Boxing Week Sale with Close To My Heart!

Close To My Heart is having a HUGE Boxing Week Sale with new deals available every day! 

From Saturday, December 26th, to Friday, December 31st, new savings will be introduced on select products! The details are only available for a limited time, while supplies last, so be sure to check my website every day at 12:00 am (MST) to see the newest deals!

There are five stamp sets (four are shown above) you can count each day which contain Covid-related images, some which create a little laughter and bring joy to the crazy times we are experiencing.

SHOP MY WEBSITE during Boxing Week to save on top-quality papercrafting products! You can contact me directly at [email protected] if you have any questions! 

As a reminder, current VIPs earn a 15% credit on their purchases - even those made while saving money during the Boxing Week Sale! REMEMBER: Sign up before the end of this month to earn an immediate $25 credit on your membership which equates to just $10 for the entire year! (It does change to a $15 credit on January 1st.) 

"Blissful Brackets" CTMH Technique Challenge

 

Welcome to our Technique Blog Hop where we show you some fun ways to use brackets, while incorporating Close To My Heart products. Our Hop is called, "Blissful Brackets".

If you are coming from Michelle's Blog, you are on the right track. You can find a complete list of participants at the bottom of this post, if you were to get lost along the way. 

I enjoyed creating this celebratory card while incorporating various products and simple techniques that kept the focus on the occasion. 

The "Par-tay" stamp set I used has these fun images that I've enjoyed using on a variety of birthday cards. They are great for using your favorite coloring medium. I chose our Tri-blend Markers.

The beautiful script sentiment is from this "Sentiments by Melissa Esplin" stamp set. I used Silver Embossing Powder on it, which is striking on the Sapphire cardstock.

So as to where the bracket theme ties in, CTMH has some top-quality Stitched Thin Cuts (aka dies) in this Brackets Bundle. The one I selected provides a great background for the greeting. 

And last, but not least, that striped Silver Foil paper - that cannot be truly appreciated from the photos - is from the Silver Foil Patterns Paper Packet. It is absolutely beautiful and comes in a variety of patterns, as shown above.

Here is a close-up of the details. 

I appreciate you stopping by. Consider leaving a comment before you head to Danielle's Blog to see what she has to share with you. Be sure you make your away around the entire Hop. You're sure to be inspired. Happy hoppin'!

List of Participants:

1. Melissa Robinson *YOU ARE HERE*

2. Danielle Wagner

3. Wendy Kessler

4. Haley Dyer

5. Alyson Mayo

6. Darlys Recker

7. Brandi Robinson

8. Tamara Sandwisch

9. Lauren Moore

10. Cat Nowak

11. Michelle Loncar

"Gifts From the Heart" - Heart 2 Heart Challenge

Welcome to our final challenge of 2020! Today we release the theme, "Gifts From the Heart". Use at least one Close To My Heart product and then connect with us at Heart 2 Heart. Link up and share your artwork, as we love to see what everyone creates while interpreting the theme. 

I love the Craft Jars from Close To My Heart and decided to make this fun gift item, perfect for the holidays. (I didn't have green and red M&Ms so just pretend they are in there. LOL)

With a fun little tag, and the Small Bow Thin Cuts, it's the perfect little treat for anyone this holiday season.

You can get a set of 3 Craft Jars for just $4.95; what a deal! Fill them with chocolate OR any other loose embellishment or craft item that it will hold. They measure 2 3/4" in diameter and are approximately 1 1/4" tall.

Thanks for joining us in the Heart 2 Heart Challenges each month! We look forward to you doing so in 2021! 

"Party Time" Heart 2 Heart Challenge

It's "Party Time" at Heart 2 Heart where you can create artwork aligned with the theme and then link up to us on the Heart 2 Heart Blog. We love to see what you create! Be sure to incorporate at least one product from Close To My Heart, as that's a requirement.

I totally love the simplicity of this card design, as shared by a friend. Only a few supplies were needed and it's perfect for the occasion, don't you think?! 

I used the Party Time Paper Packet, and this fabulous patterned paper, for the background. I had it measure just slightly smaller than the card base. 

