Don't Miss Saying GOODBYE to 2020!

We have survived a year that will go down in history...and I am SO ready to say good riddance to 2020!  It has been a crazy year, full of change - a global pandemic, the toilet paper crisis, social distancing, wearing masks, hand sanitizing, quarantine, safer at home and the cherry on top - a presidential election.  Phrases like curbside pick up, working from home and online shopping all have a new meaning in 2020!  I am hoping 2021 looks better for all of us, and most importantly, getting to spend time with you again...in person!!!

I wanted to connect with you to make sure you aware of ALL the wonderful happenings at CTMH! I would hate to have you miss out on any of the goodness!  Of course, it is never my intention to have you purchase ALL of these kits and specials...CTMH only wants to make sure there is something for everyone!  If anything has become clearer than ever over these past several months is just how vital Close To My Heart is, as we manage through this pandemic. PaperCrafting is great therapy!!

My wish to you is a holiday filled with love and happiness.  May it be a time filled with joyful connections and heart-warming traditions as we bring this year to a close and move into a new one.

From the bottom of my heart, stay healthy, and we will be seeing each other soon! Hugs...Julie

IN THIS ISSUE:

1) VIP Memberships

2) Jingle Joy and Serenity

3) Boxing Week Sale - coming Dec 26 - Dec 31

4) Stamp of the Month - #S2012 - Happiness Never Grows Old (set of 11)

5) Perfect Match - available Dec 15 - Feb 28

6) New Products Coming Soon! - January/February Idea Book

7) Home Sweet Home - available Jan 1 - Feb 28

8) Exclusive VIP Workshop - We Are Good Together!

9) CTMH Facebook Events

1) Be a VIP!

The VIP Customer Program is your chance to earn shopping credit on your purchases while getting access to exclusive product and perks! Your VIP BENEFITS include earning 15% shopping credit, get a FREE Stamp of the Month with a $50+ qualifying purchase, get access to exclusive specials throughout the year, AND only through December 31st, you'll receive a BONUS $25 VIP credit when you sign up for the VIP Customer Program.  Pay $35 for an annual membership (from the date you sign up) and start saving on every CTMH order you place! View all the details including FAQs and JOIN now!

2) Jingle Joy and Serenity - 

A few products in these lines are selling out since we are ending their lifespan in the November/December catalog.  Check these links for availability:  Jingle Joy  AND  Serenity

Embrace the joyful Christmas season with the trendy colors and cheerful designs of the Jingle Joy paper collection.  Combine bright pinks and greens with black and white accents, including black chipboard die-cuts with while foil printed designs, to make your holiday artwork pop this year!

Capture the peaceful feeling of a calm winter's morning with the Serenity paper collection.  Featuring our color of the year, Blue Belle, this collections elegant designs and natural elements make it a great option for a wide variety of crafting projects.

3) Boxing Week Sale = December 26-December 31

Close out the year with some amazing savings!  This sale offers incredible deals each day from December 26 through December 31.  With new offers posted daily at 12am (MST) and expiring at 11:59pm (MST) the same day, the Boxing Week sale provides an excellent opportunity for you to save on your favorite products!

Sale prices are only available on orders placed through my website during Boxing Week.  All discounted items ordered as part of this sale count toward earning VIP Bank Credit.  Shipping and handling will be based on the full retail value of sale items, and any items purchased using VIP Credit will be redeemed at the full retail price.

4) DECEMBER Stamp of the Month - #S2012 Happiness Never Grows Old (11 stamps)

BEAUTIFUL STAMPS at AMAZING DISCOUNTS!  Each month you can purchase a new D-size stamp set, valued at $18.95, for just $5 OR for FREE as a VIP Customer!  Qualify for this special pricing by placing an order of $50+ in CTMH products.  OR simply purchase this set for only $18.95 with a qualifying purchase, only during the month of December 2020.  Don't forget to add this beautiful stamp set to your cart!

Check out the amazing artwork!

