Highlight the Details - CTMH Technique Blog Hop

Thank you for joining us this week as we use Close To My Heart products to "Highlight the Details". Participating Consultants can interpre the theme as they see fit so be sure to make your way around the circle to see what they have to showcase.

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

I decided to "highlight" the word on the sentiment, by using the BACK of a stamp image - which created a solid "block", and the Peep (which I love), by placing the stitched heart behind it.

The "Bunny Trail" stamp set was used.

To create the highlighed image, I placed the "Know that I care" sentiment backwards on a block. That created a solid surface that I then inked.

With various techniques, even in how items are highlighted on your card, you can draw attention to different elements of your card.

Now, head on over to Catherine's Blog to see what she has to share with you!

We appreciate you stopping by and always enjoy reading your comments. Happy hoppin'!

List of Participants:

1. Melissa Robinson *YOU ARE HERE*
2. Catherine Nowak
3. Darlys Recker
4. Miss Carrie's Creations
5. Terry Metzger
6. Katy Taylor
7. Michelle Loncar
8. Haley Dyer
9. Amy Ulen
10. Lauren Moore
11. Tamara Sandwisch

"Weather" or Not - Heart 2 Heart Challenge

Good morning! Here's wishing a great start to your week with a card I created to align with the "Weather or Not" theme for this week's Heart 2 Heart Challenge. Anyone can participate by simply incorporating CTMH products in their artwork. Why don't you join us?!

I pulled some leftovers from the "I Heart Us" paper pack and Complements to create this card. I figured there was no better focal point to use than the sun, to align with this theme. 

The card design is Pattern 14 from Make It From Your Heart Volume 4. 

This challenge runs through the end of this month and new ones are released each week. If you aren't familiar with the challenge, head on over to the Heart 2 Heart Blog and check it out. Of course, feel free to contact me if you have questions.

Have a blessed week!

Thin Cuts Blog Hop

Welcome to this month's Blog Hop where are featuring Close To My Heart's Thin Cuts. This is their line of "dies" which are of super quality. Participants can choose any current set in which to work so it will be fun to see what they create to share!

They are metal dies cut to shapes which coordinate with their respective stamp set and are packaged on their own magnetic sheet. They work well with most die-cutting machines. I use the Cuttlebug.

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

This super cute stamp set and coordinating Thin Cuts, "Cruisin' to Adventure", totally caught my attention at my first glance of the Seasonal Expressions I Idea Book. But then I thought, "What do I need it for? I don't have any boys..."

And then...I saw some super cute artwork created with it, realized it could be used for a variety of occasions and here we are today! LOL It's obviously the one I have chosen to use but we've got plenty more so be sure to make your way around the Blog Hop and see what other fun stuff we have to share with you!

The simplicity of this card design, from our How-To Books, was spiced up with just a few added elements. I pulled paper in from the "I Heart Us" packet. I LOVE the bright and bold colors and the scallop border was totally cut from one of the pieces of patterned paper.

Then, I decided to incorporate some of the images from the cut-apart sheet in the "Something Fierce" paper packet. (Remember...you think it can only be used for dinosaur-themed item... Nope! You are wrong!) The sun was cut from our Circle Thin Cuts.

I couldn't resist adding a few red dots that I had from a previous project. The car was stamped in Carolina ink and then I used a Journaling Pen to color in the black areas on the car. Isn't it cute?! I can totally see my Dad loving this card (but don't tell him, Mom, because he's not getting it very soon). LOL

Now, head on over to Melinda's Blog to see what fun artwork she has created to share with you and be sure to continue to make your way around the hop.

Thanks so much for stopping by and happy hoppin'!

In Any CASE...with Melinda & Melissa

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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 is the card I am CASEing today. I love the colors and the sentiments, both which drew my attention. 

Other than using a few tools, this card was pretty quick to put together. You will notice that I switched out the paper on the top edges of the card front. I used the "graph paper" pattern, from "I Heart Us", on some layouts and didn't have enough to use it on the card so I switched those pieces out with Carolina cardstock. I think it looks fine! 

The heart was cut from Thin Cuts, with "thanks" stamped in Raspberry Ink. The flowers were stamped in Carolina and Raspberry inks and were fussy-cut. 

To get the Embellishing Thread in place on the backside of the heart, I put adhesive and then formed it as desired. It wasn't a difficult process, thank goodness. I love all of the elements on this card front that go together nicely. 

This is the beautiful stamp set I used, "I Heart Us - Cardmaking". 

Supplies used:

• C1760 I Heart Us - Cardmaking Stamp Set
• X7242B I Heart Us Paper Packet
• X6027 White Daisy Cardstock
• X5990 Carolina Cardstock
• Z6028 Black Cardstock
• Z6508 Bluebird Stamp Pad
• Z6505 Carolina Stamp Pad
• Z2812 Raspberry Stamp Pad
• Z2863 White Daisy Pigment Pad
• Z4270 I Heart Us Sequins
• Z4213 Silver Embellishing Thread
• Z3317 Thin Cuts - Basic Hearts
• Z2068 Ranger White Super Fine Embossing Powder
• Z4220 Anti-static Pouch
• Z4252 Heat Tool

THIS is the awesome card that Melinda is creating for you, with a few twists! You'll want to head over to "If You Bling It" to see all the fun details. 

Be sure to CASE CTMH artwork with us to join the FUN and to be eligible for prizes! That's right, we search social media for the hashtag #ctmhinanycase to see what you are creating and sharing. Contact either of us with your questions.

We look forward to seeing you again, in two weeks, for the next episode of "In Any CASE..." Make it a great weekend! 

Creative Cards - H2H Creative Challenge

Welcome to our "Creative Cards" Challenge with Heart 2 Heart!

To participate, create and share a card that is anything BUT a standard, 4 1/4" x 5 1/2", size card. Be sure to incorporate Close To My Heart products in your creation! You have until the end of the month to link up so considering joining us!

This 5" x 7" card front was kept relatively simple to draw attention to the friendship sentiment.

The I Heart Us - cardmaking stamp set was used. It was fun stamping the "beautiful" image in Lagoon ink, cutting it out and then 3-Ding, to add dimension.

Be sure to check out the artwork shared on the Heart 2 Heart Blog and link up at the bottom of the related post. I hope to see your artwork there!

Make it an awesome week!