Blog hop March 1 - sneak peek 2

Today's post is just a quick reminder that the "Celebrating Friendship" Blog Hop starts tomorrow, March 1, at Muddy Paws & Inky Fingers. I am hopeful that you will have a chance to hop with us.

Here is another sneak peek at my project.

Exciting, isn't it? :-) Zooming in on just part of my creation makes the stamping appear fuzzy and the background paper look greenish; IMO it looks much better in person. I will snap a few more photos to show it off better. You'll just have to wait until tomorrow to see the rest. I have another project started and hope to find the time tonight to finish and share it tomorrow. For both projects I used techniques that I had read about but not tried yet. Thanks to Julie to "pushing me" to carve out some to participate in the hop.

Be sure to stop by again tomorrow to see the project I am sharing with you. Thanks for stopping by.

Upcoming blog hop - sneak peek

On March 1 (and continuing throughout the weekend) I am participating in a "Celebrating Friendship" Blog Hop to celebrate scrap happy's (Julie Odil - also my CTMH upline) blogoversary - the one-year anniversary of Julie starting her blog.

Here's a sneak peek of the project I have started. Any guesses which stamp set I used? Hint, the brand is used in the blog label.

Don't forget to schedule some time this weekend to participate in the hop. The hop will start at Julie's blog Muddy Paws & Inky Fingers.

FYI, due to some spam I had to enable comment moderation so don't be surprised if your comments do not appear immediately.

Studio J® Love Your Layout: January 2013

As I mentioned on my February 2 post the Close to My Heart promotion for February 2013 is "Digital Delights!" During the month of February 2013 you can purchase any Studio J^® layout for only $5*.

January 2013 - Pear & Partridge Kit: Stitching with Style

It might be perfect timing that the Pear & Partridge Kit is used in the January 2013 Love Your Layout video since Christmas 2012 was only a few weeks ago (but it seems like months to me) and you might be scrapping those memories now.

If you want to work on your layout while watching the video, here are the basics of putting the layout together:

• Kit Name: Pear & Partridge
• Pattern: Designer's Eye™
• Kit Mix:

The CTMH description for the video reads "Use Studio J®, Close To My Heart's online scrapbooking software, to create a festive layout in just minutes by watching this month's Love Your Layout(sm) video. You'll learn creative techniques on how to add your own stitching, create a top border with journaling, and more. Log in to Studio J to create it yourself while you watch!"

The January 2013 video refers to a technique demonstrated in the June 2012: Cruisin' Kit: Getting the Polaroid Look Love Your Layout video. If you would like to watch the June 2012, click on the link (it will open in a new video).

In case you have not looked at Studio J^® recently (or are new to the online scrapbooking software, you will be happy to know that the paper packets that were just introduced in the Spring/Summer 2013 Idea Books are available to use now. This is in addition to paper packets that were in past Idea Books and are no longer available to purchase.

Click here to get started creating your own Studio J^® layouts. Be sure to scroll down and click on "Join" to shop my "Feb Fun - New Idea Book" gathering. If the "Feb Fun - New Idea Book" gathering reaches enough sales to qualify for hostess rewards, I will draw one name from those that placed an order via the "Feb Fun - New Idea Book" link and that person will be the "Feb Fun - New Idea Book" gathering's hostess and receive free products. 

If you join the "Feb Fun - New Idea Book" gathering you are not limited to purchasing only Studio J^® layouts. Your name will be put in the drawing to be the mystery hostess by purchasing any CTMH product. Now is a great time to order since new products, including seven new paper packets and two textile packs, became available on February 1. Click here to browse the new Idea Book.

If you do not have a CTMH Independent Consultant yet, I would be honored if you make a purchase from me. Click the Shop with me link below to place an order. Contact me if you have questions about any CTMH product or promotion or to schedule a Home or Online Gathering.

*Shipping/handling applies. Studio J credits must be redeemed before this promotion can be applied. Offer valid February 1–28, 2013. Thank you for stopping by today.

CTMH Digital Delights! Promotion

The CTMH promotion in February 2013 is called Digital Delights! You can purchase any Studio J^® layout for only $5*—that’s a savings of $1.95 per layout! This is a great opportunity to try Studio J for the first time. If you need a push to get started I have several posts with videos to give you some ideas and help.

Create adorable baby layouts with the Wishes and Fishes kit (shown), or use the new Express Collections with collections of 10 ready-made layouts plus a front and back cover that are easy to use and professionally designed.

Click here to get started creating your own Studio J^® layouts. Be sure to scroll down and join my "Feb Fun - New Idea Book" gathering. This month, in additional to the Digital Delights! promotion, is your first opportunity to order from the new Spring/Summer 2013 Idea Book. If the "Feb Fun - New Idea Book" gathering reaches enough sales to qualify for hostess rewards, I will draw one name from those that placed an order via the "Feb Fun - New Idea Book" link and that person will be the "Feb Fun - New Idea Book" gathering's hostess and receive free products.

If you do not have a CTMH Independent Consultant yet, I would be honored if you make a purchase from me. Click the Shop with me link below to place an order or contact me if you have questions about any CTMH product or promotion or to schedule a Home or Online Gathering.

*Shipping/handling applies. Studio J credits must be redeemed before this promotion can be applied. Offer valid February 1–28, 2013.

Thank you for stopping by today.

CTMH February 2013 Stamp of the Month: Home Sweet Home

The Close To My Heart February 2013 Stamp of the Month is Home Sweet Home.

This stamp set is perfect for capturing memories of home; the first home you lived in with your parents, the first home you purchased, the first home that you lived in after marriage or the home your raised your children in. The set would make beautiful home décor items to display in your own home or to give as gifts. To obtain a list of products used to create the above items and suggested techniques, please see the current Stamp of the Month page (ideas for previous months can be found on the left side of that page).

This stamp set can be yours only during February 2013 for $5 with an order of $50 or more in qualifying products.

Today is the first day you can order from the Spring/Summer 2013 Idea Book. I think you will find many great ideas in this book. If you are anything like me your wish list is a mile long. This layout is on the cover of the new Idea Book. Doesn't it make you think of Spring? Click on the photo to browse through the pages of the Spring/Summer 2013 Idea Book.

If you do not have a CTMH Independent Consultant yet, I would be honored if you make a purchase from me. Click the Shop with me link below to place an order or contact me if you have questions about any CTMH product or promotion or to schedule a Home or Online Gathering.

Sympathy Card

I was visiting my Aunt's house yesterday. She's a relatively new papercrafter (she made her first CTMH purchase in June 2012) and I was helping her get started making items from the Whooo's Your Valentine kit. I showed her how to make a rosette and we were able to complete one project (unfortunately I forget to take a photo).

When we were done she asked me to help her make a sympathy card. I was not expecting to work on another project so I did not have many supplies with me. We pulled out the items she acquired in the past 6 or so months and this is what we came up with:

We were fortunate enough to find the following supplies in her stash (and the sandking kit the Medium Organizer (Z4139) I keep my basic supplies in):

• White Daisy Die-Cut Cards & Envelopes (Z1473)
• August 2012 SOTM Baroque Borders (no longer available)
• cardstock (X5757) and matching ink pad (Z2190), Gypsy
• My Acrylix® 4 My Friend stamp set (D1510)
• My Acrylix® Simple Memories stamp set (D1472) 
• Sanding kit (Z1294)

We layered the cardstock on the front of the card base before stamping so it would be easier to see where and how the stamp would fit. We sanded the bottom edge of the card to give it some character and to coordinate with the distressed look of the stamp. We stamped the corner stamp from Baroque Borders at a "V" angle and then added the little flourish on either side near the bottom of the card front. The white space looked a little barren so we added the border stamp from Simple Memories.

On the card inside, we used another stamp from Baroque Borders and the "Sorry for your loss" stamp from 4 My Friend.

I hope you enjoy the simple Sympathy card we created. If we inspired you and you do not have your own CTMH Independent Consultant, I would be honored if you make a purchase from me. You can order online anytime. Thanks for stopping by.

My Acrylix® Stamp Sets in the CTMH Autumn/Winter 2011 Idea Book that Coordinate with Cricut® Cartridges

The CTMH Cricut® cartridge Art Philosophy was introduced in the Autumn/Winter 2011 Idea Book. The Art Philosophy cartridge is still available, but unfortunately many of the other items that were in the Close to My Heart Autumn/Winter 2011 Idea Book are not. Exceptions are My Acrylix® Stamp Sets that are still listed on my OBA site (some that coordinate with the CTMH Cricut® cartridges and some that do not).

It was recently announced that My Acrylix® Stamp Sets that are designed to coordinate with either of the CTMH Cricut® cartridges, Art Philosophy or Artiste, will continue to be available even if they are not featured in the current Idea Book (exceptions to this are Stamp of the Month sets and promotional sets, for example, Whooo's Your Valentine; those stamp sets will no longer be available for purchase). You will find images of in stock My Acrylix® Stamp Sets that coordinate with the CTMH Cricut® Cartridges on my OBA site.

So you have an easy reference to My Acrylix® Stamp Sets that are designed to coordinate with either of the CTMH Cricut® cartridges, here is a list of the coordinating stamp sets that were in the Autumn/Winter 2011 Idea Book:

Page	Item #	Item Name	Coordinates with
17*	C1464	Blue Ribbon	Art Philosophy
18*	D1481	Vintage Type	Art Philosophy
29*	D1482	Love Life	Art Philosophy
30*	B1391	Zoology	Art Philosophy
35*	C1463	Harvest Happiness	Art Philosophy
36*	C1465	Unscripted	Art Philosophy
41*	C1467	Sweet Moments	Art Philosophy
42*	B1392	Key Moments	Art Philosophy
47*	D1490	Backdrop-Charmed	Art Philosophy
48*	C1462	All Hallows Eve	Art Philosophy
53*	D1494	Christmas Cheer	Art Philosophy
54*	B1390	Countdown	Art Philosophy
59*	D1480	Snowflakes	Art Philosophy
76*	B1381	Holiday Cheer	Art Philosophy
76*	A1115	A Holiday	Art Philosophy
79*	D1493	Fill in the Blank-Holiday	Art Philosophy
86*	D1491	Hooray Bouquet	Art Philosophy
88	D1480	Snowflakes	Art Philosophy
102*	C1469	December 25th	Art Philosophy

Workshop on the Go Kits® with Coordinating Stamps; since I became a CTMH Independent Consultant after this Idea Book was current, I do not have these WOTG kits so I do know know if any of the WOTG stamp sets from the Autumn/Winter 2011 coordinate with the CTMH Cricut® cartridge Art Philosophy.


Stamp of the Month sets with coordinating designs on Cricut® cartridges; these are no longer available for purchase; they were featured in the Autumn/Winter 2011 Idea Book

Page	Item #	Item #◊	Item Name	Coordinates with
140*	S1109	S1109A	September: Limited Edition	Art Philosophy
142*	S1111	S1111A	November:Cherish the Day	Art Philosophy
143*	S1112	S1112A	December: Mad about You	Art Philosophy
144*	S1201	S1201A	January: Little Reminder	Art Philosophy

Dimensional Elements ("white chipboard shapes and alphabets that can be stamped, painted, papered, chalked, and more!") in the Autumn/Winter 2011 Idea Book that have coordinating images on the Cricut® cartridges (it is possible these are no longer available - please check my OBA site).

Page	Item #	Item Name	Coordinates with
130*	Z1682	Notable Alphabet	Art Philosophy
130*	Z1685	Banners	Art Philosophy
130*	Z1683	Mixed Shapes	Art Philosophy
130*	Z1681	Numbers	Art Philosophy
130*	Z1680	Stars	Art Philosophy
130*	Z1684	Tags	Art Philosophy

*New in the Autumn/Winter 2011 Idea Book
◊Item # when you spend $50 or more; get the SOTM for $5

Of course you can use any of the generic cuts, e.g., frames, squares and circles, found on either cartridge for your projects. For example you could cut a frame and stamp a sentiment on it. There are no rules or limits to your creativity.

If you find an error in any of the information above, please send me an email so I may correct it.

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

My Acrylix® Stamp Sets in the CTMH Spring/Summer 2012 Idea Book that Coordinate with Cricut® Cartridges

Unfortunately most items that were in the Close to My Heart Spring/Summer 2012 Idea Book are no longer available. Exceptions are the CTMH Cricut® cartridge Art Philosophy and My Acrylix® Stamp Sets that are still listed on my OBA site (some that coordinate with the CTMH Cricut® cartridges and some that do not).

As of the Spring/Summer 2012 Idea Book only the CTMH Cricut® Art Philosophy cartridge was available for purchase.

It was recently announced that My Acrylix® Stamp Sets that are designed to coordinate with either of the CTMH Cricut® cartridges, Art Philosophy or Artiste, will continue to be available even if they are not featured in the Idea Book (exceptions to this are Stamp of the Month sets and promotional sets, for example, Whooo's Your Valentine; those stamp sets will no longer be available for purchase). You will find images of in stock My Acrylix® Stamp Sets that coordinate with the CTMH Cricut® Cartridges on my OBA site.

So you have an easy reference to My Acrylix® Stamp Sets that are designed to coordinate with the CTMH Cricut® Art Philosophy cartridge, here is a list of the coordinating stamp sets that were in the Spring/Summer 2012 Idea Book. I published this list in September in a slightly different format; see Products that Complement the CTMH Exclusive Cricut® cartridges.

Page	Item #	Item Name	Coordinates with
18*	B1398	Just for You	Art Philosophy
24*	C1484	Love Clusters	Art Philosophy
30*	C1502	Princess Wings	Art Philosophy
35*	C1497	Pure Adventure	Art Philosophy
53*	D1506	Family Love	Art Philosophy
54*	C1496	Enjoy!	Art Philosophy
60*	C1483	Born to Ride	Art Philosophy
65	C1441	ffection	Art Philosophy
67*	A1121	A Blossom	Art Philosophy
69	D1491	Hooray Bouquet	Art Philosophy
79	D1458	American Celebration	Art Philosophy
79♦	D1459	Canadian Celebration	Art Philosophy
85	B1391	Zoology	Art Philosophy
87*	C1501	New Arrival	Art Philosophy
88*	D1515	Play Day	Art Philosophy
91*	D1502	Look Who's	Art Philosophy
92	C1464	Blue Ribbon	Art Philosophy
95	B1392	Key Moments	Art Philosophy
98*	C1503	The Best Things	Art Philosophy
100	D1482	Love Life	Art Philosophy
101*	B1400	Beautiful Friendship	Art Philosophy
108*	B1399	Crafted with Love	Art Philosophy
118	D1481	Vintage Type	Art Philosophy

Workshop on the Go Kits® with Coordinating Stamps; since I became a CTMH Independent Consultant while this Idea Book was current, I do not have most of the WOTG kits so I do know know if any of the WOTG stamp sets from the Spring/Summer 2012 coordinate with the CTMH Cricut® cartridge Art Philosophy.


Stamp of the Month sets with coordinating designs on Cricut® cartridges; unfortunately these are no longer available for purchase as they are only stocked during the month they are featured in the Spring/Summer 2012 Idea Book

Page	Item #	Item #◊	Item Name	Coordinates with
139*	S1202	S1202A	February: Thoughtful Tidings	Art Philosophy
140*	S1203	S1203A	March:Potential	Art Philosophy
143*	S1206	S1206A	June: Life Is Tweet	Art Philosophy

Dimensional Elements ("white chipboard shapes and alphabets that can be stamped, painted, papered, chalked, and more!") in the Spring/Summer 2012 Idea Book that have coordinating images on the Cricut® cartridges (it is possible these are no longer available - please check my OBA site).

