"Layers" - Heart 2 Heart Challenge

Welcome to this week's Heart 2 Heart Challenge where we are featuring "Layers". You can interpret the theme any way you would like just be sure to use Close To My Heart products in your creation and then link up to us through the Blog.

Because of the various papers used on this card, I felt it screamed "layers", although I hope it doesn't scream it too loudly. LOL

I will miss the Basic Fundamental papers that have recently retired. Despite using three patterns on this card, I love how they came together for a fun and cheerful look. (You'll love the new paper packs that are soon to be released on September 1st! Just wait!

The flowers in the Happily Ever After stamp set are so great to use for focal points on cards because of their size and design that offers ease of coloring. I did use ShinHan markers to color them in. 

Be sure to link up to this challenge, or others, through the end of August! We always love seeing what you have to share with us at Heart 2 Heart!

Make it a great day...the choice is yours!

Color Your Life: April Stamp of the Month (Blog Hop)

Happy Easter and April 1! Welcome to this month's Stamp of the Month Blog Hop where we are featuring this wonderful stamp set, "Color Your Life". 

This stamp set comes with great sentiments/words that can be used on any type of papercrafting project. In fact, I am excited to make it through this hop and see what wonderful creations were made with it. I know we will be inspired. You can get this stamp set for $5 with a qualifying order. (You can click here for all the details.)

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

The card was kept relatively simply in order to draw attention to the sentiment. Life is sometimes challenging with all that can be thrown our direction. It's at those times that we should remember to celebrate life and remind ourselves of our many blessings. I hope this card brings a little bit of happy to your life today.

I used patterned paper from our Basic Fundamentals paper pack and accented it with Raspberry cardstock (I love this beautiful and bright color) and White Shimmer Trim. The coordinating ribbon was created by using the Cherry Pink Shin Han Marker on Cream Ribbon. One of my favorite techniques is being able to take some of our white/cream products - ribbon, Dots, etc. - and using the markers to make them any color I choose.

Shin Han Markers were used to color the letters that come with some fun texture inside of each one. The Lagoon accents are leftovers I had from the Make Waves Complements.

Thanks so much for stopping by! Before heading over to Wendy's Blog, consider leaving a comment. I appreciate and enjoy blog love, knowing your thoughts on my artwork.

Have a blessed and wonderful week/month and don't forget to...celebrate life!

CTMH Stamp of the Month Blog Hop - Sunny Thoughts

HAPPY FEBRUARY and welcome to this month's Stamp of the Month Blog Hop where we are featuring the exclusive stamp set, "Sunny Thoughts".

This stamp set, which contains 13 wonderful images, are great for any piece of artwork where you want to add a little sunshine! Only available this month, you can get it for $5 with a qualifying purchase. Details on the Stamp of the Month offer can be found here.

If you are coming from Marie's Blog, you are on the right track. You can find a complete list of participants on Melinda's Blog, if you were to get lost along the way.

Placed on a White Daisy card base, I allowed a 1/2" border around each side before adding on some patterned paper and cardstock. The grey background is from the Basic Fundamentals paper pack where as the light pink argyle pattern is from the Gimme Some Sugar paper pack. A couple of 1/2" strips of Peacock cardstock was added as well as some White Twine.

I did stamp the swags directly onto the White Daisy cardstock and then stamped the flowers on a separate sheet of cardstock. By fussy-cutting them, and then gluing them on top, I was able to generate the two colors and provided some dimension.

Inks used: Sweet Leaf, Raspberry, Pewter

This simple and sweet card was fun to create and I can't wait to see how the others have used it in their artwork. Please consider leaving a comment below - I always enjoy hearing from you - and then head over to Cat's Blog.

Thanks so much for stopping by! Have a FABULOUS FEBRUARY!

A Little Bit of Pun Blog Hop - December Stamp of the Month

Welcome to this month's Stamp of the Month Blog Hop where we are featuring the "Little Bit of Pun" stamp set. It includes 17 images, with a retail value of $17.95. However, you can get it with a qualifying purchase for just $5!

Read the details about to get this is your hands for a phenomenal price, this month only!

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

I've actually had the pleasure to play with this stamp set and create a few cards but decided to highlight this one for tonight's hop. As of right now, it's my favorite. What do you think of it?!

I used the Basic Fundamentals Paper Pack and Basics Cardstock to create this fun card which contains the perfect color combination for the s'mores. The Happy Valentine's Day sentiment was stamped with our White Daisy Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad. The acid-free, fade-resistant pigment ink dries quickly and permanently on most papers and really pops on dark surfaces like you see on this piece of Espresso cardstock. It's also permanent on fabrics, wood, clay, and porous surfaces after heat-setting. This s'more look good enough to eat! I sure I wish I had one to enjoy right now!

While it it perfect for handmade Valentine's Day cards, this stamp set can be used for a variety of greeting cards and even layouts. Throughout the month, I'll be sharing other pieces of artwork to show you how versatile it is. It's definitely a stamp set you have to get. These puns are too cute to pass up! Here are some 3 x 3 cards designed by our Art Department.

Contact me to place your order, or with your questions.

Head on over to Melinda's Blog to check out her fun creation and then continue making your way around the Hop. I can't wait to see what everyone has created.

Have a wonderful December!

Heart to Heart Challenge - "Under the Weather"

This week's Heart to Heart Challenge is themed, "Under the Weather". You can participate in this challenge by interpreting this theme, using Close To My Heart products in your creation, and then linking up to us on this post. We love seeing your fun creations and also select winners each month. Consider joining our challenge and let me know if you have any questions.

This card incorporates the following supplies:

• Bashful Cardstock, Glitter Paper and Ink
• Basic Fundamentals Patterned Paper
• Beautiful You Stamp Set (rose and leaf images)
• Black Cardstock
• Inks: Black, Blossom, Sweet Leaf, and Willow

This sentiment stamp set, "Inspire", is perfect for providing some encouragement to anyone at any time. I especially love the sentiment I used on this card and need to create artwork using the others. Which is your favorite and why? Let me know by leaving a comment. I always enjoy hearing from those who visit my blog.

Make it a great day!

Basic Fundamentals Card Class

Friday, September 8, 2017

6 pm

Michael's in Mansfield (Mansfield Town Center)

$15

RSVP Deadline: Wednesday, September 6, 2017

Join me as you make one of each of these five cards using various patterns of paper from the Basic Fundamentals paper pack and a variety of new products.

Here are close-ups of the cards:

All pieces will be pre-cut and ready for stamping, coloring and assembling with the products I possess. This gives you an opportunity to try them and consider purchasing them for your personal use. 

Because I special order the products, the class fee must be paid in advance (and by the RSVP deadline) to confirm your spot. Please contact me with any questions you may have.

KITS TO GO: If you are unable to attend this event in person, arrangements can be made for a kit-to-go. The items will be pre-stamped for you and will be mailed, with full-color directions for assembly. The cost is $20. Be sure to provide your shipping address, especially if you know I do not already possess it.

CARD KIT DIRECTIONS: Fellow Close To My Heart Consultants can purchase the assembly directions to offer this workshop to their customers. Select the appropriate link below.

Choose Kit

Kit for 9/8/17 Class $15.00 USD Kit-to-Go (*provide shipping address) $20.00 USD Card Kit Directions (to be emailed) $6.00 USD

Shipping Address: