Thursday, June 25, 2020

Sweet Hummingbird Cards

Let's Create Sweet Hummingbird Cards!

Welcome!  I pray you are well!  Along with papercrafting, one of my joys is observing the variety of birds and butterflies who fly by and stop for a visit.  The hummingbirds are a favorite!  Now that we're in the heart of summer, to my delight, they are regular visitors!  So, when I saw this Sweet Hummingbird stamp set, I purchased it right away! 

This set's images and sentiments can be used for so many occasions!  Not only are the images beautifully drawn, the sentiments are awesome!  Just think -- birthdays, encouragement, anniversaries, get well, graduations, just because, etc.!  Love this versatility!  

Tip - When you stamp your images, simply place your paper over the foam mat that comes with your stamp set!  This will allow you to create clean, crisp stamped images.  Another option is to flip your Versa Mat over, and use the foam side as a cushion for your stamping.  Also, our clear, multiple sized Acrylix Blocks are so easy to hold and maneuver, they make stamping a breeze!   

When using my Watercolor Pencils, I will use the Archival Black Ink.  Along with it being a solvent based, acid-free permanent ink, it is waterproof, light-fast, fade-proof, archival, and nice, deep black ink.  Truly a favorite! This way, if I decide to use either a Water or Shimmer Brush, with my pencils, the stamped image will not run.  I often use my Clear Shimmer Brush for blending instead of a Water Brush.  This creates just a little bit of sparkle!  

I love that this Sweet Hummingbird set comes with two birds and multiple flowers.  This makes it fun to create a variety of projects! 

To clean your stamps, simply use a slightly wet - a tad more than damp - Shammy or the Spritz Cleaner and Scrubber.  Easy peasy!   

Along with my cards, I'll be using these hummingbird and floral stamps on scrapbook pages!  What a delightful embellishment!  

Why not create a handcrafted card and send to someone today?  What joy you will bring to another!  

Also, be sure to print your photos!  These are YOUR memories!  If YOU do not tell YOUR story, who will?  These will surely be a treasure!  Have you jotted down your thoughts and/or taken pics of this most unusual 2020?  

Sign up now for a LIVE Facebook Event hosted by Close to My Heart! It will be June 30 from 4-7 PM EDT on their official page, and YOU are invited! ✨We will be creating cards and scrapbook layouts! Sign up at

 Prizes will be awarded randomly among those who sign up as "Going".


To craft along with this live Event, (you will be available to view afterward if unable to "attend" live viewing), you'll want to place your order today for your Brushed Bundle at https://papercraftingwithgayle.closetomyheart.com/Retail/Product.aspx?ItemID=13820&ci=18087 🥰 THANK YOU!!!


Image may contain: text
Just look at these beautiful papers and stamps and think of all of the creative possibilities beyond those we'll create at the Live Event!  😊 Along with this fun Live CTMH Event, on most Tuesdays throughout the summer, they'll have additional Live Scrapbooking and Cardmaking Events.  Check out the Aurora Kits and the Stitched Together Kits that will be created!  💝




Keep your creativity flowing with Close to My Heart’s Craft with Heart™ subscriptions, where you receive regular deliveries of Cut Above® card or layout kits that will keep you connected with your passion. Cut Above kits give you a shortcut to beautiful artwork since they include pre-printed bases that you complete with die-cut shapes and stickers. Cardmaking kits also include exclusive stamp sets and mini ink pads you can use for a truly personal look.


 These are always beautifully designed and a great bang for your buck!  An awesome way to celebrate YOUR relationships and memories!  💝

Thank you so much for visiting!  YOU are appreciated!  💖

I enjoy hearing from you and appreciate your business and support!  I look forward to helping you as you travel along life's journey celebrating relationships with all of YOUR papercrafting and memory keeping needs.  💖

Have a wonderful day!

Happy Papercrafting,





Thursday, June 18, 2020

Let's Make a Lady Bug Shaker Card!

Let's Make a Lady Bug Shaker Card!


