SEPTEMBER Classes, Specials and More!

Hello Friends!

TODAY is a BIG DAY!  The new Holiday Expressions goes LIVE!  Today, you can view the catalog online if you don't have your hard copy yet.  Beautiful new papers, products, promotions, subscriptions, short stories, stamp of the months and colors...oh my!!!  Where to begin?!?

We have a new Color of the Year - it's SUGARPLUM!!!  It's a beautiful mauve/lilac/lavender color, and so pretty in person.  It comes in several products including - cardstock, ink pad, pigment ink, glitter paper, shimmer brush, glitter gems, and of course, reinker.  You're going to fall in love!

Next, one of my favorite new products (yes, there are MANY!) is our new Love of Color guide.  If you're like me, and find it challenging to create balanced color in your artwork, this guide is for you!  It's filled with beautiful new artwork that illustrates how to create perfectly balanced color combinations.  Organized by color, each 2-page spread focuses on an exclusive color shown in three different color schemes.  It's amazing and so inspirational...you'll just want to start creating!

Dive in...study all that's new either online or with your catalog.  I know you'll find lots of fun and exciting products!  I'm in the process of mailing the new Holiday Expressions out to those of you who have contacted me.  Join my yearly subscription for only $15 for 3-catalogs as they are released (includes Holiday Expression now, Seasonal Expressions 1 in January 2019, and Seasonal Expressions 2 in May 2019). Shipping is extra.

As summer is drawing to a close quickly, I do hope you have a fun and safe Labor Day weekend!  Enjoy!

Thanks again for your continued support, I appreciate each and every one of you! I'm thankful CTMH has brought us together...all because of our love of stamping and scrapbooking!  Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Let's preserve the memories that matter most ~ YOURS!

Julie

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

1) Craft with Heart - A Subscription with Heart 

2) BOUTIQUE WYW Scrapbooking Workshop

3) HUGS FOR YOU WYW Cardmaking Workshop

4) SEPTEMBER Monthly Special - Memories in the Making

5) SEPTEMBER Stamp of the Month - #S1809 Just Treats (set of 22)

6) Bring Back My Pack - More Magical (Exclusive Product Offering)

7) You've Got Class - Exclusive Product Offering

1) Craft with Heart - A Subscription with Heart! 

Starting TODAY, monthly, 4-month and annual subscription options are available!  Annual subscriptions are the BEST VALUE with FREE shipping, a BONUS 90-free prints through Persnickety Prints and a savings of more than $100 over the entire year!  You'll receive (4) kits*, three times a year, with each kit creating TWO 2-page layouts, and (3) Memory Protectors included!

*Each kit comes with pre-printed base pages, paper pieces, die-cuts and stickers to make TWO 2-page layouts (that's 4 pages!) PLUS (3) 12x12 Memory Protectors.  All you need to assemble the layouts is adhesive and a journaling pen!  Visit SUBSCRIPTION for more information and to sign up for Craft with Heart.  I have a special goodie reserved just for annual subscribers too!

Here's a sampling of the pages you'll receive:

 

 

These kits take no time to put together, and look so pretty in person.  Of course, you can embellish the pages to your personal taste...add Cricut cuts, ribbon, pearls & gems, sequins, texture paste, if you prefer more bling on your pages!  Add colored cardstock for photo mats...you'll never its a Cut Above layout!

2) BOUTIQUE WYW Scrapbooking Workshop - Come create THREE 2-page layouts with this unique blend of trendy patterns with a soft, eclectic color palette. I will be adding texture paste (not shown) to my pages for enhanced texture, can't wait to see the effect!

(click on images to enlarge for detail)

(I changed this layout by using different papers)

WHEN: (Choose Your Day) - Wed 9/12 (1-5pm), Thurs 9/13 (9-1pm), Fri 9/14 (9-1pm) or (5-9pm), Sat, 9/15 (9-1pm)

WHERE:  Julie's StampNScrap Studio

RSVP by Wednesday, September 5th with order and payment (*use FedEx ground for shipping)

CLASS FEE: $29.95 - #G1159 Boutique WYW Scrapbooking Kit (view kit contents here)

Add-Ons (optional) include:

Z4245 Opaque Matte Texture Paste (create enhanced layouts with mixed media effects!)

Z4247 Palette Knives (to use with the texture paste)

MUST BRING TO PARTICIPATE: 12" paper trimmer, adhesives (tape runner, 3D foam tape, glue dots), scissors, paper piercing tool, VersaMat, and All Purpose Mat if using texture paste.

