In Any CASE...with Melinda and Melissa

Join us twice a month as we CASE, “Copy And Selectively Edit”, artwork created by the Art Department of Close To My Heart as showcased in the current Idea Books and our Make It From Your Heart How-To Books.

On the 2^nd and 4^th Thursday of each month, at 7 pm CST, we will direct you towards a piece of art and recreate it using the exact products or others that compliment its initial design. Tips, techniques and assembly directions will be shared in detail to help you recreate them on your own.

As you reproduce the items we have shared, post them on social media using the hashtag #ctmhinanycase. We will randomly search that hashtag and reward those who CASE our items. Winners will be announced on our blogs so be sure to follow us!

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This week I am creating the "This Girl Can" card featured on page 58 of the BRAND NEW Seasonal Expressions Idea Book. (You can view it online, receive one FREE when you place an order, or contact me to mail you a copy.) Melinda will be sharing "Boy Wonder" with you.

The card was made with this "Super Girl" stamp set. Isn't it SUPER fun?! The Thin Cuts (pictured on the magnetic mat) make is really easy to get a diecut image that eliminates fussy-cutting for some images. I can envision other cards made with this stamp set and can't wait to do so real soon.

I had a blast recreating this card. Each element contributed to a happy card and the Super Girl...for real! ADORABLE! 

It's fun that two paper lines were used on this design, Chelsea Gardens and Stargazer. Who would have thought they would come together as well as they did?

I colored in the image with our Watercolor Paints and love that I get automatic shading since I have limited artistic abilities. LOL

VIDEO
Sit back, relax, and check out this video that shows you how I assembled this card.

I hope the video gives you some insight so you can create a similar card to share with us! We love seeing what you create and will be searching #ctmhinanycase soon. Use the card sketch or sample card to create something of your own. JOIN THE FUN!

Here is a digital sketch representative of the dimensions of this 5 1/2" x 4 1/4" card, reducing the need for much thought. #ctmhinanycase

Supply List:

• B1582 Super Girl Stamp + Thin Cuts
• X7229C Stargazer Complements
• Z4143 Stargazer Dots
• Z3216 White Twine
• Z3132 Watercolor Paints
• Z3224 Waterbrush - Small Round
• Z2060 Thin 3-D Foam Tape
• X7230B Gardens Paper Pack
• X7229B Stargazer Paper Pack
• Z1836 Non-stick Micro-tip Scissors
• Z1279 VersaMat
• Z3372 Adhesive Runner
• Z1204 Bone Folder

Be sure to visit Melinda's Blog to see what she has CASEd. See you again on January 25, 2018 for the next episode of "In Any CASE..."! 

Dear, Friend... (BLOG CANDY!)

This card was made with Chelsea Gardens product line and was fun and simple to put together. (It is a design of the CTMH Art Department.)

**BLOG CANDY**

Do you have a friend you would love to send this card to? If so, leave a comment with his/her name. I'll do a drawing and announce the winner here on my blog post on Sunday, January 14, 2018. If you win, I'll mail this card to you so you can do as desired - or I'll send it to that person for you! :) (CTMH Consultants are not eligible.) Be sure to watch my blog so you will know if you win! 

Heart 2 Heart Challenge: Winter Blues

We're starting another fun week at Heart 2 Heart with an artwork challenge titled, "Winter Blues". When you hear those two words or short phrase, what does it make you think about? Of course, I thought of "winter"...snow...cold...but I didn't have any supplies that would lend itself to that so I went a different direction and focused on the color blue. This was the result!

While this card is simple, it contains some awesome products that make it super fun! I hope you think so as well!

Let's start with the "Make Waves - Cardmaking" stamp set and Thin Cuts. Aren't the images and sentiments CUTE and punny?! I love them and am all about the puns these days. They sure bring happy, don't they?! I stamped the whale and sentiment in Black ink.

You can see the polka dot pattern pulled in quite a bit here. You can never go wrong with polka dots! The Peacock ribbon is from the Enchantment Ribbon Pack and contains this ribbon and twine. The polka dot paper came from the Chelsea Gardens paper pack. You've seen me use it quite a bit. (It is my favorite paper pattern out of all the new ones. LOL) And I added a couple of Black Dots.

This was the resulting color combination for the cardstock: Glacier, Peacock and Charcoal.

Now, head on over to the Heart 2 Heart Challenge and show us your artwork associated with "Winter Blues". Be sure to use a Close To My Heart product on your creation and link up at the bottom of the associated post. I can't wait to see what you create and share!

Whatever you make, be sure to...Make It From Your Heart!

Transport Your Products in Style!

You can travel to your papercrafting events, in style, with Close To My Heart's newest Designer Travel line! I received one of each of these yesterday and I love every bit about it. Below, I've shared some details about each piece, a video walk-through of them, and a way you can get all of this for HALF OFF like I did!

