Favorite projects of 2013

Happy 2014!  I hope your year is off to a great start!   I just ran out of time last year to show you some beautiful artwork so I’ll just keep sharing them with you this year!  These are my a few of my favorite projects that I personally designed.  They are posted in the order I created them not the order of popularity. 

This stamp set Girls Rock was featured on the front page of the 2013 Spring & Summer Idea Book that was released to consultants in late December.  I immediately envisioned this project as I had been wanting to try my hand at a cascading card.  The stamp set is compatible with the Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge and so very versatile. 

I never dreamed that black flowers and leaves would look so amazing.  But it does.  This is the same stamp set as above.

This Easter box had no stamping.  It was all Cricut cuts.  Super fun to put together.  Click here to see the inside.

I learned a lot about rolling roses from this one rose.  When you rough up the paper and it frays and cracks, just add ink to hide the the ugly.  The ink transformed this flower from broken to beautiful.  It was much better than the basic, simple rolled flower without frayed edges.   There were lots of happy mistakes that came together to make a beautiful creation.

I bought a stamp set just for this sentiment.  The rest of the stamp set is beautiful too.  See Fabulous You.

Spinner Cards are so stinkin’ easy that it’s almost a crime {if you have Cricut and software or similar die-cutter to create that slot.}  You can do it with a circle punch and a paper trimmer but it’s not nearly as fun.  You can see the card in action on my blog.

Embossed resist is truly a fun technique! 

I reworked an earlier card design using that exact same stamp from Casual Expressions almost a year earlier.  This time I used the Artbooking cartridge to make the elegant damask background.  It was a crowd pleaser.  The slate polka dot ribbon, the creamy white seam binding ribbon and the For Always paper are discontinued this month.  I’ll really miss them.  Here’s my original blog post with a bunch more pix and tricks to making this card. 

 

 

Have a fabulous new year.  Let me know your favorite project of this collection or what you’re hoping to create this year in the comments below. 

New While Supplies Last

New items have been popping up here all week!  Grab them before they’re gone and check back often! 

Click here to get started! 

Happy Valentine Halloween Birthday?

Just kidding about this being a mixed up card.  It really is a lovely birthday card.
It's just that the supply list is a little mixed up:  This card is made with our Halloween themed paper called Moonlight which is retiring at the end of month (it’s still available!) and January’s “Happy Valentines” Stamp of the month.  This is truly a very versatile paper pack.  There’s no ghosts or spooks. It’s an elegant mix of black, green, orange and purple with some really cute big-eyed owls thrown in! 

The card is completed with “Joyful Birthday” (it’s in the Spring & Summer 2013 Idea Book) and my watercolor pencils.  I love these watercolor pencils because unlike regular colored pencils, your coloring can be streak-free in seconds when you go over your work with a blending pen.

Don’t forget, we still have a few of the Whooo’s Your Valentine kits left!  These kits are "While Supplies Last" and I'm surprised they lasted this long!  The die-cut boxes come in two shades of pink, ruby red and white.  I'm saving my red and white ones for later!  They're going to be great for birthdays or summer celebrations too!  The tubes themselves will be available in March through our new Idea Book;  6 tubes for $5.95!  So why not get some extras including the brightest and shiniest 12x12 sheet of glitter paper that's too bright to look at under the cloudy skies of Seattle for $10?

For $10, you'll get 12 treat tubes, 12 die-cut boxes, 3 sheets of 12x12 cardstock, 1 sheet of that fabulous silver glitter paper and this ultra cute stamp set with two owls.  

  

They’re $10 with a $35 purchase.  If you love the Stamp of the Month, you'll be only a couple of dollars away from earning it for just $5 when you add the Whooo's Your Valentine kit to your cart. Isn't CTMH fabulous?  They're letting us stack the promotions this month!   Shop online and see what I mean!   

Stella Artwork

The Stella papers were the first to sell out this winter.  They were very fun to work with!  Here’s a couple cards I created with them. 
This first one was created for a team meeting with fellow CTMH consultants.  I was honored that they voted it as their favorite that day!
It’s made using the CTMH Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge, (this was before Artiste was launched)  The card base matches the shape that was layered on top.  It was a cinch to cut out.  There’s a flower vase too.  I cut it using the Real Dial size setting at 1.5.”    The stamp set is "A GARDEN.  It’s a great stamp set and it only $6.95! 

This card was created with the exact same paper pack.  The stamp set is “Say it in Style” and was discontinued last July.  It was the first CTMH stamp set I ever purchased. You may have seen it elsewhere.  it's all over Pinterest.  I pinned it from Christina Eisenhour's blog a long time ago.

Notice that both cards feature butterflies?  I didn't create them at the same time, nor are they same butterfly from the the Art Philosophy Cricut.  I just like butterflies and they make very easy card accents.

Avonlea cards

In continuing my posts of artwork, I’m delighted to say that Avonlea papers are going to be around for another 6 months.  However, the WORKSHOPS ON THE GO® AVONLEA CARDMAKING KIT will only be available while supplies last. 

I made the 1st three cards using the Workshop on the Go.  The last two I designed myself so that my workshop attendees would have 5 cards to create last October.  As I was designing these cards for a large workshop, I changed the ribbon around a bit so I wouldn’t run out. 

 

When making the above card, you’ll want to make it before the next card.  If you make a boo-boo stamping the lace border, you can always cover it up with the paper in the next card!  No wasted card bases!

This next card was based on a sketch from another CTMH card project.  This flower was cut from the Art Philosophy cartridge and sparkled with Stardust Glitz. 

This card was inspired by something I saw here on Pinterest.  The base of the purse was half of one of the label shapes on Art Philosophy.  The top of the purse was cut using half of a shape from Artiste.  The leaves, and banner are also from Artiste.  I love how flexible our stamps are.  I bent the sentiment to the curve of the banner and then placed it on the block!  The same with the lace banner on the first card.  I was a straight border stamp to begin with.  I used the stampset called A FRIEND LIKE YOU for this last card.  You’ll need a AVONLEA PAPER PACKET to complete it because it uses different papers from the same paper pack. 

I have two more sets of these cards available.  Pre-stamped, ready to assemble,  they are $15 each + shipping.  Email me if you are interested. 

New Year Giveaway!

I'm excited to start out the New Year with a giveaway!
You can win this stamp set Beautiful Friendship B1400 or a B sized stamp set of your choice.  Enter below and come back each day for additional entries by sharing my Facebook page and this contest with your friends.  This giveaway is open between now and 9pm PST 1/9/2013.

Let's get started!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Marker madness!

It’s easy to incorporate chalk, metallics, and bling into your artwork with a few embellishments you can use on your everyday papercrafting projects. Let us show you how!

This Merry & Bright page uses dots created with the gold metallic marker to add extra sparkle around the edges of the page. Notice the scalloped accents with outlines in gold marker which adds dimension and draws your eye. Our metallics markers will make your artwork sparkle!

Add heart to your art with an extra touch of bling—cover your Dimensional Elements with silver Glitz™ glitter gel, a clear Sparkle or two, or a touch of silver from the metallics marker! Your heartfelt messages will bedazzle your loved ones.

The chalk marker and 12" × 12" chalkboard sheet are a perfect pair for creating a unique project. Journal and embellish your memories with the quaint look of a chalkboard—minus the dust—and a lot of freehand fun, perfect to display in your albums or on your walls!

These markers are available on my website or as hostess rewards.  Have you ever thought of having a gathering with me to receive free product while hosting a girls’ night out?  I would love to show you even more!

Contact me to schedule your gathering in the new year or shop with me now. 

 

click on either marker to see it on my website.

 

Whooo’s Your Valentine?

Start celebrating National Papercrafting Month with Heart TODAY!

