Saturday, August 1, 2015

Framed August 2015 SOTM Blog Hop

Welcome to the August 2015 SOTM Blog Hop featuring the stamp set Framed. This month there are almost 50 bloggers sharing projects they created with Framed. If blog hopping is new to you, just keep clicking on the link to the next blog (typically near the bottom of the post) to visit the next stop.

The SOTM for August 2015, Framed, is a D-size set of 12 stamps that is $5 with a qualifying purchase. Framed is compatible with the new Cricut® Artistry Collection (Z3167) exclusive to Close To My Heart.


Recommended CTMH My Acrylix® Blocks for this stamp set are: 1" x 3½" (Y1002) and 2" x 3½" (Y1009). The stamps in the Framed set are:


You should have arrived here from ***Melinda Everitt's If You Bling It***. If you get lost along the way, Melinda keeps a complete list of participants on her blog at If You Bling It.

I created this Pathfinding card first. I used the bottom frame and Thanks sentiment. I used the rock and roll technique to ink the "Thanks" stamp on my this card.


My next card was created with the colors of Confetti Wishes in mind. I was inspired by the Lucky Layers™ pattern in the Wishes™ book. Because I wanted vertical stripes I used a craft knife, glass mat and metal-edged ruler and cut along one of the stripes to get a straight edge and then cut the rectangle.


I created my last card with Snowhaven in mind, but since the paper pack is no longer available I looked at Zoe (new August 1) with the same Glacier color and worked from there.


I hope you like the cards I created from the Framed stamp set. If you have a moment, please leave a comment.

Before you visit ***Catherine Nowak's CatScrapbooking***, the supplies I used to create my project are listed below.

All supplies are from Close To My Heart except where noted:
If you are not already working with a CTMH Independent Consultant, you may purchase all of the supplies I used at my Online Business Address.

I love to hear what people think of my crafts, so if you have a moment I would be delighted if you leave a comment. So you do not have to scroll back up, the next stop on the hop is ***Catherine Nowak's CatScrapbooking***. I hope you are enjoying the hop and thanks for visiting today.
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CTMH News for August 2015

August 2015 brings us a few surprises. There are a few items in the NEW 2015-2016 Annual Inspirations, valid from September 1, 2015 through August 31, 2016, that you may purchase starting August 1 (some with bonuses; see below). This will be a longish blog post; I hope that you will stick with me until the end for all of the exciting news.

The August 2015 Stamp of the Month is Framed


Framed (S1508) is an exclusive D-size set of 12 stamps that you can only purchase during the month of August 2015. The stamp set can be yours for $5 when you place an order of $50 or more in qualifying Close To My Heart products. Alternatively you can purchase it for $17.95. Recommended CTMH My Acrylix® Blocks are: 1" x 3½" (Y1002) and 2" x 3½" (Y1009).

Framed is compatible with the NEW Cricut® Artistry Collection (Z3167) available exclusively from Close To My Heart Independent Consultants (more on the cartridge below). Here is the Design Space File I created so I could quickly find the shapes that match the stamp set.

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



Usually I would say if you would like a list of the products used to create the above items, you will find the information in the Recipes on my OBA however since this stamp set is not shown in the CTMH Idea Books, I do not have a place to point you to. If I find the information I will update this post. Also check my Pinterest Board CTMH 2015 08 Aug SOTM Framed for additional ideas using this stamp set.

Please stop back tomorrow for the Framed Stamp of the Month Blog Hop. My blog post will be here.

Get Organized!

During August you can purchase the latest organization products from Close To My Heart and get some perks thrown in. This month you can order the new Accessory Roll-Up (Z3121) and/or the new Marker Roll-Up (Z3120) and receive free products.


The Accessory Roll-Up (Z3121) has the description "Contains 16 clear plastic pockets with zippers to hold Base & Bling products, embellishments, or accessories. Rolls up and secures with snap closure. Includes hanging loop for easy vertical storage." The Accessory Roll-Up is $18.95 and when you purchase it at full retail price during the month of August you will also receive the two new Base & Bling style sheets, Affirmations and Lovely Blooms, for free.


The Marker Roll-Up (Z3120) has the description "Designed to hold up to 25 ShinHan™ Touch Twin™ markers with interior elastic loops. Rolls up and secures with snap closure. Includes hanging loop for easy vertical storage." The Marker Roll-Up is $17.95 and when you purchase it at full retail price during the month of August you will also receive the new D-size stamp set My Acrylix® Balloon Wishes for free.


Place your order for one—or both—deals and get an exciting sneak peek at just a few of the many new products found within Annual Inspirations’ pages!

NEW Cricut® Artistry Collection

Also in August you my purchase the latest Cricut® Artistry Collection (Z3167).


