Sunday, September 7, 2014

Fun & Sun Layout using Artbooking


Often, I host All Day Crops at my home...12 hours of scrapping fun!  This was the layout everyone made for our August 2014 Crop.  I figured most everyone would have lots of summer time pictures yet to scrapbook...so the layout seemed appropriate.  The photo mat sizes are 4x6 too, so they are ideal for Flip Flaps!  Flip flaps are perfect when you want to add additional photos to your layouts.  I haven't added them to mine yet, still have photos to develop, but they have been taken.  I figure I'll finish up this layout during the cold months of winter...to bring the warmth back!

The title, grass and sun cut outs are images from the fabulous Artbooking Cricut Collection.  The cardstock papers unfortunately have recently retired, and no longer able to purchase...however, it's a perfect way to use up your stash!  The layout bases are Twilight cardstock, the middle section is Sky cardstock, and the striped pattern paper goes way back to the Tinkerin' paper pack.  I also embellished with a few gold sequins.  A simple layout, but has the opportunity to hold many, many photos!

Rummage through your stash of papers (if you're like me, you need a 12 step program! LOL) and discover what's new again!  Create a layout of your summer time memories!

Saturday, September 6, 2014

Family is Forever (#S1409) - September Stamp of the Month

After seeing so many samplings of this technique...I just had to try it for myself!  Love it!!!  So simple to do, and so effective in presentation!  It's the masking tape technique, although you want to use painters tape (we had the blue type on hand)...it works perfectly.

Simply tear off a piece of tape, run it over your ink pad sticky side down, then transfer the ink from the tape to your cardstock...easy peasy!  I kept one piece of tape for each color, until I was completely finished with the mass production of this card.  The ink colors I used were Lagoon, Sorbet, and Flaxen.  I also liked the way Glacier worked for the sky, although I was restricted to color choices since we had to stay within the colors of the paper pack for our swap.

The card measures 5x7 and it's the Midpoint pattern found on page 77 in Wishes Card Confidence Program.  The card base is our new Flaxen cardstock (loving this color!), and I used the patterned paper from Chalk It Up.  My embellishments include: Black Striped Twill ribbon, Gold Sequins, a small puffy heart from the Chalk It Up assortment, and an arrow charm from our Base & Bling product line.   The charm is tied to the ribbon with a small piece of bakers twine tied into a knot.   I absolutely LOVE embellishing artwork with the charms!   The sentiment is popped using our 3D foam tape, then for the finishing touch...I doodled around the edge of the card base with our black journaling pen.

Don't miss out purchasing this stamp set for yourself...you'll love working with it!  The main focus point of the card comes from the images of the Family is Forever stamp set, only available to purchase during the month of September 2014.  With your $50 order, you qualify to earn this stamp set for only $5!  You may also purchase it at full retail of $17.95 without a qualifying purchase.

I have more artwork to show you using the Family is Forever stamp set...come back to check it out!

Monday, June 2, 2014

Celebrate 30!

In honor of our founder and CEO Jeanette Lynton's 30-year anniversary in the stamping and scrapbooking industry, when you place an order totaling $50 during the month of June, you can add your choice of 1 of 6 great gift collections to your order for just $30!  Each collection has an original retail value of at least $50 - some even as high as $65.  
PLUS, each collection is perfectly tailored to fit a variety of interests and styles.  They feature everything from gift bags to ribbons to washi tape to alphabet stickers - and so much more!  Take advantage of these savings and snag your own collection for just $30. 
It may be Jeanette's anniversary - but you get the gift! 

HURRY...these collections are While Supplies Last
Order early to get your most desired collection!



Offer valid June 1-30, 2014 or until supplies are depleted.


Contact me TODAY!

Sunday, May 4, 2014

Free to Be Me Paper Collection for National Scrapbooking Month

Yesterday might have been National Scrapbooking Day, but at Close To My Heart...
we're celebrating all month long!
Don't wait to get your Free to Be Me paper collection...yours for only $5 with a $50 order!
Check out these fabulous papers!!!
Hard to see in the picture, the cardstock sheets have one side with a resist pattern (remember Dream Pop?), and the other side is plain cardstock.  There's printed vellum and B&T Duos too!

