All that Glitters Technique Showcase

Join me today as I showcase some artwork using Close To My Heart's top-quality Glitter Paper! If you have never tried our Glitter Paper, why don't you add it to your next order? Unlike other brands, ours is cardstock-thick and it doesn't leave glitter everywhere. It is fun to create with and cuts perfectly in the Cricut or die-cut machines. 

I enjoyed making this simple birthday card that became glittery with some Glitter Paper balloons out of Silver, Sapphire, and Wild Berry. I drew some string and then added an Acrylic Heart that I colored using our alcohol markers. 

If you would like to see additional artwork made using Glitter Paper and/or Shimmer Trim, I invite you to visit this Facebook Group where you can view inspiring creations. 

Wishing you a great week!

Summer Fun Heart 2 Heart Challenge

Hello and welcome to this week's Heart 2 Heart Challenge, "Summer Fun". Using any Close To My Heart products, you can also participate in this challenge by linking up on the Heart 2 Heart Blog. All you have to do is create something inspired by "Summer Fun". I look forward to seeing what you have to share. 

This card screams beach and summer to me; where I'm looking forward to visiting soon!

To create the sand, I used Toffee cardstock and stamped the beach portion from the Writing in the Sand stamp set. I did paper-tearing on the sand and ocean paper pieces. 

The Beach Party-Cardmaking Stamp + Thin Cuts was used. It contains these adorable images. Aren't they cute?! I wanted to incorporate more but knew I needed to stop somewhere. I'm excited to use the others soon!

I did paper-piece the palm tree leaves and beach umbrella for a fun look. Of course, I could not resist adding the flip flops from the Beach Party Rubber Shapes. (You need to check out if you have not already done so.)

I am enjoying the summer and hope you are too, thankful I can enjoy the AC on the hotter days. 

I look forward to seeing what you share with us!

"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!

"You Can Do Anything" May Stamp of the Month

Happy National Scrapbooking Month where we are also celebrating a NEW Idea Book and the Stamp of the Month, "You Can Do Anything". I don't know that kicking off a month can get much better than this. Do you?

The NEW May/June Idea Book is here and contains two new Collections, "Fresh Paint" and "Tutti Frutti", plus fabulous artwork. You can get it FREE with any size order or you can view it digitally by clicking here. 

The 12 images, including sentiments and a mountain view, make this stamp set a great one for you to get FREE or for $5. Valued at $18.95, you can benefit from getting it FREE if you're a VIP or you can purchase it for $5; both with a $50 purchase. You can view details about the Stamp of the Month program by clicking here. 

For my card creation, I decided to make it look like a framed portrait by adding the white matte and black frame. 

To create the background, I used Watercolor Paper, Waterbrush Pen, and these ink colors: Capri, Shortbread, Papaya, and Mulberry. I did not work to get the strokes perfect and I like the way it turned out. 

I used the Intense Black Ink to stamp the birds and sentiment, as well as the mountain scene. The mountains were stamped twice; directly on the Watercolor Paper and then on Kraft Paper. I cut out the portion shown in Kraft Paper and used some Watercolor Paints to add a little bit of shading to the mountains. The moon and clouds are also paper-pieced, using the ink pads to color them in. Feeling the need for a bit more, I simply added a few Clear Sparkles. 

Unsure if my vision for this card would come together, I am very pleased with the result and hope you like it too! 

Are you wondering where the Blog Hop is? Well, if you're not already aware, we have changed the format for sharing artwork which will allow non-bloggers to participate in the coming months. You can join the Public Facebook Group, "CTMH Artwork Showcase", and you will find our artwork in the respective feeds. I hope you'll consider joining us there. 

At this time, I will continue to do a blog post for such related artwork. If you don't have a Maker and would like to join my Customer Facebook Group where I focus my primary attention, you can contact me using my email address found on my website. 

Make it a great month and be sure to celebrate National Scrapbooking Month! 

"Creative with Cardstock" Blog Hop

 

Welcome to this Blog Hop where we are highlighting Close To My Heart's Cardstock through the theme of "Creative with Cardstock". Did you know our cardstock is on SALE this month through the Cardstock Carnival? 

You can save up to 30% on bundles and you will want to be sure to check out the unique and exclusive UV-coated option! 

If you are coming from Darly's Blog, you are on the right track. You can find a complete list of participants at the bottom of this post. I am confident you will enjoy seeing different ways in which we have incorporated cardstock into our artwork so be sure to make your way around the Blog Hop.

I did not get fancy with the creation of this card, and do not feel I had to once I started putting it together. While there are some very fun techniques to do with cardstock, I decided to show how simple it is to create with it and some of our Thin Cuts. In fact, the only thing stamped is the sentiment, in White Daisy ink. Plus, with the use of the White Gel Pen, the added border is fun when done on Black cardstock. 

I used these Layered Flowers Thin Cuts and absolutely love them. They are such beautiful cuts and make creating very simple. 

Cardstock colors used: Wild Berry, Flamingo, Green Apple, Lemonade, and Capri. For a simple addition, I used the White Dots for the flower center. 

Thank so much for stopping by. Now it's time to head over to Brandi's Blog to see what she has created to share with you. Consider leaving a comment before you head her direction. 

I hope this month has been great to you! 

PARTICIPANTS:

1. Melissa Robinson *YOU ARE HERE*

2. Brandi Robinson

3. Judy Dahlgren

4. Katy Taylor

5. Michelle Loncar

6. Lauren Moore

7. Haley Dyer

8. Wendy Kessler

9. Maz Wood

10. Darlys Recker

"You're the G.O.A.T" March Stamp of the Month Blog Hop

 

Welcome to the March Stamp of the Month Blog Hop where we are featuring the adorable, and super punny, stamp set, "You're the G.O.A.T.". If you don't know what GOAT stands for, it's commonly  used in professional sports and represents the "Greatest of All Time". You might have heard it in reference to Tom Brady, Michael Jordan, and others in their respective sports. 

