Retiring Accessories

Here's a list of items that are NOT in the Idea Book that goes live February 1st. So if you see anything on here that you can't live without, now is the time to stock up. Use that Christmas cash!

(page references are from Autumn/Winter 2011 book) 

pg 124 
Colonial White Ribbon collection - Z1126 - $7.95 
Cranberry grosgrain ribbon - Z1103 - $6.95 
Cocoa grosgrain ribbon - Z1100 - $6.95 
Colonial White grosgrain ribbon - Z1102 - $6.95 
White Daisy grosgrain ribbon - Z270 - $6.95 
Wings Level 2 Assortment - Z1398 - $4.95 

pg 125 
Embroidery Floss - Red/Pink - Z1092 - $3.25 
Embroidery Floss - Green - Z1094 - $3.25 
Embroidery Floss - Blue/Purple - Z1093 - $3.25 
Waxy Flax - Cranberry - Z1086 - $3.95 
Waxy Flax - Sorbet - Z1249 - $3.95 
Waxy Flax - Juniper - Z1248 - $3.95 
Waxy Flax - Crystal Blue - Z1247 - $3.95 

pg 126 
Designer Brads - Colonial White - Z1274 - $3.95 
Designer Brads - Pewter - Z1146 - $3.95 

pg 127 
Mini Medley - Antiqued Copper - Z1275 - $4.95 
Mini Medley - Colonial White - Z1276 - $4.95 
Foundry Metal - Bookplates - Z1147 - $3.50 
Soft Set Eyelets - Black and White Daisy - Z1228 - $3.95 
Soft Set Eyelets - Chocolate and Colonial White - Z1229 - $3.95 

pg 128 
Midnight Felt Shapes - Z1462 - $3.95 
Harvest Charms - Z1633 - $4.95 
Holiday Packets - Z1486 - $4.95 
Top Coats Icing Overlays - Z1468 - $4.95 
Lucky Level 2 Assortment - Z1356 - $4.95 
Lucky Level 2 Journaling Spots - Z1359 - $3.95 
Bliss Level 2 Assortment - Z1355 - $5.95 
Sweetheart Level 2 Assortment - Z1386 - $4.95 
Fanfare Level 2 Assortment - Z1400 - $4.95 
Spring Blossom - Z1266 - $7.95 
White Daisy Variety Pack - Z1300 - $5.95 

pg 129 
Cardstock - Black 8-1/2 x 11 - X1412 - $5.50 
Cardstock - Colonial White 8-1/2 x 11 - X1411 - $6.75 
Cardstock - White Daisy 8-1/2 x 11 - 1320 - $6.75 
Color Ready Alphabets - Oxford - X5749 - $3.95 
Color Ready Alphabets - Hodge Podge - X1406 - $3.95 

pg 130 
Dimensional Elements - On Target - Z1226 - $5.95 
Dimensional Elements - Flurry - Z1225 - $4.95 

pg 131 
My Creations - Board Book - Z1310 - $6.95 
My Creations - Journal - Z1268 - $7.95 
My Creations - Memory Showcase 9x9 - Z1198 - $5.95 

pg 132 
Rubber Brayer - Z616 - $12.95 

pg 133 
Soft Set Eyelet Tool - Z1208 - $14.95 
Eyelet Tool Replacement Punches - Z1245 - $2.95 

*List compiled by Kathleen Caldwell Stoppelmoor

In Honor of Our First Snow

Here's a layout I made last year, if not 2 years ago. I got the paper from my friends' store-- Paper Dreams. I stamped a lot of the snowflakes with CTMH ink. I used red glittery ribbon and an assortment of brads on this layout. I believe the stamp set is called Ice Crystals.

Now about my friends' store... They are going out of business and are having a 25% off sale. I'm planning on taking a few friends over there tonight to do some shopping.

$5 "Holiday Wishes" Stamp Set

When you place a minimum order of $25 in My Acrylix^® stamp sets, you can purchase a new D-size Holiday Wishes stamp set for only $5 (retail is $17.95)! And here’s a bonus: many of the images in the set coordinate with our Cricut^® Art Philosophy cartridge for added cutting and stamping fun! Offer valid from now until November 30th.

