One More Spotlight on CTMH's White Core Cardstock

This is one more post spotlighting the white core of Close to My Heart's cardstock for the Heart 2 Heart "In the Spotlight" challenge.  To add even more texture to your embossing you can use a sanding block lightly over the embossing to expose the white core.  This card also provides a sneak peak at the Skylark paper and embellishments from the Spring catalogue that goes live tomorrow.  Outdoor Denim is not one of the colors in the pack, but I like how it goes with the Skylark colors.  I sponged the circle with Sweet Leaf and embellished the sentiment with some Blue and Green Sparkles which were retired last season.

The layout is this sketch from Mojo Monday:

They are trying something new this year.  In the past the last challenge of the month was a choice of a circle or square card.  This year it will be a tall thin card.  Thank you, for stopping by!  Until next time, Hansi

Materials used, all Close to My Heart unless otherwise noted:
Paper:  Skylark, Outdoor Denim, Sweet Leaf, and White Daisy cardstock
Ink:  Outdoor Denim and Sweet Leaf
Stamp:  Be Stll
Embellishments:  Skylark Assortment, Blue and Green Sparkles (retired)
Other:  Leafy Branch embossing folder from Cuddlebug

Heart 2 Heart goes Two Faced

My Yankee and Canadian friends are going to laugh, but when you are used to highs in the mid to upper forties, these days where the temperature cannot even make it to freezing are too darn cold!  Last week we even had one day when it only make it to 16!  To paraphrase Jimmy Buffet, I need to fly to Saint Somewhere.  Maybe that is why I like the paper that comes with Close to My Heart's Cloud Nine card kit.   Although orange is not my favorite color unless combined with maroon (Go Hokies!), the addition of Honey and Lagoon gives this paper a tropical feel.  I knew immediately that I wanted to use it in the Heart 2 Heart Challenge to use both sides of a paper. 

No, this is not a Close to My heart stamp.  You know how when you run into a craft store for something like adhesive or a Cricut mat you can't walk out without something extra?  I could not resist this cat:

I think the balloons' busyness detracts from the cat, so I covered them with balloons cut with CTMH's Artiste Cricut cartridge which I sponged and embellished with highlights created with Liquid Glass.  Here is a more detailed description of the process.  I also used the Artist cartridge to cut the sentiment and diamonds at the bottom.  Here is the inside:

The layout is based on this Freshly Made Sketch:

Thank you for stopping by! In the meantime, I am waiting for summer!  Until next time, Hansi

Materials used, all Close to My Heart unless otherwise noted:

Paper:  Cloud Nine B&T, Honey, Sunset, Lagoon, and White Daisy cardstock

Ink:  Honey, Sunset, Lagoon, and Black



Stamps:  Sentiment from with stamp sets included with the Art Philosophy cartridge, Inkadinkadoo
Embellishments:  Liquid Glass
Other:  Artiste Cricut cartridge

White Core in the Spotlight

 

For the Heart 2 Heart Challenge, "In the Spotlight," I am going to spotlight one of the advantages of the white core in Close to My Heart's cardstock.  As soon as I saw this Atlantic Hearts Sketch, I knew I wanted to feature a flower like the one I used on a card for my husband last year:

 

 

 Now in order to make this flower pop, you have to sponge the edges of the petals to give them definition and then shape them.  The issue was that I wanted my flower to be Indian Corn Blue with Hollyhock edges for this week's Color My Heart Color Dare and Hollyhock sponged over Indian Corn Blue would just show up as purple.  This is where the white core of CTMH's cardstock is a real advantage.  I used a file (to be retired January 31, but you can also use a nail file or small piece of sandpaper) to remove the top layer of blue around the edges so that I would be sponging Hollyhock on to the exposed white the white core which would not distort the color.  Then I shaped the top three layers by putting my thumb and index finger below each petal and pressing the nail of my other index finger into the "V" much like I was crimping a pie crust.  That made a crease in the middle of each petal with the edges curling to the side like a three dimensional heart.  I then wrapped the bottom petals around the handle of my paper piercer to make them curl down.  After stacking them, fastening them with a Filigree Charm brad embellished with a Pink Glitter Gem, I attached it to my card with a piece of Foam Tape.  Here is a close up:

 

 

I wish I had posted this Tuesday night when I finished the flower because on Wednesday I saw that not one, but two, members of the Atlantic Hearts design team had made layered flowers using the same shape cut with  the Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge.  I guess that cliché about great minds thinking alike is true.  

