"Old & New" Challenge from Heart 2 Heart

Welcome to this week's Heart to Heart Challenge, titled "Old & New". You can interpret it to your liking as long as you are sure to incorporate at least one product from Close To My Heart. 

Once you create your artwork, link up to the bottom of the related post on Heart 2 Heart. We host two Challenges a month and enjoying seeing how you interpret the theme. If you have any questions, please let me know! 

This is the artwork piece I want to share with you today. I purposefully took it at this angle so you can experience a great appreciation for the beautiful rose gold details on this paper. Isn't it gorgeous?! 

You might not recognize this paper which is part of the "New" portion of my card and post. The paper used, that contains the rose gold accents, is contained in one of the National Scrapbook Day workshop kits. (And it's a sneak peek of our May special.) It is part of the "Party Girl Scrapbooking Workshop Kit". I couldn't resist incorporating it into my creation.

The "Old" part of the theme can be referenced in a couple of different ways. In wanting to create a Slimline Card, I decided to pull out one of my retired CTMH How-To Books, "Wishes". It contains designs for 8" x 3" cards and I used it to create this one that measures 8 1/2" x 3 1/2".

Our How-To Books provide design and sketch ideas for both cards and layouts. We have our most recent ones available so be sure to check them out. They are definitely one of my favorite and top-notch products from CTMH! 

I used the Stitched Florals Stamps & Thin Cuts and Sentiments by Melissa Esplin stamp sets. They could actually be considered "old" or "new", dependent upon an individuals point of reference. LOL I'm going to consider them "old" in that I purchased them soon after they were released and that has been quite some time. 

This is an image of the card from a top-view. 

To create the flowers, I incorporated some paper-piecing and added a bit of coloring, from the Tri-Blend Markers, to create additional dimension. Cardstock colors used: Peach, Raspberry, Glacier, and Sapphire.

This angle is intended to show you the dimension of the paper-piecing and the Wood Heart. 

Look at the rose gold accents on this sheet of Peach. Isn't it as beautiful as well?

I do appreciate you stopping by today and have enjoyed sharing this with you. I can't wait to create more artwork using this BEAUTIFUL and exclusive paper, that will not be around forever! 

Be sure to consider joining the creative fun on the Heart 2 Heart Challenge. I hope to see your creations there!

"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.