Holiday Warmth (October SOTM Blog Hop)

Welcome to our Stamp of the Month Blog Hop! October's stamp-of-the-month (SOTM) from Close To My Heart is Holiday Warmth. There are 11 images in the stamp set that can be used for holiday greeting cards or scrapbook pages. If you have come here from Kristie's 'Scrappin, Stampin or Scrampin' Blog, you are on the right path!

This month we have over 60 Close To My Heart Consultants sharing their creations using this month's SOTM and other great CTMH products on their blogs. Blog Hopping is simple to do - just click on the link at the end of the post on each blog to move to the next one!

The tree image for this 6x6 card was embossed on New England Ivy cardstock using Clear Detail Embossing Powder. A darker green ink, Ponderosa Pine, was then sponged on the embossed image to enhance the detail. This technique results in a soft, subtle look. The plaid paper is my favorite from the Everlasting paper packet. Adding Sparkles to the tree really gives it a nice little bit of bling.

For a more whimsical card using the Holiday Warmth SOTM stamp set, take a look at my Christmas Card Workshop post. It's surprising to see the different looks - elegant, whimsical, etc - you can achieve with the same stamp, just using different techniques, colors, and papers.

Now "Hop" on over to Cibele's 'Flower Foot Designs' Blog to see her work! Be sure to visit all the Consultants at their Blogs to get some great crafting ideas and other fun ideas! Remember, the Holiday Warmth stamp set is only available until October 31! Let me know if you would like to find out how you can get this stamp set at a discount or even free.

There are actually three 'rounds' of Blog Hop lists this month, each with about 20 links, so you don't feel that you have to visit over 60 blogs at one sitting. If you get lost on the hop or find links that aren't working, there is a complete list of all three rounds of participating blogs on Jena's 'Live, Love, Laugh, Scrapbook!' blog.

Christmas Card Workshop

Finally created cards for my annual Christmas Card Workshop in October. This year, the workshop will be offered on Friday evening, October 9 (starting at 7 pm) and also Saturday afternoon, October 17 (at 1 pm). Normally, the Friday and Saturday workshops are on the same weekend - but my schedule does not allow that this month. Whichever date you choose to attend, the cards will be the same. You will create 5 cards each of 3 different designs - a total of 15 cards and matching envelopes for $15. All supplies are included and pre-cut for you. You just need to bring your own favorite adhesive, stamp your images, and assemble your cards.

The first card uses the new Welcome Home stamp set from Close To My Heart. The fireplace image is used on the front of the card - and the card is actually a pocket. Patterned paper is from the That's Amore paper packet.

Use the circle 'handle' to slide the insert out of the card. The sentiment is completed on the insert. Also, the pocket is convenient for holding a gift card or $$ cash.

Pastel colors are used with the New Fallen Snow stamp set to create a soft, sparkling card.

The sentiment is from the Peace On Earth stamp set and is completed on the inside of the card, along with some more pastel snowflakes.

Holiday Warmth is the stamp-of-the-month (SOTM) and is only available during the month of October. You can earn it at a substantial discount or even FREE with an order from CTMH. Sentiments used are from the December Word Puzzle.

The unique opening of the card uses the 'z-fold' technique.

Please let me know if you would like to attend one of the Christmas Card Workshops in October!