Anything Goes: CTMH-Style Heart 2 Heart Challenge

Welcome to the first Heart 2 Heart Challenge for April! With this week's theme of "Anything Goes: CTMH-Style", the doors of creativity are wide open in that the only requirement is you incorporate Close To My Heart products in your design. Dig out your CTMH products and start creating! Then, share your artwork link on the Heart 2 Heart Challenge Blog, as you showcase your creativity with the rest of us. I can't wait to see what you share! 

I used the beautiful "In Full Bloom" paper packet as the background for this simple card. By simply adding some Avocado and Mint cardstock, I was able to 3-D the butterfly and sentiment on this card.

I did add in a little bit of sponging on the White Daisy focal point and colored in the butterfly with our Tri-Blend Markers. I couldn't resist adding the Onyx Black Liquid Pearls on the butterfly.

Be sure to join our Challenge! I can't wait to see what you create! 

"Message in a Bottle" April Stamp of the Month Blog Hop

 

Welcome to our Blog Hop where we are featuring the April stamp set, "Message in a Bottle". 

This set comes with 21 images, of various sizes, to include different bottle shapes, items to put inside and sentiments. I am excited to see the variety of ways these images were used by our participants. 

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. 

To create this card I used a minimum number of supplies. I took Kraft Paper , tore it and inked the edges with Toffee. To create the ocean scene, I used Capri cardstock and then applied Bluebird ink to it, by splotching it on with a plastic wrapper. It was totally organic and I like how it turned out. 

For the bottle, I stamped it twice - on White Daisy cardstock and Vellum. I stamped the scroll on White Daisy and glued it on top of the white bottle base and then added the vellum on top of them to give this look. A few embellishments and it makes me want to be on the beach. What about you? 

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

Make it a great month! 

"Hip Hip Hooray" Heart 2 Heart Challenge

Welcome to this Heart 2 Heart Challenge where you are invited to create artwork aligned with the theme of "Hip Hip Hooray". When you do so, be sure to link up at the bottom of the respective Heart 2 Heart post AND incorporate at least one Close To My Heart product in your creation. If not easy to identify, include it in your details, please. 

With the Cake Day polka dot pattern being perfect for a celebratory occasion, I decided to incorporate the #1 Fan Stamp + Thin Cuts. I random-stamped the confetti, tone-on-tone, with Capri ink. The Lemonade gingham pattern paper is from the March-April Mix-In. I love the texture it adds to the banner. The other was cut out of Green Apple cardstock. 

This card is somewhat of a fun fold as I attempted to show in this photo. I took the front panel of the card front, scored it in half, and folded it to create this look. I love the variation it provides, with little effort. 

These are the images included in the FUN #1 Fan Stamp + Thin Cuts set. 

Here is a close-up of the front panel. I do love how this turned out and hope you do as well.

Now, go create something and share it with us on the Heart 2 Heart Challenge Blog. I can't wait to see your artwork! 

March/April 2022 NEW Product Idea Book Blog Hop

 

Welcome to our Blog Hop where we are featuring NEW product released in Close To My Heart's March/April 2022 Idea Book. Released on March 1st, you will find beautiful new artwork made with exclusive new products. If you don't already have an Idea Book in your hands - which you can get FREE with any size order - you can find a digital copy through this link. 

If you are coming from CatScrapbooking, you are on the right track. You can find a complete list of participants by clicking here. Otherwise, keep making your way around the digital circle to see what other creations we are sharing with you today. 

To create this card, I incorporated the March-April Mix-In paper packet and the stamp set that comes in the "In Full Bloom" Cardmaking Workshop. The "confetti", for a bit of a textured background, comes from the "Cake Day" Scrapbooking Workshop. I did mask the bow so it didn't show. The striped multi-color piece, across the banner is a Zip Strip from the Mix-In packet. 

I couldn't resist adding a few Black Dots for the finishing touch. 

With a focus on the Lagoon and Lemonade color combination, it sure screams "spring", don't you think. I'm so ready! Are you?! 

I truly appreciate you stopping by and invite you to head on over to Wendy's Blog to see what she, and the other CTMH Makers, have created to share with you. Thank you for leaving a comment before you move on. 

"Creative with Cardstock" Blog Hop

 

Welcome to this Blog Hop where we are highlighting Close To My Heart's Cardstock through the theme of "Creative with Cardstock". Did you know our cardstock is on SALE this month through the Cardstock Carnival? 

