Friday Five

The Deal of the Decade has me paging through Annual Inspirations again and again checking out C- and D-sized stamp sets!  What do I want next....?! :)  Take a peek at five of my favorite D-sized stamps...

All the Details (I have used this stamp set many different times for scrapbooking and creating cards, LOVE IT!)

Bodacious Banners

Have a Happy Day

Big Hug

Distressed Backgrounds

During the month of December when you make a qualifying purchase of $50 or more you can purchase an unlimited number or C- or D-sized stamps for just $10!  Visit my shop to pick out your favorites! 

Happy Crafting!

December Deals!

December... It's the most wonderful time of the year!!  I love December.  Well, really I LOVE Christmastime!  I love all the traditions, family time, Christmas cards from family and friends, twinkling lights and joy that is spread this time of year.

Alrightly folks we do not have time to waste here the first December Deal is time sensitive!!

CYBER MONDAY DEAL!  If you missed the Cyber Monday post, check it out! You do not want to miss out on 20% off Cricut Collections! This deal is only good Monday, December 1, 2014!

Phew! Now, onto the rest of December...

Seasonal Expressions!
Well it's finally here, Seasonal Expressions Idea Book is officially ready for you to order from!  This 40 page idea book is packed full of unique ideas and new product that is sure to my you ooo-and-ahhh!  If you haven't had a chance to take peek at this book yet you are in for a treat!

From now through March, you can order some super cute new paper, Picture My Life collections, stamps and embellishments.  The vivid colors and patterns will give your layouts and cards a fresh look and plenty of pizazz!  Seriously, LOVE the new paper collections!  You will too!!

Let me  know if you would like a copy of this.  I'll send it your way pronto! 

Deal of the Decade

This year marks the 10th anniversary of Close to My Heart's My Acrylix clear, polymer stamps.  To celebrate CTMH is offering a pretty awesome promotion!  During the month of December, when you place a qualifying purchase of $50 or more you can get any C- or D-size stamps from the Annual Inspirations Idea Book (the big one) for only $10!!! That's up to $7.95 savings on a single stamp set!  Plus, once you achieve the qualifying order total, there is no limit to the number or eligible stamp sets you can purchase at this discounted price.  

And, remember a purchase of $50 will also qualify you to receive the December Stamp of the month for only $5 - now that's a sweet deal!  *wink* (See what I did there?? Well you will soon...)

Stamp of the Month: Cutie Pie

So, how about that sweet deal?!  Place an order totaling $50 or more and you'll qualify to receive the December Stamp of the Month, Cutie Pie, for just $5!  As sweet as cupcakes!

Get your wish lists filled out and get your goodies while the price is perfect!  Better yet, leave your Santa list out so Dear Ol' Santa knows just what you want this year!  Let me know if you need a Santa Letter sent your way so he knows just want you want and where to get it!! :) 

If you are placing an order that you hope to have in time for Christmas please order online or contact me by Monday, December 8th.  This gives the mail plenty of time to get to us in all the hustle and bustle December brings!

Upcoming Events: 

Saturday, December 6th: Christmas Crop at my house from 9am-midnight.  

Happy Crafting!

Cyber Monday

Hi Friends!  I'm here! I'm here!! :)

For the first time ever, Close to My Heart is offering a Cyber Monday sale.  CTMH just released this Cyber surprise to consultants this weekend!

Tomorrow, December 1st, all of Close to My Heart's exclusive Cricut Collections will be 20% off the retail price!  That's only $79.20!  Our four Cricut collections make the perfect addition to any crafters craft room whether you love scrapbooking, cardmaking or creating 3D projects.

Each of our Cricut Collections comes with the cartridge (PACKED full of images, projects and an alphabet), 3 D-sized stamp sets and Dimensional Elements or Cardstock (depending on the collection).

