VersatMat and All-Purpose Mat

Here is a corporate video that provides a brief look at the two mats that CTMH offers.  Enjoy!

Celebrate Layout

I am sharing a one page 12x12 scrapbook page today that includes 5 pictures.  The base of this layout is from the Basic Assortment Paper Fundamentals Pack.  Here is the final product...

This is a close up of the title which was popped off the page using 3D foam tape.  To add a bit of sparkle, I included a piece of Silver Shimmer Trim that I colored using the Marine Blue Shin Han Marker. 

I included a couple of words stamped with Pacifica Exclusive Ink on Whisper Card stock that act as my embellishment and popped one off of the page with 3D foam tape.

Here is the supply list for this page...

• Paper Fundamentals, Basic Assortment
• Pacifica and Whisper Card stock
• "Celebrate" cut from Whisper, pg 87 of Artbooking Cricut Cartridge.  Note, I cut it using my Gypsy at a linked size of 10 inches resulting in a title that was approximately 1" in height, which I backed with a 1.5 x 6.6 inch piece of Pacifica card stock.
• C1617, You're the Bomb, stamped with Pacifica ink on Whisper Card stock.
• Marine Blue Shin Han Marker
• Silver Shimmer Trim
• 3D Foam Tape

March SOTM, Choose Happy

Choose Happy!  What's not to like about that?    This month's SOTM contains a total of 15 stamps, including 4 frames and 6 sentiments.  It is perfect for a card maker, but I have plans to use this great stamps set on some of my scrapbook pages!  Here is the card that I made with it:

Here is a peek inside my card.  I will let you in on a little secret - I colored the front of my card with my Shin Han markers and when I opened the card, I was surprised to see the colors had bled through the card front.  No worries though, I just added a small piece of Topiary Card Stock.  Problem solved.

And finally a close up of the card front...

Here is a list of the products that I used to complete this project:

• White Daisy Card Stock for the card base
• Pacifica Exclusive Ink Stamp Pad
• Card Stock:  Topiary and Pacifica
• Shin Han Markers:  Marine Blue, Marigold, Cherry Pink and Leaf Green
• Topiary Striped Washi Tape
• Topiary Mini Chevron Ribbon
• Liquid Glass (used to attach the ribbon)

Thanks for stopping by!

Teamwork Layout

My scrapbooking style has always been to focus on the pictures and to view the embellishments as the fun/fluff that helps feed my creative appetite.  Another constant concern for me is time.  While each page captures an event/topic that is important to me, I do prioritize what layouts I want to spend more time and energy on.  Since I am three years behind on my scrapbooking, I find myself more and more frequently choosing a simple layout and the layouts that I will share in the near future will all be quick and simple layouts.  

A recurring theme for me is to have too many pictures and I want to include them all.  This leaves little space for embellishments, but overall I am happy because I can put all of my pictures on the page. 

Today's layout includes space for 8 pictures and a generous area for journalling.  Here is the 12x12 layout...

For my foundation, I used a sheet from the Basic Paper Fundamentals Paper Pack.   I did have difficulty capturing it in my photographs, so I have included a close up pictures that shows the beauty that this papers adds to this layout...

Since there was very little space for embellishments, I wanted my title to do double duty and act as a decorative element.  I cut it from Pear cardstock and used snippets of 3D foam tape to pop it off of the page.  It is a simple way to add a bit of interest to the layout.  

The supplies that I used on this layout are:

• Paper Fundamentals, Basic Assortment
• Pear Card Stock
• Artbooking Cricut Cartridge, pg 83.  Note, I used my Gypsy to cut the title and it was cut at 10 inches, resulting in a title that was approximately1.5 inches tall.
• 3D Foam Tape

Artfully Sent Sentiment Card, Be Still Version

Today I will show you the first of two cards that I made using the Sentiment Card on page 31 of the Artfully Sent handbook.  I wanted a simple card, so I opted to use White Daisy for my card base.  Here is the front of the card.

 

Here is the inside...

 

And finally a couple of close ups so you can see the details...

There is a list of what I used to make this card:

• Card Stock
• White Daisy
• Pacifica
• Artfully Sent Cricut Cardtridge
• pg 31, <Sentiment> Shift; cut at 4.25" from White Daisy Card Stock
• pg 4, <Icon>; cut at 2" from White Daisy Card Stock
• D1631, Curlicue Frames Stamp Set
• A1141, Be Still Stamp Set
• B1428, Look to the Light Stamp Set
• Pacifica Exclusive Ink
• Bitty Sparkles
• ShinHan Marker, Marine Blue

Cricut® Artfully Sent: Scene Function

In this video, the Scene function of Artfully Sent Cricut Cartridge is explored.  Take note that swing and gatefold styles are also included in this function.  The shift key for this function includes the coordinating backer for this style of card.

