Stamping Techniques Blog Hop

Welcome to another Close to My Heart Consultants Blog Hop!  For this hop, we are focusing on stamping techniques! And I, for one, am excited to learn some new techniqes and ideas for putting my stamp collection to good use!!

If you have come from GINA'S BLOG, then you are in the right spot!  The hop is a big circle, but if you lose your way, just head to Melinda's blog for a complete list of all the participating consultants!  Here we go:

For my technique, I created a background using 4 colours of ink ( Crystal Blue, lagoon, Sapphire and Peacock) and then stamped and embossed with white daisy and some embossing powder mixed with glitter!

I started by lightly sponging ink all over the cardstock, beginning with the lightest colour.  I misted it a bit to blur the colour, and added some small dabs of white daisy and then some watercolour splashes for texture.  I then stamped some snowflakes with white daisy and embossed them with white embossing powder mixed with glitter.

Once I had the background, I added some Cricut cuts from the Art Philosophy cartridge, and used some glitter on them, too!!  Foil or white shimmer trim completed the edges and the cards were complete!

Thank you for checking out our hop!  I hope you are inspired to use your stamps and inks in a new way!  I love making my own backgrounds!  Now head on over to

 JEN'S BLOG, to see what she has in store for you!

Candlelight Garden Blog Hop

Welcome to the Close to My Heart Consultants Stamp of the Month Blog Hop!  If you have come from Maureen's Blog, you are in the right place!  The hop is a big circle, but if you get lost please head to MELINDA'S BLOG, and you will find the full list.

This month 32 consultants have created some beautiful artwork with the December Stamp of the Month - Candlelight Garden!  

This set of 10 stamps is a very versatile set perfect for cards and gifts for a special friend! And it is only $6.00 CAD with you $50 qualifying purchase! Here is a taste of what you can create!

This art was created by CTMH - Please enjoy while I fix my technical issues and come back and visit to see what I have created with this set!

Thanks for stopping by!  Remember this set is only available in the month of December, so check in with your consultant or go HERE to order yours!

Now hop on over to NANCY'S BLOG, for more great ideas!

Simply Fundamental Blog Hop!

Hi and welcome to the Simply Fundamental Blog Hop!

If you have come from CATHERINE'S BLOG, you are in the right place!  The hop is a great big circle, so if you get lost, simply head to Melinda's Blog for the complete list of participating consultants!

This month we are highlighting th Paper Fundamentals special!  A great chance to try out these awesome coordinating products and also get some free memory protectors.  Check out the details HERE.

Here is a closer look at one of the layouts you can create with the free instructions downloadable from consultant websites!

I decided to create a layout using these great items - with plenty of leftovers for more layouts and some cards, as well!!

I also used a couple of stamp sets - Snapshot Memories D1648, Documenting Moments D1647 and 

#makesmehappy D1658, which is a hostess only stamp set.

 Thanks for stopping by!  Now please head to LELA'S BLOG for some more great artwork!  If you are interested in this special - it is only available until the end of November - the products themselves are available for the length of the current Annual Inspirations Idea Book!

November Stamp of the Month Blog Hop!

Hello!

Welcome to the November Stamp of the Month Blog Hop - "Cheers 2016"!  This month we have some fantastic art from Close to My Heart Consultants from all across Canada, the US, Australia and New Zealand!

If you have come from MICHELLE'S BLOG, then you are in the right place!  The hop is a great big circle, so if you get lost, simply head to Melinda's Blog, and you will find the entire list.Check out this adorable set:

I wanted make a little mini album to keep track of my health and fitness goals (and progress) for 2016. This set is absolutely perfect!!  I used Basic colours and Paper Fundamentals paper and stickers for this project. With gold accents of gold foil tape and shimmer trim, it has just a bit of sparkle.   Now I just have to stick to my goals and fill it in in 2016!

This set of 17 stamps is only available in the month of November, for $6 in Canada, with your minimum purchase of $50.  If you want to get in on all this goodness, please contact your local CTMH consultant, or go here to purchase yours!  Thanks so much for stopping by my blog!  Now you can hop on over to LELA'S BLOG to see what  an amazing project she has in store for you!

