Spruced Up (once more)!

I really love the Spruced Up paper suite from Close to My Heart.  In my last post, I showed you a layout and several cards I created.  This time, I am sharing another Christmas layout that was inspired by instructions from Chris Robertson.  I did not change very much...it was perfect as it was.  I will say that the layout was pretty labor intensive.  As backlogged as I am with my scrapbooking, I can’t afford to spend this much time on every layout, but darn...this one was worth it!

The trees look complicated, but they are just folded paper glued together.  I am sure there are instructions on Pinterest or Youtube.  Or, I will be happy to show you how!

I have submitted this layout to two challenges.  Check them out to see what else is being created!

Color My Heart Color Dare Challenge (I used all the colors in the challenge)

Heart 2 Heart Challenges

Until next time,
Sue

Anything Goes..Holiday Style

I mentioned in my Dec 2 post that I created several different cards in multiples of six this year.  Well, this one takes the prize for taking the most patience and time. 

I cut this with a file from Complete Creativity, the newest Close to My Heart Digital Cricut Cartridge.  The file has all the components included.  You just need to cut everything out and assemble. I will warn you that the card size is 5 x 7.  Assembly was a little challenging.  I did find that a product called Dry Bond helped with the sentiment and Joseph and Mary.  I found it at Dick Blick the last time I bought it, but that was a few years ago.

So this is the last Heart to Heart Challenge of the year and a good time to tell you that I have decided to leave the team, at least for awhile.  However, I intend to keep this blog going, so please do check back now and then to see what I have been doing.  You may may even see me linking up to H2H and maybe some other challenges.

Thanks for being with me--

Merry Christmas,
Sue

Evergreen!

Evergreen is one of my favorite new colors in the Close to My Heart Exclusive Color Palette. I love the richness of this green and decided to feature it in this week's Heart 2 Heart Challenge, Evergreen.

Design Inspiration is Pattern 15 in Make it from Your Heart Vol.4

To create the card, I used Evergreen, Clover, Candy Apple, and White Daisy cardstock, patterned paper from the Every Little Thing paper packet and White Glitter Paper (hard to see in the picture. the sentiment is stamped with a stamp from Holiday Trimmings C1810. The holly was cut on the Cricut with a file from the City Sidewalks cartridge from CTMH.
This year, in order to use up some papers and to try new designs, I created Christmas cards in multiples of six .  I think this design is my very favorite of all I made.  But then, my favorite color is green, so there you go.

I hope you enjoy this card...thanks for joining me today.  Please visit Heart 2 Heart Challenges to see what the design team has to show you!

Sue

Soft and Pastel!

Just a quick post showing the project I am submitting to the Color Dare Soft and Pastel Challenge and the Double Trouble Challenge. I used foiling supplies from Gina K.  The cardstock, Glitter Paper and Shimmer Trim are all from Close to My Heart.  Becuase the foil likes to reflect whatever is around it, it was difficult to show the pinks that I used.  Trust me...it is pastel and very pretty.

I hope you are enjoying the holidays...Happy New Year!

Sue

Season's Greetings

This is the last challenge from Heart 2 Heart before Christmas.  It is also most likely my last blog post before then.  So here is my Christmas card for you

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Other than the twine, I used  CTMH product.  I was inspired by a card from the Boutique Workshop Your Way found on page 35 of the 2018 Holiday Expressions.

For more Holiday inspiration, please visit Heart 2 Heart Challenges.

Merry Christmas to all of you.  May you have a joyous Holiday season with family and friends.

As ever,
Sue

Photo Inspiration!

This week at Heart 2 Heart, we are challenging you to use this photo as inspiration for a card or other paper project. Maybe you will be inspired by the subject, maybe it is the colors (suggested: Charcoal, Heather, Glacier, New England Ivy) or maybe it is something else.

And here is my card which utilizes the colors and the pine boughs from the inspiraton picture:

This actually is two cards in one...here are a couple pictures that I hope shows this:

This is a not a difficult card to make, but it is a little of a mind trick to make the top card essentially backwards.  To help you, here is a link from the designer, Dawn Griffith:  Double Flap Fun Fold Card.  This YouTube gives all the measurements and directions.  If you love cards with folds, Dawn is the girl!

For more inspirational projects, please visit Heart 2 Heart Challenges Photo Inspiration  You will love what you see!

While we are all busy getting ready for Christmas, I hope you are finding time to craft once in awhile. It can be relaxing, but most of all, it can bring you joy...and we all need more of that!

Talk with you soon,

Sue

Inspired by Nature

The theme this week at Heart 2 Heart is Inspired by Nature. Other than a few years, we have always had a "real" Christmas tree.  We had a favorite tree farm nearby, where sometimes we cut our own and sometimes were lucky enough to find a suitable tree on the lot.