You can save up to 30% on bundles and you will want to be sure to check out the unique and exclusive UV-coated option! 

If you are coming from Darly's Blog, you are on the right track. You can find a complete list of participants at the bottom of this post. I am confident you will enjoy seeing different ways in which we have incorporated cardstock into our artwork so be sure to make your way around the Blog Hop.

I did not get fancy with the creation of this card, and do not feel I had to once I started putting it together. While there are some very fun techniques to do with cardstock, I decided to show how simple it is to create with it and some of our Thin Cuts. In fact, the only thing stamped is the sentiment, in White Daisy ink. Plus, with the use of the White Gel Pen, the added border is fun when done on Black cardstock. 

I used these Layered Flowers Thin Cuts and absolutely love them. They are such beautiful cuts and make creating very simple. 

Cardstock colors used: Wild Berry, Flamingo, Green Apple, Lemonade, and Capri. For a simple addition, I used the White Dots for the flower center. 

Thank so much for stopping by. Now it's time to head over to Brandi's Blog to see what she has created to share with you. Consider leaving a comment before you head her direction. 

I hope this month has been great to you! 

PARTICIPANTS:

1. Melissa Robinson *YOU ARE HERE*

2. Brandi Robinson

3. Judy Dahlgren

4. Katy Taylor

5. Michelle Loncar

6. Lauren Moore

7. Haley Dyer

8. Wendy Kessler

9. Maz Wood

10. Darlys Recker

"Going Green" Heart 2 Heart Challenge

Welcome to the first artwork Challenge, for March, from Heart 2 Heart! I invite you to join the fun as we create something aligned with the theme of "Going Green". In fact, we are connecting with the Double Trouble Challenge so you can participate in both. (For the Heart 2 Heart Challenge, be sure to incorporate at least one Close To My Heart product in your creation. If it's not obvious, please include it in the details.)

I totally went a bit rogue with "green", on this card, by using a variety of hues. I have a friend who loves green and I know she'll absolutely love it. I had to incorporate a little bit of light pink for the floral accent, but kept this card very simple. Sometimes simple is great!

The patterned paper is from the Cake Day Collection and the floral and leaf images are from the Love Story - Scrapbooking stamp set (D2040). I've fallen in love with the floral images that are great for neutral papers, such as Love Story items, or any others. It was one that wasn't on my list initially but here it is! LOL

I hope you are enjoying a great start to the month and that you take an opportunity to create something that makes you happy. I look forward to your participation in the Heart 2 Heart and/or Double Trouble Challenges. It's always fun to see how everyone interprets the title! 

Make it a GREAT week!

"You're the G.O.A.T" March Stamp of the Month Blog Hop

 

Welcome to the March Stamp of the Month Blog Hop where we are featuring the adorable, and super punny, stamp set, "You're the G.O.A.T.". If you don't know what GOAT stands for, it's commonly  used in professional sports and represents the "Greatest of All Time". You might have heard it in reference to Tom Brady, Michael Jordan, and others in their respective sports. 

Whether or not you are into professional sports, you will undoubtedly fall in love with this stamp set full of cute animals and their related puns. 

This stamp set contains 24 stamp images and is valued at $18.95, although you can get it FREE (if you're a VIP) or for $5, with a qualifying $50 purchase. To read the details of the Stamp of the Month Special, click on the link. 

If you are coming from Brenda's Blog, you are on the right track. Should you get lost along the way, you can find a list of participants by clicking here. 

I had a difficult time deciding which image and sentiment I wanted to use for my first card and decided on these. Paired with the bright and festive Cake Day Collection, I thought it to be a perfect way to celebrate someone's birthday. 

The cardstock accents of Wild Berry and Clover added to the polka dot pattern, as does the Gold Glitter accents. I love the simplicity of this card and how you do as well. I can't wait to create other items with this stamp set, knowing I'll be inspired with what others create for this Hop. 

If you are not aware, we just released the NEW March/April Idea Book TODAY AND the Cardstock Carnival has returned, making it easy to achieve the minimum purchase to obtain this exclusive stamp set. (You can view the digital Idea Book by clicking on this link OR shop the NEW products here.)

I appreciate you stopping by and encourage you to head on over to Wendy's Blog to see what she has created to share with you. We always appreciate receiving your feedback. 