5) Perfect Match - Offer available from December 15th-February 28th

Papercrafting and Valentine's Day are a match made in heaven, and the Perfect Match collection has everything you need to make absolutely gorgeous love-themed artwork!  This stunning collection features a new paper packet and sticker sheet, the Perfect Match stamp set, and adorable mini heart accents!  You can save 20% when you purchase these amazing products in the Perfect Match Product Bundle or the Perfect Match Workshop kit!

6) NEW PRODUCTS COMING!!!   View current catalogs online

The release of the January/February Idea book is just around the corner!  Of course, our annual catalog is still going strong through August 2021 (thank goodness, still have a TON I want from the annual catalog!) ***It is my understanding the NEW January/February catalogs will begin shipping FREE with orders submitted during the Boxing Week Sale and later.

7) Home Sweet Home - Offer available January 1st - February 28th, while supplies last!

Celebrate National Paper-Crafting Month with a beautiful wood frame designed for year-round decor!  You'll love using die-cuts to assemble 14 seasonal wood circles that work as interchangeable accents for the "O" in this decor piece.  

8) We Are Good Together Exclusive VIP Workshop - exclusive perk for VIP members only!  Join the VIP customer program today to join the fun!

Lets kick of 2021 in CTMH style - by crafting!!!  So excited to announce the first-ever VIP workshop and event coming to you in 2021~

The VIP We Are Good Together Workshop kit makes 3 adorable 2-page layouts, 10 cards, and has a stamp set and sticker sheet only available to VIPs!  Learn how to create this workshop by attending our Facebook LIVE event held on February 25, 2021 at 2pm MST.  This event is only available for VIPs who have purchased the workshop bundle.

The workshop bundle will be available to purchase from 1/1-3/31/2021. But if you want to attend the FB Live event to assemble your kit, be sure to order it before February 1, 2021.  The event will be available for repeat viewing after the live event has concluded.  As invitation to the event will be sent via email as the event draws closer.

9) Facebook Live CTMH Crafting Events

Join in and create virtually with CTMH during their Facebook Live crafting events!  To fully participate in these exciting events, make sure to order the bundles listed below. The events will take place as follows:

• Tuesday, January 5, 2pm MST:  Serenity Cardmaking Workshop (G1220)
• Tuesday, January 26, 2pm MST:  Serenity Scrapbooking Workshop (G1218)
• Wed-Thurs, February 3-4, 3pm MST: Perfect Match Workshop (CC122013)
• Tuesday, February 9, 2pm MST: Happiness Lives Here Cardmaking Workshop (G1222)
• Tuesday, February 16, 2pm MST: Happiness Lives Here Scrapbooking Workshop (G1221)
• Thursday, February 25, 2pm MST:  VIP Customer We Are Good Together Workshop (VIP102)

  ***HINT***Be sure to visit the Close To My Heart (Official) Facebook page, click on Events tab, and mark yourself as "GOING" so you can be entered to win some awesome giveaways during these events!!!

IN CLOSING:

Please feel free to reach out with any questions you might have about any CTMH products offered here. I'm always happy to help!  And I am looking forward to the days ahead where we can meet in person and craft together again - I see a POST-PANDEMIC Crop coming soon! 

Julie Nilsson, Independent CTMH Maker
Close To My Heart: Scrapbooking - CardMaking - PaperCrafting
Shop Online @ https://julieann.closetomyheart.com

SEPTEMBER Classes, Specials and More!

Hello Friends!

Happy September, ya'll!  It's my FAVORITE time of year, I adore the Fall season, especially in Colorado with the crisp mornings, warm days and cool nights!  I'm looking forward to seeing the colors change too. What's your favorite season?

I'm sharing another fun, memorable photo from Convention.  For the first time ever, CTMH offered Home Office Tours to Convention attendees.  It was so fun seeing where all the magic happens!  We were able to see the beautiful Lobby, Art Studio, Jeanette's office, Executive Board Room, but none of the production of our acrylic stamps...I was hoping to see that process.  Still, it was great fun to share this experience with my team!

The holidays are coming up on us too, have you seen all the fabulous new product in the NEW Holiday Expressions?!?  Its filled with so many wonderful new products, papers, embellishments, stamp sets and thin cuts...oh my!  My wish list is LONG on this one!

