"Independence Day" Blog Hop

What ?!?!?  Hope you weren't expecting to see Will Smith fighting the aliens here!  We are actually featuring crafty creations showcasing "Independence Day" ... the holiday!


Not only are all of our creations going to be about Independence Day ... the holiday ... but they will also be using the Artiste and/or Art Philosophy Cricut cartridges available exclusively through a Close to My Heart consultant.  If you don't already have a Consultant that you are currently working with, please contact one of the Consultants in our hop with any questions you have!


In this hop, you will see projects featuring this versatile cartridges from many talented crafty ladies!  Enjoy our blog hop!

If you have just hopped onto my blog, please start at the beginning at Lucy's blog – Love 2 Create.   If you came from Traci's blog - Paper Crafting 101 then you are in the right place!


My project is a fun "fireworks card" that I will be offering in my card class tomorrow.  I used the Art Philosophy Cartridge exclusively on this one (my Gypsy was being a brat).  I used different sizes of the starburst shape for the fireworks and the font to embellish the card with a fun onimonipea "BOOM!".  

The background paper is retired superhero paper that has a great blue background with light stars.  I've added some blue foil paper and some prismatic to add reflection.  Finally, I added some red gems in the second "O" and exclamation point.  

Overall, a very "Red, White, and Blue" ending to a fun card.  It was fast and so easy to do with the cricut...literally seconds to layout and assemble.  Hope everyone will like it tomorrow! ;)

I'm the last stop for the Independence Day hop but if you haven't already, head over to the beginning with Lucy's blog-Love 2 Create and see what everyone else came up with.

Here is the complete lineup in case you get lost along the way:

1. Lucy ~ Love 2Create 
2. Theodora ~ Celebrate Crafts 
3. Michelle ~ My Flights of Fancy 
4. Jennifer ~ 4 Hearts Scrapbooking 
5. Traci ~ Paper Crafting 101  
6. Penny ~ It Makes Total Cents <<<YOU ARE HERE

Thanks for hopping along with us - we hope we were able to inspire you.

"Resist" Technique Blog Hop

Yes, I still exist.  I apologize for the silence coming from my blog recently.  Life kinda overwhelmed me but I'm back and determined to be more consistent in my posting.  Starting with this awesome blog hop showing the "resist" technique.

When I hear "resist," I think of embossing powder.  For this card, I used manila cardstock, versamark, and colonial white CTMH embossing powder to emboss the small flowers from a retired stamp set.  The flowers created a backdrop for my Japanese stamped sentiment (another retired set).  Although I used retired sets, this technique could EASILY be adjusted to fit virtually any theme, style, or occasion.

I chose the direct to paper technique to add color layering gypsy and spring iris by dragging the paper over the pads.  I then used the edge of the gypsy pad to add some vertical lines for texture.  The background still seemed a little boring so I added black hash lines on the diagonals with my black distressing ink pad. 

Once I stamped the kanji and words in black in the blank area I left, I realized I could have made the background a little lighter.  But there are NO mistakes in cardmaking, only opportunities to embelish.

I chose to add gold to the project, stamping not only the sentiment (using the black as a shadow) but also adding gold to the center of the flowers with a gel pen.  To bring in a little more gold, I used the edge of my acrylic block to mimic the black small hash marks.  Finally, a little sheer and shimmery ribbon, a decorative edge cut, some distressing and inking, and a black background layer and the card was done.


I love how the inks fade away from the embossed flowers.  The purple tinted them slightly but I think the color looks great.  I chose the card color last as I wasn't sure what the final background color would be. 

Here is the blog hp line up in case you get lost.  Be sure to check out all the blogs for even more resist ideas!

1. debi - http://debiistheothersister.blogspot.com/
2. Shirley - http://www.momnmescrap.blogspot.com/
3. Joy: www.studiowowjoy.com
4 Penny - www.itmakestotalcents.blogspot.com  <<<YOU ARE HERE
5 Melinda Everitt - www.ifyoublingit.blogspot.com

Thanks for stopping by! :)

"BINGO" Art Philosophy Blog Hop

Welcome to our March Art Philosophy/Artiste Blog Hop!   As you know, both the Artiste and the Art Philosophy cartridges are available exclusively through a Close to My Heart consultant.  If you don't already have a Consultant that you are currently working with, please contact one the Consultants in our hop with any questions you have!