Cricut® Artfully Sent: Sentiment Function

In this video, the Sentiment Function of the Artfully Sent Cricut Cartridge is explored.  While the cards were designed to result in either a standard 4.25 x 5.5 or 5 x 7 inch card, I have certainly played around with the sizes to get the appropriate size that I need. 

Cricut® Artfully Sent: The Basics

Today I am sharing three videos that CTMH has produced that provide a brief overview into the card making possibilities that are available using the Artfully Sent Cricut Cartridge. This first video goes over the basics of what is include in the cartridge. I have previously posted a video that explores the Pop Up cards that can be made with the cartridge and it can be viewed HERE.

Artfully Sent Sentiment Card, Go Confidently Version

Today,  I will show you the second card that I made using the Sentiment Card on page 31 of the Artfully Sent handbook.  Like the previous card, I opted to use White Daisy card stock for the card base.  Here is the front of the card.

Here is the inside...

And finally a close up so you can get a better view of the detail...

There is a list of what I used to make this card:

• Card Stock
• White Daisy
• Gypsy
• Artfully Sent Cricut Cardtridge
• pg 31, <Sentiment> Shift; cut at 4.25" from White Daisy Card Stock
• pg 4, <Icon>; cut at 2" from White Daisy Card Stock
• D1631, Curlicue Frames Stamp Set
• C1606, A Thing Well Done Stamp Set
• Gypsy Exclusive Ink
• Bitty Sparkles
• ShinHan Marker, Lavender

February SOTM, A Happy Hello

Spring is right around the corner and this stamp set, A Happy Hello, is giving a shout out to it.  It is a set of 15 stamps and is packed with fun flower options.  To create this card, I was inspired by the card on page 97 of Wishes Card Confidence Program.  I wanted a larger card, so I had to adjust the sizes of the pieces, but it was a quick adjustment....Here is the card I created with it:

The inside of my card was calling for some fun to be added, so I added a bit of stamping...

Here is a picture to give you a detailed close up view...

This is a list of the products I used to create this card:

• Wishes Card Confidence Program
• Blushed Paper Pack, Retired
• Exclusive Inks Stamp Pads: Canary, Pear and Hollyhock
• 3D Foam Tape
• Twist Ties, colored with Shin Han Leaf Green Marker)
• Bling Gems Gold Assortment
• Shin Han Markers, Leaf Green

Since I adapted the recipe in Wishes, I wanted to include the sizes of the cuts that I used on the various B&T Duos paper:
A.  1 x 5
B.  2.5 x 2
C.  3.5 x 3
D.  3 x 2.25
E.  2.5 x 2.5 (White Daisy Card Stock)

Thanks for stopping in!

February CTMH News

Love is in the Air - I can't help myself, but I do enjoy Valentine's day! I am a bit of a romantic and I guess that helps explain why I love this month.  I also love this month's CTMH specials.  We will begin with the Stamp of the Month, A Happy Hello.  It is loaded with adorable flowers that are perfect for springtime, which is right around the corner!

Here is a page from the Annual Inspirations Idea Book that shows this stamp set and a couple of projects that were made using it....

This D-size stamp can be purchased for $17.95, or can be purchased for only $5 with a $50 purchase of CTMH products.

The February constant campaign, Album Allure, is great for anyone who is in need of albums, like me :-)
During the month of February, when you purchase one of Close To My Heart’s alluring coated canvas albums you will be eligible to receive a second album of your choice at half price. That is a savings of over $17 USD / $19 CAD! These albums are available in a gorgeous variety of colors and patterns in both post-bound and D-ring styles—perfect to pair with traditional, Studio J^®, or pocket scrapbook layouts. This offer is only available while supplies last, so make certain to get your order in early to ensure you can choose the styles and colors you love. They’re going fast and are built to last; so don’t delay—place your order today!

Dates: Offer valid February 1, 2015–February 28, 2015. 

January STOM - This Moment

With the end of January right around the corner, I am glad to finally get around to posting the card that I made using this fun set, This Moment, which is a set of 12 stamps with a theme of love which is perfect for up upcoming day of Love that we celebrate every February.  However, it has some wonderfully versatile stamps, like Remember this Moment, which will work great on a scrapbook page,  and Hello, that will be great on card.

I decided to stay with the theme of Love...here is my card...

You may be wondering where I used the stamps...well, you will need to peek inside....

And one final picture that gives you a close up look....

