"Fall Fun" Heart 2 Heart Challenge

Welcome to this week's Heart 2 Heart Challenge where you are asked to create a piece of artwork along the theme of "Fall Fun". You are to incorporate Close To My Heart products and then link up to us on our blog. 

I had fun incorporating the Wood Grain paper pack into this card and added a little distressing to the Ruby cardstock by rubbing a sandblock over it. Then, I couldn't resist adding some of the gorgeous Sapphire Glitter Paper. 

To create the focal point I used the "With a Thankful Heart" stamp set and Thin Cuts. I colored in the images using the tri-blend markers and then added some dimension by paper-piecing the banner. 

I super love how this card turned out and hope you do too! Be sure to join our challenge and share what you create!

Have a great week!

"Teeny Tiny" Heart 2 Heart Challenge

Today at Heart 2 Heart, our Challenge is to create something with the theme, "Teeny Tiny". You can interpret how you choose but be sure to incorporate Close To My Heart in your creation. That is a requirement of challenges at Heart 2 Heart.

If you have been following me for some time, you probably know I love stamps with punny sayings. That is what I chose to use on this card and actually recreated this card based upon one shown in the September/October Idea Book (page 27). 

Here is the adorable stamp set I used. It's called "Hey There". 

So you might be wondering where I used something teeny tiny. LOL Oh yeah. I guess I need to mention that. ha One of the most adorable things we have in the new Idea Books - isn't something adorable a required purchase? LOL - is this small envelope. It's the Mini Envelope Thin Cuts. It is precious for putting inside the hands of the animals in this stamp set. You can see how I included it on my card. 

The envelope has score lines which allows you to fold and secure it, with adhesive, as designed. It's totally adorable and I can't wait to do some other things with it. 

Consider sharing your artwork creations with us at Heart 2 Heart! We would love to see what you make!

"Creativity in Motion" Blog Hop

Welcome to the "Creativity in Motion" Blog Hop where we are featuring artwork made with this exclusive and animated product bundle in celebration of National Stamping Month. 

While you can buy the related products separately, you save 20% when you buy the bundle! There are three animated stamp sets that allow you create some interactive fun. You can view your purchasing options here. 

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

This was the first card I made with these special and exclusive products.

I couldn't resist using the "Animated Butterfly Kisses" stamp set while keeping it sweet and simple. I love the sentiment, "a friend like you is rare", which is perfectly fitting for the images provided. A small Stitched Hearts Thin Cut was perfect for it. 

One great thing about this product offering is the awesome 6" x 6" Bright Stack where you get a variety of 48 sheets of our patterned paper from past collections! I actually was a little selfish on this first card, not wanting to use my favorite patterns until I knew what I was doing. LOL (Shhhh...don't tell anyone.)

Here is a video to help you see more of how these cards work.

Close To My Heart is hosting a Virtual Event, to celebrate Nat'l Stamping Day, on Saturday, September 18, 2020. It begins at 2 pm MST and continues for approximately 6 hours. They will be showing how to assemble these cards as well as sharing some fun stamping techniques. Consider joining the FUN! 

Now, head on over to Wendy's Blog to see what she has created with this product line.  

I appreciate you stopping by and hope you have a wonderful weekend! Keep creating!

"Peek-a-boo" Technique Blog Hop

Welcome to this month's Stamp of the Month Blog Hop where we are featuring Close To My Heart products that help us say, "Peek-a-boo". I don't doubt you will see some fun artwork as you make your away around the hop. It's always fun to see how individuals interpret the theme.

If you are coming from Miss Carrie's Creations you are on the right track. You will find a list of participants at the end of this post, if you were to get lost along the way.

I love how quick and easy it was to assemble this cute card in such a simple way. 

I used the Multi Squares Window Thin Cuts and Lovely Paper to create this awesome background.

1 1/4" squares were cut out of this beautiful paper and then adhered to the back of the frame. 

