Washi, Washi, Washi

I have a confession to make. I did not try Washi tape until it was introduced in the CTMH Idea Book. Now I know what some of my friends were talking about. Watch the video to see a great card made with Kraft cardstock and Washi tape with a few embellishments. The card was cut using the Cricut® Art Philosophy cartridge and the greeting is cut with the Artiste cartridge.



Today's video is Clearly the Best: Wacky Washi (S02E04). The CTMH Corp. description of the video is "Add variation to your cards with Close To My Heart's washi tape—be it warm or a little wacky."

One of the best features of Washi tape is the tape is low tack therefore it is repositionable so you never have to worry that it will end up in the wrong spot on your project. It also tears easily so you can get ragged, distressed edges. Fold the tape back on itself (sticky sides together) to create tags.

If you do not have a passion for Washi tape yet, I hope the video inspires you to purchase a roll or two and use it on your next project. CTMH had a nice variety of Washi tapes. If you are ready to place an order, please click the Show Now button below.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. I hope you enjoyed the video.

Artbooking Made Easy: Festive Mini Albums

Today's video, Artbooking Made Easy (S01E09): Festive Mini Albums, is the ninth 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.



This CTMH Corp. description of this week's video Artbooking Made Easy (S01E09): Festive Mini Albums is "With the Cricut® Artbooking cartridge from Close To My Heart, your photos will find a cozy home on the pages of a dazzling holiday mini album. Watch the video to gather your own ideas on how to use its themed keys to create merry and bright holiday projects that last."

Featured items used in this video:

• Cricut® Artbooking Collection (Z1906)
• Sparkle & Shine Paper Packet (X7176B)
• Sparkle & Shine Complements Dimensional Elements (X7176C)
• Sparkle & Shine Assortment (Z1860)
• Sparkle & Shine Washi Tape 3-Pack (Z1907)

A few points I want to be certain that you do not miss while watching the video:

• the 10x8 Festive Mini-Album can be found on pages 56 and 57 of the Artbooking handbook
• the recommended size to set your dial is listed below the image; once you set the size everything will you cut will be proportional and will fit in the album
• use only a portion of the overlay to accent your pages; save the rest to use later in the album
• fold Washi tape back on itself (sticky sides together) and cut dove tails on the end to create some loose flags
• use backing paper, stamping and embellishments to highlight the cut-outs on pages
• use only a portion of a full page to create a mini page
• use embellishments to cover up the cut-outs if you want a different title or icon
• use the overlays as a mask for misting or sponging
• when misting, do a test spritz before spraying on your project; stay about 12 inches above your project for more even coverage; if you want a blotchy look, spray closer to your project
• stabilize titles that are cut out with the page (see page 57 of the handbook) by cutting a second page and trimming off the title and mounting it on the page; cutting it from another color will also highlight the title
• if using twine or ribbon to bind your book, do not tie too tightly or you will have trouble turning the page; put your finger or a pencil within the loop before knotting to give more room for turning the page

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. Thanks for visiting today.

Ribbons, Washi Tapes and Trims

In today's video, Trendy Trims, we are introduced to the new ribbons, tape and trims that are in the Autumn/Winter 2013 Idea Book.



The CTMH Corp. description of the video Trendy Trims is "Your layouts, wall hangings, goodie bags, and other projects will come to life with some fun new trims from Close To My Heart! Whether used as pattern pieces, background designs, or accents, these trims are sure to add a lot of zest and dimension to your papercrafting."

Items featured in the video:

• Ruby Chevron Ribbon (Z1846)
• Lagoon Houndstooth Washi Tape (Z1850)
• Jute Ribbon (Z1867)
• Red Shimmer Trim (Z1848)
• Bronze Shimmer Trim (Z1849)

I hope today's video gave you some great ideas for adding ribbons, tapes and trims to your papercrafting projects. Please click the Show Now button below if you are ready to place an order.

Feel free to contact me if you would like more information about the trims available from Close To My Heart or have any other questions about CTMH products or if you would like to host a gathering. Thank you for visiting today.

CTMH Stamp Of The Month

Super Stamp of the Month Savings (05) is the fifth video the CTMH home office produced to introduce those in living in Australia and New Zealand to CTMH products. The Stamp of the Month (SOTM) is an exclusive My Acrylix® D-size stamp set that you can only purchase during the month it is featured. The SOTM cannot be purchased before the month starts or after the month ends even at full price.



The CTMH Corp. description of the video Super Stamp of the Month Savings (05) is "Live in Australia or New Zealand? This video is for you! With the amazing Stamp of the Month deal offered each month, Close To My Heart makes it easy for you to create beautiful artwork at incredible discount prices! View some of the sets coming your way, each offered only for a month's time, then contact your Independent Consultant to take advantage of the great deals for yourself. Find a Consultant near you and learn more at closetomyheart.com."

