stamp set, only available through the end of November (while supplies last) as part of the "Holiday Cheer" Special. I couldn't resist adding a few Candle Apply Holly Jolly Dots for some ornaments on the tree. And last, but not least, the gold star was generated through the use of the Golden Rod Stickles.

I'm really please with how this card turned out and do plan on making more, especially since it takes little paper. Gotta love when that's the case! 

Join us for this (and other) Heart 2 Heart Challenges. You can find the details through the link and then be sure to connect with us for the respective challenge. I hope to see your artwork there! 

Have a blessed week!

"Pumpkin Spice" Heart 2 Heart Challenge

Welcome to this week's Heart 2 Heart Challenge which is titled "Pumpkin Spice". You are invited to participate in our challenge by interpreting the theme in your creation of paper-crafted artwork, while incorporating Close To My Heart products.

I have been wanting to make a card using this sentiment and am pleased with how it turned out. Using the Hawthorn paper pack, I love the colors and feel of this card which is sure to put a smile on a pumpkin spice lovin' friend. The adorable stamp images are from the Perk Up set, available only while supplies last!

Have a wonderful week and be sure to join the Heart 2 Heart Challenges. 

"Back to the Basics" - CTMH Technique Blog Hop

Welcome to this month's Technique Blog Hop where we are featuring Close To My Heart products and going "Back to the Basics" with techniques (or whatever the participants have up their sleeves). I can't wait to see what they created and hope you feel the same!

If you are coming from Michelle's Blog, you are on the right track. Should you get lost along the way, you'll find a complete list of participants at the end of this post. 

I enjoyed making this 6" x 8" scrapbook page (perfect for our Everyday Life Albums) while incorporating some basic stamping with the use of the images from our October Stamp of the Month, "Autumn Air". 

Espresso is one of my favorite colors of ink and I used it to stamp directly onto the White Daisy cardstock as well as on Kraft, Julep and Paprika. The use of basic stamping is perfect for all types of artwork. For this page, I didn't feel a need to get fancy. 

The striped paper is from the Mix-Ins paper pack and I couldn't resist incorporating some Julep Glitter Paper and sequins. Bling makes all things better.

Thank you very much for stopping by. Now head over to Haley's Blog to see what she has to share with you. Consider leaving a comment before you do. 

Happy hoppin'!

List of Participants:
1. Melissa Robinson *YOU ARE HERE*
2. Haley Dyer
3. Miss Carrie's Creations
4. Darlys Recker
5. Cat Nowak
6. Maz Wood
7. Lauren Moore
8. Wendy Kessler
9. Michelle Loncar
10. Tamara Sandwisch
11. Amy Ulen
12. Katy Taylor
13. Krista Herschberger
14. Michelle Johns

"Sparkle" - Heart 2 Heart Challenge

Welcome to this week's Heart 2 Heart Challenge where we are sharing artwork aligned with the theme, "Sparkle". We would love for you to join the fun, and you can! Simply create a piece of artwork, making sure to incorporate Close To My Heart products in your creation, and then link up to us on the Heart 2 Heart Blog.

"Sparkle" screams Glitter Paper and Close To My Heart's is of the BEST quality! It's thick, durable AND you don't have to worry about the glitter ending up all over your creative space or hands. I used it as a background for this card and then added Candy Apple for another pop of color. 

The stamped heart is one of the AWESOME images from the Heart Patterns stamp set which I absolutely love! (The blue outline around the images indicates there are some coordinating Thin Cuts that save you from fussy-cutting them.) 

I have enjoyed using the Stitched Circles Embossing Folder as a background and did so here. (The "happy holidays" sentiment is a sneak peek from one of our Christmas stamp sets that will be released on the 15th.)

Consider joining this Heart 2 Heart Challenge (and the others for the month). I look forward to seeing your creations!

Spooktacular Blog Hop

Welcome to our "Spooktacular" Blog Hop where we are featuring some awesome products perfect for celebrating Halloween (and beyond).

Our Spooktacular products, which include exclusive patterned papers and stamp sets, are available through the rest of this month (while supplies last).

If you are coming from Janet's Blog you are on the right track. You can find a complete list of participants by clicking here. 

To me, Halloween goes hand-in-hand with "treats" so I couldn't resist making one for the use of this stamp set. 

This adorable Tic-Tac Holder was made out of a 2" x 9" piece of cardstock and was simple to assemble. I used one of our retired tag Thin Cuts for the tag portion. You could be creative and use something you have on-hand or just angle-cut the corners. 

Watercolor pencils were used to shade in the image and some our beautiful new Sangria ribbon was added for the finishing touch. 

Here is a sideview so you can see how the Tic-Tacs are secured inside (with no adhesive). I'm excited to give this treat a try for another occasion. 

Head on over to Cat's Blog to see what she has created to share with you. I appreciate you stopping by!

Happy hoppin'!