"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

"Everyday Magic" January 2020 Stamp of the Month Blog Hop

Happy 2020, papercrafters! I hope you are enjoying the first day of this new year and decade. It feels like just yesterday we were welcoming in the year 2000, don't you think?!

The first Blog Hop of the year can't get any better than welcoming in NEW products and a magical Stamp of the Month! If you are coming from Wendy's Blog, you on the right track. You can find a complete list of participants by clicking here. 

This is the front cover of the NEW Idea Book (just released today!). As expected, it is full of brand new products and artwork that will make for a long wish list. I know, as I speak from experience. LOL

You can view the digital version by clicking on this link but more importantly, you'll receive your own hard copy when you place an order of any amount. Our Idea Books serve as great inspiration, the reason for their title, so you'll want to be sure you get one in your hands. 

In focusing on the purpose of this post, check out this awesome Stamp of the Month called "Everyday Magic". With six inspirational quotes, perfect for a new year, and additional images that create for happy, you'll find it a great value at just $5. That's right! That's the price you pay when you place an order of $50. (It's valued at $18.95.) You can click here to read all about our Stamp of the Month Special. Be sure to add it to your order this month. 

I love, love, love how this card turned out. The pattern is copied from an awesome and handmade Christmas card I received from one of my customers, Pam T. I loved her card when I received it and thought it would be perfect to recreate so decided to give it a try for today's artwork. I hope you love it as much as I do. 

For the technique used on the focal point, I white embossed the sentiment. Then, using Sponge Daubers and the ink colors of Raspberry, Lemon, Nectarine, and Mint, I applied the color. This technique is called "Resist Embossing" and is one I haven't done in a while. (I just remembered, I should have taken a tissue and wiped the access color off the embossed image so the white was a little more bright. I'll do that later.)  

I included this image so you could see how the card opens up. The base measures 4 1/4" x 8 1/2" so the finished card can fit inside a standard-size envelope. (I will be sharing more specifics, about the card design, in my VIP Group.)

Here is what it looks like open. I chose to include a couple of stamped images inside, where the greeting will go. I have fallen in love with this card design and will be making more of these.

Thank you for stopping by on what I hope is a relaxing day for you. Now, head to Melinda's Blog to see what creative artwork she has to share with you. We enjoy you viewing our blog hops and always appreciate any blog love left in the way of comments.

Enjoy the rest of your week and make 2020 the best year ever!

"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. 

"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

Seasonal Expressions 2 - New Product Blog Hop

Welcome to our Blog Hop where we are featuring new products that were released on May 1st in the Seasonal Expressions 2 (aka SE2). We have four fabulous paper packs as well as stamp sets, embellishments, and so much more!

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

For my artwork, I decided to use the Prickly Pear product line. 

This is the Prickly Pear Workshop Your Way which includes paper, sequins, blue burlap ribbon, and the coordinating Complements.

I incorporated this "Fiesta Time" stamp set and love the sentiments. They are super fun!

I did use the "Sweet Birthday" stamp set to add the face to the cactus which has been a big hit with all those who have seen this card in person. The "word bubble" is one of the Complements that is white. I used a sponge dauber to color it with Lemon ink.

To make this greeting card versatile, I chose to use one of the Complements (aka stickers) for the focal point. I love the simplicity of this card and hope you do too!

I've had fun making cards using the identified products. They are super fun colors that make the artwork so festive and happy. 

Please head over to Melinda's Blog to see what nifty artwork she is sharing with you today. Consider leaving a comment before you do so.

Wishing you a wonderful weekend!