January Stamp of the Month Blog Hop - Beloved Bouquet

Happy NEW YEAR and thank you for joining us this month as we showcase our January Stamp of the Month, "Beloved Bouquet".  You can get these 14 images for just $5 with a $50 purchase!  The stamp set has a retail value of $17.95!  I love the images and sentiments, perfect for Valentine's Day cards or tags or...for anytime of the year - like now!  :)

If you are coming from Michelle's Blog, you are on the right track.  This is a complete circle so keep making your way around the fabulous artwork.  Should you get lost along the way you can click here for a list of participants.

I really love how this card turned out, although the beautiful colors are just not as visible in a photo.  :)  I used Watercolor Paper and applied different hues of pink, purple and green Watercolor Paints before stamping the rose and leaf images using Black ink.  I then fussy cut them and layered them onto the card, but not after adding strips of our Kaleidoscope paper and Gold Foil Tape.

This Gold Foil Tape (we also carry Silver) is becoming a new obsession of mine.  I totally love it!  Three Bling Gold Gems, of various sizes, helped add that last bit of pop to this card.  The sentiment was stamped in Black in k as well.

I am looking forward to creating more artwork with this stamp set, in fact, I already have!  Be sure to check back regularly for new artwork!

Hop on over to Sheila's Blog to see what fun she has in store for you!

Do you know we released new products today?!  We did!  You can click here to view the online version and will get a FREE copy of this in your next order!  Information and artwork on new product is coming tomorrow!

Make It From Your Heart,

December Stamp of the Month Blog Hop - Candlelight Garden

Happy December 2015 and welcome to our Stamp of the Month Blog Hop!

This month we are highlighting this beautiful stamp set that has perfect sentiments and images great for any time of the year.  Isn't it perfect for celebrating those genuine and valued friendships you are blessed to have?  You CAN get it for just $5 when you place a $50 order.  The stamp set is valued at $17.95 - that is 72% off!  You can click here for details regarding the stamp set or to shop online.

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

In building this card gradually, I was pleased with the result and hope you are too.  It is pretty simplistic with the images stamped in Black Ink and colored with our ShinHan markers.  I did use the Colorless Blender to provide some shading on the images but didn't do anything else fancy.  

Two Red Gems were added as were Poppy Twine and Silver Shimmer Trim.  Cardstock colors used were:  Thistle, Gypsy, Black, Whisper and White Daisy.

Thank you for hopping with me/us.  Head on over to Gina's Blog to see what she has in store for you and please consider leaving a comment before you do so.  I always love to hear your thoughts on what I create.  (Don't forget our planners went on sale this morning and the Cyberweek sale is going strong through December 4th! Click HERE for those details.)

Make this a great December and happy hoppin'!

Heart 2 Heart - Watercolors

This week at Heart 2 Heart our theme is "Watercolors".  I fell in love with the Close To My Heart Watercolor Paints when they were released, and we used them, at Convention this summer.  I have enjoyed playing with them, realizing how forgiving they are and that you truly cannot do much damage with them.  I have since used non-CTMH watercolors and I can say their quality does not compare.

For my card this week, I simply painted these three colors on a piece of Watercolor Paper.  I did brush water over the entire piece before adding the color.  The sentiment was stamped with Black Ink, and comes from the November Stamp of the Month, "Cheers, 2016!"

Banners were cut from the Fundamentals paper line (our special this month), Peacock cardstock, and Silver Shimmer Trim.  Whisper Thick Twine was attached at the top of banners using our Mini Stapler and Mini Staples.  They ARE mini and so cute, please the ease of using this stapler is phenomenal and well worth having in your papercrafting supply box. Black glitter stars were used from the Fundamental Assortment Black.  (The variety of fun of these assortments is amazing and also a must-have!)

Remember, you can get the Stamp of the Month for just $5 and this month's is a favorite!  It is perfect for new year's cards and/or layouts and for recording your goals - or for use in our new planner, whose release we await.  ;)

Consider linking up to us and showcasing artwork with watercolors.  We love to see your beautiful and fun creations so head on over to Heart 2 Heart Challenges and join us there!

Enjoy the rest of your week and don't forget to Make It From Your Heart!

Stamp of the Month Blog Hop - Cheers, 2016!

Thank you for joining us this month as we highlight the November Stamp of the Month, "Cheers, 2016!"  Is it just me or is it crazy that we are getting ready to say goodbye to 2015 and hello to 2016?  It is completely amazing how quickly the years come and go but I am thrilled to get to bring in the new year with artwork created with this fun stamp set!  Don't forget...you can get it for just $5 with your qualifying purchase in November.

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

Here is my creation!  I hope you like it!

The Paper Fundamentals line is what was used to create this card.  I used Lagoon, Pear and and Sapphire which comes from the Adventure Color Palette.  (This paper line is offered in all four color palettes.)  Thankfully you can clearly see the texture on the Sapphire pieces which are what you would see (although different patterns) on the back of the other two colors if they were flipped over. Too fun!  I did a little ombre' technique on the sentiment, stamping it first in Pear and then applying Lagoon and Sapphire inks on the upper most areas, creating the three tones.  The banner was stamped and cut - I can see it used on other future projects - and then some Silver Shimmer Trim and Bitty Sparkles were perfect bling to finish off the creation.

I do believe this is a card I will be mass-producing and sending out this month!  Leave a comment and let me know what you think of it and then head on over to Haley's Blog to see what fabulous creation she has to share!

Thanks for hopping with us and be sure to Make It From Your Heart!

October Stamp of the Month Blog Hop - Twinkle

Welcome to our Blog Hop where we are featuring the October Stamp of the Month, "Twinkle".  It is absolutely adorable - shown below - and can be yours for just $5 this month!  I know I am going to wear out this beauty!

If you are coming from Michelle's Blog you are on the right track.  You can find a complete listing of blog participants by clicking here.

Paper Fundamentals were used to create this card, pulling from two different packs, so I could use Sunset, Pomegranate and Eggplant.  I stamped the star image in Sunset, using second generation in some cases to create the two tones.  The ornament was stamped and then layered on the Pomegranate patterned paper.  

Gold Sequins and Shimmer Trim kept this card simple, using a different color combination than what may be typical for Christmas.

Thank you for stopping by and now head on over to Melinda's Blog to see her fabulous creation!

Happy hoppin'!

September Stamp of the Month Blog Hop - Paper Garden

WELCOME to our blog hop where we are featuring the September Stamp of the Month, "Paper Garden".  This stamp set has 10 beautiful images and I am excited to see what creativity has sparked the blog hop participants.  This stamp set is yours for just $5 this month, with a qualifying purchase.  The images outlined in red are those cut from our new Artistry Cricut Collection.

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

Our new Watercolor Paints have become one of my new favorite products, among many others.  While I was a little intimidated with them at first, I have explored their potential just a tad.  Unsure what I wanted to do with this stamp set, I decided to stamp the image in Whisper ink (this is a technique I had seen mentioned in a group for CTMH Consultants).  Then, I took the watercolors and painted over the images.  I allowed the watercolors to dictate the color scheme of the rest of the card and incorporated Thistle, Slate, and Black cardstock.  The images were stamped on Colonial White cardstock.

I added the sentiment, stamped in Black, and some Thistle Glacier Twine to finish off the card.  I like the soft visual look this card has which can serve many occasions.  I hope you like it too!  

As always, thank you for stopping by and head on over to Michelle's Blog to see what she has created with this stamp set.  

Happy hoppin'!

August Stamp of the Month Blog Hop - Framed

Welcome to our Blog Hop where we are featuring the August Stamp of the Month, "Framed".  If you are coming from Wendy's Blog you are on the right track.  If you were to get lost along the way you can find a complete list of participants by clicking HERE.

This set can be yours for just $5 with a qualifying order.  Click here to find out more details.

Of course I had to use the NEW paper packet, "Zoe", on this card.  It released today and is a fabulous paper pack!  I know it will be very popular!  I especially LOVE the polka dot pattern - and I am sure you will see me use it on a lot of other artwork creations.  Do you blame me?!

I used Glacier cardstock for the banner strip and flipped over the Polka Dot paper for the houndstooth, Glacier pattern.  Desert Sand and Sorbet inks were used to stamp the frame and sentiment and I had to use the beautiful...AND new...(drum roll please...) Coral Shimmer Trim!  Yep!  It's new and it's beautiful and there are two more new colors to be released on September 1st! This color is available now so make sure to add it to your order this month!  Three Gold Sequins were added to finish off the card.

I loved keeping this card simple and hope you love it!

Please consider leaving a comment and then head on over to Michelle's Blog.

Happy hoppin' and have a great week!

July Stamp of the Month Blog Hop - Life Is Wonderful

If you are coming from Melinda's Blog, you are on the right track.  You can also find a complete list of participants on her blog.

This month we are featuring the July Stamp of the Month called, "Life is Wonderful".  Life is wonderful, indeed, and I thank God for that!  Remember, these exclusive stamp sets, which are only available during their unique month, are just $5 with a $50 purchase.  I am looking forward to seeing all the creative projects made using this stamp set so...shall we get started?