This year, the family that owns the farm decided to close down the tree business.  We have made the decision to purchase an artificial tree, but there are things we will miss...or maybe not!   I will miss the family trips with the grandkids and hauling our trees home in the pick-up.  I definitely will miss the scent of the tree, but I will not miss getting stuck by needles while placing the ornaments. I will not miss trimming the trunk to get the tree to fit in the stand or my husband's colorful language while doing so.  I will not miss the daily watering of the tree or the needles stuck in my carpet.  So OK...I am thinking the artificial tree is going to be alright!

But back to being inspired by nature in our papercrafting.  For my project, I decided to celebrate our Christmas tree memories.  I turned to the PML cards from the 'Tis the Season paper pack.  I love the evergreen bough and the background paper spread with tiny evergreen branches...a reminder of my love of the "real" tree.  I used Candy Apple and New England Ivy cardstock. The background paper was accented by a "stitched" dye from the Decorative Borders die set (Z4241). The sentiment was stamped with a retired CTMH stamp. I accented the ribbon and berries with the clear Shimmer Pen and added bling with clear Sparkles and Bitty Sparkles.

Be sure to visit Heart 2 Heart Challenges for more inspiration from nature.  We will love to have you visit and hope you will link your project too!

Talk with you soon,
Sue

Glitter Glam!

It is always fun to add bling to a craft project, and this week's Heart 2 Heart Challenge is encouraging you to do just that.  For my project, I chose to use non traditional papers to create this festive Christmas card.

Design inspiration from CTMH 2018 Holiday Espressions page 62

I used patterned paper from the 'Tis the Season and Seasons Mix-in packs as well as White Daisy and Peach cardstock.  The gems are acutally more peachy than the photo shows and are are retired, but Clear Sparkles would also be beautiful.  The snowflake was cut on the Cricut from Silver Glitter Paper from CTMH. Stamping was done with the 'Tis the Seaseon--Cardmaking set C1737.  The sentiment was heat embossed with silver embossing powder.

Be sure to check out Heart 2 Heart Challenges Glittler and Glam to see projects from the design team.  We will love it if you also link your creation...just remember to use one CTMH product.

Glad you stopped by today...talk with you soon.

Silver and Gold!

Silver and Gold...the theme for this week's Heart 2 Heart Challenges.  Even better, we are teaming up with Close to My Heart Color Dare as they present their challenge, Christmas Extravaganza "December Linky Party".  You can check out their page here.

I used my favorite Christmas stamp set from the Holiday Expressions book, and keeping the design clean and classy, created this card.

I used White Daisy cardstock and Silver and Gold glitter paper.  All the stamping was heat embossed and I added bling with Bitty Sparkles.

Here is another card using the First Noel Stamp Set and the Silver and Gold Paper Packet. I copied this design straight from the catalog. The artwork there is always so inspiring!

C1688

X7226B

You will love the Silver and Gold designs you find at Heart 2 Heart Challenges.  While you are there, we hope you will, in turn, inspire us with your project. For even more fun, check out the inspiration at Color My Heart Color Dare Challenges and also link your project there!

I also submitted this to Addicted to CAS, a fun challenge for Clean and Simple designs.

Mad for Plaid!

Heart 2 Heart Challenges is celebrating plaid this week!  The paper I used for my card is from the retired Jack paper packet, but really, any plaid would work for this design.

I used a die from My Favorite Things to create the space for the sentiment. No die? No problem!  Just cut a nice curved line, separate the pieces and trim the top to fit your card. The sentiment was stamped with a stamp from The First Noel (CTMH)  The pine needles and snowflake were cut on the Cricut with Close to My Heart cartridges. I know the pine needles are from the Flower Market cartridge...not sure about the snowflake.

A simple enough card...selecting the Cricut cuts probably took longer than anything.  I hope you enjoy it!

For more plaid inspiration, be sure to visit Heart 2 Heart Challenges.  While there, why not link your plaid project?  A blog is not necessary...you can also link from Facebook or Pinterest! You have the entire month of October to do this...just remember to use at least one Close to My Heart product.

Click on this link:

Heart 2 Heart Challenges Mad about Plaid

Are you ready for Christmas?

Doesn't someone ask you that every year?   My answer is a resounding "No!".  It is no different this year, but I am starting to get a handle on it.  I completed my last cards a few nights ago and have them all mailed--one thing off my mind!

A few words about how I do Christmas cards.  I first check out the CTMH Idea Books and online resources.  Next, I stalk Pinterest.  Ah yes, Pinterest!  I have saved so many posts with awesome designs.  While I would love to make one of each, it is just so much more efficient to choose 6-8 and make several of each.

This card design was the last one I did and was created with the Woodland Wishes stamp set and coordinating Thin Cuts dies. I cannot locate the original and therefore am unable to give design credit...my apologies to the designer. I added white glitter paper for the snow and a few Bitty Sparkles for a little bling.  The stamps and Thin Cuts are perfect for masculine and winter cards.  They are from the Holiday Expressions catalog and will be retiring on December 31st.

Woodland Wishes D1696

Woodland Wishes Stamp  and Thin Cuts Bundle Z1405

I am hoping to get to my craft room a few times in between gift wrapping and food preparation.  The creative process of making cards and scrapbook layouts calms me.  

