Monday, February 28, 2022

BBMP Chantilly Cards & CTMH Specials Ending Today

It is the end of February 2022. The first two months of 2022 seemed to pass in record time. Why does time seem to be passing at double speed lately? As it is the end of the month, there are a few specials ending tonight, including the Bring Back My Pack—Chantilly special.

I recently completed two additional cards using the Chantilly stamps. I also challenged myself to use the background slimline Thin Cuts on an A2 (4¼" x 5½") card. Since the special ends tonight and, honestly I am pretty happy with the finished cards, I thought I would share the cards.

card created with Bring Back My Pack—Chantilly
card created with Bring Back My Pack—Chantilly

For this card I used the Hearts Slimline Thin Cuts (Z39992). To create a layer that hides the edge of the Slimline Thin Cuts, I centered a die (Spellbinders Large Labels) left to right on a piece of 4¼" x 5½" cardstock about ⅝" from the top edge and used low tack tape (iCraft Removable Purple Tape) to hold the die in place. I ran the die and cardstock part way through the die-cutting machine then reversed the direction. I removed the tape and slide the die down the cardstock to about ⅝" from the bottom, taped in place and ran through the die-cutting machine part way, then revered again.

Here's a closer look at the "fancy" corner created by the die.

close-up card created with Bring Back My Pack—Chantilly
close-up card created with Bring Back My Pack—Chantilly

I used a combination of adhesives to assemble the card and attach the fussy cut embellishments.

card created with Bring Back My Pack—Chantilly
card created with Bring Back My Pack—Chantilly

On my second card I used the Dots Slimline Thin Cuts (Z3993). On this card I used the same technique for cutting the aperture, but this time the die was too long, so I had to pull the die toward the top so I would not cut off the bottom.

For the cards above, I used Happy Thoughts (C1536) and Chantilly Scrapbooking Workshop Stamp Set (C1553), two of the three stamps that were brought back for Bring Back My Pack—Chantilly.

Here's a reminder of the specials that are ending at midnight MST tonight (2am EST on March 1):


Workshop Wow: Love Story
Workshop Wow: Love Story

True Story
True Story

Smitten
Smitten

February 2022 SOTM Here’s the Story
February 2022 SOTM Here’s the Story

The February 2022 Stamp Of The Month is also available with "Favorite" spelled as "Favourite" for those of you who create for friends and family where that is the preferred spelling. Just search for S2202E or follow this link.

Finally, today is the last day the January–February 2022 Catalog is valid.

January–February 2022 Catalog
January–February 2022 Catalog

Unfortunately a few items have already sold out. Typically when an item is sold out it will not be restocked, but due to logistical issues the Sweet as Honey Cardmaking Workshop (G1246) will be available sometime in March. The last time some of the Sweet as Honey Cardmaking Workshop became available they sold out fast, so my suggestion, if you are hoping to get this cardmaking workshop, is to check back daily (weekdays) and not to wait for an email from CTMH Corporate or myself (they sold out so fast they were gone before I saw the announcement).

I hope your last day of February 2022 is fantastic.

Wednesday, February 23, 2022

Year of the Tiger Stamp Set

Since the Year of the Tiger Stamp Set is not in a catalog, I do not have a flyer, and I thought you might like to know that the stamp is available, I created this post. I know it's been awhile since I've posted. I hope you don't fall out of your chair. [insert a grin]

Celebrate the Year of the Tiger with an exclusive Year of the Tiger stamp set!

Year of the Tiger Stamp Set (A1263)
Year of the Tiger Stamp Set (A1263)

A CTMH Corporate artist created this card with the Year of the Tiger.

card created with Year of the Tiger
card created with Year of the Tiger

This stamp set was initially designed for the Japanese market, and now Close To My Heart has made it available to everyone. To locate and order this stamp set through my eCommerce website, you can search for it by the item number (A1263), the name Year of the Tiger or click here.

By the way, if you are ever looking for an alternative spelling for a word, e.g., mum instead of mom, be sure to search my eCommerce website. Stamps with alternative spellings are usually available and typically have an "E" appended to the item number.

Have a great "hump" day and remainder of February 2022.