I used the stamp set to decorate the front of this inexpensive notebook I bought at Michael's.  I needed a new one for making notes for my Close To My Heart business.

I used our Paper Fundamentals for the circle I placed behind the "Wonderful" sentiment.  Smoothie Striped Washi Tape was used to make the banner and I used Archival Black ink to stamp the sentiment on top, using the heat gun to set it.  Some Smoothie ink, Outdoor Denim cardstock, Coral Reef Sequins and Clear sparkles finished off the fun cover!  I am excited to be able to use it.  (This color combination of Smoothie and Outdoor Denim was inspired by two tops I recently purchased.  I kinda love them together!)

Don't you think it looks a lot better than how it started?!  I hope you say 'yes'!

Here is a close-up of the embellishments.

Thank you for taking a moment to stop by.  Feel free to leave a comment and then head on over to Sheila's Blog and check out her fun artwork using this stamp set.

Wishing you a July filled with fun!

June Stamp of the Month Blog Hop - Ice Cream Dream

If you are coming from Nikka's Blog, you are on the right track!  Should you get lost along the way, please visit Melinda's Blog for a complete list of bloggers.

This month there are 50+ Close To My Heart Consultants featuring this fun stamp set, "Ice Cream Dream".  I have already made a few fun things with it but am excited to create more!  It is one of those must-have stamp sets!  And did you know you can get it for just $5 with a $50 purchase?  It's true.  You can.  Just contact me or your Independent Consultant to place yours on your June order.

I absolutely love the look of this finished project (card) and hope you do too!  Of course, the photos never do the artwork justice.  I incorporated the Polka Dot textured background using our embossing folder on Cotton Candy cardstock.  Then, I did incorporate the "Bit of Blot" technique I highlighted on this blog post - click HERE - which is shown on page 55 in the Annual Inspirations Idea Book.  It truly is fun so I encourage you to try it; the more blots, the better.

I used our ShinHan markers to color in part of the sentiment and the sundae.  Doesn't it look yummy?  To finish off the card, I added some Lagoon Hearts Washi Tape (applying it to White Daisy cardstock first and then cutting a dovetail) and some Pixie Extra Thick Twine.  Both the sentiment and the sundae are 3-D.

Would love for you to leave a comment to let me know what you think of my card.  It is always fun to read people's comments.  Then, head on over to Judy Faye's Blog to see what she has up her sleeve.  No doubt there is going to be some fun stuff shared in this hop!

Happy hoppin'!

Just Sayin' - May Stamp of the Month Blog Hop

Welcome to our Blog Hop featuring Close To My Heart's May Stamp of the Month, "Just Sayin'"!  There are almost 70 of us showcasing our creations with this fun stamp set.  Did you know you can purchasing it during the month of May for just $5 with a $50 purchase?!  It's true, you can and it is valued at $17.95!

If you have come from Michelle's Blog, you are on the right track!  You can find a complete listing of participants, should you get lost along the way, at Melinda's Blog.

I had fun creating this card using three of the images in the stamp set.  I random-stamped the circle, in Lagoon ink, on Glacier cardstock.  On the piece of Smoothie cardstock, I scored it on our awesome Score Board, used the distressing tool to expose the white core of our paper, and then stamped the dove-tailed, washi-like image in Smoothie ink in between them.

A small strip of Canary cardstock, with some hand-drawn stitches, a strip of White Shimmer Trim, and a few white Sequins finished it off nicely.  I especially love the color combo for this card and hope you do too.

Thank you for stopping by and please consider leaving a comment before heading over to Wendy's Blog.

Happy hoppin'!

April Stamp of the Month - Typed Note Blog Hop

If you are coming from Michele Rowley's Blog, you are on the right track.  You can find a complete list of participants, and their links, at Melinda's Blog.

There are over 65 of us highlighting this fun and very popular stamp set, "Typed Note"!  Many of my customers were awaiting the arrival of the stamp set and the time is now!  I cannot wait to see what everyone has come up with and hope it inspires you to do something with it!  Don't forget that you can get it for just $5 when you purchase just $50 in product!  It's valued at $17.95!

I made my card using the Wanderful paper packet.  I LOVE this polka dot pattern on the Crystal Blue background.  I used a piece of Thistle cardstock to coordinate with the sentiment.  (And check out all the sentiment options available in this stamp set!)

I incorporated some Black Shimmer Trim and Silver Sequins to finish it off and if you know me...the Typewriter was made 3-D with our Thin Foam Tape.  I love the added dimension!

It was a fun card to make and I cannot wait to create more this month!  Feel free to leave a comment before heading over to Melinda's Blog to check out what she has in store for you!

Happy hoppin'!