Cherish The Day - CTMH November SOTM Blog Hop

Welcome to the November SOTM Blog Hop. It's hard to believe how fast these months fly by. I almost thought I was going to miss out on this one. I live in PA and was in the middle of the October SNOW STORM!!!  Of course with all the snow and the leaves still on the trees, we had lots of power outages. Ours went out Saturday afternoon and wasn't expected to be back on until tonight. But, they were a little early this time.

So, on with the hop. If you've come here from Amy's blog, you're on the right path. If you just happenend upon my blog, just continue on with the hop from here. It's just one big circle. And, we all love when you leave some swwet comments.

My card today uses the November SOTM, Cherish the Day along with So Grateful and the Dreamin' Paper pack.

I used a sketch from Midnight Madness Challenge Blog. Inks used were Cocoa, New England Ivy, BArd Red and Sunset.
The Hand Stitching was done with matching Sunset Embroidery Floss.

Now hop on over to Shirley's Blog to see what great artwork she has to share with you.

Other Challrnges for this card:
Scrap-Creations - Pumpkins

Holiday Magic - CTMH October Stamp of the Month Blog Hop

Welcome to the Close to my Heart October Stamp of the Month Blog Hop. This month features a fantastic Christmas set with so many possibilities.

 If you've come here from Dawn's Blog, then you're on the right path. If you just happened upon my blog then you can continue the hop from here. When you get back to my blog again, you know you've seen them all.

I have two cards to share with you today. The first card was made with the sleigh. The packages were made using the tops of the stockings. The packages and the ovals were all cut with the Art Philosophy cartridge.

This second card was made at a play date with my convention roomies, Joyce and Debbie.  We all put our heads together and came up with this card. The stocking was first cut with the New Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge exclusively through Closed to my Heart. If you want to know more about this amazing cricut cartridge with 700 images on it, Contact me here for more information.

Now, hop on over to Wanda's Blog to see what fabulous artwork she has to share with you.

I'd like to submit the Stocking Card into these challenges:
Crafty Creations - Clean & Simple
Stampin Royalty - K.I.S.S.
Truly Scrumptious - Clean & Simple
Less is more - Color of your eyes

"Pair-a-Phrase"_ National Stamping Month Blog Hop

Here we are Mid-August already and ready to begin the fabulous Close to my Heart National Stamping Month Special called Pair-a-Phrase. This special runs from August 15th through September 30, 2011. More information on how to get BOTH of these "D" size stamp sets FREE after I tell you about my card and the hop.

If you've come here from Laura's Blog, you're on the right path. If you just happened upon my blog and would like to see what all of the other participating consultans have to show, just click on the link at the bottom of each blog post and when you get back to mine again, you know you've seen them all. And, while you're at it, PLEASE leave a little lovin for each of us in the comment section.

I am going on my 15th year with Close to my Heart and the last time I made a one layer card was probably
14 years ago. It's just not my style.
A One layer card is one where you stamp only on the card with NO additional layers. There are so many challenges out there laterly to make just clean and simple or one layer cards. So, I went out of my comfort zone and took the challenge. My card today is stamped right on the card with no additional layers. I made it monochromatic using only Twilight and Sky ink pads. The snowman and phrase is from the Pair-a-Phrase set but I did add the snowflakes from the stamp set called "Snowflakes".
I did add a little liquid applique to the snow and snowman's cap and heated it, along with some prisma glitter.

Now, more about National Stamping Month and the Pair-a-Phrase stamp sets.
You get both of these "D" sized stamp sets in one envelope. They include lots of Phrases and coordinating images you'll use in your cards all year long.
All you need to do is make a $75 purchase and you get these two sets absolutely FREE. And, while you're at it, why not purchase the August Stamp of the Month called "Wicked", a gorgoeus Halloween set, for ONLY $5.00.  With our new Stamp of the Month (SOTM) program, you can purchase the SOTM for only $5.00 with a $50 purchase.
To take advantage of these specials, feel free to order them from my website if you don't have your own CTMH consultant. You can also click on one of the links above to take you directly to the item I used.

Now, hop on over to Angie's Blog to see her beautiful creation.

A few challenges for this card.
Challenge Up Your Life - No DP
Crafty Hazelnut- Christmas & One Layer card
Crazy 4 Challenges - Monochromatic
Less is More - One Layer
Secret Crafter - Christmas

Wicked - CTMH August Stamp of the Mnth Blog Hop

Welcome to Close To My Hearts's August Stamp of the Month (SOTM) Blog Hop. This is the first SOTM from the new Fall/Winter Catalog/Idea Book. What a fabulous stamp set this is too.

