Some Bunny Loves You!

This card was too fun to create and darling for this time of the year!  

I used the adorable stamp set, "Hopping By", for the stamped images.  The paper used comes from the Paper Fundamentals Whimsy Assortment.  One side of the paper has a glossy, embossed pattern.  (It does not always photograph well but I think you get the idea.)  I love the texture and variety it offers!

I paper-pieced the carrot and carrot-top.  What does paper-piecing mean?  It means I stamped the original image on a piece of White Daisy cardstock and then stamped it again on the Sunset B&T paper, from the Scaredy Cat Paper Packet, and cut it out.  I stamped the image...one more time...on Pear cardstock and cut out the leafy part.  I glued both pieces on the original stamped image and this was the result.  I used ShinHan markers to color in the rest of the image.  While paper-piecing takes a little bit of time...it sure is worth it!  Try it and let me know what you think!

A scalloped circle cut out of Pear cardstock, and some white accents and I was done!  Because of the glossy texture of the paper, I did stamp the sentiment in Archival Black Ink and allows for it to dry.

I used this sketch from Freshly Made Sketches - #178 to design this card.  Totally love when I have a point of inspiration.  

I hope you enjoy the card.  Feel free to shop on my website if you need some supplies to create handmade Easter/Spring cards!  Click HERE to be directed there.

Happy Thursday!

FREE STAMP SET Giveaway!

Starting TODAY, through Friday, March 20th,  I am giving away this stamp set for FREE!!!!!  It is called "Capture the Day" and it can be yours, that's right... ABSOLUTELY FREE!  Wouldn't it make for some cute Spring-themed cards or layouts?!

What do you have to do to get it for FREE?  Simply place an order of just $35 or more ($50 allows you to get this stamp set FREE and the Stamp of the Month, "Choose Happy", for just $5) from my website and I will mail this stamp set to you when I receive email notification of your order!  DO NOT ADD IT TO YOUR ORDER!

This is the Stamp of the Month for March that you can get for just $5 with a $50 order:

Click HERE to place your order.  I will receive email notification and get the stamp set in the mail to you.  (Please allow 10 days for delivery of this stamp set to your door.)

Thank you for supporting my business!

CTMH Technique Blog Hop - Blank Canvas

Thank you for joining us this month as we highlight the "Blank Canvas" technique as showcase on page 32 in our Annual Inspirations Idea Book.  

If you are coming from Aggie's Blog, you are on the right track.  I am the start of this blog hop.  I list of participants is contained below should you get lost along the way.

We were asked to show the fun and benefits of crafting on our My Creations 6 x 6 Canvas Display.  I have seen so many fun ways they have been used and am excited about what you will see through this hop.  I decided to give my hand at "She Art", a mixed media project, and this is what I came up with!  Does she look like me?! 

My friend, Leisa, sketched out on some scratch paper - it was interesting to see how she sees me - and then I used it to create this home decor' item that I will place in my office area.  

I paper-pieced various types of B&T (much of which came from the Brushed paper packet; the heart was cut out of Yuletide Carol B&T) and various colors of Cardstock.  I cut out some of the floral images from the B&T, cut the honeycomb pattern from the Artbooking Cricut cartridge, and just added some goodies here and there to cutesy it up.  While a bit intimidated when I started, I was pleased with the finished result.  (I used Modge Podge to both adhere and seal my artwork.)  I hope you like it as much as I do!  

Thanks for stoppin' by!  Let me know what you think of my out-of-the-box creation before moving onto Belinda's Blog!  

Here is a list of participants:

1. Melissa Robinson *YOU ARE HERE
2. Belinda McLane
3. Di Crawford
4. Darlys Recker
5. Melissa David
6. Michelle Loncar
7. Marianne Hancock
8. Aggie Peters

Happy hoppin'!

You Need Some Distressing in Your Life?

That is not to be confused with DEstressing although distressing can help relieve any tension you may be experiencing, without endangering anyone or anything.  :)

Check out this quick and awesome video highlighting some of Close To My Heart's distressing tools!

I LOVE our white core and the possibilities it offers for our papercrafted creations.  My favorite technique is probably when I use our Sanding Block to expose the white core, especially when an art project has been embossed with our Embossing Folders.

The Edge Distresser and Sanding Kit are priced right and great to add to your next purchase!  Give distressing a try!  You might like it!

