{Heart 2 Heart Challenges ~ Black, White & ? ~ Part 2}

I love the challenge this week over at Heart 2 Heart Challenges so much that amongst my finished projects waiting to be blogged, I found some that fit with the challenge. I decided to blog them in a couple separate posts so it makes it easier to follow...

I loved the July Stamp of The Month from the moment I saw it...It was uber cool and I couldn't wait to play with it. It was one that I thought would be so versatile and useful on both cards and scrapbook layouts...

I didn't really have a plan when these cards were created, I just wanted to try the puddle pad technique. So I ordered three Blue reinkers and  grabbed some baby wipes... I had my rubber brayer and some white cardstock and I was ready...Time to make some paper...

I was trying to make a sky... in hindsight, I realized several things...

1. Make sure your baby wipes don't have patterns as they transfer onto the paper...My one paper had little bears...
2. When you see other examples of what the finished product is supposed to look like, don't be too hard on yourself when it doesn't look like that. The best part of this is that it is totally unique every time!
3. When you think you might have messed up, it really is not messed up, it is unique and will look beautiful and make someone smile! So don't throw it out, Create!

So here is what my cards ended up looking like...

 I used the Soar Stamp and embossed it in Black. I added a strip of Black Satin Ribbon and a little bow.

 I took my Exacto knife and carefully cut out some of the butterfly wings to add dimension and interest to the card.

 This card I wanted to keep it very simple because I loved how the color transferred to the paper and didn't want to take away from that. I again embossed the stamp using Black Embossing powder and added a simple strip of black satin ribbon.

 Truly makes you 'Imagine The Possibilities'

I loved creating these cards and am so glad I finally had incentive to share them with you all. I don't know about you but I find I create more than I can blog...lol! Come back tomorrow for more projects and make sure you stop by Heart 2 Heart Challenges to see all the great projects!

Let's Live Inspired!

{Heart 2 Heart Challenges ~ Polka Dots and Stripes Part III}

I took a little sunny break today and enjoyed a little sun and relaxation... OK really I did some laundry and dishes and the general housekeeping stuff that takes away your crafting time...But one can dream...

Well while crafting the other day I created 3 cards for the Heart 2 Heart Challenge and Gallery Idol Contest over at Paper Crafts Connection. I have posted the first two and now onto the third...

You Make The World A Better Place

I started with a 5 x 7 white card base and decided to use the Dotty For You paper with the large polka dots design... I liked that it was so simple without looking plain. I stamped my sentiment onto one of the dots, inked the edges of the patterned paper and sat back and decided it was not enough...

I would pop up one of the large dots...NOPE!

So I decided to get my Xacto knife out and carefully cut out the circle with the sentiment stamped onto it...

Once I had it cut out I struggled to get the circle placed properly onto the inside of the card and adhered...I sat back and realized that it was perfect!

Let's Live Inspired!

{Heart 2 Heart Challenge ~ Polka Dots and Stripes Part II}

One card can quickly lead to a wonderful wave of inspiration. I definitely hit that wave and surfed onto create two more cards...

These cards have been created to be entered into two challenges, Heart 2 Heart Challenges and Gallery Idol over at Paper Crafts Connection. I decided to continue using the CTMH Dotty For You paper and I had this surge of inspiration to keep the cards very simple and clean...Not something that has been my general style as of late... Definitely a challenge but one that came out beautifully...

Just Be!

I started with a 5 x 7 white card base and layered Ocean (retired) Cardstock and then a layer of the bold chevron patterned paper in the Dotty For You paper. I then added a bold cube of Ocean and topped it all off by popping it up off the base and adding the title...

I stamped the title in Sunset and after adding the ink to the stamp I took a sponge and swiped it across the image to add some definition and texture to the stamp before stamping it onto the paper. I love the resulting image. Kinda reminds me of a distressed painting...

Going into the inside of the card I cut out some of the chevron patterned and added it onto the inside with the word 'Yourself' How much more inspirational can a card be. Being a mother of three girls I strive to teach them to "Just Be Yourself!" I love how this card turned out...

Check out the projects being made over on the Heart 2 Heart Blog...

