A Simple Get Well Soon Card

A dear friend of mine is in the hospital under less than ideal conditions. 

I knew I wanted to make a card, but needed some inspiration.

I came across Color Challenge #326 on the Color My Heart Color Dare Challenge Blog. 

The Challenge was to create a black and white card, with just a splash of color. 

I ended up choosing Close to my Heart’s Thistle as my splash of color. 

The sentiment “Get Well Soon” is from the January 2019 Stamp of the Month stamp set

 “Card Captions”.

The set is only $5 with any $50 purchase from my online store. 

I used the little heart symbol to create a stamped background.

 I distressed the inside of the card to give the stark white some dimension.

I distressed the inside and the edges of the layers with Tuxedo Black Memento Ink.

I also created a simple pattern on the left side of the card, by scoring three straight lines.

Thank you for stopping by!

A Quick Thank You Card Featuring the January 2019 Stamp of the Month "Card Captions"

 Today's card was created to send a quick Thank You, to one of my awesome hostesses. 

This card features a color combination of Clover, Sapphire and Canary.

The card base is Clover cardstock.

Then a layer of Sapphire cardstock.

Then a layer of Canary cardstock that has been stamped with the small flower from the January Stamp of the Month set "Card Captions". 

All of the layers were distressed in Tuxedo Black Memento Ink.

Here is a close-up of the sentiment "Thank You", stamped from the 

January Stamp of the Month set "Card Captions".  

This set is only $5 when you purchase an order of $50 or more from my 

Close to my Heart Online Store.

This set has 26 stamps included in the set. 

A Great Value for only $5!

Perfect for any level of Cardmaker!

Thank you for stopping by today, please let me know if you have any questions at all.

First Day Of School Scrapbooking Page Elements

In just a few short months (August), my twins will be starting Kindergarten. 

I figured I would go ahead and get started on the scrapbooking pages for their first day. 

I decided to make a few Scrapbooking Page Elements for now and later I will add a few embellishments to the pages such as the red shimmer trim and enamel dots. The Stargazer dots in red, blue and yellow will be perfect. I already have some of those in my stock, but for those of you that, don't be sure to get them before they leave at the end of the month. Our current seasonal expressions ends at the end of April and our new one begins May 1st. 

My Scrapbooking Page Elements, give you a sneak peek as to what is to come... 

The patterned paper included in these two elements are both from the new "Central Park" Collection. It is gorgeous and definitely a versatile set of prints. 

Where are my balloon festival friends? You will want this collection for all of your festival photos and memories. 

The stamp set used is one of the Stamp Of The Month sets from 2017, called "School Year". 

It is a retired set, however some of you may have it in your collection. 

I stamped the sentiment and the pencils in Tuxedo Black Memento Ink. 

I colored the pencil stamp in using markers, and distressed the edges of the white cardstock using Cranberry Exclusive Ink. 

I can't wait to see what you create with these new patterned papers!

I submitted my Scrapbooking Page Elements to the following challenges:

Pile It On! Challenge Blog- #141 Pencils 

Crafting From The Heart- Challenge #201 Anything Goes 

Pearly Sparkles Challenge Blog- Challenge #27 Anything Goes 

Crafty Friends Challenge- #81 Use Your Favorite Color  (Green)

Not Just Cards Challenge Blog- April Challenge Anything Goes 

Cardz TV- Challenge #43 Anything Goes 

Pammie's Inky Pinkies Challenges- Challenge #1814 Anything Goes 

Creates and Makes Challenge Blog- Challenge #20 Anything Goes

Classic Design Team Challenge Blog - Challenge #24 Anything Goes 

Crafty Catz Challenge Blog- Challenge #412 Favorite Color Combination (Green and Black)

Penny's Paper Crafty Challenge Blog- Challenge #375 Anything Goes 

CraftyHazelnut's Patterned Paper Challenge- April Challenge Patterned Paper

A Card of Encouragement...

Sometimes we all need a word of encouragement. I made this card recently for a dear friend, as he was going through a period of doubt. I hope that it lifts his spirits, as he treks along. 

This particular card is 5 1/2 x 5 1/2 in size, a size I am quite fond of. 

The card has several layers, with a layer of black cardstock under each layer of patterned paper, for the technique I call "Blacked Out". 

