December 2023 CTMH News

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! I am having trouble believing Thanksgiving was just last week. It is one of my favorite holidays of the year. Thanksgiving and Easter always provide excellent food and company. Now it's time to gear up for Christmas. If you are making your cards or gifts this year, I hope you are almost done or have several vacation days scheduled to help you tick tasks off your to do list.

The Stamp Of The Month has a Stamp + Thin Cuts option again for December 2023.

Christmas Snow Globes—December Stamp of the Month

Christmas Snow Globes—December Stamp of the Month (S2312)

Christmas Snow Globes (S2312) is an exclusive D-Size set of 7 stamps. Christmas Snow Globes is available only during the month of December 2023. The stamp set can be free for CTMH VIP Customers who place a qualifying order during December 2023. Those who are not CTMH VIP Customers can place a qualifying order and purchase the stamp set on the same order for only $5. Everyone qualifies for additional sets at $5 for each additional $50 spent on the same order. The December 2023 SOTM is also available for $19.95 with no other purchase required. The recommended CTMH My Acrylix® Blocks for this stamp set are: 1" × 6½" (Y1005), 2" × 2" (Y1003), 2" × 3½" (Y1009), 4" × 4" (Y1017).

Christmas Snow Globes—December Stamp of the Month + Thin Cuts (Z7100)

If you select the Christmas Snow Globes—December Stamp of the Month + Thin Cuts (Z7100), you receive the same D-Size set of 7 stamps plus 4 metal dies to cut the shapes shown. The Stamp of the Month + Thin Cuts is only $21.95 with a qualifying order; the Christmas Snow Globes—December Stamp of the Month + Thin Cuts is also available for $36.95 with no other purchase required.

The CTMH Art Department created cards using Christmas Snow Globes:

card created with Christmas Snow Globes—December Stamp of the Month

card created with Christmas Snow Globes—December Stamp of the Month

Christmas Snow Globes is available only during the month of December 2023.

Bring Back My Pack—Skylark

Bring Back My Pack—Skylark

Close To My Heart brought back another past collection. This time the collection is Skylark. This collection is one of my favorites. So much so, that I named my new computer (at the time) after this collection. When Skylark was initially introduced in Spring/Summer 2014, the featured colors were Bamboo, Desert Sand, Juniper, Kraft, Lagoon, Skylark Yellow, Sweet Leaf, and White Daisy. The colors for Bring Back My Pack—Skylark have been updated to Shortbread, Toffee, Limeade, and Lagoon. In addition, there is a sticker sheet, the stamp set is back (and there is an option to choose the British spelling of "favourite") and there is a stencil. Workshops were designed for cards and layouts. Be sure to look for the download on the product page.

This flyer has all of the details and purchasing options:

Bring Back My Pack—Skylark page 1	Bring Back My Pack—Skylark page 2
Bring Back My Pack—Skylark page 3	this space intentionally blank

If you would like to download a PDF of the flyer, you will find it here.

A Gnome for All Seasons—Winter Collection

A Gnome for All Seasons—Winter Collection

The mischievous Gnomes for Winter continue to be available until the end of December while supplies last. As with the Gnomes for Autumn special, the Gnomes for Winter collection features an exclusive paper packet with beautiful, seasonal paper designs, as well as coordinating stamp sets, Thin Cuts, and more. Scrapbooking and cardmaking workshops featuring Gnomes for Winter are also available.

A Gnome for All Seasons—Winter - page 1	A Gnome for All Seasons—Winter - page 2
A Gnome for All Seasons—Winter - page 3	A Gnome for All Seasons—Winter - page 4

If you would like to download a PDF of the A Gnome for All Seasons—Winter flyer, you will find it here. A Gnome for All Seasons—Winter is available through December 31, 2023, while supplies last.

Deck the Halls

Deck The Halls

Deck the Halls, introduced in mid-October, features three styles of wood ornaments with coordinating die-cuts. There are SVG files included so you can cut coordinating shapes from your own papers or there are six different papers in coordinating shapes to choose from: Black Paperboard, Scarlet Glitter Paper, Pine Glitter Paper, Silver Glitter Paper, Gold Glitter Paper or Kraft Paper. You can also choose a Deck the Halls Product Bundle for a savings of 30%.

All of the options are shown in this flyer:

Deck the Halls - page 1

Deck the Halls - page 2

If you would like a PDF of the above flyer, you can download it here. Deck the Halls is available October 15 through December 31, 2023 while supplies last.