Thursday, February 10, 2022

Bring Back My Pack—Chantilly

Welcome to the Bring Back My Pack—Chantilly Blog Hop. The BBMY—Chantilly Blog Hop is brought to you by the same CTMH Makers who put on the Stamp Of The Month Blog Hops.

We have just over five Makers sharing their creations with the Chantilly collection. If you just happened upon my post, you can complete the hop by clicking the link to the next blog (often found near the bottom of the page) until you come back to my page.

Bring Back My Pack—Chantilly Blog Hop
Bring Back My Pack—Chantilly Blog Hop

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

For the Chantilly hop I created this birthday card (click any image if you would like a better look).

BBMP Chantilly Birthday Card
BBMP Chantilly Birthday Card

I started by using the Dots Slimline Thin Cuts to cut the light side of Green Apple (save the inside dots for a future shaker card). I layered that on the darker side of Lemonade. I die cut a partial piece of Scarlet cardstock using a scallop rectangle and a piece of White Daisy using the companion straight edge rectangle. I stamped the card with White Daisy Pigment Ink and heat embossed with White Super Fine Embossing Powder. Once I knew how long I wanted the White Daisy piece, I used a paper trimmer to cut off the "excess". That helped me determine how long to cut the scallop rectangle; I used low tack tape to hold the previously cut piece in place and just ran the end though the die cutting machine.

I colored the cake with a Waterbrush and ink "smooshed" to the top of the stamp pad. I stamped the banners in various colors on White Daisy and fussy cut. To create the "string" for the banners, I die cut just the top of the Season's Greeting Thin Cut then trimmed off the bottom. I stamped the happy birthday banners, flower and leaf on White Daisy and fussy cut each.

BBMP Chantilly Birthday Card (Inside)
BBMP Chantilly Birthday Card (Inside)

I carried the colors inside the card for the sentiment. I used the same technique as on the front, I cut a partial scallop rectangle and once I determined the size, I used low tack tape to hold the cardstock in place while I trimmed off and scallped the end (let me know in the comments if this written description does not make sense and I will write a post with more photos).

I also created this Thank You card.

BBMP Chantilly Thank You Card
BBMP Chantilly Thank You Card

This time I used the Dots Slimline Thin Cut on the darker side of Lagoon cardstock and layered it on top of Lemonade. I used the scallop rectangle and coordinating straight edge rectangle at full size on Ballerina Glitter Paper and Scarlet cardstock. I cut the Simple Serif letters from White Daisy then stamped in a variety of colors with stamps from the Scrapbooking Workshop. I stamped flowers, leaves and vines on White Daisy then fussy cut.

I hope you like the cards I shared today. Your next stop on the hop is ***Kim Loewen***. Before you leave, the supplies I used to create the cards are listed below:

All supplies are from Close To My Heart except where noted:

If you do not have a CTMH Maker, you may purchase the supplies I used at my eCommerce website.

If you have a few moments, I would love to know what you think about my slimline cards. Thank you for hopping with us!

So you do not have to scroll up, the next blog on our hop is ***Kim Loewen***.

Tuesday, February 1, 2022

CTMH Here's the Story SOTM Blog Hop - February 2022

Welcome to the February 2022 SOTM Blog Hop featuring the stamp set Here's the Story. There are almost fifteen CTMH Makers sharing projects created with the CTMH Stamp Of The Month Here's the Story. Keep clicking links to visit the next blog (often found near the bottom of a post) to complete the entire hop.

Here's the Story - February 2022 SOTM
Here's the Story - February 2022 SOTM

You should have arrived here from ***Krista's Crafty Blog***. If you encounter any problems along the way, Melinda Everitt keeps a list of the blog hop participants at her blog If You Bling It.

