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

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:

• Stamp sets: A Little Sunshine
• Exclusive My Acrylix Inks: Lemon and Black
• Paper Pack: Hello Pumpkin
• Embellishments: Black Shimmer Ribbon and Red Gems

Other Close To My Heart supplies used:

• Bone Folder (to fold card, and press foam tape down)
• Bonding Memories Dual Action Glue Pen
• Duck Easy Stick permanent adhesive tape runner
• Micro-tip Scissors
• My Acrylix Spritz Cleanser and Stamp Scrubber (care and maintenance of stamps)
• Tweezers (to place small pieces/embellishments on card)
• White Cards and Envelopes Value Pack 

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.

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:

• Stamp sets: October SOTM: Thanks & Giving
• Exclusive Inks: Ballerina, Eggplant and Fern
• Cardstock: Ballerina, Eggplant and Fern
• Embellishments: Bitty Sparkles
• Thin Cuts: Basic Hearts, Stitched Hearts, and Decorative Borders

Other Close To My Heart supplies used:

• Bone Folder (to fold card, and press foam tape down)
• Bonding Memories Dual Action Glue Pen
• Liquid Glass
• Duck Easy Stick permanent adhesive tape runner
• Thin 3-D Foam Dots
• Micro-tip Scissors
• My Acrylix Spritz Cleanser and Stamp Scrubber (care and maintenance of stamps)
• Tweezers (to place small pieces/embellishments on card)
• White Cards and Envelopes Value Pack 

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.

Design Challenge: Color Dare #311: Ballerina, Saffron, Peacock

Design Challenge: Color Dare #311: Ballerina, Saffron, Peacock

Welcome to this week's Color My Heart Color Challenge! This week for Color Dare #311 we are challenging you to use the three pictured colors: Ballerina, Saffron, and Peacock (with optional Gold).

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:

For my card design, I used my 2" Basic Circle Thin Cut and cut out 6 circles of B&T (patterned paper) from the Seasons Mix-In Paper Pack. I folded and shaped each of 5 circles to resemble a flower petal and glued them onto the 6th circle. I fussy cut one of the saffron gold shapes from the Boutique paper pack for the center of the flower. I embellished the center with three gold glitter gems. I added to the dimensional effect by attaching the flower with foam circles. I used three large foam dots in the center and one small foam dot behind each petal. I used gold embossing powder to place the sentiment, 'hello friend' in the lower right corner of the card. This sentiment is in the Grateful Heart cardmaking stamp set. 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 4, 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:

• Stamp sets: Grateful Heart - Cardmaking
• Inks: Versamark
• Paper Pack: Seasons Mix-In and Boutique 
• Cardstock: Peacock
• Embellishments: Gold Glitter Gems
• Thin Cuts: Basic Circles

Other Close To My Heart supplies used:

• Bone Folder (to fold card, and press foam tape down)
• Bonding Memories Dual Action Glue Pen
• Liquid Glass
• Duck Easy Stick permanent adhesive tape runner
• Thin 3-D Foam Dots
• Micro-tip Scissors
• My Acrylix Spritz Cleanser and Stamp Scrubber (care and maintenance of stamps)
• Tweezers (to place small pieces/embellishments on card)
• White Cards and Envelopes Value Pack 

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.

Design Challenge: Color Dare #309: Twisted Tic-Tac-Toe Farewell to Retired Colors

Design Challenge: Color Dare #309: Twisted Tic-Tac-Toe Farewell to Retired Colors

Welcome to this week's Color My Heart Color Challenge! This week for Color Dare #309 we are challenging you to a Twisted TicTacToe. Choose three or more of your favorite retired Close To My Heart (CTMH) colors. For this challenge, you do not need to select column, row or diagonal.

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 Pattern 23 on page 50 of CTMH's Make It From Your Heart, Vol. 4. Using the pattern makes it so much easier to jump start your own creations. I used retired cardstock in Juniper, Blossom and Cranberry, plus the rose B&T paper from the Adventure Fundamentals Paper Pack. I inked the design with Cranberry, White Daisy and Bashful. I used the largest 3-layer rose and the leaf stamps from Beautiful You Stamp + Thin Cuts and the 2.5" circle from the Thin Cuts - Basic Circles set. I added a 1/2" strip of Cranberry cardstock and then placed the White Shimmer Trim just beneath the Cranberry strip.

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 #309. 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 September 20, 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:

• Stamp sets: Beautiful You Stamp Set + Thin Cuts
• Exclusive My Acrylix Inks: Cranberry, Charcoal, White Daisy, Bashful
• Paper Pack: Adventure Fundamentals 
• Cardstock: Cranberry, Juniper, and Blossom
• Embellishments: White Shimmer Trim
• Thin Cuts: Beautiful You Stamp Set + Thin Cuts and Basic Circles

Other Close To My Heart supplies used:

• Bone Folder (to fold card, and press foam tape down)
• Bonding Memories Dual Action Glue Pen
• Duck Easy Stick permanent adhesive tape runner
• Thin 3-D Foam Dots
• Micro-tip Scissors
• My Acrylix Spritz Cleanser and Stamp Scrubber (care and maintenance of stamps)
• Tweezers (to place small pieces/embellishments on card)
• White Cards and Envelopes Value Pack 
• Make It From Your Heart, Volume 4

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.

Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge #279 Design Team

Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge #279 Design Team

Here's a new card I made today to inspire you to join in the Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge #279. 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:

For this card, I cut a 5.5" x 4.25" base of solid Saffron cardstock. I cut two pieces of the Heather brick patterned cardstock from CTMH's Documented paper pack to 4" x 2" and one piece of patterned New England Ivy from our Fresh Air Bulk Paper pack to 4" x 1.25". Next, I added a strip of Gold Shimmer Trim. The mat was cut to 3" x 3.5" in a solid New England Ivy and topped with a 2.75" x 3.25" solid Saffron. I used Exclusive Inks in Saffron and our 'Memories in the Making -- Days' stamp set to add the accent pieces behind the Operation Smile -- Punny Pals stamp set dog and 'Yappy Birthday' sentiment. I stamped the dog and sentiment using our Archival Black so I could use watercolor pencils to color the dog. I used our Exclusive Inks in Charcoal and a dauber to dab around the edges of the dog. I used one large 3-D Foam Dot behind the dog's head and one small 3-D Foam Dot behind the dog's body to secure him to the card. I used 3-D Foam Tape to secure the sentiment. I added two New England Ivy dots and one Gold Glitter Gem to complete the card.

This Challenge will be open until Sunday night, September 2, 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 the following challenges:
1) Color My Heart Color Dare #306 which calls for New England Ivy, Heather and Saffron with optional Gold,

2) Double Trouble Challenge #8: Summer Happy Birthday which celebrates Twisted Sister's birthday, adds optional glitter and a double dare link up to:

3) Pause Dream Enjoy: Summer Birthday Party, and

4) Send A Smile 4 Kids Challenge which hosts an anything goes 4 kids card challenge and collects cards for children in hospital settings.

Stay creative and continue to share kindness along the way,

Kimberly

Free Handmade Card Offer (August) of New 'Encouragement' Card designed by Kimberly Bower

New 'Encouragement' Card
Design by Kimberly Bower

New Card Design for Challenges:

Color Dare #303,
Heart2Heart Challenge: Duly Noted, 

Double Trouble #6,
Calling All Sistahs #15,
and Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge #275

This post shares a new card I designed for five challenges. First, the Color Dare Challenge #303 calls for the use of Central Park colors. Bingo! I was able to use all colors except for the black. Aren't they pretty together? 

Next, the first Heart2Heart Challenge for August has a theme of Duly Noted. I believe that we should always be encouraging of one another and sharing a card with a friend can be just the thing to let them know that you see them and that you care. Being present and noting things happening in the lives of others is important. Wouldn't you agree?

Third, Calling All Sistahs Challenge #15 provides this photo for color and/or photo inspiration. I was inspired by the both the colors and the round shape of the balls in my design.

Fourth, Double Trouble issues the "Something Anything Everything" Challenge. By the way, I don't think it was coincidence that the wandering dog had "trouble" on his name tag, do you? Thing 2 suggests a link back to a Heart2Heart, Color Dare, Three Amigos and/or Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge. I linked this project all four! Done, done, done and done!

Finally, Atlantic Heart Sketch Challenge #275 provides the following sketch for inspiration:

Special offer for August: Do you know someone who needs this card? Here's my private August offer: Place a $25 order (before shipping/handling) on my website during the month of August and I will mail this card to you complete with a stamped envelope for you to forward to the friend you wish to encourage. Questions? Just ask!

Here are the Close To My Heart products I used to create this card:

• Central Park Paper Packet (Mink: map print card overlay, Bashful: house (fussy-cut)
• Be You ('Be Bold, Be Brave, Be You' sentiment)
• Doily Wishes (B1593: Hostess Rewards Stamp Set)
• Bone Folder (to fold card, and press foam tape down)
• Bonding Memories Dual Action Glue Pen
• Micro-tip Scissors
• Acrylix Exclusive Stamp Pads in Poppy and Pacifica
• My Acrylix Spritz Cleanser and Stamp Scrubber (care and maintenance of stamps)

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 happy to help. 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.

Be sure to check out the challenges at Color Dare, Heart2Heart, Double Trouble, Calling All Sistahs, and Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge.

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