Close to My Heart and Verve Come Together

Alright, I confess, I use other products and stamps besides Close to My Heart.  ;)  Just like any other papercrafter, I have several favorite lines of papers and embellishments.  I have recently discovered other lines of stamps that I also like.  I love religious themed stamps and while we carry several options, I have found others that I also love from Verve.  I recently received a set that came in perfect time to send a card to uplift my friend.  It just so happened that I had a stamp from CTMH to add to the card and bring the two together.

This sentiment and sailboat are from the Learning to Sail Stamp set from Verve.  I love the font style and the saying equally.  I had also just received a new embossing folder from Lifestyle Crafts called Tide.  I love the rolling waves that were revealed when I sanded away the Lagoon Cardstock. 

These clouds are cuts found on the Cricut Artiste Cartridge.  They are floating in front of a beautiful sunshine from the Close to My Heart Just Chillin' My Acrylix Stamp Set.  I stamped it in my color of choice these days, Buttercup, and then rolled the edges of the stamp in Creme Brulee to make the ends of the rays a bit darker.  To add some shine (and sparkle) I used my Gelly Roll Stardust pen.  I absolutely LOVE how this pen only adds sparkle without color.  I highly recommend it!  In fact, it almost ran out on me this time, so I need to get another!  ;)

Anyhow, I am really happy with how this one turned out by combining the two stamp sets.  Take it from me...don't limit your creativity by brand--find and use what you like and you will love the results.  :)

Thinking Warm Thoughts in Layout Form

Hello everyone!  It has been a fast and furious few days in my life.  In case I haven't said it lately, thanks so very much for stopping in to read my blog and see what I have been up to in my craft room.

Today I wanted to share this layout I made by using the first book in the new series by the amazing founder of Close to My Heart, Jeanette Lynton.  Make It From Your Heart, Volume 1 contains the instructions for making 18 layouts and 12 cards with easy-to-follow pictures and cutting guides.  At just $7.95, this publication is a wonderfully affordable way to boost your creativity.

My layout is made with pictures from one of our family trips to Florida.  It is a bit chilly here in the midwest as of late, so I needed to feel some warmth with these beautiful beach pics to keep me holding on until spring break finally arrives.  I used pattern number 12 on page 28.

The gray spotted paper is from a special paper packet Close to My Heart had a while back called Dotty for You.  The shades of blue are Sky, Dutch Blue (retired), and Outdoor Denim.

I used two different My Acrylix sets for this layout, the retired Footloose Workshop on the Go (shell and sand dollar) and the currently available Just Chillin' (bucket.)  A few Opaques added some pretty pearls to my beachy scene.

These wooden shapes are also no longer available, but were just the perfect touch for my layout.  

I did add some extra photos to my layout, so it is a bit different from Jeanette's layout, but that is the beauty of our How-To books!  You get all of the design ideas without handcuffs!  ;)

I wanted to also let you know that two of our previously discontinued How-To books are back with our Spring and Summer Idea Book and more affordable than EVER!  They are now in a softcover edition for only $14.95 each!

 Reflections contains 100 scrapbook layouts.

 Originals gives you 100 card patterns to choose from!

Check them out by clicking on the links above.  Jeanette is brilliant, and they have truly become indispensable tools in my craft room.  :)