Anything Goes Technique Blog Hop

Welcome to this month's Technique Blog Hop where we use Close To My Heart products to showcase papercrafting techniques. However, this month you are in for a treat as the participants can highlight any of their favorite techniques as we titled this, "Anything Goes". 

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

Here is what I have created to share with you today:

For this card, I incorporated a few techniques such as resist embossing and dry embossing. I'll explain my process. 

Using the August Stamp of the Month, "Tutti Frutti Summer" (shown below), I random stamped the strawberry image, with Versamark Ink (Z891), all over this stitched rectangle. I poured White Embossing Powder (Z2068) all over the images, removed the access powder, and heat set it with the Heat Tool. You can see some of those white strawberries on the area to the far left. 

Then, using the "Picked Raspberry" Distress Oxide Ink, and a Foam Tool, I applied ink all over the White Daisy Cardstock. 

Next, I wanted to distress the pink background by spritzing it with some water. I couldn't put my hands on my water bottle quickly so just sprinkled it with my hands. You can see how I got a little too much, for my liking, in the top right area but it ended up being covered by the Green Apple cardstock in my finished project. 

After I applied the drops of water, I used a paper towel to wipe off the pink ink that had stuck to the white strawberries. By doing so, I left this fabulous result. Don't you love it?! I do! This technique is called "Resist Ink Distressing". 

For the strip of Green Apple Cardstock, I did some dry embossing with my Dual-Tip Stylus Embossing Tool. I put my paper in my paper trimmer and measured off in 1/2" and 1/4" increments. Then, I used a sanding block to distress it for the resulting look. 

Lastly, for the strawberry, I didn't want it to have a black outline. I wanted just the fruit image so I stamped it on cardstock using Ballerina ink (light pink) and then used Tri-Blend Markers to color in the image. I fussy-cut it and used Thin 3-D Foam Tape for added dimension. 

A few Black Dots and I called this fun card "done"! I hope you enjoyed it and maybe even learned something new, or were reminded of a technique you haven't done in awhile.

Now, keep making your way around the Blog Hop and head over to Cat's Blog. I'm confident you'll love what you see there! 

Happy hoppin'! 

List of Participants:

1. Melissa Robinson *YOU ARE HERE*

2. Cat Nowak

3. Darlys Recker

4. Haley Dyer

5. Brandi Robinson

6. Maz Wood

7. Lauren Moore

8. Tamara Sandwisch

9. Katy Taylor

10. Krista Hershberger

11. Jayma Malme

12. Michelle Loncar

"Tutti Frutti Summer" August Stamp of the Month Blog Hop

Welcome to our Stamp of the Month Blog Hop where we are featuring, "Tutti Frutti Summer". It's the exclusive stamp set, for August, and can be yours for $5 or FREE (if you're a VIP)! Read all about our Stamp of the Month Special by clicking here. 

There are the 15 images that are included in the stamp set. Aren't they fun for celebrating those summer occasions? 

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

If you know me well, you know I couldn't resist using these bright colors on my card. I chose various colors of the Tri-Blend makers to color in the images. I stamped three times to make the border and I like what it adds to the card. A simple sentiment and White Dots and I called it done! 

Thank you for stopping by to see this simple yet colorful greeting card. I hope you like it!

Head over to CatScrapbooking to view the next piece of artwork as you make your way around our Blog Hop! 

Make it a great month!

"Full Circle" Heart 2 Heart Challenge

I love participating in the artwork challenges created by Heart 2 Heart. It is alway enjoyable to showcase my artwork while seeing what others create! 

This week's theme is "Full Circle" and this is the greeting card I created. 

Are you like me in that you HAD to have the Woodgrain paper packet, from Close To My Heart, but weren't sure how to use it and so it has just sat there? Well, that was me! I was challenged with knowing how to use it with other products and have been creating with it recently! 

I love how this card turned out, with its VERY SIMPLE design! 

I love the s'more sentiment, as well as the s'more image, from the "Wander" Cardmaking Stamp + Thin Cuts set, and decided to use it. With the log paper in the background, I feel they are a perfect match! 

Incorporate "Full Circle" into your creations and link up to us at Heart 2 Heart. Be sure to use at least one Close To My Heart product in your creation, please. 

