There is a really quick way to distress your cards and give them some dimension.  Just sponge them! So simple and easy.  Watch the quick video below to see how I sponged the card pictured here.

I used the emerald colored Close to my Heart ink on this card and the pansy colored ink in the second card.  Matched it with color coordinated cardstock as well.

You can purchase any of these products here --> www.shelly.closetomyheart.com 

Got camping fever like me?  It's still March but I'm so ready to hit the road!

I shot a quick video on my newest 'Cards for Camp' greeting card kit.  All the products used are listed below.

Products used:
Stamps -  C1611 Campfire Lifestyle Seasons & Nature - Close to my Heart
     D1753 This Way to Paradise Cricut Bundle - Close to my Heart
Cricut You are Here cartridge
Ink - Closet To My Heart - Black
Glue Pen - Close To My Heart
Tombow tape runner - Close To My Heart
Cardstock - Close To My Heart - Fern
Cardstock - Close to my Heart - Mink
Cardstock - Close to my Heart - Charcoal
Cardstock - Close to my Heart - Craft Brown

Click here to find these products--> https://shelly.closetomyheart.com

My better half and I put a lot of effort into how we decorate our RV.  One of the biggest considerations is breakable items and weight.  Frames with glass are just not made for RV life so I found a solution and it's light weight to boot!

This Magnolia Frame Kit is the perfect addition to our RV!

This item is only available while supplies last.   Find it here --> https://shelly.closetomyheart.com/retail/Product.aspx?ItemID=11668

Before joining Close to my Heart as an Independent Consultant, I did some research online to learn more about the company. What I came across the most was the other consultants who rave about a supportive and empowering atmosphere with people that make them feel like family. The more comments I read, the more excited I became about solidifying my decision to join as a new consultant.

The girl who walked me through the sign up process (my upline), is also a friend and co-worker at my day job. She has been in this business for 6 years (give or take) and I'm sure she was thrilled that her persistence paid off... she had been whispering in my ear for at least 2 years about how I could make a little side cash doing what I enjoy. Her name is Kim.

This past weekend, she drove all the way from Upstate New York to my home in Milford, Connecticut because I recently relocated and our residences are no longer 20 minutes apart. Her and I had a fantastic weekend of talking shop, throwing out fun future ideas, sight seeing on the Connecticut coast, and gathering with great friends but the most memorable event was surely the cards we created and crafted together.

One of my first marketing campaigns is to send out my Spring newsletter via mail with a sample handmade card. Kim and I threw out design ideas for a simple yet classy card that would be received well but something that could be mass produced quite quickly since I plan to send around 60 or so via mail this week.

The team effort of cutting, stamping and coloring together in assembly line fashion, busted out these cards quite quickly! And though this moment in time passed in a flash, the fact that Kim took her valuable time to create these with me will always be cherished.

An upline helping a downline design AND create a set of sample cards for a marketing idea is definitely not in the job description - which again, just leads me to believe that I am on the right path, with the right people, doing the right thing...

Happy to be part of this new CTMH family.

ps I am happy to make cards with anyone who wants to follow in my footsteps! :) (Had to throw that one in)

I used the new products that just arrived in my box of happy mail late last week and created this quick CHOOSE JOY greeting card. The sentiment really allows use of this card for any occasion!

Card size:
A2
4.25" x 5.50"
Matte is 1/4" smaller on all sides

Products:

Stamp - Close To My Heart W2042 Choose Joy
Stamp block 2"x2" - Close To My Heart
Ink - Closet To My Heart - Charcoal Z2831
Glue Pen - Close To My Heart
Tombow tape runner - Close To My Heart
Cardstock paper Mix-In Paper Pack - Close To My Heart
Cardstock color - Pebble - Close to my Heart
Cardstock color for tiny top tag - lagoon - Close to my Heart
White cardstock
Die cuts - circle and scallops - Close to my Heart
Sequins - I Heart Us - Close to my Heart

Click here to find all these products--> https://shelly.closetomyheart.com

If you don't want to make it yourself, you can purchase handmade cards from my store - CLICK HERE

Does craft supplies that show up at your doorstep make you this happy too?