Kraft-y Hearts Blog Share Day 3: Uniquely You!

Hi All! Welcome to Day 3 of the Kraft-y Hearts Blog Share featuring Close To My Heart's June Stamp Of The Month: A Flowering Bunch. I can't believe how quickly this share has gone by!

Today's project features so much about paper-crafting that I love. It's a home decor piece, it has an inspiring message, and it show-cases some of my favorite girls (my daughter and the daughter of a good friend)! So without further ado....

I used double-sided paper from the Claire paper pack to cover a little wooden frame I bought at Michael's for a dollar. Instead of cutting out the opening entirely, I cut an "x" in the paper and pulled it back to make a peek-a-boo frame. I used mini glue dots to tack down the edges of the opening and toped it with a little Outdoor Denim sparkle. I didn't wrap the frame, but rather painted the edges with a gold paint dauber from Ranger Ink. I cut both sentiment boxes from Claire paper. Both can be cut with the CTMH Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge.

For the scalloped oval, I inked around the edges in Outdoor Denim Exclusive Ink and stamped the sentiment (from Verve Stamps) in White Daisy Exlusive Ink. I doubled up on the dimensional adhesive so it would be slightly taller than the "Uniquely You" sentiment. I stamped "Uniquely You" in Outdoor Denim Exclusive Ink and edged it with Pink Glitz. I then popped it up with a single layer of dimensional adhesive. Here's a closer look:

For the flower at the bottom, I layered Outdoor Denim Chevron Ribbon with cream-colored grosgrain ribbon from my stash. I used a White Daisy flower cut with the CTMH Artiste Cricut cartridge, which coordinates with the Flowering Bunch stamp set as the centerpiece. I stamped the flower using VersaMark ink and heat embossed it with Outdoor Denim Embossing Powder. I then used Sunset, Blush, Hollyhock, and Cashmere Exclusive Inks, along with my watercolor brush to paint the flower. Finally, I topped it all off with a giant pearl badge button, some Pink Glitz, and some bitty Outdoor Denim sparkles. Here are a couple of close-ups of the flower:

Finally, because you really can't have too much bling, I added some sparkle flourishes for fun, which you can see:

And there we have it! A fun little frame that my daughter loves. What more could you ask for?

I hope you've been inspired by our blog share this month. You can purchase the June Stamp Of The Month: A Flowering Bunch stamp set for $5 with any qualifying order of $50 or more, or on its own for $17.95. It's only available through 30 June so time's running out. If you would like to purchase this stamp set or any of the Close To My Heart products you see featured, feel free to visit me here. Now don't forget to head on over to From My Bungalow and SpiegelMomScraps to see what inspiring ideas Lynn and Jody have come up with for today! 

And don't forget that today is your last day to qualify to win this oh-so-fabulous bit of blog candy:

To be eligible to win, you need to leave a little comment on each of the blogs. We'd love for you to follow us, but that's not necessary for the blog candy giveaway!

Kraft-y Hearts Blog Share Day 2: A Funky Bit o' Gratitude

Hi and welcome back for Day 2 of the Kraft-y Hearts Blog Share featuring Close To My Heart's June Stamp Of The Month: A Flowering Bunch.

Today's color palette was inspired by a Rose Blossom Team Challenge from the ever-inspiring Brenda Rose. The challenge: use Lagoon, Topiary, Honey and Black, with White Daisy as an accent. Here's my response:

The card base is a standard A2 size (5 1/2 x 4 1/4 inches) made from White Daisy cardstock. For the flowering centerpiece, I layered Black cardstock on to White Daisy cardstock and popped it up with some dimensional adhesive. I did a bit of random stamping on another piece of White Daisy using a small flower from A Flowering Bunch and Lagoon, Honey, and Topiary Exclusive Inks. I stamped the Tulip on a separate piece of White Daisy in Black Stāz-On Ink and let it dry. After it was dry, I used my water color brush and the Lagoon, Honey, and Topiary inks to water color the tulip. I left a few parts white and covered them with Stardust Glitz. (You can see why yesterday's bling-less card was such a novel for me....) Then I let it dry. Once again, if you don't let the ink and glitter dry, you will not be lovin' life so much later. (Ask me how I know....)

