White Pines Australasian Blog Hop

Hello and welcome aboard our Close To My Heart White Pines Australasian Blog Hop. If you have arrived here from Wendy's Expressions of the Heart, then you are in the right place. If you landed here by accident, no problem, please join in by following the link at the end of this post. 

White Pines is a fresh and fabulous Collection created by Close To My Heart that features in the new 2015- 2016 Annual Inspirations Idea Book.  The White Pines range includes the White Pines Paper Packet, White Pines Workshops on the Go Scrapbooking Kit, White Pines Workshops on the Go Cardmaking Kit, Picture My Life White Pines Scrapbooking Program, White Pines Assortment and White Pines Complements which work on their own, or together, to create stunning colour coordinated scrapbook, card making and off-the page projects quickly and easily.

Today, I would like to share with you cards that I have created featuring paper from the new White Pines Paper Packet.  This Paper Packet includes 6 sheets of double-side B&T (Background and Texture) Paper and 6 sheets of coordinating Cardstock.  The colours featured in the White Pines Paper Packet include Champagne, Chocolate, Cranberry, Fern, Colonial White and Glacier.

I love the CTMH Wishes Card Confidence Program.  This great how-to book by Jeanette Lynton has 162 pages filled with hundreds of ideas for creative card designs.  It's the first place I go when I am looking for a new card idea or if I am struggling to come up with my own design.  One of my favourite features of this fabulous book are the card workshops.  The Just because card workshop on pages 68- 73, includes a cutting guide, layout and assembly instructions and sample finished cards for creating 20 cards; 2 each of 10 different designs.  I thought this workshop would be perfect for creating quick, simple and visually stunning Christmas Cards using the White Pines Paper Packet.

I have also used the gorgeous White Pines Complements and some of the White Pines PML (Picture My Life) Cards to add further decorative element to the cards as I decided to create these cards without any stamping. 

Here are my 20 cards created with 3 sheets of Cardstock and 3 sheets of B&T Paper from the White Pines Paper Packet, White Pines Complements and about 5 White Pines PML Cards.  What do you think?  Are they fun and festive?   

You might notice that I have embossed some of the Cardstock with the new Confetti Embossing Folder and Confetti Stars Embossing Folder for added texture and interest.  I have also used Clear Sparkles, Red Enamel Gems and bows from the Gold Fundamental Assortment to add a bit of bling to my cards.

Thank you for visiting my Blog to check out my cards featuring some of the products from the gorgeous White Pines collection.  I would love it if you would leave a comment below before you hop to the next stop on our White Pines Australasian Blog Hop, Lauren's CTMH Craftings to see more creative ways to use the White Pines Paper Collection.

Remember, you can purchase any of the gorgeous White Pines products used to create these cards from your CTMH Independent Consultant.

Until next time!

Warmest crafting wishes,

Denise :)

Urban Australasian Blog Hop

Hello and welcome aboard our Close To My Heart Urban Australasian Blog Hop. If you have arrived here from Shaunna's Blog Passionate About Pages, then you are in the right place. If you landed here by accident, no problem, please join in by following the link at the end of this post. 

Urban is a grungy and gritty paper collection created by Close To My Heart that features in the new 2015- 2016 Annual Inspirations Idea Book.  The Urban range includes the Urban Paper Packet, Urban Workshops on the Go Scrapbooking Kit, Urban Assortment and Urban Complements, which work on their own, or together, to create stunning colour-coordinated page layouts, cards and off-the page projects quickly and easily.

Today, I would like to share with you a set of six cards that I have created featuring the new Urban Paper Packet.  This Paper Packet includes 6 sheets of double-side B&T (Background and Texture) Paper and 6 sheets of coordinating Cardstock.  The colours featured in the Urban Paper Packet include Peacock, Saffron, Sapphire, Champagne, Saddle, Slate and Whisper.

I love our Workshops on the Go Cardmaking Kits! At the moment we have two Cardmaking Kits available- Kaleidoscope and White Pines.  When made up, the cards from both kits are just adorable!  To give you an example, here are the three card designs from the Kaleidoscope WotG Cardmaking Kit (the kit makes 5 of each design, creating 15 cards altogether):

So you are probably thinking: Well, she's finally lost it! First she's talking about the Urban Paper Packet and now she's talking about the Kaleidoscope WotG Cardmaking Kit!  Trust me, this is going somewhere... 

I love the cards from this kit; they are just so sweet, feature such pretty colours and are completely perfect for girls! But what about the guys I hear you ask?  Exactly, I answer!

I used the Instructional Guide from the Kaleidoscope WotG Cardmaking Kit with B&T Paper and Cardstock from the Urban Paper Packet, Shimmer Trim in Gold, Silver and Bronze and Grey Enamel Gems and followed the cutting guide and assembly instructions to create a set of decorative card bases. 

I then used the exclusive stamp set that comes in the Kaleidoscope WotG Cardmaking Kit with CTMH Exclusive Inks Stamp Pads in the following coordinating colours- Slate, Saffron, Sapphire, Peacock and Saddle to stamp the images and sentiments and ta-da, a lovely set of cards in colours that are just perfect for giving to males!

You can see that I have created two versions of each of the card designs by using the front and back of the Urban B&T Papers and by using different ink colour combinations.  I like to mix it up like this so that no two cards are exactly the same.

So, what do you think?  Do you like the cards made up with Urban papers and colours?  I know that I was very happy with the result.  The next time you are thinking about making a batch of cards, don't forget to have a look at the WotG Cardmaking Kits.  Once you've made up the 15 cards with the contents of the kit, think about using the Instructional Guide and exclusive stamp set with different paper and colour combinations. You'll be glad that you did!

Thank you for visiting my Blog to check out my cards featuring the gorgeous Urban papers.  I would love it if you would leave a comment below before you hop to the next stop on our Urban Australasian Blog Hop, Lauren's Blog CTMH Craftings to see more creative ways to use the Urban Collection.

Remember, you can purchase any of the Urban products used to create these card projects from your CTMH Independent Consultant.  

Until next time!

Warmest crafting wishes,

Denise :)

Simply Fundamental Scrapbooking Workshop

What are you up to on this beautiful Monday?  Today I'm making these 5 page layouts from the Simply Fundamental Scrapbooking Workshop! Don't you just love how colourful and fun they look?

I'm so excited to be working with the gorgeous Fundamental products and this new cutting guide to create these adorable pages.  

If you love scrapbooking, or you want to start to preserve your precious photos and memories, this month is such a great time to start a new album project! 

Ask me about the exclusive album bundles (with FREE Memory protectors) and the awesome FREE Simply Fundamental Scrapbooking Workshop available only in November or visit my website for more information. 

Have a wonderful day crafty peeps. 

Warmest crafting wishes,
Denise :)

Cheers- CTMH November Stamp of the Month Australasian Blog Hop

Hello and welcome aboard our Close To My Heart November 2015 Stamp of the Month Australasian Blog Hop. If you have arrived here from Lauren Moore's CTMH Craftings, you are in the right place. If you landed here by accident, no problem, please join in by following the link at the end of this post. 

Today, I would like to share with you three cards I have made that feature the November Stamp of the Month, Cheers, 2016!. This stamp set is available only in November 2015 for $27, or for just $7.50 when you spend $75 or more. 

When I first saw the Cheers, 2016! stamp set in the Holiday Expressions Idea Book, I instantly thought of all of the page layouts on which I could use this stamp set.  It's going to be perfect for this year's New Year's Eve layouts no matter what we get up to.  But as I don't usually give cards for New Year's Eve (although I may have to start), I wasn't sure if this stamp set would get cardmakers excited.  Well colour me corrected!  

I chose just one of the stamps from the Cheers, 2106! stamp set and challenged myself to create cards using that stamp.  The stamp was the "Dream Big" stamp and I have used it on three fun card designs.  As you can see, these cards don't have anything to do with New Year's Eve, so this stamp set just became really versatile!! 

This card features Zoe and Georgie B&T Paper; Glacier and White Daisy Cardstock; Glacier Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad and CTMH Watercolour Pencils.  It also includes the cute giraffe stamp from the gorgeous new Operation Smile stamp set, Animal Greetings.

This 4" x 4" card features Zoe and and Georgie B&T Paper; Glacier, Pear, Slate and White Daisy Cardstock; Glacier and Pear Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad; Bitty Sparkles, Enamel & Glitter Duos- Green Triangles and CTMH Watercolour Pencils.  It also includes the cute puppy stamp from the Operation Smile stamp set, Animal Greetings. 

The two-toned sentiment was created by inking the stamp firstly in Glacier ink and then "rocking and rolling" the outside of the stamp in Pear ink. 

The final card features Georgie B&T Paper; Slate, Glacier and White Daisy Cardstock; Glacier and Slate Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad, Silver Sequins, Whisper Thick Twine and CTMH Watercolour Pencils. It also includes the cute elephant stamp from the Operation Smile stamp set, Animal Greetings. 

The two-toned sentiment was created by inking the stamp firstly in Glacier ink and then pressing the top and bottom of the sentiment onto the Slate stamp pad.  

Thank you for visiting my Blog to check out my special card projects featuring the November Stamp of the Month, Cheers, 2016!.  I would love it if you could leave a comment below before you hop to the next stop on our Australasian Blog Hop, Katrina Gabriel's All Things Papercrafty

Remember, the November Stamp of the Month, Cheers, 2016! is only available throughout November 2015 from your Close To My Heart Independent Consultant for $27, or for just $7.50 when you spend $75 or more.
  

Warmest crafting wishes,

Denise :)

My Card Box

I'm so excited about this cute decorated card box I created as part of my recent CTMH Convention presentation.

It's perfect for storing and organising your handmade cards in style! It's also a fabulous gift for someone who loves to keep the cards they receive. 

Would you like to create your own decorated card box for yourself or as a gift for someone special? I have kits available with everything you need to create this project (My Acrylic Organiser, Pomegranate Cardstock, Sangria Paper, Cricut-cut shapes & letters as well as detailed instructions).  You just need to supply your own adhesives.

