In the midst of a world of chaos, and I’m not just referring to COVID-19, I decided to take on the project of re-developing my CTMH business from California. In Michigan, we have a great group of crafty ladies and before all the safer at home orders, the group met at least once a month. This monthly gather was a day that could bring crafting, good stories, food, always fellowship, and also included a new technique, card fold, or some other project. We have all missed this. And I want to find that again here in Southern California
Along the lines of finding that again here, I had not chosen to make it a priority. When we first moved, there were other duties that needed attending. Now that we are all here, in a house that is under construction, (and because we hired a contractor, nothing we can do to help move it along) I found myself with time to craft. Thankfully I had kept SOME of my crafty tools and supplies out when we packed the rental house. So, what do I do with all this “free time?” I watch videos of other ladies crafting, videos of how to edit videos, make lists of things I feel I could teach others, and try to find fun new techniques for cards & scrapbooking.
One of the items that got “kept out” was the Craft with Heart subscriptions boxes that arrived as we were packing the house. Since I needed some material for making video content, and I had time to craft, wah-la videos of me making the crafting with heart cards in “My” style.
I’m learning lots and looking forward to learning more. If you have any suggestions for changes, video content, or other comments, please share.
Close to My Heart has been hosting workshops for the paper kits in the Idea books and special paper packs on Facebook. If you indicate you’re going you will be eligible for prizes from CTMH. You can find the list of upcoming events here https://www.facebook.com/CloseToMyHeartOfficial/events/?ref=page_internal
June 30, 2020, Brushed Bundle (CC6204) Brushed Workshop (This is the link for the instructions for the to make 3 double layouts, 1 single layout & 8 cards.
July 7, 2020, Stitched Together Card making Workshop Kit (G1206)
July 14, 2020 Stitched Together Scrapbooking Workshop Kit (G1202)
August 11, 2020, Summer Vibes Card making Workshop Kit (G1209)
August 18, 2020, Summer Vibes Scrapbooking Workshop Kit (G1207)
August 26, 27 & 28, 2020, Happiest Place Scrapbooking and Card making Workshops (TBA)
September 19, 2020 National Stamping Day Workshops (TBA)
Disclaimer: I currently only have access to a few of my stamps and many of those are retired. Most of the images I used are generic enough that you should find something in your stash, or currently available. If you need suggestions, leave a comment and I can help you find the right stamp for you.
I have seen many color challenges or inspirations in the past few years. I don’t know if it was because I already had a long list of projects on my craft desk, or because I like to pick my colors based on what I’m feeling that day, but I never felt the urge to participate.
After several weeks of feeling like I’m trying to scrap with my left hand tied behind my back. I was feeling this way because all our photos, except the latest home remodeling photos, are packed in storage along with most of my paper packs & tools. I saw this color challenge and decided to see if I could get my creative mojo back in line.
First thought, Hmmm, these are not my normal go-to colors. What should I do? I had just done a “retiform” card with some of my ladies. The version we did was just monotone, but why not try it with these colors.
I wasn’t really happy with it, but it was okay. . . remember this was going to be the first piece of my art that I would be sharing with this new California based group.
Next, I had been working on creating a new Cricut design. I had been watching some home improvement videos and saw a guy cutting tile. I thought it might be cute as a focal pattern on a card. So, using the 4 colors from the challenge, I cut 4 of the pinwheels and mixed the pieces. I was happier with this card.
After a good night’s sleep, I had an idea. I would do a silhouette card and create a sponged background. This is definitely not my go-to style, but I already had the ink pads out from the retiform card, so I did it. Add a few splatters from a black shimmer brush and wah-lah a great card.
I liked this last card so much, I have plans to make a few more renditions of it and send some happy mail!