Contact me with any questions and...

Stampers with an Attitude Showcase Picture My Life

This month, members of the Stampers with an Attitude team (associated with Close To My Heart), are highlighting one of our fabulous product lines, Picture My Life!  It is truly phenomenal and probably my favorite right now since it offers so much versatility that goes way beyond scrapbooking.  However, for this Blog Hop, I did decide to use it as created (but don't be afraid to step outside of the box as I am sure you will seen done on other posts).

If you are coming from Catherine's Blog, you are on the right track.  She is a start of the hop and a complete listing of blog participants are located on her blog as well as at the end of this post.

I decided to use the Chalk It Up Picture My Life Scrapbooking Program for my layouts today to commemorate the 2014-2015 when I served as Principal of two elementary campuses in southwest New Mexico.  I still have plenty of pages to create but am thrilled with some of the first few pages.

This is a sample of some of the cards contained in the Chalk It Up program.

You will definitely want to click on the photo for an enlarged view but aren't these class photos just precious?!  I am including the student's names on the back of the card for future reference.  It will be fun to see what these little kiddos turn out to be in several years.

FULL LAYOUT - Click on the image for an enlarged view.

Because all of the class photos were given to me in small sizes - 3 1/2" x 5" - I used some of the 4" x 6" cards as mattes for the photos (and also added some additional mattes in some cases).  I did not want to detract from the photos but instead, get them out of the plastic bag they were in so I can review them from time to time and remember the fun memories of last school year.

LEFT PAGE - Click on the image for an enlarged view.

You can take the cards and simply slide them inside the pocket, adding in your photos and journaling, or you can be a little creative as I have done on some cards.  Here, I used an exacto knife to trim around this makeshift sticky note, allowing my photo to slide underneath it.  Cool, right?!

Click on the image for an enlarged view.

On this page I did include some other cards and techniques just to add to the layout.

RIGHT PAGE - Click on the image for an enlarged view.

 This "Reach for the Stars" banner was located on the center of this 4" x 6" card I used as a matte.  I just cut it out of the card, with an exacto knife, and put it as a 3-D banner on the corner of the photo.  Gotta love being able to use your cards for more than just one thing!

Click on the image for an enlarged view.

 These two sayings, "Keep your face towards the SUN and..." "...the SHADOWS of life will fall behind you" were parts of another card that I trimmed and added with some 3-D foam tape.

Click on the image for an enlarged view.

I hope you love my layout as much I do!  I totally had fun creating it and cannot wait to add in more photos.  This was just Pre-K and 2nd grade!  I have to do all the way through 5th!  WHEW!  Thankfully, Picture My Life will make that Faster. Simpler. Easier.  :)

Please consider leaving a comment before hopping over to Sheila's Blog to view her fun creation!

Here is a list of participants and links to their blogs:

1. Catherine Nowak
2. Melissa Robinson
3. Sheila Bennett
4. Belinda McLane
5. Jen Patrick
6. Christy Geyer
7. Denise Elliott

Happy hoppin'!

March Card Workshop - Hopscotch Picture My Life Cards

Join me on March 30th, from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. in Mansfield, TX, as we make these TEN fun cards using the Hopscotch Picture My Life (PML) Scrapbooking cards.  For just $20 you will get half a set of the PML cards, plus all the extra goodies to make the greeting cards, and will be able to use the other PML cards as you choose on your other projects.  (Don't live locally?  That's okay.  I will mail you the kit for just $25!  Read below for further details.)

 We will add some Gold Sequins, Flaxen Thick Twine, and the Junebug Puffies to cutesy them up.

 Some cards also include some stamped sentiments.

Aren't they fun and cheerful?!  And truly, the photos don't do them justice.

If you would like to attend my class and live locally, visit this Meetup site to sign up.  Payment is required at the time of RSVP as supplies are ordered specifically for those who will be in attendance.

If you and a few friends would like to gather at an other location in the metroplex, let me know.  I'm up for that too!

And...if you need a kit mailed, just select the $25 payment option - to include shipping to your doorstep - and everything will arrive pre-cut, pre-stamped and ready to assemble.  Please allow two weeks for delivery.  (If you are a Consultant and would just like the cutting diagrams and directions, those cost $8 and you can select that payment option below - being sure to include your email address.  These will be sent within 48 hours of receipt of payment.)

Workshop Fee Options

Workshop Kit $20.00 USD Long-Distance Kit w/full pack $25.00 USD Consultant Directions $8.00 USD

Shipping OR Email Address

I look forward to preparing a kit for you!

CTMH Paper Pack Focus - Hopscotch

There are eight of us highlighting this FUN paper packet!  A list of participants is located at the bottom of the post should you get lost along the way.

If you are coming here from Marianne's Blog, you are on the right track!

First of all...isn't this stamp set stinkin' cute?!  LOL  I love it - and obviously picked out this image and these sentiments to use on the card - but the whole thing is cute!

This card design come from our Make It From Your Heart how-to book.  I totally love being able to have a foundation for my creation with the ability focus on the design.  I colored in the image with our ShinHan markers, and used the Colorless Blender to pull ink "off" - making some areas lighter and allowing for the shading.

 I did 3-D the image and then stamped the two sentiments in Black ink and yes...you guessed it!  I added a little piece of Gold Shimmer Trim and

The photos of this paper pack just do not do it justice!  You must see it in person!  It is so fun and cheery!

Now head on over to Melissa David's Blog to see what she has in store for you!

List of participants and the links to their blogs:

1. Melissa Robinson
2. Melissa David
3. Debi Barber
4. Aggie Peters
5. Tonya Whitehurst
6. Judy Faye Garner
7. Terry Morrow
8. Marianne Hancock 

Happy hoppin'!

Confetti Wishes Birthday Cards

Had a workshop last night where I taught these four fun cards!  The ladies who joined me loved them!  Aren't they too fun?!

The Confetti Wishes paper packet and color scheme were included as well as several stamp sets I will list at the end of this post.  

We also incorporated three of our Embossing Folders - Heart, Diamond and Chevron - to create backgrounds for them.

Stamp Sets Used:
D1618 Build-a-Cake
B1464 Puppy Party
B1464 Lovely Birthday

We are expecting another wave of cold and wintery weather here in the Dallas area so I guess it will be a good excuse to stay inside tomorrow!

The original designs came from Christine Adams and she allowed me to scraplift them.  :)

NOW is the RIGHT TIME to JOIN CTMH (and MY TEAM)!

You may have seen things buzzing in the social media world about a BIG campaign that Close To My Heart released first thing in this morning!  It is a phenomenal offer for anyone who joins the CTMH team this month and I would LOVE to add some new team members to my team!

Read below and please click on the links to find more information or...contact me directly by email or at 214-984-0280.  I am happy to answer any questions you have.  When you are ready to sign up, all you have to do is CLICK ON THIS LINK and complete the information as requested.  (Be sure to note your username and password so you can gain access to all of your online resources.)  

I am having a team training in the DFW area on April 18th and it would be a great time for you to come join the fun!  If you do not live locally, don't worry...I still include my long distance team members in the fun!

The Top 5 Reasons to Join CTMH (and my team) in March!

Click on image for enlarged view!

Cardmaker's NEW Consultant Kit!

The Cardmaker’s New Consultant Kit contains a wide selection of Close To My Heart products, ideal for creating stunning cards, all for only $99 USD / $109 CAD! With a retail value over $360 USD / $400 CAD, this kit is a fantastic deal! Join us and discover all the wonderful rewards of being a Close To My Heart Independent Consultant.

CONTENTS OF THE CARDMAKER’S NEW CONSULTANT KIT INCLUDE:

