Family Is Forever SOTM Blog Hop

Welcome to our Stamp of the Month Blog Hop!  This month's stamp is called "Family Is Forever". This stamp set is only available through the end of September. I am your last stop on this blog hop. You should have arrived from Jacquelin Green's blog. If you get lost along the way, you’ll find the complete list of participating consultants at Melinda Everitt's blog.

This month we have eighty (can you believe 80?!) Close To My Heart Consultants sharing their creations using this month's SOTM and other great Close To My Heart products on their blogs. A blog hop 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 am using our Chalk It Up paper. It was important to me that these photos were really the main focus of this layout. I did some hand-stitching to finish it off. A quick note: Maybe no one else saw this, but when I looked at the "LOVE" sentiment included in the stamp set, I saw dog bones. 

This is our little puppy, Jagger. He has been a hand-full, let me tell ya. The biggest problem we are having is that he likes to bite. Izzy is Jagger's person, if you believe in such things. She loves him, despite his bullish behavior with her. If anyone has any tips for how to break this cute puppy from biting, I would love to hear them. So far, we are basically putting him in "time-out", but we also read somewhere that you are supposed to startle him with "Ouch" in a loud voice. Anyways, I love this stamp set, and plan to also create a family tree type of layout with it.

Recipe: 

Paper: Chalk It Up, White Daisy CS, Black CS, Lagoon CS (CTMH)

Stamps: Family is Forever, Keyboard Uppercase Alphabet, Chocolate Alphabet Large (retired) (CTMH)

Inks: Cotton Candy, Lagoon, Glacier, Black (CTMH)

Tools: Stitch Ruler, Paper-Piercer, Micro-Tip Scissors, Scallop Border Punch, Glue Pen, Journaling Pen (CTMH)

Other: Gold Sequins, Chalk It Up Assortment, Black Embroidery Floss (CTMH)

Now "Hop" on over to Melinda Everitt's blog to see her work! Be sure to visit all the Consultants at their Blogs to get some great crafting tips and fun ideas!   Contact your CTMH Consultant (or click here) to see how you can get this stamp set at a discount! Thank you for stopping by.

*Designed by Close To My Heart

*Designed by Close To My Heart

Mixed Media Blitz UYSB Hop

What is mixed media, you ask? 

noun

1. 1.

   the use of a variety of media in an entertainment or work of art.

I chose to interpret it as different combinations of embellishments. 

If you have come here from Shirley's blog, you are on the right track. 

Last month, I held my Skylark Workshop. I showcased the following two layouts along with the three that you may have seen previously posted on my blog. It was a perfect time to play around with mixing different left over embellishments I had accumulated since I was in the process of reorganizing my craft room anyway. 

Imagine Timeline Sketch

Scrapbook Generation Sketch

As you can see, I used retired Skylark paper, along with retired Footloose and Free To Be Me papers. I added in various buttons, lagoon mini medley, new chalk it up assortment, milepost shapes, and aqua dots. Great way to use up your stash!

My goal with these two layouts was to show a variety of uses for our Picture My Life cards. They can be used for more than just pocket pages. You may even notice that I cut the "good stuff" pml card down to 2x3. The sketch called for a journal piece of that size and I thought it would be a great teaching tool to showcase for you. I have previously fussy cut them to use as embellishments, too.

Another thing I want to point out is that I used liquid glass to completely cover the "vacation" title piece. I thought it looked a little flat, and since my pictures were water-themed, I immediately thought of my liquid glass. You could use a background stamp before applying liquid glass to give it yet another cool effect. Liquid glass is more than just a great adhesive!

One more thing: I use my glue pen when adhering small or skinny paper pieces to help give it extra hold. Seems to be less messy than my tombow, and provides a sturdy bond.

Products Used:

Paper: Skylark, Footloose, Free To Be Me, Kraft CS, White Daisy CS, Skylark PML Cards (CTMH)

Stamps: Skylark WOTG, Hello Summer (CTMH)

Inks: Black, Creme Brulee, Lagoon (CTMH)

Tools: Embossing Powder, Craft Tray, Craft Heater, Paper-Piercer, Micro-Tip Scissors, Cricut Artbooking, Corner Rounder, Liquid Glass, Glue Pen (CTMH)

Other: White Embroidery Floss, Chalk It Up, Lagoon Mini-Medley, Milepost Shapes, Aqua Dots, White Daisy Brad, Foam Tape, Glue Dots (CTMH), Misc. Buttons (Other)

If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments below.  