Then, using the Small Bow Thin Cuts (aka Dies), I created the beautiful bow. The bow pieces come in two parts and assemble quickly and easilyy to form what you see above. I added a 3/8" strip of coordinating cardstock to form the "ribbon" parts. It came together in a matter of a few minutes! 

Participate in our artwork challenges at Heart 2 Heart! We'd love to have you!

"Every Bit of Wonderful" Blog Hop

Welcome to this Blog Hop where we are featuring this specific stamp set, "Every Bit of Wonderful". Are you wondering why? 

Did you know Close To My Heart supports the non-profit organization, Operation Smile, which provides facial surgeries to children with cleft palate? We have raised millions of dollars and provided life-changing miracles for many across the world! All it takes is $240 per surgery.

With every purchase of this stamp set, $7 are donated to the live-saving mission of Operation Smile. Consider adding it to your next order, if you don't already have it and if you do, enjoy being inspired by the artwork you see on this Hop. You can also round up your orders or contribute a specific, and additional amount, when checking out on my website. 

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

I incorporated more fall-ish/wintery colors on this card I created...and I love it! I did use the tri-blend markers to color in the floral and leaf images. And don't you just love the sentiments that are part of this set?! I so do! 

Here is another piece of artwork, a 6" x 8" page, I made as some recognition items for several team members. 

If you want to read more about Operation Smile, and how we support them, you can click on this link. Grab some tissues before you watch the video. You'll also see other opportunities to purchase related items on my website. 

Now, head on over to Cat's Blog to see what she has to share with you. I can't wait to see the rest of the inspiration provided by the other participants. Happy hoppin'!

"Happiness Never Grows Old" CTMH December Stamp of the Month

Welcome to the Stamp of the Month Blog Hop where we are showcasing the one for December called, "Happiness Never Grows Old".

The beautiful stamp set contains these 11 images shown in the image above. From the rose clusters, and encouraging sentiments, you can get this stamp set for FREE (as a VIP Member) or for $5, with a qualifying $50 purchase. You can view all details about the Stamp of the Month Program here. (It retails for $18.95.)

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. 

To create this card, I random-stamped some of the smaller images on Blue Belle cardstock, on the light side, with the same color ink. The striped paper on the far left is from the Mix-ins paper pack and I couldn't resist adding the gorgeous Sapphire Glitter Paper. 

For the rose image, I embossed it on the darker side of Sapphire cardstock, with Gold Embossing Powder. I used the Rare Minerals Metallic Markers to color in the images. It is a simple technique that creates such beauty. Do you agree?

I wanted Sapphire-like gems and used the True Blue Shades Tri-Blend Marker to color Silver Glitter Gems. I actually added two layers on it to get the darker shade of blue. I love this sentiment that I chose to include on this card and hope you do too!

I really appreciate you stopping by my blog and hope you enjoyed this card! Now, head on over to Wendy's Blog, to see what she has created to share with you. 

Happy hoppin'! 

"Eat, Drink and Be Merry" Blog Post

Welcome to my blog where I am showcasing artwork for the "Eat, Drink and Be Merry" theme for the Heart 2 Heart Challenge. You have until the end of November to participate in this and other challenges. Visit the Blog to see how you can link up and showcase your artwork with us and others. Be sure to use at least one product from Close To My Heart in your creation. 

I went with the "be merry" part of this theme. LOL I wasn't sure what I wanted to create and then designed this Christmas card that I think is festive and very merry. I hope you agree! 

The design is simple, and the paper is from our Mix-Ins pack - which I absolutely LOVE! I copied the design from an image contained in our November/December Idea Book (page 23). If you don't have a hard copy, you can get one FREE with an order of any size, and you can view the digital version here in the meantime. 

The layering on the poinsettia, which includes Scarlet and Evergreen Glitter Paper, was achieved through the use of the images and Thin Cuts used from the Comfort & Joy - Scrapbooking Stamp Set and Thin Cuts. 

I pray this week of Thanksgiving is a blessed and enjoyable one for you and your loved ones, despite the times we are currently experiencing. Consume yourself in papercrafting, if possible. That does wonders for me!

