Bright All Night...

Bright all Night is one of my favorite Christmas stamps and I was excited to see Close To My Heart bring it back for the July Stampaganza Special.  For the month of July, stamp sets are Buy 2, Get 1 Free.  You can easily mass produce Christmas cards in a variety of colors with this set. 

My card is based on the sketch challenge this week at The Paper Players.

 

 

Design Tip: Need perfectly matched ribbon for your projects?  I keep a large roll of plain white organza ribbon for color matching.  When I do not have ribbon to match a project...I make my own.  You can easily color organza ribbon with your dye ink pads or alcohol markers.  The colors will be a perfect match.  The only draw back is a little drying time is required.  I tend to heat set mine with a hair dryer.  My heat gun gets hotter than my ribbon can handle.

All supplies by Close To My Heart, except where noted:

A1148 Bright All Night-Only available until 7/31/17

1385 White Daisy Cardstock

X5957 Sapphire Cardstock 

Z2848 Sapphire Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad

White Organza Ribbon-Unknown

I have also entered my card in the following challenges:

City Crafter Challenge-Something that Begins with S (Snow) 

Crafting by Designs-Christmas

The Ribbon Girls-Any Image w/ Ribbon

 

Thanks so much for stopping by!  Be sure and check out the many stamp sets brought back for Stampaganza.  The sale ends July 31, 2017.  Here are a few of the Christmas designs:

Distress Oxide Background

I found a little crafting time to play with my new distress oxide inks.  I needed a masculine birthday card and felt leather and distress oxides fit the bill.  My card is based on the sketch challenge this week at Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge.

I created my top panel by blending salty ocean and peacock feathers inks, then distressed with Walnut Stain.  I then sprayed an oldie by goodie wood mounted background stamp with water and stamped onto my distress oxide panel.  I let the stamp sit in place for a bit.  I think the weight of the wood mount is what gave me such a great impression on my background.  I used regular cardstock for my panel, no watercolor paper required.  To continue with my background, I inked my stamp up again with walnut ink and stamped onto my pacifica cardstock.  I used a strip of suede leather for my border and die cut banners to follow the sketch.

All supplies by Close To My Heart, except where noted:
V146 Sunny Morn Background-(Long Retired)
A1201 One in a Million Stamp Set
X5967 Pacifica Cardstock
1385 White Daisy Cardstock
Dark Brown Cardstock by DCWV
Walnut Stain Distress Oxide Ink
Peacock Feathers Distress Oxide Ink
Salty Ocean Distress Oxide Ink
Suede Leather Trim
Banner Dies-Unknown
Rectangle Dies-Unknown
Z3304 Happy Birthday Die-Only Available until 7/31/17
Z3312 Gold Glitter Gems

My card is also entered in the following challenges:
Connie Can Crop-Use Your Stash (My stamp is easily 15 years old)
Dies R Us-Sentiment as Focus
Happy Little Stamper-Anything Goes with Dies
Heart 2 Heart-In Stitches (Stitched Dies)
Mix It Up-Anything Goes w/option of distressing
The Male Room-Mixed Media
Watercooler Wednesday-Masculine

Thanks so much for stopping by!  Don't forget to shop the Buy 2, Get 1 Free Stamp Sale...the sale ends July 31!

A Summer Hello...

This is the negative image from my card shown yesterday.  My card is inked with Poppy and Lemon inks for a bright summer feel.  You can easily recreate the image by using any dye inks that you have on hand.  Simply apply your dye ink direct to your stamping block, spritz with water and stamp directly onto your paper.  I used regular cardstock and regular dye inks....no special products needed.  I chose to die cut my panel, but you could easily stamp images as well.

All supplies by Close To My Heart:
1385 White Daisy Cardstock
X5779 Poppy Cardstock
Z2852 Poppy Dye Ink
Z2808 Lemon Dye Ink
Y1009 Acrylic Block
Z679 Liquid Glass
Hello Die-Sold Out

I have entered my card in the following challenges:
Addicted to CAS-Summer
City Crafter Challenge-Use Two Colors Only
Just Us Girls-Ink Blending

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Prickly Pear Hello

I am back with another die cut from my watercolor block stamping marathon!  I love how you can get two focal points out of one image by using the positive and the negative from your die.  To create this image, I inked up a clear acrylic block with Poppy and Lemon ink.  I then spritzed the block with water and stamped directly onto paper with the inked block.  After the ink dried, I then die cut my image.  Over the next few days, you will see how I have utilized the positive and the negative images.  I die cut an additional hello out of thin foam and mounted my inked image to it for more dimension.  I used Liquid Glass to secure the two together.  My image coordinates perfectly with the Prickly Pear papers that are featured this month at Close To My Heart.

