Color of the Year: Julep - Heart 2 Heart Challenge

It's almost perfect that I am sharing this card the day after "National Coffee Day". Are you a coffee drinker? Daily? Several cups?

The theme of this week's Heart 2 Heart Challenge, which is also the first for October, is focused on our color of the year, Julep. It's the beautiful light green color you see used generously on the card. Close To My Heart offers a variety of products that coordinate. You'll have to check them out!

Wanting to use the bold and diagonal striped paper from the Mix-Ins paper packet, I was excited when I was able to incorporate it here. A little sparkle, using the Julep Glitter Paper, was perfect for the frame around the window as well as the heart confetti made from the Shaker Window & Confetti Thin Cuts set. 

This continues to be my favorite go-to stamp set right now. I LOVE that it has coordinating Thin Cuts for the cup and lid. It's called "Perk Up". (The Thin Cuts are currently on backorder but will be back in stock soon. You can get the stamp set separately, if you choose.)

I remember enjoying a cup of coffee with my Grandma Rita when I was young. I think I enjoyed it because it's what she would enjoy, with my Grandpa, during breakfast. I knew it wasn't something I could expect daily so it was a fun treat to enjoy when I was with her. (For awhile it was a little "secret" from my Mom, or so I thought.)

I didn't drink coffee as I grew into adulthood, until I started attending scrapbook retreats. My friend Cindy would have her cup of coffee each morning, with some delicious creamer, and I began to do the same. It's funny because I very seldom finish a cup of coffee nor is it something I need on a regular basis, but do enjoy. In fact, caffeine has no effect on me so that's definitely not a reason for me to drink it. I do enjoy the smell, but frankly, I prefer a little bit more chocolate and caramel, to take away from the coffee taste. LOL

Consider participating in the artwork challenges at Heart 2 Heart! We love seeing your creations as you incorporate CTMH product in your art.

Make today a great day!

Share the Seasons Blog Hop

Welcome to our "Share the Seasons" Blog Hop. Share the Seasons is an exclusive product special available this month only in honor of National Stamping Month!

We've got a brand new Thin Cut and adorable stamp sets for Thanksgiving and Christmas. The images can be placed within the "windows" or you can use them otherwise. There's no doubt you will see some awesome variations as you make the hop. 

For details about the options regarding the "Share the Seasons" special, as well as how you can get them at discount, follow the link. 

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

I think the mini images are adorable and couldn't resist using them on my creation!

Taking 1" strips of patterned paper, from our Mix-Ins paper pack, I then stamped the images in various colors of ink. The black images were stamped in Intense Black so I could use Watercolor Pencils and a Waterbrush Pen to color them in. Charcoal, Julep, Paprika and Saffron inks were used for the other solid images. 

And...do you see the beautiful bling?! That was achieved by using the Golden Rod Stickles! YES!!!!! Close To My Heart now carries Stickles! With the fine tip, I simply applied it to the clip to achieve this look and added it to the stamped dots for a little more sparkle. I will be buying other colors!

Now head on over to Brandi Robinson's Blog to see what she has created with these special products. Thank you so much for stopping by!

"The Little Things" - Heart 2 Heart Challenge

Consider joining this week's Heart 2 Heart Challenge, "The Little Things". All you have to do is create a papercrafting item, incorporating at least one Close To My Heart product, and then link up to the respective challenge on the Blog. It's that simple and so much fun to see what everyone has to share. We'd love to have you join us!

This card was made incorporating cardstock (Charcoal and Sangria) and patterned paper from the Mix-Ins paper packet. The beautiful Every Little Thing Vellum Thin-Cuts is where I pulled the butterfly. I used watercolor pencils to color the image, on the backside (so when touched the colors doesn't bleed), and then added a Black Dot for the head.

If you're wondering where the sentiment is from, I combined two images from this exclusive stamp set, called "Giving Thanks", and is only available in September. It is Close To My Heart's special for National Stamping Month. There's another cute stamp set for Christmas. The special is called "Share the Seasons". All of its related product can be found through this link.  

