Monday, September 30, 2013

Are You New to Close To My Heart Products?

In July 2013 Close To My Heart launched operations in Australia and New Zealand and as part of the launch CTMH created videos to introduce those living there to CTMH as a company and the products that CTMH carries. Even though this video, Welcome to Close To My Heart (01), was created with those in Australia and New Zealand in mind, it gives a great overview of the Company and CTMH products no matter where you live.



The CTMH Corp. description of the video Welcome to Close To My Heart (01) is "Live in Australia or New Zealand? This video is for you! Close To My Heart is now in Australia and New Zealand! Let us show you how to celebrate relationships through discovering your creativity—to preserve and share the moments that matter most in your life. Take a peek at some of the best products in scrapbooking!"

As I mentioned above, while this video was produced to introduce those in Australia or New Zealand to CTMH, it is great introduction for anyone who is just learning about CTMH.

Before I forget to mention it, as an Independent Consultant in the United States, I am only able to sell products to those in the United States, Puerto Rico, Guam and U.S. military bases. If you live in one of those areas, I would be thrilled if you choose to order CTMH products from me. When you click on the shop now button below you will be taken to my Online Business Address (OBA) where you can start shopping immediately. If you live outside the United States, go to the CMTH Corporate website and click on "Find a Consultant" to locate an Independent Consultant in your area.


Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Thanks for visiting today.

Friday, September 27, 2013

New Product Kit: Base & Bling Fabric Necklace Kit

If creating the flowers for the Base and Bling Fabric Necklace Kit have been intimating you, the video Base and Bling Fabric Necklace Kit will show you exactly how to make the two textile flowers featured in the photo on page 77 of the Autumn/Winter 2013 Idea Book.



The CTMH Corp. description of the video Base and Bling Fabric Necklace Kit is "Express yourself with your very own wearable crafting projects! With the Base and Bling line from Close To My Heart, you have just the right ingredients for showing off your creativity. Watch and learn for yourself how to craft your own beautifully embellished necklace with the Base and Bling fabric necklace kit."

Items featured in the video:

Here is a closer look at the necklace:


I hope the Base and Bling videos I shared yesterday and today inspire you to try wearable art, home décor or embellishing your cards and layouts with the new Base and Bling product line.


Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. If you enjoy reading these posts, please head over to my Facebook page, Brenda's Paper Crafts, and Like it. Thanks for visiting today.

Thursday, September 26, 2013

New Product: Base & Bling Wearable Projects

Even though this blog post title includes "wearable projects" and "wearable projects" is mentioned in the video, Base and Bling: Wear Your Creativity!, Base and Bling products can be used for more than wearable projects. Some of the ideas I have found are using the cuffs as a napkin holder and the floral accents on cards and layouts. I am sure as time goes by there will be many other fantastic ideas for using the Base and Bling products in alternative ways.



The CTMH Corp. description of the video Base and Bling: Wear Your Creativity! is "Craft cute, wearable accessories with Close To My Heart's new Base and Bling product line. Watch the video to see our fun project bases, textiles, jewels, and accents you can use to add a little glam to your style today!"

Items featured in the video:
Tomorrow I will share a video devoted to the Fabric Necklace Kit (Z1905).


Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. If you enjoy reading these posts, please head over to my Facebook page, Brenda's Paper Crafts, and Like it. Thanks for visiting today.

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Artbooking Made Easy: Halloween Layouts

Today's video, Artbooking Made Easy (S01E04): Spooky Halloween Layouts, is the fourth in the video series Artbooking Made Easy. Please stop back each week until April 2014 to view the next video in the series. Each video has tips and tricks for using the Artbooking collection



The CTMH Corp. description of Artbooking Made Easy (S01E04): Spooky Halloween Layouts is "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."

A few points I want to be certain that you do not miss while watching the video:
  • there are two Halloween-themed keys on the Artbooking cartridge; they are shown on pages 70 and 71 of the handbook (in PDF format)
  • the first two layouts shared in the video each use one of the Halloween-themed keys
  • the third layout, with the purple background, uses a combination of the Halloween-themed keys
  • when using the photo mats (Kristine called them frames in the video), look for elements that you can trim out to use on their own; for example, in the video photo mat 1 was cut twice, with two different papers, then the spider webs in the corner were trimmed from the glitter paper and used with 3-D Foam Tape to give a pop to the photo frame
  • turn off real dial size so all of the elements on Artbooking cut proportionally to each other
  • turn on real dial size and set the size to that listed on the stamp carrier sheet to cut the cat (or other images) from the coordinating My Acrylix® Stamp Sets; Eek & Shriek (B1429) was used in this video
  • use Cricut® cuts as a mask with a Round Sponge (Z697) and Exclusive Inks®; if using a Sponge Dauber (Z726), be a little more delicate when sponging
If you have missed earlier videos in the Artbooking Made Easy series, I am maintaining a list so they are easier to find. Just look for CTMH Cricut® Artbooking Collection in the green bar above.

