Family Is Forever September Stamp Of The Month Blog Hop

Welcome to the September Stamp Of The Month Blog Hop!

This month I am following [[[ Kathy Corson ]]]. There are about 80 Close To My Heart Independent Consultants participating in the September hop. If you are starting the hop here continue to visit the next blogger until you get back here. If you get lost somewhere along the hop, a complete of of all participants can be found here.

When you purchase the September Stamp of the Month Family Is Forever (S1409) you receive a set of 7 stamps:

This month I created a layout in honor of connecting with some cousins I had not seen in over 30 years (that seems so weird to say since I do not think I am old enough not to have seen someone in that long). This is the first layout I created using Pathfinding.



My layout is loosely based on Front & Center−Focal™ and Front & Center−Main Idea™ in the Reflections™ Scrapbooking Program, but as I work on a project, things tend to evolve.

Then I decided I should create three additional, similar yet slightly different, so my aunt and each of my cousins can have one. I will make one to keep and one for my dad. And my maternal family may see something similar at our 2015 Family Reunion Auction so if you are checking in, put aside some money for bidding.

Here are how the additional layouts turned out (click on any photo to open a larger image in a new tab).

Florentine (retired) Option 1

Florentine (retired) Option 2

Chalk It Up

Thank you for participating in the hop. Before you move on to the next stop on the hop I would be thrilled if you left a comment letting me know what you think of my layout(s). Our next creative participant is [[[ Pam Jarrett ]]].

Supplies Used
Stamps used on each layout: September 2014 Stamp Of The Month - Family Is Forever; D1222 Tiny Typewriter Alphabet (retired)

Die cuts used on each layout (if you use Cricut® Design Space you can easily find the image by placing the number in the search field):

#M472AA	CTMH/Cricut® Art Philosophy Collection (Z1686)	tag	hide contour
#M475BC	CTMH/Cricut® Art Philosophy Collection (Z1686)	label	hide contour
#M3D25E	CTMH/Cricut® Artbooking Collection (Z1906)	"Together" Banner	no special feature used but I did cover the letter opening with cardstock to make the letters pop
#M4078D	CTMH/Cricut® Artbooking Collection (Z1906)	"Cherish"	no special feature used
#M58111	CTMH/Cricut® Artbooking Collection (Z1906)	"Family Vacation"	ungroup and delete "vacation"

Pathfinding Layout
overlay - #M4281F - CTMH/Cricut® Artbooking Collection (Z1906) - Square Grid
12" x 12" cardstock used: Lagoon (X5762); Champagne (X5931); Autumn Terracotta (1270); Chocolate (X5643); Olive (1245)
Exclusive Inks™ Stamp Pads used: Chocolate (Z2111), Olive (Z2137) and Autumn Terracotta (Z2101)

Florentine Layout Option 1 (paper is retired)
overlay - #M41EBC - CTMH/Cricut® Artbooking Collection (Z1906) - Criss Cross Rectangle
12" x 12" cardstock used: Twilight (cardstock is retired); Bamboo (1301); Crème Brulee (cardstock is retired); Cocoa (X5642); Florentine (retired)
Exclusive Inks™ Stamp Pads used: Cocoa (Z2114), Twilight (retired), Crème Brulee (retired)
Exclusive Inks™ Re-Inker used with Spray Pen (Z1380): Twilight (retired)

Florentine Layout Option 2 (paper is retired)
overlay - #M4489C - CTMH/Cricut® Artbooking Collection (Z1906) - Fence Background Small
12" x 12" cardstock used: Twilight (cardstock is retired); Bamboo (1301); Crème Brulee (cardstock is retired); Cocoa (X5642); Florentine (retired)
Exclusive Inks™ Stamp Pads used: Crème Brulee (retired)
Exclusive Inks™ Re-Inker used with Spray Pen (Z1380): Twilight (retired)

Chalk It Up Layout
overlay - #M3E3AA - CTMH/Cricut® Artbooking Collection (Z1906) - Stars Stencil
12" x 12" cardstock used: Flaxen (X5771);  Champagne (X5931); Black (1386); Lagoon (X5762); Sorbet (X5751)
Exclusive Inks™ Stamp Pads used: Lagoon (Z2195); Sorbet (Z2164)
Exclusive Inks™ Re-Inker used with Spray Pen (Z1380): Lagoon (Z2295)

You may purchase the stamp set and all of the supplies I used to create this layout at my online business address.

