April Stamp of the Month Blog Hop - Balloon Talk

Welcome to the April Stamp of the Month Blog Hop featuring Close To My Heart's Balloon Talk stamp set. Thanks for visiting from Krista's blog. Balloon Talk is a set of 24 stamps with cute expressions and talking balloons you can use on a variety of layouts, cards or projects.

I was recently a vendor at a crop and made these cards for all of the crafters. Beate Johns' card (found on Pinterest) was my inspiration. The croppers loved their gift from me!

Products I used to complete the card (all Close To My Heart)

• Artiste Cricut Cartridge, Z1790 to cut the balloon at 1 1/2" Accent 2 <b> 
• Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge, Z1686 to cut the Kraft tag at 3 3/4" <Tag 4>
• Balloon Talk Stamp Set, only available in April 2014! S1404
• White Cards, X254
• Kraft Cardstock, Z1375
• White Daisy Cardstock, 1385
• Baker's Twine Paradise Assortment, Z1702
• Archival Black Ink (a must for crisp stamping!), 44751
• Flamingo Dots, Z1934
• Sparkles Clear Assortment, Z1752
• Washi Tape: 
• Lagoon Houndstooth, Z1950
• Honey Triangles, Z1931
• Smoothie Striped, Z1923
• Black Journaling Pen, Z1979
• Ruler, Z1471

Head on over to Michelle Johns' blog to see what crafty creation she's come up with! If you get lost along the way, click here for a complete list of participants.

Timberline Workshop on the Go

Every once in a while, I complete a workshop and love it so much I squeal like a little girl. Turning 40 in May proves that I'm no longer a little girl, but this Timberline Workshop made me SQUEAL! Close To My Heart rocked the first two layouts below. I created the third, using the fabulous CTMH Artbooking Cricut Cartridge. Love, love love these layouts and can't wait to find the perfect pics to add to them.

Close To My Heart Workshop on the Go Layout One

Close To My Heart Workshop on the Go Layout Two

Scrappy Hour Workshop Layout Three, Make It From Your Heart, Volume 2, Layout 4

Want to create these layouts and have all of the pieces pre-cut for you? Join me on April 7th for my workshop at 9 am or 7 pm. Comment or send me an email to RSVP by April 1st.

Emboss It Blog Hop

Welcome to the "Emboss IT!" Blog Hop, featuring one of Close To My Heart's latest additions...embossing folders!  Thanks for visiting from Pamela's blog.

CTMH now offers embossing folders in five designs: Dot, Chevron, Quatrefoil, Damask and Stripe. At only $8.95, these are high quality embossing folders you'll use again and again!

I used the Quatrefoil Embossing Folder to teach my "Scrappy Gals" (a group of 13 amazing Second-Fifth graders I teach scrapbooking to at my sons' elementary school) about embossing. The layout was inspired by this one created by Melissa Laverty, my amazing Director at CTMH.

A little sanding really made the Quatrefoil Embossing really jump off of the page!

One of my students designed her own layout using embossed papers.

Now, head on over to Lalia's blog to see what creative embossing she's done! If you got lost along the way, Melinda has a complete list of hoppers here. Happy embossing!

Base & Bling Wearable Crafts with Video Tutorial

Close To My Heart started offering Base & Bling, their trendy line of "wearable crafts" last summer. This Spring/Summer Idea Book showcases an expanded line that includes chains and pendants to make adorable necklaces that will showcase your individual personality!

By customizing the color of the chain and pendant (faux antiqued silver or faux antiqued gold), the shape of your pendant (square or circle), the sticker for the pendant (four different "themed" style sheets are available) and a plethora of charms to accessorize, you can create a one-of-a-kind craft that you can wear proudly!

Here is a quick video tutorial showing just how quick and simple it is to make your own!

My workshop fee is $10 for the base necklace (chain, pendant, glass cover and sticker), charms are an additional $1 each. If you have a specific sticker or charm (see below) that you want, you should purchase the set ahead of time for $3.95. You can view the full line here.

I'm holding a workshop on Tuesday, April 22nd at 7 pm to create your unique Base & Bling wearable craft! RSVP by April 7th and let me help you customize the perfect gift for you or someone you love! If you're not local, I'm happy to help you gather the supplies you need to create your very own piece!

Queen Charms

Storyteller Charms

Free Thinker Charms

Dreamer Charms

Free Thinker Style Sheet

Storyteller Style Sheet

Queen Style Sheet

Dreamer Style Sheet

Lollydoodle Workshop

Spring is just around the corner, supposedly. Whether the weather (hee hee), this Lollydoodle Workshop will make you feel like Spring is sprung!

Layout One

Layout Two

Layout Three with Spray Technique

The first two layouts follow the Lollydoodle Workshop on the Go designs. Since some of my crafters don't have girls, I wanted to make the layouts a little more Spring/family friendly by using the Lollydoodle Complements (My Stickease). They make the layouts come together so quickly!

I'm holding the Lollydoodle Workshop on Monday, March 24th at 9 am and again at 7 pm. For $30, you'll get:

• Lollydoodle Paper Pack, X7183B
• Lollydoodle Complements, X7183C
• Lollydoodle Assortment, Z3006
• Flamingo Dots, Z1934
• Additional Cardstock and Accessories to complete the layouts

RSVP as soon as possible to reserve your spot today!