NEW CRICUT ALERT!!!!

ATTENTION ALL CRICUT AND CARD MAKING CRAFTERS.

NEW CRICUT CARTRIDGE COLLECTION

NOW AVAILABLE!

 

 

 

New Cricut Artfully Sent Collection is now available for purchase.

 

This Cricut Collection includes:

1 – Cartridge (700 images: Cards and Font)

3 – My Acrylix® D-size stamp sets

1 – 12" × 12" White Daisy Cardstock Pack

 

Recommended blocks for included stamp sets: 1" × 1" (Y1000), 1" × 3½" (Y1002), 3" × 3" (Y1006), 2" × 3½" (Y1009).

 

Cricut® is a registered trademark of Provo Craft & Novelty, Inc. All rights reserved.

With our newest Cricut Collection you can create many cards with sentiments cut directly onto the card or combine images to create your own pop-cards and scenes. There are mroe than 25 different card themes, and for all occasions.

 

Order yours today at www.FrancisAmes.ctmh.com.

 

Below is a short video hightlighting this amazing cartridge.

 

 

 

Let It Rain!

Today, in the Philadelphia area it's forcasted to rain so here's a card inspired by the weather and Splitcoast Stampers.

 

 

This is a side step card using Brushed Paper Packet, Rainy Day stamp, and Aqua Dots for embellishment. I colored in the stamped images using alcohol markers. To recreate a side-step card just follow this link to Splitcoast Stampers site.

 

Enjoy!



September is National Stamping Month

GET A FREE STAMP!

HOW?
September is National Stamping Month, and Close To My Heart is ready to celebrate all month long! When you spend $30 on any current retail-priced stamps during the month of September, you qualify to receive the exclusive C-sized stamp set #30yearsofhappy for FREE! This special offer is part of our celebration of National Stamping Month and in honor of our ongoing celebration of our founder and CEO Jeanette Lynton’s 30-year anniversary in the scrapbooking and stamping industry.

 

Remember order stamps that total $30 in value and get a FREE stamp set while supplies last. Place your online order today  or contact me.

** SECOND INCREDIBLE DEAL **

 

Each month you can purchase a new D-size stamp set, available for one month only, for just $5— that’s over 70% off retail! When you place an order of $50 or more in Close To My Heart products, you qualify for this special Stamp of the Month pricing.

September 2014: Family Is Forever (S1409)

Spend $50 and get this Stamp of the Month set for just $5.

S1409 Family Is Forever, Stamp set of 7

How about some inspiration? Check out these lovely projects..

  

Cards that are a Cut Above

Everyone wants to create that project that's just a cut above. The kind of project that everyone says, "Wow! You made that?" or "How did you create that?". What if you can create a set of greeting cards very quickly and can proudly say, "I made it myself." Close to My Heart created a series of card kits called, "A Cut Above" where you can create a set of cards quickly and inexpensively.

I particularly run out quickly of Thank You and Birthday cards. Not to mention more people added to my holiday card list. Cut Above Kits makes 10 cards or 10 treat bags. You will need to get minor supplies like adhesive, ink pad, and stamp.

A Cut Above Thank You Card Kit (Z2063)

 

  

A Cut Above Happy Birthday Card Kit (Z2061) 

 

A Cut Above Holiday Card Kit (Z2065)

 

A Cut Above Christmas Card Kit (Z2064)

 

There are two crafting projects in the Cut Above series.

A Cut Above Halloween Treat Bag Kit (Z2058)

Cut Above Holiday Treat Bag Kit (Z2057)

 



August Special Offers

Close to My Heart is celebrating 30 years as a company and they are showing us how appreciative they are with multiple specials this year. 

During this month, August 2014, when you purchase a Picture My Life Kits and you may also get an additional page protectors at the discounted price of just $3.

 

You can create an amazing scrapbooking album very quickly without having to spend money on new tools, adhesives, or embellishments unless you choose to. You just select your cards, photos, and page protector and slide the items into the pockets to create a layout as shown below.

 

 

 

There are 13 Picture My Life kits to choose from, the first five shown below are the newest additions to the collection.

 

 

 

Remember there are more kits to choose from online.

 

So how do you get on the page protector deal?

