Stamp of the Month Blog Hop - April: Typed Note

Welcome to the April Stamp of the Month Blog Hop! This month’s set is Typed Note, a set of 19 stamps.

If you have come here from {Dawn Ross’ blog}, you’re in the right place! There are more than 65 independent Close to My Heart consultants participating. Click on the link at the end of the post on each blog to move through the Hop.

The Blog Hop is a great big circle. Start here and work your way around. If you get lost along the way you’ll find a complete list of participating consultants here. You can use this list to pick up where you left off.

Let’s begin!

Once again my swap assignment was challenging. I mean, a typewriter and beach-themed paper? How in the world do you combine those two things?

Luckily the other part of my assignment dictated that I could create any kind of project I wished. I knew I had some frames that needed to be used, and I loved the friendship sentiment in the stamp set, so I set out to use that combination as well.

I had one more dilemma, and that was that I wasn’t sure I liked black with the color palette of Seaside. Nonetheless, I had somewhat of an idea of what I wanted to do all along. It took a little trial and error, but in the end I was happy with the final result. 

Here is what I used. All products are Close to My Heart except those marked with an *:

S1504 Typed Note stamp set
X7192B Seaside Paper Packet
Z2105 Black Exclusive Inks™ Stamp Pad
Z1989 Slate Diagonal Striped Ribbon
Z1754 Sparkles Black & Grey Assortment
Z534 Micro-tip Scissors
Z1686 Cricut® Art Philosophy Collection
*4” x 6” black frames from Michael’s

Now “Hop” on over to {Pamela Ellison’s blog} to see her work, and be sure to visit each consultant’s site to get some great crafting inspiration and other fun ideas! Don’t forget, this exclusive stamp set is only available through April 30th. Click here to order yours today!

Stamp of the Month Blog Hop - July: Circus Alphabet

Welcome to the Stamp of the Month Blog Hop! This month we’re featuring the July set Circus Alphabet, a set of 68 stamps. 

If you have come here from Kami Welter’s blog, you’re in the right place! There are more than 50 independent Close to My Heart consultants participating. Click on the link at the end of the post on each blog to move through the Hop.

The Blog Hop is a great big circle. Start here and work your way around. If you get lost along the way you’ll find a complete list of participating consultants here. You can use this list to pick up where you left off.

Off we go!

Who doesn't love to doodle? That’s why I think this stamp set is so cute. It’s made up of doodled letters and numbers! That being said, I wanted to use a paper that was fun and whimsical like these letters are. It only took me a moment to choose the floral pattern from the Lollydoodle papers. 

Using the Art Philosophy cartridge I cut a flower from Juniper cardstock and then cut the coordinating layer from White Daisy cardstock. The Chocolate Woodgrain Washi Tape coordinated perfectly with some of the flower centers in the paper, so I applied it to the center of the Juniper flower before attaching the white flower. I cut leaves from both Pear cardstock and the Green Glitter Paper with the Artiste cartridge and tucked them under the flower.

Here is what I used. All products are Close to My Heart:

S1407 Circus Alphabet stamp set

X7183B Lollydoodle Paper Packet

1385 White Daisy cardstock

X5752 Juniper cardstock

Z1847 Green Glitter Paper

Z2165 Juniper Exclusive Inks stamp pad

Z1930 Chocolate Woodgrain Washi Tape

Z1151 3-D Foam Tape

Z1851 Scallop Border Punch

Z1686 Cricut© Art Philosophy Collection

Z1790 Cricut©  Artiste Collection

Now “Hop” on over to Dawn Ross’ blog to see her work, and be sure to visit each consultant’s site to get some great crafting inspiration and other fun ideas! Don’t forget, this exclusive stamp set is only available through July 31st! Click here to order yours today!

Artbooking Made Easy: Cross-Cartridge Collaboration (S01E11)

While each Cricut® collection from Close To My Heart is a treasure trove all its own, together they offer an unmatchable selection of borders, overlays, photo mats, and much, much more! The thousands of both classic and trendy die-cuts found within this terrific trio will ensure that the projects you make are always uniquely your own. Mix 'em, match 'em, and love 'em!

Claire Cards with Cricut Images & Dimensional Elements

I will admit it. I got both the Art Philosophy and Artiste Cricut cartridges almost as soon as they were available; however, even though they each came with three exclusive stamp sets and three sheets of Dimensional Elements shapes, I didn't use them. A few months ago I realized that I really needed to create a workshop where I put those stamp sets and chipboard pieces to use. 

