Rose Blossom Thirty Years of Happy Blog Hop!

Welcome to the Rose Blossom Thirty Years of Happy Blog Hop!  If you came from Tammie's blog, then you're on the right track!

As Close to My Heart celebrates its 30th year of creativity, our team is commemorating the event by creating special projects with the Thirty Years of Happy promotional stamp set.  I used the set to create 3x3 cards and a little bag that I will keep on my desk at school. I'll slip these little cards in the kids' folders as they achieve their goals!  I love this set and know that you will too!

Now hop on over to Barb's blog to see the fabulous project she has to share!

Hello!

I recently participated in a card swap with members from my crafting team. The challenge was to feature the new colors in the CTMH palette. Well, challenge accepted! Those new colors are so pretty, I was really excited about the challenge! I had ordered the Paper Fundamentals set that included the new colors and, as we say in kindergarten, I put my thinking cap on!  I had a vision for what I wanted, and this is what I came up with...

I wanted to use ALL of the colors and patterns, so I thought I'd try something new (to me!). To achieve the effect of the diagonally striped patterned paper, I cut the Paper Fundamentals patterned paper in strips that were a variety of widths. I took 2 pieces of white copy paper and put them side by side (to create a bigger canvas), and glued the strips diagonally to the paper. I used the Bonding Memories glue to attach the pieces securely to the copy paper, knowing that I was going to cut the sentiment from this "new" paper with the Cricut and there would be tiny cuts and angles (didn't want all of the tiny pieces to fall off!). Here's what my patchwork paper looked like after I cut it with the Cricut:

 

 

I was inspired by a card from Aaron Brown where she used the same technique, but used the reverse image on her card-- the background with the negative space image was used for the sentiment. Her card uses glitter paper and is fabulous!  :)

 

Well, I hope today was a great day for you and tomorrow is even better!

 

xoxo,

Kristine

 

 



Happy Birthday!

Hi friends! Hope you are well! Now that school is back in full swing, it has been busy, busy, busy around here! What happened to the summer? It sure did fly by! :) Well, back in June, a friend invited me to her family's cabin in the North Georgia mountains to do some crafting and scrapbooking for a couple of days. It was a beautiful place, and so nice to have a little "girl's getaway." I packed my Cricut, some 6x6 paper pads and my Copic markers to make a few fancy cards to keep on hand. I really love the Pure Innocence line of stamps by MFT.  Here's the first card I made (always need birthday cards on hand!)...

Have a wonderful week!
Kristine

Annual Inspirations Blog Hop!

Welcome to the Close to My Heart Annual Inspirations new product blog hop!  Thanks for following along! If you hopped on over from Amy's blog, you are heading in the right direction! :) We have so many wonderful new things to share-- with all of the fantastic new products in the Annual Inspirations book (click on the "Shop With Me" button on the right if you'd like to order one!), it was hard to choose just one thing to focus on!

I chose the "Confetti Wishes" paper pack and complements. This paper is the perfect choice to create birthday cards and treats for kids and grown-ups of all ages. And honestly, I never have enough birthday cards on hand... so I know I am going to need a steady supply of this fun paper.

The cutouts were created using the Art Philosophy and Artiste cartridges. I wanted to create something simple, colorful and fun.  With school starting back tomorrow, I have been so busy setting up my classroom and planning for the 24 kindergarteners who will be showing up at 7:15 tomorrow morning! Simplicity is the key for me right now! I think the White Daisy overlays and the fun cut-outs allow the paper to be the star of the show. I popped the overlays on foam tape to add to the impact. This card design can easily be adapted for cards for all seasons. Hope you'll give it a try!

Thanks again for joining us!  Your comments are welcomed and appreciated!

Now hop on over to Barb's blog to see her fabulous creations!

Love is All You Need

Eeeks!  I just posted this card using last weeks sketch!  Sooooo sorry, Mojo Monday people!  Well, welcome to my world right now! LOL!

Holy Moley!  It's been a long time since the last post. The summer is just flying by!  I have less than 2 weeks before I head back to the classroom. Yikes!  My to-do list was long and I actually got some of it done. :)  I still have so much more to do, though... and so little time!  I guess that will always be the case though, right?

I had the urge tonight to create and this is what I came up with!  I pulled out my very favorite paper and the Mojo Monday sketch.

xoxo,
Kristine

The Shame...

