Joyful Stars August Blog Hop...

Welcome to the Joyful Stars August Blog Hop!

I'm so glad you could hop on by and view the Creative Inspirations of some of our talented Close To My Heart Independent Consultants.  If you  arrived here from the blog of  Helen Gullett then you're right on track.

If you still have school age children in your life, August always stirs up Back To School excitement :)  So I decided to feature Close To My Heart's My Acrylic Stamp Set "School Kids" and what better way to do that than with school supplies!

For this project I created  3X3 Post It Note Covers.  They make a perfect gift and are sure to bring a smile.  I used CTMH Adventure Cardstock Combo along with our Watercolor Pencils a perfect pairing for these Sweet Back To School designs.  The dimensions for the cover are 7 X 3 1/2, score at 3 1/4 and 3 3/4.  Then cut two accent pieces for layering at 3 1/4 X 3 1/4 and 3 X 3. Stamp, color and embellish as desired.

Here's a little closer look...

School Kids Stamp Set

Adventure Cardstock Combo

Thanks for stopping by our Blog Hop!  If you are interested in learning more about Close To My Heart Products please visit my website WWW.DONNALONG.CTMH.COM

Next on the HOP is Lori Meadows be sure to visit and if you get lost along the way you can begin the JOYFUL STARS BLOG HOP at Joyce Houck's Blog where you will find a complete list of participants.

Happy Crafting!

Donna

Joyful Stars July Blog Hop...

I'm so glad you could hop on by and view the Creative Inspirations of some of our talented Close To My Heart Independent Consultants.  If you  arrived here from the blog of  Stephanie Brown then you're right on track.

Hope you are having a terrific summer!  I love all the vibrant colors and little critters that are scurrying around this time of year and so I thought I'd capture a little piece of summer in this "Butterfly" assortment.  Enjoy!

For this little trio I used my Cricut Air Explore and a combo of Close To My Heart's Cricut Collections.  Featured are images from Artbooking, Artfully Sent and Artiste.  I used a combination of honey, gypsy and black My Exclusive cardstock.  And My Reflections Kaleidescope.

Here's a closer look...

I'm your last stop on this month's Blog Hop.  If you got lost along the way or want to start over, please begin at Joyce Houck's Blog.

If you'd you like to learn more about Close To My Heart products, please visit my website.

Happy Creating!

Donna

Joyful Stars May Blog Hop...

Welcome to the Joyful Stars May Blog Hop!

I'm so glad you could hop on by and view the Creative Inspirations of some of our talented Close To My Heart Independent Consultants.  If you  arrived here from the blog of Lori Meadows then you're right on track.

Celebrate With Cake is this May's Stamp of the Month.  This is one of my favorite promotions being a stamper at heart :)  Each month CTMH offers a special stamp set for only $5 with a qualifying purchase.  This month, this sweet set will get you through an abundance of special occasions!

I've been experimenting with different types of Watercolors these days given its popularity...not to mention I love to get messy :)  This technique is adding ink directly to your acrylic block and spritzing with water.  Let me know what you think...a little messy but FUN!

If you are interested in Water Coloring or Close To My Heart's Stamp of the Month, please visit my website.  You will find a full line of quality Papercrafting products.  While you're there check out all this months promotions for National Scrapbooking Month!

Thanks for stopping by.  Next on the Joyful Stars Blog Hop is Crystal Davis.  Be sure to HOP on over and check out all this month's creations!  If you get lost along the way you can begin at the beginning at Joyce Houck's Blog.

Happy Creating!
Donna

Joyful Stars April Blog Hop...

Welcome to the Joyful Stars April Blog Hop!

I'm so glad you could hop on by and view the Creative Inspirations of some of our talented Close To My Heart Independent Consultants.  If you  arrived here from the blog of Helen Gullett then you're right on track.

For this Hop I wanted to feature our Instalife Mini Album product line.  I just love the versitality of these sweet little mini albums, perfect for capturing an event or collection of memories.  I gave my daughter the Berry Album & Colorful Me Cards along with some coordinating cardstock and let her creativity flow.

Close To My Heart offers 3 Different Mini Albums; Berry, Teal and Black & White.

Three Sets of Coordinating Cards; Colorful Me, The Bright Side and City Limits.

