"Every Bit of Wonderful" Blog Hop

Welcome to this Blog Hop where we are featuring this specific stamp set, "Every Bit of Wonderful". Are you wondering why? 

Did you know Close To My Heart supports the non-profit organization, Operation Smile, which provides facial surgeries to children with cleft palate? We have raised millions of dollars and provided life-changing miracles for many across the world! All it takes is $240 per surgery.

With every purchase of this stamp set, $7 are donated to the live-saving mission of Operation Smile. Consider adding it to your next order, if you don't already have it and if you do, enjoy being inspired by the artwork you see on this Hop. You can also round up your orders or contribute a specific, and additional amount, when checking out on my website. 

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

I incorporated more fall-ish/wintery colors on this card I created...and I love it! I did use the tri-blend markers to color in the floral and leaf images. And don't you just love the sentiments that are part of this set?! I so do! 

Here is another piece of artwork, a 6" x 8" page, I made as some recognition items for several team members. 

If you want to read more about Operation Smile, and how we support them, you can click on this link. Grab some tissues before you watch the video. You'll also see other opportunities to purchase related items on my website. 

Now, head on over to Cat's Blog to see what she has to share with you. I can't wait to see the rest of the inspiration provided by the other participants. Happy hoppin'!

"Happiness Never Grows Old" CTMH December Stamp of the Month

Welcome to the Stamp of the Month Blog Hop where we are showcasing the one for December called, "Happiness Never Grows Old".

The beautiful stamp set contains these 11 images shown in the image above. From the rose clusters, and encouraging sentiments, you can get this stamp set for FREE (as a VIP Member) or for $5, with a qualifying $50 purchase. You can view all details about the Stamp of the Month Program here. (It retails for $18.95.)

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

To create this card, I random-stamped some of the smaller images on Blue Belle cardstock, on the light side, with the same color ink. The striped paper on the far left is from the Mix-ins paper pack and I couldn't resist adding the gorgeous Sapphire Glitter Paper. 

For the rose image, I embossed it on the darker side of Sapphire cardstock, with Gold Embossing Powder. I used the Rare Minerals Metallic Markers to color in the images. It is a simple technique that creates such beauty. Do you agree?

I wanted Sapphire-like gems and used the True Blue Shades Tri-Blend Marker to color Silver Glitter Gems. I actually added two layers on it to get the darker shade of blue. I love this sentiment that I chose to include on this card and hope you do too!

I really appreciate you stopping by my blog and hope you enjoyed this card! Now, head on over to Wendy's Blog, to see what she has created to share with you. 

Happy hoppin'! 

"Eat, Drink and Be Merry" Blog Post

Welcome to my blog where I am showcasing artwork for the "Eat, Drink and Be Merry" theme for the Heart 2 Heart Challenge. You have until the end of November to participate in this and other challenges. Visit the Blog to see how you can link up and showcase your artwork with us and others. Be sure to use at least one product from Close To My Heart in your creation. 

I went with the "be merry" part of this theme. LOL I wasn't sure what I wanted to create and then designed this Christmas card that I think is festive and very merry. I hope you agree! 

The design is simple, and the paper is from our Mix-Ins pack - which I absolutely LOVE! I copied the design from an image contained in our November/December Idea Book (page 23). If you don't have a hard copy, you can get one FREE with an order of any size, and you can view the digital version here in the meantime. 

The layering on the poinsettia, which includes Scarlet and Evergreen Glitter Paper, was achieved through the use of the images and Thin Cuts used from the Comfort & Joy - Scrapbooking Stamp Set and Thin Cuts. 

I pray this week of Thanksgiving is a blessed and enjoyable one for you and your loved ones, despite the times we are currently experiencing. Consume yourself in papercrafting, if possible. That does wonders for me!

November/December NEW Product Blog Hop!

Welcome to our Blog Hop where we are featuring artwork made with products from our newest Supplemental Idea book which went live November 1st! You will love ALL things inside, including wonderful product and fabulous creations made with them. 

You can get a hard copy in your hands by placing an order of any size. In the meantime, flip through the digital pages found through this link. 

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

I enjoyed making this 6" x 8" scrapbook page which fits perfectly within our Everyday Life Albums. I love the size of it where sometimes just a photo or two are needed to document that special occasion. 

I loved keeping the page relatively simple by including a few stamped images, the fun striped paper, and a few banners. Of course, I couldn't resist adding some gems for added accents. 

The page was created using the whimsical Jingle Joy paper pack, and the coordinating Scrapbooking stamp set. You can see some of the wonderful coordinating products which are available for purchase.

 

The stamp set can be purchased with or without the coordinating Thin Cuts. I don't know about you but I so love being able to cut these images using a diecut machine rather than having to fussy-cut them. And the price is wonderful! You can view your products options here. 

Now, head on over to Cat's Blog to see what artwork she has to share with you. Consider leaving a comment before you do so. Happy hoppin'!

"Inky Fingers" CTMH Technique Blog Hop

Welcome to our Blog Hop where our artwork is focused on the theme of "Inky Fingers". Participants were asked to focus their attention on any inks carried by Close To My Heart. I am confident you will find some fun artwork as you make your way around the Blog Hop.

If you are coming from Maz's Blog, you are on the right track. You can find a complete list of participants at the bottom of this post.

This card is a result of my first attempt at Oxide inks. I wasn't sure of my blending effort, when just looking at the paper. Truthfully, it looked like a big mess. LOL But then I sprayed it a little bit with water and it began to take on a new look. It's amazing what a little spritz of water will do. 

I then stamped the image, with Archival Black Ink - after it was completely dry, and then fussy-cut around the image. 