BONUS:  As an added bonus to the promotion this month, when your order qualifies for the Free to Be Me paper collection...I will send you (via email) a Free to Be Me Workshop Guide so that you can create these layouts and cards too!



The cards use the May Stamp of the Month, You've Got a Friend...so don't miss out on adding the stamp set to your order...you've already qualified to get it for $5 more when you qualify for the Free to Be Me paper collection!  Love it...it's like a two for one special!  Saving you nearly $20!




 Contact me to place your order, or do so right from my website!  
When your order is submitted, I will send you a PDF including the Free to Be Me Workshop Guide.

To create the layouts and cards as in the workshop, you'll also want to have on hand the following:
4 sheets of 12x12 White Daisy Cardstock
INKS: Bamboo, Cocoa, Lagoon
Stamp sets include:

Saturday, May 3, 2014

You've Got A Friend

HAPPY MAY...can it be true, Spring is finally in the air???

I'm having lots of fun creating with the May Stamp of the Month, 
#S1405 You've Got a Friend.  


During the month of May, when you qualify for the Stamp of the Month set for $5, you will also qualify for the National Scrapbooking Month special, Free to Be Me paper collection, for just $5 more!  I used the Free to Be Me paper collection together with the You've Got a Friend stamp set to create these cards!
Great News!!!  
These cards a just a sampling of the artwork you can create with the exclusive Free to Be Me Workshop.  That's right...when your order qualifies you for the Free to Be Me paper collection, I will send you (via email) a PDF including the Free to Be Me Workshop Guide! You'll get to create these 3 cards and two 2-page layouts...plus have a few scraps for more amazing artwork!  Don't forget to include the May Stamp of the Month in your order!

Want more inspiration?  
Watch this video using the May Stamp of the Month set, You've Got a Friend.

Stop back soon to see more artwork using the Free to Be Me paper packet!
Contact me today to get yours!

Saturday, March 22, 2014

The Great Outdoors




Today, I am hosting an All Day Crop (10am-10pm), and here's the layout we created.  I pre-cut papers, and provide embellishments for the layout, its all included in their registration fee.  This layout uses the new Timberline papers, the title, Great Outdoors (cut at 11" no real dial size) came from page 66 of the Artbooking Cricut cartridge booklet, and I threw in some older embellishments that are no longer available...trying to use up my stash.  The stamping is from the Catch You Later stamp set.  Colors are Bamboo (bases), Chocolate, Twilight, and Ponderosa Pine.

I want to add photos to this layout so bad!...and sadly, I don't have any outdoor or camping pictures that I haven't already scrapbooked!  Guess it's time to take some new ones!  Glad Spring and Summer are right around the corner (I have to keep telling myself that, today was cold, snowy and frosty!)

Edit to Post on 5/3/2014:

I found pictures for my layout, and I used Flip Flaps to include more than just the few pictures shown on the layout.  Here's what the layout looks like with photos...



I love how these pages turned out!  The Timberline papers are quickly becoming one of my favorites!

Sunday, March 9, 2014

Embossing...I'm hooked!



During our team training last week, one of our team members, Randa Wacaster taught us a few techniques using the new CTMH Embossing Folders.  I have been a novice using Embossing Folders until CTMH  introduced our new 5 embossing textures: Dot, Chevron, Quatrefoil, Damask and Stripe.  

After Randa's class, I realize she only got us started...
so many techniques to try, so many different looks.

I know, everyone wants to see a close up of the cards...don't worry, I got your back! LOL

 The "lovely" card obviously uses the DOT Embossing Folder.  Notice the strip that isn't embossed?  It's a perfect spot for your stamped images, and embellishments as shown here.  Just place your card front, not card base (this one is white on white) in the embossing folder about 2/3 of the way, run it through the embossing machine (I have a Cuttlebug), then remove your cardstock, turn your cardstock 180*, line up your impression in the embossing folder leaving about a 1" space from your previous impression, and run it through your machine again.  Then, using your trimmer and a stylist, make a dry embossed line just below and above your impression.  This card uses the stamp set from the Artbooking Cricut Collection, and Flamingo Dots.  Simple, yet elegant.


