Sew What?! - CTMH Technique Blog Hop

Welcome to this month's Technique Blog Hop where we use Close To My Heart products to highlight different techniques. This one is called, "Sew What?!" The participants can incorporate stitching - real or faux - on their artwork. It will be fun to see what everyone has created to share!

If you are coming from Vandra's Blog, you are on the right track. You can find a list of participants at the bottom of this post, if you were to get lost along the way.

I couldn't help but make another card using the September Stamp of the Month, "Sweet Treats". Ballerina, one of our new colors, was incorporated for a soft pink look. 

This time it was a must that I incorporate the cute mug and whip cream. Remember, you can get this stamp set for $5 - during this month only. 

The patterned paper comes from our Season's Mix-ins which is designed to coordinate with the other paper collections in the Idea Book. 

Years ago we had a stamp set that resembled stitching and I have kept it all this time. I was thrilled to see this new one, "Stitched Borders", in this new Idea Book. It was one of the first I purchased and I'm sure I'll be using it frequently. In fact, my friend, Katy Taylor, used it in very creative ways when she showcased her artwork at Convention. I do plan on copying her at some point. ;) 

On the close-up of the focal point, you can see that I paper-pieced the mug - isn't it cute?! I also random-stamped the Ballerina cardstock piece with the small floral image from the stamp set. Stiching was also added around the sentiment and you can see the zig-zag stitch above the patterned paper.

While it's not depicted great in the photo, the Scallop Border Thin Cut is cut out of Silver Foil Paper. A few Clear Sparkles were added.

Thank you so much for stopping by.  Consider leaving a comment, if you would like. I always love to hear from you!

Now, head on over to Haley's Blog to see what fun she is showcasing for this Hop!

Participants:

1. Melissa Robinson *YOU ARE HERE*
2. Haley Dyer
3. Debi McBain
4. Wendy Kessler
5. Michelle Johns
6. Michelle Loncar
7. Marciava Warrell
8. Darlys Recker
9. Kimberly Bower
10. Catherine Nowak
11. Annemarie Julian
12. Valerie Kapsha
13. Vandra Stenton

"Just Treats" - September Stamp of the Month Blog Hop

Happy September! While I can't believe it's September 1st, I'm THRILLED today is September 1st! LOL Why, you ask? Well, today is the day our NEW Holiday Expressions Idea Book went live to the public. Why do I mention that disclaimer? Well...Consultants got to see them at Convention in June and were able to order them beginning August 1st. I've had fun creating with someof them and will be sharing them here and in my VIP Group. 

You can view a digital copy of the NEW PRODUCTS by flipping, virtually, through the book found on this link. Want your own hard copy so you can highlight products and make your wish list with ease? You can get it FREE when you place an order! (If you aren't ready to place an order, you can get one sent to your mailbox for just $6.45. You will receive a $5 credit from me when you place your order. More details about this option when you contact me.)

Today, in this Blog Hop, we are featuring this CA-UTE stamp set, "Sweet Treats". It has fun sentiments and images for everyday use and also for upcoming holidays. I have no doubt you will get to see it used in various ways as you make your way around the hop. 

If you aren't familiar with our Stamp of the Month special, you can find complete details here. In quick summary, you can purchase this D-size stamp set (valued at $18.95) for $5 when you place a $50 order! It's such a great value and a wonderful way to add a bonus to your monthly product purchases. And wait until you see those for the upcoming months! 😉

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

For my creation,  I couldn't help but incorporate the cute polka dot pattern paper (top left) from the Oh What Fun paper pack. Yes, it is my favorite and I bet those who know me could have guessed that easily. The patterns are so cheerful and fun!

The simplicity of this card, with the BRIGHT colors and images, are sure to put a smile on anyone's face. Don't you agree? A few simple elements makes this perfect for anyone.

I used the Turquoise Blue and Cherry Pink Shin Han Markers to color in the letters on the stamp. So the stamped images didn't bleed, I used the Archival Black Ink Pad. Raspberry and Ballerina (a new color) were used to stamp the swirls in the candies. I also add a bit of the Bashful Shimmer Brush Pen to add some glitz to the candies (which is challenging to see). It was a fun simple addition to give them a bit of a sparkle. It's on sale for just $2, by the way! I also incorporated some White Twine.

Take a moment to let me know what you think of this stamp set and/or the card. Then, head on over to Wendy's Blog. There's no doubt you'll feel the need to get this stamp set in your hands when you're done. :)

Wishing you a great September and an enjoyable Labor Day weekend!

Vellum - Heart 2 Heart Challenge

For the first Heart 2 Heart Challenge of May we are seeking papercrafting projects where vellum has been incorporated. You can use it in any way you desire. Be to use at least one product from Close To My Heart and link up to us on our Blog. 

Keeping with what seems to be my motto, "Sweet and Simple", I am pleased with this card. I wanted the polka dot vellum paper to serve as the focus point and then stamped the "thankful" sentiment on it with Black Archival Ink (and let it dry thoroughly). I glued it on Pansy cardstock, placing adhesive on the dots so it would not show through the vellum.

The scallop border is a Thin Cut used on Gold Foil Paper. White & Gold Ribbon (one of my faves) was added, as well as some Gold Glitter Gems. The rest of the sentiment, "for sweet friends like you" was stamped in Pansy ink. The stamp sets used are brand new and will be released tomorrow, May 1st. (I'll edit this post and include a photo and link to them.)

You may be wondering where I got this patterned vellum paper. It is included in the Postcard Perfect paper packet that is a special for May, celebrating National Scrapbooking Month. The polka dot pattern is only one of the two included in this exclusive product line. I couldn't resist incorporating it.

Be sure to link up to us at Heart 2 Heart for this week's challenge. I look forward to seeing your artwork there!