Close To My Heart recently released the Hello World Special.  This kit features Milestone Wood  Circles and pieces as well as SVG files.  You can easily decorate the shapes in your choice of patterns with the SVG files.   Here is a look at the kit contents-

These would make the most adorable baby book!  While, I am seriously behind in my scrapbooking, I have completed all of my baby books.  I might have to get a set for future grandkid books! You can find all the details here.

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 I love the great mix of patterns in the current Craft with Heart Cardmaking Subscription. The kits include supplies to create 24 cards, complete with color coordinated envelopes. You just need to supply your own adhesive.  You can check out the unboxing of this month's kit below,

 I am so in love with the January Stamp of the Month, Every Thank You.  I am always in need of Thank You cards and this set is perfect for getting a variety of looks.  My card is based on the sketch challenge at Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge-

I paired the Stamp of the Month with the Bloom with Grace papers to create a quick card.  Pattern papers are not just for layering, my sunflower is fussy cut from the Bloom with Grace papers. A litter shimmer was added to the center of the sunflower with a Clear Shimmer Brush.  My layered frame and sunflower were applied with 3-D foam tape for added dimension.

For my sentiment, I started with a splotch of Canary ink.  I then inked the You in Fern ink.  My Thank sentiment was stamped in Expresso Pigment ink and clear embossed.  A few sequins finish off the card. In case you missed Bloom with Grace when it was first released, there are a few packs still available to purchase.  

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

• S2101 Every Thank You, January Stamp of the Month
• X7260S Bloom with Grace Paper Packet w/ Sticker Sheet
• X6046 French Vanilla Cardstock
• X5960 Fern Cardstock
• Z2850 Fern Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad
• Z2843 Canary Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad
• Z8003 Espresso Exclusive Inks Pigment Stamp Pad
• Z2088 Clear Embossing Powder
• Z3686 Stitched Fancy Brackets Thin Cuts
• Z3696 Wood Panel Embossing Folder
• Z3293 Clear Shimmer Brush
• Z4235 Gold Loose Sequins
• Z679 Liquid Glass
• Z1151 3-D Foam Tape
• Twine-Unknown

 So excited to find a new to me sketch challenge! I came across the Sketch Starter Challenge and knew I needed to join in! There are actually four sketches to choose from and you have all month to link up!  I went with sketch #13-

I went with the pink side of the Party Time Paper Pack. My birthday sentiment is layered up on the Stitched Scalloped Brackets Thin Cuts. My sentiment is from the On Your Birthday stamp set.  I love the fun mix of fonts in this set!  Here is a look at the complete set-

I added in a little shimmer by coloring my balloons with a clear shimmer brush. A strip of white shimmer trim finishes off the card.  My sentiment panel was popped up with 3-D foam tape for added dimension.

All supplies by Close To My Heart:

• D1960 On Your Birthday Stamp Set
• X8016B Party Time Paper Packet
• 1385 White Daisy Cardstock
• X5974 Raspberry Cardstock
• Z2812 Raspberry Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad
• White Shimmer Trim-Retired
• Z3688 Stitched Scalloped Brackets Thin Cuts
• Z3293 Clear Shimmer Brush

I have also entered my card in the following challenges:

Seize the Birthday-Anything Goes

Simon Says Stamp-Layer It Up

Watercooler Wednesday-All About Occasions

Word Art Wednesday-Anything Goes

Thanks so much for stopping by!

 Love the new Winter Penguins set!  This is one of my favorite sets in the new catalog!  Super cute!  These little guys have so much character.  There is sure to be one that calls your name!  The set is available with or without coordinating Thin Cuts.  Here is a look at the complete set-

I had the hardest time deciding which penguin to ink up first!  One of my favorite sketch challenges is sadly closing!  While my crafting time is limited, I wanted to make sure I made it into the last couple of sketches.  If you have never played at CAS(E) this Sketch, I highly recommend you jump in while you can! They will be closing at the end of the month.  Here is the current sketch-

To create my card, I masked off a rectangle on my card with purple tape.  I then blended on Distress Oxide inks in Peacock Feathers and Faded Jeans. I applied a Shimmer Mist to bring out the Distress Oxides.  I wanted to add a more snow effect, so I attempted to splatter on white paint with mixed results! I have always struggled with splatters, so I recently purchase the Tim Holtz splatter brush.  I obviously need to practice more, as I was not getting the white dots that I had hoped for!  My penguin is stamped in Intense Black ink and a touch of color added with Copics.  The sentiment was stamped in Intense Black as well. Super cute card that came together in minutes.

