Welcome to the 1st Hearts of the West Blog Hop!

I am super excited that our Hearts of the West team has decided to begin a blog hop!!  Each month I tour many blog hops, and I am thrilled to be a part of this monthly endeavor with so many amazing ladies!

Our fearless leader Nancy Klein chose our first color challenge:  Buttercup, Sorbet, New England Ivy, Gypsy and Lagoon as well as the basic color pallet.  This is a circular blog hop, so it doesn't matter where you start.  If you keep going to will end back where you started and you can find a full list at the end of this post, just in case.

If you came from Freya Dunbar's blog, then you're in the right order!

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Since this blog hop was such a spontaneous idea, I decided to keep this project quick and easy by choosing to do a card. When I learned about this first challenge, I quickly realized something:  I NEVER use more than four colors when I am making a card!  When given FIVE colors for this challenge, I really struggled.  I wasn't sure how I was going to make it work.  It took a bit, but here is the end product. 

 I changed up the colors of the base card and it made for a brighter (more Spring-like) combination.

 Don't forget to decorate the inside of the card and the envelope.  The smallest addition can make a big difference.  The Lots of Love stamp set is perfect for that -- I just LOVE the little bird and envelope stamps!

Dimensions:

Card Base (White): 8-1/2" x 5-1/2"

1st Layer (Sorbet): 4-1/4" x 5-1/2"

2nd Layer (New England Ivy): 4" x 5-1/4"

3rd Layer (White): 3-3/4" x 5"

Hearts :  Page 26 (Art Philosophy); cut at 3/4"

Supplies (all are CTMH unless otherwise noted):

Paper:  White, Sorbet, New England Ivy
Embellishments: Bitty Sparkles (Z1263)
Stamps:  Lots of Love (A1151), Oodles of Doodles (B1449)
Ink: New England Ivy, Lagoon, Sorbet, Buttercup, Gypsy
Cartridge: Art Philosophy

To order any of these products, please follow this link and shop online!  Thanks for stopping buy and please feel free to comment . . . we just love reading them!

Your next stop is Corinna Murphy's blog!  Head on over and see how she worked her magic with this color challenge!

See you next month for our next Hearts of the West Team Challenge.  Remember you're welcome to join our amazing team, just contact one of these consultants to get you started! If you need help just message any of us and we will direct you to the closest consultant to you!


Hearts of the West May Blog Hop

Here is the list of all the incredible consultants participating in this month's blog hop in case you get lost along the way!

1. Nancy Klein
2. Chelsey Vorosmarty
3. Linda Pekrul
4. Diane Fischer
5. Chantal Pearson
6. Christine Marshall
7. Freya Hall Dunbar
8. Michelle Marciniw Olson
9. Corinna Murphy
10. Janet McCormick
11. Donna Digby

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Skylark Card - Perfect for Spring (& New Consultants)!

If you have recently signed up to be a new consultant, you would have received the Skylark Paper with your kit.  It is such a perfect paper pack for Spring!!

The materials used on this card are all included in the new consultant kit -- so this would be an incredibly quick and easy card to put together.

 

Dimensions:

Card Base: 4-1/4" x 5-1/2"

Skylark B&T Paper: 2-1/8" x 4-1/4"

Zip Strip from Skylark Paper (Chevron Pattern): 1/2" x 4-1/4"

Sweet Leaf: 3/4" x 4-1/4"

Supplies (all are CTMH unless otherwise noted)

Paper:  Skylark Paper Packet and Colonial White Cardstock
Embellishments:  Durables Triangle Studs (Z1928), Teal Shimmer Trim (Z1918)
Stamps:  For a Friend (D1542)
Ink:  Lagoon
Cartridge: Art Philosophy

To order any of these products, please follow this link and shop online!

April Stamp of the Month

You can purchase this set, Bubble Talk, for only $5 (reg. $17.95) with any $50 purchase. This stamp set co-ordinates with the Artrist Cartridge.  See below for Scrapbook and Card Layout ideas!