During the month of August, when you purchase any of the 13 available Picture My Life™ scrapbooking programs featured in the 2014–2015 Annual Inspirations idea book at their full retail price of $24.95 USD / $27.50 CAD, you are eligible to add your choice of 1 of 8 qualifying Memory Protectors™ 10-packs for just $3 (USD & CAD)! Each Picture My Life scrapbooking program already includes a coordinating 10-pack of Memory Protectors, so when you add your additional 10-pack for only $3 you will be well on your way to your own picture-perfect pocket scrapbooking adventure!

 



Which of the eight page protectors can I choose from at the discounted price?

  Discounted Memory Page Protectors™:

Z1324 Design 1 – 10 protectors: 6 vertical 6" x 4" pockets each.
4113 Design 2– 10 protectors: 6 horizontal 4" x 6" pockets each

Z1950 Design 3 – 10 protectors: 4 vertical 6" x 4" pockets and 4 horizontal 3" x 4" pockets each.

Z1951 Design 4  – 10 protectors: 4 horizontal 4" x 6" pockets and 4 vertical 4" x 3" pockets each.
Z1952 Design 5 – 10 protectors: 3 vertical 6" x 4" pockets and 6 horizontal 3" x 4" pockets each.
4110 Top Load – 10 protectors: 12" x 12" pocket. 1/2" gutter seam so pages lie flat.
Z1968 Side Load – 10 protectors: 12" x 12" pocket.
Z3026 Variety Pack – 10 protectors: 4 of Design 3, 3 of Design 4, and 3 of Design 5.
   

What is included in a Picture My Life™ scrapbooking program?
Each Picture My Life™ scrapbooking program includes a 12" × 12" cover page, a starter pack of 10 coordinating Memory Protectors™, and 122 double-sided cards in 3" × 4" and 4" × 6" horizontal and vertical designs. The cardstock-weight cards feature journaling spaces, sentiments, and a variety of icons.

 

Where can I find more information about the Memory Protectors™?
Additional information about the Memory Protectors™ can be found on page 185 of the current Annual Inspirations idea book.

 

Where can I find more information about the Picture My Life™ scrapbooking programs?
Additional information about product item numbers for the Picture My Life™ scrapbooking programs can be found on pages 146–149 of the current Annual Inspirations idea book.

 

 

STAMP OF THE MONTH DEAL

Each month you can purchase a new D-size stamp set, available for one month only, for just $5— that’s over 70% off retail! When you place an order of $50 or more in Close To My Heart products, you qualify for this special Stamp of the Month pricing. This month the Stamp of the Month is What a Hoot (S1408)

What a Hoot (S1408)

Spend $50 and get this Stamp of the Month set for just $5.

You can create amazing projects with this stamps. Here's just a few examples.

 

 

 

So what are you waiting for? Get Scrappin' 

Happy Birthday Close to My Heart

Did you know that Close to My Heart is celebrating it's 30th Year Anniversary? The company is going strong and expanding internationally and I anticipate the company being around for along time.

As you already know there's a BRAND NEW IDEA BOOK. It's jammed packed with more paper packets and stamps that you can purchase from now until July 2015. Once the new idea book is launched in August of 2015 only brand new products will be made available. That means that paper packets, workshop on the go kits, stamps, embellishments, home decor, and so much more won't be available for purchase. But that's okay because we always fall in love with the new stuff too.

In this New Idea Book there's a NEW Cricut Cartridge Collection called Artfully Sent Z3017 found on page 140! More WASHI Tape on page 173! More jewelry and home decor crafting projects. I love the Picture My Life kits on pages 146-147. If you have ever been pressed for time to scrapbook then this type of scrapbooking is for you. I'll show case some of my projects in the future.

For right now, I wanted to include one project I created that meets both MOJO Monday's and Heart to Heart Blog Challenges.

I used the MOJO358 Sketch.

Following the Heart to Heart Challenge of creating a project relating to a song. My theme is Happy Birthday to You!  I used Confetti Wishes Paper Packet X7189B found in the New Idea Book along with a recently discontinued stamp called Teddy Bear Wishes A1143.

