Purposeful Plastic - CTMH Technique Blog Hop

Purposeful Plastic - CTMH Technique Blog Hop

Welcome to our CTMH Technique Blog Hop where we're using Close To My Heart products in our featured artwork. I'm so glad you're here! If you're here from Valerie Kapsha'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 by clicking on the links in each post. If you'd like to see the full participant list, you can find that on Melissa's blog, My Heartfelt Sentiments.

Our focus this month is in sharing ways to incorporate Flip Flaps in your artwork in a creative and fun way to show their valuable uses. My project is a mini album. I used 3" x 4" Flip Flaps, Documented Paper Pack, a sheet of Peacock cardstock for the base, and two sheets of Blossom cardstock for the mats. Embellishments include Black Shimmer Trim, the Eggplant and Gold ribbon from the Enchantment Ribbon Pack, Gold Sequins, and Documented Dots. Here is a view of the back of the fully open album.

The next photos show the inside of the album laid flat. In the first photo, the flip flaps are closed. You see a door and the PML card, "Every day greatness."

In this photo, flip flaps are 
closed. Space for two photos
is visible. Also, the flap to the
pocket is open on the left side
of the photo.

In this next photo, the flip flaps are open revealing space for four 2-1/2" x 3-1/2" photos.

In this photo, flip flaps are
open revealing space for
four 2-1/2" x 3-1/2" photos.

The first step to make this mini album is to score a sheet of 12x12 paper for your base. I used Peacock. The photo will show the score lines:

This photo shows the score lines and where
to trim off between the score lines.

This photo shows the one additional score
line I added from Sis Patterson's mini album I
used as inspiration at PaperCraftsScissors.com

Here is a close up of the directions to
cut the flap that is above the pocket.

Next, cut and glue your mats for each section of the album. See photo for measurements.

 

Finally, add your choice of 3x4 patterned paper on top of each mat. Tuck the flip flaps under the Blossom mats on the left side before gluing down the left side of the mat. This helps give a finished look to your album.

I'd love for you to leave a comment before you head to Vandra Stenton's blog, the next stop along this hop.

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

Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge #277: Design Team Post

Card Designed by Kimberly Bower,
inspired by AHSC #277 by Michelle Stewart

Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge #277: 

Design Team Post 

I made a new card to inspire you to join in our Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge #277. 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.

AHSC #277

All products are from Close To My Heart. I used linen patterned cardstock from Basics Fundamentals and small cuts of Eggplant and Peacock pulled from coordinating paper packs. I used 'In My Heart' stamp set (B1607) for the sentiment, "Your kindness means so much". I added a section of ribbon with the word 'thoughtful' and eggplant ribbon with a center gold strip. Finally, I added glitter gems and the gold heart clip as embellishments. Here are a couple close-ups:

This Challenge will be open until Sunday night, August 19, 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.

Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge #277

I'm also linking up this card to the following challenges:

Color Dare #304 which calls for Peacock, Linen, and Eggplant, and

Heart2Heart Challenge: Lovely Layers

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

New Card Design for Color Dare #302, H2H Duly Noted, Double Trouble Challenges

New 'Congratulations On Your
New Home' Card Design by
Kimberly Bower (@gladeslibrarian)

 New Card Design for Challenges:

Color Dare #302,
Heart2Heart Challenge: Duly Noted, 

and Double Trouble #6

This post shares a new card I designed for three challenges. First, the Color Dare Challenge #302 calls for the use of Glacier, Mink and Bashful. Aren't they pretty together? Next, the first Heart2Heart Challenge for August has a theme of Duly Noted. I believe that life transitions can be celebrated with keepsakes like a special card celebrating a new home. Wouldn't you agree?

Third, 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 or Color Dare Challenge. I linked this project to both! Thing 3's optional addition suggests decorating the inside of the card. To meet this part of the challenge, I used the cactus and scalloped border from a set of CTMH Prickly Pear Complements to frame the inside of the card. Done, done and done!

Here are some additional photos showing the full frontal view of the card and the card's interior. I made sure to leave room for the sender to document their excitement on the news of a friend's new home.

Full frontal view of card
design shown on CTMH mat

There's a little bit of
#ThrowbackThursday
in this photo showing
Prickly Pear Compliments
on the interior of the card.

Here are the products I used to create this card:

Close To My Heart cardstock colors used:

• Central Park Paper Packet (Mink: map print card overlay, Bashful: house (fussy-cut)
• Central Park Coordinating Cardstock (Mink: tags on card and frame behind house, Glacier: card overlay and tag frame, White Daisy: card base)

Other Close To My Heart supplies used:

• I Made This stamp set (Congratulations sentiment)
• Coordinating Thin Cuts - Basic Tags (retired)
• Many Congratulations stamp set ('on your' and 'new home' sentiments)
• June SOTM: Classic Summer Bash (dotted lines on top of card) Suggested alternate: Marvy® Uchida® LePen™ Journaling Pen
• Documented Dots (Bashful dots on tags, door, and cactus flower)
• Prickly Pear Complements (Cactus on front and inside of card, border on top edge inside card. This item is on Clearance for $1.75 at time of posting)
• Thin 3-D Foam Tape (behind the sentiments on card front)
• Bone Folder (to fold card, and press foam tape down)
• Bonding Memories Dual Action Glue Pen
• Micro-tip Scissors
• Acrylix Exclusive Stamp Pads in Charcoal
• My Acrylix Spritz Cleanser and Stamp Scrubber (care and maintenance of stamps)
• Tweezers (to place embellishments on card)

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 and Double Trouble.

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

Blog Hop: August CTMH Stamp of the Month - For the Love of Crafting

Blog Hop: August CTMH Stamp of the Month

Welcome to our Stamp of the Month Blog Hop. I'm so glad you're here! If you're here from Jen Rubio'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 27 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 August: For the Love of Crafting (S1808). This stamp comes with 9 images celebrating our love of crafting.

August Stamp of the Month

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 August. 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.

'Do What You Love' card created using
CTMH August SOTM: For The Love Of Crafting
and CTMH Documented Paper Pack

I have so many ideas for the beautiful papers in this Documented Paper Pack. This card is my first post using Documented papers, but I'm sure to add more throughout this month. If you'd like to be notified, you can either follow me here or on Instagram at: gladeslibrarian.

To make this card, I began with a white card base. I stamped the typewriter on linen-colored paper using Archival Black because it reminds me of the old-time typewriters that I love. I used our White Daisy pigment ink to stamp the 'Do what you love' heart on the saffron-colored pocket card. I trimmed the eggplant-colored paper to 4.5" x 2.5" and the linen-colored paper to 4.5" x 3" so the entire card front would be covered. I trimmed the saffron-colored pocket card to 3-7/8" x 2-3/4". I saved the trimmed part to add near the bottom of the card just above the 1/2" charcoal-colored zip strip. I finished it off with some Documented Dots to direct the eye from one phrase to another across the card. Did you notice the path? If you need further directions on putting this card together, I'd be happy to assist.

Close To My Heart products:

• Stamp set: August SOTM - For The Love Of Crafting
• Exclusive My Acrylix Inks: White Daisy Pigment, Archival Black
• Paper Pack: Documented
• Cardstock: White Daisy (card base)
• Embellishments: Documented Dots

Other Close To My Heart supplies used:

• Bone Folder (to fold card, and press foam tape down)
• Bonding Memories Dual Action Glue Pen
• Micro-tip Scissors
• My Acrylix Spritz Cleanser and Stamp Scrubber (care and maintenance of stamps)
• Tweezers (to place small pieces/embellishments on card)

I also recommend:

• White Cards and Envelopes Value Pack (easier alternative instead of making your own cards and envelopes with cardstock)

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.

Your next stop along this hop is Melinda Everitt'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

'Thank You' Card for CTMH Fresh Air Fun Challenge Entry and Collage Photo from July Workshop

Thank You Card using Fresh Air
papers and embellishments

'Thank You' Card for CTMH Fresh Air Fun Challenge Entry

and Collage Photo from July Workshop

First, this post shares a Thank You card for Heart2Heart's Fresh Air Fun Challenge. The succulent is the only item that is not CTMH as it was a Cricut 'print and cut' design. I think it goes well with these colors, don't you? This is an A2 card. The papers I used on the card base from top down are 4" x 1.25" (treetops); 4" x 1.5" (light wood grain with arrow); and 4" x 2.5" (horizontal logs).

I have been having so much fun with the Fresh Air papers and embellishments. This card is made from bits and pieces left over from my scrapbook and card-making workshop earlier in the month. I love that you don't have to waste any part of your Workshop Your Way kits. You can just keep creating beautiful things until they are all used up.