• Annual Inspirations (qty. 5)
• Seasonal Expressions 2 (qty. 15)
• Close To My Heart Cardstock Color Sampler (W471)
• Close To My Heart Paper Fundamentals Sampler (W1133)
• Annual Inspirations B&T Duos™ Sampler (W1130)
• Seasonal Expressions 2 B&T Duos™ Sampler (W1135)
• Petite Perks Incentive Stamp Set (W2031, qty. 5)
• Workshops on the Go® Blossom Cardmaking Kit (G1095)
• Jackson B&T Duos™ Bulk Pack (BULK367)
• Oceanside Sequins (Z3041)
• Durables Triangle Studs (Z1928)
• Teal Shimmer Trim (Z1918)
• Gold Polka-Dot Washi Tape (Z1920)
• Honey Exclusive Inks™ Pad (Z2162)
• Smoothie Exclusive Inks™ Pad (Z2196)
• Pear Exclusive Inks™ Pad (Z2197)
• Archival Black Exclusive Inks™ Pad (44751)
• My Acrylix™ Dizzy Circles (C1610)
• My Acrylix™ Wavy Blooms (D1651)
• My Acrylix™ Finding the Words (D1646)
• 1" × 3½" My Acrylix™ Block (Y1002)
• 3" × 3" My Acrylix™ Block (Y1006)
• ShinHan™ Touch Twin™ Golden Yellow Marker (Z2452)
• ShinHan™ Touch Twin™ Cherry Pink Marker (Z2450)
• ShinHan™ Touch Twin™ Sap Green Marker (Z2463)
• White Cards & Envelopes Value Pack (X254)
• My Creations™ Hip Pics Album (Z1956)
• 3-D Foam Tape (Z1151)
• Non-stick Micro-tip Scissors (Z1836)
• My Acrylix™ Stamp Scrubber (Z1782)
• My Acrylix™ Spritz Cleaner (1778)
• Bonding Memories™ Glue (1512)
• Sponge (Z697), Liquid Glass (Z679)
• Ranger™ White Super Fine Embossing Powder (Z2068)
• VersaMark™ Ink Pad Tsukineko™ (Z891)
• Watercolor Pencils (3505)
• Cello Bags (W1152, qty. 25)

(Some items may not be shown. Contents are subject to change without notice.)

Scrapbooker's NEW Consultant Kit!

The Scrapbooker’s New Consultant Kit includes a huge supply of Close To My Heart products, perfect for creating beautiful scrapbook layouts and pages, all for only $99 USD / $109 CAD! With a retail value over $355 USD / $395 CAD, this kit is a fantastic deal! Join us and discover all the wonderful rewards of being a Close To My Heart Independent Consultant.

CONTENTS OF THE SCRAPBOOKER’S NEW CONSULTANT KIT INCLUDE:

• Annual Inspirations (qty. 5)
• Seasonal Expressions 2 (qty. 15)
• Close To My Heart Cardstock Color Sampler (W471)
• Close To My Heart Paper Fundamentals Sampler (W1133)
• Annual Inspirations B&T Duos™ Sampler (W1130)
• Seasonal Expressions 2 B&T Duos™ Sampler (W1135)
• Petite Perks Incentive Stamp Set (W2031, qty. 5)
• Workshops on the Go® Jackson Scrapbooking Kit (G1094)
• Blossom B&T Duos™ Bulk Pack (BULK368)
• Coral Reef Sequins (Z3042)
• Blossom Assortment (Z3072)
• Glacier Extra Thick Twine (Z3039)
• Teal Shimmer Trim (Z1918)
• Gold Polka-Dot Washi Tape (Z1920)
• Durables Triangle Studs (Z1928)
• Barn Red Exclusive Inks™ Pad (Z2104)
• Juniper Exclusive Inks™ Pad (Z2165)
• Cocoa Exclusive Inks™ Pad (Z2114)
• Glacier Exclusive Inks™ Pad (Z2641)
• Picture My Life™ Jackson Scrapbooking Program (Z3068)
• My Acrylix™ Documenting Moments (D1647)
• My Acrylix™ The Authentic Life (D1644)
• My Acrylix™ Instalife (C1615)
• 2" × 3½" My Acrylix™ Block (Y1009)
• 2" × 6½" My Acrylix™ Block (Y1010)
• 3" × 3" My Acrylix™ Block (Y1006)
• Marvy® Uchida® LePen™ Journaling Pen (Z1979)
• My Legacy™ Black Post-Bound Album (Z2094)
• Memory Protectors™ Sample Pack (W134, qty. 2)
• My Creations™ Hip Pics Album (Z1956)
• Non-stick Micro-tip Scissors (Z1836)
• My Acrylix™ Stamp Scrubber (Z1782)
• My Acrylix™ Spritz Cleaner (1778)
• Bonding Memories™ Glue (1512)
• Sponge (Z697)
• Liquid Glass (Z679)
• Cello Bags (W1152, qty. 25)

(Some items may not be shown. Contents are subject to change without notice.)

Check out THIS LINK for some additional details and THIS LINK to see how much fun we have with my team!

Come on...