Secret Sister Gift Exchange - Receiving Pt. 2

I received some amazing gifts from my secret sister on my Close To My Heart team, which I showed off in a previous post. But this one is my favorite:

I love mini-albums, and to have such a beautiful one created just for me left me speechless. The cover is gorgeous (I love everything from the Kaleidoscope collection!), and each page is unique. But what really got me was the album itself - I've never seen anything like it! This photo doesn't do it justice - when it opens, it looks like a half star and the pages just pop out. 

What amazing talent we have on our team!

Merry Christmas and a Crafty New Year!

Merry Christmas to all you crazy crafters out there! I hope it's a wonderful day for you and you get a chance to do plenty of stamping, gluing and embellishing over the holiday and New Year!

I've loved every minute I've gotten to spend with all of you - whether it's at one of my workshops, catching up on social media, or just the time I spend thinking about each of you as I post and create - I feel very fortunate that you are all a part of my life. I'm looking forward to another fun year of being a Close To My Heart consultant and sharing that with you!

Secret Sister Gift Exchange - Receiving Pt. 1

I love our team's annual secret sister gift exchange because it's incredible to be given one-of-a-kind creations from one of my team members. My secret sister turned out to be the incredibly talented Kim Richardson.

Our fearless leader, Brenda Rose, has us let her know what our favorite paper collection is, along with our favorite treat. It's a great jumping off point for getting started.

Gifts: Kraft Container and Clear Pillow Box treat holders 

Favorite Paper Collection: Kaleidoscope

Favorite Treat: Sugar-free candy (you do not want to see me hopped up on sugar :)

Why These Gifts are Awesome: Not only are they beautifully decorated, but Kim went crazy adding on the most amazing details - Kaleidoscope Complements and Assortment, Pink Shimmer Trim, Thistle Twine, and my all-time favorite retired product - Rosette Ribbon. 

But it doesn't stop here - Kim created one more amazing piece of art that I will be showing off after Christmas - stay tuned!

Close To My Heart's Everyday Life Collection (Video Tour)

Close To My Heart's new Everyday Life collection is all about celebrating the every day. There are many different ways you can use this collection and this video shows you 6 different projects you can create. If you have any other ideas, I'd love to hear about them!

Even better, during December, you can get the album, planner pages and roller stamp for $29.95 (that's 15% off retail price!) Click here to get yours!

Secret Sister Gift Exchange - Giving Pt. 2

I showed off some of the gifts I gave to my secret sister for our team's secret sister gift exchange in my previous post. Today, you can see the last gift I gave her - a mini-album!

Mini-albums are so much fun to make! Because they're small, it doesn't take a long time to finish one. I designed this one using Design Space and the Artistry cartridge. The album is the My Creations Mini Folio, and I decorated with La Vie En Rose paper, Red Glitter Paper and Silver Sequins. 

In an upcoming post, I'm going to show off what I received. :) 

Secret Sister Gift Exchange - Giving Pt. 1

Every year, our Close To My Heart team has a secret sister gift exchange. I love doing this because it gives me a chance to create for someone on our team and to receive beautiful artwork in return. Our team is amazingly talented, and I am so excited to share some of our creations with you!

Here are some of the gifts I created for my secret sister:

Christmas Card - with her love of La Vie En Rose, and my love of the card on page 42 of Annual Inspirations, I knew I couldn't go wrong. :) I created a watercolor background and decorated with Glacier Fundamentals Assortment. 

Candy Holder - my secret sister loves Swedish Fish, so I created this fun container to hold them using Artiste, Enchantment Paper Fundamentals and some fun bling (Base & Bling rhinestone, Whisper Twine and Gray Enamel Gems).

Layout - my secret sister loves the new Enchantment color palette, so I went crazy choosing colors not only from the Paper Fundamentals collection, but also other paper packs (Sangria and Urban - can you spot those papers?) All the hearts are from Art Philosophy, and the finishing touches are the Enchantment Stickers and Silver Sequins.

My next post will be the rest of my gift to my secret sister - stay tuned!

January Layout Workshop - Watercoloring

Watercoloring is a fun and beautiful trend, and if you haven't tried your hand at it yet (or are just getting started), then you'll get a lot from this layout kit!

You'll make two 2-page layouts (and have plenty leftover to create more!) Plus, if you can't make the workshop, you can not only order a kit to work on at home, but I'll also post a YouTube video that demonstrates all 4 techniques you'll be learning!

