• Scrapbooking Layouts and Projects,  Uncategorized

    Wander Outdoor Adventure Scrapbook Layouts

    I am so excited to share the new Wander collection with you. Close to My Heart has created the perfect paper pack for your outdoor adventures! I have three layouts to share so keep scrolling. They have a free workshop for you too! (Details below)

    I had fun documenting a night around the campfire roasting s’mores. We heard a crazy noise in the woods but it wasn’t at all what we thought it was and had a pretty good laugh at ourselves.

    The dreamy Sapphire blue night sky patterned paper is my favorite next to the desert landscape. It is absolutely perfect for my Red Rock adventures. However, this paper pack works for your mountain camping adventures too. No trip to Utah necessary.

    The embellishments were a combination of stickers from the coordinating sticker sheet and stamped images inked in Sapphire and Paprika. For the title, I die cut letters from Paprika cardstock with the Simple Serif thin cut dies. I sanded the letters to bring out the white core and give them a worn rustic look. Note the tiny stamped images on my journaling tag, it added the perfect finishing touch! You can check out the process video below but keep scrolling to see even more inspiration for this paper pack.

    This layout (pictured below) was inspired by artwork in the catalog. I loved the layout and wanted to turn it into a double page layout and this is what I came up with.

    The focus of this double page layout was to include a lot of photos while still keeping clean and simple lines. When we are on vacation there tends to be numerous photos capturing the action and we don’t want to leave any of them out. I incorporated a large 8×12 Flip Flap on the right side of my layout giving me plenty of room for additional photos and journaling. I will give you a closer look at the Flip Flaps in action in the process video.

    Below is another layout to inspire you! The Wander title was actually one large sticker shaped into a rectangle. I knew the title was perfect for my page but not in the given format. I fussy cut around the letters and then overlapped them to fit the space. I popped up every other letter with dimensional foam to give it even more character. Just remember, with a little creativity, you can always alter embellishments to fit your layout.

    CTMH is offering a free workshop for the Wander collection. You will join with others crafters virtually and create 3 double page layouts learning new techniques as you go. (Workshop layouts shown below)

    This free virtual event begins August 24, 2:00 pm (MDT) on the Close to My Heart Facebook page.

    Order your Wander Scrapbooking Workshop (G1234) here.

    Join the Wander Scrapbooking Workshop here

    Thank you for stopping by! I hope you now have plenty of creative inspiration for the Wander collection. I finally had to tell myself not to order any more packs because I have enough. But honestly I may cave and get a few more before the end of this catalog cycle!

    Supplies:

  • Scrapbooking Layouts and Projects,  Uncategorized

    You Are Enough

    Close to My Heart has released an amazing new special for National Scrapbooking Month and it is so pretty! I must say it is different than their norm and the response indicates it is a hit. I know I love it! In this first layout, I used the title element, Create, to tell the story of how and why I began my youtube channel. I had a lot to say so I created a hidden journaling pocket to conceal the story. You can check out the video to hear a bit of that story and see how I created the hidden journaling pocket.

    Having boys I wanted to challenge myself to create a layout with this collection. By narrowing down my focus it was easy to achieve. I selected patterned papers in the blue tones and added black cardstock. The Stitched Hexagon Thin Cut dies are one of my favorites for creating easy backgrounds with a lot of interest. The gold foiled element mimic metal which is a great addition to any teenage boy layout.

    I have a YouTube process video for this layout as well. Watch to pick up a few tips for aligning hexagons in different sizes and making the most of the coordinating sticker sheet.

    Check out the gallery below to see how versatile this collection is and additional layouts created by CTMH. I’ve also included pictures of all the items available in this collection. The butterfly thin cut dies are amazing!

    Thank you for stopping by and visiting. I hope you are as inspired by this collection as I am. Visit my online store to see the different You Are Enough bundle options available. Thanks again and happy crafting!

