Pinterest

Tuesday, November 6, 2018

Design Challenge: Atlantic Hearts Sketch #289


Design Challenge: Atlantic Hearts Sketch #289

Here's a new card I made today to inspire you to join in the Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge #289. Feel free to gather inspiration from this week's sketch plus all the other Design Team artwork in order to create your own project. As always, your project does NOT have to be a card. It can be absolutely anything as long as you incorporate this week's sketch in some way.

Here is this week's sketch:



This Challenge will be open until Sunday night, November x11, at 11:59pm Atlantic Standard Time (10:59pm EST, 9:59pm CST, 8:59pm MST, 7:59pm PST). We hope that you will find the time to play along!

Guidelines for entering can be found here.

Stay creative and continue to share kindness along the way,
Kimberly

Thursday, November 1, 2018

Design Challenge: Color Dare #317: Pomegranate, Sapphire, Saffron

New Card Design by Kimberly Bower 
using C1744 Dream Catcher
Design Challenge: Color Dare #317: 
Pomegranate, Sapphire, Saffron

Welcome to this week's Color My Heart Color Challenge! This week for Color Dare #317 we are challenging you to use Pomegranate, Sapphire, and Saffron (with optional Gold).

Just a few notes: We use CTMH color names for reference, however, you are welcome to use any products as long as you match closest to the colors in the challenge. Also, we have new guidelines on neutral colors: White, Cream, Black, Gray, Kraft and Brown(s) are free to use; however if they are included in the challenge graphic they MUST be used in your creation. Also, make a note not to use any additional colors beyond those on the color palette.

My card design:


Now it is your turn to create! Just create a project (card, layout or other craft project) using this week's colors. Then link them to the Color My Heart Blog ~ Color Dare #317. The full details on how to join the fun are in the sidebar of our homepage. You have two weeks to create and enter this challenge. For this Color Dare Challenge, you have until Thursday November 15, 2018 at 10:00 p.m. EST to submit your project. We love to see your inspiring projects!

Stay creative and continue to share kindness along the way,
Kimberly

November SOTM Blog Hop - Seasonal Trees

New Card Design by
Kimberly Bower using
November SOTM and
Tis The Season papers


November SOTM Blog Hop - Seasonal Trees

Welcome to our Stamp of the Month Blog Hop. I'm so glad you're here! If you're here from Melissa Robinson's blog, you're on the right path. This hop is a great big circle so you can start here and work your way around. When you get back to me you'll know that you've seen all of the creative ideas offered through this month's blog hop. There are 19 participating consultants so you're bound to be inspired by the time you complete the hop. If you'd like to see the full list, you can find that on Melinda's blog: If You Bling It

This month we are featuring November's Stamp of the Month: Seasonal Trees.


If you love this stamp set, you will want to be sure to purchase it this month as it is only available during the month of November. Once you add $50 of qualifying products to your shopping cart you will see an option below the cart to add this special stamp for only $5.00.

Here's a closer look at my card design:


I hope you enjoy all of the design elements. Which part is your favorite? If you have any questions on my card design, please ask in the comments. I will answer each one. Your next stop along this hop is Darlys Recker's blog so hop on over and see what wonderful creation she has for you today.

Stay creative and continue to share kindness along the way,
Kimberly

Friday, October 26, 2018

Fall FLASH Sale! 24 hours beginning at 5 p.m. EST

Fall FLASH Sale! 24 hours
beginning at 5 p.m. EST



Oh my! A #FlashSale is on the horizon. I can feel it coming! Psst! It starts Friday, 5 p.m. EST. Plus there are some amazing products on clearance on my website. Don't miss this! .
.
.
.
#gladeslibrarianCTMH #ctmh #CTMHconsultant #papercrafting
Shop here:

 ðŸ‘‰: http://gladeslibrarian.ctmh.com


Monday, October 22, 2018

Design Challenge: Atlantic Hearts Sketch #287

New Card Design by Kimberly Bower
inspired by AHSC Design #287
Design Challenge: Atlantic Hearts Sketch #287

Here's a new card I made today to inspire you to join in the Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge #287. Feel free to gather inspiration from this week's sketch plus all the other Design Team artwork in order to create your own project. As always, your project does NOT have to be a card. It can be absolutely anything as long as you incorporate this week's sketch in some way.