I used Canary cardstock, and two of the patterned prints from the Stargazer Patterned Paper Packet by Close to my Heart. I love the colors of this paper, and it really does have such a versatile style. The darker blue paper, has several planets to include Saturn on it. The lighter colored paper has telescopes of various colors on it, along with mini Saturns.

The sentiment "The World Is Yours To Explore" is from the "A New Adventure" stamp set also by Close to my Heart. The sentiment is stamped in Tuxedo Black Memento Ink, with Pacifica Ink used to distress the edges. The layered circle also contains two Bitty Sparkles.  

I also entered this card into a few challenges:

Pile It On! Challenge Blog - #140 Circles with optional bonus of Squares

World Wide Open Design Team Monthly Challenge-#3 Anything Goes 

Simon Says Monday Challenge Blog - Road Trip 

Classic Design Team Blog- #23 Anything Goes 

Lemon Shortbread Challenge Blog- #63 Anything Goes 

Through The Craftroom Door- Anything Goes

Pause Dream Enjoy Challenges - #11 Anything Goes 

Birthday Card Fun

This time of year is always busy, yet fun in our home.

We have several daughters and a son, and three of my daughters' birthdays are within about 2 weeks of each other. My twins' birthday is March 26, and then their younger sister's birthday is April 12th. 

So since there are some celebratory events coming soon, I thought now, would be the perfect time to make their birthday cards.

 I try to hand make my girls' cards each year, then after the birthday fun is over, I mount them in their scrapbooks, as a focal point on the page, to help create the memory along with a few pictures of the day. 

Here is the "Pink Card" that I made for one of the twins.

The main image is "Kidz Birthday Balloons" by Bugaboo Stamps. 

For the "Pink Card", I used Pixie and Canary cardstock for several of the layers and "Gimmie Some Sugar" patterned paper also by Close to my Heart.

The sentiment is from Sweet Birthday stamp set by Close to my Heart and is stamped in Tuxedo Black Memento Ink.

I also entered the "Pink Card" into a few challenges:

Pile It On! Challenge Blog-Challenge #140 Circles

Bugaboo Crafty Challenge - #14 Anything Goes with Bugaboo Image

Craftliners Challenge - #48 Use Circles

A Bit More Time To Craft Challenge -#63 Anything Goes

Papercraft Business Challenge -#4 Anything Goes

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge -Girl Power

Word Art Wednesday - #324-#325 Anything Goes 

Joy Clair - March Challenge Anything Goes 

Your Scrapbook Place - March On With Paper Nest Dolls

Love To Scrap Challenge Blog - #107 Anything Goes 

Simple Note Card...

Happy February!
This weekend I created a simple, "For You"card. This would be nice to use to go along with a gift, or just to let someone know you were thinking of them.

I recently created a new card, using all Close to my Heart products, which is sometimes rare for me, once I love so many designers and products!

I used Eggplant colored cardstock from the Enchantment Cardstock Combo Pack for the card base.
With papers from the Little Dreamer Patterned Paper Pack (retired).

For the sentiment, I used the Happy Day Cardmaking Kit. 

I stamped the image in Tuxedo Black Memento Ink. 

The white & gold ribbon I used as an embellishment is also included in the Cardmaking Kit. 

The ribbon is also sold separately. 

This card was entered into a few challenges:

Pile It On! Challenge Blog- #139 3D Embellishments 

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge -Anything Goes

Little Miss Muffet Challenges- Anything Goes

Polkadoodles-Anything Goes 

Crafty Gals Corner- #158 Anything Goes 

Classic Design Team-#22 Open Challenge

Thankful... with a New Card

There have been so many changes in my life in the last few months, especially the last few weeks. 

All wonderful things career and personal wise! 

I'm thankful for my experiences from 2017, and look forward to what 2018 holds...

I recently created a new card, using all Close to my Heart products, which is sometimes rare for me, once I love so many designers and products!

Here I used papers from the Cats, & Bats Paper Pack,  Silver & Gold Paper Pack, and the gold paper from the Happy Day Cardmaking Kit. 

For the sentiment, I used the Happy Day Cardmaking Kit. 

I stamped the image in Tuxedo Black Memento Ink. 

The white & gold ribbon I used as an embellishment is also included in the Cardmaking Kit. 

The ribbon is also sold separately. 

This card was entered into a few challenges:

Pile It On! Challenge Blog- #138 Thank you/ Black & White with a Pop of Color

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge -Add A Sentiment

Daring Cardmakers-Black, White, Pop!