 The "Happy Birthday" card shows a monochromatic texture.  I inked the positive side of the embossing folder with Smokey Plum ink on Gypsy cardstock, and ran my card front through the Cuttlebug embossing machine using the DAMASK embossing folder.  If you ink the negative side of the embossing folder, you get a whole new look...try it!!!  It's so cool!  
This stamp set is one that comes with the Art Philosophy Cricut Collection.  


 The "you're a STAR" card uses the STRIPE embossing folder, and distressed with desert sand ink after it was embossed.  Discovered that you really want to watch the "grain" of your paper, when you cut for embossing.  When I ran the card front through the Cuttlebug against the grain of the paper, the texture looked "cracked", which is a cool technique...but you can avoid the "cracking" if you cut your paper to go along the grain of the paper when you emboss.  The colors used for the card are Bamboo, Pacifica, Juniper and Buttercup.  The stamped images came from the Take Note stamp set with the Artbooking Cricut Collection.  
NOTE: for this project only, the lined notebook paper Cricut image is cut at 3-3/4" not 4" as noted on the stamp carrier sheet.


 The "THANKS" card is a fun and new technique for me, using the Babycakes paper.  It's a great technique to use up some small scraps (if you keep scraps 1x1").  Simply cut enough 1x1" scraps and create your quilt-look on a piece of cardstock (my piece was 4x4), adhere all your squares side by side, and then run through your embossing machine using the QUATREFOIL embossing folder.  We added some Bronze Shimmer Trim and used the sentiment from the Art Philosophy Collection stamp set.


Finally, the "wonderful" banner card uses the CHEVRON embossing folder and the Balloon Ride papers.  This time, we cut the strips of paper, laid the strips of paper onto the embossing folder in the order you want it to show on your card.  Running just the strips of paper through the Cuttlebug, then adhering them to your card front, allows just the banner strips to have the texture, not the whole card. The stamp set is from the Balloon Ride WOTG Scrapbooking kit stamped in Sorbet, and the Chocolate Striped Grosgrain Ribbon (no longer available), and a couple Brown Sparkles for embellishment.

 Randa, thanks for teaching...can't wait to experiment with more techniques!

Embossing quickly adds texture to your paper by slipping it inside one of our 5"x7" (actual size 5-1/4"x7-1/4") clear plastic, patterned embossing folders, then pressing with your embossing machine.  It has been brought to my attention, that the CTMH Embossing Folders do NOT fit the Sizzix Texture Boutique machine (with a 5" opening) without modification.  

Modification is simple (I had a friend share her modification with me) and I'm happy to share her idea with you!  Now she is able to use our Embossing Folders with her Boutique machine. Contact me.

Saturday, March 8, 2014

Artbooking Made Easy: Happy Springtime

With Colorado experiencing lots of spring snow in the last 24 hours 
(not that I'm complaining...we definitely need the moisture, and happy for it!), 
I thought I would share a Spring time video with you.  Afterall, its a perfect day to spend indoors, 
creating with your Artbooking Cricut Cartridge.

Jen also explains how the "linked" keys and the Real Dial Size key works 
on the Artbooking Cartridge, along with examples in her layouts.  
ENJOY!


Successful sizing your images comes with some practice, however, if you ever have questions on how to cut an image, please contact me.  I'm happy to help you!

Friday, March 7, 2014

Happy Place - March 2014 Stamp of the Month

Today, I'm happy to share a beautiful example of what can be created with the 



This card was created by one of our very talented team members, Bertha MacMillan.  
I love all the little details on her card, that don't go unnoticed!
The base of her standard size card is Desert Sand cardstock.  Bertha used the Skylark papers for her masterpiece.  I love the paper piecing she did with the Matryoshka doll (I would have never known what they were called if it wasn't for the Olympics!  I always called them nesting dolls.)  The pinked edge of the Skylark textiles, along with the loops of hemp bakers twine and the Teal Shimmer Trim, makes up a unique cluster.  Don't miss the Lagoon Zipper Lace, and mini clothespin, and Aqua Dots surrounding the sentiment.  It's hard to see, Bertha also stitched the diagonal striped B&T making it appear as pleated ribbon.

Thanks for sharing your talent with us, Bertha!