Inside you'll find new Cut Above kits (scrapbooking, card making and tags!), Cats & Bats, Falling for You, Beary Christmas and Silver & Gold.  Grab your favorite beverage, sit back and enjoy all the creativity inside the new Holiday Expressions.   If you need your copy of either the new Annual Inspirations or the Holiday Expressions, please contact me...let's get them in your hands!

This month of September is full, I've got so much going on in other aspects of life.  So, thankfully, I can work CTMH around my crazy schedule.  My workshops for September will be coming later in the month, as I have my nephews wedding this weekend, my 35 year high school class reunion, Vegas next week for a dental convention, our 20th wedding anniversary...somewhere amidst of all of the fun, I will be squeezing in new workshops too!

Feel free to share this blog post with your friends who LOVE to stamp, scrapbook and paper-craft.  I always appreciate your referrals...and I love to reward YOU too!  I sincerely thank you for your continued friendship and support...I truly appreciate YOU!

Helping preserve the memories that matter most ~ YOURS!
Julie


IN THIS ISSUE:
1) September Special - From the Heart card kit
2) Falling for You WYW Scrapbooking Workshop
3) Happy Day WYW Cardmaking Workshop
4) September Stamp of the Month - #S1709 Feel So Blessed
5) SNEAK PEEK to October - Cats & Bats!

1) FROM THE HEART Card Kit - September Monthly Special celebrating National Stamping Month!

The exclusive From the Heart card kit gives you all the materials you need for creating 12 interactive cards, including an E-size stamp set with heartfelt sentiments and stamps you can layer together for exquisitely artistic cards.  Available only during September, this card kit is a must have that will help you create elevated artwork from the heart.

With this special, you can purchase the entire card kit and save 20%!  Or purchase only the stamp set, or purchase additional bases and envelopes to use for other creative projects!

Here are a few additional cards I created (with inspiration from fellow consultant Holly Veselenak) using the kit with addition of coordinating scrap cardstock pieces:

Others, using standard card bases - 

I love the stamp set - it's a must have in my opinion!

2) Falling For You WYW Scrapbooking Workshop -  Create SIX 2-page layouts (that's 12 pages!) using the "Falling for You" WYW kit, PLUS a package of Falling for You Coordinating Cardstock.

(click on images to enlarge for more detail)

WHEN: (Choose Your Day) - 

Tues, Sept 26th (9a-1pm), Wed, Sept 27th (1-5pm), Fri Sept, 29th (5-9pm), Sat, Sept 30th (9a-1pm)

WHERE: Julie's StampNScrap Studio

RSVP: by Saturday, September 16th (by placing your order with Julie or online)

CLASS FEE:  #G1135 Falling for You WYW kit = $27.95, PLUS 

                         #X7223D Falling for You Coordinating Cardstock = $9.95  

(includes 3 each of Expresso, Fern, Goldrush and Pewter, and we use it all, minimal scraps.  I use several of the lighter side of the two-toned cardstock for the bases and photo mats).  

*I also use 4 sheets of Kraft Cardstock (#Z1375) for base pages - purchase individual sheets from me or bring from your personal stash.

MUST BRING TO PARTICIPATE: 12" paper trimmer, adhesives (tape runner, 3D foam tape, glue dots), scissors, paper piercing tool, baby powder, VersaMat (optional, highly recommended), Memory Protectors for your completed layouts (optional).  No stamping on these pages, no ink, stamps or blocks needed.

3) Happy Day WYW Cardmaking Workshop - Come create 12 cards (6 each of 2 different designs) perfect for Thanksgiving cards, or fall birthday cards!

(click on image to enlarge for detail)

Embellished with leftover Bronze Sequins from the Falling for Your WYW scrapbooking kit:

WHEN: (Choose Your Day)  

Friday, Sept 22nd (9am-1pm) OR (5-9pm), Saturday, Sept 23rd (9am-1pm)

WHERE: Julie's StampNScrap Studio

RSVP by Wednesday, September 13th at 9am (order will be placed by noon)

CLASS FEE: #G1139 WYW Happy Day Cardmaking Kit = #26.95

ADD-ONs include:

*Z4031 Leaves Embossing Folder - I'm happy to share mine for workshop

*X899 Memento BLACK ink pad (does not smear with color mediums used to color images)

*Coloring Medium of choice - I used ShinHan markers (Marigold, Golden Yellow, Leaf Green, Sap Green, Clay, Mahogany, Warm Grey, Pastel Peach and Colorless marker), you may use watercolor paints with water brush, colored pencils, inks & water brush, etc.  

