Inspiration

  • Inspiration,  Scrapbooking Layouts and Projects,  Uncategorized

    Happiness Lives Here

    February 1, 2021 /

    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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  • Inspiration,  Uncategorized

    Do You Want to be a VIP?

    December 28, 2020 /

    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

    September 11, 2020 /

    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

    August 29, 2020 /

    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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  • Inspiration,  Scrapbooking Layouts and Projects,  Uncategorized

    The Happiest Place!

    July 23, 2020 /

    Hello there! I have been having so much fun documenting a Disneyland trip from years ago. It’s wonderful to revisit these early memories. My boys were so little! We are definitely overdue for a Disney vacation and I can’t wait to visit again. Close To My Heart’s new collection, Happiest Place, rocks the perfect Disney vibe. I did add the mouse ears from my stash but everything else included on this layout is from the kit and 100% fun!

    I always recommend checking out the youtube process video below to see this layout come together and pick up a few design tips and tricks.

    The coordinating sticker sheet is loaded with silver glitter foil accents! Who doesn’t love a little something sparkly? You can see the shine in my roller coaster image below. There is even silver foiled cardstock! Whoop, whoop! I was pretty happy with how the balloons pop with the Happy title. The yellow color really helps to lead your eye around the page.

    My title, Happy Magical Place, came together easily by combining the phrase “Happy” from the sticker sheet along with “Magical”, a coordinating black acrylic accent. I like to mix fonts and different elements to create a more visually interesting title.

    The Black Acrylic Accents are perfect for adding a new texture to your page. I’ve scattered black stars around my embellishment clusters to tie in with the word Magic and reinforce the silver foiled stars on my background patterned cardstock. The little Ferris wheel embellishment couldn’t have been more perfect for these photos with the Ferris Wheel ride in the background. I love it when things come together so well.

    This Happiest Place special is available through the end of August while supplies last. Be sure to grab your while you can. Check out all the goodies in this line including a custom Cricut collection. Thanks so much for stopping by, I appreciate you!

    Supplies:

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  • Inspiration,  Scrapbooking Layouts and Projects,  Uncategorized

    Sunny Days Traveler’s Notebook

    June 27, 2020 /

    If you have been following me for a while, you know I am typically a 12×12 scrapbooker. I really wanted to create a garden journal to document this season so a traveler’s notebook seemed like the right choice for the project. I quickly discovered that a layout is a layout and if it inspires you, you can easily alter the scale to fit your scrapbooking needs!

    Be sure to check out the YouTube tutorial below to see this layout come together.

    Here’s a look at the entire spread below. I just noticed one of my jute bows wasn’t adhered down yet and moved a bit for the photo 😂 🤣. I went ahead and fixed that after the photo shoot. Too funny! I found this format perfect for utilizing scraps from my paper packs. It came together so quickly and I think I’m really going to enjoy creating this little journal.

    I’m loving these beautiful garden tags from the June Stamp of the Month. They coordinate beautifully with the Tabs & Tags Thin Cut Dies. You can get the SOTM free with any $50 purchase for the month of June. I really like how I can type up my journaling on the computer and then die cut with the Tag Thin Cut. You can downsize the font to add more information while keeping it neat and tidy.

    My title, “Sunny Days”, came from an unexpected stamp set. The Seas The Day scrapbooking stamp is definitely a nautical inspired set which I love. One might not consider it for a garden journal but the phrase Sunny Days is so versatile it can work for numerous themed layouts. I love to stretch my stash and get more out of the stamp sets I already have.

    Below you can see a photo gallery of some of the main supplies I used to create this layout. The Garden Tags set is only available for the month of June so grab yours before it’s gone.

    Thank you for stopping by. I hope you are feeling inspired and as always, happy crafting my friends!

    Supplies:

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  • Inspiration,  Scrapbooking Layouts and Projects,  Uncategorized

    Stitched Together “Happy” Layout

    June 9, 2020 /

    The new Stitched Together collection from CTMH is so bright and fresh! Having two teenage boys, I don’t always have the opportunity to make pages like this one. I love creating embellishment clusters with big bold florals. The look never disappoints!

