Happy New Years Eve...

Wow - 2014 has flown by!  Over the past few days I've been reflecting on the year and like most it's been a roller coaster...some ups, some downs and lots of every day stuff :) I'm always amazed to look back and see how God has used the year to help me grow.  So, here's a quick look back...

Early in the year i had my Simple Pleasures Papercrafting Adventure to Pennsylvania where I met some Fantastic women who share my love of Papercrafting.

During the year I had the opportunity to try new products and techniques.  Use Good Quality Products from Close To My Heart and make some FUN projects along the way!  Remember I like to make Pretty Things :)

 

We enjoyed family gatherings, scouting adventures, camping and we started Middle School this past Fall...kids were way more ready than Mom!

All in all I have to say it was a Blessed year!

May your New Year be filled with "Hints Of Happiness"

Blessings are all around if you take the time to slow down and observe your surroundings.  Time is a precious gift and life will have ripples but there is always a calm after any storm.

Thanks for stopping by my blog this year.  I look forward to sharing new products, projects, tips and musings in 2015!

Relationships...

Funny how time slips through our fingers like grains of sand, effortlessly and quickly!  Here we are just days away from Thanksgiving, and yet media and stores surround us with thoughts of Christmas.  We've yet to give thanks and reflect with our families and friends around the Thanksgiving table before we jump onto the next thing.

I too am guilty!  It's been nearly two months since I've posted and I believe I've lost all track of time.  I haven't accomplished much personally and just seem to run, run, run.  I almost wish I could STOP time but we all know that is not in our hands.  I long for a time when the pace of life was slower and relationships were stronger.  God created us to be in community and yet with all the conveniences of today...we have less time.  I often reflect back and think of my youth and camping, those are some of my best memories.  Just being, enjoying one day at a time without the interrupions of life.  Even today that sounds far fetched as we need rest from vacations because we've crammed as much activity as possible into our week away.

So how does one find a "Hint of Happiness" in our daily lives?  Slow down and look around you.  Put the electronics away and absorb your surroundings.  God created much beauty around us and put people in our lives to share those moments and yet we're so busy we don't even notice.  When's the last time you caught up with a friend...not texted.  How about the last time you caught up with family....not on Facebook.  Or took the time to sit down and share a family meal...not take out.  Play a board game, read a book, take a walk?  UNPLUG and CONNECT!  Life is short, be intentional with your relationships before its to late!

As we approach Thanksgiving, really take stock of your life.  We all move through Seasons of Life.  Where are you?  Who can you reconnect with?  You might just be surprised at what you have and where you are.  "Hints of Happiness" really are all around, its just you have to STOP every once in a while and take stock.  Give Thanks and Begin Each Day with a Greatful heart!

Blessings!

Happy World Cardmaking Day...

Celebrate World Cardmaking Day by getting Crafty!

Close To My Heart offers a wide array of products for all your Cardmaking needs including our latest Cricut Collection "Artfully Sent".  This new collection features pop-ups, sentiments, scenes and pockets to name a few and it comes with three size-D stamp sets and white daisy cardstock.   Everything you need to start creating unique one of a kind cards.

Need a little inspiration?  Check out these ideas from around the web featuring Artfully Sent plus CTMHs new My Reflections Scaredy Cat and Pathfinding papers.

To view Close To My Heart's Annual Inspirations Idea Book or to order please visit me at donnalong.ctmh.com.  Interested in learning to Papercraft and make Handmade Creations check out my upcoming Workshops.

Happy Creating!

#30yearsofhappy

Have you seen this hashtag floating around Pinterest or Facebook?  Wonder what all the hype is about?  Close To MyHeart is Celebrating 30 Years!  To celebrate you can receive the #30yearsofhappy Stamp Set FREE with a qualifying $30 purchase.

Need a little more Inspiration?  Check out these projects I found on the web from other CTMH consultants.

Don't delay offer good through September 30, 2014.  Visit my website for details or to place your order today!  donnalong.ctmh.com

Happy Creating!

Adding Texture & Dimension...

Last night on Facebook I gave this clue as to what I'd be blogging about today.

Did you Guess It?

