Heart 2 Heart Challenge: In the Backyard

This week's artwork was created using products from the Backyard Bliss Collection, perfectly fitting for the Heart to Heart Challenge theme of "In the Backyard". 

With some strips of patterned paper, the Zip strip, and a coordinating color of cardstock, this card design was kept simple. I did add a couple Backyard Bliss Die-cuts with accents of Glitter Paper and some White Dots. 

While I'm more of a bright-colored kind of gal, I am enjoying creating with this Collection! It is amazing how doing so makes you change your initial reaction.

Make it a great week! 

"Splatter It" Heart to Heart Challenge

This week's Heart to Heart Challenge is called "Splatter It". Incorporating at least one Close To My Heart product, I invite you to join this Challenge and connect with us on the Heart to Heart Blog. You can interpret the theme as you choose and I can't wait to see what you have to share. 

For my splatters, I used some plastic/acetate and simply dabbed it into the respective Distress Oxide ink colors: Picked Raspberry, Mustard Seed, and Peacock Feathers. It is a very organic technique that will not look the same every time. 

The sentiment is from the May Stamp of the Month, "You Can Do Anything".  

A butterfly and some Clear Sparkles were perfect additions to this simple card. I did add some accents, to the butterfly, using a White Gel Pen.

Create something and then link up to the Challenge on the Heart 2 Heart Blog.

Make it a great week!

Anything Goes: CTMH-Style Heart 2 Heart Challenge

Welcome to the first Heart 2 Heart Challenge for April! With this week's theme of "Anything Goes: CTMH-Style", the doors of creativity are wide open in that the only requirement is you incorporate Close To My Heart products in your design. Dig out your CTMH products and start creating! Then, share your artwork link on the Heart 2 Heart Challenge Blog, as you showcase your creativity with the rest of us. I can't wait to see what you share! 

I used the beautiful "In Full Bloom" paper packet as the background for this simple card. By simply adding some Avocado and Mint cardstock, I was able to 3-D the butterfly and sentiment on this card.

I did add in a little bit of sponging on the White Daisy focal point and colored in the butterfly with our Tri-Blend Markers. I couldn't resist adding the Onyx Black Liquid Pearls on the butterfly.

Be sure to join our Challenge! I can't wait to see what you create! 

"Hip Hip Hooray" Heart 2 Heart Challenge

Welcome to this Heart 2 Heart Challenge where you are invited to create artwork aligned with the theme of "Hip Hip Hooray". When you do so, be sure to link up at the bottom of the respective Heart 2 Heart post AND incorporate at least one Close To My Heart product in your creation. If not easy to identify, include it in your details, please. 

With the Cake Day polka dot pattern being perfect for a celebratory occasion, I decided to incorporate the #1 Fan Stamp + Thin Cuts. I random-stamped the confetti, tone-on-tone, with Capri ink. The Lemonade gingham pattern paper is from the March-April Mix-In. I love the texture it adds to the banner. The other was cut out of Green Apple cardstock. 

This card is somewhat of a fun fold as I attempted to show in this photo. I took the front panel of the card front, scored it in half, and folded it to create this look. I love the variation it provides, with little effort. 

These are the images included in the FUN #1 Fan Stamp + Thin Cuts set. 

Here is a close-up of the front panel. I do love how this turned out and hope you do as well.

Now, go create something and share it with us on the Heart 2 Heart Challenge Blog. I can't wait to see your artwork! 

"Going Green" Heart 2 Heart Challenge

Welcome to the first artwork Challenge, for March, from Heart 2 Heart! I invite you to join the fun as we create something aligned with the theme of "Going Green". In fact, we are connecting with the Double Trouble Challenge so you can participate in both. (For the Heart 2 Heart Challenge, be sure to incorporate at least one Close To My Heart product in your creation. If it's not obvious, please include it in the details.)

I totally went a bit rogue with "green", on this card, by using a variety of hues. I have a friend who loves green and I know she'll absolutely love it. I had to incorporate a little bit of light pink for the floral accent, but kept this card very simple. Sometimes simple is great!

The patterned paper is from the Cake Day Collection and the floral and leaf images are from the Love Story - Scrapbooking stamp set (D2040). I've fallen in love with the floral images that are great for neutral papers, such as Love Story items, or any others. It was one that wasn't on my list initially but here it is! LOL

I hope you are enjoying a great start to the month and that you take an opportunity to create something that makes you happy. I look forward to your participation in the Heart 2 Heart and/or Double Trouble Challenges. It's always fun to see how everyone interprets the title! 