    This layout actually uses very little patterned paper. It will be a perfect go to when you have used up most of your collection. To see this layout come together and learn some tips and tricks check out the video tutorial below.

    The “Happy” title is from the Stitched Together card making stamp. The stamp included dies for both the phrase as well as a coordinating shadow and is perfect for scrapbooking as well as card making. I chose the phrase “Happy” for my title because when I’m gardening I’m definitely in my happy place.

    The Stitched Together card making stamp has a sentiment for just about every occasion! The sentiments give the look of white text stamped on a dark background which is definitely trending right now.

    I’ve added some enamel dots and a few wooden buttons to add texture and interest to my floral layered embellishments. I am excited that buttons have come back into style! Who still has buttons in their stash? I know I do and these cute little wooden buttons have a big impact!

    Cutting Guide:

    • Begin with a sheet of 12×12 White Daisy
    • The peach patterned paper I’ve cut to 4×12
    • The Glacier piece I’ve cut at 8×5
    • The Sapphire photo mat is cut to 4 1/4 x 6 1/4 and slightly offset behind my picture.
    • I added a 1/4” strip of the red patterned paper and trimmed to 7” in length.
    • Embellish with images from the coordinating sticker sheet and fussy cut flowers from the floral patterned paper
    • Tear paper away from upper right edge and back with patterned paper of your choosing.

    Thank you for stopping by! Leave me a comment to say hello 👋. Happy crafting my friends!

    Supplies:

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  • Card Making,  Inspiration,  Scrapbooking Layouts and Projects,  Uncategorized

    These Are My People Scrapbook Layout & Cards

    March 28, 2020 /

    We all have special people in our lives. Those of us that scrapbook and memory keep, we like to record these special people in our albums, while we cardmakers like to send happy mail to those special people. CTMH has just perfect collection to help record your memories. It is a new special called These Are My People and I thought it would be perfect to showcase this photo of my sister in law and my nieces and nephew.

    I purchased the scrapbooking workshop option which includes materials to create four 12×12 layouts and five cards. You can get the collection with or without the coordinating stamp set. There is even a PRE-CUT option to create a 6×8 mini album. All you have to do is put the pieces together following step by step instructions. What a great gift idea for mother’s day right around the corner, don’t you think? I have included the YouTube tutorial below if you prefer to watch the process unfold.

    In my video, I show how I created this stamped floral border along the bottom of my layout. I added a soft touch of color by sponging Ballerina ink to the flower centers with a sponge dauber.

    I have created a visual embellishment cluster by layering different elements. I began with stamping then overlapped paper, tabs, and some floral stickers.

    Below is a look at all the cards I created with leftovers. Two of the cards were pre-designed by CTMH while I designed the other three

    I stamped the larger flower from the Love These People Stamp set using Intense Black Ink. I colored them in with the Pale Pink and Dull Green Spectrum Noir Triblend markers. Having three shades in one really takes the guesswork out of shading and coloring. I did add a touch of Almond cardstock from my scraps to create these two cards.

    This card came together quickly. I embossed the Carolina Blue cardstock with a retired floral embossing folder to add some texture to the background. Using my middle Stitched Frame Die I die cut the striped paper. by turning the stitched frame portion over, I can highlight the Pink patterned paper on the opposite side. The majority of my sentiment came from the Say It In Style stamp set posted further down.

    To create these two cards I simply followed the step by step instructions. Anyone can create beautiful artwork because CTMH makes it so simple. How fun it is to send a handmade card to brighten a friend’s day.

    Along with all the goodies pictured, you get two digital cut files to incorporate into your projects. I have seen others cut these from vinyl and adhere to their album covers. You can also cut from paper and make a great page title.

    This “Say It In Style” stamp set is from the core catalog. If you are building your stamp collection, or want a go-to set, this is perfect for cardmakers and scrapbookers alike. There is a sentiment for darn near every occasion!