Make It a Marvelous March! 

Sponge It Heart 2 Heart Challenge

Good morning and welcome to my version of "Sponge It" for the Heart 2 Heart Challenge. You are invited to join in on the creative fun by creating artwork aligned with the theme and then link up to us at Heart 2 Heart. We enjoy seeing your creativity! 

One of the simple techniques I learned many years ago, when I began papercrafting, was edge distressing with a sponge and ink. It's one that I have continued to use over the years. Sometimes just a little added texture is all a piece of artwork needs to liven it up. 

For the results you see on the edge of the pieces on the background, as well as the white piece of the focal point, I used a Sponge Dauber and Grape ink. I love the effect it provides on the same colored cardstock. I did add some Clear Shimmer Brush on the butterfly, although difficult to see in the photo. 

Next time you need just a little something more on your creation, consider ink distressing. It might provide the subtle and perfect touch needed. 

Link up to us at Heart 2 Heart. I look forward to seeing what you have to share. 

Love Story Blog Hop

Today I come to you with a Love Story; a papercrafting kind. Have you checked out the gorgeous "Love Story" Special that is only available through the end of this month? While the products highlighted in this beautiful Collection are part of our Core Idea Book, this opportunity allows us to draw some attention to this wonderful product line, whether you purchase the bundle now and save 20% off OR put it on your Wish List for a future order. You'll see some different ways to use the papers, coordinating stamp sets and embellishments. 

I loved pairing the black & white color theme with Flamingo accents as seen in the cardstock strips, Shimmer Trim, and Shimmer Brush. Wish some Black Dots and Gold Foil accents, plus accents of Green Apple and Lemonade, this card was kept elegant and simple. 

You can see some of the details of the shimmer trim and gold foil accents in this image. 

On this card, I followed one of the patterns included in the downloadable Workshop Guide associated with the Love Story Special, found on my website. I combined Clover and Mint for the color combo and used the February Stamp of the Month for the sentiment and focal point. 

The "for you" is from the For All Occasions stamp set which offers a variety of sayings. It was perfect to fit inside of this beautiful frame. A little bit of sponging, with Clover ink, and the use of the Clear Shimmer Brush, was an added touch to the greeting. 

I also followed the workshop guide for the design of this card and, again, used the February Stamp of the Month for the focal point. The heart accents are from the Black Acrylic Hearts embellishments and make a great addition to your artwork. 

The Love Story Collection comes in several neutral colors and, as you can see above, are great to pair with any color combination of your choice. I hope you've been inspired and see great potential with these products. 

To further inspired you, I have some CTMH Maker friends who are sharing their additional artwork inspiration using Love Story. To read how they created them, follow the respective link to their Blogs as indicated by their name under the artwork.

Michelle

Haley

Darlys

Thank you so much for stopping by. Consider leaving a comment - we love to hear what you have to share - and make it a great week!

Stunning Stencils CTMH Technique Blog Hop

 

Welcome to this Technique Blog Hop where we are featuring the use of "Stunning Stencils". Close To My Heart Makers incorporated stencils into their artwork and you will love what you see as you make your away around the circle! 

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

I absolutely enjoyed making this card using one of the stencils from the Card Front Stencil Pack. By sponging the Peacock Feathers Oxide Ink, through the "thank you" stencil, it resulted in this background. Then, some Thin Cut flowers from "Layered Flowers" were the perfect accents to add to the sentiment. 

Here are the other sentiments included in the referenced Stencil Pack; a great variety.

To create some dimension to the flower and leaf images, I inked the edges with respective ink colors - Flamingo, Clover, Raspberry and Lemon. To finish it up, I could not resist adding some glitz with the Glisten Stickles Glitter Glue. 

Thank you for stopping by. Be sure to continue to make your way around the Blog Hop by heading to Krista's Blog next. I'm confident you'll love what you see there, and beyond! Wishing you all the best for the second half of this month!  

Happy hoppin'!

PARTICIPANTS:

1. Melissa Robinson *YOU ARE HERE*
2. Krista Hershberger
3. Danielle Edwards
4. Terry Metzger
5. Michelle Loncar
6. Cat Nowak
7. Tamara Sandwisch
8. Wendy Kessler
9. Danielle Wagner
10. Michelle Johns
11. Lauren Moore
12. Maz Wood
13. Haley Dyer
14. Katy Taylor