Here is this week's sketch:


This Challenge will be open until Sunday night, October 28, at 11:59pm Atlantic Standard Time (10:59pm EST, 9:59pm CST, 8:59pm MST, 7:59pm PST). We hope that you will find the time to play along!

Guidelines for entering can be found here.

Stay creative and continue to share kindness along the way,
Kimberly

Thursday, October 18, 2018

Design Challenge: Color Dare #315: Hello Pumpkin Tic-Tac-Toe

New Card Design by
Kimberly Bower featuring
A Little Sunshine stamp set
Design Challenge: Color Dare #315: Tic-Tac-Toe

Welcome to this week's Color My Heart Color Challenge! This week for Color Dare #315 we are challenging you to a TicTacToe. Choose three colors in a row.

Just a few notes: We use CTMH color names for reference, however, you are welcome to use any products as long as you match closest to the colors in the challenge. Also, we have new guidelines on neutral colors: White, Cream, Black, Gray, Kraft and Brown(s) are free to use; however if they are included in the challenge graphic they MUST be used in your creation. Also, make a note not to use any additional colors beyond those on the color palette.

My card design:


For my card design, I used Nectarine, Lemon and Black, plus Gold and Candy Apple. I inked the design with Lemon and Black. I added a 1" strip of Nectarine B&T from our Hello Pumpkin paper pack and then placed the Black Shimmer Ribbon along the inner edge of the Nectarine strip. I embellished the card with some red gems.

Now it is your turn to create! Just create a project (card, layout or other craft project) using this week's colors. Then link them to the Color My Heart Blog ~ Color Dare #315. The full details on how to join the fun are in the sidebar of our homepage. You have two weeks to create and enter this challenge. For this Color Dare Challenge, you have until Thursday November 1, 2018 at 10:00 p.m. EST to submit your project. We love to see your inspiring projects!

Stay creative and continue to share kindness along the way,
Kimberly

Close To My Heart products:
Other Close To My Heart supplies used:
Want to make this card? Let's go shopping! Want help with assembly? Let's do a Facebook Live! Just let me know.

If you are not already working with a consultant, I'd be honored to earn your business. If you'd like to enjoy the added privileges of being a consultant, I can show you how. Check out the labeled tabs for more details. You can also contact me via comment or email.

Tuesday, October 16, 2018

Holiday Sparkle - CTMH Technique Blog Hop

New Shaker Card design by
Kimberly Bower featuring
Holiday Sparkle Cut Above Card Kit

Holiday Sparkle - CTMH Technique Blog Hop

Welcome to our Holiday Sparkle and Seasons of Joy Blog Hop. I'm so glad you're here! If you're here from Melinda Everitt's blog, you're on the right path. This hop is a great big circle so you can start here and work your way around. When you get back to me you'll know that you've seen all of the creative ideas offered through this month's blog hop. There are 14 participating consultants so you're bound to be inspired by the time you complete the hop. You can continue the hop by clicking on the links provided in each post. Should you get lost along the way, there is a list of participants here.