    Supplies:

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  • Card Making,  Uncategorized

    Cheerful Humor Cards

    I do enjoy a snarky witty card that makes me laugh, and Lord knows we all could use more laughter! These Cheerful Humor cards do not disappoint. My personal favorite “Get Well Soon You’re Grossing Everyone Out” HA, too funny! I have created 5 alternative card designs to share featuring the Cheerful Humor card kit from Close To My Heart.

    The kit provides everything you need to create 20 hilarious cards. Two each of ten different designs. I can’t help myself and enjoy creating my own so I thought I’d give you a few more crafty ideas to inspire you. This card making kit is available through the month of May while supplies last.

    You can check out the YouTube video below to see how I put all these cards together. I do share the paper cutting dimensions in the tutorial.

    I added some basic thin cut dies from my stash to step these cards up a notch. It turns out the medium sized stitched rectangle (above) and stitched square (below) are perfect for these sentimentsand the faux stitching adds beautiful detail to these cards.

    This particular sentiment can work for many different occasions. I had to laugh because we pass cards around at my office to be signed and that is exactly what they say. “Here, sign this”. Too funny!

    This one made me laugh. It’s a bit mean but I can think of numerous times I’d like to have given this card to my teenage boys. They could handle it. My family tends to be a bit sarcastic so I know they would smile.

    Thank you for stopping by! I hope you found these cards as amusing as I do. Happy crafting my friends!

    Supplies:

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  • Scrapbooking Layouts and Projects,  Uncategorized

    In This Together Special

    I have been snapping photos over the past year capturing moments of what has become our “new normal”. I was doing a happy dance when CTMH came out with this special. The papers, sticker sheet and stamp set are just what I was looking for to start documenting 2020. This layout captures the great toilet paper shortage. I ended up traveling to three different stores before locating the coveted commodity. So much for staying home!

    The photo below Illustrates tips for making tiny embellishments appear more substantial. I added a frame to draw your eye and the pop of Sapphire blue anchors the cluster. Check out the process video to see the impact these little additions added.

    You can catch the process video below.

    I created this Stay Home layout last week. Taking a nap is definitely a rarity for both my husband and I. This picture was snapped during the beginning of the shutdown.

    The couch embellishment, from the coordinating sticker sheet, was perfect! Saving the world one nap at a time. So funny! I used the potted plant, TV, and other stickers to create a living room vibe on my layout.

    You can catch the video for this layout below.

    This fun collection features a 12-sheet paper packet with coordinating sticker sheet, enamel dots, cardstock pack, and My Acrylix® stamp set! You can purchase the pieces individually or as a bundle at a discounted price. Check out the gallery below for more artwork ideas from CTMH. This is only available through the month of March 2021 while supplies last.

    All the layouts and cards pictured below are from the In This Together Workshop option.

    Supplies:

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  • Scrapbooking Layouts and Projects,  Uncategorized

    Sweet Safari Backyard Adventure!

    Close to My Heart has a fun vibrant new paper collection perfect for your backyard adventures, zoo trips, or sweet memories of your little ones. I was pretty excited to scrapbook these photos of my boys. It was a simple moment in time that makes me smile just to think of it. Surrounded by ferns, my boys were pretending they were in Jurassic Park and at any moment a T-Rex would spring from the lush foliage. The shrieks and laughter were contagious! I am happy to have finally recorded this special memory.

    I’ll admit I almost passed this paper packet by as it gives off a vibe perfect for babies. I have very few baby photos left to scrapbook. I am so glad I didn’t though. Turns out I have so many pictures that work well with this paper pack. I may need to order a second! I

    Note the little pennant banner in the top right hand corner. I created this with left overs and Waterfall Stickles Glitter Gel. It is a simple embellishment that makes a big statement on the page. It is perfect for incorporating pops of color and utilizing those leftovers. I utilized the dies in the Pennant Banner Alphabet stamp set to cut all the assorted flags.

    If you are a visual learner, I have attached the video tutorial below so you can watch this layout come together. share some tips for creating boy layouts.

    Check out the detailing on the title from the coordinating sticker sheet. The UV coating adds texture, interest, and shine!