Here's the Story Stamp Set
Here's the Story Stamp Set

For the Here's the Story blog hop I created this layout. I looked through some sample one-page sketches, but no particular pattern caught my eye, so I started moving some scraps around on a piece of 12" x 12" Shortbread cardstock until I found something pleasing to my eye. I hope you find it pleasing to your eye too.

page created with Here's the Story
page created with Here's the Story

I had this photo taken with both of my parents, my aunt and three of her children (their father was my father's twin). I thought this stamp set would work beautifully with this photo.

close-up of page created with Here's the Story
close-up of page created with Here's the Story

For the hidden journaling I planned to use the Border Tab Thin Cuts (CC9206) or the Tabs Thin Cuts (Z3983) for the pull tab, however I am in the midst of organizing and purging some craft supplies and I was not able to find either set, so I cut two circles and added them to the front and back at the top of a White Daisy rectangle. So people would know where to find the journaling, I used the hearts from Perfectly Imperfect Patterns, placed them on the block so they made a semi-circle that would point to the tab. I also used a stamp from Seasonal Border Tab (CC102010) to stamp "PULL" on the circle (if you do not have Seasonal Border Tab, Border Tab (CC9204) has the word pull on it); unfortunately both stamp sets are retired.

close-up of page created with Here's the Story
close-up of page created with Here's the Story

I used the lighter side of Shortbread for the page base and the darker side of Shortbread for the Mighty Oak Thin Cut. I used Perfectly Imperfect Patterns with Shortbread ink so the background would not be so plain and to highlight the photo.

I had hoped to use Teeny Tiny Type (A1243) for my date, but when I pulled it out, I realized there are no numbers on the set. My mind is so jumbled from being pulled in so many different directions that it was not until I sat down to write this that I thought of using Teeny Tiny Type with the numbers on Here's the Story. Isn't that always the way things go? I think the two stamp sets combined would have fit in the oval much nicer.

Before you leave for ***CatScrapbooking***, the supplies I used to create my project are listed here.

All supplies are from Close To My Heart except where noted:

If you are not working with a CTMH Maker, you may purchase the supplies I used at my eCommerce website.

I hope you are enjoying the page I created with Here's the Story — February Stamp of the Month. If you have a few moments, please let me know what you think of this page. Thank you for hopping with us!

So you do not have to scroll up for the link, the next blog on our hop is ***CatScrapbooking***.

February 2022 CTMH News

Wait. It is February 1 already. Where did January go? I am not ready for February, I need a few more days in January. I guess since I cannot get some January days back, I better pull up my socks and dive in.

February 2022 Stamp Of The Month is Here's the Story

Close To My Heart Here's the Story—February Stamp of the Month (S2202)
Here's the Story (S2202)
available February 2022

Here's the Story (S2202) is an exclusive D-size set of 26 stamps. Here's the Story is available only during the month of February 2022. The stamp set can be free for CTMH VIP Customers who place a qualifying order during February. Those who are not CTMH VIP Customers can place a qualifying order and purchase the stamp set for only $5. Everyone qualifies for additional sets at $5 for each additional $50 spent on the same order. Here's the Story is also available for $18.95 with no other purchase required. The recommenced CTMH My Acrylix® Blocks for this stamp set are: 1" × 1" (Y1000), 1" × 1½" (Y1016), 1" × 3½" (Y1002), 2" × 3½" (Y1009), and 3" × 3" (Y1006)

The Close To My Heart art department created this two page layout with the Here's the Story Stamp Set:

left page Here's the Story
left page Here's the Story
right page Here's the Story
right page Here's the Story

Workshop Wow: Love Story

Workshop Wow: Love Story
Workshop Wow: Love Story

The Workshop Wow: Love Story special features cardmaking and scrapbooking workshops designed with our Love Story paper collection, which is available in our 2021–2022 Core Products catalog and sports three different color options—Black, Mink, and Toffee. Workshop Wow: Love Story is available though February 28, 2022.

Bring Back My Pack—Chantilly

Bring Back My Pack—Chantilly
Bring Back My Pack—Chantilly

This popular collection from the past is back for a limited time and has been updated to coordinate with our current exclusive color palette. Along with the designs and patterns you love from the Chantilly collection, this Bring Back My Pack special also includes the three stamp sets that were available with its original debut.

Bring Back My Pack—Chantilly is available until February 28, 2022 while supplies last.