November/December NEW Product Blog Hop!

Welcome to our Blog Hop where we are featuring artwork made with products from our newest Supplemental Idea book which went live November 1st! You will love ALL things inside, including wonderful product and fabulous creations made with them. 

You can get a hard copy in your hands by placing an order of any size. In the meantime, flip through the digital pages found through this link. 

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

I enjoyed making this 6" x 8" scrapbook page which fits perfectly within our Everyday Life Albums. I love the size of it where sometimes just a photo or two are needed to document that special occasion. 

I loved keeping the page relatively simple by including a few stamped images, the fun striped paper, and a few banners. Of course, I couldn't resist adding some gems for added accents. 

The page was created using the whimsical Jingle Joy paper pack, and the coordinating Scrapbooking stamp set. You can see some of the wonderful coordinating products which are available for purchase.

 

The stamp set can be purchased with or without the coordinating Thin Cuts. I don't know about you but I so love being able to cut these images using a diecut machine rather than having to fussy-cut them. And the price is wonderful! You can view your products options here. 

Now, head on over to Cat's Blog to see what artwork she has to share with you. Consider leaving a comment before you do so. Happy hoppin'!

"Inky Fingers" CTMH Technique Blog Hop

Welcome to our Blog Hop where our artwork is focused on the theme of "Inky Fingers". Participants were asked to focus their attention on any inks carried by Close To My Heart. I am confident you will find some fun artwork as you make your way around the Blog Hop.

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.

This card is a result of my first attempt at Oxide inks. I wasn't sure of my blending effort, when just looking at the paper. Truthfully, it looked like a big mess. LOL But then I sprayed it a little bit with water and it began to take on a new look. It's amazing what a little spritz of water will do. 

I then stamped the image, with Archival Black Ink - after it was completely dry, and then fussy-cut around the image. 

You can see a close-up of the additional elements I included. The paper is from our Mix-Ins and I added some Silver Thread and Silver Glitter Gems.

The silver polka dotted paper, which I love, is from the Silver Foil Patterns paper pack. The photo in the Idea Book does not do it justice. It's absolutely beautiful with the different patterns they have incorporated. (We have a Gold pack as well.)

I appreciate you visiting my blog. Head on over to Cat's Blog to see what she has created to share with you! Consider leaving a comment before you do so. I always love to hear from you!

Participants:

1. Melissa Robinson *YOU ARE HERE
2. Cat Nowak
3. Michelle Loncar
4. Haley Dyer 
5. Lauren Moore
6. Brandi Robinson
7. Katy Taylor
8. Alyson Mayo
9. Darlys Recker
10. Wendy Kessler
11. Michelle Johns
12. Maz Wood

Blue Belle Heart 2 Heart Challenge

We are higlighting Close To My Heart's Color of the Year, "Blue Belle", in our products for this week's Heart 2 Heart Challenge. You can participate throughout the month of November by aligning with the identified theme while incorporating at least one CTMH product in your creation.  

I absolutely LOVE the November Stamp of the Month, "You Warm My Heart"! The awesome stamp set has such wonderful images that totally make me think of this time of the year and I couldn't resist using the slice of pie image to create this card! It definitely makes me want some pumpkin pie. What about you?

I used the Wood grain and Mix-ins paper packs for the background and couldn't resist adding in a small strip of Blue Belle Glitter Paper for a sparkly accent.

I used the Tri-blend markers to color in the pie, whip cream, and leaf images. Are you wondering what stamp set the leaves are from? Keep reading...

This is the stamp set that is part of the "Moments Like These" Calendar project (available through December 31, 2020, while supplies last). When I saw the stamp set and images, of course I realized how perfect it is for the calendar. However, I also LOVE the small images that can be used for accents on artwork and for other projects...soon to come! 

You can purchase the calendar products as a bundle, saving 20%, or you can also purchase items individually. Be sure to go check it out by visiting the link. 

To finish off the card, I added some sequins and shimmer from the Clear Shimmer Brush. You can view all of the related Blue Belle products by clicking on this link. 

Thanks so much for stopping by today! Don't forget to connect with us at Heart 2 Heart! We love to see what you create!