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

• Z3917 Winter Penguins Stamp & Thin Cut Set
• 1385 White Daisy Cardstock
• X6047 Black Cardstock
• Z4189 Intense Black Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad
• Faded Jeans Distress Oxide Stamp Pad-Ranger
• Peacock Feathers Distress Oxide Stamp Pad-Ranger
• Shimmer Mist-Tattered Angels
• Copics-BG13, BG15, B12, B15
• Create A Shade Paint-Retired

I have also entered my card in the following challenges:

Handstamped Sentiments-Winter

Simon Says Stamp-Layer It Up

The Spot-Splish Splash Challenge

Thanks so much for stopping by!

 Valentine's cards don't have to be just pink and red!  I mixed up a few elements from the new Craft with Heart Cardmaking Subscription to create this rainbow themed Valentine.  My card is based on the sketch challenge at TGIF Challenge-

The Craft with Heart subscriptions come with supplies and instructions to create cards or scrapbook layouts.  My favorite part of the cardmaking kits is the exclusive stamp set that is included.  Full color instructions are also given to create a variety of cards.  The kits are great for those that want step by step instructions, but following those directions is not a requirement.  I often mix and match the kit elements to create my own cards. The kits work well for beginner and advanced crafters, just by changing up how you utilize the elements included.

This shaker heart started out as pink in the kit.  I used a Copic marker to color it a dark navy.  I also colored the sides of the foam shaker with the same marker.  Silver and blue sequins were added to the shaker.  My sentiment panel is popped up with 3-D foam tape for added dimension.

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

• Craft with Heart Subscription (Jan-April 2021)
• C1632 Say It in Style Stamp Set (Retired)
• Z4304 Silver Loose Sequins
• Z4059 Crafty Loose Sequins
• B39 Copic Marker

 While it may be snowing outside....it is possible to have a little bit of Springtime in my craft room! These fun prints are from the Happiness Live Here Collection. They were the perfect mix for the sketch challenge at MFT-

This sketch design is super simple.  My overall card size is 4 1/4 x 5 1/2". I cut my pattern paper blocks at 1 1/2" x 2 1/2" and 1 1/2" x 1 1/2".  The pop of color from the pattern papers, really makes the card stand out.  I paired the Happiness Lives Here Collection with the January Stamp of the Month, Every Thank You. I popped up my sentiment banner with 3-D foam tape for added dimension.

You can add this great set to your collection for only $5 with a qualifying purchase or free with a VIP membership.  This set is only available to purchase during the month of January.  You can see all the details here. 

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

• S2101 Every Thank You, January Stamp of the Month
• X9023 Mix In Paper Packet
• X7264D Happiness Lives Here PML Cards
• 1385 White Daisy Cardstock
• X6048 Blue Belle Cardstock
• Z6519 Blue Belle Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad
• Z4059 Crafty Loose Sequins
• Fishtail Die-namics-MFT

 

I have not made a slimline card in years.....it seems everything eventually makes a comeback.  Freshly Made Sketches is having a slimline sketch challenge to start the New Year.  Chances are this is the only slimming I will do this year!  I am not even bothering with New Year's Resolutions.  I would much rather spend my time crafting than at the gym!

My card size is 3 1/2" x 8 1/2".  The size of the card was perfect for show casing the sunflower print from the Bloom with Grace Collection. I matted the gorgeous print in Fern cardstock.  The sentiment block was created with the Stitched Fancy Brackets Thin Cuts.

I started with a splotch of Canary ink on White Daisy cardstock.  I know many of you can swatch ink with no issues, I used the retired Stokes of an Artist stamp set.  I then stamped the You stamp in Fern ink.  To make sure that my Thank sentiment did not bleed into the background, I stamped it in Black Pigment Ink and clear embossed. The completed panel was applied with 3-D foam tape. Stickers from the Bloom With Grace Collection finish the sketch.  A few gold sequins complete the card.