Page	Item #	Item Name	Coordinates with
130*	Z1735	Hearts	Art Philosophy
130	Z1685	Banners	Art Philosophy
130	Z1683	Mixed Shapes	Art Philosophy
130	Z1682	Notable Alphabet	Art Philosophy
130	Z1680	Stars	Art Philosophy
130	Z1684	Tags	Art Philosophy

*New in the Spring/Summer 2012 Idea Book
◊Item # when you spend $50 or more; get the SOTM for $5
♦Not shown in Idea Book; see OBA site for image.

Of course you can use any of the generic cuts, e.g., frames, squares and circles, found on either cartridge for your projects. For example you could cut a frame and stamp a sentiment on it. There are no rules or limits to your creativity.

If you find an error in any of the information above, please send me an email so I may correct it.

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

My Acrylix® Stamp Sets in the CTMH Autumn/Winter 2012 Idea Book that Coordinate with Cricut® Cartridges

On Tuesday I posted My Acrylix® Stamp Sets in the CTMH Spring/Summer 2013 Idea Book that Coordinate with Cricut® Cartridges. Customers will be able to start ordering from the Spring/Summer 2013 Idea Book on Friday, February 1, 2013.

Since you only have until Thursday, January 31, 2013 to order from the CTMH Autumn/Winter 2012 Idea Book (and unfortunately if an item is not listed on my OBA site it is no longer available), I thought it would be helpful to have a list of items that coordinate with the CTMH Cricut® Cartridges, Art Philosophy or Artiste. I published this list in September in a slightly different format; see Products that Complement the CTMH Exclusive Cricut® cartridges.

For your reference, the CTMH Cricut® Artiste cartridge was introduced in the Autumn/Winter 2012 Idea Book and the CTMH Cricut® Art Philosophy cartridge was introduced in the Autumn/Winter 2011 Idea Book.

Also, it was recently announced that My Acrylix® Stamp Sets that are designed to coordinate with either of the CTMH Cricut® Cartridges, Art Philosophy or Artiste, will continue to be available even if they are not featured in the Idea Book (exceptions to this are Stamp of the Month sets and promotional sets, for example, Whooo's Your Valentine; those stamp sets will no longer be available for purchase). You will find images of in stock My Acrylix® Stamp Sets that coordinate with the CTMH Cricut® Cartridges on my OBA site - just search on the item name or number.

Page	Item #	Item Name	Coordinates with
19*	B1409	Pirouette	Artiste
20*	D1526	Family Tree	Art Philosophy
27*	D1525	Casual Expressions	Artiste
28*	B1408	Buttons, Bits, and Bobs	Artiste
45*	C1521	Approved	Artiste
46*	D1524	Frame It Up	Art Philosophy
57*	C1509	Magic Potions	Artiste
71	C1462	All Hallows Eve	Art Philosophy
71*	B1413	Perfect Fit-Halloween	Art Philosophy
72	D1490	Backdrop-Charmed	Art Philosophy
74*	D1545	Perfect Fit-Holidays	Art Philosophy
75*	D1520	Ornamental Cheer	Art Philosophy
76*	D1518	Christmas Delights	Art Philosophy
77	D1494	Christmas Cheer	Art Philosophy
78	C1469	December 25th	Art Philosophy
78	B1390	Countdown	Art Philosophy
85	C1463	Harvest Happiness	Art Philosophy
88	D1480	Snowflakes	Art Philosophy
90	B1400	Beautiful Friendship	Art Philosophy
91*	D1527	Perfect Fit-Frames	Art Philosophy
93	C1467	Sweet Moments	Art Philosophy
96*	B1404	Cup of Cheer	Art Philosophy
96*	A1131	Love	Artiste
105*	C1523	Outta This World	Artiste
116	various	Monograms	either

Workshop on the Go Kits® with Coordinating Stamps; purchase those listed below on or before Thursday, January 31, 2013 (while supplies last) as these WOTG kits are not available in the next (Spring/Summer 2013) Idea Book

