Stamping Techniques Blog Hop

Welcome to the CTMH Focus on Stamping Techniques Blog Hop. Thanks for coming from Catherine Nowak's blog.

We have 22 Independent Consultants participating in today's blog hop. I can't wait to hop through and learn a few new things myself! If you get lost along the way, you can find the entire blog hop list here.

Some people are trendsetters and others are late to the party. I'm showing you the Bokeh Effect today. In photography, it's the blurry photo quality that highlights out of focus points of light. If you're a trendsetter, you're going to say, "Oh, Michelle, bokeh is so last year!" But, I think it's a really unique stamping technique that's actually pretty easy to accomplish, but looks impressive.

To accomplish this effect, first emboss a sentiment on a card with a contrasting powder from the colors you want to ink. I used the Ranger White Super Fine embossing powder. Then, randomly sponge ink over the card (I used Peacock and Pomegranate). Next, cut out circles with using your Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge in various sizes (see below). Finally, dab White Daisy ink in circles over the card, layering some. 

I attached the card to another piece of White Daisy cardstock and that on a 5" x 7" Peacock cardstock card base. The final touch was adding a few silver sequins.

 Supplies used:

• Ranger White Super Fine Embossing Powder, Z2068, $5.95
• VersaMark Ink Pad Tsukineko, Z891, $9.95
• Craft Heater, Z555, $34.95
• All Purpose Mat, Z2045, $19.95
• White Daisy Cardstock, 1385, $9.50
• Peacock Cardstock, X5776, $14.50
• White Daisy Pigment Ink Stamp Pad, Z2163, $8.50
• Peacock Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad, Z2649, $6.95
• Pomegranate Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad, Z2653
• Sponge, Z697, $1.25
• Cricut Art Philosophy Collection, Z3171, $99
• Silver Sequins Assortment, Z2013. $2.95

My card was inspired by Stampinantics.

Now, head over to Jennifer Dykstra's blog.

Cheers Layout

Cheers! It's the time of year for celebrating!

I created this stunning layout for a crop I was a vendor at in October. And, I'm treating my best customers to it this coming week when we meet to to enjoy the season by crafting together.

Using La Vie En Rose paper, a bit of Paper Fundamentals Glacier paper (from the Whimsy pack) and some cardstock, I was able to create a layout with tons of texture and interest. One of my favorite things about the Fundamentals is that they're embossed on one side. With just a bit of Peacock Ink sponging, that embossed quatrefoil pattern really pops!

I used the CTMH Cricut Artistry cartridge to cut out the Cheers and Pop Fizz Clink sentiments (p. 50 of the Artistry booklet). Those dots are from the Packages, Bows, & Tags Stamp Set, D1664, which is one of my favorites from the 2015 Annual Inspirations. Gold Glitter Paper, Gold Foil Tape and Gold Bling Gems as accents, and we're done!

Hope this season brings you lots of moments to Pop, Fizz and Clink!

December Daily

Recently, I attended the Close To My Heart Making Connections Event. The night held so many great business ideas, inspirational vignettes, masterful storytelling by Chief Communications Officer, Monica Wihongi, and some fabulous creative time.

Have you ever created a December Daily project? Recording the days leading up to Christmas is the fun of a December Daily. The goal is to capture the spirit of December one day at a time. The project below was designed by the CTMH Corporate Art Department and was so fun to put together!

Join me on Monday, November 23^rd at 9 am and 7 pm. We'll put together all twelve pages (a cover, five two-page layouts and a back) in just a couple of hours. You'll go home ready to add your December photo memories and journaling. Please RSVP by 11/10. Total cost is $36 and includes:

• Picture My Life White Pines Scrapbooking Program, Z3176
• White Pines Complements, X7200C
• Red Enamel Gems, Z3090
• White Pines Paper to complete the cover and back, X7200B
• Poppy Thick Twine, Z3094
• Five Design 4 Memory Protectors, Z1951
• One Top Load Memory Protector, 4110

Please bring: adhesive, foam tape, liquid adhesive and craft scissors.

October SOTM Blog Hop - Twinkle

Welcome to the Twinkle Blog Hop! Thanks for coming from Michelle Battitori's blog.