It's Closer than you Think!

Christmas!  It really is closer than you think!  In fact - it just 2 short months away!  I am getting ready for Christmas and one of the things I am doing is scrapping those leftover photos from last year!  Yes, like many of you, I still have 2014 photos that need a home in my album! 

 Luckily, I have White Pines to the rescue!

Using these lovely papers, the coordinating embellishments, and the October Stamp of the Month, I created this layout of two of my kitties ( we have three now!):

I also cut one of the coordinating Picture My Life cards for the journal spot, and used the matching twine colours for the ornament!  The title is done with the Jennifer's Hand stamp set (B1484)

 There are lots of great ways to use these products, so please check them out - next on my list is some Christmas cards!

Paper Fundamentals

The newest collections of Paper Fundamentals are super versatile and lots of fun!  Simple patterns in a variety of colours that work for any photos, any occasion!

 I recently completed an important personal milestone, and Paper Fundamentals and the D1660  Ink Blot stamp set were perfect for my layout to celebrate that!

After being diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis two and a half years ago, I had to give up running and I FINALLY am now walking regularly and was able to complete my first post diagnosis 8K!

The Ink Blot stamp set is perfect for what I wanted to do - add a bit of texture and colour in an informal style!  Add a few sparkles and some Cricut cut stars, and this came together very quickly!!

Click the links above to view the paper and stamp set and perhaps add them to your collection!  

You won't regret it!!

Fun with #Sangria !

Autumn really is my favourite time of year!  fresh starts, beautiful colours and the cool crisp air all combine for a feeling that is, well wonder-fall!!  I think that is why I am so fond of the Sangria line from Close to My Heart!  Rich, vibrant colours that are perfect for fall - I have been busy creating a number of layouts from this great paper and embellishments!

The first showcases the beautiful location of Lake Louise, Alberta, where my family and I spent a fabulous fall day!

The second I created for the photos of my mom's 85th birthday - a celebration with my whole family - still awaiting the perfect photos!

I am loving the papers and complements, along with a few Cricut cuts and a stamp sets!  Love Sangria and I still have some left, so there will be a few more cards and layouts to come, I am sure!

Hop Along with Holiday Expressions!

Welcome to the Holiday Expressions Blog Hop!  If you are like me, and love the holidays of fall and winter, this is the hop for you! Close to My Heart consultants have created some amazing artwork from products now available in the Holiday Expressions catalogue!  If you have come from LAUREN'S BLOG, you are in the right place.  The hop is great big circle, but if you lose your place, please go to MELINDA'S blog for the complete list of participating consultants!  Now onto the artwork!!

The Nevermore collection is completely adorable and just waiting for all your Halloween layouts and projects!  I used it to create a layout of my son:

I also used the Cricut Artiste cartridge for the skeleton, and the new Artistry cartridge for the title.
The Ink Blot stamp set was a great way to age the circles and to make them seem just a little bit spookier!

There are so many great new products in the Holiday Expressions Idea Book! This catalogue is available online HERE, or from your Close to My Heart Consultant!  Products are only available for a limited time, so shop now!

Thanks for stopping by!  Now please hop on on over to TERRIE'S BLOG, to see what she has created for your inspiration!

October Stamp of the Month Blog Hop

Welcome October and welcome to the  Close to My Heart October Stamp of the Month Blog Hop!  This month 44 CTMH artists have created some great pieces to showcase this adorable stamp set, called "Twinkle"!

If you have come from PRISCILLA'S blog, then you are in the right spot!  The hop is a great big circle, so if you get lost, please go to MELINDA'S page and you can find the entire list of participants!  Now let's take a look at this versatile set!

I decided to combine this set with another Christmas set and the White Pines paper and complements to create a little of piece of art for the festive season!

I found this mini shadow box that was unfinished at the dollar store!  A little bit of paper and ink and the October SOTM, and few other stamps and this came together very quickly!

This set would be equally great for making cards, scrapbook pages or specials gifts for friends and family!  So many possibilities!  Remember, it is only available for the month of October!  Please check with your local CTMH consultant, or go HERE to find out how to purchase!!

Now get ready for some fabulous art from Michelle!