Wednesday, October 20, 2021

CTMH Thin Cuts (aka Dies) Blog Hop

 

We are excited to share artwork made with some of our stand-alone Thin Cuts; that is, they are not associated with a stamp set. We have quite a few of them included in the NEW Core Idea Book that released September 1st. If you don't already have a copy,  you can view a digital version here.  

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

Believe it, or not, I did have a difficult time deciding which Thin Cut I was going to use. Being that I hadn't yet created with the Purse Card Thin Cut, I decided to go with it. 

If you are wondering where that patterned paper came from, it's part of the September/October Mix-In paper packet. I love the patterns and feel this one was perfect for making a fall/winter purse. 


Of course, I couldn't resisting adding some Gold Glitter Paper and added a bow made with the new color of Shortbread. (This photo is showing just the upper portion of the purse.) Who would have thought I would really like that color? (I did cut the handles twice, and glued them together, since there is a plain back on the glitter paper. I felt it made it look a bit more finished.)
Using the Purse Card Thin Cut, this card was super easy to assemble. I decided to add some white stitching using our White Gel Pen
Here is a look at the inside of the card. I loved stamping a simple sentiment, with a place to add a personalized message and signature. 

It's time to head over to Melinda's Blog to see what awesomeness she has created. Be sure to continue making your way around the hop. You're sure to find some awesome inspiration. Happy hopping!

Monday, October 18, 2021

Sweet Treats Heart 2 Heart Challenge

This week, at Heart 2 Heart, we are showcasing artwork related to "Sweet Treats". However you interpret that theme is totally okay with us and I can't wait to see what you create and share!

I knew I wanted to use these cute images from the Pumpkin Spice Scrapbooking Stamp + Thin Cuts set and decided to make a treat box to fill with some tasty cookies.  

I decided to use the Gift Card Box Thin Cuts (although I don't think I've ever put gift cards in it LOL) to accomplish my creative task. I enjoy how quick and simple this box comes together. It's perfect for some small treats. In fact, I think I'll make some more for some coworkers, maybe with a Halloween theme and using the Boo Crew items. 

In this photo, you can see the dimension it has. The Thin Cut cuts and scores appropriately so all you need is some strong tape adhesive to assemble it. Tri-Blend Markers were used to color in the dimension, with the patterned striped paper coming from Pumpkin Spice
A few cookies from Trader Joe's, and this is how this small box can serve a tasty treat. I love how it turned out and hope you like it as well.


I hope you'll consider joining our Challenge and link up to us at Heart 2 Heart. 

Here's sending you some creative vibes while wishing you a great week!

Friday, October 15, 2021

"Stamping on Cardstock" CTMH Technique Blog Hop

 


Welcome to our October Technique Blog Hop where we are "Stamping on Cardstock". There are so many ways to incorporate the two and I can't wait for you to see the awesome creations from our participants. 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. 
I've had my eye on this card pattern for some time, from the Make It From Your Heart Volume 5 How-to Book, and decided to put it to use for this handmade card. To create it, you cut squares and rectangles of different size and then cut from the center to an edge to create the v-shape. By layering coordinating cardstock together, you get this result. Isn't it great?! 

I felt the need to add a bit of dimension and did so by stamping with Mulberry ink on Mulberry cardstock (the darker side), for "tone-on-tone" stamping. That is one of my favorite techniques to do on cardstock. I love being able to create my own patterned paper. 

The cardstock colors I used are: Mulberry, Capri, Harbour, Paprika and Shortbread (what the images are stamped on).


After stamping the images from the Pumpkin Treats stamp set (+ Thin Cuts), I used Tri-Blend Markers to color them in. I debated on what I wanted to use for the whip cream - Paste, Embossing Powder, etc. - and decided on using our NEW White Gel Pens. A little bit of Thin 3-D Foam Tape and some Blue Belle Loose Sequins were all I used to finish off this card. 
Oh! The sentiment comes from one of my favorite new stamp sets, "For All Occasions". I love the variety provided as well as the different fonts that are included. 

I appreciate you stopping by and encourage you to continue making your way around the hop to see what the others have created to share with you! Now, head on over to Cat's Blog and enjoy your weekend! Happy hopping!


Participants:

1. Melissa Robinson *YOU ARE HERE*
2. Cat Nowak
3. Haley Dyer
4. Michelle Loncar
5. Wendy Kessler
6. Darlys Recker
7. Tamara Sandwisch
8. Maz Wood

Monday, October 4, 2021

"Terrific Tags" Heart 2 Heart Challenge

Happy October! With the new month we welcome in the first creative challenge with Heart to Heart. It's called "Terrific Tags". How will you interpret that into your creation, while using at least one Close To My Heart product when you do? We would love to see! 