National Papercrafting Month—True Story

National Papercrafting Month—True Story
National Papercrafting Month—True Story

CTMH is starting off 2022 with the True Story special to celebrate National Papercrafting Month. The special features an interactive mini album kit to document your favorite memories. Check out page 2 and page 3 of the flyer for photos of the pages in the mini album. The flyer can also be downloaded here.

True Story Flyer - page 1
True Story Flyer - page 2
True Story Flyer - page 3

Close To My Heart will have a Facebook Live Crafting Event for National Papercrafting Month—True Story on Tuesday, February 15 at 4pm EST. National Papercrafting Month—True Story is available until February 28, 2022 while supplies last.

Smitten

CTMH Smitten
Smitten

I love the bright colors and punny stamps in this collection. Both are perfect for creating during the dark days of winter, especially January and February. Smitten can be purchased as a product bundle or workshop (you will have 20% on the products this way) or you can pick and choose from the paper pack (with or without the sticker sheet), coordinating cardstock, and stamp set (with or without Thin Cuts). Page one of the flyer shows the entire bundle and page two lists the individual options and Workshop Kit. You can download a PDF of the Smitten Flyer here.

Smitten Flyer - page 1
Smitten Flyer - page 2
Smitten Flyer - page 3

Page three of the flyer shows the pages, cards and treat holders you will make when you craft along during the Facebook Lives. The first Facebook Live is scheduled for January 27. During this event the cutting for the entire workshop will be completed and the scrapbook layouts and cards will be created. The second event, on January 31, will be a CTMH Kids Crafts event when the treat holders will be created.

Smitten is available until February 28, 2022 while supplies last.

VIP Highlights Scrapbooking Workshop

VIP Highlights Scrapbooking Workshop
VIP Highlights Scrapbooking Workshop

The VIP Highlights Scrapbooking Workshop features a variety of exclusive Picture My Life™ Cards and a stamp set full of fun designs and sentiments to help you preserve your fondest memories with stunning scrapbook pages. This workshop is only available to Makers and VIP Customers. Don’t miss out on your opportunity to enjoy this exclusive crafting experience!

I hope your February is special. Try to stay warm.

Tuesday, January 18, 2022

January–February 2022 New Product Blog Hop

Welcome to the Close to My Heart New Product Blog Hop featuring papercrafts created with products in the new CTMH Idea Book January–February 2022 catalog. Today's hop is brought to you from same the group who bring you the Stamp Of The Month Blog Hop.

There are almost 15 CTMH Makers sharing their creations on this hop. If you just happened upon my post, clicking the link to the next blog (often found near the bottom of the page) will take you full circle.

January–February 2022 Catalog
January–February 2022 New Product Blog Hop

You should have arrived here from ***Megan @ Crop Craft Create***. If you get lost along the way, Melinda Everitt keeps a list of all blog hop participants on her blog at If You Bling It.

The first items I created with Sweet as Honey—Cardmaking Stamp + Thin Cuts were desktop calendars.

desktop calendar 01 - Jan-Feb 2022 New Product Blog Hop
desktop calendar created with Sweet as Honey—Cardmaking Stamp

Here is the view from the front of a similar desktop calendar.

desktop calendar 02 - Jan-Feb 2022 New Product Blog Hop
desktop calendar created with Sweet as Honey—Cardmaking Stamp

Here is a desktop calendar heat embossed with Princess Gold Embossing Powder.

desktop calendar 03 - Jan-Feb 2022 New Product Blog Hop
desktop calendar created with Sweet as Honey—Cardmaking Stamp

The desktop calendars are easel cards (you will find cut and score details for easel cards on my blog here) and were inspired by the cards on page 8 of the January–February 2022 catalog. The watercolor and cardstock color choices were directed by the sticky notes I found at the store.

I cut a ⅜" strip of cardstock to slip the liner of the sticky note stack through to hold the stack in place (the space is large enough for a 3" x 3" sticky note pad). I stamped the bee on either side of the strip. I used the Thin Cut label as a stopper for the sticky note stack or the calendar if the recipient chose to remove (or not replace) the sticky note stack.

When a new catalog is launched, CTMH Makers have the option to sign up for a catalog launch. Makers watch a catalog walk-though, where we are told how the catalog samples were created, and, with the product bundle we purchase, we have a creative session.

