"Dazzling Dimension" Technique Blog Hop

Welcome to this month's Technique Blog Hop where we are featuring Close To My Heart products as we create artwork aligned with the theme, "Dazzling Dimension". 

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

For today's creation, I decided to make a card that was cheerful and festive based upon the paper, stamp images and sentiment I chose to use. 

I absolutely love this stamp set, and coordinating Thin Cuts, from the Daisy Meadows product line. While it has BIG images, perfect for scrapbooking, I have enjoyed also incorporating them into greeting cards. The fun and festive paper is from the Party Time paper packet. Of course I love the colors as well as the polka dot/circle images.

Here are some close-up photos of the floral images:

I used the Tri-Blend Markers color them in.

Some of the petals and leaf images were created and cut out separately in order to add some additional dimension to the floral cluster.

I couldn't resist adding some Clear Sparkles and a Wood Heart, colored with a Tri-Blend. Of course you'll also see some shimmer sprinkled in from the use of the Clear Shimmer Brush. 

Continue making your way around the hop and begin by heading over to Lauren's Blog. I know you will enjoy all of the great creations we have to share with you today. Thank you, in advance, for leaving a comment before you do so. Happy hoppin'!

List of Participants:

1. Melissa Robinson *YOU ARE HERE*
2. Lauren Moore
3. Cat Nowak
4. Brandi Robinson
5. Michelle Loncar
6. Haley Dyer
7. Wendy Kessler
8. Katy Taylor
9. Kim Loewen
10. Maz Wood
11. Miss Carrie
12. Tamara Sandwisch

Stamptacular Blog Hop

 

Welcome to this Blog Hop where we are featuring FANTASTIC acrylic stamp sets made by Close To My Heart! Did you know they are ON SALE this month as part of the Stamptacular Special?! That's right! You can find all the details here with many to choose from. 

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. 

This card was made with the Mix-In Paper Packet (March - April). I loved being able to rely on the color combination used on the floral zip strip and then just kept adding additional coordinating elements.

I continue to say the Mix-In papers are my favorite in each Idea Book and that still holds true!

The design for this card is from the NEW Volume 5, Make It From Your Heart How-To Book! It's a definite must-have. It contains both layout and card sketches. I am enjoying having a new resource with awesome inspiration!

The Besties - Zoey Stamp + Thin Cuts set has been calling my name for quite some time but this is the first time using it. I think the adorable images, and sweet sentiments, in these stamp sets are totally fun and of course, very girly. There are quite a few stamp sets in the "Besties" line. Be sure to click on the link to go check them out. In fact, you might just need all of them. 

I did white emboss the sentiment and love how it looks on the Peacock cardstock. Tri-blend alcohol markers were used to color in the images and I couldn't resist adding a Bitty Sparkle for some earings on the girl and a little bling on the cat's bow.

I have so many artwork pieces made with the stamp sets that are on sale. I tend to buy stamp sets I absolutely love and, well, there are plenty of them! Be sure to check out all that is available to you this month, at a great discount; you'll be glad you did. 

Thank you for stopping by. Consider leaving a comment and then head over to Melinda's Blog. I'm confident you will be inspired with all the artwork you see as you make your way around the Blog Hop. ENJOY!

Make it from your heart,

What's Your Angle? Heart 2 Heart Challenge

Welcome to the first Heart 2 Heart Challenge in April! The theme is "What's Your Angle?" and you can interpret that how you choose! Once you create something, incorporating at least one Close To My Heart product, be sure to link up to the challenge on the Blog.

For my creation, an interpretation of "angle", I decided to use the Stitched Hexagon Thin Cuts. I mean, I'm a Math Teacher so I immediately thought about Geometry! LOL 

This fantastic and simple treat holder was shared on the Make It From Your Heart Blog, by CTMH. You can watch the video instruction here and give it a try for yourself.

By using the largest hexagon, creating a few fold lines and making a couple of cuts, it's simple to create a treat packet out of this Thin Cut! It was super easy and it's super cute, don't you think? I can see it being used for many occasions.

Consider partcipating in our Challenge and telling us, "What's your angle?" We look forward to it!

Make it a great week!