This is the adorable stamp set that was used for the focal point and sentiment. It is called, "Oh, Hey There". Isn't it CUTE?! I cut out the bunny hands to make them appear like she (I'm choosing to make her a female LOL) is holding the heart cut from our Stitched Heart Thin Cuts. 

Thank you for stopping by to check out the "Peek-a-boo"-themed artwork. Consider leaving a comment before heading over to see what Cat has to share with you. 

List of Participants:

1. Melissa Robinson *YOU ARE HERE*
2. Cat Nowak
3. Maz Wood
4. Lauren Moore
5. Michelle Johns
6. Michelle Loncar
7. Brandi Robinson
8. Katy Taylor
9. Alyson Mayo
10. Miss Carrie's Creations

Heart 2 Heart "Multi-Dimensional Magic" Challenge

How about joining us for an artwork challenge based around the theme of "Multi-Dimensional Magic"? At Heart 2 Heart that is what we are doing this week with challenges lasting all month long. Consider joining the fun and be sure to incorporate Close To My Heart product in your creation. 

I was excited to see Star and Heart Shaker Card Thin Cuts in the NEW Idea Book and enjoyed making this simple card the other night. I cut out confetti from the Thin Cuts and tossed in some Silver Star Confetti as well. 

The patterned paper is from our fun and NEW "Party Time" paper collection and I could not resist incorporating the beautiful (and NEW) Sapphire Glitter Paper to finish off the shaker. In fact, we have several new colors that are absolutely gorgeous and a must-have. Check out those color choices by clicking here. Which is your favorite?

Create your artwork and then head over to Heart 2 Heart and link up to our Blog. We love to see your creations! 

Happy creating!

NEW Product (Sept./Oct.) Blog Hop

Welcome to this Blog Hop where we are featuring new product showcased in this Supplemental Idea Book you can purchase this month and next, while supplies last. 

You can get a FREE copy of this Idea Book, as well as our Core Idea Book, when you place an order of any size. Click here to view a digital version in the meantime and be sure to let me know what you love! 

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

I don't know about you but this card makes me super happy! Between the "just chicken in" sentiment and adorable image and the awesome patterned paper, what else can you do but smile, right? 

This stamp set, called "From the Funny Farm", was the first one to draw my attention and I could not wait to use it. If you've been following me for long, you know I love all things "punny" and totally giggle when I read or say some of the sayings. LOL

This image shows the pocket card tucked inside of the pouch. The greeting is included in a 3" x 4" Flip Flap. On the back there is a handwritten greeting. It is also great for including a gift card. 

The pattern paper is from one of our newest paper collections called "Bloom & Grace". There are a variety of coordinating products so be sure to check out all that is offered. 

I love sharing my artwork with you and know you'll be inspired as you move through the Blog HOp and view other awesome creations. Please head on over to Wendy's Blog to see what artwork she has to share with you. Thanks for stopping by!

"Here for the Memories" Stamp of the Month Blog Hop

It's another GREAT month at Close To My Heart as we welcome in a NEW Stamp of the Month AND...(drum roll) TWO NEW IDEA BOOKS! WOOHOO! Yes, you heard me right! Today is the day!

Here is an image of the gorgeous front covers! Click on this link to view the digital versions. You can get FREE hard copies of both, when you place an order of any size. 

But let's get back to the purpose of this Blog Hop, shall we?! LOL (It's so easy to get distracted with the above.)

Today we are showcasing artwork using the "Here for the Memories" September Stamp of the Month. With 13 awesome images, perfect for scrapbooking, they are sure to help you preserve those awesome moments you have experienced. 

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

I love the colors and elements incorporated on this 6" x 8" scrapbook page. By keeping it simple, and allowing the sentiment and paper to stand out, I didn't feel the need to do a whole lot. 

The paper comes from the "Bloom with Grace" Collection. While I'm not a sunflower girl, this paper is quickly growing on me. LOL

Ruby cardstock was used on the hearts, one on each side of the paper to create the two tones, and on the title strip. The title was embossed with white powder and some gold elements were added in the way of Gold Sequins and Gold Embellishing Thread. I couldn't resist adding one white Acrylic Heart to support the theme. 