Layout 1

Layout 2

This workshop kit comes with everything you need to create two 2-page layouts including instructions and plenty of leftovers to create more! Plus I'll post a YouTube video showing all 4 techniques you'll learn for those of you who want to work on the kit at home!

Kit Information (*all prices include tax*):

Layout Kit - La Vie En Rose Paper Pack, Assortment & Complements and additional cardstock and Watercolor paper ($32)

Tool Add On

Watercolor Paints ($13.50)

Paintbrush Set ($10)

At Home Kit - If you'd like to work on this at home, add the "Shipping" option to your cart and an extra $5 will be added on (if you're local, you're welcome to pick it up).

Class Location:

Country Inn & Suites, St. Charles, IL

Class Dates (choose your date & time!):

Saturday, January 9th from 10:30am-1:30pm

Saturday, January 9th from 2pm-5pm

Sunday, January 10th from 1pm-4pm

You can pre-pay securely online with a credit card or your PayPal account by using the PayPal “Add to Cart” button below. Mail order kits purchased by December 20th will be mailed by January 11th.

Watercolor Card Kit

Layout Kit $32.00 USD Watercolor Paints $13.50 USD Paintbrush Set $10.00 USD Shipping (At Home Kit) $5.00 USD

Watercoloring - January Card Kit

Watercoloring is a fun and beautiful trend, and if you haven't tried your hand at it yet (or are just getting started), then you'll get a lot from this card kit!

You'll make 6 cards (and have plenty leftover to create more!) Plus, if you can't make the workshop, you can not only order a kit to work on at home, but I'll also post a YouTube video that demonstrates all 6 techniques you'll be learning!

This workshop kit comes with everything you need to create 6 cards (2 each of 3 designs) including instructions and plenty of leftovers to create more! Plus I'll post a YouTube video showing all 6 techniques you'll learn for those of you who want to work on the kit at home!

Kit Information (*all prices include tax*):

Card Kit - La Vie En Rose Paper Pack, Watercolor paper, Silver Sequins, and card bases & envelopes ($22)

Stamp Add On

A Thousand Thanks ($16)

Blossoming Expressions ($20.50)

Tool Add On

Watercolor Paints ($13.50)

Paintbrush Set ($10)

At Home Kit - If you'd like to work on this at home, add the "Shipping" option to your cart and an extra $5 will be added on (if you're local, you're welcome to pick it up).

Class Location:

Country Inn & Suites, St. Charles, IL

Class Dates (choose your date & time!):

Saturday, January 9th from 10:30am-1:30pm

Saturday, January 9th from 2pm-5pm

Sunday, January 10th from 1pm-4pm

You can pre-pay securely online with a credit card or your PayPal account by using the PayPal “Add to Cart” button below. Mail order kits purchased by December 18th will be mailed by January 11th.

Watercolor Card Kit

Card Kit $22.00 USD A Thousand Thanks Stamp Set $16.00 USD Blossoming Expressions Stamp Set $20.50 USD Watercolor Paints $13.50 USD Paintbrush Set $10.00 USD Shipping (At Home Kit) $5.00 USD

Paper Fundamentals Supplemental Art - Mini-Album Pt. 2 (Directions Included)

Here is part 2 of the Paper Fundamental Mini-Album.

Remember, the trick to any mini-album is to choose a few designs and repeat them, but with different papers. It makes it simple to put together, but each page looks unique with the colors and embellishments you choose.

Design 3 (left) and 4 (right):

Here are the directions - you can be exact with my measurements or keep it loose with the general guidelines I provide in parentheses.

Design 3: Journaling Side

White Cardstock - 3.25 x 4.25" (or cut so there's about a quarter of an inch of the Kraft base showing, and it's about the same size as the Paper Fundamental strip)

Paper Fundamental Strip - 3.25 x 4.25" (or cut so there's about a quarter of an inch of the Kraft base showing, and it's about the same size as the White cardstock)

Journaling - use a ruler and Journaling Pen to create the journaling lines (or stamp them in Black ink)

Design 4: Photo Side

Paper Fundamental Mat - 4.5 x 6.5" (or cut so there's about a quarter of an inch of the Kraft base showing)

Paper Fundamental Strip - 0.5 x 6.5" (or a thin strip at the top of the mat)

Photo - two 3 x 4" (or one 4 x 6" photo or any other combo you'd like)

Finishing Touches
Add stickers and assortments - don't be afraid to mix colors!

