Show Some Love

A Countdown to Love is the latest video in the Clearly the Best Crafting with Close To My Heart series. The video inspires us to create a home décor items for the upcoming Valentine's holiday - after all it is never too early to be prepared for future holidays.



Today's video is Clearly The Best: A Countdown to Love (S02E07). The CTMH Corp. description is "Say "I love you" in a new way, every day, using the Designed Décor black frame and My Creations® muslin drawstring bags from Close To My Heart."

Products used in the video:

• Designed Décor Black Frame (Z1880)
• My Creations™ Muslin Drawstring Bags (Z1822)
• Mini Clothes Pins (Z1815)
• Stitch Wonder (C1564)
• Kudos stamp set (included exclusively with Cricut® Artiste Collection (Z1686))
• Blush from Whimsy Exclusive Inks® Mini Pigment Pads Set (Z2500)
• Black from Basics Exclusive Inks® Mini Pigment Pads Set (Z2503)

Some of the tips mentioned in the video:

• place a piece of cardstock inside the muslin bag so the ink does not bleed through the bag onto the "back" side of the bag
• ink your stamp up-side down from what you normally would; with the stamp facing up and the pigment ink pad in your hand then tap the ink pad to the stamp
• allow the pigment ink plenty of time to dry
• the ink will lighten some as it drys

I hope today's video inspired you to try create a home décor item. If you are ready to place an order the Show Now button will take you to my Online Business Address.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Missing In Action

If you stopped by yesterday to see my latest layout from the CTMH Fall Album Retreat, I am sorry to say that it is not done. I fell ill a few days ago. Fortunately, despite a flu shot, it appears to be a seasonable bug, but it has really zapped my energy. I hope to be back on track for next Sunday. Thanks for your understanding.

CTMH Retiring Items

As you are probably aware most CTMH Independent Consultants have an Online Business Address (OBA) where you can make purchases 24/7. I have a link at the bottom of most blog posts and one on the right side of my blog.

CTMH introduced a new "Retiring Items" category to our OBAs.

Products appearing in the Retiring Items category will not be available in the Spring/Summer 2014 Idea Book and they are available on a while supplies last basis.

I would like to remind you that our current Idea Book (A/W 2013) is valid until the end of January and our Holidays From the Heart Gift Guide is valid until December 31 and as noted on my October 15 blog post some items are only available while supplies last.

If you are ready to place an order, click the Shop Now 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.

Bling's The Thing! Contest

With CTMH's Base & Bling Wearable Crafts and available textiles, you can create fashion accessories to match every outfit in your closet at a very affordable price.



The CTMH Corp. description of the video Bling's the Thing! Contest: November 2013 is "Close To My Heart's Base & Bling line helps you create custom fashion accessories with all the papercrafting products you love. To enter our Bling's the Thing contest, tell us your favorite fashion accessory of all time in a comment here, on Facebook, or Jeanette Lynton's blog by November 30, 2013. You could be one of 20 winners of a Base & Bling fabric necklace kit!"

Oh, and I did mention there is a contest, didn't I? To enter answer the question, what is your favorite fashion accessory of all time, on one of these sites:

1. CTMH's YouTube Channel
2. Close To My Heart's Facebook page
3. Jeanette Lynton's Blog

The textiles currently available from CTMH are: Chantilly (Z1819), Sparkle & Shine (Z1884), Sarita (Z1885) and For Always (Z1820).

If you would like to purchase Base & Bling Wearable Crafts, please click the Show Now button.

Do not hesitate to contact me if you have questions about any CTMH products. I hope today's video inspired you to be creative today.

Artbooking Made Easy: Christmas Layouts

Today's video, Artbooking Made Easy (S01E12): Christmas Layouts, is the twelfth 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 (S01E12): Christmas Layouts. The CTMH Corp. description of the video is "Try out Close To My Heart's Cricut® Artbooking cartridge for some holiday hullabaloo on your Christmas layouts! Its themed borders, overlays, photo mats, and more hold plenty of cheery possibilities to brighten your albums. Trim your trims, ornament your ornaments, and have a holly jolly time making Christmas layouts that last—all with just two keys!"

