Showing posts with label #ctmhhawthorn. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #ctmhhawthorn. Show all posts

Monday, November 11, 2019

"Gratitude" - Blog with Friends

Join me and my bloggin' friends as we post topics surrounding the theme of "Gratitude". I've posted images and links to their blogs below. We always appreciate blog traffic so be sure to check them out after you read what I have to share with you.


Do you send greeting cards for the holidays or special occasions? I do and they are always handmade. I don't know the last time I have given (or sent) a store-bought card. I need to do a better job on sending them to various people throughout the year. These cards were especially made for this time of the year, a season of gratitude (although it, too, should happen throughout the year). 

I enjoy making handmade greeting cards, and other treats, for family and friends. There were some basic stamping techniques incorporated into each of these and I've given a brief description of each of them below the close-up of the card. 

This one incorporates "2nd Generation Stamping". The middle color used on the acorns is the same as the one on the left. To achieve the lighter hue, I first stamped the darker image on a separate sheet of cardstock and then stamped the image again, without re-inking it, on the card base. That gave the result you see which allows you to achieve different hues of the same color. 

Where the sentiment is located, that technique is called "Tone-on-Tone". That means that the same color of ink was used, as the cardstock (on the lighter side). It's a subtle, but appealing, look. 

For this one, I used the "Rock 'n Roll" technique. I stamped the entire image up in the lighter yellow color (Saffron) and then rolled it in the darker shade, only getting that color along the edges of the image. This technique allows for "blended" colors. For the pine cones in the middle, they were stamped on a separate sheet of paper and then glued on top. 

This one does not incorporate a technique per say, but I did use Watercolor Pencils to color in the image. By easily using various colors, it's easy to show the various colors on the leaves, as shown. By using a Watercolor Brush, you can give the "watercolor" look (without the mess). 

One of the reasons I have enjoyed stamping for so many years is because of the various techniques you can learn and incorporate with supplies you may already possess. 

I hope you have enjoyed seeing these handmade cards. Contact me if you would like to make some of your own or if you would like for me to make some for you. I would be honored to do so. 

I truly appreciate you stopping by my blog today. Don't forget to click on my friends' links provided below. They are highlighting some fun topics this month!






Monday, November 4, 2019

"Family Time" - Nov. Stamp of the Month Blog

As I strive to mindful of my many blessings 24-7-365, there is no doubt that November is known for reminding us to reflect on all for which we are grateful. The November Stamp of the Month, "Family Time", is perfect for us taking time to do so. I used it to create a card and would love to share that with you.


I cannot get enough of this Stitched Circles Embossing Folder and used it to create the top part of the card design. Using some of the Hawthorn paper pack, I then kept the card relatively simple by adding some of the images included in the stamp set. I was pleased with how this card turned out. I hope you like it too! 


This stamp set has these awesome images, great for cards, layouts or other papercrafting related items. I cannot wait to do more with it. You can get it for just $5, with a qualifying order. Read more about our Stamp of the Month Special by clicking on the link provided. 


Here's a close-up of the texture on the card. I added Liquid Glass to the heart, just for an added touch.

Wishing you a wonderful month!



Monday, October 21, 2019

"Pumpkin Spice" Heart 2 Heart Challenge

Welcome to this week's Heart 2 Heart Challenge which is titled "Pumpkin Spice". You are invited to participate in our challenge by interpreting the theme in your creation of paper-crafted artwork, while incorporating Close To My Heart products.


I have been wanting to make a card using this sentiment and am pleased with how it turned out. Using the Hawthorn paper pack, I love the colors and feel of this card which is sure to put a smile on a pumpkin spice lovin' friend. The adorable stamp images are from the Perk Up set, available only while supplies last!

Have a wonderful week and be sure to join the Heart 2 Heart Challenges

Thursday, September 5, 2019

NEW Product Blog Hop!


Did you know Close To My Heart just released TWO Idea Books? Yup, two! If not, you must run to the digital version and check them out! They contain beautiful NEW products AND fabulous artwork!

This is Blog Hop where we are featuring new products. There is no doubt you will find fabulous ideas as you make your way around the posts. If you are coming from Wendy's Blog, you are on the right track. You can find a complete list of participants here.


While I'm just getting my feet wet with new products, I decided to make this card that is a design from the Hawthorn Cardmaking Kit.

This gorgeous kit, complete with an exclusive stamp set and coordinating Thin Cuts, is designed to creat a total of five cards. This is one of them and I think it's absolutely beautiful. You'll love the other two designs as well. 

I enjoyed using our Watercolor Pencils to color in the image, with the Waterbrush Pen to give the resulting effect. 

Please head over to Michelle's Blog to see what she has created. Thank you for stopping by!