Your next stop on the hop will be Theresa Morrow's blog. 

Thanks for stopping by! 

Casandra

Happy Birds Card

Yay for Friday! I'm hoping to get crafty today. How about you?

I "scrap-lifted" this card from our new Annual Inspirations book. I tweaked it a little, by using our Distressed Backgrounds stamp set. I also used up another scrap of the Later Sk8r paper I had left from other recent card projects.

Recipe:
Paper: Later Sk8r (retired), Flaxen CS, Glacier CS, White Daisy CS, Desert Sand CS (CTMH)
Stamp: Happy Birds (CTMH)
Inks: Flaxen, Chocolate, Cocoa, Glacier (CTMH)
Tools: Craft Heater, Clear Detail Embossing Powder, Craft Tray, Watercolor Pencils, Alcohol Markers, Micro-Tip Scissors (CTMH)
Other: Green Glitter Tape (American Crafts)

I have to share something I found out while making this card. I found this pretty green glitter tape at my local craft store around Christmas. I forgot I had it until I was working on this card. I cut off the first piece and prepared to tear the plastic backing off to tape down, only to discover that this brand doesn't do that. I had to use my Tombow to adhere it. It's still pretty; guess I got a little spoiled with our glitter trim.

P.S. I love our background stamps! So fun!

Casandra

Birdy Thinking of You Card

I am so happy that it's finally Thursday; last day of my work week. 

One of the many perks of being a Close To My Heart consultant, is that we get to order 6x6 samplers of the new paper packs included in each new Idea Book. This also helps my creative process along. I can lay out the papers and gather up scraps and pair different colors together until I get the look I'm going for. That is exactly how this card came about. 

Recipe:
Paper: Brushed, Canary CS, Smoothie CS, Desert Sand CS, White Daisy CS (CTMH)
Stamp: Happy Birds (CTMH)
Inks: Pear, Desert Sand, Chocolate, Smoothie (CTMH)
Tools: Scallop Border Punch, Watercolor Pencils, Alcohol Markers, Paper-Piercer, Micro-Tip Scissors (CTMH)
Other: Clear Sparkles (CTMH)

Those birds make me happy. Have a great day!

Casandra

New Home Congrats Card

Here's another card that was inspired by the Spring/Summer 2014 Idea Book.

Isn't it fun? As I was sitting here looking at the card, I remembered that one of my relatives moved into their first new home. This will be perfect for them.

Recipe:
Paper: Later Sk8r (retired), Brushed, Flaxen CS, Chocolate CS, Desert Sand CS, Lagoon CS, White Daisy CS (CTMH)
Stamp: Cricut Art Philosophy (CTMH)
Ink: Chocolate (CTMH)
Tools: Paper-Piercer, Micro-Tips Scissors, Glue Pen, Sanding Kit, Cricut Art Philosophy, Journal Pen (CTMH)
Other: Aqua Dots, White Daisy Embroidery Floss (retired), Neutral Baker's Twine, Teal Shimmer Trim (CTMH)

Thanks for stopping by. I hope your day is blessed.

Casandra

Art Philosophy Thank You Card

Good morning. I am back today with another card I made a week ago. This one was also inspired by a card from the Spring/Summer 2014 Idea Book.

Here is where I need to give another shout-out to my friend (and fellow CTMH Consultant) Celina from Arizona. We met through a private chat board that is exclusive for consultants. She came to my rescue when I made an error that would've cost me some product credits. About two weeks ago, I was playing in my craft room when the FedEx truck showed up. I wasn't expecting anything so when I opened the box, in it were 3 stamp sets, a craft sponge (inside joke) and this chevron border punch. I quickly grabbed a tissue. Celina has a generous spirit, a big heart, and a great sense of humor. I feel like God blessed me with her friendship at a time when I was really feeling low. 

So this card was made with Celina in mind. It uses the Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge and stamps, the new (and fun!) chevron border punch, teal shimmer trim, Seaside and Brushed papers. 

Have a wonderful day, my friends.