Embossing Folders

Close To My Heart released a line of Embossing Folders last year and has added several new folders in the Annual Inspirations Idea Book.  Now, Embossing Folders are nothing new and I've been using them for years.  Not to date myself but do you remember Embossing Plates?  My first exposure and yes I was hooked.  What I want to tell you about is, "WHY I Like Them".  In one word "VERSATILITY"!

I love that you can take one pattern and apply several Papercrafting Techniques to give your projects a completely different look.  Let's look at these three projects I created for.

I've showcased three of CTMH's Embossing Folders and three Techniques.  BUT that's just the beginning...you have so many options!  Be sure to follow me on Pinterest, I have a board dedicated to Papercraft Tips & Techniques.

First, there is Basic Folder Embossing.  Place paper in embossing folder and run through an embossing machine, I use a Cuttlebug.  Texture is embedded into your paper, this at heart is the simplest and most basic form of folder embossing.  In this example I used Close To My Heart's Stripped Folder.

 Now let's take the same idea but enhance the image by applying an Ink Overlay.  Again, you begin by following the Basic Folder Embossing technique but take your embedded image and run an ink pad over the raised pattern.  The ink will adhere to the raised image leaving a nice contrast, giving you both texture and dimension.  Here's something to note about CTMH Embossing Folders, they have a slit in the top of the folder that allows you to create a full length boarder for Scrapbook projects.  Also, as in this mini card I only wanted the front embossed so I was able to position the card through the slit and place the embossing just where I wanted it.  In this card I used the Chevron Embossing Folder  and My Exclusive Inks Cranberry.  I just love how this card resembles a composition notebook.

 

The third technique I am going to share highlights Distressing.  Begin by using the Basic technique.  Once you have your embossed image gently rub sandpaper over the image exposing the white core of Close To My Hearts Cardstock.  After I sanded the raised pattern, I took it one step further and used my scissors to distress the edges of the paper.  For this card I used the Dot Embossing Folder and the CTMH Sanding Kit.


See three completely different looks using Embossing Folders.  Hope you enjoyed this overview and that you too will try a new technique with Embossing Folders.  It really does add Texture and Dimension to you project taking it from Ordinary to Extraordinary!

Happy Creating!

Let's Talk Paper...

As you may have seen on my Facebook page, I love paper.  Okay most Papercrafters do but my issue is a bit more complex.  See growing up my mother worked for an Office Supply distributor and my first job was working in a retail Office Supply & Stationery store.  Yep, I have always loved paper, pens, notebooks, folders...you name it.  Then my first job out of college was working as an Assistant Manager for a Joann Fabrics & Craft store.  Again, I think you're beginning to get the picture :)  I really do LOVE Paper!!!

You can only imagine how excited I get when Close To My Heart reveals its new My Reflections Paper Collections...did I mention I have an addiction to Paper & Pretty Things!  My Reflections are coordinating paper packets, complements and assortments.  Each collection has its own unique features and CTMH offers Workshops On The Go as part of each collection with complete supplies and directions for scrapbook pages and/or cards.  Our Annual Inspirations Idea Book is featuring NINE new My Reflections options.  Many of the products work together giving you so many creative options.

 Which one will you choose?

Seaside

Wanderful

Brushed

Confetti Wishes

Snowhaven

Yuletide Carol

Pathfinding

Scaredy Cat

Chalk It Up

To view our complete My Reflections product line visit our online Idea Book.

Happy Creating!

Encouragement...

Well there's one benefit to being down with a cold....lots of free time!  I've spent the last couple of days browsing my Annual Inspirations Idea Book, hitting the consultants website and pinning away.  Really love being inspired to create!

Oh yeah and I ordered some new supplies!  I'm like a kid in a candy shop except my addiction is Making Pretty Things :)  Can't wait to get back in my studio later this week.

So, what have you been working on?  Recently I signed up for the Hospitality Team at my church to help with our Alpha program this Fall.  I got really excited when the coordinator asked about favors...well that led to centerpieces too.  I love sharing my talents and of course Making Pretty Things ;)  So the centerpiece vision came easily but what I've struggled with is the favor.  One would think that was the easy part, papercrafting right???  Not so much!