    CTMH also offers a 3-page workshop kit ready to go complete with step by step instructions to create the fun layouts pictured below. You can view the details for The Sweet Safari kit here. Along with the paper pack and sticker sheet, you also get exclusive patterned papers and 4 die-cut sheets along with the adorable puffy stickers! Create the predesigned layouts or use the pieces to create your own works of art.

    Thank you so much for stoping by! I hope you found a little inspiration during your visit. Happy crafting!

    Supplies:

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  • Inspiration,  Scrapbooking Layouts and Projects,  Uncategorized

    Happiness Lives Here

    The Happiness Lives Here collection is truly a ray of sunshine. The cheerful Canary yellow and gorgeous Blue Belle blue is a color palette to swoon over! I have created several layouts with these papers but this one is my favorite. I absolutely love visiting the ocean so naturally, I am excited about the pictures. The Sunshine title is from the coordinating sticker sheet as well as the other embellishments on the page. I did fussy cut a few of the Picture My Life cards to add to the mix.

    I love layering stickers to create embellishment clusters to complement my photos. The cute circular sticker was perfect because the sun rays mimicked the sunburst stenciling radiating out from the title. Little details working together is scrapbooking bliss. Check out the youtube video below to see this layout come together.

    Below is a closer look at all the pretty patterned papers in this collection along with the coordinating sticker sheet. I have become a big fan of the stickers because they make for super quick yet stunning layouts. I always add in the Picture My Life cards (PLM) as well. They can be used for layering elements behind the photo, title options, or fussy cut and used as embellishments.

    Here in the gallery below are pictures of another fun layout I created from this collection. A double page spread featuring family game night snapshots. You can see I was able to capture an entire different look on this layout. I have always loved the versatility of these paper packs. If you don’t particularly care for one pattern or color, flip it over and you have another choice. Who doesn’t love options?

    Thank you so much for stopping by and visiting my website. I hope you found a little inspiration in today’s layouts and set aside some time to get crafty. Have a wonderful day!

    Supplies for Sunshine Layout:

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  • Scrapbooking Layouts and Projects,  Uncategorized

    Perfect Match!

    CTMH said it just right, Valentine’s Day met its papercrafting match with this new adorable collection of products! I have been having a happy time creating with this new collection. I had to do a little searching to find pictures to jive with my papers but I found the perfect photos! They are not Valentine’s pics but the papers and embellishments still work really well. You can watch the crafty process in the youtube video below.

    Using a kit is my favorite way to scrapbook. It takes away the guess work and makes the whole process run smoothly. Having the coordinating sticker sheet complete with title options and embellishments makes it a snap to pull together an amazing layout in no time. The title “Love” and the floral elements are all stickers. I did add a little 3-D foam to create some dimesion and layers.

    Another great way to add interest and texture to a layout is to add adhesive backed gems or pearls. These pretty little Blue Belle pearls come in 3 varied sizes and add instant fun. I have also layered a white acrylic heart over the blue heart sticker.

    The Perfect Match Collection is available through February 2021 while supplies last. You can purchase a bundle including all the coordinating products at a discount or choose individual pieces if you rather. Everything included in the workshop kit is pictured below. You can view more options here: Perfect Match

    Thanks for stopping by! I hope you found some inspiration and motivation to carve out a little crafty time for yourself. Happy crafting friends!

    Supply List:

  • Inspiration,  Uncategorized

    Do You Want to be a VIP?

    Hey there crafty friends, have you heard about Close To My Heart’s new VIP program? There are only a few days left to sign up for only $10. Ten bucks to get free craft supplies and a 15% discount all year long. That sounds pretty good to me!

    You can sign up here.

    VIP Benefits:

    • Earn 15% shopping credit of the retail amount paid
    • Bonus, get $25 VIP Credit when you sign up (through 12/31/20)
    • Earn the Stamp of the Month FREE
    • Access to exclusive specials throughout the year

    CTMH has a video sharing all the details below if you’d like more information. You can still sign up after December 31st however you will only get a $15 VIP credit when you sign up rather than $25.