Here is a summary of the products that I used:

• Artfully Sent Cricuit Cartridge, pg 35, Sentiment-Shift, cut at 4" from Slate Card Stock
• Artiste Cricuit Cartridge, pg 71, <I Love You>, cut at 2" from Cotton Candy Card Stock
• Slate Exclusive Ink
• Sparkles Clear Flourishes, Small, colored with Cherry Pink Shin Han Marker
• Color Ready Seam Binding, colored with Cherry Pink Shin Han Marker
• Blink Gems Gold Assortment, colored with Cherry Pink Shin Han Marker
• Black Arrow Washi Tape
• 3D Foam Tape

Cricut® Artfully Sent: Pop-Up Cards with Icons

Want to make your cards pop? Close To My Heart’s newest Cricut^®cartridge, Artfully Sent, has the tools you’re looking for! In this video from Corporate, you will learn how to use the Pop-up and Icon functions to create delightfully interactive cards and see the amazing versatility of this cartridge.

Score Board

Enjoy the following video as Christine introduces you to the Close to my Heart scoreboard...

List of Retiring Stamps Sets

The following stamp designs, last featured in the Spring/Summer 2014 idea book, are being retired. They will no longer be available to order after January 31, 2015. These sets can be viewed in the “Retiring Items” category on my CTMH web page.

A1124 A Tree
A1139 Congrats Graduate
A1141 Be Still
A1154 Friendly Thoughts
A1156 Flower Confetti
B1418 Love Doily
B1423 Hoppy Easter
B1439 Dreamer
B1440 Fancy Fair
B1441 Buggy Love
B1444 Greatest Love
B1445 Happy Hive
B1450 Owls
C1571 You're the Best
C1573 Do Your Best
C1574 Believe in Yourself
C1577 Mother's Day
C1579 Coming Up Roses
C1583 Robot Family
D1547 Paper Doll
D1579 Windy Day
M1035 Newlyweds
M1036 Perfect Polka-Dot Day
M1037 Balloons
M1038 Shooting Star
M1039 Good Job Stencil
M1040 Parasol
M1041 Hi
M1042 Colored Egg

Cricut® Artfully Sent: The Basics

Artfully Sent is Close To My Heart’s newest Cricut^® collection, and it’s packed with endless creative possibilities for you to explore. Enjoy the following corporate video which shares some simple tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your Artfully Sent experience.

Happy 2015

Happy New Year everyone!  2015 - the sound of it will take some getting used to, but with the arrival of a new year, there is always the excitement of a fresh start that is loaded with potential.  I have not made any resolutions this year - and very well may not because my track record for keeping them is quite dismal.  But there is still an undeniable energy that comes with the clean-slate of each new year! 

Close to My Heart has several fun ways to ring in the new year.

First, there is a great stamp of the month, This Moment, that is a set of 12 stamps.  While it's theme is undeniably "love", it includes some neutral stamps, like "Hello" and "Remember this Moment."  I will be posting a project or two in the future, but  it you'd enjoy seeing some great ideas that fellow consultants made using this stamp set, you can check out the CTMH Blog Hop by clicking HERE.  Here are a couple of ideas that were made by corporate artists that will give you an idea of what can be done with this stamp set...

Next, we will look at how Close to My Heart is celebrating National Papercrafting Month.  As you reflect on the things that make you who you are and on what you want to accomplish in the coming months, you can use Year >> Noted paper kit to record your experiences and goals! Close to My Heart is offering two options for this kit, the paper kit only and the paper kit with the mini kraft book.  During the month of January, with a qualifying purchase of $50, you are eligible to purchase the exclusive Year >> Noted paper kit (which has a retail value of over $24 USD / $27 CAD) for only $5—that’s over 80% off retail! Or, for an additional $5, you can order the Year >> Noted paper kit with an accompanying My Creations™ kraft mini book. 

The paper kit for both options includes a C-size stamp set, stickers, cardstocks, and B&T Duos™ papers, all specially designed to coordinate with the My Creations™ kraft mini book so you can have a yearlong scrapbooking experience. This means you will receive over $34 USD / $37 CAD worth of product for only $10 if you purchase the kit with the accompanying mini book! But the fun doesn’t end there—included on the sticker sheet, you will find a large golden seal. Once the year is done and all the pages are filled, seal up your book and create a mini time capsule that you can open years from now. Remember, this deal is only valid January 1, 2015–January 31, 2015, so make sure to get your own Year >> Noted paper kit today for the perfect start to a crafty year!

Finally, during the month of January, all Gatherings that reach $350 or higher will be eligible to receive up to 50% more Hostess Rewards, or $90 in select free products, instead of the usual $60.  This offer is only available during January and is the ideal pairing for your National Papercrafting Month Gatherings, so join in the celebration and watch your earnings grow!  If anyone has considered hosting a Gathering, this would be a great month to consider making it happen - just let me know and we can talk about options.

I hope 2015 will be a great year for everyone and thanks for stopping by!