May CTMH Stamp of the Month Blog Hop: Jubilation "Super Mom"

This month's Close To My Heart stamp of the month, Jubilation, will have you smiling with all the possibilities! Join me to see what a (large) group of talented CTMH consultants have created with this versatile, celebratory set of 24 stamps. (If you're already hopping, then you should have arrived from Susan's blog. To continue hopping, visit my friend and fellow H2H design team member Melinda next.)

My CTMH team participates in a monthly stamp of the month swap, and this month we were required to use the Lucky paper pack, so I challenged myself to make a feminine card using the "Super Mom" seniment along with the heart and flower images. (The dotted circle stamp is from the Tag the Occasion stamp set.)

I random stamped the Sunset cardstock with the flower image in Sunset ink. Using my corner rounder (with the guard removed), I punched the scallops along the card edge and then distressed the edges with a sponge and Desert Sand ink. This card is the "Delightful Dots" sketch from the Wishes how-to guide. Since I only had a few scraps of the Lucky paper pack, I pulled in some Olive patterned paper from the Mayberry pack for the scalloped circle. Don't be afraid to mix up your paper kits!

When the card was all put together, I thought it was missing something, so I added the hemp along the bottom. It was the perfect finishing touch! To attach it, I pierced a hole in the card at the fold, threaded the hemp through, and then tied it around the card front. This simple addition really finished off the card nicely.

Thanks for stopping by! After leaving me a comment, be sure to hop on to visit Melinda next! (If you get lost along the way or find a broken link, come back right here and then click HERE for the complete list of hoppers. Thanks!)

Techniques: Faux sewing; rock 'n roll stamping; generational stamping; random stamping; direct-to-paper inks; sponging; scalloped edge with corner rounder

All supplies from CTMH: Jubilation & Tag the Occasion stamp sets; Lucky & Mayberry paper packs; Sunset card stock; Sunset, Olive, Desert Sand, & Dutch Blue inks; Cocoa marker; Mocha Opaques pearls; hemp; sponge; corner rounder; 3-D foam squares

H2H Challenge: Sketch #9/Week 58

Welcome to this week's Heart 2 Heart Challenge! We've got a sketch for you to try, and we'd love to see your interpretation. Visit H2H to link up your project.

Since today is Memorial Day in the U.S., I chose to create a patriotic 5"x7" gate-fold card, with the "thank you" sentiment to remind us of what this holiday is all about. I used the fun and festive Fanfare paper pack in Cranberry, Sky, Pacifica, and Sunny Yellow with the Shining Stars and Sensational Seals stamp sets. To create the "thank you" medallion, I inked up the sentiment in Sky, used my Cranberry marker to color the words only, and then stamped it on scrap White Daisy card stock. I punched it out with the 1-1/4" circle punch and then punched a scrap of the patterned paper from the top left of my card with the 2" scallop circle punch. I flipped it over, distressed it with Pacifica ink and then adhered the pieces together. Using both sides of Close To My Heart's B&T Duos is a great way to stretch your crafting dollars- it looks like two different patterns but they're from the same sheet of paper!


The thank you sentiment (from the Sensational Seals stamp set) and the Cranberry and Sky band slide off of the card to reveal the center (gate-fold) opening and the inside. To color the large star image, I first inked it up in Sky ink. Then, I rolled the edges on scrap paper to remove the ink on the tips because I was afraid that the Sky and Cranberry might make purple instead of red. Next, I inked the edges of the star in Cranberry ink, then sponged a bit of Pacifica into the center. I huffed on the stamp and then pressed it to the paper. I love how the star turned out!

Be sure to visit H2H to see what our talented design team made with this sketch. I know you'll be impressed! We also have several guests and new prize sponsors joining us, so check them out. You can easily play along too and possibly win a prize or be featured in our Top 10 this month. Happy crafting!