Order this from my website today!

Images with a red line around them can be cut with the Cricut.

Website Sale and Some Spooky Art

Okay, so I'm not HUGE on Halloween, but how could I not love this spooky card? I used the paper from Mischief, of course. I added Licorice Opaques and the Midnight Felt Shapes. The only thing I stamped was the word "Halloween." The paper behind that is patterned paper from the kit.

On another note, it's a website SALE! Items as low as $0.25! These items are only while supplies last, so make sure you check it out!

Here's another card I made using Typeset. I just adore this paper pack. I think it can be used for sports, school, and even birthdays. For this card, I scored, then sanded the juniper cardstock. I randomly stamped the letters from Vintage Type all over it. The smattering of stars are the Typeset Canvas Complements and the Milepost corrugated shapes. I used ink for one star and gold embossing powder on the other corrugated star. For the larger canvas star, I used my paper piercer to shred the edges a little.

Oh, on another note....Steven flies to Washington D.C. tomorrow for his FINAL interview. We should find out within the next week or so what our future holds.

Sassy Sketches eBook Giveaway (Link Fixed) at Rose Blossom Legacies!

My friend, Brenda, is hosting a Sassy Lil' Sketches eBook Giveaway. Who wouldn't want one of these?

Brenda's Giveaway

Wicked Artwork

I figured before this month was over, I better post the art I created using Wicked, the August Stamp of the Month. I'm not much for Halloween, but I enjoyed stretching myself to come up with some "spooky" things.

This layout is by far, my favorite. I copied the idea from the Idea Book. Why re-invent the wheel when someone has already done the work?

The cat was stamped with Versamark, then embossed with white embossing powder. Do you see the Licorice Opaques on his/her eyes? This card also uses another Halloween stamp, All Hallow's Eve, on the Barn Red Cardstock.

I used a technique on the feet to create motion. I  stamped them and immediately used swiped my thumb over the top of them. It created the look of movement. You can click on the photo to see it larger.

Take Advantage!

If you spend $75 before August 31st, you can get over $40 FREE, plus the opportunity to get the Stamp of the Month for only $5! Read the details below:

1. When you purchase $50 in products before shipping and tax, you'll get the August Stamp of the Month for only $5! (This $55 amount also counts towards #3 below.

2. When you spend the $50 AND get the $5 Stamp of the Month, you also get this "A Typeface" stamp set FREE!

3. If you add another $20 to your order (totaling $75), you get the first-ever Double Stamp set called "Pair-a-phrase" for FREE! That value is $35.90!

In a nutshell, when you spend $75 (including the $5 stamp of the month), you get over $55.80 in FREE stamp sets!

Dreamin' and School Calendar

Look at these cute circle cards! The bottom two are from the Dreamin' Workshop Kit. The top left one is right from the Idea Book....yes, even consultants copy the Idea Book artwork! Why come up with your own ideas, when it's already in front of you?

Papers Used: Dreamin'
Stamps Used: Workshop Kit stamp set, Harvest Happiness, and So Grateful
Embellishments: Bronze Glitz Glitter Gel and Shimmer Brads (came with the workshop kit), Honey Mini Medleys, Antique Copper Brads, Chocolate Grosgrain Ribbon.

I finally got a Cricut and have used it a few times. I'm busy creating some artwork and haven't really had the chance to play around with it.

However, as some of you know, our family is homeschooling this year. So, with my Cricut, I created an interchangeable calendar for my first grader to use in the morning. I cut out the month letters and then a shape for each day of the month. August is suns. September is apples and so on. I slid the calendar into a CTMH page protector and am attaching the sun days with glue dots to the page protector. Works like a charm! For now, I just attached the month to the top of the protector, but I would like to create a cute page topper using the month header, but haven't had the time lately.

And homeschooling is great so far! I love it and the kids are liking it for the most part.

Art Philosophy Cricut Images--Holy Moly!!

I could not believe it when I saw this....I didn't realize there were so many different things to make with the Art Philosophy cartridge. You all will LOVE it! I can't wait to try to make some of the card bases with it. It's only $99 AND you can also get it as a half-price item when you host a party with $250 in sales!!

