Grateful for This Life Blog Hop

 

Welcome to this month's Stamp of the Month Blog Hop where we are featuring the exclusive stamp set, "Grateful for This Life". 

These wonderful words and phrases are great, in many combinations, for any piece of artwork. The 16 images are valued at $18.95 and can be yours FREE (if you're a VIP), or for $5, with a $50 purchase.

If you are coming from Maureen's Blog, you are on the right track. You can find a complete list of participants here.

I enjoyed making this Slimline Card, incorporating the Pumpkin Spice patterned paper, Rose Gold Foil Paper, and Gold Embossing Powder. While I wasn't sure of the natural sunlight on the photo, I decided to leave it as is because you can see how the elements look in different lighting.

When combining Gold and Rose Gold, I was pleased with how they looked together. I researched if that was acceptable, fashion-wise, and they are. Whew! 

For some added fun, I made this an easel card. By stamping the repeated sentiment on a strip of paper, and 3-D on the card base, it provides a place for the front of the card to rest. A personal message can be written above the stamped strip, with your signature below it. Wouldn't this look nice on a desk, shelf, etc.? It could definitely serve as a reminder of how much you appreciate that person's friendship. I was pleased with how it turned out. 

If you aren't aware, Close To My Heart released TWO NEW IDEA BOOKS today; the Core (year-long) and the September/October Supplemental. Both contain phenomenal new products, and artwork! You'll want to get your hands on a hard copy, and soon! You can do so by placing an order of any size. 

Thank you very much for stopping by. Head on over to Cat Scrapbooking, and continue to make your way around the Hop, to see some fun ideas using these stamp images. 

Make it a great month!

"Happiness Never Grows Old" CTMH December Stamp of the Month

Welcome to the Stamp of the Month Blog Hop where we are showcasing the one for December called, "Happiness Never Grows Old".

The beautiful stamp set contains these 11 images shown in the image above. From the rose clusters, and encouraging sentiments, you can get this stamp set for FREE (as a VIP Member) or for $5, with a qualifying $50 purchase. You can view all details about the Stamp of the Month Program here. (It retails for $18.95.)

If you are coming from Cat's Blog, you are on the right track. You can find a complete list of participants by clicking here. 

To create this card, I random-stamped some of the smaller images on Blue Belle cardstock, on the light side, with the same color ink. The striped paper on the far left is from the Mix-ins paper pack and I couldn't resist adding the gorgeous Sapphire Glitter Paper. 

For the rose image, I embossed it on the darker side of Sapphire cardstock, with Gold Embossing Powder. I used the Rare Minerals Metallic Markers to color in the images. It is a simple technique that creates such beauty. Do you agree?

I wanted Sapphire-like gems and used the True Blue Shades Tri-Blend Marker to color Silver Glitter Gems. I actually added two layers on it to get the darker shade of blue. I love this sentiment that I chose to include on this card and hope you do too!

I really appreciate you stopping by my blog and hope you enjoyed this card! Now, head on over to Wendy's Blog, to see what she has created to share with you. 

Happy hoppin'! 

Autumn Air - Oct. Stamp of the Month Blog Hop

Welcome to Fall (yay!) and to this month's Stamp of the Month Blog Hop where we are featuring the set called "Autumn Air".

Check out these awesome sayings and images that are incorporated in all artwork shared in this hop. 

Did you know you can get it for $5 with a qualifying $50 purchase?! Valued at $18.95, that's a steal! You'll want to be sure to take advantage of the special (available this month only). 

If you are coming from Michelle's Blog, you are on the right track. You can find a complete list of participants here.

Curious what that gorgeous pattern is, on the Sangria cardstock, on the upper portion of the card? I used the Stitched Circles Embossing Folder, and my Cuttlebug, to create that design. And, because our cardstock has a white core, it lends itself to distressing (with a sand paper block) to create this beautiful design. Do you love it like I do?

The sentiment was embossed, on Sapphire cardstock, with Gold Embossing Powder. I love the way it looks in coordination with the theme and other colors on the card.

For the leaves and acorn, I used Espresso ink and stamped on the respective cardstock colors (Julep, Paprika, Sangria and Kraft) while then adding a bit of shading with Watercolor Pencils (but did not add water).

And last, but not least... This is the first time I used the Sangria Ribbon. It is a truly beautiful color. I see the need to add another roll to my next order. You'll want to be sure you get it in your hands, too. Trust me!

Thank you very much for stopping by. Head over to Catherine's Blog to view her fabulous artwork and then continue around the Hop for additional inspiration.

Here's wishing you the best of Octobers!