If you have just hopped onto my blog, please start at the beginning at Lucy's blog – Love 2 Create .   If you came from Theodora of Celebrate Crafts then you are in the right place!

Our challenge this month features not only one of these amazing cartridges but also a "BINGO" card!
Here is the BINGO card that our Consultants were given:

The Consultants were told they could  make anything they wanted using the Artiste OR Art Philosophy cartridge AND you work off the BINGO card posted above. Basically, you make a "BINGO" by going across, down, or diagonally and you have to use everything in that bingo line.
I chose the top horizontal row but may have "bent" the rules a little.  I made two cuts using the Art Philosophy cartridge and came up with two cards.  Between the two cards, I have included the ribbon, metal (ish), and bling elements from above.

There are a few versions of Fleur-de-Lis in both cartridges (they are classic after all).  I cut the inside and then used the negative with another rounded rectangle to make the second card.

The first card contains CTMH gold embossing powder on the black cut out (popped up) and white embossing on craft paper with buffed ink accents for the background.

 

The second card uses the negative, a few pearls for bling, some non-CTMH "Wedding Ribbon" in black with wired edges, and finally - MY FAVORITE - for always paper.  A little black ink finishes the edge of the paper while everything is rounded to match the cut as well.

 

I used these cards for a gathering last weekend and they were a big hit!  They can be used for any occasion and for either women or men. 

Your next stop on our "BINGO" hop is Michelle of My Flights of Fancy.
Here is the complete lineup in case you get lost along the way:

1. Lucy ~ Love 2 Create
2.  Theodora ~ Celebrate Crafts <<<< You came from here...
3. Penny ~ It Makes Total Cents <<< YOU ARE HERE!
4. Michelle ~ My Flights of Fancy <<<GO HERE NEXT!
5. Melissa L- My Watermelon Moon
6. Jennifer ~ 4 Hearts Scrapbooking 
7. Michelle ~ My Creations with Michelle 
8. Traci ~ Paper Crafting 101 
9. Stephanie ~  The Quilted Scrapper  
   
   
    Thanks for hopping along with us - we hope we were able to inspire you.

Soooo Exciting! A chance to be part of Jeanette Lynton's Blog? blog?

Jeanette Lynton, CEO of Close To My Heart, is giving all CTMH consultants AND FANS a chance to be featured on HER BLOG!  Here is an excerpt:

My Favorite Stamp Set Submissions 

This year on my blog, I am sharing artwork featuring one of my favorite product lines—My Acrylix stamps. I will be sharing artwork created by the talented artists in the Close To My Heart Art Studio, but I want to extend the opportunity to my fabulous blog readers as well—that’s right, I’m talking to YOU! Whether you are a Close To My Heart Consultant, a long-time blog follower, or a first time visitor, I invite you to share your best work with me for your chance to be featured here. Here's what to do:

This is so fun.  All you have to do is follow the directions from her blog post.  I'm so excited that I'd also like to show your project here on my blog and through my Facebook page (if you'd like).  If you submit a project, let me know or include me on the email and I'll get it on here too. 

I'm already thinking of items to send. 

Thanks for stopping by!

It's the MIDDLE OF MAY ALREADY?

Where did the month go?  It's the 16th already and I haven't even posted my special.  I've been a little under the weather and crazy busy but that's no excuse - so the following special (also on my specials page) will be good until April 15th.

Colors of the Rainbow SPECIAL

From now until April 15th

All items, including cardstock, ink pads, reinkers, pigment inks, and even our new marker sets on page 9 of the Idea Book are 10% off.  There is virtually a rainbow of colors to choose from.

Speaking of rainbow - here is a quick card that I am including in my Saturday card class if anyone is interested.  I have a few more cards to share this week as well.

NOTE:  This special is exclusive to ItMakesTotalCents and will not be honored by CTMH Corporate.  Orders must be place with me and NOT through my website to receive the discount.

I am also submitting the above card for the 

 Fabulous Friday Challenge - Up, Up & Away! at Frosted Designs. 