As with the other cartridges exclusive to CTMH, this cartridge contains 700 images and comes with three D-sized stamp sets. Every stamp has a coordinating Artistry cut. A package of 12" x 12" Enchantment Cardstock Combo Pack (with updated colors) is also included with the Artistry collection.

So this post does not go on too long, please stop back tomorrow for more information about the Artistry Collection.

I will be participating in an Artistry Blog Hop on August 7. You will find my post here.

My Reflections™ Scrapbook Collection Zoe

Since the release date of the 2015-2016 Annual Inspirations was rescheduled to September 1, Close To My Heart is making the new Zoe collection available early


The following Zoe and coordinating products are available for order today:


If you use Studio J®, there are two Zoe options:
  • Zoe Studio J® Kit
  • Zoe Studio J® Limited Edition Express Collection (Live until September 30, 2015)
The Zoe color palette includes: Canary, Glacier, Slate, Sorbet, Sweet Leaf, Whisper and White Daisy.

Correction: When you place an order on my OBA on or after September 1, and have not already taken advantage of an offer for a free copy of 2015 Holiday Expressions, you will be prompted to add a copy to your cart. If you already have a 2015 Holiday Expressions, please take advantage of the offer and share the copy with a friend or family member.

If you are ready to place an order or would like to research any product, the Shop Now button will take you there.


If you have any product or promotion questions, do not hesitate to email me. You will also find me on Facebook at Brenda's Paper Crafts.
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Friday, July 31, 2015

Studio J® Flash Sale Extension

Earlier this afternoon I received this update from Close To My Heart.

"Wow! We are seeing a tremendous response to the Studio J® Flash Sale! All this increased traffic is causing the system to respond a bit more slowly than you are probably used to. In an effort to alleviate some of that traffic, we are extending the sale through Monday, August 3 at 11:59 pm (MDT). But don't wait until then to get your order in—submit yours as early as you can so that you can take advantage of this phenomenal deal on Studio J layouts."

I am sure if you have great weather you will not want to be inside in front of your computer, but if your weather this weekend is not the best, I hope you will give Studio J® a try. You do not have to download and install software and you do not have to pay for anything until you approve the results on screen. While I have not used Studio J® to create layouts, I have used it to print non-traditional sized photos. The best results I have ever had.

I have several posts about Studio J® that give tips for creating layout or printing photos. To find them click on the Studio J® tag at the bottom of this post.

This Studio J® button will take you to the Studio J® page on my OBA:


If you have any product or promotion questions, do not hesitate to email me. You will also find me on Facebook at Brenda's Paper Crafts.
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One Last Jump On It July Card

I had this idea for the Jump On It July blog hop, but I did not get a chance to finish it until now. This is a tri-fold card I created with the Hats Off Hostess Rewards Stamp Set. You can still get your own for $5 when you order $25 in current, retail priced stamp sets before 11:59 pm MDT (1:59 am EDT) tonight. Now is a good time to stock up on any stamp sets on your wish list that are retiring on August 31. See the "Retiring Items" section of my OBA to find the stamp sets and other products that are retiring.

I used the clock die cut and coordinating stamps to create the clock face and hands. To create the tri-fold card I cut a piece of 12" x 12" Glacier cardstock at 5½", then I scored the 12" edge at 4" and 8".


I used the hat, glasses and mustache almost exactly as they appear on the stamp carrier sheet.


I was thinking Father's Day the entire time I had this card in my mind's eye. I have no idea why because this stamp set does not remind me of my dad; he rarely wears a hat and only has a mustache when he grows a winter beard. Then I discovered the August 2015 SOTM Framed had a "Happy Father's Day" greeting and I thought Father's Day was fate.


All supplies are from Close To My Heart except where noted:
In addition to the Jump On It July promotion ending tonight, the Studio J® Flash Sale is also ending.

I have exciting news for August, but I cannot tell you more until 12:01am EDT on the 1st, so please come back tomorrow.

If you are inspired to purchase the Hats Off stamp set or any CTMH product for your next project and are ready to place an order or would like to research any product, the Shop Now button will take you to my Online Business Address.


If you have any product or promotion questions, do not hesitate to email me.
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Wednesday, July 29, 2015

CTMH on Social Media

Did you know that Close To My Heart is on several social media sites? I know some of you do not want to join too many social media sites to follow a business, Independent Consultant or person, but many of these sites do not require an account if you just want to browse for photos and comments ("liking" or commenting would be unavailable).