Casandra

Chalk It Up Card #2

Hello. Today just happens to be my birthday. Here's another card I created using a mixture of Chalk It Up and Seaside papers. Sorbet is still one of my happy colors. So I am happy to see it being used in such a beautiful way with these two kits.

This card was also inspired by artwork in our Spring/Summer 2014 Idea Book. It uses Wishes: Keyhole template, and was made easier by cricut cuts from the Art Philosophy cartridge.

Recipe:
Paper: Chalk It Up, Seaside, White Daisy CS, Desert Sand CS, Lagoon CS (CTMH)
Stamp: Cricut Art Philosophy, Chalk It Up WOTG (CTMH)
Inks: Lagoon, Sorbet, Desert Sand (CTMH)
Tools: Paper-Piercer, Micro-Tip Scissors, Sponge, Art Philosophy Cartridge (CTMH)
Other: Aqua Dots (CTMH)

So yesterday, my husband took me out to lunch. Probably two of the best presents I received was the last sanding on the drywall project we had to do this past week (no more dust!) and also my puppy learning what the word "potty" means. We had 3 successful trips outside last night and each time, Jagger did exactly what I asked him to. Yay! 

Have a great week, my crafty friends!

Casandra

Chalk It Up Teacher Card

Good morning. I really enjoyed making this next card. I can't take complete credit for it, though. I was inspired by a card featured in our (CTMH) Spring/Summer 2014 Idea Book, Page 65. That's the beauty of our idea books...they are more than just a selling tool. 

Recipe:
Paper: Chalk It Up, Desert Sand CS, Chocolate CS, White Daisy CS (CTMH)
Stamps: School Is Here (retired), Cricut Art Philosophy (CTMH)
Inks: Lagoon, Chocolate, Ruby (CTMH)
Tools: Paper-Piercer, Micro-Tip Scissors, Watercolor Pencils, Glue Pen, Cricut Art Philosophy, Journaling Pen, Stitch Ruler (CTMH)
Other: Chalk It Up Assortment, Aqua Dots, White Daisy Embroidery Floss (retired) (CTMH)

Isn't this cute? I love this paper! That "cool" sticker is a throwback to my childhood, when I was first introduced to puffy stickers. They are so fun. A must-have for any embellishment collection.

Have a happy day!

Casandra

Confetti Wishes Birthday Card

Good morning. Just a quick post today for ya, since I will be back into remodelling mode sooner than I'd like. (Drywall...yuck.)

I used my new ShinHan Alcohol Peony Purple marker to color in the enamel stars on this card. I also added our new Thistle striped ribbon. A quick note on the journalling pen border I added to the stamped piece: I used our ruler to line up so I could get straight lines. 

Recipe:
Paper: Confetti Wishes, Canary CS, White Daisy CS (CTMH)
Stamp: Cricut Artiste (CTMH)
Inks: Thistle, Black, Pacifica (CTMH)
Tools: Paper-Piercer, Micro-Tip Scissors, Glue Pen, ShinHan Alcohol Marker, Journalling Pen, Stitch Ruler (CTMH)
Other: Glue Dot (CTMH)

I'm all set to go for the next birthday with this card. Have a great day.

Casandra

Stashbusters Daydream Layout

I am back again with my second project for the day. I decided to play along again with Stashbusters over at Splitcoaststampers. 

Recipe:
Paper: Daydream (retired), White Daisy CS, Sweet Leaf CS (CTMH)
Stamps: What A Day (convention 2014 stamp), All The Details, Distressed Backgrounds (CTMH)
Inks: Petal (retired), Sweet Leaf, Hollyhock, Honey, Black (CTMH)
Tools: Paper-Piercer, Micro-Tip Scissors, Glue Pen, Cricut Artbooking, Scoring Blade, Journaling Pen (CTMH)
Other: White Enamel Stars, Black Bitty Brads (retired), Hollyhock Ric-Rac Ribbon (retired), Foam Tape, Glue Dots, Daydream Stickease (CTMH), Purple Baker's Twine (MFT), Purple Embroidery Floss (DMC)

I would like to enter this layout into the Moxie Fab World: Clicking Camera Challenge. You have until Sunday, August 17th to play along.

Hope I've inspired you to dig into your stash and use up some of your hoarded product. Have a wonderful day!

Casandra

Happy, Happy, Happy

Today, I am happy, happy, happy to have a day off. Once my children realize how great that is, too, and chill out, it will be an even happier day. I plan to get my craft on. 