All supplies by Close To My Heart:

• S2101 Every Thank You, January Stamp of the Month
• D1887 Strokes of an Artist Stamp Set (retired)
• X7260 Bloom with Grace Paper Packet w/Sticker Sheet
• 1385 White Daisy Cardstock
• X5960 Fern Cardstock
• Z2850 Fern Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad
• Z2843 Canary Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad
• Z8000 Black Exclusive Inks Pigment Pad
• Z2088 Clear Embossing Powder
• Z3686 Stitched Fancy Brackets Thin Cuts
• Z4235 Gold Loose Sequins
• Z679 Liquid Glass Adhesive
• Z1151 3-D Foam Tape

 Close To My Heart is now shipping the new Craft with Heart subscription kits.  If you have yet to subscribe, the current kit is still available.  The kits includes materials to create twenty four cards.  Plus, you get an exclusive stamp set, stamping block, ink pad and envelopes to complete  your projects.  Here is a look at the stamp set that is included in the January-April kit-

While the kit includes all the embellishments you need, I often add in extra embellishments. I added in a touch of sapphire vines, cut with the Yuletide Borders Thin Cuts. My sentiment panel was applied with 3-D foam tape for added dimension. A few Blue Belle sequins finish off the card.

All supplies by Close To My Heart:

• Craft with Heart Jan-April Card Subscription
• Z2848 Sapphire Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad
• Z3893 Yuletide Borders Thin Cuts
• Z3676 Blue Belle Loose Sequins

 It seems we all struggle with making Sympathy cards, I have found a simple solution!  The Craft with Heart card subscription kits are a great starting point. The card kits come with pre-printed bases and a variety of die cuts and embellishments to add to your creations.  An exclusive stamp set, ink pad and block are also included. Sadly, I needed a quantity of sympathy cards this week and the card kit totally saved me! A new kit was just released, here is a look at the designs included.

The pre-printed bases are great for those cards that need to be mailed, as you do not have the bulk of multiple layers. You can easily add to the card designs with other supplies.  I chose my sentiment from the Every Little Thing cardmaking stamp set.  This set is currently on clearance for only $7.50!  Here is a look at the complete set-

I added a layered sentiment panel with the Stitched Scalloped Brackets Thin Cuts.  The outer layer was cut in Sapphire and the top layer in White Daisy.  The sentiment was stamped in Sapphire ink.  The top layer was applied with 3-D foam tape for added dimension.  

All supplies by Close To My Heart:

• Craft with Heart Cardmaking Subscription (Jan-April 2021)
• C1801 Every Little Thing Cardmaking Stamp Set
• 1385 White Daisy Cardstock
• X5957 Sapphire Cardstock
• Z2848 Sapphire Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad
• Z3688 Stitched Scalloped Brackets Thin Cuts

 Check out the new Happiness Lives Here Cardmaking Stamp Set!  This super versatile set comes with 15 stamps and has coordinating Thin Cut dies available.  The variety  of borders makes this a super fun set.  The bold sentiments are perfect for card making!  Here is a look at the complete set-

I will be featuring this set in the near future! Check out all of the new Close To My Heart products here.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

 I am back with a new set of Picture My Life cards!  Close To My Heart features a set of Picture My Life cards with each of their paper packs.  This card is from the new paper pack, Happiness Lives Here. While the cards are  made for scrapbooking, they are a great way to create quick and easy cards!

The  larger cards are 4" x 6" in size.  By trimming the length to 5 1/2" and pairing with the Stitched Rectangle Frames Thin Cuts, you have the making of a card in no time!  For this card, I did not want to lose any of the floral detail, so I did a little fussy cutting to allow the florals to lay on top of the frame.  Here is a look at the complete Happiness Lives Here collection-

All supplies by Close To My Heart:

• S2101 Every Thank You, January Stamp of the Month
• X6050 Flamingo Cardstock
• X7264D Happiness Lives Here PML Cards
• Z6520 Flamingo Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad
• Z4260 Stitched Rectangle Frames Thin Cuts
• Z4059 Crafty Loose Sequins

Thanks so much for stopping by!

  I couldn't resist using up the scraps from the Serenity Collection.  Though these papers retired on December 31, there is a small amount of remaining inventory available to purchase! This paper pack was one of my favorites for 2020!  I paired Serenity with the January Stamp of the Month, Every Thank You.

My banner was applied with 3-D foam tape for added dimension.  I layered a few stickers from the Serenity sticker sheet on top.  Shimmer was added to the flowers with a clear shimmer brush.  A few Blue Belle sequins finish off the card.