To recreate this card the dimensions are as follows:

• Daisy White Cardstock 4.25" x 5.5" folded for cardbase, 2.25" x 2" for the bear, 3" x .75" for the sentiment.
• Pacifica Cardstock 4" x 5.25"
• Confetti Wishes Paper Packet (Checker Board) 2" x 3.5" includes the top border of the paper packet, (Stripped) 3.75" x 2.75"
• Thistle Cardstock (new color) 2.5" x 3.25"
• Brushed Assortment Flower Z3013

I hope you enjoy the New Idea Book. Thanks for visiting!

So Sorry

I must admit I have neglected this blog and my group of crafters. Life happens and with it comes challenges outside of our control. As for me, I have been re-evaluating my life and thinking about what's really important. Since last year I had to attend a funeral every month with the exception of July. November through January were the loss of family members and this year it's been the loss of friends. July I've visited four people in hospitals and also offered support once they are home. This month is no exception to the funeral streak. It's been very hard to deal with so much loss. My faith has sustained me and so I am grateful to be able to be there for my loved ones and friends. In addition to all of this I've also started a new business venture which has occupied much of my time and energy. So as you can imagine life has been hectic and before I knew it months have gone buy. For being on my back bunner I'm so sorry.

I am grateful to you for your patience and hanging in there. I cannot promise to post as frequently as I did before but I will have weekly posts again. Creating handmade cards and actually gifting them has brough so many smiles that I just can't give this up.

This was my most recent greeting card for my long time friends that have just lost their mother. I used the MojoMonday sketch MOJO357.

To recreate this darling card I used My Mind's Eye 6"x6" Paper Packet called In Blossom. Below are the measurements.

• White Cardbase: 4.25" x 5.5" folded
• Grey & White Patterned Paper: 5.25" x 4"
• Yellow Patterned Paper: 4" x 2.25"; inside lining 5" x 3.5" (not shown)
• White Floral Patterned Paper: 3" x 1.75"
• Pink Patterned Paper: 2" x 1.5"
• Dark Grey Floral Patterned Paper: .75" x 6"
• Banner (back of the Yellow Patterned Paper: .75" x 3"
• Michaels' Paper Flowers
• Stamp set used: Close to My Heart's Card Chatter- Sympathy - D1476 (retired)
• Close to My Heart Grey Wool Ink pad (retired)

 

Next post is all about the NEW IDEA BOOK! I've already placed my order and my goal is to post before the month's out with all new creations.

 

Watch out for this month's deals!

 

Until the next time.... Happy Crafting!



March Stamp of the Month

Our Stamp of the Month Stamps are Beautiful and so are the Amazing Discounts

Each month you can purchase a new D-size stamp set, available for one month only, for just $5 — that’s over 70% off retail! When you place an order of $50 or more in Close To My Heart products, you qualify for this special Stamp of the Month pricing online or in person.

March's Stamp of the Month is called Happy Place

You may be able to purchase this stamp for $17.95.

 



Imagine creating these amazing projects. For instructions and supply list visit my website.

Great tips on creating your own mini album

I really enjoy creating mini albums and have create a few already and using the Cricut Cartridge Artbooking. This cartridge makes it really easy and was definitely created with the scrapbooker's passion in mind. Video this 6 minute tutorialbelow on how you can recreate your own mini album.

Tutorial for Baby Layout & Card using Arbooking

I love to scrapbook and I love my Cricut machine so marrying the two off with Close to My Heart cartridge called Artbooking you are bound to produce a lovely Baby Layout. So less than a year after launching this Cricut Cartridge CTMH corporate office made this informative video on how to create a baby layout and greeting card. It is a short video worth watching.

Enjoy!

If you would like to order this cartridge featured here feel free to do so at my online store.

Embossing Folders Tutorial

You may have noticed that lately I have used my embossing folders to create texture in at least two of my most recent creations below.

But did you know that there's a proper way to insert your paper so that you have a great embossed paper? Watch this quick tutorial that shows you how to go with the grain of the paper.

\

I hope to soon see your creations. Just leave a comment with a link to your work.

Sending You My Love

There was an adorable stamp featured in the Holiday Guide 2013 that's still available online called "Lots of Love" and I was very happy to be able to use it for the below challenges.

Clear It Out Challenge Flowers & Valentine's Day

VivaLaVerve Sketch Challenge VLVF2014 & Color Challenge: Red, Grey, and Pink but did not submit it for the challenge.

