A Brand-New "Annual Inspirations" Idea Book!

It’s September 1^st and the moment you’ve all been waiting for is finally here! Introducing the NEW Close To My Heart “Annual Inspirations” Idea Book! You will be able to enjoy this Idea Book from now through August of 2016!

The NEW "Annual Inspirations” 2015-2016 features: 

-    Six New My Reflections™ Paper Packs with coordinating Complements, Assortments & stamp sets – most with a coordinating Workshop on the Go or a Workshop on the Go Card-Making Kit 

-    A NEW Cricut® Cartridge – “Artistry” – which is yet another can’t-do-without addition to the CTMH Cricut line. Over 700 new images and three incredible new stamp sets included!

-    Seven brand New COLORS! 

-    New Hostess Rewards Stamp Sets and Stamps of the Month. 

-    Two New “Cut Above™” card kits – kits have all of the pieces pre-cut for you and are ready to stamp & assemble. 

-    NEW “Instalife™” Line – Designed specifically to preserve your Instagram photos and memories!. 

-    Seven New “Picture My Life™” programs – including two overlay sets! 

-    A New “Fundamentals” line that will make you go “Mmmmmm”. 

-    New storage and organization pieces 

-    Brand New additions to the “Base & Bling” line 

-    New Trim, New Twine & New Tape – Oh My!

If you hadn’t already guessed, there’s a lot that’s NEW! I don’t know how they do it, but each new Idea Book is better than the last. The Paper Packs alone are SO gorgeous! The patterns are spectacular and incredibly versatile.

And this month’s Stamp of the Month – beautiful. It’s called “Paper Garden”, and here’s what you get:

$17.95 Regular price – ONLY $5.00 with a $50 purchase!

But WAIT! There’s MORE! IN ADDITION, today also starts a BRAND NEW “Holiday Expressions” book, which runs from September 2015 through December 2015 – with EVEN MORE BRAND NEW PRODUCT to fulfill your dreams! Additional “Hostess Reward Stamp Sets”, Holiday-themed Paper Packs, Compliments, Assortments, and Stamp Sets. Additional “Picture My Life”, “Designer Creations”, and “Cut Above” Card Kits. And even more “Base & Bling”. 

I can’t tell you how excited I am! I am so anxious to start creating with all my new goodies! I will be posting my favorite new products and new artwork soon, so stay tuned! Get right over to MY WEBSITE to view both of these new Idea Books online!

March Stamp of the Month - Choose Happy!

I have been having fun with Close To My Heart's Stamps of the Month - and this month has been no exception. "Choose Happy" is a very versatile set of 14 images consisting of frames, borders and sentiments:

What sentiment wouldn't have more impact surrounded by a unique and lovely frame? Here are a couple of cards that I created using this set:

For this card I used the "wood" frame and squiggle from the SOTM along with the "Heartstrings" paper pack*, the Quatrefoil Embossing Folder, a sentiment from the "Have a Happy Day" stamp set, and "Stuck on You" Puffies* from Seasonal Expressions 1 (* - only available through the end of THIS MONTH!).

This card also uses the "Heartstrings" paper pack, along with hearts from the "Forever in My Heart" stamp set, and red Shimmer Trim.

This set is equally fun to use in your scrapbooking! Here are a couple of ideas from CTMH:

There's just over a week left to get this set for yourself. Purchase it outright for $17.95, or pay only $5 with a $50 purchase! Click HERE to shop my website! Thanks!

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!

OK, I know that I’m a few hours early with this BIG announcement, but I just couldn’t wait any longer! Tomorrow is AUGUST - I can’t believe the summer is half over! Things have been REALLY different in our household this year, as I have gone back to work full-time for the first time since having my children – which is why I have faltered in keeping my blog up to date! I apologize!

So without further ado (drumroll, please)…Introducing the NEW Close To My Heart Idea Book – “Annual Inspirations”!

This is completely different from our previous Idea Books in that it will be good for the entire year! From now, August 2014, through July 2015, you can order and enjoy the products in “Annual Inspirations”. IN ADDITION, there will also be two supplemental Idea Books, released one at a time – one in December and one in April. They will each be good for four months, and will feature ONLY NEW, seasonally-inspired products. I tell you, I cannot wait to see the “Seasonal Expressions” books after seeing “Annual Inspirations”!

“Annual Inspirations” features:

• Nine new My Reflections™ Paper Packs with coordinating Complements, assortments & stamp sets – most with a coordinating Workshop on the Go or a Workshop on the Go Card-Making Kit
• Another NEW Cricut® Cartridge – “Artfully Sent” – which is solely based on card-making. With it, you can create 250 complete cards and 150 other small projects!
• Five brand new COLORS
• New Hostess Rewards Stamp Sets and Stamps of the Month
• The “Cut Above™” Line – features treat bag and card kits that have all of the pieces pre-cut for you and are ready to stamp & assemble.
• “Designer Creations” line – fun, 3-D gift items.
• Five new “Picture My Life™” programs
• Three NEW “My Crush™” Books!
• Three new “Designed Décor” pieces
• Eight new additions to the “Base & Bling” line
• NEW embellishments, NEW ribbons, NEW Washi Tape – Oh My!
• New tools, new adhesives, new Markers, and a Score Board!