All supplies by Close To My Heart, except where noted:
X7221B Prickly Pear Paper Packet
1385 White Daisy Cardstock
X5779 Poppy Cardstock
Z2852 Poppy Dye Ink
Z2808 Lemon Dye Ink
Y1009 Acrylic Block
Z679 Liquid Glass
Foam Sheet-Unknown
Hello Die-Sold Out

I have entered my card in the following challenges:
Addicted to Stamps-Clean and Simple
Always Fun Challenges-Anything Goes
CAS on Fridays-Flowers
Crafty Hazelnut's Pattern Paper-Anything Goes w/Pattern Paper
Dies R Us-Layers
Happy Little Stampers-Anything Goes w/Dies
Tic Tac Toe Challenge-Summer, Die Cut, Pattern Paper
UnstampaBelles-Everyday w/Twist of Lots of Color

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Block Watercolor Stamping

I was in need of some notecards.....and was recently inspired by the Block Watercolor Stamping designs by Jennifer McGuire.  If you have yet to create some of these gorgeous backgrounds for fear of not having the "right" supplies....I suggest you give it a go with the items you currently have in your craft room.  I created this card with dye inks and cardstock from Close To My Heart.  No distress inks or watercolor paper required.

I inked up an acrylic block with Sapphire and Fern Inks.  I first inked the lighter color and then added the darker color.  While I do not actually mix the colors on the block....I feel you are better safe than sorry by inking the lighter color first.  After inking up my block, I then spritzed with water and stamped the block directly onto my paper.  My stamping surface was a little uneven, so I added more water to my block and stamped again.  I love how it gave the interesting color combos shown above.  To me, the card has such a beachy summery feel to it!

I set my card front aside to dry and continuing on with various other color choices..., which I am sure will be making an appearance later in the week! You could also use a heat gun to dry your images if time is of the essence.  I found mine dried quickly without having to use a heat gun.  Once my card fronts were dry, I then centered a word die on top and ran through my Big Shot.  Now, I will have two cards from one great background.  While I have used the negative here, the positive images are in a pile just begging to be used on future cards.

The cards were super fun to create and came together quickly.  Clean up is a breeze as well, just spritz your block with more water and wipe clean.

All supplies by Close To My Heart:
1385 White Daisy Cardstock
X5775 Sapphire Cardstock
Z2848 Sapphire Dye Ink
Z2850 Fern Dye Ink
Thanks Die-sadly sold out, but any greeting die or sentiment would work well.
Y1009 Acrylic Block
Water

I have entered my card in the following challenges:
Addicted to CAS-Summer
Addicted to Stamps-CAS
Cards 4 Guys-Beside the Sea
Happy Little Stampers-Anything Goes with Dies
Happy Little Stampers-Watercolour with Optional Twist of Blue
Heart 2 Heart Challenges-No Worries
Through the Purple Haze-Spots or Stripes
Victorine Stamps-Photo Inspiration

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Freshly Made Sketches #295

It is never to early to get started on your holiday cards!  With the heat we are currently having, I was content to be in my craft room playing with snowflakes!  My card is based on the sketch challenge this week at Freshly Made Sketches-

If you prefer to mass produce your holiday cards, this would be a great sketch to work with.  Most of my cards are one of a kind.  This one has some added details that are not so clear in the pic.  I die cut my snowflake out of white cardstock, covered in Versamark ink and then white embossed.  I then repeated twice more.  In the end I had a super smooth, glossy snowflake.

All supplies by Close To My Heart, except where noted:
Merry & Bright Stamp Set by Simon Says Stamp
1385 White Daisy Cardstock
X5775 Sapphire Cardstock
Z891 Versamark Ink
Z2068 White Embossing Powder
Z3274 Clear Sparkles
Z1263 Bitty Sparkles
Snowflake Die-Unbranded

I have also entered my card in the following challenges:
CHNC Challenge #341-Anything Christmas Goes w/optional snowflakes
Jingle Belles-Snowflakes Hanging on Open Fireplace
Sparkles Forum Challenges-Embossing

Have you started on your Holiday cards?  If you are still seeking the perfect stamp....check out the selection of retired stamps that Close To My Heart has brought back for our July Stampaganza-

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Christmas in July!

Close To My Heart has brought back some great stamp sets from retirement!  For July only, stamp sets are Buy 2, get 1 FREE!  You can view the special promotional stamps HERE!  You can also mix and match sets from the current line up with the promotional stamps for the Buy 2, Get 1 Free sale!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

July 2017 SOTM-Storybook Alphabet

I love the fun doodles on the July Stamp of the Month, Storybook Alphabet!  Get your set for only $5 when you place a qualifying order of $50 or more.  Enjoy Stampaganza all month long...Buy 2 stamp sets, get 1 free!