Here are the stamps in the set.

If you've come her from Tamytha's Blog, you are on the right path. If you've just wondered upon my blog and want to see all of the fabulous artwork throughout this blog, then just continue by clicking on the link to the next person at the bottom of each post. When you get back to this blog, you know you've seen them all.

My card is an easel card made from the NEW Mischief Paper Pack. The colors I used are Sunset, Black & Red Barn.

The Hand stitching was done with Black Embroidery Floss. I thought this stitch pattern looked similar to a witches hat. It's funny how you sometimes start out with one stitch and then see something totally different and run with it. 

The Buttons are from the Sunset Mini Medley's

Now hop on over to Traci's Blog and see what great creation she has for you.

Studio J - Jeffrey's 2nd Birthday

Well, Tomorrow is Jeffrey's 2nd Birthday. Since I'm leaving for Convention and they are going on vacation, we celebrated his birthday early.
I'm going to be posting four layouts today because they all go together.



Studio J - Day 4 - Swim Lessons

Well, today is Day 4 of posing my Studio J Layouts.

These two are a continuation of the two from yesterday.



Studio J - Day 3

Here is Day 3 of my Studio J Projects.

This is my daughter Andrea and her two babies.



Studio J - more fun layouts

Here is day 2 of posting my Studio J Layouts.
Jeffrey & Mya playing in their pool at my house.

Studio J - Mya and Jeffrey

I hope you all had a safe and wonderful

4th of July weekend.

Last week I took some time to work on my Studio J Layouts. If you're strapped for time like I am, this is the absolute best way to tell the story of your life.
I haven't been creating lately. Too many things I'm trying to get finished before leaving On Sunday Fot the CTMH Convention at Disney Land. So, I'll be posting some of my layouts instead of cards.

I take care of my two fabulous grandchildren while their Mommy & Daddy work and what a pleasure this is for me. To make it even better, I can sit outside with them while they play, my camera always ready to snap the greatest pictures, and at the same time, I was working on these layouts. You can click on the pictures to capture all the details of the embellishments.

American Celebration - CTMH July SOTM

Front closed

Inside, 1st flap open

 Inside, 2nd flap open

Happy 4th of July Weekend. This month Close to my Heart has another fabulous Stamp of the Month to do all of your Holiday Scrapblooking with, or to make cards to send our troops. There are so many ideas to use these 12 clear stamps for, I'm sure you'll think of lots of occasions. I think this would make a fantastic Summer Birthday card.

This is our monthly Stamp of the Month Blog Hop. If you're hoping along from the beginning, you would have come here from Beth's Blog. If you just happened upon my blog, then you can continue with the hop from here. Just click on the next person's name at the end of this post.
If you lo0se your way or find a broken link, you can find the entire list of hoppers at Helen's Blog.

My card is a 5 X 7 flip flap card. I wanted to show off as many stamps from the set as possible and I used all but one. I don't know how I missed that one.

I used lots of red, blue and clear sparkles through out and glitter glirz on the star of the flag. My coloring was done using the baby wipe technique. I just folded up a baby wipe and placed it on a clear block for support. I then stamped the streamer stars on the wipe with desert sand ink. Then I applied re-inker in holiday red, star spangled blue, honey and pear. I put one color on each star.  I then used that same pad to ink up all the other multi colored images.
My papers and solid colors are Cranberry and Pacifica.

If you're looking to purchase this stamp set, you can find it on my website, or you can just email me about it. Youn may even want to get it FREE!!! All it takes to get it discounted or FREE is a qualifying order.

Now hop on over to Georgia's Blog and see what fabulous eye candy she has for you.

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Beautiful Butterflies

I was playing around with the Beautiful Butterflies Clear Stamp Set from Close to my Heart. I colored the stamps using the baby wipe technique where you just add reinker to a baby wipe and use it as an ink pad.
 I used the CTMH Miracle Paper Pack. I love the Sweetleaf and Sky colors together.  It may be hard to see in the photo, but I used the light blue and light green sparkles plus some of the tiny clear sparkles on the butterflies.
The ribbon was Heavenly blue and I sprayed it with the sky reinker and water in the spray pen.


The Hand Stitching was done with my own unique design and matching Embroidery Floss.

Jubilation - CTMH June SOTM Blog Hop

Welcome to the June Stamp of the Month Blog Hop. These months just keep flying by so quickly.

If you've come here from Wanda's Blog, you're on the right track. However, if you just happened upon my blog, you can follow the Blog Hop right from here. You will make your rounds and when you return to mine, you know you've seen them all.
If you get lost along the way, the entire list can be found here on Kathleen's Blog.