Well, I have been on craft hiatus for several weeks now. So much going on...  "Life happens," as they say!  So, when my niece's birthday rolled around, I had nuthin'. And, I'll be honest, my crafting mojo was on a bit of hiatus as well.  So, I sent my sweet Mister out on a mission to purchase a birthday card (the horror! lol!). Usually, I can count on him for errands of this kind-- he has fetched all kinds of odds and ends over the years with no complaint from me. But this time... this time... he came home with this. The World's Ugliest Card.  I think that is an official title, so I am capitalizing the letters. I honestly am not sure what about this card screamed "teenage girl whom we love dearly" to him, but there it is.  Needless to say, I searched high and low in our cabinets and closets for a suitable substitute. I just couldn't give this to my niece.  Can you guess the sentiment inside? I'll bet you can!  Scroll to the bottom of the picture for the answer! :)

"Rock Star. Party Like One."

Yup. That card is beautiful AND brilliant!  lol.  So...  I am wasting no time!  I am pulling out my crafty things-- must avoid another near disaster. 

Peeps, learn from my mistakes!  Stay crafty my friends!

xoxo,

Kristine 

Happy Easter!

 

 

 

Hope you enjoy this beautiful day!

 

xoxo,

Kristine

Skylark Blog Hop!

Hi everyone!  Welcome to the CTMH Rose Blossom Team's Blog Hop featuring Skylark papers!  If you are traveling along the hop, you should have come from Marg's fabulous blog!

Our team has used the gorgeous Skylark papers to create our projects for you. This time of year, as the school year will be soon coming to a close, I am always trying to find little gifties for the many people who help out in my classroom.  With that in mind, I've created some lip balm holders using Skylark papers and Skylark PML cards. I'll probably tuck a little gift card in with each of these for a few of my sweet helpers.

 

I used the PML cards for the outer portion of the holder and trimmed Kraft cardstock for the inside. Two 3/4 inch slits were cut in the Kraft layer to hold the lip balm inside.  Here's a great tutorial and measurements for creating the holders. I adjusted the measurements because of using the PML cards, which are a bit smaller than the example in the tutorial; however, if using regular patterned paper you can cut it to any size you like! :) The flowers and butterfly were all cut with the Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge available through CTMH. 

 

Thank you so much for stopping by-- I hope you liked my little project! I'd love to read your comments. :)

 

Keep hopping along... Shelly's blog is next, and I know she has something wonderful to share!

 

 

Materials (all CTMH)

Paper:  Skylark, Skylark PML, CTMH Kraft, CTMH White Daisy

Embellishments: CTMH Cocoa ribbon (retired), Sparkles Clear Flourishes--small

 

Best Fishes

Project 3x3 is officially coming to a close!  I had in mind that I wanted to make a set of cards with this cute set of beach-y stamps. I love the carefree, summertime feel and the tongue in cheek (but sweet!) sentiments. The paper is some that I have been hanging on to for a special occasion or project. I think the greens and blues are just perfect for the stamped images. I colored the images using blender pens and CTMH Exclusive Ink Pads.

Creating these this morning makes me long for a little trip to the beach...  :)

Enjoy the weekend!
Kristine

So Much Better

Just a quickie post before running out and about for the day... (lunch date with my mommy! sweet!).  I am still working on my Copic coloring skills (in other words, be kind and don't examine too critically! lol). ;)  This little guy is from MFT, and I lurve him! The paper is MME-- adore those colors!

I am linking up to MFT's sketch challenge:

 

 

Here is the sketch:

Hugs!
Kristine

Puns of Praise

I love the CTMH Puns of Praise stamp set!  I believe it is now retired... I hope that we see something similar in upcoming idea books. I partnered these images with the new Paper Fundamentals patterned cardstock (new from CTMH!). I love the chevron print and the same pattern is glossy resist embossed on the other side. Love! I have been using another pattern from this group (did you notice the tan paper with little white hearts I've been using for a backdrop in many of my photos?)... love that one, too!

So here's another quick set of 3x3's (I'll definitely be wrapping up this project this week-- but have fallen in love with making these little cards!). I (heart!) the black and white with a little touch of color, so I resisted the urge to color the images and really love them just as they are! Simple and sassy! heehee :)

I think the camera angle made the cards in front look a little lopsided-- I need to work on my photography skills. Maybe I was just in a hurry!

Time to get out and about in the world-- my errands won't run themselves!  :)

Kristine

Happy Birthday!