You can view all of the great Close To My Heart products HERE!

Stampaganza-Buy 2, Get 1 Free Stamp Sets!

Let Stampaganza 2017 begin! Buy any two My Acrylix^® stamp sets at full retail price and get a third stamp set of equal or lesser value FREE! Choose from any stamp set in the current idea book, plus a collection of popular sets that we have brought back just for Stampaganza!  You can view the returning stamp sets here!

For New Consultants: Anyone who signs up as a New Consultant in July and submits $300 in commissionable sales by August 31, 2017 will earn the Word Puzzle Bundle FREE! The Word Puzzle Bundle is a set of 12 classic D-size stamp sets and is valued at $215.40 — a great incentive for new Consultants!

For Hostesses: Hostesses who host a gathering in July that reaches the fourth level of Hostess Rewards or higher can receive the Word Puzzle Bundle FREE! The Word Puzzle Bundle is a set of 12 classic D-size stamp sets and is valued at $215.40 — a great incentive for potential hostesses to book a party! Hostess orders must be submitted no later than August 7, 2017 to receive this special offer.

STAMPAGANZA starts July 1, 2017 (9:00 am MDT)  and ends July 31, 2017 (11:59 pm MDT)

Basic Colors are Retiring!

Newsflash! Close To My Heart is retiring the Basics Color Collection! The great news is, we are getting new colors! The sad news is some of our favorites are retiring! Stock up on your favorite colors before they are gone! Cardstock is still 25% off today, sale ends at 11:59 PM MST. Reinkers and ink pads will sell out fast!  Shop here!

Thanks, so very much!

I am back with another take of the Anniversary Workshop You Way Kit. I love everything about this kit...from the exclusive stamp set, the colors, the fabulous woodgrain paper to the included envelopes! Just in case you have overlooked the kit, here is a peek-

 

My card is based on the sketch challenge this week at Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge Blog-

 I stamped my succulents images and the thanks sentiment with Sea Glass pigment ink and then clear embossed.  After embossing I added a little color to my images with some shimmer watercolors.  I swear I was drawn to this watercolor set because of the pretty sea glass like color.  I found the set on an end cap at Michael's. While not of the highest quality, they add another color medium to my craft room at a great price.  Not to mention, I love a little shimmer on my projects!  While I was happy with the paints, you will have to have a different brush to have any luck with them.  I got literally zero color with the brush that came with the paints.  I used one of my watercolor brushes by Close To My Heart and got great color.

I have also entered my card in the Tic Tac Toe Challenge, going with DSP, Embossing and Floral.

All supplies by Close To My Heart, except where noted:

G1131 Anniversary Workshop Your Way

Z2507 Sea Glass Pigment Ink

Z2503 Basics Pigment Ink

Z2088 Clear Embossing Powder

Rectangle Die-Unbranded

Dark Brown Cardstock-DCWV

Pearlescent Water Colors-Artist's Loft

Z3224 Watercolor Brush

I have also entered my card in the following challenges:

D.L. Art Thankful Challenge-Summer Fun or Thank You

Heart 2 Heart-Stamping & Watercoloring

Lil Red Wagon-Three of a Kind

Simon Says Stamp-Anything Goes

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Freshly Made Sketches #294

Little Dreamer is one of my favorite paper packs from the Seasonal Expressions Catalog.  I love the fun bright colors!  I created this card with just a few layers from the pattern papers and the great sketch this week at Freshly Made Sketches.

While my card does have a couple of layers, it is really CAS for me, so I have also entered it into the fly challenge at CASology. 

And considering it is Anything Goes this week at Seize the Birthday, I have linked up there as well!

All supplies by Close To My Heart, except where noted:
B1537 Birthday Sparkles Stamp Set
X7219B Little Dreamer Paper Packet
Z3321 Little Dreamer Glitter Gems
1385 White Daisy Cardstock
X5769 Thistle Cardstock
Z2840 Thistle Ink
Z3086 Aqua Shimmer Trim
Thistle Twine-Sold Out
Balloon Die-Unknown

I have also entered my card in the Ribbon or Twine Challenge at Southern Girls!

Thanks so much for stopping by!  Be sure and check back on July 1....for the sale of the year!

Ribbon of Courage

I consider myself an equal opportunity stamper...while Close To My Heart is my first love, you will often see me creating with other brands as well.  When I came across the Ribbon of Courage stamp set by Stampin Up....I knew it was a must have.  Sadly, breast cancer is predominate in my family.  I was inspired by the sketch challenge this week at The Paper Players to create this card for a family member.