If you'd prefer a ready-made card box perfect for using or gifting, I can create one for you.  Contact me for more information.

Crafty wishes,
Denise xx

It's in the bag!

I'm so excited about this month's awesome joining offer! 

If you have been dreaming of becoming a Close To My Heart Consultant and you are ready to have FUN, make new friends and build a business that you will love, then I'd just love you to join my Crafty Hearts Team.  Our team has so much fun sharing our love of cardmaking, project making and memory preservation through pocket, traditional and digital scrapbooking!  

As an Independent Consultant with Close To My Heart, you receive free training and support, business building tips, creative ideas and inspiration.  You will have your own free website, choose your own work hours and become part of a supportive network of passionate and inspirational women.  

The Consultant Kit is packed with heaps of gorgeous products for holding your first workshops, completing lots of crafty projects and getting your Close To My Heart business off to an amazing start. 

The new Consultant Kit is only $130 (contents are valued at over $435)! And this month, when you join my team, you will not only receive the fabulous new Consultant Kit, you will also receive this adorable limited edition 2015 Convention Bag FREE! 

This roomy bag is just perfect for heading to workshops and for storing and transporting your crafting supplies in style.

Contact me to find out more about this wonderful offer and start your journey with Close To My Heart today.  

Your new adventure starts here.

Crafty wishes,

Denise :)

CTMH Sangria Australasian Blog Hop

Hello and welcome aboard our Close To My Heart Sangria Australasian Blog Hop. If you have arrived here from Creating with Kara Davies, then you are in the right place. If you landed here by accident, no problem, please join in by following the link at the end of this post. 

Sangria is a fresh and fabulous Collection created by Close To My Heart that features in the new 2015- 2016 Annual Inspirations Idea Book.  The Sangria range includes the Sangria Paper Packet, Sangria Workshops on the Go Scrapbooking Kit, Sangria Assortment and Sangria Complements which work on their own, or together, to create stunning colour coordinated scrapbook, card making and off-the page projects quickly and easily.

Today, I would like to share with you three cards that I have created featuring  paper from the new Sangria Paper Packet.  This Paper Packet includes 6 sheets of double-side B&T (Background and Texture) Paper and 6 sheets of coordinating Cardstock.  The colours featured in the Sangria Paper Packet include Champagne, Cocoa, Dessert Sand, Pomegranate, Eggplant and Poppy.

I think the colours in the Sangria Paper Packet work so well as non-traditional, yet fun and festive Christmas colours, so I challenged myself to see if I could make them work alongside a selection of CTMH's Christmas stamp sets.  I'll let you be the judge of whether or not I have achieved my goal! 


I made the first card from strips of Sangria B&T Paper along with Pomegranate Cardstock which I embossed with the Diamond Embossing Folder. I used two pieces of Poppy Thick Twine to add interest and texture to the card, using Mini Staples to hold it in place.  The stamped image is created from three separate stamp sets- A1170 Doodled Designs, B1390 Countdown and C1567 Santa Claus, which have been placed together on a 3" x 3" My Acrylix Block before being inked with Poppy Exclusive Ink and stamped on White Daisy Cardstock and matted with Poppy Cardstock.  For a final touch I added the bow, adhering it to the edge of the Cardstock with a Mini Glue Dot.

For the second card, I started with a Colonial White card from our Value Pack and added a 5 1/4" x 4" mat using Eggplant Cardstock. I then added 4 pieces of 2 1/2" x 1 7/8" Sangria B&T Paper, making sure to leave even spaces between the pieces and around the edge when adhering them to the mat.  To me, this style of card reminds me a little of a patchwork quilt with its pieces of plain and patterned paper and I just love it!  I then heat embossed the "Merry Christmas" stamp from the D1657 Holly Jolly Christmas stamp using Ranger Princess Gold Embossing Powder and added three Gold Sequins to complete the card. This is such a quick and easy card to make, but I think it looks quite classy with the gold embossing.

The final card is one of my favourite cards to make (I guess you probably know that by now)!  I love Starburst (sometimes called Sunburst) Cards.  This is a card that looks super complicated and fancy, but only takes about 5 minutes to create! My sort of card for sure!  Here I have combined co-ordinating B&T Paper and Cardstock from the Sangria Paper Pack with Gold Shimmer Trim and the "Christmas Love" stamp from the October 2015 Stamp of the Month, Twinkle. The Pomegranate Cardstock has been embossed using the Dot Embossing Folder and sanded with the Sanding Block from our Sanding Kit for some added texture.  The sentiment has been adhered with 3-D Foam Tape for added height. 

Thank you for visiting my Blog to check out my cards featuring the gorgeous Sangria papers.  I would love it if you would leave a comment below before you hop to the next stop on our Sangria Australasian Blog Hop, Lauren's Blog CTMH Craftings to see more creative ways to use the Sangria Paper Collection.

Remember, you can purchase any of the gorgeous Sangria products used to create these card projects from your CTMH Independent Consultant.

Until next time!

Warmest crafting wishes,

Denise :)