This is one of the cards from the creative session, created exactly as the instruction guide suggests.

Jan-Feb 2022 Catalog Launch - Project 2
Jan-Feb 2022 Catalog Launch - Project 2

The card base was stamped with VersaMark™ Ink Pad and embossed with Clear Super Fine Embossing Powder. The embossed area was inked with Spiced Marmalade then gently wiped with a soft tissue to remove the ink from the embossed area. The sentiment was stamped directly on the card front using a stamping platform and Intense Black. A ¼" strip of Black cardstock finish the top and bottom of the card and a Sweet as Honey Cork Shape embellishes the card.

Jan-Feb 2022 Catalog Launch - Project 2 Variation 1
Jan-Feb 2022 Catalog Launch - Project 2 - Princess Gold Embossing Powder

The card base was stamped with VersaMark™ Ink Pad and embossed with Princess Gold Embossing Powder. The rest of the card was finished as in the launch instructions.

Jan-Feb 2022 Catalog Launch - Project 2 Variation 2
Jan-Feb 2022 Catalog Launch - Project 2 - Black Soot ink

The card base was stamped with Black Soot Distress Oxide™ Ink and embossed with Clear Super Fine Embossing Powder. The rest of the card was finished as in the launch instructions except I ran out of Sweet as Honey Cork Shapes, so I created a hexagon shape using a die, Kraft Paper, and one of the mini bees from the stamp set.

Jan-Feb 2022 Catalog Launch - Project 2 Variation 3
Jan-Feb 2022 Catalog Launch - Project 2 - D.O.T.S. Black Embossing Powder

The card base was stamped with VersaMark™ Ink Pad and embossed with D.O.T.S Black Embossing Powder I found in my stash. The rest of the card was finished as in the launch instructions except I ran out of Sweet as Honey Cork Shapes, so I created a hexagon shape using a die, Kraft Paper, and one of the mini bees from the stamp set.

Jan-Feb 2022 Catalog Launch - Project 2 Variation 4
Jan-Feb 2022 Catalog Launch - Project 2 - VersaFine Onyx Black

My final card was stamped with VersaFine Onyx Black and embossed with Clear Super Fine Embossing Powder. The rest of the card was finished as in the launch instructions.

I hope you like the enjoyed seeing how I used Sweet as Honey—Cardmaking Stamp + Thin Cuts.

Before you head to ***My Heartfelt Sentiments***, the supplies I used to create my project are listed below.

All supplies are from Close To My Heart except where noted:

If you do not have a CTMH Maker, you may purchase the supplies I used at my eCommerce website.

I hope you are enjoying the projects created with the new products from CTMH. If you have a few moments, please let me know what you think of my creations. Thank you for hopping with us!

So you do not have to scroll back up, the next stop on the hop is ***My Heartfelt Sentiments***.

Saturday, January 1, 2022

CTMH Sweet Little Things SOTM Blog Hop - January 2022

I planned to participate in the January 2022 SOTM Blog Hop however fate had other plans and the delivery I was expecting on Tuesday was delayed until later in the week and unfortunately has returned to pending. I cannot complain as I know there have been some unexpected weather events between New York and Utah and with the pandemic numbers increasing, there could be staffing shortages. I am happy to have a warm home and so far been able to stay healthy.

If you are looking for the blog hop, you can start at CatScrapbooking.

Sweet Little Things—January Stamp of the Month (S2201)
Sweet Little Things—January Stamp of the Month (S2201)

Stamp set image:

Sweet Little Things Stamp Set Image
Sweet Little Things Stamp Set

Hopefully my stamp set will arrive soon. I will share what I create at a later date.

January 2022 CTMH News

A New Year. A time for resolutions. I have made one, but I am not sharing it just in case I am a complete failure in achieving the goal (now that I think of it, I have shared it privately with a couple of you, but I am definitely not ready to share it to the world).

If you have made any resolutions, I wish you well on reaching your goal. Change is very difficult.