Wishing you a great month! 

"Christmas In July" Blog Hop

Welcome to our "Christmas in July" Blog Hop where participants are showcasing artwork using currently available products, from Close To My Heart, to celebrate the Christmas holiday during these hot summer months. 

It is perfect for aligning with the return of "White Pines", a previously retired collection that can help you get a headstart on your Christmas papercrafting projects. 

PLUS, a new special called "Holiday Stories", is the perfect mini album for new or past Christmas memories. 

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

  

I used the Holly Jolly Paper Packet to create my card and kept the design relatively simple with the festive colors and paper. 

The Thin Cut and stamped images, to include the sentiment, are all from the Comfort & Joy - Scrapbooking Stamp + Thin Cuts Set (Z3772). I love the beautiful poinsettia that can be created and I decided to toss in a little bit of Scarlet Glitter Paper (Z3839). 

Here is a close-up of the focal point. To add a bit of glitz, I added a Gold Glitter Gem (Z3312) and Gold Embellishing Thread (retired). 

Ink colors used: Almond, Candy Apple, Clover, Black

I hope you like what I have shared with you! It is time for you to go see what Brenda has created on her blog. Have fun on our Blog Hop! I hope you are inspired! 

"Christmas in July" Heart 2 Heart Challenge

Welcome to this week's Heart 2 Heart Challenge where we are featuring artwork focused on "Christmas in July". We invite you to participate, creating artwork of your own, and then link up to us on the Heart 2 Heart Blog. We ask that you incorporate at least one Close To My Heart product in your design.

While the Jingle Joy Collection, has technically retired, quite a few items remain available on my website. This fun and whimsical paper adds some fun color to your Christmas creations. 

I used the Picture My Life cards (aka Pocket Cards) to create some Christmas cards. I love the bright colors of Raspberry and Clover. 

This package of Picture My Life cards includes 24 double-sided pocket cards featuring unique designs, sentiments, and icons. (Not all designs are shown.)

If you will look at the piece of Clover (aka green) cardstock, at the top and bottom, you will see some tone-on-tone stamping with Clover Ink. The star, burst, and tree images are from the Jingle Joy - Scrapbooking stamp set. In creating this card, I felt the card needed a bit more but didn't want to do too much and feel that added texture was just enough. 

I also enjoyed incorporating the Jingle Joy Die-Cuts as additional elements on the cards I created. The black and white designs are great for various types of artwork, including gift tags.

Head over the Heart 2 Heart Blog and show us your artwork! We love it when you do! 

Make it a GREAT week!

July/August New Product Blog Hop

Welcome to our Blog Hop where we are highlighting NEW products released on July 1st in the July/August Idea Book! 

If you are coming from Brandi R - crzy4scrapbooking, you are on the right track.  You can find a complete list of participants by clicking here. 

This card design is a simple one from Volume 4 of Make it From You Heart How-To Book. Thankfully, it allows for a nice big space needed for "Scrappy Lady", a must-have stamp set for every papercrafter. 

This lady can be used for a girl boss, teacher, or stay-at-home Moms, a master of all things. And look at the additional images, and sentiments, in this stamp set. I can't wait to create more with it. 

I enjoyed using the Wood Grain paper packet in recent projects. For this card, I felt it added a bit of an "office" feel. As we near the end of August, this unique paper packet will be retiring so be sure to get it while you can!

Here is a close-up of the coloring done with Watercolor Pencils and a Waterbrush Pen (small round). I love how easy it is to create shading, with the pencils, while not feeling the need to perfectly color in the image. 

Have fun seeing what other creations the Blog Hop participants have to share with you. Now head on over to Cat's Blog to see what she has created. 

Make It From Your Heart!

"Interactive Elements" Technique Blog Hop

Welcome to this month's Technique Blog Hop where we are featuring "Interactive Elements" while incorporating Close To My Heart products. Participants can interpret the theme however they choose so it will be fun to see what they have to share with all of us. 

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

For my card creation, I decided to create a Spinner Card (and maybe for the first time - oops). I have possessed this Spinner Thin Cut for quite some time but had not used it, yet. Honestly, I was a little intimidated by it and I should not have been. Directions were included (and are also provided as a download on my website) and that is what I used. Be sure you have a brad to use as it is what allows the spinner to be functional.  