As a reminder, you can get the March Stamp of the Month set at it's full retail value of $17.95 from March 1-31st, 2014.  Or when you place an order of $50+ in Close To My Heart products, you get the Stamp of the Month set for only $5.  Contact me, or place your order online today!  Only available during the month of March 2014.  Offer expires March 31st, 2014.

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

LAST CHANCE - Embossing is Boss!


During the month of February, purchase 2 packs of bulk single or combo colored cardstock and receive your choice of 1 of our 5 new embossing folders FREE!
(Exclusions include: Colonial White, White Daisy, Kraft, and Paper Fundamental Basics Assortment)

HURRY!!! This promotion ends, Friday, February 28th!


In the video, Jill shares some tips on the best way to use our new exclusive embossing folders in trendy and classy patterns:


Here's a card project I offered my All Day Crop customers last weekend.  I always include a creative project with their registration fee, and I usually alternate between a 2 page 12x12 layout and a card project, since most of my gals do both scrapbooking and cardmaking.   I wanted to promote our new embossing folders, and use up some of my retired paper stash.  This is a 3x3 card set with envelopes and a pouch using one of our 4x6 Flip Flaps too!  I used Pemberly (retired) scraps I had on hand and A1119 A Garden (retired) and D1560 Holiday Tags for the cards.  They personalized their cards with the embossing folder (on Kraft cardstock) and sentiment of their choice.  Ink colors used: Desert Sand and Outdoor Denim.
Quickly add an embossed pattern to your paper by slipping it inside one of our 5"x7" (actual size measures 5-1/4"x7-1/4") clear plastic, patterned embossing folders, then pressing with your embossing machine.  All patterns are repeatable for larger papers and work with most embossing machines. 

Check out all the patterns of the new CTMH Embossing Folders (click on links):



Tuesday, February 25, 2014

ShoeBox Swap Artwork

As the introduction of each new Idea Book (catalog) cycle, our group of consultants participates in our ShoeBox Swap.  What is a ShoeBox Swap, you ask?

Each consultant chooses a NEW paper pack, and a NEW stamp set from the NEW catalog and creates a card.  She also provides pre-cut paper pieces and embellishments for all the other participants to re-create her card.  All products used, including pre-cut papers are placed in a ShoeBox, and each box is passed on to the next person to create the card.  

This is a fabulous way to have a bunch of new artwork to show customers...
and the best part...you only had to come up with ONE idea!!!

Here's my card:
I used the Ivy Lane papers, Smoothie Striped Washi Tape, Triangles Durable Studs, Pink Glitter Paper and Big Hug stamp set.  My card is a standard size card, using Bamboo cardstock as the base.

Here are the other cards we were able to create:
 (click on photos to show more detail)
 I will come back and do individual posts of each card with products used.  However, in the meantime, if you have any questions about any card, please feel free to leave a comment below.

Celebrate LIFE layout

Earlier this month, I hosted my new Catalog Celebration for a full house crowd!  I have grown to become good friends with so many of my wonderful supporters...you know who you are!  And I thank you!!!

I always forget to take pictures during this event...I always think about it before hand, but then get so involved with showing off new products, teaching our creative project, playing BINGO - CTMH style, and giving away prizes...I get lost in all the FUN!

Here's our Make-n-Take for this year.  In the past, I have offered a 12x12 page...but this year, I offered a two page layout for just a few dollars more.  Each and every one of my guests took the two page offer!
(click on layout for more detail)
I try to introduce as many new products as possible, and still be tasteful, and in a CTMH style!
I love the mix of B&T papers here (Ariana, Jubilee and Balloon Ride).  

The following products are used in this layout: 
This Is Good stamp set (exclusive Hostess Reward)
Doodle Signs stamp set (exclusive Hostess Reward)
Smoothie Striped Washi Tape
Gold Polka Dot Washi Tape
Chocolate Woodgrain Washi Tape
Triangle Stud Durables
Craft Queen Base & Bling Charms
Ink Colors used: Crystal Blue, Smoothie, Honey, Sweet Leaf and Chocolate

Monday, February 24, 2014

Spring/Summer 2014 IDEA BOOK is HERE!!

