Pear & Partridge?

As Consultants there are many perks - which I tend to talk about from time to time in various posts.  One of the small benefits of being a Consultant is being able to access a paper sampler when new paper packets are released.  These 6x6 samplers give us a snapshot of the newest papers.

Well, as the papers have retired, I have set those Samplers aside and this weekend, I dug them out for some card fun!  In fact, I pulled out paper from our Pear & Partridge paper packet that somewhat screamed Christmas (and is not retired).  

But, with another pattern from Originals, and a few pieces of patterned paper and cardstock, I created this card that has nothing to do with Christmas.  It is just a fun "thinking of you" card that I cannot wait to put in the mail.  (The photo does not do justice for the beautiful colors and patterns of this retired paper packet.)

Originals - Triangle Down, page 46

I used this stamp set, Card Chatter - Sympathy, for the sentiment and love the variety of sentiments it has.  In fact, many of them will work with others than for what they were intended.  Gotta love that!

To pretty up the card, I included a crocheted flower and brad from our Antiqued Gold Embellishments.  These elegant embellishments were perfect for finishing the card. 

I challenge you to think outside the box and use paper for a theme that is not obvious.  You might be pleased with what you come up with.  Give it a try!

Here's to creativity,

Just a few days left to get this stamp set!

I have recently been inspired to create a card using the October Stamp of the Month, A Very Merry Christmas, and you have until November 5th to get it!  Did you know we have a few days grace period each month for the previous month's Stamp of the Month and campaign?  We do!  You have to email your order rather than place it through my website so I can date the order accordingly.  Read below for some reasons you don't want to pass up on this stamp set and contact me to place your order!

The red outline around some of the images in this stamp set indicate there are coordinating options in our newest Cricut Artiste cartridge which is exclusive to Close To My Heart.  With the easy reference book, you can set the settings on your Cricut machine to the right size, stamp your image and add it to your artwork!

I had fun creating this card using the Pear & Patridge paper packet (shown below).  It is absolutely gorgeous in person - the card (lol) and the paper packet.  Photos never do things justice, do they?  This paper packet lends itself well to Christmas items but it's also versatile enough to work beyond the holiday.  Using the ornament and greeting image from the November stamp set, this card was simple to put together and... a little bling always does the trick!

If you know me very well, you know that I cannot start most creations from scratch.  I have to be prompted by something.  I was a bit sad when it was announced that CTMH was eliminating our popular and very well-loved product line of How-To programs (Cherish, Imagine, Magic, etc.).  I could not imagine what could be put in their place but as always, Jeanette Lynton (our founder and CEO), never disappoints.  

She created this publication, called "Make It From Your Heart", which contains blueprints and inspirational ideas for scrapbook layouts and cards.  It's just $7.95 and it is what I used to create this Christmas card.  Gotta love being inspired and allowed an opportunity to put your own spin on things.  It is definitely something you want to add to your library of resources so click here for further details.  

There are more project ideas to come using this stamp set so do not let it pass you by.  Contact me today with your order!  You will be inspired with the fun cards and gift items you can make for Christmas!

Feeling the holiday spirit,