I enjoyed incorporating these coffee cup images - and had to include the facial stamps this time - from one of my favorite stamp sets. I used Distress Oxide Inks to discolor the background as well as to color the holder on the left. Some paper-piecing was done on the holder on the right. 

I could not resist using this adorable stamp set, again, "Desserts a la Whirl". As you can see, it includes fabulous sentiments that could be used in the window. 

If you want to see a Spinner Card in action, and how to create one, watch this brief video. 

I hope my card inspires you to give the Spinner Card I try! Enjoy seeing what else the participants have to share with you. I don't doubt you will enjoy all of it! 

Now, head on over to Michelle's Blog to see what she has to share with you and enjoy the rest of July!

Participants: 

1. Melissa Robinson *YOU ARE HERE*

2. Michelle Loncar

3. Cat Nowak

4. Brandi Robinson

5. Darlys Recker

6. Tamara Sandwisch

7. Wendy Kessler
8. Haley Dyer 

"It's a Banner Day" Heart 2 Heart Challenge

It's the first full week of July and I hope it is off to a great start for you. I pray you enjoyed a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend (in the USA)! 

The first challenge for Heart 2 Heart is called, "It's a Banner Day". 4th of July/Independence Day jumped at me immediately, as an obvious connection, but I decided to head a different direction with my creation. 

I recalled a card sketch, in from the How-To Book, "Make It From Your Heart, Volume 4", Pattern 1, that has banners. (I pretty much duplicated the sketch.) Of course, it was perfect for the theme. 😉

I recently purchased the "On Your Birthday" 🎂 stamp set (D1960) and appreciate the sentiments included on it. I couldn't resist adding a little Flamingo Shimmer Brush to it, for some added color and sparkle. The stitched image is from the "Scrappy Lady" (D2027) stamp set. I love the look it provided, without having to draw my own stitches. 

While "Hillside Cottage" products items were highlighted in the May/June Supplement, which has now retired, there are still product items available (while supplies last). Get them while you can!

Blue Belle Glitter Gems were added for some sparkle. (Don't forget, Blue Belle will retire at the end of August, when we welcome in a new Color of the Year on September 1st.)

I ❤️ when a card design can come together so easily, especially using scraps, and still serve a great purpose. 

Consider linking up to us for this Heart 2 Heart Challenge. We love seeing what you have to share with us. Be sure to incorporate at least one Close To My Heart product in your creation, when you do.

Make it a GREAT month!

Strong Roots July Stamp of the Month Blog Hop

Welcome to our Blog Hop where we are featuring artwork incorporating the July Stamp of the Month, Strong Roots. 

This stamp set includes the 11 images shown above and can be yours for $5 or FREE, if you're a VIP.  Whether used for scrapbooking or cardmaking, they have a unique sketch look to them which will result in fabulous artwork, with great messages. Our fabulous Stamp of the Month Special is a great way to make the most of your purchase.

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

I enjoyed using Watercolor Pencils to color in this cottage image. It actually makes me think of the home we lived in in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. (Yes, that's the name of the town.) So there might have not been those kinds of trees/bushes (lol), but the house makes me think of there. I did use the Watercolor Brush for the water effect. I love that it's so easy to control the water output. If you don't have a Watercolor Brush, you really need one. Trust me. 

The patterned paper that I used is from the NEW July/August Mix-Ins. You have heard me say, many times over, that it is often my favorite paper packet in each new Idea Book. 

The woodgrain and striped Zip Strip (with fun colors, don't you think?) are from the same sheet. I can't wait to make other artwork using the other patterns. 

For some accents, I chose to color, with a Sponge Dauber, a Wood Heart with the Peach and Flamingo ink pads, added some Gold Glitter Gems and Gold Embellshing Thread. 

For what occasion would you use this card? I can think of several. Post your thoughts below before you head over to Melinda's Blog to view what the other participants have created using this stamp set. Be sure to get yours before the month is over!

P.S. If you haven't heard, our July/August Idea Book was released today! You can view it digitally by following this link. 

Make it a GREAT month!