This sale starts at midnight on December 1 and ends at 11:59 pm on Monday night. Spread the news to your family and friends... print this off and set it in the perfect place for Santa to see - make his job a little easier! :)

Act fast, swing on over to my online shop and take advantage of the Cyber Deal today!  Email, call or text if you have any questions!

Sunday Paper: It's Tradition

This is one of my most favorite family projects ever.  During the month of November we take time as a family to talk about what we are thankful for, daily.  We usually have this conversation during supper and then we each take our turn recording what we are grateful for in words or drawings.

 

The beginning of the month, each year, seems to be similar - the biggest influences in our lives are identified first.  The days of November are some of my favorites because as a family we take the time to identify all that we are thankful for from the ordinary things of everyday life, the littlest things that leave impressions on us to moments that help us to learn life lessons.  This family projects encourages us to see all that is good in our life and remind us how blessed we are. 

There are no right or wrong things to be thankful for, no rules to our collection of gratitude.  If you are grateful for something, record it.  When the kiddos are too little to write we trace their hand and then brainstorm as a family things in their daily life they would maybe identify as being thankful for.  Their tiny handprints on our poster is one of my favorite things.  I usually write a little note or quote the kids' words under their drawings when they are old enough to make pictures and draw.  I love words that are misspelled and other things that show their age/development.  It's so fun to hear all the ideas our kids come up with on a daily basis!  It's also interesting to hear their answer when asked, "Why are you thankful for ____?"

Every member of our family participates!

Our Thankful Poster sits in our kitchen all month long.  Sometimes I just walk by, pause and reread all that is written and smile because when you take a second to look around this life is pretty darn awesome!  Of course, I keep each years artwork to look back on - I LOVE looking back and am so thankful for our families recorded memories! 

Maybe your family does something similar?  I'd love to hear how your family focuses on the blessings in your life!  If you're looking for something, give this a try - you won't regret it!  

And the winner is...

Hats off to a fun 6 months!  During the month of October you all had the opportunity to earn tickets for the "Thank You" drawing.  The winner gets a bag of CTMH goodies.  Papers, stamps and Exclusive Ink the bag is ready to be given away!!

There were 41 tickets!  Drum roll please...

And the winner is... 

Stephanie Becken!  We'll be in touch and I will deliver your bag o'fun soon!

Thank you to all of you, near and far, that are enjoying this fun crafty journey with me so far.  I'm ready for more!  How about you??

Studio J

CTMH's Online Design Software is called Studio J.  November is the 5 Year Anniversary of this program and its all the hype this month!

Did you know that you can set up an account and create until your heart is content at absolutely no cost?!  It's FREE, completely free, to check out and play around with!  You can start with an "express collection" which is really a template already designed for you to slip your photos onto or you can "Create Your Own Custom Layout".

Studio J is like an additional Idea Book for you!  Even if you create an account, play around a bit and decide this program isn't really for you you haven't lost anything but have instead gained a little inspiration.  Win!  It's full of layout ideas and if you're using a CTMH paper pack you can choose that paper when you do a custom layout and move it around before you slice and dice your own paper.  There are over 100 paper packs to use. It will actually even give you 3 different options of a layout with the paper of your choice.  Neat, huh?

Play around with the kits as a starting point or for inspiration!

I like the way this video walks through creating a layout from start to finish in Studio J!  It is just one of many videos produced by CTMH Corp on how to use and create different projects using Studio J.

What are you waiting for?? You really should check out Studio J for yourself! For real. It's pretty cool. :)

Once you get into Studio J and you find yourself hooked, remember, November has five ways to win big with Studio J!

5 Ways to Win Big in November:
1) Studio J layouts are available for only $5 throughout the month of November.  You got it, layouts all month for $5 which is a savings of more than 25%.

2) Your second chance to win must come by sheer luck:  every fifth order placed in Studio J during November receives a FREE surprise CTMH accessory in its shipping box that has a retail value of $5 or more.  Be a multiple of 5, that's what I'm reading - I'm a math teacher remember!

