CTMH Retiring Products - Get them while supplies last!

As I mentioned last week the Autumn/Winter 2012 Idea Book was recently received by CTMH Independent Consultants.

Another CTMH Independent Consultant (Thank You Very Much Debra from Indiana) complied a list of products in the Spring/Summer 2012 Idea Book that did not carry over to the Autumn/Winter 2012 Idea Book (it is wonderful that she shared all of that work with us). The list is below and the items can be viewed at my online store until July 31; I have done my best to remove any products that have already sold out as of July 21, 2012 at 6:30pm EDT:

Z1163 Double Scrubber (Note: Being replaced with a new version.)
Z1006 Microfiber Cloth
Z1404 Quick Pic 12x12 Album - Dark Cranberry
Z1405 Quick Pic 12x12 Album - Outdoor Denim
Z1406 Quick Pic 12x12 Album - Dark Chocolate
Z4110 Snapease Album System
Z1323 Clear Cards - 4 1/4" x 5 ½" Asst.
Z1309 Clear Cards - 4 ½” Asst.
Z1383 Sweet Leaf Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon
Z1384 Designer Ribbon - Pink Collection
Z1397 Canvas Badge Buttons
Z1367 Bitty Brads Basic Asst
Z1368 Bitty Brads Metal Asst
Z1104 Clear Sparkles (Note: Being replaced with all round sparkles)
Z1698 Mini-Medley Accents - Pacifica
Z1320 Mini-Medley Accents - Tulip
Z1338 Mini-Medley Accents - Sunset
Z1488 Mini-Medley Accents - Honey
Z1403 Photo Hangers
Z1402 Hinges
Z1690 Bitty Buds Asst
Z1691 Bottle Caps
Z1693 Seaside Wooden Shapes (SOLD OUT)
Z1688 Comic Badge Buttons
Z1635 Heirloom Asst
Z1337 Dimensional Elements Ornaments (Note: Updated to coordinate with Cricut Artiste)
Z1224 My Creations All Sorts Mini Album
Z1334 My Creations Mix & Mingle Mini Album
Z1321 My Creations A-Door-Ables
Z1152 My Creations Cube
4275 My Legacy Writers
Z338 Euro Personal Trimmer (Note: Being replaced with Fiskars SureCut Deluxe Craft Trimmer)
Z339 Euro Trimmer Replacement Blades
Z340 Euro Trimmer Replacement Blade/Scoring
1766 Dotto Dots Dispenser
1767 Dotto Dots Refill

CTMH Independent Consultants have been told that My Acrylix® Stamp Sets are available for a period of one year - the current Idea Book and the one previous. Based on that, Debra went through the new Autumn/Winter 2012 Idea Book, the Spring/Summer 2012 Idea Book and the Autumn/Winter 2011 Idea Book and believe those on the list below are going to be retired as they are NOT in the new Autumn/Winter 2012 Idea Book or the Spring/Summer 2012 Idea Book.

A1095 Always Remember
A1099 Angel Sent
A1107 A Twinkle
A1108 A Flitter
A1109 A Sip
A1110 A Timber
A1113 A Game
A1115 A Holiday
B1356 St. Nick
B1359 Fright Night
B1361 Tannenbaum
B1362 Tag The Occasion
B1381 Holiday Cheer
B1393 Joyful Jar
B1394 John 3:16
B1402 My Peeps
C1379 Holiday Commentary
C1382 Holiday Commentary - Spanish
C1383 Holiday Commentary - French
C1401 Friendship Alphabet Small
C1408 Live Inspired
C1419 Harvest Home
C1420 Snow Days
C1423 Captured Moments
C1424 Nature's Gift
C1425 Month By Month
C1426 Thanksgiving
C1427 I Believe
C1429 Party Pennants
C1465 Unscripted
C1468 Winter Joy
C1470 Gnome Garden
C1471 Happy Clusters
C1472 Bundled Buddies
D1136 Giggle Caps
D1137 Giggle Lowercase
D1267 Rustic Numbers
D1283 Say It in Style
D1306 Treasure Life
D1308 All Decked Out
D1373 Childhood Portrait
D1384 Snow Flurries
D1386 Save The Date
D1387 Made With Love
D1397 Save The Date - French
D1398 Save The Date - Spanish
D1401 Authentic
D1436 The Present
D1437 Party Animal
D1446 Adorn-able
D1449 Father Christmas
D1493 Fill In The Blank - Holiday
D1499 Live Your Style
E1002 Rustic Alphabet
E1006 Baroque Alphabet
E1011 Headline Alphabet Large
E1016 Friendship Alphabet Large

The following colors are NOT listed in the Autumn/Winter 2012 Idea Book.

Of course, with the color change, this also means that the Combo Packs will be retiring, as well as the Shade Packs. This will also mean the stamp pads and re-inkers will be gone as well. If you need these, you had better hurry! I have heard that they have a tendency to sell out FAST (some I wanted are already gone)!

Debra's best guess, after being a consultant for almost 9 years (I became an Independent Consultant in March 2012), is these will be available through July 31, 2012 or while supplies last.

Color Name	Exclusive Inks® Stamp Pad	Exclusive Inks® 1 oz. Re-Inker	Cardstock	Cardstock Combo Pack 24-12"x12"	Cardstock Combo Pack 24 8.5"x11"
Grey Wool	Z2125	sold out	5571	X5921	X5926
Grey Flannel	Z2124	Z2224	not an option	X5921	X5926
Vanilla Cream	Z2169	Z2269	X5646	X5921	X5926
Parchment	Z2142	Z2242	not an option	X5921	X5926
Brown Bag	Z2108	Z2208	not an option	X5921	X5926
Baby Pink	Z2102	Z2202	not an option	X5917	X5922
Taffy	Z2154	Z2254	not an option	X5917	X5922
Sunkiss Yellow	Z2151	sold out	not an option	X5917	X5922
Key Lime	Z2131	Z2231	not an option	X5917	X5922
Heavenly Blue	Z2126	Z2226	not an option	X5917	X5922
Lilac Mist	Z2133	sold out	not an option	X5917	X5922
Amethyst	Z2100	sold out	not an option	X5917	X5922
Holiday Red	Z2127	Z2227	not an option	X5918	X5923
Sunflower	Z2150	Z2250	not an option	X5918	X5923
Sunny Yellow	Z2152	sold out	not an option	X5918	X5923
Dutch Blue	Z2119	sold out	not an option	X5918	X5923
Moonstruck	Z2134	Z2234	not an option	X5918	X5923
Vineyard Berry	Z2157	sold out	not an option	X5919	X5924
Tulip	Z2166	sold out	not an option	X5919	X5924
Garden Green	Z2120	sold out	not an option	X5919	X5924
Spring Iris	Z2148	sold out	not an option	X5919	X5924
Petal	Z2161	Z2261	not an option	X5919	X5924
Garnet	Z2121	sold out	not an option	X5920	X5925
Pansy Purple	Z2141	Z2241	not an option	X5920	X5925

Please note: Vanilla Cream is a Pigment-based Exclusive Ink; stamp pad is $6.95 and re-inker is $4.95.

As I said earlier, I have removed products that are on the sold out list as of July 21, 2012 at 6:30pm EDT. Since orders can be placed online day or night, items on this list can sell out at anytime. I am sorry if there is something on this list that you are unable to order.

I would like to thank CTMH Independent Consultant Debra from Indiana for sharing this list with her fellow consultants. I know we all appreciate her hard work. If you would like to place an order, please click the shop with me link below to place an order. Do not forget that the Perfect Pair promotion continues through July 31. See the details on my July 2, 2012 post.

Feel free to contact me if you have questions about any CTMH products or promotions or to schedule a Home or Online Gathering

August is a great time to join CTMH!

If you love card making and scrapbooking, want to share that love with new people, teach them how to make their own cards and scrapbooks and earn some extra money, August is a great time to become a Close To My Heart Independent Consultant. Not only are there two options for the enrollment kit, the Essentials Kit for $49 or the Master Kit for $99, but you can get an exclusive (and adorable) Damask Tote Bag for FREE (retail value $50)!

This bag measures 17" x 17" x 6" and has an exterior pocket for 12" x 12" paper packets and the interior can hold a 12" x 12" album and more. It also has two pockets for water bottles and is adjustable so you can wear it on the shoulder, across the chest (messenger bag style) or as a backpack.

This offer is available August 1, 2012 (9:00 am MDT) – August 31, 2012 (11:59 pm MDT) or while supplies last.

If you have any questions about my experience as a CTMH Independent Consultant, please contact me.

CTMH July 2012 promotions

Today's blog post is to remind you that there are only 12 more days to take advantage of the CTMH July 2012 promotions Perfect Pairs and the SOTM Live Out Loud.

Details of the Perfect Pairs promotion is outlined in this earlier blog post; basically when you spend $75 at my online store you are eligible to receive a paper packet and coordinating embellishment FREE (which specific paper packet and embellishment you receive is based on the date you place your order - see the chart here).

Details of the SOTM Live Out Loud stamp set are also in an earlier blog post. You can purchase a set of 8 D-size stamps for $5 when you spend $50 or more. That is over 70% off retail. You can only get this stamp set during the month of July 202.

I would also like to take this opportunity to remind you that CTMH lets you double-dip on promotions so if you qualify for the Perfect Pairs promotion you also qualify for the SOTM. Both promotions end at 11:59pm MDT on July 31, 2012 and discounted products do not count toward a qualifying purchase.

Click the Shop with me link below to place an order or contact me if you have questions about any CTMH products or promotions or to schedule a Home or Online Gathering.

CC Challenge #22 - Pastels and Bling

The details for CropChocolate Challenge #22 - Pastels and Bling read: "This challenge comes to you from Chris and Jenni: Create a project using the following guidelines: Pastels combined with dark bold colors and a bit of bling thrown in for good measure." [Find details for the current CropChocolate Challenge here.]

The rules read "Post a picture of your project. 50% of the product used must be from CropChocolate.com. Please include items used in the description of your entry. Contest ends on Wednesday, July 18th, 2012 at 08:00:00am Mountain. Please submit your entry before then. $10 CropCredit in a random drawing. $25 CropCredit for monthly random winner."

Awhile back I pinned a gorgeous framed piece. I was pretty sure I know how they made the flowers, but I never got around to giving it a try. I was reminded of this idea on page 49 of the Autumn/Winter 2012 CTMH Idea Book (my hard copies are expected to arrive today - I cannot wait to get home to see them IRL) so I gave it a try. Here is the card that I came up with:

Products I used that were purchased from CC: Echo Park Paper Co. (EP) Be Mine Sweet Stripes (item #BM9013), EP Summer Days Scallops (item #SD14010), EP Springtime Fresh Flowers (item ST11004), EP Summer Days Red/Green (item #SD14019), EP Playground Jump Rope (item #PG13013), Doodlebug Designs A6 Paisley Assortment black card base and envelope; other products used: CTMH Cricut® Art Philosophy cartridge and Cricut® Expression, CTMH Sparkles, Martha Stewart Crafts Scoring Board.

I have a few close-up photos that I did not have time to upload before writing this post. I plan to upload them this evening to my Flickr account if you would like to take a look at them (or any craft projects I have uploaded).

Thanks for stopping by to see my attempt at Pastels and Bling.

CTMH Cricut® Artiste Collection

The Autumn/Winter 2012 Close To My Heart Idea Book was revealed at convention last week and there is a new Cricut® cartridge that can only be purchased from your CTMH Independent Consultant. It is the Cricut® Artiste Collection.

Early reviews say it is just as wonderful as the Cricut® Art Philosophy Collection cartridge (which is still available). You can start ordering the Cricut® Artiste Collection cartridge on August 1. The Cricut® Artiste Collection handbook shows you call of the available designs (you will need Adobe Reader to view the file).

If you have questions about either cartridge or any CTMH item or would like to schedule a Home or Online Gathering, please do not hesitate to contact me.

All items from the Autumn/Winter 2012 Idea Book will be available to order starting August 1. Click the Shop with me link below to browse the catalog or place an order.

CC Challenge #21 - Pop Color

The details for CropChocolate Challenge #21 - Pop Color read: "This week's Challenge comes from Michele (by belle) and Miwa! A home decor project or altered item using neutrals and one main focal color." [Find details for the current CropChocolate Challenge here.]

The rules read "Post a picture of your project. 50% of the product used must be from CropChocolate.com. Please include items used in the description of your entry. Contest ends on Wednesday, July 11th, 2012 at 08:00:00am Mountain. Please submit your entry before then. $10 CropCredit in a random drawing. $25 CropCredit for monthly random winner."

