"Silver and Gold" Technique Blog Hop

 

Welcome to this Technique Blog Hop where we are creating artwork with Silver and/or Gold. Participants can choose to incorporate either, or both, into their designs and I can't wait to see what everyone has to share today. 

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

I experimented with a few Silver and Gold ideas and finally settled on these simple, but striking, ornaments by way of "shakers". These Star Shaker Window Thin Cuts were great for making these elements that could be hung on a tree or used as gift tags. They could also serve two-fold as an element on a Christmas card that could then be used as an ornament. 

They were super simple to put together. I used the respective Silver and Gold Embossing Powders, as well as Glitter Paper. The cardstock colors used are Sapphire and Scarlet. The Star Confetti, in both shades, were obviously perfect. I did use Thread in order to create the hanging ribbon. 

I know you'll be inspired with the artwork that lies ahead. Now, head on over to Haley's Blog to see what she has created to share with us today. Thank you for stopping by!

List of Participants:

1. Melissa Robinson *YOU ARE HERE*
2. Haley Dyer
3. Cat Nowak
4. Michelle Loncar
5. Wendy Kessler
6. Darlys Recker
7. Brandi Robinson
8. Michelle Johns
9. Judy Dahlgren
10. Tamara Sandwisch
11. Katy Taylor

"Striped Borders" Technique Blog Hop

Welcome to this month's Technique Blog Hop where we are featuring artwork where "Striped Borders" are incorporated into the creation, while using Close To My Heart products! 

If you are coming from Haley'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 use the "Happiness Lives Here - Cardmaking" stamp set and Thin Cuts to create a layered cake.

By using the different "border" stamp sets, I simply created a stamped strip of paper that was half an inch smaller than the previous. I do love the resulting look and how simple it was to put this birthday card together. 

The candles are from the Sticker Sheet, from "Party Time". They are what guided the color scheme of the resulting card. I hope you like it!

Thank you very much for stopping by. Head on over to Brandi's Blog, to see what she has created to share with you. We always appreciate hearing from those of you who are willing to leave a comment. 

Happy hoppin'!

Participants:

1. Melissa Robinson *YOU ARE HERE*

2. Brandi Robinson

3. Cat Nowak

4. Wendy Kessler

5. Michelle Loncar

6. Katy Taylor

7. Darlys Recker

8. Lauren Moore

9. Alyson Mayo

10. Michelle Johns

11. Haley Dyer

"Peek-a-boo" Technique Blog Hop

Welcome to this month's Stamp of the Month Blog Hop where we are featuring Close To My Heart products that help us say, "Peek-a-boo". I don't doubt you will see some fun artwork as you make your away around the hop. It's always fun to see how individuals interpret the theme.

If you are coming from Miss Carrie's Creations you are on the right track. You will find a list of participants at the end of this post, if you were to get lost along the way.

I love how quick and easy it was to assemble this cute card in such a simple way. 

I used the Multi Squares Window Thin Cuts and Lovely Paper to create this awesome background.

1 1/4" squares were cut out of this beautiful paper and then adhered to the back of the frame. 

This is the adorable stamp set that was used for the focal point and sentiment. It is called, "Oh, Hey There". Isn't it CUTE?! I cut out the bunny hands to make them appear like she (I'm choosing to make her a female LOL) is holding the heart cut from our Stitched Heart Thin Cuts. 

Thank you for stopping by to check out the "Peek-a-boo"-themed artwork. Consider leaving a comment before heading over to see what Cat has to share with you. 

List of Participants:

1. Melissa Robinson *YOU ARE HERE*
2. Cat Nowak
3. Maz Wood
4. Lauren Moore
5. Michelle Johns
6. Michelle Loncar
7. Brandi Robinson
8. Katy Taylor
9. Alyson Mayo
10. Miss Carrie's Creations

"Use Your Scraps" Technique Blog Hop

We are using our scraps for this month's Technique Blog Hop as we showcase fun artwork with you as you make your way around this circle. If you are coming from Maz's Blog, you are on the right track. Should you get lost along the way, you can find a list of participants at the bottom of this post. 