I enjoyed incorporating the "Pumpkin Spice" paper to create this simple card. I love "simple", allowing me to enjoy the overall creation of greeting cards. A tag, a banner to include the sentiment, a few sequins, Gold Thread and the tasty treat, is all I used. While I felt the patterned paper was a bit busy, I feel like the other elements help to soften it a bit, while still keeping it happy and festive. 


One of the first stamp sets that caught my attention from the September/October Idea Book is this one called, "Pumpkin Treats". It did cause me to think about my friends who love all things pumpkin. For me, I'll just take a couple of slices of pumpkin pie during Thanksgiving. And don't forget a lot of whip cream. LOL Beyond that, I do love my venti black and white mochas, with almond, no milk, no foam, from Starbucks. So here's a shout out to my pumpkin spice-loving friends. 


Link up to us, on Heart 2 Heart, for the first challenge of the month. We love seeing everyone's wonderful creations and how you interpret the theme.

Make it a great week! Happy creating!

Monday, September 20, 2021

Heart 2 Heart "Glitz and Glitter" Challenge

Welcome to the second September challenge for Heart 2 Heart. The title is "Glitz and Glitter" and papercrafters everywhere are invited to join us by sharing your interpretation of the theme. Create something fun, using at least one Close To My Heart product, and link up to us on the Blog. We love seeing what you create!

If you have never purchased, nor used, Close To My Heart Glitter Paper, you are missing out on a top quality paper! It's cardstock weight AND doesn't fall off on you, nor your creating surface; a definite plus! We offer it in a variety of beautiful colors and I loved incorporating both Sapphire and Silver on this card. 


A little splash of Carolina Cardstock, and a background of Sapphire cardstock (on the light side), and some Silver Loose Sequins were a perfect addition to this pattern from Volume 5 of Make It From Your Heart

Don't have Glitter Paper from CTMH? What are you waiting for?! Add it to your next order!


Now, go get something blingy and connect with us on the Heart 2 Heart Blog. We love when you share with us! Happy creating! 



Friday, September 17, 2021

September/October Catalog New Product Blog Hop

 

Welcome to our Blog Hop where we are featuring NEW seasonal products contained in our September/October Idea Book. Released September 1st, you will find Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas-themed products that are perfect for any of your papercrafting needs. 

If you are coming from Darlys's Blog, you are on the right track. Continue to make your way around the digital circle to see what we have to share with you. Should you get lost along the way, you will find a list of participants here


I love when a handmade greeting card comes together so beautifully and without a whole lot of effort. But, who would know the difference unless I told them? LOL I chose to use the gorgeous Pumpkin Spice Collection, incorporating patterned paper, coordinating cardstock, some stickers, Gold Shimmer Trim, a Wood Button and Gold Glitter Gems

For the accent stitches around the Paprika cardstock, I did dry embossing. To achieve this look, I turned my paper on the backside, and using a papertrimmer and stylus, I made the stitched markings. Color was removed, to expose the white core, by rubbing them with a sanding block. I love how easy it is to achieve this result. 


AND...I'm totally excited about these Pumpkin Spice Wood Stickers! Who would have known? Their veneer feel are wonderfully different and great to incorporate into your creations.

Now, head on over to CatScrapbooking to see what she has to share with you. Thank you for leaving your comments. We greatly appreciate them!

Happy crafting!




Wednesday, September 15, 2021

"Make It Shine" Technique Blog Hop


Welcome to this month's Technique Blog Hop where we are using Close To My Heart products to create artwork aligned with the theme, "Make It Shine". 

If you are coming from Darlys's Blog, you are on the right track. Should you get lost along the way, you will find a complete list of participants at the bottom of this post.


With this month's theme, who can resist incorporating Glitter Paper to make your artwork shine? I couldn't. AND, it was a must I use the beautiful, and NEW, Wild Berry color. I absolutely love it! 

To add some flair, I added Silver and Flamingo Shimmer Trim, as well as some Wild Berry Sequins. This card design is from Volume 5 of Make It From You Heart. I love its simplicity and couldn't resist adding in this embossed sentiment from "All Star Birthday". (It's wonderful for a Shaker card.)

Katy is sure to wow you with her creation. Head over to Scrappin' Katy and then keep making your way around the Blog Hoopto view what all participants have to share with you. We appreciate you doing so. Please consider leaving a comment as we love to hear from you.

