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!

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.