JUMP FOR JOY

Runs through March 31, 2013

Close To My Heart is giving a great reason to have a Home Gathering as well... the Jump for Joy promotion allows hostesses (online or in person) to jump up a level for rewards after the $250 mark. 

 

Contact me for further details.  I still have a few weekends open this month.  

Next month will be a special month with a few chances to win, get great deals, and celebrate a special occasion with me.  I hope you will join me.

Thanks for stopping by.

 

"Black & White Only" Technique Blog Hop

Welcome to our Technique Blog Hop!  This month there are eight of us highlighting the “Black and White Only" technique.  This blog hop is a great big circle so you can start wherever you want and continue through to see all the fabulous artwork incorporating this technique. 

If you are coming from Judy'sBlog, you are on the right track!  

Here's my project.  First, let me explain that beyond being a procrastinator (working on the project at 11pm the night before), this card is not what I had planned.  NOTE:  A hairdryer does NOT work in a pinch for a heat gun that was inadvertently left at my card class on Tuesday.  Here is what SHOULD be a silver embossed rose.  :(

So plan B was to use my almost dead White Daisy ink pad.  The idea shows through even if the white looks a little blue on the black cardstock.  The paper I chose is my new favorite, "For Always".  This one will be a mainstay in my paper stock pile as it is so versitile.  

I think the pearls and ribbon add some sophistication to the simple design.  Even with the color palette limited to two basic colors, I was able to provide visual interest with the different textures (visual texture of the paper, the ribbon, and pearls - as well as what was suppose to be an embossed rose).  It did make me think, however, because a bright pink, red, or teal would look gorgeous with this paper as well.

 

Supply List:  

Card Word Puzzle (C1494)

Art Philosophy Stamp Set  (C1686)

Black Cardstock

For Always paper (X7165B)

White Daisy Ink (Z2163)

Pearls (from stash)

White ribbon (from stash) 

Thanks for stopping by!  Please continue onto Melinda's Blog where you will find some additional artwork highlighting this technique!  Be sure to leave a comment and let me know what you thought of my variation and happy hopping!

Debi-http://debiistheothersister.blogspot.com/
Cherri-http://craftwithfeeling.blogspot.com/
Joy-http://studiowowjoy.com/ Judy-http://judyfaye.blogspot.com/  <<<You've come from here
Kindred Hearts-http://itmakesotalcents.blogspot.com/   <<<You are here
Melinda-http://ifyoublingit.blogspot.com/   <<<Go here next
Melissa-http://mlisrobinson.blogspot.com/
Stephani-http://cardsbystephanie.com/

"Alcohol Markers" Technique Blog Hop

Welcome to our Technique Blog Hop! This month there are six of us highlighting the Alcohol Marker technique.  This blog hop is a great big circle so you can start wherever you want and continue through to see all the fabulous artwork incorporating this technique.

If you are coming from Shirley's Blog, "Mom N Me Scrap", you are on the right track!  

Here are two projects that I recently completed using Close To My Heart's AMAZING alcohol markers.  I have a few copics but have resisted getting many due to price.  Our markers work great, come in wonderful colors that match our papers, and are only $4.95 for TWO!  They come in pairs (see pic below) including the true CTMH color and a lighter or darker complimentary (blending) color.  

***#1 TIP!!!! - Use a permanent pigment based ink to stamp images you color with alcohol markers.  Our standard inks may bleed a little an my ruin lighter marker colors.  This is true of ANY alcohol markers.  I used Momento's Tuxedo Black for these.  You can also choose to emboss any image before coloring as the embossing powder will "dam" the color and reduce bleeding. ***

This butterfly card was inspired by the wonderful blue colors in real butterflies.  The stamp set is a retired oldy but goody, Butterfly Wings.  My go to many time for graphic butterflies.  The rose on the back is stamped with Twilight Ink (retired) and is from the January "Happy Valentine's" Stamp of the Month.

I used a "flicking" technique from the outside of the wings and the inside wind near the body towards the middle with the standard dark blue Pacifica marker and then overlapped the edge using the same technique towards the middle, leaving a little of the blue paper showing. Here's a closeup. I also used a splica (sp?) pen to add a little glitter.