It's here...and it's AMAZING!!!
There are so many fabulous new products...all are a must see!  
Lots of new, breath-taking papers (the more I work with them, the more I'm loving them!), 
7 new Paper Packets and Workshops on the Go kits:

with 2 additional card-making kits:


AND new product lines including Picture My Life Scrapbooking Programs
...you'll LOVE our quick and colorful solution for your favorite photos.  Choose from eight (yes, 8!) Picture My Life scrapbooking programs, each based on a versatile theme, bursting with 122 double sides cards in 3"x4" and 4"x6" horizontal and vertical designs, 
and a 12"x12" cover page to bring it all together!

ANOTHER new product line Base & Bling (trendy line of wearable crafts):

you can view these products and so much more in the new Spring/Summer 2014 Idea Book!!! 


If you would like your personal copy of the Spring/Summer 2014 Idea Book, please contact me!


Friday, January 24, 2014

Artbooking Made Easy: Elegant Mini Albums

Keeping with the "LOVE" theme from my last few posts...I thought I would share another educational Artbooking video.  Of course, the mini albums that Kristine showcases are quite stunning...but make sure you listen all the way to the end, where Kristine shares some tips on how the Artbooking linked keys work.



I still say "practice makes perfect" or at least almost perfect, when it comes to figuring out how the Artbooking images are cut.  At first, Artbooking was intimidating, and I was having the hardest time getting the cuts I wanted (that's what scrap paper is for).  Now that I've been using it more and more for different projects...the Artbooking cartridge is getting easier and easier to use.  Practice does make perfect!  Stay in and create something beautiful, that will be treasured for a lifetime...

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Artbooking Made Easy: Love, Love, Love

Love making mini albums? Love the Cricut® Artbooking cartridge? Love learning chic techniques for papercrafting? You will love this episode of Artbooking Made Easy, where we show you how to create two trendy looks using re-inker, sponge daubers, and mini album pages cut from the Artbooking cartridge. 
I gotta make one of these!  Absolutely adorable!  

Get your Cricut chirping with the Artbooking cartridge - pages 48 & 49.  With Artbooking, all the keys are linked so that each image is cut proportionately.  Just leave the cut size at 8" and cut away!  If you choose to change the size, as Kristine did with the flower, just use the Real Dial Size button to the size you desire.

Make sure you watch until the end...Kristine shares a cool technique! Another must try...

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

A Groovy Kind of Love Layout

I recently hosted an All Day Crop for my gals and included supplies for a two-page layout in their registration fee.  Valentine's Day is right around the corner, so I created a "LOVE" layout, however, it's generic enough to use for just about any occasion, not just Valentine's Day.  
The layout is Pattern 02 from Make It From Your Heart, Volume 2.  I used Kraft cardstock as the bases for the layout.  I also used a combination of retired B&T papers, Sparkle & Shine, Bliss, and Stella.  Love how all these very different papers come together so nicely.  I rarely create a project without using one or more of the CTMH Cricut cartridges, 
this one is no exception.    


I used the Artbooking cartridge to cut the heart overlay, and the title word "Love".
Heart Overlay - pg48, Overlay, <q>, cut at 11.5" (RealDialSize-RDS)
"Love" - pg61, Title, <f>, cut at 3" (RDS)
Art Philosophy was used to cut hearts too - pg26, shift <Heart1>, cut at 3/4", 1" and 1.25"

 I used Keyboard Alphabet in Desert Sand ink to stamp out the title of the layout.  
The Stitch Guide and Foam Mat came in handy as I pierced the heart shape onto the cardstock and stitched using white Bakers Twine.  The layout also used several coordinating embellishments to accent the pages.  Clear Sparkles, Red Sparkles, buttons, and Red Shimmer Trim

Friday, January 3, 2014

Celebrate National PaperCrafting Month on Cloud Nine

Happy New Year!  

Like many of us, I was one who had WAY TOO MUCH on my plate for the last couple of months, and unfortunately, my blogging suffered.  I apologize for being absent for the last 6 weeks...but I'm back!  Not quite back to MY normal schedule yet, but getting there, bit by bit!

I thought I would leave you with a video showing a FUN cardmaking kit that you can only get in January 2014.  All the details are under the Monthly Specials tab on my home page.

Watch the video and get excited to order your own before January melts away!