 

You can start shopping by clicking here.

WHICH CTMH CARTRIDGE IS BEST? Art Philsophy, Artiste or Artbooking?

This post includes links to the pdf versions of each CTMH cartridge handbook.

Which CTMH Cricut Cartridge is the best??  This is a question I get asked again and again.  The Close to my Heart Cricut cartridges are WHY I signed up as a consultant!  

Here is the story --  I was researching which Cricut cartridges are the most popular, as I didn't want to buy cartridge after cartridge.  Time and time again, I kept hearing about the Art Philosophy cartridge.  It didn't take me long to learn that you could only get Art Philosophy through Close to my Heart.  After seeing the images on the cartridge, I was SOLD!   I had previous experience with Close to my Heart product and LOVED it (the clear stamps were also a favorite), so I decided to sign up.  Since then, they have released two more cartridges which are equally impressive.

So, which cartridge is my favorite?  Unfortunately, the answer is, they ALL are! Each one is my favorite for a very different reason.  I love the basic elements of the Art Philosophy cartridge (ie. flower, oval, banner shapes, labels, etc.  I love all the 3D items (gift card holders, rosettes, boxes) on the Artiste cartridge.  I love the background images and how easy it is to do an entire scrapbook layout with the Artbooking cartridge.  I should also mention that I love all three cartridges because I have stamp sets that co-ordinate with each of them.  Don't forget, as you look through the catalogue, any image that is outlined with a red line, means there is a co-ordinating cut on one of our cartridges.  If you look at the bottom of the page in the catalogue, it will tell you which cartridge the "cut" is from.

To help you decide which cartridge you like best, I have included a brief description of each below.  I have also included links to pdf versions of the cartridge handbooks.  I find it really helpful to see all the images on any cartridges I may want to buy in order to decide if I will use it.   Click on the cartridge name or the picture of the handbook below to get to the pdf of the handbooks.

Art Philosophy 

 This cartridge includes many basic shapes and images.  Each image on the cartridge also has a co-ordinating card and a co-ordinating tag cut.   There is also an assortment of borders and backgrounds.  This cartridge includes a variety of seasonal items some of which include a snowflake, christmas tree, stocking, hearts, acorn and cupcake.  The only 3D items that can be made with this cartridge is an assortment of six flowers.  The font included on this cartridge is a standard, slightly-formal font.

Artiste  

This cartridge includes basic shapes as well as shapes which are more detailed.   There is a wide variety of seasonal items such as a turkey, mitten, leaves, spider, skeleton, hearts, and snowflakes.  It also includes shaped cards, gift card holders, ready-made mini-books, phrases and words (ie. "thank you", "it's a girl", "Happy Birthday", "family", "Merry Christmas", etc.  One of the main features of this cartridge are the 3D items you can make such as milk cartons, file folder boxes, cupcake holders, rosettes, decorative boxes, gift bags, french fry boxes, etc.  Because of this feature, there is an assembly guide included.  The font included on this cartridge is very clean, straight-edged and basic.

 Artbooking 

This cartridge is a little different because it includes a very special additional feature.  In addition to a number of detailed and basic shapes, you can make an entire, co-ordinating scrapbook layout using one key on the overlay.  This allows you to quickly and easily create an entire perfectly sized layout-- using just one key/page on the cartridge.  This cartridge includes lots of backgrounds, borders, picture frames and phrases (ie. "always and forever", "capture the details, "fun and sun", "think grow learn", "party time".   There are no 3D items on this cartridge.  The font included on this cartridge is the most formal and a little "curly". 

  

I hope this helps you determine which cartridge you put at the top of your wish-list.  And don't forget, each cartridge comes with three pages of co-ordinating chipboard elements as well as three co-ordinating stamp sets.  In my honest opinion, all three are must-have cartridges -- not only because they are a great value, but they are also sure to be your "go-to" cartridge for any project you tackle!

Once again, here are the links to the pdf of the handbooks for each cartridge:

Art Philosophy

Artiste

Artbooking

 

 

One of My Favorites - Hinged Display Tray!