Contact me if you would like to learn how you would be able to purchase the Artbooking collection at 1/2 off by hosting a Gathering either in-home or on-line.


Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. If you enjoy reading these posts, please head over to my Facebook page, Brenda's Paper Crafts, and Like it. Thanks for visiting today.

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Why Choose CTMH Workshops on the Go™?

In case you missed the news, in July 2013 Close To My Heart launched operations in Australia and New Zealand. While this video, A Package Deal (07), is intended to introduce those living in Australia and New Zealand to CTMH products, specifically Workshops on the Go™, the information is relevant to Workshops on the Go™ in any country where CTMH products are available.



The CTMH Corp. description of the video A Package Deal (07) is "With Workshops on the Go™ kits from Close To My Heart, you get a package deal like no other! Save big on time and money by ordering your own kit, which includes everything you need to make 2 elegant two-page layouts or 15 handmade cards. Contact your Close To My Heart Consultant to learn more about the kits and the steep discounts."

To find instructions for creating the second layout shown in the Instructional Guide choose "Additional Layout" under the WOTG™ that you are working with at Workshops on the Go™ at my online business address. The instructions are available for one year after the WOTG™ became available for purchase.

Items featured in the video:
The answer the question why choose CTMH Workshops on the Go™ is because they are a great value. They include everything that you need to create at least two two-page layouts with some paper and embellishments left over and you get a D-size My Acrylix® stamp set that you can use on future projects. Of course the WOTG™ kits do not include basic supplies (for example, cutting tools, adhesives, My Acrylix® Blocks) buy you probably already have those on hand. If you do not have basic supplies, contact me and I will help you make some selections appropriate for the papercrafting you want to do.


I would like to remind you of my Facebook page Brenda's Paper Crafts. Please visit and Like my page. I just may post news of a special or giveaway there.

Saturday, September 21, 2013

Show Off Your Papercrafting With CTMH's Designed Décor

Close To My Heart created new items that help us get our paper crafting out of our scrapbooks and the envelopes they were mailed in and in a place where everyone can see them. It is the Designed Décor group of products. These products are perfect for showing off the cards your receive, your favorite photographs, your children's artwork and more.



The CTMH Corp. description of the video Designed Décor Delights is "Pull your scrapbooked artwork out of hiding and show it off with the new Designed Décor line from Close To My Heart! See how to use these delightful, durable products in this video."

Items featured in the video:
You will find the Designed Décor products on pages 70 through 73 of the Autumn/Winter 2013 CTMH Idea Book.


Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. I would like to remind you of my Facebook page Brenda's Paper Crafts. I would appreciate it if you headed over there and Like it. Thanks for stopping by today.

Friday, September 20, 2013

September Festive Friday Blog Hop

Welcome to the September Festive Friday Blog Hop. You should have arrived here from The Sassy Scrapper - Theresa Miller, if so, you are on the right path. If you just happened upon my post this is a circular hop so just keep going to the next stop until you hop your way around to all of the posts.

This month I used the CTMH stamp set created for National Stamping Month, My Acrylix® You Are My Happy (CC1025).
You Are My Happy
My Acrylix® You Are My Happy (CC1025)
You will find larger photos of this stamp set on my blog post National Stamping Month CTMH My Acrylix® You Are My Happy Stamp Set. That post also includes a video that shows some projects made with this stamp set.

For this month I created some simple cards. My first card is something that you could use for Valentine's Day.

201309FestiveFridayCard1

My second card is Easter/Spring inspired.

201309FestiveFridayCard2

Thank you for hopping with us today. I would love to know what you think of the cards I shared today. If you would like to see additional close-up photos of the projects or a list of products and a tip or trick I used to create each of my items, please scroll down, otherwise your next stop is Be"hoot"iful Scrapbooking - Scrappin' with Ash - Ashley Denny (permalink added 9:57am).


The hop is organized by Diane Tuggle and the entire list of stops on this hop is posted on her blog The Happy Scrapbooker.


Here are closeups of the embellishing on the Valentine's Day card.
201309FestiveFridayCard1_closeups

For the Valentine's card I used the Stitch Guide (Z1852), Foam Mat (Z1859) and Piercing Tool Kit (Z114) to create the border along the right side of the Hollyhock Cardstock (1246) which was then layered on top of a card from the 5 1/2" X 4 1/4" White Cards Envelopes Value Pack (X254). I used painter's tape on the ruler while piercing to help me line up the Stitch Guide with the edge of the paper to create the next heart. I used the 2" Scallop Circle Punch (Z1392 - currently in While Supplies Last) to punch the White Daisy Cardstock (1385). I stamped the heart with Hollyhock Exclusive Inks® (Z2128). I used some of my mother's decorative thread and the Spirelli technique to highlight the embellishment and enclose the heart in gold. I used 3-D Foam Tape (Z1151) to attach the embellished circle to the card and give it some dimension.

Here are a few variations I did with the Spirelli technique.

201309FestiveFridayCard1_Spirelli

Working clockwise from the upper left, I skipped 8 scallops when winding the thread. On the next sample I skipped 5 scallops. On the third sample I skipped 6 scallops and the final is what the scallop circle looks like before starting. As you can see, you can achieve many different looks just by changing the number of scallops you skip.

Here are closeups of the embellishing on the Easter/Spring card.

201309FestiveFridayCard2_closeups

I started with the new White Daisy Circle Spin Cards & Envelopes (Z1866) for my card base. I inked the outside edges of the card with Gypsy (Z2190) and Goldrush (Z2123) Exclusive Inks® with Sponge Daubers (Z726), but be sure not to dab too much or the colors will blend together and will turn brown. I also inked the circle focal point base. I used the Laughing Lola Paper Packet (X7170B) to cover the front of the card and the inside behind the opening (I did not cover the entire inside because I wanted to keep some room to write). I used the Edge Distresser (Z1297) before adhering the paper to the card base. I used the 2" Scallop Circle Punch (Z1392 - currently in While Supplies Last) to punch two White Daisy Cardstock (1385) pieces. I used Black (Z2105) Exclusive Inks® to stamp and the Watercolor Pencils (3505) and Blending Pen (3174) to color in the images. I used 3-D Foam Tape (Z1151) to attach the embellished circles to the card and give it some dimension.

If you are still here, thanks for continuing to read my [long] post. Your next stop is Be"hoot"iful Scrapbooking - Scrappin' with Ash - Ashley Denny.

Thursday, September 19, 2013

Background Stamps

Today's video, Project Inspirations: Background Stamps, coordinates well with the video we viewed on Tuesday, Project Inspirations: Mixed Papers. A few examples of using background stamps are demonstrated including creating the look of Washi tape.



The CTMH Corp. description of the video Project Inspirations: Background Stamps is "Use background stamps from Close To My Heart to transform cardstock into authentic-looking washi tape, textured paper, and other embellishments. Learn these techniques by watching the video."

Items featured in the video:
There are four My Acrylix® stamp sets that are "Background" stamps but there are several more that would make wonderful patterned paper by stamping repeatedly on unprinted cardstock with matching ink. I am sure that when you browse the Autumn/Winter 2013 CTMH Idea Book you will find many ideas.


Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Artbooking Made Easy: Summer Mini Albums

Today's video, Artbooking Made Easy (S01E03): Summer Mini-Albums, is the third in the video series Artbooking Made Easy. Please stop back each week until April 2014 to view the next video in the series. Each has tips and tricks for using the Artbooking collection.



The CTMH Corp. description of Artbooking Made Easy (S01E03): Summer Mini-Albums is "From grilling to swimming, camping, and road-tripping, Close To My Heart makes it easy for you to capture your summer memories in fun, unique mini-albums. See how they're made with the new Cricut® Artbooking collection."

A few points I want to be certain that you do not miss while watching the video:
  • set the size for layouts at 11 inches
  • set the size for artbooks/mini book from 6 to 11 inches depending on the size printed in the booklet; the finished size of artbooks range from 6 1/2" x 6 1/2" to 8 1/2" x 11'
  • the same two summer theme keys were used to create both artbooks in the video
  • to cut images to use with the coordinating stamp sets use the size printed on the carrier sheet; set your machine so Real Dial Size is ON
  • do not embellish in the gutter so you have room for binding; this is where the page goes into the binder or the edge is bound
  • the gutter was created so binding does not damage the overlays
  • place your mini book in a binder like the My Creations® Kraft 3-Ring Album (Z1871) or bind with Bakers Twine, jump rings, hemp or ribbon
If you have missed earlier videos in the Artbooking Made Easy series, I am maintaining a list so they are easier to find. Just look for CTMH Cricut® Artbooking Collection in the green bar above.

Contact me if you would like to learn how you would be able to purchase the Artbooking collection at 1/2 off by hosting a Gathering either in-home or on-line.


Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. If you enjoy reading these posts, please head over to my Facebook page, Brenda's Paper Crafts, and Like it. Thanks for visiting today.

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Mixing It Up: Using Papers From Different Paper Packs

Each paper packet from CTMH has six different Background and Texture (also referred to as B&T Duos®) designs (2 sheets each of 3 double-sided designs). One design in each paper packet is more bold than the others. That design is called the hero paper. Most of the remaining papers in a packet are more subtle, sometimes tone-on-tone, that would coordinate with many other papers. In today's video, Project Inspirations: Mixed Papers, we are shown examples of the hero paper and how the other papers in a packet can be used with paper from different paper packs to create an entirely new look that is unique to you.



The CTMH Corp. description of the video Project Inspirations: Mixed Papers is "Learn how to make your own unique layouts by mixing and matching Close To My Heart papers from various My Reflections® paper packets."

Items featured in the video:

There are many My Acrylix® stamp sets that will make wonderful patterned paper by stamping repeatedly on unprinted cardstock with matching ink as was shown in the video. You will find them when you browse the Autumn/Winter 2013 CTMH Idea Book.


Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. I would like to remind you of my Facebook page Brenda's Paper Crafts. I would appreciate it if you headed over there and Like it. Thanks for reading my post today.

Monday, September 16, 2013

Using Tags to Decorate Cards and Gifts

Tags are a simple way to dress up cards, boxes or other items you papercraft. There are several My Acrylix® stamp sets that coordinate with cuts from the Close To My Heart Cricut® collections that will make your tag making easy yet beautiful.



Today's video is Project Inspirations: Cricut® Tags. The CTMH Corp. description of the video is "Learn how to make cute tags to liven up any gift! In this video, we show you how to combine Close To My Heart Cricut® cut shapes and My Acrylix® stamp sets to make the perfect sentiments for your goodies."

Items featured in the video:

To easily locate My Acrylix® stamp sets that coordinate with Close To My Heart Cricut® collections just look for the red outline around a stamp image in the Idea Book or online then look below the name of the stamp set for the name of the cartridge it coordinates with.

After you have purchased the stamp set look on the carrier sheet for the name of the cartridge, size to cut the image and page number the cut shape appears on in the handbook.

If you would like to browse the other items in Autumn/Winter 2013 CTMH Idea Book, click here. Contact me if you would like to learn how you would be able to purchase the Artiste or other CTMH Cricut® collection at 1/2 off by hosting a Gathering, either in-home or on-line.



Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. If you enjoy reading these posts, please head over to my Facebook page, Brenda's Paper Crafts, and Like it. Thanks for visiting today.

Friday, September 13, 2013

Be Creative With Cricut® Collections from Close To My Heart

Close to My Heart has three wonderful Cricut® collections: Art Philosophy introduced in the Autumn/Winter 2011 Idea Book, Artiste introduced in the A/W 2012 IB and Artbooking introduced in the A/W 2013 IB. All of them are available for purchase.



Today's video is Create with Cricut® Collections. The CTMH Corp. description of the video is "Enhance the artist within you by cutting and assembling foundational shapes, 3-D items, and themed mini books with Close To My Heart's stunning Cricut® Collections! With limitless options for shapes, themes, and sizes, our Cricut® Collections will bring you hours of exciting creative sessions."

If you are new to the Cricut® Collections available from Close To My Heart this video may help you decide which collection you may want to start with. A few points I want to be certain that you do not miss while watching the video:
  • There are 700 unique images on EACH cartridge
  • Art Philosophy was designed as a product that includes the most foundational elements with brackets, tags, simple icons, a versatile alphabet; these shapes work well in a variety of sizes and is a great place to start
  • Artiste focuses on party planning and 3-D, items have a lot of interactivity
  • Artbooking focuses on 12" x 12" scrapbooking pages as well as mini books for preserving our memories
Each collection includes the cartridge, the keypad overlay, the handbook (Artiste also includes an Assembly Instructions booklet with how to put the 3-D projects together), three different My Acrylix® D-size stamp sets and three different 12" x 9" Dimensional Elements.

Items featured in the video:

Cricut® Art Philosophy Collection (Z1686)

The 12" x 9" Dimensional Elements included with the Art Philosophy collection are: Banners (Z1685), Mixed Shapes (Z1683) and Tags (Z1684).

Cricut® Artiste Collection (Z1790)
The 12" x 9" Dimensional Elements included with the Art Philosophy collection are: Album Pages (Z1791), Awards (Z1792) and Quotes (Z1793).

Cricut® Artbooking Collection (Z1906)

The 12" x 9" Dimensional Elements included with the Artbooking collection are: Framework (Z1900), Snapshots (Z1901) and Signage (Z1902).

While not included with the collection, there are three additional Dimensional Elements that coordinate with the Art Philosophy cartridge: 9" x 6" Hearts (Z1735), 2-12" x 9" Notable Alphabet (Z1682) and 9" x 6" Stars (Z1680).

Dimensional Elements are also available for individual purchase so when you have used what was included with the collection, you have the opportunity to purchase additional sheets.

I keep a Pinterest Board devoted to the CTMH Cricut® collections. Feel free to browse and become a follower of this or any of my Boards. There are some very talented artists out there using these products.

If you would like to browse the other items in Autumn/Winter 2013 CTMH Idea Book, click here. Contact me if you would like to learn how you would be able to purchase any of the Cricut® collections for 1/2 off by hosting a Gathering either in-home or on-line.



Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Please stop by my Facebook page, Brenda's Paper Crafts, and Like it. Thanks for visiting today.

Thursday, September 12, 2013

Would you like to scrapbook on the go?

Do you ever wish you could scrapbook while on vacation or at your children's sporting or school events? Do you keep a journal during vacation just for vacations like I used to? If so, I have a product I would like to tell you about: the My Crush™ books.

The My Crush™ books have hard covers, are spiral bound and contain "60 10"x7" printed, cardstock-weight designed pages" (read more information on pages 62 through 67 of the Autumn/Winter 2013 CTMH Idea Book or see the Books and Assortments on my OBA).

In the video, Find It. Crush It. Love It., you get an opportunity to look inside both of the new My Crush™ books, Modville and Bluebird, before and after scrapping and embellishing. You will also see the coordinating assortments.



The CTMH Corp. description of the video is "Easily capture memories on the go with the My Crush™ books from Close To My Heart. Check out these fun and funky books for preserving ticket stubs, playbills, receipts, and other everyday memorabilia in this video!"

Products featured in the video are:
As this photo shows, a My Crush™ book fits in most handbags. Just toss in some adhesive and a journaling pen and you have everything you need to capture memories minutes or hours after the are created. If you need even more room, Memory Protectors® Flip Flaps™ can provide pockets for ticket stubs, maps and other memorabilia.


Your only decision, besides what memories to capture, is making a choice between the My Crush™ Bluebird

My Crush™ Bluebird

or My Crush™ Modville  options.

My Crush™ Modville
There are also complementary My Acrylix® stamp sets: Love This (B1432) and Reel Life (B1431), but these stamp sets are so versatile that you will be using them on many other projects as well.

Do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions about the My Crush™ or any CTMH products or would like to host a Gathering, in-home or on-line. If you are ready to place an order, feel free to start by clicking the Shop Now button.


I am also on Facebook. You will find me at Brenda's Paper Crafts. I would love it if you Liked my page.

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Artbooking Made Easy: Creating School-themed Layouts

As I mentioned last week when I shared the video Artbooking Made Easy (S01E01): Getting Started with Cricut Artbooking, Close to My Heart introduced the Cricut® Artbooking collection in the Autumn/Winter 2013 Idea Book.

Today's video is the second in the series Artbooking Made Easy. Please check back each week for additional tips and tricks.



This week's video is Artboooking Made Easy (S01E02): A+ School Layouts. The
CTMH Corp. description of the video is "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."

A few points I want to be certain that you do not miss while watching the video:
  • there are two school-themed keys on the Artbooking cartridge; the X and Z keys
  • each key is designed to make one layout, but you can combine the cuts from the different keys to create your own original layouts
  • cut out titles twice and offset them to create a shadow look
  • when possible, when words will not be upside down or sideways (unless that is something you want on your layout), rotate the overlays to fit the look you are going for
This photo shows what you will get when you order the Cricut® Artbooking Collection (Z1906):


the cartridge, the overlay (the overlays are no longer automatically included with other recent Cricut® cartridge releases), the handbook, three My Acrylix® D-size stamp sets and three different 12" x 9" Dimensional Elements: Framework (Z1900), Snapshots (Z1901) and Signage (Z1902). The Dimensional Elements are also available for individual purchase so when you use what is included, you have the opportunity to purchase additional sheets.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to learn how you would be able to purchase the Artbooking collection at 1/2 off by hosting a Gathering either in-home or on-line. If you would like to browse the other items in Autumn/Winter 2013 CTMH Idea Book, click here.



Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. If you enjoy reading these posts, please head over to my Facebook page, Brenda's Paper Crafts, and Like it. Thanks for visiting today.

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Dress Up Your Gifts of Handmade DVDs

My mother recently had the chance to go on vacation with a friends at their timeshare. She wanted to give them a memento to thank them - something that would also help them remember the sights they saw (their camera also stopped working). We gathered up all of the photos, found some soothing music to play in the background and created a DVD of their adventure.

Since a silver disc is not much of a gift we needed to do something to make the presentation match the content on the DVD - in our mind something beautiful. I had rescued some CD/DVD sleeves from the trash where I work - they are punched on the spine for keeping in a binder and have cut-outs (also on the spine) for use in a different type of binder. In addition to the spot for the disc they have a place on the back for literature (typically installation instructions or software license).

DVD_card_insert

Here is a photo of the CD/DVD sleeve to show what I mean by "where the literature typically goes".

DVD_card_case

We decided where the literature typically goes in the sleeve would be a great place to "dress it up". I cut a piece of Colonial White Cardstock (1388) to 4 5/8" x 4 5/8". I used the Corner Rounder (Z1912) to soften the look of the page. I used the following My Acrylix® stamp sets: Adventure USA (D1503), Cocktail Alphabet (E1015) and Trinity Alphabet (E1021). I used the following Exclusive Inks® Stamp Pads: Black (Z2105), Whisper (Z2172), Juniper (Z2165), Sky (Z2194), Outdoor Denim (Z2140) and Tulip (retired).

I used the Swipe Hype technique (from a video that I shared on my blog September 13, 2013) for the "Our Vacation" stamp and the initials I used to create the state abbreviation. I love the texture that swiping created. I hope you can see it in the photo below.

DVD_card_swipe_hype


I believe a card like this could be used in most CD/DVD binders, just cut your cardstock to the correct size to fit in the slot and slide the CD/DVD in right behind the card.

We have an auction at my family reunion to generate funds to cover the next reunion. One year I scanned the photos in the old family albums that are kept with the reunion materials. That year I had saved many tins that a popular dial-up Internet service mailed their software in and spray painted them. I no longer have any of those tins, so if I donate photo DVDs again, I will dig out my stamps that represent family and create some special cards to accompany the DVDs.

I hope this gives you ideas for little things you can do to make the presentation of a gift more special.

Do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or would like to host a Gathering, in-home or on-line. If you are ready to place an order, click the Shop Now button.


I am also on Facebook. You will find me at Brenda's Paper Crafts. I would love it if you Liked my page.

Monday, September 9, 2013

Save the Date for the September Festive Friday Blog Hop

Correction
There was some confusion about the date (but at least I was not the only one confused). It is better to be ready a week early rather than a week late especially since I am a great procrastinator.

Please mark your calendars to hop with us on Friday, September 20 (not this Friday) when we will share more holiday project ideas using CTMH products you will find in the Autumn/Winter 2013 Idea Book.



The September CTMH Festive Friday Blog Hop order is:
This is a circular hop so you can just keep hopping until you get back to where you started. If you ever get lost along the way the starting blog, The Happy Scrapbooker, will have a complete list of stops on the way.

We hope to see you on Friday.

