New Beginnings

The theme of this week's Heart 2 Heart challenge, "New Year, New Beginnings," could not be more appropriate.  Have you noticed the "Shop With Me" link below my profile?  That's right, I have signed up to be an Independent Consultant for Close to My Heart!  I welcome any tips or advice that my consultant friends would like to share.  In addition, while shopping in an eclectic neighborhood boutique, (you know, the kind where the owners actually talk to you), the subject of cards came up.  I referred them to my blog, which they checked then and there, and they would like to carry my cards on consignment!  Since people keep telling me I should sell my cards, I am going to give it a go.     

Now for the cards:  I used one of the stamps sets that came with my new consultant kit, "Swirls Around," and this sketch from Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenges to make three cards.

First I tried playing with Roxie which was retired a few years ago:

 

Along with my new stamp, this card features resist embossing done with a new twist for me.  I embossed on B&T paper so that a pattern shows though the stamped design and the sponging.  I used Smoothie ink because that is the featured color for this week's Color My Heart Color Dare.  I think there may be a bit of Tulip hiding in the plaid, but I hope Sarah will overlook that. I sponged the heart with black to help it stand out and popped it and the brad up with foam tape.  Here is the inside:

Next up I played with Laughing Lola to make a valentine(ish) card featuring nonconventional colors:

I popped the clear sparkle out of the flower and substituted a pink sparkle.  I also sponged the heart with black ink to give it some pop.  Here is the inside of this one:

Lastly I went back to resist embossing for this card which can be a friendship card or a birthday card:

I love the Base and Bling Floral Accents and am sorry to see they are going to be retired.  You had better believe I have stocked up on them just like I did with the colored sparkles that were retired with this catalog.  For the inside I tried one of the other stamps in the set:

This is a new year with new adventures waiting.  Thank you for stopping by!  Until next time, Hansi

Materials used, all Close to My Heart unless otherwise noted:
Paper:  Laughing Lola, Roxie (retired), Smokey Plum, Dessert Sand, and White Daisy cardstock
Ink:  Smoothie, Cotton Candy, Black, Buttercup, and Smokey Plum
Stamps:  Swirls Around, Love Doily. Fabulous You
Embellishments:  Base and Bling Floral Accents (to be retired January 31), Pink and Purple Sparkles (retired), Copper Designer Brad (retired)
Other:  Clear Detail embossing powder