3)  If luck doesn't smile on your in that way, you might stumble upon it by finding a little extra something in your Studio J box.  Five "golden tickets" will be sent out during the month of November with randomly selected Studio J print orders!  This "golden ticket" is redeemable for one of Close to My Heart's new D-ring albums loaded with 10 Top Load Memory Protectors.  The "golden tickets" are not made of gold - but they are as good as gold!

"I've got a golden ticket! I've got a golden ticket!"  C'mon Charlie and the Chocolate Factory?!? Well, here's your chance!!!  How fun would that be to open up?? Ahhhh!!!!

4) For a fourth way to win, simply create new, gorgeous layouts in Studio J, select your favorites, and then post pictures of them on Close to My Heart's Facebook page using the hashtag #ctmhlucky5.  At the end of the month, five lucky winners will be selected from the entries based on their artistry and creativity and each of these winners will receive their own D-ring album loaded with 10 Top Load Memory Protectors!

The last way to win is to take your new Studio J artwork and post a picture of it on Instagram using the hashtag #ctmhlucky5.  Just as it is with Facebook, after November 30, five lucky winners will be selected from the entries to receive their own D-ring album loaded with 10 Top Load Memory Protectors!

And to make things even more exciting, starting November 1, five brand new kits from the Annual Inspirations idea book will be made available in Studio J, so you can create new artwork using the latest papers and embellishments from Close To My Heart.  With so many ways to win, five may be your new lucky number!

*Offer valid November 1–30, 2014. Pattern and color of new D-ring album to be given to winners will be at Close To My Heart’s discretion based upon availability. New kits available in Studio J^® on November 1 include Confetti Wishes, Snowhaven, Seaside, Pathfinding, and Scaredy Cat. No tax or shipping will be charged on the free item(s). Studio J layouts ship in a protected box that can hold 4 to 50 two-page layouts. 

Log in to Studio J and start creating today!  You have the whole month of November to play and score some good deals!

Happy Crafting! 

Sunday Paper: Toolin' Around

"Does everybody know what time it is?  TOOL TIME!"  Name that TV Show...  :)

Who doesn't love a good boarder punch?  They can add just the right finishing touch to any number of projects.  One of my favorite paper crafting tools I've been using lately is my Triangle Boarder Punch from Close to My Heart.

I have several different boarder punches but truth be told this is my first CTMH boarder punch.  I have used this boarder punch on my own a bit in the last month and have also had several different crafters use it at two different workshops.  Hands down it got rave reviews. 

Three things I really love about this boarder punch:

• This boarder punch has little grippies on the bottom making it non-slip.  
• Some punches require you to have muscles bigger than Superman to use and fingers smaller than a fairy to dig out the paper that gets stuck on in the inside.  This, my friends, is not the case with this punch! Yay!
• I saved the BEST for last! Check out the bottom of this gem!  It has a storage container for all the little, itty bitty scrap pieces!  I LOVE this!  Clean up has never been easier.  The pieces are tucked away until I open it up to either use the little triangles on a project or discard them.  Either way they are not all over the place!

Bottom of what all CTMH Boarder Punches looks like.
A nice little storage compartment that collects scraps and opens easily!

Here's how I've been playing with paper and  new boarder punch.

I used the triangle boarder punch to create a boarder with
glitter paper peeking through on the bottom of this card. 

The triangle boarder punch was used to create a frame on this card.

CTMH has three boarder punches: triangle, chevron and scallop.  Next on my list: chevron.  You can find these and other fun tools and gadgets on my online site. 

Happy Crafting!

Hello, Novem{brrr}!

Hello, hello!   Happy November 1st!  It's definitely hat and mittens weather - so I bought a new vest.  I'm not ready for the winter jacket yet! :)

Happy, belated, Halloween!  I hope you all enjoyed the night.  We went trick-or-treating with our lil'fellas and it was a chilly one!  The boys stayed toasty warm as they ran from house to house.  The kids had so much fun!  They love being dressed up and seeing all the other costumes.  The dogs in costume walking around with their families usually get the best giggles out of the boys.