This blog is showcasing CTMH's Holiday Sparkle and Seasons of Joy Cricut Collection. I selected to feature our Holiday Sparkle Cut Above Card Kit. Here's a look at the stamp set and bundle:



My design showcases ways to personalize your design beyond the holidays. I want to assure you that if you purchase this kit and later discover you have purchased too many holiday cards, there are so many fabulous uses for shaker card bases beyond the holidays. Here's how to make my version of the Holiday Sparkle card:

Shaker Assembly:

1) Select a photo to feature in the shaker portion of your card.
 2) Use the Thin Cuts: Shaker Window & Confetti and your Cuttlebug or other die-cutting machine. Cut the photo using the 3" circle. Cut heart-shaped confetti out of other portions of the photo that will bring the colors of the photo into your shaker. You can either use one of the ring stickers from the kit for the top of your shaker, or use another portion of the photo that was cut away like I did in my design.
3) Glue your photo on top of the circle on your card base. I knew I was adding shells to my shaker card and didn't want them to damage the photo so I used two acetate circles. I put one acetate circle above the photo but beneath the shaker filling. The second acetate circle is above the Shaker Window Foam (which can also be purchased separately from the kit, if desired). 
4) Attach the Shaker Window Foam. I used a double layer of foam to accommodate the size of the shells I added to my design. Use the anti-static pouch around the inside edges of the foam and the base of your shaker window to minimize any static inside your shaker window.
5) Add the silver loose sequins, the heart confetti, a few small shells and a bit of beach sand (if desired) into the shaker 'pool'.
6) Remove the film from the clear acetate. Attach the clear acetate to the top of your foam ring.
7) Using Liquid Glass, attach the cover ring of your shaker, or use one of the stickers in your Cut Above Kit.

Card assembly:

1) I wrapped some twine around the outside of the shaker two times and then tied a knot.
2) I used the Decorative Thin Cuts and cut two tassels out of Pomegranate cardstock. I rolled the tassels with my quilling tool, adding small dots of glue as I went. I slipped the twine on each end through the top ring of each tassel. I added the teal and heart charms and knotted the twine. Finally, I tied a bow and trimmed the ends.
3) I used the back of the punch out greeting and the stamp that came in the bundle to stamp the sentiment on my card in Lagoon ink. I used the mini hearts from the same stamp set and stamped them in random places on the strip of cardstock around the sentiment. 
4) Attach a 1.5"x5" strip of lagoon across the bottom of the card. 
5) Attach Red Shimmer Trim at top of lagoon strip.
6) Attach sentiment using foam dots to add dimension. 
Enjoy! 

I would love it if you'd share your thoughts in a comment before continuing with our hop. For a detailed list of products used, please scroll past my signature line. Your next stop along this hop is Alyson Mayo's blog so hop on over and see what wonderful creation she has for you today.

Stay creative and continue to share kindness along the way,
Kimberly

Close To My Heart products: 
Exclusive My Acrylix Ink: Lagoon
Cardstock: Pomegranate and Lagoon
Bundled Cut Above Card Kit: Holiday Sparkle Bundle

Other Close To My Heart supplies used: 
Bone Folder (to fold card, and press foam tape down) 
Liquid Glass (to adhere clear acetate)
My Acrylix Spritz Cleanser and Stamp Scrubber (care and maintenance of stamps) 
Tweezers (to place small pieces/embellishments on card) 

Want to make this? Let's go shopping! Want help with assembly? Let's do a Facebook Live! Just let me know.

If you are not already working with a consultant, I'd be honored to earn your business. If you'd like to enjoy the added privileges of being a consultant, I can show you how. Check out the labeled tabs for more details. You can also contact me via comment or email.

Monday, October 15, 2018

Paste-fully Creative - CTMH Technique Blog Hop

New Card Design by Kimberly Bower
featuring Boutique Scrapbooking stamp,
Texture Paste, and Silver Tinsel
Embossing Powder
Paste-fully Creative -
CTMH Technique Blog Hop
Paste-fully Creative - CTMH Technique Blog Hop

Welcome to our monthly Technique Blog Hop. I'm so glad you're here! If you're here from Darlys Recker's blog, you're on the right path. This hop is a great big circle so you can start here and work your way around. When you get back to me you'll know that you've seen all of the creative ideas offered through this month's blog hop. There are 17 participating consultants so you're bound to be inspired by the time you complete the hop. You can continue the hop by clicking on the links provided in each post. If you'd like to see the full participant list, you can find that on Melissa's blog, My Heartfelt Sentiments.