MUST BRING TO PARTICIPATE: 12" paper trimmer, adhesives (tape runner, 3D foam tape), scissors, paper piercing tool, VersaMat (optional, highly recommended), Coloring Medium of choice,  INKS: Memento Black  BLOCKS: 1x1, 2x2, 1x3.5, 3x3

4) September Stamp of the Month - #S1709 Feel So Blessed (set of 26)

BEAUTIFUL STAMPS, AMAZING DISCOUNTS!  Each month you can purchase a new D-size stamp set, available for one month only, for just $5 - when you place an order of $50 or more in CTMH products!  That's a savings of over 70% retail, OR simply purchase this set for only $17.95 without a qualifying order, only during the month of September 2017.  View SOM and artwork here

5) SNEAK PEEK to October - here comes Cats & Bats!  More details coming soon!

Cards:

Scrapbooking:

Home Decor:

Autumn Pumpkin Paper Crafting

The weather outside has been cooler the last few days, and I'm enjoying my favorite time of year...AUTUMN!  In Colorado, the autumn season doesn't last long enough...I love crisp mornings with afternoon highs in the 60's.  Life is good!

My friend Shari shared this idea with me, and I just had to make one for myself.  

 I've seen something similar posted on Pinterest, in addition to pumpkins, I can see these made with red color cardstock to resemble an apple and give as a small teachers gift too.  

Here's how you make them:

take a 5"x6" piece of cardstock and cut into (8) 3/4" x 5" strips.  If you want to add the tone on tone stamping, do this before assembling your pumpkin.  In this case, I used the flower from the Happy Autumn stamp set, and randomly stamped the 5x6 piece of cardstock before cutting into strips.  

Stack the strips together and pierce a hole in the top and bottom of each piece.  

Add a brad to the top and the bottom of your strips.  

Carefully, flare the pieces out to make a pumpkin shape (this takes some manipulation).  

I cut out images from the Cricut cartridges as follows:

Leaf & Vine - Artiste, pg78, 3D Object, shift <GiveThnk>, cut at 3-3/4"

Black Cat - Artbooking, pg70. Icon, shift <C>, cut at 2-1/4" with Real Dial Size ON

Sentiment Bracket - Artiste, pg33, Accent3, <3>, cut at 1-1/4" in Colonial White, then again at 1-1/2" in Black cardstock.  Stamp set = Holiday Tags.

 I tied the sentiment onto the leaf & vine using Bakers Twine, and added some tan bitty sparkles to the cats eyes.

A Winter Luminaria using ProPlayer

LAST CALL...  

If you haven't taken advantage of the National Stamping Month exclusive stamp set trio, 

You are My Happy, time is running out fast! HURRY...this special ends TODAY!!!

***Click here for all the details!***

When you make a purchase of $50 or more, you qualify to get the entire "You Are My Happy" stamp set trio (retail value $47.90) for only $10!  This exclusive trio includes a playful alphabet, light-hearted sentiments, and a variety of fun images to use for countless occasions.  

The same $50 order also qualifies you to get the September Stamp of the Month for only $5.  

JOIN my Mystery Hostess party on my website to take advantage of this amazing special when placing your qualifying order.

Now...are you ready for more Artbooking artwork?

When I first got my hands on the CTMH Autumn/Winter 2013 Idea Book, the first artwork that REALLY caught my eye were the luminaries on page 17.  I knew I would have to make one for myself...and sooner than later!

I made these for my 3-D item for our Board Swap. 

