Thursday, September 7, 2023

Maymay Made It

Found and sharing another great video 

This one is by "Maymay Made It".

I love her work and hope you enjoy her video.

10 cards!! 



Maymay shows you 10, YES 10! super easy to make cards that will use up those pattern that you may not like or use those large scraps!

"letting the papers do the work."  

She even provides all the measurements.  

Thanks Maymay!

~~Measurements~~  Card 1: Base is 7 1/2" x 5 1/2" score at 4 1/4" Front mat: 3" x 5 1/4" Side mat: 1 1/4" x 5 1/4" Sentiment mat: 2 3/4" x 5 1/4" Card 2:  Base: 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" score on the 8 1/2" sode at 4 1/4" to have an A2 that measures 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" Front mat(floral): 3 3/4" x 5"  on this piece you will find the center and then measure down 1 1/2" , and then on both sides measure down 1"  ( see the video) (2) White mats that are 4" x 5 1/4" , one for the front and one for the inside Card 3 Base: A2 that measures 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" (2) mats that 4" x 5 1/4" one for the front and one for the inside Floral piece is 3 3/4" x 4 1/4" Check piece is 3" x 4" Card 4  Base: A2 take cardstock that is 4 1/4" x 11" and score on the 11" side at 5 1/2" , this will make a top fold card base (2) mats 4" x 5 1/4" one for the front and one for the inside (4) strips  3/4" and long enough to extend over the edge of the mat Take the front mat and measure in 2" and  1 1/8" to find the point ( see the video) and then come up the side at 3 1/8" Card 5  Base: 11" x 5 1/2" score on the 11" side score at 1 1/4" ~~ 3  3/8" ~~ 7  5/8"  and 9 3/4" Inside mat 4" x 5 1/4" (2) of each mats for the large side front sections  1 3/4" x 5 1/4" and 1 1/2" x 5" (2) of each mats for the small front sections 1" x 5 1/4" and 3/4" x 5" Belly band 1" x 11" Card 6 Base: A2 that measures 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" Floral piece  3 3/4" x 5" red piece  4" x 5 1/4" Card 7  Base: A2 that measures 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" Mat 4" x 5 1/4" Strips 1" wide Card 8  Base: A2 that measures 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" Focal piece is 4" x 4" cut a part that we cut into 1" strips Mat 4" x 5 1/4" Card 9  Base: A2 that measures 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" Mat 4" x 5 1/4" A piece of cardstock that will hang over the edges of the card mat to create your angle( see the video) Card 10 Base: A2 that measures  4 1/4" x 5 1/2" Mat  4" x 5 1/4" Strips 1 1/4" and long enough of the mat

Sunday, September 3, 2023

Inspiration for "Thoughtful Tokens"

 Stamp of the Month, September 2023: Thoughtful Tokens

Spend $50 and get this stamp set for just $5 or get it FREE as a VIP.

Here's the link to get this stamp FREE!

Such an amazing stamp set - I LOVE so much about this set - the writing, butterfly, layers, vintage looks, EVERYTHING!!  
Great for both layouts and cards as shown by other consultants 
I've been "Collecting Inspirations".
AMAZING work by all Three Talented Ladies.

1.  Janice Gilhooley

2.  Chelsey Vorosmarty



3. Julie Carriere


Thanks to Julie, Janice, and Chelsey for sharing their amazing work!

Be sure to watch each video and thank them by subscribing and liking their work!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gqdpug15yus's video:   


=he Best TIPS for Creating the Perfect...  

Saturday, September 2, 2023

Up-dating my blog

 Not sure how much I can post - will be focusing on my FB page - but also love looking back at the history of artwork and projects so look at my blog as a journal of my Crafty Happy Times. 

Here are the projects I need to work on and looking forward to posting:  also need to watch the videos to see the special techniques included.

