Heart 2 Heart Challenge: In the Backyard

This week's artwork was created using products from the Backyard Bliss Collection, perfectly fitting for the Heart to Heart Challenge theme of "In the Backyard". 

With some strips of patterned paper, the Zip strip, and a coordinating color of cardstock, this card design was kept simple. I did add a couple Backyard Bliss Die-cuts with accents of Glitter Paper and some White Dots. 

While I'm more of a bright-colored kind of gal, I am enjoying creating with this Collection! It is amazing how doing so makes you change your initial reaction.

Make it a great week! 

Teach Love Inspire: CTMH August 2022 Stamp of the Month

As an Educator, I absolutely fell in love with the August Stamp of the Month, "Teach Love Inspire", and the images and sentiments it includes. Of course, I could not resist using primary colors for my first design. They make me happy. 

I colored in the images using our Tri-Blend Markers and paper-pieced the utensils holder using a paper pattern from the Mix-Ins. 

A fun-fold card, that was not challenging to create, I love how it turned out. I am going to make more happy for some work colleagues as we report to work next week for the next school year. ACK!

Remember, you can get this stamp set, valued at $18.95, for $5 or FREE (if you're a VIP) with a qualifying order! It's such a great offer and includes images and sentiments that do not have to be used for a Teacher. 

For educators and students across the world, I wish you all a fantastic and safe school year! 

All that Glitters Technique Showcase

Join me today as I showcase some artwork using Close To My Heart's top-quality Glitter Paper! If you have never tried our Glitter Paper, why don't you add it to your next order? Unlike other brands, ours is cardstock-thick and it doesn't leave glitter everywhere. It is fun to create with and cuts perfectly in the Cricut or die-cut machines. 

I enjoyed making this simple birthday card that became glittery with some Glitter Paper balloons out of Silver, Sapphire, and Wild Berry. I drew some string and then added an Acrylic Heart that I colored using our alcohol markers. 

If you would like to see additional artwork made using Glitter Paper and/or Shimmer Trim, I invite you to visit this Facebook Group where you can view inspiring creations. 

Wishing you a great week!

Summer Fun Heart 2 Heart Challenge

Hello and welcome to this week's Heart 2 Heart Challenge, "Summer Fun". Using any Close To My Heart products, you can also participate in this challenge by linking up on the Heart 2 Heart Blog. All you have to do is create something inspired by "Summer Fun". I look forward to seeing what you have to share. 

This card screams beach and summer to me; where I'm looking forward to visiting soon!

To create the sand, I used Toffee cardstock and stamped the beach portion from the Writing in the Sand stamp set. I did paper-tearing on the sand and ocean paper pieces. 

The Beach Party-Cardmaking Stamp + Thin Cuts was used. It contains these adorable images. Aren't they cute?! I wanted to incorporate more but knew I needed to stop somewhere. I'm excited to use the others soon!

I did paper-piece the palm tree leaves and beach umbrella for a fun look. Of course, I could not resist adding the flip flops from the Beach Party Rubber Shapes. (You need to check out if you have not already done so.)

I am enjoying the summer and hope you are too, thankful I can enjoy the AC on the hotter days. 

I look forward to seeing what you share with us!

Coffee Helps!

 

I just can't get enough of this "Coffee Helps" stamp set and had fun creating another simple card. I used Tri-Blend Markers to color in the images and stamped the coffee beans, with Espresso ink, onto Kraft cardstock. I also sponged the ink a little on the background, for some added texture.

I added some White Opal Liquid Pearls for the whipped topping dollop. It adds some fun dimension and I love it! Of course, the sentiment is perfect. 

This stamp set is one of the newest ones released in the May-June Idea Book. Go check it out if you haven't already done so. 

Wishing you a great weekend!

May-June New Product Showcase: Coffee Helps! ☕

On May 1st, we unveiled the May-June Idea Book which contains fabulous new products and inspiring artwork for you to use on your papercrafting projects. You can get a hard copy of it FREE with an order of any size placed on my website, or you can view it digitally by following this link. You will love all that is contained inside so what are you waiting for? 

