Stamptacular Stamp + Thin Cuts Blog Hop

Welcome to this special Blog Hop where we are featuring products included in Stamptacular!

Have you heard?! Close To My Heart is having a BIG sale this month on our Stamp Sets, as well as those with coordinating Thin Cuts (aka dies). You can save up to 50% and some exclusive favorites have returned! To see what is available, click HERE.

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

I could not resist using this retired (but currently available) and favorite stamp set of mine called "Perk Up". It's on sale for $15 this month (regularly priced $22.95); what a savings! I especially love the punny and fun sentiments, especially on this rainy day in Georgia!

It was fun to create this shaker card, using real coffee grinds and the Mix-in paper packet.

If you are a papercrafter, you have probably used stickers on your artwork creations. Have you ever run out of a vowel or other letter because you didn't have as many as you needed? I have! Did you know that our alphabet stamp sets solve that challenge because you can have as many of any letter as you choose! I love being able to vary my fonts, using different alphabet stamp sets, AND use them over and over and over again. They are especially wonderful when you want to personalize something for someone who has a unique name like my niece, Alyzae. This is called "Simply Said" and is on sale for $9.50. We have plenty of other fonts, of various sizes, on sale as well so be sure to check out Stamptacular! 

For the shaker portion, I used the Shaker Window & Confetti Thin Cuts and the Shaker Window Foam & Acetate. I love how simple they are to use and that I can use product I have on-hand to create these fun and interactive cards. If you haven't tried them, you need to put the on your next order. Trust me, you'll love them too!

Here is a close-up of the focal points so you can see a bit more of the detail. I couldn't resist adding some sparkle with the Clear Shimmer Brush and a little bit of Raspberry Twine (shown in the main image). 

Head over to Michelle's Blog and then keep making your way around the circle to see the other artwork we have to share with you today. If you have any questions about anything you see, please ask.

Happy hoppin'!

Color of the Year: Julep - Heart 2 Heart Challenge

It's almost perfect that I am sharing this card the day after "National Coffee Day". Are you a coffee drinker? Daily? Several cups?

The theme of this week's Heart 2 Heart Challenge, which is also the first for October, is focused on our color of the year, Julep. It's the beautiful light green color you see used generously on the card. Close To My Heart offers a variety of products that coordinate. You'll have to check them out!

Wanting to use the bold and diagonal striped paper from the Mix-Ins paper packet, I was excited when I was able to incorporate it here. A little sparkle, using the Julep Glitter Paper, was perfect for the frame around the window as well as the heart confetti made from the Shaker Window & Confetti Thin Cuts set. 

This continues to be my favorite go-to stamp set right now. I LOVE that it has coordinating Thin Cuts for the cup and lid. It's called "Perk Up". (The Thin Cuts are currently on backorder but will be back in stock soon. You can get the stamp set separately, if you choose.)

I remember enjoying a cup of coffee with my Grandma Rita when I was young. I think I enjoyed it because it's what she would enjoy, with my Grandpa, during breakfast. I knew it wasn't something I could expect daily so it was a fun treat to enjoy when I was with her. (For awhile it was a little "secret" from my Mom, or so I thought.)

I didn't drink coffee as I grew into adulthood, until I started attending scrapbook retreats. My friend Cindy would have her cup of coffee each morning, with some delicious creamer, and I began to do the same. It's funny because I very seldom finish a cup of coffee nor is it something I need on a regular basis, but do enjoy. In fact, caffeine has no effect on me so that's definitely not a reason for me to drink it. I do enjoy the smell, but frankly, I prefer a little bit more chocolate and caramel, to take away from the coffee taste. LOL

Consider participating in the artwork challenges at Heart 2 Heart! We love seeing your creations as you incorporate CTMH product in your art.

Make today a great day!

"Wishful Thinking" - Blog with Friends

Welcome to this month's edition of "Blog with Friends". Today, I join six other bloggers as we highlight topics aligned with the theme "Wishful Thinking". You'll find visuals and links to the related content at the bottom of this post.

I have absolutely fallen in love with this exclusive stamp set from Close To My Heart. It's called "Perk Up". The sentiments and images just make me happy and I smile each time I create something with it. Even if you aren't a coffee drinker, does someone who deserves some happy mail love coffee? What about cocoa? Or...regardless...would they love a happy card that contains a message of support or encouragement, with a fun sentiment?! It's perfect for anyone so don't limit your thinking (or their happy)!

In regards to how this happy card ties into "Wishful Thinking"...well... While I didn't waste any time putting this stamp set to use, I am ready for some cooler weather in Georgia. I'm excited to back in the South(east) to enjoy the changing of the colors and beautiful seasons. To me, this card design (and stamp set) screams Fall and I'm ready for it! So that is my wishful thinking for today - wishing you Sweater Weather (and soon). It's awesome that the season is right around the corner.

I used various techniques on this card including "Paper Tearing", "Fussy-Cutting", "Second-Generation Stamping" "Ink Distressing (with Sponge Daubers), and I incorporated Watercolors into the coloring of the coffee/cocoa. There are so many fun techniques to do with limited supplies and I would love to show you more! Consider joining my VIP Group on Facebook where I do just that (and there is never any sales pressure; just good ol' fun)! 

Feel free to ask me questions about my creation! Now...who should I send this card to? 

Thank you so much for stopping by my blog. Consider reviewing the content of my friend's posts (shown below) and go check out what they have to share with you. We all appreciate Blog Love, in the way of a comment, so please consider leaving them.

Have a blessed and wonderful Monday!

Kia of the Ground Beneath My Feet

Jules of the Bergham Chronicles

Karen of Baking in a Tornado

Lydia of Cluttered Genius

Dawn of Spatulas on Parade

Tamara of Part-Time Working Hockey Mom