This set of 15 stamps is a must have for your holiday collection. And, that star circle border, hand drawn doodle and frame will be useful for lots of cards and layouts. Our blog hop is a big circle of 47 consultants. Enjoy the artwork as you hop around!

Supplies used:

• White Pines Paper Packet, X7200B
• Gold Glitter Paper, Z3076
• Glacier Fundamentals Assortment, Z3102
• Glacier Ink, Z2641
• Cranberry Ink, Z2116
• Champagne Ink, Z2174
• CTMH Cricut Artiste Cartridge, Z3170

Now head over to Maureen OSullivan's blog to see her creativity with Twinkle!

Fall Plate

I love making vinyl decorated plates to celebrate the seasons and holidays. I made this one for my lovely mom for her entryway. So quick and simple to do using my Cricut Expression!

With Deepest Sympathy Card and Video

When we need a sympathy card, we often don't have time to run to the store or feel like creating a card when we're sad. I like to keep several sympathy cards on hand for those reasons.

Here's a quick, but sweet, card you can create using the CTMH Artfully Sent Cricut Cartridge and a few other supplies.

I made a quick video to show how to use our ShinHan Touch Twin Markers to create the "Monet-like" flowers.

Black "With Deepest Sympathy" sentiment card cut at 4.25" pressing the Sentiment, Shift, and "T" key. I trimmed it to 4" long and left it at 5.5" wide. I added a piece of 8.5" x 5.5" Hollyhock cardstock, scored down the middle for the card base (sorry, I think I said Sorbet in the video, but it's Hollyhock!).

You can choose how large and how "muddled" to make your circles.

Inside sentiment

Supplies used:

• CTMH Cricut Artfully Sent Cartridge, Z3168
• Hollyhock Cardstock, 1246
• Black Cardstock, 1386
• Scrap of White Cardstock, 1385
• ShinHan Touch Twin Markers, in:
• P282, Peony Purple, Z2462
• RP198, Tender Pink, Z2464
• R5, Cherry Pink, Z2450
• Colorless Blender Marker, Z2469
• Sincere Expressions Stamp Set, A1146
• Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad in Black, Z2105

Cricut Artistry Blog Hop

It's time for the latest CTMH Cricut cartridge reveal! Welcome to the Cricut Artistry Blog Hop, where you'll be inspired with all of the amazing projects you can create with the brand new Artistry Collection, exclusively from Close To My Heart!

Thanks for coming from the talented Jen Rubio's blog.

The Cricut Artistry Collection now comes with the Enchantment Cardstock Combo Pack (with seven new colors!) and three coordinating My Acrylix D-size Stamp Sets. All for just $99! Better still, you can get it half off by hosting a qualifying Gathering where you'll share CTMH's great products with your family and friends.

Last week, I was on the amazing island of Key Largo, vacationing with my family and friends. We had a blast! This photo of my sweet husband and I out at dinner one evening shows just how relaxed we felt.

To make this layout yourself, my Cricut Artistry cuts were:

• Background triangles in Whisper are Background on the <p> key, cut at 11.5" high (p. 20 of the booklet).
• Black cardstock background of "the Good Life" is Shape on the <y> key, cut at 2.6" high (p. 16 of the booklet).
• White Daisy cardstock "the Good Life" is Shift, Shape on the <Y> key, cut at 2.4" high (p. 16 of the booklet).
• Black cardstock background on the diamond title shapes is Shape on the <Father> key, cut at 1.94" high (p. 40 of the booklet).
• White Daisy cardstock diamond title shape is Layer on the <Father> key, cut at 1.73" high (p. 40 of the booklet).
• Pear font "key largo" was cut at a height of 0.93".

And, here's a list of all materials used:

• Cricut Artistry Collection, Z3167
• Zoe Paper Packet, X7197B
• White Daisy Cardstock, 1385
• Whisper Cardstock, X5929
• Black Cardstock, 1386
• Pear Cardstock, X5764
• Black Shimmer Trim, Z1809
• Zoe Assortment, Z3082
• Baker's Twine Neutral Metallic Assortment, Z1921 
• Aqua Dots, Z1853

Head on over to Lauren Moore's blog to see her fantastic Cricut Artistry creation!

Framed - August Stamp of the Month Blog Hop

Welcome to the August SOTM Blog Hop. We're one big circle, so you can hop all the way around to see all 51 consultants' creative ideas. Thanks for hopping over from Jeanie's blog!