In the midst of one of the most festive times of the year, Close To My Heart is giving you one more thing to celebrate. January is National Papercrafting Month, and we want to get things started early with the special “Whooo’s Your Valentine” kit! This kit is especially designed for Valentine’s Day gift-giving in and out of the classroom, but of course can be used for any variety of occasions. The “Whooo’s Your Valentine” kit includes:

• 12 – Die-Cut Boxes (3 each of 4 colors: White Daisy, Blush, Hollyhock, Ruby)
• 3 – 12" × 12" Cardstock Sheets (White Daisy, Blush, Hollyhock)
• 1 – Sheet Silver Glitter Paper — new product for Spring/Summer 2013!
• 12 – Treat Tubes with Lids — new product for Spring/Summer 2013!
• 1 – My Acrylix® Whooo’s Your Valentine Stamp Set (D-size)

Isn't the stamp set cute?  A sheet of silver shimmer paper?  I'm sold! 
This kit, featuring an adorable exclusive stamp set as well as two “sneak peak” items from the 2013 Spring/Summer Idea Book — the treat tubes and the silver glitter paper — has a full retail value of $40, but it can be yours for just $10 when you spend $35 on other Close To My Heart products from the Autumn/Winter 2012 Idea Book.

Speaking of sneak peak of the new Idea Book, the current Idea Book is coming to an end.  Here’s my posts about retiring products:

Retiring Embellishments & Tools

Retiring Stamps

Retiring Papers

Remember, everything I mentioned today is while supplies last!  Don’t wait until January 31st to order!

With any order over $50, a Bonding Memories Glue pen will be included in your order for free.  You’ll also be eligible for the Stamp of the Month for $5.  Are you excited?  Shop with me!

Retiring Stamps

Here is a list and pics of the retiring stamp sets...  If some of the retiring items are on your wish list, I recommend ordering them sooner than later!  Don’t wait until January 31st or they may be gone!

A1104 A Tweet

A1111 A Tulip

A1116 A Melody

A1122 Bravo

A1128 Quick Cards-Shell

A1129 A Rainbow

B1365 Spring Up

B1369 Rosy Regards

B1374 Bee Happy

B1397 He is Risen

C1439 Enjoy Life

C1440 Take a Picture

C1442 Tailor Made

C1450 Eclectic Edges

C1452 Delight

C1455 Aspire

C1456 Heartfelt Treasures

C1457 Happy Camper

C1458 Paper Lantern

C1473 Remarkable Wreath

C1474 10 Things

C1485 Super Powers

C1498 Country Life

C1499 Perfect Day

D1195 The Works Alphabet

D1222 Tiny Typewrite Alphabet

D1296 Chocolate Alphabet

D1301 Hodge Podge Alphabet

D1303 Classmate Alphabet

D1462 Splendid Day

D1464 Card Chatter-Love

D1467 Trees & Things

D1472 Simple Memories

D1478 Bingo Alphabet

D1505 Roar

D1508 Diverse Back grounds

D1511 Kick Back

E1013 Field Trip Alphabet

These stamps will be available until January 31, 2013!   Stamps aren’t while supplies last as CTMH makes them in house.  But after the clock strikes midnight on the 31st they’re gone for good!  I’ll be featuring some of these stamps at my Fun & Fabulous Workshop on January 25th at 6:30 pm.  Let me know if you want to come!

Retiring Embellishments & more!

Don’t wait, when they’re gone, they’re gone!  We’ve already sold out of a few items this month.


Z1349 Shimmer Designer Brads These look amazing on the Florentine papers!

Z1360 Rhinestone Designer Brads

Z1361 Brads-Red Assortment

Z1362 Brads-Pink Assortment

Z1363 Brads-Blue Assortment

Z1364 Brads-Green Assortment

Z1365 Brads-Basic Assortment

Z1387 Wooden Designer Buttons

Z1391 Buttons-Clear (not going to miss these, LOL)

Z1395 Irresistibles Eclectic Alphabet

Z1465 Irresistibles Make It Count Numbers

Z1681 Dimensional Elements-Numbers

Z1761 Dimensional Elements-Ornaments  Compatible with Art Philosophy

Z1762 Dimensional Elements-Snowflakes

Z1765 Arbor Wooden Shapes does anyone see chicken feet besides me?