CTMH September 2014 Stamp of the Month: Family Is Forever

The Close To My Heart September 2014 Stamp of the Month is Family Is Forever.

Family Is Forever (S1409) is an exclusive D-size stamp set of 7 stamps that you can only purchase during the month of September 2014. The stamp set can be 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 are: 1" x 1" (Y1000), 2" x 3½" (Y1009), 2" x 6½" (Y1010) and 4" x 5" (Y1012). This stamp set coordinates with the CTMH/Cricut® Artiste collection (Z1790).

Items created with the stamp set by CTMH Corporate artists are this Pennant Frame and layout:

If you would like to know the products used to create either of the above items, you will find the list in the Recipes (clicking the link will open a PDF in a new tab), a booklet that works hand-in-hand with the Idea Book to provide details to re-create any projects at home. Also check my Pinterest Board CTMH 2014 09 Sep SOTM Family Is Forever for additional ideas using this stamp set (there are some fantastic out-of-the-box ideas for using the stamp set).

Please stop back tomorrow for the Family Is Forever Stamp of the Month Blog Hop.

September 2014 also brings us #30yearsofhappy to celebrate National Stamping Month and Jeanette Lynton's 30 years in the stamping and scrapbooking industry.

When you spend $30 on any current retail-priced stamps during the month of September*, you qualify to receive the exclusive C-sized stamp set #30yearsofhappy for FREE (a $13.95 USD value)!

*Offer valid September 1–30, 2014. No tax will be charged on the free item(s). Shipping/handling is calculated based on the full retail price of the free item(s) ($13.95 USD). Excluded stamps include discounted Stamp of the Month, Hostess Rewards stamps, Workshops on the Go® stamps, and any other kit-exclusive stamps.

Mark your calendars and please stop back September 7th for the #30yearsofhappy Blog Hop.

If you are ready to place an order feel free to click the Show Now button.

If you have any product or promotion questions, do not hesitate to email me. You will also find me on Facebook as Brenda's Paper Crafts. Please head over and like my Facebook page and start following my blog; I have a surprise coming sometime in September.

17 Weeks Until Christmas

It is hard to be thinking of Christmas since this post goes live the same day I plan to attend the Great New York State Fair. However as generations before me have said, time seems to be passing faster and faster as I get older, and the 17 weeks between now and Christmas will be gone before we know it.

My card is created with Close To My Heart products. I started with a card from the 5 1/2" X 4 1/4" White Cards & Envelopes, Value Pack (X254). I inked the bottom edge with a Sponge Dauber and Exclusive Inks™ Ruby Stamp Pad (Z2170). I covered the card with the black snowflake B&T Duos from the Snowhaven Paper Packet (X7188B).

I stamped the pine bough image on White Daisy Cardstock (1385) using the My Acrylix™ Yuletide Greetings (D1553) stamp set and Exclusive Inks™ New England Ivy Stamp Pad (Z2135). I used ShinHan™ Touch Twin™ Markers to color the image. I know that it is recommended to use Archival Black (44751) or heat set pigments inks (or heat emboss pigment inks) when using the markers, but I thought as long as I did not saturate the area too much it might work out fine.

I wish the color was more true in this photo, but you can see that there was no smearing of the stamped image. I also did not find the ink from the stamp pad transferred to the marker tip; I did however let the ink dry for about 12 hours. This made me very happy because I did not want to color the pine boughs so the bow and holly could be the focal point.

I stamped the greeting using a Exclusive Inks™ Ruby Stamp Pad (Z2170). I layered both stamped images on New England Ivy Cardstock (1282). I popped the greeting with 3-D Foam Tape (Z1151). I used Red Shimmer Trim (Z1848) to add some glitz and an additional pop of color to the card.

I am linking my card to Decosse's Dynamite Doodles 12 Months of Christmas Card Link Up.

I hope you like my simple card. Thanks for stopping by today.

