"Happiest Place" Blog Hop

Welcome to this Blog Hop featuring "Happiest Place", the July special for Close To My Heart! 

You can preserve your happiest memories with the Happiest Place paper collection! This adorable collection includes foil-accented cardstock, an adorable paper packet and stickers, a special stamp set and Thin Cuts, acrylic shapes, the Happiest Place Cut Above® Layout Kit (without Memory Protectors™), and a variety of digital art! We are excited to show you what we have created with these awesome products!

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. 

While you can make any artwork you want with these exclusive products, Close To My Heart will be teaching Virtual Classes August 26-28. We will be creating 12" x 12" layouts, cards and a mini, 8 1/2" x 11", album! For all the details contact me or visit the CTMH Facebook Page. 

You can even save 20% on the Happiest Place Product Bundle! The Happiest Place collection is only available for a limited time, so be sure to take advantage of this opportunity and get it while you can. 

I had a difficult time deciding which papers I was going to use for this card. I could not resist incorporating the holographic striped white cardstock and this fun and whimsical patterned paper. Since I have been playing with paste a bit lately, I decided to try making a "dole whip" cone. It just seemed perfectly fitting with the color scheme.

To create the colored paste, I added one drop of Lemonade Reinker to the Opaque Matte Paste. I like this one because it dries white, when uncolored. It is great for Santa's beard, the beard on a gnome, etc. The other pastes are great for different finishes. 

I also created this fun shaker card using the exclusive stamp set and coordinating Thin Cuts. The best value for your money is that BIG Bundle! It is offered at such a great buy. Be sure to consider it!

Thank you very much for stopping by. Head to Wendy's Blog to see what she has to share with you. 

Happy hoppin'!

My Favorite Craft Tool - Heart 2 Heart Challenge

This month, with the "Heart 2 Heart Challenge", we are showcasing artwork surrounding the theme, "Highlight Your Favorite (Craft) Tool". Close To My Heart product must be incorporated and then you can simply link up to us on the Blog. This themed challenge continues through the end of July and we would love to see what you have to share. 

I totally agree with this image as my favorite craft tool these days is our awesome Shimmer Brushes! We offer then in a variety of beautiful colors and truly, you need them all! LOL I used to think, I'll just get a couple and boy was my mind changed and quick! LOL With their ease of using them, while adding color and sparkle to any project, I just couldn't resist. They are a definite must-have. 

The focal point of this panel card was created using the Peach Shimmer Brush. I used a "pouncing" technique taught to me by my friend and team member, Katy. It's super easy to achieve, with little mess, and you can find details about it by visiting this related link on another blog post of mine. I also added the shimmer brush to the straw.  

The elements of this card are from the Summer Vibes product suite. Our tri-blend markers were used to color in the coconut and related images. 

This card is a bit of varied simplicity. I love when a card is just a bit different with little work. How about you? 

Consider joining us, at Heart 2 Heart, for this and other weekly challenges. We would love to have you participate! 

The Pretty of Paper-Piecing (CTMH Technique Blog Hop)

Welcome to our Technique Blog Hop where Close To My Heart Consultants are featuring our products aligned with the theme of "The Pretty of Paper-Piecing". It will be fun to see what each has created by incorporating this fun technique! 

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

For my artwork I decided to get a little cra'y cra'y with paper-piecing and elected to do so on all of the petals from this gorgeous floral image. 

It comes from the "Brushed" Special, an exclusive collection only available through the end of this month, while supplies last. 

If you are wondering, "What is paper-piecing?" Keep reading and I will show you. 

Paper-piecing is where you take a stamp image and stamp it on patterned paper (or solid), cut out the desired images and then glue them to the "base" image. This technique allows you to get various patterns on your image that you couldn't get by using a coloring medium. 

When I paper-piece, I cut in the "middle" of the outlined image because you'll get that black outline, in this case, by both the piece and the base. 

Because I wanted to fully focus on incorporating this technique, these are the papers I stamped on. The patterned paper comes from our Mix-In (a definite fave of mine). Then Smoothie is to the left of it - both the front and back sides for two different hues. Last, I used Peach cardstock, on the light side. 

By cutting out the respective images, and gluing them as you see on the finished flower, I achieved  some fun texture. And...check out the cute polka dot leaves! Aren't they awesome? I incorporated them by stamping on the patterned paper that is contained in the "Brushed" Collection and then paper-pieced them in the same was as explained above. 

Of course I had to add some sparkle to the center of the flower. To do so I stamped the flower on Lemonade cardstock (light side) and then paper-pieced it, although 3-Ding it to the center. Then, some Diamond Stickles was added which allows the yellow cardstock to show through. (The center of the flower did bleed a little bit because I forgot I was going to add the Stickles and didn't use the Archival Black Ink Pad. However, rather than redoing it, I left it alone because I felt it provides for a bit of imperfection, just like any flower.) 

Here is one more card to share with you. I paper-pieced the girl's dress in the image contained in the July Stamp of the Month, "For My Beautiful Friend". 

You can see that more closely in this image. Doesn't she have such a cute dress?! And...I didn't even have to color it! LOL

I appreciate you stopping by and hope you'll leave a comment to let me know what you think about paper-piecing and/or my creations! Now, head to Brandi's Blog to see what she has created to share with you. We appreciate you supporting our Blog Hop!