The other card features another rose from the January Stamp of the Month.  I stamped the rose twice on pink cardstock with my Memento black ink.  The base is colored with the Topiary and Ruby markers (except the rose center that isn't seen).

Here is another close up.  I started with the darker Ruby and colored where the black lines are and near the creases.  Then I went over the whole rose with the lighter Ruby marker to blend.  For the green leaves, I did the same with the regular and lighter Topiary green.  On the second stamped image, I colored just the center and cut it out.  Using a pop-dot, I created a 3D effect that I think gives the card some real dimension.

I hope you liked my cards.  I'm slowly building my stock of these amazing markers. A full list of the markers is available here.  Happy coloring! :)

Your next stop on the hop is back to the beginning with Debi...

Here is the full hopping list in case you get lost!  Thanks for stopping by! :)

1. Debi
2. Cherri
3. Joy 4. Judy
5. Shirley
6. Kindred Hearts<<< You are here

And we have another winner!

Congrats,

Wendy Bergeron Coffman

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 
Wendy was given the choice of:

• FREE Stamp of the Month (Spring/Summer Catalog)
• $10 in product credit
• a "Surprise" gift by mail

An email has been sent and I we will see what she chooses!

I haven't decided if I should do another giveaway this month or not.  Maybe one of my followers can convince me? 

Thanks for stopping by.  Congrats again, Wendy! :)

Lorby's World - Valentine's Mailbox/Treat Box Blog Hop

Valentine's Day is just two weeks away and we wanted to see what kinds of mailboxes, boxes, and bags you make to give those special people in your lives. Join us for some amazing Valentine's inspiration in plenty of time for that special day and those special treats.

This hop has two hostesses today: Jearise from Lorby's World and Tee. Make sure you visit their blogs because they have some special treats of their own to give away. They'll tell you more on their blogs.

Now on with the inspiration...

Although my brand new "Tags, Bags, Boxes & More 2" Cricut Cartridge contains many boxes and even a mailbox to choose from, I love this little treat box.  There was a little learning curve when cutting and putting this box together but I love how it turned out.  (PS - the pictures don't do the matching base and almost perfectly coordinating paper justice.)

The cardstock is white core and took the Chocolate distress well.  The patterned paper is some retired B&T paper from Close To My Heart that I love.  The two sides work so well together that I cut a butterfly out and turned it to the "back" side to compliment the lighter distressing in the paper.

My favorite part of the box is still the "lock and heart" sides.  The keyhole is where the tabs from the top insert to close the box.

I think I may make a few more of these for the special Valentine's in my life!  Hope you like it.

 Thanks for stopping by and please continue on to Robin S.

1. Jearise 
2. Tee <<<YOU CAME FROM HERE
3. Penny (Kindred hearts) <<<YOU ARE HERE
4. Robin S. <<<GO HERE NEXT
5. Amanda 
6. Sandra
7. Jessi
8. Priscilla
9. Katie 
10. Michele 
11. Ashley 
12. Lynne 
13. Jackie

"The Lady and the Chocolate"

I don't often do this but I really needed to share a fellow blogger's post.  She chose to share a book her friend purchased called, "The Lady and the Chocolate".  It is worth a moment to read this amazing story that had me grinning ear to ear.  Enjoy! :)

From one chocolate-aholic to you all, thanks for stopping by! 

"It's Your Birthday" Blog Hop

Welcome to our January Art Philosophy Blog Hop! We are starting a new year of blog hops for you all featuring Close to My Heart's exclusive Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge.  The Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge is available exclusively through a Close to My Heart consultant.

This month we are featuring a "birthday" theme for you.  In this hop, you will see projects featuring this versatile cartridge from many talented crafty ladies!  Enjoy our blog hop!

If you have just hopped onto my blog, please start at the beginning at Lucy's blog – Love 2 Create.   If you came from Priscilla of  Priscilla's Paperie then you are in the right place!

My daughter will be turning 12 soon (and hopefully she doesn't see this) so I decided to make her card early for once! :)  The card is cut from page 60 of the catalog. <shift> <Card>.

I found this awesome prismatic paper and immediately thought one of the cutout cards and some confetti would be awesome.