You can also link to the CTMH blog and find ideas for projects, and links to tutorials.

https://blog.closetomyheart.com

So many ideas and projects, a couple on my to-do list are the following:

1. Cozy Up with Autumn-Inspired Sponging Techniques

https://blog.closetomyheart.com/2023/08/24/cozy-up-with-autumn-inspired-sponging-techniqes/

U-tube link:
https://youtu.be/wbVQBxc46d4


2. Travel down Memory Lane.

U-tube link:

https://youtu.be/lx2oEHV7Ft0

Blog:  https://blog.closetomyheart.com/2023/07/26/travel-down-memory-lane-with-this-technique-filled-scrapbooking-workshop/






Tuesday, July 5, 2022

July STOM Voice of the Sea

The CTMH July stamp of the month S2207, (Spend $50 and get this Stamp of the Month set for just $5.) "Voice of the Sea" is a set of 14 stamps. Beautiful sea/ocean imagesand simple sentiments.  You can see more art using this stamp set on Facebook: Melinda Everitt's CTMH Artwork Showcase
When I saw this stamp set, I wanted to show as many of the images as possible, so decided the slimline card could provide at least space for three, plus a 4th inside. Here's want I was able to create.  PROJECT # 1
Used: Square Windows Slimline Thin Cuts Z4104
Here's what I created.


Then I saw the "Writing in the Sand" stamp and sample art.  Loving the art in our catalogues, great inspiration!! Plus, I love the pop-out special fold card that provided space for all the art from this stamp set - WhooHoo! Mission accomplished!  I also wanted a card for a friend so Bingo! Done! & Done!
PROJECT #2
Used:
"Writing in the Sand" stamp set D2102 
I added additional stamps inside with the Pop & Twist special folds.

I used the Peacock Feathers distressed oxide for the blue, and colored the stamped items with the water color pencils then added water. The instructions for the mechanism is quite simple, I will find the link from Pinterest to add to this post.
 

Be sure to check out the FB posts for the July SOTM to get some great crafting ideas!  Remember, this SOTM is only available through July 31.  Contact your CTMH Maker (or click hereto see how you can get this stamp set for $5 or even FREE as a VIP!

Monday, June 20, 2022

CTMH techniques - Brilliant Banners


Check out Melinda Everitt's CTMH FB page: 

for more artwork using "Brilliant Banners".
 

 I created this party banner for a friend who's retiring. I used patterned paper, for the medallions. Cut them using the Cricut Artiste cartridge, (1.75") though you can cut strips of patterned paper, and score at 1/4 inch, accordion fold and glue ends - I use the double sided red tape. After forming the medallion, adhere it to a small cardstock circle/square on the back using liquid glass or hot glue to adjust the medallion into a tight circle, then add dove tailed matching cardstock, silver glitter scalloped circles (cut at 2.5 inches), and "ribbon" strips on each side of the blue dove tailed strip (1" width, length depends on the words).  I die cut the large alphabet letters using the Classic Alphabet Thin Cuts
Z3655 (added a vertical narrow strip of glitter paper on each letter; makes it look "see-through") and then stamped the rest of the word. Several of our alphabet stamps are currently on sale   
The large thin cut letters are great for layout titles (1 1/2 inches tall).
The scalloped circle was from the Art Philosophy cartridge.
See the source image
Be sure to check out the FB posts for more "Brilliant Banner"  crafting techniques!  Contact your CTMH Maker (or click hereto check out the promotions and see more great items to create.

Tuesday, May 31, 2022

CTMH Hope & Kindness Artwork

 

Hope & Kindness; click for more info
Check out the Hope & Kindness special.  So beautiful!  It's an amazing collection, so many options, and you can save 20% with the Hope & Kindness Paper Bundle, which includes the Paper Packet + Sticker Sheet and Coordinating Cardstock. For even more savings, choose the Hope & Kindness Product Bundle that includes ALL of the Hope & Kindness products at a 25% discounted price! Offer available through June 30, 2022, while supplies last. Click HERE

I LOVE the doily and all the other options: stickers, lovely paper and stamp set. Where to start??

I used the Hope & Kindness coordinating cardstock from the Paper Bundle and stickers as well as fussy cut flowers from the paper.  The doily is cut from papaya card stock, the glitter trim is rose gold. the stitching around the edge is from the 05 white gel pen.  The card base is the dark Harbour cardstock from the Hope & Kindness Coordinating CS.  The inspiration for this card came from the Love of Color vol. 2 pages 12 & 13.  I turned the design on it's side. 