As we get ready to say goodbye to some of my favorite products, I felt the need to use some leftovers from the Mix-Ins Paper Packet. 

I absolutely LOVE the combination of papers in this packet and wanted to create another something with it before I have no more. Paired with the August Stamp of the Month, "Floral Celebration", I think it's a cheerful happy birthday card for someone special. 

Of course, I could not resist adding the Lemonade and Peach Shimmer Brush, respectively, to accentuate the flower petals. 

BONUS: I got this pattern from the Close To My Heart Blog. Head over there to get it as well, while checking out some awesome cards they made with it! 

Head over to Brandi's Blog to see how she is using her scraps! We appreciate you visiting our blogs and leaving comments. Enjoy your weekend!

List of Participants:

1. Melissa Robinson *YOU ARE HERE
2. Brandi Robinson
3. Katy Taylor
4. Cat Nowak
5. Miss Carrie's Creations
6. Lauren Moore
7. Haley Dyer
8. Darlys Recker
9. Wendy Kessler
10. Maz Wood

The Pretty of Paper-Piecing (CTMH Technique Blog Hop)

Welcome to our Technique Blog Hop where Close To My Heart Consultants are featuring our products aligned with the theme of "The Pretty of Paper-Piecing". It will be fun to see what each has created by incorporating this fun technique! 

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

For my artwork I decided to get a little cra'y cra'y with paper-piecing and elected to do so on all of the petals from this gorgeous floral image. 

It comes from the "Brushed" Special, an exclusive collection only available through the end of this month, while supplies last. 

If you are wondering, "What is paper-piecing?" Keep reading and I will show you. 

Paper-piecing is where you take a stamp image and stamp it on patterned paper (or solid), cut out the desired images and then glue them to the "base" image. This technique allows you to get various patterns on your image that you couldn't get by using a coloring medium. 

When I paper-piece, I cut in the "middle" of the outlined image because you'll get that black outline, in this case, by both the piece and the base. 

Because I wanted to fully focus on incorporating this technique, these are the papers I stamped on. The patterned paper comes from our Mix-In (a definite fave of mine). Then Smoothie is to the left of it - both the front and back sides for two different hues. Last, I used Peach cardstock, on the light side. 

By cutting out the respective images, and gluing them as you see on the finished flower, I achieved  some fun texture. And...check out the cute polka dot leaves! Aren't they awesome? I incorporated them by stamping on the patterned paper that is contained in the "Brushed" Collection and then paper-pieced them in the same was as explained above. 

Of course I had to add some sparkle to the center of the flower. To do so I stamped the flower on Lemonade cardstock (light side) and then paper-pieced it, although 3-Ding it to the center. Then, some Diamond Stickles was added which allows the yellow cardstock to show through. (The center of the flower did bleed a little bit because I forgot I was going to add the Stickles and didn't use the Archival Black Ink Pad. However, rather than redoing it, I left it alone because I felt it provides for a bit of imperfection, just like any flower.) 

Here is one more card to share with you. I paper-pieced the girl's dress in the image contained in the July Stamp of the Month, "For My Beautiful Friend". 

You can see that more closely in this image. Doesn't she have such a cute dress?! And...I didn't even have to color it! LOL

I appreciate you stopping by and hope you'll leave a comment to let me know what you think about paper-piecing and/or my creations! Now, head to Brandi's Blog to see what she has created to share with you. We appreciate you supporting our Blog Hop!

LIST OF PARTICIPANTS:

1. Melissa Robinson *YOU ARE HERE*

2. Brandi Robinson

3. Katy Taylor

4. Cat Nowak

5. Miss Carrie's Creations

6. Lauren Moore

7. Haley Dyer

8. Darlys Recker

9. Maz Wood

10. Brenda Lapp

"Paper-Layering" CTMH Technique Blog Hop

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

I was experiencing a bit with this card and figured it was a great example of some paper-layering. I loved making the snowman appear to be in a snow globe, with presents surrounding it. The shaker part (aka snow globe) is layered so the sequins can move and then the dimension provided with the gifts was enhanced with the 3-D bows.

This card is just a fun and merry Christmas greeting. I hope you agree !