I used the overlay on page 50 of the Artbooking booklet, cut at 5".  I was able to get 6 of the overlays on one sheet of 12x12 paper (each luminary takes 4 overlays, one for each side).  Each corner is made up of a strip of cardstock 1" wide and 5" tall, scored down the center at 1/2", and the overlays are attached using Bonding Memories glue.  Then decorate to your personal taste.  I wanted to show the versatility of the ProPlayer papers, so I embellished my luminary using snowflakes with some bling to reflect the light of the candle inside (it goes without saying...use extreme caution when using a flame next to paper!).  A flameless candle (battery) would be ideal to use, however, I do have a small candle in a jar inside.  

I used snowflakes from the Artbooking cartridge, cut from Slate and White Daisy cardstock in different sizes.  Experiment with different shapes.  The sentiments are from one of the stamp sets from the Art Philosophy Cricut Collection.

YouTube Saturday Video: Creating with Canvas

It's Creative Time...

allow yourself some creative time this weekend, and I've got just the ticket!

Use CTMH 6x6 Canvas Displays to create home decor artwork. I can't wait to try this technique!

Learn how to add photos to canvas by using Close To My Heart's My Creations™ canvas display, your favorite photos, tissue paper, and finishing glue.

YouTube Saturday Video: Cricut Fold-ables

It's Creative Time...

allow yourself some creative time this weekend, and I've got just the ticket!

(I can't wait to try these dimensional projects!  HINT: I'm thinking Easter)

Check out this FUN video:

Learn how to create foldable paper pieces cut with the Cricut® Art Philosophy and Artiste cartridges from Close To My Heart. From yo-yos to bows, Cricut®-cut embellishments add something special to any scrapbook page, card, or home décor piece.

Enjoy!

Holiday Open House

It's been two weeks since my last post...my apologies!  Where has the time gone?  I know I'm not the only one who is crazy busy this time of year...and at times somethings gotta give...unfortunately, it was blogging and sharing all of my newest creations.

I promise to make it up to you!  I have been creating for a Holiday Open House that I participated in 2 weeks ago...it was lots of fun and I met some wonderful ladies...to those of you who stopped by to support all the vendors...thank you!  And a BIG thank you goes to MaryBeth for opening up her house to all of us for the day.

I thought you might like to see part of my space...you'll see lots of elements in it.  I showcased different Home Decor items for the holidays, my Studio J online scrapbooking album, home-made Christmas cards (some from years past!), upcoming workshops with sign-up sheets, and lots more.

I bet you want to see some close-up views too, right?  I couldn't just leave you hangin'... here ya go -

Let's start with the Display Tray, I was inspired by this one from Lisa Stenz, I saw on Pinterest. I used scraps of left over Pear &amp; Partridge paper, and some coordinating cardstock (Cashmere and Cocoa) for photo mats.  One of my new favs for the holidays is the Dimensional Elements In Color - Holidays...I'm finding I'm using them alot!  The "ho ho ho" is an image cut from the Artiste Cricut Cartridge.  I can't wait to include pictures and display this year after year.

Next, the My Creations Star.  It's perfect to add that personal touch to your holiday decor, and inexpensive to make one for every holiday!  When you purchase the My Creations Star, I will also supply you with a template to use to cover your star with paper of your choice.  You can cover one side or both as I did on mine.  I used Pear &amp; Partridge paper, Burlap Ribbon, the December 25th stamp set, and a paper medallion from the Artiste Cricut Cartridge.

Lastly, the My Creations Bracket Frame.  There are a couple ways you can cover the bracket frame.  If you have the Artiste Cricut Cartridge, you can select the image that matches the shape of the frame and select the fit to page button on your machine (which will cut it at 11", but you have to use fit to page button), you'll still need to cut out the center of the frame using a cutting knife and Versamat.  Or you can just trace the frame onto your paper, and cut out by hand.  I also found it helpful to finish the edges of my paper (once it was adhered to the frame) with the finishing files, then sponged the edges in Cocoa ink.  I embellished my frame with more of the Dimensional Elements In Color - Holiday chipboard pieces, and added a little bling with the Sparkle Flourishes.

I have another section of my booth, that I will be sharing with you in the weeks ahead.  I have items that appear in the photo that I plan to use as a gift for our team Christmas gift exchange, so I don't want to spoil the surprise, just in case someone from my team stops by for a visit.  I will post after our Team Christmas Party on December 1st.