Sparkles Monthly Challenges- Thank You

Little Miss Muffet Challenges- Anything Goes

Polkadoodles-Anything Goes 

Colour Crazy Craft Challenge -Week 3 Anything Goes 

Crafty Gals Corner- #157 Anything Goes 

Love To Scrap - #105 Anything Goes

Classic Design Team-#21 Open Challenge

Triple Stamped Card for a Few Challenges

This week I wanted to feature a card that was not only beautiful, but it doesn't include patterned paper, so it's the perfect technique for those that are just starting out in the stamping world and may only have a few supplies. 

This post will just feature the card itself, but I will have a tutorial posted in the next few days.

For this card, I used For You Darling stamp set by Close to my Heart, to create the floral pattern.

Tuxedo Black Memento Ink for all of the stamping and really thats about it. Very simple. 

I submitted this card to several challenges as well:

Pile It On Challenge Blog #134 No Patterned Paper 

Jo's Scrap Shack-Fun-day Friday Challenge #207 Anything Goes 

Classic Design Team Challenge Blog Challenge #17 Anything Goes 

Sweet Stampers Challenge Blog #11 Lots of Layers 

Colour Crazy Craft Challenge Week 38 Anything Goes

Lil' Patch of Crafty Friends Challenge #66 Anything Goes 

Creative Fingers Challenge Blog #137 Anything Goes 

Your Scrapbook Place Fall Into Fall Anything Goes 

Beautiful Scales Card

Today, I get to share a simple yet elegant card I created using the 

Mermaid #3 Digital Stamp from IKEsART shop. 

Such a lovely stamp to color using my ShinHan Markers. 

The white layer, and the green layer are both distressed on the edging. On the white layer, I used the Blossom Mini Pigment Ink Pad. 

The green cardstock is Sweet Leaf by Close to my Heart. 

The "Just For You" greeting is from the retired Say It All stamp set by Close to my Heart. If you were fortunate enough to purchase it while it was available you will find it is so versatile.

Three Bitty Rhinestone Sparkles in the corner and that's all it took. 

I submitted my card to a few Challenges:

Pile It On! Challenge Blog #134 Scales or Feathers 

Jo's Scrap Shack Fun Day Friday Challenge #204 Anything Goes

Crafty Catz #382 Anything Goes 

Crafty Gals Corner #138 Anything Goes

Creative Fingers Challenge Blog #135 Anything Goes 

Crafty Creations #349 Anything Goes 

Simon Says Wednesday Challenge Blog Anything Goes 

4 Crafty Chicks #366 Anything Goes

Penny's Paper-Crafty Challenge Blog Quick and Easy 

Crafting With Friends #49 Anything Goes

Cute Little Hello Card

This morning, I had the most fun creating this cute little card with the "Movie Star" digital line art image from the Melonheadz Clip Art set "Stars Clip Art".

To create this card, I colored in the digital image with my ShinHan markers.

I used a few pieces of ribbon for my embellishment.

I stamped the sentiment "Well, Hello" from the Short and Sweet stamp set with Tuxedo Memento Ink.

I layered the image onto a piece of cardstock.

Then I recycled an old cello card envelope and filled it with some sparkly embossing powder to create my own little shaker card. I then mounted the entire envelope onto the card base with some thin 3-D foam tape.

The inside of the card is simply a piece of white cardstock that I sponged the edges with my Cranberry Mini Pigment Ink Pad.

I also stamped a little stars image with the "Party Gathering" stamp set.

I also entered this card into a few challenges:

Pile It On! -Recycle (cello envelope to create a shaker type card)
Jo's Scrap Shack-Funday Friday Challenge Anything Goes
Create and Inspire Challenge -Challenge#64 Anything Goes
Paper Creator- Challenge #60 Something For Kids
Crafty Awesomeness Challenge-Anything Goes
Crafts Galore Encore Challenge -Anything Goes
Send A Smile For Kids- Anything Goes
Classic Design Team Open Challenge Blog- Challenge #16 Anything Goes
A Perfect Time To Craft - Challenge #7 Anything Goes
A Bit More Time To Craft- Challenge #49 Anything Goes
Two Sisters On the Blog- Challenge #6 Anything Goes
Crafty Hazelnuts Patterned Paper August 2017 Challenge -Anything Goes
Cards TV- Card Crazy Crafters Anything Goes Challenge #7

A Few Quick Cards From Our Little Dreamer Paper Pack...