Make it a GREAT week!

S.W.A.K. Heart 2 Heart Challenge

Welcome to the first creative Challenge from Heart to Heart this month. It's titled "S.W.A.K", whether you interpret it for "Sealed with a Kiss" or "Stamped with a Kiss". You can put your twist on the acronym and I look forward to seeing what you create as you link up to us on the Heart to Heart Blog. 

I had the heart "stencil" already created and decided to use it to decorate a card front. 

The Hearts Background Thin Cuts was sprayed with the Fuschia Gloss Spray. It was the first time I had worked with the sprays and loved the result. However, I hadn't done anything with it so decided to put it to use now. Of course, it's perfect for this time of the year and great for this Challenge. 

I'm a little addicted to the White Gel Pens and use them, to accent things, whenever possible. By adding white stitching and dots to some of the larger hearts, as well as coloring in a few of the smaller ones, it adds some fun dimension. Plus, you can also see that I added it to the penguins scarf. (I did add a little bit of Clear Shimmer Brush to a few hearts - seen in the heart in top right corner, although not easy to see in the photo.)

She comes from the "If Snowflakes Were Kisses" stamp set + Thin Cuts. I love this stamp set, and its fun images, that I have used quite a bit since they were first made available. 

Consider joining the creative fun and sharing your artwork with us at Heart 2 Heart. We host two challenges a month; perfect to spur your creativity during the month. I look forward to seeing what you share. 

"Watercolors" Heart 2 Heart Challenge

Welcome to the "Watercolors" Heart 2 Heart Challenge, the second one for January. And...with this theme, you can interpret how you want, even if you choose not to use actual watercolors. The opportunities are unlimited! 

To participate in the Heart 2 Heart Challenge, simply follow this link to the Blog and then scroll down to the bottom of the related post. Insert your link from where ever you are sharing it on social media. We love to see what you create and then recognize the top three for each challenge. Be sure to use Close To My Heart products in your creation; at least one. 

For my card, I totally did use Watercolor Paints, the adorable January Stamp of the Month, "Sweet Little Things", and the Candid Moments Picture My Life Cards (for the patterned paper shown). 

I used the Stitched Fancy Bracket Thin Cuts for the focal point and couldn't resist adding White Opal Liquid Pearls to the bunny tails for a little added texture.

I hope you'll consider joining our creative Challenge at Heart 2 Heart. It's always wonderful to see the varied artwork results. 

Winter Wonderland - Heart 2 Heart Challenge

Welcome to the last Challenge, for Heart 2 Heart, in 2021! If you have participated in any of our challenges this year, we say "thank you". We hope you will join us as we share our love for papercraftingin 2022. 

This week's theme is "Winter Wonderland". I can think of many ways to showcase that theme, but deciding on using a Polar Bear focal point for my creation. 

Who knew this "If Snowflake Were Kisses" Stamp Set + Thin Cuts would become one of my recent favorites?

The Snowflake Loose Sequins are perfect for the theme, of course, and I couldn't resist incorporating them into the Shaker element. The pattern papers are from the Mix-Ins paper packet, as I chose to keep this greeting card very simple.

Consider linking up to this Challenge on the Heart 2 Heart Blog. We would love to have you! 

Wishing you all the best this holiday season!

"Rose Gold" Heart 2 Heart Challenge

Welcome to this week's "Rose Gold" Heart 2 Heart Challenge. Consider creating artwork and linking up to the Challenge on the Heart 2 Heart Blog. Be sure to incorporate at least one Close To My Heart product in your creation. We love seeing what you have to share!

I've been wanting to make a card using the Peace & Love Stamp + Thin Cuts, with the beautiful angel images, and finally took the time to do so for this card. 

For the Rose Gold touch, that was easy. I used the Rose Gold Foil Paper and Rose Gold Shimmer Trim for the fun accents on this artwork. I looked up some coordinating colors for rose gold and found that grays and pinks/oranges were great for it. I pulled in Papaya, Flamingo-ish (for the marker color) and Pewter.

I love the softness of this design, despite the added bling, that is add the perfect touch, in my opinion. The Foil Paper does not photograph well. I love it and encourage you to check it out. It comes in different colors and patterns. 