Framed is a set of 12 stamps and is only available in the month of August.

The three frames in this set can be used with Close To My Heart's new Cricut cartridge, Artistry (available to order NOW!).  The top frame can be cut at 1.75", the second at 2" and the third at 1.25".

I never have enough thank you notes, so pulled this one together rather quickly, using the new CTMH color, Peacock, and a piece of the Houndstooth B&T paper from the new Zoe Paper Packet.

Supplies used:

• Framed (August SOTM), S1508
• Cricut Artistry Collection, Z3167
• Peacock Cardstock from the Cricut Artistry Collection
• Zoe Paper Packet, X7197B
• White Daisy Cardstock, 1385
• Dot Embossing Folder, Z1924
• Ruby Exclusive Inks stamp pad, Z2170
• Goldrush Exclusive Inks stamp pad, Z2123
• Sequins Gold Assortment, Z2012
• Honey Triangles Washi Tape, Z1931
• Non-stick Micro-tip Scissors, Z1836
• 3-D Foam Tape, Z1151

Now, it's time to hop over to Jenny's blog and to see her artwork.

Remember, you can only get Framed until August 31st from your Close To My Heart Independent Consultant, or by clicking here.

Personalized Cups

Next month, my family and I are heading to Key Largo with some dear friends. As a thank you for getting the place, I made these fun cups for the adults.

I found the Contigo cups at Target. They have a super tight lid so you can shake up drinks in it. And, they're insulated, which will be awesome in the Florida heat. The main reason I chose them though, is that they're smooth and just begging for some decorative vinyl!

I used my Cricut Explore to design the vinyl, which I'd purchased in a pack from Pick Your Plum.

Now, all I need to do is choose a favorite beverage!

Simple Minion Cards

My son just celebrated his 11th birthday with friends at the movies. What did we see? Minions, of course!

Writing thank you notes is a requirement in our family. I know, some think it's old fashioned, but I believe it's teaching my kids about gratitude. If someone takes the time to give you a gift, you can make the time to show your appreciation.

Using my Shin Han alcohol markers (sold by CTMH, naturally), I whipped up these cards in just a few minutes.

Bello and tank you are Minionese for hello and thank you (if it wasn't obvious enough)! I used the old Cocktail Alphabet stamp set for the lettering (one of my all-time faves). Those little cupcakes with Minion twinkles were a big hit with the kids, and simple, too!

For family members who didn't come to the party, I made the above cards.

Can you tell how much I love the Shin Han alcohol markers?!? They're so awesome at giving some fast color to a quick project.

Jump On It July

During the month of July, when you purchase $25 in current, retail priced stamps, you qualify to receive either the July Stamp of the Month, My Acrylix^® Life Is Wonderful, FREE or any one of the Hostess Rewards stamp sets featured in Annual Inspirations 2014–2015 or Seasonal Expressions 2 for only $5! That is a savings of up to $17.95! The July Stamp of the Month is a lovely, versatile stamp set that is a great match for your cards and layouts that celebrate all the wonderful things—big and small—that life has to offer.


Additionally, the Hostess Rewards stamp sets have previously only been available as part of the Hostess Rewards program, which means now is the perfect opportunity to get those special stamp sets you’ve had your eye on! To get your FREE stamp set or your $5 Hostess Rewards stamp set, simply place an order for $25 of any current, retail priced stamps. This offer is available only during the month of July and applies only to the July Stamp of the Month and current Hostess rewards stamp sets, so spring into action and jump on this deal before it’s gone!

Visit my website now to place your order and start getting your free stamps now!

Ice Cream Dream - May SOTM Blog Hop

I SCREAM YOU SCREAM, WE ALL SCREAM FOR ICE CREAM! Sorry for yelling at you, but I'm kinda passionate about ice cream. If you are, too, then this set of seven stamps is for you!

Thanks for coming from Maria's blog. This hop is one big scoop, I mean loop, so make sure you visit all 50 CTMH Consultants for some ice cream inspiration.

I decided to make a tri-fold card. It's cut at 4 1/4 x 10 1/2 and scored at 3" and 7". I just love this Blossom Paper Packet, but haven't had much time to play with it yet. I love these Sunset and Pear colors together...reminds me of one of my favorites, Orange Sherbet!