Boutique - Scrapbooking stamp set
Boutique Deluxe Bundle (texture paste,
stencil sheets, palette knives
)
Here's how to make this card:
  1. Begin with one of our White Daisy card bases.
  2. Stamp the sentiment in Bluebird ink.
  3. Cut stencil design of choice (I used CTMH Artistry CartridgeBackground - #M418A41).
  4. Using painter's tape, affix stencil on top of card.
  5. Using palette knife, put texture paste into stencil openings as desired.
  6. Using side of palette knife, smooth paste across opening and remove excess paste. Allow paste to dry.
  7. Using Versamark and small flower stamp, stamp flower in center of each design made in texture paste.
  8. Apply Silver Tinsel Embossing Powder to each flower.
  9. Use heat gun to emboss flowers.
  10. Enjoy!
I would love it if you'd share your thoughts in a comment before continuing with our hop. For a detailed list of products used, please scroll past my signature line. Your next stop along this hop is Catherine Nowak's blog so hop on over and see what wonderful creation she has for you today.

Stay creative and continue to share kindness along the way,
Kimberly

Close To My Heart products:
Other Close To My Heart supplies used:
Want to make this? Let's go shopping! Want help with assembly? Let's do a Facebook Live! Just let me know.

If you are not already working with a consultant, I'd be honored to earn your business. If you'd like to enjoy the added privileges of being a consultant, I can show you how. Check out the labeled tabs for more details. You can also contact me via comment or email.

Monday, October 8, 2018

Design Challenge: Atlantic Hearts Sketch #285

New Card Design by Kimberly Bower
inspired by AHSC Design #285

Design Challenge: Atlantic Hearts Sketch #285

Here's a new card I made today to inspire you to join in the Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge #285. Feel free to gather inspiration from this week's sketch plus all the other Design Team artwork in order to create your own project. As always, your project does NOT have to be a card. It can be absolutely anything as long as you incorporate this week's sketch in some way.

Here is this week's sketch:


My card details:

I went c-r-a-z-y with bling on this card. I hope the recipient will really feel the sentiment through my crafting. Here are a few close-up photos:





This Challenge will be open until Sunday night, October 14, at 11:59pm Atlantic Standard Time (10:59pm EST, 9:59pm CST, 8:59pm MST, 7:59pm PST). We hope that you will find the time to play along!

Guidelines for entering can be found here.

Stay creative and continue to share kindness along the way,
Kimberly

Thursday, October 4, 2018

Design Challenge: Color Dare #313: Sugarplum, Fern, Eggplant

New Card Design by 
Kimberly Bower featuring 
CTMH's October SOTM
Design Challenge: Color Dare #313: Sugarplum, Fern, Eggplant

Welcome to this week's Color My Heart Color Challenge! This week for Color Dare #313 we are challenging you to use the three pictured colors: Sugarplum, Fern and Eggplant.

Just a few notes:

  1. We use CTMH color names for reference, however, you are welcome to use any products as long as you match closest to the colors in the challenge. 
  2. We have new guidelines on neutral colors: White, Cream, Black, Gray, Kraft and Brown(s) are free to use; however if they are included in the challenge graphic they MUST be used in your creation. 
  3. Please do not use any additional colors beyond those on this week's color palette.

My card design:


This card design has a few layers. The base layer of cardstock is Fern. I cut it to standard A2 size: 5.5" x 4.25". The next layer of cardstock is Ballerina. I cut it to 5.25" x 4". I then used the scalloped thin cut from the Thin Cuts - Decorative Borders set on the top edge to mirror the shape of the central heart design. I attached the Ballerina to the Fern with the bottom and side edges even.