CTMH System Maintenance Wednesday Night

Since I am in the Eastern Time Zone and most of my customers are as well, the system maintenance is not likely to impact us (unless you are a night owl). However since we are getting close to the end of the month I thought I should post this message I received from the CTMH Corporate Office:

"We have scheduled systems maintenance for Wednesday, August 27, from 10:00 pm to midnight (MDT). During this time, online systems, including Order Entry, Studio J™, and shopping on your OBA, will be unavailable. We encourage you to share this information with customers that may use your site so they will know to avoid shopping during this time window."

If you are deciding when to place your order, here is a quick summary of the August and September specials:

• the August special is "Picture Perfection!"; receive a 10-pack Memory Protectors™ for $3 when you purchase a Picture My Life™ scrapbooking program, details on my August 22, 2014 post
• the September special is "National Stamping Month #30yearsofhappy"; when you spend $30 on any current retail-priced stamps during the month of September, you qualify to receive the exclusive C-sized stamp set #30yearsofhappy for FREE (qualifying sets include any A-, B-, C-, D-, E-, and M-sized sets offered at their retail value, including full-retail priced Stamp of the Month sets)

If you are ready to place an order feel free to click the Show Now button.

If you have any product or promotion questions, do not hesitate to email me, however please allow a little extra time for a reply as I will be out-of-town on Thursday.

You will also find me on Facebook as Brenda's Paper Crafts. Please head over and like my Facebook page and start following my blog; I have a surprise coming sometime in September.

CTMH August 2014 Stamp of the Month: What A Hoot

Since, other than participating in the SOTM blog hop, I did not share many details for the Close To My Heart August 2014 Stamp of the Month What A Hoot here on my blog, I thought there was no better time since there are only six days left to purchase the set.

 

What A Hoot (S1408) is an exclusive D-size stamp set of 17 stamps that you can only purchase during the month of August 2014. The stamp set can be 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 are: 1" x 1" (Y1000), 2" x 2" (Y1003), 2" x 3½" (Y1009) and 4" x 5" (Y1012).

Items created with the stamp set by CTMH Corporate artists are this layout and gift/treat bag:

If you would like to know the products used to create either of the above items, you will find the list in the Recipes (clicking the link will open a PDF in a new tab), a booklet that works hand-in-hand with the Idea Book to provide details to re-create any projects at home. Also check my Pinterest Board CTMH 2014 08 Aug SOTM What A Hoot for additional ideas using this stamp set (there are some fantastic out-of-the-box ideas for using the stamp set).

Also ending August 31 (or while supplies last) is Picture Perfection! When you purchase any of the 13 Picture My Life™ scrapbooking programs featured in the Annual Inspirations idea book at their full retail price of $24.95 USD, you are eligible to add your choice of 1 of 8 qualifying Memory Protectors™ 10-packs for just $3 (USD)! Full details are on my Friday, August 22 blog post.

If you are ready to place an order, click the Show Now link below.

If you have any product or promotion questions, do not hesitate to email me. You will also find me on Facebook as Brenda's Paper Crafts.

CTMH Tools of the Trade

With the release of the Annual Inspirations Idea Book several new tools were introduced. In addition, updated videos were created to introduce the new tools and refresh our memories for using tools that were previously available.

Start with the video about the My Acrylix® Spritz & Scrubber. If you have time to watch all 25 videos in one sitting (you might have the time, most of the videos are less than 2 minutes), the next video in the playlist will start as soon as the previous video completes.



If you do not have time to binge view the videos, for your convenience, below is a list of the CTMH Tools Of the Trade videos with the Corporate authored descriptions (clicking the link will open the video in a new browser tab).

