In Any CASE...with Melinda & Melissa

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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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This is the card I am CASEing today. I love the colors and the sentiments, both which drew my attention. 

Other than using a few tools, this card was pretty quick to put together. You will notice that I switched out the paper on the top edges of the card front. I used the "graph paper" pattern, from "I Heart Us", on some layouts and didn't have enough to use it on the card so I switched those pieces out with Carolina cardstock. I think it looks fine! 

The heart was cut from Thin Cuts, with "thanks" stamped in Raspberry Ink. The flowers were stamped in Carolina and Raspberry inks and were fussy-cut. 

To get the Embellishing Thread in place on the backside of the heart, I put adhesive and then formed it as desired. It wasn't a difficult process, thank goodness. I love all of the elements on this card front that go together nicely. 

This is the beautiful stamp set I used, "I Heart Us - Cardmaking". 

Supplies used:

• C1760 I Heart Us - Cardmaking Stamp Set
• X7242B I Heart Us Paper Packet
• X6027 White Daisy Cardstock
• X5990 Carolina Cardstock
• Z6028 Black Cardstock
• Z6508 Bluebird Stamp Pad
• Z6505 Carolina Stamp Pad
• Z2812 Raspberry Stamp Pad
• Z2863 White Daisy Pigment Pad
• Z4270 I Heart Us Sequins
• Z4213 Silver Embellishing Thread
• Z3317 Thin Cuts - Basic Hearts
• Z2068 Ranger White Super Fine Embossing Powder
• Z4220 Anti-static Pouch
• Z4252 Heat Tool

THIS is the awesome card that Melinda is creating for you, with a few twists! You'll want to head over to "If You Bling It" to see all the fun details. 

Be sure to CASE CTMH artwork with us to join the FUN and to be eligible for prizes! That's right, we search social media for the hashtag #ctmhinanycase to see what you are creating and sharing. Contact either of us with your questions.

We look forward to seeing you again, in two weeks, for the next episode of "In Any CASE..." Make it a great weekend! 

Something Fierce yet, Cute!

"Something Fierce" is the name one of the new paper suite released from Close To My Heart and it is being highlighted this month. Its fun patterns and bright colors are great for different types of papercrafting products. 

To view the different products that coordinate with the paper packet, visit this area of my website. 

This would make a cheerful card for a child's birthday or for wishing them a great day. While there are dinosaur images throughout this product line, there is the opportunity to draw attention otherwise. For example...

This birthday card was made with the same product line. You can see how it does provide for versatility. In fact, I have made and shared a few cards this month where I have incorporated the Something Fierce paper packet.

This is the stamp set, "Years of Sweetness", I have used on the card above. The different images, are great for celebrating someone's birthday. (Don't know what that bottom image is? It's a layered cake! Can you tell there are two cake layers and then the frosting on the top and side of the cake?! I need to make a card with that image so you know what I am referring to.)

If you are wondering what the pink outlined shapes are. That indicates there are coordinating Cricut images, cut from one of our Cricut Collections, that are perfect for stamping on. These images are pulled from Artbooking. 

Here is one last artwork sample I am sharing with you today. I love this layout that can be used for birthday or other celebratory occasions.

Those half circles...don't they add the perfect pop of color?! I think this layout is adorable! (Click on the image for an enlarged view.)

To view additional details about the Something Fierce products, view the digital Idea Book (aka catalog) or this area of my website. I'm always willing to answer your questions!

Have a blessed day!

Remembering MLK

I know it's a day after Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Day, but I still wanted to take a moment to honor him. 

We were blessed to visit The King Center and view the burial site of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King. It was a humbling experience as we reflected on MLK's efforts to obtain civil rights for all. 

The history that exists in this area of Atlanta, GA is overwhelming, especially as you see sights only previously read about. 

Here, we sit on the front steps of MLK's childhood home.

I am thankful for all he fought for: equality for everyone, regardless of the color of their skin. I am curious what he would think about the world we live in today, if he were still alive. I would guess he would be amazed that we haven't made more progress. I pray that changes, and soon.

Creative Cards - H2H Creative Challenge

Welcome to our "Creative Cards" Challenge with Heart 2 Heart!

To participate, create and share a card that is anything BUT a standard, 4 1/4" x 5 1/2", size card. Be sure to incorporate Close To My Heart products in your creation! You have until the end of the month to link up so considering joining us!

This 5" x 7" card front was kept relatively simple to draw attention to the friendship sentiment.

The I Heart Us - cardmaking stamp set was used. It was fun stamping the "beautiful" image in Lagoon ink, cutting it out and then 3-Ding, to add dimension.

Be sure to check out the artwork shared on the Heart 2 Heart Blog and link up at the bottom of the related post. I hope to see your artwork there!

Make it an awesome week!

Heart Happy Blog Hop

Welcome to this month's Blog Hop where we are featuring the beautiful Heart Happy Special that contains beautiful colors and perfect images for Valentine's Day or other special occasions. 

You can find details about it, and the coordinating products, by clicking here. These products are only available through the end of February. 

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

I decided to keep my card a little simple, while truly loving all of the images in the stamp set. 

To create the red glitter heart, I stamped the image on a scratch piece of paper, traced it on the BACK of the Glitter Paper, and cut it out. 