One of my closest friends recently lost her Dad.  My heart went out to her as I recalled how we all felt when we lost my husband Jason's Mom.  She had posted a few of her favorite photos of her Dad on Facebook.  When I saw them, not only was I moved to tears, but I was also inspired.  Using the hinged display tray, I used her photos and made her a gift.

I used the Tommy Paper Packet as well as the Tommy Complements Canvas Shapes.  I simply cut strips of one of the patterned papers to cover the outside edges.  I could have left it black, but I found that adding the paper around the frame allowed for a little more contrast and added to the overall "nautical" feel.  Here are a couple of close-ups:

I also used one of my favorite all time CTMH alphabet stamp sets -- Token Alphabet.  What I love about this stamp set is that you can punch out circle pieces using a 1" or 1-1/4" punch and the letter will fit perfectly.  You can then use of the background stamps included with the set and create a custom-colored background for the letter.

In keeping with the theme, I also made her a quick card.

Supplies (all are CTMH unless otherwise noted)

Paper:  Tommy Paper Packet (X7169B), Colonial White Card
Embellishments:  Artisan Studs (Z1816), Outdoor Denim Chevron Ribbon (Z1808), Cranberry Bakers Twine (Z1751), Tommy Complements Canvas Shapes (X7169C)
Stamps:  Family Love (D1506), 4 My Friend (D1510), Token Alphabet (E1020)
Ink:  Outdoor Denim, Cranberry

To order any of these products, please follow this link and shop online!

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Don't forget -- it's National Stamping Month!!  For the month of September only, with a $50 purchase, you can qualify to purchase ALL 3 of these amazing stamp sets for only $10!!

The "You are my Happy" stamp set trio is a fantastic value -- not to mention versatile!  This offer includes a stamp set of sentiments, an alphabet stamp set and a set of seasonal icons! Don't miss it!

Make it a "Banner Day"!

Promotion for the Month of June

 

When you place a $25 order in June that includes one stamp set, you will receive a My Creations® Mini Banner for FREE!  The Mini Banner includes 10 chipboard pennants in 4 different shapes with 9 jump rings for hanging.  The Mini Banners are versatile and a great addition to your parties & get-togethers.

Not the greatest quality picture, but here is a project I made for my daughter using the My Creations Mini Banner!  I even had a couple pieces left over to use as chipboard elements for cards or scrapbook pages. For the blog posting featuring this project, click here.

The Art Philosophy cartridge has cuts that co-ordinate with the shapes of this banner, so if you have the cartridge, it is super easy to cut your paper for these pieces.  Take a look at this video for more fun ideas on using the My Creations Mini Banner!

My Creations Mini Banner Video

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June Stamp of the Month

June 2013: A Flowering Bunch (S1306A)

Spend $50 and get this Stamp of the Month set for just $5.

Further details on these three projects can be found here.

Mother's Day Card using Art Philosophy Cartridge and Florentine Paper

Yes, I know it's a little late but I wanted to share this quick and easy card I made for my Mom on Mother's Day.  I spent the weekend scrapbooking with my sweet friend Nancy, and I couldn't help but set a little time aside to making this card.  My Mom is a gardener, so flowers were definitely "in the mix", not to mention the Florentine Paper!  I actually purchased a gift and card with my siblings, so it wasn't necessary for me to even give her a homemade card, so I kept it very simple. 

I cut the card base using the Art Philosophy cartridge.  It is 4" x 4".