PLEASE NOTE: The minimum order of qualifying products (before tax and shipping) to purchase the SOTM for $5 is not the same everywhere. Please check your Idea Book or with your Independent Consultant for the minimum order where you live.

PLEASE NOTE: The Stamp of the Month sets featured in the video do not exactly coincide with those that are available in United States, Puerto Rico, Guam and U.S. military bases and Canada. Most are the same, but not all.

Being able to purchase a My Acrylix® D-size stamp set for $5 is an incredible value. If you like the artwork in the Idea Book, you will find larger photos, a list of material needed and required tools and helpful hints for recreating that artwork on my OBA. Once there, choose Promotions then Stamp of the Month. You will find artwork for the current and last Idea Book, for example, Autumn/Winter 2013 and Spring/Summer 2013.

If you live in the United States, Puerto Rico, Guam or at U.S. military bases, the minimum order to purchase the SOTM for $5 is $50.

If you do not have an Independent Consultant I would be happy to answer any questions you may have about CTMH products. 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 areas mentioned above, please visit the CMTH Corporate website and click "Find a Consultant" to locate an Independent Consultant near you.

If you are ready to order, just click on the Shop Now button.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

CTMH Fall Album Retreat - Cover Page

Last weekend (October 17-19, 2013) I was lucky enough to attend the CTMH Fall Album Retreat in Salt Lake City, UT. It was a fun, hectic, exciting, busy, exhausting weekend. In other words I had a blast. While I did not get my pages completed during the Retreat, I plan to give myself some incentive to get them done by committing to share one layout each Sunday.

Here is the Cover Page, Capture the Details, for my 12" x 12" album:



And here are some closeups of the page:


The materials used to create the page are: Whisper cardstock, Colonial White cardstock, Laughing Lola Colored Paisleys B&T® Duos Paper, Gypsy cardstock, Lagoon cardstock, White Daisy cardstock Black cardstock, Cricut® Artbooking cartridge, My Acrylix® Love This (B1432), My Acrylix® All the Details (D1555), Black Exclusive Inks® Stamp Pad (Z2105), Scallop Border Punch (Z1851), Bronze Shimmer Trim (Z1849), Lagoon Houndstooth Washi Tape (Z1850), Mini-Medley Accents Black Collection (Z1393), Sparkles Clear Assortment (Z1752) and My Crush™ Best Day Ever Assortment (Z1887). I hope I did not miss any of the supplies - we used quiet a few different products on each layout.

I hope my layout gives you some ideas for creating your own projects. Thank you for visiting today.

Connect the [Embellishment] Dots

In Clearly the Best: Connect the Dots (S02E03) Monica and Kristine show us how to cluster round embellishments to create a line to draw attention to the photo or memorabilia that we want to highlight on our layout.



The CTMH Corp. description of the video Clearly the Best: Connect the Dots (S02E03) is "Create decorative lines on your layout using dots! With the right embellishments from Close To My Heart—Aqua Dots, sparkles, studs, and more—your dotted lines will be sure to draw the eye. Learn to do it yourself in this video."

I hope today's video gave you some ideas to try on your next layout. If you are ready to place an order, please click the Show Now button below.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Craftable Containers

Today's video My Creations® Craftable Containers introduces us to the four new My Creations® products in the Autumn/Winter 2013 Idea Book.



The CTMH Corp. description of the video My Creations® Craftable Containers is "Thanks to the My Creations® line of products from Close To My Heart, you can make great projects from the outside in! Get ideas for using these stampable, markable, craftable albums, bags, and ring boxes in this video."

Items introduced in the video:

• My Creations® Kraft Ring Box (Z1868)
• My Creations® Kraft Pocket Album (Z1870)
• My Creations™ Burlap Drawstring Bags (Z1872)
• My Creations® Kraft 3-Ring Album (Z1871)

Some of the product features and tips mentioned in the video are:

• the ring box is heavy duty with a lid
• the pocket album has 8 pages with pockets front and back
• when sewing on the burlap bags, it is recommended to sew by hand, since it has a loose weave you can use hemp or baker's twine without it looking too bulky
• if you want to color the bag or the drawstring, use markers or pigment ink and keep in mind that it make take a few applications before you get the color you want
• if you want to adhere a decorative element, use Liquid Glass (Z679) and slide a piece of cardstock inside the bag while applying the Liquid Glass to absorb any excess glue and keep the bag from being glued shut
• the 3-ring album works well with the Cricut® Artbooking Collection (Z1906) for displaying 8" x 8" mini book pages; the hard cover can easily be decorated

I hope you are feeling as inspired to try the new My Creations® products as I am. Actually, I have tried the Ring Box and shared it during the August Festive Friday Blog Hop. I am looking forward to trying the other My Creations® products. If you are ready to place an order, please click the Show Now button below.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Thank you for visiting my blog today.