Sometimes I really struggle with perfection which in turn shuts me down and brings on a whole load of negative feelings.  You know those thoughts that say you're not good enough, not talented enough, etc.  Then an act of simple obedience reminds you of who you are in Christ.  A friend posted this verse today, it was exactly what I needed to hear.  I am Thankful for words of Encouragement.  I am Thankful for my friends and family.  I am Thankful for the Faithful followers of Christ who remind me of His promises.

Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10

Happy Creating!

Family Is Forever...

Yesterday I shared that September is National Stamping Month and Close To My Heart was running a special promotion #30yearsofhappy, a mini stamp set of 30, FREE with a qualifying order of $30.  Today I wanted to share about CTMHs Stamp Of The Month program for September, "Family Is Forever"  This set coordinates with our Cricut Artiste Collection and can be added to stash for just $5 with a $50 purchase.  So why not bundle these two GREAT promotions and get more bang for your buck?  Simply purchase $50 in products including $30 My Acrylix stamps for the #30yearsofhappy promotion and for $5 you'll get them both!  Now that is EXCITING!

Remember Stamping is not just for Cards & Scrapbooking, think Home Decor, Entertaining, Wearable Art.  Stamping provides an array of opportunities to express your creative side.  Just look at these two samples featuring the current SOTM - Family Is Forever.

Here's a closer look at what's included in the Family Is Forever 7 piece D-Sized My Acrylix set.

For complete details on either of these September Promotions and to view Close To My Heart's full Annual Inspirations Idea Book, visit my website.

Happy Creating!

National Stamping Month...

Happy September!  Can't believe how quickly summer flew by.  Kids have been back in school for two weeks, fall schedules are quickly filling in, evenings are getting a little cooler and thoughts of Fall are dancing through my head.  Fall is my favorite time of year!  All the rich jewel tone colors that our Masterful Creator has adorned upon nature...I get all Happy just thinking about it!  So, what do you love about September?  The changing leaves, crisp apples, crackling fires, festivals, decorating, baking, creating...so many wonderful and thankful things to choose from!

Well to kick off September and Celebrate National Stamping Month, Close To My Heart is offering this unique #30yearsofhappy stamp set to take you through any occasion!  This set is yours FREE with a $30 purchase this month.

Don't you just love it?  30 Mini Stamps...one for every day of the month...every occasion!  For complete details, visit my Website.  I'd love to earn your business and share my love of Stamping!

Happy Creating!

Annual Inspirations...

So excited about Close To My Heart's new Idea Book, Annual Inspirations!

Be sure to check it out online at my website.  It is sure to impress every papercrafter with something for everyone....beginner to advanced...stamper to scrapbooker.

Chek out our 5 new Exclusive Inks colors; Thistle, Pixie, Canary, Flaxen & Glaicer, an expanded Base & Bling line and 9 HOT My Reflections Paper Packs...including this one called Chalk It Up.

And that's just the beginning...I have so much to share with you over the next week.  Did I mention a new Cricut Collection.

Be sure to check back for more updates from our Annual Inspirations Idea Book as well as details on my Open House, Workshops and Specials.

Happy Creating!!!

Birthday Greetings....

Last month I had workshop called "Summer Birthday Pack"  we made 3 sweet little cards to get us through summer celebrations.  I loved hearing who they were making them for as they were creating :)  That's one of the things I love about Stamping & Papercrafting...so versatile and personal.  Who doesn't love a handmade card!

My latest creations...

 

Products used...

My Reflections Papers Packs - Lollydoodle (X7183B) and Timberline (X7182B)

Glitter Paper - Pink (Z1922)

My Acrylics Stamp Sets - Balloons (M1037), Camping Delights (C1532), Cricut Artiste Collection Birthday (D1529)

Exclusive Inks Stamp Pads - Cotton Candy, Black (Z2105) and Chocolate (Z2111)

Embellishments - Flamingo Dots (Z1934), Sponges (Z697)

Miscellaneous supplies; 1" circle punch, adhesive, foam tape and scissors.

If you are interested in any of these products to complete the above projects, please visit my online website.  I would love to earn your business.

Please check back soon for upcoming class schedule!

Happy Creating!!!