Inside Shot

Supplies (all are CTMH unless otherwise noted)

Paper:  Florentine Paper Packet which includes Colonial White Cardstock
Embellishments: Just Blooms Paradise Paper Flowers (Z1710), Filigree Charms (Z1269), Bohemian Assortment (Z1687), Opaques Pearl Gems (Z1336).
Stamps: Trinity Alphabet (E1021), Mad About You (Dec. SOTM)
Ink:  Creme Brulee, Desert Sand

Florentine Birthday Card

I think the CTMH Floretine paper pack is absolutely beautiful - so delicate and pretty!  This card came together very quickly as I had my sewing machine sitting nearby! I chose my two favorite papers and made the four strips, glued them together and then stitched around the perimeter.  I then added some stitching between each piece so the seam wasn't so obvious.  I used the CTMH Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge to cut sentiment frames, flourishes and flowers.  I also added a Paradise Paper Flower (Z1710) and some Pearl Opaque gems (Z1336).  I popped some parts up using 3D foam tape to add some dimension.  The sentiment is from a set that comes in the Cricut Art Philosophy Collection.  Voila!  I will also be entering this card in one of the H2H Challenges.

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May Stamp of the Month

This set is gorgeous and can be easily used for both cards and scrapbook pages.

 You can purchase it for $17.95, or only $5 with any $50 order!

You may ALSO take advantage of the Dotty for Your Promotion!

Dotty for You!

Grab a Dotty for You paper packet at an incredible discount or even FREE!

Celebrate National Scrapbooking Month in May by mixing and matching to your heart’s content with our new Dotty for You paper packet! The trendy patterns on the front of the papers coordinate perfectly with the dots on the reverse side, giving you lots of options for crafting colorful layouts, cards, and other projects. Dotty for You includes 24 specially designed, coordinating B&T Duos^® sheets (2 each of 12 patterns) and an artwork idea insert to get your creative juices flowing.
There are three ways to get this exclusive Dotty for You paper packet, valued at $19.95:

• Place an order of $35 or more in products from the Spring/Summer 2012 Idea Book between April 17 and May 31, and add the Dotty for You paper packet for just $5*.
• Host a Gathering with a sales total of $400 or more (excluding tax, shipping/handling, and Operation Smile^® donations) between April 17 and May 31 and receive a Dotty for You paper packet FREE.
• Join Close To My Heart as a new Consultant between April 1 and May 31 and receive a Dotty for You paper packet FREE.

3 x 3 Card Box Using CTMH Florentine Paper

I really wanted to make a cute and delicate box of cards using the new Florentine Paper from CTMH.  I picked up this little 3"x3" box at Walmart for only a couple of dollars, but it's amazing how adding the right paper and some embellishments can turn it into something beautiful!  I will be using this project as a doorprize, so when I made the cards, I was sure to provide for a variety of occasions and to keep the design quite simple.  I used the Art Philosophy cartridge to cut out the papers flowers, flourishes and sentiment piece.  A list of supplies can be found below.

The flourishes (green) were cut using the CTMH Art Philosophy cartridge (Pg. 60, <Font Layer><Tag4> at 1" and 3/4") as well as the sentiment tag (Pg. 53, <Square4> at 2".

These flowers were cut using the Art Philosophy Cartridge (Pg 50, <Flower8> at 1.25" and 1.5").

I included this picture to again stress the importance of distressing your paper edges with ink.

I kept the card layout very simple, but wanted to include sentiments for a variety of occasions.

Have fun creating something beautiful this week!  And I also must mention that I will be entering my first H2H challenge with this project.  Wish me luck!!

Supplies (all are CTMH unless otherwise noted)

Paper:  Garden Green, Florentine Paper Pack (X7153B)
Embellishments:  Pearl Opaques (Z1336), Bohemian Assortment (Z1687)
Paradise Paper Flowers (Z1710), Lace Ribbon (Stampin' Up)
Stamps: Remarkable Wreath (C1473), Wonderful You (W332)
Ink:  Creme Brulee, Garden Green, Sunset
Cartridges:  CTMH Art Philosophy

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April Stamp of the Month

This month features the stamp set You Are . .  (set of 15).  It's retail value if $17.95, but with a $50 purchase, you are able to purchase it for only $5!  This is a fantastic stamp set that works well for both card making and scapbooking!

Dotty for You!

This month also marks the beginning of our Dotty for You Promotion!

Snatch a Dotty for You paper packet at an incredible discount or even FREE!