Artbooking Made Easy: Everyday Layouts

Artbooking Made Easy (S01E08): Everyday Layouts, is the eighth 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.



This week's video is Artbooking Made Easy (S01E08): Everyday Layouts. The CTMH Corp. description of the video is "Combine cuts from a variety of themes from Close To My Heart's Cricut® Artbooking cartridge to make original papercrafted masterpieces. Watch the video to kick-start your ideas!"

A few points I want to be certain that you do not miss while watching the video:

• the first everyday layout uses die cuts from the 8" x 8" Travel Mini-Album on pages 38 and 39 of the Artbooking Handbook
• use real dial size to enlarge some of the mini album images to use on 12" x 12" layouts
• use mini album pages as photo mats by trimming off the holes; use an 8" and 6" real dial size to fit photos
• adapt mini album overlays for 12" x 12" layout by using real dial size set to 11 1/2", in the example the overlay was cut in half to use on both the left and right pages on the layout
• the second layout uses die cuts from the Together Layout theme on pages 60 and 61
• save your leftover die cuts and negative images for use on other projects
• the last layout uses images from two different mini-album themes, the Top Secret key on page 43 and the Inspiration key on page 44
• top make the zig-zag overlay larger, it was sized at 11" on real dial size - your overlay does not have to cover the entire page

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.

Preserving Family History

The primary reason I scrapbook/papercraft is to preserve family history. I am constantly looking for ideas to create items to be auctioned at our family reunions or to give as gifts. You may have seen the mini-album that was auctioned at our family reunion this past August.



The CTMH Corp. description of the video Clearly the Best: Preserve with Pizazz (S02E02) is "Family history is fun, especially when you add colorful papers and embellishments from Close To My Heart! There are so many ways to protect your pedigree and make it fun at the same time. Watch the video to learn how to turn a kraft pocket album into an attractive family pedigree book."

Item used in the video:

• My Creations® Kraft Pocket Album (Z1870)
• Frosted Assortment (Z1890)
• Tombow® Adhesive (1514)
• Bonding Memories® Glue Pen (Z553)

Some of the tips mentioned in the video are:

• allow plenty of time for the Mod Podge layers to dry
• Mod Podge is milky in appearance as you add it, but it drys clear
• do not use original documents; use a color copy
• use pigment ink - they do not say this in the video, but dye-based inks may bleed when adding the Mod Podge
• a tip from viewer Wendy Kessler: "I have found that if you use Mod Podge as your base adhesive you will not have the air bubbles when you add the top coat."

I hope today's video inspires you to preserve your family memories - past, present or future. Click on the link if you would like to browse the Autumn/Winter 2013 CTMH Idea Book or if you are ready to place an order, please click the Show Now button below.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. I hope you enjoyed the video.

CTMH Exclusive Color Palette

The fourth video CTMH produced to introduce those in Australia and New Zealand to CTMH products is Harmonious Hues (04). The video shows the 40 exclusive colors that are divided into 4 complementary groups of 10 hues. The colors coordinate with B&T Duos™ and if you look at the strip on the edge of the patterned paper you will see a list of colors that coordinate (a list of matching colors is also in the Idea Book above the photos of the paper).



The CTMH Corp. description of the video Harmonious Hues (04) is "Live in Australia or New Zealand? This video is for you! Make a little music with colour-coordinated pages created with Close To My Heart's exclusive palette. With four fabulous colour families to choose from, finding just the right colour of paper, ink, markers, and more is simple! See a sampling of products here; then contact your Close To My Heart Independent Consultant to get them in a rainbow of exclusive colours to paint your own crafting world. Find a Consultant near you and learn more at closetomyheart.com."

Items featured in the video:

• Basics Cardstock Combo Pack (X5933)
• Enchantment Cardstock Combo Pack (X5934)
• Adventure Cardstock Combo Pack (X5935)
• Whimsy Cardstock Combo Pack (X5936)

For the Autumn/Winter 2012 Idea Book CTMH re-worked the color palette and introduced the pigment inks. At that time the Corporate Office created the video Adding Color to Your Crafts which I shared on September 15, 2012.


If you live in the United States, Puerto Rico, Guam and U.S. military bases, I would be happy to help you select the CTMH products for the crafting you enjoy. 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 areas mentioned above, go to the CMTH Corporate website and click "Find a Consultant" to locate an Independent Consultant near you.