Click on any photo to see it up close.

 

Making Cricut Flowers CTMH-style!

Here's a quick video of one of CTMH's Vice Presidents, Kristine, creating Cricut flowers. She has a great tip to add some dimension to your flowers when adding them to your project.

NEW Autumn/Winter 2011 Idea Book is Live!

It's here! The newest Close To My Heart Idea Book! I polled several of my regular customers about the paper packs in this idea book. Many of them said they had a hard time choosing which paper packs they didn't like! I agree completely! From Halloween to a funky zebra striped-print--CTMH has outdone themselves with this one!

Some highlights of this idea book are:
1. The partnership with Cricut  introduces a new product called the Cricut Art Philosophy collection. I can't wait to get my hands on this product. I just got my Cricut in the mail last week and haven't had much time to play yet! If you visit Jeanette Lynton's blog, you will see some artwork using this cartridge. Jeanette is the founder of CTMH.

2. Level 2 paper packs now have thicker patterned paper. Each sheet also has the zip strip that tells what colors are used in the particular pack. Plus, the backside is created to look like a coordinating border to use on your own projects.

3. Cardstock "Shade Packs" are new this time around. These packs have 24 sheets total, consisting of 3 harmonious colors. See page 9 of the online Idea Book.

And so on, and so on!

Plus, now through August 31st, you can get a FREE alphabet stamp set when you place a qualifying order! Read more about this special.

Typeset Card

Another piece of art using the New papers! The Milepost Shapes are corrugated cardboard pieces, so all I did to create this look was run my ink pad over the corrugated part. So cool and adds that extra pop.

In just 2 more days, you'll be able to view the newest Idea Book online!

Paper Used: Typeset 
Stamps Used: Vintage Type, School Rocks 
Milepost Shapes 
Canvas Complements 
Pewter Mini Medleys 
Foundry Metal Pin Clips 
Colonial White Waxy Flax 
Wings Level 2 Assortment Ribbon-- juniper 

Sneak Peak--Artwork from the New Idea Book

 Here's a one page layout I created using some products from the NEW Autumn/Winter 2011 Idea Book. I immediately loved this paper pack. The coordinating embellishments are awesome too-- Cork Alphabet and Canvas Stickers.

Paper Used: Typeset 
Stamps Used: Vintage Type, School Rocks 
Milepost Shapes 
Canvas Complements 
Pewter Mini Medleys 
Green Ribbon Round-- juniper ribbon cut in thirds, then frayed 
Cork Alphabet 
Foundry Metal Ribbon Slides 

CTMH's Cricut Art Philosophy

From C. Hill's blog... just a few images of what you can do.

Close To My Heart has partnered with Cricut and brought us an EXCLUSIVE CTMH/CRICUT product. This new Art Philosophy kit has the following included:
3- D sized stamp sets-- three!
3- Dimensional Element sheets
1- Cricut Cartridge
Cost: $99 (so worth it, plus you can earn it as a 1/2 price item when you're hostess!)

The cartridge has 700 designs and can create up to 32, 000 combinations! If you visit Chris Hill's blog, she taught all about this at Close To My Heart's recent convention.She's got more details and also photos of what she created using this.

Here's a little video so you can get a better idea about it:

Items Discontinuing August 1st

Here's a list of CTMH items that won't be available after August 1st. There is a chance they will show up on my website as While Supplies Last, but that's not guaranteed.