Whether or not you are into professional sports, you will undoubtedly fall in love with this stamp set full of cute animals and their related puns. 

This stamp set contains 24 stamp images and is valued at $18.95, although you can get it FREE (if you're a VIP) or for $5, with a qualifying $50 purchase. To read the details of the Stamp of the Month Special, click on the link. 

If you are coming from Brenda's Blog, you are on the right track. Should you get lost along the way, you can find a list of participants by clicking here. 

I had a difficult time deciding which image and sentiment I wanted to use for my first card and decided on these. Paired with the bright and festive Cake Day Collection, I thought it to be a perfect way to celebrate someone's birthday. 

The cardstock accents of Wild Berry and Clover added to the polka dot pattern, as does the Gold Glitter accents. I love the simplicity of this card and how you do as well. I can't wait to create other items with this stamp set, knowing I'll be inspired with what others create for this Hop. 

If you are not aware, we just released the NEW March/April Idea Book TODAY AND the Cardstock Carnival has returned, making it easy to achieve the minimum purchase to obtain this exclusive stamp set. (You can view the digital Idea Book by clicking on this link OR shop the NEW products here.)

I appreciate you stopping by and encourage you to head on over to Wendy's Blog to see what she has created to share with you. We always appreciate receiving your feedback. 

Make It a Marvelous March! 

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. 

CTMH Smitten Blog Hop

Welcome to our Blog Hop where we have created, and are thrilled to share, artwork made with the Smitten Exclusive Collection from Close To My Heart. This fabulous product line is perfect for Valentine's Day and any occasions and/or people you love. 

Smitten includes an exclusive paper packet, sticker sheet, and stamp set + Thin Cuts that are not available outside of this special. You can buy the respective items separately, or save some money when you purchase them as a bundle. 

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

I love the happy of this paper packet, the colors, and designs of the punny stamp set. It was challenging to designed what I wanted to create with and look forward to making more items with these exclusive products. 

While this card design appears to be a created to have a "frame", it's an interactive card that causes it to look that way. (I've included a video below so you can see how it opens and closes.) This card design is from Connie Stewart.  

Because there was enough "fun" taking place with the patterned paper and focal point, I decided there was no need to include additional embellishments. However, because I felt it needed just a little bit more, I decided to add some Liquid Glass to the balloon and koala's nose. By doing so, it made them shiny and added some dimension. I was just enough. 

This short video shows you how the card opens and closes for this unique design and space for a sentiment and handwritten message.

Thank you very much for stopping by. I hope you were inspired to create with Smitten. 

Now, go see what Melinda has to share with you on her Blog, and continue to make your way around the circle and be inspired by what you see. 

Have an enjoyable weekend!

 

"Sweet Little Things" January 2022 CTMH Stamp of the Month

 

Happy New Year and welcome to the first Stamp of the Month Blog Hop of 2022! Each month we feature an exclusive acrylic stamp set, made by Close To My Heart, that can be received for FREE! Details about this Special can be found by click on this link. 

The "Sweet Little Things" stamp set contains 10 sweet images as shown above. The images are perfect for many occasions so be sure to get yours FREE, or for $5. With the stamp set valued at $18.95 it's a fabulous deal you do not want to pass up!

Through this hop, you'll find artwork inspiration created using these images. If you are coming from CatScrapbooking, you are on the right track. You can find a complete list of participants by clicking here.  

Paired with the NEW Sawyer Paper Pack, I enjoyed creating this soft-colored greeting card. By using a couple of pieces of patterned paper, and coordinating cardstock, this design was kept rather simple. 

The stamp images were colored in with Watercolor Pencils. I applied a little bit of water to create the resulting effect, using a Waterbrush Pen, and decided to add a Black Acrylic Flower and Black Dots.

I'm looking to creating more artwork with these stamp images. Be sure to get your exclusive stamp set while it's available! 

Now, head over to Kim's Blog to see what she has created to share with you. Be sure to leave comments as you make your way around the Blog Hop. We appreciate and enjoy when you do so.

Wishing you a wonderful start to the new year, and lots of papercrafting in 2022! 

"Accents of White" CTMH Technique Blog Hop

Welcome to our Blog Hop where we are featuring techniques aligned with "Accents of White", while incorporating Close To My Heart products. 

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 have been having tons of fun incorporating the White Gel Pens into my artwork, which is what I did for this Technique Blog Hop. I used them on to create the snow in the background, and also accented the accents on the tree image. The little touch adds so much, in my opinion. 

To create the tag, I used the Buildable Tags Thin Cuts and make it look like a window. The addition of the acetate, made it possible. The trees on the outside of the window were created from the Jingle Joy stamp set. Both were stamped in Clover ink, with the furthest one done 2nd generation. 

I created a curved stencil and used the Peacock Feathers and Chipped Sapphire Oxide Ink to create the blue/night sky. Then, by adding the White Gel Pen, I was able to create some falling snow.  

For this tree, on the foreground, I used the Comfort & Joy stamp set. By adding the Liquid Pearls and White Gel accents, it added a bit more to this gift tag, providing a finishing touch. I was excited with the results. 

I appreciate you stopping by and send you to Darlys Recker's Blog. Be sure to keep making your way around the Blog Hop to see what everyone has created to share with you today. Happy hoppin'!

List of Participants:

1. Melissa Robinson *YOU ARE HERE*

2. Darlys Recker

3. Michelle Loncar

4. Kim Loewen

5. Cat Nowak

6. Haley Dyer

7. Katy Taylor

8. Tamara Sandwisch