Thursday, May 5, 2022

May SOTM - You Can Do Anything Blog Hop

 

This month, CTMH Stamp of the Month is switching from a blog hop to posting our creations on 
Melinda Everitt's CTMH FB page: 
A couple weeks ago I was enjoying a day crop at the Fir's Conference Center in Bellingham, WA.  A friend was creating a panel card and I immediately knew what I wanted to do with the May SOTM mountain scene 
so here's the card that I was able to create.

This was really easy to do.  I masked the mountains to ink the sky using Distress Oxide inksThe sun is inked with Spiced Marmalade, the sky is layered with Chipped Sapphire and Peacock Feathers.
For the water reflection I used watercolor pencil (Ocean) and a little water. The shadows on the mountain were supposed to be Charcoal, though I grabbed the Chocolate watercolor pencil 😂- I must need new glasses!! LOL
The trees were stamped with Avocado ink and varied first/second generation stamping.
The panels were backed with Sapphire Card Stock

Be sure to check out the FB posts for the MAY SOTM to get some great crafting ideas!  Remember, this SOTM is only available through May 31.  Contact your CTMH Maker (or click hereto see how you can get this stamp set for $5 or even FREE as a VIP!

Monday, April 25, 2022

Wild Berry Blast Blog Hop

Welcome to the "Wild Berry Blast Blog Hop".

We’re crazy about our Color of the Year, Wild Berry, which is why we have introduced a special collection of exclusive products to celebrate it! From the Wild Berry Blast Paper Packet, featuring 6 sheets of patterned paper in a variety of fun designs, to the Coordinating Cardstock, which includes 6 standard two-toned cardstock sheets in this delicious shade and 6 additional sheets with single-sided foil or UV-coated designs, there are so many fun new ways to include Wild Berry in your crafting!

We’re also offering limited time discounts on existing Wild Berry items, such as cardstock, glitter paper, ribbon, shimmer trim, and more! These exclusive items and special savings are only available through April 30, so you’ll want to be sure to snap up these deals before they are gone! 

If you came here from ScrappinKaty you are on the right path!  The blog hop is a complete 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 Makers on Melinda's Blog HERE.  We have 9 CTMH Makers sharing their creations using products from the "Wild Berry" special.  This 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! 

My order is still on it's way, I cannot wait to play with the paper pack and coordinating cardstock.  I've had the ink, ribbon, shimmer trim, paper, glitter gems, and loose sequins, since the beginning of the annual catalogue.  I even won some of the Wild Berry items when I participated in one of the Launch events. I'm using what I have and decided it would be a combination of Wild Berry and Stamp of the Month.   
No photo description available.
Process to create cardstock flowers
1. cut random circles 
2. spritz with water
3. scrunch into a tight wad
4. open and add wrinkles/creases for "petals"
5. let dry
6. ink edges
7. glue only the center of 2-3 layers
8. add a center glitter gem 
 

Now "Hop" on over to Lauren's CTMH Crafting to see her work!  Be sure to visit all the consultants on their blogs to get some great crafting ideas. Please leave a comment, we love your encouragement. This special is only available through April 30 while supplies last. To get any of the products you see, contact your CTMH Maker or click HERE.

Sunday, April 17, 2022

National Scrapbooking Day Blog Hop


For this hop we have 11 Close To My Heart Makers sharing their creations featuring CTMH 's exclusive  National Scrapbooking Day products

We’re going all out for National Scrapbooking Day once again, and we hope you’ll join us on the Close To My Heart Facebook page May 6–7 for two days of creativity, fun, product giveaways, and celebration! Catch the live event or watch the recordings afterward to complete FIVE amazing creative projects along with us, including both scrapbooking and cardmaking, and learn some new tips & techniques along the way.

Check out the project bundles with your CTMH Maker or check HERE for more details about the featured projects. Save 30% by ordering the National Scrapbooking Day Celebration bundle, which includes all five!

  Now you can see what fun projects have been created for this blog hop.  If you came here from Melinda Everitt'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. This is simple to do - just click on the link at the end of the post on each blog to move to the next one!  If you get lost along the way, you’ll find the complete list of participating consultants on Melinda’s Blog: HERE
Here we go! 
I couldn't resist those adorable penguins.  So I took a family photo, framed it with the Oval Thin Cut Z4295, and created a card.  These little guys would also look great using the Circle Windows Slimline Thin cuts and the Square Windows Slimline Thin Cuts, as well as the Multi Square Windows and Multi Circles Windows thin cuts.  I'll be playing with them this weekend while attending a retreat!  Cannot wait!
  I had so much fun making this card. - though, now I'm thinking it needs to go on a layout - funny, once the photo's posted it looks different and I see my potted plant needs to be repositioned in front of the base board. LOL.  I also learned when I tried to position the arrangement with washi tape - and taped the stamped image which when you remove the tape - the image also adheres to the washi tape - didn't know that, & now I do.  Need more time to PLAY!!  Happy Easter everyone!
Now "Hop" on over to Haley Dyer's Blog to see her work! Be sure to visit all the Consultants at their Blogs to get some great crafting ideas and other fun ideas! Remember, this special is available until May 31, 2022, while supplies last. Contact your CTMH Consultant (or click here) to order any of these products.

Friday, April 15, 2022

Technique Hop - "Layered Flowers"

 

For this blog hop we will be spotlighting CTMH products used to create layered flowers in our artwork; including Thin Cuts, CTMH-related Cricut cuts, stamp images, or even with masking! The possibilities are limitless! It will be fun to see what everyone creates! 

This month we have 8 CTMH Makers sharing their creations using a variety of CTMH products to create Layered Flowers. To see what everyone has created is simple to do; just click on the link at the end of the post on each blog to move to the next one! 

If you came here from Lauren Moore you are on the right path!  The blog hop is a complete 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 Makers on Melissa's Blog HERE.   Here we go!


I love layered flowers and clusters of flowers. One of my favorites is creating flowers from patterned paper or card stock by wetting it (just a spritz), crumpling it tight into a wad, then opening it and adjusting the creases to look like petals, let it dry, ink the edges and glue a dab of glue in the center of the layers. You can also create a 3-D look by taking a sticker, cut out flower from the paper or a stamped flower and curling the petals with a bone folder layering it with a smaller version. 
Material Used:
In Full Bloom Paper Pack X7279B
Card # 2. fussy cut flowers and leaves, 
Card #1. used the blue patterned paper for scrunched flowers.
In Full Bloom - Scrapbooking D2081
Card # 1: Leaves stamp
Love Story - Cardmaking stamp + Thin Cuts Z3994
Card # 1. used the smaller thin cut and "Thank You" stamp 
Joyful Sunflower Stamp + Thin Cuts  Z3740
Card # 3. Sentiment thin cut and matching stamp (second generation) 
Thoughtful Florals C1934
Card # 3. Flower stamps (inked with oxide ink and fussy cut) and Happy Birthday 
Distress Oxide ink - Mermaid Lagoon  Z4521
Lagoon ink Z 2895
Round Sponge Z697

Now "Hop" on over to Melissa Robinson  to see her lovely work!  Be sure to visit all the Makers on their blogs to get some great crafting ideas using thin cuts. Please leave a comment, we love your encouragement. To get any of the products you see, contact your CTMH consultant or click HERE.

Friday, April 1, 2022

April SOTM - Message in a Bottle Blog Hop



 We will be featuring the April 2022 SOTM; "Message is a Bottle" a set of 21 stamps!! If you came here from Wendy Kessler 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 on Melinda's Blog: HERE! This month we have 12 Close To My Heart Makers sharing their creations using this month's SOTM and other great CTMH products on their blogs. This 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'm in the mountains crafting with friends including Cathy who inspired me to craft at "Craft Warehouse" where I stalked her for creative ideas.
 I typically create cards, for this stamp set I needed to start layouts for celebrating life with Don.  He proposed to me at Tunnel Park Holland, Michigan, we were married 1967.  
For our 50th anniversary we visited Tunnel Park and sat on the dunes enjoying the memories of 50 years.  This year we'll be celebrating 55 years. 
I will need to have a page to journal and also have several pictures of the day at the dunes to create a two page layout.  So this page is just the beginning of creating layouts to celebrate life with Don.  
He is truly a treasure and I'm so grateful for the journey that led me to him.
 

Now "Hop" on over to Haley Dyer, the Inky Scrapper  to see her great work! Be sure to visit all the Makers at their Blog to get some great crafting ideas!  Remember, this SOTM is only available through April 30.  Contact your CTMH Maker (or click hereto see how you can get this stamp set for $5 or even FREE as a VIP!