    Below is a look at the projects you can easily create with the scrapbooking workshop. CTMH gives you step by step instructions to put all these layouts together along with 5 beautiful and uplifting cards.

    Thank you for stopping by. Hop on over to my YouTube page and leave me a comment or question. I do appreciate your support. Happy crafting my friends!

    Supplies

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  • Card Making,  Inspiration,  Uncategorized

    “Stitched” Double Framed Springtime Easter Card

    March 25, 2020 /

    Springtime is here! The world seems a bit chaotic at the moment but I still find joy in my garden where the flowers continue to bloom dazzling us with their showy display of springtime cheer! I was inspired to bring this happy display of color into my craft room and create this card to share with you.

    This lovable bunny stamp was a must-have for me. He is a handsome fellow and makes a lovely card or embellishment for my scrapbook layouts. I have created a few of these cards changing up the sentiments from “Happy Easter” to “Just Because”, “Thank You” or “Happy Birthday”.

    If you have been watching my tutorials for a while, you know how much I love those Stitched Rectangle Frames. They are probably my most used die. In fact, I have a video coming out next week on how to utilize scraps featuring this very die. To see how I stamped and colored this beautiful frame in today’s project, you can watch the youtube tutorial below for a few tips and tricks.

    I hope you are feeling inspired to create this cheerful Springtime card. Leave me a comment here or on my YouTube channel to say hello. Happy crafting my friends!

    To create this project:

    • Begin with a sheet of White Daisy cardstock cut slightly larger than 5.5 x 4.25″ (Your finished card will measure 5.5 x 4.25″)
    • Stamp your floral images around the outside edge of your paper
    • Color stamped images using your Spectrum Noir TriBlend markers
    • Using the larger two of the Stitched Rectangle Frames, attach to your stamped cardstock with removable post-it tape and run through your die-cutting machine
    • Use foam tape to pop up the inner portion of the frame and liquid adhesive to adhere the outer stitched frame.
    • Cut a section of patterned paper using the medium stitched rectangle, and center on your card.
    • Stamp and fussy cut your bunny image and embellish card front as shown.
    • Mail to a friend to brighten their day.

    Supplies:

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  • Inspiration,  Scrapbooking Layouts and Projects,  Uncategorized

    “Seven Outlaws” Crafting Through Covid-19

    March 19, 2020 /

    Everyone is feeling the effects of the unprecedented Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic. Many towns and cities have issued quarantine orders while citizens have implemented social distancing. It’s easy to feel the negative effects, fear, and worry generated from the daily reports on the social and economical impacts caused by the virus. I pray for all who have been adversely affected and am thankful for all the healthcare workers showing up day after day to care for those in need.

    So many activities have been canceled and morale is down. It is so important to take a break from the worry and do something that brings joy to your heart. I believe there is healing power in creating. That may look different for others, painting, journaling, music, etc. For me, it is scrapbooking and the good news is that has not been canceled! I’ve been crafting my heart out taking breaks to walk the dogs with my family or play a game of chess with the boys. Not only is Scrapbooking a creative outlet but the photos themselves remind us of happy moments frozen in time. They evoke memories that bring joy and togetherness.

    I created this layout with the Yesterday & Today collection available in the March and April catalog from CTMH. It is designed as a heritage collection but can really be utilized for so much more. I thought it was perfect for this Old Time photo of my best friend and I along with our herd of teenage boys! I created an embellishment cluster with items from the workshop along with the vellum and foil die-cuts.

    I designed my title in the Cricut Design Space cutting it in both Vanilla and Espresso cardstock. Check out the YouTube video below to see how this layout came together.

    CTMH offers this collection with several options. You can get the pieces ala’ cart or an entire workshop to create six 12×12 pages complete with step by step instructions! This ought to keep you busy while you are holed up in the house. Below is a look at the predesigned layouts or you can always use the kit to create your own work of art.

    Yesterday & Today Workshop

    Stay safe, stay healthy and please take time to make the most of the moment! Happy crafting my friends.

    Supply List

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