Page	Item #	Item Name	Coordinates with
21*	G1045	WOTG Avonlea Scrapbooking Kit	Artiste
35*	G1047	WOTG Dakota Scrapbooking Kit	Art Philosophy
41*	G1048	WOTG La Belle Via Scrapbooking Kit	Artiste
53*	G1050	WOTG Flirty Scrapbooking Kit	Art Philosophy
67*	G1044	WOTG Advent Calendar Kit	Artiste

Stamp of the Month sets with coordinating designs on Cricut® cartridges; unfortunately these are no longer available for purchase as they were only available during the month they are featured in the Autumn/Winter 2012 Idea Book

Page	Item #	Item #◊	Item Name	Coordinates with
140*	S1209	S1209A	September: Fall Favorites	Art Philosophy
141*	S1210	S1210A	October: Very Merry Christmas	Artiste
142*	S1211	S1211A	November: Capture the Date	Artiste

Dimensional Elements ("white chipboard shapes and alphabets that can be stamped, painted, papered, chalked, and more!") in the Autumn/Winter 2012 Idea Book that have coordinating images on the Cricut® cartridges

Page	Item #	Item Name	Coordinates with
131*	Z1791	Album Pages	Artiste
131*	Z1792	Awards	Artiste
131*	Z1793	Quotes	Artiste
131*	Z1761♦	Ornaments	Art Philosophy
131	Z1685	Banners	Art Philosophy
131	Z1735	Hearts	Art Philosophy
131	Z1683	Mixed Shapes	Art Philosophy
131	Z1682	Notable Alphabet	Art Philosophy
131	Z1680	Stars	Art Philosophy
131	Z1684	Tags	Art Philosophy

*New in the Autumn/Winter 2012 Idea Book
◊Item # when you spend $50 or more; get the SOTM for $5
♦Item is while supplies last; it has been discontinued.

While I would love it if you purchased all of the coordinating My Acrylix® Stamp Sets from me it is not a must to have them to get a lot of use from your CTMH Cricut® cartridges. For example you could cut a frame and stamp a sentiment in the middle of it. There are no rules or limits to your creativity.

If you find an error in any of the information above, please send me an email so I may correct it.

If you find this information helpful, please consider supporting this blog and my efforts by clicking the Shop with me link below to place an order or contact me if you have questions about any CTMH product or promotion or to schedule a Home or Online Gathering.

CTMH Whooo's Your Valentine promotion

To celebrate National Papercrafting Month CTMH put together an adorable Whooo's Your Valentine kit.

The kit includes:
• 12—Die-Cut Boxes (3 each of 4 colors: Blush, Hollyhock, Ruby, White Daisy)
• 3—12" x 12" Cardstock Sheets (Blush, Hollyhock, White Daisy)
• 1—Sheet Glitter Paper—new product for Spring/Summer 2013!
• 12—Treat Tubes with Lids—new product for Spring/Summer 2013!
• 1—My Acrylix® Whooo’s Your Valentine Stamp Set (D-size)

This kit previews some items that will be available in the Spring/Summer 2013 Idea Book (customers will be able to order from the Spring/Summer 2013 Idea Book starting Friday, February 1, 2013). The new items are Glitter Paper (your kit may contain silver, black or gray paper) and Treat Tubes with Lids. The Glitter Paper is Cricut^® compatible - just place the paper glitter side down on the cutting mat and cut as you normally would. The kit also includes an exclusive My Acrylix^® Whooo’s Your Valentine D-size Stamp Set (with approximately 20 stamps total) which has four stamps that coordinate with the Cricut^® Artiste cartridge. Do not worry if you do not have a Cricut^®; the images will be easy to cut with a good pair of scissors too.

Place an order of $35 or more in full retail products and you can receive the Whooo’s Your Valentine kit for only $10 (plus tax and shipping). The kit is a $40 retail value. This kit is only available until January 31, 2013 or while supplies last so please do not delay - I would hate for you to be disappointed.

Finally, the exclusive My Acrylix^® Whooo’s Your Valentine D-size Stamp Set is not just for Valentine's. See several ideas, ranging from Father's Day to Christmas, pinned on my CTMH Whooo's Your Valentine pinboard. I continue to add pins as I find blog posts.

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