Joyful Stars December Blog Hop...

Welcome to the Joyful Stars December Blog Hop, glad you could hop on by and view the Creative Inspirations from several of our talented Close To My Heart Independent Consultants.  If you  arrived here from Lori Meadows blog then you're right on track.

Here's a page I've been working on for a bit and finally got the finishing touches added.  The idea for this layout came from the Team Retreat I attended this past fall.  It was demo'd by my upline Denise Sanner and the design was created by the very talented Michelle Snyder.  I just love the Warm and Welcome Feeling it gives.  Just insert a favorite family photo in the mat and you've surely got a treasured keepsake for years to come!

Here is a list of Close My Heart Products I used for this project...

My Reflections White Pines Paper Packet X7200B

Gold Glitter Paper X3076

Art Philosophy Cricut Collection Z3171

Artiste Cricut Collection Z3170

Artbooking Cricut Collection Z3169

Red Enamel Gems Z3090

Dot Embossing Folder Z1924 

My Exclusive Inks Chocolate Z2111

Liquid Glass Z679

Hope you enjoyed this beautiful layout :0)   This project fits perfectly in CTMH's Designed Decor Shadow Boxes.   If you are interested in any of  these products, please visit my website where you can shop and view our current Idea Books.

Next on the Joyful Stars Blog Hop is Betty Locco, don't forget to leave a comment...I'd love to hear from you!

Happy Creating!

Donna

Everything ABC's Bog Hop Letter Y...

Welcome to the Everything ABC's Blog Hop!

For this Hop we will be featuring the letter "Y"  This may be the name of a paper, stamp set or an embellishment.  Whatever the crafter has chosen as their "Y" element will be featured in their post.

If you came here from  Daryls Recker at Crafty Happy then you're right on track!


My Inspiration for the Letter "Y" is Yuletide.  Originating in the 15th Century it is a German word for Christmas, Christmastide, Christmastime...very fitting for this season!  CTMH's Reason For The Season reminds us exactly why we celebrate this Joyous Season of Advent & Christmas,

For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder.  And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  Isaiah 9:6

For this project I used the following Close To My Heart products...

My Acrylic Stamp Set Reason For The Season D1614
Exclusive Cardstock Colonial White 1388
Exclusive Cardstock Black 1386
My Exclusive Inks Black Z2105
My Exclusive Inks Cranberry Z2116
My Exclusive Inks Honey Z2162
Red Shimmer Trim Z1848

If you would like to purchase these products or view the Close To My Heart Annual Inspirations Idea Book, visit my website.

Thank you for visiting!  Your next stop on our Everything ABC's Blog Hog is Linda Norman at Scrappy Therapy!

May Peace and Love be with you throughout the season my friends.

Happy Creating!
Donna

#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!

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!

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!!!