Wow! Home decor. Not my forte. I am not a home decor sort of person. I like eggshell for a wall color. I hate to put holes in those pretty eggshell walls. I like having few things to dust. I display my photos via screensaver on my computer or digital photo frame or in a scrapbook (traditional or digital).

So, with that in mind, I always make something to donate to my family reunion auction to raise funds for the the following year's expenses. I had two of those inexpensive wooden frames from a chain craft store on hand so I decided to do something with them. But what, 50% of the product has to come from Crop Chocolate. Ah, I purchased some of the Making Memories Scrapbook Colors paints from CC when they were available. I could make good use of those.

I started by painting the frame with the Scrapbook Colors paints in Shopping Bag (item #23895). After drying my mother thought I should try to paint scrolls, but I am not a painter. I remembered I had these great stamps, CTMH My Acrylix® The Best Things stamp set (item #Y1012), that can be used to make a border (the video in my Blooming Flourishes post shows making a border using The Best Things stamp set on a mini album).

I thought stamping would be easier than painting. I also thought using a stamp pad would be much easier than trying to get an even coat of paint on the stamp so I used CTMH Exclusive Inks - Desert Sand. I let it dry for awhile and then for good measure I used my craft heater to ensure the ink was completely dry. I used a clear coat surface sealer to keep the paint and stamped image protected.

I used my Cricut Expression and Art Philosophy cartridge (item #Z1686) to cut the flowers. The larger flowers were cut at 6 inches and the smaller flowers were cut at 3 inches (speed medium, pressure high, blade depth 4 used for all cuts). I found the Cricut Chirp (Vol. 344 - November 8, 2011) helpful when rolling my flowers. I misted the paper lightly with water to help me bend the petals back to make the flower look more realistic. I used my Spellbinders Grand Calibur and Grand Shapeabilities Grand Peony Creations (item #LF-005) to cut and emboss the leaves.

All of the paper used was received in CC Grab Bags: Echo Park Paper Co. Dots & Stripes Tinsel Large Dot (item #DSH3004) and Be Mine Sweet Stripes (item #BM9013) and Sassafras Sweet Marmalade (item #11363). I used Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist Vintage Pink (from CC) and Glimmer Mist Chalkboard Banana Pudding, but neither show up well in the photo.

Here are how my frames turned out:

And here is each frame:

And here is a closeup of my pink flowers:

I hope you like how my two new-to-me techniques, home decor and creating flowers from the Art Philosophy cartridge, turned out. I'd love to hear what you think. Thanks for stopping by.

"For Those Left Behind" blog hop - we have some winners

Haf2scrap sent me the info a couple of hours ago, but I'm just reading my private messages. She asked me to post these winners:

BethD488- for submitting a project

and

Christina- for commenting on centralnyscrapper's blog

Congratulations to the winners here and on all of the blogs! There were some great entries. Please send a PM to Haf2scrap with your contact info to claim your prize.

CC Challenge #20 - Print it Up!

The details for CropChocolate Challenge #20 - Print it Up! read: "From JeepMama and Scrappy Canuck: Create a project using black or dark background with 3 different patterns & a ribbon." [Find details for the current CropChocolate Challenge here.]

The rules read "Post a picture of your project. 50% of the product used must be from CropChocolate.com. Please include items used in the description of your entry. Contest ends on THURSDAY July 5th, 2012 at 08:00:00am Mountain. Please submit your entry before then. $10 CropCredit in a random drawing. $25 CropCredit for monthly random winner."

I have been wanting to use a new-to-me item, the CTMH My Acrylix® Stamp Set Captured Moments (C1423), so I decided the dark background required for this challenge was the perfect opportunity. I started with Bazzill Basics Paper in Blackbird. I stamped the image using CTMH White Daisy Exclusive Inks® and heat embossed using American Crafts Zing! White Embossing Powder.

I like the haunted feel of the image so I continued that by punching the twig edge using the Martha Stewart Crafts Punch Around the Page Autumn Branches punch from Fancy Pants Designs, Inc. Trick or Treat by Michelle Coleman Treats (item #297). I thought the twigs needed a bold background so I used Echo Park Paper Co. Happy Days by Lori Whitlock Black/Light Teal (item #HD19017).

To finish off the card I cut some "tags/banners" from Fancy Pants Designs, Inc. Trick or Treat by Michelle Coleman Trick or Treat Strips (item #293) and added some ribbon (I received the ribbon with blog candy I won, but I believe it is from Making Memories and CC sold it); I attached the ribbons using Glossy Accents.

Products from CC: American Crafts Zing! White Embossing Powder; Fancy Pants Designs, Inc. Trick or Treat by Michelle Coleman Treats (item #297); Echo Park Paper Co. Happy Days by Lori Whitlock Black/Light Teal (item #HD19017); Fancy Pants Designs, Inc. Trick or Treat by Michelle Coleman Trick or Treat Strips (item #293); Viper by SnakeTape; though the ribbon came from blog candy I'm pretty certain it originally came from CC

Other products: CTMH My Acrylix® Stamp Set Captured Moments (C1423); CTMH White Daisy Exclusive Inks®; Martha Stewart Crafts Punch Around the Page Autumn Branches; Glossy Accents; cardstock card base from stash

I hope you like my project. Thanks for visiting.

"For Those Left Behind" blog hop deadline extended

The "For Those Left Behind" Blog Hop deadline has been extended to 9am MDT on Friday, July 6th. [Please note, this blog is on EDT so projects can be linked here up until 11am EDT.]

The hop starts at Up in the Night with Kat. Please see this earlier post with Haf2scrap/Lucy's challenge to you.

The opportunity to win blog candy from Haf2scrap has also been extended to 9am MDT/11am EDT on Friday, July 6th too.

We hope you will be able to participate to the challenges (don't forget that you can use one new project for up to three challenges).

CTMH July 2012 promotion Perfect Pairs

The Close To My Heart July 2012 promotion is Perfect Pairs. Place an online shopping order of $75 or more during July and receive a paper packet and coordinating embellishment FREE—it’s a Perfect Pair! Which specific paper packet and embellishment you receive is based on the date you place your order.

July 1–5	Mischief Paper Packet (X7144B) and Midnight Felt Shapes (Z1462)
July 6–10	Dreamin’ Paper Packet (X7142B) and Harvest Charms (Z1633)
July 11–15	Fanfare Paper Packet (X7138B) and Fanfare Level 2 Assortment (Z1400)
July 16–20	Lucky Paper Packet (X7137B) and Lucky My Stickease® Assortment (X7137C)
July 21–25	Mayberry Paper Packet (X7136B) and Mayberry My Stickease® Assortment (X7136C)
July 26–29	Sophia Paper Packet (X7131B) and Sophia My Stickease® Assortment (X7131C)
July 30–31	Believe Paper Packet (X7145B) and Holiday Pockets (Z1486) OR Wonderland Paper Packet (X7146B) and Wonderland My Stickease® Assortment (X7146C)

This promotion is only available online (you will be prompted at checkout to add a free paper packet and embellishment) and while supplies last from 9am MDT on July 1 until 11:59pm MDT on July 31, 2012. Discounted products do not count toward a qualifying purchase.

The Close To My Heart July 2012 Stamp of the Month is Live Out Loud (please see yesterday's post). If you qualify for the Perfect Pairs! promotion you also qualify to purchase the SOTM for $5 (that is over 70% off retail).

If you choose to purchase your CTMH supplies through my Online Store I would be very appreciative. Do not hesitate to contact me if you have questions about CTMH products or you would like to schedule a Home or Online Gathering. Thanks for visiting today.

CTMH July 2012 Stamp of the Month: Live Out Loud

The Close To My Heart July 2012 Stamp of the Month is Live Out Loud

It is a set of 8 D-size stamps that you can purchase only during the month of July. The stamp set can be yours for $5 (that is over 70% off retail) when you place an order of $50 or more in Close To My Heart products. You can combine the SOTM promotion with the CTMH July 2012 promotion Perfect Pairs.

Recommended CTMH My Acrylix® Blocks: 1" × 3 1/2" (Y1002), 3" × 3" (Y1006), 2" × 6 1/2" (Y1010)

Click the Shop with me link below to place an order or contact me to schedule a Home or Online Gathering.