"Perfect Match" Blog Hop

Welcome to this Blog Hop where we are featuring the "Perfect Match" Special and its related products. 

This Collection includes an exclusive paper packet, stickers, stamp set and mini heart accents. While it's perfect for Valentine's Day, the papers in this set can be used for other occasions. 

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

As you can tell, I couldn't help but pair it with the adorable Winter Penguins stamp set (+ Thin Cuts).

My favorite paper from this Collection is this plaid pattern and yes, I do see wearing it out. LOL I have already incorporated it into a couple of creations and don't see it ending anytime soon. I LOVED tossing in Mint Cardstock and Ballerina Glitter Paper for some added flair.

The window "love" frame is from the coordinating Sticker Sheet and the "xoxo" banner was cut from a Zip Strip. 

While challenging to see, I did add the Black Shimmer Brush to the penguin, which added a little bit of sparkle. I also added Glisten Stickles Glitter Glue which is a clear color. It allows the color of the pom pon to come through, which I absolutely love. The Hibiscus Stickles was added to the heart balloon. (I love this color and apparently many others do as well, as it's currently unavailable.) A bow with the White & Gold Skinny Ribbon was perfect to finish it off. 

I'm pleased with how this card turned out and hope you like it too! Consider leaving a comment, sharing your thoughts, before you head over to Cat's Blog. I know she, and the other Blog Hop participants, will have GREAT things to share with you as you make your way around the circle. 

Happy hoppin'!

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

"Say it with Flowers" Heart 2 Heart Challenge

Welcome to this week's Heart 2 Heart Challenge, "Say it with Flowers". I always enjoy seeing how everyone interprets the theme and I'm excited for the same this week. Anyone can participate in this challenge. All you have to do is incorporate at least one Close To My Heart product in your creation and then link up to us on our Heart 2 Heart Blog.

I was excited to practice some newly gained skills using alcohol-based markers. I can tell I am getting better and will continue to learn. This simple yet striking card was fun to create.  

This stamp set is included in the Celebrate Today Cardmaking Kit. I've used these images quite a bit, as you might recall from previous artwork I have shared. 

Here is a closeup of the flowers. I couldn't resist adding a little bit of bling to the center of the flowers with the use of the "Glisten Stickles". I love how they turned out. 

Be sure to link up to us with "Say it with Flowers" or any of our other February Challenges on Heart 2 Heart. We would love to see what you create! 

Make it a great week, or not; the choice is yours!