November blows in with new Close to My Heart specials as well as some new product!  Just when we thought we would be waiting until December for all new product with the launch of Seasonal Expressions CTMH snuck a few new goodies out first! These new products are with us for the long haul, which is why they aren't part of the December launch.

So, here we go... Hold on to your seats! Or maybe I should say, "Take a seat and stay awhile!" :)

Stamp of the Month: It's the Little Things

This stamp set is sure to warm up your blustery fall days!  I love the sweet sentiments that are included with this set.  The flowers are sweet and simple to be used alone or (check out the artwork below) you can fussy cut the images and layer and embellish until your hearts content.  This stamp set is only $5 with any $50 purchase this month! 

Cute stuff, eh?

Studio J Anniversary Sale!

Studio J is Close to My Heart's online digital scrapbooking program.  November marks the five-year anniversary of Studio J and that means it's your lucky month!  There are five amazing ways to win big through Studio J and Close to My Heart social media this month!

See that lagoon chevron album in the background??? mmmm-nummy-nummy!  SQUIRREL!  Focus people!!  hehehe... More on that later...

5 Ways to Win Big in November:

1) Studio J layouts are available for only $5 throughout the month of November.  You got it, layouts all month for $5 which is a savings of more than 25%.

2) Your second chance to win must come by sheer luck:  every fifth order placed in Studio J during November receives a FREE surprise CTMH accessory in its shipping box that has a retail value of $5 or more.  Be a multiple of 5, that's what I'm reading - I'm a math teacher remember!

3)  If luck doesn't smile on your in that way, you might stumble upon it by finding a little extra something in your Studio J box.  Five "golden tickets" will be sent out during the month of November with randomly selected Studio J print orders!  This "golden ticket" is redeemable for one of Close to My Heart's new D-ring albums loaded with 10 Top Load Memory Protectors.  The "golden tickets" are not made of gold - but they are as good as gold! 

"I've got a golden ticket! I've got a golden ticket!"  C'mon Charlie and the Chocolate Factory?!? Well, here's your chance!!!  How fun would that be to open up?? Ahhhh!!!!

4) For a fourth way to win, simply create new, gorgeous layouts in Studio J, select your favorites, and then post pictures of them on Close to My Heart's Facebook page using the hashtag #ctmhlucky5.  At the end of the month, five lucky winners will be selected from the entries based on their artistry and creativity and each of these winners will receive their own D-ring album loaded with 10 Top Load Memory Protectors!

The last way to win is to take your new Studio J artwork and post a picture of it on Instagram using the hashtag #ctmhlucky5.  Just as it is with Facebook, after November 30, five lucky winners will be selected from the entries to receive their own D-ring album loaded with 10 Top Load Memory Protectors!

And to make things even more exciting, starting November 1, five brand new kits from the Annual Inspirations idea book will be made available in Studio J, so you can create new artwork using the latest papers and embellishments from Close To My Heart.  With so many ways to win, five may be your new lucky number!  Log in to Studio J and start creating today!!

Who's feeling lucky?? You have the whole month of November to play!!  

*Offer valid November 1–30, 2014. Pattern and color of new D-ring album to be given to winners will be at Close To My Heart’s discretion based upon availability. New kits available in Studio J^® on November 1 include Confetti Wishes, Snowhaven, Seaside, Pathfinding, and Scaredy Cat. No tax or shipping will be charged on the free item(s). Studio J layouts ship in a protected box that can hold 4 to 50 two-page layouts. 

NEW Products!!

HORRAY!!  Picture My Life kits are now available a la carte style!  As of today, November 1st, you can purchase just the pack of 4x6 and 3x4 cards (total of 122 cards) without having to get the page protectors and cover page, too!  This new option is only $14.95!  