This month's SOTM is called Jubilation and consists of 24 Clear Stamps.

For my card, I used the Fanfare paper pack. I needed a card for my son's birthday in July so I used this set for it.

I stamped the word celebrate all over the background paper, most of it in the stars. Then I made two pleted flowers with the paper and added the fireworks on top.

I used the medium blue sparkles and also the tiny clear bitty sparkles.  However, the blue sparkles don't look like they are all the same color, but they are. It's the way the picture was taken.
The Hand Stitching around the card was done with matching Cranberry Embroidery Floss. The Happy BIrthday is from another Birthday Set.

The design of the card was inspited by a sketch from Taylored Expressions Sketch Challenge Blog.

Now hop on over to Sarah's Blog and see what beautiful creation she has to show you.

Other Challenge Blogs this card was made for:
Card Makin Mamas - Use your scraps
Sew Many Cards - Circles
2 Sisters - Anything Goes
Kraftin Kimmie - Hand Stitching
Birthday Sundaes - Masculine Birthday
Catered Crop - RECIPE: Red, White, Blue and Yellow,  Birthday, sewing, stamp Ink, Distress

Endless Friendship

Well here is an oldie but a goodie. I LOVE this stamp set and forgot all about it. I wasn't even sure that it was still current, but fortunately IT IS!!!! Yeah!!!

The starting inspiration came from ICSketches Challenge Blog.

I used the Endless Friendship and the Beautiful Butterflies Stamp Sets. Colors are Smoothie and Olive.
Oh, I forgot, I did use two of the flowers from Mayberry.

I added sparkles, Buttons, & Glitter Gel.

The Hand Stitching was done in my own unique design with matching Embroidery Floss.

Other challenges for this card:
Anything Goes - Bingo: Distressing, Flowers, Heat Embossing
Papertake Weekly - Bloom & Grow
Crafty Creations - May Flowers
Fab 'n Funky - Make your own Blooms
Crafty Catz - Anything Goes
Fun At Fairy Knoll - Flowers
Really Reasonable Ribbon - Anything Goes
Let's Ink It Up - Focal Sentiment & a 3D Flower
Paper Sundaes - Pop It Up.
House of Gilli - Flowers

Chairs to You - CTMH May Stamp of the Month Blog Hop

Welcome to the Close to my Heart May Stamp of the Month Blog Hop. Just when I thought winter would never end, we're into May already.

If you've come here from LeAnne's Blog, you're on the right track. However, if you just happened upon my blog, you can continue in the blog hop from here and when you get back to me again, you know you've seen them all. If you come across any broken links along the way, you can find the entire list here on Helen's Blog.

As soon as I saw this stamp set, I saw paper Piecing. There are so many possibilities.

My card today is 5" x 7" and made using the Sweetheart paper pack. I threw in a little Gypsy CS also since there are tiny flowers and hearts in that color in the background papers.

I paper pieced all three chairs. The pink chair has tiny pearls added.

The Happy Mother's Day is from "A Little Everything" Clear Stamp Set.

The Hand Stitching was done with White Embroidery Floss. I then added white Pearls in all of the corners.

I always like to finish off the insides of my cards. There is a little of the hand stitching there also in a very simple running stitch and matching cardstock and B&T papers.

In case you were at the Leadershare in Pennsylvania this Saturday, you would have seen this card in the Auction for the Operation Smile Charity. I'd love to hear from you if you won any of my cards in the auction.

Now hop on over to Wendy's Blog to see her gorgeous Eye candy.

And, please leave comments for all of us along the way. We love hearing from you and appreciate knowing how we're doing.

Blessed Card 2

This is the second card for my clubs. I had 3" x 12" scraps of the Olivia paper left from club projects last year and I am determined to use up some of my older papers.
The paper & Ink colors are Sunset and Pear with Sunflower for the flower.

Blessed Card 1

Here is one of two cards that I made for my clubs and classes this month.


The embossed background was done with Silver embossing powder. I used Sky, Lagoon & Pacifica ink pads to color the background.

Blessed - April Stamp of the Month Blog Hop

Here's another fabulous Stamp of the Month Set from Close to my Heart.

If you're following the hop and you came here from Laurie's Blog, you're on the right track. If you just happened upon my blog and would like to see more fabulous artwork from loads of other consultants, thewn you can continue from here and when you return here, you woulod have seen them all. Just click on the link at the end of this post to go to the next person on the list.

If you want a complete list of participants, you can find them on Helen's Blog.

I used Sophia paper pack and Hollyhock, sweetleaf, gardengreen and goldrush ink pads.
The Hand Stitching was done with matching Embroidery Floss.