These two beautiful Carry-all Cases stack so nicely on top of one another on the Trolley, designed especially for them. They can store anything you want with two great options shown below. Keep reading...

Add the Paper Insert to one of the Carry-all Cases and you have a great way to store and/or transport your paper!

One of my friends tested mine out yesterday and hardly filled a portion of it with all she put inside. Of course, I'm not going to load mine down too much since I especially appreciate the compact-size of this travel piece and don't want it too heavy. It will definitely help me plan and prepare for projects I'll work on at events or share at parties!

In this Carry-all Case you can store stamp pads, inks, markers, blocks, tools, and anything else you want! More details on these pieces are provided below but first...take a look at this great video that provides an overview of the portable organization.

What'd you think? Isn't it fabulous?! It's not only purposeful, it's stylish and durable! What questions do you have?

The Carry-all Case is a hard-case bag with gold accents, attaches to the trolley easily and fits the paper insert or other Designer Travel storage cases shown below. The outside pocket is great for transporting many things and inside, there is a large pocket. It is beautiful!

This Paper Insert is a 7-pocket accordion-style insert that holds 12" x 12" papers and easily snaps into the Carry-all Case.

When you purchase the Marker Case, you can store up to 26 markers. It has a zip closure.

With five internal mess pockets of various sizes, this Tool Case can hold various tools and embellishments. 

And you're acrylic blocks can be stored in the Block Case. It, too, has five internal mess pockets sized to hold My Acrylix blocks and has a zipper closure. 

All three of the cases have a sewn-in tag that identifies their contents for ease of accessing what you need.

You can hold 10 stamp pads (not 15 as noted in the idea book) in the Ink Case. It contains 2 movable dividers and a zipper closure.

And last, but not least, store 15 stamp sets in the Stamp Case. It also contains two movable dividers and a zipper closure. 

The foldable Trolley, which is small to store, holds two stacked carry-all cases. With 360-degree wheels, you can easily roll your supplies wherever you need. The pull-out foot is perfect for providing stability as you fill your Designer Travel items with all the products you need to create!

So how can you earn this for half-off?! Host a party - in person, on Facebook, take catalog orders, etc. - and when the sales total gets to $350, you can elect to choose this as your half-off item! That's on top of the FREE products that you will receive. (You can obtain and read the full flyer here.)

This is a FABULOUS price to get all these wonderful items and how I got them! Gotta love saving some money! Of course, you can choose to purchase the items individually and progressively. 

If you would like to host an event for me, I would love that! In fact, I'll be offering something special to my VIP Members who do so for me. Head there to find out what that is in the next couple of days and let me know if you have any questions. 

I'll have these beauties with me at the "Let's Crop in the New Year" Crop on Saturday, January 13, 2018. (You can find details, and RSVP through the 10th, on this link.)

Enjoy the rest of your weekend! 

Happy Thoughts!

I am grateful for those who stopped by my Open House today where I had new products on display. It was great to visit and share our enjoyment of papercrafting.

While photos are great there is just something special about seeing the products in person. To provide guests with an opportunity to play with some of the new products, they were provided the opportunity to make this greeting card that is made with the Chelsea Gardens paper pack and stamp set. Light Grey Ribbon was added as an embellishment.

You may have noticed that I've used this stamp set quite a bit on recent artwork and I have plenty more to share with you! I like the images and the various sentiments that are perfect for greeting cards. Of course, they go perfectly with the Chelsea Gardens product line, as intended. ;) 

To those who stopped by today, or watched the live video in the VIP Group, thank you! I enjoy sharing Close To My Heart with you and appreciate you joining me for this fun event. 

You, Too, Can Make Handmade Cards!

If you've ever wanted to create a card, or become a Consultant, but think, "I can't do that"! I've got some news for you! YES YOU CAN! 

Close To My Heart provides wonderful support for creating artwork, starting with some simple card and layout designs that we can refer to as Consultants. In turn, we can offer them to people like you at our events. They don't require a lot of supplies but come together beautifully! Wouldn't you agree?

"Creative Insider" is our little secret. Oops! I just shared it with you, didn't I?! :) If you would like to learn how to make this card or other papercrafted items, contact me. I've got some great events kicking off in the new year and continuing through 2018! You can find me on Facebook or email me. I'd love to answer your questions and tell you more!

Open House and NEW PRODUCTS! (Jan. 6, 2018)

I'm having an Open House at my place in Irving, TX, on Saturday, January 6, 2018 and I'd love for you to attend!

I'm excited to showcase many new products and some artwork already created using them. I will open my doors from 10 am to noon and then again from 2 pm to 4 pm. (For those who are long distance, I'll do a live video in my VIP Group at approximately 5 pm CST on Saturday. I'll share all that is displayed for those who attend in person.)

I'll have light snacks, a goodie (or two), a copy of the new Seasonal Expressions, and displays of my artwork. There will also be a make 'n take for you to create! (I will have some retired items for sale to include stamp sets, patterned paper by the sheet, and some other things that will be sold at a discount.)