 

 

To recreate this greeting card I used Cricut Art Philosophy, Sparkle and Shine Paper Packet, Roxy Paper Packer, White Daisy Cardstock, Whisper Cardstock, Cotton Candy Cardstock, Opaque Pearl Gems, Black Ink Pad, Lots of Love Stamp, Alcohol Markers, Quilling tool, Ruler, Scissors,  3D Foam Tape, Liquid Glass, and Tape Runner,

 

1. This greeting card measures at 4.25" x 5.5" out of White Daisy Cardstock.
2. Two more pieces of White Daisy were cut at 1.75" x 2.75" for stamping and layering.
3. Take on piece of the white cardstock measuring 1.75" x .75" and stamp the sentiments "Sending You" on the top portion and "Lots of Love" on the bottom portion with the Black Ink Pad. 
4. Next stamp the mail box, the envelope on the second piece of 1.75" x 2.75" white cardstock using the same ink pad.
5. Layer the mailbox with adhering and with a ruler drawer a wood post or cut a piece of dark cardstock for wood post.  
6. Adhere the cardstock with the sentiments onto the Cotton Candy cardstock which measures at 2" x 3". I used 3D foam tape to the back of the Cotton Candy cardstock piece to give it lift.
7. Color and cut the mailbox and letter images then adhere on top of the cardstock with sentiments using 3D foam tape.
8. The  Whisper Cardstock was the greeting card's mat base and that measured at 4" x 5 1/4".
9. I cut two pieces of Sparkle and Shine B&T paper at 2" x 2.5" and adhere this to the Whisper cardstock leaving an .25" viewable border. 
10. The flowers were cut from Roxy paper packet using Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge. I cut two flowers at 3" and four flowers at 2" found on 68 of the manual by selecting the following <Font>, <Shift>, <FlurDeLs>.
11. Using a quilling tool I rolled the flowers and put a dime size Liquid Glass in the inside base of the flower.
12. Hold the rolled flower into place until it's dry. Inside the flower I place a pearl for a finishing touch.
13. Once all the pieces are cut and stamped it's time to layer following the picture above.

I hope you enjoyed this Valentine's Day card.

 

Until the next time, Happy Valentine's Day!

 

 

Cricut used in Crush Books what a Smashing Idea!

I know the latest trend of Smash books or CTMH version Crush Books is for quick and easy way to document your life as it is happening.

If you are like me a more traditional scrapbooker that's okay. The video below is a great example of how you can elevate your memory books using the Cricut Cartridge Artbooking.

 

I hope this elevates your Crush for scrapbooking and Cricut Artbooking.

 

Keep on scrappin'!

Thanks for the Lift

So often I'm in need of a thank you card. Lately, I've had some dear friends share their appreciation of me for being there for them in need. This has inspired me to create the next theme for my card called "Thanks for the Lift". I've submitted this greeting card to FreshlyMadeSketches which meets Sketch#FMS122. I like the simple lines of this sketch and had so many thoughts running through my mind. I though this might be easily duplicated by you at home.

 

To recreate this card is very simple. You will need a the following directions though...

1. A full White Daisy Cardstock measuring at 12" x 12" for the entire card in order to cut the following pieces.

• First cut the overlay found on Page 41 in your Artbooking Cricut Cartridge manual, by selecting Overlay key, then shift, "$". I used one of my scraps so I believe I cut this piece at 2".
• You'll need to create a card base measuring at 4.25" x 5.5" folded.
• A piece for behind the overlay measuring at 2 2/16". You may cut 2.25" and cut around the edges if you are unsure about the measurements.
• Cut two more pieces measuring at 3" x 2" for the stamping the cloud background and for the air balloon.
• A small piece is needed for the banner with the sentiment. A scrap of white measuring at 1.5" x 3" will be sufficient.

     2.  Lifting Spirits Stamps C1570, used here was featured in the Holiday Guide 2013, you may use the newest stamp Give a Lift, D1581 as a great option. Don't forget the Acrylic Block 2"x3.5".

     3. Whisper Cardstock measuring at 4" x 5.25".

     4. Stamp the air balloon in Whisper Ink as a background onto the Whisper Cardstock.

     5. Using the same balloon image stamp the air balloon in black ink onto White Daisy cardstock.

     6. With the black ink stamp a banner onto your small White Daisy cardstock. The sentiment was stamped in Lagoon Ink. Now hand cut your banner with its sentiment.

     7. Next, stamp the two cloud images in either Sky or Juniper ink onto a White Daisy cardstock.   
      
     8. You'll need a piece of Sky cardstock to mat the sky image you've just stamp. The mat should measure at 2.25" x 3.25". Adhere the stamped cloud background onto the Sky cardstock .

     9. It's time to color in your air balloon. I used alcohol markers but water color pencils will do nicely. Once colored hand cut your air balloon and adhere to the white cardstock with the cloud background.

    10. It's time to put all your pieces together.

• Adhere your Whisper cardstock mat with the air balloon image stamped as a background onto the  White Daisycardstock.
• Using a fine tip adhesive pen adhere the overlay onto the  White Daisy cardstock and then adhere both pieces on top of the Whisper cardstock about .75" from the bottom.
• The Sky cardstock mat with the cloud background should be placed about .25" from the left and 1" from the bottom of the card.
• You may how adhere the air balloon by tilting it slightly to the left and the sentiment across the bottom of the sky mat using 3D Foam tape.

Until the next time... Happy Crafting!

Unscripted Sketches Challenge Top 3 Pick

Thank you Unscripted Sketches for selecting my greeting card as the Top 3 Pick for Sketch# 242. It was a pleasant surprise.

On details of how to recreate please view preview post.

 

                                    

Birthday Card using Ariana

Here's a greeting card that I made for my friend's birthday using Ariana
Paper Packet and by following UnscriptedSketches.com sketch#242.

 

To recreate this card you will need the following supplies and measurements:

Ariana Paper Packet (X7179B)- Floral 4.5" x 4.5", Blue 2" x 2.75",

Stripped 2" x 2.5", Green .75" x .5"

White Daisy Cardstock for card base 5" x 5" folded

Paper Doily

Artiste Collection Stamp Birthday (D1529)

Edge Distresser (Z1297)

Outdoor Denim Stamp Pad (Z2140)

3" x 3" My Acrylic Block (Y1006)

Foundry Pin Clips (Z1612)

Rosewood Mini Medley (Z1857)

Recollections Flowers

Color Ready Butterfly (retired)

Natural Baker's Twine (Z1921)

Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge for the Ticket

Tombo Adhesive

Memory Book Glue Dots

3D Foam Tape

 

 

Distress all the cut pieces from Ariana Paper Packet using the edge distresser. Adhere the small green patterned paper to the bottom right hand side of the floral patterned paper folding over about a .25" over towards the back (as pictured). Adhere the floral patterned paper centering in front the card base.

Layer the paper doily to the top left hand side leaving 2 cm border from the top and left hand side. Next place the dark patterned paper, followed by the striped patterned paper. Using 3D foam tape place the large flower at the bottom right corner of the dark blue patterned paper. Place the butterfly inside the foundry pin clip and insert into the 3D foam tape in the back of the flower. Using the baker's twine tie a knot through the button and secure using a  glue dot. Also place a smaller bling on top of the green patterned paper. Now, it's time to cut the sentiment ticket found on page 25 in the Art Philosophy instructional manual. The ticket was cut at 1.5" by selecting the 5th white key on the top row. If you want to manually cut a piece of cardstock for the sentiment, the ticket measures 2.5" x 1.25". I also tied baker's twine to the top right hand side and adhered securely using Tombo Adhesive. I hope you enjoyed this card and hope you will recreate your own.

 

 

 

I won a blog challenge

I won a blog challenge Color Challenge 14-4 at Cuttin' and Stampin'. It was a pleasant surprise.




My winning submission is shown below.

Thank you Cuttin' and Stampin!

Exclusive Aussie Stamps Available

Aussie CTMH Stamps now available online. These stamps are not found in the NEW Idea Book (Spring/Summer 2014)

Australian Salutations  Item Number: C1585

Australian Thanks              Item Number: C1586

 

Outback Adventure     Item Number: D1596 

 HoppyBirthday     Item Number: D1597

Aussie Praises           Item Number: D1598

New Zealand Greetings     Item Number: D1601