Let's Live Inspired!

{Heart 2 Heart Challenge ~ Polka Dots and Stripes}

 

I have really enjoyed playing along with the Heart 2 Heart Challenges and making cards again...It has given me a chance to challenge myself to create some great cards...something I have not being doing recently opting to complete layouts instead...

I got craft today with a friend and we played with the Dotty For You paper today and created cards for two challenges today. The Heart 2 Heart Challenge and Gallery Idol over at Paper Crafts Connections. I have created several cards and will post them each separately. I encourage all to participate in these fun challenges as I think it really allows you to focus and create some fabulous projects!

So I had to create a card that fits the theme of "Encouragement" I kinda struggled with this as I was unsure of what one would consider encouraging... Would a 'Congrats!' or 'Way To Go' be considered encouraging or maybe something related to Sympathy or Positive Words... well here was one of my interpretations of "Encouraging"

Soar

I started with a white base (5" x 7"). I added Sunny Yellow dotty paper and a layer of Lagoon dotty paper...Added a 2" strip of Sunny Yellow dotty paper to add a stripe, Placed a strip of white and thin strip of Lagoon dotty paper. I then placed my 'Soar' and adhered it to form two gentle ripples in the placement of the word. I wanted it to look unique and have some dimension...

Inside I added the text { Follow your dreams... for as you dream you shall become.}
I added strips of Sunny Yellow and Lagoon dotty paper to form various sized stripes of color and to add some interest to the inside of the card... Nothing like trying to cover all my bases...

Well I hope that you liked the card and that it has sparked some inspiration for you...

I have added this project to the Weekend Wrap Up Party, go check it out!

Let's Live Inspired!

Welcome Back...to the blogging world!

Welcome back to the blogging world. I have been away dealing with sick little ones and one sick big one...how wonderful cold and flu season is and with 3 under the weather I only fell into the pattern too!

With kids on the mend and me kinda regaining some energy and a whole lot less ill I managed to get some cards created.

In March I will be attending a 3 day trade show and have been trying (rather unsuccessfully) to get a substantial amount of premade items ready to showcase as well as a wide variety of items out of the Spring/Summer Idea Book 2012. There was so much to choose from. Tee hee!

OK so now onto my newest card creations.

The first one is a simple layered card with 3 polka dot hearts (S1112 ~ Mad About You), paradise baker's twine, and Love (D1482 ~ Love Life) stamp set, stamped in Black. I popped up the upper layer as well as the hearts to add a little extra POP!

This card was one that I found on Pinterest and just had to try to recreate in my own way.

Also on Pinterest...which I think is the absolute best site ever (well except my CTMH one! LOL!) I feel that this site is for anyone. It has such a large selection of pins for anyone with almost any interest...

OK so onto Card two...also pinned to my board "Cards, Cards, Cards" it is a simple white card with 2 corners rounded. It features 3 great hearts from (S1112 ~ Mad About You) The heart is stamped in 3 colors and paired with the matching Baker's Twine. I took another fabulous color and stamped the word love from (D1187 - For Every Occasion) Stamp set. Tied the bakers twine on the front of the card and love how this turned out.

Come back tomorrow for a peek at the fabulous "Lucy Workshop On The Go" layout that is ready for pictures!

Let's Live Inspired!
 

Black Friday Sales!

BlAcK FrIdAy SaLeS!!!! CTMH

Why stand in those long lines at 2am? Why sit in traffic, search for parking or fight the crowds??
Shop with ME and I promise to make it quick and painless! You can even do that in your pj's ;)

Tasha's CTMH Black Friday Sales:

Good November 18- November 30

To take advantage of these deals: EMAIL me your order.  KARDMADESIGNS@GMAIL.COM

PLUS---- the first THREE people to email me their order, will get FREE SHIPPING!!!!!

**********************************

*Buy a gift certificate from me (Christmas present anyone?) and get a free Christmas card.