I think she's likely to be mad about the mess she'll make when she opens the cards but it will be fun.  I made small presents, stars, and some welded (with my Gypsy) 12's to match the 12 on the card.

Your next stop on our birthday hop is Theodora of Celebrate Crafts.

Here is the complete lineup in case you get lost along the way:

1. Lucy ~ Love 2 Create 
2. Darla ~ Caution: Stamping is Contagious
3. Jennifer ~ 4 Hearts Scrapbooking
4. Priscilla ~ Priscilla's Paperie <YOU CAME FROM HERE
5. Kindred Hearts ~ It Makes Total Cents <<YOU ARE HERE
6. Theodora ~ Celebrate Crafts <<<GO HERE NEXT
7. Stephanie ~ The Quilted Scrapper  
8. Traci ~ Paper Crafting 101

Thanks for hopping along with us - we hope we were able to inspire you.

"Whit As Snow" Blog Hop with Lorby's World

Welcome to the White as Snow Blog Hop where the idea was to either create something that has white as a primary color or as the background. I'm sure some of these crafty bloggers got creative and combined both but you will only be able to find out by hopping along with us today...

Our hostess for this hop is Jearise from Lorby's World and it's a good thing to start at her blog because she has a special give away of her own and all the details are on her blog.

We also have a guest blogger, Anita from Anita and Bugs, who also has an awesome give away on her blog.

Our wonderful sponsor for today's blog hop is THE CUTTING CAFE so please make sure you visit their online store to see all the wonderful cutting and printable files they have.

The Cutting Cafe is giving away to one lucky winner 3 files of their choice. To qualify, you need to visit The Cutting Cafe store and then "like" The Cutting Cafe on FACEBOOK and let Regina, the owner, know that you came from the White as Snow Blog. I can tell you now that if you like printable sayings and cutting files, you will love her designs and she has specials going on all the time on her FACEBOOK page.

Now on to the hop...

My card uses vellum (white), White Daisy CTMH Ink, and a white card bade.  I've added Dutch Blue in the paper and smaller rose stamps.  The roses are Stampin' Up images with the blue (smaller) covering the attachment areas that show through the vellum.  The center sentiment was a bargain (unmounted) from a local shop but I love it!  I used my Creative Memory cutting system to get the perfect ovals. The vellum/cardstock is popped off the card with foam squares and I added a little bling.  It looks a little more elegant that way, don't you think?

 

 

Thank you so much for joining us today and your next stop is Tee!

Here is the hopping list just in case you get lost along the way.

1. Jearise
2. Anita 
3. Lucy  
4. Jessi 
5. Jenny
6. Tabetha
7. Penny  <YOU ARE HERE!
8. Tee  <GO HERE NEXT!
9. Miriam 
10. Jamie
11. Lynne
12. Amanda
13. CallyAnn

Ribbon in a New Way - Technique Blog Hop

There are no lack of ideas in the Close To My Heart Idea Books (hence the name...lol) but this one made me think.  Me and a few of my fellow CTMH sisters challenged ourselves to find ways to use "Ribbon in a New Way." 

Anyone who's been to a card class of mine knows I love bows, ribbon, twine, etc.  I think it adds such a great touch.  But to use it in a new way, I came up with a decidedly girly addition.

For this card I used a retired CTMH stamp set called, "Be Yourself".

I love these silhouettes and used the girl with the frilly skirt for this card.

Here is a close up of the skirt.  I originally tried to make the ribbon sticky on just one edge with my Xyron but it wasn't working well so I ended up with simple glue tape and some pleats.

I really liked how this card turned out.  A few triple stamped swirls, some girly retired pink paper, and a few gems on a pink card base, and it's a wrap.  What do you all think?

Thanks for stopping by!  There are a few more projects to go through  Here is the whole order if you want to start back over at the top!

1.       Debi <<<Start at the beginning!

2.       Wendy

3.       Tabbi

4.       Judy Faye

5.       Shirley

6.       Joy

7.       Kindred Hearts  <<<You are here!



DON'T FORGET...


Locals - Card Class tonight @ 6:30
ALL:  Giveaway and Specials can be found by following the link! :)