 

Thanks for dropping by!  Until next time, Hansi

 

Materials used, all Close to my Heart unless otherwise noted:

 

Paper:  Indian Corn Blue, Hollyhock, and White Daisy cardstock

Ink:  Hollyhock

Stamps:  Twirls Around

Embellishments:  Filigree Charms (retired), Pink Glitter Gem, Bouquet Assortment (retired)

 

 



Nutzy the Flying Squirrel for Freshly Made Sketches

My daughter loves all sports, but baseball is her first love.  She has been able to sit though nine innings since the summer she was two.  Every year Santa Claus brings her season tickets for the Richmond Flying Squirrels so wouldn't it make sense that their mascot, Nutzy would be featured on her birthday card?  I had cut him out of a bumper sticker.  Can you say tedious?  The baseball is a 3D sticker from Paper House.  It had two layers of foam tape which was a little too 3D for me, so I peeled off one layer.  The layout comes from Freshly Made Sketches:

 

 

 Now I am off to bake a gluten free birthday cake!  Thank you for stopping by!  Until next time, Hansi

 

Materials used, all Close to My Heart unless otherwise noted:

Paper:  Black, White, Whisper, and Tulip (retired) cardstock

Ink:  Tulip (retired)

Stamp:  Say It in Style (retired)

Embellishment:  Flying Squirrels RVA sticker, 3D sticker from Paper House

Too Much Fun With Atlantic Hearts?

 

I have been having way to much fun with this Atlantic Hearts Sketch:

This is what happens when you have to build up inventory because a shop wants to sell your cards, lol!  Four of these also meet Heart 2 Heart's Challenge to use a C,T,M, and H in some way in your project, be it the letters, a product, or a technique. 

Paper:  Black, White Daisy, and Tulip (retired) Cardstock
Ink:  Tulip (retired) and Black 
Stamps:  Swirl Around, Together Forever from Love Doily,  Musical Notes from Universal Backgrounds (if you want it, Hurry because it will be retired January 31), Happy Valentines Stamp of the Month (inside)
Embellishments: Black Shimmer Trim, Black Sparkles
Other:  Heart cut with Nestabilities run though my Cuddlebug

 

 

Paper:  Black, White Daisy and Cotton Candy Cardstock

Ink:  Black

Stamps:  Swirls Around, Love from the Stamp of the Month set, Scandinavian Wishes, Mad About You Stamp of the Month (inside) 

Embellishments: Base and Bling Floral Accent (Hurry if you want it because it is scheduled to be retired) with the Clear Sparkle replaced with a Pink Sparkle, Black Sparkles

Other:  Hearts cut with a Nestaibilities die cut and Cuddlebug

 

 

Paper:  Black, White and Belle la Vie Pink Cardstock
Ink:  Black
Stamp:  Scandinavian Wishes Stamp of the Month, Happy Valentines Stamp of the Month
Embellishments: Pink Sparkle, Silver Shimmer Trim, Silver Glitter Glitz
Other:  Flower cut with Cricut and Art Philosophy Cartridge, Heart cut and given Texture with Nestabilities and Cuddlebug

Paper:  For Always My Reflections Paper Pack, Black, White Daisy and Ruby Cardstock
Ink:  Black (inside)
Stamp:  Mad About You Stamp of the Month (inside)
Embellishments:  Frosted Assortment, Clear Sparkle, Black Shimmer Trim, Clear Sparkle Flouishes
Other:  Heart cut and given Texture with Nestabilies and Cuddlebug

Paper:  For Always My Reflections Paper Pack (retired), Black, White Daisy, and Ruby Cardstock
Ink:  Ruby (sponged on to heart to camoflague the white core
Embellishments:  Base and Bling Floral Accent (Hurry and order as they will be retired January 31), Black Sparkles
Other:  Love cut with the Artiste Cricut Cartridge, Heart cut and given Texture with Nestabilities and Cuddlebug

Paper:  Black, White Daisy and Tulip Cardstock
Ink:  Black
Stamps:  Swirls Around, Mad About You Stamp of the Month (inside)
Embellishment:  Black Sparkle
Other:  Heart cut with Nestabilities and Cuddlebug and popped up with Foam Tape

Thank you for stopping by!  Until next time, Hansi

 

A Freshly Made Laughing Lola Valentine

 

 

 

 Here is another Valentine using less than conventional colors.  This one is based on this Freshly Made Sketch :

Laughing Lola is such a fun paper to play with!  I sponged the edges of the plaid paper with Black to make it pop even more.  Then I replaced the clear sparkle in the Base and Bling Floral Accent with one from a long retired Avonlea Cardmaking Workshop On the Go and threw in a few extra sparkles while I was at it.  The sentiment comes from a Christmas stamp set, "Scandinavian Wishes."  Why let the original intention of a stamp limit your use of it?    Here is the inside: 