Link up to us for this Heart 2 Heart Challenge. Follow the link and read the details. Make it a GREAT week!

"Oh Deer" Heart 2 Heart Challenge

For the first November 2021 Heart 2 Heart Challenge, we've got the theme of "Oh Deer!" However you interpret it, we hope you'll link up to us on the Heart 2 Heart Blog and show us your design. Be sure to use at least one product from Close To My Heart in your design. 

The Holly & Ivy Collection was used to create this card. With the beautiful designs incorporating traditional Christmas colors, I couldn't resist doing so. 

I used a couple of Picture My Life cards (no longer available) for the focal points in the center of the card. The Gold accents, in the way of Glitter Paper, Glitter Gems, and Thread, create some beautiful "glitz". 

The Carnation Red Liquid Pearls were used on the holly berries, for a little extra dimension. I did 3-D the deer which came from the sticker sheet. 

Consider joining this papercrafting challenge on the Heart 2 Heart Challenge Blog. We love to see what you create. Happy creating!

Sweet Treats Heart 2 Heart Challenge

This week, at Heart 2 Heart, we are showcasing artwork related to "Sweet Treats". However you interpret that theme is totally okay with us and I can't wait to see what you create and share!

I knew I wanted to use these cute images from the Pumpkin Spice Scrapbooking Stamp + Thin Cuts set and decided to make a treat box to fill with some tasty cookies.  

I decided to use the Gift Card Box Thin Cuts (although I don't think I've ever put gift cards in it LOL) to accomplish my creative task. I enjoy how quick and simple this box comes together. It's perfect for some small treats. In fact, I think I'll make some more for some coworkers, maybe with a Halloween theme and using the Boo Crew items. 

In this photo, you can see the dimension it has. The Thin Cut cuts and scores appropriately so all you need is some strong tape adhesive to assemble it. Tri-Blend Markers were used to color in the dimension, with the patterned striped paper coming from Pumpkin Spice. 

A few cookies from Trader Joe's, and this is how this small box can serve a tasty treat. I love how it turned out and hope you like it as well.

I hope you'll consider joining our Challenge and link up to us at Heart 2 Heart. 

Here's sending you some creative vibes while wishing you a great week!

"Terrific Tags" Heart 2 Heart Challenge

Happy October! With the new month we welcome in the first creative challenge with Heart to Heart. It's called "Terrific Tags". How will you interpret that into your creation, while using at least one Close To My Heart product when you do? We would love to see! 

I enjoyed incorporating the "Pumpkin Spice" paper to create this simple card. I love "simple", allowing me to enjoy the overall creation of greeting cards. A tag, a banner to include the sentiment, a few sequins, Gold Thread and the tasty treat, is all I used. While I felt the patterned paper was a bit busy, I feel like the other elements help to soften it a bit, while still keeping it happy and festive. 

One of the first stamp sets that caught my attention from the September/October Idea Book is this one called, "Pumpkin Treats". It did cause me to think about my friends who love all things pumpkin. For me, I'll just take a couple of slices of pumpkin pie during Thanksgiving. And don't forget a lot of whip cream. LOL Beyond that, I do love my venti black and white mochas, with almond, no milk, no foam, from Starbucks. So here's a shout out to my pumpkin spice-loving friends. 

Link up to us, on Heart 2 Heart, for the first challenge of the month. We love seeing everyone's wonderful creations and how you interpret the theme.

Make it a great week! Happy creating!

Heart 2 Heart "Glitz and Glitter" Challenge

Welcome to the second September challenge for Heart 2 Heart. The title is "Glitz and Glitter" and papercrafters everywhere are invited to join us by sharing your interpretation of the theme. Create something fun, using at least one Close To My Heart product, and link up to us on the Blog. We love seeing what you create!

If you have never purchased, nor used, Close To My Heart Glitter Paper, you are missing out on a top quality paper! It's cardstock weight AND doesn't fall off on you, nor your creating surface; a definite plus! We offer it in a variety of beautiful colors and I loved incorporating both Sapphire and Silver on this card. 

A little splash of Carolina Cardstock, and a background of Sapphire cardstock (on the light side), and some Silver Loose Sequins were a perfect addition to this pattern from Volume 5 of Make It From Your Heart. 

Don't have Glitter Paper from CTMH? What are you waiting for?! Add it to your next order!

Now, go get something blingy and connect with us on the Heart 2 Heart Blog. We love when you share with us! Happy creating!