3) HUGS FOR YOU WYW Cardmaking Workshop - create 12 cards (6 each of 2 designs) using the soft, eclectic color palette of Boutique.

(click images to enlarge for detail)

WHEN: (Choose Your Day) - Wed 9/19 (9am-12pm), Fri 9/21 (9am-12pm) or (3-6pm), Sat 9/22 (9am-12pm)

WHERE: Julie's StampNScrap Studio

RSVP by Sunday, September 9th with order and payment

CLASS FEE: $20.95 - #G1164 Hugs for You WYW Cardmaking Kit (view kit contents here) includes stamp set!

Add-Ons (optional)

Z4192 SugarPlum Glitter Gems (perfect bling for these cards!)

INKS: Charcoal (Z2831), Saffron (Z2851), new SugarPlum (Z6500)

Z4181 Thin Cuts - Stitched Circles (optional, I will share mine)

MUST BRING TO PARTICIPATE: 12" paper trimmer, adhesives (tape runner, 3D foam tape, glue dots), scissors, paper piercing tool, VersaMat, INKS, BLOCKS:1x1, 1x3.5, 2x2, 2x3.5

4) SEPTEMBER Monthly Special - Memories in the Making

It's National Stamping Month and we are featuring the Memories in the Making Cut Above layout kit.  With this kit, you can create 13 single pages, or add a few additional products to turn this layout into a calendar!  This special includes two exclusive stamp sets: Memories in the Making-Days, and Memories in the Making-Months.  Use these stamp sets to add months, date numbers, and other details to your calendar.  View MEMORIES IN THE MAKING products.

5) SEPTEMBER Stamp of the Month - #S1809 Just Treats (set of 22)

BEAUTIFUL STAMPS at AMAZING DISCOUNTS!  Each month you can purchase a new D-size stamp set, available for one month only, for just $5 - when you spend $50 or more in CTMH products.  Or simply purchase this set for only $17.95 without a qualifying order, only during the month of September 2018.  ADD IT TO YOUR CART

6) BRING BACK MY PACK - More Magical 

(available now through September 2018, while supplies last)

We are thrilled to announce the return o the much-loved Magical paper packet, refreshed with new colors for a limited time only!  These playful papers feature stars, stripes, hearts and polka dots.  Preserve your memories featuring amusement parks, adventure and parties with this paper...you can't go wrong with More Magical!  

VIEW MORE MAGICAL PRODUCTS HERE

*DOWLOAD Workshop Instructions & Cutting Guide HERE

7) YOU'VE GOT CLASS - 

(available now through September 2018, while supplies last)

Preserve your child's K-12 school progress with this unique project, which includes instructions and materials for 12-single page scrapbook layouts.  This album also includes special folders (TrueFit Folios) made for preserving standout school work and other memorabilia, making it the perfect way to preserve the memories of these formative years.  

VIEW YOU'VE GOT CLASS PRODUCTS HERE.  

*DOWNLOAD Workshop Instructions & Cutting Guide HERE

Check out this video using the TrueFit Folios - so many uses!

You've made it to the end!  Thank you for taking the time to read my monthly newsletter.  I hope to see you soon at an upcoming workshop.  Please reach out with any questions you might have.

Julie Nilsson, Independent CTMH Consultant

Close To My Heart - Scrapbooking/CardMaking/PaperCrafting

Faster, Simpler and Easier

Shop Online @ https://julieann.closetomyheart.com

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!

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!

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!

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):

Dot Embossing Folder

Chevron Embossing Folder

Quatrefoil Embossing Folder

Damask Embossing Folder

Stripe Embossing Folders

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...

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...

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!

Artbooking Made Easy: Cross-Cartridge Collaboration

While each Cricut® collection from Close To My Heart is a treasure trove all its own, 

together they offer an unmatchable selection of borders, overlays, photo mats, and much, much more! 

The thousands of both classic and trendy die-cuts found within this terrific trio will ensure 

that the projects you make are always uniquely your own. 

Mix 'em, match 'em, and love 'em!

I find it hard to believe, that 3 short years ago, I purchased my first Cricut Expression...until CTMH introduced the Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge, I never thought I needed a Cricut...now, I rarely create anything without using one of our fabulous cartridges.  I can't wait to make the adorable 3-D boxes in this video...all by mixing & matching our cartridges.  I hope you make some time to create this weekend!  

Holidays are right around the corner...be sure your Santa knows you would love a CTMH Cricut Collection under the tree!  Contact me today!

Z1906  Cricut ARTBOOKING Collection

Z1790  Cricut ARTISTE Collection

Z1686  Cricut ART PHILOSOPHY Collection

Enjoy your weekend!  See you next week...

Blast from the Past - Flowering Thanks

When Jeanette Lynton began her venture into stamping 30 years ago, she drew by hand all her stamp images. Originally made of rubber and set on wood blocks, a few of these stamp sets are available to you in clear polymer for a limited time only! Enjoy the intricate and cozy line designs in conjunction with our alcohol-based markers for fun accents that will brighten your layouts as they take you back in time.

When I saw Jeanette's stamp archive in the Idea Book back in June, it brought back so many memories of where I began with Close To My Heart.  I had many of the old rubber/wood stamp sets shown on 

pages 114-115 of the Autumn/Winter 2013 catalog. 

Including this one:     A1145 Flowering Thanks

I used a combination of the Laughing Lola papers and Frosted papers.  How often do you try to mix & match papers?  The Champagne patterned paper on the card front is Frosted, as is the piece I stamped on.  The other papers are Laughing Lola, including the zip strip from Lola.  I also used our Exclusive Alcohol Marker Sets to color in the details of the image.  Colors used include: Blush (dark), Gypsy, Lagoon (light), and Hollyhock (dark).  I high-lighted the word "Thank You" by going over the sentiment using the Whisper (light) marker.  My embellishments for this card were kept simple:  Pink Glitz Glitter Gel (bling in a bottle!) and the hemp bakers twine from the Wooden Mini Medley Collection. 

Artbooking Made Easy - Festive Holiday Mini Album

With the Cricut® Artbooking cartridge from Close To My Heart, your photos will find a cozy home on the pages of a dazzling holiday mini album. Watch the video to gather your own ideas on how to use its themed keys to create merry and bright holiday projects that last.

Artbooking Made Easy - Halloween Mini Albums

Close To My Heart will bring your projects back to life with the Cricut® Artbooking cartridge. Watch this video to learn how to use it while making your own fun Halloween mini albums.

I haven't personally made this one yet...but it's oh, so cute! 

I love the smaller interactive page within the first mini-album.

By now, you know how amazing the Artbooking Cricut cartridge is.

Enjoy!

Please feel free to leave a comment...

Artbooking Made Easy: A+ School Layouts

With school in full swing now, hopefully you have time to preserve some of those precious memories.

Close To My Heart's new Cricut® Artbooking collection will give you what you need to score an A+ on back-to-school projects! See how to make your own in this video.

Enjoy!

Saturday YouTube: Mixed Papers

If you're like me, after you have created your layouts from the WOTG kits, you still have a few scraps left over. 

I am always challenging myself to "finish off" a paper pack, so I try to create as much artwork as possible to use it up.  Do you ever consider mixing and matching papers from different kits to 
create artwork with a new look?  It's time to think outside the box.  

In this video, Tiffany shares with us how you can coordinate mixed papers from different paper packs.

Have a great weekend!  Enjoy!

Spooky Halloween - Artbooking Made Easy!

It's easy to add some creative spook to your projects with the Cricut® Artbooking collection from Close To My Heart. View a few creepy creations and learn how to make your own in this video.

This video inspired me to make my own Halloween layout.  So many of you mentioned the lack of Halloween papers in this new Autumn/Winter 2013 Idea Book.  Well...let me prove you wrong!  Although, honestly, I didn't think about it either...but I've seen so many great layouts using Laughing Lola papers with the addition of a few coordinating colors, Sunset, Lagoon, Slate & Whisper.

 Have I mentioned how much I LOVE the new Artbooking cartridge!  This layout took me no time at all to create!    All the images can be found on page 71 of the Artbooking booklet, with the size dial set at 11".  All the images are linked to automatically re-size themselves for perfect sizing of photo mats, titles and accent pieces.  I did use the Black Glitter Paper for the haunted mansion, and a few of the bats too...this idea was inspired by my upline, Michelle Snyder...her artwork is amazing!

I can't wait to add pictures to this layout!  What are your plans for Halloween?  

Why not create a layout or two and preserve your holiday memories!

Come back tomorrow...I have another glittery Halloween layout to share!

Artbooking Made Easy - Getting Started

.   

Close To My Heart's revolutionary Cricut® Artbooking collection will take your papercrafting to a new level! Learn how to use the new collection to turn your themed layouts and mini scrapbooks into beautiful works of art.

Join me each week for the ARTBOOKING MADE EASY series!

Here is my first layout I created using Artbooking, 
it was for the CTMH Pajama Party on Big Picture Classes back in August.  

The overlays give the pages so much more dimension and texture.  The images on each key are linked, so all the guess work is done for you!  No need to wonder what size to cut photo mats, accents, or titles...simple, fast and easy!!!
All the Cricut images on this layout can be found on page 78 of the Artbooking booklet.  Just set the size dial at 11" and start cutting!  The most difficult aspect is determining which color cardstock to use for each piece.

Saturday YouTube Video: You Are My Happy

There is still time for you to get the

You Are My Happy stamp set TRIO!

 HURRY...offer valid only until September 30th!

See the playful alphabet, light-hearted sentiments, and fun images of Close To My Heart's You Are My Happy stamp set trio—exclusive for National Stamping Month! Use this set for a variety of occasions to give a cheerful touch to your projects!

Have a fabulous weekend! 

Enjoy!

Poster Tidings - September SOM with video!

I finally had a chance to create artwork using the September Stamp of the Month set, Poster Tidings.  I was inspired by the beautiful artwork other team members shared at our team training last week.

Fall is my favorite time of year!  I love the change in weather (yes, even Colorado's hurricane/monsoon season!), to the colors associated with fall.

I stamped this image in 3 colors, beginning with the lightest color first, as to not contaminate my ink pads.  In this case, I used Goldrush ink on the upper 1/3, Autumn Terracotta ink on the middle 1/3, and finished with Barn Red ink on the lower 1/3.  I stamped the image on a 2-1/2" x 5" piece of Colonial White cardstock, backed with Barn Red cardstock.  The patterned paper comes from the Huntington paper pack.  The leaves were cut using the Artbooking Cricut cartridge...and layered.  I used New England Ivy cardstock layered with Olive cardstock for the green leaf, and Autumn Terracotta cardstock layered with Goldrush cardstock.  The "orange" leaves were cut at 1-3/4" from page 72, using the Icon function key. The "green" leaves were cut at 1-1/4".  I also cut a piece of Burlap Ribbon, bunched it up with Natural Bakers twine from the Wooden Mini Medley, tied in a bow.  I used the largest brown sparkles as embellishment.  The card measures 3-1/2" x 8".

Oh...and the Poster Tidings set also has a Holiday image for December or Winter artwork too!  Check out this video on the trendy subway art technique.  I figured I owed you one, since I've been missing for a couple weeks...with a good excuse, we were under construction in my studio!

Enjoy!

Saturday YouTube Video: CTMH Convention 2013 Highlights

 Want to see what all the excitement is about when I attend the CTMH Convention? 

Here we are in Orlando, FL at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort:

See if you can spot me...I'm in there twice!  It's quick...

Does it look like something you would like to share with me?  Join my team!!!

I am already registered to attend Convention 2014 at the DisneyLand Hotel in Anaheim, California.  I've been to 13 Conventions, and the one at DisneyLAND several years ago, was the BEST...
perfect wether, variety of restaurants, walking distance to the parks!  Fun, Fun, FUN!!! 

I can't wait to go back!

I also want to show you the layouts we created during our Creative Sessions.
These papers were exclusive to Convention attendees.
We also received an exclusive stamp set to preserve our memories shared in Orlando.
I have pictures for my layouts coming soon!

Each year, during Convention, the corporate staff hides our company mascot, StickyBoy (I will have to post Sticky Boy's video too).  I have found only 3 StickyBoy's in 13 years.  In Orlando, I found this tiny little guy hanging out on a metal door frame in the Art Gallery room. 

 I love that he is decked out in his sombrero, and maraca's.  VIVA!!!

To learn more about the testing that went into the My Acrylix stamps before we made the switch from wood & rubber nearly a decade ago...watch Sticky Boy's video.
I love the sense of humor our corporate staff has!

Saturday YouTube Video: Ombre Technique

Oooh, can't wait to try this technique for myself! 

HaPpY SaTuRdAy!!!

Dress up titles and sentiments in vibrant colors to make your lettering fresh. With the ombré technique, you can watch colors of your choice melt together for a fun new style.

Have a GREAT weekend, everyone!