Products featured in the video:

• Cricut® Artbooking Collection (Z1906)
• Sparkle & Shine Washi Tape (Z1907)
• Black & Grey Glitter Paper (Z1829)
  

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

• all three layouts use the themed keys on pages 74 and 75 of the Artbooking handbook
• the first (Joy to the World) layout is created using images only found on page 74 of the Artbooking handbook
• if you want to recreate the ombré effect, the colors used are Sweet Leaf, Pear, Topiary and New England Ivy
• if you want to create glittery stars as shown on the right page, cut a second overlay from glitter paper then trim around the pieces you want to use (don't forget to save the scraps for another project)
• back cutouts on overlays or photo mats with tone-on-tone cardstock so the background does not show through
• the second (Merry & Bright) layout is created using images only found on page 75
• use an overlay as a mask with a spray pen and white pigment ink to mist the background
• back cutouts on overlays or photo mats with another color cardstock to add dimension to the die cuts
• the third (Happy Holidays) layout use shapes from both pages and a star shape
• cover part of the overlay with washi tape to create a different appearance
• the real dial size feature was used to cut the star icon at different sizes for the third layout
• use photo mats for journaling spots

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.

Do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to learn how you would be able to purchase the Artbooking collection at 1/2 off by hosting a Gathering either in-home or on-line. If you have questions about any CTMH products, I am here to assist you. Thanks for visiting today.

Please Note - December 2013 Shipping

CTMH Independent Consultants recently received a note from Corporate Headquarters with information about ordering deadlines for December 2013.

For a US order to be shipped Friday, December 13, the order must be placed by 11:59 pm (MST) on Wednesday, December 11.

Their note when on to read, "Please note that the above shipping dates reflect the date that the order will ship out of our warehouse. You must add to that date the delivery time for the shipping method you select to know approximately when your order will arrive. These dates do not guarantee pre-Christmas delivery by FedEx. FedEx does not guarantee their special shipping options to arrive by the holidays, so make sure to plan ahead on your Christmas orders."

If you are planning to give a gift of Close to My Heart products to someone, I encourage you to order early.

I would like to remind you that our current Idea Book (A/W 2013) is valid until the end of January and our Holidays From the Heart Gift Guide is valid until December 31 - as noted on my October 15 blog post some items are only available while supplies last.

If you are ready to place an order, click the Shop Now 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. Thanks for visiting today.

CTMH Fall Album Retreat - Real Life Story

This is the fourth layout in my album from the CTMH Fall Album Retreat in Salt Lake City, UT which took place the weekend of October 17-19, 2013.

Here is the Real Life Story layout for my 12" x 12" album:



Here is a closeup of the left page:



And the right page:



Here are closeups of the some of the embellishments:



Supplies used: Whisper, Smoothie, Ruby, White Daisy and Black cardstock, Frosted Grey Snowflakes, Sartia Outdoor Denim Dots and Sparkle & Shine Stripes B&T Duos® Paper; B1431 My Acrylix® Reel Life; D1555 My Acrylix® All the Details; Black, Whisper, Honey and Goldrush Exclusive Inks® Stamp Pads; Cricut® Artbooking cartridge, Bronze Shimmer Trim (Z1849), Lagoon Houndstooth Washi Tape (Z1850), Color-Ready Midtown Cork Shapes (Z1868), Aqua Dots (Z1853), Sparkles Clear Assortment (Z1752) and Baker's Twine Neutral Assortment (Z1701).

Updated this post on Monday, November 18 after I retook the photos when daylight came. Much better IMO.

I hope you like my version of the Real Life Story layout. Thanks for visiting today.

November CTMH Festive Friday Blog Hop

Welcome to our November CTMH Festive Friday Blog Hop. You should have arrived here from The Sassy Scrapper - Theresa Miller. If so, you are on the right path, but since this is a circular hop you can start anywhere and just work your way around (you will find a list of all of the stops at the bottom of this post).

Today I am sharing another simple card I made. I like elegant, fancy cards, I just never seem to make them. The idea is loosely based on one of the layouts we did at the Fall Album Retreat.



To be certain it stood out against the Kraft background I stamped the focal flower with Goldrush twice, but I only stamped the leaves once with first generation ink. I also stamped the envelope flap to dress it up a bit. I used first generation ink and overlapped the stamping. I would not stamp it more than I did because I would be afraid that the colors would start to get muddy.

Here is what the Colonial White card base looked like before I added the Kraft cardstock layer. I stamped the Colonial White card base with first and second generation ink so the edges that showed did not look too stark.

