Close To My Heart Blog Hop

I haven't participated in a blog hop in a few months.  This is the first time I am participating in this group's monthly hop and I am glad to "hop" in!  We had a choice of sharing artwork featuring the Stamp of the Month, a Valentine or a Wintery Card.  I chose to a Valentine.  If you got here from Diana's Blog, you are on the right track.  So, without further ado, here are my projects.

I wanted to show off the Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge in my Valentine so I made a card with a matching treat box.

I used several goodies to complete the project.  First, I cut a card base using the AP cartridge set on 5 1/2 inches.  This is the base that cuts the heart out of the center.  Both the card and treat box are done in Cotton Candy.  Next, I cut one of the lacy background images in White Daisy and positioned it so that looked attractive through the heart "hole."  After that was attached, I cut a piece of Hollyhock to measure 5 1/4 inches and attached that to give depth to the heart.  I stamped the flourishes in Hollyhock ink (from "Love Life" stamp set.)  The green flourish was cut using Topiary, the tag is cut in White Daisy as were the flowers.  I inked the flowers in Hollyhock before I rolled them.  By the way, the leaves were also cut and inked with Topiary and "Love" is from one of the stamp sets that is included with the AP cartridge.  I'll talk a little about the treat box later...

Here is the inside of the card...I cut the lacy heart using the cartridge in White Daisy.  I repeated the Hollyhock and White Daisy matting on the other side.  The small flourishes are from "Love Life, too.

This is just a close up of the front.  I was pleased how the Hollyhock  complements the Cotton Candy.  By the way, that is Hollyhock twill that is unfortunately no longer available.

Now for the treat box.  I cut the box form on 10 inches.  I love love love how the cartridge has the 3D items that are so easy to work with.  Using the decorative layer feature, I was able to cut the heart silhouettes and then cut the matching mat using shift and the same "button."  I did increase the size by 1/4 inch.  The flower is cut in Cranberry for an accent and the flourish is from the "Love Life."

Whew, this came out to be a longer post than I expected!  :o)  It's time to hop over to Krystal's Blog and check out what she has created.  For Now, Happy Crafting!

BTW - if you get lost along the way, here is the full list of participants...

Diana  http://mystampingspot.blogspot.com/

Cindy  http://paperspadsandpictures.blogspot.com/
Krystal O http://creativelyexperimenting.blogspot.com/
Nicole  http://scrappernic.blogspot.com/
Elizabeth http://ejoym.blogspot.com/
Adeline  http://adeline-brill.blogspot.com/
Wendy  http://www.myscrapbookingblog.com/
Lori  http://loriannie670.blogspot.com/
Heather  http://creativecoconut08.blogspot.com/
Lela  http://lilola4life.blogspot.com/
Deb  http://paper-crazy.blogspot.com/
Patti  http://pattirowe.blogspot.com/
Jody  http://cre8nmemories.blogspot.com/