Seriously, this is the best Idea Book to come down the pike in a long time.

And this month’s Stamp of the Month – ADORABLE! It’s called “What a Hoot”, and here’s what you get:

And here are the two cards I made with it (so far…):

How cute! The first card uses one of the BRAND NEW paper packs - "Snowhaven", while the second makes use of our BRAND NEW markers.

I can't wait to show you more! If you would like your very own copy of Annual Inspirations, be sure to come to my next workshop or my Open House - details on both coming soon. In the meantime, CLICK HERE to view the new Idea Book online (starting August 1st)! Don't forget, you can always place an order directly on MY WEBSITE - 24-hours a day! See you soon!

What's New for March

Each new month brings fun and exciting new things from Close To My Heart. Today I’m here to tell you about what the month of March has to offer. First and foremost, is the new Stamp of the Month, “Happy Place”:

This set of seven stamps has a mix of images and sentiments, making it a versatile set for scrapbooking, card-making, or any of your paper-crafting projects. You can purchase this set for $17.95 – which is a great price – OR...you can get it for JUST $5 with a $50 CTMH purchase! Now that’s a deal!

Next up – “Rediscover Home” this month with a special FREE download from Rediscover CTMH:

If you go to my website, under the “Promotions” tab, you will see “Rediscover CTMH”. Click on that, and it will bring you to the latest download, “Rediscover Home” – a set of spice labels that you can print onto label stock and punch or cut out to add a fun and unique look to your spice rack! How fun!

And last, but most certainly not least, is this month’s special: Studio Savings! 

During the month of March, order your Studio J™ layouts—including ones using the new Photo Express Collection—for only $5 each! Quickly create gorgeous, personalized studio layouts using an incredible selection of papers, collections, patterns, and embellishments. And don’t forget to check out the templates in the new Photo Express Collection, which allow you to design layouts comprised entirely of photos. Now you can use Studio J for your photo processing as well! Print photos in a variety of sizes – 4” x 6”, 3” x 4”, 3” x 3”, 2” x 2”, and more. And what better time to try it out then when it’s just $5 a layout – that’s only $2.50 per 12” x 12” page! “You’ve taken the photos. Now keep the memories.™” If you’ve been following me at all, you know that I LOVE Studio J, and that it is the only thing I use for my 12” x 12” scrapbooking. I encourage you to log on and play! If you choose to purchase any layouts, this month is the time to do it at just $5 each! Have FUN!

Happy National Papercrafting Month - and New Year!

As if starting off a brand new year wasn't enough cause for celebration - it's also National Papercrafting Month! So when you're a company that specializes in papercrafting, you know they're going to do something great to celebrate! This year, Close To My Heart is offering a fantastic, exclusive card kit that I know you are going to want to get your hands on. Introducing the "Cloud Nine Cardmaking Kit". With this all-inclusive kit, you will be able to make 10 adorable cards (2 each of 5 designs) using three sneak-peek accessories from the upcoming Idea Book (yea!), a new D-size stamp set, and exclusive papers. What's more - when you acquire this exclusive kit for just $15 with a $35 purchase from the Autumn-Winter 2013 Idea Book, you automatically qualify for the January Stamp of the Month for just $5! That's $63.95 worth of product for only $20 - a savings of $43.95! What's not to love?! But wait, there's more! Sign up as a new CTMH Consultant in January and submit a total in sales of $300 or more before June (easy!), and receive the "Cloud Nine" kit for FREE. Check out these sneak peeks:

A peek at the five card designs you will create from the kit (see more on my website at funforyou.ctmh.com).

The D-size stamp set that comes with the kit. How fun!!

The January Stamp of the Month, "Cross-Stitch Wishes", images (set of 13).

I can't wait to put my card kit together! In that spirit, I am holding an exclusive Card-Making Workshop for just THREE PEOPLE, during which we will be making the FIVE cards from the "Cloud Nine" Kit.

The Date:  Sunday, January 12 from 1-4pm.
The Place: my house
The Cost:  $10
PLUS, one lucky winner will be taking home the fun stamp set that comes with the kit - simply place an order that day and be entered to win!
The first three people to respond WITH payment will have their place secured! I look forward to seeing you there!

Happy New Year!

Facebook Artwork

Hello Friends!

It has occurred to me that some of you may follow my blog and not follow me on Facebook, and vice versa. So for those of you who may not have seen the artwork I have been posting lately to my Facebook Page, I decided I would post it here (this way I can also pin it to my Pinterest Board!) If anyone has any questions as to what products were used for any of the artwork, please contact me and I will be happy to let you know - or just head on over to my Facebook Page and check them out there! Enjoy!

It's Finally Here!!

It’s August 1^st, and in the land of Close To My Heart, that means a Brand New Idea Book!

