#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!