 I was inspired by the Design Team to create some tone on tone stamping in the background.  I stamped my sentiments and then sponged on the same color ink with a stencil for added texture. My shimmer trim tape started out as white, and I sponged on pink ink to it as well. My complete card is created with Pixie ink...but my camera certainly does not appreciate the pink on my shimmer trim. I promise it all coordinates in person!

All supplies by Close To My Heart, except where noted:
Ribbon of Courage Stamp & Die Set by Stampin Up
1385 White Daisy Cardstock
X5773 Pixie Cardstock
Z2844 Pixie Ink
Z891 Versamark Ink
Z2068 White Embossing Powder
Z3024 White Shimmer Trim
Scallop Border Die-Crafter's Companion
Oval Die, Banner Die-Unbranded
Dot Stencil-Tim Holtz
Pink Bling-Unknown


I have also entered my card in the following challenges:
Simon Says Stamp-Stencil It
Sparkles Forum Challenges-Embossing
Sunny Day Crafting-Tic Tac Toe ( I am really close to a Black Out on this board, but will go with Sentiment, Stamp and Embossing)

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Creating with Jack

Obviously I am all about the monochrome look for Father's Day.  I love how the dual sided papers by Close To My Heart give you so many options.  In my previous post, I turned the beachy No Worries Papers into a monochrome woodsy card.  While I am still creating woodsy type cards, I went with the gray tones that can be found in the Jack Paper Collection. Jack has some fabulous colors, but I went with the monochrome gray with just a touch of color.  Here is a peek at the full paper packet-

My card is based on the sketch challenge this week at Try Stampin on Tuesday-

All supplies by Close To My Heart, except where noted:
D1703 Nature's Wish
X7222B Jack Paper Packet
X7222D Jack Coordinating Cardstock
X7222C Jack Complements
Z3314 Black & White Dots
Z899 Tuxedo Black Memento Ink
Z2503 Basics Pigment Inks
Rectangle Die-Unbranded

I have also entered my card in the following challenges:
Crafting by Designs-Animals
Crafty Purple Frog-Make it Manly
Cuttlebug Mania-Father's Day
Die Cuttin Divas-Campin Critters
Simon Says Stamp-Pattern Paper
Watercooler Wednesday-Masculine

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Goodbye to Mojo Monday

I was so sad to hear the news that Mojo Monday was closing.  While sad to see Mojo Monday go....I totally understand.  So much goes into running a challenge blog, especially one of the magnitude of Mojo Monday.  Mojo Monday comes up as the The Blog and to me, they are The Challenge Blog.  I started blogging in 2011......not really on my own free will.  I loved creating cards and scrapbook layouts....but unless you knew me or came to a workshop....no one ever really saw them.  Everyone kept telling me, you have to start blogging.  Honestly at the time, that was way outside my comfort zone.  It soon became a part of my life. I have met so many awesome crafters along the way.  But, honestly I felt my work did not compare to so many of the other bloggers out in blogland.  I was soon bitten by the challenge bug and started entering challenges.  Mojo Monday quickly became my favorite.  In February of 2012....I finally felt I belonged.  I was chosen as a finalist at Mojo Monday.  To this day, that is a huge milestone for me in blogland.  In 2012, the winners were hand selected...no random generators.  Here is a look at my card from way back when-

My life has been a rollercoaster the past few years and my blog reflects that.  You can see where I was actively blogging and then seemingly disappear from blogland.  I still love papercrafting and am working on having the time to once again create and enter challenges.  With my recent return to blogland.....I have attempted to keep up with Mojo Monday.  My thought has been, if I can get the Mojo Monday Challenge done...it is a good week.  Which is also why I was so sad to hear the news that they were closing.  There are a ton of great challenge blogs available now, but to me Mojo Monday will always be the best.  Thanks so much for the memories and the great sketch challenges......and thanks again for totally making my day by choosing my card as a finalist!

Here is the last sketch challenge, which ends today!

All supplies by Close To My Heart, except where noted:
D1703 Nature's Wish Stamp Set
X7220B No Worries Paper Packet
1385 White Daisy Cardstock
X5932 Cashmere Cardstock
X5642 Cocoa Cardstock
Z2503 Basics Pigment Inks
Square Dies-Unbranded
Burlap Ribbon-Unknown

I have also entered my card in the following challenges:
2 Crafty Critter Crazies-Anything Goes with a Critter
Aud Sentiments Challenge-Bingo (Ribbon, Stamped Image, Die Cut)
Cards in Envy-For the Man
Connie Can Crop-It's a Guy Thing
Crafty Purple Frog-Make It Manly
Cuttlebug Mania-Father's Day
Daisy Chain Challenges-Monochrome
Love to Scrap-Boyz Rule
Monochrome Magic-Anything Goes
Tuesday Throwdown-For the Men

Thanks so much for stopping by!