The ingredients I used to make the card: 5 1/2" X 4 1/4" Colonial White Cards & Envelopes, Value Pack (X1410), 12" X 12" Kraft Cardstock (Z1375), My Acrylix® Happy Autumn Stamp Set (D1550), Desert Sand (Z2118), Goldrush (Z2123), Olive (Z2137) and Outdoor Denim (Z2140) Exclusive Inks® Stamp Pads.

Thank you for hopping with us today. I hope you are getting some great ideas for your holiday cardmaking and paper crafting. Your next stop is Scrappin' with Ash - Ashley Denny.

The hop is organized by Diane Tuggle and starts at her blog The Happy Scrapbooker. Here are all of the stops on the Festive Friday Blog Hop:

• The Happy Scrapbooker - Diane Tuggle
• Show Me Scrapping - Rebecca Brown
• Wandering Scissors - Michelle Bowley 
• Carol Loftus
• Blue Sky Scrapping - Linda Pekrul
• Scrapping with Elsa and Shaye ~ Dachshund Paper Pixies - Jamie Barney
• Stampologist - Paige Dolecki
• Cr8ive ME - Mary Ellen Driggs
• Imagine The Possibilities Studio - April Grigson
• The Sassy Scrapper - Theresa Miller
• centralNYscrapper - Brenda Lapp ------- You Are Here
• Scrappin' with Ash - Ashley Denny
• Ida's Attic - Mary Schwimer

Artbooking Made Easy: Cartridge Collaboration

Today's video, Artbooking Made Easy: Cross-Cartridge Collaboration (S01E11), is the eleventh in the video series Artbooking Made Easy. In the video we are shown several examples for using two or all of the CTMH exclusive Cricut® cartridges on one project. 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: Cross-Cartridge Collaboration (S01E11). The CTMH Corp. description of the video is "While each Cricut® collection from Close To My Heart is a treasure trove all its own, together they offer an unmatchable selection of borders, overlays, photo mats, and much, much more! The thousands of both classic and trendy die-cuts found within this terrific trio will ensure that the projects you make are always uniquely your own. Mix 'em, match 'em, and love 'em!"

Products featured in today's video:

• Cricut® Artbooking Collection (Z1906)
• Cricut® Artiste Collection (Z1790)
• Cricut® Art Philosophy Collection (Z1686)

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.

Feel free to contact me if you would like to learn how you would be able to purchase the Artbooking collection at 1/2 off by hosting a Gathering either in-home or on-line or if you have any other questions. Thanks for visiting today.

Workshops on the Go™: A Package Deal

This is the seventh video in a series created to introduce those in Australia and New Zealand to CTMH products after operations were launched there in July 2013. A Package Deal (07) highlights the Workshops on the Go™ available from Close To My Heart.



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

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

Items featured in the video:

• Workshops on the Go™ Laughing Lola Cardmaking Kit (G1064)
• Workshops on the Go™ ProPlayer Scrapbooking Kit (G1067)

By the way, if this video looks familiar to you, I shared it in September, out of chronological order, because I was exited for everyone to see it.

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

Thanks for visiting with me today.

CTMH Fall Album Retreat - The Sweet Life

This is my third layout from the CTMH Fall Album Retreat in Salt Lake City, UT. I started creating it during the weekend of October 17-19, 2013 and recently finished it.

Here is the The Sweet Life layout for my 12" x 12" album:



I am not happy with my photo selection (plus I did not have one on hand that fit the yellow mat) so I am probably going to look for and use different photos, but I wanted you to see the layout with photos so I used what I had that would fit.

I am not sure what "The Sweet Life of _______" is. I used two vacation photos here and one of my beautiful Pumpkin dipping her toes in the water. Once I figure out what photos I am going to stick with I will figure out the title.

Here is a closeup of the left page:


And the right page:


And here are some closeups so you can see the details:


Supplies used: White Daisy, Whisper, Lagoon and Goldrush cardstock, Huntington Hexagons B&T Duos® Paper; C1561 My Acrylix® One-Way Borders; Whisper ink for spritzing; Whisper, Honey and Goldrush Exclusive Inks® Stamp Pads; Cricut® Artbooking cartridge, Bronze Shimmer Trim (Z1849), Lagoon Houndstooth Washi Tape (Z1850), Color-Ready Midtown Cork Shapes (Z1868), Aqua Dots (Z1853), Sparkles Clear Assortment (Z1752) and Baker's Twine Neutral Assortment (Z1701).