CTMH currently has 13 fabulous designer packs to choose from.  All of the Picture My Life kits and cards can be found on my online shopping site and on pages 146-149 of Annual Inspirations.   At the moment, my favorite PML packs are "For Always" and "Babycakes".  They both take you by surprise.  "For Always" is SO versatile, really it can be used for just about anything.  "Babycakes" is definitely designed with the littlest people in our lives in mind but it, too, has cards that are multi-functional and can be used easily in non-baby ways!

Picture My Life: For Always

Picture My Life: Babycakes

The new CTMH Post Bound and D-ring have been approved and we have been assured they will be available this month!  These brand new albums are gorgeous!  They are available in 3 new designs: Lagoon Chevron, Ruby Floral and Black.  They are all canvas covered, 1 1/2inch non-expandable, durable albums that are sure to excite any memory keeper's style!  There is not an official availability date yet but, as always, I'll let you know when I know!

Dear Crafter On-the-Go, things just got WAY cute! Time to get organized in style! CTMH is releasing a brand-new rolling tote and matching shoulder bag for all your organizational needs!  I'm giddy with anticipation!!  Made of highly durable material the rolling tote is designed to store the CTMH Organizers in the center, 12x12 products in the front pocket and other tools and products in the side pockets!  

The shoulder bag is the perfect companion to the new rolling tote!  It is made from the same durable material.  It is big enough to carry your 12x12 projects, kits and books with additional space for your embellishments, tools and more!  Both the rolling tote and the shoulder tote will be available mid-November, at the same time, stay tuned!

Close to My Heart Clearance!

Who stops by the "While Supplies Last" page on my shopping site?  I DO!  I check that out frequently.  You should too!  These clearance items only hang around as long as they last and this page was just updated this morning with a whole lot of items (and already items are gonzo)!  You will find: paper packs, embellishments, ink pads, cards/envelopes and much more.  Snag 'em while you can!

Upcoming Workshops & Events:

Tuesday, November 11th, 6pm-9pm: Layout Workshop

You will make 3 two-page layouts at this workshop for only $15.  Please bring a paper trimmer, scissors, tape runner and pop dots/foam tape with you.  RSVP by Tuesday, November 4th for this workshop!  

Wednesday, November 19th, 6pm-9pm: Seasonal Expressions Preview Party!

The Seasonal Expressions Idea Book is set to launch on December 1st to the public!  Come on over on November 19th to get your first look at the new book before it goes live.  This new supplemental book has 40 pages packed with new paper packs, embellishments, stamps and more.  This event is FREE.  I will have new product and artwork to show as well as a FREE make-n-take featuring new product from Seasonal Expressions!  

In addition to the preview party, this same night, if you are interested in the Holiday Happenings Mini-Album Workshop there will be space for you to get your album ready for December!  We will use the My Crush Holiday Happenings Book as the base for this project.  You will need to order this or let me know that you'd like me to order if for you by November 5th to be sure it arrives in time.  For only $5 you will personalize the front cover of your album, add a few mini-pages for the inside, create holiday tags to add to your album as you add photos and receive a flip-flap to adhere to the back of your album to use to keep your mementoes that don't fit on a page safe.  

This album could be used in many ways: December Daily, Holiday Traditions, Holiday Recipe Keeper, Advent Celebrations, Gift Giving, etc.  However you decide to use your album I would also suggest the following products as the perfect embellishments and tools to have on hand as you create your album: Holiday Happenings Badge Buttons, Holiday Happenings Assortment,  Topiary Striped Washi Tape, Ruby Chevron Washi Tape, Gold Polka-Dot Washi Tape.    

Please RSVP by Wednesday, November 12th for this PaRtY! 

Saturday, December 6th, 9am-midnight: Crop & Craft 

Please RSVP by Saturday, November 29th for this event. 

Holy smokes! I hope you grabbed a comfy chair while you were reading! That's all the CTMH deals and news so far this month folks.  Stay tuned for availability dates on the albums, the rolling tote and shoulder bag.  