For the dimensional heart, I used both the Thin Cuts - Basic Hearts and Thin Cuts - Stitched Hearts to cut out hearts in assorted sizes from Eggplant and Ballerina cardstock (Somehow, I actually don't have Sugarplum on hand at the moment). I inked up the 'full heart' stamp from October's SOTM: Thanks & Giving in Eggplant and stamped on watercolor paper. I then used the smallest size stitched heart to cut out this stamped image. I layered the hearts and centered them in the center of the Ballerina layer. 

Next, I used Fern ink to stamp the floral spray and Ballerina ink to stamp the word 'thankful' and the three small hearts onto the Ballerina cardstock. I used watercolor pencils to color the leaves and marker to color the flowers. I embellished the flower centers with Bitty Sparkles. I added to the dimensional effect by attaching the heart with 3-D foam circles. I also dabbed the side and bottom edges in the ink for color. I used the fern-colored watercolor pencil to frame the hearts and to add mock stitching along the bottom and side edges. I used 3-D foam circles to attach the Ballerina layer to the Fern layer. For a detailed list of products used, please scroll past my signature line. 

Now it is your turn to create! Just create a project (card, layout or other craft project) using this week's colors. Then link them to the Color My Heart Blog ~ Color Dare #311. The full details on how to join the fun are in the sidebar of our homepage. You have two weeks to create and enter this challenge. For this Color Dare Challenge, you have until Thursday, October 18, 2018 at 10:00 p.m. EST to submit your project. We love to see your inspiring projects!

Stay creative and continue to share kindness along the way,
Kimberly

Close To My Heart products:
Other Close To My Heart supplies used:
Want to make this card? Let's go shopping! Want help with assembly? Let's do a Facebook Live! Just let me know.

If you are not already working with a consultant, I'd be honored to earn your business. If you'd like to enjoy the added privileges of being a consultant, I can show you how. Check out the labeled tabs for more details. You can also contact me via comment or email.

Monday, October 1, 2018

Blog Hop: October CTMH Stamp of the Month - Thanks & Giving

New A2 Card Design by
Kimberly Bower using September
SOTM and Grateful Heart and
Seasons Mix-In paper packs


Welcome to our Stamp of the Month Blog Hop. I'm so glad you're here! If you're here from Alyson Mayo's blog, you're on the right path. This hop is a great big circle so you can start here and work your way around. When you get back to me you'll know that you've seen all of the creative ideas offered through this month's blog hop. There are 23 participating consultants so you're bound to be inspired by the time you complete the hop. If you'd like to see the full list, you can find that on Melinda's blog: If You Bling It

This month we are featuring October's Stamp of the Month: Thanks & Giving.


If you love this stamp set, you will want to be sure to purchase it this month as it is only available during the month of October. Once you add $50 of qualifying products to your shopping cart you will see an option below the cart to add this special stamp for only $5.00.

Here's a closer look at my card design:


I cut the stamp 'HOME' apart so I could position the letters on a saffron circle that would fit within the floral wreath stamp. I used our Gold Shimmer Brush on the inner circle. I used our Princess Gold Embossing Powder for the rest of the phrase 'SWEET HOME' under the wreath after preparing the area with our anti-static pouch. I used our Thin Cuts for interest on the roof edge and raised the lower edge with 3D Foam Tape. 


I fussy cut pumpkins for the front porch from a Grateful Heart PML card. I used the tail end of the arrow on the stamp set as a stem and leaves for my flower. I stamped the flower in nectarine and the border of the flower in pomegranate. I used my gold Cricut Metallic Pen around the edges and as a second border around the flower. I used Clear Super Fine Embossing Powder on the pumpkins to add some shine. I used a gold pearl dot for the doorknob. The Sapphire triangle in the upper right hand corner represents the sky and the polka-dotted fern rectangle represents the lawn.

Finally, here's a peek inside:


I hope you enjoyed all of the design elements. Which part is your favorite? If you have any questions on my card design, please ask in the comments. I will answer each one. For a detailed listing of the products used, just scroll past my signature line. Your next stop along this hop is Haley Dyer's blog so hop on over and see what wonderful creation she has for you today.