    Thanks for stopping by and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.

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  • Card Making,  Inspiration,  Uncategorized

    Halloween Card Series with Distress Oxide Inks

    Hello and welcome to my spook-tactular Halloween card series! I have three BOO-tiful cards to share featuring some fun distress oxide techniques. These inks are unique as they are a blend of both alcohol and pigment inks. This allows them to sit on top of your cardstock giving you more time to blend up a fabulous buttery inky work of art. If Halloween isn’t your thing that is okay. There are several tips and techniques you can apply to other projects by switching out the colors and embellishments.

    The background featured in this Spooky card below was created with a technique called water stamping. Stamping with water is fun, super simple and allows you to get different looks from your products.

    Check out the Youtube tutorials to learn how I created this look and pick up some tips and tricks along the way. Here is the link to the playlist featuring all the cards in this series.

    I’m completely enchanted by the starry night sky in the Haunted Pumpkin Patch scene below. All you have to do is spritz your background with water! This super neat oxidation process occurs lightening the ink for some really cool looks. The new Fancy Thin Cut Borders dies make the perfect rolling hills and alternating the colors of cardstock adds some depth and dimension to our scene.

    The Spiderweb pumpkin card below combines several techniques. Random stamping, ink blending and emboss resist work together to create this whimsical top folding card. The pumpkins are actually from a fall inspired stamp. I’ve stretched my crafty stash by doodling little faces on them and then adding a touch of liquid glass.

    Thank you so much for stopping by. I hope you have learned a few things and have been inspired to try something new. I’d love to have you subscribe here and over on my Youtube channel so you don’t miss out on any of the crafty fun!

    Supplies for Haunted Pumpkin Patch:

    Supplies for Spiderwebs, Pumpkins and Boo!

    Supplies For Spooky Slim Line Card:

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  • Inspiration,  Scrapbooking Layouts and Projects,  Uncategorized

    “Loving The Layers” Featuring The Timber Collection

    Hello! Do you ever find yourself purusing Pinterest or Instagram and see a scrapbook layout that stops your scrolling? You think this is nothing short of spectacular. We head off to recreate said masterpiece but find ourselves unhappy with our own result. Meh, what gives? Well, there are some basic design tips that can take your paper crafting projects from drab to fab, and today we are going to talk layers.

    I have created this layout with the gorgeous Timber collection. Who doesn’t love plaid? As you can see, I have lots of layering incorporated onto this page. The very small border of Vanilla card-stock sandwiched between the red plaid and wood grain patterned papers is a very subtle and seemingly insignificant layer. Check out the video to see what a difference this little detail makes. It adds definition and helps the two patterns to stand out. The light color was a must between these two darker shades and is overall visually pleasing to the eye.

    https://youtu.be/sShS0LXDAe8

    Using a scrapbooking kit will help you become a layering expert. Most of the work is done for you. They have already combined patterns and colors that work well together so you can dive in and let the creativity flow. Don’t be afraid to add scraps of papers tucked here and there. The two patterned papers behind my main photo were leftovers from another project. I layered them both and love the result. A tiny piece poking out can add a lot of interest.

    When layering embellishments you want to create clusters that compliment both your photos as well as your papers. Keeping design rules (like the rule of thirds and triangles) in mind, you want to build up your layers by overlapping your embellishments. When something is floating out on its own it doesn’t feel as if it belongs. When they are nestled together it gives a feeling of cohesive bliss and everyone is happy! Layer colors, shapes, and textures together for stunning results.

    Check out the Timber collection below. This kit is only available through the month of August but do not worry if you missed it, be sure to check out the online-only section of my store and you may be able to find it there while supplies last. The Timber collection can be purchased individually as well. Be sure to check out the entire line of products.

    I do hope you have picked up a tip or two and are feeling inspired. I appreciate you stopping by. I would love to have you as a subscriber both here and over on my you tube channel. Thanks for spending time with me and happy crafting my friends!

    Supplies:

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