Paper Fundamentals Supplemental Art - Mini-Album Pt. 1 (Directions Included)

You will love making this mini-album because it's so simple and quick! I'll show you how to create this easy mini-album in two posts. 

All you need are leftovers from the Paper Fundamentals workshop and a Short Stack Album, or Enchantment Paper Fundamentals, Enchantment Stickers, and Pomegranate and/or Peacock Assortments.

The trick to any mini-album is to choose a few designs and repeat them, but with different papers. It makes it simple to put together, but each page looks unique with the colors and embellishments you choose.

Cover:

Design 1 (left) and 2 (right):

Here are the directions - you can be exact with my measurements or keep it loose with the general guidelines I provide in parentheses.

Cover:

Paper Fundamental Strips - 1.5 x 6" and 1.75 x 5.5" (or one thick and one medium strip)

Paper Fundamental Scallop Circle - 2" punch (or any simple shape you'd like)

White Cardstock Title - 1" Circut cut title (or use stickers, stamping, etc.)

Design 1: Journaling Side

White Cardstock - 4.5 x 6.5" (or cut so there's about a quarter of an inch of the Kraft base showing)

Paper Fundamental Strip - 2.5 x 4" (or cut so there's about a quarter of an inch around the paper and the journaling area)

Journaling - use a ruler and Journaling Pen to create the journaling lines (or stamp them in Black ink)

Design 2: Photo Side

Paper Fundamental Mat - 4.5 x 6.5" (or cut so there's about a quarter of an inch of the Kraft base showing)

White Cardstock Mat - 4.25 x 6.25" (or cut so there's about an eight of an inch of the Paper Fundamental mat showing)

Photo - 4 x 6" (or two 3 x 4" photos or any other combo you'd like)

Finishing Touches

1. Use a 2" scallop punch and 1.5" circle punch to add an area for embellishments on the right side (or use any shapes and sizes you'd like!)
2. Add stickers and assortments - don't be afraid to mix colors!

I'll be back later this week with a post on the second set of designs.

December Close To My Heart Specials - It's Planner Time!

Attention all planner addicts! During December, you can get an awesome planner bundle for 15% off the retail price! Keep reading for details...

1. Planners Gonna Plan

During December, you can get your hands on the new, gorgeous Everyday Life™ album, the accompanying 2016 planner pages, and the coordinating Perfect Plan roller stamp in an exclusive product bundle for only $29.95. That’s over 15% off the retail price! 

With the new Everyday Life system, you’ll experience “memory keeping on the go” as you track your menus and shopping lists, stamp reminders, keep appointments, and tuck away precious memories—plus much more—all at once! This offer is only available while supplies last, so plan to place your order on my website early in the month and start 2016 off right. 

2. December Stamp of the Month - Candlelight Garden

Light up your artwork with this lovely stamp set:

The Stamp of the Month is only available during its month and is only $5 ($12.95 savings!) with every $50 ordered (before shipping and tax). When ordering on my website, you'll be prompted to add your set(s) before you check out.

December Stamp of the Month - Candlelight Garden Rose Blossom Blog Hop

Welcome to the Rose Blossom Stamp of the Month Blog Hop! Come follow Close To My Heart consultants from the Rose Blossom team as we share our creations using December's Stamp of the Month - Candlelight Garden!

If you came here from Kim Hill's amazing blog, you're on the right path!  If you get lost along the way, come back here and go to the bottom of the page for the blog hop list.

Inspiration: A card from the new Seasonal Expressions mini-catalog (I love being a consultant - I get to see our product over a month early!)

Technique: Watercolor painting. 

1. Stamp images with Archival Black ink. 
2. Wet the entire image first with a flat brush.
3. For the flowers, color using the smaller round brush, dab a bit with a tissue, then go back over certain parts with the wet paintbrush to make those areas a little darker. 
4. For the mason jar, use the big flat brush and start at the bottom and brush across and up so it gets lighter towards the top.

Fun Fact: This was my first time painting a stamped image with watercolors. I am officially hooked and can't wait to do more!

December's SOTM is only available until December 31st. As always, you can get this stamp set for only $5 with a $5o purchase at my website. 

Now it's time for you to keep moving on the hop!  Head on over to Cathy's lovely blog and see her beautiful artwork!

Blog Hop List:

Brenda
Lynn
Shelly
Kim Hill
Morgan - YOU ARE HERE!
Cathy
Kristine
Kim Sparks
Margot