Close to my Heart Cardstock, How do I love Thee? Let me count the ways...

I'm a cardstock junkie!  I love the colors, I love the weight. I love the versatility. I have purchased more cardstock than I care to admit. I spent a lot of time (and money) matching it up with my pattern paper and getting frustrated because me and my crazy self won't settle for almost matching...Lucky for me, (and you) CTMH Level 2 packs have the pattern paper AND MATCHING CARDSTOCK!  I am now a die-hard, honest to goodness, for-life, fan! I absolutely LOVE Close to my Heart Cardstock!   Now, let me  show you some examples of why I love this cardstock so much...

1.  It's a great weight and is the BEST I've found to cut with my CRICUT!  It's smooth and sturdy. And I promise, I'm NOT just saying that :0)

2.  IT HAS A WHITE CORE!!!  Some people don't like white core paper, but I am a distressing FREAK-and white core is perfect for distressing!  I did this with my Cuttlebug and my CTMH sanding kit.  It adds the perfect amount of oomph!

3. It has matching ink, so you can do tone-on-tone inking....Notice the subtle difference? I used Goldrush paper and Goldrush ink...It makes the embossed image POP!

Of course, different color paper and inks can give a totally different effect:  Below I used White Daisy Cardstock with Bamboo ink and then Lagoon ink. 

bamboo

Lagoon

4.It takes ink exceptionally well- it was made for stamping!  It's so smooth, so your images won't "bleed"-  That means that you can ink 'till your hearts content! 

The above examples are using my Cuttlebug.  What if I don't have a Cuttlebug? You ask...Well, try this fun and easy embossing technique-No Cuttlebug required!

You will need a stylus, a paper trimmer with the blade removed and CTMH cardstock.

Line your paper up with the blade track, from point to point.  Emboss using

your stylus along the trimmer's blade track. 

Move the paper over and line it up with at a width that you want.  Continue embossing your paper until you have diagonal lines on the entire paper at equal widths.  Turn it over to the opposite end and do the same thing, crossing over your first set of lines.



You will end up with a lattuce pattern that can then be lightly sanded using your sanding kit....

What would I use that for, you ask?

Here is an example of a page that I made using this technique:

This is for my Heritage Album.  I made a pocket to hold special documents.

You could use this technique for great backgrounds, to add texture to border strips or just to add interest to letters.  Remember: you don't HAVE to do this diagonally-you can make straight lines and vary the widths for visual texture.

Here are some more examples of how I distressed/embossed using my CTMH cardstock:

I really could go on and on, but I only have so much space :0)  

So, if you love CTMH cardstock too, I'd love to hear from YOU!

Happy Scrappin'

Michelle

Do you need a gift idea? Try this super easy bow holder!

I have made several of these great little bow holders for baby showers & birthdays. They are so easy and quick to make, (and inexpensive, too!)  They can make a very personal and useful gift for that special someone :0)

Here is a list of supplies:

*White wood letter (I got mine at Hobby Lobby, 50% off)

*paper of your choice (I used Sophia L2, pink polka dot & Pear Cardstock) X7131B

*Chocolate ink Z2111

*Sanding Kit Z1294

*Sponge Z697

*Finishing Files Z1091

Memory Book Glue Dots 1772

Matte Mod Podge

Pink Assortment Buttons Z1370

Coordinating Ribbon

I first turn the paper over to the back side, and turn the letter over.  Trace around the letter and cut it out.  Once you cut it, then you can apply a thin coat of Mod Podge onto the letter and smooth the paper on top.

If there are bubbles, smooth them out carefully by pressing and gently rubbing the paper. Don't put Mod Podge on top yet.  While you allow that to dry, go ahead and start the flower.

Cut several size circles (they don't have to be perfect).  I usually use about 4 or 5.

Once you cut them out, then you can fold them in half, then in half again, then in half again.  When you open it up, it will have creases that can easily be distressed using the sanding block. You do not have to distress it, but it went well with the "shabby" look that I was trying to achieve.

Once they are all distressed, you can ink the edges or just leave them white (this is why I LOVE CTMH cardstock...WHITE CORE, Baby!!!)  When you are happy with the look, take your Glue Dots and attach the circles together.

Next, pull the smallest middle circle and "crumple" it up.  Do the same with the others, one at a time, until all are crumpled into the center.

You may then go ahead and carefully open them back up, being careful not to flatten it out too much...this is your completed flower!  You can now add a button to the center.

Your letter should be dry enough by now, so go ahead and begin to carefully sand the edges using the sanding block (you can use the finishing files for the small nooks and crannies) .  This is to make sure that it looks as seamless as possible.  Once you have sanded,  you can go ahead and ink the edges with the chocolate ink and sponge.

Once you have inked the edges, then you can add a layer of Mod Podge to the top.  This is to seal and protect the top of the letter.  If you have bubbles, take a little Mod Podge on your finger and rub it on top of the bubble to help press it down.  If you get wrinkles, don't worry, it's handmade and shabby! :0)

Now use extra sticky Glue Dots or a staple gun to attach the ribbon to the bottom, back of the letter.  (If your letter only has one "leg" then only attach one ribbon)

Now attach your handmade flower and you are done!

For an extra-special gift, I like to add a few bows to give as well!  (A girl can never have too many!)

Happy Scrappin'
Michelle