Welcome!   You, too, can create this adorable lady bug shaker card!  Let's get started! 

With the  Ladybug Shaker Window Thin Cuts we are able to quickly cut our ladybug parts. 

Using my well loved (and over used) Sizzix Big Kick, the dies provide super clean cuts to the Candy Apple and Black Cardstock papers.  Most die cutting machines will work.  FYI -Close to My Heart now offers a wonderful Die Cutting & Embossing Machine!   


On the front of my card base I marked where my ladybug would rest with a pencil.  I wiped the card with my Anti Static Bag, and then stamped the antennae with Black Pigment Ink.  I then added Clear Embossing Powder and Heat Embossed.  

Tip - the quick swipe across the card surface with the Anti Static Bag will help keep fly-away Embossing Powders from sticking to an area where they are not needed.  💖 I used this same process to stamp the sentiment, Ladybug kisses and birthday wishes, on my 3 inch round White Cardstock piece, as well as our little ladybug's spots.  







After stamping and embossing our sentiment, we're ready to create our shaker component!  This Shaker Window Foam and Acetate set of 6 makes creating shaker windows a breeze!  The 3" round foam adhesive, along with the included 3" round clear acetate are the perfect complement to creating shaker cards and scrapbook pages!  All of the additional pieces of pop-up foam tape within the rounds, is such an awesome bonus!  💝

Prior to attaching the clear acetate, it's time to add our shaker component!  For my card I used some Loose Silver Sequins.  A quick tip for loose sequins is to put your Anti-Static Bag, or used dryer sheet in with the sequins to eliminate some of the static prior to creating with them.  
😉 No fun for the recipient if all of the sequins have a case of static cling!  
Take a closer look at the fun mix included in your bag of Loose Silver Sequins.  💝



Our ladybug comes together with ease and is ready to spread her wings with the addition of a simple Silver Brad.   



I think this Ladybug Stamp Set and Thin Cut Set is such a fun addition for every papercrafter!  😊 

Now for a few updates/reminders!  

Sign up now for a LIVE Facebook Event hosted by Close to My Heart! It will be June 30 from 4-7 PM EDT on their official page, and YOU are invited! ✨We will be creating cards and scrapbook layouts! Sign up at
Prizes will be awarded randomly among those who sign up as "Going".

To craft along with this live Event, (you will be available to view afterward if unable to "attend" live viewing), you'll want to place your order today for your Brushed Bundle at https://papercraftingwithgayle.closetomyheart.com/Retail/Product.aspx?ItemID=13820&ci=18087 🥰 THANK YOU!!!


Image may contain: text
Just look at these beautiful papers and stamps and think of all of the creative possibilities beyond those we'll create at the Live Event!  😊 Along with this fun Live CTMH Event, on most Tuesdays throughout the summer, they'll have additional Live Scrapbooking and Cardmaking Events.  Check out the Aurora Kits and the Stitched Together Kits that will be created!  💝


This Let's Stay Home Stamp set is one of three new individual sets created for us to document how this Corona Virus from China has affected everyone in one way or another.  These stamps are so versatile and will are able to be used for many other memories and/or cards!  There are also coordinating SVGs available for FREE!  Have you jotted down your thoughts and/or taken pics of this most unusual time?  


Keep your creativity flowing with Close to My Heart’s Craft with Heart™ subscriptions, where you receive regular deliveries of Cut Above® card or layout kits that will keep you connected with your passion. Cut Above kits give you a shortcut to beautiful artwork since they include pre-printed bases that you complete with die-cut shapes and stickers. Cardmaking kits also include exclusive stamp sets and mini ink pads you can use for a truly personal look.


 These are always beautifully designed and a great bang for your buck!  An awesome way to celebrate YOUR relationships and memories!  💝

Thank you so much for visiting!  YOU are appreciated!  💖

I enjoy hearing from you and appreciate your business and support!  I look forward to helping you as you travel along life's journey celebrating relationships with all of YOUR papercrafting and memory keeping needs.  💖

Have a wonderful day!

Happy Papercrafting,