Joy of the Season

Joy of the Season

If you need a quick way to create your Christmas cards, look no further than the Cut Above® Joy of the Season special! This Cut Above® kit includes pre-printed card bases and die-cuts, including sentiments. The cards went together quickly, but I added Liquid Glass to the red glitter dots on the slimline card so I had to set the cards aside for a bit to allow them to dry. I love the finished look. It looks like I added domed glitter gems to the cards (it's too bad that photos do not show them well).  Stamp a sentiment inside the cards using the Joy of the Season stamp set, then sign and send. Save 20% when you buy stamp set and card kit together!

Joy of the Season Flyer

If you would like a PDF of the above flyer, you can download it here. Joy of the Season is available October 1–December 31 while supplies last.

VIP Extra Credit

CTMH VIP Extra Credit

The VIP sign-up offer is also continuing through the end of January 2024. This will put more VIP Credit into the "bank" of new VIP Customers and those who renew during this time. Usually, VIP Customers who join or renew get a sign-up bonus of $15 in VIP Credit that can be spent on the very first order. From November 1, 2023 to January 31, 2024, new and renewing VIP Customers will instead get a sign-up bonus of $25—an extra $10! Considering that the sign-up fee is only $35, this extra credit is a great perk. This flyer has the details:

CTMH VIP Extra Credit

You can also download a PDF of the flyer here. This special sign-up and renewal offer is the first CTMH special celebrating Jeanette’s upcoming 40th anniversary milestone year that will be observed in 2024.

November–December Catalog

cover November–December Catalog

We've entered the final month of the November–December catalog. If you've visited the What's New page of my eCommerce site, you've seen that some items are popular we've had to wait for additional items to arrive in the warehouse. If there is anything that you are waiting for and you see the "coming month" banner on the product image, my best suggestion is to check back daily. If you haven't had a chance to look though the November–December catalog, it can be viewed here. Under the flip style catalog is a link to a PDF that can be downloaded to your device so you can page through it without an Internet connection.

We have not received any official notification, but I anticipate that there will be a Boxing Day Sale or series of sales. In the past, Boxing Day sales began at 12am MST on December 26 (that's 2am for us on the East Coast - usually too early for me). As soon as I know more about the sale I will post it here, and, if you subscribe to the CTMH newletters, you will receive a message when the sale begins.

I hope you have a lovely December and get to spend some time with family when you are celebrating the holidays for your Faith.

Coming Soon - Black Friday and Cyber Monday Sales

Hello! I hope you have everything you need for your Thanksgiving feast, or, if you are heading to a restaurant, reservations. As I've mentioned before, we only have to make a couple of dishes for our contribution to Thanksgiving dinner. When my mother was picking up the last of the things we need on Monday morning, she said the stores were very busy.

As you know, the day after Thanksgiving is Black Friday, one of the best shopping days of the year. Have you ever gone to the stores that early? I only did it one time and that was enough for me. I have gone to the stores around dinner time and that was a much more enjoyable experience and I still got some great offers.

Another tradition, though not as long, is the CTMH Black Friday Sale.

The Black Friday sale will feature some fun new exclusive items plus deep discounts on a variety of current and retired items. The Black Friday sale will begin at 5pm EST on Friday, November 24 and will end at 1:59am EST on Monday, November 27 (that's 11:59pm MST on Sunday, November 26).

A few hours after the Black Friday Sale is the Cyber Monday Sale.

The Cyber Monday sale, will begin at 5pm EST on Monday, November 27 and end at 1:59am EST on Wednesday, November 29 (that's 11:59 pm MST on Tuesday, November 28.

As with similar, previous sales, all the special prices will only be available on a while supplies last basis. Orders need to be placed through my Maker website. All discounted items count toward earning VIP Credit and, I believe, the Stamp Of The Month. Sale prices usually do not apply to VIP Credit purchases, so if you choose to order any of the sale items using CTMH VIP Credit, you will be charged the full retail value (I suggest waiting until another time to use your VIP Credit). Shipping and handling is based on the full retail value of the sale items.

If you are signed up to receive the Close To My Heart newsletter, you will receive an email at the beginning of each sale to remind you.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving

Countdown to Christmas Special Extended 48 Hours

I just read my messages and learned that Close To My Heart extended the Pre-Black Friday Special  Countdown to Christmas by 48 hours!

Countdown to Christmas

Countdown to Christmas is an Advent Calendar that you can decorate to match the room where you plan to display the calendar. The calendar kit (CC11231) includes wood pieces, black paperboard die-cuts, and coordinating digital art files that you can use to create a fun, interactive 9" × 12" countdown calendar! You can get a discount when you purchase a 2 calendar bundle (CC11232) or 3 calendar bundle (CC11233).