After the tulip was completely dry, I fussy cut it and popped it up with dimensional adhesive. Now one of the great things about the A Flowering Bunch stamp set is that it coordinates with the CTMH Artiste Cricut cartridge, which you'll see I took advantage of in tomorrow's project. However, for this particular card, I didn't want the 1/8-inch white border that is left behind with the Cricut cut, so I decided to opt for the fussy cut. If I'd been making a bunch of cards, I would have turned to the Cricut and blinged up the edge with some Glitz.

For the sentiment, I used the second generation stamping technique with the Honey and Lagoon Inks, off-setting the layers by about a quarter of an inch. I also used scotch tape to mask off "A Bunch" with those first two colors. I then finished off with a Topiary layer at full strength and left "A Bunch" on the end.

Here are a couple of close-ups:

I have to say, I was a little skeptical about putting these colors together, but I really like how it all turned out. (Brenda definitely has an eye for color.)

I hope you are inspired to get a little funky in your color choices as well. Remember, A Flowering Bunch can be yours for $5 with any qualifying order of $50 or more, or you can purchase it on its own for $17.95. However, It's only available through 30 June, so click here to get your set now. Don't forget to stop by Lynn's and Jody's and see what inspiring bits of creativity they have cooked up for you today! And don't forget to leave us a little love in the comment box for your chance to win this fabulous double stamp set and card kit by Lynn:

See you tomorrow for Day 3 of the Kraft-y Hearts Blog Share!

Kraft-y Hearts Blog Share Day 1: A Simple Little Thanks....

Hi All! It's time for the Kraft-y Hearts Blog Share featuring Close To My Heart's June Stamp Of The Month: "A Flowering Bunch."

We are also welcoming a new Kraft-y Heart, Jody Spiegelhoff. You want to make sure to visit her at SpiegelMomScraps, and don't miss the über-kraft-y Lynn over at From My Bungalow. These ladies now how to inspire a little kraft-y goodness in us all!

To celebrate the addition of Jody to our Krafty Hearts Blog Share we are offering a giveaway.  For a chance to win the double-stamp set  "It's Your Day" and card kit just visit each of the three blogs listed and leave a comment on each one.  We would love new followers but that is not necessary to win.  Winner will be announced at From My Bungalow on Sunday. 

Now on with today's project...

I decided to start the share out with a simple thanks. This goes out to all of you, my dear blog readers and faithful followers. I'm so glad you've joined me on this crafting journey.

So here's the "Thanks:"

The card base is 5 1/2 x 4 1/4 inches and is cut from Kraft cardstock. (We aren't called the Kraft-y Hearts for nothin'!). I rounded the corners to soften the look a bit. Then I stamped the sentiment and field of flowers in Close To My Heart's White Daisy Exclusive Ink, and let it dry. Did you catch that last bit? I LET IT DRY! Our white ink is a pigment type ink that requires a longer drying time. If you don't let it dry, it will smear. So...let's say it together...LET. IT. DRY. (I actually set the card aside for a couple of days. I meant it to be an hour or so, but I got caught up on another project. At least it was definitely dry when I got back to it....)

After it was completely dry, I used my CTMH alcohol ink markers to color in the flowers. I wanted to keep the "doodle" look so I wasn't particularly careful about coloring in the lines. I used the lightest shade markers in Blush, Indian Corn Blue, Ruby, Honey, and Topiary. I also used a white gel pen to color in the daisy petals. And that's it!

Here is a close-up of the flowers:

How simple and easy was that??? And yet I really like the effect.

The Flowering Bunch set is one of my favorites. It's perfect when you want a casual, doodled look, but it can also be dressed up for home decor (as you'll see on Day 3 of our blog share). I love the font on the sentiments as well. The Flowering Bunch stamp set can be yours for $5 with any qualifying order of $50 or more, or you can purchase it on its own for $17.95. It is only available through 30 June, so if you haven't got it yet, you should definitely click here. Now hop on over and see what bit of flowering goodness Lynn has for you in her Bungalow and Jody has crafted at SpiegelMomScraps.