Bliss Level 1 -- X7132A                 pg 12
 Bliss Level 2 -- X7132B                pg 12
 Bliss stickease -- X7132C pg 12
 Miracle L1 -- X7133A pg 16
 Miracle L2 -- X7133B pg 16
 Miracle stickease -- X7133C pg 16
 Sweetheart L1 -- X7134A pg 2
 Sweetheart L2 -- X7134B pg 20
 Sweetheart stickease -- X7132C pg 20
 Wings L1 -- X7135A pg 24
 Wings L2 -- X7135B pg 24
 Wings stickease -- X7135C pg 24
 Magnifique L1 -- X7127A pg 38
 Magnifique L2 -- X7127B pg 38
 Magnifique stickease -- X7127C pg 38
 Olivia L1 -- X7128A pg 38
 Olivia L2 -- X7128B pg 38
 Olivia stickease -- X7128C pg 38
 Hooligans L1 -- X7129A pg 39
 Hooligans L2 -- X7129B pg 39
 Hooligans stickease -- X7129C pg 39
 Mistletoe L1 -- X7130A pg 39
 Mistletoe L2 -- X7130B pg 39
 Mistletoe stickease -- X7130C pg 39
 Sweetheart WOTG -- G1017 pg 41
 Lucky WOTG -- G1018 pg 41
 Sophia WOTG -- G1019 pg 41
 Bliss WOTG -- G1020 pg 42
 Fanfare WOTG -- G1021 pg 42
 Mayberry WOTG -- G1022 pg 42
 Miracle WOTG -- G1023 pg 43
 Wings WOTG -- G1016 pg 43
  1 x 6 block -- Y1005 pg 45
 2 x 11 block -- Y1007 pg 45
  4 x 6 block -- Y1011 pg 45
  Envelope flats 2 x 3 -- Z1021 pg 114
 Envelope flats 3 x 3 -- Z1022 pg 114
 Envelope flats 3 x 4 -- Z1023 pg 114
 Envelope flats 4 x 4 -- Z1024 pg 114
 Envelope flats 4 x 4 -- Z1244 pg 114
 Envelope flats 5 x 5 -- Z1025 pg 114
 Envelope flats 5 x 7 -- Z1026 pg 114
 Envelope flats 5 x 4 3/4 -- Z1027 pg 114
 Envelope flats 6 x 6 -- Z1028 pg 114
 Envelope flats 8 x 3 -- Z1029 pg 114
 Designer ribbon cranberry -- Z1209 pg 115
 Designer ribbon buttercup -- Z1154 pg 115
 Designer ribbon sweet leaf -- Z1125 pg 115
 Sophia L2 Journaling Spots -- Z1357 pg 116
 Mini Medley Accents Pear -- Z1339 pg 117
 Mini Medley Accents Lagoon -- Z1340 pg 117
 Mini Medley Accents Outdoor Denim -- Z1277 pg 117
 Top Coats Framed In -- Z1211 pg 118
 Rub Ons Across the Board -- Z1231 pg 118
 Rub Ons Primavera -- Z1265 pg 118
 Dimensional Elements Villa -- Z1390 pg 118
 Dimensional Elements Miracle -- Z1354 pg 118
 Dimensional Elements Booksmart -- Z1223 pg 119
 Dimensional Elements Borders -- Z1156 pg 119
 Dimensional Elements Framed Fun -- Z1140 pg 119
 Dimensional Elements Plain Chipboard -- Z1164 pg 119
 Dimensional Elements Stars -- Z1312 pg 119
 Dimensional Elements Monograms A -- Z1055 pg 119 (new DE
 alphabets in fall book similar but new sizes and shapes)
 Dimensional Elements Monograms B -- Z1056 pg 119
 Dimensional Elements Monograms C -- Z1057 pg 119
 Dimensional Elements Monograms D -- Z1058 pg 119
 Dimensional Elements Monograms E -- Z1059 pg 119
 Dimensional Elements Monograms F -- Z1060 pg 119