Techniques: Random stamping; rock 'n roll stamping; pick & omit with markers; sponge distressing

All supplies from Close To My Heart: Shining Star and Sensational Seals stamp sets; Cranberry, Sky, Pacifica, and Sunny Yellow ink; Cranberry marker; Fanfare paper pack; Sky cardstock; Red Sparkles; 1-1/4" circle punch; 2" scallop circle punch

You & Me Layout #2

With the CTMH You & Me kit, you can make this layout, which I customized for photos of the fox den and fox kits that lived on our road for the past two years. But hurry, because the You & Me kit is only available until the end of May, while supplies last.

Everything except your basic tool kit (paper trimmer, scissors, adhesive, etc.), inks (Chocolate, Desert Sand, and Olive), and blocks are included in the You & Me kit.

Feel free to visit my website at http://haleyd.myctmh.com/ if you don't already have a CTMH consultant.

{Layout 2011 #32}

Chairs To You Swap Cards

Here are the "stamples" of the May CTMH stamp of the month, Chairs to You, that my team created this month. We all used the Mayberr paper pack in Smoothie, Honey, Olive, and Cocoa. Doesn't that sound yummy?

Can you see how the top right card has a slider piece that pulls out? Another very cool thing about that particular card is the border to the left of the chairs piece: it is the heart stamped repeatedly!

Thanks to all my fab teammates for the beautiful creations and inspiration!

CTMH You Tube Channel

Did you know that Close To My Heart has a You Tube channel where they post video tutorials? I have become a subscriber so that I am notified when new tutorials are posted. You can do that to by going to this video, and then clicking "subscribe."

Here's the latest Studio J® video, "Focus on the Photos."

H2H Challenge: ABC Challenge- Anything But a Card!

This week's challenge at Heart 2 Heart is an "ABC Challenge"- Anything But a Card! What a fun one! You can play along with us by clicking on the H2H link, but remember to use some Close To My Heart products. Be sure to go check out all the design team projects, especially since we have a guest designer, Shari, joining us this week. Also, you have until this Saturday, 5/28, at 10 PM EDT, to link up your projects to be eligible for this month's awesome prizes. Get crafty and link up!

My project was a gift for a friend who is having a baby girl next month. Yes, the baby's name will start with an H! NOTE: The liquid glass on the heart was not yet dry when the photo was taken, but it dries clear! The inside of that heart has the same floral pattern at the bottom left section of the H.

To start the project, I used the Sophia paper packet and began with my scraps from other projects. I laid them out over the H to get a basic pattern that I liked. (The H letter came from Michael's or Hobby Lobby; I don't remember. It was already white, so I didn't have to do anything to it other than decoupage the papers.) It was simple to trace the H (face down) onto the pieces, and then cut them out. I made sure that where the papers met, I tore the edges to give it a more haphazard, free style. I simply adhered the paper with Mod Podge once they were cut to size, and used a brayer to smooth everything out. One thing I learned quickly was to have a sheet of paper between the project and the brayer to collect any of the Mod Podge that oozed out.

After the paper dried, I sanded the edges and then added another layer of Mod Podge over the top to seal it. Then it was time for the bling! Every girl needs some, right? "Follow Your Dreams" came from the You & Me kit available this month only. The tag, heart chipboard, and heart textured cardstock pieces came from a retired special from a few years ago. The Pear ribbon came from one of my daughter's recent birthday presents, but that gorgeous Hollyhock flower ribbon is available from CTMH. I also used the Sophia My Stickease and lots of pink and clear sparkles.

Let me know if you have any specific questions, and I'll be happy to answer them in the comments section. Remember, the liquid glass in the center of the heart did dry clear! I promise!

Please join us at H2H! It's simple to play along and upload your project. We have some great prizes for two winners this month! Remember, you must link up any of your May projects by this Saturday, 5/28, at 10 PM EDT to be eligible for the prize drawing. Good luck and have fun!

Triangle Fold Card/Tutorial Link

Click HERE for a great tutorial to make these for yourself.

Queen for a Day Card

The CTMH Royal Birth stamp set is so fun! There is a tiara (shown here) and a crown, plus royal scepters, the phrases "King for a Day" and "Queen for a Day," a gorgeous cake, and more.