Now, go satisfy your cool cravings at Vicki's blog! Remember, Ice Cream Dream is only available until June 30th from your CTMH Independent Consultant or from me, here.

May SOTM Blog Hop - Just Sayin'

HELLOOOOOO!!! Sorry, I've seen Mrs. Doubtfire on television too often lately (can't you hear her now?). Anywho...welcome to the May SOTM Blog Hop, Just Sayin'. Thanks for coming from Gina Brandstetter's blog.

This is a cutie patootie set of 14 stamps. I can't wait to add those little sayings and icons to some layouts. But, I've been participating in an awesome card swap this year and Just Sayin' was my assigned stamp set for a card. Gotta admit, I freaked a little at first. But, I love how it turned out, especially with all of that new product from Close To My Heart's Seasonal Inspirations 2!

                   

I used my super awesome CTMH Score Board with the little arm pushed in so I could score on the diagonal. Ya can't do that on the Martha Stewart one, folks! Then, I flipped my card around, scored on the opposite diagonal to create the square pattern and sanded away.

Supplies used:

• Just Sayin,' S1505 (only available in May 2015!)
• Make It From Your Heart Volume 2 (#20), 9042
• White Value Pack Cards and Envelopes, X254
• Score Board, Z1937
• Jackson Paper Packet, X7195B
• White Daisy Cardstock, 1385
• Sanding Kit, Z1294
• Sponge Daubers, Z726
• Thin and regular 3-D Foam Tape, Z2060 and Z1151, respectively
• Oceanside Sequins, Z3041
• Glacier Extra Thick Twine, Z3039
• Lagoon Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad, Z2195
• Cocoa Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad, Z2114

Head over to Alyson Mayo's blog to see her artistic creation. Did you get lost on the hop? Find the complete list of 50 hoppers here.

Deal of the Day

Love a great deal? How about 30 days of great deals? During the month of April, you have the opportunity to score a deal every day with Close To My Heart! 

What deals are we talking about? Each day during April, while supplies last, we’ll feature a random grab bag filled with current and retired Close To My Heart products available for purchase at a major discount. To grab your bag, simply place any current, full-priced item in your online shopping cart through my website and you will be eligible to purchase as many grab bags as you wish (while supplies last)! 

Grab bags will be featured at five different price points throughout the month, ranging from $35 to $150. Some grab bags will contain product with more than DOUBLE the retail value of the price you pay! Grab bags will be available for 24 hours starting at 3 pm MDT each day and only while supplies last—so visit often and early! Remember that grab bag tiers will be featured on a random schedule throughout the month, so seize the opportunity to purchase from the grab bag tier you’re interested in when it becomes available because it might not come around again!

After you place your order, take a pic of your goodies and post it to my Facebook business page. When you'll do that, you'll get a special treat, just from me!

Seasonal Expressions 2 New Product Blog Hop

Not only has it finally warmed up here in Virginia, but the newest Seasonal Expressions Idea Book from Close To My Heart is out, too! Double bonus!! You're in for a treat as you hop around over 40 consultants blogs to find inspiration and creativity abounding. If you get lost along the way, see the full list here.

Thanks for visiting from Terry Ann Diack's blog.

I used one of the NEW mini albums (there are two!) from the Seasonal Expressions 2 to make a Father's Day mini album for my dad. I wish I'd been more on the ball to print out some of the adorable pics I'm going to include of my dad with my two sons. For now, you'll have to just imagine photos on the pages!

Materials used:

• My Creations Mini Mix Album, Z3069
• Jackson Paper Packet, X7195B
• Jackson Picture My Life Cards, Z3068
• Boardwalk Washi Tape Pack, Z3066
• Brave Enamel Shapes, Z3073
• Glacier Extra Thick Twine, Z3039
• Artiste, Z1790 Happy Father's Day cut at 1 1/2"
• Cocoa Ink, Z2114
• Triangle Border Punch, Z1997

If you'd like to view the entire album, please click here to see my 2 minute video walking you through all of the pages.

Now it's time to see what new product Lisa Plummer is going to show off for you.

To get your copy of the Seasonal Expressions 2, add it to your next CTMH order!