I am sharing another card I made last weekend with our new Confetti Wishes paper and my new favorite stamp set, Happy Birds. 

Isn't this paper fun? I wanted to showcase some other patterns from this kit. The yellow checkerboard paper is my favorite, even though this kit has a strong purple feel, and purple is one of my favorite colors. I am loving our new gold sequins, and our new ShinHan Alcohol Markers. I admit that I'm no coloring expert, but these markers make it seem easy. 

Recipe:
Paper: Confetti Wishes, Desert Sand CS, White Daisy CS (CTMH)
Stamp: Happy Birds (CTMH)
Ink: Chocolate (CTMH)
Tools: Paper-Piercer, Micro-Tip Scissors, Craft Heater, Craft Tray, Clear Detail Embossing Powder, Glue Pen, ShinHan Alcohol Markers, ShinHan Alcohol Blending Marker (CTMH)
Other: Gold Sequins (CTMH), Purple Embroidery Floss (DMC)

I hope your weekend is Happy, Happy, Happy, too! 

Casandra

A Celebration Card

Tonight, I'm posting a quick card I made over the weekend. I feel it's pretty appropriate for the news I'm about to share. And wow, what a build up that is! Haha, nothing quite so serious.

My daughter is 6 years old now. She has been a very picky eater forever, almost vegetarian, save for the occasional chicken nuggets she would eat. Well, this summer, she finally ate a corn dog. A couple of weeks later, it was a hot dog on a bun. Tonight...wait for it...she ate her first piece of bacon...and she loved it. 

In honor of this momentous occasion (huge for our family), I am posting a fun card, which is a celebration in itself.

Recipe:
Paper: Confetti Wishes, Later Sk8r (retired), Glacier CS, Desert Sand CS, White Daisy CS (CTMH)
Stamps: Big Top, Distressed Backgrounds (CTMH)
Inks: Glacier, Lagoon, Thistle, Honey (CTMH)
Tools: Paper-Piercer, Micro-Tip Scissors, Glue Pen (CTMH)
Other: Enamel Stars, Bitty Sparkle, White Embroidery Floss (CTMH)

One more thing before I go, I love background stamps. First time I've used them was on this card. Love the effect.

Have a great weekend!

Casandra

New Product Blog Hop

Welcome to our New Product Blog Hop!  As of August 1st, you have been able to view the online Annual Inspirations book, and some of you may have already placed your first order. To aid you in your creativity, we have over 50 consultants sharing their artwork. I guarantee you will be amazed.

If you have come here from Jean McNulty'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 all around.  If you get lost along the way, you’ll find the complete list of participating consultants at Melinda Everitt's blog. Here we go!

I decided to focus on one main paper pack for this hop. Pathfinding has beautiful, rich Fall colors. I wasn't too sure I was sold on Flaxen until I made the first card pictured here with feathers. I think it's more of a yellow, but my lighting wasn't the greatest so it appears a bit green in the photograph. I think my favorite new stamp set in this book is Happy Birds. I was able to combine it with many different paper packs. I will share those in upcoming posts. 

Recipe:

Paper: Pathfinding, Paper Fundamentals - Basic CS, White Daisy CS, Chocolate CS, Colonial White CS, Glacier CS, Flaxen CS (CTMH)

Stamps: Art Philosophy, Happy Birds, Feathers, Just For You, Splendid Day (CTMH)

Inks: Flaxen, Chocolate, VersaMark (CTMH)

Tools: Clear Detail Embossing Powder, Gold Embossing Powder, White Embossing Powder, Craft Heater, Craft Tray, Paper-Piercer, Micro-Tip Scissors, Cricut Art Philosophy, Scallop Border Punch, ShinHan Alcohol Markers, ShinHan Alcohol Blending Pen, Embossing Folders, Glue Pen (CTMH), Chicken Wire Embossing Folder (Cuttlebug)

Other: Gold Sequins, Brads (retired), Button (retired), White Embroidery Floss (retired) (CTMH)

Now "Hop" on over to Nikka Geers' blog to see her work! Be sure to visit all the Consultants at their Blogs to get some great crafting tips and fun ideas!   Contact your CTMH Consultant (or click here) to shop with Close To My Heart. Thank you for stopping by.

Casandra