I sure hope I get to hang with you at one of my upcoming events!! Let me know which ones! :)

Happy Crafting!

Sunday Paper: Home Decor

Add a touch of fall to your home with a fall bunting!  

With the help of my Cricut Artbooking cartridge, Pathfinding Paper Pack, Brown Glitter Paper, Score Board and jute my fall bunting came together in no time and currently accents our fireplace.  I've also hung him in our kitchen window where he looked equally as cute but I get to see it much more in the living room!  While I love to decorate for Halloween and Thanksgiving I also like to have pieces out that are more generically fall - I get to enjoy them longer! :)

Here's how this little gem came together...

First, the ability to cut the banner shapes out with Artbooking is a complete time saver.  Then, I scored each kraft banner at 1/4 inch to give the paper added dimension.   (You could use the other side which would add another look as your scored lines would look like little speed bumps instead of sidewalk cracks.)  I used pop dots behind the kraft paper to add depth and to allow the pattern paper to be a bit more visible.  Remember how I said I was loving Close to My Heart's glitter paper?! Seriously.  Love it!  I cut all these leaves out using Artbooking and my Cricut.  I love the look of the glitter leaves and the best part is I do not have to work a bit when handling this bunting - the glitter stays put!  I adhered the leaves with liquid glass.  Finally, I strung jute through all the pieces I made.  Done.  

Your turn to make one!  How long do you want your bunting?  Shorter? Longer?  Make it yours... Add more pieces to add length or use less to shorten it up, space them farther apart or closer together.  What else could you use for fall?  Pumpkins, Acorns, Cornstalk, Words: Fall, Autumn, Blessings, Thankful, etc. 

Do you want to make one of your own but don't have all the supplies?  Host a home decor workshop and I'll bring all the supplies for you and your friends to create your own! 

While you work on your fall bunting I'm going to start brainstorming for next seasons pop of paper!

Happy Crafting!

Christmas Card Buffet

It's like peeking at your presents before they get wrapped...

We all reach for a Christmas card a few times during the season.  C'mon over and whip up a few cute cards in a couple of hours!  I think you'll like what it's all about.  I will have a variety of Christmas cards from you to choose from to create.   You will have the whole workshop time, 2 hours, to make as many cards as you can.  You pick the ones you like best, work at your own pace and walk away with a beautiful collection of cards!  While the primary focus of the cards at this workshop will be Christmas / Holiday themed I have a handful of all occasion cards, including the 3 from this weeks Sunday Paper, that will also be available. 

The workshop will be at my house Tuesday, October 28th from 6pm-8pm.  Please RSVP by October 25th to save your spot and one for your friend!

Hope to see you soon!

Sunday Paper: Cute Cards

I've been busy making different cards lately.

Just Because...

CTMH Supplies: Seaside Paper Pack, Cloud Nine Stamp Set,
Mini Stapler and Artiste Cricut Cartridge

Happy Birthday to You, Happy Birthday to You, Happy Birthday...

It's not my birthday, but I got a new stamp set that was fun to play with!  I had fun with the cake from "Belated Birthday".  I created a card similarly to the one pictured in Annual Inspirations on page 91.  I plan to whip up a few more birthday cards and if they happen to be late... well, they'll be cute!! :)

CTMH Supplies: Belated Birthday Stamp Set, Chalk It Up Paper Pack,
Gold Glitter Paper, Lagoon Hearts Washi Tape, Slate Diagonal Striped Ribbon
and Artiste Philosophy Cricut Cartridge

'Thanks So Much' for stopping by today! :)

CTMH Cut Above Thank You Card Kit
and You Mean The World To Me Stamp Set

Have you noticed that that in addition to Card Workshops on the Go Close to My Heart offers "Cut Above" Card Kits?  You can find them on pages 160 and 161 in Annual Inspirations.  The card kits are prepackaged and ready for you to put together.  I ordered a couple of the kits to try them out and have found them to be cute, convenient and quick to use.  I also like that they come with a coordinating envelope.  You can stamp any image you'd like in the banner so you can make a variety of cards!