Go check out what Katy Taylor has to share with you on her blog. I'm sure you'll love it!

Thank you very much for stopping by! Be sure to leave a comment as I/we love blog love! Enjoy your weekend!

Participants:
1. Melissa Robinson *YOU ARE HERE*
2. Katy Taylor
3. Catherine Nowak
4. Tamara Sandwisch
5. Michelle Loncar
6. Haley Dyer
7. Maz Wood
8. Miss Carrie's Creations
9. Darlys Recker
10. Kim Loewen

"Pocket Power!" Technique Blog Hop

Welcome to this month's Technique Blog Hop where we use Close To My Heart products to create artwork centered around the theme of "Pocket Power"! Participants can choose to interpret that theme however they see fit and I'm sure we'll see a variety of interpretations! 

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

Using the "Craft On" Scrapbooking Workshop Your Way, I created this third layout as designed in the workshop. But...

I did make a slight adjustment on the right side of the page. I moved the items slightly to the right and sliced down the middle, at 6" - after I assembled the layout. That allows me to do so where it didn't impact the page design. THEN, I placed each 6" x 12" piece inside one of our Flip Flaps and made it interactive by sticking them up to of a standard 12" x 12" page protector. Keep reading...

When I open each flip flap - like doors - this is what is exposed; two 6" x 12" panels and a 12" x 12" page. Isn't that awesome?! I can include more photos, journaling and whatever else I desire. 

Flip Flaps help extend the space in your scrapbooks without feeling you have to do extra "work" to add additional memories or to save memoriabilia items. We have a variety of Flip Flaps to choose from with each offering a different element to your pages. 

This shows you how the Flip Flap works to showcase all that has been shared above. Do you love it?! 

I will be offering this as a virtual class in July. It will be shared on my VIP group. If you don't currently have a Consultant, contact me for additional information. 

These are the fabulous products that come in the Workshop Your Way kit!

Head on over to Katy's Blog to see what she has created to share with us! Consider leaving a comment before you head towards more fun artwork! 

Participants:

1. Melissa Robinson *YOU ARE HERE*

2. Katy Taylor

3. Catherine Nowak

4. Haley Dyer

5. Danielle Wagner

6. Miss Carrie's Creations

7. Lauren Moore

8. Tamara Sandwisch

"Make the Cut!" Technique Blog Hop

For this month's Technique Blog Hop, incorporating Close To My Heart product, our theme is "Make the Cut!". Participants were asked to include diecuts or images from our Thin Cuts (CTMH's version of 'dies') or Cricut Collections. I'm excited to see what they have designed and hope you are too! 

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

To create this greeting card, I decided to use the "You Are Here" Digital Cricut Collection. Whether you are traveling abroad, taking a road trip, or enjoying a relaxing staycation, this Cricut Collection is sure to have everything you need to document your journey. It comes with the three coordinating stamp sets shown above.

Crazy enough, I haven't created with it much but I am going to incorporate it into my scrapbooking layouts, documenting some fun trips I have taken over the past year! I can't wait to do more with it!

This fun "hello summer" card was created using all images from the collection. Then, I took some Toffee cardstock and tore it, exposing the white core, to resemble sand. 

After designing it, this card was super quick to cut and assemble. (Keep reading! I provided the Design Space file for you to use!) It definitely makes me want to be at the beach. What about you?! 

Here is a closer look at the details. I made sure to cut the castle a reasonable size so the Cricut blade didn't yell at me. I think I succeeded, by placing the images in various locations on the card, to add dimension and perspective. 

Did you know we have a variety of exclusive Cricut Collections from which to choose? Click HERE to visit them in greater detail and please contact me if you have questions. 

FREEBIE: Here is the Design Space file to recreate this card using the "You Are Here" CTMH Cricut Collection.

Thank you so much for stopping by. Consider leaving me a comment before heading to Katy's Blog to see what she has created to share with you! I don't doubt it, and the other artwork, is worth you doing so!

Happy hoppin'!

Participants:
1. Melissa Robinson *YOU ARE HERE*
2. Katy Taylor
3. Valerie Kapsha
4. Krista Hershberger
5. Catherine Nowak
6. Terry Metzger
7. Michelle Loncar
8. Haley Dyer
9. Maz Wood
10. Tamara Sandwisch
11. Carrie Simonds

Lovely Layers - CTMH Technique Blog Hop

Welcome to this month's Technique Blog Hop, "Lovely Layers", where we are using Close To My Heart products to align with the theme! 

Participants can incorporate layers in their artwork whether it's through the use of various papers, clusters of embellishments, stamp images that allow for layering, or however else they may interpret the title. You'll definitely want to be sure you make your way around the Hop to see what they designed!

If you are coming from Tamara's Blog, you are on the right track. Should you get lost along the way, simply return here. You'll find a list of participants at the bottom of this post.

I decided to use this stamp set, "Know That I Care", for this hop. Sadly, I need a sympathy card for the family of one of my team members who passed away suddenly last week. These images are perfect for that, as they are for other occasions. 

The layers comes in the way of the stamp images used, and the coloring of them, as well as the papers used. This card design is from Volume 1 of our Make It From Your Heart How-to Book. 

The striped pattern paper is from the "Feels Like Home" paper packet. Cardstock colors used are Sugarplum, our Color of the Year, and Thistle. 

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Sweet Leaf ink was used to color in the leaves, with the help of the Clear Shimmer Brush (which is sometimes challenging to reflect in photographs). For the flowers, I did use the base stamps, including in the set, and stamped them in Thistle ink. They are designed to not accurately fill in those images so I decided to then pull some Thistle ink, from the lid of the ink pad (squeezing it together with the base so some ink ended up on the lid) and colored the blank areas in, also using the Shimmer Brush. I do love how the shaded flowers were created with no need for artistic talent. LOL

This card came together so quickly and I'm pleased with it. I hope you like it too! 

Now head on over to Cat's Blog to see what she is sharing with you today. Happy hoppin'!

List of Participants:
1. Melissa Robinson *YOU ARE HERE*
2. Catherine Nowak
3. Carrie Simonds
4. Michelle Loncar
5. Marciava Warrell
6. Michelle Johns
7. Haley Dyer
8. Debi McBain
9. Darlys Recker
10. Lauren Moore
11. Maz Wood
12. Valerie Kapsha
13. Danielle Wagner
14. Katy Taylor
15. Terry Metzger
16. Tamara Sandwsich

Love of Color - CTMH Technique Blog Hop

Welcome to this month's Technique Blog Hop where several Close To My Heart Consultants are featuring our newest how-to book, "Love of Color"!

This publication includes breathtaking artwork that illustrates how to create perfectly balanced color combinations as well as references different card and layout sketches from our other Make It From Your Heart reference. It fits inside our Everyday Life album, is 3-ring hole-punched, and measures 8 3/8" x 6 7/8". 

If you're like me, and create best when you have a source of inspiration, you definitely want to add this to your library. You can find all of our How-To Books through the link. 

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

I am featuring this color combination of Sapphire, Candy Apple, Cover, Linen and Mink, on my artwork. I wanted something I could use to make another Christmas card and felt this worked, referencing Clover in the index. This color combination can be found at the bottom of page 48 in "Love of Color". 

The card sketch is Pattern 24 from Make It From Your Heart, Volume 1. The card that inspired me is found on page 47 in "Love of Color". 

Because I wanted to do a bit more with the "Ugly Sweater" stamp set, I decided to use it here. It is obvious how I pulled the color combination together.

The sentiments in the stamp set continue to make me giggle. My work Christmas party is "Ugly Sweater" so they will receive these as their Christmas cards.

Thanks so much for stopping by. Keep moving along the hop by heading to check out Haley's creation.

Happy hoppin'! (Only 10 days until Christmas! Are you ready?!)

Participants:
1. Melissa Robinson *YOU ARE HERE*
2. Haley Dyer
3. Debi McBain
4. Wendy Kessler
5. Michelle Johns
6. Marciava Warrell
7. Darlys Recker
8. Catherine Nowak
9. Valerie Kapsha
10. Katy Taylor
11. Shirley Ross
12. Lauren Moore
13. Tamara Sandwisch