Here are the links to the official CTMH social media sites with some information about how much you can see without logging on:
  • Pinterest - CTMH - you can see all of their Pinterest Boards without being pestered to logon or create an account, but once you click on a Board to view pins the logon window covers up the middle of the screen
  • Instagram - @ctmhofficial - you can see all of their photos; click on a photo for the information CTMH provided when they uploaded the photo and to view comments from others; if you want to like a photo or comment, you need to be signed into an Instagram account
  • Facebook - CloseToMyHeart - you can see all of their pictures, posts and comments on the posts; you may need to click a link to see more (all) comments; if you want to like a photo or comment, you need to be signed into a Facebook account
  • Twitter - @CTMH - you can see all of their pictures, posts and comments and click links that they shared; click on a #hashtag to see posts on Twitter using that tag (the posts could be from anyone); click on a tagged person or company to see their profile and two latest tweets; if you want to reply, retweet or favorite a tweet, you need to be signed into a Twitter account
  • YouTube - CTMHCorp - you can view the videos, playlists and read comments; if you want to rate or comment on a video you need to be signed in with a Google account
  • Blog - Make It From Your Heart - you can view and comment without a logon, but when you comment you need to provide a name (published) and email address (not published)

I am also on these social media sites, but I am not nearly as active on some sites as CTMH or other Consultants:
  • Pinterest - cnyscrapper - I pin a lot of ideas, but I don't have nearly enough time to create as much as I would like
  • Instagram - @cnyscrapper
  • Facebook - BrendasPaperCrafts
  • Twitter - @cNYscrapper
  • YouTube - centralNYscrapper
  • Blog - Crafting for sanity? Or insanity? - you can view without a logon, you can logon to comment or comment anonymously; comment moderation is turned on for all comments
I hope these links and notes help you to find crafting inspiration for using your Close To My Heart products.

If you are inspired to use CTMH products for your next project and are ready to place an order or would like to research any product, the Shop Now button will take you to my Online Business Address.


If you have any product or promotion questions, do not hesitate to email me.
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Monday, July 27, 2015

CTMH Supports Operation Smile™

Sine 2008 Close To My Heart has provided support to and partnered with Operation Smile™, an organization that provides free, life-changing surgery that repairs smiles and reshapes lives. CTMH is now offering t-shirts as another way to raise funds to change the lives of children and their families.


The t-shirts are available on my OBA. They are available in grey and red in both men’s and women’s designs for $25 USD (larger sizes cost slightly more). You should know that $10 of every shirt purchased is donated toward Operation Smile. These shirts are exclusive to Close To My Heart and represent the company’s mission to celebrate life and share what matters. You can learn more about Close To My Heart's partnership with Operation Smile™ on the What We Do page. You will also find a size chart at the bottom of that page.

Please join Close To My Heart in providing smiles.
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Sunday, July 26, 2015

2015 Straight Family Reunion

It is summer and that means it is time for another Straight Family Reunion. It you have been a subscriber or observer of my blog over the years, you know that we have Silent Auctions and/or Raffles to help pay the expenses for the following year.

I created this wall hanger for the 2015 reunion.


The "family" chipboard base was purchased at Hobby Lobby. I covered the chipboard with Delta All-Purpose Sealer and Delta Creamcoat Butter Cream Acrylic Paint.

I sprayed papers from the Sunshine In My Soul Glitz Paper Pack and cardstock from Recollections with Krylon UV-Resistant Clear Acrylic Coating. Through online research and trial and error I found that the acrylic coating puts some sheen on the paper, but more importantly, it helps prevent the paper from absorbing the Mod Podge I use to adhere the paper to the chipboard. If you saw my first two Mod Podge projects last July 24 and July 25, you saw my untreated papers absorbed the moisture and bubbled and buckled.

I traced the shape on the back of the paper, cut them out and adhered the paper to the chipboard with Mod Podge. When everything was dry, I sanded the edges so any loose paper was removed. Then I added our family name and date established. I cut them from Recollections cardstock using the Cricut®/Close To My Heart Art Philosophy collection, Cricut® Design Space and the Explore. I used Mod Podge to adhere and seal everything.

I hope you like creation. I think my family did. There was a bit of a bidding war which surprised me since attendance was down due to the weather.

Thanks for visiting today.
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Friday, July 24, 2015

Jump On It July Be Jolly Gift Box

Today I am sharing a gift box that is inspired by one on page 7 of Annual Inspirations 2014-15. This is the gift box created by Corporate artists.


While my box is similar, I did not have any Yuletide Carol paper that was not already "spoken for" so I used Cranberry cardstock and a stamp from the Snowhaven Cardmaking WOTG to create the body of the box.


Here is the top of my box. The snowflake is stamped on Glacier cardstock in first generation Glacier ink. It is easier to see in real life.


When I stamped the body of the box I lined up the bottom of the trees about ¾" from the bottom of the box. Then I stamped the small snowflake from the Snowhaven Cardmaking WOTG in first and second generation using Slate ink. Unfortunately the tags hides most of that stamping in the photo. I stamped before folding the pieces. I only say that because I had a hard time forcing myself to wait to fold until after I stamped.