X7147C Stella Canvas Shapes

X7148C Pemberley Stickease No… not Pemberley.  Sad smile

X7150C Victory Stickease

X7153C Florentine Stickease I put the shimmer brads in the middle of the round lacy stickers and it looks awesome!

X7158C La Belle Vie Stickease

X7160C Flirty Complements

X7161C Moonlight Complements

X7162 Pear & Partridge Complements (these are fabulous!)

Z1464 Milepost Shapes

Z1466 Bling Assortment

Z1695 Urban Felt Alphabet

Z1696 Keepsake Felt Alphabet

Z1709 Just Blooms Paper Flowers

Z1460 Foundry Ribbon Slides

Z1711 Foundry Binder Clips

Z1712 Foundry Number Plates

Z1461 Decor Journaling Spots

Z1687 Bohemian Assortment

Z1689 Timeless Charms

Z1692 Tough Tags

Z1694 Bouquet Assortment

Z1741 Haunted Assortment

Z1749 Autumn Lane Assortment coordinates with Flirty

Z1763 Boutique Assortment (I can’t believe this set is going.  I’m addicted to the small bling!)

Z1772 Dimensional Elements-Holiday

Z1393 Mini Medley Black Collection

Z1316 Designer Ribbon Cocoa Collection This makes me wonder what our new ribbons are going to be like!

Z1385 Designer Ribbon Blue Collection

Z1615 Designer Ribbon-Red Collection

Z1616 Designer Ribbon-Green Collection

Z1388 Newsprint Rub Ons

Z1700 Dark Chocolate Tapestry Velvet Rub Ons

Z1733 Black Tapestry Velvet Rub Ons


Z1742 Parlor Velvet Rub Ons

Z1407 Olive 6x6 Album

Z1408 Pansy Purple 6x6 Album

Z1054 My Creations Display Album

Z1378 My Creations Banner

Z1614 My Creations Memory Game

Z188 Craft Jars

Z1352 Colonial White Circle Cards No surprise here.  Art Philosophy can cut circle cards.  it’s on the 1st button!

Z1353 White Daisy Circle Cards

Z1731 Sweet Surprises Card Kit


Okay, now you have it!  Shop with me now!  Or wait until tomorrow and get the Whooo’s your Valentine kit for $10 with a $35 purchase!

Retiring papers

In the beginning of December, CTMH announced everything that will be discontinued in the Spring/Summer Idea Book which starts Feb 1st.  The papers are always a given. (only 4 will stay from the current Idea Book)  But the embellishments and stamps are always an unknown until the next Idea Book & Catalog are released.  So make your list, and check it twice and order ASAP!  Now that the list is out, some items will not be reordered… So it’s “While Supplies Last” even for these current catalog items!    More blog posts are coming with retiring stamps & embellishments. 
7147B Stella Paper Packet

X7148B Pemberley Paper Packet

X7150B Victory Paper Packet

X7153B Florentine Paper Packet

X7158B La Belle Vie Paper Packet

X7160B Flirty Paper Packet

X7161B Moonlight Paper Packet

G1041 Avonlea Card making Kit

G1043 Pear & Partridge Cardmaking Kit

G1040 Spellbound Cricut Kit

G1042 Scroll Album Kit

G1045 Avonlea Scrapbooking Kit

G1046 Clementine Scrapbooking Kit

G1047 Dakota Scrapbooking Kit

G1048 La Belle Vie Scrapbooking Kit

G1049 Scholastic Scrapbooking Kit

G1050 Flirty Scrapbooking Kit

G1051 Moonlight Scrapbooking Kit

G1052 Pear & Partridge Scrapbooking Kit

G1044 Advent Calendar Kit … but don’t worry, my Advent Calendar kit will continue to be available!

Any order placed on my website in December over $50 will also include a free Bonding Memories Glue pen.  Shop with me!