Victory! Paper Trail Blog Hop

Welcome back to the Victory (April) Paper Trail blog hop.  My apologies for not being up on time if this is your return trip.  If it's your first visit then read on, I'm ready now!

If you came from Connie's blog,  Scraps & Stories  you are on the right path.  If you are just starting the paper trail with my blog, don't worry.  You won't miss anything because we are a circular blog hop and you'll end up right where you started, where ever that is.

This month we are using Close To My Heart's Victory paper packet.  The colors and patterns are deep and rich.  This packet could be used for Father's Day or graduation cards and layouts, camping and much more.  I chose to do some cards.

Cards using Victory Level 2 Paper pack

"Amazing" Card

"Incredible" Card

"Fun" Card

For these cards I stuck to my 3 favorite patterns in the pack.  I used a section of the zip strips on each one - LOVE the zip strips! - and an assortment of embellishments which I'll list below. 

Next on the Paper Trail is Karen's blog, Inky Fingers.  She always has great projects to share!  Thanks for stopping by!



Shopping list for what I used on my cards:

Victory Paper Pack X7150B

"Pure Adventure" My Acrylix stamps C1497

"You Are..." Stamp of the Month S1204 (available in April only)

Victory Workshop on the Go provides the 3rd stamp set, hemp & square Durables. The hemp and Durables can be purchased separately, but this is the only way to get My Acrylix stamp set featured in it.

Square Durables, 2 sizes, 2 colors in each pack of 48.  Z1705

Color Ready Seam Binding Ribbon Z1732

Natural Hemp Z280

Opaques Mocha Adhesive Gems Z1333. Package of 108 gems includes 3 colors and 4 sizes.

Foundry Pin Clips Z1612. 12 per package

Milepost Shapes Z1464.  Many shapes 48 per package

Art Philosophy Cricut Collection Z 1686

 The Art Philosophy cartridge was used for these pieces:

Convention 2012: Catch the Fever!

One of the highlights of my year is always my "Girlfriend Vacation" aka the annual Close To My Heart convention.  This year we are gathering in Dallas, Texas for three full days of fun, excitement, crafting, education and networking.  And those are just the planned activities.  {wink-wink}

The CTMH Corporate team who works long and hard all year putting our conventions together (along with their "regular" responsibilities) put together this video as a teaser.  Trust me, once you've gone to convention you don't need a teaser, but I thought this was fun and want to share it with you.

Photo Inspired

Photo credit: Vintage Kybarb

Why March is Special!

Close to my Heart has put together an additional incentive to join my team in March...

The Art Philosophy Cricut Collection will be included in your kit for...

 wait for it...

...

...

...

...

**FREE**

when you join my Stamp Scrap Fever team in March!!

Watch & listen as Christine tells you all about it:

And let me tell you why *I* love Close to My Heart so much.  Please click here.

I can't wait to have you on my team!!

March Paper Trail Blog Hop

Welcome to the March Paper Trail blog hop featuring Close to my Heart papers.

If you found your way here from Connie's blog, Scraps & Stories, your on the right path. Our blog hop is circular so you'll see it all no matter where you start.  

This month we are using the Stella paper pack.  These are gorgeous papers, some with stitching or markings like a dress pattern.  But don't let that limit your imagination.  There's lots you can do with this set!

Stella 12 x 12 Level II papers

This first card I did for a stamping club I am a member of.  We are all required to create a card using the same sentiment.  This sentiment is not from CTMH but everything else is.  I am so pleased with how it turned out. The base is our 6x6 Kraft die cut card.  

Next I did an easel card. I LOVE easel cards, they display your art so nicely and are so much fun to make.  For this card I stamped the border on the left using the top of the chair in the stamp set included with the Stella Workshop on the Go.  Also paper pieced the gal's dress & shoes.  Yes, I cut out those tiny little shoes.  Made me think of playing with my barbie dolls in the old days.

This following card is another easel card and also my husband's birthday card.  So manly....

Lastly is the March layout for my Scrap through the Year class.  The Inspiration comes from the Studio J layout on page 55 of the new Idea Book.  My letters and clovers are cut from the Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge. 

Left page up close and personal:

Right page up close and personal:

Thanks for stopping by today. I hope you found some inspiration from my artwork.  Now hop on over to Lynne's blog, Field's Finery and check out what she's got going on in her craft room. 

I Heart U

 This is my valentine card for my hubby.  I created the card on the cricut using a couple of basic shapes from the CTMH Art Philosophy cartridge, stretching and welding until I got the design I wanted.  Then I stamped and embellished with Close To My Heart products, both new and retired.   I think it turned out sweet! 

February Paper Trail blog hop

Welcome to the Paper Trail blog hop.  This month Close to My Heart releases our 2012 Spring/Summer Idea Book with eight new paper packs, Workshops on the Go, and a myriad of new stamps and embellishments.  Our Paper Trail team has taken advantage of this "transition" month to feature our own favorite papers, either new or old.  So take a peek at our blogs and get a preview of what's to come or say farewell to an old favorite.

Our Paper Trail blog hop is a loop so you may have arrived here from Pam's P-Inks blog or you may just be getting started.  Don't worry, if you follow our links from one blog to the next you won't miss anyone.  And be sure to let our artists know how much you appreciate their art and samples. 

My choice of new paper is called Florentine and is full of rich greens, blues and honey colors.  I got stuck behind the eight ball this afternoon and didn't finish all I have planned so I am posting just a glimpse of what's to come.

I chose to make cards with Florentine papers and the matching Stickease, using some of Close To My Heart's card packets providing variety of styles and forcing myself a little out of my comfort zone.  I love clear acrylic cards but always feel a little stumped at how to layer them to create a visually appealing card.  I think I've come to the conclusion that less is more.

And here is the inside.  What do you think?

The Florentine paper pack & MyStickease used:

Continue on the Paper Trail to Connie's blog, Scraps & Stories, to see what she has in store for you.  I'm sure you will like it!