 Dimensional Elements Monograms G -- Z1061 pg 119
 Dimensional Elements Monograms H -- Z1062 pg 119
 Dimensional Elements Monograms I -- Z1063 pg 119
 Dimensional Elements Monograms J -- Z1064 pg 119
 Dimensional Elements Monograms K -- Z1065 pg 119
 Dimensional Elements Monograms L -- Z1066 pg 119
 Dimensional Elements Monograms M -- Z1067 pg 119
 Dimensional Elements Monograms N -- Z1068 pg 119
 Dimensional Elements Monograms O -- Z1069 pg 119
 Dimensional Elements Monograms P -- Z1070 pg 119
 Dimensional Elements Monograms Q -- Z1071 pg 119
 Dimensional Elements Monograms R -- Z1072 pg 119
 Dimensional Elements Monograms S -- Z1073 pg 119
 Dimensional Elements Monograms T -- Z1074 pg 119
 Dimensional Elements Monograms U -- Z1075 pg 119
 Dimensional Elements Monograms V -- Z10576 pg 119
 Dimensional Elements Monograms W -- Z1077 pg 119
 Dimensional Elements Monograms X -- Z1078 pg 119
 Dimensional Elements Monograms Y -- Z1079 pg 119
 Dimensional Elements Monograms Z -- Z1080 pg 119
 3 x 3 Mini Album -- Z1166 pg 120
 My Creations 3 ring binder -- Z1141 pg 120
 Kraft Color Ready Borders -- Z1377 pg 120
 Red Eye Pen -- 3501 pg 121
 Embossing Powders Clear -- Z671 pg 121
 Embossing Powders Heavenly Blue -- Z647 pg 121
 Embossing Powders Pansy Purple -- Z664 pg 121
 Embossing Powders Silver Pearl -- Z678 pg 121
 Block Buddy Set -- Z1289 pg 121
 Pivot Point Stapler -- Z1009 pg 122
 Texture Tools Foam Tools -- Z1090 pg 122
 Fun Flock -- Z263
 My Accents Organizer -- Z183 pg 123
 My Accents Block Organizer -- Z185 pg 123
 Euro Personal Paper Trimmer -- Z338 pg 123
 Euro Replacement Blades -- Z339 pg 123
 Euro Replacement Blade/Scoring -- Z340 pg 123
 Cardstock 24 pk 12 x 12 Grey Flannel -- 5573 pg 124
 Cardstock 24 pk 12 x 12 Grey Wool -- 5571 pg 124
 Cardstock 24 pk 12 x 12 Brown Bag -- X5644 pg 124
 Cardstock 24 pk 12 x 12 Parchment -- X5645 pg 124
 Cardstock 24 pk 12 x 12 Amethyst -- X5631 pg 125
 Cardstock 24 pk 12 x 12 Baby Pink -- 1299 pg 125
 Cardstock 24 pk 12 x 12 Heavenly Blue -- 1285 pg 125
 Cardstock 24 pk 12 x 12 Key Lime -- 1235 pg 125
 Cardstock 24 pk 12 x 12 Sunkiss Yellow -- 1240 pg 125
 Cardstock 24 pk 12 x 12 Taffy -- X5630 pg 125
 Cardstock 24 pk 12 x 12 Juniper -- X5752 pg 125
 Cardstock 24 pk 12 x 12 Lilac Mist -- 1295 pg 125
 Cardstock 24 pk 12 x 12 Sorbet -- X5751 pg 125
 Cardstock 24 pk 12 x 12 Spring Iris -- 1296 pg 125
 Cardstock 24 pk 12 x 12 Tulip -- X5753 pg 125
 Cardstock 24 pk 12 x 12 Gypsy -- X5757 pg 125
 Cardstock 24 pk 12 x 12 Holiday Red -- 1274 pg 125
 Cardstock 24 pk 12 x 12 Sunny Yellow -- 1225 pg 125