As this may be my last post before Christmas, let me take this opportunity to thank you for reading my blog and all your kind comments.  I am wishing all of you and your families a blessed Christmas and wonderful New year.

Merry Christmas,

Sue

Perfectly Pine

Perfectly Pine is one of my favorite stamp sets in the Holiday Expressions catalog. It is clean looking, ideal for Christmas, Winter and everyday outdoor projects and only $6.95!  What is not to love?  Here is a Christmas card that I created with this set for the Heart 2 Heart "Woodgrain" challenge.  I created my woodgrain with a retired embossing folder and my embossing machine.  Similar folders are available in many craft stores.  I also used the Very Merry D1694 stamp set for the sentiments.

Click on this link to see the layout that inspired this card and instructions for cutting and assembling:http://www.lisasstampstudio.com/2016/02/grateful-bunch-double-front-fold-card-.html

Perfectly Pine A1191

Very Merry D1694

For more "Woodgrain" inspiration, please visit:

http://heart2heartchallenges.blogspot.com/2016/10/woodgrain.html

Challenge time!

This afternoon, I decided to create cards for a couple challenges.  Today I am showing you the card for the Freshly Made Sketches challenge.  The layout was designed by Rita.  The object of the designs from this challenge is keep the look "clean-lined and fresh"  This idea is right up my alley as I prefer the simple look. So here is my offering...

 

The paper (City Sidewalks X7213B) and the Shimmer Trim are from Close to My Heart.  I cut the wreath on the Cricut with the Flower Market cartridge from CTMH. The sentiment was stamped with the Woodland Wishes stamp set D1696. The bling was from my stash.  

Hope you enjoyed seeing this card.  Watch for another one in a day or two

Sue

For more inspiration, please visit

http://freshlymadesketches.blogspot.com/2016/10/freshly-made-sketches-258-sketch-by-rita.html

Snowhaven Cards

As promised, here are a few cards created from the Snowhaven paper packet.  I have chosen to use Christmas as my theme for these cards.

The first card uses the Mary and Babe stamp set (C1562) located on page 72 of the Annual Inspirations book.  I followed the basic pattern shown there. Not having all the colors in our Shinhan marker line, I chose to just stamp the image in Slate.

The second card highlights one of the very cute stamps in Home for the Holidays, the October Stamp of the Month (S1410).  It is a wonderful set that will be perfect for your Christmas cards, tags and layouts.  It will be available in October for $17.95 or just $5.00 with a $50.00 purchase.

 

 

Lastly, this card is created from Sing Glory (C1587), a set available only to our wonderful hostesses.  It can be purchased for only $8.00 with hostess dollars!  Contact me to see how you can earn your own.

 

Design  credit goes to CTMH Annual Inspirations, page 7



I used Snowhaven patterned paper and White Daisy, Slate and Cranberry cardstock to make these cards.  Inks included Glacier, Slate and Cranberry. I also used some Sliver and Teal Shimer Trim and Silver Geometric Washi Tape, Silver Sequins and Clear Sparkles.

 

I hope you are inspired to start creating your own Holiday cards!  Talk to you soon!

Christmas in July!

These two Christmas cards are made with the new Cut Above kits, available August 1st.  Everything is cut and ready for you to create 10 5x7 cards with matching envelopes.  To complete them, you will also need the coordinating stamp set (Merriest Christmas B1468) the appropriate acrylic block, ink and adhesives.  I made all 20 cards in about 3 hours (in between doing the laundry) and couldn't be happier with them! They are so cute!

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These card kits are two of the four Cut Above Card Kits offered in the new 2014-2015 Annual Inspirations.

August 1st is the day that this new Catalog and Idea Book will be live on my webpage, www.suebruch.ctmh.com.  You will love what you see!

Ideas for Christmas Layouts

Trim the Tree!

The inspiration for these cards was the card shown on page 12 of the Holiday Gift Guide. They feature the Sparkle and Shine paper packet and the Trim the Tree stamp set.  I changed them up a little bit, using silver shimmer tape instead of the hand stitching and red bling I found in my stash.  The card on the left uses the Sparkle Holiday Shapes for the bling on the trees, while the one on the right uses more economical Glitter Gel.  It gives the same look and will be easier to mail. The "Believe" was cut on the Cricut using the Artbooking cartridge.

Enjoy!

Sparkle and Shine!

I am excited to show you some of the projects I have done with the Sparkle and Shine paper packet from the Holidays from the Heart Gift Guide from Close to My Heart.  I love the fresh non-traditional colors and the simple designs.  Today's card also uses the Santa's Greeting (M1028--only $2.95 in the Autumn and Winter Idea Book).  The latest Paper Crafts magazine showed sequins on many of the projects.  I like the look of them on this card and I think, because they are flatter, the card should mail without any problem. The blue paper used here did not photograph well.  It is actually Twilight, a pretty blue/green.

green

To see the entire Holiday Gift Guide, visit my website www.suebruch.ctmh.com.  Stop by here frequently to see more projects!