If you are ready to order, just click on the Shop Now button.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

October CTMH Festive Friday Blog Hop

Welcome to our October CTMH Festive Friday Blog Hop. The hop is organized by Diane Tuggle and starts at her blog The Happy Scrapbooker. This is a circular hop so it does not matter where you start - just keep hopping until you reach the post where you started.

You should have arrived at my blog from The Sassy Scrapper - Theresa Miller.

I made a Thanksgiving card for this month's hop.

Here is a closeup of some of the elements on the card:


I started with a card from the 5 1/2" X 4 1/4" Colonial White Cards & Envelopes, Value Pack (X1410). I stamped the corn stalk from Count Your Blessings (C1555) directly on the card base using the Archival Black Exclusive Inks® Stamp Pad (44751). Then I stamped the pumpkin on a piece of scrap Colonial White cardstock (1388). I colored both in with Watercolor Pencils (3505) and used a water brush to blend (I would have used a Blending Pen (3174), but mine was en route to Utah for the Album Retreat). I fuzzy cut around the pumpkin after coloring it.

Using the technique I posted on Saturday, October 12, I cut dove tails into a scrap strip of Kraft cardstock (Z1375). Then I used the Stitch Guide (Z1852), Foam Mat (Z1859) and Piercing Tool Kit (Z1114) to create the border and center design on the banner. I used some of my mother's decorative thread and a needle to stitch.

I stamped "Blessed" using the swipe technique (if this is a new-to-you technique, you will find a video on my September 13, 2012 post) and an Autumn Terracotta Exclusive Inks® Stamp Pad (Z2101) on a piece of scrap Colonial White cardstock (1388) and cut a dove tail on one end.

I cut a piece of Sarita paper (X7171B) to fit the height of the card and then tore one edge. I used the chocolate Distressing Inks (Z1296) on the torn edge.

I used Tombow® Adhesive (1514) to attach the Sarita paper and stamped "Blessed". I use 3-D Foam Tape (Z1151) to attach the pumpkin and banner to the card to give it some dimension.

Thanks for visiting today. I would love to hear your thoughts about my card. I hope that you are enjoying the hop.

Your next stop is Be"hoot"iful Scrapbooking - Scrappin' with Ash - Ashley Denny.

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

Have a great day!

Festive Friday Blog Hop Reminder

Tomorrow is the October installment of the Festive Friday Blog Hop. Just in case there is a problem with my post being viewable at 12:01am, I'm posting the next stop on the hop today. I am certain if there will be a snafu, it will be this month's since I am traveling and have decided not to take my laptop with me.

So, just in case there are problems on Friday and my project does not appear, you should have arrived at my blog from The Sassy Scrapper - Theresa Miller. Your next stop is Be"hoot"iful Scrapbooking - Scrappin' with Ash - Ashley Denny.

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's hoping that you are reading this on Thursday and my project does in fact appear on Friday. Have a great day!

Artbooking Made Easy: Fall Layouts

Today's video, Artbooking Made Easy (S01E07): Fall into Artbooking, is the seventh 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 this week's video Artbooking Made Easy (S01E07): Fall into Artbooking is "Fall for the autumn-themed projects you see in this video, all made with the Cricut® Artbooking cartridge from Close To My Heart!"

A few points I want to be certain that you do not miss while watching the video:

• the harvest layout keys are found on pages 72 and 73
• the tree overlay is cut at 11" which is proportional to a 12" layout
• the smaller leaf details from the tree overlay key, just cut the tree and use the negative space; if you keep it proportionate (do not use real dial size, that is real dial size is set to off), the leaves will fit in the negative space on the overlay
• do not use real dial size to cut the two photo mats to keep them proportionate to the layout
• use real dial size/real dial size set to on and set size at 3 1/2" to use the photo mats as a base under the leaf embellishments around the first two page layout
• think about ways you can use keys on other projects too, for example, the arrows on the "Autumn Harvest" (second) layout on a Valentine's project
• on the one-page 12" x 12" layout, keys from both pages 72 and 73 were used and the size was set at 8 1/2"
• for the 8" x 8" layout, real dial size is off and the size set to 7 1/2" so you get a 1/4" border around the layout, see how large the pumpkin is if you set real dial size to on?
• 8" x 8" layouts fit perfectly in the My Creations® Kraft 3-Ring Album (Z1871)

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. I am glad that you found my blog today.

Holidays From The Heart Gift Guide

The day we have been waiting for is finally here!!!! Today is the day you can start ordering from the Close To My Heart Holidays From The Heart Gift Guide (Winter 2013).