 Cardstock 24 pk 12 x 12 Sunset -- X5758 pg 125
 Cardstock 24 pk 12 x 12 Topiary -- X5635 pg 125
 Cardstock 24 pk 12 x 12 Cotton Candy -- X5760 pg 125
 Cardstock 24 pk 12 x 12 Dutch Blue -- 1241 pg 125
 Cardstock 24 pk 12 x 12 Lagoon -- X5762 pg 125
 Cardstock 24 pk 12 x 12 Pear -- X5764 pg 125
 Cardstock 24 pk 12 x 12 Sky -- X5761 pg 125
 Cardstock 24 pk 12 x 12 Autumn Terracotta -- 1270 pg 125
 Cardstock 24 pk 12 x 12 Barn Red -- X5637 pg 125
 Cardstock 24 pk 12 x 12 New England Ivy -- 1282 pg 125
 Cardstock 24 pk 12 x 12 Pansy Purple -- 5590 pg 125
 Cardstock 24 pk 12 x 12 Sunflower -- 1242 pg 125
 Cardstock 24 pk 12 x 12 Garden Green -- 1244 pg 125
 Cardstock 24 pk 12 x 12 Goldrush -- 1243 pg 125
 Cardstock 24 pk 12 x 12 Hollyhock -- 1246 pg 125
 Cardstock 24 pk 12 x 12 Indian Corn Blue -- 1284 pg 125
 Cardstock 24 pk 12 x 12 Vineyard Berry -- 1248 pg 125
 Cardstock 24 pk 12 x 12 Buttercup -- 1271 pg 125
 Cardstock 24 pk 12 x 12 Garnet -- X5638 pg 125
 Cardstock 24 pk 12 x 12 Moonstruck -- 1293 pg 125
 Cardstock 24 pk 12 x 12 Ponderosa Pine -- 1276 pg 125
 Cardstock 24 pk 12 x 12 Smokey Plum -- 1291 pg 125
 Cardstock 24 pk 12 x 12 Blush -- X5640 pg 125
 Cardstock 24 pk 12 x 12 Crystal Blue -- 1292 pg 125
 Cardstock 24 pk 12 x 12 Honey -- X5668 pg 125
 Cardstock 24 pk 12 x 12 Petal -- X5667 pg 125
 Cardstock 24 pk 12 x 12 Twilight -- X5666 pg 125
 12 x 12 Combo Cardstock Pack Antique -- X5686 pg 124 (colors
 are not changing but are being re-grouped so combo packs will change)
 12 x 12 Combo Cardstock Pack Timeless -- X5700 pg 124
 12 x 12 Combo Cardstock Pack Harmony -- X5682 pg 125
 12 x 12 Combo Cardstock Pack Blossom -- X5756 pg 125
 12 x 12 Combo Cardstock Pack Carnival -- X5765 pg 125
 12 x 12 Combo Cardstock Pack Celebration -- X5766 pg 125
 12 x 12 Combo Cardstock Pack Harvest -- X5684 pg 125
 12 x 12 Combo Cardstock Pack Garden -- X5698 pg 125
 12 x 12 Combo Cardstock Pack Classic -- X5685 pg 125
 12 x 12 Combo Cardstock Pack Cozy -- X5800 pg 125
 8 x 11 Combo Cardstock Pack Antique -- X5691 pg 124
 8 x 11 Combo Cardstock Pack Timeless -- X5705 pg 124
 8 x 11 Combo Cardstock Pack Harmony -- X5687 pg 125
 8 x 11 Combo Cardstock Pack Blossom -- X5755 pg 125
 8 x 11 Combo Cardstock Pack Carnival -- X5767 pg 125
 8 x 11 Combo Cardstock Pack Celebration -- X5768 pg 125
 8 x 11 Combo Cardstock Pack Harvest -- X5689 pg 125
 8 x 11 Combo Cardstock Pack Garden -- X5703 pg 125
 8 x 11 Combo Cardstock Pack Classic -- X5690 pg 125
 8 x 11 Combo Cardstock Pack Cozy -- X5801 pg 125
 Stamp Pad set Antique -- Z1564 pg 124
 Stamp Pad set Timeless -- Z1569 pg 124