Tonight, I started out my cards with a 6 x 6 square of the unicorn themed paper from our Little Dreamer Paper Packet.
None of them were very elaborate by design.
I wanted to show you something simple and quick. 

I cut the 6 x 6 down, in a One-Sheet-Wonder fashion.
I then played around with the pieces, layered most of them and came up with the cards you see here.

In addition to the Little Dreamer Paper Packet, I also used some of our Fundamentals Paper Packs, Our Whimsy Two Tone Cardstock Pack, and our Say it All Stamp Set. 

The Say It All Stamp Set is only available until July 31st.
If you haven't purchased one, don't miss out.
The set is perfect for most any occasion and is only $13.95, not bad for 19 phrases.

Most of the sentiments were stamped with Tuxedo Black Memento Ink. 

"So Grateful" was stamped with the Lagoon Mini Pigment Ink Pad.
The Lagoon Mini Pigment Ink Pad is part of the Adventure Exclusive Inks Mini Pigment Pad Set.

One of the "Just For You" cards has sparkly embossing power on it.

I used VersaMark Ink to make it stick, then the Craft Heater to set the sentiment.

This particular card also has Tuxedo Black Memento Ink sponged around the edges.

Some fun with a few retired items...

So tonight, I pull out a few retired stamp sets from a while back, and created this cute little card...

For this card, I kept things rather simple. 

The hearts, are three different sized hearts from the retired "Whooo's Your Valentine" Stamp Set. 

I stamped each heart using the Lagoon Mini Pigment Ink Pad, on white cardstock. This Mini Ink Pad is from the Adventure color family. Some of the hearts are stamped off once, some stamped off twice. 

Then I used my Tuxedo Black Memento Ink to stamp "Thank You" from the retired "Courage" stamp set. 

Then I trimmed the cardstock down to about 4 x 5 1/4 inches. I mounted the white cardstock on a piece of dark gray cardstock that is folded to a 4 1/4 x 5 1/2 inch card. 

Lastly, I just added a few Rhinestone Clear Sparkles to give it a little extra flare. 

If you have these sets in your collection, be sure to pull them out and give them some love. 

I also chose to enter this card into a few challenges:

Jo's Scrap Shack Fun-Day Friday Challenge #198 Anything Goes 

Not Just Cards Challenge Blog # 46 Anything Goes

Addicted to Stamps and More #251 Anything Goes

Love To Scrap Challenge Blog #99 Mid Month Inspiration 

Christmas Is Only 155 Days Away...

That's right, 155 days or 22 weeks away. 

It will be here before you know it. Im usually pretty good about shopping for gifts throughout the year, but Christmas cards... that's a different story. 

So every year I start in July, and I still don't always finish in time.

 In my defense however, we don't receive many cards, and I usually end up sending folks cards, that never send us one, so I at least start with the ones that do send us one first. 

So for this card, I kept things rather simple. 

I started with a white card base, which I rarely do, but for this I decided to go with white. 

I cut 1/2 inch strips of several pieces of Fundamentals Papers. 

There's probably at least 1 pattern from each color family. 

The larger red strip in the middle, was cut at 1 inch. 

I adhered each strip, then trimmed down the edges. 

The sentiment "Happy Holidays" is from the current stamp set "Short & Sweet" Sentiments. 

The outline is a stamp from our older retired "Cute Koalas" stamp set, in Tuxedo Black Memento Ink. 

After stamping the sentiment with my Cranberry Mini Pigment Pad, I also sponged the edges, after fussy cutting it out.

I cut a 1 1/2 inch circle out of the yellow patterned paper from the Prickly Pear Paper Pack. I cut it in half so that each side peeks out from behind the sentiment. 

Then I adhered two small Rhinestone Clear Sparkles for a little extra pizzazz. 

Lastly, I sponged the inside of the card with my Cranberry Mini Pigment Ink Pad. 

I will add this card to my collection of Christmas cards that are ready to go the day after Thanksgiving. 

I also chose to submit this card to a few challenges:

Cards TV Card Crazy Crafters Anything Goes Challenge #6

Craftyhazelnut's Christmas Challenge Extra

Christmas Cards All Year Round Anything Goes

C. R. A. F. T. Challenge #425 Christmas

Sparkle Creations Christmas Card Challenge #17

Merry Monday 2nd Annual Christmas In Summer Link Up

ABC Christmas Challenge N is for New & O is for Old