• My Acrylix® Spritz & Scrubber; Corporate description: "Learn to use Close To My Heart's My Acrylix® cleaning spritz & stamp scrubber."
• Exclusive Inks™ Re-inker and Spray Pen; Corporate description: "Learn to use Close To My Heart’s Exclusive Inks™ re-inkers and spray pen."
• Washi Tape Dispenser; Corporate description: "Learn to use Close To My Heart's washi tape dispenser."
• Paper Trimmer; Corporate description: "Learn to use the SureCut™ Deluxe Craft paper trimmer from Close To My Heart."
• Bone Folder; Corporate description: "Learn to use Close To My Heart’s bone folder."
• Tweezers; Corporate description: "Learn to use Close To My Heart’s tweezers."
• Blending Pen; Corporate description: "Learn to use Close To My Heart’s blending pen."
• Quilling Tool; Corporate description: "Learn to use Close To My Heart’s quilling tool."
• Rub & Remove™ Eraser; Corporate description: "Learn to use Close To My Heart’s Rub & Remove™ Eraser."
• Stitch Guide, Rule & Foam Mat; Corporate description: "Learn to use Close To My Heart’s stitch guide, ruler, and foam mat."
• Micro-tip Scissors; Corporate description: "Learn to use Close To My Heart’s micro-tip scissors."
• Liquid Glass; Corporate description: "Learn to use Close To My Heart's Liquid Glass."
• Sponge and Sponge Dauber; Corporate description: "Learn to use Close To My Heart's sponge and sponge daubers."
• Punches & Corner Rounder; Corporate description: "Learn to use Close To My Heart's punches and corner rounder."
• Adhesives; Corporate description: "Learn to use Close To My Heart's array of adhesives."
• VersaMat and All-Purpose Mat; Corporate description: "Learn to use Close To My Heart's VersaMat™ and all-purpose mat."
• Embossing Tools; Corporate description: "Learn to use Close To My Heart's embossing tools."
• Memory Protectors™ Flip Flaps™; Corporate description: "Learn to use Memory Protectors™ Flip Flaps™ from Close To My Heart."
• Pigment and Dye Inks; Corporate description: "Learn to use Close To My Heart's pigment and dye inks."
• Bonding Memories™ Glue; Corporate description: "Learn to use Close To My Heart's Bonding Memories™ glue."
• Distressing Tools; Corporate description: "Learn to use Close To My Heart's distressing tools."
• Spine Expander; Corporate description: "Learn to use Close To My Heart's album spine expanders."
• Piercing & Embossing Tool Kit; Corporate description: "Learn to use Close To My Heart's piercing and embossing tool kit."
• Score Board; Corporate description: "Learn to use Close To My Heart's score board."
• Mini Stapler; Corporate description: "Learn to use Close To My Heart's mini stapler."

Also for your convenience, in the green navigational area above, I created a CTMH Tools page so the videos will be easy to find over and over again.

If you still have questions about any CTMH tool email me. I am here to assist you in any way I can.

If you would like to order any Close To My Heart products, I would be thrilled if you purchased from me. Just click the Shop with me link above to get started. If you would like to schedule a Home or Online Gathering please email me with your name, number and the best time to call you.

Thank you for visiting today.

Dad's Birthday Card 2014

I needed a card for my father's birthday and was not feeling very inspired so I started flipping through the pages of the Close To My Heart Annual Inspirations Idea Book and Catalog (view/download a PDF version here). On page 93 I noticed a birthday card in the lower right corner that began to inspire me. Under the card I noticed it was based on the Wishes All Tucked In™ pattern. In the Wishes™ book you will find the pattern on page 94 and additional artwork using the pattern on page 104.

As you can see I altered the card quite a bit. I changed it from a 4½" square card to a 5½" x 4¼" card. I also rotated the card like it appears in the Idea Book. I made strip "B" narrower and I did not make it a band that goes around the front of the card. I kept the square "C" the same size as in the pattern, but I punched along the bottom and layered it with a rectangle where I stamped the greeting. I also layered a strip of White Daisy cardstock under the punched area to make it "pop" a bit. To "pop" the sentiment even more, I attached it to the card base with 3-D Foam Tape.

I used a stamp from the retired Hostess Rewards stamp set The Party Is On (C1568) inside the card. I stamped using Lagoon ink on Lagoon cardstock then cut it out using a glass mat and craft knife.

I hope you will also find inspiration while flipping through the Close To My Heart Annual Inspirations Idea Book and Catalog.