My card class participants and I made this simple birthday card using the Sophia paper pack, Goldrush and Pear inks, and pink sparkles to celebrate a special lady's special day.

Charisma Cardz is having a "Birthdays in Pink" challenge, so I am linking this one up to share. I love the hot Hollyhock pink matched up with Pear green!

Here's hoping that you're treated like a queen today, whether it's your birthday or not!

One Card, Two Ways

At a recent card class, I taught how you could take one card style and paper pack, but turn it into two different cards. We used basically the same materials for each card, yet they each have their own unique feel. Both cards use the Bliss paper pack, the Card Chatter- Sympathy stamp set, and the 2" scallop circle punch.

For the "Heartfelt Wishes" wedding card, we started with a Colonial White card base. We layered a strip of the Bliss patterned paper onto Grey Wool card stock, then wrapped the beautiful Colonial White ribbon over that.

To create the flower, we punched out 5 or 6 circles with the scallop circle punch, then crumpled up each one. (At this point they looked like trash, but don't throw them away!) We smoothed out the crumples a bit, then alternated the patterned paper (one up, one down, etc.). Finally, we skewered them with a Shimmer Designer brad and then re-crumpled them (I think I made up a term!) to make the flower. To finish the card, we stamped the sentiment in Grey Wool and added a few Opaque Pearls.

As you can see, the second card is the same basic design. We started with a Grey Flannel card stock base, onto which we layered Chocolate card stock and the striped strip. After stamping "Deepest Sympathy" above the strip, we stamped the butterfly from A Flutter in second generation Grey Wool. This particular flower also started with a 2" scallop circle, but this time we cut a slit toward the middle at every two "humps" or half-circle scallops. We used the more subtle pewter designer brad for this flower center.

Let me know in the comment section if you have any questions! I think I've listed all the materials in my rambling instructions. I really love the elegance and simplicity of both of these cards. Why don't you give them a try?

H2H Challenge: From Your Heart to Ours- Favorite Technique

This week at Heart 2 Heart Challenges, we're sharing our favorite stamping techniques! Though I am truly a Technique Junkie, time is of the essence, so my go-to technique for adding depth and color to any stamped image is the Rock 'n Roll technique! (Back in the day, this was called stamp rolling.)

It's an easy technique to do: ink up your stamp in the lightest ink color you're using, then without stamping, roll the edges of the stamp in a darker color.

You can also do a bit of the twist with your rocking 'n rolling: generation stamping. For the bottom of the bird's body and the inside of the flowers, you'll notice a lighter shade of ink. To achieve that look, I inked up my stamp, stamped it on scratch paper, and then reinked part of it with the same color ink. (On the bird, however, you'll also notice that I inked the top edge in Black.)

For the large flower accent, I made a pleated scalloped circle flower, then layered a White Daisy Just Blooms paper flower and a stamped image on top of that.

Another thing that I like to do is play with sketches or design recipes. This card is based on the Mojo Monday sketch #190. I haven't yet decided whether to add "dreams" or "heart" to the inside. What do you think?

Won't you share your favorite technique with us over at H2H challenges? The only requirement each week is that you use some Close To My Heart products in your creation (and of course follow the theme). Entries are open for each week of the month until the end of the month, so you've got plenty of time to dig into your stash and play. We have two amazing prize sponsors this month, Angel and Sharon!

All supplies from Close To My Heart: Sophia and You & Me stamp sets; Wings paper pack; Juniper, Sweet Leaf, Vineyard Berry, Black, and Buttercup inks; Black Mini-Medley Accents; Just Blooms White Daisy; Wings Level 2 Assortment (pleated ribbon); Mocha Opaques; Sparkles; Waxy Flax; buttons (retired)

CTMH Product Spotlight Blog Hop: Buttons!