November 2021 Stamp Of The Month Created to Shine

Close To My Heart Sweet Little Things—January Stamp of the Month
Sweet Little Things (S2201)
available January 2022

Sweet Little Things (S2201) is an exclusive D-size set of 10 stamps. Sweet Little Things is available only during the month of January 2022. The stamp set can be free for CTMH VIP Customers who place a qualifying order during January. Those who are not CTMH VIP Customers can place a qualifying order and purchase the stamp set for only $5. Everyone qualifies for additional sets at $5 for each additional $50 spent on the same order. Sweet Little Things is also available for $18.95 with no other purchase required. The recommenced CTMH My Acrylix® Blocks for this stamp set are: 1" × 1½" (Y1016), 1" × 3½" (Y1002), 2" × 2" (Y1003), 2" × 6½" (Y1010), 3" × 3" (Y1006), and 4" × 4" (Y1017).

The Close To My Heart art department created two cards with the Sweet Little Things Stamp Set:

card created with Sweet Little Things-January 2022 SOTM
card created with Sweet Little Things–January 2022 SOTM

card created with Sweet Little Things-January 2022 SOTM
card created with Sweet Little Things–January 2022 SOTM

There are new specials and a new catalog for 2022.

National Papercrafting Month—True Story

National Papercrafting Month—True Story
National Papercrafting Month—True Story

CTMH is starting off 2022 with the True Story special to celebrate National Papercrafting Month. The special features an interactive mini album kit to document your favorite memories. Check out page 2 and page 3 of the flyer for photos of the pages in the mini album. The flyer can also be downloaded here.

True Story Flyer - page 1
True Story Flyer - page 2
True Story Flyer - page 3

Close To My Heart will have a Facebook Live Crafting Event for National Papercrafting Month—True Story on Tuesday, February 15 at 4pm EST. National Papercrafting Month—True Story is available until February 28, 2022 while supplies last.

Hello 2022

Hello 2022
Hello 2022

During January 2022, the enrollment fee has been reduced to just $20. Plus you get $22 CTMH Cash at sign-up. The flyer here includes more information.

Smitten

CTMH Smitten
Smitten

I love the bright colors and punny stamps in this collection. Both are perfect for creating during the dark days of winter, especially January and February. Smitten can be purchased as a product bundle or workshop (you will have 20% on the products this way) or you can pick and choose from the paper pack (with or without the sticker sheet), coordinating cardstock, and stamp set (with or without Thin Cuts). Page one of the flyer shows the entire bundle and page two lists the individual options and Workshop Kit. You can download a PDF of the Smitten Flyer here.

Smitten Flyer - page 1
Smitten Flyer - page 2
Smitten Flyer - page 3

Page three of the flyer shows the pages, cards and treat holders you will make when you craft along during the Facebook Lives. The first Facebook Live is scheduled for January 27. During this event the cutting for the entire workshop will be completed and the scrapbook layouts and cards will be created. The second event, on January 31, will be a CTMH Kids Crafts event when the treat holders will be created.

Smitten is available until February 28, 2022 while supplies last.

January 2022 Album Retreat

January 2022 CTMH Album Retreat
January 2022 Album Retreat

Close To My Heart is having an Album Retreat in January 2022. The theme is Now and Then and during the retreat 11 two-page 12" x 12" scrapbook layouts will be created. The event will be held in a private Facebook group. There is no separate registration fee; just purchase the bundle and closer to the event you will receive an email with an invitation to the Facebook Group. The Retreat is January 19, 20 and 21, 2022 and sessions are from 4:00PM to 8:30PM EST). Visit the January 2022 Album Retreat Bundle product page to see photos of the scrapbook pages, a list of products included in the bundle and additional supplies needed. The last day to order the bundle is January 3 (bundles are available while supplies last) and bundles will ship soon after that date.

January–February 2022 Catalog

The latest catalog is available today.

January–February 2022 Catalog
January–February 2022 Catalog

The January–February 2022 Catalog features two new paper collections, a new Mix-In paper packet and several new stamps, many available with Thin Cuts. There are Facebook Lives for both the scrapbooking and cardmaking workshops. A full list of upcoming Facebook Lives can be found here. You can download a Printable PDF of the catalog under the page-turner of the catalog here.

I hope your 2022 is fabulous and healthy year.