That’s right – the Autumn-Winter 2013 Idea Book is now LIVE! You can see it all for yourself right here: [IDEA BOOK] There are so many new things to tell you about, it’s hard to know where to start! I think I’ll start with my favorite new product – the Cricut® Artbooking Collection! You’ve seen “Art Philosophy” and loved it. Then there was “Artiste”, which (in my opinion) blew “Art Philosophy” out of the water. Now, you’d better hold on to your hats, because “Artbooking” is insane. Quoting from the Idea Book: “With oodles of images in each of 15 layout themes, you can create several coordinating pages for each theme using just two keys and one dial size. Images include accents, borders, titles, overlays, photo mats – in standard photo sizes! – and more. The Cricut® keys are optimized for creating 12” x 12” pages in a jiffy. You’ll love creating 10 themed mini books, also optimized for several different sizes using just two keys and one dial size. Celebrate birthdays, new baby, vacations, friends, sports, Halloween, Christmas, and more.” Oh my gosh. And if that wasn’t enough, the Collection also comes with three awesome coordinating D-size stamp sets, and three 12” x 9” sheets of Dimensional Elements. I just tried my hand at creating a 2-page 12” x 12” layout, and this was my result:

How Fun! I was also dying to use the mini torn notebook shape with its coordinating stamp. So, using the card on page 14 of the new Idea Book as my inspiration, I created this:

I am LOVING all of the new shapes and ALBUMS to play with! My next project will definitely be a mini album. No matter what your might here, the "Artbooking" cartridge is NOT just for scrapbookers!!

Did you notice the “washi tape” on my “good times” card above? I am loving that as well – because they are actually stamps! That means that I have an endless supply of tape in whatever color I need! How cool is that?! The two designs I used above come from a set of 24 called “Washi Wonder”.

It’s one of SEVEN NEW Hostess Rewards Stamp Sets! That’s right – if you love it, then you’ll have to hold a fun, entertaining and rewarding Home Gathering with party sales of at least $150. Then you can use your earned select product credit to purchase these exclusive stamp sets at a substantial discount! Whoohoo!

Oh my gosh, there’s so much more. Like CTMH’s new “Base & Bling” – wearable crafting projects.

It’s make-your-own jewelry, people! There are bases for a necklace, cuff bracelet, hair clip, ring, and headband – all ready for you to embellish with all of the new bling! I didn’t know where to start with so many new items, so I opted for the “Fabric Necklace Kit” in order to try it out – and I love it! I will be posting how I put that together next week, so be looking for that.

Or how about CTMH’s two new “My Crush™” Albums!

If anyone is familiar with “Smash” books, then you will have a pretty good grasp of the “My Crush” concept. As quoted from the Idea Book: “They give you a safe place to quickly hold the precious everyday memorabilia while life is happening. Grab a glue stick, some tape, or a paper clip and attach your little things on the printed pages of these handy-size books....My Crush books each include sixty 10” x 7” full-color designed pages in a wire-bound, hardcover book.” In addition, there are coordinating assortments and stamp sets to go with them! Assortments include 16 journal spots, 4 – 4” x 4” My Stickease® Sheets, 2 – 4” x 4” Alphabet Stickers Sheets, and 4 – 2” x 2” Envelopes – for just $4.95 each! This is scrapbooking at its best – and on the go!

Two more new concepts in this new Idea Book are “Minis” and “Jeanette’s Stamp Archive”. Minis are single stamps that are available for the low, low price of just $2.95 each. There are eight of them in this catalog – adorable! And Jeanette’s Stamp Archive is a “flash from the past”! In each new Idea Book, CTMH will be bringing back old, retired stamps/stamp sets newly recreated in My Acrylix® form for a limited time. It is most definitely a blast from the past!

More?! Oh yeah. There’s also a new “Make It From Your Heart – Volume 2” which features 16 two-page layout patterns, 2 single-page patterns, and 12 card patterns from current Workshops on the Go projects, as well as upcoming Spring/Summer 2014 WOTG patterns. There’s six NEW Paper Packs and tons of NEW stamp sets, including SIX NEW Stamps of the Month to oogle over! And speaking of which, that leads me into this month’s SPECIAL CAMPAIGN!

As soon as I saw the August Stamp of the Month, I knew it was for me. “A Chocolate Affair” is a set of 16 stamps that will make you hungry just looking at them! But you won’t have to starve yourself this month, because for the month of August, when you place a $50 CTMH order, “A Chocolate Affair” is yours FREE!! Yes! I knew it was destined to be mine! Make it yours, too!

OK, I swear, this is the last thing I have to tell you (so far today). Since we are “Rediscovering” Close To My Heart, each month will feature a new, downloadable FREEBIE which is available for that month only. I hope you got your “You Make Me Happy” tags last month when we were “Rediscovering Happy”! This month we are “Rediscovering Family". Click [HERE] for your FREEBIE for this month!

Thank you SO much for reading all the way to the end! There's a LOT of new stuff to take in! Be sure to check out the new Idea Book and contact me with any questions or orders! Order online anytime at http://funforyou.ctmh.com!