List of Participants:
1. Melissa Robinson *YOU ARE HERE*
2. Katy Taylor
3. Michelle Loncar
4. Cat Nowak
5. Haley Dyer
6. Lauren Moore
7. Tamara Sandwisch
8. Maz Wood
9. Darlys Recker

Friday, September 10, 2021

Core Catalog New Product Blog Hop


Welcome to this Blog Hop where we are featuring NEW Close To My Heart Products that were released in our Core Idea Book that lasts through August 2022! Besides containing fabulous products, it is also full of beautiful and inspiring artwork. You can view the digital version by clicking on the links OR get one FREE with an order of any size. 

If you are coming from Maureen's Blog, you are on the right track. 


I decided to highlight some of our products that feature Rose Gold. With the Rose Gold Foil Patterns Paper Pack you can use as a simple background and color it in, using various mediums, as I did here. I chose to use some of our Tri-Blend Markers. Because of the slightly raised rose gold accents, coloring the images was easy. 

A piece of the Mocha cardstock (one of seven new colors) was added and accented with the beautiful Rose Gold Shimmer Trim. For the floral focal point, I incorporated a sticker from the "As You Grow" product collection.


In keeping this card simple, to not distract from the rose gold accents, here is a close-up so you can appreciate the beauty of these coordinating products. Be sure to add them to your next order. 

Now head over to Catscrapbooking to view the next piece of artwork in this Blog Hop. We appreciate you stopping by and look forward to reading your comments. 

Enjoy your weekend!



Wednesday, September 1, 2021

Grateful for This Life Blog Hop

 

Welcome to this month's Stamp of the Month Blog Hop where we are featuring the exclusive stamp set, "Grateful for This Life". 


These wonderful words and phrases are great, in many combinations, for any piece of artwork. The 16 images are valued at $18.95 and can be yours FREE (if you're a VIP), or for $5, with a $50 purchase.

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

I enjoyed making this Slimline Card, incorporating the Pumpkin Spice patterned paper, Rose Gold Foil Paper, and Gold Embossing Powder. While I wasn't sure of the natural sunlight on the photo, I decided to leave it as is because you can see how the elements look in different lighting.

When combining Gold and Rose Gold, I was pleased with how they looked together. I researched if that was acceptable, fashion-wise, and they are. Whew! 


For some added fun, I made this an easel card. By stamping the repeated sentiment on a strip of paper, and 3-D on the card base, it provides a place for the front of the card to rest. A personal message can be written above the stamped strip, with your signature below it. Wouldn't this look nice on a desk, shelf, etc.? It could definitely serve as a reminder of how much you appreciate that person's friendship. I was pleased with how it turned out. 
If you aren't aware, Close To My Heart released TWO NEW IDEA BOOKS today; the Core (year-long) and the September/October Supplemental. Both contain phenomenal new products, and artwork! You'll want to get your hands on a hard copy, and soon! You can do so by placing an order of any size. 

Thank you very much for stopping by. Head on over to Cat Scrapbooking, and continue to make your way around the Hop, to see some fun ideas using these stamp images. 

Make it a great month!



Saturday, August 28, 2021

Boo Crew Blog Hop


Welcome to our Blog Hop where we are featuring a special called "Boo Crew". This Halloween-themed product collection is totally adorable and fun spooky, all at the same time. 


These products are available through the end of October and can be purchased separately, or you can save 25% when you purchase a Bundle.

If you are coming from Blenda's Blog, you are on the right track. You can make your way around the hop circle to view some fantastic artwork. Should you get lost, you can find a list of all participants here

And...pssst...we are also allowed to give you a sneak peek of some new products coming your way September 1st and I have done just that! 


Meet Zoey! She is one of our NEW Halloween Besties and she has some friends who are joining her in the September/October Supplemental Idea Book which will go live, to the general public, on Septembere 1st! I could not resist using her as she, and her coordinating stamp images, pair perfectly with Boo Crew. Isn't she adorable?

I love the fun color combinations in this paper pack to include: Ballerina, Black, Nectarine, White Daisy, and Wild Berry. 


This fun-fold card has a different way of opening and I totally love it. It was great for putting her as the focal point, with the colorful papers, while then having a place for the ghoul-friend sentiment (don't you love that?!) and a hand-written message.


I colored her in using Watercolor Pencils and couldn't resist adding some Clear Shimmer Brush for added sparkle. I couldn't resist adding some Black Dots for her antennaes, a COMING SOON Flower Sequin, and a Bitty Sparkle in the middle. I love the happy of this resulting card and hope you do too! 

To get a copy of the NEW Core (yearlong) AND September/October Supplemental Idea Books, simply place an order on your Makers website, of any size, and you'll get it FREE! (Be sure to sign into your account and you'll see it automatically add to your cart before checking out.) The NEW products will be released September 1st!

Now, head on over to Melinda's Blog to see what she has created to share with you. 

Happy hopping!