You can see a close-up of the additional elements I included. The paper is from our Mix-Ins and I added some Silver Thread and Silver Glitter Gems.

The silver polka dotted paper, which I love, is from the Silver Foil Patterns paper pack. The photo in the Idea Book does not do it justice. It's absolutely beautiful with the different patterns they have incorporated. (We have a Gold pack as well.)

I appreciate you visiting my blog. Head on over to Cat's Blog to see what she has created to share with you! Consider leaving a comment before you do so. I always love to hear from you!

Participants:

1. Melissa Robinson *YOU ARE HERE
2. Cat Nowak
3. Michelle Loncar
4. Haley Dyer 
5. Lauren Moore
6. Brandi Robinson
7. Katy Taylor
8. Alyson Mayo
9. Darlys Recker
10. Wendy Kessler
11. Michelle Johns
12. Maz Wood

Blue Belle Heart 2 Heart Challenge

We are higlighting Close To My Heart's Color of the Year, "Blue Belle", in our products for this week's Heart 2 Heart Challenge. You can participate throughout the month of November by aligning with the identified theme while incorporating at least one CTMH product in your creation.  

I absolutely LOVE the November Stamp of the Month, "You Warm My Heart"! The awesome stamp set has such wonderful images that totally make me think of this time of the year and I couldn't resist using the slice of pie image to create this card! It definitely makes me want some pumpkin pie. What about you?

I used the Wood grain and Mix-ins paper packs for the background and couldn't resist adding in a small strip of Blue Belle Glitter Paper for a sparkly accent.

I used the Tri-blend markers to color in the pie, whip cream, and leaf images. Are you wondering what stamp set the leaves are from? Keep reading...

This is the stamp set that is part of the "Moments Like These" Calendar project (available through December 31, 2020, while supplies last). When I saw the stamp set and images, of course I realized how perfect it is for the calendar. However, I also LOVE the small images that can be used for accents on artwork and for other projects...soon to come! 

You can purchase the calendar products as a bundle, saving 20%, or you can also purchase items individually. Be sure to go check it out by visiting the link. 

To finish off the card, I added some sequins and shimmer from the Clear Shimmer Brush. You can view all of the related Blue Belle products by clicking on this link. 

Thanks so much for stopping by today! Don't forget to connect with us at Heart 2 Heart! We love to see what you create! 

Holiday Cards Blog Hop

Welcome to our Blog Hop where we are featuring Holiday Cards using Close To My Heart products. If you are coming from Becca's Blog, you are on the right track. You can find a complete list of participants by clicking here. 

Close To My Heart has a variety of holiday-related products, perfect for preserving memories or for sending handcrafted items to friends and family members. In fact, we just released this NEW Idea Book on November 1st that contains two new paper collections - "Jingle Joy" and "Serenity". They are a MUST to check out!

You can view a digital copy of the idea book by clicking here or you can get it free with any order.

I enjoyed keeping this card simple with the use of the Stitched Hexagons Thin Cuts. 

By cutting out 7 of the 2nd smallest hexagons, from different patterned paper in the Comfort & Joy pack plus Gold Glitter Paper, this card was super easy to make!

I did splash some Candy Apple Shimmer Brush on the card front AND used the Jingle Joy - Scrapbooking stamp set for the sentiment and gold embossed bell. 

Look at all these awesome and festive images, perfect for more than scrapbooking, don't you think?! 

I truly appreciate you stopping by and know you'll enjoy seeing the other holiday cards as you make your way around the hop, continuing with Cat's Blog. Have a wonderful weekend!

"Thankful" Heart 2 Heart Challenge

Welcome to this week's Heart 2 Heart Challenge where we are creating and showcasing artwork aligned with the theme "Thankful". It's a perfect time of the year to do so, especially with all that we are experiencing. 

I considered creating a specific thankful-themed card and then decided to share this one. I used a techniqued called "starburst"as the main background. It's super fun and easy and I've taught it in my Customer Group. 

The Lovely paper pack was used and I added Blue Belle Glitter Paper for a little 'sparkly'. I hope you like it.  

Consider participating in the "Thankful" Challenge. Head on over to the Heart 2 Heart Blog and link up to show us your artwork. 

Have an awesome week!

"You Warm My Heart" November Stamp of the Month Blog Hop

 

Welcome to this month's Stamp of the Month Blog Hop where we are highlighting the "You Warm My Heart" stamp set. 

This set of 19 images is valued at $18.95 but you can get it FREE, or for $5, with a qualifying purchase! With the holiday and winter images - I can't wait for pumpkin pie or hot cocoa, personally - it's perfect for this time of the year! You can read about the Stamp of the Month Special by clicking on this link. 

To get it FREE, read more about the VIP Program which provides that benefit and several others. 

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

This card brings me holiday joy and I hope it does the same for you. I LOVED incorporating these fun papers from the Mix In pack as I decided to head a bit whimsical with this one. 

I couldn't resist using various images from the stamp set and included some paper-piecing to get the two colors on the cup. 

One of my favorite new products is the Stitched Bracket Thin Cuts. I love being able to use them as an  accent, where I included the cozy sentiment. Isn't it cute?!

To view the details of this paper pack, you can click on this link. It's wonderful to be able to mix in with other current paper packs. 

I couldn't resist including some Silver with Glitter Paper, Glitter Gems and I aded some Clear Shimmer Brush to the word "cozy" after adding a little wash with a Tri-Blend Marker. 

Thank you so much for stopping by my blog. I truly appreciate and value your comments, if you're inclined to leave one. :) Head on over to Cat's Blog to see what artwork she has to share with you.