I made this card for sweet Brenda Rose, whose birthday is April 2nd. Most of our team members attended a Scrapbooking Retreat last weekend and surprised Brenda with a basket full of gifts and cards. I was so happy that one of my team mates let me mail my contributions for her to slip into the basket. Brenda was so surprised!  Happy Birthday, Brenda! :)

I used Balloon Ride paper and a Balloon Ride PML card, as well as a little of the brown check paper from Timberline. The roses were created out of Balloon Ride paper and the little bow is from the Ariana collection.

Big Hug

I can't believe it's been 2 weeks since I posted last!  It has been a busy time-- report cards, Writing Night at school, flu and strep (boo!!) and a boat load of other things going on. I honestly haven't had much time for crafting, but, it is now Spring Break!! Woohoo!! Mike has to work, so we aren't travelling, though I do have some girlfriend dates, projects to catch up on and a few appointments this week.  I actually have a full "to do" list and I am optimistic! I always feel that way at the beginning of a break-- then it goes so fast! Oh well, here's to enjoying each moment. :)

Here's this week's Mojo Monday card. The paper is CTMH Ariana. I paired ruby cardstock with it and I like the contrast.

Thanks for stopping by!  Have a great week. :)

Kristine

Heartfelt Wishes

Ok, I am just going to start out by saying that masculine cards are really, really, really (got it?) hard for me. Bows, flowers, paper lace, pink, and sparkly things are my comfort zone.  But, right now I am in need of a masculine card. So, the ribbon is balanced with some burlap, and the subtle lace prints are contrasted by masculine colors. My kindergarteners would be proud, because I tried my best... and that is rule number one in my classroom. :)

The layout is from this week's Mojo Monday challenge. Patterned papers are CTMH Skylark and Jubilee. All materials are CTMH.

Heartfelt [best] wishes to you...
Kristine

Picture My Life Love!

Well, I think we all know that these days, when it comes to crafting in my little world, that *usually* means card making. So, when a fellow crafty friend and I decided to split all of the Picture My Life sets, I just had to turn a few of them into cards. :)

These were created using the Avonlea pack. They came together so quickly and easily... and aren't the patterns and colors so pretty?  All I added was some Kraft cardstock, a little organdy ribbon, a few sparkles and  little pop with the foam tape (all materials are CTMH). I am so pleased with how they turned out!

This one says: "Do small things with great love."

 

To this one, I just added a stamped sentiment. Don't you just love that camera?

 

I really am in love with the Picture My Life sets! I am actually going to try to give scrapbooking the PML way, a try!  Stay tuned...  :)

You are so... 3x3's

My little project is moving right along!  A couple more sets and I will be ready to pop them in the mail. I really like this set... I kept the design simple (Well, mostly because I had a long day!  I tutor 2 groups of kids 5th grade Math after school... and I'll just say 2 things about that-- Fifth grade math ain't what it used to be, and fifth grade boys can be even moodier than fifth grade girls! yikes!! lol. It's a challenge for this kindergarten teacher, but I enjoy it and I really love the kids).

Sooo... back to the cards! ;) The paper is from the MME Lime Twist collection and the stamps are from Verve. I love this stamp set! It just arrived in the mail yesterday. One stamp says "You are so" and then you can add "awesome," "loved," "precious," etc.  Love, love, love it!!

Whoops!  Missed my bedtime... It's Friday already!  Better hop in bed.
Until next time,
Kristine :)

Ivy Lane Birthday

I used the beautiful CTMH Ivy Lane and Lollydoodle papers for this birthday card. It will be going in the mail belatedly to a very special person. :) I seem to be doing a lot of running everywhere and catching up just to try get it all done...  I feel like I need a few more hours in the day. ;) Do you feel that way, too?  Maybe daylight savings will help.  It least it seems like the days are longer, right?

You know I love the Mojo Monday challenges, so here is this week's entry.

xoxo,
Kristine

3x3-- But Wait, There's More!

Not done with the 3x3's yet!  This stamp set was a Stamp of the Month some time ago. I love all of the interchangeable little phrases and elements. The bright, fun colors of the cardstock and ink make me think of warm weather (and it's actually beautiful here today)! Come on Spring, we are ready for you!!

Thanks for visiting!
Kristine

Just for Fun

Found this little Spring-y creation while (or should I say "whilst?" I love it when British folks do that!) going through my photo archives, so I thought I'd post it just for fun.