LIST OF PARTICIPANTS:

1. Melissa Robinson *YOU ARE HERE*

2. Brandi Robinson

3. Katy Taylor

4. Cat Nowak

5. Miss Carrie's Creations

6. Lauren Moore

7. Haley Dyer

8. Darlys Recker

9. Maz Wood

10. Brenda Lapp

"Embrace Your Geekness Day" - Blog with Friends

Welcome to this month's "Blog with Friends" post where we are showcasing topics that relate to "Embrace Your Geekness Day". I have joined three other blogger friends to do just that and hope you'll follow their links provided at the end of the post. They have shared some fun content you will want to check out! 

I'm kind of a geek in several ways. I love technology and use it for my profession and my business. I am a Math Teacher and well...that may go without saying for some of you. LOL And last, but definitely not least, I LOVE making handmade greeting cards, like these. 

These fun and summer-related cards are absolutely perfect for this time of the year. The patterned paper is adorable as is the yummy goodness shown on each of them. Which is your favorite? 

The sentiments and summer icons were stamped on White Daisy Cardstock and then colored in with Watercolor Paints. So that a water-based medium doesn't cause the stamp images to bleed, I used the Archival Black ink pad which is a solvent-based permanent ink. 

I used the Summer Vibes Cardmaking Kit to create these cards. As shown above, it comes with the adorable and exclusive stamp set - not available otherwise. The kit contents includes the supplies needed to create 4 each of these 4 card designs, for a total of 16 cards! Isn't that awesome?! You do need some additional supplies in order to create them as designed. 

Follow this link to the details regarding this kit. You will also see there is a full-color guide, and directions for assembly, for making these cards. Consider saving it as you can use them with other products and for other themes. 😘

I have altered some of the yummy goodness on these cards by adding Liquid Glass, Texture Paste, Shimmer Brush and more! To join me on all those details, click here to become a Member of my VIP Facebook Group (if you don't already have a Close To My Heart Consultant to support). We have a lot of fun there! 

Thank you so much for joining me today! Please leave a comment, if you are inclined to do so, and then head over to check out my friends' blogs. You will be glad you did!

Karen of Baking in a Tornado

Lydia of Cluttered Genius

Tamara of Part-Time Working Hockey Mom

July/August NEW PRODUCT Blog Hop!

Welcome to this Blog Hop where we are showcasing FABULOUS NEW PRODUCTS that were released on July 1st in our Idea Book! If this catalog cover doesn't scream FUN at you, I don't know what will! 

You can view a digital version of the Idea Book by clicking here OR get it FREE with  your order! 

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. 

A little random-stamping was a great addition to this themed card. I absolutely LOVE the images and sentiments included in this awesome stamp set! 

Fern ink was used to stamp the leaves on Fern cardstock (the light side) and colored pencils were the medium of choice. The patterned paper is from the Mix-Ins paper pack. 

When I first saw this A Koal-aty Day stamp set (and Thin Cuts), I knew they were a must-have. I can't wait to create more with these awesome images. (You can also purchase the stamp set without the Thin Cuts.)

Head on over to Alyson's Blog to see what she has to share with you! I appreciate you stopping by and always enjoy when people leave comments. 

Have an awesome weekend!

"Sunny Days" Heart 2 Heart Challenge

Welcome to this week's Heart 2 Heart Challenge where the title is "Sunny Days". You are invited to create artwork, coinciding with the theme, and then link up to us on the Blog. Be sure to incorporate a Close To My Heart product in your design. 

The fun and vibrant colors of the Summer Vibes product suite makes it super fun to create with; both cards and layouts. 

The cute and refreshing images used on this card are part of the Summer Vibes Cardmaking Workshop Kit. They are images found in the exclusive stamp set, and not available any other way. Watercolor Paints were used to color the ice cream cone images. 

You can find details about the kit by clicking here. 

Head on over to Heart 2 Heart and share some artwork associated with "Sunny Days". I look forward to you doing so! 

"For My Beautiful Friend" July Stamp of the Month Blog Hop

Welcome to the July Stamp of the Month Blog Hop where we are featuring an awesome stamp set called, "For My Beautiful Friend". 

The stamp set comes with the 20 images shown in the above image which includes some sweet sentiments. It can be yours, for $5, with a $50 purchase. You can read details about our Stamp of the Month Special by clicking here. 

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

If you aren't aware, today marks the release of a NEW Idea Book and NEW Products!

I had fun making this 6" x 8" Everyday Life Page using a few of the images included in the stamp set. I enjoyed coloring in the images with our alcohol markers and couldn't resist including our fabulous Black Dots for a bit more. Did you notice I added some Clear Sparkles in the flower centers and Shimmer Brush for more glitz?

You might notice I "adjusted" the sentiment a bit. It originally read, "thankful for you every day". Instead, I made it read, "thankful for every day". I figured it would allow for various types of photos and not just one about an individual. To achieve this result, I inked up the separate portions of the image, making sure it was dried in between the two processes. 

If you have never purchased our Mix-Ins paper packets, you are missing out on a lot! I have been using these paper packs tons, especially over the last several months, and it is one of my absolute favorite products! This new one does not disappoint! It has wonderful patterns, the striped one which I used on this creation, and others to be used independently or with our other paper suites. Go check it out and consider adding it to your next order. 

Thank you very much for stopping by! Headover to Cat's Blog to see the awesome artwork she has to share with you. 

Make it a great month, or not, the choice is yours!