Pocket Card Perfection Blog Hop

 

Welcome to our Blog Hop where we are featuring Pocket Cards from the Pocket Card Perfection Special that ends at the end of this month! This exclusive collection includes 4" x 6" and 3" x 4" cards that coordinate with the Party Time and Lovely Collections. You can buy them separately or save 20% when you buy them as a Bundle! 

As you go through this Blog Hop, you will see a variety of ways these pocket cards, called "Picture My Life" Cards with Close To My Heart, can be incorporated into artwork. I can't wait to see what the other participants have to share with you!

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

I  have made a 13-card set from the Party Time Picture My Life cards. I decided to showcase this one in the Blog Hop; it might just be one of my favorites and I love how easy it came together. 

The 4" x 6" pocket card, with the banner image, was cut to leave a 1/8" border on the card base. I trimmed a 1/2" off the top and 1/4" off the bottom so it measured 5 1/4" x 4". 

I cut out the two gifts from this 3" x 4" card and then put them, 3-D, on the bottom left area. I did use Thin 3-D Foam Tape to adhere them, for some dimension. 

I couldn't resist adding three of the Lemonade Dots from the In This Together Special (that ends this month). 

Aren't these super FUN colors? Be sure to get you a package (or two) of the In This Together Dots. 

Be sure to head over to my friend, Krista's Blog, to see what she has created to share with you. I'm sure you'll love it! Consider leaving a comment before you do so!

March/April NEW PRODUCT Blog Hop

 

Welcome to our New Product Blog Hop where we are featuring artwork made with products released March 1st in our NEW March/April Idea Book! You can get a FREE hard copy by placing an order of any size OR, in the meantime, you can view the digital version on my website.

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.

The Daisy Meadows paper packet was paired with the adorable Daisy Meadows - Cardmaking stamp set to create this simple "hoppy birthday" card.

I used tri-blend markers to shade in the bunny parts and couldn't resist adding a little bit of Clear Shimmer Brush for a touch of sparkle.

There are so many fabulous products contained within this Idea Book so be sure to go check out all the goodness! 

Be sure to make your way around the Hop to see what the other participants have created to share with you. Cat's Blog is next on the list! Enjoy a great end to your week and the start of a weekend!

"Altered Wooden Shapes" Technique Blog Hop

 

Welcome to this month's Technique Blog Hop where we are featuring Close To My Heart products, while showcasing "Altered Wooden Shapes". If you are coming from Tamara's Blog, you are on the right track. You can find a complete list of participants at the bottom of this post.

Close To My Heart offers a wide variety of wood-related items but this month we are focusing on the Wooden Shapes. I choose to go with the Wood Hearts for my project. There are a variety of ways you can alter them and I look forward to the other participants, of this Blog Hop, showing their ideas with you. 

This card is one from our Create with Heart Cardmaking Subscription. I choose to alter it slightly by incorporating a wood heart, and adding some Silver Embellishing Thread and Blue Belle Glitter Gems. 

To alter the wood heart, I used a Sponge Dauber to apply Sapphire ink to it. Then, I added Glisten Stickles Glitter Glue on top of it. Because it is irridescent, it allows the blue to show through. 

This is the original design of this card from the subscription kit. I love how simple they come together. Believe it, or not, the base of the card is totally pre-printed. Doesn't it look great and dimensional? You can keep the designs simple or step it up a bit, like I did. 

I appreciate you stopping by. Be sure to head over to Lauren's Blog to see what she has to share with you. Make it a great week!

Link to Participants:

1. Melissa Robinson *YOU ARE HERE*

2. Lauren Moore

3. Cat Nowak

4. Brandi Robinson

5. Haley Dyer

6. Michelle Loncar

7. Wendy Kessler

8. Darlys Recker

9. Katy Taylor

10. Kim Loewen

11. Tamara Sandwisch

"The Midas Touch" Gold Color Challenge - Heart 2 Heart

Welcome to this week's creative Challenge from Heart 2 Heart! It is titled, "The Midas Touch", where you are asked to incorporate gold into your artwork. Be sure to incorporate at least one product from Close To My Heart and then link up to us on the Heart 2 Heart Blog! We enjoy seeing what you have to share with us!

I went a bit crazy with gold, on this card, but I love the results. I incorporated Gold Foil Paper as the main background and then tossed in the heart patterned paper, forming a banner, from the Gold Foil Patterns Paper Packet. 