Thank you for stopping by!  Until next time, Hansi

Materials used, all Close to My Heart unless otherwise noted:
Paper:  Laughing Lola, Laughing Lola Purple and White Daisy cardstock, Gray Glitter Paper
Ink:  Black
Stamp:  Scandinavian Wishes (retired)
Embellishments:  Base and Bling Floral Accent (to be retired January 31), Sparkles from the Avonlea Cardmaking Workshop on the Go (retired)

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

Freshly Made Masculine Card

Here is a quick card using Close to My Heart's Pro Player paper and this Freshly Made Sketch:

I am not usually a "banner" person, but I liked the CAS feel of this layout.  The sentiment was stamped with Ruby pigment ink and embossed using clear detail powder.  After attaching my banners, I used my ruler with guide holes to make a line of straight, evenly spaced holes for neat stitching.  I even sewed rather than glued the button on after using the button as a guide to poking the holes.

Thank you for stopping by!  Until next time, Hansi

Materials used, all Close to My Heart unless otherwise noted:

Paper:  Pro Player, White Daisy, Pacicfica and Whisper cardstock
Ink:  Ruby pigment ink
Stamp:  Say It in Style
Embellishments:  Coats and Clark upholstery thread, button from an old Black Mini Medley
Other:  Clear Detail embossing powder 

Penguins With Heart

 

The minute I saw the "Winter Wishes" hostess rewards stamp, I knew I had to get it for my nephew who has loved penguins ever since he was a baby.  Most kids have a Teddy bear; David had a Mr. Popper penguin.  Although I used this stamp for his Christmas card, there was no reason not to use it for his birthday card, too.  I wanted to use this Atlantic Hearts which turned out to be more complicated than I anticipated:

Do you see that design element that runs across the card behind the bottom smaller square?  I started out thinking I was going to use Shimmer Trim but then decided baker's twine better fit the playful mood of the design in my head.  Either way, I was going to have to fussy cut the penguin and pop him and the lower small square up over the twine. Fine.  Except that, although my fussy cutting skills may have improved, those snowflakes and that fringe and pom-pom were still beyond my ability.  That meant using the masking technique to stamp the parts I could not cut out on the background and then layering a cutout of his body popped up over the stamping. 

I started by stamping the image once on cardstock and once on a Post-it Note and cutting out both penguin bodies.  It would have been a lot easier if the all the parts I needed to stamp on the background would have fit on the one square.  Unfortunately, the snowflakes and most of the fringe had to be on the lower small square while the pom-pom and part of the fringe had to be on the larger square, so I arranged the White Daisy squares according to the layout, positioned the Post-it Note penguin and stamped the penguin over the Post-it Note so that when I removed it, only the snowflakes, fringe and the pom-pom showed.  Next I attached the Black backing layers to each square.  If I had attached the background layers first, the surface would have been too uneven for the stamp to transfer well.  I know this because on my first attempt I had already glued the white squares on their respective black squares.  After a disastrous stamping, I had to remove the white squares, cut new ones and try again.  Now the fun really began.  I arranged the squares and the penguin so that everything in the stamped image lined up (which took some wiggling) and then glued the penguin to the smaller square only.  Next I stamped the sentiment on the larger square, glued it to the  background square, then wrapped the twine around, and used foam tap to attach the "penguined" square and the other small square.  Yes, lining it up with the pom-pom and last bit of fringe was a challenge.  Lastly I used foam tape to attach the whole thing to a card base.  With the front finished, I could finally work on the inside:

The sentiment comes from "Card Chatter - Birthday" which is one of my favorite sets and, unfortunately, scheduled to be retired at the end of the month.  The sentiments are in two parts, one for the front and one for the inside.  The beginning of each sentiment ends in the "to be continued" three dots which I do not like.  One of the great things about acrylic stamps is that if I know I will never use part of a stamp, I can just cut off the offending part rather than having to fool with masking it off each time I use the stamp.  I did not intend to use the red Stickles on the border.  I first colored in the loops with a Cranberry marker, but because the loops were so small, they looked almost black, so I covered them with the Stickles.

Thank you for stopping by!  Now please go visit Atlantic Hearts and see what others have created with this sketch.  Until next time, Hansi

Materials used, all Close to My Heart unless otherwise noted:
Paper:  Black and White Daisy cardstock
Stamps:  Wintry Wishes (available as a hostess gift through January 31), Card Chatter - Birthday (to be retired January 31), Frosted Cardmaking Workshop (to be retired January 31), Snow Flurries, Snowflakes
Ink:  Black and Cranberry, Cranberry alcohol marker
Embellishments: Black Mini Medley, Red Stickles, Red and White baker's twine from A.C. Moore (I cannot find my CTMH version)