What a coincidence that 7 members of our exclusive CTMH Product Spotlight Blog Hop group are featuring buttons at the same time that Heart 2 Heart Challenges is also featuring buttons! (You can find one of my button bracelets over THERE.) For our blog hop, please check out all the pretty button artwork by simply clicking the next link, in this case to Luisa's blog. (If you're already hopping, then you should have arrived by way of Tamytha's blog.)

My button card was inspired by a pretty one I saw on Lisa Sargent's blog. (Thanks, Lisa!) I too used a square base for my buttons and the "one of a kind friend" sentiment from the May stamp of the month, Chairs to You, which I stamped in Cocoa. To make my friend feel truly special, I used a shimmer brad in place of one of the buttons. What do you think? Too fancy for this homespun card? I think I like it, but of course another button would have been sweet there too.

One cool think about CTMH's Basic Button assorment is that several of them (in my opinion) can be used right side up or right side down. To see what I mean, check out the top center button and the bottom left button: they are the same style button! The top one is "right side down" and you can actually feel the grooves that make the stripes, which to me is a bit more rustic. The bottom one is "right side up" for a slick, polished finish.

I did stick strictly with the Mayberry paper pack, but you may be wondering about a few of my patterns. Each of the small squares measures 1.25", and I found that I could cut out the squares from "patchwork quilt" pattern in the Mayberry pack and use them here! I also used the front side and the back side of several of the different Mayberry patterns.

Don't forget to hop to Luisa's blog next, and if our button projects inspire you to get crafty, upload your creation to H2H challenges before the end of the month!

All supplies from Close To My Heart: Chairs to You (May SOTM) stamp set; Mayberry paper pack; Cocoa ink; Basic Button Assortment; Designer Shimmer Brads; Hemp

Woohoo! 200 Followers!

As a blogger, hitting 200 followers is huge to me! Thank you, Karen, fellow H2H Design Team member, for becoming my #200 friend!

More You & Me

(Yay! Blogger is back!)

The Close To My Heart National Scrapbooking Month promotional kit is so pretty! The directions will walk you through creating this beautiful layout, although of course I had to tweak it a bit to make it "mine" (or should I say Ansley's?).

Don't the colors (Sorbet & Chocolate) go well with my photos? These pictures are of our oldest's 11th birthday, which we celebrated right after our dance recital, hence all the make up.

The You & Me kit is available through the end of May or while supplies last, so be sure to get yours before it's gone!

{Layout 2011 #31}

You & Me Masculine Card

At my recent card class, I taught this masculine card using the new You & Me stamp set that is included with the You & Me scrapbooking kit for this month's National Scrapbooking Month campaign. All of the stamped images are from the kit, but we used the Mayberry paper pack for our color combo (minus Smoothie).

The inside says "celebrate."

H2H Challenge: Buttons!

Button, button, who's got the button? We're using buttons this week at Heart 2 Heart challenges. Won't you join us? It's simple to play: create a project using CTMH products and buttons, then post it online, and then link your post to our challenge. You have until the end of the month to play, and there are two fabulous prizes to be given away!

Since I've given away the other two button bracelets I've made, I decided to make one this Mother's Day weekend for me. I loved finding the beautiful flower-shaped buttons in the different packs of CTMH buttons! I decided on the White Daisy & Twilight flower-shaped buttons interspersed with Olive buttons, all strung on Olive embroidery floss.

If you'd like to learn to make your own button bracelet, watch my tutorial HERE, which includes photos and videos of bracelet featured in the tutorial. My first bracelet, made with the Unforgettable paper pack is HERE.

Thanks for stopping by! I've got another button project that I'll be featuring on May 15 for the CTMH Product Spotlight Blog Hop, so head back this way again! Join us at H2H with your own button project before this month runs out. Happy crafting!

CTMH supplies used: Z1358 Basic Buttons; Z1371 Blue Buttons; Z1372 Green Buttons; Z1094 Green Embroidery Floss

Happy Mother's Day!

First, I would like to wish all the mothers of the world a very happy Mother's Day! (And if you're not a mother- or if you are- I'd love for you to read Becky Higgins' post about being a woman of influence.)