If you are able to attend, please RSVP by noon on Friday (January 5, 2018) by: (A) Posting a comment at the bottom of this post, (B) Emailing me, OR (C) RSVPing in my VIP Group. Please indicate during which time frame you will attend.

When you RSVP, I'll send you my address and details on how to find me. Consider bringing a friend!

I look forward to seeing you then!

Hand-Decorate Your Love Letters!

How would you like to have beautiful monogram letter like this as a piece of decor in your home or office, with a specialized message, name or saying in the middle? This month YOU CAN!

For National Papercrafting Month, Close To My Heart is featuring a set of beautiful letters kits (A to Z, and "&") designed to be used as elegant monogram decor pieces. Each kit comes with a sturdy chipboard base, a paper and rose-gold overlay piece, die-cut florals, banners, and rose-gold foil alphabet stickers. Finished letters are approximately 12" tall.

Here is a close-up of the floral pieces on my letter. As a thank you, anyone who purchases a kit from me will get a sheet of the Bashful Pearls. They are a great addition to the flower centers. (They are not included in the kit.) 

Check out this brief video that demonstrates how easily this letter comes together. I'll provide a list of the recommended supplies below.

• Adhesive
• Adhering overlay to letter base: Adhesive Runner 
• Flowers: Liquid Glass (used in video) OR Glue Dots (what I used)
• Quilling Tool (what is used to "roll" the flowers and lift/curl the petals)

Let me know which letter you want to order or head on over to my website NOW. :) These are only available while supplies last so don't wait until the last minute or you might be out of luck.

Bloom & Grow - January Stamp of the Month Blog Hop

Happy New Year! Thank you for joining us today as we welcome in the new year and highlight the first Stamp of the Month in 2018, "Bloom and Grow". The title alone let's us know that today, and this month, provides an opportunity for a new start as we make progress towards our dreams and goals in 2018. And speaking of new starts...

NEW PRODUCTS ARE HERE! We have brand new products releasing today in the Seasonal Expression I Idea Book, many that I would guess will be incorporated in the artwork featured in this hop. You can get a FREE copy when you place an order. (Otherwise, contact your Consultant for additional information.)

The stamp set includes 15 images and can be yours for $5 with a qualifying order. The sentiments contain inspiring messages and some beautiful images are also included. You can find all details by clicking here.

If you are coming from Vickie's Blog, you are on the right track. We've got 21 Close To My Heart Consultants highlighting this stamp set so be sure to continue through the blog links to see them all. If you were to get lost along the way, you can find a complete list of participants here.

The beautiful new papers included on this card are from the new line, "Gimme Some Sugar". Aren't they gorgeous? I love the color combination and that floral paper is perfect for the sentiment.

The paper packet has some patterns focused on cooking, recipes, etc. but as always, offers patterns that allow you to use them outside of the obvious theme. You can find the entire Gimme Some Sugar line by clicking on the link where you can enlarge the images and see the details better.

That cute bling... They are Bashful Pearls. A few of them were perfect for a little "bling".

Thank you so much for stopping by my blog. Your visit is always appreciated and welcome. I love to hear from you so please consider leaving a comment before heading over to Cat's Blog to see her wonderful creation.

I wish you all the best in 2018! Happy New Year!

Heart 2 Heart Challenge: "New"

"New" can't apply any easier than at this time of the year with:

• A NEW year
• A NEW Idea Book and
• NEW products!

Woohoo! It's definitely a great day to celebrate and share artwork using Close To My Heart products, while linking up to our weekly challenge at Heart 2 Heart. To participate all you have to do is head on over to the Heart 2 Heart Blog and connect with us at the bottom of the post. We love to see your artwork and are excited about your participation in 2018!

I'm totally thrilled to share this card with you and hope it brings some warmth on this VERY COLD DAY! Two product lines were incorporated into this card. 

The striped paper comes from "Stargazer" which is centered around space and rockets, but also has some patterns that can be used for other themes. 

The sentiment is from the Stargazer - Cardmaking stamp set, which can be purchased with or without the Thin Cuts. Of course I'm anxious to create some additional artwork using other images in this adorable stamp set. Isn't it fun?!

And last, but definitely not least, those beautiful flower images... They are from this stamp set, Chelsea Gardens - Scrapbooking stamp set. To create the two-toned look, I stamped the image in Canary ink and then rolled the edges in Poppy. Fern was used for the leaf color. A few Black Dots were added as a finishing touch. 

As a Consultant, we have the privilege of obtaining new products about a month before they are released to the general public. This allows us to begin preparing our artwork and getting events scheduled so we are ready to share them with you when they debut on days like today! If you would like to know more about the Consultant Opportunity, you can find some information here or you are welcome to contact me with your interest and/or questions.

You have all month to link up to this challenge at Heart 2 Heart. I look forward to seeing your artwork there and wish you all the best in 2018! Happy New Year and happy creating!