This layout is cheerful and ready for preserving some memories. I hope you like it as much as I do!

Head over to Cat's Blog to see her artwork. I appreciate you stopping by!

"Anything Goes" Heart 2 Heart

Welcome to this week's Heart 2 Heart Challenge called "Anything Goes". Incorporate some Close To My Heart product in your creation and then link up to us on the blog. I can't wait to see what you have to share!

Today you are getting a little sneak peek at some new Close To My Heart products that will debut tomorrow morning. That's right, at 12:01 am MST, the NEW Core and Supplemental Idea Books will be released for public view and you will want to be sure to check them out!

I chose to incorporate this "Par-tay" stamp set (D1974) on this 6" x 8" page to preserve some birthday memories. (I also included some paper from the new "Party Time" paper suite.)

Paper-tearing and paper-piecing are two techniques I used on this page, as well as adding a little bit of shimmer with the Clear Shimmer Brush. 

This is just a small sampling of all the fun I have been creating with Close To My Heart products! I look forward to sharing more with you! 

Please join us at Heart 2 Heart! We want to see your creativity! 

"Something to Smile About" Heart 2 Heart Challenge

Happy Monday, the start of what I hope is a great and blessed week for you! Today at "Heart 2 Heart" you are challenged to create artwork alongside the theme, "Something to Smile About". Close To My Heart product must be incorporated into your artwork in order to participate and it can be current or retired. So take out that awesome product and show us what you've got. We love seeing your creations and it's always fun to see how everyone interprets the titles. 

This month's Stamp of the Month, "Floral Celebration", keeps calling my name. With the beautiful floral images and sweet sentiments, it continues to be a go-to for me. 

I love this striped pattern paper that comes from the "Summer Vibes" paper suite. It is cheerful and fun to incorporate in any artwork. I used our beautiful Spectrum Noir markers to color in the images and added some bling in various ways. 

Black Shimmer Trim was incorporated and I added some Christmas Red Stickles to a White Acrylic Heart. I also added a bit of Peach Shimmer Brush to the edges of each petal, Liquid Glass to the flower center, and used the markers to color some Clear Sparkles I have on-hand. 

This card is super cheerful and makes me smile each time I look at it. I hope that's the same for you. 

This stamp set is only available during this month and can be yours, for $5, with a $50 purchase. Valued at $18.95, it's a great way to get this beautiful and exclusive stamp set! View details here. 

Be sure to join this Challenge, and others, by visiting our Heart 2 Heart Blog. 

Make it a great week!

"Walk on the Wild Side" Heart 2 Heart Challenge

This week at Heart 2 Heart we are being issued a challenge to create artwork aligned with the theme, "Walk on the Wild Side". You can interpret that as you choose just be sure to incorporate Close To My Heart products in your creation and then link up to the Challenge on the Blog. 

For the greeting card I created, I knew "Timber" was screaming my name in consideration of this theme. It's perfect for all things outdoor, with a great variety of patterned papers, stamp sets and embellishments. 

However, I could not help but incorporate this fish stamp image that actually comes from our summer/beach-themed stamp set associated with our "Summer Vibes" collection. I love that our products work so well with others to create a piece of artwork with your preferred theme and colors.

I had fun incorporating a few techniques:

• Paper tearing - Our cardstock has a white core which lends itself perfectly to this technique. I love using it for rustic/outdoorsy types of themes as well as for sand and beach waves. 
• Sponging - Feeling the White Daisy cardstock needed to sit off a bit from the Ruby piece of cardstock, I decided to add a little bit of distressing using Sapphire ink and a Sponge Dauber. 
• Liquid Glass - While not easy to see in this photo, without enlarging it, I added Liquid Glass to the bubbles and fish scales. It provides a clear, epoxy-like coat that makes it shiny...and better. 

I enjoyed making this more masculine-themed card and I hope you like it!

Be sure to link up to us on the Heart 2 Heart Challenge. We would love to see what you make!