Gold embossing was done for the sentiment which is from the "Just a Note" stamp set.

The floral image was also Gold Embossed, on White Daisy Cardstock, and then colored in with some Tri-Blend Markers. The image is from the "Every Bit of Wonderful" stamp set, which I absolutely love!

Join us for this and other challenges posted at Heart 2 Heart. It is always fun to see how others interpret a theme and create fabulous artwork surrounding it. I hope to see something you share! 

"In This Together" Blog Hop

 

Welcome to the "In This Together" Blog Hop where we are featuring this special Collection, only available through the end of this month. (You can view a complete list of this month's Promotions on my website.)

With a gorgeous combination of colors, you can purchase a paper packet, coordinating sticker sheet, enamel dots, a cardstock pack and an exclusive stamp set! All are perfect for preserving the happy memories from the past year, or great for some mail for someone you miss. 

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. 

I decided to make a sweet and simple card using this image from the stamp set. "Virtual Hugs" is definitely something I am sending my family and friends often, as it's been way too long since I have seen many of them. 

Look at these adorable images, from the stamp set, that are perfect for these unfortunate times. At least they make me chuckle a bit. 

I incorporated some paper-piecing by stamping the image on Pewter cardstock and then cut around the keyboard. I did add Clear Shimmer Brush on the laptop screen and it photographed better than it usually does (go figure LOL). 

You can choose to saving some money by buying a workshop kit or bundle, or choose to purchase your favorite items separately. 

Thanks so much for stopping by. Consider leaving a comment before you head over to Darlys's Blog to see what she has created to share with you.

"Winged Masterpiece" Stamp of the Month Blog Hop

Welcome to the March Stamp of the Month Blog Hop where we are featuring, "Winged Masterpiece".

This gorgeous stamp set, which contains 15 beautiful images, can be yours this month for $5, or FREE (as a VIP), with a qualifying $50 order. The designs of the stamp set are perfect for various occasions and the butterfly and dragonfly are perfect to welcome in Spring!

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.

I enjoyed making this card while incorporating various products and some fun techniques. First of all, don't you LOVE that Black Ore Paper? It has a shimmery, metallic finish that I absolutely love. It's the first time I used it!

To create that distressed area behind the butterfly, I used the Peacock Feathers Oxide Ink and applied it to the White Daisy Cardstock using a Foam Tool. For the "splotches", that was created using the Lagoon Ink Pad and Small Waterbrush Pen. 

The butterfly was heat embossed (Staz-On with Clear Embossing Powder) on Vellum Paper and then colored it, with Tri-Blend Markers, on the backside (so it doesn't smear). I chose to glue down just the abdomen so that it had dimension. For finishing touches, I added the banners, putting Clear Shimmer Brush on top of the piece of Pixie cardstock, which also gave the "ore-like" look. A few Black Dots, including one on the face/thorax finished it off. (How do you like the use of scientific terms? LOL)

I was really excited to see how it turned out and can't wait to make more with this stamp set!

Now, head on over to Lauren's Blog to see what she has created to share with you. Then, be sure to make your way around the entire Blog Hop to see all of the fantastic inspiration. We enjoy having you and appreciate you leaving comments, to share your thoughts.

Here's wishing you a GREAT March!

It's a Sketch Challenge on Heart 2 Heart!

Welcome to this week's Heart to Heart Challenge where we are tossing in a Card Sketch! It was first published by Close To My Heart, with some fabulous samples, on their Make It From Your Heart Blog.

The dimensions have been provided for you, for a standard-size card, and you can create something fun with a theme of your choice. Be sure to incorporate at least one Close To My Heart product in your creation. Then, link up to us at Heart 2 Heart.

This card combines several of my favorite products including the Mix-Ins Paper Packet (this particular pattern just sold out), the Whole Lotta Love Stamp Set + Thin Cuts, and beautiful colors to include Espresso, Toffee, Canary, Avacado, and Pixie. 

Of course, I couldn't resist adding some Clear Shimmer Brush to the hearts and steam, for a little added sparkle. I so love this card and hope you do as well.

I look forward to seeing your creations on Heart 2 Heart! Make it a great week and month!