Even though the Fall Album Retreat was fast paced, I had a good time and I would go again.

Feel free to contact me if you would like to learn how you would be able to purchase the Artbooking collection at 1/2 off by hosting a Gathering either in-home or on-line or if you have questions about CTMH products. Thanks for visiting today.

Let's Do The Twist

Ideas for using the Slate Striped Twist Ties (Z1864) abound in today's video Clearly The Best: Do the Twist (S02E05). At only $3.95 for a package of 20 ties, you can try each idea using only one package and still have some leftover.



The CTMH Corp. description of the video is "When you're celebrating someone special, you need décor to match! Make your own—and make it unique—by curving, bending, wrapping, angling, curling, and coiling Slate striped twist ties from Close To My Heart into party decorations sure to make your guests dance with delight."

Items used in the video:

• Slate Striped Twist Ties (Z1864)
• Sparkle & Shine Textiles (Z1884)
• Slate Polka-Dot Washi Tape (Z1817)

Some of the tips mentioned in the video are:

• use twist ties to attach the flags of a banner
• use them flat to embellish a card like a narrow strip of paper
• wrap the tie around a pencil to create curly ribbons
• color the white area of the twist tie with markers - it is better to use lighter colors so the slate still easily shows
• use a twist tie and a piece of textile (in the video theirs was about 2" x 8") to make your own wire-edged ribbon
• place the tie between two approximately 8" pieces of Washi tape - sticky sides of Washi together - then bend into the shape you want; in the video it looked like a banner

I hope today's video inspired you to try different techniques with the Slate Striped Twist Ties. 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. I hope you enjoyed the ideas presented in the video.

Artbooking Made Easy: Celebrate Freedom

Today's video, Artbooking Made Easy (S01E10): Freedom Layouts, is the tenth in the video series Artbooking Made Easy. In addition to use the Freedom-themed keys found on pages 64 and 65 as we would traditionally think of freedom, we are given ideas for using them on celebratory layouts as well.



This week's video is Artbooking Made Easy (S01E10): Freedom Layouts. The CTMH Corp. description of the video is "The Cricut® Artbooking cartridge from Close To My Heart has shapes you'll love for your patriotic layouts and cards—and for all celebratory layouts and cards after that! Get great ideas from this video for using the freedom-themed keys to make sparkling titles, photo mats, overlays, and accents for any project."

Featured items used in the video:

• Cricut® Artbooking Collection (Z1906)
• Brown & Tan Glitter Paper (Z1830)
• Black & Grey Glitter Paper (Z1829)

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

• use the freedom-themed keys to create patriotic layouts or other life events you would like to celebrate
• freedom-themed keys are found on page 64 and 65 of the handbook
• cut titles in half to have the title go across both pages of a two page layout
• use the icons in various ways; cut with real dial size off to be relative to the page (like the one used to frame the journaling) or with real dial size on and at a smaller size (like the icon that frames the date on the last layout)
• back the overlays with any cardstock or B&T Duos® or even textiles or choose to not back them so the base cardstock shows through; or only partially back the overlays to create interest and different dimension
• use the negative space from the photo mats behind a different photo

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.

How-To Inspiring Publications

The sixth video CTMH Corporate taped to introduce their products to those in Australia and New Zealand is Eight Great How-to Helps (06). In this video you will see all eight of the wonderful Close To My Heart How-To books. Four books are devoted to scrapbook layouts, two have card patterns and two include both layout and card patterns. In each book you will find assembly diagrams, cutting diagrams and samples to inspire you.



The CTMH Corp. description of the video Eight Great How-to Helps (06) is "Get the best in scrapbooking and cardmaking inspiration from the blueprints, cutting diagrams, instructions, tips, and full-colour artwork of Jeanette Lynton's how-to publications! Watch the video to see these must-have books and learn how to get them for yourself through your own Close To My Heart Independent Consultant."