Second, here is a collage of some of the scrapbook pages and cards made during the workshop:

Here are the products I used to create this card:

Close To My Heart cardstock colors used:

• Fresh Air Paper Packet (card background layer)
• White Daisy (card base)

Other Close To My Heart supplies used:

• Bone Folder (to fold card, and press foam tape down)
• Bonding Memories Dual Action Glue Pen
• Micro-tip Scissors
• Fresh Air Stamp + Thin Cuts - Cardmaking (sentiment)
• Acrylix Exclusive Stamp Pad in New England Ivy (sentiment)
• New England Ivy Burlap (embellishment)
• My Acrylix Spritz Cleanser and Stamp Scrubber (care and maintenance of stamps)
• Tweezers (to place small pieces/embellishments on card)

Also used:

• Cricut Paper Trimmer
• Cricut 'print and cut' design (Magenta Succulent)

Want to make this card? Let's go shopping! We can even make it together on a Facebook Live, if you'd like. Just let me know.

If you need 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 this and other challenges at Heart2Heart. I'm still new to participating in design challenges and I know I've gotten a lot of great ideas from checking out the other entries and also the past challenges.

Stay creative and continue to share kindness along the way,

Kimberly

Last Call for July Specials: Stamp of the Month - Highlight Reel and Stampaganza - B2G1Free

Last Call for July Specials

Today's the last day to pick up (1) July Stamp of the Month, and (2) Stampaganza - Buy 2 Get 1 Stamp Set Free offers. Want to check them out? Click the captions under each picture for a direct link to each item:

July Stamp of the Month: Highlight Reel

Stampaganza!

Stay creative and continue to share kindness along the way,

Kimberly

Christmas in July Card for Heart2Heart, Double Trouble and SAS4Kids Challenges

Christmas in July Card

Christmas in July Card Challenges:
Heart2Heart: Christmas in July 

Plus Double Trouble Challenge #6

Plus SAS4Kids: Christmas in July

This post shares a three-for-one challenge entry. First, the Heart 2 Heart Challenge: Christmas in July calls for the use of any crafty Christmas supplies and also challenges us to pair up this entry with an entry at Double Trouble's blog. Challenge met!

Second, 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 Heart 2 Heart Challenge. Thing 3's optional addition suggests decorating the inside of the card beyond just the sentiment. To meet this part of the challenge, I used my Cricut Cuttlebug and cut the word 'wonderful' out of a piece of Central Park paper that matches the background paper on the card front. Done, done and done!

Sentiment inside card says 

'Have a wonderful Christmas' 

with the word 'wonderful' 

cut out of CTMH Central Park 

paper using Cuttlebug

Third, Send A Smile 4 Kids Blog is also having a Christmas in July Challenge. I wanted to make a Christmas card that a preteen girl would like so I used my CTMH Rain or Shine Doll Stamp + Thin Cuts to make a girl dressed for a holiday party. The sentiment stamped in the color Glacier on the front of the card says 'All that glitters is snow!" so I wanted to add some glittery elements that would be fun for a young girl. Here's another photo of the outside of the card at another angle so you can possibly see the glittery embellishments in her hair, on her buttons, and representing snow with a blue 'snowflake' flower and silver gem wisps representing the snow's path into her hand.

Here are the products I used to create this card:

Close To My Heart cardstock colors used:

• Central Park Paper Packet (card background layer)
• White Daisy (card base)

Other Close To My Heart supplies used:

• Rain or Shine Paper Doll Stamp + Thin Cuts (doll, dress)
• Gold Glitter Gems (buttons) 
• 3-D Foam Tape (behind the sentiment on card front)
• Bone Folder (to fold card, and press foam tape down)
• Bonding Memories Dual Action Glue Pen
• Micro-tip Scissors
• Acrylix Exclusive Stamp Pads in Charcoal (doll), Glacier (sentiments), New England Ivy (dress)
• Clear Shimmer Brush (in hair)
• Corner Trimmer
• My Acrylix Spritz Cleanser and Stamp Scrubber (care and maintenance of stamps)
• Tweezers (to place 'wonderful' over stamped sentiment)

Also used:

• Watercolor pencils (hair, skin, shoes)
• Recollections Bling Stickers
• Fiskars Many Thanks Stamp Set (sentiment on card front)
• Hero Arts Stamp & Cut Set (sentiment on inside of card)
• Cricut Paper Trimmer

Want to make this card? Let's go shopping! We can even make it together on a Facebook Live, if you'd like. Just let me know.

If you need 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 Heart2Heart, Double Trouble and SAS4Kids. You might enjoy checking out the other entries as well. I'm still new to participating in design challenges and I know I've gotten a lot of great ideas from checking out the past challenges.

Stay creative and continue to share kindness along the way,

Kimberly

Top 3 Badge Earned, Double Trouble Design Challenge #4 and AHSC #272 Sketch Challenge Card Entry

Double Trouble Challenge #4

and AHSC Challenge #272

First, I'm so excited to share that I won a Top 3 Badge in last month's Double Trouble Challenge #3. Here's my shiny new badge:

Top 3 Badge Winners Announced

This post shares a new card I made today for entry into two challenges. First, Double Trouble Challenge #4 calls for a 3-2-1 Recipe using 3 colors, 2 words, and one stamped image plus an added sketch challenge, AHSC Challenge #272. This calls for using the following as a sketch on which to base your own card design:

Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge #272

Close To My Heart cardstock colors used:

• Willow and Blossom prints from the Adventure Fundamental Paper Pack
• White Daisy (card base)

Other Close To My Heart supplies used:

• Poppy Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad 
• Enamel & Glitter Duos Green Triangles
• Bone Folder
• Bonding Memories Dual Action Glue Pen
• Beautiful You Stamp and Thin Cuts
• Thin 3-D Foam Tape

Want to make this card? Let's go shopping!

If you need 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 Double Trouble and AHSC. You might enjoy checking out the other entries as well. This is my first time hearing about the AHSC Challenge. I'm excited to add my card to the challenge. I know I've gotten a lot of great ideas from checking out the past challenges.

Double Trouble Challenge

Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge

Stay creative and continue to share kindness along the way,

Kimberly

Christmas in July: Gate Fold Card Tutorial (With Free Cricut Design Space File)

Christmas in July: Gate Fold Card

Christmas in July: Gate Fold Card Tutorial 

(With Free Cricut Design Space File)

I designed this card for the '2018 Christmas in July' event in the 'Cricut Design Space' Facebook Group. I hope you find time to relax and create beautiful memories with your family and also for yourself.

Photo of card in closed position
with bow tied, ready for envelope

Description:

This project makes one gate fold card that is A2 size (4.25”x5.5”) and an
accompanying envelope.

Finished size:

A2: 4.25” x 5.5”

Materials to Cut:

• Cardstock in red
• Cardstock in white
• Cardstock in patterned print (I used red foil polka dots)

Everything Else:

• Cricut 12x12 StandardGrip Adhesive Cutting Mat
• Cricut Tools Scoring Stylus
• Cricut Fine Point Pen (0.4) in Very Berry
• Cricut Fine Point Pen (0.4) in Midnight Black
• Gold ⅜” satin ribbon, 18 inches
• Permanent photo safe adhesive
• Personal holiday photo hand-trimmed no larger than 4” x 5.25”
• Cricut Cuttlebug, optional
• Coordinating embossing folder, optional
• Adhesive to prevent fraying of ribbon ends (I used Fray-Check)

Preparation:

If you want to alter the project, click “Customize,” then use the tools in
the Edit panel to make changes before you cut. You can either hide my
project notes before printing by clicking ‘Customize’ and clicking the
eyeball, or simply skip those mats if you go directly to ‘Make.’

Cut:

1. Follow the prompts in Design Space to cut the images from the cardstock.
2. Insert the scoring stylus and pens when prompted to do so.

Assemble:

1. Fold envelope cutout on scored lines and glue tabs to form envelope.
2. Fold card along score lines.
3. Glue patterned cardstock on inside and outside flaps of gate fold.
4. Glue only the rectangle portion of the white inner card, centering on the inside of the red outer card.
5. Using photo safe adhesive, glue personal family photo to center of inner white card.
6. Emboss white rectangle used to protect photo while card is in transit, if desired.
7. Thread gold satin ribbon through the ¼” holes cut on the ‘gate’ flaps of the red outer card. Tie a bow. Trim ends of ribbon on the diagonal. Apply an adhesive to the ribbon ends to prevent fraying.

Inside view of gate fold card, with

white cover sheet on the side.

Photo Credit for family photo insert

by Takashi Hososhima

Click this link to go to Cricut Design Space: 

2018 Christmas in July, Kimberly Bower, Gate Fold Card

Photo Credit:

By Takashi Hososhima from Tokyo, Japan - Merry Christmas from Danbo family, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=40589151