First I decided which two stamp sets would be most appropriate for the project I had in mind. I chose one from each cartridge, and they both contain sentiments. Next I decided I wanted to use my trusty old Wishes book that's full of great card patterns and ideas, and I decided that the Just Because Workshop would be perfect for my project.

In the end I made 14 cards with the Claire paper packet, each one with a different sentiment. I love how it all came out!

If you'd like more information on this project, please feel free to contact me! I'd be happy to show you how!

Later Sk8er Birthday Card Workshop

 

About every other month I teach a project to fellow consultants at our local team training. For May I designed a birthday card workshop using the Later Sk8er paper packet, Washi Tape, Outdoor Denim Chevron Ribbon, Epoxy Bubbles, and both the Joyful Birthday and Perfect Fit - Birthday stamp sets. I also wanted to highlight just a small portion of the many great card bases that can be cut with the Art Philosophy and Artiste Cricut cartridges.







Card 1

 

Card 2

Card 3

Card 4



Card 5

Card 6

 



Even though this paper has a masculine theme, I tried to make some of the cards more feminine.

 

Card 7

Card 8

Card 9

Card 10

Card 11

Card 12

 

I'm new to using Washi Tape. I know it's been around a while, but until Close to My Heart added some to the catalog, I just hadn't tried it. I had fun using it in various ways on the cards. My favorite is the one where I put two rows of it across the bottom of the card. (Card #8)

 

If you'd like to know more about now I created these cards, please feel free to contact me!

Stamp of the Month Blog Hop - March: Floral Happiness

Welcome to the Stamp of the Month Blog Hop! This time we're featuring the March set Floral Happiness, a set of 16 stamps. If you have come here from Tamra Pope's blog, you’re in the right place! There are more than 50 Close To My Heart Consultants sharing their artwork made using the Stamp of the Month and other great CTMH products. Hopping is simple to do - just click on the link at the end of the post on each blog to move to the next one. The Blog Hop is a great big circle. Start here and work your way around. If you get lost along the way, you’ll find a complete list of participating consultants here.

Off we go!

As I mentioned last time, the guidelines for my swap group have changed, so I actually had a different assignment for this month that didn't include using the Stamp of the Month. I really had no idea how to best use two-part stamps, but after trying just a few different colors I was pretty pleased with the results.

Rather than sticking with just one paper packet, I thought I'd mix it up a little and use a coordinating pattern from a different kit. I love these colors and patterns together!

Supply list:

S1303 Floral Happiness stamp set

X71636B Claire Level 2 Paper Packet

X7164B Buzz & Bumble Level 2 Paper Packet

1388 Colonial White cardstock

Z2191 Sunset Exclusive Inks stamp pad

Z1816 Durables Artisan Studs

3-D Foam Tape

Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge

Now "Hop" on over to Katy Taylors’ blog to see her work, and be sure to visit each consultant's blog to get some great crafting inspiration and other fun ideas! Don't forget, this exclusive stamp set is only available thru Sunday, March 31st!

If you'd like to see more artwork or get more information on events, please head over to my Facebook page and give me a "Like"!

Stamp of the Month Blog Hop - January: Happy Valentine's

Welcome to the Stamp of the Month Blog Hop! This time we're featuring the January set Happy Valentine’s, a set of 7 stamps. If you have come here from Adeline Brill's blog, you’re in the right place! There are more than 50 Close To My Heart Consultants sharing their artwork made using the Stamp of the Month and other great CTMH products. Hopping is simple to do - just click on the link at the end of the post on each blog to move to the next one. The Blog Hop is a great big circle. Start here and work your way around. If you get lost along the way, you’ll find a complete list of participating consultants here.

Here we go!

 

 

I was once again pleased with the paper pack I was assigned for this particular swap because the black, purple and cream in the Moonlight papers make such an elegant combination. I knew they’d make a pretty card for Valentine’s Day.

 

 

 

I took on the challenge of cutting my card base with a cut-out shape in the front and then measuring to figure out how to cut the same shape out of a piece of patterned paper and get it to line up correctly. I went through a few sheets of scrap paper until I got it right, but I was successful!