When stamping the greeting from the Be Jolly set I cut the stamp apart rather then using the sticky note masking technique I told you about during the Jump On It July Blog Hop. The words were so close together masking was difficult. In addition, by the time I stamped three times (once to create the mask and once for each of the other colors), the mask for the ampersand was so saturated that the ink went through the sticky note anyway.

Products used to create my version of this gift box:
If you create this gift box I hope you found something in this post that helps you achieve what you have envisioned in your mind's eye. I also hope that you like my interpretation of the Be Jolly Gift Box. If you have a moment, I would love to read your comments. Thank you for visiting today.
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Saturday, July 18, 2015

Butterfly Gate Fold Card

I really like to try new papercrafting products. I recently started playing with some metal dies I purchased from the shopping channel Create and Craft. In case Create and Craft is new to you, they started broadcasting in the USA in December 2014, on the 29th if I remember correctly, which was perfect timing for me since I have that week off from work.

The dies I have been using recently are from the Create and Craft Mariposa line. The dies are exclusive to Create and Craft. This card was made with the Create and Craft Mariposa Reflections Die. This is not how I planned for the completed card to look, but I like it and think in the end it turned out great (IMO). More about what I intended below.


I used all eight of the dies in the package to create the card. I planned to use the butterfly wing just to emboss the purple cardstock, but my repositionable tape had too much tack and some of the color came up and you could see the white core. I also think I will try to find a way to lessen the pressure for the embossing with this die in the future. This is what the card looked like before adding the wings:


I definitely could not give this card away. Then I thought about adding some vellum to the wings to "repair" or "rescue" the butterfly.


I applied Scotch Quick-Dry Adhesive to the back of the wing and attached the vellum. Then I cut small pieces of Thin 3-D Foam Tape to attach the wing to the card base.

I hope you too think my "repair" or "rescue" of this card was successful.

Supplies used to create this card:
I am a Close To My Heart Independent Consultant and CTMH linked products above may be ordered from my Online Business Address. The list of other products and links to them (if any) are for your convenience only; they are products I have been happy using. I am not an affiliate of any other retail outlet. If the craft projects I share inspire you and you would like to use Close To My Heart products to create them, I would appreciate it if you placed an order on my OBA.

Thanks for visiting today.
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Friday, July 17, 2015

Studio J® Flash Sale

Close To My Heart is having a Flash Sale until July 31, 2015 on Studio J®.


In addition to creating digital scrapbook pages, Studio J® is perfect for printing photos. You can print photos in any size up to 12" x 12" by using the No Limits pattern and Custom Photo Wells. I posted more information and a video here. If you want to print "standard" size photos, use Photo Express Collections to "print" your photos in a variety of sizes.

The Photo Express Collection choices are:
  • 2" x 2" photos; you will have 72 photo wells to use
  • 3" x 3" photos; you will have 32 photo wells to use
  • 3" x 4" photos; you will have (12) 4" x 3" horizontal/landscape photos wells and (12) 3" x 4" vertical/portrait photos wells to use; this is the perfect size for Picture My Life™ scrapbooking
  • 4" x 4" photos; you will have 18 photo wells to use
  • 4" x 6" photos; you will have six (6) 6" x 4" horizontal/landscape photos wells and six (6) 4" x 6" vertical/portrait photos wells to use; this is also the perfect size for Picture My Life™ scrapbooking
  • 6" x 8" photos; you will have two (2) 6" x 8" horizontal/landscape photos wells and two (2) 8" x 6" vertical/portrait photos wells to use and two (2) 6" x 4" vertical/portrait photos photos wells and two (2) 4" x 6" horizontal/landscape wells to use
  • 5" x 7" photos; you will have three (3) 5" x 7" horizontal/landscape photos wells and three (3) 7" x 5" vertical/portrait photos wells to use and two (2) 5" x 5" photos wells, one (1) 3" x 2" photos well, one (1) 2" x 3" photos well and four (4) 2" x 2" photos wells to use
To find the new Photo Express Collection templates, go to Studio J® and sign in (if you do not have a Studio J® account yet you will be prompted to create one). Then choose "Create a new project". You will be prompted to name the project and then will be asked to upload photos. After you have uploaded photos, choose "Continue" in the lower right. You will then need to select a layout type. If you want to create custom photo wells as shown in the above video here, choose "Create Your Own Custom Layout", but if you want to use the Photo Express Collections, choose "Start with an Express Collection". Scroll down until you see "Photo Collections (7 layouts)". Click on it once and choose Continue. Then choose the size photos you would like and Continue.

You do not have to complete all of the layouts or photos sheets in Studio J® in one sitting; the minimum purchase is 5 layouts. You may save your project and come back to it later.

I have several posts about Studio J® that give tips for creating layout or printing photos. To find them click on the Studio J® tag at the bottom of this post.

This Studio J® button will take you to the Studio J® page on my OBA.


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