The publications available from Close To My Heart:

• Cherish™ Scrapbook Program (9038) - 50 two-page layout patterns
• Imagine™ Scrapbook Program (9039) - 50 two-page layout patterns
• Magic™ Scrapbook Program (9040) - 35 interactive layouts
• Reflections™ Scrapbook Program (9037) - 100 single-page layout patterns, paged can be paired to create two page layouts
• Wishes Card Confidence Program™ (9041) - approximately 100 patterns in several sizes; includes three card workshops
• Originals Card Confidence Program™ (9036) - approximately 100 patterns in several sizes
• Make It From Your Heart Volume® 1 (9035) - includes both layout and card patterns; 16 two-page layouts; 2 single-page patterns and 12 card patterns
• Make It From Your Heart Volume® 2 (9042) - includes both layout and card patterns; 16 two-page layouts; 2 single-page patterns and 12 card patterns

When you see creations that you like in the Idea Book, you will typically find the name of the publication and pattern name or number under the photo.In addition, you will find Recipes with a list of needed supplies and tools to recreate the artwork found in the Idea Books on my OBA.

If you live in the United States, Puerto Rico, Guam and 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 - Hello World

I am sorry my post was not up earlier today. I sat down to crop and upload my photos and my laptop would not power up so I had to borrow one. I guess I need to do some more troubleshooting or maybe start shopping for a new one. [insert extremely sad face here]

This is my second layout from the CTMH Fall Album Retreat in Salt Lake City, UT from the weekend of October 17-19, 2013.

Here is the Hello World layout for my 12" x 12" album:



And here are some closeups of the page:


Supplied used: White Daisy, Whisper, Lagoon and Goldrush cardstock, Huntington Hexagons B&T Duos® Paper; C1561 My Acrylix® One-Way Borders; Whisper ink for spritzing; Whisper, Honey and Goldrush Exclusive Inks® Stamp Pads; Cricut® Artbooking cartridge, Bronze Shimmer Trim (Z1849), Lagoon Houndstooth Washi Tape (Z1850), Color-Ready Midtown Cork Shapes (Z1868), Aqua Dots (Z1853), Sparkles Clear Assortment (Z1752) and Baker's Twine Neutral Assortment (Z1701).

Thanks for visiting today.

A Blast From The Past

In the Autumn/Winter 2013 Idea Book brought back five stamp sets that were originally introduced as wood-mounted red rubber stamps. The stamp sets are only available for a limited time (and we have not been told what the "limited time" is). Blast from the Past gives us a glimpse of each stamp set as well as completed projects using the sets. Carly also shows us a little about coloring using the Alcohol Markers.



Today's video is Blast from the Past. The CTMH Corp. description of the video is "When Jeanette Lynton, founder and CEO of Close To My Heart, began her venture into stamping 30 years ago, she drew by hand all her stamp images. Originally made of rubber and set on wood blocks, a few of these stamp sets are available to you in clear polymer for a limited time only from Close To My Heart! Contact your Consultant to learn more."

Items featured in the video:

• Crème Brulee Exclusive Inks® Marker Set (Z2406)
• My Acrylix® Stitched with Love (B1425)

The other stamp sets from Jeanette's Archive are: Teddy Bear Birthday (A1143), Pick a Posy (B1426), Flowering Thanks (A1145) and Birthday Cheer (A1144). 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 about the products or if you would like to schedule a Gathering.

CTMH November 2013 Stamp of the Month: Illuminate

The Close To My Heart November 2013 Stamp of the Month is Illuminate.

When I look at the stamps in this set I think of being on vacation where they have many decorative lamps along walkways. Or the old style lamps we have where I work - at least the ones that have not been replaced by modern lamp posts. It is interesting how much lighting and decor can set the mood. 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 11 Nov SOTM Illuminate. I will continue to add new ideas for using Illuminate as I find them.

Illuminate  is an exclusive D-size stamp set of 15 stamps that you can only obtain during the month of November 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 1" (Y1000), 1" x 3 1/2" (Y1002), 2" x 2" (Y1003), 2" x 3 1/2" (Y1009) and 2" x 6 1/2" (Y1010).

I would like to remind you that you are able to order products from the Holidays from the Heart Gift Guide until December 31, 2013. Also when you spend $100 in retail-priced products (from the Guide, the Autumn/Winter 2013 Idea Book or at my OBA), you can choose one of the the starred items for free. If you would like a list of the starred items, the items that are while supplies last or the items that will be available for purchase in the Spring/Summer 2014 Idea Book, please see my post Holidays From The Heart Gift Guide.

If you are ready to place an order, Click the Shop with me image below to be taken to my Online Business Address (OBA) where you can shop 24/7. If you have questions about any CTMH product or promotion or to schedule a Home or Online Gathering do not hesitate to contact me.

I hope you have a great day!