Share your artwork through the weekly challenges at Heart 2 Heart. You'll also find some awesome inspiration there. 

Wishing you a GREAT week!

"It's in the Script" - CTMH Technique Blog Hop

Welcome to this month's Technique Blog Hop where we use Close To My Heart product to highlight a fun technique. We've got "It's in the Script" for you, for September, where participants can incorporate various stamp sets OR a fabulous NEW Penmenship Book, and pens, from Melissa Esplin. I'm excited to see what everyone has to showcase and I hope you are too!

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

In wanting to make a birthday card, and incorporate a new stamp set, this is what I chose to create. I love the sentiment and script used for "birthday", plus it was a great image for paper-piecing the cupcake image.

Cardstock and patterned paper from the Mix-Ins Paper Pack and Every Little Thing were used. Of course, a little ribbon and Julep Glitter Gems can't help but bring the perfect finishing touch. 

This is the fun stamp set I chose to use, "Sweet Birthday Wishes" that is perfect for celebrating such an occasion.

Here is a close-up of the paper piecing and use of Liquid Glass on the cherry. 

The image was stamped multiple times, first, on the base patterned paper and then again on Smoothie and Mint cardstock. The frosting and cupcake holder were cut out of the respective cardstock pieces and glued on top of the base image. A marker was used to color in the cherry and then Liquid Glass was added to it. 

I'm please with how this turned out and had a great time making it! Considering leaving a comment before you head over to Michelle Loncar's Blog to check out what she has to share with you. And then, don't forget to continue making your way around all of the artwork. There's no doubt you will be inspired. 

Make it from your heart!

Participants:

1. Melissa Robinson *YOU ARE HERE*

2. Michelle Loncar

3. Haley Dyer

4. Miss Carrie's Creations

5. Darlys Recker

6. Cat Nowak

7. Lauren Moore

8. Wendy Kessler

9. Terry Metzger

"Wishful Thinking" - Blog with Friends

Welcome to this month's edition of "Blog with Friends". Today, I join six other bloggers as we highlight topics aligned with the theme "Wishful Thinking". You'll find visuals and links to the related content at the bottom of this post.

I have absolutely fallen in love with this exclusive stamp set from Close To My Heart. It's called "Perk Up". The sentiments and images just make me happy and I smile each time I create something with it. Even if you aren't a coffee drinker, does someone who deserves some happy mail love coffee? What about cocoa? Or...regardless...would they love a happy card that contains a message of support or encouragement, with a fun sentiment?! It's perfect for anyone so don't limit your thinking (or their happy)!

In regards to how this happy card ties into "Wishful Thinking"...well... While I didn't waste any time putting this stamp set to use, I am ready for some cooler weather in Georgia. I'm excited to back in the South(east) to enjoy the changing of the colors and beautiful seasons. To me, this card design (and stamp set) screams Fall and I'm ready for it! So that is my wishful thinking for today - wishing you Sweater Weather (and soon). It's awesome that the season is right around the corner.

I used various techniques on this card including "Paper Tearing", "Fussy-Cutting", "Second-Generation Stamping" "Ink Distressing (with Sponge Daubers), and I incorporated Watercolors into the coloring of the coffee/cocoa. There are so many fun techniques to do with limited supplies and I would love to show you more! Consider joining my VIP Group on Facebook where I do just that (and there is never any sales pressure; just good ol' fun)! 

Feel free to ask me questions about my creation! Now...who should I send this card to? 

Thank you so much for stopping by my blog. Consider reviewing the content of my friend's posts (shown below) and go check out what they have to share with you. We all appreciate Blog Love, in the way of a comment, so please consider leaving them.

Have a blessed and wonderful Monday!

Kia of the Ground Beneath My Feet

Jules of the Bergham Chronicles

Karen of Baking in a Tornado

Lydia of Cluttered Genius

Dawn of Spatulas on Parade

Tamara of Part-Time Working Hockey Mom

NEW Product Blog Hop!

Did you know Close To My Heart just released TWO Idea Books? Yup, two! If not, you must run to the digital version and check them out! They contain beautiful NEW products AND fabulous artwork!