BLOG HOP TIME!

Hi All! Welcome to the Rose Blossoms Spring/Summer Idea Book Blog Hop! I am so glad that you have stopped by my blog along the way! You should have come to me from the incredibly talented Cindy Dale's blog, It's All In the Details. The rules for the hop are simple, but first let's take a look at this little Welcome Sign I created using the new Buzz & Bumble line.

For this project, I used a CTMH My Creations Bracket Frame, and covered it with Buzz & Bumble patterned paper. This can be done in a snap using the Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge. Just cut the bracket image at fit-to-page, and you're pretty much there. I added a little zest using strips of our new Glitter Paper! For the banner, it's Art Philosophy once again. These are cut at 1 1/2 inches. "Welcome" is from the Irresistibles Houndstooth alphabet, which I sponged with Sweet Leaf Exclusive Ink. The flowers are from our Just Blooms collection. While the Florets would go nicely, I chose to use Paradise. I fussy cut the bee and leaves from the Buzz & Bumble My Stickease Assortment. The "friends" pin was made using a sticker from the Buzz & Bumble Assortmentand a paperclip (you gotta use what you have, right?). The wooden flowers and bees are also from the Assortment. I used Dark Chocolate Striped Grosgrain Ribbon and a little Burlap Ribbon to make the bow and add a little accent to highlight the sentiment. Some Brown and Tan Sparkles, small Sparkle Flourishes, and retired Sparkle Brads add a little whimsical bling. The sentiment is from Home Sweet Home, the February Stamp Of The Month, and is stamped in Goldrush and Sweet Leaf Exclusive Inks.
Here are some close-ups:

I hope you enjoyed a little Spring Buzz.... Now on with the blog hop!

Now, here are the blog hop rules:

**Collect one word at each blog stop
**My word is "the". 
**Brenda is at the end of the hop, and you will write your completed sentence there. Don't worry that your comment doesn't show! Brenda has the comments hidden for the blog hop!
**The winner of the grand prize will be randomly selected from the completed sentences!

And what is that grand prize you ask? A Buzz & Bumble paper pack and Honeycomb Stamp Set!! With it, you could create a project like this:

Isn't this FANTASTIC? So be sure to get those sentences done!

If you are inspired here today, I would love for you to follow me and comment on my blog! Your next stop on the hop is the über-talented Kim Richardson's blog. Should you get lost along the way, here is the order:

Lynn
Kristine
Marg
Sara
Tammie
Cindy
Kim H (YOU ARE HERE...in the blogosphere anyway....)
Kim R
Crystal
Brenda

And the WINNER is....

Hi All! Thanks so much for joining me during the Kraft-y Hearts 12 Days blog share. Your comments were very encouraging and much appreciated.

So today is the day I get to give away a stamp set and ink. According to random.org, the winner is.....

MARG VAN PATTEN!

WOO HOO! Congratulations, Marg. I'll send you an email for your particulars so I can ship your candy to you ASAP.

Thanks, again, everyone for your comments. I'll see you soon with another little piece of crafty inspiration. 

12 Days of Christmas: Day 12

Wow! This is the last day for the Kraft-y Hearts 12 Days Blog Share, which means it is also 12/12/12!
The blog candy winner will be drawn tonight, so make sure to leave a comment on this post or any of the past 12 days to be entered to win a Capture the Date stamp set and a Chocolate Exclusive Ink dye ink pad. Even bigger than that, though, (yes, it's possible) my niece Molly turns 18 today! Happy Birthday, Molly!

Now onto our final 12 Days project.

The frame is from the dollar bin at my local craft store. I covered the front of it using patterned paper from the Avonlea collection, and the back is covered in Slate cardstock.  I sanded down the edges and inked them in Slate Exclusive ink. I then applied a layer of Silver Shimmer Trim to finish it off.

