My dear friend and sister Close To My Heart consultant, Tamra Pope, convinced me to join her swap group about six months ago.  I hesitated, because…well, honestly…I don’t need “one more thing to do”.  Maybe you can relate.  However, she’s my friend and I love her work, but mostly I stink at saying no.  Maybe you can relate to that also.

True to my fears, the last swap was due May 1st.  As many of you know, I’m a teacher and May is one of the most hectic…if not most hectic months of the school year.  Add to that the tragedy that occurred so close to home and multiple other obligations, I was late getting my swap cards done.  Waaaaayyy late.  Thankfully, the ladies in my group were enormously patient and understanding.

Since I was late, I knew that I wanted to make it extra special.  You know…multiple layers, special folds, etc.  I was looking for instructions on how to make a tri-shutter card and found a video on Splitcoaststampers.  The video featured a card created by Beate Johns and I loved everything about it…from the design to the colors.  So even though I didn’t set out to CASE a card, I came pretty close.  After all, it’s impossible to improve on Beate’s card.

I mailed my cards out a few weeks ago and wanted to wait until I knew everyone had them before posting my card.  In the meantime, Tamra posted the cards from the rest of my group, as well as the multiple groups she was apart of.  If you’d like to see them, check them out here.  If you’d like to join the My Heart’s Swap group that Tamra hosts, be sure to contact her via her blog.

The guidelines for the swap were…

1. Cards must be standard size as a minimum 4.25 x 5.5.
2. It’s a free-for-all, no theme, anything you want.
3. All products must be CTMH, except for any found objects, embossing folders, and border and punches can be used.
4. Use at least two different paper packs (retired, last idea book and current idea book)
5. Use at least 3 embellishments.
6. Must have at least 8 layers (in one spot of your card, the paper and/or embellishments must layer up at least 8 times). Not including card base.
7. Must use an Art Philosophy shape.  If you don’t have the AP, then must use at least one shape from another source that is similar to the AP.
8. Must have at least 1 stamped image.

Stamps Used: The Best Things, Remarkable Wreath, Harvest Happiness
Inks: Smoothie, Desert Sand, Chocolate

Embellishments: Chocolate Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Crochet Flowers (retired), Silver Micro-beads (unknown), Pearl beads (unknown), Liquid Pearls (Ranger), Satin-trimmed Organdy Ribbon (retired)

Other: Cricut Art Philosophy, Piercing Tool, Natural Hemp, Liquid Glass, Bone Folder, Micro-tip Scissors, Paper Trimmer, Foam Tape, Stitching Guide (Lasting Impressions), Score Board (Martha Stewart), Double Loops Border Punch (Martha Stewart), Safety Pin (Making Memories), Embossable Window Plastic (Gary M. Burlin), ATG Adhesive (Scotch)

Thanks for stopping by!Until next time….