To browse through the pages of the Gift Guide, go here or navigate to it on my Online Business Address (OBA). The Gift Guide is valid from October 15 though December 31, 2013.

I do have a correction to point out to you. The rolls of washi tape in Sparkle & Shine Washi Tape 3-Pack (Z1907) on page 4 and Party Washi Tape 3-Pack (Z1908) on page 15 of the Gift Guide are 15 yards each, not 5 yards each as listed in the product description. As another consultant said "the update from corp said that each roll is 15 yards...that would total 45 yds per package...that's alot of washi!"

When you spend $100 in retail-priced products (from the Gift Guide, the Autumn/Winter 2013 Idea Book or at my OBA), you can choose one of the eleven starred items for free. You can get one free starred item for each $100 you spend. To determine if an item is starred look for the star next to the product number in the Gift Guide.

The starred items that you can choose from as your free product are:

• Sparkle & Shine Paper Packet (X7176B)
• Sparkle & Shine Complements Dimensional Elements (X7176C)
• My Acrylix® Magical Days Stamp Set (D1552)
• My Acrylix® Santa Claus Stamp Set (C1567)
• My Acrylix® Mary and Babe Stamp Set (C1562)
• My Acrylix® Trim the Tree Stamp Set (A1149)
• My Acrylix® Charming Chevrons Stamp Set (A1150)
• My Acrylix® Lots of Love Stamp Set (A1151)
• My Acrylix® Angel Friends Stamp Set (B1435)
• My Acrylix® Lifting Spirits Stamp Set (C1570)
• My Acrylix® Banner Wishes Stamp Set (B1438)

There are a few items that are while supplies last so if you must have something, please order it sooner rather than later. The while supplies last items are:

• Sparkle & Shine Assortment (Z1860)
• Sparkle & Shine Washi Tape 3-Pack (Z1907)
• Workshops on the Go® Sparkle & Shine Scrapbooking Kit (G1071)
• Season's Tweetings Gift Bag Kit (Z1913)
• Season's Tweetings Gift Bags (Z1914)
• Sparkle Holiday Shapes (Z1910)
• Party Washi Tape 3-Pack (Z1908)
• My Creations® Hip Pics Album Kit (Z1915)

The Gift Guide is also a sneak peek at some of the items that will be in the Spring/Summer 2014 Idea Book. Customers will be able to begin ordering from that Idea Book on February 1, 2014. Those items are:

• Sparkle Chevron Shapes (Z1909)
• Charming Chevrons Stamp Set (A1150)
• Banner Wishes Stamp Set (B1438)
• Hip Pics Album (Z1956)
• 1/2" Ruby Washi Tape
• 1/2" Metallic Silver Washi Tape
• 1/2" Honey Triangles Washi Tape
• Chocolate Wood Grain Washi Tape

Also, in the Spring/Summer 2014 Idea Book, the washi tape will be sold as individual rolls rather than in 3-packs. The 1" Juniper and Cotton Candy polka-dot washi tape rolls will not be available for individual purchase in the S/S 2014 Idea Book.

If you are ready to place and order, please click the Show Now button below.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Thank you for visiting my blog.

What are CTMH My Reflections®?

Make It with My Reflections™ (03) is the third video CTMH created since the launch of operations in Australia and New Zealand. The video was created to introduce people living there to CTMH products, but I am sharing it today because the video provides excellent information about My Reflections™ no matter where you are geographically located and especially if you are new to CTMH.



The CTMH Corp. description of the video Make It with My Reflections™ (03) is "Live in Australia or New Zealand? This video is for you! Give your projects the perfect foundation of colour coordination with the My Reflections™ line from Close To My Heart! You'll love the look of our coordinating cardstock, patterned papers, and versatile embellishments, offered in hues from our exclusive colour palette. From start to finish, you don't need to guess about what colours and patterns work best on your projects because we've coordinated everything for you! Find a Consultant near you and learn more at closetomyheart.com."

Items featured in the video:

• Laughing Lola Paper Packet (X7170B)
• Laughing Lola Complements Dimensional Elements (X7170C)
• Laughing Lola Assortment (Z1854)
• ProPlayer Paper Packet (X7172B)
• ProPlayer My Stickease™ Assortment (X7172C)
• ProPlayer Assortment (Z1879)

In the My Reflections™ line you will find themed paper packets and matching embellishments. Each paper packet includes six 12" x 12" double-sized patterned paper which is called B&T Duos™ (Background and Texture Duos Paper) paper and six cardstock sheets in CTMH exclusive colors. Each paper packet is designed around a theme, but as shown in the CTMH video I shared on a earlier blog post, Project Inspirations: Mixed Papers, many of the papers will mix and match with other CTMH paper packets. Each paper packet has coordinating My Stickease™ or Complements and Assortments

In case you are wondering about the weight of CTMH papers and cardstock, here are some details:

• My Reflections™ B&T Duos™ paper is 100 lb.
• Colored cardstock is 65 lb.
• Colonial White and White Daisy cardstock is 80 lb.
• Kraft cardstock is 74 lb.