Red Pearls, a soon-to-be-gone item, were used as an additional element. 

Gotta love when a card is attractive and didn't take a lot of time to create. 

Head on over to Cat's Blog to see what she has created with this fun product! I am looking forward to creating much more!

Tag, You're It! - CTMH Technique Blog Hop

Welcome to this month's Technique Blog Hop where participants can interpret the theme title, "Tag, You're It!", however they see fit. Close To My Heart products are used in all of the creations.

If you are coming from Lauren's Blog, you are on the right track. There is a complete of participants at the bottom of this post.

If you've been watching my blog recently, you'll notice I have fallen in love with the Fancy Tags Thin Cuts. 

They are super easy for creating tags (duh LOL) or adding them to your other pieces of artwork. Today, I chose to stick with the obvious. 

The floral images are from the "Know That I Care" stamp set (shown above). The images and sentiments are perfect for various occasions and artwork.

I couldn't help but incorporate a little bit of sparkle with the Sugarplum Glitter Paper and then gold accents in the Gold Glitter Gems and White & Gold Skinny Ribbon. (For the top of the tag, I did use some retired Gold Ribbon that coordinated perfectly.)

Continue to make your way around the hop by heading to Cat's Blog next. I appreciate you stopping by and always appreciate your blog love, in the way of comments, if you feel inclined.

Enjoy the rest of your week and happy hopping!

List of Participants:
1. Melissa Robinson *YOU ARE HERE*
2. Catherine Nowak
3. Miss Carrie's Creations
4. Michelle Loncar
5. Michelle Johns
6. Haley Dyer
7. Debi McBain
8. Darlys Recker
9. Lauren Moore

Seasonal Expressions 1 New Product Blog Hop

Welcome to our Blog Hop where today we are featuring BRAND NEW PRODUCT from our NEW Idea Book which debuted on January 1, 2019! If you haven't gotten your hands on this beauty, do so ASAP!

The front cover itself is worth it as our Founder and CEO, Jeanette Lynton, is the focus as we celebrate 35 years of Close To My Heart! Isn't that exciting?! It's hard to believe I've been part of that journey for 20+ years!

If you don't currently have a hard copy in your possession, and while you race to place an order to get on FREE, you can view the digital version by clicking here. 

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

I had fun making this Easter card and absolutely love this adorable stamp set, "Egg-stra Special". 

The sentiments are adorable, as are the images, and the fact you can get it with the coordinating Thin Cut images...that makes it perfect, and a must-have! 

I used the Something Fierce paper packet, coordinating cardstock and inks. 

A little distressing with Sponge Daubers, White Ribbon, and Silver Glitter Gems were perfect for finishing up. 

Thank you for much for stopping by today. Be sure to continue to make your way around the Hop to enjoy the other wonderful creations made with new product. I guarantee you will want to have a paper and pen ready because you will need to make a wish list!

Now, head on over to Cat's Blog. ENJOY and happy hopping!

In Any CASE...with Melinda & Melissa

Happy 2019 and welcome back 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!

*************************************************

I loved this card the moment I sat my eyes on it and am excited to share it with you today.

Here are the dimensions for the card pieces:

For the striped paper, you can either do two, 5 1/2" x 1/2" strips, OR cover the base of the card, 5 1/2" x 4 1/4". (I used 1/2" strips so I could keep more of the patterned paper.)

The white embossed sentiments totally pops on this card, making it so charming, don't you think?

This is the stamp set, Dandelion Wishes, that I used. 

And...the Silver Glitter Gems and White Ribbon are great accents! 

This is the beautiful card Melinda is sharing with you on her blog post. It incorporates some fabulous new Thin Cuts. Head to Melinda's Blog so she can show you all that fabulousness! 

Consider CASEing with us and when you do, tag your artwork on social media with #ctmhinanycase. We hope to see more participation this year!

Have a great evening! 

Heart Happy (exclusive products)

(You can view the entire collection by clicking on the Promotions Tab.)

Show your love with this Exclusive, "Heart Happy", Collection available through February 28, 2019, while supplies last.

The beautiful colors, patterned papers, and coordinating products are to make someone's heart happy this year!

There are two options from which to choose:

The Happy Heart Collection includes an exclusive paper packet, stamp set, and sticker sheet you can use to show your love in all kinds of crafts! 

The Heart Happy workshop guide provides instructions for using these items together, with a few other products, to create two single-page 12" x 12" layouts, one two-page 12" x 12" layout, 10 cards and five tags. 

In fact, you can save 25% when you purchase the workshop kit that includes the My Acrylix "A Piece of My Heart stamp set!

Click HERE to see all of your options for these product items.

The second option is a Heart Happy Everyday Life Workshop Kit that guides you in creating an entire 6" x 8" scrapbook album using papers from the exclusive Heart Happy paper packet to celebrate the things that bring you joy!

Would you like to see samples of the pages for the mini album? If so, click HERE and view the thumbnails below the main image. (Be sure to consider the additional supplies needed if you would like to assemble your album as designed.)

You can save 25% when you buy the kit that includes the My Acrylix "Living My Best Life" stamp set!

These products are absolutely beautiful in person! Be sure to get yours while they are still available. Let me know if you have any questions.

I pray your weekend ends on a positive note!