 Stamp Pad set Harmony -- Z1560 pg 125
 Stamp Pad set Blossom -- Z1570 pg 125
 Stamp Pad set Carnival -- Z1573 pg 125
 Stamp Pad set Celebration -- Z1574 pg 125
 Stamp Pad set Harvest -- Z1562 pg 125
 Stamp Pad set Garden -- Z1567 pg 125
Stamp Pad set Classic -- Z1563 pg 125
Stamp Pad set Cozy -- Z1600 pg 125
 Marker set Antique -- Z1554 pg 124
Marker set Timeless -- Z1559 pg 124

Marker set Harmony -- Z1550 pg 125
Marker set Blossom -- Z1571 pg 125

Marker set Carnival -- Z1572 pg 125
Marker set Celebration -- Z1575 pg 125
Marker set Harvest -- Z1552 pg 125
Marker set Garden -- Z1557 pg 125
Marker set Classic -- Z1553 pg 125
Marker set Cozy -- Z1610 pg 125
 Textured Cardstock White Daisy -- X5671 pg 124

Stampin' Up Catalog

Click on photo to see it up close.

Pam, my Stampin' Up consultant, gave me a copy of their new Catalog last week (thanks, Pam!). I think their catalogs are so beautiful! Their stamp images are awesome. I want to own all colors of the 1 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon! I love that stuff. It's like the chocolate and white ribbon that came in the CTMH You and Me Kit.

Anyway, I created these 3x3 cards using CTMH supplies, but inspired by the Stampin' Up catalog. I love using that book for inspiration. I used several different stamp sets and inks, so I'm  not going to list them out. Simple, yet cute cards.

July's CTMH Promotion

Order Now!

Lincoln's First Haircut Layouts

These photos were taken last summer, before he turned one. I wanted to show you how I used the traditionally girly Sophia papers for one layout. Then, I made another layout using a retired paper pack-- Tinkerin'. 

This layout uses the You & Me kit stamp set. I also used some contraband green ribbon, Pink CTMH button and brad, and pear mini medleys.

With this layout, I used the white Dimensional Elements Borders. I also used the stamp set Gear Up, which is an older one.

Trees & Things Video Inspiration

I have this adorable stamp set and I just love it. It's so cute for cards and those backyard, hangin' out layouts. Here's a layout I created using it:

Now watch this video to learn how to use this stamp set in other ways.

CTMH Art Gallery

This week is our church's VBS, so I don't have time to post anything this week. I thought I would direct you to a site with lots of CTMH artwork, instead of waiting on me to post some! Over at Big Red Scraps is a huge CTMH artwork gallery. These are posted by consultants and customer alike. You can search by paper pack and/or stamp set. Check it out!

Free Digital Layout for You

During the Studio J^® Free-for-All in June, CTMH is giving everyone a FREE Studio J^® JPG file—no purchase required! Simply log on to Studio J, create a layout, then order one JPG file of your layout during the checkout process. It's as easy as that! We're offering one free JPG file per customer account during June, so if you already have a Studio J or a MyCTMH^® account, just log on and start creating. If you don’t have an account, no worries—you can log on and create an account and then order your free JPG file with no strings attached. Make June the month you introduce yourself to Studio J with the FREE JPG promotion. You just might love it and return for more!

Offer valid June 1, 12:01 am (MDT) – June 30, 11:59 pm (MDT)

Studio J Digital Scrapbooking

I don't care for digital scrapbooking, but I thought I would put this information out there anyway. I realize that it's fun and quick, but I personally prefer to do some real hands-on scrapbooking. The following videos were put together by CTMH and walk you through a few Studio J projects.

CTMH offers a Studio J membership which you can read more about here. On the other hand, if you don't want to purchase a membership, you can try it out for FREE. They also have an Art Gallery where you can view digital layouts.

Jill's Calendar Toppers

Jill, a friend and customer, made this for her mom for Mother's Day. These are for the Event Calendar. The calendar is a perpetual calendar that you can add birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays that stay on the same date. You can see what it looks like here. This really does make a good gift for parents and grandparents.

Great job, Jill. I love it!

No Place Like Holmes by Jason Lethcoe

 Nowadays there just are not very many “wholesome” books to choose from for older elementary kids. This age group can still find Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew mysteries, but oftentimes those books aren’t advertised. Instead, it’s vampires, fairies, children spouting off rude and offensive words, and being disrespectful.

No Place Like Holmes is a book I can’t wait to share with my children! The main character, Griffin, is a very likeable character, as is his uncle. With all the “spy” rage right now, I believe children will fall in love with this book. It will keep them intrigued and full of suspense. Who could resist a mystery about the Loch Ness Monster?

I enjoyed the fact that Griffin is a well-rounded young man who respects those he comes in contact with. Throughout the book, his language is appropriate and he also unashamedly shows his faith.

I was pleasantly surprised to find out that this is a book series, so I can’t wait for the next one. I will be keeping this on my Nook for awhile.

The only thing that I did not care for was the fact that it was a little slow in the beginning. I don’t know if that was me reading an eBook for the first time or if it truly was monotonous. I suppose I will warn my kids to stick with it because it does get better.

I would recommend this book for 9-12 year olds.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Mix and Mingle Banner

This banner is beautiful! Watch this YouTube video from CTMH.



(As usual, I apologize about the size of the video. Until someone clues me in on how to shrink these videos, this is how you'll get them!)

Five Question Friday, a day late...

1. Tube socks, calf socks, crew, ankle, none? Any type.

2. Was your childs (children's) name a mutual decision or was it a debate? If you don't have children, do you plan on giving your spouse a say, or do you have a name you MUST have, regardless if your other half likes it or not?! I think we discussed together, but I always thought his names were no good. I have this thing where I can't name a child if I already know someone with that name. The more kids you have, the harder it is to name them all! 

3. What is your favorite type of weather? Spring and Fall and nothing in between.

4. If left to your own devices, what time would you wake up every day? 5:30am. It's the only quiet time I get.

5. Have you bought your cemetery plots yet? No, am I that old?

Sketchy Thursday Challenge with Mayberry

 I am a Challenge Junkie, only I never have time to actually take part in the challenge. The ones I like to visit weekly are:
Mojo Monday
Heart 2 Heart
Color Q
Color Throwdown
Play Date Cafe
Sassy Lil' Sketches
365 Cards
Better Living Through Scrapbooking
My Little Sketch Book
Sketchy Thursday (thanks to Kayla)

So this week, I forced myself to do one. I chose to use the one from Sketchy Thursday. This is their sketch and we were supposed to draw inspiration from the tea cups, as far as colors go.

Now, here's what I cam up with:

I'm just loving the Mayberry papers. More than I thought I would. In fact, it was one of my least favorite paper packs, but I really think the colors in it are so versatile.

You can order this paper pack from my website here.
And don't forget about this month's Close To My Heart special!

Washington, by Paul Vickery and Stephen Mansfield

I mostly enjoy fiction, so this is a new read for me. Last summer I picked up a book by Andrew Jackson and LOVED it. I learned so much about him. Before reading about him, all I recalled from American History was that he was a president.

Since that book was so enjoyable, I thought I would read Washington by Paul Vickery and Stephen Mansfield.  I knew a little more about George Washington that I did about Jackson. However, I just could not get into this book. It just did not hold my attention. It did a very thorough job of describing his military career and the type of general that he was. The one thing I did enjoy was that it delved into his character—what he thought, why he did what he did, how he wasn’t perfect.

I think it just had too much information about too many things and didn’t really give the reader time to “catch up” to what was being written about. I felt lost the entire time I read this book.

If you already know a lot about Washington and the battles of the Revolutionary War, then this book is probably right up your alley. Because there is so much information in this book, I’ll venture to guess that you’ll learn more. Or, if you had to write a paper about his life, this book would be a good place to start. It’s so comprehensive.

Even though this book is published by Thomas Nelson, it is not overly religious. It mentions Washington’s faith a few times, but not so much that it’s a focal point at all.

I would not recommend this book to anyone in casual conversation, unless I knew they were passionate about George Washington. It did not inspire any sort of change in my life because of reading it.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

You and Me Kit Video

Here's a fun video about this month's CTMH special...uh just in case you would even consider NOT buying this awesome and oh-so-trendy kit! :)

May is National Scrapbooking Month!

Click to view image larger.

Close To My Heart is celebrating National Scrapbooking Month in May with a fantastic scrapbooking kit—the You and Me kit!

There are a few different ways to get this kit in your hot little hands:

1.    Place a minimum order of $50 and you can purchase it for only $15! That’s more than half off the retail price of $34.95!

2.    You can also purchase the kit outright for $34.95  without a minimum purchase.

      3.    If you decide to join CTMH in May as a new consultant, you’ll get the kit absolutely FREE! That’s $34.95 FREE! Not only that, but the consultant kit is HALF PRICE in May! 

Let me break that down for you: For only $64.50*, you could get about $300 in CTMH supplies! Why wouldn’t you join this month?

*this price does not include shipping and tax

Contact me with any questions you might have!