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Ombre Ink Techniques (Puerto Vallarta Part 2)

In today’s post, I thought I’d show you a couple ombre techniques from the Puerto Vallarta layouts. The first is the sun rays on this beach layout. 

To create the sun in the top right corner, used a Cricut cut sun overlay as a stencil and sponged with Canary. The ombre effect was created by stamping the center with Sorbet. This techniques is repeated by stamping another sun in the lower right corner.

You can also see an ombre effect for the word beach. This was created by first inking the stamp with Glacier, then inking the bottom 2/3 of the stamp with Juniper and finally inking the bottom 1/3 of the stamp with Lagoon.

The word sunshine was stamped with an onbre using Canary, Saffron and Goldrush ink. A tip for stamping ombre is to always start by loading your stamp with the lightest color and then add the other colors. Also you’ll want to move fairly quickly so the first ink doesn’t have a chance to dry. You can “huff” on the stamp if you are concerned that it may need some moisture.

Hope you are enjoyed these layout and they have inspired you to try the ombre technique on your own projects.

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Using Watercolors on Scrapbook Pages (Puerto Vallarta Part 1)

About a year and a half ago, Eric and I had the privilege of traveling to Puerto Vallarta with Close To My Heart. This was my first incentive trip and I was surprised to learn that in addition to an amazing trip, we each received materials to make 22 scrapbook pages! Our kits included pre-cut papers, stickers, stamp sets, thin cuts and embellishments.

We also received complete assembly directions. As you can see from the samples in this post, these were not simple layouts. They incorporated lots of fun techniques that I usually don’t take the time to do. Today, I’m going to show you several ways we used watercolors. 

First we used watercolors to add some paint drops on the base page. This technique is so easy. You simply wet your brush, swish it around in your paint then tap it on your fingers to create some splatters. 

We also used watercolors to paint the shells. You may notice that they were cut from patterned paper, so there was already some color on them. By varying the paint to water ratio, we were able to create darker color in some places. You may also notice faint watercolor below the scallop stamp to give the illusion of water.

This second layout also has splatters of watercolor. This time in black so the effect isn’t quite as subtle.

This layout also has a little watercolor under the scallop “wave” stamp. 

The watercolor on this one was the hardest for me because I like things that are neat and this was certainly a mess. We were supposed to just roughly paint a few areas of the base page. I was sure I had ruined it but I love how it turned out.  

Journaling on this page says, “I feel so blessed to go on this trip. Thank you Close To My Heart for making it possible and for all the extras that made it special. Eric and I had an amazing time. Can’t wait for the next one!”

Thinking back on this trip makes me feel so grateful. Not just for the trip (although it was pretty amazing), but also for the friends got to spend time with. And for all the extra perks including these beautiful scrapbook pages. 

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I’m headed To Puerto Vallarta! Thank you Close To My Heart!

I’m beyond excited to be able to say “I’ve earned a trip to Puerto Vallarta with Close To My Heart”!

This trip includes airfare and six nights at an all inclusive resort in a tropical paradise. How amazing is that? Even better, I get to take my husband and biggest supporter with me! As a scrapbooker, I’m also excited about the “creative projects” we’ll receive to use to remember all the great memories.

Although I worked hard to earn this trip, honestly, I am really just a “part timer”. Even during the last few weeks in which I have focused on the final sales to qualify for the trip, I worked less than at a typical full time job. Plus, I worked around all of my other obligations including family, friends, teaching and church. I love being rewarded for doing something I love!

Today, starts a new month and a new trip earning period. The qualifications for earning the next trip which will be to Thailand was just announced. I’ve updated my tracking spreadsheets because I REALLY WANT to earn this one! 

As some of you know, my sister lives in Thailand and we have traveled there twice. On our first trip to Thailand in 2006, we spent over a week in Bangkok then traveled north to Chiang Mai. We fell in love with this country and it’s people, culture, food, elephants and foot massages!

Our second trip was in 2014 was to Southern Thailand and included scuba diving and mountain climbing. Although this trip was a completely different experience from the first, we once again enjoyed the culture, food and massages. (Seriously, you have not had a massage until you experience a Thai massage!)

The Close To My Heart trip combines these two locales. We’ll first spend three busy days seeing all the beautiful sites of Bangkok. Then we’ll relax for three more days on the beaches at Phuket. I’d love to have you join me on this amazing trip. Now is the time to join my team and have 12 full months to build your business while earning this trip. 

Just a reminder, you can use hostess rewards to get your new consultant kit at a discount or for free in October.  You can learn more about it along with other reasons to join my team in October in yesterday’s post.

Email me today to schedule your live or virtual party!

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Puerto Vallarta or bust!

Each year, Close To My Heart gives each of the consultant a chance to earn an amazing trip to exotic destinations. This year, I find myself less than a month from the deadline and for the first time ever within reach of making it!!!

I’m so excited about the opportunity to travel to lovely Puerto Vallarta!  But with this amazing company, you don’t just earn a trip for yourself. You get to bring a guest! I’d love to give this trip to my husband for all the support he has shown me over the years!

Although I am within reach, it is definitely a stretch goal! I’ll need to have my best month ever in sales, parties and recruiting. But it is POSSIBLE!

So, what does this mean for you?

To achieve this goal, I’m offering a number of special deals to my customers — current and new! I’ll be posting some of them on this blog, but I’ll also be sharing exclusive specials on my Facebook page, through my newsletter, at live events and even in one-on-one conversations. Most of these will be limited time “Flash Sales” where you’ll need to act before the time runs out. How can you find out about the best deals? By keeping your eyes on each of these avenues. 

Click here to sign up for my newsletter>>

Click here to visit and like my Facebook page>>

Come to my “Retirement Party”>>

However, keep in mind that I’m posting specials based on what I think people want. Of course, I don’t know what is on your personal wish list.  If there is a Close To My Heart product or two you have been dreaming of, drop me an email and tell me about it.  I’ll get back to you with the best offer that works for me and meets the requirements of the Close To My Heart consultant agreement. Hopefully, we can find a way to get that item into your hands while helping me earn the trip!

So email me your WISH LIST and let’s talk!!

Wait, did you say you want to go too?

It may be a little late for the Puerto Vallarta trip, but if working when you want to work for yourself, earning cash and scrapbooking product, plus being given the chance to take an amazing trips like this appeals to you, we need to talk! You would be perfect for my team. I’m really excited about the next incentive trip to Thailand. The earning period starts October 1, so now is the time to start!

Rebecca