Be sure to visit my website for a complete view of the CTMH Instalife products.  You will be able to shop and browse our current Idea Books. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Next on the Joyful Stars Blog Hop is Crystal Davis, don't forget to leave everyone a comment...we LOVE getting feedback on our designs :)

For a complete list of the Joyful Stars April Hop head on over to Joyce Houck's Blog.

Happy Creating!

Donna

Spring & Summer Workshop Schedule Posted...

Love that the weather is getting warmer and the trees are starting to bud here in Ohio.  Okay not so much today but yesterday was Fantastic :)

This prompted me to get my Spring & Summer Workshops scheduled so be sure to checkout my upcoming classes and join me as you let your creative juices flow.  Enjoy some time away and fellowship with the ladies.

Here are a few of the Stamp Sets & Papers I'll be featuring.

Your Own Kind Of Wonderful

Penelope

Celebrate With Cake

Beach Days

Regatta

If you'd like to see more Close To My Heart products, please visit my website.

Happy Creating,

Donna

Joyful Stars March Blog Hop...

Welcome to the Joyful Stars March Blog Hop!

I'm so glad you could hop on by and view the Creative Inspirations of some of our talented Close To My Heart Independent Consultants.  If you  arrived here from the blog of Andrea Sherman then you're right on track.

For this Blog Hop I'm featuring "Spring Critters"  This sweet stamp set coordinates perfectly with one of Close To My Heart's newest products the Thin Cuts metal dies, however, I fussy cut mine for this project.  I paired these critters up with our Adventure Cardstock Combo Pack and My Reflections Kaleidoscope.

Since I stamped each image in the My Exclusive Inks matching their color to the cardstock I opted to use the Watercolor Pencils to add details and fill in each sweet little critter.  Shown are Gypsy, Saffron, Pixie and Pear.  I love how everything came together and the pops of patterned paper from the Kaleidoscope zip strips worked perfectly to complete each card.  My only problem now is to decide who gets a special spring treat in the mail next week ;)

For this project I used these CTMH Products...

My Acrylix Spring Critters C1638

Watercolor Pencils 3505

Adventure Cardstock Combo Pack X5935

My Reflections Kaleidoscope X7202B

My Exclusive Inks Gypsy Z2190
My Exclusive Inks Saffron Z2651
My Exclusive Inks Pixie Z2644
My Exclusive Inks Pear Z2197

If you are interested in any of these products, please visit my website where you can shop and browse our current Idea Books.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Next on the Joyful Stars Blog Hop is Helen Gullett, don't forget to leave everyone a comment...we LOVE getting feedback on our designs :)

For a complete list of the Joyful Stars February Hop head on over to Joyce Houck's Blog.

Happy Creating!

Donna

Stampaganza...

Happy March!  Can you believe how quickly 2016 is clipping right along and Spring is beckoning :)  I cannot wait to share Close To My Heart's March Specials...so without further ado here we go!

First STAMPAGANZA is here which is our Buy 2 Get 1 Offer on all the My Acrylix Stamp Sets.

Second is CTMH's Stamp of the month, "Sunshine Birdies"  How Stinkin' Cute is this stamp set...seriously?  LOVE IT!  Remember you can get this set for $5 when you purchase $50 dollars in CTMH product.  Love when we can bundle deals and save more :)

Okay there you have it, MARCH is the perfect time to stock up on Stamp Sets!  Check out the Seasonal Expressions or Annual Inspirations Idea Books for Creative Inspiration and visit me online to place an order.  Have questions, please email or call.  I'd love to help you choose the perfect CTMH products for your next project :)

Happy Creating!

Donna

Share The Love...

I cannot express how Proud I am to work for a company with a Heart for others!  Each year Close To My Heart Partners with Operation Smile to change the lives of Children Around the World and I couldn't be happier to share this month's promotion with you.

With CTMH's "Share The Love" promotion, $7 of each stamp set will go directly to Operation Smile!  You can find complete details on this this promotion on my website, here.  Who wouldn't want to add this D-Sized Stamp Set to their personal collection?  It's a win win for everyone!

Happy Creating!
Donna

Cyberweek Sale...

DON'T MISS OUT!

Now - 12/4/15

or while supplies last

Get ready to make those Handmade Christmas Gifts and Cards.  Plenty of time To Get Your CRAFT On!  Picture My Life, Base & Bling, My Creations, Designed Decor and the Artfully Sent Cricut Collection...Why not pick up a thing or two for the Papercrafter in your life and treat yourself :)  Complete list of sale items can be found on my website.