Celebrate National Scrapbooking Month in May by mixing and matching to your heart’s content with our new Dotty for You paper packet! The trendy patterns on the front of the papers coordinate perfectly with the dots on the reverse side, giving you lots of options for crafting colorful layouts, cards, and other projects. Dotty for You includes 24 specially designed, coordinating B&T Duos^® sheets (2 each of 12 patterns) and an artwork idea insert to get your creative juices flowing.
There are three ways to get this exclusive Dotty for You paper packet, valued at $19.95:

• Place an order of $35 or more in products from the Spring/Summer 2012 Idea Book between April 17 and May 31, and add the Dotty for You paper packet for just $5*.
• Host a Gathering with a sales total of $400 or more (excluding tax, shipping/handling, and Operation Smile^® donations) between April 17 and May 31 and receive a Dotty for You paper packet FREE.
• Join Close To My Heart as a new Consultant between April 1 and May 31 and receive a Dotty for You paper packet FREE.

Mini-Banner using Lucy Workshop on the Go Kit

When I first saw the Lucy Workshop on the Go, I instantly thought of my daughter, Emily.  The patterns are so feminine and cheery!  This idea for a banner was perfect for her, and I knew she would love it.

If you are not familiar with Workshop on the Go kits offered by Close to my Heart,  they are a quick and easy way to get a couple of layouts done, in addition to a "bonus project".  Each Workshop on the Go (or WOTG) includes a themed paper pack (which includes patterned paper and solid paper), a co-ordinating stamp set, a set of complemetary embellishments (could be stickers, rub-ons, sparkles, chipboards, buttons, etc. depending on the kit) and an instructional brochure for completing two - two page layouts.  The directions include the layout template, a cutting guide, as well as step-by-step instructions.  After you have completed the two layout ideas included in the Workshop of the Go, there is a suggested bonus project that can be made from the leftover scraps (additional items may be required).

This particular banner is the bonus project suggested for the Lucy Workshop on the Go kit.  In addition to the kit, you also need the Bitty Buds assortment (small flower embellishments) and the My Creations Mini Banner (chipboard banner).  It's also handy to have the CTMH Art Philosophy Cartridge so you are able to cut all the shapes with the push of a button!  I used creme colored ribbon (instead of the included "jump rings") to string together each piece of the banner.  It was super easy and I am delighted with the results -- so is Emily!

I have included the next picture because it truly shows the value of "inking your edges".  I use a sponge tapped on an ink pad.  You can also use sponge daubers, or the ink pad directly.  This picture shows you the dimension it adds to a piece, and gives it a "finished" look - so worth the extra time and effort!

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April Stamp of the Month

This month features the stamp set You Are . .  (set of 15).  It's retail value if $17.95, but with a $50 purchase, you are able to purchase it for only $5!  This is a fantastic stamp set that works well for both card making and scapbooking!

This month also marks the beginning of our Dotty for You Promotion!

Dotty for You!

Snatch a Dotty for You paper packet at an incredible discount or even FREE!

Celebrate National Scrapbooking Month in May by mixing and matching to your heart’s content with our new Dotty for You paper packet! The trendy patterns on the front of the papers coordinate perfectly with the dots on the reverse side, giving you lots of options for crafting colorful layouts, cards, and other projects. Dotty for You includes 24 specially designed, coordinating B&T Duos^® sheets (2 each of 12 patterns) and an artwork idea insert to get your creative juices flowing.
There are three ways to get this exclusive Dotty for You paper packet, valued at $19.95:

• Place an order of $35 or more in products from the Spring/Summer 2012 Idea Book between April 17 and May 31, and add the Dotty for You paper packet for just $5*.
• Host a Gathering with a sales total of $400 or more (excluding tax, shipping/handling, and Operation Smile^® donations) between April 17 and May 31 and receive a Dotty for You paper packet FREE.
• Join Close To My Heart as a new Consultant between April 1 and May 31 and receive a Dotty for You paper packet FREE.