"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!