Cardstock, brad and blooms are CTMH; I believe that the patterned paper is from the Lime Twist collection by MME. I am certain the sentiment is CTMH, but can't recall what set it is from. If you recognize it, please let me know! :)

Happy Weekend! 

Kristine

3x3, Part 3

Welcome to Part 3 of Project 3x3. :)  I always have so much fun just stamping away, but, folks, I REALLY lurved creating this bunch!

The adorable little buggies are a retired set from CTMH, the Gingham paper is also oooold, um, I mean "classic" CTMH. :) But, isn't gingham perfect for so many things? I used to have gingham paper and ribbon in every color of the rainbow! I think it is timeless. 

I cut those cute little black doodle-y frames from the Artbooking cartridge. Aren't they so precious? Oh my gosh... I just want to put them on everything!!   What else can I frame?  Might look cute on my driver's license... maybe my school i.d.?  How about the dollar bill in my wallet? You know I am kidding, but I really, really do love 'em!

Well, I must hop in bed... I know it's hard to believe (lol), but I do need my beauty rest. :)
Sweet dreams!

Kristine

Project 3x3, Part 2

Here is my next installment of Project 3x3 (see March 2nd post for an explanation!).  I am having so much fun creating these little cards. For this group, I used MME's Stella Rose patterned paper, CTMH Kraft and Colonial White cardstock and Verve's "Let It Be" stamp set. 

I really love the patterned paper! It is from a huge 180 page MME tablet I bought for 50% off when Archiver's was closing. I think the colors are so pretty. I added some CTMH Bubblegum grosgrain ribbon that I had tucked away in the crafty cave. And, if you can't tell, I do love that stamp set, too! Just perfect for a little lift.

Hope my friend and her daughter like them. :) I've finished about 4 sets of 3x3's so far... after I've done about 6 sets I'll ship them off to her.

Stay crafty, my friends!
Kristine

Joy

Hoppin' aboard the Mojo train! Here's my creation for this week's Mojo Monday challenge.

Yep. I love pink. Just putting it out there. Almost every time, I am picking the pinks. Oh well, what can I say? I do try to add some variety every now and then... :)

The polka dot paper is MME, the big check is vintage CTMH, cardstock is all CTMH-- Hollyhock and Colonial White, and the floral paper... no idea! ;)

Here's the sketch:

Wishing you joy!
Kristine

Project 3x3, Part 1

I am working on a little project that is really meaningful to me. I have a friend whose young teenage daughter is going through a hard time. She's in Middle School-- and boy, that time can be tough! She's not feeling so good about herself right now; I remember those days, don't you? Maybe not Middle School, but some time in your life, right? We've all been through it at one time or another.  So, anyway, I thought if I made these little 3x3 cards, my friend could leave her daughter some love notes-- on her pillow, in her lunchbox, wherever...  to remind her how much she loves her and how truly beautiful she is.

My first step was to go through all of my stamp sets and pull out those with encouraging or uplifting messages.  Wow!  I have a lot of stamps!  I got a little overwhelmed! I decided to start with one set, then move to another and just keep going. I am creating them in groups of 4, 5 or 6.  Here's my first group.  I used CTMH's Skylark paper, and You are My Happy stamp set.

Stay turned for the next installment of Project 3x3! :)  Have a great week, friends!

xoxo,
Kristine

 

Jubilee!

A couple of weeks ago I participated in a card swap with some of my CTMH peeps. We each selected a paper pack from the new Idea Book and created 7 cards to trade with each other. There were 7 people participating, so we each received a card from one another. I have to say, my crafty friends rock! I received some really beautiful cards. :)

I picked Jubilee to use on my cards. I love the homey, summery feel that these papers invoke. They remind me of summer days when I was younger... Fourth of July picnics, trips to Red Top Mountain and the park, watermelon and popsicles, softball and swim team, road trips to visit relatives and flashlight tag with the neighborhood kids. Ahhh... summer. :) Just a dream right now...

Well, it's Sunday evening... the weekends pass so quickly, don't they? Hope you have a happy and productive week.

xoxo,
Kristine

Enjoy the Little Things

It's been a busy day for me!  Had a couple of appointments-- Physical Therapy (last appointment--woohoo!) and a root canal (most definitely the opposite of "woohoo"), but I count it a good Monday when I can get my Mojo Monday card done on MONDAY!  I am just glad it was mostly done before the root canal appointment. That was a doozy.

So here's my card. Papers are from My Mind's Eye and the stamp is from Verve's set called "Let it Be."

Here's the sketch: