*Brushed* Blog Hop!

Welcome to our BLOG HOP!

Today, my creative Close to my Heart

 consultant friends and I

are sharing what we've created

using the "Bring Back my Pack"

BRUSHED special paper

collection and stamp sets!

If you just arrived here from

ALYSON's BLOG,

then you are on the right track.

I absolutely LOVE the beautifully vibrant color

combination options afforded by this updated paper collection!

To make these five standard-sized cards,

I used Archival Black, Canary, Green Apple, Lagoon, 

Pixie, and Smoothie ink pads. If you look closely, you might

notice that I included a little bit of (black) heat embossing

on the "Dream Big" card. I also "stamped on vellum" 

the large black butterfly on the "Life is Beautiful" card.

I used the instruction sheet from the Aurora Cardmaking

Workshop Kit (G1205) as my design inspiration for four of

the cards (as you can see from the images shown below).

I really love that our workshop kit instructions can be

utilized so easily with other papers and stamp sets. I love the creative process of tweaking the designs a little, so they can work with other materials, as I have demonstrated below.

The 5th and final card design (shown above) was inspired

by a square-shaped card I found on Pinterest that was

designed by Jody Gustafson back in August of 2014.

(cre8nmemories.blogspot.com)

Thank you Jody for the creative inspiration!

Now you can continue on with the blog hop

and be inspired by more creativity using this 

collection by visiting BRENDA's BLOG next!

For the Love of Crafting Blog Hop (August SOTM!)

THANK YOU for stopping by to enjoy our

August Stamp of the Month Blog Hop

featuring this month's SOTM:

For the Love of Crafting S1808

If you've just arrived here from
my friend KATY's BLOG

then you are on the correct path.
If you get lost along the way, you can find
a complete list of all of the participating
consultant blogs here on MELINDA's BLOG.

Today I'm sharing a standard-size card I created
using our beautifully vibrant watercolor paints!
(on cold press watercolor paper 140lb. 300gsm).

If you want to attempt to create a similar card,
you will want to make sure the watercolor paint
and paper is completely dry before you stamp on
it with archival black ink, as I have done here.
I also stamped the sentiment stamp with archival
black ink on a smaller scrap of the same watercolor
paper and then cut it out (cut my heart just inside 
the edge of all of the little black dots). Then I added
the cut-out heart element on to the card using 
3d foam mounting tape to give it some dimension.

The trick to achieving this look is to use lots of water,
and create puddles of color on your paper by tapping,
dabbing, and swirling the color on with your water brush
(do not swipe, smear, rub, or blend it in too much).
Let the puddles of color sit on top of your paper and absorb
slowly (the less you brush it the better). While it is drying,
you can also use a heat embossing tool (or blow air on it
using a straw) to spread the puddles of color from the 
inside to the outermost edges of your paper like I did 
here. When it was mostly dry, I then flicked splatters 
of color along the outside edges using a waterbrush
that I loaded with lots of water and color.

I am working on creating my first quick 
video tutorial, so you can see exactly how to do it!
I will be sharing it on Facebook later next week, 
so if you'd like to see that, please go visit and 
"LIKE" and follow my Facebook business page now!
(Jen Rubio - Close to my Heart Consultant)

Since I only used one of the images in this stamp set
this time, here's a look at ALL of the fun images included:

Now you can continue on with the blog hop
and be inspired by more creativity using this
set of stamps by visiting KIMBERLY's BLOG next!

Card-making with Gimme Some Sugar!

This month's card-making "Create Dates"
being held in my home will be:

Friday 4/13 (6pm-9pm)

Saturday 4/14 (Noon-4pm)

Monday 4/16 (9am-1pm)

Monday 4/23 (9am-1pm)

Monday 4/30 (9am-1pm)

All cards are $2 each (bring and use your own adhesives).
You get to choose how many of each card you want to make
from my "card buffet," whether it be just a few or a lot.
The cards are all "first come, first serve" and I may sell out 
of some designs sooner than others, so I do suggest you 
join us as soon as you can for the best selection!

I will also have these and a much larger selection
of pre-cut, pre-stamped, and ready to color and 
assemble cards available to make at THIS BIG EVENT:

We hope you can attend with us!
(There's still time to RSVP now!)

Annual Inspirations New Product Blog Hop!

THANK YOU for stopping by to enjoy our

Annual Inspirations 2017

New Product Blog Hop!!

Today, 25 consultant artists are sharing artwork
they've created using NEW products

featured in the Annual Inspirations 2017 catalog

from Close to my Heart!

If you've just arrived here from KATHY's BLOG
then you are on the correct path.

 

One of the first stamp sets featured in the NEW

Annual Inspirations that I knew I just had to have is:

C1685 Inspire

Not only do I LOVE the pretty cursive font,

but each of the four sentiments are just awesome!!

In addition to C1685 Inspire,

I've also used the following list of supplies

to create this standard-size card:

D1741 Beautiful You stamp set

(use item# Z3384 to add 

the coordinating thin cuts)

Z3353 Basics Fundamentals paper packet

X5943 Enchantment cardstock (peacock)

Z3364 Basics Ribbon pack (gold ribbon)

Z3371 Gold Pearls (self-adhesive)

Z899 Black memento ink pad

Z2817 Crystal Blue stamp pad

Z2850 Fern stamp pad

Z2849 Peacock stamp pad

(1st and 2nd generation stamping)

Now you can continue on with the hop

and be inspired by more creative artwork

and ideas by visiting SHEILA's BLOG next.

Enjoy the hop!!

June Stamp of the Month Blog Hop!

THANK YOU for stopping by to enjoy our

June Stamp of the Month Blog Hop

featuring this month's SOTM:
Ice Cream Dream S1506

If you've just arrived here from KRISTA's BLOG
then you are on the correct path.

The two standard-size cards I've created with this stamp set feature the Chalk It Up paper pack X7184B with a few (flaxen B&T) scraps from the (retired) Hopscotch paper pack.
The ShinHan Touch Twin Markers I used to color my images include: Cherry Pink, Clay, Light Orange, Marigold, Peacock Green, Turquoise Blue, and Warm Grey 4.
Embellished with Teal Shimmer Trim Z1918, Gold Polka-Dot Washi Tape Z1920, and the Chalk It Up Assortment Z3009.

Here is a view of all of the stamp images included
in this cute stamp set that is available now:

Now you can continue on with the hop
and be inspired by more creative ideas
using this stamp set by visiting 
ALYSON's BLOG next.
Enjoy the hop!!

May Stamp of the Month Blog Hop!

THANK YOU for stopping by to enjoy our

May Stamp of the Month Blog Hop

featuring this month's SOTM:
Just Sayin' S1505

If you've just arrived here from MARIA's BLOG
then you are on the correct path.

I created this simple standard size card using a piece of glacier B&T duos from the "Blossom" paper pack X7196B (but with the "Jackson" X7195B color scheme - Barn Red, Cocoa, and Juniper inks). The sparkly flowers were punched from small scraps of White Shimmer Trim Z3024 with a very tiny flower punch I own (non-ctmh). Then I used bitty brads (retired) and Bitty Sparkles Z1263 to embellish the flower centers. Finished it off with a little bit of free-hand doodling using a black journaling pen Z1979.

Here is a view of all of the stamp images
included in this set that is available for purchase now:

Now you can continue on with the hop
and be inspired by more creative ideas
using this stamp set by visiting 
MAUREEN's BLOG next.
Enjoy the hop!!

Two Cards from One design!!

I've been wanting to share this idea on my blog for a few weeks now, but life and other responsibilities kept getting in the way, lol. So finally...I am excited to share how one good card design can so easily result in another similar but different card.  On the left is a card I created using the September Stamp of the Month. I loved the simplicity of the design so much that a few weeks later, when I signed up to participate in a consultant team card swap, I decided to utilize the same design and even the same papers and color-scheme (Scaredy Cat) to make a birthday card instead

(as you can never have enough birthday cards, right?)!

Here is a view of the fantastic assortment of cards I received back from the swap with my team members (you will likely be able to spot my card here also):

Then, while enjoying the variety of swap cards I received, one particular card really stood out and inspired me and it is what led to the layout design I chose for another card (same design layout, but completely different colors/theme):

Thank you Nicole Peck for inspiring me with your lovely card!!

Isn't it fun to see how one thing can inspire another and then another? I tend to find inspiration from whatever is in front of me, even if I have to change it up or re-invent it just a little to serve another purpose...that's just how my mind works sometimes.

I hope you enjoyed this little peek into how my creativity is inspired and evolves.

Spring Workshop Cards! (from 3/8/14)

These are all of the Cards we created

at our March 8th Spring Card Workshop

(we made 16 cards total, 2 each of 8 designs) for $25.

Each Card features a different NEW Paper Pack

from the Spring/Summer 2014 Idea Book

and a variety of NEW Stamp Sets and Embellishments.

Enjoy!

 

Paper Fundamentals Basics Assortment Z1939 (p. 126)

A Mother's Love stamps B1447 (p. 8)

 Balloon Ride papers X7180B (p. 37)

Give a Lift stamps D1581 (p. 39)

Jubilee papers X7181B (p. 43)

Happy Place stamps S1403 (March SOTM p. 12)

Lollydoodle papers X7183B (p. 55)

Owls stamps B1450 (p. 56)

 Timberline papers X7182B

Holiday Tags stamps D1560 (Autumn/Winter Idea Book p. 105)
 

 Ivy Lane papers X7178B (p. 25)

Inspiration Flourishes stamps (p. 27)
 

Skylark papers X7177B (p. 19)

Oodles of Doodles stamps B1449 (p. 100)

Girls Rock stamps C1538 (Spring/Summer 2013 Idea Book p. 41)

Ariana papers X7179B (p. 31)

Joyful Wishes stamps All52 (p. 33)
 

November Card Class (and Christmas Card Buffet)!!

These are the cards I'm offering at my Card Classes this month

(let me show you how to create these 3 cards for just $5):

PLUS, in addition to the cards shown above

I'm also offering my annual

CHRISTMAS CARD BUFFET!!

I have 8 different card designs

for you to choose from

(shown below)

You choose how many of each you want to make

with me (in person) for just $1 each...a true bargain!

(please bring/purchase your own adhesive to use

as that is not included in the cost).

19 PENGUIN cards available / 15 PRESENTS cards available

12 MARY cards available / 11 SNOWFLAKE cards available

12 TREE cards available / 16 SANTA cards available
 

10 HOLLY cards available / 12 WREATH cards available

 You have two opportunities to attend

with me this month on

Friday, November 22nd

and/or

Saturday, November 23rd

(anytime between 6pm-10pm)

Space is limited, so please message me on Facebook or send me an e-mail (stampwithjen@ymail.com) to reserve your spot ASAP! You can also reserve the exact number of each of the Christmas Cards you want to make when you RSVP...
card designs will be first come, first serve!
(Once I run out of a certain design, they are gone)!

November Stamp of the Month Blog Hop!!

THANK YOU for stopping by to enjoy our
 November Stamp of the Month Blog Hop
featuring this month's SOTM:
Illuminate S1311
 

If you've just arrived here from TRACI's BLOG,

then you are on the correct path.

Here is the standard-size card I've made using the Sparkle & Shine papers (X7176B) with an added piece of 
Creme Brulee cardstock.  Ink colors I used are Black, Creme Brulee, Juniper, and Slate.
Card design is inspired by Make It from Your Heart, Volume 2 - pattern 22.

 
This stamp set (below) includes a variety FUN images...with so many creative possibilities!
Order yours from me today and let the stamping fun begin!!

Now you can continue with the hop to see more creative ideas
using this stamp set by visiting JILL's BLOG next! 
Enjoy the hop!!
 

National Stamping Month "It's Your Day" Blog Hop!!

To celebrate National Stamping Month in September, we are bringing back our popular double stamp set promotion! You can get this new and exclusive My Acrylix® "It’s Your Day" double stamp set (below) for just $5 when you place a minimum order of $35 or more from August 15 through September 30, 2012.

 

You’ll love this double set —two D-size sets in one envelope— which includes nearly 50 trendy images that makes it easy to capture the everyday moments in your life. The double set has a retail value of $35.90, but you can get yours now for just $5 with your qualifying order in person or online starting on August 15th!

WELCOME to our National Stamping Month "It's Your Day" Blog Hop featuring artwork created by more than 40 independent consultants using this fun stamp set!
If you started the hop elsewhere, you should have just arrived here from Jody's Blog.

 Standard size card I created featuring the "It's Your Day" stamp set with the Avonlea papers X7155B. Stamping is done with Black, Olive, and Slate inks. Embellished with NEW Slate Satin Polka-dot Ribbon Z1802.

 Another standard-size card I made featuring the "It's Your Day" stamp set with the Avonlea papers X7155B. Stamping is done with Black, Olive (1st and 2nd generation), and Slate inks. Embellished with a pearl badge button from the Wrangler Assortment Z1780, pins for antennae's from the Bling Assortment Z1466, and black Opaques Licorice Adhesive Gems Z1335.

I hope you feel inspired by my artwork!
Now you can continue on with the "blog hop" by visiting Casandra's Blog next! Enjoy!!

"Bee Yourself" Card for Mojo Monday 238!

 

Today I created this standard-size card inspired by the Mojo Monday 238 sketch challenge blog. My card features products that are all available from Close to my Heart including the Bee Happy B1374 stamp set with the "Dotty For You" papers (the "Bee Yourself" sentiment is from a past petite perks incentive set W2017). I wrapped my card with Seam Binding Ribbon and then tied my tag onto the ribbon with grey wool Baker's Twine. All stamping is done with black ink, sponge-daubed distressing is done with grey wool ink, and I colored the bee image with buttercup, garden green, and grey flannel markers. Such a fun sketch to try...I really enjoyed this one and can promise you that I'll be using it again soon!!

March 9 and 10 Card Classes!!

You are invited to join us for my monthly card classes coming up on March 9th and 10th (6:30pm-8:30pm). Join us on Friday night or Saturday night or even both nights if you want more time to create.
THANK YOU to the 9 ladies who attended my March Card Classes - Addie, Carolyn, Dorothy, Frankie, Jackie, Jenn, Nancy, Rosann, and  Sandra!!
What fun we had!!

Let me show you how to create a variety of 3 different hand-made greeting cards using the latest NEW stamps, papers, techniques, embellishments, and our Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge that cuts paper to perfectly fit the images we'll be stamping on them! You get to choose how many of each card you make!

3 cards for $5 or 6 cards for $10 (when you bring your own adhesive)

3 cards for $6 or 6 cards for $12 (when you use my adhesive)

3x3 Box Card with Drawer (above)
featuring the My Peeps stamp set, Enjoy stamp set, and Lucy papers.

Inside view of 3x3 Box Card with Drawer (above).

View of what's inside the 3x3 Box Card with Drawer (above).

Instructions (including the cutting dimensions)

to make this "Box Card with Drawer" (above)
can be found here!

Standard-size thank you card (above) featuring the Pemberley papers X7148B,

with Card Word Puzzle C1494 and Pemberley WOTG G1033 stamp sets.

6x6 card (above) featuring the Cruisin' papers X7145B and March SOTM - Potential S1203. You also have the option to choose a different sentiment like "Deepest Sympathy" if you would like your card to be a sympathy card instead.

Space is limited to 9 guests each night, so please RSVP ASAP to reserve your spot(s) now for either Friday, Saturday, or both nights! I hope you can join us for the creativity and fun!

March SOTM Blog Hop!

Thank you for stopping by to enjoy our March Stamp of the Month Blog Hop featuring this month's SOTM - Potential S1203! If you've arrived here from  
Mary's Blog then you are on the correct path.

The 6x6 card I've created this week is inspired by Originals - The Main Idea (p. 96). I've used paper from the Cruisin' paper pack Z7154B and a color combo that includes Black, Juniper, Twilight, and White Daisy. On the right side of the card I've done some "tone-on-tone" stamping using Juniper ink on Juniper cardstock to create my stamped background. I also sanded a few of my elements with sand-paper to reveal some of the white core of my cardstock to achieve that "shabby" look. While I absolutely LOVE the huge variety of different flower shapes I am able to cut with my CTMH Art Philosophy cartridge, I think that these flowers are my most favorite ones to use right now -
as I so love those heart-shaped petals!

There are so many lovely images included in this Stamp of the Month set! I think it would be fair to say that it definitely has lots of "potential"!! (pun intended) "wink" ;) and I look forward to creating more with this stamp set, as I already know it will be one of those sets I will find myself using over and over again!

Now you can continue on with our Blog Hop to be inspired by more creativity with this stamp set by visiting Traci's Blog next! Enjoy!!