"Life's a Beach" Heart 2 Heart Challenge

Welcome to this week's Heart 2 Heart Challenge. We are featuring artwork aligned with the theme of "Life's a Beach". Boy, does this theme make me super envious as I would give anything to be at a beach right now. What about you?

You can create artwork of your own, using at least one Close To My Heart product, and link up to us on the Blog. We love seeing what everyone designs. It is so fun!

I decided to create this 6" x 8" scrapbook page which fits the Everyday Life Albums. I love preserving memories in this small format and enjoyed doing so with the "Seas the Day" product line. The sea theme is very bright and cheerful, something I totally appreciate these days. 

I couldn't resist using the "message in a bottle" stamps from this set, "Seas the Day - Cardmaking Stamp - Thin Cuts".

Here is a close-up view for you to see the dimension. I totally love how this turned out! 

Don't forget to consider connecting with us at Heart 2 Heart. We'd love to see what you create!

Make it a great week!

"Back to the Basics" - CTMH Technique Blog Hop

Welcome to this month's Technique Blog Hop where we are featuring Close To My Heart products and going "Back to the Basics" with techniques (or whatever the participants have up their sleeves). I can't wait to see what they created and hope you feel the same!

If you are coming from Michelle's Blog, you are on the right track. Should you get lost along the way, you'll find a complete list of participants at the end of this post. 

I enjoyed making this 6" x 8" scrapbook page (perfect for our Everyday Life Albums) while incorporating some basic stamping with the use of the images from our October Stamp of the Month, "Autumn Air". 

Espresso is one of my favorite colors of ink and I used it to stamp directly onto the White Daisy cardstock as well as on Kraft, Julep and Paprika. The use of basic stamping is perfect for all types of artwork. For this page, I didn't feel a need to get fancy. 

The striped paper is from the Mix-Ins paper pack and I couldn't resist incorporating some Julep Glitter Paper and sequins. Bling makes all things better.

Thank you very much for stopping by. Now head over to Haley's Blog to see what she has to share with you. Consider leaving a comment before you do. 

Happy hoppin'!

List of Participants:
1. Melissa Robinson *YOU ARE HERE*
2. Haley Dyer
3. Miss Carrie's Creations
4. Darlys Recker
5. Cat Nowak
6. Maz Wood
7. Lauren Moore
8. Wendy Kessler
9. Michelle Loncar
10. Tamara Sandwisch
11. Amy Ulen
12. Katy Taylor
13. Krista Herschberger
14. Michelle Johns

Favorite Recipe - Heart 2 Heart Challenge

This week, with Heart 2 Heart, you are challenged to design artwork aligned with the theme of "Favorite Recipe". You can participate in this and other challenges all month long. Be sure to incorporate Close To My Heart products in your creation. That's all that's required!

For this week's challenge, I started the first page in my "Stories I Love" album. This new product line, in coordination between Close To My Heart and Stacy Julian, is great for highlighting those photos that pull on your heartstrings. It is more than the photo... Photos that elicit emotions are what this mini album is designed for, although you can definitely use it as you choose. 

So you might be wondering where the "recipe" part of this post comes in...

Stacy Julian includes a "workbook" to walk us through 8 steps of memory-keeping, specifically designed for the purpose of this album. Using her "recipe", I was able to connect with some emotions that make me part of who I am and tell the story of my journey. 

And pull on my heartstrings...is exactly what the above photo did! While I have drafted the story behind it, I have not put it down on paper, yet, but I will...and soon! To me it highlights a great milestone in our relationship and marriage for which I am truly grateful; a testimony of God's work in our lives.

I've had the pleasure of meeting Stacy Julian several times over my years with Close To My Heart. In fact, did you know she used to be a CTMH Consultant? She sure did! The last opportunity, a few weeks ago, I was able to chat with her for a bit about one of her other product lines, "Short Story". I really admire her for her perspective on scrapbooking and appreciate her sharing it with me and otheres. 

Here is a snapshot of the wonderful contents of the "Stories I Love" line, as well as albums related to the other options she is providing us. 

Click on this link to read a bit more or contact me with questions. If you would love to scrapbook and feel non-artsy, don't know where to start, etc. this may just be perfect for you!

I would love to tell you more! Your photos really do deserve a story and I can help! ;) 

Link up to this and other artwork challenges at Heart 2 Heart! I look forward to seeing your artwork there and wish you a fabulous week!