Supply list:

S1301 Happy Valentine’s stamp set

X7161B Moonlight Level 2 Paper Packet

1388 Colonial White cardstock

Z2105 Black Exclusive Inks stamp pad (for sponging)

44751 Archival Black Exclusive Inks

Z1393 Black Mini-Medley Accents Collection

Z1263 Bitty Sparkles

Z1686 Cricut Art Philosophy Collection

 

My last two swaps have had very similar color palettes but with very different results. I am always impressed with the true versatility of our papers as shown in the examples below:

 

 

Now "Hop" on over to Maria Meyers’ blog to see her work, and be sure to visit each consultant's blog to get some great

crafting inspiration and other fun ideas! Don't forget, this exclusive stamp set is only available thru January 31st! Contact me to get yours today!

Stamp of the Month Blog Hop - November: Capture the Date

Welcome to the Stamp of the Month Blog Hop! This time around we're featuring the November set Capture the Date, a set of 72 stamps. If you have come here from Karen Fullam’s blog, you’re in the right place. The Blog Hop is a great big circle. Just start here and work your way around. If you get lost along the way, you’ll find a complete list of participating consultants here.

There are over 50 Close To My Heart Consultants sharing their artwork using the November Stamp of the Month and other great CTMH products on their blogs. Hopping is simple to do - just click on the link at the end of the post on each blog to move to the next one. Here we go!

 

I love our great variety of embellishments. I definitely feel like I have to have one of everything, even if I don’t have a specific use in mind right away or at all. That being said, my goal for this swap was to use the Binder Clips after I was inspired by one of the cards shown in the artwork samples for the stamp set at the back of the Idea Book.

 

Stamp sets that include numbers and other calendar-type images can be challenging to use on a card. After playing around with a few ideas on what kind of card I wanted to make, I decided on Thanksgiving cards. I also wanted to find a way to use another stamp, so I used one of the number 2 stamps to create a pattern on the Sorbet strip (just above the blue arrow). You can't see much of it, but if you look closely, you'll see what I'm talking about.

 

Supply list:

S1211 Capture the Date stamp set

X7156B Clementine Level 2 Paper Packet

1388 Colonial White cardstock

D1444 A Little Thanks stamp set

Z2171 Saddle Exclusive Inks stamp pad

Z2175 Cashmere Exclusive Inks stamp pad

Z2164 Sorbet Exclusive Inks stamp pad

Z2167 Crème Brulee Exclusive Inks stamp pad

Z1336 Mocha Opaques Adhesive Gems

Z1711 Foundry Metal Accessories Binder Clips

Z1686 Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge

 

The other ladies in my group came up with some great ideas, too! I’m sure the recipients will enjoy getting one of these in the mail!

 

 

Now "Hop" on over to Jean McNulty’s blog to see her work, and be sure to visit each consultant's blog to get some great crafting inspiration and other fun ideas! Don't forget, this exclusive stamp set is only available thru November 30th! Contact me to get yours today!*

 

*This month there is an even better reason to purchase the Stamp of the Month. To show our support of Red Cross relief efforts for those areas of the US severely affected by Hurricane Sandy, Close To My Heart will donate $1 for every Stamp of the Month set sold as a part of this promotion during November.
 

In November, you’ll get something extra when you buy the Stamp of the Month—50% off another stamp set! When you qualify for and buy the November Stamp of the Month set, Capture the Date, you’ll receive another stamp set* of your choice for 50% off—it’s like two promotions in one! The versatile Capture the Date stamp set is great for any layout, card, invitation, or calendar, and now you can choose another stamp set at half-off for more wonderful papercrafting. Get Capture the Date and then capture the savings today!
 

*Offer valid for A-E and M size stamp sets only; K-size, Workshops on the Go®, Cricut® collection, and Stamp of the Month stamp sets are not eligible for this promotion. Maximum of one 50% off stamp set per order.

Dates: Offer valid November 1–30, 2012

October Stamp of the Month - Very Merry Christmas

Welcome to the Stamp of the Month Blog Hop! This time around we're featuring the October set Very Merry Christmas, a set of 11 stamps. If you have come here from Karen Fullam’s blog, you are on the right path. The Blog Hop is a great big circle so you can start here and work your way around. If you get lost along the way, you’ll find a complete list of participating consultants here.

We have another great group of over 50 Close To My Heart Consultants sharing their creativity using the October Stamp of the Month and other great CTMH products on their blogs. Hopping is simple to do - just click on the link at the end of the post on each blog to move to the next one. Here we go!