I would like to take this opportunity to remind readers that 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 "Find a Consultant" to locate an Independent Consultant in your area.
If you are ready to order, just click on the Shop Now button.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

How To Create Dove Tails

In my post on Thursday, A Burst of Creativity: Sunburst Card, I shared the video Clearly the Best: A Burst of Creativity (S02E01). In the video Monica and Christine show how to create dove tail ends. I thought the technique might have been covered too quickly, so I tried to describe it by saying "Create the dove tails by cutting into the center of the strip of paper then cut from the corner to the end of the cut you just made. The shorter the cut the shorter the tails; a longer cut would create longer tails. I will try to post some photos in the next few days to describe this better."

I decided an image or two might be helpful.



The black dashed lines indicate where you cut.

Cut in the middle of the short end. How deep you make this cut will determine the shape and length of the tails. Then cut from the corner to the end of the first cut and repeat for the other corner. Repeat this for the other end of the strip of paper.

I created two examples so you can see that a deeper first cut will create thinner and longer tails while a shorter first cut will create thicker and shorter tails. I suspect most people will want shorter first cuts, but I am sure there are many great examples of dove tails with a longer first cut.

Then, after creating the images above, I got a little crazy and decided to try recording, editing and uploading my first YouTube video.



I am sorry it is a little blurry. I know I need to practice more, but for my first attempt I am mostly pleased. I think I did a fairly good job keeping what I was doing on screen and did not speak too fast (which is something I do when I am nervous). I hope the video does a good job explaining how to create dove tails in this way.

Come back on Friday, October 18 for the Festive Friday Blog Hop. I have dove tails on the project I will be sharing.

I hope these images give you a better idea how to create dove tails. I would love to know if this image and video "tutorial" helps you. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Thanks for visiting my blog today.

Home Décor with the Designed Décor Frame Kit

The Designed Décor Frame Kit makes highlighting a few special photos or mementos fun and easy. The kit comes with a Colonial White Frame strung with chicken wire, a B-size My Acrylix® stamp set (exclusive to this kit), Kraft Paper Die-Cut Shapes and Mini Wooden Clothespins and Baker's Twine Hemp to hang your photos and die-cuts. The video Designed Décor Frame Kit gives us a close-up look at the items in the kit and shows us the different looks we will achieve when using pigment versus dye-based inks.



The CTMH Corp. description of the video Designed Décor Frame Kit is "Learn how to make your own cozy home décor with the Designed Décor Frame Kit from Close To My Heart."

Items featured in the video:

• Designed Décor Frame Kit (Z1911)
• Adventure Exclusive Inks® Mini Pigment Pads Set (Z2501)
• 1" x 1" My Acrylix® Block (Y1000)

I hope today's video inspired you to make a home décor piece for yourself or to give as a gift. If you are ready to place an order, please click the Show Now button below.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. I hope you enjoyed the video.

A Burst of Creativity: Sunburst Card

In Clearly the Best: A Burst of Creativity (S02E01) we are shown techniques to create a card with the look of rays of sunshine. You could easily adapt this technique to layouts by cutting the papers a little wider and leaving them longer. As Monica said in the video, you can let the papers hang off the edge of the card and trim them later (Christine and Monica probably did not so this in the video to save time).



The CTMH Corp. description of the video Clearly the Best: A Burst of Creativity (S02E01) is "Warm up your cards with a burst of sunshine made from fun patterned papers from Close To My Heart."

Some of the items used to create the card in the video:

• Stitch Guide (Z1852)
• Piercing Tool Kit (Z1114)
• Foam Mat (Z1859)
• Cricut® Art Philosophy Collection (Z1686)
• 1 1/4" Circle Punch (Z1311)

Some of the tips mentioned in the video are:
Scraps of paper were used to create the rays of sunshine. They were cut perfectly for the video, but you may want to let them hang off the edge and trim them up later (to be certain that you have the coverage you want). Do not worry about where the rays meet (the thinner end of the strips of paper) because they will be covered up by other embellishments.

Create the dove tails by cutting into the center of the strip of paper then cut from the corner to the end of the cut you just made. The shorter the cut the shorter the tails; a longer cut would create longer tails. I will try to post some photos in the next few days to describe this better.

Art Philosophy was used to create the sunburst base - the yellow scalloped circle (cut 1); the circles were created using the circle punch (cut 5, score 4 of them down the center). Use more circles for more dimension, use fewer for a flatter look. You would use a similar approach to create the ornaments for the Deck the Halls card shown on page 81 of the Autumn/Winter 2013 Idea Book.

I hope today's video inspired you to try a sunburst card or layout or to create a card similar to the Deck the Halls card. If you are ready to place an order, please click the Show Now button below. 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 hope you enjoyed today's project.

Artbooking Made Easy: Flip Stand Album

Today's video, Artbooking Made Easy (S01E06): Designed Décor Flip Stand Album, is the sixth 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 the video Artbooking Made Easy (S01E06): Designed Décor Flip Stand Album is "With the help of the Cricut® Artbooking collection and Designed Décor flip stand album, Close To My Heart will make a home decorator out of you! Watch as simple icons, shapes, and titles from this cartridge are transformed into works of art perfect for display in your home."

A few points I want to be certain that you do not miss while watching the video:

• cut photo frames using real dial size to fit photos perfectly; it is OK that the frame may hang off the page as it creates visual interest
• use real dial size to cut scrapbooking overlays (that would normally cut at 11") that fit the Designed Décor flip stand album perfectly
• the Designed Décor flip stand album is designed so you can create your own background

Items featured in this video:

• Cricut® Artbooking Collection (Z1906)
• Designed Décor Flip Stand Album (Z1896)

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. Thanks for taking the time to visit me today.

Why My Acrylix® Products Are Clearly the Best

As I have mentioned in previous posts, this summer Close To My Heart launched operations in Australia and New Zealand. As part of that launch CTMH is creating videos to introduce those living there to CTMH products. While this video, Clearly the Best (02), was created for people in Australia and New Zealand, it provides excellent information about My Acrylix® stamp sets and blocks no matter where you are geographically located.



The CTMH Corp. description of the video Clearly the Best (02) is "Live in Australia or New Zealand? This video is for you! It's easy to see that clear stamps and mounting blocks will do wonders for your crafting! You can bend, curve, and combine stamps for unique images that fit your projects every time. Watch the video to see why people love Close To My Heart's beautiful line of My Acrylix® stamps."

As I mentioned before this video was produced to introduce those in Australia or New Zealand to CTMH, but it is great introduction for anyone who is just learning about CTMH My Acrylix® stamps and blocks so I decided to share it with you today. This video is devoted to telling you everything you need to know My Acrylix® stamps and blocks including how to care for your stamps, prepare them for first use and more.

Items featured in the video:

• My Acrylix® Block Starter Kit (Y1501)
• My Acrylix® Organizer (Z1038) - the video displays the item number Z4138, but Z1038 is the organizer shown in the video
• Large Organizer (Z1834)
• My Acrylix® Spritz Cleaner (1778)
• My Acrylix® Stamp Scrubber (Z1782)

As I mentioned before 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 "Find a Consultant" to locate an Independent Consultant in your area.

If you are ready to order, just click on the Shop Now button.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Perfectly Stitched Designs

Stitching and paper piercing can be just the little extra thing that gives your crafts an extra punch. Simply Stitch It shows how easy it is to create stitched designs, including borders, on our papercrafts.



The CTMH Corp. description of the video Simply Stitch It is "The new stitch guide from Close To My Heart makes stitching on your papercrafts simple to do—and the look it gives is simply stunning! See it for yourself in this video."

Items featured in the video:

• Stitch Guide (Z1852)
• Piercing Tool Kit (Z1114)
• Foam Mat (Z1859)
• Baker's Twine Neutral Assortment (Z1701)
• Baker's Twine Paradise Assortment (Z1702)
• Baker's Twine Harvest Assortment (Z1751)

Some of the tips mentioned in the video are:
Make sure you can hold a corner of your paper down so it does not move while you are piercing. You may be able to lightly tack your paper down with re-positionable tape, but be sure to test in an area that can be covered up later just in case the tape sticks firmer than expected.

When you are done punching the first half of the shape, flip your ruler over and line up the holes at the edge of the shape over the holes you have already punched at the center of the shape, that is, you pierce two fewer times to complete the second half of the shape (see this approximately 1:46 into the video). Even though you do not punch the holes again, I found it helpful to lightly put my piercing tool though the hole on the ruler and into the hole I already pierced to make sure my ruler was lined up correctly.

You can use the full eight strands of CTMH Baker's Twine when stitching (as shown in the video) or you can separate the strands if you want a thinner "thread". In addition to the Baker's Twine Assortments listed above, you will find twine in some of the Mini-Medley Accents Collections. For example, the Ruby (Z1861) and Wooden (Z1837) Collections. Other items you could use for stitching are single ply sewing thread and, while I have not tried it yet, I think Hemp would work as well.