I was blessed with a wonderful Mother's Day! The girls surprised me with these two beautiful cards that they made, all by themselves, with supplies I had left out and with what they found while rummaging through my stash. Aren't they sweet?

At church, the children planted flowers in their garden in honor of mothers. It was fun despite the sinus headache that was killing me.

My siblings and I cooked for our Mom and had a lovely afternoon together on their deck overlooking the lake. It was an absolutely beautiful day, all the way around! I did get in a little scrapbooking this afternoon, so life is indeed very, very good.

Happy day to you and yours!

Happy National Scrapbooking Day!

Isn't wonderful that there is a day devoted to scrapbooking?!? I hope that you take some time to celebrate and preserve your photos and memories. (If you need help getting started, just holler!)

CTMH is definitely celebrating all month long with the fabulous You & Me kit!

I plan to scrap a bit and get crafty today in between running girls to/from birthday parties, fixing most of our lunch for Sunday, and getting to see a sweet little Haley I know dance in her dance recital. GNO!

Go check out the FREE CROP at Big Picture Classes. Maybe I'll "see" you there!

Happy NSD!

FREE Printable Paper

The FREE printable paper that you can find HERE would make great backgrounds, but you also might find something that you actually need, like graph paper or a yahtzee or cricket score card!

And the Giveaway Goes to...

So sorry this was delayed!





Without further ado, the winner is...

...SHEILA H.!

Please email me at haleyd@myctmh.com with your mailing address. Congrats!

H2H Challenge: Mother's Day

This week at Heart2Heart Challenges, we're celebrating mothers! You have less than a week until Mother's Day (in the US), and I hope that we can inspire you to get crafty. I'm very excited to be on the H2H Design Team for the next few months. Did you know that you have the entire month to play and submit your challenge creation? Please join us! (Just click on the H2H link to link up your project. There are two prizes this month, sponsored by Sharon Holmes and Angel Schifflett, going to random winners, but you must enter to win.) We the Design Team will also be checking out your work to help pick the Top Ten creations, so play along with one challenge or all of them this month!

Since my card for my mom is already made (and everyone but her can view HERE), it was time to get crafty for my mother-in-law. While on the search for some paper doilies in my craft heap (I know I have them somewhere, but they obviously weren't found!), I came across these vintage library pockets and cards. A few of them were yellow, her favorite color, and she's an avid reader, so the card evolved from there. The yellow matched well with our CTMH Buttercup card stock, so I paired it with a Desert Sand card base and some scraps from the Miracle paper pack. If you look closely, you can see that I added a few Buttercup stripes to the Miracle paper. My flower was inspired by this tutorial (which is also a Paper Craft Planet 3-D Challenge), although I certainly had to improvise on mine. (Let me know if you have any specific questions.)

The library card pulls out to be used as a book mark so that she can carry a little love with her wherever she goes. I made sure to keep the layers to a bare minimum so that it would be practical to use, so I did lots of random and generational stamping on the book mark itself. You can barely see the Buttercup flowers, but it adds a nice, subtle touch in person. I also random stamped the flowers on the back, but left it plain so that if she wanted to keep track of the books she's read or take any notes, she can.

Happy Mother's Day (just a few days early) to all the moms of the world! I am blessed to be able to share Mother's Day with my two precious daughters, my Mom, and my MIL, and lots of other special moms. Show off your creative Mother Mojo and join us at H2H!

Techniques: random stamping; generation stamping; paper piecing; rock 'n roll stamping; masking; 3-D paper roses.

Supplies from Close To My Heart: A Flitter, Chocolate Alphabet- Small, A Game, and Tag the Occasion stamp sets; Desert Sand, Buttercup, Sweet Leaf, and Crystal Blue inks; Buttercup marker and card stock; Miracle paper pack; Desert Sand card stock; 2" scalloped circle punch; 1-1/4" circle punch; Liquid Glass; Opaques Pearls

Other: library card and pocket (source unknown)