 

 

As I’ve mentioned before, I’m in a monthly Stamp of the Month swap group, and each member is assigned a paper pack. I got the luck of the draw this month because I was given Pear & Partridge to use. Such beautiful paper! Here is my card:

 

 

Supply list:

S1210 Very Merry Christmas stamp set

X7162B Pear & Partridge Level 2 Paper Packet

1388 Colonial White cardstock (base)

Z2137 Olive Exclusive Inks stamp pad

Z2116 Cranberry Exclusive Inks stamp pad

Z2111 Chocolate Exclusive Inks stamp pad

Z1615 Designer Ribbon Red Collection

Z1487 Mini-Medley Accents Pewter Collection

Z1361 Red Brad Assortment

Z1769 Glitz Glitter Gel Almond

Z1770 Glitz Glitter Gel Pink

Z1771 Glitz Glitter Gel Pear

Z1484 Glitz Glitter Gel Red

Z1686 Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge

I’m not one who likes to use much glitter, but every now and again I find it comes in handy and adds that special touch a project needs. We have so many great colors now that they were perfect for decorating the tree and gifts in the stamped image.

Price of Paper group swap cards:

 

 

Monumental Moments group swap cards:

 

 

Now "Hop" on over to Jean McNulty’s blog to see her work, and be sure to visit each consultant's blog to get some great crafting inspiration and other fun ideas! Don't forget, this exclusive stamp set is only available thru October 31st! Contact me to get yours today!

Back-to-School 2012

It's that time again for our family - school is once again in session! Ever since my son was in his second year of preschool I have made back-to-school cards for him and his friends and teachers. I think it's a simple little thing to do to help make something that many dread a bit sweeter.

The moment I saw our new Scholastic paper I knew I had to use it for this year's cards. (I also had to have it because my son and I are book lovers.) With a little inspiration from the new Idea Book and input from fellow papercrafters, this is what I came up with:

I love the "sketchy-ness" of the "back to school" phrase and thought pairing it with the pencil stamp made perfect sense. To get the blue tip on the pencil I first inked the stamp in Cashmere ink, and then I used an Outdoor Denim marker to color the tip. I used the same marker to sketch out my own "th" next to the 4 and "grade" just below it. I used both of our Cricut cartridges (Art Philosophy and Artiste) to cut some shapes, including the notebook paper which happens to be the reverse side of the paper with the numbers and letters all over it.

Feel free to contact me if you need a more detailed supply list or instructions on how to replicate this card.

National Stamping Month Blog Hop

For many of us the kids are returning to school, and some of us want to celebrate! What better way to do that than with National Stamping Month and a blog hop!

If you have come here from  Laila Harris' blog, you are on the right path.

Close to My Heart kicks off the party with another fun double stamp set called It's Your Day*. That's right, you get two D-size stamp sets in one envelope! It includes nearly 50 trendy images and sayings so you can add fun and flair to all your cards, layouts and other projects.

I made a couple different cards with this stamp set. Here is the first one:

Supply List:

CC1020 It's Your Day stamp set

X7156B Clementine paper packet

X5754 Creme Brulee cardstock

1388 Colonial White cardstock

Z2111 Chocolate Exclusive Inks stamp pad

Z1701 Baker's Twine Neutral Assortment

Z1686 Cricut Art Philosophy Collection

Z1790 Cricut Artiste Collection

And here is the second one:

Supply List:

CC1020 It's Your Day stamp set

X7159B Scholastic paper packet

X5932 Cashmere cardstock

1388 Colonial White cardstock

Z2114 Cocoa Exclusive Inks stamp pad

Z2171 Saddle Exclusive Inks stamp pad

Z1706 Round Durables Studs

Z1297 Edge Distresser

Z1151 3-D Foam Tape

Z1686 Cricut Art Philosophy Collection

Now hop on over to Shirley Ross' blog to see what she has created, and then continue on through the hop to see a wide variety of projects to inspire your own creativity!

*To celebrate National Stamping Month in September, we are offering a new double stamp set! You can get the exclusive My Acrylix® It’s Your Day double stamp set for just $5 when you place a minimum order of $35 in full retail products from August 15 through September 30. You’ll love this double set—two D-size sets in one envelope—with trendy images that capture the flavor of your day-to-day activities, errands, and musings—the little things that make up who you are and are worth remembering and sharing! With a retail value of $35.90, this set drastically increases the value of your qualifying purchase. Have twice the fun stamping during National Stamping Month with our new It’s Your Day double stamp set!