In addition to making a wonderful addition to your holiday decorations, I think the Advent Calendar would make a wonderful gift. When purchased as a bundle, even after decorating the calendar, it would fit the criteria for the $20 maximum gift exchanges we see this time of year. 

This offer is now available until 11:59 pm MST on Friday, November 17 (that's 1:59am EST on Saturday, November 18 for those of us on the East Coast), but only while supplies last.

Countdown to Christmas Special

Close To My Heart just released at Pre-Black Friday Offer: Countdown to Christmas.

Countdown to Christmas

Create excitement during the holiday season by marking the days until Christmas with the Countdown to Christmas Advent Calendar! The calendar kit (CC11231) includes wood pieces, black paperboard die-cuts, and coordinating digital art files that you can use to create a fun, interactive 9" × 12" countdown calendar!

The Advent Calendar would make wonderful gifts, perfect for the $20 maximum gift exchanges we see this time of year. You can get a discount when you purchase a 2 calendar bundle (CC11232) or 3 calendar bundle (CC11233).

This Pre-Black Friday Offer is available for a limited time. The kit is only available until 11:59 pm MST on Wednesday, November 15 (that's 1:59am EST on Thursday, November 16 for those of us on the East Coast), but only while supplies last.

While I have your attention, I have a few additional announcements.

For the first time, the October 2023 Stamp of the Month, From Owl of Us, had a coordinating set of Thin Cuts. Close To My Heart is making the coordinating Thin Cuts available as a standalone item for anyone who purchased the stamp set without the coordinating Thin Cuts. If you ordered the October 2023 SOTM without Thin Cuts you should have received an email from the CTMH Corporate Office to make sure you knew that they are available.

From Owl of Us—October Stamp of the Month + Thin Cuts (Z7074)

The cost for ordering the Thin Cuts is $17.95 and they will be available to add on the shopping cart page on my Maker website or by using item number Z7074TC. I enjoy using my Thin Cuts with stamped images. It is like having a sticker sheet that never runs out.

There are two stamp sets from the September–October 2023 catalog that will now be available through December 31, 2023. This fun alphabet stamp set will be available through December 31.

Christmas Alphabet Stamp Set (D2187)

Here are some projects created with the Christmas Alphabet Stamp Set:

card created with Christmas Alphabet Stamp Set	card created with Christmas Alphabet Stamp Set
card created with Christmas Alphabet Stamp Set	page created with Christmas Alphabet Stamp Set

And this terrific background stamp is also available until December 31:

Design Elements Stamp Set (D2196)

The Design Elements Stamp Set was used on this layout:

layout created with Design Elements Stamp Set

I am happy that CTMH extended the availability of the Thin Cuts and stamp sets. I was wishing that I had the Christmas Alphabet just a few days ago.

Happy Veterans Day! A huge thank you to our of our Veterans and their families. I hope you able to enjoy the events in your area. I wish everyone a relaxing and crafty weekend. Monday will be here too soon.

Color Suggestions for Sweet Fruit Stamp Set

Today I do not have a completed project to share, but rather some color suggestions for Sweet Fruit. I  promised to share the color ideas when I posed a Thank You card in late October.

We like to try different fruits and vegetables in our house. Usually I do not remember the names of the different varieties, but if the color or name is unique, we will typically try a new-to-us fruit or vegetable. When I was trying to decide what colors to use with this stamp set, I die cut a few of the shapes several times and used some of the suggested colors from the CTMH one sheet wonder video, but I also thought about some of the colors I've seen on my plate. Then pulled out some ink pads and tried a few combinations.

Before I go further, I should explain what first and second generation stamping is for those who do not know.

First generation stamping is the resulting image when you ink the stamp and press the stamp to cardstock. Second generation stamping occurs when you stamp the ink off, then stamp, without reinking, where you desire the image to be.

I think all of the cherry color combinations I tried look like fruit I have seen in a farm market or in a catalog that sells cherry trees for planting your own orchard.

color schemes tested with cherry stamp

The colors I used for the cherries are:

	cherry base	cherry shade	stem base	stem shade	leaf base	leaf shade
sample 1	second generation Candy Apple	first generation Candy Apple	second generation Acorn	first generation Acorn	second generation Limeade	first generation Limeade
sample 2	first generation Candy Apple	first generation Scarlet	second generation Acorn	first generation Acorn	first generation Limeade	first generation Jade
sample 3	first generation Lemonade	first generation Sundance	second generation Acorn	first generation Acorn	first generation Limeade	first generation Jade
sample 4	first generation Lemonade	first generation Scarlet	second generation Acorn	first generation Acorn	first generation Limeade	first generation Jade
sample not pictured	first generation Lemonade	first generation Candy Apple	second generation Acorn	first generation Acorn	second generation Jade	first generation Jade

I do not have a photo of the Lemonade/Candy Apple version because I dropped it between stamping and photographing and you know how paper likes to flutter and disappear into thin air. I am bummed about it because it was one of my favorite combinations.

Since lemons and limes are similar in size and shape, I decided to try to create both options.

color schemes tested with lemon stamp

I like all of the lemons and limes. What color I use in the future will be influenced by the colors in the paper I pair with the stamped die cut.

	lemon base	lemon shade
sample 1	second generation Lemonade	first generation Lemonade
sample 2	first generation Lemonade	first generation Sundance
sample 3	second generation Limeade	first generation Limeade
sample 4	first generation Limeade	first generation Jade

On this citrus half, depending on what the die cut is paired with, it is hard to determine if what we are seeing is a lemon, lime, orange or grapefruit so I decided to experiment a bit.

color schemes tested with lemon half stamp

I created, from left to right, a lemon, orange and pink grapefruit.

	lemon half base	lemon half shade
sample 1	second generation Lemonade	first generation Lemonade
sample 2	first generation Lemonade	first generation Sundance
sample 3	first generation Lemonade	first generation Flamingo

For sample 2, which I tried to make look like an orange, and sample 3, which I attempted to make look like a pink grapefruit, the next time I think I would try second generation Lemonade so the Sundance and Flamingo show the details better. Other than that minor change, I really am happy with how the lemon, orange and pink grapefruit turned out.

I created several samples with the apples. There are so many different varieties of apples that I could have tried several more color combinations.

color schemes tested with apple stamp

The Flamingo on sample 4 really makes the Limeade appear to have yellow tint. It is not as strong in person. I think the next time I may try second generation Limeade with Flamingo. On sample 6, in person, the Mulberry reads a little blue, but I think it looks great in the photo. Next time I will try second generation Mulberry. I feel some of the detail is lost in sample 7, especially in the photo, so I will use second generation Papaya the next time I stamp with the Papaya/Desert Rose combination.

	apple base (solid)	apple shade (detail)	stem base	stem shade
sample 1	second generation Candy Apple	first generation Candy Apple	second generation Acorn	first generation Acorn
sample 2	first generation Candy Apple	first generation Scarlet	second generation Acorn	first generation Acorn
sample 3	first generation Limeade	first generation Jade	second generation Acorn	first generation Acorn
sample 4	first generation Limeade	first generation Flamingo	second generation Acorn	first generation Acorn
sample 5	first generation Flamingo	first generation Papaya	second generation Acorn	first generation Acorn
sample 6	first generation Mulberry	first generation Papaya	second generation Acorn	first generation Acorn
sample 7	first generation Papaya	first generation Desert Rose	second generation Acorn	first generation Acorn

I am sure that there are several other color combinations that would work, including some favorite retired colors and colors have have not been introduced yet. Don't be shy about trying different colors.

I wrote the colors I used on the back of these samples so I do not have to test my memory each time I use Sweet Fruit. I am keeping samples in the envelope with the stamp set and Thin Cuts so they will be easy to find and I will be able to quickly start creating.

Supplies used:

• My Acrylix™ stamp sets: Sweet Fruit + Thin Cuts (Z3930)
• Cardstock: White Daisy (1385)
• Exclusive Inks™: Desert Rose (Z6525), Scarlet (Z6526), Candy Apple (Z6509), Papaya (Z6534), Flamingo (Z6520), Mulberry (Z6532), Jade (Z6574), Limeade (Z6575), Lemonade (Z6517), Sundance (Z6521), Acorn (Z6573)

Code to above product name appearance:

• text with link = this is a current product available on my eCommerce site at the time this post was published
• highlighted text with link = this is a product that was available on my eCommerce site when I created the paper craft(s) pictured above and the post was published; since it is on the retiring list and no longer appears in the current catalogs, or it is/was part of a promotion, it is available only while supplies last
• plain text = retired product no longer on my eCommerce site; if you really like a product, look for it at yard sales, on Facebook groups or other places people resale items

I hope this gives you inspiration for trying the base and shade stamps and different colors your stamping. Have a great week ahead.

November 2023 CTMH News

Wow! It is November. I feel like October 2023 was a lost month. I am finally starting to feel as though I've put symptoms behind me. I hope so because I have many projects I would like to tackle. CTMH is as busy as ever bringing us fabulous new products and equally fabulous inspiration. Let's get started.

Thanks a Bunch—November Stamp of the Month

Thanks a Bunch—November Stamp of the Month (S2311)

Thanks a Bunch (S2311) is an exclusive D-Size set of 22 stamps. Thanks a Bunch is available only during the month of November 2023. The stamp set can be free for CTMH VIP Customers who place a qualifying order during November 2023. Those who are not CTMH VIP Customers can place a qualifying order and purchase the stamp set on the same order for only $5. Everyone qualifies for additional sets at $5 for each additional $50 spent on the same order. The November 2023 SOTM is also available for $19.95 with no other purchase required. The recommended CTMH My Acrylix® Blocks for this stamp set are: 1" × 1" (Y1000), 1" × 6½" (Y1005), 2" × 3½" (Y1009).

The CTMH Art Department created a layout using Thanks a Bunch:

layout created with Thanks a Bunch—November Stamp of the Month (S2311)

Thanks a Bunch is available only during the month of November 2023.

A Gnome for All Seasons—Winter Collection

A Gnome for All Seasons—Winter Collection

Get ready for more gnome mischief! The next Gnomes for All Seasons collection, Gnomes for Winter, is available! Just like the Gnomes for Autumn special, the Gnomes for Winter features an exclusive paper packet with beautiful, seasonal paper designs, as well as coordinating stamp sets, Thin Cuts, and more. Scrapbooking and cardmaking workshops featuring Gnomes for Winter will also be available.

A Gnome for All Seasons—Winter - page 1	A Gnome for All Seasons—Winter - page 2
A Gnome for All Seasons—Winter - page 3	A Gnome for All Seasons—Winter - page 4

If you would like to download a PDF of the A Gnome for All Seasons—Winter flyer, you will find it here. A Gnome for All Seasons—Winter is available through December 31, 2023, while supplies last.

VIP Extra Credit

CTMH VIP Extra Credit

Beginning November 1, a new VIP sign-up offer begins. This will put more VIP Credit into the "bank" of new VIP Customers! Usually, VIP Customers who join get a sign-up bonus of $15 in VIP Credit that can be spent on the very first order. From November 1, 2023 to January 31, 2024, new VIP Customers will instead get a sign-up bonus of $25—an extra $10! Considering that the sign-up fee is only $35, this extra credit is a great perk.

This offer is not just for new VIP Customers! Current VIP Customers who are up for renewal in this same time period will receive the same great VIP Credit bonus. Along with the other great perks of being a VIP Customer, this added bonus makes it an even easier decision to renew as a VIP Customer for another year.

This special sign-up and renewal offer is the first CTMH special celebrating Jeanette’s upcoming 40th anniversary milestone year that will be observed in 2024. More details will be shared on my Maker eCommerce on November 1.

Deck the Halls

Deck The Halls

Deck the Halls, introduced in mid-October, features three styles of wood ornaments with coordinating die-cuts. There are SVG files included so you can cut coordinating shapes from your own papers or there are six different papers in coordinating shapes to choose from: Black Paperboard, Scarlet Glitter Paper, Pine Glitter Paper, Silver Glitter Paper, Gold Glitter Paper or Kraft Paper. You can also choose a Deck the Halls Product Bundle for a savings of 30%.

All of the options are shown in this flyer:
 

Deck the Halls - page 1

Deck the Halls - page 2

If you would like a PDF of the above flyer, you can download it here.

Deck the Halls is available October 15 through December 31, 2023 while supplies last.

Joy of the Season

Joy of the Season

If you are looking for a quick way to create your Christmas cards, look no further than the Cut Above® Joy of the Season special! This Cut Above® kit includes pre-printed card bases and die-cuts, including sentiments. The cards come together in short order, giving you to time to participate in other holiday festivities! Complete the cards using the Joy of the Season stamp set, which include the perfect sentiments for the card insides. Save 20% when you buy stamp set and card kit together!

Joy of the Season Flyer

If you would like a PDF of the above flyer, you can download it here. Joy of the Season is available October 1–December 31 while supplies last.

November–December Catalog

cover November–December Catalog

November brings us a new catalog with two new coordinating collections, a Mix-in and many new stamps, several with coordinating Thin Cuts. The November–December Catalog can be viewed here and under the flip style catalog is a link to a PDF that can be downloaded to view locally on your device.

I think that is all of the news I have for November 1. I will be back soon with photos from the A Gnome for All Seasons—Winter Collection.

Stay healthy and have a wonderful Thanksgiving and November.