Technique Hop - Annual Inspirations Sneak Peek

Close To My Heart's Idea Book, to be called "Annual Inspirations" once it goes live on August 1st, is full of beautiful artwork and fun techniques.  During today's hop, we will be showcasing some of the various techniques highlighted throughout the book.  You will definitely want to get your hand on a hard copy.  If I can help you with that, let me know!

This hop is one big circle and consists of seven participants.  You can start at the beginning by visiting Debi's Blog, or you can continue to proceed through the link I have provided below so you can move through all the artwork.  If you are coming from Haley's Blog, you are on the right track!  I know you will be inspired by all that you are about to see so sit back, relax, and enjoy!

I decided to focus on the technique called, "Charmed, I'm Sure" (which will be found on page 133).  It encourages incorporating our cute charms from our jewelry line, Base & Bling, to bling out your papercrafts.  (You get 6 charms for just $3.95!  That is a great deal!)  Here is how I decided to add a little "charm" to my project!

I decorated one of our My Creations Kraft Containers.  The stamp set used is "Girl's Rock" and I incorporated a resin flower from the Ivy Lane Assortment for the center of the flower.  (The striped paper used is from Skylark and then I incorporated some Cotton Candy and Ultra White cardstock.)

Here is a close-up of the charms.  I strung them on some the Slate color from the Baker's Twine Neutral Metallic Assortment and also used Slate Polka-Dot Washi Tape for a little added texture and to coordinate with the Baker's Twine. 

It was fun, while at Convention, seeing the various ways to incorporate our darling charms into various projects and not just for our Jewelry Line.  This hop definitely made me step out of my box and I am so glad I did!  I hope I have inspired you to do the same.

Please take a moment to leave a comment before moving onto Tonya's Blog.

Happy hoppin'!

Technique Hop: Embossing Folders

This month some fellow Close To My Heart Consultants and I are highlighting our NEW Embossing Folders.  You can choose from five patterns and I must tell you...they are TOP QUALITY!  Click here to see them all.

If you are coming from Judy Faye's Blog, you are on the right track!  You can find a list of the blog participants by clicking here.  Now...keep scrolling to see what I have designed for this hop.

I decided to use the Chevron Embossing Folder as a focal point for my artwork item.  I covered a 5" x 8" notepad as a fun gift for a lady at work.  I used the pattern idea found on this blog - http://jentapler.blogspot.com/2008/04/nifty-notepad.html - to create the cover for my notepad.  I adjusted it to have appropriate directions for the larger notepad.  (Measurements will be provided on a post later this week.)  I love how the pen holder is attached and part of the pattern.

This is the inside of the notepad.  You have to be sure to cover the not-so-pretty top area with some B&T paper that coordinates, of course!

Thank you for taking the time to stop by.  Now, please visit Shirley's Blog to see what fun creation she has designed.  I would love for you to leave a comment before you do so!

Happy hoppin'!

A Sneak Peek of NEW product - coming February 1st!

One of the fabulous benefits of being a Close To My Heart Consultant is having access to new product before the general public!  We get to view and purchase the items a month earlier than they go live so we can begin preparing samples and workshop ideas.  The Spring/Summer Idea Book, to be released on February 1st, contains quite a few new products that I know you are going to love.

This is a photo of the Consultant Kit that contains a variety of items and can be yours for just $99 if you would like to join my team and the company!  It contains approximately $309 in products and supplies to get your business off to a rockin' start!  If you look close enough you can see quite a few new products, including the Skylark paper packet.

I have new products in my hand but have been spending time creating artwork for my Team Retreat that will be held in less than a month (ACK!) in Gainesville, TX.  Those creations are under wraps right now as they are saved as a surprise for those attendees.  But don't worry...I'll find some time over the next week to create some artwork using new product that I can share with you.

If you are interested in finding out more about becoming a Consultant click here and feel free to contact me with any questions.

I can't wait to share our new products with you!  Keep watching for more to come!