*Spend $25 in STAMPS- get Holiday Wishes Stamp set for only $5 AND a pack of sparkles for FREE

*Spend $50- get the November Stamp of the Month for only $5 AND get Holiday Pockets FREE

*Purchase the Cricut Art Philosophy Bundle (or spend $110) AND receive Holiday Cheer stamp set for FREE

*Spend $150- get $35 in FREE product from me!!!!!!

View the online catalog here: http://www.closetomyheart.com/en/Products/Online_Idea_Book.aspx

Or visit my website to view products here: Come Shop With Me!

THEN email me your order to take advantage of all specials!

PLUS---- the first THREE people to email me their order, will get FREE SHIPPING!!!!!

Let's Get Crafty!

November's Specials!

It is now November and it is still pretty nice out. Still a snow free ground and it's still rather warm, something that I love is the warm weather! With the beginning of a new month comes new specials! This months Constant Campaign is fantastic!

Holiday Wishes!

When you place a minimum order of $25 in My Acrylix stamp sets in November, you can purchase a new D-size Holiday Wishes stamp set for only $5! That’s significant savings off the full retail value of $17.95 US / $19.95 CAN. And here’s a bonus: many of the images in the set coordinate with our Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge for added cutting and stamping fun!

Notes: Stamp of the Month, K-size customized name stamps, Cricut Art Philosophy collection, and Workshops on the Go kits do not count toward a qualifying purchase. There is no preview month for this campaign; Consultants may participate in the campaign the same as customers.   

Along with a new Constant Campaign comes a new Stamp of the Month! This months Stamp Set is a really unique one that I personally love! I have so many ideas running through my head...Got to start writing them down so I don't forget them all!

November's Stamp of the Month is: Cherish the Day
(It is a stamp set of 44)

I hope all  my readers have a great time making some great artwork with this stamp set! The possibilities are endless!

Let's Get Crafty!

October Specials! Only one week left!

Well We are into October already and the weather is getting cool...Perfect time to start up on warmer hobbies! Whether you are an avid scrapboooker, a card making machine or just want to try something new, Close To My Heart has something for you!

With any order of $55 or more you can purchase the October Stamp of The Month for only $5.50 (72% off!) That is a D-size stamp set which is only available for the month it is featured! If you would prefer to just purchase the Stamp Set at regular cost you can do so as well. It is only $19.95.

October's Stamp of the Month is Holiday Magic
(It is a stamp set of 18)

ALSO,

During the month of October, any new consultant who signs up will in addition to receiving our amazing Consultant Kit you will receive a FREE add-on kit! A value of up to $140 for FREE!!!

So, if you would like to join my team, this is a fantastic month to join! What are you waiting for?
JOIN NOW!

Coming up in one week....November Constant Campaign is a great deal!

When you place a minimum order of $25 in My Acrylix stamp sets in November, you can purchase a new D-size Holiday Wishes stamp set for only $5! That’s significant savings off the full retail value of $17.95 US / $19.95 CAN. And here’s a bonus: many of the images in the set coordinate with our Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge for added cutting and stamping fun!

November brings a new Stamp of The Month too!
With any order of $55 or more you can purchase the November Stamp of The Month for only $5.50 (72% off!) That is a D-size stamp set which is only available for the month it is featured! If you would prefer to just purchase the Stamp Set at regular cost you can do so as well. It is only $19.95.

November's Stamp of the Month is Cherish the Day
(It is a stamp set of 44)

Let's get crafty!

October Specials!

Well We are into October already and the weather is getting cool...Perfect time to start up on warmer hobbies! Whether you are an avid scrapboooker, a card making machine or just want to try something new, Close To My Heart has something for you!

With any order of $55 or more you can purchase the October Stamp of The Month for only $5.50 (72% off!) That is a D-size stamp set which is only available for the month it is featured! If you would prefer to just purchase the Stamp Set at regular cost you can do so as well. It is only $19.95.

October's Stamp of the Month is Holiday Magic
(It is a stamp set of 18)

ALSO,

During the month of October, any new consultant who signs up will in addition to receiving our amazing Consultant Kit you will receive a FREE add-on kit! A value of up to $140 for FREE!!!

So, if you would like to join my team, this is a fantastic month to join! What are you waiting for?
JOIN NOW!