Supplies Used

Wishes™ (9041)	5 1/2" X 4 1/4" White Cards & Envelopes, Value Pack (X254)	Chevron Border Punch (Z1998)
Chalk It Up Paper Packet (X7184B)	12" X 12" Lagoon Cardstock (X5762)	12" X 12" White Daisy Cardstock (1385)
Joyful Birthday (B1419)	Lagoon Exclusive Inks™ Stamp Pad (Z2195)	2" X 3 1/2" My Acrylix™ Block (Y1009)
2" X 2" My Acrylix™ Block (Y1003)	My Acrylix™ Stamp Scrubber (Z1782)	My Acrylix™ Spritz Cleaner (1778)
Duck® Easy-Stick™ Adhesive (Z3033)	Non-Stick Micro-Tip Scissors (Z1836)	3-D Foam Tape (Z1151)

If you have not established a relationship with a CTMH Independent Consultant yet, I would be thrilled if you considered purchasing from me. Send me a note if you would like to learn more about Close To My Heart products or promotions or the projects/products I have shared here.

If you are ready to place an order, feel free to click the Shop Now link above. Please follow my blog or like my Facebook page Brenda's Paper Crafts to keep up with CTMH promotions and what I have been creating.

Picture My Life™ August Special

In case you have not heard yet, during the month of August, when you purchase any of the 13 available Picture My Life™ scrapbooking programs featured in the Annual Inspirations idea book at their full retail price of $24.95 USD, you are eligible to add your choice of 1 of 8 qualifying Memory Protectors™ 10-packs for just $3 (USD)! Each Picture My Life scrapbooking program already includes a coordinating 10-pack of Memory Protectors, so when you add your additional 10-pack for only $3 you will be well on your way to your own picture-perfect pocket scrapbooking adventure!

The 13 available Picture My Life™ scrapbooking programs are:

Avonlea (Z1942) Donna's Avonlea Post	Babycakes (Z1943) Donna's Babycakes Post
Balloon Ride (Z1948) Donna's Balloon Ride Post	Chalk It Up (Z2018) Donna's Chalk It Up Post
Chantilly (Z1949) Donna's Chantilly Post	For Always (Z2022) Donna's For Always Post
Laughing Lola (Z1944) Donna's Laughing Lola Post	Later Sk8r (Z1945) Donna's Later Sk84 Post
Pear & Partridge (Z2017) Donna's Pear & Partridge Post	Seaside (Z2020) Donna's Seaside Post
Skylark (Z1947) Donna's Skylark Post	Surf's Up (Z1946) Donna's Surf's Up Post
Wanderful (Z2019) Donna's Wanderful Post	this space intentionally left blank

I know that some of you wish there were more photos of the PML cards in the Annual Inspirations Idea Book. I do too. The good news is one my my fellow consultants, Donna Digby of Ontario, Canada, purchased all of the PML scrapbooking programs, took photos of the front and back of the cards and shared them online (and told her fellow consultants that we could point you to her blog posts). To see Donna's posts, just click the links under the images above and her post will open in a new tab. I am thrilled that she is helping us show you each entire program.

Many have been using the PML program for more than pocket scrapbooking. I have seen PML cards used on traditional 12" x 12" layouts as well as card fronts. I have created a Pinterest Board for CTMH Picture My Life™ and have been adding to it as I find new ideas.

*This offer is valid August 1–31, 2014 while supplies last. Shipping/handling is calculated based on the full retail price of the protectors ($9.95 USD). Qualifying Memory Protectors include: Design 1 (Z1324), Design 2 (4113), Design 3 (Z1950), Design 4 (Z1951), Design 5 (Z1952), Top Load (4110), Side Load (Z1968), and Variety Pack (Z3026).

Finally, I would like to remind you of the Photo Express Collections in Studio J® to assist you with obtaining photos in the perfect sizes for the Picture My Life™ Memory Protectors™. See my Springtime Studio Savings blog post; while the savings have expired, the details for using Studio J® Photo Express Collections and Custom Photo Wells is current.

If you do not have a CTMH Independent Consultant, I would be happy to assist you with any product or promotion question you may have and I would be delighted if you make a purchase from me.

Feel free to click the Shop with me link above to place an order. If you would like to schedule a Home or Online Gathering please email me with your name, number and the best time to call you.

Thank you for visiting today.