Happy Shopping & Happy Creating!

Donna

Everything ABC's Blog Hop Letter X...

Welcome to the Everything ABC's Blog Hop!

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

If you came here from Catherine Nowak's Cat Scrapbooking then you're right on track!


My Inspiration for this Close To My Heart Hop was a quilt pattern.  I knew the Letter "X" would be a bit tricky and I wanted to try something a little different.  So I spotted this Pinwheel Quilt Pattern and decided to turn it into a card.

I love the vibrant colors used in this quilt so I decided to use our My Reflections Sangria paperpack to capture the bold contrast.  So what do you think?  Not exactly a quilt block but I love the "X" design of the pinwheels and I'm quite happy with how it turned out :)

Inspiration is all around us we just have to take time to look around.  This applies to not only crafting but in all affairs of our lives.  Wether you are looking for dinner, home decor or everything in between we sometimes just have to SLOW DOWN and look for those "Hints Of Happiness" that are all around us.





For this project I used...

My Reflections Sangria Paper Packet X7199B
Colonial White Cardstock 1388
My Exclusive Inks Pomegranate Z2653
My Acrylics Thankful Heart B1463
My Acrylics Jennifer's Hand B1484
Sequins Gold Assortment Z2012
1 inch Square Paper Punch

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 Hop is Daryls Recker at Crafty Happy

In case you get lost along the way...visit Linda Norman at Scrappy Therapy for a complete list of participants!

Please remember to Follow My Blog and Comment on My Posts.  I'd love to hear from you.

Happy Creating!
Donna

Fundamentals...

As a Papercrafter you can never have enough paper...or so we think, LOL!  If one would ask my better half he might tell you I have enough paper to supply a school for a year or two :)

In reality having quality papers not only provides for great backdrops but exciting accents as well.  Close To My Heart's Paper Lines include our fabulous White Core Exclusive Cardstock, My Reflections products and Glitter paper but we also offer a full line of Paper Fundamentals featuring four color groups; Basics, Enchantment, Whimsy and Adventure.  These color groups tie into our My Exclusive Inks easily taking your basic scrapbooking to a new level by adding coordinating embellishments, assortments, compliments and stamping.

November is the perfect time to try one of our Simply Fundamental Bundles, for only $71.80 you will receive the following items...

• Album of your choice (D-ring or Post-bound)
• Fundamental Stickers Enchantment Pack (1 pack)
• Fundamental Assortment Peacock (1 pack)
• White Daisy Cardstock (3 sheets)
• Memory Protectors™ Value Pack (1 pack Side Load or 1 pack Top Load)

Just follow this link to view all ten Close To My Heart's Album Bundles.  And don't forget to download your Simply Fundamental Workshop directions featuring five 2-page layouts using your Fundamental Bundle.

Happy Creating!

Donna

Waiting For My Little White Box...

Do you use a Cricut to enhance you Papercrafting?  I have to say, although I love my punches I'm not quite sure where I would be without my Cricut.  I'm kind of old school in the fact that my favorite is my first love, the original Cricut Personal Cutter.  My tried and true 6X12 friend but times and technology change and I advanced to the Cricut Expressions 2 a few years back and it has been a love/hate relationship between us.  Can you relate?  I love that it is 12X12 but I sure do miss my dial & keypad.  Truth be told I still have to use my manual to get just what I want but hey its okay...Really!

Ask me WHY and I'd have to say my Close To My Heart Cricut Collections.  Yep, that was what drew me in.  LOVE, LOVE, LOVE that we partnered with Provo Craft to create custom designs that work perfectly with our My Acrylic Stamp Sets!  And with the release of the new ARTISTRY product (Z3190), I am super stoked to have recently ordered it insert "HAPPY DANCE" :)  Have you seen it yet?

I can't wait to try it out!  I've seen the pins and posts and cannot wait for my "Little White Box!"  In the meantime, check out a few of my favorite creations I've snagged from some of my talented CTMH Sisters.

Interested in learning more about the Close To My Heart Cricut Collections, visit my website to check out all FIVE Collections, each includes; Cricut Cartridge, 3 Size D Stamp Sets and Cardstock.

BTW, remember my love/hate relationship with my Cricut E2 ;)  I have a Cricut Explore Air on order!  As I mentioned technology changes and I'm trying to stay current, cannot wait to see how it works with my laptop and iPad.  The thought of creating from anywhere intrigues me!

Happy Creating!