I hope today's video inspired you to try paper piercing and stitching. You will find the products mentioned above as well as many other top quality papercrafting products at competitive prices that can be delivered right to your door in the Autumn/Winter 2013 CTMH Idea Book. If you are ready to place your order, please click the Show Now button below.

I would like to remind you that hosting a gathering gives you the opportunity to qualify for free and 1/2 off items. Please contact me if you have any questions. I hope you enjoyed the video.

Tools for Papercrafting

Today's video, Tools of the Trade, introduces us to some of the new tools and organization products that became available in the Autumn/Winter 2013 Close To My Heart Idea Book. Having tools that make your crafting easier and quicker makes creating wonderful layouts, cards and other papercrafting projects more enjoyable. Hopefully the right tool also allows us to complete more projects as well.



The CTMH Corp. description of the video Tools of the Trade is "The right tool can make all the difference in your artistic scrapbooking. See what tools Close To My Heart has to offer to enhance your creative experience!"

Items featured in the video:

• Stitch Guide (Z1852)
• Piercing Tool Kit (Z1114)
• Foam Mat (Z1859)
• Scallop Border Punch (Z1851)
• Sponge Daubers (Z726)
• Daubers Foam Insert (Z1897)
• Pigment Inks Foam Insert (Z1898)
• Small Organizer (Z4138)

In addition to using My Acrylix® stamp sets to create patterned paper as demonstrated when I shared the video Project Inspirations: Background Stamps, you can use the Stitch Guide, Piercing Tool Kit and Foam Mat to create background paper. This is one of the ideas I have in mind for the next Festive Friday Blog Hop on October 18. I hope that you will come back then to see what I create.

You will find many great products when you browse the Autumn/Winter 2013 CTMH Idea Book.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Thank you for taking the time to visit today.

Artbooking Made Easy: Halloween Mini Albums

Artbooking Made Easy (S01E05): Halloween Mini Albums is the fifth 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 and some wonderful projects that you may want to CASE.



The CTMH Corp. description of  Artbooking Made Easy (S01E05): Halloween Mini Albums is "Close To My Heart will bring your projects back to life with the Cricut® Artbooking cartridge. Watch this video to learn how to use it while making your own fun Halloween mini albums."

A few points I want to be certain that you do not miss while watching the video:

• the Artbooking cartridge has two Halloween min-book theme keys; both were used to create the artbooks in the video
• use the same element several times using different color cardstock to get different looks
• cut elements to bend or shadow
• use the Real Dial Size to shrink down pages to create interactive elements in the mini book; glue the gutters together to attach the smaller page to the book
• cut the same page several times from different color cardstock; this creates several options: 1) cut out elements you want to emphasize, e.g. the moon, and layer on the page, 2) you can sandwich the cuts together to use the different colors as accents, e.g. create the look of lights in the window, 3) create shadows by off-setting the cut pages, gluing them together and trim the edge of the off-set paper
• use cuts from the scrapbooking key - shrink them down to fit the page you are creating for the mini album

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. Thanks for visiting today.

CTMH October 2013 Stamp of the Month: Scandinavian Wishes

The Close To My Heart October 2013 Stamp of the Month is Scandinavian Wishes.

This stamp set reminds me visiting the homes of my friends with Scandinavian roots. It also reminds me of one particular house that has an outside display of angels holding the words "Peace", "Hope" and "Joy". I have always loved their Christmas decorations. I really like the simple card the CTMH designers created using this stamp set and shown 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 10 Oct SOTM Scandinavian Wishes. I will continue to add new ideas for using Scandinavian Wishes as I find them.

Scandinavian Wishes is an exclusive D-size stamp set of 16 stamps that you can only obtain during the month of October 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: 1" x 3 1/2" (Y1002), 2" x 2" (Y1003) and 2" x 3 1/2" (Y1009).

Coming on October 15 is the Holidays from the Heart Gift Guide. The photo below is a peek at the new Sparkle & Shine Paper and the wonderful home decor from the front cover.

The Holidays from the Heart Gift Guide is valid from October 15 though December 31, 2013. Mark your calendars to come back to my blog on October 15 for a link to flip through the pages of this festive supplement. You should also know that when you spend $100 in retail-priced products (from this supplement, the Autumn/Winter 2013 Idea Book or at my OBA), you can choose of the eleven starred items for free.

If you are ready to place an order, Click the Shop with me image below to be taken to my OBA. If you have questions about any CTMH product or promotion or to schedule a Home or Online Gathering do not hesitate to contact me.

Thank you for taking the time to visit my blog today.