Happy Crafting!

Sunday Paper: Scrapbook Layouts

Good Morning!

How about a couple fall layouts to enjoy this fall morning?  The zip strip that I used on the bottom of the first two-page layout describes our weather around here perfectly lately, "Crispy, crunchy leaves ~ Cool fall air ~ Rake then jump ~ Blustery trees ~ Fall into Autumn".  

Created using CTMH Pathfinding Paper, Champagne and Sunset Cardstock,
Brown Glitter Paper, Cork Circles and Artbooking

Remember this sneak peek? 

Here's the layout!

CTMH Pathfinding Paper Pack and Pathfinding Card WOTG 

A couple elements on this layout can be found in similar form from the Pathfinding Card Workshop on the Go.  Don't let the "card" workshop deter you from using ideas, design elements and embellishments for scrapbooking or visa versa!  It's all there to inspire your creations - many products work in many ways!  Ah... crafting! :)

I leave you with a little bit of happy!  A whole lot of hexagons, stamping and bright colors...

CTMH: Honeycomb and Happy Hexagon Stamp Sets,
Inks: Cranberry, Topiary, Honey, Cranberry, Pacifica & Outdoor Denim

CTMH: Paper Fundamentals Adventure Assortment,
Honeycomb and Happy Hexagon Stamp Sets,
Inks: Cranberry, Topiary, Honey, Cranberry, Pacifica & Outdoor Denim

All of these layouts were created at my September Layout Workshop.  The next Layout Workshop will be Tuesday, November 11th from 6pm-9pm.  Join us! 

Happy Crafting!

October is here!

I {heart} Close to My Heart!   A new month always equals new deals!!

October Stamp of the Month: Home for the Holidays

The October Stamp of the Month is ready to get you into the Christmas spirit! 

I'm not sure what it is but I really like that little light (tag).  It's cute and simple.  So, you know how stamp of the month works, right?  You spend $50 in CTMH product and this festive stamp set is yours for only $5.00!  

Guess what?? There's more, of course!!  Not only can you purchase this stamp set at a great discount when you spend $50 this month but you also qualify for FREE chevron ribbon at the same time!  

October Promotion: Ribbon Revelry

During the month of October you will automatically receive a FREE surprise chevron ribbon with a qualifying purchase of $50.  The ribbon will automatically be added to your order and you will you receive either of the two pictured ribbons, Ruby Chevron or Outdoor Denium Chevron.   Indeed, it will be a surprise until you receive your order!  Kinda fun, hey?

6 Month Anniversary!

October marks 6 months since I've been a Close to My Heart Independent Consultant!  I signed up at the very end of April and started my calendar of workshops in May.  I have had SO much fun with all of you!   I truly do LOVE this!!   The last 6 months, I've been busy creating, collecting CTMH goodies and have enjoyed much more time crafting. :)  Thanks to all of you who have placed orders through me,  attended workshops and encouraged me to come up with more, and to those of you who have hosted home gatherings and workshops in your own homes thereby introducing me to even more new friends and crafters!  

I've decided that I'd like to say 'Thank You!' this month with a giveaway for a CTMH Bag of Goodies!! Let's do it, whatta say?!  Here's how you can get "tickets" into the drawing:

• Follow my Blog = 2 tickets
• Comment on this Blog Post = 1 ticket
• Like this post on Facebook = 1 ticket
• Attend Croptober Fest on Saturday, October 18th = 2 tickets
• Attend Christmas Card Buffet on Tuesday, October 28th = 2 tickets
• Place an order this month = 2 tickets per $25

I will draw at the end of the month! Start checking things off the list and get your "tickets"! 

Happy Crafting!