The paper is so beautiful, it really didn't need much embellishing. I simply clustered some elements together from the Mini Medley Accents (slate) collection, along with Satin Slate Polka Dot ribbon and a little bit of Black Tulle ribbon. I added a large pearl to the center of the ribbon and various sizes of Opaques Licorice Adhesive Gems around the edges. (And though it will be covered by a picture, I went ahead and covered the photo insert just to make it a little more complete.)

Here are some close-ups:

And here is one last photo of the whole frame:

I hope you've enjoyed the last 12 days with the Kraft-y Hearts. We've had a lot of fun sharing with you. Don't forget to stop by From My Bungalow for some beautiful inspiration (and more blog candy) by my über-Kraft-y friend, Lynn Darda.

12 Days of Christmas: Day 10

Hello Everyone! Happy Monday! Today is DAY 10 of the Kraft-y Hearts 12 Days Blog Share. I hope you're enjoying your visits so far. 

I'm not sure what the technical name for today's project is, but I'm calling them Pop Up Treat Boxes.

These little treat boxes were cut using Close To My Heart's Artiste Cricut cartridge. They are cut at 3 1/2 inches, which is the size the end up being after you put them together. I love the little pop-up mechanism that allows the lid and box to be one piece. Here's a picture of them opened:

CUTE! The boxes were cut from Cranberry and Cocoa cardstocks. I inked around the edges using matching inks. I matted each box with paper from the Pear & Partridge collection, and inked the edges of the paper with Cashmere Exclusive ink. The treat embellishment was made using a stamp from the Very Merry stamp set. I punched out the middle of the stamp using a 1-inch paper punch and popped it up on a 1 1/4-inch circle with dimensional adhesive. I popped the two circles up on a scalloped circle with dimensional adhesive and glued the whole thing down with strong double-sided tape.

Here's a couple of close-ups:

I ended up making 11 of these boxes for the kids' teachers. They are just the right size for cookies and fudge.

Hope you enjoyed my little pop-up treat boxes. Leave me a comment to be entered in my give away that I'll be conducting on 12/12/12. (The winner will receive a Capture the Date stamp set and a Chocolate Exclusive Ink dye ink pad!)

Hop on over to From My Bungalow and see the lovely project created by my talented friend, Lynn Darda.

12 Days of Christmas: Day 7

Happy Friday! It's Day 7 of the 12 Days Kraft-y Hearts Blog Share. (It's also Pearl Harbor Day, so please don't forget your veterans.)

Today I'm sharing a little tag project that is similar to one I did earlier. You can see it here. This time, however, I thought I would live up to the Kraft in Kraft-y Hearts!

For all of the cutting and scoring dimensions, click here. For this set I used the Dakota collection. I wanted to be able to use some of the tags for non-Christmas holiday gifts, so I kept the theme neutral. The wallet is made with Barn Red cardstock. I layered the top with pattern paper that I stamped using snowflakes and sentiments from the "Snow Flurries" stamp set [retired] by Close To My Heart. The snowflakes are stamped in Sky Exclusive pigment ink and the sentiment is stamped over those using Black Exclusive dye ink. The snowflake is cut from Kraft cardstock at 2 1/2 inches using the Artiste Cricut cartridge. I used Whisper Exclusive pigment ink to stamp a few snowflakes on the snowflake and inked the edges with the same ink. I added some Opaque Pearl adhesive gems and popped the snowflake up using dimensional adhesive. I tied it all together with some bakers twine.

Here are the inside pockets:

And here's a picture with the tags.  I used some of the images from the Very Merry stamp set (October Stamp Of The Month), and used a combination of dye- and pigment-based inks. "Peace" is from the Snow Flurries stamp set and "Joy" is from a set that is part of the Art Philosophy Cricut collection. I inked around the edges of the tags using Barn Red Exclusive dye ink.

So what do you think? Leave me a comment to be entered in my give away that I'll be conducting on 12/12/12. (The winner will receive a Capture the Date stamp set and a Chocolate Exclusive Ink dye ink pad!)

Hop on over to From My Bungalow and grab a little inspiration for the weekend from my oh-so-talented friend, Lynn Darda.