 

Today's good mood...brought to you by coffee! Can anyone relate? 🙋‍♀️

I had a great time making this fun, simple, and happy card with the "Coffee Helps" stamp set, the flowered Zip Strip and patterned paper from the May-June Mix-Ins, and a splash of Capri cardstock. I am pleased with how it came together and hope you like it as well!

These are the paper designs from the Mix-Ins. You can click on the image to enlarge, or view them in greater detail on my website.

I did include some paper-piecing on the coffee and mugs. To create the coffee, I stamped the image on Kraft Paper, fussy-cut it, and outlined the foam images using the White Gel Pen. I had to make it look somewhat real. I stamped both cups on White Daisy cardstock and also paper-pieced the fun Flamingo paper design.

It was kept very simple with some Black Dots added as accents.

Thanks for stopping by and consider leaving a comment below, or your questions. I love hearing from my readers! Now...where's my coffee?! ☕

"Splatter It" Heart to Heart Challenge

This week's Heart to Heart Challenge is called "Splatter It". Incorporating at least one Close To My Heart product, I invite you to join this Challenge and connect with us on the Heart to Heart Blog. You can interpret the theme as you choose and I can't wait to see what you have to share. 

For my splatters, I used some plastic/acetate and simply dabbed it into the respective Distress Oxide ink colors: Picked Raspberry, Mustard Seed, and Peacock Feathers. It is a very organic technique that will not look the same every time. 

The sentiment is from the May Stamp of the Month, "You Can Do Anything".  

A butterfly and some Clear Sparkles were perfect additions to this simple card. I did add some accents, to the butterfly, using a White Gel Pen.

Create something and then link up to the Challenge on the Heart 2 Heart Blog.

Make it a great week!

"You Can Do Anything" May Stamp of the Month

Happy National Scrapbooking Month where we are also celebrating a NEW Idea Book and the Stamp of the Month, "You Can Do Anything". I don't know that kicking off a month can get much better than this. Do you?

The NEW May/June Idea Book is here and contains two new Collections, "Fresh Paint" and "Tutti Frutti", plus fabulous artwork. You can get it FREE with any size order or you can view it digitally by clicking here. 

The 12 images, including sentiments and a mountain view, make this stamp set a great one for you to get FREE or for $5. Valued at $18.95, you can benefit from getting it FREE if you're a VIP or you can purchase it for $5; both with a $50 purchase. You can view details about the Stamp of the Month program by clicking here. 

For my card creation, I decided to make it look like a framed portrait by adding the white matte and black frame. 

To create the background, I used Watercolor Paper, Waterbrush Pen, and these ink colors: Capri, Shortbread, Papaya, and Mulberry. I did not work to get the strokes perfect and I like the way it turned out. 

I used the Intense Black Ink to stamp the birds and sentiment, as well as the mountain scene. The mountains were stamped twice; directly on the Watercolor Paper and then on Kraft Paper. I cut out the portion shown in Kraft Paper and used some Watercolor Paints to add a little bit of shading to the mountains. The moon and clouds are also paper-pieced, using the ink pads to color them in. Feeling the need for a bit more, I simply added a few Clear Sparkles. 

Unsure if my vision for this card would come together, I am very pleased with the result and hope you like it too! 

Are you wondering where the Blog Hop is? Well, if you're not already aware, we have changed the format for sharing artwork which will allow non-bloggers to participate in the coming months. You can join the Public Facebook Group, "CTMH Artwork Showcase", and you will find our artwork in the respective feeds. I hope you'll consider joining us there. 

At this time, I will continue to do a blog post for such related artwork. If you don't have a Maker and would like to join my Customer Facebook Group where I focus my primary attention, you can contact me using my email address found on my website. 

Make it a great month and be sure to celebrate National Scrapbooking Month! 

Wild Berry Blast Blog Hop

 

Welcome to this Blog Hop where we are showcasing the GORGEOUS and bright Wild Berry Blast related products that are only available through the end of this month! 

With Wild Berry being Close To My Heart's Color of the Year, we have been able to enjoy some beautiful and coordinating products. 

However, through the end of this month, you can purchase additional exclusive products, including a stamp set that you won't want to miss. As you hop through the artwork, you will get to see them highlighted in different ways. 

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

I used the scrapbook layout sketch that was provided on the Close To My Hear Make It From Your Heart Blog. While I used many of the same products, I incorporated Sapphire and changed out the paper patterns so it has a different look. In fact, you can get the free pattern by visiting the related post. I love pairing Wild Berry with Black and now, with Sapphire. It will go with other CTMH colors as well. 

I even added a few touches of Glitter Paper. 

Now, head on over to Melinda's Blog to see what she has created to share with you and enjoy making your way around the Blog Hop. We enjoy when you leave us comments so consider doing so. Happy hoppin'!

"Flora or Fauna" - Heart 2 Heart Challenge

Welcome to this week's Heart 2 Heart Challenge with the theme of "Flora or Fauna". You are invited to create papercrafted artwork based around the theme. Make sure to incorporate at least one Close To My Heart product in your creation!

I enjoyed creating this slimline card created with an exclusive stamp set that you may have not otherwise seen. By simply adding in some patterned paper from the March-April Mix-in and In Full Bloom paper packets, I felt there was not a need to do much more. 

Black Dots, Silver Shimmer Trim, and Black cardstock were the finishing touches to this card. I hope you like it! 

Create something aligned with the theme and link up to us at Heart 2 Heart! We look forward to seeing your creation!

National Scrapbooking Day Blog Hop

 

Welcome to this Blog Hop where we are showcasing artwork featuring products available from our NSD Special Workshops, with both scrapbook and greeting card options, including a mini album. 

If you aren't already aware, Close To My Heart has FIVE FUN WORKSHOPS to celebrate National Scrapbooking Day. A virtual event will take place on May 6 & 7, 2022 and you can take part, wherever you are located! 

As you move through this Blog Hop, you will find various art creations where participants have used the available kits to create unique artwork. 

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

I totally love the punny stamp images and sentiments that are part of the A Toast to You Cardmaking Workshop. The adorable messages cause me to giggle each time I read them and I could not resist using the taco one on my card. 

For the paper, I incorporated the upcoming May-June Mix-Ins which means you are getting a sneak peek of some new product that will be released on May 1. This paper is currently included in the Little Penguins Album Workshop Kit, designed to make a mini album. To make this fiesta-y (can you blame me with the taco theme?), I decided to create a banner using small strips of paper from the mix-ins. I love the fun patterns and fun colors that are part of the paper pack. 

I had fun creating this card and love its simplicity. I hope you do too!

Be sure to check out the workshop product offerings for National Scrapbook Day; saving the most with the Bundle. We have some great options and I love all of them! You can view the designed artwork, associated with each workshop, by clicking on the thumbnails.

Thank you very much for stopping by. Now head on over to Melinda's Blog to see what she has created to share with you. Happy hoppin'! 

Layered Flowers Technique Blog Hop

Welcome to our Technique Blog Hop where we are featuring artwork showcasing "Layered Flowers". With such a broad topic, it's going to be fun to see what everyone has created to share.  

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

For my card, I was immediately drawn to using the Layered Flowers Thin Cuts. Incorporating the Wild Berry Glitter Paper and cardstock, and some additional embellishments, it is screaming Spring. 

I included some Silver Glitter Gems, White Dots, and the Wild Berry Flower Sequins, adding dimension with some Foam Tape. 

Head over to see what Katy has created to share with you, on her blog. 

Happy hoppin'! 

1. Melissa Robinson *YOU ARE HERE*
2. Katy Taylor
3. Wendy Kessler
4. Brandi Robinson
5. Michelle Loncar
6. Michelle Johns
7. Lauren Moore
8. Darlys Recker