Friday, September 6, 2013

There is Something New in Stamps

With the Autumn/Winter 2013 Idea Book, Close to My Heart introduced the latest in My Acrylix® Stamp Sets. There are updated E-size stamp sets, larger stamp sets included in Workshops on the Go™, mini stamps and a few classics from Jeanette’s archive.

This video, What's New in Stamps, we see the latest developments in My Acrylix® Stamp Sets.



The featured My Acrylix® Stamp Sets from the Autumn/Winter 2013 Idea Book used in this video are:
  • Updated E-Size stamp sets - the price stays the same, but they are on two 6 x 6 carrier sheets for easier storage with your other stamp sets - see pages 110-111
  • New Mini stamps - they are just $2.95 so they are a great way to get introduced to stamping, plus they fit perfectly on the Circle Spin Cards (Z1886) - see pages 112-113
  • New Hostess Rewards stamp sets - exclusive, only for hostesses, only available until January 2014 and a great value - see pages 6-9
  • New larger stamps sets in the Workshops on the Go Kits - same price for the Scrapbooking WOTG kits, but the stamp sets are now D-sized rather than C-sized - see pages 23 (Laughing Lola), 29 (Sarita), 35 (ProPlayer), 41 (Babycakes), 41 (Huntington) and 53 (Frosted); the Cardmaking WOTG kits also have D-sized stamp sets, but the price decreased by $5 - see pages 68 (Laughing Lola) and 69 (Frosted)
  • Jeanette's Archive Stamp Sets - available for a limited time - see pages 114-115
If you would like to browse the items in Autumn/Winter 2013 CTMH Idea Book, click here. Contact me if you would like to host a Gathering, in-home or on-line, to earn SPC so you have the opportunity to purchase any of the Hostess Rewards My Acrylix® Stamp Sets. If you would like to just jump in and purchase CTMH products, click the Shop Now button.




I am also on Facebook. You will find me at Brenda's Paper Crafts. Thanks for visiting.

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Artbooking Made Easy: Getting Started

In the Autumn/Winter 2013 Idea Book, Close to My Heart introduced their latest Cricut® collection: Artbooking


When you purchase the Cricut® Artbooking Collection (Z1906) you will receive the cartridge, the overlay (the overlays are no longer automatically included with other recent Cricut® cartridge releases), the handbook, three My Acrylix® D-size stamp sets and three different 12" x 9" Dimensional Elements: Framework (Z1900), Snapshots (Z1901) and Signage (Z1902). The Dimensional Elements are also available for individual purchase so when you use what is included, you have the opportunity to purchase additional sheets.

Here is project made with Artbooking. It is also pictured on page 58 of the Autumn/Winter 2013 Idea Book. 


With the release of Artbooking, Close to My Heart created a video series Artbooking Made Easy. CTMH is planning to release a new video each week from September 2013 to April 2014 with tips and tricks for using the collection. Be sure to check back each week for additional tips and tricks.



This week's video is Artbooking Made Easy (S01E01): Getting Started with Cricut Artbooking. The
CTMH Corp. description of the video is "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 us each week for the Artbooking Made Easy series from September 2013 through April 2014. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel, bookmark Jeanette Lynton's blog, and follow us on Facebook to stay in-the-know!"

A few points I want to be certain that you do not miss while watching the video:
  • there are 15 layout and 10 mini book themes
  • sizes for the layouts and mini book images are linked so the cuts are proportional and you only have to set the cut size once at the start of your project, but set your machine so Real Dial Size is OFF that way the sizes of the cuts will be relative to each other
  • to cut images to use with the coordinating stamp sets use the size printed on the carrier sheet; set your machine so Real Dial Size is ON
  • mini albums have photo mats, aka pages with holes cut for using with the My Creations® Kraft 3-Ring Album (Z1871), but they also have overlays; the overlays fill the page except for the gutter where the page goes into the binder so you do not lose any of your artwork on the page
  • do not throw away the negative space; you can use these cuts to create new pages (more on that in a later post) or to embellish other pages

If you would like to browse the other items in Autumn/Winter 2013 CTMH Idea Book, click here. Contact me if you would like to learn how you would be able to purchase the Artbooking collection at 1/2 off by hosting a Gathering either in-home or on-line.




Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. If you enjoy reading these posts, please head over to my Facebook page, Brenda's Paper Crafts, and Like it. Thanks for visiting today.

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

National Stamping Month CTMH My Acrylix® You Are My Happy Stamp Set

As I mentioned in my post on Sunday September is National Stamping Month. For September 2013 only, Close to My Heart has created a special stamp set, the You Are My Happy stamp set trio.

In the video, National Stamping Month: September 2013, we get a look at the stamp set and several projects created with it.



The CTMH Corp. description of the video National Stamping Month: September 2013 is "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!"

Products featured in the video are:
  • My Acrylix® You Are My Happy Stamp Set (CC1025)
I took some photos of the stamp set for you. 

You Are My Happy quotes


You Are My Happy images


You Are My Happy alphabet

Just click on any of the photos for a larger image.

If you would like to purchase the You Are My Happy stamp set trio, visit my OBA. When you have a qualifying purchase of $50 in your shopping cart you will be presented the opportunity to purchase the stamp set for only $10 at checkout. That's a great price since the MSRP is $47.90. Do not delay, the You Are My Happy stamp set trio is only available until September 30, 2013.

I would like to remind you when you qualify for the National Stamping Month promotion you also qualify for the Stamp of the Month. You will be able to add the SOTM at checkout as well.




Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. If you enjoy reading these posts, please head over to my Facebook page, Brenda's Paper Crafts, and Like it. Thanks for visiting today.

Monday, September 2, 2013

Subway Art Style Meets Christmas Cards

Happy Labor Day! I hope you are getting a chance to relax with family and friends and perhaps get a little time to yourself for some crafting.


Yesterday I shared some project ideas with you using the September CTMH promotions including the samples above created with the September SOTH. Today's post goes hand-in-hand with the September SOTM.

In the video, Subway Tiding, we are shown ideas for using the September 2013 SOTM Poster Tidings to help us recreate some the art shown above and on page 12 of the Autumn/Winter 2013 Idea Book.



The CTMH Corp. description of the video Subway Tidings is "If you're into the trendy subway art technique, you'll love the September Stamp of the Month, Poster Tidings! Watch adorable pieces of art come to life with this unique stamp set and fun embellishments."
Products featured in the video are:
Other supplies needed to create the items in the photograph above:
If you would like to purchase the supplies to re-create any of the items shown in the photo or video above click the Shop Now link below to place an online order. If you would like to schedule a Home or Online Gathering please send me a message.




Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. If you enjoy reading these posts, please head over to my Facebook page, Brenda's Paper Crafts, and Like it. Thanks for visiting today.

Sunday, September 1, 2013

CTMH September 2013 Stamp of the Month: Poster Tidings

The Close To My Heart September 2013 Stamp of the Month is Poster Tidings.


I think this is a fantastic stamp set and I love how the CTMH designers used them on the cards in the Corporate-provided photo above. If you would like a list of the products used and some hints for recreating the samples above, you will find them on the Stamp of the Month page. Another place to look for ideas using this stamp set is my Pinterest Board CTMH 2013 09 Sep SOTM Poster Tidings. I will continue to add new ideas for using Poster Tidings as I find them.

Poster Tidings is an exclusive D-size stamp set of 2 stamps that you can only obtain during the month of September 2013. The stamp set can by yours for $5 when you place an order of $50 or more in qualifying Close To My Heart Products. Alternatively you can purchase it for $17.95.

Recommended CTMH My Acrylix® Blocks: 4" x 5" (Y1012).

Just in time for the September 2013 SOTM, CTMH released a video sharing how they used the stamp set which I will share on tomorrow's Subway Art Style Meets Christmas Cards post.

During September we have another great promotion for you. It is National Stamping Month and we have an exclusive My Acrylix® You Are My Happy stamp set.


For only $10 with a $50 qualifying purchase you will receive this stamp set on three D-size carrier sheets in two envelopes: one sheet includes nine sentiments, one sheet contains an alphabet set (upper- and lowercase with 5 punctuation marks) and the last is a sheet of fifteen images.

I have also created a You Are My Happy stamp set Pinterest Board. Be sure to check it out if you would like additional inspiration.

Click the Shop with me link below if you would like to place an order for either or both of the products above; once you have a qualifying order in your cart, you will be offered the opportunity to add these items to your order.




Do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or would like to schedule a Home or Online Gathering. If you enjoy reading these posts, please head over to my Facebook page, Brenda's Paper Crafts, and Like it. Thanks for visiting today.