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

• S2101 January Stamp of the Month, Every Thank You
• X7263S Serenity Paper Pack w/ Sticker Sheet
• X7263D Serenity Picture My Life Cards
• X5957 Sapphire Cardstock
• X6048 Blue Belle Cardstock
• Z3442 Blue Belle Glitter Paper
• Z2848 Sapphire Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad
• Z3676 Blue Belle Loose Sequins
• Z3293 Clear Shimmer Brush
• Z4260 Stitched Rectangle Frames Thin Cuts
• Scallop Border Thin Cuts-Retired
• Fishtail Banner Dies-MFT

Make My Monday-Something New in Your Stash (stamps)

 The Perfect Match Collection is a match made in heaven for your Valentine's Day creations.  I love creating cards with the coordinating sticker sheets offered by Close To My Heart.  They always include a fun mix of versatile cardstock weight stickers.  This Love sticker was perfect for a shaker card creation.  You could also use it as a large embellishment on your scrapbook pages.  Here is a look at the complete sheet that is included:

To create my card, I started by layering the Love sticker with a couple of the heart stickers onto my Ballerina cardstock. A few xo's were stamped along the bottom in Flamingo ink. I added in a mix of Perfect Match Mini Hearts and assembled my shaker frame with the help of the Stitched Rectangle Frames. Super easy to create and everyone loves a shaker card!

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

• CC12205 Perfect Match Product Bundle
• X6050 Flamingo Cardstock
• Z6520 Flamingo Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad
• Z4260 Stitched Rectangle Frames Thin Cuts
• Acetate-Recycled from product packaging

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 The unique Home Sweet Home Frame Kit includes wooden pieces and coordinating papers and die-cuts that come together to create a delightful year-round décor piece. Use the die-cut shapes to decorate the 14 wood circle pieces in a variety of ways. Your decorated circles can then be swapped out throughout the year to mark special occasions and changes in season! The kit includes two frame options, black or woodgrain.

Watch the video below to see all of the kit contents and completed bases.

All of the kit options can be found here.

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 This card is one of those that almost did not make it to Blogland.  In the end I am a challenge junkie and the card still met the challenge criteria, so here it is! The short story, my card is based on the sketch challenge at MFT-

I am a total sketch junkie!  I love taking a few products and a sketch to create a unique card.  For this card, I knew exactly what I wanted to do, the moment I saw the sketch.   It is great when you can visualize your project in your head and then put it to paper. As I am sure all crafters can relate, sometimes there is a hiccup along the way! From my first glance at the sketch, I knew I wanted to create a Valentine shaker card with the new Perfect Match Collection with a scattering of hearts from the Hearts Background Die. I have so many projects in mind with the Hearts Background Die, that you are sure to see more of it in the coming weeks.

I cut the Hearts Background Thin Cut in Flamingo cardstock and then used both the light and dark side of the cuts to create my scattering of hearts.  My photo is severely lacking, but I added a bit of sparkle with a clear shimmer brush. I stamped my sentiment directly onto my pattern paper and assembled my shaker card.  This is where I realized I might have a problem.  My card is now like 90% finished in no time and I only need to put the top layer on my assembled shaker design.  It appears, I do not have the Heart Shaker Thin Cuts in my collection.  Circle and stars, yes.....hearts it appears not!  I was stuck.... I could order the dies, but doubted I could receive in time to enter the challenge.  So back to kindergarten we go!  I hand cut my top heart to complete my shaker card. Let me say, we are way spoiled with our die collections! I seriously love my dies.....my own fussy cutting, not so much!  In the end, the card is complete and I can truly say it was a work of love!

 

Brining in the New Year with the new Perfect Match Collection paired with the January Stamp of the Month.  January is filled with tons of new products at Close To My Heart, from the new catalog release to special promotions.  All you need is great papers and a great sketch challenge to make creating cards easy peasy!  This card is based on the sketch challenge at CAS(E) this Sketch-

I am way behind on sending Thank You's, so you can expect to see alot of Thank You cards this month.  The January Stamp of the Month, Every Thank You is perfect for creating unique thank you cards. The set features 25 stamps in a variety of fonts.  This set has easily earned a spot in my permanent stamp collection!

All supplies by Close To My Heart:

• S2101 January Stamp of the Month, Every Thank You
• CC12201 Perfect Match Paper Pack
• CC12203 Perfect Match Coordinating Cardstock Pack
• Z4189 Intense Black Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad