Create THREE Layouts in 35 MINUTES!

Don't think you are a scrapbooker? Think it takes too much time or you don't know where to start? If you can relate this is the perfect post for YOU! 

If you love scrapbooking, and even enjoy creating from scratch, you will also find joy in what I have to share because sometimes, just like me, a quick, easy and beautiful layout is totally what I need to feel accomplished.

We have a fabulous product line, Cut Above, offered in both cards and layouts, and today I am highlighting this beautiful one called "This is Me". 

What I love most about this line is that the artwork creations come together so quickly. Yes, you read the title of this post correctly. It only took me 35 minutes, start to finish, to complete these three, 12" x 12", and gorgeous layouts. HUGE, right?!

If you click on the images, you'll see an enlarged view (and I share information below on how you can see another sample). This layout (above) is designed for you to reflect on some prepared topics (located in each of the circles) such as: Feeling, Loving, Waiting For, Something I Do Well. And that paper and accents...isn't it gorgeous?! It coordinates with Chelsea Gardens.

This layout is unique and something that can be totally fun and highly valued as it's designed for others to respond to prompts about YOU! Questions like, "What was your first impression of me", are asked with a place provided for their answers and photos! Another prompt is "Pick 3 words to describe me". I don't know about you but I'm excited and a little scared to ask these of someone else. LOL But, how fun will it be to have other people's perspective about YOU? And, you could elect to ask various people in your family, friends, etc. to get a variety of responses.

Who would you ask? If you have children, wouldn't it be fun to ask them these questions now and in a few years? That, in itself, would be worth preserving.

And last, but definitely not least, look at this beautiful layout commemorating a best day (or maybe best dayS). There are some pre-printed elements, others that are added on top, and I used some good ol' baby powder to give some fun dimension to a select number of the floral elements. Baby Powder?! Yes, I did say baby powder. :) Keep reading...

There are many fun elements in this kit. Here's a quick close-up snapshot of a few of them. Many of the elements included are gold foil and then you can see some of the journaling spaces and floral images (bottom right) that are also part of the simple kit.

Another awesome thing about our Cut Above Kits is they require few products outside of what is contained in the kit. These are five items I suggest you have in your possession to create the layouts as I did. All are pretty self-explainable, however, I can assume you are wondering what the baby powder is used for, right?! LOL I enjoy making some of the embellishments dimensional and place Thin 3-D Foam Tape on the back of those images. (It's one of my most favorite products!) When I want to add some dimension to our stickers, and want to remove the "sticky" from the back, I sprinkle the baby powder and eliminate the "sticky". 

To better understand this concept, check out this video where I used the technique on a card. (I also share some additional information with you.) 

This Cut Above Layout Kit, "This Is Me", contains materials to make three coordinating two-page scrapbook layouts, including pre-printed base pages, die-cuts, stickers, photo placeholders, and instructions, PLUS four top load Memory Prectors. WHAT A KIT AT A PRICE (only $24.95)!

In fact, if you click on this link, you'll see some thumbnails at the bottom where you can view sample layouts with photos and journaling. (Click on them again for an even better view.) I will work to get photos and journaling placed on mine and will share so when that's the case.

If you have any questions about this kit, others in this line, or ANY Close To My Heart products, I'd love to hear from you! (Post in the comments or you can email me directly.) 

Enjoy the rest of your week!

Heart 2 Heart Challenge: Make It From Your Heart Card Sketch

This week at Heart to Heart we are creating artwork made using the Make It From Your Heart, How-To Idea Books from Close To My Heart. As the design team, some of us are highlighting Pattern 23, page 50 in Volume 3, while others are choosing another pattern of their choice to share with you. Why don't you consider doing the same, making sure to incorporate Close To My Heart products in your creation, and link up to us?! Come on! It'll be fun!

Using various images from the Chelsea Gardens cardmaking stamp set, I used Sweet Leaf, Pewter and Pixie inks to add some images to the background. 

This stamp set has a great combination of images and sentiments. However, I decided to use a sentiment from a different set.

I love this "Inspired Words" stamp set that has many encouraging messages; so many to choose from.

For some finishing touches, I used Pixie ink to distress the edges of the circle, added some Gold Gems, and White & Gold Ribbon.

Let's see what fabulous artwork you can create to align with this week's theme.  I enjoy seeing your fabulous creations! See you on Heart 2 Heart! 

Make it a great week!

In Any CASE...with Melinda and Melissa

Join us twice a month as we CASE, “Copy And Selectively Edit”, artwork created by the Art Department of Close To My Heart as showcased in the current Idea Books and our Make It From Your Heart How-To Books.

On the 2^nd and 4^th Thursday of each month, at 7 pm CST, we will direct you towards a piece of art and recreate it using the exact products or others that compliment its initial design. Tips, techniques and assembly directions will be shared in detail to help you recreate them on your own.

As you reproduce the items we have shared, post them on social media using the hashtag #ctmhinanycase. We will randomly search that hashtag and reward those who CASE our items. Winners will be announced on our blogs so be sure to follow us!

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This week I am creating the "This Girl Can" card featured on page 58 of the BRAND NEW Seasonal Expressions Idea Book. (You can view it online, receive one FREE when you place an order, or contact me to mail you a copy.) Melinda will be sharing "Boy Wonder" with you.

The card was made with this "Super Girl" stamp set. Isn't it SUPER fun?! The Thin Cuts (pictured on the magnetic mat) make is really easy to get a diecut image that eliminates fussy-cutting for some images. I can envision other cards made with this stamp set and can't wait to do so real soon.

I had a blast recreating this card. Each element contributed to a happy card and the Super Girl...for real! ADORABLE! 

It's fun that two paper lines were used on this design, Chelsea Gardens and Stargazer. Who would have thought they would come together as well as they did?

I colored in the image with our Watercolor Paints and love that I get automatic shading since I have limited artistic abilities. LOL

VIDEO
Sit back, relax, and check out this video that shows you how I assembled this card.

I hope the video gives you some insight so you can create a similar card to share with us! We love seeing what you create and will be searching #ctmhinanycase soon. Use the card sketch or sample card to create something of your own. JOIN THE FUN!

Here is a digital sketch representative of the dimensions of this 5 1/2" x 4 1/4" card, reducing the need for much thought. #ctmhinanycase

Supply List:

• B1582 Super Girl Stamp + Thin Cuts
• X7229C Stargazer Complements
• Z4143 Stargazer Dots
• Z3216 White Twine
• Z3132 Watercolor Paints
• Z3224 Waterbrush - Small Round
• Z2060 Thin 3-D Foam Tape
• X7230B Gardens Paper Pack
• X7229B Stargazer Paper Pack
• Z1836 Non-stick Micro-tip Scissors
• Z1279 VersaMat
• Z3372 Adhesive Runner
• Z1204 Bone Folder

Be sure to visit Melinda's Blog to see what she has CASEd. See you again on January 25, 2018 for the next episode of "In Any CASE..."! 

Dear, Friend... (BLOG CANDY!)

This card was made with Chelsea Gardens product line and was fun and simple to put together. (It is a design of the CTMH Art Department.)

**BLOG CANDY**

Do you have a friend you would love to send this card to? If so, leave a comment with his/her name. I'll do a drawing and announce the winner here on my blog post on Sunday, January 14, 2018. If you win, I'll mail this card to you so you can do as desired - or I'll send it to that person for you! :) (CTMH Consultants are not eligible.) Be sure to watch my blog so you will know if you win! 

Happy Thoughts!

I am grateful for those who stopped by my Open House today where I had new products on display. It was great to visit and share our enjoyment of papercrafting.

While photos are great there is just something special about seeing the products in person. To provide guests with an opportunity to play with some of the new products, they were provided the opportunity to make this greeting card that is made with the Chelsea Gardens paper pack and stamp set. Light Grey Ribbon was added as an embellishment.

You may have noticed that I've used this stamp set quite a bit on recent artwork and I have plenty more to share with you! I like the images and the various sentiments that are perfect for greeting cards. Of course, they go perfectly with the Chelsea Gardens product line, as intended. ;) 

To those who stopped by today, or watched the live video in the VIP Group, thank you! I enjoy sharing Close To My Heart with you and appreciate you joining me for this fun event. 

You, Too, Can Make Handmade Cards!

If you've ever wanted to create a card, or become a Consultant, but think, "I can't do that"! I've got some news for you! YES YOU CAN! 

Close To My Heart provides wonderful support for creating artwork, starting with some simple card and layout designs that we can refer to as Consultants. In turn, we can offer them to people like you at our events. They don't require a lot of supplies but come together beautifully! Wouldn't you agree?

"Creative Insider" is our little secret. Oops! I just shared it with you, didn't I?! :) If you would like to learn how to make this card or other papercrafted items, contact me. I've got some great events kicking off in the new year and continuing through 2018! You can find me on Facebook or email me. I'd love to answer your questions and tell you more!

Heart 2 Heart Challenge: "New"

"New" can't apply any easier than at this time of the year with:

• A NEW year
• A NEW Idea Book and
• NEW products!

Woohoo! It's definitely a great day to celebrate and share artwork using Close To My Heart products, while linking up to our weekly challenge at Heart 2 Heart. To participate all you have to do is head on over to the Heart 2 Heart Blog and connect with us at the bottom of the post. We love to see your artwork and are excited about your participation in 2018!

I'm totally thrilled to share this card with you and hope it brings some warmth on this VERY COLD DAY! Two product lines were incorporated into this card. 

The striped paper comes from "Stargazer" which is centered around space and rockets, but also has some patterns that can be used for other themes. 

The sentiment is from the Stargazer - Cardmaking stamp set, which can be purchased with or without the Thin Cuts. Of course I'm anxious to create some additional artwork using other images in this adorable stamp set. Isn't it fun?!

And last, but definitely not least, those beautiful flower images... They are from this stamp set, Chelsea Gardens - Scrapbooking stamp set. To create the two-toned look, I stamped the image in Canary ink and then rolled the edges in Poppy. Fern was used for the leaf color. A few Black Dots were added as a finishing touch. 

As a Consultant, we have the privilege of obtaining new products about a month before they are released to the general public. This allows us to begin preparing our artwork and getting events scheduled so we are ready to share them with you when they debut on days like today! If you would like to know more about the Consultant Opportunity, you can find some information here or you are welcome to contact me with your interest and/or questions.

You have all month to link up to this challenge at Heart 2 Heart. I look forward to seeing your artwork there and wish you all the best in 2018! Happy New Year and happy creating!

In-Person & Remote Greeting Card Classes (Clubs) in 2018!

Would you like to create three cards like these each month, exclusively designed by me, using Close To My Heart products? You can enjoy coffee (or another beverage of your choice) with me, in person or virtually, or by yourself in the comfort of your home. J

Many people have been asking me for card clubs and I am starting something new in 2018! You can either choose to participate in a club or opt-in to participate each month as you choose. All the details are below so keep reading. Then, contact me with your selection by January 8, 2018 and we will get the fun started!

What will the card kit include each month?
Each month you are guaranteed to create at least three cards of varying themes. There will be times when there is a bonus project (or two) thrown in. We will use different stamp sets, techniques and embellishments. You are asked to provide your own adhesive (various types will be used in card design), or you can elect to purchase them from me, scissors and other basic supplies. Envelopes will be included.

What is the cost?

·         If you participate in and attend a local event, the cost is $5 for a card kit or you can get it FREE when you purchase at least $30 in products (before shipping & tax) no later than the end of the day of the scheduled event. A $5 payment reserves your spot and kit for the class. (If you are unable to attend the physical event, you can make arrangements to get the kit from me at a later time.)

·         For remote participants, the card kit is $8, includes shipping to your door, pre-stamped images, and full-color directions for easy assembly. You can get the kit FREE with a $30 purchase (before shipping & tax). Payment for either option must be made at the time of RSVP.

Get the Most by Joining a Club!

Commit to participating in the card class for five (5) months, January – May 2018, purchasing at least $30 each month and you will get a minimum of $25 in FREE products one of those months. (Each of the five persons in the club will take a turn.) You will also receive special goodies from me as a “Club Member” to include a copy of our NEW Seasonal Expressions Idea Book, exclusive stamp set, and more!

Benefit by Coordinating a Group or Club

If you would like to get your own group or club going, get at least four people to join you locally - each month - where you can enjoy the fellowship of creating the greeting cards. As the coordinator of the group, you will get the kit FREE each month. If you elect to coordinate a club, you agree to purchase at least $30 for four of the months and I will cover your purchase for the fifth month. Each of you will take turns getting the FREE products as outlined above. (I can provide you a visual to help generate interest.)

What can you purchase for the minimum $30 requirement?

Anything you want. J I will provide a supply list for the cards we make each month should you want more of what we used or you can get whatever your heart desires.

When will payment be due?

To get started, please contact me by the end of January 5, 2018 with your selected interest. At that time additional information will be shared based on what option you choose, when the group decides to meet, etc. There will be a required purchase before the end of January 2018.

How do I sign up?

Fill out this form immediately! J Once you do so, I’ll send you some additional information and we’ll get the fun going. (If you would like a link to the PDF of this form, to share with others, here it is: http://bit.ly/mlisrobinsoncardclass.) 

If you would like to discuss further options or details, please let me know and I’d be happy to do so. I’m excited about this opportunity to serve your card-making interests and want everyone to benefit! Please consider sharing this with anyone who you think may be interested.

Thank you!

Melissa Robinson, Director

Close To My Heart Independent Consultant

(214) 984-0280 • MlisRobinson@gmail.com • MlisRobinson.CTMH.com