This is Blog Hop where we are featuring new products. There is no doubt you will find fabulous ideas as you make your way around the posts. If you are coming from Wendy's Blog, you are on the right track. You can find a complete list of participants here.

While I'm just getting my feet wet with new products, I decided to make this card that is a design from the Hawthorn Cardmaking Kit.

This gorgeous kit, complete with an exclusive stamp set and coordinating Thin Cuts, is designed to creat a total of five cards. This is one of them and I think it's absolutely beautiful. You'll love the other two designs as well. 

I enjoyed using our Watercolor Pencils to color in the image, with the Waterbrush Pen to give the resulting effect. 

Please head over to Michelle's Blog to see what she has created. Thank you for stopping by!

National Stamping Month - Heart 2 Heart Challenge

Happy National Stamping Month! It's a great month with NEW PRODUCTS RELEASED, on September 1st, with Close To My Heart! Can the month get any better?!

It's easy to participate in this month's Heart 2 Heart Challenge as the theme is "National Stamping Month". That means you can incorporate stamping into your artwork and join the FUN! (Be sure to use Close To My Heart in your creations.)

This card makes me smile; the coffee/cocoa cup AND the sentiment. Isn't it adorable?! RAC = Random Act of Cardness. Love it! And in this world, with communication being overshadowed by social media, I think it's perfect! I intend to use it A LOT! 

The moment I saw this stamp set, I knew I was in love. It's called Perk Up and is my favorite from the Supplemental Idea Book. You don't have to be a coffee drinker to use it! It's perfect for colder weather, fall memories and cocoa! Don't you just love it?! (You can purchase it with the coordinating Thin Cuts, or without. Pssst...you can get either of those items FREE when you Host a Party. Click the link to learn more or contact me. I treat my hostesses great!)

While there are adorable sentiments in THAT stamp set (above), I couldn't resist using the R.A.C. one included with this month's Stamp of the Month. Can you believe you can get it for just $5 with a $50 purchase?! It's so worth it (and valued at $18.95). You can view details about that special by clicking here. 

Consider joining in on this week's Heart 2 Heart Challenge. I'd love to see your artwork! 

Make it a great month!

"Random Act of Cardness" - Sept. Stamp of the Month

Welcome to this month's Stamp of the Month Blog Hop, featuring a wonderful stamp set and NEW PRODUCTS which were released TODAY!

This stamp set, "Random Acts of Cardness", is only available this month. You can get it for $5, with a $50 purchase. (Details about this program can be found here.) 

Check out the AWESOME sentiments, AND cute fonts, that are included. Which is your favorite?

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

I love the beauty and simplicity of this card (and hope you do too)! I couldn't resist incorporating one of the new paper packs, "Every Little Thing" in its creation. It's one of the three new packs, just released! 

This gorgeous paper pack has such beautiful colors. I love the softness of the floral pattern I used. (That piece measures 4" x 4 1/4".)

You might think to yourself, "I don't see any pink florals on the paper." You're right. You don't. Unless...you use Watercolor Pencils to shade in some of the flowers left white on the paper design. Isn't that awesome?! You could color them, and the other images however you want, personalizing the paper to your preference. YAY! 

To blend the pencil shading, I used the Clear Shimmer Brush. You're able to see it better in this image. (Go look at the new colors of Shimmer Brush we are now offering!)

If you're looking for that butterfly image...it's here in the Every Little Thing Card Workshop Kit! It's the only way you can get it so purchase yours now. And yes...Thin Cuts are included! WOOHOO!

I stamped the butterly on Wisteria cardstock (a NEW color) and then shaded it with a purple marker. A Black Dot was added for the head of the butterfly.

I hope you're excited about this card and the products used to create it. This paper pack is only available through October, while supplies last, as we've changed our cycle to every two months for the Supplemental Catalog. View the contents of the NEW Idea Books - PLURAL - by clicking on this link.

Thank you for stopping by. Please let me know your thoughts/questions regarding this post. I love hearing from you!

Now head on over to Cat's Blog to see what creative artwork she has to share with us.

Have an awesome September and Happy National Stamping Month!