Sunday Paper: Home Decor

BOO!

This week is the beginning of October already!  That means Halloween is just around the corner and it's time to break out the holiday decor!

How about creating a little something new this year?  I did! :)

Craft Letters (JoAnn Fabric's), Beetle Black Paint (Martha Stewart),
CTMH: Scaredy Cat Paper, Artbooking & Artiste Cricut Cuts

I will have to say my 4 year old does not appreciate the 8-legged creatures in my artwork.  I'm not a fan of spiders either but I thought they looked cute in paper form.  He said in his little sweet way,  "Mom, there are 3 spiders - here I will show you - and your decoration does not have to sit on this table..."  (Noted:  Put it up higher so it's not at his eye level.)  It probably doesn't help that it looks like the jack-o-latern is also scared of the spider hanging out of the web! hahaha  Oh, boy!  Sorry dude, I won't put up any more spiders for Halloween!

Happy Crafting!

Friday Five!

Here's what I've been working with lately and LOVE!!

1) Hexagons!
CTMH has a couple different hexagon stamp sets (Honeycomb and Happy Hexagons) and I just went to town with them on a layout for this month!  Seriously, I used the Cricut to cut 30 hexagons in 3 different sizes for a two-page layout and then stamped away in several colors and patterns.  It was SO FUN!

Honeycomb has many different patterned hexagons and some itty-bitty cute ones!

Happy Hexagons is a rewards set! 

2) Glitter Paper!
m'kay... who doesn't love glitter?  But, glitter can sometimes be just annoying to work with because well... you end up with glitter EVERYWHERE and it doesn't seem to ever go away, months later... oh! more glitter...

I have found CTMH glitter paper to be just awesome!  It does not leave glitter all over the place!! In addition to not leaving a glitter trail (like a little fairy fluttering around)  it's cute, it's awesome quality and it's super easy peasy to cut on the Cricut!  I usually send it through the same cut twice just to be sure it cute completely (it's a little bit thicker) and because I just don't like to have to fussy cut after I use the Cricut, that's the Cricut's job! :)  I have cut both shapes and titles with glitter paper and all things have turned out beautiful!  Also, my cricut mat is still usable and not full of glitter!  Win, win, win!  Check out all these glitter pack colors... I have added some to my wish list! :)

Black & Silver

Brown & Tan

Green

Pink

Purple

Teal

3) Non-stick Micro-Tip Scissors
I received this gem in my new consultant kit and I love it!  It still pull out my big ol'Fiskars for long cuts, but when I'm doing anything else with detail or working with adhesive my new sidekick is in my hands.  I love that it's non-stick, is super sharp and can cut through anything (including adhesive, i.e. pop dots/foam tape) without sticking.  It's also perfect for fussy cutting.

4) Score Board
'Tis the season for football!!  Well this scoreboard is used while crafting. :)  This is a handy tool for making cards and envelopes but lately I've been using it for adding depth and dimension to papers in my projects, more on that later.  Also, the bone folder that comes with it is a handy tool in many paper projects.  I used it to fold the petals on paper flowers and to curl paper ribbon on cards.  CTMH came out with a score board with the release of Annual Inspirations you can find it on page 181.

 

5) Artbooking Cricut Collection
Artbooking has so many cuts to it!  The Artbooking Collection comes with 700 images (including font, mini books and layouts), 3 My Acrylix D-Size Stamp Sets and 3 sheets of Dimensional Elements.  I love that CTMH makes stamping many images easy for us crafters with all their Cricut compatible stamp sets.  Almost each time I'm stamping there is a Cricut cut that I can use to make my stamping and embellishing even easier.  I fine myself frequently using this cartridge while crafting.  I love the background elements Artbooking offers for page layouts!

Artwork created using Artbooking:

There you have it, my five favorite crafting go-tos right now. Visit my online shopping site (ellielundstrom.ctmh.com) to grab some of your own favorite things!!

Happy Crafting!