Stay creative and continue to share kindness along the way,
Kimberly

Close To My Heart products:
Other Close To My Heart supplies used:
Want to make this card? Let's go shopping! Want help with assembly? Let's do a Facebook Live! Just let me know.

If you are not already working with a consultant, I'd be honored to earn your business. If you'd like to enjoy the added privileges of being a consultant, I can show you how. Check out the labeled tabs for more details. You can also contact me via comment or email.

Tuesday, September 25, 2018

Design Challenge: Atlantic Hearts Sketch #283

New Mini Paper Bag Treat or Tea Bag Holder
by Kimberly Bower using September SOTM
Design Challenge: Atlantic Hearts Sketch #283

Here's a new design I put together today to inspire you to join in the Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge #283. Feel free to gather inspiration from this week's sketch plus all the other Design Team artwork in order to create your own project. As always, your project does NOT have to be a card. It can be absolutely anything as long as you incorporate this week's sketch in some way.

Here is this week's sketch:


If you're looking for a fun way to present a small gift of a tea bag or something similar in size, this little gift bag might just be the ticket. It was so much fun to put together. I used CTMH's 'September Stamp of the Month: Just Treats' and 'Hello Pumpkin' papers. Here's a look at the removable tag next to the embellished mini brown paper bag. So cute, right?


This Challenge will be open until Sunday night, September 30, at 11:59pm Atlantic Standard Time (10:59pm EST, 9:59pm CST, 8:59pm MST, 7:59pm PST). We hope that you will find the time to play along!

Guidelines for entering can be found here.

I'm also linking up this card to this month's Heart2Heart Challenge: Ribbon.


Stay creative and continue to share kindness along the way,
Kimberly

Sunday, September 23, 2018

New Card Design: 'Congratulations on your achievement' featuring Grateful Heart Cardmaking stamp set

New Card Design: 'Congratulations on your achievement' featuring Grateful Heart Cardmaking stamp set

This month, Close To My Heart released the brand new 2018 Holiday Expressions catalog. You can view the entire catalog online here. Also, if you place an order of any size, Close To My Heart will send you a catalog for free. Just look for the spot to add it to your order. I love using the photos in the catalog to inspire my own creations. 


Today's design features our Grateful Heart - Cardmaking stamp set, the stamp set from Artfully Sent Cricut Collection and our Boutique Paper Packet. Here's a look at these three items:
Grateful Heart - Cardmaking stamp set

Cricut Collection: Artfully Sent

Boutique Paper Pack
My design:

For this design, I started with the gorgeous butterfly stamp. I inked it up in Archival Black, colored it with watercolor pencils, used a waterbrush to blend the colors, embellished with my clear Shimmer Brush and then heat embossed it with clear embossing powder and Versamark. I inked the flowers along the bottom in Nectarine and the leaves on the side in Glacier. I added a fussy-cut strip of the patterned paper so two lines of text would show above and below the black/gold ribbon which I attached using mini staples. The final touches were one black enamel gem on the butterfly's head and three gold glitter gems. For details on specific products used, scroll past my signature line.

I am also submitting this card to the following design challenges:

  1. Double Trouble Challenge #10 calls for three colors and a stamped image. 
  2. The Double Trouble #10 optional challenge calls to enter the design into the Brown Sugar Challenge #282: "All Creatures Great and Small"
  3. One of this month's Heart2Heart Challenges calls for ribbon so this card will fit right in.

Well, that's what I have for today. I hope you enjoyed reading about my design process. Stay creative and continue to share kindness along the way,
Kimberly

Close To My Heart products:
Other Close To My Heart supplies used:
Want to make this? Let's go shopping! Want help with assembly? Let's do a Facebook Live! Just let me know.

If you are not already working with a consultant, I'd be honored to earn your business. If you'd like to enjoy the added privileges of being a consultant, I can show you how. Check out the labeled tabs for more details. You can also contact me via comment or email.