Now hop on over to Kami's Blog to see her fabulous artwork

Sophia

Inside of the card

I've been working on some cards for the auction for Operation Smile Charity at Leadershare and since this is also made for a Sketch Challenge I need to post it.

The inspiration for this card came from the sketch challenge at Creative Sketches.
Along with the sketch, is also the theme of Celebrations. I chose not to specify the celebration since the card will be auctioned off, but you can tell it's celebrating a special person.

The paper pack is the Wings Creative Basics. I just love the colors in this paper pack and the ribbon included in the pack is GORGEOUS!!!

The stamp set is called Sophia and comes in the Sophia Workshop on the Go.
The colors used are Cocoa, Juniper and Sweetleaf.
I used the Juniper Bigger Brads and matching Juniper Embroidery Floss for the Hans Stitching.

Other Challenges for this card:
Anything Goes - Make your own
Truly Scrumptious - Tag It! 
Lili of the Valley - Punch It!
Paper Play - Distrressing
Sketches in Thyme - Open challenge but must use a sketch
StampInsanity - Punch it out
The ABC Challenge - Q is for Quilting/Sewing
Crafty Creations - In Stitches
For Fun Challenges - Flowers & Use sentiment as focal point
Freshly Brewed - 2 or more embellishments
Tellen's Place - Lots of Texture
The Paper Variety - Stamped Image, Card, Scallops

Sensational Season

I hope you all are enjoying the nStamp of the Month Blog Hop. The hop is in the post after this one. This is the third card that I didn't get finished in time to get a good picture of it. I couldn't scan it because of the big flower on it. 

The inspiration for this card started with a sketch from Clean & Simple Stamping. OK, so I got carried away and didn't keep it clean and simple. I guess that's just not my style. I sometimes don't know when to stop.

My card is 5" x 7" and was made eusing the Miracle Paper Pack. I just love the blues and greens in this pack.  I stamped the sentiment, bunny and basket from the Sensational Season Stamp of the month. Clear embossed all & Colored them with Copic Markers and cut them out.

The flower was made with 6 scalloped circles made with the new CTMH 2" Punch. The leaves are from a Sizzix die.

The Hand Stitching was done with Colonial White Embroidery Floss and I added a light Green Sparkle in each corner, And a Sweetleaf bow in the corner.

Then to top it off and add a little more sparkle, I added the Glitz Gel to the tips of the flower and the eggs.

Other Challenge Blogs this card was made for:
All Sorts - Make your own flowers
Crazy for Challenges - Use flowers
Crafty Catz - Friendship
Fun at Fairy Knoll - Felling Green
Fussy and Fancy - Embossing
Paper Cutz - Spring
Paper Garden - Spring
Patties Creations - Make own embellishment
Wags 'n Whiskers - Punches
CCEE - Distressing
Pals Paper Arts - Scallops (flower)
Paper Play - Sentiments as focal point
The Paper Variety - Stitching

Sensational Season - CTMH March SOTM - Blog Hop

Oh My, I can hardly believe it's March already. And look at this absolutely Gorgeous Stamp Set called Sensational Season.   You're going to be blown away this month with the fabulous artwork from 58 of our very talented CTMH Consultants in this Blog Hop

 So on with the Blog Hop. If you just happened upon my blog, you can start the hop from here and when you get back here again, you know you've seen them all. However, if you'd like to start from the very beginning, you can go to Helen's Blog for this and for the entire list, just in case there would be a broken link along the way.

If you came here from Adeline's Blog, you're on the right path.

I have two cards for you today. I was planning on three, but the third isn't quite finished yet. Maybe I'll post it tomorrow.

The inspiration for this card started with a sketch from Phindy's Place

The first card is 5.5 x 5.5 amd uses the Miracle Paper Pack along with the Miracle Dimensional Elements for the Butterfly. After sponging Sky ink onto the butterfly, I coated it with Liquid Glass. I took some of my   Colonial White Waxy Flax and colored a small piece with the Sky re-inker. When dry, I ran it through a tissue several times to get the excess ink off. Then I wrapped it around my Paper Piercer a few times to curl it. Cut the small pieces and adhered them to the back with Liquid Glass.
The Hand Stitching was done with Embroidery Floss that matched the Sweet Leaf color.
Everything was colored with Copic Markers.

My second card is 5"x5" and uses the Bliss paper along with Sky Cardstock. The Butterfly is from the Trellis stamp set. I used the Grey Opaques and blue sparkles on the Butterfly.

My 3rd card is now posted here

Now hop on over to Traci's Blog and see what fabulous work she has to share with you.